Chapter 423: Alexandra Daddario

As the night advanced, Martin prepared to leave. For him, such art parties lacked the thrill of Hollywood gatherings; the facade of civility diminished the enjoyment.

Before departing, Alexandra approached, inquiring, "Don't you consider me your friend?"

"Mene? Don't worry about him," Martin casually glanced at Mene engrossed in conversation: "He's made new friends and seems quite popular."

Alexandra followed his gaze and remarked, "He's chatting with Celine Dion."

Menet and Celine Dion engaged in lively conversation, with the latter occasionally teased by Mene, evoking laughter.

Forty-year-old Celine Dion found herself at the age juncture where Mene excelled at playful banter.

Martin decided not to disturb the pair and suggested, "Let's go."

Alexandra and Catherine trailed Martin outside. In the front hall, the latter nudged the former and winked.

"The driver has gone back to pick up my father. It may take some time to arrive," Alexandra explained, her steps giving an earthquake-like impression.

She turned to Martin, seeking assistance, "Can you use your car to give us a ride?"

Martin, principled and kind-hearted, readily agreed, "No problem."

However, Catherine, with her phone in hand, interjected, "Don't worry about me. My classmate will walk from here and pick me up. She drives a two-seater sports car, which can only seat two people."

As Alexandra and Martin exited, they found Bruce's Cadillac waiting. Martin inquired, "Where do you live? Which district in Manhattan?"

Ignoring the question, Alexandra reclined against the seat and suggested, "It's still early; let's find a place to have a drink."

Ever considerate, Martin offered a solution, "I have an apartment on the Upper East Side. I have a few bottles of good wine there. The apartment overlooks the entire Central Park. How about we go there for a drink?"

Alexandra agreed, "Okay, admiring the beautiful scenery and tasting the wine, it's so romantic."

As they approached Martin's newly purchased apartment near Fifth Avenue, he envisioned the potential chaos it might have to face. Should he call Lily to clean up tomorrow? The idea seemed inappropriate, and Martin eventually dismissed it.

Inside the apartment building, they rode the special elevator upstairs. Upon entering, Martin noted the pristine condition, due to Lily's recent tidying. The impending mess crossed his mind, but he abandoned the idea of calling Lily.

"Such a beautiful house!" Alexandra admired the well-arranged living space, drawn to the night view of Central Park. Spotting the wine cabinet, Martin asked, "What kind of wine should I get?"

With her thoughts elsewhere, Alexandra replied, "A glass of red wine."

Martin fetched a bottle of Bordeaux and two glasses, settling at the small round table near the window. Pouring the wine, he engaged in casual conversation with Alexandra, who mused, "It isn't really easy to buy a house here?"

Martin, recalling the years it took to navigate the complex process, replied, "It was very difficult. It took several years." The struggle began with his association with Jolie, and the ordeal continued with the complexities involving Brad Pitt.

Alexandra praised, "Martin, you are a very persevering person."

"Patience is not a bad thing to have," Martin gently clinked the wine glass with her. "We wish to get acquainted."

Sipping her wine, Alexandra shared, "I've seen your experiences, and it's admirable. Although I haven't lived that kind of life, I've been to several chaotic neighbourhoods in New York, and it felt very scary."

Martin smiled and remarked, "This country is a paradise for the rich and a hell for the poor."

Despite Alexandra's family's prosperity and her extensive travels, she noted, "Actually, every country is similar, right? When I go to Europe, the poor there are having an even harder time than this."

Martin, avoiding further discussion, clinked glasses with her again. "So, if you have money, you should live as happily as possible."

Alexandra agreed, "Yes, nothing is more important than happiness."

After sharing a glass of red wine, they continued their conversation before retiring to the bedroom, an unconventional occurrence in open New York and the entertainment industry. Martin, however, maintained a respectful distance while sleeping, mindful of the consequences of such encounters in North America.

The next morning, Martin discovered Alexandra had already tidied up, creating a comfortable environment. She had even cleaned the living room, showcasing her thoughtful gestures.

Lily's previous purchase of wine also included clothing, though the one-size-fits-all women's clothes were a bit tight on Alexandra.

Deciding to make the most of the weekend, Martin suggested, "Today's the weekend; let's go shopping on Fifth Avenue."

After breakfast, they hopped into a Cadillac from the garage and headed to the boutique stores on Fifth Avenue.

In his earlier, less affluent days, Martin had been frugal, crafting handmade gifts. However, now wealthy, he embraced generosity, especially when it came to having fun. From Chanel fashions to Hermès bags to Cartier jewellery, Martin spared no expense, spending six figures in half a day.

The clown statue and crocodile pendant, planned as gifts, remained sidelined for now. Martin intended to present them when Alexandra completed her time on set, a fair distribution for the Australian bison and Gulf crocodiles.

On weekends, the hotel bar buzzed with activity. Bruce invited Mene for a drink, questioning his return after a pleasant chat with Celine Dion the previous night.

Mene explained, "I heard Celine say that her husband would call several times every night to check on her."

Bruce sighed, saying, "Poor Pop Queen." Mene, perceptive to this age group, added, "She was abducted as a teenager and has been kept in a cage. She hasn't figured out what life is like. She got married very young. Her husband, decades older than her, isn't very good at pleasing her. He even had a child through in vitro fertilization. She's been a good wife and mother for half her life, and now she's ready to move on with her life."

Bruce, handing Mene a beer, commented, "Man, you're good at handling these situations."

Mene remarked, "Aren't people of their age like this?"

Bruce, recalling a similar gaze from Kim's mother, sighed about life's uncertainties. As Mene inquired about the boss, an emergency news bulletin interrupted. A major earthquake had occurred in the Mariana Islands, leaving both Bruce and Mene stunned.

Before nightfall, Alexandra received a call from home, signalling it was time to return.

Martin chauffeured her back, and the Cadillac halted in front of an apartment building as she prepared to disembark.

Before stepping off the bus, Alexandra passionately kissed Martin once more and, after a moment, expressed, "Whenever you want to find me, call anytime. Even if you're in Los Angeles, I'll rush there as quickly as possible."

Martin handed her a brand-new iPhone from the back seat, saying, "This is for you."

Alexandra reciprocated with another kiss, holding multiple phones, and exited the car, approaching the apartment building's entrance. She turned and waved to Martin, who honked his car horn before driving away.

Carrying her belongings upstairs, she entered her home. She moved out at 21 and now lives here alone, though her parents resided in a nearby neighbourhood.

"Back already?" Catherine rushed out from the side bedroom, her flushed face revealing a night of heavy drinking.

Alexandra frowned, "Where were you at the party? You've been sneaking drinks again."

Catherine smiled, hugging her sister, "That's why I came to crash at your place tonight."

For some girls, strict parents often fuel rebellion. Catherine inquired, "Seems like you succeeded?"

Putting away her belongings, Alexandra retorted, "Shut up if you can't be sensible. I'll treat you like a mute."

Catherine, lounging on the sofa with a curious expression, prodded, "Come on, spill the details."

Alexandra wasn't in the mood for conversation.

Catherine persisted, "We're sisters; we should share the good stuff."

Alexandra turned, leaned over, and fixed Catherine with an intense stare, warning, "I'm telling you, don't meddle in my affairs."

Catherine nodded instinctively, "I understand."

Alexandra fireproofed herself against Catherine's prying.