“T've been demoted, and I don't have enough power to handle this anymore. Ariana has always been self-assertive, and she never treated me as her superior. Now, it's impossible for her to even listen to me or report to me," Donna sneered, crossing her arms confidently.

"I think the publicity department should take the main responsibility. Tyler won't be loyal to the company because of what happened to his sister. I've already warned them about Tyler, but they keep spending money to enhance his publicity. It's ridiculous!"

Ronald was a little farther away from them, but he heard everything. His face darkened instantly. He didn't want to start a fight, but Donna was forcing his hand.

"Are you even listening to yourself? The publicity department has always focused on the company's interests. Tyler's popularity is good for the company, and his acting in the movie is a smart move. He's bound by the contract, so what trouble could he possibly make?" Ronald replied.

"Is that so? I heard that Star Media Corporation will be investing in the movie. If it makes a profit, it won't have anything to do with SJ Entertainment," Jasper said with a vicious smile, blowing out wreaths of smoke.

"And we'll only get seventy percent of the payment for Tyler, right?"

Norton chimed in, "How much can a newcomer make for a movie? I doubt it'll cover the marketing expenses. Your department is to blame. Your stupidity makes it easy for you to be taken advantage of."

Ronald panicked for a moment. It was a major taboo for the publicity department not to make at least forty percent profit on investments. If they didn't, their operating expenses for the next quarter would be greatly reduced, and Ronald's perks next year would disappear. He might even lose his job.

“What if we use the contract to stop Tyler from shooting the movie?" Ronald suggested.

Donna's eyes lit up.

"Oh, that's a great idea. If Tyler doesn't comply, we can sue him for breaking the contract."

Jasper, who was seated at the head of the table, finally seemed to relax a bit and nodded his head.

"That should do it. Anyway, we have to stop the shooting of this movie."

At ten in the morning, Ariana woke up to several missed calls from Jayson.

Frowning, she felt a bit uneasy since Jayson rarely called and they usually communicated through texts. Was something wrong?

She called him back immediately and he answered on the second ring. His voice sounded grave.

"Something's come up. I can't explain it over the phone. Meet me at the coffee shop where we first met as soon as you can."

Ariana's stomach churned. Her first thought was that something had gone wrong.

She quickly got up, washed up, and changed her clothes as fast as she could. When. she arrived at the cafe, she was surprised to see Jasper and Donna there, along with a few unfamiliar people dressed in suits who looked like senior executives of SJ Entertainment.

"You finally made it. Come and have a seat," Jasper said, taking the main seat with a fake smile on his face.