Chapter 212: A token of gratitude

Words : 1098 Updated : Sep 29th, 2025

Chapter 212: A token of gratitude On the other side of the building, Denis Beaumont sat across from Hana. "Mr. Beaumont," Hana began graciously, "thank you for your efforts in resolving the land issue for our model city project. We truly appreciate it. As a token of our gratitude, we have decided to award the entire project to the Beaumont Group." Denis smiled, visibly pleased. But one deal wasn’t enough. He wanted a long-term partnership with them. "I appreciate the trust you have placed in us. But I want to build a future with the Sphere Group. You are expanding into new territory, and you’ll need a reliable partner. Beaumont Group is ready to step into that role." Hana didn’t miss a beat. Her expression remained calm and courteous. "You are absolutely right, Mr. Beaumont. Partnerships are essential. But we have just launched operations in that region. Aside from the model city, there are no large-scale projects currently underway. We need time to grow our base. Once we have seen this project through, we can revisit the idea of a broader partnership." Denis nodded, unfazed, as he believed he would win the partnership deal sooner or later. "Then you have made the right call. Our reach in that region is unmatched. This project will be a success—you have my word." Hana offered a polite nod, though behind she sneered in her mind. ’Overconfident fool,’ she mused silently. ’You have no idea what kind of storm you are walking into.’ Still, her face betrayed nothing. She slid a thick folder across the table toward Denis. "Then let’s move forward and sign the agreement." Denis picked up the file and began scanning the documents carefully. Everything looked solid at first—the Sphere Group was officially handing over full responsibility for the model city project to the Beaumont Group. But then his eyes landed on a particular clause that made him stop. The section outlined that Sphere would send quarterly delegates to monitor progress. More critically, it stated that if the project was stalled or failed, Beaumont Group would be required to repay every cent of the investment made by Sphere Group. No exceptions. Denis’s brow furrowed. He believed in his team’s capabilities, but nothing in business was ever certain. And if something did go sideways, this clause could financially gut his company. Hana watched him carefully, her expression steady. "Is there a problem, Mr. Beaumont?" Denis looked up, pulled from his train of thought. He hesitated for a moment, then spoke. "I’m concerned about the final clause." He tapped the paragraph with a finger. "It states that if the project halts or fails, we’re liable to return all the money invested by your company. That seems... risky." Hana didn’t blink. She kept her tone even, measured. "We included that clause as a necessary safeguard," she explained. "We are entering a new territory with this branch, and this is the first major project under our name there. If it fails, it won’t just be a financial hit, it could collapse our entire expansion effort. We can’t afford that risk. I trust you understand our position." Her words were reasonable, but Denis was hesitant. He sat in silence, mulling over the risk. But before his doubt could take root again, Hana spoke again, her tone persuasive. "That’s exactly why we chose your company. Beaumont Group is the ideal partner for something this ambitious. And with a leader like you at the helm, I have no doubt this project will overcome every challenge." The praise hit its mark. Denis straightened in his chair, pride creeping into his expression. His hesitation dissolved. Of course, he could handle this. His family’s name opened doors, and the company’s influence in the region was unmatched. The land dispute had been settled with ease. Any other problems would be resolved soon. "I don’t see any reason to delay further," he said confidently. "Let’s finalize it." He picked up the pen and signed with a flourish. Across the table, Hana offered a cool smile, her eyes flashing with quiet calculation. She took the file and signed just below his name. "I look forward to a long and fruitful partnership," she said, extending her hand. "Absolutely," Denis replied, gripping her hand with firm enthusiasm. "By the way, I’d love to meet Mr. Bennet. Could you arrange a meeting sometime?" Hana’s expression shifted ever so slightly, her voice slipping into a polite, regretful tone. "I’m afraid that won’t be possible at the moment. Mr. Bennet just got married. He is currently on his honeymoon." "Oh, I see," Denis said, a hint of surprise in his tone. "There is no need to rush," Hana added. "He’ll reach out when the time is right. For now, your only focus should be the project." Denis agreed with Hana, convinced that once the project was underway, or especially after its successful completion, Mr. Bennet would be eager to meet him. He even thought there was a chance the meeting might be arranged sooner, once progress began. He stepped out of Hana’s office with a self-assured grin, his chest puffed with satisfaction. But his confident stride came to an abrupt stop. Just a few feet away, Augustine and Anne came out of the conference room. Denis froze, eyes narrowing as disbelief flickered across his face. "What the hell...?" He watched as several board members of the Sphere Group clustered around Augustine, shaking his hand, exchanging words with genuine respect. Laughter and nods passed between them, their faces open and clearly pleased. Denis’s jaw tightened. ’Why is he here?’ he thought, the smile wiped clean from his face. From a distance, he couldn’t hear the conversation, but the body language told him that the board members were pleased with Augustine. Anne stood beside him, poised and calm, speaking with one of the board members with a confident smile. Denis didn’t move. He just stood there, rooted to the spot, watching with a tight-lipped expression. As the board members left one by one, Augustine and Anne were finally alone. Augustine turned to her. "Well, everyone was impressed with your presentation. You did great. Now..." he smiled, "I want to take you somewhere." Anne raised a curious brow. "Where?" "It’s a surprise," he replied with a teasing glint in his eye. "Another one?" she smirked, excitement flickering across her face. "You’ll love this one," he said confidently. "Then what are we waiting for?" she grinned, looping her arm through his. "Let’s go." They started toward the elevator, but a familiar figure stepped into their path. Denis.

Chapter 212: A token of gratitude

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