Chapter 127
Nina White was accustomed to such gatherings.
She stepped forward with a practiced smile.
"Idle hands at home. A tea party seemed a pleasant diversion."
"Your presence honors me, Sister-in-law."
Sylvia Laurent gave a curt nod.
She detested these social affairs.
Yet she came today nonetheless.
Soon, Victoria Roscente arrived with Isabella Langley.
The unfamiliar face drew immediate attention.
"Victoria, who is this?"
Victoria was prepared.
"My friend's daughter, Isabella Langley. She attends Caltech."
Isabella offered a demure greeting.
"How youthful."
"Caltech is quite prestigious."
The ladies offered hollow compliments, their eyes exchanging silent mockery.
That dress was three seasons old.
Hopelessly outdated.
Everyone knew the Roscente family's circumstances.
Victoria's "friend's daughter" story was pathetic.
She was only fooling herself.
They all understood. They were here for the spectacle.
Victoria remained oblivious.
She took a seat beside Sylvia.
"You look exquisite today, Mrs. Laurent."
Sylvia glanced at her.
"It's silk tapestry."
Victoria's smile faltered.
"Kesi suits your elegance perfectly."
She changed the subject.
"Nina White must own a similar dress, no?"
Sylvia finally looked at her properly.
"And you are?"
"The Roscentes."
"Ah. Mrs. Roscente." Sylvia's laugh was cold. "Attempting to stir trouble? Our Laurent family matters are no concern of outsiders."
She rose and moved to another seat.
Victoria's face darkened.
Nina White watched from a distance, her expression disdainful.
Her sister-in-law might be difficult, but she was family.
Victoria was simply unwell.
Sylvia's new seat faced Isabella directly.
The girl's timid demeanor irritated her.
That delicate, shrinking violet act.
It was nauseating.
She averted her gaze.
Nina White approached at the perfect moment.
"Sister-in-law, the light is poor here. Perhaps the other side would be better."
The new location was finally peaceful.
Sylvia gave Nina White a look of approval.
Nina White responded with a resigned smile.
Once everyone was seated, the tea ceremony began.
A figure entered through a side door.
A jade orchid cheongsam, embroidered with silver thread.
Her hair was swept up with a simple簪 (zān) pin, her makeup understated.
Sophia Sullivan ascended the platform gracefully.
All eyes followed her unconsciously.
She settled elegantly and began to speak, her voice soft and measured.
"A leaf falls into water, altering its essence. Thus, tea is born."
"China is the homeland of tea. Its history traces back to the era of Shennong."
"Tea is one of life's seven daily necessities."
"Lu Yu's 'The Classic of Tea' from the Tang Dynasty heralded the flourishing of tea culture."
Sophia narrated, her pace steady and unhurried.