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Charlize dared to make such a request because she and Katie were already familiar with each other. She could touch, pet, and interact freely without worry.
But the rest of the crew didn't share that confidence.
If not for the distance, some of them might've already bolted—or climbed onto something high to escape the tiger.
There was, however, one exception.
Cruella.
Dressed in her signature black-and-white suit, the British designer stood on set—whether to supervise or to interfere was anyone's guess.
Her eyes lit up.
Arms slightly extended, she advanced step by step like a zombie, her gaze fixed greedily on Katie's striped fur.
The aura alone was enough—
Even Katie instinctively took half a step back.
Henry immediately stepped in.
"Pet's not for sale. Fur's not for sale. And you're definitely not turning her into a coat today."
"I haven't said anything yet!" Cruella snapped, hands on her hips.
Her two henchmen quickly flanked her, trying to "protect" their boss—though realistically, they wouldn't last a second against a tiger.
---
Meanwhile, Katie curiously looked around, taking in the unfamiliar crowd.
No leash. No restraints.
Only Henry's hand scratching behind her ears kept her from wandering.
Henry continued calmly:
"I've looked into your past work, Ms. de Vil. Your love of fur has made you quite… unpopular with animal rights groups.
"I'm not here to judge. But when it comes to my pet—this lovely little 'tabby'—I have to advocate for her life. I've raised her since she was tiny. I'm attached."
"Such a shame," Cruella sighed. "Can you imagine the magnificent garments her fur could become?"
"An African chieftain outfit?"
…
Henry had a rare talent—not just for warming up a room, but for freezing it solid.
Cruella's mind instantly filled with the image of a tribal leader draped in tiger hide.
Her fingers curled into claws. She looked ready to strangle him on the spot.
---
Charlize burst out laughing, breaking the tension.
Clapping her hands, she addressed the crew:
"Alright—our animal star is here. Let's proceed as planned.
"Anyone uncomfortable can step out after finishing your tasks.
"And Cruella—you'll need to discuss compensation with the animal's owner. This isn't free.
"But I guarantee this will save money compared to blindly shooting with no direction.
"You handle the clothes—you're the expert. I handle the camera—I'm the expert."
---
Cruella turned back to Henry, tapping her foot impatiently.
"Payment. How much?"
Henry froze.
His first thought:
Wait… Katie can earn her own food now?
But as for pricing?
No idea.
He hadn't even made it as more than a background actor—and now his "tabby cat" was co-starring with Charlize Theron.
He shot a sharp look at Katie, who was being led away by Charlize.
Maybe tonight we eat tiger steak… she's getting a bit too well-fed anyway.
---
"Hello? Still alive?"
Cruella snapped her fingers loudly.
Henry blinked, snapping back.
"I… actually don't know what to charge. Uh—Jen? Can you help me here?"
He waved over J.J. Harris, who had been keeping a very safe distance.
"Jen, do you know how animal actor contracts work? Can you handle Katie's deal?"
J.J. hesitated.
"It's similar to human actors. The owner signs on their behalf, and everything must comply with animal welfare regulations. But I'm not deeply familiar… I might not be the best choice."
She had seen Katie before.
That didn't mean she was comfortable.
Not even close.
---
Henry sighed.
"Then just help this once. A temporary contract is fine. I'm not planning to take Katie around for gigs anyway.
"Unless you're willing to bring her to auditions yourself?"
J.J. shook her head so hard it looked like it might come off.
Henry chuckled.
"Exactly."
He had no intention of letting Katie out of his sight.
And not everyone had Charlize's nerves.
She could casually grab a tiger's head and boss it around.
Try that with a stranger—and see what happens.
"About payment," Henry added, "if you know the market rate, go with that. If not, lower is fine. I'm only here because Charlize asked.
"If Katie had to feed herself, she'd be skin and bones by now."
J.J. sighed.
"Alright. I'll handle it."
"Perfect. And set your commission higher—I don't mind."
Henry happily delegated the problem away.
---
Negotiations were left to the professional agent and Cruella's sharp-minded assistant, Jasper.
Cruella herself?
Already consumed by inspiration.
A real tiger on set—
Ideas flooded her mind like a broken dam.
She rushed to the director, firing off shot concepts one after another. If she didn't supervise personally, she was convinced the result would be garbage.
Charlize, meanwhile, had multiple outfits.
Which to use? What styling?
All under Cruella's command.
Because for her—
This wasn't about commercial value.
It was about perfection.
---
Soon, Cruella took over the set entirely.
Her presence overwhelmed even the director.
She barked orders at everyone—including Charlize.
The only reason she didn't grab Katie by the ears and direct her personally…
Was because she assumed the tiger couldn't understand.
Henry, however, was sweating slightly.
If my girlfriend accidentally lets the tiger bite someone…
The entire shoot unfolded in a storm of shouting, chaos, and frantic energy.
And somehow—
It worked.
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