Chapter 409 Mr. Hearst, Pour Tea for Ashley
Theo's tea-drinking habit was something he picked up from his father. In the past, he could hold his liquor well when hanging out with friends, but after taking over the family business, his father would discuss matters with him in the tea room, often for half a day.
They would sip tea slowly, cup after cup, and once things were settled, it was unlikely for any conflicts to arise.
Later, when he talked business or resolved conflicts with the company's executives, he also chose the tea room. Over time, everyone knew that the president of the Jones Group liked to drink tea.
But when Damian invited them for tea, it certainly wasn't to savor fine tea leaves.
After finishing a cup, Theo, savoring the lingering taste, smiled and asked, "Mr. Hearst, in trouble? That shouldn't be the case. Who could give you a hard time?"
Hayden glanced at his still-healing arm, "Last time at Limehof, you almost got half-crippled. This time, you came back and called us for a meeting. Limehof isn't good for you!"
Damian ignored his teasing, twirling the porcelain cup with his long fingers, and said coldly, "What trouble could I have? I haven't seen Theo in a while and missed him."
Hayden put down his teacup and smiled, though it was a forced smile, "Mr. Hearst, you know, the moment you open your mouth, I can tell you're not sincere. Missed him? Who have you ever missed?"
Damian remained indifferent, as if he just wanted to enjoy his tea and needed some company, "You're just benefiting from Theo. I didn't plan to invite you today."
Hayden was called by Theo. Since he was free, he came along. Christian was still at Limehof and couldn't make it.
"Fine, I won't look for trouble. Where's Christian? You both went to Limehof, why isn't he back yet? Did some woman from the crew hold him up?"
Damian gave him a sidelong glance, "Do I have time to care about his messy relationships?"
Hayden scrutinized Damian from forehead to chin and concluded, "Mr. Hearst, something's off with you today. You seem unsatisfied. You have people to warm your bed, why stay celibate? For whom?"
Damian replied, "For health, to avoid getting sick."
Hayden chuckled, "Holding it in can also make you sick."
Damian said, "Do you think I'm like you, getting excited over a sow?"
"Fuck, I'm not picky? I have standards too."
Theo listened to their banter, feeling quite content.
Recently, he rarely had to travel. The financial settlement for the last quarter was done, and he could finally relax and spend time with friends, feeling at ease.
Only at times like these did he feel like his old self, able to sit at the piano after some casual chat.
The phone rang. Before Theo could pick it up, Hayden saw the screen on the table, "Ashley? Does Ashley often call you privately?"
Theo was puzzled. Since they parted on the mountain last time, they hadn't been in touch. He was busy, and there was no business connection with Ashley, so it was strange to suddenly receive her call.
Hayden was quicker, swiping to answer and putting it on speaker, "Ashley, guess who this is?"
On the other end.
Ashley was ordered to visit the Jones Group to see Theo. Unsure if Theo would be at the office, she worried that a wasted trip would be a significant time sink. To confirm his presence, she decided to call ahead.
Who knew, Hayden's voice came through the receiver.
"Are you guys together?"
Hayden, smiling, said, "You're looking for Theo, don't you want to see me too?"
Ashley rubbed her forehead with her long fingers. She was looking for Theo for work, not for fun. How could he meddle?
"Haven't I seen you enough? Besides, what's the point of seeing you? I don't want to end up in the hospital every day."
Theo took the phone and said, "We're outside. Do you want to come over?"
With the invitation, it would be a waste to refuse.
"Sure, I'll be there in a bit."
Following Theo's directions, Ashley navigated over.
After putting down the phone, Theo looked meaningfully at Damian, who was seriously drinking tea, "Did you know she would contact me?"
Damian replied, "I haven't mastered the art of foresight."
True, Ashley contacting him was probably a spur-of-the-moment decision. How could Damian have predicted it?
But it still felt like there was some connection.
At the entrance of TranquilTea Haven, the first thing she saw was a transparent roof with a black and white frame, giving off a modern vibe.
The entrance had a sign in black font. Following the cobblestone path inside, most of the walls were transparent, with evergreen plants on both sides, most of which were expensive species she couldn't name.
Truly elegant!
Climbing the steps, the building ahead was a level higher, with one side made of glass, appearing as a mirror from the outside.
Ashley instinctively thought, this style looks so much like Damian's work.
His Cloud ManHearston was just like this. Whenever he was inside, every move was under his watchful eye.
"Ashley, over here!"
Hayden pushed open the glass door, warmly extending his hand in welcome.
Ashley tilted her head and smiled at him, "Didn't expect our Dr. Moretti to enjoy such elegance. When did you switch to drinking tea?"
"Isn't it due to someone's influence? Some people just act on a whim, and we have to go along, right?"
Laughing, Ashley climbed the steps but paused upon entering.
Because in the bright and spacious tea room, sitting at the head was Damian.
Since Limehof, they hadn't been in touch, and there was no reason or need to.
Damian was seriously tasting tea, seemingly indifferent to the newcomer.
Ashley felt a bit uneasy.
Theo, sitting on the right, smiled at her, "Ashley, come sit."
"Ashley, over here!" Hayden called out, voluntarily giving up his seat on the left.
Before Ashley could refuse, Hayden had already seated her closest to Damian.
She frowned, cursing Hayden for his cunning. Whose side was he on?
The proximity allowed her to clearly smell the faint fragrance on Damian, mixed with the subtle aroma of tea, making the whole space feel refreshing, isolating the outside heat into another world.
Damian's long legs were naturally spread out, one leg extending into her space, almost touching hers.
He was focused on his tea, but Ashley felt her leg heating up, the warmth slowly spreading to her upper body, almost turning her ears red.
She uncomfortably pulled her legs together, trying not to touch him.
Theo said, "Mr. Hearst, pour Ashley a cup of tea. It's hot outside, and she must be thirsty after coming all this way."
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