Chapter 1067

While watching Simon's retreating figure, Hector asked slowly, "Do you want me to have someone stop him?" "If he wants to leave, let him. He can't afford the penalties. He'll come crawling back when he realizes that." Joanna leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes. She hadn't expected Simon to falter, especially not now, when things were getting critical. He had promised her he would rise to the top of this industry, but here they were, and he was already buckling under the pressure. Hector asked, "What's the plan now?" "There are other artists, aren't there? Split Simon's deals between them. He might not want this opportunity, but trust me, plenty of others do." Joanna stood up and stretched. "I'm feeling a bit tired. Pass the message along—tell them to prepare for a fight. If they pull this off, they won't go unrewarded." "Understood." Hector turned and walked out of the office. … Meanwhile, a group of artists slumped wearily over the table in the artists' lounge.