Chapter 234

The veteran tea master at Qinhuayuan suffered a sudden heart attack and was rushed to the hospital by ambulance in the early hours. Eleanor Roland froze when she received the call.

"Tomorrow's the tea appreciation gathering. Where am I supposed to find a replacement now?" She paced the living room, phone clutched in her hand.

Then she remembered Sophia Laurent mentioning Evelyn Langley's exceptional tea skills.

"...Sophia said you know tea ceremony and can perform Gongfu tea?" Eleanor tentatively made the call. "Auntie has no other options. Could you possibly save the event?"

Silence lingered on the other end.

"I'll try." Evelyn's voice remained soft and gentle.

Eleanor exhaled in relief and immediately sent the hotel location.

That evening, Evelyn knocked on Adrian Klein's study door.

"Professor, I'll be substituting at the Bulgari Hotel tomorrow afternoon." She showed him her phone. "This is the address."

Adrian glanced at the screen.

"Perfect. I have a meeting nearby tomorrow." He adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses. "I'll pick you up afterward."

Sunlight streamed through the windows the next day.

The Bulgari's tea room had been arranged with antique elegance. Society matrons clustered in small groups, their Chanel perfumes mingling with the scent of Hermès leather.

"Did you hear they brought in a young substitute teacher today?"

"If Eleanor chose her, she must be decent."

The whispers ceased abruptly when Beatrice Merouin entered.

The Klein family matriarch wore an emerald-green qipao, jade earrings swaying with each step. She surveyed the space with disdain. "This place dares to call itself a tea room?"

Eleanor's smile stiffened. "If you're uncomfortable, sister-in-law—"

"Since I'm already here." Beatrice marched to the head seat. "Let's see what kind of expert you've dug up."

The tea room door whispered open at that moment.

Evelyn entered carrying tea utensils, her plain white qipao making her resemble fresh snow on a branch. Amidst the glittering jewels, she moved like an ink-wash painting come to life.

"Good afternoon, ladies." She gave a slight bow. "I'm Evelyn Langley, today's tea ceremony instructor."

Beatrice narrowed her eyes. There was something familiar about this girl.