C338 Family Investing

At the Wood family residence, Ben woke up later than usual. He had deliberately stayed in bed for as long as possible. After everything that had happened the previous day, he wasn't looking forward to facing Sarah. He knew he had made a mistake. Giving Jack Sarah's number and telling him about Lucia Goods and the training facility had been careless, and Ben had spent most of the night thinking about it.

Eventually, he had no choice but to get out of bed. He slowly walked downstairs. But halfway down the stairs, he suddenly stopped. Sarah was still in the living room. Kelvin and Tracy had been discussing something, but the moment they noticed Ben, their conversation stopped. Sarah, who had been listening to them, turned around. The moment she saw Ben standing on the stairs, she smiled lightly. “Brother, come sit down.” Ben froze. He had expected anger. Instead, Sarah was smiling at him. "Is she really not angry with me?"

He slowly continued down the stairs. When he reached the living room, he sat down carefully. Sarah looked at him. “Brother, you've been busy with so many things lately, but you never tell me anything about your club.” Ben looked at her. Sarah continued, “And we barely talk as siblings anymore without work getting involved... or one of your stupid mistakes.” Ben lowered his head slightly. Sarah laughed. “Come on. Tell me. How is your club going?”

Ben looked at her cautiously. “Sis... aren't you angry with me?” Sarah shook her head. “No.” She smiled. “Come on. Tell me. Surely there are many things happening.” She glanced at the time. “Tell me before I become late for work.” Everyone in the room exchanged surprised looks. Sarah's calm attitude toward Ben was unexpected. Sarah noticed their expressions. “What?” Nobody answered. She laughed. “Why are all of you looking at me like that?”

She paused for a moment. “From now on, we won't talk about matters outside the family when we're together.” Samantha looked at her. “Even work?” Sarah nodded. “Even work.” She smiled. “We already spend enough time dealing with work. I want us to sit together as a family without arguing about companies, business problems, or anyone's mistakes.” She looked at Ben. “And that includes your mistakes.” Everyone laughed. Ben finally relaxed. He leaned back and started talking. “Alright. Today I'm going to clean the warehouse. I want to start the renovations early next week.”

He paused to think. “I think the training gym idea will have to wait for now. I'll start with the alcohol business first.” Sarah listened carefully. Ben continued speaking faster. “The money I have is mainly for the renovations, so I'll need to figure out another way to fund the rest. I also need to think about how to attract customers.” He frowned. “And I'm still not sure whether I should make it a day club or a night club.” Sarah smiled. “Brother, slow down.” Ben stopped.

Sarah laughed. “You're giving us ten different problems at the same time.” Ben smiled. “You asked me to tell you everything.” “I did,” Sarah replied. “But slowly.” She thought for a moment. “You said you'll be short on money after the renovations. Have you considered looking for investors or business partners?” Ben immediately shook his head. “No.” Sarah raised an eyebrow. “Why not?” “I don't want investors.” He crossed his arms. “I don't want people putting money into my club and then telling me how to run it.”

Sarah laughed. Before she could respond, Samantha spoke. “But what if you find investors within the family?” Ben turned toward her. “What?” Samantha smiled. “What if we invest in your club?” Tracy nodded. “That's actually a good idea.” Sarah agreed. “Yes, Ben. We could become silent partners.” She smiled. “Surely there will be many things you'll need money for.” Samantha nodded. “Exactly. You only talked about the renovations. What about everything else?” She began counting on her fingers. “Licences, equipment, staff, security... there will be many expenses.”

Ben thought about it. “You two would invest without trying to control anything?” Samantha laughed. “That's the idea.” Ben looked at Sarah. “And you?” Sarah nodded. “Same thing. We're family.” Kelvin laughed. “Look at them. Do they look like they want control?” He shook his head. “These girls are only interested in the benefits.” Sarah and Samantha looked at each other before laughing. Ben smiled. “Well, if that's how you see it, then I won't be polite.” Tracy frowned slightly. “What do you mean, son?”

