10x Cashback: Your Wealth Is Mine-Chapter 114: By Hook Or Crook

Jenny and Jasmine locked eyes, neither willing to give an inch. One would think they were inside a western about to see who could be the fastest draw.

"Like I said Ms. Voss," Jenny smiled politely at her sister, the same smile she’d been given when she walked into the room. "Apex Future Focus is exactly what it says it is. Apex’s future."

The message was loud and clear. You’re not and would never be the winner, Jasmine. Not while I’m here.

"That’s a bold statement, Jenny." Jasmine leaned back in her chair, understanding Jenny’s message. "But I believe you’ve forgotten something important. Bold statements are not enough… to steer this company forward."

"Bold statements backed by sound strategy and undeniable market trends are precisely what this company needs." Jenny shot back without missing a beat. She’d prepared herself for this.

Jasmine might think Nico was the one fighting all the battles for her. Seems like they’d forgotten just who she’d been before having her change of heart.

Her family might’ve been her weakness but not anymore. Not when she was here, confronting it head on. She would get what was hers. Either by hook or crook.

The silence between them was broken as the CFO, Mr. Martin, adjusted his tie. "Jenny, this is an impressive proposal." He glanced down at the documents in front of him. Both sisters knew he was their mother’s eyes, ears and sometimes, mouthpiece in meetings such as this.

"What kind of timeline are we looking at for implementation?" If he was speaking, it meant their mother would be interested in this.

Jenny smiled in response. A genuine smile this time. Martin was on no one’s side but his move this time favored her. "If we move quickly, we can have the framework in place within three months." She raised three fingers.

"That gives us time to announce it publicly and make a splash. Paired with the new division under my wing, Apex Future Focus will be enough to strengthen Apex’s brand as a leader in responsible finance."

"This move gives us even more benefits than any other moves we could make. We make profit and give ourselves good PR which in turn, makes our reputation better which in turn brings in more business which gives us more profit and it goes on and on and on."

"An infinite loop of social impact and profits. The perfect recipe for the future. But why wait for tomorrow if we can do it now?"

"You make a strong case, Jenny." Another executive, the COO, nodded in agreement. He was here to make money, not choose sides in the war for the throne. Smart man. "The ESG market is booming. I’d hate to see Apex fall behind the competition."

Jenny smiled, catching the flicker of annoyance in Jasmine’s eyes as more and more executives began voicing their interest. All it took was one crack and the floodgates burst open. Well, not really floodgates. More like the stream began flowing once more.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.

Jasmine cleared her throat again, attracting the attention of everyone in the room.

"While I appreciate the enthusiasm for this proposal, I believe it’s essential for us to approach this with caution." She said in a reasonable tone and not at all like someone looking for a reason to shoot down their opposition’s proposal. Jenny had to admit that she was good at this.

"ESG investments can be volatile and if Jenny can really back up her words with results," she said with the tone of someone who didn’t believe it could happen, "this initiative will represent a significant shift for Apex."

She paused. "All the more reasons to analyze this before making any decisions."

Jenny recognized this tactic. The tried and tested time wasting strategy.

Jasmine was trying to buy time to cook up something in response or shoot the idea down but whatever she tries won’t work. Even this decision will result in her win.

After all, she could just spin this as Jasmine trying to sabotage the company’s profits just because she wanted to lead the company. A true leader wouldn’t do that, would they? A leader would put the company first.

Jenny smiled. Whatever happens, she’d win this round. "Of course." She said to Jasmine.

"I trust the board and leadership team will see the value in positioning Apex for the future. I’m happy to provide any additional details or analysis needed."

The COO spoke up again, not caring one whit if there was a side to be on. Or maybe he was just oblivious. Some people were like that.

"I think we should form a working group to explore this immediately. Time is money, after all." He said.

Jasmine’s fingers curled slightly against the table, nodding at the man with a polite smile on her face. "Noted. I’ll discuss this with the board."

Jenny returned to her seat, her presentation done. With that over, the meeting continued.

They went through the other agendas of the meeting and throughout the session, Jenny kept smiling. Even as the meeting went on, she could see some executives flipping through her proposal documents in interest.

Even if Jasmine wanted to shut it down, she couldn’t. Not anymore. And even if she tried, Jenny had a final weapon she could drag into this fight.

Their mother.

It was a bit childish, but it was also effective. Don’t blame the player. Blame the game.

Finally, the meeting ended and as the executives began to file out of the room, Jasmine stood and strolled over to her sister.

"That was a clever move." She said. This time, there was no polite smile on her face.

"It’s called strategy, Jasmine." Jenny smiled in response. "You should try it sometime."

"You might think you’ve won this…"Jasmine’s eyes narrowed. "But this isn’t over."

"Of course not, it isn’t." Jenny picked up her documents and shot her sister a final grin. "I haven’t won yet."

With a stylish turn, she walked out of the room with her head held high. This truly was her win.