Chapter 374
Aubree received the news even before Birgitte came to inform her. The incident had blown up, and it concerned public safety. Even in Rithol City, people had been incited to gather downstairs at Bree Technology, demanding to see her.
After receiving the full report from Südlichen Strand, Aubree finally understood the entire picture.
She muttered, “The Yurchenko family really has some tricks up their sleeve. They had somehow managed to get merchants to sell problematic goods and even brought in terminally ill patients to stir up trouble. In less than a day, the internet was flooded with news accusing Bree Technology of selling harmful products to expand its market and make dirty money. With both witnesses and physical evidence presented, the situation seemed genuinely difficult to handle."
Aubree rubbed her forehead. On top of that, the trending buzz around GrabCheap hadn’t died down, and even Trevor’s tabloid gossip was getting overshadowed.
“Ms. Miller, someone from Manchotech Group is here. They’re in the meeting room,” Vincent announced, knocking on the door.
Probably here because of all the buzz online.
“Mr. Svystun.” Aubree shook hands with Dmytro. They were quite familiar with each other, having worked together several times. Dmytro got straight to the point. “I’m sure Ms. Miller has some idea why I’m here today.”
He continued, “About the additional investment we discussed last time, Mr. Marchuk originally had no issue with it. He was willing to offer another five percent in shares and invest three billion dollars more, but…”
Dmytro’s tone shifted. “With the current public outcry, the situation has seriously impacted GrabCheap’s reputation. If you can’t handle this matter well, our cooperation might fall through.”
Product quality scandals were fatal in business. While Tryfon believed in Aubree’s capabilities, he couldn’t afford to gamble at this scale. The previous investments were within his tolerance, but this next one was massive. He needed to think it through.
Dmytro added, “Of course, Mr. Marchuk isn’t planning to just sit back and watch. If there’s anything we can do to help, feel free to ask. I’ll be staying in Rithol City for a while.”
Even though Dmytro held Aubree in high regard, business was still business. He looked at her apologetically.
Aubree didn’t seem angry. The Yurchenko family had made their move, treating her as prey. Little did they know they had stepped into her trap instead.
She smiled. “Thank you for your trust, Mr. Svystun. Since you offered, I won’t be shy. I’d like to ask for your help in making this GrabCheap incident even bigger.”
Dmytro was stunned. “What?”
He had expected her to ask them to suppress the news. However, she wanted to amplify the chaos.
Does she think there aren’t enough people making a fuss already? he wondered.
Aubree explained, “This was Quantavius’s doing, likely with the Wilson family involved as well. They’re trying to take down the platform with product safety issues. I can’t find those merchants. No one will admit to it, so the public’s anger naturally lands on the platform.”
She continued, “They probably assumed I’d rush to suppress the negative press and issue a public clarification. But whether we apologize or explain that it’s not the platform’s fault, it’ll all come off as guilty. In this business, especially e-commerce, once credibility is lost, it’s like cutting off your own lifeline."
She added, “Even if GrabCheap makes it through this, our reputation will be tarnished.” That was why she never intended to suppress it.
To survive, she needed to first put herself in a desperate position. It might turn into the spark that burned down the Yurchenko family.
Dmytro asked, “You want the situation to escalate, so people realize someone’s behind it all?”
Aubree smiled. In the beginning, the incident would stir public fear. But if it dragged on too long and the same narratives were repeated endlessly, people would see through it.