Chapter 51 - 51

Alaric Mendes and his assistant had come to Anderson Industries for his appointment. It was an appointment directly with the head of the company, Blake Anderson.

When he got to his office Blake was not there, he was asked to wait, "Sir please be seated, Mr. Anderson will come in as soon as he can," the receptionist said.

Alaric became angry, his time was precious, and he could not afford to wait for anyone. Since he was famous aboard, he was used to doing things his way. 

Alaric's assistant knew that his boss hated it when people did not respect time.

"We came at the agreed time, but now you are making us wait?" Alaric's assistant complained.

"Everyone has to wait for Mr. Anderson, I can't help it," the receptionist said, not bothered by the complaint. A lot of celebrities came to meet Blake Anderson daily, and most of them were rude and threw tantrums when their needs were not met, so the receptionist was not really bothered, he was just another one of them.

Blake had a way of handling these celebrities, and even celebrities who are arrogant at first would eventually bow down to Blake later.

He was more famous than any other celebrity in the entertainment industry not only because of his looks but because of his work ethics and the way he has built up his company. 

Blake was very sarcastic and unapologetic, but people respected him and looked up to him. 

As each minute passed by Alaric was becoming more irritated.

"Sir, let me go and check again where he is," his assistant said as he got up and tried to ask, but they got the same answer, so they couldn't do anything but wait.

After half an hour, Blake finally showed up with his assistant. He was dressed up in a light blue-grey suit that people usually regarded as more colorful than regular business suits. Because he was exposed to the media all the time, he thought to amp up his wardrobe and look the part of a stylish business owner.

"Hello Mr. Mendes, it's so good to have you here," Blake said smiling.

"Well I really don't really feel so well after waiting for a long time," Alaric said rudely.

"Well, my apologies for being late. There is only one me, but a lot of celebrities want my time," Blake said.

"Are you saying that you are more important than all of us?" Alaric said.

"Well I cannot deny the truth," Blake chuckled.

Alaric was getting pissed, he thought that he was another business that used the celebrities for gain, but that was not true. Sometimes celebrities behaved very badly, and he had to help with damage control. So he was not late on purpose.

There was an opening ceremony at one of the showrooms of a very luxurious clothing company. The celebrity that was supposed to be their chief spokesmodel backed out at the last minute.

They could not replace the model with a B list celebrity for the event because it was a very famous brand. The A-list celebrities were all booked for other events while some were shooting offsite.

Blake had to see which A-list celebrity was in the same city. He was trying to find out who's commitments could be shifted so they could replace the missing representative, and this made him late.

The celebrity who canceled was banned from the entertainment industry forever, not because she canceled at the last minute but because she got more money from a rival company to make her back out at the last moment. Their goal was to leave a black mark on the Anderson company.

But what they did not anticipate was that Blake always had a solution to everything, he had been in the industry for a long time and he always came prepared with a plan B. He knew the unpredictable nature of the celebrities.

He handled only the top celebrities for the main events, the other celebrities were handled by the other managers.

This was Alaric Mendes' first meeting with Blake, and they already started on the wrong foot. 

"I don't think that working with you will be a good experience," Alaric said.

"I think you should consider my offer before you decide Mr. Mendes," Blake said.

"I will find another company," Alaric said as he stood up.

Blake did not even bat an eye, he just plates with the paperweight on his desk. "Sure Mr. Mendes, but the international show you want to attend is only possible if you join our company," Blake smirked. 

"What are you saying," Alaric stopped.

"I know the real reason you chose my company, Mr. Mendes. Every five years an international music festival takes place, and there is one this year.

Only the best can win the competition, and all the best people from all over the world will enter this competition. The training, promotion, and attendance requires a lot of money.

Small companies cannot afford all that expense, but the Anderson group is the top and best entertainment company in our country. You may go abroad to find some sponsors, but no one will use that much resources for people who are not native to their country. The government encourages them to support their own citizens," Blake said.

Alaric was shocked by how much Blake knew about his dream to enter the international music festival. Previously, they did not select him because he was representing another country he was not a citizen of.

Anderson Company always conducted a background check before hiring their celebrities. 

Alaric had no choice but to sign with this company if he wanted to get the 'Best pianist in the world' title.

"When can we start working with each other?" Alaric asked.

"I believe good things should not be delayed, how about tomorrow?" Blake said, and Alaric agreed.

"My assistant will send you some documents you'll need to sign. If you need anything or have any questions, you can contact my assistant from now on," Blake said.

"Excuse me, I have to take this," Blake said as he got a call from Nina, his older sister always called him to tell him about her silly problems. 

Alaric and his assistant stayed for a while chatting with Blake's assistant regarding their work and training schedule. He was excited to get started with his training.

But when they got to the ground floor, "I have personal stuff to deal with, take a taxi and go home," Alaric said to his assistant. 

He was driving to the Wesley house, the Wesley's were very good to him while he was growing up because their dads used to be business partners. He used to come and hang out with Ava and Sara all the time, and he cannot wait to see how Ava had turned out. 

He was very excited to meet Ava after a long time.