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Outside, the Macclains were a mix of surprise and excitement when they learned that Old Mr. Jarvis wanted to see
them. They followed the butler through the yard in such a hurry that they had no time to attend to the scenic
beauty of the garden villa along the way.
They trailed the butler to the study adjacent to the foyer.
Upon opening the door, the butler announced with respect, “Old Mr. Jarvis, your guests have arrived!”
Old Mr. Jarvis, sitting in his wing-back chair, set down his teacup and beckoned, “Come in.”
The Macclains entered with due reverence. Terrence, the head of the family, was dressed sharply in a tailored suit,
which exuded vigor. Yet, in the presence of Old Mr. Jarvis’s imposing demeanor, he seemed somewhat diminished in
stature.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtTerrence extended his hand earnestly, “Old Mr. Jarvis, your presence in J City is truly an honor for us all. I regret not
greeting you at the wedding yesterday. Today, I’ve brought my son and daughter to pay you a visit, hoping we
haven’t disturbed your rest!”
Bennett and Simone also wore nervous smiles, standing respectfully behind Terrence.
Old Mr. Jarvis remained seated, not rising to shake Terrence’s hand, simply saying, “Have a seat.”
Terrence, slightly embarrassed, withdrew his hand and attempted to make light conversation, “It’s not often that
you venture out, Old Mr. Jarvis. I hope you’ll consider extending your stay in J City.”
As tea was served, Old Mr. Jarvis inquired, “What brings you here?”
Terrence replied with a smile, “We’ve long admired you from afar and never had the chance to get close with you.
Your visit to J City was an opportunity we couldn’t miss; here we are, purely to pay our respects.”
He then gestured for Bennett to present the calligraphy they had brought. Handling it with care, Terrence offered it
to Old Mr. Jarvis, “This piece is created by a master calligrapher. Knowing your love for the arts, we brought it
especially for you, hoping you’ll accept it.”
Old Mr. Jarvis glanced at the piece indifferently, “No need for such formalities. Speak plainly.”
Bennett and Simone didn’t dare speak; instead they just sat cautiously to the side, acknowledging that Old Mr. Jarvis
indeed had a grand presence too overwhelming for the average people to bear.
“We truly came just to visit you!” Terrence maintained his smile.
Old Mr. Jarvis rested his hands on the arms of the chair, his face betraying no emotion, “Since this is a visit and we
have met, you may take your gift back. I won’t see you out.”
The servant received instructions to escort the guests away. Terrence, not expecting such a blunt dismissal and
fearing the visit was in vain, laughed nervously and added, “Indeed, there is a small favor we wish to ask of you.”
Old Mr. Jarvis took a sip of his tea, “Go on.”
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Terrence outlined their investment troubles in B City, “To be frank, our family has invested nearly half our worth into
this project. Its halt is something we can scarcely afford. We implore you to speak on our behalf in B City. Your word
could save the Macclain family.”
Hearing this, Old Mr. Jarvis spoke without much interest, “The Macclain family once held a century of scholarly
prestige. In earlier years, your father founded schools and shipyards after coming home from abroad, and became
someone celebrated throughout J City. Has it come to this?”
Terrence’s face flushed, but he was unable to retort.
He was roughly the same age as Old Mr. Jarvis, yet he felt like a junior in his presence, as if it were his due to accept
reprimand from him.
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