Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband

(Winona)

Chef Valois closes his office door with a deliberate click, gesturing for us to sit in the sleek chairs facing his massive desk. Cass sits down, clutching the letter like it might disappear. I take a seat beside her.

"Let me explain why this is extraordinary," Valois begins, leaning forward. "Henrik LaSalle doesn't recommend people. Period. Not even his sous chefs. For him to write this..." He points to the letter. "...means you've done something remarkable." Cass raises an eyebrow. "All I did was critique his soup."

Valois lets out a sharp laugh, shaking his head. "Critique his soup? Not possible."

Cass shrugs. "The waitress wouldn't tell him, so I went in the kitchen and did it myself. Then he made me work my ass off. But he made the changes to every soup he sent after that. That's all."

Valois stares at her like she's just declared she wrestled a bear and won.

"Henrik LaSalle is notoriously impossible to please. Do you know how many chefs have tried to earn his approval and failed? And you... walked into his kitchen and critiqued his soup?" He shakes his head again.

"She's fearless," I say with a smile. "Always has been. That's my sister."

Valois leans back in his chair, rubbing his temples. "Fearless, indeed. Maybe a cat. Nine lives. Either way, this letter is a ticket to any kitchen in Europe."

I glance at Cass. "Cass, you could work anywhere."

Cass tilts her head, considering. "Then why stay here?"

Valois doesn't miss a beat. "Because this estate is about to become the premier culinary training facility in Europe. We're hosting heads of state, royalty, and the world's elite."

He gives a flourish with his arms and continues, "This kitchen will be unmatched, and I trained under Henrik myself. If you want the best training, this is where you'll get it."

"Still, shouldn't she explore her options?" I press, trying to protect Cass's best interests. "If this letter is as powerful as you say, she owes it to herself to see what's out there."

Valois narrows his eyes slightly. "The resources and experience she'll get here are unparalleled. And if she's good enough for Henrik, she's good enough. I'll double my original offer of full chef's pay, benefits, and the opportunity to work under the best chefs in Europe." Cass raises an eyebrow. "And what's the catch?"

"No catch," Valois replies smoothly. "But you'll start from the bottom. Prep work, cleaning, the works. No special treatment. To be the best, you must work for it. Never settle for good."

"Thierry said the same thing. I have a spark I need to grow through training. Then I can do my food my way," Cass replies.

"Yes. But it takes many years and many failures."

"I'm not scared of failure. Plenty of practice."

"Cass, don't say that." I chastise her.

Cass smirks. "You sound just like Mom."

"Sorry." That was something she hated from me before. Not that I was trying to sound like Mom.

"It's cool." Then she talks to the Chef again. "How long would I sign here for?"

"Three years, and after that, you're free to do as you please. But I guarantee you won't find better training anywhere else. We have maintained three Michelin stars for ten years." I watch Cass carefully as she processes the offer. I can see the excitement in her eyes.

"I'll do it," she says finally, her voice steady. "But I can't start until Winona leaves in 3 days."

Valois nods, satisfied. "I'll make the arrangements."

As we leave his office, I glance back at Cass. "You really told Henrik LaSalle how to fix his soup?"

She grins. "It needed fixing. It's not like I knew who he was. And I'm still alive, aren't I?"

"You're incredible, Cass," I say, shaking my head.

"Damn right I am," she replies, her confidence shining through.

And for the first time, I know everything will work out for her.

***

Back out in the massive estate, I watch Cass looking at the décor and valuable well... everything.

"This place is really something." She says with a whistle.

"It is. I mean it's amazing but with kids and breakable artifacts, I was beside myself."

"Now I get why. What I don't get is why Gus lived like this all on his own."

"It's complicated, but he never wanted anyone to lose their jobs. And he did a lot of entertaining here."

"Cass!" Lisa comes running up and hugs Cass hard. "When did you get here? How did you get here? Oh my God!" "Surprise!"

"Drinks? You have to meet Matteo."

"Tonight, it's food, bath and sleep.

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hug.

"I would love that."

"Winona?" Lisa asks me.

"I'm in." It'll be nice to do something before we go.

I cannot believe Cass just turned up as I'm about to go. But at least I know where she is and she's okay.

Cass might be the one thing I don't have to stress about now.

"I'm flying with you, Winona," Lisa tells me.

"Really? That would be amazing. Is Lance?"

"He's headed back to London. A last ditch effort with Jayden I think."

"Shit, he's persistent. I doubt it will work. I guess he has to try."

"I guess. I wanted to stay here with him until he came home, but he said you needed a travel buddy. He's right."

"I will not say no. I better get back,

the kids will be here soon.

Set

dinner we'll fill you in onood luck here."

"I'll be there." Lisa smiles and takes a champagne of the offered tray as the waiter comes past.

"You are unbelievable." I shake my head and smile.

"Hey, I can't deny them their job."