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42  Salvation Or Destruction

While yesterday had left a bitter taste in my mouth, it wasn't enough to stop me from trying.

Today was the second and final day of the Global Elite Hospitality Forum and it was my final chance to capture Oliver's attention.

Today was also the day I'd be pitching the Sunset Inn at the forum's pitch event and if things worked out, Oliver Adams would be there to hear it.

Gray and I had arrived early at the hall, both of us dressed to impress.

I'd spent the last few hours at the hotel refining my pitch. I was going to have to sell a vision to these people. A vision that would make the Sunset Inn impossible to ignore.

We spent the morning at the panel discussions and workshops.

Each one was packed with attendees, from experienced investors to up-and-coming entrepreneurs hoping to make a breakthrough.

And even with all that, Oliver was nowhere to be found.

Gray and I used these sessions as networking opportunities, building a positive reputation before our pitch.

But even with that, we didn't manage to pull a lot of interest. When you think about it, it wasn't surprising that most of the investors were cautious.

The luxury hospitality market was notoriously competitive and boutique ventures like ours were not viewed as guaranteed investments.

Instead of taking this as discouragement, I took it as fuel. I knew that once I had their attention at the pitch, they would see why Sunset Inn was different.

Finally, the time for the pitch event arrived. Gray and I took our seats near the front, waiting for our names to be called.

I scanned the judges' table, putting a name to each face until I saw Oliver Adams seated at the far end.

This was good. He was finally in attendance. All I needed to do now was catch his attention.

I watched the pitches, taking note of what they did right and what they did wrong. I wouldn't be making the same mistakes.

At last, our names were called. Gray and I stood up, smoothing out our suits and walked to the podium.

I could feel the crowd's eyes on me and instead of saying away,  I welcomed it.

This was my moment and I had no intention of letting it slip through my fingers.

I cleared my throat, giving the room a confident smile. Fake it till you make it. But now, I don't need to take it. I already had it.

"Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Nico Voss, Chairman of Cooper Real Estate, and today, along with my partner Romulus Gray, we're excited to introduce you to a new concept in luxury hospitality, Sunset Inn."

I paused, making eye contact with a few people in the crowd.

"The Sunset Inn isn't just another boutique hotel. It's an experience tailored to travelers looking for a unique, personalized stay that goes beyond typical luxury."

At my words, I could see some people in the audience beginning to pay more attention. Perfect.

"We are currently living in times where hospitality is often impersonal and this is where we come in."

"With Sunset Inn, we'll be bringing the human touch back into the heart of luxury accommodation."

I gestured to Gray who projected images and design sketches of the planned locations onto the large screen behind us.

"Our first two locations will be set in two iconic cities. New York and Crownsborough." Gray continued from where I stopped.

"Each Sunset Inn will reflect the unique flavor of its location, blending luxurious design with local character. We're not just creating hotels. We're building a bridge between luxury and culture."

Taking back the reins, I continued. "What sets Sunset Inn apart isn't just the personalized service or the bespoke interiors."

"It's our commitment to sustainability, our approach to guest engagement, and our emphasis on creating experiences that guests will want to relive."

At my words, even the judges say up straight. I couldn't help but smile. My previous experience in my past life was showing itself.

I clicked the button for the projector, moving on to the next talking point. I pointed out the potential for growth, emphasizing the fact that my venture would be even more resilient during economic downturns. After all, my customers were people who prioritize quality over quantity.

I moved to the next slide, laying out the revenue generation and projected return on investment. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

I then laid out an initial investment requirement of a hundred million, pointing out where the funds would be allocated.

I could see people in the crowd nodding as I spoke, their expressions attentive and interested.

I watched the judges, gauging their responses. Three of them looked engaged, nodding thoughtfully as I spoke. But Oliver? He looked neutral, his eyes giving nothing away.

I brought the pitch to a close with a confident smile. "Sunset Inn represents a new wave in luxury hospitality. A place where guests can feel like they're coming home, no matter where they are in the world."

"We invite you to be part of something unique. An investment in a brand that values quality, culture, and sustainability. Thank you."

The room was silent for a moment before the audience applauded. But that didn't mean anything. It was the judge's opinion that mattered.

"Mr. Voss." The first judge, a woman, adjusted her eyeglasses with a smile before continuing.

"I want to start by saying that I love your idea. I would, however, recommend that you focus a bit more on the branding aspect, especially considering the highly competitive market you're entering. Luxury is as much about perception as it is about service."

"Thank you. I appreciate that insight." I replied, nodding. "We've already started discussions with branding experts to ensure that our identity resonates with our target clientele."

There's no way I would miss this easy chance to show how proactive I am.

"Good." The woman nodded. "I wish you luck in your endeavor."

The next two judges spoke in the same vein but with the first one nitpicking the operational costs and the second one pointing out how hard it'll be to pouch the loyal customers of the established luxury hotels.

Finally, it was Oliver's turn. He sat back in his chair, a half-smile on his face that was anything but friendly.

"Mr. Voss." He began like he was about to make a speech that would go down in history. "Your ambition is admirable, but there's one glaring issue with your plan."

I kept my calm, listening to what he had to say.

"The luxury market you're trying to tap into is already dominated by established resorts and hotel chains with years of brand loyalty and capital behind them. How exactly do you plan to compete against them?"

I stepped forward confidently. "I understand your point, Mr. Adams. But I believe that the boutique model-"

Oliver cut me off with a dismissive wave of his hand.

"You can believe whatever you want, but the reality is that nobody in their right mind would choose an untested brand over the giants in this industry. It's a fantasy."

At his words, I could feel the opinion of the room change.

He leaned back in his chair, staring at me challengingly.

"Do you want my honest opinion?"

He didn't even wait for me to answer.

"If I were an investor, I wouldn't touch this project with a ten foot pole. Too much risk, not enough credibility."

The other judges shifted uncomfortably, exchanging glances, and I saw several people in the audience murmuring among themselves.

This was the resort prince speaking. He had enough credibility that his words were gradually becoming law.

Whatever I say now, no one would be willing to invest in my venture.

It seems like my salvation has now become my destruction.

It is with great pleasure that I announce that I have added Nico's image to the book. You can now vote on his character and add personalities. I'm looking forward to seeing what you guys come up with.

ChakraLord

Creator's Thought