Lucas shook the man's hand warmly, giving a slight nod while returning the smile. "Right, it's been a while, Mr. Marshall.""It feels like years since we last spoke face-to-face like this." Marshall raised one eyebrow in agreement with his words. "Time flies when we're busy with our own affairs, doesn't it? But I've been keeping up with you, Mr. Lucas. Your business is getting more impressive every time I hear an update."Lucas responded with a polite smile. "Thank you, Mr. Marshall."The leader of the opposite country nodded slowly, accepting Lucas' thanks for the compliment."Let's talk more casually." The Marshal raised his hand, inviting Lucas to sit and join him and the other two in the private room.Inside the magnificent private room, a luxurious atmosphere pervaded every corner. The walls were covered in perfectly varnished mahogany wood, giving it a warm yet elegant feel. Large classical-style paintings hung neatly as if to reveal a rich history and exclusive art. A crystal c
In a dimly lit, narrow hallway, illuminated only by the sunlight sneaking in from a crack in the building, a man spoke on the phone in a low, careful voice. "Yes, I've been following her since earlier."His face was partially obscured by the shadow of the hat, making his expression difficult to read. "Oh, that guy was talking about something important," she whispered, looking left and right to ensure no one was around. "I'll take some files from there and will put a tracker on him. That way, I can figure out a way to get in without getting caught."After hanging up, the man slipped the tiny tracking device into his pocket and started walking away from Lucas' direction. He knew the streets around the place well and chose a route that would allow him to pass Lucas without being too suspicious. When he finally saw Lucas striding calmly in the opposite direction, he made up his mind.With seemingly casual steps, the man walked closer and closer to Lucas, then deliberately bumped into him
The next day, Lucas was in his magnificent office, with large windows overlooking the cityscape. A large mahogany desk sat in the center of the room, with various documents and communication equipment neatly spread out on it.There was a knock on the door. There stood Chris in the doorway. "Master." With a polite and respectful tone, he bowed for a moment. "There is Miss Lora in front."Hearing his fiancée's name mentioned, Lucas immediately stopped his hands on the keyboard and looked at Chris. He immediately got up from his chair, left his voluminous work behind, and left the office. He met Lora, who was already sitting in a chair in the center of the room, waving at Lucas.Lucas looked at her with a furrowed brow. Of course, it surprised Lucas that Lora hadn't told him in advance that she was coming to the house, even though she had said they couldn't meet for a few days because Lucas was busy with his work and other critical activities."Hi." Lora smiled a little, afraid that Luca
In an exclusive meeting room on the highest floor of the Government building, Lucas met with Marshall again. The room was equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and decorated with luxurious ornaments reflecting state power's splendor. Expensive leather chairs, walls adorned with paintings by famous artists, and crystal chandeliers dangling elegantly from the ceiling. Despite the formal atmosphere, a sense of tension could not be ignored.Lucas sat at the end of the long table calmly yet alertly. In front of him, Marshall, the country's president, flashed a friendly smile, but behind it was a calculating expression. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Marshall finally got to the point."So, Mr. Lucas, have you considered getting involved in our government affairs, especially in defense?Marshall, his voice sounding firm yet slightly seductive, tried to test Lucas' limits.Lucas looked at Marshall, unperturbed by the tone of his voice. "I agree. However, on one condition. You may
News of Lucas and Marshall's meeting quickly spread among the country's top officials. Within a short time, the rumor became a hot topic of conversation within the closed rooms of the Government building.Several senior officials gathered in a large room with expansive windows overlooking the city center to discuss the increasingly prominent issue. They sat on expensive leather chairs surrounded by magnificent wooden tables. The atmosphere in the room was tense, and their voices were slightly sighing."What a nuisance that man is." The Minister of Finance sneered with a facial expression that showed dissatisfaction. "He thinks he can come and go as he pleases, organizing everyone around him."The Minister of Home Affairs, an older man with a severe look, rebutted. "We should consider higher taxes for him. He has quite a lot of money and connections. Maybe that way we can make him feel the impact of his attitude.""That's right, we need to get him out of here." A woman sitting next to
"So you're going there, Master?" Chris asked in a cautious tone.Sitting casually in his chair, Lucas stared at the invitation for a moment before placing it back on the table. "Would people in high positions really go there?" he said in a rhetorical tone. "They will definitely come here."Lucas then rose to his feet, his body firm and steady, as if displaying unwavering strength. Chris was silent for a moment, realizing what Lucas meant.Lucas stepped over to the large window overlooking the cityscape. "They think I don't accept what their country says."Lucas's voice sounded cold and calculating as if he had already guessed every step Ecual's side would take.Chris oversaw his master, then asked, "So, what's the next step, Master?"Lucas turned his body to face Chris, his movements firm and confident. "Prepare everything. Don't forget to secure Lora and her family. Make sure they are in a safe place and not involved in this matter."Chris nodded firmly, accepting the instructions. "
Lora picked up the phone call from one of her friends. "What's up, Catherina?""Hey, I'm having a party and wanted to invite you. Come here with Lucas Carter." Catherina's voice seemed excited.Lora exhaled softly. "Sorry, I can't come because I'm out of the country."Lora excused herself because she didn't want to be suspected that Lucas was on a secret mission for the country."What? You're abroad?" Catherina was surprised to hear Lora's words. "Why didn't you tell me? Ah, too bad we can't party."Lora gave a small smile in response to her friend's words. "Yes, that's the way it is.""Ah, well, I understand." Catherine exhaled softly, feeling a little disappointed by that. "But after you go home, we should meet up, and you should introduce Lucas Carter to us.""Yes," Lora replied briefly without showing her sadness. Actually, she also wanted to attend the party with Lucas.Lora pressed the button to end the call and returned her phone to the table. The smile she had put on while tal
Despite his initial reluctance, Lucas finally agreed to have coffee with the man who introduced himself as Arland, a messenger from the Xendiora family. They sat in a rather quiet corner of the cafe, away from other patrons who might try to overhear their conversation.On the small table between them, two cups of black coffee steamed, spreading a thick aroma that warmed the atmosphere.Arland sipped his coffee quietly before opening the conversation. "Thank you for taking the time to have coffee with me, " he smiled politely. "I don't want to waste too much of your time, so I'll just cut to the chase and say that we should cooperate, sir."When Lucas heard that, he was silent. Of course, the Xendiora family was also powerful. He knew it would be very profitable."Actually ...." He looked at Lucas with a meaningful look in his eyes. "This meeting was planned for tomorrow. However, when I saw you here, I thought, why not take advantage of the opportunity to simply say hello?"Lucas didn