Chapter 307: Please Show Some Respect

"It's really hard to get a meeting with you, Murphy."

Upon entering the office, Natalie Portman carefully inspected her surroundings, especially for any cameras or anything unusual, before sitting down across from Murphy's simple desk. "Do you really dislike seeing me that much?"

"How could that be?" Murphy, of course, didn't voice his real thoughts. Instead, he glanced towards the glass wall, finding it odd that Gal Gadot hadn't come out. Weren't the two of them on good terms? Seeing no movement from there, he turned back and straightforwardly asked, "Nat, what brings you here?"

On the other side of the glass wall, Gal Gadot was intently watching Natalie Portman. The actress had called her yesterday, and she hadn't told her about returning. What was she doing here now looking for Murphy?

Having spent some time with her, Gal Gadot was prepared and gradually confirmed that Natalie Portman was the type of woman she had anticipated.

Seeing Natalie Portman flashing a charming smile at Murphy, she affirmed that this Jewish actress was indeed what Murphy jokingly referred to as a typical Hollywood schemer.

Once, while watching TV, Gal Gadot had expressed her dislike for some actresses' tattoos, and Murphy had jokingly commented: Tattoos, drinking, smoking, swearing…these don't necessarily mean a girl isn't good. The real schemers like to act innocent, pure, shy, and wear plain clothes. Men are superficial; they only see the surface. Thus, they miss out on good girls and get deceived by schemers into a life of misery.

Gal Gadot believed that only a woman could truly identify a real schemer.

Through the transparent glass wall, watching Natalie Portman try hard to please Murphy, Gal Gadot was briefly tempted to rush out and smash the ashtray on Murphy's desk into her face.

But she held back, knowing this was the lowest form of retaliation and would only cause trouble for Murphy and the film crew.

Gal Gadot was curious to see how low this actress, known for her purity, elegance, high IQ, and integrity, would stoop.

As for Murphy, she was very confident in him. After more than a year together, Gal knew how strong her boyfriend's resolve was.

The conversation outside had shifted to the film and its characters.

"I think I'm perfect for the female lead," Natalie Portman had stood up, her eyebrows arched assertively. "Why won't you give me a chance to audition?"

She looked at Murphy. "Do you have a prejudice against me?"

"I don't have a prejudice against any actor," Murphy replied calmly, leaning back in his chair. "Let's just say, you and the character's setup are very different."

Natalie Portman was about to speak again, but Murphy raised his hand to stop her, lifting one finger. "The character is a tall woman, and you..."

He shook his head, lifting another finger, "The character is extremely beautiful, with an ethereal beauty that seems otherworldly."

Murphy continued shaking his head, lifting a third finger, "The character is mostly a middle-aged woman, and you, only twenty-three, lack the necessary life experience."

With each point, Natalie Portman's face grew more displeased.

Gal Gadot, hidden in the suite, almost laughed out loud. Her boyfriend didn't disappoint at all and seemed oblivious to the undertones in Natalie Portman's initial comments, not giving her any chances. Gal covered her mouth, muttering sarcastically, "Did you really think you're the queen of Hollywood?"

Recalling how she once admired Natalie and considered her a close friend, only to be betrayed...

Gal took out the Nokia phone Murphy had given her, turned on the video recording feature, and aimed it at Natalie Portman through the glass wall.

The actress always claimed she was Gal's best friend, portraying herself as so grand that no woman in Hollywood could compare. Gal had had enough. She intended to record this moment and, the next time Natalie acted hypocritically, throw it in her face.

What better way to end their bizarre relationship?

Gal admitted that being around Murphy was a bad influence, but she also knew that to avoid distracting him with such trivial matters, she had to learn to defend herself.

If she couldn't handle someone like Natalie Portman, what was the point of all she had learned over the year?

The Nokia 6670's camera wasn't high-resolution, and the video was somewhat blurry, but it was clear enough to identify Natalie Portman, whose voice was also accurately captured due to the poor soundproofing of the suite.

"Can't the character be altered?" Natalie Portman quickly regained her composure. "The most important aspect of the female lead is her inner qualities, not her physical appearance, right?"

