Ethan glanced at David, his expression thoughtful.

"David, do you know any seasoned professionals at other companies? I mean senior-level folks, department heads, people who can help mentor and guide our team," he inquired.

David laughed, his usual cheerful demeanor peeking through after a demanding day. "Of course! After all these years in the industry, I've met quite a few. I'm not exactly young," he said with a grin.

But his smile soon faded, replaced by a more severe look. "But attracting them won't be easy. They are well-compensated, secure, and content in their current roles."

"That's exactly what I was hoping for," Ethan replied, determination lighting up his face. "I want you to try and lure them here—offer them double their current salary and the best benefits package we can manage."

David looked at Ethan, taken aback by such a bold proposal.

"Double their salary? Plus a comprehensive benefits package?" He glanced at Jessica, who was sitting across from them. Her shock at Ethan's proposal was evident.

She quickly regained her composure, though her surprise was unmistakable.

"Ethan, that's quite the ambitious plan," Jessica remarked, still trying to grasp the magnitude of Ethan's suggestion.

"Ambitious?" Ethan smiled, leaning back. "We need exceptional leaders. These individuals won't leave their jobs for a slight pay bump. To attract the best, we must offer more than just money."

David raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "More than money? What else are you considering?"

Ethan leaned in, his tone serious. "We'll double their salary, but that's just the beginning. We'll also provide them with health insurance, excellent retirement plans, stock options, flexible working hours, and paid vacations. Everything they need to feel secure in the long run."

David leaned back, rubbing his temples as if trying to wrap his head around the plan. "Double the pay… Plus all that? Health insurance, retirement plans, stock options...?"

Jessica chuckled softly, though it was evident she was still wrapping her head around the magnitude of the plan. "That's... indeed, that's going to get their attention," she said.

Ethan, looking grave, agreed. "It's the level of security my parents never had in their careers. It's about more than just hiring people—it's about giving them a reason to stay, to buy into our vision."

He continued, with a more solemn tone, "Think about it. These senior-level hires will provide the leadership necessary to scale up NovaTech effectively. We'll continue to welcome new talent, but we need seasoned professionals to mentor them. With such leadership, managing fifty new hires will be a breeze."

David whistled softly, sharing a look with Jessica, both trying to grasp the full extent of Ethan’s proposal. "That's a bold move, Ethan. We're talking about attracting some of the top talents in their fields. Offering double their salary and all those benefits will surely catch their eye."

"But we'll see the results," Ethan replied confidently. We're not just hiring; we're investing in the future of the company. With the right leaders, NovaTech is set to succeed."

Jessica smiled slightly, appreciating Ethan's drive despite his sometimes audacious ideas. "It might just work. Let's bring in senior experts to head the departments. They can mentor the new staff and make the onboarding process smoother. It's a long-term investment, not just a quick fix."

David sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Alright, I'm on board. I know a few people who might be interested in knowing if the offer is right. I've never been able to offer double the salary before," he said, chuckling.

Ethan smiled and said. “I’ll leave that part to you, David. But I’ll need your help tracking how much we’re spending. Just because money isn’t a problem doesn’t mean I want to waste it.”

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David and Jessica erupted into laughter. “I was wondering when you’d come back to reality!” David said between chuckles.

Ethan blushed slightly and rubbed the back of his neck. “Hey, I want the best, but I’m not completely reckless.”

David shook his head, still smiling. "You really don’t do anything small, do you?"

The laughter settled, and Jessica, who had regained her composure, leaned forward.

"Now, as for those fifty candidates we’ve already shortlisted," she said, tapping the stack of resumes on the table, "we can offer permanent contracts to the top twenty."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "And the other thirty?"

"We could start them on probationary contracts—six months—at 70% of their full salaries and benefits. We’ll bump them up to full salaries if they perform well during that period. That way, we’re not locking ourselves into long-term contracts with people who may not fit," Jessica explained.

Ethan’s eyes gleamed. "That’s a great idea. It’ll give them something to work toward and ensure we only commit to the best performers. Let’s go with it."

