Timeline: June 24, 1951
Chris Hilton sat across from his father, Conrad Hilton, in their lavish private villa. The atmosphere was serene, but beneath it lay the weight of expectation. Conrad had been grooming Chris to one day take over the family business, and today's discussion was just another step in testing Chris's business acumen.
"Which should we partner with?" Conrad asked, his eyes sharp, gauging his son's response.
Chris paused for a moment, knowing full well that his father was testing him. (Father is testing me.) he thought, carefully weighing his words.
"Father," Chris began, "we should focus more on the cheaper options, specifically the Philippines. They offer valuable resources at lower costs compared to other countries."
Conrad smile, intrigued by his son's reasoning. "You mean Lito Albarado, the businessman with interests in food and beverages? He's running a successful chain of gourmet Filipino restaurants with modern takes on traditional dishes, and a line of premium packaged Filipino food products."
Chris nodded confidently. "Exactly. The Philippines has rich resources, and they come at a much lower cost. While their primary offerings are in food and beverage, which limits diversification, we can leverage our global influence. With the Hilton brand behind them, our products will easily overshadow competitors in the market."
Conrad leaned back, impressed. "You've thought this through well. You're right, the Philippines offers opportunity, though it's niche."
Chris continued, "We may be limited to food and beverage now, but with the Hilton name, we can dominate that sector quickly. It's all about how we market and position ourselves."
Conrad smiled proudly, his eyes gleaming with approval. "As expected of my son. He's aware of the pros and cons of this venture."
"You're thinking just like me at your age," Conrad said with a chuckle. "But I've been considering more than just the Philippines. Marco Vittorio D'Angelo, the Italian architect, has a prestigious firm specializing in grand, bespoke building designs and interior architecture. His work is redefining opulence on a global scale."
Conrad leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "As I've been thinking about expanding the Hilton brand's presence in Europe with something truly grand. Marco Vittorio D'Angelo's architectural genius is exactly what we need. I want to build a luxury resort, one that redefines opulence and sets a new standard for high-end hospitality. And Marco is the man who can make that happen."
Chris's eyes widened slightly. "I hadn't thought of that."
"That's fine," Conrad said with a wave of his hand. "You're still learning, but what you said about the Philippines shows your understanding of global markets. It's a massive feat on its own."
As Chris listened intently, the wheels turning in his head. "So Father a resort in Europe… that could be monumental. Where exactly are you planning to build it?"
Conrad smiled knowingly. "I've been eyeing the Amalfi Coast in Italy. It's a prime location for the elite, but it also has a certain timeless beauty. Imagine a Hilton resort with Marco's architectural designs, blending luxury with the breathtaking natural landscape. It would be the jewel of the Mediterranean."
Chris nodded, already visualizing the grandeur of such a project. "That sounds incredible Father. It would attract not only the wealthy but also celebrities and world leaders. The Hilton brand would become synonymous with elegance and exclusivity."
"Precisely," Conrad said, pleased with Chris's understanding. "This project could cement our family's legacy in the global hospitality industry. But it won't be easy. We'll need to secure land, deal with local regulations, and of course, the cost will be significant."
Chris paused, then asked, "Do you think partnering with Lito Albarado in the Philippines could help fund this project? His business could generate additional revenue streams, especially if we integrate his gourmet offerings into the resort's dining experience."
Conrad smiled, clearly impressed. "You're thinking ahead, and I like that. Partnering with Lito Albarado's food empire could elevate our resort experience, offering gourmet Filipino cuisine that other luxury resorts don't have. It would bring a unique flair to our dining experience."
He paused, then added, "But I'm also considering expanding our culinary offerings even further. Yoon Min Lee from Korea, renowned for his traditional Korean cuisine and exclusive dining experiences, could add another layer of sophistication. And Wang Xiu Ying from China, famous for his premium teas sourced from renowned regions, would provide a high-end touch to our beverage selection."
