Chapter 128 Forcing Ben to Submit
Arlan contacted Ben Hidalgo after returning to the mansion in Forbes Park.
"Hello, Mr. Hidalgo."
"Mr. Roa, to what do I owe this pleasure of speaking with you?"
"I'd like to make a big order, but this matter is quite sensitive so we should discuss it in person. When is the best time for you tomorrow?" The technology was already very advanced and he was afraid that other people would eavesdrop on their call so Arlan wanted to meet Ben in person.
"Oh? How about 9 a.m.? This time let's meet in Starbucks Waltermart." Ben Hidalgo replied.
"That sounds good. See you tomorrow, Mr. Hidalgo." Arlan disconnected the call after scheduling a meeting with Ben.
"That guy always sets up our meeting in coffee shops..." Arlan muttered in amusement.
***
The next day, Arlan headed to Starbucks Waltermart with Karl and Krizia. He brought Karl for an extra layer of protection, while Krizia was there to let her know about the people connected to him.
They arrived at the meeting spot ahead of the agreed time so Ben Hidalgo was still not there.
"Go buy us some coffee." Arlan told Karl.
"Yes, boss." Karl nodded his head and went to line up. There weren't a lot of people since it was still early in the morning. There were only six people including Karl in the queue.
Arlan and Krizia took their seats in the corner of the coffee shop.
Krizia leaned towards him and whispered. "Boss, what kind of person is this guy Ben Hidalgo?"
Arlan glanced at her and inadvertently saw her cleavage. He quickly looked away as he replied. "He is just a profiteering merchant. Why are you so curious about him?"
"I'm curious about everything. I just found out that this kind of job is actually more fun than being the General Manager of Pegasus Hotel. By following you around, I get to meet people who I normally wouldn't see. There is also this sense of thrill that I never felt before. It feels like I'm a spy like the ones in the movies." Krizia chuckled.
Arlan shook his head and smiled. "It seems like you are well-suited for this kind of job. Others would react differently if they were in your position."
While they were chatting and laughing, Karl came to them with their coffee. "You two looked like a couple." He remarked as he put down their coffee on the table.
Arlan was taken aback by his words. "You surely know how to joke, Karl."
Krizia merely smiled without saying anything.
Soon, the person they were waiting for finally entered the coffee shop.
Ben Hidalgo came with two bodyguards. He already noticed Arlan's group the moment he entered the shop so he briskly walked towards them.
"I apologize for making you wait, Mr. Roa." Ben Hidalgo lightly bowed his head at Arlan.
"There's no need to apologize. We just arrived as well. Take your seat first." Arlan pointed at the seat in front of him.
"Thank you for your understanding." Ben muttered before he took a seat
"I still have a lot of things to take care of so I will go straight to the point." Arlan muttered as he took out a document from the leather briefcase that Krizia was holding. He then placed it on the table and pushed it towards Ben.
Ben curiously grabbed the paper. After seeing what was written, his eyes jumped up in shock. "This... Mr. Roa, why do you need so many weapons?"
"Keep your voice down, you fool!" Karl warned him.
Ben immediately glanced around them after hearing his words. Luckily, everyone seemed to be absorbed in their own thoughts so no one noticed his words.
"I don't think I have to tell you that, Mr. Hidalgo. I only want to know if you can handle this purchase?" Arlan didn't want to tell him that it was for the army.
"Please pardon my impertinence," Ben muttered as he wiped off the sweat on his face. Every time he met Arlan, the guy would always shock him. "The scale of this purchase has already exceeded my capabilities and I'm already in the Bureau of Custom's Arlan might use it against him.
checklist. If I bring such a large number of contraband into the country, my life would be over." He added.
"Actually, you don't need to make the purchase yourself. I just want you to give me a referral. It would be better if you can go with us to complete the purchase." Arlan said before taking a light sip of his coffee.
Ben furrowed his eyebrows. "You want to know where my weapons come from?" He didn't want to tell Arlan about his supplier. After all, this was his trade secret and Arlan might use it against him.
"You misunderstand me, Mr. Hidalgo. I'm not interested in your business secrets. I just want to get my hands on the weapons on that list." Arlan muttered as he put down his cup of coffee.
Ben hesitated to give him an answer. This matter involves his main source of income and he felt uncomfortable disclosing this information. However, he was a merchant and he would do anything as long as the payment was enough. "What's in it for me if I give you this information?"
Arlan grinned at his words. "If you give me this information, I will give you the opportunity to work for me."
Ben Hidalgo was taken aback by his words. "Mr. Roa, although this offer is very tempting, I have no plans on working for someone." He replied while shaking his head.
"That's a pity. To be honest with you, I have a way to track your supplier. I only came here in hopes to invite you to work for me, but since you don't want to work for someone..." Arlan muttered in a regretful voice. He could just ask Winter to track Ben's supplier.
Ben Hidalgo's face darkened upon hearing his words. This was a blatant threat. Arlan was forcing him to make a choice! 'No one should have any information about my supplier, but why do I feel like this guy really knows how to track my supplier? Dammit!'
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