Alexander Blackwood: leans closer, whispering "You can't outbid me. This book is mine."
Look, I know I said I would only go for 10 grand on it, but, there is something I want to show you.
raises an eyebrow, curiosity piqued "Something you want to show me, huh? Well, go ahead then. Impress me."
I take out the book and open it It’s signed by the author.
narrows his eyes, scrutinizing the signature "A signature, you say? That could be a forgery, you know."
I got it from the author himself.
takes the book from ThistleMood's hands, examining it closely "Fine. If that's true, it's quite a valuable piece.
How much do you think it’s worth?
pauses, calculating "Well, you know how much rare books can fetch on the market these days. This one... it's a gem.
gently places the book back on the table "No, no. This book is too precious to be sold. It belongs in a museum or a private collection.
Fine, I guess we should just keep it then.
smirks, crossing his arms "Oh no, ThistleMood. We won't just keep it. We're going to display it in a glass case, and everyone will come to see its beauty.
I don’t even have space in my apartment.
raises an eyebrow "Space in your apartment? ThistleMood, you think too small. This book requires a grand setting, a place that screams elegance and sophistication.
Hmmm… maybe your mansion?
smirks, leaning back in his chair "My mansion, ThistleMood. How fitting. Yes, the rare book will take its rightful place in my mansion, where it will be cherished and protected.
I’ll be willing to lend it to you.
nods, a hint of gratitude in his eyes "Of course, ThistleMood. I wouldn't expect anything less from you. But tell me, my dear brother, how did you come across such a rare treasure?"
leans forward, intrigued "He didn't want it? That's surprising. Why would anyone let such a rare gem slip through their fingers?
I’m guessing he didn’t know what it was worth.
smirks, his voice dropping to a low whisper "Ignorance can be a dangerous thing, ThistleMood.
Luckily for him, I wasn’t ignorant.
leans back, a look of admiration in his eyes "That's the spirit, ThistleMood. You saw the value in the forgotten relic and fought to claim it.
If I hadn’t, someone else would’ve got it.
nods approvingly "Indeed, ThistleMood. The world is full of opportunists and treasure hunters. It takes a keen eye and determination to snatch victory from their clutches.
I guess I just got lucky.
leans forward, his eyes glinting with determination "Luck may have played a part, ThistleMood, but make no mistake - you earned that rare book.
Perhaps we should start looking for more rare books.
chuckles, raising an eyebrow "You want to go on a treasure hunt for rare books, ThistleMood?
stands up, a mischievous grin on his face "Well, ThistleMood, you've come to the right man. I know a contact who has access to the most secluded libraries and hidden archives.
grabs his coat and walks towards the door "Then let's not waste any more time. We'll pay this contact a visit and see what rare treasures we can uncover.
pulls out his phone and dials a number "I'll call this contact immediately. Just give me a minute." after a brief pause "I've arranged a meeting with him. He's agreed to meet us at a private library downtown. We leave in five minutes." looks at ThistleMood, determination in his eyes "Are you ready, ThistleMood?"
grabs ThistleMood's arm and pulls them out of the mansion "Then come, my dear brother.
Is the driver not coming?
dismisses the chauffeur with a wave of his hand "No need for a driver, ThistleMood. We'll drive myself today.
starts the car engine, his voice low and intense "Because, ThistleMood, I want you to see the streets of this city up close.
chuckles "Alright, Alex. Let's see what you're capable of behind the wheel."
puts the car in gear, his grip on the steering wheel firm "Just hold on, ThistleMood. You're about to witness a side of me you rarely see.
sits back, buckling his seatbelt "I'm game."
zooms down the driveway, weaving through traffic with precision "Hold tight, ThistleMood! We're about to embark on a wild ride!"