The Coffee Grotto.
When Stella arrived for her appointment, an elderly man was already seated, leisurely brewing tea.
She checked the time on her phone. She wasn't late; the old man was just early.
"Mr. Vaughn," she greeted him.
The man looked to be in his seventies, dressed in a traditional white silk tunic. His white hair was immaculately combed, without a single strand out of place.
Though his face bore the deep lines of age, his eyes were sharp and piercing, completely devoid of any cloudiness, radiating a profound, restrained intensity.
Everything about him screamed of an unyielding, righteous authority.
"Little Star, you're here. Come sit down. I brewed this tea especially for you."
When he spoke, his voice was robust and full of vigor, showing no signs of frailty, yet carrying an undeniable, commanding weight.
Unfazed, Stella casually walked over and took a seat opposite him.
If there was one thing she had plenty of experience in, it was dealing with eccentric old men. Her five mentors each had wildly different and utterly bizarre personalities.
"Thank you, Mr. Vaughn." Without standing on ceremony, she picked up the cup and took a sip.
The Coffee Grotto sold a wide variety of premium teas and sets, with the second floor dedicated to private brewing areas for VIP guests.
They were currently seated in a quiet corner on that very floor.
"Little Star, I asked you out today because there's something I want to discuss with you," Wilfred stated directly.
"Mr. Vaughn, you're being so formal, you're making me nervous." Was this old man about to rope her into another one of his sketchy schemes?
How was he supposed to transition smoothly now?
He cleared his throat. "Here's the thing, Little Star. I want to introduce you to an outstanding young man. He's wealthy, capable—what do you say?"
Stella was slightly taken aback. Was this old man trying to play matchmaker?
Seeing her surprised expression, the old man pressed his case. "He really is exceptional. Not only does he know how to run a business, but he's incredibly reliable. He doesn't mess around, zero scandals. He'd be a perfect match for you."
Stella let out a soft laugh. "Mr. Vaughn, I appreciate you trying to play Cupid, but I'm afraid I have to decline."
The old man grew anxious. "Why? Why don't you at least meet him first? If you don't like him, you can turn him down then. It would be a real shame to pass this up. He's incredibly handsome, and you're gorgeous. Your children would have phenomenal genes."
Hearing the old man's pitch, Stella immediately thought of Julius.
Julius was incredibly handsome, and she confidently considered herself beautiful. If she and Julius ever had kids, they'd probably be stunning too!

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