Chapter 254: Presidential Inaugural Dinner

As the 1993 Golden Globe Awards came to an end, Galaxy Films undoubtedly became the biggest winner.

Schindler's List won the awards for Best Motion Picture - Drama, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.

Al Pacino won the Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama for his performance in Scent of a Woman!

Meanwhile, Arthur had left Los Angeles with Jennifer Connelly after signing the contract with Universal and Paramount Communications to acquire USA Network. They headed to Washington, D.C. to attend Clinton's inauguration.

Bill Clinton delivered his inaugural speech on the plaza in front of Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. In the evening, Arthur attended the presidential inaugural dinner.

"Arthur, thank you for your support. Your contributions during the campaign won't be forgotten," Clinton said with a smile as he shook Arthur's hand.

Arthur glanced at the surrounding crowd and responded softly with a smile, "Last year, I just acquired the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Soon, we'll build a five-star Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Washington, D.C.!"

"The Ritz-Carlton is excellent. I'll be staying there often. In the District, whether you want to renovate or construct new buildings, it's fine. You'll receive the necessary tax breaks," Clinton assured Arthur, knowing that fulfilling his promises to Arthur would undoubtedly enhance the Ritz-Carlton's brand value, especially with government officials staying there.

Arthur nodded, "I believe Hollywood will definitely be one of the Democratic Party's biggest supporters in the future!"

"Arthur, you need to control a larger influence quickly. The financial regulations regarding TV stations and movie groups have been abolished. ABC, NBC, and CBS will become the focal points for media group competition," Clinton suggested.

"Can Galaxy participate?" Clinton inquired of Arthur.

"NBC belongs to General Electric, ABC to Capital Cities, and CBS is a standalone public company. Although CBS is the smallest of the three, Galaxy currently doesn't have many options. Give it a few years," Arthur replied, looking at Clinton. "Maybe, by next election, we'll be ready!"

ABC and NBC have more cable channels under their umbrella compared to CBS. However, if Galaxy were to merge with CBS, Arthur might lose his controlling interest.

Galaxy still needed time. Now that they had USA Network, Arthur aimed to make USA the benchmark for American cable television!

"Let's wait and see. Enjoy the dinner," Clinton said, patting Arthur on the shoulder.

Arthur Smith and Bill Clinton's closeness was observed by many, but Clinton was close with numerous people that night, so Arthur didn't mind.

Nonetheless, befriending the new president was definitely advantageous for Arthur now. At the very least, the development of Arthur's ventures would expedite.

"Arthur, you're amazing," Jennifer Connelly praised him as soon as Arthur returned to his seat.

Arthur smiled, "It's nothing much. Look at the people here; most of them are here because they spent money. Washington, Hollywood, and Wall Street have always been closely connected. Let's head back tomorrow!"

Jennifer Connelly nodded, "Galaxy performed well at this year's Golden Globes. I believe the Oscars won't be an exception."

Even though the awards for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy and Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy were won by The Player, Tim Robbins, who starred in The Player, had played a lead role in Galaxy's The Shawshank Redemption last year.

No, The Shawshank Redemption is now called "Redemption!"

"I'm off to the restroom," Arthur said, giving Jennifer Connelly a quick kiss on the cheek before heading towards the restroom.

After washing his face, Arthur had just stepped out of the restroom when he bumped into Paramount's veteran producer, Robert Evans, in the hallway.

"Arthur, good evening. It's a great dinner tonight!" Robert Evans greeted with a smile.

Arthur nodded, "Indeed, the birth of a new president always attracts much attention!"

As they walked to the corridor's end, Robert Evans saw a woman and beckoned her over.

"Mr. Evans, anything you need?" The woman who approached was a rather unattractive woman in her thirties.

"Heidi, do you know him?" Robert Evans asked with a smile. The woman's name was Heidi Fleiss.

"Of course, this is Hollywood's golden boy, Mr. Arthur Smith; who doesn't know him?" Heidi Fleiss said with a look of excitement, then turned to Arthur.

"Good evening, Mr. Smith. I'm Heidi Fleiss, currently running a women's club in Los Angeles. If you need anything, just have someone contact me!"

Arthur was perplexed. Robert Evans leaned in and whispered, "She took over Elizabeth Adams' business these past two years and even expanded it. Her confidentiality is top-notch. Heidi used to be Elizabeth Adams' assistant."

Arthur instantly understood.

Though he didn't know Heidi Fleiss, he was familiar with Elizabeth Adams, known for being the high-profile madam of Los Angeles, Hollywood's top madam. The news about Elizabeth Adams being charged with prostitution, money laundering, and tax evasion was all over the place two years ago.

Elizabeth Adams had already been imprisoned at the beginning of the previous year. Now, her business was taken over by this woman named Heidi Fleiss?

Arthur didn't even bother to glance at her, casually dismissing her with a wave and a disdainful expression, "I have other things to attend to. I'll be leaving!"

Heidi Fleiss didn't find it awkward at all; she simply put down her business card as she watched Arthur leave.

Robert Evans shook his head and remarked, "Every young girl in Hollywood is willing to offer themselves to Arthur. He really has no interest in these. Arrange for two Playboy models with Latino heritage to be sent to my room tonight. I feel like trying something different today!"

Heidi Fleiss smiled and nodded, "I'll arrange it right away."

Last year, Robert Evans produced the film Sliver and had many interactions with its lead actress Sharon Stone. Now, he seemed to have grown tired of blonde, blue-eyed beauties.

The high-end escort market exclusively provides services of young girls to Hollywood stars, politicians, and company executives.

Robert Evans, Charlie Sheen, Jack Nicholson, Dustin Hoffman, and others were all exposed in Elizabeth Adams' previous client list!

Arthur was just surprised that a Hollywood madam could show up at the presidential inaugural dinner. It proved that you could buy an invitation with enough money.

Robert Evans, that idiot, even introduced her to him?

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.