Jessica smiled, relieved that Ethan was on board with her suggestion. Still looking a little stunned by the sheer scope of Ethan’s ambitions, David took a deep breath. "You’re certainly making some bold moves here, Ethan. But you’re right—if we want to build something extraordinary, we need extraordinary people."

Ethan glanced down at the resumes before him, his mind buzzing with the next steps. “What about departments, David? You know this better than I do. What kind of structure should we build to ensure everything runs smoothly?”

David straightened up, his tone turning more serious. “Well, we’ll need heads for all the major departments—finance, marketing, operations, HR, IT, development, customer support. And don’t worry, I already covered that,” David smiled. “We included candidates for all those positions in today’s interviews.”

Ethan raised his eyebrows, impressed. “You already covered all of that?”

David nodded confidently. “Of course. I’ve been in this game long enough to know what’s needed to keep things running smoothly. We’ve got candidates for each role and a few standout applicants I think would fit perfectly.”

Ethan grinned, clearly pleased. “That’s amazing, David. I didn’t expect you to be this far ahead of me.”

David chuckled. “Don’t worry—I’ve got your back on the details. We’re building this together.”

Ethan smiled, but David’s expression turned thoughtful before he could respond. He leaned in slightly, his voice lowering. "Ethan, there’s something else we need to discuss. You’re going to need a personal assistant."

“A personal assistant?” Ethan looked puzzled.

“Yes,” David said, his voice matter-of-fact. "Someone to help you manage your schedule, organize your meetings, and keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Especially when you’re balancing university and running a company."

Ethan frowned slightly. He hadn’t thought about that. With everything happening so fast, his focus had been entirely on building NovaTech, hiring people, and completing system missions.

But David was right—things were going to get overwhelming, fast.

"You’re going to be very busy," David continued. "Running a company, dealing with investors, managing the app development, and on top of all that, your university work. You’ll need someone to help keep it all in order."

Ethan leaned back in his chair, thinking carefully. “You’ve got a point. I hadn’t considered how much would pile up once everything moves.”

He paused, rubbing his chin. “But I don’t want just anyone. I need someone I can trust. Someone who can handle the pressure, understand what we’re trying to build, and isn’t going to be overwhelmed by all of it.”

David let out a light chuckle. "I can't volunteer myself. Running the company is going to take up all of my time."

Ethan smiled at the idea, but he understood David's point. He needed someone intelligent, competent, and, most importantly, trustworthy.

Suddenly, David leaned forward, a gleam of mischief in his eyes. "What about Jessica?"

Both Ethan and Jessica froze for a second, processing the suggestion.

“Me?” Jessica blinked in surprise, her face a mix of curiosity and uncertainty.

David grinned. “Why not? You’ve already proven yourself. You’ve helped with the interviews, handled the property transactions like a pro, and you’re sharp. You’re exactly the kind of person Ethan needs—someone who can juggle multiple things and keep everything organized.”

Jessica looked uncertainly at Ethan. "I—I don’t know what to say. I’m honored, but are you sure?"

Ethan took a moment to consider Jessica. She had been a solid presence during the hectic past few days, showing skill, flexibility, and dependability. Her ease in navigating the complexities of the business world, coupled with her calm presence, was comforting.

After pausing momentarily, Ethan smiled and asked, "Jessica, would you be interested in becoming my assistant? On a full-time basis? I'll cover any compensation when you resign from your current role."

Jessica was taken aback. This was the last thing she expected when she entered the office today. "I—yes, of course, I’m interested. But are you certain?"

Ethan nodded confidently. “Absolutely. You’ve more than proven yourself. And I trust you.”

Jessica felt a mix of pride and surprise. “Then... I’d be honored."

David broke the tension with a clap of his hands. "Well, that settles it! Ethan, it looks like you’ve found your personal assistant."

Ethan’s smile broadened, feeling a bit more relieved. With Jessica on board and David managing the company, things began to look up.

Now, they were ready to start building something truly remarkable.