Chapter 745: Taking Advantage!

  Perched atop a Malibu hill, a sprawling mansion commands the landscape, its grandeur matched only by the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon.

  Harris-Carter, standing on the rooftop terrace, savored the breathtaking vista before him, where the azure sea met the golden hues of the setting sun.

  Meanwhile, Schneider, the seasoned real estate agent, engaged in a tense negotiation over the phone with the homeowner, whose voice crackled through the receiver, echoing the urgency of their financial situation.

  Impassive, Harris awaited Schneider's return, his demeanor betraying no sense of urgency despite the high stakes at play.

  As Schneider approached, he relayed the homeowner's firm stance: "The absolute minimum they'll consider is $30 million. Anything less, and they're not interested."

  Harris, undeterred, countered with resolve: "My offer stands at $20 million. It's the most I'm willing to pay."

  Schneider hesitated, realizing the impasse: "With that offer, there's no room for negotiation."

  Unfazed, Harris simply remarked, "Well, there are plenty of other luxury properties in Los Angeles."

In the background, the urgency of the homeowner's financial constraints added pressure, reminding Schneider of the delicate balance between urgency and market value.

  Reluctantly, he conceded, "Let me make one last call."

  Sensing an opportunity, Harris emphasized, "I can guarantee full payment upfront, no need for financing."

  After a tense exchange of calls, the mansion, originally listed for $36 million, exchanged hands for $20 million, a testament to the seller's pressing need for liquidity.

  As terms were finalized, both parties hastened to expedite the paperwork and fund transfer, driven by the seller's urgent circumstances.

  With the deal sealed, Harris made his way downstairs, ready to depart, but Schneider intercepted him with an intriguing proposition.

  "Mr. Carter," he began, "remember your interest in Los Angeles properties? I have a penthouse downtown, a real gem, and the owner's willing to part with it for $13 million."

  Intrigued, Harris nodded, "Let's arrange a viewing for tomorrow."

  "Agreed," Schneider replied with a smile.

Descending the grand staircase, Harris exited the mansion, slipping into his car as he dialed Martin's number.

  "Did it go as planned?" Martin's voice crackled through the line.

  "Smooth as silk," Harris affirmed, "we secured the Malibu estate for $20 million."

  Martin's voice brimmed with satisfaction, "Excellent work."

  Harris deflected the praise, "It was the homeowner's urgency that sealed the deal. Schneider's lined up a penthouse for us to view tomorrow. Could be another great opportunity."

  "Keep an eye on the long-term gains," Martin advised, "these properties will serve us well in the future."

In the dimly lit Davis Studio, Martin sat at his desk, his eyes fixed on the glowing screen as he navigated through the latest celebrity gossip on TMZ.

  The ongoing saga between Amber Heard and Johnny Depp dominated the headlines once more, casting a shadow over Depp's already tarnished reputation.

  As Martin scrolled, he couldn't help but lament the inevitable fallout from their public feud, knowing that Depp's once-glowing reputation was fading fast.

  "Most of this is just hearsay," Martin muttered to himself, though he couldn't deny the grain of truth in some of the allegations, particularly those concerning Depp's daughter, Lily.

  The sound of a gentle knock interrupted his thoughts, and Bruce entered the room, bearing news of interest.

  Martin closed the tab, turning his attention to Bruce. "What's the latest?" he inquired.

  Bruce wasted no time. "Word on the street is that Annapurna Pictures is considering selling the rights to 'The Seventh Son'."

  Martin chuckled, shaking his head. "Meghan Ellison feeling the pinch, huh? Can't say I'm surprised."

  Contemplating for a moment, he added, "Looks like she's trying to recoup some losses."

  Bruce took a seat opposite Martin, their conversation turning to strategy. "We should keep a close eye on this," Martin suggested, tapping his fingers on the desk.

  "But what about the post-production delays?" Bruce raised a valid concern.

  "We'll bide our time," Martin assured him. "Let Ivan monitor the situation closely."

  "And what about the copyright?" Bruce inquired.

  Martin leaned forward, his expression determined. "We'll make a play for it. Epic productions like this attract a lot of interest in Hollywood."

  He continued, "Even if the film's fate seems uncertain, there are always investors willing to take a gamble."

  Bruce nodded, understanding Martin's angle. "So, we'll be ready to swoop in when the time is right?"

  "Exactly," Martin affirmed. "We'll stay ahead of the curve and negotiate the best deal possible."

  "But do you really think 'The Seventh Son' will flop?" Bruce pressed, seeking reassurance.

  Martin's tone turned serious. "Let's just say the odds aren't in its favor. After the turn of the century, epic films not named 'Lord of the Rings' have had a rough go of it."

