Chapter 50: Chapter 481-490

The Return of God of War Chapter 481 Helena throat moved as she gulped.

She came from a poor village and naturally wanted the money too. Fifteen million was undeniably a lot.

At that moment, she was stuck between the temptation of money and maintaining her principles.

“Mr. Waller, thank you for the kind offer, but I have to decline,” Helena rejected the contract.

“I won’t sign it too!” Helena’s other two companions followed suit.

“We’ll sign it!” Another three supporting actors couldn’t resist the temptation and agreed to accept the contract.

Before Helena and the other two left, Horace openly threatened, “Ms. Helena, despite how popular you are now, you have just limited your own options by rejecting the Triple Group’s offer. Haha…”

After Helena and the others left, Horace patted Maurice on his shoulders and smiled. “I think Zoey has something against you and wants to destroy your career.”

Then, Maurice told Horace about the incident with Levi.

“Haha, so you did offend her husband! What a joke! Besides, her husband isn’t much of a benefactor anyway. All he did was to use you as cheap labor by only offering you five hundred thousand. Do you know how much both movies made so far? Six billion!” Horace burst into laughter.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Maurice slammed his fist on the wall repeatedly and hissed, “Damn you, Zoey! I made six billion for you, and all I got was five hundred thousand?”

“So, why don’t you join me. I will guarantee that we will make you a superstar! I’m sure you are aware how powerful the Triple Group is.” Horace offered.

Maurice smiled in response. “Mr. Waller, My sentiments exactly! I can no longer stay with Oriental.”

“Alright, but you have to stay with them for now. When the time comes, I’ll sign you over. By the way, I heard that their directors and screenwriters are very capable too. I have a job for you. Get them to join us, and I’ll pay you a million for every single person you convince!” Horace smiled diabolically.

He planned to recruit the core members of the Oriental Star Group.

When he heard that he would be compensated for his efforts, Maurice readily agreed.

In fact, he volunteered, “If you are interested in Zoey, I would try my best to get her in bed with you.”

At the thought of Zoey, Horace licked his lips. “That would be wonderful!”

Maurice, too, fantasized about Zoey. He smiled slyly. “By then, don’t forget to share her with me. She’s someone that’s just irresistible. It’s just that I don’t dare express myself to her in the company. If she weren’t the boss, I would already have taken her.”

Meanwhile, Horace stood up with a grin. “Maurice, I have prepared a surprise for you. Enjoy!”

After Horace left the room, Maurice’s eyes gleamed when two pretty girls entered.

They’re more gorgeous than my girlfriend!

I’m not going to let that ugly country bumpkin tie me down my whole life.

With that thought in mind, Maurice pulled both women into his embrace and stepped into the tub with them.

Little did he know that the room was filled with pinhole cameras, and all his actions were captured from every imaginable angle.

The cameras did not miss a single detail.

The next day.

Maurice came into the office looking exhausted.

“Maurice, come quickly! The Union Square has an event that requires your presence.” A member of the staff informed him.

“How much are they paying?” Maurice asked.

“The appearance fee is five hundred thousand. It’s the highest we have received recently.” The staff replied.

“Five hundred thousand? That’s peanuts! I’m not going.”

The Return of God of War Chapter 482 Everyone present was shocked at Maurice’s remarks.

In their eyes, Maurice was someone so ambitious to the point that he would accept work for fifty to a hundred thousand.

So why did he turn down a job worth five hundred thousand?

“Maurice, the appearance fee is five hundred thousand. Did you mishear it as fifty thousand?” The staff clarified with him.

“I didn’t get it wrong. Is five hundred thousand a lot? Do they think I’m that desperate?” Raising his voice, Maurice caused the staff to tremble in fear.

“Are you aware that the two movies I acted in grossed seven billion? That means I’m worth at least tens of millions. So, are they looking down on me by just offering five hundred thousand?”

With fifteen million in hand, five hundred thousand was peanuts to Maurice now.

“Maurice, are you crazy?” The staff couldn’t help but retort.

“Of course, the movies made the company a lot of money. But don’t forget that you are just a newcomer. The company not only provided you the opportunity but also gave you five hundred thousand. Furthermore, they spent a lot of resources on promoting you. Isn’t that fair enough?”

“Besides, you were the one that signed the contract willingly.” The other members of staff added.

Maurice scoffed, “The fact is I made them seven billion, but they only gave me five hundred thousand.

Why don’t we make it public and let our peers decide whether they are taking advantage of newcomers?”

“Maurice! What are you doing? Come with me now!” Helena pulled Maurice aside to somewhere private.

