Chapter 101
Zack turned thirty this year. He was hoping Innocence would be his ticket back to fame, one last shot at an award before making a grand exit from the industry and ending his acting career on a high note.
Vivian, on the other hand, was a trending starlet who still didn’t have a single real hit to her name. To land the female lead in Innocence, she forced herself to sleep with the company bass, swallowing her disgust.
If she didn’t get this role, all that humiliation would’ve been for nothing.
Tom, Zack, and Vivian all stared at Simone, just waiting for her to give in. Everyone thought Simone would cave under the weight of Sky Pictures influence in Sogin, but Simone’s next words completely blindsided them.
Simone said, “I already gave you your chance. Stop wasting your time. This contract is done” Her eyes were icy as she stared at Tom, her tone leaving no room for argument,
Tom was a fairly well–known name in the entertainment industry, and he’d tried every trick in the book, but Simone wouldn’t give him the time of day. His patience snapped, and the friendly look on his face slowly turned dark.
He said, “Blackthorn, are you sure
are you sure about this? What you’re doing is a breach of contract, and you’ll have to pay the penalty”
I’ll pay Simone shot back. She met his shadowed gaze without flinching, her tone calm and steady.
That’s 33 million we’re talking about!” Tom exclaimed. His eyes went wide.
Simone let out a soft laugh and said. “3.3 million? I’d pay 33 million if 1 had to.”“
At that Zack and Vivian’s faces went from furious to ghostly pale. They’d thought Simone was just a kid and would be scared of Sky Pictures‘ influence in Sogin, but they never expected Simone to be so tough
Suddenly, Tom gave a cold smile. He
no one will ever dare touch the righ. You’ve got quite the mouth for someone so young. But if you walk away from Sky Pictures, I guarantee
to Innocence.
He narrowed his eyes, the smile never reaching them, a clear threat in every word.
Simone arched a brow, a glint of ice in her eyes. She said coldly. “Tom, that’s none of your concern. Bottom line, I’d rather never sell the rights than Jet Sky Pictures have them.”“”
With that, Simone and Avery left the set together.
Not once
once did Simone’s expression waver. She looked as if she didn’t have a single worry in the world.
Avery hurried after Simone, worry etched all over her face. She finally couldn’t hold it in and asked, “Simone, are you not planning to sell the rights?”
course I am
,” Simone replied, sounding completely unbothered.
Avery asked, “Hut now that we’ve p
pissed off Sky Pictures, I doubt anyone will dare buy the right to Innocence. What are we supposed to do?”
She rubbed her temples, regret creeping in. She was really starting to wish she’d never sold the rights to Sky Pictures in the first place.
Seeing Simone’s calmness, Avery couldn’t decide whether to admire Simone’s nerves of steel or be more anxious herself. She asked, “Simone, aren’t you even a little worried?”
Simone palled Avery’s shoulder and said, “Helas, I already have a film company in mind.”
Avery’s eyes lit up instantly “Which company is it?” she asked, barely able to contain her excitement.
Simone smiled and said, “It’s not time yet. You’ll find out in a month” She thought, Of course it is not the right time. The company doesn’t even
raul yet
Avery unmediately deflated. She said, “Simone, you’re not just saying that to make me feel better, are you?”
Tin serious. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed in a month, Simone promised, her tone fir
Hearing how serious Simune was, Avery finally believed her. They hadn’t known each other long, but Avery could tell Simone wasn’t the type to joke about big things.
As expected, a month later, Avery got a message from Simone right on time, and the two met up at a café.
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Chapter 101
Simone had barely sat down before she picked up her coffee to take a sip.
Avery, anxious, couldn’t wait any longer. She snatched the coffee from Simone’s hand and set it down on the table. She said. “Come on, Simone! You’re killing me here. Just tell me which company it is”
Simone was amused by Avery’s serious face and finally stopped teasing. She replied. “It’s SynNexus Pictures”
Avery’s eyes went wide in shock. She exclaimed. “SynNexus Pictures? Wait, you mean the previous Spence Group?”
Simone nodded, chuckling. She said. “Yes.”
The news was so good, Avery could hardly believe it. She said. “But Simone, are you sure SynNexus Pictures wants to buy our adaptation rights You know, the chairman of SynNexus Pictures and SynNexus Group is the same person. That’s some serious backing”
Avery thought. It would be honestly overwhelming if I could get to work with a company like that.
Compared to Avery’s excitement. Simone was much calmer. She said, “Of course I’m sure.” She spent a whole month turning Spence Group into a film company just to make Innocence happen.
Suddenly remembering what happened with Sky Pictures, Avery grew serious. She said, “Simone, to make sure we don’t repeat last time’s mess. I have to meet the chairman of SynNexus Group myself and get her on board before we do anything.
Sure. SynNexus Group has deep pockets, and their film division is probably just as strong. But what if their chairman turns out to be another sleazy guy who can’t keep it in his pants?
“If he starts pulling casting couch moves on the actresses, it could totally mess up our casting process.
a problem.
“I’d rather meet the chairman myself. That way, if anything seems off. I can step in and stop it before it becomes a p
Simone felt awkward. She thought, ‘No, thanks. I don’t even have the equipment for that, so there is nothing to worry about Shady business? Not a chance. I can’t even if I want to
She cleared her throat and said, “Relax. I’ve already talked things over with SynNexus Group’s chairman. You don’t need to meet her”
After Simone and Avery sorted things out, they headed to the casting the next day. This time, Simone was personally in charge of picking the east. Avery was thrilled that Simone had been given so much authority.
There were tons of people auditioning, but Simone couldn’t find a single suitable male lead all morning. Either they couldn’t pull off David’s rebellious vibe, or they just couldn’t capture his complicated feelings for Luna. By lunchtime, Simone was feeling pretty drained.
Just as she was about to grab lunch, Simone suddenly spotted someone she didn’t expect, Cohen. “What are you doing here?” she asked, a little surprised.
Cohen walked over and gave a polite bow. He said, “Blackthorn, you once said I might be a good fit for the lead in ‘Innocence. I’m here to audition.” He was very respectful, never underestimating Simone’s talent just because she was young
Simone looked Cohen up and down, paused for a moment, then said, “Here, it’s all about ability. If you want to try for the lead, come back this afternoon and show me what you’ve got”
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