Chapter 243

Hearing Asher say that really put my mind at ease because I knew he genuinely didn't mind.

I had been so worried that this issue might create a rift between us.

"Alright, Asher, just chill. I know you got this."

"Don't stress."

"Don't worry, Caroline. I've been ready for this. Whether we nail it or not, I'll deal with it. It's just a project."

I couldn't help but nod and chuckle, "Right, just a project."

After submitting the proposal, we anxiously waited for a while. Finally, the day of the bid announcement arrived.

I was super nervous and couldn't bear to look, so I asked Royce to check and then tell me.

When I saw his call, I closed my eyes and carefully answered, "Hey, did you see the results?"

Royce's voice was low, "Yeah."

"Are you nervous?"

I took a deep breath, "How could I not be? I'm about to die from the nerves."

He chuckled softly, "What result are you hoping for?"

"Of course, I hope Asher wins the bid."

He paused for a moment and then said, "Congrats, your wish came true."

I widened my eyes in disbelief and took a moment to react, "You mean Asher won the bid?"

"Yep, he did."

"That's fantastic!" I was overjoyed, grinning from ear to ear.

"Let's have dinner to celebrate Asher's success!"

"We can't let such a good day go uncelebrated, can we?"

"Alright, I'll tell him. He's probably over the moon right now too."

After hanging up, I couldn't stop smiling.

Even Kathy and Savannah noticed something was up and asked, "What's going on with you? Why are you so happy?"

I smirked proudly, "Of course, it's because Asher won the bid. Alfonso didn't get his way. It's a double win for me."

Kelly joined in the excitement, "Asher? He's really something. I was actually thinking of setting you two up, but then I saw you weren't interested, so I dropped it."

"Really? You thought about that?"

Kelly just smiled without saying anything.

A while later, I suddenly received a call from Alfonso.

He sounded desperate, "Caroline, you just won't give me this project, will you?"

"Have you forgotten about your son?"

"I'm telling you, you'll never see your son again."

"I gave you a chance, but you didn't take it. Just wait!"

Listening to him, I let out a cold laugh, "Alfonso, you're way too confident. Who gave you the guts to threaten me?"

"To be honest, I went back to Skyview City before the bidding started. Guess what I did?"

"Could it be..."

Alfonso's voice faltered, as if he realized something.

"Live in your delusional world. I already brought my son back."

"Did you think only you could find him? He's my son. There's no way I couldn't find him."

"Your threats don't work on me."

"You... just wait."

Realizing his threats were useless, he hung up.

But I hadn't forgotten what he did to Celestia, so I knew he wouldn't give up on his schemes.

I stayed vigilant and prepared.

Sure enough, that evening, there was a surge of online rumors.

By the time I noticed, it had already become a trending topic.

The content exposed my position as a shareholder in both companies, accusing me of using my influence to rig the bidding process.

The online uproar grew, making it seem all too real.

The joy of the celebration dinner vanished. I looked at the online rumors and just sneered.

Of course, this was Alfonso's doing. Losing the project must have made him furious.

With no other options, he tried to drag Asher and me down with him.

Carl also noticed the rumors and called to ask what to do.

I said, "See? This is what happens when I don't get involved. People still talk. If I had been involved, it would have been worse."

"But don't worry. Just continue with the cooperation process. I'll handle this."

Hearing this, he nodded, "If you need anything, just let me know."

"Alright, thanks."

After hanging up, I tapped my fingers on the desk, thinking about how to respond.

Soon, Royce called, "Did you see the news online?"

I nodded, "Yeah, it's definitely Alfonso's doing."

"He couldn't get the project, so he's resorting to underhanded tactics."

Royce scoffed.

"Right, but it's okay. I can handle it for now."

"I'll have both companies issue a statement saying I wasn't involved in the negotiations and that it was a normal business decision."

"Good idea, but be aware that this project is highly sought after. Many companies are upset about losing, so they might join in on this."

"The controversy won't stop here. It might get worse. Be prepared."

"Don't worry, I'm ready."

"Good, I'll help you too."

For some reason, Royce's words reassured me, making the situation seem less daunting.

As Royce predicted, the controversy escalated.

There were even calls to revoke Asher's company's winning bid.

People were protesting outside Asher's company, and the issue remained a top trend on Twitter.

Carl asked if we should suppress the rumors, but I refused.

If they want to escalate it, let them.

However, I had Carl issue a statement on behalf of the company, clarifying that Asher's company was chosen based on merit, not personal connections.

But the angry public didn't buy it, believing it was due to my personal influence.

They argued that a highway project being influenced by personal connections was too dangerous.

Some even demanded the bid be given to Alfonso's company.

Of course, there were also rational voices, comparing the companies' strengths and posting fair comments.

"The winning company is actually quite capable. I don't understand what the protest is about."