Juliana POV

From that day forward, I was in the manager's good grace. Whenever I pleased, I could enter the kitchen and provide a hand to Chef Pierre. I'd earned this position and wasn't going to squander it away. Though he was prideful initially, after proving myself, the chef grew to appreciate my presence.

My tasting spoon was on the ready, and I used it wisely, assisting Pierre with spice balance, and even adding my own touch to improve recipes. He ...