Chapter 278 The Traitor
Erin wasn't the richest or the most successful person in Golden Valley, but she was hands down the most influential in the business scene. She used to be a teacher, known for her way with words, and now she was a go-to speaker and media personality, always in the spotlight. Her fame was off the charts.
If Kaelen was busy, Erin was on a whole different level. One day she’d be giving a keynote at some big-deal forum, and the next she’d be dropping knowledge on a popular TV show. Her schedule was a nonstop rollercoaster of events.
So, securing a meeting with her was quite a challenge, even for someone like Kaelen. He had to book an appointment and wait it out for three days.
Finally, the day came. Kaelen found himself sitting across from Erin in the surprisingly low-key employee cafeteria at the ApexTech Group headquarters.
"Kaelen, lunch is on me today," Erin said with a warm smile.
"Thanks, Erin," Kaelen replied, taking a seat across from her. The food was simple but top-notch, focusing on quality over flashiness.
"Alright," Erin said, glancing at her watch, "what's on your mind? I've only got half an hour." Time was gold for someone like her.
Even this short meeting showed Kaelen's clout. As a member of the Darkmoon family, one of Skyscape City's big four, he had a certain level of respect.
"Erin, I hear you’re really into shared lockers," Kaelen started, cutting to the chase.
"Yep." Erin nodded. "That inspired me. I'm looking at a partnership with the Twin Group to set up a courier service for my logistics needs." She paused, her brow furrowing a bit. "That’s why shared lockers are so interesting to me. The opportunity in Golden Isle City is already taken. And the Twin Group, with their resources, can keep a monopoly. Someone once asked me what the most profitable business in the world is. I didn’t know then, but now I do. It’s a monopoly."
Erin, always the teacher, couldn’t help but share her insights, giving Kaelen a peek into her vast experience.
"So, ApexTech Group plans to invest in Lakeview Express?" Kaelen asked, making sure he got it right.
"Exactly," Erin confirmed.
"Why not go head-to-head with Lakeview Express?" Kaelen challenged. "Or do what Penguin Company did and try to buy them out?"
"Because Lakeview Express has the Twin Group backing it," Erin said bluntly. "Going head-to-head would be a lose-lose situation. Teaming up is the smarter move. And Skyview," she added with a knowing smile, "seems pretty eager to work with me. Especially with me." Her smile widened a bit. "Speaking of Skyview, I hear there's been some tension between you two over Willow."
"Let's just say we don't see eye to eye," Kaelen replied, his tone sharp. "Which brings me to my point. Instead of sharing, why not take it all? Buy out Lakeview Express. Make shared lockers an ApexTech Group exclusive. Wouldn't that be perfect?"
Erin's eyebrows shot up in surprise. She studied Kaelen for a moment, intrigued. "Before the shared locker idea, Lakeview Express was a nobody. A hefty investment from me, and the Twin Group would have readily agreed to sell. But now," she sighed, "with the potential of shared lockers clear to everyone, even an idiot wouldn't let go easily. If I were running the Twin Group, I sure wouldn't. Working with a strong partner is key, but I need to be in control." She paused, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You seem really eager to see Lakeview Express in my hands, Kaelen. What's your angle?"
Kaelen leaned forward, looking serious. "What if I could guarantee you get Lakeview Express?"
Erin's eyes sharpened. "And how exactly would you pull that off?"
"I'm now the second-largest shareholder in the Twin Group," Kaelen revealed, his voice steady. "And I control the voting rights of the former third-largest shareholder, Mason, and the Davis family. With my influence from the inside and your pressure from the outside, we can force Skyview to sell." His voice was full of quiet confidence.
"The second-largest shareholder?" Erin echoed, clearly surprised. "I thought that was John Davis."
"Skyview is a power-hungry tyrant," Kaelen said, his voice hardening. "He's been gunning for the Twin Group and targeting John for years. The Davis family has suffered a lot because of him. He even framed John's grandson, Hilda, and got him locked up through dirty tricks. John knows he's outmatched, so he handed his shares to me, hoping I could stand up to Skyview."
"I see," Erin said slowly, though a hint of skepticism lingered in her eyes. "Even if I buy this feud with Skyview, pushing him to sell Lakeview Express doesn't seem to be in your best interest as the Twin Group's second-largest shareholder. It just doesn't add up."
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