Not long after, Byron left the conference room and asked Archer about his next schedule. Archer replied, "Mr. McDaniel, Mr. Bennet, who is in charge of the tropical park construction project, is waiting for you in the reception room. Your son is also there."
"Will?" Byron raised an eyebrow. His son's presence was unexpected. "Next time, tell him to wait in my office."
"Yes, sir," Archer replied.
In the reception room, Byron saw his son, Theo, calmly reading a book. Theo noticed Byron but remained composed. Archer attempted to take Theo away, but Byron stopped him. "Let him stay."
Haley Bennet stood and greeted Byron. "Good day, Mr. McDaniel. We've meticulously refined our proposal for two weeks. We believe it will meet your expectations."
"Mr. Bennet, no need for formality. Have a seat," Byron said, casually unbuttoning his suit. Haley sat, looking troubled as she glanced at Theo. "Mr. McDaniel, this is a serious matter. A child's presence isn't appropriate..."
"It's fine. Let's begin," Byron interrupted. Haley, reluctantly, ignored Theo and presented the proposal. "The theme of this tropical park is parent-child leisure, suitable also for the elderly. We've incorporated several accessibility features in Area 2 for the elderly." She concluded enthusiastically, "With our company's reputation, this project will be unprecedentedly successful!"
Suddenly, Theo burst out laughing, catching Byron and Haley's attention.
"What's so funny?" Byron asked Theo.
Theo, seeking to cause chaos to avoid punishment, closed his book and said childishly, "There's a problem with this project. If I invested, I'd lose everything." Haley frowned. "What nonsense?"
Byron's cold gaze silenced Haley. Theo continued, "Sir, be honest. This project is flawed. Are you trying to deceive us?" Haley's face flushed. "You—"
Byron asked, "What do you mean?"
Theo, swinging his legs, said, "What's in it for me if I tell you?" Byron smirked. "What do you want in return?"
"I haven't decided yet," Theo replied.
Byron nodded. He suspected something was amiss with the proposal. Perhaps Theo had insights he'd missed.
Haley's mouth twitched. "Mr. McDaniel, this child likely doesn't understand. Are you seriously considering his input?" He sensed Byron was deliberately creating obstacles. "Mr. Bennet, this is a parent-child amusement park. Children's opinions are relevant."
Byron looked at Theo gently. "Speak freely."
Theo cleared his throat, walked to the table, and pointed at the proposal. "I've heard of a group of scammers who used a similar proposal in 2005 to defraud a construction company of billions. The case remains unresolved. I'm not saying this proposal is identical, but several aspects are strikingly similar. The accessibility features for the elderly, for example, mirror those used by the scammers. It's cleverly disguised as a humane investment."
Byron watched Theo, impressed by his confident and frank delivery. He seemed to have two distinct personalities: sometimes quiet and reserved, other times lively and mischievous.
Haley's face reddened. "Impossible! This brat is talking nonsense!"
"Large companies have access to information not readily available online, correct?" Theo reminded, smiling.
Archer handed Byron a tablet. "Mr. McDaniel, I found the article."
Byron read it, his gaze icy as he stared at Haley. "Your company appears legitimate."
Haley's lips trembled. Theo added, "Also, the park's location—wetlands—presents significant challenges for an elderly-friendly amusement park."
Haley, enraged, slammed the table, pointing at Theo. "Say one more word—" He stopped abruptly, realizing his mistake. Archer intervened, "Mr. Bennet, show Mr. McDaniel some respect. You're in McDaniel Group, not your own company." Haley's body froze. He understood why Byron was so protective of Theo. Cold sweat broke out on his forehead. "M-Mr. McDaniel, I didn't realize he was your son. I—"
Byron cut him off. "From now on, my company will no longer cooperate with yours." He turned to Archer. "Show the guest out."
Haley's lips trembled. It was over.