The Forgotten Girl Is Back For Revenge

Chapter 23

“Work with us?” Owen frowned slightly, finding the news hard to believe.

River–a renowned online author under Mythos Ink–had achieved legendary status with a single crime novel.

ndary status with a sit

93%

Her fluid and natural writing style and unflinching exploration of human nature and darkness had moved countless readers

to tears.

The novel had been serialized for three years and had only recently concluded. Yet, even during serialization, major film studios vied for its adaptation rights, only to be repeatedly turned down by the author.

Now that the book was complete, River‘ studio had hinted at selling the adaptation rights, sparking a fierce bidding war among top studios. After all, this was a guaranteed moneymaker.

The Calhoun Group had its own film and television division, but it was still a small company, Owen had only begun. expanding into entertainment in recent years, making it no match for the industry’s top–tier giants.

Among those was the Dalton Group–the undisputed leader in the field. With a roster full of A–list actors and actresses, they had offered a staggering 1.3 million dollars for the rights, an exceptionally high bid in the industry,

Yet, for some reason, River‘ studio had not given a definite response.

Owen could easily outbid the Dalton Group, but any rational author would choose them. Their reputation, industry dominance, and vast resources spoke for themselves.

So, Owen hadn’t bothered joining the race–there was no point when the outcome was clear. What he hadn’t expected was that, despite making no effort to approach River, they had come knocking on his door instead.

The next day, Owen arrived at Harvest Films & TV. The company was his latest venture, still in its early stages, with a roster made up mostly of fresh graduates.

Managing the company was a man named Gray Galloway. Knowing the boss was coming in, he had been waiting at the office bright and early.

email matched their official contact. So, I can confirm–they genuinely want

you set a meeting?” Owen asked, his tone calm.

be here at

an unexpected

forty–five, the front desk called to say River’s representatives had arrived.

exactly ten, Owen stepped inside. A woman sat at the conference table–mid to late twenties, dressed in a crisp white suit. Her long, wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her makeup was meticulously applied. She exuded

her feet, a polite smile forming on her lips. “Mr. Calhoun, it’s a

you

a slight nod. “Ms. Heywood,

It was common knowledge in the industry that Suzanne handled all business matters on their behalf.

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their seats across from each other. Suzanne studied Owen for a moment before her lips curled into a slighe smile.

His tailored suit fit him like a glove, exuding an air of refined restraint. His aura was

to imagine that a man this distant and self–contained could ever

we discuss the deal, I have a personal question for you, if you don’t mind, Suzanne said with an easy

brow furrowed slightly. Td rather not discuss personal matters.

could object. “What kind of women do

under normal circumstances, Owen

After a brief pause, countless words came to mind to describe Hailey, but in

to say. For a second, she just stared at him. Then, a flicker of distaste

eyes.

had expected Owen to be different, but apparently, he was just another shallow man. She muttered. His only requirement is nice legs? There are plenty of

shift in Suzanne’s demeanor. She had been cordial before, but now she was barely masking her irritation–almost as

found it odd but didn’t bother asking about it. He wasn’t the curious type.

deal in no time. The official contract would be