[Chapter 127: Charity List, Nicole Kidman's Invitation]
Ti passed quickly, and soon it was December. The estate's annex building and security training ground were under intense construction, expected to be operational in about two months.
The recruitnt of 30 bodyguards proceeded smoothly. So were introduced by Danny's active duty comrades, others through veteran associations, and so had switched from other security companies. The common thread was that all had military special forces experience and excellent skills, including firearms, hand-to-hand combat, and restraint techniques.
After Goodman hired a professional firm to conduct background checks on applicants, Linton ford an interview panel with Danny and David. They initially selected 30 new bodyguards -- 10 n and 20 won.
Given the importance of bodyguards, especially since so would beco close confidantes, Linton personally tested each of them with Soul Induction to ensure no ill intent, no infiltration by outside parties, and that none had major character flaws.
After passing the screening, Goodman handled their onboarding. Their salaries were equally high for n and won, $80,000 annually each. This was considered very generous -- rcenaries in conflict zones barely earned $50,000 a year.
Of course, Danny and David and the veteran bodyguards earned more: Danny's salary had increased to $120,000, and David and the other three earned $100,000 annually.
Since the annex was still being built and most had no prior security or bodyguard experience, Linton arranged a two-month bodyguard training course through a specialized security institute.
---
anwhile, Henry completed the charity fund's audit and returned from San Francisco with Aunt Kelly, who was serious and responsible, with clean and well-regulated accounts.
Since Kelly had been in charge since July, six charity projects had been carried out totaling $5.5 million:
- Donated $500,000 worth of supplies to the children's ho in San Francisco.
- Donated $500,000 worth of supplies to the senior care center in San Francisco.
- Donated $500,000 worth of supplies to the children's ho in Los Angeles.
- Donated $500,000 worth of supplies to the senior care center in Los Angeles.
- Purchased $3 million worth of food distributed to refugees in Africa via the San Francisco Red Cross.
- Donated $500,000 worth of supplies to the National Leukemia Support Association.
This $5.5 million included $1 million for Linton's personal expenses, Kelly's $200,000 salary, and $300,000 wages and office expenses for the fund's staff.
With a $7.5 million annual charity budget, $2 million remained to be used in December.
Linton pondered and asked Henry if donating to an academy counted as charity. Receiving an affirmative answer, he decided to donate the $2 million to his alma mater, the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts, as gratitude and to build a good reputation there.
He asked Aunt Kelly to contact his ntor, Professor Johnson, to facilitate the $2 million cash donation to the school, also elevating his ntor's status.
---
Linton's hit single I Swear continued its hot streak, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for the third week. Sales remained strong with 1.3 million copies sold in North Arica and 1.6 million overseas.
To maintain the montum, Universal Records postponed the release of Linton's second single Sold Out by two weeks to December 17, avoiding competition with his own music and splitting fan attention.
Linton figured this timing was good since filming for Speed was set for December 20, and he could spare two days on the 15th and 16th for promotion, which was pretty good.
...
At the end of November, newcor Shania Twain released her single Surrender, which debuted impressively at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100, selling over 400,000 copies in North Arica. A solid achievent for a new artist.
Universal arranged a month-long North Arican promotional tour for her. Though grueling, she enjoyed the success.
After the Billboard rankings, Shania called Linton to thank him for writing such a great song and promised to reward him handsoly after her tour, offering anything he wished.
Rembering their last reward and Hawaiian vacation, Linton asked, "Can it be with others too?"
"No problem, as long as you're happy," Shania readily agreed, raising Linton's hopes.
---
Preparations for Speed progressed smoothly. Various outdoor sets, props, costus, and equipnt were basically ready.
Industrial Light & Magic presented the first version of their modeling for review; feedback was given and revisions underway.
Universal Studios' set construction was nearing completion.
The core crew had all arrived, staying in the studio's hotel, rehearsing intensively and discussing the script.
...
Thanks to efforts from the advertising and sponsorship team and Linton's previous high box office, five product placents were secured:
- Off-road vehicle by rcedes-Benz G Series, four product shots, $4 million sponsor fee, two units for filming.
- Convertible sports car by Chrysler TC, four product shots, $4 million sponsor fee, two units for filming.
- Bus by Greyhound, four product shots, $2 million sponsor fee, two units for filming.
- Digital watch by Tix, three shots, $2 million sponsor fee.
- Sunglasses by Ray-Ban, two shots, $1.5 million sponsor fee.
Total sponsorship reached $13.5 million, including props supplied, saving production costs.
---
During this ti, Nicole Kidman called, inviting Linton for a night together. Initially, he declined, citing busy filming prep.
But Nicole was persistent -- calling several tis, pleading softly. Linton relented, enticed by her stunning beauty and thrilling presence.
To avoid paparazzi, both had their assistants book business suites on the sa floor of the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. Nicole checked in early afternoon.
...
After dinner, Linton had Danny drive him to the hotel's underground garage. Taking the elevator to the 16th floor, he bypassed his own room and directly pressed Nicole's doorbell.
Once inside, a fiery, seductive figure lted into his arms. After a passionate kiss, Nicole gasped, "You little rascal, I missed you so much."
Then she eagerly began disarming him.
Linton was inflad by her sensual black sheer nightgown -- wearing nothing underneath -- paired with black garter stockings and her natural breathtaking beauty.
Soon, an intense and passionate night of lovemaking ensued, accompanied by joyful cries...
...
During a break, Linton asked why she was in such a hurry to et him again.
"Since our last night together in Hawaii, I think I've caught your fever. Every night I dream of being with you," Nicole said softly as she lay on him.
"Really? That serious?" Linton shivered internally, worried it might be due to the Starlight Spark energy.
"Yes, and after that night in Hawaii, my energy and spirit improved -- my looks and skin seed years younger. But now I've regressed. Can you bla for being anxious?"
Well, youthfulness and radiant skin were critical, he thought. "Do our encounters really have such effects?" he feigned ignorance.
"Really," she said. "You're my angel. Being with you ans receiving God's blessing, which is why these miracles happened."
That was a fine explanation -- bla it all on the God.
"Also, when I'm with Tom, I just don't feel the sa connection. What should I do?"
"Stop, we shouldn't talk about this," Linton said. "You are Mrs. Cruise."
"Then you owe a good reward tonight," she declared, transforming into a fierce female warrior and launching the assault...
Originally intending just one night together, Linton found himself unable to resist the intense pleasure and thrilling excitent Nicole brought. He stayed with her for three nights straight.
Of course, his dayti work was unaffected. To avoid paparazzi detection, Nicole didn't leave the hotel at all during those three days.
*****
spatreon/Sayonara816.
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