"Hey, Leon, how's it going?" Leonardo's voice crackled through the phone.
"Hey, Leo! What's up?" Leon replied, already sensing something big.
"Listen, tomorrow night's a can't-miss event," Leonardo said, his tone brimming with excitement. "Victoria's Secret is throwing a private preview show at the Angel Theater—a warm-up for the big televised one at year's end. You need a break, man. Come with me. Tobey's in too."
Leon could practically see Leonardo raising an eyebrow, trying to play it cool while clearly hyping up something exclusive. He chuckled. "A private Victoria's Secret preview? Wow, that's not exactly an open invite. Sounds like an offer I can't refuse. Count me in."
"Knew you'd be game!" Leonardo laughed, his energy infectious. "Tomorrow, seven sharp. I'll pick you up."
The next evening, the Angel Theater was a glittering spectacle outside, flashbulbs popping like daylight. Security was tight, keeping most media and onlookers at bay to preserve the event's exclusivity. Leon, Leonardo, and Tobey Maguire strolled in, breezing past thanks to Leonardo's star power and their VIP invites. Inside, the venue was smaller than expected, intimate, with just a few dozen seats filled by A-listers, top fashion editors, and industry heavyweights. The air was thick with the scent of Tropical Fantasy, a high-end VS perfume, and a pulsing beat stoked the crowd's anticipation. No chaos, just a buzz of hushed excitement.
The lights dimmed, a spotlight hitting the end of the runway. The music kicked into high gear—a remixed version of Lenny Kravitz's American Woman. The room erupted with a sexy, electric energy.
First up was "Queen Gisele" Bündchen, already a rising star in 1999 and dominating the modeling world like a force of nature. She strutted out in the "Runway Fantasy" set: a shimmering pale gold bra and panty combo adorned with tiny crystals, paired with massive, swaying ostrich-feather wings. Her walk was iconic—powerful, confident, commanding, like a queen surveying her kingdom. Her sharp, steady gaze locked the room in place. As she passed Leonardo, she shot him a quick glance, and he sat up a bit straighter, grinning with pure admiration.
Next came Heidi Klum, Victoria's Secret's reigning sweetheart. She rocked a "Christmas Magic" look—red and green velvet with white fur trim, her wings adorned with tiny gift-box ornaments. Unlike Gisele's commanding stride, Heidi's walk radiated warm, approachable sexiness, her bright smile lighting up the room. She blew kisses toward familiar faces, including Leon's direction, sparking a wave of lively cheers.
The music shifted, turning ethereal and mysterious. Naomi Campbell, the "Black Pearl," took the stage in the "Midnight Allure" set—a deep purple lace ensemble with metallic sheen, draped with flowing chiffon. Her walk was legendary, catlike and elegant, with a dangerous edge. Her signature pose at the runway's end—a slight head tilt, a commanding stare—drew stifled gasps of awe from the crowd.
Then came Adriana Lima, the future "Wolf Queen" who'd just signed with VS but was already showing unstoppable potential. She wore a "Jungle Passion" bra and skirt, her bronzed skin glowing against green feathers and jewel accents. Her beauty was wild, almost primal, her leopard-like eyes and untamed energy hitting every beat of the music. As she passed Leon, her gaze seemed to lock onto him, bold and intense, her every hip sway and hair flip perfectly timed, breathtakingly seductive.
Others followed: Carmen Kass, with her cool, elegant Eastern European grace; Daniela Peštová, with a sharp, confident stride. Finally, Tyra Banks closed the show, owning the stage in the "Millennium" wings—metal hoops and crystals symbolizing tech and the future. Her iconic "on-beat" walk was confident, radiant, her infectious smile declaring the golden age of Victoria's Secret and supermodels alike.
The show was short but packed with raw beauty and charisma. When the lights came up, the room erupted in heartfelt applause. This wasn't just a lingerie show—it was a celebration of confidence, body positivity, and high-fashion artistry.
The afterparty kicked off in an opulent hall nearby, champagne towers sparkling under the lights. Socialites, fashion moguls, and the angels—now in evening gowns—mingled in a lively buzz. Leonardo was quickly swarmed by friends, including Gisele fresh off the runway, slipping back into his "Hollywood party prince" persona with ease.
