246-250

*Chapter 246: Ace vs. Ace (Part 2) * 

In such a formal setting, Isla Fisher’s quick jog caught a lot of attention. People started whispering, sensing something big was about to go down. 

When they saw Dunn’s face change dramatically, it only confirmed their suspicions. 

What was going on? 

Natalie walked over, looking concerned. “What’s wrong?” she asked. 

Dunn glanced around, noticing several people edging closer. His chest tightened, but he kept his voice low. “Michael Eisner’s here.” 

“What?” Natalie gasped, echoing Dunn’s shock. 

In Hollywood, Michael Eisner’s name carried serious weight. Sure, Dunn had been holding his own against him lately, even gaining a slight edge. But Eisner had been a titan in Hollywood for two decades, pulling off game-changing moves that made him a king-like figure. If Dunn was the breakout star of 2000, Eisner had been stealing the show every single year for the past 20. 

Dunn’s current rise was like a remix of Eisner’s own legendary run. 

“Is something going to happen?” Natalie asked, young and nervous, gripping Dunn’s arm as her face paled. 

Isla Fisher looked equally uneasy, while Jessica Alba seemed confused. What was the big deal? The Disney chairman showing up to celebrate Spider-Man’s success should be a good thing—a badge of honor for Dunn Pictures. Why were they acting like it was a crisis? 

With all eyes on him and a few people inching closer, Dunn took a deep breath, waved a hand casually, and grinned. “It’s all good, folks. Keep enjoying the drinks!” 

Facing a giant like Michael Eisner was way above Bill Mechanic’s pay grade—he couldn’t handle it. This was on Dunn to deal with. 

He had to stay composed. 

No matter why Eisner had shown up uninvited, Dunn needed to project calm confidence, maybe even a touch of nonchalance, to reassure everyone. 

He patted Natalie’s waist and whispered, “Stay steady. Don’t lose it.” 

Natalie was sharp and caught on immediately. Her earlier reaction had been too obvious. As a representative of Dunn Pictures, especially with so many female guests watching her at this celebration, she couldn’t afford to seem rattled. With Dunn Pictures and Disney locked in a behind-the-scenes battle, losing her cool now would be a mistake. 

She took a deep breath, nodded firmly, and said, “Don’t worry, I know what to do.” 

Dunn gave her a small smile. He’d always trusted his girlfriend, especially when it came to handling people. 

At that moment, Kevin Feige, the assistant president of Marvel Studios, approached with a furrowed brow. “Boss, everything okay?” 

Dunn smirked. “When the enemy comes, we block. When the flood comes, we build a dam. It’s just Michael Eisner—what’s the big deal? I’ll go meet him.” 

Isla Fisher’s eyes sparkled as she watched Dunn’s bold confidence. Recently, she’d finished the first draft of her book, Gone Girl, and showed it to her writer mom, who gave her praise she’d never received before. It reignited her dream of being an author. After seeing the uglier side of Hollywood’s leading ladies, she’d lost interest in acting. Staying by Dunn’s side as a low-key assistant felt much more comfortable. 

Dunn clapped Kevin Feige on the shoulder. “Keep things under control here. No matter what happens, this is Spider-Man’s victory party. We can’t lose face.” 

“Got it,” Kevin nodded firmly. 

“Alright.” Dunn took Natalie’s hand, gave her a meaningful look, and said, “Let’s go meet this Disney chairman.” 

“Let’s do it!” Natalie replied, quickly pulling herself together with a bright smile. Still, a hint of tension lingered in her eyes. 

Michael Eisner was like a big bad wolf—his reputation was that intimidating. 

Hand in hand with Natalie, Dunn strode confidently toward the entrance, where a crowd had already gathered. 

A young man hurried over—Dunn recognized him as Bill Mechanic’s assistant. He quietly informed Dunn that Eisner had come through Ron Meyer, the president of Universal Pictures, bringing a gift and a female companion. It didn’t seem like he was here to pick a fight. 

This was key information. Combined with recent rumors that Disney wanted to make peace with Dunn Pictures, Dunn had a hunch about why Eisner had shown up unannounced. 

Was he looking to smooth things over? 

Dunn smirked coldly. Not a chance. 

Sure enough, as he got closer, he saw Bill Mechanic, president of Dunn Pictures, and vice president West Cotton chatting amicably with an older man in a sharp suit. 

At 58, Michael Eisner looked older than his years, likely due to multiple major surgeries. But he was still trim, a sign of his strict self-discipline. 

Since arriving in Hollywood four years ago with Titanic, Dunn had faced plenty of opponents. Michael Eisner, without a doubt, was the toughest. 

But Dunn’s gaze lingered on him for only a moment before shifting to someone else. 

Eisner’s companion was a young, beautiful, and playful woman Dunn recognized instantly: Disney’s golden girl and pop superstar, Britney Spears. 

Right now, Britney Spears was the hottest name in music. Her second album, Oops!... I Did It Again, had smashed records, outshining even Madonna and Michael Jackson. 

