My Second Marriage with the Mafia Kingpin-Chapter 33: A Lost Cause

"Ashley, this is Mr. Ramirez. He runs large-scale farms and crop production and handles irrigation systems and farm labor networks..."

Liza happily introduced a few of her trusted friends in the field to Ashley—people she knew would help Ashley get a head start in building her own business.

"And this is Madam Shyaan. She owns some of the biggest greenhouses and plantations, and she manages distribution networks..."

Both Shyaan and Ramirez smiled at the young lady seated beside Liza, who was hosting this small meeting in her own garden.

It was an abrupt meeting, but with the soil Ashley had provided, it was something Shyaan and Ramirez wouldn’t miss.

Oh...

Ashley maintained a polite smile as she studied the two older figures, both around the same age as Liza and Tommy.

Ramirez was on the plump side, with a beautifully maintained beard and white streaks in his black hair. Meanwhile, Shyaan leaned toward elegance, wearing simple yet refined diamond jewelry and a neat updo.

Compared to Liza, Shyaan was more meticulous about her appearance—not that Liza dressed poorly, but hers leaned more toward humble simplicity.

These people aren’t ones I met in the past... but I guess that’s not a bad thing. They look like good people!

"You introduced us so grandly, Liz," Ramirez quipped, earning a chuckle from Shyaan, "but have you told the young lady who the best botanical researcher here is?"

"Right." Shyaan nodded, then turned to Ashley. "Do you know what Liza does in this partnership? She studies plant genetics, hybrid species, and even growth acceleration. She can create fast-growing crops, rare plants, and... potentially dangerous substances."

"She’s basically a plant goddess!" Ramirez joked.

Liza laughed. "Don’t make it sound like that."

"She can create poison for you," Ramirez added with a wink, making Shyaan laugh.

"Oh, dear." Liza shook her head, sighing as she looked at Ashley apologetically. "They’re trying to steal you from me, dear. This is slander."

"But you can, can’t you?" Ramirez pressed, earning an eye roll from Liza.

"Yes, but I don’t do that," Liza clarified.

Their table was filled with laughter, the atmosphere light and relaxed. It felt less like a business meeting and more like a gathering of old friends welcoming someone new into their circle.

But this was no ordinary circle.

It was small, but each of them was a big name in the industry.

Liza might not have focused on the business side, but her expertise was highly sought after by people like them.

"She wouldn’t even accept a simple invitation from a luxury plant curator," Shyaan shared with a smile. "But no worries—I’m glad Liza reached out to us and introduced us to you, Miss Ashley."

Ramirez nodded with a chuckle. "She’s right. I’m honored, and I’m glad I became friends with her. Otherwise, I don’t think I’d be here."

"Be gentle with Ashley," Liza said, placing a reassuring hand on Ashley’s back. "I called you here so you could help guide her in building her business and lead her onto the right path."

Both Shyaan and Ramirez nodded, turning their attention to Ashley. Their respect for Liza was evident, and because of that, Ashley—introduced by her—was immediately met with goodwill.

"Of course," Ramirez chimed in, leaning slightly against the table. "Most people don’t pay attention to this industry... until food disappears. With so many other high-profile fields, agriculture is rarely talked about... unless supply becomes a national or global problem."

"People underestimate agriculture... until they realize it decides who eats and who doesn’t," Shyaan added. "And what the media doesn’t show is that people actually fight—and die—for crops."

"I don’t care how rare it is, though," Ramirez continued knowingly. "If it doesn’t scale, it’s useless."

Shyaan shook her head. "Ramirez, rarity makes people desperate."

Ashley smiled. "Don’t worry about the supply," she said with confidence. "As promised, I have plenty. But I also know that your guidance will be a great help for a rookie like myself. For instance, how much I should release and withhold."

Ramirez and Shyaan smiled in satisfaction, then shifted their attention to Liza.

"There are a few rare plants I want to grow using the soil you provided," Liza added as the conversation naturally shifted into business. All attention turned to Ashley. "If this succeeds, it could help many farmers..."

Liza shared her insights and plans regarding the soil—how she intended to use it to cultivate rare plants that were either unknown or on the brink of extinction.

As for Shyaan and Ramirez, they wanted to expand this research and invest in it in exchange for priority access to these plants.

After all, neither of them focused on just one branch of business. Shyaan had connections with luxury plant curators who would spend fortunes on a single pot, while Ramirez had expanded into logistics and distribution.

For the entire afternoon, they introduced Ashley to the world of agriculture—how goods moved in and out of the industry, and how deeply interconnected everything was.

Since the trio had already built strong connections over generations, the opportunities for Ashley were endless.

Ashley possessed something the three of them didn’t have.

And because of that, they were willing to help her with everything she needed—in exchange for priority access to what she could offer.

What was truly astonishing was that these people could control the future of food supply, create shortages, and manipulate prices.

Ashley smiled and listened to every word like a diligent student, familiarizing herself with everything—because even earning just a dime was part of her goal.

Little did she know, that dime would not be all she would gain.

This was only the beginning of an empire, one that would be built from the ground up.

*****

Later that evening...

Lucian peacefully sipped the tea Ashley had prepared for him. He arched a brow, giving her a sidelong glance as she sat quietly, deep in thought.

Normally, she would be smiling, watching him drink tea as if it were something fascinating.

But now, she sat beside him with her arms folded on the table, her eyes fixed on its surface.

"How did the meeting go?" he asked, breaking the silence.

Ashley perked up and looked at him. "It went well," she answered, only to notice he was still watching her, clearly expecting more.

She laughed awkwardly.

"It went well. Uncle Ramirez and Auntie Shyaan—whom Auntie Liza introduced to me—are really good people. And very influential," she added. "I was just thinking... agriculture isn’t as simple as I thought. I never realized food supply could be manipulated if the wrong people were involved."

The corner of his mouth lifted subtly, pleased that Ashley had gained something valuable from the experience—not just him and Dominion, but her as well.

For instance... her own network.

"Are you worried?" he asked, shifting his gaze to the teacup in his hand. "You got the soil from the garden, but it’s not an unlimited supply."

Ashley blinked and stared at him. "Lu, you don’t know?"

"Hmm?"

"The soil from the garden comes from the land near the mine you own," she explained innocently as she dragged her chair closer to him. "Let me use it for now... and then let me buy the mine once I save up a bit, okay?"

Her eyes widened into an exaggerated puppy look.

Lucian simply stared at her before quietly taking another sip.

But Ashley already smiled. She knew that look meant approval.

"Thanks, baby~!" she cheered, leaning in to plant a kiss on his cheek. "Congrats on your alliance with the president! We’re going to be a power couple soon~! Don’t forget, you’re buying me dinner next time!"

Lucian stiffened, slowly turning his head to look at the mischievous Ashley, who was grinning from ear to ear after stealing another kiss.

All he could do was let out a shallow breath.

There was nothing else he could do.

Sure enough... he really was what his men called him— a lost cause.