Chapter 553: Martin's Preference!

The bottle of wine that graced the table held less than half its contents, and Charlize halted her sips, contemplating the effects of tipsiness versus full-blown intoxication.

The impossibility of washing away the unjust suffering she endured weighed heavily on her.

Charlize Theron's words brought to Martin's mind the gossip columns from his past life. A decade ago, Charlize had remained relatively scandal-free, but afterward, her list of boyfriends changed almost as quickly as Leonardo changed his girlfriends.

However, unlike Leonardo, she explored all age groups, from the older to the middle-aged and even the younger ones.

Martin continued the conversation, "Sally, he framed not only you but also me."

"We'll do everything we've left undone," Charlize declared, fixing her gaze on Martin. "When falsehood transforms into reality, the false accusation vanishes."

She stood up, walked over, and settled herself next to Martin. "This is the swiftest path to clearing our names."

"Why didn't I think of that?" Martin embraced Charlize. "Sally, you're a genius!"

With the genuine intention of righting the wrongs as swiftly as possible, the two quickly became entangled.

Charlize possessed a sturdy frame and broad shoulders, qualities that defied the efforts of most ordinary individuals.

Yet today, she encountered Martin, the true Hollywood hunk, and the clash began.

Dior Goddess versus Coke God of War!

This was a battle for justice!

The struggle extended into the unknown depths of time. Martin eventually made a request, "I'd like to go upstairs to your room."

Charlize agreed, "Sure, but you'll have to carry me all the way."

This was a woman nearly 1.8 meters tall. Ordinary people would struggle, but Martin was far from ordinary, so it posed no issue.

He carried Charlize up the stairs, passing a corner adorned with untouched photographs on the wall.

"Stewart Townsend and Charlize Theron engaged."

While Charlize administered justice, she caught sight of the crystal photo frame in her peripheral vision, and with a swift kick, sent it crashing down, shattering the frame.

They ascended to the second floor, entering the master bedroom, where their quest for justice continued.

Finally, all the slurs, speculations, and scandals that tarnished their reputations were eradicated.

This beautiful couple shared a profound understanding.

Martin praised, "Sally, beneath your icy exterior, I never expected to find such fiery passion."

"I've endured for so long, there's a need to release pent-up emotions," Charlize replied, her eyes squinting, as if still recovering from the pain. She detached herself from the pursuit of justice, adding, "This can be quite enchanting; it's no wonder the women in our circle indulge in such lives."

Noticing her tendency to make a complete U-turn, Martin cautioned, "You won't go to extremes, will you?"

Charlize opened her eyes, meeting Martin's gaze. "No, I'm not one for fleeting affairs. At the very least, I won't tire of you and then move on."

Her tone turned playful. "Perhaps we should consider renovating our walls and building a bridge between our homes for easy access?"

The atmosphere in the room crackled with newfound resolve and perhaps a hint of mischief.

Martin pondered for a moment and then declared, "No worries, I'll foot the bill and make it mobile, building it on your side. You can place the bridge whenever you need it, and I can come over anytime."

Charlize playfully crawled over, lifting Martin's chin with her hand and gazing into his eyes. "I'm at the age with the strongest desires; are you sure you can handle it?"

Martin chuckled, "You must be well-connected in the fashion circle. Have you heard of the fashion supermodel group?"

"I'm familiar," Charlize nodded. "AA, KK, Angela Lindvall, and others formed a supportive sisterhood in the fashion industry. I've heard that the entry requirements are quite strict, requiring a special test."

Martin stated directly, "I am that special test."

Initially, Charlize didn't quite grasp the concept. "You're a test? You decide who gets in?"

Then realization hit her, "The test you're talking about is similar to what we just had?"

Martin was forthright, "It requires a leader-level figure and at least three official members."

Charlize understood fully, "Can you handle it?"

Men were at their strongest in moments like this, and Martin replied confidently, "It's a breeze."

Charlize clicked her tongue, "Seems like the rumors about you fall short of the truth." She tilted her head and grinned, "No wonder, you're so good at it; turns out you've practiced."

After expending considerable energy earlier, Martin helped Charlize up, saying, "I'm starving; let's go grab a midnight snack."

"I'm not going out," Charlize found some clothes to put on. "I'll go downstairs and get it for you. Sit tight."

Martin nodded, "Can't miss out on Charlize Theron's cooking from the parallel universe."

Charlize smiled, "You'll get to taste it right away."

The two descended the stairs together, and as they passed a corner, Charlize noticed the fallen picture frame. She playfully stepped on it a few times, the crystal frame shattering with a satisfying crunch.

Martin questioned, "Was that really necessary?"

