Chapter 1: Introduction
Sophie suddenly gets the phone call that her colleagues warned her about. "Oh God" she says, knowing that this call could make or break her career.
She was twenty-six, with a resume that was as long as it was impressive.
Her phone buzzed in her clutch, the screen lighting up with a number she recognized all too well. Harvey Weinstein. She took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation. She knew what this call could mean for her career, but she also knew the whispers that followed him like a shadow.
She hesitated, her thumb hovering over the green button. The lobby of the Chateau Marmont was bustling with industry folk, all trying to out-glam each other. She stepped away from the crowd, leaning against a pillar as she answered.
"Sophie, darling," his voice boomed through the phone, like he was already standing next to her. "I've seen your tape. You're a star, kid. A real star."
She felt a flutter of excitement, but kept her voice steady. "Thank you, Harvey."
Sophie's voice was barely above a whisper, but she knew he could hear her. She glanced around the lobby, where a group of actors were laughing too loudly, and a pair of directors were deep in conversation, gesticulating wildly.
"But tell me, darling, are you still at the party?" Harvey asked, his voice dropping to a low rumble that sent a shiver down her spine.
"Yes, I'm still here." She made sure to keep her response vague. She knew better than to give too much information.
"Great. Look, I've got a room here. Suite 303. Why don't you come up?
We can discuss your career over a drink."
Sophie's heart skipped a beat. She knew what this invitation could mean. She also knew what it could cost her. But she was in Hollywood to make it, and Harvey Weinstein was the kind of man who could make that happen.
"I don't know, Harvey. It's late, and-"
"Nonsense!" He cut her off with a laugh. "It's never too late to make a career-defining decision. Besides, I promise I won't bite."
Sophie bit her lip, considering.
She knew the rumors, the whispers about Harvey's late-night meetings. But she also knew that every actress she admired had at one point or another stepped into his orbit. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was potentially a career-defining moment.
"Okay, Harvey. I'll come up."
The words left her mouth before she could stop them. She placed the phone back in her clutch, her heart pounding like a drum in her chest. She knew what she was walking into, but she also knew the power of a man like Harvey Weinstein.
As Sophie took the elevator and stepped out onto the third floor, she felt a knot of dread tighten in her stomach. She knew what was coming. She had heard all the stories—the actresses who had gone up to his room, hoping for a role, only to find themselves in a power struggle they couldn't win. She remembered the one about the young ingénue who had gone up to discuss a part, only to find Harvey waiting for her in his bathrobe, a glass of wine in hand, and a hunger in his eyes that had nothing to do with her acting talent.