Made In Hollywood

Zeta-Jones took off her shoes and walked barefoot to the high-heeled dance shoes prepared by the costume designer. However, she didn't put them on immediately; instead, she picked them up and inspected them thoroughly inside and out. She wasn't a newcomer to the industry and was well aware of the potential tricks that could happen during auditions. She knew how to protect herself.

After confirming that the dance shoes were in good condition, Catherine Zeta-Jones slipped them on.

A knock on the door sounded, and a female assistant entered. "Ms. Jones, please head to the audition room in five minutes."

Without waiting for Zeta-Jones to respond, the assistant turned and left.

"Kate, since you came to Los Angeles, have you been in touch with Duke?" Vivian asked, glancing at her watch as she walked over.

"I've called him twice."

Now that she had put on the dance shoes, Zeta-Jones stood in front of the dressing mirror, checking herself again before replying, "The people who answered the phone were all his assistants. I tried to arrange a meeting with him, but he seems quite busy, so I wasn't successful."

"Keep trying." Vivian looked at the stunning and sexy Zeta-Jones in the mirror. "Kate, you know that under similar audition circumstances, some external factors and personal connections can sometimes play an unexpected role."

She pondered for a moment before continuing, "The audition for Roxie has already concluded. Although the results haven't come out yet, most people are aware that Naomi Watts will likely get the role."

"Aren't there big stars like Julia Roberts and Demi Moore in the mix?"

Seeing Zeta-Jones's confusion, Vivian shook her head. "Do you know why? A few years ago, Naomi Watts had some rumors with Duke. Their relationship is not as simple as it seems on the surface, and most of the gossip in this industry is, in fact, true."

"I understand what I need to do."

Pulling open the dressing room door, Zeta-Jones strode toward the audition room.

Inside the audition room, Duke, Zack Snyder, Sofia Coppola, and Lily Fred were discussing the just-concluded audition.

"Beautiful, sexy, tall…" Zack Snyder was sharing his opinions. "She has the innate passion and wildness of a Spanish woman, and her appearance basically meets the character's requirements."

"According to the data, she came to North America last year," Sofia flipped through the documents and said. "Penélope Cruz, while not a newcomer, is only twenty-one, which is a bit young. Moreover, her English has a noticeable accent, and with just a few months before shooting, even if she takes accent correction classes, it won't be enough time."

"What do you think, Lily?" Duke asked.

As the dance director, Lily Fred's opinion was crucial. "Her Latin dance foundation is decent, but her performance during the dance…"

She shook her head. "Compared to the last time with Salma Hayek, she has an advantage in singing and dancing, but her acting is too immature."

On the other side, the casting director remained silent, knowing full well that he had no say in such a heavyweight role.

Several people had suggestions, but the real decision-maker was Duke. He was not only the director and producer but also the sole investor of the film.

"Sofia, notify Ms. Cruise's agent tomorrow."

Seeing Duke shake his head, Sofia Coppola jotted something down in her notebook and then instructed the casting director to bring in the next auditionee.

This wasn't Zeta-Jones's first audition in Hollywood, but she didn't want to return to England again as a failure.

After a simple self-introduction, she looked at the people behind the camera, those who could determine her future—some were familiar, some were not. Zeta-Jones's gaze discreetly shifted over them, eventually landing on Duke.

With a charming smile she had rehearsed in front of the mirror countless times, Catherine Zeta-Jones lightly nodded to Duke. When his dark eyes turned to her, she stepped forward to begin her first dance step.

Zeta-Jones was clearly well-prepared. While showcasing her dance skills, she sang a classic piece, "All."

In the spacious audition room, only Catherine Zeta-Jones's voice echoed. Duke rested his chin on one hand, seriously watching her performance. Compared to her previous works, Zeta-Jones's acting felt somewhat immature and lacked maturity, likely due to her background in stage performances. However, her singing and dancing were explosive, and she radiated vitality.

