A sense of satisfaction swept through her. “I can complete the contracts by the end of the day, but I will need to contact the company to arrange a meeting.”

“Is a meeting necessary?” Levi asked. “Can’t everything be handled through video conference and courier?”

“Everything except for the announcement, but it would take significantly longer to do it that way,” Cassie said. “Besides, I doubt you want to deal with trying to hide the electronic signal for video chats that would last for hours.”

“True,” Levi said. “Tell me what the announcement will entail.”

“Not only will the decision need to be publicized in order for the competition to know who won the contract, but it is also an unprecedented opportunity to put my country on the world stage. Tourism is a growing industry in Sereno and very important to our citizens and our economy.”

“Can your father handle the press side of things?”

Cassie tried to envision the possibility. “You probably know my father is not warm toward the United States,” Cassie said.

“I am aware.”

“The winner of the contract is an American company. I don’t see my father being comfortable standing in front of the press and explaining why he has set aside his prejudice for profit.”

“But he’s not. You are.”

“That’s right, which is why I need to be the one to make the announcement,” Cassie said. “I am the next ruler of Sereno. Opening the doorway to an improved relationship with the United States could go a long way, not only by ensuring the oil and gas harvesting will be done at the standard I have set but also for paving the way for more American tourists to visit our country.”

“So you don’t share your father’s sentiment about Americans.”

“I didn’t say that, but I will admit that knowing Janessa a little better has proven that all Americans aren’t what my father has painted them to be.”

“What is your father’s objection to the United States?”

“From what I understand, the tensions started during my grandfather’s reign,” Cassie said, her back straightening a little as she thought of the stories her grandparents and parents had shared. “The United States wanted a military base in the Mediterranean, and Sereno offered the strategic position they desired.”

“I don’t understand why that would matter. Sereno was opposed to Meridia allowing the US Navy to build their base here in Bellamo.”

“At the time, my grandfather recognized the benefits. With only a small military of our own, the alliance would offer Sereno protection and also bring a constant flow of consumers into our towns.”

“What happened?” Levi asked.

“The agreement was made, and a date was set for the formal announcement and the official signing. In the meantime, the Americans negotiating with my grandfather gained permission to begin clearing the land.”

“Before the official agreement was signed?”

“You see where the problem started,” Cassie said. “My grandfather was told signing the papers was a mere formality, and the Americans paid for the labor and equipment to be brought in. Tourism started picking up, and everything was running smoothly.”