Chapter-29
Chris rapped on the table, calling for everyone's attention.
"Everyone, I would like to share some good news with you all. Nolan Pharmaceuticals. has been looking to increase its share pool, so we are currently welcoming new investors. Is anyone here interested?"
"New investors?" Everyone's attention was immediately captured. Nolan Pharmaceuticals was an industry–leading corporation with very limited shares available. That was why Chris' announcement came as a shock to everyone at the table.
"Hasn't the company been doing alright, Mr. Nolan? Why the sudden invitation?" Dahlia asked curiously.
"Of course, it has been. We've just been planning to list our company publicly, that's why. As everyone knows, our company is not short on talent or the capability to overcome competition. This share listing is just so we have some funds to give our employees a good bonus this season." Chris smiled. "We haven't officially announced this to the public yet, and the spots are limited. If anyone here is interested, we can save some spots for you.
That sure got everyone on board. Nolan Pharmaceuticals could easily bag them all hefty profits!
"Count me in, Mr. Nolan. I have five million to spare!" James called out eagerly.
"Eight million on me!" Florence followed.
Chris beamed. "Alright, two spots for you guys.
"Hey, I want a share too! You've got yourself another three million!"
"Five… five million for me–that's all my life savings!"
The family started shouting over each other, worried they wouldn't be able to get at share. It was a perfect example of herd mentality.
"What about you, Dahlia? How many shares would you like to get?" Chris turned to Dahlia. "I can give you extra from the pot, given our relationship."
"I…" Dahlia gave it some thought.
She had learned a lot on her way up to where she was today. Naturally, she knew not to make decisions based on personal sentiment.
"Don't you trust me, Dahlia? I'm offering you a share because you're important to me. You can say no if you want to–there are loads of other people waiting to get their share." Chris huffed lightly.
"I didn't mean it like that. It's just that I'll be joining as a shareholder in a company with the Harmons very soon, so I'm being extra careful with how I'm spending my funds, just in case," she explained.
"How much do you have in hand right now?" Chris asked.
"Not much. So million tops."
"That's more than enough! To be frank with you, you don't need that much to work with the Harmons. Why don't you consider investing in my company instead? We pay out really solid dividends each year."
"He's right, Dahlia. This is a once–in–a–lifetime opportunity!" Florence cried.
"What are you waiting for, sis? You can trust Mr. Nolan. He's already helped you out so many times!" James added.
"If you believe in me, Dahlia, then invest in my company. But if you don't, it's fine too," Chris finally relented.
"L… Alright then."
After some hesitation, Dahlia finally nodded. She was only doing this to pay back the favor she owed Chris, and he had insisted so much that it would be disrespectful to reject his offer. This investment wasn't a bad idea either. Just like that, Dahlia's So million dollars were all promised to Nolan Pharmaceuticals.
"What about you, Dustin? Wanna buy a share?" Chris suddenly asked with a smirk he didn't bother hiding.
"Oh, and by the way, one million is the minimum investment amount. You can have a go at earning big if you have that much as a starter."
"Thanks, but no thanks."
"Heh, I see… Are you not interested? Or… don't you have that much to spare? How about this: For Dahlia's sake, I'll let you have a ten–million share if you can fork out a hundred thousand dollars at least." Chris grinned.
Dustin replied nonchalantly, "No, thank you. I have no interest in a company that's on the verge of packing it up."
That brought Chris' mood to a shocked standstill.
"What did you say?"
Chris froze, thinking he had misheard him.
"I said I'm not interested in a business that's about to go bankrupt," Dustin repeated.
"Bankrupt?"
Everyone was too stunned to react to his words.
"How dare you! That's nonsense!"
Chris was shocked, but he quickly denied it. "Nolan Pharmaceuticals is raking in profits. every day and is at its prime. How could we go bankrupt? Stop fear–mongering!"
"Only you know whether this is fear–mongering or not. Anyways, I've received news that Nolan Pharmaceuticals will be investigated due to the sale of counterfeit illicit drugs. It's just a matter of time before they go bankrupt." Dustin's words were very shocking.
"Counterfeit drugs? Investigated?" Now, everyone was even more puzzled.
Their gaze turned to Chris.
"Nonsense! All of it is nonsense!"
"Dustin, stop spreading these rumors. Nolan Pharmaceuticals is a law–abiding. company. How could it go under investigation? I can sue you for defamation!" Chris threatened.
His words may appear firm, but he was in turmoil on the inside. Nolan Pharmaceuticals was indeed under investigation and would go bankrupt soon. He intended to list the company as a publicly traded company to raise capital so he could run off with a fortune.
However, the news had been suppressed. How did Dustin know without it being leaked?
"Dustin, what nonsense are you spewing? How can a company be as successful as Nolan? Pharmaceuticals go bankrupt?" Florence reprimanded.
"That's right! Everyone knows that Nolan Pharmaceuticals has good assets and is at the peak of success. Stop spreading lies!" James also piped in. It was obvious they doubted him. After all, the Nolan family had a long history in Swinton. They also maintained a good reputation, so it did not seem possible to have issues.
"It's the truth. Nolan Pharmaceuticals is about to go under, and the so–called 'capital increase and share expansion' is nothing than a money–grabbing scam."
Chris even contacted Mason to borrow money. The investigation of the company and its bankruptcy were obviously true.
"Bullshit! I just wanted to do everyone a favor because we're close. It's fine if you
choose not to accept my offer, but how dare you slander me? What intentions do you have?" Chris cried out.
"Mr. Rhys, it's fine if you're not able to help us. But why cause trouble when Chris just wants to help us? You're really devious!"
"That's right! This fellow must be slandering Chris because he's jealous!"
"Dustin, you're so despicable!"
Everyone started to chime in, one after another. Dustin was poor, while Chris had power and money. Between the two, they were more inclined to believe Chris.
Dustin couldn't help but frown as he watched the commotion. He did not expect his kind intentions to be returned with such a negative reaction. This proved that no one would believe a man without money or power.
"Dustin, do you have proof that Nolan Pharmaceuticals is going bankrupt?" Dahlia suddenly asked. She had invested eight million worth of funds. Naturally, she had to be caution
"I don't have evidence. But what I said was the truth. You can check if you don't believe me. You should be able to trace the information," Dustin replied coldly.
Dahlia's expression darkened at his words. Did this mean he was just making it up? She even had high expectations for him. It turned out he was just making false accusations. This must be the result of his jealousy turning into hatred.
"Everyone, since Dustin claimed I'm a swindler, just forget the matter about the shares, lest I rip off everyone."
Seeing that the timing was right, Chris deliberately put on an act as if he had been wronged.