Chapter 10
507words
"Ms. Walton, Mr. Daniel would like to discuss his contract renewal options..."
"Have him come to the office. Tomorrow at three."
"Yes, of course! Thank you so much!"
The following afternoon, Daniel arrived precisely on time.
He wore a suit that had seen better days, fraying slightly at the cuffs.
The old Daniel wouldn't have been caught dead in such attire.
He entered my office and stood before the visitor's chair.
I sat behind my desk, fingers interlaced on the polished surface.
"Mr. Daniel. I understand you wish to renew your contract?"
"Yes." His voice was barely audible. "Alice, I know I was wrong, I—"
I raised my hand, silencing him.
"Let's skip the personal history and focus on business."
I slid a document across the desk.
"Walton Media is prepared to offer you a new contract. All terms are outlined here."
He opened the document. His face cycled from white to green to ashen gray.
"Fee... five hundred thousand per film?" His voice shook. "This is—"
"That's the market rate." My tone was businesslike. "Mr. Daniel, our analysis indicates this accurately reflects your current commercial value."
"Character type... restricted to 'villain/antagonist' supporting roles?" He looked up, eyes wide. "This is deliberate humiliation!"
"Not at all." I leaned back. "This is strategic casting. You're quite convincing as the villain, wouldn't you agree?"
"Do you hate me that much?!"
"Hate?" I tilted my head. "Mr. Daniel, you overestimate your importance. This is simply business."
I stood and moved around the desk to face him directly. "You have two options: Sign, or never work in this industry again."
His fists clenched and unclenched, his Adam's apple bobbing frantically.
"Why..." he choked out, "why are you doing this to me..."
I met his gaze unflinchingly.
"Because you taught me a valuable lesson: In this industry, there are only two types of people—those who devour and those who are devoured."
I returned to my desk and picked up a pen.
"Two years ago, I chose to be prey." I placed the pen beside the contract. "Now, I prefer to be the predator."
Only the soft hum of the air conditioning filled the silence.
Finally, with trembling fingers, he signed the contract.
"You'll regret this," he muttered, a final attempt at defiance.
"No," I took the contract without looking at him. "You're the only one with regrets here."
I pressed the intercom.
"Send in Mr. Daniel's agent to complete the paperwork."
"Right away."
The door opened, and Daniel rose, shuffling toward the exit like a broken man.
At the threshold, he paused and looked back.
"You've changed."
"Yes." I looked up, my lips curving into a cold smile. "I've evolved into something you can't even comprehend."
The door closed behind him.
Silence reclaimed my office.
I stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the city sprawled below.
Skyscrapers glinted in the afternoon sun.
My phone vibrated once.
A message from Father.
"Well done, daughter."
I smiled—genuinely this time.
