Before the dramatic change in leadership at Elite, Grace had already built significant influence within the company due to her deep connections and the success of the new media operations department. Otherwise, John Casablancas wouldn't have felt so threatened by her position that he turned against her. Adding to that, with Simon Westeros personally stepping in, Grace's takeover of Elite went smoothly.
Last year, Simon had hinted at the idea of her leading Elite, and Grace, fully confident in Simon's ability to elevate her, had considered this possibility many times in private. After sending Simon upstairs to rest, Grace began systematically implementing her planned changes to Elite over the next hour.
The first step was a series of structural adjustments.
Since Elite was a privately-owned company and not publicly listed, it didn't have a CEO title. Grace naturally took on the role of president of Elite, becoming the head of Elite Model Management, overseeing all the company's global subsidiaries.
Previously, Elite had a board of directors, but with Simon's approval, Grace immediately dissolved it. In the future, the management would report directly to the shareholders, primarily Apollo Management.
In essence, they would report solely to Simon.
The reason Simon held Elite's 55% shares through Apollo Management was mainly to avoid conflicts of interest.
The USA has laws that prevent conflicts of interest across various industries.
From the Ethics Reform Act governing government employees to the National Labor Relations Act for corporations and specific industry rules like the Model Rules of Professional Conduct for lawyers, all aim to prevent any professional entity from representing two conflicting interests and favoring one side in a way that harms the other.
Hollywood talent agencies, for instance, are prohibited from directly engaging in production due to federal and California laws regarding conflicts of interest.
However, many of these laws have considerable flexibility in practice.
For instance, the packaging deals created by Michael Ovitz essentially bypass the law prohibiting talent agencies from engaging in production, allowing them to capture more profit.
The modeling industry faces fewer restrictions regarding conflicts of interest.
Take, for example, a certain blonde real estate mogul. In his history, he simultaneously owned a modeling agency, a television production company, and was directly involved in the fashion industry. These three fields conflict with each other, but with some creative use of trusts and shell companies, any conflict could be bypassed, at least on the surface.
Simon used a similar strategy for Elite.
After announcing the dissolution of the board of directors, Grace decisively removed the president of Elite's U.S. branch, who was a close confidant of John Casablancas, and replaced him with an executive she was on good terms with. She also immediately appointed the head of Elite's advertising planning department, a move she had been pushing before her fallout with Casablancas.
Grace made a slight adjustment to this department, renaming it the Business Planning Department.
Although it was just a change of one word, it signaled that this department would no longer be limited to advertising planning but would also handle event planning, like Elite's renowned model competitions held in recent years.
This was a subtle way of consolidating power, putting the increasingly influential Elite Model Look competition directly under her control.
Beyond advertising and competitions, the department would also get involved in TV production, fashion event planning, and more. Initially, Grace had only planned to start with advertising, but now that she had full control of Elite, she could reform the company according to her vision.
This was also a strategy similar to another industry giant, IMG (International Management Group).
IMG, which managed sports stars like Tiger Woods, had a business primarily focused on the sports world. In recent years, it had also started to get involved in modeling, representing high-end clients, though its scale in that area was still much smaller than Elite's. However, unlike Elite, which had been stagnant despite its size, IMG was continually expanding beyond its talent agency business, growing its brand into areas such as consulting, sports training, and television production.
Due to the success of this diversified strategy, IMG not only freed itself from reliance on its talent agency business but also made major celebrities dependent on IMG's extensive resources and network. This expansion allowed IMG to become much larger than Elite.
More importantly, IMG had gained a voice in the sports world.
Just like CAA in Hollywood.
If Simon hadn't been a disruptive force, Michael Ovitz would have remained at the top of Hollywood's power list for several years, thanks to his packaging deals.
If Elite could successfully diversify, this giant modeling agency could also gain a stronger voice in the fashion industry, rather than remaining at the bottom of the fashion food chain, constantly trying to curry favor with different parties just to secure opportunities for its clients.
After organizing these matters, Grace instructed Elite's legal department to begin drafting new contracts, transferring a series of modeling agreements that had previously been controlled by John Casablancas directly into her name.
Grace actually hoped to implement CAA's model, which would minimize internal conflict and align all agents' interests within the company.
However, the timing wasn't right yet.
CAA's cross-representation model was essentially a way to distribute power, preventing any one agent from leaving with a significant portion of top-tier clients.
