Beep!
But just then, the urgent ringing of the phone interrupted Olly. He grabbed the phone from the table, glanced at Eira leaving, and bellowed, "Who the hell is it?"
"Olly! How dare you speak to me like that!" came an angry roar from the other end of the line.
"Mr. Berry, I apologize. Salespeople kept calling me incessantly. How can I assist you?" Olly immediately retreated like a scolded child.
Mr. Berry, the chairman of EnerPharm and Olly's immediate superior, was on the line. Why would he call now?
Although it soured his mood, Olly dared not utter a word.
"What else do you want to inquire about? Are you deliberately causing trouble for Mrs. Kaur at VitalPharm?" Mr. Berry impatiently demanded.
Moments ago, Dougie, Eldoria's wealthiest man, had called him, expressing reproach.
Damn Olly, how could he offend such a big shot? Was he asking for trouble?
"Mr. Berry, how did you find out?" Olly was stunned. Did Eira report him? But she was just the deputy general manager of the marketing department, not authorized to converse with Mr. Berry.
"Why the hell are you asking me how I know? Do you want to ruin your career?" Mr. Berry shouted furiously. "Our agreement with VitalPharm is nearly finalized! Furthermore, you must apologize to Mrs. Kaur personally. If you fail to obtain her forgiveness, don't bother returning to the company!"
Click!
The call ended abruptly, leaving Olly dumbfounded. Mr. Berry's anger was unmistakable.
Without a word, Olly dashed out to catch up with Eira. "Mrs. Kaur, please wait!"
Eira turned, apprehensive. "Mr. Carr, what's the matter?"
Olly nodded apologetically, hands clasped. "Mrs. Kaur, I apologize. I was confused earlier. Our partnership is on the brink of completion, and I hope you can forgive my lapse."
Eira looked puzzled, staring at Olly in disbelief. "Mr. Carr, are you serious?"
This deal had been her month-long endeavor, worth millions. Her commission alone would be substantial, covering Miley's treatment costs.
Within ten minutes, Olly and Eira signed the contract.
Everything happened so quickly that Eira hadn't fully grasped the situation.
"Mr. Carr, did Mr. Berry personally approve this?" Eira asked, still puzzled.
Olly smiled. "Yes, Mrs. Kaur. You've known Mr. Berry for a long time. He nearly had me fired!"
Eira nodded, still perplexed. How did Mr. Berry know her? Who had actually helped her?
Could it be Travis? She had discussed this with him earlier. No, she needed to confirm. Lost in thought, Eira found herself comparing Lukas and Travis, feeling increasingly disappointed in her husband.
Meanwhile, Lukas remained unaware that Eira mistakenly credited Travis for resolving her issue. If he found out, he'd surely be infuriated.
The following day at noon, Lukas boarded a Bentley outside the hospital. He had arranged to meet someone with Dougie today.
As Lukas drove off, a girl nearby squinted suspiciously and murmured, "Why does that figure resemble Lukas?"
Alyssa had come to the hospital to visit her cousin's daughter, reluctantly complying with her parents' insistence on paying a visit.
Arriving at the hospital entrance, Alyssa spotted Lukas getting into the car. She dismissed the idea that her ineffectual cousin-in-law could afford such a luxury car like a Bentley.
Thus, Alyssa didn't dwell on it and proceeded inside.
In the Bentley, Lukas lounged back. "Dougie, who are we meeting today? Is this going to be troublesome?"
Dougie replied respectfully, "Young Master, not at all. It's a collector from the countryside, a friend of mine."
Lukas retorted, "And why do I need to meet your friend?"
Dougie grinned broadly. "Young Master, it's a billion-dollar deal. You need to learn this to quickly inherit the family fortune."
Lukas looked up at Dougie. 'A billion-dollar deal is small? The old man has certainly learned to flaunt in his seven-year absence. As the heir of a prestigious family, I feel daunted.'
Soon, the Bentley arrived at Eldoria Elite Bistro. Renowned in Eldoria, the restaurant was frequented by the rich and powerful. Elite Bistro required membership and reservations. Only those spending at least a million annually were eligible.
Outside, Eldoria's esteemed entrepreneur James Barrett, chairman of GlobalTrade Group specializing in art imports and exports, stood with over ten senior executives, waiting respectfully.
