Kraken's response was predictable. They sent a probe. A "business development manager" named Mr. Sterling contacted Phoenix Holdings, expressing interest in a "potential partnership." It was a transparent attempt to identify and assess the new player causing them trouble.
Mo Chen agreed to a meeting. It was held in a sterile conference room in a neutral city. Mr. Sterling was a man carved from granite, with a smile that didn't reach his cold eyes.
" Phoenix Holdings has been making quite a splash," Sterling said, his voice smooth. "Your methods are… unorthodox. Acquiring and liquidating assets with such speed. It's almost as if you're not interested in profit."
" I'm interested in efficiency," Mo Chen replied, her posture relaxed but her senses on high alert. Her [Thermal Sense] showed the heat signature of a weapon concealed under his jacket. "The old models are bloated. They need to be cleared away for new growth."
" A philosophy we at Kraken can appreciate," Sterling said. "However, your recent activities have impacted some of our… associates. We would like to understand your long-term goals."
" My goal is to build an empire from the ashes of the old," she said, meeting his gaze squarely. "And I don't like sharing my playground."
The threat was direct. Sterling's smile tightened. "A bold ambition. But the world of high-stakes finance can be dangerous for solo players. There are… larger predators."
" Let them come," Mo Chen said, standing up to end the meeting. "I have a very large furnace."
She walked out, leaving a furious and intrigued Mr. Sterling behind. The bait had been cast. She had presented herself as a arrogant, reckless upstart. Now, she had to wait for the larger predators to take the bait.