Chapter 480: Succeeded

Under Nicholson's command, Martin, Lily, Mene, Chad, Thomas, Leonardo, and the rest ignited a dazzling array of fireworks set within the fountain square. Thomas, running slightly slower, was pulled out of the fireworks display by Leonardo, known for his swift 100-meter sprint.

The sky became an artist's canvas as fireworks soared, painting vibrant colors amidst resounding explosions.

Nicholson brandished a homemade RPG, exclaiming, "Leo, come load and light this up!"

Lily leaped in, "I'm in! I'm in!"

Knowing Lily's antics, Nicholson sidestepped, cautioning, "I bet you'd stuff it in my pocket."

"Caught me, huh?" Lily smirked, "No fun otherwise."

Martin interjected, "My yard's vast, Jack. Blow up what you want, but stay out of my house. Don't want an LAPD visit tomorrow, do you?"

"LAPD nabbing you?" Nicholson intended to ask if the neighbor was male or female, but with Elizabeth present, he withheld, "Wasn't your neighbor's place vacant?"

Elizabeth explained, "It got sold. The Stewarts from 'Twilight' fame bought it. They'll be moving here soon."

Leonardo, finding a lighter, ignited a unique firework bomb, stuffing it into the RPG, aiming the barrel skyward, igniting an exquisite burst.

After a spell of fireworks, Martin invited, "Let's head in for drinks."

Mene exclaimed, "We're raiding Boss Martin's wine cellar tonight!"

Leonardo, unapologetically, told Mene, "When picking from the cellar, go for the expensive ones!"

The group reveled until around 11 PM before dispersing.

Martin arranged for the helpers to clean the next morning and allowed Lily to stay on the first floor, turning the entire second floor into a celebration arena for him and Elizabeth.

He felt it secured their peace.

With Elizabeth asleep, Martin, sleepless, donned clothes and stepped onto the balcony, gazing at the star-studded sky.

Six years in, his name graced the Oscars, even as a supporting actor, gaining favor from the academy's veterans, marking him competitive in leading roles, better than Leonardo.

Satisfied with his share of joy, Martin reveled in the fame, wealth, and estates life bestowed upon him. Occasionally a rogue, yet mostly content.

Fame and fortune served Martin's happiness, but he didn't succumb to their clutches.

Hence, Martin cherished life's pleasures.

In the early hours, moon westward, distant car lights pierced the darkness, stopping at Charlize Theron's neighborly abode.

Returning late?

Curious but nonchalant, Martin resumed his room, cuddling the slumbering Elizabeth, and drifted into peaceful sleep.

In a neighboring house, Stuart Townsend confronted someone entering and complained, "What took you so long? I've been waiting!"

"I had an important party, had to finish up before I came!" The woman's voice was gruff. She caressed Stuart's cheek and remarked, "Good things are never too late."

She confidently strode in, discarding her coat as she moved, "I want to be in your bedroom, under the photo of you and Charlize Theron. That'd be thrilling!"

Stuart chuckled, "Let's head upstairs and fulfill your wish."

The woman retrieved a few small bags from her purse, "I'm not safe today, you must use this."

After their rendezvous, cautious not to trigger any trouble, Stuart assured, "Don't worry, I won't be reckless."

The woman handed him some items and pulled him upstairs, "Hurry, I have an important morning meeting. There's little time. Make a few more visits."

As they ascended, upstairs buzzed with life.

As the eastern sky brightened, hinting at the sunrise, the woman hurriedly left Beverly Hills for a company meeting.

Stuart disposed of certain items, meticulously tidying every corner, driven by his reliance on Charlize Theron's financial support rather than any remaining attraction to her.

Media had criticized him for his softness, but he tolerated, not wanting a sudden decline in living standards.

Clearing up and vacuuming meticulously, he packed all trash in large bags, rushing them outside. He avoided hoarding any garbage, fearing Charlize's sudden return.

Finding his trash can missing, Stuart remembered its temporary removal due to damage.

Though usually vocal about community issues, he stayed quiet after his recent frustration with Charlize, expressing it by repeatedly kicking the trash can.

In a bind with no bin, he eyed Martin Davis's across the alley.

"Just trash, no big deal." Hastily, he deposited bags into Davis's bin, wiping his hands clean and tossing a tissue in.

A crow's caw sounded above as Stuart, whistling a tune, strolled back home through the side door, feeling oddly relaxed after the earlier excitement.

At seven, after her shift, Toni checked herself in the car mirror. Tired eyes and slight puffiness bothered her, prompting a quick makeup touch-up.

The job's toll on her beauty made Toni contemplate quitting once her plan succeeded, a future free from worries and a life of prosperity.

Aisha dashed towards the car, flung open the passenger door, and urgently exclaimed, "Hurry, let's go, let's go!"

Toni swiftly ignited the engine, steering onto the main road of the community.

The neighborhood was quiet; no vehicles traversed the streets past seven in the evening.

Reaching Martin's residence, Toni maneuvered the car into the alley.

Aisha bolted for Martin's trash can, with Toni close on her heels.

The lid lifted, revealing two hefty trash bags, recent additions.

"Let's get started!" Toni grabbed one.

Aisha nodded, seizing the other, delving into its contents. It reeked of kitchen refuse, nothing of interest.

Toni fished out random items, sifting through numerous tissues until she struck gold!

With a triumphant expression, she raised her discovery, a lengthy, weighty item.

Sniffing it once more, Toni confirmed, based on her experience, "Yes, this is it!"

Elsa halted, eyeing Toni's find in surprise, "You found it?"

Ecstatic, Toni exclaimed, "Yes, finally!"

Elsa danced with joy, "That's fantastic!"

Toni remembered Elsa, stating, "There's another in the bag for you."

Elsa swiftly retrieved it. Though containing less, it sufficed, eliminating the need to share with others.

Producing zip-lock bags, Toni handed one to Elsa, who secured the find within, close to her body, and urged, "Let's move, let's go."

"Wait for me!" Elsa hurriedly said.

Toni pressed, "Quick, it won't stay potent for long. Let's head back!"

Finally securing the item, Aisha joined them.

Toni occupied the driver's seat, accelerating the car out of the alley. They bolted towards the community's exit.

"We're Martin's ultimate fans!" Elsa cheered, "True devotees have the courage to gift Martin a child!"

Toni laughed, her amusement uncontainable.

Calculating the timing, she knew it was the opportune moment for conception.

It felt like a chance bestowed by the heavens!

Exiting the community, they returned to their rented apartment. Armed with their prepared tools and the contents of their bags, they swiftly got to work.