292-294

Chapter 292: Stepping Stone 

Dunn knew Jeffrey Katzenberg was riding his coattails to get back at Michael Eisner. 

But he didn’t care. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. 

Plus, he’d been eyeing DreamWorks Animation, which Katzenberg controlled, for a while now. 

The ban? That had to be the biggest humiliation Michael Eisner had ever faced in his career! 

It all started with him, but who’d have thought he’d end up hoisting himself by his own petard? 

It’d become the biggest joke in Hollywood! 

Could you blame him? 

If it were anyone else—even Jeffrey Katzenberg—they’d have been crushed to dust, not a bone left. 

But Dunn… it was like he had some divine blessing, pure magic! 

Michael Eisner, mocked to his face in front of so many industry peers, felt humiliation wash over him. If he had a gun, he’d have shot Katzenberg dead on the spot! 

Dunn saw everyone’s weird expressions, barely holding back laughter, and felt downright giddy. Still, this was Saw’s celebration party—making too big a scene would just turn it into a farce. 

“Mr. Katzenberg, about the ban—you’ve got it wrong. I’ve already hashed it out with Mr. Eisner, and we’ve come up with a solid solution.” 

Dunn’s words were a lifeline for Michael Eisner, who grabbed it fast. “Exactly! The ban was just a misunderstanding. We sorted it out ages ago. All that noise out there? Pure rumors!” 

Ron Meyer, Barry Meyer, and the others let out quiet sighs of relief. Good—Dunn was backing off, not escalating things. 

There were plenty of small-time actors and even Hollywood’s deputy mayor in the room. Letting them see a rift at the industry’s core wouldn’t look good. 

Bill Mechanic, who knew Dunn better, just gave a wry smile. 

Dunn, backing off? 

Yeah, right. This was probably a tactical retreat! 

Sure enough, Dunn chuckled and said, “The ban? Mr. Eisner and I talked it over a bunch. He apologized, even fired Joe Roth, the head of the production department. So… it’s water under the bridge. On behalf of Dunn Films, I’m calling it done. Tomorrow, we’ll put out an official notice lifting the ban on Disney.” 

“Michael Eisner apologized? That’s a stretch, right?” Ron Meyer, Sherry Lansing, Tom Rothman, and the rest widened their eyes in disbelief. 

This was scarier than Saw! 

Even Michael Eisner froze, dazed. What was Dunn blabbering about? When did I apologize? 

He’d only come to this Saw party—meeting Dunn’s demands—to get the ban lifted because he wouldn’t apologize. 

The kicker? Dunn was saying this to bail him out, so he couldn’t even argue back. 

He just had to eat it! 

Eisner’s face turned green! 

This Dunn kid was too much! 

After a brief silence, Sherry Lansing jumped in with a laugh. “That’s the way to go! The ban was never proper anyway. Good thing it didn’t blow up and spread outside, or who knows what people would’ve thought of Hollywood.” 

Tom Rothman chimed in, “Right? It’s the 21st century—those old-school rules don’t cut it anymore. Even financing’s gone co-op now. Time to ditch the outdated ban tactics.” 

Michael Ovitz, stifling a laugh, put on a serious face. “Disney lifted their ban on Dunn Films ages ago. Since Michael Eisner apologized to Dunn, showed up twice to make amends, and owned up to it, Dunn should be the bigger man and let Disney off the hook.” 

That nearly made Eisner spit blood! 

Ron Meyer, worried the tension might flare up again, quickly changed the subject. “Anyway, since they’ve got a solution, the ban’s history. Ha, the last few months have been rough for Hollywood—let’s hope this kind of thing doesn’t happen again.” 

Dunn grinned. “No worries there—I’m not some petty grudge-holder! Ha, just not sure if Mr. Eisner’s still hung up on the past.” 

Eisner gritted his teeth and snorted, “I don’t have time to fuss over petty stuff like this!” 

He was fuming. 

Twice now, he’d attended Dunn Films’ parties, and twice he’d been made a laughingstock, his dignity trashed. 

