Chapter 625: Unexpected Generosity

Riley Bechtel's face twisted into a serious expression as he caught the mocking smile on mine.

However, he couldn't muster a word due to Casper Weinberger and Kissinger's presence; instead, he just clenched his fists, trembling.

In his stead, Casper Weinberger turned to me.

"Are you saying… that the three construction companies can definitely join the consortium? And that there won't be any hindrance to the reconstruction projects, Charlie?"

"That's right. I hold far more shares than Dream High in companies like Daehyeon Group or Pungsan Group. I've been building these connections for a while now. While I can't outright seize the company, I could easily swap owners if I wanted. Those chaebols in Korea are always eager to take advantage of opportunities to jump into the owner's seat. It's no different in America, really."

Hearing my firm response, a faint smile surfaced on Casper Weinberger's face.

At that moment, Kissinger, who had been listening to me, spoke up.

"I can guarantee that."

With Henry Kissinger's assurance, Casper Weinberger's smile widened even more.

Nodding, he asked again.

"So, will you take on the construction of housing and transportation infrastructure as we proposed? It will certainly be more than the shares promised by the White House—if not, it will definitely be substantial, right, Charlie?"

"Exactly. It's not a deal where I'll be at a loss. But that's why I'm even more suspicious. Construction for housing and transportation is a sizable project. Why would you want to hand that over to us?"

I couldn't blindly trust the kindness they offered.

If anything, they were more likely to covet the feast I had laid out.

There had to be some reason behind it. The moment my suspicious gaze met Casper Weinberger's, he suddenly fidgeted with his lips.

He coughed roughly and lowered his head.

When he raised his head again, his handkerchief was stained with blood.

"Director!"

Riley Bechtel jumped in surprise and approached him.

But Casper Weinberger raised a hand to stop Riley Bechtel.

Riley froze at his gesture, fidgeting anxiously.

With deliberate slowness, Casper Weinberger wiped his mouth and spoke with a distressed look.

"I seem to have made quite a scene."

"No, you appear to be in poor health."

"Yes, I should really be in the hospital."

He forced a smile and continued speaking.

"Charlie's point is valid. It's natural to have doubts; that's a sensible line of thought."

Someone stopped him from finishing his thoughts—it was George Shultz.

"Casper, you should take a break. I'll continue the conversation."

Casper Weinberger nodded at George Shultz's words.

After glancing at Casper with pity, George Shultz turned to me, a soft smile on his lips.

"Charlie, was it you've been curious about the reason?"

"Yes. I couldn't imagine you'd want to give even more than what you were willing to take from us."

My casual retort caused George Shultz to laugh even harder.

"Direct as always. That's even better. The reason is simple. The reconstruction project in Iraq can't be solely for the benefit of the U.S. Otherwise, the EU and other countries will certainly protest."

"So you're saying you want to use us to minimize the backlash from other countries?"

"Can't deny it. If Dream High—or rather, if you, Charlie, hold the project rights, then a Korean company will certainly take on the work. As we predicted, our thoughts were confirmed: Korean construction firms will form a consortium. If that happens, we can confidently talk to other nations."

I nodded slightly at George Shultz's words.

The reconstruction projects wouldn't rely solely on the U.S. We had the right to contract.

Look at the Korean construction companies. Haven't they secured a fair share of contracts?

In the end, it's just a show for Dream High. It meant they intended to use me.

"It's beneficial for us, but it seems even more advantageous for America."

"That's right. But that shouldn't mean you'll suffer losses, right?"

He was right. We weren't at a loss, not at all.

In fact, it was turning out to be far more profitable than I had anticipated.

If that's the case, we could handle all the construction for the Iraq reconstruction project ourselves.

"…That is indeed the case."

"Then will you accept?"

I glanced at Riley Bechtel, who stood still, then turned my gaze back to George Shultz.

"I could agree, but I wonder what Mr. Bechtel thinks about this? He seems unaware of the matter altogether."

George Shultz nodded without even glancing at Riley Bechtel.

"This was decided today. If I had informed him beforehand, Riley would have opposed it. That's why I didn't say anything."

"Hmm… Won't that cause problems later on?"

"There will be none. No one will contest what was agreed upon today. Even if the administration shifts from the Republican to the Democratic party, I assure you that."

George Shultz said firmly.

Even if the administration changed from Republican to Democratic, today's agreement wouldn't break…

If someone else had said that, I would have dismissed it as nonsense, but it was George Shultz.

He was a member of the Republican Party but had close ties with the Democrats.

"Then I'll accept."

George Shultz beamed at my words and clapped twice, looking satisfied.

"Alright! Let's finalize this now."

At that moment, Riley Bechtel spoke up sharply.

"Director Shultz! That's overstepping your bounds."

George Shultz turned to him.

Riley Bechtel still stood there, unwilling to go back to his seat.

"Overstepping?"

"Right. I'm the one who makes decisions as the chairman of Bechtel. I cannot accept this agreement."

"Hmm…"

George Shultz rubbed his chin thoughtfully, letting out a slight hum.

