Chapter 21
Chapter 21
Cassie’s support is unwavering, no matter where things stand with Grayson. /
57%1
(+58)
That said, I can’t deny how uneasy I feel hearing rumors about him being involved with high–end escorts–but whatever. What matters is that Grayson has made my life easier, and I trust he won’t deliberately put me in a difficult position.
Still, I won’t be a fool for any man–not again.
***
Knowing Cassie was bored at home, I invited her to join my meeting at Bloomify with Sophia the next day.
We were ushered into the spacious office of the chairwoman, Glenda Westbrook. Her expression wasn’t exactly warm when her eyes landed on me, but the moment she noticed Cassie, her demeanor shifted. Composing herself, she greeted us with a more welcoming tone.
“I had no idea you were acquainted with Miss Cassie,” Glenda remarked.
It struck me then how much more famous Cassie was compared to me. Of course, she’s the billionaire’s daughter and a celebrated model–it made perfect sense. Naturally, someone like Glenda, who runs a beauty business and thrives on knowing influential people, would recognize her instantly.
“Today, I’m here as Isabella’s sister, nothing more,” Cassie stated gracefully, pulling out her rose gold iPhone and launching into her favorite puzzle game. “Please, don’t mind me.”
Glenda wasted no time addressing the issue at hand. “You’re already aware of our concerns, Miss Isabella… We’ve invested millions into promotional content slated for release next month. With the recent scandal, I’m hesitant to move forward, especially since our company is still establishing itself in the competitive beauty market.”
Our agreement included a 5% commission on sales for one year. However, Bloomify hadn’t paid me yet since the promotional campaign featuring my image hadn’t officially launched.
The scandal now jeopardized not only their brand but also posed the risk of substantial financial losses.
“We’ve already produced a hundred thousand units of Bloomify,” Glenda continued, worry evident in her tone. “If they don’t sell, it could sink us. The board is already breathing down my neck.”
I leaned back and exhaled deeply, weighing my options.
“How about this: I’ll waive any commission for the first hundred thousand units,” I offered. “But if I manage to sell them within a week, I want the commission rate increased to ten percent.”
The room fell silent as everyone’s eyes widened, except for Cassie, who stayed nonchalant, engrossed in playing Tetris on her phone.
“Ten percent is quite ambitious, Miss Isabella,” Glenda remarked.
“True, but I’m only asking for a week. And let’s be honest,” I said, letting a hint of a smile play on my lips, “you don’t believe I can clear all that inventory in seven days, do you?”
Her cheeks flushed.
“What about fifteen percent?”
She was speechless.
“No? Then how about 8.5%? I’ll keep working with your advertising team for free–no payment, no strings attached. That
1/3
19:29 Sat, 12 Apr
Chapter 21
57%1
should ease your concerns. Are we in agreement?” I asked; my eyes remained fixed on Glenda, watching her calculate the
risks.
+58)
I knew she would take the bait. The possibility of me selling a hundred thousand units in a week seemed impossible to her.
“If you fail to clear the inventory within the week,” Glenda countered, her tone razor–sharp, “the contract ends. And you’ll be responsible for all advertising costs. Those are my terms.”
She really knows how to negotiate.
“Done,” I declared without hesitation.
It might look like everything was stacked in her favor, but I had my strategy mapped out. That commission would be mine!
“What are you really up to, Isabella?” Sophia asked as we walked out of the meeting.
“You’ll see once I meet with their marketing team,” I replied, a glimmer of determination in my eyes.
My phone vibrated, displaying Dad’s name. Again. I scowled, feeling that familiar surge of irritation. If only there were a socially acceptable way to block your parents.
“Who’s that?” Cassie asked.
“Mr. Prescott,” I muttered.
A text message appeared moments later:
Dad: You ungrateful child! Why are you ignoring my calls? Your uncle’s birthday is tomorrow. Mother insists I bring you along. Don’t embarrass me in front of the family, especially since you no longer have a job!
Thoughts of that party consumed me. I often heard how much I resembled my grandmother in her youth–perhaps that explained why I’d become her favorite. But she lives in North Carolina.
“Do you need help with dress shopping?” Cassie asked.
I shook my head. “Grayson’s personal shopper is great. He just handed me his iPad with the online catalog last time. The things I ordered should be here tomorrow, right on time.”
“Hmph! At least he’s capable! But if I ever hear he’s mistreating you, I’ll make sure you leave him. We can become Buddhist monks together instead.”
“Cassie, are you serious? Do you really want to become a monk?”
“Why not? The mountains, the serenity–it’s perfect.”
“But there’s no luxury fashion there. They’ll give you plain robes, and you’ll have to shave your head-” I tugged at my own glossy strands meaningfully.
Her face soured. “They can be stylish too, you know. Whatever they give me, I’ll just have Louis Vuitton design my robes.”
I was speechless, picturing traditional saffron robes decorated with the iconic LV monogram pattern. The mental image of Cassie strutting through a monastery in designer robes was almost too ridiculous to process.
Cassie yawned. “Let’s hit the club later. My cousin just opened an exclusive bar near Hollywood, and I’m dying to check it
out.”
I agreed, but I spotted Charlotte with her two high school friends when we arrived at the entrance. They were arguing with the bouncers, trying to get inside despite not having a reservation or membership.
2/3
19:29 Sat, 12 Apr
Chapter 21
They spotted me.
“What’s a lowly actress doing at a place like this?” Maya sneered, crossing her arms.
