Page 141 of His Flash Mate
“The riverfront property is perfect for vacationers.It’s a convenient distance to the downtown shops and close to the more exclusive ones outside of downtown, like Zellon.”
“So you’re hoping to attract vacationers who are interested in pieces from Zellon with knock-off finishes and cheap building products?”I asked neutrally.
Pennly’s gaze flicked back to me.I saw the telltale angry flush creeping into his face and cut off his indignation before it bloomed.
“We want to help you meet your goal, but I’m not sure you have realistic expectations.
“At this point, I’d suggest some market research before making any changes.I can have our marketing team create a 3D room model with the finishes you selected and send it over.If you’re targeting Zellon’s clientele, find at least twelve who actually own a Zellon piece to preview the model and give feedback on how much they would spend to stay at a hotel with those finishes.”
“It’s not a hotel.It’s a vacation resort,” Pennly said.He focused on Konni.“Next time, bring someone who knows what they’re talking about.”
“I did,” Konni said.“And she’s right.With these finishes, it won’t be the vacation resort you initially approached Steele to build; it’ll be a two-star hotel at best.I suggest you find another builder.”
Konni started to stand.The men who’d been quietly listening to everything looked at Pennly in a panic.Pennly’s expression immediately shifted.
“Wait.Just wait.”He motioned for Konni to sit again.“There has to be a way to make this work.”
I spoke before Konni could.
“If you want a resort that will attract Zellon’s patrons, you don’t need more rooms—you need fewer.Decreasing the number means lower build costs and more budget for even higher-end finishes.People with the kind of money you want at your resort don’t want to be crowded; they want exclusivity.
“Make every room distinct—something worth coming back for because they’ll hear about ‘that one suite’ from an acquaintance.Cater to their expectations.Add a wine bar.A spa.A cigar lounge.Better yet, an attached cafe open to the public, so that those who can’t afford to stay can still see those who can.That’s how you build prestige—by making people aspire to be inside.”
The silence when I finished had me questioning if I’d gone too far.
“You decide, Pennly,” Konni said.“If you’re looking for something other than the elegant resort my team pitched to you, Steele Corp is no longer a good fit for this build.We don’t cut corners.Ever.”
The shorter of the two men beside Pennly cleared his throat and looked at me.
“Would it be possible to get two 3D room models?One with the newly proposed finishes and one with the higher level finishes you mentioned?”
“Of course.I can have that to you by the end of the day Thursday.”
The three of them shared a look, and the third man stood suddenly and lifted his glass with a smile.
“A toast.To friendships and listening to reason.”
Konni stood with his glass, and I did the same.The alcohol was smooth on the way down, but it wasn’t Konni’s typical sweet preference.
I saw he’d only taken a small sip, and I suppressed a smirk.
“You handle your alcohol well, Ms.Elmantas,” the shorter man said.“Here, allow me.”
He poured more into my glass as Konni’s phone rang.I saw Lianna’s name and mentally rolled my eyes.Konni audibly sighed and answered with a crisp hello.
“How long have you been at Steele Corp?”Mr.Pennly asked.
“Not long,” I said.“It was a quick assimilation.”
“Steele has a good eye for talent,” he said at the same time Konni gave the room number.
“I agree.”With a smile, I silently toasted the compliment.
“What’s your background?”the shorter man asked.“You seem to have an eye for design.”
“I majored in business, but have diverse interests, which is why Steele Corp is a perfect fit for me.”
Konni hung up and proved he’d been listening by saying, “Steele Corp’s hiring manager got a bonus for finding Ms.Elmantas.”
