Sitting at a table in Ocean Prime, Saphira held the menu in her hands as she looked over what was on offer. Arthur and Nicholas already ordered a bottle of wine for themselves to share, while Saphira just ordered a coke. It was a little awkward, since she was not quite old enough to drink alcohol just yet. But she was fine with not having alcohol. Her mind was racing about becoming someone to oversee relationships with their overseas investors as she was so excited. When Arthur gave her a job when she was sixteen, both she and Arthur knew they had somewhat bent the laws a bit back then. But Arthur wanted to help Saphira and it was the best thing that has ever happened to her.

"Arthur has been telling me all about good news about the overseas investors that have taken interest in his company. I bet it was quite the shock when he gave the exciting news to you." Saphira looked up from the menu with a smile on her face as Nicholas spoke to her. "Arthur has been in talks with the investors for a few weeks, and then several days ago, he came home and practically tackled me with that exciting information."

"I imagine you know what it feels like since you have connections with your French investor. It is probably a lot like winning the lottery for many people. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity." The two men both nod as that is exactly what it feels like. "And I am a lucky girl to be told about it before anyone else in the company. Thank you for trusting me. I will keep it to myself from everyone until you the meeting, Arthur."

"I have every confidence that you will." Arthur looked down at the menu. "Hmm, I am having a hard time deciding. Should we get the shrimp cocktail to share before we get our main, or should we all get our own appetizers?"

Saphira hummed and looked at Arthur with a smile. "I am quite happy to just get one thing, Arthur. The menu's expensive here, and while I know you can pay for it, I don't want you spend a hundred dollars on my meal."

Arthur appreciated her concern and he gave her a sympathetic expression. "Saphira, I told you dinner was on me tonight. I know this restaurant is expensive, and I am grateful you want to be thoughtful of me. But you don't have to worry about the cost."

"If you say so." Saphira looked back at the menu as she looked over it before looking back at the men. "Well, I was thinking the French onion soup and the sea scallops."

"That's s nice choice," Nicholas said as he gazed at the menu. "As for myself, I was thinking the shrimp cocktail and twin lobster tails." Arthur smirked as he listened to his boyfriend.

"I was thinking the same thing." Arthur looked at Nicholas in amusement. "Though we do tend to have that almost all the time when we come here." He set the menu down as they wait for their waiter to take their order. "Anyway, what are your thoughts on this opportunity, Saphira? Are you excited? Nervous?"

"Bit of both, honestly. It was only a few years ago that I escaped my home, and you were the only one who would even take me in to work. And I will forever be grateful, and that is why I worked so hard every day. So of course I never thought this would happen to me." She chuckled a little as the two men smiled. "Especially since I am only nineteen. It's a good thing that no one knew that I was sixteen at the time too."

"I know, the laws are a little odd here in this country. In other parts of the world, working full time in an office isn't completely unusual for a teenager." Arthur grabbed his glass to sip some water. "But it is what I do. I don't hire people based on their qualifications alone, I hire people based on personality as well. And I knew when I met you, you would be a great worker."

"And you helped me get a rental, so I gladly stand by with you on everything with the company, Arthur. I hope we also get investors from England and Australia. We could become a global franchise…" Saphira gasped as he suddenly had a good idea. "How about if I work on creating attractive promotional material that can be used to reach out to international organizations to show who we are? I can work on it before the meeting…but when do you plan on having it?"

"In about two months' time. I still have a bit of work to do, which involves numerous meetings with the investors and such. That's why I want to tell you, because I want you to help me. I don't want you to wait until the meeting to get your promotion." Saphira stared at Arthur in shock as she listened to him. "Which is why we should talk about who should take your position as manager of your team."

"I see…wow." She giggled softly as she was very excited. "I really am so surprised. I honestly almost believe that I am actually dreaming right now. That is what I am feeling." She still felt this opportunity was too good to be true. It really did. "Well…um…" She glanced up as their waiter returned with their drinks. "Perfect timing."

The waiter did not react as he placed Saphira's glass of coke down before he opened the bottle of wine for the two men and poured it into their glasses for them. "Have you found what you would like to have on our spectacular menu?" He asked them politely as he closed the bottle and placed it on the table and grabbed out his pen and paper to take the order.

The men gestured to Saphira to make her order first. "I would like to have the French onion soup and the sea scallops please."

"Always a good choice. Would you like to add any sides to your entrée?" The waiter wrote down what the girl wanted as she took the moment to look at the side options.

She hummed softly before looking at the waiter with a smile. "I'll get the whipped potatoes and bacon creamed spinach."

The waiter nodded and he turned to the two men. "And for you two sirs? What can I get for you tonight?"

