Orion Energy Corporation
"Good morning, everyone. We're close to finalizing the national project. I need you all to give this everything you've got. If we win, we secure control of the country's primary energy source," Edward Monroe announced firmly.
"We're racing against time, and against our rivals. Helios Group is right on our heels. We win this, we crush them. Understood?"
"Got it!" the team responded in unison before dispersing.
Edward's eyes found Elara. "I need all reports on the project. Keep them short, precise, and leave nothing important out. Clear?"
"Yes, sir."
"It's a three-day countdown. Everyone, get moving!"
As the room emptied, Edward motioned for his right-hand man. "Joe, schedule me a meeting with the CEO of Ranveer Corporation. We've got business to discuss." He left without another word.
Tension gripped Orion Energy, led by the Monroe family. Winning this bid against Helios meant managing the nation's entire energy infrastructure, and rising to the top.
Elara carried her files back to her office, her thoughts heavy. This is the chance, she told herself.
But her mind drifted to the past. Daniel Storm, CEO of Helios Group, had once been her lover. They were together for two years, until she discovered he was having an affair with her sister, Sandy. The betrayal cut deep, but it was worse than that. Daniel had influence everywhere. Even the powerful Grant family bent to his will. He expected Elara Grant to play by his rules, but she was strong enough to walk away.
Daniel didn't take rejection well. "You'll never have a lasting relationship as long as I live!" he had promised.
Soon after, Elara found happiness with Charles Lawson. But on their engagement day, Charles was struck down in a suspicious accident, one that left him in a coma for a month before he passed. Elara was left broken, betrayed, and burning with questions.
Nothing pained her more than the death of Charles. The Lawson family was a second class family that was trying to survive. Even though Charles had a brothe and a sister, he was his parent's hope. He had vision, he worked hard and even helped manage his parent's company.
Madeline had just found a job at the Ranveer company and a month later, Charles was down. Maxwell Ranveer was o on a medical leave so Madeline didn't get to rest. She was mourning her brother, and working at the same time. But with Elara by her side, she managed.
She quickly grabbed her phone and dialed Madeline.
On the other end, Madeline placed the pen on top of the files on her desk and chuckled. "Calling about your mystery man? Did you finally figure out who he is?"
"Maddie, time to be serious…" Elara said with a heavy tone.
"Okay El, what came up?" Madeline straightened her posture and asked.
"Listen, Maddie. We have to do something. If Helios bangs this project, Daniel will be unstoppable." She said seriously.
"He's untouchable already," Madeline said, her voice sobering.
"I know, but still within grip." Elara said.
"What's your plan?" Madeline's eyes flashed.
…
Meanwhile, Edward Monroe's video call connected. Maxwell Ranveer's face appeared on the screen. Edward coughed nervously and rubbed his jaw.
"Brother-in-law, I need this project for Orion. You're the top businessman in the world. Put in a good word for us." He paused, "I know you have that power."
Maxwell Ranveer had recently returned to work after a long medical leave. Heart problems had sidelined him, and rumors swirled that he'd undergone a transplant. Now, fully recovered, he was back in command.
"I'll see what I can do," Maxwell said curtly before ending the call.
Beside him, Bianca Monroe's smile stretched wide. "If Orion wins, we'll be at the top. Max, you're finally back on your feet. Why do you keep postponing the wedding?"
Their families had supported their relationship since childhood, but his illness had delayed their plans. He had promised to propose again after his recovery. Now that he was well, his hesitation stung.
"Bianca, everyone is focused on this contract right now. I'm helping your family because of you, but the timing has to be right. Give it time," he said, his voice serious as he turned toward the window. "You should be focused on what input you put in or your brother's sake."
Bianca slipped her arms around him from behind. "I came here to keep you company. Don't shut me out. Max…" her voice softened. "Why?" her eyes lowered and she asked, almost pleadingly.
He turned to walk back to his desk, his shadow falling behind him. He was tall, majestic and a man of few words. His dark distant eyes lingered on the computer screen before turning to Bianca.
"Business requires my full attention. Now, if you'll excuse me." He faced his computer again.
She lingered. "You really can't concentrate when I'm here? Fine. I get it, I'm your beautiful future wife. Love wins anyway." She kissed his forehead before leaving with a smile.
Minutes later, Madeline Lawson entered Maxwell's office with files.
"Sir, these are from Orion regarding the Energy Revolution Project," she said, carefully placing them on his desk. "Additional documents were just sent to your email."
Maxwell nodded, signaling her to leave.
"And sir…" Madeline hesitated as she looked at him with full respect.
Maxwell raised his head and his dark distant eyes that seemed to read right into someone's soul settled on her, distant but commanding power and freezing the air in the room. Madeline hadn't been in contact with her boss for long because he had taken a medical leave when she just a new employee.
"your meeting with the engineer of new technology and robotic structures, Mr. Keslar Francis is scheduled at our today."
Maxwell nodded and waved. Madeline left.
The Energy Revolution Project was no ordinary bid. The government planned to replace the outdated power grid with a unified national system, combining electricity, turbines, and hydro dams into one vast network to serve the entire country.
Maxwell Ranveer could have pursued the project himself, but he already had several major ventures underway. What he needed was for Orion to secure the contract. Their success would align perfectly with his long-term power and energy projects.
But standing in the way was Daniel Storm and Helios Group. Even Maxwell could feel the storm brewing.