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Novel Catalog
Chapter_61
Inside the quiet, dimly lit space of The Cube, Oliver sat across from Alexander. The room felt almost suffocating in its isolation, the muffled hum of the outside world offering a stark contrast to their solitude. The table between them was littered with unopened bottles, remnants of past gatherings, now forgotten.
A large screen flickered quietly in the background, casting a cold glow over the room as it played silent music videos. The serenity inside was jarring against the raucous noise spilling through the walls. Without a word, Oliver reached for a bottle, pouring himself a drink. He swallowed it in one swift motion, the liquid burning its way down his throat. He repeated the action twice more, each gulp harder than the last.
Meanwhile, Alexander remained unmoved, lounging casually on the sofa. One leg crossed over the other, his posture oozing nonchalance. One hand rested on the back of the couch, while the other played with a lighter, the flickering flame briefly illuminating his indifferent face. He watched Oliver’s drinking, his gaze almost detached, as if studying a curious spectacle.
Oliver’s rapid shots almost forced a cough, but he suppressed it, his cheeks flushing from the effort. The silence hung heavy, broken only by the soft clink of glass against the table.
At last, Oliver spoke, his voice low but clear. “We need to talk, Alexander.”
Alexander looked at him with an amused, almost mocking glint in his eyes. “Talk about what?”
“About Abigail,” Oliver said, leaning forward.
A smirk tugged at the corners of Alexander’s lips. “She’s your sister,” he said dryly. “Coming to me about her? Seems like you’re barking up the wrong tree.”
Oliver didn’t flinch. He knew this wasn’t going to be easy. “Abigail’s learned her lesson. She won’t interfere with Quinn’s business again. Whatever she did before, I’m here to apologize on her behalf. I hope you won’t let this incident escalate.”
Alexander didn’t immediately respond. He only stared at Oliver with a mixture of amusement and something darker, his eyes unreadable. The silence stretched between them before he finally spoke. “Do you really think that me backing off will make it all go away?”
Confusion flickered across Oliver’s face. “What do you mean?”
Alexander’s tone was laced with condescension. “You’ve been in business long enough, Oliver. People don’t let you off the hook just because you ask them to. They kick you when you’re down. Haven’t you figured that out yet?”
Oliver’s face hardened. He knew exactly what Alexander meant. “There are no friends in business,” he said grimly. “Sometimes, it’s the ones who call you ‘brother’ that are first in line to stab you in the back.”
His thoughts briefly drifted to the harsh truths of their world. When you’re stronger, they can’t wait to see you fall. When you’re weaker, they fear you might catch up. And when you’re in distress, everyone is ready to trample on you and laugh. That was human nature.
Alexander lit a cigarette, the glow of the flame briefly lighting his face. His voice, when he spoke, was cold and calculating. “I just sparked the fire, Oliver. It burned on its own. You’re blaming the wrong person.”
Oliver’s expression darkened, but he kept his silence. The music video on the screen ended, and the room was plunged into darkness for a brief moment before the next one began. Oliver’s patience had run out. “It’s exactly because you lit that fire that the others felt brave enough to add fuel to it. I’m right to come to you—the one who started it all.”
Alexander responded without hesitation. “Ever heard of the snowball effect? Once it gets rolling, it’s out of control from the person who started it.”
His message was clear—he had no intentions of stopping.
Oliver exhaled, his frustration palpable. “Look, Alexander, we’re both businessmen here. Businessmen don’t turn down money. Name your price.” The sentimental appeals were over. This was now a matter of business.
Alexander took a slow drag from his cigarette, the smoke curling around his fingers as he thought for a moment. His voice dropped low. “The Vanderbilt family has a strong presence in Africa, right?”
“Yeah, that’s one of our major markets,” Oliver replied, a frown tugging at his forehead. “What are you getting at?”
Alexander’s demand came as smoothly as ever. “A few countries over there have been making it difficult for my shipments to clear customs. I need you to handle it.”
Kennedy Enterprises had a vast global shipping network, but there were always areas beyond their reach. Oliver, with his influence, could make it easier for Alexander to navigate these obstacles. “That shouldn’t be a problem,” Oliver said, nodding. “Is that all?”
Alexander’s smile was small but calculating. “Take care of that first, then we’ll talk.”
Oliver’s unease deepened. Catching that subtle smile, a cold shiver ran down his spine. This wasn’t just about a few trade restrictions—there was more at play here. “You haven’t been smuggling contraband, have you?” he asked cautiously.
Alexander waved off the concern with a dismissive flick of his hand. “Just focus on fixing this. What I’m shipping is none of your business.”
Oliver fell silent for a moment, weighing his options. Finally, he nodded in reluctant understanding. “Understood.”
