The weekend passed in a blur, with Conor waving goodbye to Anna as she drove off to Targu province, and the handover of shares from Jackson's coming early Monday morning.
First thing Monday morning, Mr. Nuri handed him a packet of papers as they sat in the executive conference room. "Sir, this represents 50% ownership in the local Jackson's furniture. Now that it is no longer associated with the chain, it would be best for us to change the name as soon as possible. Home Emporium could work."
"As long as Mr. Matthews is ok with the name, I have no opinion. Do what we can to make sure it remains a separate subsidiary and give Mr. Matthews the control he needs to run the daily operations."
"Of course, Sir" Liam Nuri replied.
Jarad piped up, "Sir, I do have a report on your current holdings."
Conor waved for him to continue.
"At present Vokrizin holds 50% in Jackson's, sorry, Home Emporium, which represents 1,500,000 dragons. Current pay rates indicate that Vokrizin's rights should wholly vest within two years and be debt-free from the Dreadnaught Investment. There is also a 51% stake in AperturePhoto. According to the latest numbers update from this morning, the company has increased to now be valued at 250 million dragons."
Conor sat forward at that number, "Wait, repeat that number?"
"250 million dragons, sir. Peter Miros has done an amazing job so far and is experiencing rapid growth across the whole kingdom. As it stands, it is generating 200 thousand dragons per month for Vokrizin as an owner share as of this update. Currently, there are close to half a million users, mainly in Bayan province right now, each paying for at least a basic package of 50 dragons per month. Several of the large firms in the area have purchased VIP packages and are working with AperturePhoto on detailed advertising campaigns."
"That is simply amazing. Continue."
"We also are tracking your shares of NewAge Gaming. They are doing well right now and are showing a profit of 16,000 dragons per month to the Vokrizin account. As of the last report, we are also collecting a 5000 dragon profit from the Spice Emporium's commissions. As of right now, Anna Brook's real estate offices are doing well, but are not yet profitable. They are able to clear enough in recent sales to pay all of their own expenses, but there just isn't enough business yet to pay back to Vokrizin."
"That is fine. We ran into Kerrigan Lokir last week. I have a feeling business will pick up dramatically for all of her agents. All in all, I think we are in an amazing place. Good work team. Anything else?"
Abby Wiess cleared her throat, "I have been using some of our subsidiary companies to slowly start buying Bayan Rail line as you directed... so far, the partners are not happy with me, as the stock has been going down."
Conor frowned, "Down? That's odd. Well, buy it while it is cheap. In fact, as long as we can maintain a slush fund of 1,500,000 dragons, let's start putting any excess toward that goal from the Vokrizin fund as well."
"What about the Community Center project?" Abby asked, a hint of shock showing through.
"Continue to budget and plan for it, but it is a community center after all. It will require a community capital campaign. Dreadnaught and Vokrizin will lead the charge of course but I want to see the Benedicts and Dragon Corporation spend their funds to earn public opinion. That should be our focus right now. Let's see where we can attract their funds without getting into bed with them. At no time do I want official partnerships or joint ownership. Vokrizin needs to remain firmly in control but let them donate to our causes. It will be a delicate advertising campaign but if you pull it off, there is a bonus in it for everyone," Conor said with a smile. "In fact, a Gala would be the perfect event for such a thing. A charity Gala is sure to bring out big doners. Who knows, perhaps the Dragoness herself Miss Lokir will join to get some local publicity? I have seen her sniffing around the local businesses a lot lately. Mr. Nuri, do we have an event planner who could head up such a project?" Conor said.
Mr. Nuri scratched his chin and then rummaged through a set of business cards, "In fact, Yes. Miss. Weiss, you remember Amber Morrison, right?"
"Yes! I went to school with her! She would be perfect!" Abby Wiess said.
Conor smiled, "Great, I will let you set that up with this Amber Morrison then. Let's say, 4-5 months from now? That should be enough time to get title sponsorships and a venue. Well, if that is all, I need to go see about some furniture for my new place. If you could have Parker join me that would be great."
