The richest actor in Hollywood.

In the office, only David Heyman and Akiva Goldsman remained. They were silent for a while, seemingly digesting what Matthew had just said.

Neither of them had expected that Alexandra Daddario, a relatively unknown actress, would have such an impressive family background, unlike most actors in the industry who come from humble beginnings and strive to change their destiny.

David Heyman and Akiva Goldsman, both veterans of Hollywood, quickly came to the same conclusion.

Akiva Goldsman took the initiative to ask, "What do you think, David?"

"If what Matthew said is true," David Heyman replied candidly, "our biggest problem will soon be solved."

Akiva Goldsman nodded slightly and thought for a while before saying, "The influence of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York is considerable."

Someone who has achieved such a high political position is quite remarkable. Akiva wasn't an idealist and didn't overestimate politicians. They often claim to be the most honest and fair in the world, but in reality, they frequently engage in self-serving actions.

Moreover, in this case, not much effort would be required. Just a few words from someone influential would be more effective than all their running around.

A high-ranking political figure in New York could easily say a few words to help his daughter's career.

David Heyman added, "Warner Bros. has already communicated with me. They want to maintain a good working relationship with Matthew Horner and hope the crew will respect his opinions."

Hearing this, Akiva Goldsman glanced at David Heyman. This Warner Bros. representative was an old hand at reading the situation.

If Akiva continued insisting on using Paula Patton, David Heyman wouldn't risk offending him by mentioning this.

"Alright," Akiva Goldsman said directly to David Heyman, "Let's decide it this way."

David Heyman responded, "Okay." Then he asked, "What about Francis Lawrence? He might have strong objections."

"It doesn't matter," Akiva Goldsman said. "The decision-making power is mine, not his."

David Heyman nodded, "Let's issue the notice right after tomorrow's audition."

Akiva Goldsman resumed looking at the documents the art director had sent over and said, "Agreed."

Leaving the Warner Bros. studio, Matthew had just gotten into the car driven by Brown Williams when he received a call from Helen Herman. She and Alexandra Daddario were waiting for him at the Angel Agency.

"Head to the agency," Matthew instructed Brown Williams.

The black Mercedes roared toward South Beverly Drive. Matthew glanced back at the receding Warner Bros. studio and then slowly turned his head back. This time, leveraging Alexandra Daddario's family background, he had almost certainly succeeded.

But Alexandra Daddario's path ahead wouldn't be easy.

For an actress like Alexandra Daddario, relying solely on her looks would limit her career opportunities.

Before the Mercedes reached the Angel Agency, Matthew's private phone rang again. Only a few people knew this number: close business partners, good friends, or actresses he had deep interactions with.

The caller was Michael Fassbender, informing him that he and James McAvoy had planned a vacation in Hawaii early next month and asking if Matthew wanted to join them.

Since Disney hadn't confirmed which promotional events for "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" he needed to attend, Matthew couldn't confirm his schedule yet and asked them to wait a bit longer.

After hanging up, he arrived at the Angel Agency and went straight to Helen Herman's office.

"How did it go?" Helen Herman asked before Matthew even sat down. "Any progress?"

Alexandra Daddario, sitting on a sofa, also looked over with concern.

Matthew poured himself a glass of water, then sat on the sofa next to Alexandra and said, "As long as tomorrow's audition doesn't have any major surprises, Anna will get the role."

"Really?" Alexandra Daddario asked immediately. "Are you sure?"

Matthew nodded slightly, "I'm sure." He smiled at Alexandra, "Anna, it's just a supporting role. Don't get too excited."

Alexandra Daddario shook her head, "Being an actress has always been my dream. I had to interrupt my fledgling career for my studies, and I regretted it deeply after returning to New York. This time, I'm not leaving!"

She seemed resolute, "This role is very important to me!"

Matthew, who had climbed up from the bottom, could understand Alexandra's feelings. When he first got a significant role, he was just as excited, if not more so.

"Anna," Helen Herman, knowing the key to Alexandra getting the role, asked again, "Is everything okay on your father's end?"

Alexandra nodded, "I spoke with my dad again last night. This is a minor issue for him."

Helen Herman was reassured, "That's good. I won't let any surprises happen."

Adding a significant actress to the Angel Agency would also increase their income.

Although Alexandra's circumstances made it difficult for her to become a major star, becoming a secondary or quasi-secondary celebrity was still possible.

Actors are the agency's resources, and stars are high-quality resources—the foundation of profits.

Now that Alexandra had the resources the "I Am Legend" crew needed, combined with Matthew's recommendation, if she still couldn't secure this supporting role, Helen felt her years as an agent would have been in vain.

"Anna," Matthew looked at Alexandra and seriously advised, "Regardless of why the crew chooses you, you need to be prepared."

Alexandra understood what Matthew meant and said, "I will."

Matthew thought for a moment and added, "The director of this film is Francis Lawrence. He will be in charge of the entire set. Anna, be prepared for some difficulties."

Helen Herman also said, "Matthew and I can't always be there to watch over you. You must learn to handle on-set and other problems independently. This industry is more complicated than you think."

Alexandra, no longer the young girl from two years ago, nodded, "I'll become stronger." She glanced at Matthew, "Like Matthew."

Matthew stood up, "Wait for the news tomorrow." He checked the time and told Helen Herman, "I've got a shooting practice session with Brown tonight, so I'll be off."

"Alright." Helen Herman nodded slightly. Just as Matthew was about to leave, she remembered something, "Sky Dance Productions has paid your base salary for '300: Rise of an Empire' in full. Go to finance before you leave and have them transfer the money."

"Got it." Matthew waved to Alexandra, "Goodbye, Anna."

Alexandra smiled at him, "Goodbye, Matthew."

Matthew then went to the finance office of Angel Agency before heading to his usual shooting range.

Despite being a public figure, Matthew had not purchased any firearms since obtaining a legal permit. However, in the past two years, he frequently practiced shooting at the range, often bringing along Brown Williams as a temporary coach.

Compared to amateurs like Matthew and Brown, Brown Williams was a professional and carried firearms regularly as a bodyguard.

In Matthew's view, the USA was never a safe place, with gun violence incidents happening frequently and increasingly so in recent years. Most areas had only average security, and even affluent neighborhoods like Beverly Hills had seen worsening conditions in recent years, with incidents of celebrity homes being burgled.

Despite the considerable salary, Brown Williams was one of the few bodyguards employed by a top Hollywood star.

This also aligned with Matthew's approach of maintaining a down-to-earth image in front of the cameras.

Moreover, Brown Williams was highly competent.

Typically, Hollywood stars hired bodyguards from professional security firms, with a basic package including one bulletproof SUV, a driver skilled at evading paparazzi, three bodyguards, costing $4,000 a day with fixed four-day weeks, and extra charges for overtime or extensions.

Some, like Johnny Depp, had personal bodyguards serving them for over a decade.

Matthew spent heavily on Brown Williams, with an annual salary of $300,000.

Of course, this wasn't much compared to Jennifer Lopez, who reportedly spent $1.5 million annually on bodyguards.

His ex-girlfriend Britney Spears, harassed by extreme fans, had spent $240,000 on security in just 11 months.

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