Edward agreed with Manuel.
He said, "Indeed, according to my knowledge about those big banks around the globe, Sway Bank was quite influential. But people in Northfield prefer local banks. A foreign bank might not be their first choice. Of course, this might not be the same story for Sway. After all, they have so much clout. People might sway under the impact of a successful campaign, which would surely bring Sway a good chance to steal our market shares."
"Yes, so here are three ideas I want to share with you. First, it's the need for growth, a kind of normal expansion in business. They move in because of their development strategy, a consequence of regular competition in the market. The other one is that it's their intentional conspiracy. I mean someone induces Sway in on purpose."
"On purpose?" Edward repeated and questioned surprisingly.
"In our point of view, this is not good timing for Sway to enter Northfield. But it did, so suddenly and queerly. We have to doubt if this is a plot or not."
Edward nodded.
"Now I am trying to investigate what happens inside Sway, to see which one is the cause. If the first one works, we can just treat it as a normal market competitor. Given the years Phillips Bank has dedicated to Northfield, the new competitor cannot win over us easily. But to the second one, I think we must pay enough attention, for it can bring us real challenges." Manuel explained, "If Sway's entry is on purpose, they must gain some advantages. In other words, they find our vulnerability, which brings it with confidence to snatch our market."
Edward grew sombre at Manuel's analysis.
Susan stood aside, puzzled by the dialogue.
The terms they used sounded like riddles to her.
What were they talking about on earth?
Staying still, she listened to their discussion about the schedule coming after.
After a long while, they reached some agreements at length, while Susan nearly nodded off.
Before the talk, Edward looked irritable although he tried hard to calm himself down. But now he became confident and composed again.
Susan got confused about the stark contrast between Manuel's business talent and his nerdy appearance.
"Susan," Edward stopped them suddenly.
Susan looked back at her father's call.
"Manuel is good at business, you should learn from him as much as possible," Edward suggested.
Susan was left speechless.
"How about?" Seemingly unsatisfied with his simple suggestion above, Edward determined to make a more practical one.
Susan had a presentiment that her father would say something unpleasant.
"You are Manuel's assistant since today. Leave alone the finance. I cannot see any progress from you after a half-year study. Why not just turn to something practical."
"No, I refuse!" Susan turned down his proposal without hesitation.
Edward turned dull.
"I will quit if you keep forcing me." Susan threatened.
"Fine, as you like," Edward was annoyed.
He had thought indulgence for his daughter in her childhood could be a foundation for her happy growth.
But out of his expectation, now it made her indolence.
The more he thought, the angrier he became.
"You can quit if you can feed yourself."
Susan flushed in anger.
Edward's threat worked.
Given her monthly cost, if her father cut off his financial support, he could send her to hell.
She gazed at him viciously.
Neither of them seemed to compromise.
Finally, gnashing her teeth, Susan surrendered, "Well, OK. But don't count on me for any surprise progress."
"I dare not," Edward said coldly, "I am just clutching at straws anyway!"
Damn.
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