Due to work reasons, Ray had visited the underground vaults of the Averardo Vault a few times.
Security there was extremely tight. Each area had strict access controls. Employees of different clearance levels were prohibited from entering vault areas of other levels without superior authorization.
If discovered, employees would face accountability and possibly exorbitant penalty fees.
Although Giacomo's theater security was also quite stringent, compared to the Averardo Vault it ultimately fell short, less formidable in every visible way.
Ray followed the butler into the elevator. The butler produced an access card, activated the controls, punched in a floor number, and the elevator slowly began to ascend.
"By the way, how many floors does this place have?" Ray asked, tilting his head slightly to appear casual while his eyes scanned the elevator's interior and surroundings.
The butler gave a slight bow, posture impeccable, voice steady and clear. "The theater has eight floors in total. The lower three floors are open to the public during performances. Floors above the third are the private domain of the Fasciaspina family."
"Oh." Ray considered that for a moment. "So which floor are we going to?"
"The seventh floor. That's where Mr. Giacomo's private collection is stored."
"And Miss Carlotta and Mr. Giacomo? Where are they?"
"In the reception room on the sixth floor. That's where Mr. Giacomo usually receives guests."
"I see. So the eighth floor must be where Mr. Giacomo lives?"
"Yes, sir. That's his office and living quarters. Apart from close associates, ordinary people cannot enter."
The elevator doors opened. Ray followed the butler, passing through three layers of strict access control, finally arriving at Giacomo's private collection exhibition room.
The view opened up. The displayed items varied widely in style—an astonishing array. There were not only artistic masterpieces native to Rinascita but also a few precious paintings from Huanglong hanging on the walls, a blend of East and West that emanated an indescribable tension in their silence.
Even though he had a mission, standing before these collections, Ray couldn't help but feel a slight tremor inside.
"Would you like me to provide some introductions?" the butler asked respectfully.
Ray hesitated, then shook his head politely. "No need. I prefer to appreciate art by myself."
The butler inclined his head and said nothing more.
Mr. Giacomo had personally instructed that this guest be treated with the highest standards and besides, he was the young lady of the Montelli family's boyfriend, a status that carried weight. Naturally, he could not be neglected.
"Oh, and since I'm a guest, I'm not familiar with the surroundings. Could you please tell me which areas are off-limits? I wouldn't want to accidentally wander somewhere I shouldn't and cause trouble for Mr. Giacomo," Ray asked.
"Please rest assured, esteemed guest," the butler replied with a composed bow. "Currently, you are free to roam this exhibition hall. As you can see, entering and exiting the collection hall requires passing through access control. There are no so-called restricted zones within this space."
He paused, then added considerately, "Additionally, if you feel tired later, you may proceed to the lounge ahead. I will prepare refreshments and beverages for you to enjoy during your rest."
Ray showed a slight, surprised smile. "Really? I was worried I might accidentally intrude into Mr. Giacomo's private area."
"No need to worry, sir. The eighth floor is only accessible via the elevator. There is no other way to reach it."
"Oh, I see."
Ray seemed reassured, then turned back to admire the artwork before him.
This was merely a guise to avoid arousing suspicion. Another dead end in the intel.
Who would have thought Giacomo would be this cautious? Even his painstakingly collected artworks warranted high-level treatment.
That meant it would be up to Carlotta's side now. He hoped the New Federation equipment would prove useful.
Two hours later, in the lounge, Ray received a message from Carlotta.
[Deal finalized with Giacomo.]
[Waiting for you downstairs.]
He rose and left.
Downstairs, Carlotta was still conversing with Giacomo. His smile had grown even more pronounced, bordering on obsequious.
Seeing Ray approach, Carlotta smiled and turned to Giacomo. "Then it's settled. I'll send someone to formally sign the contract two days from now."
Her tone was calm and assured as she inclined her head.
"Pleasure doing business, Mr. Giacomo."
"The pleasure is mine, Miss Carlotta," Giacomo replied hurriedly, eagerness plain in his voice.
They left the theater together. Outside, a sleek black luxury sedan from the Montelli family had been waiting.
"How did it go?" Carlotta asked once they were seated.
"How should I put it?" Ray frowned slightly. "More cautious than anticipated. Without an access card, getting close to his core office area is nearly impossible."
"Is that so?" Carlotta's response was composed. She adjusted her lace gloves with a practiced motion. "That's within my expectations as well. However, it doesn't matter. The batch of equipment ordered from the New Federation will arrive soon. It contains a special intrusion package capable of penetrating his security system."
"Since Miss Carlotta is so confident, I can relax a bit," Ray exhaled a soft sigh, then asked, "But about the specifics of the cooperation… how did you negotiate it?"
Carlotta shrugged, nonchalant. "What else could it be? Giacomo is drawn to my influence and wants to profit from my reputation. As for me...." She paused, fingers idly twining a strand of hair. "I simply went along with his proposal. Of course, we'll need to prepare thoroughly now."
Her tone slowed, a faint trace of complaint entering her voice. "It's just… finding suitable new talent isn't easy. As you know, the Order's control in this area has always been strict. In Ragunna, aside from those from the choir, very few musicians dare to pursue independent careers. Most would rather sign with one of the major families than deal with the Order's troubles. I'm still relatively new to the music scene. My connections in this field aren't very extensive."
Carlotta turned to Ray, a subtle smile playing on her lips. "By the way, do you know anyone?"
Ray blinked, taken aback. "What kind of person?"
"Someone with a keen perception for music," she answered softly. "If there really is such a person… you could introduce them to me."
Ray paused. He instinctively began to shake his head, then stopped mid-motion.
Suddenly, the image of that unfamiliar girl from the other day, the one he'd met only once, flashed before his mind's eye.
.
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Bonus Chapter Alert!
If we cross 100 powerstones, there will be a bonus chapter.
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