Dreambreaker

Chapter 97: Equal?

Noah's POV:

After getting a formality check at the security station, I walked into the establishment.

As I breezed past the security guards, they couldn't help but gawk in astonishment.

I understand their peasant reaction, who wouldn't be floored by the sight of their boss strutting in, especially if that said boss happens to be a 16 years old?

Entering in, I watched the establishment from afar.

Grey's workshop... heh — what a beautiful name, feels good to have your last name attached to a place.

Anyway! Grey's workshop-- hmm...it really is a beautiful name.

It certainly is.

How utterly exquisite it is to have one's surname denoting a place?

Anyway, Grey's workshop — but no seriously, isn't it such a glorious name?

I mean why wouldn't it be? After all it was my name! Hahahahaahahahaha! haaa--ahem!

Anyway, Grey's workshop, spanning a vast 10-acre land, commanded attention with its prominent central workshop and an adjacent industrial furnace.

Additionally, a dedicated security facility provided accommodation for the guards.

These guards operated under the umbrella of PT establishments. But, due to certain business protocols, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to address the necessary improvements on my property before their eventual withdrawal. This particular section of the industrial district maintained strict confidentiality, warranting such measures.

The land itself set me back a cool 22million Dens.

Now, at first glance, that may sound like a hefty sum. But —it's not actually that much.

It's not that much because if I were to buy a 10-acre plot in a safer location, the price tag would be over 40 million Dens or more.

That's just how this world works. Land becomes pricier in safer areas, while in places like Ohinosberg, where monsters roam the outskirts and the atmosphere is pretty polluted, the prices take a steep nosedive.

But add up the cost of the land, the workshop, and all the necessary equipment, I'm looking at a total bill of aaround 35 million Dens.

Now, that's a lot of money, even for someone like me. It really hit me hard and made me realize that I need to step up my game and expand my business rapidly. I mean, millions just won't cut it anymore. I need billions.

Okay, enough about money and property for now.

I wonder... how the labours will react when they find out that I am the new owner?

Some may find it surprising, while others may hold on to their skepticism.

Personally, I couldn't care less about the doubts expressed by NPCs.

But, those who work under me should not harbor the same skepticism; instead, they should hold a certain level of respect for my abilities.

Respect is necessary for me to be established as their boss.

In order to solidify this perception of power and authority of myself, I instructed Crimson Viper to carry out a 'specific' task.

CrimsonViper was good at information manipulation.

I combined his skills with the assistance of Nano and created a carefully crafted online persona that centered around me, specifically tailored for Alice Bailey.

Each time Alice searched for information about me, the search engines would redirect her to articles artfully designed by Nano to present me as an intelligent and highly accomplished individual.

Within just a few days, I also arranged for testimonials and evidences about myself to reach her through third parties.

My intention was to brainwash her -- no, that's not the right word.

Gosh, why did I use such a disgusting word? 'Brainwash', seriously? Lol Tf is wrong with me?

Anyway,.

My intention was to plant within her an enigmatic, dramatic, and powerful image of myself, and I sincerely hoped that my efforts were successful.

The information I manipulated told her alot about me—like what I achieved —a sophistry. A carefully crafted lie along with help of some people.

But at the same time left many things untold, like my age or my personal background.

Immersed in my thoughts, I walked until I reached the sturdy steel door of the workshop.

Before entering, I quickly checked my attire—I was wearing a designer long black button-up shirt.

The shirt had a sleek black design with a pattern of dark, murky red flowers starting from my upper left torso. The tendrils of the design continued like delicate threads, eventually transforming into a basilisk dragon on my right forearm.

Complementing the shirt was a formal black pant--nothing too flashy, just a classic choice.

And of course, unlike those weird guys who donot wear socks with shoes, I made sure to wear socks.

Feeling satisfied with my appearance, I confidently stepped into the building.

***

Third person's POV:

Nathan ended his phone conversation with a sharp -"I GET IT."

He took some files from under his arm and opened it.

"Alice Bailey., good morning",he said. His eyes still scanning the files.

Alice replied, "Hello." Her smile was only polite.

"Nothing's wrong. I hope the call didn't spook you."

"No.It didn't " Not totally true, Alice thought.

Alice had received a call from Nathan Rivers earlier in the morning, and now they both found themselves in the industrial district of Ohinosberg.

Their destination was a workshop called Grey's workshop.

The name 'Grey' was quite familiar to Alice. She had heard a lot about this 'Grey'—their boss.

Today was the day she was scheduled to meet him, and the nerves were starting to get to her.

The reputation and stories she had heard about Sir Noah Grey had painted a picture of someone incredibly important and influential. So, it was only natural that she felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety as the time to meet her esteemed boss approached.

