Noah took a seat as Arthur gestured toward the grand living room’s plush armchair. Just then, a maid brought in a delicate tray of appetizers, each small bite a perfectly crafted display of culinary art. Arthur smiled as he noticed Noah’s curious glance at the spread.
“I hope the food suits your taste,” Arthur said, his tone warm but observant, his eyes keen on Noah’s reaction.
Noah picked up a canapé, taking a small, appreciative bite. He swallowed and replied with a polite smile, “I’m sure it will. This is already quite impressive.”
The two chatted lightly over their appetizers, each taking the measure of the other through small talk, like the early moves in a game of chess. As the last of the plates were cleared, Arthur leaned back, looking Noah directly in the eyes.
“So, what did you think of the food? I want your honest opinion—no flattery,” he said, a slight smirk touching the corner of his mouth, as if daring Noah to speak freely.
Noah set his fork down, his expression was sincere. “It was fantastic, really. I’m honest when it comes to my stomach.” He chuckled lightly, watching as Arthur joined him, visibly relaxing.
“That’s good to hear.” Arthur nodded approvingly. “Well then, would you like some tea to follow up?”
Noah’s eyes glimmered with a spark of mischief. “Only if I can provide it,” he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of intrigue.
Arthur raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “You carry tea with you?” he asked, his scepticism softened by curiosity.
With a subtle grin, Noah reached into his wallet, playing up the drama of the moment. Slowly, he pulled out a small, elegant pouch containing some tea leaves, the simple yet exquisite design hinting at something rare.
Arthur leaned forward, taking in the sight of the package. “I haven’t seen this brand before, but it certainly looks… luxurious.”
Noah nodded. “It’s a new blend from my company. We’re planning to open a teahouse soon, and if you enjoy this, I’d be nice to have you as a guest for the grand opening.”
Arthur’s eyebrows lifted a fraction, and he called for a maid to brew the tea. As they waited, a fragrant aroma filled the room, carrying subtle hints of floral and earthy tones that drew both Arthur and Lily’s attention.
Arthur’s sceptical expression softened, replaced with a genuine look of interest. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes briefly, letting the scent sink in.
“This is… quite something,” he murmured, his eyes flashing with a new level of respect as he looked back at Noah. “I don’t think I’ve ever smelled a tea quite like this before. Is it all natural?”
Noah gave a knowing smile. “You’ll find out once you taste it.”
Arthur’s intrigue grew as the tea finished brewing. He glanced over at his daughter, who seemed equally captivated by the unfolding mystery. Lily was observing Noah closely, as if reassessing everything she thought she knew about him. Who is this guy? she thought, silently marveling at the confident ease with which he operated.
When the tea was poured, Arthur took a cautious sip. His eyes widened, and he took another sip, then another, each taste revealing layers of complexity that he hadn’t expected. He placed the cup down, looking at Noah with unabashed surprise.
“This is unlike anything I’ve ever tasted,” Arthur said, shaking his head slightly. “It’s refined, but with a depth that’s… unmatched. I’ve had some of the most exclusive teas, but this—this is in a league of its own.”
Noah smiled, leaning back as he watched Arthur absorb the experience. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. We’re not planning to go mass-market with it, but I believe that quality like this should be available to those who truly appreciate it.”
Arthur’s eyes gleamed, a hint of competitive fire flashing through them. “Noah, this tea has potential. I’m certain that production is limited… but I’d like to secure some of the first batches for myself. Would you be willing to do me a favor?”
Noah’s grin broadened, his eyes sharp. “What if I told you there’s no production limit?”
Arthur frowned slightly, disbelief shadowing his expression. “Impossible. Tea of this caliber can’t be mass-produced.”
“Mine can,” Noah replied, his voice confident yet calm.
Arthur leaned forward, clearly intrigued. “Then let’s talk about an investment. I don’t want to miss out on something so unique.”
“We can discuss that, of course,” Noah replied, nodding. “But maybe another time. I have a feeling there’s something else on your mind tonight.”
Arthur’s surprise was momentary, but then he relaxed, a smile playing on his lips. “This boy,” he thought, “he isn’t simple.”
