Behind The Spotlight Chapter 190
The Beaumont family had heard about Wyatt Bray's movies. They also knew about Lawrence Terrence and the others.
They were shocked to learn that Collin was actually their talent agent, the man managing those high-profile names. No wonder Princess Chantal became famous. Her success suddenly felt inevitable rather than accidental.
"I assume you're the biggest factor why she became a star," Simone asked curiously. Just like Stufedia, he also didn't believe that Princess Chantal became famous purely because of talent or luck.
"Indeed."
Collin admitted it, but didn't elaborate.
'Instead of thinking that their daughter sold herself to old people, it's better if they believe she became famous because of me. This way, their pride is preserved and their hostility is reduced. They can believe they didn't make a mistake in abandoning Princess Chantal, that the problem never lay with them.'
Just as Collin expected, Simone and Stufedia felt relieved and pleased after hearing his confirmation.
'So it didn't matter if we abandoned Chantal or not, she didn't became famous because of her talent anyway.' Stufedia thought.
"That's wonderful to hear. Is it possible to make my second daughter famous too? If not, how about me? I believe I have what it takes to be an actress. I am charming."
Stufedia excitedly stood up, showing her non-existent curves and striking a pose she believed was alluring.
"Just like what I said earlier, you look like a bloated bullfrog, and no amount of confidence will change that."
"What!?"
Collin didn't bother listening to Stufedia anymore. He had already dismissed her existence. Instead, he looked at Alice. The girl instinctively sat up straight when Collin's gaze fell on her.
Collin had a simple yet demanding criterion when signing clients: the person had to possess a golden talent, something that could survive in the entertainment industry.
"Do you have a talent?"
"I-I'm good at studying and remembering things," Alice answered nervously.
Words appeared above her head.
-- Alice Beaumont
-- High Memorization (Yellow Talent)
Collin slightly raised his brow. He admitted that he was surprised Alice had a clear talent. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough for him, and it lacked direct commercial appeal.
"I recommend that you focus on your education instead. That path suits you better," Collin said.
"T-Thank you." Alice felt disappointed. Many people dreamed of becoming famous, so it wasn't strange that she wanted the same.
"Collin, I can assure you Alice has what it takes to be famous. In my opinion, she's better than Chantal, she's more obedient and easier to shape."
"Mrs. Bullfrog, I'm not talking to you."
He turned to Simone. "Mr. Beaumont, I have something to tell you and your family. This concerns all of you."
Simone sensed the shift in Collin's demeanor.
"Go on. We're listening. Say what you need to say."
"Princess Chantal wanted to convey this through a formal message." It was fortunate that everyone was present. Collin didn't want to repeat himself or waste time.
He pulled out a small note, clearly prepared in advance.
"For Mr. Simone and his wife, Princess Chantal stated that you were never her parents in an emotional sense. You only fulfilled the bare minimum, feeding her and providing shelter until she became an adult. Basic obligations. However, she also acknowledges that she owes you for those years."
Stufedia and Simone nodded with pride. In terms of material provision, they believed they had done their duty.
"For that reason, she intends to pay you $30,000 monthly for eighteen years. As for Alice Beaumont, Princess Chantal is willing to shoulder her education expenses from now on. If Alice chooses to attend college, her tuition will be fully covered. In exchange, none of you may disturb my client again, no visits, no messages. You are forbidden from defaming her or contacting the media in any form."
"What?" Stufedia was stunned. Her expectations were completely shattered.
"That's it? Mr. East, it seems you don't understand. What we want is to meet Chantal and talk to her personally. I miss my daughter. Do you know how painful it is for a mother not to see her child for years?"
Stufedia put on a performance, but Collin wasn't impressed. He had seen far worse.
'If these people met Princess Chantal, they would emotionally trap her and squeeze her for more money.'
"It seems I can't reason with Mrs. Bullfrog. Princess Chantal has already made it clear, she does not want to meet any of you. This is final. What about you, Mr. Beaumont?"
Stufedia's fake tears failed completely. Even Simone looked at her with disdain, embarrassed by her obvious intentions.
Simone lowered his head, calculating gains and losses. Unlike Stufedia, who acted irrationally, Simone understood his own heart. He felt no attachment to his daughters. What mattered most to him was financial security in old age.
'It seems I need to divorce Stufedia as soon as possible.'
"$200,000 monthly. I also want Alice to receive $100,000 monthly, but she can only access it once she becomes an adult, so it accumulates. She needs money to live properly. Princess Chantal doesn't hate her younger sister enough to deny that, right?"
Collin controlled his expression, hiding his satisfaction. This was exactly what he wanted. Once money entered the negotiation, emotions no longer mattered.
"Mr. Simone, you seem to misunderstand. Your conditions mean my client would be paying $500,000 every month, an unreasonable burden."
"She has plenty of money. She can afford it."
Collin scoffed.
"$500,000 monthly is excessive. You can't possibly expect my client to provide that. Instead, $50,000 per month for you and your wife, while Alice receives $5,000 monthly alongside her education fund. That's already generous. Converted to francs, $50,000 is around 600,000 francs."
"The official currency was changed to the euro this year. You're outdated."
"Even so, it's still a huge amount of money," Collin replied calmly.
"$150,000 for my wife and me, and $15,000 for Alice," Simone pushed, testing limits.
"Not happening. $60,000 and $6,000."
The two continued exchanging numbers. Stufedia listened quietly. While the sums were massive, she still wanted to meet Princess Chantal.
'My daughter once begged for my love. Even now, she's still weak inside. If I get close enough, I can manipulate her.'
In the end, they compromised on $100,000 monthly for Simone and Stufedia, and $10,000 monthly for Alice, along with full educational funding.
"Let's contact our lawyers today and finalize the contract. Otherwise, I might lower the amount tomorrow."
Collin was bluffing, but the threat sounded convincing.
"Of course, of course." Simone was both nervous and exhilarated.
They shook hands, sealing the agreement. Shortly after, their lawyers arrived. Quincy Jennings had been waiting in the restaurant the entire time for Collin's signal.
The contract was drafted immediately.
In exchange for never contacting Princess Chantal again, the Beaumont family would receive steady monthly payments. Each member signed their respective contracts, binding them legally.
"If you attempt to contact my client, this agreement becomes null, and you won't receive a single dollar," Collin said as he stood up and adjusted his suit.
"And if you attempt to defame her in any way, prepare for retaliation. We will make sure you regret it."
Stufedia swallowed hard as fear finally set in. She stared at the numbers on the contract. It represented a lifetime of comfort.
'… I should be satisfied with this, right?'
She chose safety over greed. Despite her delusions, she was a coward at heart.
---
[This novel has 74 chapters on Patreon.]