My Second Marriage with the Mafia Kingpin novel Chapter 33

Chapter 33: A Lost Cause

"Ashley, this is Mr. Ramirez. He runs large-scale farms and crop production and handles irrigation systems and farm labor networks..."

Liza happily introduced a few of her trusted friends in the field to Ashley—people she knew would help Ashley get a head start in building her own business.

"And this is Madam Shyaan. She owns some of the biggest greenhouses and plantations, and she manages distribution networks..."

Both Shyaan and Ramirez smiled at the young lady seated beside Liza, who was hosting this small meeting in her own garden.

It was an abrupt meeting, but with the soil Ashley had provided, it was something Shyaan and Ramirez wouldn’t miss.

Oh...

Ashley maintained a polite smile as she studied the two older figures, both around the same age as Liza and Tommy.

Ramirez was on the plump side, with a beautifully maintained beard and white streaks in his black hair. Meanwhile, Shyaan leaned toward elegance, wearing simple yet refined diamond jewelry and a neat updo.

Compared to Liza, Shyaan was more meticulous about her appearance—not that Liza dressed poorly, but hers leaned more toward humble simplicity.

These people aren’t ones I met in the past... but I guess that’s not a bad thing. They look like good people!

"You introduced us so grandly, Liz," Ramirez quipped, earning a chuckle from Shyaan, "but have you told the young lady who the best botanical researcher here is?"

"Right." Shyaan nodded, then turned to Ashley. "Do you know what Liza does in this partnership? She studies plant genetics, hybrid species, and even growth acceleration. She can create fast-growing crops, rare plants, and... potentially dangerous substances."

"She’s basically a plant goddess!" Ramirez joked.

Liza laughed. "Don’t make it sound like that."

"She can create poison for you," Ramirez added with a wink, making Shyaan laugh.

"Oh, dear." Liza shook her head, sighing as she looked at Ashley apologetically. "They’re trying to steal you from me, dear. This is slander."

"But you can, can’t you?" Ramirez pressed, earning an eye roll from Liza.

"Yes, but I don’t do that," Liza clarified.

Their table was filled with laughter, the atmosphere light and relaxed. It felt less like a business meeting and more like a gathering of old friends welcoming someone new into their circle.

But this was no ordinary circle.

It was small, but each of them was a big name in the industry.

Liza might not have focused on the business side, but her expertise was highly sought after by people like them.

"She wouldn’t even accept a simple invitation from a luxury plant curator," Shyaan shared with a smile. "But no worries—I’m glad Liza reached out to us and introduced us to you, Miss Ashley."

Ramirez nodded with a chuckle. "She’s right. I’m honored, and I’m glad I became friends with her. Otherwise, I don’t think I’d be here."

"Be gentle with Ashley," Liza said, placing a reassuring hand on Ashley’s back. "I called you here so you could help guide her in building her business and lead her onto the right path."

Both Shyaan and Ramirez nodded, turning their attention to Ashley. Their respect for Liza was evident, and because of that, Ashley—introduced by her—was immediately met with goodwill.

"Of course," Ramirez chimed in, leaning slightly against the table. "Most people don’t pay attention to this industry... until food disappears. With so many other high-profile fields, agriculture is rarely talked about... unless supply becomes a national or global problem."

"People underestimate agriculture... until they realize it decides who eats and who doesn’t," Shyaan added. "And what the media doesn’t show is that people actually fight—and die—for crops."

"I don’t care how rare it is, though," Ramirez continued knowingly. "If it doesn’t scale, it’s useless."

Shyaan shook her head. "Ramirez, rarity makes people desperate."

Ashley smiled. "Don’t worry about the supply," she said with confidence. "As promised, I have plenty. But I also know that your guidance will be a great help for a rookie like myself. For instance, how much I should release and withhold."

Ramirez and Shyaan smiled in satisfaction, then shifted their attention to Liza.

"There are a few rare plants I want to grow using the soil you provided," Liza added as the conversation naturally shifted into business. All attention turned to Ashley. "If this succeeds, it could help many farmers..."

What was truly astonishing was that these people could control the future of food supply, create shortages, and manipulate prices.

Later that evening...

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