Gasp!
When Maurice stated his price, everyone present caught their breath.
Three billion, is he crazy?
Maurice laughed. “What is it? Do you think I’m being greedy? Both the movies are expected to earn eighteen billion in the end. Even after you paid me three billion, you still have fifteen billion in profits left. More importantly, if word gets out, the reputational damage would be devastating. Taking that into account, three billion isn’t too much to ask for.” Maurice explained confidently.
Gerry and the others exchanged glances as they weighed their options.
If Maurice blew the matter up, the controversy would easily cost the company more than three billion.
More importantly, the loss in credibility would be beyond repair.
“Maurice, let’s discuss it further. Could you lower your demands? In return, we will pay you more for your next film,” Gerry asked, trying his best to negotiate.
“No! It’s three billion. Take it or leave it!”
Since Maurice had planned to sign a contract with the Triple Group, he didn’t care about the next movie.
Gerry and the others were running out of ideas. All they could do now was look to Zoey for her decision.
“Ms. Lopez, what do you think?”
By now, Maurice no longer respected Zoey.
Looking at him, Zoey scoffed, “No way. We won’t give you anything, so stop dreaming!”
“Uh…”
Gerry and the others were stunned as they expected Zoey to continue negotiations.
Instead, she rejected Maurice outright.
Maurice, too, was caught off guard as Zoey didn’t even bother to negotiate.
“Very well. What an unethical boss!” Maurice sneered as he left.
“Ms. Lopez, are you sure that’s alright? The impact will be huge if it blows up.” Gerry was feeling doubtful.
Zoey replied firmly. “If we compromise, it will open the floodgates for others to do the same.”
At night at North Hampton’s Grand Manor, the Triple Group held their charity gala there.
It was a massive event.
Everyone who was somebody in North Hampton was invited. Even Grover attended the event.
Many of them were the rich and famous of North Hampton who came from all industries.
Actors and actresses were definitely included.
Meanwhile, the media broadcasted Maurice’s arrival live as he was the most popular actor then.
Everyone’s attention was focused on him as the viewers who tuned in exceeded ten million.
The gala was hosted by Horace.
“The Triple Group has decided to make a one-off donation of ten billion to North Hampton’s charity and public welfare organizations. It would be used to build retirement homes, orphanages, schools, etc.” Horace announced at the end of the night.
At the same time, he handed a cheque of ten billion to the President of North Hampton Charity Association, Sanford Collins.
All the media were focused on reporting and showcasing that particular moment.
“The Triple Group is a socially responsible company. Not only did they donate ten billion to South City, but they also donated ten billion to North Hampton.”
“That’s right! Although they are a Keerean company, they have contributed significantly to the development of Quebec.”
“From now on, I will only buy Triple Group’s electronic products!”
When the broadcast of the charity gala was over, the internet cheered.
Perception towards the Triple Group improved significantly soon after that. In just over ten minutes, the online sales of Triple Group products in Erudia increased by a few billion.
Most of its electronic products were sold out.
Meanwhile, Levi was watching the broadcast and was infuriated.
The trust fund that he had painstakingly set up had not only been usurped by the Triple Group but used to further their commercial interests.
At that moment, Azure Dragon informed him that South City sent their apologies.
They did not expect the Triple Group to have extended their claws over North Hampton.
“Hmph, don’t blame me after coming here to taunt me!” A frosty glint flashed across Levi’s eyes.
