[Chapter 170: Catherine and Monica]
The photo showed Charlize Theron with stunning blonde hair, finely sculpted features, and a tall, sexy figure, radiating youthful charm.
She seemed to have just arrived in the U.S. from South Africa this year. Not sure if she had turned 18 yet -- oh, the records showed she was born in August 1975, so she would be legally adult in two months.
But that was okay -- soon enough. More importantly, her potential was enormous, definitely worth cultivating as one of the top talents.
Monica Bellucci was already a well-known star in Europe, wasn't she? She starred last year in Bram Stoker's Dracula. Why did she still need to be the lead in music videos? But she was indeed beautiful, her alluring charm practically overflowing from the photos.
No matter, it would be just these two. Discovering two top talents already was a big gain.
"Carson, these two don't need to participate in the later auditions, they've passed directly."
"Ah, they passed directly?"
"Yes, each gets two songs."
"Each person can have two songs?"
"Yes, Makes No Difference and Just In Case for Monica Bellucci, High Hopes and You Are Not Alone for Charlize Theron."
"What about the others?" Carson felt almost overwhelmed. Four songs were taken already -- how could the rest be distributed? Would he end up empty-handed?
"I won't participate in the later auditions. You three decide quickly. I still have two days of recording left. Everyone will rehearse a few more days. Let's aim to start shooting by the 21st and get as many songs done before July 6."
"You won't participate in the last round of auditions?" Carson was thrilled but couldn't help confirming again.
"Yes. I looked over the finalists -- they're all pretty good, about the same. You decide, but they should have good basic dance skills."
"Okay, no problem. We'll finalize the five additional picks the day after tomorrow at the latest."
Carson happily left. Though two had been directly chosen by Linton and had four songs reserved, the power to decide on the five remaining songs was given to him.
Though Jack and Axe would share profits, he should at least have a say in their picks -- this was great. He planned to carefully choose those most talented and skilled.
Linton paid no attention to how Carson and the others operated; he fully focused on recording.
...
Unexpectedly that night, while taking a walk with Catherine at the estate -- since Jurassic Park premiered, and for the sake of tabloid publicity, Catherine had been living on Linton's estate -- he received calls from Monica Bellucci and Charlize Theron separately.
Both called to thank him and wanted to show him more of their talents.
Their motives weren't simple. Possibly they wanted to secure their positions with him, being cautious since anything could happen before filming started.
Actually, both Charlize and Monica were surprised too. Before this, they'd hardly any interaction with Linton, hadn't even met him, and their agents had no connections in his circle. How did they suddenly get told they had passed without further auditions?
Their agents inquired around, but couldn't find out the reason -- just that Linton personally selected them. Of course, this was good news but left an uneasy feeling, so they each called to meet and clarify.
...
Linton, considering Charlize was still under 18 and his movie Speed would be released next month, plus he was promoting a scandal with Catherine, couldn't afford a big controversy.
He tactfully declined Charlize's meeting request, only assuring her she was personally chosen and that she could sign the contract the next day and focus on rehearsals.
Though she didn't meet Linton or perform for him, his personal promise eased her mind. She even thought Linton was a rare gentleman in the world.
...
With Monica's invitation, he had fewer reservations. Monica was indeed beautiful and had been on his radar for some time but there hadn't been a chance to make contact. Now she called him first -- how could he refuse?
However, with the movie release and scandal publicity ongoing, he remained cautious. After consulting Catherine, he asked Carter to quietly pick her up from outside to avoid paparazzi and bring her to the estate.
Catherine had long accepted Linton's philandering -- even experienced a 9-to-1 yacht party -- so she didn't mind Monica coming over. If Monica refused and Linton went out to meet her anyway, that would make things worse.
---
Monica had obviously prepared carefully for the evening. Perfect flawless features, long hair draping over her shoulders, dazzling red lips. She wore an elegant black fitted gown and black high heels, emphasizing her sexy figure.
Her delicate face with a graceful swan-like neck and square shoulders combined classical sculpture beauty with natural sensuality.
Her distant gaze contrasted with her tall, curvy figure, creating a cool aura mixed with hot allure. She was like a tempting enchantress.
...
To avoid awkwardness, Catherine retreated to her room first.
In the study, faced with such a goddess, Linton couldn't hold back. Both understood Monica's real intent tonight, so there was no need for formalities. He pulled her into his arms.
Monica willingly returned his passionate kiss. As they kissed deeply, they gradually felt each other's warmth rising. At the height of their passion, Monica whispered by his ear, "Darling, not here. Take me upstairs."
Linton lifted Monica and carried her up to the third floor. They eagerly helped each other out of their restraints. Then, joyful sweet music filled the room...
After some time, the passion subsided. Monica lay like a kitten on Linton's chest. "Darling, you're amazing."
"Baby, you're amazing too." Under the lighting, Monica looked like a perfect work of art, breathtakingly beautiful.
...
As they exchanged sweet words, the bedroom door opened, and Catherine entered, dressed in sexy pajamas.
"Baby, don't be nervous. Let me introduce you. This is Catherine Zeta-Jones, my good friend and lead actress of Speed, Linton quickly reassured the nervous Monica and introduced them.
"Catherine, this is Monica Bellucci, the lead for my next two music videos. You're both beautiful; I believe you'll become good friends."
"Monica, nice to meet you," Catherine stepped forward generously to shake hands and hug Monica.
Monica was completely nude and felt shy and embarrassed. "Catherine, you're not mad?"
"What's there to be mad about? I'm used to it. You shouldn't be embarrassed either. Later, we'll team up and conquer it together."
Unconsciously, a new round of passion began, sweet and joyful singing continuing through the night...
*****
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