If Elite were to transform, it couldn't afford to decentralize power in the short term. For a bloated and inefficient company like Elite, strong centralization was the key to enacting real change. Otherwise, any reform efforts would likely be undermined by evasive and resistant staff, leaving nothing truly transformed.
As a result, nothing would change.
After the meeting ended, it was already noon. Grace went upstairs and knocked on the door of her office. The stern demeanor she had displayed earlier was gone. When she saw Cindy and two other women sitting around Simon, laughing and chatting, she just nodded and said to him, "Simon, it's already noon. May I invite you to lunch?"
Women are naturally good at masking their true emotions.
Simon smiled and nodded cooperatively. "Sure."
The three women clearly wanted to join them, but as they sensed Grace's faintly cold gaze sweeping over them, they gave up on the idea. Karen Mulder, feeling guilty, even shrank her neck and wanted to say something, but by the time Simon and Grace had left, she still hadn't found the courage to speak.
The two left Elite headquarters, heading down to the underground parking lot and getting into Simon's car. Grace immediately shed her strong-woman facade and leaned against Simon's arm, holding him affectionately. Curiously, she asked, "What's the deal with Karen?"
Sensing Grace's mood, Simon pulled her onto his lap and said, "I was talking to Cindy and the others for a couple of days, and she barged in."
Grace nodded. "I'll fire her this afternoon."
Simon wrapped his arms around her waist. "But she begged me to speak for her, and I agreed."
Grace leaned in, brushing her face against Simon's stubbly chin, her breathing becoming a little more rapid. She whispered, "Then I'll let her off."
Simon kissed her on the lips and smiled. "So easily swayed?"
"You… mm, you are my decision."
Though there was still much work to be done in the afternoon, Grace didn't care about time when she was with Simon. She figured she could always work late in the afternoon or evening.
They arrived at Simon's apartment on the Upper East Side, not far from Fifth Avenue. It wasn't until 1:30 p.m. that they finally sat down for lunch.
The housekeeper, Andrea Davis, personally served their lunch. Noticing the radiant look on Grace's face, Andrea couldn't help but feel a little envious.
As the housekeeper left, Grace, eyeing her departing figure, turned to Simon and said, "Shall I have Karen and Lima come over tonight to keep you company?"
Simon, slicing into his black pepper sturgeon fillet, shook his head. "No need. Focus on your own work. You don't always have to arrange these things for me—it's not good for your reputation."
Grace hummed in response.
In reality, though, she wasn't bothered.
In this circle, as well as in Hollywood and the music industry, many agents act like pimps, going to great lengths to push their clients into the arms of the rich and powerful.
This happens in every industry.
Otherwise, in a world with so many people, many with good looks and great figures, what makes you think you'll be the one to rise to the top, walk the big shows, land luxury endorsements, or make the millions of dollars in a year that others won't see in a lifetime? Is it just because you walk better on the runway or look better in photos?
This isn't a fairy tale world.
That's just the way things are. There's no such thing as a free lunch.
When such things come to light, there may be public outrage, and some may suffer a fall from grace. But once the storm passes, many of these things will continue to repeat themselves, again and again. Outsiders will still frown upon it, while those within the system will continue as if it's perfectly normal. And there will always be some outsiders eager to become insiders, so they too can enjoy what seems like an inevitable privilege.
What's that saying?
Survival of the fittest.
In truth, modern society is already very kind to the weak. At least it no longer imposes the brutal social hierarchy of centuries past, where one's life and death could be decided by others. As long as the weak don't try to change their station, they can live peacefully for a lifetime. However, the pyramid of social classes has never disappeared. The moment any dissatisfied weakling tries to climb upward, the harsh laws of the jungle will immediately strike. Those who make it through will rise to the top, but those who don't will be crushed.
Back in the dining room, Grace brought up her official takeover of
Elite from earlier in the morning. Having worked for the agency for many years, she was far more familiar with Elite's foundations and potential than Simon. As a former agent with limited authority, she had been restricted to her own role. But now, with a full platform at her disposal, whether to achieve something meaningful or simply to meet Simon's expectations, she was determined to make Elite the best it could be.
"When John and the others sold most of Elite's shares to that Canadian private equity firm, the company's finances started becoming murky. Things have gotten messier over the past few years, as you can imagine, to facilitate certain operations. I don't want you to lose out, so I'm planning to conduct a comprehensive financial audit of the company."
Simon agreed. "I'll let Leon know this afternoon. We can use our own accounting team. No need to hire a third party."
