Chapter 435
The urban renewal project involved funds exceeding a hundred billion dors. The partnership between Blackwood Enterprises and Prescott Group wasn't just about the astronomical sum—no single corporation could secure exclusive development rights for the entire district.
To stimulate economic growth, the local government refused to hand the entire project to one company, even if they had the capability.
Every percentage point of profit from this venture represented a staggering amount. Prescott Group wasn't about to surrender without a fight.
Negotiations had reached a deadlock. Prescott's entire executive team was livid.
They were prepared to claw for one or two percentage points. But Dominic demanding ten? That ignited fury.
Politeness had evaporated. With no need for pretense, Prescott's board members grew bolder, adamantly backing Quentin's proposal.
Some even suggested slashing Blackwood's share further. They wouldn’t budge.
Their confidence stemmed from knowing Blackwood couldn’t secure full development rights alone—and Prescott’s financial strength matched theirs.
Blackwood’s executives were baffled. They couldn’t decipher their CEO’s strategy.
Several senior shareholders frowned openly. Though Dominic fought for their interests, they deemed his approach too audacious.
Yesterday’s board meeting had settled on a 50-50 split with Prescott. Some were even willing to concede points to finalize the deal.
When Quentin offered Blackwood an extra five points, they’d been thrilled—a bonus atop the collaboration. Dominic’s counteroffer blindsided them.
The ensuing debate grew fiercer. Neither side yielded.
As tension mounted, Prescott’s executives lost composure.
Dominic remained unshaken.
Even the usually unflappable Quentin began to sweat.
He couldn’t help but admire Dominic’s prowess.
Their first meeting had been a decade prior, during another high-stakes negotiation.
Dominic had been younger then—driven and sharp, but inexperienced.
Yet even back then, he’d been formidable.
Quentin had predicted this extraordinary man would dominate A City’s economic landscape.
His prophecy had come true.
Years in the cutthroat business world had honed Dominic into something ruthless. His commanding presence left no trace of the green negotiator from before.
Quentin stood no chance.
The stalemate dragged past an hour with no resolution.
Dominic didn’t flinch. Quentin refused to fold.
Blackwood’s executives grew restless. After over a year of preparation, they were inches from signing—until Dominic’s sudden shift derailed everything.
Evelyn’s worry surpassed them all. No one understood the effort Dominic had poured into this project better than her.
Countless late nights refining proposals—why had he changed course?
Dominic stayed calm. He gestured for Sebastian to light his cigarette.
His leisurely exhale only stoked Prescott’s fury.
Julian leaned in, voice low. "Dominic, five points is fair. Shouldn’t we sign?"
This was Julian’s first time witnessing his brother negotiate. The sheer dominance left him awestruck.
He’d never reach this level.
But the deal mattered. The profits would fuel Blackwood’s next expansion.
Dominic smiled faintly, patting Julian’s shoulder. "Relax. Even if this fails, I’ll secure those rights."
Julian wanted to argue, but Dominic’s confidence silenced him.
His brother never gambled. If he said he could do it, he would.
Quentin exhaled smoke, tension visible. "Seven points, Mr. Blackwood. My final offer. Take it or leave it."
Dominic tapped ash into the tray. His gaze drifted past the room, landing on Evelyn.
Seeing her concern softened his eyes.
When they returned to Quentin, they’d frosted over.
"Ten points, or nothing." Dominic’s voice was steel. "Prescott isn’t our only option. Preston Worthington, James Kensington, even Everett Kingsley—they’ve all begged to partner with us. I chose Prescott for your design team. But if you refuse..."
He let the threat hang.
Quentin had publicly reprimanded Evelyn.
What better revenge than bleeding him dry?