After arranging everything in the office, Eleanor headed directly to Manchester235 Casino. Teresa had booked the Chef's Table at Jas Martin Manchester for her eting with Edward Miller, Chairman of Fortune Tech.
Jas Martin Manchester was a spectacular restaurant that retained elents of the historic Great Northern Warehouse, such as exposed brickwork and industrial-chic steel girders. The selection of luxury vintage-style fabrics and artwork created an incredible dining atmosphere there.
The Chef's Table was located in a private space, separated from the main restaurant by elegant curtains. Eleanor had frequently visited this place during her university days at the University of Manchester.
Upon arriving, the Floor Manager personally escorted her from the lift to the Chef's Table, where she found Edward Miller already waiting. As expected, he was alone.
"Sorry, Mr. Miller, I hope you haven't been waiting long. I am Eleanor Elizabeth Raynor, Chairman of Heimdall Technologies. It's nice to et you," she said as she approached the table.
Edward, despite being the older of the two, stood up as she arrived. "Not long at all. Please, have a seat."
She took her seat across from him. "Thank you. Have you ordered your lunch yet?"
"No," he admitted. "This is my first ti dining here, so I was waiting for you."
"Alright then, I'll take the liberty of being the host." She turned to the floor manager and said, "Please take note of our order: two Spiced Onion Bhajis, one Roast Provençal Vegetable Pithivier for the gentleman, one Porterhouse for , two Caesar salads, two servings of peppercorn sauce, and one bottle of Dom Pérignon. Please serve as soon as possible. Thank you."
The manager noted the order and left.
Edward observed her thoughtfully. "You seem to know your way around here. Are you a frequent visitor?"
"I used to be," she replied with a small smile. "Back when I was studying at the University of Manchester."
Edward fell silent for a mont, then hesitated before speaking. "Let's not beat around the bush. I'll be direct... how do you know my granddaughter?"
Eleanor t his gaze, her expression unreadable. "Annabel Miller. Almost five years old. Blood group A negative. Diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. According to her doctors, she has no more than six months to live without a transplant. But you haven't found a suitable donor despite searching for all these years. Although your family has gone to great lengths to keep her condition hidden, I was able to uncover the truth."
She slid two dical reports across the table toward him. One was for a patient diagnosed with Tay-Sachs disease, a four-year-old boy with blood group A negative and a maximum life expectancy of six years. The other report detailed the heart size and condition of that sa patient.
"Tay-Sachs disease is a genetic disorder that destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord," she explained. "It's caused by mutations in the HEXA gene, which lead to the accumulation of a toxic fatty substance called GM2 ganglioside in nerve cells. This buildup results in progressive neurological deterioration. There is currently no effective cure. The disease rapidly destroys the brain and nervous system... but interestingly, the heart remains intact."
Edward's face was a mixture of shock and understanding as he listened.
"The boy has five other siblings," Eleanor continued. "His parents are poor and cannot afford his hospitalization. One of my friends, a high-ranking official at UNICEF, is currently covering his dical expenses."
Edward took a deep breath. "What are your conditions?"
Eleanor leaned back slightly; her voice steady. "I'm not here to exploit your granddaughter's condition to acquire your company. My offer is simple... I want 70% of Fortune Tech at market price. I'll pay the full amount upfront. You will step down as Chairman and take on the role of CEO. There's no need to publicize the change in ownership. Your family will remain in charge of the company, just as they are now. And please, no bargain."
She paused before adding, "If you accept my offer, I can arrange for you to et the boy's parents. With the right financial incentives, acquiring a dying boy's heart shouldn't be a problem for you. If you prefer, I can facilitate the deal myself."
Edward's fingers tightened around the reports. "I need a day to consider your offer."
"I'm afraid that won't be possible, Mr. Miller," Eleanor said, shaking her head. "My ti is highly valuable. You're not the only company on my list. I've already acquired eight companies today, and another is currently underway. You must have seen the headlines about Sage. Since your family owns Fortune Tech, I want you to make a decision now. I decided to have lunch with you; after that, I have other matters to attend to."
She handed him a pre-written acquisition agreent. Edward took it, his face grim as he began reading.
At that mont, the curtain moved to the side, and the restaurant manager entered with the waitstaff. They skillfully arranged the table before departing.
Eleanor gestured toward the al. "Mr. Miller, I've had a rather busy day, and I'm hungry. Please, serve yourself."
Edward hesitated, then stood up. "Miss Raynor, you start. I need to use the washroom first." He picked up the agreent and left the room.
Eleanor knew he was stepping away to consult with his family. She didn't wait and began eating.
Over ten minutes later, Edward returned. Without a word, he sat down, picked up the pen, and signed the agreent.
He looked at Eleanor and said, "Miss Raynor, I've fulfilled my part of the deal. Please provide with the donor's details. My son will leave today." He slid the signed agreent across the table.
Eleanor accepted the docunt, set it aside, and said, "Please, eat first. The donor is in Delhi, India. My friend is the current UNICEF Representative to India. All you need to do is go there, and I'll handle the arrangents. Make sure to consult with your doctors about the transplant... one of the patients will need to be moved."
She took a sip of her wine before adding, "Also, keep this matter strictly confidential. My friend's position is delicate. She won't be actively involved in your negotiations. You know how journalists and humanitarians can be these days."
Edward nodded. "I understand. Rest assured, no one will hear about this. And before we leave India, I'll relocate the donor's family to another region."
As they ate, Edward seed lost in thought. After a while, he said, "I'm just curious... are you related to Ethan Raynor? You share the sa surna."
Eleanor paused, considering her response. Then, she said, "As my business partner, all I can tell you is that we are on good terms."
Edward, a seasoned businessman, imdiately grasped the implication behind her words. Internally, he sighed in relief. "Thank God we didn't provoke this woman. I almost feel pity for Sage Enterprise. One Raynor already struck fear into the business world, and now another is rising. This might be the best decision... to align with them. Five years ago, Ethan Raynor swept through the business battlefield. Manchester's business landscape is about to change again with this young lady," he thought.
While Edward was deep in thought, Eleanor finished her al, signed the agreent, and called Teresa.
Teresa arrived shortly and transferred the agreed paynt to Edward Miller.
Eleanor stood up. "Mr. Miller, I hope we will be successful together. Teresa will discuss our future plans for your company with you. Oh! My apologies... our company. Don't worry, you'll be pleased with my arrangents."
With that, she turned and left the restaurant, her business for the day far from over.
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