Darkstone Code

Chapter 662 - 0659 A person posts an article on the operating table_2

"We’re making a bold assumption with this joke; if what I say turns out to be true, would it help your standing in the Consortium?"

He continued in a similar analytical tone, "The board revised the project you approved, rejected your views, and if their decision causes a massive loss to the Consortium, what will they do, and what will you do?"

Without much consideration, Mr. Wardrick immediately responded with the outcome, "According to the rules, the shares in the hands of the individuals pushing the plan will be partially divested to compensate for those who suffered losses, and they will also be kicked off the board, losing voting rights."

For these large Consortium members, losing their voting rights on the Consortium board is an absolutely devastating blow.

However, such situations do not occur frequently. Unless they cause significant damage to the Consortium, it is generally unlikely that they will be stripped of their board seats, as such votes usually do not pass.

"As for me... this would prove my decision-making was correct. Some neutral parties on the board might side with me for a while, and I’d have the chance to increase my number of shares." Upon saying this, Mr. Wardrick’s cheeks flushed slightly.

In truth, he didn’t have many desires—his family life was fulfilling and harmonious, he had a daughter with enough ability not to squander the family fortune, and plenty of money. He was indifferent to many things.

However, in matters of Consortium equity, he still felt a degree of drive, akin to buying insurance.

He could wholly take out insurance on these shares, entrust them to an agency for management, and as long as the Consortium endured, his descendants could continuously enjoy the dividends from these shares.

If the Consortium continued to exist for generations, his offspring would enjoy it for generations!

In this world, people always have some demands, whether in life or after death, or for everything.

Apart from that, having more shares means your voice carries more weight, which is crucial.

It was at this moment that Mr. Wardrick realized what Lynch intended to do must be related to these words of his; the Consortium might very well face a serious setback.

Ironically, he didn’t want to tell others about these things; he wanted to see exactly what method Lynch would use to bring a longstanding Consortium to a crisis!

"It seems we’ve reached a consensus on some demands?"

Mr. Wardrick nodded slightly, "At least for now, we have no differences."

"What do you need me to do?"

Lynch said as he patted his legs and stood up, "Support me when necessary, and support yourself. It’s that simple."

After seeing off Lynch, Mr. Wardrick immediately returned to his study. The change in his heart was actually stronger than what Lynch could see—this was an opportunity.

Of course, he wasn’t arrogant enough to think he could control the entire Consortium—that was impossible, but it was quite easy to increase his influence. He needed to prepare in advance.

Lynch hadn’t told him how to achieve such an impossible plan, but he believed Lynch could definitely do it.

If one were to ask why he felt this way, perhaps it was because every miracle Lynch had achieved in the past was a testament to the next miracle he was about to showcase!

Lynch didn’t discuss meeting those behind the scenes. This was an irreconcilable conflict—without a fight, no one would feel weak.

Three or four days passed as if nothing had happened; the entire Bupen and the entire world were in a state of calm.

On such a calm day, the "Macon Consortium," where Mr. Wardrick belonged, held a press conference and a signing ceremony, personally signed by the board members who facilitated the matter.

Though this did not quite conform to rules, it wasn’t important; he merely wanted to firmly hold onto this credit to gain more speaking rights.

As for his identity, he casually attached himself to a related sales company involved in the development and production of generator sets, taking the title of its president.

What truly attracted people was this contract worth six hundred million and its impact. The Consortium expressed to the public that this order could provide no fewer than five hundred mid-term job positions to society, earning the Macon Consortium and its subordinate companies praise as ethical and conscientious capitalists...

Backstage, staff were doing makeup for the board member who strongly facilitated this matter. He looked through the mirror at Mr. Wardrick standing not far away and said with a half-smile, "You didn’t have to come."

This statement was accurate since it wasn’t Mr. Wardrick personally signing; he had no need to be present. Simultaneously, this attempt to stir up conversation subtly carried a special emotional nuance.

Becoming the group’s president often meant making many decisions without board approval could let the president feel they offended the board by not showing the proper respect.

This became his opportunity to avenge and flaunt.

Mr. Wardrick smiled without speaking.

He folded one arm across his chest, tucking his hand under the opposite armpit, while the other hand slightly lifted, thumb fiddling with his wedding ring.

Faced with this subtle provocation masquerading as casual conversation, he didn’t respond but instead turned to look elsewhere.

This made the gentleman before the dressing table burst into laughter; he thought he’d won.

But at that moment, two ministers from the company’s legal department entered. They stood by Mr. Wardrick and whispered, "We just finished reviewing the contract, and it has been modified..."

Pointing out several terms, they highlighted the most crucial one—liquidated damages.

"Due to the enormous amounts involved in this contract, when we initially drafted it, we considered mutual interests, reducing the penalty to eighteen percent of the total order value, just over a hundred million."

"But now it’s reverted to one hundred and fifty percent liquidated damages. If we breach... we’d have to pay a compensation of at least nine hundred million, which is too much!"

The minister from the legal department glanced around, "This contract cannot be signed; the risks are too high. Of course, my assessment is limited to potential issues. If you or other directors believe we won’t breach it, then there are no risks."

By this point, Mr. Wardrick roughly understood where Lynch’s confidence came from—liquidated damages!

He had just used a similar tactic to squeeze every last cent from Herbs, compelling the old man to find a scenic spot to jump off. Now the victim’s turn had come to them.

He shot a glance at the director in front of the dressing table and said in a deep voice, "The Chairman might come; delay the signing slightly."

Without waiting for the director to respond, he immediately turned and went to the prepared VIP lounge, initiating a conference call.

In less than a minute, phones across different locations rang simultaneously. People picked up, either surprised or curious, and were soon "gathered together."

"I’m Wardrick. I just reviewed our contract draft with the Amelia Province Government and found some clauses had been modified. I demand the termination of this signing ceremony!"

Essentially, he hoped Lynch could use his hand to strike at those arrogant board members, though he hadn’t considered that Lynch would bring down the Macon Consortium.

If something unexpected occurred and they really had to pay nine hundred million in compensation, the Consortium simply wouldn’t have the funds!

Not that they didn’t have money—indeed, their assets were worth more than this number—but a large portion of these assets were in various real estate or appreciating assets, which aren’t cash and cannot be quickly liquidated into cash. That would be a nightmare for the Consortium, possibly even ringing the death knell for its demise!

"What have you discovered, President?"

The speaker’s voice was very gentle, somewhat like... hard to describe, just as if it were that of an elderly Priest, making people feel shrouded in sunlight as they spoke.

Yet Mr. Wardrick knew the owner of this voice was the true Emperor within the Consortium, the Chairman of the Consortium’s board.

"Our liquidated damages are too high; if something unexpected happens, we can’t possibly afford such compensation!"