This carefully planned public opinion attack worked like a charm. After a steep fall in early trading, the Hart Group’s stock price suddenly rebounded. Speculative investors poured in, feeding off sympathy and the company’s image as one that “dares to defy corporate tyranny.” Their stock soared, defying market trends.
Meanwhile, the Cole Group’s stock price plunged—crashing under a torrent of slander, shaken investor confidence, and fears of policy risk.
I stared at the two opposing graphs on my computer screen.
One line shot upward—Hart Group, soaring with false glory.
The other plummeted—Cole Group, collapsing into the red.
The cold glow of the monitor reflected on my face, sharpening my features as a faint, mocking smile curved my lips.
Go ahead. Keep pushing.
Did they really believe such cheap tricks could shake the foundation of the Cole family?
Did they think a few online insults and fabricated sympathy could bring me down?
How naive.
They’ve mistaken the business world for a stage play — thinking emotions can rewrite the rules.
Just then, as Cole Group’s stock hit its lower limit, my phone rang. Lucas. Perfect timing.