Chương 46: A Cup of Opportunity XI

March 1971- Seattle. The office remained quiet after the door closed. For several seconds... The only sound was the faint tapping of hammers downstairs. Gregory slowly leaned back in his chair.

"... Well." Steven let out a slow breath before removing his glasses. He rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"I don't think this meeting has gone the way any of us expected." Jonathan smiled faintly.

"No."

"It certainly hasn't." He looked toward the closed office door.

"I expected an industrialist."

"I expected someone interested in numbers."

"Instead..." He laughed quietly.

"... he spent nearly two hours trying to understand who we are." Gregory nodded.

"And somehow..."

"... I don't feel like I was being interrogated."

"I feel like I was being listened to." Steven smiled.

"I was thinking exactly the same thing."

Jonathan stood and walked toward the office window. Below... Mr. Lombardi, Anthony and young James were slowly walking around the unfinished store. The older gentleman had paused beside one of the burlap sacks while speaking with James. The boy listened attentively. Then said something. Mr. Lombardi laughed warmly. Steven noticed the scene as well.

"They're close." Jonathan nodded.

"Very."

"It doesn't feel forced." Gregory folded his arms.

"I noticed something."

"The boy hardly spoke."

"But whenever Mr. Lombardi looked at him..."

"... it was almost like he was checking whether James had noticed something he hadn't." Jonathan thought about that. He had noticed it too. Several times. Not enough to be strange... But enough to suggest Enzo genuinely valued his grandson's opinions. Steven smiled.

"My grandfather used to do the same thing." Jonathan looked back.

"Really?" Steven nodded.

"He always said children notice details adults ignore." Gregory chuckled.

"Well..."

"If that's true..."

"... James is a remarkably observant ten-year-old."

The conversation gradually returned to the matter at hand. Jonathan walked back to the table. He rested both hands on the chair in front of him.

"All right."

"We should discuss the offer." Gregory became serious immediately.

"So..."

"Thirty-five thousand dollars." Steven nodded.

"For forty percent." Silence returned. Not awkward... Analytical. Jonathan finally spoke.

"Let's begin with the money." Gregory nodded.

"It changes everything." Steven quietly agreed.

"It does." Jonathan looked toward the chalkboard on the wall.

"How much working capital do we have after opening?" Steven answered almost immediately.

"If everything goes according to plan..."

"... a little over nine thousand dollars." Gregory sighed.

"And if sales are slower than expected..." Steven finished the sentence.

"We'll start burning through it." Jonathan nodded.

"Exactly." He walked toward the chalkboard. Picking up a piece of chalk... He wrote several figures already familiar to all three of them. Remaining construction expenses. Inventory. Insurance. Payroll. Advertising. He stepped back.

"Thirty-five thousand dollars doesn't simply help."

"It removes almost every immediate financial concern." Gregory quietly nodded.

"It allows us to think months ahead..."

"... instead of week by week." Steven looked down at the table.

"And..."

"... it means we never have to compromise quality simply because we're short on cash." Jonathan smiled.

"I know."

Gregory folded his arms again.

"My concern isn't the money."

"The concern is forty percent." Jonathan nodded.

"Mine too." Steven remained thoughtful.

"Forty percent is substantial."

"It is." Jonathan admitted.

"But..." He looked at both partners.

"... we'd still own sixty." Gregory immediately understood.

"No single one of us loses control." Jonathan nodded.

"Exactly."

"The three of us together remain the majority owners." Steven quietly tapped the table with one finger.

"And he specifically said..."

"... he doesn't want to run the company." Gregory smiled.

"He said that several times." Jonathan laughed.

"I think he wanted to make absolutely certain we'd believe him."

Silence followed once more. This time... It was Steven who finally spoke.

"I've been thinking about something else." Jonathan looked toward him.

"So have I." Steven smiled.

"No..."

"I mean something different." The other two waited. Steven looked toward the office door.

"Did either of you notice..."

"... that he never once criticized our business?" Gregory thought back.

"He didn't." Jonathan slowly shook his head.

"Not once."

"He asked difficult questions..."

"But every one of them was intended to understand us." Steven nodded.

"Exactly."

"I've met businessmen before."

"They usually spend their time explaining why your idea won't work." Mr. Lombardi never did. Instead...

