Page 26 of A Game-Changing Christmas

The dark dominant voice cruised from Raphael Valentine, and he held a stern eye that told the king to be careful with his preferential response.

King Winthrope paused and smirked at Raphael. “I assure you, brethren, my intentions are just as pure as yours.”

“And how do you know what my intentions are?”

The challenge in the room fired like a torpedo, and they all waited for King Winthrope to respond.

“I see you would like to contest my trustworthiness in the matter.”

“In order for me to do that, I would need to be considering your proposal for partnership, which I have not intellectually processed. What I want to know before this conversation goes further, your majesty, is are you the buyer that’s been undermining our bids?”

They all wanted to know this answer, and as a show of proof, each of them held their eyes on the king.

“Ah, I understand, and I am willing to answer whatever questions you have.” The king gave Raphael his eye. “Yes, I am the buyer.”

There was a shift in the room as the men adjusted to hearing this news.

“For what purpose would you be acquiring land in our city?” Jaden asked.

“For the purpose of offering the acreage to you both as a partnering gift,” King Winthrope responded.

“So, help me understand,” Jonathon said. “What is it you get out of this?”

“I’m glad you asked. You all have the necessary contacts my country’s economic growth could benefit from. For example, Hunter,” King Winthrope turned to Hunter, “while your city is suffering from hunger, my country is suffering from lack of energy resources. An estimated six hundred million Africans living on our land are without access to electricity. With the help of VFC Energy, we could secure low-cost energy supplies, getting the networks and channels needed. Without these things, there’s a minor chance of evading a destitute lifestyle.”

King Winthrope turned to Jonas. “Jonas, Rose Bank & Trust Credit Union could launch its next branch in Kéra Asnela. We have the land for your institution, and it could help us string line investments and even give our natives an opportunity to save, build, and reorganize their futures.”

King Winthrope glanced at Julian. “As you may have noticed, my family is not like most royals.” King Winthrope laid a soft hand on Cadena’s shoulder, and she kept her chin high, her gaze centered on the room. “Where we follow basic traditions of our land, I allow my offspring to follow their dreams as you put it here in the States. My sons, Remington and Omari Winthrope, have recently become two of Africa’s most esteemed international models. They would be honored to partner with A Few Good Men to bring more opportunities like this to our country as well. Don’t misunderstand me, Remington and Omari will assume the throne one day, but while they’re still princes, they will lead life as they see fit.”

King Winthrope glanced between the others in the room.

“You all have roles, backgrounds, or assets, software engineers, security detail, that could shift the life that we live, as I do for you. The question now becomes, are you willing?”

“Forgive me for sounding brusque,” Jonathon said. “But it’s not a simple as you make it sound, your highness.”

“We can navigate through the specifics in detail of course when—”

“I’m not referencing the legalities of paperwork.” Jonathon paused. “In order to work with the Valentines, we would have to trust them, and that is the sole reason we don’t.”

“You still blame me for losing that bid, huh?”

It was Lance that had spoken up.

Jonathon turned a sharp eye to Lance. “Blame you?” Jonathon scoffed and took his attention back to King Winthrope. “You don’t need to be in a three-way partnership for this to happen. You can be with them or us.”

“It’s the better solution for both sides of the fence,” King Winthrope responded. “Trust me, I’ve weighed the pros and cons of working with you separately because of your disdain for one another, and a three-way partnership is the better option.”

“Jonathon.”

The dark, soft voice came from Jordan.

“Don’t start with me, Rose,” Jonathon said, knowing Jordan was the peacemaker of the men.

While Jonathon appeared to be the only one with severe reservations, he wasn’t. His brothers understood that Jonathon was passionate about loyalty, respect, accordance, and the like. He wore his heart on his sleeve even in business, which wasn’t ideal, but it was Jonathon, nonetheless. If he felt those things were jeopardized, he was never quiet about voicing it.

“All I’m saying is let’s hear him out,” Jordan added.

“For what!?” Jonathon’s jaw tightened. “We don’t need them. How can we even trust—”

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