This second time especially—he had to swallow his pride and let the “apology” story stick. 

He knew Dunn had always wanted Dunn Films to climb over Disney’s shoulders and stand tall atop Hollywood. 

Dunn Films hadn’t quite made it there yet, but Dunn himself sure had. Using Michael Eisner as a stepping stone, he’d earned the clout to lord over the pack! 

Being someone else’s stepping stone? That was the ultimate disgrace! 

Tom Rothman laughed it off, clapping his hands. “Since the misunderstanding’s cleared up, all’s good. Let’s raise a glass—to Hollywood’s bright future, led by co-financing!” 

“Great idea!” 

“Yeah, Hollywood should be all smiles!” 

“Cheers!” 

… 

Now that was a real celebration. This crew of Hollywood bigwigs clinked glasses with grins all around—a rare, joyful scene. 

Michael Eisner, though, wasn’t in the mood to chat and laugh with the crowd. Making some excuse, he bolted. 

He swore he’d never set foot in another Dunn Films party. 

It was a nightmare! 

His reputation’s Waterloo in Hollywood! 

Meanwhile, Dunn had truly stepped into Hollywood’s decision-making elite, becoming a bona fide mogul—the youngest one ever! 

The way people talked to him shifted. That old “little Dunn” nickname? Gone for good. 

This was real, equal footing. 

After a few rounds of drinks, Tom Rothman strolled over to Dunn with a glass of strong brandy, all smiles. 

He was clearly in high spirits—probably picked up some hints from Dunn and Ovitz’s chatter. A few extra drinks had his cheeks flushed, and he looked downright chipper. 

“Dunn, come on, a toast!” 

Dunn waved him off with a laugh. “Tom, you’re too kind. I should be toasting you.” 

Tom Rothman shook his head, dead serious. “Some things I won’t bring up—who hasn’t screwed up a time or two? But the future, ha, that’s what we’re looking at!” 

Dunn got the subtext and raised his glass with a smile, clinking it sharply against Tom’s and downing it in one go. 

They looked like old pals bonding over shared respect. 

Hard to believe that just months ago, they’d been slugging it out in the box office trenches, blood pumping. 

Legendary Pictures’ second deal was pretty much locked in—with 20th Century Fox as the partner! 

For the bigger picture, Dunn had to let go of that rocky past. 

Tom Rothman even more so. If he nailed this co-financing deal, his spot at Fox would be rock-solid! 

“Dunn, you know Roy?” Tom Rothman lowered his voice, his expression… a little sneaky, like he was hinting at something shady. 

Chapter 293: A Little Gift for You 

“Roy?” Dunn paused, thrown off for a second. He knew a few people named Roy. “Which Roy?” 

Tom Rothman leaned in, his tone hushed and secretive, like he was treading on dangerous ground. “The Disney one.” 

Dunn chuckled, finally piecing it together. “Oh, you mean Mr. Roy Disney! Of course I know him—he’s the co-founder of Disney, Walt Disney’s younger brother.” 

“No, no, no,” Tom Rothman shook his head quickly. “You’re thinking of Roy Oliver Disney. I’m talking about his son—Roy Edward Disney, Little Roy.” 

Dunn’s expression shifted slightly as it clicked. He got why Tom was being so cagey now. 

This was a Disney scandal. 

Back in the day, after founders Walt Disney and Roy Disney passed away, control of the company fell to Walt’s son-in-law, Ron Miller, and Roy’s son, Little Roy. The power struggle that followed nearly tanked Disney entirely. 

By 1984, things hit a boiling point. The shareholders stepped in, sidelining Walt’s faction and cementing Little Roy Disney’s position. They even shelled out big bucks to bring in Michael Eisner as a heavy hitter to balance the scales and keep the ship steady. 

But Little Roy couldn’t even stand his own brother-in-law—did anyone really think he’d tolerate an outsider like Michael Eisner? 

For over a decade, the two factions had been at each other’s throats, never letting up. 

