Chương 212: Chapter 212: Trap
[Chapter 212: It's Settled]
"Mr. Williams, you really are something else," Elisabeth's voice chimed in next to Eric as Nicole just walked away.
Eric turned to look at Elisabeth's delicate face and shrugged. "It's just a little punishment for women who like to play games. So, Liz, this story tells us that honesty is the best policy. I was really hurt when you spoke to me so coldly right from the start today. Have you forgotten the wonderful time we had together in Venice?"
Elisabeth's face flushed slightly as if she recalled something, but she forced a laugh and, with a hint of provocation in her tone, retorted, "Ha, are you going to punish me for that, Mr. Williams?"
Eric stroked his chin as if deep in thought before saying, "Perhaps I can increase the terms of engagement for the deal and explicitly tell Mr. Murdoch that this is a punishment for Miss Elisabeth's coldness toward me."
Elisabeth's expression instantly soured as she glared at Eric, recalling her father's warning that if she continued to act stubbornly, he would cut off her credit card. Angrily stomping her foot, she thought that if Eric actually said something like that, it would be more serious than just freezing her credit card.
The more she thought about it, the more wronged and furious she felt, finally grit her teeth and spat out, "Eric Williams, you are such a jerk."
Eric had only meant it as a joke, but he was surprised by her strong reaction. Seeing the tears welling up in her eyes made him quickly explain, "Liz, don't be upset. I was just kidding."
She looked like she wanted to turn and walk away, yet her feet felt glued to the floor, her expression still frosty despite Eric's attempts to smooth things over. Coldly, she said, "Mr. Williams, my father asked me to invite you to talk. I don't know if you have time?"
"Of course, will you take me there?"
Elisabeth nodded slightly and turned to head for the stairs, with Eric hurrying to follow.
...
When they arrived at a room on the second floor, Elisabeth knocked on the door and, without waiting for a response, walked right in, gesturing Eric to enter after her.
Stepping inside, Eric scanned the room. It was a simple meeting space, with a row of bookshelves, a few sofas, and a coffee table in the center. Only old Murdoch occupied the space, with even Barry Diller absent.
"Eric, come in, have a seat," Murdoch smiled as he stood up and motioned for Eric to sit on the sofa across from him. "Liz, make Eric a cup of coffee."
Elisabeth nodded at Murdoch before walking away to prepare the coffee, her demeanor calm and collected.
Eric noticed Murdoch smiling warmly at his daughter's back while she made coffee, admiring how the red one-shoulder dress accentuated Elisabeth's figure perfectly.
"Eric, you're 19 this year, right?" Murdoch unexpectedly asked.
Eric nodded. His birthday was on May 16, and he had celebrated it while busy shooting, with no parties -- just a simple dinner with a few close friends instead.
"Well, Liz is only two years older than you. I still remember how she looked as a kid, but I've been so busy that I haven't had much of a chance to connect with my children. It feels like just a moment ago she was this shy little one and now she's grown into a young lady, though her personality still seems childlike."
"Dad, I'm not a child anymore," Elisabeth finally chimed in, dissatisfied. She handed cups of coffee to Eric and old Murdoch before sitting down beside him. She considered leaving, but Murdoch had already sternly warned her, and while she often enjoyed opposing her father, she was cautious when he truly got angry.
Murdoch chuckled a few times and then said to Eric, "See, look how easily she gets worked up and still claims she's not a child."
Eric chuckled awkwardly, realizing what Murdoch's intentions were. He had no plans to marry this 'princess' as it would ruin any chance of having a good life ahead.
Just as he thought Murdoch would change the subject, Murdoch said, "So, Eric, when are you starting the shoot?"
That was a good topic. Eric felt relieved and quickly answered, "Yes, the latest start date won't exceed a week from now. It's already September, and I need to complete two movies simultaneously, which is a tight schedule that might require overlapping shooting and post-production."
Murdoch sighed dreamily, "I have some understanding of film production, but it's rare to see someone shooting so quickly. I'm very curious about how you make films."
Even if it was flattery, Eric found it quite gratifying. He responded easily, "Haha, if possible, I welcome Mr. Murdoch to visit the set."
"That's definitely not going to happen," Murdoch replied regretfully. "I'm quite busy as well, but Eric, what do you think of Liz?"
"Um... ah?" Eric said, puzzled as the topic suddenly shifted to Elisabeth.
Murdoch, unfazed, continued, "Well, Liz just finished all her university courses and needs an internship. You certainly know Liz's major, right? So, how about having her as your assistant on set? It would be a good opportunity for her to learn from someone as talented as you."
In a flash, Eric felt a strong urge to curse. So this was the trap set for him. He glanced at Elisabeth beside Murdoch; she was shyly fiddling with her fingers, embodying the image of a compliant daughter who let her father decide for her.
"Mr. Murdoch, the team is going to be running all over New York, Seattle, and Chicago. Being my... assistant would certainly be both tedious and boring; Elisabeth would surely struggle with that."
To his surprise, Elisabeth, perhaps driven by a competitive streak, shot back, her eyes wide, "Why would you assume I couldn't handle it? Do you look down on women?"
"Um..."
Murdoch burst into laughter at Eric's suddenly speechless expression, saying, "Haha, I told you, Eric, it's settled then."
"What can I say?" Eric thought as he wanted to argue again. But Murdoch didn't give him the chance to refuse and clapped Elisabeth on the shoulder. "Liz, you can step out. I have some things to discuss with Eric alone."
Elisabeth nodded, flashing a warning glare at Eric before turning to leave.
*****
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