The richest actor in Hollywood.

Chapter 577: Chapter 577: Everyone Has Their Own Battles



Hidden within the crowd, Brad Pitt kept a close eye on Matthew Horner, who was chatting intimately with the busty girl. Her name, Alexandra Daddario, and her ample chest were far superior to Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie, who had initially attracted him for the same reason.

Such a beautiful flower... Brad Pitt shook his head in regret, how could it have been picked by Matthew Horner?

Watching Matthew and Alexandra head towards a blonde woman he recognized as Helen Herman, Matthew's skyrocketing manager, Brad Pitt moved closer. Although he couldn't hear their low conversation, he caught words like the Wachowskis, Natalie Portman, and Cloud Atlas as he passed by.

This reminded him of what Corina had mentioned earlier.

Finding a good vantage point, Brad Pitt continued to observe, looking for an opportunity to seduce the busty girl.

Soon, he saw Matthew Horner approach Natalie Portman, who then brought the Wachowski siblings, and together with Helen Herman, they left the banquet hall. He found out from a waiter that they had booked a room for a private discussion.

What could they be discussing? Aside from Cloud Atlas, Brad Pitt couldn't think of anything else.

That night, Matthew Horner did not reappear at the party, staying in the room for a long discussion with the Wachowskis.

Brad Pitt waited patiently in his car outside the hotel until near midnight. He saw Matthew, Helen Herman, Alexandra Daddario, the Wachowskis, and Natalie Portman leave the hotel. They chatted briefly at the entrance before each driving off.

A black Mercedes pulled up, and Matthew opened the door for Alexandra Daddario, who got in first. Helen Herman closed the door and asked in a low voice, "Are you really interested in the Wachowskis' project? Cloud Atlas has been highly recommended by The New York Times and is of good quality, but…"

"Didn't you notice, Helen?" Matthew replied quietly. "The Wachowskis have been on a path of deliberately pursuing depth and philosophical speculation since the Matrix sequels. This is very dangerous for commercial films."

Helen Herman, who had been suspicious of the Wachowskis, instantly saw it more clearly. The trend was evident in the Wachowskis' directed films like Matrix Reloaded and Matrix Revolutions and in their produced films like V for Vendetta.

"You think this project will fail, yet you're still talking to them?" She frowned slightly but didn't argue, thinking of the big films Matthew had previously turned down. Instead, she asked, "Are you doing this to show off to Brad Pitt?"

Matthew shrugged, not denying it.

Helen Herman shook her head, "You're so petty." She glanced at the Mercedes, "Can you keep this up for two months?"

"Why think so far ahead? Look at the present," Matthew said, half-jokingly. "Even long-lasting relationships don't often last forever."

He gently patted Helen Herman's arm. "I'm digging a pit for Brad Pitt. Help me out."

Helen Herman weighed the pros and cons for a moment and then nodded. "I've read the script too. It's complicated and difficult to understand. If not handled well, the film could fail. But even if Brad Pitt takes the lead and the film fails, it won't destroy him."

"What if Brad Pitt invests in it?" Matthew suggested. "I sent a text to Bella an hour ago. She found out that Jennifer Aniston will complete her withdrawal from Plan B by the end of June, allowing Plan B to operate normally. The Wachowskis' project is still in the preliminary stages, so it's still possible."

Helen Herman thought for a long time and then nodded. "I'll cooperate."

Matthew smiled, exuding righteousness. "We're not deliberately hurting anyone, just digging a pit. Whether Brad Pitt jumps in or not is his choice."

Matching Matthew in thick-skinned practicality, Helen Herman immediately said, "You're right. If he doesn't jump, we won't push him." She added, "The Wachowskis said the film's investment would be around $100 million."

"Even if it's a loss, Brad Pitt won't be ruined," Matthew admitted, not just because Brad Pitt tried to seduce Alexandra. "This pit seems a bit small."

But for now, there was no chance to dig a bigger pit.

Another Mercedes pulled up, and Helen Herman got in. Before leaving, she reminded Matthew, "Remember, nothing is certain. What if they succeed?"

Matthew had thought it through and said, "Even if I do nothing, Brad Pitt's resources give him a good chance of success. But if I act, he might not succeed." He leaned close to Helen and whispered, "By making sure he can't succeed, we eliminate a threat."

Helen Herman understood. "Why do you think I'm helping you?"

Helen Herman looked back at Matthew before getting into the car, appreciating the teamwork with someone as shrewd and practical as him.

Watching her leave, Matthew also got into his car and left the Four Seasons Hotel.

As the two black Mercedes drove away, Brad Pitt remained in his car, deep in thought. After a long time, he took out his phone and called someone. "Simmons, finalize the separation with Jennifer Aniston and get Plan B back to normal operation…"

Thinking of Jennifer Aniston, he felt a bit guilty. "Let her have the unimportant stuff."

He hung up and told the driver, "Take me home."

Under the dark night sky of Los Angeles, cars left the Four Seasons Hotel one after another. Natalie Portman and the Wachowskis got into the same car.

"Matthew Horner seems very sincere," Andy Wachowski said.

Lana Wachowski, removing her red wig to reveal her still-short hair, said proudly, "Choosing us is his good luck!"

Andy Wachowski agreed, "He may be a bit slow, with low artistic appreciation and poor understanding, but at least he has the foresight to know who to work with for success."

"Only those with vision succeed. Matthew Horner has vision, which is why he's successful now," Lana said. Since The Matrix, she had always considered them the best commercial film directors in Hollywood. "We need to make full use of Matthew Horner."

Andy nodded in agreement. "If Matthew officially joins the project, it'll be much easier to get Warner Bros. to invest."

"Not just that," Lana considered further. "Andy, if Warner Bros. can't fully support us, why do we have to stay tied to them?"

He explained, "Tomorrow morning, I'll contact our agency to arrange an exclusive interview. We'll reveal the project and that Matthew Horner is very interested."

Andy immediately understood. "That way, we can use Matthew's reputation to attract more investors from other studios."

Lana laughed proudly. "Exactly! Why did I agree to Natalie Portman's suggestion to approach Matthew? Because he's highly valuable. We need to maximize his value. Don't forget, Matthew is only interested now; we haven't reached any agreement. By using his fame for publicity, even if he backs out later, we won't lack for partners. Then, we'll choose the best offer!"

Andy also laughed. "Great idea!"

In this circle, everyone fights for their own interests: directors, actors, producers, and studios alike.

The black Mercedes left Beverly Hills, heading towards Burbank, nearing the ivy-covered house.

Alexandra Daddario looked at Matthew, who was deep in thought beside her. Several times she hesitated to speak but finally asked, "Matthew, are you doing this for me?"

She had seen and heard a lot while staying with Matthew, naturally forming some suspicions.

Matthew turned to Alexandra, contemplating for a moment, then said, "Anna, I'd love to say yes and move you. But I don't want to lie. That's only part of it; there are other reasons."

Alexandra nodded, about to ask more when Matthew added, "The other reasons involve other people's secrets, which I can't share."

He, Helen Herman, and Elena Boyar had once conspired against Brad Pitt. Although it was secret, there was always a chance of leaks. So, any opportunity to ensure Brad Pitt's downfall couldn't be missed.

Helen Herman likely had similar thoughts.

"I understand," Alexandra smiled. "Matthew, I'm happy you stood up for me."

The car stopped then, and as she was getting out, she turned back to Matthew and said, "Amanda just gave me some genuine Blue Mountain coffee. Would you like to try some?"

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