Entertainment: Starting as a Succubus, Taking Hollywood by Storm

Martin's words sank into Mottola's mind, and he found them quite actionable.

The key factor was that the company's major shareholders were in Japan. Those old-timers, who spent most of their time in Japan, had no grasp of the intricate dynamics at play.

Currently, all the company's aggressive moves against Michael were under Mottola's control.

And who could dispute Michael's stance when Mottola was the one dictating it?

(Martin: "Actually, it's me dictating it!")

"Well, if you're all so eager to replace me, don't blame me for being ruthless," Mottola muttered coldly. He was a hard man, especially toward enemies.

Right now, the shareholders of Sony Columbia Records were his enemies.

"Martin, I have to say, your analysis makes a lot of sense. But here's the thing—what's in it for me?"

Relaxed now that he'd identified a way out, Mottola smiled as he gazed at Martin. Jealousy flickered in his eyes as he thought about how his old friend had such an extraordinary son—while his own children, from his ex-wife (not Mariah Carey, but the one before her), were all spoiled brats, utterly useless.

Martin swirled his wine glass, the purple-red liquid gleaming brilliantly. With a contented smile, he said, "How about the position of Head of the Music Division at Meyers Entertainment?"

"I want shares in Meyers Entertainment," Mottola replied, his gaze sharp and unyielding, resembling that of a vulture.

"That's not happening. Uncle Mottola, greed is human nature, but don't overdo it."

Martin rejected him outright.

"Alright, then..." Mottola mused for a moment before raising a finger. "I'll pass on the music division position, but I want a hundred million dollars."

Martin laughed heartily. "Deal!"

He was never afraid to spend money. Money spent was money well-used; otherwise, it was just a pile of paper or numbers.

Moreover, this $100 million would bring him much more in return.

Mottola chuckled as well. After pulling off this deal, he could retire and enjoy life.

"Great. We don't need a contract for this—some things are better left unsaid. I trust you. I'll continue using Sony Columbia to pressure Michael while leveraging Michael to push the shareholders. The American minor shareholders are easy to deal with—they love money. As for those old men in Japan, I have my methods!"

"Honestly, if we can force Michael to verbally commit to triggering his exit clause and exercising his buy/sell rights, those old-timers will panic."

A fiery determination ignited in Mottola's eyes, fueled by his ambition for the biggest payday of his career.

In the past, he hadn't dared to push Michael too hard, preferring to torment him slowly to avoid driving him into desperation. But now, it didn't matter anymore.

Martin trusted Mottola to succeed.

After all, in the original timeline, Warner Music nearly succeeded in 2004. If Michael Jackson hadn't backed out at the last minute, Warner would have acquired the complete Sony/ATV catalog.

The Sony/ATV catalog would later provide Michael with stable annual dividends exceeding $20 million. And that was with 50% of the profits reinvested in copyright acquisitions. In other words, the $20 million represented just 25% of the total earnings.

(The remaining 25% belonged to Sony Columbia Records.)

With that in mind, the overall revenue from the catalog was staggering.

By Martin's fifth day in New York, his work as the "mastermind" was complete. All that remained was to wait.

His "big brother" would have to endure some time under public scrutiny and pressure, but it was all to ensure a longer, better future.

Mottola would lose his job and reputation but gain $100 million in retirement funds.

And Martin? He would gain an enormous cash cow.

A three-way win!

Perfect!

As for whether Sony Columbia got the short end of the stick—who cared?!

If Martin wanted to buy out the catalog rights, he estimated it would cost between $1.5 billion and $1.7 billion. In the original timeline, Sony paid $740 million to acquire the half owned by Michael's estate.

Now, Martin aimed to purchase the entire thing, which would likely double the cost.

Of course, the catalog wasn't yet as valuable as it would be in the future, given the lack of widespread smartphone adoption.

Currently, the catalog's estimated value was around $4 billion, but no one would sell at the valuation price.

Martin didn't have that much cash on hand, but he wasn't in a hurry. It would take at least a year to finalize everything.

By then, his Sertan oil field might already be generating a steady flow of cash...

Feeling relaxed, Martin returned to his Manhattan apartment.

Drew Barrymore and Natalie Portman were chatting.

Both women were lounging on the sofa, wine glasses in hand, their laughter and smiles creating a seemingly harmonious atmosphere.

But Martin could tell at a glance—they didn't like each other and were just pretending.

"Martin, you're back. Let's talk in the study—it's about Blue Sky Studios."

"Okay, give me a minute to change."

Martin removed his coat and scarf.

With January approaching, New York was freezing cold. Although Martin was immune to the elements, appearances still mattered.

Drew shot Natalie a triumphant look, while Natalie rolled her eyes.

Once Martin returned, the two women dropped the act entirely.

"Alright, let's go to the study."

Round one of the battle for favor: Drew Barrymore wins.

In the study, Drew casually walked to the coffee machine, poured coffee for herself and Martin, and sank comfortably onto the sofa.

"I don't like her," she said, her tone mocking. "She always acts like some high-and-mighty intellectual, as if going to Harvard makes her smarter than everyone else!"

"Hey, watch what you say. I'm planning to go to Harvard too!"

"What the f***?! You're going to college? What professor would dare teach you?"

"Do you think I'm some kind of omniscient god? I'm planning to study law—and build connections while I'm at it."

"Alright, I give up. I don't get you smart types."

A fleeting look of envy crossed Drew's face.

Perhaps even she didn't realize that her dislike for Natalie stemmed from jealousy—envy of the good family and normal childhood Natalie had, things Drew had missed out on.

"You're smart too, Drew. Don't sell yourself short. You just never had the chance to study properly."

Martin's words brought a smile to Drew's face.

Suddenly, she leaped up, wrapping her arms around Martin's neck and kissing him.

"Hey, we're talking business—mmph!"

Martin's words were muffled as Drew's soft lips pressed against his.