The Scorned Heir

Chapter Six

The bidding for the casino project was announced shortly after Ethan left the office. The news shocked the city, just as he had predicted. There would be many bidders because it was a multi-million dollar project.

Several companies were eager to meet and get to know the enigmatic new Chairman of the Buddy Industry. What was his name? How did he acquire the Buddy Industry for approximately $500 billion in one lump sum payment? Many companies would need almost a year to raise such funds, but he bought the company in a day. How is that even possible?

When his name was printed as "Mr. White," numerous companies wanted to learn more about him to gain his favor and win the bid for the Casino project. Everyone, however, had no idea who he was. His only identity was his surname, which could not offer them enough vital information.

Many wealthy families were likewise drawn to the new personality that had emerged in the city. They wanted to introduce him to their daughters in the hopes that he would marry one of them. If he married into any family, they would undoubtedly be the wealthiest, and their businesses would flourish.

The only family not pleased with the news was the Kirk's, whom he had fired from the company. They admitted that he did not regard them as affluent or reputable enough, and this enraged them.

When the news broke about Buddy's fifty-million-dollar investment in the casino project, it shocked the construction and commercial industry.

50 million bucks! That was a considerable amount of money to be invested, bringing forth numerous replies from various companies, including Rogers.

Ronan Rogers was overjoyed at the news. Fifty million dollars would save the family from bankruptcy and catapult them to the next level. He didn't want to miss the opportunity, so he convened an emergency family meeting. Everyone was expected to attend the meeting, which was set for the evening.

When evening came, Ethan accompanied Cassie to the meeting.

He had known right from the time that Ronan Rogers would want to bid on the project and would select one of his relatives to represent Rogers. He wanted Cassie to be the representative, so he accompanied her to boost her confidence.

Cassie and Ethan were humiliated as they approached the mansion by Larry, Cassie's brother, standing at the entryway.

"What are you doing here, Ethan? Don't you still have any ego? I can't believe you came to see Grandpa after what happened at the birthday party." Larry expressed his displeasure with a frown.

Cassie stepped forward to defend Ethan. "You have also lost all self-respect in yourself. Ethan is my husband, and the meeting is for everyone in the family. He is a member of this family and has every right to be here."

Larry laughed. "Him? How can such a jerk be a member of the family? We accept successful people in the family, not a live-in son-in-law if you haven't noticed."

Cassie attempted to speak, but Ethan turned and addressed her. "Dear, we must not allow him to approach us. We've arrived for the meeting, and Grandpa will be inside. Larry is not our top focus right now."

Cassie nodded and gave Larry a harsh stare before entering the mansion. Larry glanced rudely at Ethan before walking into the mansion.

As Ethan and Cassie entered the boardroom, several eyes raised to meet them.

They were not welcomed in the gathering, but Ethan showed no interest in them. Instead, he led Cassie to a seat at the farther end of the boardroom, avoiding the rest of the family.

The meeting began as soon as Ronan Rogers entered the room and sat at the head of the table.

He started his speech by momentarily looking around the room and clearing his throat. “I'm sure most of you have heard about the multibillion-dollar casino bid. We, the Rogers family, have been waiting for a chance like this to resurface and grow our business. This is our chance to avoid bankruptcy and become one of the most recognized companies in town. We must win the deal since Buddy Industry is investing millions of dollars in this cause.”

Before proceeding, he paused to observe some people in the room. "This is Buddy's first major project following the ownership change to the renowned but mysterious Mr. White. This is the greatest time to tie up and make contact with them. We will win this bid and become more powerful and successful in subsequent projects and agreements. We also need to create a good impression with the new chairman."

He took a deep breath and paused briefly before continuing. "I have called this meeting so we can make the best bid strategy and select a representative from our company."

When Ronan Rogers finished, he smiled warmly, but his smile quickly vanished as he noticed everyone's emotionless expressions.

Everyone remained silent because his plans to win the bid and collaborate with Buddy were unrealistic. The Rogers had long wanted to work with Buddy Industry, but they had been unsuccessful for several years. Buddy dealt with high-stock holding corporations, and Rogers was at the bottom of the list.

It was ludicrous to think they could outbid other companies for the multi-million dollar Casino project.

Grandpa was enraged by their silence and dismal expressions. "Why isn't anyone speaking up? Why isn't anyone contributing to or showing interest in this project? Have you all gone insane?"

The room fell silent once more, and everyone exchanged uneasy glances with one another. It was unlikely that the old man desired to know that Buddy industry would not consider the Rogers for collaboration, so no one dared to speak.

Ronan Rogers tensed and rose from his seat. "You all have become cowards!" He yelled, and his voice rang out across the room. "Now, everyone, pay attention to me. Whoever gets the fifty million dollar share in Buddy's new project will be the director of our company!"

Several others in the room opened their eyes and dropped their jaws in surprise. Everyone looked at him as if he had sprouted a third head.

Ronan Rogers was in charge of the corporation and oversaw its operations. He never allowed anyone to run the company's affairs and transactions. If he could use this as a reward, working with Buddy meant a lot to him.

Although most people in the room desired the role of company director, they could not accept it because it appeared unlikely that Buddy would accept such a little company as the Rogers.

It wasn't easy to reach such a deal and win the project. Even if Grandpa went to Buddy's office and spoke to the board of directors, he couldn't do it. The room was deafeningly quiet since no one wanted to take responsibility.

In a rage, Ronan Rogers smashed his hand on the table. "I can't believe no one in this room is up to the task. Will you stand by and watch our firm implode? Nobody in this room can stop us from going bankrupt, right?”

He then turned to face his eldest son, Arnold, who was seated nearby. "I can't believe you're unwilling to do the task, Arnold. I'd like you to represent us."

Arnold laughed. "Do you believe we have a chance? Buddy has evicted the Kirk family and canceled their shares. Our company is far lower than theirs. How do you think we'll win this bid?"

"I did not raise you to be a coward!" Ronan Rogers let out a bark. "How can you give up before trying?"

Ronan Rogers turned to face everyone in the room while Arnold remained mute. "Anyone? And how about the rest of you?" He inquired, looking around the room. "Are you all going to keep staring at me?"

Ethan nudged Cassie, who was likewise mute at the time. "Darling, accept the assignment.”

Cassie looked at him. "What? Are you crazy? The new chairman fired Taylor Kirk. What gives you the impression that I can take this task, much more win it?”

Ethan gave her a gentle smile. "Take on the job, Cassie. It is better to try and fail than to not try at all."

Cassie sighed. Even though she knew she could not win this bid, she decided to take on the job. Ethan's remarks had inspired her.

She stood from her seat, and all eyes flew towards her, gasps escaping their lips as she announced. “Grandpa, I'm willing to be the company’s representative."