55. "Santiago Sr.'s Plot to Undermine the Delacroix Family Deal"

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"And what are those circumstances, Father?" Carlos Santiago asked, feeling utterly perplexed and wearing a question mark expression.

Javier Santiago and Alejandro Santiago were equally intrigued, unable to fathom why their father would accept such unfavorable terms.

"Haven't you heard? His grandson is meddling with a rising star company in Novus City!" Santiago Sr. gazed at his sons, mentioning the recent clash, which people of their social standing referred to as youth scuffles.

"Yes, I did hear something like that. Mateo, my son was discussing it with his friends just yesterday, and I overheard their conversation. But isn't that just a scuffle between youngsters?" Javier Santiago recalled, but he still couldn't grasp the connection between that and their current discussion.

"Exactly, Father. What does that have to do with this matter?" Carlos Santiago voiced his confusion as well.

"Clearly, there is a connection. Do you know who owns that company?" Santiago Sr. asked, before addressing their confusion.

"Almost everyone knows that person—Vivienne Delacroix. She's a business genius who built her company from the ground up and now ranks among the top ten rising stars in Novus City," Alejandro Santiago replied, clearly impressed by Vivienne Delacroix's business acumen.

"Yes, that's correct! And if the three of you haven't been paying attention, she has some rather intimidating backing," Santiago Sr. affirmed, nodding as he saw their familiarity with the person in question. He mentioned someone that caused everyone to take a sharp breath.

"You mean to say that Lucien Sterling is supporting her wholeheartedly!" Javier Santiago murmured, his words audible to everyone present.

"Exactly. Haven't you forgotten what happened not too long ago to those who crossed paths with Vivienne Delacroix's company?" Santiago Sr.'s words triggered a memory that remained vivid in their minds, causing them to adopt a serious expression.

"But I'm still a little confused. Could Father enlighten me about your thoughts?" Alejandro Santiago asked, his face reflecting a mix of confusion and curiosity.

"I'm not sure what would happen to that geezer grandson if Lucien decided to personally handle Vivienne Delacroix's company matters. According to my sources, Lucien is in a foul mood lately because Vivienne had an accident, and the Sterlings have no idea who caused it," Santiago Sr. replied, his own intrigue and itch for drama evident in his voice.

"But he shouldn't intervene in the scuffles of youngsters!" Carlos said in a low voice, although his father, Santiago Sr., still heard him.

"Ahem, did you really believe that he would adhere to such thoughts?" Santiago Sr. looked at his son as if he had stated something foolish.

"Now I understand the game plan you're playing, Father!" Alejandro Santiago suddenly exclaimed, his expression transforming into a wide grin as he looked at his father with admiration.

"What... can someone explain it to me?" Javier Santiago looked at the faces of his brothers and father, seeking an explanation.

"Well, basically, Father is betting on the outcome if Lucien decides to intervene. And I'm a hundred percent sure that he will, considering that the greedy grandson of Sr. Delacroix has already begun making moves on Delacare Company," Alejandro Santiago explained to his brother, pausing to let his words sink in before elaborating further.

"Based on how Lucien Sterling has shown his impression of Vivienne Delacroix and how he handles situations related to her, it's highly likely that he will strike back," Alejandro Santiago said, a glint in his eyes as he contemplated the possibilities in his mind.

"And when he does make a move, that geezer's grandson would be finished, and he might even get implicated in it!" Carlos Santiago concluded, emphasizing the potential consequences.

"Ohh, you mean we might get the chance to negotiate further for this deal without losing our favorable position this time!" Javier Santiago understood the situation and grinned, his tone turning cold as he directed his thoughts towards the Delacroix family.

"Hahahahaha! When that time comes, I'm sure the old fart's expression will be truly worth watching!" Santiago Sr. laughed and muttered to himself.

"Hahahaha!" All three brothers joined in laughter, finding amusement in the misfortune that the Delacroix family would soon encounter.

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Nathaniel Delacroix, Management Hall.

"Hahahahah! Now this company can't escape my grasp. I will make sure to take over and rub it in my cousin Vivienne's face while she lies in the hospital bed like a bitch!" Nathaniel laughed loudly, his gaze fixated on the Delacare Company office building. His eyes brimmed with greed as he taunted his cousin, Vivienne Delacroix.

Unbeknownst to Nathaniel, Vivienne had already been rescued and was currently enjoying her time shopping with Lucien Sterling, completely oblivious to his malicious plans.

The news of Vivienne's safety had been carefully suppressed by Lucien's subordinate, Andrew Lee, who also kept a watchful eye on Nathaniel's movements.

"Are my men ready to commence this operation?" Nathaniel asked his assistant, who stood by his side, awaiting his instructions. The assistant nodded in acknowledgment, having understood Nathaniel's question.

"Then, let's begin!"

Nathaniel exclaimed with excitement, his voice echoing through the room. His assistant quickly interjected, relaying a series of instructions to Nathaniel's subordinates who were strategically positioned throughout Novus city.

The location of Delacare's distribution center, where a significant portion of their materials originated, held immense importance in the company's operations.

"We must block the distribution center to halt Delacare's production!" one of the subordinates exclaimed, scanning the various parts of Novus city where Nathaniel's underlings were stationed.

Their focus honed in on a few key locations that held more significance than others.

The manufacturing process served as the lifeblood of any company. It involved sourcing fabrics, creating prototypes, and ensuring meticulous quality control throughout production.

However, Delacare did not possess its own manufacturing facility, necessitating partnerships with external manufacturing companies to produce their products.

"How many factories are there?" Nathaniel inquired, a sense of urgency in his voice as he sought confirmation.

"We have identified four factories responsible for producing Delacare's items. Our men have already been deployed to these locations, armed with two contingency plans,"

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