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March 6, 1996.

Monica was fixing her hair, exhausted from the grueling week she had endured, a period full of countless tasks. Improving her English had been one of the most difficult and unquantifiable challenges she'd faced. Still, her script readings needed to be more rigorous. Recently, a modest offer had come her way that gave her a sense of recognition.

Jim Waiit presented two quick proposals to her. The first was a commercial film, designed solely to win her the kind of recognition that would put her on a list of favored actresses—this was Anaconda, a film that, while not a critical darling, would be widely recognized by the American audience.

The second was an opportunity to star in a film with an extraordinary script—Life is Beautiful, a heart-wrenching Italian film, more about creating art than gaining fame. Billy had advised her to choose the latter, reminding her that while commercial films could be done at any time, truly great films were rare. A beautiful piece of art could be deeply satisfying, though the filming process would be long and require her to be away for an extended period.

Two scripts and two conflicting desires—split between her professional ambitions and her fulfillment. But in her heart, Monica had already made her decision. She would fly to Italy without delay to work on the film. The script was too magnificent to pass up, filled with a grace that was hard to grasp but irresistible. It was the kind of role her mentors, Winona and Billy, had trained her to take seriously—a deep, emotionally demanding role that reflected raw human experience.

After taking a flight back to San Jose, she arrived wearing her usual chic style. Her high heels clicked with confidence as she stepped off the plane, her long wavy hair meticulously styled with conditioner, wearing a beige coat over a chocolate-brown sweater. She looked utterly stunning.

-Anne, my darling,- Monica greeted, hugging Anne tightly.

-Monica,- Anne whispered back.

-We have to meet tonight. Stay at my place, we have a guest room now, darling. I bought a lot of clothes—almost our size! You'll need to hem them a bit, but I've got more up top, and you've got more hips, my dear,- Monica said, eyeing Anne's figure with a teasing grin.

Anne nodded, feeling a strange tension as Monica sized her up. Among all the women in Billy's circle, Anne was Monica's closest competitor—Billy's pillar, the cornerstone of Lux Animation, and the only one who could truly bring Billy back down to earth. She treated Billy like a wife would.

Monica, understanding this dynamic, saw the value in keeping Anne as a close friend. It wasn't an illusion; a woman like her couldn't afford that. If Billy ever cheated, it had to be with anyone but Anne. Women were expected to uphold a certain dignity, but Billy's betrayal would mean the end of everything, while Monica knew she had to stay silent. She could forgive anything but betrayal with Anne.

-We can do that. A glass of wine sounds perfect… I've been working so much. I found a masseuse who works wonders; my lower back and sciatica have been much better,- Anne commented.

-That sounds amazing… though you should work less! It's nearly eight, Anne, it's getting late. Close up shop and come with me,- Monica insisted.

The two women would spend the evening recounting their busy weeks—two very different lives, both ambitious and full of satisfaction. Anne was organizing her calendar for tomorrow's work—reviewing new company projects and hiring new services. Unlike Monica, Anne favored sneakers that suited her active lifestyle.

-I've always loved the way your straight hair falls in those layers, -Monica said, casually stretching out.

-Please, you're the most beautiful person I've ever seen… I feel like I'm back in high school,- Anne joked.

…

Do they want to double the licensing fee?- Billy asked.

-Yes, they're pushing for an eight-year extension. The first two seasons have smashed audience records, and they've sent a very lucrative proposal—better deals with CBS. It'll help strengthen our relationships and hopefully see the reality show become even more popular,- explained Jim Gianopulos.

-Fine, let's do it. But I don't want just 8%, I want 9% of the ad revenue, and I want to negotiate the possibility of acquiring some CBS series when the time is right,- Billy responded.

They had recently sold some licenses to foreign countries, netting about $500,000 per deal. It was part of Billy's way of securing smaller investments, whether for construction projects or manufacturing ventures, just some of the many items on his ever-growing list.

-And tell them I've got another idea. We can keep collaborating, but let's organize a small production group and maybe hold an event called 'The New American Face,'- Billy said, knowing full well that the licensing deal would lead to many creative opportunities.

-What's the plan?- Jim asked, intrigued. Billy already had two successful shows under his belt—Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and Survivor. Adding a third could only enhance their portfolio.

-I've got some work to do, but let's trademark the logo, register the brand, and focus on marketing this as an opportunity for the ideal American dreamer—the kind of person who dreams of fame, of being known. It'll tie in well with our other shows,- Billy said, handing over a five-page document outlining the concept.

Jim took the papers and quickly grasped Billy's vision, but he knew it wouldn't be easy.

-We'll need some adjustments, but we'll figure it out. It's not a simple task, though; we're going to need a lot of capital. Still, I think CBS would be on board,- Jim said, thinking it through.

-So, what's your call?- Billy asked.

-Let's go for it,- Jim agreed.

As they wrapped up the conversation, their next venture would be buying a stake in Summit Entertainment for $40 million to produce indie films, sharing both the risks and rewards. Jim felt the workload doubling, but he was eager to move forward.

They were interrupted by Monica, who entered the room, vibrant and happy, ready to whisk Billy away for dinner. They would have to get takeout, but Monica was eager to spend time with him.

-It's getting late, love. We need to go,- Monica said.

...