Chapter 228: Just a Verbal Thank You?
With Rumble in the Bronx and Interview with the Vampire wrapping production, and My Best Friend's Wedding officially beginning filming, Dawnlight Pictures continued its steady expansion.
Meanwhile, the industry landscape was shifting rapidly:
Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) acquired New Line Cinema and Castle Rock Entertainment for $625 million.
Viacom purchased Blockbuster for nearly $9 billion.
The reason was clear: Viacom's chairman Sumner Redstone and Barry Diller, leading QVC, were locked in a fierce bidding war over Paramount Communications. The price had already climbed to $9 billion.
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Los Angeles – Sofitel Hotel, Beverly Hills
Fresh from London, Kate Beckinsale stepped nervously into the suite. Only after spotting Aaron Anderson seated on the sofa did she finally relax.
"What—were you worried this was some kind of scam?" Aaron teased with a smile. Her sharp short haircut framed a youthful, striking face.
He handed her a script.
"Legends of the Fall. It's adapted from a novel. Directed by Edward Zwick. I mentioned it to you back in Cannes."
Kate nodded quickly.
"You did. But I thought you were just being polite."
She was excited—almost disbelieving. She had recently left Oxford's French campus and returned to Britain to focus fully on acting. Two low-budget offers had come her way—one even as lead—but both required nudity.
And now this—an opportunity from Dawnlight Pictures.
Aaron poured two glasses of wine.
"Pre-production's been underway for a while. Edward revised the screenplay himself, which took time. And we've been waiting on Brad Pitt. He's agreed to star, but he couldn't join until finishing Interview with the Vampire."
Kate smiled.
"I read the novel after leaving Cannes for Paris."
"Good," Aaron replied casually before asking, "So when do you graduate?"
"Graduate?" She shook her head. "I dropped out. Third year. Not long ago."
Aaron blinked. "You left Oxford?"
"I want to focus entirely on acting."
At just twenty, Kate had already reached her third year at Oxford—clearly brilliant.
"Alright," Aaron said lightly. "Let's grab something to eat."
She had just arrived in America. It was only right he played host.
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Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant
"Filming will take place in Montana and Alberta, Canada," Aaron explained. "Wide-open landscapes. Perfect for the story's epic, pastoral feel."
Kate listened intently. She treasured this opportunity. Several British actors had worked with Dawnlight and quickly risen to prominence—Catherine Zeta-Jones, Hugh Grant, Elizabeth Hurley.
She hesitated before asking softly:
"Why did you choose me?"
She didn't believe her looks alone could impress someone like Aaron. At his level, beautiful women were hardly rare.
Aaron smiled.
"No particular reason. I just think you're right for the role."
"Thank you for the opportunity," she said, meeting his gaze. "After dinner… may I invite you for a drink?"
Her voice carried both gratitude and a hint of daring curiosity.
Aaron nodded.
Back in the hotel suite, slightly tipsy after drinks at the bar, Aaron Anderson and Kate Beckinsale stumbled inside and immediately fell into each other's arms. Their heated kisses quickly thickened the air with desire.
Before long, clothes were shed and they made their way to the bed together.
"Mm… Aaron," Kate whispered softly, holding him close. "Back in Cannes… did you ever think about sleeping with me?"
Aaron, hovering above her, didn't hesitate.
"Of course. The moment I saw you, I was drawn in."
In his memory, her striking image—especially that cool, lethal aura he associated with her future vampire roles—had left a deep impression long ago.
Kate responded by pulling him down into another passionate kiss.
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The Next Morning
Aaron was still in bed when his phone rang. It was Joey Wong calling from Hong Kong.
"Yes, heading back to Hong Kong? Alright—help me pick up some property as an investment. We'll talk again toward the end of the year if I have time."
After hanging up, he let out a slow breath.
A moment later, Kate emerged from beneath the covers, cheeks flushed, resting her head against his chest.
"Do I need to stay in the U.S. now?" she asked.
Aaron ran his hand along her smooth back.
"Well, Legends of the Fall starts filming at the end of the year. That's less than three months away. You'll need rehearsals, script work, prep with the cast. There's no reason to fly back to London."
She nodded. "Alright. I'll stay."
"I've booked a room at the Hilton Garden Inn in Hollywood," she added.
Aaron smiled faintly. "Why stay at a hotel? You could move into my place."
Kate shook her head gently.
"That wouldn't be appropriate. Your house is… a bit too grand."
She was still just a young actress who had left university to chase a dream. Moving straight into Aaron Anderson's Beverly Hills estate felt like too much.
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That Evening – West Hollywood
Instead, Aaron drove her to a modest two-story apartment in West Hollywood—his old place.
"This is where I used to live," he said. "Back when I was still an agent at CAA."
The apartment was small but comfortable, filled with memories.
Kate looked around, clearly pleased.
"It's perfect."
She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him.
"Thank you, Aaron."
"As long as you like it," he replied, holding her by the waist. "Hollywood offers far more opportunity than London. Stay here. Focus on your career."
He paused, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"You're under my wing now. You'll shine here."
Kate smiled and nodded.
"If you miss me," she whispered playfully, "you know where to find me."
Her gratitude was unmistakable—warm, sincere, and deeply personal.