Before talking more in-depth about her company or the investments everyone was willing to make, Octavia asked each person to present themselves. She knew that some already knew each other, even between her family and her friends and colleagues, but others didn’t. And while she had already introduced more than half of the people present, they might still be unknown to some. After all, not everyone lived in Leathrom City.
Hence, a round of introduction followed. It started from the people the closest to Octavia to those the furthest away, zigzagging from her right to her left. First were Mr Victor Murray and Mr Barton Lewis, the Mayor and deputy. Then Mrs Maybell Egerton, the Minister’s spokesperson, Mr Sylvester Atkins and Mr Eugene Crowle, President of Green Matters and his associate.
After those five were four family members. A paternal uncle called Thaddeus Asper and an aunt from the same side of the family called Helen Kepley. Next to them were two unrelated cousins.
The first cousin on Thaddeus’ side was a young woman, Harriet Drew, barely thirty years old. Issued from Octavia’s maternal family. The other cousin was Octavia’s father’s cousin – so a first cousin once removed concerning Octavia – he was a forty-year-old man called Cyril Teague, hence issued from Octavia’s paternal family.
Octavia’s four relatives were the only people Stephen didn’t know. The others were more familiar faces and names. Even if only because they had been mentioned during the previous speech or were a more recurrent part of Octavia’s life on social media. Phoebe was sitting on the left side of the table, facing Cyril and on Harriet’s side. Sitting beside Cyril, the following person was Simon, who met Octavia in their first year of architecture. He gave the parole to Stephen, sitting in front of him, who then introduced himself.
The last group were Andrew, Annabelle, Katie, Ethan, Julia and Carmen, the co-workers who had thrown their lots with Asperstate’s future.
While everyone got acquainted, Octavia looked at her laptop to prepare a sideshow. Its first page was soon seen on the wall behind her, displaying the company’s name: Asperstate – Urban Renewal.
“All right. Before I ask anyone to share how much they intend to invest, I will explain how your investments will matter. The most important thing is that it will set the Capital owned by the company. I’m not selling shares exactly. It’s more like you’re participating in the initial funding.
Let me explain. As I’ve said earlier, I had some investment. In part from the ministry and the Mayor’s office, both are considered part of a state’s project and are mainly without attachment. This amounts to one million Lys from the ministry and 500k Lys from the city itself. In this last case, it’s as much an investment as part of the contracted task for the city.
Added to that is my investment of another half a million Lys.
Yes, I was just as shocked as you when I realised I could unlock this many assets between my funds and what I could loan.
Anyway, this sum of 2M Lys is what represents the Company’s Capital base. In addition to that is the investment made by, my? Six employees? It will take time to get used to referring you this way!
We’re still in an agreement for 100k each? Or would any of you like to change their offer? We won’t be able to change things after today.” At that, she was holding to them a binder.
“No, go on, Boss!” Not all of them answered simultaneously, but it was a close thing. They obviously were waiting for an occasion to address Octavia that way.
“Ri~ght. So, in total, that’s another 600k Lys. Both of those investments – Asperstate’s Capital base and the funding from those six – will then get their value inflated. To reflect the non-monetary contribution we bring to the company. Our value as a person and our skill, if you will.
It won’t change the company’s Capital but make your share worth less than what you invested. I know it doesn’t seem worth it for you, and I would understand if some would instead not invest.
Please understand that otherwise, if you’re much more generous than I thought, I could not even own my company before starting anything. And, in the short term, as in the next five years, I don’t like that idea. It’s still possible, but the risk is slightly lowered for me.”
At that point, she spun on her heels to face the wall behind her, where were displayed a few graphics illustrating her explanation.
“For example, right now, with just Mssrs Atkins and Crowle investing, there’s slightly more than twenty-six per cent loss for them. That’s a lot, I know. And it won’t lessen by much even with your investment. I doubt it will go below twenty per cent. At least, this will only apply in the beginning. Later, when the company increases its value to above the inflated Capital used to determine the shares, you will start making benefits.”
“Cousin, you’re supposed to convince us to invest in you. Not to, stop that from happening. Right?” Clearly, Cyril was a bit amused by the situation. He lifted an eyebrow as he talked while his hands moved to support his words. First by pointing toward himself, then to Octavia, before making a stopping motion by interposing his hands. His last word was addressed to the others whom he looked at that time.
“Well, the only reason Mssrs Atkins and Crowley accepted those conditions was because we have an ongoing contract. One that stipulates I would prioritise working with them so long as they can meet the company’s need for materials. I can’t offer you this kind of promise.”
