Chapter 90

Richard Lowell had been riding high since "Lone Mountain" swept through film festivals.

Wherever he went, he was surrounded by admirers, carrying himself like a cinematic maestro.

He looked down on variety show directors like Lucas Sheridan from the bottom of his heart.

And this time, Lucas had provoked him first—Richard's retort was justified.

The moment Richard's remarks went public, his fans swarmed in.

"A variety show director dares to talk about film art? What a joke!"

"Name one movie Lucas has directed. I can't recall a single one."

"Oh, I know him—the one who had that scandal with Sophia Laurent, right?"

"Jumping to defend so quickly? Does Lucas' wife know about this?"

Lucas' fans weren't about to take it lying down.

"Some people need to mind their own business. Having dinner equals an affair? Then you must be the queen of nightclubs."

"Is he even a real father? Too busy basking in his own glory to care about his daughter..."

"What rotten luck to have a father like that."

Netizens quickly shifted focus to the projects themselves.

"Trying to ride the hype before 'River Banquet' is even released? Lucas has no shame!"

"Funny! 'We Are Singers' is a cultural phenomenon. Who's piggybacking on whom?"

As the debate raged, Lucas suddenly updated his social media.

Lucas Sheridan: "My upcoming historical political drama 'Empress' is about to begin production. Stay tuned."

The announcement sent shockwaves across the internet.

Not only were netizens stunned, even Lucas' own fans were baffled.

"Director Lucas is returning to filmmaking?"

"Hah! A variety show director making movies? This is going to flop hard."

"Also a historical political drama? Is this a direct challenge to Richard Lowell?"

Richard's fans immediately piled on the mockery.

"Some people really overestimate themselves!"

"Too much variety TV has warped his sense of reality."

"Can't wait to see the train wreck Lucas produces!"

Meanwhile, Lucas was signing contracts with Sophia Laurent at Pearl Group.

He had intended to give Sophia time to consider.

But fearing complications, he swallowed his pride and sealed the deal on the spot.

After reading the full script, Lucas was awestruck.

Without hesitation, he signed the rights agreement—a ten-million-dollar buyout plus 5% of box office profits for the original writer.

"Credit the screenplay to Gavin Croix," Sophia said softly.

Lucas' eyes widened. "Gavin Croix? The writer of 'Lone Mountain'?"

Sophia gave a slight nod. "Yes."