Page 23 of Grumpy Silver Fox Daddy

The idea is innovative and forward-looking. It is precisely the direction I want the firm to go.

I gaze at her, the stirring in my belly turning to a smolder. Unsettled, I shift uncomfortably in my chair. She meets my gaze, squirming on the couch. Could she be having the same thoughts as me?

What would happen if I were to stand up, pull her toward me, and crush my lips against hers?

I exhale, pushing away that enticing notion and returning to the present moment. “Let me look through it some more. Can you send the document to my email?”

“As soon as I return to my desk,” she promises.

After Ana leaves the office, determined to distract myself from thoughts about her, I decide to visit the building and conduct a thorough inspection personally. It’s a short walk, and the weather is beautiful, the sun shining brightly. The city bustles with its usual energy—car horns blaring, occasional shouts, and people rushing shoulder to shoulder to their destinations.

I arrive at the brick building with red shutters on the windows and unlock the door. The lingering aroma of coffee fills the air, and I inhale deeply. The espresso and coffee machines are intact, so I decide to brew myself a cup using leftover grounds. Pouring the hot liquid, I sniff it and take a sip. The label on the bag indicates it’s Hawaiian coffee, from Kona. It’s delicious, surpassing anything I've ever tasted before.

With my cup in hand, I retreat to the kitchen. The idea of having a space for intimate gatherings in the building appeals to me. The spacious upstairs area would make for an excellent office. I diligently jot down notes as I contemplate the renovations required to transform it.

Seated at the counter, I imagine Ana gracefully moving about, effortlessly brewing coffee, restocking supplies, and warmly greeting her customers. Her patrons must have adored her. I can see students, writers, and professionals occupying the space, comfortably seated at the tables, feeling a sense of belonging. I turn to the windows and observe people passing by. A woman stops momentarily, attempting to open the locked door before eventually shaking her head and walking away, perhaps lamenting the loss of another neighborhood gem.

I'm well aware of the skepticism toward large corporations like mine, but I choose to disregard it. Paying attention to the detractors won't serve any purpose if I want to improve the company. All I need to do is demonstrate that we are not the villains they perceive us to be.

I retrieve my phone and open the proposal that Ana sent earlier. Carefully, I go through it, analyzing every aspect and preemptively considering potential objections from the board. Perhaps I shouldn’t even bother presenting this to them.

Blockchain energy trading. This will make their heads explode for sure.

I can’t even get them to approve a simple business process efficiency improvement like a paperless office.

Better to focus my energy on buying enough shares to push them out altogether. After, I’ll be able to proceed with any initiative I find compelling.

But I still make a few notes for some adjustments. Rather than focusing on solar energy only, I want to expand it to allow peer-to-peer trading of any renewable energy. We should also implement systems to track both energy generation and consumption seamlessly.

Ana’s proposal is insightful and aligns perfectly with the direction I envision for my business. I'm intrigued by how she was able to grasp it this fast. In addition, she noted that the use of the new building falls outside the board’s jurisdiction.

I promptly send the proposal back to Ana, requesting more details about the technology itself and possible partners from the tech sector. With renewed hope, I tidy up and secure the door behind me. Excitement fills me as I anticipate what she will come up with.

As I make my way back to the office, I begin making calls to the shareholders on my priority list. Seeing myself in a position to circumvent the board completely fills me with elation.

But it’s good to have a plan B, just in case.

Once I am back at my desk, I jot down an outline of a budget for Ana’s idea, intending to pursue it as soon as an opportunity presents itself.

Glancing at the clock, I realize that Addison should be home by now. I conclude my work, eager to spend quality time with my daughter before my date tonight.

As I step through my apartment door, I call out for Addison and hear the sound of socked feet pounding down the hallway. Before I know it, a squealing girl ambushes me from the side.

“Dad, you're home!” she exclaims, enveloping me tightly.

I inquire about her day, asking if she aced her history test. She nods excitedly.

I give her a high-five and pull her into another warm embrace. I couldn't be prouder of her.

CHAPTER9

ANA

Since Brando isout of the office this morning, I use the time to research technology firms we could partner with. Charlotte is covering the phones for a while, so that I can fully concentrate.

Engrossed in the project, I fail to notice Brando approaching my desk. The hours have flown by, and I don't recall Charlotte leaving for her break or Brando arriving at the office.

“How about I treat you to lunch today, and we can review the edits I sent you?” Brando suggests, raising his eyebrows expectantly.

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