"Coffee, please!"Along the way, Eric had been observing the Pentra family. While their residence wasn't as vast as a manor, it exuded luxury.He speculated that the value of the Pentra residence surpassed that of aristocratic manors.Recalling his first encounter with the notion of aristocracy from Pierce, Eric pondered the significance of the Pentra family. However, the depths of such lineage remained elusive to him.Pierce had hinted at the existence of legends within these families, which explained his tolerance toward them.It was surprising for Eric to discover an aristocratic lineage even in Westlake City.Glancing at Sylvia, Bryce was unsure whether his interest was due to her status or her beauty. "The Innova Group is truly admirable, a role model for us all. Thanks to you, our domestic industry remains competitive. We all owe you a debt of gratitude!"Sylvia reciprocated with polite remarks, engaging in customary pleasantries. But beneath the surface, they both knew th
Matthew found it all incredulous.Were these so-called market maintenance fees? It felt like outright robbery!They could snatch it directly, yet they draped it under the guise of market maintenance fees.Bryce glanced at Matthew, a flash of killing intent in his eyes swiftly concealed. He chuckled. "Of course you can choose not to pay. But then, what happens if Westlake City sees fake medicine or if the medicine can't be sold, etc.? My Pentra family won't be responsible."Seeing Matthew about to say something, Sylvia stopped him and looked at Bryce. "Mr. Pentra, allow us some time to consider."Bryce grinned. "Of course!"Sylvia rose to bid farewell.This negotiation was destined to fail.An 80% profit share? The Innova Group couldn't possibly agree.That would either mean raising drug prices or finding ways to cut production costs—that wasn't the Innova Group's original intention in entering this industry.Bryce and his offspring stood up, seeing Sylvia and her group off.
"Big Boss, here's the situation. The Innova Group expanded its pharmaceutical business, flourishing in Salt City and Dortmund City. However, we've faced obstruction in Westlake City, mainly from the Pentra family," Eric explained.Salt City and Dortmund City were under Eric's control, ensuring smooth business operations. However, Westlake City presented a different challenge.Pierce listened attentively before remarking, "I hadn't anticipated the Pentra family's dominance in Westlake City. The Combat Department's intel didn't mention this."You must have met Bryce Pentra, the family's leader. His eldest daughter, Martha Pentra, is from his previous marriage, and his son, Mark Pentra, is with his current wife."Mark has other uncles, but none have heirs. The reasons behind this are known only to their family. Bryce is a legend, and aside from him, Mark and Martha Pentra, all are skilled!"We estimate that among the Pentra family, specifically Mark's uncles, there might be legends!"
Eric found the idea intriguing. Understanding the true intentions of the distributors was crucial. He instructed Ron to prepare some gifts, and they would pay a visit together.With many people around and such a significant target, there was a risk of drawing attention from the Pentra family. If that happened, the distributors might not dare to speak freely.Ron swiftly selected the candidates.-In the car, Ron remarked, "This distributor is known as John Dede. He has been working in Westlake City for many years and holds considerable prestige among distributors. If we can convince him, then most of the distributors in Westlake City can be easily managed."During their time in Westlake City, Ron had thoroughly done his homework.-When they arrived downstairs at John's residence, even Eric was taken aback."He... lives here?" he exclaimed.The neighborhood wasn't rundown, but it certainly wasn't upscale either.'No class…' Eric thought.In his opinion, a distributor like Jo
These past years had been truly grueling for them!The esteemed distributor of Westlake City had found himself unexpectedly unable to afford even 4,000 dollars for his children's extracurricular activities!John gritted his teeth. "The Pentra family truly feeds on our ard work, devouring without leaving even bones! Apart from our costs, almost all our profits are handed over to them!"We've thought about raising prices, but it's impossible. The Pentra family won't allow it! These people not only eat up all our profits but also act like saints, saying they're concerned about whether the patients in Westlake City can afford their medication! Cursed hypocrites!"John let out all his frustration and anger as cracks started to appear.The Pentra family took all the money, leaving the distributors completely broke. Despite their outward appearances of wealth, they were struggling to make ends meet.Dreaming of getting rich? It's just a fantasy.John glanced at Eric. "I assume you must
"The tuition for the kids' classes—we can't even scrape together 4,000 dollars!" John lamented.He knew well that the Pentra family would never let them go.But what else could they do?John sighed. "It's not that we dare not resist, it's that we can't. The Pentra family is too powerful. Those who oppose them vanish without a trace!"Disappearing without a sound! It's better to live poorly than to die gloriously. I still have a wife and kids..."His family was his tether.Without family, what good would resisting the Pentras do?John had long grown weary of such days."Alright." Eric stood up. "Since you are unwilling, we won't insist. Mr. Biscus, let's go."John escorted the two out of his home, sighing before closing the door.Downstairs, Eric said, "Find out where Mr. Dede's children attend those classes and pay the tuition. The money will come from me."Ron hurriedly said, "Mr. Johnson, I'll cover the cost!"Eric patted Ron's shoulder. "You're an employee, I'm the boss.
John felt restless—he couldn't even come up with 4,000 dollars, attributing it to his own inadequacies.While many worldwide struggled with this amount, John was different. He was a well-known distributor in Westlake City.Taking his phone and seeing an incoming call, he took a deep breath before answering, "Darling, don't worry. I'll find a way to cover the expenses! Just talk to the teacher today.""What?" The voice on the other end puzzled John. "Someone paid already? Did I misunderstand? I haven't even gone to pay yet."He didn't have 4,000 dollars on him, so there was no way he could have paid. But John was sharp, quickly figuring out who might have covered the amount. If it wasn't Eric, then it must have been Ron. Who else would generously pay the tuition fees for his children?After hanging up, John dialed Ron's number. "Hey, Mr. Biscus."Ron's voice came through. "Mr. Dede, how are you?""Everything's fine! All's well!" John pursed his lips and asked, "Mr. Biscus, I have
Such situations weren't entirely improbable. With one financial predator gone, another emerged, leaving distributors like them in dire straits.Noticing John's silence, Dorothy spoke again, her tone tinged with concern. "You should discreetly reach out to Mr. Johnson. If things continue like this, we'll truly struggle to make ends meet. You need to think about not just yourself but also the children!"We can't let the children become slaves to the Pentra family!"In Dorothy's view, John was already enslaved by the Pentra family! He worked tirelessly to line their pockets, yet couldn't even scrape together the 4,000 dollars for his children's extracurricular activities.John nodded solemnly. He was aware of the Innova Group, but only vaguely. Fearful of Pentra spies, he dared not engage with Ron boldly.If the Pentra family caught wind of it, wouldn't that mean certain doom?-It wasn't until late into the night that John dared to arrange a meeting with Ron.Seated across from h