Building a Conglomerate in Another World

Matthew sat at his desk, absently tapping his pen against a stack of documents as he reflected on the events of the past few days. The aviation division was officially underway, with Charles Fitzwilliam as a strategic partner, and the Flyer's successful demonstration had cemented the project's viability. Yet, amidst the progress, one thing stood out in his mind—Amber's role.

Amber had been present at every critical moment, offering insights, handling logistics, and acting as a bridge between Matthew's ambitious ideas and the practical execution required to make them a reality. But there was one glaring inconsistency: she wasn't officially part of Hesh Industries.

Matthew looked up from his desk to see Amber standing by the window, her gaze fixed on the airfield where the Flyer rested. She seemed lost in thought, her fingers idly tracing the edge of her scarf. He leaned back in his chair, his decision already made.

"Amber," he called, his tone thoughtful but resolute.

She turned to face him, raising an eyebrow. "Yes?"

"Can we talk for a moment? Sit down," Matthew gestured to the chair across from him.

Amber moved to the seat, curiosity written on her face. "What's on your mind?"

Matthew rested his elbows on the desk and folded his hands. "You've been deeply involved in almost every aspect of what we're building here—more than most people on the payroll, in fact. Yet, you're not officially part of the company. Why is that?"

Amber blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting the question. "I suppose I never thought about it that way. I'm not an employee because, well… I've never needed to be. My father's estate has always provided more than enough for me."

Matthew tilted his head, studying her. "Then why do you spend so much time here? You could live a life of leisure, yet you're here every day, working alongside my team."

Amber smiled softly, her gaze momentarily dropping to the desk. "Because this—being part of something this meaningful—is the only place I feel alive. Sitting in the estate, surrounded by comfort and idleness, makes me feel… useless. Here, I feel like I'm contributing to something greater than myself."

Her words struck a chord with Matthew, and he nodded. "I understand that. But if you're going to keep contributing, we need to make it official. How do you feel about becoming part of Hesh Industries?"

Amber's eyes widened slightly. "You mean… work for you? As an actual employee?"

"Exactly," Matthew said. "You're already doing the work, Amber. It's only fair you get the recognition—and responsibility—that comes with an official role."

Amber's lips curved into a thoughtful smile. "I'll admit, I've never considered myself the type to work a formal job. But… it makes sense, doesn't it? I'm already here. I'm already involved."

"Then let's talk about what role suits you best," Matthew said, leaning forward. "What are your strengths? What do you enjoy doing?"

Amber didn't hesitate. "I'm good at organizing, keeping things in order, and managing paperwork. I've done that for my father's estate for years—coordinating correspondence, maintaining schedules, handling documents. It's what I know best."

Matthew nodded, a smile forming. "Then it sounds like you'd be perfect as a secretary. You'd be at the heart of the operation, managing schedules, keeping records, and ensuring the flow of information runs smoothly."

Amber's smile brightened. "I think I'd enjoy that. It's a role where I can contribute meaningfully without stepping outside what I'm already familiar with."

"Perfect," Matthew said, reaching for a blank sheet of parchment. He began drafting a simple yet formal employment contract. As he wrote, Amber watched him intently, her anticipation growing.

The contract outlined her role and responsibilities: managing documents, coordinating meetings, overseeing correspondence, and acting as a liaison between departments when necessary. It was clear and concise, leaving no room for ambiguity.

Once he finished, Matthew slid the parchment across the desk and handed her a pen. "Here's the official offer. Take a look, and if it meets your expectations, we'll make it official."

Amber picked up the parchment, her brow furrowing slightly as she read. After a moment, she looked up, her expression a mix of excitement and determination. "This is more than fair, Matthew. I'm ready to sign."

She placed the parchment on the desk, signed her name with a flourish, and passed it back to Matthew. He added his signature beneath hers, sealing the agreement.
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Matthew extended his hand, a warm smile on his face. "Welcome to Hesh Industries, Amber."

Amber shook his hand firmly, her grin matching his. "Thank you, Matthew. I won't let you down."

"I know you won't," Matthew said, releasing her hand. "Now, let's get you settled into your new role."

Amber stood, her excitement palpable. "What's first on the agenda, boss?"

Matthew chuckled at her enthusiasm. "First, let's organize this chaos," he said, gesturing to the cluttered desk. "From now on, I'll need you to help me keep track of all the moving parts—aviation, automobiles, and everything in between."

Amber rolled up her sleeves, her smile turning playful. "Consider it done. Let's get to work."

Over the next hour, the two of them tackled the mess of papers, creating a streamlined system for managing projects, schedules, and correspondence. As they worked, Matthew couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and excitement. With Amber officially on the team, he knew the company was in even better hands.

By the time they finished, the desk was immaculate, and Amber had already begun drafting an updated schedule for the coming weeks. She glanced up at Matthew, her expression a mix of pride and determination. "How's that for a first day?"

"Impressive," Matthew admitted. "You're already making a difference."

Amber laughed. "Well, I'm glad to be here. Let's make history together."

Matthew nodded, his gaze drifting to the window, where the Flyer stood in the distance. "We will, Amber. This is just the beginning."

The two of them shared a moment of quiet camaraderie, the weight of their shared ambition hanging in the air. Together, they were ready to take Hesh Industries—and the world—into the future.