Done Deal

"Tell me, Mr. Tempest, how did you become involved in such an enterprise? Your origins are...unusual for a man of such vision."

Corbin inclined his head, his lips curling into a half-smile.

"My path has not been an easy one, my lord."

Lord Ashbury nodded, his expression sympathetic. "I am aware of your tragic past, Mr. Tempest. To lose both your parents in the conflict, and then to be fired from your position at the bank...it must have been a difficult time for you."

Corbin's smile turned wistful. "It was indeed a trying time, my lord. But, as they say, necessity is the mother of invention. My love of jewelry, coupled with my inability to find suitable work, drove me to create a new path for myself. Lord Ashbury leaned forward in his chair, his eyes intent on Corbin's. "You speak of 'creating a new path,' but how did you acquire the skills and knowledge to create such exquisite pieces? Where did you find the resources to establish your workshop?"

Corbin's expression grew more serious, his tone measured and reflective. "The skills I possess, my lord, were honed through years of study and practice, as well as trial and error. As for the resources, well, a man in my position learns to be resourceful, if nothing else." Corbin's reply, shrouded in mystery and intrigue, seemed to only heighten Lord Ashbury's interest.

"Resourceful, indeed. It is clear that you possess a unique set of skills, Mr. Tempest. Skills that have brought you to my doorstep, offering a partnership that, I must admit, is quite tempting."

Lord Ashbury paused, his gaze drifting to the door as Wolf reentered the study, carrying a small velvet box.

Corbin rose from his seat, his movements fluid and graceful as he retrieved the box from Wolf's outstretched hand. Corbin placed the box on Lord Ashbury's desk, opening it with a reverential air. Nestled within was a breathtaking bracelet, encrusted with shimmering emeralds that danced with light as they caught the sun's rays.

"This, my lord, is an example of my workshop's mastery of color and depth in our designs," Corbin said, his voice rich with pride. "Each emerald has been carefully selected for its clarity and cut, to maximize their brilliance and beauty."

Lord Ashbury leaned in, his expression transfixed as he examined the intricate details of the bracelet. Lord Ashbury's gaze lingered on the bracelet, his fingers gently brushing against the smooth surface of the emeralds. "Remarkable," he murmured, his voice hushed with admiration.

Corbin allowed himself a small, triumphant smile. "I am pleased that you approve, my lord. As you can see, my workshop has the skill and expertise to craft jewelry of unparalleled quality and beauty. With your assistance, we could create a brand that would rival the most prestigious jewelers in the world."

Lord Ashbury's gaze shifted back to Corbin, his expression serious and thoughtful. Lord Ashbury tapped his finger on the desk, the sound a soft, rhythmic accompaniment to his thoughts.

"Mr. Tempest, you have impressed me with your craftsmanship and your vision. I believe that, with the right guidance, you could indeed create a brand that would make waves in the jewelry industry."

He leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on Corbin.

"However, I must be frank with you. A partnership of this magnitude would require a great deal of trust and transparency. There are still gaps in my knowledge of you and your operation." Corbin held Lord Ashbury's gaze, his composure unwavering.

"I understand your concerns, my lord. Trust must be earned, and transparency is a key component of any successful partnership. What, specifically, would you like to know?"

Lord Ashbury nodded, his expression appreciative of Corbin's candor.

"First, I would like to know more about the materials used in your jewelry. Where are they sourced? How do you ensure their quality?"

Corbin leaned forward, his hands clasped in front of him.

"The materials used in my jewelry are of the highest quality, my lord, but I must admit that I cannot divulge their exact origins," Corbin said, his tone even and professional. "I can assure you, however, that they are not sourced illegally. As for the quality, my team and I have developed proprietary methods that ensure each piece is flawless and exceptional. This technology is unique to my workshop and would remain our secret should you choose to invest."

Lord Ashbury considered this for a moment, his expression thoughtful.

"This...proprietary technology...how secure is it?

"My lord, I can assure you that my workshop's technology is highly secure. The methods and techniques used are known only to my team and myself, and even my most trusted associates are not privy to the details," Corbin replied, his tone conveying his commitment to secrecy. "I understand the importance of protecting such proprietary information, which is why I have taken great care to ensure that our methods are only practiced within the confines of my workshop."

Lord Ashbury's expression softened, his mind clearly processing this information.

"Very well. I believe you have addressed my initial concerns, Mr. Tempest.

"My lord, I can assure you that my workshop's technology is highly secure. The methods and techniques used are known only to my team and myself, and even my most trusted associates are not privy to the details," Corbin replied, his tone conveying his commitment to secrecy. "I understand the importance of protecting such proprietary information, which is why I have taken great care to ensure that our methods are only practiced within the confines of my workshop."

Lord Ashbury's expression softened, his mind clearly processing this information.

"Very well. I believe you have addressed my initial concerns, Mr. Tempest. I must say, I find your proposition quite intriguing, Mr. Tempest," Lord Ashbury said, a hint of excitement creeping into his voice. "I believe that, with the right resources and guidance, we could indeed create a jewelry brand that would be the envy of the world. However, I must also be mindful of the risks involved in such an endeavor."

