Chapter 104
Hannah’s POV
I watched as Finn coldly accepted the project folders from each executive, his expression utterly disinterested. He didn’t even glance at the contents before placing them in a neat stack beside him. The executives‘ faces were a study in barely concealed terror–tight smiles,
darting eyes, and the occasional nervous swallow.
The silence in the conference room was suffocating. No one dared speak as Finn’s fingers drummed rhythmically against the polished mahogany table. The sound seemed to echo in the stillness, marking time like a countdown to something inevitable.
“Ms. Lancaster,” Finn said suddenly, his voice calm yet threaded with danger. “I believe you prepared some files I requested earlier?”
“Yes, Mr. Sterling.” I maintained my professional demeanor, though my heart skipped slightly at what I knew was coming. I handed him a
sleek black folder I’d been holding.
Finn opened it leisurely, his eyes scanning the contents. “Interesting information here,” he said, voice eerily pleasant. “For instance, Mr. Thompson, your daughter attends Westlake Academy. Beautiful campus–especially the playground near the east entrance where she likes
to spend recess.”
Mr. Thompson’s face drained of color.
“And Mr. Davis, Finn continued, “your wife enjoys her Thursday golf sessions at Oakridge Country Club. I hear the seventh hole has a particularly challenging water hazard.”
Mr. Davis’s hands trembled slightly as he clasped them together.
“Mr. Wilson, your parents‘ retirement community–Golden Sunset Villa, isn’t it? Room 342, with the lovely view of the garden. They must
enjoy the peace and quiet there.”
The room had gone completely still. Not even breathing seemed to disturb the air. I watched the executives‘ faces, a mixture of fear and resignation washing over them. Part of me understood the necessity of Finn’s tactics–these people had been loyal to Sophia, potentially undermining him at every turn. Yet another part of me felt uncomfortable with the implicit threat, the casual way he wielded their loved
ones‘ information like a weapon.
Finn closed the folder with a decisive snap. “Now, to business. These project proposals you’ve submitted–you’re confident they’ll improve our market position within the next two months?”
The executives exchanged nervous glances before Mr. Thompson finally spoke. “We… may need some time to refine the approaches, Mr.
Sterling.
“Time?” Finn’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “How much time would you like? Two days? Two weeks? Two months? Because our shareholders aren’t exactly known for their patience.”
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Chapter 104
“The current market conditions are challenging,” Mr. Davis offered weakly.
“Really? I hadn’t noticed. Finn’s cold smile never reached his eyes.
I watched as the executives shifted uncomfortably in their seats, sweat beginning to bead on foreheads despite the room’s perfect
temperature. Finn’s strategy was working–they were thoroughly intimidated, their confidence shattered.
Sensing my cue, I smoothly stepped in. “If I may, Mr. Sterling,” I said, “perhaps we should consider a different approach altogether.”
Finn gestured for me to continue, our rehearsed dance playing out perfectly.
“After careful market analysis, we believe all current projects should be suspended.” I let that bomb drop before continuing. “Instead, we
propose launching a single S+ grade television series project.”
“S+ grade?” Mr. Thompson echoed, confusion evident in his voice.
“Yes,” I confirmed. “And we’ll be allocating ninety percent of our liquid assets to this project.”
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The executives‘ reactions ranged from shock to disbelief. Mr. Davis’s mouth actually fell open.
“That’s…” Mr. Wilson struggled to find words, “that’s extraordinarily risky. The television market is struggling. People with busy lives don’t
want to wait week by week for episodes anymore.”
“What about the subject matter?” another executive asked. “The cast? What about contractual obligations to existing projects? The
cancellation penalties alone could-”
“The project details will remain confidential for now,” I interrupted smoothly. “Today’s meeting is simply to inform you of the direction
change.
The message was clear: they weren’t being consulted; they were being told. The executives looked at each other, the realization dawning that they had effectively been sidelined from all decision–making.
After a few more minutes of one–sided discussion, the meeting concluded. The executives filed out, shoulders slumped, energy depleted.
They looked like soldiers retreating from a lost battle.
When the door closed behind the last executive, I turned to Finn. Our eyes met, and a moment of perfect understanding passed between
“Effective, Finn said simply, the rare word of approval making my chest warm with satisfaction.
“Thank you, Mr. Sterling.” I couldn’t help the small smile that curved my lips. The adrenaline of the meeting, the thrill of our successful strategy–it was intoxicating. I felt both nervous and excited about the challenges ahead.
Later that day, a mysterious poster appeared on the project board in the main office. The simple design featured five stars above an “S+”
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Chapter 104
designation. Every information field below it was marked “Unknown.” At the bottom, one line stood out: “Budget: No Limit.”
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Employees gathered around it, whispering theories and speculations. Within hours, the news had spread beyond the company walls. Social
media buzzed with rumors, and entertainment news sites published headlines like: “Sterling Heir Goes All–In on Mystery TV Project, No
Budget Limit Set, Stakes Family Reputation on Entertainment Gamble.”
Back in Finn’s private office, I showed him the online reactions on my tablet. “We’re trending on three different platforms,” I reported.
‘Industry insiders are already speculating about possible directors and stars.”
Finn barely glanced at the screen. “Let them talk,” he said dismissively. “It only builds anticipation.”
I nodded, scrolling through more reactions. “The board members have been calling. Victoria’s keeping them at bay for now, but they’re
nervous about the ‘no budget limit‘ announcement.”
“Good,” Finn replied, leaning back in his chair. “Nervous board members are manageable board members.”
I pulled up a file on my tablet and turned it toward him. “Speaking of our project, I’ve been researching potential source material. This author might be perfect–Eliza Morgan. Her ‘Shadows of the City‘ series has sold over five million copies.”
Finn scanned the information, his expression thoughtful.
“She’s got serious industry credentials,” I continued. “Her first urban fiction series was adapted into the critically acclaimed ‘Metropolitan‘ show. She actually joined the writers‘ room for seasons two and three, so she understands both storytelling and production.”
“Impressive, Finn noted, scrolling through the author’s biography.
“There’s more. She has this supernatural thriller series that would be perfect for what we’re planning. The Veil Between‘ has exactly the kind of sophisticated horror elements and character depth we discussed.”
“It says here several studios have approached her about adapting “The Veil Between,‘ but she’s turned them all down,” Finn remarked,
raising an eyebrow.
“She’s particular about creative control, I explained. “The last producer who approached her wanted to water down the supernatural
elements and focus on a romance subplot.”
Finn looked up from the tablet and smiled at me. “So you think you can convince her?”
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Olivia Harris is an emerging author celebrated for her captivating romantic and steamy novels. With a talent for crafting deep emotional connections and fiery chemistry between her characters, Olivia’s stories offer readers an escape into worlds filled with passion, intrigue, and heart-stopping drama.

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