"Evan, I'm very optimistic about this," the investor said, clapping a hand on my shoulder. "The board has decided to inject another ten million in funding. No additional conditions."
My pulse quickened.
Ten million.
Just as I opened my mouth to thank him, my phone began to ring. I declined the call. It rang again immediately.
And a third time.
I moved to power it off, but the investor waved his hand. "Answer it. It might be urgent."
Apologizing profusely, I stepped out of the hotel conference room and swiped answer.
"Evan Dickerson, did you pull strings behind my back?" Natalie's voice was a shrill shriek. "Why didn't Director Wang cast me? Even after we broke up, you're haunting me like a ghost! Are you trying to sabotage me?"
I leaned against the corridor wall. A mocking smile surfaced.
"You have no professional training, no connections, and zero acting experience. On what grounds would Director Wang cast you?" I asked coolly. "Did you really think your talent got you that role in the last life? It was because I paid him five million to let you buy your way in."