Chapter 11

"Order in! Table four needs the venison tasting, and table two is ready for the scallop crudo!"

Clara Vance’s voice rang out, clear, steady, and commanding, cutting effortlessly through the rhythmic hiss of searing pans and the rapid-fire clatter of knives.

"Yes, Chef!" the chorus of

Chapter 12

The soft clink of two crystal wine glasses meeting rang like a bell in the dim, amber light of the empty dining room.

"To the most successful opening night this city has seen in a decade," Damian said, his voice a low, rich rumble in the quiet space.

"To the man who handed me the key