"I don't think it's going to be a problem," I said as I sat in the passenger seat of my car while Margot drove through the quiet suburbs.
She turned the wheel smoothly at the light, glancing at me out of the corner of her eye. "You've said that like ten times today."
"Because it won't be a problem," I said, adjusting the cuff of my sleeve. "Okay, maybe we'll make slightly less money than expected. But come on—we're going up against Iron Man 3."
The car rolled to a stop at a red light.
"You said that too," she said flatly. I could practically hear the eye-roll in her voice.
Wonder Woman was going to be released on May 2, 2014, the same day Iron Man 3 was scheduled to open. It would be one of the many clashes the MCU and the DCU would have in the future.
The Avengers vs. Batman was avoided because Batman was more popular, and Disney wanted to make more money. They could have released it on the same date, but it would have hurt both movies' finances. However, that wasn't the case now—Iron Man 3 was the most anticipated movie of the year aside from Superman. The hype was ridiculous. Coming off the phenomenon of The Avengers, Robert Downey Jr. was riding a wave most actors would kill for.
Disney believed it would easily outperform Wonder Woman, partly because there was still a stigma around female-led movies—especially superhero movies. They were also doing some shady stuff, which the studio and I would be dealing with this month.
"We've been going with this 'first-ever superhero film with a female lead' angle," I said.
Margot glanced at me, her eyes narrowed. "Commercialized feminism—great."
I gave her a look. "Seriously?"
"Just saying," she replied, the sarcasm bleeding through her grin.
"I mean, it's already working. Women are more interested in the movie."
Margot then looked like she was remembering something. "Wasn't that Halle Berry movie a female-led superhero movie?"
I groaned. "No. We don't talk about that abomination of a movie here."
Margot laughed. "I mean, I don't remember it being that bad."
I looked at her, stunned. "I want out of this relationship," I joked.
We pulled up in front of Cam and Mitchell's house. Before Margot could even honk, the front door swung open and out came Cam and Mitchell—hand in hand.
"Well, look who it is—the engaged men of the hour," Margot said.
Cam practically beamed as they got into the back seat. "It happened! Can you believe it?"
Mitchell smiled, more subdued but just as happy. "Yes, yes it did."
I turned around to face them. "Congrats again, guys."
Cam buckled his seatbelt, eyes wide. "Where are we going? Somewhere fabulous? Are there going to be celebrities?"
Margot put the car into gear and merged back onto the road.
I named the place, and Cam gasped dramatically. "Wait—that's Beyoncé's favorite restaurant!"
=====
The valet took the keys as we pulled up outside the restaurant.
The host led us to a corner booth, plush and semicircular, with a perfect view of the city lights twinkling through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Cam, Mitchell, and Margot were already deep in conversation by then.
"So during Tarzan," she said, lowering her voice, "the entire crew was distracted for, like, three straight weeks because Alex had to do those shirtless jungle scenes."
Cam leaned forward, wide-eyed. "You are so lucky. So lucky."
I rolled my eyes, feigning irritation. "Yay. So glad we brought that up."
Margot grinned, sipping her wine. "I'm pretty sure the movie's going to flop, by the way."
Cam waved a hand. "Doesn't matter. You got to work with Alexander Skarsgård. That's a life win."
Cam then changed the subject. "Soooo," he began, "Mitchell's been telling me all about the jealous actress drama. What's been happening with that? Are you going after her? Please tell me you are…"
I leaned back in my seat. "Oh, don't worry. There'll be an article coming out later tonight. Our counterattack, if you will."
Cam clasped his hands. "Oooooh, juicy."
"I still can't believe it was Amber Heard. I mean, she was so nice when we met," said Margot.
"Well, she showed her true colors. Come on, she's not even that famous. I only know her as Johnny Depp's girlfriend," Cam said.
"That's how she was able to do this to Margot," added Mitchell.
"Exactly. She will always be known as Johnny Depp's girlfriend," Cam said, supporting Margot.
Just then, our food arrived.
The conversation rolled on easily as we ate—I told a funny story about one particularly cursed dinner party involving three exes and one D-list actor who thought he was being cast in a Bond film.
