In the lobby of the Beverly Hills Hilton, Miranda Kerr sat near the window, stretching lazily. She looked a bit fatigued and glanced towards the entrance, where her car was yet to arrive. She then turned her gaze to Matthew across from her. Despite the wildness of the previous night, he seemed not at all tired but rather energetic.
Thinking about the previous night with Matthew, a thought flashed through her mind. If Matthew were the last man on Earth, he could probably ensure the survival of humanity single-handedly.
Matthew suddenly smiled and said, "What are you looking at, Kerr? Miss me already? You could stay in Los Angeles for a while."
Miranda Kerr smiled, dimples appearing on her cheeks. "I have to leave today. I'm heading to Hawaii to shoot the new season of the Victoria's Secret Angel photo series."
Matthew nodded. "I forgot to mention last night. Congratulations on signing the official contract with Victoria's Secret."
Last week, Miranda Kerr had gone to New York to sign the official Angel contract with Victoria's Secret, becoming one of their Angels.
"I wouldn't have gotten the contract without you," Miranda Kerr knew that her previous publicity stunts were trades for the contract, but she also realized that Matthew could still be useful in the future. Her words were filled with gratitude. "Matthew, thank you. You've advanced my career significantly."
To Matthew, a deal was just a deal. He was well aware of the balance of give and take, and he said, "You're welcome. You earned it."
Over the past month, he had seen just how far a woman could go to please a man.
No wonder Miranda Kerr had once conquered Orlando Bloom; she was indeed extraordinary.
However, he also saw how crazy women in the fame game could be in their pursuit of fame and fortune. He was certain that even if Orlando Bloom tried to win her back now, Miranda Kerr wouldn't pay him any mind.
Matthew didn't look down on Miranda Kerr. In many ways, they were alike. Both had an unabashed desire for fame and fortune, though their methods differed. Women often had to give more in these situations.
Last night, Miranda Kerr had said something that stuck with him. Aside from her body, she had no other assets. Starting as a small-time model in Australia, she had nothing to lose except her body.
This woman, who always smiled so sweetly, had a ruthless streak toward herself.
So, she used her body and her mind to support her ambitions and desires, climbing to the top of the modeling world despite not fitting the traditional model aesthetic.
Just as Matthew was a scheming man who climbed the ranks in Hollywood, Miranda Kerr's rise to supermodel status was a typical story in the industry.
Matthew's black Mercedes sedan turned from the roadside onto the path leading to the hotel entrance. Miranda Kerr, having spent much time with Matthew over the past month, recognized the license plate immediately and said, "The car is here."
"Mm," Matthew nodded and stood up, taking Miranda Kerr's hand as they walked towards the hotel's front door. "I have an appointment with Marvel Studios' Kevin Feige to take promotional photos at the Hughes Aircraft stage this morning. I can't take you to the airport, but you can use my car."
Miranda Kerr, holding Matthew's arm, nodded as they left the hotel. "You mentioned that last night."
The Mercedes pulled up, stopping in front of them. Matthew opened the car door for her. "Have a safe trip."
Miranda Kerr was about to get in but turned back to Matthew. "What I said last year still stands. Whenever you need me, you can call me." She believed in keeping her word to Matthew, as he might still be useful. "If we're in the same city, just call, and I'll come."
Matthew reached out, brushing his fingers across her dimples without caring if the paparazzi were watching. "Kerr, you're a smart girl."
Miranda Kerr was slightly taken aback, not quite understanding his meaning.
"I'll definitely find you again. I can't let go of someone as wonderful as you," Matthew said, lightly patting her. "Get in the car."
Miranda Kerr smiled, her dimples showing once more, then got into the car. Lowering the window, she waved. "Goodbye."
Matthew waved back as the Mercedes drove away, then headed to the parking lot to get his SUV and drove to the Hughes Aircraft Company. Marvel's first superhero film was in the works there.
The Hughes Aircraft Company, founded by Howard Hughes, the prototype for Iron Man, had largely been abandoned in Los Angeles. The vast hangars once used for building large aircraft had been converted into sound stages by Hollywood studios.
