Energy bill

Walking with the unmistakable aura of royalty and authority was a tall, striking Asian man. Jet-black hair swept across the left side of his face, partially obscuring a glimpse of his obsidian eyes. He was undeniably gorgeous, his presence commanding attention.

"Isn't that the President of Tezos Group in Beijing?" one reporter whispered, his voice laced with shock. "The biggest energy producer in all of Asia?" He received a confirming nod from the person beside him.

"There was no announcement of his arrival today," another reporter murmured, scribbling furiously.

"What could he be doing here?"

"Could this be about the Energy Bill proposal?" Yet another reporter wondered aloud.

"Surely he's not here to sign an agreement with Star Corporations," someone reasoned. "They've only been in the industry a few years, and they don't even have a dedicated energy subsidiary."

"Let's just wait and see. It's unusual for him to travel all the way from Asia just to sign an agreement," another replied, his gaze fixed on the approaching figure.

The buzz of speculation rippled through the assembled reporters until President Li stood only feet from the stage.

"President Li, what a pleasant surprise," Kathryn said, stepping forward. Her smile was perfectly practiced as she extended a hand, which President Li accepted with a genuine warmth.

"I came to see my friend President Davin on a business matter," President Li announced, raising his voice slightly, ensuring his words carried to the reporters. "But I also wanted to be the first to inform you that your company's proposal to become our main energy supplier to all European countries has been approved by the Chairman of the Board, my grandfather."

A collective gasp swept through the board members. This was a proposal they had dismissed as impossible, a pipe dream Arthur had championed and been subsequently shot down for. The news was a bombshell.

Even the reporters seemed stunned into silence. How had this happened?

Relief washed over Kathryn like a warm wave against winter's chill. This was the break she craved, the connection she needed to solidify her position and build toward what lay ahead. She had poured everything into this proposal, working relentlessly alongside her team. She'd been confident that if she could just get her proposal in front of the Tezos Group board, she could win.

With a practiced smile, Kathryn turned her attention to President Li, expressing her gratitude.

"I am truly honored that the Chairman found my company worthy of this contract," Kathryn said.

"It was an easy decision, to be fair," President Li replied, his eyes briefly flickering over the crowd. "Your proposal and presentation were outstanding – far better than anything we've seen."

A reporter seized the opening. "President Li, are you saying President Kathryn presented the proposal herself to the board?"

President Li seemed to realize, only then, that he had inadvertently interrupted a press conference. He turned slightly, addressing the reporter. "Yes, she was in Beijing four weeks ago, with her team, to bid for the energy bill contract."

That meant what she'd said in the board meeting was true...she really was the driving force behind the company, orchestrating everything behind the scenes, one board member realized, a flicker of something akin to respect – and perhaps a hint of resentment – in his eyes.

President Li waved a hand, and a young man, barely out of his teens, stepped forward, a thin file folder in his hands.

"Since I was traveling here anyway," President Li continued, "my grandfather asked that we finalize the contract, ironing out any remaining details before my return." He offered one of the files to Kathryn, who quickly scanned it before passing it to Rebecca and Arthur.

"And," he added, a hint of amusement in his voice, "given that your company was already holding a press conference, I couldn't think of a more efficient way to announce our partnership."

"That's very thoughtful of you, President Li," Arthur said smoothly, ushering President Li and his aide toward the seating that had been hastily arranged for them.

Kathryn, Rebecca, and Arthur took their seats, poring over the agreement with focused intensity.

The press conference was temporarily suspended as both company presidents reviewed the documents.

Finally satisfied with the terms and conditions, both presidents signed the contracts, exchanging papers amidst a blinding storm of camera flashes.

---

Davin glanced down at his iPad, a lopsided smile tugging at his lips.

"What's got you grinning like that?" Kelvin asked, strolling into the spacious office.

When Davin didn't answer, Kelvin grabbed the remote and switched on the television. The breaking news banner screamed across the screen: *Star Corp Announces Energy Bill Partnership.*

"I'm actually surprised they pulled that off," Kelvin said, sinking into a chair.

"That energy bill partnership was the most sought-after deal in the entire oil and gas industry. I can't believe they landed it on their first try," he continued, shaking his head.

"It's a pity we're not in that field anymore. We would have crushed them, given our relationship with Tezos..." Kelvin trailed off, muttering.

"Beginner's luck, you think?"

Davin pinched the bridge of his nose, fighting back a surge of irritation.

"It's not luck. She's just smarter than most." Davin finally said, turning his gaze towards the television, just as Kathryn flashed a confident smile at the press.

Kelvin raised an eyebrow, waiting for his brother to elaborate.

Davin sighed, relenting. "She's one of those CEOs who finds a niche before it's trendy, develops it aggressively, and within a year or two, it becomes a must-have. Look at what she did in the fashion industry. She pioneered the African fashion niche, and now Star Corporations controls 80% of the gross profits."

"That's been her pattern since day one," he concluded.

"Wow. But the energy industry is one of the hardest to break into—the *most* competitive, arguably. How did she manage it?" Kelvin still seemed baffled.

"Compound effect," Davin said casually, returning to his work.

"That *is* smart," Kelvin admitted. "Wait...I've heard that strategy before…" He paused, thoughtful.

"Mom! Yes! That's the strategy Mom used when she started out. She even wrote about it in one of her books!" Kelvin exclaimed, snapping his fingers. "Think she'll eventually move into the hospitality industry?"

"I don't care. Set up a meeting with all the directors of our subsidiaries. Now," Davin said, his voice flat as he headed for the door.

He was already seated at the head of the long mahogany table when the directors began to file in.

A wave of surprise rippled through the room as they saw their notoriously late boss already in place.

They settled into their seats, and Davin, with a curt nod, signaled for the meeting to begin.

Three hours later, Davin's voice cut through the tense atmosphere. "I am not impressed with some of these reports." His tone was deceptively calm.

They all knew the drill: the calmer he sounded, the angrier he was.

"Did you generate a new proposal, or did you just copy and paste last year's?" Davin fixed the director of the automobile subsidiary with an icy stare.

A cold sweat trickled down the director's spine. He forced himself to meet Davin's gaze. "No, Boss."

"No *what*?" Davin pressed, his voice dangerously soft.

"I... I mean, it's a new proposal," the director stammered.

"Zetrov came in second at the BMBWA night for the *first time in nine years* to a *new* company and you have the *audacity* to present me with this mediocre garbage?" Davin roared, slamming the files onto the table, scattering papers everywhere.

He was livid, not just about losing the award, but about the complacent attitude of his directors. They'd grown fat and lazy on their market dominance.

"It seems I've been too lenient," he said, his gaze sweeping over the faces around the table.

"You have three days. If I don't see a *masterpiece* from each of you, consider your positions…vacant." Davin stood abruptly and strode out of the room.

Back in his office, Davin instructed his assistant to bring him a cup of coffee, his mind already racing.

A sigh escaped him as he took in the figure seated in his chair a face he hadn't seen in far too long.

"What are you doing here?" Davin asked, his voice edged with frost.