Chapter 57 Wiggle for Me
Christian Brin treated her like she was just some plaything in the club, an outright insult. He just wanted to watch Ashley, the performer and pretender, be stripped of her façade to reveal her true colors. In his eyes, she was no different than any other woman there.
Yet Ashley stood there, ramrod straight, the lights illuminating her pale face. Her eyes were clear and frosty; when she smiled, she was the epitome of grace and charm, but when serious, she was as cold as steel.
The air was filled with tension like the calm before the storm.
"Got a problem?" Christian's leg casually propped up on the table, he said, "It's fine if you'd rather not. I pride myself on being easygoing and never forcing anyone to do anything they don't want to."
His eyes glittered with unmistakable sarcasm and threat. "What's the name of that project again? Ah, 'Empire', right? I heard the production cost almost $200 million, a big-ticket annual production. And just as it's ripe for profit... these poor souls must be fretting, huh?"
While speaking, he nonchalantly picked up his phone and scrolled through. "Oh, isn't this David Zeller of Ocean Film? I really wouldn't want to ruin his day, but I can't help it if someone's making me unhappy."
Beneath the grand dome, Ashley felt her temples roar with rage, ready to burst. "Ocean Film is a competitor to Universe Film & TV. You think if you mess with them, they won't retaliate?"
She couldn't stand Christian Brin's attitude, acting like he could just disturb one's peace without a second thought, as if the world revolved around him, an epitome of a flawed and immature character. "David Zeller has been in the industry for over thirty years; his career is longer than your entire life. You may strut around as Howard Brin's son, but he himself is a big potato. If things really kick off, are you sure you can win?"
"Schooling me?" Christian Brin snapped, tossing his phone aside. "In all my life, nothing sickens me more than a lecture. Who the hell do you think you are?"
Ashley had done her homework on the history between Ocean Film and Universe Film & TV, coming prepared with ammunition. "Ocean Film started with dock freight services, capitalizing on the booming economy since late 1940s. Not even twenty at the time, David Zeller made his first fortune through import-export business. Then he transitioned from harbor business to real estate development. With a combination of luck and foresight, he reaped the benefits of the real estate boom in a mere two decades and branched into the entertainment industry, producing dozens of hit shows."
"Besides that, David Zeller is passionate about charity. He has four major philanthropic foundations to his name and his brand was awarded one of the Top Ten Businesses last year, an exemplar for entrepreneurs. A businessman of his stature; if you provoke him over personal grievances, neither he nor the public opinion will take it lightly."
Christian Brin was no stranger to high society. Having mixed with the elite since childhood, he'd seen his fair share of grand events and wasn't easily intimidated. With a careless swagger, he said, "You've done your homework, interesting. Go on, keep talking."
It was all teasing to him.
"Of course, the name of the Universe has been renowned since your grandfather, a banker, social activist, and philanthropist. But it seems the reputation took a hit under your father's watch; a dashing and charming man, went through four marriages, and also..."
Ashley offered a faint smile, "I'd rather not discuss the private affairs of your family, but it seems you've quite inherited your father’s talent with the ladies."
She slowed down her speech, "Tell me, if we were to compare Universe with Ocean, who do you think the public would favor more?"
The smile that hung lazily on Christian Brin's face gradually froze as his expression darkened, "Ashley, do you think a bit too highly of yourself? An actress not even as famous as an internet celebrity, does she deserve David Zeller's personal involvement? Does she merit a feud between Ocean and me? She's just expendable," he said, spreading his fingers as if letting something go, "With just one look from me, she'd be done."
"You had a chance, Ashley, but you shouldn't have tried to be too clever, invoking my grandfather to shake me up," added Christian.
Ashley knew this wouldn't be an easy endeavor, but she was determined to fight for what she needed, "So, let's each play to our strengths. You can reach out to David Zeller, and I, well, I'll pay a visit to your grandfather. It's been too long since our last chess game."
Years ago, during a visit to Christian Brin's family home, Ashley had played chess with the old man. They'd hit it off, and the old man had taken a liking to her.
If she were to lay it all on the line, perhaps she could sway him with the little favor she held.
This was Ashley's trump card, her ace in the hole against Christian Brin.
Suddenly, Christian stood up, swooping in like a gust of wind, and grabbed Ashley's wrist with a fierce grip, "I said, don't think you can sway me by mentioning my grandfather!"
The pain in her wrist was intense, stinging from skin to flesh.
It was only then that Ashley realized it hadn't hurt this much when Damian had grabbed her.
"Afraid, are you? Since we don't want to disturb the old man, let's handle this the way young people do. After all, we're not kids running to our parents over every little thing."
Christian settled back into his seat, his demeanor incredibly surly, "The way young people do, sure! I'm done with music, dance for me."
As long as he didn't reach out to David Zeller, there was still room for maneuver, a real breakthrough.
Ashley sat down with a firm "No."
"No? Alright, how about a twist? Give me a little twist dance," he said, coaxing her.
Ashley's face tensed up, "Christian, are you serious? Doing me dirty like this, do you think Damian will be okay with you putting me on the spot?"
Christian swung his leg with a swagger, embodying a carefree spirit, "Ah, good thing you mentioned him. Almost forgot. How about you dance, and I'll shoot a video? Damian might seem buttoned-up, but deep down, he has a wild side, he'll fancy this."
Ashley stayed motionless.
With his phone in hand, Christian directed with cinematic flair, "Come on, play that 'Wiggle' song. It suits you."
Ashley shot him a glare, "A video? Nothing compared to a live show. If Damian really enjoys it, call him over. I’ll dance for you both right here."
Christian pointed the phone at Ashley's face, and the high-def lens could not mar her flawless complexion, "Here, the phone's yours. Call him. I'm in a good mood tonight; your friend will be let off the hook," he said.
Ashley figured Damian wouldn't stand by while his ex-wife was trampled on; pride wouldn't allow it.
Better to bring Damian to ease the noose than argue with a loose cannon like Christian Brin. After all, any embarrassment she suffered here would inevitably reach Damian's ears.
"Hope you keep your word and not just talk a big game."
Taking Christian Brin’s phone, Ashley decided on instinct and dialed the number labeled "DH."
The ringing persisted, her heart racing so fast it felt like it could burst from her mouth.
Then the call was curtly disconnected.
With a cold laugh, Ashley mocked, "Looks like you're not such a big shot after all, Christian. Can't even get your calls answered."
Christian’s face hardened, "What do you know!"
He redialed Damian's number, put it on speaker, and placed the phone between them, "Just wait!"
Ashley expected Damian to ignore the call again, but after only a few seconds, a deep voice answered, "What's up?"
Christian shot Ashley a smug look.
Gritting her teeth, Ashley went all in, "It's me."
