Chapter 777: Negotiation-2
On the other side, Samuel, Delphina, Nicole and Sharon took the Bentley and reached the Club in half an hour. The Jockey Club didn't had any closing time and operated all day long, receiving wealthy businessman and nobles from all over Europe.
If one had money, they could just live off of luxurious facility and living condition arranged by the Club. Senior members even had their own place where they could rest and have fun. One needed certain prestige to be able to acquire such privilege.
There was racehorsing, Opera, a separate Cafe front where many achievement of Club were recorded. The place endured the Second Empire and the Third Republic, it was bound to have extraordinary tales for this generation of peace. On the ground floor beneath the Jockey Club was the fashionable Grand Cafe.
There was also ballet performances from time to time inviting the best of the best for noble's enjoyment. It had everything one could think of when one uttered luxury. Which was why it took some time for Samuel and his team to walk around the place before meeting the Count.
Meanwhile, Count Hay had his own worries to overcome. He was in the process of debate with his debiters.
" Look who it is. Isn't it Count Hay, I have met an esteemed guest. I thought you were busy dealing with your family property to pay off your gambling debt as soon as possible. If you don't have a buyer why don't I help you find some people? I can assure you they will give a 'suitable' price." Seeing the count, one of the Baron teased him with a sneer.
He was only thirty, a decade younger than the Count but after his embarrassing defeat, he gained courage to punch above his weight. He laughed coldly thinking about the Count's demise. How sweet would it be to see him leave his ancestral home with his head held down?
" Please pay attention to your words and deeds, Lord Baron. Are you trying to provoke my family?" Count Hay looked a little uncomfortable. A Baron tried to laugh around him, his father was an Earl for god's sake. These people didn't even dare to disrespect him when his father was alive but now because of his silly mistake they were buzzing around him like flies!
He was deeply ashamed with himself. Once he solved his trouble, he vowed to make this little Baron's life uncomfortable!
" Ah, ofcourse, I don't mean any ill will. I was just hoping to help you in your troubles." Baron immediately shut his mouth. His family was two level's lower than Count's, even if he tried to run his mouth he knew he was not worthy.
He could just wait for other big shots to arrive and join the band wagon along with them. In that way, the Count couldn't say anything to him! For now, he could just watch him tormate in the moment, it was already a good enough outcome to see the Proud Hay falling from his high horse!
" Don't' try to test my patience next time. Even if you made some money, your people were still subordinate to my family since ancient times. Even if it's the current era, I could still smash few barons with my fist!" Count Hay swaggered around him. The Baron could only grit his teeth and accept the outcome, he decided to wait for his opportunity!
" Of course, esteemed lord, I was impolite just now. I hope that you can forgive me." He decided to flatter him for the time being. He knew that even if Count suffer some setbacks, there were old monstrous dukes behind him.
Dealing with a Baron like him, he only need to ask some of his old friends. Even in peril they could easily root out these puny barons in a day! He better not provoke him so blatantly.
" Hmm." He raised his head proudly and snorted. Walking past the Baron, he didn't even give him a look. He was skillful in dealing with these type of pests. They were enthusiastic when he was making gain but as soon as he was in trouble, they would come and harass him like flies!
Baron kept his head down until the Count was out of sight. The flattering face turned cold looking at his as he cursed," Bastard! He dares to threaten me? After owning so much debts, how could he even come here with his head held high? I really want to see you sell your family relics cheaply, what kind of face would he make at that time?" He whispered few words secretly.
It was his earnest wish because he suffered some setback because of Count in the past. What's infuriated him was that Count didn't even bat an eye at that time and completely forgot about him the next day.
The Baron worked tirelessly day and night to resolve the issue finally able to make some amount of money to join the circle. But the hatred in his eye remained, he was there when the Count was too drunk to play. Taking advantage of the situation he even urged and helped the other party.
He didn't know that an opportunity would arrive so soon after he joined the Club. He only wanted to see the Count make the same face that he did when he lost everything! That would be the only thing that would appease the Baron's anger!
Meanwhile, Count came to a secluded place that he arranged for the meeting. He recruited a waiter that he trusted so that the news didn't go out to other members of the club. After ordering a bottle of Brandy he sat down and waited for other party to arrive.
He knew that tonight, he was able to shut up the flies like Baron because of his and his father's title of Earl. His family's prestige was still there, it was enough to deter these small forces. Other than that, his friends must also be helping him to qualm the rumours or else Count's opponent would swarm this place to ridicule him unnecessarily.
However, if he didn't pay his debt everything would be over. These people would openly mock him and celebrate his downfall. Even Dukes and Earl that supported him would lose face because of him. They wouldn't shelter him.
These things were clear to him because he grew up in such an environment. From the outside, this place was like a golden palace full of fun and decadence but he knew that such a hierarchy system on benefited people on the top.
Other nobles were like accessary, thrown in the wind once their value diminish. Which was why he must quickly pay back the money, this meeting could be the most important one in his life, affecting his future trajectory.