The dining room buzzed with conversation as the guests enjoyed their meals. The long table was filled with a variety of dishes, from roasted meats to fresh salads and fine wine. Damian sat at the head of the table, his face calm, though his mind worked silently.
He sipped his wine, his sharp eyes scanning the room. Businessmen laughed and toasted to success, their voices loud and confident. Lina sat to his right, smiling politely, though her gaze often wandered toward the brothel girls waiting in the Grand Hall.
Raphael sat farther down the table, leaning back in his chair with a glass of whiskey in hand. He seemed relaxed, but Damian knew his brother well enough to know he was paying attention to everything.
At the far end of the table, Mr. Taylor cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the room.
“Gentlemen,” Taylor began, his voice steady and deep. “I think it’s time we discuss the real reason we’re here tonight.”
The chatter quieted as everyone turned to listen. Damian leaned forward slightly, his expression curious but guarded.
Taylor placed his glass down and looked directly at Damian. “Mr. Wolfe,” he said, “I’m here to propose a partnership that could benefit both of us greatly.”
Damian raised an eyebrow, gesturing for him to continue. “I’m listening.”
Taylor straightened in his seat, his tone confident. “As many of you know, I’ve been working on expanding my shipping business. The ports in the south are lucrative, but we’ve run into… difficulties.”
Raphael chuckled softly, swirling his whiskey. “Difficulties? Is that your polite way of saying competition?”
Taylor smirked but didn’t respond to Raphael directly. Instead, he focused on Damian. “I believe that with your influence and resources, Mr. Wolfe, we can eliminate those difficulties and take control of the market.”
Damian tilted his head, his fingers tapping lightly against the table. “And what exactly are you proposing?”
“A partnership,” Taylor said firmly. “Your family’s influence in the north is unmatched. Combine that with my shipping routes in the south, and we’ll dominate the trade business. No one will dare challenge us.”
The room murmured in approval, several of the businessmen nodding their heads.
“And what do I get out of this?” Damian asked, his voice calm but firm.
Taylor smiled slightly. “Fifty percent of the profits. And exclusive rights to all shipments passing through the southern ports. It’s a win-win, Mr. Wolfe.”
Raphael leaned forward, a sly grin on his face. “And what about those difficulties you mentioned? Are you expecting us to clean up your mess?”
Taylor’s smile didn’t falter. “Let’s not pretend we’re strangers to taking risks, Mr. Raphael,” he said smoothly. “Every great deal requires a little… effort.”
Damian’s gaze didn’t waver. “You’re asking a lot,” he said. “And fifty percent is generous for you, but not for me. Why should I agree?”
Taylor’s tone grew more serious. “Because if you don’t, someone else will,” he said simply. “And they won’t give you half they’ll take it all.”
The room fell silent for a moment, the tension thick in the air. Damian’s expression remained unreadable as he considered Taylor’s words. Finally, he leaned back in his chair, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
“You’re bold,” he said. “I’ll give you that.”
Taylor raised his glass slightly. “I prefer to call it confident.”
“And what happens when those difficulties become… too difficult?” Damian asked, his tone challenging.
Taylor didn’t hesitate. “That’s why I need a partner like you, Mr. Wolfe. Someone who knows how to handle such situations.”
Raphael chuckled again, leaning back in his seat. “You really think you can handle doing business with my brother?” he asked, his tone teasing.
Taylor’s smile grew sharper. “I’ve handled worse.”
The room erupted in laughter, the tension easing slightly. Even Damian allowed a small smile to cross his face, though his eyes remained cold and calculating.
“I’ll consider it,” Damian said finally. “But I don’t make decisions lightly. I’ll need time to review the details.”
“Of course,” Taylor said, inclining his head. “Take all the time you need.”
The conversation shifted back to lighter topics, but Damian’s mind lingered on the proposal. There was something about Taylor that felt familiar, though he couldn’t quite place it.
Lina, sitting quietly beside him, sipped her wine with a satisfied smile. She didn’t care about the deal or the guests. Her mind was focused entirely on her plan.
As the laughter and chatter filled the room, Madam Catherine stepped in, bowing slightly. “Dinner is ready to conclude, Mr. Wolfe,” she said. “Shall I prepare the Grand Hall for the next part of the evening?”
Damian nodded curtly. “Yes. Make sure everything is perfect.”
“Yes, sir,” Madam Catherine replied, leaving the room to make the arrangements.
Taylor leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting toward the chandelier above. “This is quite the estate you have, Mr. Wolfe,” he said, his tone casual. “It must have taken years to build.”
“It’s been in the family for generations,” Damian replied, his tone neutral.
Taylor’s lips twitched into a faint smile. “Family,” he murmured. “It’s funny how it shapes us, isn’t it?”
Damian’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn’t respond. Instead, he raised his glass in a silent toast, ending the conversation.
As the guests began to move toward the Grand Hall, Damian stood back, watching them with a critical eye. His thoughts remained on Taylor’s proposal and the strange feeling of familiarity that nagged at him.