"Both of us are going to have the shrimp cocktail and twin lobster tails," Arthur responded politely to the waiter. "And I will have the sautéed mushrooms and miso-chili roasted broccoli." He turned his to Nicholas. "And what sides are you going to have?"

"Hmm…I think I'll have the smoked gouda tator tots and lobster mac and cheese." Nicholas closed the menu as the waiter filled in the orders. "And can you bring the dessert menu out after we have finished our mains?"

"I can certainly do that for you." The man took the menus from them and placed them under his armpits. "I will go and take your order to the kitchen, and I'll be back soon with your appetizers."

"I think this good news for the company calls for a toast." Arthur picked up his glass, as did Nicholas and Saphira. "To the future of this company, and to all of our successes." Saphira's smile widened as they tap the tips of the glasses together and sipped their drinks. "Anyway, we should try to not get ourselves too carried away. As much as this is a good opportunity, we must not waste it. Every thing now counts, and I think your idea to create a major advertisement to all the international businesses is a great idea. And as you are going to be in charge of international relations, I think that will be the perfect start for you."

Saphira really wanted to jump and scream with excitement. "I will make sure that I get started on it on Monday, Arthur. I am also going to spend Sunday studying Mandarin, Russian, German, Japanese, Korean and so on. I really, really want to make things work with this company too."

"And you'll receive a nice package." She didn't really care about the money, as long as she was comfortable she was happy. Though Arthur seemed to be happy. "Your current is about eighty a year. But after you have picked and trained a new manager, your salary will go up to five hundred a year." Saphira's eyes felt like they would pop out of her skull with how wide they got. "And if things go extremely well with the relations, and I do believe that we will expand and have offices in other countries, you could see that salary increase every year, with quarterly bonuses and additional annual leave."

Saphira stared at her boss in disbelief. She had thought she would receive at least a hundred a year, but five hundred was a massive pay increase. "I…wow…what? You…You have to be joking, right? Can you even afford to pay me that much? That…That's an insane amount of bank, Arthur. I…I have never seen that much money."

"I can promise you that the business makes at least twenty times the amount you will be paid. And the profit is growing rapidly, so the ability to pay the employees who I know deserve it will be easier." Arthur was amused at her shock and he sipped some of his wine. "Don't be too shocked though. The higher you are in the business, the more you make. Lara herself makes the same amount every year as I the pay raise you're getting, for example. Without her, none of this is impossible."

"Are you going to give her a pay rise too? I think she would deserve it."

"Most likely, once things are finalized, there are going to be changes to wages through the whole business as a whole. The relations we will have with the investors will likely increase the profit into the hundred millions, though that sounds too ambitious, I believe with the right tools and words, we will be one of the top transportation companies in the world. And that is wild to even me." Arthur shook his head as tears form in his eyes. "And I started from the ground up a long time ago too. No one believed that I could do it. Except for Nicholas. He was my friend all through school, and…we both realised that we were meant for each other, and we helped each other with our businesses. He was into fashion, he was bullied and I stood up for him. And I was into transportation."

"It is always nice to hear when people become successful after a terrible life. I know they say that the way you win against the people who have done you wrong is by being happy. And the way I see it, we have won." Saphira could tell that Arthur was getting emotional about it. "And as for who I think should take my position…I already can tell you that Joshua, Melanie and Ayaka…actually, Ayaka would be better to be moved into international relations. She has told me she has been working on a little side project as promotional material to send to Japan. Her parents in Japan run a delivery business, so…"

"I had not even thought about asking Ayaka about Japan!" Arthur placed his hand on his forehead, seemingly shocked he had not paid attention to one of his employees. "You know what? I think you are right. She can keep working under you then. You'll be the head manager of international relations, while Ayaka can run as our Japanese relation. She might even be a manager of her own team…maybe even a new office in Tokyo."

"I think she would be over the moon!" Saphira could really see the potential of this business and she thought about it for a moment. "And…while we are at it, maybe we can look at things that aren't necessarily focused around transportation. If our presence is going to be big, we could also step into the cleaning and medicinal industry as well. After all, the company already has connections with transporting cleaning chemicals and medical equipment. I know the medical industry might more difficult than NASA, but cleaning should be easy."

"I agree. Lots of people don't even realize how big of an income people can make from cleaning. Whether it is house cleaning or car detailing, it is a big business. I think we should focus on getting good, strong international relations first before we delve into any other kind of business out there. As I said, we should not get ahead of ourselves." Arthur glanced up as he saw their waiter walking back towards them with their appetizers. "I think we should stop talking about business stuff for now. I am more curious to know how Claudia knew about your new car."

"Me too." Saphira glanced up as the waiter walked up to the table and placed her soup in front of her. "Thank you, very much." Both men thanked their waiter as their shrimp cocktails were placed in front of them. It was quite a large appetizer, but Saphira grabbed one of the bread rolls from the basket to use in her soup. "But…it kind of has me…worried. I only told you and Dylan about it."

