Alrik's new plan was to buy a recently completed skyscraper in the city as the new company headquarters first, instead of waiting to get partnerships with other companies in the city. This way he would have an established base, and it would make his plan to help Eliza much easier.
"I have a place in mind. It was constructed recently with the view of making it into office spaces for various companies, but I want to buy it all. Contact Hanson Real estate. Let them know you want to purchase their newest commission. It's a 60 storey building, and you're permitted to pay as much as they want, but keep a budget of 250 - 400 million dollars. Don't let them get too greedy." He said to her, and she chuckled.
"We've dealt with The CEO of Hanson Real estate before. I might even be able to go lower than your budget. I just have to find some incentive that he would value more in exchange for the building, since you want it." Gaya replied.
"Whatever it takes. While that is going on, there's a particular company I want shares in, Pratt and Co. Their shares aren't up for sale, but I trust you to get it done. I want exactly 51 percent. I don't care whoever among their shareholders you get it from, but leave everyone with the Pratt surname alone. I have other plans for them."
"I don't mean to question you, boss, but even a 100 percent of that company's shares is worth less than 10 percent of Crestview shares. What worth is that company to us?" She asked with genuine curiosity, not out of defiance.
"I can't explain it all now, but trust me when I say you'll understand everything soon. It's all part of my plan. Get the 51 percent shares through shell companies, then transfer it all under the name Eliza Pratt. The proposal I will send over later for the contract will also be in her name. Just a heads up." Alrik instructed.
"I'll begin my preparations immediately. How soon do you want it all done?" She asked.
"That depends on you and the rest of the inner circle. I know they'll be helping you carry out all my instructions. But I cannot reveal myself to the world until I am sure of my safety. Arrange for secure accommodation, with the highest security, privacy, and also comfort. Everything else depends on how soon you can arrange this. I do not know all my enemies yet, so I cannot go to war unprepared. I have a precious treasure to protect, so I cannot be reckless."
"I will have it all done in a week. I give you my word." She swore to him, and he smiled, even if she could not see it.
He trusted her efficiency and loyalty, same as all the others in his inner circle.
"I have no doubt in your skills. One week it is. Keep me updated."
"Yes, General."
He disconnected the call, and used Eliza's old computer to start drafting out a proposal while she slept. Then he joined her in bed after a few minutes.
When Eliza woke up, she was a bit disoriented. She felt so relaxed, and well rested, which hadn't happened in a long time. She stood to start preparing for the day, and mentally started listing all the tasks she had to do, but her moving from the bed also woke Alrik up.
He sat up and smiled at her.
"Where are you going so early in the morning? Come back to bed."
She gasped, and jumped on the bed to hug him.
"Oh my God! It wasn't a dream! You're really okay." She squealed and kissed every part of his face she could reach, while he laughed.
"Yes, my love, I'm back now. That means you don't have to work so hard anymore. You can sleep in."
She just frowned. "Alrik, you've been out of it for a while. Our situation is bad. If I don't work, we won't be able to feed ourselves. Don't worry, I'm used to it now. I'm just glad I have you back."
He held her cheek, and put his forehead on hers. "You should never be used to menial labour and suffering. I'm back to change all that now. Remember I asked you to trust me, so just do so. We'll be out of here in a week, and I'll give you all the answers you seek. But for now, just rest. I have some savings we can spend till then."
"Even if you have savings, we shouldn't spend it all. We need to think of the future…" While she spoke on how they needed to invest some of his savings, and be frugal with the rest, he just stared at her and smiled.
This was the type of woman that deserved the world, not the conceited, cunning, gold digger his family had wanted him to marry before he met Eliza. He was sure that woman was part of his enemies, and helped them attack him, but he had no proof yet. Soon, he would deal with all of them.
He kissed her deeply to stop her from talking. She stared at him in shock, because she wasn't used to him acting so brazenly.
"Sleep, my love. Leave it all to me. No more worrying."
By the time she woke up again, Alrik had already ordered a new phone and laptop for her, some new clothes to replace the rags she usually wore to work, and food from a nearby restaurant. She wanted to complain that he spent too much money, but one look at his stern expression, and she smiled instead.
Deep down, she was actually glad to be taken care of and loved.