Chapter Fourteen
Zade
The hotel owners of The Opal look at me, and I feel a surge of confidence.
Even though I’ve publicly stated I’m stepping back from the resort project, I know actions speak louder than words.
To truly win over Cody's residents, I need to prove that I’m here to invest in their future, not just pad my bank account.
My first move? This hotel. I’m going to buy it, upgrade it, and transform it into the five-star destination this town deserves.
It’s more than just a business decision—it’s a statement.
Mr. Thompson, the owner, finally speaks up, carefully picking out each word like he's scared of wasting one.
“We’ve heard a lot about your plans, Mr. Patterson,” he begins, his eyes narrowing as he looks at me. “But talk is cheap. What exactly are you proposing here? And more importantly, what guarantees do we have that you won’t back out like you did with the resort? ”
Beside him, Mrs. Thompson nods slightly, her sharp gaze fixed on me. “We’re not interested in empty promises, Mr. Patterson,” she says, her tone firm. “This hotel has been in our family for generations. It’s our legacy, built from the ground up.”
I nod, leaning forward slightly, showing that I’m not just here to throw money around.
“I understand and respect that,” I reply, keeping my tone sincere, each word chosen to convey both respect and confidence.
“That’s exactly why I’m offering significantly more than its current market value.
I see the potential here, and I want to honor your legacy by elevating it to new heights. ”
Mrs. Thompson narrows her eyes, leaning forward as if to challenge me. “And how exactly do you plan to do that? We’ve heard promises before.”
I smile. Not too wide, just enough to show that I’m not intimidated.
I lean back, my hand resting casually on the arm of the chair.
“My plan is simple but ambitious. I’ll start with a complete renovation—modernize the facilities while preserving the charm that makes this place special.
We’ll bring in top-tier staff—professionals who understand luxury and service.
Then, we’ll market the hotel as a premier destination, not just for tourists but for high-profile events, retreats, and more.
This isn’t just about a hotel; it’s about revitalizing Cody as a whole.
We’ll attract tourists, boost the local economy, and create jobs. ”
Mrs. Thompson's stern expression softens just a bit. “And what about our staff? They’ve been with us since the beginning. We won’t let them be cast aside.”
I nod, understanding the gravity of her words. “Absolutely. The staff are a crucial part of this hotel's charm. They’ll be treated with the utmost respect and given opportunities to grow as we expand. I intend to invest in them, just as I’m investing in this hotel. Training, benefits, the works.”
Mr. Thompson leans back in his chair, considering my words. “And if things don’t go as planned?”
I smile, confident in my response. “They will. But I’m willing to include penalty clauses in our contract if that’s what it takes to give you peace of mind. I’m here to build, not to destroy.”
The room falls silent as they weigh my words. I can see the wheels turning in their minds, the doubt slowly giving way to consideration. Without a word, I take out a piece of paper, scribble down a number, and slide it across the table to Mr. Thompson.
He glances at the number, his eyes widening slightly, before passing it to Mrs. Thompson. She reads it, her sharp gaze softening just a fraction as she meets her husband’s eyes. They exchange a look, one that tells me they’re both on the same page.
Mr. Thompson clears his throat, more sure of himself now. "That's quite an offer, Mr. Patterson."
Mrs. Thompson nods in approval. “We can’t argue with that. You’ve got yourself a deal.”
I nod, signaling to my lawyer, who’s been quietly obs erving from the corner. “We’ll get the paperwork ready by tomorrow. Let’s make this official.”
Mr. and Mrs. Thompson both nod in agreement, the earlier tension in the room dissipating as we finalize the terms. As we shake hands, I know this is just the beginning of what I’ve set out to accomplish.
As I step out of the conference room, a sense of satisfaction settles in.
My gaze sweeps across the lobby, and that’s when I see her.
My breath catches, and my heart skips a beat.
It’s her—Juniper. She stands near the entrance, holding a folder.
Her posture straight and confident, her expression focused.
She hasn’t noticed me yet, completely unaware of the chaos she’s stirring in my head just by being here.
For a moment, I’m frozen, caught between the lingering buzz of the deal I just closed and the unexpected sight of her. She looks stunning, effortlessly pulling my attention away from everything else, grounding me in a way I didn’t expect.
As I watch her, it’s like time slows down, and the rest of the world fades into the background. I can’t help but admire how she carries herself—strong, poised, and entirely captivating.
I’m pulled back to the present as she starts to move and heads toward the exit. Without thinking, I stride toward the lobby desk.
“Why was she here?” I ask the receptionist, faking steadiness in every syllable, though there’s something in it I can’t quite hide—maybe it ’s intrigue, maybe it’s something more.
The receptionist looks up, slightly startled by my abruptness. She follows my gaze to where Juniper was just standing, flipping through her folder from moments ago. “She was here to drop off her CV for a pastry chef position,” she replies cautiously.
A slow smirk spreads across my face. This is perfect. Fate has a way of working in mysterious ways, but this? This feels like a sign, and I’m not about to let the opportunity slip through my fingers.