After a brief few minutes of singing and dancing, Zeta-Jones slightly panted as her eyes once again scanned the faces in the room. She could feel their recognition of her talent.

"Ms. Jones…" Sofia said, making notes as she spoke. "We will notify your agent as soon as possible."

"Thank you."

She flashed a sweet smile and turned to leave the audition room.

"Lily, what are your thoughts?" Duke asked, after conversing quietly with Zack Snyder and Sofia Coppola. Confirming that her appearance and acting were not issues, the remaining professional qualities were left to the experts. "What do you think of her singing, dancing, and overall presence?"

"Sexy, beautiful, charming. Ms. Jones is far prettier than the lead in the new Broadway show."

With a sigh of appreciation, Lily Fred got to the main point. "She truly portrayed the character's boldness and wildness exceptionally well. It's quite rare. In terms of dance, Ms. Jones is the most solid performer I've seen during auditions. While her singing may not compare to that of a black singer, her vocal power and clarity in articulation are commendable."

She concluded, "I lean towards choosing her for Velma."

"Let's not rush." Duke glanced at the audition list. "There's one more candidate. We'll decide after seeing them."

Perhaps influenced by Catherine Zeta-Jones's outstanding singing and dancing audition, the following actresses drew little attention from Duke and the others. The next audition concluded in less than half an hour.

After reviewing Zeta-Jones's audition tape again, Duke lightly tapped the table to catch everyone's attention and said, "Roxie will go to Naomi Watts, and Velma will go to Catherine Zeta-Jones. What do you all think?"

"I agree," Sofia Coppola was the first to respond.

"Agree."

"Agree…"

The choice of actors received unanimous approval. Duke looked at his watch. He still had to attend a party related to the awards season that evening. He turned to Sofia and said, "Remember to notify Zeta-Jones's agent and let Robin negotiate with them as soon as possible. The lower the salary, the better."

After giving his instructions, Duke left the audition room. He returned to his office, took his phone, and walked into the small reception area of the Duke Studio.

As he entered, a young woman with long black hair stood up from the sofa that served as a reception area and walked toward him. Hearing the sound of high heels clicking, Duke turned to look, and it was none other than Catherine Zeta-Jones, who had just finished her audition.

"Hi, Duke," she greeted him with a smile as she approached.

Duke nodded at Zeta-Jones. "It's been a while, Kate."

"I've called you a few times since I came to Los Angeles."

Catherine Zeta-Jones tucked her long black hair behind her ear, a hint of playful complaint on her exquisite face. "It seems really hard to get a hold of you."

"Sorry, I've been busy with work."

Seemingly ignoring the expression on her face, Duke deliberately checked his watch. Catherine Zeta-Jones quickly understood his implication and tentatively said, "If you're busy, we can talk next time."

"I have a party to attend."

Turning back, Duke waved his hand to her. "We can chat next time."

With that, he walked toward the exit of the studio, but the sound of high heels followed him. Zeta-Jones quickly caught up, and before Duke could ask, she hurriedly explained, "I'm leaving too."

"Are you heading to the parking lot?"

Seeing Duke nod, she smiled and said, "Let's go together."

She walked closely beside Duke, slightly lagging half a step behind, her face maintaining a faint smile. Anyone unaware of the situation would think they were close friends.

Catherine Zeta-Jones was a very clever woman, saying nothing unnecessary throughout the walk. When they reached the parking lot, she modestly shook hands with Duke to say goodbye, leaving a sexy silhouette behind as she was the first to drive away from Duke Studio.

As soon as she left the parking lot, Zeta-Jones received a call from her agent. After listening for a few moments, she slammed the brakes and pulled over to the side of the road, throwing her phone with her right hand and covering her rapidly rising chest with her left, her face showing clear excitement.

Things turned out completely differently than she expected; just based on her outstanding audition, she secured the role of Velma!

A black Bentley passed by, and in a fleeting glance, Catherine Zeta-Jones seemed to catch a familiar figure, a smile appearing on her lips—wasn't he an extraordinary director?

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