The morning sunlight streamed through the large windows of the study, illuminating the piles of papers on Thalia's desk. She rubbed her temples, staring at the financial reports and business plans spread before her. Though the Astoria estate was beginning to recover, every decision felt like a gamble.
"Lady Thalia," Alan's soft, professional voice interrupted her thoughts.
She looked up to see the young butler standing by the door, his blond hair neatly tied back, and a polite smile on his face. "What is it, Alan?"
"We've located a potential property for the bakery shop you mentioned," he said, holding out a folder. "It's in a prime location, though it will require some renovations."
Thalia's face lit up with excitement as she stood, already reaching for her cloak. "Show me"
Alan led her to the property, a modest shop in a bustling part of the city. The exterior was worn, with peeling paint and a faded sign, but the location was perfect—right on a busy street filled with foot traffic.
"It needs work," Alan admitted as they stepped inside. The interior was dusty, and the old furniture was piled in a corner, but Thalia could see the potential.
Thalia nodded, her excitement growing. "This is perfect. We just need to give it a little... flair."
---
Renovations began immediately. Thalia orchestrated every detail, from choosing soft pastel colors for the walls to installing large windows that bathed the shop in natural light. She added charming touches like hanging flower baskets outside and a display counter filled with faux cakes to catch the eye of passersby.
The menu would feature more than just cheesecakes. Thalia incorporated flavors from her previous life: moist red velvet cakes, rich chocolate tortes, fluffy fruit pies, buttery croissants, and flaky danishes. Each treat was perfected with her unique twist.
But the star of the show was her latte—a creamy, smooth coffee drink topped with artistic foam designs. It was unlike anything the locals had ever tasted, destined to become the shop's signature item.
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The doors of Astoria Sweets opened with little fanfare, but the enticing smell of pastries and freshly brewed coffee wafted through the streets. Curious bystanders peered through the windows, drawn by the shop's inviting atmosphere.
"Let's see if they'll bite," Thalia whispered to Alan as the first customers walked in.
A family ordered a slice of lemon pie, a couple tried the chocolate torte, and a merchant requested the latte. The reactions were unanimous—each bite brought smiles, and the latte quickly became the talk of the shop.
"This coffee is heavenly!" one man exclaimed, taking another sip.
By the end of the day, the shop had attracted a steady stream of customers, and the buzz only grew louder in the days that followed.
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Meanwhile, the suite dress line was starting to gain traction. At first, it was met with hesitation. The bold, knee-length design was unlike anything the capital had seen before, but its practicality and elegance soon won over influential women.
"It's perfect for meetings," one merchant woman said. "Stylish and functional. I feel empowered wearing it."
The dress gained popularity among female entrepreneurs, setting a trend that began to ripple through the city.
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One evening, Thalia sat in the sweet shop, sipping a latte as Alan handed her the latest financial report.
"The latte is our best-seller," he noted, adjusting his glasses. "But the pastries and cakes are also performing well. Customers keep coming back for the variety."
Thalia leaned back, a satisfied smile on her face. "This is only the beginning. We're building something extraordinary, Alan."
Alan nodded, his admiration evident. "With your vision, Lady Thalia, Astoria is poised for greatness."
Thalia gazed out the window at the lively streets, a sense of fulfillment washing over her. The once-struggling Astoria family was now rising, one sweet success at a time.