Chapter 1076

In no time, the Harrison family was already thinking about handing the reins of the family business over to Josefina. Wasn't that a bit over the top? Some folks weren't buying it, thinking it was all just a bunch of hot air.

"Josie's got such talent, Oliver's truly lucky to have found such a capable partner," someone commented. Cole plastered on a polite smile, not really giving much thought to the chatter. But Grandpa Robert, he wasn't fooled by Cole's act.

"Exactly, Oliver's a fortunate guy. He was always hanging around, practically lived here just to see my granddaughter. If he hadn't treated her so well, I might not have even agreed to the marriage."

Makiko and Cole shared a look, both thinking, "Really? Keep bragging, and that ego of yours is gonna burst."

Cole chuckled awkwardly. "A fine lady like Josie is a rare find. Of course, Oliver wouldn't let her slip away easily."

With that, Cole popped open a gift box, revealing some fancy tea leaves. "Drake, I thought I'd swing by to see you and Emmy. This tea is from a rare tree up in the snowy mountains, worth a fortune. You don't come across stuff like this every day."

Cole felt a swell of pride. Surely, the Harrison family had never laid eyes on tea like this before. Tea from that tree was worth a million a pound, a real treasure.

Grandpa Robert just said, "Oh, it does sound pricey."

Cole and Makiko were caught off guard. What kind of answer was that? Didn't they get the significance of this gift? Had the Harrison family ever tasted tea this rare?

Josefina noticed the emotions written all over Makiko and Cole's faces. Oh, so they were here to show off, huh?

Just then, Annika came in with a pot of tea, filling the room with its rich aroma. A single whiff and you knew this was something special. Cole felt a twinge of recognition, the scent was oddly familiar. Makiko's face fell; she realized it too—it was the snowy mountain tea.

Pnet

Cole realized soon enough. The very tea he thought was so exclusive had already been enjoyed by the Harrison family. Emily chimed in with a bright smile, "This is the tea Josie brought back. She brought back twenty pounds of it and told us to enjoy it. There's plenty more where that came from."

Makiko and Cole's faces burned with embarrassment, the kind that makes you want to check if your cheeks are still there. Cole awkwardly said, "Drake, so you already have this tea at home."

Grandpa Robert replied, "Plenty of it, actually. Cole, why don't you take your tea back for your dad? I know he enjoys a good brew."

Cole forced a grin, feeling the sting of awkwardness. Makiko felt similarly out of place, as if everyone was secretly laughing at her.

"Drake, Emmy, Josie, we'll be heading off now. Wilder's just started managing the company, and he's got a lot to learn. I'd better go check on him."

Grandpa Robert offered, "Cole, why don't you and your wife stay for dinner?"

"Drake, maybe another time. There's always next time."

Grandpa Robert didn't push. He wasn't quite sure if Cole and Makiko were friends or not. If they were friends, it was wise to keep a bit of

distance. If not better to show them the door content

Josefina stood up. "Cole, Makiko, next time you come over, you've got to stay for dinner."

Makiko smiled in acknowledgment. Cole responded, "Of course, we'll definitely stay for a meal next time."

As Makiko and Cole walked through the Harrison family's garden, Makiko's gaze instinctively drifted toward the east.