Chapter 162 - The Bidding

Everyone who participated in showing off their plan for Etrama Building in the Golden Square of Westeria. The area has been vacant for five years now and every businessman who had been working for a year for this bidding. Few people had been working on it for two years now like the Welch Corporation. But for K and C Company, which was founded by Caleb, he only prepared for five months now. Lots of things have happened lately and the Royal Gala will be in two months. 

In the Capital hall, every person who was waiting for this to come had their ticket inside. Caleb didn't take any special seat although he is now a Prince. He took the seat that was provided for them. His wife already told the media that she won't interfere, so she sat beside Caleb as his wife. 

"Just tell me if you need anything," Caleb mumbled to her. 

"There's nothing I wanted for a moment. You know that." She smiled at him. "Good luck with your presentation my love." 

Caleb looked up at the balcony where the Duke and Duchess of Westeria were sitting. Then, on the left balcony are the Duke and Duchess of Marduque. Also, the Baroness of Lwazi was escorted by a young Lord from her family, Renzel. Caleb was quite nervous now. Currently, the Parson family is partnered with the Welch business. Caleb was aware that it happened when Jason started courting Victoria. 

"Are you nervous?" Kaisley asked. Caleb just realized that her hand was intertwined with him. He chuckled and kissed her hand that was intertwined with him. 

"Yeah. I have never been surrounded by big people in the business industry." Caleb chuckled. 

"But you managed to prepare something big." 

"The presentation's animation is because of Stacey's technical and artistic skills," Caleb whispered. She smiled at him. Somehow, she never saw the projected presentation. Although it was all in the document including the structure, the process, and everything that the ministers and aristocrats needed to know. 

Caleb checked it twice with the document he had. He can't be mistaken. He also prepared spare documents if something came up. The presentation started and he was the very last one to present. Everyone already lost interest in twenty people who participated, but of course, the Welch Company. 

The Welch Company's presentation was in the middle. It made the aristocrats and royals get their attention. They could be on top, but Caleb was confident as long as his wife and friends were there for him. 

"Kick this one," Kaisley told him. Caleb nodded and kissed her hand. Then, he stood and went to the middle stage as he looked at the people who set it up. Then, the 3D projector that he provided was one thing that surprised them as his presentation looked like a hologram.

"Finally, a good ending." Baroness Regina mumbled as she smirked. 

Although their family business collaborated with the Welch Corporation, Regina was quite against it after what Jason did to her little darling. The boy that she was with already prepared documents to collaborate with Tanner. The Baroness had reviewed everything that her sons were doing and pointed out a few mistakes. The most reliable man which she will probably appoint to take care of the family business. 

They watched as Caleb presented it with humor but he was direct to the point. 

"Our new gadgets that will be used by our Special Service Team are showing great potential for any threats. You might all know that Security Guards are just Security Guards. But they hold a big responsibility. And so, our escorts wouldn't only protect property… or assets, but also, people. We also set up a special consultation for people who can't afford anything high." He explained. Then, he goes on with the plan. He didn't show entirely about the blueprint. It'll be for the safety of his employees just in case.

They started with the animation on how shortly how his company would serve. 

After his presentation, everyone was silent. They were astounded by his presentation and Caleb smiled up at Stacey who raised her thumb to him. The two practiced it a lot at the new headquarters of Caleb's company. Although Stacey was still recovering, she still managed to edit and go on with her work. 

"You did great," Kaisley told him. Caleb looked at Kenzo and Victoria who stood ready to leave. Then, his phone vibrates to check it. Currently, they are voting for the company that will occupy the Etrama Building and Lot in the Golden Square. 

"What the hell?" Caleb mumbled and looked at Jason Welch who seemed to be unaware. Caleb looked up at Maverick who showed like he's unaware and everyone started mumbling and looking at Caleb and Jason. 

"Love, calm down." Kaisley held Caleb who started trembling in anger. This is one reason why Maverick and Kenzo didn't tell him about the arson. Caleb's employees who were caught in the fire are still in the hospital and he's paying for their medical and therapy. 

A man came up and rushed up to Count Abbot who was busy counting the votes. The Count Abbot's face darkened and cleared his throat. They continue with the bidding despite the news about the Welch's conspiracy with few aristocrats to vote for the Welch. But it seemed like Welch had been disregarded as the votes went up to K and C Company. However, Caleb wasn't even happy. 

Everyone clapped their hands as Caleb went up to sign documents and was sealed by Maverick as the Duke of Marduque. However, the Duke of Westeria wasn't present. 

"The seal of the Duke of Westeria will be held a little bit later." Secretary Bryan said. Then, after a few moments, Kenzo arrived and bowed to Caleb as he put a seal on Westeria. They are the only Dukes left in Great Greivania and the real royals. 

They have a photo altogether and Caleb tried to smile at the photo. Then, it will be all over the news until Caleb was about to approach Jason who was still puzzled at this time. 

"Your highness," Secretary Bryan holds Caleb's arm to warn him. "We will deal with it." He said softly. "In the Imperial way." 

"Caleb, let's go." Kaisley pulled his hand. She knew exactly what Caleb felt. Somehow, it's not about the assets that went to ashes but the people who got hurt in that incident. 

The time the couple reached the Day Lily Mansion, it felt like their world was gloomy. They should celebrate that Caleb had it. He succeeded but seeing how two of his employees in the hospital, almost fifty-fifty chance of life, his stomach couldn't take to celebrate. 

"Please prepare some tea," Kaisley told the maid who bowed down. 

Kaisley hugged her husband from behind while he was slouching on the sofa. 

"Do you want to see what's happening?" Kaisley asked. Caleb reached her wrist over his chest. 

"Yes, love." 

Kaisley turned on the television as the people who set fire on the warehouse were arrested. There were three of them. Then, Empress, who is Maverick's mother, already released photos of how a person working for the Welch Corporation met up with the main person who planned the arson. The thing that it did something with the Welch Corporation is a big one that could ruin them. 

Then, finally, bribery that happened two months ago was led by the Welch Corporation as well. Only half of the companies participated in bribery. Few aristocrats were being locked for more questions. But it's also a good thing that few of them turned back from it and voted according to the criteria. 

"Hey, don't think about it much. We will support the people who got hurt along the way. Okay? Also, your cousin's engagement will be in a few days." 

"Right," Caleb mumbled. "I~~I have to work." 

Kaisley hugged him tightly. 

"Don't you dare?" She threatened. 

Caleb still looked gloomy although the process has been taken care of by her brothers. Caleb never had a brother like them. Her real brother was a spoiled brat. But maybe because he never gave him attention. But whatever it was, he's living his life as their heir. 

"What should I do then?" Caleb looked up at her and kissed her chin. 

"Let's take a break. Relax and forget all of these for a while." 

"This is the matter about the warehouse." 

"You already told your brothers what you wanted, right?" Kaisley smiled. "We will pursue this case and give justice to those you got hurt. It isn't just the assets but the people too. Am I right?"

"Yes," 

"Tomorrow, we will visit them. For now, since you did well on your presentation, let's take a nap? Because later, Prince Philip and King Edgar will be here." 

"I have no choice but to follow my beloved wife." 

"Great!" She giggled. 

Caleb dragged his body to their bedroom. His wife is somehow energetic although she left a big pile of work back in the office. He should take care of this matter but with his worried wife, he can't let her worry so much again.. This time, he needed more energy before we went out for war.