The next day, at the shareholders' meeting of Walter Company.
The atmosphere was tense. The room was filled with a palpable sense of fear, as the shareholders sat motionless, drenched in sweat, too scared to make a move. The sight of the seven empty chairs made their anxiety even worse. They all knew exactly what had happened the night before.
In the span of a single night, all seven of the major shareholders had either died in a car accident or been shot. No one could believe that it was just a coincidence, and everyone knew that someone was behind it.
"Hey, good morning, everyone. How did you sleep last night?" Kyle walked in alone, his face showing a kind smile. He looked at the shareholders, his tone almost nonchalant, as if the tension in the room didn't bother him.
The silence was deafening until finally, a calm voice broke it.
"Kyle, we and Noyce aren't on the same side," an elderly man, who was one of the original founders of the company, said, standing up with a cane. His face showed wear from decades of experience. "You know we're old and don't want to get involved in any of your affairs. We just want to quietly enjoy the profits."
The man, named West, was in his 60s and had worked alongside Kyle's father to build the company. The "Noyce" he mentioned was the shareholder who had been leading the effort to corner Kyle and seize control of the company.
"Oh, dear Uncle West, I'm aware of your plans," Kyle said with a calm smile. "But tell me—what do you think kept you standing here today? What do you rely on?"
Kyle leaned back in his chair as he spoke, his tone cool and deliberate. While the others had been more passive, West had at least tried to maintain some form of alliance, but Kyle knew who had been involved in his persecution. If they had crossed him, they would have met a worse fate. West alone held 10% of the shares, which had allowed him to maintain his position.
"If you've made up your mind, then do as you wish," West said quietly, closing his eyes as if resigning to fate. He had no desire to risk everything for a fight. His priority was ensuring his family's safety.
"Very well. What about the rest of you?" Kyle said, laying down seven documents in front of him. The papers were share transfer agreements, each one legally binding, confirming that the shares of the deceased shareholders were now in his possession.
The remaining shareholders, sensing the situation's gravity, quickly voiced their allegiance.
"We have no objections, Master Kyle."
"Of course, Mr. Kyle. You are in charge now."
"As long as you give the order, Mr. Kyle, we will comply without hesitation."
The fear of losing both their wealth and their lives was enough to make them align with Kyle, whose power was evident from the events of the previous night. Having removed the opposing faction with such decisive force, they were more than willing to pledge loyalty.
"Good. Let's work together to build a Walter Company that will surpass even the Stark Group!" Kyle exclaimed, his voice firm with resolve.
---
After the meeting.
"Master, don't you think you should keep an eye on those shareholders?" Gasco, who had been standing guard outside, entered the room and asked. He had overheard the entire meeting and was now concerned that the shareholders might pretend to be loyal while secretly plotting against Kyle.
"It's fine. Some people are more useful alive than dead," Kyle responded casually. "If anything goes wrong with the experiment, having them around will ensure someone takes the blame."
Kyle had no illusions about the dangers they posed, but for now, their survival was an asset. Their loyalty, although dubious, served his plans well.
"By the way, Gasco, there's a DP trade happening in New York Harbor tonight. I need you to go and take care of it. Test your skills." Kyle's eyes glinted as he spoke, a hint of challenge in his voice.
Gasco nodded confidently, already eager for the mission. "Understood, Master Kyle. I'll handle it."
Kyle, satisfied, yawned. "I didn't even get a proper night's sleep. I need to inspect the other departments now. Take care of this."
---
At the No. 7 Crystal R&D Department.
As Kyle entered, the head of the department immediately noticed him via surveillance and rushed to meet him. The stability of the No. 7 Crystal was nearly perfect. Unless it was deliberately destroyed, it behaved just like an ordinary crystal.
"Lane, come here. I need to speak with you," Kyle called out.
Lane, somewhat perplexed by the sudden summons, followed Kyle into the corridor. Kyle's serious expression made it clear that this was an important matter.
"Is something urgent, Master Kyle?"
"Actually, yes. We're short on manpower. The company is about to launch new projects, and I need your help," Kyle explained, outlining the company's current needs. With Lane's background—he held a master's degree from Oxford—Kyle was confident he could help find the right people for the job.
Lane thought for a moment, then replied, "I do know a few people who are dissatisfied with their current positions. They're highly capable, but they're stuck due to workplace politics. If the opportunity is right, they'll gladly join us."
"Good. I trust you'll handle it. As long as the candidates are qualified, the company will make them an offer they can't refuse. Please make sure to connect with Alice after this."
With that, Kyle left the No. 7 Crystal R&D Department. He had another task ahead of him. It was time to register a new subsidiary. He already had a name in mind.
It would be called... the Umbrella Company.