Chapter 50

Andrew calmly stated, “This isn’t just local wine; no winery could produce it.”

His statement angered Irene, who barked, “Andrew, would it kill you to stop bragging? If it’s not local, what is it—some mythical elixir?”

“Actually, yes,” Andrew replied, causing the Stevens family to freeze before erupting in laughter. They thought he was making a fool of himself. Even Harvey smirked, insulted that Andrew would dare compare himself to him.

Douglas gently patted Andrew’s shoulder. “Andy, even if our wine isn’t the best, there’s no need to compete. Remember, if you’re truly exceptional, others will naturally recognize it.”

Andrew nodded. “Wise words, Mr. Stevens Senior. I’ll keep them in mind.”

Christina shook her head, thinking how pathetic Andrew was for not understanding her grandfather's subtle hint.

“Well, well, it looks like the party’s started without me!” a new voice announced.

It was Gerald Stevens, Douglas’s brother, an antique dealer in Chetvine, the capital city.

Douglas smiled. “Gerald, perfect timing! Join us for a drink. We have plenty of fine wines tonight!”

Irene interjected, “Uncle Gerald appreciates only the finest wine. I’m sure he’ll love what Harvey brought.”

Leroy poured wine for Gerald, saying, “Uncle Gerald, this is a 50-year-old wine from Harvey. Please try it!”

Gerald’s face lit up. “What a treat! Don’t mind if I do!”

He was about to reach for it when he spotted the wine before Douglas. His expression changed dramatically as he snatched Andrew’s wine instead, leaving everyone stunned.

Irene cried out, “Uncle Gerald, don’t! That’s cheap—put it down!”

Gerald inhaled the wine’s aroma, ignoring Irene. Then, he gulped the entire glass down. His face showed pure bliss as he exclaimed, “I never imagined I’d find this divine nectar in Jayrodale! Where did you get this incredible wine? I’ll pay 750 thousand dollars for whatever’s left, bottle and all!”

The entire Stevens family, including Harvey, sat speechless.

Gerald urged them on. “Well, what are you waiting for? Get me the rest! Do you even know what this is? It’s literally liquid gold!”

The family was dumbfounded.

Desperate to make sense of it, Irene protested, “Uncle Gerald, are you drunk? This is garbage, not liquid gold!”

Gerald scowled. “Such ignorance! I’ve lived in Chetvine for years! Do you think you know better than me? I once tasted half a glass of this at a noble family’s home there, and I’ve never forgotten it!”

The family turned to Andrew, who remained composed. “This wine lives up to its name as Divine Elixir. And yes, it does have connections to Chetvine.”

Gerald nodded approvingly. “Well said. You seem to be the only knowledgeable one here. I assume you’re the one who brought this wine?”