At the Oscar dinner later that night, everyone was super warm and friendly to Dunn, but he just wasn't feeling it—kinda blah, you know?
The actresses who get to attend a fancy event like this? They're all big shots in Hollywood—established, respected stars. It's not like those newbie actresses where you can just wave a hand and take them home. That kinda thing? Yeah, not happening.
"Ugh, am I really gonna spend another night alone?" Dunn let out a long, bitter sigh.
Just then, Kate Winslet quietly strolled over with a bright smile. "Hey, what's up with you? You don't look too happy. "
Dunn grumbled, "Got rejected. How could I be happy after that?"
Kate stifled a giggle and leaned in closer, lowering her voice. "So… Hilda just told me something. The Oscars can't drop two huge bombshells at once—like the youngest Best Actress *and* the youngest director. They're only gonna hand out one of those!"
Dunn couldn't help but crack a smile. Kate Winslet, bless her, was so adorably straightforward. Did she really need her agent to point out something that obvious?
Seeing Dunn's noncommittal reaction, Kate's delicate brows furrowed slightly. "No wonder the Academy had you present my award… Hey, do you think I kinda stole your Best Director trophy?"
"Huh?" Dunn blinked, caught off guard by her wild imagination. He straightened up and said, "What are you talking about? You earned it fair and square—nothing to do with anyone else!"
"Oh." Kate nodded, half-getting it, then whispered, "This party's so boring. Everyone's just grinning and spouting fake compliments. It's so phony."
"It's PR, you know? This is the time to network, make friends, build connections," Dunn said, shrugging it off like it was no big deal.
Kate pouted. "Still boring." Then her eyes sparkled with a sneaky glint. "I just had my assistant call up my besties to throw a party at my place. You in?"
"Me? Sure, why not? Going home alone sounds lame anyway." Dunn shrugged again. Plus, chatting with Leonardo wouldn't hurt.
…
Kate Winslet's rented spot in Beverly Hills wasn't huge, but man, was it lively!
There weren't many guys at the party, so hotshot Leonardo DiCaprio and big-time director Dunn Walker naturally became the center of attention for all the ladies there.
Neither of them were shy about it—welcoming everyone with open arms, cracking jokes, and keeping the vibe light and fun.
Within 20 minutes, Dunn was already arm-in-arm with this British actress, Elizabeth Hurley, heading upstairs to a bedroom, looking pretty cozy.
Most folks at the party knew each other—either Kate's old pals from the UK or artists under Hilda Quealy's wing. No one was a huge deal, so no one was judging anyone either.
With Dunn's current status and pull in Hollywood, he could've swapped Elizabeth Hurley for any other girl there, and they'd probably say yes without blinking.
But for now…
The rest were left with jealous glances and their backup option—Leonardo.
Leo, though? He played it safe. Flirting? Sure. Teasing? You bet. But anything more, like what Dunn was up to? Nope. Actors and directors are different beasts—image is everything to them.
Kate Winslet sidled up to one of her buddies, noticing her friend's pouty lips and sulky vibe. She couldn't help but laugh. "Reese, your soul's practically chasing Dunn upstairs!"
"Kate!" Reese shot her a playful glare. "You're one to talk! You hitched yourself to Dunn's coattails early on, and now you're an Oscar-winning queen. Me? I'm still stuck playing small fries."
They shared the same agent, and before coming, Reese had checked in with Hilda. Hilda knew Dunn well—his tastes, his habits—and had subtly hinted that Reese should cozy up to him.
It could be a major boost for her career.
Kate caught the drift in Reese's words and blinked. "Reese, wait… you're serious about Dunn?"
Reese huffed. "You think everyone's as lucky as you? Do you know how many people in Hollywood would kill to get close to Dunn? Ever heard of Liv Tyler? She was a nobody, then last year some rumors about her and Dunn popped up. Now? She's starring as the lead in Michael Bay's $140 million blockbuster *Armageddon*!"
Reese wasn't mad at Kate—just frustrated with the unfairness of it all.
Why did Liv Tyler get all the luck?
