CHAPTER SIXTY SIX – THE REAL DEAL

The next morning, as Rebecca unlocked the café doors and breathed in the rich aroma of freshly ground coffee, she felt a surge of excitement for the day ahead. The challenges of the past had forged her into a stronger, more confident version of herself, and she was eager to see what new adventures awaited. As the staff began to arrive for their shifts, Rebecca greeted each of them warmly. She noticed Giovanni humming to himself as he fired up the ovens, Sofia and Chiara chatting and laughing as they donned their aprons, and Valentina confidently setting up the pastry display. Maria arrived last, a stack of papers under her arm. "Good morning, everyone," she called out cheerfully. "Rebecca, do you have a moment? I'd like to go over some ideas for our summer menu." Rebecca nodded, following Maria to her office. As they sat down to discuss new recipes and seasonal specials, Rebecca felt a surge of gratitude for how far she had come. From a newcomer struggling to find her footing to a r