Emma's thumbs flew across her phone screen:
"CONFRONT HIM. Watch this..."
She slipped the phone into her apron pocket and turned back to Ryan, voice dripping with sweetness:
"Mr. Thompson, since you have such refined taste buds,
let me offer you a complimentary pastry...
to make up for your obvious lack of taste in criticizing mine."
Ryan raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her tone.
"How generous of you. I accept."
Emma slid a perfectly baked lemon bar across the counter, her eyes sparkling with challenge.
Ryan took a bite, and his expression transformed from smug to surprised.
"Actually... this is quite good. The lemon curd is balanced, crust flaky..."
Emma leaned in, voice low and triumphant:
"Of course it is. Because unlike your blog posts, my baking isn't poisoned with arrogance."
Ryan laughed, a deep rumbling sound that caught Emma off guard.
For a moment, they locked eyes – tension sparking between them like sugar igniting flames.
Just then, the bakery door swung open and Sophie burst in, eyes wide with excitement:
"Emma, I have THE most brilliant idea for revenge against this blog monster!"