The Ultimate Contest

By Adele Marie Bond

Zendenhaus and Puller sponsors a writing contest unparalleled in the fascinating world of publishing. Fabulous prizes await all who respond. The grand prize entails the drawing of twelve names for the collaboration on a novel during the summer at Haven Villa.

Despite the glamour of such an event, each contestant has dreams of her own to accomplish.

The Prestigious Hotel in New York City plays host to all who enter the most highly publicized gala event of the twenty-first century. One week later, the grand prize winners excitedly accompany the heiress, along with her assistant, to the mansion.

It doesn't take long before problems begin to surface, causing the twelve to rethink their ability in writing the novel. Encouraging the aspiring writers, the heiress is ever self-assured as is her assistant. The women shall attain success in their endeavor.

Developing a comradery, the twelve become bound and determined to forge ahead in accomplishing what they set out to do. Through tears, joy, and resoluteness of heart, each strives to fulfill her dreams.

In book one of The Haven Villa series, The Ultimate Contest entails mystery, suspense, and drama for all who enter its doors. Will the success each desires attain fulfillment, or fall short of the expectation of the publishing giant?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 23, 2021
• ISBN: 9781098068967

Book preview

Chapter 1

Awakening to the sound of the alarm, Samuel Martine leans over to shut it off. Arising a moment later, his mind is thinking of the meeting scheduled at Zendenhaus & Puller Publishing Company. As president, it’s his job to oversee the daily operation in keeping ahead of today’s competitive world. The publishing giant has been floundering while competition pulls ahead in sales and reputation.

Several years ago, he had been hired on as part-time consultant for Zendenhaus & Puller. Owner and heiress, Marie Arquette, became impressed with Samuel’s expertise in business and finance. Approaching the board, she asked their input on hiring him full time. Everyone was in favor of hiring Samuel Martine full time as CEO. When the previous president retired, he was voted in as president.

Zendenhaus & Puller Publishing Company is presently faced with a serious dilemma. How do they forge ahead of the competition in today’s world? Hopefully, the board will be able to come up with a very unique undertaking.

After showering, he dresses for the day. Downstairs, his wife, Rose, is humming while she prepares breakfast. Today marks the thirty-fifth year of marriage. Knowing he is very time-conscious, she pours the coffee, along with setting the table. Hearing Samuel enter the dining room, she greets him, Good morning, dear. Happy anniversary.

Putting both hands on her face, he looks longingly into Rose’s eyes. Pulling her close, Samuel embraces his wife. Sitting down to eat, both talk about the present plans for the day.

The Civics Club has been working steadily in preparing the Turnkey Historical Museum & Library at Montauk Point for the grand reopening the week before the reenactment, Rose informs him.

When she finishes speaking, Samuel expresses concern about the upcoming meeting taking place at work. Everyone has been working really hard for three years to come up with a solution concerning the competition, he says.

I’m sure everyone will be successful in this endeavor, she replies. If there is anything our club can help with, let me know.

Looking at his timepiece, Samuel stands while Rose clears the table. I need to get going. I’ll be home late, he said. Bringing the dishes into the kitchen, he gives her a long kiss.

I’ll have dinner ready, she replies. Samuel grabs the briefcase as Rose opens the door.

Have a good day, he said.

Watching him enter the Lexus from the porch, she waves. Beeping twice while backing out, he heads down the road. Once the car is out of sight, she returns inside. Settling in the den, she proceeds making phone calls to the Garden Club concerning the Turnkey Museum & Library.

Samuel arrives at work an hour early. Parking in his reserved spot, he sees the valet. Good morning, Mr. Martine, the employee addresses him as Samuel hands him the set of keys.

I’ll be working late tonight, he informs the valet. Walking over, the guard accepts the identification badge.

Wishing him congratulations, he says, I trust you and the missus are well.

Very well, he replies.

Heading to the elevator, Samuel thinks of the nine-o’clock meeting with the board. Hopefully, all will be able to come to a unanimous agreement, giving them an edge over their rivalry.

Arriving at his floor, Samuel enters the quiet office. His longtime secretary, Christine, isn’t due in for another hour. Making a pot of coffee, he heads to the room housing the chronological events of the publishing giant. Samuel has always been impressed with the illustrious history of the company. Zendenhaus & Puller Publishing Company needs to maintain the cutting edge of twenty-first century publishing.

Will it be possible?

