“Oh, it’s Old Master Monty. How can I help you?”
“Let’s meet up and talk! You won’t refuse, will you, Jasper?”
“Sure!”
…
In front of a coffee shop without a signboard. Jasper raised his head and looked suspiciously at this oddly quiet place that was even a little deserted despite being located in a busy area.
If Steven had not told him about this place, he would not have known that an elegant and quiet coffee shop like this existed in the most bustling area of Nauritus City.
Who the hell would run a business without hanging up a signboard?
Just as Jasper pondered about whether to give Steven a call, the courtyard door creaked open.
An old man with gray hair walked out.
The old man was dressed in plain clothes and had an extremely kind face that could put anyone at ease. He looked just like a neighborhood grandpa.
“Mr. Laine?” the old man called out in a soft voice, sounding extremely polite.
“Yes. Mr. Monty invited me and I’m here for the appointment,” Jasper replied politely.
The old man let out a slight smile. He spared Jasper a second glance due to his refined bearing, stepped aside, and raised his hand to lead him into the courtyard, saying, “Old Master Monty has been waiting for a long time. Please come in with me, Mr. Laine.”
“Please lead the way, Mister,” Jasper said with a smile.
The old man nodded and led the way with a smile on his face. Jasper followed him into the courtyard.
As soon as he entered the courtyard, he felt as though he had stepped into a new world. The courtyard was filled with flowers and shaded by trees. As he walked along the ancient-looking corridor, he could hear the sound of clear streams gurgling under his feet.
Isolated from the hustle and bustle of the outside world, they had stepped in from a concrete jungle into paradise with green hills and clear streams.
After walking for two to three minutes, Jasper saw a tall and sturdy middle-aged man in a courtyard pavilion.
This man was dressed in casual clothes and looked at him with a smile.
That man was none other than Steven Monty, the true backbone of the Monty family and the previous head of the Monty family that had Dawson sighing in admiration at the mere mention of his name.
“Jasper Laine?”
“Mr. Steven Monty.”
They exchanged glances with a smile and could spot a trace of admiration on their faces for each other.
“Come, have a seat,” Steven invited Jasper to take a seat.
“This is a place that I designed and built privately. It’s a quiet place to relax when I’m busy. It isn’t open to the public, and you’re considered the first outsider to have visited this place. What do you think?”
After both of them sat down, Steven said to Jasper with a smile.
“This is a very unique place,” Jasper praised while looking at his surroundings.
It was no wonder this so-called coffee shop did not have a signboard. This was a place that the owner opened purely for his own enjoyment.
On the topic of extravagance, the older generations were much better at it.
Ordinary rich kids would buy a bunch of luxurious goods, a villa, a luxury car, or a yacht.
Steven, on the other hand, bought an entire courtyard downtown. As soon as the main doors closed, this place immediately transformed into a mini-secret garden.
Steven chuckled and said, “Humans often fight for money, career, and status in the beginning, and when they’ve attained a certain level of achievement, they’d use what they’ve gained to enjoy life. What’s the point of earning so much money and getting to a high position otherwise?”
“That’s truly wise, Mr. Monty. My sentiments exactly,” Jasper said with a grin.
At that moment, the old man who brought Jasper to Steven returned with a coffee set. After lighting up a scented candle, he started brewing coffee without a word.
“Oh, the way of coffee. There’s a reason why coffee is called the way of life.
“Coffee beans make coffee, and coffee will lead you to the truth. Jasper, try this cup of coffee.”
As Steven said those words, he suddenly picked up a cup of coffee and handed it to Jasper.
His actions raised the eyes of the old man who was brewing coffee. He glanced in astonishment at Steven, perhaps it was because of his astonishment that his calm and steady hands trembled a little.
He had worked with Steven for 30 years and even watched Conrad grow. His last name was Whitlock, and even Conrad addressed him as Grandpa Whitlock.
He had never seen Steven treat a person like that even after working for him for so long.
It was a young man in his early 20s too.
Jasper, however, did not know much about the inside story and simply thought that Steven was excessively humbling himself in front of him.
Jasper picked up the cup of coffee and took a sip. He closed his eyes slightly, feeling the strong and fragrant taste of coffee rolling in his mouth. He felt a lot more refreshed.
“This is good coffee.” Jasper opened his eyes and praised.
Steven laughed and said, “Have a few more cups if it’s good.”
When they were done drinking coffee, Steven pondered for a moment before saying slowly.
“Jasper, I’ll be in charge of Monty Group from now on. I might make a series of strategic adjustments, perhaps even bring up a few opportunities to partner up with JW. Do let me have the honor to partner up with you when the time comes.”
Jasper looked at Steven.
He knew that the highlight of today’s meeting was starting.
“What about Conrad?” Jasper asked.
“He’s too tired and needs a good rest.”
Steven said to Jasper with a smile, “He made some directional errors which resulted in tremendous losses. It’s okay, though. This can be made up and salvaged. Therefore, I decided to let him rest while I manage Monty Group in the meantime.”
Jasper said meaningfully, “I wonder how you’re planning to make up for and salvage the losses?”
