Chapter 206 A Favor in Exchange for Fifty Million Dollars
Ethan cut to the chase, probably to avoid hearing Margaret paint Xena as some tragic figure. "Yeah, the Carnegie family owes the Sacklers big time, and we haven't forgotten. Since we've been friends for ages, Mrs. Sackler, just tell us what you need."
It was obvious the Sacklers were here to cash in on that debt. Margaret didn't see any point in beating around the bush anymore. She went on about how ruthless Paige was, claiming she was out to crush the Sackler family.
Raymond couldn't help but frown as she spoke. Xena jumped in too, tearing into Paige without mercy. "Uncle Raymond, ditching Paige was the best move. She's been to prison; she was never good enough for you."
Raymond had been grateful to the Sacklers for saving him, but now they were badmouthing Paige right in front of him. He was getting fed up. "So, what do you want?" he asked. The gratitude from back then had turned into a business deal today.
Raymond was actually kind of relieved. Knowing Xena was the one who saved him had already lessened his sense of gratitude. Hearing all this trash talk about Paige, he just wanted to wrap this up quickly.
The Sackler family were so ruthless. For the sake of today's deal, they were even willing to sacrifice Xena back then. It seemed the Sackler family didn't think much of Xena either, not sure if she would be the sole heir. Otherwise, Margaret might not have been so willing to make such a sacrifice.
Seeing Raymond's attitude, Xena felt a bit miffed. But Margaret was sharp. Even the biggest debt of gratitude couldn't be used again after this big ask. So she got straight to the point. "The Sackler Group's funding chain has snapped, and the family business that's been around for generations is about to go under. Mr. Ethan Carnegie knows this legacy, with its hundreds of years of history, is what the Sacklers value most. If I mess this up and we go bankrupt, I'd be too ashamed to show my face."
Ethan and Raymond got it now. "I can help with the funding, but we can't run your business for you. So, how much do you need?" Raymond was blunt; he was ready to trade that life-saving debt for cash. No matter how much the Sacklers asked for, Raymond was ready to pay.
Finally, Margaret spoke up under Xena's gaze. "At least fifty million dollars."
Raymond expected a big ask, but fifty million? The Sacklers were looking to cash out big time. With fifty million, once Raymond handed it over, they'd be square.
Seeing Raymond stay silent, Margaret added, "We'll definitely pay it back in the future."
Raymond gave a faint smile, "Mrs. Sackler, you misunderstand. I don't lend money. I either give it or invest. In your situation, you can't even afford the interest!"
Since this whole gratitude thing had turned into a straight-up transaction, there was no point in dragging it out. The main thing now was to wrap it up fast. Raymond still had to pick up Paige from work after this. Finally standing up, he realized he needed to get out more.
Margaret's face went through a whole spectrum of colors, clearly uncomfortable with Raymond's bluntness.
Raymond was known for his high-return investments. If the Sackler Group borrowed fifty million from him, they probably couldn't handle the interest! Margaret was left speechless by Raymond's words.
Raymond quickly scribbled a few lines on his checkbook and handed it to Margaret. "From now on, let's just forget about this whole thing."
Margaret had been ready for this, which was why she dared to ask for fifty million. She knew the Carnegie family's influence and was confident they'd agree if she asked. And just like that, the Carnegie family came through with the money.
With the check in hand, Margaret felt a wave of relief. She planned to release a statement thanking the Carnegie family for their support, making it known that they gave fifty million to help the Sackler Group in a pinch.
This way, everyone would see that the Sacklers had the Carnegie family's backing again, and they'd have nothing to worry about.
Margaret took the check and said gratefully, "Once the Sackler Group gets through this crisis, I'll make sure to publicly thank you."
Raymond frowned slightly. "Publicly thank us?" He quickly realized the Sacklers wanted to make it seem like they had an unbreakable bond with the Carnegies. Though he felt a bit annoyed, Raymond didn't say much.
Ethan glanced at Raymond; after all, it was a life-saving debt. The Sacklers thanking the Carnegies was better than them going around saying they almost sacrificed Xena to save Raymond.
Raymond didn't say anything more. He got up and left, saying he had things to do. Ethan didn't have the energy to keep chatting either. Margaret also stood up to say goodbye.
Leaving the Carnegie estate, Margaret finally let out a sigh of relief. Beside her, Xena quickly asked, "Grandma, this isn't what we talked about at home, right? Weren't we supposed to get the Carnegies involved? They could help us deal with the Universe Group in the future."
Margaret looked back and quickly pulled Xena away. They got into the same car, and the driver took Xena's car away. Once inside, Margaret said, "We managed to use this favor to get through the crisis, and that's already a win. If we push it, we won't get anything. The Carnegies aren't fools, got it?"
Xena nodded, showing she understood. Margaret still wasn't convinced and added, "We must never bring this up again, got it? Not a word to anyone, especially Paige. If she finds out, you know what'll happen. Luckily, we got Raymond to leave Paige and marry someone else; otherwise, we couldn't have used this to get fifty million! Remember, not a word to anyone!"
