Chapter 807: More Difficult
The moment Roxanne arrived at the research institute, she received a call from Jack. Schooling her emotions, she answered. "Mr. Damaris, what can I do for you?"
Roxanne's voice reminded him of the previous night's incident. "Nothing really. I just wanted your opinion on something. Herbscape Group hopes you'll be their technical advisor. I think you're ideal, but what are your thoughts?"
Roxanne was stunned. After a few seconds, she smiled and agreed. "Since you and Herbscape Group want me, I naturally won't refuse."
Jack chuckled. "I'm glad to hear that." After discussing details, they ended the call. As Roxanne put down her phone, a wave of emotions washed over her.
Jack's call indicated her assistance was crucial to the Damaris-Herbscape collaboration. Having agreed to be the technical advisor, she anticipated Lucian's anger upon learning of it. Realizing her anxieties, Roxanne dismissed them with a self-deprecating laugh. The matter was settled; the competition between Lucian and Jack was over. Why would he still be involved with her?
Meanwhile, Lucian didn't return to Farwell Group. He went straight to Queen Group to see Jonathan, intending to discuss Herbscape Group.
Jonathan rose and nodded a greeting. "I heard Herbscape Group signed with Damaris last night. Our takeover plan failed."
Lucian sat opposite him, his expression grave. "Besides Herbscape Group, are there other pharmaceutical companies you're considering?"
Lucian often sought Jonathan's medical industry expertise. After considering, Jonathan shrugged helplessly. "In Horington, there's no other company comparable to Herbscape Group. It's the only one offering significant takeover benefits."
Their expressions darkened. Their only viable option was Herbscape Group, but the Damaris contract made acquisition significantly more difficult.
"Failing to acquire Herbscape puts our project at a disadvantage," Jonathan stated.
Lucian nodded, pondering alternatives. They'd spent considerable time negotiating with Herbscape before securing agreement, only to have Damaris's sudden intervention cause Herbscape to renege. With the Damaris-Herbscape partnership now public, acquisition seemed impossible.
Suddenly, Jonathan suggested, "Um... what if I have another company negotiate a partnership with Damaris? We can learn Herbscape's asking price. Then, by offering a lower price, we might induce Damaris to break their contract with Herbscape, creating an opportunity for us to resume takeover negotiations—potentially at a lower cost."
If Damaris abandoned Herbscape, they could use it as leverage. Furthermore, Herbscape had reneged first, leaving them indebted. If takeover talks resumed, Herbscape would likely feel pressured to comply.
Jonathan beamed, proud of his two-pronged strategy.