Thing was, Eisner’s track record was too damn good. He’d taken a company on the brink of collapse and turned it into a global media juggernaut. That made him the undisputed king of Disney—his word was law. 

Even Disney’s president, COO, and ABC Group chairman, Robert Iger, was an Eisner handpick, a loyal right-hand man. 

But was Iger really Disney’s number two? 

Not even close. The real second-in-command was Little Roy Disney—vice chairman, executive director, and head of the animation division! 

Tom Rothman bringing up Little Roy Disney out of the blue? Dunn caught his drift immediately. 

No wonder this guy had clawed his way to the top, shoving Bill Mechanic out of Twentieth Century Fox. When it came to power plays, Tom Rothman was a pro! 

Dunn and Michael Eisner? That was a blood feud—no truce, no surrender. 

The current calm? Purely surface-level. 

Tom Rothman saw through it and was nudging Dunn toward a sharper strategy. 

Sure, Dunn had a golden touch with movies, but Disney’s empire was massive—way beyond what Dunn Films could shake. To take Eisner down for good, Dunn needed allies with real muscle! 

Michael Ovitz was one. Jeffrey Katzenberg was another. But those were outside forces. If Disney stayed united internally, Dunn wouldn’t have a crack to exploit. 

Find an insider ally, though? Hit Eisner from both sides—inside and out—and he’d be done for! 

Even Dunn had to hand it to him—Tom Rothman hadn’t beaten Bill Mechanic by accident. Mechanic was a film guy, great at management and production. Rothman? He read people, mastered the game of power. 

Success wasn’t luck, and facing this “old rival,” Dunn quietly admired his razor-sharp insight. 

Roy Disney… he was the heaviest chain around Michael Eisner’s neck! 

Tom Rothman caught the flicker in Dunn’s eyes and knew he’d gotten the message. With a slight smile, he played it off like nothing happened. “Alright, go chat with Tim then. I’m thinking of bringing him on to oversee Planet of the Apes.” 

Dunn nodded. “Oh, and Tom—have someone send over Fox’s movie data from the last few years tomorrow. Detailed stuff: costs, profits, ROI, the works.” 

Tom Rothman’s eyes lit up, his excitement palpable. “You got it!” 

… 

Dunn was in high spirits. He’d just climbed over Michael Eisner’s head in front of Hollywood’s elite, and the respect he’d earned was clear in their eyes and tones. 

Tom Rothman’s tip? That was a bonus—a fresh angle to take on EisAner. 

Dunn Films was unstoppable in the movie game right now. But to grow into a full-blown ecosystem, Disney would be standing in the way, no question about it! 

With Eisner’s personality, he’d never just sit back and let Dunn Films rise. 

Dunn had to strike first! 

Just then, Nicole Kidman’s soft voice floated over from behind. “Done with work talk?” 

Dunn grinned and turned around. Next to the stunning Nicole Kidman stood a strikingly beautiful girl. 

She wore a black backless gown, her long, slightly curled hair cascading over her shoulders. Red lips like fire, eyes like water, a killer figure—curvy hips, full and firm—every inch of her oozed allure. 

Dunn had seen plenty of beauties, but he couldn’t help stealing a few extra glances. “And this lovely lady is…?” 

Nicole Kidman stepped forward with a dazzling smile. “A little gift for you. Like it?” 

Dunn shook his head, laughing. “Nicole, you’re such a tease!” 

“Who’s teasing?” Nicole shot him a look, then grabbed the girl’s hand and placed it in Dunn’s. 

Dunn held the soft, delicate hand, catching the girl’s shy expression. Surprised, he glanced at Nicole. “You’re seriously giving her to me?” 

“What, you think I’m joking? Don’t tell me you don’t like her!” Nicole huffed. 

Dunn cleared his throat and looked at the girl. “She’s for real?” 

“Yeah.” 

“You’d really stick with me?” 

“Absolutely!” 

“What’s your name?” 

“Rose. Rose Byrne.” 

Rose Byrne? 

Dunn’s eyes widened slightly. No wonder she looked so familiar. 

