Husband With Benefits
Chapter 732: Reference

Chapter 732: Reference

Rafael Ignis returned to his room with mixed feelings. On the surface, he had played his role perfectly, if he did say so himself. But perhaps it had been too perfect. For a brief moment, he had almost felt like a real love rival to his brother. What really amazed him, though, was Cai’s ability to predict something like this. It was eerily scary how spot-on Caius Frost had been.

As he sank onto the couch, Rafael’s mind wandered back to the conversation he’d had with Cai six months ago. He’d expected a tough negotiation, and prepared himself to give in, try to offer the maximum benefits that would be attractive to a man like Caius Frost. Unexpectedly, what he’d asked for in return had... He shook his head, thinking...

"Yes, business. As you know, Petrovia is looking to expand its medical infrastructure. We’re aiming to become a hub for medical tourism in the region. And for that, we need the best. And..."

"You are offering to build me a lab?" Cai asked lazily.

"Not just a lab," Rafael corrected, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "A full-fledged hospital, specializing in cutting-edge neurosurgery. Petrovia is well-positioned geographically, and we have the resources to support such an endeavor. With your expertise, it would put us on the map as a medical destination."

"That’s quite an undertaking. You’re proposing to build an entire hospital from the ground up."

"Exactly. We’ll offer you the land, resources, and whatever else you need to get it up and running. Think of it as a partnership. Petrovia gets its medical hub, and you get to establish one of the most advanced neurosurgery centers in the world. Your reputation will grow, and the patients will come from all over. So, its a win win for us."

"It’s ambitious," he mused, his tone thoughtful. "But it could work. With the right team, and the proper infrastructure... it could definitely work." He then leaned back in his chair, eyes half-closed as he considered the words words. A beat of silence passed and Rafe wondered what the man was thinking before he finally spoke. "I don’t lack the investment, Prince Rafael. If I wanted to establish a hospital here, I could do it without needing the government or your support. You’re asking for something that benefits Petrovia more than it benefits me."

Rafael frowned. Yes, it was true that the project might benefit them more in the long term but this was the best offers that Cai could receive and Rafe knew it.

As Rafe tried to think of something that might add more weight to their argument, Cai spoke up again," But I appreaciate your honesty and straigh forwardness in the offer, Prince Rafael. And while we can work out the details regarding the investments, if we’re to move forward, there’s one condition.

"What kind of condition?", he’d asked warily. He knew of course there were no free lunches in the world. Cai had already made it clear that he did not need help to set up the research centre so what ever the condition was, it could be dangerous...

"When the time comes, you’ll owe me a favor."

Rafael blinked, taken aback. "A... favor?"

"Hmm."

"What kind of a favour?"

Though it sounded simple, as the crown prince of Petrovia, he simply could not promise anything that might later raise questions...

"Don’t worry. It is nothing harmful. In fact, you might thank me for the favour later...but I’ll give you a hint... about six to eight months from now, you have to pretend to pursue someone who your brother might be interested in."

His musings were interrupted by the ringing of the bell and Rafe shook his head. Think of the devil and the devil called.

"Cai."

’Rafe. How are you doing, my friend?"

"Considering nominating myself for oscars for the act I just pulled." Rafe said drily.

Cai laughed at that," Well, the hospital is going to be your grand award, isn’t it?"

"If it ever starts. I’ve already arranged for the people to arrange a tour for you! I can’t believe it. Kael was foolish enough to play with Princess Isidora, but are you sure this is the best course of action?"

"Of course, it is. You’ve confirmed that Kael has been sulking and pining the last half year and so has Isidora, which means that they’re both mule-headed enough to keep torturing themselves and not clear the air. So, it is only right that we step in."

Rafael chuckled and nodded," Well, I can agree with that. They went out on a date and Kael returned so riled up, he looked ready to bite my head off."

Cai chuckled," I almost wish I could be there and watch the scene."

Rafael chuckled along with Cai. "I almost wish you could’ve seen him, too. He was like a caged lion pacing around, ready to snap at anyone." Rafe paused and then questioned him, "But honestly, why does Kael think Isidora has another boyfriend? Where did that come from?"

Cai’s smile widened, but there was a glint of mischief in his eyes as he leaned back in his chair. "Let’s just say Dora has her own ways to get back at him. Besides, a little jealousy never hurt anyone, wouldn’t you agree?"

"You’re not answering the question, Cai. What’s really going on? Is there another man, or is this all part of your grand scheme?"

Cai sighed and shook his head," Your brother thinks I am her boyfriend."

"And are you?"

"Rafe... do you know Alexander Sterling?"

"Minister Sterling? Yes. He’s princess Isidora’s father.."

"Yep. He is also my grandfather’s younger brother..."

Rafe blinked at the connection though it took him a moment to come to the conclusion," Holy shi*! Isis is your aunt?"

"Shush! Don’t let anyone hear you say that, okay?"

Rafael chuckled. This was amazing as he looked at Cai and sighed," My gosh! You’ve set up your aunt? And of all the people you chose Kael to be your uncle by marriage?"

Cai grimaced." You think I had a choice in that? Its all Dora’s fault for having such bad taste.."

"Hey! That’s my brother you’re talking about..."

"Hey.. That’s my uncle by marriage I’m talking about..."

Visit freewe𝑏(n)ovel.𝘤ℴ𝑚 for the best novel reading exp𝒆rience

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.