Top Notch War God

Chapter 91

By the time Alvin walked out of Ariya's conference room that afternoon, his face was glowing with satisfaction.

After hours of negotiations, the Skinthall Residence project had finally wrapped up.

Alvin had secured a 10% year-end bonus, with Skysoar Group and the Gordon family each holding a 30% share. The remaining 30% of the shares were split among Grady, Archer, and Cohen Mason. Each of them had invested two billion dollars, and as soon as the negotiations were finalized, the funds would be wired.

Just days into his new position, Alvin had closed such a huge deal, exceeding expectations by two billion dollars and securing a 10% bonus—just thinking about it made him excited.

"Mr. Willis, you're back," the guard at the building's entrance greeted him.

Alvin stood a little taller, looking at the photo of the former deputy mayor still hanging on the wall.

"Why is this guy's photo still up? Take it down and put mine up! He's the one who let you guys get lazy. Don't you remember how important attracting investments is? Quickly notify everyone—we're having a meeting in five minutes!"

Five minutes later, the city office was packed. Alvin had about fifty staff members under him, and they were all present. Everyone wondered why there was another meeting since they had just had one the day before.

"Everyone's here? Good, let's get started." Alvin leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms with an air of authority. "The reason I've called you all here today is simple. Our city's economic development has been slow in recent years, and we urgently need to attract investments. I want to hear your thoughts."

The head of the finance department, a man around Alvin's age, had been unhappy since Alvin took office and wasn't afraid to show it. "Mr. Willis, we discussed this yesterday. Most businesses are targeting South City for development. We can't get anyone to come here."

Alvin slammed his hand on the table, causing the cups to jump. "Useless! What are you all here for if you can't bring in investments? You've got ten people in your department, and not one of you can get it done? We're wasting taxpayers' money!"

The finance director's face flushed with anger, but he didn't dare fire back—after all, Alvin outranked him. Plus, he was close to retirement and didn't want to lose his job over a confrontation.

"Mr. Willis, I'm just stating the facts. Ask anyone here," the finance director gestured to his team.

"They're just parroting what you say. No need to ask them. I remember there's a Skinthall Residence out in the suburbs—what's the situation there?" Alvin deliberately steered the conversation toward the Skinthall Residence project.

The finance director shook his head. "It's not great. It's in a poor location, and there's been no interest in it. We've been trying to attract developers for years, but anyone who came by took one look and left. Compared to South City, it's worthless."

He continued, "Even though property prices have risen citywide, Skinthall Residence is still stuck at a valuation of four billion. Even if you lowered the price, I doubt developers would take it, even for free."

Alvin calmly lit a cigarette. "Oh really? What if I told you I've already sold Skinthall Residence?"

"No way. Absolutely no way." The finance director shook his head in disbelief. He'd spent years trying to get someone to buy Skinthall Residence, running all over the place without success. There was no way Alvin had sold it just after taking office.

"Ha, 'no way,' huh? Take a look at this!" Alvin threw a contract onto the table.

The finance director picked it up, his eyes widening in shock as he read it. "How is this possible? Skysoar Group, the Gordon family, and the three major families from Philadelphia are all willing to develop Skinthall Residence! And they're investing a total of 20 billion dollars? This is incredible!"

The finance director was stunned, and the rest of the room looked at Alvin in disbelief. 'How had he managed to sell Skinthall Residence so quickly?'

"Not only that, but this is a government-business partnership, and we'll receive 10% of Skinthall Residence's year-end profits! Review the details carefully, and if everything checks out, stamp the official seal!" Alvin stood up, his tone cold and commanding.

As he left the conference room, Alvin could see that his team was still processing what had just happened. He had to suppress a laugh. 'This feels amazing!'

Later that evening, the finance director knocked on Alvin's door. This time, he wasn't showing any attitude. The Skinthall Residence project had attracted the Gordon family from Pennsylvania, Skysoar Group, and the three Philadelphia giants. The finance director couldn't stop smiling.

"Mr. Willis, here's the Skinthall Residence contract. Take a look and let me know if anything needs changing. I'll take care of it," he said with a grin.

"Oh, not bad, Johnny. You've gotten pretty efficient." Alvin casually flipped through the contract.

Johnny gave Alvin a thumbs-up. "Mr. Willis, you're incredible! Skinthall Residence has been sitting there for years, and no one's wanted to touch it. But you, barely in office, closed a 60-billion-dollar deal, just like that! I bet you won't be deputy mayor for long—before you know it, you'll be mayor!"

Johnny continued buttering him up. Raising 20 billion dollars for the Skinthall Residence project was a huge deal in Philadelphia, and Alvin's achievement would be number one in the official records. As for Johnny, who had drafted the contract, he was riding Alvin's coattails and couldn't be happier.

Alvin finished reading the contract and set it aside. "Looks good. Tomorrow, you personally take this to the companies and get their signatures. While you're there, ask when the funds will be transferred. That's all. You can go now."

Johnny happily gathered the contract. "Understood. First thing tomorrow. Mr. Willis, how about we grab dinner tonight? You've been working hard since taking office, barely a moment's rest. Now that the Skinthall Residence project is done, let's celebrate. What do you think?"

Alvin chuckled. "You're not afraid I'll eat you out of house and home?"

Johnny's eyes lit up. "Mr. Willis, please! It's just dinner—I can handle that. How about Hotel Philadelphia tonight?"

Alvin was about to agree when his phone rang urgently. He picked it up and saw it was Lord Willis calling. Signaling Johnny to be quiet, he answered the call. Lord Willis sounded furious as he barked.

"Alvin, do you still consider me your father? I don't care how busy you are with your projects. You better get over here right now, and we'll talk about Ariya! If you don't come, then don't call me your father ever again!" With that, Lord Willis hung up, not giving Alvin a chance to say a word.