Prospectus Technology's folder was damaged, its seal clearly tampered with.

According to the rules, any bidding documents that were not properly sealed would be automatically voided.

Gasps rippled through the room.

"How did this happen? Did Prospectus Technology really submit an unsealed bid? That's a rookie mistake for a company like them. Surely their team knows better."

"Or maybe they were trying to cheat-peek at the lowest bids and adjust theirs. Looks like they botched it."

"Whatever the reason, it's against the rules. Prospectus Technology is definitely out of the running now."

"This is great news! With Prospectus Technology out, our chances of winning just went up."

The crowd's murmurs ranged from confusion to gloating.

Onstage, Waylon followed protocol and addressed the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, the bid submitted by Prospectus Technology has been found improperly sealed. As per the regulations, the submission is disqualified.

"If Prospectus Technology wishes to contest this decision, they may do so after the session concludes. For now, we will continue with the process." All eyes turned to Prospectus Technology's representatives. Some were confused, some smug, and others gloating. But the happiest of all was Jane.

The inability to participate in this bidding meant that months of hard work from Prospectus Technology had been for nothing.

While it wouldn't cause significant losses for the company, Jane relished the thought of it frustrating Damon.

Damon gave no visible reaction. His sharp, glacial gaze flicked to Nyla as he spoke, "Stay here. I'll handle this."

"Let me come with you," Nyla replied, her heart aching for him.

et

She knew how much effort he had poured into this bid, working late nights to ensure every detail was perfect. The documents had been intact when submitted-someone had definitely tampered with them.

The prime suspect? Jane.

Damon remained composed. "There's no need. Just wait for me."

With that, he rose and strode out.

The remaining bids were all properly sealed, and Waylon moved on to announce the details. "All bidding documents have been inspected and proven to be properly sealed.

"Next, we'll open them and continue with the bidding. After the bids are announced, there will be a second

round of bidding. The second

bids will then be assessed before the results are announced.

I

Waylon began to read the first bid. "The bid submitted by Xcel Engineering Co. proposes a total cost of 1,213,905 dollars with a project duration of 325 calendar days, adhering to all national quality standards...

"The bid submitted by the Wilkie Group proposes a total cost of 1,131,721 dollars, with a project duration of 312 calendar days..."noveldrama

As the bids were read aloud, Jane frowned. Her pricing was competitive but not the lowest. Several companies had undercut the Wilkie Group's offer.