Chapter 234: The Tea Master Taken to the Hospital

The veteran tea master at Willow Tea House suffered a sudden heart attack and was rushed to the hospital by ambulance in the early hours. Miriam Caldwell 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 Sloane Bennett mentioning Clara Whitmore's exceptional tea skills.

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

Silence lingered on the other end.

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

Miriam exhaled in relief and immediately sent the hotel location.

That evening, Clara knocked on Elias Mercer's study door.

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

Elias 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 Italian jewelry house's tea room had been arranged with antique elegance. Society matrons clustered in small groups, their French perfumes mingling with the scent of luxury leather.

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

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

The whispers ceased abruptly when Lenora Voss entered.

The Mercer 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?"

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

"Since I'm already here." Lenora 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.

Clara 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 Clara Whitmore, today's tea ceremony instructor."

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