"Some people are born in Rome, envied by the masses, yet they miss out on the beautiful journey that leads there."
Richter Caboat retracts his gaze thoughtfully and says, "Those landscapes, those are precious experiences."
Nicholas Vanderbilt looks up at him.
"Without these accumulated experiences along the way, when you face issues, you tend to overlook the essence of matters." Richter sips his tea with a playful smile, "Your grandson Sebastian has been quite the talk of the town lately. I've heard his name many times within my own household."
"Sebastian, isn't it too soon to say that he has great potential?" Nicholas glances sideways.
"Business knows no high or low, noble or humble." Richter continues slowly, "To instantly feel disdain upon hearing gossip is foolish indeed."
"Your grandson is interesting. Despite being surrounded by salacious headlines, he's calmly growing and developing right under everyone's noses, yet not fully grasped by all." His smile grows richer, as if picturing an amusing scene. "By the time people take him seriously, he might have already grown into a formidable force."
He can't help but nod and chuckle, "Honestly, I've even wondered if some of those negative rumors about him were actually spread by him."
"So you admit that you are investigating Sebastian?" Nicholas's eyes become dangerously sharp.
Only he knows how devious the seemingly kind old man sitting across from him can be.
"A Vanderbilt bloodline easily captures everyone's attention. News of a Vanderbilt heir spending ten million dollars to take care of a popstar is enough to make the front page of the morning paper."
Richter chuckles, "You wouldn't know unless you looked, but it turns out a lingerie studio named 'KG' has come into everyone's view amidst the scandal."
"People cling to the wealthy ones yet despise them, feeling delighted by news of an unworthy heir, giving them something to gossip about in their spare time."
"The Vanderbilt children are just lucky."
"Good for nothing but spoiling women."
"That massive fortune will be squandered eventually."
"See, such speculations aren't hard to guess."
"You're not here just to ridicule my grandson to my face, are you?" Nicholas lays back on the chair and appears to be more relaxed yet expresses his displeasure.
He has heard Richter's words before and saying them out loud still feels like a direct insult.
"No, on the contrary, I think your grandson is a genius."
"The 'KG' studio's brand has become renowned, and the exposure from fashion week skyrocketed. Even the fame and value of that female star rose significantly. Apart from the initial capital, the only thing Sebastian had to pay was his worthless public image," Richter notes, his eyes shining. "From any angle, this is a highly successful advertising campaign."
"What exactly are you trying to say?" Nicholas asks, his expression odd.
"It's time for the old guard to step down and give the young room to grow."
"The successors for the other families have all but been determined, except for yours."
He pauses, then adds sincerely, "I think Sebastian is rather exceptional."
"I get it. Charles Jr. and his wife will be done with their makeup soon." Nicholas cuts in, "You have about fifteen minutes left."
"As you wish, let's talk about something less interesting. There's news from the Central Bank of America." Richter becomes serious, "Apparently, three of the four biggest banks there are having severe loan issues."
"What's your source?" Nicholas's expression turns grave at once.
As the most widely used currency in the world, any issues with the dollar would have global repercussions.
Inside the brightly lit ballroom, when Fabio Caboat stops in front of Sebastian, everyone's expressions turn solemn, the atmosphere freezes, and even the background music quiets.
"Sebastian?" Fabio looks at Victoria and then focuses on Sebastian, his smile tinged with amusement, "Should I take this as a challenge?"
"It might indeed be considered one," Sebastian replies calmly, "If inviting someone else's companion is seen as polite."
The two need no introduction; as heirs to chaebol families, they are well-documented to each other.
"Your companion?"
Fabio's gaze shifts back to Sebastian, and Victoria slightly bows her head, taking a step forward to wrap her arm around Sebastian's, seemingly finding solace only in this gesture.
Sebastian's smile curves pleasantly as he raises an eyebrow as if proclaiming his territory.
"Everything in this world has its price, that's something your grandfather Nicholas always said," Fabio remarks, looking at Victoria with a covetous gleam in his eye.
"Caboat Enterprises."
"What?"
"If there really was a price, then it would have to be Caboat Enterprises in its entirety to barely suffice," Sebastian says with a laugh.
Beside him, Victoria's eyes sparkle as she looks at Sebastian's gently smiling profile, feeling an unusual sense of security.
"That joke isn't funny at all." Fabio's expression cools, his tone indifferent, "I get your idea, but any sane person wouldn't say such a thing."
"Have you never heard that love is priceless?" Sebastian wraps an arm around Victoria's slender waist, his face finally reflecting a triumphant look. "That's the sanest thing I have ever said."
Victoria blushes slightly, her body tensing for a moment before softening even more than before.
"Are you playing with me?" Fabio scoffs.
"It's you who's playing a very dangerous game," Sebastian replies, his demeanor suddenly turning cold.
"Your intelligence really matches your reputation." Fabio's eyes mock, "Nothing is impossible in this world."
Swiftly, he slips a business card into Victoria's hand, and before she can discard it, he advises calmly, "If I were you, I wouldn't throw it away until I saw who it belonged to."
"I don't think so," Victoria's bright eyes challenge, "Even if it's someone impressive, I doubt they would have even the smallest advantage over Sebastian in any aspect."
"Thank you, Vicky. But you said that to the wrong person, Victoria," Sebastian takes her hand, squeezing it as if showing off, "This is Fabio Caboat, one of the future heirs of Caboat Enterprises!"
"Really?" Victoria's pupils dilate slightly.
"So, are you still planning to throw it away?" Fabio asks, pleased with her reaction.
Sebastian also looks on, awaiting his beloved's decision.
However, as he watches Victoria hold the card, indecisive, his expression darkens. For him, her hesitation is already a defeat.