“Maurice, as your long-time classmate, I would advise you to stop going down this route. In life, we should have a conscience when making choices, or else we would end up with a bad reputation.”

Helena cautioned him.

Meanwhile, Maurice brought out a set of car keys and swung it around his fingers. It was obvious those keys were for a Ferrari.

“I don’t think it’s such big a deal. I’m driving a luxury car and staying in a mansion now. Isn’t it wonderful? Why do I have to stay back here and suffer?” “Helena, my advice to you is to sign the contract with Mr. Waller. I remember that your parents are seriously ill and need surgery immediately.

Also, your siblings still have to attend school, and you were worried you couldn’t afford their school fees. Don’t you want them to live a comfortable life? All you need to do is to say yes. Your parents could live a life free of pain, and they would be happy. Isn’t that what you want?”

Helena was dumbfounded at Maurice’s words.

“Helena, listen to me. Sign the contract with the Triple Group. With the one-off buyout worth tens of millions, your family’s fortunes will be changed forever!” Maurice continued to tempt her.

After struggling within herself, Helena was adamant. “No! I’ll still stick with Ms. Lopez. I don’t mind making less money as long as I can sleep at night.”

Seeing Helena leave, Maurice berated her, “You’re a fool! Stupid girl!”

The next few days, Maurice acted with impunity within the company. He would scold the staff and other newcomers without reason.

However, due to the popularity of the movie, everyone had no choice but to endure.

Meanwhile, Zoey had begun to notice that Maurice was wearing clothes that cost hundreds of thousands and wearing watches that cost more than a million. On top of that, he drove a luxury car. It was obvious something wasn’t right.

Not only that, but a few of the other up-and-coming stars were also visibly less motivated in their work.

They rejected most of the projects offered and simply lounged around the office while putting on airs.

As they largely didn’t break any rules, Zoey had no basis to intervene.

Finally, the Triple Group managed to organize their charity gala in South City, and it was a resounding success. Both the media and public came away praising how the Triple Group was a socially responsible organization.

After that, the Triple Group planned to organize a charity gala in North Hampton.

The Return of God of War Chapter 483 As the Triple Group continued to expand, South City was no longer enough to satisfy it.

They wanted to penetrate the city with the largest economy in the region, which was North Hampton.

Soon, the list of guests for the charity gala was announced.

“Ms. Lopez, take a look at the guest list quickly!”

Gerry and his staff brought over the list hastily.

“Morris!, Wilford, Trisha…” Zoey read out their names solemnly.

There were ten in total, and they were all new stars who the Oriental Star Group was promoting.

They had surreptitiously signed a spokesperson’s contract with the Triple Group without the company’s knowledge.

Zoey was infuriated. “Didn’t I say that we would decline to work with the Triple Group? Why did some of them still sign a contract still? Go and get all of them here!”

Meanwhile, Gerry replied, “Ms. Lopez, please calm down. Our contracts with them do not contain any clauses that bar them from freelance work. Hence, what they’re doing is not illegal and neither does it breach the contract terms. If there’s any conflict with them, it would not benefit us at all. Given how well received the two movies are currently, it would damage both our reputation and financials if we offended the lead actors.”

“Are you suggesting that we just bear with it?” Zoey fumed.

“For now, that’s our only choice. We have to pretend that we don’t know anything about it,” Gerry concluded reluctantly.

He did not expect to have been promoting such an ingrate. Maurice was even more difficult to deal with than Niall.

“Ms. Lopez, Maurice wants to see you.”

At that moment, Maurice arrived and threw a set of accounts onto the table.

“Zoey, the movie has grossed ten billion now!”

Zoey picked up the accounts and took a look.

Aren’t these the respective accounts for the two movies?

The accounts were supposed to be confidential. Other than the company and large broadcasting websites, no one had access to them.

“Where did you get the accounts from?” Zoey demanded.

Meanwhile, Maurice sat down and sneered, “It doesn’t matter where I got it from. I just want to know –

how much are you going to pay me now that you made ten billion?”

“Maurice, stop being rude! You’re speaking to Ms. Lopez!” Gerry reprimanded him.

Maurice scoffed, “So what if she is? She’s still human. What’s wrong with my question?”

Zoey smiled in response. “Five hundred thousand. Your pay for both movies is simply five hundred thousand!”

“It has been decided in the very beginning that all the actors’ salaries combined would not exceed ten million. The company still needs to spend on special effects and pay the scriptwriters. Everyone knows that.”

Maurice nodded. “I understand that. But it’s obvious that the movies have made a profit of ten billion.

Are you serious in just paying me five hundred thousand?”

