Dante Lombardi runs a restaurant with his best friend and business partner, a Michelin-star chef named Angelo. Dante almost got engaged to Angelo's sister, Claire, who was his ex-girlfriend at the time. When Angelo tragically commits suicide after losing the Michelin star, both Dante and Claire are shocked and grief-stricken. Shortly after, Claire goes missing, and Dante must find her to save his restaurant. To locate Claire, Dante teams up with Claire's co-workers: Vivian Wong, her assistant, and Ryko, the acting security director at Scarcity. They discover that Claire possesses the Vino Code, a set of valuable formulas. Together, they follow several leads that eventually lead them to Europe.
In his book, Laine skillfully delves into the intricate themes of truth-seeking, unwavering determination, and resilience in the relentless pursuit of financial stability. The author intricately navigates the profound impact of grief, shedding light on the intricate web of emotions encompassing regret and responsibility that often follow a tragic loss. Fearlessly tackling the sensitive subject of suicide and its aftermath on those left behind, the narrative unveils the intricate layers of human emotions. Each character is meticulously crafted with a unique voice, and their dialogues offer profound insights into their personalities. For instance, Dante emerges as a resolute and tenacious figure, unyielding in his pursuit of securing a livelihood despite facing numerous adversities. The storyline expertly weaves a cat-and-mouse dynamic in the quest for Claire, ensuring an immersive narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns that will undoubtedly captivate the readers.
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