Chapter 126 The Bid
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Charmaine was equally surprised by the abrupt cancellation of the partnership just two days prior. Could it be that something from the past had come to light?
However, that did not add up. If clues had been discovered, why cancel the collaboration instead of just removing staff involved in Bennett’s department?
From the looks of it, it seemed more like Jonah and Bennett simply could not stand each other anymore.
As Charmaine mulled over the situation, her gaze drifted to Roger sitting in the front row. He briefly glanced at Bennett, offering a smile before turning away.
Bennett, catching this, straightened his posture, his demeanor exuding arrogance and pride.
“Disgusting lackey!” Celeste muttered, her voice sharp with disdain.
“Whether the Nelsons and the Reads work together or not, they’re all Leah’s parents.”
The moment the words left her mouth, Celeste froze, her expression shifting awkwardly as she glanced at Charmaine. “Sorry, I didn’t mean anything by that. I just…
”
Charmaine’s face remained calm. “You’re right–they are all her parents. I just wonder which side she truly favors.”
Celeste paused, considering the question. “She must lean towards the Nelsons. They’ve been her family for over a decade.”
Charmaine simply smiled faintly, saying nothing.
At that moment, Bennett’s eyes landed on her.
His expression shifted into something dark and twisted as though he wanted to devour her alive.
Charmaine did not flinch, nor did she return his gaze. She simply turned away.
“That brat is really lucky!” Bennett hissed, his voice low and trembling with suppressed fury.
Beside him, Sophie looked uneasy, her nerves evident as she whispered, “How did she even get a ticket for the audience seats? I couldn’t get one myself.”
She hesitated before adding, “Could she have pulled some strings behind the scenes?”
Bennett scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. “What if she did? That useless girl has no real ability. Who could she possibly rely on to stand against me? The Crosses‘ so–called heir?” He chuckled bitterly, his confidence unwavering.
“Mr. Riverson has already guaranteed me that we’re practically set to win this bid!”
Bennett glanced toward Jonah with disdain. “That Nelsen kid has no idea where he stands. When our family surpasses the Nelsons in power, he will come pleading for cooperation, but I won’t even bother to grant it!”
Sophie sighed, her tone exasperated. “How could you have known that sending someone after Charmaine
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Chapter 126 The Bid
he’ll turn against us–and look at him today. He didn’t even bring Leah, clearly drawing a line.”
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Bennett sneered, his face lighting up with a touch of crazed excitement. “What can the Nelsons really do? It’s not just about money here. And honestly, if he wants to go against me, I don’t care. I have enough connections and pulled together emergency funds. As long as we secure this bid, once the project kicks off, all the profits will be ours!”
The host on stage finished outlining the bidding rules and venue protocol, signaling the start of the main
event.
Most attendees already had insider knowledge, so the formalities did not hold much interest.
The anticipation truly built when it was time to open the bids.
Supervisors began unveiling the sealed documents, displaying and recording the contents transparently for everyone to see.
As the evaluation stage began, Celeste, seated behind Charmaine, was already dozing off.
Catching sight of Charmaine’s focused expression, she could not hold back her curiosity. “Do you even understand what they’re talking about?” Celesté asked lazily.
Charmaine did not miss a beat. “Don’t you?”
Ouch, that was a direct hit.
“I don’t understand, and I don’t want to. If the Reads end up winning the bid, I might as well die,” Celeste muttered dramatically.
Letting out a sigh of relief, she added, “Thank goodness Leah isn’t here, or I’d be so embarrassed.”
Charmaine replied calmly, “Don’t worry. Today’s spotlight is on the Reads.”
Celeste still looked uninterested, not fully grasping Charmaine’s quiet confidence.
Charmaine seemed almost certain that the Reads would fail miserably this time, but Celeste could not figure out why.
The bidding continued on stage, and Charmaine focused intently.
The first presentation was by an established construction company, which showcased strong credentials. The second was from the Wheelers. They were equally competitive.
Next came the Nelsons, whose bid was outstanding in every respect, holding its ground against the first
two.
Finally, it was the Reads‘ turn. Their bid, while slightly weaker than the Nelsons‘ overall, stood out by offering a more flexible adjustment plan.
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