Sophia looked up and gazed at Bruno. “Bruno, I agree to your wager. If I succeed in negotiating with Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company, you must immediately step down as the General Manager of Breeze Cosmetics!”
“Naturally, my words are my bond. I won’t go back on what I say. It’s impossible to be double-faced in today’s family meeting. However, in case you lose and try to back out, we need to sign an agreement later.” Bruno’s face displayed a triumphant expression.
“Alright, let’s end today’s family meeting here. Adjourned.” Teresa got up from her seat, and Bruno and Fanny quickly supported her, escorting her out of the meeting room.
After seeing Teresa off, Bruno rushed back and intercepted Sophia, who was about to leave.
“Sophia, please sign this agreement.” Bruno handed her a pre-prepared agreement and a pen, his expression smug.
“Bruno, are you sure about this?” Sophia gave him a cold look.
“While we’re family, even close brothers should be clear about their transactions. It’s better to put everything in black and white,” he said.
Since Bruno had put it that way, Sophia didn’t bother saying more. She took the agreement and the pen, signed her name in the designated spot, and handed it back to Bruno.
Watching Sophia and Leo leave, Bruno smirked. “Sophia, just you wait. Your company will belong to me sooner or later.”
At this moment, Fanny entered the room and noticed Bruno’s smirk. She quickly reminded him, “Bruno, don’t you think Sophia agreed too easily? During the meeting, I saw Leo whisper something to her. What if they actually succeed-”
But Bruno had no worries. “Fanny, my dear sister, with Leo being such a waste, what significant achievement could he accomplish? Don’t worry, I have a plan. Sophia dreams of becoming the exclusive distributor for Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company, but that’s just wishful thinking!”
On the way back, Sophia’s expression was heavy. She glanced at Leo, who seemed relaxed and at ease.
“Leo, can you tell me now why you had me negotiate and why I should accept Bruno’s wager?”
“I believe in my wife’s abilities and charm. Once you personally step in, securing the exclusive distributorship of Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company will be a piece of cake,” Leo replied.
Sophia’s solemn expression turned sour. “Is that the only reason you convinced me?”
“One reason is enough.”
Leo’s response left Sophia both amused and frustrated. “And if I fail and lose my position as the company’s general manager, who’s going to support you?”
“I’ll support myself, and I can support you, too. Don’t forget, I’m the Chief Gemstone Consultant at Wilde Jewelry Company, with a yearly salary of a million!” Leo said confidently.
“Tch, just a million? Look at how proud you are. I’m quite a spender, you know.”
“Perfect, I’m good at making money now too.”
With his medical skills and gemstone gambling expertise, earning money in today’s society was a breeze for Leo.
Back at the Henley family mansion, Sophia recounted the family meeting to Jessica, who was exasperated.
If she hadn’t accepted Bruno’s wager, the worst-case scenario would have been some teasing from the Henley family members if the negotiations failed. Now that she had agreed to the wager and signed the agreement, if she failed, she’d be out of a job.
Jessica, fueled by her frustration, turned her fury toward Leo. “Leo, be honest, did you give Sophia this terrible idea?”
“Mom, it’s not Leo’s fault. I decided on my own,” Sophia quickly defended Leo.
Leo felt warmed by her words and stayed quiet, continuing mopping the floor.
“Silly girl, what if you fail? What are you going to do? Bruno and Fanny have been coveting your company for ages, and with the support of your grandmother, there’s no turning back!”
Sophia’s face took on a determined expression. “Mom, don’t you have faith in your daughter’s abilities? Don’t worry, I’ll definitely succeed after I go to Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company tomorrow.”
Sophia’s words comforted Jessica, while also boosting her own confidence.
Things had reached this point-she’d succeed or go down fighting.
That night, Sophia couldn’t sleep.
She had initially considered going to the adjacent room to talk to Leo, but ultimately decided against it.
That guy next door was probably sleeping like a log.
Time rewound to nine in the evening, at an elegant café.
Seated by the window were a man and a woman. The man ordered a latte, while the woman ordered a cappuccino.
“Secretary Kevin, I’m entrusting you with this matter,” Bruno said, pushing a thick envelope toward Kevin.
“Mr. Henley, you’re too kind.” Kevin calmly placed the envelope and accompanying documents into his briefcase.
“A pleasant collaboration. Let’s toast with coffee in place of wine.” Bruno raised his cup, and they clinked glasses, sharing a knowing smile.
Early the next morning, after breakfast, Sophia and Leo set out.
Leo drove himself to Wilde Jewelry Company, and Sophia drove to Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company.
Leo couldn’t accompany her to Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company. If the security guards saw him and called him “Mr. Bloomer,” their cover would be blown.
Leo wanted to give Sophia a big surprise.
He had already informed Alvin in advance. Sophia’s visit would surely be smooth sailing.
Sophia arrived at the entrance of Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company and honked her horn.
She had been here before when the company looked rundown, with a style dating back to the ’70s and ’80s. Even the sign hanging on the column was crooked.
Today, however, the sight of the entrance was impressive. The gate was being renovated. While it wasn’t complete, its future luxury and grandeur were apparent.
A security guard approached, and Sophia rolled down her window.
“Hello, who are you looking for?” the guard asked.
“I’m from Sophia Cosmetics Company. I’d like to see your manager. Could you please inform him?” Sophia requested.
“Certainly, please wait.”
After undergoing Curtis’s training, the formerly lax security guard now seemed more serious.
Soon, the guard emerged from the security room again and used a remote control to open the gate.
“Is your manager available? Where’s the office building?” Sophia inquired.
“The manager is here. On the left side after you enter is the parking lot. When you leave the parking lot, turn left, go to the first intersection, then turn right. You’ll see the office building. Secretary Kevin is waiting for you there.” The guard explained.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”