The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 318
Fitch smiled faintly. “We’re family now. It was the right thing to do.”
Seeing Hackett looking worried, he offered some comfort. “Rest assured, I really didn’t take what they said to heart. I believe a child as kind and innocent as Tamara wouldn’t do something like that. Yvonne was just misled by someone else.”
He paused, shifting the topic naturally to mention the money the Sherwood Group had previously invested in the Sloan Group. “Alright, let’s stop talking about these unpleasant topics. The Sloan Group’s stock market performance has been much more stable recently, hasn’t it? After the wedding, I plan to inject another sum of capital into the Sloan Group to help you expand your production lines.”
Hackett’s eyes lit up. He hadn’t expected that Fitch, far from minding what Leilani and Yvonne had just said, actually wanted to help him increase production. “Really? That’s wonderful!”
But in the next instant, Hackett felt it was a bit unusual. Although he and Fitch had been friends for many years, when things seemed too good to be true, there was usually a catch.
Fitch noticed Hackett’s hesitation but didn’t panic. Instead, he let out a augh. “Hackett, after all these years, you still haven’t changed that suspicious habit of yours. Don’t worry, there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Although I said I’d increase investment for you after Tamara and Milford married, there are conditions.”
His tone shifted, his sharp eyes locking onto Hackett like a hawk. “With this capital injection, I’d like to acquire a portion of the Sloan Group’s shares. After all, with such a large investment, I need some equity as a guarantee, right?”
Hackett froze. Before he could react, Josiah, standing to the side, frowned. “Mr. Sherwood, isn’t that against protocol?”
Zeus and Clive didn’t understand business and couldn’t discern the calculation within the offer. However, they knew the importance of shares to a company. They looked at each other, clearly feeling something was inappropriate.
Yet, unexpectedly, Hackett shot Josiah a disapproving glare.
It had to be said that Fitch had known Hackett for so many years and had long figured out Hackett’s personality.
Hackett was a bit wary, but not much. If Fitch had asked for nothing while increasing investment in the Sloan Group, he might have actually been suspicious. But now that Fitch’s investment came with conditions, he felt reassured.
Moreover, the Sherwood family’s company was developing much better than the Sloan family’s right now. Why would they covet his peanuts?
Even assuming the worst-so what if the Sherwood family held some stock? He wasn’t stupid; that small amount of shares wouldn’t affect his position in the Sloan Group at all.
A myriad of calculations and thoughts flashed through his mind, and Hackett decided this was a low-risk investment. So, after shooting a glance at his son, Hackett turned back, laughed heartily, and patted Fitch on the shoulder. “Fitch, we’ve known each other for over thirty years. Would I not trust you? The shares are negotiable! Invest as much as you want, and we’ll discuss the details later!”
A complex, treacherous glint flashed in Fitch’s eyes, but it vanished in an instant. “Good. Then it’s settled.”
Josiah wanted to say more but was silenced by a glare from Hackett.
The fact that the Sloan and Sherwood families hadn’t fallen out was somewhat regrettable to the guests present.
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