Chapter 541: The Only Test

On the scenic coastal road of Malibu, an unassuming Volkswagen sedan idled by the side of the road. Bruce, behind the wheel, concluded his phone call and steered toward the northern vacation villa area.

He remarked while driving, "Judy managed to locate the first victim on the list, Angela Oye. After the ordeal, this actor never recovered, and his career suffered. He even retreated to his hometown under threats. According to her, there's been complete silence since Ben and Damon engaged the media."

Martin showed no surprise. In his previous life, he'd read reports of similar actions taken by the two men.

Bruce continued, "She's en route to another victim, Emma O'Connor. She just had a phone conversation with someone who told her about an intriguing case that'll surely catch your attention."

Martin remained composed, "Even Meryl Streep isn't in the know."

Bruce added, "Harvey dared to cross paths with Shirley Lansing or Kathleen Kennedy?"

The latter was Hollywood's top female producer, while the former was a spokesperson for Paramount Pictures, rumored to have had an affair with Tom Cruise.

Bruce said, "Emma O'Connor was assaulted in the early 2000s. She once witnessed a woman fleeing Harvey's room, her face marked by a palm print. That woman was Jennifer Siebel Newsom."

Recognition dawned on Martin, "I've heard that name before!" He recalled Louise mentioning her when discussing the California Democratic Party representative.

His excitement grew, "The wife of the current San Francisco Mayor, Gavin Newsom!"

Bruce affirmed, "That's her. Before marrying Gavin Newsom, she worked as an actress in Hollywood."

Martin mused, "Gavin Newsom is a significant figure in the California Democratic Party. Many believe he'll run for governor in the coming years."

The situation greatly intrigued him, "Beauty can indeed be a form of capital. With some luck, one can turn their life around. Harvey manipulated and coerced so many women, and in the end, some of them found better opportunities... Bruce, thankfully, we've always acted of our own accord, often being the ones in control."

Reflecting on it, the "three no's" principles seemed ever more accurate.

Bruce shared the sentiment, "It's truly a rarity for us to be on the same page!"

Martin had a premonition that tonight would be a challenging ordeal, with a group of individuals potentially attempting to impose their unspoken rules on him.

He'd heard of the Angel Supermodels, led by AA, KK, and Angela Lindvall, forming a formidable fashion supermodel group with stringent membership requirements.

Bruce and Martin discussed Siebel again. They had no intention of seeking her out recklessly, but they believed it was crucial for her to see the truth as soon as possible.

The Volkswagen pulled into a vacation home, where Martin had hosted a role-playing party a few years back, attended by Wes Craven. In many ways, it marked the starting point of all conflicts between him and Harvey.

Georgina had wanted to throw a party, despite co-hosts KK and Old Fox. Martin insisted on hosting it.

The "Inception" filming incident seemed unrelated to him, but it had made Martin profoundly cautious and exacerbated his lingering effects.

Taking a thorough look around the inside and outside of Martin's villa, it was beautifully decorated.

The party coordinator approached, addressing Martin, "Mr. Davis..."

Martin nodded and signaled to Bruce, "Take care of it."

Bruce produced a check and settled the upfront payment.

As the sun descended into the sea, an unassuming business car entered the villa's compound. As the imposing iron gates closed behind them, Candice, the South African driver, emerged from the car.

Big KK, Old Fox, and Sienna disembarked, one after the other.

Angela gracefully turned and assisted the final passenger from the car, Georgina Chapman, who aspired to join the ranks of the fashion supermodel group.

The British model and fashion designer had dressed to the nines, radiating elegance.

The four supermodels approached Martin one by one, warmly embracing him.

Finally, Georgina stepped forward, her embrace lingering a bit longer. She extended her arms and greeted Martin, "Welcome to Georgina Chapman's exclusive fashion soirée."

With an air of nonchalance, she withdrew a check from her handbag and placed it on the table before Martin.

Martin puzzled over her intentions.

Georgina clarified, "You've organized the party, but I insist on covering the expenses." She didn't offer Martin a chance to decline, asserting, "You must accept it." She revealed, "This is Harvey's money. If you don't take it, it'll rob me of a peculiar pleasure."

Georgina was no fool; she was well aware of her husband's unsavory deeds. Joining the fashion supermodel team didn't weigh heavily on her conscience.

The leader of the fashion supermodel troupe, Angela Lindevall, sauntered to the long table adorned with delectable treats. She retrieved a bottle of red wine from the ice bucket, expertly pouring six glasses and gesturing for everyone to claim their share.

Raising her glass, she announced, "Today marks a momentous occasion. Georgina Chapman will undergo the fashion supermodel group's assessment. Should she succeed, she'll earn her place among us. Should she falter, she can reapply in six months for another chance."

