I Became a Tycoon During World War I: Saving France from the Start

Chapter 18: Almost Fooled

"One hundred thousand francs!"

Bonnet, the shrewd businessman, offered an enticing price after breaking through Derek's defenses. Sensing Derek's hesitation, Bonnet added, "No one else would give you such a fair price, Mr. Derek. Like I said, others might simply choose to copy your design—they wouldn't bother paying for your patent."

Derek looked to Charles, clearly tempted. In an era when a worker's monthly wage was only 28 francs, 100,000 francs was no small amount—especially with so many hidden hands poised to snatch it from them.

Charles remained silent, replaying Bonnet's words in his mind. Finally, he reached a conclusion: Bonnet was using the threat of the powerful 200 Families to pressure Derek while tempting him with a substantial offer—a classic mix of intimidation and allure. Bonnet was, indeed, well-versed in the art of negotiation.

Seeing their silence, Bonnet felt triumphant. In his mind, he had won; they had no other choice!

However, Bonnet had severely underestimated Charles. Bonnet never considered that this "inventor" might also have a knack for business. Throughout the negotiation, Bonnet had aimed his efforts at Derek, completely ignoring Charles, perhaps because the boy sat quietly to the side, feigning the innocence of a young bystander.

"Mr. Bonnet," Charles finally spoke, his voice calm and measured but firm, "If things were as you say, you wouldn't have rushed here the moment we applied for this patent. Am I right?"

Bonnet's smile wavered. Years of experience allowed him to recover quickly, and he forced a grin. "Charles, that's just how I operate. I expect the same urgency from my employees, or The Daily Journal wouldn't be what it is today!"

The explanation seemed plausible—running a newspaper required speed and timing to capture an audience.

But Charles wasn't buying it.

"My guess is, you were well-prepared for this," Charles continued, glancing out toward the lobby. "You must've paid that employee out there to watch for anyone applying for a tank patent and notify you immediately."

Bonnet responded with a smile, as if to say, That's just my style.

Charles went on, "If what you say is true and no one else would offer a higher price, then now wouldn't be the best time to negotiate, would it?"

Bonnet's grin grew stiffer. He hadn't noticed this flaw in his reasoning and didn't know how to patch it.

Initially, Derek didn't understand. But as Bonnet's expression faltered, Derek replayed Charles' words and had a revelation:

"That's right. Now isn't the ideal moment for you to buy the patent!"

"Mr. Bonnet, you should've let us struggle, trying in vain to sell the patent while the 200 Families crushed us underfoot. When we were beaten, exhausted, and desperate, that's when you'd strike."

"Then, you'd buy the patent at the lowest price, and we'd be grateful for it!"

"But instead, you chose this moment, before we even stepped out of City Hall, to offer a generous 100,000 francs... Why is that?"

Derek grew more excited as he spoke, and his last question came out with a touch of defiance.

He was nearly certain Bonnet was acting hastily because someone else was also interested in purchasing the tank patent—and likely offering much more.

Bonnet had no response. This wasn't something he could cover with "style." It defied reason; no businessman would turn down the chance to buy low unless there was a compelling reason. Otherwise, he'd have gone bankrupt long ago.

"But..." Bonnet made a last attempt, "my offer is quite fair. Don't you agree?"

He cast an earnest glance between them, trying to sound as genuine as possible. "If you attempt to produce tanks on your own, under their pressure, there's no guarantee you'll make 100,000 francs."

Derek had no immediate rebuttal. The 200 Families' influence was a real concern—they would never allow the Bernard family to monopolize tank production. This, he had to admit, was true.

So, 100,000 francs was indeed a fair price.

But Charles wasn't finished dismantling Bonnet's ploy.

"No, Mr. Bonnet. I think you've forgotten about the Paris Convention."

Bonnet's eyes widened slightly. After a pause, he muttered, "Ah, yes. I seem to have overlooked that... Well, if you're not satisfied with the offer, we can discuss it further."

Derek immediately understood.

The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, signed by France, the UK, Russia, and other countries in 1883, protected inventors' rights internationally. Before this convention, patents were challenging to uphold across borders, and "copycat" enterprises thrived. These opportunists would rush to file for any new foreign patent and then claim it as their own within their country.

Under the Paris Convention, however, an inventor's claim could be honored across all signatory countries, backdated to the initial filing. This meant Charles could secure his tank patent in other countries like the UK, Russia, and the US—nations beyond the influence of the 200 Families. In such places, the tank's value would far exceed 100,000 francs.

Seeing Bonnet's arrogant façade crumble, Derek lost any desire to negotiate further. He rose, pulling Charles up with him, and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Bonnet, but this isn't a decision we can make alone. I'll have to consult my father."

"As you know, he's still the head of the Bernard family."

Derek exercised restraint. He had no wish to offend Bonnet, who held a great deal of sway over public opinion through The Daily Journal.

"Of course." Bonnet sighed, standing as he handed them each a business card. "If you change your mind, gentlemen, please don't hesitate to contact me. The price is... negotiable."

Bonnet stressed this last point, implying, Whatever others offer, I can top it!

And with one final nod to Charles, he added, "That was a remarkable invention, Charles. It saved France. My respect to you."

Outside City Hall, Derek glanced over his shoulder, shaking his head in relief.

"We nearly fell for that trick," he said, giving Charles a proud look. "I don't know what I would've done without you, Charles. You bested that conceited old fox!"

Watching his son, Derek's eyes glowed with pride. Youth truly transformed quickly; it was hard to believe Charles wasn't even an adult yet.

(End of Chapter)

Friends, if you liked the novel you can subscribe to my p*treon