Chapter 263 - Need A Lifeline (2/2)

While Tristan should be the one to visit Connor Ma's office since he's the one who needed a favor, the latter suggested paying him a visit instead since he would be meeting other shareholders in the building that day.

”I had a feeling I'll be meeting you soon after I heard about your sister's wedding to Maxen. So, let's make this conversation quick. What do you need, Tristan? And what would I get in return? Besides handling my account, of course, which we both know is not the reason why I'm here today.”

Tristan felt his stomach knot. He had a rough idea of how brutal Connor Ma was, holding into account his grandfather's words, but he didn't expect the magnate to dive right into the matter. Especially since they haven't even heated the leather seats with their bums yet.

Thankfully, Mimi stepped inside holding a tray in her hands. It gave Tristan enough time to breathe and school his train of thought.

The room was silent as Mimi did the ritual of serving tea, and Tristan found solace in the hypnotic steady white steam oozing out of earthen kyusu.

After setting up the tea for Tristan and Connor Ma, Mimi excused herself and left the two in the privacy of Tristan's office.

”Please enjoy your tea, Uncle. I spent a month in Takayama and my homestay hosts often served me this kind of tea. I guess the taste and aroma grew on me, it's the only tea we have in my office,” Tristan lied through his teeth, yet he sounded convincing.

While it was true that he stayed in Japan years ago, they never served him genmaicha; however, he felt as if it would be the best lie to get into Connor Ma's graces.

”Lovely story,” Connor Ma smiled and picked up his teacup, rotating it three times.

A smile ghosted Connor Ma's lips when the rich roasted rice aroma assaulted his nose.

The truth was, Connor Ma never liked genmaicha, it was the person who accidentally served it to him years ago which made the tea special.

It was everytime he drank his tea that he would be reminded of that distant memory. And it was only when he got a whiff of roasted rice and green tea that a face he would never forget would come back to life, reminding him of a time the great Connor Ma became human.

When the vision of a lady standing underneath the shower of falling sakura petals faded, Connor Ma placed the teacup back on the table after he had his fill.

He smiled at Tristan and crossed his leg, scrutinizing the young fellow in front of him.

Connor Ma knew why Tristan needed him, and knowing the boy's background and upbringing, he came to the meeting ready to accept whatever Tristan demanded in exchange for his small favor.

He had an inkling Tristan was desperate. The latter wouldn't dare summon the likes of Connor Ma and struck a deal with the devil if he didn't need a lifeline.

”Tell me, Tristan. How much sacrifice could you make for the woman you love?”

”My life for her life, Uncle.”

Hearing Tristan's response, Connor Ma fished a thrice folded paper from his inside pocket.

”Your life for her life it is.”

After reading the terms on Connor Ma's one page contract, Tristan didn't hesitate to sign his name on the dotted line.

The two exchanged handshakes and were out in Tristan's office in the nick of time.

”I'll put in a word for your wife. I can't promise a drastic change though, and you know that as well, but rest assured that my reputation precedes me, and nobody would dare contradict my words.”

”I wouldn't sign that death certificate if I'm not well aware of that, Uncle.” Tristan smiled at Connor Ma, gesturing for the man to step inside the elevator car first.

The two men, together with their respective secretaries, then went down to the tenth floor where the shareholder's meeting would take place.

Double steel doors opened, and they were welcomed by a lady in her stripe shirt and orange chino pants.

Her hair was tied in a low ponytail, sitting comfortably on top of her nape.

Tristan's eyes didn't bother to look at the lady's face for he could feel her animosity thousands of miles away.