Building a Business Empire with my Technological System

Chapter 146: Can We Afford It?

Ending the virtual conference meeting, Juliet turned to face Michael.

"Sir, the building is quite expensive, can we afford it?"

"I can afford it, but it's best that we consult Ms. von Reimann first about this. I hope she can get into the financials and see if we can make this investment without compromising our liquidity," Michael replied.

He rose from his chair. "Contact her, Juliet. I need her in my office at the soonest possible time to discuss this with her."

"Understood, Mr. Reyes," Juliet said, concluding their session for the meeting.

She then returned to her office. Sitting down, she reached for her phone and scrolled through her contacts to find Bridget von Reimann's number. With a press of a button, she initiated the call, rehearsing her points as the phone rang.

"Ms. von Reimann, this is Juliet Schmidt. Mr. Reyes has requested your presence to discuss the financial feasibility of a significant investment," Juliet spoke clearly as the call connected.

"Hmm…you sounded so professional, Juliet," Bridget remarked. "What kind of investment is that?"

"Uhm…it's best to hear it from Mr. Reyes, Ms. von Reimann," Juliet steered back to professionalism, sensing Bridget's penchant for detail and directness.

"Well…I'll be there in one hour. I have to prepare myself first," Bridget responded promptly.

Juliet understood the need for preparation. "One hour would be perfect. Mr. Reyes will expect you then. Thank you, Ms. von Reimann."

After ending the call, Juliet scheduled a reminder for Michael about Bridget's arrival. She then shifted her focus to the rest of her daily tasks, methodically working through her to-do list while keeping one eye on the clock.

Meanwhile, Michael sat in his office, already deep in thought over the new skyscraper project. The sum involved was substantial, and he knew he needed Bridget to cover like a third of the cost.

Wait, can Antoneitte cover the other third and the rest by him? Realizing that now, Michael reached for his phone and contacted Antoinette. It didn't take long for Antoinette to answer the call.

"Mrs. Estolas, thank you for picking up. I have something that I wish to discuss with you."

"What is it, Michael?" Antoneitte inquired.

"I was wondering if you could help me fund a skyscraper for our new office. Like a third of the cost. We were planning on commissioning a building that could serve as a beacon for SolaraTech and future enterprises. But the investment is substantial. I'll be covering a significant portion, but I'm looking into shared funding options."

Antoneitte's voice reflected her surprise at the proposition. "That's quite the undertaking. Can you give me some more details? What's the total cost and how do you see this benefiting our company in the long run?"

Michael was prepared for these questions. "The project is estimated to be around 500 million dollars. Your share would be roughly 166 million. This building will not only reduce our operating costs in the long term, but it will also serve as a symbol of innovation and sustainability—aligning perfectly with our company ethos."

"I don't like the way you answer, Michael. You sound too much of a businessman," Antoinette said. "Give me your honest answer. Why do we need a building?"

"Because, isn't that what everybody has? Their own office building?" Michael paused, considering his response. He knew Antoneitte was looking for a rationale that went beyond just keeping up appearances.

"It's still an expensive undertaking," Antoneitte finally said. "Michael…do we really need that building that cost 500 million dollars?"

"Of course we need it," Michael said. "I know it's expensive but you have to think about the future. Didn't your investment of 20 million dollars into my company have grown significantly to 250 million dollars? Imagine what the future holds for our company.

I have a lot of products that I want to introduce in this world and they are all lucrative to the point they are designed to destroy the commercial market. 500 million dollars would be like a cent to us in the future."

Antoinette was silent for a moment. "You know, Michael, when I'm betting into something, I have never made a mistake. Will this be my first?"

"How come can you make a mistake when you declare that you don't make one? The only mistake you'll ever make is not investing in this skyscraper," Michael said with a hint of humor to lighten the mood, but his eyes were serious. "This isn't just any building. It's the future headquarters of SolaraTech.

It's about making a statement, about solidifying our place in the industry, and about long-term savings and benefits. Trust me; this is the right move for us."

Antoinette took in Michael's words, her sharp mind weighing every angle. "Alright, Michael. I'll back your decision. How much is my share again?"

"Your share would be around 166 million dollars," Michael confirmed.

"Okay, Michael. I'll agree to fund one-third of this project. But I want full transparency on the spending and progress," Antoinette stated firmly.

"Absolutely, Mrs. Estolas. You'll have access to all the reports and updates you need," Michael assured her. "I'll make sure Juliet sets up regular briefings with your team."

"Good," Antoinette said. "I'm putting a lot of faith in this, Michael. Don't let me down."

"I won't, Mrs. Estolas. Thank you for your trust," Michael replied, a sense of responsibility settling over him.

After the call, Michael sat back in his chair and waited for his last investor to come.

***

One hour later, Bridget von Reimann arrived at the PSE Tower. As she reached the elevator, she pressed the button for the executive floor, where Michael Reyes' office was located. Upon reaching the designated floor, she was greeted by Juliet Schmidt, who escorted her to Michael's office.

"Ms. von Reimann, thank you for coming on such short notice," Michael greeted her as she entered.

"Enough with the formality, Michael," Bridget said. "I am not accustomed to you calling me that," Bridget said.

"I apologize, it's a habit of mine. Doing business and possibly doing something of this magnitude made me want to act formal, but for you, I can set that aside," Michael said as he watched Bridget walk over to his desk and sit on the chair.

"So, about the building, how much was it?"

"Juliet, you didn't tell her?" Michael glanced at Juliet.

"I figured it's prudent for you to discuss it directly, given the scale of the investment," Juliet interjected, maintaining a professional demeanor.

Bridget, settling into her chair, looked expectantly at Michael. "Well, Michael, let's hear it. How much are we talking about?"

Michael cleared his throat, leaning forward slightly. "The total cost for the new headquarters is estimated at around 500 million dollars. We're considering a shared funding approach for this investment."

Bridget's eyebrows rose slightly. "500 million, that's a hefty sum. And how exactly are we splitting this cost?"

"We're looking at dividing it into thirds. Antoinette Estolas has already committed to funding one-third of the cost. I'm planning to cover another third personally. That leaves us with the final third, which I was hoping SolaraTech, under your financial guidance, could manage," Michael explained.

Bridget nodded thoughtfully, processing the numbers. "I see. And what makes you believe this investment is justified?"

Michael didn't hesitate. "This building will be more than just an office. It's a statement of our stability and growth, an emblem of our commitment to innovation and sustainability. It's designed to be energy-efficient and will significantly reduce our long-term operating costs. Moreover, it's a necessary step to accommodate our expanding operations and to solidify our presence in the global market."

Bridget leaned back, her expression contemplative. "I see… one-third huh? Very well, let's build that skyscraper."