Chapter 668: Crazy Fan!

In the cozy ambiance of the coffee shop, Martin bid farewell to Nolan and welcomed Blake Lively with a warm smile.

Compared to their last encounter, Blake exuded a newfound maturity, her features illuminated by a sense of poise.

Martin couldn't help but notice how her dedication to fitness had sculpted her physique, surpassing even the Victoria's Secret Angels in allure.

With a knowing smile, Martin ordered his favorite Blue Mountain blend and quipped, "You're here so soon?"

Blake's laughter was infectious as she replied, "I was just at the agency when I saw you pop up on the gossip news. I thought you were out with some stunning beauty, causing a stir. Imagine my surprise when I found out it was director Nolan."

Martin chuckled, "You always have a way with words. I'm hardly a playboy..."

Blake's playful gaze lingered on him as she teased, "Since we split, you've transformed into quite the Casanova. Did I break your heart that badly?"

Martin took a sip of his coffee, opting for silence over bitter truths.

Unlike Anne, Blake's resilience shone through as she continued, "I never regretted our breakup. In fact, I've admired your growth from afar."

Martin's response was measured, "You did leave an impact. I've learned not to trust in love blindly."

Blake's tone softened, her words tinged with sincerity. "What if I wanted to give us another shot? Back when we lived together, the idol facade faded, and I saw you for who you truly are."

She leaned in closer, a hint of vulnerability in her eyes. "You've always been my inspiration."

Martin gently pushed her away, shaking his head. "You're just a devoted fan playing games with her idol."

Blake, undeterred by Martin's rebuff, admitted, "I simply want to thank you sincerely."

Martin remained puzzled by her gratitude.

"It's about 'Green Lantern'," Blake confessed earnestly. "You may have heard that I was the original choice for the female lead. My father had sway at Warner Bros., and I was dead set on landing the role. But your warning spared me from a disaster."

She understood the stakes all too well. "If 'Green Lantern' had tanked, it could've spelled the end of my acting career."

Martin's response was heartfelt, "It was the least I could do. We go way back, Blake. I couldn't stand by and watch you stumble into a trap."

Post-"Green Lantern," Blake's career took a nosedive, relegating her to internet stardom.

Blake was intrigued, "Industry insiders praise your foresight, and it's evident."

Martin shrugged modestly, "Warner and DC were too hasty. The new management craved instant success, and DC aimed to rival Marvel, but it backfired."

Despite his involvement in various projects, Martin had little control over Warner's impulsive decisions. The new management's penchant for grandiose gestures often led to chaos.

Blake resolved to tread cautiously in her future collaborations with Warner. With a sunny smile, she sought Martin's counsel for her next venture.

Martin agreed, albeit with a caveat, "No one can guarantee a film's success."

Blake's gratitude was unwavering, "I'll thank you regardless of the outcome."

Their relationship remained platonic, Martin emphasizing, "We're just friends."

Yet, Blake's wistful tone hinted at nostalgia, "I miss Sherman Oaks terribly. You haven't sold our house in Cotis Community, have you? I'd love to revisit."

Martin glanced at his watch, suggesting, "Let's grab a bite first, then head over."

Blake's grin widened as she agreed, "Let's do it."

Together, they ventured to a nearby restaurant for a hearty meal before Martin arranged for Bruce to drive them to their former abode in the Cotis community.

As they approached the house, memories flooded back of the time Blake and Martin had spent together within its walls.

The property, meticulously maintained over the years, had appreciated in value, making it one of Martin's prized possessions among his real estate portfolio.

In addition to the Cotis community residence, Martin owned three other properties, including the prestigious Davis Estate in Beverly Hills, an expansive apartment in Manhattan's Upper East Side, and a lavish vacation home in Miami.

The latter two acquisitions, made during Brad Pitt and Ben Affleck's financial downturns, had seen substantial increases in value with the resurgence of the economy.

As Martin and Blake strolled through the Cotis community, they noticed the renovations taking place in the neighboring house.

Blake's curiosity got the better of her as she asked, "Has Gillian Flynn moved out?"

Martin nodded in affirmation, "She's relocated to a sprawling villa in Malibu."

Blake shot a meaningful glance at Martin, "She owes you a debt of gratitude for her success."

