The Conglomerate Family Became A Villain [EN]: Chapter 151

151. The Uninvited Guest (5)

The request came just as Arthur Morgan, the head of JP Morgan, finished his breakfast. A butler approached and bowed respectfully.

“Mr. Morgan, Mr. Arnault is requesting an audience.”

Henri Arnault.

He had been filling Neil Hamilton’s vacant position since last year.

Arthur Morgan asked without turning, “Did Arnault come in person? Or did he simply call?”

The butler replied in a firm voice, “Mr. Arnault arrived twenty minutes ago.”

“Which means… he waited until I finished my meal?”

“Yes, sir.”

Arthur Morgan set down his half-filled coffee cup and said, “Tell him to come in.”

As soon as permission was granted, the butler bowed once more and retreated.

One minute later.

Herni Arnault bowed before Arthur Morgan.

“Mr. Morgan, I apologize for this sudden intrusion.”

Arthur Morgan’s gaze remained fixed on Central Park, as usual. He found it tiring to look at people’s faces directly.

“It’s alright. You may come at any time if something is truly urgent.”

Henri Arnault took it as a warning that he would be held accountable if the matter wasn’t genuinely pressing.

“It concerns Victoria Corporation.”

Victoria Corporation.

At that name, Arthur Morgan’s brow furrowed.

“That company again? What’s the problem this time?”

Henri Arnault cleared his throat and replied, “Sir, this time it’s good news.”

Arthur Morgan scoffed.

“Hmph, is it even possible for that damn company to bring me good news?”

He had a bad feeling about Victoria Corporation from the start.

‘Just seeing them cozying up to political circles tells me it’s not a legitimate company.’

Arthur Morgan criticized Jung Hyun-woo for colluding with politicians, but JP Morgan itself had grown alongside the political world.

“It appears Victoria Corporation’s IPO [Initial Public Offering, the first time a company offers shares to the public] will be a resounding success.”

Arthur Morgan raised his right hand, palm up.

“How is that good news for *me*?”

“We own ten percent of Victoria Corporation’s shares.”

“Are you referring to the shares Neil bought?”

Before Neil Hamilton left JP Morgan, his last act was to acquire ten percent of Victoria Corporation’s shares for $1 billion.

“Yes, sir.”

“So, we bought ten percent for $1 billion. Even if it’s a huge success, it won’t be more than double that, will it?”

Arthur Morgan figured that even if Victoria Corporation’s IPO was successful, the company would be valued at around $20 billion.

‘Even that much is a bubble.’

He was a man born in an era before computers or even airplanes.

To him, the IT industry was an unfamiliar and somewhat suspect landscape.

“It seems it could be significantly more than double.”

Arthur Morgan frowned.

“More than double, you say?”

If ten percent was worth $1 billion, the total market capitalization was $10 billion. More than double would mean a valuation of $25 billion or $30 billion.

‘How can that kid’s company be worth $30 billion?’

Henri Arnault lowered his head slightly and replied, “Citibank has formally requested to cooperate with Victoria Corporation.”

Arthur Morgan’s eyes widened at the mention of Citibank.

“Citi did?”

This news was clearly unexpected.

“Yes, sir.”

Arthur Morgan groaned softly.

“Hmm, I didn’t expect Citi to make a move.”

Citibank was a major rival of Bank of America and a long-standing nemesis of JP Morgan.

They had always favored classic strategies and stability over risky ventures.

‘Did Citi really make a move?’

If Citibank was involved, other banks and securities firms might follow suit.

“With Citibank’s proposal, Victoria Corporation’s market capitalization could reach $30 billion.”

Arthur Morgan clasped his hands together.

“$30 billion, is it?”

It still didn’t reach JP Morgan’s market capitalization, but it might be able to catch up with Morgan Stanley.

‘That kid’s company is catching up with Morgan Stanley.’

He hadn’t thought such a thing was possible before breakfast.

“It might even be possible to go higher than that.”

If it exceeded $30 billion and reached $40 billion, it could put not only JP Morgan but also Bank of America within striking distance.

“Hmm, even with high expectations, wouldn’t that be difficult?”

“They are said to be preparing something new with Bank of America.”

“A new product?”

“It seems so.”

Victoria Corporation’s new product.

Arthur Morgan couldn’t even begin to guess what it was.

‘Am I getting old?’

He let out a long sigh.

“Hoo…”

He had always believed he would never truly age.

His body would grow old, of course, but he wanted to keep his mind and thoughts as sharp as they were when he was young.

But things didn’t work out as he wished.

The world was changing too rapidly, far beyond his expectations.

Especially this thing called a computer.

“Henri, you look well.”

Arthur Morgan was still looking out the window, so he couldn’t see Henri Arnault’s face.

Nevertheless, he commented on his appearance.

“As I mentioned earlier, Victoria Corporation’s success is also our success.”

