Chapter 171: A Heartfelt Conversation
A few days ago, Eleanor had been in a live meeting with Aisha Bello, her company’s project manager in Nigeria. She was reviewing progress at her Nigerian factories, while Aisha was showing a live feed of the construction site.
After taking the Bultungin Clan as a partner in her Nigerian venture, things had progressed surprisingly well. The clan had proven themselves worthy of their reputation as the strongest in the region. Their influence over the local government was impressive... so much so that Aisha was full of praise. They had initially planned to launch their first factory within six months, but now it seemed they could do it even sooner.
Money was a powerful weapon, but there was a limit to what money alone could achieve. When mixed with power and influence, however, it became unstoppable. And that was exactly what was happening with Heimdall’s Nigerian expansion.
Though the Bultungin Clan wasn’t poor, they were not considered among the truly wealthy clans. Historically, Werehyenas were fierce by nature. They had always invested more energy in expanding territory and proving their strength than in accumulating wealth.
That was why, when peace eventually returned to the region, the Bultungin Clan found themselves with plenty of power... but not enough money like other supernatural clans. Business had never been their strong suit. Instead, they had embedded themselves into politics and civil services in human society.
That was also the reason why, when Eleanor visited Kabultiloa, the Clan Head, Ooduwa Bultungin Kachalla, had decided to take a gamble with her. He knew the Raynors were excellent at business. And if the partnership succeeded, his clan could finally profit from a field they had always struggled in.
With age came wisdom. Ooduwa understood the true value of money. And he also understood that his clan, while excellent warriors, were hopeless in business. In peaceful times, money reigned supreme. Political power could shape nations... but only if backed by wealth. Without it, there were limits even to their influence.
So, once the partnership deed was signed, he ordered his men to support Eleanor’s team wholeheartedly. He had a hunch that if Eleanor earned more from her Nigerian companies than from other countries, she would naturally invest more there. And the more she invested, the more the Bultungin Clan would gain.
It was evening, and Eleanor was in her study when Ethan came to see her. After a knock on the door, she sensed his presence outside. In the past few months, since her return to the Kingdom, Ethan had never once come to her study. She guessed it was either something urgent... or something deeply personal.
She ended the meeting quickly and called out, "Come in."
The door opened, and Ethan stepped inside. After closing it behind him, he said, "I have something very important to tell you."
He was unusually serious. Eleanor had never seen him in this mood, especially not with her. Instinctively, her mind raced to guess what it might be.