Natalie noticed Britney too, raising an eyebrow and whispering, “Looks like he’s trying to tempt you with her.” 

Given Eisner’s status, there was no way he’d be romantically linked with Britney, and even if he were, he’d never bring her to a public event like this. Her presence as his companion at Spider-Man’s celebration was clearly aimed at Dunn. 

Dunn’s lips curled into a dismissive smirk. “A honey trap? He’s underestimating me.” 

Natalie scoffed too. Sure, Dunn had a reputation for being a bit of a playboy, but thinking he could be swayed by such a cheap tactic was laughable. She had complete faith in him. 

Real power players kept their personal lives tightly controlled, not ticking time bombs by their side. 

With a relaxed smile, Dunn extended his right hand to Eisner from a distance, his tone carrying a hint of apology. “Mr. Eisner, I had no idea you’d be coming in person. Sorry for not greeting you sooner!” 

Dunn’s warm, almost chummy demeanor made Eisner’s eyes narrow slightly. He matched the enthusiasm, gripping Dunn’s hand with both of his. “Director Walker, haha, I’m the one crashing your party. I should be apologizing!” 

“No way, you’re too kind! It’s an honor to have you at Spider-Man’s celebration,” Dunn said, radiating warmth. 

Their handshake was firm, and Dunn could feel the heat and strength in Eisner’s grip. 

After some brief small talk, Dunn was certain: Eisner wasn’t here to start trouble. 

That put him at ease. Not that he was scared, but this was Spider-Man’s victory party. If things got messy, it’d be a blow to Dunn’s reputation. Even if he managed to send Eisner packing, the fallout would be a loss for Dunn Pictures. Plus, with Universal Pictures’ execs in the room, getting shown up by a rival at his own event would look bad. 

But now, his worries seemed unfounded. 

If Eisner was here to make nice and bury the hatchet, it’d be the cherry on top of the celebration. The head of Disney showing up to “apologize” with the ultra-famous Britney Spears in tow? That was a major win. 

Universal’s execs were watching, and this would have an unexpected impact. 

Universal wasn’t exactly thriving. After Vivendi acquired them, just as Dunn had predicted, the company underwent a massive restructuring. Ten years ago, Panasonic had bought Universal for $6.5 billion when it was at its peak, with businesses spanning film, TV, music, gaming, publishing, theme parks, and home entertainment. 

But Vivendi, notorious for asset stripping, merged Universal with Seagram, creating Vivendi Universal Entertainment. They folded in Blizzard, Sierra, Canal+, EMI Pictures, and Universal Pictures, then split Universal’s gaming division into Vivendi Games, its publishing into Vivendi Publishing, its music into Vivendi Music, and its internet into Vivendi Internet. 

Compared to a decade ago, Universal Pictures had lost 60% of its assets. All that remained was the film studio shell and the theme park business. Universal’s execs had seen their power gutted by the French conglomerate, leaving them with little. 

Once a Hollywood giant, Universal was now just another company under Vivendi’s film division, on par with EMI Pictures—a humiliating fall. 

In contrast, their partner, Dunn Pictures, was riding high, forcing Disney’s top dog, Michael Eisner, to show up uninvited with a peace offering. 

Watching Dunn handle the situation with calm confidence, Ron Meyer felt a mix of emotions. 

*Chapter 247: Ace vs. Ace (Part 3) * 

If Michael Eisner had come to pick a fight, Dunn might have been on guard. But now, knowing Eisner was here to "make peace," Dunn felt completely at ease. 

Michael Eisner? Not such a big deal after all! 

Dunn had thought Eisner might go all out, ready to slug it out with Dunn Pictures. But once things got real, it seemed Eisner’s knees started to wobble. 

The tough fear the reckless, and the reckless fear those who don’t care about consequences! 

To take on Disney, Dunn had gone all in, ready to fight to the death. Clearly, Michael Eisner had weighed the costs and benefits of an all-out war and decided to back off. 

Dunn’s life motto? If the enemy advances, I advance. If the enemy retreats, I advance even more! 

“By the way, Mr. Eisner, I got a couple of annoying prank calls recently. Really ticked me off!” The atmosphere at their first meeting was surprisingly friendly, and Dunn was in a chatty mood. 

“Oh? Really?” Michael Eisner felt a twinge of unease. 

Dunn nodded earnestly. “You bet! The guy had the nerve to pretend he was you, Michael Eisner! I was furious, of course, and gave him a stern warning.” 

At that, the Dunn Pictures executives in the know nearly burst out laughing. 

Dunn, what a prankster! 

The story had spread like wildfire around Dunn Pictures, becoming a running joke among employees. The big boss, Dunn, had hung up on Michael Eisner not once but twice, treating the calls like scams and scolding the caller mercilessly. 

It must’ve driven Eisner up the wall. 

