The Scorned Heir

Chapter Nine

Cassie worked all night to prepare a proposal for Buddy Industry. She reviewed facts, read extensively about the kind of companies they loved to work with, and drafted a superb proposal.

She also emailed requesting an appointment and was delighted when the response was positive. The following day, she shared her ideas and proposal with Ethan, who commended her for her excellent work.

The appointment was scheduled for 9 a.m., so by 7:30 a.m., she and Ethan were dressed and ready to head to Buddy Industry. They went together in a cab and arrived at the office precisely by 9:35 a.m.

Standing in front of the building with Ethan, Cassie heaved a heavy sigh as fear overwhelmed her. What was she doing there? Doubt and uncertainty filled her mind as she stared at the massive building.

There was no way such a reputable company would want to work with a low company like Rogers. She had reviewed the list of their previous partners, and they were highly successful companies. Moreover, this was a fifty-million-dollar deal, and Buddy preferred high-stock holding companies.

She felt it was a mistake that she had accepted the task. What was she going to say to the Vice-chairman of Buddy? Was her proposal good enough to secure the deal? She lifted her eyes to the top of the building and hoped that she would succeed.

She remembered the way her family members mocked her the previous night and knew that it would be a disaster if she failed to secure the deal.

Sensing her anxiety and fear, Ethan took her hands. "Dear, you can do this. You must believe in yourself, and everything else will fall in place."

Cassie sighed and nodded. "I will try my best. I hope it works out." She was trembling, and Ethan could feel it. However, he was calm because he had huge plans for her. She had already won this. She just didn’t know yet.

They walked into the building, and Ethan remained in the waiting room while the receptionist escorted Cassie to Demi's office.

Watching them disappear into the elevator, he took out his phone and dialed Demi.

"Hello, Demi. My wife is on her way to your office. She is here with the proposal for the bid on the casino project. I believe you know what to do."

"Yes, Mr. White. I understand what must be done."

Ethan smiled. "One more thing: I received news that Stitch's family has established a strong connection with us. How true is that?"

"Very true, Sir. Stitch's family has long collaborated with us on several projects. They are one of our key shareholders, and they currently have ongoing projects with us. Also, they wish to collaborate with us on the new project. They have submitted their materials and proposals for review. However, the decision to choose the appropriate company has to be made by you."

Ethan cleared his throat and replied dryly. "From now on, I would like all the deals with Stitch's family terminated. They would be pulled out of the company, and all their existing stocks should be canceled. Also, send a rejection letter for their proposal to the new project."

The line was silent for some seconds before Demi replied. "Sir. I will begin to process your instructions once I conclude the meeting with your wife."

"Great."

Then he hung up, and a smile etched across his lips. Mason Stitch would have to brag about his family elsewhere. And this was just the beginning of his downfall.

…….

Once the elevator chimed on the 10th floor, Cassie was led by the receptionist toward the Vice-chairman's office.

As she walked, clutching her file on her chest, she whispered silent prayers. When she received the email that the request for an appointment was approved, she believed it was a dream. There were only a few companies and people who got a chance to speak with the Vice-chairman of the Buddy Industry.

But as she walked toward her office, she realized it wasn't a dream. That was her chance to strike the deal. It was her chance to prove everyone in her family wrong. Her heart was pounding furiously, but she tried to remain calm by thinking about what Ethan had told her.

She just had to believe in herself, and everything would fall into place. She held onto that hope as she advanced to the office.

As they walked into the Vice-chairman's office, Demi rose from her seat and greeted them deferentially. "Hello, Mrs. Cassie White. I'm Demi Sloan, the Vice-chairman of the Buddy Industry. It's nice to meet you."

Cassie was nearly quivering as she took her hand. She was talking to one of the most renounced businesswomen in the city. "Hello, Miss Sloan, nice to meet you too. It's an honor to be here."

"Please sit, and you can call me Demi."

Cassie smiled weakly, unsure of what to say or do. "Thank you." She sat in front of her desk, and the receptionist walked out immediately.

"Let's go over what you're here for. Go on with your pitch.” Demi said.

Cassie took a deep belly breath and began. "I'm here to propose the casino project, which was announced a few days ago. I know many highly remarkable companies have expressed their interest in this project. However, I assure you that the Rogers company is a great fit for this project, although we are not as prominent as other companies. I have prepared the best proposal for this project, and I hope you find it amazing."

She handed Demi her file and continued. "The file contains the Rogers family portfolio and my proposal for the project. I would appreciate it if you review them."

Demi smiled as she took the file from her. She took out some of the documents and read them briefly. After some minutes, she placed the papers on her table and looked back at Cassie. "Mrs. Cassie, I have reviewed your documents, and I believe you are the perfect partner for this project."

Cassie blinked back nervously with her mouth open. What had just happened?

“Wait, what!”

“Congratulations, miss.”

"Oh my goodness.” Cassie muttered, already bewildered. She couldn't believe she had just bagged a deal with Buddy Industry. “Thank you, Thank you, Miss Sloan. This is a dream come true."

"Not that your proposal is the best for this project, but our chairman is interested in working with you. He is willing to give you a shot, and if this project is successful, you may become one of our long-term partners."

Cassie just stared back at her in shock. Not only was her proposal accepted, but there was a possibility that she could be a long-term partner with Buddy Industry. However, all that was possible because of the new chairman, who was interested in working with her. Who was he?

"Please, may I know the chairman?" She asked politely.

"The chairman of this company is Mr. White.” Demi replied.

"Mr. White?" Cassie asked again. Of course, she knew his name, but she had expected to know his full name. "The only Mr. White I know is my husband."

It was so unusual that he was generous with her, and they had never met in person. She tried to imagine if the mysterious chairman was her husband, but she pushed the thoughts back in disbelief. There was no way Ethan would own a company and wouldn't tell her about it. He would not endure all the humiliation from her family when he held a multi-trillion dollar company.

"Mr. White is the grandson of Mr. Stark, the CEO of Stark Inc. He loves to stay out of the limelight." Demi said, smiling.

Cassie nodded firmly and confirmed her doubts. Her husband was an orphan raised by an adopted mother. There was no way he was the chairman of the Buddy Industry.

"Mrs. Cassie, your proposal contains a quotation for fifty million dollars," Demi said, snapping Cassie out of her thoughts.

"Yes. I believe that is sufficient, but I can work toward a lower amount if it is too much for the project." Cassie responded immediately.

Demi shook her head gently. "No, that is fine. We are prepared to increase our investment in this project."

Cassie swallowed. "What do you mean?"

"The chairman has asked me to increase the money from fifty to a hundred million dollars."

Cassie opened her mouth to say something, but the words caught up in her throat. What was happening? Why was everything working out with ease?

In her state of confusion, Demi retrieved the contract for the project. "The contract has been prepared for a hundred million dollars. If you are ready, you can review it and sign."

Cassie was perplexed. How could one of the best companies in the city accept her proposal and double the terms of the contract? Her grandmother's goal for the project was fifty million, but the contract had been doubled.

As she stared at the contract on the table, she could only think of one thing.

She’d secured the deal, and now she would be the director of Roger's company.