Hunting in Hollywood

"Mission: Impossible won't start filming until next year, Nick. Since everything is okay on your end, Daenerys has a script that might just suit you," said Simon. "It's called 'Time of Slaughter,' a racial crime thriller akin to 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' Samuel L. Jackson and Sandra Bullock have already agreed to star, and your role would be a white lawyer."

As Sandra's agent, Jonathan Friedman, upon hearing Simon mention 'Time of Slaughter,' immediately thought of the details of the movie.

It was a novel published two years ago by an author named John Grimsson. Not only 'Time of Slaughter,' but Daenerys Entertainment had also acquired the film adaptation rights to two other unpublished novels by Grimsson.

Given that Simon had handed the script to Sandra, it was evident how much he believed in the project.

Jonathan had originally hoped that his client, Matt Dillon, could land the role of the white lawyer, but he hadn't expected Simon to give it to Nicolas Cage at this time.

In a moment, Jonathan understood that Simon was planning to use the same strategy he used to boost Famke Jansen's popularity before 'Mission: Impossible' to increase Nicolas Cage's visibility.

Despite being from the Coppola family, Cage had struggled to rise above the second tier in Hollywood after many years.

Nicolas Cage couldn't immediately grasp Simon's intentions and said, "Simon, may I take a look at the script first?"

Simon smiled and nodded, "Of course, you can. Also, after you sign the 'Mission: Impossible' contract, I want you to start some physical training from this year. You know, Daenerys Entertainment's action movies are quite demanding, and if you aren't up for a challenge, it's not too late to back out."

No one likes hardship, but Cage knew better than to let go of such an opportunity, even with a surname like Coppola.

The scions of Hollywood, they may not lack opportunities, but success still largely depends on luck.

Simon, with memories of more than a dozen people, knew plenty of such gossip.

Gwyneth Paltrow, with a godfather like Spielberg and deeply entrenched family connections in Hollywood, had to continue working with Weinstein even after harassment because he could make her a queen of the Oscars.

Robert Downey Jr. started acting in his father's films at five, and despite an Oscar nomination for 'Chaplin' before his fame with 'Iron Man,' his career was lukewarm. He even broke down during a shoot once, lamenting why he couldn't land a role like Johnny Depp's in 'Pirates of the Caribbean.'

Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert Downey Jr., Nicolas Cage—these Hollywood offspring turned out quite well compared to many others like the Baldwin brothers, Bridget Fonda from the Fonda family, and Goldie Hawn's daughter Kate Hudson, who started early in the film industry but never quite hit the big time.

Now Simon, apart from his own wealth and influence, seemed to possess the Midas touch that could launch many an obscure newbie to stardom.

There weren't many who could refuse an opportunity offered by Simon Westeros.

After the discussion, Jonathan and the others excused themselves.

Having been seen in the media and exchanged pleasantries, Simon glanced at his watch and asked Cindy, "I'm heading back, how about you?"

Cindy Crawford blinked her eyes.

It was probably only about 7:30 PM.

However, she quickly realized that as one of those hoping to seize opportunities at the party, she would likely stay till the end. For someone like Simon, others saw him as the opportunity.

Now?

Maybe?

Cindy Crawford realized she didn't really have another choice.

Though she hadn't considered other options, it was evident that if she didn't leave with this man, her momentary boast would be exposed.

Glancing again at the man beside her, noting the hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth, Cindy realized she might be in for a tough night ahead.

Simon Westeros wasn't someone whose favor could be easily ridden on.

Luckily, before she could answer, someone else approached Simon to chat.

It was Meg Ryan.

Cindy was aware of Meg Ryan's previous ban by the man beside her.

Meg Ryan, visibly tense, didn't dare to sit across from Simon and greeted him respectfully, "Hi, Simon, I saw you here and just wanted to say hello."

Simon, neither distant nor overly familiar, simply nodded to the seat opposite him and asked, "What have you been up to lately?"

Taking the cue, Meg Ryan sat down and replied, "I'm working on a fantasy romance film with Fox called 'Love Beyond the World,' which is about a soul swap."

Seizing the opportunity during the MCA acquisition, she quickly rejoined WMA under Daenerys Entertainment after being unbanned. Though there was no suitable film for her

 under the contract with Daenerys Entertainment, she joined a Fox project.

Fox's president, Joe Ross, had even called Simon to confirm it was okay before accepting Meg Ryan.

Simon was aware of why Meg Ryan came to greet him—it was obviously to show publicly that she was no longer banned.

Since he had already forgiven her, Simon didn't mind playing along.

