“I’m currently working on one of Mr. Norway’s projects.”David leaned back slightly, listening with interest. “Mr. Norway’s project? How did you even end up working with him?”“I happened to meet him at an investors’ meeting when I presented a demo of my own project,” Brandon explained calmly. “We got into a conversation afterward, and that eventually led to him offering me six months to turn one of his projects around. If I can get it back on track, he’ll consider investing in my own project.”David's expression brightened as he began to realize just how capable Brandon was. “That’s impressive. Getting Mr. Norway to trust someone with one of his projects is difficult enough, but convincing him that you can actually fix it is even harder. You must have made quite an impression.”Brandon gave a modest smile. “I’m just trying to do my best with the opportunity he gave me.”David nodded approvingly. “Still, you should be proud of yourself. Impressing Mr. Norway isn't easy. I actually env

“Would you like to play a game with me, Brandon?”David gestured toward the chessboard on the small table near the window after lunch. Brandon glanced at Victoria and Laura, who were still talking nearby, then returned his attention to David.“Sure. I haven't played in a while, but I'd be happy to.”David smiled and arranged the pieces. “Good. I want to see whether you're as good at chess as you are at business.”Brandon took his seat across from him. “I wouldn't count on that.”“You're being modest again.”They began the game, and for the first few moves, their conversation remained casual. David occasionally commented on a move while Brandon considered the board carefully.After several turns, David leaned back in his chair.“You know, I keep thinking about what you told me earlier.”Brandon lifted his eyes from the board. “About what?”“About family.” David moved one of his pieces forward. “I think my wife and I made a mistake with Victoria. We were so busy trying to build a good l

“Young man,” Richard's gaze returned to Brandon. “You should be careful about the questions you're asking.”Brandon remained calm. “I'm asking because the company paid thirty percent more than the original contract required. Why? According to the reports, the payments came from different sources through different transactions, yet every amount eventually ended up in the same account. How do you explain that?”Richard's expression shifted as he stared at Brandon. ‘How did this man find out? Is he actually trying to corner me into admitting the truth? He quickly composed himself. If that's what he's doing, I won't give him the satisfaction. I shouldn't let him become too confident.’Richard leaned back, maintaining his composed expression. “You don't understand how procurement works.”“Then please help me understand it.”Richard's patience began to disappear.“Listen, young man, you've been here for a few days and already think you understand everything. I've worked with Mr. Norway for

“I think it's better that way. If they believe they're negotiating with you, they'll focus on your position instead of the proposal,” Brandon explained his reasoning based on his observations and understanding of the business world. Although he had never been directly involved in such matters before, he had seen enough to understand how things worked in the world of business.Norway chuckled at his confidence before giving a small nod. “All right. Let's see what you can do.”The meeting was arranged for the following afternoon.Brandon arrived at the competitor's office carrying only the proposal and the necessary financial documents. After being shown into a conference room, he found the company's CEO already waiting for him.The CEO glanced at Brandon before checking the appointment details. “Where is Mr. Norway?”“Unfortunately, he isn't coming,” Brandon replied calmly.The CEO raised an eyebrow. “Then I assume you're representing him.”“You could say that. I'm managing the projec