[Chapter 429: The Threat]
As expected and anticipated by Linton, the negotiation team from Matsushita Electronics had completely stalled the talks. They rigidly held their ground at $7 billion, refusing to budge even slightly, and openly announced that the Seagram Group had joined the acquisition bid. Clearly, their tactic was to leverage the competition between the two companies to drive up the price.
From Linton's observation, the negotiations between Seagram Group and Matsushita Electronics were also going nowhere. Matsushita stubbornly stuck to their $7 billion price, while Seagram wasn't naive either. After evaluating the Universal Group, they refused to raise their offer beyond $6.5 billion.
Three days later, Hillary faxed more detailed investigative information about the Bronfman family. The data confirmed they were not to be underestimated. Their family wealth exceeded $26 billion. Just last week, they had completed a massive transaction with DuPont Chemical, where the DuPont consortium repurchased 24% of DuPont Chemical's shares from the Bronfman family for $8.5 billion.
It seemed this was Edgar Bronfman Jr.'s fund-raising effort for acquiring Universal Group -- he even sold his DuPont Chemical shares. But conversely, this deal highlighted the determination Edgar Jr. had to purchase Universal Group. DuPont Chemical, as a chemical giant, wielded enormous influence in America, unmatched by ordinary companies. Selling those shares was easy for him, but buying them back later would be virtually impossible.
The Bronfman family's headquarters was now based in Montreal, Canada. There, they owned an enormous farm, guarded by a well-equipped armed force of over a hundred men. Overseas, apparently in Africa, they also had another armed contingent, although the specifics were unclear.
Among the third generation of the family, aside from Edgar, other members were all indulgent playboys who did nothing serious for the family business or to develop their own careers. They were famously known across America as wild socialites.
---
A week passed, and the negotiations between Matsushita Electronics and Seagram reached an impasse. All three parties simultaneously agreed to temporarily suspend talks. Matsushita didn't mind; with two companies competing, they comfortably sat back and waited. Meanwhile, Seagram seemed a bit anxious.
That day, Linton was alone in his room, writing and sketching. Izumi Sakai, Noriko Sakai, and Akina Nakamori had work during the day and only came over to keep him company at night. He planned to use this free time to copy down songs for his year-end album and organize the outline for the company's upcoming film.
Goodman knocked and entered. "Boss, the Seagram Group sent someone over. They said their boss wants to meet you."
"Alright, it's about time I meet him. Otherwise, who knows how long this acquisition will drag on. Let's do this -- tell them to meet tonight at the Hilton Hotel's top-floor restaurant. I'll treat their boss to dinner."
"Got it. Who should accompany you from our side?"
"Just me. The same for their side -- only their boss will come."
"Understood."
---
At 6:30 p.m., in the Hilton Hotel's revolving restaurant on the top floor, Linton met Edgar Bronfman Jr.. The entire restaurant had been reserved exclusively for them, with both sides' bodyguards stationed at the entrance, ensuring complete privacy for the meeting.
Edgar Bronfman was in his early forties, with a typical Jewish appearance. Perhaps due to years in high position, he carried a very strong aura but lacked manners. He arrived with an entourage of eight bodyguards. Four entered first to thoroughly scan the restaurant, ensuring security before retreating to guard the door. Only then did Edgar step inside.
"Mr. Bronfman, good to meet you," Linton greeted him with an outstretched hand.
"You must be Linton," Edgar replied bluntly, not even bothering to shake hands. He walked straight past him and sat down at the table. "You know why I asked to see you today?"
He looked about forty but had the demeanor of an immature child. So this was the heir of the Bronfman family? Linton ignored his rudeness and calmly took his seat.
"Speak your mind."
"I have my eyes on Universal Group. Don't waste your time and energy here -- better to return to America as soon as possible."
"Technically, I spotted Universal first. You know about first come, first served, right? If anyone should step back, it should be you."
"Ha! Young man, when did an acquisition ever come down to who showed up first?"
"Then what's it based on?"
"Obviously, strength."
"Then why are you here instead of the negotiation table if it's about strength? Isn't that just about who offers the most money?"
"No, no, no. Strength isn't measured in money alone."
"Then what?"
"The Bronfman family rose from the ashes of bloodshed and battle. I think Tokyo isn't safe right now. I suggest you return to Los Angeles quickly."
"You're threatening me."
"No, I'm just looking out for you. Universal is valuable, but life is more precious."
"This is how the Bronfman family conducts business?"
"Got a problem with it? Anyway, I've said what I had to say. By the day after tomorrow at the latest, I don't want to see you in Tokyo again."
"And if I don't leave? What will you do to me?" Linton simultaneously activated his Soul Induction ability.
"If you don't appreciate our generosity, then stay in Tokyo forever. Dead men can't contest Universal with me."
"You think you can kill me with just a few people?"
"Killing you doesn't require my personal hands. The Bronfman family has friends everywhere. If you don't leave, I'll contact the local Yakuza -- the Yamaguchi-gumi -- to take care of you."
"I'm American, a big Hollywood star. Do you think a small group like the Yamaguchi-gumi dares to kill me?"
"Of course. Your status is unique. Openly, they wouldn't dare, but you know what they say?"
"What?"
"Money talks. If the price is right, there are plenty of desperate men willing to take the risk."
"But you still need to be alive to spend that money, right?"
"That's none of my concern."
"Have you contacted the Yamaguchi-gumi already?"
"Not yet, but we have long-term partners here."
"Who? The Yamaguchi-gumi's leader, Koji Miyamoto?"
...
After hearing all of the opposing arrangements, Linton withdrew his spell. Edgar Bronfman, completely unaware of the spiritual manipulation, arrogantly issued one last threat before storming out, not even drinking a drop of water.
*****
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