Babel Novel
Chapter 2191
"Happy New Year, Ms. Tesdal!" Jacob Strand breezed into the office with the vitality of the New Year's first fireworks.
"You're a bit early, Jacob. We've still got a couple of days to go," she replied with a playful smirk.
Over the past few months, Jacob had become a whirlwind of success in the H Country business scene. Not only had he revitalized Strand Group's fortunes, but he had also completely shaken off the company's stale image in the wake of a crisis.
Moreover, his social connections, once reserved for casual dinners and drinks, had been leveraged to full effect. He recruited top talents from around the globe, securing them with five-year contracts that were the envy of many, including Sean.b2
"Well, when else would I get a chance to see you, if not during the holiday rush?" Jacob said, placing an orange bag emblazoned with the iconic Hermes carriage logo on Rosalynn's desk. "A little gift for you." Rosalynn glanced at the logo and quipped, "Get to the point, President Strand."
"Always straight to business, Secretary Tesdal, I like that!" Jacob said as he settled into a chair. It was as if the life-and-death struggles of the past months hadn't touched him; he had effortlessly returned to his former dashing self, a true playboy of the capital.
"I hear you've got young Jaime Jules and the Scott family working on chip development?"
"That's right, Jacob. What's on your mind?" Rosalynn leaned back in her chair, her curiosity piqued.
Jacob grinned, a fox in businessman's clothing. "I'm quite interested in that field myself. Let's talk about a partnership, shall we?"
"What kind of partnership are you proposing?" Rosalynn inquired.
"I won't meddle in the development side; that's a bit too technical for me. But once your chips are ready, I'd like Strand Group to have an exclusive partnership with you." He slid a business proposal across the desk to her. "You're planning on entering the smartphone and communications market?"
"To be precise, the entire smart device ecosystem." His smile was as sly as ever. "What I'm envisioning is beyond anything currently on the market, so I'll need the finest chips you can muster. How about it, Ms Tesdal? Are you interested in pioneering a new era of smart technology with me?"
Even though Jacob's smile and twinkling eyes were familiar, Rosalynn sensed a profound change in him.
"It does sound tempting... This concept of a 'digital life' is quite intriguing," she remarked, flipping to a page in the proposal.
"It'll be the ace in my smart era lineup. Imagine pairing it with your Bane Corporation Al. We could make a killing together!"NôvelDrama.Org owns this text.
Rosalynn's lips curled into a half-smile, and she gave a slight nod.
"Will you be in H City over the next few days?" she asked.
"If Secretary Tesdal needs me, I'll absolutely be here," Jacob replied smoothly.
"I'll have Baillie and Jaime come in tomorrow to discuss the technical side of things. They're more knowledgeable than I am in that area. Whether your ideas are viable or not, you'll have to hash it out with them." Rosalynn closed the proposal, making no move to return it.
Jacob didn't mind. "Perhaps we could include Cory too?"
She considered it for a moment before replying, "He's gearing up for a competition and has exams coming up. I'll ask him about it at home. And this..." She lifted the proposal slightly. "Do you mind if I take it for him to review?"
"Of course not! I'd be delighted to have my nephew's input; it would be invaluable!"
He then seemed to recall something else. "About that digital life concept, why not discuss it with Ivy?"
"Why's that?" Rosalynn asked, puzzled.
"She's an artist; she has a unique perspective on imagery and lighting. Just chat with her about it. I'm not into empty promises. If the kids can contribute valuable ideas, I'll give them stock options with annual dividends."
Rosalynn's laughter filled the room as she stood up. "Then it's settled. Let's head to Moonlit Lake for dinner. Grandma has been asking about you. It's time she sees the most talked-about rising star in the business world."