Chapter 295
Vincent Valdemar extended his slender fingers. Evelyn Roland grasped them without hesitation. She lifted her gaze to meet the middle-aged man across from them, the corners of her eyes tilting slightly.
"Uncle, you came?" Sebastian Valdemar's tone was deferential.
The man stroked his beard. "I heard the competition was being held domestically this time, so I returned. At my age, I don't plan on traveling anymore."
"This way, please."
Preparations for the International Wine Tasting Championship proceeded with military precision. Contestants stood ready, awaiting the mandatory pre-entry inspection—an anti-cheating tradition.
Evelyn followed protocol step by step. Though everything was under control, an inexplicable tension coiled in her chest. Her right eyelid twitched incessantly, as if foretelling impending disaster.
"What is this?"
A staff member's sharp exclamation sliced through the air. All eyes snapped toward the commotion.
Evelyn hurried forward. When she saw Bianca Savigny at the center of the crowd, her pupils constricted violently.
She refused to believe Bianca would ever cheat.
The official brandished a small pill. "Contestant Bianca Savigny, explain why you're carrying a banned stimulant!"
Bianca's panicked gaze darted around. "It's not mine! I don't know how it got on me—"
The young woman trembled under the scrutiny, her voice shaking.
Evelyn stepped between them. "There must be some mistake."
"Ha! Everyone knows you're close. You'd cover for her even if she cheated!"
"Exactly! This is unfair to other contestants!"
The murmurs swelled like a tidal wave, engulfing them both.
"Château Blanc resorting to such dirty tricks? Disgraceful."
"That winery should be shut down!"
Ross Macmillan had been waiting quietly for the event's start. The disturbance caught his attention. After assessing the situation, his brow furrowed as he observed the spectacle with cold detachment.
A flustered organizer approached. "Mr. Macmillan, a minor incident has occurred. Please wait in the lounge—"
Ross ignored him. His piercing gaze locked onto Evelyn like a hawk sighting prey.