Chapter 1076: Invitation
Once this conversation got underway between Stella and Kovishik, it seemed Hesta and Tie Xi had nothing to do with it.
Tie Xi understood perfectly why Stella needed her standing nearby. Her only purpose here was to serve as a backup when Stella lost interest—though Stella had countless ways to end a conversation she did not care about, none was simpler or more decisive than saying, "My friend isn't feeling well. I'll accompany her to rest."
Helping keep the conversation going when the atmosphere turned chilly? Unless Stella intended it, something like that could never happen to her.
As Hesta listened to the two discuss tonight's wines, she realized that Stella seemed quite knowledgeable about alcohol as well. Stella raised her glass toward the light and gestured for Hesta and Tie Xi to look at the pale orange tint around the rim—the wine was very mature, unlike recently made reds, whose edges always appeared bluish purple.
After praising the wine, Stella began putting on a show of praising Hesta's taste. Hesta spread her hands. "It has nothing to do with me. I don't drink, so what would I know about this?"
Stella looked surprised. "Then it seems someone very experienced must have been advising you?"
Hesta had just been about to say that Lairin had handled all the selections tonight when Kovishik immediately cut in.
"This is Sir Trion's private collection," Kovishik said. "I knew it the moment I tasted that Blanc de Noirs over there. He has never disappointed anyone in this regard."
"What is Blanc de Noirs?" Hesta asked.
Stella smiled faintly and looked at Kovishik.
"It's like this. Generally speaking, white wine can only be made from light-colored grapes," Kovishik said softly. "But if a winemaker is skilled enough to prevent contact with the