10x Cashback: Your Wealth Is Mine-Chapter 101: Profits And Philanthropy

The car ride to Amelia Ward’s house was silent. Not tense, silent.

Jenny was on her tablet, using the time to sort through a few things related to her position as co-CEO of Apex.

To be honest, I’m quite impressed by the focus she’d been displaying recently. She really was taking this seriously.

Gone was the party girl persona she wore like a second skin and here was someone determined to win. It was... reassuring.

Her words were matching her actions, unlike Jasmine who will stab you in the back with a sweet smile.

As we got close to Amelia’s house, Jenny finally looked up from her tablet and broke the silence.

"Do you think she’ll go for it?" She asked as we turned onto the long, tree lined driveway leading to Amelia’s house.

"She will." I said confidently. "First, we’ve got Nancy Draconi vouching for us. As Amelia’s mentor, her words have weight."

"Second, Amelia thrives on aligning herself with projects that ’matter.’ If we pitch this right, she’ll see the potential not just in Apex, but in you. Those two will do most of the work in reeling her in."

Jenny frowned. "What if I mess up?"

I paused at the uncharacteristic behavior before answering. Jenny? Unsure of herself? Wonders shall never end.

"You won’t." I assured her. "But if you do, I’ll step in. That’s why I’m here."

The car stopped and I glanced out the window.

Amelia’s... estate was everything you’d expect from someone who had mastered the art of merging business and benevolence.

The mansion has those impeccably trimmed hedges and gardens that looked like it stretched into the horizon. You know, those Buckingham Palace lookalikes.

We were greeted at the door by the butler and while I was marvelling at the fact that she had an honest to God butler, he led us to a sitting room where Amelia was waiting for us.

Stepping inside the sitting room was like stepping into the sun but indoors.

The entire wall facing the sun was a floor to ceiling window and the window extended up to the second floor.

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The room had a very high roof and the sun streamed in through the windows, making it look like one would be sitting inside and outside at the same time.

Amelia stood as we entered, greeting us with the same warm smile I’d seen on the different news articles I’d seen as I was working on the angle I’d use to seduce her.

"Nico, Jenny, welcome." She said, gesturing to the chairs across from her. "It’s been too long, Nico. And Jenny, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person."

"The pleasure is ours." I said as we shook hands. Jenny followed my lead, giving Amelia a genuinely polite smile.

Once we were seated, Amelia poured tea for the three of us.

With what I’d seen so far, it was undeniable.

Noblesse oblige.

Amelia was one of those people who had been born into the kind of families that made one a master of high society but had never lost her... authenticity.

She was the kind of person who could hold court with bankers and artists in the same breath. And yes, holding court is the right word for it.

"So," Amelia said, leaning back with her teacup in hand, "what brings the two of you to my humble abode?"

My lips twitched at her words. There was nothing humble about this place. But since our host has spoken, it would just be rude to say otherwise.

"We’re here because we believe Apex Investments, under Jenny’s leadership, can align with your philanthropic vision." I answered her question. She already knew why we were here but it was nice to do things formally. "And we think a partnership with you could redefine Apex’s future."

"Go on." Amelia took a sip of her tea.

This time, Jenny continued. "Ms. Ward, I know Apex hasn’t always had the best reputation when it comes to corporate responsibility."

"For years, it’s been focused solely on profits and acquisitions, and that’s left a gap in how we’re perceived by the public and even some of our board members."

Amelia nodded as she listened. I watched her expression carefully, waiting for the right moment to jump in.

Jenny continued, her confidence building. "But I want to change that. I believe Apex can be more than just a financial giant. It can become a force for good, making use of its resources for a real impact in society. That’s where you come in."

Amelia set her cup down and leaned back in her chair, considering Jenny’s words. "I see." She nodded.

"But what would this partnership look like?" She asked. "How would it benefit Apex, and me?"

I leaned forward, taking over. "Amelia, your work with Ward Impact Ventures has been transformative. Your focus on social impact startups has proven to the world that philanthropy and profit can go hand in hand."

She nodded but said nothing, so I continued.

"What if we took that model and applied it to Apex? Jenny’s leadership can spearhead a new division within Apex dedicated to social impact investments."

"With your guidance and involvement, this division could become a flagship for the company, shifting public perception and attracting younger, values driven investors."

Amelia smiled at my words. " From what I’ve learnt of the current situation, you’re going against Jasmine Voss. How would this partnership counter her plans?"

"Jasmine’s been making moves. Interesting moves.x I said with a confident smile of my own. "Her approach is all about chasing the next big thing and it’s risky."

My mind went to the report I’d gotten from Elsa. Jasmine was really going after something interesting.

"Trust me when I say a partnership with you would be more beneficial for Apex position, bringing forward thinking and stability at the same time."

"Instead of chasing trends, we’d be creating sustainable impact, which appeals to both the public and the board."

"And it’s not just about perception." Jenny jumped in. "With your network and expertise, we could identify high impact projects that align with Apex’s financial goals and your philanthropic vision. It’s a win-win."

Amelia leaned back with a thoughtful frown on her face.

"Nancy did say you’d have an interesting proposition for me."

She shot us a smile before her next words. "But I’m not in the habit of partnering with companies unless I’m certain their leadership is fully committed to the cause."

Jenny rose to the occasion, meeting and holding her gaze without hesitation.

"I am committed. I know I have a lot to prove, but to me, this isn’t just about winning against my sister. It’s about redefining Apex for the future and leaving behind something I can be proud of. It’s about legacy."

There it was. The L word that everybody here worshipped like a deity. I had been wondering when it would be dropped into the conversation.

Amelia gave her a small smile. "I like your passion, Jenny. And I appreciate your honesty." She looked at me. "Nico, you’ve always had a knack for bringing people together. I’ll consider your proposal. But I’ll need time to deliberate on it."

"Of course." I said. "Take all the time you need. We’re confident you’ll see the potential in this partnership."

Amelia nodded, standing to signal the end of the meeting. "Thank you both for coming. I’ll be in touch soon."

Just as we shook hands, there was a polite nod on the door and her butler entered.

"Apologies, Ms. Ward, Mr. Grant is here to see you."

"Oh?" Her eyes lit up and she turned to us with a smile on her face. "I’m sorry, my boyfriend’s here."

Boyfriend?!