CHAPTER FOUR HUNDRED AND NINETY FOUR – HUGE OPPURTUNITY

As if on cue, Lola burst through the door, her cheeks flushed from the morning chill. "Good morning, everyone!" she called cheerily. "Ready for another day of sweet success?" Jasmine couldn't help but smile at Lola's enthusiasm. No matter how hectic things got, Lola always managed to maintain her positive attitude. As they settled into their morning routine, Jasmine couldn't shake a nagging feeling of worry. She knew that running a successful business involved more than just creating delicious pastries, but the financial side of things had always been Sofia's domain. She hoped everything was truly okay. Throughout the morning, a steady stream of customers kept them busy. Their new popularity meant that they often sold out of certain items before closing time, a problem they were still trying to balance. It was a good problem to have, Jasmine reminded herself, but it was stressful nonetheless. Around midday, just as the lunch rush was dying down, the bell above the door chimed. Jasm