Chapter 605
Chapter 605
Chapter 605 Money Makes The World Go Round
As the work hour approached its end, the conference room of Trident Group remained occupied by over twenty individuals, a diverse mix of both old and young, men and women. The majority consisted of the older generation, with only a handful of young business elites. Nevertheless, each of them held significant importance within Trident Group.
Adorned in a tailor-made suit, Cayden sat composedly at the head of the table. His tall stature and authoritative presence were especially attention-grabbing.
Meanwhile, everyone was seated in an orderly manner around the conference table, engaging in discussions about business matters.
At this moment, everyone's expression, aside from Cayden's, appeared somewhat solemn.
The atmosphere of silence persisted for approximately ten minutes.
Finally, the senior-level figure of the group, Jasper Chuck, whose hair fully turned white, couldn't hold back his irritation and spoke up. “Mr. Moore, I reject the proposal to acquire the 'Easeus' app. Our group primarily focuses on technology, real estate, the chemical industry, international trade, finance, and other such ventures that have already spread to every corner of the world. There's no need to spend one billion to acquire a small company like 'Easeus' that's on the verge of bankruptcy. Besides, even though there are various ride-hailing apps everywhere, 'Taptravel' still dominates the entire market and holds the leadership position in the online ride-hailing industry. If we had acted when 'Taptravel' was still in its infancy, perhaps we could have had a share of the market, but now it's too late. I believe that even if we invest money, it would be like charity work — a futile effort. So why bother? Moreover, 'Easeus' is just an ordinary ride-hailing app. How much profit can it bring to the company? In the end, it will likely be a loss-making venture. I disagree with your decision!”
The deep frown on Cayden's face instantly added gravity to his expression as he asserted, “Mr. Chuck, do you believe that we can simply rest on our laurels and secure our position by relying on past achievements and preserving the territory we once conquered, based on the current progress of the company? Today's business development encompasses two crucial directions: diversification and specialization. While they may seem contradictory, they are not mutually exclusive. My current focus is to extend and expand the company's main business industry chain, promoting a more diversified development. We are currently in the era of the sharing economy, and such an economy holds vast business opportunities. 'Taptravel' recognized this potential and, in just three to four years, amassed hundreds of billions in profits, emerging as the unicorn company of the smart ride-hailing industry and creating a legendary tale. The business prospects within this market surpass our wildest imaginations. Admittedly, in the past, I had not considered expanding the company's business into this realm, but...”
After the word “but,” Cayden's lips, cold and alluring, curled ever so slightly as if to mock and look down upon others. “Over the years, 'Taptravel' has weathered rounds of financing and subsidy wars, merging with other ride-hailing apps to ultimately dominate and claim a staggering ninety percent share of the smart travel market. However, precisely due to its unrivaled supremacy, it conceals numerous hidden flaws that the company's management has chosen to overlook. The recent incidents of two young girls' murders, both linked to 'Taptravel,' serve as a poignant reminder of such vulnerabilities within the management. Although it has been ordered to reform now, there's no guarantee it won't encounter similar issues in the future. Therefore, if Trident Group ventures into this market at present, it will attract more capital inflow, undoubtedly receiving substantial backing from higher authorities, as they favor the emergence of homogeneous competition. My mission is to offer customers superior service, creating a safer, more comfortable, and more convenient ride-hailing environment. Hence, my decision regarding the acquisition of 'Easeus' is firmly set!”
Another senior-level figure of the company, surnamed Leroy, Tristan, who was aligned with Jasper, immediately expressed his displeasure, “I think we should consider this more carefully, as the initial promotion and various subsidies for our new software will cost a fortune, making it seem like a
bottomless pit. Given that we still don't know whether 'Easeus' will be profitable or not, I wouldn't recommend taking the risk. As one of the seniors on the board of directors, Mr. Moore, we have the right to vote against it, and I strongly disagree!”
Cayden's slender fingers struck heavily on the conference table. “Mr. Chuck, Mr. Leroy, I have retained you on the board thus far out of respect for the empire my grandfather built with your help. However, over the years, your thinking has grown stagnant, clinging to outdated methods, and failing to adapt to the changing times. Not only have you failed to bring any profits to the company, but you have also used your authority for personal gain. Do you think I am unaware that your main concern is self- interest? If it were not for my grandfather's sake and considering your past contributions, I would have dismissed you long ago! I have kept you here until now, not for you to question my decisions. So, understand your place well. Either stay and abide by my orders, or leave!” His words cutting and unyielding.
The man's overly handsome face turned icy, and his words left the two individuals, who were trying to act superior due to their seniority, visibly unnerved with their faces turning pale.
The autocratic CEO left everyone present on edge.
Inside the conference room, the silence was as profound as death prevailed.
Cayden cast a glance at the assembled elites, and eventually, his icy gaze fixed on Xavier. “Mr. Dartsley, you shall take charge of the 'Easeus' acquisition project. I expect a comprehensive acquisition plan on my desk by tomorrow's workday.”
“Understood, Mr. Moore,” Xavier responded.
“The meeting is adjourned.”
Cayden then stood up from his seat. Soon, his tall and upright figure swiftly vanished from the conference room.
The other participants in the meeting also stood up from their seats, exiting the meeting room in an orderly manner. This is property © of NôvelDrama.Org.
At present, Jasper and Tristan were the only ones who remained seated in their chairs, and their faces still wore a somber expression. Meanwhile, their eyes were clouded and flickering with a mix of sharpness and resentment.
In terms of their age and qualifications, they were considered veterans of the company. Yet, they were being publicly humiliated by a young man like Cayden. Regardless of the circumstances that led to such humiliation, they found it difficult to suppress their anger.
Humph! Cayden, you better ensure nothing untoward happens to you in your lifetime. If, by any chance, we acquire any leverage against you, rest assured that we will bring you down from your pedestal!
At night, inside the mansion, Avery handed the strand of Evangeline's hair to Cayden, her concern evident. “Although I managed to obtain Evangeline's hair, I couldn't get Mr. Lambert and his wife's hair. Their family reunion banquet is scheduled for this Saturday...”
Cayden glanced at Avery's anxious expression and playfully pinched her cheek. “Don't worry about this. We'll get the hair samples from the couple tomorrow, and then we'll take them to Yuvan for testing. He's quite efficient in DNA testing, and we'll have the results in a few hours. It's still two days away from Saturday, so there's no need to rush.”
Avery still found it hard to believe that things would go so smoothly. “How can you be so sure that you'll get Mr. Lambert and his wife's hair by tomorrow? What if you can't?”
“Ever heard of the saying, 'Money can make the world go around?'” Cayden leaned in to give her a kiss on the lips, amused by her somewhat silly demeanor.
In his embrace, the woman exuded a gentle and delightful sweetness. Holding her close, he felt an immediate sense of solace, as if the weariness from navigating the cunning intrigues of the experienced elders at the company had been instantly washed away.
A sense of tranquility washed over Avery, and the worries that had creased her brow in the past few days slowly melted away.
Tomorrow, I will receive the test results. I hope the outcome will not disappoint me.