Chapter 380: Chapter 102: Coincidence?

Because he had met Lily, Charlize soon became a frequent visitor at Kate’s house. She either came with Adrian or on business to see him. Although Kate felt somewhat uncomfortable, especially when she saw her playing with her daughter, the feeling intensified, but she still tacitly accepted Charlize’s presence.

In fact, Kate had thought of ways to reduce Charlize’s visits. She had hinted and verbally nudged, but Charlize quickly made her retract these behaviors. Although there was inevitable hostility when they were together and some reluctance during their interactions, those behaviors ceased.

Of course, as soon as Adrian walked in, the two women immediately separated and stood as if nothing had happened. Adrian saw this but did not say much, continuing to play with his daughter in his arms. However, whenever he thought of that scene, he couldn’t help but find it amusing. Kate was actually two years older than Charlize yet couldn’t let go in her presence.

It wasn’t surprising to think about it. They were both women who had never openly torn their relationships and even had a fairly good and even… intimate relationship! Kate’s feisty personality naturally could not come into play. Charlize, although young, had been Adrian’s assistant for a long time and had honed her skills over time, experiencing much more than Kate. It wasn’t difficult for her to surpass Kate.

That was why, that day, it had been Charlize on top, and Kate on top. Thinking of that day’s scenes, Adrian felt a surge of excitement as the image of Kate and Charlize, coquettishly looking at him while entwined, reappeared in his mind. When would he be able to bring them together into bed again?

It seemed like now might be a good opportunity. Charlize often came over to Kate’s place because of the little guy, and Kate felt suppressed and resentful. If he could make good use of this situation, it wasn’t impossible. But it actually wasn’t the case, for Charlize never stayed overnight here. Without the right ingredients, even with the right seasoning, no good dish could be prepared, and besides… there was an important cocktail party to attend soon.

Although Adrian adored his daughter and didn’t mind being seen as a doting dad, a good father and good husband, this did not mean some things would change. If he didn’t play the field, he wouldn’t be Adrian, especially when there was a long-awaited, perfectly blooming rose before him.

“Of course, this fits with the philosophy we’ve always adhered to, doesn’t it? Freedom, that is humanity’s most precious wealth. Regardless of the situation, there must be people who uphold it,” Adrian said, standing among a few men in the corner of the hall where the cocktail party was being held. As a rising star in Hollywood and one of the elites, he was clearly aware of the hypocrisy involved, but there are always some self-righteous idealists, such as these gentlemen here.

“You’re right, this is indeed the philosophy we need to uphold and spread. It’s stupid for the British to go on and on about a movie that’s clearly noted as non-historical,” one of the men hummed, looking to be in his forties, with a square face and about 5 feet 10 inches tall, slightly shorter than before.

Walter Joseph, a Russian-American, is a well-known investor in the independent film circle, who can secure investments even for scripts as bad as Ed Wood’s. It is said that his grandfather’s generation emigrated here in the 1930s. But these can’t really be called idealists. True idealists might be idealistic but are simultaneously rational enough to be calm, make plans, and strive to realize their ideals without banging their heads against a wall.

Walter, however, could at best be considered a daydreamer or even a delusional idealist. To put it more harshly, he is just maintaining and displaying his own sense of superiority. Of course, as always, no matter how disdainful you are of the other party in social situations, you still have to keep a smile and observe basic manners, especially since this was the success party for “Braveheart.”

After entering February, “Emma,” which was at the end of its rope, finally ended its run in North America with just over 70 million at the box office. Even though it didn’t break even with North America’s box office alone, compared to the original version in Adrian’s memory, just the North American gross alone was already enough to be proud of. Although “Braveheart” also didn’t break the hundred million mark, it was still inching closer to that number, so Adrian still suggested holding a success party.

“Got any new plans lately, Ed?” a producer shifted the topic at that moment.

“No, I made two films last year, and also supervised quite a few productions, planning to take a good break this year. Even if there are plans, they’ll have to wait until the second half of the year,” Adrian shrugged still with the same excuse.

Actually, he hadn’t ruled out the possibility of a new project. There were still producers hoping to acquire the movie adaptation rights for “The Matrix” novel, and Adrian had considered whether to produce this movie ahead of schedule. On second thought, there was no need to rush; the novel had been published early and had gained some fame in the science fiction circle. Plus, waiting until after “Titanic” was released, with the CG technology fully matured, wouldn’t that be better?

