Today feels particularly hectic for David as he navigates his busy schedule. The sun casts a warm glow over the prosperous neighbourhood of McCarthy Hill, renowned for its affluent residences and convenient access to a variety of amenities. This morning, he heads to Sarah's Boutique, a charming establishment nestled among upscale shops and cafes.

Accompanied by a team of diligent renovating contractors, David's objective is to thoroughly evaluate the boutique. They will inspect its structure, identify potential issues, and estimate the costs required for repairs. The air buzzes with anticipation as they arrive, prepared to roll up their sleeves and tackle the day's challenges.

Once the assessment is complete, David's schedule tightens further with a meeting planned with his long-time friend and colleague, Nathan, an architect with a sharp eye for design. He and Ben had recently discovered a promising building that piqued their interest. However, it has its own set of complications; a significant renovation is required on one of its floors, all while preserving the original architectural integrity that drew them to it in the first place. Ben envisions transforming it into a firm, and the excitement is palpable.

To move forward, David needs to enlist Nathan's expertise to evaluate the building's potential and devise a workable strategy for the renovations. As he contemplates the day ahead, he can't shake the feeling of being overwhelmed by the workload. He sighs heavily, feeling the weight of responsibility, and continues navigating his work, while feeling ready to take on whatever comes next.

***

As the day unfolded, Mabel found herself immersed in the bustling atmosphere of her kitchen, a whirlwind of activity that was as familiar to her as the back of her hand. Pots clanged against pans, the sizzling sounds of various ingredients hitting hot surfaces filled the air, and the enticing aromas wafted around like an aromatic hug. Mabel, the head chef, was in her element, orchestrating the chaos with deft precision. She barked orders to her team with a commanding tone, guiding her chefs in the delicate dance of preparing exquisite dishes. The restaurant thrived in full swing, with patrons enjoying their meals while the waitstaff moved swiftly between tables, ensuring a seamless dining experience.

In the far corner of the kitchen, Cecilia, Mabel's boss and the restaurant owner, stood observing her. She marvelled at Mabel's unwavering dedication and extraordinary attention to detail - qualities she deeply admired. Today, however, Cecilia sensed a different energy emanating from Mabel, an undercurrent of frustration simmering just beneath the surface. Despite Mabel's efforts to conceal it, her agitation was palpable. Cecilia couldn't shake the feeling that this discontent was linked to Mrs. Arthur's recent visit.

Once the final dish had been plated and served, Cecilia decided it was time to speak with Mabel. Making her way through the lively kitchen, she approached her with a serious expression.

"Mabel, could I have a word with you in my office?" she inquired.

Mabel hesitated, caught off guard by the request. After a brief pause, she nodded, "Sure... I'll follow you, boss."

They walked together to Cecilia's office, the clamour of the kitchen now muffled behind the closed door. Once inside, Cecilia motioned to a chair, offering Mabel a place to sit.

"Would you like something to drink?" Cecilia asked, her voice calm, hoping to alleviate the tension that had settled in the room.

Mabel shook her head firmly, her eyes sharp. "No, I don't drink on the job. Can we get straight to the point? I have work to return to."

Cecilia sighed softly, taking a moment to sip her drink before addressing Mabel. "I completely understand. I've noticed you seem a bit on edge today. It's impressive that you haven't let it affect your team, though. Your professionalism is something I've always respected."

Mabel's posture remained rigid, her lips pressed together in a thin line. Cecilia continued, "But I need to know-could this have anything to do with Mrs. Arthur's bold request for you to cater her gala, especially considering your history with her husband?"

Silence enveloped the room as Mabel refrained from replying. She simply stared at Cecilia, her expression unreadable. The tension continued to mount, and Cecilia pressed on. "I realize your past is your business, but when personal matters start impacting the restaurant's operations, it becomes mine too, don't you think?"

With that, Cecilia took another sip of her drink, gauging Mabel's reaction. "I have to say, I admire how you handled yourself during her visit. If it were me, I suspect I would have created quite a scene. She would have left my office soaked."

