Chapter 598

Penelope rolled her eyes at him. “I was hoping you could give my friend a chance to be in your new project. Even a small role would be fine.”
“I don’t usually get involved in casting.”
“But you owe me a favor.”
Benson was cornered. “Alright, then. Who is this friend of yours?”
“Natalie.”
Benson was surprised. “So you and Natalie are friends. You know, we almost worked together six years ago. I even rewrote the script specifically for her, but then all that… stuff happened, and the collaboration fell through.”
“The cheating, the bullying, all that nonsense—it was all fabricated to frame her.”
“You must know that besides those things, there was another, more important reason.”
“Hamilton has lifted his ban on her.”
“But the investors still won’t be willing to take the risk.”
“What if I invest?”
“What?”
After facing so many closed doors with Natalie, Penelope had come to understand the situation. The industry was struggling, and no one wanted to take a chance on a risky project.
If they wouldn’t take the risk, then she would.
“Are you joking, Ms. Laurier?”
Penelope said very seriously, “I’d also like to ask you to be the producer, Mr. Cooper. You’d assemble the team and have full authority over every aspect of the production.”
“You must be joking.”
“I have the money.”
“It takes more than just money to make this work.”
“Which is why I need an experienced hand like yours to lead the way, Mr. Cooper. I promise not to interfere in any way. I’ll just provide the funding.”
“I’m sorry, but I’m not interested.”
“Writing a script you’re proud of is only the first step. It’s the only part you can truly control. After that comes casting, set design, and even changes to your script for various teasons all things beyond your control. By the time the final product is released, you’re often left unsatisfied, feeling like your great script was wasted.”
She had done her research on Benson before coming. He had once publicly slammed a director and production company for making drastic changes to his script.
“Don’t you want to create a film that truly reflects your vision?”
Benson was clearly tempted, but it was a huge risk.
“If we shoot it exactly according to my script, the budget will be massive. An investor would most likely lose money.”
Penelope smiled. “Like I said, I’m not short on cash.”
Benson needed time to think, and Penelope knew not to push him. She left soon after.
Just as she pulled her car onto the road, she got a call from Donald.
“Penelope, I’m sending you an address. I need you to come meet me right now!”
Donald’s voice was urgent, and Penelope frowned.
“Is something wrong?”
“I’ll wait for you!”
With that, he hung up.
Penelope checked her phone.
the
Donald had already sent the address. It was an old district west side of the suburbs, where he’d mentioned he was recently filming.
She set the navigation and started driving.
The meeting spot was a small public square, bustling with parents and childrens it was lively, but as dusk fell people began to head home, and soon she was the only one left.
She waited for a long time, but Donald never appeared. She called him three times in a row, but he didn’t pick up.