Zoey’s lips widened into a broad smile. “That’s right. It’s because the contract states that your fee is five hundred thousand. Whether the film is a success or a failure, it has nothing to do with you.”

“Hahaha, didn’t you always emphasize that Oriental is a people-centric company? In the end, you still choose profits over ethics. How could you only pay the male lead five hundred thousand when the movie has made ten billion. Isn’t that simply unfair?” Maurice challenged.

Zoey remained expressionless. “I speak based on my principles and will follow the contract to the letter.

No more, no less.”

“Fine, shall I expose this issue and let the public decide who is in the right?”

Maurice was smart to use the film’s popularity to blackmail the company.

“No, don’t! Maurice, please calm down. Everything is open for discussion,” Gerry interjected.

If the matter got out, it would be very damaging to both the company’s reputation and financial position, regardless of who was in the wrong.

“Maurice, name your price!” Gerry demanded.

“Three billion!”

The Return of God of War Chapter 484 Gasp!

When Maurice stated his price, everyone present caught their breath.

Three billion, is he crazy?

Maurice laughed. “What is it? Do you think I’m being greedy? Both the movies are expected to earn eighteen billion in the end. Even after you paid me three billion, you still have fifteen billion in profits left.

More importantly, if word gets out, the reputational damage would be devastating. Taking that into account, three billion isn’t too much to ask for.” Maurice explained confidently.

Gerry and the others exchanged glances as they weighed their options.

If Maurice blew the matter up, the controversy would easily cost the company more than three billion.

More importantly, the loss in credibility would be beyond repair.

“Maurice, let’s discuss it further. Could you lower your demands? In return, we will pay you more for your next film,” Gerry asked, trying his best to negotiate.

“No! It’s three billion. Take it or leave it!”

Since Maurice had planned to sign a contract with the Triple Group, he didn’t care about the next movie.

Gerry and the others were running out of ideas. All they could do now was look to Zoey for her decision.

“Ms. Lopez, what do you think?”

By now, Maurice no longer respected Zoey.

Looking at him, Zoey scoffed, “No way. We won’t give you anything, so stop dreaming!”

“Uh…”

Gerry and the others were stunned as they expected Zoey to continue negotiations.

Instead, she rejected Maurice outright.

Maurice, too, was caught off guard as Zoey didn’t even bother to negotiate.

“Very well. What an unethical boss!” Maurice sneered as he left.

“Ms. Lopez, are you sure that’s alright? The impact will be huge if it blows up.” Gerry was feeling doubtful.

Zoey replied firmly. “If we compromise, it will open the floodgates for others to do the same.”

At night at North Hampton’s Grand Manor, the Triple Group held their charity gala there.

It was a massive event.

Everyone who was somebody in North Hampton was invited. Even Grover attended the event.

Many of them were the rich and famous of North Hampton who came from all industries.

Actors and actresses were definitely included.

Meanwhile, the media broadcasted Maurice’s arrival live as he was the most popular actor then.

Everyone’s attention was focused on him as the viewers who tuned in exceeded ten million.

The gala was hosted by Horace.

“The Triple Group has decided to make a one-off donation of ten billion to North Hampton’s charity and public welfare organizations. It would be used to build retirement homes, orphanages, schools, etc.”

Horace announced at the end of the night.

At the same time, he handed a cheque of ten billion to the President of North Hampton Charity Association, Sanford Collins.

All the media were focused on reporting and showcasing that particular moment.

“The Triple Group is a socially responsible company. Not only did they donate ten billion to South City, but they also donated ten billion to North Hampton.”

“That’s right! Although they are a Keerean company, they have contributed significantly to the development of Quebec.”

“From now on, I will only buy Triple Group’s electronic products!”

When the broadcast of the charity gala was over, the internet cheered.

Perception towards the Triple Group improved significantly soon after that. In just over ten minutes, the online sales of Triple Group products in Erudia increased by a few billion.

Most of its electronic products were sold out.

Meanwhile, Levi was watching the broadcast and was infuriated.

The trust fund that he had painstakingly set up had not only been usurped by the Triple Group but used to further their commercial interests.

At that moment, Azure Dragon informed him that South City sent their apologies.

They did not expect the Triple Group to have extended their claws over North Hampton.

“Hmph, don’t blame me after coming here to taunt me!” A frosty glint flashed across Levi’s eyes.

The Return of God of War Chapter 485 With her fist tightly clenched, Zoey, too, was trembling out of anger.

“This really is a capitalistic society. Power and influence can not only cover up the truth but also whitewash sins into virtues!”

Meanwhile, the charity gala was still being broadcasted.

The Triple Group had lined up ten poor kids in front of the cameras. Horace declared, “The Triple Group will take care of these ten kids up until they graduate from university!”

