Gwyneth Paltrow didn't talk much with Gilbert. Before leaving, she gave him a long, meaningful look.
Gilbert turned to Anne Hathaway and said, "Come to think of it, I really should thank Gwyn. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have gotten my first directing opportunity so quickly."
Anne Hathaway countered, "But you already paid her back. She was the female lead in your film at eighteen, carrying a major role. Even without her, you'd have gotten your chance sooner or later—it was only a matter of time."
"Perhaps you're right." Gilbert smiled faintly. "Let's not dwell on that. The auction's about to begin."
In the end, which is more important—opportunity or ability? Perhaps both are indispensable. Having a chance without ability, or ability without a chance, are both equally regrettable.
Tonight's auction aimed to raise funds for hunger relief and clean water access for African children.
The charity auction was organized by the influential Geisler family of Los Angeles, and many celebrities and socialites from the city attended.
The host for the evening was Jenny Geisler, head of the Geisler Charity Foundation.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to tonight's charity auction," Jenny Geisler said in her opening remarks.
Behind her, the projector displayed photos taken by the foundation in Africa—digging wells, children joyfully drinking clean water, and mothers receiving food to cook warm meals for their kids.
In a newly built school, Black children studied diligently under the guidance of White teachers—a vision of human compassion at work.
As the photos and videos played, Jenny Geisler narrated the stories behind them.
The audience, filled with professional actors, wiped away their tears in apparent emotion. Gilbert also pretended to dab his eyes, thinking privately that without an onion, he couldn't shed a single tear.
Once that formal routine ended, the charity auction officially began.
The first item was a portrait painting from the Geisler family collection. Gilbert had no idea who the artist was, but a local tycoon bought it for $350,000, proudly declaring his contribution to charity.
The second item turned out to be a Chinese artifact—a snuff bottle said to have come from the Old Summer Palace, donated by a British noble.
Such bottles vary widely in price depending on origin, craftsmanship, and material.
This particular one was a jade-carved snuff bottle with exquisite detailing and imperial provenance, starting at $1 million.
Before anyone else could react, Gilbert raised his paddle. "Three million dollars."
Usually, unless there's bad blood or rivalry, others tend to step back once someone shows determination to win an item.
Unfortunately, tonight was different.
David Ellison raised his paddle. "Four million dollars."
"Five million," Gilbert countered immediately.
Everyone present could feel the tension between the two. Losing face here was not an option. David Ellison continued.
"Six million dollars."
The others were dumbfounded.
So the bids are jumping by a million each time? Terrifying.
"Ten million dollars," Gilbert declared decisively. "Let's end this game."
The whole room went silent.
Was the snuff bottle really worth ten million? Maybe not, but with rich Chinese collectors aggressively buying back national treasures lately, it wasn't impossible.
David Ellison hesitated. After some persuasion from Martin Bob beside him, he gave up. The snuff bottle was sold to Gilbert.
"Thank you, David," Gilbert said with a grin. "I thought I'd have to hire a hitman to get this thing."
The crowd burst into laughter, assuming he was joking.
Only David Ellison knew he wasn't—but he still forced a smile.
Gilbert thought that if he were to auction off that ram's head artifact from his estate, it would fetch a high price.
But he had no intention of selling it. He planned to let it quietly return home in a few years.
As for the snuff bottle, Gilbert mused about opening a private museum someday; it would make a fine exhibit.
He wasn't interested in the next few lots, until one item came up—a sword Anne Hathaway had used during filming. Gilbert immediately bid $1 million and bought it outright.
There was no way he would let anyone else have it. David Ellison looked tempted but ultimately refrained.
Later, Taylor Swift performed two songs on stage. Opportunities to perform in front of such powerful Los Angeles elites were rare; her agent, Sheena Boone, had fought hard to secure it.
After Taylor Swift's performance, it was time for Gilbert's contribution to be auctioned.
Jenny Geisler announced, "This item was donated by Director Gilbert—a video camera with a built-in recorder. It contains a short film he made in high school, carrying great sentimental value.
Starting bid: fifty thousand dollars."
"Mom, I want that," Taylor Swift said, getting her mother's approval before raising her paddle. "Sixty thousand."
As before, Anne Hathaway wouldn't let anyone else take something that belonged to Gilbert. She raised her paddle. "One hundred thousand dollars."
Taylor Swift hesitated and gave up—she hadn't released her album yet and didn't have enough money.
Anne Hathaway felt confident no one would outbid her. But tonight was an exception. Gwyneth Paltrow raised her paddle.
