Chapter 8 She's Stupid

Charlee was thrust into the role of managing Green Biopharmaceuticals at the last minute.

Despite anticipating her removal from Sullivan Group's executive team, she was unexpectedly assigned to Green Biopharmaceuticals by Keith.

Additionally, the developments at the engagement caught her off guard, leaving no room for preparatory measures.

"For this batch, I'll cover the financials," she replied, perusing the orders.

With less than ten orders secured for the next quarter and all being minor, short-term engagements, the company's prospects appeared grim.

"Hasn't my mom acquired some new machinery? Has it ever been put to use?" she questioned.

Nathan shook his head.

"We can't use them because the parts don't match. I tried getting Mr. Sullivan's approval for purchasing matching parts, but it was denied. Operating the new machines would allow us to accept more profitable orders, though it would require a significant investment."

Reflecting for a moment, he continued, "The company is well-regarded, yet it's been technologically stagnant for years. Innovation could truly revitalize it."

"Let's mortgage the factory for a bank loan to acquire the necessary equipment parts," she said, closing the order book. "I plan to forge a partnership with Champion Corporation."

Nathan appeared stunned. "Champion Corporation? Would the Todd family even agree to that?"

Champion Corporation was a behemoth in the international pharmaceutical industry, rumored to be primarily owned by Marc Harris, a sought-after bachelor in Jurgh.

The Harris family, Jurgh's wealthiest, boasted a vast and powerful network. Rising to heir status demanded shrewdness and ruthlessness.

Marc began his business career at sixteen and by nineteen had shifted to manipulating his family's empire from the shadows, building a vast fortune internationally through digital means.

He had transformed into a secretive and enigmatic tycoon, completely absent from the public eye, without even a single photograph available online.

Liam had meticulously gathered those details about Marc.

Negotiations between the Todd family and Champion Corporation were ongoing for a potential partnership. However, to Charlee's knowledge, the ink had yet to dry on any deal.

Her confidence in becoming Champion Corporation's partner in Jurgh was shaky. Yet, securing production rights for even one of their drugs could give Green Biopharmaceuticals a significant edge in the market.

Thinking about the Todd family...

She grinned and instructed, "Nathan, make sure you contact the bank right away to secure the loan and speed up the procurement of the parts. I'll take care of the rest."

Once Nathan had departed, she powered up her computer and accessed her personal social media, sending a message to a top contact.

At the private room in Skylight Club, several male strippers in minimal attire were dancing provocatively on stage, occasionally sending sultry looks toward Charlee. A particularly daring stripper clung to the central pole, his movements swift and vigorous.

"So, what do you think? I've found you the most thrilling performers imaginable. Do you appreciate my efforts?" Charlee's friend, Nadia Jensen, clad in a black camisole with her short hair complementing her striking smokey eye makeup, playfully remarked.

Charlee massaged the bridge of her nose.

"Nadia, we need to discuss something else."

"It's no trouble at all." Nadia dismissed the topic with a flick of her black-polished nails against her smooth skin. "The news about Liam breaking off the engagement is all over. If you want to tarnish his reputation, just give me the signal. We must ensure it doesn't backfire on us. Since the Todd family hasn't made any announcements yet, you are still seen as Liam's betrothed. It's time he faced some public disgrace. Maybe start by openly flirting with other men."

What Nadia hadn't realized was that Charlee was already a step ahead.

Nadia ran a PR studio that, despite having no staff, boasted tens of thousands of online part-timers.

Her main goal was to influence public opinion, always aiming to stir up more drama in the entertainment industry.

Regardless of the constant online backlash she received, Nadia was unbothered.

She believed that anyone who faced criticism, herself included, was hiding something.

Their friendship had started in a kickboxing class where Charlee was a student and Nadia the instructor. Over time, they grew to be close friends, sharing their lives openly.

Yet, Nadia always avoided talking about her professional life with Charlee, claiming that Charlee was too unsophisticated for such discussions.

Charlee often thought Nadia's remarks implied she was foolish.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have only found out about Liam and Stacey's involvement during her engagement announcement.