Just as the atmosphere grew thick with unspoken emotions, Barbara's phone rang. She sat up abruptly, putting distance between herself and Jasper.
The caller was Gilberto Parks, Barbara's senior and a direct disciple of their shared master, Zachary. Barbara was overjoyed to receive his call. She had been trying to contact him ever since she decided to take over Moonson.
Gilberto and Barbara had trained together under Zachary since childhood and shared a close bond. However, for reasons unknown to Barbara, Gilberto had announced his decision to study abroad shortly after she began dating Andrew.
Gilberto had a unique culinary style, and Barbara believed his skills were essential to her plans for Moonson's transformation.
"Gilberto, you are finally back," Barbara exclaimed, her voice over
