There is no denying that Nancy Josephson a utilitarian and a highly professional agent.
Although the earnings from "The Rock" haven’t come in yet, Nancy has already seen Duke as a future superstar and gold mine. She can tell that, like all successful people in the industry, Duke is not averse to one-night stands.
This is understandable; even if it gets leaked to the media, no one would say much. After years of struggling in this industry, she knows that behind some women, there are often traps.
Moreover, this is Hollywood—nothing bizarre can’t happen. Nancy doesn’t want to see her most promising client fall into a trap.
Therefore, she gives him a serious warning.
"Duke, it’s normal to like young, beautiful girls, but remember! Never touch anyone under eighteen! Even if they seem willing, no one can guarantee there aren’t people like Samantha Geimer and Brett Barnes involved. Children are a taboo for public figures!"
"I’m not that stupid!" Duke nodded solemnly.
He knows who those two children are. The former is a key figure in Roman Polanski’s strong case, while the latter is currently in the media spotlight regarding his relationship with Michael Jackson, the main subject of a child abuse case.
With so many past examples, and plenty of beautiful women in Hollywood, Duke would never be foolish enough to break the law. In many states, including California and New York, engaging with minors—regardless of consent—can lead to significant trouble if the minor turns against you. He could end up in prison for several years.
Beauty or career—Duke believes he doesn’t need to choose between the two.
With Nancy, he navigated through the party crowd, skillfully greeting people and exchanging compliments. Humans are social animals, and networking is an essential activity in life. Expanding one’s horizons and connections often becomes a boost for one’s career.
Finally managing to escape the crowd, Duke rubbed his temples and said to the agent, "Starting tomorrow, all matters regarding the new film will be in your hands."
"And you?" Nancy Josephson asked.
"I need a break; I want to take a vacation for myself."
Seeing her eyebrow raised, Duke spread his hands and explained, "I’ve been busy for two years. I’m physically and mentally exhausted. I want to go on vacation during this time before ’The Rock’ finishes its run in North America."
"Alright, I’ll keep you updated on anything important," Nancy said, pointing to a group of young girls coming and going. "Go relax, and don’t forget what I told you."
Waving her off casually, Duke grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and weaved through the crowd toward a quieter area by the pool.
Just as he walked a few feet, a blonde girl came rushing from the lawn, seemingly lost in thought, holding a glass of red wine. She appeared not to notice Duke and collided straight into him.
Duke, however, was not distracted. Seeing her wine glass and the impending collision, he immediately stopped. The exceptionally tall blonde girl brushed past him, and whether intentional or not, the red liquid from her tilted glass splashed all over the grass.
The girl gasped, surprised by Duke’s sudden movement.
Her back and face looked somewhat familiar. Duke furrowed his brow but didn’t say anything; he glanced at her again and prepared to leave.
"Sorry, I didn’t see you there."
The girl quickly turned and stood in front of Duke, asking, "Did I bump into you?"
Such scenes play out at many Hollywood parties, and Duke didn’t mind. But before he could say more, the girl excitedly exclaimed, "You’re Duke Rosenberg? The director of ’Speed’ and ’The Rock’? I love those two films!"
Hearing such enthusiastic praise from a potential fan, Duke’s indifferent gaze fell entirely on the girl. Thɪs chapter is updated by 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭·𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢·𝗇𝗲𝘵
She was about 5 feet 9 inches tall, with striking golden medium-length hair that was certainly dyed. Her well-defined features could easily place her among the top beauties in Hollywood, and although her skin was sun-kissed to a healthy wheat color, it was clear she was likely of German or Nordic descent.
This was a girl who, based solely on looks, would catch anyone’s eye in a crowd, especially in her tight-fitting, light yellow dress, showcasing her tall and sexy figure. She had obviously undergone rigorous physical training, complemented by long, straight legs, making her a natural clothing model.
Though she carried a youthful look—around 16 to 18 years old—Duke recognized her from some of her photos, street shots, and films.
"Director Rosenberg, it’s a pleasure to meet you."
