Jessica was busy at her desk, rapidly typing away as she handled the initial steps for Ethan's big building purchase.
The commission for this deal was beyond her wildest dreams. She was looking at a 10% cut on a $12 million property, a career-changing sale. Excited but focused, she reminded herself to take things one step at a time.
Her excitement, however, didn't go unnoticed. Some senior agents, not exactly her biggest fans, watched her with amused expressions, whispering among themselves.
"You really think that kid can buy Luca Moretti's building? And pay in cash?" Greg, one of the senior agents, couldn't help but mock as he leaned over Jessica's desk. "He looked like a college athlete with no dime to his name."
Jessica kept her eyes on her work, aware of their hopes for her failure. "We'll see when he makes the deposit," she responded calmly, not bothering to look up. "If the law firm confirms the 50% down payment, we'll have our answer."
Patricia, another agent, sarcastically added, "Yeah, right. It's as if some college kid will drop $6 million just like that. He's probably scrambling to borrow from his parents."
Despite the jeers, Jessica kept her focus. She didn't need to justify herself; the upcoming deposit would do that for her.
Time seemed to crawl as she worked through the paperwork, sending everything to the law firm for legal verification while ignoring her colleagues' continuous snide remarks.
Then, her phone buzzed. It was an email from the law firm. Heart pounding, she opened it to find the words she had been waiting for: "Deposit confirmed. $6,000,000 received."
For a moment, she was in disbelief. She had believed in Ethan, but seeing the actual deposit confirmed was something else. She double-checked the email, her hands shaking slightly.
Noticing her sudden silence, Greg asked mockingly, "Bad news, Jess?"
Taking a moment to compose herself, she looked up and announced, "The deposit's cleared. $6,000,000."
The office went silent.
Greg's smirk disappeared, replaced by shock. "Wait, what?" he stuttered.
Jessica tilted her monitor so he could see the confirmation. His face turned pale as he read it, and soon, the other agents crowded around, all equally shocked.
"It's real?" Patricia murmured disbelief in her eyes. "He actually has the money?"
Word spread fast, and suddenly, everyone wanted in on Jessica's deal, offering their "help" with paperwork or future client introductions, their earlier disdain forgotten.
But Jessica wasn't fooled. Ethan had trusted her, and she wasn't about to let anyone else in.
"No, thanks," she replied firmly. "I've got this."
A couple of hours later, she received the go-ahead from Luca Moretti's office. A few more documents and legalities needed her attention, but everything was moving smoother than she had dared hope.
Moretti had even fast-tracked some of the paperwork, intrigued by Ethan's sudden interest in the building.
After wrapping up the details, Jessica found Ethan waiting at a nearby coffee shop.
"Everything's sorted," she said, smiling. "But there's one thing—Luca Moretti wants to meet you before giving you the keys."
Ethan nodded. "That's fine. I would invite my business partner, David Turner, to check out the place too. He's been with me from the start and would want to see what we're about to take on."
Jessica looked surprised. "David Turner? The philanthropist and investor?"
"The one and only," Ethan said, pulling out his phone. "I'll call him now. Let's meet at the building."
Half an hour later, Ethan stood before NovaTech Innovations' future headquarters, an elegant, futuristic structure.
The building, basking in the afternoon sun, showcased sleek lines and a modern design that emanated power and innovation.
Ethan, clearly impressed by the building, was joined by Jessica, who was equally amazed at how quickly things had come together.
"It's incredible, isn't it?" she remarked, filled with awe.
"It really is," Ethan agreed. "It's exactly what I was looking for."
As they waited, a sleek black car arrived and out stepped Luca Moretti, the legendary architect known for his cutting-edge designs.
Moretti, a tall man in his fifties with silver hair and sharp eyes, approached Ethan with a look of curiosity.
"Ethan Cole, I presume?" Moretti greeted, offering his hand.
"Yes, sir," Ethan responded, shaking his hand. "It's an honor to meet you."
Moretti examined Ethan. "I must admit, I didn't expect someone so young to be interested in this building, let alone buy it. But youth often brings ambition."
Ethan smiled. "I'm building something big, and this building seemed like the perfect starting point."
Just then, another car arrived, and David Turner stepped out, looking every bit the professional.
Upon seeing the building, David was taken aback. His jaw dropped as he stared at the structure.
"Is this…?" David began, lost for words.
"This is it," Ethan said, smiling. "Our new headquarters."
David walked towards them, still in disbelief. "You bought this building? I thought we were looking for a small office. But this… this is incredible."
Moretti smiled knowingly. "It's not just a building. It's a statement."
David shook his head, amazed. "Ethan, this is beyond what I imagined. How did you manage this?"
Ethan shrugged. "Let's just say I made some moves."
As David continued to marvel at the building, Ethan turned to Moretti. "This building is everything I hoped for and more. Thank you for meeting with me."
Moretti nodded. "Seeing someone who appreciates great design is always gratifying. I'm excited to see what you do with the space."
With that, Moretti handed the keys to Ethan, a gesture that felt almost surreal. The building was officially theirs.
Jessica, who had watched the exchange quietly, couldn't help but smile. She hadn't anticipated being part of something this significant.
As for Ethan, she now sees him not just as a young man with dreams but also as someone who can make those dreams a reality.
In front of the grand building, Ethan was ready for the next chapter of NovaTech Innovations. He knew this was just the beginning.
Ethan had secured the building, the vision, and the determination. Now, it was time to build an empire.