Chapter 433: Chapter 434: And God Created Woman
Chapter 433: Chapter 434: And God Created Woman
[Chapter 434: God Created Woman]
Eric's voice gradually faded away, likely heading to Drew's bedroom. Famke Janssen then turned towards the still slightly confused blonde.
Knowing that this was just Drew being her mischievous self, Famke's initial annoyance dissipated quite a bit; in fact, it struck her as a bit funny. The blonde girl extended her hand and said, "Hi, I'm Famke Janssen."
Claudia Schiffer reached out to shake Famke's hand, looking a bit embarrassed. "Hello, Ms. Janssen. I've seen your work on The X-Files. Oh, I... I'm Claudia Schiffer. I'm a model."
After exchanging greetings, Famke Janssen said, "Ms. Schiffer, I think we should head downstairs. Where are your clothes?"
"Barrymore took them," Claudia replied. "She said... she said she wanted to surprise Mr. Williams. I'm sorry, I didn't know you... you..." Claudia realized she had been completely fooled by Drew, and that Eric had no idea what was going on.
"I see," Famke thought for a moment, stepping forward to pull some of Eric's clothes from the wardrobe. "If you don't mind, you can wear his clothes for now. By the way, how tall are you?"
"5 feet 11 inches," Claudia said quietly.
"Ah, what a coincidence! I am too," Famke said and smiled, remembering something amusing.
Claudia Schiffer took the white shirt and jeans that Famke handed her and carefully put them on under the covers, unable to hold back her curiosity. "What's wrong?"
Famke shook her head without answering. She had planned to go to sleep, with her own clothes left in the bathroom. Now, she had no choice but to find something from Eric's wardrobe, as she loosened the towel wrapped around her and began changing.
Once the two women finished changing, they headed downstairs into a small living room illuminated by fluorescent lights.
As they opened the door and walked in, the scene before them made Famke and Claudia want to laugh but dare not.
In the corner of the room, Drew stood there in a white crop top and denim shorts, barefoot on the cold floor. What made the situation even more amusing -- and yet somber -- was that Drew had a large bowl full of fruit precariously balanced on her head, her hands holding it up, gazing innocently with a pitiful expression on her delicate face.
Eric sat on the couch with his legs crossed, quietly flipping through a magazine without saying a word.
Famke Janssen moved over to sit next to Eric, wanting to intervene, but when she caught sight of his tightly pressed lips, she realized he was genuinely upset and tactfully shut her mouth.
Claudia watched Famke sit on Eric's right side, her gaze drifting to the empty space on the left side of the couch. Although feeling compelled to sit there, she didn't dare and instead walked over to the nearby armchair.
It was nearly eleven at night, and the small lounge was exceptionally quiet, with only the sound of Eric occasionally turning a page in his magazine breaking the silence.
Famke and Claudia initially thought Eric would speak soon, but the silence stretched on for a full half hour. The expression Drew had worn while feigning innocence had faded, replaced by an anxious look.
Being near Eric, Famke and Claudia felt the subtle pressure emanating from him. Famke was managing fine, but Claudia found herself breathing cautiously, as if her every breath might attract Eric's ire. Although she knew it was Drew who had instigated the situation tonight, if she had simply refused this afternoon, none of this would have happened. This regret lingered in her mind as she wondered what would happen next -- would Eric take out his frustrations on her?
Despite being in his twenties, this young man was already one of the elite in Hollywood. If he chose to lash out at her, surely even Elite would struggle to withstand such pressure.
Claudia had pondered for half an hour but still couldn't figure out what had gone wrong. Why was Eric so upset?
Was it because she had interrupted his date with Famke?
That couldn't be it. She followed the gossip and knew he was quite the playboy with plenty of women around him. If there was anyone to be mad at her, it should be Famke.
...
After Eric finished the last page of the Variety magazine, and closing it, he lifted his head.
Glancing at Claudia carefully seated on the armchair, Eric said, "I'm sorry, Ms. Schiffer. It's all Drew's fault. I hope it hasn't troubled you too much."
Claudia Schiffer's heart, which had been hanging in the balance, finally settled. She quickly shook her head, "No, it's fine. Actually, I..."
Eric waved his hand in a dismissive manner. "It's pretty late. Just stay here for the night. I'll arrange for someone to take you home tomorrow."
"Sure, alright," Claudia said as she stood up quickly.
Eric whispered a few words to Famke Janssen, who nodded in response before getting up and leading Claudia out of the living room.
"Eric..."
Drew, still standing with the bowl on her head, timidly called out like a frightened cat testing the waters after the two women's figures vanished.