Arthur’s gaze sharpened, his interest plain as he continued, “I’ll be direct. The pain reliever you gave Lily—it’s unlike anything I’ve seen before. In fact, I had my sights on the pharmaceutical industry some time ago, but the challenge was always finding something revolutionary, something that would shake up the market. And this pill you’ve created… it does exactly that. There’s nothing out there even remotely comparable.”
He leaned forward, his tone taking on a note of urgency. “Is this from your company as well, Noah?”
Noah nodded, his lips curving into a faint smile. “Yes,” he replied, his voice steady. “It’s one of our latest developments.”
Arthur took a moment, studying him closely. “Lily’s experience has shown no short-term side effects, but you know as well as I do that pharmaceutical products require rigorous testing. This one—well, it needs that official stamp of approval, even if it seems flawless so far. So, here’s what I’m proposing.”
He crossed his hands in front of him, his expression serious. “I want in on this. I’m prepared to invest $10 million for a 5% share of the product. I’ll handle all legal processes, clinical trials, marketing—the entire package. But the contract will only be finalized once the tests confirm its safety and effectiveness.”
Noah maintained his calm, leaning back slightly as he met Arthur’s gaze, his face unreadable. For a moment, he said nothing, letting the weight of the offer sink in.
Arthur raised an eyebrow, waiting for Noah’s response. “Well?” he prodded gently, his voice carrying a note of curiosity.
Noah’s lips twitched upward into a small smile. “Mr. Luxburg, I appreciate the offer, but I need some time to think it through,” he said, pausing deliberately. “If the tests are successful, then we could talk more about it, what do you think.”
Arthur nodded slowly, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the arm of the chair as he weighed his options. He let the silence stretch, watching as Noah’s eyes flickered with curiosity.
Finally, he spoke, his tone even, yet layered with meaning. “Alright, Mr. Noah, let’s discuss it further once we have those results. After all, a wise investor knows not to buy into potential alone, but to see the proof in hand.”
They exchanged a lingering glance, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Each man measured the other, silently recognizing the stakes—and the opportunity.
As Noah climbed into the sleek Lykan HyperSport, he took a moment to glance back at Arthur’s villa, a faint, satisfied smirk playing on his lips. “Arthur Luxburg is now in my grasp,” he thought.
“He thinks he’s making the smart move, but he has no idea how deep the waters truly run.”
He turned the ignition, the engine roaring to life with a low, powerful growl, and shifted into gear. Pulling away from the villa, he kept his eyes forward, yet his mind was already working on his next steps.
“Now with him testing the pill, he will realise a few things which will give me the upper hand; first being that he cannot replicate it, and the fact that there are no side effects at all,” muttered Noah.
“Talk is cheap after all, even if I told him it wouldn’t have mattered. Because to some people, seeing is believing.”
Inside the villa, Arthur watched Noah’s taillights fade into the distance before turning back to Lily, a thoughtful frown on his face. “Lily, this kid is nothing like you described. It’s as if you don’t even know him. The Noah you told me about—it’s almost like you’re meeting him for the first time yourself.”
Lily nodded, biting her lip as she looked away, her arms crossed. “I know, Dad. That’s exactly what makes him so unnerving. Every single thing I thought I knew about him feels like a lie. Who knows what he’s hiding? What we know now could be just another layer. There might be so much more he hasn’t shown us.”
Arthur sighed, a heavy expression settling on his face. “You’re right, Lily. A person like Noah… someone with that level of confidence and composure, and driving a Lykan HyperSport, no less… he’s the kind who always has a trump card. He wouldn’t reveal his hand unless he knew he’d already won.”
Lily looked at her father, worry flickering in her eyes. “So what are you planning to do about him? I mean, are you still thinking of going into business with him?”
Arthur considered her question, his eyes narrowing slightly as he crossed his arms. “I am. But I’ll be careful. He might be manipulating the situation, but there’s no denying he’s valuable—and if he’s as well-connected as he appears, being aligned with him could bring us a great deal of success.”
Lily nodded slowly, feeling the weight of her father’s words. “But Dad doesn’t see it all,” she thought, glancing out the window.
“I have a feeling that Noah, has a way of always staying one step ahead.” she felt a weird but soothing feeling near her heart.
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
Creation is hard, cheer me up!
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