Chapter 417: Chapter 417

If a party won the bet, they would get double the amount. And if they lost, they would have to give five percent of the company’s shares to the other party.

Rayna was baffled after reading it. What on earth were the headquarters’ higher-ups thinking? Are they unaware of the company’s situation? Still, they had the guts to make a bet? It’s obvious the other party has dug into Glory’s performance before stating the terms.

Rayna sat there for quite some time until she finally returned to her senses. She then used the internal line to call Ella. “Send me all the business plans, promotional copies, and videos of every new perfume released by the company in the past three years.”

“All right, Ms. Garland. Please hold on for a moment.”

About ten minutes later, Rayna received an email from Ella containing all the information she requested.

Seeing that, Rayna began clicking into every document according to the date it was created, taking breaks whenever she was tired. When it was time to get off work, she would bring work home and settle some urgent matters too.

It took her two whole days to finish watching all the videos. After comparing the business plans for the new perfumes, she immediately realized where the problem lay. Glory’s business plan was horrible.

Rayna found the entire situation unbelievable. The planning department was responsible for the promotion of cosmetic products and perfumes, yet the videos for the cosmetic products were rather outstanding while the ones for the perfumes were on the other end of the spectrum.

In the past, Rayna would have changed the higher-ups and given the planning department some time to mull over it. This time, however, a bet was involved, and losing would mean losing the company’s shares. Hence, Rayna did not dare to risk it.

Three years was not a long period, but she could not let Jefferson fail right at the beginning.

Thus, Rayna quickly searched up for well-known advertising groups on her computer, only to find that she was most satisfied with Faymon Group.

Faymon Group’s team of lawyers and planning department were one of the best in the industry. In fact, no other companies could top them.

Unfortunately, getting help from Faymon Group would cost a lot.

After careful consideration, Rayna searched for the phone number of Faymon Group’s secretarial department and called using the landline.

The call went through almost instantly. “Hello. This is the secretarial department of Faymon Group.”

“Hello. Is this Mr. Tylinski?” Rayna was surprised to hear Gabriel’s voice.

Likewise, Gabriel froze. “M-Ms. Garland?”

“Yes, it’s me.”

“I noticed the call is from Glory. Are you working at Glory now?”

Rayna hummed in response. She then asked in curiosity, “Aren’t you supposed to be busy at work now? You should be tagging along with Mr. Faymon everywhere he goes. Why are you answering the phone in the office?”

“Well, it’s a long story...” Gabriel began guiltily. “I made a mistake back then. Mr. Faymon was displeased with me, so he’s giving me the cold shoulder purposely. It’s Ms. Turner’s week to plan his schedule.”

Rayna laughed for a little while and consoled him, “It’s okay. Answering the phone is better than going to Norham’s branch.”

Gabriel sighed. “I agree. Anyway, what can I do for you, Ms. Garland?”

“Can you ask Ms. Turner when will Mr. Faymon be free? I’d like to make an appointment with him to discuss a business proposal.”

“Please hold on.”

With that, the other end of the call went silent. Gabriel had left momentarily to process her request.

Two minutes later, he picked up the phone again and said, “Ms. Turner isn’t in the office, but Mr. Faymon is back. He’s on the way to his office now. I’ll transfer your call to his line.”

“Oh, it’s fine—” Alas, the call was transferred to the CEO’s office before she could even decline.

She could not help but feel a little nervous when she heard the tune over the phone.

Arranging a time to meet with Curtis was better than having to talk to him over a phone call when she was not prepared. I don’t know what to say.

“Hello, this is the CEO’s office of Faymon Group.”

Just as Rayna was holding her breath and racking her brains on what to say, a familiar feminine voice traveled through the speakers as soon as the call was connected. Rayna felt as though a bucket of ice-cold water was dumped onto her head.

She knew the owner of the voice. It was Stella Zink.