Seeing him zone out, Nicole Kidman gave him a shove, annoyed. “What, a gorgeous girl handed to you on a platter, and you’re passing?” 

“No, it’s not that…” Dunn frowned, thinking it over. “Nat mentioned she made a good friend on set named Rose Byrne. That wouldn’t be you, would it?” 

“It’s me,” Rose admitted, her cheeks flushing. 

Dunn grimaced. “Well, that’s a problem!” 

“A problem?” Nicole scoffed. “Don’t act like I don’t know—Natalie’s never cared about your personal life.” 

Dunn shook his head, serious. “She doesn’t say it, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t care. Rose is her good friend—I can’t just sleep with my girlfriend’s bestie, can I? Even if she doesn’t say it, she’d be upset.” 

“Oh, come on, it’s not that dramatic!” Nicole snapped, getting irritated. 

Dunn stood his ground. “It’s about respecting Nat.” 

“Bull!” Nicole gritted her teeth. She’d spent three years with Dunn—she knew him inside out. “Rose is the most promising new Aussie actress out there. She just won Best Actress at Venice. You have to help her.” 

Rose clung to Dunn’s hand, looking up at him with pleading eyes. “Sir, I like you. I want to be with you. I’ll behave—I’ll do whatever you want.” 

Dunn hesitated, putting on a reluctant act. 

Nicole puffed up, fuming. “Dunn, if you turn her down this time, don’t expect me to hook you up with any more Aussie girls—ever!” 

Dunn smirked, ignoring the crowd at the party and the fact that Rose was right there. He reached out to pull Nicole in. “I’ve got you—that’s plenty.” 

Nicole swatted his arm away. “What, you planning to hog me forever?” 

“It’s not that extreme…” 

Mid-sentence, it hit him. He stared at Nicole, shocked. “Wait—you’re not trying to pawn Rose off on me to take your place, are you?” 

Nicole turned her head, not denying it. “I can’t be with you forever.” 

“Oh…” 

It clicked for Dunn. No wonder Nicole was pushing so hard—she wanted Rose to step in, keeping the “Aussie crew” influence alive by his side. 

“But Nicole, a stunner like you? I’m not done enjoying you yet…” Dunn lowered his voice, but Rose, standing close, still heard. Her ears turned red with embarrassment. 

Nicole was used to it. She rolled her eyes and bit her lip. “Rose is gorgeous too. I’ve been with you three years—Hollywood’s full of pretty girls, and Australia’s got tons of beauties. Why keep clinging to me? That’s boring.” 

Dunn sighed. “You’re just so captivating—more intoxicating than fine wine.” 

“I’m 33,” Nicole softened, leaning into him. “How many years of ‘captivating’ do I have left? Young girls are great—sweet, thoughtful, full of life. Look at Rose—gorgeous, right?” 

Dunn turned, giving Rose another thorough once-over. “She’s stunning. Great figure too.” 

Nicole grinned. “See? Try something new! If you don’t like her, I’ll find you another Aussie girl. We’ve got beauties to spare!” 

Rose sidled up to Dunn’s other side, mimicking Nicole’s gentle tone. “Yeah, sir, just give me a shot. If you don’t like me, I swear I’ll walk away—no clinging…” 

Chapter 294: Well, Let’s Give It a Shot 

Dunn felt a restless buzz inside him, with two gorgeous women nestled against him. His throat went dry. “Try it out… so we’ll start with a trial run?” 

Nicole Kidman’s voice was soft. “Yeah, have her move in with you for a bit. If it doesn’t work out, she can just move out. Us Aussies are straightforward—no messy entanglements. Remember how it was with Naomi?” 

Dunn cleared his throat awkwardly. “The main thing is, I’ve got too many girls already. Energy’s running low.” 

“How many?” Nicole asked. 

“Well, there’s three big-time models in New York. Here in L.A., not counting short-term flings like Sophie Marceau or Liv Tyler, I’ve got steady ones—Charlize Theron, Penelope Cruz, and my two secretaries. You know them, Isla Fisher and Reese Witherspoon.” 

