HP: Bad Intentions

Blake had something valuable that could transform the Worley family's fortunes. His Variation Seed Technique was unlike anything the family had seen, holding the potential to breathe life back into their precarious herbal medicine business and even elevate it to new heights.

Mrs. Worley recognized the value of this partnership. Not only could Blake's technology save their business, but she also realized she had to protect their connection with him.

A young man with Blake's talent wouldn't go unnoticed; other families would be eager to secure him for themselves.

Once they reviewed the specifics of the partnership, Mrs. Worley leaned in, intrigued. "Blake, I can see why you'd invest in our technology, but why did you send Cassandra?"

Blake shrugged nonchalantly. "I don't want your judgment to be affected by her presence. If she were here, I'm sure she'd advocate on my behalf. That might influence your decision, even if unintentionally. I wanted to see if my proposal alone would be enough."

Mrs. Walley's expression softened, her gaze warm. "Blake, with your skills, you don't even need us. You could become incredibly successful on your own. By choosing us, you're offering the Worley family something extraordinary. Rest assured, we'll discuss the dividend share, and you'll have our decision soon."

Blake nodded without pressing further, his calmness suggesting a deep trust in her and the Worley family. Touched by his quiet confidence, Mrs. Worley saw this partnership as a testament to his respect for her daughter, Cassandra.

Determined to treat him fairly, she decided she'd make sure Blake received favourable terms. As for the blossoming relationship between Blake and Cassandra, Mrs. Worley preferred to let it take its course. She believed he was more than worthy of her daughter's attention.

As their conversation concluded, Mrs. Worley excused herself. "I'll need to speak with my husband to finalize the terms," she said with a parting smile.

With that, she hurried off to set the wheels in motion. Her priority was now ensuring a smooth partnership with Blake, as his involvement was crucial to the family's future.

Blake, left to his thoughts, couldn't help but smile to himself. While it appeared as if he were simply offering the family a lifeline, he knew the connection with the Worleys could serve him just as well. After all, Cassandra was their only child.

Before long, Cassandra joined him, her emerald eyes shining with curiosity and a hint of mischief. "So," she began, crossing her arms, "are you planning on becoming a major shareholder in our Family business? Does that mean I have to call you ' Little Boss' now?"

Blake chuckled, playfully dismissing her suggestion. "Maybe, but you should definitely drop the 'little' part. Money doesn't care about age, right?"

Cassandra laughed, though a hint of frustration crept into her voice. "You've got it all figured out, don't you? My mom told me everything. How could you send me away during the negotiation? I contributed to our work just as much as you did!"

Blake raised his hands in defence. "True, which is why I wanted to work with your family. Otherwise, I could have just approached the Rookwood family. They've got resources and recently developed some rather interesting fertilizers."

Cassandra's eyes narrowed, her playful annoyance sharpening. "If you even consider going to the Rookwoods, I swear I'll never speak to you!"

"Oh no!" Blake said with mock horror. "Whatever would I do?"

"You bastard!" Cassandra spat.

After a while of their playful banter, Blake checked his watch and sighed. "It's getting late, Cassandra. You're safe now, so I really should be heading back."

Cassandra's teasing expression softened to one of sadness. "You're leaving? Why don't you stay for a few days? We barely see each other as it is."

Blake smiled but shook his head. "I wish I could, but I'm here to visit an elder. This morning, I was just running errands when I ran into you, and I'm already behind schedule. I don't want to worry the elder."

Her brow furrowed as she recalled his earlier comment about meeting someone "even more beautiful."

"An elder? You mean you're not visiting some other girl?"

Blake chuckled. "I promise, it really is an elder." He was thinking of Nicolas Flamel, who was indeed far from any kind of romantic interest.

At over six hundred years old, the famed alchemist was practically a walking history book.

Cassandra sighed, somewhat reassured. "Alright, if you say so. But promise you'll come to see me before you leave France?"

Blake gave a small nod. "Definitely. Besides, spending all my time on research would be a waste."

As Blake walked back to his hotel, he considered his next move. The mirrored space he knew, a mysterious realm with countless hidden opportunities, beckoned to him. But he'd need solitude to explore it fully, free from distractions.

Back at his room, Blake focused on his original errand: stocking up on raw meat. He gathered his supplies, then retreated to his mirror space, where he found Nicolas Flamel, still awake and examining his surroundings with fascination.

The old alchemist turned at Blake's entrance, his eyes alight with excitement. "This mirror space of yours—it's remarkable! Truly unlike anything I've seen. The magic you've awakened is incredible."

Blake chuckled, though he felt a pang of sympathy for his elderly friend's excitement. "Nico, you really should get some rest. We can explore this space together later. In fact, I've got some new ideas about expanding its capabilities."

After finally convincing Nicolas to take a calming potion, Blake returned to his experiment. He took a deep breath and placed a mutated Acromantula egg from his inventory on the ground. "Alright, little one," he murmured, "let's see what you're made of."

As he channelled druidic energy into the egg, its colour changed, darkening from beige to black, and it began to pulse with life. Soon, the egg split open, revealing a small, vibrantly coloured spider, no larger than his palm. Blake cradled it carefully, studying its delicate form. "Not bad… actually, quite beautiful."

Setting the young Acromantula on the raw meat, Blake watched as it began devouring it, its tiny frame growing almost visibly with each bite. Its accelerated growth rate astounded him, confirming its special lineage. "From now on, I'll call you Xiao Cai," he said fondly, watching as it hungrily devoured the meat.

Once Xiao Cai was safely stored away in the Poke Ball, Blake stepped out of the mirror space and prepared to unwind. But just as he was about to collapse into bed, an owl flew through the open window, landing with a letter clutched in its beak. Sighing, Blake took the letter and read:

"Dear Blake, this is Fleur Delacour. My little sister has been in a dreadful mood, and I think you might cheer her up. Could you consider coming to visit?"

Blake, chuckling softly, grabbed a pen and wrote a simple reply on the back of the letter: "No time." He handed it back to the owl, and finally, utterly exhausted, he sank into his bed, letting sleep claim him at last.

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