"These spaces are much larger than traditional sound stages," Kevin Feige said as he led Matthew through the bustling hangar. "Perfect for building the cave where Tony Stark is held captive."
Matthew looked at the workers setting up scaffolding nearby. "Progress is quick."
Kevin Feige glanced that way too. "The film is set to release next summer. If we don't hurry, we'll have to push back the schedule."
"How's Robert Downey Jr. doing?" Matthew asked. "He's not using drugs again, is he?"
Kevin Feige shook his head. "He seems to be doing well. His personality fits Tony Stark perfectly."
Matthew felt relieved. With so much money invested, he didn't want any mishaps. Ideally, "Iron Man" would kick off the Marvel superhero film series just as it did before.
As they stood there chatting about the progress of "Iron Man," Kevin Feige suddenly asked, "Matthew, have you heard anything about Warner Bros. preparing a DC superhero movie?"
"Yeah," Matthew said honestly. "Christopher Nolan is working on 'The Dark Knight,' and Zack Snyder is interested in DC's classic comic 'Watchmen.'"
He laughed. "Warner Bros. even wanted me to play a DC character..."
"Really?" Kevin Feige interrupted, intrigued.
Matthew nodded. "They asked if I was interested in the Joker in 'The Dark Knight.' I turned it down."
Kevin Feige visibly relaxed. "You're Marvel's most important investor. How could you take a lead role in a DC film? Warner Bros. should have at least offered you Batman."
Matthew chuckled but didn't reply.
In reality, the relationship between Marvel and DC wasn't as tense as it appeared. The two companies both competed and cooperated, often within reasonable limits.
Stan Lee had once told Matthew a story:
In the 1960s, Marvel Comics' owner Martin Goodman ran into DC Comics' owner Jack Liebowitz on a golf course. During their chat, Liebowitz mentioned that DC's "Justice League of America," which featured popular characters like Superman, Wonder Woman, and Batman, was well-received by readers.
Martin Goodman returned to his office and ordered his team to copy the concept, creating a Marvel superhero team.
Thus, the early version of the "Avengers" comic was born.
Marvel and DC had a long history together and rarely engaged in cutthroat competition.
"If there's an opportunity, you should play a Marvel superhero," Kevin Feige suggested. "Even a cameo would be great."
Such a star would attract a lot of attention.
Matthew smiled and gave his usual noncommittal response. "We'll see."
Following Kevin Feige, Matthew toured the large hangar before arriving at a green screen area to take group photos with the main cast and crew.
"Hello, Matthew."
Someone greeted him, and Matthew turned to see Robert Downey Jr., or more accurately, Tony Stark.
"Hello, Downey."
They shook hands, and Robert Downey Jr. seemed a bit excited. "Thank you for recommending me. Without your recommendation, I wouldn't have gotten this role."
"You're welcome," Matthew said, knowing his recommendation was part of his multi-million dollar investment. "You have the talent for it."
Robert Downey Jr. added, "If you ever need me, just ask."
Matthew understood the implication of the favor owed and smiled. "I won't hesitate if I do."
Suddenly, a fragrant scent wafted by, and a blonde woman in a short skirt walked over, slightly embarrassed when she saw Matthew.
Gwyneth Paltrow immediately thought of her conflict with Jennifer Aniston and turned her head, walking straight to the other side.
Matthew saw her too but didn't bother to engage. She was known for having a princess complex without the status. If he hadn't already signed a contract, he would have asked Kevin Feige to replace her with Rachel McAdams.
However, to be safe, it was best to keep the original cast.
Gradually, familiar faces gathered for the group photo, including director Jon Favreau, who would cameo as Happy, and the actor playing Iron Patriot, whose name Matthew couldn't recall, and Jeff Bridges, who played Iron Monger, whom he'd previously worked with.
Seeing all this, Matthew felt assured, but just before the group photo began, he spotted a red-haired woman.
Why was Scarlett Johansson here? And why was she participating in the main cast and crew's promotional photo shoot?
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