𝗔𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼 ◇ 𝐌𝐄𝐋𝐓𝐄𝐃

Λ

The night was thick with the heavy scent of rain, a storm brewing over the Miami skyline. In a secluded office overlooking the city, Samuel leaned back in his chair, a smug smile playing on his lips.

"You know this means we are officially business partners," Samuel said, the dim light casting shadows on his face.

"Yes, that is true," Julian replied, meeting Samuel's gaze with a confident nod.

They had known each other for years, so working together was easy. Their bond had been forged in the fires of mutual ambition and a shared disdain for limits.

"I knew I picked the right guy for this job," Samuel continued, pouring himself a drink.

Julian chuckled. "I mean, this is gonna put some respect on us in the streets."

Samuel raised his glass. "It's not just about the streets. Just think about how much more money we are gonna make."

"Will Zane be joining in?" Julian asked, leaning forward with genuine curiosity.

"Of course," Samuel replied, a hint of frustration in his voice. "He's gotta move out of my house at some point after college. He can't just sit around. He's gonna be the man of his own house soon."

After his failed basketball dream, his son couldn't just be lying around being disappointed, Samuel thought bitterly.

"True," Julian agreed, taking a sip of his drink. "I mean, when me and Grace have a baby, I hope they have more work ethic than this new generation."

Samuel snorted. "Speaking of Grace, how is she holding up with the new semester?"

Julian sighed, shaking his head. "Overworking herself as usual. Just when I thought I could get a housewife, look how things turned out."

"You're right," Samuel said with a sneer. "These days, women have no self-respect for the real men."

Julian laughed. "I'm just waiting for her to open her eyes to see the kitchen misses her, and so does my stomach, not gonna lie."

"Her famous apple pie cookies must make a return," Samuel added, their laughter echoing through the room.

Julian's eyes gleamed with ambition. "The deals we are making might get higher, so 50 each shouldn't be a problem."

"True," Samuel nodded, his mind already racing with future prospects. "But if more deals come in, we might just not have to split each one and just handle one deal each."

"Look at us," Julian said, his voice filled with satisfaction. "This is a real man's dream."

"No problem with that," Samuel agreed, sealing their pact with a firm handshake.