Chapter 176
Al Russe Group, Stanley lined up several folders on Theodore’s desk.
He said respectfully, “Mr. Russell, these are the company’s latest R&D projects. One involves choosing a spokesperson, and since Mrs Russel works Starlight Media, I thought you might cooperate with them.”
Russell Group’s businesses spanned multiple industries, including cosmetics. Aher all, women’s consumer market was incredibly lucrative.
Theodore gave Stanley a pointed look. “Do I seem like a boss who p
Stanley’s heart sank. ‘Did I just botch the flattery?‘ he thought.
plays favorites?”
The next moment, Theodore picked up the spokesperson file and said matter–of–factly, “Might as well review it”
‘His actions betrayed his words, Stanley thought.
As Theodore flipped open the first celebrity’s profile, his brow barely furrowed. “Why is he a candidate?”
Stanley pocked over. Oh, it was Raphael.
He said, “Mr. Russell, he endorsed a Vellum Glow women’s watch that flew off the shelves. Both men and women went crazy for it–proof of his high commercial value.”
Theodore knew that. Vellum Glow’s CEO was Felix, his childhood buddy.
Noticing Theodore’s frown, Stanley ventured. “Surely you aren’t still hung up on that rumored romance between Raphael and Mrs. Russell? It was baseless. For the product’s sake, let it go.”
“Why should I?” Theodore scoffed. “There must be a better fit than him.”“
Stanley could only think, ‘Mr. Russell is unbelievably jealous. Since when did this side show?
Theodore flipped through more pages, then paused. “Tell me about this one.”
Stanley glanced down. “That’s Megan, a rising film queen. Her endorsement record is solid.
“She’s the one,” Theodore said, handing the file to Stanley to finalize.
Stanley couldn’t help stealing another look at Megan Thompson’s photo. She and Eliana had the same innocent look. ‘Is that why Mr. Russell chose her?‘ he wondered.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
“I’ll get it, Mr. Russell,” Stanley said at once.
The person who came in was Anthony.
“Theodore.” He greeted.
Theodore crossed his arms on the desk, speaking in a strictly businesslike tone. “Mr. Anthony Russell, this is the company, not home.”
“Mr. Theodore Russell” Anthony readily changed his address. “The company hasn’t given me much work lately. I came to ask, is this my problem, or the company’s?”
Theodore acted as if he was hearing this for the first time. “Oh that must be my oversight.”
Knowing full well it was on purpose, Anthony could only pretend not to notice. “I’m vice president anyway. If I stay idle all day, people will think I’ve been
Chapter 176
stripped of power. Pleas
Sign me some work.
Most Importantly, he had just been blackmailed for three million dollars and had to find a way to make up for the shortfall
Theodore thought for a moment and said, “In that case, the branch is carrying out a high-tech R&D project. I’ll send you to take charge of
that?”
High-tech research and development?
Such projects were often extremely difficult, but once successful, the profits would be extremely high. Especially in terms of P&D investment, the company would certainly not be stingy.
Besides, the branch was in Stonemere, not far from Covenhill. He could make a round trip in a day without worrying about missing major meetings at the company.
As his mind turned, Anthony looked at Theodore. Even if this was a trap set by Theodore, in the face of such huge benefits, he had to choose to stap into it..
“Lagree. Thank you, Mr. Theodore Russell,” he said.
After Anthony left, Stanley couldn’t resist asking. “Mr. Theodore Russell, why hand such a valuable project to Mr. Anthony Russell?”
“Exactly because it’s valuable.” Theodore spoke with intent. “If he gets greedy, I’ll catch him. If he stays clean, he has to focus on R&D. Any slip–ups, he
takes the fall.”
Stanley caught on. Mr. Theodore Russell’s setting a double bind, he thought.
At Starlight Media, Eliana took a call from Nolan. “Mr. Hall, what’s up?”
Nolan asked with a chuckle, “Ellie, did you put in a good word for our artists with Mr. Russell for that spokesperson role?”
“Which endorsement?” Eliana looked confused. “He never mentioned it”
“Seriously?” Nolan sounded astonished. “Never mind, talk later.
“Sure.” Eliana shrugged and went back to work.
Meanwhile, in Nolan’s office, a girl with a bun, fresh–faced and innocent, stared expectantly. “So, Mr. Hall? Did you find out?”
Nolan hung up the phone. “Ellie said your selection by Russell Group had nothing to do with her.
Megan preened triumphantly. “Told you. I got it on my own merit. You kept saying it was through connections, but I don’t even know Eliana”
“Easy, Megan,” Nolan cautioned. “Don’t be too quick to claim that. Even if not directly, there might be some indirect link.”
Megan brushed it off “Fine, Mr. Hall. Believe what you want–even that Starlight Media only thrives because of Eliana.”
Nolan knew she’d just won the Best Actress award and was feeling overly self–important. Letting her taste s she’d get so arrogant that her head would be in the clouds.
Nolan said, “Go get prepared. Once Russell Group sends the notification, go meet Mr. Russell.
“If you can get him to review y your
qualifications in person, it’ll prove you didn’t rely on-connections.
“If he doesn’t even glance at you, it’ll mean he doesn’t care who is chosen as the na
some humility would do her good, otherwise,
Chapter 176
Megan said imitably, “I understand. If there’s nothing else, I have to rush to a filming schedule, Mr. Hall
Nolan nodded. “Go ahead.”
in the department, a female colleague gently touched Eliana’s arm and said awkwardly, “Ellis, my stomach suddenly hurts. Can you help me deliver this document to the records room on the third floor? The people there need it urgently”
Although Eliana was the wife of the eldest heir of the Russell family, she was easygoing and had no airs, so the people in the department gradually treated her as an ordinary colleague.
Eliana took the document and said, “Okay, go ahead. It deliver it for you.”
“Thank you, Ellie. I’ll treat you to a meal later.” After saying that, the female colleague held her stomach and trotted in the direction of the restroom.
Eliana picked up the documents, stood up, and walked toward the elevator.
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