"How can I compromise? I have never compromised in my life" she replied
"If you compromise you get a deal and your name will be tagged with this place and you get a significance or else you lose this deal" he advised.
"I can't compromise, don't give me advice after all you are an employee and I am a CEO. Why do I have to listen to you?" she uttered.
"As you wish Ma'am but If you think in this way that instead of purchasing this resort first invest in this resort and let the Oldman run it. If you own it or be a partner doesn't makes a lot of difference, As he will be running it, local people support will be with you. Earning profits is our main agenda so who runs doesn't matter to you. Since you are compromising, the old man has to trade-off accordingly. Try this ma'am who will get the deal" he explained.
"I didn't like your advice so better you keep your advice with you and follow me" Ashley commanded him.
In the meeting room:
"What Ashley's, this time also you came with the same deal to buy my resort may be with slight changes" he taunted her and laughed.
Ashley thought he was right that she came with the same deal with slight changes and nothing new. Then she realized that he would reject this time also as he was right. so she got an idea.
She then said "This time there is change in my deal and our project head Mr. Alex will present the proposal"
Alex was shocked as she allowed him to present. When he walked towards the table she was passing opposite him then she whispered "What if we lose the deal? Then will you resign and leave the job?" she ordered him.
Alex respectfully bowed to the old man and introduced himself to him.
Before presenting ppt Alex had handed a Xerox copy to Oldman. Ashley looked annoyed towards him.
The old man was listening to Alex's presentation and after a while he looked into Xerox as his eyes got strained if he looked into the screen.
"Sir, I have prepared our proposal with the changes needed. That "we won't buy your property" he stopped.
Every one were shocked to his statement and even Ashley was taken aback 'I trusted the wrong man'
But Oldman thought he is something different and may really came with an different idea which may work in his favor.
"We won't but your resort rather Ashley ma'am will invest in your property so that you can be head to your resort and she will be your business partner such a both parties will be win-win position" he further explained as Ma'am has compromised you should accept to her few conditions to run this business into profits, without disturbing the design of the resort, minute changes were required to pertain to modern people.
"There will be no changes regarding employees, as the same people will continue, your kitchen cuisine will be authentic with contemporary dishes, you will run your business as usual. He concluded "sir if you have any queries, Ashley Ma'am is here to clear" Alex turned towards Ashley.
"Mr. Hoon as Alex said you are free to ask anything," Ashley said.
Mr. Hoon was very impressed with the presentation "Ashley for the first time you have came with a right person, I will sign deal today itself before that we have to clear some terms so first let us have coffee then we can proceed"
Ashley was shocked as the old man was convinced so quickly "yes Mr. Hoon we will clear everything and close the deal today itself" she now understands why her grandpa asked her to take Alex for this project.
Mr. hoon said "I will join you in ten minutes" and went away.
'Even though I cracked a deal why I was feeling unhappy' she thought.
Then Alex came to her "so ma'am, I have proved myself. I have won the bet which means my job is safe, I don't have to leave your company" he announced.
"Huh don't get too ahead of yourself, this was pure luck. It will be tough in the coming days" she warned him.
Ash thought no one ever dared to speak in front of her and for the first time somebody opened his mouth and challenged her. She too felt he would lose the bet and disappear forever but her plan had been reversed. She was very furious at him but controlled her emotions as Mr. Ji Hoon entered the room with some documents.
There was a long discussion between Ashley and Ji Hoon, after an hour they concluded the discussion.
Documents had been signed and they exchanged each other's copy then Ji Hoon asked "Alex, you have handled very well. it will be honor if you stay and enjoy at our resort which will be complimentary from us, if you don't mind you can spend your weekend here"
Alex hesitated "no sir, there is no need to give me a complimentary stay, as an employee it is my duty" he looked towards Ashley.
Ji Hoon said emotionally "if you stay this old man will feel happy"
"Alex, as it is the weekend you can spend some time here, sir will be happy and we will leave tomorrow early hours, your ticket will be booked accordingly" Kate advised.
"Ok sir, I will accept your hospitality. Thank you once again" he thanked an old man.
Kate was happy as his job was safe and for the first time someone challenged Ashley and won the bet. She thought Ashley must have felt humiliated and annoyed as she knows Ashley's nature very well.
The manager thanked Alex, he too happy because the resort will be managed by Ji Hoon and there is no threat to their jobs.
Ji Hoon asked when she had her booking then she replied "we will leave tomorrow early hours"
Then Ji Hoon invited Ashley for dinner with her team members to his house which was near to this resort and she accepted his invitation.
Ji Hoon patted Alex's shoulder "great job my boy, we will see you at the dinner".
"Thanks sir, see you in the night" he reciprocated happily.
Alex was in a great mood as he won the bet and proved his worth.
'Only good days are going to follow now' He happily thought unknown of the future, which was going to affect his life in a way he would have never imagined.