Chapter 43

“Mr. Duncan, what’s going on?” Tirance asked.

Sure enough, Hattien said, “We won’t be able to renew the contract.”

Eleanor’s expression changed instantly. “Doce the contract expires next month, that will be the end of our partnership with Sandberg Group. If there’s another opportunity in the future, we can connect.” Eleanor immediately pressed, “But why? Haven’t we always had a great working relationship? The renewal is just a formality. We both assumed it was guaranteed. Why are you suddenly…”

A thought flashed through her mind. “Is it about the pace? If that’s the issue, we can negotiate.”

In her previous life, renewing the contract with Zeiten had also been a struggle—but it all came down to pricing. Zeiten wanted to raise the cost, and it had taken a week of back-and-forth before they reached an agreement. That was why, on the plane, she had warned Eliza that Zeiten wouldn’t be an easy deal to close.

But canceling the renewal outright had never happened before.

Hatton shook his head. “It’s not about the price.”

“Then what is it? Mr. Duncan, if you don’t give me an answer today, I might not let you leave,” Eleanor half-joked.

Harrison hesitated for a moment. “I’m not supposed to say anything, but… fine, I’ll tell you.”

“It’s not about pricing, and I have no issues with Sandberg Group. The real reason is that Ransom Finance from Wavenport City reached out to us. They’re signing an exclusive contract with a non-compete clause, which means we can’t sell this material to any other company. They’ve secured the exclusive rights.”

Eleanor’s brow furrowed. “Why would they need exclusive rights to the material?”

“Wavenport City is building a maglev train system, and Ransom Finance won the bid,” replied Harrison.

“That still doesn’t explain why they need an exclusive deal.”

Harrison shook his head. “I don’t know the specifics. Maybe there are additional conditions in their contract with the government. But that’s how it is. The buyout price they offered was high, and we also wanted to establish a connection with Ransom Finance. The board already approved it. So, Ms. Eleanor, I suggest you look for other options. Goodbye.”

And just like that, he left.

Eleanor never expected such a turn of events. But then, she recalled that in her previous life, Zelien had also worked with Nanom Finance. The difference was that there hadn’t been an exclusivity clause, so they were able to continue working with Zeiten as well.

What changed this time?

Eliza panicked. “What do we do, Ms. Eleanor? Headquarters sent us here to finalize the renewal. If we can’t, then we’ll be blamed.”

Eleanor glanced at her. “You catch on quite fast this time. Yes, we’ll definitely be blamed. If not the board, then Philip and Brenda will find a way to pin this on us.”

They had been looking for an excuse to go after her.

She walked over to the lounge area and sat down. After giving it a thought, Eleanor said, “Here’s what we’ll do—work with the marketing team to compile a list of domestic companies that manufacture this type of superconducting material, along with their pricing. Then, send it to me.”

Eliza looked miserable. “We’re looking for alternative suppliers? But Sandberg Group chose Zeiten in the first place because they were the best. If we switch, we don’t know if the quality will be on par.”

Eleanor flicked Eliza on the forehead. “Just do what I said. That’s our backup plan. As for Zeiten, keep trying.”

Eliza rubbed her forehead, looking pitiful. “Is there still a chance?”

Eleanor was never one to admit defeat. And she wasn’t just some clueless successor. After all, in her past life, she had single-handedly turned around Sandberg Group and become chairwoman. She was the kind of person who, despite only having two years of work experience on paper, possessed the knowledge and skills of someone with five. This was nothing she couldn’t handle.

Eleanor took out her phone and called Harrison. “Mr. Duncan, is there really no way to make an exception? This news came so suddenly. We weren’t prepared at all. If the contract isn’t renewed, our entire production line is going to be a mess. Can’t you help us out here, just as a professional courtesy?”

Harrison, to his credit, wasn’t completely heartless. “It’s out of my hands. The contract is already signed; if we continue working with you, we’ll be breaching our agreement. But you could try going through Ransom Finance instead.”

Eleanor’s eyes gleamed. “Are you saying we should convince Ransom Finance to grant us authorization?”