Perhaps something that might seem troublesome to them could be inconsequential in front of the boss. Moreover, if the other party does something harmful after being refused, shouldn't a warning be given to the company first to avoid being caught off guard?
That's why the conversation between Susan and Laila happened today.
Laila's gaze was heavy, and her usually clear ice-blue eyes seemed to be brewing a storm within: "You don't need to worry about this matter. If there's any further contact, just say you can't handle it and tell them to come directly to me. I'd like to see who dares to step into my territory!"
"Understood, BOSS!" Susan nodded with delight.
She had been waiting for this response. If even their boss couldn't protect them, then they would have to accept their fate. However, she hesitated again: "From what they said, it seems that not following their instructions might cause trouble for Charlize's career. I'm really afraid they might hinder her from getting roles or even sabotage the movies she's starring in."
Laila snorted coldly, "So what? If there are no roles available outside, she can star in my movies. If someone can sabotage me, let them try. Let's see who ends up being sabotaged!"
In Hollywood, success wasn't solely determined by making a good movie; subsequent factors like promotion and scheduling played crucial roles too.
For example, consider two equally fantastic films releasing at the same time. Fans interested in both movies would face a dilemma. Some might suggest watching both films, but what if they can only afford to watch one? After all, moviegoers aren't just financially capable adults; some students live on pocket money.
As a result, box office earnings would be divided as fans are split between movies. Even if a movie is excellent, it wouldn't matter much if its audience is divided. For small film production companies like Laila's, box office earnings mean everything!
Laila didn't want to resort to a strategy where she sacrificed a lot to harm her enemies, but if they came knocking on her door, she wouldn't back down. With her box office appeal, film reputation, and the foresight she gained from her rebirth, failure was already highly unlikely.
If someone were to sabotage her, it's uncertain which side would suffer losses. What did she have to worry about? And even if she did lose money, she could afford it. To put it extravagantly, she could lose millions or even tens of millions and still be fine.
However, even with strategies in mind, Laila felt disgusted by the situation around her.
Speaking of the American Express Company, it was a globally recognized service-oriented corporation. It mainly dealt with travel agencies, financial planning institutions, and American Express Bank, which gladly held money for customers who were unsure where to put it.
American Express Travel is one of the world's largest travel agencies, with nearly two thousand offices worldwide. If you didn't know where to travel, you could seek their help. If you need a good hotel for a business dinner with your boss, they could assist. If you were purchasing things in another city and needed guidance, they were there.
Of course, the precondition was having money. You pay, and they provide services; that's how they make money.
American Express Financial Advisors were even simpler, helping clients invest their money and make it grow. They offered various investment services and gave appropriate advice so that clients would comfortably invest.
But the most famous aspect was American Express Bank.
How famous? You've heard of the dazzling Centurion Black Card from the future, right? American Express issued it. The King of Cards is a symbol of status. Without status and substantial wealth, people wouldn't bother with you. There was practically no spending limit when you used the card; you could spend however you pleased.
With this card, you could ask the company for anything. The most difficult-to-obtain tickets? They could get you VIP seats. Top-tier banquets? They could secure invitations for you. If you were running late for a train or flight, one call and they could delay it until you board.
Laila guessed that this "ask and you shall receive" service might be why American Express contacted her to attend their annual meeting and perhaps make friends with a mysterious guest.
Such things were common worldwide. Even Hollywood's big stars enjoyed having good relationships with influential figures; mutual benefits could arise, and who could guarantee they wouldn't need help in the future? That's the power of networking.
Laila was not exempt from this circle. For instance, her work on promotional photos for Burberry was possible due to Janet's acquaintance with the new leader of Burberry. These photos helped Burberry open up the global market successfully, shedding its old-fashioned image and showing a fashionable side.
This was the benefit of Burberry's network. What if it were another company? Laila wouldn't have cared. The same went for Victoria's Secret; she wouldn't have taken the promotional job if it weren't for the Morans' patriarch and the company's CEO. She didn't need money; the photoshoot was more of a leisure activity for her.
So, in many cases, networking could bring unexpected advantages. Ever since she was taught by Oswald to remember people's names, Laila had been trying to position herself as an heiress. She aimed to make more friends in her circle and get to know influential figures, which might become an inevitable task in her future.
Narrowing her eyes, Laila revealed a somewhat unfriendly smile, "It seems I'll have to attend American Express's gathering."
At the same time, she was somewhat curious. She wondered how the American Express representatives would react when Susan relayed her words to them. In her opinion, anyone with a bit of intelligence would understand how to choose. The Moran family might be small, spanning only three generations, but their wealth was enough to rank among the world's top.