Chapter 173

The sudden news of Henry Laurent's intention to sell Château Laurent sent a chill down Evelyn Roland's spine.

This vineyard was a goldmine. Why would he let it go?

As she pondered, a deep voice murmured beside her.

"This vineyard is indeed remarkable."

Sebastian Valdemar.

Evelyn whirled around, meeting those unfathomable dark eyes.

The man stood surrounded by sycophants, his lips curved in a distant smile. Their obsequious grins turned her stomach.

Her fingers tightened around her wineglass.

Sebastian's presence here was no coincidence.

It seemed the prized Château Laurent had already attracted a pack of wolves.

She had to act fast.

Evelyn sat alone in the corner, her gaze fixed on the entrance.

Finally, an elegant middle-aged man strode in.

Henry Laurent ascended the podium, his slightly hoarse voice echoing through the microphone.

"Thank you all for coming."

Polite applause followed.

"Selling the vineyard was not an easy decision." He paused. "My wife passed too soon, and my son's frail health requires overseas treatment."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"So that's why..."

"How tragic..."

Ignoring them, Henry announced the first challenge.

"Taste and tell."

With that, he turned and left.

Evelyn's eyes gleamed.

She moved swiftly to the wine racks, her fingers gliding over the bottles.

Sebastian's gaze burned into her back.

Since when did she know wine?

Without hesitation, she selected a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.

The perfect base.

With practiced ease, she added lemon juice and a few drops of a special spice blend.

Every drop measured to perfection.

This was her moment.

Other mixologists finished their creations one by one.

Henry sampled each, his frown deepening.

Until he lifted that deceptively simple glass of clear liquid.

The first sip made his fingers tremble.

Tart yet subtly salty, exactly like the lemonade his wife had made that summer long ago.

Memories crashed over him like a tidal wave.

Henry hastily set the glass down, his eyes reddening.

He looked at Evelyn with newfound intensity.

This wine held his most painful secret.