Corbin knew that it was time to secure his business empire by forming a holding company. Without hesitation, he reached for his phone and dialed the number of his trusted lawyer, Philomena Stratford.
"Philomena," he said, his tone grave, "I need your help. It's time to incorporate a holding company, Tempest Holdings. I want to protect my interests and diversify my ventures under one umbrella. This can't wait."
Philomena immediately understood the gravity of the situation.
"Of course, Mr Tempest," she replied. Philomena wasted no time getting to work. Within a matter of hours, she had the paperwork drawn up, establishing Tempest Holdings as a holding company with Tempest Technologies, Tempest Biotechnology, and Tempest Jewelry as its subsidiaries.
"These new ventures will be protected under the holding company," Philomena explained to Corbin over a secure video call. "And Tempest Technologies, which will soon be your primary source of revenue, will be protected from any potential hostile takeovers or outside interference."
"Excellent," Corbin said with a nod. With the legal framework in place, Corbin could now focus on expanding his business empire with confidence. His desire for power and control, once a selfish pursuit, had now become a mission to protect the citizens of Caer Tempest and his employees and start hid dynasty
He thought back to the assassination attempt, the betrayal he had faced at the hands of those he once trusted. He knew that with power came responsibility, and he was determined to wield his power for the greater good.
"Tempest Holdings," he murmured to himself, a grim smile crossing his lips.
"It's not just a name."
Corbin dialed the number he'd been waiting to call for some time now. It was time to reconnect with an old friend and, potentially, make a new ally.
"Thobani Zikala," Corbin said with a grin as the call connected, "It's Corbin."
"Corbin!" Thobani's voice boomed with excitement. "It's been too long, my friend."
"Indeed it has," Corbin replied. "I hope you're well" "It's good to hear from you," Thobani said. "I must admit, I was surprised to get a call from you. What's on your mind, my friend?"
"Well, I have a proposition for you," Corbin began, his tone shifting to one of business. "I'm in the process of establishing a new venture, Tempest Holdings, and I'm looking to engage a construction company to handle several projects. I believe Zikala Construction would be perfect for the job." Thobani's silence was palpable over the line, and Corbin waited, allowing him time to process the proposition. Finally, Thobani spoke, his voice tinged with emotion.
"You have no idea how much this means to my family," he said. "It's been difficult for us to compete, despite our skills and experience. It would be an honor to work with you."
"I'm glad to hear it," Corbin said. "Now," Corbin continued, "I'd like to start by discussing the details of the project with you in person. I have some concepts I'd like to present to you and your family, and I believe it would be best to do this in person, don't you agree?"
"Yes," Thobani replied. "When can we meet?"
"How's next Thursday at 9 am?" Corbin suggested.
"That should work," Thobani agreed. The days until the meeting passed quickly, and Corbin found himself sitting across from Thobani in the Zikala family's office.
"Thank you for coming," Thobani said, gesturing for Corbin to take a seat. "Please, make yourself comfortable."
"I appreciate the hospitality," Corbin said, sitting down. "Now, let's get down to business."
He pulled a portfolio out of his briefcase, laying it on the desk between them. "The first project I'd like to discuss is the construction of the new headquarters for Tempest Holdings," Corbin said, flipping open the portfolio. "I envision a structure that reflects the values of our company: strength, innovation, and, of course, sustainability."
Thobani leaned forward, studying the sketches and architectural renderings Corbin had brought with him. "This is impressive," he murmured.
"Just wait until you see the rest," Corbin said, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Thobani raised his eyebrows, intrigued by Corbin's excitement. "Do tell," he said, leaning back in his chair.
Corbin smiled, opening the portfolio to another page. "This is just the beginning," he said. "I have plans for a network of eco-friendly factories across the region, each one designed with state-of-the-art technology to minimize waste and maximize efficiency."
Thobani's eyes widened. "That's ambitious," he said, impressed.
"But...for now I want three buildings, a Biotechnology lab. A cellphone manufacturing lab and a Tempest Holdings HQ will should be atleast 50 floors." Corbin said.
Thobani's jaw dropped at the sheer scale of the projects before him. "Wow," he said, running his fingers through his hair. "These are massive undertakings, Corbin. You're talking about at least a billion pounds worth of construction for the three buildings alone, and that's not even taking into account the eco-friendly technologies you mentioned."
Corbin nodded, unfazed by the price tag. "I'm well aware of the cost," he said. "But with the right partnerships, I believe it''
"Well, Corbin, I think we can make this happen," Thobani said, extending his hand across the table for a handshake.
"Excellent," Corbin replied, sealing the deal with a firm grip. "I'll have my team draw up the contracts and get them to you for review ASAP."
"I'll be waiting," Thobani said, standing up. "And once my father sees these plans, I'm sure he'll be as excited as I am about this partnership."
With a nod, Thobani excused himself from Corbin's presence and made his way to his father's office, the portfolio gripped tightly in his hands.
"Father," Thobani said as he entered, "I've just met with an old friend, Corbin, who is starting a new venture called Tempest Holdings. He has plans for several buildings, including a biotechnology lab, a cellphone factory, and an office tower— fifty floors tall and eco-friendly." Thobani's father, a weathered man with a wise, knowing gaze, leaned back in his chair, considering the information before him. "Tempest Holdings, you say? Sounds like an ambitious project. And these buildings…have you agreed to the deal?"
