Page 76 of The Ties That Bind
“While I appreciate the sentiment,” Sir stated, glancing at Hope, “I’m far too invested in seeing what the future brings for our children.”
“It is exciting, isn’t it? They have their whole lives ahead of them.”
His eyes flashed with pride. “We don’t know what talents lay within them or what passions they will aspire to.”
“And we get to be there through all of it, encouraging them every step of the way.” She looked down at Anthony tenderly. “I just love being a mom!”
“It certainly suits you.” Sir’s tone suddenly became more serious when he said, “Whatever today brings, do not compromise what’s important to you, Brie.”
“I won’t,” she promised. “I plan to do as you’ve always instructed me and trust my gut.”
He took her hand and kissed it. “It has never led you astray, babygirl—which I am eternally grateful for.”
Brie dressed up for the meeting, making sure her hair and makeup were on point. She placed Tono’s orchid in her hair, then applied bright red lipstick.
She smiled at her reflection, thinking of Ms. Clark as she carefully blotted it. The Domme’s powerful demeanor was something she wanted to emulate during this meeting. Although she was a submissive by nature, when it came to her films, Brie was as fierce and protective as any Dominant.
Mr. Thompson and Mr. Phillips arrived well before eleven, giving her time to explain the new stipulation she’d added to the contract in regards to the Tatianna Legacy Center.
“That’s quite admirable of you,” Mr. Thompson stated.
She shook her head. “I don’t see it that way. Although I have never walked in their shoes, as you know, I came close because of Lilly. If my documentary can ease these girls’ suffering in any way, it would mean the world to me.”
“Do you actually expect to make over a million with this film?” Mr. Phillips asked her.
Brie shrugged. “A girl can dream, can’t she? Especially when it’s for a good cause.”
“There’s no reason not to aim high, Mrs. Davis,” Mr. Thompson agreed.
“I’ll need you both to verify that the contract honors the new conditions.”
“Certainly,” Mr. Phillips stated.
The same flock of lawyers who had attended the first meeting returned. As they entered the house, Mr. Thompson directed them to the long dining room table where Brie was waiting for them.
She made eye contact with each man as they entered. Once all of them were seated, she addressed them as a whole. “It is a pleasure to see you again.”
Brie understood each person seated represented the top names in the industry, including Michael Schmidt, the greatest film editor in the business. This offer did not have only one film distributor but many, each company specializing in its own territory of the world. Mr. Cummings was quick to remind her that the documentary would not only be released in theaters, but also on DVD, cable, and digital platforms.
Truly, the offer was everything Brie ever dreamed of.
Taking the thick file from his briefcase, Mr. Cummings said, “As agreed, your percentage will go to the charity you requested up to the amount of…” He cleared his throat. “…one million dollars before the proceeds revert to you.”
He slid the extensive contract over to Brie. “As we discussed, both changes have been added to the contract and are non-negotiable.”
Brie looked Mr. Cummings in the eyes when she took the contract from him and then immediately placed it in Mr. Thompson’s capable hands.
While she waited for her two lawyers to go through every line Brie smiled at the gathering, feeling a sense of freedom she’d never had before. If anything was amiss, she would simply refuse to sign the contract. Brie’s life would continue on the new path she’d created for herself, and she was completely at peace with that.
It was incredibly empowering!
When both lawyers finished reading through the contract, Mr. Thompson handed it back to Brie and read over the two additions with her, explaining the legalese in layman’s terms.
“No other changes have been made to the original contract, Mrs. Davis. Everything is in order.”
Brie felt a surge of excitement as she picked up the pen Mr. Cummings handed her. “It appears we have a deal.”
She proceeded to sign her name with a dramatic flair.
