“A satisfactory price?” Helena scoffed, deliberately smacking her lips with a hint of disdain. “With all due respect, Mr. Rothschild, given your reputation, you are hardly an ideal buyer. Even if I still had this elixir, I would never consider trading with you again in the future.”


    Howard instinctively asked, “Why would Her Majesty the Queen say that?”


    Helena pursed her lips, shrugged, and replied casually, “Perhaps it’s because I dislike haggling. If there’s ever a next time, I’ll seek out a buyer who is more pleasant to deal with; it will save time and create a better atmosphere. As someone who has experience in business, you must know how frustrating it can be when a buyer seems preupied, hesitant, or downright suspicious about your integrity and the quality of what you’re selling. It’s not a pleasant experience.”


    Howard recognized that Helena was mocking his earlier negotiating tactics.


    Although he felt a twinge of irritation, he also became acutely aware of a significant issue.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    If Helena’sments were genuine and not just born from anger, was he really about to miss out on a crucial opportunity? The chance to prolong his life?


    Realizing this, regret washed over him regarding his earlier bargaining behavior.


    Without hesitation, he said, “Your Majesty, please don’t take offense. I am a businessman, and negotiating is what I’m ustomed to. Even if it’s just a small amount, I always try to lower the price. If it makes you ufortable, I won’t make any counter-offers at all. I’ll arrange the full 10 billion U.S. dors for you immediately, if that’s eptable?”


    Helena waved her hand dismissively. “No, no. As you mentioned, acquiring the hardware for the AI modeles at a cost. I’d rather take a hit myself than see you suffer a loss. After all, Mr. Rothschild, you’re quite advanced in age. If I were to cause you distress, and it impacted your health, I’d feel like a viin.”


    “No, no, no!” Howard eximed, no longer able to care about the teasing. He rushed toward Helena, speaking with urgency, “Acquiring hardware for Her Majesty the Queen is our responsibility. You mustn’t be modest!”


    As he spoke, he added with a tone of regret, “Your Majesty, I may be old, but I still have many outdated habits from decades of experience. Bargaining is one of them. But please rest assured, when our Rothschild family conducts business with you in the future, we won’t haggle!”


    Having experienced the remarkable effects of the blood-dispersing and heart-saving pill, Howard quickly understood that this was a true lifesaver.


    Even though he felt better now, he was aware he was aging, and future health issues were likely inevitable.


    Moreover, the doctor had warned him that strokes were prone to recurrence, with nearly 20% of stroke patients having a second episode within five years. If that were to happen again, his body might not withstand it.


    Thus, obtaining an extra blood-dispersing and heart-saving pill, or even pre-ordering one, would provide him peace of mind.


    He wasn’t certain if Helena had another pill avable at the moment, but he understood he couldn’t let her leave New York feeling displeased. If he did, he might never have the chance to purchase it again.


    Noticing Howard’s anxious demeanor, which seemed to convey, “We can’t let her escape,” Helena found it amusing and couldn’t resist asking, “Mr. Rothschild, are you sure this won’t embarrass you? Or should we just forget it? You’re quite advanced in age. If financial matters cause you distress, how could I feel good?”


    Howard recognized Helena was teasing him, so he took a deep breath and responded with a smile, “No, no! This is the rightful payment for Her Majesty the Queen. If I didn’t provide this money, I wouldn’t be able to eat or sleep properly. Please don’t refuse, Your Majesty!”


    After a moment of contemtion, Helena sighed, “Since Mr. Rothschild insists, I suppose I’ll have to ept.”


    Upon hearing her agreement, Howard felt a rush of excitement that surpassed even making a profit. He quickly reached out to his financial manager, eximing, “Quick, add another 10 billion U.S. dors to the ount we just discussed!” After a moment,


    he nced at Helena, noting herposed expression, and quickly added, “No, no, no! Make it twenty billion!”


    His trusted confidant promptly replied, “Understood. Please hold on, sir; I’ll take care of it.”


    Raising an eyebrow slightly, Helena remained silent. Once Howard hung up, she feigned surprise and asked, “Mr. Rothschild, did I hear you correctly? Isn’t it excessive to remit 20 billion?”


    Howard saw through Helena’s act; she was clearly a skilled performer. If she genuinely thought it was excessive, she would have expressed that concern earlier. Her hesitation was too apparent.


    However, he now understood that Helena, despite her youth, was not someone to be underestimated. If he wanted something from her, he had to abandon any thoughts of negotiation; otherwise, he would find himself the one at a disadvantage.


    At his age, it was certainly not a pleasant feeling to lose both money and opportunity.<fnc504> Newest update provided by findnovel</fnc504>


    Thus, he quickly rified, “Your Majesty, this 10 billion is to cover your payment, and the additional 10 billion is a token of my appreciation. I know I behaved inappropriately earlier. Please don’t hold it against me!”