Chapter Six – A Delicate Bargain
The black sedan rolled smoothly into the long driveway of the Visalla estate. The evening sun dipped behind the marble pillars, throwing long shadows across the perfectly trimmed hedges. The air smelled faintly of roses, but the atmosphere was anything but peaceful.
As soon as the car came to a stop, Michael's butler stepped forward, opening the door with a precise, practiced motion.
"Welcome home, sir," the butler said with a polite bow. He took the leather briefcase from Michael's hand. "Your father has requested your presence for dinner tonight."
Michael loosened his tie and arched a brow. "Is it important that I attend? I have a mountain of work to do, and I'm not in the mood for small talk."
The butler's tone didn't waver. "Yes, sir. Your father has made it clear that your attendance is… not optional."
A faint sigh escaped Michael's lips. "Fine. Let me take a bath first. I'll be down when I'm ready."
They entered the grand lobby, where the golden chandelier reflected dim light across the polished floors. Michael's gaze was already fixed on the staircase leading to his private quarters—until a hand suddenly gripped his arm.
Ashley Visalla.
She stood in the center of the lobby, phone pressed to her ear. Her eyes flicked to Michael the moment he appeared, and without hesitation, she ended her call, sliding the phone into her pocket.
"Michael," she said smoothly, her lips curling into a faint, knowing smile. "Welcome home. Would you spare a few minutes for me?"
Michael's jaw tightened. He didn't like this tone—nor the way she stopped him mid-step. Still, he forced himself to answer, "Sure. Be quick."
Ashley's heels clicked softly as she closed the space between them. "We had an issue today with the drug business."
Michael gave her a sidelong glance. "Is that my concern? I no longer operate that business, as you so kindly reminded me months ago."
"I know," Ashley replied, brushing invisible dust off her blazer sleeve. "But five million dollars' worth of inventory went missing."
Michael stopped walking entirely. "Five million?" His voice sharpened. "Are you insane? How can someone steal that much? And where was Nero in all this? Or that incompetent excuse for a manager?"
Ashley folded her arms. "I don't know the details yet. For now, I've managed to calm the situation down."
Michael shook his head, his irritation barely masked. "I knew this would happen the moment Nero kicked out my manager—just because the man was too loyal to me. That 'new' manager of his? A useless nerd playing at being in charge."
"Which is exactly why I'm telling you," Ashley said pointedly.
Michael let out a bitter laugh. "Why report it to me? Go to your father. This is his problem, not mine."
Ashley's gaze was unflinching. "I told you—I handled it for now. But I didn't stop you here just to report bad news."
"Oh?" Michael's tone was wary.
"I need to know where you stand with the board meeting situation," she said.
"You don't need to concern yourself with that," he replied coolly.
Ashley smirked. "I do. We're… allies now, whether you admit it or not."
Michael's brow furrowed. "Allies?"
"Yes," she said, her voice low and certain. "Our interests align."
Michael tilted his head. "Go on."
"I want the drug business," Ashley declared. "I want to take it over."
That made Michael pause. He studied her for a moment, almost amused. "You? Handle that? Are you in your right mind?"
"I'm very aware of what it means," she replied sharply. "And I know Father will never remove Nero—his precious favorite—from that business."
Michael allowed himself a short, humorless laugh. "So you want me to do it for you?"
Ashley's smile returned, sharper this time. "Anything can happen in a board meeting. Once you secure a seat, raise the issue. Use the five-million loss to your advantage. Nominate me as the new head of the business."
Michael's eyes narrowed. "And what do I get in return for this big favor?"
Ashley didn't hesitate. "I know about the island. I'll support you with funds."
He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "My construction projects can provide more than enough funding for that. You don't need to worry about it."
"You have funds," she countered, "but they're not consistent. My network can provide a steady flow. Enough to keep your plans alive without worrying about sudden shortfalls."
Michael's gaze lingered on her for a long moment—calculating, weighing the offer.
Finally, he stepped back. "I'll think about it."
Ashley watched him turn away, her expression unreadable. But as he disappeared up the grand staircase, she called after him:
"You will think about it, Michael… but I'm betting you'll say yes."
Michael didn't answer.
The heavy silence of the estate swallowed the sound of his retreating steps.
---