Conrad's eyes gleamed as he laid out his vision. "A resort where guests can experience the finest Filipino dishes, indulge in authentic Korean cuisine, and relax with the best Chinese teas. It would make our resort stand out globally."
Chris's eyes widened slightly, processing the additional names his father had mentioned. "Yoon Min Lee from Korea and Wang Xiu Ying from China... That would truly elevate the culinary offerings. We could create an international dining experience that's unparalleled. Guests would travel not just for the luxury of the resort, but for the unique gourmet experiences they can't find anywhere else."
Conrad nodded, his eyes looking at Chris feeling proud. "Exactly. We're not just creating a resort—we're building an empire of experiences. By bringing in the finest culinary masters from Asia, we offer more than just rooms with a view. We offer an unforgettable taste of global culture."
Chris leaned forward, already imagining the layout. "We could dedicate different sections of the resort to each of these cuisines. Lito Albarado's gourmet Filipino dishes could be served in one of the signature restaurants, while Yoon Min Lee's traditional Korean dining could be another unique offering. And Wang Xiu Ying's tea house, featuring rare and high-end Chinese teas, could become a place for our elite guests to unwind and experience serenity."
Conrad smiled approvingly. "You're seeing the vision clearly, Chris. These partnerships would not only enhance the resort, but also create lasting relationships with influential businesspeople in Asia. Our brand would be seen as an international symbol of luxury, with the best of each culture represented in our offerings."
Chris paused, considering one more idea. "What if we took it a step further? Instead of just having separate restaurants or tea houses, we could create a cultural fusion dining experience—something no other resort is doing. Each night, the best dishes from the Philippines, Korea, and China could be served in an exclusive dining event, with chefs working together to craft a menu that represents the flavors of Asia."
Conrad raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "A fusion dining experience... that's innovative. It would be talked about in every major food and travel publication around the world. We'd not only be competing with other luxury resorts, but surpassing them."
Chris felt a surge of pride at his father's words. He knew there was still much to learn, but this conversation made him feel like he was truly on the path to one day leading the Hilton empire. "I'll start researching and reaching out to Yoon Min Lee and Wang Xiu Ying's representatives. If we secure these partnerships, the resort will be unstoppable."
Conrad stood up, placing a hand on Chris's shoulder. "I'm proud of you, Chris. This project will be a defining moment for our family and for you. Let's move forward and build something the world will remember."
Chris nodded, determined. "We will, Father. We'll make the Hilton name synonymous with luxury, culture, and innovation."
Conrad suddenly remembered something. "By the way, what about your friends? I heard they're in Chicago now. That's a place known for its Prohibition-era history and some shady dealings."
Chris replied, "Don't worry, Father. I've already spoken to Ms. Lenore Van Ryn. She assured me that my friends are fine and enjoying the hospitality. That's why I'll be visiting them there soon."
Conrad nodded thoughtfully. "Lenore Van Ryn, an executive from the Chicago Outfit, involved in trending fashion lines and their business operations... Hmm." He glanced at Chris and added, "Perhaps we should reevaluate their business. There could be an opportunity for us."
Chris smiled. "Noted...I'll make sure to assess everything when I visit, Father. We may gain something valuable from this partnership."
Conrad, pleased with Chris's proactive stance, said, "Good. I also want you to consider one more thing. If the Chicago Outfit's legitimate ventures are worth investing in, we could potentially explore a partnership. They're deep in the fashion world now, and fashion has always been tied to luxury, which could align well with our future expansions."
.............
Inside the Chicago Outfit headquarters, the atmosphere was busy and intense. Mark, Loe, and Mindy—who was using the alias Miley—had successfully sneaked into the building and were now ready to put their plan into action. They had been assigned to Manager Lee, a middle-aged Korean man known for his strict and efficient management style.
