BXBX NOVEL Chapter 19
Chapter 19: Richard Shelby’s Phone Call
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Although Clarence had already sped up, he could not avoid the heavy traffic. They arrived at the hotel where Armstrong and Peony had made the reservation for the meal around forty minutes later.
They came to the reserved suite according to the suite number given.
Armstrong, Peony, their eldest daughter, Belle Murphy, their eldest son-in-law, George Toll, their second son-in-law, Kaysen Wall, and Melody Murphy were present.
Apart from Armstrong and Peony, the rest of them had dark looks on their faces.
This was especially so for Kaysen. His expression darkened the moment he saw Clarence enter. It was as if he had caught sight of his nemesis.
“Father, Mother,” Clarence greeted them.
“Take a seat.”
Both Armstrong and Peony nodded. They treated Clarence politely today.
When they had their meal halfway, Armstrong abruptly blurted out, “Clarence, you’ve done a good job with the bidding proposal. However, after we had a discussion, we decided to let Kaysen handle the project.”
Clarence froze. He stopped eating and put down his fork and spoon. He asked, “Father, what do you mean by that?”
“Indeed. Father, Clarence nailed the bid. Why did you give it to Kaysen instead?”
Miranda was caught by surprise too. She stared at Armstrong.
“Miranda, your company really cannot handle such a large project. What’s the use of having that proposal?
“You cannot make bricks without straw. Your company truly does not have what it takes to take up the project. Sooner or later, the Sunshine District project would be stranded.
“As such, before you begin, you might as well pass it to Kaysen to avoid ending up failing,” Armstrong explained.
“Father, that’s not fair!” Clarence rose up all of a sudden with much dissatisfaction.
“Why are you standing up for? Does that make you superior to others? Sit down!” Armstrong frowned as he said.
Clarence sat down resentfully.
Peony said, “Clarence, your father is right. You also know about Miranda’s company’s capabilities.
“Over the years, Miranda was the only one who worked hard for it. It’s already a miracle having it reach such a level.
“Miranda’s company simply could not take up a project like the Sunshine District project. So, why not just hand the project over to Kaysen to avoid screwing up in the future?
“Don’t worry. You guys would certainly benefit from it. Kaysen would pay back the ten million dollars bidding entrance fee to you and give another five million dollars to you. That would be the money for the bidding proposal,” Armstrong said casually.
“Clarence, it’s only a bidding proposal, after all. You could actually earn five million dollars for nothing. You should be content with it!” Kaysen smiled faintly. “Moreover, if not for you, the bid would have been mine. Mr. Shelby had already eyed my proposal.”
The moment Kaysen took over the Sunshine District project, he could earn at least five hundred million dollars.
On the surface, he would earn only five hundred million dollars. In truth, the Sunshine District project would have a very huge impact in boosting the fame, reputation, monetary power, marketing power, and so on for Kaysen’s company. That five million dollars could not hope to compare to these things.
And Kaysen only needed to give Clarence five million dollars to settle the case?
That was the same thing as giving alms to dismiss a beggar?
Miranda bit her lip tightly. She did not speak a word.
“Clarence, you shouldn’t have brought out the proposal at all!” Belle snorted.
“Indeed. That was a superfluous task. The Sunshine District project still ended up with Kaysen. What a waste of effort!” Melody pouted with a look of disdain.
Clarence said angrily, “Father, Mother, that’s very unfair! Why should I hand the project over to Kaysen when I’m the one who succeeded in the bid?!”
“Could you handle it? Heh! What can you come up with? The Sunshine District project would require a spending of at least two billion dollars. Is Miranda’s company able to cover the expenses? I’m afraid it won’t last long if it tried!” Kaysen sneered.
Armstrong said, “Alright. There’s no need to fight over the matter anymore. It’s settled.”
“Father…” Miranda started.
“Just do as your father says. Stop talking. Let’s eat,” Peony added.
Everyone fell silent.
Clarence was about to say something. Next to him, Miranda pulled his sleeves.
The gathering was meaningless. Clarence found that the food tasted insipid.
On the way back, Clarence drove the car and asked in puzzlement, “Dear, why didn’t you let me talk?”
“What else is there to talk about?” Miranda shook her head. “Can’t you see? Father and Mother have obviously sided with Kaysen! It’s useless to say anything more. Moreover, our company is really not as strong as Kaysen’s.”
“But…”
“No buts. The matter is over.” Miranda cast a cold glance at Clarence.
Clarence reluctantly shut his mouth.
After a few minutes, Clarence asked, “Dear, what about our divorce?”
“We’re not going to divorce for the time being.” Miranda might not want to talk to Clarence, but she still gave him a reply.
“Alright.”
Clarence burst with joy. Although the bid was gone, Miranda had given up on the divorce, which was a good thing.
Just then, Clarence’s mobile phone rang.
“Hello, may I know who’s on the line?” Clarence asked casually.
“Clarence, it’s me, Richard Shelby.” Richard’s voice was heard from the other end.