Page 81 of The October Arrangement

“Right now, your content says, ‘Look what we built.’ But what it really should be saying is, ‘Look at the life you can have.’” I glanced at Simon, and he smiled. “Moving on to the next part. You’re barely using Tribeca itself. You have a couple of pictures that really don’t do the area justice. We need restaurants, close-ups of cobblestone streets, coffee shops, galleries, nightlife, and the waterfront. People aren’t buying four thousand square feet above Manhattan. They’re choosing where they’re going to live, and that’s just as important. Why Tribeca? That’s what your content needs to answer.” I clicked to the next slide.

THE BUILDING IS ONLY HALF THE STORY.

“You should be showing people what Saturday mornings look like when they walk out the front door. Where do they go for coffee? What options do they have for dinner? Where do they meet friends for drinks? Where do they work out? Where do they take their dog?”

“The dog?” Simon’s brow raised.

“Rich people have dogs, Simon.”

“She got you there.” William laughed.

“I’d create an entire neighborhood series. Not advertisements. Make content people actually want to watch. Make them your friends and family by showing content about the people behind the building of the property.”

“What do you mean?” one woman asked.

“Your architects, interior designers, custom workers. Interview them. Not long, boring interviews. Have them tell you why the kitchen is laid out like it is, or why you chose those specific cabinets. Tell people something about the Montclair residences most buyers would never notice. Talk to them like they’re your best friends. Make them feel like part of the Montclair family. And one more thing. Stop saying the word ‘exclusive’ so much. You don’t need to tell buyers why it’s exclusive. You need to show them why it is.”

Everyone started talking among themselves. They seemed to really like the idea, except for one person, a man sitting across from Simon, three seats over.

“I’m not buying any of this. We’ve done our marketing the same way for like ever. Sweetheart, I hate to disappoint you, but you have no idea what you’re talking about. You can’t force people to buy what they don’t want to. The economy isn’t the greatest right now. That’s why nobody is buying. And you’re nothing but delusional if you think your stupid ideas are going to change that.”

Simon stood up and slammed his fists on the table. “Greg, you’re fucking fired. Pack your office. Security will escort you out.”

“Are you serious, Simon? What the fuck? William?” He looked at him.

“I stand by my son’s decision, Greg. Get the fuck out of here.”

“This is bullshit.” He shook his head and stormed out of the conference room.

“I’m sorry, Bella. Ignore him,” Simon said.

“I already have.” I smiled.

“Does anyone else here have a problem with Bella’s ideas?” Simon asked in a firm voice.

They all shook their heads.

“Good. The meeting is over. You may all return to your offices.”

I took a deep breath. For the first time in my life, I felt powerful.

Chapter Thirty-One

Simon

My father walked over to Bella and hugged her. “That was excellent, sweetheart. I’ve never seen anyone give a better presentation. Simon, join me in my office.”

“I’ll be there in a second, Dad.”

Simon stared at me. “I’m so proud of you. You were beyond amazing.”

“Thanks. It felt good.”

“I’m sure it did.” I pressed my lips against her forehead.

“I can’t believe you fired Greg. You didn’t have to do that, Simon.”

“Yes, I did. Nobody speaks to you that way. Besides, he isn’t on board with the new direction this company is going. I can’t have people like that working for me. Nick will take you home. I have to meet with my father.”