Building a Conglomerate in Another World

"Please, let me escort you to your carriage," Matthew offered, extending his arm in a gentlemanly manner.

Amber Fitzwilliam smiled, a graceful nod acknowledging his gesture. She placed her gloved hand lightly on his arm, and together they walked out of the modest office, her companion following closely behind with a watchful gaze.

As they stepped out onto the factory floor, the workers subtly paused in their tasks, casting curious glances toward the unusual sight of their employer walking arm-in-arm with a noblewoman. 

"Looks like our boss finds his love," said one of the workers.

"What are you talking about?" another worker whispered back. "That noblewoman's way out of his league. No offense to the boss, but she's from a different world."

"Maybe," the first worker replied, grinning, "but you saw the way she looked at that machine. If anything, she's interested in his work—and who knows what might come of that?"

Matthew overheard the faint murmurs as they passed, and though he chose not to react, he couldn't help but feel a flush of warmth at the workers' speculations. After all, the woman that is walking beside him was just too stunning, even compared to the modern standards. She has the looks, the body, and even her scent, a delicate, floral fragrance that seemed to linger in the air around her.

Matthew found himself momentarily distracted by it, almost forgetting the purpose of their walk as he escorted her toward the carriage. 

"Mr. Hesh…you can let go of me now," Amber said softly.

Matthew blinked, realizing he had been so absorbed in the moment that he was still holding Amber's arm, even though they'd reached her carriage. A faint blush crept up his cheeks, and he quickly released his hold, clearing his throat in an attempt to cover his embarrassment.

"My apologies, Miss Fitzwilliam," he said, offering a slight, awkward bow. "I didn't mean to... linger."

Amber chuckled so cutely that it has a good melody on it. "It's quite alright, Mr. Hesh. It is a pleasure meeting you."

Matthew felt his blush deepen, unused to such easy familiarity from someone so highborn. 

"Thank you, Miss Fitzwilliam," he managed, his voice steadying. "I'll see you tomorrow then. I look forward to the opportunity."

Amber gave a small nod, her eyes warm. "As do I, Mr. Hesh. Until then."

With that, she climbed gracefully into her carriage, her companion settling beside her. The coachman closed the door, tipped his hat to Matthew, and took his place at the reins. With a gentle crack of the whip, the carriage began to pull away. Matthew watched it disappear down the road, a faint smile still lingering on his face.

"Boss…" Ben nudged him on the arm, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Be careful now; that stare of yours might leave scorch marks on the road."

Matthew snapped out of his reverie, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. "Ah, don't start, Ben," he muttered, trying to shake off the warmth that still lingered from his brief encounter with Amber Fitzwilliam.

Ben chuckled. "I mean, who can blame you? That woman is a top-tier noble. I must say now boss, don't get your hopes up with their kind of woman. I am sure that they would only entertain the rich."

Matthew shot Ben a look, a spark of defiance in his eyes. "Money's easy to earn, Ben. It's the ideas and the work that count. If she's impressed by what I'm building here, then wealth won't be a problem."

Ben raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by his boss's confidence. "I've never seen you so sure about someone before, let alone a lady of her class. So, does this mean you've got a bit of a crush on Miss Fitzwilliam?"

Matthew hesitated, but his smirk gave him away. "Maybe. There's something about her… beyond just her elegance. She seems genuine, curious. And she understands the significance of what we're doing here."

Ben chuckled. "Well, here's hoping she keeps seeing you for who you are—and not just the machine you're building. Anyway, tomorrow's the big day. Let's make sure everything's ready to blow them away."

***

A day later, Matthew drove the automobile to Fitzwilliam estate. The guards that were on duty were shocked to see it stopping in front of the gate.

Matthew rolled down the windows and handed him the card that Amber's assistant gave to him the day before.

The guard took the card, still staring at the vehicle in awe. "A… car without horses, sir?" he murmured, trying to piece together what he was seeing.

"Indeed," Matthew replied with a small smile. "Could you let Miss Fitzwilliam know that Matthew Hesh has arrived for the appointment?"

The guard nodded, regaining his composure. "Yes, sir. Right away." He handed the card back to Matthew and signaled to another guard, who quickly went inside to relay the message.

As Matthew waited, he took in the grandeur of the Fitzwilliam estate. The towering wrought-iron gates, the manicured gardens, and the sprawling mansion in the distance all spoke to the wealth and status of Amber's family. He'd imagined success before, but standing here brought the reality of it closer. This was a world he had yet to fully understand, and yet he found himself more determined than ever to make his mark within it.

Moments later, the gates began to open, and a well-dressed servant approached the car, gesturing for him to proceed up the long driveway. Matthew shifted gears, guiding the car along the gravel path.

Finally, he reached the main entrance, where Amber awaited Matthew at the main entrance, looking as elegant as ever in a sophisticated ensemble. She wore a beautiful, pale yellow dress complete with intricate embroidery and delicate lace accents. The high collar and fitted bodice accentuated her refined silhouette, and she held a lace-trimmed parasol above her head. Her hair was styled immaculately, tucked beneath a small, elegant hat adorned with soft flowers, which complemented her dress. 

As he brought the car to a halt and stepped out, Matthew felt his heart skip a beat. She looked every bit the picture of nobility, yet there was a genuine warmth in her smile as she greeted him.

"Mr. Hesh," she said, nodding politely, "it's a pleasure to see you again. I trust the journey was pleasant?"

"Very much so, Miss Fitzwilliam," he replied, offering a respectful bow. "Your estate is truly breathtaking."

Amber glanced around, as though seeing the estate through his eyes. "Thank you. I suppose one can get used to such surroundings, but I imagine your machine must be a rather unusual sight here."

Matthew chuckled. "I imagine so. But that's exactly what I'm hoping to change." 

"So is that the machine that you were talking about, my dear?" 

A voice sounded deeply from behind. And the retainers parted as to give way to Mr. Fitzwilliam who was scanning the automobile below him.

"I never expected that I would see you again, Matthew," Mr. Fitzwilliam said. 

"Me too, Mr. Fitzwilliam." 

"So that's what you built for 50,000 florins that Mr. Hargrave gave you huh?" 

"That is correct," Matthew confirmed. 

"Interesting…very interesting. I want to see it in action."