Lafite was a world-renowned name in wine, and the bottle Clarence had presented was undoubtedly a rare treasure. As a birthday gift, it clearly showed great sincerity.
Many wine enthusiasts in the room were instantly captivated by the bottle, Asher Hilton included.
"I really like this gift. Please thank your father for me,"
Asher Hilton said with a beaming smile.
"As long as you like it, Uncle Asher,"
Clarence replied modestly, though inside he was quite pleased with himself. He couldn't resist stealing a glance at Ivanka, who stood beside Asher Hilton.
Unfortunately, Ivanka's expression remained as calm as ever—she didn't even spare him a glance.
Her indifference sparked irritation in Clarence's heart, and his gaze immediately shifted to Ye Yun standing in the crowd.
Letting out a cold snort inwardly, he suddenly spoke up, "Mr. Ye Yun, what do you think of this bottle from our Lafite Estate?"
He had actually called Ye Yun out directly.
The moment he spoke, all eyes in the ballroom turned to Ye Yun. Even Ivanka, who had shown little emotion all night, had a subtle change in her gaze.
Clarence saw this too—and it only fanned the flames of jealousy in his heart. His sharp gaze locked onto Ye Yun.
Ye Yun, for his part, was momentarily baffled. He had just been quietly observing from the side—why was he suddenly being dragged into this?
But when he caught Clarence's cold stare, he instantly understood.
"Insane,"
Ye Yun cursed inwardly, but on his face, he maintained a mild smile and replied,
"This wine is indeed excellent. However…"
Before he could finish, Clarence cut him off with a mocking tone,
"Oh? I didn't expect Mr. Ye to praise our estate's wine. Didn't you invite several master vintners in Hawaii to create the world's finest red wine? And now you're complimenting ours?"
With that remark, Clarence's intentions were laid bare. He had somehow gotten wind of Ye Yun's winery in Hawaii and was now openly targeting him.
The moment Clarence finished speaking, the atmosphere shifted. A strange silence fell over the room. Some people even glanced at Ye Yun with mocking curiosity.
Claiming to produce the best red wine in the world?
Even estates like Romanée-Conti, Screaming Eagle, and Bordeaux's finest wouldn't dare to make such a claim!
"What an annoying fly,"
Ivanka glanced at Clarence with a frown, a look of clear disdain flashing in her cold features.
She had invited Ye Yun to this banquet hoping he could break into this social circle and build a reputation for his wine. She hadn't expected him to be publicly attacked like this.
Just as she was about to speak up in Ye Yun's defense, Ye Yun beat her to it.
"Mr. Clarence, I wasn't finished. I said your estate's wine is indeed good—but I believe the wine from my own estate is even better."
Ye Yun replied with a gentle smile, his tone calm as if he were stating an objective fact.
His words dropped into the room like a bomb.
The ballroom went silent—so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Most of the guests now looked at Ye Yun like he was insane.
Openly challenging the reputation of Lafite? This was about to get interesting.
Even Ivanka was stunned. She instinctively covered her mouth in surprise.
She knew Ye Yun's rosé was excellent—but this was a direct challenge to the prestige of the entire Lafite estate!
Sure enough, Clarence's expression darkened instantly.
He glared coldly at Ye Yun and said through gritted teeth,
"Better than Lafite? Hah, you're the first person to ever say something like that. Just how good is your wine supposed to be?"
His tone dripped with fury.
But Ye Yun acted as if he hadn't noticed, reaching out to take a refined gift box from a nearby server. Opening it, he smiled and said,
"As it happens, the gift I prepared for Mr. Hilton tonight is a bottle of our wine. Why don't we let Mr. Hilton try it and see for himself which is better?"
Ye Yun had never found Clarence more adorable.
What a perfect opportunity for publicity—this guy had practically handed it to him!
Ye Yun had also brought red wine!
The revelation sparked a wave of interest among the guests. Now things were really getting exciting.
Most eyes turned toward Asher Hilton.
Asher Hilton found himself just as bewildered as Ye Yun had earlier.
Why am I getting dragged into this?!
"This… isn't really necessary…"
Asher said awkwardly. On one side was a guest invited by his daughter, and on the other, the son of a close business partner from the Lafite estate. No matter who won, someone would lose face.
And frankly, he didn't think Ye Yun had a chance.
But just then, Ivanka suddenly spoke up.
"I think this is a great idea. Father, why don't you give it a try?"
She had actually sided with Ye Yun!
My dear daughter, have you lost your mind?!
Asher Hilton was nearly driven to tears. But when he saw the faint hint of amusement in Ivanka's eyes, he had no choice but to nod and say,
"Alright then, I'll give it a taste."
"I trust Uncle Asher will give a fair judgment,"
Clarence said, his voice tight with repressed rage. Despite his fury, he forced himself to remain composed.
Shooting Ye Yun a venomous glare, he stepped forward and retrieved the prized bottle from its box. Carefully, he held the neck of the bottle over a candle flame before using a corkscrew to gently open it. A server quickly handed him a decanter.
As the crimson liquid—rich as blood—was poured out, a captivating aroma began to fill the air.
The scent was intoxicating.
Many guests looked visibly enchanted, some even staring longingly at the bottle like they couldn't look away.
"No doubt about it. That's the real 1982 Lafite. What a heavenly fragrance…"
"I'd kill for a sip."
"What a shame to waste it like this…"
…
The crowd's reaction only made Clarence more smug. He had zero doubt about the outcome of this little competition.
The only regret was wasting this bottle of wine on something so trivial.
Out in the world, it could fetch millions at auction.
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]