Chapter 96

Charlie Lee's Strategic Vision

After dinner with Elan, Charlie Lee personally escorted him to the airport. He had hoped to convince Elan to stay in Chicago for a few more days, but Elan politely declined, saying, "The Rockefeller Manor cannot manage without me."

Charlie envied Elan's unwavering loyalty, which elevated the Rockefeller name to a badge of life and honor. As the plane took off, Charlie returned to his car, deep in thought, and headed back to the club. There, he called for an urgent meeting with all his secretaries.

Once the secretaries were assembled, Charlie scanned the room, his sharp gaze landing on Molly, a quiet young woman seated in the corner. "Molly, you're Molly, aren't you?" he asked, his voice calm yet commanding.

Startled by the attention, Molly stood up in a flurry of nerves. "Yes, boss," she replied, her voice trembling.

"Sit down and relax," Charlie said with a reassuring smile. "Your work has been exceptional. I've noticed your dedication. While others focus on appearances, you focus on getting the job done. That's the kind of attitude I value."

His words immediately created a stir among the secretaries. Molly, though plain-looking and less fashionably dressed than her peers, had consistently demonstrated diligence. Unlike the others who rushed out after work, Molly often stayed late, organizing files and taking calls.

"Molly will lead the mission to New York" Charlie announced, his tone firm. "We need the best candidates for this task. Offer them generous rewards and let them know their efforts won't go unnoticed."

He explained the mission: Molly was to recruit talented educators from the prestigious Ivy League universities. The Great Depression had created a pool of desperate graduates and professors willing to consider opportunities they would have previously dismissed. Charlie saw this as an unprecedented chance to secure top talent.

"Additionally," he continued, "approach professors and lecturers from Cambridge, Harvard, Oxford, and Yale. Triple their current salaries and offer relocation packages for their families. Money is not an issue—I need the best minds."

Molly scribbled notes furiously, nodding when Charlie asked if she understood the importance of her task.

Satisfied with her response, Charlie turned to the rest of the secretaries. "From today onward, the Secretary's Office will be split into two divisions: Internal and External. Jesse will oversee internal operations, while Molly will handle external responsibilities. Effective immediately, their annual salaries will be $3,500. The rest of you will receive an increase to $1,500."

While the raise was substantial, the others couldn't help but feel envious of Molly's sudden promotion. Whispers of speculation spread among them. How had this unremarkable girl earned the boss's trust? Some cynically assumed she had used underhanded methods.

Molly, however, was overwhelmed with gratitude. Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized her hard work had not gone unnoticed.

"Now get back to work," Charlie said, dismissing the group. "Remember, a $1,500 salary is highly sought after. If you want to keep it, prove your worth."

The remark struck a chord, instilling a sense of urgency among the secretaries. They realized they could no longer rely solely on appearances to secure their positions.

When the room emptied, Charlie called Jesse to stay behind. "What's the update on the Los Angeles branch?" he asked.

"The construction of the blockhouse division has just begun and should be completed in eight months. Burke is currently handling recruitment," Jesse replied.

Since her last mistake, Jesse had become meticulous in her duties, ensuring she verified every detail before presenting it to Charlie.

"Good. Have John meet me at the club," Charlie instructed.

John, the head of security at Aegis Headquarters, soon arrived. "Boss," he said, standing at attention.

"I need a security team of 20 highly skilled individuals to ensure the safety of the university and its personnel. Their job will be to protect the faculty and students at all costs," Charlie said.

John nodded. "What will their compensation look like?"

"They'll follow standard contracts with an additional $100 weekly allowance. Make it clear that any lapse in security will be held against you directly," Charlie said.

"Understood, sir," John replied, saluting.

Charlie leaned back in his chair, shifting the conversation. "How much working capital does Aegis currently have?"

"After covering construction costs for the new branch, we're left with $1.6 million. We're also expanding our European market and gaining clients who require specialized protection services," John explained.

Charlie nodded approvingly. "Good. Ensure our name remains synonymous with excellence. I want Aegis to be unforgettable."

John smirked. "By the time we're done, they won't just remember Aegis—they'll rely on it."

Charlie then asked casually, "Has Dwight been in touch recently?"

John hesitated before answering, "The Major has inquired about Aegis's development."

Charlie's gaze hardened. "John, I don't tolerate divided loyalties. If there's a problem, I expect to hear about it immediately. Do you understand?"

"Yes, boss," John said firmly.

"Good. Now, about the new batch of soldiers Dwight wants to place in Aegis," Charlie continued, "Handle them carefully. We both know they're not here to serve me but to monitor us. Make sure they understand their place."

John grinned, sensing the implied challenge. "I'll coordinate with Hans to make sure they're put to the test."

Pleased with the response, Charlie added, "As Aegis grows, we'll introduce additional benefits—retirement security, housing allowances, and educational programs for their families. Make sure our team knows this is more than just a job—it's a future."

John saluted again. "Thank you, boss. I'll make sure they understand."

After John left, Charlie leaned back, deep in thought. His empire was expanding rapidly, from the construction of new McDonald's-themed parks across major U.S. cities to the establishment of elite educational institutions. Each project was a stepping stone toward a legacy that would outlast him.

Charlie's vision was clear: he would transform Aegis into a global powerhouse, build institutions that uplifted society, and ensure his name became synonymous with progress and innovation. As he strategized, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride—this was only the beginning.