Chapter 292: The Person Gal Gadot Admires

The boundless night sky enveloped Santa Monica, and the lights illuminated the backyard as if it were daylight. Guests invited by Murphy gradually left the banquet hall of the auxiliary building, gathering in small groups around the pool and garden to chat.

As hosts, Murphy and Gal Gadot first went to the front courtyard to see off a group of guests. Executives from Twentieth Century Fox, Miramax, and other companies had begun to take their leave after attending the formal dinner.

Before leaving, Bill Ross received a call and then told Murphy, "Brian asked me to convey his apologies. He's in Spain dealing with Leonardo DiCaprio's affairs and couldn't make it."

"No problem," Murphy replied with an indifferent smile. "Having you represent CAA is enough."

"For now," Bill Ross said with a smile to Gal Gadot, "I'll take my leave and not disturb your continued celebration."

Formal dinners like this don't last long, especially for guests with families who tend not to stay late. Even Robert Downey Jr., who came with his fiancée, had left earlier.

After seeing off Bill Ross, Murphy and Gal Gadot headed towards the backyard.

"From what Bill said," Gal Gadot asked curiously, "is Leo really planning to leave CAA?"

"It's a possibility," Murphy replied, leading Gal Gadot around the main building to the backyard. "Even if he doesn't switch now, it's hard to say about the future."

He vaguely remembered that Leonardo DiCaprio eventually left CAA.

Though CAA employs various strategies to increase the cost of stars leaving, many A-list or superstar actors choose to leave CAA.

Murphy speculated this might relate to different positions and mindsets.

Entering the backyard, they noticed a crowd around a table by the pool. Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill, James Franco, Paul Wilson, and Phil LaSalle were either standing or sitting nearby, cheering and encouraging the ongoing activity.

Two party company waiters, each carrying a dozen beers, delivered them to the crowd.

At the center of attention were David Robie and Jessica Alba, sitting opposite each other, each chugging a beer can, seemingly in a drinking contest.

Jessica Alba finished first, slamming the can on the table and loudly declaring, "Come on, continue!"

A waiter immediately handed her another beer.

"She's joking with her figure," Gal Gadot commented, observing the scene. "Competing in drinking with a man."

"Not everyone has your self-control," Murphy replied, leading her to the other side of the pool. "Jessica probably doesn't gain weight easily; she often drinks like this."

Hollywood has numerous female stars with drinking habits, not all of whom lose their figure due to alcohol.

Jessica Alba enjoys partying and frequently engages in drinking contests with her co-stars.

Approaching the other side of the pool, Murphy and Gal Gadot greeted Helena Esporla and Jodie Griffiths, who were whispering to each other. Murphy then remembered something, "Didn't you invite a friend you met in Jerusalem?"

"She had something tonight," Gal Gadot indicated a phone call gesture. "She informed me this afternoon she would be late."

Murphy nodded, about to inquire further when Jonah Hill across the pool shouted, "Hey, Murphy, come over here."

He waved as he called out.

"Go ahead," Gal Gadot glanced at the other side. "I'll chat with Kara."

Kara Faith was sitting nearby, talking with Grace.

Murphy approached, and Jonah Hill and Seth Rogen, no longer focused on Jessica Alba and David Robie's drinking contest, stood at the edge of the crowd, looking ready to settle a score.

"What's up?" Murphy asked, puzzled.

Jonah Hill waved his hand in front of Murphy, asking, "Tell me, Director Stanton, where are my fifty women?"

Pointing at Seth Rogen, he added, "His can be fewer, but still around ten, right?"

"I'll call the nightclub right now," Murphy knew Jonah Hill was joking. "Have them clear out for you two."

"Let's not," said Seth Rogen, appearing more straightforward. "I can't enjoy those nightclub girls."

Murphy sensed there was more than just banter. "What's going on?"

Seth Rogen adjusted his slipping glasses, saying, "Downey and Susan are getting married soon. Downey invited us four to be groomsmen. According to his plan, one of us should speak on behalf of the groomsmen during the ceremony. Me, Jonah, and Jim just voted, and unanimously decided you should be our representative."

"Me?" Murphy pointed at himself, incredulous. "Why wasn't I informed about the vote? How can you decide for me?"

Jonah Hill spread his hands, looking earnestly at Murphy. "Would informing you change the outcome? Would the result be any different if you participated?"

Stunned, Murphy turned to leave without further comment, but Jonah Hill's triumphant laughter followed. Murphy raised a middle finger behind him but quickly lowered it when he saw Gal Gadot approaching with a woman.

Murphy didn't mind making such gestures among friends, but it was rude in front of guests.

The woman walking beside Gal Gadot, although wearing high heels, was at least five inches shorter than her, with a robust facial structure and a small mole on each cheek, adding an exotic flair. She seemed unrestrained yet elegant.

As they approached, Gal Gadot was warmly chatting with her, arm in arm. To Murphy's surprise, Gal Gadot's new friend turned out to be Natalie Portman.

But then, considering Portman's Jewish heritage and her recent graduation from Harvard, followed by further studies in Israel, and her reputation in Hollywood, it wasn't so surprising after all.

"Murphy, let me introduce you," Gal Gadot brought Natalie Portman over. "This is Nat, Natalie Portman, a friend I met in Jerusalem."

To Portman, she said, "Nat, this is Murphy, my boyfriend."

"Pleased to meet you, Murphy," Portman extended her hand, and Murphy gently shook it. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Nat."

Portman's smile was warm and dignified, making her seem like a lotus flower in her white dress.

After introductions, Gal Gadot clung to Murphy's arm, openly admiring Portman.

"I met Nat at a dinner. Her eloquence, knowledge, and elegance..." Gal Gadot sounded like a fan of Portman. "She's so mature and composed, unlike any other woman in her twenties I've met."

Embarrassed by the praise, Portman modestly replied, "Gal, you're giving me too much credit. That's not me."

"Who else could it be?" Gal Gadot teased, taking Portman's arm. "Since coming to America, you're the most amazing woman I've met. From the dinner to our days exploring Jerusalem, you've been an inspiration and a goal for me."

Hearing this, Murphy was concerned, hoping Gal wouldn't take Portman as a role model.

Gal continued to praise her friend, convincing Murphy of Portman's positive influence on her during their time in Jerusalem. Despite their age difference, if half the rumors about Portman were true, Gal indeed had a lot to learn from her.

After more chatting, Gal Gadot said,

 "I'll introduce Nat to others."

Murphy nodded as Gal led Portman towards Jonah Hill and Seth Rogen.

Turning away, Murphy watched them go, feeling a mix of concern and amusement.

"Nat's just Natalie Portman, not a monster," he mused, acknowledging the potential for a genuine friendship between two accomplished Jewish women from different backgrounds.

With Gal still studying in Los Angeles and no apparent conflicts of interest with Portman, their friendship might indeed thrive in the competitive landscape of Hollywood, where female stars often clash over professional and personal interests.

___________________

(Support with power stones, comments or reviews)

If you guys enjoy this story, In support me on Patreon and get access to +200 advance Chapters

Read Ahead

Patreon.com/INNIT