Chapter 318: Harvey's Wife

The room was empty except for Harvey Weinstein, who sat watching TV. The entertainment channel was premiering "The Departed."

Meanwhile, Martin Davis made an unforgettable entrance, guiding a cow down the red carpet in a unique way. The fans and reporters in the audience were utterly surprised.

Harvey couldn't help but comment, "It's intriguing. I've never seen a premiere like this before. He's genuinely talented."

However, it was no secret that Harvey and Martin had a strained relationship lately, resulting in significant losses for Weinstein Pictures.

Due to an incident involving Heath Ledger, the filming of "I'm Not There" was delayed by nearly ten days, causing costs to escalate with each passing day.

A knock at the door drew Harvey's attention, and Matt Damon entered the room.

Harvey inquired, "Aren't you supposed to be at the film festival in Toronto?"

Matt Damon, observing the premiere on TV, explained, "The 'Departed' crew didn't take me seriously for promotion. I'm taking a short break here before heading to London."

Harvey got right to the point, "They won't assist you in getting an Oscar nomination?"

Matt Damon shrugged, "The Best Supporting Actor nomination is for Martin Davis, so..."

Harvey chuckled, "Oscar for Best Supporting Actor? Martin Davis always has grand plans." He grinned, "It's good to be inventive." Matt Damon shared, "I heard he had an unpleasant incident with you and the crew in New York."

Harvey appeared nonchalant, "It cost me hundreds of thousands of dollars."

Matt Damon almost seemed to praise him, "The Oscars are your forte."

Harvey couldn't help but recall Brad Pitt's complaints about Martin. He mentioned, "Brad Pitt told me Martin had some trouble with Rose McGowan after filming 'Planet Terror.'"

Matt Damon understood, "I'll talk to her."

Harvey's phone rang, and it was his wife, Georgina Chapman, calling. He answered, "Darling, is Toronto enjoyable?"

Georgina replied, "It's quite interesting. Why don't you come over?"

Harvey responded, "I'm having a great time here. If it gets too much, we can skip it."

After the call, Harvey left the hotel with Matt Damon.

In the hotel lobby, as they left, three individuals from the News of the World huddled together.

Lukaku whispered, "We've located Xavi's long-term private room. Let's devise a plan."

Courtois chimed in, "We should start by monitoring the room's phone calls."

Hazard cautioned, "Remember, this isn't New York. We need to be cautious in our actions."

The three immediately took action.

Meanwhile, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto, Martin finished a promotional interview. He decided not to return to his room and instead found a quiet spot in the rest area to wait.

A striking woman with brown hair sat at the nearby table, capturing Martin's attention.

She was around thirty, tall, with a model-like figure and demeanor. Their eyes met simultaneously.

Taking the initiative, Martin greeted her, "Hello, Georgina."

Georgina and Kate Winslet had been friends for years. She responded, "Hello, Martin. I didn't expect to run into you here."

During their conversation, Martin mentioned that he had worked with Kate and praised Georgina for her work in designing Kate's public attire.

Impressed, Georgina offered her business card as Martin expressed interest in visiting her Marchesa brand's design store in Los Angeles.

Martin reciprocated by handing her his business card.

Georgina understood that her husband, Harvey Weinstein, had some reservations about Martin, but she was open-minded and focused on expanding her luxury clothing brand.

With her connections and influence, she saw her brand being worn by Hollywood's leading ladies on the Oscar red carpet.

Georgina invited Martin to her fashion parties in New York or Los Angeles, an offer he appreciated.

A familiar sound of high heels approaching interrupted their conversation. Martin turned to see Cate Blanchett walking toward them.

Georgina waved gently to Martin and said, "It's time for me to go."

Martin rose and bid farewell, "Goodbye."

Cate Blanchett turned heads in an elegant evening gown from Georgina's Marchesa brand. She stood at a distance and whispered to Georgina, "Martin Davis is a tricky man. Be cautious when dealing with him."

Georgina had heard a completely different story about Martin from her friend Kate, so she smiled and brushed it off, saying, "He can't outwit me." But before Blanchett could respond, the hotel's door opened automatically, and in walked Jack Nicholson, sporting his signature brown sunglasses.

