The Hidden Heir

Chapter 6: Cooperation

"Mr. Cutler, you... you're here." Eric's voice trembled, fully aware of the man's formidable reputation.

"Do you want to hit me too?" Cutler asked, clearly displeased. He had been contemplating how to ingratiate himself with Alexander, only to find his own security had barred Alexander from entry and nearly assaulted the valued guest. At that moment, Cutler felt a surge of anger towards Eric.

"Mr... Mr. Cutler, I'm... I'm sorry." Eric's adam's apple bobbed, fear evident in his eyes.

Slap!

Henry Cutler's firm slap sent Eric sprawling to the ground. Then, turning with deference, Cutler bowed to Alexander, apologizing, "Mr. Wealthington, I'm sorry."

Silent.

The guards rubbed their eyes in disbelief, struggling to comprehend the scene before them. Los Luminares's wealthiest person bowing to a young man was a sight so unprecedented, it could shake the entire city if word got out. Who was this young man to command such respect? The guards' minds buzzed with the shock of the revelation, their breaths heavy with astonishment.

"Mr. Cutler, you're taking this too seriously. I'm fine," Alexander said with a slight smile, recognizing Cutler from his frequent appearances in the newspapers.

"Mr. Wealthington, this oversight was my fault. Rest assured, those who offended you today will pay a price," Cutler said, a flash of anger in his eyes. Eric and the guards had nearly ruined his life; Cutler was not inclined to let them off easily.

"Mr. Cutler, spare me!"

"Mr. Cutler, I was wrong! Please forgive me."

As soon as Cutler finished speaking, Eric and the guards prostrated themselves, begging for forgiveness. They knew all too well that Cutler's idea of a "price" was not merely losing their jobs; being left with broken limbs would be considered lucky.

"Silence!" Cutler commanded, and immediately, everyone fell quiet. His expression turned icy. Rising from a small-time thug to become Los Luminares' wealthiest man wasn't just about business acumen. Those who dared offend Alexander had to be prepared to face the consequences.

Alexander narrowed his eyes, sensing Cutler's seriousness. It seemed likely that Eric and the others would soon suffer from something miserable.

"Andek, take care of this. I'll take Mr. Wealthington away," Cutler said as he opened the car door for Alexander, indicating it was time to leave.

***

Soon, they arrived at a luxurious villa. The villa's decor was both classical and aristocratic. Cutler showed Alexander around, explaining that this was the best-located villa on Blackwood, with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows allowing residents to enjoy the mountain's beauty without stepping outside.

The villa was spacious, with all kinds of living and entertainment facilities. Originally, it was built as Cutler's private residence and was not intended for sale. However, after receiving a call from Winston Carl, Cutler didn't dare refuse and sold the villa to Alexander at a price well below market value. The sale was essentially a gift.

Alexander was very pleased with the villa, knowing Evelyn would be happy living here.

"Mr. Wealthington, I've prepared a luncheon at home. Would you honor me by staying for the meal as a chance to apologize?" After showing Alexander the villa, Cutler tentatively asked.

"Mr. Cutler, don't worry about it. The past is behind us, and I won't dwell on it. However, I plan to make several investments in Los Luminares in the future, and I might need your assistance," Alexander intended to bring Cutler onto his side, rather than relying on the Wealthington family's influence.

"Mr. Wealthington, you are flattering me. Just give me a call whenever you need my assistance," Henry Cutler responded with a hearty laugh.

Alexander smiled, knowing Cutler was merely trying to ingratiate himself. Without the prestige of the Wealthington family, someone like Cutler wouldn't give him a single glance.

"By the way, Mr. Cutler, I've heard that your development project on Blackwood has come to a halt?" Alexander suddenly asked.

Blackwood is the most prestigious residential area in Los Luminares, known for its comprehensive amenities, including a vast golf course and a private airfield for the jet-set elite to park their personal aircraft. The area boasts expansive green spaces, offering a serene and livable environment starkly contrasted with the bustling city center. However, the sheer size of Blackwood and its complex terrain have made development a significant challenge, necessitating an immense financial investment.

Alexander Wealthington was well aware that Henry Cutler had previously invested all her financial resources into the area, yet managed to develop less than a quarter of Blackwood.

Cutler gave a bitter smile and said, " Mr. Wealthington, "it seems you're not fully aware of the situation at Blackwood. The area is vast, and the mountainous terrain makes development difficult. Despite deploying all of the Cutler Group's resources for years, we've only managed to develop a quarter of it."

Alexander nodded, waiting precisely for Henry Cutler's words. "Ms. Cutler, what if I were to join the endeavor?" he said with a smile.

Henry hadn't expected Alexander to have such bold ambitions, directly aiming to develop Blackwood.

Alexander's true motive was to test the limits of the Wealthington family. Blackwood presented an excellent opportunity for this. He had estimated that developing the area would require an investment of at least several billion dollars, and he was eager to see how far Douglas Wealthington would go, what price he was willing to pay.

Unaware of Alexander's real thoughts, Henry knew that with the support of the Wealthington family, many of the issues related to funding, technology, and resources for developing Blackwood would be easily resolved.

"Ms. Cutler, would you be willing to cooperate with me?" Alexander asked calmly.

"Collaborating with Mr. Wealthington is my honor," Henry Cutler laughed heartily. He had been worried that Alexander might hold a grudge due to some issues with her subordinates. But in a twist of fate, Alexander had extended an olive branch to him. Refusing him was out of the question, "I'll notify the Weal-Cutler Group right away and have Andrew Wood prepare immediately."

"Then...here's to a fruitful partnership!" Alexander squinted his eyes and smiled, extending his hand.

The specifics of the partnership would naturally be handled by Winston Carl. As the person in charge, Alexander only needed to set the direction. After dining at the Cutler's, he quickly descended from Blackwood, as his wife, Evelyn Miller, was waiting for him at home.

After Alexander's departure, Henry Cutler squinted her eyes and gestured to a man with arms full of tattoos, saying, "Andek, investigate this Alexander Wealthington. I want all the information on him, but remember, it must be discreet. He must not find out."

"Yes, Ms. Cutler!" Andek nodded respectfully and then left.

Henry Cutler watched her subordinate leave, lost in thought. From a street thug to the richest person in Los Luminares, her success was built on calmness and strategy. From the moment she met Alexander, she knew he wasn't a simple wealthy scion. Naturally, Henry had to thoroughly investigate who Alexander truly was.

"Syatchi, go to the garage and bring out the car I acquired a few days ago. Find the right moment to gift it to Mr. Wealthington," Henry instructed another subordinate. She didn't want to leave any room for instability.

***

Alexander returned home. Before he opened the door, the voice of Rosemary came from inside. 

"Mom, don't make me."