Chapter 2

            CEO of real estate conglomerate the Hudson Group, Christopher Hudson, stood at the front of the conference room next to the huge screen as he told his president and VPs what he wanted their next project to be.

            “This is four-hundred and seventy acres, gentlemen,” Christopher said. “Where can you find that much land anymore? I’ll answer that for you. Hardly nowhere. This land in Vermont is begging to be developed.” He slowly flipped through the slides of trees, grass, and mountains as far as the eye could see.

            “Into what?” Trevor, his brother and president of Hudson, asked.

            “A resort,” Christopher answered plainly. “It will be for upper and middle class customers. We’ll build a hundred and thirty room hotel. The rest of the land we’ll use to build private villas for guests who want privacy and more luxury. Of course, they’ll be a bar, golf course, and restaurant. Being in Vermont, we can develop ski slopes and have trails for snowmobiling. This place can be the crown jewel of this company and of the state of Vermont as a whole if built and marketed properly.”

            “Where in Vermont?” Trevor asked with raised eyebrows.

            “Bethel.”

            “Never heard of it,” Trevor said flatly.

            “No one really has, but after we acquire the property and start developing it everyone will not only know about it, but they’ll be coming from miles around to stay there,” Christopher said with confidence.

            Everyone was quiet.

            “It’s a big project,” Bruce, the VP of International Real Estate and Christopher’s youngest brother commented. “It will take a lot of capital.”

            “Yes, that’s why I’ve already secured three separate investors. We’re not going into this alone. Hudson will carry fifty-two percent of the risk and ownership. The rest will be carried by the other investors,” Christopher explained.

            Bruce pursed his lips together.

            His brother’s expression told him that he didn’t like it, but it didn’t matter. He was the boss and what he said goes. He wasn’t asking anyone’s permission. This is what they were doing. The rest of the VPs remained silent. They knew better than to question Christopher when his mind was made up.

            “This will be at least a two year project,” Christopher stated as he shut down the presentation.

            His secretary stood up and cut the lights on.

            “Lockwood,” Christopher began, addressing his VP of the architectural department. “I want you and your staff to start developing sketches right away. I want to see at least three drafts of the hotel by next Monday.”

            “Yes, sir,” Lockwood said.

            Christopher looked at his VP of Finance “Finn, start getting estimates. I also need financials on our accounts for me to look over so I know what funds to move for the escrow account.”

            “Yes, sir,” Finn said.

            “Just out of curiosity,” Bruce began as he twirled a pen in his tanned fingers. “How much is the property?”

            “I’m still in negotiations with the owner,” Christopher answered. “But, I’m sure I can get it for a reasonable price. He isn’t doing anything with it, but letting wildlife live there and the foliage take over.” The truth was Christopher was still trying to find out who owned it.

            “If it wasn’t up for sale, then how did you find it?” Trevor asked with curiosity.

            “I was in Vermont two months ago when I was on vacation. I was riding around in my rental and discovered the land. I went to the hall of records in the little town, looked up the property, and asked the clerks some questions.”

            Everyone was quiet again, but Christopher saw the looks they were trying to hide. “This is in the bag, gentlemen. All of you have worked here long enough to know that I get done what I set out to do,” he said sternly.

****

            Selena sat at her desk outside of Mr. Hudson’s office typing up the minutes from the VP meeting yesterday. She didn’t know what the meeting was going to be about before had. He had worked on the presentation himself with no help. It was obvious Mr. Hudson was working with outside sources to find out who owned the Bethel property because he hadn’t asked her to do any research. If he had, he would have found out that she was the owner.

            She was thankful that the room was dark during the meeting because her mouth had dropped and she was sure her eyes were bugged out.

            Dozens of questions ran through her mind. Should she tell him? Should she stay quiet? Should she call the lawyer over the trust?

            That’s it. I’ll call Uncle Bill. He’ll know how to handle this. Bill Stabler wasn’t really her uncle. He was her godfather. But he was the lawyer over the dummy corporation slash trust that paid the upkeep and taxes on the property.

            “Selena,” Mr. Hudson bellowed as he came out of his office. “I’m taking the rest of the day off. Finish those minutes, I want them on my desk first thing in the morning.”

            “Yes, sir,” she mumbled. He had a meeting at two o’clock, but she had learned a few years ago that when he said he was leaving for the day he didn’t expect any objections. Selena would just reschedule the meetings.

            Mr. Hudson tossed a folder on her desk. “I also need you to build a spreadsheet for the Bethel project. Use the outline in the folder as a guide.”

            Before she could say yes, sir, he started walking to the door. Selena checked out his ass as he slammed out the door.

            You’re a sexy asshole.