Chapter 2

Flipping a switch, he enters the mini-library. Walking up to the first walled photo, Samuel feels a sense of gratitude to both men who built Zendenhaus & Puller from the ground up. Longtime associates Abraham Zendenhaus and financier Karl Puller are pictured clasping a shovel for the groundbreaking ceremony. The next photo depicts the editors, twin brothers Walter and Stanley Townsend, standing in front of the New York Chronicle , the most credible newspaper of the 1890s.

The CEO becomes lost in thought at the past visionaries who made their mark in the world of publishing. Will our present vision be able to carry on the longstanding tradition of this esteemed company? he reflects. Turning to the right views the life-size oil painting of philanthropist, Bartholomew Edmonton. Hanging next to his portrait is another mural of the well-known Arquette family standing before a building now known as the Prestigious Hotel.

Once owned by the well-known philanthropist, it boasted of serving the rich and famous clientele at the turn of the century. Years later, he had become involved in overseas investments—specifically Israel. The Townsend brothers followed suite, thus the New York Chronicle and the building were subsequently sold to the Arquette family.

Some of the Arquettes relocated to Canada while other family members ventured to New York City. Over the years, Marie’s great-grandparents involved themselves with the business dealings of Mr. Edmonton, along with the Townsends.

In later years, the Arquette family had grown. Mrs. Arquette gave birth to a daughter. Two years later, a son was born. Both were fully expected to follow in the family publishing business. While their daughter excelled in the family business, he opted for a different career of attending the well-known medical school in Oxford, England. Try as they might, their son remained steadfast in his heart’s desire in becoming a doctor. With resignation, the parents gave him the share of the family inheritance.

The siblings made a vow to keep in contact.

Looking at his watch, Samuel knows Christine will be arriving soon, as well as the board members. Taking one last look around, he finishes the cup of coffee. Disposing the empty container in the trash, he heads back to the office.

It’s almost time for the board to arrive.

Chapter 3

Returning to the office, he greets Christine, Good morning. I trust you had a nice weekend.

Very nice, thank you, she replies. She wishes him a happy anniversary and puts her purse in the desk drawer, preparing for the day’s work.

Please hold all my calls. I’ll contact everybody next week. It’s going to be a long week, he informs her.

Will do, she responds.

Grabbing the briefcase, he mentally prepares for the meeting. Hearing voices of the board pass by the office, Samuel inhales deeply. A lot is riding on concerning the future of Zendenhaus & Puller.

Arriving in the conference room, he notices everyone is present. From the sound of things, I’d say we’re ready to discuss the final details concerning your hard work over the past three years. Everyone takes their seats while he approaches the podium. This week, we need to come to a unanimous decision as to how to venture forth with the pilot project. The floor is now open to all suggestions.

Marie Arquette is first to stand. Relinquishing the podium, he takes a seat. All eyes are on the owner as she begins the oration. Zendenhaus & Puller has a rich, illustrious history since its inception. Our reputation has steadily grown over the years. Albeit that it may, our competition has slowly edged ahead of us. Competition has always been fierce in the publishing world. Entering into the new era of publishing, we need to press forward in maintaining the lead over rival companies, she informs them.

Watching her speak with grace and poise still amazes Samuel how the owner is able to hold the audience’s attention. But then the Arquette family have always been known for these unique qualities, along with aboveboard business excellence and unparalleled reputation of honesty and forthrightness to the highest degree.

I have the utmost confidence in everyone putting forth input and unanimous recommendations on the matter at hand. She retains the chair, thereby ending the oration.

Thanking the heiress for her input, Samuel indicates time for a coffee break. Kitchen personnel enter with an urn of coffee and various pastries. We’ll resume in fifteen minutes, he informs the group. Once the break is over, it’s time to get down to brass tactics.

Samuel approaches the dais. As we all know, this will be a long week of meetings. Friday will determine the way we need to proceed. Today will be spent outlining the vision. Calling on the heiress and her assistant, he inquires about their findings. Arising, she states, "Ms. Du Pree and I have outlined the forthcoming suggestions regarding intent of the above. Information is passed around the table for their information.

Our company advertises a writing contest for all women from ages eighteen and above in all fifty states. Radio, television, and newspapers shall be utilized from September through December. A 1-800 number will be set up to help with the influx of responses in requesting the RSVP. Miss Du Pree will also be in charge of gathering volunteers throughout the nation in assisting us. This will take place January through March of the coming year. The latest reservation will be accepted is mid-April, she proudly announces.

Please go on, he said.

