The decision has already been made but you still feel like you are in the running. This comes as a surprise to you. It seemed like everything was going smoothly and then all of a sudden someone makes an unexpected move. Generally, this is not all bad. Sometimes things really do happen for the better. You try very hard to direct your destiny but sometimes there are interferences. Interferences are difficult to predict but they often create delays and changes in venue.
Don’t bring peanuts. When you make an offer, it needs to have a little meat on the bones. Not “here’s nothing, keep it well.” That may be taken on by amateurs but a consummate pro will not let it go unnoticed. Speak up and reject any plan that is not in your best interest. You gain respect when you call out unfair practices.