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Chapter 413 Danger Lies Behind

On television, the hearing, which had been the subject of much media hype, finally began amidst great anticipation.

The lawmakers sat upright, and wherever the camera panned across their faces, each wore a serious expression that said, "I'm here for justice."

In the living room, Ernst, Hamilton, and others sat upright on the sofa, holding freshly served coffee brought by the maid, still steaming, remaining still as attentive spectators.

But who would have thought that the moment David Boyce opened his mouth, Ernst almost spat out the coffee he had just drunk, wishing he could reach through the screen and kick the guy.

David Boyce cleared his throat, adopted a professionally rigid posture, and slowly asked into the microphone, "Mr. Bill Gates, did Microsoft use its monopoly position in operating systems to help it win the browser market competition?"

The first problem was unexpected even by the Microsoft team; it was as if the pause button had been pressed, and they all looked at each other in bewilderment.

Bill Gates looked completely taken aback, showing that he was totally surprised.

However, after realizing what had happened, he quickly adjusted his demeanor, a barely concealed smile even appearing on his lips, and slowly replied, "I think you should ask Google that question."

Bill Gates then continued, "We didn't know that bundling was an antitrust practice before. After being sued by Google, we stopped bundling and reached an out-of-court settlement with Google."

He paused, a hint of mockery in his eyes, "If Microsoft wants to use its operating system monopoly to boost the browser war, aren't we making a huge mistake? You know, Google Chrome currently holds 72% of the market share in North America and 59% globally—"

Ernst was tired of listening to Bill Gates' endless data report to the men in Congress about Google Chrome. He just felt his temples throbbing and wondered what David Boyce was really up to.

Hamilton, standing nearby, frowned and said in a deep voice, "The elephant wants to target us? Planning to find a different target?"

Clearly, he also realized that something was wrong.

David Boyce’s seemingly conventional opening was clearly an attempt to divert attention, shifting the focus from Microsoft to Google.

Aside from Microsoft, Google is undoubtedly the largest, most influential, and most representative company in the American internet industry.

Moreover, everyone knows that Bill Gates and Ernst are at odds. How could Bill Gates easily let go of this opportunity to set a trap for Ernst?

He would be doing a disservice to the grudges and entanglements between the two if he didn't take the opportunity to kick them while they were down.

"Olink didn't come today." Hamilton pointed out the key point again. Combined with Ernst's earlier assessment, AOL might have turned against them, and everything made sense.

David Boyce must have gotten some information from AOL, and may even know the inside story of the elephant and the donkey.

The deal has been reached.

Today's trial, which has garnered nationwide attention, is destined to be nothing more than a formality.

The reason Olink didn't come is probably because he already knew the truth about this hearing and didn't want to waste time on it.

David Boyce, on the other hand, was clearly more shrewd and patient than Olink. He probably felt that Microsoft could no longer be a stepping stone for him to rise to the top, so he was eager to find his next target.

"It's probably not the elephant; it's more likely due to David Boyce himself." Ernst's eyes suddenly sharpened, like two drawn blades, fixed intently on David Boyce's arrogant figure on the television.

He had just considered that the elephant was behind it all, but upon closer reflection, something didn't seem right.

Although he is now the biggest financial backer of the Donkey, and has placed many retired Donkey government officials in his various companies, he seems to be deeply tied to the Donkey.

But anyone with a discerning eye knows that he hasn't completely sided with the donkey; it's just that he and the donkey are kindred spirits and it's easier for them to work together.

First, there's Enron and Blackwater International. Ernst continues to cooperate with Enron, and as Blackwater International's largest shareholder, Ernst neither stopped nor questioned Blackwater International's donation to Elephant.

This is equivalent to sending a clear signal to the elephants: I haven't completely taken the opposite side yet, and there's still room for cooperation.

If Elephant insists on taking over Google at this point, it would be a complete breakdown in relations, forcibly pushing Ernst to the side of Donkey, which is clearly an unwise move.

Neither side is entirely certain of gaining the upper hand in the upcoming midterm elections.

If Ernst gets angry, he might throw tens of millions more dollars at the donkey during the election two years later, and then the elephant will be the one who suffers.

In political maneuvering, money may not be everything, but you can't do without it.

Moreover, the elephant should know very well that messing with Google and messing with Microsoft are both pointless endeavors.

The donkey and Wall Street fought tooth and nail to save Microsoft because of the internet industry, and more accurately, for the rise of Silicon Valley.

If Microsoft were to collapse, the entire Silicon Valley would be shrouded in gloom, and the American internet industry could very well come to a standstill.

But if we turn our attention to Google, wouldn't that be like abandoning all pretense and going straight for the heart of the problem?

In Silicon Valley, and throughout the entire internet industry, is there any company with a greater influence than Google today?

The answer is obviously no.

"It seems we need to investigate this David Boyce thoroughly," Ernst said slowly, with a sinister air about him.

cold.

Previously, due to issues with Microsoft, the two sides had some tacit cooperation, but they didn't have much interaction.

Now that this uncertain factor has surfaced, it must be nipped in the bud before it poses a greater threat.

Upon hearing this, Hamilton subconsciously recalled the information he had previously read and said, "He's from Nevada, but I heard he didn't get along well with the people at Elephant Clan because he was an outsider and wasn't well-liked in the local circles. As for why he was able to get into the Department of Justice, I'm not entirely sure of the specific reasons—"

"Wait a minute." Ernst suddenly interrupted Hamilton, a strange glint in his eyes, and pressed, "You mean he's an outsider, from Nevada?"

Ernst seemed to have grasped some crucial information, staring intently at Hamilton, and continued to ask, "Is he Jewish?"

Hamilton was visibly taken aback by the question, then nodded, saying with some surprise, "How did you know?"

Ernst didn't answer immediately, but instead asked again, "Is he from Israel?"

"How do you even know this?" Hamilton was genuinely astonished.

Clearly, Ernst's question indicates that he had previously paid no attention to David Boyce, yet now he not only knew that the other man was Jewish, but also accurately guessed that he came from Israel, which is truly incredible.

Ernst offered no explanation, only letting out a cold laugh, his eyes filled with knowing understanding.

He finally realized who was targeting him from behind; the danger had been lurking right behind him all along.

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