Creating an Industrial Empire in 19th Century Parallel World

Jonathan and Caroline returned to the ballroom after their intimate conversation. As they walked, he linked arms with her, conveying a sense of closeness that surprised even him. Upon entering, they saw Poul and Amelia engrossed in conversation with Morgan and Sherman. The group appeared to be in high spirits, their faces alight with smiles and laughter.

Jonathan and Caroline joined in, eager to be part of the good vibes. However, Poul's comment about Jonathan's feelings for Caroline soured the moment.

"My, my, did my partner confess his feelings to you, Miss Dupont?" Poul quipped, his tone teasing. Jonathan's cheeks reddened in embarrassment.

"Poul, that's not an appropriate comment to make in front of Caroline," Jonathan chided.

"I don't think that's inappropriate. Miss Dupont is already aware that you have feelings for her, right?" Poul countered, his gaze flickering to Caroline.

Caroline interjected before Jonathan could respond. "Yes, Poul, that's true. But that doesn't mean you have to make it awkward for him."

Poul relented, chuckling. "Fine, fine. Let's change the topic. What about you and Ms. Weiss? Did you two have a remarkable development when you were dancing earlier?"

Jonathan was grateful for the change in topic. "Well, I did have a good dance with her. But after months of working with her, I realized that we're better off as colleagues."

Amelia's expression fell, her gaze flickering to Poul. "What do you mean, Mr. Nielsen?"

Poul answered in a measured tone. "I'm saying that we should keep our relationship professional."

An awkward silence descended upon the group, and Jonathan sighed inwardly. Poul's sudden change of heart had disrupted the easy camaraderie they had shared just moments before. Morgan broke the silence by asking about the topic they'd discussed earlier.

"So, Jonathan. I heard that Mr. Russell offered fifty thousand dollars for the patents of the direct current electric motor?"

"That was indeed true, Mr. Morgan but we declined his offer. My partner and I believed that by keeping the same contract, we would generate more money. I know it's burden for Mr. Russell but he signed the contract."

"That's a wise move there," Morgan chuckled.

The silence descended upon them again. As the night wore on, Jonathan couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that Poul's behavior had caused him.

The following day General Sherman, Mr. Morgan, and Ms. Dupont arrived in the industrialist duo's office and are waiting for them to arrive. The industrialist duo are upstairs, discussing something about the evening.

"Poul, correct me if I'm wrong. You don't have feelings for Amelia anymore?" Jonathan asked, searching for clarity.

Poul shifted in his seat, his expression guarded. "It's not that I don't have feelings for her at all. It's just that something's missing. She's a great secretary, and I want her to work with us indefinitely if possible."

Jonathan nodded, his expression thoughtful. "It seemed like you hurt her feelings last night."

Poul shook his head, his tone dismissive. "No way. Amelia's made it clear that our relationship is strictly professional."

"What if she had feelings for you?" Jonathan pressed.

Poul's eyes flicked to the clock on the wall. "Can we talk about this later? We can't keep our clients waiting."

Jonathan sighed, his eyes lingering on Poul for a moment longer before nodding. "You're right. Let's go."

As they entered the conference room, Amelia stood at the desk, holding a file. She approached Poul and handed him the document.

"This is the contract that Mr. Sherman and you are going to sign. The terms and conditions are already included," Amelia said, her tone businesslike.

"Thank you, Ms. Weiss, for preparing the files," Poul replied, nodding in approval.

"I'm just doing my job as your secretary, Mr. Nielsen. If there is nothing else, I will stand by and watch the signing process," Amelia said, her voice cool.

Poul was taken aback by Amelia's sudden shift in behavior towards him, but there was work to be done. He gave her permission to stay and took his seat alongside Jonathan to begin the signing process.

"Mr. Sherman, Morgan, and Ms. Dupont, I'm excited to announce that my partner and I have started a subsidiary that specializes in building weapons. We call it the Axelsen & Nielsen Arms Manufacturing Company. It will be responsible for producing the AN-M1 rifle and other types of weapons, such as pistols, rifles, snipers, and machine guns," Poul announced.

Morgan was intrigued. "You'll need a proper factory, I imagine. I can give you a list of arms manufacturing companies that you could buy at a reduced cost," he suggested.

"Thank you, Mr. Morgan," Poul replied before turning his attention to Caroline. "As for Ms. Dupont, she will be our main supplier of smokeless gunpowder. If we want to get the rifle into production right away, it's best that we partner with Ms. Dupont here. She already has the infrastructure and personnel to mass-produce the gunpowder."

Caroline smiled. "It'll be a pleasure to partner with Axelsen & Nielsen Arms Manufacturing Company."

"Mr. Axelsen, Mr. Nielsen, the rifle you've created is both beautiful and powerful. The President of the United States asked me to convey his gratitude for accepting our offer. The rifles that you've created will become the standard-issue rifles of the United States Army and Marines," General Sherman announced.

Poul and Jonathan exchanged pleased glances. "We're honored to hear that," they said in unison.

"Well, we are going to start signing the contract with the United States Military first and then with Ms. Dupont," Poul opened the files and perused the contents.

There will be two contracts that Poul Nielsen and Jonathan Axelsen are going to sign. The contract for the military and the partnership contract with Caroline Dupont.

The room grew quiet as everyone carefully reviewed the document before signing. It took them about thirty minutes to analyze the contract, and once everyone was satisfied, they signed the contract.

After the signing was completed, Poul and Jonathan bid farewell to their clients, with Jonathan escorting them out, leaving Amelia and Poul alone in the office.

Realizing that Jonathan had given Poul an opportunity to clear things out with Amelia, he approached her.

"Amelia, I know there was something that I said that made you feel bad, and for that, I want to apologize."

Amelia looked up, her expression guarded. "What are you talking about, Mr. Nielsen?"

Poul shifted uneasily. "You see, when Ms. Dupont asked if there was something developing between us, I responded no and said that our relationship is professional."

Amelia nodded slowly, her eyes narrowed. "I see. And why would that upset me?"

Poul's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I just assumed that it might have. I'm sorry if I said something that upset you."

Amelia studied him for a moment before offering a tight smile. "It's all right, Mr. Nielsen. There's nothing to apologize for."

Poul breathed a sigh of relief. "Well, I'm glad we're on good terms then. Let's keep it that way, shall we?" He extended his hand for a handshake.

Amelia hesitated for a moment before taking his hand. "Of course, Mr. Nielsen."

After Poul left, Amelia sank into her chair, feeling a sense of dejection wash over her. She placed her hand over her heart, feeling the weight of Poul's words crushing her. "Poul, you stupid..." she muttered under her breath.

Meanwhile, Jonathan and Caroline walked side by side on their way to her car, both in high spirits.

"That was a successful meeting, wasn't it?" Jonathan said.

"Indeed, Jonathan, that was a successful meeting. You have landed another significant contract, this time with the military. I am not surprised. If you so wish, Jonathan, I would be honored to support your next venture in any way possible. If you require capital, I am ready to provide it to you."

"I appreciate your offer, Caroline. We are planning to enter the electric industry, specifically the alternating current, which I believe you are familiar with," Jonathan replied.

"Indeed, I do have extensive knowledge of the potential of the alternating current as the main system of electric distribution, which surpasses the direct current. If you require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me instead of Mr. Morgan," Caroline said.

"Thank you, Caroline. I will discuss it with Poul, and once we have decided, I will let you know over dinner," Jonathan said.

"I shall eagerly await your decision and our meeting in New York," Caroline replied.