Chapter 350 Breach of Contract Penalty
Juliet didn't get Myron's last look, but it made her uneasy.
An hour later, she got a call from James.
"Where are you? Get over here. Quickly! I need to talk to you!"
Juliet, puzzled but curious, hurried over. She hadn't caused any trouble lately.
As soon as she arrived, James slapped a contract on the desk.
"What's this?" she asked, suspicious.
"Open it. You'll love it," James said, grinning like he just hit the jackpot.
Juliet opened it to find a script and a contract.
"What's this?" she repeated.
Though she was signed with James, her career was struggling. Most directors didn't want to work with her, and her few roles were in low-budget web series by newbie directors. She was barely a minor actress, only getting some attention thanks to Luann.
But now, a director had sent her a script out of the blue. It felt like a miracle.
"Check out who the director is," James urged.
Juliet's eyes widened. "Oh my god, this..."
James cut in, "Yep, this director's a big deal. At thirty-two, he's already made several blockbusters and produced five Best Actor and Best Actress winners in ten years. This is a huge step up for you. Plus, the pay's good. Nail this, and you might even get a Best Supporting Actress nomination!"
Juliet's excitement soared as she imagined herself accepting an award.
"So, are you signing?" James asked.
Juliet thought, 'Why even ask? Of course, I'll sign! This is my big break!'
"Absolutely, James! I can't pass this up!" she said, thrilled.
James smiled knowingly. "Alright, sign here."
"Okay!"
Juliet quickly signed and pressed her fingerprint, completing the process.
James tucked the contract away, satisfied. "A one-to-nine split. I'll transfer the money to your account."
Juliet felt a bit shortchanged but figured James had earned it. "Thanks, James."
James nodded.
Juliet then glanced at the script and noticed something odd.
"Why is this a rural theme?"
Her character was a city college student who, while trying to help, got tricked and sold to the countryside, living a miserable life. She was beaten, tried to escape, cursed in frustration, and begged for mercy daily.
It was a role filled with suffering, and Juliet couldn't accept it right away.
"James, I can't play this role!" Juliet protested.
James didn't flinch, clearly expecting her reaction. "Juliet, do you want to be famous?"
Juliet's throat tightened. "I do, but not like this. Other idols take different paths. Why do I have to suffer?"
James gave her a hard look. "You really don't want to do it?"
Juliet nodded, dreading the thought of the role. "Yes, James, I really don't want to."
James stood up calmly. "Thirty million dollars for the breaching of contract Pay it within a week. Don't say I didn't give you time."
Juliet grabbed him, panicked. "What do you mean, thirty million dollars? Why so much?"
"The contract was just signed. It hasn't been sent over yet," James replied. "Can't you just tear it up?"
James stared at her coldly. "Juliet, contracts aren't just paper. Remember the terms? A ten-year contract. Any project arranged by the company must be accepted, or you pay a thirty million dollar penalty within three days. I'm giving you extra time out of courtesy."
Juliet's head buzzed. She vaguely remembered such a clause. "But people change! I don't want to do this. Why force me?"
James sneered, "Then why did we sign the contract? Either pay the penalty or shoot the movie."
Juliet stood up, furious. "This is unfair! Don't artists have the right to choose? I already give you ninety percent of the profits!"
James shrugged. "I didn't force you to sign. Both we agreed. Who can you blame?"
Juliet gritted her teeth, realizing James had set her up. "I want to terminate the contract! Your company is exploiting artists! I'll sue you!"
James smirked. "Fine, the termination fee is three billion dollars. When will you pay it?"
Juliet was stunned. "Three billion dollars? I can't pay that!"
"You set me up!" she screamed, her eyes wide and veins bulging.
James calmly fixed his hair. "Juliet, it's not a setup. Behave, and you'll get your jewelry, bags, houses, and gigs."
Juliet trembled with anger. The room felt colder, the chill seeping into her bones.
They stared each other down, neither backing off. Finally, Juliet sighed, defeated. "Fine, I'll shoot it."
