The meeting lasted for over an hour, with arguments and counterproposals. In the end, Aiden managed to convince Viktor to give more time for the integration, promising that no decision would be made without prior communication with his strategic partners.
Back in the office, Aiden reviewed the information Arthur had shared about Myt Industrial and the land in City Z. It was a risky move, but a smart one.
"Arthur, call Mr. Naka and schedule a meeting for tomorrow. If he accepts the land, we can move forward with the negotiations and avoid spending more than planned on Asian investments."
Arthur smiled, satisfied. "Considering the value of that land, they'll jump at the offer. We'll have an answer tomorrow."
Ada, however, seemed more cautious. "What if they refuse? Myt Industrial isn't exactly known for taking bargains."
Aiden rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "In that case, let's explore the second option. Send an assessment team to neighboring countries. I want viable alternatives to present by the end of the week."
Ada quickly wrote down on her tablet. "Understood."
When the clock struck 1:00 p.m., Arthur suggested lunch at the hottest restaurant downtown. "You need to eat, Aiden. And for God's sake, stop skipping meals."
"If you stop filling me with reports, I might have time for that," Aiden replied, but he accepted the suggestion.
At the restaurant, while they waited for their food, Arthur began talking about a new marketing idea involving partnerships with digital influencers. Ada, however, seemed more interested in discussing the company's expanding technology business.
"You two never switch off, do you?" Aiden asked, cutting in on the conversation.
"We're at work. Why would we?" Ada replied seriously.
Arthur laughed. "She has a point. But you should switch off. You're the boss kid, after all."
Aiden just sighed, staring out the window. Sometimes he missed the simplicity of being just another piece on the board. But at the same time, he knew that his position was what allowed him to make the changes he wanted to see in the world.
After lunch, the trio went back to work. Aiden spent the rest of the afternoon signing documents, reviewing contracts, and handling video calls with international partners.
Around 6:00 p.m., as he finished reviewing the last report of the day, Ada walked into the office with a serious expression.
"We've received a tip that an anonymous group is trying to quietly acquire shares in Star Corp. It seems they're interested in controlling some of our influence in the technology market."
Aiden frowned. "Investors or saboteurs?"
"Hard to say. But we're monitoring their movements."
Arthur chimed in. "Do you want us to take any preventive action?"
"Not yet. I want more information about who's behind this." Hire an intelligence team if necessary. I want names and motives before I act."
Ada nodded and left to coordinate the next steps, while Arthur stayed behind.
"You seem more tired than usual today," he commented.
"It's the ordinary days that wear me out. The big decisions, I can handle. But the routine... That's what tires me out."
Arthur laughed. "Welcome to the real world, kid."
Aiden just shook his head, a slight smile on his lips.
Aiden left the Star Corp building already planning to call it a day, but something made him hesitate. He opened the driver app on his phone, activating it on impulse. Maybe a little casual interaction could help relieve the tension built up from work.
It wasn't long before a request appeared. The address was nearby, in an upscale residential neighborhood. When he arrived, he saw a woman standing on the sidewalk, wearing an elegant white sundress and a hat that gave her an air of casual sophistication.
Aiden rolled down the window. "Are you... Amelia?"
She smiled and nodded, getting into the car gracefully. "Yes, thank you for coming so quickly."
As they drove, Amelia seemed curious. "You don't look like a rideshare driver. Any interesting story behind that?"
Aiden laughed lightly. "Story? Maybe. But let's just say I like to get out of the routine every now and then."
She studied him for a moment, intrigued. "You have a mysterious way about you. Do you like adventures or is it just for a change?"
"A little bit of both," he replied, relaxed.
Amelia's destination was a luxury mall downtown. When Aiden pulled up, she hesitated before stepping out. "Hey, are you busy right now? I was wondering… How about joining me? I hate shopping alone."
Aiden raised an eyebrow. "Is this an invitation to be your fashion consultant?"
"Maybe. But who knows, maybe I can convince you to buy something too. Come on, what do you have to lose?"
He thought for a moment. He had no pressing commitments, and besides, she seemed interesting. "Okay. But I'll warn you: I'm terrible at choosing clothes."
As they entered the mall, Amelia confidently led Aiden through the more upscale stores. Their first stop was a luxury accessories store.
"Do you think this watch would suit me?" she asked, holding up a diamond-studded model.
Aiden tilted his head, examining the item. "It fits, but it also screams 'look at me.' If that's what you want, perfect."
She laughed, enjoying his honesty. "What about you? Do you wear accessories?"
"Just the basics. A watch and sometimes a ring."
"Let's change that," she said with a mischievous smile, pulling him toward the men's section.
As he tried on watches, Amelia seemed to enjoy the interaction, commenting humorously on how some models made him look more like a powerful businessman and others like an action hero.
At the next store, a designer clothing store, she insisted he try on a suit.
"I think you have potential, Aiden. You just need a little style tweaking," she said as she adjusted the tie he was wearing in the mirror.
"You have a future as a fashion designer, you know?" he commented teasingly.
"Maybe. Or maybe you just like making people look better."
While Amelia was choosing a bag in another store, Aiden waited patiently beside her, feigning interest in the items on display. It was then that a middle-aged man, burly and wearing overly flashy designer clothes, entered with two young women. He was carrying several bags in his hands, clearly wanting to be noticed.
His eyes immediately fixed on Amelia. He walked over, completely ignoring Aiden.
"Miss, such a pretty face deserves something much more exclusive than these pieces. Allow me to recommend something special for you. Who knows, I might even buy you something to please you."