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Later on, the cozy relationship between Bechtel and President Bush would be exposed to the public by the American media.

As a result, the Bush administration would be put through considerable trouble.

But the even bigger problem was Halliburton.

The former chairman of its subsidiary, KBR, was now the Vice President—Dick Cheney.

Because of that, whenever people talked about which company benefited the most after the Iraq War broke out, Halliburton was always mentioned first.

Was it really just a coincidence that Halliburton, whose chairman had been Dick Cheney—widely regarded as the head of the neoconservatives—grew explosively after the Iraq War?

Of course, this issue would not escalate into a major incident that forced President Bush to step down, but what I disliked most was the very fact that we might be mentioned in this scandal at all.

“There is absolutely no problem at all...... Are you certain you can guarantee that? I am convinced that problems will inevitably arise. Even now, through the media, word is already leaking out about this no-bid contract. Over the past nearly two years, even a no-bid contract worth only six hundred eighty million dollars caused controversy. And that amount isn’t even a large contract when you consider Bechtel’s annual revenue. Yet you’re saying there will be no problem at all? That makes no sense whatsoever.”

At my sharp reaction, the previously cordial atmosphere froze solid.

After a brief silence, Riley Bechtel opened his mouth.

“That could be interpreted as you saying you intend to pull out because it might become controversial. Frankly, it would be better for us if you did withdraw. To us, it’s as if an uninvited guest suddenly barged into a table we had already prepared.”

A hollow laugh escaped me.

Well, would you look at that? If you don’t like it, you’re openly telling us to leave.

I hadn’t expected him to say something like that in an official setting. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com

I stared straight at Riley Bechtel and pulled one corner of my mouth upward.

“I didn’t expect you to say that so bluntly. If you don’t like it, leave...... Chairman Bechtel, can you take responsibility for what you just said?”

“I honestly don’t understand what your dissatisfaction is. We met with you under delegation from the White House to discuss the Iraq reconstruction project.”

Riley Bechtel glanced around and shrugged his shoulders.

“Charlie. No matter what you say, the fact that we are leading the Iraq reconstruction project will not change. It’s not as if Bechtel is doing this reconstruction solely because of some shady backdoor connection with the White House. Bechtel is one of the world’s foremost comprehensive construction companies. We pride ourselves on the belief that no construction firm surpasses us. And Halliburton here, while ranked somewhat lower overall, is the best in the industry when it comes to oil extraction technology.”

I agreed that the capabilities of these two companies were outstanding. No—given the current situation, it would be difficult to find companies more capable than these two.

When I remained silent, Riley Bechtel continued.

“I truly don’t understand why you’re reacting so negatively. It’s not as though the participating companies lack ability. We’re simply opting for a no-bid contract for convenience. And it’s not like we’re trying to eat everything ourselves—today, we’re just here to organize things. Why on earth would that become controversial? As for the media...... I have no intention of worrying about how those bastards waste their ink.”

Riley Bechtel’s words, which sounded almost childish at first glance, were steeped in deep distrust toward the press.

Well, considering that Bechtel had been operating as a corporation for over a hundred years, it must have clashed with the media more times than one could count. That kind of reaction was understandable.

“I’m concerned that this scandal might spill over onto me. I do not want that.”

“Hahaha!”

Riley Bechtel suddenly burst out laughing.

When I narrowed my eyes, he °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° dipped his head slightly and offered a perfunctory apology.

“Ah, my apologies. It seems you’re overestimating yourself a bit. On Wall Street, the name Dream High carries weight, but in the industrial sector, your name isn’t particularly well known. At best, you’re just people who play money games, aren’t you? We’ve dealt with Wall Street types countless times throughout our business history. So there’s no need for you to worry. Bechtel and Halliburton will take all the heat.”

Bechtel differed from other American companies in that the chairman’s position was inherited.

Riley Bechtel himself, the current chairman, was also a direct descendant of the founder.