"He asked why we believed it would." The room grew quiet again. Jonathan smiled to himself. That may have been the moment I started trusting him. Not when he mentioned the money. Not when he said "partnership." But when he spent an afternoon trying to understand their dream before placing a value on it. Gregory finally broke the silence.

"So..." He looked from Jonathan... To Steven.

"... what are the two of you thinking?" Jonathan answered first.

"I think..."

"... if we can agree on the legal protections..."

"... I want to say yes." Steven nodded almost immediately.

"So do I." Gregory smiled.

"I was hoping neither of you would make me say it first." The three friends laughed. You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story. Jonathan's expression became serious once more.

"Legal protections." Gregory nodded.

"We need them in writing." Steven agreed.

"If Mr. Lombardi truly believes everything he said..."

"... I don't imagine he'll object." Jonathan smiled.

"I don't think he will either." He looked toward the closed office door.

"Let's hear the rest of what he has in mind." Then...

"If we're satisfied..." He extended his hand into the center of the table.

"We take the next step." Gregory placed his hand on top.

"For Evergreen." Steven smiled warmly before placing his own hand above theirs.

"For Evergreen." Three friends. One dream. And perhaps... The beginning of a partnership that none of them yet realized would reshape the future of the coffee industry. 》 Friday, March 12, 1971 4: 37 p. m. Evergreen Coffee & Tea Company Seattle, Washington Jonathan walked to the office door. He rested his hand on the brass handle for a brief moment before opening it. Looking over the upstairs railing... He smiled.

"Mr. Lombardi?" Enzo looked up from the sales floor. He and James had been examining one of the wooden display shelves while Anthony spoke with one of the carpenters about the locally crafted cabinetry. Enzo smiled warmly.

"Have you reached a decision?" Jonathan nodded.

"We have."

"If you wouldn't mind joining us upstairs."

"Certainly." Enzo glanced toward Anthony.

"Shall we?" Anthony picked up his briefcase.

"Of course." James quietly followed behind his grandfather.

A minute later... The six men were once again seated around the oak table. The atmosphere had changed. Not dramatically. But noticeably. The uncertainty that had existed earlier had given way to something steadier. Mutual respect. Jonathan folded his hands.

"Mr. Lombardi..."

"We've discussed your proposal." Enzo nodded.

"And?" Jonathan smiled.

"I believe we're interested in moving forward." A genuine smile appeared on Enzo's face.

"I'm pleased to hear that." Gregory raised one finger.

"Provided..."

"... we can agree on the details." Anthony smiled.

"I was hoping you'd say that." Steven laughed.

"So was I."

Anthony opened his briefcase once more. This time... He removed a yellow legal pad instead of a prepared contract. He placed it in the center of the table.

"I'd rather write down the principal terms together."

"Then our attorneys can prepare the formal documents later." Jonathan smiled approvingly.

"That seems fair." Anthony uncapped his fountain pen.

"Very well." He looked toward Enzo.

"The investment amount?" Enzo answered immediately.

"Thirty-five thousand dollars." Anthony carefully wrote the figure. Then looked back up.

"Ownership?" Enzo replied calmly.

"Forty percent..."

"... to Vendetta Investments." Anthony wrote again. Jonathan watched each line appear on the page. There was something reassuring about seeing the agreement take shape gradually... Instead of having a lengthy legal document placed in front of them.

Anthony paused.

"The next point." He looked toward the founders.

"I believe this one came from Mr. Lombardi himself." Enzo smiled faintly.

"It did." Anthony wrote another heading. Founders. He looked toward Jonathan.

"Regardless of future ownership..."

"The company shall permanently recognize Jonathan Bradley, Gregory Bowman, and Steven Grant as the founders of Evergreen Coffee & Tea Company." Silence. Gregory smiled.

"I like the sound of that." Steven nodded.

"So do I." Jonathan looked at Enzo.

"You insisted on including this?" Enzo answered simply.

"History should remain truthful."

"You built this company."

"No investment should erase that." Jonathan slowly nodded.

"Thank you." He meant it.

Anthony continued writing.

"The next point." He looked toward Enzo. Enzo folded his hands.

"Vendetta Investments shall receive the right of first refusal." Gregory tilted his head.

"Meaning?" Anthony answered.

"If any founder ever decides to sell his shares..."

"... Vendetta Investments must first be given the opportunity to purchase them under the same terms offered by another buyer." Jonathan nodded thoughtfully.

"So..."

"... before an outsider can become our partner..."

