Chapter 1764 A Gift from My New Boyfriend
Bernice sneered inwardly, 'I've never found you interesting, idiot.'
Once inside, she grabbed her suitcase and started stuffing it with various brand-name clothes and bags.
As Lucas walked by with a glass of water, he mocked, "Didn't you say you got nothing out of sleeping with me? Aren't these clothes, jewelry, and bags bought with my money?"
Bernice blinked innocently. "But when I sleep with other sugar daddies, they also give me clothes, bags, and jewelry. Not just that, but also various resources, houses, and luxury cars."
Lucas fell silent. For once, the usually sharp-tongued Lucas didn't know how to respond.
Bernice finished packing and stood up, accidentally dropping a Lamborghini key from her pocket.
She quickly picked it up and gave Lucas a pitiful look. "Sorry, my new sugar daddy gave it to me."
Gripping the glass tightly, Lucas felt an urge to strangle her. "Bernice, if you say one more word, I'll make your sugar daddy disappear."
"Don't, I won't say anything."
Bernice put on a panicked expression, hurriedly finished packing, and quickly walked downstairs with her suitcase.
The room was left with a strong scent of her perfume.
Lucas opened the window, but the smell wouldn't dissipate.
Seeing Bernice about to leave, he roared, "Get out, and don't come within ten feet of me ever again."
Bernice shuddered and walked even faster without looking back.
Once outside, she went straight to Gabriella and opened the trunk. "Sell everything inside."
Gabriella looked at the limited-edition bags and jewelry inside and swallowed hard. "These are all good stuff. Are you sure you want to sell them?"
"Given to me by a disgusting person, of course, I want to sell them." Bernice's eyes showed disdain as if looking at a pile of dirty items.
"Oh, by the way," Bernice changed the subject, "Come with me to Dreamscape Entertainment Group this afternoon to renegotiate a contract with Mr. Jenkins."
"Bernice, are you crazy?" Gabriella's eyes widened in shock. "You just got out of your contract. Why go back to Dreamscape Entertainment Group?"
Bernice's face softened, knowing Gabriella had her best interests at heart. "It's not the same contract, and the company has leverage over me."
She didn't elaborate on what leverage, and Gabriella, respecting her privacy, didn't ask.
But whatever it was, it must be significant to make Bernice compromise.
"Don't worry, you'll be my manager from now on." Bernice patted her shoulder. "The company agreed to let me have an independent studio, so I'll be much freer than before."
Gabriella still looked troubled but felt sorry for Bernice.
In the afternoon, the two went to the company.
This time, no one dared to mock Bernice.
After entering the CEO's office, Max greeted her with a smile. "Bernice, I didn't expect us to work together again so soon. I always knew you were perfect for the entertainment industry. Winning Best Actress is just a matter of time."
"Forget it, your Sarah is also aiming for Best Actress. I don't want to compete with her. If I accidentally win, it would offend Mr. Nelson, and that's troublesome."
Bernice's retort left Max awkward.
"Now that you're back at Dreamscape Entertainment Group, we're all family," Max said, handing her a contract. "Lucas has already discussed it with me. Here, sign it."
Bernice opened the contract and read it for five minutes before tossing it aside. "Mr. Jenkins, you've set quite a few traps in this contract. Sure, I get 60% of the revenue, but if the resources are recommended by the company, it's a 50-50 split. Plus, on page 37, there's a clause that I must shoot at least one company film and do company-arranged ads each year. Not only that, but I also have to bring at least one company newbie into the crew when filming outside, and they must be the second female or male lead. How is this different from the previous contract?"
Max felt embarrassed. He had instructed the lawyer to hide these clauses in inconspicuous places within the lengthy contract, but Bernice had found them all in just a few minutes.
Suddenly, he realized he had underestimated Bernice.
"Bernice, there are still significant differences. The company agreed to let you open your studio, and the revenue split is 60-40. The terms are quite favorable," Max said, thick-skinned.
Gabriella couldn't stand it anymore and retorted, "Filming a movie takes at least three months. Bernice can only shoot two movies a year at most, and one has to be for the company with a 50-50 split. Besides, the company's films always have low pay. Mr. Jenkins, we're not fools."
Bernice stood up, already impatient. "Filming for the company is out of the question. Bringing new talent for the company, I can barely accept. If you don't agree, there's nothing to discuss."
She turned to leave.
"Wait, Bernice. We can discuss this," Max quickly stopped her. After half an hour of negotiation, they finally settled the contract.
After Bernice left, Max called Lucas, frustrated, "The contract is signed."
"Not satisfied?" Lucas sensed his displeasure.
Max sighed bitterly. "Bernice is too shrewd. She spotted all the traps I set in the contract. But fortunately, she agreed to bring new talent."
"Alright," Lucas didn't want to discuss this woman any further and hung up the phone.
Meanwhile, not long after Bernice left the company, she received a secret call on her private phone.
"Ms. Ramsey, our procedures for leaving the country are finally complete. We can leave tomorrow."
"You should leave as soon as possible," Bernice relaxed, clearly indicating that Lucas had been secretly monitoring them, preventing their departure. Once they left, Lucas would no longer have leverage over her.
"Ms. Ramsey, thank you for taking care of us these past few years. If you need anything, just call, and we'll be there."
"No need. You've done everything I asked. Just change your names and disappear once you leave Madison."
After ending the call, Bernice felt a huge sense of relief.
She no longer had to act in front of Lucas.
Even she had been disgusted with herself during this time.
In the villa, Gabriella handed Bernice a thick stack of scripts.
"Bernice, these are scripts from various directors. You're more popular now, and many good scripts have come your way."
Gabriella smiled excitedly. "Let's pick a good script and aim for Best Actress next year."
Bernice glanced at the scripts indifferently and said, "Turn them down. After I finish the current film, I don't plan to act for a while."
"What?" Gabriella was stunned. "You're passing up such a good opportunity? Bernice, are you crazy?"
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