Chapter 64: Calm Before the Emerald Storm (2/2)

"Welco as she s," said Aldrich

"Already so soon? Casi to you I have never seen him meet so much with the same client," said Hirondelle

"Maybe I'ht this way" Hirondelle led Aldrich and Valera through with a sht refreshments like towels, water, and fruits, but Aldrich and Valera ignored these and headed straight to Casiuards, one of which was Walters, the giant waiter, flanking the office door

"Mr Vane! Here to finalize the details of our event, I presu a news broadcast from a deluxe widescreen wall mounted telescreen

There, the news reported that the ilantes, showcasing zooe of Mel and a few still pictures of Seth Solar

It also reported that the Panopticon's VSSA (Variant Sensor Satellite Array) could not track down the disaster variant, deternature, that the variant had died, its natural regeneration unable to keep up with its wounds

"You presume correctly," said Aldrich He and Valera sat in plush velvet chairs in front of Casimir's desk

Aldrich stared at a tall, blonde haired woman by Casimir's side By the way she held a laptop at her side like it was a part of her, he could tell she was his secretary He gave her a look, and Casimir understood immediately

"Blanca, my dear, can you leave the room for some time? Those invitation cards you drew up look marvelous Go ahead and send them out," said Casi Aldrich and Valera an e look

"Your secretary, yes?" said Aldrich

"For ten years now," said Casimir "A most wonderful woman who I would consider more precious than my very own hands"

"Ten years? That's quite some time"

"A business venture such as the Red Circle takes years and luck to build, Mr Vane, though I am sure you of all people know that" Casimir's emote face smiled "But what all these successful entrepreneurs, these a corporations or rising ventures, do not like to mention is that their success was not carved out alone, no matter how much they wish to claim so

Always, always, there is soave them the inspiration, the funds, the opportunities, the support-," Casimir paused "The comfort

nobody can stand at the top without first having others raise them on their shoulders first"

Valera nodded happily, thoroughly agreeing with Casi level of humility I hope you do not take offense to this, but I did not expect that froing about on the streets of Haven, begging and stealing to see another day," said Casiold watch, and bracelets "And because I ca, I understand truly how to appreciate everything

But enough about h for that Business, business, that is e are here for, no?

Now, Mr Vane, what did you want froeverything excellently The event is still on for this Saturday, yes?"

"Indeed," said Casimir "The turnout was smaller than I hoped, perhaps about forty villains, and unfortunately, the Butcher will be the only one to coanization"

"The Butcher is all I need," said Aldrich "And Seth Solar? What has he said since beating back that variant?"

"Ah, Seth, that hot headed boy? He is still quite willing to conot just five, but ten samples of Boost This on top of a requested VIP table at your event"

"Give hiets him and his friends to come," said Aldrich This would be Seth Solar's last few pleasures in life Akin to a final meal served to a death row prisoner prior to execution

"At this point, you should have no worries about Seth," said Casiood majority of the A-class in Blackwater"

"Good," said Aldrich "Once again, incredible work, Casied to do all this in what, a span of a day?"

"Efficiency is king in today's fast paced world, Mr Vane," said Casin Stone The glowing green, diadem shaped rock shone from his palm

"My, my, what is that?" said Casi into one of scrutiny with a raised brow

"To start off the event, I'll be e at the head of the dance floor I want this projected for all to see on the perfore screen," said Aldrich "Consider this a business card of sorts Sooodbye"

"Of course, Mr Vane Ah, I will tailor the entire event to be…hm, in the theme of emeralds, yes," said Casireen"

"I'll trust yoursense on that," said Aldrich "I wanted to request that my wife and I stay here until the event I want to be there in person before it all begins, ready to make my speech

I also want to address a fewwhether I can become a partner in this business venture of yours"

Beco a partner anization along with Casie split of the Red Circle's profits, but it would also put hianization

Or, o

Aldrich had taken a liking to Casimir and the man's quick wits and efficiency He wanted to preserve Casi ell, the Red Circle would be no anizations severed

However, there was nothing stopping Casi the Red Circle with Aldrich's support

Aldrich knew there were ilantes who did not fit with either supers or villains Those that wanted to do right outside the scope of the law He would in time, with Casimir's help, create a space for them to find purpose

Not to anization under Aldrich, his issue with raising credits for his supposedly wealthy Bruce Vane alter ego would completely disappear

Aldrich waited for Casimir's answer to this partnershi+p

With Casiestion, he would be positively inclined to anything Aldrich said

However, this did not mean Casimir was utterly brainwashed

Casiestions and follow the was too risky for both himself and Aldrich, then he could oppose the decision

Like this, Aldrich allowed Casie opinion, especially one from someone capable like Casimir, was always valuable

"A partner?" Casiestion in his ed However, Mr Vane, your investments are still in the shadows

Any liability that occurs froement in the Red Circle falls solely upon my shoulders to blame

If you establish yourself assyndicate eyes upon your back"

"That's fine, Casimir," said Aldrich "After this event on Saturday, everything will change When that happens, you won't be worrying about my safety No, you'll be thankful for yourself that you have a position as ether, and his voice greer, , Mr Vane, but if souarantee that you will not becoet"

"I see So you already knohat I'," said Aldrich

He had intentionally left out that he planned on wiping out everyone on Saturday to try and keep Casi for him without complaints

But it seemed like Casi to see it through with Aldrich

Of course, if Casimir complained too much, he would have had Fler'Gan fullyto coth about other issues with Casi he would never coood that Casi to ith Aldrich even now

"You hide it very, very well, Mr Vane, but I know the gleaeance when I see it You can always see it in the eyes," said Casiht hich I aain, I do not eance, especially if you pro as I am alive, I can re-allocate my assets and enter into different business ventures I was thinking of retiring with my fortune in a few years with Blanca in any case - she deserves the rest and peace

But your safety-,"

"You have no need to worry about that, Casimir, and remember, this is a partnershi+p You have more years left in that capable head of yours

Years working with me," said Aldrich He reached out a hand, and Casiuarantee we can make sure that those of us who came from the streets, those of us ere beaten and spat on, have a chance to see soood we enjoy now"