Bernard POV
I stared at the email on my computer screen, reading it for the third time and feeling my blood pressure rising with each word. Peterson Development was canceling their contract for the new shopping center project, effective immediately. That was the third major contract cancellation I had received in two weeks.
"Due to recent concerns about your company's professional reputation and business practices, we have decided to terminate our agreement," the email read. "We will be seeking alternative contractors for this project."
I slammed my laptop shut and pushed back from my desk in frustration. This was a disaster. The Peterson contract was worth two million dollars, money that I desperately needed to keep Fredrick Construction afloat. Without it, I would struggle to pay my e