She walked around the desk, slowly stepping closer to Murphy.

While it's true that inner qualities mattered more for this role, appearance was also a factor, and all preparations had been made with this setting in mind. Changing it would mean a series of plans would need to be altered, causing significant trouble.

Trouble that would cost time and money—something Murphy, as a co-investor, would naturally avoid.

Natalie Portman took another step forward, now less than three feet from Murphy, which was closer than the usual personal space one would maintain.

"You'll help me, won't you?" Natalie Portman stared directly at him. "I'd be very, very grateful…"

She paused, her words laden with implication.

This was the first time an actress had so openly displayed such intentions in front of him, especially someone as prominent as the Queen Amidala herself. While he had encountered hints from actresses before, they had always been very subtle.

Despite the rumors about Natalie Portman, Murphy was still somewhat surprised, but then he remembered everything she had allegedly done for the lead role in "Black Swan." Wasn't this expected?

Once she set her sights on a goal, she pursued it relentlessly.

This was the admirable side of Natalie Portman that she showed to the world, yet it could also manifest in other ways...

If it had been right after he got out of state prison, Murphy would have agreed first, had his fun, and then unhesitatingly thrown her out, caring little about her role after having his way.

Now, however, he was not in the mood for such reckless behavior. Dealing with an actress of Natalie Portman's caliber meant any involvement would come with expectations of reciprocity.

Moreover, Natalie didn't know, but Murphy was well aware that Gal Gadot was right there in the suite, and from inside, that glass wall was completely transparent.

Although he didn't know why Gal hadn't come out, he wasn't foolish enough to ponder on the sort of proposal Natalie was making.

Almost instantly as Natalie Portman spoke, Murphy firmly shook his head, "No need, I already have the right person for the role."

He thought this tactful rejection was also a way to save some face for Natalie, who, after all, was Jewish, like Gal Gadot.

"A suitable candidate?"

Hearing this, Natalie Portman suddenly smiled. Many directors and producers often said this line without meaning it, and that's when you'd need to give them a taste of something sweet.

"I understand." She took another step forward.

Before Murphy could react, Natalie Portman crouched beside his chair, her hand

 reaching swiftly to grasp his belt.

On the other side of the glass, Gal Gadot abruptly stood up, ready to rush out as she put down her recording phone, but then sat back down.

Because outside, Murphy wasn't playing her game!

The sudden development completely caught Murphy off guard, but his reaction was quick. As Natalie Portman's hand nearly touched his belt, he forcefully kicked the ground, pushing his chair back by four feet.

Caught off guard, Natalie's overextended hand, driven by too much force, caused her whole body to topple forward.

"Bang..."

Her hands hit the floor in time to break her fall, but her knees hit hard, producing a dull thud and a sudden scream, "Ah..."

"Miss Portman!" Murphy stood from his chair, widening the distance between them and spoke with unusual seriousness, "I'll say it again, you do not fit the requirements for my character. Please, show some respect!"

Please, show some respect...

Natalie Portman got up, rubbing her sore knees. More than the pain in her knees, her face felt like it was burning.

He actually told her to show some respect?

The burning sensation on her face overwhelmed the pain in her knees. As Natalie Portman looked at Murphy walking away, the plea in her eyes gradually faded, replaced by indignation.

When had she ever been humiliated like this? When had she ever been so bluntly rejected?

"Rosa!" Since the facade was already discarded, Murphy no longer cared about the face of a celebrity actress and shouted loudly, "Rosa! Come here."

The thudding sound of heavy footsteps approached as a woman weighing over 300 pounds entered the room, her voice boisterous, "Boss, what do you need?"

This was Stanton Studio's receptionist, switchboard operator, and janitor all rolled into one—the most hardworking and loyal employee of Stanton Studios.

"Miss Natalie Portman isn't feeling well," Murphy casually pointed to Natalie, who had stood up, "Please escort her off the set."

Rosa Rodriguez, acting as if she didn't recognize Natalie Portman at all, made a 'please' gesture, "This way, please."

After one last look at Murphy, Natalie Portman picked up her handbag and headed for the door, her eyes no longer hiding her rage.

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