CHAPTER FIFTY TWO - A Cryptic Message Revealed

"Great news," Lucas said, his voice brimming with excitement. "I just got off the phone with the mayor. He's not only given us permission to use the town square for the dinner, but he's also agreed to be our guest of honor." Ella nearly dropped the piping bag. "Are you serious? That's amazing!" "It gets better," Lucas continued. "He's going to make an official announcement about it at tomorrow's town meeting. This is going to be huge, Ella." As Ella hung up the phone, she couldn't help but feel a surge of hope. Maybe this was exactly what they needed to remind people of what made their restaurants special. The day of the community dinner arrived, and the town square was a hive of activity. Tables draped in white cloth stretched as far as the eye could see, each one adorned with beautiful flower arrangements from the local florist. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of food from both Montgomery's and Sweet Beginnings. Ella stood at the entrance, greeting guests as they a