Wayne's tone didn't have a hint of sarcasm. Since this was America, where people were usually straightforward, Annie didn't realize that he was intentionally speaking that way.
At this moment, all she felt was deep regret. If not for a shred of reason left, she would've slapped herself.
For the role of a lead actress in a romance film, which was publicly advertised as having a budget of over 30 million, but in reality had a production cost of less than 20 million, she had sold her body, enduring disgust. In the process, she also passed up a lead role in a commercial blockbuster with a real production budget of over 50 million, where she didn't have to do anything.
"Has God abandoned me? Is it because I gave up becoming a nun and chose to be an actress?"
Annie felt like she was going insane. Meanwhile, Wayne subtly observed her struggle to control her facial expressions, a cold smile creeping into his mind.
After a while, Annie regained her composure and said reluctantly, "Wayne, I think you're right. Jessica has already starred with you in two films, and in both, you played a couple. If she stars alongside you in *The Bourne Identity*, it won't be good for the film or for you two."
Annie wore an expression of sincere concern, and Wayne almost couldn't hold back his laughter.
Clearly, in her state of emotional imbalance, Annie had forgotten that speaking ill of a man's girlfriend in front of him was both rude and off-putting.
"And besides, Jessica isn't as famous. Starring in such a major production would make it hard to carry the box office. You should be looking for more well-known A-list actresses."
At this point, she was clearly sabotaging things.
To be honest, Wayne was a bit disappointed in Annie at that moment. Even the filter created by his memories of his past life began to crack.
"But there's nothing I can do. Jessica is my girlfriend. If I don't promote her, do you expect her to rely on sleeping with other men to get roles?"
This completely broke Annie. Even though she could tell Wayne wasn't referring to her or what she had done the previous night, his words felt like knives stabbing into her heart.
But Wayne kept speaking.
"As for her fame, don't worry. I've already invited Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, and Kate Winslet, some of the hottest stars in Hollywood right now, to play supporting roles in the film alongside Jessica."
"Although it costs a lot, their fame will definitely bring attention to the movie."
"Additionally, I'm planning to cast other Oscar-winning actors in supporting roles."
"As long as the first one is a success, the rest will be easy."
"The rest?" Annie, now utterly stunned, blurted out.
"That's right," Wayne explained, "The *Bourne Identity* is planned as a trilogy. The first film's production cost is set at 50 million, excluding promotion costs. For the second and third films, the production budgets are set at 80 million and 120 million, respectively. After all, by then, Jessica and my fees will have gone up significantly."
At that moment, Annie's mental state completely crumbled. She even lost her sense of rationality.
"Wayne! I could turn down the audition for *The Princess Diaries* — I mean, they've chosen me, but the audition hasn't happened yet, and I haven't signed the contract. So, even if I back out, it's fine."
Wayne couldn't help but laugh inwardly, but his face showed a caring expression as he said softly, "No, you can't do that. If you back out, you'll offend Director Marshall, Whitney Houston, and the people at Disney. Plus, your agency, CAA, wouldn't allow it either. If you do that, they might never offer you work again."
Annie froze, realizing the severe consequences of her actions. She couldn't help but feel a wave of panic.
"I..."
Annie wanted to say something like, "I'm not afraid for you! I'm willing!" But what if Wayne actually agreed?
She realized now that *The Princess Diaries* was backed by Disney and CAA, with Marshall and Whitney being mere puppets. Even if she starred in *The Bourne Identity* and became a shining star in Hollywood, she still couldn't afford to offend these two giants.
"Alright, Annie, just focus on your new movie. Don't worry, I'll consider you for future roles."
After metaphorically slapping Annie down multiple times, Wayne decided to give her a glimmer of hope. After all, Annie was still at her peak, and it would be a waste to lose her just like that. And after this little lesson, she would certainly be more attentive to pleasing him in the future.
Wayne wasn't a saint, neither in this life nor his past. He wasn't a good guy by any means.
What he didn't expect, though, was that this whole situation hit Annie much harder than anticipated. Perhaps she wasn't as resilient as she would be in the future when the entire internet turned against her.
