Chapter 5 An Agreement

The Centurion Black Card issued by American Express was commonly known as the black card.

The black card was mysterious. It was not publicly available nor could it be actively applied for. Instead, one percent of Platinum Card users were selectively invited to obtain it.

This card was hard to get even if one had the money. A cardholder needed to make at least $250,000 in annual purchases across all of his Amex cards.

If Laurel really was the cardholder, $250,000 meant nothing to her.

"The princess said this is her black card. If we strike a deal with her, she will use it to pay for the goods."

Darnell looked at Roberto before he added slowly, "If you still don't believe her, that's fine. She wants me to take her to Pioneer Properties."

Grayson nodded. "That is indeed what the princess means."

Roberto rubbed his aching stomach, wanting to say something but ultimately kept quiet. If he messed up this deal, he might lose his job.

Moreover, the African princess with a black card was not someone he could afford to offend.

Feeling a bit miserable, he realized he had been beaten for nothing.

"Tell the princess we will show our utmost sincerity in cooperation."

Areli decisively made a decision. "Notify the sales department and have Eliezer personally handle this business."

Grayson interpreted for the princess, and Laurel spoke to Grayson, pointing at Darnell.

As Areli's face flickered with curiosity, Darnell stepped forward and stated seriously, "Miss Fanshaw, the princess has a very poor impression of the company."

"And she felt offended by Mr. Gower's behavior. She reserves the right to pursue accountability."

"Since Mr. Gower came in, he has insulted the princess many times. However..." He dragged out his tone. "If Mr. Gower apologizes publicly and compensates me financially, she might consider forgiving him."

Just as Roberto was about to retort, Darnell shot him a sharp look. "Otherwise, she will file a complaint with headquarters, accusing Mr. Gower of disrespect towards customers."

Roberto felt like he was going to explode, curing inwardly, “Damn it! I'm the one who got beaten up, yet she demands an apology? That's insane!"

However, he knew if Laurel really complained to headquarters, he would be the one at a disadvantage.

Therefore, despite his grievance and anger, he had no choice but to force a smile and say, "Princess Laurel, I'm sorry. Please forgive my rudeness."

"And Mr. Halford. I'm so sorry..."

He took out his wallet and pulled out a stack of bills, at least three thousand dollars, and stuffed them into Darnell's hand. "Please, take it."

"How can I accept this?"

Darnell politely said while pocketing the money. Before Areli could stop him, he patted Roberto on the head. "I'll accept your apology. Be a good person from now on, and don't be so arrogant."

Roberto's mouth twitched as he swore internally that he would repay today's humiliation tenfold in the future. Suddenly, he shivered and glared at Darnell. "The princess only said one sentence. How did you interpret so much?"

Darnell slapped his thigh, masking his joy. "You caught me! You're so smart."

"What I just said was merely out of my sense of justice. I didn't say it was from the princess."

Roberto snapped with rage, "You bastard!"

He looked like he wanted to hit Darnell. Laurel immediately stepped forward, pulling him behind her protectively.

His subordinates quickly held Roberto back. Offending Laurel wasn't an option. Plus, her combat skills were formidable. Roberto could be seriously injured confronting her.

"Mr. Gower, calm down. You offended the princess, and you should fix all the mistakes you made," Areli intervened timely.

She turned to Grayson and asked, "Mr. Albany, what did the princess just say?"

Grayson smiled helplessly and pointed at Darnell. "She only wants to negotiate business with Mr. Halford."

"What?" Areli frowned at Darnell. Darnell shrugged as he said, "But I didn't pass the interview. I'm not part of Spectrum Pharmaceuticals."

Damn it! He was clearly forcing her to hire him! Areli wanted to kick him but managed a strained smile. "No, you've passed. Darnell, from now on, you're my assistant, coordinating with the sales department on this deal."

Confirming Laurel's identity as a princess and the authenticity of the order made Areli eager to finalize things quickly. She wanted to solve some pressing issues.

While Lillian looked surprised, Darnell remained unimpressed and waved lightly. "But I don't want to do it anymore."

No one knew what he was up to.

He continued slowly, "Miss Fanshaw's attitude during the interview made me feel that you don't like me much. After this deal, you'll definitely fire me."

He flashed his white teeth. "I'd rather find a stable job elsewhere."

Areli was momentarily stunned. She hadn't expected him to guess her thoughts correctly. She did plan on firing him after securing this deal in a month or two.

Darnell had some talent but was too unprincipled and careless. Someone like him was not suitable for the company. Yet, he noticed her intentions first.

She couldn't admit it now. Otherwise, she'd lose a five-million-dollar deal along with future plans. She awkwardly said, "Mr. Halford, rest assured. I won't fire you. I'm not a heartless employer."

Roberto wanted to question Darnell's capability but ultimately stayed silent.

Today wasn't his day. Speaking more would only lead to more mistakes, and trying to make things difficult for Darnell only got himself beaten up. Hence, he could only glare hatefully at Darnell.

At that moment, Darnell blinked at Areli and proposed a condition. "As long as I don't commit any crimes within three years, you can't fire me."

Areli clenched her fists slightly. "Okay."

Darnell added another condition. "You're going to pay me $10 thousand per month including transportation and meals."

Looking at this greedy guy made Areli want to explode, but she coldly agreed, "Deal!"

"Weekends off?"

"Deal."

"Let me touch your thigh?"

"Deal..."

Almost falling into his trap made Areli's face turn cold. "Don't push your luck! Do you have a death wish?"

"Just kidding. I'm done making my conditions." Darnell replied cheekily before adding, "Let's sign an agreement."

Gritting her teeth, she agreed reluctantly.

They quickly signed an agreement, stating that unless Darnell resigned voluntarily or committed a crime, Areli couldn't fire him.

Satisfied with securing an agreement, Darnell nodded approvingly then waved his hand.

"Lillian, call over people from the sales department. We'll discuss this deal together!"

"If we succeed, I'll treat you with a big carrot!"

Lillian blushed deeply before spitting at him playfully while leaving, the sway of her hips exuding endless allure.

Areli raised an eyebrow sternly. “Darnell, show some respect.”

Darnell pulled out a carrot from his pocket. “Don't get me wrong. I meant real carrots!”

Areli almost lost her temper.

“And also...”

At that moment, Darnell pointed towards Roberto and others, ordering, “All irrelevant personnel, get out.”