Chapter 80 Can It Work?
They drove to the school gate, but it wasn't time for school to end yet.
Elizabeth came prepared and quickly spotted Herman's car.
Herman was smoking with the window down, looking a bit out of it.
As Elizabeth and Rebecca walked up, she knocked on the car door.
Herman snapped out of his daze.
Seeing Elizabeth, he paused. "Ms. Clark!"
He didn't really know Elizabeth that well but had definitely heard of her. As a former artist at Clark Entertainment, she had never really tapped into the company's full potential. There were whispers going around that she stepped on her manager, Richard's, toes and got put on the sidelines.
The grapevine buzzed because Elizabeth had all the makings of a star—beauty, skill, the whole package. But it seemed like Richard was putting a cap on her chances, keeping her in check.
Then, out came the headlines and social media confirmations—they dropped the bomb that Elizabeth was Richard's kin, and by some twist of fate, Loren's sister too. The town couldn’t wrap their heads around why her own blood would hold her back, especially when Elizabeth was a force to be reckoned with.
Rumors spread that Richard and Loren were pushing Brenda forward instead, a move that left employees like Herman scratching their heads. Why pit the siblings against each other when there were plenty of resources to go around at Clark Entertainment anyways? Especially considering Elizabeth's talent far outshone her sister Brenda’s.
But the brothers were always over confident, and their favored those employees who kissed their asses. So, their actions fit their character, in Herman's opinion.
Elizabeth smiled. "Herman, can we talk for a few minutes?"
Herman had been following recent events.
Elizabeth had made a stunning comeback.
From almost being blacklisted, she became a sympathetic figure.
Now Eugene and Brenda were getting criticized, and the company's PR team was struggling.
Herman admired her skills.
He put out his cigarette and smiled. "If you don't mind, we can talk in the car."
They had to wait for school to end, so a cafe wasn't an option.
Elizabeth nodded. "Sure!"
She and Rebecca got in the back.
Herman checked the time; they had over ten minutes before school was out.
He asked, "Ms. Clark, what brings you here?"
Elizabeth got straight to the point. "We've started a studio and need an operations team. We'd like you to join."
Herman looked surprised. "You started your own studio?"
Elizabeth nodded. "Yes, since my brothers want to stop me, I decided to start a studio."
Herman admired her. "Ms. Clark, that's impressive."
The Clark brothers had warned him, and other companies might not sign Elizabeth to avoid trouble.
Her decision showed guts.
But he added, "Sorry, I have no plans to leave Clark Entertainment."
Others had tried to poach him before, but the former president had been good to him.
Plus, Clark Group's pay was great, and it was a top company.
Even though the brothers sidelined him, he had never thought about leaving.
Moreover, the future of Elizabeth's new studio seemed uncertain; even if he decided to jump ship, Herman preferred a more stable one alongside his coworkers.
Elizabeth saw his hesitation coming; their studio just wasn't offering enough to sway Herman.
She took out a folder and handed it to him. "Herman, this is our studio's operational plan. Take a look and see if you're interested."
Even though Herman didn't plan on changing jobs, he decided to give Elizabeth a chance and took the folder. As he read through it, he was surprised by how well Elizabeth understood operations. Her plan showed real potential for the studio.
"Ms. Clark, your plan is impressive," he admitted. "But I have a team that works with me, so I'm sorry."
Elizabeth handed him another folder. "Check out the salary package."
Curious, Herman looked through it and was surprised again. The salary was higher than what they were currently getting, and the autonomy was appealing. It seemed they really wanted to use his skills.
But Herman wasn't easily swayed by promises. He wasn't inexperienced, and at forty, with a messy family, he didn't have the same drive as before.
Elizabeth hadn't expected to convince him right away. If he had agreed too easily, he wouldn't be the kind of talent they needed.
She looked at him and asked, "Herman, is something going on at home?"
Herman frowned. 'How does Elizabeth know? Did she investigate me?'
Then he remembered Elizabeth could read a sense of destiny. He quickly made an excuse. "Yeah, some things at home have been distracting me from work."
Elizabeth didn't say anything and did a quick divination.
"Herman, I have some advice. After you take the kids home for dinner, go back to the company. You'll find the answers to your doubts," she said meaningfully. "If it were me, I'd make them pay. I'm starting the studio, and the first thing I'll do is poach people and resources from Clark Group."
She looked determined. "I'm going to fight back against Richard's hired trolls and joint force with Loren. Herman, after you resolve your doubts, I hope you'll consider our studio. I won't make big promises, but I guarantee the salary package and operations plan will be as stated."
Rebecca added, "I'm from Baker company and a major shareholder in the studio. We're not short on money. With me and Elizabeth, we won't lack connections or resources."
Herman didn't fully understand Elizabeth's statements but had his own suspicions. He decided to follow her advice and see if he could find answers at the company tonight.
He nodded. "Alright, I'll consider joining your studio."
It was a polite lie, but Elizabeth nodded. "My number hasn't changed. Contact me once you decide."
Herman smiled. "Sure, I'll let you know either way."
Elizabeth said, "I won't keep you from picking up the kids. See you next time!"
Herman raised an eyebrow. 'Does she already assume I'll join?'
Elizabeth and Rebecca got back into Rebecca's car.
Rebecca asked, "Will it work?"
Elizabeth shrugged. "If everything goes as expected, we should know by tomorrow."
Rebecca, curious but respectful of Herman's privacy, said, "Should I start preparing the contract?"
Elizabeth nodded. "Yes!"
Later, Herman picked up the kids, had dinner, and after some hesitation, left them with their grandmother and drove to the company.
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