Lovely wife 173
Posted on July 03, 2025 · 0 mins read
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Chapter 173

“Your shares as collateral? Mr. Weiss, isn’t that a bit troublesome and risky?” Victor Blackwell, a key representative of the Parent Group, said, adjusting his cuff. He had been observing Calen with mild interest, fingers idly tapping his wine glass.

Calen sat back, maintaining his composure. “It’s a reasonable arrangement,” he said. “Weiss Inc. holds considerable assets, and despite the ongoing investigation, the company has maintained strong operational capacity. What we need right now is liquidity.”

Victor studied him before setting his glass down. “Liquidity alone won’t solve your problems,” he said, leaning back and crossing his legs. “Your company’s reputation has taken a hit. The investigation has made potential investors hesitant. You don’t just need funding, Mr. Weiss. You need stability.”

Calen exhaled slowly. “And that’s exactly why I’m here.”

Victor raised an eyebrow, waiting.

“The Macau project is still viable,” Calen continued. “With additional funding, we can complete it ahead of schedule and shift the public narrative. Once we deliver results, confidence, and investor relationships will be restored.”

Victor hummed lightly, glancing at the portfolio Calen had provided. He flipped through the pages, scanning financial reports and projections.

“I understand the urgency,” Victor said. “However, offering your remaining shares as collateral is bold. If things don’t go as planned, you risk losing controlling power entirely.”

Calen’s fingers tapped lightly against the table. “I understand the risk.”

Victor closed the portfolio and looked at him. “Then why not propose something more conservative? A structured loan, perhaps? Selling only a minor stake instead of using the rest as collateral?”

Calen shook his head. “A structured loan now would mean higher interest rates due to the investigation. And selling a minor stake won’t generate enough capital. The Macau project requires immediate funding; delaying means losing it entirely.”

Victor exhaled, considering. “Let’s say we agree. What guarantees do we have that Weiss Inc. will repay the investment?”

“The project’s revenue stream,” Calen answered. “Once completed, the long-term contracts we’ve secured will ensure steady cash flow. Additionally, the Weiss family still holds significant private assets we can leverage.”

Victor studied him carefully. “So, you’re willing to risk everything.”

Calen’s jaw tightened. “I’m willing to do what it takes to secure Weiss Inc.’s future.”

“You understand that Blackwell Group wants to acquire Weiss Inc., and if this project fails, it will fall into our hands. Are you still willing to take that risk?” Victor asked, smiling.

“Everything, Mr. Blackwell. We believe Weiss Inc. will recover, and we’re confident we’ll repay the loan.”

“Then why not sell your remaining shares to Blackwell Group? Let us acquire the company… cleanly?”

“I apologize, Mr. Blackwell, but that’s not possible. We can only use the shares as collateral and give it one last try.”

Victor was silent before leaning forward. “I’ll discuss this with the board,” he said, tapping the portfolio. “We’ll need a more detailed assessment of the project’s financial projections, and contingency plans for further disruptions.”

Calen nodded. “I’ll have everything prepared by tomorrow.”

Victor gave a small nod, then reached for his glass. “Tell me, Mr. Weiss. If this deal goes through… what’s your next move?”

Calen didn’t hesitate. “I will complete the Macau project, stabilize the company, and cut out everyone who abandoned us when things got difficult.”

Victor’s lips curled slightly, amused. “Interesting.”

He gestured to the waiter for a fresh drink. “Well then, Mr. Weiss,” he said, tilting his glass toward Calen. “Let’s see if you can convince the board.”

After Calen left, Victor smiled, continuing his wine. This was within the CEO’s expectations. Weiss Inc. seemed to be sinking. But gambling shares was something even Victor, a long-time Blackwell Group employee, had rarely encountered.

Victor swirled his wine, fingers tapping the table. He’d expected Weiss Inc. to struggle, but not to walk straight into Blackwell Group’s hands with such a reckless offer.

Using shares as collateral was desperate. Too desperate. If Weiss Inc. had other options, they wouldn’t have made this proposal. The banks must have refused them. Their usual investors must have pulled back. Even their former allies were keeping their distance.

And now, they were here.

Victor exhaled, setting his glass down. This deal was dangerous, even for Blackwell Group. Acquiring controlling shares through collateral had its complications, especially with a company as publicly scrutinized as Weiss Inc. Moving too aggressively could spark unwanted attention.

Still, Calen Weiss and his father were cornered. They had no choice.

Victor pushed back his chair and stood. The gala was winding down. Guests were leaving, some lingering, others slipping toward the exits.

He straightened his suit and walked toward the venue’s private hallways, his steps steady.

A few minutes later, he reached a door guarded by two men in black suits. He knocked once before entering.

The room was dimly lit, offering a clear view of the ballroom through a wide one-way window. A man sat near the window, relaxed, one arm resting on the armrest.

Victor bowed slightly. “CEO.”

The man didn’t turn, continuing to watch the gala, the hum of conversation audible through the glass.

Victor stepped forward. “Just as you predicted,” he said. “The Weiss family is seeking more funds, and they’re willing to gamble with their shares.”

A quiet chuckle filled the space.

Slowly, the man turned, revealing sharp, unmistakable features.

Liam Horvath.

He glanced at Victor, his gaze unreadable.

“Predictable,” Liam murmured.

Victor straightened. “Your instructions?”

Liam leaned forward, resting his elbows on the armrests. “Make sure they sign everything,” he said. “Record the process. I want clear documentation that they understand the risk.”

Victor nodded. “Understood.”

Liam smirked, his eyes flicking back toward the ballroom as the last guests left.

“The Weiss family thinks they’re playing a high-stakes game,” he mused. “They just don’t realize who’s holding the deck.”


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