**Chapter 52: Megan's Rejection**

According to her character's backstory, she was studying nursing in school but had to leave the hospital after attacking a doctor who tried to take advantage of her during her internship. With nothing else to do for the moment, she returned home and began helping on her grandfather's fishing boat. That's why she immediately recognized Wayne's injury as a gunshot wound.

**Would saving a man with a gunshot wound cause trouble for her family?** Megan thought to herself.

But seeing that her grandfather remained unbothered, and with her naturally kind heart, she didn't say anything and calmly began tending to Wayne's wound, playing the role of Bourne.

**"Cut!"**

**"Great, that's a wrap!"** Doug Liman's voice rang out again, but this time it brought a long sigh of relief from Megan. She silently praised herself for that week of acting lessons.

Yes, for a scene that lasted less than two minutes, she had taken a full week of one-on-one acting coaching. She hired a teacher to guide her through every single movement and expression. She had spent almost all the money she earned from *Accepted* and *Happy Death Day* on these lessons, leaving only enough for basic living expenses.

But thanks to all that hard work, Doug Liman's compliment was "great" instead of just "good" or "decent." This showed that, aside from considering other ways to stay in Wayne's good graces, she had also been working hard to improve her acting.

Today's shoot went especially smoothly. The plan was to finish filming by 7 PM, but they were done by 5 PM.

**"You did really well, Megan!"** Wayne sincerely praised her.

When reviewing the footage, Wayne noticed the nuance in Megan's expressions and eye movements — they were remarkable. But what stood out to him more was her portrayal of the captain's granddaughter, showing just the right amount of disappointment and reluctance when Bourne was about to leave.

Particularly the moment she leaned against the door and instinctively clutched her chest, even though it might not have been the most rational choice, it was a striking visual. The dimly lit cabin setting amplified the emotional depth, making her performance feel heart-wrenching.

It was clear that Megan had worked hard not only on her facial expressions but also on her physical actions.

**"Thanks for the compliment, Wayne!"** 

Megan was genuinely happy with Wayne's praise. After a brief internal debate, she couldn't resist asking, **"By the way, Wayne, I heard a new burger place opened up on Wimbury Street. Wanna go check it out? I haven't had carbs or meat in two weeks preparing for this shoot, so now that it's done, I can finally indulge a little!"**

She even made a playful pout.

To be fair, Megan did have it tough. Like many actresses, she had to strictly control her diet for weeks or even months to be camera-ready for just a few minutes of screen time.

Today, she filmed about seven minutes' worth of scenes, which wrapped up all her parts, so she was essentially free.

But her striking appearance didn't quite fit the innocent, pouty look she was trying to pull off. It just didn't have the same effect.

Maybe it would work better if Jessica were doing it.

Wayne decided to change his plans. He thought about picking up Mia from the office for dinner before meeting up with someone else.

After all, he couldn't back out now after already agreeing.

**"Sorry, Megan, I've already got plans tonight."**

After a brief pause, Wayne added, **"Besides, you shouldn't indulge too much just yet. I've already had Mike line up a role for you in my next film."**

Most people wouldn't be thrilled if their boss kept assigning them more work. Even crew members like cameramen or prop designers felt the same way.

But actors were different. Every acting opportunity was precious, especially for those without a big name yet. Female actors, in particular, would jump at the chance to work 365 days a year if it meant increasing their chances of being noticed and getting their big break.

Megan, who had felt a little disappointed after being turned down, brightened up instantly at the news.

**"Alright then, Wayne! I'll give it my all!"** Megan said, bursting with energy.

Her vivacious personality, combined with her figure even more striking than Jessica's or Mia's, left Wayne with a bittersweet feeling.

**"If only she weren't just 14…"**

The morning sunlight poured through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, marking the start of a new day.

Wayne slowly opened his eyes and woke up in the aftermath of last night's chaos, feeling a slight weight on him — Nicole Kidman, finally at ease after dealing with her worries, resting peacefully beside him.

Her pale, delicate skin looked almost radiant in the sunlight.

Her flawless, sleeping face was a sight to behold.

To be honest, he hadn't planned on staying the night. Discussing a script late into the evening was understandable, but staying all night seemed a little too much.

What surprised him was Nicole Kidman's unexpected stamina.

It took him over two hours to "handle" things, and by then, it was almost midnight. So, with only a brief hesitation, he decided to stay over.

Looking back now, it seemed like the right decision.

Had he not stayed, he wouldn't have had the chance to wake up to this breathtaking view, as if straight out of a Da Vinci painting.

Without any hesitation, Wayne found himself drawn into another "conversation" with the sleeping beauty, feeling utterly content as he drove to the Santa Monica coast later that day.

Most of his scenes were set to be filmed in Europe, with only a few shot in the U.S. One was the scene on the fishing boat after his rescue. Another was a flashback where he received orders to assassinate a target aboard a yacht but, seeing the target's loving gaze at his daughter, was overcome by compassion and hesitated. As he tried to leave, the target shot him, and he fell into the sea.

This scene could be filmed anywhere, so for convenience, they chose Santa Monica, where renting a yacht was easiest.

Interestingly, the role of the target's daughter, which evoked Bourne's compassion and ultimately led to his downfall, wasn't played by Kristen Stewart this time.

At Julia Roberts' request, the role went to her niece, Emma Roberts, who would later rise to fame for her roles in *American Horror Story*.

(End of Chapter)