“I’m probably one of the less familiar with your current way of working at the table, yet if your skills and work ethic are even half as praise-worthy as when we were in school, I would still be willing to invest. I mean, you were the only one whose study notes were so well made that people were willing to pay for them. And ever since I’ve known you, you always do your best to think ahead and efficiently use your time.
I trust your abilities. I don’t mind if, for now, I’m losing some money. Supporting you is the first goal. If in the future it brings back some profits, all the better. That would just be proof of your success.”
As he said that, Stephen pushed the file he had prepared for the moment towards Octavia. It contained his bank account balance and a bearer cheque of half a million Lys. As well as other documents like a copy of the deed of his house and his last annual bank statement. It made sense to him to prove he wasn’t putting himself in a difficult situation and could afford to invest that much. As he took out the file, he saw the jewellery gift he had prepared. Thus he realised he had completely forgotten to ask when would the birthday presents be offered. It had completely slipped his mind with the bouquet he had already given her, then the time talking with Phoebe, Jeremy, and everyone else.
In the meantime, although Stephen might have been the first to talk and make his point known, he wasn’t the first to forward a file expressing his intent.
Phoebe had rolled her eyes at him before giving a folder to Octavia and smacking her lips to send her a kiss. While just on the opposite side, Cyril had silently pushed a file towards his cousin.
Following Stephen’s little speech, Harriet shared her thoughts just before following the others and taking out her chequebook. Simon, Helen and Thaddeus’s files were also forwarded during this time.
“He’s right, Ava. We might not be the most up-to-date with how exactly you work, but we still have watched you grow up. I trust you’ll succeed. It’s part of what funding means, too, after all. Trusting and supporting you when it matters the most so that you have the best possible chance to reach your goals. I’m with you on this, cousin.”
“Thanks! That... That means a lot.” She took a moment then to wipe a tear. “I guess I’m still realising that it is happening.
…So, hmm. I suppose it’s time to open some advance presents? Probably the most expensive gifts I ever get.”
She paused momentarily while looking at the files on the table before her. The first she took appeared to belong to Thaddeus. Her surprise then was quite apparent, as was the moment she took to re-read the cheque.
“… definitely the most expensive gift. My first car was well under that price. You’re the best uncle ever, Ted!”
“You’re welcome, Ava. You’re a capable woman. I’m glad to use what funds I have to give you a push.”
She took a moment to input the amount into her laptop, displaying it on a graph on the white screen where she wrote everyone’s name. Thaddeus’ investment was of 100k Lys.
From what Stephen had heard, Thaddeus was the eldest of his family, and Octavia’s father was retired, so he should be, too. It was quite the push, indeed.
The other’s investments then quickly followed. Helen for 70k, Simon for 25k, Harriet with 80k, then, for Stephen’s turn, a longer pause was made, as once again Octavia was startled by what she read.
“Stev? I doubt I can change your mind. I don’t want to, either. But, really? Are you sure about that? Did you not have other plans if you were saving this sum?”
“Investing was the plan. I just hadn’t made up my mind where. Then, with you starting your own company, the choice became very easy. You’re much more likely to make good use of it than I am. I did say I trusted you. I mean it.”
It had indeed been a plan to invest. Only the question had more to do with when Octavia would become her own patron. And which field she would pick.
“Laying it a bit thick there, Stev’”, Phoebe whispered to him, not very discreetly. To which Stephen’s only answer was to look at her while rolling his eyes.
“Oh, all right! Never mind then, thanks a lot! That’s a huge help!” Octavia appeared surprised and relieved by his answer. Then, she focused on the two last files. Those of Cyril, with 50k, and Phoebe, with 25k.
“You all, are ~ amazing people! I’m so grateful for your help!” She was clenching her fists against her chest, and they could see her biting her lips.
“We went well past my expectations for this day. Just a moment so I can check everything is shown as I wanted, and I’ll explain the next part.”
On the white screen displaying her slideshow, everyone’s share of the company, its current value and the amount invested initially were visible. Also shown was the price of 0.1% of shares, at 3 650 Lys. For a Capital of 3M 650k Lys. As it was, Octavia’s shares as the figurehead of Asperstate amounted to slightly more than 61% of the shares.
“Don’t pay too much attention to it for now. There’s something I’d like to mention.
As you can see, all the shares are an approximate number. So, the idea was to round up everyone’s shares to portions of 0.1%. Another benefit, besides not making it a nightmare of accounting, would be to make it easier to allocate some shares to be put on the market.
Of course, the company would buy your share even if I can’t pay you until our Capital has reached the value used to calculate the percentages. That is, …about 5M Lys compared to the 3M 650k Lys we currently have. Hopefully, it will happen in less than five years.”