Like all the girls in Hollywood eager for fame and seeking opportunities, she immediately extended a hand, introducing herself, "I’m Charlize Theron, just arrived in Los Angeles from New York."
"Hello, Miss Theron." Duke lightly shook her hand.
"Just call me Sharlie," she said, testing the waters. "Can I call you Duke? Ah, thanks!"
"Can I buy you a drink?" Charlize’s bright and charming smile was hard to resist. "As an apology."
The South African girl, with her mature demeanor, might have employed a rather low-level pick-up line, but it was a common tactic at parties. Her past experiences in the fiercely competitive modeling and ballet circles allowed her to express the right sentiments, drawing them closer.
Moreover, pretty and clever girls always manage to win men’s favor.
"I came with a few friends."
Sitting by the poolside table, Charlize maintained a bright smile on her otherwise cool face. "We were lucky to get into the party; my agent worked hard for it."
"But to meet you..." She clinked her glass with Duke’s, downing a glass of whiskey with gusto. "I really enjoy your movies, love the dazzling explosions and special effects."
Duke merely took a light sip. While her stunning looks could only be described as captivating, he didn’t take her flattery seriously. He signaled for the waiter to bring two drinks and casually asked, "What about your friends? Aren’t they with you?"
Charlize looked at Duke, her eyes darting around, then pointed to a white house not far from the pool. "They found some like-minded people; they’re probably partying over there."
"This place feels too serious." Suddenly, she stood up, walked over to Duke, and pulled him up. "That area is more suitable for young people. Why don’t we join them?"
Having finished his meeting with Fox executives and the socializing nearly done, with work handed over to Nancy Josephson, and planning to give himself a break, Duke naturally did not refuse. After Charlize downed another whiskey, she slightly wobbled and led him toward the party.
The distance was only a little over a hundred feet, but as Duke followed Charlize into the white house she opened, he nearly choked on the smoke wafting in—familiar and unmistakably Hollywood’s essential: marijuana.
Deafening heavy metal music, bright colorful glasses, curling smoke, and the sight of men and women lost in drunken revelry...
If the party on the lawn showcased the glamorous side of Hollywood, this place revealed the darker side hidden beneath the sunshine.
"Don’t like it?" Charlize suddenly asked.
"The music is too loud!" Duke pointed to his ears.
Though he was often called a noise maker, it didn’t mean he liked heavy metal.
Pulling Duke along, Charlize bypassed several couples wildly swaying to the music and headed for a nearby staircase. During the brief walk, Duke’s eyes swiftly scanned the room and spotted famous director Tony Scott surrounded by several women, as well as Richard Gere, Cindy Crawford’s husband, both of whom had foil nearby. If he guessed correctly, it was likely cocaine.
The second floor was relatively quieter. They found a long sofa, and as Duke sat there chatting and laughing with Charlize, he declined the beer cans being offered by several nearby women. In such settings, maintaining basic self-protection awareness is necessary; one never knows what might be mixed into those beers. He didn’t want to become an addict.
Most of the time, Duke simply chatted with Charlize. No one could deny that talking to a beautiful woman is enjoyable and relaxing. Though she had ulterior motives, he was no naïve saint; everyone in that room had their own agendas. No one was more virtuous than the others.
While he was certainly interested in the tall, sexy, and young Charlize, Duke wisely kept his distance—Nancy Josephson’s warnings were still fresh in his mind!
If he remembered correctly, Charlize Theron was born after ’75, which likely made her under eighteen now. Duke wanted to avoid unnecessary trouble. This was California, after all, where anyone under eighteen enjoys the protection of child laws!
Even though he could ask Charlize her actual age, could any of these complicated women’s words be trusted? In this circle, there are countless women who use leverage to extract benefits; Hollywood doesn’t just have men who deny responsibility after the fact, but also countless women who can be unforgiving once they put on a dress—especially underage women. Roman Polanski was a case in point!
Charlize Theron had even specially brought some cocaine up from downstairs.
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