Page 34 of The Lost Empress

Very proudly, Liv continued to explain that her daughter, Paris was the first female agent for the organization, much like Sophia was the first for the dragonriders. It appeared that the Beaufonts had a way of pushing the old ways and evolving the roles of women. Before Paris, only men had ever been agents for FGA and women had only been fairy godmothers. However, under Paris’ leadership, now anyone could have any role. There were female agents and fairy godfathers. And apparently, love was higher and more stable than it had been in the last century.

Liv led Gen to what she called “a bank of elevators.” This would be the medieval warrior’s first time in such a contraption. Gen didn’t know what to expect, and if going up floors would be like stepping through a portal. She realized it absolutely wasn’t when she suddenly felt a heaviness in her legs as the small box took them higher.

Gen’s stomach flipped into her throat and her heart suddenly pounded. She reached out, steadying herself on the metal walls of the elevator. Liv, meanwhile, laughed, amused by Gen’s nervous reaction. Thankfully, the queasy ride didn’t last long and the efficient elevator had brought them up to the fiftieth floor in seconds. It was simply mind blowing and Gen didn’t know if she’d ever get used to the weird and wonderful modern world.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

LOVE’S LUCRATIVE VENTURES

Saint Valentine’s Office, Matters of the Heart, Fiftieth Floor, FGA Tower, New York City, New York, United States

“I have quite a few get-rich-quick options to present to you,” Paris Beaufont said with a smile, leaning on her huge desk. It was made of thick wood and intricately carved with beautiful symbols. Her office was heart-shaped and covered in red walls that were both energizing and elegant. Behind Paris was a large bank of floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out over the bustling City of New York.

“Thank you,” Gen said, perched on the seat on the other side of the desk. Liv had left her with Paris once they all met, saying she was in good company. Gen knew that she was right because, like all the Beaufonts, she had instantly liked Paris when they briefly met. Now, she looked forward to working with her and getting to know her better.

As with all the Beaufonts, Paris had blonde hair and blue eyes and was strikingly beautiful. Also consistent with the Beaufont women, she chose to wear black leather pants and a matching jacket, since it was sleek and practical. Clark was the only one in the family that seemed to wear professional clothes that didn’t allow for combat, but that seemed about right since he was more of the thinker and the women were the fighters. The Beaufonts had a different dynamic than most families—one which Gen appreciated.

“I’ll have Alfred present the various ideas to us and then we can decide which venture will work best and you’ll want to do.” Paris snapped her fingers and a second later a man materialized beside her.

Gen, not having seen a portal, startled backward, on guard about the sudden presence of the stranger. However, the man didn’t seem menacing dressed in an elegant three-piece, gray suit that matched his slicked-back hair. He had a refined look on his calm face and smiled down at Paris upon seeing her.

“How may I assist you, Saint Valentine?” he asked in a dignified British accent.

Seeing Gen’s look of surprise, Paris offered a consoling expression. “Sorry, I probably should have explained a bit about Alfred first. This is our AI for FGA. That stands for artificial intelligence. He assists everyone in the building and is a resource on all things related to the company.”

“And he just shows up when you call him?” Gen asked, blinking at the man in confusion, wondering if he was solid or just a projection of lights.

“Yes, when summoned, I appear instantly,” Alfred answered, bowing slightly. “I can help you with anything and everything related to FGA or even outside the realm of the organization, if applicable.”

“And he’ll laugh at your jokes,” Paris added with a smirk.

He cut his eyes at her. “That depends on the joke…”

She waved him off dismissively. “Okay, give us a list, Alfred, of easy-to-implement business ideas that have a low overhead cost and a high and quick financial gain. Something that Gen can make a solid million dollars from investors overnight. I think if we can show something viable that she could get the capital and fund her very honorable endeavor to hire the good police officers she needs.”

“Certainly, Saint Valentine,” Alfred began, holding his chin high and looking down at Gen. “The first idea is a couple’s adventure hunt. You would organize a city-wide treasure hunt that couples can participate in. Each clue leads to romantic spots around the city and participating businesses can sponsor prizes or offer discounts to couples.”

Paris put her elbows on the surface of her desk, pressing her hands together and thinking. “Okay, and talk to us about profitability.”

“Right,” Alfred said obediently. “Well, it can generate a significant amount of revenue quickly and efficiently due to its broad appeal and participation. There are opportunities for sponsorships and participation as well as scalability through media and marketing potentials.”

“I like it, but let’s hear another idea,” Paris said, looking up at the AI.

“Of course,” Alfred responded. “Another business venture would be a love lottery. With this idea, participants buy tickets for a chance to win a magical love experience, such as a dream date or romantic getaway. The lottery generates substantial revenue and is easy to implement, with a wide reach and low overhead costs.”

Paris glanced up at Gen, giving her a tentative expression. “What do you think? Does that sound like something you’d be interested in leading? All you have to do is kick it off, get it running, then we attract the interests of investors and they give you the capital you need to fund your initiative. All you ever need is one good idea and the ways to make it happen to make money in this world.”

Gen knitted her hands together, a new tension filling her stomach suddenly. “I appreciate that, but these don’t sound like things I know how to manage or even get started.”

“Okay, well?—”

“Paris! Paris! Paris!” a squeaky voice sounded from the doorway.

Gen turned to see a small, brown rodent bounding in their direction. Her instinct brought her to her feet, which took her back several yards, immediately on guard to the creature that in her day could be carrying the plague.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

THE SQUIRREL’S STARTLING REVELATION

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