All who respond shall come to the Prestigious Hotel the first Friday in June for the gala event. All attendees shall receive an all-expense-paid trip, including hotel stay for the weekend, plus a two-thousand-dollar gift card to spend as they please, she says, adding, Twelve names shall be drawn to spend the summer at Haven Villa, collaborating on a novel for Zendenhaus & Puller. Miss Du Pree, along with myself, shall be present to oversee the project to its completeness.

Who will be responsible for the cost of this project? the president inquires.

The publishing company shall be, she replies.

Everyone becomes silent at this announcement. Trying innovative ways to stay ahead of the competition is one thing. What is being presented is quite another.

Sounds costly, Samuel responds cautiously.

I can assure you, Mr. Martine, we shall be covering issues of cost and investment concerning all expenses, she confidently replies.

Senior editor Peter Maxwell is first in sounding off. Standing, he puts both palms on the table. Looking at her, he states, All due respect, Ms. Arquette, have you given any thought to the editorial nightmare our overworked department is facing. You are suggesting twelve unknown women get together for a couple of months, then simply write a novel off the top of their heads. Afterward, submit a well-polished manuscript to my department. He fumes. She listens carefully as he continues speaking. On top of that, what you are stating is pure fantasy. What makes you think it is even probable, if not impossible, for twelve unknowns to accomplish the novel in two months’ time? My staff is looking at major rewrite in a very short period of time, along with new projects we are presently working on. Sitting down, he silently wonders if she should permanently retire.

The others wait patiently. He does have a point.

After a few minutes, she responds to his concerns. Mr. Maxwell, I truly appreciate your candidness and fervor in defense of the editing department. I shall stake my reputation on this project. A very professionally typed manuscript shall be faxed to you by Ms. Du Pree in enough time. Both of us shall be present to oversee the results you earnestly desire, that I shall assure you of, the heiress states with conviction.

Will that satisfy you, Mr. Maxwell? Samuel inquires.

Inhaling deeply, he says, It will do for now. If you don’t mind, I’ll reserve judgment on the issue. The senior editor is still unconvinced.

I totally understand your concerns on the issue, she replies.

Samuel looks at the others. Tomorrow, we resume the meeting. Everyone, get a good night’s sleep. We have a lot of ground to cover in a short period of time. The board convenes for the rest of the day.

* * * * *

The next day, everyone is ready to proceed forth.

Good morning, everyone, Samuel greets the board. Let’s get down to business. I’d like to start with Debra Maddux, head of personnel.

Rising, she expresses concern about having enough manpower to handle the amount of calls expected in. With the RSVP, we’re talking of at least one thousand, maybe more. My department is going to need extra manpower in responding to the overwhelming amount of paperwork. Will the company be ready to fulfill this quota? she queries.

In answer to your request, I have been in contact with various college and volunteer organizations to help fill this role, Lucretia responds, adding, They are waiting for me to contact them with the start date.

Once she sits, Samuel calls on the head of the advertising department. Mr. Martel, what has your department lined up in regards of letting the public know of the contest?

Jeff Martel takes the floor. Presently, we are in the process of contacting radio, television, and newspapers around the country. He adds, Personnel has been very instrumental with their input for advertising. We are also working together to get the 1-800 number established to help with responses, he said.

Thank you, Mr. Martel, for your input, Samuel said.

Calling on her, he asks Lucretia Du Pree about the RSVP.

When they are mailed out, the bottom half will be returned to Zendenhaus & Puller. In order to gain entrance into the Prestigious Hotel, the top half needs to be handed in with signature and date, she informs him.

Sounds good.

Calling on the owner, he asks her input about television coverage.

I shall be contacting WZBL to provide live coverage of the event, she says.

Excellent choice, he responds. Mr. Pinski, we need to hear from your department.

Inhaling deeply, the CPA leans back in his chair. This, by far, is the most extravagant undertaking ever attempted in the history of Zendenhaus & Puller, he relays to them.

Do you think we can afford such an undertaking, Samuel asks.

I’ll let Mr. Edmonton inform us on the financial aspects of what is being addressed, he responds.

Everybody looks to the philanthropist for his interpretation of cost. Before he begins speaking, major stockholders Audra Parks and Allen Reitz begin stating the concerns of investors.

Mr. Edmonton, the sponsors need to be assured they will not suffer loss to their investments. From the sound of things, what has been presented is an outlandishly expensive proposal by Ms. Arquette. How can Zendenhaus & Puller possibly afford such an event? I fail to see how with what is recommended be in the best interest of all shareholders, she states.

