His smile freezes, eyes darting quickly to Thorne who stands like a sentinel behind me. “I have no idea what you’re implying, darling.”
“Of course not,” I say sweetly. “Just like you have no idea how rancid oil ended up all over my original display. Funny coincidence.”
Gabriel’s nostrils flare slightly—the tiniest crack in his perfect façade. “You should be careful making accusations without proof, Lena. It reflects poorly on your... professionalism.”
I step closer to him, lowering my voice. “Let me be perfectly clear, Gabriel. I know it was you. And if you try anything like that again, I won’t be so quiet about it.” I smile, all teeth. “I wonder what the judges would think if they knew one of their contestants was sabotaging the competition?”
The pulse in his throat jumps, his eyes hardening to flint. “You have nothing.”
“Not yet,” I agree. “But I’m watching you now. And so are others.” I glance meaningfully at Thorne, whose scowl could curdle milk at twenty paces.
Gabriel steps back, smoothing his expression. “Well, I suppose we’ll let the judges decide who truly deserves to be here, won’t we?” His gaze sweeps over my display dismissively. “Good luck with your project.”
He saunters away, and I exhale a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.
Thorne moves to stand beside me. “Want me to follow him? Make sure he doesn’t try anything else?”
I shake my head. “No need. He’s too smart to try the same trick twice. Besides,” I add with more confidence than I feel, “he’s already seen that it didn’t work. I’m still here.”
I turn back to my display, making one final adjustment to the ube cake. It looks beautiful against the rich cherry wood—vibrant purple and white layers nestled on a bed of edible flowers that echo the carved patterns in the wood.
The middle tier showcases my calamansi tarts, their bright yellow-green filling glistening under the lights, arranged in a spiral pattern that draws the eye inward. And on top, the golden archipelago of mango toffee islands rises from a sea of delicate blue sugar glass.
It’s not the display we originally planned. It’s better. Stronger. More defiant.
Just like me right now.
A bell chimes, signaling the start of the judging process. My heart leaps into my throat.
“This is it,” I whisper.
Thorne gives a single, firm nod. “They won’t know what hit them.”
The judges approach in a small group—Chef Lumière with her translucent skin glowing softly, Maxwell Thornwood with his gravity-defying chocolate sculptures, and the Sphinx organizer I encountered yesterday, her golden fur catching the light as she moves.
I smooth my apron, take a deep breath, and step forward.
“Welcome to Moist,” I say, proud that my voice doesn’t shake. “My name is Lena Reyes.”
Chef Lumière’s glow pulses slightly brighter—interest, maybe. Maxwell Thornwood raises a perfectly groomed eyebrow. The Sphinx’s tail twitches.
“We understand there was an incident yesterday,” the Sphinx says, her tone neutral.
“Yes,” I reply simply. “My original display was damaged beyond repair. But as you can see, we’ve adapted.”
“Indeed,” murmurs Chef Lumière, her voice like wind through chimes. “Please, tell us about your concept.”
I gesture to the three-tiered display. “The theme is Wanderlust, and I’ve interpreted it through the lens of my Filipino heritage. Each tier represents a stage in the journey—where we come from, the path we take, and where we arrive.” I trace my hand along the carved patterns on the wood. “The design elements echo this journey, from traditional Filipino motifs to more contemporary forms.”
Maxwell Thornwood leans closer, examining the woodwork. “The craftsmanship is impressive. Did you do this yourself?”
“The display was created by Thorne,” I say, nodding toward the Minotaur who stands a respectful distance away. “He’s a master carpenter. We collaborated on the concept.”
The judges make small noises of appreciation, and I feel a flutter of hope in my chest.
“And the desserts?” Chef Lumière prompts, her luminous eyes fixed on the ube cake.
I guide them through each creation, explaining the significance of the flavors, the techniques used, the stories behind each component.
