Chapter 113: Provocation

Sitting at the table, Rick Solomon watched Duke Rosenberg, who was speaking with his father across the room. Duke's expression was calm and his tone steady, as if he were not conversing with a top executive from a Hollywood film company, but rather with an ordinary minor character.

In contrast, his father showed no signs of anger; he was exceptionally warm, as if the 24-year-old Duke was not merely a young man but rather a top-tier director like Steven Spielberg.

Why was this happening? Rick Solomon was well aware; Duke's two films had been major successes, making him the top emerging director in Hollywood, one who was now being valued by every major film studio.

Looking at the accomplished Duke Rosenberg and reflecting on himself and the mocking words he had once thrown at him, Rick felt like a complete joke.

"You don't belong in Hollywood! Just give up your dream of being a director!"

Recalling those words he once said, Rick felt a deep bitterness, as if they were more fitting for himself now.

The person he once ridiculed for not being suited for Hollywood had not only achieved massive success with his first feature film, grossing over $350 million globally, but his second film had taken it a step further, crossing the $400 million mark worldwide...

It was hard to find any director in Hollywood who had achieved back-to-back films with North American box office revenues exceeding $100 million and global box office earnings over $300 million.

No matter how much he didn't want to admit it, Rick had to acknowledge the reality that Duke Rosenberg was now a hot commercial director in Hollywood.

The person he had once predicted would fail had achieved tremendous success, while he, proud like a lion, had fallen short.

A bitter smile crept onto Rick Solomon's lips as he reflected on the past three years, which he could only describe as a nightmare.

After finally squeezing into the cast of *Alien 3* as a significant supporting character, the film had flopped against *Speed*, turning into a financial disaster. His performance was panned by critics and media alike, and following that, he faced neglect from his agency, CAA, especially after Warner Bros. opted not to take CAA's package deal and instead supported Duke Rosenberg. His agent, Lovett, had basically thrown him into the trash.

In the last two years, he had received no support from CAA and had only secured two minor roles, both thanks to his father. Finally, with his contract up this year, he officially parted ways with CAA, but no major agency showed interest in him. The only two agencies that wanted to sign him viewed him merely as a stepping stone to Warner Bros.

While Duke Rosenberg's bright future was all but assured, Rick Solomon looked ahead to a bleak path, relying solely on family, feeling as if he had become one of those he once ridiculed for relying on connections.

As his eyes shifted, Rick spotted a beautiful actress sitting next to Duke Rosenberg. She was stunningly pretty, though she lacked the commanding presence of Hollywood's top actresses, yet her gentle demeanor was captivating. He didn't need to guess that her relationship with Duke Rosenberg was undoubtedly significant.

In the past year, tabloids had circulated many stories about Duke's romantic escapades, showcasing a series of increasingly beautiful women by his side.

Glimpsing Naomi Watts, Rick couldn't help but think of his past, especially of the cheerleader he had finally won over, who had dumped him after he fell out of favor with CAA...

From every angle he viewed Duke Rosenberg, Rick could only see the vast differences between them, yet he couldn't summon much resentment. While jealousy may arise toward those slightly above him, it was unlikely he would envy someone so far out of reach.

In Rick's eyes, Duke Rosenberg now stood at a height that was beyond his grasp, no matter how hard he tried.

"Duke, if you have time, come over to my place sometime."

Hearing Duke's polite farewell, Duke stood up and shook hands with Solomon, responding in kind, "I've been waiting for your invitation, Robert."

"And one more thing." Robert Solomon turned to his son, "Rick is an actor too; if you have any suitable roles in the future, please help him out."

"You're too kind," Duke said with a polite smile.

On the other side, under his father's subtle gaze, Rick extended his hand, feeling that the setbacks of the past two years had matured him somewhat. "Duke, I did some foolish things back then, influenced by Lovett. I'm sorry."

"It's all right."

Duke gently squeezed Rick's hand. Given the vast gap between them, he didn't have the time or energy to hold a grudge. Rick simply didn't qualify as a rival. He said casually, "I think we both dislike CAA agents."

"Yes, we both dislike them," Rick nodded in agreement.

After the Solomons left, Duke sat back down. Their previous pleasantries were merely formalities; he had no intention of considering Rick Solomon for a role in his films, as he wasn't that generous.

