Arlan furrowed his eyebrows. "He's here?"
"This is the picture that I took secretly." Khalon showed him the image which was taken from a phone. The picture shows a bald man with an angular face and a faded beard. He was wearing sunglasses and a black fedora hat.
"It's not clear, but I think you're right. This is Leandro Manzano, but why is he here? How many men did he bring?" Arlan asked while scanning the crowd.
"There are four people staying close to him and eight men scattered inside the auction house. As for how many people he has outside, I don't know the exact numbers yet." Khalon replied.
"Do you have the confidence to take him out?" Arlan asked with a sharp glint in his eyes. If Leandro was dead, his drug cartel would be in chaos and the rest of his men would certainly fight for power.
"I can kill him, but I would be exposed. This country is different compared to Maharlika. They have numerous CCTV cameras installed in every corner of the streets." Khalon answered truthfully.
Arlan's expression turned cold upon hearing his words. It would be dangerous for him if Khalon was exposed. Once people learn that he is not a human, Arlan might have to face the scrutiny of the whole world. "I want you to follow them closely, but don't let them discover you. Record their movements as well. I will send the recordings to Fabian once we return to Maharlika."
"Yes, boss." Khalon nodded and left.
***
Leandro walked out of the auction house with a cane in his hand.
"Boss, that guy doesn't look impressive. I can't believe that Diego was actually played like a fool by that man. He didn't even report the incident to you." The person walking beside Leandro remarked.
"If he wasn't impressive, how could he buy the Salvator Mundi without even blinking? Even I don't have enough liquid assets to bid for that painting. That person is powerful, but no matter how powerful he is, he needs to die for provoking me! Just let him strut around for now. We will kill him the moment he returns to Maharlika." Leandro smirked coldly.
"Yes, boss!"
"Forget about that guy for now. We need to meet Mr. Guzman tonight. I don't want anything to go wrong. Do you understand?" Leandro eyed his subordinates and they immediately lowered their heads after meeting his gaze.
"Yes, boss!"
Although Leandro's drug cartel was infamous in Maharlika, they haven't reached the point where they could be called an international-level syndicate. The person he was going to meet this time was Eduardo Cassano, the consigliere of the Cassano Family.
The Cassano Family was one of the three families that controls La Cosa Nostra, an Italian Mafia that was based in Sicily, Italy. La Cosa Nostra was founded in the late 19th century and they are still active at present. This criminal organization was considered as the largest syndicate in the world with their businesses spread all over Europe and even towards Asia!
This time, Leandro came to Paris in hopes that his drug cartel would be accepted by the Cassano Family. If he gets their protection, he would have nothing to worry about in Maharlika! He might even get the chance to spread his business in Asia!
***
Peter and Arlan's group headed to the venue of the party hosted by Harry Pinault. It was a grand party and many famous celebrities and businessmen were invited. The parking space of the venue was packed with all sorts of luxury cars.
The people who didn't know what was going on were blinded by the array of luxury cars.
Arlan was still able to contain his shock, but it was different for Karl and Thelma. They were only ordinary people and the scene made them feel overwhelmed.
Thelma grabbed his arm and whispered. "Boss, I feel like I don't belong here. I think it's fine for me to stay outside." She looked nervous when she uttered those words.
Karl didn't say anything, but he also felt a bit uncomfortable. However, he had to stay close to Arlan because it was his job to ensure his safety.
"Relax. You just have to enjoy the party. You will get used to it soon." Arlan smiled as he gently patted her hand.
Thelma felt a bit better when she heard his words.
"Follow me. I'll introduce you to some of my friends." Peter said as he handed Arlan a glass of wine.
Arlan took the glass of wine and replied. "Alright. Lead the way."
Peter brought them to a small group of people who were seated before a round table. There were only four of them and they all had outstanding temperament.
"Hello, everyone! Have you been well?" Peter was a charismatic man. He managed to quickly get everyone's attention.
"Hey, guys it's Peter!" A beautiful mature blonde woman in her forties exclaimed after seeing Peter. She was wearing a black long coat over her gray dress. This woman was Divine Arnault, the CEO of Dior. She was also the daughter of Bernard Arnault, the CEO of the LVMH Group.
The other three people were also important members of the LVMH Group.
"Everyone, please allow me to introduce my friend here. He is Arlan Dominic Roa, a tycoon from Maharlika. Don't be fooled by his age. I think he is even richer than most of us here." Peter chuckled as he introduced Arlan to the group.
"I know you. Aren't you the person who won the bid for the Salvator Mundi painting? It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Christopher Babin." A middle-aged man dressed in a navy blue suit shook hands with Arlan.
"I am Divine Arnault. It's nice to meet you." Divine was already in her late forties, but because she was very particular with her health, she still looked like someone in her early thirties.
"Hello, Mr. Roa! I am Philippe Baus."
"I'm Reynard de Lesquen."
Arlan wasn't flustered as he shook hands with these important people. With Peter's help, it didn't take long for him to become part of their group.
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