Sure enough, Eisner’s face twitched for a split second. But being a seasoned pro, he quickly smoothed over the awkwardness. “Is that so? Haha, well, thank you for that. I’d hate for someone to be out there using my name to scam people.” 

Dunn, barely containing his grin, said seriously, “Exactly! I was firm about it—didn’t even give the guy a chance to talk. Just hung up.” 

Ron Meyer, the president of Universal, unaware of the context, thought Dunn was serious. He frowned and said, “Scam calls? This is a nation of laws—how can we tolerate that? Dunn, did you report it to the police?” 

“Uh, I don’t think so…” Dunn pretended to ponder, then flashed a bright smile. “But I should have the call records. We could look into it.” 

Ron Meyer nodded gravely. “Absolutely. Scam calls are serious business. You should file a report with the police.” 

“Cough, cough…” 

Michael Eisner nearly choked, struggling to maintain his composure. He waved a hand dismissively. “Live and let live, right? No need to dig too deep. Since Dunn already… taught the guy a lesson, I’m sure he’s learned his mistake. No need to pursue it further.” 

Reese Witherspoon, hearing this, couldn’t hold it in any longer. Tears welled up in her eyes from trying not to laugh. 

Good grief, Michael Eisner was hilarious! 

But say what you will, big shots are big shots. The guy’s ability to roll with the punches was impressive. 

Dunn was having the time of his life, feeling like he was standing on top of all of Hollywood. 

Michael Eisner? So what? 

First meeting, and he’s already eating humble pie. 

“Yeah, I gave him a piece of my mind!” Dunn continued, reveling in the moment. “Some people, you know, they’re just shameless. You don’t put them in their place, give them a taste of their own medicine, and they think they own the world. Gotta knock them down a peg…” 

Natalie, listening to Dunn’s barely veiled jabs, felt her heart tighten. No matter how composed Eisner was, this kind of pointed mockery might push him over the edge. 

She gently tugged Dunn’s arm, then smoothly shifted the conversation, her gaze landing on Britney Spears, Eisner’s companion for the evening. 

“Miss Spears, I’m a huge fan of your music. It’s such an honor to have you at our party. If I’d known you were coming, I would’ve personally delivered the invitation!” 

Britney Spears, a true enigma in the entertainment world with her unmatched charisma and… questionable tact, didn’t pick up on Natalie’s subtle maneuvering. She grinned and said, “Mr. Eisner invited me. Honestly, I haven’t even had time to see Spider-Man yet.” 

At that, Eisner’s face darkened again. 

Natalie smiled. “You’ve gotta make time to catch it in theaters. It’s an amazing movie.” 

Britney pouted. “I’m not really into action films. But I love Director Walker’s Titanic. I cry every time I watch it. Director Walker, could you get me a signed Titanic VHS?” 

Dunn chuckled. “Of course!” 

“Wow, you’re so nice!” Britney beamed, then glanced at Eisner with a carefree shrug. “Before we came, Mr. Eisner said you were tough to deal with and that there was some misunderstanding between you two. He told me to get close to you. But now that I’ve met you, you’re, like, super awesome!” 

The room went quiet, faces twisting as people tried not to laugh. 

It was a spectacular display of suppressed grins. 

Especially for Michael Eisner. His dignified face was a picture of embarrassment. No matter how polished he was, having Britney casually spill his strategy like that was mortifying. 

This was Hollywood. Bringing a young, gorgeous pop star to someone else’s party with the clear intent to “get close” to a prominent director? There was only one way to interpret that. 

Eisner knew Britney was a bit “naive,” but she was in the entertainment industry—she should’ve understood the implications of her words. 

But no, her innocence bordered on obliviousness. 

Talk about a public humiliation! 

Eisner glanced at the Universal executives, catching their odd, almost incredulous looks. 

The great Michael Eisner, chairman and CEO of Disney, bringing a pop star to cozy up to a young upstart like Dunn? If word got out, it’d be the laugh of the century. 

Especially with Dunn Pictures and Disney at each other’s throats over the blacklist issue. This was practically offering a beautiful woman as a peace offering! 

And Britney wasn’t done. With a bright smile, she looked at Dunn. “Oh, and I read in the papers you’ve dated a ton of girls. Is that true?” 

Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. 

Even a young Taylor Swift would’ve known better than to ask something like that in this setting. 

Eisner was on the verge of tears, regretting ever bringing her along. 

What a disaster! 

She was wrecking his game! 

Dunn, seeing Eisner’s forced, pained smile, couldn’t have been more delighted. “Total nonsense,” he said with a laugh. “Just media rumors. Natalie’s the only girlfriend I’ve ever had, and we’re solid.” 

“Wow, that’s so cool!” Britney squealed, her teenage mindset swooning over the idea of a lifelong first love. “Natalie, you must be so happy!” 

Natalie smiled warmly. “Yeah, he’s great to me.” 

“I’m so jealous! I hope you guys stay happy forever!” Britney gushed, stealing the spotlight with her childlike exuberance. 