Thanks to that, Bechtel operated as a private, unlisted company rather than going public on the stock market.

That background undoubtedly played a major role in allowing them to ignore public opinion so thoroughly.

But no matter how little they cared, that remark was not something I could simply let slide.

It was a thinly veiled attempt to look down on us.

Perhaps because of that, Han Kyungyeong, who had been listening quietly until now, raised his voice.

“Chairman Bechtel. You seem to be taking Dream High far too lightly. Money games? Would you like to experience just how terrifying those money games can be?”

I didn’t stop Han Kyungyeong. When the normally genial Han Kyungyeong spoke in an icy tone, I could see Bechtel’s expression stiffen.

“If we feel like it, we can pour enormous amounts of capital into your competitors. We can also scatter obscene sums of money to lobby, just like Bechtel does. How about you get a taste of what you dismiss as the tricks of money-grubbing traders?”

Even in the face of Han Kyungyeong’s sharp response, Bechtel was unable to say anything.

That was because Han Kyungyeong had struck directly at the fact that Bechtel’s success in securing contracts worldwide owed much to lobbying and bribery.

At the same time, it was a threat: we could just as easily pour massive funds into Bechtel’s competitors and do exactly the same thing.

The gazes of Riley Bechtel and Han Kyungyeong collided fiercely in midair.

“Now, now. Everyone seems a bit too worked up. There’s no reason for us to criticize each other like this, is there?”

As the atmosphere overheated, George Shultz stepped in.

“Chairman Riley. You went too far as well. Unlike us, Dream High has its own position to consider, doesn’t it?”

At George Shultz’s words, Riley Bechtel nodded and stepped back.

“Understood. I went too far.”

“And Charlie and James, you two should also stop here. No matter what you say, the fact that Bechtel will take the lead won’t change. So instead of pointless tests of pride, why don’t we have a constructive discussion?”

Since George Shultz had intervened, there was no need to escalate further. I gave a small nod and lightly grasped Han Kyungyeong’s arm.

Han Kyungyeong looked at me, let out a deep sigh, and nodded.

Only then did I open my mouth again.

“As long as you make sure no sparks fly in our direction, I don’t care what Bechtel does.”

“I promise you that. There will not be a single word about Dream High in the American media.”

Those were the words I wanted to hear. Satisfied by George Shultz’s firm assurance, I nodded.

At that moment, Henry Kissinger joined the conversation.

“Shultz. Don’t be fooled by that young man’s innocent face. Inside him sits a serpent that’s been coiled for a hundred years. Ah—perhaps that’s a bit too harsh. Let me correct myself. It feels as though there’s a politician inside him who’s even more seasoned and crafty than I am. He never enters a deal where he takes a loss. If you can’t keep a promise, don’t make it lightly.”

George Shultz chuckled and responded.

“Kissinger. It seems you’ve taken quite a liking to this young businessman. It’s rare for you to rate someone so highly.”

“He’s the one who led this inter-Korean summit and the six-party talks. He’s the one who drew change out of North Korea.”

At that, George Shultz looked at me with renewed interest.

Having served as Secretary of State for seven years under the Reagan administration, he clearly understood how difficult it was to draw any change out of North Korea.

Of course, he must have heard a rough outline before...... but hearing it directly from Kissinger was another matter entirely.

I shrugged, indicating that Kissinger was exaggerating.

“Dr. Kissinger is overstating things. I merely did what I could as a businessman. The rest was the politicians’ domain.”

At my answer, Henry Kissinger smiled and said to George Shultz,

“Always playing it down. See? He’s always like this. If you let your guard down, he might even squeeze out your pocket money. So don’t make promises you can’t keep. If you fail to honor them, he might chase you all the way to the ends of hell.”

At Henry Kissinger’s warning, George Shultz’s expression finally turned serious.

Judging by his face, it seemed he had thrown out a casual promise earlier just to defuse the situation.

