System in Hollywood

Independent films don't require third-party insurance companies for completion guarantees, so no one steps in to demand a stunt double out of fear that an actor getting injured would delay filming.

However, the veteran producer, Sera, still approached Charlize Theron to ask for her opinion.

After all, Charlize Theron was the second-biggest star in the cast, only behind Oscar-winner Anthony Hopkins.

Plus, Charlize Theron only had four days of filming.

"Miss theron."

"Just call me Sally."

"Alright, Sally, do you need us to bring in a stunt double for you?"

"No need, I'll do it myself," Charlize Theron said with a smile, glancing at Wayne, who was cozying up to Jessica nearby.

However, in the end, they still used a stunt double. It wasn't that Wayne didn't trust Charlize Theron, but rather, he didn't trust Jessica, fearing she might actually injure Charlize Theron.

Although that possibility wasn't very likely, he decided to take precautions just in case.

After all, if Jessica really did hurt Charlize Theron and word got out, given the difference in fame between Jessica, a relative nobody, and Charlize, a B-list actress, Jessica would likely get torn apart by Charlize's fans.

Jessica wasn't stupid. Otherwise, she wouldn't have chosen to date Wayne knowing he already had Mia.

In fact, any actress who's made a name for herself in Hollywood, no matter her true nature, is at least smart enough not to be a fool.

Wayne just gave her a slight hint, and she immediately understood, agreeing to switch to a professional stunt double for the fighting scenes. She only filmed close-ups showing her angry, cursing face.

And honestly, maybe she did feel a bit annoyed at not being as famous as Charlize Theron, because those facial expressions in the close-ups were pretty vivid.

"Director, Mr. Anderson, these are the scenes I shot earlier. Do you both have time to take a look?"

During a break while the set designer and prop master reset the scene, Mrs. Stewart, the first assistant director on this project, came over.

To save time, like with the last film *Admission*, Wayne had delegated some of the smaller roles to Mrs. Stewart.

For example, scenes like the couple on the lawn getting soaked by a suddenly activated sprinkler, fraternity members at a gathering, or a car alarm going off by the side of the road.

These scenes were all shown from Teri's perspective in the movie, but they were shot separately in reality.

"What do you think, Wan?"

Wayne didn't give his opinion right away but instead turned to James Wan, signaling for him to make the call.

This show of respect made James Wan, still new to the industry, feel very appreciated.

"I think it's good, nothing that needs reshooting," James Wan said after cross-referencing his script and the scenes in his head.

"That's great!" Mrs. Stewart said with a smile.

Then she confirmed the upcoming shooting schedule with James Wan.

After discussing work, she turned to Wayne and said, "Kristen said she misses you, her big brother. She's even learned how to make cupcakes for you—don't worry, they're not the poisonous kind."

"Really? Then I'll have to make time to go try them," Wayne said, acting as if he were very interested in the cupcakes.

But as their eyes met, there was an unspoken understanding between them.

With more women in his life lately, Wayne had considered cutting ties with Mrs. Stewart, especially since he wasn't quite at the "master of time management" level yet.

With three women living in his house and a new one, Annie, on the side, he hadn't even been in contact with Charlize Theron recently.

But thinking about Mrs. Stewart's status, his inner rogue side surfaced.

In the end, he decided to follow his instincts.

"When Kristen finishes the cupcakes, I'll give you a call."

After a few more pretend-serious comments, Mrs. Stewart turned and left to continue shooting her assigned scenes.

"That's one charming woman," James Wan whispered, admiring Mrs. Stewart's graceful figure as she walked away.

"Even though she's a decent director, I think she'd actually make a better actress or celebrity," he added.

"Maybe people just have different ambitions," Wayne shrugged, smiling.

Kristen in her mature form—how could she not be captivating?

"Cut!"

"Alright, that's a wrap!"

"Great work, everyone!"

With the last scene, a surprise birthday party during Teri's second time loop, successfully filmed, today's shooting was officially done.

"Hannah, drive Jessie home first."

Satisfied that Charlize Theron still had the energy for their plans, Wayne had Hannah drive the exhausted Jessica home. Jessica had been working all day and just wanted to get some sleep. Wayne himself had dinner with Mia, who had to continue working overtime, then headed to a bar alone.

This time, Charlize wasn't there waiting for him in advance—he arrived first.

So he sat alone at the bar, ordering a cocktail that tasted more like juice, and started texting Annie. His mind wandered, contemplating whether to move Annie into Wayne Manor.

Annie, who lived in Brooklyn, had originally come to Los Angeles for a contract renewal, so she hadn't planned for a place to stay long-term.

Now that she planned to stay here, finding a place to live became a priority.

In fact, after learning that Wayne lived in a mansion in Beverly Hills, she had subtly hinted that she wanted to move in.

Especially after finding out that Jessica and Mia both lived there, her desire grew stronger.

She was smart enough to understand the power dynamics between her and Wayne, so she didn't mind Wayne having other girlfriends.

But deep down, she hoped Wayne would treat everyone equally—she didn't think she was any less deserving than Jessica or Mia.

Wayne was still considering it and hadn't made up his mind yet.

"I'll have what he's having, an Apple Martini, please."

Just then, a pleasant female voice interrupted Wayne's thoughts, making him instinctively turn his head.

It wasn't vanity.

Given his looks, physique, and the expensive outfit he wore, even in a bar frequented by celebrities, he was still the most eye-catching guy around. Only Leo could rival him. Being approached wasn't surprising.

But when he saw the woman's face, he couldn't help showing a hint of surprise.

"Naomi Watts?"

**To be continued...**