Arnold's return to Maryland wasn't just about managing the Sinclair properties; he wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the city and its potential opportunities. That morning, he called Clara and Catherine, inviting them to join him for a city tour.
"I've been thinking about exploring Maryland a bit," Arnold said over the phone. "I'd like to get a feel for its business scene. Are you two free?"
Clara's voice perked up with excitement. "Of course! We'd love to. It'll be nice to see the city through your perspective."
Catherine chuckled in the background. "This will be fun. We've lived here for a while, but seeing it with a businessman might give us a new perspective."
The three met at the Maryland Institute of Professional Studies (MIPS) campus, where Clara and Catherine were enrolled. They decided to make it a casual outing, starting with local restaurants, then moving on to real estate offices and shopping malls.
Arnold was eager to analyze the businesses in the city, and Clara and Catherine proved to be enthusiastic guides.
At their first stop, a cozy seafood restaurant, Arnold asked questions about the local dining scene.
"This place is quaint," Arnold said, observing the crowded tables. "But it has potential to grow if the management focuses on quality and customer engagement."
Clara nodded. "Seafood is big here. A place like this could thrive with a little rebranding and better marketing."
Arnold smiled. "You'd make a great business strategist, Clara."
Clara laughed. "I've just picked up a thing or two from journalism. As a journalist, you have to know about everything, including business trends."
Their final stop was the city's largest shopping mall. It was a vibrant hub of activity, with luxury brands, local boutiques, and bustling food courts.
As they strolled through the mall, Arnold engaged Clara and Catherine in a discussion about its revenue potential.
"This place must generate millions in profits annually," Arnold said, gesturing toward the high-end stores. "There's so much foot traffic."
Clara, ever the journalist, offered her insights. "It's true. Malls like this thrive when they strike the right balance between luxury and affordability. Maryland has a wealthy demographic, so these high-end stores flourish here."
Arnold chuckled. "You should seriously consider a career in business. You're a natural."
Clara shrugged, smiling. "I've been thinking about it. In fact, Catherine and I plan to pursue master's degrees in Business Management here at MIPS. Catherine also wants to study law alongside it."
Arnold raised an eyebrow. "Two degrees at once? That's ambitious."
Catherine grinned. "I'm determined to open a law firm someday. The double master's will help me establish it."
"That's impressive," Arnold said. "I've been considering pursuing a master's in Business Management as well. MIPS seems like a great choice."
"You should join us!" Clara said enthusiastically. "The campus is fantastic, and it'll be easier to manage a business while studying here."
Before Arnold could reply, a voice cut into their conversation.
"MIPS isn't a place where just anybody can study," the voice said mockingly. "You need talent, influence, and connections."
Arnold turned to see a sharply dressed young man with a smug expression walking toward them. His presence radiated arrogance, and his tone was condescending.
Arnold frowned, not recognizing the man. It was rude to interrupt a conversation like this, especially with such a dismissive comment. "And you are?"
The man smirked. "You must be new in Maryland if you don't know me. I'm Peter Malfoy, young master of the Malfoy family."
Clara groaned audibly and whispered to Arnold, "Ignore him. He's just a brainless jerk with a heavy pocket."
Peter's expression soured as he caught her words. "I'm surprised to see you here, Clara. Didn't expect you to be mingling with just anyone."
Arnold remained calm but firm. "It's rude to interrupt a conversation uninvited."
Peter ignored him, his gaze shifting to Clara. "I heard you came back from your little trip in a Ferrari. Must be nice to have rich friends throwing cars around. But remember, gifts like that come with strings attached."
Clara rolled her eyes. "Don't be ridiculous, Peter. Unlike you, some people don't need to flaunt their wealth to feel important."
Peter's face reddened, but he quickly regained his composure. "Ah, so this must be the famous Arnold. The man behind the Ferrari."
Peter took a step closer, his tone dripping with mockery. "Arnold, was it? You seem like the type who likes to show off. But let me warn you—this isn't some backwater town. Maryland is my territory. You may have impressed Clara with a flashy car, but that doesn't mean much here."
Arnold's expression didn't change, but his eyes hardened slightly. "I didn't realize Maryland was owned by anyone."
Catherine stepped in, her voice sharp. "Peter, go find someone else to bother. We're not interested in your petty games."
Peter ignored her, focusing on Arnold. "If you're so confident, why don't you prove it? Tell me—what do you really have? Or are you just pretending to be something you're not?"
Arnold smiled faintly. "Confidence doesn't need to be proven. But since you're so curious, I suggest you do your research."
Peter glared at Arnold but couldn't find a retort. Clara and Catherine smirked, clearly enjoying Arnold's composed takedown.
Arnold glanced at his watch. "We should get going. There's still a lot to see in the city."
Clara nodded. "Agreed. Let's leave Peter to his delusions."
As they walked away, Peter called out, his voice desperate to regain control. "Don't think this is over, Arnold. Maryland isn't big enough for both of us!"
Arnold didn't bother responding. He had more important things to focus on.
As they left the mall, Arnold couldn't help but chuckle. "That guy really has a chip on his shoulder."
Clara shrugged. "He's been trying to impress me for years. I told him I'm not interested, but he doesn't know when to quit."
Catherine laughed. "He's just mad because Arnold outclasses him without even trying."
Arnold smiled. "Thanks for standing by me. Let's focus on what's important—exploring opportunities and building something meaningful."
The trio continued their tour, leaving Peter Malfoy behind as a mere blip in their day. For Arnold, the encounter only reinforced one thing: the road to success would always be littered with obstacles, but he was more than prepared to face them head-on.