Chapter 287

The crystal glass refracted hazy halos under the light.

Bianca Savigny took a cautious sip, her tongue immediately enveloped by complex layers of flavor.

"Master, I taste the sweetness of malt sugar, citrus notes..." She wrinkled her nose. "But that final note—I can't place it."

Evelyn Roland leaned against the bar, fingertips tapping the countertop.

"Tell me tomorrow." She straightened abruptly. "Now, repeat every step I just did."

Bianca's fingers froze mid-air.

She'd been too mesmerized by her mentor's fluid movements to memorize the details.

"I..."

Evelyn was already shrugging into her coat.

"See you tomorrow." A dismissive wave. Her black trench coat cut a sharp arc as she exited.

Bianca stared at the amber residue in her glass, stomping her foot in frustration.

The bar erupted.

"I'll have what she's having!"

"Me too!"

The bartender's Adam's apple bobbed.

He bowed deeply to the surging crowd.

"Apologies..." His voice dwindled. "That technique...I couldn't follow it."

Bianca burst into giggles.

She swirled her glass, watching the liquid leave seductive trails.

"Seems Master only spoils me~"

Humming, she sauntered toward the staff entrance under a chorus of envious groans.

Night draped the penthouse.

Evelyn's fingers glided across her tablet. The judges' list glowed coldly.

"Interesting."

A humorless smile touched her lips, eyes glacial.

Three names were circled in red—like jagged scars.

The sofa creaked faintly.

She tilted her head back. The ceiling reflected in her obsidian pupils, twin abysses.

Fingers drummed against her knee.

One. Two. Three.

The rhythm synchronized with the wall clock's ticking.

"Game on."

As dawn's first rays pierced the curtains, she hit delete.

"Wipe it all."