As The Princess Bride continued its historic run, settling into its status as a multi-generational classic, the focus of the Jones Firm shifted back to New York. If Anastasia was the "Queen" of the summer, Jennifer Greywas about to become the heart of the fall.
The Premiere of Dirty DancingThe premiere for Dirty Dancing was electric, held at the Ziegfeld Theatre. The atmosphere was different from the regal silence of Anastasia's film; it was a celebration of music, sweat, and raw emotion.
The film became an overnight sensation. Within its first month, it grossed over $60 million, fueled by repeat viewings and a soundtrack that dominated the Billboard charts.
The Firm's Payout:
Jennifer's Salary: $1 Million.
The Royalty Clause: Because Anastasia had negotiated a 5% soundtrack royalty, and the album went multi-platinum within weeks, Jennifer's bank account began swelling by millions in passive income—a first for a lead actress of her era.
The Firm celebrated at a private rooftop lounge overlooking Central Park. Jennifer raised her glass to Anastasia. "You saw the music before anyone else did, Stasia. You turned a 'summer movie' into a legacy."
Chapter Forty-Five: Live from New YorkThe momentum was so great that NBC came knocking with an offer that was both a thrill and a risk: Anastasia was invited to host Saturday Night Live. At nearly eighteen, she would be one of the youngest hosts in the show's history.
The "Jones Firm" TakeoverAnastasia didn't go to 30 Rockefeller Plaza alone. She brought the "Fortress" with her. Sarah managed the contract (ensuring Anastasia had approval over the sketches), and Cameron stayed in the dressing room as her primary support.
The Opening Monologue:
Anastasia walked out onto the iconic stage in a sleek, midnight-blue velvet suit. She looked at the camera with that trademark calm.
"People ask me if I'm nervous to be here," she told the live audience. "But I spent my summer playing a princess who survived a Fire Swamp and a CEO who manages the most talented people in the world. Compared to a Hollywood studio head, a live audience is actually quite friendly."
She then poked fun at her own reputation, performing a sketch where she played a "Toddler Mogul" negotiating the purchase of a lemonade stand for $10 million in venture capital. The audience loved it. She was no longer just the "serious prodigy"; she was a star who could laugh at the empire she'd built.
The Final Ledger of 1987As the year drew to a close, Anastasia sat with her sisters in the Granite Sanctuary. The decision not to sell their stock had proven to be the most lucrative choice of their lives.
Asset / ProjectValue/Earnings as of Dec 1987StatusTech Portfolio (Apple/Oracle/MSFT)$58.2 MillionSurging. Tech is the new gold.Anastasia: The Princess Bride$9.5 MillionTotal earnings (Salary + 10% Gross).Jennifer: Dirty Dancing$4.8 MillionSalary + initial soundtrack royalties.Keanu: Point Break$1.5 MillionUpfront salary (Pre-production).The Granite Sanctuary$7.1 MillionAppreciated Bel-Air value.Cash Reserves$12.4 MillionLiquid capital from management fees.Total Firm Valuation: Approximately $93.5 Million
"We're almost there," Sarah whispered, looking at the total. "Almost at the hundred-million mark."
Anastasia looked out at the pool, her hand resting on Cameron's shoulder. "We'll hit it before my eighteenth birthday. But remember—the money is just the fuel. The real power is that we still own 100% of our choices."