Chapter 8 The Ultra-exclusive Deal

"I can see and appreciate your effort towards getting it done, but you can keep it with you for the meantime," Desmond said.

At the hearing of this, Harrison almost panicked again.

He thought Desmond was annoyed, but was only stylishly responding calmly.

"Sir, I'm sorry. I'm here to do whatever you command and would not in any way stress you or intentionally do what you would not like. I'm so sorry, Sir. Nothing of such would happen again," Arthur pleaded.

"If you do not mind, I can help deliver it to the owner's doorstep in less than thirty minutes. I promise to meet up this time around, Sir," he continued, fixing his gaze on Desmond to make sure he read all his body language, trying to understand what it meant.

"It's fine, don't bother. It's just not needed anymore," Desmond said.

"Be calm. You don't have issues with me, I assure you," Desmond added, his tone cool.

"Uhm, I need to ask about something quick"

"Yes, Sir," Harrison replied, leaning closer to Desmond as though he was dear to him.

"You know anyone with the name Alexander?"

"Zack? Yes, Sir. I do."

"What do you know about him?" Desmond inquired.

"Sir, Alex is the eldest son of the Zack family, and he is in charge of all the businesses owned by the Zacks," Arthur began.

"They are one of the top seven elite families in Halcyon City.

"The family business ranks number one on the ultra-exclusive stage here at Zenith Lux."

"Ultra-exclusive stage?" Desmond asked.

"What does it mean to be at the ultra-exclusive stage?" Desmond continued, his gaze steady as he stood properly to listen.

Arthur Harrison adjusted his tie, clearing his throat before responding.

"The ultra-exclusive stage is the pinnacle of power in Zenith Lux," he explained.

"Only three families hold this position, and every business that passes the five crucial stages is placed under them, depending on their value and influence."

"And the Zack family?" Desmond prompted.

Arthur nodded.

"They rank first, controlling an 89.7% profit share, and their highest worth so far is one billion dollars.

"Their influence dictates market trends, making them untouchable for the past two years, up until now."

A slow smirk escaped Desmond's lips.

"Okay," he replied.

"Other benefits that come with being at an ultra-exclusive stage are the yearly profits, which the first rank stands a chance to win exclusive ownership of a private island and a private jet."

"Second place stands to win high-end corporate shares and an elite private yacht. And the third...?"

"A luxury annual vacation package and a chance to get goods worth one million dollars at the top-rank boutique, which is Luxoria Ventures (LV)."

"So you mean by the end of the year, if the Zacks maintain their position, these are all they would get?" Desmond inquired, his expression indifferent.

Arthur quickly picked up from his choice of words.

"Sir, if you think the idea is not worth it, we can cancel the decision right away.

"Actually, this is the first year we implemented it, and we have made it known to the members. But they can also be told that the deal is not like that anymore. No one dares to drag that with us, Sir. Whatever you agree upon is final."

As a smart and experienced person, Arthur quickly noticed from Desmond's choice of words that he deemed the Zacks unworthy of competition.

What do you expect?

Someone liable to be the vice president of the most powerful company in the city could not be a dull person.

"Sir, can you come into my office to have your seat so we can discuss the matter?"

"Thank you. Not a serious matter, actually," Desmond said, rejecting the offer.

"Uhm... it's a great idea that you have such packages as rewards, but ...."

Before Desmond could finish his sentence, they all heard footsteps echoing from the hallway.

Fast, hurried steps, as if someone was running.

The sound of the footwear striking the floor alerted them.

Before one of Arthur's men could figure out who was disturbing the entire place with their footsteps, a lady already appeared in their midst, panting heavily.

Ignoring everyone else standing there, she rushed to Arthur's front.

"Mr. Arthur, uhhh.... Go..Good day, Sir," the lady said, trying to control her breathing so she could talk properly.

"I know it's by sheer luck I met with you today, I'm Camilla Frederick," she said, still swallowing her spit, trying to regain her breath properly to speak well.

Desmond wondered what could be wrong with her and immediately interfered.

"Calm down, young lady," Desmond said, his voice cool.

The lady turned to give Desmond a slight nod, appreciating his concern.

"Thank you," she said while gazing at him.

As she averted her gaze to look at Desmond, a bell rang in his brain.

His pupils shrank, and with lightning speed, his thoughts went on a rampage.

The slight mark on the lady's face triggered a memory in Desmond's mind.

It was at the same spot where he had a scar.

Could she be the girl he had been looking for?

Years ago, when Desmond had been hospitalized, the only thing he had clearly remembered upon waking was that unique mark on a girl's face.

He had been certain that if he ever saw her again, he would recognize her instantly.

But how had he mistaken her for Tatiana? Tatiana didn't have a mark at all.

Perhaps fate had played a trick on him.

He had simply assumed that the little girl was Tatiana, especially since she had always been by Lord George's side whenever he visited.

Desmond was still lost in thought when Arthur broke the silence.

"Miss Camilla Frederick, you are welcome, but I'm busy now. Please, sit at the reception," Arthur said nonchalantly.

Camilla hesitated for a moment, her breathing still slightly uneven.

She looked like she had something urgent to say, but Arthur's dismissive tone made her pause.

Desmond, however, was still processing everything.

His eyes remained fixed on Camilla, thoughts colliding in his mind.

Something about her presence felt significant.

He couldn't ignore it.