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Chapter 238: The Mysterious Veil
🕑 Added 2025-01-11 17:15:44 +0000 UTCWhen the RV passed through 42nd Street, Duke looked through the window and could still see the huge billboard for the movie version of Chicago at the heart of Broadway, towering above the crowd. Warner Brothers had done extensive targeted marketing and research to ensure the film's premiere was held at Times Square, at the intersection of 42nd Street and Broadway.
Duke turned his gaze back and glanced at Catherine Zeta-Jones, who was wearing a black spaghetti-strap evening gown with a very low-cut U-shaped neckline that exposed nearly half of her full, rounded chest. Despite the cold weather in New York, it didn't seem to matter to the actress who was used to walking red carpets.
"Duke, I've already talked to the reporters who will be asking questions," Kallies said from the passenger seat, turning around to remind him. "All the questions have been pre-arranged. Don't forget your answers."
"Don't worry, Kallies," Duke pointed to his head. "It's all in here."
The reporters with permission to interview at the premiere were no amateurs; their questions had gone through approval by the event organizers. Answering the pre-arranged questions was relatively easy.
"Darling, what are you thinking about?" Duke turned to Zeta-Jones and asked, "Are you nervous?"
"After walking the Oscars red carpet, how could I still be nervous?" Zeta-Jones smiled sweetly, her arm linking with Duke's. "Okay, maybe I'm a little nervous—this is my first premiere in North America!"
"You'll get used to it soon enough."
As soon as Duke finished speaking, the RV stopped in front of the red carpet. He opened the door and stepped out, followed by Zeta-Jones, whose hand he held tightly. They walked toward the theater, ignoring the flashing lights from cameras on either side.
Zeta-Jones stopped briefly to sign posters for some fans, and after a short wait, they quickly moved into the interview area where many of the crew were gathered, either being interviewed or taking group photos with the media.
The grand finale of the premiere was the arrival of Tom Cruise and his wife. In this era, Tom Cruise's reputation was still untarnished. His healthy image and immense popularity were undeniable. When he and Nicole Kidman walked the red carpet hand in hand, the excitement of the evening reached its peak.
Though there had been gossip about Duke and Zeta-Jones allegedly falling in love during filming, in terms of star power, Duke could never compete with the big names.
Standing in the interview area, Duke and Zeta-Jones also spoke with media outlets under Warner's banner. As Kallies had mentioned, the questions were almost all pre-set. Most of the interview focused on the film, with Duke discussing the crew's hard work, their pleasant cooperation, and revealing some behind-the-scenes secrets.
"Duke, are you and Ms. Jones dating?" a reporter finally asked.
Catherine Zeta-Jones looked at Duke with deep affection. Duke turned to her, meeting her gaze, and responded solemnly, "Kate is my muse!"
Some things didn't need to be said directly. Their intertwined fingers already spoke volumes.
Next came the routine activities: the whole crew posed for photos under the sponsor's advertisements, and various actors and directors took pictures together.
Seizing the opportunity, Charlize Theron stood next to Duke, smiling at the reporters while asking, "Why her?"
"Who?" Duke asked, confused.
"Why did you choose that British woman as your girlfriend?"
Charlize's smile remained bright, but her words were laced with a hint of coldness. "I just can't understand it!"
"Sally!" Duke's tone also turned cold. "This is my private matter."
After saying that, Duke turned away and walked toward the theater entrance, where Zeta-Jones was waiting for him. However, he heard the sound of high heels approaching from behind. Charlize Theron was chasing after him.
"Duke…"
Before she could say anything, Zeta-Jones approached, slid her hand into Duke's arm, and gave Theron a sidelong glance. "Ms. Theron, is there something you need?"
The two women exchanged glares, as if ready to fight at any moment.
Duke glanced at them and, not wanting to deal with the two of them, pulled his arm free from Zeta-Jones's hold and walked into the theater alone.
Theron seemed to understand something. She suddenly smiled, while Zeta-Jones glared at her with open disdain.
