Chapter 472
The true genius of the game was its monetization structure. Players could spend money on premium items to accelerate their crop production, or they could choose to watch ads to level up for free.
It perfectly targeted frugal demographics, especially older players with time to spare.
The sheer volume of ad clicks alone generated a massive secondary revenue stream for the platform.
Owen continued, “We appreciate your company’s admiration, and we certainly respect your reach. Since this is our first time doing business, we can accept the thirty-seventy split.
But the exclusive mandate for the Vertex ID System is off the table.
We believe in diversified growth. Inside the Vertex Store, we will happily integrate your login system.
Everywhere else, we maintain our own p>
In any high-stakes negotiation, pushing too hard on the first deal was a rookie mistake.
“Is there absolutely no room for negotiation on that?” Nathaniel asked, looking at Owen.
Mira interjected, her voice calm but unyielding. “None. That is our absolute bottom line p>
Nathaniel chuckled. “So the rumors are true. Miss Mercer, you are the mastermind behind Solflare Entertainment. I heard you built this entire empire from the ground up in just six months.
I heard you were the top scorer in the province’s college entrance exams, a
renowned songwriter, and a chart-topping singer.
I’m genuinely in awe. You are a terrifyingly brilliant young woman.
Alright, out of respect for such a formidable founder, I accept your terms.
I hope we have the chance to collaborate again in the future p>
Mira offered a modest smile. “You flatter me, Mr. Rhodes. Most of this was just born out of necessity p>
If she hadn’t fought tooth and nail, she would have been crushed by her enemies long ago.
“We have immense respect for you and Vertex Social, and we look forward to a long partnership p>
The meeting concluded in high spirits. Integrating Harvest Haven into a juggernaut platform like Vertex was a massive win-win.
It opened up infinite scaling potential for Solflare’s gaming division and secured a powerful ally for their future tech ventures.
As they walked toward the elevators, Nathaniel turned to Mira. “Are you still operating under the alias Lady Oracle p>
Mira nodded.
“I heard a rumor that you’ve been aggressively acquiring Vertex stock p>
“How did you know about that?” Mira asked. Nathaniel was in game development, not corporate finance.
“Oh, moves that aggressive make waves. A lot of the senior executives are whispering about it p>
“I didn’t realize I was a celebrity in your boardroom p>
Owen chimed in, amused. “Did you really not know you were famous p>
“I genuinely had no idea p>
The men exchanged amused glances.
“Just promise me that when you eventually become a major shareholder and technically my. You remember this deal and treat me well,” Nathaniel sai@with a wry smile.
Given her ruthless financial acumen, a hostile takeover didn’t even seem out of the realm of possibility.
“You’re joking, Mr. Rhodes. I’m lightyears away from being your boss p>
Mira had initially toyed with the idea of securing a board seat at Vertex but funneling capital into Nexus Core Systems had taken priority.
“Youth is truly formidable p>
“Likewise p>
Mira’s empire was expanding at a terrifying pace.
Her internet finance sector alone was projected to pull in billions of dollars this
month.
With the gaming division now
printing money, her standing in the
global business arena was
skyrocketing. She would soon be
swimming with the true apex
of
predators of the corporate world.
Riding the high of the signed contract, Mira turned to Owen. “Let’s wire the bonus
checks to Soren Tate and the development team today p>
Keeping the team hungry and well-compensated was the key to scaling even faster.