Lord Ashbury shifted in his chair, his gaze now appraising Corbin with newfound respect.

"What, Mr. Tempest, would you say to a trial period? A limited partnership to test the waters, as it were. Corbin considered Lord Ashbury's proposal for a moment, his expression thoughtful.

"A trial period could indeed be a prudent measure, my lord," he said, his voice even and measured. "It would allow us to assess the market's reaction to our products, as well as the feasibility of a long-term partnership."

Lord Ashbury nodded, his smile betraying his growing enthusiasm for the idea.

"Excellent. Then let us say three months. During that time, I will provide you with a modest investment, as well as access to my contacts and resources.

"In exchange, you will produce a small collection of pieces for me to offer to my clients. If the response is positive, and I am satisfied with your progress, we can then negotiate the terms of a more substantial partnership," Lord Ashbury continued, his voice firm but fair.

"If, however, the results are not what we hope for, we will part ways with no hard feelings. Does this arrangement sound agreeable to you, Mr. Tempest?"

Corbin nodded, a small, satisfied smile playing across his lips.

"That sounds like a fair arrangement, my lord." Lord Ashbury extended his hand, his expression radiating a newfound sense of camaraderie. "Then we have an accord, Mr. Tempest. I look forward to working with you in the coming months."

Corbin grasped Lord Ashbury's hand, his own smile widening with genuine warmth.

"As do I, my lord. I am certain that our partnership will be one for the history books."

As they shook hands, a new chapter in both of their lives was unfolding, and the future seemed ripe with possibilities. Following the tour of the manor, Lord Ashbury turned to Corbin and Wolf with a warm smile. "My dear Mr. Tempest, it has been an absolute pleasure getting to know you and your fascinating business. I would be honored if you and your associate, Mr. Wolf, would join me for dinner this evening. I think it would be a fitting way to toast to our new partnership, don't you agree?"

Corbin nodded with an air of polite refinement. "We would be delighted, my lord. Thank you for the invitation." As the sun began to dip below the horizon, the three gentlemen made their way to the dining room. The table was set with fine china and crystal, the silverware gleaming in the soft candlelight. The aroma of sumptuous cuisine filled the air, making Corbin's mouth water in anticipation.

Lord Ashbury, playing the perfect host, seated his guests at the table and personally poured them each a glass of the finest red wine.

"I must say, Mr. Tempest, your sense of style and decorum is most impressive. It's quite remarkable to find a young man like yourself with such refined tastes and business acumen. Do tell me, what inspired you to pursue the jewelry industry?" Lord Ashbury inquired, his tone as refined as his surroundings.

Corbin took a sip of his wine, letting the velvety notes dance across his tongue before replying, "My inspiration, my lord, came from a place of adversity." Corbin's voice deepened as he delved into his story. "You see, after my parents passed, I found myself adrift. I worked tirelessly to find a sense of purpose, to create something that would make them proud. And so, I turned to my childhood fascination with gems and jewels, honing my skills until I had the means to create the kind of pieces that I knew would captivate the world."

Lord Ashbury listened with rapt attention, his gaze unwavering as Corbin's words painted a picture of determination and passion.

"You truly are an extraordinary individual, Mr. Tempest."

"Your story is quite remarkable, and I have no doubt that your parents would be immensely proud of your accomplishments," Lord Ashbury said, his tone full of genuine respect. "And your knowledge of gems is truly impressive, especially given your...let's say, unorthodox approach to the industry."

Lord Ashbury's eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief, and Corbin couldn't help but laugh softly in response.

"Indeed, my lord. While I may not follow the traditional path, I believe that innovation and a fresh perspective can lead to great things."

"I look forward to our continued collaboration, Mr. Tempest," Lord Ashbury said, the hints of a smile still playing at the edges of his lips. "And please, do consider yourselves invited to Lady Sophia's birthday party next week. It will be the perfect opportunity for you to meet some of my most influential friends and associates."

Corbin nodded, returning Lord Ashbury's smile with one of his own. "We would be delighted to attend, my lord. I'm sure it will be a most memorable event."

With the evening's events still fresh in their minds, Corbin and Wolf made their way back to their hotel, a sleek and modern structure nestled in the heart of the city. The warm glow of the lobby greeted them as they entered, and Corbin couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and pride.

"We should celebrate, Wolf," he said, turning to his partner with a mischievous grin. "A few rounds of poker, perhaps?"

Wolf simply nodded, his expression stoic as always, but Corbin could sense the excitement simmering just beneath the surface. Corbin and Wolf found themselves a quiet table in the hotel bar, a plush and intimate space with a curated selection of fine liquors and cigars.

As the bartender approached, Corbin ordered two glasses of Macallan 25-year-old Scotch, his eyes twinkling with anticipation.

"To the first step in our conquest," Corbin toasted, raising his glass in a gesture of celebration.

"And to the many more to come," Wolf added, his voice low and steady, his eyes meeting Corbin's over the rim of his glass. As the amber liquid slid down their throats, Corbin and Wolf felt a rush of adrenaline and excitement. They had always been a team, each playing to their strengths, and tonight's successes only served to strengthen their partnership.