Chapter 173

Charles drove his Cayenne to the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills for a small business cocktail party. Normally, such events didn't interest him.

However, Jessica Alba had suddenly called him, sounding a bit urgent. Charles thought that he hadn't seen her in a while, so it wouldn't hurt to catch up.

Upon entering the banquet hall, he waved away the young girls who eagerly approached to greet him and headed straight for Jessica Alba.

"What's up? What happened?" He noticed that Jessica looked quite stunning that night.

"Charles, I just ran into Harvey Weinstein here. He said Weinstein Company is developing a movie, Awake, and that I would be perfect for it. But he wants me to go to his room tonight to discuss the script?" Jessica quickly explained the situation.

"Ha, discussing a script in a hotel room?" Charles shook his head with a smile. "You've been in the industry long enough to know what that means."

"I...," Jessica obviously knew what it implied. She whispered, "But I'm afraid to offend Harvey Weinstein!"

"Come on, it's just a bad movie. What good films can the Weinstein Company, which only started this year, even produce?"

Charles put his arm around Jessica, and they left the banquet hall together, catching the attention of others at the event.

In the car, Charles decided to take Jessica to his beachfront villa in Santa Monica Palisades.

"What were you thinking? Do you really want to be in that Weinstein movie? Fantastic Four has made more than 300 million globally. You're quite famous now. You don't lack opportunities!"

Jessica, sitting in the passenger seat, sighed, "But all the producers and directors only want me to be the sexy eye candy in their movies. I'm afraid I won't go far if that's all I'm known for."

How did Fantastic Four turn out? Jessica was also used as a beautiful trophy in that movie.

"Awake is a thriller suspense drama. All I can get are teen romance and sexy roles. Now that I've gained some fame from Fantastic Four, I thought it might be time to change my image. My agent also supports this. After all, I'm about to be typecast as a sexy woman. They only think of me for sexy roles!"

Charles found Jessica's reasoning to make sense. She was indeed clear-headed. He knew that Jessica had tried to transition to drama roles in the past few years but had failed each time.

After trying different things, Jessica still ended up playing sexy roles in movies. Starting her own company simply gave her another title.

Charles chuckled and said, "Actually, being a perennial eye candy in Hollywood isn't bad. Movies like Fantastic Four are pretty successful, right? The production companies make money, and actors like you gain fame."

Actors like Jessica Alba and Megan Fox were typical eye candy. There wasn't much to say about their acting skills. Their value lay in their beautiful faces and sexy bodies that attracted male viewers in films.

Jessica laughed along with Charles. She had always accepted her role as a sexy actress. At least there would always be roles suitable for her, and she wouldn't be out of work. However, now that she had acquired some fame, it was natural for her to have new aspirations.

"Actually, I don't mind sexy roles. I can portray sexy and beautiful characters in movies. I just want to try something different because I enjoy acting."

Charles admired Jessica for having principles. She had a rule against nudity in movies, which he appreciated. Sexy, attractive, and teasing were all acceptable, but she had boundaries.

"We're here. Let's go in and have some coffee," Charles said when they arrived at his beachside villa in Santa Monica. He led Jessica inside.

At that moment, in a suite at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills, Harvey Weinstein was enjoying a massage from his assistant and listening to a report.

"Jessica Alba just left the hotel with Charles Capet?" Harvey Weinstein sat up, looking displeased.

"Yes, Mr. Capet spoke with Jessica Alba, and they left the party together," the assistant responded while trying to escape Weinstein's wandering hands.

Harvey nodded and then commanded, "Bring up that girl named Jennifer Siebel. She just got into Hollywood and is looking for roles!"

Although Jennifer Siebel was already 31, she was a Stanford graduate with an interest in film and directing. She had made social documentaries and had small roles in some TV shows and movies.

"Yes, sir," the assistant quickly left the room to fetch Jennifer Siebel.

Shortly after, Jennifer Siebel arrived at Harvey Weinstein's suite, led by the assistant, and found the Hollywood mogul lounging in a bathrobe on the sofa.

"Mr. Weinstein, your assistant said you wanted to discuss a role with me?" Jennifer Siebel spoke nervously but mustered up the courage to ask.

"Come, sit," Harvey patted the seat beside him, "I do want to talk."

The assistant quickly exited the room after giving Jennifer a look, leaving her alone with Weinstein.

After Jennifer sat down, Harvey put his hand on her thigh and bluntly said, "In Hollywood, you have to exchange sex for roles. Understand?"

"Mr. Weinstein, I..." Jennifer pushed his hand away, intending to leave, having naively thought that such a big shot would have a suitable role for her.

Harvey pulled Jennifer close and said, "Do you know what happens if you offend me? I can end your career. But if you comply, you can keep your job! In Hollywood, you must pay to get what you want. Understand that."

"But, I..." Jennifer was at a loss. For small-time actresses like her, Harvey Weinstein was a towering figure.

Without hesitation, Harvey pinned Jennifer down and started kissing her, not wanting to waste time on such a small player.

*****

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