The richest actor in Hollywood.

"I'm driving myself crazy, constantly in a state of panic, not knowing what's happening." Karolina Kurkova held her head in her hands, as if recalling something deeply distressing. "I always thought I was healthy, exercised regularly, avoided junk food, and took good care of myself."

She bit her lip before continuing, "But in the end, it's my body that's failing."

Matthew looked Karolina up and down. Aside from being slightly heavier than last year, her figure seemed fine.

Earlier, Karolina had explained why Victoria's Secret, along with Chanel, Dior, and other international brands, had terminated her contracts.

It started after the Victoria's Secret show last year, just weeks after Matthew had spent a million dollars. Karolina's body began to deteriorate, and she started gaining weight uncontrollably, even while consuming only low-calorie protein shakes.

Due to long-term dieting, Karolina suffered from a lack of essential minerals, leading to thyroid issues that caused rapid weight gain and a series of complications. At just 24, she was forced into early menopause, gaining 30 pounds in just two months.

For an average woman with a slender, tall frame, a 30-pound weight gain might not be catastrophic. But for a supermodel, it could spell the end of her career.

After gaining weight, Karolina sought treatment immediately, but the modeling industry, deeply commercialized, offered no sympathy. Instead, she received one contract termination after another.

Victoria's Secret, the cornerstone of her career, was the first to drop her.

Victoria's Secret is well-known as the pinnacle of the commercial modeling world. However, its harsh treatment of models has long been criticized, earning it the nickname "The Stepmother" among fans.

Due to her illness and subsequent weight gain, fashion brands cut ties with Karolina, and her agency paused her work.

Worst of all, her doctor informed her that the hormone imbalances affecting her menstrual cycle might also cause infertility…

What Karolina shared could easily evoke sympathy.

These events were likely true, as a supermodel like Karolina Kurkova would certainly be under the spotlight of fashion media, and this kind of news would be easy to verify.

But Matthew felt no sympathy.

Having learned from past experiences, he instinctively suspected that Karolina was trying to gain sympathy through her situation.

"You're looking good now." Matthew remarked, glancing at her. "You don't seem out of shape."

Karolina shook her head. "I've been lucky to beat the illness and mostly regain my figure."

Matthew nodded slightly. "I think you look healthier now than you did last year," he said, adding, "You were too thin last year."

He had experienced firsthand just how thin Karolina was, but the cost of that experience was steep.

"I'm still recovering." Karolina remembered what had happened between her and Matthew last year but showed no embarrassment.

In the highly corrosive world of modeling, embarrassment was almost a miracle.

Matthew smiled and said, "I hope to see you on the runway soon."

Karolina glanced at Matthew, sighing deliberately. "It's not that easy," she said with a somewhat bitter smile. "My agent has contacted Victoria's Secret and other former partners, hoping to restore the partnerships, but they've all declined."

Her face darkened. "The modeling industry moves too fast."

Matthew remained silent but wasn't surprised. The competition in the modeling industry is even fiercer than in Hollywood.

"After they terminated my contract," Karolina continued, "brands like Victoria's Secret found new models to replace me. My spot has been taken, and getting it back…"

She couldn't help but shake her head repeatedly.

These brands are driven by profit, and from the day they were established, they were never charities.

Karolina knew this, and Matthew was also well aware.

People often say that even if you lose everything, there's no need to worry; just let go of past glories, start from scratch, and you'll regain your shine.

But the reality is different.

"So…" Matthew nodded, "You're planning to try your luck in Hollywood."

Karolina didn't hide her intentions, nor was there any need to. "I have to maintain a certain level of exposure, or I'll be quickly forgotten." She was determined. "I will lose the weight."

Although her current figure wouldn't be considered overweight by normal standards, it wasn't enough for a supermodel.

Matthew didn't say much but thought a lot. Considering Karolina's treatment on set, it was clear that her declining status in the fashion world was affecting other areas of her career.

Otherwise, with her name, she wouldn't need to audition for a cover girl role.

But the entertainment industry and the fashion world are what they are.

Is it Hollywood's style to offer help in times of need?

As the conversation continued, Karolina took a sip of water, preparing to get to the point.

She hadn't invited Matthew to dinner just to complain. She had a plan since her agent hadn't completely abandoned her.

In the production of "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra," Matthew was the leading man and a producer, with significant influence over casting decisions…

"Matthew, I'll be staying in Los Angeles for a while." Karolina slowly said, "I'm currently staying at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills."

Unlike her previous experience of asking for money without much experience, Matthew was now well-versed in such matters and immediately picked up on what Karolina was implying.

However, he remained silent.

To be honest, Karolina's slender figure was very much to his liking, and more in-depth interactions between them wouldn't be bad.

But the issue was the million dollars! And for an extended period too! Even with his wealth, he couldn't sustain that…

"KK…" Matthew broke the silence, preparing to leave. "Thanks for dinner."

He casually added, "I'll treat you to Chinese food next time."

Karolina was stunned. What was going on? She knew Matthew well enough from last year. Could it be that her charm had significantly diminished after her illness and weight gain?

But I've almost fully recovered.

Matthew wasn't willing to spend another million dollars on Karolina, even if her fame and status had changed, and even at half the price.

He moved his chair back, ready to stand up.

Seeing that Matthew was about to leave, Karolina's golden eyebrows furrowed, and she quickly said, "Matthew, I really need this role!" Fearing that he might not understand, she added, "I really need the role of the Red-Headed Woman."

Although she would have to audition, she had some confidence in getting the cover girl role.

But the role of Scarlett, the red-headed woman, was the second female lead in the film, and relying solely on an audition, her chances were slim.

After all, she wasn't a professional actress and was no longer a top model.

Matthew stopped and looked at Karolina but didn't say anything. He didn't know what to say.

Should he really pay for services again and help Karolina get the role? What a joke.

Throughout his life, Matthew had always adhered to the rules of the game. Even when he missed Rachel McAdams' premiere due to scheduling conflicts, he later made it up by attending her next event.

But the premise of everything was that if you want something in return, you have to pay for it.

Expecting both payment for services and a role? In all of Hollywood, there's no such cheap deal.

Or maybe because he had happily paid a million dollars last year, Karolina now saw him as a soft touch?

Seeing Matthew still silent, Karolina's mind raced. Inviting Matthew to dinner and saying what she did was all based on her understanding of quality clients. Compared to most in Hollywood, Matthew had a great reputation in this regard and was known for keeping his word.

All the actresses who had given something to him had received their corresponding rewards.

Matthew's silence gradually made Karolina realize something. Her offer wasn't high enough.

Even though she hadn't charged many times and her services were high-end, Karolina didn't mind using her body to get more.

The problem was that Matthew didn't seem interested in her…

Suddenly, Karolina realized the issue—the ride last year!

"Ahem… Ahem…" She cleared her throat and said, "Matthew, we had a wonderful night together last year."

Matthew glanced at her. Earning a million dollars in one night must have indeed been a wonderful night for Karolina.

Once was enough. He had no desire to go through that again.

He wasn't like David Ellison, who could casually throw seven figures at Heidi Klum to win her over.

For a guy used to relying on his looks and star power to attract women, paying for it was like hitting rock bottom.

Then again, he would rather spend seven figures wooing someone like Emma Watson than waste it on a supermodel.

Karolina quickly gathered her thoughts and smiled. "Last year, I played a joke on you. That million dollars has actually been sitting in my account untouched. I've always wanted to return it to you, and now that we've met today, it's the perfect opportunity..."

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