Chapter 873 - Ten Reasons Why It Can't Be (Part 1)

As early as the first film, the majority of Oscar judges had already prepared to give all the awards that *The Lord of the Rings* deserved after the release of the final installment. No matter how much he and Faaris invested in other films, unless they produced a movie like *Ben-Hur*, which made Oscar history, they could only watch helplessly as she raised that golden statuette on the awards stage.

"Do you know, Cooper, I admire and support you. I hope you don't disappoint me." Faaris's gaze was deep. In the past two years, Cooper had indeed helped him earn a lot of money in Hollywood, even allowing him to give some of it to Mr. Dawud to help manage the increasingly severe family conflicts.

Mr. Dawud's praise was his pride, so he treated Cooper, who made him money, much better than others. Thus, when he saw Cooper's new plan, despite finding it absurd, he still agreed to it.

They invested a lot of money to involve more media in this chaos. Faaris didn't want to see so much money go to waste; he needed to ensure that this investment would yield the desired effect.

Moreover, their company's situation wasn't great. While investing in films had indeed made them money, it was nothing compared to the funds Dawud had injected. In recent years, they had invested freely, boosting the development of Hollywood films slightly.

To many in Hollywood, this investment company was a wealthy patron with endless money. They were willing to invest in niche, meaningful films, and if the script was good, one could get funding from them. If the film received an Oscar nomination, there would be a large bonus reward, which was a great opportunity for many.

But now, things have changed. While their investments were profitable, the returns were small, mostly steady CD sales. Previously, Dawood could provide funds for their "play," but starting two years ago, not only could he no longer spare money, but he also needed them to send over their earnings for turnover.

Originally, they were in the investment business, needing financial support. Now, with money being drained away, their wide-ranging investments were no longer possible.

Without money to invest, they couldn't generate returns. And without returns, how could they oppose Laila?

Faaris would never forget that his purpose in Hollywood was to exact revenge on Laila for repeatedly offending him!

From Cooper's analysis, he knew that Laila was likely to gain Oscar recognition and achieve what every director dreams of. So, he agreed to Cooper's seemingly absurd plan, believing that this might be their last chance to stop her from succeeding.

No one can always make films as classic as *The Lord of the Rings*!

He forgot that after *Chicago*, he had said the same thing, believing she could never again sweep the awards. But what was the result? None! Even the media dedicated to criticizing Laila wouldn't be foolish enough to say such things.

Cooper didn't know the company's dire situation but understood that being able to gather so much funding for his plan showed Faaris's trust in him. No one else could have achieved this. Honestly, he was touched when he realized his opinion was accepted.

He had always hated and feared this Saudi man, resenting how he had forced him to sign a "slave contract" and smashing a task-failing man's head with an ashtray right before him, instilling great fear.

Initially, he considered leaving this dangerous man but ultimately abandoned the tempting idea. Not to mention whether he could escape Faaris's grasp, simply having the resources to challenge Laila ensured he couldn't leave.

He knew his abilities. Even if he combined ten of himself, he wouldn't be her match. Given her rising status, increasing earning power, and countless fans worldwide, he couldn't achieve his deepest desire alone.

Thus, he had to stay with Faaris, as no one else would provide such vast resources for him to squander.

Laila didn't know his persistence, and even if she did, she would only think he was obsessed.

She didn't know what grudge Cooper had with her playboy father, hating him even after death, wanting to destroy his company, and extending that hatred to his children.

If Laila weren't surnamed Moran or hadn't been reborn with this advantage, she might have sold the company upon taking over. Although small, the company's finances were healthy, with no debt. Most importantly, the company had its distribution system, small but sufficient for B-movies.

If not for Laila's arrival in this world, Phoenix Company would have been destroyed by Cooper, along with Reynolds' legacy, becoming a forgotten memory like many defunct Hollywood production companies.

She had investigated the grudge between Cooper and Reynolds more than once, but apart from Louise's silence, she found no clues. After Xiao Ye's failure, she stopped thinking about it.

Father's debts must be repaid by the child. Though she didn't want to inherit the grudge, she had no choice. As for Cooper, let him do as he pleases. If it comes to a fight, is she afraid of him?

Cooper's name only briefly crossed Laila's mind before being discarded. For her, who was behind the schemes didn't matter; what mattered was that this person had hit her where it hurt.

She wanted that award, driven by an obsession shared by all directors. Given her achievements, it would be strange if she didn't crave it. The hidden saboteur targeted her most sensitive spot, finding a precise entry point.

Giving up in the face of difficulties was not in Laila's nature.