Chapter 85 - Sweet Soul Studio
Angela's gaze lowered to Samantha's waiting hand, and she hesitantly received it, asking, "You're the chief of Love Tales?"
"Co-founder actually," replied Samantha. "My software company developed the app. I started it with my friend, Becca, under Sweet Soul Studio. You remember Becca, right? You met her recently on the island."
Samantha is a friend of Gael, while Becca was his ex. Great. Just great.
Angela swallowed the burning, massive lump in her throat as she kept the smile on her face. "Ah, yes… Where is Ms. Becca?"
"She has a doctor's appointment today, so she couldn't make it. She sends her apologies." Samantha turned to shake Nina's hand as well and then gestured for them to take their seats. "I understand the need for you to keep your identity a secret, which is why I asked to meet you here in my husband's hotel. It's easier to maintain privacy this way. Rest assured, you're safe here."
Looking at Samantha, Angela thought that she was a bit intimidating. She had met her a few times in the past whenever her brother brought her to some events where the Chos were present. Angela had always thought that Samantha was a kind woman, a loving mother, and the perfect wife. After all, she married Daniel Cho—dubbed once as Mayne City's most eligible bachelor—heck, he's still at the top of some social rank that socialites made up even now that he's already married. They were a power couple that everyone envied.
Owning a company at a young age, Samantha Cho is a formidable woman. She sure was something. And meeting her today definitely shook Angela that her hands became instantly cold. There was something different about the 'Samantha' that she met today. She didn't come here as a family friend. She was here for business and her aura made it even more challenging for Angela to start her proposal.
"I'm really honored to meet the mysterious author of the books I love. No one knew who she was," said Samantha with a small smile on her face as she stared at Angela. "I can actually see myself in you. Who knew it was you all along?"
Angela exchanged looks with her friend. How weird it was to know that the founder of the application, that she was also a fan of, was none other than the woman in front of her who also happened to like her books. It was a complete circle. "You… You love my books?" she asked.
"Yes. In fact, I have read all of them... I'm a huge fan of yours, Angela. Your first book is especially my favorite." Samantha leaned forward. Her elbows were planted on the table as her chin rested on her joined hands. The smile on her face was radiant as she continued, "I relate to the characters so much—I feel like I know them personally. I hope you don't mind me asking… Where did you get your inspiration?"
Angela felt like someone just punched her in the gut. She had the urge to flee and never look back. But she didn't listen to her inner voice. Wanting to change the direction of their conversation, she bravely got straight to the point and began, "Actually, I'm here to negotiate."
"Negotiate?" Samantha lowered her hands but kept them together as she waited.
"I'm afraid I can't let you produce the first book. However, I have a proposal that would benefit both parties."
Samantha's expression was unreadable. She leaned back, crossed her legs, and prompted Angela to continue, "I'm listening."
Without wasting time, Angela explained her plan to write a book series of three stories that would be produced and launched exclusively by Sweet Soul Studio in Love Tales, enumerating the advantages to entice her more. The entire time, she kept her speech formal and her tone neutral while Samantha quietly listened until she finished with her proposal.
"So… What do you think?" Angela probed a minute after she finished speaking, and the other remained silent.
"Give me a minute." Samantha got up from her chair and walked towards the other side of the room to call someone.
Angela glanced at her best friend who smiled at her to give her courage.
Patting her friend's arm, Nina reassured her in a low voice, "I was going to help you, but you already killed it. You didn't need my help anyhow."
A small smile broke on Angela's face. Even with her best friend's words, she was still feeling restless. Talking and trying to convince Samantha Cho, who had a straight face the entire time, was nerve-racking. She couldn't tell whether Samantha was impressed or had even considered her proposal. The way she kept her expression neutral that Angela wished she could read what was going on in her mind.
Samantha's phone call lasted for a few minutes before she came back to her chair. She wordlessly sat down and stared at Nina and Angela.
The room was quiet as the two friends waited for the verdict. At first, Angela already came to accept that if Love Tales would reject her proposal, she would just move on and continue what she was doing. However, now that the decision was in front of her, she suddenly wanted it so badly.
They watched as Samantha reached for a file from her tote bag. The latter held the papers in front of her, and without warning, she tore them in half. Angela's heart throbbed upon seeing the words on the paper as she was sure that it was supposed to be their contract.
Her mouth hung open, unsure of what to say. She and Nina were pretty much dumbfounded.
Samantha got up from her seat, and a smile slowly formed on her face as she spoke, "Well, we can't use that contract anymore. We're gonna need a new one." Then, she held out her hand towards Angela and added, "You've got yourselves a deal. Congratulations."
Angela almost cried in absolute joy over the news. She was over the moon when she accepted Samantha's hand and gave it a firm shake. A huge project was in front of her, and although this was a challenging one, she was definitely excited.
Once their meeting was over, Angela and Nina left the hotel. They got in Nina's car and for a few beats, they were quiet.
Angela turned her head to the left, meeting her best friend's gaze. And at the same time, they screamed like little girls who were just given permission to go to the prom. It was half past nine in the morning and the two were giggling and gushing inside the car at a full parking lot.
Although it was still early to say, Angela could see a bright future ahead. It seemed as if everything was finally falling into place.