Chapter 34: Sleeping With the Enemy

The next day, the story of the Wall Street Bull was in the newspapers. It was an idea by an Italian artist from Sicily named Arturo Di Modica, who wanted to make a big splash.

Placing a bronze bull statue in the open space in front of the New York Stock Exchange, the center of global finance and the stock market, was sure to attract attention!

"Arthur, the newspaper says the New York City government wants Modica to move the bull quickly. They say it's blocking traffic and attracting too many onlookers," Jennifer Aniston said as she read the newspaper.

Arthur just smiled, "Don't worry, at most they'll just move it a little. There are plenty of open spots on Broadway, which intersects Wall Street at an angle!"

As soon as Arthur finished speaking, the phone on the table rang, and he picked it up.

It was Winona Ryder calling from Los Angeles. The production team of The Godfather Part III had replaced the actress!

"Don't worry, I'll be back soon, and we'll go over there to discuss it," Indeed, just before filming started, Winona Ryder had been replaced.

After hanging up the phone, Arthur frowned a bit.

"Arthur, what's wrong?" Jennifer Aniston walked over and hugged Arthur, "Are you leaving New York?"

"Yes, I need to go back to Los Angeles for a few days," Arthur replied, kissing Jennifer Aniston. "Don't worry, I'll be back soon. Sleepless in Seattle isn't over yet!"

He then looked at his watch. It was 11 a.m. Eastern Time, during daylight saving time. Eastern Time is three hours ahead of Pacific Time, so it was 8 a.m. in Los Angeles.

It seemed Winona Ryder and her agent received the notice from The Godfather production team last night, on Friday.

In West Hollywood, Los Angeles.

Winona Ryder and her agent, Jessica James, sat on the couch, both looking upset.

"Arthur was right. He told me to be prepared," Winona Ryder seemed a bit calm, likely because Arthur had warned her in advance.

Jessica James scratched her head, speaking with frustration and anger, "How could Director Coppola do this? Sophia Coppola has no formal training in acting, even though she has appeared in a few of his films. And Sophia Coppola has hardly any acting experience. The daughter role in The Godfather Part III is important. How could they give it to someone so inexperienced?"

Jessica James had, of course, figured out the whole story: Sophia Coppola had expressed her desire to her father, Francis Ford Coppola, who then waved his hand and granted his youngest daughter's wish!

Winona Ryder looked at her agent, "Mr. Coppola wants to meet us tomorrow night, right?"

Jessica James nodded, "Coppola is also the producer of the film. He probably wants to discuss the contract. After all, we signed a contract for this film."

"I never want to work with or speak to Director Coppola again," Winona Ryder said, still 18, who had been having smooth sailing in the entertainment industry until now. This sudden turn of events naturally brought some resentment!

After signing the contract, Winona Ryder received a $250,000 advance. Still, this compensation didn't seem to matter to her.

In the evening, Arthur arrived at Winona Ryder's home in West Hollywood. Winona Ryder poured out all her grievances.

"Alright, let's talk to Director Coppola tomorrow night," Arthur said, holding Winona Ryder as they lay on the bed, kissing her.

"Remember, tomorrow night, you need to stay calm. Even though you're starting to make a name for yourself, there's still a significant gap between us and top-tier Hollywood figures like Coppola. Right now, we can't show our dissatisfaction!"

Arthur reminded Winona Ryder that they weren't powerful enough yet and needed to be patient.

"Jessica told me the same. Even if we have complaints, they have hundreds of ways to make us back down," Winona Ryder said as she lay on Arthur's chest.

"We weren't planning anything drastic, and we won't talk to the media."

Arthur reassured her, "Don't worry. The Godfather Part III is just a forced project. Missing out on it isn't a big deal anyway."

"Besides, once Edward Scissorhands comes out next year, your status will change. It wouldn't be bad to have Francis Ford Coppola owe you a favor this time!"

"I understand," Winona Ryder said, kissing Arthur's neck, "I saw you're working on a new script called Sleeping with the Enemy. What's it about?"

[Note: Sleeping with the Enemy novel is not published in this reality.]

Arthur propped his head up, looking at Winona Ryder as he explained:

"Oh, it's about a young, beautiful married woman who can't stand her husband's intense possessiveness and the physical and mental abuse he inflicts on her. So, she meticulously plans her own fake death and escapes to a remote place to start a new life. But a small mistake reveals her secret, leading her husband to track her down and seek revenge, ultimately culminating in her killing him."

Winona Ryder nodded, "It sounds pretty intense."

Arthur smiled, "It's a thriller film. The female lead needs to portray a state of melancholy, repression, and distraction."

This Sleeping with the Enemy was one of Julia Roberts' rare high-grossing drama films.

Due to an accident involving Richard Gere, the original male lead of Pretty Woman, the filming was delayed for over two months. It was sure to be released in the latter half of next year, pushing back Julia Roberts' rise to fame by a few months!

"Darling, do you want to play this role?" Arthur asked as he began to unbutton Winona Ryder's nightgown, lowering his head to kiss her.

"Have you sold the script yet? Wouldn't the film company let you decide the female lead?" Winona Ryder asked, holding Arthur's head.

From the description, it was clear Sleeping with the Enemy was a female-centric story!

Arthur lifted his head, looking at Winona Ryder beneath him, "The script is only registered with the Writers Guild. I haven't asked my agent to pitch it yet."

"So what's your plan? Develop it yourself?" Winona Ryder smiled wryly. Arthur's desire to develop his own projects wasn't a secret, but it was arduous!

"Darling, let's finish Sleepless in Seattle first. Don't overthink it."

"Don't worry, I understand!" Arthur said, passionately silencing the woman beneath him with a kiss...

*****

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