Chapter 155: A Lesson in Reversals

The NASDAQ was on a wild ride, dragging the Dow Jones Index up with it, but anyone with a shred of sanity could see that things were not normal. Did savvy investors like Scott fail to see the problems?

Many probably realized the bubble was growing but believed someone else would take the fall, hoping to cash in big before it burst. Frankly, without foresight, Michael Davenport might have made different choices too.

Fortunately, in his previous life, he avoided stocks, so his self-control remained intact. Michael constantly reminded himself that financial speculation, like a drug, was fine occasionally but should never become an addiction.

The day after visiting Scott's home, Michael met with Judith to settle the $3 million personal loan. This was the first loan he took out under his name after his initial trip to Abu Dhabi, investing it in the stock market. After repaying the loan, he still had nearly $10 million from the $3 million profit.

The rest of the investments were made under the company's name, and the stock market returns were credited to Relativity's account. Since Michael fully controlled Relativity Entertainment, accessing funds required only a few legal steps with Mary, making it relatively simple.

Michael was waiting for the stock market to crash. Once NASDAQ plummeted enough, he planned to buy shares in companies with promising futures and hold onto them long-term. Even if Relativity Entertainment faced issues in the future, he would still be secure, possibly living comfortably as a wealthy individual.

Wealth is crucial for anyone. In a commercial country like the US, financial strength is paramount. After all, strength follows wealth. Without wealth, where would the resources come from?

Think about it—would Leonardo DiCaprio have a harem of Victoria's Secret Angels if he weren't wealthy? Switching partners frequently, with exes seldom speaking ill of him—even amidst the intense #MeToo movement, Leonardo remained unscathed, underscoring the importance of wealth.

As the stock market soared irrationally, Michael subtly reminded Scott again, but Scott didn't heed the warning. There was only so much one could do. It was impossible to wake someone pretending to sleep.

Michael couldn't call every day to urge people to flee the stock market, so he put it out of his mind, focusing on the myriad tasks at hand.

Embassy Pictures was negotiating with several companies capable of overseas distribution to sell the rights for Kingsman: The Secret Service and Final Destination.

Robert Lee and Danny Donald left Los Angeles, starting their inspection of new offices from Australia.

Michael participated in several financial meetings, with Mary, now the CFO of Relativity Entertainment, and her team finalizing the accounts for the two films.

Kingsman: The Secret Service followed legal and industry standards closely, leaving little room for Abu Dhabi Investment Authority to find fault.

However, Final Destination was a different story.

Michael wasn't planning to return to Abu Dhabi for financing. The profits from this highly successful film primarily belonged to him.

Mary and the financial team were bold when dealing with the Abu Dhabi investors' returns.

Having been in Los Angeles for two years, Michael experienced firsthand that Americans often considered themselves paramount and other countries secondary.

Meanwhile, Andrew reached an agreement with James Wan's agent. Michael, on behalf of Sandsea Entertainment, signed a contract with James Wan to direct The Purge 2.

The contract was for one film. Negotiations for Final Destination 2 would resume after completing The Purge 2.

James Wan, having directed two consecutive hits, had more leverage than Paul Greengrass.

Facing a valuable and successful director, Michael couldn't push too hard, keeping future collaborations in mind. Andrew and Edward agreed on a fee, and Michael consented.

James Wan's new film contract included a base fee of $2 million plus 5% of the net profits. With The Purge 2 having a total budget of $6 million, James Wan's base fee consumed a third of the budget, implying that only non-star actors could be cast.

With James Wan's contract signed, the project officially launched. Tom Cruise was enthusiastic, having his agent discuss the $1.5 million investment with Sandsea Entertainment.

Michael honored his commitment, which earned him Tom Cruise's goodwill. Cruise invited him to a private screening of Mission: Impossible 2.

Each Mission: Impossible film had its unique style. John Woo didn't mimic the first film. His distinct style shone through in the gunfights and car chases.

However, for someone who had seen countless Woo-style action films, the reused tropes lacked novelty.

How could there be no hero rescuing a damsel in distress? No explosive gunfights? No slow-motion? And of course, the iconic doves…

For a moment, Michael felt he was watching not Tom Cruise, but Chow Yun-fat.

There was no escaping it—Face/Off was the pinnacle of Woo's Hollywood career, making Mission: Impossible 2 seem lackluster.

Perhaps it was preconceived notions, but Michael felt Cruise's performance didn't match that of Nicolas Cage or John Travolta in Face/Off.

"Did you like it?"

After the screening, Tom Cruise asked Michael, "You have a good eye for these things. What did you think?"

Michael spoke positively, "It was fantastic. The action sequences were unique, and Ethan Hunt was incredibly charming. Tom, with your star power, this film is bound to be a hit."

Cruise smiled, "Let me introduce you to some people."

He led Michael to a group of Paramount Pictures executives, introducing him one by one.

"You're Michael Davenport?" Sherry Lansing looked at Michael, surprised. "You're even younger than I imagined. You're the youngest producer with a $100 million film in Hollywood."

Michael recognized her as Paramount's CEO and humbly said, "I'm far from your level, Ms. Lansing."

This wasn't an exaggeration. Sherry Lansing was one of Hollywood's most successful women, with an annual "Hollywood Women's Power List" award named after her—the "Sherry Lansing Leadership Award."

Michael chatted with Lansing for a while. It was clear she greatly admired Tom Cruise. After Lansing's departure, Cruise's relationship with Paramount soured, eventually leading to a public fallout.

Later, Michael left with Tom Cruise. As they got into the same car, Michael regretted it as Cruise took a call, arguing intensely. From the tone, it was clearly Nicole Kidman on the other end.

"Sorry about that," Cruise said, hanging up, his good mood vanished. "I didn't mean to air my dirty laundry."

Michael didn't know what to say, so he remained silent.

Cruise suddenly said, "Marriage is terrifying."

Michael looked at him curiously. Cruise, seeming to have bottled this up for a while, continued, "No matter how deep the love was initially, it ends in mutual harm."

Michael thought for a moment and said, "I'm a believer in not marrying."

Cruise nodded, "It saves a lot of trouble in the future." He sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead. "Michael, I wish I could be as open-minded as you."

Seeing that Cruise didn't mind discussing his personal life, Michael cautiously asked, "You and Nicole?"

Cruise replied bluntly, "Irreconcilable."

Michael chose not to comment on someone else's marriage. "I've never been married, so I can't relate."

Reflecting on their past divorce, where Kidman played the victim, and later often dragged Cruise's name through the mud for attention, Michael found the whole concept of marriage daunting.

For wealthy individuals, marriage required utmost caution.

Even with prenuptial agreements, what about assets acquired during the marriage? A divorce could cost half your wealth, along with alimony, and end with public smearing. It sounded terrifying.

Given the speed at which Hollywood women changed partners, it was a nightmare scenario.

Michael resolved to see Tom Cruise's experiences as a cautionary tale.

In early February, Michael received a call—someone from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority wanted to meet.