Chapter 91
Ophelia said, “First, send out the casting call before Sungate Entertainment can act” Janies was frustrated, but he still instructed his assistant to handle it.
After hanging up. Ophelia speared a piece of bacon with her fork and held it up to Kenneth’s lips. “Darling, have some
bacon.”
She had to soothe Kenneth somehow. With the look Kenneth had given her just now, she worried something might happen to James.
“What have you been up to lately?” Kenneth asked, accepting the bacon but not eating it immediately.
Ophelia replied, “Trying to figure out how to bankrupt the Hastings family. How about you help me come up with a plan?”
“What do you want me to do?” Kenneth finally ate the bacon she offered.
Ophelia smiled slyly, her eyes shining with cunning as a plan began to form
Meanwhile, at Hastings Group, the secretary, Nor
Davis, burst into the meeting room, flustered.
“Mr. Hastings, something terrible has happened. Nora was breathless, and her face flushed
Monday’s regular meeting was abruptly interrupted, and all eyes turned to Nora.
Owen leaned back in his chair, his face darkening with irritation What’s got you so worked up
Nora took a deep breath. “Mr. Hastings, the government is going to expropriate the land at the West End Soccer Field to build an airport.”
“What?” Owen slammed the table and shot up, his head spinning “Quick, call in some favors and make contacts. There’s still room to maneuver before the formal documents are issued.
Nora swallowed hard, nervously handing Owen a document. The formal notice. It’s already been issued.”
“Why so sudden Harry shot up from his chair, snatching the document and scanning it.
“They’re offering only 30 million dollars? Just an eight–million–dollar compensation?” Harry’s eyes widened in disbelief. The initial auction price for the land was 22 million dollars, and the government was offering only eight million dollars more for compensation. It made no sense.
Harry thought, ‘Back when we acquired the land, Hastings Group has spent 80 million dollars. Now we are looking at over 30 million dollars in losses just on the land alone. Worse, the entire project has been financed through bank loans, meaning the Hastings family…
The room erupted in chaos, with everyone talking over each other like a swarm of flies.
By noon, the business world was buzzing about the news. The 80 million dollars Hastings Group spent on the land was back in the spotlight, with many mocking the decision. Competitors who had missed out on the deal were now relieved they hadn’t won the bid
The Hastings family had made a disastrous move, and there were doubts about whether they would even survive this blow.
After the Hastings family’s disgrace at Theo’s birthday party the previous night, Owen had spent the entire morning making phone calls, but no one was willing to help.
Hastings Group’s recent ventures had all been struggling. The only successful entity was Sungate Entertainment, but now, with Hastings Group in trouble, Sungate was suffering as well. Their artists were terminating contracts,
615
Chapter 91
At the same time, Ophelia–handed James a video,
The video showed Elliot lounging in his office chair, smugly flipping through a script. “Who would have thought that after writing so many scripts for me, Kevin still had such a gem in him? Too bad for him. He’ll never be more than a ghostwriter. Leaving me? The companies he works with now must regret it ble time.”
His assistant echoed. That’s for sure. Kevin’s house doesn’t even have a security camera. It was too easy to sneak in and grab this. He doesn’t even use a computer. He writes everything by hand. What an idiot.”
Elliot chuckled, “Make sure you publish the script online, register the IP, and don’t forget to post on Twitter tomorrow,”
His assistant nodded. “Got it.”
James previously tense expression relaxed after watching the video. “How did you manage to get this video?”
“You ask too many questions.
Ophelia had tasked Eric with this, and Kevin’s manuscript was safely returned as well. This matter could’ve been resolved differently, but Ophelia had registered Kevin’s work online the day she found him, just in case. The video was an unexpected bonus
Elliot’s shameless admission that Kevin had been ghostwriting for him all these years was the perfect ammunition. Not only could this clear Kevin’s name, but it would also expose Elliot for his years of plagiarism.
“Don’t release the video yet, Ophelia said. “I’m showing you this just to put your mind at ease. This afternoon, you take Kevin to the casting call as planned. Don’t worry about anything else.”
James still had questions, but he felt much more at ease now. “Alright. I’ll do as you say?”
He thought, ‘Ophelia has a way of making everything feel like it is under her control. I am glad I haven’t invested in Elliot’s project. Otherwise. I’d be facing her as an adversary!
At Hastings Villa, everyone had been called back for an emergency meeting at noon.
“Dad, what are we going to do?” Nathan was the most anxious. If Hastings Group went under, the project he was working on would have to be shelved Without quick returns, he might not be able to pay back his loans. Everyone was waiting for Owen to make a decision.
Owen turned to his housekeeper. “Paul, reach out to Rosewood Manor. Isn’t there still 27 million dollars left from the wedding gifts? It’s been six months, so they should be ready to give us the rest of it.”
He thought, That money could help us stay afloat for now.”
Heather’s face paled at the mention of Rosewood Manor. She had secretly gone to confront Kenneth to defend Emily and had ended up making things worse. Kenneth had no intention of paying the rest of the money.
Heather wanted to speak up but didn’t dare, so she remained silent.
Owen continued, “Stop production on Sungate Entertainment’s film. Transfer some of the company’s funds to cover the deficit
Rumor had it that the government project had the support of Sinclair Group, meaning the airport construction wouldn’t be halted. The priority now was keeping the company operational until their other ventures could turn a profit.
As soon as Emily heard about halting the investment for her film, she immediately turned to Nathan for help. She thought, Stopping production on my film would mean losing to Silverline Media. I have worked hard to manipulate public opinion against Ophelia and Silverline. I couldn’t let them catch a break now!’
2/3
15:37 Tue, Nov 12
Chapter 91
19616
“Dad, we can’t do that. The film is already in production. If we stop now…” Nathan’s voice faltered, especially under Owens harsh glare. He didn’t dare finish his sentence.
“At a time like this, you’re telling me it can’t be done? Fine. Then give me a solution. Owen snapped, his face darkening with
frustration.
Nathan nervously glanced at Harry. “Maybe Harry could go to the bank and take out a loan under his name. Once we things, we can repay it with the company’s profits.”
Harry clenched his fists, seething with anger as he glared at Nathan.
