Chapter 451
Chapter 451:
As Ashton was about to re-enter the conference hall, he noticed Jacoby near the entrance, giving him a taunting smile. “Who have you been whining to this time?” Jacoby mocked.
Ignoring the taunt, Ashton simply said as he walked by, “You’ll soon see who I’ve been talking to p>
Jacoby, overly confident in his position, shrugged it off. He watched Ashton walk away, then boasted arrogantly, “Give it up! Who could you possibly have contacted? Besides, it’s irrelevant now. The land has already been awarded to Sup Group. My brother is moments away from signing the deal. Any attempt by you to change that is pointless! Let me make one thing clear today. Just because you were once favored in Inewood doesn’t mean you stand a chance against the Marquez family. Competing with us is a losing battle for you p>
After the announcement of the winning company, Phil stood tall, showering Sup Group with effusive praise on stage. His words were dripping with admiration, though they rang hollow to many in the audience, who exchanged restless glances, growing increasingly impatient with each empty compliment.
At last, sensing the crowd’s waning patience, Phil extended his hand toward Beal with a flourish. “I trust Mr. Beal Marquez is more than ready by now. If there are no objections, let’s welcome Mr. Marquez to come up and seal this agreement, officially claiming the development rights to the land p>
Beal needed no further preparation—he had been silently basking in the fawning words thrown at Sup Group. Hearing his cue, he rose, waved confidently to the audience, and strode toward the stage, head held high like a monarch walking to his throne.
Just then, a voice cut through the room like a sharp gust against still waters. “I object,” Ashton declared, raising his hand. “I do not recognize, nor agree with, Sup Group winning the bid p>
The air seemed to crackle with tension as murmurs erupted from every corner of the room.
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The truth was simmering beneath the surface: most people in the room silently shared Ashton’s sentiment. Beal’s presentation was unconvincing. Yet, it was clear to everyone that Phil had been bought by Sup Group. The glint of corruption lay in his overzealous praise.
Still, they were unwilling to speak out, unwilling to risk the wrath of power. But Ashton, the bold representative from Skyline Group, dared to break the silence, to stir the pot at a government auction, no less.
The audience, half in shock and half in admiration, watched as the young man took his stand. Some sneered at what they thought was a fool’s errand. Surely, they thought, he was throwing away any chance of a future in Staville.
Some even felt a pang of pity for what they perceived as his reckless courage, a young man throwing away his future in a single, impulsive act.
Ashton stood unwavering in the eye of the storm, indifferent to the ripple of murmurs around him. His gaze landed on Beal, who was now halfway up the stage. Beal paused, turning to face Ashton with a sneer, his voice dripping with contempt. “Well, well p>
“Ashton! Do you really dare to oppose us in front of everyone? Are you questioning Mr. Perry’s authority p>