Chapter 481
Marina’s parents owned a clothing factory in Dalesburg–the Thornton family’s lifeline and the foundation of everything they had.
The factory hadn’t exactly thrived in recent years. Despite its decent size, they were just barely scraping by. That was why Galloway and Edna had come all the way to Aldenville to rely on her, using her connection with Jonathan to land that lucrative rehabilitation center project.
For this latest mining bid, Marina had planned not to tap into her family’s assets–she’d only use Jonathan’s money.
After all, Jonathan was always happy to bankroll her.
Even if he couldn’t give her love, as long as she was still “Rina” in his eyes, he’d spare no expense to help her out.
But now, Marina wasn’t so sure that would be enough.
With Niamh as her main competitor, she had to make absolutely certain nothing could go wrong.
She’d already lost to Niamh several times in head–to–head jewelry design competitions. This time, with the mining rights, she absolutely had to win.
After a quick inspection of the factory, Marina drove back to Aldenville and headed straight for TerraVita Recovery Center.
At this point, the recovery center was definitely worth more in the bank’s eyes than the aging clothing factory.
If she put them both up as collateral, she could probably get a bank loan close to $200 million.
From what Marina knew, bids for mining rights often required a minimum annual output, so that $200 million could serve as the initial investment.
Jonathan was providing her with $1.5 billion in liquid capital. Even after spending chunk to acquire an established mining company, she still had more than enough. for the bid.
But she’d heard Niamh had raised at least a billion herself, so Marina was far from feeling secure.
Tonight, she’d arranged a dinner with Chase, the Deputy Minister of the Coralis Ministry of Terrestrial Resources.
1/3
Deputy Minister Chase, let me propose a toast to you”
Marina, dressed in a deliberately provocative low–cut dress, kept his glass full and laid on the flattery thick.
Chase was already well on his way to being drunk, his eyes glued to her cleavage.
Marina felt sick, but she’d chosen her outfit for exactly this reason.
“Deputy Minister Chase, I heard the new mine up for bid has reserves over five billion. Is that true?”
“Oh, it’s much more than that,” Chase murmured, lowering his voice, as if confiding a state secret. “Actually, CD Corporation’s surveys show it could be over ten billion.” “That much?” Marina feigned astonishment.
“But,” Chase continued, lowering his gaze, “the Minister apparently has a favorite company in mind. Some insider, I suppose. They’re not keen on letting the price get too high…”
He left it at that and took another sip of wine.
Marina wasted no time refilling his glass.
“So–if I wanted to bid on the new mine…”
“My advice? Don’t bother.” Chase waved dismissively. “It goes to the highest bidder. How much can you really put up? Unless you can blow everyone out of the water, I wouldn’t get my hopes up…”
Marina’s face darkened. She could practically feel the disdain.
She might be a nobody in the business world, but Jonathan and the Thomas Group were behind her.
“Deputy Minister Chase… in your opinion, how much would I need to guarantee success?”
“At least two billion,” Chase replied, naming a figure that made her heart sink.
Marina left the meal with a swirl of emotions, anxiety gnawing at her.
Even if Galloway and Edna finally agreed to let her mortgage the family’s assets, she’d still come up at least $300 million short.
After agonizing over her options, Marina finally called Joker.
“Three hundred million? Drake’s underground bank in Blackspire can lend you that.”
09.02
“Really?!” Marina could barely keep the excitement out of her voice.
“But your little studio isn’t worth much as collateral. Drake’s terms are simple: sign the contract, and you’ll have the cash immediately. I’ll send it to your phone right
now.”
The call ended. Seconds later, Joker’s contract arrived in her inbox.
The more Marina read, the colder she felt, her face growing grim.
Marina: Is there any way to change some of the terms?
