The broadcast of the interview spread like wildfire, reaching a vast audience.
Even Ethan Howard, watching from behind the scenes, couldn't help but chuckle. "Brilliant move," he mused. "Using nothing to beat the Millers at their own game. They must be pulling their hair out."
At the Miller residence, chaos reigned. Chris Miller had just managed to summon the doctor, and after frantic efforts, James Miller finally stabilized.
"Dad, are you okay?" Chris asked, his voice tinged with anger. "I'll handle this. I'll make sure Mike Carter regrets crossing us!"
James, still pale, raised a trembling hand. "No… Wait. Mike Carter isn't someone to be underestimated. Focus on the show. Announce the premiere immediately, and hold the press conference tonight. We need to seize control of the narrative."
Chris nodded reluctantly, suppressing his rage. Within hours, the Millers had finalized the arrangements.
"Dad, let me take charge. I promise I won't let you down," Chris offered.
James shook his head and, despite his frail state, forced himself upright. "This boy thinks he can bring down the Millers? He doesn't realize the magnitude of what he's up against. Profits from the show will dwarf any losses. We can't let a petty grudge distract us from the bigger picture."
By the time the press conference began, the Millers were riding the wave of public attention. The morning's events were being spun to paint Elliot York as the hero of the day.
"Elliot really nailed it," one student gushed. "Imagine being part of that show. It's like living the dream!"
"Totally," another chimed in. "I wonder if they're still accepting contestants."
The buzz was deafening, and it seemed everyone in town was talking about the Millers' show.
Mike Carter, meanwhile, had just finished packing up Amelia Song's food stand. Throughout the process, she had remained silent.
"Amelia, are you upset?" Mike asked, his tone soft.
She shook her head, not meeting his gaze.
Just as they finished, Ethan Howard arrived, looking visibly agitated. "Sir, we have a problem."
"Calm down," Mike replied, his voice steady. "Tell me."
Ethan explained, "The Millers played dirty. They recorded today's events and are using them as the pilot episode of their show. It's already set to air tonight. They're moving aggressively to outpace us."
Ethan hesitated before adding, "This could expose your identity, sir. Perhaps it's time to involve the family to mitigate the fallout."
Mike considered it for a moment before shaking his head. "No need. By the way, are they hosting a celebration tonight?"
"Yes, at the Arc de Triumph Hotel."
Mike's lips curled into a sly smile. "Interesting. Spending millions just to throw a party and save face? They're trying to attract investors and bolster their reputation."
Ethan frowned. "Sir, attending their event might be risky. It could even appear desperate."
"They'll invite me," Mike said confidently.
Ethan looked skeptical but didn't argue. "I'll prepare a gift for the occasion."
Two hours later, at the Arc de Triumph Hotel, James and Chris Miller stood outside, greeting guests with warm smiles.
"James, this is a brilliant investment," one guest complimented. "It's been years, and yet you've outdone yourself again."
James chuckled modestly. "It's all thanks to my son. He has a knack for identifying opportunities."
As the guests filed in, James turned to Chris. "After tonight, make arrangements to move forward with Sophia Rivers."
Chris's face lit up with delight. "You've always opposed me pursuing her. What changed?"
James sneered. "The Rivers family was a nuisance before. Now, we'll show them where they stand."
"Understood. Thanks, Dad," Chris replied, already imagining the conquest.
Pulling out his phone, Chris sent a message to Sophia: "After tonight, you'll see the difference between Mike Carter and me. I'll make you regret ever choosing him."
At the hotel entrance, Mike Carter arrived with a strikingly wrapped gift in hand. His presence turned heads.
Chris spotted him first, his eyes narrowing. "Dad, look who's here. He must be here to grovel."
James laughed, his voice dripping with disdain. "He's realized he's no match for us. Let him beg. It'll only make our victory sweeter."
As Mike approached, a security guard stepped forward, blocking his path. "Mr. Carter, the Millers do not welcome you here. Please leave."
Mike raised an eyebrow, his calm demeanor unshaken. "That's strange. I was under the impression the Millers wanted me here."
Chris burst into laughter. "You think we'd invite you? Get real."
The guard crossed his arms. "Walk away now, Mr. Carter, before I have to escort you out."
Mike remained still, his voice steady. "Chris, I brought you a gift. Wouldn't you like to see it?"
Chris smirked. "The Millers don't do charity, especially not for trash."
The exchange drew a crowd, guests pausing to watch the confrontation. Chris seized the moment to gloat.
"Mike, you're out of your league. Do you have any idea how much we've invested in this show? The planning, the connections, the marketing—we've crushed you in every possible way!"
Mike nodded thoughtfully. "Impressive. Truly. But don't you want to know what I've been up to these past few days?"
Chris rolled his eyes. "What, burning through your dad's allowance?"
Mike smiled faintly. "Actually, I sent someone to Japan. While you were rushing to secure licensing agreements for your show, I bought the exclusive rights."
The air grew thick with tension.
Chris's laughter faltered. "You're lying."
Mike gestured to the gift at his feet. "That's the contract. I paid two million for it—half for the rights, half to ensure no one else got them."
James and Chris exchanged panicked glances. Their ambitious plans, the massive investments, the entire premise of their show—all hinged on those rights.
James's voice cracked. "You… You can't be serious."
Mike's expression remained calm. "Feel free to check."
James pushed past the guard, grabbing Mike by the arm. "Let's talk inside."
The gathered crowd murmured, the once-confident Millers now visibly shaken. Mike's subtle smirk spoke volumes: The real game was just beginning.