radicalducati Page 32
Page 32
Hawke took the Hand and the Society's files and murmured, "The Hand and the Society is a powerful transnational criminal organization with tentacles far beyond imagination, extremely strong infiltration capabilities, and... it possesses certain supernatural powers."
The data revealed a complex flow of funds that ultimately flowed into a series of shell companies, whose actual control points pointed to industries controlled by the Hand: upscale underground casinos scattered throughout the city center and port area, as well as synthetic drug manufacturing sites disguised as abandoned factories and warehouses.
“TCRI provides them with channels for laundering funds, some security and technical support, and even uses its own logistics network to help them transport ‘goods.’ A portion of the profits from the casinos and drug manufacturing plants flows back to certain high-ranking TCRI officials as ‘protection fees’ and ‘profit sharing.’ It’s a whole, hidden criminal ecosystem.”
Emilia tapped her fingertips on a photo of a drug factory, where the equipment was rudimentary but the output was staggering and the harm immense.
Hawke listened quietly, his fingertips tapping lightly on the smooth conference table, producing a rhythmic sound.
“Understood.” Hawke’s eyes darted around, he chuckled, casually placed the materials back on his desk, and pointed to the AIM file:
"First, regarding AIM, immediately terminate all cooperation agreements. Notify all TCRI experts providing technical support at the AIM lab to immediately return to headquarters for a report. Cut off all raw material supplies and technology sharing channels to them. Tomorrow, release a carefully worded statement saying that after Lane Capital acquired TCRI, during compliance review, they discovered significant ethical risks in certain cooperative projects that did not align with the company's new values, therefore unilaterally terminating the cooperation. If they disagree, they can take legal action. The wording should be official, but clear enough for Dr. Killian to 'understand' it."
Killian's research is stuck in a bottleneck, and TCRI's technical support is crucial.
Suddenly removing this crutch, especially under the pretext of "ethical risks"—a public slap in the face—would inevitably throw the crazed Killian into disarray.
He will come, like a raging, cornered beast with nowhere to run.
Wait for him to come to us first, then we can discuss the terms, or... resolve this future problem completely.
Desperate Virus?
He happened to have a vial of Extremis Virus serum produced by the system.
The Extremis virus has value, but it must be under control, not in the hands of a madman.
But whatever the final outcome, there's one thing Killian and AIM need to do immediately—pay homage to the new dock!
Then, he pointed to the Hand's files, his tone turning cold:
"Gather detailed addresses, operational evidence, key personnel lists, and financial records related to the TCRI for all casinos and drug manufacturing facilities. Then—call the police!"
"Call the police?"
Emilia paused for a moment as she rapidly swung her pen.
Hawke stated unequivocally, "Pack it up and send it to the NYPD. Also, leak it to several influential media outlets."
Hawke had neither the interest nor the time to fight a gang, to expose it to the light of day, and to let the iron fist of the state's violent machinery smash these filthy branches.
Calling the police is the most legal, efficient, and cost-effective way to cut off the connection.
This would not only thoroughly cleanse TCRI of its filth and condemn the previous management, but also disrupt their plans with the help of official power.
As for the core of the Hand and their "supernatural" secrets?
Once they're blasted out of the sewers, they'll be much clearer.
Emilia quickly jotted down Hawke's instructions, her surprise gradually replaced by efficient execution.
She understood Hawke's intentions: for AIM, it was "cutting off their supplies and luring them in," and for the opposing alliance, it was "using someone else to do their dirty work." The core of both was to quickly and cleanly eliminate the cancerous tumors of the past and to lay the groundwork or create conditions for possible future actions.
"Understood, Boss. Issue the termination notice and expert recall order for AIM immediately. The Hand's whistleblower materials will be accurately delivered to all target email addresses and journalists within half an hour."
Emilia's tone was firm.
Hawke nodded slightly, stood up, and straightened his suit cuffs.
“Very good.” He strode toward the door. “The reporters are still downstairs waiting to announce the birth of the new TCRI.”
At this moment, in the lobby of TCRI, flashes of light, like a dense array of stars, illuminated the press conference venue as bright as day.
On the huge backdrop, the logos of Lane Capital and TCRI are displayed side by side, with the newly launched "Lane Biotech" logo below, symbolizing a complete power shift.
Hawke Lane walked to the podium, dressed in a suit and tie, with an upright posture, a stark contrast to the ruthless image he had projected towards Schreid in the conference room.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Hawke's voice carried clearly through the microphone throughout the hall, skipping the opening pleasantries and getting straight to the point, "Thank you all for attending today's press conference in such a short time. As you all know, at 15:28 p.m. today, Lane Capital officially completed the acquisition of a controlling stake in TCRI."
