Building a Conglomerate in Another World - Chapter 42 - Seeing Mr. Fitzwilliam in Amsterdam

It was one o’clock in the afternoon and Matthew was getting ready for his eventual meeting with Mr. Fitzwilliam. He made sure that he’ll be in his smartest attire, three piece black suit and a top hat, all tailor-made specifically for his body type.

“You looked dashing, Matthew,” Amber complimented, who was watching from behind Matthew.

“You know it has been concerning to me that you are not even bothered with staying in the room with me,” Matthew noticed.

“Why? Is there something I should be concerned about?” Amber asked.

Matthew didn’t flinch. He simply adjusted his cufflinks, his expression calm and composed.

“Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying,” he replied, his tone steady as he met her gaze in the mirror. “A man and a woman sharing a room together—it raises eyebrows, especially in these circles.”

Amber tilted her head, clearly surprised that he hadn’t faltered.

“Oh? So you’re worried about what people might think?” she teased.

Matthew turned around to face her, his eyes sharp, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

“Not at all. I just thought you might be concerned, considering how… proper your upbringing is,” he said smoothly. “Unless, of course, you don’t mind the assumptions people might make?”

Amber blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his confident response. But she recovered quickly, crossing her arms and giving him a challenging look.

“And what if I don’t mind, Matthew?” she shot back, stepping closer, her eyes never leaving his.

“Then it’s settled,” Matthew replied, not backing down an inch. “Let them think what they will. I’m not in the habit of letting others dictate how I live my life.” He held her gaze.

Amber’s cheeks flushed, but she refused to look away. “You’re quite bold, aren’t you?” she muttered, though there was a hint of admiration in her voice.

Matthew simply shrugged, a confident smile playing on his lips. “I prefer to call it… honest,” he said. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to make sure I’m ready for your father. I’d rather not keep him waiting.”

Amber held his gaze for a moment longer, then let out a soft, almost reluctant laugh. “Fine, fine,” she said, finally stepping back. “But don’t think this conversation is over, Matthew.”

He gave her a half-smirk, tilting his hat slightly. “I’ll look forward to it,” he said, turning his attention back to the mirror, adjusting his jacket one last time.

“Okay I’m ready,” Matthew finished.

Matthew arrived at the bustling intersection of Broadway Avenue, one of the most prominent streets in Amsterdam, known for its high-end offices and innovative businesses. The city had begun to stir to life with the afternoon crowd, horse-drawn carriages rattling along the cobblestones, and pedestrians rushing to their appointments.

Matthew wrinkled his nose slightly as the pungent scent of the muddied streets assaulted his senses. It never changed. He adjusted his top hat and straightened his jacket before stepping confidently onto the cobblestone road—and towards Mr. Volta’s office.

Matthew pushed through the heavy wooden doors and was immediately greeted by the cool air of the lobby, a stark contrast to the bustling noise outside. The interior was just as grand as the exterior, with polished marble floors, high ceilings, and chandeliers that seemed to drip with opulence. He approached the front desk where a sharply dressed receptionist was busy with paperwork.

“Good afternoon, sir,” she greeted, glancing up. “How may I assist you today?”

“Matthew Hesh,” he introduced himself smoothly, tipping his hat. “I have a meeting with Mr. Fitzwilliam.”

“I am afraid Mr. Fitzwilliam is currently discussing business with Mr. Volta,” said the girl.

“Tell him that her daughter is here,” Amber stepped forward.

The receptionist blinked in surprise, her eyes darting from Matthew to Amber, who had remained just out of sight until that moment.

“Miss Fitzwilliam,” the receptionist stammered, clearly taken aback. “I—uh, I was not aware of your arrival. One moment, please.”

The receptionist quickly picked up the telephone and dialed through to the office upstairs. After a hushed conversation, she looked back at Amber and Matthew with a relieved smile.

“Mr. Fitzwilliam will see you both now,” she said, standing up to guide them. “Please, follow me.”

As they walked through the richly decorated corridors, Matthew leaned slightly toward Amber. “Using your father’s name to get us in, huh? Clever,” he whispered with a hint of amusement.

Amber gave him a sidelong glance, her lips curving into a playful smirk. “Well, sometimes it’s useful being the daughter of an influential man,” she whispered back. “Besides, I didn’t want to wait in that crowded lobby.”

Matthew chuckled softly, appreciating her quick thinking. The corridor opened up into a spacious office. At the far end of the room stood two men deep in discussion. Mr. Volta and Mr. Fitzwilliam.

“Amber… I didn’t expect your presence here,” Charles said.

“Is that your daughter?” Volta asked. “She is beautiful.”

“She is indeed,” Charles chuckled, then his gaze flickered to Matthew. “Why are you with my daughter?”

“Actually Mr. Fitzwilliam,” Matthew stepped forward confidently. “It was her who chose to come with me. I am here to discuss my enterprise.”

“So that’s the man you told me about earlier. The one who invented that contraption that is not drawn by horses,” Volta said, looking at Matthew. “You are quite a young fellow. For someone like you who has invented an extraordinary machine, you are a treasure to this country. The name is Volta.”

“I’m Hesh,” Matthew introduced. “Pleasure to meet you Mr. Volta.”

“Now now…what is it that you want, Mr. Hesh,” Charles chimed.

“Mr. Fitzwilliam, I am planning on opening a rubber plantation in the Kingdom of Siam and I’ll be away from this country for a month or two to oversee its development.”

Amber flickered her gaze to Matthew with a wide gaze. “What, you are going out of the country?”

“For business purposes, yes,” Matthew said, not looking at Amber.

“You don’t need my permission in that matter, Mr. Hesh,” Charles said.

“I know, but given that I am leaving the country, there will be no one overseeing the enterprise here,” Matthew explained. “I was hoping that since you are the chairman of my company, you might consider appointing someone in my stead to oversee operations while I’m away.”

“And what makes you think I would grant such a favor? Trusting someone to manage your business while you gallivant across the world is no small request, especially considering the scale of your plan.”

“I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t have confidence in your judgment, Mr. Fitzwilliam. You’ve invested in my company because you believe in its potential. Ensuring its continued success benefits both of us.”

Volta, who had been quietly observing, interjected with a thoughtful nod. “I must say, Mr. Fitzwilliam, this young man has a point. If his venture in Siam is successful, so does his enterprise.”

Charles glanced at Volta, then back at Matthew. There was a flicker of consideration in his eyes before he spoke.

“Very well, Hesh. But I will only agree if you allow me to appoint my own overseer. Someone I trust implicitly to ensure everything runs smoothly in your absence.”

Matthew inclined his head, knowing better than to push his luck. “I trust your judgment, sir. As long as they uphold the standards I’ve set, I welcome the assistance.”

“Father, if Matthew is going to be away for so long… I would like to accompany him.”

Both Charles and Matthew turned to her, surprised.

“Absolutely not,” Charles said firmly, his eyes narrowing. “I won’t have you traipsing off to the other side of the world on some business expedition.”

Amber squared her shoulders, her eyes flashing defiantly. “Why not?”

“Amber…it’s best if you are going to stay here,” Matthew said.

“But—”

“Miss Amber, it is a business trip of mine and there is no reason for you to come with me. Don’t worry, it won’t be long. It’s just a one to two month trip.”