Chapter 581 Competition (3) Caught
Atticus nodded along with Dashiell's take.
"Yeah, I know a bit about the big international banks," he said. "Unity World Bank's got a lot of clout globally, but folks here in the Yakurosean Empire still prefer our local banks. They're kinda wary of foreign banks. But Unity World Bank is different. They've got serious pull, and if they play their cards right, they could win people over and grab a chunk of the market."
Dashiell chimed in, "Exactly. So, I've got two thoughts on Unity World Bank showing up. One, it's just natural growth from economic development and market competition. Two, it's intentional. By intentional, I mean they were deliberately drawn here."
"Deliberately drawn here?" Atticus was taken aback.
Dashiell nodded. "Yeah, both of us think Unity World Bank shouldn't have come to the Yakurosean Empire this soon. Their sudden arrival makes me think there might be something fishy going on."
Atticus agreed, though it sounded a bit far-fetched.
"I'm digging into Unity World Bank's internal stuff to figure out if it's the first or second scenario. If it's just market competition, I'm not too worried. We've got a solid foundation here. But if it's the second scenario, it could be bad news for us," Dashiell explained. "If it's the second, it means they've already found some weaknesses in our business and could take over our market."
Atticus's expression darkened.
Seraphina, who was nearby, was lost.
Natural growth? Deliberate lure? What were they even talking about?
To her, business competition was all the same.
She listened to Atticus and Dashiell go on about their plans for what felt like forever. Just as she was about to nod off, they finally seemed to agree on something.
When Seraphina and Dashiell left, Atticus looked a lot calmer. He'd been pretty worked up before, but now he seemed more confident.
Seraphina wondered, 'Is Dashiell really that good at business? But he's just a nerd! Where does he get his business smarts?'
"Seraphina," Atticus called out as she was leaving.
She turned around.
"Learn from Dashiell," Atticus suggested.
Seraphina felt a bit helpless; she really didn't want to.
"How about this," Atticus said suddenly.
Seraphina had a bad feeling about what was coming next.
"Starting today, you'll be Dashiell's assistant. Forget about finance; it's been six months with no progress. You might as well learn something useful."
"No way!" Seraphina shot back without hesitation.
Atticus's face darkened.
"If you push me, I won't do it!" Seraphina threatened.
"Then don't," Atticus snapped.
He'd thought spoiling Seraphina when she was young would make her happy.
But now, it seemed like it had made her lazy and unambitious.
The more Atticus thought about it, the angrier he got.
His tone grew harsher. "If you can support yourself, then don't do it."
"You!" Seraphina's face flushed with anger.
Atticus was at it again, using money to twist her arm.
And the worst part? It was working.
Seraphina's monthly expenses were sky-high, and if Atticus cut her off, she'd be in serious trouble.
She shot him a death glare, but neither of them budged.
Grinding her teeth, she finally caved. Without Atticus, she had nothing.
"Fine, but don't expect me to achieve anything," she spat.
"I never did," Atticus replied coldly. "This is just a last-ditch effort to save you from yourself."
With that, Seraphina stormed out, slamming the door behind her.
Atticus sighed, feeling a bit helpless.
"Seraphina's personality is going to be a challenge for you," he said to Dashiell.
"It's no big deal," Dashiell shrugged. "In the end, everything will be handed over to her. We have to push her a bit."
Atticus nodded and sighed heavily. "You treat her so well, but she doesn't see it. I feel sorry for you."
"I'm just doing what I should do. There's nothing to feel sorry about," Dashiell said nonchalantly.
Atticus knew Dashiell didn't want to talk about it anymore, so he let it drop.
Dashiell headed back to his office.
As soon as he sat down, there was a knock on the door. He looked up and saw Lucy, a bit surprised. "Why are you here?" he asked.
"I brought you lunch," Lucy smiled. "Mrs. Montgomery asked me to bring you lunch before, but you didn't let me. I thought you needed to eat well since you got hurt, so I came again. Plus, I needed the driving practice."
Dashiell had a hard time saying no to people who were kind to him.
He nodded. "Put it on the table over there."
"Okay." Lucy placed the lunch on the table and was about to leave.
"Wait," Dashiell called out.
Lucy turned around.
"Help me check my wound," Dashiell said.
Lucy was taken aback for a moment. "The first aid kit is under the cabinet," Dashiell added.
"Okay." Lucy quickly responded.
She grabbed the first aid kit and walked over to Dashiell.
Dashiell took off his suit, loosened his tie, and unbuttoned his white shirt.
When Lucy saw the blood-stained bandage, she was shocked. "Mr. Rainier, there's blood on the bandage on your back."
"Yeah, that's why I need you to help me check where it broke," Dashiell said calmly.
He'd probably torn the wound today, and since Lucy was here, she could help treat it and prevent infection.
"Okay." Lucy carefully unwrapped Dashiell's bandage, trying not to touch his wound.
In the quiet office, just as Lucy was about to say something, Dashiell suddenly pulled her into his arms, turning to face the door and hiding the bloody wound on his back.
Seraphina stormed in, only to see Lucy lying on Dashiell's bare chest, looking very cozy.
She froze for a moment, then rushed out, shouting, "I didn't see anything!" The office door slammed shut behind her.
Dashiell gritted his teeth from the pain, while Lucy was startled by the sudden move.
"Go lock the door," Dashiell ordered.
Lucy quickly got out of Dashiell's embrace, feeling very shy and her heart racing.
She walked to the door and locked it.
The clear sound of the door locking was heard by Seraphina, who had left and returned.
She thought to herself, 'Damn it!'
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