In Simon's memory, Kirsty Goff, Eva Herzigova, and Daniela Pestova were not widely recognized models. Unless one closely followed the fashion industry, their names might not ring a bell. However, this did not mean that these three lacked the potential to become supermodels.
The key lay in access to resources.
To make it big in the fashion world, even with stunning looks and signing with a powerful agency, a model still needs to land top magazine covers, walk for luxury brands, and earn the title of a muse or two. Without these, success remains elusive.
Now, Simon had essentially handed these models top-tier resources on a silver platter, resources that many models might spend their entire careers chasing without success.
The selection of these three women wasn't random, though personal preferences played a part. Kirsty Goff had a distinctive look—her baby face stood out, as there weren't many supermodels with such a style, filling a niche gap in the market. Eva Herzigova, the most average-looking among them, possessed a high-fashion (HF) face, perfect for HF paths. Daniela Pestova, with her stunning looks and curvy figure, fit the Victoria's Secret image but had less HF potential. Daniela's trajectory resembled Cindy Crawford's as a commercial model, having gained recognition from a Sports Illustrated cover in 1995, though she never reached significant fame.
This time, their lives were set to change dramatically.
Moreover, the three women represented three different styles, minimizing direct competition among them and allowing Grace Spurlock to allocate resources efficiently. Even if all three succeeded in becoming top models, they could coexist harmoniously without internal conflicts.
In the villa's living room, Simon exchanged a few words with the three models before joining Sophia and Grace in conversation, leaving the young women to play the role of mere ornaments.
After about ten minutes, as the evening approached seven, Simon was preparing to dismiss Grace and the models when Sophia rose to take her leave.
Having known Simon for years, Sophia understood that the less she appeared to compete, the more valued she would be in his eyes, sometimes even making him feel indebted to her.
Simon escorted Sophia outside the villa, noticing Alia bringing out a suitcase. It turned out Sophia had come straight here from the airport.
Seeing Simon's glance at the suitcase, Sophia felt a bit embarrassed. "It's not too late yet; I can still make dinner. Hopefully, Daniel and Gemma won't notice anything."
Simon chuckled, "Why not? I'll come over for lunch tomorrow. Make something nice."
Sophia's children, Daniel and little Gemma, were now 13 and 11. They were old enough to understand their mother's relationship with Simon, though they rarely discussed it openly.
Simon hadn't neglected the children over the years, always sending gifts for their birthdays and holidays, and occasionally dining with them at Sophia's home. His relationship with the children was thus relatively smooth.
Sophia nodded, agreeing to the lunch. "Alright, come early. We can also discuss Melisandre's situation. I've been in contact with a few companies and could use your advice," she said, glancing at the villa before adding, "Oh, I brought some jewelry and accessories for you, carefully selected from various European brands, all recent releases. These aren't Van Cleef & Arpels' old stock. Each piece costs around $100,000, perfect gifts for them tomorrow morning. I'll handle this from now on; no need to be overly generous. They can't handle it."
Simon laughed, pulling her close, "Or maybe you're just worried I'll get entangled with too many women?"
Sophia didn't resist, admitting with a sigh, "Exactly."
Drawing closer, Sophia's years of careful grooming were evident in her alluring charm. Simon couldn't resist planting a gentle kiss on her lips, then another. As Sophia playfully feigned disapproval, he kissed her once more before letting her go, "Alright, no more gifts then."
Sophia shook her head, "That's not a good idea either. Women aren't that easy to please."
Simon responded, "It seems all the reasoning is on your side."
Sophia smiled, "Of course, Mr. Westeros. Do you really want to reason with women?"
Simon played along, "No, I don't."
As the car pulled up, Simon released Sophia, watching her get into the vehicle and drive away.
Grace Spurlock felt she might have made a mistake by not leaving with Sophia. As Simon returned to the living room, Grace felt a pang of discomfort, wondering if she was now an unwelcome presence.
However, Simon quickly dispelled any awkwardness by suggesting the models take a swim. They eagerly agreed, and Alia led them out. The estate's Olympic-sized pool was perfect for a few mermaids.
With only Simon and Grace left, the atmosphere relaxed. Grace outlined plans for the three models over the next few months.