Looks? Figure? Reese knew she could hold her own against anyone!
Kate sighed. These days, her perspective had shifted—she'd seen and learned a lot. But back when she first hit Hollywood? She'd clawed her way up too.
The price? Who cares?
"If that's how you feel… how about I introduce you to Dunn when he comes back?" Kate offered.
Reese's eyes lit up like fireworks. "For real, Kate? Oh my gosh, you're the best friend ever!"
Kate hesitated for a sec, then whispered, "Dunn's solo right now. If you play your cards right, maybe even move into his place…"
Reese's excitement was practically flammable!
"I get it, Kate! Thank you! Oh wow, I don't even know how to thank you enough!"
Reese's hype was almost as wild as Kate's freakout after winning her Oscar.
Kate was quietly stunned. Her good friend Dunn Walker's status and influence in Hollywood had gotten *this* big? Thinking back to Hilda's earlier warning, it hit her—she'd been sitting on a goldmine of a friendship and hadn't even realized it.
"But…" Kate paused, "you've probably heard the rumors about Dunn. Even if you move in, it might only last a few months, tops."
Reese didn't flinch. "That's fine! Even if it's just one day, I'm not letting this chance slip by!"
An hour later, Dunn came back downstairs, looking sharp as ever. The girls at the party started scheming ways to catch his eye again.
Kate didn't need to—she grabbed Reese's hand and sauntered over to Dunn with a sly grin. "You didn't mess up my room, did you?"
Dunn waved it off. "It was the guest room, not your bedroom!"
Kate rolled her eyes, then pulled Reese forward. "Dunn, meet my friend Reese Witherspoon. She just dropped out of Stanford not too long ago."
"Oh?" Dunn didn't hide his once-over of the blonde bombshell—sweet face, petite but curvy, and that Stanford cred? Bonus points.
"Hi, Director Walker! So nice to meet you!" Reese puffed out her chest and flashed a megawatt smile, tilting her head just so.
"No need to be formal—call me Dunn." He reached out, shaking her soft hand. But the second he did, his heart skipped a beat, and his fingers brushed her palm teasingly.
He wasn't sure what Kate was playing at, so he tested the waters.
Sure enough, Reese responded—her little hand mirrored his, tracing and teasing right back in his palm.
Dunn got the message loud and clear. He shot Kate a deep, knowing smile. She wasn't stepping up herself, but she was serving her friend on a silver platter.
Not bad at all.
"Reese, wanna come over to my place after the party?" Dunn didn't beat around the bush—his eyes were blazing as he went straight for it.
Reese's lips curved into a sweet smile, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Sure, I'd love to!"
Kate gave him a look of pure disdain, but Dunn just grinned wider, pushing his luck. "Oh, and upstairs earlier, I already invited Elizabeth Hurley over tonight too. Reese, you don't mind, right?"
Kate's face dropped, and she nearly yanked Reese back. "Dunn, you're ridiculous! This is too much!"
But to her shock, Reese didn't budge—she leaned *closer* to Dunn, clutching his hand tight. "It's fine, Kate. I don't mind. I trust Dunn to handle it."
Kate's stomach twisted. These newbies and their ambition—where did it come from?
Dunn laughed. "Of course, Kate. You're getting way too uptight these days."
Kate's face flushed with anger—she was at a loss for words. Taking a deep breath, she said sternly, "Dunn, just… don't go too far. You know what I mean. It could hurt Reese."
Reese giggled. "Kate, you're worrying too much. Dunn won't bully me, I'm sure of it!"
Just then, a rosy-cheeked Elizabeth Hurley sashayed over, freshly touched-up makeup and all. She slid right up next to Dunn with a flirty smile. "What're we talking about?"
Kate, fuming at her charm, snapped, "Dunn's inviting you *and* Reese over to his place tonight!"
Elizabeth froze for a split second, her smile stiffening. But she recovered fast, gazing at Dunn with honeyed eyes and glancing at Reese. "Sounds fun! Reese and I are pals anyway—no awkwardness here."
Kate's eyes nearly rolled out of her head—she was *this* close to passing out.
belamy20