apter 168 Walking Into a Trap
“But Dragon’s Hill is such a remote place. What could have made them go through all this trouble?” Svlvia asked in confusion.
“Perhaps it’s a mine of some kind or maybe a treasure from an ancient tomb,” Caspian suggested.
It would not be unusual for a large mountain like Dragon’s Hill to be home to an ancient tomb.
If unearthed, it was bound to hold a wealth of priceless treasures.
Caspian marveled over Joey’s analytical skills. Previously, when she saw the underground passage, she had a feeling there was something suspicious about it.
“But we kept an eye on those people the entire night, and we didn’t notice anything unusual. They left empty–handed,” Sylvia said.
“They probably haven’t pinned down the exact location yet. Continue to keep an eye on them, but don’t take any action. Let’s see what they’re up to,” Caspian instructed.
Caspian felt the Tigrans had another motive for coming to Southlake City. While Glorious Group did indeed draw all the attention, the actions of these special forces soldiers were truly suspicious.
“Got it. If they’re really here to dig up Diatoran’s treasures, what should we do? They have over 500 elite fighters! They won’t be as easy to deal with as Leonardo’s men!” Sylvia reminded concernedly.
“Don’t worry. South Aridlands isn’t too far from here. If needed, we can tell John to send the troops over! If they have the nerve to steal our treasures, we’ll make sure they never step out of Diatoran alive!” Caspian said.
“Understood, Caspian. Glorious Group seems to be nothing more than a distraction. What they’re truly here for is to steal the treasures from Dragon’s Hill!”
Sylvia finally understood what was happening.
Glorious Group had been maintaining a high profile, but it was merely to divert attention.
When it was almost time to get off work, Willow called Miranda into her office.
“You asked to see me, Ms. Stewart?” Miranda queried.
“Vince Archer of Archer Group called me out of the blue today. He wants to work with us, and he seems quite impatient about it,” Willow said.
+15 BONUS
“What? Aren’t the Archers working with Glorious Group? Why is he suddenly approaching us now?” Miranda exclaimed disbelievingly.
She knew what happened between Willow and Nicholas.
“I was suspicious, too, but Vince said it’s for the sake of Archer Group’s long–term development. They’re aware that Glorious Group belongs to a Tigran, so the company won’t be staying in Southlake City for long.
“We agreed to meet at 6:00 pm today at Harvest Hotel to discuss the partnership. Can you come with me?” Willow asked.
Miranda had been working in Southlake Corporation all along, so she undoubtedly had a better understanding of Archer Group. It would be better if Willow brought her along for the deal negotiations.
“Harvest Hotel? Why must we go there? Shouldn’t they be coming over to Southlake Corporation instead?” Miranda asked in confusion.
“That’s not important. We’ve only just managed to overcome our crisis, and all the companies. we bought over are fairly small ones. It’s rare for a big conglomerate like Archer Group to be willing to work with us,” Willow explained.
“I understand, but I heard about the conflict between you and Nicholas, Ms. Stewart. Caspian even disfigured Nicholas‘ face. Are you sure the Archers are willing to make peace with us?”
The more Miranda thought about it, the more she was convinced that something was off.
After all, the grudge between Willow and Nicholas could not be resolved so easily. It was hard not to be suspicious about the Archers‘ motive for approaching Southlake Corporation at a time like this..
“Vince says that as businesspeople, the company’s best interests are of the utmost priority. If there’s profit to be made, we can all be friends. He considers the situation between Nicholas and me as a personal matter.” Willow summarized.
Miranda nodded. Vince’s statement sounded believable.
To a businessman, profits were the only constant in life.
“If you’re fine with it, we can leave now. It’s nearly time,” Willow said as she checked her watch. It was 5:10 pm.
“Sure,” Miranda agreed with a nod.
Since they were in a rush, they drove over by themselves.
Miranda got into the driver’s seat of Willow’s Rolls–Royce and drove them to Harvest Hotel.
+15 BONUS
Along the way, Willow called Caspian and informed him that she had a business meeting, so she would not be eating dinner at home.
Caspian did not ask for more information. Since Willow would not be coming home for dinner, he did not make one.
Instead, he called up Sylvia and Macy and went to the hotel to have dinner instead.
Macy was thrilled to know she would be having dinner with Caspian tonight.
Upon arriving at Harvest Hotel, Willow and Miranda informed the waitstaff that they were there to meet Vince. One of the hotel managers immediately came out to greet them.
The hotel manager led them to a waiting room.
When the two women entered the room, they saw that it was empty.
“Where’s Mr. Archer?” Willow asked.
“He’ll be right here. Please wait for a moment,” the manager said before exiting the waiting
room.
Willow and Miranda had no choice but to wait patiently.
Moments later, a server brought them two cups of coffee.
Alas, even after waiting for nearly 40 minutes, there was no sign of Vince.
“What’s going on with him? It’s been so long, and he hasn’t shown up yet! Is he toying with us?” Miranda said.
“I’ll call him and ask,” Willow replied. She was also feeling annoyed..
Honesty was important in all business negotiations, but Vince was still a no–show. Both women were getting irritated.
However, when Willow made the call, she found that Vince’s phone was turned off.
Willow and Miranda immediately got a bad feeling.
Just then, a bunch of people stormed into the waiting room.
All the color drained out of the women’s faces when they saw the group of men in black that
filled the room.
After taking a closer look at the scarred–face man in the lead, she realized it was Nicholas!
“Long time no see, Ms. Stewart!” Nicholas forced out a wicked smile.
“Nicholas! What are you doing here?” Willow had a fright when she saw Nicholas‘ disfigured
Miranda was also shaken. Her gut was telling her that something was up
“You’re here too. Ma Barton Don’t panic Aren’t we supposed to be discussing a Tastes businens partnership I’m here as Archer Group’s representative,” Nicholas said with a sly expression.
“Why are you attending the meeting? Shouldn’t your father be here?” Willow asked doubtfully
“Why can’t I be here? My dad had something to do, so I came over in his stead to discuss the deal with you,” Nicholas said.
This was all part of his plan. He tricked Willow over under the guise of a potential collaboration just so he could get his revenge.
This time, Nicholas came fully prepared. He brought a lot of people with him.
Furthermore, they were on his territory.
Tonight, he was determined to get tone in buy!!
