Daniel grumbled, feigning disapproval. "Sara, don't reveal my secrets! My handwriting is an abstract work of art, that's all."
Elara laughed, a crystal-clear sound. "I'd love to see that, Daniel."
"Maybe another day, my love," Daniel said with a smile. "Right now, we'd better focus on praising the chef."
Antony, who was supervising the tea service, smiled, pleased with the relaxed and lively atmosphere.
Thomas, sensing the camaraderie, felt even more at ease. "Daniel, it's impressive how well you've integrated into the culture here. Your connection with Prince Rashid is remarkable."
"It's about respect and understanding, Thomas," Daniel explained. "Building bridges is crucial, whether in business or in your personal life. And Rashid and his family are people with huge hearts."
The conversations continued for a while longer, filled with stories, laughter, and deepening connections. The bonds between the two families—one with ancient tradition and power, and the other, newly arrived in this world but brought by Daniel—were strengthened with each exchange, with each shared smile.
The opulent and vibrant Dubai evening reached its climax in the dining room of Daniel's mansion. The air was perfumed with the sweet aroma of mint tea and Arabic coffee, wafting from finely decorated cups on the ebony table. The floating candles in the center of the table cast a soft glow on the faces of Prince Rashid's entourage and Elara's family, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and luxury. Laughter punctuated the conversation, which flowed like a serene river, laden with stories and pleasantries.
When the last cup of tea was emptied and the conversations began to die down, signaling the end of the evening, Rashid stood up. HisbiteWhite moved with fluid dignity. A warm smile lit his face. "Daniel, my dear, thank you for this wonderful evening. It's always a pleasure to be in your company and that of your lovely family. Elara, it was an inestimable pleasure meeting you."
Rashid's gaze, which had softened with the warmth of dinner, became more penetrating as it settled on Elara. There was genuine curiosity in his eyes. "But tell me, Elara, what did you do to win Daniel's heart? He is a man of great vision and even greater caution. I have known him for many years. His heart is as rare and difficult to reach as the flowers that grow in the most arid desert, and as cold as the winter nights there." Rashid didn't say "cold as the desert," but "cold as the desert at night," a nuance Daniel caught, a subtle way of acknowledging his friend's complexity.
Elara felt a slight blush creep into her cheeks, but Daniel squeezed her hand discreetly under the table, a gesture of silent support. She smiled at Rashid, her blue eyes shining. "Your Highness, there are no secrets or grand deeds. I believe it was the simplicity of the connection. Daniel... he truly saw me. And I saw him." Her voice was soft, but filled with a sincerity that resonated in the room. "There were no games or pretenses. Just... the truth between us."
Rashid nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "The truth. Yes. A rare commodity in our world." He then turned to his children and wives, who were watching the exchange attentively. "My children, though not related by blood, consider Daniel an uncle. He is part of our extended family." Prince Hamdan and Rashid's other children nodded, a glint of affection in their eyes as they looked at Daniel. "And I can tell you one thing," the prince continued, his eyes roaming the table, passing over his wives, who had visibly relaxed. "Here, they wouldn't even need to wear the hijab, because we are family. One of the pillars of our culture is respect, and in Daniel's circle, trust is everything. And one thing I value very much is that, and I think you must know Daniel well, from... what I imagine. He wouldn't let you enter his world without you knowing everything, or almost everything."
The atmosphere at the table became a bit more serious, but Rashid's confidence was palpable. Daniel maintained a neutral expression, his eyes fixed on Elara, who listened attentively to every word the prince said. The mention of "knowing everything, or almost everything" was a small reminder of the veil Daniel still maintained over certain aspects of his life, a subtle dance of information. Elara felt a slight shiver, but her hand remained firmly in Daniel's.
Rashid continued, his voice taking on a deeper, more personal tone. "You know, a few years ago, something very sad happened. My youngest daughter, Princess Noor, disappeared. It was a moment of indescribable despair for my family. Days, weeks of anguish. I had already lost hope." The prince's gaze faded into memory for a moment, a shadow of pain passing through his eyes. "And then, almost by chance, I found a very interesting website that helped people in extreme situations, with resources that went beyond what the government could offer. A discreet, efficient service. I contacted them, without much faith, to be honest."
