Under Benjamin’s guidance, the actors strategically placed among the guests stood up one by one.
After condemning Matthew’s arrogant attitude, they left directly. With them taking the lead, others also gradually left.
Naturally, those who left were mostly small forces and small merchants who sought to take advantage of the situation. The true power players remained unmoved, silently observing the unfolding situation. After all, foolish people were always in the minority.
With Benjamin acting as the representative of the Whitford Family and having such close ties with the Keller Family, could his words really be trusted?
Witnessing the impact of his instigation, Benjamin prepared to unleash his next move.
“Matthew, you are nothing more than a dog relying on others. Without our help, you would just be an ordinary commander. Now that things have reached this point, I won’t conceal it any longer!”
“On behalf of the Whitford Family and the Keller Family, I, Benjamin Whitford, declare that the core trades of both families will be completely open to the outside world. The Keller Family’s shipping and casino industry, as well as the Whitford Family’s arms trade, are now open for anyone interested to join!”
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire scene erupted in an uproar.
These trades were the foundations on which both families relied for survival, and they were all highly profitable industries. Now, they were unexpectedly opening to the outside world.
“Mr. Benjamin, if we decide to join, what would be the approximate purchase price?”
Benjamin calmly smiled. “The specific pricing would require you to negotiate in person. However, I can assure you that the purchase price you’ll get will be more than 30% below the market rate.”
The initially calm faces of the few individuals instantly changed.
It was not that they lacked composure, but the temptation of this offer was just too irresistible.
Benjamin, however, didn’t stop at this point. With a subtle nod from him, the elderly Douglas in one of the guest seats slowly stood up.
“Though I’m quite old now, if you don’t mind, I’d also like to get involved a bit.”
When favonovel.com finished speaking, everyone was astonished.
In his younger days, Douglas was the vice chairman of the Skargness Chamber of Commerce. Even though favonovel.com had retired for many years, his extensive network still held significant influence. With his participation, the commercial battle between the Whitford and Keller Families was bound to reach a whole new level.
Benjamin laughed heartily and said, “Mr. Kirby, you’re as strong as ever. It’s an honor for us younger folks to have you join our collaboration. There’s no room for any reservations.”
The two parties had reached a cooperation agreement a few days ago, and everything happening now was just a staged performance.
With the majority of the crowd voicing their support after Douglas took a stand, many expressed their willingness to cooperate.
Benjamin, being the opportunist favonovel.com was, welcomed all proposals. Within the scene, there were only a few guests who had yet to declare their support. A triumphant expression slowly crossed his face when favonovel.com saw that his goal had been achieved.
“Matthew, sorry about this. Relying solely on your handful of troops, it seems a bit challenging to proceed with the ‘maritime cooperation’ now. Or how about this, today I will generously offer you the opportunity to join the alliance between the Whitford and Keller families,” favonovel.com said mockingly.
Before Matthew could respond, several businessmen, besides Benjamin, eagerly began pledging their loyalty.
“Mr. Benjamin, why waste any more words on Matthew? With just a few of them, they think they can take on the Keller Family. It’s nothing more than wishful thinking,” said one of them.
“Exactly! They talk about maritime cooperation, but it’s just a ploy to unite against the Keller Family,” another chimed in.
“A bunch of inexperienced kids trying to tell us what to do,” someone added.
Having joined the Whitford-Keller alliance, they no longer showed any respect for Matthew Larson.
The crown prince’s face darkened. “Since you’ve chosen to join the Whitford-Keller alliance, get lost then!”
“Hmph, I don’t want to stay either!”
“You…”
Just as Shawn was about to step forward, Matthew, who was sitting in his seat, extended his hand to stop him. He set down his teacup and slowly rose from his seat.
“So, this is the counterattack strategy of your Whitford-Keller alliance? Childish as it may be, but it did help me weed out some opportunists…”
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