“How? Do you agree to join?”
Edward seemed to ponder. The man then brought his eyes to reread once again the cooperation proposal offered by Emaar Properties from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with renowned contractors like Vinci Construction, famous for the Louvre Museum in France, and Mace Construction, the contractor for The Shard London Bridge, the tallest building in the European Union. They invited Quantum for a joint venture in a mega project.
As Edward read in the proposal, Emaar Properties intended to construct the longest building in the world. To realize this ambition, Emaar Properties intentionally gathered construction companies from various parts of the world to join.
“Our team will be even stronger if you participate, Ed. Remember, this project offers a net profit of tens of billion dollars.” Thomas, the representative from Mace Construction, spoke again, trying to convince Edward to join.
As an established construction company, Quantum’s credibility was beyond doubt. Under Alexander’s leadership, one of the most ambitious projects undertaken by Quantum Construction was building the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey. The bridge was approximately 1. 5 kilometers long and 64 meters high above the sea, claimed to be the only bridge connecting the continents of Asia and Europe.
Not only that, even more astonishing, Quantum had also partnered with Tunner Construction, a construction company from the United States, to be involved in a joint venture to build the tallest building in the world, known as Burj Khalifa.
With so many achievements, many companies took notice and intentionally invited Quantum to collaborate. It must be acknowledged that under Edward’s leadership, Quantum had gained more recognition.
“No need to think too much. The profits from this crazy project are very real.” Now, Matthew, the representative from Mace Constructions, chimed in. “I’m even confident that Quantum will be more respected after this.”
Edward lifted his face, a faint smile clearly visible on his lips. Shortly after, he nodded with confidence.
“Alright, I’ll make sure Quantum joins you.”
“Thanks, God!” Thomas breathed a sigh of relief. The dark brown-haired man smiled broadly and reached out his hand to shake hands with Edward. “We need to have an internal meeting as soon as possible to discuss this project in detail, Ed.”
“Agreed, Thom,” Matthew also replied. “After making the plan diagrams, next week, we should meet with the developers and architects.”
“Ok…” Edward shook hands with Thomas and Matthew in turn. “My secretary will schedule the next meeting soon. I’m thrilled that you invited me to participate in this prestigious project.”
After the handshake, Matthew and Thomas both stood up from their seats, preparing to bid farewell.
“Thank you very much for the time you’ve given. We both look forward to the meeting invitation from your side.” Before they left, Thomas said enthusiastically.
“Sure,” Edward responded. “See you at the next internal meeting.”
Edward then escorted his guests out of the room. After making sure the shadows of Thomas and Matthew disappeared from view, the tall man returned to his seat.
Initially, Edward intended to resume the work that had been put on hold. However, as soon as he heard the door of his room open again and the noisy voice of someone he knew very well, his concentration was instantly disrupted.
The golden-brown iris rolled upward as a well-built man, dressed in an expensive suit, entered and casually took a seat right in front of Edward.
“Richard Delano, what wind brings you to see me so early in the morning?” Edward initiated the conversation between them. “Besides, why have I been seeing you in London quite often lately? Are you tired of living in Indonesia?”
“No, not at all. I just miss you a little.” Richard gave a faint smile. “I have some important business to settle with Kenzi. Your office is nearby, so I thought it wouldn’t hurt to drop by.”
“Nonsense!” Edward sneered.
“Oh, come on, I’m being honest, Edward Martin.” Richard tried to convince his friend. He understood why Edward was skeptical, given their history of not getting along.
Edward chuckled sardonically, then glanced at the door as his secretary came in with a tray containing two cups of chamomile tea. She served them politely and then excused herself to leave.
“Have you just finished a meeting with a major investor?” Richard asked.
Edward nodded. “Yes, that’s right. If this tender succeeds, Quantum could make a profit of hundreds of million dollars.”
“By the way, how’s your progress with the woman you were chasing after yesterday?” Richard asked as he lifted his tea cup, sipping it slowly.
“You should know something. Turns out the woman my father wanted to introduce me to is Chloe.” Edward grinned. “I can’t believe how lucky I am.”
“So, you consider this to be God’s preordained fate?” There was a hint of mockery in Richard’s sentence.
Edward reached for his tea cup as well, took a sip, and then replied, “What else could it be if not fate? I’m sure Chloe is my destiny, Rich. Countless times, she tried to avoid me, but we kept bumping into each other accidentally at the right moments.”
This time, Richard finished the remaining tea in his cup and laughed softly. “Overconfident as always. But, I hope that woman isn’t playing with you, Ed.”
The joyous glow on Edward’s face faded instantly, replaced by a loud scoff. “Ck! Why do you enjoy crushing my happiness, Rich.”
Richard placed the now empty tea cup on the table and leaned back on his chair before responding. “I didn’t mean to ruin your happiness. It’s just that, before making any decisions, it’s better to think it through. Remember, you don’t really know that woman yet.”
The words that came out of Richard’s mouth sounded concerned. It was unlike him to be anxious, especially towards Edward. For some reason, this time, Richard felt the need to warn his friend.
“Don’t worry too much, Rich. Besides, I asked Hans to investigate Chloe’s background thoroughly. She doesn’t have any dark records whatsoever.”
Richard nodded. “Well, that’s good if Chloe is indeed a good woman.”
Then Richard’s phone rang, and a call required him to leave Edward’s office immediately. Without any formalities, Richard bid farewell to his friend.
“We’ll meet again some other time. Maybe have coffee or play golf together,” Richard suggested.
Edward stood up from his seat as well. “Anytime. I’m always available for you guys.”
Richard nodded again. “Okay, I’m off now. Remember, Ed, be cautious with new people. I’m not playing around with what I feel this time.”
Edward remained silent. Part of his mind was trying to digest the meaning behind his friend’s words.
****