hollywood system: art

June 23, 1996.

The graduation of Amelia Rockefeller took place on June 23, 1996. She was just a step away from becoming useful to her grandfather. At 18, and about to turn 19, she had not only one of the most comprehensive basic educations but also a wealth of extracurricular skills. She could play the piano, practiced equestrianism, synchronized swimming, and tennis, and was fluent in both French and Spanish.

At the same time, her mother had been teaching her everything she knew about modeling. Amelia was the spoiled child of her parents, getting everything she wanted as long as her grandfather approved. At the graduation party, there were nobles, children of the wealthy, established families, and geniuses. It was perhaps the most elitist school in all of Europe.

-Grandfather! - Amelia shouted, greeting the patriarch of the Rockefeller family. Beside him stood one of France's wealthiest merchants, Vincent Dassault. His son was in the same grade as Amelia. The gathering was exclusive, with only 50 graduates.

-My dear girl, we do not shout in public, - he reprimanded, making her blush. She immediately fell silent, refraining from giving any response. She was absorbed in her lapse of decorum, and tried to mutter an "okay," but failed miserably.

She momentarily blocked out her education and nodded, recovering her composure. Her radiant blonde hair was magnificent, complementing the figure she had inherited from her mother. It was remarkable how this bold young woman became so timid in her grandfather's presence. She waited patiently as William Dommer continued to speak sternly about market shifts and the rise of the Japanese economy.

Dassault, noting the impatience of youth, glanced at his son with a sharp, somewhat resentful look. He wrapped up the conversation with promises for future discussions and departed.

-I must be off, - Vincent said, shaking hands.

-So be it, - William replied with measured calm. At seventy, he was patient but didn't entertain delays.

Amelia smiled, clenching her fists tightly.

-We'll talk after the ceremony, - William remarked.

-But... -

She was silenced by a single, furious look that demanded absolute obedience. The scream she wanted to let out was swallowed, replaced by a nod of respect. Her entire life had been shaped by fear, almost imprinted into her upbringing.

There were only two options: to rebel or to conform. Her older cousin chose rebellion and was completely cast out—his allowance cut off, his connections severed, from clubs to social gatherings. Essentially excommunicated from the family, his pride cost him everything. He spent years living as middle class in a small apartment before being evicted and begging for a place back in the family fold. Few are brave in life and the Rockefeller household.

The graduation event was stunning, and ostentatious from every angle. The red and white gowns and caps were vibrant against the baroque school theater, adorned with life-filled artwork and a ceiling painting inspired by Goethe, representing the paradise of nihilism and art. The acoustics were brilliant, enhanced by lighting and courteous applause.

-Do you know the difference between wealth and education? - William Dommer asked his son as they observed Amelia's graduation. - Education is necessary but doesn't guarantee wealth—at least, not the kind we enjoy. It merely sustains what you have; it doesn't grow it. Education allows those of lesser means to rise and earn their place, but it is neither wealth nor opportunity. -

-Of course, Father. But we're doing well, - Augustus replied, reviewing company accounts and financial statements. The business was growing at an annual rate of 3%, steady and sufficient for a good pace.

-Yes, - William said, restraining the urge to roll his eyes. His son's obtuseness made him want to smash his head against the pavement.

-We do get sentimental with age, - William muttered, taking a breath and signaling to his butler to leave the event. It was 2:30 PM, and he needed to call a small friend in London about oil and gas prices.

Augustus pretended not to notice.

...

After the ceremony, there was a small cocktail gathering where families mingled, served drinks, and enjoyed hors d'oeuvres—canapés, perhaps tuna-filled crackers, slices of raw salmon with mayonnaise and parsley.

-It's not possible that you'd throw your life away for modeling. What nonsense! I pay for the best education and provide the finest teachers, and you act like a fool, wanting to waste your future, and flaunting your body. Do you want to earn money as an escort? Charles, give her $30,000 to shut her up, - William Dommer declared, harsh and unyielding.

Amelia's tears streamed uncontrollably as she tried to silence her thoughts, fleeing to the bathroom to wash away her shame. Her classmates whispered as they watched her closely, while she tried to hide beneath her hair, trembling with fear of everything.

Her mother only shook her head at her father-in-law's manipulations. He always tested everyone's limits—their strength, their resilience.

-I'll talk to her, - Shawn said, while her eldest son nodded, unwilling to interfere in their relationship.

-Mother, just leave her alone… She'll understand later, - George Dommer said.

-Don't touch me, - Shawn snapped, swatting her son's hand. He would never understand a woman's suffering, armed with their power to dictate what was right or wrong.

"Damn men," she muttered as she walked elegantly toward her daughter. She was a vision of mature beauty.

-My love, - Shawn whispered, taking Amelia in her arms and wiping away her streaked tears. Her red, swollen eyes glistened as she looked at her mother. All the strength she had moments before crumbled like a dam swept away by a raging river.

-It's unfair, Mother. -

-It is, my dear. But we won't let this become an issue. Your mother has a plan. I know people who can help us. You'll make enough money and be free of your grandfather, - Shawn said, kissing her gently on the forehead.

-Then… - Amelia's eyes shone with hope as she grasped the difficulty of being surrounded by wolves.

-Then trust your mother. I'll do whatever it takes for you, my beautiful girl. Later, you can become a businesswoman, marry a rich athlete or celebrity, and travel the world… Anything you want, my sweet child, - Shawn assured her.

-Mommy, - Amelia murmured, her voice trembling. It was a bittersweet blow for Shawn, who endured her father-in-law's manipulations while trying to play a game she couldn't entirely comprehend.

...