[Chapter 419: The Birth of the Heiress]
Next, with Madonna's baby about to be born any day, Linton made sure to spend most of his time at home. Whenever he was free, he played exciting games and enjoyed fun activities with Madonna, Winnie, and his other women who were around.
After the hospital mishap during the last check-up, Linton decided he wouldn't let Madonna give birth in a hospital this time. The estate had been remodeled to include a state-of-the-art delivery room, fully equipped with top-tier medical instruments and sterile conditions. Female doctors and nurses had been carefully hired.
Of course, Linton tested every new medical staff member with his Soul Induction ability to ensure there was no ill intent. Then everyone had to sign strict confidentiality agreements.
---
Lou Wasserman was reliable. Two days later, he called Linton with good news. After a board meeting, they agreed to sell the 10-year Chinese TV rights for Independence Day, The Man from Nowhere, and Speed, along with full Chinese rights for Step Up, all for one million dollars.
Honestly, the price was very generous -- actually lower than Linton expected. For these rights, a normal price would have been around three million dollars. Even half-off would be one and a half million. But selling them for even less was a rare bargain.
Of course, Universal lowering their price was great news, and the cheaper it was, the better for Linton. He immediately informed Goodman and Winnie to finalize the deal under the charity foundation's name and promptly gift the rights to China's state film company.
At the same time, he returned the favor by giving Lou Wasserman the contact details of the Chinese film agency to coordinate the introduction of Independence Day, The Man from Nowhere, The Rock, and Speed to China.
---
As expected, on Thursday, August 18th, Independence Day's North American box office hit $360 million, breaking the record for the highest domestic box office.
On Saturday night, Universal held a lavish celebration party at the Hilton Hotel. It was a star-studded event inviting many Hollywood elites -- film executives, directors, celebrities, investors.
This spectacular party wiped away the gloom left by the failure of Waterworld.
Cristiana Reali and Nicole Kidman flew back just for this celebration. As the movie's screenwriter, producer, co-producer, and lead actor, Linton was naturally the center of attention.
Investors were eager to back his projects; film companies wanted to team up with him; actors and actresses all hoped to star in his films. The actresses, especially, were eager to get close in hopes of more than just acting roles.
Since Linton's rise to fame, he rarely attended Hollywood parties, making it hard for people to get close to him. Tonight was a rare opportunity.
Even the heads of the six major studios -- Paramount's CEO Sherry Lansing, Warner's Jeff Robinov, 20th Century Fox's Tom Rothman, Columbia's Akio Morita, MGM's Ellison Hanks -- and even Disney's new CEO Michael Ovitz, notorious for past feuds -- all put aside their differences to clink glasses with Linton.
Of course, their real intentions were twofold: either to collaborate with Linton by investing in and distributing his next films (his company was an absolute box office goldmine), or to pitch their own projects hoping Linton would star in them.
Hollywood always chased success, and Linton's spectacular track record made him the hottest commodity. Any movie with Linton was guaranteed a blockbuster.
Linton smiled politely and raised his glass to everyone. Even if friendship was unlikely, minimizing enemies was good strategy. He politely dodged any firm commitments to collaborations, promising to discuss opportunities later.
...
Once the six studio heads left, the crowd swarmed around Linton -- especially the actresses, who acted like vampires sensing fresh blood. They clustered tightly, whispering and trying to edge closer, trying all sorts of subtle touches to gain favor.
Fortunately, Cristiana and Nicole noticed the brewing trouble. Exchanging a quick glance, they silently cursed the group of sycophants and moved in to flank Linton like his bodyguards, blocking most of the actresses.
Still, they couldn't stop the one woman who ruled Hollywood's summit -- an unmatched A-list star with status so untouchable she didn't hesitate to walk right up to Linton, arms outstretched for a hug.
After a brief, passionate night they once shared, Linton couldn't refuse. He slipped free from Cristiana and Nicole's grip to embrace Julia Roberts.
To his surprise, as they hugged, Julia whispered in his ear, "I got a room upstairs. Come have a drink with me later."
With Madonna about to deliver any moment, and Cristiana and Nicole freshly back and staring daggers at him, he knew agreeing would be courting disaster.
"Sorry, no time tonight. Maybe another day," he said firmly.
Julia's expression fell slightly but she shrugged it off gracefully, ignoring the glaring looks from Cristiana and Nicole as she left. The two women cursed under their breath.
The party's wild excitement spilled over back at the estate, where Cristiana and Nicole became even more proactive, making the night livelier than ever.
---
Before long, August 25th arrived -- Madonna's due date. The day was sunny and bright.
All of Linton's women gathered at the estate, even Charlize Theron showed up for the first time. Only Jennifer and Noriko Sakai were still on tour promoting Final Destination but were scheduled to return that night to meet the newest addition to the Anderson family.
At 10 a.m., Linton accompanied Madonna into the delivery room, where the medical team was fully prepared.
