Chapter 25 - Chapter 25: Sister-in-Law's Set Visit

Eddie McGoodrick's interview with Milo was published in The New York Times.That evening, on set, Milo reviewed the article.Eddie McGoodrick had done an excellent job, living up to his reputation as one of The New York Times' best columnists.Of course, Milo understood that the piece had undoubtedly undergone thorough review and editing.After reading it, Milo shrugged, impressed by the sheer professionalism.In just two thousand words, the article managed to:Whitewash his past, craft a new image, promote his new book, launch his media debut, and even mention his film project.And the film he was shooting was the prequel to "The Da Vinci Code," which was still selling two to three thousand copies a day.The entire article avoided the controversial topic of divine inspiration.Yet, it subtly implied that such a dramatic turnaround—from dissolute playboy to successful author—could only be attributed to divine intervention.A skilled wordsmith was indeed a powerful asset.But this was only possible due to the preceding build-up. Without that groundwork, even Eddie McGoodrick's writing wouldn't have been as effective.Milo wondered what resources the family had invested in this.He thought of Paladin, who had become a state attorney general at the young age of thirty. While his own talent was undeniable, the support of the family and, notably, his marriage to a member of the influential Harrison family, had undoubtedly played a significant role.Would this interview achieve its intended purpose?Sipping his water, Milo quietly pondered this question.Americans were generally forgiving of successful individuals. Look at Steve Jobs, whose past was filled with far more questionable actions.But in the end, Jobs became a revered figure, and no one focused on his past transgressions."The Da Vinci Code" was the first step, "Angels and Demons" was the second.He wouldn't remain stagnant; he would continue to cultivate his public image, adding layer upon layer of prestige.When the time was right, these carefully crafted layers would elevate him to the status of an American icon.The ringing of his phone interrupted Milo's thoughts. "Hello? Yes, work's finished for today. I was just about to head home. Yes, back to Crest Drive, since I stayed down in the foothills last night. Hmm? What is it?"It was Wendy calling. Before Milo could hang up, she spoke quickly."What do you mean? I don't understand," Milo said."Haley," Wendy's voice was tense. "Haley's here. You shouldn't go back to 9406 Crest Drive!"Milo fell silent. He understood what Wendy meant.Zeta-Jones and her friends were still staying at 9406 Crest Drive.Why "friends"?The day Monica had sneaked over for their midday tryst, the bodyguard David had informed Milo that while they were in the trailer, Zeta-Jones had finished filming and tried to find him.David and the other guards had stopped her, claiming Milo was resting.David also mentioned that Zeta-Jones hadn't said much.She simply stood outside the trailer for a while before leaving.Clearly, the English rose had suspected something.The next day, when Milo returned to Crest Drive, Zeta-Jones had invited two of her beautiful friends to the villa.They had even stayed overnight, using the excuse of being too drunk to drive.Those friends were Cate Blanchett and Julie Delpy.In other words, there were now three women at the villa.If Haley arrived and saw them, it would be awkward.Should he ask them to leave?There wasn't enough time, and it would be rather insensitive.Zeta-Jones had been staying at the villa for a while, and there were bound to be traces of her presence. It wouldn't be easy to conceal."Stay on set. I'll tell Haley you're still filming and have to work late! Make sure your British and Italian girlfriends leave beforehand," Wendy advised.After a moment of consideration, Milo agreed that this was the best course of action.He asked, confused, "Zeta-Jones and Bellucci aren't there, you can be sure of that. But… why is Haley here?"He had spoken to his sister-in-law just a few days prior, and she hadn't mentioned anything about visiting.As far as Milo knew, Haley had become a workaholic after Paladin's death, dedicating herself entirely to her job.Why would she suddenly have the time to travel from the East Coast to the West Coast to visit her younger brother-in-law?Wendy replied, "I'm also very confused. But I wanted to inform you first. Just stay on set. I'll call home and see what's going on."That was the only option.Americans rarely worked overtime, except for those in finance.But Hollywood was an exception, as film productions often required long hours.Overtime meant extra pay, at the very least.Furthermore, there were often night shoots, which were essentially mandatory overtime.As the director, producer, and investor, Milo proposed moving a night scene scheduled for a few days later to that very evening.He didn't need a reason. His triple role was reason enough.And so, the crew, who were about to wrap for the day, continued filming.Everyone noticed that Milo seemed distracted, not as focused as he usually was during filming."Cut! Tommy, excellent work. Take a ten-minute break, and we'll continue," Milo said as his phone rang again. He instructed Wally to set up the next shot and paused filming to answer the call.It was Wendy again."I checked with the family back home," she said. "Haley didn't come alone. She brought someone with her.""Hmm? Who did she bring?""I'm not sure. I only know it's a woman.""Alright, I understand. Wendy…""Yes? I'll continue investigating…""No need," Milo said, shrugging slightly. In the faint moonlight ahead, he could see his bodyguard, Jones, leading Haley and a few other people toward him.David approached Milo more quickly and whispered, "Mrs. Haley is here. I was going to inform you first, but she insisted on coming directly. I couldn't stop her. Jones just escorted her here."Milo nodded at David, then said to Wendy on the phone, "Haley's already here. I'll talk to you later."He hung up and walked forward with a smile."Hey, good evening, Haley," Milo greeted her, exchanging a light kiss on the cheek with his sister-in-law.Haley was just twenty-eight, in her prime, radiating feminine charm.She returned her brother-in-law's smile.Looking at Milo, slightly disheveled from a full day of filming, she felt he possessed a newfound spark, a wisdom he hadn't had before.His warm smile, combined with his resemblance to Paladin, made him seem even more like his late brother."Am I interrupting anything?" Haley asked with a gentle smile after the greeting."A friend and I are visiting Los Angeles. We heard you were filming nearby and were curious to see what it was like. We hope you don't mind."