Aymard pondered on the possible reasons why Alaric had no objection to flying with him on a regular flight to New York City. Their family's private jet was currently traversing the European skies, utilized by their mother for her business ventures. Meanwhile, Alaric's personal possessions had been lent to his model lover, Shafina, who was engrossed in a photoshoot session in Cyprus until midweek. Shafina had directly informed Alaric about this arrangement since the previous weekend. Alaric was undoubtedly at fault, but Aymard remained perplexed as to why his brother would willingly accept the consequences of his actions. In Alaric's eyes, the flight schedules this time was far from elegant.
"There is a rumor, in those Executive Lounges, it could be AR," whispered Danti, Aymard's Personal Assistant.
"AR?" Aymard retorted, frowning.
Danti nodded, "Your brother is very curious about her. He wants to be the first to know who AR is."
Aymard smiled, although he still felt uncertain about this AR. He turned to Dono, who appeared exhausted with heavy eye bags.
"AR, Boss. It's a person who has been the subject of gossip in society since last year."
Aymard raised an eyebrow, "Oh really? Do we know who she or he is?"
Dono chuckled softly. While Alaric, his brother, was deeply involved in society's affairs, Aymard was the complete opposite. It was understandable since Aymard always focused on his work, especially considering the recent challenging business climate. The winds of recession seemed to blow from every direction, and Aymard was striving to do his best for his family.
"That AR, Boss, is the individual who inherited the assets and wealth of Lord Mason Durlach Tiberius Ingmar de Eu de Savoyye," Dono explained.
Aymard nodded quietly, processing Dono's words. Only a single word escaped his lips, "Oh."
"Yes, sir. A staggering $340 billion in cash. It was publicly revealed earlier this month," Danti added cautiously.
Aymard felt suffocated, his disbelief evident. "Are you two trying to play a joke on me?" he exclaimed.
Danti and Dono smiled in unison, "No, Sir," they replied simultaneously.
"I can't believe it! What could be the reason for someone suddenly inheriting such a massive fortune? Is this person a descendant of Lord Durlach? As far as I know, he is neither married nor has any legally recognized children. AR is just a rumor, I'm sure of it."
"That's the intriguing part, Mr. Aymard," Danti said excitedly.
Aymard frowned, "I don't understand. Please explain."
"So, before his death, Lord Mason Durlach called upon his lawyers to arrange the inheritance rights. He mentioned that his family owed a debt to someone in business. That someone was sought after, and they found him! He happened to be AR's great-grandfather on the father's side. According to the rumors I've heard, AR is their only descendant," Dono explained.
Aymard looked at Dono incredulously, "So, this AR inherited $340 billion because Mason Durlach's grandfather owed a debt to AR's great-grandfather? What a fairy tale!"
Danti chimed in with a smile, "Interestingly, AR comes from a common background. They were ordinary people. That's why it's even more exciting."
Aymard squinted, "So, explain to me, what kind of debt did Mason Durlach's predecessor have?"
Dono took a deep breath and recollected, "Once upon a time in the past, Mason Durlach I was an opportunist adventurer who came to the land of Java in search of opportunities. Unfortunately, the timing was not right as Nippon suddenly gained control over Indonesia. As you know, the Japanese army treated VOC (Dutch East India Company) personnel poorly during those days, including all Europeans. It was during this time that AR's great-grandfather saved Mason Durlach's grandfather from the atrocities of the Japanese army.
"A debt of life, Sir," Danti added.
Aymard chuckled, "So the fairy tale became reality? Is AR a female, then?"
"It's possible, Boss," Dono replied.
Aymard raised an eyebrow and turned to Dono, speaking sharply, "'It's possible' leaves much to the imagination."
Dono nodded, "I came to this conclusion based on AR's personal assistant's shopping records in places that are rarely known. The choices are unique and consist of precious vintage items from head to toe."
Aymard chuckled, "Ah, I see. So Alaric is curious because this AR is a mysterious woman?"
"Not entirely, Mr. Aymard," Danti replied softly.
"And then?"
"More so because Mr. Alaric lost the auction for the Fall Winter Marchesa masterpiece dress of 2016, which he had planned to give to Miss Shafina Anhar," Danti said sarcastically.
