Thomas Carson knew little about fast food, but his conversations with Anne had made one thing clear—the path his company needed to take lay in the quality of its burgers. Improving the product and expanding into different states, particularly cities where a franchise could thrive, was the way forward. A company of this caliber required significant support, but one certainty remained: people would love the food for its quality and taste.
- So, what we need to do is ensure our investment targets the right locations and places where it can truly take hold. It's not about being the cheapest option—it's about the quality of our food. Among the places we want to establish ourselves are shopping malls in certain cities, where we'll stand out because of our meals. However, it would be even better to invest in real estate from the ground up, allowing us to offer a service tailored to our vision. For example, we could also expand into universities, cultural centers, and even partner with bars that would share their space with us. - said Felicity Thompson.
- So, what are you suggesting? -
- Washington, New York, Philadelphia, and New Jersey as our next expansion targets. We could use Billy's comics to market our food, offering coupons tailored to the young audience within our reach. - Felicity replied.
- Very well. And how will we proceed? I understand Raimon has a fantastic strategy that will help us manage risk. - Thomas commented.
- Yes… But I don't fully grasp his ideas. Raimon plans to selectively pledge our locations as collateral to secure capital without depleting our resources. Then, we would transfer that mortgage to the newly acquired property after some time, while keeping an initially low tax rate for the first few months. In other cases, we could divide the properties into rentable spaces, generating revenue from leasing. - Felicity explained.
- He'll handle all those financial maneuvers? - Thomas asked, surprised by the method.
- He will. Our profits will be limited for the next three months while we prepare the locations, but that doesn't diminish the long-term value of the service we're offering. The properties we acquire will be an asset. It's similar to what Billy does in the hospitality sector—this is how Raimon has been expanding the number of available hotels. - Felicity said.
The plan was laid out, but Thomas's eyes widened as if he were staring at two giant screens. Raimon's formula was simply brilliant. He had money readily available to invest in office spaces or perhaps even a small commercial property separately.
- Raimon is the expert in these kinds of deals… but I think we could ask for his help. I don't know what he's up to—he never seems to have time, yet somehow, he's always playing board games and attending premieres. It's odd. - Felicity remarked with a shrug as she went over the numbers.
The small business circle wrapped up their meeting. They were gathered on the second floor of a burger joint, a 20-square-meter space that doubled as both an office and storage room, holding posters, equipment, uniforms, and minor administrative materials.
Thomas took a deep breath. Livy was sitting at a table with their three kids, while four-and-a-half-year-old Richard Jr. munched on French fries. Meanwhile, not-so-little Claudia was absorbed in a book by Émile Zola.
- So, are we going to your father's birthday? - Livy asked.
- Of course, we are. Fries, Little Richard? - Thomas asked, placing his son on his lap.
- Tasty. -
- Delicious fries—no doubt about that. - Thomas said, as they discussed expanding side options and different ways to prepare fries that would enhance customer satisfaction without increasing costs.
The family headed out to their large gray minivan, an unremarkable six-seater, but spacious enough for the whole family.
- So, are you going to tell him? - Livy asked, referring to Claudia's idea of taking a trip across Europe with no responsibilities.
- What can I do? Once she's finished university, she's free of all obligations—just like you. -
- Don't do too much! - She retorted with a sharp nudge.
- I didn't think you'd come to humid Florida. - Billy sighed, still groggy after waking up to resume filming at 10 a.m.
- Well, I already did my brand presentations. The commercials were easy—just a short dance for the fragrance campaigns. Prada wasted no time; they sent me a dress for Milan. They want you to come too. Now that your suit deal has stalled, Caneli put a major contract on the table, but they can't match Brioni, who wants you as part of their brand. However, my suggestion is that you negotiate with Caneli for a stake in the company—become a partner, and position it as a luxury brand. - Monica said, adjusting his tie.
- Sounds like a good idea, though I'm not sure what challenges I'd face as the brand ambassador for Canali. - Billy admitted. The role of Kevin still lingered on his skin, his mind wrapped around the idea of embodying a man with an explicitly direct persona. But Monica had a way of pulling him out of those rigid states with her gentle touches of love and ease.
- Demand more. Push for a higher level of luxury in their suits so that exclusivity becomes your signature. My love, just focus on looking as effortlessly charming as always. - The Italian whispered, kissing his jawline.
Billy nodded. When business was going well, everything seemed to move faster than necessary, almost with urgency. Every decision felt like a stepping stone toward success.
- What's on your mind? - Monica asked.
- Nothing strange. Just that I never considered branding as one of my paths—fashion, making money from it. But now it opens up a new challenge. How much can I leverage a brand? How much does fashion matter? I know very little about it. - Billy said, finishing up and leaving the dressing room with Monica.
The large production bus now had Monica aboard, looking as stunning as a nymph in a crisp white button-down shirt—unbuttoned just enough to tease—a pair of high-waisted brown slacks, and pointed heels. Her figure was temptation incarnate.
- When is Milan? -
- Three days—Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. - Monica answered.
- We'll go. A quick trip in and out. We'll wrap up most of the scenes tomorrow. I think we'll have time before I have to be in New York. - Billy said, knowing that sometimes scenes had to be reshot simply because they didn't feel quite right.
Outside, a small cart awaited to transport them through the muddy production site. Charlize was there, eating a burger, ketchup smeared on her lips, sipping a Coke through a straw.
The two women glanced at each other but didn't exchange a single word. Yet, their sidelong glances revealed an unspoken power struggle—subtle, distant, but undeniably present. Billy, however, remained oblivious to every trace of it. Now…
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