Chapter 117 One Goal


    Even the man had to admit-Caroline seemed far too young to bepeting today.


    Most of the participants were seasoned veterans, people who weren''t here for prizes but for the recognition that came with winning in Kingville.


    The man joined the contest for the experience. Caroline, on the other hand, had one very specific goal in mind: she wanted that air conditioner. It would be perfect for the rental apartment-no need to spend extra money buying a new one.


    During thepetition, Caroline stayedser-focused One by one, she defeated every opponent with unwavering determination.


    In the end, it came down to just her and that man in the finals.


    From the start, he had underestimated her. He figured she''d be the one dragging the team down.


    But now, watching her carry them through round after round, guilt gnawed at him.


    He was too ashamed to face her in the


    Caroline became the undisputed champion.


    he forfeited and left.


    That woman who had refused to partner with Caroline earlier? She was now filled with regret.


    Who would''ve thought this rookie would end up sweeping the wholepetition?


    After giving her delivery address to the event organizer the contest officially came to a close.


    From across the room, Teresa waved at her with a bright smile. Caroline rushed over, eyes shining with gratitude. “Thank you so much for rmending me for thispetition," she said.


    If Teresa hadn''t told her about it, she wouldn''t even have known it existed-let alone won a brand-new air conditioner.


    Teresa chuckled warmly and said, "Don''t mention it. I just thought you were a good girl and a talented chef. When someone''s got a gift, they deserve to be seen. And look at you now, walking away as the champion. You''ve got people talking."


    Just then, a ringtone chimed from her bag.


    Teresa unzipped it and nced at the screen. "It''s from my future daughter-in-w," she said to Caroline. "She''s probably calling me home for lunch."


    Caroline nodded and said, "Then go ahead and answer


    Teresa picked up the call and asked, “Helen? Is lunch ready? Go ahead and eat first. I won''t be home for another half hour


    Helen''s cheerful voice came through the line, "I haven''t started cooking yet. I just wanted to know when you''ll be back so I can time it right. I want us to eat together."


    Teresa was rather pleased at this. She said, "Alright, then. Start now-I''ll be home in 40 minutes tops."


    Chapter 112 One Gaei


    After ending the call, she turned to Caroline and said, "You know, I used to think Helen was immivature ami didn''t know much about life. Bint over the past couple of days, I''ve changed my mind. She''s caring, she cooks, and she''s thoughtfel. It looks like my son picked the right one after all"


    "Well, if she''s expecting you for lunch, we should get going. Caroline said, having only heard Teresa''s side of the conversation.


    "No rush," Teresa replied casually. "She said she hasn''t even started cooking yet. I''ve got time." Then an idea struck her. She patted Caroline on the shoulder. It''s already midday. Why don''t youe to my ce? 1 asked Helen to pick up some seafood this morning. Shes cooking seafood for lunch. Come try her cooking- what do you say?"


    Caroline''s mind race.


    Seafood again!?


    It had to be from Sheosea Restaurant.


    And if Teresa''s guess was right, Helen hadn''t picked it up yet.


    Since the restaurant was nearby, there was still a chance Caroline could catch her in the act.


    Asly glint shed in her eyes as she smiled. "Teresa, you already helped me so much today. I can''t possibly impose on you again. How about this-let me take you out for seafood instead. There''s a great ce nearby. I promise you''ll love it."


    Teresa hesitated and rejected, "Oh, maybe another time. Helen''s already cooking-really, don''t trouble yourself. You shoulde to my house."


    Caroline insisted, "Just say yes to this one lunch with me. I''lle over to your house for lunch another day. Deal?"


    She''d been looking for the right moment to tell Teresa about Helen''s little secret- and this felt like the perfect opportunity; there was no way she would let it slip. Teresaughed, a little helpless. "Fine, you win. Let''s go where you want." Caroline hooked her arm through Teresa''s and headed to the door. She said, "It gets packed by noon. Let''s head over now before the crowd fills in."


    The two hailed a cab and made their way to Sheosea Restaurant.


    It was peak lunch hour. The ce was bustling-almost every table was taken.


    Caroline scanned the room, then guided Teresa upstairs to a second-floor window seat that gave them a perfect view of the restaurant entrance.


    A waiter came over, setting down menus. "What would youdies like today?"


    Caroline slid the menu toward Teresa and said, "Pick anything you like. Don''t hold back-whatever seafood you''re craving, it''s on me."