Chapter 394: Learn From Each Other

The red Porsche zoomed through the streets of Beverly Hills, eventually finding its way into the underground garage of the Four Seasons Hotel. Elizabeth wasted no time; as soon as she parked the car, she unbuckled her seat belt and hurried over to Martin's side.

The red-haired enchantress flashed a sweet smile as she came into view.

There was a palpable surge of magical energy as if a leyline beneath them erupted, brushing against Martin's arm.

Who could remain unfazed in the presence of an eighteen-year-old beauty like Elizabeth?

Without hesitation, Martin gently cupped Elizabeth's face and planted a passionate kiss on her lips.

Elizabeth, her heart racing, moved gracefully and straddled the passenger seat.

In the tight confines of the Porsche, they were pressed closely together.

Martin instinctively straightened his back, and Elizabeth's head accidentally bumped against the car roof.

"It's too cramped here; we can't even move," Martin exclaimed. The car's small interior didn't allow for much freedom of movement. "We should get out of the car," he urged.

Elizabeth, rubbing her head, reached for the passenger door. "Why don't we head home?" She preferred the simplicity of going straight to Martin's place.

Martin voiced his concerns, "I'm worried about those two troublemakers, Leonardo and Nicholson. They could launch a surprise attack again."

Elizabeth shivered, recalling their previous encounter. "Stay away from them," she cautioned.

With a mischievous grin, she decided to make her move. She settled onto Martin's lap.

Martin's eyes widened in surprise. "Slow down, Elizabeth. You might break something..."

Elizabeth maintained her sweet smile, "I'm not sorry, but I'll make it up to you later."

Martin teased, "You've certainly exceeded my expectations."

Elizabeth glanced at him with a sly grin, "I've done my homework – I've watched plenty of romance movies in the past six months." They both got out of the car, continuing their journey to the hotel room.

In the elevator, Bruce handed Martin a key card. They reached the luxurious suite on the top floor, where Martin shed his coat and took immediate action. Words couldn't compare to the intensity of their connection.

Elizabeth apologized for her impulsive actions earlier, and Martin accepted her apology with a nod, signifying his forgiveness.

Finally, Elizabeth's long-awaited coming-of-age ceremony, postponed for half a year, was successfully completed. The two of them didn't leave the hotel that day.

Martin vowed never to mistreat a girl like Elizabeth, who worked tirelessly to comfort him. The last time, their ceremony was cut short due to the antics of their troublesome friends, Nicholson and Leonardo.

Determined to make it right this time, Martin aimed to learn from each other's strengths. Elizabeth could prolong the celebration, and the longer they waited, the more they both gained.

In the evening, Martin ordered a late-night snack, and they sat on the balcony, enjoying their meal while admiring the captivating Los Angeles skyline.

The cool night breeze tousled Elizabeth's hair and dress. Her warm smile and gentle demeanor were soothing to the soul.

If Martin had to choose a word to describe her, he thought "sweetheart" would be the perfect fit.

The moment Martin's gaze fixated on her, the sweet smile on the sweetheart's face grew even warmer. With a playful glint in her eye, she decided to engage Martin.

Martin, who had temporarily lost his focus, decided to play along. "Do you happen to know which role I've just landed?" Of course, he already knew.

"Caroline, Daisy, and Benjamin's daughter," she answered.

Elizabeth took a delicate bite of cake, and a smudge of white butter clung to her lips. "During rehearsals and filming," she teased, "I'll be calling you 'daddy.'" Martin's heart skipped a beat, and he feigned a broken thread of thought, clearing his throat, and remarked, "You know, your acting skills could use some improvement."

Elizabeth decided to dive deeper into their playful dialogue. "Can you give me some guidance now?" she inquired. "Daddy..."

Martin, however, remained slightly out of character, chuckling, "Liz, when you address me like that, I feel like I've turned into an old man."

Elizabeth, with a hint of mischief, forked another piece of cake, savored some cream, and delivered Caroline's line: "Daddy, don't you love me anymore? Why are you being so mean to me?"

Martin, keeping the act alive, played along, "Every old man adores his daughter the most."

With a touch of improvisation, Elizabeth stated, "Words won't suffice; you have to prove it with actions!" And in response, Martin stood up and swept the young sweetheart into his arms, sealing their playful banter with a passionate kiss.

...

Morning came, and the Olson family mansion was bathed in the early light. The Olson sisters strolled through the garden, their path adorned with flowers and dew-kissed grass, making their steps somewhat slippery, urging them to quicken their pace.

Mary paused as she reached a raised portion of the path, her shoes causing the loose stone slabs to emit a pleasant squeaking sound due to the excess dew.

Meanwhile, Ashley approached a cardamom tree, where she gently flicked dew from the pods, extracting a red cardamom and toying with it in her fingers. "Liz didn't come back last night," she mentioned.

Mary continued to walk, responding, "I texted her. She spent the night with Martin."

