04

“So this is the plan we have come up with for the construction of the museum.” The employee turned towards the board members after he completed the presentation.

It was a very important construction for the government and the SkyLine infrastructures were bidding for it. They weren’t ready to lose this bid. They had a big name in the construction field and were never ready to lose to anyone, although having disputes within the board members for the next CEO.

The old men in the meeting were convinced with the planned presentation that Arthur’s team had come up with, they could win the bid. But if things went too easily then that won’t be called a hustle.

“We have two wonderful plans now. So what do we do, gentlemen?” asked the old man, Mr. Brown.

The old man didn’t have anyone to compete for the next CEO on behalf of him. But he had to take the back of Mr. Garcia’s son, Liam Garcia.

Liam had always been a stronger contender for Arthur in all aspects. From school curriculum to high school football to attending one of the prestigious colleges. And Arthur was no weak compared to Liam. He was an equal competitor. And always did his best to win against Liam.

“I think we should go with the plan made by Mr. Perry. It’s a very unique plan,” Mr. Garcia said, leaning back onto his chair.

Everyone present in the room knew very well that Mr. Garcia didn’t really mean it. He had his son’s back all and along the way. So it was just a facade he was putting on in front of Mr. James Perry, Arthur’s father, and the present CEO and Chairman of the SkyLine Infrastructures.

James Perry laughed catching everyone's attention. He was seated in the center position of the oval table.

“Both the plans are amazing. Why don’t we just vote to choose the plan we will want to go with?” James suggested.

When it is a suggestion from the CEO himself, who would dare to oppose it. And hence, there was immediate preparation to vote for the plan they want to go with for the construction of the museum.

Arthur had sat far from his father since he wasn’t in a much higher position to sit next to the CEO. The other shareholders had surrounded the seat around James.

Arthur and Liam were sitting opposite to one another and didn’t spare a look at each other. Arthur just cheered up and thanked his team for the hard work while the voting took place.

And then it was done. The only thing that remained was to count the voting.

Arthur wasn’t anxious about the voting, but rather his father’s reaction if he fails to get this project and go not being able to execute his plan.

James signaled his secretary, Mason to go and count the voting. He followed the instructions. And began to count the voting.

The board members awaited for the result while Mr. Garcia plainly stated at Arthur, who didn’t even care about the stares he was getting.

Mason cleared his throat, “Well, the voting has been counted. And it is 5-7. With Arthur Perry in lead.”

A smile formed on James’ face followed by a round of applause by the people present in the conference hall.

“So… as per the voting, we will be bidding to the museum construction project with Arthur Perry and his team’s plan,” Mason announced and the meeting was wrapped up.

Mr. Garcia and his junior, Liam were boiling out of wits. This meeting wasn’t supposed to end like this. The meeting didn’t go as they had planned it. A lot of people who they had thought would vote for them had turned their backs and voted for Arthur, just for the sake of James Perry.

James Perry still held a good grasp of the company to let go so easily. When he started the company, he had indeed worked hard and taken help from many investors and other people and he had given them an equal share stock in the company when he made it big. He maintained a good relationship with almost everyone. Even the greedy Mr. Garcia. James was aware of Mr. Garcia’s greediness and desire to make his son the next CEO, but he wasn’t ready to give away the position to someone else when he had made his son work harder than anyone to take the position.

Everyone had almost left the conference room after congratulating Arthur.

James had stayed back to have a private conversation with his son. So his secretary, Mason left them alone and exited the room.

“I expect you to win the bid as well,” James said.

Arthur nodded his head, “Yes, dad.”

“I'm heading home now. Come home for dinner with Emily and Amity. I’m missing my princess.”

“Yes, dad. We’ll be there.”

With that, James left the room. This is the graph of their conversation most of the time. James raised Arthur in a hard way. He didn’t give his son anything easily.

Arthur was now at home for an hour and all he witnessed was Amity making her mom roam around the entire house to get changed her school uniform. He didn’t know his little devil could be this strong head to control at home when he was not at home.

“Amy, come here, baby,” he called for his daughter, who came running to him and seated herself on her father’s lap as if it was her throne.

Emily followed her daughter to the living room and settled on the couch.

“What is it, Papa?” she asked, curiously.

Arthur looked in his wife’s direction. She was tired and worn out by all the house chores along with taking care of their daughter. He felt bad but he couldn’t get himself to cancel the dinner plans at his parents’ place.

His father had always adored and appreciated Emily and had handpicked her for Arthur. She used to work as an accountant at their company before marrying Arthur.

“Your grandfather has invited us for dinner tonight,”

Amity’s eyes beamed with delight, “Really?”

“Yes. I, you, and mamma have to go to their place,” he looked at Emily to know her reaction.

She just smiled and he knew despite her tiredness she would make it up to his parents.

Now, it was easy for Emily to get her daughter out of her uniform and get ready to go to her grandparents’ place.

Within no time, Amity had picked her clothes and her accessories. She had chosen a frills frock and cute bracelets and matched them with her sandals. She was good to go.

Emily had worn a modest dress that showed off her beauty and elegance. She was a beautiful woman, no one could deny that.

Arthur had dressed in casual. He didn’t have to wear a suit to have dinner with his parents.

Around 7:30 PM they reached Arthur’s parents’ place.

Amity didn’t wait for her parents to catch up with her and ran inside the house. She didn’t have to ask for anyone’s permission to enter or exit her grandparents’ house. It was her territory and her grandparents had spoiled her rotten, way too much than Arthur does. If anyone was strict with her, it would be her mother, Emily.

“Hey there,” James greeted Amity.

“Hey, Gramps,” she clung to his neck as he carried her in his arms.

“How are you, princess?”

“I am good. How are you, Gramps?” And where is Gran? She didn’t come out to welcome me,”

“Oh, princess. I am doing good. And your Gran is in the kitchen, cooking delicious food for you.”

“Hey, Emily,” James greeted his daughter in law when he noticed Emily and Arthur walking in.

“Hey,” she returned the greetings with a bright smile.

Arthur was defaultly welcomed, nothing special from his father.

Although his mom came out and hugged her son and spread some warmth to him.

They were sitting in the dining area, James turned to Arthur and asked, “Did you submit the proposal to the bid?”

Arthur gulped down the water, “Yes. At noon. They said the bid would end by this weekend and they have faith in us. The secretary at the office showed interest in our work.”

James nodded his head in understanding.

“Can’t you two not talk about work at home?” Arthur’s mother, Rosa said as she placed the last dish on the table.

James sighed and got to dinner.

They had a good time with dinner. Arthur had taken his time to talk with his mom about everything from work to home to Amity and Emily.

Emily too had a nice time with her in-laws. They loved her and she was glad for it.

Amity was totally engrossed in telling her grandparents the tale from her school and where she wanted to go for summer vacations. As expected it was all granted for her.

With all the chatter and catching up, the night came to an end and Arthur’s little family went home pretty late.