Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism novel Chapter 709

Jasper didn't call anyone when he arrived. Instead, he quietly sat at the bar counter, sipping his drink.

Even though the staff at Mystique had been replaced a few times, Skyler, the manager, remained.

Skyler came over upon hearing Jasper's arrival.

"Hello, Jasper. I haven't seen you for a long time."

Jasper looked over and smiled slightly. "Yes, it's been a while. You're still around."

Skyler smiled politely. "Yes, I've thought about leaving. But once I step out of Mystique, I'm not sure where I'd go. So I've stayed. Guess I've gotten too comfortable here."

"Sit down and have a drink with me."

"Sure."

The two sat together at the bar counter, catching up like old friends after a long absence.

The bartender poured a drink for Skyler too. Seeing the wine, Skyler suddenly remembered something.

"Jasper, is this the new wine? You probably forgot, but the wine you stored here before you left is still in the cellar. It hasn't been finished."

"Oh?"

Jasper wasn't surprised he'd forgotten. After being away for a few years, it was natural.

Skyler gestured for the bartender to retrieve the wine from the cellar.

"Jasper, don't think too much of it. I just figured it'd be a shame for such good wine to go to waste."

The wine had appreciated over time, and what Jasper had paid back then wouldn't compare to its value now.

Leaning back in his chair, Jasper asked casually, "How many bottles did I store back then?"

"Three. You drank two. There's still one left unopened."

"Now I remember," Jasper recalled having purchased them to cheer up a waiter.

"That waiter's gone, right?"

"Yes, she left a while ago. Surprised you still remember her."

"I have an impression of her."

"She returned to her studies after saving enough. It's been a few years now, so she's probably graduated by now."

The bartender returned with the wine.