Dunn wasn't sure what Tom Rossman was up to, but the guy was clearly showing some goodwill. Plus, it was a formal invite to his house, so Dunn couldn't exactly say no.
It was a big deal, so Dunn suited up in a sharp tux and brought Nicole Kidman along, looking stunning in her evening gown. Off they went to pay a visit!
Riding in Dunn's Cadillac, Nicole gently nudged him, "Dunn, you really should hire a driver and upgrade to a fancier car. Something luxurious, you know?"
Ever since she and Dunn started hooking up, Nicole's attitude toward him had softened a ton.
Dunn gave a wry smile. "Come on, you know I'm strapped for cash right now."
"But you can't skimp on appearances!" Nicole said softly. "Tom Rossman's inviting you for serious business. Showing up like this? It's kinda rude."
Dunn thought it over and sighed. "Alright, fine. Tomorrow, I'll order a Rolls-Royce! That Porsche 911 Nat made me buy last time is still collecting dust in the garage. What a waste of money!"
"It's work, Dunn!" Nicole pressed her lips together, hesitating. "So, uh… with us like this, what about Miss Portman…?"
Dunn grinned easily. "No worries, I already told her."
"What? You… you told her?!" Nicole's jaw dropped, her starry eyes locked on Dunn in shock.
"Yeah," Dunn said calmly. "I never lie to her."
"But… she… she didn't care? She's not mad?" Nicole's eyes widened, totally baffled.
She and Naomi didn't mind being casual flings—neither of them expected a future with Dunn. But Natalie? She was the real deal, his official girlfriend. It'd even been in the papers!
"Nah, she's a smart girl. She gets it," Dunn said with a shrug.
Nicole shot him a skeptical look. "You're way too full of yourself!"
Dunn laughed. "Nicole, I like it when you're all sweet and gentle way more."
Nicole froze for a sec, then let out a soft sigh. "Just… don't neglect Naomi too much, okay? She's pinning all her hopes on you. She's been grumbling to me about it lately."
Dunn gave her a deep look. "Can't help it—you're too captivating. Honestly, all the other girls I've dated combined don't even come close to you!"
"And Miss Portman?" Nicole asked with a teasing half-smile.
"That's different!" Dunn's face turned serious, then he smirked. "If you don't want me neglecting Naomi, I could always swing by your place tonight and invite her over…"
"In your dreams!" Nicole snapped, turning away to ignore him.
---
Tom Rossman wasn't even 50 yet—still in his prime, full of ambition and big dreams. He wanted to climb higher in his career, and that meant taking down Bill Mechanic.
So, Dunn Walker, who happened to be Bill's ally, had naturally become a thorn in Tom Rossman's side.
But then it hit him: his real enemy wasn't Dunn—it was Bill Mechanic! Dunn only stuck with Bill because their partnership had solid mutual benefits.
If Tom wanted to crush Bill, he'd have to cut the cord between him and his biggest supporter, Dunn.
So, Tom made his move. He invited Dunn over.
*The Wedding Crashers* was definitely getting released, and it'd be through 20th Century Fox—no question. Tom knew Dunn was the key.
If he could get Dunn under control, wait for *Fight Club* to tank at the box office, and team up with a few others, Bill Mechanic would be toast.
As for how to control Dunn? Well, this was Hollywood. The golden rule here was simple: trade favors, swap benefits.
Sure, Tom's power at 20th Century Fox was pretty limited, but he was confident he could satisfy Dunn's appetite.
Because he just so happened to hold Dunn's lifeline in his hands!
---
The Rossmans welcomed Dunn and Nicole into their home with open arms. Mrs. Rossman, seeing how close the two were, assumed the tabloids were spot-on. She grabbed Nicole's hand and beamed. "Dunn's a great guy—way better than that Tom Cruise jerk. I totally support your choice!"
Dunn nearly burst out laughing at Nicole's awkward, speechless expression.
After dinner, Tom naturally invited Dunn to his study, while Mrs. Rossman dragged Nicole off to chat about life, the universe, and everything—like they were old pals.
Women, huh? Born actresses!
Dunn had a hunch about what was coming. Once they were in Tom's study, he complimented a few of the artsy pieces around the room before cutting to the chase. "Mr. Rossman, you're after the distribution rights for *The Wedding Crashers*, right?"
The movie was definitely going to 20th Century Fox, but who'd call the shots? That was the real power play at Fox.
Dunn had dropped some subtle hints over dinner and was pretty sure he'd nailed Tom's intentions.
Tom smiled warmly, masking the fact that they'd been at each other's throats in the past.
Back when *Titanic* came out, Tom had his people leak rumors about Dunn and Kate Winslet, smearing her rep.
During *My Big Fat Greek Wedding*, Tom stirred up trouble, forcing Dunn to cough up 20% of the film's rights to Fox to smooth things over.
And when *Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace* was in production, Tom flat-out refused to let Dunn direct. Even after George Lucas insisted, Tom fought Dunn's script changes tooth and nail.
If Bill Mechanic hadn't stepped in, Dunn couldn't even imagine what a mess that movie would've been.
They'd clashed plenty, but Dunn kept his cool, all polite and respectful on the surface—though inside, he was wary and on guard.
Tom got it. In this game, smiles hid daggers. He was used to it and didn't mind Dunn's slight distance.
"Yeah," Tom said casually. "Since the movie's done, we can start talking distribution. It's gotta hit theaters and make money, right?"
Dunn dodged politely. "April's coming up, and I'll be swamped with *Star Wars* promo. Too busy—let's talk later."
Tom chuckled. "No matter how busy you are, you've gotta push through! The sooner it's out, the sooner you get your money back. Aren't you about to buy Marvel?"
"Yeah," Dunn nodded. "Deal's done. We sign on the 1st of next month."
After months of negotiations, Dunn Films was finally acquiring Marvel Entertainment. For $80 million, they'd snag all the shares from Avi Arad and Ike Perlmutter, with Avi staying on as Marvel's honorary chairman.
"April 1st?" Tom paused, then burst out laughing.
Dunn shook his head with a self-deprecating grin. "A decades-old comic company bought by a 21-year-old kid. Sounds like an April Fool's joke, huh?"
Tom's face turned serious. "Dunn, nobody in Hollywood sees you as just a kid anymore."
He meant it.
Back in '96, when Tom first met Dunn, he thought the guy was just an arrogant, clueless punk.
But in just a couple of years, Dunn had grown—humble, sharp, cautious. Even facing enemies, he could smile like it was nothing. The guy had the depth of a seasoned politician.
Dunn's rise was fast—crazy fast. It blew Tom's mind!
Who knew how high he'd climb in the future?
---