[Chapter 171: Monica Takes Initiative]
After a whole night of continuous intimacy, Monica was surprised to find that not only was she not tired, but she actually felt refreshed, vibrant, and glowing. While freshening up, she looked at herself in the mirror and was stunned by how radiant and alluring she appeared. It was nothing short of a miracle. No wonder Catherine didn't mind at all and even treated her like a sister. Now she understood...
It seemed she needed to change her approach. Previously, she had planned to climb Linton's bed to gain some resources, but now that seemed far from enough. She should find a way to truly blend in with the sisters' circle.
Linton never imagined that just one night of intimacy, giving a bit of his essence, would completely captivate Monica. However, he did notice that Monica's popularity wasn't high at all -- it didn't match her stunning looks.
Just like Cristiana back then, he thought he should provide Monica with more opportunities and resources to help her grow quickly.
...
At breakfast, Linton finally understood why Monica had come to audition for his music video's lead female role. Last year, through an introduction, she met the Italian director Francis Coppola and got a role in the movie Bram Stoker's Dracula, playing one of Dracula's vampire brides.
But her part was too small, with only a few scenes, and the film wasn't a big hit. It drew no real attention and didn't help her career at all.
Afterward, she returned to Europe to continue modeling. This year, feeling dissatisfied, she came back to Hollywood looking for a chance and happened to hear that Linton was shooting a music video and casting for the lead female role.
Her agent highly recommended her, citing examples like Cameron, Naomi, and Cristiana, so she came -- and unexpectedly gained Linton's approval so quickly.
"Darling, I feel as if fate itself brought me to your side. What do you think?" Monica looked at Linton hopefully.
"Since it's fate, let's not waste it. You and Catherine should rest well at the estate today. Have your agent go sign the contract directly," Linton said.
"You're too kind, muah..." Monica eagerly planted a kiss.
"Alright, I'm off to Universal to record some tracks, but I'll come back tonight to keep you company."
...
Linton continued to record in peace.
Charlize and her agent, along with Monica's agent, successfully signed contracts with the production team.
As the saying goes, some rejoice while others grieve. Charlize and Monica were ecstatic, but the other auditioning actresses and models were furious.
Supposedly, the casting would have three rounds to choose nine spots, yet two people have been chosen without any notice and they took up four chances. It was blatant favoritism.
Others auditioning cursed the two girls bitterly, though beneath the anger, everyone wanted their spot.
But there was nothing they could do without connections, and their agencies were weak. They didn't even stand a chance for an unsaid compromise.
This industry was ruthless. Connections and opportunities meant everything.
No connections meant no chances, no matter how beautiful or talented you were.
But once you grabbed a chance, you could soar to the top, beyond anyone's reach.
Naomi and Cameron had already set the example.
Fortunately, five spots remained, about a 1 in 10 chance.
Upon learning that Carson, Jack, and Axe held the decision power, the three men immediately found themselves in a happy dilemma, lost in a sea of desires.
...
Skipping the backstabbing and various deals, at Linton's estate, Monica and Catherine just got out of the pool and lay on sun loungers nearby to rest.
After last night's teamwork, they had gotten quite close. Monica, wanting to integrate into the circle and deepen their relationship, took the initiative.
"Catherine, I envy you. You get to star in Linton's movie so early."
"No need to envy. Your chance will come soon."
"Why do you say that?"
"Your music video role was personally chosen by him, right?"
"Yes, but I've never interacted with him before. I don't know why he suddenly picked me."
"Don't overthink. Just know that he has great taste and judgment. If he selected you, it means he values something in you."
"What do you think he values in me?"
"I can't tell, but you can ask him yourself. The most likely reason is your beauty and sex appeal. You're so stunning -- how could any man not be attracted?"
"Don't just talk about me; you're just as beautiful."
"That's why I get to act in his films and live here at the estate."
"How did you two meet?"
"I don't know exactly. I heard he saw me in a TV series while promoting in London. My role and vibe matched his movie's casting needs, so he invited me to audition, and here I am."
"That simple?"
"Yes, that simple. So I'm telling you, don't worry. Your chance will come soon."
"I still don't understand where the chance really lies."
"The chance is that you're just too beautiful, and he noticed you."
"Just like he noticed you back then?"
"Exactly. Later I realized he chose me, sent me that audition invitation mainly because of my looks."
"But he promised me to be the lead in two music videos. That's so different from starring in films."
"You agreed to the music videos before entering the estate, right?"
"Yes. I reached out because he promised me the videos."
"Now that he's let you into the estate and kept you here, it's different."
"Isn't that just the entertainment industry's unspoken rules? What's different?"
"You can't judge him by typical industry standards. He's got extremely high standards. Usually, a woman can't just get into his bed, let alone this estate."
"Really? Tell me more."
"Look at his status: film studio owner, a famous director, a top star, and a billionaire. He's incredibly handsome. Which woman wouldn't want a connection to him? But as far as I know, very few actually do."
"Aren't men just ruled by their desires?"
"He's not an ordinary man. Didn't you notice anything special during last night's encounter?"
"Yeah, after an all-night session, I'm not tired at all today, feeling almost like I had a deep rejuvenation session."
"Exactly. Have you ever heard of such a thing before?"
"Never."
"So you see, he's extraordinary. Now you know what it means for him to let you into this estate and keep you here?"
"You mean he took a liking to me."
"Yes. He even said last night he hoped we could be good sisters. Today, he let you stay so I could keep you company. Isn't that obvious?"
"If I truly became your sister, what benefits would I get?"
"Didn't you just say you felt it? Fighting side by side continuously, not only is he ridiculously strong, but he also helps you maintain peak stamina. Your looks and complexion keep improving and stay youthful."
"Really? Can that effect last long?"
"Of course. Plus, he can provide resources to help you rise to fame quickly."
"Then how can I truly gain his recognition and become your sister?"
"I don't know for sure either, but since he let you stay, it's probably what he wants. There's one way to try."
"What's that?"
"Perform well tonight. I'll have my agent get some props for us."
"But I still don't understand. Shouldn't you be wary of me, even try to stop me? Why help me like this?"
"Because he's already set the rule that his women must love and support each other."
"His women? He has many women?"
"You don't really think I am the only woman living in this estate, do you?"
...
That night, during the game, Linton noticed Monica's unusually enthusiastic and proactive attitude.
Later, with Catherine, she performed all kinds of playful displays with costumes, uniforms, and stockings...
*****
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