“That’s great!”

Many in the audience were clapping and cheering.

Thunderous applause rumbled throughout as the atmosphere there was ecstatic.

The Triple Group had won a decisive victory in both reputation and financial gains.

They were now known as a socially responsible organization.

“Ladies and gentlemen, our next segment may not be aligned with tonight’s theme. But I feel it’s an opportunity to help someone redress an injustice.” Horace changed the topic of the night.

“Oh? Does someone want to expose an injustice done?”

Everyone was curious to know what it was about.

At that moment, Maurice, Wilford, Trisha, and the rest stood on the stage.

“Let me introduce to you the most popular male actor currently, Maurice. Followed by supporting actor and actress, Wilford and Trisha respectively…” Horace presented.

Given how popular their movie was, everyone recognized who they were.

“What’s going on? Were Maurice and the rest treated unjustly?”

Everyone was puzzled.

Horace then passed the microphone to Maurice.

Looking at the crowd in the eyes, Maurice explained, “Everyone knows that I’m the male lead in the two recent blockbuster movies. Up till now, the Oriental Star Group had made more than twenty billion in profits. However, do you know how much I am paid for the films? Please take a guess!”

“Fifty million!”

“No, that’s too much. Guess lower!” Maurice yelled.

“Ten million!”

“No!”

“It can’t be less than five million, can it? Even if they paid five billion, it would still be reasonable.”

Someone questioned “Fine, let me tell you the answer! I, alone, am paid with a meager sum of five hundred thousand!”

When Maurice exposed the answer, there was an immediate uproar.

Everyone’s face was filled with disbelief.

“What? They only paid the lead five hundred thousand after making twenty billion? Is that even possible?”

“This is outright absurd! Oriental Star Group is practically abusing the rights of their employees! Five hundred thousand… are they kidding me?”

“The Oriental Star Group is a malignant tumor that must be removed from the industry! How can they lowball their actors like that?”

Everyone present was angered by the injustice that they had just heard about.

Meanwhile, Maurice was satisfied with the impact he made.

“This is not something I made up myself. I have proof as I even kept the receipt!”

Changing the subject, Maurice asked again, “Do you want to know how much my friend was paid?”

Taking over the mic, Trisha reported her salary, “I was paid three hundred thousand!”

Then it was Wilford’s turn. “I was also paid three hundred thousand!”

“I was paid even less, two hundred thousand!”

“I, too, received two hundred thousand only!”

“I’m the lowest at a hundred and fifty thousand!”

When the supporting cast exposed their salaries, the outcries from the audience were deafening.

Many of them were cursing and swearing at Oriental.

“This is a joke! A movie that garnered twenty billion in profit only paid less than three million in salaries to their cast?”

“The management of Oriental are bloodsuckers! How could they do such a thing?”

“How can we have such an unethical company in North Hampton? They should be blacklisted!”

Just like that, public opinion turned against Oriental.

It wasn’t only those in attendance that were angry, but even those online were berating Oriental.

There were calls to boycott Oriental. In fact, some even urged revenge!

“How could they shamelessly twist the facts!” At that moment, Zoey was so furious that she almost smashed the TV.

The Return of God of War Chapter 486 Zoey knew that Maurice would take revenge, but she didn’t expect him to do it by defaming Oriental Star Group on the night of the charity gala.

Horace took the microphone and spoke into it. “I’d like to make an announcement. Maurice Lorraine and the ten directors here had been personally invited to attend this event. Their presence here tonight has nothing to do with Oriental Star Group.”

“Huh? How is that so?”

Some were confused.

“That’s right. It was a private invitation!” Horace explained with a smile. “I once proposed to Oriental to invite a few directors to the event, but the president turned me down.

She doubted my kind initiative and thought we were planning to use the charity gala’s reputation to earn blood money, so she refused to cooperate with us! Sigh… Triple Group sure has it rough. We get flamed when we don’t take part in charity, but when we finally involved ourselves, our motives end up being questioned. This is just cruel!”

“What? Oriental is that despicable? Why would they question someone else’s kindness?”

“How shameless can they be? Triple Group has really been doing charity work; they’ve already donated over two billion to South City and North Hampton! Is that not charity?”

“Oriental is a joke. A company like this deserves to fail. Let’s join forces and bring them down!”

…

With Horace adding fuel to the flame, the crowd became enraged.

They now utterly despised Oriental Star Group and wanted the company to fall into ruin.

The situation was even worse online.

Thousands of netizens began to boycott Oriental Star Group.

Let’s flood their movies with horrible ratings!

Within an hour, two major films received tens of thousands of bad reviews.

