33. Model-Hunting
After Isla told her what the problem was, Heidiâs lips twitched.
âWhen did they sell the cars?â
âJust a few weeks ago. Iâve heard some employees gossiping about it the moment it went missing.â
Literally, StriveStyle Co. no longer had a transit car all thanks to Aiden and Lilian.
âWe can go in a taxi,â Heidi suggested, putting some documents inside her bag and standing up.
Isla hesitated, she didnât voice out her concerns though. She was just surprised that someone like Ms. Olsen would take a commercial ride.
The appointments were booked at different restaurants at different time frames. The first restaurant they arrived at wasnât very far from StriveStyle Co.
Their first appointment was with a newbie model. Apart from having good temperaments, her skin was flawless and she carried herself with elegance.
âThank you for this offer, Ms. Olsen.â Her lips pulled into a subtle smile. âIâm willing to take the job, however, considering the bad reputation of your brand, it can have a taint on my name if things go wrong. So why donât you triple the price?â
âWhat!?â Isla almost lost her professional demeanor. âThe price Ms. Olsen is offering is already double your pay price.â
âI know that. But shouldnât you be honored that Iâm offering to enroll?â
âStriveStyle Co. Isnât that desperate. Thank you for your time, Miss.â
Heidi stood up, already predicting the outcome of the meeting.
âUhm, Ms. Olsen, are we not desperate?â Isla hurried after her.
That Ladyâs price was ridiculous which the brand couldnât afford. But Heidiâs words confused her.
Heidi stopped walking and faced her. â While courting clients, never portray yourself as the underdog. As much as theyâll be useful to you, youâre also being useful by offering financial compensation. I can see you left that important part out.â
âIâm so sorry, Ms. Olsen.â Isla scratched her head.
There was no doubt the clients would use the desperation to their advantage, gaining the upper hand.
âMs. Olsen, I can take this job.â When they met the second model, she instantly made her intentions clear. âI know StriveStyle Co. is in desperate need of a model. My condition is simple; I heard youâre familiar with Zach Olsen. If you can connect us, I can even work for you for free.â
Heidi and Isla exchanged glances.
âMay I ask if youâre a fan of Zach Olsen?â
âWho isnât a fan of the generous President of AG Group?â The lady chuckled. âI just want to be his woman. Having such a big thigh to latch on will definitely skyrocket my career.â
Heidi shook her head helplessly. â Sorry, but I donât know Zach Olsen that much to interfere in his relationship life.â
Heidi turned her down politely and left the restaurant with Isla.
âMs. Olsen, isnât she gutsy?â Isla was beyond herself.
Heidi replied patiently as they walked to the last restaurant. âWe gave her a forum to strike up negotiations. Surely, sheâd think we can do anything out of desperation.â
âLesson learned.â Isla nodded thoughtfully.
At the last restaurant, unlike the other two models who kept them waiting, this one came on time.
She stood up and exchanged handshakes, offering a bright smile.
âI must commend your bravery for working hard to revive a failing brand at this critical moment, Ms. Olsen.â She started by praising Heidi. âThis is a kind of task that even most men will run from.â
âAs an emerging model with a growing fanbase, I think working together will bring great outcomes. So I donât only want to cooperate as a model, I also want to become a Shareholder in StriveStyle Co.â
âIf you can pave a way for me to acquire fifty percent shares of StriveStyle Co., then letâs close this deal. The fifty percent share will be bought out of my salary.â
âAre you kidding me!?â Isla really lost her composure this time.
Heidi gave her a look and she quickly pulled herself back together.
âThe price youâre asking is ridiculously high. Ms. Cleric, you literally want to become half-owner of StriveStyle Co.â
âIsnât StriveStyle Co. desperately in need of money? Ms. Olsen, I could have asked for a seventy percent share but I didnât.â
âSeriously, weâre not that broke.â Heidi smiled.
The ladyâs expression changed and she mocked, âI can see. The CEO herself is out in the sun, desperately looking for someone to save the company. Isnât that the definition of âbrokeâ?â
Heidi stood up, her lips curling at the sides. âMs. Cleric, I hope in the future youâll wish youâd taken this job.â
âBy the time that future comes, Iâm afraid StriveStyle Co. will no longer be in existence,â the lady smiled back.
Isla was fuming while they left the restaurant. Then her expression turned sullen.
âWeâve lost all the clients, Ms. Olsen. You were right, I shouldnât have portrayed StriveStyle Co. as very desperate to them.â
âDonât lose hope. We can continue searching by using an approach which wonât put us in a hot spot.â