Araceli POV
I walked outside and got into my car. When Silver Fang's driver saw me coming out, he immediately followed me and got into the car as well.
The moment I closed the door, Raphael entered my car through the other door. He looked casual and aloof, as if it was his own car.
I smiled politely, "Mr. Lancaster, this is my car."
"My car is broken down, Ms. Chancey. Please send me back to Royal Pack first." Raphael leaned back in his car seat and said, "I have something to talk to you about."
I raised an eyebrow and said, "I'm sure Eclipse's driver would be happy to give you a ride, Mr. Lancaster. Why don't you give Melany a call?"
"Are you that afraid to be alone with me?"
Raphael suddenly bent down and moved closer to me. I could even smell the faint scent of his body.
His breathing was calm, while my heartbeat suddenly became fast.
I blinked uneasily, pretending to be calm, and turned my head to stare out the window.
I said, "Mr. Lancaster, thank you for helping my daughter at the party last time. By the way, Essel is a very sweet girl. Maybe you should not be so hard on her in the future."
The driver started the engine. The car drove smoothly down the road.
Raphael leaned back in his seat and said, "I want to talk to you about a partnership."
I frowned slightly and turned my head, looking at him. "Partnership? Mr. Lancaster, what do you mean?"
"Royal Pack has been trying to develop the artificial intelligence industry over the years. This is the future trend, and it is also our goal." Raphael's cold voice rang out in the car. "But there are too few people in the U.S. who can develop this kind of software. In these few years, I have been observing various companies, but I have not been able to choose the right person to work with. Ms. Chancey, I know you have developed a very good AI software."
I probably understood what he meant.
I asked, "Mr. Lancaster, have you investigated me?"
He replied, "Ms. Chancey, do you think I look like someone who would do these sneaky things?"
Raphael's eyes sharpened. "There are a million ways I can find out what's been going on in an industry lately. Ms. Chancey, I don't need to investigate you to know what you and your family are up to."
I pursed my lips and smiled coldly. He was indeed powerful enough to control the economic lifeblood of many industries in this country, and the AI industry was certainly no exception.
I said, "Mr. Lancaster, I'm sorry. I need some time to think about it."
I had been planning to start a company recently, so it would be a great thing for my company to work with Royal Group. But for some reason, I always felt that this man was very dangerous.
In any case, I thought it was better to be careful.
"If you are willing to work with me, you basically don't need to worry about anything. I am capable of taking all the risks that may arise for you." Raphael continued, "Of course, Ms. Chancey, if you want to refuse to work with me, I will respect that as well."
I nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Lancaster."
After that, I stared out the window and didn't say another word.
In fact, I had concerns.
Royal Group was so powerful in America that it was like an empire. But why would Raphael choose me?
Was it because of "Creaty"?
At the moment, Creaty's performance was not good enough. I had a lot of chores to do and not much time to upgrade the system. This month, perhaps there was already a lot of AI software that could reach the level of Creaty.
Raphael could have hired a professional team instead of me. This left me puzzled and a little terrified.
In the midst of my quiet thoughts, the car finally arrived at Royal Pack's mansion.
This was one of the largest villas in New York. It was bought in one fell swoop by Raphael when it came on the market at an eye-popping price. The sales agent described buying the mansion as "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
The house had three copper duplex roofs with skylights, carved stonework and flying buttresses. Huge double doors led to a vaulted entrance hall, and there was a high ceiling with carved roses. At the far end, there was a huge gallery.
This was a true mansion. I stared at it, also a little dazzled.
"Mr. Lancaster, I will consider your offer, thank you."
I smile politely.
Raphael pushed open the car door and didn't answer me.
He strided toward the villa.
I looked down and saw a cell phone.
I grabbed the phone and got out of the car, shouting, "Mr. Lancaster, you forgot your phone."
Suddenly, on the second floor, a little girl ran to the window sill. When she saw me, she waved to me happily.
"Araceli! It's me!"
It was Essel.
I smiled and waved to her.
"Ms. Chancey, I'll be downstairs in a minute!"
I had just handed my purse to Raphael when suddenly, Essel rushed towards me and hugged my thigh.
I picked her up. She threw her arms around my neck.
"Araceli! I haven't seen you in a long time!"
She said, overjoyed, hugging me.
I patted her back and prepared to hand her over to Raphael.
At that moment, a man walked over in a hurry.
"Mr. Lancaster, I'm sorry. I'll take Ms. Essel upstairs right away."
Raphael nodded. "Maddox, be more careful from now on, and don't let Ms. Essel run out. It's dangerous out there."
Essel tightly wrapped her arms around my neck and wouldn't let go.
Maddox didn't dare to pull Essel's body, and his head was sweating with anxiety.
I frowned and whispered, "Essel, honey, you're pulling my hair. It hurts."
She immediately let go, looking at me somewhat apologetically.