Chapter 29 - The Harvest Alliance
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The drive to the valley took over an hour, leaving the towering skyscrapers of the city far behind for sprawling green fields and coastal docks. Sienna and Chef Andre pulled up to a large, rustic farmhouse surrounded by thriving organic gardens.
A rugged, older man named Elias walked out to meet them, wiping soil from his hands.
"Elias," Sienna greeted, extending her hand. "I am Sienna Vance. My father was—"
"I know who your father was, Ms. Vance," Elias interrupted, shaking her hand firmly. "Arthur Vance was a good man. He respected the land. What brings the owner of the St. Moritz all the way out here?"
"I need a new partnership," Sienna said directly. "Vanguard is buying out the corporate supply chains in the city. I am looking for independent farmers and fishermen who value quality over corporate exclusivity."
Elias crossed his arms, looking at her skeptically.
"Vanguard approached us last year," Elias grunted. "They wanted to dictate our pesticide use to increase yield. We told them to go to hell. But we are a cooperative. We can't supply the massive, bulk volume a hotel your size usually demands."
"I don't want bulk volume, Elias," Chef Andre stepped forward, his eyes alight with culinary passion. "I want seasonal, fresh, uncompromising quality. We will rewrite our entire menu weekly based on what the cooperative harvests. We will adapt to you, not the other way around."
Elias looked at the chef, recognizing the genuine respect in his voice.
"You're willing to change a five-star menu based on our crop rotation?" Elias asked, surprised.
"I am willing to make your crops the star of the hotel," Andre promised.
"We will pay twenty percent above the standard market rate," Sienna added, finalizing the pitch. "In exchange, you guarantee that Vanguard never sees a single leaf of your harvest."
May you like
Elias broke into a wide, weathered smile.
"Ms. Vance, you have yourself a deal. Let me introduce you to the rest of the cooperative."
