Carmine City was famously known as the Blood Vein City. It was established over one hundred and thirty years ago. A large mining group discovered a rich treasure trove of gold in the Carmine hills. They fought over the gold vein leading to bloodshed. Only a few survived in the end, but it was said that the slopes were covered with blood. The gory event inspired the name Carmine.
The few surviving families prospered from the trade and eventually built a city around the area. The settlement was carved into the hills and yet had the state's most advanced roads and public infrastructure. This development was due to the benevolence of the affluent mining families. The Blackwells were the wealthiest and most influential among them. One could only imagine what crimes they had to commit to stay at the top.
Carol gaped in amazement as her car climbed up a slope of Carmine hills. A castle-like establishment was built on its peak with a massive black dragon sigil on the gate.
Carol had not informed the Blackwells of her arrival, yet a chauffeur was waiting for her at the airport. One could not make a move in the city without the family knowing about it.
The Head Butler, Rollo, a middle-aged man with a persistent frown, led her into a spacious entrance hall and then into a luxurious reading room. Everywhere Carol looked, things flashed gold or silver. The Blackwell family ran one of the most successful businesses in the country and did not shy away from showing off their wealth.
Alexander Blackwell was seated in a high-backed lounge, reading a newspaper. As Carol approached him, he did not greet her but gestured to sit in the opposite chair.
Carol did as asked and waited patiently. Alexander was not what she had expected. He was in his early seventies with a thick mustache but had a solid and athletic constitution. Carol figured he must be a practicing martial artist.
After five minutes, Alexander folded the newspaper and lit a cigar. "Carol Atelier… Is that correct?" he asked in a grave tone.
"Yes, sir."
"Tell me, Carol. Why did you come to my city without my permission? Give me one reason I should not hand you over to my goons?" His fierce eyes focused intensely on her face.
Carol bit her lip nervously. She knew her life would be in danger by coming to Carmine City. But was it a mistake? Should she cut her losses and run away?
A part of Carol told her she was being tested. The Blackwells wouldn't have hired her in the first place if they did not value her. However, her words had to be carefully chosen while addressing Alexander.
"I apologize for my bad manners, sir. But something urgent came up… I had to tell you about it in person."
Alexander took a puff of his cigar and nodded. "Very well. You have three minutes. If I am not satisfied at the end of your explanation, be prepared to face judgment."
Carol nodded obediently. "First of all… Haley B's acquisition as our brand ambassador was my idea. I was the one who made it happen by visiting and convincing the celebrity."
"Oh?" the old man exclaimed. "I heard Damien was behind this success."
Carol shook her head. "I know that talks of my engagement with Damien are going on. I shouldn't speak ill of him…"
Alexander raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"Damien took undue credit for it. I have call records with Miss Haley B to prove I brought her to the company."
The old man nodded, but Carol could see his furrowed brows. "What else?" he asked.
"My second point of contention, sir, is… I wasn't responsible for the Honey Resorts debacle. It wasn't even my idea to gain the company. Sure, I wanted it to crash and burn, but I had no intention of bringing Honey Resorts into our fold."
Alexander leaned forward. "The Chairperson of Honey Resorts is your twin sister, Rose Atelier if I am not wrong? One would assume you helped her out when she was in trouble?"
Carol pursed her lips. "That's correct. We are twins. But we don't get along."
The old man leaned back and puffed his cigar. "I see. So according to you, who handled the Honey Resorts issue?"
"All of it was Damien's plan. However, I was blamed for the failure and fired from the CEO position."
Alexander narrowed his eyes, and a flicker of anger crossed him. "Are you telling me that my own grandson, the heir to my empire, lied to me?"
Carol had to take the risk of offending him. Her words were fearless. "Yes, that's correct, sir."
Alexander's jaws clenched and unclenched. The young woman thought he was about to pounce on her and kill her. However, he began guffawing instead.
"Ha! You have courage, little girl!" he exclaimed. "I'll give you that! To come into my house and speak ill of my family!"
Carol smiled nervously. What was on the old man's mind? Did he forgive her? Or was he making her comfortable before he threw her to the dogs?
Alexander chuckled again and interlocked his fingers. "Alright, Carol. Here's what I am going to do. A grand party is being hosted tomorrow to celebrate my diamond-jubilee birthday. You are invited. You must get Blackwell Enterprises into the Springfield Rapids Project by tomorrow."
Carol was taken aback, "What? That's impossible. That project is run by the Triumvirate of Springfield, that too with the help of a trillionaire angel investor. We can't possibly expect them to allow us to participate!"
"Then of what value are you to me?" Alexander mouthed sternly. "Your twin sister, Rose… She convinced the Triumvirate to launch casinos near their projects throughout the country. Her company will grow fivefold within a year! Are you so naïve and useless that you can't even get a tiny share of the work?"