Chapter 32

I took a deep breath before entering the Mercury building. Now that I had officially landed a role in a movie, Zephyr asked me to sign the contract with Mercury Entertainment Group.

It was fair, to be honest.

Mercury had done so much to help resurrect my career that they couldn’t possibly want me to take all the credit.

I could also repay Zephyr’s fortune by working with his company.

The last agency I worked with took about 25% of the profits, so I assumed Mercury would probably take that much or more.

However, it seemed like I was wrong.

"You want 10% of my profits?" My jaw dropped as I stared at Zephyr and the company’s legal team sitting across from me.

Zephyr raised an eyebrow. "Is that too much?"

"Too much?!" I exclaimed. "This is ridiculously low for everything you’re offering to me!"

He had provided me with numerous resources, including a personal acting coach, free access to skincare products and treatments, and exclusive opportunity to audition for major roles in movies that would be produced by Mercury Studio.

Zephyr was ensuring I had everything I needed to succeed, yet he was only asking for 10% of my profit? Most actors could only dream of such a generous deal.

I wasn’t new to the industry, so I knew that agencies like Mercury Entertainment Group typically took 25-30% of an actor’s earnings.

The fact that Zephyr had set my rate so low made it clear that this wasn’t a standard arrangement. It was personal, just another way he attempted to pamper me.

"This number is too low. Your company will barely make enough profit from me," I said. "Set it to 25%—no, 30% is actually fine."

"No." Zephyr said firmly. "I don’t want to set the profit more than 10%."

I didn’t understand what was going on inside his head. He wouldn’t get anything if he were too generous to me.

Zephyr continued, "It might seem too low now, but your earnings will increase in the future so 10% will be enough to cover the expense of your need."

"Yes, maybe my future earnings can cover all of my expenses, but how about your profit?" I let out my frustration. "You’re running a business. I can’t believe you’re not taking more for yourself."

Zephyr’s expression softened, and he leaned back in his chair. "Samantha, this isn’t about profit for me. I don’t need the money from your earnings. What I want is for you to succeed. To build a career that lasts, not just a quick payday."

I was speechless. I turned my head toward the legal team, but it seemed like they didn’t oppose Zephyr’s shenanigan.

It meant that Zephyr had ensured the company would still get profit by spending his own money.

No, no, no way!

I would never let him go that far just for me.

I wanted to stand equal to him, not become his burden.

"Please, leave us alone for a second," I said to the legal team.

They seemed hesitant at first, but when Zephyr gave them a nod, they immediately left the room.

"Zephyr." I began, "A business is still a business. That’s why I want you to think of me like your other talents. Treat me fairly, not as an exception."

I continued, "I don’t want to be treated differently because I want to earn my place, Zephyr. I want my success to be mine, not something handed to me on a silver platter."

I knew Zephyr meant well, but if he gave me special treatment, then I wouldn’t see my achievement as something special.

I would see it as a gift from him, not because of my own capability.

"Please, don’t make me feel that way," I pleaded.

Zephyr could see how much this mattered to me after hearing my plea. After a moment of silence, he sighed deeply and gave a slight nod.

"Alright, Samantha," he said softly. "I’ll treat you like everyone else. No special treatment. But just know, my intention was never to undermine your efforts or your talent."

I smiled softly. "I know that you mean well, but if you truly believe in my talent, then you need to trust that I can achieve success, even if you take a fair share of my profit."

Zephyr’s gaze softened, but his tone remained firm. "Alright. 20%," he said. "No more than that. Is that good enough for you?"

I nodded. "Yeah. 20% sounds good."

Zephyr leaned back. "Good, then it’s settled."

After that, he instructed the legal team to revise the contract. Once the adjustments were made, I reviewed the document carefully before signing it.

"Congratulations, Mrs. Cole." Zephyr stood up and extended his hand toward me with a warm smile. "You’re now officially part of Mercury Entertainment Group."

I chuckled softly as I shook his hand. "Thank you, Mr. Lloyd. I’ll do my best to make you proud."

"You’ve made me proud from the very beginning, Mrs. Cole," Zephyr said with a small smile. "I suppose I’m easy to please."

With nothing left to do in his office, I made my way to the meeting room for my first official introduction to the producer and the other actors of Shattered Bond.

The atmosphere in the room was lively, filled with chatter and laughter.

Diego, the producer, stood at the head of the table. Several actors and crew members were already seated, flipping through scripts or exchanging stories about past projects.

"Ah, Samantha!" The producer spotted me immediately, waving me over. "Welcome. Come, have a seat."

I smiled politely as I stepped into the room. It had been five years since I last attended a meeting like this, and the unfamiliar energy made my stomach flutter.

"Let me introduce you to your daughter," Diego said.

He gestured to a petite young actress standing nearby.

The girl, who couldn’t have been older than 10, had big, curious blue eyes and long-wavy brunette hair.

I wasn’t sure where the producer had found her, but at some point, I noticed that the little girl bore a slight resemblance to me.

Even the way she smiled was incredibly similar.

The little girl stepped forward, flashing a bright smile at me. "Hi, I’m Tiana Adams! I’ll be playing your daughter, Annabella."

I couldn’t help but stroke her fluffy hair gently and said softly, "Nice to meet you, Tiana."