The Silence Before the Storm
Ethan woke up to 52 missed calls.
His heart pounded as he grabbed his phone, barely processing the names flashing on the screen—investors, board members, journalists.
Something had happened.
Then a message popped up from Alex:
> Dude. Turn on the news. NOW.
Ethan rushed to his laptop and pulled up the live stream of TechBiz Weekly.
The anchor's voice sent a chill down his spine.
> "Breaking news: Titan Edge Interactive has just announced a* full-scale acquisition offer** for Level Up Games, valuing the company at $300 million. However, insider sources suggest this is not a friendly buyout but a** hostile takeover attempt**."*
Ethan's fingers clenched into fists. Titan Edge was trying to buy his company out from under him.
The anchor continued:
> "If the acquisition succeeds, Titan Edge will gain full control over Level Up Games, including its hit title Money Masters. Sources claim Level Up's board members are under pressure to accept the offer, given the recent legal and financial troubles the company has faced."
Ethan's breath came fast and sharp.
This wasn't just business. This was war.
And Titan Edge had just gone nuclear.
---
The Battlefield: Boardroom War
Ethan stormed into the boardroom, where his executives and investors sat in tense silence.
The lead investor, Mr. Harding, sighed heavily. "Ethan, I won't sugarcoat it. The offer is tempting."
Ethan's jaw tightened. "It's a trap."
Harding folded his hands. "Maybe. But considering the legal battle, the PR war, and the investor panic, many believe selling is the safest option."
Ethan scanned the room. He could see it in their eyes—fear. Doubt. Uncertainty.
Titan Edge had strategically weakened Level Up Games, then swooped in with a lifeline. A predatory move.
Ethan took a slow breath. If he lost the board, he lost the company.
And he wasn't going to let that happen.
Ethan's Counterattack – The 3-Step Defense Strategy
1. Expose Titan Edge's True Motives
Ethan activated the projector. On-screen appeared leaked internal emails—evidence of Titan Edge's shadow campaign to sabotage Money Masters.
"Titan Edge doesn't want to buy us to 'help' us," Ethan said. "They want to bury us."
Murmurs rippled through the room. Doubt shifted toward anger.
2. The Golden Alternative – A Better Exit Plan
Ethan turned to the investors. "Selling to Titan Edge means losing everything. But I have a counteroffer."
He outlined a new investment plan, allowing current investors to cash out in two years at double their initial investment.
It was a risky promise—but Ethan was betting on himself.
3. The Emergency Acquisition Block – The White Knight Strategy
Ethan had spent all night on the phone with Mr. Reynolds, his grandmother's old business partner.
Now, he dropped the final bombshell:
"I've secured a counter-investor willing to match Titan Edge's offer—on our terms."
The boardroom exploded in shock.
Titan Edge's takeover was blocked.
Ethan had outmaneuvered the giant.
But he knew Titan Edge wasn't done yet.
---
Titan Edge's Next Move: The CEO's Gambit
As Ethan walked out of the boardroom, his phone buzzed.
Unknown Number.
He answered.
A deep, smooth voice spoke. "Impressive move, Carter. But you're still playing checkers. This is a chess game."
Ethan's stomach twisted. "Who is this?"
A chuckle. "You already know. Let's meet. Midnight. The Cobalt Tower. Top floor."
The call cut.
Ethan exhaled slowly.
He finally knew who was pulling the strings.
The true enemy had stepped into the light.
---
Cliffhanger: The Face of the Enemy
Ethan entered the penthouse office of Cobalt Tower.
A man in a sharp, dark suit stood by the window, overlooking the city. He turned, revealing a cold, calculating smile.
"Ethan Carter," he said. "I've been watching you for a long time."
Ethan's pulse pounded. He recognized the name on the door.
"Richard Vaughn – CEO, Titan Edge Interactive."
The mastermind had finally revealed himself.
And this war was far from over.
---
Next Chapter Preview:
Ethan sits down with his most dangerous rival yet—a billionaire chess master who has already destroyed dozens of companies like his.
Titan Edge is preparing its next strike, and Ethan will have to make the biggest gamble of his life.
This isn't just about his company anymore.
It's about survival.