C 6

"Anton, I hesitated for a long time before deciding to come to see you."

Eddie fidgeted, clearly anxious, as he began. "There's something I need to get off my chest. I haven't felt at peace since… well, do you even know why I was fired from my last job?"

"I heard you offended a 'big man,'" Anton replied with a shrug, motioning for Eddie to take a seat. He pulled out a chair from behind his desk.

Eddie sat down, his posture tense. "Do you want to know why I offended him?" he asked, his voice edged with frustration.

"Let's hear it," Anton replied casually, leaning back with a smile. "Relax, Eddie. Whatever you say, I can't fire you. I'm just the associate editor. You're the editor-in-chief. So go on, say what you need to say."

After a deep breath, Eddie began. "It's Carlton Drake, the owner of the Life Foundation. His pharmaceutical empire grew because he's been using homeless people as guinea pigs, testing dangerous drugs and conducting illegal experiments. His entire business is built on a mountain of corpses. I investigated it for a story, and… that's what got me fired."

Anton nodded thoughtfully. "So, you're still not over it. You want to keep pursuing the story?"

Eddie hesitated. "I don't know. I got another job eventually, but… yeah, I'm not at peace with it. He ruined my life. I feel like I owe it to myself to see it through."

Anton was silent for a moment before replying, "I'll talk to the old man and see if we can do something about it. For now, go back to work, and I'll let you know as soon as I have an answer."

The mention of Carlton Drake was significant. As the young, wealthy CEO of Life Foundation, he wielded substantial influence. Going up against him would mean the Daily Bugle was essentially declaring war on the Life Foundation. Anton privately admired Eddie's resolve to expose Drake, yet he understood the weight of his decision. The Daily Bugle wasn't his newspaper; Jonah Jameson, his grandfather, had the final say.

Eddie looked unconvinced, his disappointment evident as he rose to leave. "Thanks anyway, Anton," he said, sounding resigned.

"Wait, Eddie." Anton softened his tone. "Personally, I support you. But you know this paper isn't really mine. Trust me; I'll do my best to convince the old man."

Eddie paused, his expression shifting as he registered Anton's sincerity. "I understand. Thank you."

After Eddie left, Anton wasted no time calling his grandfather, laying out the entire situation. He was fully prepared to plead Eddie's case but was taken aback when Jonah Jameson didn't hesitate.

"Tell Eddie to pursue it," Jameson said with a chuckle. "Let him dig as deep as he can. If there's a story there, we're not going to back down."

Anton was stunned. "But, Grandpa, you know how dangerous this is. The Life Foundation is no joke. I've heard rumors they'd go to any length to protect their secrets. If Eddie keeps investigating, there's a real chance we'll face threats, maybe even worse."

"Anton," Jameson replied firmly, "New York is our territory. The Life Foundation operates in San Francisco. Believe me, they wouldn't dare to overstep. If this is something you're serious about, don't let fear hold you back."

Anton smiled, his respect for his grandfather growing. "I'll have to change my opinion of you, old man. Turns out you're a retired newspaper editor with a backbone, not just the penny-pinching boss I remember."

Jameson laughed. "You've surprised me too, Anton. Whatever comes of this, you're showing the grit it takes to lead a newspaper one day."

"Save the praise until we're out of the woods," Anton replied, ending the call.

He had intended to find Eddie and share the good news right away, but another knock interrupted him. This time, it was the gold-medal screenwriter he'd been expecting for the Batman movie script discussion. Anton put thoughts of Eddie aside and turned his focus to the screenwriter. He knew that the movie project was a priority, especially with a lot riding on its success.

The screenwriter, a man named Toby, had risen from a tough background and knew the value of hard work. Money meant everything to him, and he respected Anton as a client who valued quality. Their conversation was immediately productive. Toby quickly realized that Anton wasn't a stereotypical, clueless rich kid; the ideas and settings Anton proposed for Batman surprised him with their creativity and insight. Toby could tell he was here to enhance a solid foundation rather than save a sinking ship.

"This kind of rich and rewarding job? Yes, please!" Toby thought to himself, excited.

"Perfect," Anton said. "Now, take what we discussed and polish the script as fast as possible. Oh, and I have another task in mind for you."

"Go ahead," Toby replied eagerly.

"I want this story written as a novel and published as a promotional move before the movie," Anton explained. "It'll be our first step in marketing. And don't worry, you'll be compensated well."

"Consider it done," Toby agreed without hesitation. The work was easy, the pay generous, and he was excited to collaborate with Anton.

"Tomorrow I'm flying to Los Angeles to meet Jim. If you'd like to head back to L.A., you're welcome to join me," Anton added.

"Thanks, Anton. I'll see you tomorrow," Toby replied, catching Anton's subtle hint to wrap up their conversation. He left the office, his mind already brimming with ideas for the script and novel adaptation.

As Toby left, Anton glanced out the window, momentarily lost in the glow of the setting sun. He hadn't expected the Batman project to pick up momentum so quickly. Inspired, he headed to the staff area to track down Eddie, wanting to tell him the news before leaving for L.A. He spotted Betty, who was packing up to leave.

"Hey, Betty, have you seen Eddie?" he asked.

"No idea," she replied curtly, not even glancing back as she left, her hips swaying indignantly.

Anton scratched his head, bemused. "Did I offend her somehow? Or maybe she's just annoyed she didn't land that editor-in-chief position. Women can be so particular."

Just then, Eddie stepped out of his office, saving Anton from further self-reflection.

"Hey, Eddie! Are you free for a drink?" Anton called, grinning as he approached. "There's a bar just down the street. I have some news to share."

…

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