Alexander's POV
For several moments, silence filled the air. My gaze slowly shifted toward the woman seated quietly beside Roland Pike.
Unlike him, she had spoken very little since entering my office. Even now, despite Pike's failed attempt at extortion and Jada's tearful complaints, Miss Mara Kade remained unusually composed.
Sebastian leaned slightly toward me before whispering quietly into my ear.
"Master, she's responsible for almost everything concerning Miss Vale's career."
"Oh?"
"She handled the schedules, endorsements, public image and social media management. Pike House Pictures merely provided the resources."
I slowly rested both hands upon the table before finally speaking.
"Miss Kade."
For the first time since entering the office, Mara lifted her gaze to look at me.
"Yes?"
"You've done an excellent job building Miss Vale's career over the past five years."
She remained silent.
"I've reviewed her records," I continued calmly. "Her endorsements have steadily increased every year and her public image remains almost flawless."
"It's my job."
I nodded lightly before continuing.
"However, there is one thing I find rather unfortunate."
Confusion briefly appeared upon her face.
"And what would that be?"
"Your poor taste in business partners."
Silence immediately descended upon the office.
Pike's smile froze awkwardly upon his face while Sebastian quietly lowered his head to conceal his amusement.
"Mr. Ale..."
"I am also aware," I interrupted calmly, "that although Mr. Pike has been today's most enthusiastic performer, you equally supported his decision to demand one billion Farqus."
For the first time, Mara's expression visibly changed.
"I..."
"There's no need to explain yourself."
My gaze remained fixed upon her.
"Greed is hardly uncommon."
The atmosphere immediately became considerably more awkward.
"However," I continued calmly, "competent people are surprisingly difficult to find."
I slowly leaned back against my chair before asking casually,
"If I gave you three hundred days, could you make Birch Entertainment Company's trainees recognizable throughout Thide Country?"
Silence immediately followed my question. Even Sebastian and Adam Brooks turned toward me in shock.
"Three hundred days?" she repeated quietly.
"Is that impossible?"
"No."
"Then?"
For the first time, uncertainty appeared upon her face.
"Chairman, I don't believe I understand what you're asking."
"I'm offering you employment."
Shock immediately appeared on all the faces in the office.
Pike was the first to react.
"Chairman Alexander!" he exclaimed excitedly. "She's extremely talented! If you're interested, I'm willing to transfer her contract immediately!"
I ignored him completely. My attention remained upon Mara.
"Your answer?"
She remained silent for several moments before speaking quietly.
"I am a single mother, Sir."
Her answer surprised almost everyone present.
"My daughter is still young and my current circumstances aren't particularly favorable."
For reasons she couldn't explain, she felt embarrassed revealing that fact before everyone present.
"I see."
"Which is why I don't believe I'm qualified..."
"I'll increase your salary."
"..."
"..."
"..."
For several moments, the office became deathly silent.
Even Sebastian slowly lifted his head in confusion.
"Sir?" Mara asked quietly.
"Three hundred and fifty thousand Farqus monthly."
Shock immediately appeared upon her face.
"I..."
"The contract will initially last one year."
I continued calmly as though discussing the weather.
"After one year, you're free to either remain with Birch Entertainment or leave without prejudice."
Her eyes widened slightly.
"And if my performance isn't satisfactory?"
"Then I'll terminate the contract."
My answer was so straightforward that she couldn't help laughing softly.
"Chairman, are you always this direct?"
"Frequently."
The corners of her lips slowly curved upward for the first time that day.
"May I ask why you've chosen me?"
"Simple."
My gaze shifted briefly toward Jada Vale before returning to her once more.
"You successfully made someone with her personality one of the most promising actresses of her generation."
Jada immediately looked offended.
"Chairman!"
I ignored her protest completely.
"That alone is sufficient to demonstrate your capabilities."
Silence immediately descended upon the office once more.
"Chairman..."
My expression softened slightly.
"Children shouldn't suffer because of their parents' mistakes."
Her eyes widened immediately. Without realizing it, she found herself smiling softly.
"I'll accept your offer."
"Good."
I looked toward Sebastian.
"Prepare both contracts."
"Immediately, Master."
Meanwhile, Roland Pike suddenly stood from his seat excitedly.
"Chairman Alexander, regarding Miss Kade's penalty fee..."
"Five million Farqus, correct?"
"Yes!"
"Very well."
The words caused Pike's smile to widen considerably.
Before he could become any happier, I continued speaking.
"Sebastian, transfer five million Farqus immediately."
Several moments later, Pike's phone vibrated loudly upon the table. The moment he saw the bank notification, his entire body trembled excitedly.
Sebastian looked at him with unconcealed disgust.
My gaze slowly shifted toward Mara once more.
"Consider the penalty fee an advance investment."
For the first time in many years, she found herself momentarily speechless.
After reviewing the one-page contract carefully, she signed it without hesitation.
Sebastian immediately collected the document before smiling politely.
"Congratulations, Miss Kade. Please report for work tomorrow morning. Arrangements have already been made for your accommodation within Birch Entertainment Company's private staff quarters."
She nodded gratefully.
Before leaving, she stopped before my desk and bowed respectfully.
"Thank you, Chairman."
"No."
Surprise flashed briefly across her face.
"Thank yourself."
She smiled softly before speaking once more.
"I'll never forget the kindness you've shown me and my daughter."
Without waiting for my response, she quietly left the office.
The moment the door closed behind her, silence immediately descended upon the room once more.
Slowly, I turned my attention toward Roland Pike whose smile remained considerably brighter than it had been several minutes earlier.
Somehow, I suddenly found his happiness rather amusing.
After all, he appeared to have misunderstood something important.
He seemed to believe we had concluded our business together. Unfortunately for him, we hadn't even resumed it yet.