Chapter 285

Evelyn Roland's sports car traced a graceful arc as it pulled up to the gates of Château Blanc.

She tossed the keys to an approaching valet without ceremony, her black trench coat flapping sharply in the wind.

"Master!"

Bianca Savigny bounded out from the main hall like an exuberant fawn, immediately latching onto Evelyn's arm.

Regular patrons turned to stare. The usually efficient vineyard manager now clung to her mentor like an affectionate child, nuzzling her cheek against Evelyn's shoulder.

"People are watching," Evelyn chided, tapping Bianca's forehead with a sigh.

In the private lounge on the third floor, crystal chandeliers cast pools of warm golden light.

"Try this." Bianca proudly presented a glass of pink-hued cocktail. "I spent three days perfecting it."

Evelyn took a measured sip, the tang of berries dancing on her tongue. "The acidity is off by 0.3 points."

"Knew I couldn't fool you." Bianca stuck out her tongue, then abruptly sobered. "There's something..."

She produced a gilded envelope from her briefcase.

"Rose International?" Evelyn's fingers stilled on the stationery.

The embossed logo of the International Wine Tasting Championship gleamed under the lights. Bianca gestured excitedly, "They want to rent our vineyard for the finals!"

Dusk deepened beyond the windows, framing Evelyn's profile in silhouette against the glass.

"What did they say on the call?"

"Extremely generous terms, just need to ensure the judges' experience..." Bianca hesitated mid-sentence. "Master, do you sense something wrong?"

Evelyn folded the letter precisely. "Too convenient."

Bianca shot to her feet. "I'll reject them immediately—"

"No need." Slender fingers pressed the envelope flat. "Since we've accepted, we'll execute it flawlessly."

The last sliver of sunset vanished behind distant mountains. Bianca suddenly lowered her voice. "Actually...there's more."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow.

"The Rose International liaison..." Bianca bit her lip. "It's that Mr. Smith you know."

The crystal glass clinked sharply against the table. Evelyn's eyes darkened instantly, sending tiny ripples through the remaining wine.