Chapter 911 Director Paul Simmons
How could Brandon possibly let Penelope go home?
"Hey, Penelope, why don't you come with Thessaly and me?" Brandon suggested. "Just to greet and meet a new friend. After all, you're Thessaly's boss now. You should be interested in her career, right?"
He spoke in a half-joking, half-serious tone.
He knew Penelope wouldn't refuse this reason.
Thessaly chimed in, "Yeah, Penelope, the director is really funny and super knowledgeable. He's a big name in the industry. It's early, and after we meet him, we can all leave together."
Brandon raised an eyebrow.
He didn't expect Thessaly to back him up.
Thessaly had no idea what Brandon was thinking; she just genuinely and innocently wanted to invite Penelope along.
She admired and appreciated this young director very much.
Penelope hesitated for a moment.
Brandon added, "Oh, I forgot to mention, the director's name is Paul Simmons. You must have heard of him."
"Director Paul? Is it him?" Penelope was surprised. "I've heard so much about him; I have to meet him."
Paul was a rare genius in the directing world.
His first film grossed $200 million at the box office upon release.
Subsequent films he directed all grossed over $100 million, with both critical and commercial success.
So, Paul became a celebrity in the film industry.
Even more impressive, Paul was only thirty years old, still in his prime!
No wonder Brandon ventured into the entertainment industry to invest in films; it was to collaborate with Paul!
"Let's go," Brandon smiled. "He's already here."
Private room.
Brandon pushed the door open and walked in. "Mr. Simmons, look who I brought."
"Mr. Simmons," Thessaly greeted, "nice to see you again. I'm Thessaly Winterbourne."
Paul was dressed casually, in a white T-shirt and jacket, with messy hair and an air of nonchalance.
Penelope thought, 'Maybe all artists are a bit unconventional.'
"Sit down, make yourselves comfortable," Paul nodded, pausing when he saw Penelope. "And this is Mr. Walker's new artist?"
"Not an artist, this is Mrs. Davis."
Paul immediately stood up. "Mrs. Davis?"
Penelope smiled. "Mr. Simmons, you know me?"
"Hard not to. Signing Thessaly as a global ambassador and transferring her management contract to Davis Group; this news spread throughout the industry. I'm curious, why do you and Mr. Davis support Thessaly so much?"
Penelope didn't answer but instead asked, "I'm also curious, Mr. Simmons, why did you choose Thessaly as the lead in your new film?"
She thought she and Paul probably had the same idea—they both saw something special in Thessaly.
So, why she supported Thessaly was likely the same reason Paul chose her.
Paul's expression changed slightly, and he instinctively glanced at Brandon.
Brandon's face remained calm.
Penelope was puzzled. Why did Paul look at Brandon?
Was this related to Brandon?
Did Brandon insist on Thessaly as the lead because he was the investor and had the final say, and Paul had to agree?
But Penelope remembered Brandon saying it was Thessaly's acting skills that impressed Paul.
Brandon noticed Penelope's confusion and jumped in, "I recommended Thessaly to Mr. Simmons. At first, he was considering a few well-known actresses. But after I introduced him to Thessaly, he made his decision."
"Yeah, exactly," Paul laughed nervously, "thanks to Mr. Walker. He's not just a business genius; he's got a great eye for talent too!"
No one noticed Paul discreetly wiping his sweaty palms under the table.
The film had a massive budget, initially estimated at over $100 million.
Even though Paul was famous and had a track record of box office hits, $100 million was still a lot, requiring at least $300 million in box office revenue to be profitable.
Otherwise, why did you take the risk when there were plenty of high-return investment opportunities?
Businessmen chased profits, not charity.
So initially, Paul approached many company executives for investment and sponsorship, but few agreed.
They all made promises but never followed through.
Until Brandon appeared.
Officially, Brandon said he wouldn't interfere, but in reality, everything depended on his approval.
After all, if Brandon got unhappy and pulled out, Paul would regret it deeply!
Penelope nodded. "I see. Mr. Simmons, Thessaly indeed has the looks and talent, and she's an award-winning actress. You made the right choice!"
"Absolutely," Paul agreed. "With Mr. Walker and Mrs. Davis's strong support, I'm confident this film will be a huge success!"
Brandon gave Paul a subtle glance.
Though slightly dissatisfied, Brandon found Paul's quick response acceptable.
He managed to smooth things over.
"Mrs. Davis, please sit," Paul pulled out a chair, eager to please. "Would you like something to drink?"
Penelope declined. "No, I just came to meet you, the youngest renowned director in the film industry. Now that I've met you, I should be going."
Her phone in her bag kept vibrating.
It was a message from Kelvin.
Without looking, Penelope knew he was urging her to come home.
She missed the days when she could come and go as she pleased!
"You all chat," Penelope said. "I don't understand acting or investing, so I won't interrupt."
Paul was anxious. "You can't leave just after arriving, not even having a drink. No, Mrs. Davis, please sit."
"I'll only delay your script discussion."
"No, we're just chatting." Paul tried hard to keep Penelope, almost ready to physically hold her in place!
If not for Penelope's status, he might have done so!
Brandon remained silent, his eyes slightly downcast, his expression calm, revealing nothing of his thoughts.
"I need to go home; my kids are waiting for me." Penelope smiled at Thessaly. "You and Mr. Simmons have a good chat. I have high hopes for this film. With Mr. Walker investing, Mr. Simmons directing, and you as the lead, this team is bound to succeed."
As long as the male lead's acting and looks are good, it was a sure hit!
Winning awards would be even better!
Then, she could have Davis Group's PR department launch a major campaign, raising Thessaly's profile to new heights!
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