Skylar’s lips curved slightly. “We currently have several promising novels under evaluation.”
Dominic muttered to himself, “It’ll still be quite a while before this project materializes and officially enters production. I’d better urge Zack to work harder, so he doesn’t miss the boat.”
“Dominic, I’d appreciate it if you could keep a closer eye on Zack and guide him properly, so he doesn’t stray from the right path.”
“Rest assured, Ms. Lambert. I’ll make sure to do exactly as you asked.” Dominic finished speaking and went back to work.
Skylar also returned to work. Her team completed the novel evaluations and emailed the results to Skylar.
She clicked open the email and went through each evaluation one by one. The evaluations were thorough, with clear justifications for acquisition decisions.
She selected several promising titles from the evaluations and instructed her team to proceed with acquiring the copyrights.
However, there was a small problem during the copyright purchase process. They had no choice but to call Skylar.
“Ms. Lambert, we have a situation.”
Skylar switched the phone to her other hand while her fingers flew over the keyboard. “What’s going on?”
“Ms. Lambert, someone must have leaked the news. They’re deliberately driving up the price against us. We can’t secure the novel rights at our original price.”
Skylar paused her typing. “Oh? Okay, cancel the purchase for now and return to the office.”
There was a surprised “Huh?” from the other end. “But, Miss, we’re just going back empty–handed?”
Skylar replied firmly, “Yes, return now.”
Without another word, the team followed Skylar’s orders and headed straight back to the office. They entered the office
with regret, apologizing to Skylar.
“Ms. Lambert, this is entirely our fault. Had we been more competent, this entire thing would never have happened.”
The team was unable to complete the task. Not because of any lack of competence, but due to an internal information leak that made it impossible to purchase the copyrights at the original price.
Skylar didn’t blame them. Speaking calmly, she reassured them, “This isn’t your fault. Competition for good novel rights is perfectly normal in this business.”
Skylar added calmly, “Alright, team, you can head back now. If we can’t secure copyrights of these novels, we’ll find some
alternatives.”
After reassuring her team, Skylar summoned her assistant into the office. Skylar asked, “I need the names of the people involved in this project.”
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Chapter 329
“I’m not entirely certain yet,” the assistant said. “We’ll need to conduct a thorough investigation and cross–check the
details.”
“Look into this and compile a complete list for me.” After a brief pause, Skylar added, “And keep it discreet. Don’t tip
anyone off.”
“Understood, Ms. Lambert.”
This approach alone wouldn’t be enough to identify the mole. Skylar knew she needed to dangle some bait to lure them
out into the open.
Skylar handpicked a new batch of novels for evaluation. After receiving the assessments, she kept the shortlist strictly
confidential.
23
She called in the team leader responsible for copyright acquisitions. “I’ll be taking personal charge of this matter. For now, leave the list in my office. Once I’ve wrapped up my current tasks, we’ll finalize everything, understand?”
The team leader couldn’t have been happier. With Skylar personally at the helm, everyone had a surge of confidence.
Skylar instructed, “Let your team know they need to stay battle–ready at all times.”
The team leader smiled and nodded. Back in the office, he immediately gathered his team and said, “We messed up last time, but Ms. Lambert didn’t blame us. That shows how understanding she is.
“Let’s not screw this up again. We need to give it our all this time!
“If you guys nail this job, I’m treating everyone to a fancy dinner!”
As he spoke, he fired up his team. The rest of the team was fired up, their energy through the roof.
Minnie, sitting at the very last workstation, bit her lip. ‘What am I supposed to do now?‘ she panicked.
Minnie felt uneasy. ‘Now that Skylar is taking charge herself, how am I supposed to get the acquisition list?
‘If I can’t finish what that person asked me to do, will they take back all the money they gave me?
‘No way. That’s my money. Once it’s in my pocket, there’s no way I’m giving it back,‘ she thought stubbornly.
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