Chapter 388

Michael was chilling in bed while Isabella was in the shower.

When Michael got a call from Estella, he was a bit taken aback. Honestly, he didn't think Estella could pull this off. John isn't exactly easy to fool.

But as Estella explained, Michael got it. John had made another decision based on his own personal agenda.

"Sir, this should really hit John hard, right?" Estella asked with a grin.

Michael just shook his head. "John might take a hit, but not as big as you think. Don't underestimate him."

Estella was puzzled. John seemed to have lost a billion dollars. Isn't that a huge deal?

Maybe because Michael was in a good mood, he decided to break it down for her.

"If I'm right, after you sign the contract with John, he's gonna make a big deal out of this sky-high endorsement fee in the media. He'll hype up your potential, and your popularity will skyrocket. Top directors will notice you, and John will use your fame to push his products even more." Michael explained with a smile.

Estella got the picture. John wasn't just throwing away a billion dollars; he was using this endorsement to get even more out of it.

If Estella's so-called husband wasn't John's uncle, John could've been even more ruthless, squeezing every bit of value out of her. Like making her take unwanted roles or even pushing her into shady deals with investors.

The thought of being under John's control made Estella shiver.

"At least my current status makes him think twice," Estella said with a wry smile.

Michael was about to hang up, but Estella stopped him.

"Wait, Mr. Williams. How should I transfer the billion-dollar endorsement fee to you?" Estella suddenly asked.

Michael raised an eyebrow, surprised. "That's the endorsement fee John gave you. Why would you give it to me?"

Estella smiled, "Mr. Williams, I know I'm not worth a billion dollars. Without your influence, I wouldn't have gotten this much. Of course, if you think I'm worth it, you can give me a little bit from the billion. Take the rest as my thanks."

She ended with a joke.

Michael chuckled, "Jerry's got a good eye. You're sharp. I'll take 50 million, and you can keep the rest. You mentioned wanting to invest in movies, right? Think of my 50 million as an investment in you. Just send me the script when you have a chance, and I'll take a look."

Estella agreed and hung up.

After hanging up, Estella was thrilled; she had made the right bet.

Estella had been taking a gamble. She was betting that Michael wouldn't care too much about the billion dollars and that he'd be in a good enough mood to invest in the movie she was passionate about.

Turns out, Estella's gamble paid off. Michael agreed to let her use the money for the investment and even offered to read the script.

Although Michael didn't outright say he'd invest in the movie, Estella was confident his judgment would be better than John's. At the very least, he'd get some movie critics to weigh in.

Estella quickly sent the electronic version of the script to Michael's email. Feeling a bit bored, Michael decided to give it a read.

Just then, the bathroom door opened, and Isabella walked out, towel-drying her hair.

"Hey, what are you so engrossed in?" Isabella asked, curious.

Michael waved his phone and chuckled, "It's a script a filmmaker friend recommended. He said it's totally different from anything out there, so I'm intrigued."

"Really? Now I'm curious too. Let me finish drying my hair, and I'll join you," Isabella said, continuing to blow-dry her hair. Once she was done, she climbed into bed next to Michael to check out the script.

The couple spent nearly an hour reading the script together. When they finished, Michael turned to Isabella.

"So, what do you think? How would this script turn out as a movie?" Michael asked with a smile.

Isabella thought for a moment, her hand on her chin. "This movie is completely different from the usual stuff."

Michael nodded in agreement.

In most sci-fi movies about saving humanity, the protagonist is always a lone hero, thanks to the country's love for individual heroism. But in this script, all of humanity is the protagonist, fighting against the end of the world like ants protecting their last nest, trying to leave a livable world for future generations.

The whole movie's worldview is grand and awe-inspiring. But because it doesn't fit the current mainstream movie trends, John didn't see its potential.

"Honestly, I'm kind of tired of the whole lone hero thing. This movie feels epic and grand. If it's made, it'll definitely be a hit," Isabella said, giving her honest opinion.

Michael nodded. "You're spot on. But making this movie would cost over a billion dollars. Without that kind of budget, it won't capture the world-ending vibe. If the special effects aren't top-notch, the whole thing will flop."

Isabella nodded, a hint of regret in her eyes. "It's a shame I don't have that kind of money. If my family was still one of the big four, I'd definitely invest in this movie. But for now, let's put it on the back burner. I need to focus on more pressing matters."