The Best Movie Actor In Hollywood!

Chapter 419

"Hello, this is Bella Anderson."

At the studio, during a break in filming, Bella Anderson called the housekeeper at Horner Manor, just as Matthew had instructed. "Matthew is expecting an important guest this evening," she relayed, "and he'd like you to prepare a French dinner."

After exchanging a few more words, Bella ended the call and put her phone away. She was about to walk over to Matthew when she saw a crew member approach him, summoning him back to the set. She stopped where she was.

From just off the set, Bella watched as the director, Zack Snyder, spoke with Matthew and the Brazilian actor playing Xerxes. There was something unsettling, she thought, about the actor's appearance once his makeup was applied.

As she watched, her phone vibrated. Glancing down, she saw that the housekeeper had sent over the proposed menu.

Bella replied with a single word: "Good."

She knew perfectly well that Matthew hadn't invited Eva Green to Horner Manor just for the food.

According to Matthew's official story, Eva had called him the previous evening. He'd wanted to invite her over then, but a morning call from Helen had distracted him, and he'd left for the studio without giving instructions to the chef or the housekeeper. After that, he was tied up with filming all day.

As his assistant, Bella wouldn't dream of questioning his story. But based on Matthew's usual style and personal preferences, she could already guess what he had in mind for Eva.

Eva had apparently turned him down once before, but instead of creating distance, she had remained in close contact. It was only a matter of time, Bella figured, before the two of them ended up together.Besides, Matthew had played a huge part in helping Eva land her starring role in the film.

Bella shook her head slightly. She'd known plenty of French girls during her college years, and they tended to be far more open-minded in these matters than Americans.

And as for Eva... Bella wasn't trying to be judgmental, but could you really expect an actress who was willing to bare everything for the camera—even the most intimate parts of her body—to be particularly unapproachable?

In Bella's view, Eva's earlier rejection was probably just a tactic to whet his appetite. Or perhaps it had simply been a matter of bad timing.

Bella glanced toward the set again, her eyes finding Matthew. For a moment, she wondered why he couldn't just be with Charlize Theron. After all, wasn't that what all of America wanted?

Then she shook her head again. Then again, maybe Charlize was glad not to be with him right now.

Regardless of her private thoughts, Bella knew her job was to assist Matthew Horner. When he finished the scene and returned to the break area for a makeup touch-up, she hurried over to confirm that preparations at the manor were underway.

Once his costume and makeup were adjusted, Matthew returned to the set. After a brief exchange with the actor playing Xerxes, filming resumed.

"Let me guess," Matthew said, his arms crossed and his red cape billowing behind him. He gestured toward Rodrigo, who was draped in golden chains. "You must be Xerxes."

Rodrigo advanced like a god, closing the distance to Matthew. "Enough, Leonidas," he declared.

He extended a hand, gesturing toward Matthew. "Let us reason together."

"It would be a pity if a great king such as yourself, and your elite troops, were to be annihilated for nothing."

"Think of the cultural enrichment our peoples could share."

Matthew nodded, his expression grave. "We've spent all morning enriching your people with our culture."

Rodrigo crossed his arms, his posture radiating arrogance. "You are a surprising tribe. So defiant, staring death in the face, even in the presence of a god."

"This is madness, Leonidas."

Matthew remained silent.

Rodrigo's tone suddenly hardened. "Imagine what awaits my enemies, when I would gladly kill any of my own men for victory."

Matthew's reply was swift and resolute. "And I would die for any one of mine."

"You Greeks pride yourselves on your logic. I suggest you use it now. Look upon this beautiful land you defend so fiercely. It will be reduced to ash at my whim!"

After a slight pause, Xerxes added, "Think of your women."

Leonidas's response was instant. "Clearly, you know nothing of our women. I could have brought them with me to fight in my army."

Leonidas began to close the distance to Xerxes. "You have many slaves, Xerxes, but few warriors."

He turned slightly. "It won't be long before they fear our spears more than they fear your whips."

At this, Xerxes smiled and placed a hand on Leonidas's shoulder. "They fear not the whip... but my divine power. But I am a generous god. I can make you immeasurably wealthy. I will make you warlord of all Greece, and you will carry my banner to the heart of the continent! Your rivals in Athens will kneel before you... if only you will kneel before me."

"Your generosity... is as divine as your countenance," Matthew said calmly. "King of kings, only a madman would refuse such an offer..."

****

Matthew's day on set went smoothly. Thanks to thorough rehearsals, most scenes were captured in a single take, and even when mistakes occurred, they rarely required more than three attempts.

The production was now well into its later stages. After more than a month of working together, the various departments were collaborating with an almost unspoken synergy.

A large part of that efficiency wasn't just due to the actors, but to the seamless work of the behind-the-scenes departments: lighting, sound, makeup, and props.

On most productions, the most difficult period is always the first week of shooting.

With the day's work wrapped up early, Matthew left the studio by 4:30 PM. He dismissed his bodyguard, Brown Williams, and his assistant, Bella, opting to drive himself in his white Mercedes-Benz G-Class to Eva's private residence just outside Beverly Hills.

Matthew had called Eva during a break in filming, so by the time he pulled up to her house, she was already waiting at the curb, a small clutch in her hand.

"Hello, Matthew." Eva slid into the passenger seat. "How was your day on set?"

"Good," Matthew replied, starting the engine and pulling away from the curb. "We're moving much faster than scheduled. I imagine they'll be calling you in to the set earlier than planned."

Eva smiled. "The production office already called. They have me starting next Tuesday."

The drive to the manor was short. After a bit more conversation, Matthew turned off the main road and guided the car through the estate gates, coming to a stop in the circular driveway behind a large fountain.

Matthew immediately got out and walked around to the passenger side to open the door for Eva. She stepped out, her eyes taking in the surroundings. "What a beautiful estate," she remarked.

"This way." Matthew gestured toward the entrance. "If you think it's beautiful, you should visit more often."

He led Eva inside. As they stepped into the foyer, a maid appeared to take Matthew's briefcase, placing it on a console table near the entrance to the living room.

The housekeeper, a woman named Diana, approached them. "Shall I have dinner served?" she asked.

Eva shook her head. "I'm not hungry just yet."

Matthew turned to Diana. "Have the kitchen hold off on dinner for a while."

Then he turned back to Eva. "Would you like a tour?"

Eva slipped off her coat and handed it to the maid, revealing the exquisitely tailored black dress she wore underneath. "Yes," she replied. "I'd love one."

Matthew's gaze lingered on her, taking in the elegant lines of her body. From head to toe, she was as impeccable and alluring as a siren.

Her natural aura—dark, almost dangerous—was breathtakingly beautiful. She was a living work of art, her body a weapon forged by Satan himself.

Matthew had no doubt she could ensnare the entire world if she merely parted her thighs.

The living room, the formal dining room, the banquet hall, the indoor pool, the gym, the wine cellar... Matthew led Eva through the main floor and the basement level before they returned to the grand staircase and ascended to the second floor.

When they reached his bedroom on the second floor, Matthew paused at the door. "This is my room," he said, his tone an invitation. "Want to see it?"

The invitation was unmistakable, but he wouldn't press the issue if she declined.