Top Notch War God

Chapter 106

Ariya held Talon with one arm and picked up the phone with the other. It was her newly appointed manager calling. Ariya knew the manager wouldn't call unless something major was going on. She motioned for Talon to stay still and answered the phone, saying, "Yeah, what is it?"

"Boss, you didn't come today, so I wanted to update you on something important. The Richards family from Pennsylvania sent someone over to our company this morning, saying they wanted to discuss a partnership. They said if the Gordon family can partner with us on a billion-dollar deal, they're proposing a deal just as big, if not bigger."

"A deal as big as the Gordon family's? Tell them I'll meet with them at the office first thing in the morning. They can wait one night. I can't exactly head out right now." Ariya perked up at the mention of this but hesitated as she glanced at Talon.

The manager sounded troubled. "I told them that, but they said that won't work. Their main representative is leaving the country tonight and is currently waiting for you at the hotel. I think… maybe you could put what you're doing on hold? They seem pretty urgent, and you might be able to sign the contract right at the hotel."

Ariya hesitated for a moment. It was hard to ignore such a huge deal. Finally, she nodded. "Alright, tell them I'll be there in about half an hour. Also, get the contract ready. I'll stop by the office to pick it up. If this deal goes through, your commission will follow my new plan."

"Understood, boss! I'm on it!" The manager hung up, overjoyed. According to Ariya's new plan, his commission alone would be over 10 million, and for a salaried worker like him, it was a giant figure.

After hanging up, Ariya looked at Talon awkwardly and said softly, "Talon, I… need to head out for a bit…"

"The Richards family from Pennsylvania? If they're asking to meet you, it's probably better if you don't go." Having overheard most of the call, Talon smirked. He didn't believe for a second that the Richards family had good intentions. He had brought Nia here for protection, and he had killed Kayden. It made no sense they would be willing to partner up.

"It's a billion-dollar deal. I've got to at least check it out. You're the only man I've ever loved, and it'll stay that way. Are you worried I'll run away? Be good and let me get up." Ariya's gaze softened as she looked at Talon.

Talon shook his head helplessly and rolled onto his stomach, watching as Ariya took a dress out of the closet and slipped it on. As Ariya sat down to put on her stockings, she glanced at Talon. "You perv, still haven't had enough after all this time?"

Talon's smile was full of affection. "I could never get enough. You're so beautiful, and your body is perfect. How could I ever get tired of looking? I just want to keep you in my arms forever."

Ariya leaned over and kissed Talon on the cheek. "Such a sweet talker. That's your reward. I'm heading out for business now. Sleep. But let me make it clear. You're sleeping on the floor. I'll consider letting you sleep in the bed depending on how you behave."

"Your mom said I could sleep in the room. How are you backing out on that?" Talon exclaimed in shock.

"But you are in the room." Ariya gestured around the decor.

"But…" Talon tried to argue, but then he remembered that Norah had only said he could sleep in Ariya's room, not that he could sleep in the bed.

"Be good. There'll be plenty of chances." Ariya grabbed her purse, gave Talon a lingering look before stepping out the door, and then left.

Once Ariya was gone, the warmth on Talon's face faded. He got up, dressed, and called Azureblade to join him. He followed Ariya from a distance. He didn't know what the Richards family wanted with her, but if they dared to lay a finger on her, Talon wouldn't hesitate to wipe them out.

Ariya drove the Bentley Talon had given her, replaying the tender moment they'd shared earlier in her mind. A content smile lingered on her lips, and the night air seemed especially fresh.

After picking up the contract at the office, she drove to the Hotel Philadelphia. As soon as she parked, a valet rushed over. "Excuse me, are you Ms. Willis from Arilon Group?"

Ariya nodded. The valet smiled respectfully. "Ms. Willis, Mr. Richards has been expecting you. He thought it might be too noisy around here, so he booked the entire hotel. Please follow me."

Ariya was a bit taken aback. For a business meeting, a private room would have sufficed. Did they really need to rent out the entire hotel? As she followed the valet, she shook her head, thinking, 'Rich people just do whatever they want.'

"Mr. Richards, Ms. Willis from Arilon Group has arrived," the valet announced, bowing by a window-side table on the second floor.

Ariya looked up and saw a man sitting at the table. He appeared to be around her age, wearing a suit and a white shirt, and under the lights, he looked both refined and slightly intense, making it hard to feel any dislike toward him.

As Ariya approached, the man stood and extended his hand. "Ms. Willis, I apologize for asking you to meet so late. Let me introduce myself. I'm Dale from the Richards family. I wanted to discuss an investment opportunity."

If Talon had been there, he would have been shocked—Dale was Nia's fiancé. Dale probably came for Nia. Ariya was unaware of the danger. She extended her hand and shook Dale's. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I had some unexpected matters come up today, so I couldn't make it to the office. I'm sorry for keeping you waiting."

Dale concealed the admiration in his eyes well and smiled at Ariya. "Ms. Willis, there's no need to apologize. Since I'll be leaving the country early tomorrow, I wanted to meet with you tonight. If it's alright with you, shall we discuss things over dinner?"

Ariya smiled as she gracefully sat down. "I've already eaten at home. However, there's one thing I've been wondering about, and I hope you can clarify it for me. Arilon Group isn't exactly a major corporation compared to the Richards family. So why are you interested in working with us?"

"Everyone knows you secured a deal with Ms. Christina. Arilon Group's potential is boundless. Plus, I heard the Gordon family has already started doing business with you, and we can't afford to be left behind. How about this: the Richards family is prepared to triple the order you have with the Gordon family. What do you think?"