Chapter 262

The line went silent as Dominic absorbed the information.

Nathan handed the phone to Evelyn with an awkward expression, and she placed it on the table, switching it to speaker mode.

"Hello, Mr. Blackwood."

Lucas stifled a laugh at Evelyn's overly formal tone, while Nathan remained quiet.

Dominic responded in an equally measured voice, "Hello, Miss Thorne."

Evelyn blinked in surprise.

Lucas reached for his glass of water, only to find it empty. Nathan mirrored the motion, realizing his own glass was dry.

"I want to clarify that we're not intentionally making this difficult," Evelyn said, steadying her voice. "Our factories are newly established, and we currently lack the necessary equipment and manpower. Given the circumstances, fulfilling your order as-is would be impossible. However, we can arrange for a shipment of drones from our overseas suppliers—though they come at a significantly higher price in the international market."

Nathan visibly relaxed at Evelyn's explanation. Though she was saying the same thing as Lucas, Nathan found Lucas's delivery far more grating.

"But since this is our first major domestic order, I’m willing to offer you the imported units at our local pricing," Evelyn continued.

Lucas's eyes widened. "Why are we giving Dominic a discount?"

Nathan, however, exhaled in relief.

This is how you show sincerity, he thought.

Dominic’s cold voice cut through the phone. "I don’t accept discounts."

The room fell silent. The unspoken implication was clear—Dominic had no interest in charity. He wasn’t someone who needed financial favors.

Lucas quickly changed tactics. "Let me outline the payment terms. We require a fifty percent deposit upfront, with the remaining balance due three days after delivery."

Nathan frowned. "That’s an unusually high deposit."

The purchasing manager nodded in agreement. "Thirty percent is already considered steep. Fifty is excessive."

"Send the invoice. I’ll pay in full immediately," Dominic stated.

Nathan and the purchasing manager exchanged stunned glances.

If this was his decision all along, why even send us here? Nathan thought. It’s obvious he just wanted to funnel money into Evelyn’s company. How transparent.

Once the contract was signed, Evelyn offered to take them to dinner.

Nathan wasn’t in the mood, but the purchasing manager eagerly accepted.

"Why the long face, Mr. Cross? You won’t regret this purchase," Lucas reassured him. "Our drones have the longest battery life on the market, and our AI system outperforms every competitor—"

Nathan raised a hand, cutting him off. "Let’s just eat."

Meanwhile, at Blackwood Group, Lucas had just learned Dominic was about to drop a billion on Thornfield Industries’ drones.

"Dominic, do you actually want those drones, or is this just an excuse to throw money at Evelyn?" Lucas asked bluntly. "Weren’t you the one who swore you’d never see her again after that night of drinking?"

Dominic arched a brow. "Did you question me when I ordered laptops and smartphones in bulk before?"

Lucas considered this. "Fair point. I suppose Evelyn’s drones really are that impressive."

"Did you think Apex Innovations’ sales reports were fabricated?"

Just then, Dominic’s phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and immediately answered. Taking the hint, Lucas grabbed his coffee and left.