"Hah!"
Eve Wilson couldn't hold back her hearty laughter.
"Hahaha, you all should have seen Michael Lynton's face!"
"That guy always boasts about being so charming and suave, acting all high and mighty. It's hilarious. Now, he's trying his best to hide the stiffness at the corners of his mouth, barely holding it together. That scene was just too funny."
"Trust me, you'd love it."
As usual, Eve was unapologetically blunt. She made no effort to hide her schadenfreude, showing no pity or restraint as she kicked him while he was down.
The reason was simple: Eve knew all about the power struggle happening at the top of Sony-Columbia.
And as it turns out, the key piece in this battle was the "Spider-Man" franchise, a highly coveted prize. Anson, unfortunately, had become collateral damage in the fight between the giants.
But Michael hadn't expected to run into such a tough opponent.
Eve relished moments like these, treating them like trophies she could collect.
"Ah, tonight calls for a bottle of red wine to properly savor this victory."
Though the hospital didn't allow smoking, Eve still pulled out a cigarette and held it between her lips without lighting it, celebrating symbolically. Then, she turned to Anson.
"So, what's the next move? How do you plan to respond?"
If Sony-Columbia hadn't yet realized that the low-profile Anson might be playing a key role, they were on the fast track to failure.
On the surface, Sony-Columbia appeared to be retreating, but what about behind the scenes?
From Eve's perspective, two key factors were in play.
First, the internal struggle at Sony-Columbia.
Amy and Michael were in a battle for the CEO position. Whoever could laugh last would be the victor.
If Amy won, things would be simple. She had always been a supporter of Anson. But if Michael won, it might mean he was ready to settle scores later.
Second, was how Anson would respond.
Though on the defensive, Anson's strength lay in his public exposure and support. Using this to his advantage could give him a chance to turn the tide, as he had done this time.
Ultimately, Sony-Columbia wasn't targeting Anson directly. They still wanted the "Spider-Man" series to make money. Whether Anson or Michael helped them achieve that, the board didn't care.
So, while this particular event was over for now, it wasn't the final chapter.
Quite the opposite—this was just the beginning of a new phase.
Edgar let out a small sigh. "Honestly, everything happened so fast that I haven't had time to organize my thoughts, but…"
He looked at Anson. "I think we should focus on the third movie in the series as our long-term goal."
"After all, the contract for the second movie is already signed. No matter how ugly things get behind the scenes, it's not worth burning bridges right now for short-term gains."
"Unless..."
Edgar paused.
"Unless you're sure, Anson, that we're ready to reject the third movie and go solo. Then, we could use this opportunity to threaten Sony-Columbia and secure more benefits."
Anson's lips curled into a small smile. "And then the entire Hollywood would know Anson Wood is a greedy guy who'd stop at nothing for a bit of extra pay."
Just like Jim Carrey.
The point wasn't whether Anson wanted to do the third movie or not. It was about the delicate situation he was in. Everyone knew Sony-Columbia was in trouble, and now all eyes were on Anson's next move.
The so-called "long-term benefits" weren't just about negotiating for better terms for the third movie. It was about the reputation and relationships Anson would build with other top-tier producers and studios in Hollywood.
In simple terms, Sony-Columbia might suspect that Anson was pulling the strings behind the scenes, but clearly, other industry elites were watching too. That made Anson's next move even more critical.
Anson wasn't in a hurry. Why rush?
"Everyone's speculating about my role in all of this, but none of them have proof—it's all just rumors."
"So, we should let them keep guessing."
"The captain's right. We need to keep our eyes on the long game."
Anson was unwavering.
Eve glanced at Edgar, clearly surprised.
Most Hollywood actors only cared about the checks landing in their pockets. Concepts like personal branding, long-term strategy, or networking weren't their top priorities.
But that was okay. That's why they needed professionals like Edgar and Eve to guide them. If actors had the looks, the bodies, and the brains, then agents and PR specialists wouldn't have a job.
Yet, Anson had shown no hesitation. None.
Edgar also let out a sigh of relief. He knew that when Anson was calm, he could be both smart and wise. But this time, Anson had been hit hard—by paparazzi and the internal conflicts of Hollywood giants. Given his current standing, he was still at a disadvantage, forced to play defense. Edgar feared that Anson might act impulsively.
After all, someone in their early twenties is often driven by youthful pride.
But even so, Edgar believed in Anson. With a little effort, he could always help him regain his composure—it's just that with Anson's knack for debate, that "little effort" was likely to be a hefty one.
But once again, Anson had exceeded expectations.
Edgar wiped the sweat off his brow and smiled.
"So, we'll just pretend we don't know anything and continue playing innocent."
"Our goal isn't something small—it's real influence and control. For now, we need them to let their guard down. When the third movie comes around, that's when we'll show our fangs and take a big bite."
"As for now?"
"No matter how much they speculate, Anson knows nothing, and neither do we." Edgar directed his last words at Eve.
"Even though we're anxious and worried, Anson's injuries are our only concern. We trust Sony-Columbia completely. We trust the director and the crew."
Eve tilted her chin slightly. "Oh, playing the innocent flower, huh? I can do that." She blinked playfully, pretending to look innocent. Then, in a high-pitched, doll-like sweet voice, she said, "I know nothing, really! I trust Sony-Columbia Daddy with all my heart."
She slurred her words, sounding like she was being cutesy.
Too bad the unlit cigarette in her mouth gave her away, ruining the act.
Edgar couldn't hold back his laughter. "You look like you're missing a few brain cells."
Eve didn't mind, reverting to her usual cool demeanor. "But that's the trick you men always fall for, right? When a woman looks at you with helpless, doe eyes, like you're the solution to all her problems."
She shrugged lightly. "Don't worry, I don't mind playing dumb, as long as you guys actually solve the problem."
"Haha." Edgar burst out laughing again, knowing full well there was more to her words. "So, what do you think Michael Lynton's next move will be?"
Eve raised an eyebrow. "Oh, do you really think he's going to show up?"