"Golden Pavilion", the largest private suite.
Joseph Thompson held a glass of wine, standing on the spacious balcony, looking out at the distant blackened mountain peaks, submerged in the night sky, while the blue sea surface during the day was set in waves that sparkled due to the lights of the cruise ships on the sea.
Despite ending in failure, despite a comical conclusion, he still held a celebratory banquet as prearranged, without any loss or melancholy feelings. The only difference was that he no longer invited external guests.
When the news of Rivera Properties' defeated bid reached the company, Filbert Schmidt was the first to call him: "Are you going to cancel the banquet at the Golden Pavilion?"
"No, everybody will still gather at the Golden Pavilion tonight, we will still celebrate!"
How can a celebration banquet be held after such a bidding loss? Had Joseph Thompson lost his mind?
