Chapter 271: Punishment

The morning after returning to Los Angeles, Martin wasted no time and headed to the Mercedes-Benz dealership at the Beverly Commercial Center.

Upon entering, he and Bruce promptly informed the sales manager of their intention to buy.

A middle-aged man in glasses hurriedly descended from the second floor to greet Martin and said, "Mr. Davis, welcome. What kind of car are you looking for?"

Without hesitation, Martin made his way to the off-road vehicle section, with the manager following closely. He pointed to the prominent black G model on display and inquired, "Is there a white version of this one?"

The manager confirmed, "Yes, we have a white model available," and began to delve into a detailed explanation of the vehicle's features.

Martin, uninterested in the details, interrupted, "I want the top-tier version. Let's place the order."

The manager and Martin were both pleased with the decision. The manager turned to his assistant and instructed, "Please place the order right away."

Martin pressed, "Let's expedite the paperwork as much as possible. I need to drive it away before 11 o'clock."

The manager assured him, "Don't worry, Mr. Davis, we'll make it happen."

Meanwhile, Blake Lively had returned to Los Angeles from New York, and Martin planned to pick her up from the airport and surprise her. He had discussed cars with Blake several times, learning that her favorite was the white Mercedes-Benz G.

While Martin conversed with the manager, Bruce explored the AMG section with great interest.

Once the payment and paperwork were sorted out, Martin paid by card, and by 10:30, he drove away from the Beverly Center.

He arrived at Los Angeles International Airport and waited for Blake's flight to land.

Blake, dragging her suitcase, spotted Martin as soon as she emerged from the passage. She paid little heed to her father and almost ran towards Martin.

Ignoring the crowd and the flashing cameras, she jumped into Martin's arms.

It wasn't until Ernie Lively exited the terminal that Martin released Blake and went over to greet him.

Ernie waved his hand dismissively, saying, "I'm heading out."

With one hand holding Blake's suitcase and the other arm around her, Martin said, "Let's go home."

Blake smiled and nodded, saying, "Yes, let's go home."

As they walked, Martin admired Blake and asked, "What's different? Have I missed a beautiful transformation?"

Martin playfully complimented her, "You look even more beautiful and sexy." Blake leaned closer and said, "I've been working out. I'll let you take a closer look when we get back."

Upon their arrival at the parking lot, Martin handed the car keys to Blake, saying, "You'll be driving today. This is for you."

In disbelief, Blake examined the keys in her hand and then glanced at the pristine white G-Class across from her, patting her cheek with one hand. "Is this really for me? It's so beautiful! Martin, I love you to death!"

Gesturing for her to proceed, Martin said, "Go ahead."

Overjoyed, Blake let go of Martin's hand and eagerly circled around the car, inspecting every detail. Once inside the driver's seat, she exclaimed, "Martin, what are you waiting for? Get in the car!"

Martin stowed their luggage in the trunk before settling into the passenger seat.

Blake started the car and accelerated quickly upon leaving the parking lot, prompting Martin to warn her, "Take it easy, don't speed too much!"

Concerned about both her driving and the success of his movie discs, he encouraged her to slow down.

Thanks to Martin's advice, Blake moderated her speed, ensuring a smoother drive.

Martin inquired about her experience living on the Upper East Side, and she noted, "There are many wealthy people there." She added, "People from the East Coast tend to look down on us Californians."

Martin jokingly commented, "Those folks from New York can be quite snobbish."

Blake corrected, "I was talking about New Yorkers."

They shared a laugh and discussed her upcoming plans to return to New York for the "Gossip Girl" series and her father's plans for a teen-oriented series for her.

Martin encouraged her to trust her experienced father's vision.

Upon arriving at the Cotis community, the big white G-Class pulled into the driveway, while Bruce parked the Escalade on the curb.

Bruce anticipated that Martin and Blake would require some private time once they entered the house.

Meanwhile, a flight from Toronto landed at Los Angeles International Airport.

Mene disembarked wearing sunglasses and carrying a bag, where Agent Munir awaited him.

The two got into their car and headed back to North Hollywood.