If Victoria Corporation’s market capitalization exceeded $20 billion, JP Morgan would be looking at an investment profit of over $1 billion in just one year.

“Not our success, but *your* success.”

Henri Arnault slowly shook his head at Arthur Morgan’s pointed words.

“I believe it’s not my success, but Neil’s.”

He was implying that Victoria Corporation’s success was ultimately due to Neil Hamilton’s foresight.

“That particular sentiment isn’t your own thought, is it?”

Henri Arnault admitted it honestly.

“I simply followed Edmund’s advice.”

He knew that hiding the truth from Arthur Morgan would not be beneficial in the long run.

“Edmund?”

Edmund Norman.

He was Neil Hamilton’s rival, the head of JP Morgan’s banking division, and effectively the second-in-command at JP Morgan.

“Edmund said not to hide, cover up, exaggerate, or deceive.”

Arthur Morgan could easily imagine the kind of advice Edmund Norman had given to Henri Arnault.

‘He must have told him not to embellish or covet personal gain, but to strive for balanced management.’

It was advice perfectly in line with Edmund Norman’s reputation as a master of operations.

“Were you and Edmund that close?”

“I sought him out to get advice from someone more experienced than myself.”

Henri Arnault honestly admitted that he had initiated the contact.

“Henri, you’ve grown.”

Arthur Morgan could see that his capabilities had expanded.

‘Does the position truly shape the person?’

Henri Arnault, who had taken over as head of the investment bank after Neil Hamilton, had become a man who knew how to assess situations and people, unlike before.

“Standing in Neil’s position, I realized that my abilities are lacking. That’s why I came to see Mr. Morgan today.”

“Because of that? What do you mean?”

Henri Arnault replied in a measured tone, “Mr. Morgan, I wish to step down from my current position.”

In an instant, wrinkles deepened on Arthur Morgan’s face.

‘Another unexpected development.’

This morning, Henri Arnault was surprising him for the second time already.

“Are you saying you want to step down because you feel your abilities are insufficient?”

“I believe Neil should return.”

Henri Arnault wanted Neil Hamilton to be reinstated.

Arthur Morgan turned to face him directly. He wanted to speak to Henri Arnault face to face.

“Impossible.”

Henri Arnault gestured with his hands, protesting the refusal to consider Neil Hamilton’s return.

“Mr. Morgan, Neil is a master of investment.”

Arthur Morgan waved his right hand dismissively and said, “Even if Neil is a master of investment, as you say, it’s still impossible.”

Henri Arnault couldn’t understand Arthur Morgan’s reasoning at all.

‘Why is it not possible?’

Neil Hamilton had proven his judgment with the Victoria Corporation investment.

And beyond that?

The unwavering conviction he had displayed was something Henri Arnault couldn’t even hope to emulate.

“Wasn’t it because you thought the investment in Victoria Corporation was a mistake that you dismissed Neil in the first place?”

Arthur Morgan let out a long sigh.

“It’s time for both Neil and me to rest.”

Henri Arnault’s eyes widened.

“Does that mean…”

“I’ll be stepping down at the end of this year as well. So there’s no need for Neil either.”

Arthur Morgan had already chosen Edmund Norman as his successor.

If Neil Hamilton were to return in this situation, the competition for succession would inevitably reignite.

Arthur Morgan wanted to avoid that at all costs.

Henri Arnault bowed his head.

“Neil is unlucky.”

Arthur Morgan gave a wry smile.

“You should say Edmund was lucky. But it’s still fortunate.”

“Are you saying it’s fortunate because Neil’s unfairness has been revealed?”

Arthur Morgan shook his head from side to side.

“It’s not that.”

“Then…”

“I’m glad I can witness your growth before I retire.”

Arthur Morgan acknowledged Henri Arnault’s development.

“Mr. Morgan…”

Henri Arnault’s eyes were filled with emotion. The reason he was reacting so strongly was that he had never been praised by Arthur Morgan before.

‘Has he become more lenient because he’s about to retire?’

It was at that moment that he narrowed his brow.

“Looking at your face, I’m even more convinced.”

Arthur Morgan could tell that there were no lies in anything Henri Arnault had said.

“…”

“When I retire, you will become the second-in-command at JP Morgan.”

This meant that the Morgan family would no longer be directly running JP Morgan.

Arthur Morgan believed that the world now demanded professional managers.

‘None of my sons can match Henri or Edmund.’

Even if they possessed half the talent, he might have entrusted the company to his sons.

But his sons lacked the ability to manage people, as well as the financial acumen required.

“Mr. Morgan…”

Arthur Morgan turned back towards the window.

“Henri, go back.”

He was making it clear that he would not entertain any further advice or objections regarding the succession plan.

Henri Arnault bowed deeply.

“I will take my leave now.”

He had just heard from Arthur Morgan that he would become the second-in-command, but he felt no joy. His heart was heavier than ever.