After a brief conversation, which publicly cleared the air, Simon finally got up to leave.

Cindy Crawford didn't wait for Simon to say anything and promptly followed.

After greeting Amy, Sam, and a few others, Simon led Cindy towards the lobby door. Just as they were about to exit, another tall figure approached.

"Simon, are you leaving now?"

This time it was Nicole Kidman.

"Yes," Simon replied. Seeing Nicole step closer, he flashed a playful smile and said, "I'm planning to take Cindy to see the Space Needle in Seattle. Would you like to join us?"

Nicole was taken aback by Simon's direct approach. As the man moved to leave, she instinctively followed and subconsciously replied, "Sure."

As the trio vanished, the guests at the party who noticed the detail couldn't help but be a little moved. Probably only Westeros could manage to take two top beauties away from a party at once.

And he made it look effortlessly easy.

Many female guests regretted not receiving an invitation from Westeros and lamented not being as bold as Nicole Kidman in actively pursuing him.

By the time they were seated in Simon's car, both ladies were still a bit dazed.

Cindy Crawford, especially, was puzzled.

Seattle?

Space Needle?

What did that mean?

Had something happened just now that she wasn't aware of?

Only when their car arrived at Los Angeles International Airport and they boarded Simon's Boeing 767 private jet did Cindy start to realize.

And then.

Until the plane took off.

Until they performed a scene for someone in the cabin.

Until they arrived at a mansion on an island in Seattle.

Until they were exhausted and fell into a deep sleep.

Cindy Crawford's mind was still wrapped around a single thought.

This.

Was really spending big!

By now, at Simon's position, there were almost no media daring to track and dig into his private life. Major media outlets wouldn't dare offend a tycoon controlling a massive amount of advertising enterprises, and small gossip media simply didn't have the capability to follow him.

However, Simon remained very cautious about such matters.

He simply didn't want the hassle.

Much like many U.S. Presidents are habitually exposed for scandals without it much affecting their personal lives, to many, it was natural for scandals to be associated with someone like Simon now.

As predictable as the sunny weather in Los Angeles throughout the year, it seemed especially easy to encounter a rainy day in Seattle.

When dawn broke, the sound of rain pattering outside began.

The ABCD girls needed to stay at Dumay Cape Manor, and last night the housekeeper, Alice Ferguson, and another girl who had served as a flight attendant came here with Simon.

The women got up early in the morning, following the boss's usual routine to prepare breakfast and newspapers.

At just past seven o'clock, the housekeeper carrying two sets of new clothes just entered when she saw her boss coming down the stairs.

"Good morning, boss."

"Morning."

Simon nodded, noticing the housekeeper's inevitable glance upstairs, smiled, and said, "Take the clothes up."

"Ah?"

Simon didn't repeat himself and headed towards the living room, adding, "Bring me the newspapers."

Alice finally confirmed she hadn't misheard. Hesitant for a moment, she first went to the kitchen and instructed Zoey Parks, who had come over last night with Simon, to bring the newspapers to him, while she herself carried the clothes upstairs to the bedroom.

Entering the master bedroom, she quietly pushed open the door. Because it was summer, only a thin blanket was casually draped for sleeping.

Very casually indeed.

Thus, even the housekeeper couldn't help but blush at the sight of two perfect bodies sprawled naked across the big bed.

Just as she was about to set down the clothes and leave quietly, Cindy Crawford woke up.

Seeing Alice, Cindy instinctively pulled the bedsheet closer.

Recalling that this was the flight attendant from last night, she relaxed a bit.

Seeing the bed's occupant still scrutinizing her, Alice didn't feel right just leaving. She explained, "The boss asked me to bring clothes over. Miss Crawford, is there anything else you need?"

Since both women were wearing party dresses from the night before, it was obviously inappropriate to wear them now.

Hearing Alice say this, Cindy grew more appreciative of a certain man's thoughtfulness.

Then she took another look at the woman standing by the bed.

Cindy noticed that aside from being slightly taller, the housekeeper's appearance and demeanor were not inferior to hers. In fact, that faint cool demeanor seemed even more

 likely to arouse a man's desire to conquer.

She wondered if Westeros had taken his chance with this woman.

It seemed.

From the woman's demeanor, probably not.

Strange indeed.

Thinking this, Cindy couldn't help feeling a bit competitive and no longer hid her body. She confidently got out of bed, took the clothes prepared by the housekeeper, and began to dress.

Their movements naturally woke Nicole Kidman as well.

Both sharp and cunning women, the housekeeper didn't want to show weakness either, but after enduring for a few minutes, she still couldn't help but flee the scene.

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