Billionaire's match novel

---- Chapter 837 But sentiment alone could never sway the officials. Solara Energy didn't care. Barney continued to rely on a professional, high-pressure approach for their presentation, emphasizing public interest and national priorities. His strategy won him the attention and backing of many in Goldmont City who followed industrial development-credibility that arguably outshone the Hunt Group. Still, on balance, whether Hunt Group or Solara Energy won the project, the outcome would have been acceptable.

The project could not be split between the two, however-otherwise, the officials might have forced them into a "cooperative win-win" scenario. To ensure faimess-and perhaps to amplify the project's influence-the officials decided to livestream the final project pitches. Barney, a seasoned veteran, presented Solara Energy's project flawlessly. Not only did the officials find no faults in his proposal, but Hunt Group's own team struggled to identify any weaknesses. Some opportunists tried to attack Solara Energy by bringing up ---- past controversies. But Barney had anticipated such questions.

He answered them with finesse, even using the moment to respond to Hunt Group's subtle criticisms. He argued that technological innovation inevitably comes with mistakes, and that avoiding mistakes entirely means never progressing. Drawing on history, he asserted that the only rival a strong person should fear is oneself. His commanding delivery eamed enthusiastic applause, leaving Michelle, who would follow him, even more anxious. Before stepping onto the stage, Michelle had received encouragement from her family and Arista.

"Don't be afraid Even if we lose, we've done our best," they told her. With Nick and Khloe's whereabouts unknown, no one on their team had any other concerns. Winning the bid mattered far less than Khloe and Nick's safety. Even George had let go. A lifetime of striving and exacting standards from Nick had never satisfied him, no matter how well he managed the company. Desire, he knew, had no limits. As long as he lived in the business world, there would always be battles to fight.

If fate had given him a second chance, he thought, he would have chosen to be a loving father, saying the same encouraging words to Nick that he now said to Michelle. ---- "Michelle, just go up there and have a conversation. Winning or losing the project doesn't matter. What matters is that we prove Hunt Group is second to none." Michelle nodded, then walked onto the stage under the watchful eyes of the audience. Her speech was not as polished or professional as Barney's, but it carried heart and conviction.

"Michelle, | admit your presentation was excellent," Barney said as soon as she finished. But his tone was sharp, pressing. " However, by what authority are you representing Hunt Group today?" He bypassed the review panel entirely, putting Michelle on the defensive. "I'm representing Khloe..." "Khloe is officially bidding on behalf of Nick and Hunt Group She and Nick are married, and she serves as vice president of Hunt Group, so that is legitimate. But Michelle... you are merely a friend of Khloe.

Even if George were to speak, he would be more appropriate than you." Barney's opening salvo left no room for rebuttal. His words rippled immediately through public opinion. ---- George was already semi-retired. With Khloe and Nick absent, the company's other senior leaders could have represented the bid. Why, then, had they chosen an outsider? Wasn't this a clear sign of disrespect toward the project organizers? "Michelle is not just our friend. She collaborates with the Hunt Group. My wife officially appointed her as Hunt Group's publicity ambassador. And Barney...

who told you that Michelle is the only representative for this bid?"