Chapter 58: Unforeseen Storm

Originally, Monet had thought he would see Wendy at the Titanic Anniversary Memorial in two months. However, he was surprised to learn just half a month later that he might have difficulty seeing her in the future.

On this day, Monet had just arrived at the magazine office when Bisley approached him and said, "Editor-in-Chief, have you heard? Rui Mei Coffee is in trouble!" (Monet is currently the Deputy Chief Editor and Editor-in-Chief of "Comet" magazine.)

"What kind of trouble? What happened?" Monet asked casually.

"I heard the owner ran away with the money, and those who invested are now rushing into Rui Mei Coffee to take things!"

Monet snorted, "How much money can they steal?"

Bisley agreed, "Exactly, that's what I'm saying. So, I heard that several people who lent money for investment have jumped off buildings!"

Upon hearing this, Monet was taken aback, as he knew the lady who borrowed money to invest in Rui Mei Coffee. He hoped she wouldn't end up jumping off a building just because of ten thousand dollars!

Monet was about to head to the café when suddenly, Christina walked over and said, "Editor-in-Chief, Jessica from the café is here to see you!"

"Please let her in!" Monet instructed repeatedly.

Monet could tell that although Jessica appeared calm on the surface, the sadness and pain in her eyes couldn't be hidden. She handed the property certificate to Monet and said, "Mr. Monet, I'm entrusting this café to you from now on."

"Jessica, what are your plans for the future?" Monet asked curiously.

With a bitter smile, Jessica replied, "I don't know yet. For now, I can only return to my hometown and try my luck there. At least there's an old house there where I can live. Unlike in Paris, where I don't even have a place to stay!"

Monet pondered for a moment and then said, "Jessica, how about this? You know I have no experience running a café, so why don't you stay and manage this café for me? I'll give you a hundred dollars a month, plus ten percent of the monthly profits!"

"Tony, are you... are you serious?" Jessica could hardly believe her ears.

Monet nodded and replied, "Of course, and tell me, can I find anyone better at managing this café than you?"

Speaking confidently about her expertise, Jessica exclaimed, "Of course not. There's no one in the whole of New York who can run this café better than me!"

However, she also knew that Monet was indirectly helping her, so she shifted the conversation gratefully, "Tony, I really don't know how to thank you. If only I had listened to your advice and hadn't invested in the first place!"

Monet advised, "Don't dwell on the past. For now, go back and manage the café. After I finish my work, I'll bring the new contract to you for signing!"

"Okay, okay, I'll go back now!" Jessica agreed repeatedly.

After Jessica left, Bisley came over with a smile and asked, "Editor-in-Chief, now that the café is yours, does that mean we can drink coffee for free?"

"If you're not asking for a salary, then not only will coffee be free, but I'll also throw in cakes!" Monet joked.

"Well, then I'll pass!"

But shortly after, Bisley came closer again and whispered, "But honestly, Editor-in-Chief, your agreement just now was a bit too enthusiastic. With the favorable conditions you offered Jessica, I think you could have taken things a step further!"

To be honest, Bisley's remark reminded Monet, and he did feel a bit regretful. He had indeed harbored some thoughts about Jessica, the alluring lady who was also the café owner. But he had to maintain a facade of a righteous gentleman and chastised, "What are you thinking? Do you think I'm the kind of person who takes advantage of others in their vulnerable moments?"

"Well, no, of course not. I was just talking about the possibilities!" Bisley replied awkwardly, then made an excuse to leave Monet's office and went to work.

After finishing a day's work, Monet came to the café with the newly printed contract. To his surprise, the café was closed, which was odd considering that this time was usually when the café had its best business. Why would Jessica put up a sign saying "Opening Tomorrow"?

Since the door was open, Monet pushed it and walked in, finding Jessica sitting in his usual spot, smiling at him. Curious, he asked, "Jessica, why isn't the café open today?"

"Because I'm waiting for you, Boss!"

"Waiting for me? Why?" Monet asked, puzzled.

"Didn't you tell me to wait for you at the café?" Jessica replied, sounding a bit dejected.

"But my intention was for you to keep the café open while waiting for me. Anyway, I just need a minute to sign the contract!"

"Oh, come on, Boss, just a minute? Then Miss Nicole must be feeling really uncomfortable!" Jessica teased.

Monet paused for a moment, then realized what she meant. He replied irritably, "I meant it takes just a minute to sign the contract, not... not what you're thinking!"

"Huh? Isn't that part of signing a contract?" Jessica asked in mock surprise.

At this point, Monet felt that if he didn't do something, he wouldn't be much of a man. After all, the woman had gone this far with her words. Besides, she had even pulled the café's curtains, making ample preparations.

So, after securely closing the door, Monet pulled Jessica into his arms, a mischievous smile on his face. "Well, shall we start signing the contract now?"

"Boss, not here... there's a bedroom!" Jessica struggled.

Monet, in a domineering tone, replied, "Right here is perfect. It's much more exciting!"

After a stormy encounter, Jessica managed to get up from the couch, then reached the counter and took out a contract, handing it to Monet. "Boss, from now on, I'll be waiting for you every day. How about we sign this contract?"

Monet took the contract, glanced at it, and "regretfully" said, "I just lost five thousand dollars during that nap!"

"Who said it was just a nap? Didn't I tell you? Boss, you can come find me every day. I'll be waiting for you. It's all about a sense of security, you know? Otherwise, what if you get upset one day and fire me? Then I'd have to go back home!" Jessica coquettishly protested.

Nowadays, five thousand dollars wasn't a significant amount for Monet. He could earn it back in about two months, and he hadn't lost it all. He could still recover a bit each month. Plus, he had gained Jessica, a beautiful woman, through this deal. So, he gladly agreed.