What's best for us

Chapter 3

They were just starting when my dad and I went in, and there he was sitting with his dad. They're also a partner in business with his dad and my dad being best friends way back in college. I felt awkward especially with him staring at me the whole duration of our meeting each of us stockholders shared the improvements of our own businesses and helping each other figure out what to do to earn more profit and such. I always glance back to my secretary making sure she got everything noted. But every one was shocked when we got to Mr. Vaughn. Arthur's father. He first asked his secretary to go out which got our attention including Arthur himself.

"Some of you might have heard the recent news about my company and its ongoing crisis. And as a stockholder in this company and also good friends with all of you here I am going to be honest with you. My company is on the rocks and I've lost control in all of it. I think there is an inside job happening. I'm on the verge of retiring but before I leave all of this to my son I would like to smooth out any creases" he said sighing.

You may wonder why they're very open with their business' statuses and happenings. Our company and its stockholders are consisted of my father and his best of friends so they don't really see each other as enemies or just business partners, they go beyond that. My father planned out everything perfectly. He helped them plan their business not only to help them earn but to also help each other by providing what each other needs. And my father is the master mind. I have my own company also, a publishing company to be exact. I am out of their context since the business is about buildings and such. But my father took me in saying I am helpful in terms of giving them more and more advertising by giving them a page in my magazine. It did work and this large companies has made partnership with them saying they referred to my magazine and saw them there. So I was my own company and talked as if I'm as matured as them.

"Gabriel, you should check each and every person that works on your department. With you going down that would also bring us down. Remember we rely on each other here and without you it would also make huge impacts on our own businesses" said Mr. Roman, worried. We were all worried, it would affect the company. Badly. With him going down it's a domino effect for others. Also for me, each month people are not only waiting for the latest celebrity scoop and the latest trend but also for their business happenings. They are like celebrities of the business world, every one's waiting for the latest scoop of their business report and such. I can't put this up, their fans will be attacking my office and accuse as what we publish isn't true.

"As a business analyst the only thing you can do now to prevent further damage is to collaborate with another business with a much better situation in their financial status to help you get back on your feet. And in the process, you should investigate each and every one in your company. I suggest you do it secretly." I said.

"Okay. But with who? And can't the body help me?" he asked.

"I don't know Gab but as I look through your portfolio I suggest you better find a company soon. The body can help you but it won't be enough to bring your business back to its feet. And when you collaborate it's like your selling your company but without losing it. There are some cases where you can choose to have a temporary or permanent partnership. But if it's in permanent, to make the partnership legit there should be a legal binding. You can do it with anyone in here but you should accept every terms and conditions the other party has asked you." I said again and still looking at the papers and when I finally looked up, for some reasons all of them where looking at me, thinking intently.

"Uh, dad I need to go I have a meeting in 2" I said fixing my things and going up.

"Okay. Meeting adjourned" My dad said. Closing his portfolio and arranged his stuff. All of us gave him a copy of our monthly before going out. I was the last one to go out and pass the monthly report.

"You did great back there. You never fail to amaze me and everyone else" he hugged me.

"Thanks, I learned from the best didn't I?" I hugged him back and bid him good bye.

I fast-walked back to my car to chase my client since it's already 1:30 and the meeting's in 2:00. Although as I remembered my secretary never mentioned the name of my client so this is very exciting.

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END