"You don't have to stay; the doctors and nurses are enough," Madonna said shyly.
A lot of men reportedly get traumatized after seeing their wives in pain and distress during childbirth, losing attraction. Madonna instinctively didn't want Linton to see her at her worst.
But Linton insisted, "I have to be with you."
"All right, but no peeking," she smiled nervously.
Linton reassured her sweetly, "I won't look."
They entered, while the other girlfriends waited chatting outside, leaving the medical staff both bewildered and amused. Despite the gossip, the confidentiality agreements kept them professional.
Madonna lay in bed, Linton holding her hand beside her -- a touching scene that made the doctors and nurses envious.
Still, they remained focused, swiftly assisting where needed. All pre-delivery preparations were complete.
"Lie back and place your feet in the stirrups."
"Relax, breathe deeply, exhale slowly through your mouth."
"Hold your breath and push."
"Good, keep pushing -- you'll see the baby soon. Ah... there she is?"
"So fast!"
With a strong, healthy cry, the baby stunned the medical team. They had delivered countless babies but never one this easy and smooth.
One nurse curiously asked, "Madam, is this really your first child?"
Madonna's heart jumped. Before meeting Linton, she had a somewhat wild past, and she worried he might judge her if he thought she'd had children before.
"No, it's definitely my first," she replied quickly, looking at Linton anxiously. "You have to believe me. I'm a public figure -- if I'd had a child before, it wouldn't have stayed a secret."
She also wondered why the delivery was so quick and painless. Weren't childbirths supposed to be long and agonizing? Maybe Linton had secretly cast a spell to help her.
"Dear, don't overthink. I trust you," Linton smiled. The smooth delivery was obviously his doing.
The doctor quickly cut the umbilical cord and lifted the newborn.
"Wow, what a beauty!"
"After all these years, I've never seen a baby born this perfect."
"Such smooth, rosy skin -- no wrinkles at all. Incredible."
"The head isn't misshapen, which is very unusual for a natural birth."
Normally, newborns have wrinkled skin and often oddly shaped heads that straighten only after weeks. But this baby was flawless -- smooth skin, a perfectly shaped head, and beautiful features.
"Congratulations, sir and madam, it's a beautiful baby girl."
...
After cleaning, the baby was gently wrapped and handed to Linton.
The crying stopped instantly upon touching his arms -- astonishing the medical staff, though they stayed focused on their duties.
"Look, this is our baby," Linton said softly to Madonna.
"So beautiful. Just like I was when I was little," she cooed happily.
The doctor suggested, "We should do some tests in the sterile room next door."
"Okay, be careful," Linton replied as he handed over the baby.
Through the glass, they watched the baby wriggle and cry loudly as the doctors ran tests -- none of it interfering with their professionalism.
"Sweetheart, let's hope our little girl stays healthy," Madonna said, squeezing Linton's hand with concern.
"Don't worry. Look how lively she is -- that's a good sign," Linton assured her.
...
After about fifteen minutes, the doctor returned, cradling the crying infant.
As soon as Linton took her back, the baby stopped crying again, amazing the staff once more.
"Congratulations. All her indicators are normal. She weighs 8.2 pounds -- very healthy."
"That's wonderful. Thank you, everyone."
"We still have one more thing. The first hour after birth is a critical period for newborn feeding reflexes, especially the first 30 minutes. Missing this can affect future nursing ability. Also, the earlier and longer the mother and baby bond, the better for emotional connection and psychological development."
The doctor advised Madonna to start nursing now.
Seeing the rosy-cheeked baby, Madonna eagerly took her, unbuttoned her shirt, and began breastfeeding.
Linton turned to the medical staff and said, "You did great. We're doubling the promised bonuses."
"Thank you, Mr. Anderson!" they all smiled broadly. Big stars were generous -- bonuses already generous now doubled -- making the job even sweeter.
Though excited, the confidentiality agreements meant the fun news had to stay within these walls.
...
After the staff left, Madonna smiled down at their daughter, then asked Linton, "Honey, have you thought of a name?"
"I have. She'll be Lina Anderson."
"Lina Anderson -- nice. I love it."
Linton pulled out a small engraved pendant with the name Lina Anderson and carefully fastened it around the baby's neck.
"This talisman is like the one you wear. It'll protect her -- keep her safe, healthy, and happy. I hope she grows up as beautiful as you."
Madonna smiled, but worried, "Honey, she's so little -- will the pendant be too heavy?"
"Don't worry. I customized it. It's almost weightless. Feel it yourself."
Linton knew very well that a tiny baby couldn't bear much weight. He had painstakingly engraved a suspension charm system into the pendant to counterbalance almost all its weight.
It took him five days and destroyed ten pendants before perfecting it. Carving four charm arrays on such a tiny amulet was a challenge. Adding a fifth made it even harder.
Fortunately, his spiritual awareness had massively improved from his good deeds, allowing him to complete the task smoothly.
*****
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