Lucian became serious. After instructing the boys to take a break, he gave Cayden a call to initiate plans for registering the company the following day. “Think about it carefully, Essie. What would you like to name it?”
Estella stopped what she was doing and gave it some thought. She even asked for her brothers’ help, but after they came up with a few names, she remained unsatisfied. At last, she decided to take a few days to mull it over.
Downstairs in the living room, Elektra learned from small talk with Roxanne that she had taken her wedding photographs that day. Elektra couldn’t help feeling jealous inside. However, her expression did not betray her. Instead, she showered them with praise about how good they looked.
Noticing that she still had not gotten to the point, Roxanne became curious. What could it be that is so difficult to broach? Does she need money? Or does she want my help in treating someone?
“I’ve been back in the country for quite some time, Roxanne, and have been looking for an investment opportunity. Unfortunately, I haven’t found anything yet, and it’s been frustrating. I spent the whole of last night brainstorming, and an idea finally came to me. That is why I came so urgently to see you as soon as I woke up.”
“Investment? How does this pertain to me?” Roxanne became puzzled when Elektra had, at last, arrived at the point. Wouldn’t something. like this be more appropriate to discuss with Lucian? Farwell Group had an abundance of money, resources, and connections. It was the partner every entrepreneur dreamed of doing business with.
“Indeed. This is an opportunity only suited for you.” Elektra’s eyes flashed with excitement. Even without the follow-up plans in place, the tip given by Christina was an excellent investment.
Roxanne was rather dubious, so Elektra continued, “Your research institute has some of the most advanced research and development techniques in the country. Have you considered that a small modification to the pharmaceutical products you’re already working on would make it possible to produce cosmeceutical products? At the moment, the domestic market for cosmeceutical products is inconsistent, with most consumers prefer foreign luxury brands. This is a massive opportunity for us. Let’s be partners and start a company specializing in cosmeceutical products. You don’t have to do anything except research and development, and I’ll handle the rest. That way, it won’t interfere with other aspects of your research.”
Elektra spoke so quickly that her cheeks flushed with excitement. If I do this well, the promise it holds could even surpass my family’s business. Roxanne’s doubts dissipated after she listened to it. She began to consider the matter carefully.
“Technique is the first step of production, so our company will be split seventy-thirty, with you holding majority stakes. You shall hold the position of CEO while I’ll be the executive general manager. The company will be registered under your name. That is the best offer I can come up with as a gesture of sincerity.”
Elektra came to Roxanne with the mindset of an entrepreneur pitching her idea. She had even done her homework and could provide in-depth explanations pertaining to market analysis, product pricing, and brand. building. What she displayed was a fervent passion for the product.
To her, the best person to go into business with was Roxanne. Roxanne’s research institute could uncover the composition of herbal compounds, which was the aspect their fellow countrymen trusted the most.
She even knew that Roxanne had developed at drug for endocrine regulation, which also happened to have a convenient side effect of reducing acne. At last, after careful consideration, Roxanne deemed the investment feasible.
“I must conduct a meeting with my colleagues at the research institute about this investment opportunity. Forgive me for not being able to agree immediately.”
Roxanne could have made that decision on her own, but she just came up with a pretext. Although the staff at the research institute trusted her completely, she wanted to get Lucian’s opinion as his business experience far exceeded hers.
In fact, Roxanne could even form a partnership with Farwell Group. It would eliminate the need to approach Elektra. However, it would be a betrayal of Elektra’s trust. since she was the one who proposed this idea.
Elektra nodded, suppressing the panic within her. “Sure. Many people’s interests are at stake, after all. Take a couple of days to think about it before getting back to me.”
After that, Roxanne discussed some of the details with her. Elektra handled them all with ease. She had come well-prepared. At that moment, she even felt her loyalty swaying.
Although Christina had given her the plan with the intention of seeking revenge on Roxanne, the opportunity the investment held was too promising. The Lane family’s standing could be raised significantly if she succeeded. She, on the other hand, would become somebody who had accomplished something.
Two hours later, Elektra left the Farwell residence. She did not even bid Lucian farewell. Returning upstairs, Roxanne urged the children to shower and tuck themselves in.
“You two were talking for a long time. Seems like it was something really important, wasn’t it?” Lucian was curious. Roxanne was still in disbelief that Elektra would come to her to talk about a partnership.
Madilyn once warned me that Elektra’s a childhood friend of Lucian’s. In fact, Elektra wanted to go with him alone on the mission to help Nicholas had he not dragged me along. What’s going on in her head? Could I be overthinking? Does she seriously intend to make something of herself?
After mulling it over for a long time and realizing that Lucian was waiting for her response, Roxanne recounted the discussion regarding the investment opportunity. Lucian listened with rapt attention. His eyes were filled with approval.
“It’s a solid idea. I have considered this once, but I was worried it might mean more work for you. Now that Elektra is willing to handle the operations, it seems like a promising investment opportunity.”
As long as Roxanne was the one in control, Lucian did not see the need to compete for the business. That was also a significant factor in how he managed to secure partnerships with many influential families for Farwell Group.
“Are you saying that it’s doable? Just as well. I have priced the products very low, so the research institute’s profit margin is quite poor. I’ve always felt bad about not being able to offer better perks to the R&D staff. But with cosmeceutical products, we have a chance to make a difference. If we can build a brand and capture some of the market shares from the luxury Epean brands, we could set up more factories domestically and create more jobs.”
There was a twinkle in Lucian’s eyes as he listened to Roxanne. His admiration for her grew even more. Her ability to think things through and anticipate potential outcomes has been improving.
“You’re not the only one who negotiated a project tonight. I, too, have agreed to an excellent business proposal,” Lucian announced with a smile. Roxanne froze. He did not take one step out of the house. Who did he discuss business with?
Her curiosity grew when she took in his secretive demeanor. What investment could have made him this happy? It took some probing before Lucian finally decided to share the news.
I’m investing in our talented designer, of course! Essie asked me to start a company for her. She wants to gain a foothold in the children’s apparel market.”
Roxanne was stunned. “Are you sure? Aren’t you afraid of making a loss? Essie is indeed talented, but this decision may be too hastily made. What happens if she makes you suffer a loss? I don’t want her to be under any pressure.”
Lucian gazed at her steadily. At last, Roxanne admitted to herself after further thought that she had indeed thought too much. Given Farwell Group’s wealth, it would not make the slightest dent even if Estella bankrupted one company a day for ten years.
“Don’t worry. Estella has plenty of time to try new designs. If she can’t manage, we’ll hire local designers to work with her. Our child’s dream is what’s important.”
Although Lucian could afford to make losses, he was strangely confident in his daughter’s designs. “My dear, the father of my children, you’re spoiling them too much.”
Lucian was momentarily taken aback by his new moniker. He found it interesting. Immediately, he pulled her into an embrace. “We got married today, the mother of my children. Does that mean…”
Roxanne’s cheeks flushed crimson. She became unusually silent. Taking her silence as consent, Lucian swept her off her feet and carried her into the bedroom.
“The children aren’t asleep yet!” she protested. “They want a younger sibling and are counting on us. We can’t let them down.” Elektra arrived aboard the cruise ship to see Christina.
“Mr. Goldstein’s business obligations require me to return to Hawen tonight, but I have left behind several of my men to gather information. They can assist you at any time, so feel free to call me whenever you need them,” Christina drawled.
Leaving Horington this time is different from the last. I had fled before in a pathetic state, like a wreck. Elektra nodded, aware that the men left behind might also be keeping an eye on her.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.