Chapter 164: Bidding War

    Shall we begin the bidding? Wendy asked. The three contractors all nodded their consent. Very well. Let me explain how this is going to work to the client. Nobody protested, so she continued. You have met each contractor. Are you confident about hiring any one of them?

    Derek nodded. I am. Even the sleezy guy in the suit seemed to be serious enough about the build. He would trust the man not to try to pull a fast one because of the contract with the city. Looks and personality didnt matter, only skill.

    Great. Wendy said. Each contractor has been given the materials and general blueprints to review. They will bid against one another until the lowest bid wins or until you find an acceptable bid by a contractor you want to work with. If there is a tie, you will choose between the contractors. Is everything understood?

    Derek nodded. Simple enough. The only thing that Derek was worried about was the cost. The materials and building cost were going to cost him an arm and a leg. He only had a bit over 20,000 gold, and he would hate to have to go to Stella and beg for a loan. He would hate it, but he would do it. If he needed to, he could renegotiate for less of the Void Beast meals or blood.

    With the layering cost of the Oak, the building cost was going to be even more. Derek sat back, not showing his anxiety on the outside, hoping the bid would go in his favor.

    Please begin. Wendy grabbed her pen and waited.

    Billy was the first to raise her hand. The cost of the materials should be around 13,500 gold, more or less. So, with the layering, cost of manpower, and the speed at which you need the building completed you need it build within the week? She asked.

    Derek nodded. If at all possible. He said.

    Billy looked at the ceiling as if doing some mental calculations, which she most likely was. We can do it for 36,500. It will be completed in four days.

    The quote wasnt unexpected, but it still made Dereks gut churn. Still, he didnt show any expression.

    Bah! Youre overcharging on the layering. Ill do it for 30,000 even. Lewis cut in.

    Derek felt the urge to jump out of his seat and cheer at the huge price cut. Billy seemed to be just as surprised as Derek was. She stared at Lewis with wide eyes.Yo?ur favorite stories at novelhall.com

    Derek examined the facial expressions of Wendy, Lewis, Billy, and Geoffrey. Wendy said uninterested, writing down everything she heard. Lewis was looking at the surprised Billy with a smug grin on his face. Geoffrey, however, was acting as if he wasnt even part of the discussion. He was looking at Derek with a sly smile on his face. The man didnt seem like he even planned on joining the bidding war.

    Billy hit the top of the table with a clenched fist. Fine! 28,500.

    The number was slowly approaching affordable. Derek was happy he decided to call in multiple contractors at once. There were so many in the book that there were clearly people who would take even a slim profit margin.

    Lewis narrowed his eyes and ground his teeth. He stared daggers at the woman. I dont think your crew would be able to complete the job in four days. Are you sure you can do it?

    Of course we can! She replied.

    Lewis smiled. 28,500 and I will have the building complete in three days.

    Thats low! Billy yelled. Just because you have more workers than me She took a deep breath. I cannot offer less than four days.

    Ha! Lewis exclaimed in victory.

    I didnt say I was finished! Billy said. I may not be able to complete it in less than four days, but I can do it for cheaper. She tensed. 26,000!

    Surprised, Derek looked at Geoffrey. Not really. It was true. He wasnt wondering what was going on, he was just happy that it was happening. In fact, he hoped that they would do it some more. The more they argued, the more he gained.

    Geoffrey snorted. No I guess you wouldnt Then, he looked to his left at the two arguing contractors. Are the both of you finished? He asked.

    Whats it to you? Jeff. Lewis bit back.

    I was just checking to see if the entertainment was over or not. It is fun watching the two of you bicker at one another. I didnt even know you knew each other so well. Geoffrey commented.

    Dont lump me together with him. Hes just an asshole. Billy said.

    I cant argue with that. Geoffrey said.

    Lewis sent a glare at Geoffrey, just like he had been before the meeting began. Geoffrey did the same, then scoffed. I dont even understand why you would even think to compete with me after my last job.

    Bastard. Lewis said.

    Geoffrey looked back toward Derek. Mr. Hunt, I have to thank you for providing todays entertainment.

    Youre welcome? Derek said.

    Please get to the point. Wendy said.

    Geoffrey chuckled and waved his hands. Fine, fine. He said. The reason that this was entertaining was because I was able to watch them both fight so hard for the contract, even though I knew the whole time that neither one of them was going to end up with it.

    What? Billy and Lewis spout at the same time.

    Youre saying that youre going to offer a price lower than 23,500? Wendy said.

    Hmmph Lewis snorted. 22,000 Lets see you beat that.

    Billy sat back in her seat, not even bothering to bid again.

    Geoffrey smiled. You see I knew what I was going to bid before the bidding even started. Therefore, I knew that you would never be able to win. He turned back to Derek, showing the same creepy smile he had during Billy and Lewiss bids. Mr. Hunt I am willing to build your business at cost.

    Derek raised his eyebrows. Really?

    Geoffrey nodded. Yes. I will build it for the price of materials at market value, and it will be finished in two to five days. I cannot guarantee the time until we get started.

    Derek frowned. Why would you do something like that?

    For the same reason that these two were willing to go so low. Geoffrey said, then pointed to Dereks arm. That badge.