Chapter 6
Janet returned to his office communicating with the reporters. “Mr. Blackwood, the announcement is out. The feedback has already been astounding. Proposals are likely to start arriving soon.”
Andrew leaned forward, his tone firm and commanding. “Janet, only the Johnson company is receiving this contract under my wife's proposal for this project. I want them to be awarded the deal, and no other company will be considered.”
Janet looked taken aback by his decisiveness but quickly nodded. “Yes, Mr. Blackwood. I’ll make sure they are given top priority and that the contract goes to Johnson company.”
“Good,” Andrew said with a satisfied smile. “And make it clear that we are looking for the most qualified team to handle this project, so only the best will be selected. Keep me informed about every development.”
“Understood, sir,” Janet replied. “I’ll handle it immediately.”
As Janet left to manage the deluge of proposals, Andrew let out a quiet laugh of triumph. He had set a trap that stirred panic among the big corporations, all the while knowing he had no intention of giving the contract to anyone but his wife.
He took a deep breath, feeling a surge of satisfaction. His plan was working perfectly. This was just the beginning of his strategy to balance the scales and ensure that he and Clara would never be misjudged or humiliated again.
As Andrew watched the media coverage of Blackwood Architect Corporation’s major project announcement on the office television, he took in the splendor of his surroundings. The office was a masterpiece of modern elegance and opulence.
At that moment, the TV screen switched to another breaking news story: the abrupt disintegration of Ethan Stevens’ organization. Reporters scrambled for the latest updates, and TV anchors speculated about the reasons behind the sudden collapse.
“Breaking news: Ethan Stevens’ company has been dismantled, causing a ripple effect in the business community,” a reporter announced. “Sources confirm that all business transactions with Blackwood Architect Corporation have abruptly ended, leaving many to wonder what led to Ethan Stevens’ downfall.”
Interviews with industry experts and financial analysts filled the screen, each presenting their theories about the unexpected dissolution of Ethan’s once-thriving empire. “Such a drastic move is unprecedented,” one analyst said. “It’s clear that Ethan Stevens’ company relied heavily on its partnership with Blackwood Architect Corporation. This severance will have serious repercussions for his business.”
Social media was ablaze with speculation, with hashtags like #EthanStevensDownfall and #WhoDidEthanOffend trending worldwide. People everywhere were drawn into the mystery, attempting to piece together the puzzle of Ethan’s sudden downfall.
Andrew watched the coverage with a sense of grim satisfaction. The media frenzy confirmed that his plan was working perfectly. He had orchestrated Ethan’s suffering for the past humiliations, and the world was taking notice of the dramatic shift in the business landscape.
Yet, despite the chaos he had wrought, Andrew’s identity and true motives remained a closely guarded secret. The beautiful surroundings of his office served as a quiet testament to his newfound power and authority, a symbol of the strategic maneuvering that had begun to reshape his fate and that of those who had wronged him.
Clara, who works as a secretary at the Johnson family company, watched the news on the office television with wide eyes. The announcement of Blackwood Architect Corporation’s $4 billion project was exhilarating, but the sudden collapse of Ethan Stevens’ company left her baffled.
She had no idea her husband was the mastermind behind these developments.
When she returned home, she looked at Andrew with a mix of curiosity and concern. “Did you see the news about Ethan Stevens’ company? It’s inconceivable what happened.”
Andrew kept his expression neutral, hiding his satisfaction. “Yes, I noticed. It seems like something significant triggered the collapse. But let’s focus on the positive. Did you see the announcement about Blackwood Architect Corporation’s new project?”
Clara’s eyes lit up. “Yes! It’s a huge opportunity for any company. But, honestly, I don’t know if Johnson’s company can compete for it. It’s such a big project, and we’re not as established as the other firms that will apply.”
Andrew encouraged her with a reassuring smile. “You should still give it a try. This could be a fantastic opportunity for you and the company. If you don’t take the chance, you’ll never know what might have been.”
"I don't believe we're nearly up to the challenge. This is a large job, and there is no space for error. Clara expressed her uncertainty, saying, "I'm not sure if Johnson Company can compete with the other contenders who will apply."
“Andrew listened carefully before responding: "I understand your concerns, Clara. Yes, this is a significant project. But don't give up hope before we even attempt. We must give it our best try."
Clara nodded, hesitant. "Everyone knows that if Steven Enterprises hadn't gone bankrupt today, they would have been the front-runners, particularly given their alliance with Blackwood Company. Now that they're out, it appears that the Stone family is best prepared to face this task. Besides, I’m just a secretary. Only Grandma, as the head of the company, can make such decisions.”
"Andrew smiled reassuringly. "I agree with you. However, let's not count ourselves out just yet. Sometimes, unexpected opportunities arise in these situations."
As they talked about their uncertainties, a message appeared in their family group chat. Lady Johnson called an emergency meeting to review Blackwood Architected Corporation's project proposal.
Andrew's smile expanded slightly as he read the message. Lady Johnson had accepted the bait, indicating that his method was succeeding. He looked at Clara, eagerness boiling beneath the surface.
"Looks like we're going to Lady Johnson's villa," he replied, his voice full with eagerness.
Clara gazed at Andrew, and her interest peaked. "Do you think she's seriously considering Blackwood's proposal?”
Andrew nodded confidently. "I believe so. You know Grandma loves money more than anything, and there's no way she won't want to be part of this mega deal, even if you feel small compared to the Blackwood Company. This meeting could be a watershed moment for Johnson Company and us."
They soon made their way to Lady Johnson's large Villa, which they had visited frequently but seldom for such important meetings. The mansion loomed ahead, its majestic façade lit by the mellow glow of the evening lights.
Andrew and Clara exchanged a quick glance, silently bracing themselves for what was ahead. As they entered the vast hall, they were welcomed with the traditional luxury of Lady Johnson's residence.