10x Cashback: Your Wealth Is Mine

41  Not Now, Plebian

I watched the luxury of Monte Carlo pass by us from the window of the back seat of our car.

On just this drive, I'd seen more luxury cars than the parking lot at Pine Press. It made me wonder if Monaco even had poor people.

I knew everybody couldn't be rich but did they have homeless people? Monte Carlo was like Shangri-La for rich people. It was too good to be true.

It was the same guy from yesterday that was driving us to the venue of the Global Elite Hospitality Forum today.

The closer we got to the place, the more my excitement grew. Of course, I didn't allow it to show on my face. Outwardly, I was as cool as a cucumber.

This event was one of the most exclusive in the industry.

It was an invitation only event for high networth individuals and industry leaders in luxury hospitality and real estate.

It was one thing to be present. It was another to make an impression. Even if I didn't get Oliver's attention, I should be able to get someone else interested.

That would mean coming up with a plan C for Quinn Adams.

Gray was right next to me with a similar calm expression on his face. He was probably truly calm. After all, this wasn't his first time attending the forum.

I don't know how but he had somehow managed the impressive feat of securing an invitation.

And to think that a man like him was just sitting around at a seventy million dollar company. With his abilities, he definitely could have found a much better place to be.

That made me a bit suspicious. Was his presence a personal choice or a result of the System giving me someone capable enough?

I guess I'll never know.

As for the forum, it was not a surprise to find out that Oliver Adams would be attending. A conference for luxury industry leaders wouldn't be complete without someone from the Adams family.

I had studied Oliver's business background with a microscope before even stepping foot in Monaco, preparing for this opportunity.

The man wasn't just any rich businessman spending his father's cash. He was actually an intelligent man whose business strategy focused on exclusivity and surprisingly, clean energy.

Oliver appreciates ventures that stand out, not just in luxury but also in vision. That was why I was sure he was the perfect Adams brother to approach. Sunset Inn is right up his alley.

As we neared the building, Gray glanced over at me. "Any bigwigs you want to focus on today?"

"Oliver Adams and Leonardo Da Vinci."

Yes. There is an actual man in this universe named Leonardo Da Vinci. And yes, he's still alive and kicking. No idea if he's the artistic Leonardo, though.

 "You've done your homework on them, right?" He asked me.

I grinned, knowing he was just testing. "Inside and out. Now it's just a matter of timing. Getting that window of opportunity without making it seem forced."

Gray nodded, giving me a quick once over. "Remember to keep it genuine. The moment they smell anything less than authentic, they'll tune out."

We arrived at the venue and stepped out of the car. I took a moment to straighten my suit as I looked around, trying to spot anyone important.

We walked through the entrance which had been decorated in such a way that if you had to describe it, you'll end up using the word ostentatious at least three times.

Once inside, we were directed to the registration area where we flashed our invitations.

A smartly dressed hostess handed each of us a badge and wished us a good day, gesturing to the door leading into the forum.

The forum has been set up to last two days. Today's agenda included a roundtable discussion in the morning, a networking lunch, an afternoon panel on industry trends, and then a VIP networking gala that night.

Unfortunately, our invitations didn't extend to the evening gala. And that gala was exactly where I needed to be if I wanted to get the best shot at Oliver.

Gray checked his watch before nodding in the direction of the roundtable room. "Let's get in there and see what today will bring."

I agreed, following him into the spacious conference room where tables were set up in a wide, circular arrangement.

I was able to recognize industry leaders and high ranking executives of the industry already in their seats, talking amongst themselves.

We took our places, and I scanned the room, mentally noting down each face I recognized. But Oliver was nowhere to be seen.

The roundtable started and before long, the topic shifted to sustainable luxury. It was a topic I knew Oliver was interested in. So, why wasn't he here?

I leaned forward, listening in and taking mental notes.

I had to view this as the advantage that it was. I spent my time absorbing any information that would prove useful later on in helping me capture his interest.

By the time the roundtable ended, I hadn't seen even a shadow of Oliver Adams.

Gray and I mingled in the post roundtable crowd, introducing ourselves to others in preparation for the networking lunch.

Even if Oliver didn't attend the roundtable, he's bound to show up for the networking lunch.

The lunch area was set up in a different hall. On one side of the hall were large windows that had a beautiful view of the blue Mediterranean sea.

People gathered in small groups around tables which were filled with gourmet appetizers and chilled champagne.

I picked up a glass, projecting calm and confidence as I mingled, exchanging nods and brief conversations with others in the crowd.

And then, finally, I spotted him.

Oliver Adams.

Tall, he was dressed in an impeccably tailored suit that made him stand out even among a crowd of well dressed elites.

He was in conversation with a few other guests, gesturing animatedly with that charisma I'd seen in interviews.

I drifted closer, waiting for his conversation to come to an end. I mentally prepared my introductions and talking points.

After a few minutes, he disengaged from the conversation and began taking a stroll towards the exit.

I calculated my route, taking a path that would lead me directly to him.

This was it. The moment I had been waiting for.

As I stepped within range, Oliver glanced over, catching sight of me. That was when he held up a hand, not pausing in his walk.

"Not now." He said, raising a hand as if to ward me off. "I'm not in the mood for pitches today."n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om