The sound of a graceful piano melody drifted through the banquet hall, accompanied by the orchestra's performance and the elegant movements of the dancers, creating a refined and sophisticated atmosphere.
At that moment, Hollywood's most prominent figures appeared solemn and dignified, men in suits and women in evening gowns, conversing among themselves.
The event was being held at the Hilton Hotel a grand celebration banquet. David Ellison's Skydance Studios had achieved massive commercial success this year with the film Transformers.
Eager for recognition and to satisfy his vanity, David Ellison couldn't wait to host this extravagant celebration.
So, in flaunting his success to Gilbert, he was also showing off to the entire Hollywood — demonstrating that he, David Ellison, had finally achieved something.
David Ellison knew well that he wasn't welcomed by the traditional Hollywood power circles. But times were changing, and he believed one must look forward with progress in mind.
Standing at the hotel entrance with his new girlfriend — Transformers leading lady Megan Fox, he greeted guests as they arrived.
These guests were Hollywood's elite powerful producers, studio executives, directors, and star actors.
One could say, if a Tomahawk missile were to hit the Hilton Hotel tonight, half of Hollywood would be wiped out.
Megan Fox was in a great mood. Thanks to Transformers, the former model had skyrocketed to fame as Hollywood's new sex symbol, while also landing herself a wealthy boyfriend like David Ellison.
She could already envision a bright and glorious career ahead, dreaming of becoming a legendary actress like Julia Roberts or Naomi Watts, leaving her mark on film history.
Just then, Gilbert and Charlize Theron arrived.
Reporters gathered outside the hotel, and someone shouted, "Director Gilbert and Charlize Theron are here!"
In an instant, all eyes outside the banquet hall turned toward them. The smile that had been frozen on David Ellison's face immediately stiffened.
Wherever Gilbert went, he was always the center of attention and that was precisely what David Ellison hated most about him.
As Gilbert stepped out of the car and took Charlize Theron by the hand, it was obvious who carried more presence. In terms of sheer elegance, Charlize Theron easily outshone everyone. With her commanding aura, status as an A-list actress, and an Oscar under her belt, she completely eclipsed Megan Fox.
Of course, such a woman was rarely one that men could handle easily — she carried a pressure that intimidated most. Unfortunately for everyone else, the man whose arm she held happened to be Gilbert.
In Hollywood, in North America, and even across the world, anyone familiar with film over the past decade knew the name of this superstar director.
Thus, as Gilbert and Charlize Theron ascended the red-carpeted steps of the hotel, the reporters found that the photographs they captured were stunningly perfect — balanced, harmonious, almost cinematic.
Curiously, the same effect appeared whenever Naomi Watts, Cameron Diaz, or even the youngest Scarlett Johansson stood beside him.
The only explanation was that any woman who shared a close connection with Gilbert seemed to gain a certain magical aura — one that magnified her beauty and charm.
And that allure came from the brilliance Gilbert had cultivated through his many films.
After all, Gilbert was renowned as the director who could capture the most beautiful women and the most handsome men on screen — helping every actor display their best possible self.
That, perhaps, was the true mark of a top-tier filmmaker.
David Ellison forced a smile as he watched Gilbert approach with Charlize Theron. Megan Fox also flashed what she believed to be her sweetest, most charming smile — after all, the man before her was a director who could open many doors.
"Good to see you again, David. Congratulations on the film's success," Gilbert said, still wearing his signature warm and approachable smile. But David Ellison could sense the hidden disdain behind that polite exterior.
It irritated him deeply, but with so many guests and media watching, he couldn't afford to lose his composure.
"Thank you, Gilbert," David Ellison replied, turning to Charlize Theron. "Miss Theron, thank you for coming. You've truly brightened up the entire banquet hall."
Charlize Theron remained unmoved by the compliment. "I came with Gilbert," she said plainly.
The implication was clear — if not for Gilbert, she wouldn't have spared him a glance.
David Ellison didn't appear embarrassed. He gestured to the woman beside him and said, "This is the film's Female lead, Megan Fox."
Gilbert shook hands with Megan Fox before turning to David Ellison and asking, "Where's Andrew Garfield? Didn't he come?"
"You'll see him soon," David Ellison replied. "A few big names are very interested in him — they're talking right now."
Gilbert raised an eyebrow. In Hollywood, when the powerful said they were "interested" in an actor, it usually didn't mean they wanted him for a film project.
If they used that particular word, it generally referred to another kind of interest.
Gilbert silently offered a moment of pity for Andrew Garfield — hoping the young man could somehow keep his innocence, though he knew that would be difficult.
Back when Gilbert was just starting out in his early twenties, he had received similar invitations a few powerful figures had wanted to "study the male anatomy" with him.
Fortunately, Gilbert had achieved success quickly, and his family connections were extensive. After he made his refusal clear, such things never happened again.
By comparison, Megan Fox could be considered rather lucky. Though David Ellison wasn't nearly as handsome as Gilbert, at least he was young far better than the old men who prowled Hollywood's darker corners.
After exchanging a few words with Ellison, Gilbert and Charlize Theron walked together into the banquet hall, which was already filled with familiar faces.
Their entrance naturally drew a great deal of attention. Whether people knew them personally or not, everyone wanted to come forward and greet them.
Compared with David Ellison, Gilbert was undoubtedly the one who attracted the most focus, as if he were the true star of the evening's celebration.
After a brief round of pleasantries, Charlize Theron spotted several of her close friends and leaned over to whisper in Gilbert's ear. "I'm going to say hi to a few people."
"Go ahead," Gilbert replied. "Just don't drink too much."
"I know," she said with a small smile. "I'll come back to find you."
As Charlize went off to socialize, a new circle immediately formed around Gilbert. Conversations buzzed with talk about Hollywood gossip, upcoming film projects, and release plans.
In one corner, a producer and a studio executive might be sitting together on a couch, quietly striking a deal to co-develop a film.
Elsewhere, behind the closed door of a small hotel room, two people — perfectly aware of what they were doing — might enter one after another to satisfy more primal desires.
It could be an actress and a director, or a male actor and a producer the combinations were endless. Sometimes two, sometimes three — the number hardly mattered.
Beneath Hollywood's glamorous surface, these unspoken exchanges unfolded night after night, and everyone had long grown used to it.
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