Almost all the news sites exploded with the shocking revelation about the chairman of Sage Enterprise. Extramarital affairs were not uncommon these days… many businessmen kept mistresses, and it was considered an open secret. However, this scandal struck Sage Enterprise particularly hard because the affair was with another director's wife.
Soon, television stations and social media jumped into the fray. While TV stations exercised some restraint, social media took the news to another level. As soon as certain pre-set influencers posted their articles, the situation spiraled out of control. Their followers amplified the outrage, portraying the chairman as a predator and demanding justice.
Most individual shareholders believed that an internal power struggle was imminent and that the company's stock price would continue to plummet. Panic set in, and they rushed to offload their shares. Within a few minutes, Eleanor's team managed to acquire 18.5% of the market shares of Sage Enterprise at rock-bottom prices.
In the boardroom, after Eleanor left, Teresa remained, her eyes glued to the live updates on her phone. Those tasked with undermining Sage Enterprise continuously sent her updates. As she reviewed the reports, a satisfied smile graced her red lips, enhancing her already striking beauty.
The representatives of the eight companies shuddered. They had been aware that Teresa's boss wanted to acquire Sage Enterprise, but they hadn't realized the extent of her determination. Sage Enterprise had fiercely resisted the acquisition attempt, even rallying support from industry peers to block the unknown company from taking control. Seeing how swiftly the tables had turned, the representatives silently resolved to stay on Eleanor's good side.
Teresa, immersed in her phone, suddenly noticed the intense gazes directed at her. When she looked up, she found the representatives staring at her as if she were their long-lost lover. Feeling uneasy, she awkwardly cleared her throat.
"Thank you all for your cooperation. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave," she said smoothly.
"Oh! There's one more thing. My boss has prepared a small token of appreciation for you all." She retrieved an envelope from her bag, and an assistant distributed the exquisite Hyatt Hotel gift cards inside.
Once everyone had received their cards, she added, "This is a candlelit dinner voucher for two at Hyatt, valid for one month. Use it at your convenience."
She paused before continuing, "You're also welcome to visit our office on Oxford Road. Don't worry, you won't miss Heimdall Tower. If you need any assistance, you have my number."
With that, she gracefully exited the room and headed to her office.
***
Upon arriving at Heimdall Tower, Eleanor admired the grandeur of the building. Although she had seen it in videos, this was her first time witnessing it in person. Without delay, she went directly to the top floor, where her personal staff from Silicon Valley had already been transferred.
One of her assistants, Maya, a sharp-minded Indian woman, approached her with updates.
"Madam, all reports have been compiled. The meeting with the core management team has been arranged on the nineteenth floor."
Eleanor nodded. "Good. I'll attend soon."
Maya left to finalize the meeting preparations, and moments later, Lily, another assistant, entered with updates on Sage Enterprise. Having completed her Master of Liberal Arts in Finance from Harvard three years ago, Lily was a financial prodigy, and Eleanor had taken her in as soon as she graduated.
After exchanging pleasantries, Lily got straight to the point. "We managed to acquire 18.5% of Sage's shares before market closing. However, in the last few minutes, competition intensified. I suspect they'll fight back aggressively tomorrow."
Eleanor remained unfazed. "That's fine. We only need 2% more. Keep buying as much as possible."
Lily frowned slightly. "Even with 20.5%, we'll only secure a director's position. That won't serve our ultimate purpose."
Eleanor smirked. "Don't worry. I have plans for this company."
At that moment, Teresa walked in and overheard the conversation. "What plan are you two cooking up?" she asked with curiosity.
Eleanor turned to her. "Teresa, you're just in time. Get in touch with the director whose wife is involved in this scandal. Approach him carefully… he'll be livid. He holds 20% of Sage's shares. Offer to buy them from him at today's opening market price. Given everything that's happened, I doubt he'll want to remain in the same company as the man who betrayed him. Assure him that we won't announce his sale until we hold the majority. This will give him time to exact his revenge. And if he helps us secure additional shares from other directors, we'll ensure more damaging stories about the chairman reach the public."
Teresa's eyes widened in surprise. "Do we have more dirt?"
Eleanor's smirk deepened. "Of course. I have an entire series lined up. Also, reach out to the chairman's wife… she owns 10% of Sage's shares. If she sells to us at today's market price, we can provide evidence that her husband is a serial offender. This will significantly strengthen her case in the divorce and increase her compensation."
Lily exhaled in realization. "So that's why you only needed 2% more. You already had a strategy to secure the majority."
Eleanor nodded. "I want full control of the company. They don't understand the potential of their latest software. Once we integrate it into our AI systems, its value will skyrocket. I refuse to let anyone else reap the rewards of our hard work."
Maya entered the office and reported, "The core team is assembled and waiting in the conference room on the nineteenth floor."
Eleanor stood and, as she walked out, instructed, "Teresa, remind every media outlet not to mention my name or publish my photo. Both I and Heimdall Technologies must remain in the shadows for now. As a gesture of goodwill, we'll provide them with an indefinite free subscription to our latest antivirus software for their offices."
She turned to Maya. "Gather a list of media outlets willing to maintain a good relationship with us. Send a team of engineers to install the antivirus software in their offices this week. We may need stronger media support soon."
***
Taking the stairs down one floor, Eleanor entered the conference room where sixty-four core employees awaited her. Without hesitation, she walked to the podium.
"I've gathered you all here to inform you that our company's expansion has begun," she announced. "Each of you has played a critical role in bringing Heimdall Technologies to where it is today. But now, you must step up and take on greater responsibilities."
She let her words sink in before continuing. "You will remain in this building, but you will now lead your own teams. Today, we fully acquired eight companies. Over a thousand new employees will be joining us soon. Who better to lead them than you?"
A murmur of excitement rippled through the room.
"Don't worry," she reassured them. "Every new employee will sign a confidentiality agreement with a penalty of ten million pounds, just as you did. Our company secrets will remain secure. Maintain the same information hierarchy as before. No matter what you work on, know that your creations are safe here."
She paused, then concluded firmly, "Teresa will assign your new offices later. Money is not an issue… think big. Together, we will create the most powerful Artificial Intelligence the world has ever seen."
A round of determined applause filled the room as Eleanor walked out with confidence, ready for the next step in her conquest.