Back To Work

Evelyn moved through the dining area of Hell's Kitchen, her steps tentative but growing more confident with each passing moment. The familiar sights and sounds of the restaurant were comforting, and a few regular customers even greeted her warmly, putting her more at ease.

"Good to see you back, Evelyn!" a jovial patron called out, raising his glass in her direction.

"Thanks," Evelyn replied, managing a small smile. The recognition and friendly faces made the fabricated memories she had been fed by the others more believable. It was strange, having gaps in her memory, but the sense of belonging helped bridge those gaps.

Meanwhile, in a quiet corner of the restaurant, Lucien and Elise were deep in conversation. Lucien's eyes flickered with intensity as he spoke in hushed tones, ensuring their plotting wasn't overheard.

"We need to keep an eye on Liam," Lucien muttered, his fangs briefly visible as he spoke. "That kid's too smart for his own good."

Elise nodded, her demeanor calm yet calculating. "Agreed. But we have to be subtle. If he suspects anything, it could blow up in our faces."

"I'll handle it," Lucien said, his voice firm. "Just make sure you're ready to deal with any fallout. We can't afford any mistakes."

Elise smirked, a hint of her succubus charm showing through. "Don't worry, Lucien. I know how to cover our tracks."

In the kitchen, Victor was in his element, guiding Nyssa through the intricate process of making coq au vin. He moved with precision, his hands deftly handling the ingredients as he spoke in his usual instructive monologue.

"Now, Nyssa, the key to a perfect coq au vin is in the preparation of the meat," Victor explained, holding up a piece of harpy meat. "Traditionally, this dish uses chicken, but harpy meat adds a unique flavor and tenderness that elevates the dish."

Nyssa watched closely, her apprehension slowly giving way to fascination as Victor continued.

"First, we marinate the harpy meat in red wine, garlic, and herbs. This not only infuses the meat with flavor but also tenderizes it beautifully," Victor said, his hands working swiftly to demonstrate each step. "After marinating, we sear the meat in a hot pan to lock in the juices."

As Victor expertly browned the harpy meat, the rich aroma filled the kitchen, making Nyssa's mouth water.

"Next, we add onions, carrots, and mushrooms to the pan, allowing them to soak up the flavors from the meat," Victor continued. "Once they're nicely caramelized, we deglaze the pan with more red wine, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom."

Nyssa nodded, absorbing every detail. Victor's passion for cooking was infectious, and she found herself eager to replicate his techniques.

"We then add the meat back to the pan, along with the marinade, and let it simmer slowly," Victor said, his voice soothing and rhythmic. "The long, slow cooking process melds all the flavors together, resulting in a rich, hearty stew."

As Victor finished his explanation, he glanced at Nyssa, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "And there you have it, a perfect coq au vin with a Hell's Kitchen twist."

Nyssa grinned, feeling more confident in her abilities. "Thanks, Victor. I'll make sure to get this just right."

Victor nodded, pleased with her enthusiasm. "I have no doubt you will. Now, let's get this dish ready for tonight's service."

As they worked together, the bustling restaurant continued around them, each staff member playing their part to create the unique experience that Hell's Kitchen was known for. And as Evelyn continued to reacclimate, the hidden plots and machinations of Lucien and Elise ensured that the restaurant's secrets remained just that—secrets.

The evening was in full swing at Hell's Kitchen, with the general dining area abuzz with conversation and the clinking of cutlery. Evelyn moved through the tables, her steps more assured with each passing night, yet there was a lingering feeling of something missing.

As she approached a new customer seated by the window, she forced a smile. "Good evening, sir. Welcome to Hell's Kitchen. Can I take your order?"

The man, a stout figure with graying hair and a weathered face, looked up from the menu. His eyes seemed to study her for a moment before he spoke. "I'll just have a plain steak, medium rare, with a side of mashed potatoes."

"Of course," Evelyn replied, jotting down the order. "Anything to drink?"

"Just water, please," he said, then paused. "My name's Harrold, by the way. I'm a friend of Liam's."

Evelyn blinked, trying to place the name. A slight frown creased her brow. "Liam? I'm sorry, but I don't... I mean, I had an accident recently and lost my memory. So, I'm afraid I don't remember him."

Harrold's expression shifted subtly, surprise flickering in his eyes. He quickly masked it with a forced smile. "Oh, I see. I'm sorry to hear that. Well, I hope you recover soon."

"Thank you," Evelyn said, a bit relieved at his understanding. "I'll get your order in right away."

Just as she was about to turn away, Harrold spoke up again. "Actually, I've just remembered something urgent I need to attend to." He glanced at his watch theatrically. "I'm sorry, but I'll have to cancel my order."

Evelyn raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Of course, no problem. Have a good evening."

Harrold gave a curt nod, standing up abruptly. "You too. Take care."

As he left the restaurant, Evelyn watched him go, a nagging feeling of unease settling in her stomach. She shook it off, reminding herself that people often had to leave suddenly. Still, there was something about the encounter that felt off.

In the corner, Lucien, posing as Lucienne, noticed the interaction. His sharp eyes followed Harrold until he was out of sight, making a mental note to inform Victor. Something about the man's reaction and sudden departure didn't sit right with him.

Evelyn returned to the kitchen to update the staff on the canceled order. Victor was busy preparing another dish, but he glanced up briefly as she entered.

"Everything okay out there?" he asked, his tone casual but his eyes keen.

"Yeah, just a customer who had to leave unexpectedly," Evelyn replied, her voice steady despite her lingering unease.

Victor nodded, turning back to his work. "Keep an eye out, just in case."

"Will do," she assured him, heading back to the dining area.

As the night wore on, Evelyn couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had just happened, even if she couldn't quite grasp what it was. Meanwhile, Harrold hurried through the streets, a sense of urgency in his steps. He needed to get to Liam and tell him what he had discovered: Evelyn had no memory of her past, a twist that could either complicate or simplify their plans considerably.