[Chapter 340: Someone Left]
Amid the lively gathering, the assistant came back in holding a phone. "Boss, it's the First Lady of the White House calling."
Hearing it was Hillary on the line, Linton greeted the women briefly before heading upstairs to his study to take the call.
"Hello, Linton," Hillary said seriously, following Linton's instructions to be formal.
"Hillary, Merry Christmas Eve."
"Linton, have you seen the news?"
"Yes, you did a fantastic job. I'm very pleased."
"So how will you reward me?" Unconsciously, her voice turned seductive.
"What kind of reward do you want?"
"I want to come to Los Angeles. Can you keep me company?"
"Sure, come on over. I can keep you company for three nights."
"Thank you, master. I'll arrange it right away and be there the day after tomorrow." Hillary couldn't hide her excitement, even the way she addressed him had changed.
Since it was Christmas Eve, the night was for a full-blown celebration.
After dinner, Madonna took charge of organizing the estate's exclusive party events.
This time, Winnie didn't retreat like usual but actively joined in.
---
After a night of wild enjoyment, everyone was delighted.
On Christmas Day, after exchanging gifts, Linton and the women surprisingly skipped the usual party and drama act. Instead, they gathered in the outdoor garden to chat about career plans.
Over the past year, all the women showed wonderful changes in appearance -- looking younger, more vibrant, prettier and more attractive; their skin especially had become moist and smooth.
They had also made significant progress professionally. Except for the newest members Nicole Kidman, Kate Winslet, and Michelle Reis -- who were still filming their movies -- their careers were set to level up dramatically once their films premiered.
Thanks to their stunning looks and youthful skin combined with their existing Hollywood star power, each had become a darling of the fashion and cosmetics industries.
World-class fashion and beauty brands were competing to sign them, offering endorsement deals starting at tens of millions of dollars annually.
Even Vivian Chow, Izumi Sakai, Noriko Sakai, and newcomer Kate Winslet had landed numerous commercial endorsements in America.
To avoid conflicts over competing endorsements that could hurt the unity of Linton's circle, Madonna suggested setting up a shared information system about their commercial contracts.
Linton created a large bulletin board in the hall, listing each member's current endorsed brands and ongoing negotiations, updating it promptly whenever there was a change.
Of course, some overlaps during negotiations were inevitable. Linton initially wanted Madonna to mediate, but she knew it would be a thankless task that might anger people. Feeling she lacked the influence to handle it well, she declined firmly. Eventually, Linton took on the role himself.
---
Among the women, Winnie stood out. She managed Linton's investment fund brilliantly, her stock picks soared, generating him enormous wealth.
The newly launched internet venture capital fund had already made a name by investing in over ten startups.
At first, the women wondered how a financial expert fit in among entertainment stars -- even though Winnie was stunning, her profile was quite different from Linton's usual type. Plus, she was assigned two female bodyguards, receiving the best treatment.
But after learning about her investment successes, the women finally understood her real value.
From then on, Winnie became the most popular sister among them, with everyone consulting her about investments.
She generously shared her stock portfolio but, keeping Linton's advice, never managed money directly for them, encouraging them to invest independently through brokers.
Thanks to Winnie's help, the women enjoyed phenomenal investment gains.
---
Madonna was in a special position. Already among the top-tier elites, having brilliantly transitioned into capital management, she rarely needed Linton's involvement except for major company decisions.
This year, Naomi Watts, Cameron Diaz, and Shania also joined the top star tier, meaning Linton no longer had to closely manage their projects, only helping vet choices occasionally.
Heidi Klum, with her stunning beauty and figure, alongside some Hollywood roles, had successfully become a top model, her fame rivaling legendary supermodels like Cindy Crawford.
Sophie Marceau, Monica Bellucci, Cristiana Reali, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Winona Ryder, and Jennifer Connelly remained on the cusp of A-list status, still needing a push.
Nicole Kidman was popular but had no ongoing projects, so she was considered a B-list star.
Newcomer Kate Winslet was still a rookie needing focused development.
Vivian Chow, Michelle Reis, Izumi Sakai, and Noriko Sakai were established top stars in the Asian market but needed strong North American projects to boost their reputation.
---
Later, Izumi Sakai and Noriko Sakai found a chance to meet Linton in the study. They exchanged glances but hesitated to speak.
Linton noticed their discomfort. "Go on. What's the matter?"
"Dear, it's about Sukato Matsushita -- but you must promise not to get angry."
"Matsushita? What about her?" The name unsettled him. He hadn't thought about her in a long time, nor knew how she was doing.
"She's getting married next month."
"Married? To whom?"
"To Mitsui Kazuo, the second son of the Mitsui family -- one of Japan's biggest industrial dynasties."
"I know that family. Did you guys meet her before coming here? What does she think about this?"
"We met at her invitation. She told us about the wedding herself and even gave us the invitation."
"Sounds like she's happy with the marriage?"
"It seems so. We asked her why she forgot about you."
"What did she say?"
"Two reasons. One, you couldn't marry her openly. Two, the marriage is a political alliance important to both families. She couldn't refuse."
Of course. She was a young heiress from a powerful family. Before he showed enough strength, it wasn't realistic for her to stay unknown and unattached.
He had hoped to resolve this once his power grew in a couple of years, but she capitulated or maybe changed her heart.
In hindsight, it made sense. A young noblewoman's emotional needs were vital, and after two or three years of no contact, even the strongest passion fades.
So be it. Some people are just meant to be passing strangers in life.
He sighed deeply. "Then I wish her happiness."
"You're not mad?" Noriko asked, surprised.
"What good would anger do? Everyone has their own pursuits. I can't give her and her family what they want. Besides, I still have you all."
"Right, so many sisters here. She was the one who didn't appreciate her blessings. Hope she won't regret it later."
"When you go back, bring her a gift for me."
"There's one more thing. Do you remember Akina Nakamori and Shizuka Kudo?"
"Yes, you introduced them as needing support and protection."
"It's been over a year. Shizuka has a new boyfriend now, but Akina still remembers you fondly. She asked if she could come to the U.S. to see you."
"Do you want her to join?"
"She's good and talented. Her style doesn't conflict with mine. Plus, she's pure-hearted. I recommend you take her under your wing." Noriko nodded in agreement.
"Since you both agree, bring her along the next time you come to Los Angeles."
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.