Chapter 231: Man's Nightmare

Sherman Oaks, Cotis Community Council.

Chairman Harold emerged from his office and walked over to the main entrance on the first floor. Conveniently, there was an Escalade parked in one of the parking spaces on the left side of the building.

As Martin and Bruce stepped out of the car, Harold greeted Martin with a handshake. "Mr. Davis, welcome to Cotis Community."

"Call me Martin," he replied with a friendly smile. "Antonio and I are old friends. He's mentioned you to me before."

Harold reciprocated the smile. "I envy him for retiring early." He gestured for Martin to follow him. "Please, come inside."

Once inside the community council's office building, Bruce headed to complete the registration process while Harold engaged Martin in conversation.

Although the Cotis community was home to several celebrities, Martin wasn't the most prominent resident, but he certainly had the most dazzling reputation. He was an honorary citizen of Los Angeles, a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the recent captor of three Russian spies.

Harold took Martin on a tour of the community council's exhibition room, providing a brief overview. "Cotis Community boasts over 20,000 residents, and their income levels are quite high. We host numerous events throughout the year, including community theater performances in January and February, a dance festival in March, a music festival in April, and a camping festival in May..."

Martin understood that this community had a lively event calendar, with a major festival or event practically every month, and even weekly activities like wine tasting.

Upscale neighborhoods were worlds apart from slums. In this community, affluent taxpayers and those on social assistance lived in entirely different realities.

Martin also inquired about the source of community funding. In addition to donations from residents, a significant portion came from tax rebates. Property taxes returned 1.6 cents per dollar, personal property taxes returned 4 cents per dollar, and other revenue, such as public parking fees, primarily benefited the community.

The community council operated as a nonprofit organization and was expected to allocate these funds wisely.

As they continued the tour, Harold brought up the community's theater groups, which mainly served children and young people interested in performing. Impressed by Martin's acting skills, he asked, "Would you be interested in joining us and coaching the children?"

Bruce couldn't help but mutter to himself. He had reservations about Martin, a troublemaker, coaching children, fearing he might teach them the wrong things.

Martin, however, readily agreed. "Certainly." He then inquired about the neighborhood watch program in the community.

Harold responded, "Of course, we have one. Are you interested?"

"I possess a legal gun permit and concealed carry license," Martin explained. "Both of us have decent marksmanship skills and a good sense of vigilance and defense. We'd like to join."

Harold readily agreed, "That's easy. Just fill out the required information, and I'll take it to the Canyon Branch for processing."

Bruce reluctantly filled out the paperwork, finding it a tedious task.

"We also have a shooting range in the community, and we hold shooting competitions periodically," Harold added. "If you have the time and interest, you're welcome to check it out."

"I'll do that," Martin replied. After some more conversation, Bruce returned after completing the formalities. Martin was ready to take his leave but not before extending an invitation: "I'm planning a housewarming party at my new place over the weekend. Members of the community council are welcome to attend."

Harold considered it and responded, "I'll make sure to be there."

With that, Martin and Bruce left the community council. Upon returning home, they visited their neighbors with gifts and informed them of the upcoming housewarming party, extending courteous invitations.

One neighboring house was currently vacant, while the other was occupied by a middle-aged couple involved in the art business.

The neighbor across the street was a middle-aged woman in her thirties with an unassuming appearance.

When she opened her door and saw Martin, her surprise was evident. "Martin, how did you find me here?"

Martin couldn't recall knowing her, so he maintained a polite smile and gestured across the road. "I just moved here."

The woman, Gillian Flynn, suddenly remembered that Martin hadn't recognized her. She hastily introduced herself, saying, "I'm Gillian Flynn. I work at Entertainment Weekly and attended the premieres of 'The Hills Have Eyes' and 'Traveling Pants.' Unfortunately, I didn't have the chance to interview you."

Martin handed her a small gift he had prepared. "We'll be neighbors now."

Gillian accepted the gift with thanks. "Thank you." She opened the door wider. "Would you like to come in and chat for a bit?"

Martin declined politely. "I came mainly to introduce myself to our new neighbors. I'm hosting a housewarming party this weekend. You're welcome to join us."

Gillian replied with a smile, "If my schedule allows, I'll certainly try to make it."

Martin bid her farewell and returned to his home. While crossing the street, he couldn't help but ask Bruce, "Hey, Bruce, you're not smitten with her, are you?" Martin was a joker, always ready with a teasing remark.

Bruce retorted angrily, "I'm concerned about you getting entangled!" He continued with a firm tone, "She holds a master's degree in journalism from Northwestern University and serves as the deputy editor of the celebrity section at Entertainment Weekly. In her free time, she writes novels, mostly short stories. Her house is the result of divorce settlements from her ex-husband."

