Chapter 169 Shut Out
Cecilia used the biggest discount the Lockhart Group could offer to try and land contracts with the three major brands.
She was genuinely sincere.
But in the end, they still politely declined.
Michael felt a bit down.
They thought all their efforts would at least sway the brands a little. But it turned out that in business, profit trumps everything.
"Mrs. Whitaker, what do we do now?" Michael asked, worried.
After being turned down by the third brand, they were in the car heading back to the Lockhart Group.
Cecilia stared out the window.
She realized she had been too optimistic about people's goodwill.
She thought the Lockhart Group's past favors would count for something. But profit mattered more to them.
She saw posters of Wendy endorsing Starlight Mall everywhere. Wendy's fans promised to spend money there, making Starlight Mall a big hit.
No wonder.
When they tried to negotiate contracts, the brands chose the popular Starlight Mall over them.
Cecilia's silence made Michael even more anxious.
The car was quiet.
Cecilia suddenly said, "Is Harmony Threads having a fashion show this Saturday night?"
Michael was taken aback.
Cecilia called out to Rose, "Rose, can you check?"
"Sure, I'll find out."
Rose started making calls.
Finishing her call, Rose reported, "Mrs. Whitaker, there's a Harmony Threads fashion show this Saturday at 7 PM at the Crystal Stage in Serenovia City. Do you want to go?"
"Did they invite the Lockhart Group?" Cecilia asked.
"I'll check with Outreach," Rose replied.
Cecilia nodded.
After the call, Rose reported, "Mrs. Whitaker, they gave the chairman two invitations."
"Great," Cecilia said.
She called Theodore, "Dad."
"Cecilia, I was just about to call you. Can you come to my office?"
Cecilia thought for a moment. "Sure, I'll be there in ten minutes."
"Alright."
After hanging up, Cecilia said, "No more chasing other brands. We're going straight to Harmony Threads."
"What?" Michael was shocked.
Harmony Threads was one of the top ten brands in the world. A mall with Harmony Threads would be top-tier. Though the Tower of Light was designed for luxury, they never thought they could actually get Harmony Threads.
Currently, only one mall in Serenovia City has Harmony Threads, also under the Lockhart Group. But their entry conditions were extremely tough. The Lockhart Group tried to get them into other malls but was rejected because Harmony Threads only allowed one store per city.
That's the nature of high-end luxury brands, creating desire through scarcity.
So, no other mall had tried to invite Harmony Threads since.
Now, Cecilia was suggesting this bold move.
Michael didn't want to dampen her spirits.
After all, they were in a tough spot.
He said hesitantly, "Harmony Threads has a rule of only one store per city. It might be... difficult to invite them."
It seemed like a long shot.
"Rules can be bent," Cecilia said confidently.
Michael was speechless.
He knew Cecilia well enough to know she'd go after whatever she set her mind to.
The car pulled up at the Lockhart Group.
Cecilia headed straight to Theodore's office.
She sat down across from him. "Dad, what's up?"
In the company, she addressed him formally, but in private, she called him Dad.
"Having any trouble at work?" Theodore asked his voice laced with concern.
"Dad, did you hear something?" Cecilia knew if Theodore was asking, there was something going on.
He probably didn't want to hurt her confidence, so he wasn't saying everything.
"Did someone mention the Tower of Light's investment issues to you?" Cecilia asked.
Theodore nodded. "It's not that I don't trust you, but there are a lot of rumors. I won't stop your progress, but if you need help, don't try to handle everything alone. You've just started; no need to push yourself too hard."
"I can handle the Tower of Light's investment issues. I can't stop the rumors right now, so you'll just have to bear with it," Cecilia explained.
"That's fine. I'm just worried you can't handle it," Theodore said.
"Don't worry, I'm strong. I just need some time," Cecilia said firmly.
"I believe in you." Theodore felt a bit more at ease seeing her confidence.
There had been too many rumors lately, mostly about Cecilia misusing company resources. He didn't mind since it was their family's money, but he worried about her pride and came to comfort her.
"I won't let you down," Cecilia said.
Theodore nodded and then remembered something. "Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Did Harmony Threads give you two invitations to their new product launch?" Cecilia asked.
"I didn't notice. Do you want them?" Theodore asked.
"Yes, I want to see their show," Cecilia replied.
"I'll have my secretary get them for you," Theodore agreed. "Relax a bit. Don't push yourself too hard. Buy whatever you like; I'll cover it."
Cecilia smiled.
Theodore thought she was going shopping.
In reality, she was going to negotiate a contract.
She didn't plan to tell Theodore just yet to avoid worrying him.
She nodded, feeling touched by his support.
She left Theodore's office and returned to her desk. "Rose, keep Saturday night free and come with me to the Harmony Threads show."
"Yes," Rose replied respectfully. Then she added, "Mrs. Whitaker, I should remind you that Rebecca used to be the chief model for Harmony Threads."
Cecilia frowned slightly.
"When Rebecca started modeling at 18, Harmony Threads' chief designer noticed her and signed her. She left at 23 to join her family business," Rose explained. "Rebecca has a deep connection with Harmony Threads."
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