Chapter 6: Fear and Disguise

"Old age was the main cause of my father-in-law's death. Please don't be too angry, as it is finally time for him to rest in peace." As Mary said these words, her voice took on a melancholy tone. "Just before he died, he asked me to give you his message that you should never stop believing in yourself."

She finally to let out a long, satisfied sigh after learning that Alex had been awarded the contract. "Despite the fact that this is a big victory for you, I require that you keep this information as private as possible. Everyone who has ever underrated you should be shocked when they find out."

Alex's heart was flooded with a variety of emotions as he listened to his wife talk.

"In preparing for Dad's funeral, Mike was a great help, and he even helped you put on a black mourning dress. Despite his serious demeanor, I believe he is a good person who sincerely cares about our well-being since I met him. Alex and Mary concluded when their father-in-law's funeral will be held.

"The ministry is currently preparing a celebration to be held the following day. It has been decided to have a dinner and Lioness Arts will be the main host. According to the rules, we are required to attend the dinner. Until then, I have to go to the ministry secretariat, which is in the heart of the city." Alex filled Mary in on the status of the contract, including the fact that his team was anxiously awaiting his arrival. 

Arriving at the Rocky City Secretariat, Alex's assistant quickly stopped at the entrance. Alex got out and drove to the parking lot. Alex's eyes wandered as he surveyed the massive structure that housed the Ministry.

Who would have expected the sluggish Alex Benjamin to get this contract?

Not to mention the Smiths' desire to trade Mary for the blessing of the contract. Kelly provided the ministry with a duplicate of the project proposal they had previously submitted.

Kelly decided to reach out to Alex after noticing that he was extremely nervous and completely preoccupied. She hoped it would help calm him down. Kelly made her decision after noticing that Alex was completely distracted.

"Don't worry, boss; Lioness Arts has already been awarded the contract; we have already been successful." Kelly had supported Alex since they became partners, and he took a long breath, collected himself, and then mustered the courage to push open the door to the Secretary General's office. Kelly watched him from behind the whole time.

Alex entered the other side of the office building where the Secretary General worked and waited at the front desk for his meeting to begin. Despite the fact that this was his first contract, he was in a good mood, although it made him nervous. After a short time, an elegantly dressed assistant approached him.

"Are you Alex Benjamin? We appreciate your patience and would like you to accompany me to the office. The Secretary General is waiting for you." Alex nodded. Why would the secretary call him while he was standing in line to make an appointment without asking his permission?

Alex's mind raced in a million different directions, but he couldn't put them together to figure out what was going on. He was also aware that this was a rare opportunity, so he made his way to the other party as quickly as he could.

Alex was immediately ushered into the secretary's office. When the secretary noticed Alex, he immediately recognized him and greeted him with a friendly smile on his face. Alex was relieved to see the smile on the secretary's face.

"Hello. Alex Benjamin, please. My name is Dwane Marcus, and I currently work for the federal government as the Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development." 

"Hello, Mr. Dwane. My existence here now is a direct result of the newly completed Rocky City Housing Project. I have attached for your review, Secretary, the basic introductory and qualifying papers required for our housing project application. You should take a look at them when you get a chance. Dwane smiled, and once he had the paper in his hands, he gave it a quick glance before speaking bluntly.

"Mr. Alex Benjamin, after some consideration, I must admit that I agree with what you have to say. I am compelled to say that this is the most enticing proposal we have received. Your staff has done an outstanding job and you should applaud them. As a result, the Ministry has decided to host a dinner in your honor to congratulate you on being the first person in history to achieve such a level of success. I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Alex Benjamin. Said the secretary, who was beaming from ear to ear at the time.

"What? You seem to be referring to something the mayor said, right? Alex was really taken aback by the news. This is obviously the situation. Despite the fact that the plan was submitted late, all the standards were met, and as chairman, I am completely confident in this and have given it to you."

"I believe you are aware of the importance of participating in your information for each site worth 300 million?" The secretary asked Alex a few questions.

"Yes, including service management for 10 years," Alex said. 

"In preparation for the installation of an advanced solar power system, the government has planned a larger reservation. As a result, we determined that the price should be 450 million. As they spoke, the secretary reached into his desk drawer and handed Alex the contract.

"As you can see, the terms of the deal have been discussed and agreed upon in advance, and the total cost is $1.35 billion. We can sign this agreement right now if you think we'll be able to meet, and then we can go out to dinner later tonight." The secretary said.

"Huh? Alex feels completely confused and disoriented. He had no idea that one day he would be in control of millions, let alone billions of dollars. No one else in the Smith family can ignore him or treat Mary with the same contempt as before.

"Also, the cost of the deal has recently been increased by a factor of fifty percent."

When Alex appeared in the Ministry elevator, he seemed lacking in confidence; however, he seems to have regained his confidence since then.

How did he find the courage to win against Daniel and Henry?

Is it true that he always received the guidance and support he needed from his father?

Although he struggled to raise the half million dollars needed to pay for his father's surgery, he is on his way to controlling a billion dollars. 

Alex just experienced a stunning epiphany that occurred deep within his consciousness.

Despite the fact that $1.35 billion is an unrealistic goal, the administration recently increased spending. Why? Alex let out a huge sigh from the pit of his stomach. Because of the opportunity before him, he cannot express his dissatisfaction, for that would make him appear less capable.

"There will be a meal tonight, and all members of your team are required to attend. Please make every effort to arrive on time. The mayor will be there.

We can't wait to meet and get to know everyone on your team." Dwayne said hastily, "Please, Alex, don't ask any more questions. Please. Tonight the mayor of your city would like to personally hand over the project to you so that you can start working on it." Alex replied with a small nod.

Alex wore a broad grin as he came out of the secretary's office where he had met with Dwanye. Kelly was pleased at the opportunity to finally see Alex with that grin on his face. He was holding a large piece of paper in his hand.

Everything seems to be in a strange dream state. Alex said these words and a tear ran down his cheek. "I've been incredibly successful," Alex said to Kelly.

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