CHAPTER 267: DYNASTY ODERS [ 3 ]

Laughter rippled through the formal atmosphere like a refreshing breeze.

Evelyn Cross, President of Osborn Intercontinental Hotel Group, smiled brightly. "Like royalty! Your team has truly created paradise on that residential island. My kids can’t stop raving about our ocean-view mansion!"

"I’ve lost weight," chimed in Halston Graye from Osborn Security & Defense. "Turns out evening jogs on black sand beaches beat treadmill workouts any day."

Morgan Li from Osborn Restaurant Group added with mock regret, "I’ve gained weight! That Varenyan cuisine is dangerously delicious."

The room erupted into chuckles once more before Arthur’s expression turned serious again.

"I’m glad you’re all adjusting well," he said firmly. "But let’s be clear: comfort won’t last."

With a swift gesture from his hand, dozens of holographic screens descended silently from above,each one showcasing global metrics and predictive simulations.

"Today marks the beginning of Phase Two for our Business Empire," Arthur declared with authority.

"The main family has received their marching orders; now it’s your turn. Each of you holds a seat at this table of global influence but moving forward? You’ll need to earn it."

A hush fell over the boardroom as he gestured toward Dr. Velora Tan, President of Osborn Hospital Group.

"Dr. Tan," he said sharply as her eyes focused intently on him, "you oversee one of our most critical arms: health care itself. You’re not merely managing hospitals; you’re shaping the future of medicine."

As he pointed to a detailed map highlighting multiple regions across Noctis Continent on one screen, he continued:

"We’re launching construction for Osborn Medical Cities in ten target nations first,these are not just hospitals; they will be cities equipped with research labs and trauma response hubs."

Velora swallowed hard, her heart racing as she absorbed the weight of Arthur’s words.

"Each city must be self-sustaining, earthquake-resistant, and EMP-proof," he declared with a commanding presence.

"We’ll partner with government health departments but retain complete operational control. These cities will set the international standard for healthcare."

He paused, his gaze piercing through the room. "And remember: a sick nation is a weak nation. You are both healers and shields. And don’t forget your collaboration with Osborn Pharmaceutical and Biotech Group; you’re practically in the same industry."

Velora nodded slightly, her resolve strengthening. "Understood, sir."

Arthur then turned to Claude Verniere, the President of Osborn Wine & Beverages,a man distinguished by his silver-streaked hair and an air of calm that suggested he could judge any wine with ease.

"Claude," he began, "wine represents status; beverages embody culture. You’ve mastered luxury consumption across Panterra. Now it’s time to shape global palates."

A vibrant projection illuminated the room, showcasing vineyard zones, distilleries, and shipping routes.

"Acquire the top 100 independent vineyards worldwide! Launch Osborn Wine Academies in Arkos, Arctora, and the Far East! Dominate awards and redefine taste! Establish a global standard!"

"What about non-alcoholic lines?" Claude interjected.

Arthur’s eyes sparkled with ambition. "Buy out nutraceutical startups to create a health line! Infuse drinks with brain-boosting formulas, cell-repair compounds,mood regulators! We’re selling more than just taste; we’re selling a lifestyle!"

Claude’s face lit up with enthusiasm. "As you command."

"Evelyn Cross," Arthur continued as he shifted his focus to the woman leading Osborn Intercontinental Hotel Group.

"You’ve built a hospitality empire from the Aurelia Federation to Orivon. Now transform Osborn hotels into diplomatic lodestones of our modern world."

"Sir?" Evelyn replied.

"You will construct ultra-luxury sanctuaries in every capital city,embassies in all but name! Ensure privacy and immunity-level protection along with personalized AI concierge services! Make every Osborn Hotel a fortress,a palace,a hub of power!"

He leaned forward slightly, intensity radiating from him.

"Our hotels will host presidential retreats... black-ops meetings... billionaire negotiations and they’ll pay you for it."

Evelyn exhaled slowly but firmly replied, "Understood."

"Morgan Li," Arthur called next.

"Sir?"

"The world eats three times daily,three chances to dominate their taste buds!" His tone sharpened like a knife cutting through silence.

"Create global franchises for five of our most beloved brands! Make them household names from slums to skyscrapers! But alongside that... begin Project Ambrosia."

Morgan blinked in confusion at this new term. "Project Ambrosia?"

"High-end exclusive culinary temples. Invite-only restaurants in floating platforms, mountain lodges, deep sea spheres. Each dish a billion-dollar experience. Pair luxury with fantasy".

Morgan’s eyes widened at the thought.

Arthur continued, his voice steady with ambition. "And let’s not stop there,how about launching a chef academy in Varenya? We’ll train the next generation of culinary elites, turning Osborn cuisine into a cultural weapon that will leave its mark on the world."

All eyes shifted to Halston Graye, anticipation hanging thick in the air.

"You already know your path, Halston," Arthur said coolly.

"Yes, sir," Halston replied with determination.

With a gesture from Arthur, holographic screens flickered to life, displaying blueprints for weapons, bodyguard contracts, and simulations of border defenses.

"Private military? Expand it. Drone armies? Let’s grow them. Urban surveillance contracts? We must dominate." His words dripped with authority.

"Create elite security squads embedded with high-profile clients worldwide," he commanded.

