Michael Queen wasn't merely rebuilding Queen Consolidated; he was meticulously terraforming Starling City into his vision. His approach to business was akin to a grandmaster playing chess, several moves ahead, anticipating every counter and subtly manipulating the board to his advantage. He targeted not just struggling enterprises but the very foundations of the city's infrastructure – the antiquated power grid, the inefficient public transportation, the nascent fiber optic network. Through Queen Industries, he initiated buyouts and mergers, often under the guise of civic improvement, but always with the underlying goal of consolidating control.
His efficiency was ruthless. Corrupt city council members who resisted his "progressive" initiatives found themselves facing sudden, career-ending scandals, courtesy of anonymously sourced but meticulously documented evidence of their graft. Businesses that prioritized profit over the well-being of their employees or the environment faced swift and devastating public backlash, often amplified by strategically placed (and entirely factual) exposés in the media outlets Queen Consolidated subtly influenced through advertising revenue and quiet ownership stakes.
Oliver, fully immersed in his nightly crusade as the Green Arrow, witnessed the city's apparent revitalization with a sense of hopeful relief, largely unaware of the intricate web his brother was weaving. He saw the new job opportunities created by Queen Industries' expansion and the philanthropic ventures Michael championed as genuine acts of goodwill.
"Michael," Oliver commented one evening, observing the city-wide rollout of Queen Consolidates free public Wi-Fi, a project lauded as a step towards a more connected Starling, "this is… incredible. It's really making a difference."
Michael offered a self-deprecating smile. "A connected populace is an empowered populace, Oliver. Though, I won't deny the strategic advantages of a city whose data streams conveniently flow through our servers. Think of the logistical efficiencies!"
Walter Steele, while privy to the financial intricacies, often expressed a bewildered admiration for Michael's foresight. "Michael," he said, holding up the acquisition papers for a crucial shipping port, a deal secured with almost supernatural timing just before a major trade agreement was announced, "how did you know about this? It wasn't public knowledge."
Michael's reply was laced with a hint of his deeper understanding. "Walter, the currents of global trade are like the tides. Experienced sailors learn to anticipate their pull. Besides," he added with a wry grin, "sometimes, a well-placed whisper in the right ear can expedite the inevitable."