Chapter 146 In Pursuit of a Stake
The phone was set to speaker, and the smile Margaret had recently painted on her face, a charm offensive, froze in place. The incessant busy tone of the phone echoed in her ears, a stinging slap to her dignity.Margaret's family was small, but she had always wielded the authority of the Sackler family with a firm hand. In the cutthroat world of business, she was often met with due respect, and she had managed to maintain a cordial relationship with the Carnegie family, who reciprocated her courtesy. This blatant disregard was a first for her.Xena swiftly stepped forward, her voice laced with indignation. "Grandma, the CEO of the Universe Group is unbearably arrogant. How could they just hang up without uttering a word? It's outrageous!"Margaret felt the sting of the insult just as acutely, if not more so. However, given the precarious position of the Sackler family, there was little else she could do. They had only recently established a connection with the Universe Group—a crucial link for the Sackler family's advancement. Margaret was painfully aware that without this connection, the family could face a severe decline under Xena's stewardship in the coming years.She was a young widow who had fought tooth and nail to elevate the Sackler family to its current standing and had no intention of surrendering now. Swallowing her pride and disregarding the affront, Margaret instructed Xena with a stern voice, "Call again!"Xena gripped the phone, her fingers gliding over the screen as she dialed the number once more.Meanwhile, Pearl couldn't help but smirk, deriving a cruel amusement from the unfolding situation."Xanthe, do you think the Sacklers are in some sort of predicament? Is that why they're so desperate to latch onto the Universe Group, like a drowning man clutching at a straw?" Paige responded, "Answer it. This time, let's give them a chance to speak."Taking Paige's cue, Pearl picked up the phone. This time, Xena wasn't as anxious. As soon as the call connected, she introduced herself promptly. The call was on speakerphone, allowing Margaret to listen in.If Xena faltered, Margaret was ready to step in and rectify any missteps. After Xena's introduction, Pearl on the other end remained silent, prompting Xena to glance at Margaret.Margaret gave a small nod, signaling Xena to proceed."Our company has submitted a proposal for a partnership on one of your projects, and we sincerely hope you could consider us for collaboration. If it's convenient, perhaps we could discuss the details over dinner?" Xena concluded, awaiting a response."What project?" Pearl finally inquired, her gaze fixed on Paige who was standing nearby.Paige gestured for her to continue probing. Xena quickly responded, "Your company's renewable energy initiative. The Sackler Group has a subsidiary that has been making strides in this research area. A partnership could certainly secure us a larger market share. I am quite optimistic about the potential collaboration between our two organizations on this."Paige's lips curled into a slight smirk, noting their ambitious aim at the Universe Group's new energy project.The Universe Group's new energy project was well-established. In essence, the Sacklers were looking to capitalize on their groundwork to share in Universe Group's success. However, the profits under Paige's control weren't so easily divided.Pearl glanced toward Paige, who gave her a subtle nod.With a languid tone, Pearl responded, "Is that so? I've been quite swamped lately. Why don't you liaise with our renewable energy department?"Having said this, she glanced over at Paige again, who nodded in confirmation.Then, just like that, Pearl ended the call.Xena, left with the abrupt disconnection and an ambiguous response, had received the typical corporate runaround.Margaret reassured her, "Don't lose heart. It would be unusual to get a definitive answer just by getting through to her on the phone. This is the norm. Now, let's prepare more detailed information. If we can't do it well enough, we'll hire external professionals."After all, we've been working on new energy for two years with little to show for it. But if we can secure a partnership with the Universe Group, the future of the Sackler family will be secure for many more years."As the years passed, Margaret had felt her vitality slowly ebbing away.Especially since Xena's potential marriage into the Carnegie family fell through, she had poured all her energy into finding the right project or patron for Xena to latch onto. That way, even if Xena wasn't up to the task, the Sackler Group could survive even longer.Xena didn't dare to object; she simply executed her grandmother's decisions.Of course, Xena knew that if she managed to align their fortunes with the Universe Group, she might one day find herself on the Forbes list.Wouldn't that leave Paige far behind?
She yearned for the day when her rise to prominence would render Paige insignificant. Even if Paige were to wed into the prestigious Carnegie family, she would be uniting with a powerless Raymond, after all.Xena offered a nod of affirmation. "Fear not, Grandmother," she assured, "I will secure the most proficient individual to compose this report. The CEO of the Universe Group may have been reserved in her words, but she undeniably presented us with an opportunity.""I have everything on record," she continued, "With this evidence, Elowen and Leander will undoubtedly advocate more fervently on our behalf."Margaret nodded in concurrence. "Indeed. Proceed with your task, and aim to have the report prepared within the next few days. It would be most advantageous if we could arrange a meeting with the CEO of the Universe Group."Xena offered another nod of reassurance. "Rest easy, Grandmother."As the two strategized on how to secure a meeting with the CEO of Universe Group, Paige, the CEO herself, was in the throes of laughter, nearly reduced to tears. "Pearl," she managed between fits of laughter, "the occurrences in this world are truly remarkable, aren't they? Out of all the competent companies Margaret and Xena could have aligned with, they chose us. Can you imagine their expressions if they were to find me seated in the CEO's office at the Universe Group?""Xanthe, if you wish to witness that, it's quite simple," Pearl responded, "They are eager to meet you. When that moment arrives, I'll ensure I have my camera at the ready to capture their stunned expressions."Paige nodded in agreement, "That's an excellent plan. Prepare the instant camera. If your photography skills prove insufficient, we'll engage a professional."Pearl offered a smile and a nod of acknowledgment, "Certainly."Just as their conversation was winding down, a nurse rapped lightly on the door before stepping into the room. "Miss," she called urgently, "You need to come quickly. Your Mrs. Sackler..."
