Chapter 13: Lunch
After taking in the beauty of the clearing, the group remounted their horses and began the journey back to the main house. The ride was leisurely, with the warmth of the sun and the gentle breeze making the return trip pleasant. As they approached the grand estate, the white columns of the main house came into view, towering over the manicured lawns and gardens. The sprawling mansion, with its classic architecture and expansive windows, exuded a sense of timeless elegance.
Amber led the group toward the stables, where a team of stable hands awaited them. As the group dismounted, the staff moved efficiently, taking the reins and leading the horses away to be cared for. Selene handed her horse to one of the stable hands with a gracious smile, thanking him softly.
"Shall we head inside?" Amber suggested, her voice filled with the promise of comfort and indulgence. "Lunch should be ready by now."
The group followed Amber up the wide stone steps leading to the entrance of the main house. The grand doors were opened by uniformed staff, revealing a lavish foyer with marble floors and a crystal chandelier that sparkled in the daylight. The decor was a blend of modern sophistication and classic charm, with rich mahogany furniture and tasteful art pieces adorning the walls.
As they moved through the house, the group passed through elegant rooms—each more luxurious than the last—until they reached a sunlit dining room that overlooked the gardens. The large windows allowed natural light to flood the space, illuminating the beautifully set table at the center of the room. The table was adorned with crisp white linens, fine china, and gleaming silverware, each detail meticulously arranged.
The centerpiece was a stunning arrangement of fresh flowers, their vibrant colors a perfect complement to the serene ambiance of the room. The scent of roses and lavender mingled with the tantalizing aroma of the meal that awaited them.
"Please, have a seat," Amber said, gesturing to the table. Selene took her place near the head of the table, with Amber on one side and Nathan on the other. The rest of the group settled into their seats, their expressions reflecting anticipation for the meal to come.
Moments later, the doors to the dining room opened, and a procession of staff entered, each carrying dishes that were as visually appealing as they were aromatic. The first course was a delicate salad of heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy burrata, drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The vibrant colors of the dish were matched by its refreshing flavors, a perfect start to the meal.
"This looks amazing," Lily said, her eyes lighting up as she took her first bite.
Grace, always the picture of refinement, nodded in agreement. "The tomatoes are so fresh. You can taste the quality."
Amber smiled, clearly pleased with the reaction. "We have our own garden here at the ranch. Everything is grown organically, and the chef takes great pride in using only the best ingredients."
As the salad plates were cleared, the next course was brought out—pan-seared scallops served on a bed of wild mushroom risotto. The scallops were perfectly cooked, with a golden crust on the outside and a tender, buttery interior. The risotto was rich and creamy, the earthy flavor of the mushrooms enhanced by a hint of truffle oil.
Selene took a small bite, savoring the complex flavors. "This is exquisite," she remarked, her voice filled with appreciation.
"I'm glad you like it," Amber replied warmly. "Our chef is truly exceptional. He trained in France and brings a touch of European flair to everything he creates."
The main course followed: a choice of herb-crusted lamb chops or roasted sea bass, served with a side of caramelized root vegetables and a light jus. The lamb was tender and flavorful, with a hint of rosemary and thyme, while the sea bass was delicate, its crispy skin a perfect contrast to the moist, flaky flesh.
Selene opted for the sea bass, enjoying the way the flavors melded together with each bite. Around the table, conversation flowed easily, the group discussing everything from their favorite travel destinations to the latest trends in fashion. Amber, ever the attentive hostess, ensured that everyone felt included, her laughter and charm setting the tone for the meal.
For dessert, the staff brought out a selection of pastries and cakes, each one a work of art. There were lemon tarts with a perfectly crisp shell, chocolate fondants that oozed molten chocolate when cut, and delicate macarons in a variety of flavors. A platter of fresh berries and whipped cream was placed in the center of the table, offering a light and refreshing contrast to the rich desserts.
As they indulged in the final course, Selene allowed herself to relax fully, her guard momentarily lowered. The food was exceptional, the company pleasant, and the ambiance one of refined luxury. She knew she had made a good impression today, not only on Amber but on the entire group.
Amber leaned closer to Selene as they sipped on coffee after the meal. "I hope you enjoyed the lunch," she said softly, her tone sincere.
"I did," Selene replied, meeting Amber's gaze with a smile. "Everything was perfect. Thank you for inviting me."
Amber's eyes sparkled with genuine warmth. "I'm glad you could join us, Selene. I have a feeling this is just the beginning of many more gatherings like this."
Selene nodded, her resolve hardening beneath her composed exterior. She had successfully navigated this first step into a world of privilege and power, and she intended to keep climbing. "I'm looking forward to it," she said, her voice steady with determination.
As the group lingered in the dining room, enjoying the last remnants of their leisurely lunch, Selene knew that today had been a significant step forward. She was one step closer to her ultimate goal, and she would ensure that no one stood in her way.
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