Caleb’s Dilemma

Driven by the vibes that he got from Melanie during their date, Caleb hatches plans to ask Melanie out again as soon as Emma and Alistair leave his office but when Alistair notices how distracted Caleb is, he tells Emma to stop briefing Caleb about the preparations for the next morning’s meeting and that she should come with him to his office because he has something else that he needs her to help him with, just so that he won’t call Caleb out in front of his assistant for being so distracted.

Caleb is delighted as Emma and Alistair step out of his office and he fishes out his phone to text his latest catch but when she doesn't reply within one hour, he double-texts her.

No reply comes forth after he waits for another 30 minutes, and that makes him groan in frustration.

"Did I misread the outcome of the date to think that she is really into me when she is not?" he wonders.

Caleb falls into his office chair with fatigue written all over his face. He had hoped that his date with Melanie would mark the beginning of something unique, so he had squeezed time out of his busy schedule for Melanie but now, frustration is boiling inside him as the hours pass by without Melanie responding to any of his texts, so he throws himself past the disappointment and starts checking out the contracts and event schedules stacked high on his desk.

Caleb's office becomes his haven as the night wears on and black coffee helps him to stay focused.

Though it's late at night, the city beyond Caleb’s window surges with life, but Caleb's universe narrows into profit margins and sheets.

Driven by a mix of disappointment and frustration, Caleb's eyes blaze from lack of sleep but he continues, convincing himself in the silence of his office that he is better off without Melanie's games, but his will begins to wane as the darkness outside gives way to morning.

“Did she by any chance block me?” he asks himself.

On thinking about everything critically, it occurs to him that if he was blocked, he wouldn’t have access to Melanie’s profile nor would his messages be delivered.

"Would she ever respond?" The uncertainty chews at him, not letting go.

“Am I reading the relationship off target or was I to her only a random man that didn't make any impression whatsoever?" different questions blaze through his mind.

Trying to ignore the letdown, he tells himself it's just a message and she might be tired after arriving home late but the anxiety still looms.

“A few minutes to five in the morning.” Caleb plunges himself into reading financial reports and company ideas for hours, and at last, he passes out from tiredness about daybreak.

Still suited, he falls asleep on his office couch, and eventually, despite the chaos, the sleep grants him a brief haven.

*****************

“Caleb It is 9:45a.m. And Alistair claimed that the investors will show up here in ten to fifteen minutes." Emma, Caleb's assistant, shakes him gently to wake him up the following morning.

“Thank you Emma” Groggily, Caleb sits up, wiping his eyes.

He moves quickly, marching towards the walk-in closet from his office. Custom-made outfits cover the shelves, evidence of his hectic calendar.

He pairs a navy blue suit, fresh white shirt, and silver tie together, after which he walks into the en-suite bathroom at his workplace for a quick shower, gets dressed, and combs his hair.

After narrowing his morning routine to ten minutes, he goes back to his office to meet Emma, and together they make their way to the conference room.

The conference room has a polished mahogany table, 12 Leather executive chairs, modern presentation tools, and floor-to-ceiling windows providing a panoramic city view.

The conference room radiates elegance and Caleb sights Alistair standing near the floor-to-ceiling windows in the conference room, enjoying the metropolitan landscape.

"Looking sharp, Caleb." Alistair gives a nod of approval as soon as he notices Caleb's entrance into the room.

Caleb smiles, then he and Alistair move to an empty seat to wait for their investors.

Rachel Lee, the Managing Director of Luminous Capital, shows up first with great confidence in her customized pantsuit and the other investors start to show up.

The next investor that shows up is the interim Chairman of Saint Clair Ventures, Ethan Saint Clair with his charming smile and custom outfit.

After Ethan’s arrival, Maya Ramos the CEO of Ramos Investments, also walks in with her stylish glasses framing her keen eyes

Finally, Ryan Blackwood, the investment broker, graces everyone with his presence and they commence their meeting.

"Good morning, everyone," Alistair starts, and Caleb gives each investor a friendly handshake before he returns to his seat.

“Welcome to the Beat, and this meeting gives us great pleasure to present our expansion ideas to you all” Alistair continues and Emma divides the presentation materials to everybody present.

Martins Brooke, the medical director of Care Plus Medical Centre and also the acting CEO of Brookes Hospitality Group, a company that owns and runs hotels, restaurants, and bars is ushered in by Alistair’s secretary.

"Our proposal includes Expanding our current location to incorporate a luxury lounge and fine dining restaurant, Partnering with renowned chefs and mixologists to create unique experiences, Development of an exclusive events space for high-end clients, and Integrating cutting-edge technology for seamless operations." he continues

"Based on our studies, the market for elegant entertainment venues shows a notable void so we will seize this chance with your investment so that we can guarantee significant profits,”

Alistair continues, leading them well into his presentation.

H emphasizes the market analysis and financial forecasts of their latest ideas before stopping to give room for the investor’s contribution.

"Very outstanding presentation but how are you going to lessen competition?" Rachel Lee (Luminous Capital) gives a slow nod.

"We have guaranteed a consistent client flow, utilizing exclusive alliances with prestigious brands and powerful event planners," Alistair answers.

"What's the likely return on investment?" Ethan Saint Clair, of Saint Clair Ventures, probes

"We expect a 20% annual return on investment, and as the company grows there is a possibility for better yields," Caleb answers.

"What is the schedule for application?" Maya Ramos of Ramos Investments asks.

"We want the completion to be in 12 to 18 months, with soft openings and grand launches spaced for the best impact." Alistair goes ahead to share in detail the launch plan.

"Your idea of event space intrigues me but how are you going to serve upscale customers?" Martin says, having been silently observing.

"We will provide customized services, tailored event planning, and access to our luxury lounge and restaurant." Caleb answers by leaning forward.

Impressed by the careful presentation and confident answers, the investors cast deliberate looks at one another.

"My company will go over your idea and do an appropriate investigation, so you can anticipate our final decision in two weeks." Rachel Lee renders her ruling and the other investors second the choice.

Alistair and Caleb look hopefully at one another because the future of the club is teetered on a knife edge.