Capítulo 39: Chapter 38: Rejection
Outside the Lounge
As Ethan led the visitors into the lounge, whispers spread among the employees outside.
"Did I hear that right? Northam Group is here?" one employee whispered, leaning closer to catch more details.
Annie, still nursing some irritation from her earlier exchange with Ethan, answered curtly, "Yes, it's the Northam Group. The world's leading biotech company sent their representatives here."
The revelation rippled through the office like a shockwave.
"Northam Group? The global leader in biotech is knocking on our door already?"
"They must see immense value in Pokémon Biotech. Why else would they come in person?"
"If we strike a deal with Northam Group, our company will skyrocket overnight!"
Excitement filled the air, and Annie, seizing the moment, couldn't resist adding, "Yes, Northam is powerful, but don't forget, our company isn't exactly small-time. Why else would they approach us first?"
She paused, savoring the attention, before continuing, "And let's not overlook this: Mr. Grave has already rejected Panex Group multiple times. Yet, they keep crawling back. That should tell you who holds the upper hand here."
The employees murmured in agreement, a few even clapping in approval. Annie basked in the shared enthusiasm, though a flicker of self-consciousness crept in. Was I too bold?
If her colleagues thought so, they didn't show it. Instead, her words seemed to bolster their pride in Pokémon Biotech.
'It's good to see everyone so loyal' Annie thought, smiling to herself.
---
Inside the Lounge
Ethan sat across from representatives of Panex Group and Northam Group, pouring tea with deliberate calm. After a prolonged silence, he broke the tension with a faint smile.
"Panex Group, we've spoken before. Let me reiterate: the Pokémon Company is not for sale. If you're here to make another acquisition offer, save yourself the trouble and leave now."
Ben Sullivan, representing Panex, chuckled nervously, adjusting his tie. "No, Mr. Grave, we're not here to acquire your company this time. We've come with sincerity, this is an investment proposal."
He leaned forward, attempting confidence despite Northam Group's imposing presence. "We're offering 1 billion dollars for an 18% stake in Pokémon Biotech, along with exclusive sales rights for your products."
Ethan leaned back, swirling his tea lazily, his expression unreadable. "An investment, you say? Fine. But there's one prerequisite."
"What is it?" Ben asked, hope flickering in his eyes.
Ethan's tone turned cold. "Panex Group must sever all ties with Jerry Fowler. You're well aware of the history between us. I won't negotiate while your company continues to associate with him."
The room fell silent, Ben's confidence visibly faltering.
"And to be clear," Ethan added firmly, "even meeting this condition doesn't guarantee I'll accept your offer. It merely means I might consider discussing terms. Any agreement would still require significant revision."
It was evident Ethan had no intention of ceding any equity in his company.
Ben hesitated, his brow furrowing. "I'll need to consult my brother before making such a decision—"
He was cut off by a low chuckle from across the table.
---
"What's so funny?" Ben snapped, glaring at Hobbes, Northam Group's representative.
Hobbes, a tall, composed man, raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his gaze. "One billion Dollars for 18% equity? Is that the limit of Panex Group's ambition?"
The tension in the room thickened, Ben's face reddening as he scrambled for a response.
Turning to Ethan, Hobbes spoke with quiet confidence. "Mr. Grave, the Northam Group proposes a different approach. We're offering 1 billion Dollars, not for equity, but for the exclusive transfer of a single technology: your evolutionary genetic code."
He leaned forward slightly, his tone commanding. "Additionally, we're prepared to offer two of Northam's proprietary genetic technologies. You may choose from water adaptation, fire resistance, sandification, or skin tempering, innovations unmatched in the global market."
The offer was breathtaking. Hobbes's confidence exuded certainty, as if the deal had already been secured.
Ben and Anthon exchanged uneasy glances, their earlier bravado crumbling. Compared to Northam's bold proposal, Panex's offer seemed laughably inadequate.
---
Ethan's expression remained calm, his eyes narrowing slightly as he sipped his tea. "Is that all?"
Hobbes's composure wavered briefly, surprised by Ethan's nonchalant response. "Mr. Grave, this is an exceptional offer. If it's not enough, we're willing to go further. The Pokémon Company would gain access to 30% of Northam Group's global distribution channels."
Gasps rippled through the room. Even Ben couldn't mask his astonishment. The sheer scale of Northam's operations was unparalleled, and offering 30% of their distribution network was an unprecedented move.
It was clear Northam Group was determined to secure Ethan's technology at any cost.
---
But Ethan remained unimpressed. He let out a soft sigh, setting his tea down with deliberate care. "Tempting," he admitted, shaking his head, "but still not enough."
Hobbes blinked, his confidence slipping for the first time. "Not enough? Mr. Grave, this deal would—"
Ethan raised a hand, cutting him off. "It's pointless to keep talking here. Follow me to the lab. Some things are better shown than explained."
The room fell silent as Ethan stood, his commanding presence impossible to ignore.
"Why the lab?" Hobbes asked, curiosity evident in his voice.
"To show you my latest results," Ethan replied with a knowing smirk. "You both need to understand something."
He turned to Hobbes. "Northam Group's 'core technologies'? To me, they're just stepping stones."
Then to Ben "And Panex Group's offer? Laughable. You're grossly underestimating Pokémon Biotechnology's capabilities."
Both representatives exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of Ethan's words sinking in.
---
Ethan led the group through the sleek hallways of the Pokémon Company's research wing, their footsteps echoing in the silence. His smirk widened as they approached the heart of the lab.
Inside, rows of glowing culture tanks lined the walls. Pichus and Squirtles floated serenely in nutrient-rich solutions, their vibrant forms illuminated by soft light. But Ethan walked past them, stopping at a sealed chamber at the far end of the lab.
"This," Ethan said, entering a series of commands into the console, "is what sets us apart."
The chamber's lights flickered on, revealing a Pokémon unlike any they had ever seen, something that redefined their understanding of genetic engineering.
Both Hobbes and Ben stared, speechless, as the magnitude of what they were seeing sank in.
Ethan turned to face them, his smirk confident and unyielding.
"You came here to negotiate," he said, his voice calm yet commanding. "Now let me show you why you've underestimated both Pokémon Biotech and me."
...
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