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He laughs loudly again. "But there's something else. Mr. Shawn Anderson was with him and he asked for a dinner date. He's asking to officially apologize for his family's behavior. He asked me if I could be there too, because I know you...“ He breaks off and Leila is quiet. Cole: ”Sis, I'm in, and you told me he was the only one who was nice. Plus, he said he doesn't think you'd meet him at the estate." Leila: “What do you think?” Cole: “Well, I think we should get it over with and then you can move on.” Leila: “You realize that an apology can't justify his behavior?” Cole becomes serious: “Oh, I'm aware of that. But the man is old and he was sick when all this happened.” Leila: “OK, when?”
Cole: “Today around 7:00 p.m. I'll pick you up.” Leila agrees, then adds, “Oh, before I forget. There's a big event this weekend and it would be really nice if you could accompany me.” Cole: “What kind of event?” Leila: "I'm launching my jewelry line this weekend and since Future has invested in it, you should be there too. Unless you have something better to do. Unless, of course, you have a date,“ she teases him. Cole: ”Do you need my help?“ Leila smiles: ”No, but last weekend I decided to design the models' dresses as well. I called Maurice Castello today and he should be here any minute. If he likes the designs, he'll bring his entire team with him.“ Cole: ”Sounds like a plan. Don't overdo it and remember to eat. I'll pick you up at 6:30.“
She hangs up and Stan enters the office. ”Mr. Castello is outside." Leila: “That was quick. Please bring him in and get some coffee.” She points to her empty cup and Stan nods. Shortly after, Maurice enters the room and Leila goes to meet him. Maurice spreads his arms and gives her a big hug: “Carina, we haven't talked in ages.” Leila smiles and looks at him: “You look good.” And of course, she meant it. Marcello is a man of about 50, but he looks younger. “How's the family?” Marcello talks about his sons and adds that she really must come by again soon because his wife misses her very much. Leila nods and then fetches the designs. Marcello sits there for quite a while, looking carefully at each one. Then he takes his cell phone and gives orders to send his entire sewing team to this address. Each of the designs also includes fabric samples, which he orders right away. He hangs up: “You have me and my team. Impressive work, and you're absolutely right. With these dresses and the jewelry, you have a complete picture.” Leila nods and replies, “Marcello, if your team manages to finish the dresses in time, I would like to give you the designs and rights to these dresses. Of course, I will pay your team, but if you really like the designs, you can use them.” Marcello looks at her: "Carina, the designs are fantastic. None of my designers can even come close. What name are you giving this line?“ Leila replies, ”I was thinking Moonlight Serenade. The jewelry line has the same name.“ He nods and agrees, ”Perfect.“ Leila waits a moment, then sighs and asks, ”Do you know why I didn't get in touch for two years?" Maurice shakes his head. Leila continues: “We—our families are good friends, so I'll tell you, because there are two families that should never be able to buy anything from these two lines, jewelry and clothes.” She begins to tell him what happened to her, and Maurice has tears in his eyes. “Oh my God.” Leila nods, “I don't expect you to believe me just like that, I can show you proof. First I was drugged, kidn*pped, then abused. It's all documented.” Maurice swallows: "Leila, I only know you as an honest person. Of course I believe you.“ He takes his phone and calls his assistant: ”There's a new policy starting today. No one under the name Anderson, Crowl, or Kolla is to be given an appointment or allowed to buy anything from my store. They are banned from the premises. Yes, I know they are special families, but I don't sell to criminals." Leila interrupts him with a cheeky grin: “No, do it differently. They should always have to pay triple the price. I don't want you to lose money.” Maurice beams at her: "Much better. Hit them where it hurts. So, you heard him, they pay three times as much for all the items. The employees get a third of the price as a bonus for each sale.“ Stan enters: ”Mr. Castello, your people are here. I took the liberty of getting the best sewing machines and setting them up in the conference room.“ Leila explains: ”One more thing, we both don't want anything to get out, so Stan will give you cell phones for your employees in a minute. They have to hand in their own cell phones.“ Marcello looks at her in surprise: ”There's special software on these cell phones. If anyone tries to take photos of me or the collection and send them, they won't end up with the recipient, but in our security cloud.“ ”What about my cell phone?“ he asks. Leila laughs: ”I trust you." He nods and Stan goes with him into the conference room, which is slowly filling up with mannequins, fabrics, etc. Stan has also set up a large buffet. The exchange of cell phones goes smoothly and then Maurice hangs the designs on a board and everyone gathers around when he shows them. He points out the time limit, but everyone is very motivated.
Groups quickly form and within a very short time everyone is immersed in their work. Leila and Stan are in the office working through the tasks at hand. Both are completely absorbed when Cole marches into the office. Cole: “Leila, we have to go.” Leila: “What? It was just...” She breaks off.
- Writer
