From Deal to I Do

Chapter 1 

Roman

The city skyline looms over me as I step out of the boardroom. The towering glass and steel structures reflect the late afternoon sun, casting a sharp, almost blinding light across the urban landscape. I stride purposefully across the lobby, the clatter of my polished black shoes against the marble floors echoing through the vast, cavernous space.

My phone buzzes incessantly, a steady stream of notifications reminding me of the deals waiting to be sealed, the land to be bought, the buildings to be erected. Each vibration is a reminder of my empire’s constant hunger for expansion. I pull the sleek device from my pocket, glancing briefly at the screen filled with urgent messages and meeting reminders. Without missing a beat, I swipe to answer the call, my voice sharp and authoritative.

“Roman Huntington,” I say, my tone cutting through the ambient noise with precision.

“Mr. Huntington, we have a situation with the West End project. The contractors are requesting an extension.”

“No extensions,” I cut in, my tone brooking no argument. “We’re on a tight schedule. Remind them of the penalties for delays. I want this resolved by the end of the day.”

“Yes, sir,” comes the hurried response before I hang up, barely waiting for a confirmation. My mind is already on the next task, the next acquisition, the next challenge.

As the CEO of Huntington Enterprises, I find myself constantly immersed in the dynamic world of media and entertainment. At 38, I stand at the helm of a conglomerate that commands respect and influence, with a portfolio spanning multiple television networks and film production companies. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities, and I relish the chance to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the industry.

In recent times, my focus has shifted towards a new endeavor. The real estate market. The decision to venture into this domain wasn't taken lightly. It required meticulous planning, strategic foresight, and a comprehensive understanding of market trends. As I sit in my office, surrounded by charts, graphs, and projections, I can't help but feel the adrenaline rush that comes with charting new territories.

Expanding into real estate isn't merely about diversifying our portfolio. It's about seizing the opportunity to redefine the boundaries of success. I see it as a natural progression, a logical step forward in our quest for innovation and growth. With the same tenacity and vision that propelled Huntington Enterprises to its current stature, I am committed to making our mark in the real estate industry.

I stride down the corridor, my presence commanding attention. Assistants and junior executives nod respectfully as I pass, their eyes reflecting a mix of awe and fear. They know I expect perfection, that I tolerate nothing less. I glance at my watch, noting the time. Every minute is accounted for, every second a step towards greater dominance.

Reaching the elevator, I press the button and wait, my eyes scanning the floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a panoramic view of the bustling city below. The elevator doors open with a soft chime, and I step inside, continuing to field calls and issue directives. Each moment is an opportunity to fortify my empire, to ensure that Huntington Enterprises remains at the pinnacle of success.

The skyline blurs into a streak of steel and glass as I navigate the city's labyrinthine streets. I pull up in front of Alex's office, a sleek, modern building that mirrors my own, and stride inside. The receptionist greets me with a nod, her eyes widening slightly as I pass. I don’t bother with pleasantries. My time is too valuable.

“Roman,” Alex calls out as I enter his office. His space is a reflection of his personality—warm tones, tasteful artwork, and a large, inviting desk. But I’m not here to admire his interior decorating skills. Alex is in one of our satellite offices. I seldom visit him because he usually comes to my office when I summon him.

“Alex,” I responded, my voice clipped. “Let’s get to it.”

Alex is my younger cousin. He is my only family since our parents passed away in a car accident. I may be cold on the outside, but I know Alex understands me well. I have my full trust in him.

We gather around a large table strewn with blueprints, market analysis reports, and aerial photographs of the city. Alex spreads out a map, highlighting a section of town dotted with older buildings.

“This area here,” Alex begins, pointing to a cluster of properties. “It’s ripe for development. Low cost, high potential. But the keystone is Serena's community center.”

I examine the map closely, noting the strategic positioning of the center. It’s the heart of this neighborhood. If we control it, the rest will fall in line. I nod, my mind already calculating the profit margins.

