Chapter 449: The Game (1)
Hannah chuckled, feeling a warmth bloom within her when she thought of Oscar. This strong affection was absent in her relationship with Charles; their marriage was a prescribed order, a lifelong commitment she dutifully fulfilled. She never questioned it. Yet, in this moment, she felt the folly of her past life.
"Hannah," Manuel's voice cut through her thoughts, twice calling her name before she registered it.
"What are you thinking about?" he teased.
"Nothing," Hannah denied. "Just wondering about Susan's reaction to your arrival."
"You know," Manuel said slowly, "she hates me."
"But when she knows the truth…"
"She never will," Manuel interrupted.
"Sometimes you're so thoughtful, I think Susan doesn't deserve you," Hannah remarked.
"That's not true. She has no responsibility; she dislikes me, and she never forces me to do anything. I merely wish to do her a favor," Manuel said calmly.
"Just a favor?" Hannah frowned slightly.
When did Manuel start boasting? Or were Oscar, Manuel, and Theodore all geniuses with unimaginable powers? They remained perpetually beyond her comprehension, despite their unremarkable appearances. She dared not speculate on their capabilities.
"It's not as difficult as you think," Manuel said, avoiding further explanation. "That's all. I need to get back to work. I'll call when I have Sawyer's loan records."
"Okay. I won't bother you then."
"Bye-bye."
Hannah hung up, a wave of depression washing over her. How could the Sawyer Group be involved in so many ventures? Their previous investments had been reasonable, relatively modest. But the South Bay New Town and the international e-commerce projects far exceeded their apparent capacity. Were they recklessly ambitious, or was someone assisting them?
As she pondered this, the door opened.
"Ms. Hannah," Rose announced, "the man you wished to meet has arrived. He's waiting in the meeting room."
"Okay," Hannah nodded. "Tell Tan to be there."
"Yes."
Hannah rose and walked to the meeting room, Tan hurrying to follow.
A middle-aged man sat in the room, the owner of a small, local e-commerce platform. His business was limited in scope, offering door-to-door services within a small area. Hannah had decided to acquire it.
He was understandably nervous; meeting a multi-millionaire boss from a billion-dollar company was bound to induce anxiety.
"Mr. Dixon, right?" Hannah initiated the conversation.
"Yes, Mrs. Wells. How are you?" Jensen stood hastily, extending his hand.
"Please, sit." They sat. Hannah stated bluntly, "I invited you today to discuss acquiring the Bead Chain e-commerce platform."
"It's a small company, net profits less than a million. I don't understand why you'd want it," Jensen confessed, perplexed. The money was sufficient for him and his family, but insignificant to the Cooper Group.
"E-commerce will inevitably boom, and companies like yours will be superseded by larger ones, such as the one the Sawyer Group is building," Hannah explained directly. "But under the Cooper Group, it will be different. You may also wonder why we don't build our own. The process is too cumbersome; we lack the time. Acquisition is simpler."
Jensen listened, accepting her explanation. Given their vastly superior wealth, he didn't suspect any malicious intent from the Cooper Group.
"How much will you pay?" he asked.
Hannah, having thoroughly investigated his business, knew Jensen wasn't particularly invested in it. The right price would seal the deal.
She handed him a file detailing the offer. Jensen snatched it, his eyes widening in shock.
Five million. For a company worth at most two million.
"What do you think of the price?" Hannah asked.
"Absolutely," Jensen blurted, incredulous. "Can such luck really happen?"
"Miracles happen every day," Hannah quipped.
Jensen pondered a moment. "Provided there's no deception, and you pay the promised amount, I will sell the Bead Chain e-commerce platform."
"You can review the contract; payment will follow the next day after you sign."
Jensen reread the contract. "I trust you."
"Sign here. Do you have your official seal?"
"Yes," Jensen replied eagerly.
"Then stamp it." Jensen complied.
The deal was sealed.
After polite pleasantries, Hannah dismissed him and returned to her office with Tan.
"Do you think five million is a worthwhile investment for a company worth less than two million?" Hannah asked.
"Absolutely," Tan replied frankly. "Five million boosts Bead Chain's market value and competitiveness. A lower offer undervalues the platform and would erode trust. However, five million is still significantly cheaper than the Sawyer Group's two billion."
"So, we'll hype it," Hannah stated. "Local platforms like Bead Chain focus on two things. First, we maintain Bead Chain's existing model, focusing on the local market. Our advantage is speed—same-day delivery within the city. Second, international e-commerce, import and export trade."
"So, Ms. Hannah, we're less complex than Sawyer? We define our niche, focus on specialized projects, and attract international e-commerce partners?" Tan summarized.
"And the only advantage we lack is…" Hannah paused meaningfully.
"Clout," Tan finished, sensing her unspoken words.