Johnny Pangisar added, ‘My sister is planning to have her wedding here. My mother would love it to be filmed and included in the package.’

There were immediate murmurings of acquiescence. It was quickly apparent to Grace that had the mother asked for a parade of elephants or a circus performance, it would have been instantly agreed to. From her background reading and research, Grace had ascertained that the Pangisar family were international billionaires. They’d made their money through dealings in petrochemicals and tobacco. This hotel was a new venture for them, which they’d handed to their son to oversee.

Grace had been told Johnny was in the international jetset, while his father was more a traditional Balinese businessman whose Balinese-Chinese wife came from a wealthy family. There were two daughters, one a businesswoman in her own right married to an American, while the younger daughter, an artist, was about to marry an antiques dealer from Sumatra. Neither had any interest in the hotel.

Grace glanced around the table. ‘This is a major campaign. Every concept here is tasteful, innovative and inspiring. I would want our visuals to reflect that. There is a big story here. I’d like to flesh it out a little more as we go along, of course, but to start with we have plenty to attract potential customers and visitors in our stage one online campaign. I’ll come back to you with my ideas and a formal proposal,’ she said to Hans directly.

Hans cleared his throat and smiled as the room went quiet. ‘Thank you, Grace,’ he said, ‘I think everyone will agree that this has been an extremely productive meeting. Your ideas seem to align with our vision for the campaign. Spend the next couple of days soaking in the essence of our hotel, and talk to us individually, if you like.’ He looked across at Johnny, who gave him a quick nod. ‘Then get your pitch to us as soon as you can.’

‘I will, Hans. Thank you.’ Grace realised that everything about this job felt right. ‘I’m very grateful for the time you’ve all given me today. I’ll develop the ideas we’ve discussed and work on the pitch now,’ she added.

It had been a long meeting, and when Johnny also thanked them all for their time, then stood up, everyone was ready to leave.

Andy pulled out Grace’s chair for her as she rose, and Hans joined them.

‘I hear you are very good and people like to work with you.’ Hans smiled. ‘We are looking for the best team to launch our project.’

‘Absolutely,’ Andy said. ‘Who would you have in mind to direct this extravaganza?’ he asked her.

‘One or two people. My first choice might be tied up with a film, but I’m not worried. I know I’ll get a good crew together.’

‘You ever do any movies?’ Andy asked her.

‘Only a few projects where a film production wanted to use a client or have something styled, or to arrange a contra deal for a client,’ she said. ‘A lot of people in advertising want to move into drama, though,’ she added.