Glasses clinked in unison as they toasted the occasion.

KK chimed in, "All four members of the fashion supermodel group are present!" She took a sudden step closer to Martin, scrutinizing him closely. "The sole condition for joining is to be in a normal state and follow the procedures."

Candice fetched a chair, placing it behind Martin. "Please have a seat," she invited.

Martin adhered to his principles, seated himself, and maintained his composure.

Sienna opened the business car's rear compartment, revealing two sizable boxes brimming with vibrant garments.

Georgina returned with another glass of red wine for Martin, saying, "These are the costumes I've specially designed for the party. The five of us will showcase them on the catwalk, and you're in for a treat."

Martin nodded, savoring the wine as he eagerly anticipated the fashion show.

Georgina's designs exuded individuality, predominantly featuring lines and dots that accentuated the wearers' natural beauty.

As the quintet strolled alongside the pool's edge, they converged on Martin during their final costume change.

Five against one, Martin found himself outnumbered, facing a group intent on swaying him.

Just as Bruce had predicted, Martin proved a tough nut to crack.

Yet Georgina's jubilant cry pierced the air.

Tonight, she had weathered the test and fulfilled the sole requirement for fashion supermodel group membership. She now stood on equal footing with the group's established members who had put her through her paces.

Angela Lindvall proclaimed, "Georgina Chapman has successfully completed her evaluation and officially joins the fashion supermodel group. We are a sisterhood and a mutual support network. Together, we lend a helping hand and strive within our capacities for a brighter future!"

The lone applause broke the silence, though it seemed somewhat subdued.

The applause originated from Martin, who shamelessly interjected, "You've set me as the sole test and requirement for joining the fashion supermodel team without my consent. This is nothing short of bullying!"

Karolena approached Martin, offering comfort, "This is how we see it. You possess a remarkable vision, formidable resilience, and remain an American national hero. Not just anyone can get close to you. Without ample charm, you wouldn't even glance their way. In the end, those who can pass your test must be exceptional talents. By recruiting them, we also bolster the strength of the fashion supermodel team."

Candice chimed in, "Angela mentioned that if it weren't for the coincidence of us attending AA's bachelor party together, joining a supermodel group wouldn't have been so straightforward."

Martin, ever encouraging, nodded approvingly, "Tangtang, you're truly exceptional. Among all African women, you rank second only to Charlize Theron."

Angela Lindvall interjected, "Alright, let's not dwell on this any longer. Tonight is still young; let's celebrate Georgina's official induction."

Inside the holiday villa, the festivities resumed in full swing.

Around 11 o'clock in the evening, Georgina's cell phone suddenly rang, displaying a call from the UK. She promptly gestured for silence among the revelers.

Angela and KK continued their playful antics, but Martin, ever the gentleman, managed to rein them in, urging a moment of calm.

Harvey's voice crackled through the line, "Honey, aren't you hosting the party at home tonight?"

Unperturbed, Georgina responded with a smile, "I rented a beachfront villa in Malibu. It's an intimate gathering, with only friends from the fashion industry."

Across the ocean in London, Harvey stood on the hotel balcony and concurred, "Well, don't stay out too late; it's not good for your skin."

She reassured him, "We'll be turning in soon, and I'll have the place cleaned up early tomorrow morning."

As Harvey hung up, a nagging feeling gnawed at him. Over the past year, although Georgina hadn't openly shown it, her growing sense of detachment had become increasingly apparent.

Particularly in her fashion design career, she'd significantly reduced her requests for his assistance, establishing herself firmly within the American fashion and modeling circles. This had left Harvey feeling somewhat uneasy.

After some contemplation, Harvey's thoughts turned to Martin Davis. He retrieved his mobile phone and dialed Ben Affleck's number, inquiring, "It's me! Ben, how many days have passed since the baby was born? How are your plans progressing? Any new developments?"

In Burbank, Ben strolled down the corridor of the hospital's ward building, relaying the information, "They'll be discharged tomorrow morning. Peter and I have been monitoring Martin's movements. He's scheduled to attend a public event for Leonardo's environmental organization in a few days. Once the media gathers there, I intend to take Toni and the child."

Harvey strategized, "Excellent. Once you're in position, I'll reach out to some media acquaintances to stir up public opinion."

Ben wrapped up the conversation with a few parting words and hung up.

Upon his return, Brad Pitt arrived with some late-night snacks.

Ben proposed, "Let's execute our plan at Leonardo's charity event."

"Agreed," Brad Pitt concurred, though a lingering doubt remained, "But we need to prepare for the worst. What if Martin confesses on the spot?"

Ben had considered this scenario, "As long as I'm with Toni, Martin will definitely deny it."

It didn't take long for Brad Pitt to grasp the key point, concluding, "That makes perfect sense!"