"Kate, may I call you that?" Charlize Theron said as she walked past Zeta-Jones, speaking softly, "I've known Duke for four years, longer than you. Do you know how we first got together? It was with Cameron Diaz, the three of us! He's the type who always seeks new excitement and won't stick around for too long."
"And we've always kept things casual."
After tossing that casual remark, Theron turned and entered the theater.
Inside the theater's VIP lounge, Duke made the rounds with a few people, and under Tina Fey's guidance, he found his mother, who was hiding in a corner.
"Mom…" Duke greeted her, then looked to the side. "Hi, Irena, it's great to see you here."
"This isn't just your premiere, it's Anna's too, so I had to come support," Irena Lauder smiled at him, gesturing to Anna Prince, who had just walked in. "I'm going to say hello to Anna."
Watching Irena Lauder walk away, Lady Leah asked, "Has George brought his new girlfriend? Did you see him?"
"No, I haven't," Duke shook his head. "I guess I missed him."
Not long after, George Lucas appeared with a woman who appeared to be in her thirties or forties, and after Duke greeted him, they briefly introduced the woman, Lana Mills.
Duke had never heard of her before. According to Lucas, she wasn't in the industry, and Duke remembered that Lucas had once chosen someone with a more exotic taste.
"I came to see your mother and some other old friends," Lucas said to Duke. "I happened to arrive just in time for your premiere. I'm actually a big fan of Chicago."
"If the adaptation isn't up to your standards," Duke joked, "George, you'll have to speak on my behalf in the media."
"Of course, no problem."
Everyone laughed, and Lucas quickly changed the subject. "I came to New York for another reason. Before Christmas, I'm planning to host a big party—partly to promote The Phantom Menace and also to introduce Lana to you all and my family."
"I'll be there," Lady Leah replied immediately.
Duke turned to Tina Fey and asked about her schedule, saying, "I'm fine with it."
Then, he became intrigued. "So, George, does this mean the Star Wars prequels are officially starting?"
"The cast is mostly confirmed, unless something unexpected happens," Lucas said, nodding to someone passing by. "We'll start shooting next year. Duke, would you be interested in a cameo?"
"I haven't even done a cameo in my own movies," Duke shook his head. "Let's see what the situation is like."
Not long after, Irena Lauder returned. She was a direct descendant of Estée Lauder, and George Lucas had invited her as well. After thinking it over, Irena agreed to join them.
After Robin Grand's reminder, everyone headed into the theater. Zeta-Jones came over and linked her arm with Duke's, greeting everyone warmly. Lady Leah only nodded, as she had already been informed of the situation. Although she didn't approve of these typical Hollywood tactics, she wouldn't interfere with Duke's work life.
As they walked into the theater, the crew and guests settled into the front rows. The theater, which could hold nearly a thousand people, was packed. Under the bright lights, Duke glanced back before sitting down. Unlike the younger audiences at his previous premieres, this one was filled mostly with middle-aged and older guests, many of them gray-haired.
This was all part of Warner's targeted strategy. The audience for the early screenings of Chicago had been largely nostalgic.
Gru, who was in his fifties, had watched Chicago on Broadway multiple times in the 70s. Despite it being Thanksgiving weekend, he had brought his wife and daughter to see the movie version as soon as possible.
Not far from them, Ellen and Kunitz had just sat down. They were in New York for a vacation and had arrived just in time for the premiere. Neither of them was a fan of musicals, as they hadn't been born during the heyday of the genre. They were only there because they were big fans of the director.
To their left, a group of chatty girls were discussing the film, and from their conversation, it was clear that they weren't there for the musical aspect. They were likely drawn by Tom Cruise.
A few other people were gathered nearby, gossiping about the director and leading lady, clearly attracted by the media buzz.
Though the nostalgic audience still outnumbered others, the presence of stars like Duke and Tom Cruise added a notable draw, showing the power of their collaboration.
Some waited quietly, while others chatted excitedly, all eagerly anticipating the unveiling of Chicago's film version.