"... you receive the first opportunity."

"Precisely." Anthony replied. Steven looked toward Jonathan.

"I actually think that's reasonable." Jonathan agreed.

"It protects everyone." Gregory nodded.

"I have no objection." Anthony added the clause to his notes.

Enzo looked toward the three founders.

"There is one more point." Jonathan listened carefully.

"I'm not asking for seats on your management team."

"I'm not asking to approve your daily decisions."

"I'm not asking to manage your employees." Gregory smiled.

"I had a feeling you weren't." Enzo chuckled.

"I simply ask that..."

"... should you ever desire advice..."

"... my door remains open."

"And if you don't ask..."

"I won't interfere." Jonathan smiled.

"I appreciate that." Steven couldn't help laughing softly.

"You may regret saying it." Enzo raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?"

"If we encounter enough problems..."

"... you may grow tired of hearing from us." The room filled with laughter. Enzo shook his head.

"I rather doubt that."

Anthony finished writing the final line. He looked over the page carefully before sliding it toward the three founders. Jonathan read each point aloud. > Proposed Principal Terms • Vendetta Investments will invest $35, 000 into Evergreen Coffee & Tea Company. • Vendetta Investments will receive 40% ownership. • Jonathan Bradley, Gregory Bowman, and Steven Grant shall always be recognized as the founders of Evergreen Coffee & Tea Company.

• Vendetta Investments shall hold the right of first refusal should any founder choose to sell shares. • Daily management and operational control shall remain with the founders unless mutually agreed otherwise. • Both parties will instruct their attorneys to prepare the formal investment agreement. Jonathan finished reading. He looked first toward Gregory. Then Steven. Both nodded almost simultaneously. Jonathan smiled. He extended his hand across the table.

"Mr. Lombardi..."

"I believe we have an agreement in principle." Enzo rose immediately.

"So do I." The two men shook hands firmly. No cameras. No reporters. No celebration. Only six people inside a modest upstairs office above an unfinished coffee shop. Gregory and Steven stood as well. Anthony smiled quietly. James watched the handshake with quiet satisfaction. No one noticed the small smile on the ten-year-old's face. Only he knew... That history had just taken a different path. Not because of one dramatic decision. But because two groups of honest businessmen had chosen to trust one another.

Outside... The afternoon clouds drifted slowly across the Seattle sky. Downstairs... Workers continued preparing the store for its grand opening. Unaware... That before the doors had even opened for their first customer... Evergreen Coffee & Tea Company had just secured not only the capital it needed... But a partner willing to stand beside it for the years ahead. 》 Friday, March 12, 1971 5: 02 p. m. Evergreen Coffee & Tea Company Seattle, Washington The handshake ended. But no one immediately sat back down.

For a few moments... The atmosphere was filled with quiet satisfaction. Jonathan smiled.

"I have to admit..."

"When I woke up this morning..."

"I never imagined we'd be shaking hands on an investment before the day was over." Enzo laughed warmly.

"Neither did I." Gregory grinned.

"I thought today would simply be introductions." Anthony smiled.

"So did I." Everyone shared another laugh. The tension that had existed only an hour earlier had completely disappeared.

Jonathan looked toward Anthony.

"So..."

"When do we begin the legal process?" Anthony answered without hesitation.

"I'll have our attorneys prepare the investment agreement as soon as I return to New York." He glanced toward Enzo before continuing.

"I imagine your attorney here in Seattle will want to review it as well." Jonathan nodded.

"Naturally." Anthony smiled.

"Good."

"I actually prefer that." Gregory raised an eyebrow.

"You do?" Anthony nodded.

"Absolutely."

"The strongest agreements..."

"... are the ones both sides understand completely."

"No surprises."

"No hidden language."

"No fine print." Steven smiled.

"I appreciate hearing that." Anthony returned the smile.

"I've spent enough years practicing law to know..."

"... confusion is the enemy of good partnerships."

Enzo looked toward Jonathan.

"Realistically..."

"How soon could everything be completed?" Jonathan thought for a moment.

"Our attorney is only a few blocks from here."

"If necessary..."

"He could begin reviewing the paperwork next week." Anthony nodded.

"Excellent."

"I believe we could complete everything before your opening." Jonathan smiled.

"That would certainly make life easier."

Gregory looked toward Enzo.

"I've been wondering about something." Enzo smiled.

"Go ahead."

