Chapter 685 - What do you know about running a business?

Sarah was happy to hear that Sophia will consider moving to Los Angeles and decided to give an additional incentive: "Until you find your own place, you are welcome to stay with us, and I'm confident that Anna and Jeff are also be willing to give you a temporary place to stay. Our homes are already equipped with Eve."

Sarah was all giddy because having both of her sisters nearby will be amazing!

Back to business…

"We are considering to take over diamond business from Regina's family." Sarah saw that Sophia is surprised and continued confidently: "If we don't claim it, it will be left without an owner. We want to make it a legitimate business, and we are aware that there are many issues to be solved in order for that to happen. Aiden and I will go to Sierra Leone personally on site in few days to replace current corrupt management with people we can trust, and to abolish child labor in that mine. Other than that, we are not clear what else needs to happen for us to take it over. I know that you looked into this with Jeff, and we need you to give us a detailed explanation of what you found related to that business and how to make it legitimate."

Sophia was not sure if she heard Sarah right, or is she imagining. "You want to own a diamond mine?"

Sarah smiled and looked at Aiden. "Yes. Both of us, together. Mining, processing and trade."

Sophia inhaled while frown veiled her face. "What do you know about running a business?"

"Not much." Sarah admitted. "But I have a very capable big sister who is willing to help out."

Sophia looked at Sarah's sparkling eyes full of expectations and could only shake her head in defeat. "Fine… get me a laptop. Let's go through the files…"

They spent the evening discussing current state of the business and what needs to be changed.

Sarah and Aiden made sure to take notes and organize them in order in which things need to happen.

"When you put it that way, it does not look like a lot of work. It's because you are awesome!", Sarah praised Sophia.

"But none of these will make a big impact until you clean up the situation in the mine." Sophia warned them. "According to the reports, those corrupt managers are taking for themselves more than half of the gemstones which are mined. Be careful, they will not leave willingly."

Because Sophia and Felix will head to Seattle in the morning, before heading to bed, Sophia told Sarah and Aiden to use spare key while they are in New York. "Leave the key with the doorman when you head back home."

Sarah responded that there is no need for that since they are going back home tomorrow as well. "We finished what we came here for, so we will catch a flight after breakfast."

"Do you want to come with us?" Sophia offered. "If you join, we will get our jet to drop us at Seattle and then can take you to Los Angeles. It will add maybe two-three hours to your trip, but you would spend that much time anyway with a commercial flight."

Sarah took a mental note that they should get a private jet as well. Huh, their shopping list is increasing daily… She glanced at Aiden and he gave a nod of approval.

"Sure, let's go together." Sarah happily told Sophia before heading to the bedroom with Aiden.

…about fifteen minutes later in master bedroom…

"Are you thinking about moving Los Angeles?", Felix asked Sophia as he got under the comforter next to her.

"Am I that obvious?", Sophia smiled.

He smiled knowingly and raised an eyebrow while extending his arm, offering it as a head support. She inched closer and leaned her hear on his shoulder.

After few seconds, Sophia spoke: "Honestly, if it's not for the company, I would probably move tomorrow. We can buy another home, my sisters are right there, and yours as well… and weather is much better, I love sun. And I still remember how handsome you are on the surfboard."

Felix likes that she remembers him surfing… and that she likes it. After her delivery Felix will definitely take Sophia surfing and give her some… private lessons. Image of him teaching her to rock climb flashed in his mind and he could not hold back his smile.

"If company is the only obstacle, why don't you do it gradually?" Felix saw that he has Sophia's full attention and explained: "You can start with few floors in some building and move one or two departments. And later, if it works well, you can move additional ones. Eventually Seattle can be like this office in New York, or the one in Canada, or the one in Huston. And you can work from office in Los Angeles which you can call HQ once sufficient number of directors moves there. Right?"

Felix hesitated before continuing. "Also, I think you should not ignore the merger option…" He saw Sophia frown and hastily added: "I know what your concern is, and merger does not necessarily mean that you will lose your company. You can always have it as Orion Enterprise being a separate branch of White corp., under you. I'm sure that you and Jeffrey can come up with something that works."

Felix saw that Sophia's expression softened. He was happy that she is listening. "I know that you trust him. In less than two weeks you will be family, and joining businesses means that you will have someone to rely on. I must admit that Jeffrey is very capable. In case you need to take some time off from work, you can trust that business is in good hands until you are back. At the same time, he will be able to rely on you."

"When I take off, I rely on dad and Leah…" Sophia started, but she was not able to continue.

Felix caressed her cheek. "You realize yourself, right? Your dad is not interested in being a CEO. Lately he is not even showing up at work. And Leah… she is asking you for time off since our wedding. If you don't give her a break, she will quit in order to be with Isabella. And it seems she has several vacations planned in advance." He placed his hand on her belly. "With us soon to be a family of three, no matter what your intentions are, number of instances when you are not available will increase, and you need someone who can take care of business during that time. I am sorry that you can't depend on me related to work."

Sophia looked at him seriously. "Mr. Martin, I am depending on you. Don't ever degrade yourself! What you do is very valuable, and I don't expect you to be my replacement. Each of us has our skillsets." She kissed Felix on the lips and spoke softly: "I heard you. Let's sleep on it and continue this talk tomorrow. First thing to decide is if we want to move to Los Angeles. If we agree to move, then we can see what to do about the company. Thanks to your words, I realized that my work and the company are not an obstacle for us to move."

Felix was happy to hear that.

"Alright, time to say goodnight…" He scooted under the comforter and Sophia missed his mischievous expression.

Sophia smiled softly when she felt him pushing her nightgown up. As usually, he was between her legs, placing a light kiss on her belly.

Sophia expected to hear him say: 'Goodnight, my baby girl' , but instead she inhaled sharply. "Felix? The baby is higher… Felix? .... That is opposite from higher! … Ahhh…"