Chapter 176

The café encounter was no coincidence after all.

I watched Tyler's contorted expression, fingertips lightly tapping the table. He'd never realize what kind of powerhouse he'd just provoked.

"Impossible!" Tyler staggered back, knocking over a barstool. "How old are you?"

Bianca rolled her eyes. "What, young people can't be masters? Update your antiquated thinking."

I stepped forward, my heels clicking sharply against the marble floor.

"Anything else to say?"

His Adam's apple bobbed. Beads of sweat glistened at his temples.

"Pathetic," I scoffed. "Losing with no grace."

Jeers erupted around us. Tyler's face turned from red to purple before he stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

The room fell silent. Every eye fixed on me like I was some rare artifact.

But I had no time for their stares.

Château Blanc—this was Sebastian's only chance at salvation.

"Mr. Laurent," someone called out, "shouldn't you announce the successor now?"

All heads swiveled toward Henry Laurent. Bianca tugged my sleeve excitedly. "Evelyn, we're saved!"

Yet my gaze locked onto Sebastian's icy profile. With him present, nothing would be straightforward.

True to form, Henry made an unexpected move.

"Gentlemen," he said, gesturing to rival vineyard representatives, "please join me."

Sebastian and I both stiffened.

"Explain." His voice could freeze hell.

I crossed my arms. "Care to clarify, Mr. Laurent?"

Henry mopped his brow. "Patience. Château Blanc has skill but lacks capital. Mr. Valdemar has funds but needs expertise. Alone, neither is ideal."

His eyes darted between us. "But together..."

"Done." We spoke in unison.

Henry's smile turned knowing. "Seems you two share history."

Our gazes collided like flint striking steel.

The irony stung. Just freed from jewelry empire entanglements, now shackled to this man again.

For the vineyard, I'd swallow my pride.