Chapter 565 A proposal (1)
Erik found himself nearing his hotel as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting elongated shadows on the city streets.
Yet, when he thought his day was winding down, a modern-looking establishment caught his eye. Its spacious parking lot was filled with a variety of vehicles.
Despite the creeping fatigue that urged him to call it a day, Erik's entrepreneurial instincts kicked in, compelling him to investigate.
The shop's exterior was sleek and inviting, with clean architectural lines and expansive glass panels. The parking lot, although spacious, was bustling with parked cars, suggesting a thriving business.
Intrigued, Erik felt an irresistible pull toward the place. He thought it might be worth a quick look if only to satisfy his curiosity.
Upon entering, Erik was immediately struck by the palpable tension in the room. A woman with sharp features and an authoritative demeanor was locked in a heated exchange with a younger man who appeared to be one of her employees.
"I told you those security measures were inadequate!" she snapped, her eyes narrowing into slits. "We've lost a significant amount of merchandise. Do you have any idea how much that sets us back? We're not running a charity here!"
The young man looked visibly rattled. "I understand, ma'am. I just never thought anyone would have the nerve to do this."
Trying not to draw attention to himself, Erik casually browsed through a nearby shelf while keeping his ears attuned to their conversation.
"Yeah. and now," the woman continued, her voice tinged with frustration, "we have the added headache of dealing with those mercenaries. They've already sent their warning. We're in even deeper waters if we don't settle our debts for those Thaids' bodies. I've heard these guys are not the forgiving types regarding delayed payments."
Intrigued by the unfolding drama, Erik discreetly moved closer, pretending to be engrossed in another product display.
"We could try negotiating," the young man timidly suggested, "perhaps work out some installment plan?"
The woman shook her head dismissively. "Mercenaries aren't exactly known for their flexibility or willingness to negotiate, especially these guys. We need a quick solution."
As the gravity of their predicament settled in, an uneasy silence enveloped the room. Erik could almost feel the weight of their concerns pressing down on them.
Seizing the moment, Erik approached the duo, his expression one of casual curiosity. "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation," he began, locking eyes with the woman. "Perhaps I can offer some assistance?"
The woman and her employee turned towards him, their faces contrasting with surprise and suspicion.
The air was thick with tension, but the potential for a new business venture—or, at the very least, a chance to gather more information—was too enticing for Erik to ignore. This was an opportune moment for him to demonstrate his value and seize good business opportunities.
He had initially entered the building out of mere curiosity. However, as he stood amidst its contemporary decor, fully grasping the situation's urgency, Erik realized he might have stumbled upon an opportunity far more intriguing than he had initially anticipated.
The woman's eyes bore into Erik as if trying to read his soul. "Who are you?" she demanded, her voice tinged with a subtle hostility.
Before Erik could even open his mouth to reply, her eyes darted to Erik's distinctive mask. A flash of recognition gleamed on her features.
"Erik Kay," she whispered, as if she couldn't quite believe it.
"Precisely," Erik said, a wave of satisfaction washing over him. The power of his name and the mask he wore was not lost on many; his reputation had a far reach, for better or worse.
"What brings you here?" she inquired, her voice now laced with a trace of apprehension.
Raising an eyebrow, Erik gestured to the merchandise surrounding them. "Is there any reason to be in a shop other than to make a purchase?"
She looked at him skeptically for a moment before letting out a reluctant chuckle. "Point taken."
Sensing an opening, Erik leaned in slightly, lowering his voice to a near whisper. "You seem to be in a bit of a predicament. Again, do you need some assistance?"
She paused, clearly weighing her options, before cautiously asking, "And how would you be able to assist us, Mr. Kay?"
Erik straightened his posture, casting a quick glance around the shop. "I'm currently looking to buy vehicles and plan to hire a team to manage them."
A glimmer of understanding flickered in the woman's eyes. She exchanged a quick, surprised glance with her employee.
While Erik's reputation had its advantages, it was evident that she didn't anticipate this situation. She knew what Erik wanted to do; understanding others' wishes was a skill she learned long ago.
"So, you're not just looking for a good deal," she began cautiously, piecing together the elements of the situation. "You're offering to inject much-needed cash into our business, helping us settle our debts."
"Exactly," Erik confirmed, impressed by her quick comprehension. "In return, I get the vehicles I need, and perhaps you could offer me a discount on future transactions."
A heavy, contemplative silence enveloped the room. The distant sounds of the city and the soft hum of the air conditioner seemed to fade into the background as the woman considered Erik's proposal.
After an endless period, she finally broke the silence. "Your offer is quite tempting, Mr. Kay."
Erik allowed himself a slight, self-assured smirk. "I thought you might find it so."
She sighed deeply, massaging her temples as if trying to alleviate a headache. "We're clearly in a tight spot. Your offer is tempting, but desperate times often lead to risky decisions. Besides, do you even have the money? I heard you started working as a mercenary not even 6 months ago. Frankly, I doubt you have enough money to solve our problem."
Erik met her gaze, unflinching. "My reputation should speak for itself. I'm a man of my word. Do you really think I'd have trouble financing a few vans and cars?"
She studied him for a long, intense moment before finally extending her hand. "Shall we continue this discussion in my office?"
"Delighted that you're considering my proposal," Erik replied, feeling like he'd just maneuvered another piece into place on a complex chessboard.
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