On this, nobody had much to say. They were already in agreement with the lowered value of their shares beforehand. A delayed repayment to buy some of their shares didn’t matter much. It also was easy to accept that simplifying the accounting process was needed. Mistakes too often came from there. As for the inclusion of shares specifically designed to be sold in the future, while it could be done directly by selling parts of the shares owned by Octavia, having a separate allotment was much better.
After getting everyone’s approval, the table was changed to reflect the transfers of shares. The result was indeed clearer:
Octavia | Asperstate
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
→ 60 % →
2 190 000 Lys (Invested: 2 M Lys)
Shareholders
0.1% →
3 650 Lys
Green Matters
→ 4.3 % →
156 950 Lys (Invested: 200 000 Lys)
Andrew
→ 2.6 % →
94 900 Lys (Invested: 100 000 Lys)
Annabelle
→ 2.6 % →
94 900 Lys (Invested: 100 000 Lys)
Carmen
→ 2.6 % →
94 900 Lys (Invested: 100 000 Lys)
Cyril
→ 1 % →
36 500 Lys (Invested: 50 000 Lys)
Ethan
→ 2.6 % →
94 900 Lys (Invested: 100 000 Lys)
Harriet
→ 1.7 % →
62 050 Lys (Invested: 80 000 Lys)
Helen
→ 1.5 % →
54 750 Lys (Invested: 70 000 Lys)
Julia
→ 2.6 % →
94 900 Lys (Invested: 100 000 Lys)
Katie
→ 2.6 % →
94 900 Lys (Invested: 100 000 Lys)
Phoebe
→ 0.5 % →
18 250 Lys (Invested: 25 000 Lys)
Simon
→ 0.5 % →
18 250 Lys (Invested: 25 000 Lys)
Stephen
→ 10.7 % →
390 550 Lys (Invested: 500 000 Lys)
Thaddeus
→ 2.1 % →
76 650 Lys (Invested: 100 000 Lys)
Available shares
→ 2.1 % →
76 650 Lys
Total
→ 100 %→
3 650 000 Lys
Before, the value of the share was detailed to the pence, making it evident the shares themselves were rounded numbers. At least now, both values were exact, even if they didn’t come free.
“Is everyone in agreement with those changes?
Great.
Hmm. I don't think we have enough time right now to speak about all other matters concerning the company. So, I will make it short, and then by Monday, I will contact everyone to arrange another meeting.
Apart from the large project of rebuilding part of the city, we will also propose to individuals to draw plans for them. The goal, once more, is to ensure we reduce each construction's negative impact on the environment while making it as welcoming as possible.
For now, I’m sure many people are getting antsy waiting for us. So, I suggest we verify that all paperwork for your investments is done so we no longer have to worry about it. Again, I can’t express my gratitude for your support!”
They all agreed to complete the paperwork and spent ten long minutes ensuring everything was sorted correctly and signed. At some point, Octavia’s brother, Luis, appeared, wondering when they would be expected to come. As Phoebe had predicted earlier, they had already exceeded the scheduled time. It was almost 8:30 p.m. The dinner was supposed to start a quarter of an hour earlier.
As they eventually ended their reunion, mostly everyone returned to the main hall. Meanwhile, Octavia, Thaddeus and Carmen led the Mayor and his deputy back to the entrance, along with Mssrs Atkins and Crowle, since they hadn’t intended to stay for dinner. Only Mrs Egerton had accepted the invitation.
Meanwhile, Stephen had to feed some people’s curiosity, mainly that of the quintet of co-workers. They knew of each other but had very rarely met. Now, it was easier to see them as future associates because of their link to Octavia’s company than acquaintances or friends. In part because he never was someone to get close with others easily, but also because he had other things on his mind with the dungeon in his basement.
Freeing some time outside the obligations he was bound to have so that he could socialise wasn’t on the program. Learning magic, exploring a new realm, and ensuring he could stay safe through all that looked much more important than getting new friends. So he stayed polite and deflected questions that were more about his personal life than his interest in the company. Even on this point, he had already shared his reasons during the earlier meeting. At least the discussion allowed him to determine when the gifts would be offered. He was pleased he didn’t need to worry, as it would happen during the dessert.
Back in the main hall, the waiting had gone on long enough, indeed. Most of the tables had been installed in the centre, a few still on the back wall and filled with appetisers. A handful of waiters were also weaving amidst the guests, holding a plate with either drinks or finger food.
When Octavia’s parents – Gerald and Janet – saw their daughter’s meeting was over, they gathered everyone and pointed them to their tables. The dinner birthday could finally start.