THE FORGOTTEN HEIRESS-Chapter 358: Completely Outmatched

Luckily she had taken note of the right proportions in which they could be combined then, if not it would have turned out a complete disaster since there was barely enough time in today’s competition to experiment.

That lesson her grandfather had taught her about resilience and creativity, had guided her today as she crafted the new syrup blend from the ingredients available.

With Peggy temporarily silenced, Lauren spoke out. "I know this competition is about skill and innovation, and I’ve always believed in pushing boundaries."

"And that’s because my mentor taught me to find beauty in unexpected combinations. The drink I presented today is a testament to his teachings and my dedication."

The judges nodded, their expressions reflecting their newfound respect for Lauren.

Even Mr. Khan had a smile on his face when he said,

"Your drink was a masterpiece, Ms Holmes. It not only showcased technical skill but also a deep understanding of flavor and harmony. It’s rare to find such a combination."

"The balance in your drink was exquisite. Each sip revealed a new layer of complexity. It was truly a work of art." One of the other judges, a stern-looking woman named Ms. Patel, added.

Peggy, still reeling from the revelation, tried to regain her composure and spoke from the side.

She stepped forward, her voice shaky. "Well, even if you manage to impress the judges today, it doesn’t mean you’re automatically the best."

Lauren met Peggy’s gaze with calm determination. "I’ve never said I was the best, Ms Carter. But I’ve worked hard to develop my own skills. Today’s drink was my creation, although it was inspired by the teachings I got, it was made entirely by my team."

Mr. Khan nodded approvingly. "And you did excellently well, Ms Holmes. Your drink was not only the best we’ve tasted today but one of the best we’ve ever encountered in any other competition, worldwide."

The other contestants began to murmur among themselves. The initial skepticism gave way to genuine admiration.

"What?!"

"Is that an endorsement for Lauren? Her talent is on par with the world’s best flavors?"

"This is incredible!"

"Please someone, where’s the address of Empress Brew? From now onwards, that’s where I’ll get my coffee."

"I’m not in Baltimore but whenever I’m around I’m sure going to sleep over at Empress Brew," another said

"I can’t believe she’s that good," one of them whispered.

"I wish I could have a taste of the drink she made that even the judges that would just make a simple comment have not ceased to praise it since they tasted it.

"She must have learnt from the best," another replied.

Listening to all the comments from some of the contestants that have supported her before, Peggy clenched her fists.

These were all her supposed, but Lauren had managed to sway their position so easily just on the second day, but she wasn’t going to take that lying down, so she still said,

"What’s there to taste? All our drinks were top notch today. Isn’t it unfair concentrating so much on a particular contestant’s drink? Are you that lousy that you suddenly lack confidence in your own skills?"

"Don’t be too proud to admit defeat, Ms Carter," Marco, the team leader of Silk and Steam, who had come first place in the Latte Art challenge in the morning, rebuked.

"If the judges can’t stop praising Empress Brew’s drink, doesn’t that tell you something? Or do you need to taste it before you believe? But I’m afraid that might not be possible," he added almost regretably... he, for one wouldn’t mind having a taste of the much talked about coffee.

But who would have expected that the next minute, Mr Khan would directly smile and say,

"If the other judges don’t mind, I’d like the contestants to have a taste of what Empress Brew’s team made."

"What?"

"Really?"

He looked around at his fellow judges for their approval and as expected, they were all in support... who dared to say no when someone of Mr Khan’s status makes a request.

The other contestants rushed forward, however, because the drink was not so much, only the team leaders were allowed to have a taste.

After taking a sip, they all had the same reaction as the judges had some minutes ago. No one said anything but just stepped aside, lost in their own thoughts.

"Come on, Ms Carter, what are you still waiting for? Didn’t you want to know whether the judges were partial or not?" Anya, the team leader of The Enclave, taunted after she recovered and saw that Peggy was still standing in the same position.

Seeing the several eyes on her, Peggy reluctantly stepped forward with a sneer and grudgingly took a sip, and the next minute, her eyes widened in disbelief. Her reaction was even more exaggerated than that or others and before she knew it, she went for another sip.

By the time she came to her senses and put up an indifferent look, it was already too late as the several pairs of eyes trained on her, held mocking gazes.

From the look in their eyes, she knew without anyone saying anything what their thoughts were.

Her face fell as realization hit her... she had been completely outmatched and defeated by a seemingly newbie in the world of coffee connoisseurs.

This was unacceptable but the bitter truth stirred her in the face boldly.

"And may I know what our dear Ms Carter, two times champion of our previous competitions, has to say?" Anya mocked again.

Even if anybody would keep quiet, she wasn’t going to. After all, Peggy had been so proud and arrogant, flaunting her previews wins in everyone’s face like it was her birthright to remain the winner for life.

Who would have thought that it would take a complete novice in the competition to humble her this early.

Peggy bowed her head and had nothing to say in response. What could she say, anyways? The taste that invaded her senses was beyond her imagination and words could not express the perfect blend of flavors still teasing her palate even at this time.

The other contests sneered and ignored the speechless snub that had been given an irrecoverable slap.

The coordinator, Ms Anderson came up, congratulated everyone and closed the contest for the day after a brief reminder of the next day’s challenge. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

As the contestants dispersed, some moved over to Lauren and her team to congratulate them, again praising Lauren, who had been observing everything with a slight smile on her face. It was as if everything that was happening had nothing to do with her.

Meanwhile, Peggy slipped out quietly like a ghost, but Lauren still caught her but didn’t make things difficult for her.

She still has some scores to settle with her concerning the missing syrup, but not now.

She will allow her to exhaust all the tricks she has up her sleeve, as she was sure people like Peggy, never give up until they are left with no room for redemption.

It is only then, she will strike, starting from how their syrup suddenly disappeared from their station, she will unmask Peggy in such a way that she will never recover.