33. Model-Hunting
After Isla told her what the problem was, Heidi’s lips twitched.
“When did they sell the cars?”
“Just a few weeks ago. I’ve heard some employees gossiping about it the moment it went missing.”
Literally, StriveStyle Co. no longer had a transit car all thanks to Aiden and Lilian.
“We can go in a taxi,” Heidi suggested, putting some documents inside her bag and standing up.
Isla hesitated, she didn’t voice out her concerns though. She was just surprised that someone like Ms. Olsen would take a commercial ride.
The appointments were booked at different restaurants at different time frames. The first restaurant they arrived at wasn’t very far from StriveStyle Co.
Their first appointment was with a newbie model. Apart from having good temperaments, her skin was flawless and she carried herself with elegance.
“Thank you for this offer, Ms. Olsen.” Her lips pulled into a subtle smile. “I’m willing to take the job, however, considering the bad reputation of your brand, it can have a taint on my name if things go wrong. So why don’t you triple the price?”
“What!?” Isla almost lost her professional demeanor. “The price Ms. Olsen is offering is already double your pay price.”
“I know that. But shouldn’t you be honored that I’m offering to enroll?”
“StriveStyle Co. Isn’t that desperate. Thank you for your time, Miss.”
Heidi stood up, already predicting the outcome of the meeting.
“Uhm, Ms. Olsen, are we not desperate?” Isla hurried after her.
That Lady’s price was ridiculous which the brand couldn’t afford. But Heidi’s words confused her.
Heidi stopped walking and faced her. ” While courting clients, never portray yourself as the underdog. As much as they’ll be useful to you, you’re also being useful by offering financial compensation. I can see you left that important part out.”
“I’m so sorry, Ms. Olsen.” Isla scratched her head.
There was no doubt the clients would use the desperation to their advantage, gaining the upper hand.
“Ms. Olsen, I can take this job.” When they met the second model, she instantly made her intentions clear. “I know StriveStyle Co. is in desperate need of a model. My condition is simple; I heard you’re familiar with Zach Olsen. If you can connect us, I can even work for you for free.”
Heidi and Isla exchanged glances.
“May I ask if you’re a fan of Zach Olsen?”
“Who isn’t a fan of the generous President of AG Group?” The lady chuckled. “I just want to be his woman. Having such a big thigh to latch on will definitely skyrocket my career.”
Heidi shook her head helplessly. ” Sorry, but I don’t know Zach Olsen that much to interfere in his relationship life.”
Heidi turned her down politely and left the restaurant with Isla.
“Ms. Olsen, isn’t she gutsy?” Isla was beyond herself.
Heidi replied patiently as they walked to the last restaurant. “We gave her a forum to strike up negotiations. Surely, she’d think we can do anything out of desperation.”
“Lesson learned.” Isla nodded thoughtfully.
At the last restaurant, unlike the other two models who kept them waiting, this one came on time.
She stood up and exchanged handshakes, offering a bright smile.
“I must commend your bravery for working hard to revive a failing brand at this critical moment, Ms. Olsen.” She started by praising Heidi. “This is a kind of task that even most men will run from.”
“As an emerging model with a growing fanbase, I think working together will bring great outcomes. So I don’t only want to cooperate as a model, I also want to become a Shareholder in StriveStyle Co.”
“If you can pave a way for me to acquire fifty percent shares of StriveStyle Co., then let’s close this deal. The fifty percent share will be bought out of my salary.”
“Are you kidding me!?” Isla really lost her composure this time.
Heidi gave her a look and she quickly pulled herself back together.
“The price you’re asking is ridiculously high. Ms. Cleric, you literally want to become half-owner of StriveStyle Co.”
“Isn’t StriveStyle Co. desperately in need of money? Ms. Olsen, I could have asked for a seventy percent share but I didn’t.”
“Seriously, we’re not that broke.” Heidi smiled.
The lady’s expression changed and she mocked, “I can see. The CEO herself is out in the sun, desperately looking for someone to save the company. Isn’t that the definition of ‘broke’?”
Heidi stood up, her lips curling at the sides. “Ms. Cleric, I hope in the future you’ll wish you’d taken this job.”
“By the time that future comes, I’m afraid StriveStyle Co. will no longer be in existence,” the lady smiled back.
Isla was fuming while they left the restaurant. Then her expression turned sullen.
“We’ve lost all the clients, Ms. Olsen. You were right, I shouldn’t have portrayed StriveStyle Co. as very desperate to them.”
“Don’t lose hope. We can continue searching by using an approach which won’t put us in a hot spot.”