Love's Change of Heart

Daphne said, “If I hadn’t ended the contract with the company, it would be difficult to proceed since the endorsement fees have to go through the company first. But now that I’m not tied to a company anymore, I make my own rules, so there’s no problem at all.”

Zoe said, “So, this means you take installments, right?”

Daphne was speechless. She leaned back against the couch and said slowly, “I don’t have much work these days, and I’ve been feeling bored at home, so I’ll treat it as re-employment. I don’t need any endorsement fees.”

Leanna and Zoe exchanged glances.

Then, Leanna pursed her lips. “That can’t do. We’ll do things according to the rules. Let’s sign a contract, and we’ll pay you every month.”

Zoe nodded as well. “Yes, no matter what, we won’t let you suffer any losses. Even though we can’t pay up for now, it doesn’t mean we can’t do it in the future…”

“Of course, I won’t suffer any losses.” Seeing their determined attitude, Daphne thought for a moment before saying, “How about this? I’ve been working for years, so I still have some money saved up. Would you… let me buy some shares?”

“Buy some shares?” Leanna and Zoe spoke up simultaneously, confused.

Daphne replied, “Yes. I was thinking of investing as a side job, so this is the perfect opportunity. As a shareholder, it’s only natural for me to endorse your business. No matter how much it is, just give me the dividends when you make a profit.”

Leanna still felt that they were taking advantage of Daphne, so she hesitated. “But…”

“Or do you not have faith? Do you think that the studio’s earnings won’t be able to cover my endorsement fees in the future?”

Zoe immediately slapped her thigh. “It’s a deal!”

With that, she looked toward Leanna. “Nana, I think she has a point. Also, we’re trying to expand our business, so it won’t be enough if it’s just the two of us. It’ll be perfect if Daphne buys our shares, right?”

A moment later, Leanna finally looked at Daphne and smiled. “Thank you. Trust me, you won’t suffer losses if you buy our shares.”

Daphne smiled as well. “I’ll be waiting for the dividends, then.”

Zoe said, “Now that this is settled, I have to contact—”

Daphne interrupted Zoe and explained, “Just leave the endorsement to me. Even though my team didn’t leave the company with me, I still have some connections. Promoting the studio won’t be a problem.”

Zoe replied, “Great. I’ll look for a filming site, then. We can’t keep taking shots in this small studio.”

When they were done discussing business, Leanna asked, “Has Theodore been harassing you these days?”

Daphne shook her head. “I heard from Lou—I mean, I heard that his case is already set in stone, but he’s on the run. I don’t know if they’ve found him yet.”

Zoe frowned when she heard that, then couldn’t help but comment, “That lowlife still refuses to give up even when he’s right in the face of death. Please be extra careful lest he tries to do anything to you.”

“Don’t worry, he won’t get into my community,” Daphne said. “The security guards all know his face by now.”

“Why is that so?” Zoe asked casually.

Daphne was about to answer, but she found it hard to speak. She gave a dry laugh, then picked up the cup and took a few sips from it.

Leanna and Zoe understood what was going on, so they didn’t ask any further.

It was only until almost 7.00PM that Daphne left. After seeing her off, Zoe stretched. “At least this matter is settled, and I have one less burden on my mind.”

Leanna said, “Come, let’s go back. Nothing is going on today, so I’ll make dinner for you.”

When Zoe heard that, she froze for a moment as if she were hesitating.

Leanna didn’t have time to ask why when she heard a man’s voice speaking behind her. “Zoe, Miss McKinney.”

Leanna turned around and gave him a light nod. “Mr. Zielinski.”

Brandon said, “Since you’re Zoe’s friend, Miss McKinney, you don’t have to be so reserved. Just call me by my name.”

Leanna smiled. “Then you should call me by my name too, Mr. Zielinski.”

Zoe watched the two going back and forth, then said to Brandon, “Sorry, I forgot to tell you that Nana’s back. Why don’t you go back first—”

Brandon said nicely, “How about this? If you don’t mind, Miss—I mean, Leanna, I would like to treat you to a meal as thanks for taking care of Zoe all this while.”

Leanna glanced at Zoe, who discreetly stuck out her tongue at Leanna.

She looked toward Brandon again, smiling as she said, “It’s okay. Zoe’s been taking care of me instead…” Then, she paused halfway. “Hold on, let me make a call.”

He politely gestured for her to go ahead.

Leanna turned around and walked toward the office.

Zoe said to Brandon, “Find a place to sit. I’ll be right back.”

Brandon’s smile was warm. “It’s okay, I’m not in a rush.”

She followed Leanna into the office. Seeing that she was holding the phone, Zoe closed the door and said in a small voice, “Nana, I forgot to tell you that he comes here every day to take me home these days, and I have dinner with him every night.”

asked, “What do you think about