"Yes," Thobani replied, placing the portfolio on his father's desk. "I believe this could be a lucrative partnership for our company. Just look at the designs!"
Thobani's father sighed, shaking his head as he glanced over the sketches and blueprints. "Son, you may be too young to see this for what it is, but Corbin is nothing but an upstart nouveau riche," he said, a weary resignation in his tone. "There's no way he's made enough money off his little jewelry business to afford these projects. He's probably drowning in debt already, or he's planning on taking out loans he can't possibly pay back." "Father, I disagree," Thobani said, a touch of frustration creeping into his voice. "Corbin is an intelligent businessman. I'm sure he has a plan for funding these projects, or he wouldn't have approached us. He's not some inexperienced newcomer."
His father scoffed, a sardonic smile spreading across his face. "Of course he is. You're just dazzled by the shiny buildings and eco-friendly bells and whistles." "Don't you see?" Thobani's father continued, gesturing at the portfolio. "All this talk of Tempest Holdings, of expanding into biotechnology and phone manufacturing…it's nothing but a pipe dream. Even if he has the money, he doesn't have the experience or the infrastructure to pull off such an ambitious venture."
Thobani resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Father, that's why we're in this discussion. Corbin needs a partner to help him realize his vision.
"Listen to me, boy," Thobani's father said, his tone growing more severe. "I've been in this business for decades, and I know how these things go. Corbin's vision is a house of cards, built on the flimsy foundation of inexperience and hubris. And if we get involved, we'll be the ones holding the bag when it all comes crashing down."
Thobani clenched his jaw, holding back a retort. "Listen to me, boy," Thobani's father said, his tone growing more severe. "I've been in this business for decades, and I know how these things go. Corbin's vision is a house of cards, built on the flimsy foundation of inexperience and hubris. And if we get involved, we'll be the ones holding the bag when it all comes crashing down."
Thobani clenched his jaw, holding back a retort. "Look, son, I know you want to do what's best for the company," Thobani's father continued, his voice softening slightly. "But sometimes, the best thing we can do is say no. Let Corbin find someone else to partner with, someone who's willing to take the risk. We've worked hard to build this company, and I won't let some flashy new upstart put us in jeopardy."
Thobani sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "Alright, Father," Thobani said, resigning himself to his fate. "I'll talk to Corbin and explain our position. I just hope he doesn't take it personally."
His father nodded, a hint of sympathy in his eyes. "I know it's not easy to turn down a friend, especially when he's as persuasive as Corbin seems to be. "But I'm telling you this because I want what's best for you, for our family," Thobani's father added. "You've got a good head on your shoulders, and I know you'll go far in this business. Just don't let yourself be blinded by flash and promises."
"I won't," Thobani assured him, though a part of him still wished he could take the chance on Corbin's dream. "Now, why don't you go get yourself a coffee or something?" Thobani's father suggested. "Clear your head. You've got a lot on your plate right now, and you don't need the added stress of this Corbin situation."
Thobani nodded, grateful for his father's kindness, though still disappointed by the outcome of their discussion.
"Thanks, Father," he said, standing up. "I'll take your advice." As he made his way back to his own office, Thobani's thoughts swirled like a brewing storm. He knew he needed to tell Corbin the truth, to explain his father's reservations. But he also knew Corbin wouldn't take it well.
"I've got to tread carefully," he muttered to himself. "Corbin's pride is as sharp as a blade. One wrong move, and he'll cut me out." The next day, as he sat down at his desk, Thobani's resolve hardened. He picked up the phone, dialed Corbin's number, and waited for him to answer.
"Thobani!" Corbin's voice boomed over the line, sounding as energetic and enthusiastic as ever. "What's on your mind this morning?"
Thobani took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "Corbin, there's something I need to talk to you about," he began, his tone serious. There was a pause on the line, a silence that seemed to stretch on for an eternity. Finally, Corbin spoke, his voice now tinged with concern.
"Thobani, what is it?" he asked. "You sound worried. Is something wrong?"
Thobani swallowed, his mouth suddenly dry. "Well, it's about the partnership," he said, his words slow and deliberate. "It's my father…" "Your father?" Corbin repeated, his confusion evident. "What's he got to do with this? You're the one I've been dealing with."
"I know," Thobani replied, "but as you know, he's the head of Zikala Construction. And after reviewing your proposal, he's expressed some concerns."
There was another long silence. Then, Corbin's tone shifted, hardening like stone.
"What exactly are his concerns?"
"Well," Thobani began, choosing his words carefully, "he's worried that your vision for Tempest Holdings might be too ambitious. He's concerned about the feasibility of such large projects, especially given your relative inexperience in the industry."
He paused, bracing himself for Corbin's response. But the line remained silent.
"Corbin?" he ventured, a note of uncertainty creeping into his voice. "Are you still there?" Corbin's voice was like ice when he finally responded.
"I'm here," he said, his words precise and cold. "And I'm disappointed, Thobani. I had expected more from you, from your family. You know as well as I do that this project is going to change everything. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
Thobani winced at the rebuke. "I understand," he said.