He turned to the screen beside him, which displayed shocking images of the ruins of the Pennsylvania and Houston factories, as well as the dismal curve of TCRI's stock price collapse.
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“The events of last night were a disaster, and we are deeply saddened by them. Our top priority is to be responsible to the victims and their families.”
Hawke's voice took on a somber tone: "I hereby solemnly pledge that Lane Capital will assume full responsibility. Within the next thirty days, we will provide double the New York State compensation and benefits to all TCRI employees who have tragically died or been injured in this incident and their families. The specific plan will be implemented by a dedicated team to ensure fairness, transparency, and timeliness."
The audience erupted in the clicking of camera shutters and hushed whispers.
Double compensation!
This goes far beyond routine operations; it's a truly significant statement.
“Secondly,” Hawke changed the subject, seemingly regaining his businessman’s rationality, “based on an assessment of TCRI’s current situation and future development, and after careful consideration by the board of directors of the Lane Group, I announce that TCRI will officially initiate the privatization and delisting process. After delisting, the original TCRI business will undergo strategic restructuring.”
The screen switched images, clearly displaying the breakdown plan. Hawke pointed to the plan on the screen and patiently explained to the camera:
"TCRI's core biopharmaceutical business will be spun off and operated under the new brand 'Lian Biotech,' focusing on cutting-edge fields such as gene therapy and neuroscience."
"The original TCRI technology research and development and hardware manufacturing division will be fully integrated into the technology department of LINE Industrial, a subsidiary of LINE Group."
"At the same time, we also have a reconstruction plan; we will not run away from the ruins."
"Lian Capital will invest no less than $6 million over the next three months in the reconstruction of two factory sites in Pennsylvania and Houston."
"The new factory will adopt the latest safety standards and environmental protection technologies, not only to restore production capacity, but also to become a benchmark in its respective field."
Hawke finished speaking with unwavering determination, then exhaled softly. Emilia, who was standing to the side with a businesslike smile, immediately stepped forward: "Now we will proceed to the Q&A session."
As soon as the announcement ended, the atmosphere at the scene instantly ignited. Reporters eagerly raised their hands.
The Wall Street Journal reporter's question was somewhat aggressive: "Mr. Hawke, TCRI's stock price has plummeted. Initiating privatization and delisting at this time will inevitably result in a price far below its historical peak. Does this mean that Lane Capital has engaged in a 'profiteering' acquisition?"
Hawke: "TCRI's core technological assets and talent pool are important pieces of Lane's long-term strategy. We are acquiring the future, not the bubble of the past. As for the price, it is a market-driven process, fair and transparent. Lane has invested real money to stabilize the situation and to undertake the huge subsequent reconstruction and compensation, which goes far beyond what can be described as 'robbery'."
The CNBC reporter's question was quite technical: "After the split and restructuring, especially during the shutdown and reconstruction period, how will Lane ensure cash flow and investor confidence? Is the new Lane Biotech considering independent financing?"
Hawke: "Lian Capital's cash flow is very healthy and sufficient to support the restructuring and rebuilding plan. Investors value long-term planning and execution capabilities, rather than short-term pain. Regarding Lian Biotech, its independence is the cornerstone of its development. In the future, we do not rule out the possibility of introducing strategic investors or an independent IPO, but at present we are focused on recovery and consolidating our foundation."
With several serious business issues resolved, the situation began to subtly shift.
Hawke didn't seem to resist it; in fact, he seemed to enjoy it.
A Vanity Fair reporter, ever the gossip, asked: "Mr. Hawke! As the world's youngest billionaire, your private life has always been a focus of public attention. Are you currently single? Or do you prefer... a relationship?"
As soon as the question was asked, a suppressed laugh rippled through the group of reporters below the stage.
Hawke raised an eyebrow, a playful smile playing on his lips. "Wow, it seems Vanity Fair readers are more interested in my bedroom? But I'm sure my love life isn't the most talked-about topic in the business world..."
He paused deliberately, successfully drawing everyone's attention, "For example... Mr. Tony Stark is hosting an extremely lavish birthday party for his personal assistant, Ms. Pepper Potts, in a few days. As far as I know, it's a very high-profile affair; perhaps you could try to find out if there will be any surprises at the party!"
As soon as Hawke finished speaking, the entire room erupted in uproar, and reporters frantically took notes.
At that moment, Tony Stark, who had just finished his business and entered a state of sage mode, was watching the press conference live with a supermodel in his arms when he heard the words coming from the screen, and he spat out the mouthful of bourbon he had just swallowed.
