The secretary gig isn't just some throwaway role next to Dunn—he's not about to stick a clueless pretty face in that spot. Sure, Isla Fisher doesn't have the fancy pedigree of a Reese Witherspoon, but she's a writer, and that's enough for Dunn to trust her with the job.
Especially after Bill Mechanic laid out the "three impossibles" of buying Universal, Dunn's been itching to boost his clout and influence. The Oscars are his main target, but building side hustles is just as crucial. Writing books? That's Dunn's latest play! He's not much of a reader himself, but as a movie buff, he's seen tons of films—plenty of classics adapted from bestselling novels. Take the one he greenlit Isla Fisher to write, for example. He's got no issue tacking "bestselling author" onto his already stacked resume: capitalist, businessman, director, producer, screenwriter. Why not?
By March, post-production on wrapped up, and Dunn Pictures teamed up with Universal for the big pre-release hype train. Sure, ABC and Fox TV threw some roadblocks at the promo efforts, but NBC and CBS? They're not about to say no to cold hard cash or 's clout. Getting the cast on a talk show is a guaranteed ratings spike and a juicy headline.
Dunn stayed chill about Disney and Fox's behind-the-scenes meddling, acting like he was just swallowing it. But anyone who knows him knows he's not the type to let it slide. You trip him up today, he's got a comeback ready tomorrow—watch out! For now, though, he's keeping his edge under wraps. He and the crew jetted off to New York for a talk show gig. While he was at it, he linked up with Scott Swift to make some major moves in the futures market. Oh, and he swung by Cambridge, Boston, too.
Harvard's back in session, and Natalie Portman's officially a college student there. But when Dunn saw her again, he didn't see excitement—he saw exhaustion and confusion. Her face was sallow, still pretty but weighed down by a fatigue and gloom she couldn't hide. None of that "thrilled to be at the world's top school" vibe.
Dunn freaked out a little, pulling her into a tight hug. "What's wrong? Is someone messing with you?" he asked, all worried.
Natalie's lips quivered like she might cry. She's not even 19 yet, after all.
That just made Dunn more anxious. He held her tighter, his mind racing with dark thoughts. "I know Harvard's full of rich kids from big families, but don't worry, Nat! Tell me who's bothering you—I don't care who they are, they're done for!"
She bit her lip and shook her head softly. "No, it's not that. No one's bullying me."
Dunn raised an eyebrow. "Then what's going on?"
Natalie scrunched her nose stubbornly, clearly not wanting to spill.
Dunn sighed, his face scrunching up too. "Come on, princess, what are we to each other? You're my girlfriend! Someday… you'll be my wife. We're as close as it gets."
She went quiet for a long time before mumbling, "I feel… like I don't belong here."
"Huh?" Dunn blinked, thrown off. "Nat, what are you talking about?"
She leaned her head on his shoulder, sinking into his arms, her voice barely a whisper. "I can't keep up. Reading 1,000 pages of textbooks in a week? Impossible. Writing a 50-page paper? No way I can do that."
It hit Dunn—Harvard's pressure was crushing her.
She kept going, "But my classmates? They're from top high schools all over the country. To them, Harvard's workload is a breeze. Seeing how calm they are freaks me out. Everyone thinks I'm here just because I'm famous—and honestly, I kinda think that too. Something's gotta be wrong. I don't feel smart enough for this place. Every time I open my mouth, I'm terrified people will think I'm just some dumb actress."
Natalie looked up at him, her voice cracking with tears. "Dunn, I'm scared. Scared they'll think I only got in because of my name. Scared I don't measure up to Harvard's standards."
Dunn let out a long sigh, holding her close. Her smarts might be top-tier in Hollywood, but at Harvard? Middle of the pack, at best. And psychology, her major, is one of the toughest programs there.
He rubbed her back gently, hesitating. "Sweetheart, you know I can take care of you. I'd make you the happiest woman in the world."
"I know! I know!" she cut in, her voice rising. "But… I just can't accept that!"
She lifted her head again, tears streaming down her cheeks this time.
Dunn wiped them away softly, trying to cheer her up. "Hey, guess what? There's this site called Tattler that ranked the hottest celebs—you're number one!"
Natalie's response was flat. "So what? When people call you beautiful, that's all they see. Your personality, your brain—it stops mattering. I don't want to be some brainless actress!"
Dunn rubbed his temples, thinking. "Nat, come on. Hollywood's full of gorgeous women, right? But how many actresses are at Harvard? Just you."
"But I'm still just an actress!" She dropped her head, her confidence totally shot.
Dunn frowned. "What's wrong with that? It's your job!"
"But… don't you think acting's kind of shallow?" she pressed. "I come from an academic family. My dad's a surgical expert, my mom's a whiz at tax law. And me? I'm just an actress."
"Enough!" Dunn snapped, a little mad now. "Nat, are you saying acting can't hold a candle to academia?"
"Am I wrong?"
She'd never seen him mad at her before and froze, stunned.
"You're wrong—dead wrong!" Dunn said, torn between heartache and frustration. "Movies are a discipline. Acting's a noble art! Sure, research can change the world, but great art? It lasts forever too!"
"Art?" she mumbled. "But I don't…"
"Listen, Nat," he cut in. "A big award will prove your worth."
"An award? Like an Oscar?" Her eyes widened, shimmering with hope as she stared at him. "But I didn't get nominated."
Dunn smiled. "Oscars can wait—you're still young. But May's got the Cannes Film Festival coming up. It's the greatest celebration of cinema in the heart of the Renaissance!"
Natalie blinked, half-convinced.
Dunn just grinned, not pushing more. Her insecurity was normal—Harvard's a beast. Unless you're coasting, the pressure's insane. Overcoming that takes time, not just a pep talk. But an award? That might give her a boost.
He had a clear goal in mind but sighed inwardly. He'd come here hoping to kick their relationship up a notch while she was hyped about starting school. Now? Looked like that'd have to wait. Natalie wasn't in the mood.
---
George Paxton, Dunn's personal assistant, was usually glued to his side. As they left Harvard, Dunn asked, "Nat's security all set?"
"No issues," George replied. "Harvard's used to VIPs—tons of contingency plans in place." He'd clearly done his homework.
"Not good enough. I want it airtight!" Dunn paused, his tone firm. "Set up a female bodyguard for her—24/7 protection."
George frowned. "That might… Harvard probably won't go for it."
"Then donate $10 million to Harvard in Dunn Pictures' name!" Dunn said, unfazed. Money solves everything, right? "And make sure her info's scrubbed from their staff directory. She's at Harvard—I want Hollywood buzzing about it, but the academic world staying quiet."
---
Support me on Patreon at belamy20!