At this, Mabel let out a small, unexpected chuckle. The brief moment of levity brought a faint smile to Cecilia's lips, breaking through the tension.

Cecilia took a seat behind her desk, her demeanour shifting to more businesslike. "The reason I called you in today is because I've decided that we will not be catering for Mrs. Arthur's gala. It would simply be inappropriate for us to involve you in this event."

Mabel's eyes widened in disbelief, her heart racing as she processed the unexpected news. "Miss Amoako," she began, trying to keep her voice steady, "I appreciate your concerns, but I cannot let this significant opportunity slip away just because of my discomfort. My team and I can find a way to manage it. I've been thinking about it all night."

She leaned closer, her determination evident. "The restaurant can't afford to miss out on the exposure that being part of such a prestigious event would bring. Mrs. Carter, my sous chef, can interview the couple to understand their preferred menu, and I can assist her in preparing the dishes. This way, I'll be involved in the culinary side of things without facing them directly."

Mabel paused for a moment to gather her thoughts before continuing with conviction. "On the day of the gala, Chef Carter can oversee the entire operation in my absence. I trust her capabilities completely."

Cecilia leaned back in her chair, considering Mabel's proposal but still resolute in her stance. "As tempting as that arrangement may seem, I stand firm in my decision. We will not be catering for Mrs. Arthur's gala. I have already conveyed this to her and even recommended another chef for the event. Please don't stress about it anymore. You can return to your work, and I advise you to focus on the tasks at hand. I don't want you to make any mistakes today."

Realizing her boss was unwavering, Mabel felt a wave of disappointment wash over her. She did not wish to argue further; instead, she nodded, suppressing the frustration that bubbled within. "Thank you," she said quietly, standing up and making her way toward the door.

As she stepped back into the bustling kitchen, she took a deep breath, attempting to shake off the heavy feelings that lingered from the conversation. With determination, Mabel prepared to dive back into the rhythm of the kitchen, channelling her focus into the tasks ahead.

                                _

In the heart of the bustling city, David expertly manoeuvred his vibrant red SUV into a parking spot directly across from a towering, impressive building that loomed over the streets. The structure, with its modern and sophisticated architectural design, was a testament to this era, standing out among its more modern neighbours. As they stepped out of the vehicle, David and his friend Nathan exchanged glances, a mix of excitement and curiosity evident in their expressions.

"This is the building I mentioned earlier," David said, gesturing toward the grand entrance with a mix of pride and anticipation. "Mr. Adams has his eye on transforming this place into a prestigious law firm. However, there’s a catch—the third floor needs significant renovations to accommodate an additional meeting room, all while preserving the building's contemporary charm."

Nathan furrowed his brow, contemplating the challenge. "If this building isn’t quite up to par, why not consider purchasing a different one that already meets his requirements?" he inquired, scratching his head, his voice tinged with scepticism.

David shrugged, a knowing smile creeping onto his face. "Well, the truth is, Mr. Adams has developed quite an attachment to this building. It resonates with him for reasons I’m sure I’ll come to understand. So, the real question is: Can you help make this renovation happen?”

Nathan couldn't help but let out a small laugh at David's confident tone. "Of course, I can! But I have to ask—who exactly is Mr. Adams? I’m surprised I haven’t heard about him before. It feels like you’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem."

Chuckling at his friend's curiosity, David sensed a hint of jealousy in Nathan's voice, as if he wished he had the opportunity to work with such an intriguing client. "To satisfy your curiosity, Mr. Adams is a corporate lawyer who has recently relocated to this country. As for why he’s under the radar, he prefers to keep a low profile. He’s not one to flaunt his stature or accomplishments."

David then adjusted the bag slung over his shoulder and looked at Nathan with an encouraging grin. "Shall we head inside and start discussing the potential plans?"

"Absolutely," Nathan replied, a spark of enthusiasm igniting within him as they walked toward the imposing entrance, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead.

                              _

A/N: Do you believe Mabel's boss made the right decision?