Chapter 1878


    Outside, the Macins 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 vi 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 Macins 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.


    Terrence 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!"


    Bet 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 Bet 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 ept it."


    Old Mr. Jarvis nced at the piece indifferently, "No need for such formalities. Speak inly."


    Bet 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,ughed 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."


    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 Macin family."


    Hearing this, Old Mr. Jarvis spoke without much interest, "The Macin family once held a century of


    schrly prestige. In earlier years, your father founded schools and shipyards aftering home from


    abroad, and became someone celebrated throughout J City. Has ite 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 ept reprimand from him.


    He knew Old Mr. Jarvis was right; the Macin family had been living off its legacy, with no one of merit


    to carry on the business. They were clinging to the reputation of a once-great house and struggling to


    survive. Terrence wanted to salvage their standing but felt powerless.


    After some thought, Terrence spoke, "Indeed, we younger generations haven''t lived up to our


    ancestors. But I''ve never forgotten to instill in them the importance of remembering our roots. The


    younger generation is still quite promising. Take my granddaughter Estelle, for example. She''s a


    protégé of Old Mr. Quintin, who has gained an international reputation."


    "Estelle," Old Mr. Jarvis murmured with an inscrutable smile.


    "Yes!" Terrence quickly responded, "Estelle is truly exceptional, much beloved by Old Mr. Quintin. I''m


    sure you''ve heard of her."


    "Was it you who nurtured her talents?" Old Mr. Jarvis inquired.


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    Terrence was taken aback.


    Old Mr. Jarvis continued, "When seeking help, you ce Estelle at the forefront. Do you remember she


    is your granddaughter in the ordinary days?"