After dealing with the matters related to Van Helsing, Michael Ovitz's eyes quickly swept across the banquet hall. Instantly, he locked onto the figure of a chocolate-skinned woman, his brows furrowing tightly as his anger rose uncontrollably. However, recalling the decision he had already made, he gradually regained his composure.
After all, she was a client the Artists Management Company intended to abandon—why bother making a fuss?
He walked toward her, catching sight of a French producer chatting intimately with her along the way. Ovitz couldn't help but sigh at the variety of men in the world—some could even tolerate the risks of STDs.
Having been in Hollywood for so many years, Michael Ovitz had seen all kinds of bizarre characters. Jessica Alba and her boyfriend were just another pair among many.
Standing before the two, Ovitz said directly, "Jessica, we need to talk."
Normally, he wouldn't personally deal with such minor actors. However, rumors that James Cameron might be backing her compelled Ovitz to show some level of respect.
But respect didn't mean he had to keep this Hollywood laughingstock in the company.
Without waiting for Jessica Alba's response, he walked straight toward a lounge, entering and waiting for only about ten seconds before Jessica Alba and her boyfriend came in.
Ovitz frowned slightly but didn't care much. After tonight, she would no longer be his concern.
"Hi, Michael..." Jessica Alba started but was interrupted by Michael Ovitz.
"Miss Alba, I'm formally notifying you that the Artists Management Company will terminate your contract."
Jessica Alba appeared in disbelief. "What?"
"You can inform your lawyer to complete the formalities at our office tomorrow."
Casting a disdainful glance at her sweet face, Michael Ovitz had no intention of saying more. He turned and left the lounge.
"How... how could this happen..." Jessica Alba seemed lost.
Christopher Rokenkort's smile quickly disappeared but was replaced with a caring and comforting expression. "My dear, don't let it bother you too much. Don't forget—you're about to become the lead in a $160 million blockbuster. By then, agencies will be lining up to sign you."
Jessica Alba gazed at him lovingly, her distraught expression vanishing completely. "A loser beaten to a pulp by Duke Rosenberg isn't worth my attention! Let's go, Chris. Now's the perfect time to gather investments."
She tilted her head up to kiss Christopher Rokenkort before striding out of the lounge with more enthusiasm than he.
Rokenkort, however, didn't leave immediately. Once the door closed, he pulled out a tissue, wiping his lips where she had kissed him repeatedly until the skin broke slightly. Only then did he leave the lounge.
The banquet hall was filled with many of his targets: Stephen Sommers, Rachel Weisz, Steven Soderbergh, Ben Affleck, George Clooney...
Of course, mere words wouldn't be persuasive enough. That's why he had meticulously prepared a proposal and subtly hinted that Duke might join the project after The Return of the King.
Rokenkort wasn't afraid of anyone seeking confirmation. Since meeting Duke last year, he had conducted an in-depth investigation into the famous director. Duke had a very narrow circle of friends, few connections within the industry outside of work, and was difficult to contact directly.
Thus, Rokenkort carefully avoided people like Leonardo DiCaprio and Sofia Coppola, who had closer ties to Duke.
Others could only verify indirectly. However, over the past year, Rokenkort had created enough smoke screens that indirect inquiries would not necessarily yield the truth.
Indeed, most people wouldn't invest recklessly. But as long as some were blinded by potential profit and became tempted, that would be enough.
Having been in Hollywood for ten years, Rokenkort knew how easy it could be to make money in this circle. For instance, his dummy companies, like those of many other producers and directors, now had nearly $20 million in investments after his recent efforts!
These included contributions from rising actors, retired directors, and producers. As a seasoned player who had survived in Hollywood for ten years without being exposed, Rokenkort always had ways to tempt people.
After circulating the banquet hall and engaging about thirty people, Rokenkort exuded charm, elegance, and confidence, surpassing even Hollywood's most successful individuals. With Jessica Alba and later Mickey Rourke and Demi Moore supporting him, he easily won people's favor.
Still, only three or four expressed interest in investing.
For Rokenkort, that was enough. He knew when to stop at such events, and Hollywood was vast, with countless potential targets.
Thinking about the money his shell company already had and the mortgage Jessica Alba was about to secure by pledging her property, Rokenkort occasionally considered stopping there. However, having blown things up this far, he wouldn't be satisfied without reaping a major reward.
The funds he was amassing weren't just bait; they were also a demonstration of qualifications to lure that multimillionaire director into making an even larger investment!
Once this deal was done, his Hollywood producer career could come to an end. He would no longer need to endure Jessica Alba and could flee to a country without an extradition treaty with the U.S. under a prearranged identity.
However, since sending the proposal and script to Nancy Josephson, Rokenkort had refrained from following up. A good hunter needed patience.
The refreshing sea breeze from the Pacific blew away the last remnants of heat from Malibu Beach. Duke closed the air conditioner, opened the glass window, and the breeze immediately filled the study of his fan-shaped villa, clearing his slightly groggy mind.
Back at his desk, Duke picked up the script and proposal Nancy had left behind.
Always planning ahead, Duke had only a vague outline of his post-Lord of the Rings path and no clear direction. Perhaps the final glory of Napoleon Bonaparte could be a good choice?
The script and proposal were compelling, yet the unease he had felt upon first meeting the man behind this project lingered.
Setting down the script, Duke picked up a dossier. Nancy had personally delivered this background check on Christopher Rokenkort.
The man wasn't new to Hollywood; he had been active for ten years. His connections included the likes of Mickey Rourke, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and Demi Moore. He had also invested in several small-budget films, though the amounts and returns were unverifiable. Tax records suggested these ventures had been profitable.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. The housekeeper, Emma, entered. "Attorney Richard is here."
Duke nodded. "Let him in."
This was Duke's new lawyer, recommended after his previous attorney retired. They had been working together for nearly a year.
"Hi, Duke."
A man in his forties with thick black hair greeted him.
"Take a seat, Richard." Duke stood to shake his hand.
As they sat down, Emma brought in coffee and quickly left the study.
"What's the situation?" Duke asked.
Richard didn't touch the coffee. Instead, he pulled out a document from his briefcase and handed it over, explaining, "I checked Christopher Rokenkort's passport and credit records—there's nothing suspicious."
He summarized concisely, "His passport and entry records indicate he first arrived in the U.S. in the summer of 1991. He holds major credit cards with Citibank and Bank of America, has no loans or bad credit, and even has tens of thousands of dollars in savings with Citibank."
Was he overthinking things? Duke knew he sometimes viewed the world too pragmatically.
"What about his studio?" he asked.
"Rokenkort's Gaul Film Studio was established in 1996 and is registered in Delaware," Richard recalled. "Like most Hollywood film studios, it's a shell company. Records confirm that it has invested in six small productions over the years, including Savage, California Wolves, and The Lone Victor. The exact profits and investments are unclear, but tax records suggest they were profitable."
"Orr..." Duke considered before asking, "What's your opinion of this studio?"
Richard replied directly, "It's very similar to how Duke Studios started—a typical shell company for investment and tax purposes."
Duke nodded and continued discussing the matter with Richard. They concluded, as Nancy's dossier indicated, that everything about Christopher Rokenkort seemed above board.
All available information painted Rokenkort as a French producer who had been active in Hollywood for ten years.
After sending off his lawyer, Duke picked up the proposal again. Like anyone else, he had his share of greed and interest, and this proposal aligned well with his future goals.
Once more, his eyes scanned the investigation materials. Duke picked up the phone and dialed his agent's number. "Nancy, arrange a meeting with him."
.....
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