Building a Conglomerate in Another World

The sun was just beginning to rise over Washington, D.C., casting a soft orange glow over the White House. Inside the Oval Office, President Theodore Clay sat at his desk, reviewing reports on the ongoing war in East Asia. The Chinese counteroffensive had been a success, and the Japanese retreat was now making headlines worldwide.

Clay barely had time to sip his coffee before his chief of staff, William Gardner, burst into the room. His face was tense, and his voice carried urgency.

"Mr. President, the Japanese ambassador is here. He's demanding an immediate audience," Gardner said.

Clay raised an eyebrow. "Let him in. I've been expecting this."

Moments later, Ambassador Takahiro Nakamura entered the Oval Office, his usual calm demeanor replaced with barely contained frustration. He bowed briefly but skipped any pleasantries.

"Mr. President," Nakamura began, his tone sharp, "I demand an explanation. Your country has betrayed us!"

Clay leaned back in his chair, feigning indifference. "Ambassador, you'll have to be more specific. How exactly have we betrayed you?"

Nakamura stepped forward, his face reddening. "Your arms manufacturer, Hesh Industries, has been supplying advanced weapons to China! The same technology we purchased to secure victory is now being used against us. Because of this, we've been forced to retreat from the mainland. This is unacceptable!"

Clay smirked slightly, placing his hands on the desk. "Ambassador, Hesh Industries operates independently. The government doesn't dictate their business decisions."

Nakamura slammed his fist on the desk, his composure slipping. "Don't play games with me, Mr. President. You authorized those sales to China, just as you did for us. This is a clear breach of the understanding between our nations!"

Clay's expression darkened. He stood, his towering presence adding weight to his words. "Let me make something very clear, Ambassador. You seem to think you have leverage here, but you do not."

Nakamura's eyes narrowed. "I wouldn't be so sure, Mr. President. You know what we hold over you. If the details of your scandal were to become public, your administration would collapse. The world would see you for the hypocrite you are."

Clay chuckled coldly, his gaze icy. "And you think anyone in this country would believe you? A foreign diplomat from Japan accusing the President of Amerathia? Let me enlighten you, Nakamura. This is Amerathia. Your word against mine doesn't stand a chance here."

Nakamura was momentarily stunned by the president's bluntness. "Are you saying you'd dismiss the truth so easily? Even if we presented evidence?"

Clay leaned forward, his voice dripping with disdain. "Even if you had all the evidence in the world, the people of this country would never side with you over me. Your people are viewed as outsiders, inferior in their eyes. Your accusations would be laughed off as desperate propaganda. You have no power here."

The ambassador's face flushed with a mix of confusion and anger. "Then why, Mr. President? Why did you allow yourself to be blackmailed in the first place if you had no intention of honoring the agreement?"

Clay smiled coldly, clasping his hands behind his back. "Because it was profitable, Nakamura. Your country's desperation to buy Hesh Industries' technology brought in enormous revenue through taxes on those sales. And now, thanks to China buying the same weapons, we're earning even more. Every shipment you ordered, every deal you signed, filled our coffers. This war is an economic boon for Amerathia."

Nakamura's mouth opened, but no words came out. He stared at Clay, realization dawning on him.

"This whole time," Clay continued, "you thought you were in control. But you were just another customer, paying a premium for our products. The Chinese are doing the same. Do you see now? Amerathia benefits no matter who wins. The war funds our growth while leaving you and the Chinese to bleed each other dry."

The room was silent except for the ticking of the clock on the mantle. Nakamura finally spoke, his voice quieter but still laced with anger.

"You played us both. You used this war for your own gain."

Clay shrugged. "Welcome to diplomacy, Ambassador. Now, unless you have something new to say, I suggest you leave my office."

Nakamura straightened his posture, his expression a mask of barely concealed fury. "This isn't over, Mr. President. Japan will not forget this betrayal."

Clay stepped forward, his tone dismissive. "You're right. It's not over. But your threats are meaningless here. Now, get out of my office."

The ambassador hesitated for a moment, then turned on his heel and stormed out of the room. Gardner, standing near the door, exchanged a brief glance with Clay before following Nakamura to ensure he left the premises.

Once the room was empty, Clay sat back down, a smug grin creeping across his face. He picked up his coffee and took a slow sip.
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"Checkmate," he muttered under his breath.

***

As President Clay leaned back in his chair, sipping his coffee with a self-satisfied smirk, the door creaked open slightly. William Gardner poked his head in, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Mr. President, do you think it's wise to antagonize the Japanese like that?" Gardner asked cautiously.

Clay set his coffee down, fixing Gardner with a sharp gaze. "Wise or not, it was necessary. The Japanese needed to understand that they were never in control here. If they want to keep playing in the big leagues, they'll have to learn that Amerathia sets the rules."

Gardner entered fully, closing the door behind him. "But if they retaliate economically or diplomatically—"

"They won't," Clay interrupted, his tone firm. "They're too dependent on us for technology and trade. Their military is already stretched thin from this war. They might bluster and threaten, but they can't afford to burn the only bridge keeping them afloat."

Gardner nodded, though the unease on his face didn't fade. "And what about Hesh Industries? Matthew Hesh won't stay quiet forever. If he finds out the full scope of your dealings—"

Clay's expression hardened. "Hesh won't be a problem. He's too focused on maintaining his own empire. As long as he's making money, he'll keep playing the game."

Gardner hesitated but eventually nodded. "Understood, sir."

Clay waved him off. "Good."