Mark observed the bustling office environment with a practiced eye. The sharp lines of the modern architecture, the pristine surfaces, and the disciplined employees all contributed to an aura of sterile professionalism that masked the darker operations of the Chicago Outfit. As he mentally reviewed their objectives, he felt a surge of anticipation. This was the moment they had been waiting for: the chance to gather critical intelligence and dismantle the nefarious activities hidden behind the façade of corporate respectability.
Loe, ever the schemer, had been tasked with planting the eavesdropping devices in strategic locations. His plan was meticulous; he intended to find the most discreet and effective spots to place the devices to gather the most valuable information.
Meanwhile, Mindy, struggling to harness her telepathic abilities, was trying to sift through the thoughts and conversations around her. She focused intensely, hoping to catch any whispers that might reveal crucial details about the Chicago Outfit's hidden agendas. Her concentration was so focused that she barely noticed the strain it was putting on her.
Suddenly, Mindy's senses picked up on a conversation coming from an adjacent room. Her telepathic abilities allowed her to hear snippets of a conversation that could be crucial to their mission.
"I heard that Boss Alphonse is changing the plan." one voice murmured.
"Yeah, that's what I heard too." another voice responded.
Mindy's mind raced, trying to grasp the implications of this new information. Changing the plan could mean a shift in their operations, potentially revealing new avenues of illegal activity or altering their current schemes.
Her concentration faltered as the strain of maintaining her telepathic connection caused her nose to bleed again. The blood trickled down her face, a stark reminder of the toll her abilities were taking on her.
Loe, noticing Mindy's distress, quickly moved to her side. "Miley, are you alright?" he asked, shaking her gently but with concern. The urgency of their mission made every second count, and Mindy's condition was a cause for alarm.
Mindy looked up at Loe, her face pale and her eyes wide with both embarrassment and discomfort. "S-sorry." she stammered, trying to regain her composure. The strain of her telepathic efforts was taking its toll, and she was struggling to keep her focus.
Then Manager Lee's gaze lingered on Mindy, his eyes straying to inappropriate placeson her body as he spoke with a sickly sweet tone. "Are you feeling unwell?" His voice was laced with a false concern that didn't mask his underlying sleaziness. He watched Mindy with a disturbing intensity, his eyes darting in a way that made her skin crawl.
Mindy tried to maintain her composure despite the discomfort, feeling the weight of Manager Lee's unwanted attention. She could sense the malicious intent in his gaze, which made her stomach churn.
Loe's expression hardened as he observed Manager Lee's behavior. His anger simmered beneath the surface. (What a sick fuck) he thought to himself, his dislike for the manager growing. He could barely contain his contempt.
Mark, sensing the growing tension and the uncomfortable situation Mindy was in, stepped in to divert the manager's attention. With a casual but firm tone, he said, "She's fine, haha. It's just that this atmosphere can be a bit overwhelming, but she's okay, right?" He gave Mindy a supportive look, his voice carrying an undertone of urgency.
Mindy nodded quickly, trying to sound as convincing as possible. "Yes, I'm fine. Just a little overwhelmed, but I'm okay."
Manager Lee's eyes lingered on Mindy with an unsettling intensity. His gaze was lingering and inappropriate, making her uncomfortable. After a moment, he gave a smirk that made Mindy shiver. "If you say so" he said, his voice dripping with insincerity. He clearly wasn't entirely convinced by her excuse but decided to drop the issue for now.
As Manager Lee walked away, Mark turned to Mindy with a reassuring smile. "Don't let him get to you. Just stay focused."
Mindy, still feeling a bit shaken, managed a grateful smile. "Thanks, Mark. I'll be okay. Just need to shake this off."
Loe, who had been observing the exchangel saying with his usual sassiness "Good save. Let's get back to work before things get even more complicated."
With Manager Lee distracted and the uncomfortable moment behind them, the trio refocused on their mission. Loe continued to think where to place the eavesdropping devices in carefully selected locations, while Mindy took a moment to center herself. The success of their operation depended on their ability to remain discreet and effective despite the obstacles they faced.
To be continue