Chapter 277 It’s Time to Close the Net

Chapter 277 It’s Time to Close the Net

Alexander finally dropped his exaggerated look of admiration and said seriously, "There actually is something I need your help with. Our company's been negotiating a project recently - it's a startup doing new energy batteries with really impressive technology. Several major groups are fighting over it. Tomorrow's the final negotiation, and Latitude Innovations Group has been preparing for quite a while, but I always feel like something's missing. I'm not confident. It would be such a shame if we don't land this project. Cathy, you're sharp - can you take a look and give me some ideas?"

Catherine said directly, "Let me see the project materials."

Alexander was clearly prepared. He immediately pulled out his phone and sent her the complete set of project materials he'd already organized.

Catherine browsed through page by page. After about ten minutes, she spotted the issue.

"This project you mentioned - their core advantage is the battery's low-temperature range technology, right? But looking at the technical white paper and third-party testing reports they provided, there's an interesting detail. They barely mention the performance degradation data in high-temperature environments, and they didn't even note the testing standards. Meanwhile, competitors with real competitive advantages are much more transparent about their high-temperature data."

Alexander frowned slightly. "So you mean..."

"Either they really do have a weakness in high-temperature performance, or there's something behind that data they don't want to show. But this isn't necessarily bad - precisely because it's not perfect, the valuation isn't ridiculously high. When you said you felt something was missing, this is it. Everyone else is chasing after its strengths - you should address its weaknesses. You don't just want to invest in it, you want to help fix its shortcomings. You have downstream resources in the new energy industry chain, you have the country's largest battery testing laboratory, you can help them achieve breakthroughs in high-temperature performance. This isn't about driving down the price, it's about showing sincerity. Latitude Innovations Group isn't here to divide the pie, it's here to make the pie bigger."

Alexander's eyes grew brighter as he listened.

"Cathy, you're amazing - you hit the nail right on the head."

He pressed his palms together, eyes shining as he pleaded.

"Cathy, come with me to the negotiation tomorrow! With you there, I'll feel confident!"

Catherine smiled. "I don't even work at Latitude Innovations Group. Wouldn't it be inappropriate for me to attend your internal negotiation?"

Alexander waved his hand dismissively. "What's inappropriate about it! You have shares, you're a proper board observer! You're coming with me tomorrow, and I dare anyone to say anything! Cathy, I'm begging you! If you go, we're already halfway there! I'll buy you a luxury car afterward - whatever brand you want. Ferrari? Lamborghini? Or if you prefer something more low-key? A Bentley works too!"

Catherine couldn't help but laugh. Finally, she gave in. "Forget the luxury car. Fine, I'll go."

Alexander's face lit up with joy.

The next day, as if afraid Catherine would back out, Alexander drove to Tranquil Villa first thing in the morning.

They soon arrived at the other company's building, and the receptionist politely escorted the siblings into the conference room.

The other party's boss was Jacob Foster, in his early fifties, who'd made his fortune in building materials and was known in Starlight City business circles for being tough to deal with.

Alexander had negotiated with him five or six times already, and each time he was blocked at the last moment by a "let me think about it."

Mr. Foster came in with a cheerful smile and clasped his hands. "Mr. Montgomery, good to see you again. And this is..."

"My sister, Catherine Montgomery." Alexander stood up to introduce her. "She happened to be free today, so she came along to take a look."

Jacob's smile froze for a moment.

Who in Starlight City didn't know Catherine's name now?

The person who'd taken down the entire Thornton family - who would dare treat her lightly?

They exchanged greetings and sat down. True to form, Jacob started dancing around the issue. He admitted the project held promise, yet argued it required massive investment and carried considerable risks. Being advanced in years, he said, he could no longer take bold risks like the younger generation.

Catherine listened quietly, set down her coffee cup, and spoke calmly.

"Mr. Foster, I understand your concerns about risk. But looking at it, what you're really worried about isn't the money - it's the payment cycle. Montgomery Group can make an adjustment here. We'll settle in three phases, with the first payment increased to forty percent, and the remaining two tied to project milestones. Also, Montgomery Group has two commercial complex projects starting in the second half of the year. If this collaboration goes smoothly, we can sign a framework agreement directly for the subsequent building materials supply, saving you the trouble of bidding project by project."

...

With each sentence she spoke, Jacob's eyes brightened a bit more.

By the end, Jacob had leaned his whole body forward, his fingers unconsciously tapping the table, clearly calculating rapidly.

Alexander watched from the side, stunned.

He'd negotiated for two months without getting this old fox to even relax his brow, and Catherine had been sitting there less than twenty minutes before the man's expression changed from guarded to eager.

"Ms. Montgomery, this proposal of yours..." Jacob swallowed, his face showing a rare smile with a hint of genuine warmth.

"Honestly, I've dealt with the Montgomery Group for so many years, and I've never seen such favorable terms. Alright, let's do it your way!"

Alexander was dumbfounded. That's it? Done?

Then his eyes lit up.

Bringing Catherine today was definitely the right call!

On the other side, Jacob, as if afraid Catherine might leave, uncapped his pen and was about to sign the contract.

But just then, there was a knock on the conference room door.

Jacob's secretary hurried in and whispered a few words in his ear.

Jacob's brow furrowed. He looked up at Alexander and Catherine with an awkward expression.

"Alexander, Catherine, I'm really sorry. Another interested client has arrived outside, saying they also have a proposal to discuss."

Alexander's expression immediately soured. "Mr. Foster, we've already agreed on everything. The contract's all ready..."

"Who is it?" Catherine asked.

The secretary glanced at Jacob. He nodded, and the secretary answered honestly, "It's Aldridge Group. Their vice president, Frederick, is here."

Catherine raised an eyebrow.

Frederick?

She'd heard that after he got that money from Yvonne, he'd poured it all into Aldridge Group. The previously lifeless Aldridge family had actually been revived somewhat under his management, and recently he'd been bouncing around the Starlight City business scene, grabbing projects left and right.

Seems like after catching his breath, he really thinks he's something special.

Daring to compete with the Montgomery family for projects - his confidence has certainly grown.

Catherine lowered her eyes, her lips curving slightly.

Time to close the net.