Mr. Chairman’s Devious Wife

"You have been accompanying me, Mr. Beaumont. This makes for quite a day," Sofia smiled upon meeting Alexander.

After the meeting, Sofia received a message from Alexander, informing her about the driver and the celebration. Outside of 11 GROUP, one of Alexander’s men awaited her and escorted her to the restaurant where he was waiting.

"I believe this deserves a celebration," he smiled, already holding a glass of champagne. He tilted it towards her. "Cheers," he suggested.

Sofia looked around the elegant restaurant with wide-eyed appreciation. The place resonated with old-world charm, reminiscent of quaint bistros in Paris. The soft glow of the chandeliers cast a warm ambiance over cream-colored walls adorned with vintage artwork.

The tables were dressed in crisp white linen, each adorned with a small vase of fresh flowers. The delicate fragrance of roses and lilies wafted through the air, mingling with the inviting aroma of the evening's culinary delights. Polished silverware gleamed under the gentle candlelight, giving the entire setting a touch of sophistication.

She smiled and took her glass before sitting down. "Cheers." After taking a sip of the champagne, she asked, “Please don't tell me you reserved the whole restaurant just for today...” No one else was inside. She knew he was wealthy, but to close a restaurant for something like this? She never thought he would do something so extravagant.

“Nope.” He took the napkin and dabbed it at the corner of his lips. “I own it. Or rather, Beaumont Empire owns it.”

“Right,” she nodded, pursing her lips as she realized how extravagant this gesture was. They were currently in one of the five-star hotels in Illinois. She didn’t even know that the Beaumont Empire owned this hotel.

“And I am here to do an inspection,” he added, gesturing for the waiter. “This is a Michelin-starred restaurant that specializes in French-inspired cuisine.” Alexander continued, a twinkle in his eye as he gestured at the man walking nearby. Impeccably dressed in black and white, the man approached the table with an air of deference.

“Our chef,” Alexander explained, “has trained in the culinary arts of Paris, bringing the essence of French gastronomy to Illinois. The menu boasts a delightful array of dishes, from Coq au Vin to Ratatouille, all prepared with meticulous attention to authenticity.”

Sofia listened with interest, smiling as she met the eyes of the chef.

“As part of the inspection,” Alexander continued, his gaze scanning the menu, “I make it a point to ensure that the cuisine matches the grandeur of the setting. This place is not just a restaurant; it's a haven for connoisseurs of fine dining.”

Soon enough, they started perusing the menu.

“How about we start with your specialty? Something that captures the essence of this fine establishment,” Alexander suggested. He looked at Sofia. “Do you agree?”

“Of course.” Sofia was never actually what they call a foodie. She liked food, but she would simply eat what was there. She was not picky.

The waiter approached to take their order. “What would you recommend?” Alexander asked.

The waiter suggested the escargot à la Bourguignonne. Nestled in their shells, the escargot were bathed in a rich garlic and herb butter sauce.

“Here we go,” Alexander announced with a satisfied smile, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. The scent of the escargot mingled with the subtle fragrance of roses and lilies, creating an intriguing mix of aromas that filled the air.

Sofia eyed the dish, the plump snails glistening in the golden sauce. She wasn’t quite sure about snails, but the presentation was undeniably elegant. “Well, here’s to trying new things,” she remarked, lifting her fork. Alexander followed suit, and together they delved into the culinary adventure before them.

The escargot proved to be a surprising delight, the flavors dancing on Sofia’s palate in a harmonious blend of garlic and butter.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Soon enough, the next dish arrived, and it was a sight to behold. The waiter carefully placed a dish of Coq au Vin in front of them. The aroma of the slow-cooked chicken, bathed in a savory red wine sauce, wafted through the air, eliciting a collective appreciation.

Alexander’s eyes lit up with approval as he surveyed the perfectly braised chicken. “Coq au Vin,” he declared as if presenting a cherished masterpiece. “A classic that never fails to impress.”

Intrigued by the rich colors and enticing scent, Sofia took a moment to appreciate the culinary artwork before her. The tender chicken, nestled in the flavorful sauce, seemed to promise a journey of taste and satisfaction.

“Shall we?” Alexander suggested, lifting his fork as a cue for Sofia to join in. As they indulged in the Coq au Vin, each bite brought a burst of warmth and depth. The familiar notes of red wine and herbs melded seamlessly with the tender chicken, creating a comforting and delightful experience.

Finally, the sweet finale arrived in the form of decadent desserts. The waiter skillfully presented a duo of desserts on a gleaming platter. A slice of rich Chocolate Mousse Cake adorned with a dollop of whipped cream shared the spotlight with a delicate arrangement of Crème Brûlée.

Sofia’s eyes widened with anticipation as the desserts were placed before them. The air around them seemed to fill with the tempting scent of chocolate and the sweet aroma of caramelized sugar.

Seeing this dish, Sofia’s expression completely changed. Memories of the past when she and her mother visited Paris resurfaced in her mind. Paris was not the prettiest place she had been to, but it was the last place she visited before her mother fell into a coma.

On their last day in Paris, her mother took her to a restaurant just to eat this specific dessert. Seeing the same thing in front of her quickly brought back memories of her mother.

Her mother, Eunice Lockhart, always loved food. She liked to explore and try out new things. However, her favorite was the simple Crème Brûlée.

“Are you alright?” Alexander asked.

“Of course,” Sofia beamed, showing a dimple as she met his eyes. “Thank you.”

He gave her a knowing look, so she added, “This is the perfect way to wrap up this meal... thank you.” Unable to resist the allure of the desserts, she eagerly picked up her fork.

The velvety richness of the Chocolate Mousse Cake melted in her mouth, while the Crème Brûlée offered a delicate contrast with its creamy texture and the satisfying crackle of the caramelized sugar on top.

However, the thing that surprised her the most was the fact that it tasted exactly like the one she had with her mother.

Apparently, he had thought it would be a good gesture to celebrate something special with her.

Sofia did not know what to say. A warm lump formed in her throat as tears threatened to spill. “You really...”