“We are not just simple thugs, Lucca. Or do you forget the sort of world you grew up in, surrounded by luxury, without a single want in this world? You forget the cars, the homes, the vacations. We're not royalty but I've gotten us as close as we can expect to get. We're at the top, Lucca, and your pride gets in the way. You don't want it because you didn't build it yourself. Once it's yours you can make it<i>better</i>.” Cezar's words didn't seem to be making an impression on his son. He was only becoming more irritated and more determined.<br/><br/>“You will drop this. You don't understand what it's like without me pulling strings for you, Lucca. That power and sway you quite obviously take for granted, it's given you everything in life you could have wanted and more. You are spoiled beyond imagining. Now you want the one thing I don't wish to give you.” Cezar waved his hands in irritation. He couldn't stop Lucca, he was correct. Without his backing, he thought the desire would pass and he'd come back to negotiate. On Cezar's terms, if Lucca agreed to some of them, would fund his hobby but not before he took more responsibility.<br/><br/>“Now, I have guests so I'm going to cut this short. We're done here anyway, I think.” Lucca had assumed correctly. He could pursue it but without his money. The close connections he had, while typically would be in favor of extending Lucca a favor wouldn't do so now with Cezar's open disapproval. That his son didn't handle this privately would bite him in the ass because no one would agree to fund his project either no matter the potential for profit.<br/><br/>Shou was outside the room, having expected to see Lucca before his father but it was the elder who let himself out. He was calm and didn't indicate how the conversation had gone though he could tell by the expression on Lucca's face. He moved aside so Cezar could go around him and stepped into the meeting room, picking up the papers that had been scattered. His expression was understanding.<br/><br/>“Maybe it's time to pay your mother a visit.” Shou knew that when there was tension between the father-son duo it was typically her who would sort it out. Cezar was a hard man to deal with but he softened to her in some regards. He wasn't unreasonable, but stubborn. So was Lucca, who would want things his way. He could think of none other than his sister to be able to work over both stubborn men. “I can make arrangements if you'd like.” If they stayed in the same household sparks would only be stoked to flame. Better to let things cool for a time and he knew his sister missed her son.