Chapter 333: Pay Up!

“We’ve already paid the venue fee,” Jared explained.

“Paid? Then why didn’t I see any of it?” The blond thug sneered coldly.

Jared handed over the receipt, but the thug only glanced at it before tearing it to shreds.

“What’s this? Are you messing with me? Did you pay that money directly to me? Who do you think you are? Let me teach you the rules here. You paid the venue rental fee, but where’s the management fee?”

Jared was stunned. “Management fee? I’ve never heard of that.”

The thug curled his lips. “Never heard of it? Well, I’ll educate you. In this film lot, every crew pays twice, once to the lot, and once to the Red Jackals!”

Jared finally understood what was happening. This was a shakedown. These thugs weren’t here for any legitimate fees; they were demanding protection money.

Due to pressure from Starlit Entertainment, most film lots had blacklisted “Legacy of the Dynasty,” forcing them to choose a small, rarely used venue. It seemed affordable enough, but now the reason became clear. The place wasn’t unpopular because of its remote location; it was because it belonged to the Red Jackals.

Previous film crews had been extorted heavily, even after paying for the space. Some who resisted had their staff beaten, and every piece of filming equipment smashed to bits. Unaware of these dangers, Zayn had chosen this venue.

Jared, fresh out of university, had never seen anything like this. Before he could react, the thug’s men were already shoving him, demanding immediate payment.

“This is robbery!” Jared shouted.

“Robbery?” The thug laughed. “Kid, I’m showing you respect by taking your money! Don’t push your luck. Follow the rules, or you’ll see if you can get any filming done today!”

He emphasized his point by kicking over a standing light, shattering it.

Olivia pushed through the crowd and approached. The moment Jared spotted her, he lit up like he’d found salvation. “Olivia! These guys are demanding another fee!”

Olivia’s brow arched sharply at the mention of money. Her gaze flicked to the shattered light on the floor, and a dark intent rose within her. Damn it! That light cost thousands!

Zayn, seeing Olivia’s expression, hurried over, looking apologetic. “Olivia, I swear I didn’t know about these rules. This is my first time here…”

Olivia’s gaze fixed on the thug. “You broke that light?”

He remained oblivious to the growing storm in her eyes. “If you don’t pay up, I’ll smash more than just a light…”

Before he could finish, Olivia drove her foot hard into his stomach. In an instant, the thug flew backward, landing with a thud. Everyone stood frozen in shock.

Without missing a beat, Olivia closed the distance, grabbed the thug by his collar, and growled, “Pay up!”