"You've spoken about being a long-term partner."

"But..." Gregory hesitated for a moment.

"What exactly does that mean to you?" The room became quiet again. Enzo answered almost immediately.

"It means patience." Gregory listened carefully.

"I don't expect Evergreen to become a nationwide company overnight."

"I don't expect extraordinary profits during your first year."

"I don't expect perfection." Jonathan smiled faintly.

"That's reassuring." Enzo chuckled.

"I'd be a poor businessman if I expected perfection from a company that hasn't even opened." That drew another round of laughter. He continued.

"What I do expect..."

"... is honesty."

"If something goes well..."

"Tell me."

"If something goes badly..."

"Tell me that as well." Steven nodded slowly.

"I think we can promise that." Enzo smiled.

"Good."

"I'd much rather hear about a problem while it can still be solved..."

"... than after it's become a disaster." Anthony quietly nodded. That sentence perfectly summarized Enzo's management philosophy.

James remained quietly seated beside his grandfather. He had spoken perhaps a dozen sentences during the entire afternoon. Exactly as planned. Jonathan glanced toward him with a smile.

"James." The boy looked up.

"Yes, sir?" Jonathan smiled warmly.

"You've been remarkably patient." James smiled politely.

"I've enjoyed listening." Gregory laughed.

"I don't think I could have stayed this quiet when I was ten." James grinned.

"My grandfather says listening is usually more valuable than talking." Enzo looked toward him.

"I've said that?" James nodded innocently.

"Several times." The room erupted into laughter. Enzo shook his head with a smile.

"I suppose I have." Steven smiled at James.

"Well..."

"I hope you'll visit us again someday." James looked toward his grandfather before answering.

"I'd like that."

Jonathan stood.

"Gentlemen..."

"I'd like to show you one last thing before you leave." Enzo rose.

"We'd be delighted." The six descended the narrow staircase together. The sounds of construction grew louder with every step. On the sales floor... Most of the workers had already finished for the day. Only two remained, carefully adjusting the final display shelves. Jonathan walked toward the front windows. He stood in the center of the unfinished shop.

"This..." He slowly turned in a circle.

"... is where I hope everything begins." His voice was calm. But filled with quiet determination.

"I know it isn't much yet." Gregory smiled.

"It will be." Steven nodded.

"We've waited a long time for this." Enzo looked around the little shop one final time. The wooden shelves. The burlap sacks. The smell of freshly cut timber mixed with green coffee beans. It wasn't impressive because it was large. It was impressive because every detail reflected the care of the three men who had built it. Enzo smiled.

"I've visited factories employing thousands of people."

"I've toured enormous warehouses."

"I've negotiated inside boardrooms lined with marble." He looked around the small store once more.

"And yet..."

"I don't remember the last time I visited a place with this much hope." For a moment... No one spoke. Jonathan quietly looked around the shop. This little store... Only weeks ago... It had been an empty shell. Now... It represented everything they had worked toward. He extended his hand once more.

"Mr. Lombardi..."

"Thank you." Enzo shook it firmly.

"No..." He smiled warmly.

"Thank you..."

"... for allowing Vendetta Investments to become part of your journey." 》 Friday, March 12, 1971 5: 34 p. m. Outside Evergreen Coffee & Tea Company Seattle, Washington The six men stepped out onto the sidewalk together. The afternoon was slowly giving way to evening. The sky above Elliott Bay had turned a mixture of gray and pale orange as the sun lowered toward the Olympic Mountains. Pedestrians continued moving along the streets surrounding Pike Place Market.

Some glanced curiously toward the unfinished storefront. Most walked past without another thought. To them... It was simply another business preparing to open. None of them knew... That inside those walls, an agreement had just been reached that could change the company's future. Jonathan extended his hand once more.

"I truly hope this won't be your last visit to Seattle." Enzo smiled warmly.

"I don't believe it will be." Gregory laughed.

"Next time..."

"... hopefully we'll actually be able to sell you some coffee." Enzo chuckled.

"I'll hold you to that." Steven looked toward James.

"And perhaps next time..."

"... we'll convince you to try a cup." James smiled sheepishly.

"I'm not making any promises." The group laughed together.

Richard Foster had already brought the sedan around to the curb. He stepped out and opened the rear door.

"There you are, Mr. Lombardi."

