Chapter 118: The Tango Girl


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    [Chapter 118: The Tango Girl]


    Eric knew all too well that behind that report, United Artists was likely to be the culprit, trying to suppress and discredit theirpetition for their own interests. This tactic had been worn thin across all industries, but it still managed to be effective every time.


    After breakfast, he ced Virginia''s portion in the fridge and bid farewell to the woman who was still resting in bed. He then drove to Firefly Films, where several actresses needed to audition today.


    As soon as he arrived at thepany, Jeffrey pulled him into the office. Without needing to ask, Eric could tell from the curious looks of the other employees that something was off. As Los Angeles''s most renowned newspaper, in an era devoid of the inte where information was primarily disseminated through print media and television, the subscription rates in the Greater Los Angeles area remained impressively high. Therefore, Eric knew for a fact that everyone in thepany had most likely heard about the news from the paper.


    Facing Jeffrey''s concerned gaze, before he could even speak, Eric hurriedly exined, "Jeffrey, I know this was indeed my oversight. But Jennifer Connelly has already turned down the role, so once the official casting list is released, this rumor will die down on its own."


    Jeffrey sighed and said, "Alright, Eric, I hope you know what you''re doing. Do we need to contact Kepler for some PR?"


    Eric shook his head. "No need for that. Addressing this might only make it seem like we''re trying to cover something up. Ignoring it is the best way to handle it."


    Jeffrey nodded and handed Eric a document. "This is the final offer I discussed with those sponsors based on your suggestions. Everyone except Motor has agreed, totaling $3.4 million. If you have no objections, I''ll have these contracts signed today."


    Eric took the document and nced through it. Aside from the $3 million deal with Motor that had to wait for the final confirmations with Cruise and Hanks, everything else was settled. The highest bid was from Lamborghini at $800,000, while the lowest was from Marvel Comics, which offered $100,000. In the film, when the thief Andy robbed the financialpany, he briefly held a folder containingics for just a fleeting shot, and $100,000 wasn''t exactly chump change. Eric had previously been uncertain about whether that advertisement could even be sold.


    Seeing the name Marvel Comics, Eric instinctively rubbed his chin. This could be a gold mine, and he needed to secure it before they started wildly selling character licenses to ease their financial pressures.


    While they were talking, Allen Fisman knocked on the office door. "Mr. Hansen, Eric, it''s time for auditions."


    "I''ll be right there," Eric replied, and Allen nodded as he exited.


    "I''m off to host the auditions now, Jeffrey. Just go ahead and sign the contracts as per the terms above. Make sure to rest well over the weekend; next week''s location scouting will surely keep us busy."


    "I know," Jeffrey nodded but then wore a slightly reproachful look. "As long as you don''te bothering me in the middle of the night again."


    Eric smirked, muttering under his breath before waving goodbye and exiting the office.


    Perhaps due to the recent news about the cast being nearly finalized, several actresses that followed seemed aloof during their auditions.


    Eric didn''t bother to remind anyone about anything -- dreaming of a lucky break could lead to missed opportunities, and if they did, they could only me themselves. "Next up, Miss Gabrielle Anwar."


    A petitedy around eighteen walked in wearing ck heels, but her height was still under five-seven.


    "Hello everyone, I''m Gabrielle Anwar."


    Eric took a careful look at the girl who was about his age. With a sharp nose and full lips, she showed some hints of Indian heritage; she must have been a mixed-race beauty. Not following the usual script to have her introduce herself, he asked, "Miss Anwar, did youe all the way from Ennd for this?"


    She nodded, a charming smile lighting up her thick lips. "I was born in Derbyshire, but I grew up in London."


    Eric smiled, knowing she was trying to make a connection; he, too, had grown up in London until he was eight before moving to Los Angeles, and he retained his British nationality. The Williams name was one of the five major surnames in Britain, whether he liked it or not, he''d always be part of the Hollywood Anglo sphere.


    "So, Miss Anwar, your profile mentions that you attended a drama and dance school. Do you know how to tango?"


    The girl hesitated before shaking her head. "I don''t, but I''ve spent ten years studying ballet. If needed, I can learn the tango in the shortest time possible."