“We acquire that center, and the surrounding properties will follow,” I say, my tone decisive. “What’s the current status?”

Alex leans back, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “Serena, the daughter of the owner, has been resistant. She’s got a sentimental attachment to the place. But the area’s underdeveloped. It’s only a matter of time before she has to sell.”

I narrow my eyes, considering. “We need to move fast. Carrington’s interested in this area too. If he gets his hands on that center before we do...”

As I chat with Alex, he casually mentions Carrington's growing interest in the property. Alex, already deeply rooted in the real estate realm, seems unfazed, but to me, this piece of information is like finding a missing puzzle piece. Carrington, a heavyweight in residential real estate, is eyeing a move into the commercial sector. It's a revelation that sets off a flurry of calculations and strategies in my mind.

The realization hits me like a bolt of lightning. Carrington and I are essentially racing to be the first to establish dominance in this specific area of the city. It's not just about seizing an opportunity. It's about outmaneuvering a formidable rival.

With a sense of urgency, I immediately begin plotting my next move. Time is of the essence, and I can't afford to hesitate. If Carrington beats me to the punch, it could shift the balance of power in the real estate landscape, and I refuse to let that happen.

I decide to leverage this newfound knowledge to my advantage. Instead of waiting for Carrington to make the first move, I'll be the one to take the initiative. I'll make an offer on the property before my rival even has a chance to react.

Alex sighs, shaking his head. “We can’t let that happen. We need to make an offer she can’t refuse.”

I smirk, my mind racing with possibilities. “Everyone has a price.”

Alex looks skeptical but nods. “We might need a different approach with her. She’s not like our usual targets.”

I arch an eyebrow. “Sentimental types are predictable. We just need to find her leverage point.”

Alex studies me for a moment. “You know, you might need to charm her a bit. Show her the benefits. Not everyone responds to numbers and logic.”

I laugh, a sound devoid of humor. “Charm? That’s your department. I deal with reality.”

Alex chuckles. “You should try it sometime. Might surprise you.”

I ignore the jibe, focusing on the task at hand. “Set up a meeting with her. I want to understand what we’re dealing with.”

Alex nods, making a note. “I’ll arrange it. But Roman, just remember—this one’s different. We might need to think outside the box.”

I nod curtly. “Understood. But make no mistake, Alex. That center will be ours. And when it is, this whole area will transform.”

As we wrap up our discussion, I glance at the map once more. The community center stands out, a small but vital piece in a much larger puzzle. And I intend to claim it, no matter the cost.

We exchange a few more words, but my thoughts are already plotting my next move. As I walk away, I pull out my phone and start dialing.

“Tony,” I say when my broker picks up. “We need to expedite our offer on that Fifth and Elm property. Carrington’s in the game, and we need to outmaneuver him.”

Tony’s voice crackles with urgency. “Got it, Roman. I’ll push things through as fast as I can. Anything else?”

“Yeah, find out everything you can about Carrington’s investors. I want to know who I’m up against.”

I hang up, a plan forming in my mind. Carrington might be a big name in residential real estate, but commercial is my territory. If he thinks he can waltz in and take over, he’s got another thing coming.

I arrive back at my office, the sleek glass doors parting as I step inside. The familiar hum of activity surrounds me, but my focus is laser-sharp. I gather my team, laying out the details of our new strategy.

“We’re going to secure this property before Carrington can make his move,” I say, my voice firm. “I want all hands on deck. Marketing, finance, legal – everyone needs to be ready to act fast.”

My team nods, the intensity in the room palpable. We’re all on the same page – this is more than just a deal. It’s a statement.

As the day progresses, I can feel the momentum building. Calls are made, documents prepared, and strategies refined. By the time the sun sets, we’re ready to make our move.

Carrington may have the name and the investors, but I have the drive and the experience. This is my city, and I’m not letting anyone take it from me.

“Game on, Carrington,” I murmured to myself, a determined smile tugging at my lips. “Game on.”