Eric looked at her anxious, pleading expression, feeling a pang of softness in his heart. But then recalling the day's events, his expression turned serious again.
"Do you know what you did wrong?"
Drew wanted to nod, but as soon as she moved her head, she remembered the bowl on her head and could only lift her chin a little to say, "I understand now. I shouldn't have done something so ridiculous without your permission. I promise I won't do it again."
"That's not it. Think harder," Eric said, pretending to pick up the magazine again. Drew hurriedly stopped him, "Wait, I need to think..."
Drew's mind raced, feeling as if her brain was on fire, but she still had no clue. "Eric, why not just hit me instead?"
Eric sighed. If she could think this through, she wouldn't have made such a mistake. "I've always hoped you'd become a decent producer and help me in the future."
"I've been trying! I've been working hard these past few days. Julia and Liz can attest to that."
"But what you did today was highly inappropriate. If this got out, how do you think it would
turn out?"
Drew pondered, shaking her head honestly. She didn't think it would matter much. If it got out, it got out. Who could do anything to her?
Eric pressed on, "If it gets out, you might as well forget about becoming a successful producer. Many will see you as a low-level pimp. With that kind of reputation, the truly talented and capable people would instinctively think twice before working with you, and all you'd attract would be more opportunists with their own agendas."
Watching Drew's face turn contemplative, Eric gestured for her to remove the bowl from her head and said, "The women I like, I will pursue myself. Don't ever pull a stunt like this again.
Understand?"
Drew placed the bowl on the coffee table, twisted her stiff neck, and nodded quickly. Thinking that the matter was settled, she cheerfully leaned over towards Eric.
Eric shot her a warning look. "Don't think I'll let you off this easily. You're grounded for three days. Stay home and reflect on your actions."
"Ah, no! I still need to go to the set of Dumb and Dumber," Drew protested, her spirited nature warding off the thought of being cooped up for three days -- it would be worse than going
hungry for three days!
"I'll call Liz. You don't need to worry about it."
"Eric... can't I negotiate for two days instead?" Drew pleaded with her big doe eyes, looking
pitiful.
"Four days."
"Fine, fine, three days it is."
...
In the quiet morning at the villa, Claudia Schiffer emerged from her guest room and wandered along the circular corridor, passing by door after door, curiously guessing what each one
contained but too timid to barge in and check.
After wandering for a while, she finally made her way down the stairs on the west side of the second floor. Turning right, she found the kitchen. Claudia peeked inside and saw Famke Janssen busy making breakfast, so she walked in.
Famke noticed Claudia's presence and smiled, "Good morning, Ms. Schiffer. Did you sleep
well last night?"
"Very well," Claudia replied, glancing at the steaming pot on the stove. "Do you need any
help?"
Famke appraised Claudia's outfit, realizing she was still wearing Eric's clothes from the previous night, barefoot. "No thanks, I'm fine. There are slippers by the door if you want them. Eric's in the gym; perhaps you can chat with him."
Claudia nodded, asked for directions to the gym, and then headed out. The villa's floor felt slightly cool under her bare feet, but she found it comfortable, so she didn't bother to grab
the slippers and walked straight toward the gym.
...
Eric was jogging on the treadmill. Upon seeing her, he nodded in acknowledgment and pointed to the other treadmill next to him. Claudia instinctively obeyed and walked over to that one, stepping on it and moving slowly while sneaking glances at Eric. He wore a white tank top that showcased his toned muscles, and Claudia felt her heart race at his chiseled,
handsome profile.
"Where are your shoes?" Eric asked, glancing at her outfit.
Claudia jumped slightly at his sudden question, stopping briefly before answering, "I... I
don't know."
Remembering how last night played out, Eric didn't press further but shifted the topic. "Has
anyone ever told you that you look like someone?"
"Brigitte Bardot?" Claudia answered.
Brigitte Bardot was a sultry star from the '50s and '60s, often compared to Marilyn Monroe and dubbed the "sex kitten." It had been said that Claudia bore a striking resemblance to Bardot, which certainly helped her gain traction in the fashion scene within just two or three
years.
"Exactly. The way you look barefoot reminds me of her in And God Created Woman. She used to walk around barefoot all the time. It's true -- beautiful women are God's favorites. If it weren't for Brigitte Bardot, that messy love quadrangle movie would've flopped." Claudia felt a pang of regret for not having watched any of Brigitte Bardot's films, which left
her struggling to think of a way to engage Eric in conversation.Nôv(el)B\\jnn
*****
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