Chapter 154

The ledger of Château Blanc lay open on the desk, Evelyn Roland's fingertip resting on the final page's glaring red figures. Under Vincent Lowell's two-year management, the vineyard had been drained dry—now even basic grape procurement funds were unavailable.

Her phone vibrated. The screen displayed "Bianca Savigny."

"Evelyn, the warehouse inventory is depleted..." The young woman's voice trembled. "The workers are asking about next month's wages..."

Evelyn gazed out the window. Sunlight filtered through the glass, casting dappled shadows across the ledger.

"Suspend operations for now." She closed the book. "I'll cover the severance pay."

"But Evelyn!" Bianca's pitch rose frantically. "This was your grandfather's legacy—"

"Who said I'm giving up?" Evelyn interrupted, her fingers absently tracing the ledger's gilded edges. "Grandfather's beloved Merlot vineyard—I would never let it fall to ruin."

The call ended, only for another number to flash on screen.

"Evelyn..." Sophia Roland's voice was tentative. "Come home for dinner tonight? I'm cooking your favorites..."

Evelyn's eyes lingered on the photograph of Charles Lowell on her desk. "Mm."

The clatter of dishes and cheerful chatter immediately spilled through the receiver.

Rush hour traffic crawled at a standstill. When Evelyn pushed open the Roland estate doors, Sophia nearly spilled a steaming tureen in her haste from the kitchen.

"My darling girl!" The soup nearly scalded Alexander Roland.

Rubbing his reddened hand, Alexander scowled. "Am I adopted?"

"Go hug your robots!" Sophia shot back, then piled Evelyn's plate with food. "Once Evelyn's ready to reclaim her identity, I'll throw the grandest gala this city's ever seen!"

Isabella Langley's chopsticks tapped a sharp rhythm against her bowl. "I heard Stanford's curriculum is brutal. Keeping up, little sister?"

"Managing." Evelyn stirred her soup leisurely.

The dining room tension thickened. Just then, the butler hurried in. "Sir, the Valdemars have arrived."

Isabella's chopsticks clattered onto the table. She frantically smoothed her hair, eyes blazing with excitement.

Alexander set down his wineglass with a frown. "Sebastian Valdemar? What does he want?"