At noon, after discussing an investment with Echo Films' general manager, Chris Hahn, Luca gave Aniston a call.
"Jen, are you serious about this investment?"
"Yes, last time I asked if you were confident, and you said 100%. I believe in you!" Aniston replied with a smile.
Luca felt a bit touched. "Investing just because of what I said, isn't that a little impulsive? It's two million, you should be more cautious."
"Is two million a lot?"
Luca paused. Thinking about how her advertising income was over $100 million a year and her net worth was in the billions, he closed his mouth. She really was loaded.
"Thank you, Jen. The Step Up crew won't let you down."
Initially, Luca was going to cover the shortfall himself, hoping to make more when the film was released. Now, things were looking better—earning money together with Aniston would be mutually beneficial, and future collaborations would be smoother.
"Don't thank me. If you really want to show your gratitude, I have a small request," Aniston said with a playful tone.
"What is it?"
Luca was curious and a little nervous, hoping it wasn't some kind of "hidden rule."
"Umm... you called me 'Jen' earlier. I like it. Can you say it a few more times?"
"Uh... this..."
"Are you shy?" Aniston burst into laughter.
Luca was feeling helpless. Talking with an older woman was dangerous—one wrong move, and you're being teased.
"Jen, I'm a man of principles. I would never call you 'Jen' again. If I did, what would people think of me? They'd think I'm trying to sweet-talk you! So, don't bring it up again. I won't call you 'Jen'!"
"Haha, Luca, you're too cute."
Cute?
A strong, masculine man being called "cute." He felt like he was losing face just for money.
Luca sighed. He was about to speak when he heard a man's voice through the phone.
"Jen, I heard you're planning to invest in Luca's movie?"
It sounded like Pitt, and he didn't sound happy.
Before he could listen further, Aniston said she would talk later and hung up the phone.
Luca frowned. Were they going to argue over this? If it caused issues in their marriage, the blame would fall on him, and that was something he didn't want.
After thinking for a while, he sent Aniston a message.
Meanwhile, under the bright Los Angeles sun in Beverly Hills, Brad Pitt strode onto the villa's balcony in overalls.
"Jen, I heard you're investing in Luca's movie?"
"Who told you that?"
Aniston set down the phone and sat up from the beige sofa. Sunlight bathed her, casting a glow on her golden hair and dress, making her feel lazy and unwilling to move.
"Is it true?"
"Yes, is there a problem?" Aniston was a bit irritated.
The deal had just been finalized, and Pitt already knew. It was time to reevaluate the people around her.
"Jen, that project is doomed to fail. It has no investment value. I hope you reconsider."
Pitt sounded accusatory.
Aniston glanced at him and calmly replied, "We have a prenup that says we don't interfere in each other's work. This is an Echo Films investment, and it has nothing to do with you."
Talking about Echo Films reminded Aniston of her frustrations. When they founded Plan B Productions, it was supposed to be their joint venture. But now, Plan B was entirely Pitt's domain.
Last year, she wanted to shoot The Blind Side, but it didn't get approved during the company meeting.
She was disappointed and decided to start her own thing.
"Alright, let's be honest, Jen. Are you investing because of Luca?"
Pitt stood in front of the sofa, confronting her.
"Yes, it's because of Luca. He's talented and a friend. I want to work with him."
"Friend?" Pitt scoffed. "He's just using you for fame. What kind of friend is that?"
"I don't see it that way. Luca is talented and hardworking. He doesn't need to use me for fame. Even if he were, it wouldn't matter. I'm willing to help him."
"Even if it means generating scandalous rumors?"
"So what? It's just gossip." Aniston's voice remained calm.
Pitt's expression darkened. "Jen, you're my wife. When those rumors about you and Luca came out, did you think about how I would feel?"
"My feelings?" Aniston let out a laugh. "That's funny. We just had coffee together, and you were upset. But when you slept with all those women, did you think about how I would feel?"
Pitt's heart raced. "I—"
"Don't lie. You think I don't know just because you covered up the news? I know everything, Brad. Every. Single. Thing. I didn't confront you before because I wanted to protect the scraps of love we had left in this marriage.
But I was wrong, so wrong. Every time I compromised, all it did was make you cheat more. Do you think I'm that easy to fool?" Aniston's eyes filled with tears.
Pitt shook his head. "Baby, you're misunderstanding—"
"Don't touch me!" Aniston pushed his hand away. "You've been out partying, living your life, without a care for me. And now, just because I had coffee with Luca, you're accusing me? Did you even have me followed?
Tell me, Mr. Pitt, after all this time, did you ever see me sleep with Luca?"
"...No."
"Then why are you using this to confront me?"
Aniston wiped her tears and sighed. "Luca is just a friend. What's wrong with me investing in his film?
I know you don't like him and have been targeting him. Last year, you got him blacklisted and cost him jobs. Wasn't this sudden withdrawal of Summit Entertainment's investment your doing too?"
"Baby, it wasn't like that—"
"Stop lying, Brad!"
Summit Entertainment producer Akiva Goldsman had worked with Pitt many times. Now they were filming Mr. & Mrs. Smith together. Aniston didn't believe it was a coincidence.
"...Alright, it was my suggestion. I don't like that Brazilian hillbilly. Seeing him in the news makes me sick. I want him out of Hollywood. Is that so wrong?"
Pitt's expression grew cold, his eyes flashing.
Even though Luca and Aniston never slept together, those photos of them smiling so brightly during their outings were like knives stabbing at Pitt's heart. That was why he despised Luca, and he'd do anything to ruin him.
Aniston stared at him for a moment before sighing. "Fine, you can target him all you want. That's your business. But I'm free to help my friend."
"Alright, alright. If that's your decision, I won't interfere. I hope you and Luca have a wonderful collaboration."
Pitt smirked, swiping a vase off the table.
Crash!
Shattered pieces scattered across the floor.
Aniston barely glanced at the mess, her gaze following Pitt as he stormed out.
"Wait!"
She spoke softly just as Pitt reached the door.
"I can agree not to work with Luca."
"Really?"
Pitt stopped, surprised.
"But you have to agree to something too."
"What's that?"
"I don't like Jolie. Can you stop working with her?"
Rumor had it that Jolie often developed feelings for her co-stars. She'd married both of her previous husbands after working with them, and they had both been married at the time.
Pitt had the same issue.
Aniston couldn't help but feel uneasy about Pitt and Jolie filming Mr. & Mrs. Smith together.
Pitt frowned. "Jen, this is my work."
"Is that a no?"
Aniston stared at him intently, her eyes pleading.
"Baby, you know this project was designed for me. If I back out, the whole thing falls apart. The losses would be huge. I hope you understand. I promise you, you're the one I love most."
"Really?"
Aniston pushed him away. "How many times have you said that? Did it ever mean anything? Please stop saying it. It's disgusting."
"..."
Pitt's face stiffened.
"Jen, whether you believe me or not, I always keep my word."
With that, he turned and left the room.
"Can you, really?"
Aniston stared blankly after him for a moment before shaking her head with a faint smile.
The sun was still shining brightly, and the flowers on the balcony were still blooming beautifully.
With a soft sigh, she lay back down on the sofa and lazily picked up her phone.
There was a message from Luca. She opened it and smiled.
"Don't worry, little guy. Once I make a decision, I won't back down. What's two million? If I lose it, so be it"
Support me by leaving a comment, voting, and visiting my Patreon at belamy20