"This machine is not only mobile enough and is suitable for use both in mountainous terrain and in desert conditions. But also equipped with everything necessary. The latest sonar device, easy to manage equipment to control the setting up process, drilling and installation of water supply systems. Moreover, from control, delivery to the final installation, only two qualified workers are needed." - One of the top managers of the WGARM corporation tirelessly continued to paint all the advantages of the new rig for military needs. Greg, in turn, watched with interest the people gathered at the presentations for potential customers. Some were openly bored, just sitting there waiting for the end, some listened with interest, and some excitedly counted possible profits or losses in their mind.
In addition to representatives of military departments, there were also significant industrialists engaged in various developments in the Far East, representatives of foreign defense enterprises, and even several charitable foundations organizing assistance to impoverished regions.
Among all this crowd, General Leib stood out. A burly man in military uniform spreaded an aura of importance around him. He apparently listened to the presentation only with half attention, looking thoughtfully somewhere over the speaker's shoulder. At a time he was bending towards his assistant, who was either on her phone or writing in the tablet on her knees, then delicately transferred the news to her boss. From such a crazy activity, anyone would start to stir up, but the general only patronizingly dropped a couple of phrases and again went into his difficult thoughts.
Once the presentation was over, the audience immediately began to disperse in several directions. A few groups gathered around top managers but the most significant customers, as they thought about themself immediately headed to Greg.
He had to use all his experience and diplomacy to sort out everyone who wanted to "talk," but in fact only wished to check in and waist his time with useless conversation. As expected, the crowd immediately parted when the general arrived.
"Gregory, fantastic performance! The project of your corporation as always top grade." - He said coming up close and shaking Greg's hand with a broad smile. - "Each time I look forward to your new projects."
"Thank you, General, for your support." - Greg replied, smiling friendly. Greg has always admired this man. Fantastic business grip, careful but smart judgment, and the attention to detail made him a great leader and a dangerous rival.
Mr. Leib, meanwhile, not paying attention to the other participants, headed towards the control center, gesturing for Greg to follow him.
"My daughter can't stop singing praises to you, my boy." - Continued general.
This statement made Greg tense a little. Just a few hours ago, Tony contacted him to warn. He did not say anything specifically, but he was very insistent that it is worth being careful with the general today. And it was all connected with his daughter, Angela, somehow.
"Thank you, Mr. Leib," - Greg began warily. - "I am also quite pleased with the work of your daughter. She is a very responsible employee, and I am glad that She chose our corporation for her career growth."
The general squinted at him a calculating look.
"Gregory, we have been working together for many years, and for a long time, I see you more as a son. Fate gave me only one daughter, which I certainly love. I understand that some decisions require time and proper calculation. But I want to assure you that you have my full support in this question." - The man said vague. Greg didn't even understand at first what he was talking about.
Not waiting for Greg's response, Mr. Laib continued.
"In this connection, I would like to help you with something. I heard rumors that you've been trying for some time to find a way to meet with Mr. Winterbourne." - Mr. Leib paused and carefully looked at Greg, awaiting for the confirmation.
Greg didn't immediately find any words to reply. On the one hand, he needed to clarify the situation with Angela right now, so as not to twist this misunderstanding deeper. On the other hand, he really did try to get through to the mysterious Mr. Winterbourne for a long time. This multi-billionaire was the founder of one of the largest international financial corporations. Many were eager to meet with him, but only a few could, in fact, achieve even a short phone conversation. His support meant not only possible wast financing but also a way to go on a completely new level.
"That's true." - Greg replied, thinking through every word. - "But what businessman in his right mind doesn't want the same?"
"Right!" - the general laughed. - "So, I managed to find out that even though Mr. Winterbourne himself had not appeared in society for ten years now, his eldest son, Brian, took over his duties. I heard a lot of positive things about him, and we all know that he is the only one who can get your ideas through to his father. See, in a week the National Gallery will host a Charity Ball, and I know that Winterbourne Jr. will be there. Moreover, I was able to negotiate a faivor for you with the organizer of this event."
Greg clenched his fists. It was once in a lifetime type of opportunity. And if he did not know how to seize such a good fortune by the tail, today he would not be standing here. But if he agree to the proposal of the General and Greg will automatically become his huge debtor. And the general has already made it clear what he wants in return.
But besides ambition, Greg also had pride. All that he has achieved at the moment, he earned with hard work and now to bend over some business deal so much was just stupid. What was the point then to aim at the top, if along the way you have to sacrifice your own freedom?
" General, thank you for your hard work." - he began with all due respect. - "but before discussing this opportunity, I would like to ..."
His words were cut by a very familiar voice that made General smile, and Greg cringes in disgust.
They had almost reached the entrance to the headquarters building. Here a crowd of journalists was waiting for them. But their attention was directed to the girl, with quick and confident steps approaching them from the parking area. For some reason, at this moment Greg felt like a mouse in a mousetrap.