CHAPTER 28

Back at Clark Mason Industry, Ralph had hit the ground running. In just two weeks, his efforts bore fruit in a remarkable fashion. Through a combination of his extensive network and strategic thinking, Ralph managed to secure a multi-million-dollar contract with HyperTech, one of the biggest companies in Doxel City. This contract was a game-changer, positioning Clark Mason Industry on a growth trajectory it had never seen before.

Ralph's approach to securing the contract was multi-faceted. First, he leveraged his connections from his time at JFlier Group, reconnecting with former colleagues and partners who respected his integrity and expertise.

He made a compelling case for HyperTech, demonstrating how Clark Mason Industry could meet their needs more effectively than their current suppliers. Ralph also prepared an in-depth proposal that highlighted the innovative solutions Clark Mason could offer, setting them apart from competitors.

But Ralph didn’t stop there. He took additional steps to ensure the company’s rapid growth. One significant move was revamping the company’s marketing strategy. Recognizing that Clark Mason’s branding was outdated, Ralph hired a top-tier marketing firm to rebrand the company.

This included a new logo, a sleek and user-friendly website, and a comprehensive digital marketing campaign that targeted key industries. The rebranding effort not only increased visibility but also attracted a new wave of clients who were previously unaware of Clark Mason’s offerings.

These measures significantly improved the company’s bottom line, allowing for reinvestment into core areas that spurred further growth.

Within three weeks, Clark Mason Industry was unrecognizable compared to where it had been before Ralph’s arrival. The company’s weekly revenue skyrocketed, surpassing previous monthly earnings and setting new records. There was a palpable buzz in the office as new opportunities continued to roll in.

However, Zen was not pleased. While the company’s success should have been a cause for celebration, Zen was consumed by jealousy and fear. Ralph’s prowess had exceeded all expectations, and Zen could see his own position and all he had worked for slipping away. The bet he had made with Ralph loomed large, and he realized he needed to take drastic action before Ralph would take his position and stripping him of all he had.

Determined to undermine Ralph, on the morning of the company-wide meeting, Zen arrived early at the office. He greeted employees with a confident smile, shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries as he made his way to the conference room. The room buzzed with anticipation; everyone had heard rumors of the significant progress the company had made, and they were eager to hear more.

As the employees gathered, Zen stood at the head of the room, his posture exuding authority. He began the meeting with a polished speech, thanking everyone for their hard work and dedication.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Zen said, with his voice steady and commanding, "we have achieved remarkable milestones in the past few weeks. Clark Mason Industry has secured a multi-million-dollar contract with HyperTech, one of the leading companies in Doxel City. This is a testament to our capabilities and the strategic direction we are heading."

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. The employees exchanged excited glances, and the room filled with murmurs of approval.

Zen continued, "I want to share with you the story behind this success. It was through my long-standing relationship with the executives at HyperTech that we were able to secure this contract. They have always respected our potential, and after several high-level discussions, they decided to place their trust in us."

"Wow! That's good news!"

"All along, I always knew we had a capable manager who was up to the task."

"Mr. William is so smart!"

There were several positive remarks and accolades among the staff, praising Zen for Ralph's achievement.

As he spoke, Zen projected a slideshow on the screen behind him. It featured images of meetings, contracts, and promotional materials. He highlighted key moments that painted him as the mastermind behind the deal. The visual aids added a layer of credibility to his narrative, making it difficult for anyone to doubt his claims.

Zen then shifted the focus to the rebranding efforts. "Our new logo, website, and marketing campaign have been pivotal in attracting new clients and rejuvenating our brand. This was all part of a comprehensive strategy I devised to modernize our image and expand our market reach."

He spoke with such conviction that many in the audience were convinced. They nodded in agreement, applauding Zen’s apparent vision and leadership. However, there were a few who knew the truth, who had seen Ralph working tirelessly behind the scenes. They exchanged uneasy glances but remained silent, fearing repercussions if they spoke out.

Ralph sat in the back of the room, his expression unreadable. He listened as Zen continued to take credit for his hard work, but he knew he needed to choose his battles wisely. A public confrontation now could jeopardize the stability of the company and his own position.

Zen concluded his speech with a call to action, urging everyone to continue working hard to maintain the momentum. "Together, we will take Clark Mason Industry to new heights. Let's keep pushing forward and make this company a leader in our field."

The room erupted in applause, and Zen basked in the admiration. As the meeting adjourned, employees approached him to offer their congratulations. He smiled and shook hands, enjoying the accolades.

After the meeting, Zen stormed back to his office. The thought of losing the bet with Ralph gnawed at him, threatening not just his position but everything he had worked for.

Zen grabbed his phone and dialed his assistant, Mark. Within minutes, Mark entered the office, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

"What's going on, Mr. Zen?" Mark asked.

Zen took a deep breath, trying to steady his voice. "Mark, we can't afford to let Ralph's achievements overshadow mine, especially not now. We have to make sure that any success the company sees in the coming weeks is credited to me."

Mark raised an eyebrow, sensing the urgency in Zen's tone. "What exactly do you need me to do?"

Zen leaned forward, his eyes narrowing with determination. "First, I need you to closely monitor all of Ralph's projects. Any progress he makes or any deals he secures, I want to know about them immediately. Then, we need to spin it so that it looks like it was my doing. Use whatever means necessary—emails, memos, meetings. We have to make it convincing."

Mark nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of the task. "I see. This will require some finesse. Are you sure this is the best approach?"

Zen's face hardened. "I don't have a choice, Mark. If I lose this bet, I lose everything. Ralph will take over, and I'll be left with nothing. We can't let that happen."

Mark sighed, knowing the precarious position they were in. "Alright. I'll start gathering information and planning how we can redirect credit to you. But we need to be careful. If anyone catches wind of this, it could backfire."

Zen nodded, a grim expression on his face. "Just make sure it doesn't backfire. We have to succeed, no matter what; otherwise, you lose your job!"