Aymard burst into laughter, "And now he must be furious. Furthermore, the Lounge is under AR's control."
"The person isn't AR. Damn it!" Alaric suddenly appeared, taking his place next to Aymard.
"How can you be so sure the woman isn't AR herself?" Aymard asked.
Alaric glared at Aymard with cruelty and then pointed with his chin at the Waiting Room where he used to rule alone when forced to take commercial flights. But now, there stood a woman with a short haircut, scolding toddlers.
"Just take a closer look! Damn it! We have to endure all these commoner things because of the AR's personal assistant who brought three boys to NYC!" Alaric grumbled.
Aymard simply smiled. Alaric scolded like a child who had lost his toy, only stopping when an airline attendant approached. The attendant spoke politely, according to regulations, finally allowing Aymard and Alaric to enter the waiting room despite having only economy class tickets. It seemed that both of them were well-known. The airline staff knew which family they belonged to.
"Can you ask her to switch seats with us? Offer her generous compensation to make her willing," Alaric requested.
Aymard stared intently at Alaric, incredulous.
"You're the one who told me that. Why don't you talk to her yourself? You're the one who is truly curious about AR. Who knows, maybe you'll find out who AR is after talking to her?"
Dono and Danti suppressed their smiles. A sinister expression immediately appeared on Alaric's face upon seeing the expressions on their faces. Half-annoyed, he ordered Dono to speak to the AR's assistant. Alaric still couldn't understand why there were so many toddlers and kids at the airport today. The situation was making him genuinely upset, as Alaric had never been fond of little people.
"Remember, Dono. Do it in his name alone. I have no issues with my seat," Aymard warned.
Dono nodded and proceeded. Aymard stared fiercely at Alaric.
"You know, your behaviour is quite timid!" he teased.
Alaric responded with an unenthusiastic grunt, "That's Momma's doing, Mardi!"
Mardi, Alaric's nickname for Aymard.
"Just look at her! She's booked the entire First Class cabins?! A true nouveau riche!" Alaric exclaimed.
"And you're not?" Aymard chuckled.
Alaric glared at his brother, "Hey! It's clear that we come from a truly dignified old-money background."
"I hope our dignity doesn't slowly fade away," Aymard hissed irritably.
Alaric looked at his brother seriously and asked, "Why?"
"Because your behaviour is bringing shame upon us. Asking a lady to switch seats with us when we didn't even bother bringing toddlers?" Aymard replied.
Alaric was about to argue, but Aymard raised his hand close to Alaric's face, silencing him.
"Look at her, Baby Brother! She's alone with two toddlers. A teenager is taking care of them. She didn't bring a babysitter or anyone to help. Can't you think of a reason why she booked all the First Class seats for themselves?" Aymard explained.
Alaric snorted, "Obviously, she wants to be comfortable. What else?"
"Your brain seems to be functioning at only half capacity. Don't you think those boys are still young? How long is the flight to NYC? If they get bored, they'll start wandering around or fighting. Not to mention the tantrums. Maybe she just doesn't want to disturb other passengers, Baby Bro," Aymard reasoned.
Alaric fell silent, pretending to ignore Aymard as he glanced at Dono. His trusted Personal Assistant was bowing politely to a woman with a plain appearance, just like any other female professional. Alaric couldn't understand when the corporate style became the uniform outside the office. He always disliked seeing that kind of style outside of work—it hurt his eyes. This style constantly reminded Alaric of office matters, leading to a sense of stress. Surprisingly, many women chose this style of dressing even during their leisure time or while traveling. It was dull and lacked a sense of fashion, according to Alaric.
"Don't have a sense of fashion," he muttered.
The woman briefly turned her gaze toward Alaric and Aymard. While Alaric remained unfazed, Aymard nodded politely in greeting to the AR's associate. It didn't take long for Dono to return.
"Boss Alaric, I'm sorry. She is not willing to switch seats, even with double compensation offered," Dono reported.
Alaric sneered, visibly irritated. He angrily shifted his seating position and cursed under his breath, "Why is she so arrogant? Screw you, AR, with your new money! And your entourage!"
Aymard sighed and asked, "Does she have a reason, Dono?"
"Yes, Sir. She mentioned that her twin toddlers are very active and can be quite bothersome when bored. She simply doesn't want to disturb other passengers," Dono explained.
