ELLA POV
Waiting with a folder in hand for Ma to finish her meeting was nerve-wracking. "Okay, Ella, deep breaths," I muttered to myself, feeling the weight of this unexpected business visit.
Yesterday, I had secured Angel's approval for sponsoring my business proposal, which was a relief since she didn't accept the money I owed her. Gabriella had suggested the idea of opening our own garage, focusing on luxury and exotic cars.
I could hear Ma's voice outside, probably talking to Jessica. I adjusted my seat, trying to shake off the nervousness. I needed to project confidence and determination to convince her.
When Ma entered, she looked surprised to see me. "Ella, everything alright?" Her concern was evident in her voice.
" Mom spoke to you about my project, so i'm here for it" I said with no further introduction, she nodded her head taking a seat, " Yes she did but you know you need Angel's approv- I know i already got it" i cut her off putting the folder on the table.
Getting Angel's approval is harder than Ma's, that's why our company doesn't fund many projects, cause you know my sister finds everything boring and useless.
She expressed surprise at how well-prepared I was. "You have everything arranged, I see. Even estimated profits and costs," she noted, of course i'm the idiot Jauregui she probably thought i will just barge in with nothing in hand, and demand for her approval
"Yes, Ma. Everything is calculated and analyzed," I explained, laying out the details. I defended my choice of Gabriella as a business partner, emphasizing her role in sourcing parts from Italy.
"But can you trust her completely?" Ma interjected, expressing her concern.
"She has a share in the budget, and we're equal partners," I countered, starting to feel frustrated.
"Are you two in a relationship or something? You seem to defend her a lot," Ma questioned, sensing my strong defense of Gabriella.
" She did put effort, if you asked for it she made this excellent study as you can see and is in charge in supplying the pieces from Italy" I explained, trying my best not to get mad.
" So she can scam you easily, telling her people to supply cheaper and fake pieces for a huge amount of money in return easy peasy just like that" She said
I took a deep breath, " She's someone i trust, and she has a share in the budget, and we're three partners both has 35%, and i have the rest so it's fair even if i'm the one putting more effort" I explained already getting annoyed
" Are you two in a relationship or something? you seem to defend her a lot" She asked, " You can't just assume that out of nothing, she's my friend and only that" frustration was evident in my voice, i thought she would at least agree right away just to make it up to me, but no looks like she doesn't even care.
" Your asking 2 millions fund, that's a really big amount to open up a garage Ella" She noted as she kept reading through, " Because it's luxury and exotic cars, it's not repairing a Sonata or Camry. Unique and rare pieces also high quality interiors supplies"
" And just 10% return profits for us?" She inquired
" Yes we thought this together, and it's the best we can offer for the time and quality in return" I said.
" Some of the numbers just doesn't settle right, how did Angel ag- Look Ma if your just going to reject it, do so because i have a better offer else where but never speak little of the time we put to make this study, everything is clear and explained right here" I interrupt her trying to keep my cool