Didn’t Mr. Tylinski say Curtis is back and should be reaching his office soon? Stella’s from the Department of Regulators. Why is she the one answering the call if Curtis is in the office? Maybe Stella entered the office with him? Or maybe they’re close.

Rayna did not know why she was so sensitive upon hearing Stella’s voice. The former could not help but wonder why Stella was in the office and if something was going on between Curtis and Stella in the office.

The more she thought about it, the more aggrieved and uncomfortable she felt.

When there was no response from Rayna after a long time, Stella repeated, “Hello? Is there something you have to say?”

Hearing that, Rayna shut her eyes and calmed herself before speaking politely. “I’m the vice CEO of Glory. May I know when will Mr. Faymon be free? I’d like to ask him out for a meal.”

Surprised, Stella asked, “Ms. Garland, you’re working for Glory now?”

“Yes. Can you pass the phone to Mr. Faymon?” Rayna was getting a little impatient.

I’ve already revealed the company’s name, and this woman is still acting as if she’s shocked to find out I’m working here.

“I’m sorry. Mr. Faymon isn’t here.”

Not there? Is he not there or does he not want to answer my call?

Pressing her lips into a thin line, Rayna said, “Then, please tell Ms. Turner to reserve an hour of Mr. Faymon’s time for Glory.

We’d really like to collaborate with Faymon Group.”

“I’m sorry, Ms. Garland, but Mr. Faymon’s schedule for this week is full. However, I’ll ask Ms. Turner to find out if he’s free next week,” said Stella apologetically.

Rayna could not help but feel her heart sink when she heard how natural those words came out of Stella’s mouth.

Stella’s from the Department of Regulators, not the secretarial department. How does she know that Curtis’ schedule is packed?

Is she that close to him that she can casually ask the secretarial department about his schedule?

“Okay. Sorry for the trouble,” said Rayna before hastily ending the call for fear of not being able to keep a rein on her emotions.

Meanwhile, at the CEO’s office of Faymon Group, Stella heard the door open behind her the moment she hung up.

Immediately, she spun around and saw Curtis entering.

His face was expressionless, and he moved in a mature and steady manner, exuding an imposing aura at the same time.

“Mr. Faymon.”

Curtis shot her a sharp look. “You’re a manager, not a secretary. You have no right to answer the phone. Besides, this is the CEO’s office and not the secretarial department.”

“I’m sorry. I answered it because I feared it was an emergency call. Anyway, it’s from a small company called Glory. They want to work with Faymon Group. I’ve asked them to contact the secretarial department to arrange a time for you to meet them,”

explained Stella with her head slightly lowered.

Curtis’ gaze darkened, and he spoke in a threatening tone. “So? Am I supposed to thank you?”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Faymon. I have crossed the line.”

“This is not your first time.” Curtis walked over and tossed the newspapers at her. “Those pictures were taken using a cinematic camera, right? Look at how great the angles are. How much did it cost you?”

“I’m sorry. I’ve just returned to the country and my foothold is not that strong. So, I wanted to use your name. It’s my fault for not thinking this through,” said Stella gently while standing with a perfect posture.

Curtis snapped coldly, “Faymon Group paid you to work. You should be dealing with the work on your own. Do you have any idea how much trouble it’ll cause me if everyone uses my name like that? I’ll be on headlines every other day!”

The overwhelming aura he exuded made it hard for Stella to look up. “I’m sorry. I’ll—”

He interrupted, “Of course, you’re going to deal with this. You’re going to spend as much money as it cost to get those pictures and articles taken down from all the websites. Get it done by seven tonight.”

“Of course. I’ll take my leave first,” Stella responded.

Not moving from his spot, Curtis remarked, “You’re not qualified enough for this position. The reason I’m giving you the position is all because of Gabriel. Ms. Zink, you’re a pretty and intelligent woman. Please don’t come up with inappropriate schemes. I’m not interested in educating another woman. Besides, you’re not her.”