Chapter 386 - New Year (2/2)
”N-no, five million isn't easy money to have lying around, not in one's personal account.'
”Oh,” he returned her gaze with a look of disdain for the phone showed, 55,800,000 Exa. ”Who in their right mind would have so much cash lying around,” said he avoiding the topic, ”-let's go over the trade, what will it be?”
”Could you come over to the office tomorrow, I'll have the papers and transference readied tomorrow. To whom will it be, thy name or Phantom?”
”Phantom,” said he proudly, the New Year's began on a high note.
”Now this is a matter of personal choice, as the coming new owners, what will happen of Meldorino?”
”We'll leave the Gaso Group and focus on rebuilding relations and brand as a whole. It wouldn't be fair to remain in the Group after my speech on uniqueness. That'd be hypocritical, don't you think.”
”A king has to stand by his words, guess the saying is true. The words given by a king is worth its weight in gold.”
”Only if the king is of a good repute – still, action speak louder than words,” checking the clock,”-let's return to the party.”
”Let's, the negotiations lasted far longer than expected,” said she in relief.
”May I offer an arm,” he said at the door, ”-an escort to a very lovely dressed lady?”
”Quite an amazing change in persona. From threats of deaths to now a gentleman,” a tender grin escaped the tight expression, ”-it's not often one gets to be escorted by a king,” giving a curtsy, ”-I accept the offer.”
”Business, social, and personal lives must be split. The negotiation is over, we're speaking as people united by the common thread of birth and death.”
”A very good sentiment,” said she, ”-I must say I had a lot of fun. Such pressure during a negotiation, it was a battlefield.” Their steps echoed against the marble staircase leading into the hallway. People returning from the washroom stopped before crossing their paths. Arms in arms, the walk soon had them in the ball-room. An unknown close to one of the essential figures in the world of business. Speechless, the Directors stood to only sit back down.
”Thank you for the escort,” said she with a nod.
”The pleasure is mine,” a quick bow followed by a kiss on her hand, he turned to vanish in the crowd.
”How does a man who referred me as Casanova earlier explain this development?” asked Lucas a little flushed from drinks. ”You caught the biggest fish of all.”
”No,” stood at the same spot, ”-there's nothing of sorts. I found her personality likable, her unrefined way of dealing with people forced action on my part. Well, who is to care of such technicalities, how was your night?” a glass of whiskey rocked back and forth, the ice made a ting with each rotation.
”Pretty eventful,” waved Lucas to a crowd of ladies eyeing him flirtatiously.
”The one in yellow was she who bit thee?”
”Are you psychic?”
”No, I so happened to notice her lipstick on thy neck. How was it, did you cross the point of no return?”
”Not in a million years, I've yet to find the one. Old fashioned or not, I'm saving myself for the special occasion.”
”Pure yet playful, what a strange combination.”
Meanwhile, in the distance, Dorino's arm moved strongly pointing to an argument with Lady Gaso on the receiving end. Her head shook in dismissal to which he turned and beelined for the window.
”Mr. Haggard,” said he enraged, ”-what is the meaning of this?”
Taking a sip, ”-Mr. Dorino, whatever I say this moment will go through one ear and out the other. Have a cigar and relax,” he offered, ”-let the fresh breeze carry the thoughts of fury. Deep breaths, calm thy mind.”
The soothing nature had him follow each instruction, ”-the wind is pleasant.”
”Now, to the matter of Meldorino, I've bought the whole company. It will belong to Phantom starting tomorrow.”
”B-but,” he tried to argue but couldn't follow.
”I'm not that cruel a man,” giving a reassuring smile, ”-I'll have thee as new Director, the employees will retain their jobs. I'm a giving man, let's toast for tomorrow.”
”Friend,” said Lucas, ”-tis already tomorrow,” laughter followed.
Soon, as celebrations were over, people took to the door one by one. Staxius was last to leave for he stayed to speak with Dorino and Lucas. The latter would stay the night, to which they exchanged goodbyes.
'What was there hard about buying Meldorino. I guess working over phone is less effective than face to face. Manipulation, tis astounding how easy it is to force a person into thinking what I wish them to think. I led her to believe Meldorino being worthless as a company. I shudder for tomorrow, who knows what she might do. Until tis on paper, there's nothing to prove the negotiations, well, that is before I sent her money with the statement being for purchase of Meldorino. She has to follow through – I made sure the news of Phantom being the owner spread. If she backs out, her credibility will plummet with the company she so dearly wants to keep. Check-mate, Gaso Group; the next phase of the plan begins at last .'
On the flight home, Lady Gaso's mind was filled with the details of the deal. She was at a loss, in the bigger picture, the deal seemed fair. The added pressure of the directors congratulating on the deal left a bad taste. Thus, a new year began. A new year with Alphia as a target for ventures in both the business and underworld.