When Love is a Question Mark
Chapter 70: Contract

Chapter 70: Contract

Victoria slid the folder across the table to Zinnia. "I’ve drafted a new version of the contract. I think this will suit both sides better. Take a look."

Zinnia’s hands trembled slightly as she opened the folder. She scanned the pages, her breath catching. She had expected a list of issues, revisions, or maybe even a rejection. But as she read through, she realized it wasn’t that at all.

The new draft wasn’t a refusal; it was almost a gift. Victoria had changed a few terms, but it felt more like giving them free access to the cargo ships without demanding much in return. All Lily Oceanic wanted was for the films to succeed and to portray the company in a positive light.

Zinnia’s eyes widened as she looked up at Victoria. Surprise and relief washed over her. She blinked, almost as if she couldn’t believe what she was seeing. "This... this is too good," she said, still processing it. "But why free access?"

Victoria kept her calm expression, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. She had asked her boss the same thing, but now she repeated what she had been told. "Because it makes sense for us. The exposure will benefit our company more than any profits we’d get from that deal."

Zinnia frowned slightly, still trying to wrap her head around it. "Are you sure about this? Won’t it be a loss for you?"

Victoria leaned back, her eyes steady. "Yes, we’re sure. No need for anything complicated," she said, repeating what her boss had told her. "They’ll make us look good. That’s what matters. We already have the logistics and the ships. If your movies bring more awareness to our brand, it opens doors to new opportunities. People will see Lily Oceanic as a supportive, forward-thinking partner."

She added, "Think about it. If the movie does well and shows our ships, our brand will be seen across international waters, in different markets. The goodwill alone can lead to new deals, even outside of entertainment. Plus, there’s still a legal aspect—free access doesn’t mean without obligations. The contract ensures we’re credited and recognized as a key partner."

Zinnia felt a weight lift off her shoulders. She glanced at her father, who had been silently reading over her shoulder. Ricardo’s face softened into a smile, his eyes shining with pride.

"It’s a partnership," Victoria said. "We’re in this together, and I want it to succeed as much as you do."

Zinnia felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. She had been bracing for the worst, but now she realized she had been wrong. Victoria wasn’t there to cancel the deal; she was there to improve it. Not just improve it, but make it better than Zinnia had ever hoped.

"Thank you," Zinnia said, her voice full of sincerity. "I really appreciate this. I was worried..."

"I could tell," Victoria said gently. "But you don’t need to be. You’re doing a great job, Zinnia. Sometimes it’s just about finding the right balance, and I’m here to help with that."

As Victoria spoke, a thought crossed her mind. She wondered why Ms. Lily, her boss, was so eager about this partnership. There was something about Zinnia that seemed to make her boss unusually excited, as if there was a personal connection. But Victoria didn’t linger on it; her job was to ensure the contract was solid and beneficial, and from what she saw, it was.

Zinnia’s eyes softened, and a smile spread across her face. She felt the tension slowly fade. "I can’t thank you enough."

They spent the next hour going over the new contract, discussing the adjustments, and ensuring everything was clear. Victoria explained each change patiently, and Zinnia listened carefully, asking questions whenever she needed clarification. Ricardo would chime in now and then, his comments brief but insightful, making sure everything was in order.

Finally, after all the details were covered, they signed the contract. Zinnia felt more confident, more prepared, and most importantly, more assured that she could handle this.

As Victoria walked out, she turned back to Zinnia and Ricardo. "I look forward to working closely with both of you. I think we’re going to do great things together."

Zinnia smiled, the last of her anxiety melting away. "So do I. Thank you, Victoria."

After she left, Ricardo turned to his daughter, his smile warm and proud. "See? It wasn’t as bad as you thought. It was even better than we could’ve hoped."

Zinnia nodded, letting out a small laugh. "I guess I was overthinking it all."

Ricardo smiled and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It’s normal to feel nervous, especially when it’s something this important. But you handled it well, and now you know that not every surprise is a bad one."

Zinnia’s heart felt lighter. "I really thought she was going to say they didn’t want to work with us anymore."

Ricardo chuckled. "Sometimes we let our fears paint a picture that’s far from reality. The key is not letting those fears stop you from moving forward. You’re stronger than you think."

Zinnia smiled, grateful for his support. "Thanks, Dad. I’ll keep that in mind."

Ricardo gave her a nod, his expression serious yet kind. "And remember, even if a deal doesn’t go through in the future, it doesn’t define you. Each experience, whether good or bad, will teach you something. That’s how you grow."

Zinnia looked at the folder, still open on the table. "I guess I have a lot to learn."

"We all do," Ricardo said, his eyes twinkling. "But you’re on the right path, Zinnia."

As she packed up the contract and tidied her desk, there was a knock on the door. Marcos entered, his face serious. "Bad news," he said, glancing between Zinnia and Ricardo. "The new recruits are protesting. They think we’re giving favoritism to Ms. Zinnia here. They say it’s unfair that she’s getting all the benefits as soon as she joined, while they’ve been training for months."

Ricardo’s face hardened slightly. "I see," he said. "We need to address this right away. Zinnia, come with me. Marcos, gather the recruits. We’ll talk to them directly."

Zinnia felt a knot in her stomach. She knew this wouldn’t be easy, but she couldn’t back down now. She had to face it head-on, just like she had with the contract.

"Yes, sir," Marcos said, already moving to carry out Ricardo’s orders.

Zinnia took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves. "I’m ready, Dad."

Ricardo looked at her, a faint smile on his lips. "I know you are."