I am Hollywood

Chapter 271: Resentment



[Chapter 271: Resentment]

From the moment the mansion in Malibu began construction, it garnered plenty of attention. After all, this 14-acre estate undoubtedly stood as the largest in newly incorporated Malibu, situated in such a unique geographical spot. However, the excitement was limited until the completion of the remarkably eye-catching "Liberty City," which attracted local media coverage in newspapers around Los Angeles. People speculated about which wealthy mogul had purchased such a glamorous landmark in Malibu.

Yet, details remained shrouded in secrecy until early December when it was discovered that Hollywood's youngest A-list director, Eric Williams, along with Drew Barrymore, frequently entered and exited the estate. The news exploded.

If the owner had only been a wealthy individual, it might not have been major news. But with someone like Eric, who had created a string of box-office hits, the story was a goldmine. After all, the public always had an insatiable curiosity for the private lives of celebrities. Therefore, within just a week, tabloid reporters spared no effort in uncovering every detail about the mansion.

...

"According to insiders involved in the design of 'Liberty City,' the initial concept was hand- drawn by Eric Williams, which was then handed over to renowned architect Frank Gehry for detailed design. After seven months of meticulous work, the resulting creation was a dreamlike mansion akin to a work of art. Eric Williams was truly a prodigy in Hollywood, a stark contrast to Larry Ellison, the Oracle CEO, who splurged on Malibu properties like a Middle Eastern billionaire. This young director, not yet twenty, exhibited much more taste." "Investigations reveal that the total cost of the Malibu estate neared $30 million, a sum five times higher than the previous record for the most expensive Malibu mansion. 'Liberty City,' perched at the cliff's edge, sprawled over 40,000 square feet, boasting more than thirty rooms. The estate featured a swimming pool, tennis courts, and even a helicopter pad among many other amenities.

Although this publication did not secure an interview with the owner, Eric Williams, aerial photography via a hired helicopter revealed that 'Liberty City' appeared like a dazzling silver shell resting on the edge of Malibu's coastline.

As analyzed by a professor from the University of California's architecture department, building such a dream villa on a cliff posed significant challenges, likely raising construction costs by over 30%. However, it now seemed worthwhile. In the future, many may come to Malibu, willing to take a boat out to sea just to gaze upon this magnificent mansion."

"To date, aside from Drew Barrymore, none of Eric Williams' close connections, like Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, or Virginia Madsen, have been seen entering the new estate. Eric had repeatedly stated to the media that he viewed Drew as a sister. It wasn't until three weeks ago at the premiere of Home Alone 2 that he first appeared publicly with Jennifer Aniston and acknowledged their relationship. However, insiders revealed that their relationship was not stable. Therefore, the question of who would become the mistress of Malibu's priciest estate leaves us with an intriguing mystery."

||

...

At Disney's headquarters in Burbank, Michael Eisner tossed aside a newspaper featuring aerial shots of 'Liberty City' onto his desk. He mumbled a few discontented remarks under his breath, then soon smirked to himself. A short time later, his assistant knocked and entered the office.

"Mr. Eisner, here are the latest materials from IMS Detective Agency." The assistant placed several envelopes in front of Michael Eisner.

Michael opened the envelopes, pulling out a thick stack of photographs, examining each one. They all depicted Eric and Drew appearing quite affectionate in public. After expressionlessly flipping through the photos, he retrieved more documentation.

"Have you made contact with John Barrymore?" he asked casually while examining the papers.

The assistant nodded but hesitated before saying, "Mr. Eisner, I believe the key lies with Drew Barrymore. If she doesn't cooperate, it will be difficult to impact Eric Williams significantly."

Without looking up, Michael replied with a cool tone, "That's not for you to worry about. Just follow my instructions and ensure this task is done."

The assistant detected the annoyance in Michael's voice and quickly nodded, "Yes, Mr. Eisner."

"Now, you can leave." Michael waved him off, and after the assistant vacated the office, he opened several more envelopes.

