My Life in Hollywood C53 The Serpent's Deal (Patreon)

Alexander admired young entrepreneurs with business minds—but that didn't mean he saw himself as beneath this kid. His daddy was a billionaire. He didn't need to give a damn if he offended Marcus.

Marcus should be grateful he even shook his hand.

"I've heard about your little endeavor, and I must say, color me impressed." Alexander spoke like he was English royalty addressing a commoner.

Marcus ignored the subtle insult—"little endeavor"—and just smiled. But inside was a different story. 'You fucking prick. I was thinking of selling 5% for fifteen million, but now I've changed my mind. I'm going to rip you off so bad you won't even realize it until it's too late.' A scheme was already brewing.

"And your girlfriend is beautiful." Alexander's eyes moved to Arya. He flashed a toothy grin. "What's your name, beautiful lady?" He reached out and took her hand without hesitation—none of the reluctance or disgust he'd shown Marcus.

"I'm Arya Stone." Arya answered simply, pulling her hand away quickly.

"Arya? Such a beautiful name." Alexander murmured, still looking at her like she was something to acquire.

The disrespect was blatant. He was flirting with her right in front of Marcus—even though he knew damn well she was supposedly Marcus's girlfriend. They weren't official yet, sure, but everyone here assumed as much.

"Wait, you're Marcus's girlfriend now?" Alisha exclaimed from the side, shocked.

"Is that true?" Ellie chimed in, both of them surrounding Arya with tense, probing eyes.

Alexander cleared his throat. "Ladies, it's not very kind to interrupt while I'm speaking with her."

Alisha and Ellie glared at him—intense, almost hateful—but stepped back.

"Frank, Jamie. Get your girls under control." Alexander recognized the group and waved dismissively.

"Right away, big brother." Frank said flatteringly, actually grabbing Alisha's arm and pulling her away. Jamie did the same with Ellie.

Arya stood there, speechless at what had just happened.

Alexander was about to continue his flirting, but Marcus stepped forward. "I came here under the assumption you were serious about investing in my company."

"Of course, but please don't be impatient—"

"I thought you were interested. There are others looking to invest while it's still early." Marcus's tone was flat. "And I'm not in a hurry for investment right now. So if we're not getting to the point, we're leaving."

Jefferson was surprised by how blunt Marcus was being.

"So you want to get straight to business? Alright." Alexander seemed amused. "How about I drop ten million on your company for ten percent?"

Marcus grinned. "Didn't Jefferson tell you how much he paid for his shares?"

"Of course. I heard it was around seven million for ten percent." Alexander raised both hands, showing ten fingers. "Ten million for ten percent seems more than reasonable, no?"

"Looks like you're working with outdated information, Mr. Alexander." Marcus smiled. "That was last year. Now, my company is generating real revenue. Subscribers are rising fast because of our offerings. We're expecting five hundred thousand subscribers by the end of the year—maybe even more."

He wasn't exaggerating. Subscribers really were climbing. Even though Netflicks was only available in the US right now, people were loving the idea of renting DVDs without leaving home—and even more, being able to watch original content on demand.

"Besides subscribers, there's also advertising and sponsorship revenue." Marcus's eyes were confident. But if you looked closely—really closely—you could see something else. The cold, calculating look of a serpent eyeing its prey, already figuring out exactly where to sink its fangs.

Jefferson noticed it and quietly gulped.

"Certainly impressive." Alexander nodded. "I discussed this with my father already, and he said it's fine for me to drop twenty million. So, what do you think? For ten percent, that should be reasonable, no?"

Marcus looked thoughtful, but internally he was catching every detail this prick had just casually dropped. 'So his old man's involved too? Willing to put real money behind this? That means I can push way higher than I planned.'

"For twenty million, I'm sorry, but that'll only get you three percent of my company." Marcus shook his head like it was a shame.

"Twenty million for three percent? Are you kidding me?" Alexander's brows furrowed. "Even if your company's doing well, isn't that excessive?"

"That's how the investment world works, Mr. Alexander." Marcus kept his tone calm, almost educational. "My company isn't public yet. Valuation is whatever I say it is—as long as someone's willing to pay. And they are." He leaned back slightly. "Besides, my company's trajectory is clear. Look at Jefferson's original investment—seven million for ten percent last year. Today? That stake's worth more than double. The actual value has multiplied in less than twelve months. That's the kind of return smart investors see."

He could see Alexander hesitating, processing the numbers.

Marcus went in for the kill. "But if it's too much for you, that's fine. I can always split these shares among different investors later." The tone was casual, but the subtext was clear: You can't afford to play at this table.

