Chapter 322
Chapter 322:
Bradly reached out, fingertips brushing across the model. The uncanny realism of the building’s weathered facade made him linger, reluctant to pull his hand away.
“Mr. McCoy, this piece took me nearly a month to complete,” Gabriela said softly, a hint of pride in her tone. “For an entire month, I barely left my workspace except to eat or sleep. Every waking hour was poured into shaping this p>
Her explanation carried the weight of expertise, detailing the rust etched into the machinery, the interlocking gears, the meticulous calculations behind every tiny component. She stressed one key point: a steampunk model without age, without the scars of time, had no soul.
Bradly’s eyes lit with admiration. “Miss Haynes, you are truly extraordinary p>
Though Gabriela never once complained about the hardships, he could vividly imagine the sleepless nights, the painstaking effort. The realization left him awestruck.
He leaned forward, voice filled with unrestrained eagerness. “Miss Haynes, your work is remarkable. I’m willing to pay two million for this model. Would you consider selling it to me p>
Gabriela froze, momentarily stunned. That much money? For a small architectural model?
The raw materials had cost her less than two thousand dollars, and yet Bradly had just offered two million. If she had known that crafting a single model could turn her into a millionaire, she would never have wasted time working an ordinary job.
But she swallowed down her excitement, steadying her expression. Instead, she curved her lips into a poised smile. “Mr. McCoy, it’s not money I need p>
𝖳h𝖾 𝗯𝘦𝗌𝘁 r𝗲v𝗶𝖾𝗐𝗌 о𝗻 𝘨𝗮𝗅𝗇𝗼𝘷е𝘭𝗌.сom
Bradly’s gaze sharpened. He understood instantly that this model was her bargaining chip for collaboration. Yet the promise he had made to Fiona flickered through his mind, dragging hesitation across his face.
Before the silence could settle, Mason cut in smoothly, his tone deliberate. “Gabriela, I really like this piece as well. I’ll pay two and a half million. Sell it to me p>
Bradly shot up, flustered and indignant. “Mr. Garner, I want this! How could you go after it too p>
Mason didn’t falter. “Why couldn’t I claim this model for myself? And let’s not forget, I’m offering more money than you are p>
Bradly’s composure cracked, frustration rising visibly in his face. Mason, a celebrated entrepreneur, was behaving like some hype man at an auction. Bradly saw through the performance instantly, but desperation had him by the throat. Retreat wasn’t an option. He knew he wasn’t the only enthusiast; Stewart from the Williams Group shared his passion, an interest that bordered on obsession.
Grinding his teeth, Bradly muttered, “Send me the contract. I’ll review the proposal p>
Gabriela, barely concealing her excitement, slid the neatly prepared contract across the table. A quick scan revealed nothing out of place.
“But,” Bradly said, narrowing his eyes, “isn’t your profit margin a little steep p>
“Mr. McCoy,” Gabriela replied smoothly, “the Haynes Group is small. We rarely land projects like this, and the competition is brutal. That margin is barely a thank-you for choosing us p>
Bradly cursed inwardly. What a cunning woman. Knowing his weakness for that model, she leveraged the moment to her advantage. On any other day, he would have bargained the profit margin down by at least three points. But today, eagerness clouded his judgment and he just wanted to take that model home and admire it in peace.
“Alright, deal,” Bradly said finally, forcing a smile.
He summoned the company’s legal team, combed through every clause, and, finding nothing amiss, signed with a flourish.
When Gabriela clasped the freshly signed contract, her heart raced with exhilaration.
Extending her hand, she said with genuine warmth, “Mr. McCoy, I’m looking forward to our partnership p>
This victory was hers alone — achieved without any assistance from Wesley or Kaleb.
Bradly shook her hand, a trace of admiration in his eyes. “Miss Haynes, if you ever decide to craft another model, make sure I’m the first to know p>