Parker met Conor in the parking lot in a company SUV. "You look sharp today, sir."
Conor looked down and remembered he had on his tan suit. "Ah yes, well, today we go to officially claim ownership of Jackson's, I mean Home Emporium. Might as well dress the part to represent Vokrizin."
Parker chuckled, "Alright I can get behind that. Oh, and I visited Johnathan and the kids at the community center over the weekend. They really miss Cara. Any idea when she will be back?"
"I need to check in with them actually. Maybe after we deal with the furniture store. Cara and Peter should be getting back in a week or so, but then again, they are love birds right now so perhaps they are taking their time sightseeing," Conor smiled at the thought, remembering how happy the two looked together.
Parker drove them to Jackson's Furniture. When Conor got out and looked up at the sign he commented, "Guess I am going to have to order a new sign here soon. It will be good to give this place a facelift."
As soon as they entered, Manager Hanly spotted them and made is way over in a fury. "I told you last week, and I will tell you again, get the hell out of here! We don't need your filth driving away customers."
"I see your attitude has not improved," Conor said calmly.
Conor's calm demeanor and clear intention to stay must have set off Mr. Hanly. Hanly stepped up and raise a hand as if he would slap Conor, "Why you little shit! I will teach you to respect your betters!"
However, before he could land his blow, a strong hand gripped his wrist, locking him in place. Parker had stepped in front of Conor and held Mr. Hanly like an iron vice. "I would advise you not to strike any member of the Vokrizin."
Conor was pleased that Parker had the sense to not disclose his title, and also made it clear that ANY member of Vokrizin would need to be treated better. "Is Mr. Matthews in today?"
"He's in the back, but you are not getting to him." Mr. Henly tried to struggle free of Parker's grip, but the Dragoon held firm.
"That is no longer your call, Henly. Parker, go ahead and bring him along. He will need to sign his dismissal paperwork." Conor said, stepping around Henly to head to the back offices. Parker grinned and wrenched Henly's arm behind him and marched him after Conor.
When they arrived in the back offices, Mr. Matthews emerged and took in the scene, "Umm."
"Mr. Matthews! Call the cops! These buffoons are assaulting me!" Mr. Henly screamed before Parker wrenched his arm tighter, turning the scream into a whimper.
"I am sorry for this, Mr. Matthews, but we will be needing a new shift manager," Conor said calmly. "I am also in need of some furniture for my own place."
"Of course, I got your text last week. I have a few possible candidates; they just need final interviews." Mr. Matthews said with a slight bow.
Mr. Henly stared wide eyed at his boss, "You are just going to take this from this little welp?! Didn't we fire him not long ago?"
Mr. Matthews raised his hand to slap Henly hard across the cheek but held back at the last second. "You insolent little man. Conor is my new partner and co-owner of this business. I TOLD you and the staff this last week. If he sees fit to toss you out on your ass, I have no objection."
Mr. Henly looked visibly shaken. Conor simply said, "Parker, please escort him off site. Then we can get some actual furniture."
Parker just nodded and wrenched Mr. Henly's arm to turn him to the door, marching him out past every employee who had heard his fuss.
Conor turned back to Mr. Matthews, "I have a few pieces that I remember from my time on the floor that I would like it sent to my new place. Do we have a truck available today?"
"As a matter of fact, we do. There are no deliveries until tomorrow so its all yours. I can get, hmm, well I guess Martin is the one left covering the floor right now. He can help with everything. Just have him send the sales receipt back to me so I can expense it for you."
"Perfect." Conor made his way out onto the floor and after flagging Martin down, pointed out the full living room set and bedroom furniture he wanted.
"We can have it delivered to you after lunch. Will that work?" Martin asked.
"Sure thing. The code is still the old code so here it is. I will change it after everything is moved in. You all can start even if I am not there." Conor said.