As soon as the awards ceremony ended, Elizabeth Olsen, without much thought, followed Matthew Horner into a car bound for the hotel hosting the "Oscar Night" party, ready to join him at the celebration. What about after the party? That question popped into her mind as she walked beside him into the ballroom, and the answer seemed obvious.
After all, an encounter with a huge star like him—famous, attractive, and wealthy—wouldn't be bad at all.
Rumor had it that even Blake Lively had caught the attention of her idol, Leonardo DiCaprio, so why couldn't she have a chance with her favorite celebrity?
Most importantly, Matthew Horner had made so many actresses famous.
Although Matthew had attended the Oscars mainly out of courtesy to Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown, he still needed to make an appearance at the "Oscar Night" party. However, he wasn't in a hurry to get closer to the Scarlet Witch by his side. After making his appearance, he could simply head up to the hotel's upper floors and book a room.
While chatting with Elizabeth Olsen that evening, Matthew quickly recognized her as the Scarlet Witch he'd seen in Avengers: Age of Ultron and Captain America: Civil War. He also learned that, like her sisters, she'd entered the industry at a young age and was essentially a former child star.
However, The Avengers hadn't yet been released, and Marvel Studios didn't have any current plans for the Scarlet Witch character.
The character was part of the X-Men universe, a twin to Quicksilver and the daughter of the iconic Magneto. As such, the film rights for Scarlet Witch weren't held by Marvel Comics but had already been sold to 20th Century Fox along with the X-Men. If Marvel Studios wanted to include Scarlet Witch in The Avengers, they'd first need to reach an agreement with Fox.
That wouldn't be easy.
"My sisters mentioned you," Elizabeth said, sipping her water as they sat at a table.
Matthew turned to her and asked, "Oh? What did they say?" Then he added with a smile, "If it's awkward, you don't have to share."
Elizabeth smiled back. "It's fine. They said they met you once and thought you were very arrogant."
"Really?" Matthew thought back.
He didn't recall treating anyone arrogantly.
Then he remembered his meeting with the Olsen twins. They'd once approached him, offering their endorsement in exchange for promoting their brand, and he'd turned them down.
Arrogant? That was more about self-respect, wasn't it?
"No," Elizabeth said firmly. "You're charming and likable, not arrogant at all."
Matthew responded, "Lizzie, you've got great judgment."
Though, like her sisters, Elizabeth slouched slightly, she was much more attractive.
Not planning to linger, Matthew took a few photos for the press, greeted Tina Brown, and left the ballroom with Elizabeth Olsen. He booked a suite, and the two headed into the elevator, chatting and laughing, ready to continue their conversation upstairs.
Just as they entered, the elevator chimed, and the metal doors opened to reveal a familiar group stepping out.
Leading them was Harvey Weinstein, with Meryl Streep, tonight's Best Actress, on his arm, followed by Bob Weinstein and a man holding an Oscar statuette whom Matthew didn't recognize.
Matthew hadn't expected to run into the night's big winners here.
They'd probably been giving media interviews downstairs before heading up. After all, they were the stars of this year's Oscars.
Even though he didn't know the man with the Oscar, Matthew knew he'd just won the Best Actor award.
They noticed Matthew and Elizabeth Olsen.
Matthew glanced at Harvey Weinstein but had no interest in talking, intending to proceed directly into the elevator.
However, Weinstein spoke first. "Hey, Matthew, heading somewhere?"
Weinstein still remembered how he'd had to pay twice as much for the rights to The Artist because of him.
Someone like Matthew was undeterred by obstacles, so Weinstein's greeting made him stop. He was curious about what game Weinstein wanted to play this time.
"Heading home," Matthew replied casually. "Going to sleep."
Elizabeth Olsen blushed at his bluntness—it was quite forward.
Harvey Weinstein stepped forward to block Matthew's path and enthusiastically invited him, "We're celebrating The Artist—come join us."
