[Chapter 295: Do You Think I'm Blind?]
Dr. Chase was a charming psychiatrist who found herself fascinated by Batman after their encounter. This intrigue drew her to delve deeper into his dual nature. As she got to know the man behind the mask, Bruce Wayne, she developed feelings for him.
"When performing, you have to pay attention to the nuances," said Link, the director, as he discussed the role of Dr. Chase in Batman Forever.
The conversation was lively at the round table, but then Link felt a soft touch on his calf. Glancing down, he saw a perfectly manicured foot gently rubbing against his leg, the movement gradually becoming bolder.
"Link, what should I be mindful of while performing?" Nicole Kidman said, her sparkling eyes and bright smile captivating everyone.
Link raised an eyebrow, internally questioning the audacity of this woman. Didn't she notice her husband was right beside her? He felt an urge to excuse himself to avoid any scandal, but it was just a few innocent touches -- or so he thought.
The atmosphere was becoming increasingly inappropriate.
"Nicole, when performing, you need to embody not just Dr. Chase's elegance but also her intellect and professionalism as a psychiatrist. Make sure everyone knows that she's a competent mental health professional first, and then a captivating woman. That balance is what will make your character three-dimensional," Link advised, trying to refocus their discussion.
He gently pushed her foot away, but within moments, it slithered back like a snake. Nicole leaned against the table, biting her lip, her cheeks flushing pink. "Link, I've heard that psychiatrists often have their own issues. Shouldn't I portray her as a bit crazier or edgier? A blend of beauty and madness might leave a lasting impression, don't you think?"
"Not necessary. Dr. Chase is a stable character, not some wild woman. No need to exaggerate her personality."
"Maybe not, but as a woman, I understand that many women appear to be composed while hiding some darkness within," she countered playfully.
Nicole began to move her feet flirtatiously, a sly smile on her face. "Once Dr. Chase realizes Batman's dual nature, her curiosity drives her to dig deeper into it. But with his secretive identity, she can't maintain a relationship for long. This obsession leads her to collaborate with Two-Face and the Riddler, deliberately getting captured by Two-Face to lure Batman into rescue -- an elaborate plan to catch him."
"Stop!" Link interrupted, exasperated. This woman was rewriting the character into a complex villain, complicating what should be a straightforward story.
After all, Batman Forever was meant to be a blockbuster, and a convoluted plot could turn audiences away and lead to box office failure. That approach was entirely inappropriate.
"Nicole, please adhere to the script as it is, no need to spice it up."
"Alright, I'll take your advice. Whatever you say," Nicole replied cheerfully.
...
Meanwhile, Tom Cruise's expression darkened as he observed what was unfolding, feeling increasingly uncomfortable. He could not believe that Nicole continued her flirtation while Link remained seated, clearly ignoring him. It was infuriating.
"Tom, I hear there's a misunderstanding between you and Link. Since he's here, let me play mediator and help you resolve it," Nicole suggested, turning to Tom.
Tom remained stoic but was troubled by Nicole's flushed cheeks and entrancing gaze. "Not necessary!" he snapped.
"Tom, stop that. Link is one of the best directors in Hollywood, and you are an amazing actor. Wouldn't it be better for both of you to be friends instead of enemies?" Nicole countered with a bright smile.
"Can you two wrap it up already? How much longer is this going to take?" Tom asked impatiently.
"Doesn't seem like it'll end soon. Link has a way of peeling back the layers of Dr. Chase, giving me a deeper understanding of the character. I want to chat with him a little longer. If you're busy, you can go ahead; I'll find you in a bit," Nicole said with a sparkle in her eye.
"I'm not busy!" Tom retorted, sulking at the table. He didn't want to leave while they potentially took things further in public.
Link shook his head, recognizing the tension. Their dialogue revealed a rocky relationship, but he had no interest in meddling. After a few more exchanges, he endured the awkwardness and decided to excuse himself.
...
Nicole watched him leave, giggling behind her hand as she slipped into her high heels, feeling the heat rising in her cheeks as if she were walking on hot coals.
"What are you doing?!" Tom hissed, grabbing Nicole's arm.
"I was just chatting with Link, didn't you hear?" she responded, feigning innocence.
Tom glared at her, wanting to expose her under-the-table antics but swallowed his words. He was her husband, and now that he had seen this, he should've acted quicker. If she confronted him about his inaction, he would lose his dignity.
"Can you stop with the chatting? Everyone knows I have issues with Link. If you get too close to him, what do you think people are going to think of me?" Tom whispered as he noticed onlookers.
To diffuse the situation, he put his arm around her shoulders, forcing a gentle, loving smile, as if he were sweet-talking her.
"Fine, I'll be careful," Nicole replied sweetly, leaning into her husband while her gaze followed Link into the crowd, a seductive smile dancing on her lips.
...
"What were you and Link discussing?" Michael Ovitz asked as he walked over, cutting straight to the point. He had heard that there was a seemingly friendly chat between Link and Tom, and that didn't sit well with him.
"Michael, I just thought I'd mediate the misunderstanding between Tom and Link, so they could work together smoothly in the future," Nicole explained with a bright smile.
"She's out of her mind; I will never work with Link," Tom declared, his face hardening.
Nicole laughed lightly and added, "Michael, why don't you convince Tom to bury the hatchet with Link? If they become friends, I can also collaborate more with Link. Plus, we could invite him to parties at our place. Wouldn't that be great?"
Michael furrowed his brow, almost dismissing her idea, but then considered the potential benefits. If Tom and Link reconciled, Nicole could get closer to Link, easing her access to him.
Once Link ended up in Nicole's life, things would simplify considerably. The next time rumors about Link circulated, it wouldn't matter how he obtained material to spin a story -- it would be worth it.
Michael narrowed his eyes and smiled, "Nicole makes a good point. Tom, you should consider reconciling with Link when you get a chance."
"Michael, are you serious?" Tom asked, bewildered.
Michael chuckled and put his arm around Tom's shoulders, quietly explaining the advantages of this approach.
*****
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