Chapter 185 Bold Negotiator
"Going in circles and ending up back at square one," Skyview chuckled. "How does it feel, Hilda?"
Hilda scoffed. "If not for your dirty tricks, I'd be signing a partnership agreement with Penguin Company right now. Don't think I haven't noticed your little game. Let me tell you, your precious LiveWave streamers aren't squeaky clean either. Just wait, your turn is coming."
"We're not afraid of your empty threats," Skyview shot back. "We caught you off guard, but we're prepared for any counterattack. You really think you can pull that off?"
His smirk dripped with disdain.
Hilda fell silent, unable to deny the truth in Skyview's words. Their attack had been swift and brutal, throwing Shark Live into disarray.
Retaliating in kind was impossible. LiveWave would be expecting it, any potential weaknesses already shored up. Even if a scandal did erupt, the combined might of Twin Group and Cascade Group would quickly quash it.
Besides, Hilda simply didn't have the resources to manipulate public opinion on that scale.
"Enough bickering, both of you," Benjamin interjected. "Let's get back to business. I'm still open to partnering with either Shark Live or LiveWave."
"You seem awfully eager to work with Shark Live, Benjamin," Oliver remarked, his tone laced with suspicion.
"What makes you say that, Oliver?" Benjamin asked mildly.
"If you weren't biased towards them, why would you even consider them now?" Oliver countered. "This scandal doesn't just affect a few streamers, it affects the entire company. Penguin Company wants to take Shark Live public, but investors aren't stupid. With their top talent tainted, their stock is worthless. I don't see a future for Shark Live."
"I believe there's still potential," Benjamin said calmly. "Penguin Company has strong ties with many celebrities. With our resources and the Shark Live platform, we can easily invite well-known personalities to stream, mitigating the negative impact of these scandals."
His message was clear: Penguin Company had the power to clean up Shark Live's mess.
"I also have connections in the entertainment and sports industries," Oliver said dismissively. "Star power only goes so far. Streaming is best left to professionals."
"That's why I'm interested in working with you, Oliver," Benjamin said, a sly smile playing on his lips. "If LiveWave is willing to accept 600 million, we have a deal. What do you say?"
Before Oliver could respond, Skyview jumped in. "600 million? Absolutely not. We're not lowering the price; we're raising it."
"Raising it?" Benjamin echoed, his eyebrows shooting up. "To how much?"
"1.5 billion," Skyview stated firmly.
Benjamin's jaw dropped. "Mr. Scott, that's preposterous! 1.5 billion for 25% of LiveWave is outrageous!"
Skyview's smile was unwavering. "Not at all."
"It's absurd!" Benjamin insisted.
"Not even remotely," Skyview countered, his tone unwavering.
"Mr. Scott, at that price, we're done here," Benjamin said, his patience wearing thin.
"On the contrary, Benjamin, we're just getting started." Skyview's eyes gleamed with confidence. "Penguin Company needs us, whether you want to admit it or not."
"I'm still interested in hearing Hilda's revised offer," Benjamin said, turning to Hilda.
Hilda's expression hardened, his jaw clenching. "Skyview, Oliver, you had your chance to take my place. If you'd agreed to 600 million, I'd be out of the picture. But you got greedy. Penguin Company isn't stupid; they won't pay 1.5 billion!"
"Of course we're selling high, Hilda," Skyview laughed. "We're not desperate like you."
"Yeah, we have standards," Oliver chimed in, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Don't underestimate me," Hilda growled. "You may have used that Boring charade and your media puppets to sabotage me, but you misjudged my resolve. " He fixed his gaze on Benjamin, holding up four fingers. "400 million. Shark Live is now worth 400 million. Twenty-five percent for 400 million. You won't find a better deal, Benjamin."
Benjamin was stunned, thinking, 'Even with the scandals, 25% of Shark Live is still worth more than four billion. It's a steal.
'I'd expected Hilda to lowball, but 400 million? This is practically a gift. The bonuses and commissions alone…'
"Hilda, you have my admiration," Benjamin said, his voice laced with newfound respect. "You're a bold negotiator. I accept your offer. Penguin Company will partner with Shark Live."
Hilda smiled, thinking, 'How could he refuse? It's a guaranteed win.'
"Let's sign the contract immediately," He said, his voice edged with urgency.
The 'Boring' incident and the streamer scandals had rattled him. He wanted this deal finalized, no more surprises.
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