Martin shrugged off the praise, "Your thanks are more than enough."

Inside the villa, Blake requested Martin's professional opinion on her physique, expressing her desire to maintain a balanced physique without sacrificing femininity.

Martin conducted a thorough assessment, ensuring Blake's physique retained its natural grace and appeal.

Despite Blake's already stellar physique, Martin couldn't help but recall another actress with equally impressive proportions—Alexandra Daddario.

Martin's recommendation had secured Daddario a role in "The Martian" as spacecraft operator Beth Johnson, proving his keen eye for talent.

As dusk fell, Martin and Blake prepared to depart, only to encounter their neighbor, Mr. Jones, outside.

"Martin, Blake! It's been too long," Mr. Jones exclaimed warmly, eager to catch up with old acquaintances.

Martin explained, "I do drop by occasionally, but I noticed your lights were off, so I didn't disturb you."

Mr. Jones chuckled, "I swung by the community committee and picked up some gifts for you both."

With a flourish, he presented Martin with a CD of a Sacred Valley art film, starring his daughter Jenna and renowned actor Brad Pitt.

Blake, intrigued by the film's connection to Brad Pitt, commented, "Seems like Brad Pitt's making waves."

Mr. Jones nodded, "Indeed. His prior fame certainly helps him carve a niche in the San Francisco Valley."

Curious, Martin asked, "Why's that?"

Mr. Jones explained, "Perhaps age has dulled my skills a bit, but this film is promising. I've witnessed Brad Pitt's dedication firsthand, always pushing for authenticity and vigor in every scene. He understands the importance of balance, ensuring Jenna doesn't shoulder the burden alone, despite her role as director."

Martin chuckled, "Next time, I'll prepare a gun and hand it to Brad Pitt before filming. If he doesn't deliver, we'll give him a little motivation." He winked playfully at Mr. Jones.

Mr. Jones laughed heartily, "I'll make sure Brad Pitt knows. If he slacks off, I'll personally give him a wake-up call!"

Blake chimed in with a mischievous grin, "Perhaps Brad Pitt's into that sort of thing."

Mr. Jones shook his head, "That would be quite the peculiar hobby."

Blake teased, "Yours isn't exactly mainstream either. How many dads of San Francisco Valley starlets gift art films directed by their daughters, starring as heroines, and flaunt it?"

Martin chuckled, tucking away the CD, bidding farewell to Mr. Jones before departing the Coty community.

Mr. Jones, reflecting on the passing years, lamented never witnessing Martin and Jenna collaborate on an art film.

Martin first drove Blake home to Burbank, where she proposed they watch the film together. "Why not make a night of it?" she suggested.

Martin declined, "I'm headed back to Beverly."

Recalling their time living together, Blake teased, "Still the same old routine? Girlfriend at home means no late nights for you?"

"Elizabeth's away on business," Martin replied casually. "And another friend's back from Australia."

Blake guessed, "Charlize Theron?" Martin confirmed her guess, rewarding her with a playful jab.

Unfazed, Blake quipped, "I've seen her on red carpets—gorgeous in couture, but in the buff... not quite my cup of tea."

Ignoring the jest, Martin pulled over, "This is your stop."

Blake shrugged, exiting the car as Martin sped off to Charlize Theron's residence in Beverly Hills.

Upon arrival, Martin was greeted by Charlize's striking appearance. "What do you think? Rocking the bald look?" Charlize flexed her muscles, exuding confidence. "I'm a post-apocalyptic warrior now."

Martin observed her transformation, reminiscing about her role as Furiosa in Fury Road.

Moving behind the sofa where Charlize sat, Martin couldn't resist running his hand over her shorn scalp, admiring her rugged charm.

Charlize, feigning annoyance, teased, "Tonight, you'll have to approach from behind."

Respecting her boundaries, Martin agreed, "Of course, whatever you prefer."

Suddenly, Charlize stood, shedding her shirt to reveal her toned physique. "Tonight, I'm making you feel like you're wrestling a bear!" she declared, beckoning Martin.

Unfazed, Martin swiftly overpowered her playful advances, asserting his dominance.

Charlize, momentarily caught up in her Furiosa persona, had momentarily forgotten who held the reins in their playful sparring.