Chapter 58
“Is this Miss Avery Tate?”
The low, deep voice on the other end was warm and polite.
“Yes, and you are?” Avery asked.
“Hello, I’m Charlie Tierney from Trust Capital. I got your number from your company’s HR department. I’d like to propose a collaboration,” said Charlie.
“Trust Capital?”
“That’s right. Do you have time to meet up today? I’m near your office right now,” Charlie said in an earnest and sincere tone.
After a moment’s consideration, Avery accepted his invitation.
Once they decided on a meeting point, she called the HR manager at Tate Industries.
“Do you know Charlie Tierney from Trust Capital?”
“He’s an impressive investor. Trust Capital is one of the country’s top ten investment banks, which was why I didn’t hesitate to give him your number when he asked for it earlier,” answered the HR manager.
“Got it,” said Avery
“Do you need me to accompany you when you go to your meeting? I’m worried that you’ll get overwhelmed if you go alone,” asked the manager.
Morale at Tate Industries took a huge dip when Shaun left the company. It had also caused a handful of the staff to resign.
If they continued to fail to get investors, it would not be long until the company met its doom.
“It’s fine. It’s the weekend, so you should rest up,” replied Avery.
She looked up Charlie Tierney online on her way to the meeting.
She was stunned when his photo popped up.
He looked much younger than she had expected.
She glanced at his age and discovered that he was indeed rather young.
It was strange. They were the same age, but why did she think Charlie looked younger, but Elliot looked older?
She took another look at Charlie’s photo and found her answer.
Charlie had a dashing smile in the photo while Elliot had a constant poker face.
When Avery walked into Cafe Meadow, Charlie immediately got up and waved to her.
She sat down on the chair across from him and said, “Nice to meet you, Mr. Tierney.”
“There’s no need for formalities here. Call me Charlie.” said Charlie with a warm smile as he passed the menu to her.
Avery awkwardly waved her hand in the air and said, “I don’t drink coffee,” then paused and came up with an excuse, “I’ve been having trouble sleeping, so the doctor told me to quit caffeine.”
Charlie put the menu down and said, “I’m sorry, I had no idea. Let’s go somewhere else!”
“It’s fine, I’ll just have some water,” Avery responded immediately. “You mentioned being interested in a collaboration, Mr. Tierney. Would you mind telling me why you’re willing to work with us?”
Charlie ordered a cup of coffee and a slice of cake and passed the menu to the waiter.
“From a business point of view, I want to work with you because I think highly of Tate Industries,” he said.
1
Avery stared at him and asked, “Are you interested in our self-driving program?”
Charlie’s expression turned unreadable. After pondering for a moment, he said, “Your father wanted to venture into the private vehicle sector with the self-driving program, but I think we can do better than that. We could bring the program into the exploration, search, and rescue, or even the military sectors… Don’t you think so?”
The possibilities in Avery’s mind suddenly broadened.
“Applying the system to the private sector is too much of a risk,” Charlie continued. “If something goes wrong, even just one or two lethal accidents would completely destroy the company’s reputation.”
Avery nodded and said, “That’s a very good point, Mr. Tierney. May I ask what kind of collaboration you’re hoping to have with us?”
Charlie adjusted his glasses, put on a light smile, and said, “From what I understand, someone is interested in acquiring Tate Industries.” “Yes,” Avery responded. “He wants to buy us out.”