The films suffered greatly in regard to sales and reputation.

Oriental Star Group was now in a mess.

Horace continued, “I’d like to attest to Maurice Lorraine and the rest of the directors here. Even though it isn’t a huge amount, they had offered their contributions.

They disregarded the company regulations and are risking their jobs just to be a part of this charity gala! Therefore, I’d like to request for a round of applause for these youngsters!”

“Wonderful!”

“I’ll invest in any movie you make in the future!”

“Yeah! Maurice Lorraine should become North Hampton’s charity ambassador!”

Many big shots gave their responses.

A thunderous applause ensued.

The Internet was filled with positive comments about Maurice and the rest of the directors.

The ten directors were now regarded as powerful and fearless charity heroes.

Upon seeing this, Maurice curled his lips into a smile.

He didn’t expect things to turn out so well.

All the fame and fortune are now mine!

Then, he thought of Helena Engler.

“You must have a few screws loose! Now that Oriental is finished, so are you!”

Maurice announced to the crowd, “I refuse to work under such a despicable company! Is there anyone who’s willing to take me in?”

Wilford Boyd and the others chimed in, “Same goes for us! We don’t want to remain in Oriental anymore. We’ve had it with this trashy business!”

“Come work for us!”

Many bigshots were more than happy to hire Maurice and the others.

Horace smiled. “I’d be willing to give you guys a chance if you’re interested.”

“Please! Working for Triple Group is all we could ever ask for!” Maurice and the rest responded, immediately accepting the offer.

However, Maurice added, “But I’m still under contract with Oriental. They might refuse to let me go.”

“Don’t worry about that, Mr. Lorraine. You have the support of everyone here!” the audience exclaimed.

“In that case, I’d like to sign with Triple Group!” said Maurice and the others.

And just like that, all of them joined Triple Group.

The Return of God of War Chapter 486 Zoey knew that Maurice would take revenge, but she didn’t expect him to do it by defaming Oriental Star Group on the night of the charity gala.

Horace took the microphone and spoke into it. “I’d like to make an announcement. Maurice Lorraine and the ten directors here had been personally invited to attend this event. Their presence here tonight has nothing to do with Oriental Star Group.”

“Huh? How is that so?”

Some were confused.

“That’s right. It was a private invitation!” Horace explained with a smile. “I once proposed to Oriental to invite a few directors to the event, but the president turned me down.

She doubted my kind initiative and thought we were planning to use the charity gala’s reputation to earn blood money, so she refused to cooperate with us! Sigh… Triple Group sure has it rough. We get flamed when we don’t take part in charity, but when we finally involved ourselves, our motives end up being questioned. This is just cruel!”

“What? Oriental is that despicable? Why would they question someone else’s kindness?”

“How shameless can they be? Triple Group has really been doing charity work; they’ve already donated over two billion to South City and North Hampton! Is that not charity?”

“Oriental is a joke. A company like this deserves to fail. Let’s join forces and bring them down!”

…

With Horace adding fuel to the flame, the crowd became enraged.

They now utterly despised Oriental Star Group and wanted the company to fall into ruin.

The situation was even worse online.

Thousands of netizens began to boycott Oriental Star Group.

Let’s flood their movies with horrible ratings!

Within an hour, two major films received tens of thousands of bad reviews.

The films suffered greatly in regard to sales and reputation.

Oriental Star Group was now in a mess.

Horace continued, “I’d like to attest to Maurice Lorraine and the rest of the directors here. Even though it isn’t a huge amount, they had offered their contributions.

They disregarded the company regulations and are risking their jobs just to be a part of this charity gala! Therefore, I’d like to request for a round of applause for these youngsters!”

“Wonderful!”

“I’ll invest in any movie you make in the future!”

“Yeah! Maurice Lorraine should become North Hampton’s charity ambassador!”

Many big shots gave their responses.

A thunderous applause ensued.

The Internet was filled with positive comments about Maurice and the rest of the directors.

The ten directors were now regarded as powerful and fearless charity heroes.

Upon seeing this, Maurice curled his lips into a smile.

He didn’t expect things to turn out so well.

All the fame and fortune are now mine!

Then, he thought of Helena Engler.

“You must have a few screws loose! Now that Oriental is finished, so are you!”

Maurice announced to the crowd, “I refuse to work under such a despicable company! Is there anyone who’s willing to take me in?”

Wilford Boyd and the others chimed in, “Same goes for us! We don’t want to remain in Oriental anymore. We’ve had it with this trashy business!”

“Come work for us!”

Many bigshots were more than happy to hire Maurice and the others.

Horace smiled. “I’d be willing to give you guys a chance if you’re interested.”

