The blue Halls-Royz Phantom of William stood imposingly in front of the colossal mansion as William erged from it. The first thing he did was to survey the grand structure before him, nearly whistling in admiration. The mansion's sheer scale was overwhelming, far surpassing anything he had ever encountered. Even his villa paled in comparison to this architectural marvel.
'Damn, how much would it have cost him to buy sothing like this?" he mused. 'I am able to buy it because of how easy it is for to generate money but how the hell do this people get so much money and how do they hide it from him?'
William dismissed these thoughts and returned to the car as George retrieved the gifts and handed them over. Just as William was about to leave, George hesitated and asked, "Sir, are you sure you want to go alone? You could have easily brought so guards with you; it wouldn't seem out of place for soone of your stature."
"Yeah, I considered that too. But it's fine. The man I'm about to visit runs an establishnt known for its impeccable security, and I have to trust him enough not to need bring guards," William replied.
'Besides, going alone demonstrates how much I value him; it'll work in my favor,' William thought, offering George a reassuring smile.
George sighed and said, "Alright, boss. If you're comfortable with it, so am I."
"But still, park the car sowhere secure and be ready to pick up at any ti. I don't anticipate any trouble, but it's always wise to be prepared," William added, and George nodded in agreent.
"Understood, Boss."
George then drove off as William began ascending the short flight of stairs.
'Don't worry, if anything happens, I can safely extract you from here,' Suddenly out of the blue, Anne said.
William asked curiously, 'And how do you plan on doing that?'
'I have my thods,' Anne replied cryptically, unwilling to say any further.
William didn't press her as he continued up the stairs, a faint smile playing on his lips. At the top, he found a young butler, likely in his mid-20s, standing there, waiting for him. His outfit was of a high quality butler's, sothing one would expect from a butler of such a high family.
As soon as William reached the top, the butler approached with a professional smile. "Mr. Trust, we are most grateful that you accepted our invitation." He then glanced around before asking politely, "Um… may I inquire where your father is? I don't seem to see him." The butler asked as he was told to be more kind to the duo that would co, especially to the older one.
"Ah, about that…" William had to put on a convincing act as he adopted a sorrowful expression. "You see, my father was eager to be here, but unfortunately, he got tied up with so urgent business and couldn't make it."
"But he was very excited to receive the invitation and if it weren't for the important work I would have been here with him."
The butler's face fell montarily, a frown briefly appearing. "I see… I think my master will be disappointed to hear that. He was looking forward to eting Mr. Trust. I hope he will take this new well."
But the butler quickly regained his composure, his smile returning. "Still, we're honored that you ca all by yourself, and that too…" He glanced around William again, "Without any bodyguards."
"Oh! I figured that since I'm visiting soone renowned for their exceptional security, there was no need for them, right?"
"Of course, sir. You'll be completely safe here. I assure you, there's no safer place in all of Escana than the auction house and my master's mansion," the butler responded. "Oh, my apologies— I seem to have gotten carried away and forgotten my manners. Please, allow to escort you inside," he bowed slightly and said with a apologetic tone.
"No worries, we were talking. It's understandable," William dismissed the concern as the butler led him inside the mansion. The butler walked beside him, pointing out various artworks and other antique items, explaining them in detail and William listened on.
"That is a piece by the famous Banione, the artist who lost his eyesight in childhood yet still managed to create such masterpieces," the butler said, showing him a painting composed of various colors.
"Yes… quite artistic," William remarked, not quite sure what to make of the colorful, abstract piece that looked like sothing a child might create.
"Indeed, sir. It cost my master 230 million dollars to acquire this work of art."
William almost widened his eyes at such an exorbitant price for sothing he considered shi*.
'Man, I should've beco an artist; everything I make would fetch a fortune,' William thought discreetly.
'Yeah… Art is not that disillusioned to buy sothing like that.' Anne suddenly quipped, making William startle a bit.
'Wha— how are you reading my thoughts?'
'Upgrades,' Anne said casually.
'Wow, that's— wait, hold on, did you just say my drawings would be worse than this?' William ntally retorted, but Anne didn't respond. He decided not to pursue the matter further, not wanting to appear suspicious to the butler.
They walked a little longer before arriving at a spacious living room. The butler gestured to a couch and said, "Please have a seat while I announce your presence to the master. If you need anything, feel free to ask the maids behind you; they'll be more than happy to assist."
William glanced back and saw two young won in maid uniforms, who bowed their heads and said in unison, "Welco, young master. Please call on us if you need anything."
The butler was about to leave, but William quickly stopped him. "Here, please give these to your master," William said, handing over two items. "One is for your mistress, and the other is for your master."
"Oh! Be sure to tell your master to open his gift imdiately; I'm sure he'll appreciate it very much." William added, emphasizing his words.
The butler smiled, "I'll make sure of it, sir." With that, he walked away, and William watched him go, his thoughts distant. 'Are you sure this will work?'
'Yes, trust , it will work. And besides, if it doesn't… you can always try your hand at art,' Anne joked.
William didn't know whether to laugh or cry at her comnt. 'Didn't you just say I'm not cut out for art?' he thought, but Anne remained silent, leaving him to sigh as he noticed the maids observing him with hawk-like eyes, tracking his every move.
'Are they maids or guards?' he wondered.
anwhile, the butler moved at a steady pace before quickly approaching a large door, where an older butler awaited him. The young butler relayed everything to the older man, who nodded and dismissed him before turning around and knocking twice. "Sir, it's ," he announced before entering what appeared to be a private office filled with antiques and papers, all ticulously organized.
"Sir, I have so unfortunate news. The Trust family sent their son, the father couldn't co, saying sothing about an urgent business."
"But he did bring sothing interesting."
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