Chapter 34: The Acquisition

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"It's a certainty, but I'll be purchasing a property and renovating it," Link explained. "After all, it's not practical to operate with just two lawyers and a receptionist. The law firm will eventually be placed under the umbrella of a charitable foundation."

"We'll run the firm as any other law practice, but every year, a portion of the charitable fund will be allocated to providing legal aid for those in need."

"All of the paperwork will take some time, so for now, I'll proceed with the purchase under my own name. Once the foundation is established, it will be transferred."

Matt Murdock asked, "Can we include that stipulation in the contract?"

"Of course, that's a given," Link nodded. "You'll draft the contract, and I'll also give each of you a five percent share. As for your salaries, we'll address that after the contract is signed."

"I'm offering $300,000 for the acquisition and will inject $1 million as capital, without diluting your shares."

"Once the foundation is established, its legal affairs will be handled by the firm. Even if the firm doesn't turn a profit, I assure you that your salaries and case assignments won't fall short."

Foggy Nelson was visibly excited. With the backing of a charitable foundation, they finally had financial stability. They wouldn't have to constantly worry about making ends meet.

Drafting the contract would take time, so Link excused himself, promising to return in a few days, bringing his girlfriend to meet everyone.

…

To set up the foundation, Link sought out Langley again, asking his accounting firm to collaborate with his current legal team. For now, Link would continue working with his existing lawyer.

That evening, at home, Link shared the news with Jessica, who was thrilled. It was turning into a real business endeavor, not just idle days spent at home as a housewife.

Jessica was learning quickly. Naturally intelligent, she was now familiarizing herself with how charitable foundations operated, thanks to Tracy's guidance. While the work wasn't overly complicated, Jessica was grasping it well.

Link didn't have vast resources, and his annual income was limited. Dedicating five percent to charity wasn't a large sum. Jessica, unaware of Link's upcoming plans to target Stark Industries stock, didn't realize that the scale of their finances would soon grow significantly.

For now, handling a small law firm was well within her capacity.

Jessica and Link enthusiastically discussed the future, particularly how to vet aid applications, ensuring that limited resources would go to those who truly needed them.

…

"Hello, I saw your advertisement for a job," Link had already signed the acquisition contract and made the first payment of $300,000.

The law firm itself had no fixed assets or contracts, and the office furniture was practically worthless.

For the next step—injecting the $1 million in capital—Link planned to inspect properties in Hell's Kitchen. He aimed to buy a small apartment building and renovate it.

Property prices in America were peculiar. They were often determined by the neighborhood. In Hell's Kitchen, given the area's general state, real estate was incredibly cheap.

Property taxes were low as well since the area was filled with low-income residents. Raising property values would mean increasing property taxes, which was something the locals were strongly against.

Wilson Fisk's difficulties in acquiring property lay in this very issue. He couldn't offer enough money for people to relocate, and moving to another area would likely mean higher property taxes. The annual difference could range from several thousand to ten thousand dollars, which was a huge burden.

Link would face the same issue, but he was looking at a location on the edge of Hell's Kitchen.

He also had to consider future staff. Foggy Nelson grew up in the area, and Matt Murdock had his vigilante work to focus on, but what about other employees?

That's why finding a location on the outskirts was ideal. It was still within Hell's Kitchen but safer. Employees wouldn't have to worry about not being able to find a cab home after a late-night shift.

There were office buildings available, but the rent was steep. Buying and renovating a small apartment building was a better option. The area, once a hub for Irish laborers, still bore traces of its history.

The earliest record Link found dated back to an 1881 *New York Times* article, where a reporter, escorted by the police, ventured into Hell's Kitchen to cover a murder case.

The name "Hell's Kitchen" carried such negative connotations that the official designation for the area became Clinton, or Midtown West.

Being close to Broadway, many struggling artists flocked to this area. Without steady income, they rented here because the real estate was affordable.

Wilson Fisk's efforts to redevelop the area faced obvious resistance. The residents simply couldn't afford better living conditions.

If Hell's Kitchen were fully bought out and redeveloped, the profits would be astronomical—an enticing prospect.

"So, when can we meet?" Link asked over the phone.

"Anytime," came the reply.

"Alright, let's meet at 2 PM at…" Link suggested a nearby coffee shop, and the two set a time.

At 2 PM sharp, Link arrived a few minutes early, found a seat, and ordered a coffee. He lit a cigarette as he waited.

On time, a Black man entered the shop, scanning the room before walking directly to Link. "Mr. Link?"

"That's me. Mr. McCall?" Link stood up and shook his hand before they both sat down. "Would you like something to drink?"

"No need. We can start the interview right away," McCall replied without ordering.

"So, Mr. McCall, what's your driving experience like? I've ordered a Rolls-Royce Phantom, which should arrive in about a month."

"That shouldn't be a problem. I've been driving for years and am familiar with a variety of vehicles. Additionally, I served in the military when I was younger, so I have some combat training and can handle firearms," McCall responded calmly.

Link nodded slightly, asking, "Do you have any criminal record?"

"None," McCall replied, shaking his head.

"Excellent. Let me see your credentials, and I'll run a background check. For now, why don't we go for a drive? You can take my car for a spin." Link stood up, leaving money under his coffee cup.

The two exited the shop, and McCall got into Link's Mustang. Despite the car's powerful engine, McCall drove smoothly, demonstrating his expertise and complete control of the vehicle.

It was clear from his driving that he was a seasoned pro. He understood the signals and signage throughout New York and strictly adhered to traffic laws.

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(End of Chapter)