Chapter 39 – Kidman, Stay Clear-Headed
Inside the restroom, Nicole Kidman stared at her reflection.
She had known since childhood that she possessed a breathtaking face—one that could turn heads in any room.
She had grown up surrounded by admiration from men.
And that environment had shaped her.
It had taught her one simple rule:
Every man could be used.
"No. Absolutely not. Wake up, Nicole.
Success is what matters. Only success."
She murmured to her reflection.
Turning on the faucet, she splashed cold water onto her face.
The chill tightened her pores and cleared her thoughts.
"He's using me. And I'm using him. That's all this is. Don't complicate it, Nicole."
After washing her face, she met her own gaze in the mirror and spoke firmly.
Nicole was ambitious—painfully so.
She knew exactly what falling in love could do to a person's judgment. It muddled the mind, softened resolve, made people irrational.
That wasn't what she wanted.
She wanted power. Fame. Recognition.
Not to become someone's decorative little wife.
Taking a deep breath, she shook the remaining droplets from her hands and stepped out of the restroom.
Today, William had brought her here mainly to verify qualifications and complete filings.
Even in 1989 America, opening a talent agency involved layers of tedious bureaucracy.
And Nicole intended to walk through every step with her head clear.
To save time, Nicole's company registration process was carried out almost simultaneously with William's application to establish an investment company.
With Katya's professional assistance, the preliminary procedures were completed quickly.
After sorting out her emotions, Nicole returned to her usual "temptress" persona on the drive back.
William noticed the shift—slightly—but not enough to think deeply about it.
Up to this point, he still regarded Nicole Kidman primarily as a strategic partner. He had neither the time nor the inclination to analyze the subtleties of her emotional fluctuations.
---
A Few Days Later
Filming continued steadily, progressing in an orderly rhythm.
But after the talent agency incident, something had changed in Nicole.
When she and William performed opposite each other, their occasional eye contact no longer felt natural to her.
Sometimes unconsciously, sometimes deliberately—
She would avoid his gaze.
"Cut! That one's good."
The assistant director's voice echoed across the set.
The crew exhaled in relief.
Nicole stood there, arms folded across her shoulders, looking faintly melancholic.
Most of the staff assumed she was simply still immersed in the role.
"Such dedication," someone muttered under their breath.
But not everyone was fooled.
From an observer's perspective, Katya could tell that Nicole wasn't acting.
That was real emotion.
"Hey. Your leading lady seems to have developed actual feelings for you."
William was drinking water when Katya casually dropped the comment.
"Katya, do you even hear yourself? A few days ago you said actresses were heartless. Now she's a lovesick fool?"
He raised an eyebrow at the contradiction.
"Тупые мужчины," Katya muttered before walking off.
William frowned and turned to Sergei.
"What did she say?"
"She said you are foolish, sir," Sergei replied honestly.
A dark line crossed William's forehead.
"Sergei, I have a task for you."
"Yes, boss."
"Find me a Russian language teacher. I'm learning Russian."
He narrowed his eyes at Katya's retreating figure.
One day, he thought, I'll teach that sharp-tongued woman what respect sounds like.
"Understood, boss."
"Oh—and the men you were recruiting? Any updates?"
With Studio Two now operational, security coverage had become thin. Two guards—one per set—wasn't enough.
"I contacted some old friends. Four are already en route."
Sergei lowered his voice; smuggling discussions required discretion.
"When can they start?"
"They're still at sea. Based on the last message I received, they should reach U.S. territory in about a week."
A week. Not fast, not slow.
"Good. When they arrive, put them on the same terms as Alexei and the others. Security on set is top priority."
"Yes, boss."
William once again felt grateful he had hired Sergei.
Only in this era could someone secure talent of this caliber at such a low cost.
Thank you, Cold War. Thank you, collapse.
---
Evening
After a full afternoon of filming, dusk settled over the lot.
Nicole stood near the studio entrance, staring into the distance.
Lost in thought.
"Hey. Got time later?"
Katya's voice came from behind her.
Nicole turned.
She had never quite figured out what Katya and William were to each other. They didn't display open intimacy—but their exchanges always carried a faint undertone of playful tension.
"Something on your mind?" Nicole asked with an elegant smile.
"Let's talk."
Katya studied her. She had to admit—William's taste was impeccable. Even she, not remotely inclined that way, could appreciate Nicole's beauty.
"Sure. Dinner tonight?"
Nicole nodded. Conveniently, she needed an excuse to avoid William that evening.
Yes—she had been standing there trying to think of one.
She didn't know how to face him right now.
Not until she sorted out her feelings.
She needed time.
"Come on. I know a good Russian restaurant," Katya said, heading toward the parking lot.
Nicole watched her for a moment, smiled faintly, then followed.
She was curious what this Russian woman wanted to say.
---
At the same time, inside his office, William received a call.
"Miss Jones? What can I do for you?"