Chapter Twenty-Three

The following day at noon, Peter prepared to drive to Richie Corporation for a follow-up meeting on the ongoing pilot projects between Mars Corporation and Richie's team. His personal assistant, Magnus, was to accompany him, as Peter didn't want to burden Stella with more tasks. Just as he was about to leave, his phone buzzed with a reminder from Chijioke, his AI assistant.

'Peter, don't forget, you have a meeting with Richie Corporation today at noon. Please ensure you're prepared.'

Peter smiled at the reminder and glanced at Magnus. 'Looks like we're right on time,' he said as he grabbed his keys.

Magnus, who had been organising the files for the meeting, nodded. 'All set, boss. We're good to go.'

As their car approached the towering 20-storey building, Magnus couldn't help but admire its eco-friendly design. The skyscraper was wrapped in gleaming glass panels, reflecting the sunlight in a sleek, futuristic display. Vertical gardens climbed the sides, adding a touch of nature to the modern structure.

The driveway leading to the entrance was lined with solar-powered trees, which not only provided shade but also generated electricity and offered charging ports for electric vehicles. A soft fountain bubbled gently near the entrance, creating a calm, welcoming atmosphere.

Inside, Richie Corporation was truly impressive. The lobbies were spacious, with polished floors that reflected the natural light streaming through large windows. Comfortable chairs and sofas were scattered about, creating a casual, yet productive environment for employees and visitors to relax. The air smelled fresh, thanks to the plants and air-purifying systems.

For their meeting, Peter was directed to a private conference room on the 18th floor. Magnus, on the other hand, ensured that Peter had all the necessary documents and was prepared for the discussion. He followed closely behind, ready to assist with anything that came up.

The room had a large glass window, offering a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The walls were decorated with digital screens displaying data on the company's ongoing projects, including the drones and autonomous cars. A long wooden table stood in the centre, surrounded by plush chairs.

Richie, who rarely made appearances at the company, was already seated at the head of the table. His relaxed posture contrasted with the sharp, focused demeanour of Chinonso Mba, the CEO, dressed impeccably in a navy Dior suit. Chinonso's eyes flicked to the door as Peter entered, and a warm smile softened his otherwise serious expression.

'Peter,' Richie greeted, his tone light but purposeful. 'Glad you could make it. Let's dive into the progress on the drones and cars.'

Peter returned the smile and settled into a seat, while Magnus quietly positioned himself near the door, tablet in hand, ready to document or assist. Chinonso, always precise, tapped a remote, bringing a sleek presentation to life on the screen.

'The drones have been performing exceptionally well,' Chinonso began, his voice calm and measured. 'Deliveries are on time, and there haven't been any major issues. But the autonomous cars…' He paused, a slight crease forming between his brows. 'Integrating them fully into the city's traffic system has been more complicated than expected.'

Peter leaned forward, his fingers interlaced on the table. 'What kind of challenges are we talking about?'

Chinonso exhaled softly. 'Primarily the traffic patterns and unpredictable human drivers. The cars are smart, but adapting to real-world scenarios is… tricky.'

Richie, tapping a finger lightly on the table, added, 'We also need to consider public trust. People are hesitant about self-driving cars. Our safety measures need to be airtight.'

Peter's gaze shifted to the screen, his expression thoughtful. 'That makes sense. On our end, we've been gathering data to fine-tune the AI systems. It might speed things up if we combine that with your findings.'

Chinonso's eyes brightened slightly. 'That's a solid idea. We'll share our reports right after this meeting.'

The discussion flowed flawlessly, ideas bouncing between Richie, Peter, and Chinonso as they explored solutions and aligned their efforts to push the projects forward.

Richie glanced at the time, the corner of his mouth lifting in a satisfied smile. 'I think we've covered a lot for now,' he said, closing his laptop with a soft click. 'Why don't we continue this over lunch? There's a rooftop spot I think you'll like.'

Peter leaned back with a grin. 'Sounds good.'

Chinonso's eyes lit up. 'Ah, the rooftop café… it's the perfect blend of work and relaxation.'

Together, they made their way to the top floor. As the glass door slid open, they stepped into a lush rooftop garden, where vibrant greenery climbed trellises and framed the café in shades of emerald. Solar panels, nearly hidden among the foliage, discreetly powered the lights and appliances. Tables with cushioned chairs sat beneath large umbrellas, and a gentle breeze carried the earthy aroma of fresh herbs and blooming flowers.

They chose a table near the edge, where the city stretched out beneath them, with rooftops and winding streets glinting in the midday sun.

A waiter arrived with a tray of dishes—grilled vegetables glistening with olive oil, crisp salads bursting with colour, and steaming bowls of jollof rice topped with golden-brown grilled chicken. The aroma of aromatic spices and fresh herbs filled the air, making Peter's stomach rumble softly.

'This looks incredible,' Peter said, picking up his fork. He took a bite of the jollof rice, its rich, savoury flavour balanced by a hint of ginger and turmeric. 'You can taste the freshness.'

Richie nodded, a touch of pride in his eyes. 'It's all from our rooftop garden. The rice is spiced to aid digestion, the vegetables are packed with antioxidants, and the chicken—marinated with herbs known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Every dish is crafted with wellness in mind.'

Peter took another bite, savouring the balance of flavours. 'Healthy and delicious. That's rare.'