Martin's mind wasn't on the usual track. "After the divorce, she got a villa worth over $2 million. Marriage is a man's nightmare." Bruce probed further, "What if Louise Meyer wants to marry you?"

Without hesitation, Martin responded, "When? I'd sign the papers right away, and we'd live happily ever after."

He couldn't help but think that if he were with a wealthy woman of a similar age, he might not have to work as hard to earn money.

Bruce then mentioned another neighbor, "The Joneses work in the art industry. They have a daughter working in San Francisco Valley."

Martin was taken aback, "The same job as Jenna?"

Bruce nodded, "Yes, and this couple doesn't hold back; they sometimes discuss matters quite candidly. According to them, their daughter has an abundance of hormones."

Martin quipped, "It seems those in the art world are quite unique."

After a brief pause, the two went shopping once again, calling Mene, Jessica, and others to join them.

The weekend quickly arrived, and Martin began preparing for the party in the afternoon. In addition to hiring a professional party planning company, he invited Mene, Thomas, and Jessica to help.

They fired up the barbecue pit next to the auxiliary building and set up tables, chairs, and a self-service drink area around the swimming pool.

Around four o'clock, Craven, Aja, and Jaume were the first to arrive.

Martin accepted the wine they brought and asked Emily to place it in the living room.

Craven glanced around and remarked, "We need more pretty ladies here."

Martin grinned, "This is a classy gathering."

Craven gestured to the swimming pool, "Well, we also need some lovely ladies in swimsuits to liven things up."

Ajia chimed in, "We can have a group swim after the party."

Martin replied, "I'm afraid I won't have time today."

Louise and Kate Winslet arrived together.

Kate admired the house as she glanced around the yard and villa. "It's very beautiful."

Martin commented casually, "It's also terrifyingly expensive."

Louise playfully teased, "What it's lacking is a lady of the house."

Martin didn't miss a beat, "If you're willing to be the lady of this house, I'd welcome you with open arms."

Louise just smiled in response, neither confirming nor denying.

Martin quickly changed the topic, asking about the schedule for "Watch."

Louise replied, "Yes, both you and Julie are quite popular right now, and Warner Bros. is eager to release it as soon as possible. It's set for November. Get ready to create some headlines."

Martin sighed, "We're going to cause quite a stir again."

Kate chimed in with a laugh, "Our generation of actors follows the studio's publicity plan. Times have changed."

Martin joked, "After Titanic, you get a taste of financial freedom. Luxury brands sponsor you every year, and we can ensure you stay far from commercial endorsements." He then added, "I'm still a poor guy, so I prioritize making money."

Louise chuckled, "A millionaire is considered poor?"

Martin shrugged, "In a town where billion-dollar paydays are common, what do you call someone like me?"

Kate laughed again, "You're becoming more interesting." Changing the topic, she asked, "When you have time, you'll have to tell us more about those spies."

Martin gestured toward the entrance, where new guests had arrived. "Feel free to mingle; we have more guests."

He went to greet the newcomers, and among them was MacLean, the LAPD's public relations director, who had provided Martin with his gun permit and concealed carry license.

Higher levels of Los Angeles politics were still out of Martin's reach.

Robert Patrick and several friends from the film industry joined the gathering, along with Warner Bros. executive Daniel.

Around five o'clock, Harold, the chairman of the community committee, led three committee members into Martin's home.

Martin introduced the guests to one another, and Harold quickly struck up a conversation with MacLean, realizing he stood to gain a lot from establishing a good relationship with the local police.

However, the most captivating presence at the event wasn't the host, Martin, or the elegantly dressed ladies like Louise and Kate. It was Mr. and Mrs. Jones, Martin's neighbors.

Mr. Jones proudly discussed his daughter with everyone, saying, "She's quite talented and attended prestigious schools from elementary to university. But life is fair; it bestows intelligence and beauty, but not necessarily balanced hormone secretion."

Craven, who was well-informed, understood the implications. "So, it's an artistic choice."

Mr. Jones elaborated, "It's not just artistic; it's also a way to support oneself. I've had people scoff at me for it, and I told them, 'I'm proud of my daughter!' I asked them, 'How much has your daughter earned from her art? Not a dime! But my daughter has made hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars.' I told them, 'Friends, San Francisco Valley is a work of art, and you must support the original.'"

Overheard nearby, Louise commented to Martin, "Your neighbor is quite interesting, much better so than the dull Olsen sisters. I think I'll stay here tonight."

Martin responded, "You can be the lady of the house if you want."

Louise declined, "I have no interest in being the lady of the house. But I'll certainly be the first to enjoy your new home."

As the evening continued, the housewarming party progressed, promising entertainment and excitement for all the guests.