284 Her Smile As The Slave Driver

"What do you think?" Clark asked Harry.

"I don't understand as well father. It was a bit sudden for them to suddenly propose a collaboration but their proposal is something anyone would have wanted," Harry replied honestly.

"That's what i think as well. But why after all these years did they decide to collaborate with us?" Clark once again asked.

"Someone gave the proposal?" Harry understood the meaning behind his words and asked.

Clark nodded in agreement, "After all these years, not one of us have ever thought of collaborating with one another. How long has it been since Luis Cooper took over Cooper Empire? Someone new in their board must have proposed it."

"Then should we reject the idea?" Harry couldn't help but ask.

"Prolong it. We will see how much they wanted this collaboration, if they really wanted this and has no other ulterior motive they would give up once it took too long for us to give them an answer."

"So we will wait until they give up? We won't reject but we won't accept it either?"

"For now, that is. If they could show us a wonderful technology for our hospital then we really wouldn't have a lose. No matter how much it cost, we are still the leading Empire. What we needed now is to see what they really wanted."

Clark is indeed smart but what would Luis do? He was really aiming for the collaboration.

Luis didn't even know why this ghost major shareholder is asking for a collaboration with the Price Empire.

So there was no point of them trying to figure out what Luis wanted for even he himself didn't know the depth of this collaboration.

This is also the reason why Amber asked Luis to do this and not SNN.

"How about Glenn?" Clark finally asked.

"His preparations are almost done, the earliest he'll leave would be a week from now."

"Tell him to get this no matter what, he must know that lands open on countries not under us or from Celestial are very important for our improvement."

Most of the time since they are like the royal of the country, the government considers their own thoughts regarding the land. So of course they would most of the time give the opportunity to those who are under them.

Open lands for bidding for other Empires are very limited and if you are able to erect a company of yours in those places, the name of the Empire would even more spread.

This is one of the rarest times that the Empire could spread their own names on the other countries not under their jurisdiction.

"His preparations are perfect. We only needed to wait for the success in acquiring that land," Harry proudly said.

Clark nodded, "Very good, i shall wait for the good news then."

*****

"You seem like you are in a good mood," Simon asked upon seeing Amber after her two day off.

Amber grinned, "You can tell?"

She sighed in contentment, "Having your other half by your side is still the best way to wake up everyday."

Simon understood the reason behind this brightness of hers.

"Did he come for a vacation? Or a simple visit?"

"Nope, came for work but it is still a happy thing that his work is within the country," Amber replied.

Simon just watched her enter the inner office before shaking his head.

"Wow, never thought she could show that much happiness," Russel who was also in the room commented after Amber entered the inner office.

"Why don't you try falling in love as well then? Maybe your always grumpy look would lighten up a lot," Simon replied.

"I am in love, cooking is my first and lifelong love," she replied.

Simon once again shook his head.

'I really am getting used to this, I currently have three children. This one came here too strong but because of the other she learned to open up to us,' he thought before returning to his work.

"Teacher!!"

Just then the door opened abruptly, looking up from his work, it was Jackson.

"What are you doing here?" Simon asked glancing at the door towards the inner office.

"What are you doing here?"

Instead of answering him, Jackson looked at Russel who was also looking back at him. And if Simon is not mistaken he can see sparks flying between this two.

"What are you doing here?" Russel asked in return.

She knew that Jackson is the one looking after Ashley.

"This is my territory in the first place, why can't I be here?" Jackson replied.

"But aren't you in another job right now? So why are you here?" Russel replied.

"Just because I was tasked to watching over that brat doesn't mean I couldn't have my days off. I am actually cleaning up after the mess you have created."

"Oh should I be thankful then? That it was you that is cleaning up? Or should I be worried because it is you who is doing the job?"

Jackson scoffed, "Look who's talking. If you didn't start this then there is nothing to be cleaned up."

And there they go.

The first proper conversation of the student and the apprentice ended up being a battle of words. Simon could only rub his temple, he didn't sign up for this you know.

He almost jumped when he saw the door to the inner office open and there stood Amber with an amused look on her face.

She looked at him and mouth how fun it was to watch the two fight like cat and dog.

Simon was agape, 'I didn't wish for this when I accepted in my heart that they are now my children. They are old enough from fighting like this. And the other was even having fun watching them instead of stopping them.'

He felt like if this goes on he would get older faster.

"Okay, that's enough."

He finally decided to speak up, Jackson and Russel listened to him but was still glaring at one another.

"What is it that you needed here Jackson?"

"Oh that's right, if it were not for that eye sore I would have already told you," Jackson answered giving Russel a sharp look.

"Look who's talking, I am much older than you and much experienced-"

"That's enough!!"

Before they have another bout of cat-dog fight, Simon raised his hand to stop them.

"Jackson," he then said urging Jackson to speak up what he really needed.

"Oh yes, that's right. I have gotten news of a land opening up on the next city. Since we are already planning on opening one, why don't we open there? That would be a great leap for Natan."

"Land?" Simon asked.

"It was a land to be bid by everyone all over the world. This is a one time opportunity for us to expand on bigger lands," he happily said.

Then a hand came to his shoulder, "I really am wondering why you left your post."

Jackson almost jumped, he thought Amber wouldn't be here yet.

He was about to answer when he heard Russel chuckle but before he could speak to her.

"And I am wondering why our head chef is here when the restaurant is currently at work?"

Russel pursed her lips and Jackson couldn't mock her in return for Amber was still holding her shoulder.

"I know you are suggesting this for the restaurant but that land is a no go. Every Empire other than Hughes Empire will be bidding for that land. That is how important that piece of land is, so for our restaurant that was just starting, it is a no go for us."

"Oh," Jackson was dejected.

"Now, now, don't be too sad. More opportunities will open up for us. For now, we need Natan's name to spread out all over the world. We can think about acquiring such lands in the future."

Jackson could only nod his head.

Amber understood what he feels and she couldn't help but smile gently.

"Now, why don't you return to your post?" her gentle smile disappeared and came her smile as the slave driver.

Jackson who wanted to retort could only swallow his words and leave the office immediately upon seeing her smile. He knew if he stays longer he would regret ever coming here today.

"As for you, I think we are still paying you to do your job right?" she then said looking at Russel with that same smile.

Russel didn't speak but just stood up and left almost running out.

Simon sighed, "That land, is it the reason why your husband is here?"

Amber nodded, "Yes but I declined the offer not only because of that."

"Because Natan is really still small," Simon said understanding that what she said to Jackson was the truth.

"But I am happy to see him trying his best for the expansion of Natan," Amber said with a smile as she watches Jackson leave the building through the window.

"I guess, it is because this is also his home," Simon replied.

Amber nodded in agreement, for Jackson who left home. Natan was really his current one.