Hollywood: The Greatest Showman - Chapter 267: Powerful Clash

Chapter 267: Powerful Clash

The set was back to its usual operations, with everyone returning to their positions and preparing for the next take.

The previous scene was unexpectedly interrupted when Vin suddenly blanked out and forgot his lines, abruptly cutting the scene in half and forcing them to start over. All the extras returned to their places to resume filming from the moment Hobbs made his entrance.

Paul bid farewell to Renly and returned to his position. A burning gaze fixed on him, and as he looked up, he saw Vin’s face full of discontent and resentment. Paul knew that with Vin’s character, this confrontation was far from over.

Paul didn’t respond, instead, he shifted his gaze and greeted the other actors around him.

“Paul,” Justin hurried over, “when the standoff forms, you should step forward to back up Dominic.”

Justin immediately noticed Vin’s sharp gaze, almost slicing through his skin. Paul stood up, confronting Vin, and asked, “Explain in detail.”

Justin felt a shiver run down his spine, but he was still the director. Even though Vin was a big shot, Justin still had some authority. The real pressure was on Renly; he could only hope Renly could withstand Vin’s pressure. “Hobbs is here to arrest two people. In the face of Hobbs, Brian is Dominic’s most important partner and must not back down. So no matter what Dominic’s situation is, Brian has to step forward and offer support.”

Justin’s words were full of pomp. Vin was still a bit dissatisfied but ultimately did not retort. Moreover, Paul voiced his support, “Got it. What about positioning? Are the camera angles the same? I’ll stand to Dominic’s right rear, is that okay?”

Vin lowered his gaze, remaining silent. His biggest opponent now was Renly, not Paul or Justin. He needed to teach Renly a lesson and regain his footing. Otherwise, he’d lose face in front of the entire crew, especially with over two hundred extras present. He needed focus—absolute focus. Once Renly was dealt with, everything else would fall into place.

After Justin thoroughly explained his vision and made sure Paul understood, he moved on to Renly, explained his thoughts to him, then informed the cinematography and lighting departments. Once everyone was notified, the crew resumed filming.

With the clapperboard’s crisp sound, the set began running like a well-oiled machine.

Hobbs appeared; Dominic responded; Brian taunted; Hobbs was imposing; Dominic stepped forward, and Brian followed suit. The standoff took shape. The filming flowed smoothly, the atmosphere and rhythm shifted seamlessly, leaving everyone holding their breath.

“Your mistake is thinking you still have a choice, kid.”

Hobbs’ imposing aura crashed down like a tidal wave. With his words, the agents behind him raised their guns, aiming at Dominic, Brian, and the rest. The sound of guns cocking echoed through the quiet parking lot, creating an atmosphere of utmost tension.

Dominic stared intently at Hobbs without speaking. The silence spread slowly. Brian took half a step forward, the sound of his shoes scraping the gravel spreading softly. It brought Dominic back to his senses, he raised his chin slightly, trying to keep his gaze level with Hobbs, a confident and calm smile appearing on his lips.

“And your mistake?” Dominic said deeply, pausing slightly before adding with a hint of sarcasm, “Is thinking you’re still in the U.S. You’re far from home now.” Dominic’s smile broadened, his eyes gleaming with pride, “This is…” he raised his hands, presenting the crowd behind him, “Brazil!”

His words were filled with pride and arrogance, his excitement evident in his eyebrows. Instantly, over fifty onlookers pulled out their guns and weapons, surrounding Hobbs and his team, shifting the momentum. The hunter thought he’d caught his prey, only to realize he’d walked into the prey’s trap, becoming the prey himself.

The sudden shift in momentum was startling.

Hobbs’ brows furrowed slightly, a hint of heaviness in his eyes. He realized his mistake—his eagerness to capture the suspects led him to fall into Dominic’s trap, putting himself and his team in a disadvantageous position.

But the hesitation quickly disappeared. His gaze sharpened, unyielding as he met Dominic’s gaze, his expression unchanged despite Dominic’s soaring momentum. His deep brown eyes grew darker, exuding a decisive and fierce energy, striking Dominic with immense force.

Vin was taken aback. He’d prepared thoroughly, knowing how Renly would act and that Dominic would have the upper hand. But at this moment, seeing the resoluteness in those eyes, he felt a chill deep in his soul as if the man in front of him would go to any lengths, even mutual destruction, to take them down. That intense look sent a chill through his very being.

Terrifying!

That was Vin’s only thought. Accompanied by rising anger and assertiveness, he subconsciously leaned forward, exerting physical pressure on his opponent, showcasing his determination not to back down.

The scene was tense, a moment of true crisis. The thick atmosphere made it hard to breathe; time and space seemed to freeze.

Standing behind was Yorgo Konstantin, feeling suffocated, his heartbeat slowing but becoming more potent, as if on the verge of explosion. But he retained a sliver of sanity, knowing his upcoming task.

He played Chato, Hobbs’ top assistant, in the movie. In this scene, he was responsible for breaking the deadlock and persuading Hobbs to retreat. This meant the next line was his.

Yorgo carefully stepped forward, each step feeling heavy, his muscles straining under the pressure, his back drenched with sweat.

Reaching Hobbs, Yorgo said in a deep voice, “Forget it, boss. Another day.”

Dominic’s smile widened, a victorious grin. Hobbs leaned forward, his eyes narrowing, sizing Dominic up with a predator’s gaze, a murderous aura brewing, tightening the air.

Vin’s heart tightened again.

Yorgo swallowed hard, trying to calm his racing heart, the veins in his temples throbbing. He could hear his own voice, tight with tension, “Forget it, today’s not the day.”

Dominic continued to stare at Hobbs. Hobbs’ gaze flickered, his shoulders relaxing slightly, the fierce resolve and courage fading away, the tense air slightly easing, “Until next time, Toretto.” Hobbs said.

He’d won.

Vin mentally celebrated; he’d won this battle of wills! “Until next time!” A faint smile curved his lips, but he quickly composed himself, not wanting to appear too smug. Yet, his eyes betrayed his true emotions.

This made Hobbs’ brow arch slightly, a hint of disdain and contempt flashing in his eyes. His lips curled subtly, a minor change, but the mocking smile rippled through the air like a breeze across a lake.

Hobbs had lost the battle of wills, retreating begrudgingly. But now, that slight shift in his expression regained the upper hand. His deep gaze seemed to say: You’re just a brash punk, not as formidable as I thought. I may have been caught off guard this time, but next time, you won’t be so lucky.

This condescending look provoked Dominic—or rather, Vin. He clenched his teeth, his face changing. Despite having the upper hand, the other guy stole the spotlight again. The grinding of his teeth was audible; he wanted to tear the man in front of him apart.

Hobbs stepped back, his smile growing; another step back, and the smile widened again, the distance between them increasing. Then Hobbs raised his right hand, making a gun gesture to his temple. His smile faded, his expression becoming calm.

Suddenly, Hobbs pressed his thumb, mimicking a trigger pull, mouthing “bang.” His dark eyes sparkled with a sinister light, the playful yet mocking demeanor reaching its peak, embodying a strange mix of good and evil. Even surrounded by over two hundred people, he remained unflustered.

In this clash of titans, he effortlessly took the upper hand, dominating the scene with ease.