Chapter_247
Tyler closed the document with a crisp motion, his expression unreadable. “We’re family. You don’t have to be so courteous,” he said flatly, his tone betraying no emotion.
Michael’s voice came through, sounding almost relieved. “Are you free today? I’d really like to come over.”
Tyler’s response was swift and dismissive. “I’m a bit busy right now. Let’s catch up another time, Mr. Michael.”
There was a brief pause before Michael, perhaps sensing the lack of room for negotiation, replied, “I’m free whenever you are.”
Tyler’s eyes flickered with barely contained impatience, but he remained calm. He ended the call and handed the phone back to Linda, his mind already moving on to the next matter at hand. “When is the bidding happening this time?”
“Tomorrow. That’s why Michael was calling,” Linda replied, glancing at him before turning back to the documents in her hands.
Tyler stayed silent for a moment, his eyes narrowing in thought. “Did we get Averie Co.’s bid for this year?”
“It’s been sent to the branch office,” Linda confirmed.
Tyler nodded but didn’t comment further. He continued his walk through the Pinnacle Group’s office, where he was met by senior managers, including the company president, Miles Cooper.
Miles launched into a detailed overview of the company’s recent profits, providing a tour while discussing goals for the year. Tyler’s presence was more of a formality—an annual check-up. He was rarely involved in the day-to-day operations.
“Tomorrow’s the public bidding,” Miles mentioned casually. “You know Averie Co., right? They’ve been supplying us, but this year, we’re thinking of making it exclusive. Their bid is the best we’ve received, and they’re fully committed.”
As he spoke, Miles signaled to his secretary, who promptly brought over the bid document for Tyler to review.
“Have a look. They’re considered family,” Miles said, his smile wide as if trying to emphasize their connection.
Tyler took the document with a single motion, flipping through the pages slowly. The room fell silent as the sound of the pages turning was the only noise filling the air. Everyone in the room waited, watching him closely.
Tyler’s face remained impassive. He didn’t seem impressed, nor did he express approval. After a moment, he looked up, his gaze unwavering. “Okay, not bad. Harris Group will decide on the bidder this time. We’ll see how it goes.”
Miles’ smile stiffened, confusion flickering in his eyes. He had expected a more straightforward response. After all, it was common for the branch office to make these decisions. Tyler’s intervention was unexpected.
Tyler turned to him, his tone crisp. “Do you have any questions?”
“No, of course not. Your decision is final,” Miles quickly replied, his voice tense. “Averie Co. is a good choice, Mr. Tyler.”
Miles tried to assure himself that he had made the right call, considering the deep ties between Michael’s youngest daughter and the Rees family, and the Harris-Rees connection. The phrase keeping benefits within the family echoed in his mind.
Tyler didn’t respond to him, his focus shifting to something else entirely. He was already mentally moving ahead, and Miles’ reassurance seemed insignificant.
As the silence lingered, Miles could only hope that his decision would prove to be the right one in the end.