Vincent was in deep thought "pledge allegiance?". If he can represent the Quinns or join the family in the future and bind us to him, that would be a fantastic opportunity for us – Masons." For now, he only owns one company in Emerald Coast County. Still, he wants to compete with the Quinns. He doesn't know any better. He wants us to pledge our loyalty to him. Is he worthy?"
With disgust, Vincent thought, he's just a greenhorn in his twenties but has a voracious appetite. Does he want to take over the Mason family? He should focus on his abilities first! What a big dream for a greenhorn.
"Grandpa, does that mean we're going to turn down cooperating with him?" Ferry rubbed his hands.
Since Ethan made the request, the Masons had three options.
If they agreed, the Masons would become subject to Ethan and have to support him. With his assistance, they could tap into a large market and extend their operations into Emerald Coast County. If he won control of the Quinn family in the future, the Masons would also benefit. The Masons will surely expand their businesses and profit enormously.
If they declined, the Masons would have no further dealings with Ethan, making extending their enterprises into Emerald Coast County much more difficult. They would have no choice but to seek another market. They will no longer have a foothold in Emerald Coast County. But the real problem will be that in the future, whenever Orion Industries expands into another market, they might not be able to hold or expand either.
Of course, there was a third choice. And that was to seek out the Quinns in Washington, DC, and try to warm up to them by divulging Ethan's plans so they could deal with him. However, this alternative would mean becoming enemies with Ethan, and they would not necessarily benefit from the Quinns. This choice would cause more harm than benefit. This is different from the road they wanted to take too.
Ferry was tempted to reject the first option because Ethan was roughly his age. He was unwilling to have the entire Mason family pledge allegiance to Ethan and become submissive to him. What if he were the chairman of Orion Industries? The Quinns gave it to him. He was in dilemma.
To Ferry's amazement, Vincent shook his head and stated, "No, you go and tell him that the Mason family is willing to submit to him. We will pledge allegiance to him."
"Grandpa?" Ferry looked at Vincent, perplexed. "Didn't you just say that he isn't worthy?"
With watery eyes, Vincent replied, "We're just going to tell him that we want the Masons to thrive in Emerald Coast County and establish a strong footing. When he goes up against the Quinns in the future, we'll sit out and reap the benefits. If he wins, we will fully submit to him. If he doesn't, we won't deal with him!"
It instantly occurred to Ferry what his grandfather's plan was. Yes, elders are sharper and wiser! If we bow to Ethan Knight on the surface, the Masons will have nothing to lose, and we may even profit significantly! He'll only become Masons tool!
If Ethan is brave enough to face the Quinns in the future, he will be courting death, while the Masons can escape unscathed with no losses. If he wins by chance, we will have a bright future as his valuable assistant! This is a good choice afterall. Win-win situation.
It was the ideal decision, with no negative consequences!
"Grandpa, what a great move! "I take my hat off to you," Ferry spoke with deep affection.
"Hahaha, I've lived a lot longer than you have. Please take your time and learn from me." Vincent smiled happily as he stroked his beard.
Suddenly, Ferry's phone rang. It was a call from his business owner in Emerald Coast County. "What? Really?
That's great! Okay, follow up diligently and draft all contracts that will be signed with them. I will sign them when I return!" Ferry hung up enthusiastically and turned to Vincent, saying, "Grandpa, fantastic news! Our Emerald Coast County employees have just received offers to collaborate with various companies! Previously, all of these companies refused us, but now they have invited us to work with them. It seems like we'll be expanding into Emerald Coast County soon!"
After some thought, Vincent realized there was a catch. "It appears that Ethan Knight is fast to act. He's expressing his sincerity and demonstrating his capabilities! Good to know."
It took Ferry a long time to recover from his shock and comprehend that the contracts resulted from Ethan's actions! He really has the capability.
The firms previously rejected the Masons due to Ethan's influence. And now that Ethan intends to take the Masons under his wing and show them goodwill, they will undoubtedly volunteer to cooperate with them. Ethan Knight is mighty! His business strategy is flawless.
Vincent, fascinated, stated, "It seems this youngster is quite interesting. Because he is intelligent enough to know what to do, we should not allow his good intentions to go to waste. Ferry, return to Emerald Coast County, and open a Bright Corporation branch there. Invest ten million dollar and give Ethan Knight a percentage of the shares. However, the Masons must own 60% of the shares and have the authority to operate and make decisions. Have you got it?
After some thought, Ferry comprehended Vincent's objectives. He smiled brightly. "Do not worry, Grandpa. I will get the most out of him! Leave it to me."
_ _
That afternoon, Ethan received a box of documents Ferry had requested Boysen deliver him. It included various contracts and equity transfer agreements. It plainly stated that Ethan would receive 40% of the shares of the Bright Corporation branch in Emerald Coast County.
"Mr. Knight, the Masons are intelligent enough to know what they are doing. They have given you roughly half of their company's stock. "They appear to be sincere," Boysen stated.
"Hehe, do you think they're generous enough to give me such a big gift for no reason?" Ethan growled and slammed the paperwork to the table.
Boysen was perplexed as he flipped through them, finally asking, "Is there... anything wrong with the shares?"
Ethan replied, "There is nothing wrong with them. However, this is a recently formed shell firm. There is nothing useful other than the registered capital. The Masons are simply trying to utilize us to get a foothold in Emerald Coast County. But they are not sincere to pledge allegiance."
Boysen eventually noticed that the Masons appeared to give Ethan a large present on the surface. However, they only attempted to capitalize on Ethan and Orion Industries' position to increase profits.
"That wily old fox Vincent Mason must have developed this concept! They present themselves as generous on the surface, but they are out to collect all the rewards. It appears that the Masons aren't very honest." Ethan scoffed. "Since they've already made their choice, they shouldn't blame me for being unkind to the Mason family in the future. It's their lost anyway. Too bad I have read through their antics."