Chapter 117
Chapter 117 A Shrewd Business Mind
Ethan didn’t elaborate further, simply continuing with a smile, “Now that Grandpa has greenlit the initial expansion plans, I’d love to hear your thoughts on how we should move forward with the business development p>
His sharp, attentive gaze was fixed on Arabella. While he could easily hire outside experts, Arabella’s medical skills were undoubtedly top–notch, so he wanted her perspective on the planning first.
Arabella couldn’t help but give a wry smile. “So there really is no such thing as a free lunch, huh? Even your coffee and pastries come with strings attached p>
She had thought he’d just be happy to hear the good news. Instead, Ethan was already seriously strategizing the next steps.
Well, it was a good thing she had a decent eye for investment herself. So she went ahead and laid out her ideas for Ethan in detail.
Arabella started by outlining her proposed follow–up investment phases and the specialized equipment she wanted to acquire. Finally, she circled back to the expansion itself.
“The later stages of the build–out will need to be planned around the R&D division, pharmaceutical production, quality control, compliance, and so on. The new floor plan looks good overall, but where I differ is prioritizing the R&D space. We’ll need to significantly increase their square footage, and later I might be bringing in some new, larger equipment and instruments, which will take up even more room p>
As Arabella continued with her professional analysis, Ethan’s brow gradually furrowed.
After she finished sharing her detailed thoughts, Arabella noticed the change in his expression and asked, a little suspiciously, “What’s wrong, Ethan? Did I say something off p>
Ethan looked at her, somewhat baffled. “Not at all. In fact, it’s more thorough than what I had in mind p>
Then why was he making that face?
Arabella was completely confused, not understanding what was going on with him.
But then Ethan suddenly gave her a shrewd, assessing look. “Arabella… just now, when you were talking about the investment plan, you used a lot of niche terminology from the finance world. Even your long–term planning shows the insight of a seasoned investor. It really makes me wonder–how do you know all this as a college student p>
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Chapter 117 A Shrewd Business Mind
His words made Arabella’s heart skip a beat.
Oh no, I got too carried away earlier …
She hadn’t realized her phrasing would raise Ethan’s suspicions. After all, Ethan was the most financially savvy one in the Hamilton family. His expertise in investments was definitely on par with her own.
For a moment, she felt a cold sweat under his scrutinizing gaze.
Thinking quickly, she offered an awkward smile. “Really? I guess my cramming has been paying off. You have no idea how many finance and business books I’ve been plowing through lately, but I only seem to remember these specific terms… Most of the other ideas are just minor extensions based on your initial plan. Do they work okay p>
Arabella deliberately looked at Ethan with an innocent, expectant expression, as if genuinely waiting for his approval.
Ethan’s eyes instantly grew more intense.
What could he say? Her extended ideas and strategies weren’t just “okay“—they were exceptionally polished!
These concepts weren’t something you picked up quickly; they usually required years of business school. If she had truly reached this level just from reading a few books.., then Arabella was undoubtedly a prodigy!
The thought made Ethan barely able to contain his excitement. “Arabella, Mom and Dad would be over the moon to know you’re this brilliant p>
Hearing Ethan’s words, Arabella knew he had bought her explanation and let out a silent sigh of relief.
“So, let me continue… I want to allocate a significantly larger area upfront for the R&D team.” Arabella quickly steered the conversation back, speaking with clear, logical precision.
By now, Ethan was in complete agreement with everything she said. “Absolutely. Just tell me what you need, and I’ll have the architect revise the blueprints according to your suggestions.
“You don’t have to figure everything out today. If you think of other adjustments later, just let me know anytime.” Ethan looked at her seriously, his eyes brimming with pleased surprise.
Arabella felt a little awkward inside. It seems I showed my hand too much … and now Ethan is even more focused on me …
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Chapter 117 A Shrewd Business Mind
“Now that we’ve covered the follow–up strategy and the expansion, why don’t we discuss the investment side?” Since Arabella had so many detailed ideas, Ethan decided to loop her into the funding conversation as well.
“That won’t be necessary on my end. I plan to commit all the company’s available capital to the expansion and equipment. I’ll have Finance run the numbers on what we can allocate internally. Any shortfall will be your department, Ethan,” Arabella said with a shrewd smile, implying that if they ran over budget, he’d have to cover it.
“Don’t even worry about that. Leave the funding to me.” Seeing her concern about a potential gap, Ethan responded generously and without hesitation.
She hadn’t expected Ethan to agree so readily, seemingly offering the funds without strings attached. She immediately felt compelled to clarify. “I’m not asking for a handout. If we exceed the budget, we can deduct it from my share of future profits p>
Not wanting to add pressure, Ethan didn’t push the point. “Alright. But don’t strain the company’s cash flow. If funds are tight, I can cover the full amount p>
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Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.