Chapter 168 Meeting Paul Three
"Welcome, Lori, Vice President of FutureTech Group."
"Welcome, Mary, a well-known graduate of Celestria City Police Academy."
"Welcome, Susan, popular online streamer."
"This is Creator Group's headquarters. I am Gemini, your friendly guide. Gemini wants to remind you that even in the darkest night, the dawn will come. The future is beautiful, and worth fighting for."
"As privileged guests, the three of you have been granted direct access."
The elevator doors slid open, revealing a sight that took the Brown sisters aback. While not as imposing as the FutureTech Group headquarters, Creator's offices exuded an aura of sleek minimalism. The atmosphere buzzed with quiet efficiency, every staff member moving with purpose.
The advanced voice recognition system had identified them instantly, its message of hope striking a chord with their current anxieties. It was a subtle yet powerful display of technological prowess.
The sisters exchanged surprised glances. Mystery, technology, progress—these were the words that sprang to mind. Compared to FutureTech's traditional, almost archaic feel, Creator felt lightyears ahead.
"This way, ladies," a receptionist in a sharp, tailored suit gestured, leading them deeper into the complex.
"Thank you," Lori murmured, nervousness dancing in her chest.
Despite their wealth and experience, the sisters felt strangely out of their depth. This was Creator, after all; the tech giant that had taken Veridiania by storm.
Even this single floor, housing the company's headquarters, pulsed with an energy that dwarfed their entire family business. Creator was a force to be reckoned with, a titan of innovation and influence.
And controlling it was Paul Three.
'What kind of man was he? Would he even entertain their plea for help?'
Lori's heart pounded.
The receptionist finally stopped before a set of double doors,placed apart from the rest. The absence of other offices within a twenty-meter radius spoke volumes about the importance of this space.
"Mr. Paul Three awaits," the receptionist said with a slight bow. "Please, go right in."
The sisters hesitated, anxious. Even before meeting him, Paul Three's presence felt immense, almost suffocating.
Taking a deep breath, Lori pushed the doors open.
The sight that greeted them was nothing short of surreal.
The office was vast, easily 500 square meters, and entirely white. White walls, floors, ceiling, furniture – an almost blinding sea of white, devoid of any other color without even a hint of gray.
90 percent of the space was empty, except for a single, long white table at the far end with a matching white sofa nearby.
Behind the table stood a high-backed swivel chair, facing away from them. A figure sat in it, gazing out the massive floor-to-ceiling window that offered an unobstructed view of the city below.
The sisters stood frozen, captivated by the room. It felt less like an office and more like a celestial chamber.
"Mr. Paul Three is waiting," the receptionist's voice broke their trance.
Lori took a hesitant step forward, the click of her heels echoing in the vast emptiness. The sisters followed suit, holding their breath as they gazed at the figure in the chair.
Even unseen, Paul Three radiated power that sent shivers down their spines.
"Please, have a seat," a smooth, pleasant voice drifted from the chair.
They obeyed, their movements stiff and awkward.
Two agonizing minutes passed before Lori found her voice. "Mr. Paul Three, I…"
"There's no need for introductions, Ms. Brown," he interrupted. "I'm already acquainted with your situation."
Lori's heart sank. Of course he knew; FutureTech's crisis was hardly a secret. Even the AI at the entrance knew who they were.
"You have 60 seconds to convince me to help you," he continued.
Lori froze, her carefully prepared speech dissolving into a jumbled mess.
"50 seconds."
"40 seconds."
He counted down, each tick of the clock ratcheting up the pressure.
"Wait!" she blurted out, panic creeping into her voice. "Mr. Paul Three, I know this isn't charity but a business proposition. We need your investment to stabilize FutureTech. Once we're back on our feet, we'll buy back your shares at a 20 percent premium. You're guaranteed a profit!"
"30 seconds."
"We'll even sweeten the deal with a 3 percent ownership stake as a thank you!"
"20 seconds."
Lori gritted her teeth, desperation clawing at her throat. "10 percent! We'll buy back your shares at a 30 percent premium!"
"Time's up."
The sharp click of a metal lighter cut through the air.
"Ms. Brown," the voice said with slight amusement, "Your offer holds no appeal for me."
Her face paled. "Then what would it take?" she whispered, her voice trembling.
"I told you," he replied softly, "This isn't a business deal; it's help. When will you learn to swallow your pride?"
The words echoed Elbert's own sentiments, sending a chill down Lori's spine.
"I apologize, Mr. Paul Three," she mumbled, her gaze dropping to the floor. "What would it take for you to help the Brown family?"
"There's a document beside you," he instructed. "Ten questions. Answer them to my satisfaction, and I might consider your request."
Lori noticed a stack of white papers on the table beside her. She quickly picked them up.
'Question 1: What are the inherent flaws in FutureTech Group's traditional business model?'
'Question 2: How would you address the internal inefficiencies plaguing the company?'
'Question 3: List thirty percent of the workforce that can be laid off without impacting operational efficiency.'
'Question 4…'
Her eyes widened with each question. They were all about FutureTech, each one focusing into the company's weaknesses.
"FutureTech is an aging giant," he continued, sharp and insightful. "Its internal mechanisms are outdated, its workforce bloated with complacency, and its business model stagnant. Even without this recent crisis, it was only a matter of time before the company collapsed."
"Unless these fundamental issues are addressed, FutureTech holds no value for me."
Lori felt a bead of sweat trickle down her temple. Paul Three was right; he had seen through their facade of success and exposed the rot at the core of their company.
She pulled out a pen and began to write, her mind racing.
Beside her, Mary and Susan exchanged looks. They knew their sister was fighting for their family's future, and they were determined to help in any way they could.
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