Chapter 575
Opponent
“How could I possibly know the details?” Jayden remarked casually and continued playing golf. He wasn’t truly concerned and just wanted to share an amusing thing he heard
William continued playing for a few more shots, but he was clearly distracted.
He looked up. The sun made him squint his eyes.
He suddenly said, “SAM is replaceable to me, but not to Filo Group. Their intentions are crystal clear now. Surely, they have a follow–up plan. I’m done with golf”
He tossed his club to the caddie and began walking away, removing his gloves as he went Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.
Jayden felt a mix of annoyance and amusement.
William had called SAM “replaceable“, yet he was fiercely competing for it and insisting he wasn’t targeting Wesley.
William was known for his sharp business acumen. Upon returning to the company, he immediately instructed Ashton and Fabian to investigate the matter.
His secretaries were exceptionally capable. By the time he changed back into his suit and emerged from the lounge, they had already gathered the necessary information and were standing by the desk with the manager overseeing the SAM project.
Fabian was the first to report. “One of SAM’s shareholders, Dave, has a good relationship with us. He disclosed that the File Group has secretly approached him with a tempting
offer.
“They’re proposing to buy his shares for 60 each and promising him a position of significant power in the future. From what he heard, the File Group has extended the same offer to other shareholders, and some have already agreed to sell their shares to them.”
Williamsat behind his desk
Ashton placed a tablet displaying SAM’s stock price history on the desk. William glanced at his watch and studied the information.
Ashton said solemnly, “This is a classic tactic to cut off supply. They’re being very discreet, intending to catch Jaime and the public off guard.”
The manager was also concerned and asked solemnly, “Mr. Middleton, should we also make a move? Otherwise, we might lose SAM.”
William adjusted his watch, the malachite dial reflecting his stern side profile.
He shook his head, realizing that something was amiss. “Even if the Filo Group manages to convince all the small shareholders to sell their shares, they still can’t beat Jaime.”
Combined, all the shareholders only owned around 14% of the company, while Jaime alone held 17% Furthermore, there were undoubtedly some shareholders who would refuse to betray SAM and Jaime.
Ashton and Fabian exchanged puzzled glances. Weren’t the Filo Group’s efforts in vain then?
William looked up. “Buying shares from small shareholders is usually a supplementary move. It’s often done after acquiring a significant number of shares. Just a way to sound out the numbers.”
The manager instinctively responded, “The File Group couldn’t possibly have a significant number of shares. There haven’t been any major fund movements recently, and there Isn’t any upheaval in SAM.
There weren’t any major fund movements and no disturbances, but the Filo Group wouldn’t be making such a pointless move. So, they must be holding a significant number of shares. But where did these shares come from?
William leaned back in his chair and casually said two words. “Investment banks.”
Realization struck the three of them simultaneously.
“That’s it! The File Group could have purchased shares from investment banks. If they didn’t buy more than 5%, they wouldn’t need to disclose it publicly or pay immediately. Mr. Middleton, I’ll check right now!” Ashton said as he rushed out of the office, followed by the other two.
William picked up a fountain pen, twirling it between his fingers as he pondered the situation. Not long after, the three returned to the office with their findings
Ashton quickly reported, “just as you suspected, the Filo Group indeed signed gambling contracts with three investment banks under personal names and acquired 14.7% of SAM’s shares from them.”
William smirked, admiring the schemer’s cunningness. “They are quite clever to come up with a plan like this. They avoided detection from all parties while also defecting payment.
“With 14,7%, if they manage to acquire an additional 33% from the shareholders, Jaime will be met with a shocking surprise when he arrives at the company on Monday. SAM will have already been renamed to filo They’ll have stolen the entire company”