Chapter 207: You’re Too Rude

Right now, Dunn Films has 197 full-time employees, including more than 40 who used to work under Bill Mechanic. 

However, the company's top brass is mostly made up of Dunn's old crew—people like Andrew O'Hare, Manohla Dargis, Sherry Hershler, Nina Jacobson, Glenn Feyero, Bryce Roach, Jonathan Nolan, and Alan Ball, to name a few. 

It's not that Bill Mechanic lacks connections; he's just being cautious. Even though Dunn's been willing to delegate some power, this is still Dunn's private company at the end of the day. Bill Mechanic currently holds a lot of sway, but if he filled all the key positions with his own people, it could look like he's building a hidden power base. He doesn't want Dunn to get suspicious. 

That said, things are different now. The person he's about to recommend is genuinely talented—someone who could bring a ton of value to Dunn Films if they came on board. 

So, even if it risks Dunn getting the wrong idea, Bill Mechanic feels compelled to put this name forward. 

Dunn grinned, his eyes practically sparkling with excitement. "Fired unfairly by Fox? Then he's probably got a chip on his shoulder. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, right? So, who is he?" 

"West Cotton," Bill replied. 

Dunn raised an eyebrow. The name didn't ring a bell. 

Bill Mechanic took his time explaining. "Years back, West worked in the consumer products division at B Group. Then, in the '90s, he jumped ship to Fox. In 1994, Twentieth Century Fox set up a new outfit called Fox Searchlight—a company like Miramax, focused on producing and distributing niche indie films." 

Dunn's eyes lit up. "West Cotton was in charge?" 

Bill shook his head. "No, the president of Fox Searchlight at the time was Tom Rothman. But West played a big role—he was the one who built their distribution department from the ground up." 

Dunn got goosebumps from sheer excitement. 

Wasn't he just looking for someone to help Dunn Films establish its own indie film distribution arm? West Cotton sounded like the perfect guy—exactly what he needed right now! 

Bill ignored Dunn's giddy expression and kept going. "Fox Searchlight turned into a huge success. In just two years, they pulled in over $20 million in profit and racked up 12 Oscar nominations. Thanks to that track record, Tom Rothman got promoted to president of Twentieth Century Fox. As for West Cotton, he climbed the ranks too—eventually becoming president of the distribution department and global marketing director." 

Dunn's jaw dropped. "Wait, you're telling me he was the head of distribution at Twentieth Century Fox?" 

"That's not all," Bill said. "He was also the marketing director, overseeing promotion, marketing—the whole deal. You've seen how well Twentieth Century Fox's movies have done at the box office these past few years. You know what he's capable of." 

Dunn nodded firmly. "Got it! Bill, reach out to him right away. Set up a meeting at Dunn Films—no, not an interview. Just say I'd like to have a chat with him." 

"Alright," Bill said with a slight smile. He admired Dunn's knack for staying humble despite his success. 

For a young guy with such impressive achievements to still show that kind of modesty—especially toward talent that could help him—was pretty remarkable. Even if that humility only extended to people who were useful to him, it was still enough. 

… 

Dunn had just moved into his new place—Hillside Manor. 

He didn't call it "Dunn Manor" because, to him, this was just a temporary spot. He'd already tasked George Paxton with finding a location to build a real top-tier estate from scratch. 

The name "Hillside Manor" came from its spot halfway up the highest slope south of Beverly Hills. Sure, it was temporary, but in a place like Beverly Hills—where every inch of land is worth a fortune—the sheer size of the property was extravagant. The layout and design were grand and imposing too. Even among the sea of tycoons in Beverly Hills, this place stood out as a top-tier mansion. 

To buy Hillside Manor, Dunn had shelled out a whopping $42.5 million! 

It was easily one of the priciest mansion sales in Beverly Hills in recent years. Rumor had it the previous owner paid $4.5 million just in taxes! 

The estate sprawled over 5,000 hectares, styled after an 18th-century Northwest Pacific coast manor. Inside, there were 9 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, 6 dining rooms, a domed library, a reception hall, and a Dolby theater. Plus, it had a display room, gym, small bar, KTV lounge, a mini kids' playground, wine cellar, and dance floor—the works. 

After settling in, Dunn threw a housewarming party, inviting some of his closest friends and work buddies to share the moment. 

Since it was a proper party, Taylor Swift showed up too, brought along by her mom. 

Little Taylor's house was big, sure, but compared to Dunn's Hillside Manor, it was like night and day. 

The second she spotted Dunn, she bolted over, not caring that he was mid-conversation with some "uncle." She bounced around, practically shouting, "Dunn, this place is amazing! I'm obsessed! There's even a fishpond over there with all these gorgeous fish!" 

Dunn pressed a hand on her shoulder and lowered his voice. "Mind your manners, Taylor. Didn't you notice all the grown-ups around?" 

