Chapter 166 Setting a Trap
"Sorry about that," Rebecca said, looking apologetic but secretly pleased.
Cecilia didn't react much. She just smiled at Leo and asked, "Have you signed the contract?"
Leo frowned slightly, not recognizing her.
"I'm Cecilia Lockhart, Marketing Director of the Lockhart Group," she introduced herself, not mentioning she was the chairman's daughter. She didn't need to; Leo, a top agent, knew all about these things.
Leo quickly extended his hand. "Sorry, my bad. Last time I saw you was in your wedding live stream. You looked different in your wedding dress, but just as beautiful."
"Thank you," Cecilia replied calmly, shaking his hand. She got straight to the point, "Has Ms. Alexander's endorsement contract with Ms. Adams been signed? If not, I still have a fair chance to compete."
"It's already signed," Rebecca cut in before Leo could respond.
"Is that so?" Cecilia raised an eyebrow, "Can I see it?"
"This is a private matter. Why should we show it to you?"
"You don't have to. It's just to make me give up. Otherwise, I might keep bothering Mr. Coleman." Cecilia smiled at Leo.
Leo, an experienced agent, thought it was a pity Cecilia wasn't a star herself given her looks.
"Cecilia, you're being excessive," Rebecca criticized.
Cecilia ignored her and directly stated her terms to Leo, "I heard Ms. Alexander's fee is usually fifty million dollars. I'm willing to go up to eighty million."
Leo's eyes lit up at the number. Wendy, sitting next to him, was also tempted.
"Cecilia." Rebecca's face turned grim. Was Cecilia just throwing money around?
"Mr. Coleman, consider it," Cecilia continued, ignoring Rebecca. "This concerns an artist's value. An eighty-million offer will significantly boost Ms. Alexander's future endorsement potential."
"Leo, you can't go back on your word. Integrity matters in business and life," Rebecca reminded, sensing Leo's hesitation. "You agreed with me. Breaking the contract now will affect you and Wendy's career."
Leo was clearly torn.
"It seems you haven't signed the contract yet," Cecilia concluded.
Rebecca was cautious. She hadn't signed the contract yet, only reached a verbal agreement with Leo. If Cecilia gave up, Rebecca wouldn't have to sign Wendy and pay the high fee. It might affect her business reputation a bit, but in the face of real financial interests, reputation was worthless.
If lost, so be it.
"I have the contract right here," Rebecca said, pulling it from her bag.
Cecilia sneered. Rebecca was well-prepared.
"We were just interrupted by your sudden intrusion," Rebecca said, looking both aggressive and anxious. She feared Cecilia would snatch Wendy away and that the fifty million dollars would turn into eighty million. Her budget was already tight.
"Mr. Coleman, please review this document and sign if you have no objections," Rebecca urged.
Leo hesitated.
Cecilia added, "Mr. Coleman, you can still consider it. We're still negotiating."
"Leo, don't forget, you have many other endorsements with us. You can't be untrustworthy," Rebecca reminded.
Leo was struggling. Benefits often make people abandon their dignity.
Wendy spoke up, "For the endorsement, the higher offer should..."
"Eighty million," Rebecca interrupted, "I'll offer eighty million, and we'll sign immediately."
Leo was visibly delighted. "Alright," he agreed.
Rebecca's heart bled, but the thought of making Cecilia fail made her ecstatic. "Just adjust the price in my contract," she handed it to Leo.
Leo quickly had his secretary print it out.
Cecilia watched their performance.
Gordon couldn't stand it. "Leo, I'm warning you, if this is the direction you're taking, I'm afraid I won't work with you anymore."
"Gordon, I did agree with Ms. Adams first. Now that she's increased Wendy's fee... Personally, I'd support you, but I have to think of my artists. I can't harm them and give them a terrible reputation, right?" Leo patted Gordon's shoulder. "I'm sorry this time. Please let me know if you need anything. I'm here to help."
Gordon sneered. He didn't believe Leo.
"Mrs. Whitaker, I'm really sorry." Leo tried to please Cecilia.
Cecilia acted aloof. The room was awkward.
The secretary brought in the new contract. Rebecca reviewed it carefully, afraid of mistakes.
"Mr. Coleman, any issues?"
"No," Leo replied quickly after reviewing it.
"If there are no issues, let's sign."
"Alright, alright," Leo agreed.
Cecilia watched them sign the contract.
"Congratulations," Cecilia said.
Rebecca smiled smugly, "Just a small victory."
Cecilia seemed to sneer, or maybe it was Rebecca's imagination.
Cecilia and Gordon left without another word. Rebecca watched Cecilia's retreating back, feeling extremely satisfied.
People said Cecilia had changed, but to Rebecca, she was just the same.
In the elevator, Cecilia said to Gordon, "Contact Chris Sanders for me."
"Who?"
"An up-and-coming top agent, working with Lily White, a rising international top-tier star."
As for Wendy, she would soon be scandal-ridden and in a mess!
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