System in Hollywood

As the global center of cinema in this era, Hollywood is undoubtedly the goal and dream of every actress. Monica Bellucci originally had high hopes that this project, for which she had made significant sacrifices, would help her break into the North American market.

However, things quickly took a downturn, which would have been tough for anyone to handle.

Though *Malèna* did not perform well at the box office, Harvey wasn't too disappointed. 

After all, he only spent $1.5 million to acquire the North American rights to *Malèna*. When early screening results were poor, he swiftly stopped investing in promoting the film and shifted all resources to *Wonderland*.

So, even if *Malèna* was a loss, it wouldn't exceed $2 million. In comparison to the huge profits from *Wonderland*, this loss was insignificant.

Of course, if it weren't for Wayne, Harvey wouldn't have invited Monica Bellucci to this party.

After all, besides Bellucci, other notable actresses at the party included Meg Ryan, who was about to co-star with "Wolverine" Hugh Jackman in *Kate & Leopold*, Kirsten Dunst, who was filming *Spider-Man 1* with Tobey Maguire, and Cate Blanchett, the "Elf Queen" who won an Oscar for *Elizabeth*.

Even Julia Roberts, who was in the running for Best Actress at the 73rd Academy Awards, was present. The party was overflowing with stunning women.

Still, to give Wayne more options, Harvey invited Monica Bellucci.

This put Wayne in a dilemma.

"Should I invite Monica Bellucci for some deep conversation tonight, or perhaps the 'Elf Queen'?"

And how was he going to politely decline the flirtatious looks from Julia Roberts?

In the end, Wayne chose Monica Bellucci.

Though Cate Blanchett had more fame in Hollywood at that moment, truth be told, when it came to looks and figure, she didn't compare to the sensual Monica Bellucci.

Each had their own unique charm.

At this point, Monica Bellucci was still reeling from the poor box office performance of *Malèna*, and perhaps needed a bit of comforting.

In fact, another European goddess was about to experience an even worse fate than Monica Bellucci.

That would be Sophie Marceau, who had just wrapped *Belphegor, Phantom of the Louvre*. 

Despite a hefty production budget of 100 million francs, the film only grossed $2.86 million worldwide and received poor reviews.

This meant Sophie Marceau, who had hit a ceiling in the French film industry and was eyeing Hollywood, now saw her Hollywood ambitions shattered, leaving her with no work for nearly two years.

Her situation was ten times worse than Monica Bellucci's.

*Tsk tsk,* *Belphegor, Phantom of the Louvre* was released in April, right? I wonder if I'll get a chance to get close to the French goddess too...

"Hello, Mr. Anderson, I'm Keri Russell!"

At tonight's party, Wayne was undoubtedly one of the most important guests. At first, not many recognized him, but as people introduced each other, soon everyone knew who he was.

It wasn't long before people started coming up to greet him.

Among them were many stunning women, some of whom were not yet famous but would go on to achieve significant stardom.

For instance, Keri Russell, who had just approached Wayne, was a beauty whose looks and figure rivaled Naomi Watts. In 2014, she was ranked second on *People* magazine's "World's Most Beautiful" list.

But Wayne merely smiled, noted her contact information, and stayed true to his original choice: Monica Bellucci.

"Miss Bellucci, how about we go somewhere quieter for a drink? It seems like something is bothering you, and maybe you need someone to talk to."

Sensing the timing was right, Wayne approached Monica Bellucci, who was sipping her drink alone in a corner, and spoke.

At this point in time, Monica Bellucci was somewhat famous in Italy, but in Hollywood and the world at large, she was still a nobody.

Her sensuality might have attracted some men with ulterior motives at the party, but most people weren't paying her much attention.

Compared to other potential suitors, Wayne clearly stood out in every way.

However, she hesitated. She had been married for over a year. Her husband, Vincent Cassel, though not famous in Hollywood, was a prominent actor in French cinema.

Monica had climbed the ladder in European cinema by getting involved with Cassel, going from a minor role with nothing but her looks to becoming a well-known actress.

But that process had taken over five years!

More importantly, she didn't want to leave Hollywood in defeat this time.

Yes, Monica, who had a background in modeling and law, had come to Hollywood in 1991 with lofty ambitions. After a year of hard work, her only role was a minor part with a few scenes in *Bram Stoker's Dracula*.

With no hope in sight, she returned to Italy, where after two years, she met Vincent Cassel and slowly worked her way back over five years.

Now, after all the sacrifices and high hopes pinned on *Malèna*, the film had flopped. If she didn't want to leave Hollywood once again in defeat, she needed to find a new path.

That path required someone who could provide Hollywood connections, and Wayne was undoubtedly the perfect choice.

After taking a deep breath, Monica flashed a dazzling smile, leaned toward Wayne, and said, "That sounds wonderful, Mr. Wayne. You know, I don't have many friends in Hollywood, and only you can help me."

With that, Monica Bellucci, under everyone's gaze, wrapped her arm around Wayne's and left the party with him.

Seeing the envious and jealous looks from all around, Monica, initially nervous, began to relax and feel a sense of pride.

(End of Chapter)