Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 465

Everyone in the room was buzzing with anticipation, eager to finally see the enigmatic Field of Lari.

The live-stream chat exploded with demands for her appearance, and the company representatives in the room echoed the sentiment, refusing to bid until she revealed herself.

“Just start the bidding,” Lucius ordered coldly from the Gale Entertainment table. He was determined to acquire the rights to “Heaven’s Will”, and he couldn’t care less who the author was or whether she was present.

“Right away, Mr. Lincoln,” Damon said, nodding to his assistant.

The assistant stood and announced in a loud, clear voice, “Gale Entertainment offers a guarantee of 150 million dollars, plus fifteen percent of the global box office revenue. We also commit to developing a mobile game and an animated series.”

The room erupted.

“150 million? How are we supposed to compete with that?”

“Looks like we came here for nothing.”

The other representatives exchanged looks of dismay. Few, if any, of them could match Gale Entertainment’s staggering offer. Their strategy had been to win over Field of Lari with promises of artistic integrity and a faithful adaptation. But what was a promise of sincerity against a mountain of cash?

Ursa’s heart sank. 150 million dollars. There was no way Starlight Media could afford that. The highest bid Magnus had approved back when Finley was in charge was 50 million. With her new CEO nowhere in sight, all she could do was watch in despair.

Magnus shot a smug look in her direction. “So, Ursa, what’s Starlight Media’s offer? Don’t tell me it’s still 50 million?” He smirked. “Your new CEO doesn’t even have the guts to show her face, leaving you here to take the fall. Take some friendly advice from a former colleague: pack your things and run before you embarrass yourself further.”

Ursa flushed, unable to form a reply.

Leila clenched her fists and rose to her feet. “I believe I am a better fit for the lead role in ‘Heaven’s Will’ than your company’s star, Livia. Field of Lari is a brilliant writer. I’m sure that beyond making money, she wants to see her work adapted to perfection for the screen!”

“What?!” Ursa blinked, repeating the number in disbelief. “250 million? Ms. Judson, this is no time for jokes.”

“I’m not joking. Just do as I say and stop wasting time.” Larissa’s tone was absolute. She hung up.

Ursa lowered the phone, her eyes scanning the faces of the other representatives. After a moment of hesitation, she decided to throw caution to the wind. She raised her hand, her voice trembling slightly. “Starlight Media bids 250 million dollars, with the same additional terms as Gale Entertainment.”

The room was stunned into silence, then erupted into another wave of shocked murmurs.

250 million! A full hundred million higher than Gale’s offer. They had to be insane.

Magnus shot to his feet, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “That’s hilarious, Ursa! Where is Starlight Media going to get that kind of money? Did your new boss tell you to just make it up?”