“Please! Working for Triple Group is all we could ever ask for!” Maurice and the rest responded, immediately accepting the offer.

However, Maurice added, “But I’m still under contract with Oriental. They might refuse to let me go.”

“Don’t worry about that, Mr. Lorraine. You have the support of everyone here!” the audience exclaimed.

“In that case, I’d like to sign with Triple Group!” said Maurice and the others.

And just like that, all of them joined Triple Group.

The Return of God of War Chapter 487 Zoey shook with rage in front of the television.

She was on the verge of tears.

She didn’t think that Horace and Maurice would pull such a trick.

Oriental Star Group has become public enemy number one.

Just the public’s opinion is enough to put the pressure on Oriental, not to mention if all the huge corporations decides to close in on us.

“Don’t be mad anymore, honey,” Levi assured her as he pulled her into his arms. “Let him sit on that high horse of his for now. I’ll make it clear to them that it’s just as easy for them to hit rock bottom as it is to be loved by everyone!”

“Do you have a plan in mind, Darling?” asked Zoey.

“Not at the moment, but remember the saying, the heavens are always watching!” Levi replied with a smile.

The charity gala was a success.

Horace achieved two of his goals.

One, to bring fame and fortune to Triple Group.

Two, to send Oriental Star Group into chaos.

The next day, Zoey arrived at work and noticed how gloomy the atmosphere was.

Gerry Wade and the others hadn’t slept all night, so their eyes were extremely puffy.

Everyone turned to Zoey for help.

Evidently, the current situation was beyond their control. There was no way they could handle what was happening.

“Mr. Shawn Timmons and a few screenwriters are here to see you, Ms. Lopez,” the assistant said to Zoey.

“Let them in.”

Zoey knew what was about to happen.

Shawn Timmons walked into the office with over thirty other people following closely behind.

“Sorry, Ms. Lopez. We’d like to resign. We can’t carry on working for Oriental Star Group after what happened,” he explained.

Everyone else lowered their heads, feeling rather awkward.

Zoey smiled. “It’s fine. You have every right to leave. I accept your resignation.”

Shawn and the others were stunned.

They didn’t think she would let them go so easily.

Over thirty directors, screenwriters and producers had just given in their resignation notice.

These individuals were the foundation of Oriental Star Group.

Aside from actors, they were the most important crew members when it came to making a film.

That was right.

Shawn and the rest had been bought over by Maurice Lorraine.

In fact, Horace had offered Shawn thirty million to get everyone else to leave the company.

Shawn stopped by the special effects studio before leaving.

“Come with us, James. There’s no point staying here with Oriental Star!”

Shawn tried to convince the special effects team to join him.

The head of the special effects department, James Wood, responded with a smile, “I’m good. You guys go on ahead! I’m indebted to Oriental. I’ve worked for many companies, but this is the only one that has ever treated the special effects team with respect and taken us seriously. I’ll never leave, no matter what.”

“You’re just a stubborn old fart who refuses to change!” Shawn raged at him. “You won’t have it easy!”

He then walked away with his group.

“Come join us, Helena. You’re famous now, so you shouldn’t stay here anymore!”

The man tried to recruit Helena Engler too.

With this, Horace would have to give me at least three million.

However, Helena turned him down. “I won’t leave. I’ll always stay with Ms. Lopez!”

“Fine. You can keep giving yourself airs then. You’ll only starve if you keep up with that attitude!” Shawn sneered.

Zoey was touched to see everyone who stayed.

“This crisis will be over real soon. Please trust me on this!” she declared.

She believed in Levi.

If Levi said he could solve this, there was no doubt he could.

After all, he had the mysterious owner of Morris Group backing him.

He’s omnipotent!

If the man could easily deal with Scott Yates and Sebastian Lopez of South City, whatever Oriental Star Group was facing right now would be a piece of cake.

The Return of God of War Chapter 488 Maurice Lorraine was giddy with delight.

The more viral he became, the higher his net worth got. Even his assets grew exponentially.

Today, he and Shawn Timmons, along with several others, had come to Triple Group to sign their new contracts.

Maurice immediately signed his contract without even going through it.

Everyone else did the same, simply because joining Triple Group meant receiving money and fame.

Shawn and his group received a settlement fee of several hundred thousand just from joining the company.

They, too, signed their contracts without even taking a look at the details.

Horace couldn’t help but laugh as he glanced at his several dozen new employees. “Incredible! All of you are practically the foundation of Oriental Star Group. You’ll certainly go far by joining me.”

He then left with a smile.

Maurice gathered everyone to discuss their future.