Of course, he could also direct movies starring his own women, but many did not fit the profile of the Miracle Director. Staying true to the role was very important; in Hollywood, this Vanity Fair, it is not easy for an ordinary person to establish a halo but very easy to shatter it. Even for Adrian, although rebuilding a shattered halo was a trifle, doing it too many times was intolerable.

There were a few movies that were suitable, but they had already started filming, and Adrian had already made plans and arrangements, so after giving it some thought, he set the idea aside. So, he ultimately decided to take a break for about half a year, though he had been busy these past few years, because he managed his time well, he never felt tired, and taking a few months off wasn’t a bad idea.

“That’s really a shame, you’re famously a workaholic,” the other party jokingly said.

“Even a workaholic needs to rest, I’m not Mr. Robert,” Adrian replied, spreading his hands, a self-deprecating tone instantly drawing a ripple of low laughter.

“Maybe you could consider taking over a film from another company, you might find something that interests you,” another man suggested, who was also a producer.

“That sounds like a nice idea, I might give it a try,” Adrian said noncommittally, his gaze continuously scanning the hallway until he finally caught something.

“Excuse me, I’ll be back in a moment.” He smiled, greeted them, and quickly walked through the crowd and to the outside.

Upon reaching the garden, away from the bustling crowd, the cold wind blew against her, and Sophie Marceau instantly sobered up quite a bit, but also rubbed her arms. She was wearing a sleeveless beige evening gown, and the temperature difference in Los Angeles in February between day and night is quite significant, which made her feel like returning inside, especially since she had already caught a cold once before and had not fully recovered yet.

But when she turned her head and saw the brightly lit villa, Sophie sighed and continued to stroll in the garden, deciding to just walk around in the vicinity.

The weather in Los Angeles was almost always pleasant, and there was hardly any rain throughout the year, so even though you couldn’t see a sky full of stars due to urbanization, as long as the clouds were few, the bright moon was quite visible. Walking in the garden under the moonlight had its charm, but the quiet surroundings meant her mind could not help wandering.

Since the release of “Braveheart” over a month ago, her popularity in the United States had soared. Many American filmmakers had approached her due to the film, and they had become even more numerous, all from renowned companies. Likewise, in France, many filmmakers and directors had extended invitations, leaving Sophie having a hard time making a choice.

Additionally, the tabloids continuously focused on her and Adrian’s rumored affair, whether in the United States, the United Kingdom, or France, even digging up stuff from early last year. Some even boldly claimed that her initial coldness towards him was because she had already shifted her affections to Adrian. God knows, she hadn’t even met Adrian when they were in a cold war.

Thinking of that person in Poland, Sophie felt frustrated. These rumors had even led some journalists to ask him for his opinion, and the response they got was: “She’s a big star, and a difficult one to deal with, so why continue, it’s better now, she’s free, what she does is no longer my business!”

Idiot! Every time she thought of those words, Sophie couldn’t help but feel angry yet saddened inside. She knew the newspapers exaggerated, but she also knew there wasn’t much lighter in his intent. She had been by his side for almost a decade, had given him her best years, taking care of him like a big child, how could she not know what he was thinking?

Sometimes Sophie felt regretful, perhaps if she hadn’t been so impulsive, there might have been a chance for reconciliation. But more often, she thought she was a fool to have been completely blinded by love. Adrian was right, being rational was very important… Oh, Adrian, always Adrian…

Sophie gave a bitter smile, her slightly melancholic expression making her wry smile particularly striking. She didn’t know how to define this man, his demeanor was elegant, his speech appropriate, very humorous, very gentle, and considerate, yet beneath all that lay an indescribable arrogance and wildness, as if he could control everything, as if he could become very dangerous at any moment.

And he never hid the admiration, affection, desire, and lust in his eyes, making her feel embarrassed yet unable to resist being captivated. He was indeed charming and attractive, yet paradoxically, he was a playboy.

“Damn playboy!” Sophie suddenly said with frustration. She truly disliked the title “Miracle Girl,” but unfortunately… and she also…

“Which damned Playboy?” a voice suddenly rang out, tinged with a hint of jest, startling Sophie immensely.

