Chapter 243

Frederick Roland's eyes crinkled with laughter. "Evelyn, you're finally back. These two little rascals keep me smiling so much I've gained new wrinkles."

Evelyn gave her grandfather an exasperated look.

"Grandpa, you're only sixty-seven. You could easily manage Sterling Manor for another decade."

"Sixty-seven is old," Frederick waved a dismissive hand. "In three years I'll be celebrating my seventieth. That's when I'll announce your official succession."

His gaze softened as he studied his granddaughter.

Handing Sterling Manor to her was the easiest decision he'd ever made.

"Ah, my bones ache just from sitting," the old man theatrically rubbed his lower back.

With a capable heir in place, he had no intention of burdening himself with corporate affairs.

Evelyn suppressed a laugh.

At eighteen, she was already being groomed to take over.

If not for her eldest brother's intervention—knowing how hard she'd trained since childhood—and the trauma of Alexander's incident, Frederick would never have allowed her these carefree years.

Scooping up her daughter, Evelyn changed tactics. "Grandpa, do you still have that Da Hong Pao reserve? I need to host a tea tasting to convince Old Harrison to supply my herbs."

Frederick's face fell. "Are you mad? That's a million-dollar tea! Just pay the markup. That stubborn old goat can't possibly outlast you."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow.

When it came to stubbornness, the man before her held the undisputed crown. Old Harrison didn't even rank.

"Two million for a long-term supplier is a bargain. My new Botanica line will be revolutionary."

"You're abandoning the NovaCore project?"

That announcement alone would trigger a bidding war among investors.

Evelyn nodded. "The company's stable. NovaCore has strong prospects, but Botanica has always been part of my vision."

"Fine, I trust you." Frederick winced. "But only two cakes. That tea is my pride and joy."

His heart bled at the thought.

Those were his treasured reserves.

Evelyn produced two pills with a smile. "Anti-aging formula. You don't look a day over fifty."

"Don't try to sweeten the deal," Frederick eyed the pills suspiciously. "I'm not your lab rat."

She swallowed one demonstratively. "Of course not. I take these myself. Your granddaughter plans to stay eighteen forever."

Only then did Frederick take his dose.

"Two million for youth? Worth it."

Energy surged through his veins. "Impressive. Your master taught you well."

He regarded Evelyn with pride.

Her medical prowess was unparalleled.

Evelyn played with her daughter, smiling silently.

A week later, Nathan secured Old Harrison's cooperation. Evelyn's Botanica research commenced in earnest.

...

Days flowed by, each morning bringing a new message from Vincent.