"Time's up," Chris announced.
"So, Vorden… what did you prepare for the judges?"
Vorden stepped forward confidently. "For my first dish, I prepared a Roman pasta made with cheese and red beet."
The dishes were served.
The judges took a bite.
Conner's eyes widened slightly. "Wow… I'm speechless. The flavor is rich—I can really taste the cheese. This is good."
"Thank you," Vorden said, bowing slightly.
Dior nodded. "The red beet is a little overcooked, but the pasta itself is excellent. Good job."
"Thank you."
Hazel smiled faintly. "The sauce and the cheese blend perfectly together. It's really delicious. Well done."
"The judges seem to like your dish," Chris said. "Let's hope they like your second one. What do we have next?"
"For my second dish… I made a gourmet chocolate cake."
They each took a bite.
Dior's eyes lit up. "This is the softest cake I've ever tasted. You get a thumbs up from me."
Conner nodded in approval. "You're a chef, not a baker—yet you managed this perfectly. I'm impressed."
Vorden lowered his head slightly. "Thank you."
Hazel added softly, "It's really good… I'm speechless."
"And finally?" Chris asked.
"My final dish is black bean ice cream."
The judges tasted it.
Hazel tilted her head. "It's good… but a bit too sweet for me."
Dior smiled. "I like it sweet like this."
Conner nodded. "I'm impressed. I can actually taste the bean—it's unique."
"Now that the judges have tasted all your dishes," Chris continued, "we wait for the results."
They turned their chairs briefly, discussing among themselves before facing forward again.
Dior spoke first. "Your first dish was good, though slightly overcooked."
Conner added, "Your cake was perfectly baked."
Hazel finished, "The ice cream was a bit too sweet… but overall, we all enjoyed your food."
There was a pause.
Then—
"You've made it to the finals. Congratulations, Vorden."
Vorden's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Thank you!"
After the shoot, they packed up and returned to Vorden's apartment.
Hazel and Dior still looked annoyed.
"I'm really sorry, okay?" Vorden said nervously. "How about I make you both strawberry shakes?"
"Hmmm… fine," Hazel replied.
Vorden rushed into the kitchen and soon returned with the drinks.
"Here."
They both sipped.
"Have you forgiven me now?" he asked hopefully.
"Yeah," they replied together.
"Congratulations," Dior added. "Now you're heading to the finals."
Hazel nodded. "We're proud of you."
Then she suddenly spoke—
"Vorden… rule two."
Vorden froze.
"…You're dating?" he asked, shocked.
Hazel nodded calmly. "Yeah."
"Where? How? Who?!"
"…Yesterday. In a car," she said. "His name is Liam Greco."
Vorden's expression darkened. "Did he force you?"
"…Yes and no."
He raised an eyebrow, waiting.
"He said he wants me to be his wife," Hazel continued. "I refused. I said I'll only date him. So… now he's my boyfriend."
Silence.
"…Do you love him?" Vorden asked quietly.
Hazel paused.
"…Yeah."
Vorden exhaled.
"…Alright. I'll support you."
A small smile appeared on Hazel's lips. "Thank you."
Dior suddenly stood. "I need to pee. I'll be back."
"Okay," Vorden replied.
But instead of going to the bathroom…
Dior slipped into his room—and quietly took something.
Simon's POV
He was walking down the road when suddenly—
A car stopped beside him.
Before he could react, two men jumped out, covered his head with a bag, and dragged him inside.
"Hey! Who are you?! What do you want?! Let me go—you've got the wrong person!"
"Shut up!" one of them snapped, slapping him hard.
"Ah!" he groaned.
The car stopped.
They dragged him out, tied him to a chair.
"I'm telling you—you've got the wrong—"
A punch landed in his stomach.
"You talk too much."
"Ahh…"
Liam's POV
"Fine. Tomorrow, I'll take your friends out," Liam said calmly over the phone.
"Anything else, love?"
"No."
"Goodnight."
He ended the call.
Moments later, his phone rang again.
"Boss, we found him."
"I'm coming."
He stood up, putting on his coat.
"Let's go."
At an abandoned warehouse…
A chair was placed for him.
Liam sat down, crossing his legs.
"Unmask him."
His voice was cold—filled with quiet danger.
The bag was removed.
Simon looked up—and froze.
"L-Liam—"
"Who gave you the right to speak?" Liam cut him off.
Fear gripped Simon instantly.
"I—I'm sorry…"
Liam slowly raised a pistol and pointed it at him.
"I should kill you," he said calmly. "But today… I won't."
Simon trembled.
"Because of you… I met Hazel."
Liam's eyes darkened.
"But I don't like how you treated her."
Simon froze.
"You used her. Hurt her. Left her to suffer," Liam continued coldly. "She almost got raped because of your greed."
Simon's body shook.
"Please… forgive me—"
"I don't have time for you."
Liam stood up.
"Break his arms and legs."
Simon screamed. "No—please—!"
"And make sure… he never uses them again."
"Boss—please!"
"And his voice…" Liam added, his tone deadly calm. "Make sure he never speaks again."
"YES, SIR."
Liam walked away.
Behind him—
"AAAAAHHHHHHH!!"
Bones cracked.
Screams filled the warehouse.
Then—
Silence.
Mexico
The helicopter landed.
Dozens of men stood waiting.
"Welcome back, boss," they said in unison.
Venom stepped forward.
"Report."
"Mr. Robbert is ready to negotiate. We've also located the Lorenzo group."
"Good."
"Let's go."
At Robbert's territory…
"Only two men. No weapons," a guard said.
"Fine."
Liam dropped his gun.
Venom and Ian did the same.
They were led inside.
"Liam… it's good to see you again," Robbert said with a smile.
"You too," Liam replied, sitting down.
Venom and Ian stood beside him.
"You are lo—"
"Cut the talk," Liam interrupted coldly. "I'm here for business."
The room fell silent.
And just like that—
The real game began.
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To be continued…