Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

- - -

​​

I narrowed my eyes at John while trying to keep my voice steady and not reveal my irritation.

"If your goal is to get your hands on our exclusive formulas, you should know that those are our lifeline, and we will not share them willingly. Notte Pharmaceuticals has a long history, good reputation, and loyal customers. What benefits are there for us if we work with you?"

If he noticed my hostility, he hid that well.

"Some benefits show themselves after a long time and some extend beyond business. Don't be hasty in rejecting my offer, Serina."

"Your offer? Why does it sound like you are doing me a favor?"

"Working with me can bring you only benefits.", John emphasized the last word.

"And if I refuse?"

We stopped moving on the dancefloor and a frown settled on his face as he observed me keenly.

I returned his gaze with confidence.

After a few long seconds, John smiled. "You are an impressive woman, Seraphina. I really hope that we can collaborate."

"Collaboration requires equal partnership, John.", I said curtly. "In order for me to consider someone as equal, we need to have a relationship without ill intent. I don't practice staying close to people who plan to backstab me."

He nodded in approval. "Picking your partners is a luxury not many can afford. What can guarantee that you will not be betrayed given the right circumstances?"

"Nothing can guarantee it.", I admitted. "But if the relationship starts on a bad note, there are no chances it will end well."

John thought for a moment before speaking, "Everything can be fixed. Allow us to improve our first impression. We will revise the proposal and send you an updated version within a week."

I was surprised by this outcome. Why was he so keen on working with us? With me.

At this point, John knew that I will keep my guard up and if he wants Notte Pharmaceuticals, the only way is to go with a hostile takeover. Yet he said that he will revise the proposal.

Like that proposal will change anything.

The bad start I mentioned was not related to this event or the contract, I was talking about Magda's actions against my previous self, and John enabling her.

You can't fix murder, John.

- - -

Author's note: this is from Aldus's point of view

- - -

I was on the second hand of poker when the man sitting next to me stood up in order for Richard Thompson to take his seat.

Predictable.

"I am glad that you could make it, Mr. Mezzanotte…", he started small talk.

"After the generous conditions you offered, it would be impolite to refuse, Mr. Thompson.", I responded without lifting my gaze from the cards.

"I am glad you approve."

I never said that I approve.

"For your information, my son is working on that collaboration", Richard pointed toward the direction where Serina and Johnathan are. "I am just observing."

"I see."

I glanced at Serina who was chatting with Jonathan. So far, everything is happening as we predicted.

Why does it look like the youngster is enamored with Serina? I thought she would use her pheromones if nothing else works. Maybe she got impatient.

I don't mind. The sooner we leave from here, the better. I am concerned about Serina's energy levels. She didn't say anything, but I can see that she is not her usual self.

On the other side, her pheromones are frightening. Serina learned how to control them with startling precision, making her targets like or dislike her, and she is able to extend her reach in a full circle or into a specific direction covering about 10 degrees for as far as twenty meters in a controlled environment. Fascinating!

If she uses that properly, she can have a private army of men who would do anything for her. Anything.

Serina was testing how females react to her pheromones and she found that it's not easy to make herself likable to a person of the same gender. There is a fine line between liking and invoking jealousy because females start seeing her as competition but Serina said that she can work that to her advantage. I let her play with it, happy that she is pushing her boundaries and exploring the possibilities.

Richard Thompson was trying to chat me up and it was fairly easy to ignore him up to the point when he mentioned Serina.

"You have a fine daughter."

I looked at him suspiciously. "What are you implying?"

He smiled knowingly. "Seraphina is beautiful, and it seems she is getting along well with my John. I know my boy well and I never saw him so engaged around a woman."

I felt my facial muscles twitching in annoyance. Is he trying to take away my company or my daughter?

"Yes. Seraphina is an amazing young lady.", I said. "Other than beautiful, she is also very smart and capable."

He hummed in agreement. "No wonder she enchanted my son. I wouldn't mind accepting her as part of my family, as my daughter."

That did it! "How much I know, you already have a daughter, Mr. Thompson. Is something wrong with her and you want to take mine?"

He stared at me incredulously and then started chuckling. "You have a good sense of humor, Mr. Mezzanotte…"

I was not joking.

He either wanted to trade Magda for Seraphina or to marry Seraphina to Jonathan. Neither of those two is acceptable.

What ensued was an eternity of me enduring Richard Thompson trying to befriend me.

It made me wonder if that is really the man behind Giantshade Industries or an impostor. But then, the man is in his late fifties, and he had a life full of stress. There might be a chance that his brain deteriorated.

I noticed that when Serina went dancing with another boy and Jonathan was looking after her dejectedly.

I wonder what Serina's reaction would be if she knew that Magda's father is matchmaking her to Magda's brother. That would make her Magda's sister-in-law.

"Look how good they are together…", Richard Thompson told me while gesturing toward Serina and Jonathan who were dancing. "You don't seem to approve."

I looked at Mr. Thompson. "What is there for me to approve?"

"Jonathan is a remarkable businessman. He will take care of your company."

I was confused. "I thought you were saying how your son and my daughter look good together. How did my company get into that mix?"

"With Jonathan and Seraphina ending up together, John will take care of Notte Pharmaceuticals."

Something is definitely wrong with his head. "From where did you get that idea?"

"We are both of age and kids should take over.", he said matter-of-factly and then he narrowed his eyes at me. "You can't be thinking of leaving your company to Serina, right? Women and business don't mix."

It irked me that he implied I'm old.

I barely crossed 700!

I think. The truth is that I'm not sure how old I am.

Time in Lemuria is difficult to track because things there don't really change so every day is more-less the same and we don't care about human things like birthdays and new year. Immortals don't measure time in days or years, we use big events that reshaped the landscapes and society.

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