“Hmmm......”

George Shultz let out a low hum and stroked his chin.

I pressed him further, making sure he couldn’t back out easily.

“Do not even think about using us as cannon fodder and slipping away. If that happens, it will be a real war. I am also a major shareholder in large media companies. That means I have more than enough influence.”

Among all media figures, Rupert Murdoch was the one who handled gossip better than anyone.

After receiving massive investment from us, he had continued even more aggressive expansion than before.

As a result, his media empire became more entrenched than ever.

He couldn’t block all media outright, but he certainly had enough influence to change the overall flow.

If Bechtel intended to sacrifice us as scapegoats, then we would have no choice but to respond in kind.

Suddenly, it occurred to me that perhaps the U.S. administration had accepted the equity stake I proposed so readily precisely because they were planning to use us as a scapegoat to escape blame.

That assumption fit neatly with Riley Bechtel’s reaction earlier and George Shultz’s reaction now.

“A major shareholder in a large media company?”

After wearing a grave expression for some time, George Shultz asked in disbelief.

You took the bait. I let out a cold smile and answered honestly, without hiding anything.

“I am a major shareholder of News Corporation, Rupert Murdoch’s media group.”

A small gasp escaped someone’s lips.

Everyone present surely knew Rupert Murdoch’s notorious reputation.

“News Corporation...... To think you’re a major shareholder there.”

“I believe you understand why I’m telling you this. As long as promises are kept, we will not strike first. But do not forget that I also possess the power to move the American media.”

George Shultz relaxed his stiffened expression and spoke.

“Haha, Charlie. I truly can’t tell what you’re thinking. Why would we ever have a reason to expose Dream High to the media?”

“I don’t think you would. Still, I’ll issue a warning in advance. Under no circumstances should we ever be brought into the spotlight.”

“We won’t.”

George Shultz promised once more. I nodded and met his gaze.

Aside from Henry Kissinger, his voice carried the most weight in this room.

This wasn’t just anyone—it was George Shultz making a public commitment. With this much pressure applied, it should be enough.

“Then I’ll trust you.”

“Good. Now let’s properly discuss which businesses each of us will take. Chairman Riley.”

At George Shultz’s prompt, Chairman Riley Bechtel spoke.

“What business rights does Dream High want?”

“If we asked for the mining rights to Iraqi oil fields, would you give them to us?”

The one who reacted to my words wasn’t Riley Bechtel, but Tim Bert, the chairman of KBR.

“Charlie, let’s talk about what’s possible. The Iraqi oil fields belong to Halliburton.”

I turned my head toward Tim Bert.

“And why do they belong to Halliburton? Who exactly owns the Iraqi oil fields? No—rather, their owner is the Iraqi government, Chairman Tim Bert.”

“Surely we’re not playing word games here. Naturally, the party best capable of handling the oil business should take charge of it.”

“Then all the more reason I should take it. I also own Russian oil companies. And their technology surpasses Halliburton’s.”

“Listen here.”

In truth, I had no interest in Iraqi oil fields. They were nothing more than a poisoned chalice.

But to obtain what I truly wanted, a bit of misdirection was necessary.

“There’s no way the White House would approve a Russian oil company controlling Iraq’s oil facilities.”

“Now your words are changing. Earlier, Chairman Bechtel said that what matters is how the people here negotiate and divide things up among themselves. So why is the White House suddenly entering the picture? Am I wrong, Chairman Bechtel?”

I redirected the arrow toward Riley Bechtel. Wearing an awkward expression, he answered.

“......You’re not wrong. It’s true that what one gets depends on how negotiations proceed here. The White House merely signs off on whatever is decided.”

“Chairman Riley!”

At that, Chairman Tim Bert shouted. He seemed angry that Riley Bechtel wasn’t taking his side.

At the same time, their reactions confirmed something for me: there was indeed internal friction between the two companies.