He turned to Tim Burton, the chairman of KBR sitting across from him, not Riley Bechtel.

"Tim, will KBR accept my proposal? Think it over carefully before answering."

His tone was casual, but his glare was chilling.

Tim Burton swallowed hard at George Shultz's demeanor and replied cautiously.

"…Are we monopolizing the energy infrastructure rights in Iraq?"

"No. You won't have a monopoly. But you can take most of it. The rest goes to the EU. Even then, you'll only be eating the crumbs left over."

"In that case, we agree with your proposal."

At Tim Burton's words, George Shultz pressed further.

"Can I take your answer as KBR's official stance?"

"If I didn't have that authority, I wouldn't be here. I've come with full authority. And this isn't a bad offer for us either."

"Good. Then I will take it that Halliburton accepts our proposal."

George Shultz nodded and turned back to Riley Bechtel.

"Chairman Bechtel. Now will you sit down? How long do you intend to stay standing?"

At George Shultz's words, Riley Bechtel returned to his seat. Once he sat down, George Shultz spoke up.

"Did you say you wouldn't agree, Chairman Bechtel?"

"…Yes. Even if it's your sentiments, I can't accept conditions that we can't agree upon. I request that you give up one of either housing or transportation projects."

I couldn't help but let out a chuckle. If he had no awareness, at least he should have quick calculations.

Since they bundled transportation and housing, what I was set to receive was more than enough.

If they only accepted one of those, it would be significantly insufficient compared to what I was promised.

Riley Bechtel glared at me, having read the mocking smile on my face, then turned to George Shultz.

"Our Bechtel cannot accept this agreement."

"Is that so? You cannot accept? Understood."

George Shultz acquiesced too readily to Riley Bechtel's words.

He sighed deeply, still looking at the coughing Casper Weinberger, then looked for Henry Kissinger.

"Dr. Kissinger, it doesn't have to be Bechtel for this job, does it? It just has to be someone taking our place."

At his question, Henry Kissinger raised an eyebrow and then broke into a smile.

He then gestured toward me and answered.

"It doesn't matter. If it's not George Shultz or Casper Weinberger, there's no need for Bechtel to take this project. It's up to you how to proceed. I'm not invested much in this—it's merely because that friend was coming that I showed up. Do as you please."

Riley Bechtel interjected in their conversation.

"What do you mean by that? Are you saying it doesn't have to be our Bechtel?"

"Didn't you say you couldn't accept? In that case, we'll look for another partner."

"That's…"

"Hey, Chairman Bechtel. Don't tell me you think only Bechtel can handle this project? I'd hope you're not that foolish."

Bechtel is a top-tier construction company worldwide, but it's not the only player in the game.

There were substitute companies in the U.S. too. No, even without those, we could simply create one. In the end, it's just a matter of outsourcing the work.

Bechtel doesn't handle every project themselves.

They put out tenders, create competition, and select construction firms to carry out the work.

That's how Bechtel can manage countless projects worldwide simultaneously.

So, switching construction firms wasn't a huge issue.

Of course, the numerous patents Bechtel held would be a loss, but those could be utilized in whatever manner needed.

"The reason we consider Bechtel as the main backbone for the reconstruction project is simple: you've walked with us this whole way. Because of our long partnership, there's been no reason to consider alternatives. But if we're thinking otherwise now, we'll have to change our stance."

"Director Shultz!"

"Your father was never this dull… tsk tsk. You're a foolish man. Do you think this project could be derailed just because of your pathetic pride?"

"Director! There is no company that can replace us Bechtel!"

Riley Bechtel exclaimed, but George Shultz only shook his head insistently.

"If not, just make one. Was Bechtel always this big of a construction firm? No. It grew alongside America's strengthening power. If you think it's all purely due to Bechtel's sheer ability, then that is a grand delusion."

Under George Shultz's censure, Riley Bechtel turned to Casper Weinberger for support.

"Weinberger! You cannot treat our Bechtel this way."

Casper Weinberger, who had been struggling to sit, forced a bittersweet smile.

"Chairman Bechtel, you must concede. This is an absolute necessity."

"Weinberger!"

"Consider this my advice. Don't think for a second that stepping back from this won't cost you much. Once you step out of line with the U.S. administration, Bechtel's value will drastically decline."

Even Casper Weinberger warned Riley Bechtel.

Given the current atmosphere, he hadn't expected such reactions, evident on his face.

'To think someone like him is the chairman of Bechtel.'

In my view, Riley Bechtel occupied a position far beyond his capabilities.

Without the American government's protection, they would have collapsed long ago.

Finally, George Shultz asked one last time.

"Chairman Bechtel. Answer decisively. Are you in, or are you out?"

Riley Bechtel hesitated, unable to respond immediately.

Thinking of his pride, he should have refused at this point, but it was entirely natural to hesitate given the enormous risk involved.

At that moment, the conference room door swung open, and a young man entered.

He bowed his head, greeting everyone.

"Hello. I'm Brend Bechtel."

He was Riley Bechtel's son, Brend Bechtel.