Business as Usual Read Free

charts and graphs, which detailed the costs associated
with the design for the new Gold Dust Hotel.
    “As you can see, the designs for the Gold Dust
Las Vegas are a bit elaborate. But we could always scale back and make a few
changes to meet my projected budget.”
    “How will the Gold Dust compete with other
Vegas hotels if the designs are not as elaborate?” Ethan asked. “This is, a
luxury hotel, right?”
    I repressed the desire to roll my eyes. “I
believe the hotel can be both cost effective and attractive, provided we scale
back unnecessary designs,” I answered.
    Father slid out of his seat as we continued
talking and walked over to the serving table to pour some coffee. He mixed
cream and sugar into his mug, his back facing the group.
    “However, the designs for the hotel are neither
attractive nor cost effective,” Mr. Yu replied.
    I fished around for a worthy reply. “Then what
do you suggest is necessary to get costs under control?” I asked.
    “What Mr. Yu is saying, Elizabeth, is that we
need something a bit more competitive for the Vegas market. All of which, is a
moot point, since Mr. Yu and I have already come to an agreement. Have a seat,
honey,” my father said, like I needed to sit down.
    I folded both arms across my chest, annoyed
that he had been keeping this secret from me. “If you already had an agreement
then what was the point of this meeting?”
    I tried not to show how angry I felt as I
stormed over to the conference table and sat next to my father, directly across
from Ethan and Mr. Yu.
    “I have good news. Mr. Yu, has agreed to invest
in the Gold Dust Las Vegas as an equal partner on the condition that Ethan, who
is an architect, redesigns the hotel and oversees its construction. I felt,
since you already worked so hard on the previous project, overseeing its
budget, that we should at least hear you out.”
    “So where do we go from here?” I asked,
ignoring the fact that Dad allowed me to work on the budget knowing they had no
intention of approving the project.
    “The good news, Elizabeth, is that we would
like you to oversee the budget on the new project. So nothing has changed in
that regard except that you will be working closely with Ethan to get this
done. With Mr. Yu’s help, we’ve secured the funds we needed to complete this
massive undertaking. We expect this to be one of the grandest hotels in Vegas
history.”
    “Congratulations,” I answered coldly, ignoring
Ethan’s pensive stare as he drummed the end of his pen on the table absently.
    “There’s more…” father continued. “I’m not sure
how you’ll feel about this Elizabeth, but I really need your help.”
    Finally, the truth was coming out. I wondered
what type of imposition would follow next. “What is it?”
    “Now that AmeriAsia, of which, Ethan is part
owner, has a controlling interest in the Gold Dust Hotel, the government will
adjust his Visa status. Unfortunately, the adjustment will bar Ethan from
working and traveling to the U.S. His current Visa gives him employee status,
it does not grant him permission to visit the States as a business owner, which
is what he will become after the agreement has been signed. Unfortunately, Mr.
Yu’s investment depends entirely on Ethan overseeing the project.”
    “In other words, the deal is off if Ethan can’t
oversee the project here in the States. What can we do to help?”
    I waited for father to continue, as I was
obviously missing the point. All eyes in the room were on me.
    “A green card would allow Ethan to live in the
United States for ten years, with the opportunity to apply for permanent
residency in five. We’ve spoken to various attorneys about obtaining a new Visa
status or immediate residency for Ethan, and unfortunately, all avenues have
been exhausted. It could take years and we don’t have a lot of time. However,
there is one other option that we haven’t discussed with our attorneys… with
good reason. If Ethan were to marry