The restaurant's private room was spacious, divided into two sections. Dinner followed a Western-style individual serving format. Everyone present was familiar, having worked together on the same project. After eating and drinking, they broke into small groups, chatting leisurely.
Matthew spent some time discussing the upcoming shooting schedule with Ridley Scott. Noticing Jessica Chastain standing alone, he took the initiative to approach her.
Jessica, with her red hair, pale blue eyes, and fair complexion, wasn't conventionally striking except for her slightly prominent cheekbones. Yet, her demeanor exuded a rhythmic elegance unique to mature women.
"I heard from David and Megan that you were fantastic on the set of Zero Dark Thirty," Matthew began, adept at striking up a conversation. "That's why they recommended you to Ridley Scott."
Jessica smiled softly. "Thank you," she said in her calm voice. "Megan is... unique."
Matthew knew she was referring to Megan Ellison and asked, "Oh? What's something interesting she's done?"
Jessica, understanding what could be shared and what couldn't, answered naturally, "When Megan first contacted me, she sent me a text. I was filming at the time and didn't see it, so she sent a second text, demanding I call her back within five minutes."
Matthew played along. "Did you call her back in time?"
"Yes, within five minutes of seeing the text," Jessica replied, her elegant smile returning. "You wouldn't believe how assertive she was on that call."
Imitating Megan's tone, Jessica said, "Kathryn Bigelow has a film, and we need you for the role. We reached out to your agent, but he said you're unavailable. That's not an acceptable answer."
Matthew chuckled. "And that's how you ended up doing the movie?"
Jessica nodded. "Yes, exactly," she said without hesitation. "Megan has been a blessing in my life."
Then she looked directly at Matthew. "And so have you."
"That's too kind of you," Matthew replied, shaking his head. "You landed this role because of your talent."
It was a polite remark, of course.
Jessica continued, "People often say I'm a late bloomer, but I don't see it that way. I just didn't meet the right people who recognized my potential."
Matthew agreed inwardly but said, "Well, you've broken through now. The path ahead should be much smoother."
Jessica's journey reminded Matthew of how fortunate he had been. Early in his career, he'd met Angelina Jolie, then signed with Helen Herman, who connected him to Ridley Scott and later Jerry Bruckheimer.
While Matthew believed he would have eventually succeeded on his own, Helen Herman had undoubtedly made his journey far easier than Jessica's.
"Megan has helped me immensely," Jessica said softly. "She's strong-willed, but I'm very grateful to her."
Being a mature woman in her thirties, Jessica's words were thoughtful and measured.
Matthew understood that Jessica was likely aware of his close relationship with the Ellison siblings. Her words weren't just for him but also for Megan Ellison, should the message reach her ears.
A woman who had climbed up through minor roles knew how to navigate social situations better than any pampered debutante.
Matthew shifted the topic. "By the way, Jessica, I heard you worked on seven films last year. That's unbelievable."
"To be precise, it was over the course of a little more than a year," Jessica admitted openly. "A lot of people call me a workaholic."
Matthew looked at her, astonished. Such an intense filming schedule was rare in Hollywood, especially since Jessica had significant roles in all seven films, not just cameo appearances.
"I'm not a tall blonde, nor am I the typical Hollywood beauty," Jessica said candidly. "With my classic, non-modern features and red hair, nobody could pinpoint what roles I was best suited for."
She smiled at Matthew, adding, "So when opportunities came, I tried to take them all."
Jessica's voice was warm as she continued, "Many people say I'm a workaholic, but I'm just passionate about this job. For me, it doesn't feel like work. This is my dream, one that took far longer to achieve than I ever imagined. So now that it's here, I'm afraid it might vanish. That's why I work so tirelessly, like clutching at straws."
Matthew understood her mindset. For Hollywood actresses, Jessica had missed the prime age for stardom. Even as a late bloomer, age could quickly become a disadvantage, and the risk of falling out of favor always loomed.
Jessica likely felt a constant sense of urgency, driven by the idea that time was running out.
"For Hollywood women, fame has to come early," Matthew thought. Jessica's rise had come frustratingly late.
"You're remarkable," Matthew said with genuine admiration. "A true role model."
"Role model?" Jessica echoed, puzzled.
Matthew smiled, realizing she might not understand the local nuance of the term. "It doesn't mean a fashion model. It means someone who sets an example through their hard work."
"Really?" Jessica touched her fair cheek and, seeing Matthew nod, broke into a bright smile. "I like that title."
"It suits you perfectly," Matthew replied.
Jessica chuckled and said playfully, "I've been waiting for someone to understand me!"
She laughed, covering her mouth, and Matthew joined in.
Meanwhile, Lily Collins sat in a chair nearby, watching Matthew and Jessica interact. Tyrese Gibson sat next to her, telling jokes, but she didn't hear a word.
These little moments and Matthew's endless encounters with different women left her feeling uneasy, though she was used to it.
How many times had she seen Matthew charming women? Too many to count.
Thankfully, Matthew didn't belong to her—or any other woman, for that matter.
Lily pinched her cheek and forced herself to stop overthinking.
"You keep staring at the boss," Tyrese whispered, lowering his booming voice. "Lily, don't tell me you've got a thing for him?"
"Boss?" Lily repeated, turning to him.
Tyrese gestured subtly toward Matthew. "That's the boss of our Fast & Furious family!"
"Don't be ridiculous," Lily replied, glancing again at Matthew and Jessica, who were laughing together like old friends. "I'm just a fan of his."
Tyrese couldn't help but comment, "Well, Blake Lively was a fan of Leonardo DiCaprio too!"
Lily shot him a glare, and Tyrese quickly realized he'd said too much, retreating quietly.
Lily had heard the rumors about Blake Lively and Leonardo DiCaprio—that Blake had pursued him to fulfill her dream of dating her idol. Bold, even crazy, but she'd achieved her goal.
When the dinner ended, the cast and crew left in separate cars. No one seemed surprised when Matthew opened the door for Jessica to ride with him. This was just Matthew being Matthew.
The Mercedes vans quickly drove back to the hotel, with Matthew and Jessica's car arriving last.
In the lobby, Matthew accompanied Jessica toward the elevators. "I had a great time tonight," he said.
"So did I," Jessica replied with a smile.
Matthew made a suggestion. "Why don't we keep the conversation going? We seem to have a lot in common. How about finding a quiet place to talk through the night?"
Jessica hesitated. "But we have work tomorrow."
They stepped into the elevator, alone. Matthew pressed the button and said, "Don't worry. If we're tired, we'll rest."
Her previous words made it clear she wasn't entirely opposed.
After a moment of consideration, Jessica said, "This might be a bit too fast…"
Matthew reached out his hand. "I think it's just right."
Jessica hesitated briefly, then placed her hand in his. "It's rare to meet someone who understands me. I'd love to continue the conversation."
The elevator doors opened, and Matthew led Jessica down the quiet hallway to his suite. Once inside, their "conversation" soon transformed into a far more intimate exchange.
Among all the women Matthew had been with, Jessica wasn't the most conventionally beautiful. Yet her unique charm and commanding maturity were captivating.
Her fiery red hair paired with her porcelain skin made her exceptionally rare, a combination shared only with someone like Nicole Kidman—though Kidman had long since aged out of the "mature seductress" category.
Jessica, just reaching her peak, was utterly irresistible.
It was this perfect timing and balance that made her all the more alluring.
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