Chapter 100

Oliver Granger sat beaming in his office at Pearl Entertainment. He leisurely dialed William Lowell's number.

"Mr. Lowell, didn't you claim the Valdemar project belonged exclusively to Lowell Entertainment?" Oliver deliberately drew out his words. "How curious that the contract now rests in Pearl's hands."

A sharp crack echoed through the phone as William smashed his device.

"Father, you assured me you could contact Pearl's major shareholder," William said through gritted teeth. "I won't tolerate Sophia Laurent and Oliver's gloating any longer."

Richard Lowell nodded grimly. "I'll reach out to your Uncle Leonard immediately."

Meanwhile, Sophia remained engrossed in paperwork at Pearl's headquarters.

Since news broke of Valdemar Group choosing Pearl as their partner, collaboration proposals had flooded in like snowflakes.

She'd been so swamped that she'd even declined Lucas Sheridan's invitation for "Empress" promotional events.

The film's posters now dominated theater lobbies nationwide.

The screenwriting credit for "Gavin Croix" stood out prominently. The acclaimed writer of "Lone Mountain" had reemerged after years of absence.

Online chatter buzzed relentlessly.

"Gavin Croix collaborating with Lucas Sheridan?"

"Without Director Lowell's involvement, can he still deliver?"

"Has his creative well run dry?"

Sophia ignored the noise completely, focused on reviewing quarterly reports.

Pearl's performance had soared since her return.

A gentle knock interrupted her concentration.

She looked up and immediately rose. "Uncle Leonard?"

Leonard Roland entered with a warm smile. "I heard you'd returned to the company and wanted to see you."

His gaze held paternal affection as he studied her. "How have you been?"

"Everything's progressing well, thanks to you." Sophia signaled her secretary to prepare tea.

Leonard settled onto the sofa and sipped the delicate brew.

"I heard... you've severed ties with the Lowells?"

Sophia remained composed. "The paperwork is complete."

Leonard gave a knowing nod.

As an old friend of the Lowell patriarch, he understood Sophia's position better than anyone.

"There's something you should know." Leonard set down his cup. "Your father asked me to introduce him to Pearl's silent partner."

Sophia's fingers stilled momentarily.

She needed no explanation to decipher Richard's intentions.