[Chapter 292: You Can Do Whatever You Want]
Walking out of the New Line building, Daniel got into his car.
He wasn't worried about Monica's acting skills. What Monica lacked wasn't talent but opportunity -- the kind of stubborn prejudice that could only be broken if she stripped down on screen or played an unglamorous role.
Those old white men in Hollywood had a deep-seated bias against sexy European bombshells.
But with capital paving the way, plus the "off-field assistance" from Succubus Chris...
Prejudice could be overcome.
...
Night fell.
Hilton Hotel, Room 808.
When Daniel pushed the door open and entered, Monica was sitting by the window in a silk bathrobe, reading a script.
Even though she hadn't landed a role yet, she kept up the habit of reading scripts daily.
Seeing Daniel, she immediately set the script down, stood to greet him, and skillfully took his coat to hang it up.
"Have you eaten? I can have someone send a meal up," Monica said softly, her voice warm with a domestic touch.
"No need." Daniel walked over to the sofa, sat down, and patted the spot beside him. "Sit."
Monica obeyed, sitting down and naturally leaning against his shoulder.
"Where did you go today?" she asked casually.
"I went to New Line Cinema." Daniel pulled a script outline from his pocket and tossed it onto the coffee table. "Little Children. Take a look."
Monica froze for a moment, then picked up the script, flicking through a few pages.
"I know this project -- it's Director Todd's new film, adapted from Tom Perrotta's novel." She looked at Daniel, confused. "What about it?"
Daniel said, "The lead role of Sarah is yours."
"What?"
Monica's hand shook, nearly dropping the script.
She sat up straight, disbelief spreading across her face. "Mine? But... I heard they were in talks with Kate Winslet. This is a typical Oscar-bait film. How could they..."
"Because I invested $20 million." Daniel's tone was flat. "I told them that unless your acting is worse than a dog's, this role is yours."
Monica's mouth remained open, speechless.
She knew exactly what this opportunity meant. She had been in Hollywood for years, but besides being eye candy in The Matrix or showing some skin in B-movies, she hadn't even touched the door to mainstream awards.
Hollywood's only labels for her were sexy and eye candy.
And now, the lead role in an Oscar-contending film was placed right before her.
"This film's made for awards." Daniel looked into her eyes. "If you perform well, you'll have a seat at next year's Oscars. I even have a way to help you hold that little gold statue."
"The Oscars..."
Monica's breath grew rapid.
That trophy was every actor's ultimate dream. If she could get it, it would completely change her life. She would no longer be the Italian woman known only for her looks -- she would be a true Hollywood Best Actress.
"Daniel..."
Monica's eyes quickly filled with tears.
She stared at the young man before her, an indescribable surge of emotion swelling inside. She had thought she'd just found a young, strong bedmate to give her some sense of security. She never expected that with one wave of his hand, this man could give her everything she had spent her career chasing.
"Why are you so good to me?" Monica's voice trembled. "I haven't done anything..."
Daniel smiled. "I like people who are sensible, and... I don't like owing anyone."
Suddenly, Monica lunged at him.
She wasn't gentle as usual; instead, she kissed Daniel fiercely, with near-frenzied passion.
...
After a long moment, they pulled apart.
Monica knelt on the sofa, cupping Daniel's face with both hands, her eyes burning with fire.
"Daniel, listen." She spoke each word solemnly. "If I really do get that award... Even if I don't win, as long as I get a nomination... From now on, no matter what you ask of me, I will do it."
She pressed Daniel's hand against her heart. "I'm not joking. Whether it's my body or my soul. From now on, I belong only to you."
Daniel felt her intense heartbeat under his palm and saw the unwavering determination in the mature, beautiful woman's eyes.
He knew she was serious.
For a woman who had drifted through fame and fortune for half her life, this promise was weightier than gold.
"Remember what you said." Daniel pinched her cheek. "Now go take a shower."
Monica's eyes glinted seductively as she bit her lip and nodded.
"Okay."
That night, the lights in Hilton Hotel Room 808 stayed on long into the night.
...
New Line Cinema, conference room.
The producer pushed a contract toward Monica. "Ms. Bellucci, please sign."
Monica picked up the pen, her hand shaking slightly.
She took a deep breath and signed her name.
Walking out of the building, the California sun was blinding.
Monica held the contract copy, standing frozen on the steps for a few seconds.
"I really got it..."
She murmured to herself, then suddenly turned and threw her arms around Daniel's neck, kissing him fiercely in public.
Passersby turned to stare.
Daniel patted her waist. "Let's talk in the car."
...
Back at Hilton Hotel, Room 808.
As soon as the door closed, Monica tossed the bag and contract onto the carpet.
She was like a flame suddenly surrounding Daniel.
Her movements were rough and urgent, desperate in a near-sacrificial madness.
"Daniel... I'm yours..." Monica's voice cracked, her eyes blurred and fanatical. "You can do whatever you want... You can even kill me..."
...
Three days later.
Monica stood at the door, dragging her suitcase.
Though her body was utterly exhausted, her spirit was on fire.
Her skin, nourished by a mysterious magic, glowed with a crystal-like sheen; she looked ten years younger.
"I'm joining the production."
Monica adjusted Daniel's collar, her eyes full of reluctance and attachment. "The set's in Boston. I might be away for two months."
Daniel nodded. "Go ahead. Act well -- don't waste this opportunity."
Monica stood on her tiptoes and kissed Daniel's chin.
"When I come back, I'll unlock more... 'skills.'"
She whispered in Daniel's ear, then turned and left with firm steps.
---
After seeing Monica off, Daniel returned to his Beverly Hills villa.
He was ready to start upgrading.
Entering the Exorcism Room, Daniel accessed the System.
[Merit points: 55,842,300]
Pennywise the Clown was worth 50 million merit points.
His exorcism skill could actually be upgraded again.
"Exorcism, upgrade!"
The long-lost feeling returned.
Pain.
A tearing pain.
But Daniel didn't even furrow his brow.
Compared to the explosive agony of Body Enhancement, this was child's play.
After an unknown amount of time, the roaring inside his body gradually subsided.
[Exorcism Level: Heaven's Vicar of Higher Ascendant Order]
[Merit points: 43,042,300]
"Again!"
Daniel gritted his teeth and clicked again.
[Exorcism Level: Supreme Anointed of Higher Ascendant Order]
[Merit points: 17,442,300]
The upgrade button for exorcism turned gray, indicating no further upgrades were possible.
As for Thunder Body Enhancement, upgrading it further required 100 million points, so that was out of reach for now.
However, his spells could still all be upgraded.
*****
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