At one point, Cam turned to me between bites of truffle pasta. "Directing a movie—that's amazing."
Mitchell added, "Are you really ready for that?"
I wiped my mouth with a napkin, shrugging lightly. "I mean… I've gotta start somewhere."
Mitchell gave a thoughtful nod. "Do you have something in mind?"
"I've got a few ideas," I said. "But nothing concrete."
As we were finishing up dessert—some kind of deconstructed tiramisu—Mitchell looked at me as though he remembered something. "So… why is my dad coming by the office tomorrow?" he asked. "Do you two have something planned?"
"Didn't Jay tell you?" I asked.
Cam perked up immediately. "Ooh, what is it?"
Mitchell looked between us. "I mean, he did mention something about writing a novel, but I thought that was a joke. Don't tell me he was serious."
"Oh, he was very serious," Margot chimed in, setting down her cup. "I read what he wrote—with Daniel. It's actually really good."
Cam clutched his chest dramatically. "I cannot believe this. Is Jay going to become famous now? Wow. I mean, I guess it makes sense. He was probably inspired by me—the first member of the family to break into show business."
Mitchell gave him a deadpan look. "Yes, Cam. I'm sure your half-second cameo in Toy Story was the defining artistic moment that pushed my father to write a novel."
What began as Gloria challenging Jay ended up lighting a fire under him to write the novel he'd always wanted to write. I had him change course from his original idea to something more familiar, and it worked. Two weeks ago, he sent me a manuscript, and it was honestly not bad. It needed work—structure, pacing, a bit of tightening—but the core? Solid. Surprisingly solid.
And yes, I may have accidentally fed him several key plot points from L.A. Noire, but hey—he took it and made it his own. That alone was impressive.
"I've got him meeting with Lucy tomorrow," I said to Mitchell. "She'll help him polish it up."
Mitchell blinked again. "Wait, so this is actually happening?"
I nodded. "Yep. Tomorrow. You'll see."
My phone buzzed. I took it out and glanced at the message.
"Well," I said, lifting the phone slightly, "looks like the first article's up."
Cam's eyes lit up. "Ohhh, let me see!"
Margot leaned toward me, just as curious. "Wait—already?"
I pulled up the article and tilted the screen so everyone could see. We all huddled closer, staring at the glow of my phone like it was the most important news in the world.
=====
Rising Star Reportedly Targeted by Jealous A-Lister's Girlfriend
By Lila Ashmore
Exclusive | March 14, 2014
Rumors that have followed actress Margot Robbie for months—from whispers of on-set drama to more salacious claims of infidelity—may not be what they seem.
Sources close to multiple PR circles are now claiming that the stories circulating about Robbie are part of a "coordinated smear campaign" allegedly orchestrated by another actress—one who was reportedly in contention for the lead in the award-winning crime drama Bonnie and Clyde.
The role, of course, ultimately went to Robbie, whose star has been rising rapidly in both critical and commercial circles.
Insiders note that the actress in question—who has similar features to Robbie—was said to be "deeply disappointed" after losing the role. While she has remained publicly silent, she and her boyfriend were reportedly vocal behind closed doors about the decision.
Investigations point to two key freelancers connected to a major PR firm in New York, who allegedly seeded the early negative stories to various tabloids and gossip blogs. These include claims that Robbie was "difficult to work with" on set and, more recently, baseless speculation about her personal life and fidelity.
When asked for comment, the firm declined, citing client confidentiality.
=====
Cam gasped dramatically. "Ooooh! This is so messy. I love it."
"Why wasn't Amber named?" Cam added.
"Well, this was just to make people speculate. I'm sure by the time the next one drops, everyone will have figured it out," I said.
"I like how she's called the A-lister's girlfriend," Mitchell remarked.
I nodded. "Yes, that was planned as well. By the end of this, I want Amber to be known to everyone as that one jealous actress who's Johnny Depp's girlfriend—nothing more."
"You wanna see the next article that's planned?" I asked.
"Yes!" they all said at once. Even Margot hadn't seen this one.
Cam leaned in immediately. "Gimme. Gimme."