Rose Byrne blinked, stunned. 

Nicole Kidman just fluttered her lashes, unfazed. “That’s it? No more?” 

“Uh…” Dunn hesitated. “There’s this girl, Anne Hathaway. She reached out once. Left a good impression.” 

Nicole let out a quiet chuckle. “That’s not even that many! I figured, with your personality, you’d have at least a dozen steady girlfriends by now.” 

Dunn’s mouth twitched. “I’m not made of steel!” 

Nicole smirked, teasing. “Oh, I know you too well. When you see a top-tier woman, you claim her first, whether you actually ‘use’ her or not. You’ve got a serious possessive streak.” 

Dunn thought it over and shrugged casually. “Maybe. But I don’t see it as a flaw. A strong possessive drive just means a strong ambition. That’s what makes a successful man.” 

“Alright, alright, you’re a success—the most successful man. Happy now?” Nicole giggled, tossing him a playful glance before nodding toward Rose. “What about her? Don’t tell me you’re not tempted.” 

Dunn turned to Rose, who was biting her lip, looking less sure than before. “Rose, I’ve been with a lot of women, and going forward… there’ll be even more. You need to think it through.” 

“I…” Rose faltered, rattled after hearing Dunn list off so many names. 

Nicole furrowed her delicate brows. “What’s there to think about? Rose, this is a one-time shot. If you’re not in, I’ll just find someone else. Like I said, you’d be taking my spot by Dunn’s side. I’m sure you get what that means.” 

Aussie actors in Hollywood were famously tight-knit. 

Beyond the ‘90s trailblazers like Mel Gibson, Geoffrey Rush, Nicole Kidman, and Cate Blanchett, every new Aussie actor since had leaned on their connections, getting into Hollywood through the Aussie old-boys’ network. 

Take Heath Ledger, Hugh Jackman, Naomi Watts, Margot Robbie, Abbie Cornish—even “Thor” Chris Hemsworth, who got his Disney gig thanks to “Captain Barbossa” Geoffrey Rush. 

Rose Byrne herself had landed a tiny role in Star Wars: Episode II through Cate Blanchett’s help, though Cate’s pull wasn’t strong enough to score her anything bigger. 

The “Aussie gang” had shot up in Hollywood over two decades, rivaling the “Brit pack,” thanks to their united, steady vibe. 

Now, Dunn’s influence in Hollywood was growing fast. Sure, Nicole had a decent friendship with him outside their past fling, but in this town, deals often trumped buddies. She wasn’t about to let a powerhouse like Dunn slip away. 

Dunn frowned. “Come on, Nicole, you’re overthinking it! Even without that old tie, I’d still go all out to help Aussie actors break into Hollywood.” 

Nicole shook her head. “It’s just mutual benefit… Right, Rose?” 

Rose nodded quickly. “Yeah, that’s what I think too.” 

Dunn sighed. “Nicole, why push it?” 

Nicole gave him a weird look, growing more puzzled. 

What was up with Dunn today? A beauty handed to him on a platter, and he’s hesitating? That’s not like him! 

Too many women, not enough energy? Bull! 

With his macho personality, Nicole knew he’d claim every gorgeous woman in the world if he could—especially a stunner like Rose Byrne. 

“Dunn… you’re not setting me up, are you?” Nicole narrowed her eyes suspiciously. 

Dunn’s heart skipped. “Set you up? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

“Hmph! Your face just gave you away!” Nicole huffed, annoyed. “Spill it—what condition are you angling for now?” 

Dunn rubbed his hands, grinning sheepishly. “Nicole, since you’ve already guessed, do I even need to say it?” 

Nicole’s expression shifted, her lips pursed as a shy hesitation crept in. “A threesome?” 

“Could we?” Dunn slid an arm around her waist, voice low. “Just try it?” 

Rose caught on too, her pale face flushing like her bold red lips, radiating a sultry charm. 

“What do you think?” Nicole took a deep breath, turning to her. 

