Chapter 280: Four Summons

[Chapter 280: Four Summons]

While the two were quietly chatting, the mobile phone on the coffee table rang. The young woman eagerly picked it up and held it to Eric's ear, leaning over onto him in the process.

Eric wrapped his arms around the girl's waist and pressed the talk button with his other hand. On the other end, Jeffrey's concerned voice came through, "Eric, are you doing okay right now?"

"I'm fine, just watching the commotion. How's everything at the company?" Eric glanced at the television where news was still broadcasting. His tone had a slight strain; he wasn't made of iron. With such a large-scale attack, it was impossible not to feel something. If he hadn't saved a bit of leverage beforehand, Eric wasn't sure what he would have done.

"The company situation is relatively stable. However, several minor employees resigned today; I guess they couldn't handle the pressure from public opinion, and I didn't try to persuade them to stay. Also, Robert hinted to me this afternoon that he wanted me to talk to you."

"I suspect he was tipped off by someone. Just let him do what he needs to do."

"I understand. I just thought I should mention this to you. By the way, when are you planning to strike back? You can't just let things continue like this, right?"

Eric paused for a moment before replying, "Now isn't the time. By the way, how's the financial situation?"

Jeff's tone grew heavy as he answered, "It's all dragging out. I personally went to Columbia and Fox, but I didn't manage to meet with any executives. I asked Edward about it; he said if this goes to court, we would definitely win, but it would take months. As for the loan, Carolyn contacted several banks. Citibank was interested and agreed to lend us $50 million, but then Disney and Fox both sent out legal notices, claiming there's an issue with our contract, which prevented Citibank from giving us the loan. That's out the window now."

"What do you think their aim is with this?" Eric wondered aloud.

Jeffery replied from the other end, "I think it might have something to do with taxes. If it really comes down to that, I believe a well-run company like Firefly will get the IRS to allow us to defer our taxes."

Eric knew what Jeffrey was thinking, and he had come to the same conclusion. He realized that the coming storm was undoubtedly related to money, and it was likely to be a substantial amount. Otherwise, these major companies wouldn't go to such lengths to block Firefly from getting funds.

"Jeffrey, let's not think about that money for now. Try to get Carolyn to keep looking for loans. If domestic banks don't work out, let's try some from abroad. Since Citibank was interested, I'm sure there are other banks willing to lend to us."

"I got it. Actually, Eric, Carolyn mentioned there's another way to get a loan -- by mortgaging your shares in Firefly. Other companies wouldn't have a reason to oppose that."

Eric firmly replied without hesitation, "Jeffrey, that's not negotiable. Our competitors are doing everything they can to grab Firefly shares. Can you guarantee that I'll be able to get them back after I mortgage them?"

"I meant if it's just a small portion, say ten percent."

"No deal, Jeffrey. Let's put that aside." Eric continued, "Since they've made their move, we can't just sit here. Halt the production of Who Wants to be a Millionaire and The X-Files. Also, there's news out there that Friends might not have a second season."

Upon hearing this, Jeffrey fell silent for a moment before saying, "Eric, how about I talk to Jennifer? I think she just acted out of impulse. She'll understand your position now."

Eric sighed, recalling how John Aniston had personally called him days before to scold him and warn him to stay away from his daughter. He replied, "No need."

On the other end, Jeffrey shook his head and said, "Alright then. By the way, Eric, stop watching TV all day and don't bother with the newspapers. You know they're all fabricated. You should find something else to do, like writing a script or something."

Eric thought for a bit and suggested, "Why don't you help me find a band?"

"A band? What do you need that for?"

"I just felt inspired and want to produce a song."

Knowing that Eric had some understanding of film scores and had seen him create incidental music, Jeffrey nodded without any doubts, "What kind of band are you looking for?"

Eric replied, "A rock band, industrial heavy metal. Get me the best there is."

"Um... alright."

After a few more exchanges, they hung up. Eric pushed the girl, who had been leaning into him, aside, switched off the television, gave a few instructions, and then headed into his study.

...

The next day, Jeffrey brought in Los Angeles's best rock band along with a truck full of music production equipment to Eric's Malibu estate. For the following days, eager paparazzi remained steadfast, waiting for Eric to emerge, occasionally hearing faint sounds of rock music from the mansion.

A week passed with the storm brewing. Eric still hadn't made any move to respond, but there were no signs of the situation abating. Outside his Malibu estate and near Firefly's offices, protesters with banners emerged, demanding that Eric announce his retirement from directing to stop "tormenting" Hollywood. Even some media outlets that tried to maintain fairness by publishing rational analyses about the events were overshadowed by the one-sided frenzy of public opinion, as many found joy in dragging a renowned genius director and multi-millionaire through the mud.

...

A new week began, and the tumult escalated. Eric woke up in the morning, barely had time for breakfast before a clerk from the Los Angeles County courthouse arrived with four summons all at once.

Drew Barrymore's father, John Barrymore, jumped into the fray, submitting a series of accusations against his ex-wife, Jaid Barrymore, claiming she was neglecting their daughter. He even alleged that Eric Williams was keeping Drew as his "pet." Alongside that, he was suing for custody.

A county official responsible for property management alleged that Eric Williams had used bribery and other illegal means to acquire fourteen acres of public land in Malibu. A little-known Hollywood screenwriter, Randy Clapp, accused Eric of plagiarism in the script for his film Running Out of Time, claiming it echoed his own cop drama, Light and Dark, which he had written five years prior, seeking $200 million in damages.

Newly established Sony Pictures decided to join the fray, suing Eric over his contract with Columbia Pictures for Running Out of Time, accusing him of fraud for receiving an unjustly disproportionate box office cut, violating commercial regulations.

...

The news that Eric Williams was facing four lawsuits simultaneously spread like wildfire, drawing all media attention from North America and the entire Western world onto him. With the situation developing, many began to realize that the events of the past few weeks were much more complex than they had previously imagined. However, most continued to follow the drama with a sense of macabre fascination.

...

In the Malibu villa, Eric and his newly arrived private attorney, Edward Lewis, discussed the four lawsuits at hand.

"Eric, this situation is getting increasingly complicated, and I'm sure you've noticed there's a considerable force backing these lawsuits. To be frank, I can't assure you we'll win all four cases. Since they've managed to gather this many people, there's no telling how the future judges or juries might lean; after all, you are currently at a significant disadvantage."

Eric listened quietly to Edward's analysis and waited until the lawyer finished before saying, "Edward, no matter the outcome, just do your best."

"Of course," Edward nodded. "Among these four lawsuits, the one about Running Out of Time's alleged plagiarism is the easiest. I've already located the original draft of that writer's story. While Light and Dark does bear some resemblance to the movie on a basic level, the details couldn't be more different. As for the lawsuit from Sony, I personally oversaw the contract with Columbia and can guarantee there won't be any issues. However, regarding the other two...," Edward looked at Eric, "When I helped you purchase that Malibu land, I did use some questionable methods, but it was all in cash, leaving no evidence. Even if this is proven, I'll make sure it doesn't fall upon you. Just insist you were unaware."

Eric could tell that Edward was taking responsibility upon himself. Grateful, he nodded, "Thank you, Edward. By the way, you don't need to stress over that last lawsuit."

"Are you sure?" Edward scrutinized Eric, "I was just about to say that one is the most dangerous. A small misstep could lead to a loss."

Eric confidently shook his head, "Don't worry, there's no way I'll lose."

Edward didn't fully understand the specific relationship between Eric and the young woman, but seeing Eric's unwavering confidence, he nodded in agreement.

*****

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