Grace, cutting into her fish, continued, "Also, during the audit, I plan to get rid of a few people and reclaim control over the European and Asian divisions. A few of the European executives have essentially turned those divisions into their personal fiefdoms in recent years. They're definitely corrupt, and I'll easily find an excuse. Additionally, I'll be revising the revenue-sharing agreements between the company, agents, and clients."
Recalling the Elite scandal of 1999, Simon asked, "Who's in charge of the Paris division?"
"Gerard Marie," Grace replied without hesitation, adding, "He's Linda's ex-husband. Why?"
Simon hadn't noticed before: "Linda Evangelista's ex-husband? Is he on your list for removal?"
"Yes, I just mentioned him. He's one of John's inner circle. If I don't get rid of him, I won't be able to regain control of the Paris division."
Given that, Simon didn't push the issue. After a moment's thought, he said, "Actually, those are all minor details. The first thing you need to change is Elite's internal culture. That's crucial. From what I know, the atmosphere within Elite is very toxic. Many people treat the models under contract as prey rather than clients. If that doesn't change, trouble will come sooner or later."
Most companies claim to have a strong corporate culture.
But in many cases, that culture is superficial.
At Elite, the true corporate culture was evident in John Casablancas' habit of marrying a new 18-year-old girl every few years. The trickle-down effect of this attitude was visible in Gerard Marie's infamous comment in a BBC documentary about wanting to sleep with every young girl participating in the model competitions, some of whom were only 12 or 13 years old.
Simon knew that this was just how the industry operated, and even he couldn't change much about it.
However, if the lack of restraint persisted, Elite might end up in trouble before it could complete its diversification efforts. With the backing of the Westeros system, Elite was unlikely to face major scandals, but Simon had no intention of letting the Westeros empire become a shield for minor fish engaging in unsavory behavior. The cost wouldn't justify the benefits.
Grace nodded solemnly, then smiled at Simon. "So, what about you? Are you planning to refrain from using Elite to pick up women?"
Simon replied matter-of-factly, "There's a Chinese proverb I like: 'The magistrate is allowed to burn down houses, but commoners aren't allowed to light lamps.'"
Grace was puzzled. "What?"
Simon explained the meaning of the saying before adding, "I'm the one allowed to burn down houses. As for those little people, they should focus on working for me. If they light lamps recklessly, they'll be burning my oil."
Grace smiled and nodded enthusiastically. "I'll make sure to protect your oil."
"And you're my oil, too."
"Mm-hmm, no wonder you always keep the decision-making power for Victoria's Secret Angels to yourself."
"I'm actually doing it for their own good. Do you believe that?"
"Of course. I figured that out long ago. By letting those girls know that all they need to do to get on the Victoria's Secret runway is to please Westeros, they don't have to cater to a bunch of agents, photographers, and management types."
"So, I'm the one being taken advantage of."
"And besides, you don't actually want the girls to sleep their way up to you."
"Uh, let's not point out the obvious. In the future, only say flattering things when you're around me."
"Actually, the girls like Candice are very grateful to you. Just being known as one of Westeros' lovers has kept them from being harassed for an entire year. You know, even Cindy can't avoid that sort of thing, and plenty of girls would kill for the treatment Candice gets. Otherwise, Cindy wouldn't keep trying to get close to you."
Simon nodded in satisfaction. "Exactly, just like that."
Grace's eyes softened with affection. "I'm serious."
"Okay, one or two pieces of cake a day is enough."
Grace paused her meal and gazed at Simon. "Honestly, if someone else had told me they wanted to change Elite's corporate culture, I would've told them it's impossible. This behavior is ingrained in the industry. Everyone does it. If you try to force change, not only would those in power resist, but even the models themselves might not want it. Do you know? Many girls, when they approach a modeling agency, test whether the agency can arrange compensated dates for them. If it can't, they might not even sign the contract. This time, it's only because it's you that I'm willing to try, but even now, I can't change much. I just hope Elite, with the backing of the Westeros system, can be more dominant in this industry. It's like Hollywood. When a small actor becomes a big star, they attract less unwanted attention."
Grace's voice carried a hint of bitterness as she spoke.
Simon reached out, holding her hand as she extended it toward him. "You know I'll protect you, that's all."
Grace smiled again, squeezing his hand. "I know, that's why I'm willing to be your oil."
"Being oil doesn't sound very nice. Wouldn't 'vase' be better?"
"I like it."
"Okay, as long as you're happy."
Grace's little finger suddenly hooked into Simon's palm. "Master, are you going to light the lamp again later?"
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