Chapter 64 - Alexander
**ALEXANDER**
Alexander Fitzpatrick’s week had been a fascinating dance between business, creativity and a touch of chaos. He had told Emily that he would be away for a week and a half, but that was a lie. He needed time to sort out his thoughts and feelings. She was getting under his skin - way too much. Besides, the board members were still breathing down his neck, so he couldn’t afford any distractions. And last but not least, he could call the private investigator he had hired on Dominik’s recommendation. He wanted to know more about the woman the agency had placed at his disposal.
Every day was torture for the billionaire. Even though he could afford everything with his money, there was nothing that could stop the pain in his heart. Britney had to be ready for him every night because all he had to do was think of Emily and he would get hard. His cock seemed to work against him. But Britney didn’t complain when he whipped her every night, covered her with candle wax and fucked her mercilessly.
During the day, he buried himself in work, sketching out ideas only to throw them away and start over. He consulted with Mark Jenkins on some security measures, made plans for Dominik’s clubs, and drew up a plan for the board of directors. Finally, the day was approaching when he would have to present his designs to avoid being removed from his position as CEO.
The conference room on the top floor of Fitzpatrick Designs was impressive, with panoramic windows overlooking the vibrant Los Angeles skyline. But Alexander didn’t care; his focus was on the men and women seated around the massive conference table watching him. He stood next to a presentation wall, the sleeves of his white shirt casually rolled up. In front of him were several large, thick folders, bulging with sketches and designs that would shape the future of Fitzpatrick Designs.
“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen,” he began in a clear voice that immediately caught the attention of the board members. “Today I have brought you a series of designs that, if implemented, will take our portfolio to the next level.”
The attendees exchanged skeptical looks. Alexander was known for extravagant ideas that often went over budget. He knew what he was about to present was bold. But over the past few days, he had come to realize that he didn’t want to do a mediocre job. Fitzpatrick Designs was more than just a mass producer. His name guaranteed high standards.
He opened the first folder and attached a sketch to the presentation board showing an elegant dining table with legs shaped like twisted tree trunks, intertwined and seemingly growing out of nature. “This is the Elysian Table. It is made entirely of walnut with a resin coating that makes the structure appear like glass. The table will be the centerpiece of any upscale interior. It is a statement piece that our customers love.”
Theresa Miller, CFO of Fitzpatrick Designs, raised an eyebrow. “And what are the production costs? Looks like a lot of hand work.”
Alexander crossed his arms. “Yes, it will take time, but that’s the point. Our customers are looking for exclusivity, for uniqueness. We won’t be making mass products, but limited editions. That creates desire.”
Marketing director Robert Kane, who always had a knack for numbers, flipped through the calculations Alexander had prepared. “It’s a risky bet, Alexander. We’d have to offer the table at least three times the price of our standard models.”
“So?” Alexander asked calmly. “When it comes to limited editions, people are willing to pay more to have a real work of art in their living room.”
A murmur went through the room. Michael Green, who was in charge of production, scratched his head. “I’m not sure our workshops are capable of making these winding legs in series. It’s complicated.”
Alexander smiled wryly. “That’s the point, Michael. There won’t be a series. Each table will be made to order, tailored to the wishes of the individual customer. Maybe we’ll put gems in the resin if the customer wants, or use special woods from sustainable sources. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what our customers want - something that’s all theirs.”
Robert Kane sat back and nodded thoughtfully. “It could work. But only if we adjust our marketing strategy accordingly. We need campaigns that convey that sense of exclusivity and luxury.”
“That’s what I was getting at,” Alexander confirmed. He pulled out another sketch and pinned it to the wall. This time it was a sofa in the shape of a giant shell, the upholstery as soft and cuddly as ocean waves. “This is the Oceana sofa. Inspired by the waves of the Pacific Ocean. It will make its debut at our Malibu club before we officially launch it.”
Theresa Miller frowned. “It looks... extravagant. Do you really think our clients want something like that?”
“I know they do,” Alexander said firmly. “Our clients want their furniture to tell stories. They want to feel something in their rooms that they can’t get anywhere else. And this sofa gives them just that - the feeling of sitting by the sea, hearing the waves, feeling the wind.”
Michael Green nodded slowly. “It’s unusual, but impressive. It might actually work.”
Alexander barely gave them time to discuss the idea further before he reached for the next folder. “And here is my last piece for today: the Stellar Chair. A chair cast from a single piece of aluminum, then polished until it shines like liquid metal. It will be the centerpiece of our new collection, perfect for modern, minimalist interiors.”
“It’s going to be expensive,” Theresa commented curtly.
Alexander shrugged. “Yes. And that’s why our customers will love it.”
Silence filled the room as the board members looked at each other.
“Alexander, these are exclusive pieces again,” Tom finally objected. “They will help us attract and retain elite clients. But what about the people in L.A. who don’t have as much money and want to be served as well? What about the stores in other countries? We can’t keep the company financially strong with this luxury equipment.”
Alexander sighed. He had suspected that Tom wouldn’t be fobbed off so easily. After all, he was the proponent of mass-produced goods. Reluctantly, he opened the fourth folder. Without saying a word, he attached some sketches. Then he turned and looked Tom straight in the eye.
“Here are some suggestions that I think would be suitable for mass production. A family-friendly kitchen with a play wall, a coloring area, a creativity station, and a special storage area for toys. These designs can be mass produced.”
He didn’t really want to show these designs. Although he liked them, they didn’t really fit his image of a slightly snobby billionaire. But as CEO, he sometimes had to do things the board wanted. And indeed, he was now able to appease Tom.
Alexander’s thoughts turned back to Emily, as they often did. What would she like more: a child-friendly kitchen or a dreamy sofa inspired by the waves of the Pacific Ocean?