Besides, Rick Solomon was no Tom Cruise; inviting him wouldn't bring much tangible benefit.

As long as the benefits were sufficient, Duke wouldn't mind inviting Satan to play God; conversely, even if Tom Hanks offered to appear for free, he wouldn't accept.

The banquet soon officially commenced, resembling all commercial parties in form and content, with Warner Bros. and Time Warner executives delivering brief speeches, reflecting on Warner's glorious history through video footage, thanking the guests present, and raising their glasses in a toast...

Finally, it was time for the essential charitable activities of the celebrity circle.

Exquisite dishes were then served to the guests. While no one would gorge themselves in such settings, they still sampled the offerings out of courtesy.

Since the dishes had been placed before them, Naomi Watts had been busy unfolding napkins and arranging drinks for Duke, behaving like a caring partner, occasionally flashing him sweet smiles.

If Duke were to choose a girlfriend among the women he had met, Naomi Watts would be the most suitable. However, he had no intention of dating and wouldn't make empty promises. Without a formal girlfriend, he could enjoy himself without facing scrutiny, but that could become complicated if he got involved.

In truth, he was indifferent to the media and public opinions; they were inconsequential for a director. However, having a girlfriend while messing up his private life would not be tolerated by his mother.

Duke could ignore everyone else's judgment, but he had to consider his mother's views.

"I'll be right back; I need to go to the restroom," Naomi Watts said as she leaned in. Duke nodded and pointed toward the terrace. "I'll get some fresh air."

Although everyone at the banquet adhered to the unspoken rule of not smoking in public spaces, the mixture of alcohol, food, perfume, and various colognes created a suffocating atmosphere that would make anyone feel uneasy after a while. As with all large parties, there were also lounges and terraces prepared for guests.

As Duke passed by several terraces, he had no intention of entering; the men and women inside were happily chatting and would not welcome any interruptions.

Reaching the farthest terrace, Duke listened for a moment, noting the absence of conversation, before pulling aside the curtain and stepping inside. The evening breeze brought in fresh air, instantly relieving the heaviness in his chest.

The terrace was small, only about a few dozen square feet. Just as Duke was about to walk over to the table by the railing, he noticed a tall woman in a silver evening gown sitting in the shadow of the curtain.

Duke saw her, and she turned to see him.

"Hello, Miss Kidman."

Since he had encountered her, Duke confidently approached and sat down across from Nicole Kidman, pouring himself a drink from her glass.

Nicole Kidman nodded, holding her glass, staring at Duke as if she were contemplating something.

"Are you dating Naomi?" she asked slowly.

Chuckling, Duke took a sip of his drink but didn't answer.

"When I first met Naomi, she was beautiful and intelligent, willing to make many sacrifices for her friends," Nicole Kidman seemed to be speaking her thoughts aloud, as if she were sharing with Duke. "But everything changed. When I left Australia, I heard from friends that Naomi had gotten involved with three men and went to Japan to become a model..."

She suddenly shifted to a mysterious tone, "Have you heard of that country, Japan? Their modeling industry is quite ruthless, and it's said that models are often forced to shoot things that are unspeakable."

"Perhaps Naomi was lucky and didn't encounter such things."

Nicole Kidman's words sounded increasingly awkward. "When I invited her to America, she never mentioned anything like that."

Setting her glass down, Duke frowned slightly. Although Nicole Kidman's words were veiled, he could hear the underlying provocation, aimed at matters no man could tolerate.

Nicole Kidman slowly stood, her sickly pale face adorned with a hint of a smile, "If it were me, I would ask my partner carefully about such things."

With hands crossed on the table, Duke gazed at the exceptionally tall Australian woman, speaking calmly, "I passed by a terrace earlier and heard Mr. Cruise chatting happily with a young lady."

Seeing Nicole Kidman's expression grow cold, Duke continued without pause, "I suppose that's why Miss Kidman is here drowning her sorrows?"

"You..."

Nicole Kidman shot him a resentful look and quickly walked away in her high heels.

"I was just guessing," Duke said to himself, stroking his chin. "Did I hit the mark?"

He then rejoined Naomi Watts, bid farewell to the hosts, and left the Hilton Hotel. A night full of passion was just beginning.