Compared to her, Natalie, who was the same age, seemed like a seasoned strategist. She could hold her own with industry titans without breaking a sweat. 

Against Britney’s overwhelming naivety, Natalie had her spinning in circles with just a few words. 

Dunn, keeping his cool, said, “Thanks, Britney. I’m sure you’ll find your own Prince Charming someday.” 

Eisner’s eyebrow twitched as he shot Dunn a sharp look. 

Was that a hint? 

In terms of looks, Britney could outshine half of Hollywood’s stars, even giving Natalie a run for her money. And Dunn just brushed her off without a second thought? 

That caught Eisner off guard. 

Natalie, with a confident smile, glanced at Dunn. 

She knew him well. 

Sure, Dunn’s personal life wasn’t exactly squeaky clean—that was no secret. But he had a strong need for control. Any woman he got involved with had to be someone he could keep firmly in his grasp. 

A free-spirited, unpredictable, motor-mouthed girl like Britney? No matter how gorgeous, if she was a loose cannon, Dunn wouldn’t touch her with a ten-foot pole. 

That’s why Natalie didn’t mind Dunn’s extracurricular flings. 

She’d figured it out long ago—those women were just passing through, mere playthings, not serious contenders. 

Then Britney spoke again, flashing a bright grin. “Oh, Mr. Eisner also told me to talk to you about patching things up with Disney. Dunn, are you and Disney fighting?” 

Dunn nearly burst out laughing. 

Eisner looked like he wanted to disappear into the floor. 

What a mess! 

Little Taylor, brought to the party by her mom, stood off to the side, watching the scene unfold with wide-eyed curiosity. 

Her small hand clamped over her mouth, stifling giggles. 

Unable to hold it in any longer, she tugged at her mom’s hand and whispered, “Dunn’s got no shame, lying without even blushing.” 

Andrea Swift shot her a stern look. “Hush, young lady!” 

“I’m not making it up!” Taylor pouted, annoyed that her mom still treated her like a kid. She muttered under her breath, “I know all about it. Dunn’s got a bunch of girlfriends. Isn’t that weird? Doesn’t Natalie know? I should find a chance to tell her…” 

“What did you say?” 

Andrea was so exasperated she could barely speak. 

Taylor stuck out her tongue and blinked innocently. “Nothing, I didn’t say anything!” 

Andrea sighed, half-laughing, half-frustrated. 

Her daughter was a handful, and ever since they moved from New York to Los Angeles, she’d only gotten more spirited. 

*Chapter 248: Ace vs. Ace (Part 4) * 

Michael Eisner had never been so embarrassed. He’d thought Britney Spears, the so-called “pop princess,” was Disney’s biggest star—cute, famous, and charming. But she turned out to be utterly unreliable. 

Natalie, sharp as ever, could sense Eisner was on the verge of losing it. She knew they couldn’t keep poking the bear, especially not letting Britney keep spilling his secrets. 

“Britney, let the guys talk. Come with me—I’ll introduce you to a real superstar, Nicole Kidman!” 

Like best friends, Natalie took Britney’s hand, and they happily sauntered off to another corner of the room. 

Michael Eisner let out a long sigh of relief, clearing his throat. “Dunn, earlier… there might’ve been a misunderstanding.” 

Dunn laughed heartily. “Oh, definitely a misunderstanding! My reputation out there isn’t great, but that’s just the media making stuff up.” 

“Exactly, exactly! Some outlets are just irresponsible with their reporting!” Eisner jumped in, visibly relaxing. 

Dunn wasn’t dwelling on the topic, which was a huge relief for Eisner. 

What a mess! 

Especially with Universal Pictures executives watching closely. 

Universal was Dunn Films’ distributor and partner, naturally hoping the two companies could smooth things over. Ron Meyer chimed in with a knowing smile, “Yeah, some things start as a casual comment, but by the time they spread, they’re blown way out of proportion. That’s how misunderstandings happen.” 

Everyone in the room was sharp enough to know he was referring to the “ban” rumors. 

Eisner shot Meyer a glance, nodding with a smile. “Exactly. Hollywood’s not what it used to be—it’s under attack from outside forces. But Hollywood’s a collective. We need to stick together, not give outsiders a show to laugh at.” 

Dunn clapped his hands enthusiastically. “Mr. Eisner, you’re so right! Hollywood’s a big family. Old-school studios, new film companies—we’re all part of it. If we get along and pull in the same direction, this family only gets stronger.” 

“Precisely!” Eisner’s eyes lit up. He’d expected Dunn to be stubborn, but the kid seemed to get it. 

Seeing the conversation flowing smoothly, Ron Meyer, playing mediator, decided to cut to the chase. “A while back, I heard something—not sure if it’s true or not, haha—but word is Dunn Films and Disney issued bans against each other?” 

Dunn and Eisner exchanged a glance, both bursting into laughter. 

Eisner said, “A misunderstanding, definitely a misunderstanding!” 

