Chapter 300 - 298: What Normal Person Drinks a "Hot Americano"?

"Mom, that’s the right way to think!"

Cecilia Sterling was delighted to hear this and wholeheartedly supported her mother’s decision to change her deep-rooted spending habits. "Money is meant to be spent. If you don’t spend it, what’s the point of earning it?"

Her daughter had said this to her more than once, but today was the first time Jasmine truly understood its meaning.

’You can only experience the joy of spending money by actually spending it.’

"Why didn’t Estelle come back with you all?"

Jasmine Sterling asked, having noticed someone was missing.

Cecilia Sterling explained, "Today is one of Estelle’s good friends’ birthday. She went out around noon."

Jasmine Sterling nodded in understanding. She then walked over, led Blair to the sofa, and said, "Come here, Blair. Auntie picked out gifts for all of you while I was shopping today. Since Estelle isn’t here, you two can take hers back to her tomorrow."

As she spoke, Jasmine Sterling produced two exquisite shopping bags. The logo on the packaging was from Tom Ford.

Blair was overwhelmed. ’I can’t believe Auntie bought us gifts while she was out shopping!’

"I wasn’t sure what you young ladies like, but Estelle’s mother said you can’t go wrong with perfume. It’s something girls can always use. See if you like them."

Blair quickly replied, "I love it, thank you, Auntie."

"You’re very welcome."

Cecilia Sterling watched from the side, a look of gratification in her eyes. ’I can tell Mom’s concern for Blair is a little deeper than for Estelle. It must be because she feels more sympathy for Blair due to her family background and experiences.’

Blair was deeply moved. Ever since her mother passed away, her master’s wife had always been the one to buy her clothes and necessities as she grew up. But since her master’s wife had been hospitalized, she hadn’t received a gift from an elder in a very long time.

"Mom, what about me? What did you buy for me?"

Just then, Ethan Sterling bounced over to his mother’s side, craning his neck forward with an expectant look.

Jasmine Sterling laughed. "Of course, of course, everyone gets something. I bought you new shoes."

Then she turned to her daughter. "Cecilia, I bought you a new outfit, too."

’So, out of this huge pile of shopping bags, half the items were for us kids. Mom didn’t actually buy that much for herself.’

’Still, I’m just happy that Mom is willing to spend money on these relatively expensive brands. It seems Estelle’s idea of having our mothers become friends is having some unexpected benefits.’

Her mother’s happiness today was plain to see, written all over her face and coming straight from the heart.

That night, after getting ready for bed, Cecilia Sterling had just lain down to rest when her phone rang.

She picked it up and couldn’t help but curve her lips into a playful smile. Seeing the name "Eugene Jacobs" on the caller ID, she let the increasingly urgent ringing continue for a few moments before unhurriedly answering.

Then, she answered in a lazy tone, "Hello?"

"Miss Sterling, it’s me!"

"Mr. Jacobs?" Cecilia Sterling feigned surprise, then asked languidly, "It’s almost midnight. Don’t you sleep, Mr. Jacobs?"

"My apologies, Miss Sterling. Did I disturb you?"

"Not really. But is there something urgent you needed to call me about this late, Mr. Jacobs?" Cecilia Sterling knew perfectly well what this was about but decided to play dumb.

’What else could there possibly be between me and Eugene Jacobs?’

’It has to be about the contract.’

Eugene Jacobs didn’t keep her in suspense. He quickly explained, "Here’s the situation, Miss Sterling. We’ve revised the contract on our end, agreeing to the price you stated. If you have time tomorrow, shall we meet at the usual place to sign it?"

"So soon?" Cecilia Sterling said in feigned surprise. "Didn’t I give you a week, Mr. Jacobs? You said you needed to go back to your company for another meeting. It’s only been one day, and you already have a decision?"

Cecilia Sterling felt a surge of glee. ’I don’t even have to guess. Eugene Jacobs must have gotten an earful from Walter Lane, who undoubtedly pressured him to get this contract signed immediately. That’s why he’s so desperate.’

"Of course! How could we keep you waiting, Miss Sterling? This just proves how sincere our company is about working with you," Eugene Jacobs said, ever the smooth talker.

Cecilia Sterling deliberately made things difficult for him. "I’m afraid tomorrow won’t work. I’m quite busy the next couple of days. How does Saturday look for you, Mr. Jacobs?"

"Please, Miss Sterling, don’t say that. I won’t be able to rest until this contract is signed. You have to understand my position," Eugene Jacobs begged, his tone full of swallowed pride. "Let’s just do it tomorrow. It won’t take long to sign. If you’re busy, just give me an address and I’ll bring the contract to you."

’The more anxious he is, the more pressure Walter Lane must be putting on him.’

Cecilia Sterling remained silent, pondering for a long moment. Her silence made Eugene Jacobs even more anxious, and he quickly continued, "Miss Sterling, I am truly sincere about buying this land. Seeing as we’ve already agreed to your conditions, it’s only natural that we should sign the contract as soon as possible. That way, we can both rest easy, don’t you think?"

"Alright, fine." A wave of drowsiness washed over Cecilia Sterling, and she couldn’t be bothered to tease him any longer. She agreed reluctantly, "Nine o’clock tomorrow morning, then. I have a class at nine-thirty, so please don’t be late, Mr. Jacobs."

"I won’t, I won’t! I’ll be sure to arrive early."

After hanging up, Cecilia Sterling’s playful expression vanished. The thought of the look on Eugene Jacobs’s face tomorrow made her certain she was going to have a very good night’s sleep.

And sure enough, it was a dreamless night.

At nine in the morning, Cecilia Sterling, accompanied by Blair, arrived right on time at The Sparrow, a café that had just opened for the day. Sure enough, Eugene Jacobs was already there, sitting in their usual spot.

Cecilia Sterling noticed at a glance that Eugene Jacobs was wearing the same outfit he’d had on when they first met. ’He actually took what I said to heart!’

He scrambled to his feet to greet Cecilia Sterling. When his eyes fell on the beautiful woman beside her—who had a completely different style—a flash of admiration crossed his face.

"I didn’t realize you were bringing a friend, Miss Sterling."

Eugene Jacobs spoke first, turning to Blair. "What can I get for you to drink? Would you like a hot Americano as well?"

Blair’s brow furrowed, and she said bluntly, "Who in their right mind drinks hot Americanos?"

Ordinarily, Blair wouldn’t have been so impolite. But on the way over, Cecilia Sterling had told her she despised the man they were meeting, so Blair had no intention of being nice to him.

Eugene Jacobs was momentarily speechless. He cast an awkward glance at the hot Americano on the table that he had already ordered for Cecilia Sterling.

Blair, of course, saw it too. She immediately raised her hand to call a server over. "Two iced Americanos, please. And could you take this hot one away? Thanks."

Throughout all of this, Cecilia Sterling simply watched with a smile, making no move to stop Blair.

This made Eugene Jacobs even more embarrassed. Clever as he was, it seemed he was finally starting to understand. ’Miss Sterling’s comment about liking hot Americanos was just a polite remark, and I actually took it seriously!’

"My apologies. I overstepped," Eugene Jacobs said, forcing a strained smile as he slowly sat back down.