"Kazir, we've been working together for three years. Don't you know how capable I am, how many resources I have, and how many opportunities I can offer you?"
Seeing Kazir listening quietly, Karl Morlin's confidence grew.
He had complete faith in himself. Compared to Salvatore Barlo, an unknown figure who hadn't made much of a name for himself in the industry, he was convinced that he was fully capable of elevating Kazir to greater heights.
Kazir didn't respond. He just stared at him, a hint of disdain and annoyance in his eyes, too lazy to speak, letting the agent ramble on and on in front of him.
"Kazir, your first three films wouldn't have been successful without my contributions! For your sake, I ran around, pulled so many strings, and begged so many people. Don't you have any idea?"
Karl Morlin grew more agitated as he spoke, a flush rising to his face.
Indeed, Karl Morlin had played a crucial role in Kazir becoming a director and making those three horror films.
Initially, he had been the one to pull strings behind the scenes, securing valuable resources and opportunities for Kazir.
However, Kazir had never forgotten his betrayal and always kept it in mind.
"...In short, Kazir, I promise you, WMA will be your strongest backing. No matter what difficulties you encounter, we will fully support you."
Karl spoke until his throat was dry, fine beads of sweat appearing on his forehead, his eyes full of expectation.
Kazir still had the same expression, staring intently at him, as if waiting for him to say something even more appealing.
Left with no choice, Karl Morlin gritted his teeth and played his last card: "7% commission! If you sign with me, I guarantee I'll only take 7%! These are very favorable terms."
"What about the breach of contract fee?" Kazir raised an eyebrow, asking unhurriedly.
"WMA will cover it all!" Karl answered without hesitation, thinking,'Surely this will move Kazir now!'
"It seems you were well prepared," Kazir said thoughtfully, stroking his chin.
"Of course! Can't you see WMA's sincerity? Kazir, come back! Don't forget you said you wanted to be Hollywood's most sought-after director!"
Karl said excitedly, trying to rekindle Kazir's past dreams and passion.
Kazir hadn't forgotten those words; he had always strived with all his might to achieve that dream.
Unfortunately, he had no interest in signing with Karl Morlin, especially after what he had done.
"Sorry, Karl, I won't be changing agencies. Although I haven't been at CAA for long, they've treated me well and given me a lot of support and help," Kazir said firmly.
"Then...5%! Kazir, surely these terms will tempt you! 5% commission, this is the lowest I can go!"
As Karl Morlin said this, he felt his heart bleeding—a 5% commission was ridiculously good, practically cutting off his own financial path.
He stared intently at Kazir, his eyes almost popping out, hoping to see a hint of wavering on Kazir's face.
But Kazir showed no reaction, just looking at him expressionlessly, as if watching a clown.
"Sorry, Karl, Salvatore Barlo only takes 3%. I don't think you can match that number," Kazir said lightly.
"What?"
Karl Morlin was stunned; he couldn't believe his ears.
"3% commission? What agent does that? Is Salvatore Barlo crazy? Does he think Kazier Gray is worth that price? He must be out of his mind!"
Karl cursed Salvatore furiously in his mind.
If it were a big director like Spielberg or Cameron, he could understand, but Kazier Gray was just a lucky young director. What gave him the right to demand a 3% commission?
"...I understand."
Karl Morlin felt his back teeth grinding. He clenched his fists and threw caution to the wind: "3% it is! If Salvatore can give it, so can I!"
He shouted so loudly that nearby guests all looked over curiously.
"Sorry, Karl, I trust Salvatore more." Kazir shook his head, his eyes filled with determination, and turned to leave.
Only then did Karl Morlin realize he had been played. He glared at Kazir, feeling like an idiot, utterly humiliated, and shouted angrily, "Wait...wait! Kazir! Did you intend to reject me from the start and just play me?"
"Yes," Kazir replied without evasion. "You're much more stubborn than Salvatore. I knew if I didn't make it clear, you'd keep me here until dawn."
"You bastard! Who do you think you are? Kazier Gray, don't forget how you got to where you are today! Without me, could you have become a director? I paved this path for you!"
Karl Morlin's face turned red like a tomato; he was absolutely furious—he had helped him climb to his current position, and he dared to disregard him like this. He was simply ungrateful!
"I don't deny that you did help me for three years." Kazir paused, his eyes turning cold, as if radiating a chilling light. "But I also know that for those three years, you were always secretly involved with my ex-wife."
"You...you're talking nonsense!" Karl Morlin's eyes darted, trying to deny it.
"I'm not talking nonsense," Kazir interrupted him, his voice icy. "So don't say so much. Karl Morlin, you were the one who kicked me out after the contract expired. You chose this. I owe you nothing."
Kazir walked away without looking back, leaving Karl Morlin standing there, his eyes filled with anger and resentment.
He had always thought his affair with Cassandra was well-hidden, never expecting Kazir to have known all along.
He had been played like a Joker, completely humiliated.
Kazir wasn't particularly bothered by this matter; it wasn't as if he was truly cuckolded, though the extra memories in his mind always made him feel a bit uncomfortable.
Whatever Karl and Cassandra wanted to do was none of his business, but if he could get revenge, that would naturally be good.
That woman was a fickle sort, not worth wasting another moment of his time on.
After greeting Tom Cruise, Kazir left the party.
Unlike Karl Morlin, Salvatore Barlo was always Some Like It Hot about his work.
He not only actively helped contact crew members to ensure smooth filming but also willingly lent a hand with various odd jobs, without a single complaint.