400 Chapter 400 - Found

Upon returning from the East, Laila immediately began her official work. Although the filming of "Pirates of the Caribbean" was completed, there was still a significant amount of post-production work to be done. Special effects, music, editing, and more, all required her coordination.

In particular, she never felt comfortable leaving the editing to others. She worried that other editors might turn her carefully prepared ingredients into something completely different. No director wanted to see their hard-shot material turned into something that diverged from the intended theme.

Early in the morning, she discussed work matters with Louise. Suddenly, her phone rang. She recognized the number as one from people she trusted, so she didn't delay and answered it.

"Anthony, receiving your call at this hour makes me feel a bit uneasy. Please tell me you have some good news for me," Laila joked. The events of the last time were still fresh in her mind, and she didn't want to hear about another Keira incident from him.

However, Anthony couldn't muster a smile. "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid this time I bring more bad news."

Laila's smile disappeared, and her voice turned serious. "What happened now?"

"Just received the news that Keira has been found."

He said "found," not "located."

"She's dead?"

"Yes, she is. They found an abandoned taxi in a deserted pond, and Keira was inside. It's been over 40 hours since she died. It's a murder."

This was indeed not good news.

After a moment of reflection, Laila said, "I understand. Just manage the public relations, and we can only try to find ways to deal with the rest."

"What's going on?" Louise asked when Laila ended the call.

Laila looked at her, her expression serious. "Keira is dead, murdered."

"She's dead?" Louise instantly understood what Laila was thinking and couldn't help but feel concerned. "What should we do?"

"What else can we do? We'll have to handle things as they come." Laila's brows furrowed. She hadn't expected one problem after another. 

From what she had learned from Jia Xiaoming, Keira was manipulated into framing Roy, and the mastermind behind it was likely the same person responsible for Keira's murder. This revealed the ruthlessness and lack of scruples of this person. Being targeted like this weighed heavily on Laila's mind.

Moreover, everyone knew that Keira was involved in something, so her discovery as a murder victim would inevitably raise suspicions, with Roy and even Laila herself being potential suspects. Thankfully, Roy had already been cleared of most suspicions, but without the previous efforts to clear his name, they might have faced even more challenges.

"What a hassle," Laila pinched her forehead, feeling mentally drained. It wasn't physical fatigue but a weariness of the soul. There were too many things to worry about, and she wasn't sure if she could handle them all.

"Laila, do you want to take a break? You're exhausted. Resting a bit would be better," Louise said, seeing her condition. She couldn't help but feel sorry for Laila. After all, she was only 20 years old, and while most girls her age were enjoying their youth in school, she was working tirelessly for the salaries of hundreds.

Laila shook her head. "I just came back from the East and had a few days of rest there. Right now is the busiest time for work, so I'll rest when the film is completed."

Louise sighed softly, knowing that with Laila's stubbornness, it was impossible to persuade her. She could only think about ways to help her alleviate some of the pressure.

"BOSS, Roy wants to see you," Demi knocked on the door and announced.

Laila found it strange and raised her head. "Let him in." Normally, he barged into her office without hesitation, so when did he start having people announce his arrival?

Roy entered the office and glanced at Louise before fixing his gaze on Laila. However, he didn't speak for a while and just stared at her.

"Is there something you want?" Laila asked.

Roy shook his head, then nodded.

Louise thought it might be because she was present, so she suggested, "I'll leave for now."

"No need," Roy stopped her. He actually felt somewhat relieved to have her here. If it were just the two of them, he might not have been able to say what he wanted to. Did she not realize that he had lost weight in her heart?

"What do you want to say?" Laila asked, sensing that something was off about him.

Roy took a deep breath. "I want to terminate my contract with the company."

"What?" Laila's pupils contracted to pinpricks. "You want to terminate your contract?"

Roy clenched his teeth inwardly. "Yes, I want to terminate it."

"Roy! How could you do this?" Louise exclaimed in shock. She hadn't expected these words to come out of his mouth. She had always thought that even if all the company's signed artists left, he would be the one to stay. "Why? If you're dissatisfied with the current contract, we can sit down and talk. But you should know that we haven't been unfair to you in terms of treatment!"

Roy remained silent, his gaze fixed on Laila, trying to read her reaction from her expression.

Laila placed a hand on the desk and tapped it lightly. "Give me a reason."

"I want to sign with Michael Ovitz," Roy said. Uttering these words, he felt like he had suddenly lost half of his soul. He struggled to maintain an upright posture with sheer determination.

"Michael Ovitz?" Laila squinted. "Has he approached you?"

"Yes, and he's offered me a very good contract." Roy's face paled, and he still kept his gaze firmly on her, trying to gauge her reaction.

Laila placed one hand on the desk and tapped her fingers lightly. "What conditions did he offer you? Don't tell me it's about money; I know you wouldn't go to his side just for that."

Roy closed his eyes briefly and, when he opened them again, he couldn't bear to look at her. "He promised that he would fight for the roles I want and help me achieve what I want to do. What reason do I have to refuse?"

"Is that so?" Laila glanced at him and then nodded. "If terminating the contract is what you want, then it's fine."

"Laila!" Louise exclaimed. Did she not realize what she was saying? Roy was currently the most profitable artist in the company, and her new movie was also closely tied to him. Most importantly, she knew that Roy held a significant place in her heart. How could she just let him go so easily?

Even Roy was shocked by her response. He never expected her to agree so readily, without even uttering the word "consider." She didn't even attempt to persuade him to stay. Did he no longer hold any weight in her heart?

"You agreed?" he asked disbelief in his eyes.

"Of course. Ovitz has offered you a good contract, hasn't he? We've been working together for so long, and if you want to leave to pursue what you want, I can't stop you. However, you should make it clear to Ovitz that you still have promotional obligations for 'Pirates of the Caribbean.' That's something you should discuss with him."