Chapter 1098: Ambush

Chapter 1098: Ambush

Every word that Preston spoke was carefully chosen, each one carrying

its significance.

He conveyed to the architects that he had full confidence in securing

the project, especially with Jenson's support.

Jenson, being the main person in charge of the museum project, had

given his tacit approval. If these two architects didn't cooperate with

Preston's request, wouldn't that also offend Jenson?

Preston's words successfully planted deep thoughts in their minds.

After a brief silence, the architects nodded and said, "Mr. Walker, we

understand your intention. However, the interior decoration and design

sketches are not in our hands. We can provide you with a drawing

based on our memory. But obtaining the sketches would require

approval from Summer and Sophie. We'll need to go through the formal

procedures of signatures and registration, which might not be ideal.”

Preston nodded, "That's fine. Let's go with what you've suggested.”

The architects agreed, and the conversation naturally drifted away.

They promised to organize the sketches and email them to Quintus by

the evening. After that, Preston didn't engage them in further

conversation; he let them leave.

Once the architects were gone, Quintus approached Preston and

asked in a low voice, "Mr. Walker, can we trust them?"

“I made my intentions clear. If they're sensible, they'll follow through,”

Preston confidently asserted. Winning people over was his expertise.

Satisfied, Preston left the museum in high spirits. Upon returning to

Armstrong Corp, he took Quintus directly to his office. As for Grace, the

secretary who had been left by Preston earlier, he completely

disregarded her, reflecting a working attitude that left the secretary

feeling oppressed.

Horace was aware of this but chose to ignore him for now.

In the evening, the architects sent the sketches to Quintus, who

promptly reported to Preston.

The next morning, armed with the sketches, Preston went to see

Jenson. Jenson, upon seeing what Preston had "meticulously

prepared,” expressed his satisfaction.

On the day the results were revealed, Jenson personally called

Preston. He said, "I agreed to this cooperation because of you, Mr.

Walker. Based solely on Armstrong Corp's capabilities and current

reputation, I wouldn't have agreed. After all, Armstrong Corp has had its

fair share of issues, whether true or false, and it doesn't leave a good

impression.”

Preston was overjoyed with Jenson's words, as they filled his vanity. He

confidently replied, "Mr. Evans, rest assured. With me around, both

Armstrong Corp and this project are foolproof. Armstrong Corp is fully

committed to supporting the museum and you, Mr. Evans. I take full

responsibility for this project at Armstrong Corp, and you can inform me

of any requirements. I'll handle it."

Jenson expressed his satisfaction, emphasizing how enjoyable it was

to work with Preston. The collaboration was officially sealed, and

Preston, in high spirits, immediately instructed Quintus to convey the

good news to Horace and presented several requests.

Quintus conveyed each of Preston's requests to Horace, who remained

expressionless and unresponsive. Horace's secretary found it hard to

endure and couldn't help asking, "Quintus, what does Manager Walker

mean? All the project members are to follow his orders? Mr. Burris is in

charge of the entire Armstrong Corp, and naturally, Mr. Burris is the

overall leader. Manager Walker is just the project manager. What does

Manager Walker want?"

Quintus, however, was not intimidated by Horace. Currently, with

Preston's recent success in securing the museum project, Quintus was

proud and confident. Even in front of Horace, Quintus's response was

dismissive. He said, "Mr. Burris, of course, Armstrong Corp is under

your leadership. However, Mr. Evans made it clear that Armstrong Corp

got this project because of President Walker. If we don't follow his

instructions, Mr. Evans might think Armstrong Corp is not cooperating,

and the project might fall through!"

Horace's secretary, hearing Quintus directly address Preston as

President Walker, retorted, "Why are you calling him that? President

Walker? It's a joke. Preston is just a manager in Armstrong Corp.

Calling himself President Walker is ridiculous.”

Quintus snorted, ignoring the comment, fully embracing Preston's

arrogant demeanor.

Observing this scene, Horace remained unresponsive. He calmly

looked at Quintus, his eyes slightly narrowed, and his tone emotionless.

"Since Mr. Evans decided to collaborate with Armstrong Corp because

of Manager Walker, we will naturally cooperate. Manager Walker can

proceed as he wishes."

The secretary, perplexed by Horace's response, dared not question

further. Despite his dissatisfaction with Preston, he had no choice but to

accept Horace's decision, internally harboring resentment.

Quintus, pleased with Horace's approval, replied, "Thank you for your

support, Mr. Burris. I'll inform Mr. Walker of this."

Quintus left the office, and as he departed, Horace's face became cold.

His secretary, speaking in a hushed tone, asked, "Mr. Burris, are we

just going to let Preston have his way?"

Horace smirked slightly, his voice chillingly indifferent. "Only by letting

him have his way can we make him complacent.”

The secretary, not understanding Horace's intentions, accepted his

words. Since Horace had spoken, there would be no further

questioning, despite the secretary's internal displeasure.

Horace instructed his secretary to leave the office, then picked up the

phone on his desk and dialed a number.

The other end quickly answered, a deep, resonant voice saying, "Why

are you calling at this hour?"

"He secured the project.”

"Congratulations!" The man's voice was low and husky, a faint smile in

his tone.

Horace's expression remained unchanged, his deep eyes revealing a

hint of warm yet distant coldness. He replied, "Congratulations should

go to him."

"Of course, congratulations to us as well." Ayan spoke, "Now that he

has successfully entered the project, the game officially begins. He's

adept at manipulating documents, so you shouldn't let your guard

down. Keep a close eye on everything.” Ayan reminded in a subdued

tone, knowing Preston too well.

Horace murmured in agreement, and his voice resounded again,

"What's your plan moving forward?"

"We don't need to do much for now. He must be in high spirits after

securing the project. How he got the project, we have evidence in hand.

People tend to reveal their true colors when they're feeling triumphant.

Considering Preston's current financial situation, do you really think

he'll proceed cautiously at such a crucial stage?"

Ayan outlined a touch of coldness, emphasizing that he wouldn't

directly intervene in Preston's affairs. He preferred letting Preston make

mistakes and judgments on his own, ensuring that the responsibility

wouldn't be shifted to others in panic.

After Ayan's words, Horace fell into a brief silence, then spoke in a low

voice, "Now that he has secured this project, he's one step away from

dominating Armstrong Corp. I estimate Mr. Armstrong will seize this

opportunity to showcase the achievement to the company's executives

and partners collaborating with Armstrong Corp."

“Isn't that exactly what we want? This period has seen too many

events. You should take the opportunity to rest a bit!"

"Rest? I doubt Preston will give us that chance. Do you think just

because he hasn't targeted you directly at the moment, he won't do

anything at all? Of course not. He probably has some plans in mind.

With him, I've never let my guard down, especially since he excels in

sudden attacks."

Ayan had never relaxed his vigilance against Preston. However, the

constant tension could be exhausting. Instead of maintaining such a

high level of alertness, Ayan believed in proper relaxation. After all,

Ayan thought, let Preston do what he wants.