readease Chapter 255 The Impact of Status
Chapter 255 The Impact of Status
Chapter 255 The Impact of Status
At the same time, Cochrane, far away in Las Vegas, made a similar decision.
Koklian was completely dumbfounded at that moment, his eyes glued to the television screen as if he wanted to see a hole through it.
The photo of Ernst that kept appearing on the financial channel was more glaring to Cocklean than the wanted posters plastered on the streets.
The constantly scrolling numbers in the news felt like hammer blows to Koklian's heart.
Resentment, envy, jealousy, and a hint of barely concealed fear intertwined on his face, twisting into an extremely distorted expression.
The flames of resentment almost burst forth from his eyes. How did this little bastard, who wasn't even worthy of carrying my shoes back then, transform into the person he is today?
He knew that taking back MGM was no longer an option.
Putting aside Ernst's current status in the business world, his wealth, which has skyrocketed like a rocket, is enough to shatter all of Cochrane's fantasies.
Recalling his past scheming, Koklian felt like a complete clown.
He was convinced that when Ernst led MGM into the abyss, he could acquire MGM at a very low price.
But who could have predicted that Ernst would become the high-ranking winner, while he himself would become a joke used by others in the circle to ridicule him?
His hopes of establishing connections with certain high-ranking officials through MGM were completely blocked by Ernst's rise to power.
Besides resentment, envy and jealousy were like two venomous snakes, constantly gnawing at Koklian's heart.
He simply couldn't understand how Ernst's wealth could grow so quickly, whether in terms of the amount of money in his pocket or his influence in the business world, it far surpassed that of Cocklean.
In just over a year, their social status underwent a dramatic reversal, a huge disparity that left Koklian feeling quite bitter.
"Why? Why does that little bastard have all of this?" Koklian roared inwardly.
In his entire life, he has gone to great lengths to achieve his current status, scheming and maneuvering to please everyone, taking every step with utmost care, for fear of making the slightest mistake.
But Ernst? The wealth and status that he wanted seemed to be readily available to Ernst, as easily as a blessing casually bestowed by God.
The more Koklian thought about it, the more terrified he became. A nameless fear rose from the soles of his feet, making him feel cold all over.
He knew all too well the rules of America; it was a paradise where money reigned supreme, a haven for the wealthy.
In such a pragmatic place, who would be willing to offend a wealthy legend who is currently in the spotlight and being sought after by many, just for the sake of someone who no longer has any backing?
The answer is obvious: not only would no one do that, but a large group of people would try every means to solve any trouble that might displease Ernst in order to please him, even if it's just to get Ernst to look at them. They would be willing to pay a huge price.
Ernst may not have reached the point where he can control everything yet, but what if his wealth continues to expand at this crazy pace?
What if Google could really grow into a giant like Microsoft?
Will those profit-driven guys on Wall Street turn around and trip them up in order to curry favor with Ernst?
The thought of those people on Wall Street sent a chill down Cochrane's spine.
He knew those people too well. They were like a pack of greedy hyenas. As long as the benefits were tempting enough and the price paid was less than the gains, they would pounce on them without hesitation. They could betray even former partners without hesitation.
So the answer is yes, those people will definitely do that.
Wilhelm, Koklian, had figured out the key.
At this point, it's necessary to sacrifice the pawn to save the king. As for the damage that abandoning Wilhomann would do to his reputation, that's no longer a concern.
The most urgent task is to project a friendly attitude and let the other party feel your goodwill.
October 21st was the day after Ernst wanted to cash out his shares in YueDong Games.
In Will Hohmann's office at CVGI Investment Company.
At this moment, he was leisurely leaning back in the large boss's chair, holding a freshly brewed cup of premium coffee, his eyes focused intently on the stock market candlestick chart on the computer screen.
While sipping his coffee, he was mentally calculating how to find a company with unlimited potential in the complex stock market that could bring substantial returns to CVGI Investment Company and himself.
Since founding CVGI Investment Company, Wilholman felt as if he had finally found the right direction in life, and he was full of vigor every day.
Cockley's initial investment provided him with valuable initial capital, while Carlyle Capital's involvement further enhanced CVGI's prospects.
The investment firm brought them considerable fame, allowing them to begin to stand out in the fiercely competitive capital market.
In just one year, CVGI Investments managed more than $1.1 million in funds, a growth rate that is quite astonishing in the industry.
Wilhelm also gained some fame in the investment world thanks to the company's growth.
He often envisioned the future, believing that as long as the company's current rate of return could be maintained, CVGI Investment Company would definitely develop into a Silicon Valley mega-capital like Carlyle and Sequoia.
Then he can return home in glory to his alma mater and share his success story with his younger schoolmates.
He could still walk into Wall Street with his head held high and become a regular there.
He might even one day appear on a television program and, in front of a group of admirers, speak eloquently about his unique insights into the capital market.
Unfortunately, the beautiful bubble burst much faster than he had anticipated.
