Chapter 450 The Game (2)
"Yeah, the only thing we're missing is some active customers. But we can get those not just from our current base but by pulling in new folks too," Cecilia asked Pierce, "You've done a ton of market work overseas to reel in potential customers. Got any good tips?"
"It's pretty straightforward. If you're willing to spend some cash, it's not that hard," Pierce replied.
"I'm all ears," Cecilia said.
Pierce went on, "First off, a solid spokesperson can bring in a ton of fans. Second, a killer promo can instantly attract a bunch of customers. I mean, who says no to a good deal, right? Third, ads. Ads everywhere can grab attention. Fourth, reputation. Word of mouth is the quickest way to seal the deal. As long as we nail our service and quality. In a place like the Yakurosean Empire, where e-commerce isn't big yet, it's not tough to become a leader."
Cecilia nodded, agreeing with Pierce.
In ten years, e-commerce would be the norm.
She'd been itching to start an e-commerce platform, but shifting a company isn't easy and has to be done step by step.
Seeing this chance, Cecilia thought she might as well take a gamble.
She said, "Alright, let's roll with your plan. I'll leave the job of attracting potential customers for the e-commerce project to you. My job now is to convince the board to cough up the funds."
"How much are you thinking of investing?" Pierce asked.
Cecilia replied, "You help me draft a budget first. Based on that, I can figure out the right amount."
"Got it, I'll try to have it ready today," Pierce agreed.
"It's almost noon now. You sure you can have it done today?" Cecilia didn't want to push Pierce too hard.
"I'm used to this fast-paced work abroad," Pierce said.
"Looks like I need to give you a raise," Cecilia chuckled.
"Thanks a lot," Pierce said with a smile.
"But you gotta deliver results. As long as you do, I promise you'll get that raise," Cecilia promised.
"For the sake of my paycheck, I'll give it my all," Pierce joked.
Cecilia smiled too. "I won't keep you from working on the budget, go ahead."
"Yes." Pierce left.
Cecilia watched him walk away.
They'd only been working together for a bit over half a month.
She was genuinely impressed with Pierce's skills.
But in her past life, she didn't remember him, so she wasn't sure about his true colors.
Of course, she didn't doubt him much either.
Pierce seemed to have no ties to the Kingsley Group.
And having him on this project was also a way to test her gut feeling.
She didn't want to be blindsided later.
Meanwhile, Sebastian was fuming in his office.
The position that should've been his was snatched away!
What was Dashiell up to?
Clearly clueless, knowing nothing, yet now he was his direct boss and running the Group Department.
How did he qualify for the Assistant General Manager spot?
He couldn't wrap his head around it, and his anger was boiling over, making him super uncomfortable.
He gritted his teeth, trying to calm down, then picked up the phone and dialed, "Mr. Kingsley."
"What is it?" Dominic's tone was icy.
"Dashiell has come to Everhart Bank," Sebastian said.
"Dashiell?" Dominic frowned.
It took him a second to remember who Dashiell even was.
If it weren't for Penelope liking him, he wouldn't have given Dashiell a second thought.
"Yeah, he's the assistant general manager now, and I'm the one left in the dust," Sebastian fumed.
"Didn't Dashiell divorce Seraphina? How's he working at Everhart Bank?" Dominic asked.
"I think it's because of Dashiell's mom, Magnolia. Atticus has always had a thing for her, so to keep her happy, he just slid Dashiell right in," Sebastian explained.
"How's he at the job?" Dominic asked bluntly.
"Today's his first day, so who knows," Sebastian admitted.
"So you want me to get Dashiell out of Everhart Bank."
"Yeah. I've busted my ass to get here and won over a lot of board members," Sebastian said. "And now, because of one Dashiell, all my hard work is down the drain."
"Dashiell probably isn't that great. Don't stress too much. Atticus is no pushover in business. He wouldn't keep a dead weight, and if he did, he wouldn't put him in such a key spot. If Dashiell can't hack it, you'll get your chance," Dominic reassured him.
"The thing is, I can't stomach this. Atticus is so cold-blooded. After all these years, I still don't measure up to Dashiell in his eyes," Sebastian complained.
"Quit whining. With your background, you're lucky to even be involved with the Everhart Family," Dominic said with disdain.
This reminded Sebastian of Penelope's past jabs.
He gripped his phone tightly, trying to keep his cool.
The Kingsley Family looked down on him, and he remembered every slight.
One day, he'd make Dominic and Penelope regret ever looking down on him.
"But I do have a way to make you feel a bit better," Dominic said.
"What is it?" Sebastian asked.
"Publicly announce Dashiell and Seraphina's divorce. Once it's out there, Dashiell won't have the clout to hold such a high position. The senior board members will likely oppose him. Sure, Atticus is the chairman and has the final say, but even if it doesn't change anything, it'll make Dashiell squirm. Plus, Dashiell's crazy about Seraphina. If you announce their divorce and then say you're dating Seraphina, how do you think Dashiell will feel?" Dominic said casually, clearly not taking Dashiell seriously.
Sebastian felt a bit better hearing Dominic's plan.
He had to admit, after getting to know Dominic, he realized just how sneaky and shameless he was!
His schemes to mess with people were definitely more impressive than Dominic's actual skills.
"By the way, there's something I need to tell you upfront," Dominic said.
"What is it?" Sebastian asked.
"The Kingsley Group is diving into international e-commerce, and we're short on funds. I need you to set up a loan for over a billion dollars."
"You haven't paid back your previous loans yet. According to the rules, you can't borrow more," Sebastian reminded him.
"That's why I'm giving you a heads-up, so you can get things in order."
"A billion dollars is beyond my authority," Sebastian was still hesitant.
"Sebastian, don't you get it? I'm telling you now so you can figure out a way to make it legit for me to get the loan!"
Sebastian's eyes narrowed.
What was Dominic getting at? Was Dominic trying to get him to do something illegal?