Chapter 242: Clara Had Anticipated This Outcome

Clara had anticipated this outcome, but she felt no regret.

One should always follow their conscience in life.

Miriam affectionately linked arms with her. "When did you get certified as a senior tea master, Clara? You never mentioned it."

Clara flushed slightly. "It's nothing worth bragging about..."

During her six years with Grant, the first two were spent finishing college while the last four trapped in that villa.

Day after day, year after year, her world had shrunk to only him.

Though imprisoned in a gilded cage of his making, Clara hadn't wasted those years.

Between tending to Grant's needs, she'd devoted every spare moment to studying and cultivating new skills.

As their relationship cooled and his visits grew scarce, Clara finally reclaimed her time.

She enrolled in courses, earned certifications, filling every empty hour with purpose.

Her father's words stayed with her: "Learning has no endpoint—one should study until old age."

Every new skill meant another path forward.

Perhaps subconsciously, she'd never truly relied on Grant.

* * *

After class, Clara stayed to guide the society ladies through practical demonstrations.

Many had already brewed tea following her instructions.

"Ms. Whitmore, how's my infusion?"

"Mine next—any suggestions?"

"Don't forget mine!"

With patient grace, Clara sampled each offering, providing expert feedback.

When Mrs. Cardenas presented her cup, an exquisite fragrance wafted out before the lid was even lifted.

Clara's eyes widened. "Dragonwell-style green tea?"

Mrs. Cardenas smiled warmly. "Early-spring harvest from Fern Mountain. Last year's reserve—what do you think?"

The unfurled leaves formed perfect symmetry in crystal-clear liquor, the rich aroma confirming its premium grade.

This surprised Clara. Most attendees pursued tea culture as a fashionable hobby, but Mrs. Cardenas clearly knew her craft.

The first sip bloomed across her palate with lingering sweetness.

She took another, genuinely impressed. "Exceptional."

Superior leaves, perfectly brewed.

Mrs. Cardenas beamed. "My family owns tea plantations in the Fairhaven Hills. These were last year's private reserve—I'd be honored if you'd take some home."

Though Clara tried declining, Mrs. Cardenas insisted until she gratefully accepted.

Lenora showed no patience for the meticulous ritual, losing interest after halfhearted attempts.

"Lenora, this instructor's brilliant—so much better than that tedious old man last time. My tangerine tea smells divine. What did you make?"

Another matron sniffed Lenora's cup. "Lovely aroma. Let's have the expert evaluate it."

Before Lenora could protest, Clara was summoned.

"Ms. Whitmore, do assess Lenora's infusion. First time we've seen her actually participate!"