"Thank you, Richard." Jonathan watched as Richard loaded nothing more than Anthony's briefcase into the trunk. The founders hadn't expected transportation to remain with them all afternoon. He planned everything... Jonathan thought. Even returning transportation. It was another small detail that spoke of Enzo's character.

Before entering the car... Enzo turned back toward the three founders.

"There is one request I'd like to make." Jonathan nodded.

"Of course." Enzo smiled.

"When your doors officially open..."

"I'd appreciate receiving a photograph." Gregory looked surprised.

"A photograph?" Enzo nodded.

"The six of us won't be here together."

"But I'd very much like to see the day Evergreen welcomes its first customer." Jonathan's smile widened.

"We can certainly do that." Steven added,"We'll send one as soon as it's developed."

"And another," Gregory said with a grin, "when we've survived our first week." Anthony laughed.

"I'll look forward to both."

James quietly looked up at the storefront sign. Evergreen Coffee & Tea Company. Simple. Elegant. It suited them perfectly. He imagined... For just a heartbeat... The same name appearing on larger stores. Then dozens. Then hundreds. He quickly brought himself back to the present. Not yet. There was still an enormous amount of work ahead. Growth would come... One step at a time.

Jonathan stepped closer to Enzo.

"I know we've already thanked you..."

"But I'd like to say it once more." He looked genuinely grateful.

"Thank you for believing in us before we've even opened." Enzo shook his head gently.

"I didn't invest because you've already succeeded."

"I invested because I believe you will." The words lingered. Gregory quietly smiled. Those were words he would remember for a very long time. Steven felt a renewed sense of responsibility settle upon his shoulders. Now we have to justify that faith. Not out of obligation... But because someone had placed genuine trust in them.

The three founders stood together on the sidewalk as Enzo, James, and Anthony entered the sedan. Richard closed the rear door gently before returning to the driver's seat. The engine came to life. The black sedan slowly pulled away from the curb. Jonathan raised a hand.

"So long, Mr. Lombardi!" Enzo lowered the window slightly.

"So long, gentlemen."

"We'll be speaking again very soon." Gregory waved enthusiastically.

"Safe travels!" Steven nodded with a warm smile.

"Goodbye, James." James waved back through the open window.

"Goodbye!" The sedan turned the corner and gradually disappeared into Seattle's evening traffic.

For several moments... The three founders remained standing exactly where they were. None of them spoke. Gregory was the first to break the silence.

"... Did that really happen?" Jonathan laughed softly.

"I believe it did." Steven looked back toward the storefront. The workers inside were sweeping the floor before closing for the evening. Nothing about the building itself had changed. The shelves were the same. The walls were the same. The unfinished displays were the same. And yet... Everything somehow felt different. Jonathan slipped both hands into his coat pockets.

"We've got a lot of work to do." Gregory smiled.

"More than ever." Steven nodded.

"The store opens in less than three weeks." Jonathan looked at both of his friends.

"No..." A determined smile crossed his face.

"Our store opens in less than three weeks." The three of them turned together. Without another word... They walked back inside Evergreen Coffee & Tea Company, already discussing the long list of tasks waiting for them before opening day. Above the front entrance... The unfinished sign caught the last rays of the Seattle sunset. The first chapter of Evergreen's story had not yet begun. But its future... Had quietly become a little brighter. 》 Friday, March 12, 1971 6: 08 p. m.

Inside the Sedan Seattle, Washington The black sedan rolled quietly through the evening streets. Seattle's downtown lights had begun to appear one by one as the sky slowly darkened. For several minutes... No one spoke. Richard concentrated on the road. Anthony looked out the window. James sat beside his grandfather, watching pedestrians disappear behind the rain-speckled glass. Finally... Enzo broke the silence.

"Well..." He smiled.

"What did the two of you think?" Anthony laughed quietly.

"You want the lawyer's opinion first..."

"... or the friend's?" Enzo smiled.

"The lawyer." Anthony nodded.

"Very well." He rested his briefcase on his lap.

"I think they're exactly who they appeared to be." Enzo glanced toward him.

"No performance?" Anthony shook his head.

"No."

"I've negotiated with enough people over the years."

"I've learned to recognize rehearsed answers."

"They didn't give any."

"They stopped to think."

"They admitted uncertainty."

"They admitted fear."

"They admitted they didn't know everything." Anthony smiled faintly.

"Oddly enough..."

"... that made me trust them more." Enzo nodded slowly.

