Barely had Zeta-Jones arrived at 9406 Crest Drive than a sense of regret began to gnaw at her. She hadn't anticipated a pool party.Pool parties, by their very nature, involved swimwear, bikinis, and festivities held in and around a swimming pool. In other contexts, or in the glossy world of Hollywood films, they represented carefree summer fun. But this was Hollywood, this was Beverly Hills. Here, a pool party carried a different connotation.While Beverly Hills parties often devolved into similar states of disarray as any other, pool parties were far more direct. They practically announced the nature of the gathering to its attendees. Acceptance of the invitation implied a certain willingness…Zeta-Jones was no naive starlet, nor was she simply a groupie. She possessed a degree of recognition. She had come tonight hoping for an opportunity, but hadn't expected this immediate… immersion.A fleeting thought of leaving crossed her mind. But then she noticed the party was intimate, barely a dozen guests. Almost all were women, with only one man—the handsome boy who had extended the invitation.Hesitation took hold. She reasoned that with only one male presence, she could blend in with the other women. If anything felt amiss, she could simply leave. Of course, if a genuine opportunity presented itself—a role in a major studio production, even a small one, or perhaps the lead in a smaller film—or even… if the conversation proved stimulating… she wouldn't object to a brief dalliance with the attractive host.After all, this was Hollywood. Purity was a rare commodity. One might find it in the rural towns of the conservative South, but certainly not here. In this world, even the casting couch had once been a widely accepted practice.With this "in for a penny, in for a pound" mentality, Zeta-Jones decided against an immediate retreat.However, she hadn't packed a swimsuit. Thankfully, the venue was prepared. While the other guests had already changed and gone outside, she and two other women, likely there for the same reasons as herself, went to the changing room.Observing the two women, roughly her age, Zeta-Jones extended a hand to one of them. "Hello, Julie. I adored your performance in Before Sunrise earlier this year. You were brilliant!"Julie Delpy, the actress, looked surprised but smiled and shook her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Catherine. I saw you in The Phantom. It's a pleasure."Being a British actress, Zeta-Jones was on good terms with fellow Brit Kate Beckinsale. Beckinsale had worked with Charlize Theron the previous year on Trial and Error, forging a connection between them. As they were all European, they were also somewhat familiar with other European actors in Hollywood, such as Delpy, a French actress. Zeta-Jones had met her before, though they weren't close. In this situation, networking was perfectly acceptable.After shaking hands with Delpy, she turned to the other woman. She introduced herself as Cate Blanchett, from Australia. None of them were native-born Americans.The three began to chat as they changed. While Hollywood women were perceived as being easily bedded, this was only true under specific, mutually understood circumstances. It was a transaction, a business deal. They wouldn't fawn over someone simply due to wealth. Riches were commonplace in Hollywood, and wealthy men rarely married the starlets of the day.North Hollywood was a haven for beautiful girls seeking their big break. Within the industry, they were sometimes referred to as "couch girls," referring to the infamous red sofas in the homes of powerful Hollywood figures, where conversations could easily lead to intimate encounters, with everything unspoken but perfectly understood.Unlike the backstabbing often depicted among aspiring actresses elsewhere, Hollywood's aspiring female actors often formed strong bonds. Before achieving fame, they frequently helped each other, forming small, supportive circles.Through their conversation, the three women exchanged information and learned more about Milo. They established a temporary alliance, solidifying a shared understanding. They were even roughly the same age."From the East Coast, small film company, wealthy playboy," Delpy summarized.After putting on a crimson bikini adorned with jasmine flowers, Delpy added, "He has potential, but he's small-time. Remember to protect yourselves, don't let him take too much advantage. But if an opportunity arises, don't hesitate to make your own moves."Zeta-Jones had been in Hollywood for three years. While Blanchett had only arrived this year, she'd started her acting career much earlier in Australia. Australia, in some ways, was considered a training ground for Hollywood, with a similar ecosystem. Blanchett was well-versed in the "market."After Delpy's concluding remarks, Blanchett and Zeta-Jones nodded in agreement.The three women exited the changing room. The atmosphere outside was vibrant and noisy. The sounds of relaxed jazz music mingled with the laughter of women. Occasionally, a man's laughter could be heard—the single male guest.The three beautiful women exchanged glances, knowing the party was in full swing. They tried to remain inconspicuous, walking with smiles across the hallway.When others weren't paying attention, they slipped into the bustling pool area. A dozen or so people were already in the water. Amidst the splashing, they spotted the handsome young man surrounded by women. He was talking to a group of them.Most of the women were like Zeta-Jones and her new acquaintances: young, beautiful, and possessing great figures. Some were even models and actresses. None, however, were particularly famous. Among them, Delpy and Zeta-Jones, having starred in smaller productions, were probably the most established."Let's take a dip and find a chance to leave later," Zeta-Jones said quietly to her two new friends, a hint of disappointment in her voice. She could tell that tonight wasn't going to offer any real opportunities.Blanchett nodded. Delpy smiled. "It's been lovely meeting you both. Shall we grab a drink later?""Definitely," Zeta-Jones replied immediately. "I have a membership at the Park Roof Bar!"The other two women nodded in unison. Just moments ago, they were barely acquaintances, Blanchett not even knowing the others. Now, they were operating with a remarkable understanding, subtly distancing themselves from the party's host without being so aloof as to offend him or the organizers. It was a skill in itself.About fifteen minutes later, after they'd been in the pool long enough, women who hadn't managed to get close to Milo started to emerge from the pool to get drinks or use the restroom.The three women exchanged a quick glance and began to head towards the edge of the pool. Suddenly, just as they were nearing the side, from the direction of the villa's living room, a portly man in swim trunks entered, leading a group of men in suits.