This sight stirred whispers of surprise among the diners.
It soon sparked murmurs of surprise.
"Isn't that James Barrett, the billionaire chairman? Who is he waiting for with such grandeur?"
"Quite unusual. James, a billionaire, standing respectfully outside Elite Bistro."
"Who could this VIP be? It must be someone significant for such a reception."
Inside the Bentley, Lukas frowned at the sight of elegantly attired elites. "Didn't we agree to keep this low-key? Why the grand display?"
Dougie chuckled awkwardly. "Young Master, perhaps Mr. Barrett wishes to surprise you."
"Surprise my ass. I don't like it," Lukas said icily. "Go to the parking lot and tell your friend we'll meet alone."
"Yes, sir," Dougie nodded.
The car headed straight for the parking garage.
Meanwhile, in front of Elite Bistro, James stood respectfully, waiting quietly for today's VIP. He had shamelessly begged a friend for help.
Beside him stood his son, Sami Barrett, hands in his pockets, slightly annoyed. "Dad, who are we waiting for? This guy is too arrogant. He's been twenty minutes late."
James glanced sideways at Sami and whispered, "Behave yourself. If you mess up when they arrive, I'll deal with you."
Sami grunted in frustration, even more disgruntled. He had plans with friends to go clubbing. He blamed his old man for dragging him here to meet some big investor. They hadn't seen anyone yet, but the fuss was all set.
Just then, James received a call and turned solemn. "Alright, everyone, let's go inside; they're here."
Here? Many were skeptical, and more were unhappy.
Sami was especially annoyed, muttering, "Who is this? I've been waiting forever and haven't seen a soul." But he dared not say anything in front of his dad, just sulking and following James into the restaurant.
After the call, James hurried with his son to a private room.
As they opened the door, Sami saw two people inside, his eyes fixed on Lukas. 'Who the hell is this, dressed so plainly? Is this the big investor today? No way, Dad wouldn't be this clueless. What's the difference between him and a beggar on the street?'
Sami couldn't help but sneer, even more displeased. Because of this guy, he couldn't go clubbing.
James, upon entering, immediately extended his hands towards Dougie, smiling broadly. "Dougie, you finally made it."
Dougie smiled and nodded, extending his hand to shake.
At that moment, James's gaze naturally fell on the young man beside Dougie. "And who is this?"
"This is our young master, Mr. Kaur, and the investor this time," Dougie introduced with a smile.
Young master? Dougie's young master!
James, with assets worth three billion, was a well-known figure in Eldoria. Though not as wealthy as Eldoria's billionaire Dougie, he had seen a lot.
It was said Dougie hailed from a hidden wealthy family, controlling much of the world's wealth. A scion of such a family was simply terrifying! Must tread carefully.
Thinking this, James nervously extended his hand. "Mr. Kaur, I'm James. Sorry I didn't recognize you earlier."
Lukas just nodded lightly, shook his hand, and said, "Mr. Barrett, I have things to attend to shortly. According to Dougie, your company needs financing. How much are we talking about?"
James glanced at Dougie, noticing him relaxing with eyes closed, then respectfully replied, "Mr. Kaur, we're planning to expand our art market channels globally, especially in Europe and Italy. We estimate we need one billion for financing. We'll offer 25% equity and year-end dividends."
One billion was not a small sum. Even with his own assets of over three billion, James hesitated to invest one billion.
"One billion..." Lukas murmured, frowning slightly, deep in thought.
This made James even more uneasy. Opening with a request for one billion in financing was indeed quite hefty.
In all of Eldoria, apart from Summit Enterprises, he doubted there was another with such capability.
Then came a sentence that stunned James for a long time. Even Sami, initially dismissive, was dumbfounded!
"I'll invest two billion, but I'll need 40% equity," Lukas smiled, as if mentioning an everyday figure.
Two billion? Was he dreaming?
James felt as though Lady Luck had blessed him immensely at that moment. It was too unexpected!
His company's assets were just over three billion, and Lukas offered 2 billion for financing!
Terrifying!
Was it the financial power of a hidden wealthy family?
James could accept 40% equity.
"Mr. Kaur, are you sure about investing 2 billion?" James asked excitedly, though a bit tongue-tied.
Lukas replied calmly, "Is it too little? I can add more."