Chapter 23

Minerva wasn't sure if it was the baking temperature or her timing, but somehow, every batch of cake turned out a little disappointing. Sometimes, the color was off—either too pale or too dark. Other times, the flavor was bland or too sweet. She spent several days baking and re-baking, each time mounting her frustration. Just as she was running low on ingredients, she finally pulled a perfect cake from the oven. Satisfied, Minerva carefully cut the cake into three portions. One was for Webster, who had generously given her some strawberries, one was for herself, and the best-looking piece, she saved for Gerald. Originally, she planned to wait for Gerald to pick it up himself. But thinking he might be tied up with work again, she decided to hail a cab and bring it to him herself. Minerva wrapped the cake with great care, tucking it into a small box. She had just stepped toward the street when a powerful grip yanked her into a waiting car. Before she could react, the door slammed