America 1919

Barry Company is a famous investment firm on Wall Street, but what they're most often involved in is short selling public companies.

Generally, a company targeted by this firm, even if it doesn't perish, will certainly suffer significant damage.

Just today, Barry Company released a report on ABC through the "Wall Street Journal".

"Perhaps we've all been duped... ABC is not as it appears to everyone..."

In this report, Barry Company raised doubts about ABC's profits and believed that under Donnie's management, there were numerous hidden risks in the company, including Donnie's ventures in Atlantic City. Barry Company pointed out that the environment in Atlantic City and Donnie's involvement in various industries might pose an impact on ABC's future development due to Donnie Block himself.

Moreover, in this article, Barry Company also pointed out that ABC is currently undergoing reckless expansion, especially with its exclusive broadcasting rights for various events—an expenditure so vast it would be difficult for ABC to balance its profits...

"That's just utter nonsense!"

Sitting across from Donnie, Walker said angrily, "In ABC's public reports, we have already clearly stated the company's profitability. They are simply spreading rumors!"

Even without the internet, a public company still has to disclose its financial state through newspapers and other media.

Sitting there, tapping on the table, Donnie said, "It seems our opponent has made their move!"

Walker reminded Donnie, "We must issue a statement immediately, or else, given ABC's current popularity, this issue is definitely going to be picked up by all the major newspapers tomorrow. The shareholders who aren't aware of the truth will certainly be affected!"

Donnie waved his hand dismissively, "That's pointless. I've looked into Barry Company. They've targeted listed companies on Wall Street many times and have always been successful. In their previous targeting campaigns, they have also released similar reports, most of which contained truths, which has led regular shareholders to trust their credibility.

What's more, people prefer bad news because it satisfies the evil they don't usually show. Even if we issue a statement now, not many will believe it. People prefer to believe what they want to believe."

As the saying goes, rumors are started by a single mouth, but quashing them takes legwork.

That's precisely the principle at play. Find exclusive stories on My Virtual Library Empire

"Boss, are we just going to do nothing?"

Mashang Evans, encountering such a situation for the first time, asked Donnie.

"Of course, we're not going to do nothing!"

Donnie snorted, "Since the other party has already taken action, I believe they must have more than just this one plan. Despite the high profile of ABC, a single statement from Barry Company will not be a definitive blow to the public listing of ABC."

"There's surely another move coming. Mashang, immediately arrange someone to investigate the current public reaction to this matter. Also, keep an eye on what those companies we partner with are doing during this period!"

Mashang Evans knew the urgency of the situation and without any delay, said, "Understood, I'll take care of it now!"

After Mashang Evans had left, Walker said helplessly, "I was hoping this might be false, but turns out it's true after all!"

Donnie chuckled, "I gave up on that unrealistic notion a long time ago."

"You can still laugh at a time like this?" Unable to restrain himself, Walker chided upon seeing Donnie's demeanor.

"I've never worried about an opponent who shows their face; what worries me is not knowing who the opponent is. At least now, Barry Company has shown itself," Donnie explained.

"By the way, did you have any previous grievances with Barry Company?" Walker asked Donnie.

"No, in fact, there's not just an absence of grievances, there's been no interaction at all!" Donnie answered.

"That's strange!" Walker shook his head, saying, "In previous instances, Barry Company only acted after gaining certain factual information. You and I both know ABC's financial condition is extremely sound, and you've never even tapped into ABC's funds..."

"What do you mean, never? When the Surf Hotel project was just getting started, I used ABC's advertising budget. Didn't you notice that this report takes that fact as a main point of attack?"

Donnie pointed to the report on the table provided by Barry Company.

Walker said awkwardly, "I rushed over after seeing this report and haven't read it in detail."

Last year, in order to get the Surf Hotel off the ground after the completion of the first Miss America pageant, Donnie pulled from ABC's advertising funds, a move only known to insiders at ABC... including General Electric.

So it was highly possible that General Electric provided this information to the other party.

However, in this transaction, Donnie used the guise of dividends, money he and General Electric had split.

But Barry Company's report does not mention this; hence the narrative of this article implies that Donnie is recklessly depleting ABC's funds to support his ventures in Atlantic City.

"So now we just wait for Mashang's report?" Walker continued, questioning Donnie.

Donnie gestured dismissively, "There's another matter I need you to handle. Mashang Evans has only been in New York for a short time and is not very familiar with the city and Wall Street, so you'll have to take care of it for me!"