The sleek black sedan pulled to a stop at precisely 8 AM, its tinted windows reflecting the morning sun off the impressive glass facade of the New Harbor Sterling Holdings building.
Raymond straightened his charcoal tie, stepping out onto the polished concrete to take in the thirty-story tower that would serve as his headquarters for the next eighteen months.
The building was modern and imposing—exactly the kind of statement architecture his grandfather preferred.
"Mr. Sterling!" A cheerful voice echoed in the vast marble lobby as he entered.
A man in his mid-thirties approached, his enormous smile and slightly rumpled navy suit immediately familiar despite the years that had passed.
"Nelson Martinez," the man extended a hand warmly, his grip firm and genuine.
"Your father assigned me as your executive assistant. I've been with Sterling Holdings for twelve years, and I'm genuinely excited to work with you on this project."
Raymond shook his hand, memories flooding back of Nelson from various company events—always in the background, efficiently managing details and treating everyone from janitors to board members with equal respect.
The man had a reputation for loyalty and had always been kind to him, more like a supportive uncle than just another employee.
"Good to see you again, Nelson. I have to admit, I'm relieved Father assigned someone I actually trust."
Nelson's smile widened. "He wanted someone who'd keep you grounded but wouldn't try to micromanage your vision. Ready to build an empire?"
"More than ready. Let's see what we're working with."
They took the elevator to the fifteenth floor, the walls lined with subtle Sterling Holdings branding and panoramic views of New Harbor's bustling business district.
Nelson had assembled the entire local staff in the main conference room, a sleek space with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the harbor.
Raymond was prepared for the usual lineup of middle-aged executives in conservative suits, so he was caught completely off guard when Nelson began the introductions.
"This is Diana Patel, our operations manager. She's been instrumental in securing our initial contracts here and, honestly, she's the reason we hit the ground running so quickly."
Diana stepped forward with a confident smile that immediately commanded attention. She was stunning—around thirty-three, with long dark hair pulled back in a sleek low bun that emphasized her elegant neck.
Her well-tailored navy blazer and pencil skirt were professional yet perfectly fitted, complementing her graceful figure. As she extended her hand, her handshake was firm, and her eye contact was direct and unwavering.
"Mr. Sterling, it's an honor. I've been following your family's business philosophy for years, particularly your grandfather's approach to sustainable development."
"The honor's mine, Ms. Patel. Nelson's told me impressive things about your work here." Raymond found himself genuinely intrigued by her confident demeanor and obvious intelligence.
"Diana's secured three major partnerships already," Nelson chimed in proudly. "The harbor district development council, the city planning committee, and the local business association. She has this amazing ability to connect with clients on both professional and personal levels."
"It's all about understanding what people really want," Diana said with a slight tilt of her head, her voice carrying a hint of an accent that suggested her Indian heritage.
"Not what they say they want in meetings, but what they actually need to succeed. Most people don't even know the difference themselves."
Raymond was genuinely impressed by her insight. "Smart approach. I have a feeling we're going to work very well together."
The rest of the introductions went smoothly. Jake Harrison from the finance team, an energetic twenty-eight-year-old who looked like he lived on espresso and pure determination.
Sarah Chen from legal, sharp. And Marcus Thompson, the project coordinator, who had the weathered hands of someone who actually understood construction.
"This is quite a team," Raymond observed, looking around the room. "How long have you all been working together?"
"About eight months, ever since Sterling Holdings announced the New Harbor expansion. We've been laying groundwork, building relationships, understanding the local market dynamics," Diana replied.
"And we're excited as hell to finally get started on something real," Jake added with a grin. "No offense to preliminary reports, but I'm ready to see some actual construction."
Raymond laughed, appreciating the young man's enthusiasm. "I like that attitude. Which brings me to my first official decision as project director."
The room grew quiet, expectant.
"Today is about getting to know each other, not diving into spreadsheets and construction timelines. Lunch is on me—let's head to that new steakhouse down the street. I heard their ribeye is legendary."
"Really?" Jake's eyes lit up. "The Harbor Prime? That place is supposed to be incredible, but it's usually booked weeks out."
"Consider it a welcome celebration," Raymond smiled, pulling out his phone. "I'll make a call. We'll be working our asses off starting tomorrow, so we might as well enjoy today properly."
The lunch turned out to be one of the most relaxed and genuinely enjoyable business meals Raymond had experienced in years. Instead of the usual corporate small talk, actual conversations developed. Diana proved to be sharp and surprisingly funny, cracking jokes about difficult clients while demonstrating an impressive knowledge of urban development trends and local politics.
"So the harbor district council chairman," Diana was saying over her perfectly prepared salmon, "this sixty-year-old guy who's been in politics since the Reagan administration, right? He starts our meeting by telling me that retail development is 'too complicated for someone like me to understand.'"
"Oh no," Sarah groaned. "Please tell me you politely destroyed him."
"I spent the next hour walking him through our projected economic impact, job creation numbers, and tax revenue projections. By the end, he was asking if we had any consulting positions available for his nephew."
The table erupted in laughter. Nelson raised his glass. "To Diana, for proving that preparation beats prejudice every time."
"So, Mr. Sterling," Diana asked over dessert, her expression growing more serious, "what's your real vision for this mall? Beyond the obvious goal of beating the competition?"