Capítulo 38: Chapter 37: Two Families Coming Together
After seeing off the auditors, Ethan returned to the laboratory to inspect the cultivation room. The medium and large culture tanks were nearly full, half occupied by developing Pichus and the other half by Squirtles. Only the super-large culture tank remained conspicuously empty.
Ethan considered filling the tank with culture medium and injecting the genetic code for a new Pokémon species. But after a moment's thought, he decided against it.
"Better to wait a day or two," he muttered. "If new specimens appear too soon, it might raise questions. How could new seeds just materialize overnight?"
Resisting his excitement, Ethan left the cultivation room. "Tomorrow or the day after," he reasoned, "it'll look more natural this way."
The speed of his designs was already a marvel to his team. Barely 20 days had passed since the last launch, and they were likely still wondering how Ethan managed such rapid progress.
"After all," he said smugly, chuckling to himself, "I am a genius designer."
---
Later That Afternoon
Ethan shifted his focus to company affairs, preparing for a high-stakes meeting with a prominent client. Around three o'clock, Annie entered his office, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation.
"Mr. Grave, the Panex Group sent another representative," she announced.
Ethan groaned theatrically. "The Panex Group again? I've already rejected them twice! What's next... Secretary Sloan showing up with flowers and an apology?"
Annie stifled a laugh. "No, this time it's a different representative. He seems less aggressive and only brought one person with him. Should I send them away, or would you like to meet them?"
Ethan frowned in mock frustration, waving his hand dismissively. "Let them wait in the lounge. I have an appointment with Northam Group this afternoon. What time are they arriving?"
"Northam's representative should be here around three," Annie confirmed.
Ethan nodded, satisfied. Northam Biotechnology Co., Ltd. was the global leader in genetic technology, their cutting-edge research far surpassing Panex Group's efforts. This meeting was crucial. A partnership with Northam would elevate the Pokémon Company's prestige and subtly pressure Panex Group into backing off. If played wisely, Ethan could even use the rivalry between the two companies to his advantage.
---
In the Lounge
Two men sat in quiet conversation.
"Ben, was it really necessary for you to come in person?" Anthon Powell asked.
"Not entirely," Ben Sullivan replied with a shrug. "But Secretary Sloan made a complete mess of things. I told my brother from the start that Sloan wasn't fit for this job."
Ben Sullivan, a cousin of Charles Sullivan, the head of the Panex Group, he had recently been tasked with managing their genetic biology division. His companion, Anthon Powell, was a fresh college graduate eager to prove himself.
"Hahaha! Did you hear? Secretary Sloan ended up in the hospital after his fiasco with Ethan Grave," Anthon said with a chuckle.
"Serves him right," Ben muttered. "He barked orders at other companies like he owned them. No wonder Ethan doesn't take us seriously, he probably thought Sloan was a clown."
"But Ethan's stance hasn't changed," Anthon pointed out. "He's still refusing to sell."
"It doesn't matter," Ben replied confidently. "We're not here to buy the company this time. My brother finally agreed that spending 10 billion dollars outright was excessive. A strategic investment will achieve the same goal."
Before they could continue, the sound of footsteps echoed down the hall, silencing their conversation.
The door opened, and Ethan entered, flanked by several staff members. He stopped abruptly, his gaze sweeping the room.
"Wait, why are there other people here Annie!?" Ethan called sharply.
Annie hurried in. "Yes, Mr. Grave?"
"Who are they?" Ethan demanded, his tone firm.
"They're from Panex Group Mr. Grave, you asked me—" Annie began, her voice laced with confusion.
Ethan cut her off, feigning exasperation. "The Panex Group? Didn't I tell them to leave me alone? I have a meeting with Northam Group today. Annie, this mix-up is unacceptable."
Annie's mouth fell open in disbelief as Ethan sighed dramatically. "Forget it," he said with a resigned tone. "Just make sure it doesn't happen again. Since everyone's already here, we might as well talk. No point wasting time."
Annie stepped back, fuming inwardly. Mr. Grave was acting again. I swear he deserves an Oscar, he almost fooled me.
Ethan, inwardly pleased with his performance, turned to the representative from Northam Group. "Mr. Hobbes, my apologies for the scheduling error. My secretary accidentally arranged both meetings at the same time. I hope you don't mind speaking with Panex Group while we're here?"
Hobbes, a bald man with a calm demeanor, raised an eyebrow but replied coolly, "No problem."
As a representative of Northam Biotechnology, Hobbes wasn't concerned. Northam's dominance in the biotech industry made them untouchable. He was confident Ethan would recognize their superiority over Panex Group.
Ben and Anthon, however, were frozen in shock.
"Northam Group?" Anthon whispered, his voice barely audible.
Ben's confidence wavered as he exchanged uneasy glances with his companion. The presence of the world's largest biotech company changed everything.
Ethan engaged in polite conversation with Hobbes, all the while watching Ben out of the corner of his eye. The Panex Group representative's earlier bravado had all but evaporated, replaced by barely concealed panic.
Ben's mind raced. If Northam Group is involved, our chances of success are slim to none.
Ethan smiled inwardly, savoring the moment. The mere presence of Northam Group was enough to unsettle his competition, and he intended to capitalize on it fully. For now, he simply enjoyed the subtle victory. The star Company Pokémon Biotech was rising, and not even the Panex could dim its light.
...
Rizz me up on my Patreon for my sexy benefits that I'm sure your dry-ass lips can't resist. Come on it's a New Year.
patreon.com/chibi_mon_mon
Estado de energía semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Piedra de
Poder