Jacob checked the time and quickly walked over to Leo, smiling as he said, “Dr. Leo, please wait a moment. We have a guest arriving soon. After we get acquainted, how about we go for breakfast together?”
Leo nodded in agreement.
A few minutes later, Jason arrived with two people. One was a man in his fifties, dressed in a casual suit with gold-rimmed glasses. The other was a woman in professional attire, carrying a briefcase, likely his assistant or secretary.
Seeing them, Jacob greeted them warmly, “Jason, this must be Master Obrien?”
Jason nodded and introduced, “Yes, this is the renowned geomancy and antique expert, Master Obrien!”
“Master Obrien, this is my younger brother, Jacob.”
Jason glanced at Leo but made no move to introduce him.
It was evident that Master Obrien’s eyes flashed with pride as Jason introduced him.
Master Obrien politely shook Jacob’s hand and then looked at Leo, asking curiously, “And who might this be?”
Leo recognized Master Obrien as the antique expert Jason had mentioned at dinner the previous night.
Hearing the question, Jason finally smiled and said, “Master Obrien, this is Leo. He’s a traditional doctor with some knowledge of antiques. Our father wants to take him to Springhill Gardens this afternoon.”
“What? A young traditional doctor attending the auction with me?” Master Obrien’s calm demeanor changed to one of disdain. “I was told only I would be invited. What is this now?”
“Do you know who I am? Not just anyone can accompany me!”
As a renowned geomancy and antique expert, Master Obrien was used to being highly esteemed and respected.
Throughout his career, he had been received by prime ministers and presidents, which had fostered an arrogant attitude.
If it weren’t for the Bloomer family’s prominence and Nicholas’s significant status, Master Obrien wouldn’t have bothered to come as their antique consultant.
Given these factors, Master Obrien felt slighted by the invitation of a young man close in age to his own son.
“Master Obrien, I did only invite you, but my father…” Jason struggled to explain, knowing that his father’s invitation to Leo was a last-minute decision.
This was why Jason had tried to dissuade Nicholas at dinner the previous night.
“Mr. Bloomer, there’s no need to explain. Just have this young man leave now, and I’ll pretend nothing happened,” Master Obrien said firmly.
“Master Obrien, please don’t be upset. Have a cigarette,” Jacob offered a high-end cigarette to Master Obrien with a smile. “Let Dr. Leo join us; he might even be helpful at the auction.”
Jacob’s words only made Master Obrien’s expression colder. “Mr. Jacob, I don’t smoke and I don’t need anyone’s help! In geomancy and antique appraisal, I am second to none in Atraria!”
Leo couldn’t help but smirk at Master Obrien’s arrogance.
Jacob was at a loss for words in the face of such arrogance.
Jason maintained his respectful demeanor and said with a smile, “Master Obrien, Dr. Leo was invited by my father. I believe my father does not doubt your abilities. He probably wants Dr. Leo to gain some experience and witness your expertise.”
Leo glanced at Jason, feeling displeased. If it weren’t for his promise to Nicholas and his disdain for Master Obrien’s arrogance, he would have left already.
Unexpectedly, Master Obrien remained unmoved. “Even if it’s to witness my expertise, it’s not acceptable! My skills and knowledge are my exclusive domain; not everyone can observe and learn from them!”
“Mr. Bloomer, I agreed to help today because of our friendship and my respect for Nicholas. Otherwise, I’d be attending a prince’s banquet in Dubai.”
Master Obrien’s half-truths only made Jason’s smile more strained. He then turned to Leo with a less friendly expression and said, “Dr. Leo, perhaps you should rest at our home. After the auction, I’ll arrange for someone to take you back to Langstel.”
Even Leo’s patience was wearing thin. He replied coldly, “Mr. Bloomer, remember that it was your father Nicholas who invited me to the auction, not you. You have no authority to instruct me.”
“Leo, you!” Jason was furious but helpless.
Jacob quickly intervened, “Jason, Dr. Leo was invited by our father. Asking him to stay home is inappropriate.”
“Mr. Bloomer, if you can’t make him leave, then I’ll leave,” Master Obrien said disdainfully as he made a move to turn away.
Jason quickly stepped in to stop him, forcing a smile again. “Master Obrien, please don’t be angry.”
Turning to Jacob with a commanding tone, Jason said coldly, “Jacob, take Dr. Leo back to his room to rest. You know how important this auction is!”
“Jason, what about father…” Jacob hesitated despite his reluctance, considering the auction’s significance for the Bloomer family.
“I’ll explain it to father!” Jason said decisively.
By now, Master Obrien had realized that Leo seemed to hold some weight with Nicholas.
Forcing Leo out in front of the Bloomer brothers would leave a bad impression on Nicholas.
Master Obrien’s eyes gleamed with calculation as he said magnanimously and confidently, “Mr. Bloomer, Mr. Jacob, I don’t want to make things difficult for you.”
“Since this young man was invited by Nicholas, let’s let Nicholas decide.”