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Novel Catalog
Chapter 46
Halle and Rowena couldn’t help but whisper among themselves, their voices laced with disdain as they walked toward the entrance. Bonnie, however, was right behind them, not even acknowledging their petty remarks.
Inside the living room, Quenton was practically trembling with excitement. “Where is the lady who brewed this tea?” His voice was full of anticipation, and Ivor, who had been sitting quietly, turned toward the entrance just in time to meet his gaze. His cold, distant expression softened considerably when he spoke.
“Here she is,” he said, his eyes following Bonnie’s approach.
Quenton sprang to his feet, his face lighting up with surprise and delight. “It’s you?!” he exclaimed, his voice shaking slightly. His bushy beard seemed to quiver as he spoke, betraying his emotions.
Rowena, who had just stepped foot into the entrance, was caught off guard by his reaction. Was it possible that Master Quenton really wanted to take her on as his apprentice? After all, she’d been practicing for an entire year to perfect her tea brewing skills.
With a smile that she hoped would win him over, Rowena stepped forward to introduce herself, but Quenton didn’t even spare her a glance. Instead, he walked right past her, heading straight toward Bonnie.
“It’s really you, Master Bonnie!” Quenton said, his voice filled with awe. “Just as I thought. If anyone can brew tea made by Mariage Frères so masterfully, it must be you!” He was practically gushing with admiration.
Rowena froze. Her smile faltered, and her face went pale. Halle’s mouth dropped open in shock. Did they hear him right? Was Quenton really showing such respect to Bonnie, a nobody in their eyes?
Master Quenton was a VIP of the Knight family, someone Rowena had dreamed of impressing for years. Yet, here he was, treating Bonnie like a revered tea master, as though she were the one with the expertise.
Ivor, who had been observing the interaction carefully, narrowed his gaze and fixed it on Bonnie. He stared at her as if trying to see through her, searching for the mystery behind her skill. Bonnie, in return, met his gaze with a cool, calm demeanor.
“It’s been a while, Quenton,” Bonnie greeted him casually, her tone nonchalant, as though she were speaking to an old friend rather than the renowned tea master. This casualness stunned everyone in the room. She didn’t even refer to him by his title of “Master”—a direct snub, if they ever saw one.
Rowena’s lips parted, ready to call Bonnie out for her lack of respect, but Quenton spoke first, cutting her off. “I threw myself wholeheartedly into the art of tea brewing, Master Bonnie. I dare say I’ve made great strides. Will you take me under your wing now?”
Wait—was he asking to become her apprentice?
Ivor, still processing the scene, found himself unable to hide his shock. He had known that Bonnie was skilled at brewing tea, but this… this was something else entirely.
Halle, stunned by the turn of events, struggled to find her voice. “D-Do you still want to become Master Quenton’s apprentice, Rowena?” she stammered, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
If Rowena still wanted to pursue this, she would have to admit she was no match for Bonnie.
Rowena’s jaw dropped, and her eyes filled with unshed tears. She could hardly believe it. With barely a whisper, she muttered, “Let’s go,” pulling Halle away, her voice barely audible. She couldn’t bear to stay there for another moment—Bonnie hadn’t even said a word to her, yet her mere presence felt like an insult.
Feeling defeated, Halle and Rowena left, their steps heavy with humiliation.
Bonnie, however, was oblivious to their departure. She continued her conversation with Quenton about the art of tea brewing, their dialogue rich and animated. They discussed techniques, flavors, and methods at length. Quenton even made a humble request for her to take him on as her apprentice once again, but she declined, just as she had before.
The only person who truly seemed to benefit from the interaction was Ivor. He sat back in his chair, sipping his tea, and watched the exchange between the two tea masters with quiet satisfaction. His interest was clear—he had been intrigued by Bonnie’s abilities from the start, and now he was witnessing the full extent of her skill and respect from someone as prestigious as Quenton.
The next morning, Ivor drove Bonnie to the exam venue. He glanced over at her, his expression a mix of encouragement and concern. “Don’t be nervous about the SATs. Just be yourself.”
Bonnie smiled at him, though she was more focused on the task ahead than his words. “Sure. Thanks for the ride. I won’t be nervous.”
Ivor’s eyes softened. “I’ve heard about your bet with your family. Don’t worry, I’ll find a way to get you into Pyralis University, no matter how the test turns out. As for the Best Scholar Award… I’m afraid I can’t guarantee that.”
Bonnie met his gaze with a smile that spoke volumes. “I’ll definitely get the Best Scholar Award.” She didn’t need anyone’s help for that.
As Ivor parked the car and Bonnie got out, she made a phone call. The principal of Pyralis University, who had just been settling into his office with a cup of tea, was startled when his phone rang. When he saw who was calling, he immediately picked up the phone, his voice full of excitement.
“Are you going to take over the university at last, Bonnie?” he asked, practically jumping out of his seat. “All you have to do is come over, and I’ll handle everything. You’ll become the principal of Pyralis University with immediate effect!”
Bonnie couldn’t help but chuckle at his over-the-top enthusiasm. One step at a time, Principal.