A Nobody to a Trillionaire: The $100 Trillion Vault Changed Everything Chapter 11: Getting Allies

Amanda had cut it out clearly and clean.

There was not enough ti to get on Alan Martinez's good side, but more than enough to ally up with the other ten majority shareholders.

If these ones turn in his favour before the eting, others would have no other option than to trust their choice... because of past fruitful votes or successful collaborations. And in the long run, impress Mr Martinez with how everyone went for him.

The first person on the list was Mrs Ava Pate. Thirty minutes were all Kieran needed to et up with her in a five-star restaurant Amanda had reserved.

Marble, glowing walls. Golden curtains. Vaulting opaque ceilings, and even an instruntalist playing in the smiling corners. Kieran and Mrs Ava sat to plates of steamy steaks and cups of Screaming Eagle Cabernet wine.

Kieran didn't have to introduce himself. Gregory's team had uploaded his basic information onto the shareholders' main website so hours ago. A little briefing on Mrs Ava was... she owns 2% of the shares in the empire.

But again, she had another company outside the corporation. And this sa company was Kieran's main target now.

Her weakness.

Kieran asked her if she would be welcoming any investnt offers in her green tech subsidiary. If so, then her company's worsened situation would be helped. Everything was on the internet. Avatek Renewables is in bigger debt, almost going bankrupt, and its stock is falling day by day.

He was giving her a chance, and also a chance to worry. Because it takes more than connection to et the largest shareholder of the corporation on a normal Saturday for a steak in a five-star restaurant.

Or, if she would not mind not troubling her mind, this was definitely to gain her support in winning the new CEO's vote.

And by the way, Kieran could read her like an open book. Mrs Ava could sense that, too.

Kieran said, his tone bold and confident.

"If you vote in my favour during the board eting, I'll increase my stake in your company to 20% — giving you the runway to finish your latest solar project. And fight against bankruptcy.

Our logistics and energy portfolios are going green. Your panels, in the right hands, can anchor that push. Let's win — together."

Mrs Hanta almost gulped... but with the manner of a wealthy figure, she swallowed her surprise. Her fingers drumd around the fork. In the end, she extended her hand to Kieran for a handshake.

"We will et at the conference on Tuesday, then."

Kieran shook her hand with a gentle smile. As Kieran left the restaurant, he looked at his phone's screen. Everything he said in there, word by word, had all been typed down for him by Amanda. It surprised him that he could still pronounce those words after dropping out of school.

Seated beside Kieran on the cream, plush seat of the white limo cruising through the streets, Amanda made another call. To the second of all, Mr Lincoln. Owns 3.1% shares - his company manufactures new products from farm supplies.

Kieran had a phone chat with the man, bringing him a deal that put him on the spot. If he helps him win, his company would be their major supplier.

Becoming one would increase his number of shares, even to points he might not imagine. Kieran wasn't just offering him a seat, but a bribe in disguise. Though it was a heavy one. Even Amanda had advised him not to take that step, but Kieran chose to.

If he doesn't beco the CEO, what would the people who had been watching over him say? The worst-case scenario would be getting deprived of access to the vault.

And that's a nightmare Kieran wasn't ready to face. One he didn't want to face. Because there would be no more unlimited money.

He gave more shareholders opportunities, deals, and even a whopping sum of money. One who produces arms almost refused until he said Mr Martinez was in already. That wasn't true, but it's a quicker way of making them yield to him.

Two days later. And they were all taken care of.

The penthouse's door humd open. Kieran and his P.A. stepped inside, which was the sa ti a maid ca to collect his overcoat.

Then, Amanda bowed. "I will go and arrange your schedules for tomorrow, sir. Have a good night."

Kieran smiled, though dry... It missed sothing that was always there. Sothing not washed away by exhaustion.

He walked over to the couch and sat. Kieran asked Amanda, "What ti is the eting starting?"

"One sec, please..." Amanda mumbled as she scrolled through her iPad, then replied, "It's 10 a.m., sir. The board would all have arrived earlier than that."

Kieran kept silent for a mont. Then he raised his brows and said, "All right." He rose from the couch and turned his back to leave. "See you tomorrow."

Amanda bowed. "Yes, sir."

While Amanda left through the main door, Kieran stopped in the passageway. His heart felt heavy, both with words and worry. What if things don't go as planned? What if Martinez had pulled a card better than his already?

Kieran sighed. 'Damn... things could get worse.'