10x Cashback: Your Wealth Is Mine-Chapter 98 You Owe Me One

98 You Owe Me One

I don't think it had really been able to stick inside my head just how rich Nancy Draconi was until I got here.

The higher the elevator ascended, the more impressed I was with the view. I was currently heading to the top floor of the Draconi Financial Tower where Nancy's office was.

When people talked about old money, the Draconi family had a nice spot on the list, having been entrenched in New York's financial world for centuries and their building reflected that.

The building stood tall like a beautifully designed monolith, its top floors shining under the light of the sun.

I watched the numbers tick upwards as I adjusted my tie. I didn't have foresight as a superpower but my regular foresight was good enough, I guess.

The elevator dinged and its doors slid open, allowing me to step out into the hallway.

You know those movies where the royal person's chamber has enough gold to make its occupant go blind? That was what it felt like stepping out of the elevator.

In fact, I'm sure the floor was carpeted with something that probably cost more per square inch than most people earned in a year.

I looked up as Nancy's assistant, a young woman I'd met once before, greeted me with a polite nod.

"Mr. Voss." She said, gesturing toward the grand double doors at the end of the hall. "Mrs. Draconi is expecting you."

I thanked her and made my way to the door, pushing it open to enter Nancy's office.

This was my first time here and I looked around, taking in the bookshelf on one wall and the floor to ceiling windows on the other.

The whole floor was hers and with her office taking only a small space of it, I'd heard people say she had a luxury apartment up here. Well, it was none of my business.

Sitting behind the only desk in the office was the woman I was here for, Nancy. Her eyes were on me the moment I entered the office and she stood with a smile on her face.

"Nico." She greeted me, extending her hand. "I hope this is important. My schedule is tighter than ever."

"It is." I replied, shaking her hand before taking a seat opposite her. "Thank you for making the time."

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"My pleasure." She settled back into her chair, steepling her fingers. "So, what is it? I'm listening."

I leaned forward slightly. "I need your help opening negotiations with Harrington & Co. Jasmine has already approached them with a deal and I need to counter it."

Nancy raised an eyebrow in amusement. "I heard about that from a mutual friend." She chuckled. "You want to stop her?"

"Yeah." I nodded. "If Jasmine secures their backing, she consolidates her position with the old guard. She'll use it to sway the board and appeal to investors who value stability over innovation. I can't let that happen."

Nancy's eyes narrowed slightly. "Interesting. But why would Harrington & Co entertain your offer when they're already in discussions with Jasmine? She's been CEO for a few years now and has the board's ear."

I guess it's time for the lies I'd prepared.

"Because what I can offer is better." I smiled in answer. "Jasmine is betting on Harrington & Co's reputation to bolster her standing. I'm offering them the opportunity to break out of their mold and become more than they were."

"The world is changing. New money has already outpaced old money. Whether they like it or not, Harrison & Co is a business and businesses seek profit. All I'll offer through Apex is a partnership that takes them into the future, not tie them to the past."

Nancy studied me for a long moment, then sighed, shaking her head. "Bullshit."

"Excuse me?" I leaned back in my chair, keeping my expression blank. I guess I won't be able to fool her. She was experienced enough to see through all this.

"Nico, I've been in this game long enough to know when something doesn't add up." She said to me.

"Why would Jasmine, who thrives on controlling her narrative, risk tying herself to a firm like Harrington & Co? They're strong, yes, but their influence comes with strings. She knows that as well as anyone."

I smirked at her words. Words I'd already considered.

After Elsa had left, I'd thought about it. Jasmine was smart. She wouldn't have been made CEO if she wasn't.

Why would she be courting Harrington & Co when there was no obvious benefit to it? The answer was obvious.

"I appreciate your concern, Nancy," I said with a confident smile, "but I've got this. I know what I'm doing."

Jasmine had created the perfect setup. If we don't make a move of our own while she secures the deal, she gets to score brownie points. And if we move on this deal, the consequences were more… interesting.

Well, all I can say is that I'm having fun. It does feel great to be battling against an opponent with such a huge advantage. She doesn't have to do too much work to win while we have to do extra work to even be on even terms with her.

Nancy leaned back on her chair in amusement, staring at me. "The ambition and rashness of youth. But these are both dangerous combinations, Nico Voss."

"And that's why I'm here." I replied. "I need your help. You know the Harringtons better than anyone. You can help me get a foot in the door, and from there, I'll handle the rest."

She tilted her head and crossed her arms as she considered my request. For a moment, there was silence and I waited patiently to hear the verdict.

Finally, she sighed, a smile returning to her lips.

"You're persistent, I'll give you that." She said. "Fine. I'll make the introduction. But understand this, Nico. This isn't just a favor. You owe me one. And when I call it in, I expect you to deliver."

"Deal." I said without hesitation, extending my hand.

We shook and the future was sealed.

Foresight or not, I'm winning this.