The Man I Became... Because of You (Completed)

Growth and Setbacks

Author Nim

Pete walked into The Orchidae Noir and directly into the elevator. He wondered around purposefully and realized that security on the floors was nonexistent. People liked to see more than cameras. A living breathing human was always reassuring. They could do something discreetly.

While the building was very up to date, the kitchens and laundry needed an upgrading. He had been studying some of his father's companies in Germany and that experience had given him some ideas. He also had a few contacts he could tug on. He had been chatting with a chef recently named Tar who was looking for a new challenge. He had quite the reputation. Pete was even willing to accomodate his stipulations.

Once he was satisfied with his walkthrough of the hotel. He went into his new office, had lunch, then went to his first board meeting.

When he walked in, he went directly to his mother's right and bowed to everyone before sitting. They were all on time which said they took this all seriously.

"Now that we are all here and early, let's begin shall we?" She looked over at her personal assistant Deb, who smiled and nodded. "Now in our last meeting, I clearly stated that my son would be joining the company and that some things will change."

Putch got to the heart of the matter quickly.

"Like it or not, we are no longer affiliated with that company. Orchidae Noir and her sisters Giselle and Amaryllis now belong to our new parent company, Chansungnoen Enterprises, or Chan E." She looked around the room and saw everyone had their eyes on her but no one objected.

"The Orchidae is the only hotel we have here in Bangkok. Giselle is in Bang Saen and The Ammy is in Chiang Mai. We are considering expanding to Phuket. The province has recovered nicely and I have always expressed my love for the area. You may not be aware of this but I own a bit of prime real estate there and have also bought some of the lands around it with the intentions of creating the Gardenia. The presentation please."

Pete turned but didn't retain much. He had created the presentation for his mother so he knew it back to front. Rather he used the time to steele his nerves. Now that he was in the room, he felt his confidence slowly slipping away and his nerves skyrocketing.

What the hell is wrong with you. You have presented in meetings that held more at stake than this? Why are you suddenly so nervous?

Because there are the people who knew me as a boy running around these very halls. I need them to see me as a man who knows what he is about. I am competent and capable but will they ever realise that? Will little Pitchaya ever be grown in their eyes?

Pete looked over at his mother when the presentation was over and knew he was coming up next. Was he ready? On paper, sure.

His phone vibrated and he saw a long winding text message from Can. The world travel he seemed to have condensed into a long block made Pete crack a smile. He realized everyone was looking at him and held up a finger as he checked another important message.

Ae💓 - So about this weekend. I was thinking that you could come over on Friday morning and see my place and we can talk. Is that ok? Then we can go from there...

He put down the phone and the smile on his face made everyone immediately forgive him for making them wait.

"I'm sorry about that. I had been waiting for a reply regarding a side project and it just came. Good afternoon everyone. It's strange being on this side of the table for me as I'm sure it is for you." Many chuckled and some nodded. Now that the ice was cracked Pete felt it all click.