Six in the morning. The sky was just beginning to lighten.

Jenna Roland's taxi sped along the winding mountain road. At this hour, the streets were nearly empty, and the driver pushed the car to its limits.

"We're here." The driver hit the brakes.

After paying the fare, Jenna stepped out. A crisp mountain breeze greeted her, making her pull her coat tighter.

A man in a white shirt stood guard at the villa's entrance, eyeing her warily.

"Who are you?" he asked with a frown.

Jenna approached quickly. "Hello, I'm Jenna Roland. Grandma Blanche recommended me as the chef."

The man's expression instantly turned respectful. "Ah, Miss Roland! I'm Tristan Ashcroft, the villa manager. Grandma Blanche specifically mentioned your arrival today."

"Grandma Blanche?" Jenna blinked in surprise.

Tristan hurried to explain. "We respectfully address all guests over sixty as 'Grandma.' Today is Grandma Blanche's birthday celebration."

Understanding dawned on Jenna. In her mind, the title "Grandma" carried an air of old-world aristocracy.

"Let me show you to the kitchen." Tristan gestured for her to follow.

The kitchen was spacious and bright, stocked with professional-grade equipment. Jenna scanned the room—some tools she'd never used before.

Tristan patiently walked her through each appliance before leading her to inspect the ingredients.

Abalone, lobster, leopard coral grouper... Eighteen premium ingredients were neatly arranged. Jenna frowned. "This much food... Will we have enough time?"

"Plenty," Tristan assured her with a smile. "The banquet starts at noon. The kitchen staff will assist you. You only need to oversee the cooking."

Jenna nodded. "Then let's begin preparations right away."

The kitchen soon buzzed with activity. Jenna directed the staff as they prepped the ingredients. Though her family was modest, her mother had often cooked seafood during their orchard days—this was familiar territory.

During a lull, Jenna started preparing braised pork knuckle. She selected prime cuts of pork belly, carefully seared the skin, scraped it clean, and sliced it into even pieces.

As the water boiled, she added cooking wine, scallions, and ginger. Her eyes remained fixed on the simmering meat as she skimmed off impurities. Five minutes later, she drained the pork and evenly brushed each piece with braising soy sauce.

The oil in the wok sizzled as Jenna carefully added the meat. Hot oil splattered, but her focus never wavered. Today was Grandma Blanche's special day—she couldn't afford any distractions.

The kitchen filled with mouthwatering aromas. Beads of sweat formed on Jenna's forehead. She wiped them away lightly and continued cooking.