Chapter 5

A crisp, poised young woman's voice came through the line, clear and to the point. "Hello, are you Ms. Sophie Grant? This is the corporate headquarters of Blackwood Bakery.

"Your application for the Pastry R&D Specialist role has passed our initial screening. Could you attend a hands-on practical interview at two o'clock tomorrow afternoon?"

I froze on the spot, stunned speechless.

Blackwood Bakery dominated the luxury pastry market across Riverside City these past few years.

Endless lines snaked outside every retail location, and limited-edition new flavors regularly sold out within hours of release.

I'd scrolled through their product portfolios countless…