"Launch the Osborn Black Guard,one hundred operatives trained in twenty languages and nine martial arts. Loyalty to our clients will be their creed."

Halston nodded firmly. "The world will sleep under Osborn’s watch."

"Lyra Hammond," Arthur called out next.

She straightened her posture sharply, ready for action.

"Our e-commerce arms are set to become titans of consumerism," he declared confidently.

"We’ll establish OsbornMart Global to dominate both luxury and mass markets! Imagine using predictive AI to customize home screens for every user and offering same-day delivery across major cities through drone hives."

Lyra raised an eyebrow thoughtfully. "But what about competition? What if Skybird or state monopolies rise against us?"

Arthur smirked coldly. "Crush them."

He turned fully toward her, intensity radiating from him. "Control people’s homes, wallets, and groceries,and you’ll control their choices."

Lyra straightened again; determination sparkled in her eyes. "We’ll become as essential as the air they breathe!"

Arthur gave her a rare nod of approval,a sign that she was on the right track.

As silence settled over the room once more, Arthur scanned each face before him,the future of every common-born Osborn worker: technicians, drivers, scientists, teachers,all their efforts funneled through this select group.

He pressed his palm against the table and watched as all holographic displays vanished like smoke in the wind.

"Varenya is ours. From this moment on, we rise together! The world won’t hand us a throne; instead, we’ll construct it ourselves, piece by piece, industry by industry, stone by stone. Are you ready to join us on this journey?

"Your orders are not just suggestions; they’re commands. You now hold the reins of civilization itself.

Use this power wisely, or I won’t hesitate to find someone who will. Strive for excellence... and your name will echo through history".

One by one, the presidents stood up, saluting with respect and determination. Arthur simply nodded in acknowledgment before turning away.

His voice was low but firm: "Meeting dismissed. I have something important to attend to."

As the doors sealed shut behind Arthur with a hydraulic hiss, an eerie silence enveloped the room, like the stillness that follows a thunderclap.

For a heartbeat, no one dared to move.

The air felt thick with his lingering presence, his commands echoing in their minds, his relentless ambition casting a shadow over them all.

It was Evelyn Cross who finally shattered the quiet, exhaling slowly as if releasing pent-up tension.

"Gods above," she murmured, adjusting her perfectly pressed blazer and sinking into her chair, a rare crack in her usual composure.

"That man doesn’t just give orders; he launches full-scale invasions."

Morgan Li chuckled dryly, loosening his collar as if trying to shake off the weight of expectation. "Feels like we’re about to build empires within an empire."

Halston Graye leaned back with arms crossed, his expression unreadable. "This isn’t merely corporate expansion," he said deliberately.

"He’s orchestrating a global takeover."

Velora Tan clasped her hands tightly in her lap, eyes wide with realization. "Did you catch the scale of those Medical Cities? Ten countries! Full sovereignty! Emergency-grade infrastructure! This isn’t healthcare, it’s infrastructure warfare. We’re on track to run entire national systems!"

Claude Verniere savored a sip of water as if it were fine wine. "If anyone else had said that, I’d laugh it off. But when Arthur speaks... I find myself clearing my calendar for ten continents."

Lyra Hammond tapped furiously at her tablet, thoughts racing ahead of everyone else’s. "OsbornMart Global is poised to devour every local vendor and dismantle three regional monopolies by Q3. I’ll need triple the logistics AI support for this rollout, and Halston? A few of your Black Guard for security wouldn’t hurt."

"You’ll have them," Halston replied without missing a beat. "But I need clarity on one thing."

All eyes turned toward him.

"Do you think he’s serious about replacing us if we don’t deliver?"

Morgan raised an eyebrow incredulously. "You really have to ask?"

Evelyn sighed deeply, her voice tinged with resignation. "This is Arthur Osborn we’re talking about; he’ll invite you to dinner one night and have someone else sitting in your chair by morning if you drop the ball."

Lyra offered a faint smile while keeping her gaze fixed on the screen before her. "Fear makes for excellent fertilizer when it comes to excellence."

Velora shook her head firmly. "No,it’s not fear; it’s belief that keeps us here."

A thoughtful pause settled over them.

She surveyed the room, her voice steady yet resonant. "Did you hear what he did for Varenya? He didn’t just end a civil war; he transformed a ravaged nation into a thriving archipelago of opportunity. He could have stopped at victory, but instead, he chose to rebuild,crafting a future from the ashes."

Claude nodded thoughtfully. "I once asked him about his deepest desire. You know what he said? ’To create a world where my family never has to kneel again.’".

Morgan leaned in closer, her tone softening. "We’ve all seen people who pursue power blindly. But Arthur... he’s different. He doesn’t chase after it; he constructs it with intention. He strategizes, conquers, and somehow inspires everyone around him to join in."

A hush fell over the room.

Halston finally unfolded his arms and flashed a grin. "So we’re all on the same page here?"

"About what?" Lyra interjected, curiosity piqued.

He gestured toward the now-silent screens as if unveiling unseen possibilities. "That we’re destined to make history or go down fighting for it."

Laughter bubbled up around the table once more, this time infused with warmth and grounded resolve.

The pressure was palpable, yet so was an undeniable sense of pride.