Princess Salma, one of Rashid's teenage daughters, who was sitting next to Kenji, held her younger brother Tariq's hand. Akemi and Thomas watched the prince with compassion on their faces.
"At that very moment," Rashid continued, his eyes fixed on Daniel, a deep recognition and gratitude in them, "Daniel was buying the land to build this house. He was in the middle of a grand project, yet he still responded to my call for help. And in less than 48 hours, my daughter was found. Mysteriously, safely. And the perpetrators..." The prince's gaze hardened for a moment, a cold glint in his eyes. "...all of them, all of them are with Allah. Every single one of them. They were never heard from again."
A momentary silence hung over the table, charged with emotion and a veiled understanding of Daniel's power. Elara felt a chill, a new layer of complexity over the man beside her. The coolness with which Rashid mentioned the criminals' fate and the aura of mystery surrounding their "disappearance" made Daniel's network clear. Thomas and Akemi exchanged glances, admiration and a hint of apprehension mingling in their expressions. Kenji, sensing the seriousness of the moment, remained silent, his eyes fixed on Daniel.
Daniel, upon hearing the story, maintained perfect composure. His face betrayed no emotion, but his eyes, to those who knew him well, showed a glimmer of satisfaction. Rashid's gratitude was a debt Daniel valued. He knew the prince was subtly revealing part of the "Ghost's" nature to Elara and her family, a way of showing them the kind of man Daniel was to those he protected.
Rashid then turned to Daniel, his tone abruptly shifting to businesslike, albeit with the familiarity of a brother. The transition was smooth, as if the painful story were merely a prelude to what was to come. "So, my brother, how much will you invest in my madness? The Future City project. I need more than just moral support now. Phase two requires massive capital, and you're the only one I trust to embark on this with me without question."
Rashid's "madness," the "Future City," was mentioned as an ambitious urban development project that Daniel had discussed at length with him in previous meetings, a vision of a sustainable, technologically advanced metropolis in the desert.
Daniel smiled, a gleam in his eyes that indicated he was back in his element. The billionaire businessman, the strategist. "My 'madness,' Rashid, as you call it, is always welcome in my investments. And this one of yours... it has the potential to redefine the future of urban life. I had promised a substantial investment in phase one, but phase two requires more audacity, I agree." He paused, looking the prince directly in the eye. "I am willing to cover 40% of the investment required for phase two, Rashid. Provided my terms regarding sustainability and the integration of new technologies are followed. And, of course, the oversight of the security companies I appoint." The amount was astronomically high, something that would make most businessmen choke, but to Daniel, it was a number. And the subtly added mention of security was a veiled reminder of his influence and the "services" he could offer, if needed.
Rashid's smile widened, his eyes shining. "40%! That's more than I expected, Daniel! You always exceed expectations." He extended his hand to Daniel, who shook it firmly. "Thank you, my brother. With your support, the Future City will not just be a dream, but a reality the world has never seen."
Rashid's wives, Sheikha Fatima, Sheikha Aisha, and Sheikha Sara, who were chatting animatedly with Akemi about the beauty of Dubai's gardens and the evening's culinary delights, noticed the seriousness of the handshake between the two men. They exchanged looks of satisfaction.
"My children are Daniel's nephews," Rashid said, turning to Elara's family with a warm smile. "Not by blood, but I can tell you this," he looked at his wives and children, a gesture that encompassed his entire family. "Here they wouldn't even need to wear the hijab, because we are family. Daniel's hospitality and acceptance allows us to be who we are in his home. And that's something I cherish."
Elara, Thomas, Akemi, and Kenji watched the scene, fascinated. The transition from family drama to billion-dollar deals and then to displays of familial affection was fluid and natural for Daniel and Rashid. They were witnessing the complexity and depth of the bonds that bound Daniel to such powerful figures. Elara's family, not entirely suspicious of Daniel's philanthropist mask, only saw the loyalty, generosity, and influence he wielded. To them, Daniel was a business genius, a man of immense wealth and a heart that was now connected to their own daughter. The dark details of the "perpetrators with Allah" were but a fleeting glimpse into a world they didn't need to fully comprehend.