CEO's Contract Obsession-Chapter 289: [Bonus - ] Flesh and Blood

At Welsh’s Mansion...

Immediately after ending the call with Ava, Henry inquired of Amy, "What was the call about?"

Amy sighed before she turned around to face Henry. She knows that she has to tell her husband about her plan now and should not be delayed any longer.

"Since I wanna help in managing the wellsite, I made some plans and proposals. Part of that plan is to get Brighton Industries on the boat..." Amy watched Henry drop his jaw before she continued, "And a part of me thinks that you would agree, but judging by your expression, I guess I am wrong." further expressed.

Placing his tablet on the bedside table, Henry motioned for Amy to take a seat next to him. "It’s not that I disagree," he began, "I was just taken aback that you, of all people, came up with this idea. The Brightons are the last individuals I would have imagined you considering collaborating with. What caused you to change your perspective?" 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Amy provided her rationale, stating, "From a business standpoint, the Brightons possess the most state-of-the-art facilities in the entire country. Ash was the one who came up with these ideas way back, which his father then presented to the board and received approval. Additionally, they boast the largest customer base for our product, so partnering with them would grant us invaluable insights into its functionality and introduce us to numerous potential clients."

Observing Henry purse his lips and gaze at the ceiling, lost in thought, Amy knows that there was something further she needed to elaborate on. Continuing her explanation, she added, "Moreover, the Brightons’ extensive industry experience and expertise would be immensely beneficial to us. They have a solid track record of success and a deep understanding of market dynamics. Collaborating with them would not only enhance our operations but also open up new opportunities for growth and expansion."

Amy stated, "It is widely known that San Francisco Petroleum Corp’s resources are nearing depletion. Given this publicly available information, Brighton Industries may be inclined to consider our proposal, as our resources are fresh and relatively young." Amy couldn’t help but smile at Henry, noticing his furrowed brows as he processed her meticulously researched plan.

Henry made an assumption as he inquired, "Based on what you’re saying, it seems you’re already determined in pursuing these plans of yours, regardless of whether or not I agree, am I correct?"

Amy chuckled with a touch of awkwardness and replied, "Oh, it’s not that I would proceed without your permission. However, I will make it my priority to convince you and ensure that you’re on board with the plan."

Henry closed his eyes, releasing a sigh. While he also thinks that Brighton Industries seems to be the best choice, his reservations stemmed from Amy’s past association with Ash. Working with them had never been a consideration for him. Consequently, he was genuinely taken aback to learn that Amy had already formulated a plan to persuade him and the company to select Brighton Industries over their longstanding business partner.

"Alright, love, go ahead and draft a proposal for them. We’ll review it together with Anton to ensure there are no loopholes," Henry said, planting a gentle kiss on Amy’s forehead. He then settled into the comfort of the duvet, preparing to call it a night.

********

A while ago in Ash’s Penthouse...

In an irate tone, Ash directed his question towards Lucas, his father, "What does Vanessa want now? She interrupted my time with Ava, after all."

Expressing frustration, Lucas exclaimed," That woman is utterly insane! Son, can’t you do something to win Amy back before they start prying into our affairs? Amy will start digging her resources soon!" He continued, bewildered, "And by the way, who on earth is Ava?"

Ash responded firmly, asserting, "Dad, your affairs are your own. As for the land, we will secure it, so don’t worry. However, it won’t be accomplished the way you envisioned it."

Observing Lucas’s perplexed frown, Ash proceeded to provide further clarification. "Amy expressed her desire to collaborate with us and become a supplier for our clients," Ash explained, raising his hand to halt his father’s attempt to interject.

He continued, "Perhaps there’s a possibility to refrain from renewing Uncle Dimitri’s contract. After all, it’s nearing its expiration, and its resources are nearly depleted.

As Ash proposed the idea of not renewing Dimitri Turner’s contract, Lucas’s expression shifted from confusion to concern. He realized the potential conflict that could arise from such a decision.