Munir presented an invitation letter, explaining, "At the beginning of next month, Warner Bros. is planning on hosting a celebration, and you've been invited to attend."

Mene examined the invitation and inquired, "They invited me too?"

Munir speculated, "Probably because of Martin."

Menir, visibly annoyed by Martin's mention, patted his seat and grumbled, "Boss had a conflict with Brad Pitt. It's a shame I wasn't there; I'd have put Brad Pitt in his place!"

Munir, well-aware of Menir's abilities, reminded him, "It's not your turn to back Aniston, my friend."

Menir acknowledged, "I know! This Brad Pitt won't let things go so easily."

Inquiring about Brad Pitt's age, Mene nearly startled Munir. Munir swiftly clarified, "Brad Pitt seems to be over 40."

"Only born in his 60s?" Menir decided to verify the information.

Menir dialed Bruce on his phone, stating, "Bruce, I'm back. You and the boss, we're going for a drink tonight!"

Bruce, parked in front of his house, responded, "You should ask Martin for a drink. Let's plan it for another day. Blake's just returned from New York."

Understanding, Menir replied, "Alright, another time."

Approaching North Hollywood, Munir suddenly remembered an important matter. He slowed down and said, "By the way, Paris Hilton reached out to me."

Menir inquired, "What does she want now? To leverage our past connection for publicity? That's all in the past, why should I collaborate with her?"

Munir offered a different perspective, "She seems somewhat lonely. She's interested in meeting you and discussing an extended suite at the Hilton Hotel."

Menir frowned, "Is that it? Nothing else?"

Munir, confused, wondered, "Aren't those hints clear enough for a rendezvous?"

Menir replied firmly, "Without it, why should I meet her? Why should I collaborate with her?"

Their conversation came to an end.

Menir humorously noted, "Shameless Paris, she wants to have a rendezvous with Master Menir for free!"

In the past year, even powerful female casting directors and producers have rewarded Master Menir by requesting his support for their projects.

Meanwhile, at Warner Bros., invitations to the celebration were being distributed.

Warner Bros. had a successful year, with several blockbuster releases, including continued success with the Harry Potter series and a revitalized Batman franchise. Many of Warner Bros.' partners received invitations to the celebration.

Due to Martin's absence in Atlanta, the invitation was directed to Thomas.

Upon learning that Martin had returned, Thomas ensured the invitation was promptly delivered.

Bruce called Martin to inform him, and the courtyard gate opened as Thomas waited.

Thomas entered, handed Martin the invitation, and emphasized, "You must attend, it's quite important."

Martin glanced at the invitation and confirmed, "I'll be there."

Thomas added, "The Nolans will be attending as well."

Martin inquired, "Anything specific I should be aware of?"

Thomas cautioned, "Brad Pitt will also be there. If he doesn't provoke you, just avoid any interaction. Also, both Jolie and Aniston have been invited, so please be cautious."

Martin assured him, "They are merely friends, and Brad Pitt is a bit erratic."

As they spoke, Blake descended the stairs, changed and ready to go out. She greeted Thomas and sat down next to Martin.

Thomas diplomatically mentioned, "Yes, Peter can be a bit unreasonable, always jumping to conclusions."

Martin asked, "Will you be joining us?"

Thomas nodded and answered, "I've also received an invitation."

Thomas discreetly glanced at Blake and decided not to prolong the conversation. "I've got work at the office, I should head back."

Martin and Blake accompanied Thomas to the door.

Blake showed no interest in the matters of Pitt and Aniston. She was more enthusiastic about her return and eager to show off her latest fashion from New York.

She winked at Martin and proposed, "I brought back some amazing outfits from New York; would you like to see them? They say my figure is even better than a model's, and I'll look fantastic on the catwalk."

Martin couldn't resist such an offer. He took Blake upstairs, saying, "Stay close to me and give me a performance."

Blake leaned against him with a playful smile, "I've even practiced a little catwalk. The bedroom is my runway."

A good actor needs to be versatile, and Martin, a talented actor, was more than willing to guide her through various roles. He even offered rewards for her performances and gentle punishments when needed to help her improve.