Haddock Mining Group.
The country’s first large private mining company. While it was a private capital, Waterhoof City Mining Group owned 32% of its shares and the IBCS owned 19%. To some degree, it could be seen as a state-owned enterprise.
Its franchise had always belonged to the Haddock Chamber of Commerce, meaning it was in Gale Hurlbutt’s hands.
After all, without the state’s funds, it was impossible to even get the license to mine, let alone open a mining business in the country. Mining fell under controlled resources, and it was not a trade that anyone could take as they wished.
At the same time, it was also a business enterprise on the stock market.
The moment JW Capital and Haddock Mining Group both released official statements, the latter’s share price began to rise.
At the same time in a manor in the outskirts of Nauritus City.
In the luxurious room, Sirius slammed his hand on the table with a bang and growled wretchedly. “What the f*ck is that b*stard Jasper doing?! Is he really going to fight to the death with us?!”
Conrad was the only person in the room beside Sirius, and he was currently focused on cutting the cigar in his hands.
Hearing him, Conrad replied calmly, “Calm down. Do you not find yourself being ridiculous? We’ve already gone past the point of reconciliation long ago. Or did you somehow think this won’t end with one party dead?
“There’s no rule under the sun stating that only we can attack but they cannot counter back. He just managed to hit you where it hurts this time.”
Sirius suppressed the anger within him and complained to Conrad, “You might not know this, Mr. Monty, but the Hanks family’s entire focus is on this one business. We were just about to import the goods for the year when Jasper destroyed our plans.
“The sales channels under us have been coming to find us in the past two days, saying that either we compensate for their losses as per the contracts signed, or we give them the goods. At this rate, the Hanks family will be over even without Jasper’s attack.”
Conrad replied calmly, “That’s easy, then. There’s more than just one Waterhoof City manufacturer in the country. Nothing is stopping you from buying from other manufacturers.”
‘Oh, you f*cking sly b*stard!’
Sirius was extremely displeased, but his expression did not betray his emotions. He smiled bitterly instead. “It’s not that easy. Business like this requires a deposit before the manufacturer starts manufacturing the goods.
“We’ve tried to look for substitute manufacturers before, but they either directly declined us, or they set an ungodly high price. The Hanks family isn’t stupid. We would end up making a loss if we agreed. I might as well pay compensation as per the contracts at this point.”
“So pay the compensation, then.” Conrad smiled.
Sirius quickly explained, “We have tens of sales channels under us. We’ll go broke instantly if we compensate them according to the contracts. We’ve got an alliance, don’t we, Mr. Monty? You can’t just watch me meet my end like this.”
Conrad glanced at Sirius and asked calmly, “Do you wish that I provide you with money or goods?”
Sirius was stunned as he did not expect Conrad to be so willing. He probed, saying, “It’d be best if I got the goods. That way, we can still continue the business.”
“You’re a funny man, Mr. Hanks. The Monty family isn’t involved in such an industry, so how do you expect me to find you so many goods in such a short time?” Conrad asked calmly.
“As for money, I’m sure you wouldn’t believe me if I said I don’t have any. It’d be insincere of me to say so as well. However, the Monty family’s money belongs to the family, meaning that I can give you a bit to help with the situation, but not enough to save your life. Do you understand what I mean?”
Sirius’ expression soured.
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