Though he wasn't aware that the tactic of attacking Eric through the fact that Drew was a minor had already been used by the former president of Columbia, Michael Eisner didn't expect this trivial matter to heavily impact Eric. His goal was simply to create some trouble for the inexperienced young director.

Moreover, he believed that when that day arrived, the young man would find that he suddenly faced numerous challenges. Michael had no doubt that after employing a series of maneuvers, Eric would eventually have to yield.

"Hollywood isn't an easy place to thrive," Michael remarked, leaning back in his chair, satisfied after reviewing all the documents.

...

"Eric, they're so annoying," Drew said, standing by a huge floor-to-ceiling window in the Malibu villa, pointing at a few boats floating in the ocean. "The water looked beautiful, and now it's like there's trash floating around."

Eric, sitting on the sofa by the window with a book in hand, responded with a hint of exasperation while gesturing at the party planners setting up for that evening's party, "You're the one who asked for this. If you hadn't insisted on throwing a party, there wouldn't be so many paparazzi out there."

Upon hearing Eric's comment, Drew immediately pouted and flung herself next to him. "With such a gorgeous new home, not throwing a party would be a waste!"

"Stop messing around and go manage your party," Eric pretended to scold her, but Drew giggled and, after a bit of playful banter, finally ran off to attend to her event.

As Eric watched the busy figures moving about, he felt a bit overwhelmed and decided to head toward his studio, which was located a level down from the living room. The layout mirrored the one he remembered from Tony Stark's workshop; though, naturally, it lacked Iron Man armor. Instead, it was decorated like Eric's study in Beverly Hills. The entire west wall served as a large magnetic whiteboard showcasing numerous drafts he favored having in plain sight. Other areas were fitted with bookshelves, filing cabinets, and even a piano. His large work desk faced the window, providing a view of the ocean outside.

At that moment, however, the boats scattered across the sea indeed appeared as Drew had remarked, like floating garbage. Although the paparazzi couldn't capture images of the inside of the villa with their advanced telephoto lenses, they remained stationed outside. Just days before, one had snapped photos of Drew swimming in the terrace pool, and Eric figured they were waiting to catch guests arriving for tonight's party.

Resigned, Eric shrugged, flipped on the lights, and pressed a button near the window. A panel matching the studio wall color silently rose, seamlessly blending in and eliminating any sign of the window. The studio was soon transformed into a completely enclosed space. Feeling satisfied, Eric sat down at his desk and continued reading the book on business management.

...

On the coastal highway, a red car cruised leisurely down the road. Nicole, gripping the steering wheel, glanced at Jennifer Aniston in the passenger seat. The young woman rested an elbow on the open window, gazing absently outside.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

In her boredom, Nicole casually asked, "Jen, you really don't plan on moving in? From the newspapers these days, that mansion looks stunning."

Jennifer blinked but shook her head. "No, I can't move in. Nicole, does living together with

me bother you?"

Nicole hurriedly shook her head. "Of course not, I just don't quite get it."

After a brief silence, Jennifer finally spoke up. "I told him there could only be one woman in the house, and he promised me Drew would move out at sixteen. If I give in now, who knows

if he'll keep that promise in a couple of years."

Upon hearing this, Nicole's lips moved without sound, but she said nothing.

She thought Jennifer was being naive; a lot can change in two years, and who could predict how things would unfold? From her own experiences, she understood Drew's shrewd nature well -- by that time, it would be remarkable indeed if that girl voluntarily moved out. Nicole could even imagine what tactics that little vixen might employ.

If she found herself in such a situation, she believed she wouldn't hesitate, charging in to

steal the man -- deliberation usually led to empty hands.

"Why not me?"

As the memory of Eric's attitude toward her unfolded, Nicole felt a flicker of quiet

resentment, followed by a pang of envy for Jennifer Aniston.

What did this one-track-minded girl have that she didn't?

*****

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