Billy took a deep breath. After the movie came the party. Numerous people gathered in a grand ballroom, sharing various ents about the film. It was less of a party and more of a cocktail gathering.

  -Thinking about your movie? I like young people like you—so eager to dive into project after project. It reminds me of my own time, though I found it much harder back then, no matter how much I wao keep going, - said Saul.

  Billy observed Saul and his guests. He’d always been curious about the man who had given Steve Parks so many headaches. Steve Parks, the genius iator whom Billy held in high regard, had retly closed several major deals: seg the ematic rights to the Tolkien family’s works, and finalizing acquisitions with Paralx, Discovery, and the Golden State Warriors. Saul represehe type of person who aplished feats that others sidered nearly impossible.

  Billy shook Saul’s hand firmly—it was solid.

  -Well, this iment turned out to be much rger than I anticipated. Not only do I hold the ematic rights to The Lord of the Rings, but I also have endless pns to animate it. It- A lie, but it was better to keep his future projects under s for now.

  -I hope you don’t fail where we did, - Saul said with a trace of fatigue as he reflected on his work. - This here is a dear friend of mine, and also his protégé. Allow me to introduce you to James Mangold, swriter and future direentored by my good friend Milos Forman—someone I’ve had the privilege of w with many times. - Saul gestured at the two men, whnition within the industry was undeniable. Milos, in particur, had established his legacy through his European works in the '70s, '80s, and '90s, earning accodes across the board.

  Billy noticed something in them—a search for what he already possessed, as Saul unched into one of his familiar business monologues.

  -So, what do you need from me? I assume you’ve got a few ideas to discuss, - Billy said.

  -We do. My friend here wants you to a The People vs. Larry Flynt, - Saul whispered. - He liked your performance. I told him retly that you’re one of the most promising young actors out there. Filming will take pce this summer.

  -IDo already have a role? -

  -e on, kid, it’s a supp role. Nothing too demanding, just a few lines, - Saul replied, leading Billy to a table and handing him the script. It was subversive, distinctly '90s, and brimming with boldness—a refle of a culture both abrasive and intriguing.

  Billy felt tempted as he read the script. Pying the wyer seemed like a generous opportunity for him, especially with su intriguing premise.

  -I assume you’ve already started filming, - Billy said.

  Saul shook his head.

  -We want to, but time isn’t on our side. However, we may start weekend. You have The English Patient premiere ing up. You didn’t want to present it at any iional festivals, but we have the ce to win some awards. I uand how the business works, - Saul said.

  -Call my agent. I like the script; it’s fantastic. But I’m not itting to anything just yet, - Billy replied. He recalled something about the film but decided he’d only participate if the opportunity fully aligned. It was a ce to keep honing his craft, though the tight schedule and sary could pose challenges.

  ...

  Winona couldn’t believe the praise she was receiving. Emma’s words of support had given her a strength she couldn’t find on her own. Some people even invited her to pose for more nudity-focused shoots than she’d ever imagined, including an offer from Pyboy. “No, thank you.” She had only agreed to the role after reading the book and script. While it seemed unnecessary at first, the narrative of Katherine in the desert made it feel purposeful: When you see me naked, you must face the sequences of that sight.

  She took a deep breath, deg it was time for some water. The drinks were beginning to go to her head.

  -I think it’s time for us to leave, - Juliette said. They had a flight to cat three hours. Leaving a party to head straight to the airport wasn’t ideal, and even though they’d be flying first css, Winona still felt unfortable.

  -Oh, God, look at the time! You’re right, we have to go, - Winona replied, downing her gss of water in one gulp. She steadied herself, her heels clig against the polished wood floor.

  She smiled as she saw Billy in the car out front, chatting with a few people. The bags were ready, and it seemed they’d be leaving for the U.S. in half an hour—specifically New York.

  -Hey, - Winona greeted him nervously. They hadn’t spoken much, but the memories of filming lingered. “Everything started with that shoot,” she thought, remembering how passiohey had kissed.

  -Winona, so? What do you think? Do we stand a ce? - he asked.

  -We do, I’m afraid, - she replied.

  -Afraid of winning? -

  -I’m afraid of getting my hopes up. Winning at such a young age feels unattainable for most people. After all, it often takes more than one nomination to win. But for now, I’ll just hold on to the idea of being nominated and leave the rest to fate, - Winona said.

  -I holy think we’ll win, - Billy said. - I enjoyed your performance. Making you rehearse again and again turned out to be a good thing. -

  -I suppose the few days will tell. The press will make their final call. They’ll do their job, - Winona replied.

  They climbed into the two SUVs and a small bus that would take them to New York. Most of the group would settle there.

  -Not long ago, I got io star in a Woody Allen film, - Winoioo Billy, who was gazing out at the sery.

  -It’s a good opportunity for indepe ema. It help sharpen your ag skills. I thought you were pnning to vacation in Italy, though, - Billy said, looking into her dark eyes. She nodded and quickly ehe versation. Billy returo mulling over his pns for the decade.

  ...