Chapter 11: A Meeting
The sun peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow across Leo's bedroom. He adjusted his tie in the mirror, his reflection sharp in the crisp suit he had chosen for the day. The weight of responsibility hung on his shoulders, but a small smile tugged at his lips—today was about more than just business; it was about making a difference.
Behind him, Emma stirred, her messy hair framing her sleepy face. She sat up, rubbing her eyes as she noticed Leo adjusting his cuffs.
"Where are you going so early, looking all fancy?" she asked groggily.
Leo glanced at her through the mirror, a playful smirk on his face. "A stupid meeting," he replied. "Might as well reverse the favor I got and throw some influence around while I'm at it."
Emma tilted her head, still trying to wake up. "You mean the backdoor admission?"
"Yeah," Leo said, guilt flickering in his eyes. "I feel like I cheated my way in. So, I figured, why not help others while I'm at it?"
Emma yawned but gave him an approving nod. "Well, don't let them eat you alive in there. Rich or not, board meetings can be brutal."
Leo chuckled as he grabbed his car keys. "Noted. I'll survive."
Leo's sleek sports car roared down the street, but as he pulled into the college parking lot, he couldn't help but chuckle at his own impatience. The college was, quite literally, within walking distance—something he'd forgotten in his haste.
The meeting room was a long, oval table, polished to a mirror shine. Bright fluorescent lights cast their glow over the assembled members of the college board, all of them wearing neutral expressions that bordered on indifference. Except for one.
The board members exchanged polite glances, but no one spoke. It was as if they were waiting for him to break the silence.
Leo, dressed in a sharp suit, shifted in his chair, looking over his phone for a moment before lifting his eyes to meet the room. "Let's get started, shall we?"
A woman at the far end of the table, who Leo recognized as the chairperson of the board, cleared her throat. She was the one who had formally accepted Leo's investment into the college. The look on her face was a mix of skepticism and respect. It was obvious she was wondering whether the money had been invested for some ulterior motive. Leo didn't care what they thought. His plans were already set.
"Mr. Leo, thank you for agreeing to meet with us today," she said, her tone formal but polite. "We understand you have some proposals regarding your recent investment."
Leo nodded. "Yes, I do. I've decided to make a direct contribution to the future of this institution—specifically to its students."
At that, the room fell silent. No one spoke. He could tell they were curious, waiting for him to explain. He had their attention.
"I'm investing $100 million into the college," he said, leaning forward slightly. "But this is not just about giving money. I want to ensure the next generation has the opportunities they deserve. This is a long-term commitment, not just a financial boost."
One of the board members, a middle-aged man with thinning hair, shifted in his seat. "You're suggesting we take your money and, what? Use it for scholarships?"
Leo smiled. "Not just scholarships. I want to sponsor 10 students from each major here. From engineering to business, arts to medicine, I want the brightest and most deserving students to have a chance to excel without the burden of financial strain."
Another board member, a younger woman with glasses, raised an eyebrow. "And why would you do this? You've already invested a significant amount of money. What do you stand to gain from this sponsorship?"
Leo met her gaze, unfazed by the scrutiny. "This is an investment in the future. I believe in giving talented people a platform to succeed, and in return, the college benefits from a stronger reputation and increased enrollment. There's no downside for anyone. The students will thrive, the college will thrive, and ultimately, I'll see the return on my investment."
The board members exchanged looks, some skeptical, others intrigued. The chairperson folded her hands and leaned forward, as if weighing his words carefully.
"How do you intend to choose these students?" she asked, her voice calm but cautious.
Leo's eyes twinkled with confidence. "I'll leave that to the college. However, I do expect that the students selected will meet high academic and extracurricular standards. I don't want this to be a free handout. It's an opportunity for growth, not just a financial cushion."
Another member of the board, an older gentleman who had remained quiet until now, spoke up. "And how long will this arrangement last? How do we ensure that the funds are used responsibly?"
"I'll be involved, but I won't micromanage. The funds will be allocated at the administration's discretion, but I'll expect regular updates on the student's progress. We can set up a committee to ensure the money is being used effectively," Leo explained.
The room fell into thoughtful silence as the board members mulled over his proposal. After a few moments, the chairperson spoke again, her voice softer now. "We'll need to formalize this, of course. But it seems like a promising proposition."
Leo nodded. "I'm not here to make empty promises. I believe in long-term results, not short-term gains. This is a stepping stone for both the college and the students who will benefit from this investment."
The chairperson looked at the other board members, and after a few exchanges of glances, they nodded in agreement.
"It's a bold move, Mr. Leo. But it could prove to be a turning point for the college," the chairperson said, offering him a respectful nod.
Leo's gaze shifted around the room. The atmosphere had shifted from skeptical to cautiously optimistic. They were beginning to realize that this wasn't just about money. Leo was thinking strategically, and his investment wasn't just about boosting his own image. It was about long-term growth—for both the students and the institution itself. oh how wrong they are if you have infinity funds you can afford this level of image busting and he no longer have to cave into people that he own favor for back door anymore.
"Good," Leo said. "We'll move forward with the formalities, and then I'll leave you to do the work. Let's make this college a place where the best and brightest have a chance to succeed."
The board members seemed satisfied. There were murmurs of agreement, and the formalities of the meeting began to unfold. Papers were passed, signatures were given, and by the end of the meeting, the sponsorships were set into motion. Leo had made his mark—now it was up to the college to do it job.
As the meeting wrapped up and the board members began to file out, the chairperson lingered. "I have to admit, Mr. Leo, I didn't expect you to come in with such a comprehensive plan. I'm impressed."
Leo gave her a courteous smile. "Thank you, but I have more ideas to come."
She looked at him with a hint of admiration before leaving him to his thoughts.
And as he walked out of the meeting room, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. The board was no longer skeptical of him; they were beginning to see the bigger picture.