Chapter 538

It had been many years since anyone had dared to speak to Hackett in such a manner.

Not even Brylee would have been bold enough to speak to him like this in the past.

Hackett fought to hide the flush creeping up his neck.He briefly shut his eyes, inhaled deeply, and then forced a tight smile at the corners of his mouth.

"Ms. Harper," Hackett said with a faint smile, trying to project generosity, though the anger simmering in his eyes was barely concealed. "You really should keep your subordinates under control."

Hackett turned his steely gaze to Daniela, "Ms. Harper,with such an expansive business,it would be quite the scandal if people learned you couldn't even manage your own team properly."

Hackett let out a cold, humorless laugh before tilting his head slightly, locking eyes with Cedric, his tone now laced with respect. "Right,Mr.Phillips?"

He was clearly attempting to impress Cedric, putting on an act. Daniela let out a sharp snort of laughter.

Cedric joined in the laughter, and for reasons he couldn't pinpoint, Hackett felt an unexpected twinge of unease.

Then Cedric said, "Lillian is family. We can't treat her as an outsider. What's the matter, Mr. Graves? Do you have an issue with that?"

Hackett's face drained of color at the words. He had clearly made a blunder.

"Oh, I see. I thought she was just a secretary. How thoughtless of me."

Hackett let out a quiet sigh of relief, quickly glancing over at Lillian.

She stood with her arms crossed, her expression aloof and indifferent.

After a rough start, Hackett leaned in,lowering his voice. "May I have a word? There's a small matter I'd like to discuss."

Cedric looked at Daniela, who gave a small,knowing smile.

Cedric rose to his feet, with Hackett quickly following.

Cedric took a seat a few paces away from Daniela. Hackett settled into the chair next to Cedric.

Hackett forced a smile. "Everyone knows how deeply you cherish your wife. And I could see it now.

Cedric's expression remained unreadable.

Hackett pressed on, "However, I believe your wife is a bit too ruthless. In business, we should greet people with warmth to ensure success."

Cedric arched an eyebrow, his expression still cool. "Is that so?"

Hackett opened his mouth to respond when Cedric casually added, "Are you implying that your.family's success is thanks to your wife winning favor from others?"

Hackett's face stiffened at the words, his expression locking in place. After all, no one dared speak to the president of the commerce association in such a manner.

Hackett's face remained rigid for a long moment before he clenched his teeth and said, "Mr. Phillips,you must be joking. I was simply offering some advice.Maintaining a balanced relationship is essential. I've heard your wife was your first love, so it's natural for you to be so protective of her. But if you focus too much on your wife, your standing at home will suffer.

In love, it's vital to maintain the upper hand." Cedric's gaze grew cold, his eyes locking onto Hackett.

Hackett's face took on a smug grin. "There are three tricks to dealing with women. Would you like to hear them? First, don't spoil them too much, but don't ignore them either. Treat them like a cat-tease them when you're interested, and give them space when you're not. Second, don't give them too much power.Otherwise, they'll start thinking they're someone important, and it will be harder to put them in their place. Third, don't shower them with too much money or let them flaunt themselves in public. Keep them like a bird in a cage, dependent on you. This way,they'll always rely on you, a puppet in your hands."

With each word, Cedric's expression grew icier.

Hackett had often shared these thoughts with others,and as the president of the association, he was accustomed to flattery. He felt a sense of satisfaction sharing his "insights" with Cedric, believing it might bring him closer to him.

Business and women were always the best topics to bond over. A couple of drinks and men would treat each other like old friends.

"Mr. Graves," Cedric called out.

Hackett smiled, responding, "Yes?"

"If I remember correctly, you started your career in the entertainment industry, didn't you?"

Hackett,slightly puzzled,replied,"Yes."

"I recall your female artists often play roles as independent, strong, and dignified women. So, in your view, are women just meant to depend on men?"

Hackett chuckled. "That's just a marketing strategy.Women today love that image, don't they? They seem independent and strong, but deep down, they're still fragile and need support. We just give the market what it wants."

Hackett's film company had produced many female-led blockbusters,each a hit.

No one expected that beneath the facade of championing female independence, Hackett actually held women in contempt.

"Mr. Phillips, you're just too devoted. We should talk more about these matters in the future. You'll see how enjoyable it can be." Hackett grinned at Cedric. "I wonder if you'd be interested in visiting my home. My three daughters just returned from studying abroad and are at home. They all admire you greatly."

Cedric glanced at Hackett's sycophantic grin, his stomach turning with disgust. "Is that so?" "Mr.Graves, you really go all out for business. Don't forget, I'm a married man."

Hackett chuckled. "That's why I think you're too attached. Only those with little would rely on marriage to secure their lifestyle. What's its true value, other than polishing your public image?' For men, pleasure is what really matters."

Hackett left with a smug grin, handing Cedric a note with his home address before exiting. "I'll be waiting for you at my home,Mr. Phillips."

With that, Hackett left, his smile widening.

Just as Cedric was about to toss the note into the trash, Daniela stepped forward and stopped him.