Perhaps influenced by the filming of the movie, or perhaps by the dark side that exists in everyone's heart, or maybe due to the accumulated pressure over time, Duke felt a surge of destructive desire rise within him. Despite having strong self-control all along, he no longer wanted to restrain himself.
In fact, ever since he started with Shania Twain, Duke had noticed that sometimes excessive thoughts would arise. However, he never acted on them, even with temporary bed partners or one-night stands—he believed in showing at least a modicum of respect.
But with the openly inviting Madonna Ciccone, he had no such concerns. This kind of game was indeed somewhat interesting, but it required him to be the dominant one.
The belt in his hand swung high before coming down, and Madonna let out a piercing scream. The sound was particularly irritating, prompting Duke to pick up the torn pieces of her evening gown and stuff them into her mouth.
Minutes later, Duke fastened his belt and walked to the door. Glancing back, he saw Madonna with her red-marked backside, her eyes vacant as she lay face down on the thick carpet, drooling slightly from her crooked mouth. Her hands moved aimlessly over the carpet, as if she hadn't yet regained her senses.
"Did I go a bit too hard?" he muttered to himself as he pushed the door open and left the lounge, heading towards the elevator. He couldn't help but glance at his right hand, quietly reminding himself, "This kind of thing should only happen occasionally. I can't really become a sadist!"
After their little game and still having not touched that promiscuous woman, Duke's eyes instinctively wandered towards the angels when he returned to the banquet hall.
After all, men are often influenced by their lower instincts.
As his gaze roamed the banquet hall, Duke noticed a somewhat familiar face. He ordered a drink from a waiter and approached her. The model who caught his eye was someone he either recognized from the past or had seen in the media.
The woman was no taller than 5 feet 4 inches, definitely on the shorter side for models, and her emaciated figure was better described as bony. As Duke neared her, she turned to face him, revealing a pair of slightly deformed O-shaped legs beneath her short dress.
Instantly, Duke dismissed his earlier thoughts, but the model seemed to recognize him and stepped forward with a smile.
"Hi, you must be Duke Rosenberg?" she greeted him.
"Yeah," Duke replied politely, nodding. He asked courteously, "I don't know…"
"Kate, you can call me Kate." She extended her hand, and when Duke shook it gently, she continued, "Kate Moss, from England."
Before Duke could say anything, a man in a rather unconventional tuxedo approached, possessively wrapping his arm around Kate Moss's shoulder. "Darling, is this your friend?"
"We just met and chatted for a bit," Kate replied playfully, shrugging.
"Hello, Director Rosenberg," the man said, though known for his eccentric personality, he wasn't rude. "I've heard Keanu mention you; he's been regretting not thinking clearly while filming 'Speed.'"
"Not a problem, Depp," Duke lowered his voice slightly. "If you see Keanu, tell him I'm glad to hear he's off drugs. We could collaborate again if the opportunity arises."
"I'm sure he'll be happy to hear that."
Despite his jerk-like demeanor, Depp's loyalty to friends is rare in Hollywood. "When you're back in LA, come by my Viper Bar; it's on me!"
"Will do."
After exchanging pleasantries, Duke moved on. Although he didn't know much about it, he had heard that since River Phoenix died of an overdose, the other two members of the so-called drug trio, Johnny Depp and Keanu Reeves, had kicked their addictions and transitioned from troubled stars to maturity. Without River Phoenix's death, there might not have been a future for Johnny Depp and Keanu Reeves.
Lost in thought, Duke suddenly heard a familiar voice from behind him. "What's wrong? Hit a wall?"
"Just ran into an acquaintance and chatted a bit," Duke casually replied, turning to see the tall beauty standing there. "Heidi, it's been a while. You look even more beautiful."
Heidi Klum, in a form-fitting white gown, showcased her sexy figure. She was the complete opposite of Kate Moss.
While the latter was part of the current trend of skinny, underdeveloped models with protruding ribs, Heidi was the classic curvy model. If it weren't for Victoria's Secret needing such body types, it would be hard for her to make a mark in the modeling industry.
