Chapter 4 Business Proposal

Faustina,

Cassius's expression shifted from coldness to something I couldn’t understand. As if he was letting those information sink in before understanding the power play here.

He straightened his back and then finally, his deep, piercing eyes bore mine.

“You are the heir of the FallingMoon Wolf Pack? I heard you studied in the human world to understand more about humans and werewolf characteristics?” The tone shifted dramatically. From the cold one it turned into something curious.

“I am amazed that you know about it." I replied flatly, "That’s right. That’s why we realised our business should be out of our Pack, creating more friends!”

He stayed quiet, staring at me as if he was trying to read my thoughts.

“How are you going to handle your business from your Pack since the company will be here?” He went straight to the main point. As expected from the King. He was one step ahead of questions all the time.

"Well, Certainly, With your permission, I’d like to present an additional proposal." I threw my hair back subconsciously, revealing a small tattoo of a Moonflower on my wrist.

“Is that a tattoo?” he asked without skipping a beat.

I froze. I didn't expect him to question my personal thing without any sort of hesitation.

"Please ignore it. May I present my proposal?"

He tried to say something but my eyes darkened.

As expected, my reaction didn't go unnoticed. He leaned into the chair, “Yes, go ahead!” he said, gritting his teeth.

"I am proposing to reside temporarily within your Pack for a six-month period to directly oversee the initial stages of operation. In return, we are prepared to offer you two percent of our company’s equity as a gesture of goodwill and strategic partnership."

“Only two percent?” His brow raised.

"Yes. The share will be personally yours, Mr. Brightblade. I believe this offer is both generous and strategic. You will gain from each branch opened within your territory without having invested any of your own resources."

“Is there any chance to negotiate?” he asked, his lips curved with a grin. I didn't understand whether we were having a professional discussion or me being watched intently by those piercing Golden eyes. Like eyeing his prey.

"I’m afraid not." I kept my composure.

He stared at me for a few seconds. Then a dark, slow and calculative chuckled escaped from him. " Amazing!" He whispered to himself, almost mockingly.

“I don’t think it’s funny." I relaxed my back, "Giving you two percent of ownership means you will profit from each branch we open in all your packs. That’s reasonable for someone who hasn’t done anything to establish the company. Also, we can’t overlook the fact that as business partners, you will get half of the profit.”

“That’s not why I am laughing." He admitted. His expression hardened, "You are the first person who dared to say no to my face.”

I sat back, resting my back in the chair, "Well, perhaps others lacked the clarity to recognize what’s worth refusing. Also, why would I scare of someone who I acknowledge as business partner? Fear won't give me anything but weakness."

Silence fell right away. His eyes sharpened like he watched something worth of watching. A weird grin crept onto his lips as he leaned closer.

"I am interested!" He declared, folding his fingers, "Let’s have another meeting about this! Would you like to stay here for a few days more?"

My eyes widened. I was thinking how to request for staying a few days more without making him look suspicious. But who knew that that he would actually ask me to stay.

I bit my bottom lip subconsciously. A habit to think closely. But seemed like biting my own lip seemed to have gotten his attention.

However before he could say anything about it, I nodded my head, meeting his gaze that was already on my lips.

"If it’s not inconvenient for Mr. Brightblade, I don’t mind. Also I am very interested in this Pack."

His smirk deepened, "Then, please enjoy the party. After that, please accompany me to my Packhouse. As my guest, I can’t let you stay in the hotel!"

"That’s so generous of you! But I want to declare. I have my people who will accompany me. But sure, I will meet you for another fateful meeting." I gave another smile before standing up, " Please excuse me!"

The chair scraped behind me as I stood up. I slightly bowed before walking out of the room. My fingers clutched the purse tightly. I could feel his gaze on my back, dark and lingering curiosity.

Staying in his Packhouse wouldn't work. Not right now.

As soon as I walked out, a heavy breath finally escaped from my chest. I thought it would be more hard to make him agree to work with us. Especially the matter of his ruthlessness. At least he didn't question me lots of things.

" What if he is testing us?" Frost, My Wolf asked, purring in my head. " It's Cassius Brightblade, we are dealing with. One of the cunning men in the history. He won't easily agree without any prior intentions!" She reminded me.

" I know!" I said, glancing at the people who were busy with their own interactions. Fakes and Cruelty was all their identity. " But I want to know what's his intention."

After scanning the surroundings, I headed toward the balcony and dialed a number. It rang once, making me feel restless.

I glanced at the city, one of the beautiful cities in the Emberfall Wolf Pack. As I was admiring, the sound of someone's heavy breathing alerted me that the phone was connected,

"Hey! It’s me!" I said, my voice low.

"Did you succeed?"

The question came immediately. I could hear something unpleasant from the other side. This brat might be in some love hotel.

A grin appeared on my face, cold and calculative. "I was asked to stay here for a few days! I didn't need to request!"

"What a surprise! So, you are going to meet them?"

"Finally! After ten years." I turned, watching the people having their own great lives. " I will see them face to face."

"Did he change?"

I froze. Did he change? No. He was as ruthless as I ever knew. Even after studying psychology, I failed to understand him.

A bitter, hollow laugh slipped from my throat. “No. But that doesn’t matter anymore. The time has come for them to pay in full. And I will be the one to collect every last debt.”