Chapter 163: Chapter 163: An Insincere Apology
Not long after her post went up, the official M2L Weibo account responded.
@M2LOfficialWeibo: We are deeply sorry for the severe impact this has had on Molly Sinclair and all the wonderful customers who trust us. We will be removing the new product from sale and will not be releasing any new products for the remainder of the year. We will use this time to reflect seriously and strengthen our product quality control. Thank you for your oversight and criticism.
What a canned response, utterly devoid of sincerity.
’What about the new products that have already been sold? And there’s not a single word about compensating me for my losses. It’s all just empty platitudes.’
Claire immediately followed the template Henry Hartwell had sent her and pressed on: @M2LOfficialWeibo, what about the endorsement contract? Don’t you plan on giving me a reasonable explanation for that?
The official M2L account suddenly went silent.
Claire was about to press the issue when she suddenly got a notification. Ethan Kingsley had tagged her in a post.
@EthanEastNotWest: @MollySwearsToBeAnIceQueen, here’s 5 million for the cancellation fee, and M2L will permanently withdraw from the Aridian market. Don’t be mad anymore, okay?
Holy shit!
’Five million for the cancellation fee and a permanent withdrawal from the Aridian cosmetics market? Has that guy lost his mind?’
Before Claire could respond, Ethan Kingsley posted again: To all the ladies who purchased any M2L products this year, you can bring your receipts to our stores for a full refund. For online purchases, you can use your electronic receipt to process a refund and return. I don’t want to waste your time on shipping—time that could be better spent on your beauty routines. I will personally cover all expenses.
Reading this, Claire was overcome with an indescribable feeling.
’Ethan Kingsley might be a playboy, but in some ways, he was incredibly talented.’
’M2L’s official account had dodged the real issues, but Ethan Kingsley, as a partner, had not only stepped up to take responsibility but had also voluntarily proposed a plan for compensation.’
’Whether he could actually follow through or not, he had at least shown his sincerity.’
’The man really was the son of Aridia’s richest man. His business acumen was far better than his moral character.’
’In other words, his emotional intelligence was off the charts.’
A short while later, Claire received a call from an unknown number.
She had custom call-blocking software installed on her phone, so any number that got through was a legitimate call, not telemarketing or spam.
Claire answered the phone. "Hello?"
"Molly Sinclair, it’s me, Ethan Kingsley."
Claire silently rolled her eyes. "Mr. Kingsley. Is there something I can help you with?"
"I’m calling to personally apologize. Have you cooled down at all?"
"Not in the slightest."
"I see... Well, after we hang up, accept my WeChat friend request and send me your bank account number. I’ll wire you the cancellation fee."
’Does he have to be so blunt about it?!’
Claire wasn’t particularly moved. ’This guy has more money than sense,’ she thought. "You’re a busy man, Mr. Kingsley. I’m surprised you have to handle even the cancellation fee yourself. I won’t waste any more of your time. We can talk on WeChat."
After hanging up, Claire opened WeChat and, sure enough, saw a friend request.
She tapped "Accept."
EthanEastNotWest: Molly Sinclair, I finally got you added.
PotStirrerClaire: Let’s get down to business. I have things to do.
EthanEastNotWest: Alright, send me your account number.
PotStirrerClaire: ...
Claire didn’t send her account number right away. For some reason, a strange sense of apprehension held her back.
’Just to be safe, I should ask Teacher Hartwell’s opinion first!’
Claire opened her WeChat conversation with Henry Hartwell and typed out a plea for help: Teacher Hartwell, Ethan Kingsley just called me. He told me to send him my account number and said he’s going to give me 5 million for the cancellation fee. Should I give it to him?
