Chapter 8: The Lion and the Hyena

"Fuck…" Helpless and flailing in mid-air, Philip was absolutely livid. Just as he was about to unleash a torrent of curses, Marcus's hand, big as a fan, mercilessly clamped over his mouth. It hit with such a thud that Philip nearly blacked out.

In full view of everyone, Philip was left gasping for air after being smothered by that slap, stars dancing in his eyes as he was firmly tucked under Marcus's beefy arm, no room for resistance as he was carried away. But by that point, he was beyond caring about saving face. The intense body odor emanating from Marcus's armpit was more ferocious than a biochemical weapon, leaving him feeling dizzy, nauseous, and utterly drained.

Bruce stood up in a timely manner, dusting off his hands and giving a slight nod around: "My apologies, everyone! Just a little hiccup. Please don't let this incident dampen your spirits. There's still more exciting performances and delicious food to come, so please do enjoy this beautiful night."

"Dominating! That's Mr. Lee for you. That idiot had it coming for trying to mess with our guy," Cai Chengping commented with obvious satisfaction from a distance. The sight of Philip Walters looking so deserving of a beatdown was gratifying for him. He almost had his own bodyguards step in, if not for worrying about causing trouble for Bruce.

But Bruce's unapologetic response was exactly to his taste, making him feel a surge of adrenaline, as if he himself had vented some pent-up anger.

Standing next to him, Amanda Seyfried's eyes sparkled with intrigue. She recognized Philip Walters, whose uncle Jason Walters was a significant power player in Hollywood, holding positions like Vice President and General Manager at Walt Disney Studios. 

Bruce didn't give the other party any face at all, almost giving no chance for Philip to defend himself, and simply gestured for the bodyguards to throw him out. This seemingly rash and rough action didn't repulse her; instead, she saw a completely different side of Bruce than the teasing and composed one before, filled with intimidating sharpness and charm.

The party continued, and the people who had resettled into their seats were somewhat silent, all eyes on Bruce. Nancy Jacobs looked at him with a peculiar expression, deep in thought, while several top executives from Miramax were somewhat troubled by Philip's disruption, also feeling a bit awkward.

"Now, gentlemen, I think we can have a pleasant conversation," Bruce said, casually lifting his glass as if nothing had happened, breaking the silence first.

"I apologize for the incident. It will not affect our cooperation, Mr. Lee," Richard White also managed to calm down. He appreciated that Bruce didn't take out his frustration on him, a good sign. What needed to be done now was to soothe Bruce and continue the cooperation.

He understood why Philip Walters did what he did. Was it really out of concern that some unwritten rules would disrupt the film production? That was laughable, considering the number of times the rich kid had been involved in such antics. He was merely trying to sabotage himself and perhaps hoping to ruin the partnership between the two. It's not easy to find a financier like Bruce who doesn't care about profits and genuinely supports talent.

In fact, Richard White wasn't one for strong-arm tactics; otherwise, he would have reached a higher position long ago. He was always a bit hesitant and indecisive in such situations, worried about messing things up yet unwilling to completely offend someone with a strong backing like Philip. Bruce's decisive action made the decision for him.

"Of course, it won't. I've always believed that only equals have the right to speak," Bruce said with composure, his words seeming to carry a hidden message as he looked around.

The other Miramax executives were not too pleased with his rough handling of the situation. Regardless of how foolish Philip Walters behaved, he was still representing Miramax. Being thrown out so directly wasn't a good look for them. But Bruce was unapologetic, his strong response a clear message: mind your manners in my presence, and be careful with your words!

Richard White smiled awkwardly, not countering. As the highest-ranking person present, if he didn't voice any objections, the others followed suit, pretending as if nothing had happened.

When the others were amicable, Bruce was quite the gracious host. He clinked glasses with a few people and told some jokes to lighten the mood, eventually getting the film executives to relax.

As time went on, Richard White expressed his intention to leave, and Bruce's refusal was very natural. Besides serious business, socializing was necessary, and he had already prepared follow-up arrangements for them. Isaiah led them to the next destination. The film industry seldom keeps secrets, and it didn't take much effort for Isaiah to figure out their preferences, ensuring the next part of the evening would be to their liking.

After the impeccably dressed Miramax executives left with Isaiah, Bruce stood up and walked towards the study, with Nancy understandingly following behind.

"You've messed up, Nancy," Bruce glanced at Nancy, whose demeanor remained composed. "It seems I might have overestimated your capabilities?"

"It was an unforeseen incident. You needn't worry; I'll handle the Philip Walters situation," Nancy replied calmly, her expression unchanged by Bruce's words. She was convinced she could manage it well, even considering what she deemed Bruce's somewhat irrational actions. Today's events were clearly targeted at Richard White, not them.

Even this man, usually as cool as an iceberg, could have moments of angry discomposure. Was it because of Rachel Cyrus? Was she his Achilles' heel?

Nancy Jacobs seemed unaware that when Bruce no longer bothered with superficial efforts, it meant one thing — he had prepared a more direct and effective way to obliterate the adversary once and for all.

"No need. You don't have to worry about Philip Walters anymore, just ensure everything else is handled properly," Bruce dismissed with a wave of his hand, as if swatting away an insignificant insect.

"So, you're taking care of it? Very well, I assure you there won't be any more issues," Nancy Jacobs said, somewhat surprised, but she nodded in agreement.

"Foolish hyenas angering the lion will surely pay the price," Bruce stated indifferently, then put down his glass and turned to leave.

Left standing alone in the study, Nancy Jacobs lingered on his words for a moment, staring after his departing figure with an inexplicable gleam in her eyes.