Gwenda quickly held up five fingers. "Fifty percent!"

August glanced at her, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "Deal!"

"Right, it's decided then. You can't go back on your word!"

August raised an eyebrow. "A cheap deal like that? How could I possibly go back on my word?"

Gwenda instantly realized she'd been tricked, but she could do nothing about it. To build Cecilia's popularity and elevate her status, she'd have to accept the reduced profit, given her cousin's unscrupulous behavior.

Gwenda sighed.

Back at the hotel restaurant, Olivier had returned to his private room. His aura had become noticeably calmer, surprising everyone.

"I met an acquaintance and said hello," Olivier explained politely, then easily returned to his seat, the frigid aura around him completely dissipating.

The others exchanged glances while Otto discreetly observed his boss. Was he well acquainted with that person? Why had his glacial demeanor vanished upon his return?

"What's wrong?" Olivier asked, raising an eyebrow, noticing everyone's gaze.

"Nothing! Nothing at all."

The CEOs, experienced with strange situations, easily dismissed it and chatted warmly. Soon, the meal ended.

Olivier left the hotel and got into his car. Otto, unable to contain his curiosity, asked, "Boss, who did you meet at the restaurant earlier?"

Olivier replied with a question: "Do you know August Reed?"

"August Reed? CEO of Reed Corporation? Yes, I know him. He's a big name in the cosmetics industry," Otto said. "And he's Miss Evan's cousin, too."

Olivier raised his eyebrows. "You know about this?"

"Everyone knows, boss."

Olivier didn't reply.

"Boss, did you meet him today?" Otto asked curiously.

Olivier nodded. "Yes." He added, "Not only did we meet, but we also had a significant misunderstanding."

"Then he didn't speak to you? I heard his company's been trying to expand and wants to collaborate with us," Otto offered.

Olivier's eyes gleamed with interest. "He wants to collaborate with us?"

"Yes, they've contacted the business department. But I'm not sure about the details." Otto's job didn't involve that, so his knowledge was limited.

Olivier, intrigued, instructed, "Go back to the company and get me the project details from Reed Corporation. I want to review them."

"Yes, sir!"

Because of August's agreement, Cecilia secured the endorsement for Reed Corporation's new product. When the news was announced on the company's official Twitter, KG Entertainment's CEO office was deathly silent. The executives who'd spoken to August were summoned. They watched Benson with trepidation, saying nothing.

"Tell me, what happened?" Benson asked through gritted teeth, struggling to control his temper.

The executives looked at each other, clearly at a loss.

"Answer me!" Benson roared.

Jason, finally speaking, said, "Mr. Evans, it's not our fault. August Reed had no intention of giving us the endorsement. Furthermore, he made it clear he despises our company, saying Lina Wood would never make it and wasn't worthy of their products"

"That bastard!!" Benson slammed his fist on the table, standing up. The executives trembled.

Livid, Benson put his hands on his hips, took a deep breath, and sneered. "He despises my company, but gives Cecilia Kelly the endorsement? Doesn't he know she's an artist we abandoned?"

"But she's popular now" someone muttered quietly.

Benson glared. "I dare you to repeat that!"

"Mr. Evans, calm down," Jason said. "Forget the endorsement. Right now, the most important thing is to get the company's artists back on track."

Benson's expression didn't change. In recent years, every artist he'd promoted had left. None of KG Entertainment's remaining artists were successful. It enraged him.

"As for Wood, I think she's a good candidate with potential. She sings well and is a good actress. She's definitely promising. I believe we should invest in her and give it a shot," Jason strongly recommended.

Benson's rage subsided slightly. He regained his composure. "Since you think it's possible, then go ahead and try. However, she'd better deliver positive results with the resources you give her, otherwise she can get lost!"

"Don't worry, Mr. Evans. We will do our best."

"By the way, does anyone know who owns the studio Cecilia jumped to?"

The final sentence is incomplete and seems out of place. It requires more context or should be removed.