“Grandmother!” Bruno pleaded, calling out. In his mind, even if Sophia won, his grandmother wouldn’t do anything to him. After all, he was her own grandson.
“Hmm?” Teresa turned her head to glance at Bruno.
That look silenced Bruno completely.
“Secondly, Sophia has secured the full authority exclusive agency for Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company. The following coordination with Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company will be handled by Breeze Cosmetics, representing Sophia Cosmetics,” Teresa announced.
Teresa’s words were like a bombshell, exploding within the crowd, leaving them both shocked and tenderized.
Sophia’s expression turned even uglier. The agency rights she had won were now being passed on to Breeze Cosmetics, her own company. This was utterly absurd.
In his despondent state, Bruno, hearing Teresa’s words, suddenly felt rejuvenated. It seemed that his grandmother was still on his side. While she was nominally appointing Fanny to take over Breeze Cosmetics, it was likely a ploy to gain control of Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company’s exclusive agency rights. Eventually, Breeze Cosmetics would return to his hands.
Oh, Sophia, you worked so hard, but in the end, you’ve sewn a bridal gown for Breeze Cosmetics.
Bruno looked at Sophia triumphantly, knowing he had won.
“Grandma, I negotiated the exclusive agency rights with Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company. How can Breeze Cosmetics take over? This doesn’t comply with business rules.” Sophia felt stifled due to her grandmother’s bias.
Teresa smiled gently, “Sophia, Breeze Cosmetics and the company you manage are both part of our family, they’re both Henley family businesses. My arrangement is for the sake of the Henley family.”
“For the Henley family? Grandma, since both companies belong to the Henley family and the agency rights were secured by me, why shouldn’t I handle the following matters?”
“I have my reasons for arranging things this way. What’s more, do you dare not listen to your grandmother’s words? Or do you want to operate outside the Henley family?” Teresa’s expression turned from affectionate to stern.
Fanny seized the opportunity to provoke, “Sophia, don’t think you’re something special just because you secured the agency rights. Since our grandfather passed away, grandmother has been in charge. If you don’t want to follow her plans, have the guts to step down as the general manager of Sophia Cosmetics.”
“Sophia, don’t forget, before grandfather passed away, he entrusted the future of our Henley family group to grandmother. Her arrangements are for the sake of our family. If you dare defy grandmother, I, Bruno, will be the first to object!” Bruno took the chance to flatter Teresa and criticize Sophia. It was a cruel but strategic move.
Teresa had always favored men over women, and Sophia was well aware of this.
Sophia felt uncomfortable now, but in this family, her grandmother’s words were law. What else could she do?
Would she really quit her position as the general manager and walk away?
Sophia clearly remembered her grandfather’s words from six years ago. He had held her hand and said, “Sophia, no matter what happens in the future, you must hold onto the position of general manager at Sophia Cosmetics. Don’t give up. Perhaps the future of our Henley family relies on you.”
Sophia clenched her fists, trying to control her anger. She looked at Teresa and said, “I will follow Grandma’s arrangements.”
After saying that, Sophia stood up and left the meeting room without hesitation.
“Sophia, the meeting isn’t over yet. Why are you leaving early? What’s your intention?” Bruno never missed a chance to attack Sophia.
“Shut your mouth!” Teresa’s expression darkened.
Bruno quickly silenced himself, putting on a submissive facade.
With Sophia gone, Leo had no interest in staying either. He stood up and addressed Teresa, “Grandma, I’ll go check on Sophia.”
Teresa impatiently waved her hand.
Fanny sneered inwardly. In her eyes, Leo had played a significant role in Sophia’s lack of favor from Grandma. Who would like someone living with a waste?
“Alright, Bruno, you need to fully cooperate with Fanny in coordinating with Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company. Stimulate the market through advertisements and make use of the first batch of products from Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company to capture the market.” Teresa gave her final instructions.
Bruno confidently patted his chest, promising, “Grandma, rest assured, I’ll cooperate with Fanny fully and won’t let you down.”
“Grandma, I’ll work hard alongside Bruno to achieve this!” Fanny added.
Teresa stood up and said, “The meeting is adjourned for today. You may leave.”
In the courtyard.
Leo grabbed Sophia’s hand.
Sophia struggled for a moment but didn’t break free.
“Sophia, don’t be upset. Their plans in the meeting room are all in vain,” Leo said, looking at Sophia with a smile.
Sophia was all too familiar with Leo’s expression at this moment. It was the same expression he had when he convinced her to negotiate with Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company. This expression conveyed one message: he had everything under control.
A thought stirred in Sophia’s mind. “You heard it too just now. Grandmother wants Breeze Cosmetics to be the sole representative of my company. Do you have a solution?”
“That Alvin, he’s set on Sophia Cosmetics, set on you. The others won’t do.” Leo replied.
“Leo, do you know Alvin?” Sophia locked eyes with Leo.
Leo chuckled, “I don’t know him. How would I know anyone named Alvin?”
“Really?” Sophia still held some doubt in her eyes.
“Absolutely.” Leo had to keep acting.
Recalling the day of the negotiation, he had asked Alvin himself. Alvin also claimed he didn’t know Leo. Sophia’s doubt didn’t hold water. He continued, “I have no connections with him.”
“Let’s not stay here any longer. I don’t want to spend another second in this place. Let’s go.”
“Sophia, wait!” Fanny’s face appeared, wearing a self-satisfied grin.
Sophia turned around, asking coldly, “What do you want?”
“Sophia, let me tell you a secret.” Fanny walked up to Sophia, glanced at Leo, and put on a mysterious smile.
Leo’s heart sank. He knew exactly what this woman was going to say.
“What secret?” Sophia frowned. Fanny didn’t seem like she was joking.
Fanny’s lips curled into a sinister smile. She whispered a few words into Sophia’s ear and showed her something on her phone.
After whispering, Fanny smiled again. “Sophia, you can confirm the truth or falsehood by asking your useless husband. Oh, and don’t bother thanking me. After all, you helped me secure the agency rights for Herbal Magic Cosmetics Company. I’m just returning the favor.”