The Best Movie Actor In Hollywood!

Chapter 299

Inside the audition room, Matthew sat suited up before the camera, with Charlize seated opposite him, auditioning for the female lead.

Charlize had already performed a scene solo. This next part, conceived by Doug, was designed primarily to see if her on-screen temperament would be a match for Matthew's lead character.

Personally, Matthew was hoping Charlize would get the part. He didn't know the other actresses auditioning, but he knew Charlize well—he even considered her a friend.

Doug had designed the scene so that Matthew and Charlize would simply sit across from each other, without any dialogue.

Charlize, her long, formerly blonde hair now dyed black, was dressed in an elegant pantsuit. She sat quietly opposite Matthew, not uttering a word.

But she didn't need to speak; a unique aura radiated from her effortlessly.

Matthew could clearly sense it: the aura Charlize projected was not that of a typical woman. For a moment, he found her almost blindingly dazzling.

Akiva Goldsman and Doug exchanged a look, and both saw the surprise mirrored in the other's eyes.

The two actors before the camera were athletic and young, creating an extraordinary presence just by sitting still. The woman, in particular, was so beautiful she was impossible to ignore.

But that wasn't what mattered. What mattered was the aura the two actors projected.They were already familiar with Matthew's work and had concluded that he was a natural for tough-guy roles, making him the perfect choice for a character like John Smith.

It was proving difficult, however, to find a leading lady with a comparable aura, one who could hold her own against Matthew on screen.

Penelope Cruz and Jessica Biel, who had auditioned earlier, were both excellent actresses, but they lacked that specific, almost masculine, edge.

Goldsman and Doug, however, saw it in Charlize. Her severe eyes, sharp features, and androgynous temperament combined to give her a formidable, almost sculpted presence.

Seated across from Matthew, she exuded such an air of danger that you couldn't help but see her as a femme fatale.

Goldsman gave Charlize one last look and nodded slightly. With her sharp eyes, a height of nearly six feet, broad shoulders, and long legs, she would look perfectly at home in an action movie.

Doug gently stroked the stubble on his chin. The two actors before the camera, without needing to speak or move, generated an invisible conflict just by sitting opposite each other.

Goldsman gave a slight nod to Doug, who was running the audition, and announced, "We're done here."

Hearing this, Matthew rose from the sofa and moved behind the camera.

Charlize remained seated for a moment, as if shaking off the character she had just inhabited, then slowly got to her feet.

"Miss Theron," Doug said at that moment. "You're free to go. We'll let you know the results of the audition within three days."

Charlize nodded and turned, not forgetting to shoot a quick glance at Matthew. She didn't linger, quickly exiting the audition room.

The chemistry they'd shown was incredible, but it wasn't some spontaneous flash of inspiration or a stroke of acting genius. It was the result of meticulous rehearsal.

Ever since Penelope Cruz's audition, Matthew and Charlize had been in touch, rehearsing specifically for this moment. Today, their hard work had clearly paid off.

After Charlize left, Matthew remained silent. He knew perfectly well that the final decision on casting rested with Goldsman and Doug, and speaking up now might do more harm than good.

"Matthew, what did you think of her?" Goldsman asked bluntly.

"How to put it..." Matthew scratched his head. "She was like a wild leopardess. For a second there, I actually felt she was dangerous."

Goldsman nodded and turned to Doug. "What's your take?"

Doug's response was exceptionally concise. "She is Jane Smith."

The final decision rested with Goldsman. He tapped his fingers on the table for a few moments, lost in thought, before declaring, "If Gwen Stefani's audition tomorrow is on par with the others we've seen, then we'll officially offer the role of Jane Smith to Charlize."

With that, Matthew left the audition room. Barring any major surprises, Charlize was set to become the female lead in Mr. & Mrs. Smith.

He didn't call Charlize. There would be plenty of time to congratulate her once the casting was officially confirmed.

...

Matthew left the studio and drove to Century City. He was just finishing lunch at a restaurant near the Fox Building when a middle-aged man in gold-rimmed glasses approached his table, having apparently recognized him.

"Hello, Mr. Horner."

The man walked right up to Matthew and introduced himself without preamble. "My name is Robert Fernandez. I'm an art investment consultant."

Matthew studied him for a moment. The man had a lean, intelligent-looking face.

He asked, "Can I help you with something?"

Robert gestured to the empty chair across from Matthew and asked politely, "May I join you?"

"Of course," Matthew replied.

Robert sat down across from him, placing an expensive-looking briefcase on the chair beside him.

Matthew's eyes swept over him. Thanks to years of coaching from a professional stylist, he had a working knowledge of major brands and could immediately tell that Robert's attire was expensive.

The suit was Armani, the leather briefcase was Louis Vuitton, and the watch that flashed on his wrist as he gestured was a Rolex.

Judging by his clothes and appearance alone, this Robert looked every bit the successful professional.

Matthew, however, remained on guard. This was Century City, a magnet for all sorts of talent—including professional con artists disguised as successful businessmen.

Robert offered a polite, friendly, and perfectly natural smile, then produced a business card and handed it to Matthew. "Mr. Horner, as I mentioned, I'm an art investment consultant with the renowned Wells Gallery here in Los Angeles."

"The Wells Gallery?" Matthew frowned slightly.

He was sure he'd heard the name before; it had to be a well-known gallery.

"Yes," Robert confirmed, maintaining his polite smile. "Next week, the gallery is hosting a major exhibition, primarily featuring the work of three young artists."

He then reeled off three names that were unfamiliar to Matthew, adding, "These three young artists are being hailed as future masters. It's a rare opportunity to see their work up close."

Matthew had never heard of any of them. "I'm sorry," he said flatly, "I don't know much about painting. It's not really my thing."

Realizing he was dealing with a complete novice, Robert quickly changed his tack.

"The works of these three artists, Mr. Horner, are highly sought-after pieces in the current market."

Glancing at Matthew, Robert said with a knowing smile, "With the dollar constantly depreciating, converting cash into assets that can hold and grow in value is the smartest move."

He spoke with practiced smoothness, "Paintings by established artists are always in demand, and the work of these three is no different. Their potential value is immense. If you were to acquire one of their pieces now, it could be worth five or six times the price when it goes to auction in three or four years."

"Is that so?" Matthew asked, feigning interest while remaining deeply skeptical.

Buying a painting, doing nothing with it, and then selling it a few years later for several times the price... the profit margin sounded almost as good as drug trafficking.

Robert opened his briefcase, retrieved an invitation, and passed it across the table. "Mr. Horner, if you're interested, you're welcome to visit the gallery next week."

Matthew took the invitation, unfolded the heavy cardstock, and glanced at it. "Alright," he said noncommittally. "I'll stop by if I have the time."