Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 79328 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79328 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 397(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Beside me, Simon discussed some of the firm’s recent acquisitions with Alexander’s son-in-law, who seemed fascinated by the scope of Simon’s work. I caught fragments of their conversation—something about sustainable growth strategies and long-term investment horizons—and felt a swell of pride at how knowledgeable and confident Simon sounded.
Unfortunately, this arrangement left Chuck free to monopolize Alexander’s attention.
At first, I felt a flicker of concern. But as I sipped my coffee and listened to the conversation drifting across the table, that worry evaporated entirely.
“I noticed you have open cubbies and shelving in the waterpark,” Chuck said, leaning forward with the air of someone about to dispense brilliant wisdom. “Have you considered eliminating those? It would force guests to pay for your locker rentals instead.”
I kept my expression neutral, but internally I winced. Those lockers cost fifteen dollars a day. Alexander had built his entire brand on creating a welcoming, family-friendly experience. Nickel-and-diming guests for basic conveniences was antithetical to everything he stood for.
Alexander’s face revealed nothing, but I noticed the slight tightening around his eyes. “It’s an interesting thought.”
Chuck, oblivious to the cool reception, plowed ahead. “And you could charge a rental fee for the inner tubes on the lazy river. Providing those for free? That’s a missed opportunity to generate additional revenue.”
“I think our guests appreciate that we don’t charge for essentials like that,” Alexander said mildly. “It’s part of what sets us apart.”
“Sure, they appreciate it,” Chuck said with a chuckle that grated on my nerves. “Everyone loves free stuff—except for us hardworking business owners who are missing out on the profits. But don’t worry, I’ve got a ton of ideas like this to increase your margins when we go into business together.”
When, not if. The presumption was staggering.
I took another bite of my pancakes, hiding my satisfaction behind the act of chewing. Chuck might have arrived this weekend with the advantage of his ready-made family, but he clearly didn’t understand Alexander at all. This resort wasn’t just a business to Alexander. It was a legacy, a labor of love built on principles that Chuck seemed eager to dismantle in the name of profit.
Simon was going to win this. I was more certain of it than ever.
“Dad! I want to check out the rock wall!” one of Chuck’s sons announced loudly, while the other insisted they go to the arcade instead. The argument escalated quickly, voices rising, until Chuck’s wife suggested they divide and conquer.
I watched irritation flash across Chuck’s face before he smoothed it away—too late. Alexander had seen it too. The barely concealed annoyance at his own children, the way he seemed relieved when his wife and other son left the table rather than disappointed to see them go.
Having a wife and kids doesn’t make you a family man, I thought. It’s how you treat them that matters.
Alexander’s daughter and her family departed shortly after, heading back to the waterpark with promises to meet up later. That left just the four of us—me, Simon, Alexander, and Brenda—in a pocket of relative quiet.
Simon leaned forward slightly, his demeanor shifting from relaxed to purposeful. “If I could be direct,” he said, addressing Alexander. “I’d like to ask if you have any sense of which direction you’re leaning regarding the partnership?”
Alexander didn’t answer immediately. He lifted his coffee cup, took a slow sip, set it down again. The pause stretched long enough that I felt tension coiling in my stomach.
“I’ll be honest with you, Simon,” he finally said. “I’m worried about making the wrong decision.” He glanced at Brenda, who gave him an encouraging nod. “I’m sure you’ve worked with plenty of ambitious, confident businessmen throughout your career. But I’ve never been like that. I built this place on trust and integrity, not cutthroat tactics. I want to go into business with people who understand that. People who value honesty as much as I do.”
“I understand completely,” Simon said, and I knew he meant it. After everything he’d told me about Chuck’s betrayal—the cheap fabric, the ruined manufacturer relationships, the collapse of their first company—I knew Simon valued honesty far more than most in his position.
A twinge of guilt pricked at my conscience. I thought about how this had all started—a desperate lie about dating my boss, spun to keep Alexander interested. At the time, it had felt necessary. Strategic. But now? Now I wasn’t sure it qualified as a lie anymore. We hadn’t discussed what sleeping together meant, hadn’t put labels on whatever was growing between us, but my feelings for Simon had evolved into something real and undeniable.
“I want you to know,” I said, drawing Alexander’s attention, “that Simon is a good man to work with. I’ve seen firsthand how much he cares about the companies he invests in. He’s not interested in stripping businesses for parts or squeezing out short-term profits at the expense of long-term success.”