Chapter 444

Christopher Prescott gestured for Genevieve to bring Evelyn's architectural plans.

The elderly statesman and the young designer became engrossed in discussing intricate details of the countryside villa design.

Despite their significant age difference, their conversation flowed effortlessly.

Though retired from politics, Christopher possessed vast knowledge across multiple disciplines. He even used technical architectural terms that would baffle most junior designers, impressing Evelyn greatly.

Evelyn, in turn, had captured Christopher's admiration.

The young woman wasn't just beautiful - her innovative design sensibility, contemporary thinking, and humble demeanor pleased the old gentleman immensely.

His gaze shifted critically to his granddaughter Lillian, dressed like royalty, before turning away with visible dissatisfaction.

While his family adored Lillian's gentle facade, Christopher found her affected mannerisms insufferable. Her obsession with the superficial entertainment industry particularly displeased him.

Lillian shifted uncomfortably.

The technical discussion between her grandfather and Evelyn left no opening for her to interject. When Christopher's disappointed glance sliced through her, she felt as though a steel ruler had cleaved her heart in two, leaving her seething with unexpressed fury.

She knew with certainty her grandfather remained unaware Evelyn was his biological granddaughter. Yet after just two meetings, they bonded like family.

Was this some subconscious blood recognition?

Lillian's eyes turned glacial. She wouldn't let this interloper steal everything from her!

Oblivious to his granddaughter's darkening mood, Christopher pointed at the garden plot on the blueprint. "Since we're building a pastoral retreat, what would you recommend planting here, Evelyn?"

Unconsciously, he'd begun using the familiar "Evelyn" instead of "Ms. Sinclair."

Evelyn considered briefly. "Vitamin-rich vegetables would be ideal - carrots, eggplants, bok choy, lentils. Homegrown produce contains more nutrients without pesticides. Excellent for your health."

Lillian nearly choked imagining vegetable patches beside an elegant mansion!

'That country bumpkin Evelyn knows nothing! Who plants vegetables at an estate?'

She lifted her chin. "Grandfather, vegetables seem... inappropriate. Flower gardens suit prestigious homes better. No respectable mansion grows produce."

An awkward silence followed.

Evelyn stared at the haughty socialite, speechless.

Lillian preened at having silenced her rival.

Christopher's face darkened instantly. "Since when do I need permission to plant what I like? Flowers are merely decorative - vegetables serve practical purposes!"

"Historical figures maintained vegetable gardens during retirement. Who are you to dictate my choices?"

Lillian flushed crimson. "I didn't mean..."

"Then what did you mean?" Christopher's face reddened with anger. "That only peasants grow vegetables? Your ancestors were peasants! I was raised on a farm!"

"Every bite you eat comes from farmers' labor, yet you scorn them? Without their toil, you'd starve! If I hadn't left farming, you'd still be picking vegetables yourself!"

Genevieve quickly intervened with tea. "Father, Lillian meant no offense. Please calm yourself - your health..."

Lillian shot her mother a resentful look before forcing an apology. "Forgive me, Grandfather. I spoke carelessly. Plant whatever you desire - I'll source the seeds myself."

Christopher ignored her.

Elizabeth Prescott chided her husband. "Must you overreact? Flower gardens are traditional for good reason - imagine the spring blossoms! Though vegetables have merits too. Lillian merely expressed an opinion - why berate our granddaughter?"

The atmosphere turned uncomfortably tense. Evelyn decided to excuse herself to the restroom.

The Prescott's vine-adorned bathroom featured a modern dual design - vanity area separated from the toilet facilities.

As Evelyn exited, she found Lillian blocking her path in towering heels...