  With a shared understanding, Martin and Bruce prepared to navigate the treacherous waters of Hollywood's ever-changing landscape, ready to seize opportunities and mitigate risks in pursuit of success.

  Bruce stepped away to make the call, leaving Martin to wrap up his tasks for the day. With meticulous care, he selected a bracelet from Cartier, placing it in an elegant gift box.

  Exiting the studio, Martin traversed the bustling overpass connecting the ABC TV station to the Disney headquarters, where he encountered Bruce preparing to drive the battery car. Before they could depart, a sleek car pulled up beside them, and Elena Satine, sitting behind the wheel, beckoned them to join her.

  "Martin, Bruce, hop in," she called out with a warm smile.

  Seated comfortably in the battery car, Elena remarked, "It's been ages since I've been here. What a pleasant surprise to run into you both today."

  Martin, intrigued by her presence, inquired, "Aren't you busy with your role in Marvel's 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'?"

  "I play a minor character," Elena explained, her tone tinged with humility. "Lorelei, a banshee from Asgard, on the run."

  Curious, Martin probed, "What powers does she possess?"

  Elena grinned, "She can enchant men and bend them to her will with her voice."

  "Quite the power," Martin acknowledged with a nod.

  "We Eastern European actors often get typecast," Elena lamented. "It's challenging to land substantial roles."

  Martin, intrigued by her background, inquired, "Where in Eastern Europe are you from?"

  "I'm Georgian, but I spent my formative years in Russia," Elena revealed.

  Arriving at their destination, Martin directed Elena to park by the roadside near the "Love" studio.

  Exiting the car with the gift box in hand, Martin expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Elena."

  "Goodbye," Elena waved before driving off into the distance.

  Entering the studio, Martin was promptly informed by the receptionist, "Ms. Mel is expecting you. Her office is down the hall."

  "Thank you," Martin acknowledged with a smile, making his way to Louise's office.

  As he entered, Louise turned on the TV and inserted a DVD into the player, explaining, "This came from a young director vying for the opportunity to helm 'La La Land.' His name is Damien Chazelle."

  After scanning the details on her desk, she continued, "He's younger than you, born in 1985, with a modest resume. His only notable musical prior to this was 'Guy and Adeline on the Park Bench.'"

  Martin wracked his brain, trying to recall any mention of the director's previous work, but came up empty-handed.

  Louise leaned back in her chair, her expression thoughtful. "He's well aware of his limitations. During our initial interview, he handed me this DVD," she gestured towards the disc in her hand. "It's a short music film he shot. Quite remarkable, actually."

  Martin nodded in interest. "Let's give it a watch then."

  With a press of a button, the screen flickered to life, accompanied by a flurry of jazz drums.

  The short film unfolded, depicting a young drummer's relentless pursuit of his passion, practicing until his hands bled, yet persevering with an unwavering determination.

  The story, though brief, resonated deeply with Martin, evoking memories of a similar tale he'd encountered before.

  "The Drummer's Beat," he murmured, recalling the intense portrayal of a jazz drummer's journey.

  With a familiar director's name and the frenetic energy of the film, Martin felt a sense of déjà vu, though he knew further examination was necessary.

  As the short film drew to a close, Louise remarked, "The director aims to expand this into a feature film based on his own experiences in a high school band. This short film serves as a pitch to attract investors. Quite a unique approach, I must say."

  Martin pointed towards the DVD player. "Reach out to him. Arrange a meeting for the coming days. I'm interested in backing this project."

  Louise leaned in, her tone serious. "Consider it a stake in Pacific Pictures."

  Martin nodded in agreement. "I've discussed with him the possibility of shooting a clip for 'La La Land.' Pending our evaluation, the director's chair may very well be his."

  Louise nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps he'll surprise us."

  "I'll be in the music room if you need me," Martin announced, excusing himself from Louise's office.

  On his way to the music room, Martin paused by the dance studio, observing Mandy Moore and Saoirse Ronan rehearsing.

  After their routine concluded, Martin waved to Saoirse, who approached with a smile.

  Extending the handbag towards her, Martin greeted her warmly, "Happy eighteenth birthday. This is for you."

  Saoirse's eyes sparkled as she glimpsed the Cartier logo. "Can I open it now?"

  Martin gestured encouragingly. "Of course."

  Delicately unwrapping the gift, Saoirse discovered a stunning platinum and diamond bracelet nestled inside. With a delighted grin, she extended her wrist. "Would you mind putting it on for me?"

  Martin obliged, fastening the bracelet securely around her wrist.

  Saoirse admired the bracelet, her smile growing wider with each passing moment. "It's exquisite. I absolutely love it."

  With a nod of appreciation, Martin directed her attention towards the front. "I'll leave you to enjoy it. I'm off to practice the piano."