Chapter 91
Don was momentarily taken aback before nodding in agreement, “Yeah, right. Just inked the deal a few days. ago. They’re aiming to whip up a brand series similar to the old ‘Starlight Hotel, focusing on traditional–style resort villages. But the bigwigs at HQ shot down the proposal, so they’re looking to get the ball rolling under the name of a separate subsidiary, and they’ve dumped the task on my plate.”
Then, looking puzzled at Brandon, “Didn’t they give you a heads–up? From what your dad said, it seemed like you were on board with this project.”
“I was out of the loop on this one,” Brandon replied, “The traditional–themed park is part of the company’s big plans for the year, but it’s still being vetted. Patricia’s been itching to climb the corporate ladder, desperate for à win that’ll get her nods from the board and the shareholders. I guess my
us trying to tee this up as a feather in her cap, so he went behind my back and shuffled the project off to a subsidiary”
Don was surprised, “I thought your mom was all about living the high–society life – tea time, beauty treatments, shopping sprees, and just soaking up the rich wife vibes. What’s got her suddenly acting all career-driven?”
Then, looking back at Brandon, “What did you do to light a fire under her?”
With a glance, Brandon retorted, “What could I have possibly done to her?”
Don had no idea, nor could he guess. Although Brandon wasn’t Patricia’s biological son, and their relationship hadn’t been the warmest over the years, they had appeared to maintain a harmonious mother–son facade. Don had assumed Patricia was solely focused on cementing her socialite status, never imagining she’d reach into the company affairs.
“So, what’s your game plan now?” Don asked, “Gonna put a pin in the project? The lead designer for this one is a real gem – crazy talented with a distinct personal style. Could be just the ticket to skyrocket Patricia’s brand
to fame.”
Brandon fixed his gaze on him, “What’s the designer’s back story? Any successful projects?”
Don replied, “She’s pretty fresh out of grad school, just got her degree this year, but from a top–notch university -the School of Architecture next door.
Brandon’s brow furrowed slightly next door meant Apex Engineering University.
“That’s the one you’re thinking of, Don said. ‘She’s a newbie, sure, but she racked up some solid project experience working with her professors during her student days.
Brandon inquired, “Like what?”
After Don listed a few examples, Brandon gave him a look, “None of these projects have anything to do with traditional themes, and the person’s been studying here, leaning more towards exotic design styles.”
He paused, turning to Don, “Is your company running out of people or what? I’m not dismissing the idea of a wunderkind right out of college,” Brandon said slowly, “but her project experience doesn’t really align with what we’re looking for. Plus, if she only had a brief stint on preliminary drafts under a professor, a decent one would give credit to the whole team, which doesn’t really say much.”
Don found himself at a loss for words.
Brandon’s concerns weren’t unfounded. If it were anyone else, he might not have been convinced, but having seen Sophia’s work himself, Don didn’t believe he was mistaken about her potential.
I think you should wait and see her design proposal. I’m confident it won’t disappoint.” Don said with a sure tone.
Brandon gave him a look, “If the proposal doesn’t cut it, I’ll axe it right away. This project might have been handed to you by my dad and Patricia, but I’m not about to let them run amoky Brandon added. “We’re talking
bout the Starlight Group’s brand reputation here.”
Chapter 91
“I get it, you’re the one who calls the shots,” Don caught on in a flash, “Chill, man. Our relationship of over twenty years ain’t just for show. Even if I’m out to make a buck, I wouldn’t do it by stabbing you in the back, right?”
“Thanks,” Brandon’s gratitude was still calm and to the point.
Don chuckled, “Don’t be so formal with me.”
“But there’s something I might need to bug you about,” Don said, a bit sheepishly despite his earlier nonchalance.
It wasn’t a big deal, really. He was planning on shifting the focus of his architectural firm back home. He’d spent years overseas, but his roots were still in his motherland, and he’d always had the idea of developing his business there. His firm was still in its early stages in recent years and not quite stable, so he wanted to solidify the market here first before slowly transitioning the core business back home.
However, starting from scratch with Dempsey Architects in Zenitha wasn’t appealing to Don. He didn’t want to spend too much energy on the initial phase, so he was considering riding the coattails of “the Starlight Group” by establishing a joint subsidiary with them through Dempsey Architects,
Dempsey Architects would leverage the Starlight Group’s brand impact to grow, while the Starlight Group would enjoy a slice of the profits. But when it came to control, considering the complex inner workings of the Starlight Group, Don hoped the joint venture would remain financially independent, with Brandon joining as an individual and having equal control with him.
Listening to Don stumble through his explanation, Brandon laughed softly, “I thought it was something. serious.”
“I agree,” he said succinctly.
Those two words had Don grinning from ear to ear, his mood instantly lifted as he glanced at the time in the top–right corner of his computer screen and casually shut it down.
“Let’s go grab a bite. We’ve missed the dinnertime.”
–
As he spoke, he was already grabbing his suit jacket from the coat rack, not forgetting to turn back and tell Brandon, “There’s this traditional restaurant at the nearby mall that’s top–notch authentic West district flavors. A lot of our Zenitha staff are regulars there. I’ll take you to check it out.”
འཚང་བར།
Brandon just nodded, not bothering to remind him that as someone who’d just come from the West district, he wasn’t exactly craving West district cuisine.
On their way out, they had to pass through the office area.
Brandon cast a customary glance at the workspace.
The office area wasn’t huge, but the lights were still on, with a few people scattered around, burning the midnight oil.
Don couldn’t help but glance over at the office area, where Sylvia was at the printer, churning out documents. When she caught sight of Don looking like he was about to split, she quickly called out, “Don, you heading out? Sophia was just saying she wanted to run some creative ideas by you.”
Don took another peek at the office space. “Where’s she at?”
“She just took a call, seemed like she stepped out for a sec, but she said she’d be right back.”
As Sylvia spoke, she fished out her cell phone. “Let me give her a buzz and check.
Don nodded. Yeah, see what’s up
Brandon looked at Don: “I hang in the car for you.”
Don Rashed an OKC sign. Just give me a few
nodded and took off
Chapter 91.
Sylvia had just finished the call and looked up at Don. “Sophia’s already downstairs, she said she’s on her way
- up.
Don nodded. “Cool”
The moment Sylvia hung up, Sophia hustled back to the company.
Don’s company had snagged some space in an office tower, way up on the thirtieth–something floor. It was quitting time, so the joint was buzzing with folks.
Sophia had barely reached the lobby when the elevator dinged open and a swarm of people poured out.
She instinctively scanned the crowd and when Brandon’s tall, straight figure caught her eye, her steps suddenly froze.
There stood Brandon, his handsome face the epitome of calm, not looking outward but keeping his gaze low, moving with the crowd. As his eyes shifted her way, Sophia’s body reacted before her brain, spinning around to hide behind the wall to her left..
Just as Brandon looked up, his normally stoic eyes flashed, and he muscled through the crowd, in hot pursuit.
Chapter 92