Behind him, Bob Weinstein frowned, clearly displeased with his brother's behavior.
Bob Weinstein had always believed there was no need to provoke someone like Matthew Horner and had advised Harvey against it multiple times. However, Harvey dismissed him, seeing Matthew as nothing more than a more aggressive Tom Cruise.
Their rivalry had become so intense it was nearly an open secret in Hollywood.
If there had been no friction, maybe they could have collaborated. For example, Insidious was a project Leigh Whannell had initially offered to the Weinstein Company, and given Matthew Horner's typical approach, a partnership might have been likely.
Just look at how profitable Insidious turned out to be. Its earnings probably outstripped the two years of effort the Weinstein Company had put into the Oscars.
A win-win collaboration was possible, but someone's domineering attitude had hindered Weinstein Company's progress. If that wasn't an abuse of power, what was?
Over the years, Harvey Weinstein's aggressive management had indeed built up the Weinstein Company, but it had become clear that further growth required a change.
His friend had been right—Hollywood had seen similar situations.
Disney was a prime example. Michael Eisner had transformed Disney from a small studio into a massive media corporation, yet he'd become a barrier to Disney's growth, even a cancer. When Disney removed Eisner and pushed Bob Iger to the forefront, Disney experienced explosive growth.
Look how powerful Disney is now; anyone can see its immense potential.
Standing there, Harvey continued to taunt Matthew with his usual arrogance, one jab after another, while Bob, watching from behind, grew increasingly concerned.
In his mind, Harvey was the Weinstein Company's Michael Eisner. So what should he, the company's Bob Iger, do about it?
"Matthew, I'm sincerely inviting you," Harvey said. "We're celebrating The Artist winning Best Director, Best Picture, Best Actor, and more. We're going to celebrate properly."
"Congratulations," Matthew replied nonchalantly.
Harvey, in his typical domineering manner, insisted, "Don't say no. Didn't you want a piece of this film? You should come join the celebration."
Meryl Streep, who had been standing next to Harvey, suddenly sensed this might go too far. Was Harvey really intending to provoke Matthew Horner?
Though Matthew didn't hold much sway in the independent film circles, she saw no reason to alienate such a powerful star and mogul.
Lose Matthew's goodwill for Harvey's sake? Only a fool would do that.
Had it been a month ago, she might have backed Harvey up, but now that she'd already secured the Best Actress award? Given her current situation, she wouldn't likely win another for at least the next ten years. Harvey's usefulness to her was minimal.
Getting involved in Harvey and Matthew's feud would be pointless now.
And after all, Meryl had paid her dues in exchange for that Oscar. The deal was complete.
Meryl Streep remained silent, carefully avoiding the clash between the two.
Behind her, the unfamiliar man holding the Best Actor statuette was hardly even acknowledged, even though he was the new winner.
Elizabeth Olsen felt similarly.
As a former child star who'd been in the industry for almost a decade, and with her sisters as role models, Elizabeth had a more profound understanding of this world than most her age.
Seeing Harvey Weinstein so blatantly target Matthew, Elizabeth regretted accompanying him here.
Weinstein was notoriously vindictive and overbearing. Would he take it out on her?
Elizabeth was well aware of her standing—she was nowhere near Matthew's level, or even Meryl Streep's. If Weinstein held a grudge, what could she do?
If it came to that, would Matthew, a star of his caliber, stand up for a small actress like her?
Her Hollywood experience gave her a clear answer.
Unconsciously, Elizabeth loosened her hold on Matthew's arm and even took a small step away from him.
Seeing that Weinstein still wouldn't budge, Matthew rubbed his nose, looking visibly uncomfortable. He then yawned, his eyes even tearing up, as if he were utterly exhausted.
Weinstein noticed all of this, and from the information Amber Heard had provided, he knew Matthew Horner had a significant addiction.
It had been a long time since the red carpet that afternoon. Matthew probably hadn't had a chance to take anything since then, and it seemed his cravings might be getting the better of him.
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