Chapter 168
Lauren and Wilson wrapped themselves up tightly in all-black coats, scarves, baseball caps, and sunglasses-like they were gearing up for a casino heist. Quinnlyn almost didn't recognize them.
Stepping into the room, they finally peeled off their getup. Lauren, with her stunning looks, starry eyes, and Bordeaux Red curly hair, was the epitome of beauty. Her body was all curves, and she really popped in the chest. With her sunglasses off, you could tell she's been burning the candle at both ends lately, spending way too many nights hustling with the film crew.All rights © NôvelDrama.Org.
Wilson, Lauren's agent, who hadn't yet reached thirty, had already established himself as a leading figure in the industry, referred to as Will. Serving as the director of the Management and Record Departments at Nebula Entertainment, he managed a roster of prominent artists, guiding many to stardom. Possessing a keen eye, once Wilson identified a star, their ascent to fame was inevitable.
Lauren was the first star propelled into the limelight by Wilson. Their partnership not only secured Lauren's foothold in the international market but also elevated Wilson to the top agent position at Nebula Entertainment. Lauren's enduring success was attributed to Wilson's steadfast support behind the scenes and his unparalleled care for her as his first star. This solidified Lauren's reign in the industry, maintaining her popularity throughout the years.
"Sorry for being late. The film crew added a last-minute scene, so we got delayed," Wilson took off his scarf and sunglasses, put on a pair of black- framed glasses, and glanced at his watch. "We were supposed to have one hour and thirty minutes, but now we only have an hour left."
Mikayla, in sporting light makeup and a sharp business outfit, stood up to greet them. The professional attire accentuated her figure, giving off the confident air of a working woman. "I accept your apology," she said firmly, "But that doesn't mean we have to accept your lateness. You're half an hour late from the agreed time, which has nothing to do with us. Your tardiness has cost us thirty minutes of work."
Wilson looked at Mikayla in astonishment, realizing she was no pushover. He had heard about her stories before. She was the Salvatore Group's heiress. Her engagement to a member of the Lindstrom family made a headline in Xosa. The Lindstrom family even held a press conference, but instead of Mikayla, it was her cousin who married into the Lindstrom family. However, Mikayla's own wedding was enviable too. In the meantime, she entered the Salvatore Group with a dominant attitude. Her husband's protective nature towards her was quite something. Lately, there have been many rumors about her.
Wilson finally compromised, his voice a bit high-pitched. "Lauren has been busy filming and taking on too many ads lately. If it was any other company inviting Lauren, we really couldn't find the time. When Lauren heard it was you inviting her, she insisted that I make time to meet with you amidst her busy schedule." It must be said that Wilson's social skills were indeed remarkable. Otherwise, he wouldn't have become the pillar of Nebula Entertainment in such a short time.
"Let's skip the pleasantries and get straight to business." Mikayla cut to the chase.
Lauren sat next to Wilson, feeling annoyed. If she hadn't signed a contract with the Salvatore Group and if Wilson hadn't insisted on coming, she would have left already. After all, she was a top-tier star, and all she wanted to do after leaving the set was to take a nap.
"Are you going to talk about our collaboration for the next quarter?" Wilson inquired.
Mikayla smiled faintly. "Wilson, take a look at these first, and then we can discuss what comes next." With that, she cast a glance at Quinnlyn, who then handed over the files to Wilson.
As Wilson accepted them, Lauren, sitting beside him, was also eager to know what was inside, peering over Wilson's shoulder. As he flipped through the documents, a frozen expression appeared on his face. Lauren also couldn't believe what she saw. 'How did she get these?' they asked inwardly while looking at Mikayla.
"Lauren, is this true?" Wilson turned to Lauren. Lauren bit her lip as a hint of fear flashed across her charming face. Wilson was furious. "Lauren, you're a public figure! Are you trying to ruin your career in the entertainment industry?"
Lauren fiddled with her clothes. She
was unable to resist the
temptations. Wilson noticed her when she was fresh out of school, leading her into the entertainment industry After rising to fame swiftly after her debut, her career seemed smooth. Daily routines of dance practices, singing lessons, and
etiquette classes made her days full but exhausting. As things got easier, temptations outside grew stronger. The sweet nothings from admirers and the pleasures they brought seemed irresistible, though those people swore not to spill the beans.
"We'll talk about it later. Right now, you better reflect on what you did." Wilson wanted to give Lauren a piece of his mind, but it was an internal matter, after all. It's embarrassing to scold his own artists in front of outsiders. Plus, Lauren was a top star, a public figure.
Maintaining some rationality, Wilson shifted his gaze to Mikayla sitting across from him. "It's true that we have made mistakes on our end. I was unaware of this beforehand." Wilson admitted his fault, apologized proactively, and pondered on how to resolve the problem.
"To show our sincerity, how about we reduce Lauren's endorsement fee by one-third this year? After I go back, I'll strictly discipline Lauren, ensuring that such incidents won't happen again. I believe that rumors about Lauren haven't spread, and it won't in the future." Dealing with these matters is Wilson's basic duty.
Mikayla, with a calm smile on her face, replied, "Sorry, Wilson. Our company has decided to terminate the contract with Lauren."
"What?" Lauren was shocked. After all, the annual endorsement fee from the Salvatore Group was not insignificant.
Wilson stopped Lauren from
showing too much emotion and tried to reason with Mikayla, "Ms. Salvatore, even though it was our fault, Lauren still has two years left on her contract with the Salvatore Group. Plus, when you signed her, Lauren was at the peak of her popularity. She brought in a lot of fans and customers for your group. Isn't it a bit cold-hearted to do this?"
Mikayla smirked. "It was a win-win
situation. We gained the fans and customers that Lauren brought while paying you a hefty
endorsement fee. Our brand, with its years of history and reputation, has also given Lauren a lot of positive exposure. We were informed about Lauren's situation immediately and took the necessary steps to contain it. Otherwise, who knows what could have happened? Our company doesn't intend to work with a star who ignores consequences."