* * *

Jung Hyun-woo and Sarah tilted their heads in confusion as they exited JP Morgan headquarters.

“Isn’t that strange?”

“It is.”

Henri Arnault had been unusually accommodating today. He had even accepted most of their demands.

“They say people act strangely when they’re close to death…”

“Surely not.”

Jung Hyun-woo looked up at the JP Morgan headquarters building.

“I feel like I just experienced some bizarre dream.”

Sarah narrowed her brow and asked, “Could it be that his attitude changed because of Citibank?”

“Are you suggesting he became more agreeable because the risk associated with the IPO completely vanished?”

Sarah relaxed her brow and replied, “I can’t think of any other explanation right now.”

Henri Arnault had seemed like a completely different person.

‘I’d almost believe twin brothers were impersonating him.’

He had waved his hands cheerfully, saying that Victoria Corporation could aim for a market capitalization of not only $20 billion but also $30 billion.

Such gestures were unthinkable for him in the past.

‘Today, he wasn’t the impeccably groomed elite I’m used to.’

Jung Hyun-woo shook his head vigorously and said, “Sarah, let’s stop dwelling on Mr. Arnault.”

Whatever changes he may have undergone, it wasn’t important to them now.

“You mean let’s focus on our next appointment?”

“It’s not a major event, but it’s a matter of courtesy to the person who’s waiting for us.”

The two’s next appointment was dinner with Aria Walton.

One hour later.

The two entered an old-fashioned restaurant with Aria.

“Is this another Aria pick?”

Aria shook her right hand at Jung Hyun-woo’s question.

“No.”

Sarah followed up after Jung Hyun-woo, “It’s not an Aria pick?”

“It’s our father’s pick.”

She meant it was a recommendation from Bud Walton, the vice chairman of Walmart.

“Ah, it’s Mr. Walton’s pick.”

“It’s my father’s favorite restaurant. He’s been a regular since he was young.”

Squeak.

As they opened the door and stepped inside, the rich aroma of grilling meat filled the air.

The interior was old and dimly lit.

Fortunately, it was well-maintained, so it didn’t feel unclean.

‘It’s likely coated in grease, but it seems they clean it regularly.’

Aria led the two to a table inside the restaurant and gestured for them to sit.

“Let’s sit here.”

There were five chairs placed around the round table she had chosen.

Jung Hyun-woo tilted his head, puzzled.

“Five chairs? Isn’t that a bit much space for just us?”

“Someone will be joining us shortly.”

Could it mean there’s an uninvited guest?

Sarah smiled brightly and sat next to Aria.

“It’s not my sister coming, is it?”

She wondered if the guest who would be joining them was Laura.

“It’s not Laura.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Sarah still doesn’t get along with Laura, it seems.”

“It’s not as bad as it used to be, but we’re still not exactly on good terms.”

Jung Hyun-woo shrugged his shoulders after hearing her words.

“Aria, just ignore her. Laura and Sarah, they both care about each other deep down.”

Aria turned her gaze to Jung Hyun-woo and said, “Of course, I know. The two think of each other very dearly.”

She believed that even though the two sisters often bickered, their sisterly bond was strong.

‘If their relationship was truly bad, they wouldn’t even be speaking to each other.’

As the three settled into their seats, a middle-aged waiter approached.

“Here’s the menu.”

As he handed out the menus, Aria raised her right hand, palm facing outward.

“One more person is joining us.”

The middle-aged waiter bowed his head slightly in acknowledgment.

“I understand. I’ll return shortly, then.”

He didn’t ask how long it would take for the guest to arrive and fill the empty seat.

Jung Hyun-woo speculated on the reason for this deference.

‘Perhaps Aria is a VVIP at this restaurant. They must listen to her every word.’

She possessed enough wealth to buy out all the restaurants on this street and still have plenty left over.

“But who’s the guest?”

As Sarah asked, Aria smiled mysteriously.

“It’s a secret.”

“A secret?”

“You’ll find out when they arrive.”

Sarah pressed further, “It’ll be a problem if it takes too long. I’m starting to get hungry.”

“They said they’re nearby. Just wait about ten minutes, and they’ll be here.”

“If they don’t arrive in ten minutes, Aria is paying for dinner tonight.”

Aria shrugged her shoulders at Sarah’s playful demand.

“Alright. If they’re more than ten minutes late, I’ll pick up the tab.”

Jung Hyun-woo listened to their banter, a thought forming in his mind.

‘Could the guest be…’

It was the moment he considered one particular person.

Squeak.

The door opened, and a distinguished, white-haired gentleman entered.

As soon as Sarah saw him, she exclaimed, “Uncle?”

Jung Hyun-woo understood the meaning of the “uncle” she used.

‘It’s not a possibility; it’s definitely him.’

The late-arriving guest was none other than Aria’s father, Vice Chairman Bud Walton.