Behind The Spotlight Chapter 122
"Are you sure you're doing this the right way?" Quincy Jennings frowned at Collin, a mixture of concern and disbelief in his eyes after the two had left the Diore building.
"About what?"
"About blackmailing a rich person. I'm asking if you're doing it right because one wrong move could ruin everything you've worked for, and there's no undo button in this game." The entertainment lawyer emphasized.
"Are you worried about me?"
"Well, if something happens to you, the team might dissolve, everyone's careers could be affected, and I might lose my job. As you can imagine, that would be disastrous."
"That's sweet, Quincy. I like your honesty. Don't worry. Your Great Ericson won't touch me. I know what I'm doing, and I've planned for every possible outcome in this negotiation." Collin reassured him.
Two days ago, Collin had recorded his conversation with Your Great Ericson, capturing every word. Since then, he had devised a calculated plan to leverage the recording, ensuring maximum influence.
"Now I know why you invited me to Paris. You're playing with fire, Collin. Fire can hurt you if it's not handled carefully, it could burn everything you've built." At first, Quincy had thought Collin simply wanted to sign a deal with Diore.
"You don't have to explain it to me."
Collin smirked as he recalled Your Great Ericson's livid expression. No one could deny that the designer had spoken those diabolical words in his unmistakable silky voice and sharp tone.
Being a fashion designer, such a recording could destroy his image and humiliate him in front of his peers and board members. He had no choice but to negotiate with Collin, as his reputation and career depended on it.
Both sides signed an NDA to ensure the recording would remain private, safeguarding Collin's leverage. Your Great Ericson kept the original recorder, but Collin probably had a copy as a precaution. In exchange for signing the deal, Your Great Ericson agreed to help Collin's clients become ambassadors for Diore, guaranteeing high-profile opportunities.
Collin was satisfied. The outcome exceeded his expectations.
"That guy won't hurt me. I know that. Even if he tries, I can counter his moves." Collin explained to Quincy.
"I don't know where your confidence comes from. You can't know exactly how people think or what they might do when cornered."
"I know how people think, and I've studied him well enough to predict his responses."
Collin had a sharp instinct, and he knew Your Great Ericson wouldn't commit crimes or risk everything for personal vendettas. The designer's pride was a vulnerability Collin could exploit.
-- Your Great Ericson.
-- Safe Player (Yellow).
-- Fake Bravado (White).
Based on these talents, Collin concluded that Your Great Ericson wouldn't act outside legal boundaries. Why these behaviors were considered talents was beyond Collin's understanding.
"Quincy, I assume this isn't your first time handling high-stakes NDAs and leveraging sensitive information."
"Well..." Quincy didn't elaborate.
It was true. He had managed countless NDA contracts and negotiations requiring discretion. He had even helped a famous older actress coerce a man into signing an NDA in exchange for money, ensuring he wouldn't reveal her sexual assault, a highly sensitive case with potential legal consequences.
This was one of the milder cases he had handled. Quincy understood how ruthless Hollywood could be and didn't blame Collin for blackmailing a luxury brand executive to secure a deal. The industry often rewarded cunning over morality. However, Quincy still disapproved of Collin's methods, they were dirty, dangerous, and open to future retaliation.
"Just like I said, Your Great Ericson won't do that. I'm a man of my word. Both of us are bound by the contract, and I won't break it." Collin said firmly.
Later that day, Axel Gunner successfully signed a deal with Diore to become the U.S. ambassador for their clothing line. His contract guaranteed that all public appearances, photoshoots, and promotional events aligned with the brand. He would earn $500,000 per year over a two-year term. Axel was both surprised and delighted, impressed at how Collin had secured a product deal despite his precarious situation. He realized once again how competent his talent agent was.
Jennifer Randon received a contract as well, thrilled by the opportunity. She would earn $300,000 per year over two years, officially becoming an ambassador for Diore's luxury bags upon Collin and Quincy's return to Los Angeles. The opportunity elevated her profile significantly, and she felt immense gratitude toward Collin.
Lawrence's contract increased to $1 million per year for three years, ensuring he remained the centerpiece of Diore's promotional campaigns. Diore's U.S. representatives handled legalities, payments, and obligations for Jennifer and Lawrence.
As for how Your Great Ericson convinced the executives to approve deals for all three actors, Collin didn't know and didn't care. He was already satisfied that his clients had secured contracts. These deals solidified Collin's status as a top-tier agent. By standard practice, he would earn a 5% commission, which amounted to $270,000. Modest compared to his clients' earnings, but to Collin, the feeling of closing such a significant deal was exhilarating. The thrill of negotiation, power, and watching dreams materialize was addictive.
Three days into his seven-day stay in Paris, Collin spent most of his time exploring the city, soaking in its culture, architecture, and rhythm. He visited the train station daily, hoping for a call or message from the woman he wanted to meet. Each day, he left disappointed, silently questioning whether he had misjudged her interest.
...
...
...
"You're still staring at that business card. Just like I said, if you want to meet this so-called talent agent, just take me with you. We can set up a meeting in a public place so he won't do anything bad if he's a kidnapper or has hidden intentions."
Isabella said this to Chantal. She was Chantal's friend and often offered advice on important decisions.
"I don't know if I can trust him. He's too handsome, and his polished demeanor makes me even more skeptical. Besides, it's surprising that an agent showed up to sign me on the spot. I'm not sure he's telling the truth." Chantal studied the business card in her hands, unsure if she would keep it or discard it.
"You said you wanted to be a famous singer. That talent agent saw potential in you and believes in your abilities. You might regret it if doubt prevents you from taking this chance."
"..." Chantal bit her lip, torn between caution and ambition.
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