Wilhelm was still immersed in the beautiful future he had envisioned when the tranquility of his office was suddenly shattered when the door was flung open.
His secretary, pale-faced and panting heavily, shouted anxiously, "Boss, something terrible has happened!"
"Carlyle Capital just sent us a withdrawal letter, saying they want to withdraw all their investments in our company."
"What?" Upon hearing this news, Wilhelm felt as if he had been doused with a bucket of cold water. He instantly jumped up from his boss's chair, his face filled with doubt and disbelief.
"Say that again? Carlyle Capital is withdrawing its investment? How is that possible! Is there some mistake?"
Before the secretary could explain, the office door was pushed open again, and the investment manager rushed in, his forehead covered in sweat. He said urgently, "Boss, I just received a notification from Mr. Cockley's secretary saying they're withdrawing all their investment in our company. Is this true?"
The employees of CVGI Investment Company all knew that their boss, Wilhelm, had a very good relationship with Cockerill. Cockerill had visited the company in person more than once and had spoken highly of Wilhelm. How could he suddenly withdraw his investment like that?
Wilhelm felt like he was dreaming. He stared blankly at the investment director and said in a trembling voice, "..."
"You—say that again?"
Is Cochrane also withdrawing its investment? What exactly is going on?
Upon seeing Wilholman's reaction, the investment manager knew that Wilholman was completely unaware of the situation, and his face instantly turned even paler.
He knew all too well what this meant.
The simultaneous withdrawal of investment from two major investors is undoubtedly a devastating blow to a company like CVGI. Is the business they have worked so hard to build going to come to an end?
He suppressed his inner panic and quietly repeated the notification he had just received.
Before he could finish speaking, Wilhelm, who had lost control of his emotions, shouted and kicked him out, along with his trembling female secretary who was standing to the side.
The office door closed again, leaving Wilhelm alone in the room.
He stumbled as he picked up the phone from the table, his fingers trembling slightly from nervousness.
I quickly dialed Koklian's private cell phone, but the phone rang again and again without anyone answering.
Having no other option, he had to call Cockley's office.
The call finally went through, but it wasn't Koklian himself who answered; it was his secretary.
Wilhelm recognized the secretary. Suppressing his anger and unease, he tried to keep his tone calm. "Why is Mr. Cockley suddenly withdrawing his investment from our company? We should at least get a reason!"
The secretary's voice was devoid of emotion, and she replied in a formulaic manner, "I'm very sorry, Mr. Koklian recently needs to use a large sum of money and is urgently collecting various payments, so he has decided to withdraw the investment."
Such an answer sounded like a prepared platitude, and there was no way Wilhelm could believe it.
His face turned ashen instantly, but he knew it wasn't the time to lose his temper, so he tried to remain calm and said again, "$5000, I can transfer the money to your account right away. I just want a real answer."
Faced with the temptation of money, the secretary clearly had little resistance. Without a second thought, and without even considering whether Wilhelm would lie to her, she directly revealed some things she knew. "Ernst." Hanging up the phone, Wilhelm leaned back weakly in his boss's chair, a bitter smile on his face.
He never imagined that the guy he once considered insignificant and worthless could now easily decide his life or death simply by virtue of his influence.
It was only at this moment that Wilhelm truly understood what it meant to lose the big picture for a small gain. He had offended Ernst for a little immediate benefit, and now he was finally reaping the bitter fruit of his actions.
He knew very well that as soon as the news of Carlyle Capital and Cochrane withdrawing their investment spread, those retail investors who entrusted their money to CVGI Investment Company because they trusted Carlyle Capital and Cochrane would undoubtedly follow suit and withdraw their investment.
Even with the two largest investors having absconded, no matter how enticing CVGI Investment Company's previously advertised 9% return may have been, retail investors would still have doubts and feel that CVGI Investment Company must have encountered some major crisis, such as insider trading.
Insider trading is the most common and most likely to lead to collapse in the financial world. Retail investors don't want to find themselves unable to withdraw a single penny of their money when the authorities come to shut down the company.
"It's over, it's all over," Wilhoman muttered to himself, looking utterly dejected, as if he had aged several years in that instant.
He braced his hands on the desk, staring blankly ahead, his mind a jumble of thoughts.
Just a few minutes later, Wilhoman suddenly sat up straight, a strange light flashing in his eyes, and a kind of almost crazy determination gradually appeared on his previously dejected face.
"Since you are so heartless as to sacrifice me to protect yourselves, then don't blame me for being ruthless."
The company now manages over a hundred million US dollars, enough for him to live a life of luxury anywhere in the world.
For example, go to Russia, get a completely new identity, and then use the money to continue enjoying wealth and luxury, living a life free from worries about food and clothing.
Thinking of this, a fierce glint flashed in Willhofman's eyes.
He picked up the phone on the table, his fingers rapidly tapping on the keypad, and dialed a number.
He already knew what to do next: if he wanted me dead, then none of us would have an easy time.
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