?Chapter 297:


    “Apologize, Karen,” Geraldmanded, his voice stern, echoing the authority he had built over many years. His gaze alone was enough to instill deep respect and fear.


    “Have you forgotten what I taught you about humility and respect?” he asked in a calm, measured tone.


    Karen stiffened, her apology to Elenaing out reluctant and stiff. “I’m sorry,” she muttered, yet her thoughts betrayed her words. She couldn’t understand why Gerald would squander such a luxury on Elena.


    Even as a member of the prestigious Spencer family, Karen rarely had the pleasure of such fine tea, let alone someone like Elena, who had grown up in Foiclens. To Karen, it felt as if her grandfather was offering a masterpiece to someone who couldn’t possibly value its depth. It seemed utterly unreasonable.


    Gerald simply nodded, acknowledging her begrudging apology.


    Elena, for her part, stayed silent. She gracefully took the teapot and began brewing the tea with an expertise that belied her simple upbringing. The boiling water danced from cup to cup in her hands, not a single drop misced.


    Her technique was not just skilled; it was a fluid, graceful performance silently proving her worthiness of the rare gift.


    Gerald’s eyes widened in shock. For someone so young, she moved with the precision of a seasoned expert.


    The room swirled with the delicate fragrance of steeping tea.


    In Elena’s adept hands, the cherished leaves unfurled their rich aromas, reminiscent of a refreshing downpour on a stifling day, soothing the senses with an air ofplete tranquility.


    With a graceful motion, Elena set the first steaming cup before Gerald. “Gerald, please enjoy it,” she said, her voice as smooth as the blend she offered.


    Gerald’s eyes sparkled with delight, reflecting a deep appreciation for the artistry before him. He understood well that tea demanded a serene soul to truly capture its delicateplexities. The process was akin to tending a small me—too much haste, and one might scald themselves.


    To master such a sophisticated brew at her age was extraordinary.


    Gerald, who seldom found himself impressed, nodded in admiration. “Impressive indeed. The tea is crystal clear, and the aroma is profoundly rich. You’re quite the connoisseur,” he remarked, genuinely surprised by her expertise.


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    Karen watched, a mixture of envy and curiosity coloring her thoughts. It was rare to see Geraldvish such praise. Could the tea truly be that exceptional?


    She straightened in her chair, eyes locked on Elena with keen interest. Time ticked by, and yet, no cup was ced before her.


    Karen’s brow furrowed, a flicker of displeasure crossing her features. Was this an intentional insult by Elena? Why was her teacup still empty?


    Karen fidgeted, a growing thirst making her gaze flicker toward the teapot. She longed for a sip, but the thought of asking directly left her cheeks burning with embarrassment. Her eyes kept darting to Elena, silently pleading for her to offer some tea.


    Elena caught her nce, a spark of understanding in her eyes, yet chose to sit motionless, almost taunting.


    Bristling with irritation, Karen’s patience snapped. She blurted out, her voice tinged with a mix of desperation and annoyance, “Aren’t you going to pour me some tea as well? It’s quite rude not to serve everyone present.”


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