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Swirling the rich liquid in his glass, Dominic addressed his brothers. “Luc, have you ironed out the details with our contacts in Berlin?”
Lucian's fingers drummed lightly against the armrest as he nodded. “Yes, the negotiations are in the final stages. They're receptive to our proposals, but they're looking for additional assurances on our end. They want to see a solid plan for integration that respects their business culture.”
Xavier glanced up from his tablet, his expression thoughtful. “That's to be expected. I've been working on adapting our software for better integration—localization is key. We might also need to consider a hybrid approach to the technology to ensure it aligns with their current infrastructure.”
Dominic's jaw tightened ever so slightly, a subtle shift that spoke volumes of his unwavering resolve. “Integration is fine, but we can't afford to compromise on the control of our operations. Xavier, how soon can you implement the necessary technology updates?”
Tapping a few commands into the tablet, Xavier's brow furrowed in calculation. “I can fast-track the development to have it ready for the next quarter, but it will require bringing in additional resources and possibly shifting some timelines for our current projects. We need to weigh the cost against the potential growth in that market.”
Dominic's gaze was unyielding, his voice carrying the weight of a man accustomed to having his demands met. “Cost isn't the issue. What we should be concerned about is establishing Davenport's presence there robustly. We can't let the competition edge us out because we hesitated.”
Lucian nodded in agreement, setting his glass down in a decisive motion. “Agreed. If we're going to make a significant impact in Europe, we need to be swift and culturally intelligent about it. I suggest we plan a visit—to show we're serious and committed.”
“I'll clear my schedule for next month.” Dominic's tone left no room for debate. “It's about showing them the Davenport force in person. And while we're at it, we need to ensure the local teams are under our directive. Can't have loose ends.”
Xavier's fingers danced across the tablet once more, his expression one of focused concentration. “I'll coordinate with R&D to speed things up. But, Dom, make sure we're not overreaching. Our infrastructure must support this expansion without overextending our current capabilities.”
Dominic leveled his gaze at his brother, his voice carrying an edge of steel. “I'm not interested in half measures, Xav. Davenport Enterprises didn't reach its position by playing it safe. But I hear you. We'll expand responsibly.”
Lucian's lips curved into a knowing smile as he reached for his wineglass once more. “Excellent. I'll solidify things on my end and ensure our partners understand that we're not just investors—we're long-term players in their market.”
Xavier gave a curt nod of acknowledgment. “And I'll make sure the technology we bring to the table is not just advanced, but adaptable and respectful of the technological diversity.”
Dominic's gaze swept over his brothers, a silent affirmation of their unified purpose. “Good. Remember, this is more than a business expansion; it's about cementing our legacy and upholding the Davenport name.”
Lucian checked his watch, letting out a reluctant sigh. “This is all well and good, but we should wrap up soon. We're going to be late for that damned birthday party.”
A muscle twitched in Dominic's jaw, his displeasure evident at the reminder of their impending social obligation. Xavier, ever the voice of reason yet no less keen on avoiding the social charade, leaned back into the plush leather of the sofa.
“You two go ahead. I have no desire to subject myself to an evening of pointless chatter and insufferable partygoers. Especially that stuck-up bunch trying to inch their way up the social ladder. It's all so tiresome.”
Dominic crossed the room to stand beside Xavier, his posture rigid, his thoughts mirroring his brother's distaste. “I'm with you on that, Xav. But it's Grandfather's mandate, and you know how he is. Attending these functions is part of our duty, like it or not. Grandfather won’t hesitate to blow our ears off if we miss yet another high-profile social event. Plus, he's adamant about us finding brides before year’s end.”
With a soft clink, Xavier set his tablet aside and met Dominic's steel gaze with one equally firm. “As if parading in front of those vultures will get us any closer to legitimate partners. It's all about appearances for them. They sniff around wealth and influence; they care nothing about who we are beyond the Davenport name.”
Lucian rose from his chair, straightening the cuffs of his shirt as he moved toward them with a diplomat's poise. “Unfortunately, our personal feelings toward these gatherings don’t change the fact that they're essential for maintaining our societal position. Not just for the company, but for Grandfather's peace of mind.”
Dominic exhaled slowly, his breath barely disturbing the air around him as he considered their patriarch’s wishes. “He's not going to let up on this marriage agenda either. We've avoided the topic long enough, and he’s determined to see us settled. So, we’ll endure tonight for the greater good, and who knows? The less we resist, the more bearable it might become.”
Xavier pushed himself off the sofa with a reluctant gracefulness that belied his frustration. “Or more intolerable. But I see the merit in presenting a united front. Fine, but I'm setting a limit on how long I have to stay in that circus.”
A small smirk played at Lucian’s lips as he clapped a hand on Xavier’s shoulder in camaraderie. “Deal. Let's just make sure we stay out of the spotlight as much as possible. If we stick together, we can navigate the evening swiftly and without incident.”
Dominic led the way to the private elevator. The descent was swift, the doors opening to reveal the subterranean garage that housed the brothers' impressive collection of vehicles.
The space was a gleaming monument to automotive luxury, with rows of sleek machines lining the floor like prized trophies. Supercars from the world's most prestigious marques glistened under the recessed lighting, their curves and contours beckoning to be admired and driven with the same passion that had gone into their design.
Xavier cast a disdainful glance around the garage as they stepped onto the polished concrete floor. “I'm not driving tonight. No point in bothering, really. It's not like I'll be bringing anyone home from this farce of a party.”
Lucian chuckled, his hand trailing over the flawless crimson finish of a Ferrari as they passed. “Come now, brother. You never know—there might be a rare gem among the vapid socialites, one who appreciates a man of your intellect.”
With a dismissive wave, Xavier scoffed. “Doubtful. It'll be the same old scene: people fawning over our status and wealth, oblivious to anything beyond the surface. No, thanks.”
Dominic remained silent, his focus already shifting to the next task at hand. Lucian snagged a set of keys from the wall and tossed them to Dominic with an effortless flick of his wrist.
The keys caught the light as they spun through the air, and Dominic's hand shot out with lightning reflexes, snatching them mid-arc. His gaze followed the trajectory, settling on the sleek silhouette of the Koenigsegg Gemera—a thirty-million-dollar masterpiece that even among this collection of rarities, commanded respect.
Dominic's fingers closed around the keys, the metal warm against his palm as he turned toward the Swedish hypercar. Its sculpted body, rendered in a deep-obsidian hue, seemed to drink in the light, its aggressive lines promising an exhilarating drive.
