Chapter 19 - The Contractor's Bribe
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The construction site was loud, filled with the roar of heavy machinery and the shouts of workers.
Ethan stood in the center of the poured concrete foundation, wearing a hard hat and holding a rolled-up set of blueprints.
He was glaring at the head contractor, a burly man named Higgins.
“I specifically requested Grade-A reinforced steel for the support columns,” Ethan said, his voice carrying over the noise. “This invoice shows you ordered Grade-C.”
Higgins waved a dismissive hand, laughing.
“Look, kid. Nobody is going to notice the difference once the drywall goes up. It passes the absolute minimum city code, and it saves us fifty grand.”
“I’ll notice,” Ethan shot back.
“Take a percentage of the savings as a consulting bonus,” Higgins whispered, stepping closer. “Buy yourself a nice car. That’s how the real world works, Ethan.”
Ethan felt his jaw clench.
He remembered Charles Whitmore. He remembered the men who thought money could buy silence and compromise integrity.
“You’re fired,” Ethan said flatly.
Higgins blinked, his arrogant smile vanishing.
“Excuse me? You can't fire me. I have a contract.”
“A contract you just breached by attempting to substitute inferior materials and offering a bribe,” a calm, authoritative voice interrupted.
Ethan turned to see Arthur walking onto the site, wearing a hard hat of his own.
Arthur stood next to Ethan, crossing his arms.
“My son gave you an order,” Arthur said, looking directly at Higgins. “Pack up your equipment. You have one hour to vacate my property before I call the authorities for attempted fraud.”
Higgins turned red, stammering for a moment before realizing he was completely outmatched.
He cursed under his breath and stormed off toward his trailer.
Ethan let out a long breath, looking at his father.
“I had it under control,” Ethan mumbled.
“I know you did,” Arthur smiled proudly. “I just came to drop off lunch. I heard the end of the conversation.”
“He thought I was just some dumb kid he could buy off.”
Arthur placed a hand on Ethan’s shoulder.
“He made the mistake of thinking you were like the men who used to run this city. He didn't realize you were raised better than that.”
Ethan smiled, looking around the massive construction site.
May you like
“Grade-A steel only,” Ethan said.
“Nothing less,” Arthur agreed.