Ben leaned back. “If they want profits, I'll make them pay for the privilege.” Everyone looked at him. Ben thought for a moment before speaking. “How about this?” He raised one finger. “One percent will cost $100,000.” He folded his arms and smiled. “It's up to you whether you want it.” Sarah and Samantha exchanged glances. Tracy laughed. “Son, that's very harsh.” Ben laughed. “They're the ones who want to invest.” He shrugged. “What if the club becomes extremely profitable? They could make much more than whatever they invest.”

Sarah smiled. “Fine.” She looked at him. “But if we're paying that much for one percent, then that one percent should return five percent of the profit you make from our investment every year.” Ben laughed. “No problem. Five percent is a small...” He suddenly stopped. “Wait.” Everyone laughed. Ben looked at them seriously. “I can only give away twenty percent of the club.” He pointed toward himself. “Eighty percent remains mine.” Samantha nodded. “Fine.” She thought for a moment. “I want ten percent.” "But i will invest under Monica."

Sarah's eyes widened. “What? Sam, since when are you so rich?” She laughed. “Ten percent is one million dollars!” Samantha smiled. “I have money.” Kelvin looked surprised. “Sam, can you really take out one million dollars that easily?” Samantha laughed. “Father, have you ever seen me spending money?” Everyone became quiet. “The car I'm driving was a gift from this family. I barely spent anything after I moved here.” She smiled. “And I've been earning money every month as Vice Director.”

Kelvin and Tracy exchanged proud smiles. Sarah shook her head in disbelief. “Sis, if you can really invest one million dollars, you've surprised me.” She laughed. “I can't take out that much money. I'll invest five percent.” Ben looked at both women. “Are you two serious?” They nodded. Ben calculated quickly. “So that's fifteen percent... one and a half million dollars.” Both women nodded. Kelvin suddenly spoke. “Then Tracy and I will invest five percent as well.” Ben immediately shook his head. “No.” Everyone looked at him. Tracy frowned. “What do you mean no?” Ben smiled. “You already heard me say that I can only give away twenty percent. Sam and Sarah have already taken fifteen percent.”

Tracy pointed at him. “Exactly. That leaves five percent.” Ben nodded. “I know.” He paused. “But I thought of something else.” He looked at Samantha. “Sam is investing under Monica's name.” Samantha's expression changed slightly. Ben continued. “So I should also give Monica something.” Samantha stared at him. Ben smiled. “The remaining five percent will also go to Monica.” Samantha immediately choked. “Ben...” Sarah looked at him in surprise. “Are you serious?” Ben nodded. “Of course.” He shrugged. “Monica is my daughter too. Besides, when I die, everything I own will eventually belong to her anyway.”

Samantha coughed again. Everyone laughed. Kelvin nodded. “Then it's decided.” Ben leaned back. “Wait.” Everyone looked at him. “I still haven't decided whether the club should operate during the day or at night.” Sarah laughed. “Make it a night club.” Ben raised an eyebrow. “Why?” Sarah stood up. “Because we're all working during the day. We would want somewhere to go after work.” She turned toward Samantha. “Come on, Sam. Let's go before we're late.” Samantha smiled and stood up. The two women said goodbye and left. Ben watched them leave. Then he shook his head with a smile.

At Lucia Goods, Alicia and I had just arrived when she suddenly remembered something important. The coaches. She immediately took out her phone and called Victor. The call connected quickly. “Grandpa.” Victor's warm voice came through the phone. “Alicia, my child.” Alicia smiled. “Grandpa, about the coaches... can they come today?” Victor laughed softly. “Of course. I'll tell them to come.” Alicia nodded. “Thank you, Grandpa.” “Have a good day, my child.” Alicia smiled. “You too, Grandpa.” Just before ending the call, Alicia suddenly remembered something. “Wait.” Victor chuckled. “What is it?” “I never gave you the directions to Lucia Goods.”

There was a brief silence. Then Victor laughed. “Are you carrying Gold and Diamond with you?” Alicia looked down at her bag. “Yes, Grandpa. It's in my purse.” Victor laughed again. “Then they'll find you.” The call ended. Alicia stared at her phone. She slowly lowered it. “How will they find me?” She looked down at the bag containing the golden dagger. She began to wonder whether Victor had been completely serious when he told her that Gold and Diamond had chosen her.