Chapter 357: I Really Didn't Mean To

[Chapter 357: I Really Didn't Mean To]

"That Polish actress you used to keep by your side, what was her name? Joanna Pacula, right?" Elisabeth reminded him.

Eric nodded. "So what?"

"Because of you, that woman received a lot of offers from film companies, but every script submitted through her agent was completely shot down by you. You haven't forgotten about that, have you?"

"No," Eric said, seemingly understanding something, but still unsure. "I had other plans for Joanna, and honestly, those scripts didn't have anything outstanding. Did something happen afterward?"

"I heard by chance that all the projects you had a hand in got canceled."

"All of them?" Eric asked incredulously.

Elisabeth nodded, her gaze toward Eric holding a hint of concern. "I shouldn't be mistaken. You know, for the big studios, most film projects take months, even years of grappling before they get officially greenlit. Yet, because of a few dismissive comments from you, those projects that people had invested so much time in went up in smoke. So, how many more people are you planning to drag down while you look for roles for your woman?"

Eric didn't respond to Elisabeth's last question and pressed on, "Have I really made such an impression already?"

Elisabeth rolled her eyes in exasperation. "A lot of people are attributing the box office success of The Silence of the Lambs to you. I guess the same goes for Sleeping with the Enemy. I know that project was Robert Shea's baby, but those not in the know wouldn't see it that way. Up to now, every film you've been involved with hasn't failed, which would definitely give them reason to idolize you."

Eric absentmindedly scratched his cheek, muttering, "Looks like I might have gone a bit too far."

"What did you say?" Elisabeth leaned in, curious.

"I said you look amazing in that dress tonight," Eric replied, lifting his head to answer.

Elisabeth proudly tipped her chin up. "As if you need to tell me. This is the latest summer collection from Chanel. Ah... ugh, you definitely weren't talking about that just now."

"Have a good time," Eric said as he spotted Jennifer Connelly walking back. He casually waved to Elisabeth and made his way toward her.

Elisabeth shot Eric a glare, flicking her golden hair back and turning to mingle with the crowd.

...

"Welcome back, come with me. I just saw Columbia's VP, Amy Pascal. She definitely has information about Columbia's projects for the second half of the year. I know her pretty well."

Eric hooked his arm around Connelly and walked towards Amy Pascal. The group of men and women who had been standing with her stopped chatting to look at Eric.

Only Amy knew Eric, and as they approached, she greeted him warmly. "Hi, Eric."

"Amy, long time no see. This is my girlfriend, Jennifer Connelly," Eric said, shaking Amy's hand and introducing Connelly.

"Great to meet you, Miss Connelly. You look stunning! I think I've seen one of your movies," Amy Pascal said enthusiastically.

Having just heard Eric introduce Amy as the VP for Columbia, Connelly felt a bit nervous but managed to reply graciously, "Thank you, you're lovely too, Ms. Pascal."

Amy smiled and nodded, exchanged some pleasantries with Connelly, then redirected her attention back to Eric, introducing the few executives and well-known producers standing nearby.

If this had been over a year ago, these would have been people Eric desperately wanted to connect with. But now, he had no need for forced introductions. The rise of Firefly had become undeniable. Eric had plenty of funding and resources, making him a desirable partner for numerous producers in Hollywood. Although the majors were still the first choice for good film projects, Firefly commanded considerable respect, even outranking the declining MGM.

After a brief conversation, Eric asked, "Amy, do you have any movie projects available with uncast leads?"

Amy Pascal's eyes subtly flickered towards Connelly before replying, "I do have one, but Eric, would you consider starting a sequel to Running Out of Time? If you did, you would get to decide on all the roles, and Columbia would fully support you."

"Let's discuss that later. You know how busy I am right now."

Eric shook his head. Due to last year's contract, the rights to Running Out of Time were co-owned by Columbia and Firefly. Ever since this version of Running Out of Time became a box office success, Columbia had been nudging Eric to initiate a sequel, but he had absolutely no interest in it. After Columbia reached out to Tom Hanks, he also stated that he wouldn't join the sequel without Eric's involvement, which left the project on hold.

When Amy Pascal heard Eric's refusal, she didn't press any further. She had only mentioned it casually, so she didn't harbor any real hopes. Of course, if Eric had suddenly agreed, that would have benefited her career significantly.

Steering the conversation away from Running Out of Time, Amy Pascal gave Jennifer Connelly an appraising look. "I have a leading role in a comedy that would be perfect for Miss Connelly. I'll have a script sent to..."

"Send it to the Liberty City manor. I want to see if the role fits Jenny," Eric interjected. He didn't immediately agree; if the script wasn't up to par, he could delay, which wouldn't owe her any favors.

"Sure thing, I'll have the script sent over tomorrow," Amy Pascal smiled. "But Eric, even if you don't think it's suitable, you can't say anything reckless."

Eric paused, recalling Elisabeth's earlier words, and laughed self-deprecatingly. "Looks like you all know about that incident. I only just heard about it. But I really didn't mean for that to happen; I didn't expect all those scripts to be canceled."

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.