Ch. 339: Mr. Edwards’ Unraveled Life Chapter 339

Chapter 339

The director, wary of arousing suspicion, decided it was best to explain things in detail to the group.

However, as he spoke, his words left him slightly embarrassed.

Norah instinctively thought Bianca might say something, but instead, Bianca stayed quietly scheming in the background.

Kevin’s involvement in the matter baffled Norah. She couldn’t help but voice her doubts.

“So, Mr. Edwards has issues with our drama?” Norah asked, her tone probing.

Kevin’s gaze shifted to her, his eyes cold and unreadable.

To Norah, Kevin was a stranger now. The man she once knew was gone, replaced by someone entirely devoted to Bianca.

“Urban dramas are under stricter regulation these days,” Kevin said coolly. “Themes of violence and revenge are inappropriate for mainstream TV and could negatively influence young viewers.”

His words landed like a hammer.

“That’s absurd!” Norah shot back. “This is an anti-school-violence drama, a positive and uplifting story. How could you reduce it to a ‘dark theme’? Are you sure you’re not targeting us deliberately?”

Kevin remained unfazed. “There’s no need for targeting. I’m simply stating facts.”

“Stating facts?” Norah’s voice rose, frustration bubbling over. “Your remarks completely dismiss all the hard work we’ve put in these past few months!”

Sensing the tension, the director tried to mediate. “Norah, let’s not overreact. This was a committee decision. Kevin merely raised a concern; you shouldn’t hold him responsible.”

The director’s attempt at diplomacy only made Norah feel more sidelined.

“I’m sorry, Director,” she said sharply. “We’ll discuss this later. For now, I need clarity.”

Norah turned back to Kevin, her voice laced with accusation. “Mr. Edwards, are you sure you’re not biased? Ms. Lynch’s drama, conveniently airing on the same network, somehow managed to wrap up production in just three months instead of the usual six. Isn’t that suspicious?”

Her tone made it clear she didn’t believe in coincidences.

Their drama, with just over 20 episodes, should have been completed long ago. Yet Bianca’s drama, with more than 40 episodes, had somehow finished at the same time.

Bianca stepped forward, her smile poised yet smug. “Norah, you’re overthinking this. We were simply efficient. Besides, my boyfriend isn’t the director. What does any of this have to do with him?”

Bianca’s words were venomous beneath her polite tone. “Instead of questioning others, you might want to reflect on your own script. Under the guise of opposing school violence, you’ve created content that could harm young minds.”

“You—” Nellie started, furious, but Norah held her back.

This wasn’t the place for an outburst.

Swallowing her anger, Norah forced a laugh. “I hope your rushed production doesn’t compromise the quality and ruin your IP.”

Bianca’s confidence didn’t waver. “With such a strong IP, our drama will always outshine small productions like yours. Just wait and see.”

“Let’s hope you don’t regret your words,” Norah shot back, her tone icy.

The tension was palpable as the two women exchanged sharp remarks, neither willing to back down.

The director, eager to diffuse the situation, addressed Kevin. “If there’s nothing else, please take them out. We need to continue our discussion inside.”

Norah didn’t look back at Bianca. She knew no answers could be found with Kevin anymore. His allegiance to Bianca was clear, and his actions only made their already difficult path even harder.

Once the doors closed, Bianca let out a bitter laugh. “Norah just can’t stand to see me succeed. She’s probably cursing me right now!”

Turning to Kevin, her tone softened. “Thankfully, you’re here to defend me, or they’d walk all over me.”

Kevin’s expression remained unreadable.

“Let’s go,” he said firmly. “Their drama won’t make it to primetime.”

Bianca beamed. “You’re amazing, Kevin! Spotting just the right flaw to keep them off the air.”

Kevin stayed silent.

Still basking in her triumph, Bianca added, “By the way, I spoke with my father. We should schedule a dinner soon.”

Kevin’s eyes narrowed. “When?”

“He hasn’t said yet, but I’ll follow up.”

Inside the General Directorate

“Director, is it really impossible for our drama to air on primetime?” Norah asked again, her voice steady despite the growing tension.

The director hesitated, then sighed. “Our review process is rigorous, and primetime slots have higher standards. Your subject matter just doesn’t fit.”

Nellie’s frustration boiled over. “Director, we need this slot. We’ve poured everything into this production. If there’s an issue, we can make changes—anything to meet the requirements!”

The director remained firm. “This decision wasn’t mine alone. It’s the committee’s ruling, and it won’t change. Please don’t make this harder for me.”

Nellie’s eyes reddened, desperation clear in her voice. “Director—”

“That’s enough!” he snapped. “If you push further, I’ll have to ask you to leave.”

Norah stepped in, pulling Nellie back. “So the only option is to skip primetime?”

The director nodded. “Yes.”

“Then we’ll shift to a web drama,” Norah decided.

“That’s fine,” the director replied. “Web dramas don’t face the same strict regulations. Your production would work well in that format.”

“No!” Nellie objected, her voice trembling. “This isn’t some low-budget project meant for the web!”

Norah gripped her hand tightly. “Thank you, Director. We understand.”

As they left the office, Nellie was on the verge of breaking down.

“Why didn’t you let me keep trying? Maybe we could’ve convinced him,” she said, her voice shaking.

Norah sighed. “When has the General Directorate ever reversed a decision? This is our second chance, Nellie. We need to adapt. Our target audience is young people, and they’re all online anyway. Web dramas can be just as impactful.”

Nellie hesitated, her stubbornness wavering. “But it’s not the same...”

“Nellie,” Norah said gently, “if the story is good, it will resonate anywhere. Don’t lose faith in our work.”

Nellie nodded reluctantly, realizing there was no other way forward.

Elsewhere

“Trace Bianca’s call history,” Kevin instructed. “I want to know this person’s exact location.”

“Understood!”

Kevin waited, determined to uncover Calvin’s whereabouts.