The Charismatic Charlie Wade

Eric could tell that the person on the other end of the line was undoubtedly authentic.
The temperament and demeanor exuding from the figure on the screen were just too genuine to be contrived. His heart raced
suddenly, a flush of flattery coloring his cheeks. Restlessness pricked at him.
Delores Scott, Zara’s board secretary, glanced at the silence that had hung on Eric for an extended pause.
Seizing the moment, she tentatively inquired, “Mr. Robbins, can you hear me?”
Eric jolted back to reality, his words tumbling out, “Oh, I can hear you! Miss Riley, right? Hi, hello!”
Delores nodded, a gentle smile touching her lips. “Indeed, Mr. Robbins. I’ll get straight to the point. We’re here to discuss a
matter of great importance. Our President, Miss Banks is interested in acquiring Celestial Group. I’d like to know if you’re open to
the idea of selling. If so, we can delve into the specifics of the acquisition.”
Eric’s eyes gleamed with a starry hope, a glimmer in the night sky. His deepest desire was for a successor to take over, someone
to spare him from selling off his life’s work for mere pittance.
He yearned to relish his twilight years in peace. Yet here, right before him, was the unexpected spectacle, the most prominent
business dynasty in the country expressing their intention to buy his legacy. It was a surreal dream he would never have dared to
weave.
So, he put away his usual airs of reluctance and answered, “I am indeed open to the idea of selling. The terms, however, depend
on the offer the Banks Group puts forward.”
Delores’ smile remained affable as she responded, “Since you’re willing to consider, I’ll arrange for our Chairman, Miss. Banks,
to speak with you personally about the price. I’ll have her join the call shortly. We can then hash out the details, and I’ll make
sure to document the meeting minutes.”
Eric’s voice rang with awe, “Ms. Banks? You mean your Chairman, right?”
“Exactly,” Delores confirmed. “Yes our Chairman, Ms. Zara Banks.”
Eric’s heart swelled with a mix of honor and disbelief.
What divine favor had bestowed upon his modest tea enterprise such a rare honor?

How had he, a humble tea vendor, captured the attention of the matriarch of the Banks Family?
Just as his heart raced with excitement, Zara’s video feed popped up on the screen, her poised voice resonating, “Mr. Robbins,
I’m Zara, Chairman of the Banks Group.”
Eric’s voice quivered with exhilaration, “He... Hello, Miss Banks... I’ve long admired your name...”
Zara’s response was warm, her words succinct, “No need for such formality, Mr. Robbins. I trust Delores has briefed you. Let’s
get straight to the point. I propose to purchase the majority of your shares. If the price is right, my legal team will conduct due
diligence tomorrow, and we can proceed with the contract.”
Surprise and curiosity tangled in Eric’s tone, “Is there such a hurry, Miss Banks? To finalize a contract by tomorrow?”
Zara’s laughter was light, her tone businesslike, “Indeed, Mr. Robbins. Dealing in sums of this magnitude requires swift action.
Before the day gets away from us, let’s address your terms. If we can reach an agreement, I’d like our lawyers to commence the
review promptly. Time is a precious commodity.”
Zara’s concise words concealed key messages, revealing a glimpse into her intentions.
First, the deal was within the realm of hundreds of millions. Her bid wouldn’t exceed a billion, extinguishing any notions of
exorbitant demands. Second, her demeanor held an assurance that Eric’s hesitations were understood, though without a hint of
negativity.
Intrigued, Eric inquired, “Why would a conglomerate like the Banks Group be interested in a modest company like ours?”
Zara’s voice carried a trace of amusement, “Mr. Robbins, don’t underestimate yourself. A company’s size isn’t the sole measure
of its value. As for why the Banks Group seeks Celestial Group, my grandfather is particularly fond of Pu’er tea. Given ongoing
food safety concerns in the industry, as his granddaughter, I wish to ensure he enjoys the safest Pu’er tea possible. The
investment isn’t significant, making it a worthwhile endeavor.”
Hearing this, Eric was dumbstruck.
He mused, “Truly a titan of industry! If a man fancies a cup of tea, does he amass a company just to savor it? Or does wealth
pour in like a gust of wind?”

A different thought crossed his mind, tempering his amazement. “The Banks Family’s assets exceed a trillion dollars. A few
hundred million for a Pu’er tea company is but a pittance, akin to spending seven or eight dollars on a bottle of drink. If one truly
cherishes tea, a hundred dollars or more isn’t an exorbitant price.”
Buoyed by this realization, he praised, “Miss Banks, your filial devotion shines. Celestial Group holds a prominent place in the
world of Pu’er tea. Our extensive tea plantations in the south guarantee environmentally friendly cultivation.”
Zara acknowledged, “Indeed, I dispatched Pu’er tea experts there recently, and I’ve reached out to similar enterprises. My
intention is to swiftly finalize a choice from among these candidates.”
Seriousness replaced her smile, “Mr. Robbins, let’s discuss the price directly. What is your desired figure?”
Eric paused before stating, “Miss Banks, my asking price... It is one billion...”
His voice was steadier than his confidence, yet he maintained a composed façade.
Zara’s eyes remained fixed, unmoving, on her end of the video feed. When the figure “one billion” reached her ears, she simply
smiled, her response calm, “Mr. Robbins, I’ve reviewed your financial records and past revenues. While one billion isn’t
excessive, it’s not a feasible price for an outright sale. However, I propose purchasing a 10% stake, valued at one billion dollars,
with an investment of 100 million. This way, you retain control of your company and continue its management, with a
performance agreement in place.”
Here, Zara shifted her focus, “Alternatively, I can offer to buy all your assets outright. No performance agreements, no worries
about the company’s future development. I’ll offer 700 million for everything, on the condition that you close the books from this
moment, and your legal team avoids signing with any third parties. My audit team will take over for evaluation.”
She continued, her tone firm, “If this arrangement suits you, I can transfer 100 million to your account as a gesture of intent. We’ll
formalize it with an agreement. Backing out will cost 100 million in compensation. However, if this doesn’t align with your
expectations, we can conclude our negotiations here. You’re free to explore other options, as am I.”