====
How Margot Robbie Rose Fast in Hollywood — and Who Didn't Like It
By Celia Whitmore
Investigative Feature
Late last year, a sudden wave of negative stories began appearing about actress Margot Robbie, whose breakout performance that same year catapulted her to stardom.
The rumors ranged from claims that she was "difficult on set," to tabloid-fueled accusations of infidelity with her longtime partner, writer-producer Daniel Adler.
At the time, many dismissed the headlines as the usual noise surrounding a woman whose career was ascending too quickly for some to accept. But in recent weeks, industry insiders have started to point to something far more calculated—and far more personal.
Multiple sources now confirm that actress Amber Heard may have used her connection to longtime partner Johnny Depp's PR team to quietly push a campaign of character defamation against Robbie.
Through a series of confidential interviews and PR tracebacks, this reporter has verified that two major tabloid stories from December 2013 were pitched and shaped by freelancers with direct ties to Depp's team—many of whom have also represented Heard.
What's the motive?
According to insiders, Heard was up for two major roles in the past year that ultimately went to Robbie. The most recent: the coveted lead in the hit movie Bonnie and Clyde. Prior to that, both were in early talks for an unnamed period thriller produced by a major studio. In both cases, Robbie booked the job.
"I never saw an ounce of this so-called diva behavior from Margot," said co-star Garrett Hedlund, who plays Clyde opposite Robbie. "She came to set knowing her lines, knowing my lines, and treating everyone—from producers to PAs—with respect."
"She's one of the most down-to-earth actresses I've ever worked with," added Chloë Grace Moretz. "She works hard. She's never once acted like she was owed anything."
Another co-star in the ensemble cast echoed the sentiment: "If anything, Margot was the one making other people feel more comfortable."
And from her The Legend of Tarzan co-lead, Alexander Skarsgård: "I adored working with her. Margot is pure light. Nothing about the stories I've seen remotely matches the person I shared a set with."
If the stories are indeed traced back to Heard, it paints a troubling picture—not just of behind-the-scenes jealousy, but of a deliberate attempt to derail the rise of a fellow actress.
When reached for comment, no formal statements were issued by Heard or Depp's teams, and representatives for Robbie have declined to comment.
Still, the article ends with one undeniable truth: this is sabotage—of a rising star, of a good actress.
For Margot Robbie, it may be a speed bump—one she seems more than capable of navigating. But Hollywood has seen too many aspiring starlets brought down by whispers and headlines before they ever reached the peak.
Only time will tell if this is where it ends.
======
Cam set down his wine glass, still staring at my phone screen, then declared with dramatic finality, "Well. I think she's done."
Margot leaned back in the booth, arms crossed. "Maybe that was a bit harsh…"
I shook my head. "I think it needed to be harsher."
Margot gave a soft sigh. "I just want to put this behind me. All of it."
Cam nodded sympathetically. "You won, girl. When that article comes out, she is finished."
Mitchell agreed. "There's no coming back from that. If there ever was a plan, it's over."
I was about to say something when I caught a glimpse over Cam's shoulder. I blinked, squinted.
"Is that…" I leaned in slightly. "Is that Beyoncé?"
Cam froze. "What?"
I tilted my head subtly toward the far side of the restaurant, where the lighting was even softer.
"Oh my God. It's her. It's the Queen," Cam whispered, twisting in his seat to get a better look.
"Why don't you go meet her?" I said, nudging him.
Cam looked suddenly panicked. "No, no. I—I can't."
"Oh, come on," Margot said. "You have to!"
"You love her," I added, grinning.
Cam clutched his chest.
"Go," Margot urged. "She looks like she's in a good mood."
Cam stood up on shaky legs, smoothing his jacket.
"Is he… wobbling?" Mitchell asked quietly.
Margot squinted. "I think he's going to pass out."
"No, he's not," I insisted.
Margot glanced at me worried. "It happened to me when I met Meryl Streep….oh my god he is going to pass out."
"He's not going t—" I didn't even finish.
Gasps echoed through the restaurant.
Cam collapsed right in front of Beyoncé.
"Oh fuck," I said, already standing as Margot, Mitchell, and I rushed over.
.
.
You can read up to chapter 199
p.a.t.r.eon.com/Illusiveone (check the chapter summary i have it there as well)