She found herself fidgeting with her hair, her gaze fixated on the solid wooden door, anticipating his arrival.

Seated in her chair, she could see Nathan at a distance, deep in concentration as he studied the papers before him.

The room they were in was a simple meeting space, with a long office table serving as the centerpiece. Yet, even in its ordinary appearance, there was an air of anticipation lingering in the atmosphere.

With a sudden click, the wooden door swung open, revealing a young man entering the room. His fair complexion complemented his stylish black attire, and his bangs, neatly falling across his forehead, added an extra touch of charm.

Startled, Alice stood up, but no words managed to escape her mouth.

Noah confidently walked over to the head chair of the office table, his fingers gently grazing the wooden surface as he moved. Taking his time, he smoothly settled into his seat.

From her vantage point, she could see that he was of average height, around 5.8-5.9 feet tall, and had a fit physique. The contours of his hands and arms were discernible under his well-fitted black shirt.

"Good afternoon," he greeted, his deep and commanding voice demanding the attention of both Nathan and her.

His cultured voice had a slight metallic rasp beneath it.

His eyes were Charcoal and they reflected the light in pinpoints of white.

Sometimes the points of light seem to fly like sparks to his center.

His eyes held Alice whole.

Seeing those eyes Alice felt like it belonged to a man not of this age nor this world. But... he was not such an old man...he looked rather young.

The hair on her forearms rose and pressed against her sleeves.

"Hello, Sir Grey. I've heard so much about you. It's truly a pleasure that you've chosen to invest in my project. I've also heard that you have some specific terms," Alice spoke with newfound confidence. She glanced at Nathan briefly, then locked eyes with Noah, before adding, "It would be wonderful if we could collaborate and work together."

Noah's smile was faint, barely reaching his eyes, when he heard her mention 'working together'. It was clear to him that Alice was positioning herself on an equal footing with him.

"Do you have any credentials or presentation with you? I've heard and read about your studies, they are fascinating" Noah inquired, his expression masking his true thoughts.

"I have already presented my credentials," she replied, directing her gaze towards Nathan. As she did so, Nathan subtly slid some files across the table towards Noah.

Curiosity piqued, Noah picked up the files and gave them a quick sniff??-- before delving into their contents.

"As for the presentation, I do have one", Alice announced confidently.

Noah returned the files to the table and gestured towards the presentation board and monitor. "Please proceed," he invited.

"Thank you, Sir Grey"

"It's fine, just call me Noah"

Upon hearing his reply, Alice's smile widened, reaching her eyes. His statement of 'it's fine, call me Noah' indicated that he regarded her as an equal.

But, Noah's expression suddenly turned into a frown, and he directed his attention towards Nathan, all while sniffing the air. *Sniff* *Sniff* "What's that smell, Nathan? Luktrakas? I didn't know you were interested in perfumes?"

Nathan attempted to offer a response, but before he could, Alice quickly interjected, "Actually, that's my perfume. I apologize if you are sensitive to it."

Noah raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion —his acting was good enough to fool even an actor himself. He questioned, "Your perfume? I was under the impression that you generally don't use perfumes. Lutraks aren't exactly cheap either. Is it because today is a special occasion?"

Confused by his observations, Alice asked, "How did you know that I typically don't use perfume?"

Noah confidently replied, "Your files have the scent of old parchments and ink. You're wearing an expensive necklace, yet your shoes reveal modest origins. You're a woman driven by ambition, spending more time with research papers than romance novels. Who wouldn't want to look their best on important occasions? I can certainly understand that."

Hearing his reply, Alice felt stunned. Almost speechless.

In this short interaction, Noah had effortlessly seen past her fa?ade and glimpsed into her humble origins through simple observation.

It became clear that Noah was not interested in discovering her outer appearance or personality, but rather focused solely on what she could provide for him.

Yes, 'for him', he clearly established the point that it was an important occasion for her, easily seeing through her facade to appear more appealing, more important —which she couldn't deny.

This revelation emphasized the fact that he held the upper hand as the one financing her project, leaving no room for 'equality', like she naively believed.

Alice quickly understood his unspoken message.

Noah's words broke the silence, "You're a clever woman, Alice. I believe you have already deduced what I want. So, if you could please..." This time, his smile reached his eyes.

His hands gesturing towards the presentation board.

As soon as Noah spoke those words, Alice was hit by a sharp insight——'This young man... he is, he is...'

A crafty fox?

A Cunning bastard?

The insight hit Alice Bailey, 'he is a monster. We were never on equal footing to begin with.'

***

Author's note: I usually type my chapters with a typewriter before uploading them. But sadly my cat ate my chapters so it took me some more time to update. I hope you all can understand and forgive me.