Chapter 168


    The Mendozas have been renowned culinary herbalists for generations, with their craft honed within


    the royal kitchens. Their mastery of medicinal cuisine was unparalleled in the. industry. So, facing


    critique from someone with a deep understanding of pharmacology was one thing, but from a teenager


    who looked barely out of high school?


    The middle–aged man’s expression soured. This youngdy was James‘ guest, but her tone seemed a


    tad too showy, perhaps even snide.


    He opened his mouth to retort when suddenly, Knox burst through the door, his face etched with a mix


    of shock and bewilderment. “What’s the thought behind adding barley to the mix?” Knox’s gaze locked


    onto Mirabe, a flicker of excitement barely concealed in his voice.


    Mirabe turned to regard Knox, who’d just entered, noting the apron tied around his waist and the


    white arm gaiters that suggested he was, indeed, the chef James had mentioned. Blinking, she shifted


    her gaze to the steaming bowl of soup on the table, her voice light, “Barley can help bnce the other


    herbs with the thermal properties of the crab. Barley might seem mundanepared to precious


    ingredients in the soup, but the art of herbal formtion is about synergy. Even the mostmon herb


    can unveil its true potential with the rightbination.”


    As her words settled, Knox staggered, nearly losing hisposure. If not for his hands braced against


    the table, he might have made quite the scene. The middle–aged man rushed to Knox’s side, offering


    support, then turned back to Mirabe, unable to hide his irritation despite James‘ presence. “What do


    you know about herbal pairing, youngdy?”


    Taking a deep breath, the man could barely contain his frustration. “Do you have any ideal how many


    years Knox has dedicated to studying pharmacology? The Mendoza family’s expertise in medicinal


    cuisine is legendary, and not once has anyone dared to question Knox’s methods!”


    Mirabe cast him a cool nce. “If an expert in alternative medicine stood before you and made the


    same observations, would you then consider my words to have merit?”


    Stumped by the retort, the middle–aged man stiffened. After a couple of seconds, he muttered, “You’re


    just being unreasonable.”


    Sensing the conversation might devolve into an argument, Wyatt quickly interjected, “Ms. Mirabe was


    merely sharing her thoughts, no offense intended. Let’s not take it to heart.”


    The middle–aged man huffed, “If you don’t know what you’re talking about, it’s better to say nothing at


    all.”


    James frowned, his gaze,cooling significantly as he spoke up, “Does youth preclude one from having


    an opinion?”


    The man hadn’t expected James to defend Mirabe, and hisplexion alternated between flush and


    pale. After a moment, considering James‘ stature, he averted his gaze


    Chapter 168


    and mumbled an apology. “Sorry for being too blunt.” His words carried the tone of an apology, but his


    demeanor suggested otherwise.


    James turned to Mirabe, whose expression remained indifferent–it was impossible to tell if she was


    upset. However, the pleasant atmosphere had been thoroughly disrupted.


    “Sorry,” he murmured to her.


    Mirabe heard James‘ apology, looked up, and shrugged nonchntly. “It’s fine. Opinions vary, and


    not everyone is open to them.”This belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    As Knox still seemed dazed, James stood up.