Prosperous Marriage: Married to My Brother-in-law

The executives did not hesitate to partake in the food and drink.

These executives were all customers who had previously collaborated with Cosmos Group, and their companies produced semi-finished goods. However, after Helen Griffin started to undermine Cosmos by luring these clients—whose contracts with Cosmos had expired—with higher profits, these executives also began considering a shift to the Griffin Family. They were currently in discussions with Helen regarding profit-sharing arrangements, and if these discussions were successful and contracts were signed, Nicholas would find it impossible to win them back.

Today, Nicholas had invited them to dine at the Golden Phoenix Inn with the intention of pulling them back into Cosmos's fold.

He was gearing up for a showdown with Glades Horne, and his only piece on the board was Cosmos; thus, he could not afford to let it fall, he needed to ensure it grew even stronger.

After three rounds of drinks, Nicholas steered the conversation to the matter at hand.

"`Mr. Lu, when I joined Cosmos, you were already a longstanding client,`" Nicholas began, addressing Mr. Lu. Mr. Lu was the eldest among the executives and hailed from a neighboring city. His company was also the largest among those present. Furthermore, Mr. Lu had widespread connections and a high demand for lighting, making him the most coveted client Nicholas was keen to win back. "`We are all familiar with each other. Switching to a new partner is always somewhat concerning.`"

Mr. Lu paused, then, smiling at Nicholas, said, "`Manager Coldwell, there's no need for beating around the bush. As you've said, we are well acquainted, so speak plainly.`" It was clear to them what Nicholas's aim was in inviting them to dine.

Nicholas smiled, then said, "`Alright, given that you executives are forthright individuals, I won't beat around the bush either. On behalf of Cosmos, I sincerely invite you to collaborate with us once again, offering to increase our profit margin by two percentage points on the existing basis.`" He had made inquiries and found out that Helen had only offered them a one percentage point increase. By offering an additional percentage point, Cosmos would outbid the Griffin Family. Businesspeople prioritize profit, and he couldn't believe these people wouldn't be tempted.

As expected, upon hearing this, the executives exchanged glances and murmured among themselves before Mr. Lu smiled and inquired, "`Manager Coldwell, do you have the authority to make this offer? You seem to be from the Planning Department only.`" Businesspeople naturally value profit, and their collaboration with Cosmos would yield an additional two percentage points above their past agreements. Though it sounded modest, it amounted to a considerable sum when calculated. The Griffin Family, leaders in the lighting industry, offered only one percentage point, and now Cosmos was essentially breaking even in terms of doing business with them.

However, they were aware of Nicholas's status; even as Dio Powell's son-in-law, the decision-making power still lay in Dio's hands, and Nicholas's offer would be futile if Dio did not approve it.

Nicholas smiled, but a swift and cruel glint flickered in his eyes as he did so. He knew these people would doubt him because he was the one making the offer, but one day he would make them never dare to question him again. Nevertheless, he confidently assured them, "`Rest assured, gentlemen, since I dare to propose this, it definitely has my father-in-law's approval. I have even brought the contracts with me; please feel free to take a look.`" He then retrieved several pre-drafted contracts from the black briefcase resting on a chair and distributed them to the executives for review. The contracts clearly bore Dio Powell's own signature; as long as the executives agreed and signed, a new partnership would commence.

Nicholas planned to use the increased profit margin to win back these clients. Driven by the allure of money, no one would reject a profitable opportunity. Once he reclaimed the clients, he could choose to procure medium-grade raw materials—neither the best nor the worst—instead of the top-quality ones they used previously, thereby reducing material costs and allowing Cosmos to remain profitable. Additionally, with the two percentage point increase, Cosmos would still earn a slight margin.

Once the contracts were signed and the client base stabilized, they could gradually find ways to save on costs and ensure solid profits.

In this way, Glades' plan to use the Griffin Family to undermine Cosmos would not be so easily accomplished.

Nicholas was pleased with this outcome, eager to give Glades a taste of defeat.

It had to be said that Nicholas was rather self-important. He was fully aware that competing with Glades was like throwing an egg against a rock, yet he dared to face him and even fancied the idea of defeating him. His judgment was likely so clouded by anger over Julia's identity and their marriage that he had lost his usual rationality.

After the executives had thoroughly reviewed the contracts and confirmed that the official seals and Dio's signature were authentic, they relaxed and began to discuss business and cooperation with Nicholas.

Following a meal that cost over a thousand yuan, Nicholas successfully retrieved the contracts, now signed by the executives.

The executives, tempted by the additional percentage point, agreed to continue their cooperation with Cosmos. As for the Griffin Family, since nothing had been formally signed, their decision did not constitute a breach of contract.

"`Manager Coldwell, we look forward to a pleasant cooperation.`"

Eventually, as they were satiated and ready to leave, the executives stood up and shook hands with Nicholas.

"`A pleasant cooperation indeed. Are you all full? Would anyone like more dishes? If my hospitality was lacking, I hope you won't hold it against me,`" Nicholas chuckled, slipping the signed contracts back into his black briefcase, his smile as benevolent as Maitreya Buddha's.

"`No need, Manager Coldwell, you're too kind. Maybe next time we can invite you for a meal, but for now we must be going,`" the executives said, all smiles as they left the private dining room.

"`Take care,`" Nicholas promptly paid the bill, grabbed his briefcase, and followed to see the executives off from the Golden Phoenix Inn. Once the executives were out of sight, Nicholas immediately pulled out his phone to inform Dio that the cooperation was secured, and Dio immediately praised him over the call.

Looking up at the sky outside the hotel, Nicholas smiled with self-satisfaction. Clutching the briefcase containing his trophies of victory, he got into his car and also departed from the Golden Phoenix Inn.

The sun in the sky was now fiercer, almost like a summer sun, without any hint of winter's chill. Pedestrians on the streets, who had left their homes in the morning wearing two or even three layers, had now cast aside their coats to hold them in hand, wearing only a long-sleeved shirt, enjoying the cool autumn-like breeze.