Chapter 34: Golden Master Dad

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Within two days, Hardy received a detailed dossier on Brad Sanders.

Brad Sanders, 38, is of Australian origin and serves as the manager of the Persian Cat Model Performing Arts Company, holding a 36% share of the company.

The information included his residence and daily activities. Sanders had divorced a few years ago and now lives alone. He frequently brings his contracted artists, both male and female, to his home.

Many of Sanders' contracted artists have taken him to court, but he always wins due to holding their contracts.

Sanders is a quintessential exploiter. There are numerous agencies in Hollywood with little to no resources, preying on naive dreamers who come to Hollywood, signing contracts that effectively shackle them.

Through various means—whether seduction or coercion—he turns these artists into mere assets for profit.

Those who resist are threatened with severe financial penalties, forcing many to comply. Such practices are not uncommon, and many people continue to fall victim every year.

After reviewing the dossier, Hardy concluded that simply killing Sanders wouldn't be effective. As one of the shareholders, Sanders' death wouldn't cancel Marisa's contract.

He tapped his fingers on the desk, contemplating how to resolve the situation.

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Upon arriving at Noah's Ark Film Company, Hardy instructed the administrative staff, "Please contact several talent agencies. Inform them that our company plans to expand its performance department next year and invite them to submit their information. If we find suitable candidates, we are willing to purchase their contracts."

After handing over a list of agencies, the staff set to work.

It's common in Hollywood to acquire actors from smaller agencies. Many major stars started with small agencies before signing with large film companies after gaining fame.

Sanders, receiving a call from Noah's Ark Film Company, felt a surge of excitement. For small agencies like his, selling artist contracts to a big company can be highly profitable.

The next day, Sanders arrived at Noah's Ark Film Company early, only to find that two other agency leaders were already there.

The staff called in the first agent. After about ten minutes, Walter emerged, looking frustrated.

Sanders quickly approached him. "Walter, did they not show interest?"

"Mr. Hardy has high standards. He was only interested in two of the artists I presented, but the offer was very low—just $5,000 per person. I need to think it over," Walter said before leaving.

The second agent emerged, and Sanders could tell this person was also struggling.

Entering the office, Sanders saw a young man behind the desk. The nameplate read "Assistant Chairman, Jon Hardy."

With a smile, Sanders introduced himself, "Hello, Assistant Hardy. I'm Brad Sanders, manager of the Persian Cat Model Performing Arts Company."

Hardy gave him a cursory glance. "Mr. Sanders, please take a seat and present the artist profiles."

Sanders handed over a thick stack of documents.

Hardy flipped through them. After looking at a few profiles, he came across Marisa's. The photo of Marisa appeared slightly dated, likely taken two years ago. Hardy skimmed through it and moved on.

There were eleven documents in total. Although Sanders was a shady operator, his ability to pick talent was evident; the artists in his portfolio were of higher quality than those from the previous agencies.

Hardy reviewed the information again and selected five profiles, including Marisa's.

"For these five, I'll offer $5,000 each," Hardy said matter-of-factly.

Sanders examined the list and acknowledged that Hardy had good taste; these were indeed the best of his collection.

"Mr. Hardy, the price is too low. I believe their value is closer to $10,000 each," Sanders countered with a smile.

Hardy shook his head. "These artists lack performance experience and haven't achieved any notable work. Essentially, they are no different from extras. I could hire extras for just a few dollars a day. $6,000 per person is a fair price."

Sanders, though tempted, continued to negotiate, emphasizing the potential future value of the artists despite their current lack of prominence.

"Six thousand five hundred dollars per person is the best I can offer. If that's unacceptable, I'll seek other buyers," Hardy said, growing impatient.

"Alright, I agree," Sanders conceded, pleased with the additional $2,500.

Some of the artists were in trouble and might not see a penny from their contracts, making the sale a practical decision for Sanders.

"When shall we sign the contracts?" Sanders asked.

"Tomorrow. We'll both prepare the necessary documents and finalize the deal then," Hardy replied.

"Very well," Sanders agreed with a smile.

Hardy had arranged this private transaction under the guise of being the assistant to the chairman of Noah's Ark. He wasn't authorized to use company funds, which amounted to tens of thousands of dollars.

However, Hardy had anticipated this. He had bought a shell brokerage firm two days earlier and renamed it "Hardy Economic Company."

He owned 100% of the shares.

After Sanders left, Hardy went to the company's legal department to have a sales contract drafted.

The next afternoon, under a gloomy sky with light rain, Sanders arrived at a bar on Sunset Street with the contract. He wondered why the signing was taking place in a bar rather than the film company but had no doubts about Hardy's identity.

Entering the bar's private room, Sanders saw Hardy waiting with a middle-aged man in a suit. Sanders greeted them warmly.

"Hello, Mr. Hardy."

"Have you brought all the contracts?" Hardy asked.

"Yes, I have," Sanders replied, producing a stack of contracts from his briefcase.

Hardy didn't take them himself. The middle-aged man, introduced as the company's legal department representative, took the documents for review. "This is our legal expert. Let him handle the details."

"Certainly," Sanders agreed with a smile.

After the legal expert reviewed the contracts, he nodded. "The contracts are in order, Assistant Hardy."

"Thank you," Hardy said, expressing his gratitude.

The legal expert left, and Hardy pushed the purchase agreement towards Sanders. "Review it. If everything is correct, we can proceed with the signatures."

Sanders carefully examined the contract, aware of the complexities and potential pitfalls. Finding no issues, he noticed that the brokerage company on the contract was Hardy's.

Sanders asked, surprised, "Mr. Hardy, why is it under Hardy's agency? Shouldn't it be Noah's Ark Film Company?"

Hardy had anticipated this question. "Hardy's agency is a subsidiary of Noah's Ark, established to better manage contracted artists. I will oversee this area moving forward."

"As long as it doesn't affect the contract, I'm fine with it," Sanders said.

"Correct," Hardy confirmed. "It's essentially the same."

Sanders signed the contract, and Hardy now held the agreements.

From this moment, Marisa's contract was transferred to Hardy, making him her new boss—her financial benefactor.

Hardy pulled out a paper bag and placed several stacks of money on the table. "Thirty-two thousand five hundred dollars. Count it yourself."

Sanders quickly counted the money. Hardy lit a cigar, the blue smoke curling upward as he watched Sanders.

Once Sanders finished counting, he smiled and pocketed the money. "The amount is correct, Mr. Hardy. It's been a pleasure working with you."

"I'll see you out," Hardy said, standing.

"Thank you," Sanders replied as they left together.

The light rain continued to fall as Sanders bid farewell and drove away. A black Ford parked by the roadside followed his car. Hardy, with a slight smile, flicked the file bag in his hand and got into his own car.

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