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Chapter 271 New
Behind The Spotlight Chapter 271


Two months before Collin made the decision to resign...

The news of Apex Network Talent being sold spread further, and the employees talked about it in secret. There was no official announcement, but it was confirmed that Elijah Edward had sold the company to another organization.

An emergency shareholders' meeting was called as a result. Collin and the other executives were present, sitting stiffly around the long table. Most of them were nervous, uncertain about the future of the company now that a new entity had acquired it.

Apex Network Talent was making great strides in the entertainment industry, particularly in its film department. Any decision made by the new boss could impact their positions in many ways, whether positively or negatively.

Even Arnold was wiping his face every other minute, his handkerchief already damp with sweat.

Salvador was present as well. He occasionally glared at Collin with resentment, but he maintained his calm and remained silent. He had already accepted that Shawn's career was over, especially with him rotting in jail. As for exacting revenge against Collin and Jennifer, only Salvador knew the answer.

Lila was also in the meeting. She felt a touch of melancholy, but a text message she received brought a smile to her face as she read it. Fortunately, Lila had learned about the acquisition months ago, giving her time to prepare herself emotionally.

If anyone was exceptionally nervous, it was Claude. He was the President of Talent Management and Representation and had held the position for decades, a throne he protected fiercely. However, he was getting old, and his position was in danger.

He loved the authority and power he possessed, even clinging to it, but he was helpless against a larger organization. He lacked the means to resist higher authority and could do nothing but accept whatever decision was made. His fingers tightened on his chair.

The executives murmured quietly, discussing the meeting and fearing the impending changes.

Suddenly, the door of the conference room opened, and everyone turned to look.

A small group of people entered the room. Some executives swallowed hard as they waited for the announcement.

No one recognized these newcomers, but based on their confidence and demeanor, they were likely the new owners of ANT.

A woman stepped forward to face the table, drawing the gaze of all the executives. She was followed by four men carrying briefcases, two appeared to be lawyers, while the other two were accountants.

"I'm Cherilyn, the representative from General Group, and I will be facilitating this emergency meeting."

She turned to her entourage, and the men opened their briefcases to distribute documents to the executives.

The talent agents began whispering among themselves, knowing that change was now inevitable.

"General Group? Isn't that a private equity firm?"

General Group was similar to Blackstone Corporation, a private equity firm that bought companies to turn a profit.

'I thought it would be the Wallmart family or the Blackstone Corporation. I guess General Group offered a higher price, which led Elijah to sell ANT to them,' Lila thought.

"With the authority granted to me by the new owner of ANT, I hereby announce a change in management."

'As expected... I'm doomed.' Claude closed his eyes, gritting his teeth. Despite his age, he couldn't bring himself to let go of his position, the power was addictive.

"General Group recognizes that Lila Seraphina has brought improvement to the company, but her presence is no longer acceptable. She is terminated from her position, though she will receive three years' worth of severance pay, a performance bonus, and her stock shares will be bought out at 25% above the market rate."

When Cherilyn announced this, the entire conference room fell silent. The first target had been removed.

"Are there any questions? What about you, Miss Lila Seraphina? Do you have anything to say?"

"I accept the decision," Lila said calmly.

Collin was about to stand up, but his phone vibrated. He opened it and saw a text from Lila.

-- Don't do anything stupid, please.

Collin's eyes trembled, and he chose to remain seated. Everyone in the room understood that the decision was final. Someone like Lila, brought in by Elijah Edward, was not welcome under ANT's new ownership.

"Second, for the time being, Mr. Claude will assume Lila's position and become the CEO of Apex Network Talent. Mr. Salvador will step up as the President of Talent Management and Representation while Mr. Claude serves as CEO."

Both Claude and Salvador were stunned by the announcement. Salvador couldn't believe he didn't have to fight for voting power, he had secured the position just like that.

Claude was equally thrilled to receive a promotion instead. Though temporary, the role could become permanent if he proved himself. He had known his days at ANT were numbered, and becoming CEO was his only lifeline.

"We will do our utmost best!"

Claude and Salvador stood up and pledged their commitment to Cherilyn. The woman nodded and dismissed the meeting.

"That is all for now. Aside from Miss Lila Seraphina, everyone may leave."

The executives quickly exited, eager to escape the heavy atmosphere.

Lila had already come to terms with the fact that she wouldn't remain CEO of ANT. Still, before signing the non-disclosure agreement and other contracts, she consulted her lawyers.

When Lila finally stepped out of the office, she looked exhausted. She took a deep breath and let out a soft sigh.

"Did you wait for me?" she asked, turning to Collin, who was standing a short distance down the hallway.

"Yes."

Lila chuckled and walked toward Collin... She wanted to hug him, but she knew they were in the hallway where employees might see them.

She simply stood there in front of him.

It was Collin who made the first move, drawing her into an embrace.

[Thank you for reading this novel.]
 
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