Orion added
"I can assign some teams to scout the local market and identify strategic partners."
"Do that," Aiden said. "I want preliminary reports by the end of the week."
The meeting dragged on for another three hours, with details about smaller acquisitions, marketing strategies, and schedule adjustments. At the end, Arthur summed it up.
"So we have clear priorities: advance in Asia, resolve the impasses in Africa, and start our move in Argentina."
Aiden stood up, adjusting his suit.
"Exactly. And remember: the competition is always trying to outdo us. We can't let our guard down."
Ada smiled.
"As if that were possible with you pressuring us every day."
"That's what I'm here for," Aiden replied with a smirk.
After the meeting, Aiden returned to his office, where Orion was waiting for him.
"About the incident with the truck last night..." Orion began.
"Any news?" Aiden asked, sitting down in his chair.
"Yes. We found out that the truck driver works for a fictitious company. We're still tracking the owners, but it's clear that someone wanted to intimidate him."
Aiden folded his hands in thought.
"Keep investigating. I want to know who's behind this as soon as possible."
Orion nodded and left the room, leaving Aiden alone to reflect.
At the end of the day, after reviewing more reports and answering a few important calls, Aiden decided to call it a day. He walked through the lobby of Star Corp., greeting employees and receiving looks of admiration and curiosity. His reputation as a young, innovative and enigmatic CEO was already known to everyone.
As he stepped into the Lamborghini, he felt momentarily relieved.
"If they want war," Aiden thought, accelerating the car, "they will have it."
Aiden decided to activate the driver app again. There was something relaxing about escaping the pressures of the corporate world and engaging in small talk with strangers. He turned on the app, waiting for his first passenger.
The initial ride was simple: a young college student who needed to get to campus for an exam. They chatted about small talk along the way, the student complaining about his strict professor while Aiden chuckled to himself, remembering his own days as a student, though theirs were marked by a luxury the young man had never imagined.
The second ride brought an elderly woman who seemed to mistake Aiden for her grandson. She spent the entire ride talking about fruitcakes and knitting, while he responded with a polite smile, even though he didn't understand a thing she was saying.
"Thanks, dear. Here's a 'treat' for your good work." She handed him an old coin in lieu of a cash tip.
Aiden eyed the coin as she got out of the car. "Curious," he thought, before slipping it into his pocket.
After a few similar runs, Aiden felt the urge for a change of scenery. He glanced at the clock on his dashboard. It was still early. He decided it was time for a little treat for himself. With that in mind, he drove to one of the city's most luxurious malls, the Imperial Mall, known for its exclusive designer brands and personalized experiences.
The mall was dazzling, with huge crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and marble floors gleaming under the warm lights. Aiden walked in like any other regular customer, but his poise and impeccable appearance did not go unnoticed. Store employees and other customers watched him curiously as he walked calmly through the store windows.
"Let's start with something simple," Aiden muttered to himself, entering the first luxury clothing store that caught his eye.
The store specialized in casual wear, but each piece looked like a work of art. A young salesperson with a practiced smile quickly approached him.
"Sir, how can I help you today?"
"I need to update my wardrobe. I want something comfortable but still show... presence," Aiden said, looking at a set of mannequins.
"Certainly, sir. We have some exclusive pieces from Maison Luxe's new collection. Perfect for a sophisticated casual style."
Aiden tried on several combinations: basic Egyptian cotton T-shirts, fitted Italian leather jackets, and tailored pants in fabrics that seemed to mold to his body. Each piece seemed made for him, but the standout was a black jacket with subtle gold detailing on the cuffs and collar.
"That's perfect," the salesman commented, almost breathlessly.
"Take everything I tried on," Aiden said casually, as the salesman eagerly noted down the items.
The total purchase came to 820,000 credits. Aiden just smiled contentedly as he swiped his card.
The next store specialized in exclusive footwear, many made to order. One particular pair caught Aiden's eye: handmade alligator leather shoes with impeccable craftsmanship. He also tried on formal boots that combined elegance with comfort, ideal for his meetings at Star Corp..
"Sir, these shoes are from the Aurum limited collection, available only to select members," the store manager said.
"Great. I want these and three more similar models."
The bill came to another 450,000 credits, but Aiden barely blinked as he completed the purchase.
No wardrobe makeover would be complete without the right accessories. Aiden entered a luxurious jewelry store that exuded exclusivity. He tried on watches with unique designs, each costing over a million credits. The chosen model was a Chronos Elite model with a sapphire dial and platinum bracelet.
"This is a piece that would perfectly suit someone in your presence, sir," the jeweler commented.
In addition to the watch, he purchased diamond cufflinks, sunglasses with white gold accents, and a discreet but valuable chain. The total bill came to 3.2 million credits.
As Aiden stood in one of the last stores, trying on a set of tailored suits, the mood of the afternoon changed. A burly, middle-aged man with a protruding belly and two flashy gold watches walked into the store. He exuded arrogance.
"This one looks good enough for me," he said loudly, pointing to a jacket Aiden was trying on.
When he saw the store manager accompanying Aiden, he stopped. With an unpleasant smile, he walked over.
"Miss, I bet he can't even afford those clothes."