In front of the Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, a long red carpet stretched out, flanked by a crowd of paparazzi and reporters. Hollywood stars and celebrities, all dressed to the nines, walked down the red carpet in pairs, showcasing their best sides under the flashes of cameras.
This was the Warner Bros. anniversary celebration, rivaling the scale of last month's Oscars.
"Director Rosenberg, is Miss Watts your girlfriend?"
"There are rumors circulating that Miss Watts secured the leading role in *Independence Day* from Nicole Kidman because of your support?"
As Duke walked the red carpet with Naomi Watts, he heard numerous reporters' frantic questions but had no interest in answering. Since last year, several tabloids had been stirring rumors about his relationship with Naomi Watts, and he had chosen not to clarify. It seemed pointless to explain; after all, these rumors could serve as publicity for the film.
Duke walked quickly past the red carpet, contrasting with Naomi, who constantly waved at reporters, eager for every camera to capture her.
After swiftly passing through, they arrived at the hotel entrance, where even more reporters had gathered. Fortunately, the order was decent, and passersby complied with requests for photos and autographs against the Warner Bros. backdrop.
"Looks like that's your friend."
As they reached the photo area, Duke noticed a couple holding hands. "No wonder it's so lively; it's the Cruise couple."
"We haven't kept in touch for a long time," Naomi Watts said softly in Duke's ear.
Turning to look at her, Duke realized how common this was in Hollywood, where so-called best friends could become enemies over a role.
"Miss Kidman, Miss Watts…"
A reporter, spotting Duke and Naomi, called out, "I've heard you are good friends. Can we take a photo together?"
"Of course!"
Nicole Kidman, standing at the backdrop, wore a warm smile. Without hesitation, Naomi released Duke's arm and displayed a similar smile as she walked over, embracing Nicole in a pose that radiated sisterly affection.
Watching the scene with interest, Duke approached, smiling as he extended his hand to Tom Cruise. "Long time no see, Tom."
"Yeah, it's been a while," Tom replied, showing his trademark smile and shaking Duke's hand firmly.
"Let's take a photo together."
Duke glanced at the two women linked arm in arm, reflecting on how his acting skills seemed to have improved; he could easily play a minor role in films now.
The four stood together, appearing to be the best of friends while only they could feel the underlying tension.
"Congratulations, Naomi."
Though their chat seemed friendly, the bright smiles masked sarcasm and hostility. "You're now the leading actress in a major production!"
"No need to be polite." Naomi Watts lifted her chin slightly, unbothered.
Once the photos concluded, they turned to enter the hotel. As they exited the media's view, they instinctively distanced themselves, as if they were strangers.
However, Nicole Kidman wasn't finished. In the empty elevator, she quietly approached Naomi. "I didn't expect you to steal my role!" she whispered.
"You told me that in Hollywood, every opportunity must be seized," Naomi replied, not backing down.
Nicole's expression remained unchanged as she leaned closer, whispering in Naomi's ear, "What did you do to get the role? Did you sleep with Duke Rosenberg? Make him very happy?"
Just then, the elevator doors opened, and Duke and Tom entered one after the other. The two women lingered outside, and Naomi retorted quietly, "To establish yourself in Hollywood, Mary, didn't you also sleep with Tom Cruise? At least I didn't ruin someone's marriage!"
Nicole nodded slightly; she clearly had more patience than her husband and entered the elevator first, with Naomi following.
Duke was acutely aware that these two Australian women would likely behave like best friends and sisters in front of the media but would remain enemies behind the scenes.
That said, competition between first- and second-tier actresses in Hollywood was fierce; only a fool would believe they could have real friendships.
As the elevator chimed, the doors opened. Before Tom and Nicole could react, Duke led Naomi out, heading toward the banquet hall entrance where Warner Bros. staff greeted them enthusiastically.
"Hi, Duke."
"Hi, Jeff. Hi, Kevin."
As Duke entered the banquet hall, he shook hands with several high-ranking Warner Bros. executives. Meanwhile, Tom and Nicole remained momentarily overlooked.
Nicole watched as Duke and Naomi received warm welcomes from Warner Bros. and executives from other film companies, feeling Tom's grip on her hand tighten. He was visibly displeased; over the past few years, they hadn't been treated this coldly. Given Tom's temperament, he was likely furious.
"Tom, calm down!" she whispered.
She believed that without her intervention, Tom might just storm off, which would embarrass them both.
"If his next film fails, these people…"
Nicole caught a fragment of what Tom muttered to himself, noticing the increasing tightness in his grip. She felt pain and was annoyed. "Tom, you're hurting me!"
Tom shot her a cold glare, releasing her hand.
After greeting Warner Bros. personnel, Duke headed toward the center of the banquet hall. He glanced back to see Tom's dark expression and Nicole's tense face, indicating a rift between them.
With the guidance of Warner's staff, Duke and Naomi settled at a small table in the front row, next to an individual who reached out to shake hands.
"What did you and Nicole Kidman talk about?" Duke asked, curious.
"She mocked me…" Naomi replied casually. "She said I only got the role in *Independence Day* because I made you happy in bed."
Duke shrugged, not disagreeing entirely; after all, there was some truth to her statement.
"She's no different," Naomi said, glancing at Duke. "If she hadn't sabotaged Tom Cruise's marriage, could she have established herself in Hollywood?"
Listening to Naomi's resentful tone, Duke guessed this wasn't their first clash.
Sure enough, before he could ask, Naomi continued, "After the audition results for *Independence Day* came out, she spread rumors in the Australian acting community, claiming I betrayed her friendship and her past help to steal her role."
"Now the entire Australian community is rejecting me!" She glanced at Nicole and Tom's table. "And she even sabotaged one of my auditions!"
"Don't take it too personally," Duke advised. "Focusing too much on personal grudges isn't good for your career."
In Hollywood, competition was everywhere. To reach the top, enemies and rivals lurked at every turn. Focusing on these battles would lead to wasted efforts and unfulfilled ambitions.
Clearly, Naomi had been advised by Nancy Josephson, as she retracted her resentful gaze, raised her glass, and clinked it with Duke's before downing it.
"Hey, Duke."
A cheerful voice interrupted their conversation. Duke stood up and stepped forward. "Great to see you, Thompson."
The person who approached was Thomas Rothman, the current CEO of 20th Century Fox. After inviting him to sit, he took a seat next to Duke.
"How is the post-production going for the film?" he asked, referring to *Independence Day*.
"Everything is going smoothly."
The post-production process was lengthy, primarily due to the waiting for special effects. Duke's workload was not as intense as it had been in previous years. "We'll definitely complete it by June."
"Fox is looking forward to your good news." Thomas smiled brightly, as if the film had already succeeded. "I believe this collaboration will be as successful as *Speed*."
"I believe so too."
As Thomas prepared to leave, Duke stood to shake his hand, watching the CEO of 20th Century Fox walk away.
"You've become a hot director in the eyes of film companies in just a few years," Naomi said, a hint of admiration in her voice. "You're already a success in Hollywood, Duke."
"Thank you."
Just as Duke nodded to Naomi, he noticed two more individuals approaching. The middle-aged Jewish man leading the way was Robert Solomon, the Executive Vice President of Warner Bros., followed by Rick Solomon, someone he had almost forgotten.