Page 169 of A Very Merry Enemy
Seconds later, Sammy walks up, rears back his fist, and slams it into Dominic’s face. “That’s for stealing my sister’s recipes.”
Sammy’s fist connects with Dominic’s jaw again, and the sound echoes through the tent. Everyone gasps.
Blood trickles from Dominic’s split lip. He’s still struggling against Jake and Hudson’s hold, but he’s dazed now.
“And another thing.” Sammy steps closer, his voice carrying through the silent tent. “I saw your Michelin-starred cookies. The ones you’re so famous for? You didn’t create them. My sister did when we were teenagers.”
Whispers fill the area as the cameras capture every word.
“That’s not—” Dominic starts.
“Don’t lie,” Sammy cuts him off. “I was there when she created those recipes in our parents’ kitchen. Funny, they showed up on your menu with your name attached as the creator. Piece of shit.”
Mary Carter is standing nearby, her eyes wide. Patty Morrison has pulled out her phone, recording the whole interaction. Marcus and Thomas are watching with identical expressions of disgust.
“The lavender shortbread,” Sammy continues, counting on his fingers. “The brown butter snickerdoodles. The Earl Grey macarons. All Holiday’s recipes. All credited toyou. Care to explain why that is?”
“This is slander!” Dominic spits blood onto the ground. “I will sue you?—”
“Sue me,” Sammy says. “I have proof. There are photos of them from over a decade ago on social media.”
“We all knew,” Mary Carter says suddenly, her voice cutting through the chaos. Everyone turns to look at her. “Everyone in the industry knew Dominic was taking credit for other people’s work. We just couldn’t prove it or pinpoint who was feeding him recipes.” She looks directly at Dominic. “But now we can.”
Patty nods. “I’ve heard rumors for years. Noticed how so many young chefs he mentored left the industry entirely.”
“This is ridiculous—” Dominic tries again.
“Is it?” Thomas Reeves steps forward. “Because I competed against you in Paris years ago. And the dessert you presented? I know it was one of your sous-chef’s creations. She interned with me and you took credit for her work, too.”
The tent has gone completely silent except for the sound of random gasps.
Security is rushing over now, along with two police officers.
“Assault,” one officer says, looking at Dominic’s bloody lip. “Who threw the punch?”
“I did,” Sammy says immediately, holding up his hand. “And I’d do it again.”
“Sir, you can’t just?—”
“He’s been threatening my sister for weeks,” Sammy says, but they arrest him, too.
“No, please do not take him,” I say.
“That’s the rules,” the officer says.
“It’s fine,” Sammy says, laughing. “I’ll beat his ass in jail, too.”
The officer looks between Sammy and Dominic. “You two won’t be together.”
They cuff Dominic and my brother, then escort them out.
“This isn’t over!” Dominic shouts as they drag him toward the exit. “I will destroy all of you! My lawyerswill?—”
“Your lawyers will what?” Mary Carter calls after him. “Defend you against theft? Against fraud? I’m sure every major food publication in the country will see this. By tomorrow morning, everyone will know exactly who Dominic Laurent really is. With proof.”
Dominic’s face goes white, then he starts screaming in French, thrashing against the officers as they force him out of the tent. This time, he doesn’t return.
I’m shaking from the spike of adrenaline. My brother just punched someone. Mary Carter just destroyed Dominic’s career on live stream.
