CHAPTER THREE HUNDRED AND FIFTY FOUR – WHO IS BEHIND IT?

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of apologies, impromptu menu changes, and frantic behind-the-scenes work. By some miracle, they managed to pull off the event without any major disasters, but Jasmine knew the damage had been done. The tension in the kitchen had reached a breaking point, and the reputation of Cesaro's Bistro was hanging by a thread. As the last guests departed and the staff began the arduous process of cleaning up, Jasmine found herself once again in the empty dining room, this time joined by Marco. "Well, we survived," Marco said, pouring them each a generous glass of wine. Jasmine took a long sip, savoring the rich flavor. "Barely. Marco, we can't go on like this. Something has to change." He nodded, his expression serious. "I know. But what you're suggesting... investigating my family... it could be dangerous." Jasmine met his gaze, her resolve strengthening. "More dangerous than letting this continue? Marco, if there's something going on that's putting