"I reached the same conclusion."

Anthony continued.

"There was something else." Enzo looked at him.

"They never negotiated against one another." James quietly listened. Anthony explained.

"When Gregory spoke..."

"Jonathan listened."

"When Steven disagreed..."

"No one became defensive."

"They respected one another." He smiled.

"I've watched business partners argue over percentages before discussing the business."

"These three..."

"... spent more time protecting one another than protecting themselves." Enzo chuckled softly.

"I noticed." Anthony looked toward him.

"I think you did more than notice." Enzo raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?" Anthony laughed.

"You were testing them." James smiled to himself. Grandpa had indeed been testing them. Not their intelligence... Their character.

Enzo leaned comfortably against the seat.

"I've always believed..."

"... good businesses can survive ordinary management."

"But poor partnerships..."

"... destroy even extraordinary businesses." Anthony nodded.

"I couldn't agree more."

James had remained silent since leaving the shop. Enzo looked toward him.

"And what about you?" James looked up.

"Hm?"

"You've hardly said a word." James smiled sheepishly.

"I was thinking." Anthony laughed.

"That's never a simple answer with you." James looked back out the window for a moment before speaking.

"I think..."

"They're genuine." Neither Enzo nor Anthony interrupted.

"They don't want to become rich as quickly as possible."

"They want to build something they're proud of." Anthony smiled.

"That's exactly what I thought." James nodded.

"And..." He paused briefly.

"I don't think they'll waste the opportunity." Enzo watched his grandson carefully.

"Opportunity?" James nodded.

"They understand what thirty-five thousand dollars means."

"They weren't excited because it was a lot of money."

"They were relieved..."

"... because it gives them room to breathe." Anthony smiled.

"That's a very good observation." Enzo looked out the window thoughtfully.

"Yes..."

"It is."

For a while... The conversation drifted elsewhere. They spoke about Seattle. The weather. The harbor. The friendliness of the people they had met. Eventually... Anthony looked toward Enzo again.

"Do you think they'll accept every clause once the attorneys become involved?" Enzo answered without hesitation.

"I believe they'll negotiate." Anthony smiled.

"I hope they do."

"So do I." Enzo replied. James looked between them. Anthony noticed.

"Wondering why?" James nodded. Anthony smiled.

"If someone accepts every single clause immediately..."

"I start wondering whether they've read them carefully." Enzo laughed.

"A negotiation should improve an agreement."

"Not prevent one." James nodded thoughtfully. Another lesson quietly filed away.

6: 32 p. m. Olympic Hotel Richard stopped beneath the hotel's covered entrance. A porter hurried over.

"Welcome back, gentlemen."

"Thank you." Enzo stepped out first. Anthony followed. James took one last glance toward the evening skyline. The trip to Seattle had lasted only a few hours so far. Yet... It had already become one of the most important business journeys of Enzo's life. The three entered the hotel together. The warmth of the lobby welcomed them immediately. The pianist was still playing softly near the fireplace. Several guests sat reading newspapers. Others enjoyed quiet conversations over dinner cocktails.

At the reception desk... The concierge smiled as soon as he recognized them.

"Welcome back, Mr. Lombardi."

"I hope your afternoon was successful." Enzo returned the smile.

"It exceeded my expectations." The concierge seemed pleased.

"I'm delighted to hear that." After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the three headed toward the elevators. As the elevator doors closed... Anthony glanced toward Enzo with a grin.

"So..."

"Dinner?" Enzo laughed.

"I thought you'd never ask." James smiled.

"I was wondering when someone would mention food." Anthony pretended to look shocked.

"The most important member of our party has finally spoken." That earned a laugh from both Enzo and James. The elevator climbed quietly toward the fourth floor. For a little while... Business could wait. Tonight... There would simply be dinner, conversation... And perhaps, before bed, the quiet satisfaction of knowing that Vendetta Investments had just found its very first partner. 》 Friday, March 12, 1971 7: 18 p. m.

The Olympic Hotel Restaurant Seattle, Washington The maître d' greeted them with a courteous smile.

"Good evening, Mr. Lombardi."

"Your table is ready."

"Thank you." He led the three through the softly lit dining room. Unlike the bustling restaurants of Manhattan... The atmosphere here was calm. Relaxed. Businessmen spoke quietly over dinner. A family celebrated a birthday near the fireplace. The faint sound of a piano drifted in from the hotel lobby. The maître d' pulled out a chair.