He mumbled words like "fuck" and "bitch"...
A reporter from the well-known gossip channel TMZ asked: "Mr. Hawke! Last night, paparazzi photographed you leaving a certain place late at night with a mysterious Asian woman. Is she your new girlfriend?"
Hawke smiled and said, "That lady is also an acquaintance of yours. She is Ms. Andy, the CEO of the Ryan Group, whom I trust very much and who is very capable. She is currently learning a foreign language from me, so she will be staying a bit later."
As the press conference drew to a close, the reporters were clearly still eager for more, with countless questions lingering in the air.
Hawke raised his hand and looked at his watch.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it's almost time." His voice regained control of the room. "Thank you for your enthusiastic questions. We will provide a detailed press release later regarding Lane Capital's restructuring plan, compensation scheme, and rebuilding commitments. As for those... well, less serious topics," a mischievous smile played on his lips, "let them go. Life needs a little spice, doesn't it?"
A burst of good-natured laughter and regretful sighs rang out from the audience.
Just then, Hawke's gaze landed precisely on a familiar figure in the crowd—Eprill from New York's Channel 6 News.
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April was trying to maintain the composure of a professional journalist, but her clenched fists and slightly gleaming blue eyes betrayed her inner excitement.
Hawke pointed at her: "However, to make up for the gossip time everyone lost... Miss April O'Neill," all eyes instantly focused on April, her heart skipped a beat, she tried to straighten her back and maintain a smile, "I remember we had an agreement about an interview focused on 'serious' economic and business topics?"
April felt an overwhelming surge of joy rush to her head, almost overwhelming her.
She suppressed the storm of joy surging within her, and with all her professionalism, nodded with composure and firmness, replying clearly, "Yes, Mr. Hawke! I am ready to serve you at any time!"
“Very good.” Hawke nodded in satisfaction. “Let’s schedule it after the press conference, in the lounge next door. It will be purely business-related.”
“Absolutely! Mr. Hawke!” April’s voice trembled slightly, a restraint born of extreme excitement.
She secured her 490th exclusive interview opportunity since Hawke Lane Storms acquired TCRI!
Although the scope was limited, this was already a tremendous victory.
Her mind was already racing, rapidly developing an interview outline, determined to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Hawke nodded to the audience and calmly left the podium with Gu Ziyun, leaving behind a noisy discussion and countless envious glances directed at April.
April took a deep breath, packed up her equipment, and tried to calm her pounding heart as she prepared for the most important interview of her career.
After seeing the reporters off, Hawke and April went to the lounge. As soon as the lounge door closed, the noise outside immediately went silent.
April sat down on the sofa, took a deep breath, and opened her coat to reveal a well-tailored burgundy silk shirt underneath. One collar button was undone, revealing her delicate collarbone.
Below, she wore a black, shiny short skirt that barely covered her pert buttocks. Her two long legs, covered in sheer black stockings, were crossed, and she wore a pair of knee-high, pointed-toe high-heeled boots with heels so sharp they looked like they could kill someone.
The noise from the outside world has disappeared, leaving only the low hum of the central air conditioning and the regular flashing red light of the voice recorder indicator on the coffee table.
April sat upright at one end of the sofa, her back straight, trying to maintain the posture of a professional journalist.
She flipped through her notes rapidly, bombarding her with questions about TCRI's restructuring, compensation details, and Ryan Capital's future strategy.
Hawke leaned back on the opposite sofa, relaxed, and answered each question clearly and logically, leaving no room for error.
The only abnormal thing was his eyes, which would sometimes fall on her face as she focused on taking notes, and sometimes be drawn to her crossed legs wrapped in matte black stockings and her knee-high boots that gleamed with a cold light.
That's understandable; who can resist Megan Fox's charm?
Especially with such a charming outfit!
The collar of her burgundy silk shirt swayed in front of him, and with her occasional leaning forward to ask questions, his delicate collarbone was faintly visible below, and even a hint of the contours of her body covered by the fabric.
The voice recorder faithfully recorded every word of this "serious" business conversation.
But the air in the lounge seemed to grow warmer with each brief pause and each unintentional exchange of glances.
"...Therefore, stabilizing the morale of existing employees and attracting top talent will be the key first step in the restart of Ryan Biotechnology." Hawke finished his explanation of the human resources strategy, picked up his water glass and took a sip.
“A very clear line of thought, Mr. Hawke.” April drew the last period on the notebook, closed the elegant leather cover with a soft “click.”