CHAPTER THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY TWO – HEATED CONVERSATIONS

Finally, Antonio spoke. "I suppose... I could be open to trying this arrangement. On a trial basis, of course." Maria nodded cautiously. "I'm willing if you are, Antonio." Jasmine felt a glimmer of hope. "Excellent. We'll draft a detailed plan and--" She was cut off by a loud bang. Antonio had slammed his hand on the table, his face twisted with sudden fury. "No!" he shouted. "No, I've changed my mind. This is ridiculous. I am the head chef. Me! I will not be undermined by some upstart with delusions of grandeur!" He stood abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. "Ms. Delacroix, you may be in charge of this bistro, but you know nothing about running a kitchen. If you think this farce of a plan will work, you're as delusional as she is!" With that, Antonio stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. The silence that followed was deafening. Jasmine slumped in her chair, feeling the weight of failure settling on her shoulders. She looked around the room, ta