The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven)

The agent seemed taken aback. "Of course, but they're far from cheap.'

"How much are we looking at?" Sasha asked, deciding it was worth considering.

"It's typically around 20 times the annual rent," the agent replied.

Sasha turned to Shane and said, "So, if we run the company for 20 years, it'll pay for itself."

Shane took a moment to think, then signaled for Sasha to step aside. "Let's talk it over."

"Sure," Sasha replied, giving the agent a heads-up before following Shane to the side.

"We need to consider the long-term if we decide to buy it," Shane said. "We should go for a place that's spacious enough. If the company grows and we outgrow it, we'll end up renting again, which would be a waste."

Sasha glanced at him, surprised. "You're right."

"Why don't we get our families' opinions?" Shane suggested.

He thought they'd have more wisdom on matters like this. Without waiting, he called Carlisle for advice on buying an office space.

Carlisle advised against buying for now, explaining that suburban property prices were unlikely to rise anytime soon and might even drop. He suggested Shane hold off, especially if cash flow was tight.

Douglas had a similar view, but knowing Sasha's nature, he told her that now could be a good opportunity

if she was determined to buy. With commercial real estate vacancies on the rise, he advised her to negotiate for a better deal.

After comparing Carlisle's and Douglas's advice, both Sasha and Shane were deep in thought.

"So, what's the plan-do we buy or not?" Shane asked.

Sasha didn't respond immediately. Instead, she fixed her gaze on him, asking, "Do you think our company has the potential to grow?"

Shane fell silent.

Sasha continued, "Or, let me put it another way. Do you believe our company could last 20 years?" "Yes," Shane replied without hesitation. "Not just 20-maybe 30, or even 40. "Then do you really want to pay rent for 40 years?" Sasha asked hesitantly.

The question threw Shane off. Renting for a year or two was one thing, but committing to 40 years of rent payments was a whole different

story.

"So, are we buying then?" he asked.

Sasha didn't answer right away. Instead, she asked, "How much money do you have available?"

"I'd say around 40 million dollars

after canceling all those

Vol

membership cards." Shane dida quick calculation, then looked over at her. "What about you?"

"With the company's share and my parents' allowance, it adds up to about the same as yours," Sasha said awkwardly.

Shane stared at her in disbelief. "So, the starting capital we have together is almost 90 million dollars?"

Sasha nodded in response.

Without wasting any time, Shane turned to the agent and asked, "How much would it cost to buy an entire floor?"

The agent quickly calculated before replying, "Roughly 20 million dollars."

Shane and Sasha exchanged a glance.

Finally, it was Sasha who made the decision. "Let's go for it!"

Her heart raced as the words left her

lips. She was used to spending

money on herself, but putting it into a business was a whole new experience. It felt unfamiliar to her.

She turned to Shane. "How about we each pay ten million dollars and split the floor in half-your name on

one side, mine on the other?"

"That works," Shane replied instantly.noveldrama