A Touch of Sweetness novel (Finnick and Vivian) novel Chapter 1724

He could not ask Dustin the questions he had in mind. The content of part one of the proposal was as he expected. It was part two that left him shell-shocked.

It was clear from the proposal that they had the acquisition in mind a long time ago. Although it was stated they hope the acquisition offer would be a boost for Norton Corporation, one only had to read between the lines and would see they were aiming for an ultimate take-over.

This was Larry's greatest worry come true. He had been worrying about this possibility but did not share that with Joan. He did not want Joan to be alarmed, as she may fret over it constantly. That was the same reason he kept mum during the board meeting. He did not want to affect the morale of the staff.

He felt like someone teased him with a warm light on a harsh cold winter night, then extinguished it, taking with it his last glimmer of hope.

He kept his emotions in check and coldly asked, “Why?” He wasn't expecting a reasonable answer from Dustin. Dustin would probably use a flimsy reason to brush his question off.

He actually suspected Dustin got his title through dubious means and did not have real authority in this matter. He did not believe Dustin had the answers to his questions, but he still asked him “Why”.

“In business, everyone is after fame and fortune.

I am sure you know it is survival of the fittest in this world, and one has to go with the flow. Alpire Group may have been set up earlier than Norton Corporation, but our development had lagged far behind you. Norton Corporation is now a well-known conglomerate in the country whereas Alpire Group is just beginning to grow internationally,” Dustin said. Hethen politely thanked the server who brought the alcohol and handed a glass to Larry.

“Alpire Group will create a name for itself if we successfully take over Norton Corporation's current market share, don't you agree?”

Alpire Group is going to buy over every subsidiary of Norton Corporation, then head in for the final kill of acquiring Norton Corporation. Clearly, that was what he meant. In other words, they were out to destroy Norton Corporation.

Larry was in a daze and unconsciously took the glass Dustin handed him. Since the day he got blind drunk, he had developed a phobia of drinking. On this day, he actually accepted the drink.

“I don't believe this... there must be other reasons.” The taste of alcohol flooded his mouth, and all he could taste was bitterness.

Dustin only smiled and did not deny Larry's speculation. Indeed, this was only the tip of the iceberg, as Jory and he had bigger plans, and he had no qualms making their intention known to Larry. That was the reason why he could confidently bring the proposal to meet Larry, all by himself.

They were not worried about how the plan would play out, as they were confident everything was within their control. Dustin had his own objectives, and Jory too, had his own secret intentions, which he never shared. These, in addition to the long-standing cash flow issues, were the three factors leading to the acquisition.

Dustin made part of their plans known to Larry as he wanted to taunt him. He wanted Larry to know he's not invincible, that he too had weaknesses... The pain of seeing what you treasure disappear right in front of your eyes is worse than the loss itself.

Dustin was never a magnanimous person. Ever since Larry hit him at the hospital, he bore grudges and had marked Larry for revenge.