Bab 54: 54. "The Agreement Between Old Man Delacroix and Santiago Sr."

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Vivienne dragged Lucien from one shop to another, and soon enough, his hands were full of shopping bags.

"Umm...Vivi, can we take a break and drop these bags off first?" Lucien muttered under his breath, finally understanding why husbands often dreaded shopping with their wives. He spoke quietly so that only Vivienne could hear.

"Ahhh! Apologies for burdening you with this task, let's place them on the counter for home delivery!" Vivienne, catching Lucien's words, glanced at his hands brimming with bags, feeling a tinge of embarrassment. Unknowingly, she had indulged in excessive shopping.

"No worries, dear, I actually relished our time together!" Lucien shook his head and beamed at her, conveying his genuine enjoyment.

Most of the bags contained her clothing, and Lucien undeniably savored seeing her adorned in various dresses.

Subsequently, Lucien gathered all the bags and proceeded to the main counter, arranging for their delivery to his mansion.

As the bags were swiftly whisked away by the store staff for delivery, Lucien and Vivienne embarked on a leisurely stroll towards a nearby establishment.

Serendipitously, it happened to be Vivienne's very own company store, the renowned 'Delightful Desires'.

"Ohh, the store is bustling as always. Who would have thought it would garner such immense popularity in this locale?" Vivienne remarked, irony lacing her words. Strangely enough, she recollected every minute detail about the store, yet memories of Lucien, who had played a pivotal role in its success, remained elusive.

Lucien couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow within, but he clung to hope, yearning for the moment when her memories would resurface.

He knew he had to find something, anything, to trigger the recollection of their shared experiences.

Deciding to venture beyond the confines of Nova Plaza, Vivienne and Lucien continued their stroll through the bustling city.

The radiant sun bestowed a warm glow upon them, while a gentle breeze wafted through the streets, carrying with it the intoxicating scent of blossoming flowers.

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In one of the opulent mansions nestled within the luxurious neighborhood of Novus City, stood a majestic estate adorned with sprawling gardens and lavish amenities.

Within the confines of a grand room, two distinguished old men sat facing each other, their imposing demeanors mirroring one another.

"So, how did you come to possess knowledge of our family's intent to expand our business internationally, Mr. Delacroix?" questioned the elderly man with an air of authority, his eyes fixed unwaveringly upon his counterpart.

"Forget about the means through which I obtained such information. That is not why I am here. I have arrived to propose a deal that will undoubtedly prove advantageous to you, Mr. Santiago Sr.," retorted the aged patriarch of the Delacroix family, addressing the revered Santiago family patriarch, who commanded great respect as a powerful and prestigious figure within Novus City.

"Jha...jha...jha...jha!" chuckled Santiago Sr., finding amusement in the situation. He emitted a glint in his eyes, signifying his awareness that he would not be easily swayed by trivial ploys.

"First, listen to what I am proposing, and then decide for yourself!" the old patriarch of the Delacroix family declared, his expression turning serious as he observed Santiago Sr.'s growing skepticism.

"Alright, I will listen if you are being serious!" Santiago Sr. responded cautiously, his skepticism still present, but signaling his willingness to hear the proposition.

"From what I've heard, your Santiago family is aiming to spread its wings into the international market, requiring substantial liquid funds, isn't that correct?" inquired the old head of the Delacroix family, seeking confirmation.

"Yes, you've got most of it right!" Santiago Sr. nodded, affirming that the information shared by old man Delacroix was indeed accurate.

"Well, I am willing to provide you with the necessary liquid funds for your venture!" proclaimed the old head of the Delacroix family, a faint smile adorning his lips.

"Ho ho... now... now, are you implying that you are prepared to assist our family in expanding our business?" Santiago Sr. scrutinized old man Delacroix, questioning whether he was mocking their family or himself.

"Yes, obviously, it won't come without a cost. I require something from you!" Old man Delacroix shook his head, realizing that Santiago Sr. was not easily convinced. He decided to present his deal without further mind games.

"Ohh... now I understand! This was your intention all along. What a cunning little scheme you've woven, Mr. Delacroix!" Santiago Sr. grasped the true purpose behind old man Delacroix's proposal, realizing what he desired from the Santiago family.

Outside the Santiago mansion,

"Are you sure, Master, that Santiago family will keep their end of the deal!" John Collins, head bodyguard, asked Old man Delacroix as he zoomed the car from the Santiago State onto the city highway, trailed by two more security cars.

"Hahaha! I obviously don't trust the youngster of Santiago, but that geezer won't go back on his words, so we don't have to worry 'bout anything!" Old man Delacroix chuckled and responded to John Collins' query with a confident grin on his face.

John Collins didn't ask further, seeing the old man exuding such confidence.

Inside the mansion,

"Father, what did he ask for in return for providing us such a generous deal!" Alejandro Santiago, son of Santiago Sr., queried as he sat across from his father.

"Hahaha! That old bastard is very greedy, he asked for 40 percent of the assets we got inside the country right now." Santiago Sr. replied, still chuckling.

"How can he ask for that much? Don't he know that our assets inside the country are our main lifeline and the most resourceful ones!" Another son, Carlos Santiago, expressed his anger, hearing 'bout what Old man Delacroix had demanded of 'em.

"Now... now, calm down, brother Carlos. I'm sure Father has considered that," Javier interjected, adopting a soothing tone as he looked at his father, Santiago Sr.

"Javier is right, Carlos. Calm down. I have already pondered the circumstances, and it's only after careful consideration that I agreed to exchange our 40 percent assets for their funding," Santiago Sr. replied with a cunning smile, appearing as if he had outsmarted his opponent.

"And what are those circumstances, Father?" Carlos Santiago asked, feeling utterly perplexed and wearing a question mark expression.

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