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Chapter 12

Ever since Jalen completed the wine cellar construction project at the Westward mansion, he has largely been doing smaller projects at various clients' homes since then, however, now he is about to land his next potential big fish. A prominent Georgia politician from Bartow County, named Tim Horner, has been looking to have one of his old large sheds transformed into a prominent guest house detached from his home in the back of his property. Tim serves in the Georgia House of Representatives and is also a very wealthy businessman stemming from owning multiple successful car dealerships in Bartow County. Tim is very good friends with Jim Harbor, the Executive Director at Georgia Wellness, where Jalen did the storage room project a couple of months prior. When Tim asked Jim about a contractor, Jim quickly recommended Jalen, citing the work he did on their storage room and assuring Tim that he was the best he would find.

On Monday, a little over a week after his weekend with Karla, Jalen pulled up to the long, winding driveway leading to the Horner estate, a sprawling property in Bartow County. The sheer size of the land was ridiculous. Several acres of pristine grass, perfectly spaced trees, and a massive brick colonial-style mansion sitting at the highest point of the property. The American flag and the Georgia state flag waved proudly on poles near the front entrance. A detached six-car garage stood to the side, likely filled with expensive vehicles. As he eased his truck to a stop near the main house, Jalen adjusted his fitted polo shirt and took a steady breath. He had been in plenty of spaces like this before. Places where people like him, unfortunately, weren't always welcomed with open arms. But money was money, and if Tim Horner could cut a fat check, Jalen would take it. He stepped out of the truck just as the front door swung open. A tall, stocky white man in his late 40s with greyish brown hair and a thick mustache came walking down the steps. His gait was confident, the kind of confidence that came from knowing he owned everything around him.

Tim Horner.

Jalen noticed immediately how Tim's expression shifted the second he laid eyes on him. His face didn't outright frown, but the flicker of unpleasant surprise was clear as day.

"Yeah, you weren't expecting me to be Black, huh?" Jalen thought but kept his face perfectly neutral.

"Jalen Moss?" Tim asked, stopping a few feet away.

"Yes, sir. Good to meet you, Mr. Horner." Jalen extended his hand, keeping his posture firm and professional.

Tim hesitated. It was a fraction of a second, but Jalen caught it.

Then, Tim clasped his hand, giving him a strong, business-like shake.

"Likewise," Tim said, though his tone lacked the warmth he probably would have had if Jalen were a white contractor. "Jim Harbor speaks highly of you."

"I appreciate that. I make sure my work speaks for itself." Jalen responded.

Tim nodded, studying Jalen for a moment before turning. "Come on, let's take a walk."

Jalen followed as Tim led him around the property, giving him a rundown of what he wanted.

"So, this old shed here," Tim said, motioning toward a massive weathered wooden structure, "I want it completely gutted and turned into a luxury guest house. Full kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, living space. Basically a little high-end retreat out here."

Jalen took a few steps around, inspecting the structure. It was doable, but it wasn't gonna be cheap.

"You have a budget in mind?" Jalen asked.

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