Intrigued, Max leaned forward, arms crossed on the desk, nodding for Anna to continue.
"When I was reconnecting with my contacts for information, one of them gave me a high-value tip…of course, for a high price. Nonetheless, I managed to get insider knowledge about Google."
"Oh?" Max's interest peaked.
Anna resumed, "These days, Google executives are having intense, almost daily meetings about a new open platform project. Whispers suggest they're gambling on mobile phones, similar to what your father once envisioned. However, unlike him, they're aiming for software dominance, not hardware."
Listening to her, Max fell into a deep reverie, rubbing his chin in contemplation. 'Google dreaming of an open platform for mobile phones? Isn't this just Android?'
Anyone who had lived through the revolutionary era of smartphones knew Android wasn't some obscure side project, it would eventually dominate the smartphone market, second only to Apple's closed iOS system.
Anna had definitely brought something substantial. From Max's knowledge, Android wouldn't step into the limelight for a few more years.
Yet here she was, having already uncovered Google's insider discussions.
'Is this the infamous corporate espionage I've heard so much about?' He raised his head, discreetly glancing at Anna with newfound gaze.
'She must've been something before Knight Investments fell. Not everyone can uncover corporate secrets like this.'
This also forced Max to focus more closely on internal security. Spies, leaks, moles; he'd have to be extra careful with company secrets, especially core technology.
'If someone inside Google dares sell out intel for money, I better rise high enough that even spoiling my plans feels like making an enemy of the wrong person.'
He shook his head, brushing away those growing insecurities about espionage. 'Let's focus on the present issue.'
Anna had secured this intel with whatever funds the firm could muster. Now, it was up to him to decide what to do with the intelligence, before anyone else did.
"Anything else?" he asked, voice even.
"Since last year, Google's been negotiating with a small company called Android Inc. They haven't made much visible progress yet, but their meetings are getting increasingly intense. The Android team seems to be pushing harder with every next pitch," Anna replied swiftly.
"Maybe we can explore a way to earn something out of this info," she suggested carefully, analyzing the opportunity.
Max shook his head absentmindedly. Android was a massive project.
Though it would take a few more years to fully flourish, it would later become the undisputed king of open smartphone platforms, leaving no breathing room for anyone else.
With Anna's intel, rather than exploiting the detail for a few million, why not try snatching the entire billion-dollar deal from under Google's nose?
Although it would be a stretch to outperform Google in negotiations, he had the upper hand knowledge of Android's trajectory from his past life.
With that, he could bypass many of the hurdles Android once faced, accelerating the empire it would later become.
He rubbed his temples thoughtfully. 'Should I give the founders of Android a sneak peek into my knowledge to get them on my side? Or should I try something else entirely?'
After a moment of serious pondering, he sighed deeply, somewhat regretful. 'I don't have much to offer Android Inc. that could truly rival Google's resources. They might follow in Mark's footsteps and reject Knight's outright, fearing we can't match Google's offer.'
But then, his gaze sharpened with renewed determination. 'Still, I have to try something. Maybe, just maybe, the luck that always betrayed me will finally turn in my favor.'
He held Anna's gaze firmly. "Anna, I'll send you a proposal. Try negotiating with Android Inc., see if we can explore something."
He would draft a proposal, filled with hints but no concrete data. Everything would sound ambitious.
It would imply that Knight's had a deep plan, something game-changing. However, it would not offer any tangible benefit to Android Inc. from the get-go.
That way, if nothing came of the negotiation, he wouldn't be giving away future knowledge for free. He had no intention of striking his own foot with an axe.
Then a new thought crossed his mind. "By the way, Anna, I noticed a lot of office staff vacancies at KTech. What's happening over there?"
Anna frowned, and after a momentary pause, replied, "Ah! It seems they're planning to leave soon. They've found another building not far from here."
Max sat there, momentarily dumbfounded. Last time, Victor had mentioned KTech's plan but this fast?
"They're in a rush," he chuckled, slightly amused.
"Okay. I should be on my way now. You should also get some rest. You'll have even more work coming your way soon."
He stood up and extended his arm. Anna shook his hand politely, her gaze blazing at Max's remark.
Max turned around and glided out of the office immediately. He found his car and drove away, his gaze sweeping past KTech's nameplate one last time.
He shook his head. However, instead of heading home or back to Cell Labs, his wheels turned in a different direction; toward Aunt Grey's café.
'A coffee should be fine, right?' That was his final thought as he drove into the evening.
….
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