Ashley inquired, pointing towards the neighboring house, "Martin Davis, you mean?"

"That's the one," Mary confirmed, "the guy with quite a few scandals, a bit of a playboy, much like the people he hang out with Leonardo and Nicholson."

Ashley discarded the cardamom pod, saying, "In Hollywood, there are hardly any male stars who aren't playboys. Being a playboy can be charming. At least he's not a troublemaker." Both sisters had grown up in the entertainment industry. "Liz wants a career in Hollywood; she'll encounter her fair share of scoundrels, so it's not such a bad thing to start early."

Mary paused, advising, "Remind her to take precautions."

As the sun climbed higher, the morning dew evaporated, and the garden path dried, causing the Olson sisters to return to their work in the home study.

During mid-morning, a red Porsche pulled into the outdoor parking lot. Elizabeth emerged from the car, her joyous demeanor and sweet smile capable of healing any psychological trauma.

She couldn't help but smile even sweeter as she remembered how amusing it was to see Martin's reaction when she called him "Daddy" during rehearsals.

"Liz, come over here," Ashley beckoned to her sister. "What's got you in such high spirits?"

Elizabeth joined her sister, beaming, "I have a boyfriend!"

Mary, coming from the study, inquired, "Martin?"

"Yes, Martin," Elizabeth confirmed, her entire being radiating the sweet scent of love. "He's my boyfriend now."

Mary nodded, "You've grown up, Liz. I won't say much, but I'll remind you to be cautious."

"I will," Elizabeth said, her laughter subsiding, "If anything unexpected happens, I'll marry Martin."

Ashley shook her head, "You're getting ahead of yourself."

Elizabeth shared her perspective, "I believe that people in love should get married."

Mary and Ashley, though not entirely convinced, smiled and returned to their work.

Elizabeth respected her family's views and sat on the sofa, sending a text message from her phone, "I'll come to see you tonight." Meanwhile, at Paramount Studios, Martin was seated in a golf cart, replying, "My friends have dinner plans tonight. How about you join us?"

"Leonardo and Nicholson?" Elizabeth asked.

"Yes, them," Martin confirmed. "Those two rascals also plan to bring their respective dates."

Elizabeth agreed.

Martin put his phone away, prepared for Bruce to park the cart, and entered Benjamin's Studio to continue his special effects modeling work.

As I entered the special effects studio, I spotted Cate Blanchett engaged in a conversation with Eric, a bit of a distance away.

Cate was there to model elderly Daisy.

I strode over to them, greeted Eric, and inquired, "When does it all begin?"

Eric explained, "Just a moment; we've encountered a software conflict issue. It's minor, but my team is currently dealing with it. It'll be resolved soon."

Eric received a call from the studio, expressed apologies to both Cate and me, and hurried away.

With my mind already immersed in my character, I ignored Cate and intended to proceed towards my dressing room.

Cate couldn't contain her disdain and coolly reminded me, "Please keep your distance."

I glanced at her, too uninterested to respond, and simply entered my dressing room.

After shutting the door, I pulled out my phone and dialed Nicholson's number. "There's a party at Leo's house tonight. Have you found a date? I'll introduce you to one. Come over to Paramount Studios, Blanchett's here. Don't you want to have some fun?"

Nicholson replied, "I'll rush over before my shift."

Taking swift action, he ordered roses and got Leonardo to cheer him on.

If you don't seek out fun, how can you expect it to find you?

I waited for about ten minutes, and soon someone informed me that they were at the special effects studio. Surrounded by multiple camera lenses, I staggered around, portraying an eighty-year-old man with frail legs and trembling feet.

In the afternoon, an assistant brought an old-style wheelchair. I sat in it, hunched over as if I were on the brink of death.

As the workday ended, I received a text message from Nicholson.

Leaving the studio early, I spotted the enthusiastic Nicholson waiting outside. I decided to bypass them and positioned myself at a vantage point diagonally across from where the electric cars were parked, patiently awaiting the unfolding spectacle.

Bruce approached me and inquired, "What's your plan this time?"

I indicated with a glance, "Once they're here, you'll see."

Blanchett emerged from the studio doors with her assistant and bag, looked up, and was met with the sight of many people. In the center stood an elderly man with sunglasses, giving off an air of an English gentleman.

"Start!" Leonardo's command set things in motion.

A red carpet unfurled and reached the base of the studio steps. Two graceful hosts rushed forward, bearing baskets of flowers. Red rose petals cascaded onto the carpet as they gracefully flicked them from their fingers.

There were two sharp bangs, and confetti and ribbons rained down onto the red carpet.

Whether inside or outside the studio, everyone was left in astonishment.

Nicholson stepped forward, clutching 99 vibrant red roses, and made his way toward Blanchett.

Behind him, Leonardo waved, and they unfurled a banner with bold letters: "Blanchett, my beloved!"

When it came to audacious gestures, Nicholson was truly a master, and it was a display worthy of the man who was also my boss.