Today, there was a social engagement. Nelson personally hosted the banquet at the Kenker Hotel, accompanied by senior executives from the Oconnor Group.
Entertaining guests at his own venue meant they were of significant status.
In recent months, Nelson had met many influential figures to revive the Oconnor Group’s economy. Some negotiations succeeded, others failed. He worked tirelessly to stabilize the company.
Callie, an outsider, had gone to great lengths for him and the Oconnor Group. She certainly did not want to see him fail.
A black official car turned the corner, its license plate composed entirely of nines. At a checkpoint for drunk driving, the traffic police did not dare to stop it.
The car stopped in front of Nelson and his party. The secretary was the first to get out and opened the rear door. A man emerged from the shadows, with a lean but sharp face, in his forties or fifties, hair graying. He was supported by a woman as he extended his hand. “Mr. Oconnor.”
“Mr. Woods, I’m glad you could attend.” It was Corey, the third-in-command of Ylosea.
Nelson greeted him with a smile, but it faded slightly when he saw the woman’s face beside Corey.
The woman instinctively avoided his gaze and stepped back politely.
After shaking hands with everyone, Corey looked at the Kenker Hotel lobby. “Dining in such a fine place, Mr. Oconnor, are you trying to ruin my reputation?”
“Everyone in Ylosea knows you’re upright and honest. I’ve made sure that the food and drinks are appropriate and within regulations. Even if checked, there would be no issues.” Nelson smiled faintly and gestured for Corey to proceed.
Corey scrutinized him playfully and followed the waiter inside. “I’ve known how capable you are before; I trust you on this.”
On the top floor of Kenker Hotel, Nelson had instructed that no entertainment facilities be provided.
“The city’s project has been confirmed to be awarded to Scott Group,” Corey said after three rounds of drinks, still sober. “The documents will be issued within three days. To avoid any mistakes or loopholes for Oconnor Group, Mr. Scott even canceled the bidding ceremony.”
Nelson raised an eyebrow but wasn’t surprised. “It makes sense. After all, Oconnor Group made mistakes on the last project. It’s reasonable that we weren’t chosen this time.”
He picked up the teapot and leisurely poured tea for Corey. “Who is Jaquan’s superior in the municipal government?”
Corey, with a keen sense, shook his head. “Currently unknown. It’s one of Ylosea’s unsolved mysteries.”
“Unsolved mystery?” Nelson took a cigarette from his pack but didn’t light it, just sniffed it slowly. “It’s about to be solved.”
Corey quickly caught on and frowned. “What do you mean?”
“The office director is retiring this year. He’s arranged for his family to go abroad. In his final days in office, he likely wants to make a big profit from this project. The city has allocated three hundred million dollars for this project, but as far as I know, Scott Group will receive at most one hundred fifty million dollars. Where’s the rest of the money?”
Nelson guided Corey patiently, watching his expression change.
“Jaquan has to complete this project with one hundred fifty million dollars. Mr. Woods, do you think that’s possible?” Nelson seemed to recall something and tossed the cigarette into the trash.
Corey understood. “Mr. Oconnor, you’re planning to repay in kind.”
Nelson didn’t confirm but looked at the woman standing behind Corey. “Mr. Woods’ assistant looks familiar; I feel like I’ve seen her somewhere before.”