Walking around the museum both Austin Dre and Lee felt as if they were already à part of history.
At that time there was a commotion outside.
A convoy of more than ten cars arrived and Parker outside.
The cars were Rolce Royce models.
When the owners stepped outside, they exuded an air of prominence and power.
The people around were mesmerized by this development.
Inside, Austin Dre remained oblivious to any such events. "Austin Dre, long no see," said a croaky, somewhat old.
Austin Dre turned around with a joyful smile and then acclaimed happily.
"Mister Daudi Kosov," he called out.
There stood a man in his sixties; even though he looked younger, the long flowing hair on his head was all white. He looked like an old devil out of meditation after a long time.
"The keeper of Quezon Museum," he was smiling monotonously.
The two men embrace, and then Austin Dre introduces Lee.
"Nice to meet you also Mister Kosov," Lee smiled back.
"Well, let's get all this to my office. At least we can have some brewed tea there, "Mister Kosov said jokingly.
The two chuckled and then followed the old man to his office.
Sitting around a round table, the three men savored the tea with great relish.
The rich herbal tea had a comforting aroma, blending earthy, floral, and spicy notes. Its fragrance carried hints of lavender, chamomile, and mint, creating a soothing presence. When tasted, it revealed a smooth and complex flavor—naturally sweet, balanced with a gentle bitterness and a touch of citrus brightness. Some sips felt mellow and calming, while others sparked a zesty or slightly peppery sensation.
"This tea? " even Lee had no words to describe it.
"I know, I know," Mister Kosov said somewhat dismissively.
"This tea was a gift from a friend of mine, from a visit to the Middle East, he called it, when is it, yeah it was Zhourat Tea– A fragrant Lebanese and Syrian herbal blend made with dried rose petals, lavender, hibiscus, chamomile, thyme, sage, mint, and balm mint. This tea offers a soothing and floral taste with earthy undertones." He was raising his cup in the àir.
"That's very rich Mister Kosov," Austin Dre said.
"And what's up with all that Mister Kosov crap? Tell me, Austin, what is it?" Austin sighed.
"Oh, my friend, you know me too well," he smiled bashfully.
"Before that," Austin started.
"About our project," he continued.
"Are you thinking of going back?" Asked Mister Kosov with sparkling eyes.
Austin smiled wryly and said, "I am thinking about it,".
"That's great, I can't wait," his joy was palpable.
"I think it's time I started doing something for myself," he continued.
"I will be expecting the formal reports of the initial status of the project,"
"That can happen, you also need to come in," he said.
"I understand,"
Just then there was a knock at the door.
"Come in," Mister Kosov called out.
The door was pushed open slightly, and then a young, beautiful woman dressed elegantly walked in.
"Sir, there is..." When she saw Austin her voice piped down.
She smiled broadly, exposing two dimples, which made her look even more charming.
"Austin, you are here," she yelled happily, then stepped forward and embraced him.
"Violet," he called out.
"Oh, I am sorry, sur, it's just that," She looked abashed as she tried to explain herself.
Mister Kosov raised his hand to signal her to stop, then asked calmly, "What's going on, Violet?"
"Oh, there are people outside; they claim to want to be your guests. I didn't know it, you, Austin," she looked at Austin charmingly and looked away instantly, lye, a blush flashpoint her glowing face.
"My guests," Mister Kosov was alarmed. He glanced at Austin's question, only, but he shook his head.
"Who did they say they were?" He probed further.
"I don't know, but there were at least ten cars we didn't recognize the main figure," she explained.
"So, what now?"
Lee suggested, "Austin, Lemme go check it out first if it's a... You know you be ready to leave," he said his eyes flashing with cold intent.
Austin nodded, "be careful,"
Lee nodded back and he followed Violet out of the room.
"What was all that?" Mister Kosov was troubled.
"Do you have any idea about it?" He asked.
Austin hesitated. He looked deep in thought.
"I don't know?" He finally said.
Mister Kosov wasn't convinced. He glared at him and then asked incredulously.
"Is that so?" Austin was confused.
"What?" He asked.
"I know that look, Austin. Give me the pointers," he teased.
"Okay, okay," Austin breathed out heavily.
"It's just that, recently after ending things with Sonya..." Mister Kosov cut him short.
"You said what?" He asked his tone high with apprehension.
"Breaking up with Sonya Clay?" He was somewhat taken aback by Kosov's sudden outburst.
"That's amazing; when did it happen? I always knew that girl wasn't good for you; I mean, she was always the one holding you back," he was rambling all over.
"She was the one who ended things, not the other way round," Mister Kosov was speechless for some time.
He looked over and scanned him up and down; after a long time, he sighed and sat back in his seat.
"Well, that's that," he said almost uncertainly.
"But it's nothing to be ashamed of, she doesn't know her loss,"
"Of course, she doesn't," Austin Dre said, looking downcast.
"Don't worry about it, maybe it's for the best. Now you can focus on the project and people who care about you. Violet seems to still feel the same even after all that time?" He teased.
"Yeah but, I am just not ready to get into some complicated situations like those again,"
"Now you were saying?"
"Oh, after all that, it's like all the old scores have been brought back to life again; if my guess is right, the one in your museum right now must be an old rival of mine and that woman Sonya." His eyes light up with a cold light at the mention of her name.
"You mean?" Mister Kosov was alarmed.
"Yeah, Angel Swan herself, she must be the one."
The two men stared at each other, resting back on their chairs, and were emersed in deep thought.