I agree with Ms. Parks, Mr. Reitz added. If they stand to take a loss, the company will lose out in a very big way. It has also been our experience of past endeavors whereby the stockholder has suffered loss, he says.

The president listens, as does Mr. Edmonton. Looking at the financier, Samuel states, The representatives of all stockholders do have very valid points.

I quite agree, he responds. As owner of Edmonton & Associates, I well understand your concerns about the peoples’ vested interest in company shares. By no means is it in our interest for anyone to lose earnings. While there are certainly risks especially with what has been proposed by Ms. Arquette, the company will incur all expenses along with loss in this venture. When the original owners began building the company, a special interest-bearing account was created for this particular type of project. Over the years, many businesses contributed to this account in the way of stocks, bonds, annuities, etc. There is enough vested interest from that particular savings account to cover any losses which may occur, he informs them. If anyone stands to lose out on this project, it will be the interest-bearing account. Even if there should be loss, the compounded daily interest will still be deposited. Hence, portfolios of the shareholders will either stay the same or be increased across the board, he informs them.

Handing out the financial plan and reports to everyone, Mr. Edmonton is confident he has allayed the concerns of the stockholder’s representatives. Both are satisfied with his explanation along with the information they’ve received to share with the investors.

The CEO observes the board. "On Friday, we will meet back in conference room C at 9:00 a.m., deciding if this is the way to proceed forth." Everyone disburses to attend to other business matters.

* * * * *

Friday arrives. All board members are present and accounted for. Walking into the room, the president approaches the podium. We’ve heard the pros and cons this week, concerning the way to forge ahead of the competition. I trust all have given heartfelt thoughts in what has been presented. Before we vote on the issue, are there any other concerns?

There are none.

Since the board is in agreement, a unanimous vote needs to take place, he says. All in favor of, raise their hand. Each does so. Who will second the motion? he inquires.

I second, Mr. Edmonton says.

Turning to the owner, the CEO inquires as to the name.

This project shall be known as The Ultimate Contest, she states.

The meeting is now adjourned. We have our work cut out for us, he states.

Walking up to him, the heiress said, I’ll be contacting network executive Aaron Stone of WZBL on our decision Monday morning of the board’s decision.

Before all left the conference room, everybody wishes Samuel Martine, Happy Anniversary.

Christine has taken the liberty of ordering champagne, along with a bouquet of flowers, the heiress tells him.

Thanking everyone for their remembrance, he returns to the office. Christine has already left for the day. It will soon be evening. Calling Rose, he lets her know, I’ll be home within the hour.

Dinner will be waiting, she replies.

Carrying the gifts, the CEO leaves the office. Driving home, Samuel thinks of their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary. Where has the time gone? Pulling into the driveway, he sees her standing on the porch, beautiful as ever. Parking the car, he ascends the steps. The couple head inside to soft lights, sentimental music, and a candle-lit dinner.

Informing her of decision that has been reached for the pilot project, she smiles at the news. Samuel pours champagne while she puts the bouquet into a vase. Once dinner is over, they slowly dance to the sounds of music, grateful for the years of togetherness.

What a memorable time it is.

Chapter 4

Aaron Stone drives his BMW to work. Pulling into the reserved spot, he signals the valet. Seeing him approach, he greets the attendant. Through many years of loyalty to WZBL, the network executive has been awarded his own parking spot. Longevity of working for WZBL has made him a very marketable entity in the field of newscasting. Emerging from the vehicle, he hands the set of keys to the worker.

Good morning. Mr. Stone, security says, handing him a badge.

After exchanging pleasantries, Aaron tells him, I’ll be working late.

Entering the building, thoughts turn to the morning agenda. Stopping by the news stand, he orders a small coffee, along with purchasing a copy of the New York Chronicle. Joining others, he waits patiently for the elevator. Once he enters, he pushes the button for the fiftieth floor. Arriving on his floor, he walks into the office. His personal secretary has already arrived.

Ms. Arquette has called. She needs you to return her call as soon as you come in, she says.

Thank you. Hold my calls. I’ll be contacting her on my private line. Placing the cup of coffee down, he picks the receiver up. Settling into the office chair, he dials the direct number to her office. Placing an arm behind his head, he waits patiently, wondering what has been decided by the publishing company from the week-long meeting.

Picking the receiver up, she enthusiastically greets the caller, Good morning, Mr. Stone. I trust you had a restful weekend.

Yes, thank you. It couldn’t have gone better.

Afterward she informs him of the results of last week’s meeting. "The vote is unanimously in favor of the pilot program. We