After Peter and Lea Quinton, along with Owen left Derek's office, Derek and Amanda went back to their discussion.
"Ok Amanda, we've set the time frame for these three projects. How do you suggest we get started?"
"Well boss, we will need to do things simultaneously. For the resort and BDT mall, our legal team is in the final stages to purchase the land and mall. Meanwhile, we need to launch projects of our own to the public to bid on." replied Amanda.
"For example?"
"Interior designs for the mall and resort, suppliers for the construction, new tenants for to open their businesses etc."
"Well, our legal team should get the acquisitions done by the end of the week. Get our public relations team to start with announcing we are open to bids for design proposals, both interior and exterior. Get the managers of our construction, real estate and interior design companies involved as well. They need to see who's worth working with and who we can just ignore."
"Sounds good, boss. May I suggest, we can make the announcements online and create a link for the bidders to submit their proposals by a certain date. Our IT team can get that done within the day."
"Efficient. Smart. I like that. We'll go with your suggestion, Amanda. Let's get started."
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Smith Household, the next day
Word has spread throughout the city of Townsville about the Quinton Consortium's rebuild of the BDT mall and construction of a new beach resort.
Madam Louise called for an emergency family meeting discussing the potential of being part of such huge projects.
"I'm sure everyone is aware about the Quinton Consortium's latest projects..." Madam Louise began. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to boost DreamSmith's reputation to new heights."
"I want you grandchildren to create your own proposals and send them to the Quinton Consortium. Except you Madison, you can sit this one out."
"Why? Have I not been working hard in this family? Don't I deserve a chance to impress them?" cried Madison.
"Raymond! Is this how you educate your daughter? Questioning my instructions and orders? Get her in check!" barked Madam Louise.
"Sorry mum. Madison, watch your tongue." replied Raymond.
"Yeah cousin. Besides, out of all of us, you have the lowest position in DreamSmith with a measly pay. What can you conjure up that can outdo any of us? Ha!" mocked Charles.
"And out of three of us sisters, you don't have our professional looks to impress bigwigs like the Quintons. You may even embarrass the family." Chloe added insult to Madison's injury.
To say Madison was enraged and hurt was an understatement. She stood up and was about to go back to her room when Madam Louise stopped her.
"Young lady, you better watch your attitude! You saw how we treated that trash loser Derek. The only reason we didn't treat you the same way is because you are biologically related to us. So unless you want to be kicked out of the house, you better sit back down!"
"Just listen to your grandmother, Maddy. We meant well for you." pleaded Madison's mother Pam.
Seeing virtually no other option, Madison returned to her seat. Deep down, however she was seething.
"There's something else..." continued Madam Louise. "I'm getting old now and I think it's only a matter of time before I pass the reigns of DreamSmith to someone else. So, I'm going to use this chance to examine all of you grandchildren to see who's worthy of taking over the company. Consider that an added incentive."
Charles, Mason, Chloe and Juri all looked at Madam Louise in excitement; but Madison had no reaction whatsoever.
"Grandma I won't let you down." replied Charles.
"Grandma I'll prove myself worthy." said Mason.
"I will win that bid for you Grandma." Chloe and Juri in unison.
"Well, now that this meeting is over, I'll head back to my room now." With that Madison stood up and huffed back into her room.
Once in her room, Madison hugged her pillow and burst into quiet tears.
She already knows how heartless the Smith family was to her foster cousin Derek. In her mind, she's probably treated the same way because she treated Derek like he was part of the family and is being punished for it.
'I've done nothing wrong.' thought Madison. 'I may have my flaws but that should never overshadow my works and achievements. Besides, these snakes called my siblings and cousins stole my work and claimed it as their own.'
'They think they can come up with designs to impress the Quintons? Not on my watch. I don't care what Grandma says. This is MY one chance to prove them all wrong and shut them all up for good.'
'I'm going to submit my proposal even if they all oppose me. The Quintons will recognize my work for sure.'
At the family meeting, Madison was at the most critical crossroads of her life. Now she has made her decision. She's going against her family and is determined to end at the top.