Chasing Stars in Hollywood

Around 10:15, Simon finally concluded his discussion with Celia and escorted her out before heading to the sitting room.

Grace Spurter stood up immediately upon seeing Simon enter, showing no sign of impatience despite the long wait. In fact, she felt no dissatisfaction; an opportunity to meet Simon Westeros was worth waiting even longer.

Simon shook hands with Grace and casually sat on the sofa, motioning for her to sit. Grace sat back down, more reserved than Simon, feeling an unusual nervousness in front of the young man, who was over ten years her junior.

Zoe entered and served them coffee before quietly exiting the room. Simon, noticing Grace's gaze following Zoe, commented, "Zoe would make a good model, wouldn't she?"

Grace quickly focused and responded, "Yes, but Ms. Parks probably wouldn't be interested in a modeling career."

Simon shrugged with a smile. "Maybe not. If she leaves, I won't have anyone to make my coffee."

Aware of Simon's large household of women, Grace chose not to comment, sipping her coffee instead. She waited for Simon to mention the Gralaf family's situation, glancing occasionally at his handsome, angular face. Remembering the other woman's voice in the hallway earlier, she wondered who it was if not Jerry Hall or his wife.

Simon used this casual conversation to gather his thoughts on the discussion with Celia. After finishing his coffee, he got to the point. "I'm pleased with your work over the past month, so there will be a reward."

Grace, momentarily distracted by Simon's comment, felt a mix of relief and excitement but kept her composure. Noticing his empty cup, she hesitated briefly before getting up to refill it.

As she poured, Simon took a closer look at Grace. Her Nordic features, soft and pleasant, complemented her fair skin, shoulder-length blonde hair, and light green eyes. Despite being 41, her skin remained clear and well-maintained, showing no signs of the sun damage common among Western women her age. Her black business suit outlined a well-kept figure typical of upper-middle-class American women.

After refilling his cup, Grace returned to her seat, blushing as she noticed Simon's gaze. Embarrassed by her reaction to the young man, she felt as if she wanted to find a hole to hide in.

Simon, amused by her response, reassured her, "It's just a natural response."

Grace, puzzled, responded, "Hmm?"

"In nature, females are naturally attracted to the strongest males, as their instincts tell them that these males can produce the strongest offspring and provide the best resources and protection. Humans, despite being civilized, have not fundamentally changed this instinct, though we express it differently."

Grace found his explanation somewhat cold, as if stating an unchangeable truth of nature. Yet, it didn't diminish her embarrassment.

Simon pressed a button on a nearby clock, summoning Zoe, who quickly entered, glanced around, and approached. "Yes, boss?"

"Take Grace for a bath. She may need to relax after a busy period."

"Of course," Zoe nodded, turning to Grace. "Ms. Spurter, please follow me."

Grace, feeling the need to compose herself, quietly thanked Simon and followed Zoe.

Once alone, Simon returned to his study to handle some emails. About an hour later, Zoe brought Grace back, looking refreshed after her bath. She sat down, calmer and more composed.

Simon, still seated at his desk, asked, "How do you feel?"

Grace, slightly disappointed by the distance between them, replied, "Better, thank you."

Simon set aside his pencil. "Now, let's talk business. First, I'm pleased with your work recently, and there will be a reward. However, there was one thing you did wrong."

Grace nodded slightly, sensing it wasn't a significant issue.

Simon continued, "I remember instructing you to be somewhat harsh with the Gralaf family, but it seems you treated them too well."

Grace blinked, feeling a bit wronged. She had indeed received such instructions, but they were relayed through others, making it unclear how strictly to interpret them. Generally, people expected such tasks to involve taking care of the individuals involved.

Simon, not waiting for her response, clarified, "So, let's make it clear: in the future, consider yourself their master. Those three... Do you have pets at home?"

Grace shook her head, thinking they were too busy to care for pets. But she understood Simon's point.

If anyone else, like her lecherous boss, had made such remarks, Grace would have been offended. However, in this context, she felt little negativity toward Simon's intent to mold the women into playthings, perhaps because it wasn't directed at her. Plus, the woman in question was indeed annoying and might have wronged him somehow.

As Grace mulled this over, Simon continued, "Now, about your reward. Elite had 13 slots for the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show last year, and this year, three of them will be yours."

Grace's heart raced as she processed the information.

This opportunity meant she could elevate three of her clients, who earned around $100,000 annually, to the level of supermodels earning millions, significantly increasing her own earnings. Although not all Victoria's Secret Angels achieved great success, Grace felt confident in her years of industry experience and the additional support from Simon.

Noticing Simon's gaze, Grace quickly said, "Thank you, Mr. Westeros. I'll do my best to fulfill your expectations."

"You can call me Simon. Also, you should know that these slots were taken from others at your company, which serves as a small punishment for Casablancas for being less than honest recently. Do you feel any pressure?"

Elite's CEO, John Casablancas, had recently overstepped by pursuing Laura Gralaf, unaware that Simon had him monitored, resulting in a timely warning call.

Grace, aware of this incident, smiled. "It's just competition. As long as you don't revoke those slots, I can manage, even if I leave Elite."

With the support of Simon and the Victoria's Secret slots, Grace felt confident in her ability to succeed, whether at Elite or elsewhere.

Simon advised against leaving Elite, hinting at further support. "You can do more than just manage those models. Consider aiming higher."

"Like what?" Grace asked, intrigued.

Simon suggested, "Perhaps taking Casablancas' position."

Grace's breath quickened at the thought.

John Casablancas, the founder and CEO of Elite, held little equity after years of business changes. Grace realized Simon's influence could potentially shift the company's leadership.

She asked, "Why are you doing this, Simon?"

Simon shrugged. "I have many girls in this industry, and I don't want a predator like Casablancas preying on them. A woman leading Elite would be more reassuring."

His casual explanation hinted at a strategic move to control Elite, the world's largest modeling agency, ensuring its resources and personnel aligned with his interests.

Grace understood the broader implications. With Elite under his influence, Simon could extend his control across the fashion industry's entire value chain. Even if she became a puppet, it was a common reality within Simon's vast empire.

Still, Grace wondered about the significance of her involvement with the Gralaf family. Simon seemed to read her thoughts, smiling, "Initially, I just wanted you to keep an eye on them. Later, I thought we could aim higher. Whether you can oust Casablancas depends on your ability. I'll provide the ladder, but climbing it is up to you."

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