The richest actor in Hollywood.

In the café, Akiva Goldsman slowly turned the cup in front of him, his expression quite serious. His eyes glanced over Brad Pitt's face. Since the other party had made their intentions clear, there was no need to beat around the bush, saving both parties' time.

"Brad is interested in the lead role for 'Hancock,' and I am honored," Akiva Goldsman said politely and tactfully, not being the type to lose his temper. "But I can only say sorry. We already have a suitable candidate for the lead role."

Corina immediately responded, "Mr. Goldsman, please don't make a hasty decision."

Akiva Goldsman shook his head gently. "Warner Bros. and I have decided on Matthew Horner for the lead role. There is no one more suitable, especially for Warner Bros., who insist on using Matthew Horner."

This polite statement did not sit well with Brad Pitt. Just a few years ago, Warner Bros. had practically begged him to work on "Troy"...

"You haven't reached an agreement yet, right?" Corina knew that without striving hard, there was no chance. "Don't you think Matthew Horner's $35 million asking price is outrageous? Brad is also a top star, and his quote is only $15 million. How many box office earnings would it take to cover that $20 million difference?"

Before Akiva Goldsman could reply, Brad Pitt spoke up, "Akiva, you should know, I have a production company, Plan B. The company is currently being restructured and should be completed by the second half of the year. If you have other projects in the future, Plan B can invest."

Akiva Goldsman was well aware of Plan B. Among the many production companies established by movie stars, Drew Barrymore's Flower Films and Brad Pitt's Plan B were the most successful.

This offer was indeed tempting. As a producer, having more financial backers was always desirable.

But he only considered it for two seconds before shaking his head. "We have no disagreements with Matthew Horner on the collaboration. The salary is a minor issue."

If the production budget were only $40-50 million, changing the lead role wouldn't be a big deal. However, this was a major production with a budget of over $150 million. Replacing the box office powerhouse Matthew Horner with the uncertain Brad Pitt was akin to risking his future.

Seeing Corina about to speak again, Akiva Goldsman preemptively said, "Let's end this here. I have work to do this afternoon."

With that, he prepared to stand and leave.

Hearing this, Corina understood that it was impossible to proceed and remained silent. After all, they were here to try and not necessarily take this path.

Brad Pitt's thoughts were still stuck in the mindset of a top star. Hearing Akiva Goldsman's excuse to refuse, he got a bit angry but managed to stay calm with Corina secretly pulling him back. He stayed silent.

Akiva Goldsman's gaze swept over Brad Pitt's face. After a courteous farewell, he turned and walked out of the café.

He recalled what Helen Herman had once said and what he had verified: most of Brad Pitt's lead films had mediocre box office results. The highest-grossing was "Troy," but it barely broke even due to its huge budget. Most of his other films barely covered production costs domestically.

In industry parlance, this man had climbed his way up by leveraging women, and in the end, still depended on them.

In contrast, Matthew Horner had solid box office appeal. His last seven films were all hits. Even his lowest-grossing film, "Dawn of the Dead," earned several times its production cost.

Using Brad Pitt, who was entangled in scandals, over the reliable Matthew Horner? That would be insane!

These two weren't in the same league. In every aspect, Matthew Horner far surpassed Brad Pitt.

Watching Akiva Goldsman leave, Brad Pitt, feeling gloomy, tossed the napkin into the coffee cup and muttered under his breath, "Ungrateful."

He stood, flicked his long blonde hair over his shoulder, and walked out first. Outside the café, he saw the "300" poster featuring Matthew Horner at the Warner Bros. studio entrance. He stared coldly at it for a while before getting into the car.

People accustomed to a certain height find it hard to adjust their mindset. This universal truth applied to Brad Pitt as well. Despite failing to secure roles in many productions and being mired in scandals for over a year, production companies' reservations about him were one reason.

Another reason was that studios had quietly downgraded their internal rating and expectations of him. Yet Brad Pitt hadn't adjusted his self-perception, still acting like a top star towards production companies.

Other major stars in similar situations, including Brad Pitt, often took years or more to adjust.

Of course, having fought in Hollywood for over a decade, Brad Pitt wouldn't fall easily. Many stars experience slumps, like Tom Cruise did a few years ago, but they bounce back quickly with a successful film.

Another advantage was Brad Pitt's Plan B company. Although it was currently facing operational issues due to Jennifer Aniston's withdrawal, Plan B had always run well among Hollywood star-founded companies, being financially strong.

"Let's put it this way: Brad Pitt is very wealthy."

A black Mercedes sped westward, Helen Herman sitting inside, talking to Matthew. "While most of Plan B's funds come from fundraising, a significant amount is from Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston's investments."

She continued, "With Aniston ready to completely separate from Pitt, Plan B's funds might face issues. But if Pitt invests, it's a minor problem."

Matthew nodded, "I know, Pitt is very wealthy."

Helen Herman adjusted her glasses. "Conservatively, Pitt's net worth is close to $100 million."

"With that much money, he should find a place to enjoy life with Angelina Jolie," Matthew looked out the window, "instead of coming here to take my role."

"Who can blame him for trying?" Helen Herman said blandly. "If I were in desperate need of a successful project, I'd target you too."

Matthew crossed his legs. "Fortunately, Akiva Goldsman isn't foolish."

The same afternoon Pitt and his agent met with Akiva Goldsman, Helen received the news and called Goldsman, who confirmed it.

Helen Herman reminded, "More people will secretly try to snatch roles or projects you have your eyes on. It's impossible to keep such matters secret in this industry. We need to be vigilant."

Matthew replied casually, "Is it still Hollywood without competition?" He smiled, "Don't forget, Helen. I came up through countless competitions."

In terms of artistic refinement, he might not be top-tier, but in scheming and competing, he wasn't inferior to anyone.

Helen Herman looked at Matthew. He noticed her gaze and asked, "What's up?"

"Pitt and Jolie, and Aniston..." Helen Herman didn't finish.

Matthew understood her point and shrugged, "Their messy affairs are long past. Jennifer Aniston catching them in the act—serves them right!"

Helen Herman shook her head. Few knew it involved them.

Matthew hadn't seen it firsthand but could imagine the scene. He sighed, "It's a pity about Jennifer Aniston."

"Breaking free from Pitt's mess is lucky for her," Helen Herman said with her usual detached expression, thick-skinned in her own right.

Matthew matched her thick skin. "You're absolutely right."

In hindsight, given Pitt's history of climbing up by leveraging women, he might have had genuine feelings for Aniston, but there were undoubtedly unspeakable motives too.

Since Pitt and Aniston went public, Pitt hadn't been affected by his films' box office failures. His pay and influence kept rising...

Helen Herman changed the topic suddenly, "You came to pick me up. Where's Anna?"

"She'll be there." Matthew's tone was a bit low. "She's coming with Amanda."

As the car neared the Four Seasons Hotel, he straightened his tie. When the car stopped, he got out first. Reporters swarmed, but his bodyguards, already waiting, quickly cordoned them off.

The reporters were enthusiastic. For promotional purposes, after they quieted down a bit, Matthew made some brief remarks.

"I'm thrilled '300' is a box office hit. It's the best reward for the entire crew's hard work." He gave the usual boilerplate speech. "A new project? Yes, my new sci-fi film is completed and will be released in December. I welcome everyone to the premiere."

With that, Matthew, escorted by bodyguards, walked the red carpet and entered the Four Seasons Hotel, soon reaching the banquet hall.

The hall was filled with guests, and before the party officially began, he became the center of attention. Countless familiar and unfamiliar faces came to greet him.

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