The Carpenter’s Miracle Chapter 15
I nodded, a thread of confusion weaving through my Mind.
Who was this man? How did he know who I was?
He extended a hand. “Mr. Lewis, I am Richard Bergman, Project Director for Northern Power Corp in Harbor City.”
His grip was warm and dry, his handshake measured.
“Northern Power Corp?” Felix approached, his expression wary.
It was one of the largest domestic conglomerates in Northland, with business spanning the entire country. Why would they come looking for this remote, isolated town?
Richard offered a polite explanation, saying, “We heard about what happened here in Cedarville.
“We are extremely interested in your design, that Miraculous drying kiln.”
His gaze drifted toward the kiln standing nearby, eyes shimmering with appreciation. “To be frank, it is a stroke of genius.
“It uses the simplest principles and the lowest cost to solve a problem that has plagued the rural North for centuries.
“We believe this technology holds immense COMMercial value.”
He spoke directly, making no effort to disguise his intentions.
“Commercial value?” Mark frowned, his voice hard. “That is our life–saving kiln.”
“Of course, of course.” Richard raised a hand
soothingly. “I completely understand what this means
to everyone. That is exactly why we have come with such sincerity.”
Taking a fine leather folder from his assistant, he
turned back to us. “Mr. Lewis, Mr. Graves, and the residents of Cedarville. On behalf of Northern Power Corp. I am formally submitting a partnership
S proposal.”
He opened the folder. “We wish to purchase the patent for this drying kiln design outright. In exchange, we are prepared to pay 300 thousand dollars.”
A sharp intake of breath swept through the crowd.
To such an impoverished town, it was an astronomical figure.
It was enough to ensure a life of affluence for every single person.
Richard looked pleased by the reaction.
He pressed on. “Of this amount, 150 thousand will go to Mr. Lewis personally, as the designer.
“The other half will belong to the residents of Cedarville as compensation for the use of your land and resources.
“Furthermore, we plan to invest in constructing a Modern drying kiln factory right here in Cedarville.
“We will hire locals as workers, providing everyone with stable jobs and income.
“We will turn ‘Cedarville Firewood‘ into a nationally recognized brand. This town will see prosperity unlike anything in its history, all because of this kiln.”
The blueprint he painted was intoxicating.
Excitement and greed began to flicker in many eyes.
The lanky Man who had once Mocked Me was the first to shout, “We agree! Three hundred thousand! Good God!”
Voices chimed in immediately.
“Yeah, no more scrimping and saving for us.”
“Mr. Lewis, Mr. Graves, say yes to him!”
Yet, Felix and Mark remained silent, their brows
furrowed.
I, too, said nothing.
Richard looked directly at Me, smiling, “And your opinion, Mr. Lewis? You are the creator of this Miracle. You deserve the greatest reward.”
Meeting his gaze, I asked calmly. “What does it mean to buy out the design patent?”
A shrewd glint flashed behind Richard’s lenses. “It Means that from this day forward, the ownership of this technology will belong entirely to Northern Power Corp.
“How it is used, how it is modified, and where it is built–all of that will be decided solely by our company.
“Of course, we will retain for you the honorary title of ‘Chief Designer.”
I asked again, “And what happens to the kiln here in Cedarville?”
Richard answered, “That will also become company property. We will dispatch a professional team to Maintain and operate it.
“When residents need firewood in the future, you can purchase it directly from our factory. We will, of course, offer you an internal preferred price.”
His words had barely landed when Mark exploded. “Buy it?”
Mark’s voice trembled with anger. “We built this home with our own hands. And now, you expect us to pay you for our own things?”
Felix slammed his cane heavily against the ground. “Mr. Bergman, you’re being a bit too calculating. You take our technology, take our kiln, and then expect us to work for you.
“That three hundred thousand sounds like a lot, but in reality, it is merely the price you are offering to buy our souls.”
His words acted like a bucket of ice water, jolting those who had been dizzy with greed back to their senses.
He was right. What they would be selling was not just a technology. It was their independence and dignity.
For the first time, a shift in Richard’s expression revealed itself, a crack in his polished armor.
But the smile returned quickly. “Mr. Graves, I think you’re overstating things. These are the rules of Modern Commerce. A win–win scenario. Perhaps you still need some time to consider.”
He closed the folder and handed me his business card. “This is my contact information, Mr. Lewis. I will be staying at the hotel in the county seat for three days. “I’ll be waiting for your good news.”
With a graceful turn, he climbed back into his Mercedes and drove away, vanishing down the road.
He was gone, but he had left a ticking bomb in Cedarville.
That same evening, an emergency town meeting was called.
The church was drowned out by the sound of shouting.
The crowd had split into two factions.
One side pushed to accept Richard’s terms, seizing
this once–in–a–lifetime chance for wealth.
The other side stood firmly opposed, refusing to sell the town’s future.
Faces flushed red from yelling, neither side could convince the other.
In the end, every pair of eyes turned to focus on me.
“Michael, say something!”
“We’re with you, Michael. Just tell us what to do!”
Looking at the people who had fought the storm beside me, I knew my next words would decide the fate of this town.