“Huh? There’s something weird about this contract!” exclaimed Steve White, a screenwriter.

“What’s wrong?” asked Shawn and the others.

“Take a look at your own contracts! Something doesn’t add up here,” Steve urged.

Everyone began to flip through their own contracts.

Very quickly, a few screenwriters exclaimed, “We’ve been tricked!”

“This is like a slave contract! All of our reputation and copyrights will belong to Triple. We’re practically their slaves now! And what’s with the pay? I only get a fixed salary of three thousand a month!?”

Steve nearly passed out.

He was the one who had written the script for the two major films from before, and Zoey Lopez rewarded him five million for that.

Yet, he was going to be paid a mere three thousand a month while working for Triple Group?

Who could ever accept such a difference?

“Sh*t, mine’s a slave contract too. They’ve deprived me of all my rights! And I’m only paid eight thousand a month?”

Shawn was about to lose it.

He had earned eight million from directing the two previous films.

Now, he was going to receive eight thousand instead.

The other screenwriters shared the same contracts.

They were all subject to become Triple Group’s slaves—for life.

“Hurry up and take a look at my contract!”

Even Maurice had started to panic.

Steve went through Maurice’s contract and remarked, “Yours is pretty much a slave contract too, but it’s slightly better than ours. However, you’ll only get a payment of at most a hundred thousand for each movie though.”

“What? A hundred thousand!?”

Maurice was about to go insane.

Only a hundred thousand for each movie?

This is madness!

Everyone quickly realized that they had been duped.

Triple Group had offered them benefits at the start and allowed them to sign their contracts while their guard was down.

“Let’s terminate our contracts! How can we ever agree to this?”

Maurice trembled in anger.

Steve delivered a cold, hard truth. “We’ll need to cough up a hundred million as penalty for breaching our contracts, as for yours, it will be a billion.”

Boom!

Maurice slumped to the floor.

One billion?

I only have a few million at most. Where will I ever get a billion?

Shawn was hopping mad. “Fck! Why’d you do this to us, Maurice? You son of a btch! We were doing so well at Oriental. I’ve never made more money anywhere else than when I was working for them!”

“He’s right,” Steve chimed in. “A screenwriter never earns more than five hundred thousand for writing a script, but Oriental paid me five million!” He began to sob.

Everyone else followed suit.

What they felt at that moment was regret.

They truly regretted.

Wasn’t it great working for Oriental?

Why did we have to join Triple?

Now look at us.

We’re doomed.

We’re going to be Triple Group’s slaves for the rest of our lives.

The Return of God of War Chapter 489 Just a while ago, they had even laughed at Helena for being stubborn. Thinking about it now, the woman certainly made the right choice.

Shawn whacked his own forehead. “I should’ve known! Triple Group is ruthless and greedy. They’ve had their dark past dug up in recent years. There’s no way we’d ever get a single cent out of them. We were too naïve.”

Steve dashed their hopes even further. “Most importantly, we can’t reveal any of this. The contract says we’ll end up in jail if we expose what’s happening.”

Everyone gasped.

“Horace Waller, you’re an abomination!”

Maurice kicked the door as tears streamed down his face.

At that moment, the door opened and Horace walked in.

Behind him were about a dozen bodyguards watching over his safety.

“So, you’ve read your contracts, I presume?”

Horace smirked insidiously.

“I’m taking you down with me, Waller!”

Maurice rushed toward him, only to be held back by the guards.

Shawn scoffed, “You’re being way too underhanded, don’t you think, Mr. Waller? This isn’t an agreement at all. It’s clearly a slave contract.”

Even though this was commercial hegemony on Triple Group’s part, it would always be difficult to protect one’s rights when contracts were involved.

One could go to court for years, and it still wouldn’t necessarily guarantee their victory.

Especially when one was up against the almighty Triple Group. There was practically zero chance of winning a lawsuit against them.

“If you didn’t like the contract, you could’ve chosen not to sign it. Did I ever coerce you into signing it?”

Horace remarked.

“I…”

Everyone suddenly fell silent.

What he said was true, Horace didn’t force them into signing their agreements at all.

“But I wouldn’t have signed it had I known what kind of contract it was! You tricked us!” Shawn raged.

Horace smiled. “Did I not let you read your contracts? You could’ve chosen not to sign them if you didn’t agree, but did you even read the terms? I certainly gave you ample time to go through the details.”

Shawn was so exasperated that he felt like coughing up blood.

They had all signed the contracts without going through the details, simply because they believed in Triple Group’s power and wealth.

Who would have thought that it was all a trap?

“Of course, you can leave if you want! Just pay your penalties and I promise you’ll be free,” Horace chuckled.