Taylor pouted, brushing it off. "Aren't they just your employees? What's the big deal?" 

Dunn frowned. "Taylor, you can't talk like that. They're my colleagues. Everyone's equal here." 

"Men and women too?" She smirked, covering her mouth playfully. 

Dunn blinked, caught off guard. "Of course they are! Not just men and women—races, classes, everything. Didn't they teach you that in school?" 

"Yeah, but that's just textbook stuff. It's not real life," she muttered, rolling her eyes. 

Dunn got stern. "Equality *is* real life, Taylor. At your age, you need to build the right values." 

She huffed. "But in *Titanic*, it wasn't equal at all! Poor Jack—he died in the ocean just because he was lower-class and a guy." 

Dunn sweat-dropped, totally thrown. "What are you even talking about? *Titanic* was a hundred years ago! Sure, they had class divides back then, but not anymore. And Jack's death had nothing to do with gender!" 

"It totally did! He could've survived, but he gave Rose his spot," Taylor shot back, sounding way too confident. Even at her age, she had a knack for words—poetry, singing, acting, debating, you name it. 

Dunn stared at her, then crouched down, softening his tone. "That's because of love, kiddo. You're still young—you don't get adult love yet. Jack gave Rose his chance to live not because men and women aren't equal, but because love can be bigger than life itself." 

Taylor tilted her head, nibbling on a finger. "So, did Rose love Jack?" 

"Of course. Rose loved him just as much." 

"Then why didn't *she* give *him* the chance to live? Even if he said no, they could've died together—like Romeo and Juliet, going out for love!" 

Dunn's jaw dropped. He… had no comeback. 

Just then, her mom, Andrea Swift, walked over, giving Dunn a look that screamed *help me*. 

This kid was a handful, no question. 

And as Dunn scrambled for a way to reason with her, Taylor hit him with another zinger that nearly sent him running. 

"Natalie only has you as a boyfriend, but you've got tons of girlfriends. Is *that* equal?" 

Andrea Swift caught Dunn's awkward expression and snapped, "Taylor, you're being way too rude!" 

Taylor's lip quivered, her eyes welling up as she stared at Dunn. 

He sighed, patting her head. "You'll get it when you're older, little one." 

Standing up, he turned to Andrea. "Why don't you take her for a spin around the place? There's a piano over there—she could play something." 

Andrea chuckled. "Nah, she's only had a few lessons. She'd just embarrass herself." 

As Andrea dragged a still-pouting Taylor away, Leonardo DiCaprio strolled over, grinning ear to ear. He sized Dunn up, his expression sly, and whispered, "New taste?" 

Dunn frowned. "What're you talking about?" 

Leo rolled his eyes. "Don't play dumb! We've known each other how long? I know how your mind works." 

Dunn laughed, exasperated. "Leo, you drunk already? What nonsense are you spouting?" 

"Two tequilas, that's it," Leo scoffed, then leaned in. "She's a cute kid, sure, but… I'd watch yourself. Don't end up like Woody Allen—" 

"Stop right there!" 

Dunn cut him off, glaring. "Leo, quit talking crap. You think I'm that guy?" 

"Yup," Leo nodded, dead serious. 

"Get lost!" 

Dunn kicked his shin, fuming. "One more word, and I'll find a chance to hook up with Gisele!" 

"You… you…" 

Leo's no stranger to shady friends, but Dunn's shamelessness was next-level. His face flushed red, finger jabbing at Dunn, speechless. 

Seeing him squirm, Dunn burst out laughing. 

"What's so funny?" Gisele Bündchen sauntered over, cocktail in hand, her figure stunning and her vibe effortlessly charming. 

"Let's go!" 

Leo didn't even let Dunn answer, grabbing Gisele's arm to bolt. "This guy's a jerk. Being friends with him is the biggest regret of my life." 

"Sweetie, how can you say that? That's so rude," Gisele said, shaking him off with a frown before flashing Dunn a smile. 

Dunn grinned back, holding in a laugh. "No worries. Leo and I rag on each other all the time. Gisele, how about a drink?" 

"Sure!" she chirped, oblivious to the chaos. 

Leo's face twisted like he'd swallowed something bitter, pleading, "Alright, Dunn, I'm sorry! I take it back—just don't mess with me…" 

Before he could finish, Dunn doubled over, howling with laughter. 

Leo's expression went from green to purple—quite the show. 

Gisele blinked, confused. "Dunn? Leo? What's going on?" 

"Nothing, nothing," Leo mumbled with a forced smile. "Just messing around." 

As he spoke, he stomped hard on Dunn's shiny new shoe. 

"Ow!" 

Gisele froze at Dunn's yelp, her eyes darting between them, half-annoyed, half-amused. 

Just like Kate Winslet always said: put these two together, and trouble's guaranteed.