Only a million dollars!
The "slim" difference nearly made Evans Crooks beat his chest in frustration.
He stared at Hasfah's bushy beard, hoping the "scoundrel" would announce a higher bid that could somehow rescue him from being defeated by such a narrow margin.
But no such announcement came.
As the final bids were read, Evans slumped into his chair. This trip to the UAE had cost Texas Oil a fortune but delivered none of the expected results. He could already foresee the storm of criticism waiting for him back in Texas.
Texas Oil had learned about the oilfield auction early, thanks to their political connections. They had the most preparation time and invested the most resources, yet they were beaten by Martin's hastily assembled team.
The weight of impending boardroom backlash pressed down on Evans.
Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Oil's representative, Sugimori Makoto, leaned back in his chair, trying to avoid looking at the dashing young man who had just secured the oilfield.
His feelings of envy were hard to hide.
A week earlier, Sugimori had proposed raising their bid above $1 billion. But his suggestion was rejected by the company's conservative leadership.
"Fools," he thought bitterly. "What good is hoarding cash in banks? Are we just waiting for another wave of devaluation? It would have been better to invest globally and secure valuable resources."
Ever since Japan's economy had been shaken by U.S.-engineered currency manipulation, its corporate leaders had grown overly cautious. The once-bold "buy, buy, buy" strategy had given way to hesitation, frustrating veterans like Sugimori who had experienced Japan's "golden age."
With a sigh, he resigned himself to the loss. "What's the point? If those at the top won't fight, why should I? Might as well spend my time enjoying life..."
From this point on, Sugimori's ambition waned. He played it safe, strictly following orders, which ironically earned him promotions. However, his personal life descended into hedonism.
(P.S.: Sugimori later became CEO of Mitsubishi Oil but was forced to resign in 2022 amid a sexual harassment scandal.)
Hasfah scanned the crowd with a smug smile, relishing the varied expressions of frustration and defeat.
When his gaze landed on the youngest participant in the room—Martin—his smile faded slightly.
Martin was the only one who hadn't bribed him, yet he had won. It didn't make sense.
"Who's backing him?" Hasfah wondered. It was obvious Martin had prior knowledge of the oilfield's location—evident from the tailored provisions in his bid.
Shaking off his thoughts, Hasfah began the final announcement:
"I hereby declare that, in this fair, just, and open auction, the successful bidder for the UAE Sertan Shallow-Sea Oilfield is... Campbell Oil Company from the United States!"
At the mention of "fair, just, and open," many in the audience smirked sarcastically.
Hearing the result, Martin and David Scott jumped to their feet. David enthusiastically patted Martin on the back.
Securing the Sertan Oilfield had revived Campbell Oil, ensuring its survival and stabilizing David's position as CEO.
Applause followed—halfhearted but obligatory.
Despite their loss, the other bidders politely congratulated Martin and his team.
"Mr. Martin, congratulations!"
Hasfah descended the stage to shake Martin's hand before inviting him up to pose for photos with the media.
Martin's global fame, combined with his successful foray into the energy sector, made him a magnet for reporters.
Journalists from major outlets like AP, Ching Chong, AFP, Reuters, and Kyodo crowded around the stage, cameras flashing furiously.
These high-profile reporters were the only ones allowed inside the auction hall. Others, from outlets like The Times, The New York Times, and The Japan News, were left waiting outside.
As the cameras clicked away, reporters bombarded Martin with questions:
"Mr. Martin, what inspired you to make such a bold leap from entertainment into the energy sector?"
"It started with a conversation I had with my good friend, President Bush. He told me about the Sertan Oilfield auction and insisted I participate. He was very supportive, and I couldn't let him down—so here I am!"
This casual mention of Bush left the reporters in an uproar.
Had the U.S. government been backing Martin all along?
Reporter 2 (from AFP):
"Mr. Martin, Campbell Oil won by just $1 million. Did you have access to any insider information?"
Martin recognized the French accent and wasn't surprised—it was typical of the French to question everything.
With a friendly nod, he replied:
"Campbell Oil participated in this auction under principles of fairness. There was absolutely no insider information involved. Mr. Reporter, you may question me, but you shouldn't doubt the integrity of the UAE's organizers!"
"Exactly! This auction was conducted with the utmost fairness and transparency!"
Reporter 3 (from Ching chong):
"Mr. Martin, how soon does Campbell Oil plan to start drilling? Will the oil be available to countries outside the U.S., such as Ching chong?"
Martin smiled at the ChingChong journalist. He was well aware of Ching Chong's growing dependence on imported oil, which paralleled its industrial boom.
"Campbell Oil is an international energy company," Martin replied smoothly. "As long as the price is right, we'd be happy to supply oil to countries outside the U.S.—including Ching Chong."
Martin handled the press masterfully, his confidence unwavering.
Meanwhile, the UAE staff ensured reporters maintained a respectful distance, preventing them from swarming Martin.
David Scott was already on the phone with Campbell Oil's legal and accounting teams, instructing them to prepare for the signing process.
The deal was almost sealed.
Martin Myers—entertainment tycoon turned energy mogul—had just secured his place in a new arena.