At past three pm, her phone began to ring incessantly. Annoyed, she answered the call. It was Gary.
"Hello, I've been calling Jess. Where did you keep your phone?" He demanded. Then as if checking his tone, he calmed a bit. "It's time to get the kids. The driver is waiting for you at the company."
"Oh. Alright, I was busy." Jessica said, saving her work. "I'll just round up and go down."
"Okay. His name is Levi."
"Alright, thanks, Gary."
Jessica finished her work and went down to meet the man. They exchanged pleasantries. He drove them to the school, and Jessica registered him as the legal transporter for the kids.
The kids filled the atmosphere in the car, making the entire place lively. They were happy with their driver, and the man loved the kids too. Abby was busy telling Jessica everything that happened in school, while Gabby was talking excitedly with Levi.
When they got home, the kids waved him bye and ran into the house. Jessica spoke to him a little longer, briefing him on their daily routine.
Later that evening, the kids lay on the couch on either side of Jessica. She was watching the news and they were quiet. Just when she let out a short yawn, the newscaster made mention of a construction company that was going bankrupt. Jessica's eyes widened instantly. The contact of the company was plastered on the screen, and without thinking, she copied it into her phone.
They could just buy out the company and make it Graves' Construction. She smiled at her idea.
"Mom, why are you smiling? Is a company going bankrupt a good thing?" Gabby asked sleepily.
Jessica rubbed his head. "No baby. I just had a brainwave."
"Hm." The child hummed and returned to his slumber. It was Jessica's movement that had stirred him awake.
She dialed the number and spoke to the owner. He was willing to sell it out to her for a very cheap amount. Jessica booked a meeting with him for the following morning.
After sending the kids to school with Levi, she prepared to attend her meeting for the company she was to buy. The man was happy that someone was willing to buy the company from him. He didn't ask her anything, rather he readily signed the contract.
Jessica went around the company to ensure that the building was in good condition and the man wasn't scamming her. When she was made certain of what she saw, she transferred the money for payment to him.
The man thanked her and left.
Jessica called some of the remaining workers to tidy up the place. They got painters to repaint the entire building.
It got the media talking because there was no sign of the former owner there. Rather there were rumors of a new person taking over the company. Everyone was eager to know who was behind it.
Jessica revisited work that afternoon. Her father was wondering where she had gone.
"Dad. I got good news!"
"Okay. Tell me." Mr. Graves said with a tone that matched Jessica's excited one.
"Well, remember when I told you about spreading out?"
"It was yesterday, darling." Mr. Graves recalled on a slightly sarcastic note. Jessica rolled her eyes, flicking her wrist at him.
"Well, I actually got a place for us to start! I bought a company that was on the verge of closing down!"
Mr. Graves applauded her wisdom. "That's very smart my dear. At least you've learned one very great thing in the business world."
"Yes. So, dad, we are going to finish with the renovations by tomorrow. I want us to do this as quickly as possible."
"Okay, dear. What exactly do we need to renovate?"
"Well, the entire appearance of the building. Also, we would host a small gathering for the official opening. Invite a few companies for the media coverage. All this is to push our name forward."
"Alright dear, just do what you do. I'll be here, cheering and supporting you!"
"Thanks, dad."
After finishing the work she was doing the previous day, she wrapped it up. She didn't tell her father yet that she was applying for a contract to produce a special type of drug that served as a multivitamin supplement which one wouldn't have to be stuck with. She was poaching a very good marketing company. Whatever they marketed or supported always sold out. They had the option to market any special product. It was an open competition to different companies. It didn't have to be the same product, but any special product from the company that won the contract was going to be marketed.
Jessica was going in for it. She had written down her formula and handed it to the biochemists to prepare. Everyone was ready to work.
By the following day, everything was set for the grand opening of Graves' Construction. Jessica was looking bright as ever, smiling elegantly at the cameras. She was going to give her speech first before welcoming any questions from the crowd.
After the speech and the cutting of the ribbon, the media began to question her. Jessica was answering all their questions, ranging from why they were venturing into a different line of business to why she was back in California, and where she had been all the while. Jessica didn't mind, no. She answered them cordially and formally.
"Alright guys, one last question." She announced.
"This question is from the general public. It says, 'Why did you buy a company that was about to shut down?"
"Well like I've said before, my father is back into business, and I am not going to sit and let his business fail again. As of now, I'm going to do all I can to spread the Graves' Group of Companies. The company will go into different segments. Also, it's easier to buy a falling company and make it stand than build one altogether."