Larissa Judson and Haskell Palmer novel Chapter 466

Ursa wilted under Magnus’s public accusation, her confidence draining away. But Leila stood her ground. “Only a dog sees the world from its knees.”

“You…” Magnus began to retort, but a cold voice cut him off.

“Sit down,” Lucius commanded.

A shiver went down Magnus’s spine, and he immediately complied.

Damon shot Lucius a desperate look. “Mr. Lincoln, if Starlight Media really has that money, what should we do?”

The earlier rumor that Gale was prepared to spend 300 million was just a marketing ploy; Damon had never intended to pay that much. The current 150-million-dollar bid was only possible because Lucius had promised to cover half. Left to his own devices, Damon would have capped the offer at 80 million.

“Bid 300 million,” Lucius said flatly. “The Lincoln family will cover the difference.”

Relieved, Damon nodded. “Understood.”

His assistant, taking the cue, announced, “Gale Entertainment raises its bid to 300 million dollars. All other conditions remain the same.”

A wave of resignation washed over the other company representatives. They were officially out of the running, mere set dressing for a high-stakes drama. Spending 300 million on a single novel’s copyright was beyond their wildest dreams. Most of the smaller companies had only shown up hoping to snag a bargain, like the one studio that bought a sci-fi novel for three million years ago, only for it to win a major international award and become a national sensation.

But with Gale Entertainment’s 300-million-dollar bid, any hope of a lucky break was extinguished.

“300 million… It’s really over,” Ursa whispered, her spirit completely broken.

“I still have faith in Ms. Judson,” Leila insisted.

[No, it’s just the wealth gap! 600 million to them is probably like six thousand to us!]

Lucius glared up at Larissa, who was leaning against the railing. “Larissa,” he snarled, “I dare you to raise it again.”

To his astonishment, she simply smiled, shrugged, and said, “No, thanks. I’m out.”

Damon breathed a sigh of relief. Fearing another twist, he immediately turned to Lenora on the stage. “That’s it! Get Field of Lari out here right now to sign the copyright agreement with Gale Entertainment!”

He thought to himself what a windfall this was for the author. Just because Mr. Lincoln wanted to crush Larissa, this Field of Lari was walking away with 600 million dollars.

“Who said you could buy the rights?” Larissa’s voice cut through the air. She pushed herself off the railing and, under the confused gazes of everyone present, slowly descended the staircase.