Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

As they walked through the dimly lit corridors of the eighth floor, Poul and Jonathan led Caroline and Amelia toward the bedrooms. The gentle glow of the chandeliers above them cast a warm light on the plush carpets and ornate walls.

"The bedrooms on this floor are some of the most luxurious in the building," Poul said, a hint of pride in his voice. "Each room has been carefully designed to offer the utmost comfort and elegance."

As they approached the first bedroom, Jonathan opened the door, revealing a spacious and opulent space. The room was bathed in a soft golden light, emanating from the bedside lamps that cast shadows on the silk wallpaper.

"Here we have our first bedroom," Jonathan announced, gesturing towards the large four-poster bed. "The mattress is made of the finest materials, and the sheets are made from Egyptian cotton. The room also features an en suite bathroom with marble finishes."

Caroline and Amelia looked around the room in awe, admiring the intricate details of the antique furniture and the plush velvet armchairs placed near the fireplace.

Moving on to the next room, Poul opened the door, revealing a spacious balcony that overlooked the headquarters. The room was painted in a soothing blue hue, with delicate lace curtains hanging from the windows. The king-size bed was positioned facing the balcony, allowing the guests to take in the breathtaking views of the city while relaxing in bed.

"This is one of our personal favorites," Poul said, smiling at the two ladies. "It's a perfect view for us. You know, waking up early in the morning and taking a glance at the company that is constantly churning out goods."

Caroline and Amelia stood in silence, taking in the breathtaking views of the factory lights twinkling in the distance.

As they moved on to the final bedroom, Jonathan opened the door, revealing a sleek and modern space. The room was decorated in shades of gray and black, with clean lines and a minimalistic design.

"And last but not least, we have our guest bedroom," Jonathan said, his voice low and measured. "This room is perfect for our client who will be staying for days in the company and allow them to appreciate contemporary design and sleek finishes."

As Caroline and Amelia walked into the room, their eyes were drawn to the towering ceilings and the expansive windows that revealed the breathtaking view of the company town. The walls were adorned with elegant paintings and antique decorations, evoking a sense of sophistication and luxury.

As they made their way out of the last bedroom, Caroline turned to Poul and Jonathan, a smile on her face.

"Thank you for showing us around," Caroline said, her voice filled with gratitude. "The bedrooms are simply breathtaking. I am now feeling the urge to move over here. It is more exciting than the one that I have in Newport."

"Oh, this. Truth be told, we won't want to live the rest of our lives here. This is an office building, so we will move to a proper house sometime soon," Jonathan said, gazing at Caroline while saying all that.

Caroline's heart skipped a beat. "I see…"

"So, Amelia, what do you think of our new office building? Is it better than our first office?" Poul asked.

"Well, Mr. Nielsen…I meant, Poul. Nothing beats the first, but this one is simply spectacular. The attention to detail and the luxurious touches make it a truly remarkable building," Amelia replied, a smile on her face.

"The question is now, where do we sleep? There are two bedrooms and one for the guest. I guess that I'll sleep in the guest room," she said, breaking the silence.

"That won't do, Lady Caroline," Amelia spoke up. "I will sleep in the guest room and you will be sleeping in one of the master bedrooms. I'm sure Poul and Mr. Axelsen wouldn't mind sleeping together in the same room."

"I'm about to say that, Amelia, thank you for trying to be polite to me even though you can just simply call me by my first name. Nevertheless, I will make some minor adjustments to that suggestion," Jonathan said and then held Caroline's hand with his. "We'll sleep in the same bedroom."

Caroline's eyes widened slightly at his proposal, but she didn't pull her hand away. "Are you sure about that, Jonathan?"

"Absolutely," he replied with a grin. "I wouldn't want to be too far away from you."

Hearing that, Poul and Amelia's eyes widened in surprise.

"No way…" Poul was the first one to react. "Are you serious right now bro? You two are going out? Since when?"

"Well, not technically, I haven't received an answer from her yet," Jonathan rubbed his head with his free hand as he chuckled. "But we are going in that direction, right, Caroline?"

"He can say that," Caroline replied, blushing slightly.

"Lady Caroline…you and Jonathan together? But shouldn't you get married first before sleeping in the same room?"

"Who said that?" Caroline said, amused at Amelia's words. "No one said that one has to marry a person that you slept with. It's the tales of the old. We are living in a progressive world."

"Nothing…I won't go against your wishes, Lady Caroline, especially if you are happy with it. I just can't wrap my head around that you and Mr. Axelsen were this close enough to sleep together."

"Well, someday sweetheart, you'll get to experience this with the man you love," Caroline said softly, a teasing glint in her eye.

When she said that, Amelia subconsciously turned towards Poul, looking at him.

Poul, who noticed her eyes locking onto his, smiled. "What?"

She averted her face away and spoke. "No–nothing!"

Poul's eyes flickered to Jonathan once more. "I'm getting envious, Jonathan. You get to sleep with Caroline while I get to sleep alone."

"You can sleep with Amelia if you like."

Poul blushed at Jonathan's suggestion. "That is not a good joke, Jonathan. Amelia is our secretary."

"I'm just joking," Jonathan said with a chuckle.

"Amelia, please forgive Mr. Axelsen."

"I don't mind at all, Mr. Niel—I mean Sir Poul. But would you be so kind as to escort me to the guest room?"

"'I don't see why not," Poul accepted and then looked again at the couple. "You two, be careful on the bed, that one is brand new."

"Yeah, I'll be gentle…ouch," Jonathan said, and then felt a nudge from Caroline's elbow.

Poul walked away with Amelia and headed towards the guest room. The moment they were inside, he spoke.

"I'll be leaving you alone now, Amelia. If you need anything, you know where to find me. See you tomorrow at work."

But just as he was about to leave, Amelia rushed to him and pressed her hand on the door, shutting it close.

Startled, Poul asked. "What are you doing?"

Amelia, whose face is bright red, spoke bashfully. "Stay with me for a while…"