“Ed?!” Sophie looked at him somewhat annoyed, “How did you suddenly appear behind me? You scared me!”

“Sorry, I saw you were alone here, so I came over to check on you,” Adrian immediately showed a remorseful expression, taking off his jacket while speaking and draping it over her shoulders, “You’re wearing so little and still came out, be careful not to catch a cold.”

“Thank you.” Sophie didn’t refuse, glanced at him with some complexity, and then a blush swiftly crossed her cheeks.

“Do the people in the hall make you feel a bit stuffy?” Adrian then asked.

“No, I just wanted to come out and clear my mind,” Sophie replied as she walked ahead, taking deep breaths to calm herself, “I was recalling something about Morocco.”

“Oh? Anything interesting? Anthony praised you highly over the phone.” Adrian followed behind.

The two walked one after another, occasionally discussing the shoot of “The English Patient” in Morocco, and as usual, Adrian managed to make Sophie laugh.

“So, if I hadn’t called, you definitely wouldn’t have come to Los Angeles for the wrap party?” Adrian asked towards the end.

“Yes, if it weren’t for your call, I wouldn’t have bothered coming,” Sophie said cheerily, then suddenly paused, realizing something and grew silent before heading towards a villa some distance away, “I am going back tomorrow; finishing my scenes early is more important than anything.”

Her tone carried a trace of panic, but after a few steps, a strong pull from her hand unexpectedly thrust Sophie into Adrian’s embrace, their eyes locking as she looked up.

“Why the hurry, Sophie?” Adrian asked softly.

Time seemed to stop in that moment, and after a long pause, Sophie softly parted her lips, “Ed, don’t…”

Before she could finish, Adrian leaned down to seal her lips, unceremoniously prying her mouth open and ravaging its warmth. Confusion swirled through Sophie’s mind, and soon, she responded, the two passionately kissing, their hands beginning to explore each other’s bodies as if nothing could stop them.

But just as Sophie started to undo Adrian’s belt, and his hands began to lift her skirt, she suddenly pushed him away, panting and blushing as she stammered, “Please, behave!”

She turned to run, but in her haste, couldn’t keep her balance; her foot twisted, and with a shriek, she started to fall. Adrian quickly caught her, but their awkward tumble sent them both sprawling on the ground, rolling several times before coming to a stop.

“Are you okay?” Adrian was the first to speak after they stopped, his hands resumed roaming over Sophie, but luckily, though the area was bushy, there were no hard objects, and neither was hurt.

“I… I’m fine…” Sophie said with a flushed face, attempting to sit up but froze when her body moved, and Adrian’s expression also turned peculiar.

Under the moonlight, Sophie’s face was flushed red enough to drip, and Adrian’s expression grew even more peculiar, both maintaining their current position, not daring to move as if waiting for the passion to subside. Unfortunately, just then, the voices of a man and a woman suddenly approached nearby.

“My dear, you are truly enchanting tonight.”

“Oh, you’ve said that at least a dozen times already.”

“I’m merely stating a fact, darling.”

“You silky-tongued rogue, John.”

The man and woman were clearly flirting, followed by smacking and kissing sounds that seemed right nearby, rendering the two on the ground even more reluctant to move.

“Don’t you find this intriguing, Meili?”

“What are you implying, John, why not just say it?”

“I mean, why not try how it feels outdoors?”

“Oh, you little rascal, I knew you’d say that; aren’t you worried about being caught? I thought I saw someone over here just a minute ago.”

“That’s your eyes playing tricks, nobody’s out here, I assure you, you’ll love it; you enjoy a thrill, don’t you?”

As their laughter and the sounds of kisses, caresses, and pants ensued, clothes came off and spread on the ground, appearing to be just beyond the bushes separating them from Adrian and Sophie. Then came giggles, kissing sounds, caresses, heavy breathing, and eventually the sound of desire intertwined. Perhaps due to the distance from the villa, the couple was exceptionally cheerful and uninhibited, their voices growing increasingly lewd, completely unaware of others nearby.

Sophie’s face was so red it reached her ears, and all their noises fell into her ears, the thrill of eavesdropping rendering her momentarily overwhelmed, her breathing growing rapid and her body slightly feverish.

(To be continued. If you like this work, feel free to visit wuxiaworld.site to vote and support, your backing is my greatest encouragement.)