Chapter 152 - The New Investor
Metro Group of Companies Headquarter
MGC is a united company aiming for the same goal and making Metro City the best city in Asia.
One of its stakeholders is Lee Corporation. But then, they pull out their investment and partnership after the accident that involved Hailey, and now, the organization's anger pointed at Vincent for the mess that it causes by his mistress.
"President Shen, you are the first person who knows that we are expanding Metro City Garden. Now that Lee Corp pulled out their investment, how are we going to finish the ongoing expansion of the mall?"
"That's right. We already began the construction of the Emerald Theater that cost over a hundred million. Now how are we going to continue that?"
Vincent is only silent the entire time since the meeting began. Now that they ask him directly, he pursed his lips and smile. By what expression he shows to the Board made them confused. From what they've seen, he remained calm all this time.
"The construction will continue. I'll take responsibility to look for another investor. Metro City is doing well. More foreign investors are attracted to put up their branch company, and it happens that I have countless foreign business partners who are willing to invest in MGC," Vincent responded with superiority in his tone. There's no way these old geezers would scare him to step down.
The stakeholders fell silent only for a moment, then whispers rising in the room.
Meanwhile, Zaijan, who is patiently watching and listening to this boring meeting, finally speaks up.
"Finding new investors is a must, and Vincent can take care of that. And if all of you have forgotten, DV Gem is soon to open their Asia branch store here in Metro City Garden." Zaijan glanced at Vincent and Tyler before he went on. "Lopez Steel Corporation will continue supplying all the materials that are needed to build Emerald Theater. There's no need to stop the construction…."
Whispers arise again, Zaijan and Vincent could sense that the Board is not satisfied with their explanation. They may be lost a big investor, but they knew what actions to take to get new ones.
Later on, the Board called a half-hour break. To what happens, the stakeholders are divided. Inside that meeting room are the groups that sided Vincent, but some of the investors discussed crucial steps against him.
Meanwhile, Vincent, Zaijan, Rodney, and Tyler Lopez are lounging in the lobby outside in the meeting hall.
While Rodney and Tyler smoke, Vince and Zaijan suit themselves with a mug of coffee. And speaking of Tyler Lopez, he is the Director of Lopez Steel Corporation.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Zayn, thank you for speaking up earlier," Vincent said to Zaijan.
"No problem. It upset me that these people would take all the opportunity to take us down. Minor problems, they would happily use it against us," he stated.
"I am also prepared to speak up if those old geezers won't stop complaining," Tyler echoed.
Vince pursed his lips. He is grateful for how his cousins are reliable men. He did not ask for their help, but they would volunteer. It's always like that. All of them were once in a situation, and each one leaned a hand to resolve one's problem.
"So, how was Australia?" asked Tyler to change their topic.
"It's great. We have to start preparing for the groundbreaking, and so, I requested our workers to prepare their Visa and documents. Next week, they need to fly to Dream City to begin the work."
"Great! Congrats, Vincent! If only you tell those old geezers of what current project you are working on. I am certain they could not pull up their jaws from the floor to close their mouths once they found out." Tyler scoffs.
"Those old geezers don't need to know. In this way, we could identify who will give a hand and who attempts to bring us down," Rodney muttered meaningfully, which the three men concurred with his statement.
Vincent chuckled after discerning his words. He told his cousins, "I am planning to announce it during mom's birthday. Besides, originally I dreamed of this project so that mom would be proud of me."
"Heh. Aunt Hilda doesn't accept your girlfriend yet, right?" Tyler queried Vincent. He has heard the news about it.
Vince replied, "Yeah. But I know she will be, in the right time, especially after Eva and I had a divorce."
"Huh. I pitied you that you had a strong-willed nominal wife. Still no news here whereabouts?"
"I have a lead," Vince answered.
"Oh. Where is she now?" asked Tyler; Rodney and Zaijan were anxious to hear his answer.
"Australia..."
"Australia? Really? What is she doing there?" Rodney queried.
"That's what I'm trying to find out."
"I see. That's great then."
They chatted further, suddenly, Tim rushing toward them.
"What happens?" asked Vince.
Tim replied, "Boss, you will not go to believe it!"
"What is it, Tim? Don't thrill us!" Rodney blurts out. He hates surprises.
"Someone arrived and announced that he is interested in investing in MGC," he announced breathlessly.
The four cousins shared a glance. Now they are curious to know who this person is.
Inside the meeting room, all curious eyes staring at the man standing in front of them.
"Good morning, everyone. You know me already, but I will introduce myself since you are confused about why I am standing in front of you. My name is Keith Cole, son-in-law of Congressman Vasquez. On behalf of Cole Holdings, we choose to invest in MGC projects with a sum of ONE BILLION US DOLLARS."
Almost everyone in that room dropped their mouth except the Lopez cousins and Vincent Shen. In fact, they were grinning. They are confident that investors have their way to join MGC one of these days; however, it happened too soon.
Because of the good news, the stakeholders had forgotten that they were plotting to pressure Vincent because of the accident involving his girlfriend that caused a problem when the Lee Corporation pulled out their investments.
Ironically, the new investors are higher by 55 percent than the Lee Corporation investment.
"Look at these people, awhile back they work hard to put you in a hot pot. Now they seem to have completely forgotten what happened," Rodney commented, furrowing his brows from annoyance.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmBut Vincent shrugs a shoulder. He doesn't see it as a threat to his position.
After the stakeholder's meeting, they had lunch in one of the exclusive restaurants in Metro City Garden.
Everyone welcomed Keith, and each of them wanted to talk with him. Then when food was served, he chose to sit next to the Lopez cousins, particularly beside Vincent Shen.
"Welcome to Metro Group of Companies, Mr. Cole."
"Thank you, President Shen." Keith takes Vincent's hand, and they shake hands.
After the delightful lunch, Keith didn't take long, and he bid goodbye.
Today, he was escorted by his father-in-law's men. Keith stepped inside the SUV and sat comfortably in the backseat.
He took out his phone and dialed a particular phone number.
"Princess, the investment is successful. No one is suspicious of my appearance today."
"Great! Thank you, Keith."
"No problem. The Cole family will also benefit from this act."
"But it means more jobs for you."
"It's my pleasure, Princess. Yes... Bye."
Meanwhile, in Crescent Penthouse...
Hailey has just woken up. After the news that Lee Corporation pulls out its partnership with MGC, she already made a move, requesting Keith act as an investor on her behalf.
She perceived that the Board would make Vincent's life harder. But he need not be distracted—the reason she will do everything for him.
She's becoming greedy. She just realized this, but she just wanted Vince to focus on building her city.