Dunn grinned. “Yeah, Dunn Films might’ve crushed Disney at the box office, but I’m sure Mr. Eisner’s not petty enough to issue a ban, right?” 

Eisner’s face flushed, but he forced a smile. “Of course not. Just normal market competition.” 

Dunn nodded eagerly. “That’s what I thought! Disney wouldn’t do something that shameless.” 

Bill Mechanic, listening in, gave a wry smile and shook his head internally. 

He’d thought Dunn genuinely wanted to mend fences with Disney, but those words? Pure tiger-in-sheep’s-clothing stuff—smiling while hiding a dagger. 

Eisner was visibly uncomfortable. He was starting to regret showing up. Even if they reached a truce, Dunn’s sharp jabs in front of everyone were making him lose face. 

Ron Meyer quickly stepped in as peacemaker. “Disney’s brand is impeccable. No way they’d do that, right?” 

Dunn glanced at him, smirking faintly. “Sure, haha. But a month ago, Dunn Films got Disney’s ban notice. If Mr. Meyer had stepped in to mediate back then, maybe all these misunderstandings wouldn’t have snowballed.” 

Meyer’s face froze, looking worse than if he’d been crying. 

Was the situation now the same as a month ago? 

Back then, Dunn Films was riding high, dominating the summer box office with Spider-Man, using Disney as a punching bag to grab headlines. 

Disney, pushed to the brink, played the villain and came after Dunn Films. 

Even as Dunn’s partner, Universal would’ve stayed on the sidelines. 

Universal only got a 10% cut from Spider-Man’s distribution, covering marketing and other costs. If Disney took down Dunn Films, Universal’s close ties meant they’d likely scoop up Spider-Man or other superhero projects. That was way more valuable than a measly 10% cut! 

Look at DreamWorks—nominally independent, but most of its business was already in Universal’s pocket. 

This was Hollywood. Relationships mattered, but the giants cared about profits above all. 

Things were different now. Dunn, alongside Michael Ovitz, had cooked up an enticing “portfolio investment plan” that could revolutionize Hollywood’s financing model over the past three decades. 

It was a streamlined, sustainable, all-encompassing funding solution—massively appealing. 

If it succeeded, it could solve the studios’ cash flow problems for good. To Hollywood’s giants, that was far more exciting than a few movie rights. 

Maybe… Eisner had heard whispers of this plan and realized its importance, prompting him to try patching things up with Dunn Films. 

Dunn’s verbal jabs at both Eisner and Meyer had soured the once-cordial atmosphere. 

Bill Mechanic waved a hand. “Let’s leave the past behind. We’re all friends here—talk it out, no need to make things tense.” 

“Exactly, talk it out!” Meyer agreed enthusiastically. 

Dunn’s eyes locked onto Eisner, unyielding. 

Eisner’s brow twitched, irritation flaring. 

The kid had spirit, sure, but this aggressive attitude was too much! 

“Dunn, the ban thing… let’s just drop it.” 

Eisner decided to shift tactics. His earlier conciliatory approach had only emboldened Dunn. If soft didn’t work, he’d go hard. His tone turned stern. 

Dunn, still relaxed, smiled cheekily. “Drop it? What do you mean?” 

“It’s been over a month since the ban rumors started. They haven’t spread far, but they’ve caused a bad stir. Let’s both take a step back and call it quits.” 

Eisner dropped the friendly act, his face hard, his words carrying a hint of a threat. 

Dunn’s infuriating smile didn’t waver. “Sorry, Mr. Eisner, I’m not sure I follow. For Disney, the ban’s been going on for over a month. But for Dunn Films? It’s only been a couple of weeks.” 

Eisner’s expression darkened, his commanding aura erupting, making even heavyweights like Mechanic and Meyer feel a chill. 

The sharp, domineering presence he’d cultivated over two decades was undeniable. 

Mechanic, who’d worked under Eisner at Disney, felt old shadows creeping back under that intense pressure. 

Truth be told, Dunn was rattled by the outburst. 

But he had to stay steady, had to stand firm. All eyes were on him. Any sign of hesitation or fear, and Eisner would walk away unscathed. 

Dunn took a deep breath, suppressing his nerves, his face calm. “What, did I say something wrong?” 

Eisner’s eyes narrowed to slits, his expression stormy, staring Dunn down. 

His gaze was like two piercing arrows, sharp enough to bore through Dunn’s skull. 

But Dunn didn’t flinch. 

“I’m not some pushover, and you’re no master strategist!” 

“Trying to intimidate me?” 

“Don’t forget—I’m the guy who produced Saw!” 

*Chapter 249: Ace vs. Ace (Part 5) * 

The once warm and festive atmosphere turned icy in an instant due to the standoff between Dunn and Michael Eisner. It felt like the air around them had dropped a few degrees. 

Executives from Dunn Films, Marvel Entertainment, and Universal Pictures were sweating bullets for Dunn. 

Standing across from him was Michael Eisner! 

