Chapter 23
“Work with us?” Owen frowned slightly, finding the news hard to believe.
River–a renowned online author under Mythos Ink–had achieved legendary status with a single crime novel.
ndary status with a sit
93%
Her fluid and natural writing style and unflinching exploration of human nature and darkness had moved countless readers
to tears.
The novel had been serialized for three years and had only recently concluded. Yet, even during serialization, major film studios vied for its adaptation rights, only to be repeatedly turned down by the author.
Now that the book was complete, River‘ studio had hinted at selling the adaptation rights, sparking a fierce bidding war among top studios. After all, this was a guaranteed moneymaker.
The Calhoun Group had its own film and television division, but it was still a small company, Owen had only begun. expanding into entertainment in recent years, making it no match for the industry’s top–tier giants.
Among those was the Dalton Group–the undisputed leader in the field. With a roster full of A–list actors and actresses, they had offered a staggering 1.3 million dollars for the rights, an exceptionally high bid in the industry,
Yet, for some reason, River‘ studio had not given a definite response.
Owen could easily outbid the Dalton Group, but any rational author would choose them. Their reputation, industry dominance, and vast resources spoke for themselves.
So, Owen hadn’t bothered joining the race–there was no point when the outcome was clear. What he hadn’t expected was that, despite making no effort to approach River, they had come knocking on his door instead.
The next day, Owen arrived at Harvest Films & TV. The company was his latest venture, still in its early stages, with a roster made up mostly of fresh graduates.
Managing the company was a man named Gray Galloway. Knowing the boss was coming in, he had been waiting at the office bright and early.
“Mr. Calhoun, River‘ studio emailed me yesterday at six in the evening. I verified its authenticity immediately, and the email matched their official contact. So, I can confirm–they genuinely want to work with us,” Gray reported as he followed Owen.
“Did you set a meeting?” Owen asked, his tone calm.
Gray nodded. “Yes, they said they’ll be here at ten this morning to discuss the details.”
It was already nine–thirty. Despite receiving such an unexpected opportunity, Owen remained composed–neither excited nor doubtful.
At nine forty–five, the front desk called to say River’s representatives had arrived. Gray went downstairs immediately and led them to the conference room.
At exactly ten, Owen stepped inside. A woman sat at the conference table–mid to late twenties, dressed in a crisp white suit. Her long, wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her makeup was meticulously applied. She exuded confidence and professionalism.
As Owen entered. Suzanne rose to her feet, a polite smile forming on her lips. “Mr. Calhoun, it’s a pleasure to finally meet
you
Owen gave a slight nod. “Ms. Heywood, nice to meet you as well.”
River was known to be highly elusive, never attending public events or revealing their identity. It was common knowledge in the industry that Suzanne handled all business matters on their behalf.
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The two took their seats across from each other. Suzanne studied Owen for a moment before her lips curled into a slighe smile. Damm, he really is a sight to behold, she thought,
Towering at around six–foot–one, Owen had long legs, broad shoulders, and a lean yet powerful frame. His tailored suit fit him like a glove, exuding an air of refined restraint. His aura was sharp, cold, and unapproachable–an enigma wrapped in an impenetrable exterior.
It was hard to imagine that a man this distant and self–contained could ever be passionately in love with someone
“Before we discuss the deal, I have a personal question for you, if you don’t mind, Suzanne said with an easy smile
Owen’s brow furrowed slightly. Td rather not discuss personal matters. He never entertained inquiries about his private life.
“Just one question, then. Suzanne countered before he could object. “What kind of women do you like
It wasn’t exactly a deeply personal question, but under normal circumstances, Owen wouldn’t have had an answer.
But now…. After a brief pause, countless words came to mind to describe Hailey, but in the end, he kept it simple. “Nice legs” he replied.
Suzanne was taken aback, finding nothing to say. For a second, she just stared at him. Then, a flicker of distaste flashed in her
eyes.
Suzanne had expected Owen to be different, but apparently, he was just another shallow man. She muttered. His only requirement is nice legs? There are plenty of women with great legs. Is he planning to go through them one by one?
Soon, Owen noticed the shift in Suzanne’s demeanor. She had been cordial before, but now she was barely masking her irritation–almost as if she couldn’t wait to leave.
Owen found it odd but didn’t bother asking about it. He wasn’t the curious type.
With Suzanne pushing to wrap things up quickly, they finalized the deal in no time. The official contract would be signed the following week.
As she stood to leave, Owen asked, “Plenty of studios are far more established than Harvest Films & TV. We’re still in the early stages. Why us?”
Despite her annoyance, Suzanne kept things professional. She replied, “That’s the author’s decision. If you want to know why, you’ll have to ask her
Owen’s eyes narrowed slightly. He thanked her and had Gray escort her out. After sitting in his office for a while, he turned on his computer and typed “River” into the search bar.
Owen had read her novel before–an incredible piece of work, even moving him at times. Her command of language was masterful.
Yet, Owen had never thought to look them up. Now, though, he was curious.
Most of the search results were vague reports or fake “leaked photos” of the author–obvious fabrications.
Then Owen pulled out his phone and called Ivan. “Look into River for me.”
Ivan sounded amused. “River? That famous online author? What, did she piss you off or something?”
“Just find me her personal details,” Owen explained.
Ivan replied, “Got it.”
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Chapter 23
Hanging up, Owen glanced at the time–noon. The Everton High School should have just finished classes
Joshua had already told him everything about yesterday’s incident. But Owen wasn’t surprised. He fod krisen about Dalton family’s past for a long time and Hailey was a Medrano by birth
The Medrano family was fiercely protective of their own, and they owned Everton High School. So Hailey wonder he bullied again–at least not on campus.
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