Page 77 of My Ruthless Neighbor

The entire room bursts into applause. Hannah gives me a proud smile while Raleigh says, “That’s my brother.”

I shake my head, the corner of my mouth lifting. “I can’t take the sole credit for KIM Advertising’s success. This agency is on top because of you all.” I point the finger at them. “So chin up. I will not tolerate any kind of sad looks from you all.”

Brielle nods enthusiastically. Mia wipes a tear. Jason and Chris holler.

“Quit thinking of the past. You can’t change that. That’s not in your power. However, whatisin fact in your power is what you’d do next. This is where I come in.”

More cheers follow. Their enthusiasm is contagious. I can’t help but smile at them.

“All right, listen up. Can anyone answer why clients choose KIM Advertising over anyone else?” I ask.

Justina, Brand Marketing Manager stands. “Because we are versatile. We have all the resources and expertise that caters to every industry.”

“Correct.” I motion for her to sit. “So you see. We have more scope than any specialized agency. And Genesis Media is a specialized agency.”

Chris jumps up. “Oh, yes! They can’t provide all the services we do, that’s why they could only get three deals from us.”

“You mean they’ve been chasing all of our clients?” Brielle screeches.

Chris sighs. “Pretty much.”

Brielle’s gaze flies to me. “One signal. All I need is one green signal from you and Imma drop a missile on their building!”

Mia chuckles. “And how are you going to get your hands on a missile?”

Brielle rolls her eyes. “Have you surfed YouTube lately? They’ve got tutorials on everything. I am going to make one myself!”

Bursts of laughter greet her declaration.

“Pay attention, everyone.” Hannah’s voice booms, quieting the chatter in seconds. Then, “Please continue, Archer.”

“Okay, that was hot,” Raleigh murmurs. It is loud enough that everyone chuckles.

I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Raleigh.”

“Sorry.” He murmurs.

I sigh. “Let’s be serious, guys. Focus.”

When they fall silent, I start. “We need to plan a new advertising campaign that will blow up just like the Smith’s.”

This time Hannah speaks. “But how is that possible? You know why the Euphoria project got so much attention.”

Raleigh and Hannah had planned to get married at the resort to promote it. How could I forget?

“We are not doing anything like that.” I give them a pointed look.

“Then what are we gonna do?” This is from Nina.

“You remember we were approached by a new clothing line?”

“Yeah. Modern Closet.” Nina nods. “They wanted to hire us but couldn’t afford it. They are very new and not quite famous.”

“Good. Call them and say that we are ready to negotiate because we are interested in working with them.”

“What?” At least three people shout simultaneously.

“You all know I hate repeating myself.”

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