Chapter 486

The three people in the private room were left speechless after hearing the subordinate's report.

Thinking they might have misheard, the subordinate repeated the news.

The room remained eerily quiet.

After a moment, Bianca couldn't wrap her head around it and asked the subordinate, "Are you for real? Isabella won a hundred million bucks?"

The subordinate nodded. "Yes, Ms. Taylor, a cool hundred million from that QR code thing on a drink."

Bianca shot a look at John, remembering he mentioned that Michael was the brains behind that drink company.

John drummed his fingers on the table, looking thoughtful. He mused, "Could my uncle have rigged this? Being the big boss, it'd be a cakewalk for him to ensure Isabella's win."

Vincent, the director, sitting nearby, peered at John and inquired, "I've heard about that lottery thing, but I'm not into fizzy drinks. Does your uncle have a thing with Isabella?"

John sighed softly. "It's not about my uncle cozying up to Isabella, but more about my grandpa. He must've pulled the strings."

John clammed up, clearly not keen on discussing this with an outsider.

Sensing John's discomfort, Bianca switched gears, saying, "My sister is gearing up for a movie shoot and surprisingly invested in Ms. Foster's film. Think it's a threat to us?"

Bianca was more worried about the movie, a task handed down by John.

Though John had Bianca play the investor, he mainly wanted to keep her occupied. The real deal was handled by others. Bianca just had to sign on the dotted line, but she wasn't about to lose to Isabella without a fight.

Vincent eyed Bianca curiously. "Is Ms. Foster's flick gonna be a hit?" he asked.

As Vincent posed the question, he was also puzzled. He knew Estella's ties; her hubby was John's uncle. If Estella needed investors, why didn't John step in instead of letting someone else take the reins?

John shook his head, a touch of scorn in his eyes. He scoffed, "I've seen Ms. Foster's script, and honestly, it's a snooze fest. More about side characters than the lead. And the plot? Trying to slap a jet engine on Earth to jet off? Ridiculous."

Vincent had a lightbulb moment after John's spiel. He grinned and asked, "Is the director Zachary? He's fresh out of film school and ran the script by me for feedback."

John gazed at Vincent with interest. "I'm not sure who's directing this movie, but you seem pretty familiar with Zachary?"

Vincent shrugged, a touch of disdain in his voice. "He's a bright, eager kid. Full of dreams and ideals, like many young guns entering the real world. But reality's a tough teacher. It'll show him how naive he is."

Bianca and John shared a knowing smile at Vincent's take on Zachary.

Vincent continued, "I've checked out the script too. Dropping two hundred million will barely keep it afloat. They can't even afford some semi-famous actors' paychecks."

Bianca chuckled, finding it all quite amusing. "Dull script, green director, and a cast of unknowns. Looks like Ms. Foster and my sister's film are in for a rough ride."

John raised his glass, clinking it with Vincent. "Plenty out there willing to learn the hard way. Isabella's probably one of them."

Vincent raised his glass, downing the last of his wine. He wiped his mouth, smiling. "Heard Isabella's now a big shot in the elite circle. Getting a bit too big for her britches. Maybe this will bring her down a peg."

Bianca's narrowed eyes spoke volumes. Even an outsider could tell she wasn't buying it. But that didn't stop her from dialing Isabella to chat and maybe throw a little shade.

They chatted about movie investments in the private room before seeing Vincent off.

John dialed Michael as Bianca stood by quietly.

After two rings, Michael picked up.

"Michael, about Isabella's win. You had a hand in it?" John probed.

Michael's voice crackled through the line. "No, Isabella struck gold all on her own. Luck was on her side, plain and simple."

Michael marveled at Isabella picking the winning bottle from the bunch.

John remained skeptical. "You sure you're not pulling my leg?"

Annoyed, Michael shot back, "You think I'd joke about this? Got nothing better to do? Isabella's not hurting for cash, so why would I hand her a billion? If that's all, I'm out. Got work to do."

With that, Michael hung up, making it clear he wasn't up for idle chitchat with John unless it was family business.

John scowled at the ended call. "Maybe my uncle's right. No reason for him to pull a stunt like this. Could be Isabella just got lucky and hit the jackpot."

John mumbled to himself, but Bianca couldn't shake the feeling that Michael's voice sounded familiar.