Not only did she repeatedly mess up simple scenes that afternoon, but she even botched a crucial audition a few days later.
"What are you doing, Miss Hathaway?! Do you realize how rare this audition opportunity is?!"
Facing her agent's furious rant, Annie had no fight left in her. She just begged, "I'm sorry, Katie, I know I didn't do well. Please, just give me another chance."
Annie was clearly grasping at straws.
"Miss Hathaway, are you out of your mind? Do you think I can just give you another chance at an audition?" Katie snapped.
Though Katie was an agent for CAA, she was still just an agent. Marshall and Whitney might owe CAA a favor, but they wouldn't do her any favors, especially when the other actresses auditioning were also represented by CAA. Why would Marshall or Whitney risk offending six other agents for her?
"But I... I did what you said! I slept with that old guy!" Annie grabbed Katie's arm in desperation.
Katie coldly shrugged her off, saying, "Watch your words, Miss Hathaway. That was your choice, your action, not mine! And do you think you're the only one who did that? All six of them did the same thing. At least two of them even slept with the entire production team! They've done way more than you."
Annie was dumbfounded, shocked that the others had gone to such extreme lengths.
As Katie prepared to leave, Annie quickly blurted, "I can do that too! I'm younger and prettier than them!"
Katie laughed. "Sure, you're pretty, Miss Hathaway, but not so much prettier that it could break the rules."
"Rules?" Annie looked at Katie blankly, who just shook her head.
"You really don't know the basic rules of casting in Hollywood? No matter why someone is chosen for a role, their acting skills and appearance must meet the standard. Only then do connections and background come into play, unless it's a low-budget indie film."
After a pause, Katie's tone softened. "Annie, don't you still have Wayne Anderson? Get him to give you more roles. You might still have a chance to make it big."
"You have no idea how generous he is!"
"I looked into it, like you asked, and I couldn't believe it. He actually got Kate Winslet, Julia Roberts, and Nicole Kidman to be in the same movie!"
Katie was visibly shocked.
"Three of the biggest Hollywood stars in one film! That's unheard of! Wayne Anderson must be giving them an outrageous amount!"
"According to Kate Winslet's agent, she's getting 5 million dollars just for a few minutes on screen!"
"My God, that's like robbing a bank! No, even bank robbery isn't this lucrative!"
"Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman will have slightly more screen time, but even they're only getting a minute or two of screentime. Wayne Anderson is reportedly paying them 6 million and 4 million dollars, respectively!"
"All three are set to sign contracts soon."
Annie stood there, completely deflated, her eyes losing their shine.
Though she didn't know the exact fees for Nicole Kidman and the others, she knew Wayne had already contacted them. These three weren't pushovers, and with CAA backing them, Wayne couldn't possibly deceive them. Which meant that *The Bourne Identity* was really trying to cast three of Hollywood's top actresses!
What had she missed out on?
Annie felt like she was losing her mind, realizing all of this could've been hers.
Her recent poor performance was clearly tied to this.
What worried her more, though, was that Wayne, while still paying for her villa, had only covered two months' rent — not the year or two she had hoped for.
And since that night at the party, Wayne hadn't been intimate with her again. While he claimed he was trying to protect her energy for the audition, she couldn't help but feel uneasy.
"Darling, can you come pick me up?"
After much hesitation, and once she had parted ways with her agent, Annie called Wayne.
"What's up, Annie? Is your audition over? Should I congratulate you? I'm on set right now."
On the other end, Wayne's voice sounded as warm as ever, making Annie break down in tears.
"I'm sorry, darling, I know you're busy... My audition ended... I didn't get the part."
Wayne was genuinely surprised. "What? You didn't get the part? How is that possible? Didn't you say they'd already chosen you, and the audition was just a formality?"
Annie bit her lip
and explained everything.
After listening, Wayne was silent for a while before responding, "I see. Well, Annie, I'm afraid I can't pick you up now, but how about we meet tonight at your villa? I have a flight to catch later, but we can talk before that."
Wayne's voice remained warm, as though Annie's failed audition hadn't bothered him at all.
But when he hung up, his face turned icy cold.
---