"Please, sit."
Manny and Roxy politely invited Jane and Lilian to have a seat.
Tony and Susan capitalized on the fact that they were elders and only nodded at the
two ladies, considering that as having greeted them.
Jane simply nodded back.
Jane and Lilian sat down on a two-seater sofa facing Tony and Susan.
Manny and his daughter sat on their left and right in single-seater sofas.
An employee soon served some tea and snacks.
"Please have some tea, ladies."
With a smile, Tony invited them to have tea before continuing, "Thirty years ago, I've been to Annenburg multiple times and had dealings with the men of your family once or twice, so I'd say we're acquaintances.
Jane did not speak, while Lilian commented, "Mr. Longbottom might be considered acquainted with the men of our family because you've had dealings with them, but we've never met, so we're strangers.
"There's no way you sent your men to invite us over just to have a meal, isn't that so? I don't like beating around the bush, so just say what you want to say."
Jane picked up her cup of tea and brought it to her lips as if she was drinking from it, but did not actually sip any of it. While Lilian spoke, she looked at her with a calm expression.
Once Lilian finished speaking, she put down her cup and agreed, "Indeed. Mr. Longbottom, whatever you invited us over to hear, you can get on with it."
Tony chuckled and said, "Both Mrs. Johnsons are the straightforward sort, I see. "We could treat you two to a meal, but we're just afraid you wouldn't dare eat."
Not afraid of offending him, Lilian said, "That's true, if you had, Jane and I wouldn't dare touch it for fear of being poisoned.
"So there's no need to beat around the bush any longer, Mr. Longbottom. Just tell us what you want."
Tony internally groused a little but maintained a polite smile and attitude.
There were quite a few prominent families backing these two women, especially Lilian, who was called the miracle healer. Countless bigwigs, who were her patients, viewed her as their lifesaver. They respected her highly.
Even without the Johnsons backing her, no one would truly dare do anything to Dr. Carden.
"Then I'll just come right out with it.
"Did you two come over from Annenburg for a holiday or to visit family?
"I heard the boss of Longtail Group, Laurence Young, who refuses to show his real face, personally picked you up from the airport. If I may have the liberty of asking, what is his relationship with the two of you?"
Jane retorted, "Are you tracing his family tree or something? That's our private matter. I don't see a need to tell you."
Lilian backed her up. "So what if we're here to visit family, or for a holiday? Does Havenmill forbid non-locals over? Do we have to report to the Longbottoms when we arrive?"