Chapter 161 Cooperation
Once Alistair discovered the conflict between Giselle and Caroline, he lost all interest in working with Stellar Films.
16 min left
Just as he found himself at a crossroads, someone offered his support, despite the potential backlash.
Alistair understood that cutting ties with him was merely the opening move in this calculated attack.
Rather than panic, he waited calmly for the next shoe to drop, ready to handle whatever came his way.
His composure was simple to explain–he’d already figured out the mastermind’s game plan.
Paige was Caroline’s aunt, yet for some reason, she couldn’t stand to see her niece succeed. Alistair suspected she simply
looked down on him.
He knew exactly what Paige planned to gain from this chaos and who she intended to partner with.
With an almost omniscient perspective, Alistair watched these schemers try to corner him, all while steadily pushing his career
forward.
Of the originally cast actors, only Aaron’s sister remained committed to the project. The rest predictably followed the
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Chapter 161 Cooperation
money and distanced themselves from him.
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To make matters worse, the actor originally cast as the lead in If There’s a Next Second publicly trashed the project during an interview for his new film. He denounced the screenwriter’s character, carning praise from fans for his “integrity” and “moral compass.”
Meanwhile, word spread that If There’s a Next Second was still in production, now backed by a newcomer called Feather Films.
After Stellar Films‘ abandonment, the team was scrambling to find fresh talent.
It made sense. Established actors guarded their reputations carefully. Few would risk their energy on a film that might never see the light of day.
The director remained the acclaimed Yves.
Everyone thought he’d lost his mind.
A talented director needed major studio backing and dedicated performers to succeed.
To the industry, Yves‘ decision reeked of hubris, and many eagerly anticipated his inevitable downfall.
During their meeting, Alistair had mentioned he’d personally finance If There’s a Next Second and invited Yves to direct.
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Yves was stunned but promised to consider it.
*** 16 min left
Stellar Films had also offered Yves their new project. With two films on the table, he had to choose.
Alistair had made the offer casually, not expecting much.
He and Yves got along well, but any rational person would choose the security of Stellar Films over a risky venture with a new company teetering on the edge..
This wasn’t just a simple career decision for Yves.
Choosing Alistair meant burning bridges with Stellar Films—a potentially career–ending move.
While Yves deliberated, Stellar Films‘ and the production company’s tactics turned his stomach. They made sure he understood exactly who he’d be crossing if he refused to play ball.
Yves refused to sell his soul or back down.
Compromise would turn him into another soulless cash cow for
investors.
Retreat would leave him nowhere to run.
After a sleepless night, fully aware that Alistair still faced
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* 16 min left
accusations of “moral bankruptcy” and “allegedly orchestrating his ex–wife’s parents‘ deaths,” Yves decided to roll the dice.
When they met again, Alistair grinned. “Yves, you’re betting your entire future on me. A lot of pressure for me.”
However, her relaxed smile showed no hint of anxiety.
“Aren’t you worried at all?” Yves asked.
“About what?”
“The fallout from your ex–wife’s parents‘ accident?”
“I haven’t done anything wrong,” Alistair replied. “What’s there to fear?”
Yves thought him naive. Being older and supposedly wiser, he tended to see things through a more cynical lens. “Alistair, the world isn’t always about right and wrong.”
“I get it,” Alistair said. “You think someone’s using this accident to destroy me? If that’s true, why risk working with me?”
Yves laughed, “Because I’m a gambler at heart. Everyone says I’m insane, but something tells me you’re a winning bet.”
Alistair extended his hand gratefully.
Besides Caroline, Yves was the only other person to trust him
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purely on instinct.
(?) 16 min loft
Their handshake sealed not just a business deal, but a lasting friendship.
“Yves,” Alistair said solemnly, “I promise you’ll come out on top.”
The words had barely left his mouth when someone charged at Alistair, startling them both.
A bodyguard disguised as a casual pedestrian nearly intervened.
Rebecca’s eyes were fixed on Alistair. “Did you plan my parents‘ accident?”
A week had passed since the crash. Her mother was dead, and while her father had stabilized, he remained unconscious.
The doctors said the brain damage was severe–he might never wake up.
Yves, recognizing her, glanced instinctively at Alistair.
Alistair met Rebecca’s gaze calmly.
He’d never intended to let the Whitfields off the hook. But he hadn’t planned to dirty his own hands.
He wouldn’t taint the happiness he’d found with bloodshed.
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16 min left
Since someone else had done the deed, he’d simply reap the benefits.
Even when certain parties tried to drag him down, he remained composed, watching their machinations with detached interest.
“If you have proof, go to the police,” Alistair said coldly. “Otherwise, I’ll sue you for slander.”
Rebecca cried, “I’m the one who wronged you! I said I’d face the consequences. If you want revenge, take it out on me. Why hurt my parents? They were innocent!”
Yves murmured to Alistair, “Someone’s taking photos.”
Clearly, Rebecca was being manipulated by someone with an agenda.
Soon, the internet would explode with condemnation of Alistair.
But Alistair merely smiled, “Don’t worry, Yves. Since they’re offering free publicity, we might as well use it.”
B
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