She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 800

"Do you see this? It's their world-renowned Imperial Grand Stew," Dominic boasted, using his serving fork to scoop a thick mushroom out of the broth and drop it deliberately onto Melanie's plate.

"Try it. The culinary team here at Lockridge Manor rivals Michelin-starred chefs."

He then turned his arrogant gaze back to Preston. "Eat up, Assistant Whitmore. Since your family went bankrupt, I doubt you've been able to afford anything close to this. Don't be shy. I'm paying, so eat as much as you want."

Dominic patted his chest proudly. He was practically gifting Melanie a side-by-side comparison. She wasn't blind; she had to see the vast canyon of wealth and status between the two men now.

But before Melanie could even reach for her silverware, Preston picked up his fork. He didn't serve himself. Instead, he smoothly reached over and flicked the mushroom off Melanie's plate, abandoning it on a side napkin.

"What the hell is your problem?" Dominic slammed his palm onto the table.

In stark contrast to Dominic's explosive rage, Preston remained perfectly composed, resting his forearms on the edge of the table.

"The Imperial Grand Stew," Preston began, his voice smooth and authoritative, "relies on a delicate balance. It must be rich but not greasy, savory but not overwhelming. That harmony comes from the slow integration of over a dozen premium ingredients. The fungi used should provide an earthy, robust foundation to ground the dish."

He gestured casually toward the discarded mushroom. "Standard mushrooms possess a thin aroma and disintegrate into mush when stewed, turning into mere filler. That is why an authentic Imperial Grand Stew demands Wild Oak Mushrooms. Their thick texture and deep fragrance hold a firm bite no matter how long they simmer."

Preston sounded like a master food critic dissecting a culinary fraud on national television.

"The mushroom you just placed on Melanie's plate has an artificial pattern carved into the cap, and its texture is practically mud. It is not a Wild Oak Mushroom. It's the cheapest, lowest-grade bagged mushroom available on the commercial market."

Preston leaned back, his stormy gaze locking onto Dominic. "Furthermore, the Vintage Sherry used to finish the dish is far too young. A true thirty-year aged reserve would have neutralized the brininess of the seafood, converting it into a sweet, mellow finish. Right now, the entire room smells like low-tide."

He had spent days planning this. He picked the best venue, ordered the most expensive items on the menu, and Melanie wasn't giving him an ounce of gratitude.

His face fell into a bitter scowl.

Melanie rested her chin on her hands, smiling brilliantly. Dominic's misery was her absolute delight. Catching a glimpse of Preston in her periphery, her smile only widened. As expected of the top executive at Stellaris PharmaTech—his ability to surgically dismantle someone's ego was top-tier. Even playing the role of her assistant, he executed it flawlessly.

Unable to stomach watching them exchange another lingering look, Dominic practically choked on his fury as he forcefully steered the conversation.

"Ms. Royce. I brought you here today to talk about bio-fertilizer."