The Ranch

Collaboration (1)

After discussing for a while longer about Alphonse's amazing feats throughout his time on the island, Sinclair changes the topic.

"Phillip, have you heard about that new shop that's been gaining attention?"

Phillip turns on business mode, "Yes, I've already checked it out a couple of times. Their products are nothing new, but their marketing tactics are fairly inventive. They're already risen through the leaderboards and opened two side shops."

"Yes, and most importantly, we have no idea where they came from. That might just be the scariest thing about them. No one has been able to figure it their background."

"But they sure as hel- have been trying. On one of my sweeps, I saw someone trying to pay off an employee. That employee vehemently refused and eventually banned that person and kicked them out. Physically."

"So the employees are fairly loyal as well." Sinclair goes into thought.

"Strong too. That spy was not weak by any means, but he tried to put up a fight and was defeated after a couple of moves."

"Indeed, That why we need to be wary of them. I already had Casanova form a team and start working. I need-" Sinclair's cut off by an irritated Phillip.

Phillip doesn't realize he's pouting, "Why Casanova? Should you really trust him with this. Why don't I-"

Sinclair sighs at Phillip like he's looking as a fussy child. He seems to be used to this kind of situation happening a lot," Casanova is doing that so you can place all your energy on  this other project."

Phillip seems to have calmed down. He mumbles," what is it?"

"You'll be at the forefront of our collaboration. This will be more a second option in case the new shop grows too big to handle or it's backing is too powerful. The main purpose of this partnership is to expand and grow, got it?"

Phillip nods seriously," Understood. Who are we working with?"

"He owns the second ranked store in the market along with many others. He's also the largest shareholder of arenas in the training grounds."

Phillip gets an idea of who it is," You want me to work with that tycoon with a stick up his as-" He's stopped by Sinclair's piercing eyes.

"I put a lot of effort into getting this partnership. Do not disappoint me."

"Then please tell me I'll also be working with a representative, not the man himself?" Phillip shows pleading blue eyes.

"Maddox has trust issues." Sinclair doesn't need to say anymore. That sentence was an answer in and of itself.

Phillip groans like a upset teen,"That's why that stuck-up rule obeyer doesn't have any disciples." He kicks the floor half-heartedly.

"Well...that's probably half true." Sinclair recalls the man's horrible reputation.

Instructor Maddox. Tih is familiar with that name. He was nice. Kai liked to call him a "suck-up". Tih's not exactly sure what that word means.

The last time he saw Instructor Maddox, it was after the incident with Axel. They ate together on the top floor. The food tasted really good. That was the main thing he was focused on and doesn't remember much else.

An idea pops into his head when Phillip glances at Tih," Can Tih join? He's mute so it's not like he can spill our plans, not that he's the type." Phillip wants to drag Tih along to make the cooperation less insufferable.

But Phillip has heard many of the rumors surrounding Maddox. His uptight ways and strictness. His frown seems to bore into ones soul, crushing it. No matter what faults he finds in the both of them, he won't let Tih take any of the blame.

Sinclair sighs with a hint of indulgence, "Okay, but say he's you're assistant." Sinclair know more than anyone how important this collaboration is. If anything gets leaked, the relationship between him and Maddox could worsens, which would cancel any thoughts of collaborating in the future. It could also allow other businesses to take advantage of that to grow.

Yes, Sinclair gave in to Phillip's request, but that's mainly because he's done a background check on Tih. Sinclair believes Tih knows how to keep a secret and also has no reason to eat them out, especially since it seems he's also an acquaintance of Maddox's.

Hearing his master's agreement, Phillip's face lights up. He tries to hide it with a straight face, but his upturned lips betray him. He always feels this bubbly feeling when his master gives in to his wishes.

Phillip and Tih leave Sinclair's office to head to Maddox's main building of operation. The moment Phillip steps out of Sinclair's office, his giddy expression turns more refined. His aura changes into a mature, playboy feeling. His confident disposition comes from inside. His host-like pheromones leak out

If girls lived on the island, they'd be drooling all over Phillip, to the point of ignoring the fact that he is, indeed, gay. Luckily for Phillip, the island's population is made up of only men.

Tih notices the change in Phillip's temperament but doesn't look towards Phillip to ask about it. At the most, he stares at Phillip for a few moments before turning his eyes elsewhere.