[Chapter 526: Three Women's Celebration]
White House Chief of Staff Leon Panetta was surprisingly efficient. Within three days, he had secured all the legal paperwork under Linton Anderson's Health Company for military-grade Humvees and armored vehicles. Not only were they street-legal in Los Angeles, but their authorized travel extended across California, Montana, and the highways connecting the two states.
Linton had already entrusted David with the official permits to purchase two armored vehicles equipped with top-tier firepower and four military Humvees, each staffed with three elite Thunder Guards specially selected for their military skills. Now, the 18 soldiers were undergoing rigorous training at the estate's military base. By early next month, once their training was complete, they would convoy with their vehicles to Los Angeles, taking permanent residence at the estate.
---
Unknowingly, Mission: Impossible had already been in theaters for five weeks. North American box office receipts had hit $395 million and were inching close to the $400 million mark. However, its potential for further earnings was clearly tapering off; daily grosses had fallen to roughly $500,000.
Experts estimated that the final North American box office might plateau just above $400 million. But the film's overseas performance was even more thrilling. Thanks to North America's trendsetting success and Linton's incredible star power, the release in international core markets over the past month shattered expectations.
Germany had already grossed $50.37 million, France $52.84 million, Italy $33.27 million, Spain $21.46 million, and Russia $28.59 million. The U.K. -- boosted by British Rose Catherine Zeta-Jones as the lead actress -- stood out with a staggering $60.29 million. Other European nations combined brought in $77.18 million.
Across Asia, Australia, and South America, sales flourished. In South Korea, over 5 million tickets sold, grossing more than $40 million. Australia accounted for more than $25 million, Brazil over $38 million. Overseas totals had already hit $520 million.
Combined worldwide, the film had grossed $915 million and was still raking in revenue. More than 40 countries and regions, including Japan -- the world's largest overseas market -- were still awaiting release. It was now beyond doubt that Mission: Impossible would soon be the first film to surpass $1 billion globally.
...
Meanwhile, Naomi Watts' starring Twister also performed impressively. After two weeks in North America, the movie scored $105.36 million in the first week, followed by $58.12 million in the second, holding the number one box office spot. The two-week tally reached $163 million. Overseas releases began at week two, pulling in another $82.73 million in the first week.
With Twister's sizzling success, Naomi dominated entertainment pages everywhere recently. While it was a disaster epic known for its jaw-dropping effects, having her in the lead role significantly boosted her popularity, especially under the full support and promotion from Linton's many media outlets.
Arguably, besides Linton himself, the two most buzzworthy stars in Hollywood these weeks were Catherine and Naomi. Both had maximized their film dividends, effortlessly converting box office glory into skyrocketing personal fame -- fast chasing Julia Roberts, Hollywood's only true A-list megastar.
Of course, they still had a long way to go to reach Julia's level. Perhaps their next films would finally break the $10 million salary barrier; yet the $20 million mark remained a stretch, needing more blockbuster hits to prove their box office clout. Or they might someday land a female-led blockbuster grossing over $100 million in North America to cement their place among the genuine superstars.
---
With both films topping charts, today marked Naomi's return to Los Angeles after her North American promo tour, while Catherine and Michelle Reis concluded their overseas press rounds, all arriving back in the city simultaneously. It was truly a triple celebration, and estate housekeeper Amy had already decked out the manor in festive splendor.
That evening, Linton held an exclusive victory party for the three at the estate, featuring an array of fine food and exquisite wines.
"To the success of our films, and even more so to your personal breakthroughs -- Naomi's rise to near A-list, Catherine's ascension to full A-list, and Michelle Reis climbing into the B-list ranks. Cheers!" Linton raised his glass, eyes warm and proud beneath the party lights shining on the three glamorous stars.
"Darling, it's all thanks to you -- thank you." Naomi's voice trembled with emotion. She scooted close, perching on Linton's lap, clinking glasses in a drinking toast. Since joining Linton, her career had soared -- starting with his music video, rising from obscurity to small fame, exploding into prominence after Step Up, becoming a Hollywood B-lister, then steadily climbing each year to near A-list, A-list, and now on the fringe of superstardom.
But Naomi knew none of it was her work alone. The unwavering support Linton gave was the true foundation. She recalled the days before meeting him, serving tables just to get by, chasing every bit part on set -- it felt like a dream compared to those harsh years. This life was a treasure, and she loved and admired Linton sincerely from the bottom of her heart.
After their wine exchange, she clung tighter, pulling Linton in for a deepening kiss that lasted several luscious minutes before they finally separated amid Michelle and Catherine's playful laughter.
...
Catherine's exuberance surpassed Naomi's. "Darling, here's to our film setting new box office records." Mission: Impossible was unstoppable at the box office, and Catherine could sense her status as the lead actress in cinematic history's highest-grossing film was within grasp.
Her recent publicity tour across Europe -- England, France, Germany, Italy -- had showered her in unprecedented stardom. Her fanbase had exploded worldwide; every city she visited swelled with adoring crowds. Returning to the U.K. by private jet, cloaked in Hollywood glamor and the film's massive success, former rivals scrambled to flatter her for a chance to be introduced to Hollywood's inner circle.
Even Rachel Weisz, previously her fiercest foe, bowed respectfully, begging for an introduction. This flattery pleased Catherine's vanity immensely. Yet while she collected their praise, the prospect of handing over her Hollywood connections? Not a chance.
