Meanwhile, in the British Empire. One week after the legal battle between the Axelsen & Nielsen Electric Manufacturing and Distribution Company and Russell Illuminating Company concluded and favor the side of the industrialist duo, Prince Alexander was in his office.
He propped one leg over the other and flipped through the report of the spy he had sent to watch over Poul Nielsen.
"That was it?" he asked timidly, disappointment etched on his face. "There's nothing that you can connect him to Lady Ascart?"
"Unfortunately, Your Highness, there is none," the spy, standing before his desk, replied while lowering his head. "It seems like Mr. Poul Nielsen is a law-abiding citizen and a businessman. I have also tapped into his letters and telegrams, but all of them turned out to be ordinary."
Prince Alexander sighed in frustration. He had hoped to find something that would link Poul Nielsen to Lady Ascart, the woman who had refused his marriage proposal. But it seemed like his efforts were in vain.
"How about Lady Ascart?" he asked, a hint of desperation creeping into his voice. "Did she try to contact him in any way?"
The spy shook his head. "No, Your Highness. My men who were watching over Lady Ascart said she hasn't written any letters outside the British Empire and that she is always busy in the hospital. If I may be candid, Your Highness, I think it's time we rule out Poul Nielsen as the primary reason why Lady Ascart didn't accept your marriage."
Hearing those words, Prince Alexander remembered the bitter memories of being rejected by Penelope. He clenched his fist and gritted his teeth, irked by the memories.
"That makes no sense," he said, his voice rising with frustration. "Lady Ascart and I have always been together. There's no man in this country that has approached her and asked for her hand in marriage except for me. Penelope...just why don't you want to marry me?"
The spy listened to his rumblings cautiously before speaking up. "Your Highness, should I continue investigating? Perhaps I might find something in due time."
Prince Alexander leaned back in his chair and thought for a moment. He knew he couldn't let this go. Not until he found out the truth about why Lady Ascart refused his proposal.
"Yes," he said finally, his determination showing in his voice. "Continue your investigation. I want to know everything about Poul Nielsen and Lady Ascart. And make sure to keep me informed of any developments."
The spy bowed respectfully before leaving the room, leaving Prince Alexander alone with his thoughts. He let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his neatly styled hair, still processing the information he had just received.
He couldn't believe that after all this time, he was still no closer to understanding why Lady Penelope Ascart had refused his proposal of marriage. As the heir to the British throne, Alexander had never encountered a challenge that he couldn't overcome, but this rejection had left him feeling frustrated and helpless.
He glanced down at the report once again, scanning through it for any possible leads. But there was nothing. Poul Nielsen was clean, and Lady Ascart seemed to have no connection to him whatsoever.
Alexander slumped back in his chair, his mind racing with possible scenarios. Perhaps Lady Ascart was in love with someone else? Or maybe she had other reasons for rejecting him that had nothing to do with Poul Nielsen or any other man? He can't still accept her reason for rejection where
He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. This wasn't getting him anywhere. He needed to take a different approach. Maybe it was time to confront Lady Ascart directly and ask her for an explanation.
But then again, that was easier said than done. Lady Ascart was a highly respected member of society, known for her charity work, achievements, and her dedication to the hospital. Any scandal involving her would reflect badly on the royal family, and Alexander couldn't risk that, not when he is about to ascend the throne.
He sighed once again, feeling defeated. It seemed like there was no easy way out of this mess. But he refused to give up. He was determined to find out the truth, no matter what it took.
***
Meanwhile, in New York, Poul, Jonathan, Amelia, and Caroline arrived at the headquarters of the New York Board of Transportation for an important meeting.
As they entered the conference room, they were greeted by a group of Councilors who were eagerly waiting for them.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Nielsen, Mr. Axelsen," the Councilor said, extending his hand in greeting. "I have heard about the circumstances you were facing. It's good that you won in court."
"Thank you, sir," Poul replied, shaking the Councilor's hand.
Jonathan was quick to ask, "Does that mean we can move forward with our project?"
"Absolutely," the Councilor confirmed with a smile, then turned his attention to the two ladies standing behind the men. "Good afternoon, Lady Dupont and... I'm sorry, what was your name again?"
Amelia stepped forward and placed a hand over her ample bosom as she introduced herself.
"My name is Amelia Weiss, sir. I serve as the executive secretary for Mr. Nielsen and Mr. Axelsen. It's a pleasure to meet you."
The Councilors nodded in acknowledgment before taking their seats at the large conference table, and the meeting began.
Poul Nielsen stood up and addressed the Councilors.
"Thank you for having us today, Councilors. We are excited to present our plans for the New York metro station. As you know, the population of New York City has been growing rapidly, and the current transportation system cannot keep up with the demand. Our proposed metro station will alleviate the congestion and provide a reliable and efficient mode of transportation for the people of New York."
Jonathan Axelsen nodded in agreement before chiming in, "We are also in the process of securing financing for the project. The New York Board of Transportation has pledged a significant portion of the funds, and we are currently in talks with potential private investors, including wealthy individuals and corporations. We are also planning to apply for federal grants to help cover the costs of constructing the subway tunnels and stations."
"How long will the construction take?" one of them asked.
Poul replied confidently, "We estimate that the construction will take approximately five years to complete. However, we will be working tirelessly to ensure that we finish the project before the deadline."
"Environmental impact of this construction to New York?"
Poul glanced at Jonathan, signaling him to answer the question.
Jonathan nodded and spoke.
"We understand the environmental concerns associated with such a large-scale project, and we have taken steps to minimize its impact. We have conducted extensive research and will be implementing environmentally friendly practices throughout the construction process."
The Councilors listened attentively and were impressed with the team's preparedness and dedication. They nodded in agreement, and one of them said.
"It seems like you have covered all the bases. We are excited to see this project come to fruition, and we look forward to working with you."
"We have tried our best to anticipate any potential issues that may arise. And we are committed to working closely with the Board of Transportation and other stakeholders throughout the entire process to ensure that everything runs smoothly."
"Excellent," the councilor said, smiling. "It is clear that you have put a great deal of thought and effort into this project. We are confident that with your expertise and dedication, this project will be a success."
The meeting continued for another hour, during which the team presented detailed plans and projections for the construction and operation of the metro station. The councilors asked numerous questions, all of which were answered confidently and thoroughly.
As the meeting drew to a close, the councilors congratulated the team on their hard work and dedication to the project. Poul, Jonathan, Amelia, and Caroline thanked them for their time and support before leaving the conference room.
Once outside, Poul breathed a sigh of relief. "That went better than I expected," he said. "I think we're on track to make this project a reality."
Jonathan smiled. "I agree. Now, let's go celebrate."
