Chapter 446: Lilly's Scheme

In the early morning light, Martin awoke to a gentle pressure on his face, carrying a faint, pleasant scent. With a bit of effort, he emerged from his slumber to find Elizabeth's facial cleanser tube resting on his cheek, apparently having fallen there during the night.

Elizabeth, still deep in sleep, wore a sweet, contented smile that radiated a sense of warmth and serenity, a perfect start to any day.

After freshening up, Martin approached the floor-to-ceiling windows, drawing the curtains back just enough to let the morning sun's eastern glow illuminate the spacious courtyard. The golden light bathed the paths, lawns, and trees in a serene calm, a stark contrast to the recent commotion in the Koti community.

Descending to the kitchen to prepare breakfast, Martin found Elizabeth had stocked up on plenty of semi-finished food items. Inside, he discovered Bruce already at work, skillfully managing the stove. "Did Thomas head back last night?" Martin inquired.

Caught off guard, Bruce paused mid-egg-flip, then realized, "Well, he wouldn't have stayed, would he?"

Martin chuckled, "I thought he might crash at your place."

Bruce, in response, dumped the overcooked eggs into the bin, "Seems you're skipping breakfast today."

"I'm sensing a burnt aroma," Martin teased about Bruce's culinary skills before joining in to help.

Before they could finish, Elizabeth descended the stairs, taking the initiative to set the table.

As they gathered for breakfast, Martin mused, "We should probably hire a full-time chef."

Elizabeth, gazing out at the expansive yard, added, "And maybe a housekeeper."

"Let's take our time finding the right people," Martin said, focusing on his meal.

After breakfast, Bruce left to meet Ivan, leaving Martin and Elizabeth alone in their new home. Hand in hand, they strolled through the garden.

"You should come to Sherman Oaks with me later and help with the move," Elizabeth suggested as they walked.

"Planning to live here permanently?" Martin inquired.

Elizabeth turned to him, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "Would that be a problem?"

Martin quickly reassured her, "No issue at all. Stay as long as you like."

Drawing a circle on his chest, Elizabeth smiled, "As long as you're here, I'd love to stay forever."

Martin nodded in agreement, then a thought struck him. "Haven't you been missing your acting classes lately?"

Elizabeth, embracing Martin, her face showing a hint of concern, confessed, "I've been worried about you, about the impact of your role. Being with you, playing your favorite games, it helps you relax and stay happy."

After a heartfelt embrace and a passionate kiss, Elizabeth continued, "It's okay to miss a class. The schedule is flexible for professional actors like us."

Suddenly remembering, Elizabeth mentioned, "I'll be traveling to Europe with my sisters before the weekend. They're exploring the UK market, and I'll be assisting them."

Explaining further, she shared, "Growing up, I always relied on their support. Now, it's time I contributed."

Martin understood her need to help her family. "Go ahead, I'll be fine."

Elizabeth, playful and adventurous, suggested, "Shall we try something different here? Maybe outdoors?"

Martin scooped her up in his arms, heading towards the garden swing, their laughter echoing in the morning air.

...

In Brentwood, at Matt Damon's mansion, Ben Affleck poured himself a half glass of wine, downing it in one swift motion.

Damon, glancing at Jennifer Garner chatting with his wife Lucy, asked, "Trouble at home?"

Ben shook his head, "It's not about Jennifer. I've just been feeling down about the news lately."

Understanding dawned on Damon, "Martin Davis and The Dark Knight?"

In the early morning glow, Ben Affleck nursed his half-filled glass of wine, his mood as heavy as the drink in his hand. "Can you believe that guy?" he muttered, the words heavy with resentment. "Martin Davis, the second lead, and he's stealing the whole show. His Joker is outshining Batman by miles."

Matt Damon, nursing his own drink, reflected on his mixed feelings about Martin. Although there had been no direct clash, the ripples of Martin's success were hard to ignore. "I heard 'The Dark Knight' just smashed the North American weekend box office record," he said, more as a statement than a question.

Ben's expression darkened. "It's not just the weekend record. They've set records for single-day earnings, fastest to hit 200 million, and just yesterday, they broke the record for quickest to 250 million. At this rate, they're eyeing half a billion in North America alone, maybe a billion globally. The streets are filled with his character's imitators. Martin's on his way to superstardom, and he's earning a fortune base salary plus a share of the profits."

The thought of Martin's potential earnings seemed to weigh heavily on Ben. "It's like a kick in the guts. He's got 'The Dark Knight', and now he's muscling in on my projects too!"

Damon, intrigued, leaned in. "What happened?"

