Top Notch War God

Chapter 70

Early that morning, Grady Somerford, CEO of Apex Group, arrived at the office early to review the company's financials, tallying up expenses and revenues.

"Chairman, this is an invitation from Ariya, the newly appointed CEO of Yuvi Group. Their company will officially change its name to Arilon Group the day after tomorrow, and they'd like you to attend the renaming ceremony," his secretary said, placing the invitation on the table with a practiced air.

Grady took a sip of coffee, a habit he'd maintained for years. "Ariya? I've heard of her. Back during the South City project, Dominik barely glanced at her development plan before signing over a piece of land to her."

He sneered. "Hmph, rumors have it that woman's probably been in Dominik's bed before. And I heard the Vance family from Philly, who knows what they were thinking, sold her their shares. That's probably why they're having this renaming ceremony. It's all nonsense!"

"So, about this invitation..." the secretary ventured.

Grady waved his hand dismissively. "Send her a reply. Tell her I'm too busy to attend her event. A woman can't stir up much trouble no matter how hard she tries. The Willis family is finished, so no need to waste time on her."

"Yes, I'll decline immediately," the secretary said, turning to leave. But within three minutes, she was back in front of Grady.

She said, "Chairman... This invitation wasn't sent by Ariya. The messenger introduced himself as Nightwing. After I told him you were busy, he said he wanted to see you. And he has the seal of the approval office, saying he can help Apex Group if we want to establish ourselves in South City."

Grady was taken aback for a moment, then he said with a hint of joy, "The seal of the approval office? We don't know which company bought the land in South City; everyone's guessing it might be Skysoar Group, but they haven't said a word, and the approval office is tight-lipped."

He added, "If this man has the seal, doesn't that mean our plans are in the running? Quick, invite Mr. Nightwing to see me at once!"

"Yes, sir." The secretary left and soon returned, leading Nightwing in.

Grady stood up and extended his hand. "Hello, I'm Grady. Are you with Skysoar Group, Mr. Nightwing?"

Nightwing looked at his hand but didn't shake it, instead asking, "I heard Apex Group has been trying to get a piece of land in South City, but the approval process has been delayed?"

Grady awkwardly withdrew his hand and nodded. "Yes, we've been trying to buy land in South City, spending who knows how much manpower and resources, but the approval office just won't approve it. Without the land, our company can't grow strong."

He added, "It's like a sword hanging over our necks, ready to strike at any moment. Mr. Nightwing, if you can get us that land, I'm willing to give you five million!"

Nightwing said indifferently, "Keep your money to buy yourself some drinks. The person in charge has given the order to stamp it, but you must attend Ariya's renaming ceremony in person the day after tomorrow. I came to ask, do you want the land or not?"

Grady was taken aback for a moment, then he asked tentatively, "Yes, yes, of course I want it. Does that mean if I attend Ariya's renaming ceremony, the land will be approved for me?"

Without further ado, Nightwing took out two contracts, the ones Grady had submitted to the approval office. Nightwing flipped to the last page and stamped them neatly.

"Nine o'clock the day after tomorrow," Nightwing said, then left.

Grady immediately instructed, "Mr. Nightwing, goodbye. I'll definitely be there at nine the day after tomorrow. Where's the invitation from Mr. Nightwing? Call Ariya at Yuvi Group right away and tell her I'll definitely be there. Oh, and go pick out a gift for Ariya; the total value must not be less than five million. Hurry up!"

"Oh, okay," the secretary, who had never seen Grady like this before, quickly agreed and went to prepare.

The same thing was happening in those twenty-four companies. Almost before noon, Talon received a call from Azureblade. "General, all twenty-four companies have been notified and are ready to attend at nine the day after tomorrow!"

Talon was still in the bedroom, and after hanging up the phone, he got up and pulled open the curtains. "Ariya, everything is ready. I wonder if you'll be happy the day after tomorrow."

Talon murmured, a gentle smile on his face.

Talon finished washing up and just stepped out of the door when he saw Baron and Nia waiting at the entrance.

Nia had changed into a white dress. He hadn't seen it clearly last night, but today he noticed her golden hair coiled high, her round and plump face with a hint of baby fat, making her look playful and cute, yet subtly noble and elegant. Her petite figure made men feel a strong desire to protect her.

"Mr. Storm, lunch is ready," Baron stepped forward and said respectfully.

"Hmm." Talon followed them downstairs and saw five or six chefs standing by the table, along with Wendy waiting. Seeing Talon come down, they all bowed slightly to show their respect.

Talon sat at the head of the table, and at his request, Baron and Nia sat on either side. It was rare for the general to visit, so Baron had invited chefs from a five-star hotel early in the morning. Although the meal was simple, it was exquisite.

After finishing his meal, Baron wiped his mouth and said to Talon, "Mr. Storm, I have to deal with the affairs of the Richards family later, so I won't accompany you. It's rare for you to visit Pennsylvania, so let Nia show you around."

He added, "Oh, by the way, this morning I called the old man, and he said there's a cooperation with Arilon Group worth billions. Here's the contract. Please ask Ms. Willis to sign it."

Talon took the contract and casually set it aside. "Thank you, on behalf of Ariya."

"There's no need to thank me; I should be the one thanking you, Mr. Storm. If the Richards family thinks they can take down the Gordon family, let's see if they have the bite for it," Baron said with a slight chill in his eyes.