Silence ensued.

Who would ever have that much money?

Horace smirked triumphantly. “If you can’t pay up, you’d better obey me and serve Triple Group well!”

Maurice was livid. “Do you think that we’re your dogs!?”

“Are you not? Remember, you’re Triple Group’s dogs now. Do your jobs well and maybe you’ll get to eat some bones! Hahaha!”

Horace was beyond delighted.

Spending just a few million to obtain a group of slaves who would rake in billions for the company was a genius idea.

He had practically bought over an entire entertainment company.

Ba-thump!

Everyone fell to the floor after Horace left.

“What should we do now? Are we really going to be their dogs until the day we die?” Steve asked in misery.

No one would accept such an outcome.

Everyone was now at the peak of their careers; why would they ever allow themselves to work like dogs?

“I’ve got it!” Maurice suddenly exclaimed.

Everyone turned toward him.

“We can ask Oriental for help! Let’s get Zoey Lopez to pay for our penalties and hire us again!”

“You’re right. That’s a great idea. There’s a high chance she’ll help us, since we can make money. The benefits outweigh the costs of breaching our contracts, after all. Besides, the company’s in danger now that we’ve all left. She’ll definitely agree to help us if we ask her to!”

The group headed toward Oriental Star Group under Shawn’s lead.

The Return of God of War Chapter 490 The staff of Oriental Star Group were puzzled.

Just this morning, Shawn had left haughtily with a bunch of other people. So what is he doing back here now?

Are they here to show off?

It doesn’t seem like it though.

They look so tense, as though something bad has happened.

Zoey’s assistant immediately informed her about Shawn’s return.

“Hold them off. Don’t let them come in,” Zoey ordered.

Levi had just texted her about what Maurice and the others had gone through.

Shawn and his group were stopped at the entrance.

“What’s going on? Let us in! Don’t you know who I am, Zane?” Shawn bellowed at the security guard.

Maurice chimed in, “You’re just a bloody security guard! What right do you have to stop us?”

He despised those who worked as security guards and janitors.

A few guards responded angrily, “You’re no longer an employee of Oriental Star Group, so you can’t enter however you please!”

“You…”

Shawn froze.

He had submitted his resignation letter earlier this morning, so he was indeed no longer a company staff.

However, Maurice scoffed arrogantly. “Let me tell you this, you stinkin’ guards. I’m here to discuss a project that’s worth a few billion with Ms. Lopez. Do you think you can afford to waste my time?”

“That’s right,” Shawn and the others added. “Who do you think you are? How dare you try to stop us!”

To think that these well-known directors were being held back by a few lowly security guards, their prides won’t allow it.

The guards refused to budge. “You can’t enter!”

Zoey had personally instructed them not to let anyone in.

Thus, they had nothing to fear!

“So is it money that you want? Here! Take it.”

Infuriated, Maurice took out a stack of cash and slapped the guards across the face with it.

“You’re nothing but some lowly security guards, and that’s all you get to be your whole lives!”

The security guards fumed in anger but remained silent.

It wasn’t unusual for them to be treated this way.

In the eyes of these white-collar elites, being a security guard was an inferior job.

The men could only suppress their rage and do nothing.

This was simply a common occurrence.

“What’s going on?”

A voice suddenly rang out.

It was Levi.

“Mr. Garrison…”

The guards’ eyes lit up when they saw him.

Their pillar of support was here.

Levi got along well with all the security guards, whether they were from Morris Group or Oriental Star Group.

“You’re looking down on these guys? What’s wrong with being a security guard? Are they inferior to you?” Levi asked coldly as he stared at Shawn and the others.

“I…”

Shawn was at a loss for words.

They knew how powerful Levi was. He was also Zoey’s husband, so they dared not tick him off.

Even Maurice was holding himself back.

We still need Zoey Lopez’s help. We can’t piss him off.

“Apologize,” Levi demanded.

Everyone in the group exchanged glances.

Did we hear wrongly?

Apologize to these lowly guards?

Who do you think we are!?

“I said apologize to them, or get out of here!” Levi ordered.

Fine! Just bear with it!

Shawn gritted his teeth and said with a bow, “I’m sorry!”

“Sorry!”

Steve and the others apologized too.

Maurice did the same. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have disrespected you.”

The security guards were pleasantly surprised.

These famous stars and directors are actually apologizing to us?

“It’s fine! It’s fine…”

They quickly waved their hands.

Levi turned to the security guard called Zane. “Go give him a slap in the face.”

“Huh?”

Zane was taken aback.

“He hit you with his cash, didn’t he? It’s not that different if you were to give him a slap now,” Levi pointed out.