Chapter 49
Ava arrived punctually to pick up Daphne at the agreed–upon time.
Daphne wore a custom fall ensemble from Dreamfit, a white V–neck blouse, a black fitted skirt, and a pair of dark red velvet heels. Her hair was loosely pinned up, giving her an elegant yet sharp and
1 appearance.
They arrived at the café ten minutes early.
Daphne chose the innermost private room and ordered her favorite floral tea while Ava prepared it beside her.
Billy a
arrived on time not long after.
The two exchanged polite handshakes and took their seats.
Daphne and Billy had worked at the same company before, so there was no need for excessive
small talk.
Billy got straight to the point. “Ms. Yeager, I assume this meeting is about your contract termination. But as much as I’d like to help, you must know that this isn’t something I can decide
on my own.
His expression carried a mix of regret and shrewdness typical of businessmen.
Daphne wasn’t bothered as she smiled. “I’m well aware of your position, Mr. Anderson. That’s why I wouldn’t waste your time creating problems you can’t solve.”
Billy was confused by her words. “Honestly, we didn’t have much interaction back when you were still at Starstruck Entertainment. Most of your resources were handled by Hugo, so I can’t imagine why you’d reach out to me now.”
Daphne lowered her gaze to smell the tea’s fragrance from her cup and took a sip before responding with a light smile, “To be frank, I’m here to discuss a potential collaboration.”
“Collaboration ?” Billy looked incredulous and was almost amused. “I’m not looking down on you, Ms. Yeager. But you have an astronomical termination fee hanging over your head, and the Farrell family is clearly not supporting you anymore. What leverage or conditions do you have to propose a collaboration with me given your current plight?
Daphne reached into her bag and retrieved several documents titled “Starstruck Entertainment
Share Transfer Agreement“.
Take a look at this. Do you think it’s enough for u to collaborate ?” she said with a confident and alluring smile.
Hugo had persuaded Daphne to renew her contract by promising her 10% of Starstruck
Chust
Entertainment’s shares years ago.
She had secretly been purchasing scattered shares under different names from the moment she decided to terminate the contract.
Hugo remained oblivious to this maneuver.
Now, the shares she held totaled approximately 12.3%.
Daphne had decided she would sell all these shares to Billy, Hugo’s rival, if he had to make her life difficult.
Billy’s shares were only 9% less than Hugo’s. Billy would become the largest shareholder with hers added to his and could easily unseat Hugo from his position as chairman.
Billy picked up the agreement and carefully examined it. He finally understood her source of confidence.
His eyes gleamed with surprise as he set the document down. “What a surprise, Ms. Yeager. How exactly do you want to collaborate?”
“I’m willing to sell all my shares to you, giving you the majority stake and control over Starstruck Entertainment. In return, all I ask is an amicable split from the company. I wish to have a smooth and fair termination of my contract. Mr. Anderson, trust that you’ll grant me this favor, won’t you? *She looked at Billy calmly with a faint smile in her eyes.
Billy didn’t rush to answer. He leisurely lifted his cup and took a slow sip. The tea was truly excellent. It was refreshing and smooth with a sweet aftertaste.
Daphne remained silent, watching him with quiet confidence. She was certain the deal would go through Now, it was a matter of who had more patience.
Billy finally set his cup down after a long moment of silence.