Upon seeing this veteran actor, Blanchett couldn't help but remember an incident at Pinewood Studios in England. Despite her good behavior, it had been a cringe-worthy and annoying experience.

Blanchett, now in a frosty tone, remarked, "Shameless person!"

Jack Nicholson was no stranger to controversy, having been infamous in his youth, celebrated in middle age like Marlon Brando, and later leading a trio of troublemakers in his old age.

He stopped, removed his sunglasses, and gazed at Blanchett with a straight face, asking, "Is your behind bruised and swollen? Want a rematch? We can do it here, I don't mind."

His words drew the attention of everyone around, who wore faces filled with curiosity.

Nicholson was aware of the incident at Pinewood and, despite being misunderstood, he didn't seem to mind. As the eldest of the trio, he was ready to shoulder this trouble for the younger ones. He declared loudly, "I love Blanchett. Last time in England, I accidentally bumped into her..."

Although the actor had a thick skin, Blanchett couldn't outdo Nicholson's brazenness. She retorted, "Shut up, you old rogue."

Nicholson chuckled and added, "My room is on the 41st floor, number 9. You're welcome anytime tonight."

Georgina attempted to contain her laughter, but it wasn't easy. She quickly pulled Blanchett aside, whispering, "Let's avoid causing trouble. Don't forget you have the 'Babel' premiere to attend."

Cate Blanchett complied and walked away with a sour expression. As she reached the automatic door, she noticed Leonardo DiCaprio engrossed in the unfolding drama.

The two had worked together in recent years, not exactly friends but familiar with each other. She remarked, "You guys are a real bunch of troublemakers."

Leonardo shrugged and remained silent.

Nicholson wasn't finished yet. He turned around and hollered, "I'll be coming tonight for sure. Don't worry; I'll be gentle!"

Cate Blanchett was getting into her car and almost bumped her head on the roof. Leonardo approached, embraced her, and headed toward Martin, teasing, "You really have a knack for getting into trouble."

Nicholson seemed unfazed, stating, "You and Martin are young, and you've already thrown away your reputations. I'm over 60, and I'm not bothered about my reputation."

Martin waved them over, and they took seats. Nicholson asked, "Have I proven my loyalty? I'll take the blame for you! I heard Bale took a two-week break before returning to 'The Prestige' set."

Martin replied, "So, Leo and I wholeheartedly support you as the boss."

Leonardo added, "I just got off the phone outside and noticed you chatting with Georgina Chapman."

Nicholson inquired, "Harvey Weinstein's wife?"

"Yes, that's her," Leonardo replied, glancing at Martin, adding provocatively, "Seems like you have a thing for beautiful women in their thirties."

Nicholson chimed in, "Harvey wanted to deal with you, and you're eyeing Harvey's wife? Impressive, Martin. Even an old rogue like me has to admire your talent for stirring up trouble."

Martin, bewildered, defended himself, "I was just having a casual chat. Why do you twist everything?"

Leonardo turned to Nicholson and declared, "I'm planning a bet: $1,000 that Martin will fall for Harvey's wife."

Nicholson joined in, "I bet Martin falls for Georgina."

Martin grew indignant, "No way! I bet $2,000 that it won't happen!" Then he added, "But there has to be a time limit. You can't wait twenty years to settle the bet, can you?"

Leonardo specified, "Two years max. Man, you're going to lose!"

Nicholson felt he had figured it out, saying, "He imposed a time limit because he has no confidence."

Martin decided to change the topic. The three discussed "Babel," a movie premiering tonight with Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, a major competitor to "The Departed" in the upcoming awards season.

Around 7 o'clock, Martin received a call from Scorsese, and the trio headed to the second-floor restaurant for dinner with the director. After "The Departed," Scorsese planned to take a two-year break, possibly until 2009, before making another film. His multiple marriages had strained his finances, and he yearned for a break after years of non-stop work.

Martin didn't mind Scorsese's break, but it would impact Leonardo, who had been working closely with the director. Nevertheless, Leonardo, at his level, had no shortage of great scripts and opportunities to collaborate with renowned directors.

In essence, top-tier film projects would be offered to Leonardo first. Lesser projects would be considered by others.