Chapter 47 I Have A Plan
<< Vanessa's POV >>
_
_
"Wow, I still can't believe you're married to Derek's brother. Biggest Faceslapping one can ever think of." Leah chuckled. "I mean, look at the luxury. Girl, you're living large."
"You've said that a thousand and one times already," I said, giving her a brief glance before focusing on the paper again.
I flipped through the paperwork, scanning for any errors or clauses that needed fixing. But everything seemed perfect and ready to be sent over to Global agency.
I couldn't imagine Derek's face after seeing my 'terms and conditions'. It'll be so hilarious. And worth seeing.
"Of course. I'm glad Derek is finally getting a taste of his own medicine. He'll hate you. But he won't be able to do a thing to you because his brother might blind him the next time he touches you." Leah scoffed, reaching for her cocktail.
I shook my head, a small smile pulling at the side of my lips.
Leah hated Derek more than anyone else. Maybe not as much as Ryker, but she did hate the very thought of him.
Leah was always in support of anything that would hurt him.
"By the way, those deals Derek got for you?" She started, pulling my attention back to her.
"What about them?"
She grabbed her clipboard. "I did my research and found some loopholes. While your dickhead of an ex-husband is so greedy to have you get endorsement deals, he also got one to tarnish your reputation."
I frowned. "What do you mean?"
She turned the clipboard to me, my brows joined, not understanding what she wanted me to see exactly.
"B&G perfumes are one of the worst perfume companies. Reviews say people got some bad skin reactions after using their colognes. If the netizens find out you're endorsing their brand, I'm sure you already know what's coming for you."
Shit.
"My career would end before it even sees daylight," I whispered, my voice low and barely audible.
Was that the reason he wanted me to quickly sign the B&G deal?
To trap me?
Ruin me?
I still couldn't believe how far Derek would go with this.
"But the other endorsements are good, especially that car deal in Seattle." She sighed, dropping her clipboard on the table. "I can't wait to be on the plane to Seattle. Far away from Brooklyn."
She cooed. But me? My chest tightened, a sudden pressure filling every spot.
We were under a shade in Ryker's garden, the afternoon air blowing gently on my cheeks. But it wasn't strong enough to cool down the burning rage inside my chest.
"Derek is so...impossible."
Leah paused, threw me a casual smile."The earlier you realize that he's a prick from the pit of hell, the safer you are in this world."
I sighed, resting my back against the chair to take in all the details.
"He still cares about Annie.." Leah's voice came again. "He's been getting her good deals that boost her fame. Yet, he didn't blink twice before getting a bad one for you. That says a lot about his character."
"Yeah," I murmured.
Every part of me that had been holding back seemed to have died. He didn't deserve my pity. Not even the slightest remorse.
He wanted to ruin my career? Fine.
Two could play that game.
"You know what, Leah?" I said, my voice firm. "I'll sign the B&G deal."
"What?" She coughed out her drink. "What did you just say?"
"I know what I'm doing—"
"No, you don't." She cut into my words, dropping her glass on the table roughly. "If you do, you wouldn't even think about B&G. You have been out of the industry for a long time and now that I'm finally getting you back, you just want to put your career on the line just like that? That too, in this critical moment of your comeback? Well, not under my watch. We're rejecting that deal."
"No, Listen, Leah.." I tried again.
"No, you listen, Vanessa. The moment words spread out that you're endorsing that dead brand? Trust me when I say the hate on you would be incurable. Do you even realize what that means?"
I clasped both hands together, trying to get my words together. "I understand. I do. Just allow me finish."
She crossed her arms around her chest, I could tell she was trying to remain calm. Though it wasn't working because her legs wouldn't stop hitting the ground in a dramatic manner.
"Firstly, I'm not blind to the consequences. But I have a plan. Trust me, it's a good one. Though, it might be bad at first but the results would be worth it. One that will not only put me in the spotlight, but make my comeback more swift."
She narrowed her eyes at home, clearly not convinced. "Elaborate."
I leaned back, a knowing smile on my face. "Just tell Derek I want to sign the B&G deal by tomorrow. Then, I'll explain everything to you."