Mr Billionaire's Regret Chasing His Irresistible Wife (Jared and Arielle) novel Chapter 106

(ARIELLE'S POV)

It was my first day back since returning home, and a sense of excitement and nervousness buzzed under my skin. Today, I’d be visiting my restaurant site and attending a pivotal meeting with delegates from the prestigious Paradiso Culinary Academy—my alma mater—for the ambassador endorsement I’d worked so hard to secure.

This was a chance to shape the culinary world in ways I’d dreamed about during those long, challenging years in Italy.

Excitement flowed through my veins as I thought about the benefits that came with the position –an expensive company car, fully funded insurance, and a hefty payroll that would get me rolling in a lot of dollar bills. The perks were nice.

But what I craved was to leave a lasting mark on Paradiso’s menu, its identity, and its patrons. This was my stage, and I was ready to own it.

I slipped into my tailored black dress, the fabric hugging my figure in all the right places. Simple, elegant. With nude makeup to highlight my features and a quick straightening of my hair, I stepped into my white bump heels.

A final glance in the mirror, and I was ready.

In the living room, my mom and Maverick were waiting. Well, sort of. Maverick was engrossed in his drawing book, but they both looked up as soon as I walked in.

"You look stellar, my dear," mum said, beaming with smiles.

"You look like an angel, Mama," Maverick added, his small voice full of pride.

I bent down to give him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you. Both of you.” Their quiet but unwavering support had been my rock through everything.

“Go out there and show them what you’re made of,” my mom said, hugging me tightly. Maverick joined in, wrapping his arms around both of us in a classic family bear hug.

Outside, Ashley was waiting to drive me. She was playing driver today as she was on work leave.

"You look awesome," she exclaimed, the moment I slid into the seat beside her.

“Thanks! You too girl—what’s with the leather? Trying to look intimidating?” I laughed, noticing her all-black outfit that screamed bodyguard vibes.

"Well, since I'm playing the role of a driver to you, I might as well play the role of a bodyguard, too," she teased, turning the car's engine on.

We both laughed as she stepped on the accelerator and sped off. My phone buzzed. A message from Dwayne.

"Good luck today, ostrich," the message read. A smile curled on my lips.

Afterward, I returned my phone to my bag and braced myself for the day ahead. Ashley soon pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant, and I alighted.

"Have a nice time there. I'll be here waiting," she called out.

"Thank you," I yelled back, walking into the building.

The building was magnificent and sophisticated, with everything made of glass. The Italians sure know how to spend on luxury.

Inside, the delegates greeted me warmly.

"Welcome, Arielle," Dr Rossi, the academy's dean, said, his Italian accent rich and welcoming, making me feel momentarily nostalgic for the cobbled streets and buzzing markets of Rome.

"We're thrilled to have you on board," he added, shaking my hand with a firm grip.

"Thank you, Sir," I replied, shaking his hand, and that of everyone present in the room.

The meeting commenced quickly, documents were reviewed, and the terms of my endorsement as Paradiso’s new ambassador chef were laid out in detail. There were a few spots I wasn’t satisfied with, so I spoke up, requesting adjustments until everything felt right. After a few hours of negotiations and a lot of signatures, it was official.

Cameras flashed as we posed for photos, sealing the deal.

"It's official," Dr Rossi declared after all the processes had been done.

"Arielle Meyers, Paradiso's new ambassador chef!"

Applaud rented the room, and I beamed with pride. This moment was everything. It was the culmination of my years of hard work and perseverance.

A new beginning it was.

After the meeting, I walked out of the building feeling like I was on top of the world. Ashley was waiting in the car, an eager look on her face.

"How was it?" She asked, opening the door for me.

“Better than expected,” I said, securing my seatbelt.

"You're a celebrity now, girl. Paradiso's new ambassador chef," she teased.

"I know, right?"

We soon hit the road, my restaurant site, our next call. On arrival, I inspected the work process. The construction crew was working diligently and right.

Satisfied with the work pace and the job done, I had no complaints. Back in the car, Ashley asked, "Next stop, lunch with Rebecca, right?"

I nodded. “Yup. You’re killing it as my unofficial PA today.”