Rose, just 21 and new to Hollywood’s wild scene, relied on her Aussie crew for guidance. She had no firm opinion, murmuring weakly, “I… I’ll go with you.” 

Dunn chuckled, pulling her into his other arm. 

Left and right, two beauties in his embrace—it felt amazing! 

Especially in this semi-public party setting, it was like staking his claim. 

Nicole paused, then sighed softly. “Dunn, just this once. One time only.” 

“What? Seriously?” 

Now it was Dunn’s turn to be shocked. The sudden bliss threw him off, excitement bubbling over. 

Nicole bit her lip. “After tonight, I’m moving out. I’m 33—not young anymore. I need my own life. I can’t keep coasting with you like this.” 

“What about after?” Dunn asked, reluctant to let go. 

“We’re friends! Isn’t Miss Winslet your best pal too?” 

Dunn coughed, lowering his voice. “I mean, if I really miss you, could we…” 

“We’ll figure that out later!” Nicole waved him off, a little exasperated. “You’ve got plenty of girls anyway—losing me won’t make a dent. Besides, I’m handing you Rose to take my place, right?” 

“Fair enough!” Dunn agreed fast. “So, tonight—we all head home together?” 

“Yeah.” 

Nicole’s face looked a bit off. 

Rose was too flustered to even speak. 

With two stunning women in his arms, Dunn was over the moon, already buzzing with anticipation for the night ahead. “Oh, Rose, who’s your agency?” 

“My contract’s still with one back in Australia.” 

“Hm?” Dunn raised a brow. “Since you’re with me now, you’ll be staying in Hollywood. Come on, I’ll introduce you to a friend—time to switch!” 

Nicole wriggled out of his hold. “Take her over. Let me know when you’re leaving.” 

Dunn smirked. “Over thirty and still shy, huh?” 

With Nicole’s big-sister aura gone, Dunn softened up, and Rose relaxed too, pouting playfully. “Says you! Left and right in your arms, but we’ve still got to head home, right? Everyone’s watching—she’s a huge star!” 

Dunn laughed. “Don’t worry, you’ll be a big star too someday!” 

In her past life, Rose Byrne’s career hadn’t taken off in Hollywood. 

But at just 21, she’d snagged a Venice Best Actress award—proof of her killer talent. With a gorgeous face and figure to match, a tweak to her accent and some PR polish could easily make her a top-tier star. 

With Dunn’s pull and resources, launching a few stars who never broke out before was a breeze. 

Just then, Cate Blanchett strolled over after a quick chat with Nicole, beaming. “Dunn, congrats! Snagged yourself a beauty.” 

Dunn laughed heartily. “Thanks!” 

Cate gave Rose a long look. “By Dunn’s side, some things you don’t see, some you don’t hear—got it?” 

Dunn waved a hand. “Cate, you’re too paranoid! No need for that. As long as Rose keeps her lips sealed and doesn’t spill my private life to the press, we’re good. Come on, what’s our bond worth if you’re saying stuff like that?” 

Cate smiled, satisfied. “So where are you whisking her off to? Upstairs for a room?” 

“You’re a riot!” Dunn chuckled. With paparazzi lurking outside the venue, who’d dare book a hotel room so blatantly? 

“Her agency’s still in Australia. I’m getting Michael to sign her to AG.” 

“Michael Ovitz?” Cate paused, surprised. 

“Yep, him.” 

Cate took a deep breath. She’d made her mark in Hollywood and knew what Michael Ovitz represented. 

His AG Agency might be small potatoes, but with Legendary Pictures’ clout… it was obvious. Co-financed films would prioritize AG talent! 

With that powerhouse backing and Dunn Walker’s endorsement, Rose Byrne’s career was about to hit a whole new level. 

“Rose, looks like it’s your turn for congrats,” Cate said with a knowing tone. 

Rose smiled gratefully. “Thanks to you too! Without your help, I wouldn’t have gotten to Hollywood—or met Mr. Walker.” 

“Yeah, you’ve got some luck!” Cate’s words carried a hint of envy.