Secret Wife, Real Billionaire

Chapter 39 Renee's decision

*MARCELO*

She seemed serious about wanting to talk toso | crossed my arins and asked.

“What's this about, Renee?”

She moved closer toand brought out a recording.

| frowned as she played the recording.

“Congratulations to our first place winner, Renee Hudson..

“Mr Glenn, I've agreed to your offer to endorse STAR.I'll even reduce my f*e by three million dollars, on one

condition... Renee Hudson must not be your collaborative stylist.”

“We announce Alicia Miguel as the selected stylist. Thank you to the other four stylists for participating.”

| watched as Renee turned off the recording and then she said to me.

“Mr King,KM Group's policy states that the top scorer in the final interview becomes the co-stylist for your

company.lsn't it irregular for an employee to alter the rules for personal gain?I truly believed that | had a shot at

KM Group because it had always prided itself about being fair and giving equal chances to all. This contradicts

those values, doesn't it?“Her stern,business-focused demeanor dispelled the flicker of oddness | had just began

to

sense.

| then understood that this feeling was pity.

But my sympathy seemed to be misplaced because Renee wasn’t a woman to be taken lightly.

Studying her for a couple of minutes, | moved closer to her and cupped her chin.

“Are you threatening me?”

“I am only revealing the truth to you and show you how business should really be done!” She retorted.

“Renee,both capital and connections are resources.”

“True,no matter the era,capital and connections will sometimes supersede talent and ability.“She paused and

continued.

“I am not trying to change societal norms.| just want fairness but...”

“There's a risk that escalating this could harm KM Group.Our incpost-marriage is joint property.A scandal

might lead to a drop in GT Group's stock and profits, which would reduce our income. This would affect my

interests too, right? I'm essentially helping you address the company’s negative atmosphere.”

She looked at me,squarely.

Her expression suggested she expected gratitude for her efforts in getting that conversation recorded.

I let go of her face, trying to hide my amusement of this situation.

Though, she was threatening me, | didn’t really mind being at the receiving end.

“So what's your plan to cleanse this situation?” | asked her

She stared up at me.“It’s your company and your duty.| expect you to do the needful.”

320

I smirked.

She was being practical, just stating fact.

| took off my tie and began to unfasten my cufflinks.

“I'm offering you a chance.What punishment do you wantto give to those two cunning beings?”

*RENEE*

I blinked.

He was lettingpick out a punishment?

“Can | really do that?“l asked, cautiously.

“Yes. You were greatly wronged today so I'll do whatever you want to make it right.”

Well, wrongdoers should always be punished, right?

| crossed my arms and made my decision.

“Firstly,Catherine and Mr Glenn compromised the company for personal gain.They should be dismissed. You

company must sever ties with them.Secondly, your company has unfairly strippedof my rightful benefits.|

expect a fitting explanation.How you explain it reflects your company’s sincerity.If you feel like I'm overreacting

or asking for too much, feel free to disregard what | want.It's your company at the end of the day.”l concluded.

He just stared atwith a smirk on his face and then he headed upstairs.

| took it as maybe he felt | was asking for too much.

But | knew | wasn't!

Catherine had no right to take this opportunity from me!

The following day, | was surprised to receive a conciliatory call from KM Group's interview team.

They apologized and admitted to smiscommunications and expressed their hope forto join them as a

cooperating stylist for the upcoming season.

When the call ended, | was all smiles.

| didn’t expect that Marcelo would indeed do what | asked.

Even if this was the perks that cfrom my husband owning the company.

| was still overjoyed because | knew | deserved this.

At noon, Luke gavea call,informingto cby the company and sign the contract.

He wantedto go KM Group's headquarters!

| was taken aback by the sudden invitation but | agreed to visit the Group’s legal department.

When | got there, | was greeted by the sound of a heated discussion from within.

2/4

+25 BONUS

“We just signed the contract yesterday, and the endorsement announcement was made. Why the sudden

change?” Catherine's agent, a sharp woman in her thirties, was demanding an explanation, clearly not willing to

back down. Catherine, impeccably dressed and made up as though bracing for a battle, sat on the sofa with a

sullen expression. A representative from the legal departiment explained, “Mr Glenn from the brand department

independently decided to sign with Miss Hudson, which contradicts the company’s consensus. Therefore, we've

chosen to terminate the contract. Although this was Mr Glenn's error we're prepared to compensate for the

breach.”

He added with a smile, “This situation hasn't really harmed you. Miss Hudson hasn't begun any endorsements

with us, but she will receive compensation.”

His tone implied Catherine was coming out ahead financially.

Catherine infuriated, abandoned her usual composed public image. “Do you think I'm after money? This is

humiliating. Everyone knows | was the chosen spokesperson. With the contract now void, what are my fans and

the public going to think?”

The agent seized the moment. “We made numerous concessions to sign this contract, yet you reneged the very

next day. If you act unjustly, don’t expect us to sit idly by. Imagine the backlash if the public learns you breached

the contract for no reason. It would surely tarnish your company’s reputation, wouldn't it?”

Clearly, this was a subtle threat.

The legal department representative couldn't help but chuckle. “Let’s set the record straight. It was you who

hyped the endorsement news about Miss Hudson. Any public backlash should be directed at yourselves, not the

company.”

His implication was clear: they were responsible for their own overreach.

“Moreover, Miss Hudson reduced her endorsement f*e by three million just to exclude a stylist. If that news

leaked, | wonder who'd suffer more from the fallout.”

Catherine, seething, fixed her gaze on the representative. “Do you even know who | am?”

“Miss Hudson, if you wish to throw your weight around, I'd suggest returning to the Hudson family.”

The president had already deemed Catherine unfit to work in his company. His word was final, rendering

Catherine's status irrelevant.

The Hudson family held no sway over KM Group.They didn’t even know the owner.

Renee's laughter echoed from the doorway of the legal department.

Caught off guard, everyone turned to her as she apologized half-heartedly, “Sorry. | couldn't help myself.”

Catherine, already fuming, demanded, “Renee, what brings you here?”

“I'm here to sign a contract.” Renee smiled coyly.

“What contract?“Catherine’s anxiety spiked.

oo

At that moment, a legal staff member approached Renee. “Miss Hudson, your contract is ready. Please, this way.”

Renee, glancing back at Catherine, said, “I'm signing the contract that not even a three million dollar discount

could prevent.”

“How...how could this be?“Catherine exclaimed in disbelief “Didn't KM Group already choose someone else as

their contract stylist?”

3/4

But nobody responded to her queries.

She had been so sure she had ruined this chance for Renee.

How did things backfire on her?!