Each thought of those moments brought a cool satisfaction washing over her like an icy drink on a hot summer day. She silently marveled at how lucky she'd been when Linton discovered her back in London during her stage play days.
She, too, settled onto Linton's lap to join in the drinking toast, exchanging sips and finally sharing a seductive French kiss that conveyed the wine between their mouths, deepening their passionate connection. Only after several minutes of tender embraces did they part amid Naomi and Michelle's joyful teasing.
...
Michelle Reis was equally ecstatic. Initially, when she arrived in North America and joined Linton's inner circle, she intended to play it safe -- a mere trophy wife with a glamorous life. But circumstances had blown far beyond her plans, transforming her ideals completely.
Linton seemed determined to make every woman in his circle a star, preferably a superstar. Aside from the legendary Madonna, who didn't need any favors, he treated them all fairly, constantly funneling resources and opportunities their way so each could bloom into a major entertainment presence.
What puzzled her most was Linton himself. Despite being the head of the Universal Group and now one of the world's richest people thanks to his Beauty and Vitality Pills, his passion for becoming a superstar never waned. His dedication to filmmaking and singing far exceeded his enthusiasm for his corporate empire or the ongoing wealth of his health company.
She wasn't alone in her confusion -- no one in the circle understood, yet no one dared challenge or change him. They merely trusted and fully supported him.
Besides, Linton was a rare genius -- no smoking, no drugs, no wild clubbing habits -- just an extraordinary star dream that seemed perfectly normal for him.
More than trusting and supporting, they all understood how much Linton valued the star power they radiated. Though sometimes reluctant, Michelle Reis had to adjust, fully leveraging the resources he provided to become a Hollywood star. After finally securing her spot and ascending to near B-list status as the "Beautiful Angel" this year, she fully grasped the real value and glory of Hollywood stardom -- something worlds apart from her acting days in Hong Kong.
Just counting income -- ignoring the $10 million "Beautiful Angel" bonus -- since reaching near B-list, plus endorsements and commercials, her annual take-home after taxes easily topped $20 million. This was truly disposable personal income at a level unmatched even by top superstars like Jackie Chan, and no wealthy trophy wife she knew could compare.
Add to that the personal assistants and bodyguards Linton assembled for them, making wherever they went a parade of admirers. With millions of fans worldwide, Michelle Reis was always the center of attention, adored wherever she appeared.
And this was only near B-list. With her continued rise, her earnings, status, and fanbase would surge even more. The feeling was intoxicating -- she had completely changed her earlier ambitions and truly fallen in love with the celebrity life. Becoming a Hollywood A-lister was now her true dream, especially winning Linton's favor.
Recently she heard from Li Xiaoran that old rival Rosamund Kwan was scheming to curry favor with Linton. She felt a twinge of concern at first but quickly dismissed it -- she was already halfway up the mountain while her rival still struggled at the base.
Of course, if Rosamund Kwan found a shortcut, Michelle Reis wouldn't begrudge it -- in fact, she might even help her. Though internal jealousy and conflict were forbidden in Linton's circle, women naturally had their own agendas, and cultural and financial clashes tended to form cliques.
Open fighting or jealousy was rare, but quietly bonding -- shopping together, whispering secrets, helping in small ways -- was common and sometimes necessary. Due to cultural differences, Michelle Reis and Vivian Chow's lifestyle and values differed from the others, making them somewhat unique within the group. Often they clung to each other as close confidantes but still felt a bit isolated. Adding just one more person might spice up their social life.
She noticed how the Japanese singers Izumi Sakai and Noriko Sakai had recently managed to pull in Akina Nakamori. Linton's inner circle was large enough that one more member wouldn't matter -- provided Linton truly picked Rosamund Kwan.
Mimicking the others, she raised her glass, perched on Linton's lap, and while sharing a drinking toast, locked lips with him in an exquisite kiss, passing half the wine from her mouth to his. Then she deepened the intimacy with a lingering French kiss, nestling into his embrace for several minutes until Naomi and Catherine's playful teasing encouraged them to part.
...
After several rounds of wine, Linton inquired about their upcoming schedules.
"Darling, I get two days off before heading overseas for film promotions day after tomorrow. You have to spend some quality time with me these two days," Naomi said, eyes filled with affectionate longing.
"Darling, I'm also taking two days off before joining you on set for the next music video shoot. After that, I'm focusing on dance rehearsals for Chicago. I've turned down all business and endorsements -- my agent is not happy with you! You owe me serious quality time; can you push your work aside to be with us these two days?"
"Darling, I'll rest for a few days first before replacing Catherine and joining you for the music video shoot. Then it's back to business trips and endorsements. I just came back from Asia after over ten nonstop days. I'm exhausted -- make sure you reward me well," Michelle Reis added, her voice warm but sincere.
"All right, all right. These two days I'll stay home and be fully at your service. However you want me to spend this time, just say the word," Linton assured them.
"Then let's play a game?" Naomi, slightly tipsy and excited, grinned mischievously.
"What kind of game?"
"Finger guessing game. Loser chooses: drink a shot or take off an article of clothing. How about that?" Catherine eagerly suggested.
"That sounds fun -- I'm in," Naomi and Michelle Reis both agreed enthusiastically, eager to add more excitement to the party.
*****
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