But Leon noticed something. Even at his most charming, Leonardo's eyes held a shadow, his smile more of a practiced mask than genuine joy. Tobey sidled up, whispering, "You see it, don't you? Leo's vibe."
Leon nodded, glancing at Leonardo, who was surrounded by Gisele and others but seemed oddly alone. "He's smiling, but he's not happy. Is it The Beach thing?"
"Exactly," Tobey sighed, keeping his voice low. "Environmental groups are slamming him, the media's calling him a hypocrite, saying he wrecked ecosystems. The backlash is brutal. He wanted to do good, but it spiraled out of control. It's got him down, even doubting himself."
"So you dragged him here to cheer him up with… well, some of the world's most beautiful distractions?" Leon gestured toward the angels.
Tobey grinned. "Pretty much."
Leon got it now, the weight of Leonardo's mood clicking into place. A bit later, Leonardo broke free from the crowd, drink in hand, and joined Leon. "This show was unreal, Leo. Thanks for the invite," Leon said warmly.
"Gotta share the good stuff with friends," Leonardo replied, but his smile was forced, like the party had drained his already shaky enthusiasm.
Leon swirled his drink casually, glancing at the stunning figures around them before saying, "You know, watching these pros own their craft reminds me of a new script I just finished and registered. It's about a teenage con artist in the '60s—fakes his way as a pilot, a doctor, scams millions with bad checks, and outsmarts the FBI. It's a cat-and-mouse game, flashy and fun, but deep down, it's a sad story about a kid trying to fix a broken family with lies."
Leonardo's distracted gaze sharpened instantly, his slump vanishing as curiosity and professional excitement took over. "A teenage con artist? Cat-and-mouse with the FBI?" he repeated, leaning in, eyes alight. "That sounds awesome. What's it called?"
Leon took a sip of champagne, cool as ever. "Catch Me If You Can."
"Catch Me If You Can…" Leonardo murmured, clearly hooked, the party's glamour fading as the story took hold. "That sounds like a hell of a role—complex, layered. Leon, we gotta talk this through. I need details!"
"Anytime," Leon said smoothly. "I've got the materials at the office. Let's set a time to dive in. I think it's something special."
"Deal! Tomorrow? No, day after—I'm free all day!" Leonardo's mood had visibly lifted, the script's potential chasing away some of his gloom. They chatted details with Tobey for a bit before Gisele, fresh from mingling, pulled Leonardo back into the crowd, though he seemed reluctant to leave.
Just then, two familiar, radiant figures approached: Heidi Klum and Adriana Lima. Heidi, one of the night's main hosts, had an assistant trailing her with a clipboard, clearly still in work mode. But when she spotted Leon, her face lit up with a smile warmer than her professional grin. "Leon! I knew Leo would drag you here," she said, greeting him with a quick, friendly cheek kiss.
"Looks like someone's empire is growing faster than we thought," Heidi teased, her slight German accent adding charm. "We've all heard about The Princess Diaries. A Disney family flick? You're not just a hotshot writer anymore—you're a producer and investor now. I saw you out there, and you already look the part." She winked. "Congrats!"
Hollywood had no secrets. Disney's official announcement had cemented Leon's new status as a key player in a major family comedy, a far cry from his "horror hotshot" days. It carried more weight, more shine. "I'd love to hear the details," Heidi said, glancing at her assistant and the guests waiting for her. "But I'm swamped. Promise me we'll celebrate soon? I'll call you."
Her warmth was genuine, but her packed schedule was clear. She was thrilled for Leon, but this was just one item on her endless to-do list. With an apologetic smile, she hurried off.
Leon didn't mind—he got it. But Adriana Lima, who'd been quietly at his side, had her hand resting on his arm with a subtle possessiveness. She wore a figure-hugging wine-red dress, her gaze bolder and more direct than their last meeting. "Forget her—she belongs to everyone tonight," Adriana said with a playful pout, her smile radiant. Leaning close, she whispered like she was sharing a secret, "But I've been looking for you since the show ended, my 'Disney producer.' That new title looks good on you."
Her flattery was open, warm, her interest clearly amplified by Leon's rising status. She started to steer him toward a quieter corner when a calm, slightly cool voice cut in: "Hope I'm not interrupting."