Chapter 6: The Return in Force

A few weeks later, Massimo was at his appointment with his doctor. He had spent the holiday season trying to send letters to Elsa, but to his great despair, he had learned that she had moved.

"So, Mr. Dolcefino, I have excellent news to announce to you. The disease has resigned itself. The treatments have worked miracles on you. Honestly, I am very happy." Explained Doctor Jeffrey.

"So I am cured?" Asked Massimo with hope visible in his eyes.

"Yes, you are cured, Mr. Dolcefino." Smiled the doctor.

"I can't believe it, it's surreal." Added Massimo.

"You will have monthly follow-ups with me, just to make sure that the disease does not return, because it could return. But don't be afraid and enjoy this 2nd chance at life."

"Thank you doctor."

Meanwhile, in Mr. Gable's office at World Broadcasting, Michael entered the office as he did every morning, to plan with Mr. Gable.

"Michael come here." Henry V. Gable began angrily.

"Is something wrong Henry?" Michael asked.

"Oh definitely something is wrong. Your wife!" Gable almost shouted.

"Ex-wife actually. The papers were officially signed last week." Michael said visibly sad about how their story had ended.

"Michael, don't look like that, come on. It's good riddance if you ask me. He's just a whore, a prostitute." Gable began.

"Elsa isn't a prostitute though, let's not exaggerate." Michael defended her.

"Whatever, she signed with Warner and now Warner is suing us for the money we owe Elsa."

"What? I don't understand." Michael said, visibly surprised.

"She signed with Warner, and she went so far as to sell them the contracts she had with us. As a result, we owe them the $175,000, to Warner. And they're not kidding. They're even demanding an additional $25,000 in compensation, which they'll use, and I quote, 'for additional investment in the next project Elsa undertakes.' And she got it there, her $200,000. So she'll have an extra $25,000 in investment. Technically, it's like that German whore getting $225,000 out of me!"

"I told you it was a bad idea to withhold her payment. And that money, you owe her, she's not stealing it."

"No, she didn't have the right to sign with Warner. She had a clause in her contract with us. I'm going to get our lawyers on it, she's not getting away with it." Gable said as he picked up the phone.

"Henry, you broke her contract, so that clause is no longer valid. She's free."

"She cheated us Michael."

"Honestly, I think it's for the best, she can continue her career and you don't have to work with her anymore."

"I have to pay her $225,000 Michael. And that's without taking into account the fact that I'm going to lose money for every dollar she makes, that's a dollar we won't have anymore!" Gable almost shouted.

"She didn't ask for the contract to be broken. You broke it."

"Michael, why are you defending her like this? Are you still in love with her?"

"No, not at all! I'm not even sure we ever were, in love. But we were together for 8 years. Elsa is a good person and I wish her the best."

"Stop talking nonsense. That woman fooled you too."

Michael raised his hands as a sign that he didn't want to continue this conversation.

Back home, Massimo turned on the television and fell on the news channel. He saw Elsa on TV.

"Breaking news. A press release was issued this morning by Warner Bros Company. It's official, Elsa Mars has signed a big contract with them. New Label, new manager, new production team, new era, the star is rising with dignity after the scandal of the last few months. Warner also announced a new film, which will undoubtedly be another success. Warner revealed the cast immediately after publishing their press release. Elsa Mars will play the lead female role. A film in which music will be in the forefront. This film will mark the big comeback of Elsa Mars after a few months in the shadows. After some more in-depth research on the part of our journalist, we learned that Elsa Mars has also signed for the imminent release of 2 new albums by the beginning of the summer. A first world tour for the singer was even mentioned. Incredible, she is back, to prove to everyone that she is an artist, a real one. We can't wait to see what happens next. We interviewed several Elsa Mars fans, and the opinion is unanimous, the past of their favorite star does not influence their love for her at all. Elsa is a new woman and her art is appreciated by all. »

Massimo had a huge smile on his face. His angel had weathered that storm and now she was rising like a warrior. He was so proud. A few minutes after the news ended, he settled into the room in his apartment that served as his workshop. He turned on the radio so as not to miss any news about Elsa while he worked. Barely twenty minutes later, he stopped working to listen to the voice on the radio.

"News bulletin, variety section. It's now official, Elsa Mars is on board the big ship of the industry, Warner Bros. Several projects are officially underway, to the great delight of the star's fans. Warner has announced the upcoming release of a major motion picture, with Mars in the lead role. According to our sources, the film is already in post-production, filming took place in secret in studios in Pennsylvania, owned by Warner. The film is reportedly scheduled for release in the spring. Our sources have also gotten their hands on the sales contract for the former home of Mars and her ex-husband, Michael Beck. The sumptuous mansion sold in less than 24 hours, which is rather fast. The buyer is none other than Henry V. Gable, founding CEO of World Broadcasting, the star's former production company. Also according to our sources, the compensation for the breach of contracts with her producers was withheld by Gable. Everything suggests that the famous producer enjoys harming his former protégée, but with a monster like Warner behind her, Elsa Mars has nothing more to fear from him. Warner has apparently bought out the star's broken contracts, so that she will not lose another penny because of her former producer. Warner's lawyers are even demanding a large compensation for the inconvenience caused to the star. The case between Warner and World Broadcasting will be heard before a judge, behind closed doors, at the end of August." Massimo's eyebrows arched. Elsa had been through much worse than he had imagined. In addition to having almost destroyed her career, she was actively being harmed. He went back to work, whistling along to the tune of Elsa's song that was now playing on the radio, a song she had released a few years ago.