###Emotions vs. Technique.
The judges tasted each dish in turn, their expressions carefully neutral, professional. Pens scratched against paper. Occasionally, an eyebrow lifted, a mouth twitched in surprise, but no scores were revealed. The suspense was deliberate.
Charlotte stood back with her arms crossed, gaze unreadable. Alexander didn't look at her again. Not yet.
Once the final dish was sampled, the host returned to the stage, eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Thank you to all our incredible chefs!" he announced. "The judges have now made their decision, the rankings are in."
A hush fell over the ballroom. Serena shifted in her spot, spine straighter, smile fixed and glossy.
The host continued. "Out of ten contestants, the top three are as follows…"
A pause. Just long enough to make someone's pulse spike.
"In third place… Chef Lin Jia!"
A ripple of polite applause.
"In second place… Chef Mike Del Toro!"
