The Patterson Group and the Hamilton family were on the cusp of a crucial coboration. The Hamiltons'' bank ount was running on fumes, and they were desperate for a lifeline.


    Finding someone with deep pockets and a design team ready to hit the ground running was no easy task. Ironvale, despite its strengths, just wasn''t up to the challenge.


    Even if it were, any sensiblepany would think twice before shaking hands with someone like Talbot. His past partnerships were littered with casualties - if they weren''t financially crippled, they were at least left licking their wounds. Everyone knew getting involved with him was akin to ying with fire.


    My dad always said Talbot was too much of a bulldozer in his dealings, and that wasn''t the way to buildsting business rtionships. But did he listen? No, he brushed off my dad''s advice as overly cautious, if not outright cowardly.


    Now, without a dime to his name and a reputation that had others steering clear, Talbot was in a tight spot. If I hadn''t stepped in, he''d probably be trying to pawn off his daughter Lisa by now.


    During the negotiations, Talbot''s usual arrogance was nowhere to be seen. He meticulously outlined the project''s benefits - government backing, funding, and all the necessary paperwork ready to go. Under normal circumstances, businesses would be tripping over themselves to get a piece of the action.


    But the project was a tough nut to crack, especially with Jared gone. The Hamiltons'' Design Department was like a ship without a captain.


    Despite the project''s allure, no one was eager to shoulder the responsibility. Now, it wasn''t just about the Patterson Group financing the project; they had to absorb the risk too. Naturally, Clyde Patterson wasn''t going to let that slide without a fight.


    After several rounds of talks, Clyde came out on top.


    "Mr. Patterson, we''re practically family. Do you really need to drive such a hard bargain?" Talbot was visibly struggling to keep hisposure, likely not used to being on the back foot.


    Clyde, sipping his coffee leisurely, replied, "Even brothers settle their ounts clearly. Don''t you understand that, Mr. Hamilton? Besides, at best, you''re an inw, not direct family. Best we keep things straight."


    Talbot''s frustration was palpable, but he held back, probably remembering Lisa''s warning that they were running out of options. In the end, he caved to Clyde''s stern conditions.


    Just as they were about to sign the contract, Clyde added another stiption.


    "There''s one more thing I need - not for the contract, but as a gentleman''s agreement from Mr. Hamilton."


    Through gritted teeth, Talbot managed to ask, "What''s the condition?"


    "Lisa will be our point of contact for this project. I deal exclusively with her. Anyone else, and the deal''s off."


    Clyde nced meaningfully at Lisa, who was trying to look nonchnt while enjoying a piece of apple pie.N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    "Come on, Dad, didn''t you say I


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    needed more experience? Who better to learn from than Mr. Patterson? Besides, he''s specifically asking for me," she said, her@yes yfully challenging me.


    I couldn''t help but smirk. The girl had a ir for the dramatic.


    Talbot hesitated, concerned about the project''s scale and Lisa''sck of experience.


    "I might be inexperienced, but I''m


    not alone I''ll have the team, and I be working directly with Clyde," Lisa said, brushing off her father''s concerns as she took another bite of herpie, giving Clyde a teasing look.


    Clyde clenched his fist, struggling to hide his irritation


    I had to cough to hide myughter. It was clear that in this battle of wills, only the most determined would prevail.


    In the end, Talbot agreed to Clyde''s terms.


    He left me in charge of the Design Department to fine-tune our ns while Clyde and Lisa went on-site to assess the project.


    This move, seemingly designed to separate Clyde and me, yed right into my hands.


    Upon joining the Design Department, I was greeted by a mix of familiar and new faces.


    "Everyone, I''m Mnie, the new


    Director of Design for the Patterson


    Group. I''m looking forward to


    working with all of you and learning from your experience," I introduced myself, ready to tackle this new challenge head-on.