"One hundred fifty thousand dollars."
Moments ago, people had watched two men clash over an item; now two women were doing the same—whether for the item or for the man behind it, everyone had their own thoughts.
Anne Hathaway glared coldly at Gwyneth Paltrow, who met her gaze without flinching.
Then Anne raised her paddle again. "Two hundred thousand dollars…"
"Five hundred thousand," Gwyneth Paltrow countered sharply, then turned to Anne Hathaway and said, "Why don't you let me have this one? You already got the man."
"Whoa!" The guests could practically smell the scandal brewing in the air.
Anyone familiar with Gilbert's rise to fame knew that Gwyneth Paltrow was a key figure in his story. There were many rumors about how Gilbert had made it big, but most people agreed that without Gwyneth Paltrow, his success wouldn't have come so easily.
And so, in everyone's imagination, a perfect tabloid story began to form: Gilbert's success, his betrayal, and Gwyneth's heartbreak after being abandoned.
Not far away, David Ellison sneered. He was certain that tonight, Gilbert was about to lose face in front of everyone.
Anne Hathaway, unwilling to let Gilbert carry such a stain on his reputation, raised her paddle again and said, "Congratulations, Gwyn. You were the lead actress in Shallows at just eighteen years old. That was back in 1991—how many Hollywood actresses debut with luck like yours?"
The crowd suddenly came to their senses.
Yes, Gilbert had indeed gotten his first directing opportunity thanks to Gwyneth Paltrow, but he had already repaid that favor.
After all, Gwyneth had shot to stardom thanks to Shallows, becoming one of Hollywood's most promising young actresses.
But over the years, her princess-like temper had rubbed many people the wrong way—otherwise, things wouldn't have turned out like this.
Verbal sparring was pointless, so the two continued to outbid each other, their jealousy and rivalry practically filling the air with tension.
Leonardo DiCaprio watched the two women go head-to-head and joked, "They're not actually going to fight, are they?"
His Victoria's Secret model girlfriend beside him asked, "You're just going to sit there and watch?"
"Of course not," Leo grinned. "I'm going to save our summer box-office king." Then he raised his paddle. "One million dollars."
Both Gwyneth Paltrow and Anne Hathaway stopped bidding when they saw Leo join in, allowing him to take the item.
Gilbert turned around and gave Leo a big thumbs-up, and Leo responded with a playful wink.
After the charity auction, a dinner party followed. Leo found Gilbert and said, "Well, buddy, how was that? I came through for you, didn't I?"
"Of course, Leo. What would I do without you?"
"Hahaha, good to hear! Don't forget to call me if there's a role for me in your next movie," Leo said, then left with his girlfriend.
As Leo disappeared into the crowd, David Ellison approached again.
He glanced briefly at Anne Hathaway, then turned to Gilbert. "You know what, Gilbert? I just stole your project."
"Oh?" Gilbert raised a brow, clearly intrigued.
"That big Napoleon project—McCourt already made a deal with us," David Ellison said smugly.
He watched Gilbert closely, hoping to see disappointment, anger, or some flicker of emotion. But Gilbert didn't react at all, as if the news didn't concern him.
"Congratulations, David," Gilbert said calmly. "You've secured the most sought-after project in Hollywood."
David couldn't tell what Gilbert was thinking—his tone was so even it was unnerving. He assumed Gilbert was just pretending to be calm and scoffed. "It's not just that project. Any other one you try to invest in—I'll take those too."
Leaning close to Gilbert's ear, he added in a low voice, "Everyone says you're a genius in the film industry. Personally, I think you've just been lucky."
Gilbert arched an eyebrow. "Think whatever you want, David. Excuse me—I have to go."
Watching Gilbert walk away, David Ellison smirked triumphantly, convinced he had gotten under his rival's skin.
Then he spotted Gwyneth Paltrow chatting across the room. Figuring he couldn't get to Gilbert right now, he decided that charming the ex might be just as good. Confidently, he walked over.
"Hi, Miss Paltrow—"
Before he could finish, Gwyneth Paltrow cut him off coldly. "Get lost. You're not even worth one of Gilbert's fingers."
True to her reputation as one of Hollywood's most difficult actresses, Gwyneth never held her tongue.
Right there in front of everyone, she tore into David Ellison like he was a misbehaving dog, leaving him utterly humiliated.
He cursed under his breath, "Stupid woman. No wonder Gilbert dumped you."
With people whispering and staring, David Ellison couldn't stand it any longer. Face burning with embarrassment, he stormed out of the banquet hall.
....
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