Everyone present was shocked at Maurice’s remarks.
In their eyes, Maurice was someone so ambitious to the point that he would accept work for fifty to a hundred thousand.
So why did he turn down a job worth five hundred thousand?
“Maurice, the appearance fee is five hundred thousand. Did you mishear it as fifty thousand?” The staff clarified with him.
“I didn’t get it wrong. Is five hundred thousand a lot? Do they think I’m that desperate?” Raising his voice, Maurice caused the staff to tremble in fear.
“Are you aware that the two movies I acted in grossed seven billion? That means I’m worth at least tens of millions. So, are they looking down on me by just offering five hundred thousand?”
With fifteen million in hand, five hundred thousand was peanuts to Maurice now.
“Maurice, are you crazy?” The staff couldn’t help but retort.
“Of course, the movies made the company a lot of money. But don’t forget that you are just a newcomer. The company not only provided you the opportunity but also gave you five hundred thousand. Furthermore, they spent a lot of resources on promoting you. Isn’t that fair enough?”
“Besides, you were the one that signed the contract willingly.” The other members of staff added.
Maurice scoffed, “The fact is I made them seven billion, but they only gave me five hundred thousand. Why don’t we make it public and let our peers decide whether they are taking advantage of newcomers?”
“Maurice! What are you doing? Come with me now!” Helena pulled Maurice aside to somewhere private.
“Maurice, as your long-time classmate, I would advise you to stop going down this route. In life, we should have a conscience when making choices, or else we would end up with a bad reputation.” Helena cautioned him.
Meanwhile, Maurice brought out a set of car keys and swung it around his fingers. It was obvious those keys were for a Ferrari.
“I don’t think it’s such big a deal. I’m driving a luxury car and staying in a mansion now. Isn’t it wonderful? Why do I have to stay back here and suffer?” “Helena, my advice to you is to sign the contract with Mr. Waller. I remember that your parents are seriously ill and need surgery immediately. Also, your siblings still have to attend school, and you were worried you couldn’t afford their school fees. Don’t you want them to live a comfortable life? All you need to do is to say yes. Your parents could live a life free of pain, and they would be happy. Isn’t that what you want?”
Helena was dumbfounded at Maurice’s words.
“Helena, listen to me. Sign the contract with the Triple Group. With the one-off buyout worth tens of millions, your family’s fortunes will be changed forever!” Maurice continued to tempt her.
After struggling within herself, Helena was adamant. “No! I’ll still stick with Ms. Lopez. I don’t mind making less money as long as I can sleep at night.”
Seeing Helena leave, Maurice berated her, “You’re a fool! Stupid girl!”
The next few days, Maurice acted with impunity within the company. He would scold the staff and other newcomers without reason.
However, due to the popularity of the movie, everyone had no choice but to endure.
Meanwhile, Zoey had begun to notice that Maurice was wearing clothes that cost hundreds of thousands and wearing watches that cost more than a million. On top of that, he drove a luxury car. It was obvious something wasn’t right.
Not only that, but a few of the other up-and-coming stars were also visibly less motivated in their work.
They rejected most of the projects offered and simply lounged around the office while putting on airs.
As they largely didn’t break any rules, Zoey had no basis to intervene.
Finally, the Triple Group managed to organize their charity gala in South City, and it was a resounding success. Both the media and public came away praising how the Triple Group was a socially responsible organization.
After that, the Triple Group planned to organize a charity gala in North Hampton.