"Then why didn't you ever look at me?" she pouted playfully, linking her arm with Duke's. "Or do you find me completely unattractive?"
"Not at all!"
Fresh prey is always more tempting, and while Kate Moss and Claudia Schiffer may be more famous, they didn't fit Duke's aesthetic, and he wasn't particularly interested in their peculiar looks.
As they moved to a quieter spot, Heidi leaned in closer, whispering in Duke's ear, "I saw your mother earlier and chatted with her."
"What did she say?" Duke asked casually.
"She said I have potential and if I work hard…" Heidi's eyes sparkled, "I might become a top model in the next two to three years."
"My mother has always had a good eye."
Setting down his drink, Duke gently squeezed her chin. "You have a promising future ahead."
The recent employment of outside supermodels for Victoria's Secret's main shows wouldn't become a long-term strategy; they would undoubtedly build their own exclusive supermodels, focusing on those with the best conditions.
The earliest batch of angels that left an impression on Duke only included Heidi Klum.
After dealing with a few more people who came over to greet him, Duke took Heidi Klum by the hand and led her out of the banquet hall. His intentions were clear, and Heidi showed no sign of refusal as they entered the elevator, going directly to the twenty-third floor.
"I'm staying here," Duke said, leading her to his suite. "But today is the last day."
"Heading back to Ireland to continue filming?"
Noticing Duke's curious look, Heidi pressed her body closer. "I've been following your news."
"Should I say I'm honored?" Duke felt her softness against his right arm.
Heidi pressed even closer. "No need to be polite."
As they turned down the corridor from the elevator, Duke suddenly spotted a young man under the dim lights, pressing a long-legged blonde woman against the wall, kissing her passionately. Though he couldn't see the man's face clearly, Duke easily recognized Leonardo DiCaprio from working in the film industry for so long.
Noticing someone approaching, Leonardo turned his head to look over, and Duke then realized that the woman pressed against the wall was Claudia Schiffer.
"Hi, Duke," he greeted.
"Leo, you keep going."
Duke continued through the long corridor with Heidi Klum, heading towards his room.
Although Duke could only describe Claudia Schiffer as unique-looking, her long legs and blonde hair made her the quintessential supermodel. Given Leo's looks and his rising star status in Hollywood, it wasn't surprising for him to hook up with her.
"Come in…"
After opening the suite door, Duke let Heidi Klum walk in first, then shut the door behind him. He turned and pushed the blonde model against the door, feeling her soft body against his strong one. He grabbed her wrists with his left hand, raising them slowly until they were pinned above her beautiful blonde hair.
"Darling, you're in a hurry!"
Heidi Klum seemed used to this slightly rough approach. Her lips escaped his grip, showering kisses like raindrops on his neck, slowly moving down, as if she were a little girl encountering the most delicious chocolate, using her neatly aligned white teeth to bite off one button after another from Duke's shirt.
Stepping back slightly, Duke released Heidi Klum's hands, allowing her enough room to bend down, while he leaned down to plant a firm kiss on her forehead, one hand resting on the back of her head.
"Shall we… go to the sofa?"
Heidi Klum looked up from her half-squatting position, her enticing gaze carrying a hint of pleading. Duke simply bent down and picked her up, walking into the bedroom, kicking the door shut with a loud thud.
Heidi Klum wasn't as sadistic as Madonna Ciccone, and she was quite thoughtful in pleasing him. Duke, not being a complete jerk, naturally considered her feelings.
Such activities are most satisfying when both parties can enjoy themselves.
As with the last time, the next day Duke and Heidi Klum had no lingering feelings as they waved goodbye and returned to the film set in Ireland to continue wrapping up the filming of "Saving Private Ryan." The annual Victoria's Secret runway show garnered significant media attention in both Europe and America, with Tom Hanks and his collaboration with Duke in the spotlight.
The mutual publicity effectively achieved its purpose, and the more significant promotional front in North America was also opened. A week later on Super Bowl Day, "Saving Private Ryan" was revealed for the first time.