Aymard chuckled contentedly in an elegant manner, glancing at Alaric, who tried his best not to show his resentment. Alaric was furious because once again Aymard proved his assumptions to be correct. It seemed like his brother could read people's minds with just a single glance.
"But she did say that if you don't mind the presence of the children, you're welcome to join her. You can choose an unoccupied cabin as you like," Dono added.
Alaric glared at the suggestion, feeling that it was demeaning to his dignity. He disliked being invited to something he desired. He had never received an invitation from someone he didn't know. Alaric always preferred to be in control.
"Well, Danti, inform her that I accept the invitation. Please thank her and hand over my business card," Aymard instructed,
Alarics gaze still filled with anger when he stares his brother. Aymard chuckled softly, causing Alaric to exclaim,
"What the hell!"
Aymard laughed and replied, "I don't have a problem with children. It's worth giving it a try to have a new travel companion. Who knows, it might prevent me from getting easily bored. Besides, the seats are more comfortable, and that must be acknowledged."
Danti nodded and quickly approached the woman, carrying out Aymard's request. Aymard couldn't help but notice that the woman turned her head once again, this time offering a polite smile instead of a nod. Aymard found the AR's associate intriguing. With her large eyes and slender figure, she had the potential to be attractive. Who knows, by spending time together in the same cabin, it could create an opportunity for future business cooperation. 340 billion in liquid assets is not a small amount, especially considering it can be used freely at any time. That sum is nearly a quarter of the country foreign exchange reserves. Aymard wasn't like Alaric, who only thought about himself.
"I'll be staying in economy," Alaric grumbled as he walked away briskly.
Aymard laughed, satisfied to see Alaric being so bothered by such a trivial matter. It was Alaric's own responsibility for exaggerating the issue.
As the laughter subsided, Aymard let out a deep sigh. His brother was undeniably spoiled. If Alaric were spoiled but still able to think about the future, it wouldn't be a problem. Unfortunately, Alaric seemed unwilling to understand anything. Aymard was genuinely concerned about Alaric, who constantly pursued a lavish lifestyle. Even though their family held significant power and had substantial financial resources, business was still business. There was always the possibility of facing difficult times. Alaric's habits could pose a threat, making the family's finances precarious. His indulgent nature meant he never had the desire to invest or save money. What would happen if his personal account bonuses were no longer able to sustain Alaric's lifestyle?
Aymard suddenly felt dizzy. He couldn't bear to imagine a scenario where Alaric depended on him for the rest of his life. It was all because of their maternal grandmother's influence. Alaric's grandmother had spoiled him while being firm with Aymard. She always insisted that Aymard take care of his brother. Even as adults, the dynamic had not changed. It was no wonder that Aymard struggled to form a close bond with his grandmother, Katarina. He was naturally closer to his father's family, who placed a greater emphasis on hard work and effort, even though they couldn't help but favor Alaric.
Alaric had to be acknowledged as physically more charming than Aymard. They shared the same facial features, with perfectly pointed noses and sweet smiles crafted perfectly more on Alaric's face. The noticeable difference lay in their posture. Aymard, standing at a height exceeding 182 cm, was slender and thin, while Alaric approached 196 cm, with a robust and proportional build, long legs, and a torso that wasn't overly stocky. Another distinction was in their eyes: Aymard's eyes appeared cold, whereas Alaric's had a warmer tone due to the lighter color of his iris. This was often led people who didn't know them well to misperceive Alaric as the friendlier and kinder of the two.
In reality, Aymard possessed all the good qualities while Alaric was afflicted with the traits of a spoiled child, packaged with a premium label. It was quite frustrating. However, the one similarity they shared was being womanizers, albeit with different styles. Alaric was the epitome of the playboy, enjoying the company of numerous beautiful women and treating them as temporary lovers. When the trophy girl as girlfriend impeccably polished to be shown off. On the other hand, although Aymard changed girlfriends almost every season, he remained devoted to his current partner and never glanced at other women. In short, they were truly inseparable as brothers, with Alaric being the more striking and attention-grabbing one.
However, "inseparable" in this context meant that Alaric wouldn't fare well without Aymard, while Aymard could still thrive exceptionally even without Alaric by his side.
*****