"Son, I understand your intentions, but we need to be cautious," Lucas warned, his voice tinged with anxiousness. "Dimitri Turner has been our long-time business partner, and severing ties with him could have serious repercussions. We must consider the impact on our reputation and existing relationships."

Ash, however, remained resolute, his gaze unwavering. "I know it won’t be an easy choice, Dad, but we can’t rely on dwindling resources. We need to secure a future for our company, and Amy’s proposal presents a viable opportunity."

Lucas’s voice carried a tone of caution as he reminded his son of the potential consequences. "You must understand, Ash, Dimitri will never agree to this. He will undoubtedly seek revenge and try to expose every single aspect of my past."

Aware of the risks involved, Ash nodded solemnly. He was well aware of the lengths to which Dimitri would go to protect his own interests and tarnish their reputation.

Fueled by determination, Ash affirmed his decision, knowing the potential risks. "I understand the stakes, which is why I will leave no stone unturned in finding a way to prevent Dimitri from exacting his revenge. If I can uncover any loopholes in our contract, I can bring Amy on board. I want the CEO position as a payment, that way we both get what we want," Ash declared with unwavering bravery.

Lucas regarded his son with a mix of admiration and concern. While he understood Ash’s ambition and desire for success, he also recognized the immense challenges they would face. He placed a hand on Ash’s shoulder, his voice filled with a blend of caution and support.

"Son, pursuing the CEO position is a bold move, but we must tread carefully," Lucas cautioned.

Confidence radiating from his words, Ash presented his condition, emphasizing the need for a written agreement. "This is my sole condition. If we establish our own terms and I can finalize the deal with Amy, then you must fulfill your end by relinquishing the CEO position to me. Is this a deal?" he proposed, his assurance unwavering.

Lucas, recognizing the gravity of Ash’s proposition, asserted, "It will be a deal when you find a way to break free from Dimitri’s control."

A mischievous smirk played across Ash’s face as an opportunity presented itself. "Alright then, to accomplish that, I require access to all the files you’ve been keeping," he stated, realizing that this was his chance to uncover the truth and find a path to liberate his father from Dimitri’s grasp.

Lucas hesitated momentarily, his eyes glistening with tears. "Okay, but you must promise me to exercise caution. If you ever find yourself in danger, you must immediately withdraw. Though I may not have been the best father to you, you are my son, my own flesh and blood, and I will not allow any harm to befall you. Do you promise?" Lucas’s voice trembled with a mix of emotions.

Ash’s gaze softened as he looked into his father’s teary eyes. He understood the love and protectiveness behind Lucas’s words. "I promise, Dad," he replied earnestly. "I’ll tread carefully, and if the situation becomes perilous, I won’t hesitate to retreat. We’ll navigate this together, and I’ll make sure we emerge unscathed."

With their promises sealed, Ash and Lucas embraced, a blend of determination and paternal affection. However, a lingering thought resurfaced in Lucas’s mind.

"Ash, you haven’t answered my question before, I asked earlier," Lucas reminded him, his tone filled with curiosity. "Who exactly is Ava?"

Ash felt a flush of bashfulness as he scratched the back of his neck, emitting an awkward chuckle reminiscent of a shy teenager. "Hehe, Dad," he responded, "Ava is my girlfriend."

Lucas’s eyes widened with a mix of surprise and delight, momentarily setting aside the weight of their current challenges. A warm smile graced his face as he recognized the significance of Ash’s words. "Well, that’s wonderful news, Ash. And here I thought perhaps you like men and were only using Amy as an excuse to show me that you are not."

Ash’s jaw plummeted, a mixture of shock and disbelief etched across his face. If it were physically possible, his jaw would have reached the ground, so astounded was he by his father’s revelation. The weight of those words hit him with a force he couldn’t fully comprehend. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing a perspective he had never fathomed before.

He can’t believe that all these years that’s how his dad look at him and did not even say a thing about it. Ash tried hard to control his emotion but when he can’t hold it any longer, the serious atmosphere of the room changed when both the father and son burst out in laughter in unison.