Chapter 32
Chapter 32
The streetlight outside the hotel was well-lit. Less than two hundred meters to the right of the hotel,
there was a commercial street.
The street boasted a supermarket and stores selling local produce, specialties, and food. The well- lit
area was no longer in total darkness from a month ago.
Lianne complimented, “You’re amazing, Mr. Atlas!”
Zane seemed pleased by the compliment as his face lit up. “Oh, how so?”
Lianne pointed at the shops around. “There was nothing here when we first came, but in a matter of a
month, we now have a commercial street where you can get necessities and different cuisines. Aren’t
you amazing?”
Zane replied, “It seems you spent the month learning to suck up to your boss.”
Lianne commented, “Are you disagreeing with me then?”
Zane said, “It isn’t hard to build a commercial street, but the problem lies in managing the place and
closing the wealth gap for the people here so they can enjoy a better quality of life.”
Lianne uttered, “What are your plans, Mr. Atlas?”
Before, Lianne thought it was a waste of Zane’s talents to stay in Weston to develop the touristic area.
He had more opportunities for better profits out there.
Now that Lianne witnessed the month of change in the area and heard Zane’s reply, it dawned on her
that he was not just a capitalist. He had bigger things in mind too.
Nevertheless, Zane’s following statement made Lianne retract that opinion. “Businesses
nowadays are all about reputation. We must not give other people something to talk about if the
company is to reach greater heights and bring in more profits.”
Lianne was speechless.
Such was the true nature of a capitalist.
It was always about money, as people could not survive without money.
Still, it was generous of Zane to pour money into the huge project.
The pair walked from one end to the other end of the commercial street before heading back. Lianne
now had an idea of Zane’s concern. “Mr. Atlas, while the scenery here is beautiful, the view
itself can’t retain tourists. We have to make sure the facilities and services cater to the tourists.”
Zane gave a nod, gesturing to her to continue.
Lianne added, “The first thing I think about when I travel is the cost. I would also consider the safety
and accessibility of the area…”
Zane gave ear to Lianne’s suggestions before giving her a look of approval, which Lianne was happy to
receive.
She knew that Zane’s team would have brought up the same points, but perhaps Zane wanted to
test her since she had been off work for a month.
As they were strolling along, Lianne’s personal phone in her pocket rang.
In her group chat with her roommates, Tyler posted a photo of barbecue wings, followed by a voice
note. “Gummy, we’re having a barbecue.”
Lianne’s phone was not muted, and with Zane next to her, he heard Tyler’s message. The smile
wrinkles around Zane’s eyes instantly disappeared.
Since her attention was on the photo, Lianne did not notice Zane’s mood shift. Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.
Dr. Leah had put Lianne on a nutritional diet. While Lianne had found the food tasty at first, she was
getting sick of it now. Lianne craved something heavier on her taste buds.
Worried about her wound becoming infected, Dr. Leah restricted her diet. Lianne was drooling simply
by staring at the photo.
Lianne looked at Zane. “Maybe I should try the food here, Mr. Atlas. The food can make or break the
area too.”
“Are you craving barbecue?” Zane believed he could read Lianne’s mind.
Did she love her husband that much?
That person was having a barbecue, so she wanted to enjoy the same food as if she was dining with
him despite the distance.