Freya raised an eyebrow and flicked the ashes off the end of her cigarette. "You're not wrong, Mr. Frost. You and Aidan are simply two sides of the same coin. However—"
"However, what?" Theodore asked.
"You, on the other hand, are the worthless one while he is covered in gold." Before he could burst out in rage, she continued, "Oh, don't be angry, Mr. Frost. I'm not putting you down. I merely think you vastly underestimate Aidan. Since you want the Pearson Group's project, you should be prepared, right? I promise our collaboration will greatly benefit you."
He briefly narrowed his eyes at her before stating, "I am amenable to the collaboration, but I have two conditions."
"Speak."
"I want 70% of all profits."
Freya smiled in response. "That will not be a problem. What's your second condition?"
"I want to meet your boss," Theodore declared.
After hearing that, her smile froze before slowly slipping off her face.
Then, he lightly tapped the desk with his pen. "Well? We're going to be working together. Does your superior still not plan on meeting me in person?"
"It's nothing like that; his identity is simply quite distinct. Meeting you in person would only cause you unnecessary trouble."
"I'm not a coward who has never been through challenges." Theodore then put his pen down and leaned back in his chair. "If you can't even show a smidgeon of sincerity, we have no reason to work together. I'm sure I could round up some more honest and reliable collaborators to work with."
Hearing that, Freya snuffed out her cigarette. "Okay. I understand. I'll convey your message."
"I'll be waiting to hear from you."
After that, she left the office and returned to the hotel.
"What did he say?" Joseph asked.
"He wants to meet with you, or he won't agree to work with us," Freya replied.
He smirked and stated, "He is very good at ensuring he has a way out of the deal."
"Would you meet with him?"
Then, he sat down on the couch. "I remember he has a private jewelry gallery, right?"
After hearing that, she lit a cigar. "I think so. His mother loved jewelry and had quite a huge collection before her death. That collection was placed in his private jewelry gallery after she died."
"Tell him to open the gallery to the public and invite people worldwide to visit it, including the jewelry designers."
"You're—"
"Both Aidan and Leanna are too cautious. Charlotte is with them, so the average way of approaching her would only make them suspicious. In that case, we have to create our own opportunities. If we keep waiting for news from their side, we might be waiting forever."
"Very well. I understand. I'll pass the reply to Theodore now."
Theodore was in a bad mood for a long time when he heard their request to open up his personal collection to the public and invite all the jewelry designers. After weighing the pros and cons of the partnership, he reluctantly agreed to the request. After that, he ordered his subordinates to handle the matter.
Three days later, Leanna received an invitation.
Zoe leaned in close and asked, "What is it?"
Then, Leanna read the invitation. "A private collector is opening his collection to the public. From how the invitation is worded, he must have also invited many designers."
"How can that be? Is it for charity?" Zoe asked.
On the other hand, Charlotte, who was sipping her cup of bubble tea nearby, commented, "Some wealthy people are exactly like that. They like to show off some of their possessions and brag about them when bored. This helps them feel better about themselves and satisfies their ego."
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