Stein Tower conference room.
A group of Stein Group executives were holding a meeting. Gwen, the company president, sat high at the head of the table, her expression stern and icy. She listened to the reports from her subordinates, nodding occasionally, reprimanding them at times, or issuing a brief instruction or two.
Managing a corporation as massive as the Stein Group had made her presence increasingly imposing. Especially when she spoke to admonish someone, her aura as a superior was so overwhelming that everyone present hardly dared to breathe.
After all, everyone here was a manager of some rank within the Stein Group. Each of them was a social elite, the sort of person who would be flattered and courted by countless people outside. Yet before Gwen, they were like chicks drenched by a downpour.
"We're looking for partners, not begging them. We accept no conditions. Tell them they have two days left. After that, they're out."
"But the Three Golds' influence over there is practically comparable to a country within a country. Without cooperating with them, it'll be difficult for us to lay out our power grid there..."
"Then give it up. Once the power grids in the neighboring countries are in place, they'll be the ones begging us."
With a cold expression, Gwen suppressed the dispute in just a few words.
She lowered her head and flipped through the documents on the table, preparing to move on to the next item. But when she raised her head again, she caught sight of someone at the door from the corner of her eye and paused. Her expression remained unchanged as she nodded and said in a deep voice, "All right, that's all for now. Meeting adjourned."
At her words, everyone visibly sighed in relief, the relaxation after their taut