The pressure he exuded was so intense that even seasoned Hollywood veterans would struggle to breathe under it. 

This face-to-face clash was thrilling but so tense it was suffocating! 

Dunn’s hands, clasped behind his back, were sweaty. He could even feel a bead of sweat trickling down his spine. 

No wonder they called him Michael Eisner—his mere gaze and expression carried an overwhelming sense of intimidation. 

But Dunn wasn’t backing down! 

In moments like this, the best way to dodge pressure was to shift his focus. 

This was a trick Natalie, a Harvard psychology major, had taught him—techniques like “breath observation,” “target redirection,” “self-suggestion,” and “mental dialogue.” They were designed to help Dunn quickly shake off work stress, relax, and recharge. 

Right now, facing Eisner’s pressure, Dunn locked eyes with him while letting his mind wander elsewhere. 

“Finally back in L.A. Penelope Cruz, that Spanish bombshell, is still crashing at the hillside estate. She’s probably living it up. I should head back tonight and have some fun myself!” 

“Little Taylor mentioned she wrote a new song. Tomorrow, I’ll make time to listen. That kid’s getting cuter by the day, but her rebellious streak’s growing too. Gotta straighten her out.” 

“Tim Burton said the world-building for Pirates League is taking shape, and with Johnny Depp on board, he’s got some fresh ideas. We should have a meeting to dig into it.” 

“The acquisition of Dick Clark’s TV production company is looking solid. The major shareholders are on board with selling. Now it’s just a matter of filing with the exchange to delist and go fully private.” 

“Nina Jacobson’s on maternity leave for six months…” 

Dunn’s mind was buzzing, hopping from one thought to another. 

Michael Eisner was thrown off. What was going on? 

Was this kid nuts? Staring at him like that without moving—had he heard wrong, or did Dunn have some secret crush? That gaze was way too intense! 

Even lovers in the heat of passion didn’t lock eyes like that without blinking! 

Eisner, who’d come in guns blazing, started to feel uneasy under Dunn’s unwavering stare. 

This kid’s composure was unreal! 

He had no idea Dunn’s thoughts were already a million miles away. 

Eisner couldn’t take it anymore. He took a deep breath, let out a heavy grunt, and said, “So, what’s your solution?” 

“Huh?” Dunn snapped back to reality, cleared his throat, and said seriously, “Simple. I just want fairness!” 

“Fairness?” Eisner squinted, eyeing him skeptically. 

Dunn nodded calmly. “Exactly. Fairness. This ban mess has caused a lot of bad blood, and I want to clear it up as soon as possible. But Disney’s ban on Dunn Films has been out for over a month, while our ban on Disney’s only been out for half that. Time-wise, it’s not balanced.” 

Everyone caught Dunn’s drift. 

He wanted Disney to make the first move, publicly announcing they were lifting their ban on Dunn Films. 

Then, half a month later, Dunn Films would reciprocate by ending their ban on Disney. 

Whether Dunn was being sincere or just playing a con—if he tricked Eisner into lifting Disney’s ban first, Disney would be left in an awkward spot. 

Even if Dunn was genuine, and Dunn Films followed through half a month after Disney, that time gap carried huge symbolic weight. 

It would send a clear message: in the showdown between Dunn Films and Disney, Disney surrendered, begged for peace, and backed down first! 

Then, half a month later, Dunn Films, in a “gracious” move, would lift their ban, as if forgiving Disney for their good behavior. 

Disney could never stomach that outcome! 

Eisner saw through Dunn’s sly intentions and shot it down flat. “No way!” 

Dunn shrugged casually, his tone calm. “I’m a man of principle. If someone owes me ten bucks, they pay ten bucks—not a cent less. But if they try to slip me an extra penny, I won’t take it.” 

Eisner waved a hand dismissively, his voice cold. “No matter what, I’m not agreeing to that!” 

Dunn’s expression hardened instantly. “Then we’ve got nothing to talk about!” 

“You!” Eisner took a deep breath, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “Dunn, do you realize what you just said?” 

The sharp threat in his tone made Ron Meyer tense up. He quickly tried to smooth things over. “Dunn, listen to me. There’s no need to fuss over half a month. If Dunn Films and Disney both announce the end of the bans at the same time, this whole farce is over.” 

Dunn gave a scornful snort and shook his head. “No deal!” 

Eisner’s voice dropped, heavy with warning. “Dunn, if Disney lifts the ban half a month early, do you know what that means? Do you know the kind of pressure Disney would face?” 

Dunn burst into wild, arrogant laughter. After a long moment, he calmed down and said icily, “Disney’s under pressure? What about Dunn Films’ pressure? Back in early August, Disney upended the market with no reason for no reason. During that half-month, wasn’t Dunn Films under pressure, fighting to avoid bankruptcy?” 

Bill Mechanic, steady and seasoned, kept his cool, but Dunn’s inner circle—his loyal crew—shared his fiery spirit. 

