This became a debt of favor owed to Debra.
A favor that needs repayment.
“Let’s talk in my office,” Debra proposed.
Archie remained still.
Mason spotted Joey at a distance.
Joey didn’t approach, clearly gauging his response.
Yet, Debra wasn’t alone, for the shareholders of the Cooper Group trailed behind her.
Resignation crept into Mason’s heart.
Sandra was indeed ruthless, sealing off all his exits.
From now on, he could only cooperate with Sandra and Wesley. He took a deep breath and once more faced Debra.
“Debra, I’m not here for you.”
Debra’s smiling facade vanished as whispers spread amongst the shareholders.
“What does he mean?”
“Debra has summoned us for nothing!”
“I believe this has been pointless.”
“Debra, my apologies. I have urgent matters to discuss with Wesley.”
Mason wore an expression of regret.
“After we conclude, I shall visit you. Please, do not be angered.”
Debra clenched her fist.
Downstairs in the lobby, Archie had made it clear they were seeking Wesley.
So, she intercepted them, presuming that Mason would not dare to offend her.
And she held the other shareholders as her witnesses.
She had not anticipated this.
“Debra, are you upset?”
Mason’s features sculpted into a cordial smile as he inquired benignly,
“Why would I be?”
Debra realized that whoever Mason chose to negotiate with would determine the future of the garment department.
She was unsettled.
But now was clearly not the time for rash actions. She needed to cleverly devise another strategy.
“Alright then, I shall not intrude further.” With that, she took her leave.
After her departure, Joey approached.
“Mason, you certainly have not disappointed Sandra.”
Mason pondered his words.
“You seem to heed Sandra’s commands more attentively.”
“Sure.”
“Joey, I am now certain of one thing.”
“What?”
“Sandra holds a status above that of Wesley.”
Joey was dumbfounded.
“Is it really that obvious?”
They arrived at the conference room.
Joey was poised to enter and accompany them, awaiting Sandra’s arrival along with Wesley.
However, he then received news that Hailey had come.
Indeed, she was already informed that Mason would be here.
“Mason, there has been a slight change of plans. Come with me,” Joey suggested.
Everyone had presumed that the Coopers were in need of Mason’s favor.
In fact, it was Mason who sought Sandra’s assistance this time.
Therefore, Mason was very amenable.
“Okay.”
But Archie grabbed hold of Mason’s arm.
“Mason, someone is approaching from over there.”
No sooner had he spoken than a raucous commotion was heard around the corner.
“It’s Hailey.”
Mason looked up and indeed saw Hailey approaching, her face flushed with anger.
Hailey arrived in person.
It was unthinkable for Mason to refuse her the respect she was due.
Thus, he could only greet her.
“Hailey, it is a pleasure to see you.”
Initially, Hailey surveyed Joey standing behind him, her wrinkles folding together as though pinched.
Shortly thereafter, she broke into a mild, affable smile.
“Mason, I still vividly remember the days of your childhood. How swiftly time has passed.”
A wave of remorse washed over Mason’s face.
“I regret not having visited you more frequently, Hailey. You have always shown me kindness, and I have failed to reciprocate adequately.”
In truth, being from an insignificant family and a minor celebrity scorned by the Coopers, he had previously lacked the esteem to visit her.
Caught off guard by his words, Hailey faltered momentarily, but her smile deepened.
“Mason, you are a good kid.”
“Holly mentioned that you were intending to discuss matters pertaining to the garment department today.”
“I haven’t arrived too late?”
Mason was ensnared by a dilemma.
With these words, Hailey purposefully positioned herself humbly. A refusal on his part would equate to a grave offense.
He would choose Wesley over Debra without hesitation, knowing full well that Debra held no significant influence within the entertainment industry.
Though she owned capital, she lacked the clout to infiltrate the core circles, thus bearing little impact on him.
But Hailey was different.
During her youth, she had fiercely conquered the business world alongside Terence, establishing the Cooper empire.
Many entertainment industry magnates were her descendants and would undoubtedly honor her requests.
He was merely a lesser star, not yet entrusted with leading roles.
How could he afford to offend her?
Archie’s face was etched with concern.
He subtly tugged at Mason’s sleeve, a warning not to carelessly affront anyone.
Even Joey, standing aside, was treated as air.
Mason could tell Hailey’s stature within the Cooper Group.
Murmurs from behind Hailey could be heard.
“Why doesn’t Mason take a stand? Does he wish to be blacklisted?”
“Hailey’s presence grants him immense face, and yet he dares to act insolent?”
“He’s just a minor celebrity. We shouldn’t even bother.”
“Hailey’s here out of respect for the Campbell, but he…”
“The Campbell shared a connection with Hailey in bygone days. She would not utterly obliterate them.”
“Mason barely represents the Campbell. He’s a branch member and yet exhibits such arrogance.”
“He overestimates himself.”
Though their voices were hushed, each word reached Mason’s ears.
His hands involuntarily clenched.
His current status had been hard-earned through sheer determination.
He held no high regard in the family. Choosing the entertainment industry after university, his identity remained secret. His career had begun with minor roles.
Gradually, he amassed connections and a loyal fan base.
Now, with thirty million devoted followers, he wielded an influence that the Cooper Group could not simply suppress.
Sometimes, wealth and status could resolve certain dilemmas. Yet, once one possessed true power, they ceased to be resolved. Hailey had not interjected to stop the whispers.
It was clear that her intent was to pressure Mason, to impress upon him his place. Inside, Mason sneered.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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