Chapter 497 Just Do as I Said
Seb nodded, "Got it. Make sure the PR team keeps reaching out to all the major media outlets to get rid of any negative comments about Silvercrest Group. We can't let this blow up."
In the business world, public opinion can be a killer. Most people just go with the flow, and without the full story, they can easily be misled.
If the rumor about Silvercrest Group's chip issues spread, it would be a nightmare to fix their reputation.
So, They needed to nip this in the bud.
"Understood, Mr. Smith. By the way, how's the deal with Aidamore coming along?"
Seb's serious expression softened a bit, "It's going well. If everything goes smoothly, we should be able to sign the contract in the next couple of days."
Hearing this, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Once the contract is signed, Silvercrest Group can offset some of the losses and buy time to figure out what's causing the Rainbow Group's machine failures.
Silvercrest Group's chips had gone through countless tests before hitting the market, and they were confident in their quality.
After the meeting, Seb rubbed his tired eyes. He'd been meeting clients non-stop, and even when he got back to the hotel at night, he had to handle work. He was only getting three to four hours of sleep each night, and his body was nearing its limit.
Seeing the dark circles under his eyes, Paul spoke up, "Mr. Smith, maybe you should skip the paperwork tonight and get some rest."
Seb shook his head, "No, I'll rest after we sign the contract."
Seeing his determination, Paul organized the documents and placed them on his desk, "I'll get you a coffee."
"Thanks."
It was late into the night when Seb finally finished the paperwork.
He picked up his phone and saw a message from Sharon, which brought a warm look to his eyes.
But soon, his expression turned serious again.
Exiting the chat with Sharon, he sent a message to Randy: [Did Sharon accept the gift I asked you to give her?]
Even though it was late, Randy was still awake and replied quickly: [Yes, she accepted it. Uncle Seb, don't you trust me? But is the crisis at Silvercrest Group really that serious?]
Seb looked at the message for a moment before typing a reply: [Yes, Leo and Daniel are stirring things up. If we don't handle this well, it could be disastrous, even leading to bankruptcy.]
As soon as he sent the message, he saw that Randy was typing a response.
After a while, Randy replied: [Uncle Seb, if you need anything, just let me know.]
Seb put down his phone and looked out at the dark night.
This winter, who knows how long it will last.
Around 4 AM, the plane from Metropolis to Aidamore landed.
Leo, accompanied by his secretary Zack Green, left the airport and headed straight to the hotel.
On the way, Zack handed Leo a file, "Mr. Wendy, this is Mr. Forbes' profile."
Leo opened it. Alexander Forbes was originally just the illegitimate son of the previous Forbes Group president, with no right to inherit the company. But his two half-brothers, one obsessed with medicine and the other paralyzed in a car accident three years ago, eventually went mad. That's how Alexander ended up in charge of the Forbes Group.
Alexander took over the Forbes Group and showed no respect for the old shareholders. Within a month, he forced several major shareholders into the background, and within three months, he either pushed out or bought out those who opposed him. In less than six months, he had the company firmly under his control.
In the business world, Alexander was ruthless. Under his leadership, the Forbes Group not only stayed among the top four families but also outpaced the other three by a mile.
After reading Alexander's profile, Leo closed the file and asked coldly, "Did you manage to set up a meeting with Mr. Forbes?"
Zack looked troubled, "Mr. Wendy, Mr. Forbes' secretary hasn't responded. It seems they don't want to meet with you."
Leo wasn't surprised. From the profile, it was clear that Alexander was proud and not easily approachable.
Seb must have put in a lot of effort to get the Forbes Group interested in a partnership.
But as long as the contract wasn't signed, there was still a chance.
"No need to arrange a meeting. I'll wait for him at the Forbes Group building tomorrow morning."
"Understood, Mr. Wendy."
The next morning at 7 AM, before the sun was fully up, Leo was already waiting at the Forbes Group entrance.
Zack was shivering from the cold. Aidamore was much colder than Metropolis in winter.
"Mr. Wendy, isn't it too early? The Forbes Group starts work at nine."
"It's not too early."
He needed to show sincerity.
They waited until after 9 AM when Alexander's car finally arrived.
As soon as the car stopped at the Forbes Group entrance, Leo stepped forward.
The moment Alexander got out of the car, Leo spoke, "Mr. Forbes, hello. I'm Leo Wendy, CEO of Metropolis Vertex Innovations Group. I'm here to discuss a business opportunity with you. When would you be available?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Leo felt a cold, scrutinizing gaze on him.
He met Alexander's gaze with a calm smile.
Alexander sized him up for a couple of seconds before looking away indifferently, "Mr. Wendy, please leave. I don't lack business partners."
With that, Alexander walked inside.
Leo knew that if he didn't find a way to change Alexander's mind today, the Forbes Group would definitely partner with Silvercrest Group.
"Mr. Forbes, I heard you're planning to collaborate with Silvercrest Group?"
Alexander paused and turned to look at him, "Mr. Wendy, I dislike smarty-pants."
Meeting his imposing gaze, Leo smiled, "Mr. Forbes, I just believe that Vertex Innovations Group is a more suitable partner than Silvercrest Group. I hope you'll consider us."
"Whether it's suitable or not isn't for Mr. Wendy to decide."
Without another glance at Leo, Alexander walked into the Forbes Group building.
Zack looked worried, "Mr. Wendy, it seems Mr. Forbes won't be partnering with Vertex Innovations Group."
Unlike Zack's pessimism, Leo remained calm, "As long as the contract isn't signed, there's still a chance."
"But Mr. Forbes doesn't seem like someone who changes his mind easily."
Leo raised an eyebrow and smiled, "So what? The worst outcome is rejection. As long as there's a sliver of hope, I won't give up. You go back and try to find more information about Mr. Forbes."
"Mr. Wendy, aren't you coming back?" Zack was surprised. They had been standing outside the Forbes Group for over two hours, and he was freezing. Wasn't Leo cold?
"No, you do as I said."
"Alright."
After Zack left, Leo continued to wait at the Forbes Group entrance, determined to stay until Alexander agreed to meet him.