Arthur immediately gave her a sympathetic expression. "I…I don't really know what to really tell you, Saphira. Nicholas and I have never experienced any…cracks in a relationship. Mostly because we are busy, and we support each other. How long have you known Dylan for?"

"Not long, to be honest. Six months…it hasn't really…we haven't been intimate or anything, just some nice dates and gifts to each other. But…he has some weird quirks." Saphira stirred the soup a little with her spoon as she pondered on it. "I mean, he was weirdly upset that I got a car. I don't know if he would have reacted that way if it was normal sedan or SUV, but…well…I don't know."

"What does you boyfriend do for work?" Nicholas asked the girl curiously. "Does he work a decent job?"

She nodded. "Yeah. Dylan works in construction, and he's aiming to be a manager. But he's still sort of at the bottom at the moment. He's been doing construction for several years, and he hasn't been promoted or anything yet."

"I see…" Nicholas looked at Arthur with a smile. "I am surprised that your business hasn't really weaved into that industry yet." The man just shrugged and gave Nicholas a side eye. "Ooh, don't give me that look." He chuckled a little and looked at Saphira. "How old is he?"

"Twenty-five." The man raised his eyebrow and she smirked at him. "That isn't a bad age gap."

"No, it is not. But it is also not uncommon for older men to take advantage of younger women. I, unfortunately, see it all the time. I don't understand it personally, but it happens. And I…I don't want to put a dampener on your relationship, but this guy doesn't sound that good. Arthur told me a lot about your family, and how they mistreated you." She was not surprised by that. Nicholas likely knew a lot about her through Arthur, and she was fine with that. She dipped a bread piece into the soup and put the piece into her mouth to eat. "And there is also, sadly, that other side. Girls who get mistreated seem to find guys that will do the very same to them. Has he hit you or anything?" She shook her head immediately. "He's just been verbal with you." She nodded. "Hmm…I honestly don't know if you should continue that relationship. There are much better guys out there."

"Yeah…I guess…" Saphira didn't really like the idea of it. But it made sense. "But…it makes me wonder…I would have no clue when Dylan met Claudia. I met Dylan by accident at a café that I had gone to, and we kind of hit it off and we started to date. I guess I kind of am staying with him because I am getting attention…"

"And I think that's quite unsafe for you, Saphira." Both Arthur and Nicholas were concerned that she was in an unsafe relationship. Arthur reached across the table to take her hand gently, making her flinch in surprise. "I might be your boss, but I would like to think that I am your friend. I care about you. And I feel protective of you. I think you should listen to us. Both of us are an example of a good relationship."

She smiled at him as she felt tears rimming her eyes. Feeling the care and love from both Arthur and Nicholas was just so nice. She never asked them to help her. But Arthur did, and Nicholas just happened to be part of the package. And while she hasn't spent time with Nicholas until now, he actually seemed to genuinely care about her. "I guess…but…I w-w-would be nervous…he…what if he reacts badly? I have been unwanted pretty much my whole life, Arthur. At least, until I met you. So…"

"I get it. Wanting to feel loved and wanted is something we all yearn for. I don't blame you. You will probably not be surprised to hear that my family and Nicholas's family disowned the both of us when they learned that we were in an intimate relationship." Saphira was not surprised at all. She did not understand it at all. "We both were hurt, and we wanted to be loved and wanted by our families. But we know that it is better to just have a few close friends as family than our biological family. Because if they're toxic, then you're better off without them. The same can be said for bad friends and partners."

Saphira took a deep breath and ate another mouthful of the soup while she thought about it. "Well…I don't know how I will handle it."

Nicholas smiled at Saphira as he could tell she was struggling with the idea of breaking up with Dylan. "You can talk to us. In fact, we can give you the number and address to our home." She gave him a surprised expression as more things get told to her unexpectedly. "I got told you also have a talent for sketching. Or did Arthur hear you wrong?"

Saphira smirked a little and nodded. "Yeah…I can. I am pretty good at it, since I use art as an escape. Why do you ask?"

"Mostly because you could help me design some watches for my new watch line. And I will make sure you get a cut of the sales from those watches that get sold too." She giggled and rolled her eyes at him. "I am serious, Saphira. You really have a lot of talent. And having good friends to get through something that might seem scary and hard at first will be the best thing for you." Nicholas sipped some more wine before grabbing another shrimp. "It is not unusual to realize the the first person you meet, might not be the person you want to spend the rest of your life with."

