Dunn plopped down on the edge of the bed, his body slick with a thin layer of sweat. He'd clearly overdone it, but his spirits were high—he looked downright triumphant.
Cate Blanchett wasn't much different. She knelt at his feet, holding a clean towel, carefully wiping the sweat off his body. Neither of them had a stitch of clothing on, and the messy bed behind them told the story of the wild showdown that had just gone down.
Seeing a woman with such a regal, queen-like aura kneeling there like a servant gave Dunn a massive ego boost. He nodded approvingly. "Gotta say, I didn't expect you to be so good at taking care of a guy. You're great in bed—and out of it, too!"
Cate's slightly flushed face tilted up, her voice soft. "I've never knelt like this before, let alone waited on someone."
Dunn grinned. "Oh yeah? Then I'm honored!"
She shook her head. "You deserve it."
"Oh? I don't think I've done much for you, have I?"
"Your strength, your status, your wealth—I think any woman would happily serve you like this."
Her words hit just the right spot. Whether they were true or not didn't matter—they fed Dunn's overflowing vanity perfectly. He reached out, lifted her pale chin, and nodded with satisfaction. "Didn't peg you for the obedient type!"
Cate smirked playfully. "If you like it… you can call me up anytime."
She was married now, and her contract with her agency had strict rules: no casual dating, no cheating. If word got out, it'd tank her image and cost the company big time. But when it came to Dunn? Even the top dogs at her agency couldn't do a thing about it.
"Call you up?" Dunn gave her a teasing, half-smile. "Aren't you married? Is that… okay?"
"We can be discreet—keep it on the down-low." Cate shrugged like it was no big deal, then giggled. "Doesn't that make it more exciting?"
Dunn chuckled and shook his head. Sure, he'd just slept with her, but it was more about curiosity—seeing what she was like, tasting the experience. Her looks, though? They didn't quite match his taste. Once or twice was fine, but making it a regular thing? Nah, he wasn't that into it.
"Yeah, maybe when the chance comes up," he said, his tone cooling off a bit.
Cate picked up on it and sighed inwardly. She couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious—thirties weren't exactly prime time for turning heads anymore.
But that was fine. She had other ways to win Dunn over. "By the way, there are more and more Aussie actors in Hollywood these days. The Aussie crew's influence is growing—it's big enough to sway the whole Australian film scene now."
That made sense. The "Aussie Gang" was led by Mel Gibson as president and Nicole Kidman as vice president, with a bunch of talented actors who'd made it in Hollywood. They were the cream of the crop from Down Under.
Dunn lifted his foot, letting her slip his socks on. "You Aussie actors stick together. Your influence in Hollywood's only gonna keep growing."
Cate nodded slowly. "Yeah, those of us who've made a name here use our pull to bring in others. Heath Ledger, Rose Byrne, Hugh Jackman—they all got their start that way."
Dunn smiled, sensing there was more to her words.
She tested the waters. "Some actors make it, but a lot don't—they just can't break through here. I was thinking of bringing over some talented Aussie actresses. You've got a sharp eye—could you help me screen them, see if they've got what it takes for Hollywood?"
Help her? Please. This was straight-up flattery—dangling more Aussie beauties in front of him like a gift.
Dunn laughed. "Isn't Nicole already doing that kind of thing?"
"Nicole?" Cate shook her head. "She's too careful. There are so many gorgeous girls back home—I think they've got real acting talent."
Dunn waved her off and stood up, letting her help him into his boxers and pants. "Kate, I get what you're going for, but resources are limited. I can't pour all my energy into your Australian girls. You should hash this out with Nicole."
He'd only known Cate for so long—sure, she could talk a big game, but Nicole Kidman was the one he trusted. They were real friends.
Cate was still kneeling. Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around his legs, looking up at him with pleading eyes. "Today wasn't the right vibe. Pick another spot, and I'll take care of you even better—any way you want!"
Dunn couldn't help but laugh. "Come on, I'm not some evil overlord. Is this really necessary?"
It was over-the-top!
"Kate, you've got it wrong. Today? I was totally satisfied. But the Aussie Gang stuff—that's for you all to figure out internally. I'm an outsider; it's not my place to meddle. Of course, if you need a hand, I'll step up."
He pulled her up from the floor, taking a moment to admire her figure before giving her a casual pat. "You've got a great body. I'll call you again sometime. Plus, I still want to see you and Rose perform together—remember that?"
Cate's worry turned to relief. "Thank you! Thank you!"
Dunn sighed. He never would've guessed that Cate Blanchett—elegant, poised, and commanding in public—could turn into this soft, helpless little thing around him. Which side was the real her?
Acting, man. She was *good*.
"Oh, by the way, how many assistants do you have right now?" Dunn suddenly thought of something. She'd gone all out for him—he ought to throw her a bone.
"Two. Why?" Cate looked puzzled.
"Here's the deal: I'll set you up with a full crew—makeup artist, stylist, health coach, nutritionist, driver, security, even someone to fetch your tea. They'll all be under Dunn Capital's payroll, and I'll cover the costs."
Her eyes lit up. "Seriously?"
Dunn grinned and gave her a playful tap on the hip. "You earned it!"
…
Dunn's arrival had stalled the film crew, and the newbie director, Patty Jenkins, was tiptoeing around nervously. Dunn, though? Not a hint of awkwardness. He even praised Patty for standing guard at the stairs, keeping the crew at bay. "Smart move," he said, clearly pleased.
Now he was downstairs, chatting and laughing with Natalie. He didn't hold back, either—bragging about how he'd just slept with Cate upstairs, like it was some badge of honor.
Natalie rolled her eyes and threw a few jabs his way, but she was used to it. She didn't react much, though she was skeptical when he mentioned Cate kneeling and begging like a little girl.
*Really?* That was Cate Blanchett they were talking about!
Twenty minutes later, Cate finally came down. Did she look meek or fragile? Not a chance. She was calm, wearing a professional smile, descending the stairs one slow, graceful step at a time.
Natalie shot Dunn a suspicious look.
He gave a wry smile. They called Cate a powerhouse actress for a reason—she was the real deal.
"Notice how slow she's walking?" he said, unfazed. "That's 'cause her legs are still shaky! You should've seen how I had her pinned on that bed—total domination!" He wasn't shy about it; this was about male pride, and he had to prove it to Natalie.
She stared at Cate, then squinted, a smirk tugging at her lips like she'd just struck gold. She bounced excitedly next to Dunn, whispering in his ear, "Oh my God, you're right! I see it!"
"What?"
She giggled mischievously. "Look at her knees—she's barely bending them! They must be sore from kneeling too long!"
Dunn took a closer look and cracked up. "Ha! Told you—I'm a beast!"
He shot Natalie a smug, challenging glance.
"Ugh, whatever!" She brushed him off, turning her attention back to Cate.
That woman was a master at playing the part. With her composed, easy smile and graceful air, who'd guess she'd just been through a storm upstairs?
Sure, they bickered—it was just their dynamic, a bit of fun. But Natalie knew Dunn's stamina all too well. When it came to *that*, he was the undisputed king!