Chapter 163
Upon hearing what Naomi just said Ethan was still surprised.
but before he could respond Naomi continued.
"Look at this,"
Naomi's fingers danced across the holographic display, her finger catching the blue light.
Her face hardened as she pulled up casting records.
"Every major role goes to someone with family connections or someone backing them, and the worst part of them all they don't even try to do their best."
She pointed at the other document.
" Just take a look at all the big name actors and actresses here, all of them are getting the main lead and important roles in the movie or drama, regardless of whether they can do a good job or not."
She flicked through headshots with growing disgust - faces of the wealthy elite trying to be stars.
Her silk blouse rustled as she gestured emphatically.
"The Nathaniel family daughter, the Bernard heir, the Raymond twins - all buying their way onto the screen."
"It sells initially,"
she continued, her voice carrying a note of disdain.
" The movie or drama might seem popular at the beginning or released because their families promote it, their social circles support it."
Her lip curled slightly.
"But..."
She pulled up review statistics, the numbers telling a grim story.
Her shoulders tensed with frustration.
"The performances are mediocre at best. Nothing memorable, nothing lasting, all the numbers here dropped immediately. It gets to the point when they are supposed to bring out their acting, but because they are trash, they can't push past their limits."
Her red lips curved downward as she scrolled through more data, each swipe more aggressive than the last.
"We're trading true talent for quick profit."
She jabbed at a particularly poor review.
"These rich kids can't act, can't connect with the audience. They're just playing dress-up with daddy's money and your money now."
At that moment She turned to Ethan, her eyes sharp with purpose behind her glasses, one hand resting on her hip.
"These aren't movies people will remember in ten years. They're not creating art - they're buying vanity projects."
Her voice carried the weight of someone who'd watched true talent get pushed aside too many times.
"The real actors and actress,"
she added, pulling up another set of files.
"the ones with actual skill? They're stuck in supporting roles or independent films that barely break even."
At that moment Ethan couldn't help but smile, just this little Period of Naomi getting her hands on the company files she has done a Marvelous job.
"And here's something even worse," Naomi's fingers swept across the display with controlled fury, her finger almost cracking the holographic surface.
Her eyes flashed with contained anger as new documents materialized.
"The credited directors aren't even writing their own scripts."
She pulled up side-by-side comparisons, original manuscripts next to final credits.
"They hire ghostwriters - talented ones - who do all the real work."
Her voice dripped with disgust. "These 'famous' directors just slap their names on it and collect the profits, they don't do anything."
Contract after contract appeared, her rapid movements betraying her outrage.
"Look at these payments,"
she jabbed at the figures.
"Millions to the directors, while the real writers get pennies and silence agreements."
She straightened her silk blouse, composing herself.
"The real Creator stay in the shadows while these frauds collect awards and accolades. Some haven't written an original word in years."
She turned to Ethan.
"I've compiled everything - the fake credits, the bought roles, the stolen scripts."
She laid a thick file on the desk between them, the sound echoing in the tense air.
"If you want to make this company truly great, to leave a mark on the global stage..."
Her red lips curved into a knowing smile.
"You'll need to tear down these old practices."
"Keep things as they are, and you'll make money,"
she shrugged elegantly.
"But the system still remains the same and you won't make more than what the company is already making..."
Her eyes gleamed with predatory anticipation.
"Or You could revolutionize the entire industry now and suffer for some time, and make triple what they earn now, or it might not even take long. The change might be immediate."
Her fingers drummed on the file, each tap emphasizing the weight of the decision before them.
"The question is, are you ready to make enemies of these precious 'creative directors'?"
At that moment Ethan just smiled.
"I'll burn it all down,"
Ethan said smoothly, gathering the documents. His enhanced body thrummed with anticipation.
" I will go over everything now and give you feedback soon Naomi."
He smiled brightly.
" I know you're so tired, so I will allow you to rest now."
Naomi just nodded and watched Ethan leave, she doesn't have anything to worry about because Ethan is a man of his words.
Ethan walked away and stopped at
the spokesman's house.
Upon getting there his children's voices pierced the evening air before he reached the door.
"Uncle Ethan!"
Their small feet patterned against the floors as they rushed to embrace him, their innocent joy a stark contrast to his earlier activities at the estate.
"You came!"
The youngest wrapped her arms around his legs, while her brother tugged excitedly at his sleeve.
The spokesman came out and greeted him warmly, though shadows still lingered in his eyes from recent events.
His hands fidgeted slightly as they entered his study, the memory of his near-death experience still fresh.
Settling into his leather chair, the spokesman's fingers drummed an anxious rhythm on his mahogany desk.
"The company board, that is Affiliated with the clothing brand you bought"
he began carefully, sweat beading slightly at his temples.
"They've noticed your... substantial investment in the brand."
Ethan's eyebrow raised slightly, making the spokesman swallow hard.
"It's just that,"
he continued quickly, tugging at his collar.
"while you have complete control of the brand, they believe they could... facilitate things. Make the transition smoother."
His eyes darted nervously between Ethan and the floor.
"They want to understand your vision, your plans."
'They want to know who's really holding the reins'
Ethan thought, watching the spokesman's nervous gestures.
'And whether I'm a threat or an ally.'
The spokesman's hands trembled slightly as he poured water into crystal glasses, clearly remembering how quickly Ethan had saved - and could end - his life.
However Ethan just nodded his head.
" I will look into it, but right now I came to say hello, and to know how you and the family are doing."
Ethan stood up and the spokesman bow a little.
" Thank you for everything Mr Ethan."
Ethan left the spokesman's house, his mind already dissecting Naomi's entertainment industry findings.
Ethan Decided to make use of the King palace.
**
Across the city, Old Master Silver's Mercedes glided to a stop before his mansion. His weathered face showed the strain of recent events
At that moment a servant materialized instantly, appearing from the shadows. Explore hidden tales at empire
"Master,"
He whispered urgently, bowing so low his forehead nearly touched the floor.
" One of the Shadow Lotus has returned."
The old man's eyes gleamed with dark satisfaction, his grip tightening on his cane until his knuckles whitened.
"Tell him to Find this Ethan," Master Silver commanded, his voice carrying authority and vengeance.
"And End him."