"I hope you enjoy your evening." Enzo smiled.

"I'm certain we will."

A waiter soon arrived with three menus.

"My name is Charles."

"I'll be taking care of you this evening." He poured each of them a glass of ice water before excusing himself to allow them time to decide. Anthony closed his menu first.

"I don't suppose anyone feels like discussing contracts over dinner." Enzo laughed.

"I sincerely hope not." James smiled.

"I thought Grandpa had a rule." Anthony looked over.

"What rule?"

"No business during dinner." Enzo nodded approvingly.

"I do have that rule." Anthony chuckled.

"I've broken it more than once."

"And I've reminded you more than once." The three laughed.

After placing their orders— Enzo chose grilled salmon. Anthony ordered roast beef. James settled on roasted chicken with mashed potatoes— The conversation naturally returned to the afternoon. Not the legal details. But the people. Anthony leaned back comfortably.

"Jonathan surprised me." Enzo nodded.

"In what way?"

"I expected him to dominate every conversation." Anthony admitted.

"Instead..."

"... he constantly invited Gregory and Steven to answer."

"He never tried to speak for them." Enzo smiled.

"A good leader." Anthony nodded.

"The best kind."

"He didn't need to prove he was in charge."

James quietly added,"I noticed something too." Enzo looked toward him.

"When Gregory talked about customers..."

"... Jonathan smiled before he even finished." Anthony frowned slightly.

"What do you think that means?" James thought for a moment.

"I think..."

"... he's heard Gregory say those things many times."

"But..."

"He still likes hearing them." Enzo smiled.

"That's an interesting observation." James shrugged modestly.

"They seemed proud of each other." Anthony looked toward Enzo.

"I hadn't thought of it that way."

Their meals arrived a few minutes later. The waiter carefully placed each plate before them.

"I hope everything is to your liking."

"It looks wonderful." Enzo replied. The waiter inclined his head before quietly stepping away. For several minutes... Only the sounds of cutlery and quiet conversation filled the table.

Halfway through dinner... Anthony smiled.

"I have a prediction." Enzo looked up.

"Oh?" Anthony nodded.

"I think Gregory will be the one constantly coming up with new ideas." Enzo laughed.

"I agree." Anthony continued.

"Jonathan will decide which ones are practical."

"And Steven..." He smiled.

"... will remind both of them not to sacrifice quality." James couldn't help laughing.

"That sounds exactly like them." Enzo nodded.

"It does."

For a moment... The conversation drifted into comfortable silence. Then Enzo looked thoughtfully toward James.

"You were very disciplined today." James looked slightly surprised.

"I was?"

"You spoke only when someone spoke to you."

"You observed."

"You listened."

"And when you did answer..."

"You sounded exactly like a curious ten-year-old." James smiled.

"That wasn't difficult." Anthony laughed.

"No..."

"It probably wasn't." Enzo's expression softened.

"You handled yourself well." James felt quietly pleased. Praise from his grandfather was never exaggerated. Which made it all the more meaningful.

After dinner... The waiter returned with the check. Enzo reached for it automatically. Anthony shook his head.

"I already know." Enzo smiled.

"You know what?"

"That you're paying." The older man laughed.

"I invited you."

"It would be rather impolite otherwise." Anthony raised his hands in surrender.

"I'll save my argument for another evening."

8: 31 p. m. Room 418 — Olympic Hotel Back in their room... Enzo removed his jacket and carefully hung it in the wardrobe. James loosened his tie before sitting near the window. Outside... Seattle shimmered beneath the evening lights. For a while... Neither spoke. Finally... Enzo walked over and stood beside his grandson.

"What are you thinking about?" James looked out toward the harbor.

"I'm happy." Enzo smiled.

"So am I." James turned toward him.

"I think they'll do well." Enzo nodded slowly.

"I believe so too." He rested one hand gently on James's shoulder.

"But remember..."

"A good investment isn't judged after one meeting."

"It isn't judged after one year."

"It's judged after many years." James nodded.

"I know." Enzo smiled warmly.

"And that's exactly why..."

"... we'll be patient." The two stood quietly by the window for another minute. Neither realized it... But several hundred miles away, in New York... Tomorrow morning's newspapers would carry another story entirely. While in London... Thomas would finally receive the check for one of the most successful wagers of his life. History... Never wait for just one story at a time.