Chapter 20: Chapter 20

Chapter 20 An Astronomical Fee “It’s indeed not enough.” Mr. Reynolds‘ objective tone shifted the intense atmosphere in the boardroom.

“The chairman transferred half of her shares to Miss Melanie, and the share transfer was effective as of yesterday. So, this vote doesn’t have a majority.”

“It can’t be!”

Daniel, filled with anger and embarrassment, stood up without regard for his image and shouted at Eliza, “My older brother said Melanie shouldn’t enter the company! This is the Joneses‘ legacy! We can’t have everything belong to just you and your daughter!”

*Jones Enterprise was built from the ground up by my father. Allowing you into the company was a gesture of brotherly love.

After his passing, inheritance laws state that Jones Enterprise belongs to my mother and I. It does not belong to the family. You mustn’t mix them up, Uncle Daniel” Melanie replied.

Melanie stood tall, maintaining her composure, and turned to address the group. She said. “The agenda of today’s meeting is to discuss how to reverse the losses suffered by the perfume division. Let us not get sidetracked.”

Those in the room who supported Eliza chimed in, steering the discussion back on course.

Daniel and his allies exchanged a few words. Once they were certain that Melanie had genuinely joined the board, they loosened their ties reluctantly and took their seats.

“I’ve been preparing this proposal for a while. The project’s feasibility has been assessed by professionals. It’s precisely because the women’s perfume market is oversaturated that we need to take a different path. We need to break out of our comfort zone and try our hands at men’s perfume,” Melanie stated confidently.

“Do you even know if that is our way out or a dead end?” Daniel sneered, firmly opposing her. “Let’s not talk about anything else;

just consider the issue of the brand ambassador for advertising. If we were developing a new women’s perfume, I could persuade Lena to endorse it, but who do you intend to hire for men’s perfume?”

“No. We don’t need her as the ambassador.” Melanie interrupted.

Lena was about to have her public image crumble. The projects she endorsed would suffer terribly. Avoiding her would be the wiser choice.

“Exactly.”

At that moment, the boardroom door swung open, and Lena Jones removed her sunglasses as she entered. “My current endorsement fee is definitely beyond what Jones Enterprise can afford.”

Daniel and his daughter exchanged a look. Daniel quickly chimed in, trying to sound helpful. “Lena, even though the status of Jones Enterprise no longer matches your celebrity status, considering our familial ties, can’t you offer a discounted rate?”

“I was just joking with everyone earlier.”

Lena confidently took a seat, unapologetically stating. “We’re all family here. Of course, I’m open to negotiation.”

Daniel, feeling gleeful, raised his head and said. “That’s my daughter! She knows what’s right. Melanie, Lena is willing to endorse the women’s perfume at a good price. Why bother with men’s perfume line? Who can you possibly get to endorse it?”

Melanie watched the father–daughter duo’s act, a sarcastic smile on her lips. “I can surely secure a male celebrity with a bigger following than Lena. Don’t worry about that, Uncle.”

“Boasting should have its limits, Melanie. With our current budget, can you hire anyone of note? Lena might consider a discount, but would the others consider that? Don’t boast to the extent that you end up hiring a third–rate celebrity!” Daniel Jones remarked, his face growing uglier by the minute.

‘Is Stephen Morgan considered third–rate, then?” Melanie’s expression remained unchanged.

The board members present erupted in a clamor. Stephen Morgan was a top–tier celebrity, and his endorsement fee was astronomical.

Amid the tense atmosphere, Daniel Jones ruffled his balding head and issued a stern warning. “Melanie, stop boasting. It’s getting out of hand!”

1/2 +15 BONUS Melanie paid no need to nis protests. She glanced at ner phone. With a satisfied smile, she turned to say, “Mr. Lincoln, could you please head outside and meet someone for me? Also, bring two copies of the endorsement contract I drafted. Thank you.”

Daniel clenched his teeth, his resentment palpable. “What’s with all the secrecy? I’d like to see if you can get Stephen Morgan to agree to this. Who knows what kind of person you can hire!”