Charlize grinned, "Once it's over, it's over for good."

After nine years with Stewart, a fun night with Martin sounded like a refreshing change.

Descending the stairs, Charlize busied herself in the kitchen, preparing late-night snacks. Martin settled on the living room couch, switching on the TV. CNN was airing a news segment.

After watching for a while, two familiar faces appeared on the screen, Georgia Senator Erica at the forefront, passionately advocating for women's rights, particularly in the workplace, addressing issues such as intrusion and harassment.

Martin vividly remembered Erica's original political stance, holding a pink kettle and passionately advocating for freedom.

Kelly Gray seemed to support Erica's cause.

Martin knew that Erica was playing a strategic game, advancing and retreating as needed. He took out his phone and sent a text to Kelly Gray.

A quick response came: "Everything is going smoothly!"

From the kitchen, Charlize called out, "Martin, come over for dinner."

Turning off the TV, Martin joined Charlize at the table. When he saw the porcelain plate, he playfully sniffed and remarked, "It smells amazing."

Charlize invited him, "Give it a try."

Martin took a bite and nodded, "It tastes absolutely delicious."

Charlize sat opposite Martin, retrieving a bottle of wine. After each of them poured a glass, she pursued the conversation with curiosity, "How many supermodels have taken your test?"

Martin mulled over names, then replied succinctly, "Too many. It's quite a hassle."

Charlize was taken aback, "Even the famous ones?"

"Some of them," Martin elaborated, "but I'm not particularly fond of certain types, like Gisele Bündchen."

He made it clear he wouldn't discriminate against anyone based on race.

"I see," Charlize Theron grasped the situation, "because of Leonardo."

As they chatted, their conversation eventually veered towards films and relationships.

Martin inquired, "I recall you had a movie release last month?"

"'The Burning Plain'," Charlize shrugged, "the one that premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. It had an average commercial response and didn't garner much critical acclaim. Not much hope for awards season, I'm afraid."

She appeared somewhat resigned and self-deprecating, adding, "I seem to be relishing the Oscar curse. After all, the euphoria of our encounter just now is nothing compared to the weight of that curse. Since 'Warrior', one film after another seems to have gone south. Maybe in two years, I'll only be getting supporting roles."

Martin reassured her, "As long as you keep your Dior endorsement, it won't be that challenging. Stay unfazed."

"Oh, by the way," Charlize suddenly remembered, "I auditioned for 'Gone Girl' and made it to the third round."

Martin responded directly, "I promised David Fincher not to meddle in his casting choices." He lowered his voice, "But I can certainly give my vote to you."

Charlize explained, "I just want a fair chance to compete. Fincher wants a cool girl with a beautiful appearance and a dark, sinister heart—a woman who can torment the male lead through marriage."

She exuded confidence, "Among those in the third round, no one fits the enigmatic Amy better than me."

Martin reassured her, "Believe me, Sally, David Fincher selects based on auditions."

Charlize knew Martin's influence was key and said, "I've witnessed the horrors of marriage firsthand, the brutality of the marital battlefield. I'm a survivor of a brutal marriage war."

"I'll head to the audition for the film," Martin set down his utensils, wiping his mouth. "Let's put those thoughts behind us. Don't you want to revel in the joys of feasting and celebration? Come on, I'll take you to freshen up."

Before leaving, Martin called Leonardo, Nicholson, and Christopher Nolan.

The latter had participated in Face Gang's collective facial sessions many times.

It was Charlize's first experience with this service. Even though it was from the same gender, she felt invigorated and secretly admired how the Face Gang members knew how to enjoy life.

Martin and the four of them discussed movies for a while, avoiding any overly sensitive topics.

After her rejuvenating facial, Charlize Theron felt energized and ready to return to Martin for a second round.

Martin approached her and said, "You go ahead and drive; I'll have a chat with Director Nolan."

Charlize leaned in and kissed him. "I'll be waiting at home."

Martin nodded, "Alright."

As Charlize's car departed from the club's rear entrance, Nicholson inquired of Leonardo, "I remember Charlize Theron has a fiancé, right?"

"The one Martin had his way with a few days ago, Stewart Townsend," Leonardo reiterated, "I'm telling you, Martin has a penchant for other people's wives or fiancées."

Nicholson remarked, "What a deviant!"

Martin pretended not to hear the comments of these two jesters and proceeded to greet Nolan before entering his Escalade.

As the car pulled away, Nolan asked with a faint smile, "Anything you want to discuss in private?"

Martin's expression turned serious, "It relates to the Moroccan kidnapping case and the crew shooting."

Nolan's smile disappeared, "Do you have any new information?"