Chapter 298 Halftime Break
Negotiations between two people were like a strategic game, a dance of power and persuasion. Every word and number thrown around represented a fortune beyond most people's wildest dreams.
This game wasn't rocket science. It came down to what both sides needed and how far they were willing to push. Erin had the upper hand with her vast experience and the ability to start a new company whenever she wanted. She wasn't scared to walk away.
Skyview's edge was that, on the surface, they didn't seem desperate to sell. To outsiders, it looked like they were selling Lakeview Express because of a board vote, not because they needed the cash. Both sides were inching closer to a middle ground, each hoping to find a number that would make everyone happy.
"Erin, I've put a lot of my heart and soul into Lakeview Express. I can't accept four and a half billion," Skyview said, glancing at the board members. "Your offer isn't terrible, but it's not great either. I'm not thrilled with it, and I doubt any of the shareholders here would be either." Skyview looked at Kaelen and added, "I don't think even Kaelen would be satisfied."
"Four and a half billion is a bit low, to be honest."
"This is just not serious!"
"If we sell at this price, we might as well keep it ourselves!"
The board members murmured among themselves. Clearly, they weren't happy with Erin's offer.
"Erin, you're so busy, why hesitate for a long time? Lakeview Express is worth a premium. If you buy it and the shared container business, it would be quite beneficial for ApexTech Group, saving you a ton of money!" Kaelen chimed in.
Kaelen didn't want Skyview to sell for cheap. He wanted to look like he was protecting Twin Group's interests, which would earn him more respect from the board members. Openly sabotaging Skyview would backfire and make the experienced board members think less of him.
Erin chuckled. "You guys at Twin Group really stick together. In that case, I'll offer five billion. That should be fair to you."
Skyview was already happy with five billion dollars. Selling Lakeview Express at this price would make them a lot of money. Many board members thought it was a fair deal. Most of them valued the company at around five billion dollars.
But human greed had no end. Skyview wanted more. No one ever thought they had enough money.
Skyview wasn't sure if Erin would pay a premium, but Kaelen's actions had tipped his hand, revealing her interest in Lakeview Express. With this knowledge, Skyview could ask for a higher price, confident that with Kaelen's help, Erin would be willing to pay more.
"Five billion sounds like a lot." Skyview shrugged. "but it's still not what I'm really hoping for."
Erin asked, "So, what's your bottom line?"
Skyview replied, "Seven billion."
Erin went quiet. She definitely didn't want to overpay.
Kaelen started to sweat. Getting Skyview to sell Lakeview Express was the first domino in his plan to take Skyview down, and it couldn't fall. If Skyview scared Erin away, everything else would crumble.
"Skyview!" Kaelen said, "Five billion is a fair price. It's in Twin Group's best interest. You'd personally walk away with two and a half billion. What more could you possibly want?"
Skyview smiled. "Wouldn't seven billion be even better for Twin Group? If Lakeview Express sells for seven billion, I'd personally get three and a half billion. That's a better deal, right?"
Skyview looked calm and collected, like he was deliberately trying to torpedo the deal. Kaelen snapped, "You don't want to sell Lakeview Express at all!"
Skyview nodded. "Yes!"
Kaelen fumed. "You're defying the board's vote!"
"I'm not defying anything!" Skyview said innocently, "Is it wrong to seek more profit for the group? Kaelen, your eagerness to sell Lakeview Express at a low price is very suspicious!"
Erin jumped in, "Let's take a half-hour break. Five billion is my top offer. Any higher, and I need to talk to some people. And hopefully, in that time, Twin Group can get on the same page."
Since Erin had made the suggestion, Skyview and the others had no reason to say no. "Alright!" Skyview said, "I'm a bit thirsty. I'll go get some water!"
Skyview and Hekka left the room. The board meeting was temporarily adjourned.
Back in John's office, John looked at Kaelen and said, "Kaelen, even though we forced Skyview to sell Lakeview Express through the vote, he can still fight back by jacking up the price! And Erin's not stupid; she's not going to overpay. We're stuck. What do you suggest?"
"This is the first step of my plan, and it can't fail!" Kaelen said grimly. "Looks like I need to contact Erin and be ready to make some sacrifices. Skyview's a tough opponent, staying calm under pressure."
John sighed. "If Skyview wasn't a tough opponent, why would I trade shares with you? My only goal is to see Skyview lose everything!" John's eyes burned with hatred for Skyview.
Kaelen contacted Erin. Erin had been waiting for Kaelen's call.
"Kaelen, I wish I could help you, but it's out of my hands. The ApexTech Group's analysts have done their research, and they say Lakeview Express is worth five billion dollars!" Erin said directly. "I can't pay a two-billion dollar premium! I'd rather start my own company!"
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