Chapter 48 A New Investor
David gave a little nod, "Yeah, I'm still in the early grind of my startup. That night at the dating party, you rocked that dress, looking all mature and sexy. I thought you'd be all tough and stuff, but you're actually super sweet."
"Ugh, don't even start. My dad totally dragged me to that dating party. He's all about me finding some rich man and getting hitched right after graduation," Sarah groaned.
David chuckled, "Same here. My dad made me, too, and he even made me dress all grown-up. It was so cringe." He laughed, showing off a cute little canine tooth, looking all sunny and stuff.
The food arrived, and they kept chatting while munching.
David spoke up, "That night when we met, you were glued to your phone. I thought you weren't into me at all."
Sarah explained, "Oh, I was texting my bestie that night. She hasn't even graduated yet and just told me she got married. Her hubby's super controlling."
David replied, "Oh, I feel you. I have a buddy who just got hitched, too. He barely knew his wife before, but I can tell he's kinda into her. Lately, her company had some drama, and he asked me to help out using my name without telling his name."
"Yeah, lots of folks these days barely know each other before tying the knot," Sarah said.
David agreed, "Totally."
She went on, "Anyway, I can't do that. If I get married, it's gotta be for love. Can't imagine marrying someone I don't even like."
"Right there with you. A loveless marriage sounds like a nightmare," David nodded.
"After you get married, will you still lean on your family for cash?" Sarah asked.
David replied, "Depends on the timing. If I get hitched soon, I might still need some help from the fam. I'm just starting my business and I'm kinda broke. But once my biz is rolling and life's stable, no way I'm asking them for money."
Sarah looked down, thinking for a bit.
"David, what do you think of me?" Sarah asked straight up, "After hanging out a few times, I think you're awesome and kinda what I picture in a future boyfriend. Wanna keep seeing each other?"
David was taken aback, "Sarah, we've only met twice. You sure I'm your type?"
Sarah said, "Some people just click after one meeting. Others, even after forever, feel nothing. David, you're the first kind for me."
David grinned, "Sarah, I didn't expect you to think so highly of me."
Sarah said arily"I just feel it."
David grinned at her, "So, Sarah, you mean we can officially date, right?"
Sarah smiled back, "Yep."
"Sweet, I got a girlfriend now." David beamed.
After splitting with David at the restaurant, Sarah texted Elizabeth.
Sarah: [Elizabeth, I got a boyfriend now.]
Elizabeth was floored when she saw the message. That was fast!
She replied with a question mark to Sarah.
Sarah replied: [I think David's pretty cool. I asked him to date me.]
Elizabeth: [Sarah, are you doing this for me? You don't have to! That's too much of a sacrifice!]
Sarah replied: [No, I really think he's great, and he's cute. I'm about to graduate, and I wanna date, too. He's pretty good, so I'll give it a shot. Helping you out is just a bonus.]
Elizabeth replied: [Good luck with everything.]
Elizabeth was chilling in her room, working on her thesis.
Her phone buzzed. It was Ryan Martin, the HR manager from her company. "Mrs. Jones."
Elizabeth answered, "Mr. Martin, what's up?"
"Mrs. Jones, Samuel from Zenith Investments just called. He's interested in investing in our company and asked for your number, so I gave it to him," Martin said.
Elizabeth asked, "Samuel from Zenith Investments? Mr. Martin, do you know much about Zenith Investments? How do they stack up in the industry?"
Martin replied, "Yeah, I've heard of them. Zenith Investments is based in Atheria. They're in the top 10 among domestic investment banks and have a big influence in the industry. I think Mr. Taylor will reach out soon. If he wants to meet, do you need me to tag along? You're not super familiar with the investment world, and there might be some things you don't know."
"No need, Mr. Martin, thanks. The company has a lot going on right now, you should focus on that," Elizabeth declined.
"Alright. Call me if you need anything."
Just after hanging up, Elizabeth's phone rang again.
It was an unknown number.
Elizabeth figured it might be Samuel.
She answered, "Hello."
"Hello, is this Mrs. Jones?"
"Yes, it is."
"Hi, I'm Samuel from Zenith Investments. I'm interested in investing in The Jones Group. I'd like to discuss the details in person. When's a good time for you?"
Elizabeth checked the time and said, "How about 5:00 PM today?"
"Sounds good. Let's meet at Coffee Collective on Willow Creek Road. I'll be waiting for you, Mrs. Jones," Samuel replied.
At 4:00 PM, Elizabeth took a cab to Coffee Collective on Willow Creek Road and was surprised to see Samuel had arrived early.
"Mrs. Jones, looks like we‘re gonna hit it off," Samuel smiled warmly, pleasing at Elizabeth's punctuality.
Elizabeth greeted him, "Likewise, Mr. Taylor. I have a thing about not being late."
"That's a great habit, Mrs. Jones." Samuel handed her the menu.
Elizabeth took it and ordered an orange juice.
Samuel asked, "Mrs. Jones, not a coffee fan?"
Elizabeth shook her head, "I've been swamped with my thesis lately, and had trouble sleeping, which coffee won't help."
Samuel's eyes lit up, "Oh, Mrs. Jones, you're still in college? You're so young and already running things."
Elizabeth quickly waved her hand, "Not that impressive, just doing what I have to. Mr. Taylor, you mentioned wanting to invest in The Jones Group. Can you share your thoughts? A lot of people think The Jones Group isn't worth investing in anymore."
Samuel explained, "Mrs. Jones, don't sell yourself short. The Super Brain system from The Jones Group still has a ton of potential. Most folks want to tie it to autonomous driving and use it in cars, but I think that's too narrow. The Super Brain system can be used in restaurant ordering systems, delivery robots, or automated sorting in the courier industry. We shouldn't limit ourselves; we can explore multiple fields."
Elizabeth's eyes lit up.