"Twenty million for six percent?" Alexander asked, voice losing some of its earlier confidence.

Marcus shook his head, standing slowly like he was done wasting time. "Nice meeting you, Mr. Alexander. But it seems this is out of your league—"

"Out of my league?" Alexander's face flushed red. The music was loud enough that most of the party couldn't hear their conversation, but Frank and a few others nearby were definitely listening. His pride wouldn't let him back down—not in front of them. "My father gave me permission to offer whatever I want. Twenty million for three percent? Fine. Done. I'll take it."

Marcus paused, genuinely surprised for a split second. 'Holy shit, he actually bit. This spoiled bastard just overpaid because he couldn't handle looking weak.'

"Excellent decision, Mr. Alexander." Marcus offered his hand, keeping his expression neutral. "You won't regret it."

Alexander shook it firmly this time, trying to look confident. "Pleasure doing business with you."

Jefferson stood off to the side, completely stunned. 'Twenty million for three percent... When I invested, seven million got me ten percent. This kid just closed a deal that values Netflicks at over six hundred million. The company's valuation multiplied almost ten times in less than a year.'

"I'll have my legal counsel reach out to your team," Marcus said, calm and professional now. "We'll get the paperwork moving."

"Let my father's team review your company's financial reports and business plan first," Alexander said, trying to sound like he was still in control. "That acceptable?"

Since nothing was signed yet, it was standard procedure.

"Of course." Marcus agreed without hesitation.

He thought back through the conversation, piecing it together. 'My father gave me permission... my father's team... Alexander can't just throw around twenty million on his own. Not even a spoiled rich kid has that kind of autonomy.'

He thought back through the conversation, piecing it together. 'His old man probably already recognized Netflicks' potential—saw the streaming concept as the future, maybe heard about us through industry channels. And he's using this opportunity to test his son, letting him handle the negotiation while the real money comes from daddy's wallet. Two birds, one stone.'

He was secretly pleased with the deal, but he wouldn't celebrate yet. After all, everything that just transpired was nothing but talk. The real deal would come when signatures hit paper.

Right now, it was all empty words.

But the people who'd been secretly listening to their conversation were now looking at Marcus in a completely different light.

The unfamiliar faces beside Frank and Jamie huddled together, whispering:

"Did we hear that right? That guy owns a company and just made big bro Alexander agree to his terms?"

"Shit, I didn't know he was operating at that level. And we just insulted him to his face."

One of them elbowed Frank. "Why didn't you introduce us earlier, bro?"

Frank flinched. 'How the hell was I supposed to know?' He'd heard about Netflicks—Marcus's company. Hell, he was even subscribed to it. His own movie was on there—the horror film he'd made that had accidentally become a comedy because of how bad it was.

But he never imagined Netflicks was at this level.

Beside him, Jamie was already regretting every snide comment he'd made.

Meanwhile, Alisha and Ellie stood off to the side, eyes practically glowing. Hearing Marcus negotiate like that, watching him handle Alexander without flinching—it only increased their admiration. But there was a problem.

A problem named Arya.

Initially, they'd thought Marcus was charming and impressive for starting a company so young. Better than Frank, at least. But after watching everything play out? They realized they'd been right to see him as more than just another high school boy.

He was different. And that made him even more desirable.

---ʕ⁠´⁠•⁠ᴥ⁠•⁠`⁠ʔ---

Meanwhile, at Crown Entertainment Films studio, the Modern Family set was in full swing. Filming had started around 9 AM, and they'd been working through scenes all morning before breaking at 11 AM.

Lana sat with her costars during the break, laughing and chatting. The child actors playing Alex and Luke were locked in an intense game of rock-paper-scissors. Leonard, the older actor playing Jay Pritchett, was teasing the kid who played Manny.

Gabriel Lee—the actor playing Dylan—had a thing for Lana. And he wasn't subtle about it.

He'd just come back from the nearby café, arms loaded with drinks and snacks. He walked straight over to her, grinning. "Got you something."

"No thanks," Lana said politely, not even looking up.

"Oh." Gabriel wasn't discouraged. He held the cup closer. "Come on, just take it."

Lana sighed and reluctantly accepted it.

Watching from across the room, Pia—the Latina actress playing Gloria—grinned and called out, "You two are so cute together!"

Everyone on set knew Gabriel had a thing for Lana. And considering they played an on-screen couple, most of the cast was rooting for it.

"Seriously, guys. I told you—I'm not interested in relationships right now," Lana said, exasperated.

