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That evening, Amon Midas requested for a radio interview. He explained that the woman in the pictures was only a business partner and a friend, and that he's responsible for her safety because she was previously a guest at his residence. Having the radio interview did not only aim to clear up the misunderstandings regarding him and Juliane, but it was also a means to advertise the upcoming Fruits and Vegetables Trading Center.
As expected from him, the interview gave positive results, and in a few days, several investors in and out of the Eudaemora Region informed Amon of their interest in the business venture. And while meetings here and there were being held, the self-proclaimed, grumpy Cupid narrowed down his list for Juliane's prospective husband.
Amon fetched Juliane from Grythwill City Hospital. Now with a new driver, the two of them sat at the comfort of the backseat.
"Mister, thanks for the help with the misunderstanding. I heard it from the radio-"
"I did it to advertise my business."
As usual, Amon had his reasons. Juliane sighed, "Nevertheless, thanks, anyway… I see you have a new driver," she quickly switched her attention, "Hello there, sire."
The driver glanced at Juliane through the rearview mirror and greeted her politely. Seeing the interaction between them, Amon felt oddly disappointed.
Furrowing his brows, he asked Juliane, "Are you going to be this friendly to every man you encounter?"
What kind of question was that?! Juliane couldn't understand where it came from. Wasn't it only natural to greet a new employee who's in the same space?
WIth annoyance evident in her eyes, Juliane answered Amon, "Excuse me, mister. I am just being polite."
"What if your soon-to-be husband gets jealous with that attitude of yours?" Amon said in a cold tone.
"If he's as toxic as you described, I'd divorce him then… No, it's better not to marry that person in the first place."
"I pity your husband, whoever he will be…" he muttered. During their awkward drive to the reserved restaurant, the driver remained silent on their trip as Juliane kept on bickering with Amon until they arrived at their destination.
When they arrived, Juliane was quite surprised to hear that the restaurant was well known around the city. Only those capable of spending gold coins could enter, as it was a restaurant for rich people like Amon Midas. For Juliane's first set-up date, he went all out and reserved the whole restaurant, thinking that this would guarantee that he would marry Juliane to a wealthy man so that the Joharas wouldn't bother him anymore.
Amon led Juliane in the cushioned seat, "Don't embarrass me. I told him you're a fine lady."
"Are you close with the guy?" she inquired.
"Can't say we're close, but we had some successful business deals these past few months… ah, there he is."
Walking towards them was a man dressed in a gray suit, with long, shiny silver hair tied at the back. He had tan brown-colored skin, a feature of a foreigner, and dark gray irises like the color of stormy clouds.
The man smiled sweetly at Juliane, "Good day. I am Elmer Evermead," he uttered, then kissed the back of Juliane's hand.
Juliane's cheeks turned red as a tomato, "I… I am Juliane Johara, pleased to meet you!"
Elmer took the seat across Juliane. Looking as if everything's all set, Amon excused himself and left their sight. After asking the manager of the restaurant to serve them the most exquisite wine, the young master left and entered his automobile to wait.
Amon was confident that the set-up was perfect. It would be up to Juliane if she could catch Elmer Evermead's attention…
But… what was this unsettling feeling? Again, he feels deep inside him not to leave Juliane alone.
Maybe it was only nervousness from being a first-time matchmaker? Besides, he made sure to check Mr. Evermead's background and also made sure of the tight security around the restaurant.
Yes, nothing should go wrong this time.
As Amon contemplated his odd feeling, Juliane and Elmer started the 'getting to know each other' conversation.
"I am the youngest among the Evermead brothers… In case you haven't heard, I have ten older brothers and we're involved in the transportation business. Five of them manage the trains in the train stations around the region, while the others, including me, are involved in the assembly of trains and automobiles…"
With such an impressive person as a date, Juliane couldn't help but be blinded with the light of success that Elmer Evermead showed. Could she handle being part of the rich people's circle?
"How about you, Ms. Johara. What do you do as Mr. Midas' business partner?"
The sudden question made Juliane feel a pang on her chest. She had no impressive family background, nor some educational background to be proud of. What she had was only her skills in growing crops. How could she boast such a shallow skill?
"I… I only sold the farm to Mr. Midas."
Noticing that Juliane was uncomfortable with the question, Elmer figured she was hiding something. Nevertheless, he tried to carry on with the conversation, "I heard about the farm, yes. I heard it's going to be a Fruits and Vegetables Trading Center? Could you tell me more about it?"
"Apologies, but…" Juliane looked away, "Actually, Mr. Midas hadn't discussed yet in full details. I have no idea…"
"I see. Mr. Midas is truly a discreet person," Elmer sipped some of the wine, wanting to get rid of the awkwardness. It was already his 10th blind date for the year, so as much as possible, he wanted to meet someone he could get along with. With nothing else to ask, Elmer inquired, "If I may ask, what do your parents do?"
"My father's out of the city, and my mother… well, she's taking care of my sister in the hospital."
"Oh, what happened to her? Why is she in the hospital?"
"She had a weak body, so… Uhh how about we talk about happy things?"
Elmer widened his eyes, feeling that he had opened up such a sensitive topic, "Sure, how about we talk about your hobbies?"
Juliane was taken aback with the question. When talking about a hobby, there was only one word in her mind.
"Farming…"
"That's… interesting, Ms. Johara." It was obvious from Elmer's face that he was forcing a smile.
That was it, the final sign.
Juliane immediately stood up from her seat. Bowing in shame, she told him in pure honesty, "I'm sorry… It seems we do not match."
Elmer widened his eyes. He didn't mean to offend her; he only wanted to get to know her better. Besides, he already planned to make her his wife, in order to keep his siblings from pestering him to get married… he decided not to be picky.
Wanting to resolve the problem, Elmer responded, "Apologies, have I offended you? I-"
But heavy steps could be heard, and seeing the current scene caused Amon to ask in a cold tone, "What's going on?" It seems he was not pleased to see Juliane bowing in front of the man.
"Mister, I can't do this anymore," Juliane uttered with teary eyes. She held the end of Amon's sleeve, "Never mind that clause of the contract, I-"
But Amon interrupted her and shook his head, because he didn't want anybody to know the contents of the contract, "Go back to the automobile, I'll handle the rest."
Trusting him, the potato lady ran out of the restaurant. Amon sighed, and faced Elmer with a straight face, "Apologies, it seems like you said something that struck a chord with the lady."
"If I may ask, why do you help Ms. Johara? I mean… it's unusual for you to be involved with a woman."
Amon figured Elmer Evermead was someone whose curiosity caught Juliane off guard. It seemed he was one who'd throw questions without too much thinking.
"That's none of your business, Mr. Evermead. Anyway, thanks for your time," the young master responded curtly, before leaving the confused young man in the empty restaurant hall.