The trio would focus on runway training and body shaping, a directive from Simon. He made it clear that if their runway performance didn't meet his standards or their figures weren't up to the strict Victoria's Secret standards by the year's end, they wouldn't walk the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
Recalling the decline and eventual discontinuation of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, Simon recognized that beyond the inevitable ebb and flow of trends, the brand had suffered from lowering its standards. Allowing influencers with subpar runway skills to participate turned what was once a prestigious event into something far less glamorous.
Grace finished her briefing, and Simon nodded in approval. "Kirsty has the most potential among them, as there's currently a lack of supermodels with a baby face in the industry. If you're looking to groom a standout, focus on her. Eva suits the HF path. Line up as many runway shows for her during September's fashion season. It's her chance to carve out a niche. Daniela fits the commercial model mold, much like Cindy. Arrange for her to shoot a Sports Illustrated cover soon, and maybe a music video or two before the year's end. You can choose, and I'll make the necessary introductions."
Grace agreed, but then hesitated, "And the three women?"
Understanding that Simon knew about the Glaros' situation, she didn't elaborate.
However, Simon wasn't aware of the specifics. The agents monitoring the Glaros would report regularly, but unless something significant occurred, Simon didn't have the time or inclination to focus on every detail.
The Glaros had been behaving themselves since Grace had banished them to the basement, indicating she finally understood Simon's message: unruly cats needed firm discipline.
Satisfied that Grace had found her way, Simon simply said, "Handle it as you see fit. I trust you."
Grace nodded, unsure what to discuss next, she felt it was time to leave.
She could have mentioned her husband, Bill Spurlock, who had recently been unexpectedly promoted at First Boston. He had hinted at inviting Simon to their home, initially dismissed by Grace as a jest, but he persisted, even suggesting she be more proactive.
Proactive? Grace found the suggestion distasteful and disappointing. The idea that her husband would encourage such behavior disturbed her deeply.
Bill's recent promotion, amidst intense internal competition at the bank, had left him feeling unstable. His newfound ambition conflicted with his character, and Grace regretted involving him in her world. Still, she wondered if his unemployment might have led to even greater marital strife, considering her own rising success at Elite.
Men often claim to not understand women, but the reverse is also true. Human nature is complex and often contradictory.
Caught in her thoughts, Grace missed the chance to discuss it with Simon. Instead, she rose to leave, though Simon, noticing her unease, walked her to the door.
Just as she was about to head to her car, Simon called out, "By the way, your husband's promotion was arranged by me."
Grace paused, surprised. "Thank you, Simon," she said quietly.
Simon smiled, "I imagine Bill might be feeling a bit lost right now. You can tell him, from me, there's no need to worry."
Grace nodded, still processing his words.
Simon continued, "He's likely overseeing the equity trading department, right? The federal market should continue its upward trend for the next three years, so achieving results won't be hard. More importantly, at his level, managing people is key. Wall Street is full of smart individuals. Nurturing a strong team is his real achievement, not just closing big deals. So, remind him that having capable subordinates is not a bad thing."
Grace listened intently, nodding. Finally, she asked, "Simon, why help Bill?"
Simon maintained his smile, "If needed, I'll continue to support him. In return, when the Westeros system needs his assistance, he shouldn't refuse."
While he didn't directly answer, Grace understood his intent. Simon's maneuvering was strategic, much like when he aimed to position her at Elite. Initially, she thought it unlikely, but in just a few months, she had become Elite's North American Vice President, with her clients' profiles rising noticeably.
The same logic applied to her husband's situation. If Bill Spurlock ascended to a senior position at First Boston or even UBS, becoming a significant figure in global finance, while secretly serving as Simon's pawn, the implications were profound.
At 43, Bill had been a mid-level manager, teetering on the edge of obsolescence. His recent promotion thrust him into a new league, positioning him as a promising young leader among much older executives.
Lost in thought, Grace hesitated, then nodded again.
Simon observed her reaction, waiting until she met his gaze before adding, "Drive safely."
Grace acknowledged his words, moving towards her car. She started the engine and glanced back at Simon, still standing there, giving her a fleeting urge to stay. But feeling a twinge of humility, she
chose not to overstep.
Rolling down her window, she smiled at Simon before driving away.
As her car rounded a bend, the dense trees swallowed her view of Simon. That was how it should be, she thought—he was Simon Westeros, and they were just part of the crowd.
The next morning, Kirsty Goff woke first, noticing Simon's absence. He had left the bed earlier, which she had sensed as she was being used as his pillow.
Beside her were Eva Herzigova and Daniela Pestova, still asleep.
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