Chapter 336: Honorable Traditions, Strict on Others, Indulgent on Herself: What Did You Two Do In There? (2)
Meanwhile, clueless Lilith had no idea what was going on in Shia's room.
She was just regaining her fighting spirit.
Tia was right. Her man, she would protect him herself!
She would strive, she would surpass her mother!
Just as the war between the two wicked women was heating up, Shia's brewing project was also nearing its end.
At this moment, a graceful and elegant beauty sat quietly, recalling what she had seen earlier.
Shia sat across the table from her, surrounded by the fragrance of wine, pouring himself a drink.
A rich aroma instantly filled his nose.
As the scent teased her senses, Sophia finally came back to herself and looked at the boy across from her.
Shia sat calmly, his movements elegant as he poured.
The clear liquid, the pleasing sound, and the rising aroma made one's mouth water.
Sophia had tasted many top-tier wines, but she never really craved them.
But now, she actually wanted a sip.
Shia had already slid a cup in front of her.
"Want to try it?"
They were here after returning from a recent inspection.
Shia's first batch of new wine had been brewed—its aroma spread far and wide, rich and smooth, leaving a sense of clarity after tasting.
Its name: Glimpse of the Divine.
The moment it hit the market, it was snatched up like crazy.
In just half a day, even those who followed the scent looking for it had to leave disappointed as it was already sold out.
Sophia picked up her cup and sipped.
Within the rich, clean taste, she found a thread of lucidity.
Her thoughts sharpened, and she immediately saw the commercial value of Glimpse of the Divine.
The amount brewed this time, even by the best stores back in the day, would've lasted a month.
Yet now, even without advertising Shia as a brewing master, the scent alone was enough to make people buy.
Sophia wasn't some pampered beauty living in luxury. On the contrary, she ran the entire Guen family.
That's why she understood the value behind this so clearly—it stunned her.
If she could get the formula for this wine, it could inject new life and energy into the Guen family!
The ancient noble families looked prestigious, but the Guens weren't exactly thriving.
Right now, Sophia was facing a small dilemma—lack of money.
The Guens had resources, yes, but liquid cash? Not so much.
In recent years, massive R&D costs drained their funds. The current businesses could barely keep up.
That's why she'd been paying close attention to Shia, the brewing prodigy.
Even after he offended her, she made her offer.
The wine was brewed, and Shia had kept his promise.
But the recipe—that was a different matter entirely.
"This wine is excellent."
Sophia set down her cup and looked at Shia, her beautiful eyes making anyone feel under scrutiny.
"Good child, it seems Glimpse of the Divine is very popular. Have you thought about who to give the formula to?"
Shia looked down in thought, then slowly shook his head.
"Not sure yet. Depends."
"Good child, since you brewed this for me, why not give me the recipe too?"
Sophia said as her finger casually slid over the back of Shia's hand.
"You know, I dote on you the most, even more than on my own child."
"Let this be our little secret. Just between us."
A jolt ran through the back of his hand.
Shia's gaze fell on Sophia's hand, lowering his eyes.
He knew exactly how valuable his creation was.
Trying that old trick again, huh? Dangling promises?
Thinking a few sweet words will do the job?
Dream on.
Shia scoffed inwardly, but on the surface, he showed a troubled look.
"Aunt Ya, I'd love to give it to you, but your daughter already gave me grief over the brewing. If I handed over the recipe just like that..."
"Lilith is your daughter. You know her better than I do."
"You know exactly what kind of storm would come of it. I'd be taking a big risk."
Risk, my ass!
There are so many reasons to give it to her—gratitude for raising him, trying to impress the mother of his childhood crush—take your pick!
Sophia looked into Shia's eyes. Truth was, the kid just didn't think she offered enough.
Big risk, big reward.
He was forcing her hand.
Sophia suddenly felt stuck. Clearly, sweet talk alone wouldn't work. She would have to make a real sacrifice to win the boy over completely.
She couldn't help but lower her gaze, her fingers stroking the wine glass.
The value of the recipe was clear. It was worth the cost.
What she was struggling with now was the feeling of being completely played.
But was that even possible?
Sophia looked at Shia, her heart brimming with the pride and arrogance of someone in power.
She was the woman who controlled the entire Guen family. She refused to believe she could be outplayed by some brat.
She knew exactly what a boy his age wanted.
Especially after he had blatantly confessed to her.
She could scold her daughter, she could take the initiative, but if he thought he could use that to demand some benefit in return? That really pissed her off!
A proud queen couldn't stand losing the upper hand.
Cold light flashed in Sophia's eyes.
She hated feeling out of control.
Obviously, someone who could climb to the top of a powerful, ancient family like the Guens wasn't going to be manipulated that easily.
When Sophia lifted her gaze again, her expression had returned to calm.
She looked at Shia, as if a bit helpless, a bit yielding.
"You silly child, do we really need to say such things between us?"
"I understand your feelings."
Sophia rose, walked around the table, heading toward Shia.
It looked like she was willing to offer more in exchange for the Glimpse of the Divine recipe.
Shia's gaze followed her.
But her massive chest blocked his view of her face, hiding the glint in her eyes.
Sophia was already contemplating how to control Shia.
Bullying Lilith's childhood friend was fun, sure.
But if the little dog got too bold and stopped being obedient, that would be annoying.
Of course, returning him wasn't an option.
The seductive serpent of a woman had already begun thinking about forbidden techniques.
At first, she wanted to win him over gently.
But entitled little brats who didn't know their place? She really didn't like that.
There were plenty of ways to make someone obedient.
Some would submit completely, others retained more autonomy.
Since Shia had a talent for brewing, she couldn't just ruin him.
So she would make him her puppet instead.
Her eyes drifted to his neck.
If she just planted something inside him...
A life-and-death crisis was about to arrive!
The curvy beauty looked, on the surface, completely submissive.
She walked up to Shia, her shiny black-stockinged legs slowly bending.
Her waist swayed gracefully until she was kneeling at his feet.
Looking up at him, her eyes were full of sultry charm.
Her mature allure was something no boy could resist.
Lace-gloved hands slid from his shoulders downward, about to reach his waist.
That seductive body and obedient expression...
Who wouldn't be dazed by that?
But Shia suddenly stood up and pushed her away.
Caught off guard, Sophia fell to the floor.
Her lace sleeves were dirtied by the floor.
Sophia looked up in disbelief, stunned by Shia's unexpected move.
But Shia was even more fired up than she was.
"Madam, please behave yourself!"
His face was tense, head turned away, refusing to look at her disheveled state.
His clenched fists trembled slightly, betraying his emotions.
"You..."