Chinonso leaned back, swirling a glass of water infused with citrus, mint, and berries. 'Our chefs are passionate about what they do. They don't just cook, they innovate.'

As they ate, the conversation drifted to personal topics. Richie spoke about his vision for the drone and autonomous car projects, not just as technological achievements but as solutions to improve daily life, from safer deliveries to more efficient travel.

Chinonso added a story about a late-night breakthrough the tech department had, their dedication pushing them past every obstacle. His eyes softened as he spoke, the pride evident in his voice.

Peter, watching the city below, said thoughtfully, 'If we get this right, we're not just reshaping transportation, we're redefining how people interact with their cities. It's about connection, not just technology.'

By the time the plates were cleared, their plans were set—another meeting in a few days to review their progress and fine-tune strategies. Richie leaned back, fingers loosely gripping a sugar cane stick he'd plucked from the bowl. His eyes sparkled with ease, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He bit into the cane, the sweet juice filling his mouth.

'This is how partnerships should be,' Richie said, the words coming slow and deliberate. 'Good food, good ideas, and a shared vision.'

Peter tilted his head, his smile reflecting a quiet satisfaction. 'Couldn't agree more.'

Chinonso leaned forward, the grin on his face wide and teasing. 'And don't forget…a good wife.'

Richie coughed, covering his mouth with a fist, then shot a playful glance at Peter. 'Well, some of us here are still single. No need to rub it in,' he teased, reaching for a small disposable bowl on the table and discreetly spitting out the chewed sugar cane fibre. He took another bite of the sugar cane, the fresh juice seeping into his mouth.

Peter raised a brow, smirking as he rose to his feet. 'Go to hell.' He grabbed his briefcase, and they all laughed.

Magnus followed Peter, adjusting his tie with one hand while balancing a folder in the other. Just before they reached the door, Richie called out, his voice easy, the grin still on his face. 'Since you're already here, Peter, why don't I show you our food department? It's one of the liveliest spots in the company.'

Peter paused, glancing back with a playful smirk. 'Can your food department compare to the one at Mars Corporation?' he teased. 'I'm curious to see what you've got going on.'

Magnus gave a thumbs-up, genuinely eager to see what Richie Corporation's food department was like.

Chinonso checked his watch. 'I'd love to join, but the board meeting awaits.' With a quick wave, he exited, leaving Richie to lead the way. Richie took the last bite of the sugar cane, discreetly spat the dried fibre into a disposable bowl, and then led the way.

They took the stairs to the next floor, a space that buzzed with energy. The sound of machinery filled the air, mixing with the rhythmic chopping of knives and the clatter of utensils. Chefs in white coats worked at stainless-steel stations, making healthy drinks, preparing colourful snacks, and testing recipes that were both tasty and good for everyone.

'Welcome to the heart of it,' Richie said, his voice carrying a hint of pride. 'Here, we're creating more than food. We're crafting experiences that nourish both body and mind. I want people to live long, healthy lives, just like those in the Blue Zones. That's why we create the best food… food that's not only delicious but good for the body.'

A large screen on the wall displayed a looping slideshow of their products—nutrient-packed snacks, bottled wellness drinks, and fresh meals packaged in eco-friendly materials designed to preserve freshness without harming the body or the environment. Richie's eyes lit up as he watched, proud that his food department focused on creating nourishing foods with sustainable, safe packaging.

Peter and Magnus stood still, their eyes scanning the scene. Peter exhaled softly, his expression one of genuine admiration. 'This is really something.'

Richie motioned to a nearby staff member, who promptly returned with a tray of glasses filled with rich, amber-coloured udara wine, paired with neatly arranged snacks.

'Try this,' Richie offered, raising a glass. 'Our signature udara wine, paired with one of our best-sellers. It's not just about taste—it's about health, too.'

Peter took a sip, the wine's tart sweetness spreading across his palate. He nodded slowly. 'Fantastic. This is really good.'

Richie chuckled, the sound warm and easy. 'Glad you think so.' He handed them each a package wrapped in sleek, branded paper. 'A little something to take home.'

They strolled back through the food department, the hallway bathed in soft light. 'Good food, good ideas, great company,' Richie said, glancing sideways at Peter. 'That's what we're all about.' He slipped his hands into his pockets, his expression thoughtful. 'How's it going with Aston Martin?'

'They've requested the vehicle back for a performance inspection and certification,' Peter replied. 'But instead of shipping it, I suggested they send a team here.'

Richie whistled softly. 'Driving a prototype? Bold move.'

Peter shrugged, his eyes glinting with amusement. 'With AI, nothing's impossible.'

Richie's smile softened, a hint of something deeper beneath his usual cheer. 'True. But AI can't fix everything.'

Peter's expression turned serious, his voice quieter. 'Especially when it comes to matters of the heart.'

The elevator doors slid open, and they stepped inside. Richie pressed the ground floor button, the polished surface of his diamond watch catching the light.

As they reached the lobby, Peter and Magnus headed towards their sleek, white Porsche. Richie lingered a moment, watching them go before turning towards his gold Lamborghini. He glanced at his watch once more. Not time to pick up his son, Wealth, from school just yet.

With a satisfied sigh, he slid into the driver's seat, the leather interior cool against his back. The engine purred to life, and as the car glided onto the road, Richie headed homeward, thoughts of the day's successes blending with anticipation for what lay ahead.