    Eric wore an appreciative expression. "Miss Anwar, I admire your honesty. However, I feel that you''re not quite suitable for this role, so there''s no need for an audition."


    When she heard Eric''s earlierpliment, she was ted, but then disappointment quickly washed over her as she realized he wouldn''t give her even the chance to perform. For a moment, she sat there, wide-eyed as moisture gathered in them. The scenario felt overwhelmingly unfair. She had sent in her materials to Firefly after seeing the casting call for Eric Williams''s new film, rather expecting it to be a long shot. The joy of receiving an audition invitation had made her ecstatic, but the crushing denial had her almost in tears.


    "Oh no," Eric initially looked down to jot something down but quickly waved his hand. "Miss Anwar, don''t be like that. I''m not done speaking yet."


    Her eyes were on the verge of tears as she quickly dabbed at her eyes, reluctant to look up. Seeing her reaction, Eric shot a nce at his assistant, who promptly handed some tissues to


    Gabrielle.


    Carefully wiping the corners of her eyes, Gabrielle pulled out apact mirror to check her face before finally lifting her gaze. "I''m so sorry, Mr. Williams. I lost myposure."


    "It''s my fault," Eric, concerned about women in tears, quickly took the me. "I didn''t rify earlier. I understand that you''re only eighteen anding all the way from Ennd for an audition is no easy task."


    "Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Williams."


    "The reason I asked you about the tango is that you are perfect for another role in a film I''m working on. It stars Al Pacino. Are you familiar with Al Pacino?"


    Gabrielle nodded enthusiastically. "Of course, I''ve seen the film you directed many times where Pacino ys the charming Edward. He''s so captivating."


    "That''s good. Al''s next film needs a tango girl for the lead female role, and you caught my eye immediately. If you can bring that role to life, I believe it will undoubtedly help your career even more than being the leadingdy in my film."


    Gabrielle had initiallye to the audition with a lottery ticket mentality. Having only a few television roles to her credit back in Ennd, she hadn''t held out much hope. The reason she had broken down was entirely because of Eric''s unsettling rejection. Now, hearing this sudden twist of fate, she felt as if she were in a dream again. Al was poised to be a global superstar again, and just appearing in his film, no matter how small the role, would send her over the moon, let alone being the lead.


    "Mr. Williams, I can''t even begin to thank you enough." The girl sped her hands to her chest, her face alight with excitement.


    Eric finished what he had intended to write and handed it to her through his assistant with a smile. "Miss Anwar, don''t be too quick to celebrate. While I do have the authority to decide on the roles for that film, I still need to consider Al and director Martin Brest''s opinions. You have about a week to prepare, and if your performance isn''t up to par, I''ll have to say sorry." "I''ll do my best," Gabrielle said, epting the note and noticing a line of numbers and a few messages on it. "Mr. Williams, what''s this?"


    "UTA. Oh, that''s the phone number of Mr. Kepler Hyde, the CEO of United Talent Agency. You''ll need to call him to arrange for a temporary agent to help you find a dance instructor for


    a week of tango lessons. If your performance meets Al and Martin''s approval, we''ll need you to join UTA. Miss Anwar, are you willing?"


    Being able to stay in Hollywood was a dream for many foreign actors, and Gabrielle nodded eagerly. "Of course, I''m willing."


    Gabrielle Anwar was a pure coincidence. Eric harbored no ulterior motives towards the girl of his age; she just happened to be the tango girl in the role he had envisioned. Anwar and Al


    Pacino''s tango would be the icing on the cake.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Since she could appear here several years earlier than expected, it was fate, and Eric decided to


    go with the flow, convinced the girl would not disappoint.


    After sending Gabrielle off, Eric opened the next folder: Brooke Shields.


    Ah, another Hollywood legendary beauty.


    Compared to Jennifer Connelly''s innocence, when Brooke Shields walked into the audition


    room, she seemed to possess a sharper allure in Eric''s eyes. However, he understood from the interested nces of his colleagues that Brooke Shields, rumored to have noble blood from four countries, clearly conformed the nickname ''the Eighth Wonder of the World.''


    *****


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