Chapter 258: Exploiting a Loophole

"We would certainly love to work with Ford, but he's not suitable for 'Pretty Woman'. It's a romance film, and Ford excels more in solitary hero roles. It's hard for him to spark chemistry with the female lead."

...

"Be confident, Kevin. You're familiar with Michael, and you've prepared for so many years. No one in Hollywood knows 'Dances with Wolves' better than you. You're absolutely right to direct it yourself."

...

"Mike, Orion's recent release 'The Adventures of Milo and Otis' did well at the box office... Haha, you get my point. 'Pulp Fiction' has been dragging its share for half a year now. That film made so much for you guys; I don't want things to turn ugly."

...

"This year's Cannes jury president is Wim Wenders, who definitely prefers films like 'Sex, Lies, and Videotape'. So, we won't vie for the Palme d'Or this time, Elara. Sometimes it's necessary to take a step back."

...

"Japan? Sandy, why are you concerned about Japan? Girls should focus on acting, indulge in spas, keep themselves pretty, and find a girlfriend in their spare time... Stop, everyone's watching, be ladylike."

...

"Good evening, Bob, and Martin, it's great to see you. How's 'Goodfellas' coming along?"

...

"Terry, I heard Martin Davis at Paramount is also interested in Time Inc. Looks like you guys might have some trouble... Me? Of course, I'm interested too, but it's a big deal, and Daenerys Entertainment isn't ready for it yet. You can rest easy."

...

Inside the Palisades hillside mansion.

The cocktail party started at 7:30 PM. Groups of guests scattered throughout the spacious courtyard, but the atmosphere wasn't noisy. The party had no strict time limit; some guests were still arriving, while others had left early.

Simon was mingling with the crowd, chatting with Terry Semel, when Nicole Kidman, dressed in an elegant gown, approached them.

Semel, seeing Nicole coming over, raised his glass to Simon with a smile and walked away.

Nicole Kidman approached Simon and asked, trying to hide her nervousness, "Simon, did you call me over for something?"

Simon walked with Nicole to the cliff edge, leaning against the railing and looking out over the night lights of Los Angeles below. He said, "Joe told me you want to leave WMA and also wish to terminate the remaining two option contracts with Daenerys Entertainment?"

Nicole hesitated, then mustered up her courage, "I'm grateful for the opportunity you gave me in 'Pulp Fiction', Simon. But I want more freedom to plan my future."

Simon shook his head directly, "You can leave WMA, but you must fulfill the remaining two option contracts with Daenerys Entertainment."

"Why do you have to be like this, Simon? You've already let Meg Ryan go."

Simon wasn't moved by Nicole's pitiful tone. He leaned in, looking intently into her eyes, "Daenerys Entertainment's termination of the contract with Meg Ryan doesn't mean the matter is over. I don't expect gratitude after promoting you all. It's unrealistic in Hollywood. What I demand is for you to fulfill the commitments you've signed. I really, really dislike those who don't honor their contracts."

Nicole felt Simon's stern tone, and her demeanor weakened even more. The implication that Meg Ryan's issue wasn't fully resolved made her uneasy.

Quickly realizing why Simon was being so firm, Nicole knew Daenerys Entertainment held numerous option contracts due to its knack for discovering new talent. Simon's "Batman," reportedly, had the main actors and supporting cast locked in long-term contracts.

Daenerys Entertainment had already terminated one option contract with Meg Ryan. If Nicole was allowed to leave now, others would follow suit once they became successful, rendering Daenerys's contracts worthless.

To protect its interests, Daenerys could not allow this to happen.

Realizing this, Nicole even worried for Meg Ryan. She understood that Daenerys's seemingly easy release of Meg was to set an example for others, showing the consequences of breaking contracts prematurely.

Simon looked back down at the city lights and then asked casually, "Made up your mind?"

Nicole nodded, her voice softer, "I really hope to continue working with Daenerys Entertainment, Simon. But I also hope Daenerys can offer me good opportunities."

"You want the lead role in 'Ghost,' I know. But that role isn't suitable for you; I need a more mature female lead. You're too young. How about playing April O'Neil in 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'?"

Nicole instinctively raised her chin, then realized Simon wasn't suggesting but dictating.

Daenerys had previously let her read the script for 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,' where the female lead was essentially a comic relief vase. Jumping from a leading role in a blockbuster like 'Pulp Fiction' to a vase, even if 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' did well, was a step back for her.

"I, Simon, I think Jonathan was trying to get the 'Ninja Turtles' role for Erika Anderson?"

"Erika's too inexperienced; I've already turned that down," Simon said and added, "If you don't want it, you can take a break."

What does he mean by 'take a break'?

Such an infuriating man!

Nicole internally cursed but knew she had no other choice. With Simon's current stance, forcing a contract termination would lead to a lengthy lawsuit. Ignoring her inability to afford the legal battle, even if she could, the fame she gained from 'Pulp Fiction' would cool off by the time the case concluded.

Hearing Nicole grudgingly agree, Simon waved her away.