Just then, Amy walked onto the set. The studio receptionist had light brown hair pulled back loosely, a few strands framing her face. She was chewing gum, as usual.

"Lana, someone's here to see you," Amy said.

Lana's eyes lit up immediately. "Who? Is it the boss?"

"Boss." The cast knew exactly who that meant. Marcus Crown. The young CEO of Netflicks. Nathan's son.

"No, but it's a man. He didn't give his name." Amy shrugged. "You can head out front if you want to see him." Then she turned and left.

Lana's face fell slightly. It was obvious—even though she tried to hide it—that she was disappointed it wasn't Marcus.

Gabriel caught it. His expression flickered, just for a second.

"Excuse me, guys. I'll go see who it is," Lana said, standing and heading toward the exit.

The room went quiet after she left. The older cast members glanced at Gabriel, clearly feeling bad for him.

It was obvious. Lana wasn't interested.

---…⁠ᘛ⁠⁐̤⁠ᕐ⁠ᐷ---

Lana stepped out into the reception area, wondering who'd come to see her. But the moment she laid eyes on the visitor, her steps faltered.

Christopher Doyle.

The man from her nightmares stood there, smiling at her like they were old friends. He approached, and every instinct in her body screamed to run.

But she couldn't move. Her heart hammered against her ribs.

"You seem surprised to see me," Christopher said smoothly. "Didn't expect this little reunion?"

Lana backed up a step. "Wh-why are you here?"

"Why?" Christopher looked at her like the answer was obvious. "To see my beloved Lana Mitchell, of course."

Lana's face went pale. She turned to leave.

Christopher's hand shot out and caught her wrist. "That's not very polite. You're leaving already? We just started catching up."

"Let go of me!" Lana gritted her teeth, forcing strength into her voice. She shoved him hard.

Christopher stumbled back slightly, caught off guard. He straightened his suit and adjusted his tie, grinning. "Easy now. I'm just here to visit. And to see how my property is doing."

"I'm not your property!" Lana shouted, anger flashing in her eyes.

"No need to be hostile." Christopher chuckled. "You weren't like this before. I remember your lips on mine... the way you moaned when I touched you." His grin widened. "It's a shame we didn't make it to the bed. You chickened out right before the fun part."

Lana's lips trembled. "I would never sleep with someone like you."

"That's mean." Christopher laughed, clearly enjoying this. "But don't worry. Sooner or later, you'll be on your knees. Ready to take care of me properly."

"Wh-what do you mean?" Lana's voice cracked.

Christopher's smile turned cold. "What do I mean? Simple. My company's preparing to absorb Netflicks. So sooner or later, I'll own the only company that was stupid enough to cast you. Which means you'll be working for me again. Whether you like it or not."

Lana felt ice run through her veins. She didn't doubt Christopher's ability to do it. Blockbuster Cinema had the money. The influence. The power.

"So why don't you entertain me now while you still have a choice?" Christopher leaned closer, voice dropping. "I'm sure that Netflicks owner won't resist becoming filthy rich. I'll offer him five hundred million. No one says no to that kind of money."

"No... he wouldn't." Lana had talked to Marcus. She knew how he operated. He wouldn't sell. But doubt crept in despite herself.

"Everyone has a price, honey." Christopher's smile was predatory. "If he says no to the first offer, he'll consider the second. And accept the third. That's how it always goes."

He reached for her wrist again. "So why don't we have a little fun while I'm not your boss yet—"

A hand caught his wrist mid-reach.

Christopher's face twisted into a frown.

"Is there something you need, mister?"

Lana turned. Marcus stood there, grip firm on Christopher's arm.

Christopher yanked his hand free, irritation flashing across his wide face. "Brat. Don't meddle in business that doesn't concern you."

"It does concern me when I see you harassing this woman," Marcus said, voice calm but cold.

"What do you care?" Christopher snorted.

"I care because she works for my company."

Christopher paused. Then his eyes narrowed, recognition dawning. "Oh. So you're the Netflicks kid." He looked Marcus up and down, grinning. "You fit the description."

He turned back to Lana. "We'll have plenty of time to catch up later, sweetheart."

Then he looked at Marcus again, smile widening. "As for you—expect to see me again soon. Be ready."

Marcus watched as Christopher walked out and climbed into a black sedan. The car pulled away, disappearing down the street.

He turned to Lana. She looked like a flower crushed underfoot, barely holding herself together. "You okay?"

To his surprise, Lana stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, burying her face against his chest. "Th-thank you..."

Marcus felt warmth spread through him. He smiled slightly, hand coming up to rest on her back. "Don't worry about it."