They both understood the cue and followed Hugh, making their way across the dimly lit warehouse to sit opposite Arthur.
âMr.
Nixon, Iâm Sanford Robles, and beside me is Rosalynn Hughes,â Sanford introduced with a clear, confident voice.
Arthurâs scrutinizing gaze lingered on Sanford briefly before settling intently on Rosalynn.
âYou are Mrs.
Hughes?â he inquired.
âYes, Iâm Rosalynn Hughes, the wife of the CEO of the Hughes Group,â
Rosalynn responded with a poised smile.
Arthurâs expression suddenly turned sharp, his hand slamming down on the table with force.
âAre you trying to deceive me? How can someone who is unattractive like you be the wife of the CEO of the Hughes Group?â Arthur hissed.
Rosalynn, composed despite the scrutiny, adjusted her glasses and replied, âMr.
Nixon, thereâs no deceit here.
I am indeed the wife of the CEO of the Hughes Group.
I developed numerous pimples on my face due to a reaction from traveling, but itâs nothing serious.
â
Arthur narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Rosalynn as if trying to peel back the layers of her assertion.
A N G E L A âs L I B R A R Y
Sanford intervened, his voice steady, âMr.
Nixon, as Hughâs friend, I vouch for Mrs.
Hughesâ identity.
Weâre aware of the respect your territory commands.
It would be unwise and disrespectful to deceive you.
â
Arthurâs gaze shifted between Rosalynn and Sanford, his expression softening from suspicion to mere dissatisfaction.
Rosalynnâs changed appearance seemed to have dimmed his expectations.
He completely lost interest in her.
Rosalynn continued, âMr.
Nixon, I assume youâre already aware of why weâre here.
My husband is in dire need of assistance, and I believe you can help.
Please, let us know your terms.
â
Arthurâs demeanor shifted to one of calculated detachment.
He leaned back, eyeing them both before replying, âYou wish to collaborate with me, huh? Whatâs in it for me?â
Rosalynn responded firmly, âWeâre prepared to meet any of your reasonable demands, provided they adhere to the law.
â
Arthur scoffed, seemingly unimpressed by her offer.
âVague promises do not interest me.
â
Rosalynn, undeterred, pressed further, âWeâre ready to demonstrate our commitment.
â
Arthurâs eyes narrowed slightly as he assessed her resolve.
âVery well,â he said slowly, âbut first, demonstrate your sincerity.
â
Rosalynnâs brow furrowed in confusion.
âWhat form of sincerity are you looking for?â
Arthur snapped his fingers at his subordinate.
He ordered, âFetch my special reserve wine.
â
âRight away.
â