Chapter 1759 Bernice, I'm following you.
"Bernice, it should be me thanking you and apologizing."
Her words made Max's guilt swell to the extreme. "This time, the company acted unethically and sacrificed you. I should have discussed this with you, but..."
"But this was Mr. Nelson's decision, right?"
Bernice calmly finished Max's sentence.
A hint of embarrassment flashed across Max's face. He actually felt quite sympathetic towards Bernice.
Lucas had been with many women, but Bernice brought the company the greatest benefits, yet she was also the most exploited, and in the end, she became the company's scapegoat.
He thought Lucas was too ruthless.
But he was powerless.
"Bernice, all I can say is I'm very sorry," Max personally got up and poured her a cup of coffee. "I've spent more time with you than with Lucas. Although Gary introduced you to the company, I know very well that the relationship between you and Gary isn't what others say it is. You're not that kind of person. In this industry, I've met many people. Even after you got together with Lucas, I knew you always kept your integrity."
Bernice was taken aback and then smirked self-deprecatingly. "Mr. Jenkins, no wonder you made it to the president's position."
"I'm speaking from the heart. I admit I'm despicable, but sitting in this position, being trusted by Mr. Nelson, there are many things I can't control."
Max spoke honestly.
Bernice pressed her lips together.
She never really disliked Max. Over the years at the company, Max was relatively easy to get along with, and he didn't put on airs during company events.
"This is the termination contract." Max took out a document from the drawer. "From now on, you're a free agent. As for any penalties and disputes with other companies, the company will handle them for you. The subsequent compensation will also be covered by the company. We went too far this time. Here's a fifty million dollar check as my personal compensation to you, Bernice. Leave this entertainment industry. Honestly, it's very dirty and chaotic."
Bernice was a bit surprised; she didn't expect Max to personally compensate her.
"This is what I deserve."
She took the check. She wasn't foolish enough to refuse it. Over the years, she had earned far more for the company.
After carefully reviewing the document, Bernice signed her name and pressed her fingerprint.
"If you need any help in the future, feel free to contact me." Max shook her hand. "I'll help if I can."
"Thanks, but I don't want any more entanglements with you all." Bernice stood up calmly. "I'll move out of the apartment I rented as soon as I find a new place."
"No rush, you can stay for another two months," Max said. "But Fiona might not be able to."
"It doesn't matter. Given my situation, whether I have a manager or not is irrelevant." Bernice lowered her eyes and left.
She left the company she had been with since graduation.
From now on, she was a free agent.
Actually, she had the money to terminate the contract, but she couldn't expose it. If she did, Lucas would be suspicious and more interested in her.
She wanted Lucas to let go willingly.
Watching her leave, Max sighed deeply.
With Bernice gone, he had to make new talents popular again.
But it's not easy to make new talents popular. Take Sarah, for example. They spent so much money promoting her, but her contract was 30% for the company and 70% for her.
Moreover, he didn't think Sarah could ever be as successful as Bernice.
Lucas was willing to ruin Bernice for Sarah, but Max didn't think Lucas's method was wise. With Bernice's potential, she could have earned the company another billion dollars before her contract expired.
After going downstairs, Bernice held a small meeting in her office.
Only Gabriella and Fiona showed up. As for the other assistants, makeup artists, and bodyguards who had worked with her for so long, they didn't even bother to come after hearing about Bernice's trouble.
"Ungrateful bunch," Gabriella cursed. "Bernice, you've always been good to them, giving them bonuses on top of the company's base salary."
"It doesn't matter. They were assigned by the company. Now that I'm leaving, it's normal for them to find other paths." Bernice looked at Fiona. "Fiona, thank you for taking care of me these past two years."
"Bernice," Fiona's eyes were red. "The company's actions are so disappointing. I had no idea about this. If I had known, I would never have..."
"You work for them. You can't influence the decisions from above." Bernice didn't blame her.
The more Bernice acted this way, the more guilty Fiona felt. "If it weren't for my mortgage and car loan, if I were younger, I would have left with you."
"This is fine. My future is uncertain." Bernice gently hugged her. "Goodbye, Gabriella. Take care."
She took the elevator to the parking lot. As she was about to get in her car, Gabriella caught up from behind. "Bernice, I'm coming with you."
Bernice looked at the energetic Gabriella in slight surprise. "You don't have to do this. Stay at Dreamscape Entertainment Group and follow the path Fiona arranged for you. You'll have a smoother journey."
"So what? This place is heartless and cold-blooded. I don't like it here at all." Gabriella, who had just entered society, was very disgusted by Dreamscape Entertainment Group's actions. "Bernice, I'm following you."
Bernice's expression was complicated. "But my reputation is terrible now. A comeback is impossible."
"It's not entirely hopeless." Gabriella's eyes suddenly lit up. "You can go to Gary. He knows the truth about your relationship. Besides, he's engaged now. His fiancée has her dignity too. If they claim you seduced Gary, you can go public and fight back. Your reputation is already ruined, but Gary has more to lose."
Bernice was a bit surprised. "What if this offends the Ross family?"
"Don't you have friends like Cassie and Laura? Let them back you up."
A deep admiration flashed in Bernice's eyes. She had only thought Gabriella was a bit clever, but she didn't expect her to be good at public relations too. No wonder Fiona had taught her personally.
"Gabriella, you won't regret this?"
"I won't regret it," Gabriella walked up to her, her young face full of determination. "Bernice, I'm twenty-two. I'm willing to take a risk. If I lose, so be it. At least I won't have any regrets, and I'll have a clear conscience."
"Thank you."
Bernice was deeply moved.
Twenty-two-year-old Gabriella had ambition but also a conscience and her own principles.
This was good.
She wouldn't let Gabriella regret today's choice.
In time, what Max had, she would also give to Gabriella. She believed she could provide for Gabriella.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
