Married Before Midnight by Sienna Quinn - Chapter 26

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Married Before Midnight


Chapter 26: A Taste of Victory


Eleanor’s heart hammered against her ribs as she sprinted toward The Grand Astoria Hotel, the dented cake box clutched tightly in her arms.


The collision with Brenda Miller had cost her precious minutes, and now, with only five left before the deadline, she refused to let sabotage steal this chance from her family. Sweat beaded at her temples, her breath coming in sharp gasps, but she pushed forward, her motherly determination outweighing exhaustion.


Then she saw him—Lucas Scott, her adopted son, standing tall in the hotel lobby, a pristine cake box cradled carefully in his hands. Relief flooded her so fiercely her knees nearly buckled. Hannah’s plan. Of course. Her brilliant second daughter had anticipated Brenda’s interference and sent Lucas ahead as insurance. “Mom,” Lucas said, his voice steady despite the urgency in his eyes.


He handed her the flawless cake, his grip reassuring. “You’ve got this.” Eleanor exhaled, smoothing her rumpled blouse with one hand while accepting the box with the other. There was no time for gratitude, no time for hesitation.


She straightened her shoulders and marched toward the elevator, the weight of Sweet Beginnings’ future resting in her palms.


Raymond DeLuca’s office was immaculate, all sharp edges and cold precision, much like the man himself. He sat behind a polished mahogany desk, his steely gaze flicking to the clock as Eleanor entered—exactly at 9:00 AM. His eyebrow arched at the single cake box before her. “You were tasked with three cakes, Mrs. Whitmore,” he said, voice clipped. Eleanor didn’t flinch. “One cake, Mr. DeLuca. But with three experiences.” She set the box down and unveiled Hannah’s masterpiece—a towering confection divided into three distinct layers, each subtly textured to reflect morning, noon, and night. DeLuca’s skepticism was palpable. “You expect me to believe one dessert can transform flavors based on the hour?” “Taste it,” Eleanor challenged softly. With a derisive sigh, he sliced into the morning portion.


The first bite was a burst of citrus and almond, bright and energizing, as if dawn itself had been baked into the batter. DeLuca stilled. His critical frown wavered. “This is… unexpected.” Eleanor allowed herself a small smile. “Breakfast awakens. Lunch satisfies. Dinner comforts.” DeLuca’s curiosity won out.


He ordered her to wait in the lounge while he tested the other segments. Hours crawled by, but Eleanor sat patiently, her fingers laced in her lap, her faith in her daughters’ ingenuity unshaken. When he summoned her back at dusk, his expression was unreadable—until he extended his hand. “The contract is yours.” The words were a balm to her weary soul. Sweet Beginnings had triumphed. --- At home, the Carter sisters erupted into cheers when Eleanor returned with the signed papers.


Olivia hugged her mother fiercely, while Hannah—ever the strategist—merely smirked, though her eyes shimmered with pride. Charlotte whooped, spinning Lillian in a giddy circle, and even Emily, usually the quiet observer, beamed. Lucas leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watching his family with quiet contentment. “Told you they’d win,” he murmured to no one in particular. But beneath the celebration, Eleanor felt the ghost of Henry’s absence.


He would’ve loved this. She touched the locket at her throat—his photograph tucked inside—and let the joy mingle with bittersweet longing. They had fought, they had scraped, and today, they had won. For Henry. For each other.