Chapter 430: Chapter 430: Living Artwork
"Hello, this is Bella Anderson."
During a break in the studio, Bella Anderson followed Matthew's instructions and called the butler at Horner Estate. "Matthew is having an important female guest over tonight, and he wants you to prepare some French cuisine."
She listened for a while and said, "Yes, the guest has no particular dietary restrictions. The kitchen can decide on the dishes. That's all. Goodbye."
Bella Anderson hung up, put away her phone, and was about to inform Matthew when she saw a crew member approaching to call him back to the set. She quickly stopped.
Standing at a distance, she watched the short director Zack Snyder interact with Matthew and another Brazilian actor. The actor playing Xerxes looked incredibly odd in makeup.
After watching for a while, with no sign of filming starting, her phone vibrated. She glanced at it and saw that the butler had sent the prepared menu from the kitchen.
Bella Anderson, having received specific instructions from Matthew about such matters, replied with a single word: "Good!"
She knew that Matthew inviting Eva Green to Horner Estate wasn't about the food. Eva Green likely didn't care about the meal either...
According to Matthew, he had received a call from Eva Green last night and planned to invite her to the estate. However, he had forgotten to inform the chef and butler due to a morning call from Helen Herman, and had been busy shooting since arriving on set, only remembering during the break.
As his assistant, Bella Anderson didn't ask for details. Based on Matthew's behavior and personal preferences, she could tell he had intentions toward Eva Green.
It's said that Eva Green had once politely declined him, but instead of distancing herself, she continued to get closer to him. It seemed inevitable that the two would end up together.
Moreover, Matthew had played a significant role in Eva Green landing the lead female role in this film.
Bella Anderson shook her head. She had known many French female classmates during her studies, and French women were generally more open than American women in such matters.
As for Eva Green, it's not about prejudice. An actress who can undress entirely on camera, exposing even the most private parts, isn't likely to have a tight belt in real life.
In her experience in Hollywood, actresses who were loose with their belts on set were even looser in real life.
She thought that Eva Green's previous refusal was likely to keep Matthew interested or perhaps because the timing wasn't right.
If she could see it, Matthew surely could too. Given his style, he wouldn't force Eva Green, avoiding giving people a reason to talk. He'd probably have her in his bed within ten times, releasing all the excitement and passion accumulated during the chase, and then move on.
At most, he'd introduce her to a new job or help solve some problems.
Many knew that Matthew had a good reputation in this regard.
Bella Anderson glanced at Matthew on set again. Initially, she regretted that Matthew couldn't get together with Charlize Theron. All of America hoped for it, as did most people around them, but...
She suddenly shook her head. Charlize Theron might now be glad she didn't end up with Matthew.
Despite these thoughts, Bella Anderson knew her boss was Matthew Horner. When Matthew returned to the resting area for a touch-up, she quickly informed him that the estate was preparing.
"Okay," Matthew nodded, "I know."
After the touch-up, he returned to the set. After a brief rehearsal with Rodrigo Santoro, who played Xerxes, the filming resumed.
"Let me guess..." Matthew, with one hand on his hip and his red cape fluttering behind him, pointed at the heavily gold-chained Rodrigo Santoro. "You must be Xerxes!"
Rodrigo Santoro, looking like a god, stepped forward and said, "Come, Leonidas!" He pointed at Matthew, "Let's have a discussion."
"It would be a pity if such a great king and his elite troops were annihilated."
Despite Xerxes' clownish appearance, the character was no fool and understood the power of psychological warfare. "We have much culture to share. Haven't you noticed?"
Matthew nodded, speaking earnestly, "We've been sharing Spartan culture with you all morning."
Rodrigo Santoro, hands on hips, looked imposing. "Your people are unique. Even facing annihilation, you remain arrogant. It's unwise to oppose me, a god."
Matthew showed no reaction.
"I can win at the cost of countless soldiers, without batting an eye," Rodrigo Santoro's tone turned firm. "Imagine, Leonidas, what will happen if you oppose me!"
Matthew retorted firmly, "I will die protecting my people! Soon, your slaves will fear my sword more than your whip!"
Rodrigo Santoro played the godly role well. "They don't fear the whip, they fear my divine power!"
But Xerxes wasn't a brainless villain like in a Marvel movie. Rodrigo Santoro continued, "I am a generous god. I will make you incredibly wealthy. You will become the master of all Greece in my name! Athens will bow to you! All you have to do is bow to me!"
"You're very generous, as befits your divine power," Matthew said calmly. "King of Kings, only a fool would refuse such a rich reward..."
Most of the action scenes were done, and what remained were mostly dialogue-heavy scenes. Any action movie couldn't be all fighting; the audience's nerves needed a break.
Matthew's afternoon filming went smoothly. Even when there were NGs, it rarely took more than three tries. Thanks to rehearsals, many scenes were shot in one take.
By now, the crew was in the mid-to-late stages of filming. After over a month of working together, the departments had become more coordinated.
When there were NGs, half the time it wasn't the actors' fault but issues with lighting, sound, makeup, and props.
For most crews, the hardest part was usually the first week of filming.
Because things went well, Matthew finished removing his makeup and left the studio by 4:30 PM. He didn't have Brown Williams or Bella Anderson with him today. Instead, he drove a white Mercedes G-Wagon to Eva Green's house near Beverly Hills.
On the way, he called Eva Green. When he arrived, she was already waiting on the roadside with a large handbag.
"Hi, Matthew," Eva Green got into the passenger seat. "Did the shoot go well today?"
"Pretty well," Matthew replied as he started the car. "We're ahead of schedule, so you'll probably have to join the crew earlier."
Eva Green smiled, "I've already been notified to start shooting next Tuesday."
They chatted for a few minutes as the car made its way to the Horner Estate. Matthew parked the car near the fountain in the small square behind the gate.
He got out and opened the door for Eva Green. She looked around and couldn't help but admire, "This estate is beautiful."
"Come this way," Matthew gestured. "If you find it beautiful, you should visit often."
Leading the way, he took her into the house, where a maid quickly came to take Matthew's briefcase and hang it at the entrance to the living room.
Diana, the butler, approached and asked, "When would you like to have dinner?"
Matthew looked at Eva Green and asked, "Now or later?"
Eva Green shook her head, "I'm not hungry yet. Can we wait?"
Matthew turned to Diana, "Delay dinner preparations for a bit." Then, turning back to Eva Green, he asked, "Would you like a tour?"
Eva Green removed her coat, handing it to the maid, revealing a perfectly fitting black dress underneath. "I'd love to look around."
Matthew's eyes briefly scanned Eva Green. She had clearly put effort into her appearance today, looking almost otherworldly.
Her dark and evil allure was breathtaking, making her look like a living piece of art, her body like a weapon of Satan.
Matthew had no doubt that if she spread her legs, she could draw the whole world in.
They toured the living room, dining room, banquet hall, indoor pool, gym, and wine cellar. After covering the first floor and basement, they returned to the living room and ascended to the second floor.
Stopping at the door to the master bedroom, Matthew extended an invitation. "This is my bedroom. Want to see inside?"
His invitation was clear. If Eva Green declined, he wouldn't push.
She touched her handbag, hesitated briefly, then with a smile said, "Sure."
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