The Devil's Guardian Angel.

Chapter 6: The Angels Proposal

Chapter 6: The Angels Proposal.

" It's a pleasure to meet you Sir, Pardon my ignorance but, You knew my grandfather?" Antonio extended his hand, and Nelson clasped it firmly.

" Of course, That old goat and I were the best of friends back in the day. We even started our business's at the same time and even till this day, I could never dream of comparing to that old scoundrel and his cunning ways. "

" Am surprised you didn't know this much about your grandfather Antonio " The older man’s grip was strong, belying his age. There was a sincerity in his eyes that put Antonio at ease, at least momentarily.

" Forgive me sir but my parents didn't talk much about my grandfather, till now I really didn't know much about him until now actually" Antonio scratched the back of his head in embarrassment.

Nelson who heard his reply vaguely looked downer as if remembering something tragic, but only for a brief moment before his expression returned to normal.

Antonio did notice it but for now he decided not to pry into it, right now he was far more interested in learning more about the agreement between him and the Romanoff's or specifically Natasha to be exact.

Meanwhile, Nelson spoke fondly of his past with Antonio’s grandfather, weaving tales of old alliances and shared ventures that made Antonio feel a sense of belonging he hadn’t expected.

But the warmth of their conversation quickly chilled when another figure entered the room. Natasha's father, Alexander Romanoff, exuded authority and disapproval in equal measure. He cast a cold, critical eye over Antonio, his lips curling in distaste.

“This is the man you’ve chosen to bring into our family, Natasha?” Alexander’s voice was sharp, his disdain palpable. “He’s nothing but a destitute fool with nothing to offer.” And with that, The room instantly fell silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Nelson's face darkened, and he took a step toward his son, his tone laced with warning.

“Nicholas, you will not speak to our guest in such a manner. Antonio is here at my invitation.” Nelson reprimanded with a voice laced with irritation, But Nicholas was undeterred, his gaze locked on Antonio. “This is absurd. Forgive my rudeness dear father-in-law but lest you forget, We’re the Romanoff's. We don’t simply lend a hand to beggars not to mention useless street rats”

Fortunately, Before the argument could escalate further, Antonio stepped forward, his mind racing. He knew he had to do something to prove his worth, to earn his place in this family that was as powerful as it was divided.

“If I may,” Antonio interjected, drawing everyone’s attention. “I understand your doubts, Mr. Romanoff. But give me a chance to prove myself"

" Oh?, The street wretch wishes to speak? " Nicholas chided.

" Nicholas!" Mister Nelson shouted in anger, he was getting more and more dissatisfied with his son's unruly actions.

" It's ok grandfather, I don't mind " Antonio politely gestured for grandfather Nelson to hold back his anger.

Grandfather Nelson who was just about to scold Nicholas calmed down a bit when he heard how Antonio had referred to him, he at least felt pleased that Antonio wasn't opposed by the agreement between him and Natasha, Nicholas on the other hand creased his brows together in dissatisfaction.

Meanwhile Antonio took a few short strides towards Nicholas till he was standing face to face with the materialistic man. Nicholas's eyes were filled with nothing but disdain yet Antonio wasn't even bothered in the slightest.

He was already here in hopes of completing his revenge, so it stood to reason that he wouldn't just stand back and let someone ruin his plans, even if that someone turned out to be his supposed father-in-law.

Without hesitation, he spoke. " Lend me a million dollars, and I’ll turn it into a hundred million in less than six months without using any underhanded means such as loans, gambling and the likes. That should be enough to prove myself, right?”

The room went deathly quiet. Even Natasha, who had been watching from the very beginning of the exchange with a calm detachment, looked at him with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. Nelson raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued, while Nicholas eyes narrowed, suspicion coloring his features.

“A hundred million in six months?” Nicholas repeated, his voice dripping with skepticism. “That’s a bold claim.”

_Well of course it is, Who said multiplying a million by a hundred was such an easy feet, But just you wait and see, Not only will I put you in your place old man but I'll also reclaim a bit of my long lost fortune in the process and afterwards....._ He thought confidentiality before stealing a short glance of Natasha.

_I'll see just what I can do about this annoying contract she has me under_

Antonio met Natasha's fathers gaze without flinching. “I’m prepared to back it up. You have my word. So what do you say, Are you willing to play” he sneered at Nicholas. His provocation left Nicholas feeling speechless, then furious the next moment.

_This poor street wretch actually dared to behave in such a way before him?_ Nicholas thought.

“That’s a cute dream boy, But you and I both know you’re more likely to turn it into dust.” Natasha's father said, his tone filled with mockery, a scornful look etched on his face.

Not willing to let the scoundrels words pull him down, Antonio’s ignored the man's words as if they were nothing but hot air.

His lips curled upwards, his eyes gleaming with mischief . “ I see, so your nothing more than a coward then, isn't that why you’re too scared to accept?, Because you’re too afraid to take risks, Dear Romanoff?”

Nicholas chuckled, the sound low and mocking. “Risks?, I’ve taken more risks in a week than you have in your entire life. But unlike you, I don’t gamble with what I can’t afford to lose.”

“ Say's the man who's comfortable with being a frog at the bottom of a well ” Antonio shot back, leaning forward, a disdainful sneer etched on his lips.