Glenn Fierro spoke up loudly, “Half a month, and Disney’s just bruised its ego a bit and can’t handle it? Do you know what Dunn Films went through in that half-month? We were staring down the barrel of collapse! Mr. Eisner, your double standards are sickening!” 

Eisner’s face darkened, and he snapped, “Who are you? Do you even have a say here?” 

Glenn Fierro, brimming with boldness, shot back, “I’m Glenn—Glenn Fierro, from Dunn Films’ production department, producer of Spider-Man. Mr. Eisner, I know you’ve got power, influence, and status in Hollywood. One word from you can ruin someone. But let me tell you, if you’ve got a problem, bring it to me!” 

Eisner was livid, glaring at Dunn. “Dunn, this is your staff?” 

Dunn smirked faintly. “Mr. Eisner, save your intimidation tactics. They won’t work on me or Dunn Films. Let me be real with you: Dunn Films is a scrappy outfit. A few years ago, I was a gofer on set, and Glenn was just a printing shop worker. Even if we lose everything, it’s no big deal!” 

Another of Dunn’s loyalists stepped up—his assistant and close friend, George Paxton. With a mix of disdain and resolve, he said, “We’re not afraid to go barefoot against your fancy shoes. We’ve lived dirt-poor before and can do it again. Dunn Films doesn’t have cowards. If it’s a fight, we’ll fight for real!” 

“Yeah, who’s scared of who? What’s so great about Disney?” Andrew O’Hare joined Dunn’s side, his aggressive stare locked on Eisner. “This time, Disney picked the wrong target. Dunn Films would rather die than grovel!” 

Seasoned Hollywood pros like Bill Mechanic and Wes Coton might be wary of Eisner’s clout. 

But Glenn Fierro, Andrew O’Hare, and others Dunn had pulled up from the bottom through his “sunglasses system” didn’t care about any of that. 

Michael Eisner? 

Big deal! 

In their eyes, there was only Dunn and Dunn Films! 

In this critical moment, the grit Gen AI determination and guts shown by Dunn’s loyal crew filled him with both excitement and gratitude. 

This was the effect he wanted! 

A company’s strength isn’t just about profits—it’s about loyalty and camaraderie! 

Disney’s cutthroat approach—casting out even its own legends and the Disney family for pure profit—Dunn could only scoff at. 

Dunn Films’ relentless pushback left Eisner, who’d been dominating the room, stumbling. He took three steps back, barely steadying himself. 

Eisner’s face paled, his earlier swagger gone, especially when faced with Dunn’s “heavyweight” crew. His eyes even showed a hint of fear. 

He was genuinely worried that if things escalated, these rough-around-the-edges guys might actually jump him. 

“Dunn, what exactly do you want?” Eisner’s voice was shaky, almost trembling. 

Dunn, hands in his pockets, flanked by his loyal “guardians,” looked even more imposing. His expression was stern, his words resolute: “I told you, I want fairness!” 

“Why did Disney issue a baseless ban out of the blue?” 

“Disney started their ban half a month before ours. Why should both companies end it at the same time?” 

“I want an explanation. I want fair treatment. I want an apology from Disney!” 

Dunn deliberately raised his voice for those last few lines, ensuring nearly everyone at the celebration could hear him loud and clear. 

His words rang with conviction! 

His presence was commanding! 

His stature was towering! 

His courage was earth-shaking! 

Facing Disney’s top dog, Michael Eisner, Dunn laid out his “three demands” with unyielding resolve, showing the world that Disney wasn’t untouchable! 

*Chapter 250: Ace vs. Ace (Part 6) * 

Dunn’s words struck a chord with everyone in the room, making Michael Eisner realize just how determined he was. 

For a moment, Eisner saw a glimpse of his younger self in Dunn. 

It wasn’t until now that he truly understood Dunn on a deeper, more genuine level. 

It was clear: unless Disney made the first move to back down, there was no way this feud with Dunn Pictures could be resolved peacefully. Dunn’s stance was just too strong. 

Even after Eisner extended an olive branch, Dunn didn’t budge an inch. 

“Going up against Disney isn’t a smart move, Dunn,” Eisner said, his tone softening, almost persuading 

Dunn shook his head calmly. “I never wanted to make an enemy of Disney. You can look into it—Disney’s the one who kept picking fights.” 

Last year, when Wedding Crashers and The Sixth Sense hit theaters at the same time, Disney’s production team got Bruce Willis to badmouth Wedding Crashers. That was the spark that started this whole mess. 

But to Eisner, those were just typical big-studio moves to squash smaller players. Knowing the full context, he didn’t think it was a big deal. 

“Dunn Pictures makes quality films, no doubt,” Eisner said, eyeing him closely. “But one person’s energy is limited. You can’t guarantee every movie from your studio will be a box office hit.” 

Dunn chuckled. “Of course not. I never expected that. But outgrossing Disney’s films? That’s not a problem.” 

Eisner bristled. Dunn sure knew how to hit where it hurt. 

