Chapter 35 - The Aftermath|
By the time I finally returned to the quiet sanctuary of my executive office, the global financial news networks were already going absolutely crazy. Vanguard Holdings' public stock had rapidly taken a massive, unprecedented nosedive the moment my press conference successfully concluded. The powerful institutional investors Silas Thorne had previously courted were now furiously issuing panicked public statements, completely distancing themselves from his aggressive hostile takeover attempt to aggressively protect their own fragile public relations.
Marcus walked briskly into my office, carrying a crystal glass of expensive sparkling cider and wearing the biggest, most triumphant grin I had ever seen on his face.
"I think a very quick celebration is entirely in order, Boss," he laughed loudly, handing me the cold glass. "Silas Thorne is currently being completely roasted on every single major business channel. His aggressive hostile bid is officially, completely dead in the water."
"He vastly underestimated us," I said, taking a slow, satisfying sip of the sweet cider. "He wrongly assumed that just because we operate with strict ethics, we were somehow weak or easily manipulated. He forgot that you have to be incredibly, fiercely strong to maintain your absolute integrity in this cutthroat industry."
"Elena just officially confirmed that Vanguard's legal team formally withdrew their aggressive shareholder petition precisely ten minutes ago," Marcus added eagerly, looking at his digital tablet. "They are currently in full, panicked retreat. We completely won."
"We won this specific battle," I corrected him gently, walking slowly over to the massive floor-to-ceiling window and looking thoughtfully out over the sprawling, busy city below. "But there will always be more corporate vultures and endless threats. We have to constantly remain strictly vigilant. We have to consistently keep building our fortress stronger."
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"We absolutely will," Marcus agreed firmly, standing confidently beside me. "But for today, you should truly take a well-deserved victory lap. You successfully outsmarted one of the most ruthless, dangerous men on Wall Street, and you actually managed to save the subsidiary in the process."
I smiled softly, my mind suddenly drifting back to my quiet, peaceful home, to Leo and his award-winning science project. I didn't just win for the massive company; I won to fiercely protect the beautiful, unshakeable world I was heavily building for my bright, wonderful son.
