The richest actor in Hollywood.

The morning sun hung in the sky, casting down its rays. A white business car sped out of Malibu, heading east towards Burbank.

Inside the car, Francis Lawrence sat comfortably in the spacious backseat, looking quite pleased.

Next to him, Paula Patton, with her dark skin, held Francis Lawrence's hand tightly, a smile constantly on her face. Having a boyfriend like Francis Lawrence made it much easier to land roles.

As long as Francis Lawrence's career progressed smoothly, she could use him to secure more roles and might even star in a major production.

About six months ago, after observing him for a long time and confirming that Francis Lawrence genuinely sympathized with and liked Black people, she actively pursued him and succeeded in making him her boyfriend.

Over these past six months, she became even more certain of this.

"There is still an audition today," Paula Patton asked, "Will there be any issues?"

Francis Lawrence smiled, gently patting Paula Patton's hand, "Today's audition is just a formality. There won't be any surprises."

Paula Patton nodded slightly, "I always feel uneasy until it's confirmed."

"Relax!" Francis Lawrence interrupted her, "Akiva Goldsman's attitude was very clear yesterday. Your audition performance completely overshadowed that of Alexandra Daddario."

He thought for a moment and added, "Even Matthew Horner, who recommended Alexandra Daddario, had nothing to say in the end and could only watch as Akiva Goldsman tacitly agreed that you would be today's winner."

"Hmm." Paula Patton felt relieved.

Francis Lawrence continued, "Have you informed your agent? The crew will likely contact them by tomorrow at the latest."

Paula Patton smiled, "My agent is ready for negotiations."

The business car entered Burbank, first dropping Paula Patton off at an agency before heading to Warner Bros. studio. Francis Lawrence got out and headed straight to the audition room, where Matthew, David Heyman, and Akiva Goldsman were already seated.

In a good mood, Francis Lawrence greeted David Heyman and Akiva Goldsman and even nodded at Matthew.

Matthew smiled and nodded back.

Francis Lawrence sat down at his seat. Seeing Matthew smile at him, he suddenly had a thought: Was Matthew Horner trying to mend fences and make nice with him? After all, as the film's director, he held significant power during filming. It wasn't wise for an actor to clash with a director.

Thinking this, Francis Lawrence nodded slightly. It was highly possible. A defeated person making nice with the victor was quite normal in Hollywood.

At this moment, the door of the audition room was pushed open from the outside. The casting director walked in, followed shortly by a staff member bringing in a female actress.

Matthew glanced at the actress, who appeared to be in her early twenties and seemed to be of Latin descent.

The Latina actress stood in front of the camera and, as requested by the casting director, briefly introduced herself.

"I'm Alice Braga from São Paulo, Brazil..." The Latina actress's English had a slight accent and wasn't very clear. "I've acted in 'Blindness' and 'City of God'..."

Hearing the name "City of God," Matthew couldn't help but take a closer look at the actress. Back in 2004, he had watched this film on videotape. "City of God" was one of the few Oscar-winning films that had deeply interested him.

He even thought this Brazilian film was outstanding and would become a classic in the future.

If it hadn't clashed with "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" and Peter Jackson that year, the director of "City of God" would have deserved an Oscar for Best Director.

Of course, that was just his own thought. Winning Best Director for a non-English film, especially a Brazilian one, was exceptionally difficult.

While Matthew was lost in thought, Alice Braga had started her performance as per the casting director's request. However, he didn't pay much attention to her audition. Before Francis Lawrence arrived, he had already discussed enough with David Heyman and Akiva Goldsman.

These two producers had verified his statements last night, and it was decided that Alexandra Daddario would get the supporting role of Annie.

Francis Lawrence also didn't focus on Alice Braga. His eyes occasionally swept over Matthew, and seeing Matthew's absent-minded look only reinforced his previous thought.

Matthew Horner, with his fate already sealed, seemed indifferent to the audition.

He let out a barely noticeable snort...

"Alright, that's enough for now," the casting director's voice came through, "Miss Alice Braga, we will inform you of the audition results by Friday at the latest."

"Thank you," Alice Braga said and quickly left the audition room.

Soon after, the casting director turned off the camera and left the room as well.

The audition room now only had Matthew, David Heyman, Akiva Goldsman, and Francis Lawrence.

Francis Lawrence first looked at Akiva Goldsman and then at Matthew, who still appeared indifferent, as if he didn't care about the final result.

Based on yesterday's situation, failure was already certain. Matthew likely didn't want to argue unnecessarily for the sake of his dignity.

Just as Francis Lawrence was about to look away, Matthew suddenly looked at him and smiled again.

As a victor, Francis Lawrence felt he should have the demeanor of a winner, just as Matthew Horner now had the realization of a loser.

So, he smiled and nodded back.

"Gentlemen..." Akiva Goldsman cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. "The auditions for the role of Annie are now complete."

He looked at David Heyman, Matthew, and Francis Lawrence in turn and asked, "Do any of you have any objections?"

Matthew shook his head first, saying nothing.

Francis Lawrence felt even more assured that Matthew had given up.

David Heyman spoke up, "Alice Braga is not suitable. Her English is too poor, and we don't have enough time to work on her accent."

Akiva Goldsman nodded without hesitation, "Then we won't consider her."

Francis Lawrence felt completely relieved now. The last variable was eliminated, and the role of Annie would undoubtedly go to Paula Patton.

Akiva Goldsman continued, "Now we need to finalize the casting for this role and send out the notification this afternoon. Let's hear your thoughts."

Hearing this, Francis Lawrence quickly said, "I still recommend Paula Patton. Given the current circumstances, she's the most suitable among the auditioning actresses."

He deliberately glanced at Matthew, who remained calmly seated, showing no intention of opposing.

Francis Lawrence was sure the outcome was set.

Akiva Goldsman folded his arms and rested his chin on his hand, appearing to seriously consider Francis Lawrence's words.

"I'll share my thoughts," David Heyman suddenly said. "Paula Patton's acting skills are indeed better than the other actresses..."

Seeing David Heyman support him, Francis Lawrence felt more confident.

But what he didn't expect was for David Heyman's next words to take a different turn, "But I believe Alexandra Daddario is more suitable for the role of Annie."

Francis Lawrence was momentarily stunned.

David Heyman continued, "Akiva, you once told me that the role of Annie was meant to add some color to the desolate setting of post-apocalyptic New York and to alleviate the audience's sense of loneliness. An actress with a beautiful appearance and a sexy figure would have a better effect."

Francis Lawrence looked at David Heyman in surprise. Before he could react, Akiva Goldsman nodded, "You're right. Alexandra Daddario is indeed more suitable for the role of Annie."

Although Matthew had said that this was a small matter for a significant figure in New York politics, it was best to handle such things discreetly rather than openly.

Having worked in Hollywood for so many years, Akiva Goldsman understood this simple principle very well.

The development of the situation took a sudden turn, leaving Francis Lawrence at a loss. He hadn't expected this outcome.

Seizing the moment before Akiva Goldsman made the final decision, he hurriedly said, "Paula Patton's looks and figure are not inferior to Alexandra Daddario's!"

Akiva Goldsman shook his head, "There's no comparison between the two." Seeing Francis Lawrence about to speak again, he raised his hand to stop him and said, "David, send the official notification to Angel Agency this afternoon, informing them that Alexandra Daddario has passed the audition."

With that, Akiva Goldsman left the audition room without further ado.

David Heyman followed closely behind.

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