Chapter 477

Estella passed the script over to Isabella.

Isabella let out a sigh as she glanced through it. It was the same sci-fi blockbuster script Michael had shown her earlier.

Instead of closing it right away, Isabella decided to give it a proper read. She noticed some changes from the version Michael had shared before, and these tweaks really improved the script.

Seeing Estella's hopeful look, Isabella couldn't help but give a small, wry smile.

Even though Isabella was now one of the leaders of the four major families, she didn't have the cash to invest in this movie. Even if she wanted to take the risk, the higher-ups would shoot it down.

There was no bad blood between Isabella and Estella; they both seemed to want to be friends. Isabella didn't want to turn Estella down directly, making things a bit awkward.

Just then, Juliet walked in with coffee and set it down in front of them.

Isabella had an idea. "Juliet, can you go get Ms. Lester for me?"

Juliet nodded and went to fetch Carol.

On the way to Isabella's office, Carol curiously asked Juliet why Isabella had called for her.

"I think it's to turn her down. Since Ms. Foster's husband used to be Ms. Taylor's boss, she doesn't want to reject Ms. Foster outright because it might mess up their friendship. So, she needs someone else to step in and say what she really wants to say. I'm not the right person, so it's up to you," Juliet explained, having figured out Isabella's intentions from their time together.

Rolling her eyes, Carol remarked, "Ah, I get it. So, I'm the sacrificial lamb here, huh?"

Juliet chuckled softly, covering her mouth. "That's because you oversee the two most crucial departments, Human Resources and Finance. Only your status qualifies you to step in on Ms. Taylor's decisions. I can't do it since I'm just an assistant."

Before entering the office, Carol gave Juliet a once-over. "You've picked things up fast. Your words always put people at ease."

Juliet shrugged and ushered Carol into the office.

Seeing Carol enter, Isabella gestured for her to sit.

"Ms. Foster, meet Ms. Lester, the head of our company's Finance and Human Resources departments," Isabella introduced them briefly.

Estella smiled at Carol. "I know Ms. Lester is a big shot in the business world. I didn't realize she oversaw the two most crucial departments. Ms. Taylor must have a lot of faith in you."

Carol chuckled and shook her head. "I appreciate Ms. Taylor's trust, but I wouldn't mind fewer tasks. I can't remember my last vacation."

After the joke, they circled back to the topic of movie investment.

Isabella handed the script to Carol.

After reading the script, Carol exclaimed, "What a brilliant concept! Equipping Earth with a booster to venture beyond the solar system in search of a new human habitat. This idea is incredible!"

"Really, Ms. Lester? That's awesome! If this movie gets made, it'll be a game-changer in sci-fi history!" Estella exclaimed, pleasantly surprised.

But Carol kept her cool and asked, "Ms. Foster, how much more investment does this movie need?"

Estella held up a finger. "We need another hundred million dollars."

Doing the math in her head, Carol realized that one hundred million dollars wouldn't cut it, meaning Estella had already put in some cash.

Carol scrutinized Estella and asked, "Ms. Foster, isn't it usually the director's or other crew members' job to secure investments for the movie? As the lead actress, shouldn't you be exempt from this? Let me guess, you're also an investor in this movie, right?"

Estella nodded with a rueful smile. "Yeah, I've already put in one hundred million dollars. You must know about the hefty endorsement fee I got earlier. I poured all my money into it, but it's still not enough."

Frowning, Carol asked, "Have you approached John?"

Recalling her unsuccessful attempt to get John on board, Estella replied helplessly, "I did. I wanted him to invest from the start. But he turned me down, saying the movie lacked investment value. We had a disagreement, and in the end, he opted to pay me a billion dollars in endorsement fees."

Carol and Isabella exchanged knowing looks, both questioning John's judgment.

However, Isabella seemed to grasp the situation better. Given John's current business ventures, it wasn't that he couldn't afford one hundred million dollars; it was just a hefty sum. With the Olympics on the horizon, substantial investments were necessary. John's reluctance to allocate more funds to this project made sense.

"What about your husband? He shouldn't be short on cash, right?" Carol asked, posing the second and most critical question.

Estella gave another wry smile. "It's a bit of a competition between he and me. He's always wanted me to star in the movies he picks, but I prefer to make the movies I want. We clashed on this, so I decided to challenge him. If I can create a successful movie without his support, he'll stop interfering with my choices."

"I see," Carol nodded, her expression shifting to slight discomfort.

"Ms. Foster, we believe in this movie too, but our company doesn't currently have the capacity to put up one hundred million dollars," Carol reluctantly informed Estella.

A tinge of disappointment crossed Estella's features. "I'm sorry, Ms. Taylor, Ms. Lester. I overstepped and didn't take this into account. I apologize. Looks like I'll have to figure something out elsewhere."

Estella apologized to Carol and Isabella, then rose from the couch.

"I've got to head out now. We filmed late last night, and I need to catch up on sleep," Estella said, yawning and bidding farewell.