Chapter 262 A Sense of Crisis
The military actually showed up at Stellar Nexus Enterprises' opening banquet and even planned to hold a press conference. This explosive news made the reporters even more eager.
No wonder a simple podium was set up in one area of the banquet hall—it turned out to have a purpose!
Soon, Ethan invited Bennit and others to the podium, and Carlos and Percival also took their seats.
"Dear media friends attending the banquet and all our guests, we will now hold a small press conference. In addition to the chairman and two major shareholders of Stellar Nexus Enterprises, we also have comrades from the Army Science Academy. Now, let's have our chairman, Mr. Wilson, announce some news!" Alexander temporarily acted as the host, maintaining order at the scene before quickly starting the press conference.
"Everyone, thank you for coming to Stellar Nexus Enterprises' opening banquet and press conference today. Some of you might be wondering, we already had a press conference this afternoon, so why are we having another one tonight?" Ethan, sitting in the center of the podium, said with a smile.
"Mr. Wilson, does your group have some cooperation with the military?" a reporter immediately asked excitedly.
"That's right. The afternoon press conference was merely to announce the establishment and opening of Stellar Nexus Enterprises. Now, I am here to announce our cooperation plan with the Army Science Academy!" Ethan said, suddenly standing up from his chair.
The noise at the scene immediately quieted down, and everyone waited for Ethan to announce the news.
"Stellar Nexus Enterprises has reached a consensus with the Army Science Academy and signed a cooperation agreement just two days ago. We plan to establish a high-tech research institute focused on new energy research. This will be the first research project after the establishment of Stellar Nexus Enterprises!" As Ethan announced the news, the scene immediately erupted.
No one expected that Stellar Nexus Enterprises, just after its opening, would reach a cooperation agreement with the military. The military was very strict about cooperating with private enterprises, unless necessary.
The reporters speculated about Ethan's relationship with the military. Could it be that Ethan had some military background?
"Next, let's invite a military representative, a comrade from the Army Science Academy, to introduce the specifics of this joint research institute." After Ethan finished speaking, he handed the microphone to a colonel standing beside him and then left the podium.
The military, Carlos and Percival were left to handle the following matters. Alexander would naturally arrange the process, and Ethan, who always disliked high-profile trouble, withdrew early.
"So you had this move planned. Once the news of cooperation with the military is announced, those local wealthy and influential people will become insignificant. They can come or not!" Sarah exclaimed excitedly, waving her hands as she approached Ethan, who had just stepped down from the podium.
"Ethan, I didn't expect you to act so quickly. Should I also get in touch with the military comrades to facilitate future cooperation?" Merrick, who had been waiting, also approached.
Ethan had previously promised him a position at the Novaria branch, and since the research institute would be in Novaria, dealing with the military was naturally part of the plan.
"Merrick, have you really decided to go to Novaria?" Chloe asked.
"Didn't we already agree on this? I've made up my mind!" If Merrick had any doubts before, his attention to Ethan over the past few days, combined with the military's sudden high-profile appearance today, immediately reassured him.
"Since it's a collaboration, You will naturally have to interact with the military in the future. After the press conference, I'll have Alexander arrange for you to meet them," Ethan said with a nod and a smile.
"What is Merrick talking to Ethan about?" Munro, still in shock, suddenly noticed Merrick walking with Ethan, and his curiosity was piqued.
"Merrick is definitely trying to take advantage of the situation and build a relationship with Ethan. He wants to connect with the military!" Cherry's face turned gloomy.
"Ridiculous! How can cooperation with the military be taken lightly?" Munro snorted and walked over.
Cherry looked conflicted. Even though she didn't like Ethan, given the current situation, if Ethan favored Merrick, it would threaten Munro's position in the Miller family, something she absolutely did not want to see.
"What are you all chatting about so happily?" Munro's sudden question interrupted Ethan and the others' conversation.
Seeing Munro, Merrick became somewhat nervous. Of course, Cherry's face was even more strained as she followed Munro in silence.
"Munro, I'm planning to arrange for Merrick to go to the soon-to-be-established branch in Novaria. I was just about to discuss finding someone else to take over Merrick's responsibilities here in Everglow City with you. What do you think?" Ethan explained directly without hiding anything.
"You want to send him to Novaria?" Munro was even more astonished. Under normal circumstances, this would be great news for him. The Miller family's roots were in Everglow City, and if Merrick left this core area, no matter how well he did outside, he couldn't threaten Munro's position.
But now, with Ethan in the picture, the closer Merrick got to Ethan, the more Munro felt a sense of crisis. Ironically, given Ethan and Chloe's relationship, shouldn't the person closest to Ethan be him?
"Munro, I'm only going to Novaria to handle the affairs of Stellar Nexus Enterprises' branch. I won't be involved in the Miller family's other businesses. I'll still need your help in the future," Merrick said with a smile.
Munro was momentarily speechless. Even if he wanted to oppose it, he had no grounds to do so, as he couldn't find any reason to object!
Cherry's face turned even more stern. She realized that Merrick was clearly preparing to align himself with Ethan. Even though he was giving up all the Miller family's businesses, it made her feel a sense of crisis, which made her very uncomfortable, even if she didn't want to admit it.
"Munro, Merrick actually has no interest in managing the Miller family's businesses in Everglow City. Since there's an opportunity for a change of environment, I think it's a good idea. Although it might be a bit smaller for Merrick, as long as he doesn't mind, it's fine!" Ethan said with a smile, looking at Munro's unnatural expression.
"Just having the opportunity is enough. How could I mind? I'll be working for you in the future!" Merrick quickly said with a bitter smile.
Munro felt a tightness in his chest. Ethan's words had a deeper meaning, clearly reminding him that Merrick was no longer interested in competing for the Miller family's assets and was ready to join Ethan so Munro could rest assured. But why did he feel even more uneasy?
The closer Merrick got to Ethan, the more Munro felt threatened!