Ben sighed, the frustration evident in his voice. "I was all set to work on 'Prince of Thieves', had everything lined up, but then Martin Davis swoops in..." His voice trailed off, a mix of annoyance and embarrassment in his tone.

Damon recalled his own competitive days. "Yeah, he doesn't play by the usual rules."

Their conversation was interrupted by Jennifer Garner, who, overhearing them, tried to offer some perspective. "I heard Martin Davis has significant backing. It's just how the industry works. Let it go, Ben."

But Ben's patience had worn thin. "What do you know about it, Jennifer? He's not just adapting a novel; he's sabotaging my entire career!" Damon interjected with a cautioning tone, "Ben!"

Lucy, noticing Jennifer's discomfort, quickly changed the subject. "I just got a new cat. It's adorable. Why don't we go see it?"

Jennifer, visibly relieved, followed Lucy out of the room, leaving the men to their brooding.

Damon, attempting to calm his friend, advised, "You need to take it easy on the drink and keep that temper in check."

Ben, rubbing his face, let out a weary sigh. "I'm not normally like this. But thinking about Martin, the way he's cashing in on that clown role... It's infuriating. He's making millions, and I'm barely scraping by. It's been a tough few years."

Damon offered a word of encouragement. "With your talent, Ben, you'll find the right project. It's only a matter of time."

Ben nodded, his thoughts returning to his financial woes. "If I could just get back to my old earning power, Jennifer wouldn't be so on edge."

The conversation circled back to Martin. "Why does a guy like that get to make so much money?" Ben mused, more to himself than to Damon.

Damon, though, had his own insights into the industry's dynamics. "Ben, avoid direct conflict with him. If you can't find a good opportunity now, bide your time. Your moment will come."

Ben, half in his cups, mumbled, "I won't confront him directly. I bet Brad Pitt's behind his success. With his backing, Martin's up there with the biggest names."

Damon then shifted the topic slightly. "I've heard Cassie's been into art exhibitions lately. Is he finding a new passion?"

Ben, only vaguely aware, shrugged. "Thinks he's some kind of artistic soul."

"Cassie asked to borrow money from me," Damon revealed. "Said he wanted to invest in a valuable piece of art."

Ben nodded, a hint of irony in his voice. "He asked me, too."

In the heart of Los Angeles, the Museum of Modern Art buzzed with the closing day of a multi-day art exhibition. Martin and Bruce, seizing the opportunity, visited on this final day.

Upon entering the vibrant exhibition hall, Martin drifted towards a quieter corner, finding himself drawn to a particular painting. He stood there, silently engrossed in its intricate details, seemingly lost in its artistic narrative.

Bruce, meanwhile, meandered to the sculpture exhibition area. He positioned himself discreetly in a corner, his gaze discreetly flickering towards Casey Affleck, who was also present that day.

Casey, making a last-ditch effort on this closing day, seemed visibly anxious. The booth that had once showcased Lily Carter's work was now desolate, a stark contrast to its earlier buzz.

Cassie had previously indulged in some risky ventures, but his innate confidence and a touch of decadence had always driven him. Today, however, that confidence wavered as the empty booth loomed before him, reminding him of the high-priced art sculptures he had impulsively purchased, investing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Despite not being a major player in Hollywood, with a modest salary and no penchant for saving, Cassie had lived lavishly, spending whatever he earned. The substantial amount he had spent, partly funded by credit and loans from Matt Damon and Ben, now seemed to haunt him.

While the exhibition had been a place of lively discussions about art, from sculpture to engraving, from film to medicine, Cassie's current predicament cast a shadow over those pleasant memories.

Realizing time was slipping away, Cassie hastily pulled out his phone and dialed a number, only to be greeted by the Business Department of CalArts. The revelation that the number belonged to a temporary exhibition phone, now returned, left him dumbfounded.

His request for Lily Carter's contact was met with a polite refusal, and the call ended abruptly with the business of the day pressing on the other end.

Cassie, phone in hand, murmured "Lily Carter..." as he gazed at the empty booth, the realization slowly dawning on him that he had been artfully deceived by a clever art student.

Circling the booth, his mind raced, piecing together the overlooked hints. Lily Carter had skillfully exploited his eagerness, selling him overpriced student sculptures, and Cassie had fallen for it, blinded by his own confidence.

With a sense of bitter irony, he acknowledged the clever ruse that had used art to lure him in. Fingers threading through his hair in frustration, Cassie left a trail of dandruff in his wake, a physical manifestation of his turmoil, as he exited the bustling exhibition hall, a man profoundly disillusioned.