Chapter 169: Disappointments, Rejections

Hannah secured Cooper Group's best possible deal to pitch Light Building to three major brands. The stakes were high, but all three rejected her proposal. Mann felt discouraged; he believed their past efforts warranted at least consideration. However, to these businessmen, profit was paramount; their acquaintance with Hannah held little value.

"Ms. Hannah, what about now?" Mann asked anxiously.

After the third rejection, they drove back to the office in silence. Hannah gazed out the window, her optimism undeterred. She felt they should have at least given her a chance, given Cooper Group's assistance. But life, she mused, could be cruel. She noticed buildings plastered with Win's advertisements for Starlight Group's business district—her own endorsements flooding her fan groups with announcements of the mall she represented. The campaign's success was undeniable. The reason for the brands' rejection became clear: why choose Cooper Group when Starlight Group now enjoyed greater popularity?

Hannah's ambitious plan now seemed less achievable, leaving a heavy silence in the car.

Suddenly, Hannah said, "Does Celina have a fashion show this Saturday night?"

Mann was taken aback.

Hannah instructed Rose, "Rose, check it out."

"Okay," Rose replied, making several calls before reporting, "Ms. Hannah, Celina's latest fashion show is at the Kensbury Glass House this Saturday at 7:00 p.m. Should we attend?"

"Were we invited?" Hannah asked.

"I'll check with public relations."

After another call, Rose announced, "Ms. Hannah, we have two invitations—President's seats."

"Okay," Hannah replied. She then called Miguel. "Dad."

"Hannah, I need to talk to you. Meet me in my office."

"Okay, I'll be there in ten minutes," Hannah responded.

"See you then."

After hanging up, Hannah declared, "Forget the other brands. We're going after Celina."

"What?" Mann exclaimed, stunned.

Celina was a global powerhouse. Any mall featuring Celina would instantly become a world-class destination. Light Building was designed for high-end luxury brands, yet Celina had never been considered. Only one mall in Kensbury City housed a Celina store—a Cooper Group property with extremely unfavorable terms. Cooper Group had repeatedly invited Celina to their new business districts, but failed due to Celina's policy of only one physical store per city. This exclusivity made securing Celina exceptionally difficult.

Yet, Hannah dared to dream big. Mann hesitated, reluctant to dampen her spirits after all they'd endured.

He ventured cautiously, "Celina has a one-store-per-city policy. It might be difficult."

It seemed an impossible task.

"Rules are meant to be broken," Hannah stated firmly.

Mann was speechless, though he remained skeptical. He knew Hannah's tenacity, however, and that she would pursue every avenue.

They arrived at Cooper Group. Hannah entered Miguel's office and sat opposite him. "Dad, you wanted to talk?" She usually addressed him as "Mr. President" in the presence of others, but reserved "Dad" for private moments.

"Anything you need? Work-related?" Miguel inquired gently.

"Dad, have you heard anything?" Hannah sensed something was amiss.

Miguel carefully chose his words, fearing he might hurt her feelings.

"About Light Building's investment?"

Miguel nodded. "It's not that I distrust you. There's just a lot of gossip. I won't stand in your way, but I want to know if you need anything from me. Don't push yourself too hard; you're still new to Cooper Group."

"Regarding Light Building, I can handle it. But I can't silence the gossip. I'm sorry, Dad."

"That's okay. I'm worried about you."

"I'm fine. I just need more time," Hannah assured him.

"I have faith in you, girl," Miguel said, reassured by her confidence.

Gossip swirled within Cooper Group—that Hannah was squandering time and money due to her father's influence. Miguel didn't mind; they were family. He simply wanted to alleviate any self-doubt she might be experiencing.

"I won't let you down," Hannah declared resolutely.

Miguel nodded, then remembered something. "By the way, why did you call?"

"Did you receive two invitations from Celina?"

"I believe so. What? You want them?"

"Yes. I want to attend their fashion show."

"My secretary will bring them to you later," Miguel said. "Go have some fun! Ease up on yourself. Buy whatever you want; I'll pay!"

Hannah smiled. Her father assumed she simply wanted a night out. In reality, she had business on her mind—a secret she would keep to avoid further concern.

She nodded, a new determination setting in. Hannah felt incredibly fortunate to have such a supportive father.

Leaving his office, she returned to her own, instructing Rose, "Reschedule things. We're attending Celina's fashion show Saturday night."

"Okay," Rose replied, adding, "Ms. Hannah, Janet, Celina's former lead model, might be relevant."

Hannah frowned.

Rose explained, "The lead designer discovered Janet at eighteen, and she worked for Celina until she left modeling at twenty-three to manage the family business. They're quite close."