"This is our fault, Carla. We should have talked with Zayn about this." Lucas looked guilty. "Please don't be upset, Zayn. Just see this as a normal dinner. We can talk about work later."
"I invested ten billion for my shares. This is a fair trade. Why should we delay the talk?" Carla shot back.
"That Konadran offered fifteen billion for ten percent of the shares, but I refused him anyway." Zayn looked at her coldly and asked Lucas, "How much did you give her?"
"I…" Lucas whispered, "Fifteen percent."
"Fifteen?" Zayn was vexed. "What do you think this project is? Something you can use to hook up with the ladies?"
"What nonsense are you spouting!" Carla growled. "I might not have much in this project, but I have my resources! Lierger Corporation can help this project tremendously!"
"Oh, really?" Zayn arched his eyebrow. "Fine then. We're planning on expanding this project to Erihal. We can talk about your participation after you show me Erihal's authorization letters."
"Why you…" Carla couldn't argue against that.
"Let's not fight, Zayn. At least for my sake, okay?" Lucas tugged at Zayn, seemingly in a panic. "The partners are watching. We don't want to fight in front of them. It's just a gathering today. We can talk about the project later."
Carla didn't interject. She couldn't afford to enrage Zayn at that point. If he were to voice his objection, Lucas and the partners wouldn't help her.
Zayn glared at Lucas coldly, still irked about his actions. Zayn had a lot of projects on his hand, and he didn't need more. The only reason he helped Lucas was on the basis of altruism. He didn't care about Lucas' royalty status.
Lucas had been too sheltered, and he knew nothing about the darkness of the world. He still acted like a child even though he was already twenty-eight. If he didn't deliver anything of value, he'd be the laughing stock of the other royalty members. Worse, he might be stripped of his title.
After what happened that night though, Zayn realized Lucas was no more than an incompetent businessman. What he did was taboo for Zayn. He would not have tolerated it if the guy weren't Lucas. But he couldn't bring himself to do it when the kid was pleading with him, and Carla being there didn't help. Left with no choice, he went along with Lucas.
Carla was surprised that Zayn would relent. The rumors said he's cruel and merciless, but he looks like a nice guy to me. He kept relenting every time we met. What is he trying to do? Is this a trap?
"Be careful, Ms. Lierger, " Freda whispered. Even she thought Zayn was being too amicable that night since Mr. Lierger would have been yelled at if he was in the same situation.
"Hello, Mr. Giblo." All the partners greeted him and introduced their partners.
"Greetings, " Zayn replied curtly. He hated formal situations like that, and all he wanted to do was get away from everyone.
And then one of the partners' wives asked, "Why did you come alone, Mr. Giblo. Where's your wife?"
Zayn froze and glanced at Carla, who was coming with Lucas, and they sat down beside him.
"I saw the news of your marriage two years ago, and it was so touching. You have three beautiful children, don't you? Oh, that's so great." The lady smiled. "I heard they're triplets, yes?"
"Yes." Zayn glanced at Carla, whose interest was piqued at the mention of children. "Triplets?"
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