The richest actor in Hollywood.

At five in the afternoon, Matthew finished his sword training and returned early to Beverly Hills. As soon as he entered the Horner Estate, he saw Lester standing on the estate's road, directing workers to tidy up the trees in the front yard. It seemed like Lester wasn't just a high-ranking executive of Red Penguin Company but also Matthew's butler.

Matthew parked his car, got out, and walked over. Despite Red Penguin Company's expansion in recent years and Lester's high-ranking position, he was here mainly to show his dedication to such an important client and to secure more business.

The Horner Estate looked luxurious and grand, but this grandeur was meticulously maintained and cultivated. The annual maintenance costs alone were in the tens of thousands of dollars.

The trees in the front yard provided excellent greenery and privacy, shielding the estate from prying eyes. Keeping the trees healthy, even preventing minor deaths, wasn't easy.

Pest problems, in particular, were a major headache.

Recently, several trees had died from gypsy moth infestations, so Matthew had Lester arrange for someone to deal with the problem.

"Hi, Matthew," Lester greeted, having spotted him.

Matthew walked over and stood next to Lester, looking at the workers not far away, who were cutting down a dead tree and preparing to remove it.

"How's it going?" Matthew asked, "Is it serious?"

Lester pointed at the dead tree and said, "It's under control. I've arranged to have the worst-affected, unsalvageable trees removed and replaced with new ones."

Matthew nodded, "Make sure to choose tree species that are less prone to pests."

"Yes," Lester agreed and then reminded, "Tomorrow, I'll have people come to spray the gypsy moth pesticide. You should avoid coming back to the estate for the next week. The servants should also reduce their outdoor activities."

"I'll give them the week off," Matthew understood the importance and said, "I'll arrange for the gate guards to assist you tomorrow. Once I leave for work, you can start immediately."

He thought for a moment and then asked, "Are the community and government okay with this? Do we have all the necessary permits?"

Spraying chemicals in residential areas was strictly regulated.

Lester quickly replied, "Don't worry, everything is sorted. Beverly Hills is currently combating gypsy moths, so there are no issues."

Matthew said nothing more and turned towards the cream-colored mansion. Lester, knowing the drill, followed without needing an invitation.

He wasn't here just to supervise the workers cutting trees.

"Matthew," Lester pointed at the vast estate and said, "Don't you find your new home a bit empty?"

"Empty?" Matthew didn't quite understand his meaning.

Lester smiled, "Since moving in, you haven't thrown any parties."

"That's true," Matthew nodded, "I should host a party when I have time."

He thought about the two charitable foundations Amanda was organizing, which would host a large charity banquet and auction. He wondered if the Horner Estate would be a suitable venue.

Seeing Matthew seriously considering it, Lester added, "If you need female guests, just let me know."

Matthew couldn't help but laugh and said, "I'll notify you when I need them."

Lester timely asked, "How about the highest-end ones?"

Matthew knew he was referring to the top model who charged two million dollars a night, and Lester reignited his curiosity. "You've got to tell me who she is. How do I know if she's worth the two million if you don't tell me?"

If Lester brought someone like Naomi Campbell, he really couldn't handle it.

"Well..." Lester hesitated but then said, "Matthew, there are rules in this business. I can't disclose any information before a deposit is made. Honestly, I don't know her exact identity. Only our boss knows, as she's our company's ace."

He appeared sincere, "My job is mainly to find suitable clients."

Matthew chuckled, "Clients like me?"

Lester nodded, "Yes, she has client requirements too and will reject those she finds unsuitable."

Matthew understood, "That's to highlight her status and value, right?"

"Exactly," Lester admitted. "If she accepted any client, she wouldn't be top-tier."

"Oh..." Matthew's curiosity grew, but he didn't press further. Instead, he asked, "If the deal goes through, how much commission would you get?"

Lester didn't hide anything, holding up a finger, "A hundred thousand dollars. Red Penguin would get about three hundred thousand."

Matthew nodded, not asking further. Lester wouldn't answer the questions he most wanted to know.

Due to the pesticide spraying the next day, Matthew packed his essentials that evening and informed the estate staff that, except for the guards, they were all given a week off starting the next day.

Early the next morning, before heading to Warner Studios, Matthew booked a luxury suite at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel, planning to stay there for the week.

The "300 Spartans" crew had finalized the script, cast the actors, and settled into a smooth operation.

On the other hand, "I Am Legend" was progressing slowly.

Akiva Goldsman was frustrated. In negotiations for the male lead, Helen Herman had demanded a top-tier contract for Matthew Horner—$20 million plus 20% of the box office profits.

Though not intimidated by Helen's aggressive demands, Goldsman was surprised. Matthew wasn't a superstar yet. After the success of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith," he had just entered the ranks of A-listers. Helen's demands were excessive.

Goldsman understood the tactic of asking for an exorbitant price to have room to negotiate, but the gap between her demands and the $15 million he was prepared to offer was too vast.

Matthew had earned $10 million for "Mr. & Mrs. Smith." Now, as an A-lister, $15 million seemed reasonable.

Even $20 million alone was unacceptable, let alone adding 20% of the box office.

As a producer, controlling costs was his primary duty.

"Is there no progress in the negotiations?" Goldsman asked his production manager, David Heyman. "Helen Herman won't budge?"

David Heyman set down his coffee cup, "This morning, she made a slight concession, agreeing to lower the post-release share from 20% to 15%."

Goldsman frowned, "Just that? Only five percent?"

"Yes," Heyman sighed. "She refused to make further concessions, so negotiations are temporarily halted."

He added, "Helen Herman and Matthew Horner have big appetites. Their asking price is far from our expectations."

Goldsman stood and paced his office, "I was too hasty."

Heyman continued, "I estimate that if I keep negotiating with Helen Herman, I could cut the post-release share to 10%."

Goldsman shook his head. That price was still unacceptable.

While his collaboration with Matthew Horner on "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" was highly successful and enjoyable, and Matthew had proven himself a dedicated actor, these factors weren't reasons to accept Helen Herman's demands.

"Mr. & Mrs. Smith" was over; "I Am Legend" was a new project. He wouldn't let the past influence his decisions.

And evidently, neither would Matthew's side.

Matthew wanted to maximize his earnings, representing the interests of the producers. In negotiations, they naturally stood on opposing sides.

"We revealed our willingness to work with Matthew Horner too early," Heyman said. "The '300 Spartans' producers and director treat him as the central figure, and he probably extended that feeling to our project."

"My oversight," Goldsman admitted. "David, continue negotiating with Helen Herman. Matthew Horner remains our first choice, but..."

He paused, "Let it be known publicly that 'I Am Legend' is considering holding open auditions for the male lead."

Heyman immediately agreed, "Good idea. We can use this to pressure Matthew Horner and Helen Herman."

He then cautioned, "Simply releasing the news might not be enough. Helen Herman is a very shrewd woman."

"I know," Goldsman quickly decided. "Invite Will Smith, Matt Damon, and Russell Crowe for auditions, but skip Nicolas Cage."

Heyman nodded, "Understood. This will put more pressure on them."

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