“Please sit,” Virginia said, her face returning to its usual cold and frosty demeanor, exuding the aloofness of a CEO.
Charlotte noticed the change in Virginia’s aura but remained unfazed. She sat down gracefully, her eyes fixed on Virginia.
Virginia spoke slowly, “This time, I acquired Time Group for two main reasons. First, it is indeed a great opportunity.”
“Time Group’s starting price was two billion dollars, offering significant maneuverability. As long as it’s acquired at a low price, it’s basically a guaranteed profit.”
“I’m in venture capital, and I can’t pass up such a good deal. But more importantly, during this period, Mr. Howard approached me once and changed my mind about this low-end play.”
Virginia took a sip of coffee, lightly pursed her red lips, and said, “He mentioned that you have something that could bring a revolutionary change to the current beauty market. If we collaborate, the profits would far exceed that small margin.”
“That’s when I got interested. Charlotte, what do you say?”
Charlotte glanced at Quentin. Quentin said, “Now that this thing belongs to you, it’s more appropriate for you to discuss it personally.”
He gave Charlotte an encouraging look.
Charlotte made up her mind, organized her thoughts, and said slowly, “Actually, it’s not a big deal. I just have some secret formulas, ancient beauty recipes from the royal court.”
“These formulas are priceless heirlooms of the Shannon family’s royal beauty lineage. Due to some fortuitous circumstances, they ended up in my hands. So, I’m confident I can make a mark in the beauty industry with them!”
Charlotte’s tone was calm and composed as she said, “Miss Moran, if you want to cooperate, what terms do you propose?”
Virginia replied, “I don’t like trouble. I trust the people I use and don’t use those I don’t trust. I bought Time Group for six billion dollars. To be honest, besides selling it, it’s of no other use to me.”
“Even if I resell it at a sky-high price, I’d only make a few billion dollars in profit, which I find uninteresting.”
Virginia lightly brushed her red lips with her fingers and smiled faintly. “How about we make a bet?”
Charlotte showed a hint of amusement. “Miss Moran, you, a billionaire tycoon, want to bet with someone like me who has nothing?”
“The fun of gambling isn’t just about the bet itself but also about who you bet with and how you bet. Life is a gamble; many people soar to great heights in this grand gamble, while others fall into obscurity. No one can avoid gambling. Those without a gambling spirit will lead a mundane life. Don’t you agree?”
“Indeed!” Charlotte said calmly. “So, Miss Moran, how do you propose we bet? I’m all ears.”
“First, you invest with your technology. I’ll take thirty percent of the shares, and the remaining seventy percent will be yours to distribute as you see fit.”
“Second, we sign a betting agreement with a one-year term. After one year, you must ensure that Time Group’s market value exceeds thirty billion dollars.”
“If you fail to meet this target, the shareholding will change according to the agreement-you get twenty percent, and I get eighty percent!”
“Of course, during this period, you will be the CEO and Chairman of Time Group!”
“You will have absolute control over Time Group’s operations. I will not interfere! What do you think of this bet?”
Seeing Virginia’s sharp gaze, Charlotte suddenly smiled. “Miss Moran, you have quite the audacity!”
“A project acquired for six billion dollars, and you’re willing to give me seventy percent of the shares right away. Impressive!”
“Wrong. That seventy percent is for buying your formulas. If you fail to meet my requirements, that seventy percent will become twenty percent!”
“And by then, all those formulas will belong to Time Group!”
“If you meet my requirements and achieve a market value of thirty billion dollars within a year, my shares will be worth nine billion dollars and continue to grow. I can’t lose either way. Why wouldn’t I be happy?”
“The question is… Charlotte, do you have the guts for this high-stakes gamble?” Her slanted eyes carried a sharpness and a hint of provocation!