Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

December 16th, eight o'clock in the morning. The two industrialist duo dressed in a formal three-piece suit. Poul wore the gray one while Jonathan wore the black one. Booking a luxurious suite in the Astoria Hotel comes with a free breakfast. So instead of cooking their breakfast like they usually do all the time, they'll just go down to the dining hall of the hotel and eat their breakfast there.

"Are you ready?" Poul asked as he stood in front of the mirror, buttoning his suit and placing a fedora on top of his head.

"We have a luncheon with Morgan and Russel at twelve o'clock, so there is no rush," Jonathan said as he placed a black top hat on his head. "There is still time for us to roam around New York. I want to see how central park looks compared to the modern world."

"I think it would be the same," Poul said, wearing his black gloves. "Don't forget the briefcase."

"How about the electric motor?"

"It is waiting for us in the lobby. I'll hire a coachman and have it delivered at Pearl Street," Poul said, straightening his suit jacket. "It seems that we are done here, so let's go."

After preparations, they exited the room and down the lobby. As they stepped out of the elevator and walked down the marbled-floor hallway, Poul spoke.

"I'll take a seat and wait for you in the dining hall."

"This won't take long, I am just going to hand over our keys to the receptionist. You can come with me."

"I have enough of the stares from the people, and I don't want to see that receptionist as it might spoil my day," Poul insisted.

"Well then suit yourself," Jonathan shrugged, and walked to the other end of the hall. He stopped in front of the receptionist's desk and set the briefcase on the floor.

"Good morning, Sir Jonathan. How can I help you?" The receptionist asked with a warm smile.

"Me and my business partner are going out for a while. I'm leaving you the keys. And also, we have a cargo that was delivered here containing fragile devices. I was hoping you could arrange a footman or a coachman to have it delivered to 255 dash 257 Pearl Street Manhattan?"

It was supposed to be Poul to do asking for delivery but since Jonathan is in the reception talking to the receptionist, he figured it might save them some time.

"We can Sir Jonathan. But that will cost you fifty cents."

"Fine by me," Jonathan pulled coins out of his pocket and placed them on top of the receptionist's counter.

The receptionist took the coins and opened a file. "I will have it prepared, Sir Jonathan. Is there anything that I can do for you?"

"Yes, I believe there is free breakfast for guests that booked luxurious suites. I was wondering how long until it is available?"

"It'll be available until nine-thirty in the morning, Sir Jonathan."

"Okay, thank you."

"Is there anything?"

"There is none."

"Then enjoy your breakfast, Sir Jonathan," the receptionist gestured a bow.

Jonathan lowered and grabbed the briefcase resting next to his right foot. While he was in that position, an aromatic fragrance struck his nostrils as another person approached the reception desk.

He stood and gazed to his right and the moment his eyes fell on the person next to him, he was taken out of breath. Standing there was a beautiful girl with an aquiline nose and light-blonde hair that reached her shoulders. She wore a double-breasted white winter coat that goes all the way to her knee, hugging her hourglass figure beautifully. Her lips were slightly tinted pink and she was adorned with diamond earrings and a necklace.

She tucked her hair behind her ears, which made his heart skip a beat, then smiled at Jonathan. Her smile seemed genuine yet charming like she genuinely enjoyed his presence. A gentleman never turns down a lady's smile. Jonathan smiled back politely and lifted his top hat.

But nothing happened beyond that, as Jonathan had to take his leave. Lifting his hat is a gesture enough to acknowledge her acknowledging him. As he was about to take his leave, Jonathan noticed another person that was walking up behind the girl that stunned him.

"Sir Jonathan?"

It was Amelia, pointing at him in recognition.

"Wait, you are Jonathan Nielsen?" Caroline asked.

"Indeed I am, miss," Jonathan confirmed.

"What perfect timing! I was about to ask for an audience with you and Poul Nielsen," the lady said, smiling at him adorably.

Jonathan blushed a little and let out a shied chuckle. "You know the name of my partner too? And why do you seek my presence?"

"Well, it is because you are one of the gentlemen that lend hand to my precious secretary over here," the lady said, referring to Amelia who was waving her hand bashfully.

"I see. I believe she said that she is going to repay us back with the money we lent her for the ferry and train tickets. Though unnecessary, she persisted," Jonathan said while looking at Amelia.

Amelia giggled happily. "It won't do, Mr. Jonathan. I have to repay you. Three dollars is still a large amount of money despite you being a business owner."

"My name is Caroline Dupont. I'm the founder and CEO of the Loreal Company."

Jonathan raised his brows, this girl in front of him is the CEO? She's young, probably around the age of seventeen or eighteen. Though Amelia mentioned that Caroline is a young genius lady, it is still surprising to see it in person.

"Uhm…good day to you, Miss Caroline, I'm Jonathan Axelsen co-founder of the Axelsen and Nielsen Air Brake Company. It's a pleasure to you," he extended a hand, offering a handshake.

Caroline briefly glanced at it before looking into his eyes. The receptionist who witnessed the conversation sighed as he rubbed his nose. So he chimed in.

"Uhm Sir Jonathan, when greeting a lady, you are to grab her hand that she'll offer and place a kiss upon it. That should suffice," the receptionist explained.

Jonathan chuckled a little, his cheeks flushed with redness and rubbed his temple embarrassingly. "I apologize, I wasn't aware of the etiquette of this setting."

"It's fine," Caroline removed the glove from her right hand and offered it to Jonathan. "Here, you may do the formal honors."

Jonathan wiped the palm of his hand on his clothes, not wanting to touch Caroline's hand with sweaty hand. After that, he took her hand. Her hand was soft and smooth to the point he wanted to squeeze it. But he controlled himself. He leaned forward and pressed his lips against her hand and gently placed a kiss.

Her hand smelled like roses. She is truly the most exquisite lady whom he has ever seen.

He did the same thing to Amelia, whom she offered him gratefully.

"Where is Poul Nielsen?" Caroline asked.

"Oh, he is in the dining hall, waiting for me. Perhaps you could join us?" Jonathan offered.

"That would be great, We were also about to invite you for breakfast."

"Then please follow me," Jonathan took the lead.