Chapter 1470
"When I mentioned a stable customer base, I meant that most of their clients are regulars, and many of them have connections
to Darcie or the Saun family," said Vermont.
"If you want to profit in the world of jewelry and precious stones, you either cater to the high-end market, dealing with those
willing to pay a premium price, or target the mass market. That's where you find products made from discarded materials,
skillfully polished to mimic the real thing. They're affordable for the general public, allowing them to own a piece or two without
breaking the bank. With high sales volume, you can still make a decent profit.
"The Velvet focuses on the high-end market, and Darcie's connections serve as her entry to that exclusive clientele. As for the
mass market, Darcie thinks it might dilute the brand image, so she avoided it. They’ve already established a stable relationship in
their high-end market. If you take over, all Darcie has to do is ask, and your clients will turn away and run. You follow?"
Stella grasped the situation. Darcie had, in essence, handed her a shop she could run independently. As long as Darcie did not
meddle, the store would be under Stella's control. She might even need to invest money herself, but the store was highly
profitable on the surface, which kept Wenham from suspecting anything. 'This woman is exceptionally sharp!' Stella had
successfully sidestepped one pitfall only to walk right into another.
"But if I take over and the store doesn't profit for a year or more, won't Wenham think I'm incapable of running a company?"
Stella questioned.
"I don't think so. But if word gets out about the poor performance, there will be grounds for doubting your capabilities no matter
which company he entrusts to you in the future. That won't bode well for your management position," Keegan explained.
Felicity clenched her teeth. "That old fox is so sneaky! Why don't you just tell your dad you can't handle it and give it back to
her?"
"Do you think I'd have the face to return it after playing her like a fiddle?"
Darcie had a plan. Even if Stella returns the store, she will find another way to ruin her.
"So what do we do?" Felicity frowned. "Do we fake the accounts ourselves? Have Keegan be your middleman and move millions
of dollars of goods each month?"
Keegan was shocked to hear her say that.
Vermont knocked Felicity on the head. "Have you lost your mind? Why would we lose money on a business venture? Any expert
can see through your plan. It'll only be more embarrassing if we get exposed."
Felicity swatted away his hand. "I'm just worried about Stella."
Keegan turned to Stella. "What's your strategy?"
Stella pondered for a moment. "First, I'll take over the management rights. As for sales, let's see what Darcie does. I'll shift to the
mass market if the high-end market is beyond my capacity. But I'd prefer to have a finger in both pies. Why not enjoy the best of
both worlds?"
Vermont chuckled. "That's the spirit. Adaptability is key in business. Just go for it, Stella. Keegan's path to a comfortable life is
just around the corner."
Ignoring Vermont's jest, Keegan said, "For high-end market clients, recognizing quality is key. Building relationships is a bonus.
With some effort, you can certainly handle it. You'll be better than Vermont for sure."
Vermont raised an eyebrow. "Flattering your partner by bringing me down, huh?"
Keegan shot him a look. "Well, aren't you one to talk? Your jewelry store relies on celebrities from your company to promote it
and milk their fans for all they're worth."
Vermont did not seem ashamed. "So what if that's true? It's all part of the industry chain."
The room service arrived shortly, and the group sat down to eat. Then, the residents of room 902 bid each other farewell.
Keegan returned after disposing of the trash. He found Stella seated on the couch, rubbing her feet. He paused for a moment
and went to the bathroom. When he returned, he carried a basin of water and placed it by the couch.
'Put your feet in," he said.
Stella glanced at the water, then at Keegan, and suddenly burst into laughter. "You're so dedicated, Mr. Kane."