The Beginning Of All Sins

Tyler closed the document. “We’re family. You don’t have to be so courteous,” he said flatly.

Michael sounded moved. “Are you free today? I’d really like to come over.”

“I’m a bit busy right now. Let’s catch up another time, Mr. Michael.”

How would Michael dare to disagree with him? He replied, “I’m free whenever you are.”

Tyler responded briefly before ending the call and handing the phone to Linda. “When is the bidding happening this time?” Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

“Tomorrow. That’s why Michael was calling,” Linda informed him.

Tyler was quiet for a moment, then asked, “Did we get Averie Co’s bid for this year?”

“It’s been sent to the branch office.”

Tyler didn’t comment further. Later, as he walked through Pinnacle Group’s office, even the senior managers and the company president, Miles Cooper, were there to meet him.

Miles kept talking about the company’s profits, giving him a tour and sharing their goals for the year. Tyler seldom visited, only doing an annual check–up.

“Tomorrow’s the public bidding,” Miles mentioned. “You know Averie Co., right? They’ve been supplying us, but we’re thinking of making it exclusive this year. Their bid is the best we’ve received, and they’re fully committed.”

After saying this, Miles gestured to his secretary, who brought over the bid document for Tyler to see. “Have a look. They’re considered family.”

Miles was all smiles as he said this.

Tyler took the document and flipped through it. The room went silent, and everyone became anxious as they listened to the sound of the pages turning.

Tyler looked unimpressed. He turned to Miles and said, “Okay, not bad. Harris Group will decide on the bidder this time. We’ll see how it goes.”

Miles’s smile stiffened. He was confused as the branch usually made these decisions on

its own…

Tyler glanced at him. “Do you have any questions?”

“No, of course not. Your decision is final,” Miles quickly replied. “Averie Co. is a good choice, Mr. Tyler.”

Miles tried to assure himself he had made the right move, considering the ties between Michael’s youngest daughter and the Rees family, and how the Reeses and Harrises were connected.

After all, there’s a saying about keeping benefits within the family, right?

Tyler didn’t respond to him.