Chapter 72: The Price of His Presence-2
And last to enter was James.
Clain
Earlier, before the team had dispersed, Damien had given James a direct order: attend the contract meeting.
Damien had made it clear-he wanted him there. No room for negotiation.
Eyes on Ethan. Every move. Every word. No detail too small.
Whatever Ethan was here for, Damien wasn’t about to take chances-not when something already felt off. He wanted a close eye in the room for any surprises.
The glass doors slid shut behind them with a quiet hiss.
Inside the sleek conference room, the polished mahogany table gleamed under the soft overhead lights. Ethan’s manager-a sharp-faced woman in a tailored suit-placed a leather portfolio on the table and began laying out the final details of the contract.
Trina stayed poised, tablet in hand, her eyes flicking between the screen and the faces around her, Mary and Aimee sat nearby, ready to answer questions about budget, compliance, and HR protocols.
James sat beside her, silent but watchful, his presence a subtle reminder that this was no ordinary meeting.
Ethan’s easy charm was still there, but now a flicker of something sharper-guarded, maybe even wary-peeked through his practiced smile.
“So? Let’s get all the paperwork out of the way. I’m excited to begin!” Ethan said smoothly,’ the campaign dates are set for the third week of August, right?”
“Yes,” Trina confirmed. “Third week of August is our target launch date. The island’s best spots-from the Garden Pavilion to the beach cliffs and the private yacht. We want to showcase every stunning aspect of Isla Aurelia.”
Mary chimed in, “All models and staff will adhere to our wellness and safety protocols. Any dietary restrictions or medical concerns must be flagged in advance.”
Ethan nodded, flipping through the contract. “Understood. No issues there.”
Aimee spoke up, “Mr. Miller, I understand you made changes to the contract just minutes ago. I am looking at the copy now, and it appears there’s a mistake with your contract. It says here that you’re giving 100% full endorsement rights exclusivity during the campaign period
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to Blackwood Enterprises and besides full accommodation and food, you’re not asking for any fee.”
Ethan’s manager interjected, “That is correct. Initially, Mr. Miller’s fee was 50% of his normal fee for photoshoots. But, during breakfast, he wanted me to change it and do this campaign at no cost.”
“That’s right, I didn’t expect to see a Maya, even more I will get the chance to work closely with her. I’m already happy with that; I don’t need the money. The opportunity to spend time with Maya again after so many years is enough.”
James’s gaze sharpened as he interrupted, “Mr. Miller, Blackwood Enterprises doesn’t do handouts or charity work when it comes to business deals. Money is not an issue when it comes to worthwhile business dealings. And this campaign is one of the newest Crown Jewels of the company.”
Ethan responded, “I know, please don’t get me wrong Mr. Horton, but I am not underestimating the capability of Blackwood Enterprises to pay. It is my personal decision to not charge anything. In fact, I owe you guys even. You’ve given me the opportunity I never thought I’d still have.”
James interjected, “That’s sentimental, but we don’t use emotions when doing business. If this is your choice, that’s fine. But I want to make it clear that our staff is not obliged to provide you with any services, time or energy outside their assigned tasks-especially Ms. Maya Thompson. I understand that you’re acquainted with her, but she is not and will never be part of this contract. I want to make it clear and make sure that you understand that Ms. Thompson is only obliged to perform her duties assigned to her as Special Events coordinator. You cannot bother her for non-work related stuff while on the clock, especially when off the clock. Are we clear?”
The room fell silent. The air became tense.
Something dark flickered in Ethan’s eyes, but it did not linger. He blinked and placed that practiced smile back on his face. “Mr. Horton, I get it, business is business. Don’t worry, you can count on my professionalism.”
James felt off about it but continued- “I’m glad I made myself clear. About the exclusivity clause-your endorsement rights during the campaign period. Can you clarify your current
ommitments? We need full transparency.”
The manager shifted uncomfortably. “Ethan’s primary focus is here, with Blackwood Enterprises. Other endorsements are being reviewed, but no conflicts are expected.”
James’ expression hardened slightly. “We take exclusivity seriously. We expect your full
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Tales 12 The Site of His Presence-2
cooperation. Any deviation, and the contract is void.”
Ethan’s smile tightened. “Understood.”
Clam
Trina smoothly guided the group toward signatures and final remarks, but the atmosphere had subtly shifted. The friendly ease of breakfast was gone, replaced by razor-edged caution.
As the meeting edged toward close, a shared undercurrent pulsed beneath the polished professionalism: something unspoken, a quiet wariness of what Ethan Miller truly brought with him-and what it might mean for Maya, Damien, and the fragile balance they all tried to maintain.
Outside, Ashcroft’s silhouette appeared at the terrace window, phone pressed to his ear. Damien had returned and found Ashcroft standing in the shadows, voice low but firm.
“…double the surveillance and make sure to keep me posted with any new movements.”
He hung up just as Damien reached him.
Ashcroft didn’t bother hiding the tension in his jaw. “There’s movement in Moldova. Nothing. alarming yet, but it’s worth keeping an eye on. One of my men reported two black SUVS arriving two nights ago. They went underground, so we couldn’t confirm who was in them. They stayed for nearly three hours. That location’s been quiet for years. Business as usual- until now. These ‘visitors’ came not long after we left Russia.”
Damien’s expression turned unreadable. “They’re starting to notice something. But it’s too early for them to move.” He paused. “Keep eyes on everything. Every single thing.”
Ashcroft nodded. “Already ordered it. Surveillance has been doubled.”
Damien’s gaze darkened. “That’s not our only problem.”
Ashcroft raised a brow, his dark eyes flicked toward the conference room, unreadable and unread. “I know… that piece of shit actor?”
“Sienna said she saw a document on Trina’s desk-it had the name Altair Creative Group on it. That’s the agency she was supposed to pull a contract talent from. But Ethan Miller? He’s from Orion Models.”
Ashcroft straightened. “Wait… Orion? Isn’t that-”
“Yes,” Damien cut in. “I have a bad feeling about this. This isn’t random.”
Ashcroft’s tone dropped. “This is arranged.”
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.