"You're a special case."
He avoided her eyes, nervous because of the tone he used when he said that.
It's too obvious, isn't it? And yet why does she cannot realize this? Is it that hard to see the love in his eyes?
"You're very strong on being an individual designer, I figured it would be hard to convince you." He corrected himself.
Adriana's smile disappeared, and she had a blank expression displayed across her face, not allowing him to understand her reaction.
She made sure she wouldn't read her and how she's feeling about the sudden offer.
After a few seconds of thinking it over, she answered. "No."
"I collaborate here and there, but my clothing lines are mine and mine only. I don't work for anyone, and I don't need backup from any fashion company. Therefore, I have no intention of becoming your designer"
"Read through the contract before you decide."
Adriana nodded her head, deciding to give him a chance, and she crossed her legs.
"No collaborations with other companies unless it's done under LABEL's decision blah blah blah, Justine will answer to no one except you but the relationship will be deemed as a partnership where each situation must be convenient for both parties blah blah blah…"
As she skimmed through the contract, she pursed her lips and placed it down.
"That was fast. Was the content too predictable for you?"
Yes, the same contract had been offered to her millions of times, it was the same thing in different languages and versions.
"The value behind my name is very pricy, and that is why I refuse to work with any companies. They love to monopolize everything that catches their attention."
He leaned over and placed his elbows on the desk, folding his hands together with a business smile. "You're basically a celebrity and your clothing has brought a new revolution in the fashion industry. Many expect you to achieve higher and they want to get the front-row seat."
She also leaned forward with the same posture and the same business smile. "When you say it that way, it makes some think you're all my fans, and not trying to control my every move."
"I don't want to control you, I want a simple partnership. You get more resources, exposure, and it will definitely help you grow. After a year you can cancel the contract price free and do as you wish." He offered.
"Interesting offer, but it's still a no."
"Hmm, what is that you want. I'll give it to you. You've been aiming at other industries, I have analyzed your every move very carefully."
"Wow, I'm honored, and what was your conclusion?"
"You need me."
(You need LABELS)
"You don't want to lose me."
(You need Justine)
She tilted her head as her lips curled into a smirk. "You're afraid 'Alyssa Threads' will take me first…." She concluded.
"Or any company for that matter."
"Then? Contract equals we both get want we want."
"I need LABELS sure and that's why we are working on a new collection. I don't need another contract."
"Sure you do. Okay, you're working with the number one company and this proves your title. You have now surpassed your competitors, but what's next?"
"What's next?" She repeated. "I go home and sleep."
She was definitely not going to tell him what she has planned. It would shock him. Yes, she needs LABELS, but not now. The timing is not right.
She has a plan, and she would not jump right into it just because of an offer he made on a whim. The right timing will give her better perks.
He sighed, understanding she was definitely not going to accept his offer.
"Fine, if that's your decision, I hope we don't end up on different sides in the future."
"Hmm...that would be a pity, wouldn't it? You've heard haven't you?"
"It's an obvious event that many are pretending not to notice. It's hard to ignore when you're the target."
"I doubt they will get you unless they get Alyssa Thread's first."
They were referring to other companies involved in the underworld, trying to monopolize each industry by taking out the big ones, and LABELS was their very obvious target. They took LABELS down and everything would be easy for them to grab.
"Are you that confident in me?"
"I just think you have misunderstood Alyssa Threads's intentions with LABELS."
"How so?" He asked.
"I have already met their president. They don't want to overthrow you. I believe they have a different target and you can help them. They first wanted to push you into a difficult position where you would have no choice but to help them, but right now, I'm not sure of what strategy they will choose to use." She answered honestly.
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because it would be a pity if LABELS lost its glory as number 1. I admire your work, and it would be heartbreaking if it suffers so much loss."
"The offer still stands. I take risks but I'm not stupid enough to 'hope' you don't sing with their company." He answered.
"Some shares of LABELS sound interesting, but I really have no intention of becoming your designer. Independent designer, remember? There aren't many of us anymore, since big companies usually snatch them."
"I respect that. I hope you realize eventually, that I will always be your brand's most suitable partner." He smiled, not looking at all disappointed with her response.
She had declined him, but she had also assured him she wouldn't sign with any other company.
Recently a lot of big companies had been taking over big designers like herself, and Adriana had no intention of walking into that. That's why she had infiltrated their meeting last time. She was fighting for her brand to keep away from the hands of company owners involving themselves with the underworld to get what they want.
The only reason she infiltrated the underworld was to protect what's hers, and obviously, she wouldn't sign to any company trying to force her down. Noah wasn't aware of the methods they were using yet.
Or that's what she thought.
Never would she have imagined that Noah knew that very well. He had offered her the contract not to protect his own company but to protect her.
He didn't want any of those other companies to get a hold of her because he was very aware of the methods they were using. The only safe way to protect her from this was by using a business offer.
Though she had rejected his protection without knowing so; he had a greater idea of where she stands, and that would help him protect in other ways.
A beeping sound interrupted their silence, and it came from Adriana's watch. She turned it off and smiled cheerfully.
"What happened?"
"It means it has arrived." She replied, not hiding her happiness.
"I sent a good friend of mine's a present. I can't wait till she gets home and opens it." She responded to his confused expression.