𝐄𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐭 𝐃𝐞 𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐚
25 years old, a billionaire and Mafia Don. Everyone fears, admires and respects him.
𝐒𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐚 𝐕𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐬
20 years old and works in a bakery. Despite having a bad past, she is a really sweet and down-to-earth per...
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"Tell me, Marco, do you think this deal benefits me?"
My voice was calm and composed, but I could see the way Marco stiffened across the round table. The dim glow of the private dining area cast long shadows on his face, highlighting the beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He had been doing his best to maintain composure, but his fidgeting hands betrayed his nerves.
He had been at this for a while. Fumbling over his words, laying out the wrong statistics plan he was about to show me, knocking over the glass of wine he sipped on to mask his nervousness. It was exhausting to say the least, especially when the headache growing within me didn't seem to pass with his continuous stammering.
Marco Caruso was a seasoned businessman, the head of an expanding hospitality firm that has been climbing up the ladder of success in the business world. His company had built a somewhat decent reputation in luxury real estate, but it wasn't nearly enough to reach the level of exclusivity my empire commanded.
And now, he wanted an opportunity to collaborate. An opportunity I was clearly second-guessing on after observing his demeanor. The only reason why I even considered this deal was because of his eager persistence, but now, I can't help but feel like wanting to stand up and walk out out of this.
Marco cleared his throat, offering a tight-lipped smile. "Mr. De Luca, I believe this partnership would be mutually beneficial. Your company dominates the luxury real estate market and with our architectural expertise, we could-"
I lifted a finger, cutting him off without a word. He halted instantly.
"Don't recite your rehearsed pitch to me, Marco. I have read the proposal." I interrupted, swirling the glass of wine in my hand before setting it down. "I know what your company brings to the table, what I want to know is why I should trust you with mine."
Marco hesitated, eyes flickering over my expression, likely trying to gauge my mood. I had seen this reaction countless times; people unsure whether they were on solid ground or standing over thin ice.
"I-I understand your concerns, Mr. De Luca." He tried to assure carefully. "You built an empire by being selective about your investments and I really respect that."
"Good." I leaned back, crossing one leg over the other, my fingers tapping idly against the armrest. "Then you will understand why I need more than just words before I sign anything."
Marco nodded hastily and reached into his brown leather briefcase, pulling out a sleek folder. He slid it across the table. "We have updated the financial projections based on your requirements. Our team has worked around the clock to ensure the partnership aligns with your vision and expectation."
