Orphan To Unbreakable Queen - Chapter 171: Chapter 171

Everyone except Dmytro Svystun grew hesitant. One of them objected, "Mr. Svystun, one billion for only 10% of the shares... I'm afraid this is not in line with what the boss instructed..."
They were authorized to invest one billion for at least 15% equity.
Dmytro, however, held his ground. "We'll take it even if it is only 10%."
Aubree wasn't short on money. What she truly lacked were connections and influence. Every one of her streaming platforms and short video apps was a cash cow. Dmytro knew she wasn't someone who could be constrained by investment amounts. That was why he moved quickly to secure the deal once he ascertained GrabCheap's future potential.
In other words, Aubree had no shortage of potential partners if Manchotech were to walk away from the negotiating table.
Aubree approached Manchotech because their two flagship social media platforms dominated the social media landscape with an unrivaled presence.
"Let me give Mr. Marchuk a call first," Dmytro proposed.
He was referring to Tryfon Marchuk, CEO of Manchotech. Aubree demurred, "Sure. One billion is no small sum, after all. There's no need to rush. Please take your time to discuss before making a decision. But our offer remains unchanged. One hundred million for one percent."
Dmytro stepped outside the room briefly. When he returned, he said with a beaming face, "Ms. Miller, all the terms we proposed earlier still stand, but we have one additional requirement to add to the contract. If you're okay with this, we can sign right away.
"We want to include a clause of Right of First Refusal in all of your future projects," Dmytro stated.
One billion to invest in Aubree, this potential star. That's why Tryfon Marchuk is the boss…' Dmytro sighed inwardly. His boss simply gave the green light straightaway to sign the contract with the revised terms.
For Aubree, adding this additional clause was to her advantage. With Manchotech holding two powerhouse platforms, even if other platforms went under, Manchotech would remain standing. Thus, she affirmed with a smile, "It's our pleasure to work with you."
After securing Manchotech's investment, Aubree's entire team was abuzz with excitement. What excited them wasn't the one billion, but the fact that they had established a relationship with the tech giant.
Though they did collaborate previously, it was due to the Turner Group pulling strings. Back then, they could only meet a mid-level executive. They would never get a chance to meet someone of Dmytro Svystun's level.
But now, they not only secured Manchotech's collaboration based on their own merits, but the tech giant was also vying to work with them.
The contract was swiftly revised, and both parties inked the deal.
As soon as the Manchotech representatives left, a staff member from the Bree Technology team gave a whoop.
"Does this mean we can finally launch our offline marketing campaign?"
Another cried excitedly, "We can push out more promotions to attract more merchants!"
Birgitte began muttering, "In that case, we really have our hands full. I'd better get the planning team started on drafting a new proposal…" She was itching to get started on the next phase as well.
However, Aubree said calmly, "Hold on. We still have Tengu to consider. Nestor, what's the word from their end?"
Nestor, who was in charge of external investment communications, said, "Tengu Gruppe still seems to be undecided, but they're open to meeting with us."
Aubree replied, "It's understandable they're hesitant. After all, we're in the same business, and they're worried we might outrival them. But as long as we show sufficient sincerity, collaboration shouldn't be a problem."
She quickly split her team into two groups. One group would keep up the pressure on Tengu Gruppe while the other would plan the next steps for GrabCheap.
They had to keep the news about Manchotech's investment under wraps for now. If the news were to leak out prematurely, it would inevitably attract unwanted attention at a stage when GrabCheap needed more time to develop.
After landing Manchotech's investment, Birgitte and her team were completely fired up. Aubree couldn't help but marvel at how motivated her team was. Then a thought popped into her head. "Maybe I should give them a chance to shine?"
Thus, Aubree decided to take a well-deserved break.
Coincidentally, Bowen Turner had also just wrapped up his work in Rithol City and was planning to visit her. He gave her a video call.
"Not at home?" Aubree asked, taking advantage of the free time now to revise her undergrad coursework. Her phone was propped up beside her. On the screen, Bowen was leaning against what looked like a balcony railing in casual clothes.
"Mm-hmm. Mark's brother is getting engaged today, so I'm here for the engagement party."
Mark King hailed from the prominent King family in Rithol City with powerful connections to the political elite and the military. Mark himself served in the military. His eldest brother and youngest brother both entered politics, while his youngest sister joined a theater group affiliated with the ruling political party.
One could say the whole family was practically on the government payroll.
"Tomorrow I'm coming to Südlichen Strand. I miss you." Bowen's unexpected confession made Aubree's ears flush pink. In reality, she was starting to miss him too.
"Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I've secured investment from Manchotech for the GrabCheap project. My plan is to partner with both Manchotech and Tengu, though Tengu still seems undecided." Aubree sounded frustrated.
In truth, things had always been smooth sailing for her. This was the first time she had run into such a thorny situation with a potential business partner like the Tengu Gruppe.
"Bree, if Manchotech was able to ink the deal with you so quickly, maybe you should approach Tengu Gruppe's matter from a different angle."
Having spent years in the business world, Bowen could easily discern what was really going on from Aubree's casual grumbles. There were only two possibilities. Either Tengu Gruppe wanted to gauge Aubree's sincerity more thoroughly, or something else was going on…
For the first possibility, it was perfectly normal to be cautious in business. But if it were the second possibility…
Bowen kept his suspicions to himself. He knew that depending on others was no substitute for depending on oneself. Being strong on one's own terms was the best strategy.
If Aubree couldn't see through the subtle game here, maybe a minor setback was just the lesson she needed.
Bowen's eyes glinted. "Not everything will be smooth sailing in every endeavor."
Aubree mulled over Bowen's words, her eyes narrowing slightly. 'Maybe it's time to push Tengu Gruppe a little and see what they're really up to,' she thought.
"Alright, let's not dwell on this now. I know you can handle it. But, I hope you'll save the next few days just for me, Bree."
Aubree's expression softened into a smile. "You bet."
They exchanged a few more words before ending the call.
Before Bowen had time to put his phone away, Ollie Lane sidled up with a sly grin and mimicked sarcastically, "I miss you…"
Bowen only looked back at Ollie calmly. "What? Are you jealous I've got a girlfriend?"
"Pfft! Don't flatter yourself. She's just your girlfriend for now, got it? The kind who can up and leave you anytime," Ollie scoffed.
Bowen shot him a smug look that implied, "You're just jealous." Ollie simply rolled his eyes dramatically in response.
"You have been working your ass off these few days. You must have made plans for the next few days, haven't you?" Ollie asked accusingly.
Bowen raised an eyebrow without confirming or denying.
Mark King was puzzled. "So what if he has made plans?"
"Didn't you learn anything from last year's cold shoulder? Or have you forgotten what special day is coming up in just a few days?" Ollie glared ominously.
The realization hit Mark at once. Aubree's birthday was coming up.