(Chapter 75) Implanting Doubt

"Oh, I didn't expect to see you today Mr. Guilliano." The President greeted Lewis as he spotted him by the door.

"I decided a surprise was in order." Lewis cooly replied as he glanced at the President. He was a man that seemed legit by every page of the book. But being too clean was also a sign of being dangerous.

"Please, the surprise is welcome. If I may ask who this gentleman is?" The President smiled and looked at Astrid.

Astrid remained quite stoic. Not taking her gaze away from the President's smiling face. "Oh, he's a friend of mine. He also wanted to connect into France so I gave him an invitation on my own accord." Lewis explained. As Romane felt his eyebrow twitch.

'Gave an invitation on your own accord??? Are you sure you can do that?' Both Romane and the President were amazed, this wasn't his banquet and his choice to invite people at will right?

But the President showed no displeasure. "Oh is that right then? May I ask the name of you Sir?" The President then started to walk into the long hallway. Indication they could enter.

"Please call me Gerald Monsieur. I had heard your son would be holding this banquet today. So I asked my good friend to get me inside. I appreciate the hospitality." Astrid spoke in a slightly shaky French accent. Something that made Lewis extremely impressed.

He had heard Astrid's French and it was impeccable. It would take skill to talk in a different language in a different tone. But to then pretend like you aren't fully accustomed to the language was quite incredible...

The President noticed the slightly shaky language and relaxed considerably. He immediately concluded that this Gerald must have been someone Lewis was close to in Italy or abroad. He probably was here purely for business.

"Mm, that is no issue. Being a friend of Mr. Guilliano will mean that I can get you in without any issue. I'll tell my son about the additional guest." The President then showed them to the hall they would be in.

Seeing Astrid now had no suspect on her. Lewis then nodded at her and walked off with Romane. Since Romane was known to be his secretary in the country. He could enter. Now Astrid could do what she came here for...

She waited an hour for more people to show up. As she expected, the banquet was held so that the President could help out his son to try and keep in control politically. Not seeing who she wanted, Astrid decided to make some connections under 'Gerald'.

'Gerald' wasn't just some person she had made out of thin air. When some of the businessmen who attended to make good relations with the President heard of Gerald and his company, they also wished to build a good relationship with him.

Who was 'Gerald'? He was the CEO of a well-established communications company. He was someone with some of the vastest connections in the world, despite not being the richest, he had a lot of control in England and Italy. Being close to monopolizing the phone networking aspect. He could stop every sim card in the country if he wished...

Because of his position. Gerald had a lot of connections globally. From Italy to England to America and China. They didn't want to be an enemy. Rather keeping a positive relationship in times of need.

Of course, his help never came cheap. He had reportedly taken shares from the few people he had helped. But those companies now had sustainable profits for the next 50 years. So something like 3% shares was a decent price to keep a company living.

Using the existence of Gerald, Astrid had poked her fingers into many pies. And now was able to garner many powerful connections. Gerald was also well connected with her own enemies! She had wrapped her enemies around her fingers. Without them even knowing...

"Mr. Gerald, it's quite relieving to see you here today." One of the businessmen spoke in a hushed tone.

Astrid raised her eyebrow. "You mean the rumors about the President's son?" Seeing the other businessmen quietly nod. She took a sip of her wine.

"Well, I'm here for that very reason gentlemen. I'm a businessman like you all, so obviously something like that wouldn't be beneficial for us. I think we all share our own worries." Astrid spoke quietly, so people around couldn't hear.

Seeing the group of 8 businessmen talk in hush tones to Astrid. Lewis focused his attention on to the politicians that put their efforts into talking to him or others with the power to finance. Also making a solid base with the President.

In particular, Lewis paid attention to one man. He was a slightly overweight man with ginger hair. Mr. Kuye, a major shareholder in Kuye Miners and also acting CEO.

Mr. Kuye was the son of the late President of the company. He took the career of a politician early, while also being the Vice President in the company at the same time.

He was a man rich and powerful enough to sway a campaign, he would be able to garner support for the people because of the good reputation he had. And could easily fund any campaign necessary.

Most importantly, Kuye Miners was a separate company not linked to the government. Meaning, if the country lost support of the mines under his control. The price of anything mines would be increased. They supplied 20% of all of France's imports from mining. The cost increase would be substantial.

Lewis paid attention, but also talked to the man directly. He couldn't just ignore him right?

After a while, the banquet began. As many people were sitting and were talking business. Astrid stayed in the loop. Eating a normal-sized meal and continuing to sway doubt into the minds of the businessmen.

If the President's son really did succeed him at one point. The rumor of him asking the military to propose a war plan would come up again. They couldn't openly be associated with such a person because of their own business. But some still weren't swayed. Inwardly deciding to trust the President's son.

Astrid didn't mind that. Just the doubt that would appear in their minds was enough for her. As some of the women at the banquet continued to look at her. She quietly withdrew herself in the banquet.

Lewis also learned what he wanted. He made a solid connection with Mr. Kuye, who also proposed setting up his daughter with him on a date. Since Mr. Guilliano was a handsome man, Mr. Kuye was sure his daughter would be interested. And being connected to the Guilliano family would just bring him benefits.

But Lewis's response was quite lukewarm. "I can't accept Mr. Kuye, I have decided to see where fate takes me. I couldn't bring myself to take your daughter into a loveless marriage. If we are fated, then we shall meet naturally." Lewis declined, making him a little surprised. But also a bit respectful of the man.

"I see, I apologize for even making the suggestion. Indeed, love can't be forced." Mr. Kuye spoke quite naturally. But he was a little upset, the power and wealth the Guilliano family held would benefit him and the company in the long term. But he didn't want to make the man upset now so he didn't make another suggestion like that again.

But then Mr. Kuye remembered something. 'Father, I will be going to work at the French headquarters of the Guilliano Enterprise. You can't stop me.'

'Ywvonne! Master Yuke has already proposed marriage! You have no need to go work at a desk.' He was quite mortified hearing his daughter's words. How could he explain anything to his family's benefactor?

'Tch, I won't marry that man. He clearly wants the company for himself. How can you not notice that father!?' His daughter was extremely angry at Master Yuke, her father was blinded by his 'help'. While she could see him slowly sapping away her father's power and control in the company.

Mr. Kuye then snapped and sent his daughter to her room. In a rage, he threw a vase that almost hit her. Causing her to run into her room. And then never to appear in his house again...

He took a look at Lewis. He wondered if her daughter knew about the amount of times he had helped her. Sure, she was qualified enough to be a secretary. But she had no experience at 27 years old. He made sure to hide her information from Lewis, as her daughter wished. And quietly monitored as every female secretary but her managed to get into his office. Then were fired, except his daughter...

He might have ruined their relationship. But he was still helping her from the sidelines, also hoping for her happiness. Because of Ywvonne running away, Master Yuke had gotten extremely angry and also momentarily stopped his support to the company. Before he appeased him and he returned the support.