Wednesday morning.
Juliet chose an emerald green dress today and smiled bashfully looking at the ring on her finger. She still couldn't believe she was engaged now and they were planning on speaking about the wedding after Utopia's opening. A knock sounded and she said, 'come in'.
Luke came into the room and she rolled her eyes seeing what he was wearing.
"How did you know I was going to wear the clothes you brought me huh?" He squinted his eyes approaching her.
"Maybe is called sync." She shrugged turning around.
"Of course, the heart of my wife and I are connected. " Luke said rubbing her cheeks. Juliet just smiled having gotten used to him calling her his wife. She always felt her heart flutter hearing the word. Luke held her hands and stared at her wrist.
"Wear the bracelet I gave you okay?", he asked pouting.
"No." She shook her head.
"Common. Wifey.", he pleaded and went to kiss her nose but she bent her waist back. Hey! Luke called out and pulled her back. He released her hands and grabbed her waist while she held his shoulders chuckling.
"You have the nerves to laugh. What was that?", Luke asked frowning.
"I knew you wouldn't let me fall." She smiled. "I'll wear your bracelet now."
Luke caressed her hair and she went to carry the small box. He helped her wear the bracelet and they wore their coats before leaving the room. Chloe was still sleeping when they left the house in Luke's car.
"Are you ready for today?", Luke asked his eyes focused on the road.
"I have a responsibility with Utopia, that's why I came back and I promised to always stay by your side when you need me. I'm always ready as long as it's for you. ", Juliet replied with a faint smile.
Luke smiled and glanced at her briefly.
"Just don't pressure yourself much okay?"  He said concerned. Juliet had been doing some work even during the holiday coming up with their marketing plan.
"You've been busy too Luke but don't worry, I enjoy what I do. But still, you should hurry and pick a general manager," she informed and he nodded. Chloe was helping them greatly in her way. Juliet could still remember the interview they had with her.
"Utopia is the best.
It keeps my skin fresh and my mood always jovial. As the name implies, a single sip takes you to Utopia. "
When they reached the company, Juliet stared admiringly at the picture display at the top. It was a picture of Chloe on a beach wearing a loose long orange gown. Her head was inclined back as she held her curled-up hair. That girl.
The two entered the company and Luke drew the worker's attention.
"Look Who's back guys!"
The company was riled up and rejoiced in her return.
"Welcome back miss Juliet."
"Congratulations on your engagement." With Chloe, the news wasn't hidden.
"Thank you, everyone. It's good to be back." Juliet smiled at them. Luke held her hand and they went upstairs. Later, the management team had a meeting to discuss their plan before the grand opening. Peach Peak was the main company trying to attack them directly at the moment.
Juliet relayed the plan she had.
"We'll do the opposite of what they're doing. They're trying to attract large clients, we will focus on small-time business owners like local stalls and markets. Of course, we'll not do this directly. A banner will be shared with all retailers with an additional pack to anyone who buys more than twenty packs."
The others nodded in agreement. Other plans were debated.
Luke added,
"Just like how the demands we keep getting, we need to get closer to our customers. Since Utopia is now independent, we will be opening several warehouse stores. Both large and small. The main warehouse is near the factory and distribution from there is slowed down. Along with our large-scale production, we'll also distribute in batches to the branches we'll be opening.
I've already started speaking with the contractors. Juliet, stay with Yu Luo and David and choose the locations of the warehouses. Take note of the geographical demands and the safety of the area then send it to me. We'll be opening ten for now."
"Yvonne, get your team to start with the designing of the logo. I'll go deal with other work now. The entries of the general manager are with me now and I think I've chosen who. I will just go through it again. Hopefully, the general manager will arrive tomorrow. "
The team nodded at him and he left the meeting room. Yvonne also left.
"Let's start." Juliet smiled at the two men and they continued working.
...............
Juliet entered Luke's office just to meet him on the phone with slight anger in his voice.
"I don't think what you want is right. I'm a busy man and you can't just boss me around. You're the ones who need us, if your owner is interested, he can request a meeting here in Utopia. I'll check my schedule and meet up with him. If there's anything you need to know, speak with my secretary. " he said trying to keep his anger down, and ended the call. He flashed a smile as she sat down before him.
"Another investor?", Juliet asked.
"Yeah. Some people are trying to push me around thinking that since we aren't directly connected to the Cheng industry anymore, we're just a group of rookies. This guy wants to invest in Utopia but is expecting me to go meet him. Seriously. ", Luke replied shaking his head.
"It seems some people see you as a small boy.", Juliet laughed and stopped at his serious countenance.
"Sorry. But talks are going on that our past achievements are due to Cheng Industry. "
"Then we will have to prove to them that we did everything on our own and will be better. I'm not letting anyone underestimate us. " Luke added.
Juliet smiled and said, "That's the spirit. Here's the location we've carefully chosen. What do you think?" She handed a file to him. He went through it for a while and nodded.
"Ten will do for now but I don't want us to spend a lot of money after our recent expenses. From the information here, three should be large while the rest can be small," he said.
"Okay. I'll contact the warehouse owners today. As for our expenses, you shouldn't worry that much. Our income is more than our outcome now. Everything is right on track. Just that.....", Juliet returned and glanced at him.
"What?", he asked curiously.
"Luke, I think we should observe our distribution. I can't help but feel that someone might sabotage our business. ", she pointed out.
"Shi corp? Or peach peaks. ", he inquired knowingly.
"I don't trust Susan at all. They've been trying to improve their business but it is being pushed back by Utopia. She used under handed method before, so I'm sure she can do it again." Juliet replied seriously.
Luke nodded. "Okay  I'll trust your intuition Juliet but you should remember that peach peaks are not our only opponents. There are other large companies out there that we have to look out for. A lot of people are targeting us, not just peach peaks. "
Juliet waved her hand and pouted.
"I know I know. We should just look out. As for that devil, the day I meet her, she's going to get trashed with slaps.", she said fiercely and it was Luke's turn to laugh.
"Hey, it's not funny. She tricked you, infiltrated Utopia, and tried to break up our family and relationship. She will regret doing that promise." she said glaring at him.
"Okay, Juliet calm down." Luke raised his hands still holding his laughter back.
"Are you taking her side now?" Juliet stood up.
"I'm not. Not at all. She's all yours. ", he quickly shook his head.
Juliet tilted her head and harrumphed.  "I have to go back to my office now. "
"Don't forget we have a meeting with the shareholders and investors tomorrow. ", Luke reminded us.
"We'll talk about that at home."