Chapter 85

Blake studied the shrilling phone for a while and then picked up the receiver.

“Hello, Blake Carter on the line,” he said into the mouthpiece and leaned back in his seat. His fingers tapping a soundless rhythm against his polished mahogany desk.

"Blake, it's Derek. Check your email. We won!" His voice crackled with excitement, his joy palpable even through the phone. The hotel deal had finally come through.

“We are the highest bidder! The hotel is going to be ours, Blake! We actually did it!"

“Yes, we did it.” A wave of excitement surged throughout his body. “I told you we would. So what's next now?”

“You just check our email box. Everything is there.”

“Okay, listen,” he sat upright in his seat. “I will do just that, and call you later at night so we can talk better.”

“Great!” Derek replied, his voice brimming with satisfaction. That's fine. I will expect your call.”

Blake returned the receiver and closed his eyes, savoring the moment.

He closed his eyes, savoring the moment. The y