Chapter 277 - Never compete with the original

"We will continue with the release as scheduled, including the designs that got leaked." Lena addressed.

"??" Everyone was stunned. Why would Lena want to release the design that was already released?

"Becuase the designs are originally ours." Kiera read Lena's objective. 

Kiera was one of the head designers of SHYNE. She is also the person that Shen Milli wanted to take over SHYNE. Lena had been working with Kiera for months now too since she had been covering the empty spot.

"Yes." Lena replied. "Care to further explain for our colleagues, Kiera?"

"Every single design of SHYNE is made uniquely to match not only the minerals from the Shen Milli, but also designed with history. And specifically for this collaboration with LUX, the models will be wearing fashion from Zhao Lin's fashion line. So the designed are already made to match the fashion trend and the material used. Even if the designs were stolen, they will never compete with the original."

Everyone nodded their heads. They understood the situation now. Even if the designs were stolen and already released, it can't be compared to the original designs. The designs were stolen, but not the idea behind it nor the material and craftsmanship.

"Kiera and Mellissa, you will go speak with Zhao Lin and I will speak with LUX." Lena spoke. "But not only that, there will be precautionary steps that everyone needs to take from now on."

Lena continued to address some more information on the meeting before it was adjourned. By now, whoever the enemy really was, they would already leak the information to their partners and the media. SHYNE would need to make sure that their partners are aware of the situation.

When Lena went back to her office, she immediately hosted a conference call with LUX.

"Hello, Mrs. Reynolds." Lena greeted the woman from the video call.

"Likewise, Miss. Shen."

In the call, Lena could see that there were other people in the room with Mrs. Reynolds. They must be the team that is currently working with her for the collaboration.

"I hope you have good news for us." Mrs. Reynolds spoke.

"Of course." Lena smiled. "Regarding the situation with the leak, LUX does not need to worry about it at all. There will be no delay in the release date and production. There may be some media issues, but that's just how gossips love to spread. We can actually use this drama to promote the release."

"I know Miss. Shen is a capable woman. However, I am still concern about the leak."

"About that. It is true that the designer used a non-SHYNE network to save the file, however, the network was through LUX."

"You're saying...."

"That's right. If the leak was sabotaged, it was not done through our system but yours."

Mrs. Reynolds looked at her co-workers. Then, she looked back at the screen. "I will have out IT team look into it."

"Also, there is a high chance that the other company will issue a legal pursuit after the release. SHYNE's legal team will be ready by then to make sure we win the case."

"A lawsuit to SHYNE is a lawsuit against LUX too. I can send our best legal team to China."

"Thank you." Lena took the offer. 

Lena discussed more things with LUX before the meeting ended. Lena sighed and sat down on her desk chair. She massaged her temples. 

Diane entered the office a bunch of paperwork. 

Lena glanced at her cell phone and looked at her text messages. There was a message from Gary and a few from Kris. 

Lena stood up from her chair, turned around to look out the windows as she gave Kris a call.

He immediately picked up after the first ring.

"Hey." Lena spoke first.

"Everything alright? I heard the news." Kris asked.

"Yep. This actually is a good opportunity for us."

"Is there anything I can help you with?"

Lena did not reply immediately as she thought about his offer. "No. Just make sure your punching bag isn't Keso."

"...." Kris rolled his eyes. "Don't do anything that will make me require a punching bag."

Lena laughed. "No promises." And then she hung up the call.

When she turned around, Diane was patiently waiting for her. Diane gave her a progress report on Madam Zhao's response. Lena thanked her and then she was alone again in her office.

She looked at the pile of paperwork and quickly got to work.

Lena was busy all day. She made sure to take her lunch break but continued to work overtime like the rest of the workers. There was no time to lose when they are getting attacked.

Kris, on the other hand, focused on his own work. If Lena said she didn't need his help, then he would not interfere with her business. After all, he knew very well that his woman can handle her own problems.

Lena continued to work overtime, staying at a nearby hotel instead of going home. Since she was not home, Kris took the time to go and spend time with his friends. Collin was getting married and a married man's life was different. 

They wouldn't be able to go out to drink as often and they would not be able to bully Collin much anymore.

A week quickly flew by and the release for SHYNE x LUX was in a few days.

Lena had not seen Kris for a week and she had been to busy to make time to chat with Gary. She knew that Gary wanted to talk to her about his father, but the time was just not right at the moment.

But today was the day, and Lena needed to stay on her plan if she wanted everything to pan out. 

It was lunchtime when Lena called the man for the fourth time today. Luckily, he finally picked up.

"LENA!" 

"How did you know it was me?" Lena replied.

"...." Tyler dare not say he saved her personal phone awhile back when he stole it from Sammy. "Who would call me 4 times a day without knowing that I don't wake up until noon."

"No wonder you're getting ousted as the next CEO for your father's company."

"Hey!" Tyler shouted. "Why would you be calling me on such a lovely afternoon anyways, Miss. Shen."

"I need a favor." Lena got straight to the point.

"Heh... favor? From me? Why are you not calling your amazing boyfriend?"

"If I needed my boyfriend for everything, then why does everyone else need to exist?"

"...." Creepy. But he likes it!

"I was hoping you can lend me Milo Hu."

"Milo?"

"Yes. You must have heard about SHYNE's situation. I want the best lawyer to be defending me."

"They have not event officially send you a lawsuit yet, why are you already preparing your legal team?"

"Becuase even if they don't send me one, I will send them one. So.. Milo, yes or not?"

"No. You already broke my heart a few times. Maybe if we go on a dinner date, I'll reconsider." After that response, Tyler hung up the call.

However, he continued to stare at the phone, hoping Lena would give him a call back. They said he needed to play hard right? This is considered playing it hard right? AHHH! But why isn't she calling back? 

It has been 20 minutes since he hung up the call. 'Call me back, please!!! I'll give Milo to you for free.....' He stared at the phone, still half-naked in bed.