Maya was on the phone, pacing the cramped floor of a dusty production office. Her voice, usually calm and measured, was now sharp with frustration.
“You’re telling me you can’t release the funds?” she demanded into the receiver. “It’s Leo’s endorsement money! It’s already been cleared for months.”
I sat on a flimsy chair, watching her. The silence from the phone line stretched, then Maya squeezed her eyes shut.
“An emergency injunction?” she repeated, her voice dropping. “Filed by Apex Studios’ legal team? That’s impossible.”
She hung up, her shoulders slumping. “They’ve locked it down, Leo. All $180,000 of your endorsement escrow. We can’t touch it. Apex claims it’s for ‘potential damages’ related to the public conduct clause.”
My last line of defense, gone. The money I had earned from commercials, the funds meant to cover any immediate financial emergencies, was now held hostage by the very studio trying to ruin me.
Moments later, Julian appeared in the doorway of the wardrobe trailer, his face a mask of solemn concern. He looked like he hadn’t slept, though I knew it was an act.
“Leo, about that video…” he began, his voice soft, almost regretful. “I’m so sorry. I never meant for things to escalate like that.”
He sat beside me, his hand resting lightly on my arm. The touch felt like ice.
“The studio lawyers are furious, though. Really furious. They’re talking about voiding your entire contract. Said you’re too much of a risk.” He shook his head slowly.
“But I told them,” he continued, leaning in, “I told them I’d try to help you. My mother still stands by her offer. Second billing. Transferring your trust oversight to us. It’s the only path, Leo. The only way you avoid total bankruptcy.”
He looked at me with wide, earnest eyes, as if he were truly my savior. I stared back, the reality of his calculated cruelty settling deep in my bones. He was tightening the noose, enjoying every moment.
“Think about your family, Leo,” he urged, his voice barely a whisper. “This could save everything.”
+ There are no comments
Add yours