Disney’s movie slate was, frankly, a sore spot. If they’d had even one breakout hit, Eisner wouldn’t be in such an awkward position now. 

“You’ve got big ambitions, don’t you? Dunn Pictures won’t stop at just movies,” Eisner said, his tone carrying a deeper implication. 

Dunn nodded casually, owning it without hesitation. “Of course. As movies grow more influential, studios need more channels to maximize their potential.” 

“You get it,” Eisner said with a faint, almost mocking smile. 

Dunn laughed and shook his head. “Mr. Eisner, you don’t need to drop hints. I know Disney’s a global media giant. Even if your film division’s struggling, you’re a powerhouse elsewhere. But if you think that’ll make me back off, you’re mistaken.” 

Eisner nodded slowly. “You’re awfully confident.” 

“Not at all,” Dunn said, shaking his head with a sigh, a hint of self-deprecation in his voice. “I’m just fighting like my life depends on it.” 

Eisner’s expression shifted, clearly moved. 

Dunn’s success at such a young age, and his ability to stand toe-to-toe with Disney, wasn’t a fluke. That one word—“fighting”—summed up the key to his success. 

Back when Eisner took over Disney, the company was worth less than $2 billion. Through relentless hustle and high-stakes moves, he transformed it into a media titan valued at over $50 billion today. 

But as Disney grew, so did its shareholder base and their demands for profit. The bold, risky tactics Eisner once used were no longer an option. With Disney’s muscle, he could crush Dunn Pictures if he went all out. But even hinting at such a move would trigger pushback from the board and shareholders, potentially costing him his job. 

Meanwhile, Dunn was like the young Eisner—fearless and scrappy. For a small company like his, fighting was the only way to survive. 

Small companies had their strengths; big ones had their burdens. 

Eisner might still have his edge, but Disney’s scale forced him to play it safe. Stock prices and brand value were all that mattered. His personal pride? To the shareholders, it was worthless. 

“Guess I picked the wrong day to show up,” Eisner said, surprisingly calm, his usual sharpness dulled by too many setbacks. 

Dunn smiled. “At least now you know where I stand.” 

Eisner gave a wry smirk, sighed, and said, “Alright, I won’t keep you. I’ve got things to handle tomorrow, so I’ll head out.” 

Every word of their exchange reached Ron Meyer’s ears, and he was struck by Dunn Pictures’ collective performance. As Eisner walked away, looking a bit defeated, Ron’s expression was complex. He raised his glass to Dunn. 

Catching the gesture, Dunn smiled, dismissed the crowd, and joined Ron in a quiet corner, clinking glasses. 

“Dunn, that was reckless,” Ron said sincerely, though his eyes betrayed admiration. 

To handle Michael Eisner so decisively at such a young age? That was impressive. 

Dunn shook his head. “No risk, no reward.” 

“That’s Disney we’re talking about!” 

“So what?” Dunn grinned, then shifted gears. “By the way, I hear Vivendi’s gutted most of Universal’s assets?” 

Ron’s face darkened, clearly annoyed. 

Vivendi had gone too far. Universal’s publishing, gaming, TV, and music divisions had been carved up, leaving it a hollow shell. 

“Old friend, remember what I told you?” Dunn lowered his voice. “Rally Universal’s execs. The film division is Universal’s core. As long as it holds strong, Universal’s still Universal.” 

Ron studied him closely. “You’re getting at something.” 

Dunn smiled slyly. “You know what I mean. Universal’s my biggest partner. I don’t want Vivendi’s bad calls at headquarters dragging you down. Sure, Vivendi’s a media giant, but it’s not Hollywood.” 

Ron mulled over Dunn’s words. “You think Vivendi’s strategy is off?” 

“You think it’s on?” Dunn shot back, winking. 

Ron’s mind raced. When a mega-corporation like Vivendi screws up, the losses aren’t just billions—they’re catastrophic. Look at AOL and Time Warner: six months after their merger, they’d already lost over $40 billion. 

It’s easy to see that in the coming years, AOL Time Warner would likely sell off assets to cover the shortfall. 

What about Vivendi? 

If they tanked, who would they sell? 

Ron locked eyes with Dunn, finally grasping his angle. 

Dunn wasn’t done with Universal—he still had his sights set on it. 

Meeting Ron’s gaze, Dunn smiled. “Ron, nobody can predict the future. But right now, I hope you see that Dunn Pictures has the strength and the guts. Even against Disney, I’m not backing down.” 

“Fighting a losing battle?” Ron asked, a hint of mockery in his tone. 

Ron was a Hollywood veteran, still the head of Universal, a true heavyweight. Unlike Bill Mechanic, who’d been ousted by Fox, Ron wouldn’t easily bend to Dunn. 

Dunn shook his head, unwavering. “No. Fighting to win.” 

Ron scoffed. “Today was just a war of words.” 

“Just wait,” Dunn said, clapping Ron’s shoulder. “I’ll prove it to you.” He straightened up, standing tall and confident.