The early morning light filtered through the tall windows of Lex's room, casting long shadows across the floor. His laptop screen glowed softly, illuminating his face as he scrolled through the wire transfer confirmation.
$15,000.
Benny's name flickered across the transaction details.
Lex leaned back in his chair, rubbing the back of his neck. The rest would come when Benny sent the first cut of the teaser.
It wasn't just about financing a film—this was the start of building influence in circles Barnie didn't control. Media, entertainment, and eventually politics. Barnie's grip stopped at the boardroom. Lex was playing for more.
He picked up his phone and dialed. Benny answered after three rings, voice groggy.
"Who the hell wires money at six in the morning?" Benny grumbled.
"Rich people," Lex replied smoothly. "Check your account."
There was a long pause, followed by the faint sound of Benny tapping away on his phone.
"Well, damn," Benny said after a moment. "I guess you're serious."
"I told you I was."
Benny chuckled. "Yeah, well, money talks. I'll have Mikey finish the revisions by next week."
"Good. I also need a list of actors. You know the type—people on the cusp but not big enough to turn heads yet."
Benny snorted. "I see. You want cheap but talented."
"Let's call it 'early investments.'"
"Fine. I'll send you a list. But what's the angle, Lex? This isn't just about making some indie film."
Lex's eyes flicked toward his father's ledger key resting on the desk.
"No," Lex said calmly. "It's not."
There was a pause. Benny didn't push for more details—he wasn't stupid.
"Alright, you're the boss. I'll get you a list by tonight."
"Good."
Lex hung up and opened a new tab on his laptop.
Casting Networks – 2007 Talent Directory.
Names began populating the screen, headshots of actors who hadn't yet made it big. Lex recognized a few—faces that would dominate Hollywood in a few years.
Ryan Gosling – Early career.
Chris Hemsworth – Still working on Australian soaps.
Scarlett Johansson – Only a few leading roles.
Oscar Isaac – Practically unknown.
Ana de Armas – Still in Spanish films.
Lex's eyes narrowed slightly. One or two of these names in the right project would spark headlines.
His cursor hovered over Scarlett's profile for a moment before clicking out. Too high profile.
Instead, he marked Oscar Isaac and Ana de Armas. Rising talents who hadn't crossed the threshold of fame yet. They'd be easier to bring in without attracting Barnie's attention.
Lex sent a quick email to Benny with the selections, subject line plain and unassuming.
"Get them."
He closed the laptop and exhaled slowly, the edges of a smirk tugging at his lips.
Barnie was busy playing chess at Maddux Holdings.
Lex was about to rewrite the script entirely.