After finishing his drink alone at the railing, Simon turned to rejoin the crowd. Another female voice called out, "Hi, Mr. Westeros."

Turning, he saw a black-haired woman in a backless evening dress, Demi Moore.

At this time, Demi Moore was almost unknown in Hollywood, known only as Bruce Willis's wife.

Simon viewed their relationship as typical Hollywood contractual marriage. Willis's many on-screen roles as a tough man devoted to family needed the backing of a marriage. Their quick wedding during 'Die Hard' wasn't a coincidence. Privately, Willis lived as he pleased.

As for Demi Moore, her affair with DiCaprio was telling.

Thinking this, Simon extended his hand with a playful smile, "Hello, Mrs. Willis."

Demi didn't expect Simon to recognize her but quickly said, "I don't use my husband's surname, Simon. You can call me Demi."

Ignoring Demi's shift to a more intimate address, Simon asked, "Didn't Bruce come with you?"

"He's in New York for a TV show," Demi casually replied, then asked, "Simon, you must have seen my audition tape for 'Ghost', right?"

"Yes," Simon didn't hide it, "Congratulations, Demi. You've made it to the final round of auditions."

Demi's eyes lit up, then dimmed realizing her competitors like Michelle Pfeiffer and Daryl Hannah, likely had

 a higher chance of landing the role.

Noticing the young man still evaluating her, remembering he recognized her instantly, Demi decided to approach closer, her eyes softening as she looked at him, "Simon, I think I'm more suitable for the role than the others. Why don't we find a place to talk privately?"

Simon raised an eyebrow, signaled a passing waiter, got a new drink, and leaned against the railing, adopting a listening pose, "This spot is fine, Demi. You can share your thoughts on the role of Molly."

Realizing he was toying with her, Demi showed a displeased expression, "Simon, you really don't understand a woman's heart."

Simon sipped his cocktail, glanced over the crowd, lifted his glass towards Demi, and said, "Alright, Demi, here's your chance. Find someone in the crowd to join you, then head upstairs to the villa and wait for me. Remember, second floor, turn left, third room."

Demi hesitated, showing difficulty, then asked, "Simon, does this mean I'll get the role?"

Simon shrugged, "I don't know. You can try."

Demi cautiously prodded, "I thought you were a man of your word."

"I am," Simon glanced at her, "But I don't recall making any promises to you."

Without waiting for Demi's response, Simon walked back into the crowd.

Demi stood there, hesitated, then decided, moving not towards the guests but towards ICM President Marvin Josephson.

Marvin listened to Demi's whisper, his face showing no surprise or moral dilemma. In Hollywood, he had seen it all; Simon's request was ordinary to him.

Moreover, Bruce Willis was a WMA client; he didn't need to consider him.

After a moment, Marvin suggested, "Famke is in New York, Helena is in LA, how about that?"

Demi knew he referred to the Wonder Woman candidates, Famke Janssen and Helena Christensen, but she wasn't familiar with them and didn't know their temperaments. Tonight's task required a well-known 'partner.'

"Marvin, I don't know them."

"How about Joan Severance? You met her at Jeffrey's party last time."

Demi continued to shake her head, then suggested, "Rene Russo. She should work."

Marvin pondered, "She's Ed's client and seems a bit older."

Demi smiled, "That's why I say she's suitable."

Marvin caught on, glanced over the crowd, found the young man's figure, and nodded with a smile, "Indeed. Alright, I'll call Ed. That woman probably won't refuse such an opportunity."

Simon didn't know he had become an object of speculation in Hollywood; even if he knew, he wouldn't care much.

Back in Los Angeles, he was single.

He whimsically suggested to Demi to find someone in the crowd. If she succeeded, he didn't mind relaxing tonight. As for 'Ghost,' Simon had already decided to use the original cast to ensure the success rate, so he didn't need to focus too much on this project.

With rapidly growing assets, Simon was severely short on time.

An hour later, chatting with Fox's new President Joe Roth, Simon noticed Demi reappearing with another mature-looking tall woman, then walking into the villa.

Simon vaguely recognized the woman with Demi but couldn't recall her face. Watching them enter the villa, he couldn't figure it out.

Roth noticed Simon's gaze, "Simon, want to meet them?"

"No need," Simon shook his head, "It seems like someone exploited a loophole."

"What?"

"Nothing. You were saying Fox is planning 'The Exorcist 3'?"

"Yes, Simon. Want to check out the script, maybe give some advice?"

"Better not, too busy lately."

Hollywood parties are just like that.

Everyone talks about recent happenings in the circle, discusses projects, or simply jokes around. Then, coveted connections are formed in such casual conversations, and potential collaborations subtly take root.

The party began winding down around 10 PM.

By 11 PM, Jennifer, ever diligent, supervised the cleanup and left with Amy's assistant Vanessa, treating it as official business.

Except for the security in the annex, Simon was left alone in the mansion.

Or perhaps, with three.

Feeling slightly dizzy, Simon headed upstairs, unsure if it was the second room on the left or the third on the right. He patiently searched.

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