Chapter 384: No Second Chances

[Chapter 384: No Second Chances]

However, Eric never agreed to Fox's request. The project for the film Hot Shots! had merely been a fun side project he picked for Connelly. Aside from the investment, he hadn't been involved in any production processes from the start, so he wasn't about to let Fox use his name for promotional purposes recklessly.

Now it seemed that Fox was clearly unwilling to back down and began plotting other schemes. He was certain there's going to be a scandal involving him and Jennifer Connelly plastered across the papers tomorrow. Considering Connelly was the leading lady in Hot Shots!, Fox could easily twist things around and link him to the film.

As they entered the elevator, Connelly looked at Eric, who seemed pensive, and curiously asked, "Eric, what's wrong?"

"Nothing," Eric shook his head, keeping what he had discovered to himself.

...

Once they exited the elevator, they saw several people waiting outside. Alongside Eric was Elisabeth, and also there was Carlin Hunt, the head of Fox's distribution department whom Eric had collaborated with before. There was also a thin, bespectacled middle-aged man.

"Eric, long time no see," Carlin Hunt warmly welcomed him, giving Eric a brief embrace.

"You've put on a little weight," Eric teased with a chuckle as he released Carlin.

Carlin Hunt sighed, "I've been so busy with work lately, and when I'm stressed, I tend to gain weight. Oh, by the way, Liz, you know her; this is Mr. Jim Abrahams, the director of Hot Shots!"

Eric and Elisabeth exchanged silent greetings with a glance before shaking hands with Jim Abrahams.

"Mr. Williams, it's great to meet you. I really enjoy your films," Jim Abrahams was unusually enthusiastic. If it weren't for Eric's recommendation, his movie wouldn't have been produced so smoothly.

"Hello, Mr. Abrahams, your filmmaking style is quite interesting as well."

After a brief chat in the hallway, Abrahams excused himself to leave with Connelly for work-related matters.

...

Once they left, Eric stood silently, playfully watching Carlin and Elisabeth, who both looked rather uneasy. Carlin was clearly feeling guilty, trying to act nonchalant while avoiding eye contact with Eric. Elisabeth, meanwhile, couldn't resist hiding half of her body behind Carlin.

After a moment of silence, Carlin finally mustered the courage to say, "Eric, let's take a look at the preview of Dances with Wolves. I've invited a few film critics and other staff from the distribution department. They're all waiting in the screening room, and we can discuss our release plans at the same time."

"Are you responsible for the promotion of Hot Shots! as well?" Eric finally asked.

Carlin couldn't keep the pretense any longer. He awkwardly nodded and admitted that the idea to promote Hot Shots! through a rumor involving him and Connelly had come from one of his assistants. Carlin thought it was a good plan, believing Eric might not notice they were behind it. Little did he know, Eric had already caught on.

"No second chances," Eric replied seriously, "and it absolutely cannot cross the line."

Carlin recognized the seriousness in Eric's tone and eagerly nodded, "You can rest assured, the reporter is from the New York Post."

The New York Post was part of News Corporation, and Eric nodded in relief, "Go ahead to the screening room. I need to speak with Liz about a personal matter."

Carlin glanced at Elisabeth before turning to walk toward the screening room at the other end of the hallway.

...

Elisabeth seemed not to hear Eric's conversation and, with her head down, was ready to follow Carlin out. But Eric grabbed her by the collar and headed towards the stairwell by the elevator. Carlin turned to see Elisabeth struggling in Eric's grip and chuckled, shaking his head without a care. He thought, finally someone could handle this spoiled girl. He was unaware of the backstory regarding Elisabeth's acquisition of the Dances with Wolves rights and took her earlier 'performances' at face value.

As they pushed through the heavy iron door of the stairwell, Eric slammed it shut behind them, plunging the corridor into darkness.

Looking at the girl who appeared ready to bolt at any moment, Eric cracked his knuckles, producing a series of popping sounds.

Elisabeth's eyes darted nervously. She stammered a warning, "Y-you, I warn you, don't get any funny ideas. This is my territory; I could have the security throw you out in a heartbeat."

Eric scanned the girl in her denim outfit, seemingly contemplating where to begin. "Feels good to manipulate your man, doesn't it?"

"Ugh, who's your woman? I tell you, I've already..."

"Already changed your orientation and become a lesbian?"

Elisabeth widened her eyes in surprise, "Drew must have told you, that little traitor. I've thought she was unreliable!"

"Yeah, Drew said you two were pretty unprofessional as a couple. She was so disappointed you didn't actually turn lesbian; she made it into a joke to share with me."

"Joke... joke?" Elisabeth's expression flickered with disbelief. "She's just lying; I'm planning to be with Julia forever. Ah, you better not come any closer!"

.

.

After what felt like an eternity, Eric finally chuckled, "Look at you! You're such a failed faux lesbian -- not only do you not resist men, but you actually like them a lot."

Leaning against the stair door, Elisabeth heard Eric's teasing remark and weakly kicked him with her heel, "You jerk, I don't like you!"

Eric shrugged it off, casually adjusting his collar and laughing, "No problem, if you don't like it this time, maybe next time you will. Let's head to the screening room; they're surely waiting impatiently."

Elisabeth quickly shook her head, her face still flushed, "No, no! I can't be seen looking like this -- how would I face anyone?"

"Where do you plan to go?" Eric asked casually, fiddling with the doorknob. But when he couldn't pull the door open, he led her down to the next level instead.

"The TG office is on the third floor; I'm going there," Elisabeth replied, only to realize her tone was off. She immediately stiffened her face, "Where I go is none of your business."

"Then I won't concern myself," Eric laughed, shaking his head. He teased, "However, we can't let your scheming with Carlin against me slide. This will inevitably come back to haunt you. Consider it a running tab."

Elisabeth glared at Eric with fierce intensity. For that brief moment, she wished she had laser vision like a comic book character so she could scorch a hole in this insufferable guy. Hearing Eric's words brought back memories of earlier events, and she frowned, "Watch your back, you petty man. I still haven't settled the score with you for slapping me in front of those two!"

Eric was completely unfazed by her death glare. He squinted his eyes and moved closer, whispering, "Don't worry. Next time, I definitely will deal with you in front of them."

Elisabeth shrank back slightly. Though she knew Eric meant what he said, she didn't want to show weakness. She gritted her teeth, "If you dare do that again, I swear I will fight back."

"I'm game. I prefer the most primal way of dueling, and you women have a natural advantage too."

The two continued bickering as they descended another flight of stairs. The stairwell door was simply ajar, and Eric yanked it open, stepping out with Elisabeth.

She immediately rushed for an elevator, sporting a victorious little expression as she made her descent. Eric merely shrugged and, a while later, managed to catch an elevator back to the previous floor, making his way to the screening room.

*****

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