THE FORGOTTEN HEIRESS-Chapter 346: Victory For All

The following day, after the shop was closed for customers, the staff gathered again for the final briefing by their boss.

"I believe you have studied the forms I gave to us yesterday and we are all ready for the mock competition."

After receiving nods of affirmation from everyone, she proceeded. "That’s good, but I’ll still need to do a bit of explanation for each of the days for proper understanding as the copies with you are not detailed enough."

"The competition as you already know will span one week, and each day will present new challenges with a designated theme for the competition."

"Day 1 will start with a Coffee Knowledge Quiz. This will test our understanding of coffee history, brewing techniques, and bean origins."

"But for our mock competition, we will skip that quiz till probably the fifth day so that everyone will have enough time to study up on everything from the origins of different beans to the latest brewing methods."

"The theme for day 2 is Latte Art and Signature Drink Challenge. It will begin with the Latte Art Competition in the morning, where we’ll need to showcase our creativity and precision."

"In the afternoon, we’ll have the Signature Drink Challenge. Start brainstorming unique coffee-based beverages that could wow the judges. Creativity, flavor balance, and presentation will be key factors to decide the winner for this session."

"For day 3, the theme is Sensory Skills Test and Speed Brewing. This also has a morning and evening session. In the morning you will be asked to identify different coffee origins and flavor notes."

"In the afternoon, we’ll participate in the Speed Brewing Competition. At this point whatever you do, you need to be quick, accurate, but still maintain high-quality standards."

She paused to take a sip from a glass of water that was beside her before continuing.

"The theme for day 4 is ... Espresso Brewing Championship and Barista Triathlon

The Espresso Brewing Championship will take place in the morning, focusing on perfecting our espresso shots."

"Then in the afternoon, the Barista Triathlon will combine latte art, espresso brewing, and a sensory test which will be a test for our overall proficiency and adaptability."

"For day five, this is where our ability to work as a team will be tested. The theme is... Team Relay and Presentation Seminar."

"We’ll have the Team Relay in the morning, emphasizing teamwork and coordination and in the afternoon, they will conduct a Presentation and Education Seminar where we will be sharing our coffee knowledge and brewing techniques with the audience."

"The theme for day six is... Green Bean to Cup Challenge and People’s Choice Award.

The Green Bean to Cup Challenge will be in the morning, where we’ll showcase the complete coffee-making process from raw beans to the final cup."

"In the afternoon, we’ll compete for the People’s Choice Award, where the public will sample our drinks and vote for their favorite barista. Here, we need to make a lasting impression."

"Finally, on the seventh day, which is themed

The Final Competitions and Awards Ceremony, we’ll wrap up with any remaining competitions or exhibitions in the morning. And in the afternoon, we’ll have the Awards Ceremony, where winners will be announced and celebrated."

Lauren looked around at her team, her expression serious yet filled with determination.

"As we have agreed yesterday, to pull this off successfully and emerge the winner, we need to prepare adequately and we can only do this by putting in extra practice time. And that’s the reason for our mock competitions and sensory training sessions."

"Remember our team motto to emerge as the winner is ..."

"Focus on your strengths, but also support each other," they all echoed.

"Good. I believe you are all good together, the name of Empress Brew will be written in gold.

"This is a team effort, and we can’t succeed without everyone giving their best."

She paused, letting her words sink in. "Like I said yesterday, this is our chance to shine. Empress Brew has what it takes to compete with the best. Our prep time is short, but let’s make the most of this opportunity and show everyone what we’re made of."

The staff cheered again, and got ready for the first challenge for that evening.

"On this note, I want to appreciate everyone for the sacrifice you are willing to make for Empress Brew."

Like they already knew, the two weeks was a hectic one for all the staff but because they had a common goal and vision, they weathered it without complaint, after all the victory of the team was the victory for all.

It wasn’t only the staff that had to bear the heat of the competition but their family members also.

Lauren had to take out time to call Sarah and explain what was up to her so she wouldn’t feel she had been abandoned.

George understandably did not pose any problem but only showed up when necessary and that was to bring lunch and dinner for all the staff at the appropriate time, all expenses of course, shouldered by him.

Those who were against his close relationship with Lauren were subtly bought over by him and at some point didn’t know which of the two men was more suitable for their boss.

Steffan, her fiancé who they were reliably informed had fully recovered and returned back to work had not showed up at the café all these while unlike George who did not miss a day.

In the little free time they had, the staff talked about this with deep worry but strangely the person at the crux of the matter, went about her work as carefree as a bird, making it look as if they were taking drugs for another man’s ailment.

But they just couldn’t help it, after all it wasn’t everywhere you would find a boss and kind as Lauren, so they took it upon themselves to watch out for her best interest, promising themselves that they would bring up the issue with her after the competition, but who will bell the cat?

While the staff were busy planning on how to settle her life matters, Lauren in her office, casually glanced at the string of strange numbers that suddenly appeared on her phone.

She ignored it and continued with her work.

After persistent rings, she reached out to switch off the phone but changed her mind.

Who knows when an important call might come in, thinking that this might be one of such, she answered the phone.

"Hello," she said and waited for the person on the other end to say something but was met with silence.

"I guess it’s some jobless individual," she muttered and just as she was about to hang up, a barrage of insult erupted from the other end.

"What are you doing answering my boyfriend’s phone, you bitch?"

Lauren was taken aback and unconsciously jerked back as she moved the phone from her ear to stare at the number again.

"Are you also deaf in addition to being a mistress?" she heard the person say again and was glad the phone was not yet near her ear.

"I think you need to see your psychiatrist to have you examined and I’m case you don’t have any, I can be kind enough to recommend some to you," Lauren spat into the phone and ended the call immediately.

"What a pitiful human!" she snorted and continue with her work.