Harold’s gaze slowly settled on Alexander.
After a long moment, a gentle, patient smile tugged at Harold’s lips. “I’d be delighted, as long as Chief Engineer Davidson doesn’t mind having me aboard.”
That was Harold making his position clear, as if he wanted everyone present to know:
there was never any real bad blood between him and Alexander.
Danielle hadn’t expected Harold to agree so readily.
His answer came so swiftly, she almost wondered if she’d misheard.
But at this point, Alexander was certain to refuse.
He turned to Harold, giving a slight nod, his expression steady and composed, his tone calm yet resolute. “I appreciate your offer, Mr. Chapman, but the Davidson Group has already finalized our partners for the rest of the year. Making changes now would only delay the schedule and could jeopardize the end result.”
He paused, glancing at Danielle and then back at Harold, a polite smile on his face. “We weren’t planning to compete for this project, but your initiative is impressive, Mr. Chapman. Perhaps next time—if a more suitable project comes along, we’ll work together then. In construction, timing and fit are everything; forcing things only leads to trouble.”
His words were a graceful, perfectly measured refusal.
Harold narrowed his eyes. “If the Davidson Group isn’t bidding on this project, what brings you here today, Mr. Davidson?”
Alexander’s smile was easy, almost playful. “Just here to see what all the fuss is about.”
Harold had nothing to say to that. Instead, he turned to Danielle, who had been quiet at his side.
“If Chief Engineer Davidson doesn’t want to partner with us, what about you, Ms. Crawford? Are you interested in working together on this project?”
He was clearly waiting for an answer, unwilling to let the matter drop. If she didn’t respond, he’d just keep asking.
It was rare for Harold, always the gentleman—polite, even-tempered, and measured—to press so hard. It could only mean he was doing it deliberately.
Alexander had sidestepped the whole affair with practiced ease. The old fox knew his way around any negotiation.
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