Saphira pondered as listening to both Arthur and Nicholas has been good. She stirred her soup and dipped another piece of bread it to eat. She took into consideration everything they had said, and she would work on the courage to break up with Dylan. "I think you guys are right. I…I felt awful when I went home with the new car. And I shouldn't have to feel that way. And then Claudia barged into my room telling me she knows about my car."

"I am sorry you have to find out that way. I have been watching Claudia's performance closely for the last few days too. She herself has been slacking, and I am thinking I should demote her or…she has find somewhere else." At least Arthur's decision to fire Claudia would be based on her performance, and not a personal reason. It would make Arthur look bad otherwise. "But I will give her another week. Her team do not deserve her, as far as I am concerned." Saphira nodded in agreement and Arthur smiled at her. "By the way, now that you know what is coming, I am curious. Have you been watching the housing market?"

"Uh…" That caught her off guard and she shook her head. "No, no, I am afraid I have not. But if the salary is that high, I will be looking into different suburbs of the city so I know where is reasonable. I might earn a lot, but I don't particularly care for big, fancy houses. But it will make life renting that much easier."

"As it should. You are due for a bonus soon anyway, I am quite happy to give that to you earlier before your promotion. That way you can splurge on something for yourself. Or save it for a house or better apartment." Arthur finished off the last shrimp of his cocktail and washed it down with some wine. "Oh, and by the way, Nicholas and I are having a party at our house to celebrate our anniversary. It is in a couple weeks, and it would be nice for you to come. All of our friends are super nice and they will welcome you with open arms."

Saphira was not sure about that. She wasn't the best in large gatherings like that. "Um…I am not sure…I am not really a big gathering kind of person." She finished off the last of the soup and licked her lips as the soup was incredibly delicious and hearty. "And if I only know you both, and no one else, I will feel very out of place. I am glad you're my friends, but I don't make friends on the spot…especially with how uncertain I am with people."

"Alright, I understand." Arthur smiled at her and glanced up as the waiter began to take their plates away to clear the table for the next meal. "Thank you, good sir. You have been wonderful with us tonight. I'll make sure you get a nice tip."

The waiter smiled at Arthur gratefully. "You are most welcome. Your mains will be out shortly."

When the waiter walked away, Saphira looked at the two men. "I really appreciate you both are willing to look out for me. And Nicholas, I barely even know you, but it does feel like we both get along very well." Nicholas nodded in agreement with a big smile on his face. "And I am glad that you can be my friend. I don't…I don't really have any friends, so it is nice. But a big gathering…I can send a gift, but I might not attend."

"I understand. We won't force you to attend if you feel uncomfortable." Arthur took another sip of his wine before grabbing the bottle to refill his glass. "Though maybe instead of coming to the party, the day before you could bring your new ride around and take us for a spin."

Saphira smiled at the idea and chuckled softly. "That sounds like a great idea. Though I doubt the car will stand next to your collection, but that sounds like a great idea."

The rest of the evening went by rather nicely now that they stopped talking about business and bad boyfriends. Saphira thoroughly enjoyed the time she was spending with the two men. Both Arthur and Nicholas were very nice people. They were sympathetic towards her, and they genuinely wanted to be her friend. She knew she had a lot to think about when she got back home, but she had support for the first time in years. She was used to being unwanted, and expected the same with Arthur and Nicholas. But it wasn't the case.

After having desert, and waiting for the men to finish their wine, they leave the restaurant and both men walked with her back to the bus stop to make sure she left safely. She thoroughly appreciated their concern for her well being. As they were walking along the street back to the bus stop, they pass by a parked Lamborghini Countach. It would not be something that Saphira would care about, but this car had a strikingly similar color and design as her Porsche.

She stopped when she noticed, making the men stop in surprise. "Odd. This…car…the custom paint job is like the Porsche I bought…" She stared at the Lamborghini in disbelief and chuckled softly. "Unless the person who owned the Porsche owns this Lamborghini now lives in the city."

"Kind of an odd color," Nicholas commented as he looked at the silver of the car's body, and the blue racing stripe. "But it could just be a coincidence, Saphira. There are a lot of cars out there that have been modified to look unique, but there will always be another car out there with a similar appearance."

"I guess you are right." Saphira stepped closer to the car with a hum. She widened her eyes when she saw that the brand badge was not the Lamborghini badge, but rather the same strange face badge that was on her Porsche. "I really am seeing things." She chuckled nervously as she walked away from the car. "And I am not the one who has had alcohol."

The two men tease Saphira about her seeing things that did not really matter. Especially since she indeed has not had any alcohol. Saphira was amused by the teasing, but she really couldn't shake the feeling that the Lamborghini she had seen was the car she bought. She didn't know why she had that feeling. She was going to check on her car when she returned to the apartment. It just felt a bit too fishy to her for some reason. It might be silly paranoia, but she would find out when she returned to the apartment.