America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

Beverly Hills, the mansion Harvey Weinstein purchased last year for his new marriage, is ablaze with lights tonight.

The hostess Georgina Chapman stands early at the entrance hall of the villa to welcome the arrival of guests from all walks of life.

Because he attended an event in the afternoon, Martin arrived a little late.

When he entered the hall, he shook hands with Georgina and presented a gift, taking a moment to admire, he praised, "The gown is beautiful, but the lady is even more so, a masterpiece of the Muses."

Georgina replied with a smile, "No wonder Kate always compliments you, saying you have such a way with words."

Martin deliberately asked, "Didn't Kate mention my other big advantage?"

Georgina appropriately asked, "Can I know what it is?"

Martin said, "Honest and reliable."

Though it sounded like self-praise, considering what was said before, Georgina could tell Martin was complimenting her beauty. She said, "If I did a menswear brand, I'd definitely hire you as the image spokesperson."

Seizing the moment, Martin replied, "Georgina, it's a deal then."

Georgina realized, Martin was nothing like how her husband Harvey described him, but much more like what Kate had said; he was indeed an interesting guy.

She looked past Martin, feigning disappointment, "Jolie and Aniston didn't come with you?"

Martin nodded, "My charm is limited; I couldn't sway those two ladies."

"That's okay." Georgina still smiled, "We can make a date another time."

Martin said, "No problem."

The two chatted for a while before separating.

Martin entered the grand hall of the mansion and saw that it was full of male and female stars whose names everyone in the industry could call out.

Among them, the number of female stars was several times that of the male stars.

Meryl Streep found her way over to him, "Jack mentioned that you guys are planning some kind of operation?"

Martin certainly wouldn't tell her since even Nicholson hadn't said anything, "Secret operation."

Thinking back to the last mortar incident, Meryl, rarely relaxed and in for some fun, asked, "As interesting as that time at Pine Forest Film Studio? Count me in?"

"I'm afraid not," Martin mainly feared that Meryl, over fifty, would feel inferior in front of a group of twenty-something-year-old supermodels.

Compared to the traditional European female models, those from Victoria's Secret are relatively more athletic.

Meryl snorted coldly, "It seems like you don't consider me one of your own."

How could Martin dare to regard her as one of his own? Meryl had slept with Nicholson, with Weinstein, and was rumored to have had profound relations with several directors—a standard female Aquaman.

Which man would dare to believe in a female Aquaman?

Meryl turned to walk away when a blond woman holding a glass of red wine came over from the side, tilting her head and talking to someone else, and it appeared the two were about to collide.

Martin, with quick reflexes, grabbed Meryl and pulled her a step this way.

Startled, the blond woman passed by, her arm shaking, and wine from the glass spilled out.

Meryl glanced at Martin and nodded slightly, "Thanks."

She then turned her attention to the woman.

The blond woman, whose facial contours were as rigid as rock, had very distinct recognition in Hollywood—Cate Blanchett.

Blanchett looked innocent, "Sorry, I didn't see you there."

A waiter hurried over with a towel to clean the red wine off the floor.

Meryl, far from being as friendly as her public image, hailing from an era of actors from the '60s and '70s that left its mark, directly stepped forward and started cursing, "Witch! Don't think by doing this I won't realize it was on purpose!"

Blanchett, seeing the simple and crude way she was addressed, dropped her innocent facade and retorted, "I truly didn't see you, old lady."

Someone had already gone to notify Georgina, the hostess.

Blanchett, relatively more elegant, stopped engaging with Meryl and turned to leave.

Meryl looked around for a moment.

Martin, hiding on the side, from an angle only Meryl could see, discreetly extended a finger.

On a long table nearby, someone had left a glass of red wine.

Meryl, with increased goodwill towards Martin, quickly approached the table, grabbed the wine glass, and chased after Blanchett.

"Be careful…"

Someone warned Blanchett.

As Blanchett turned around, not quite understanding what was happening, the red liquid splashed right at her face.

The golden hair, the meticulous makeup, the cream-colored gown, all drenched by the wine.

Blanchett froze.

Meryl, looking fierce, said, "Witch, what other tricks do you have? Bring them on, I'll match you every step of the way!"

By this time, the onlookers had all gathered around.

Who would want to miss such a spectacle?

The industry is full of strife everywhere, especially among the actresses. The competition is intense. It isn't just about who can act, but also who has the nerve to strip down, who's got more cunning schemes, and even who is more ruthless.

In the rush of hurried footsteps, Georgina hurried over, standing between Meryl and Blanchett to prevent the situation from worsening.

Kate Winslet arrived as well and, upon spotting Martin nearby, asked with her eyes what to do. Seeing Martin shake his head slightly, she helped Georgina ease the atmosphere.

Georgina accompanied Blanchett to another room nearby.

The servers quickly cleaned up the remaining traces.

Kate said a few words and somewhat restored the atmosphere in the hall.

Meryl prepared to leave early. Before departing, she specifically sought out Martin, "Thank you."

Martin was direct, "No need for thanks, I'm tight with that bastard Jack."

Meryl nodded her head, said no more, and left.

Kate slowly approached and sat down across from him, saying, "Have you been here the whole time?"

Martin nodded, "Not because of tonight."

Kate was filming 'The Reader' at Pine Forest Film Studio and knew a bit, "A continuation of last time?"

"Blanchett took a hard fall last time, even causing Bale to suffer a torn spleen and end up in bed for two weeks. This time she probably wanted revenge. I saw her approaching with the red wine," Martin recounted briefly.

Kate smiled helplessly, "I suppose Blanchett didn't expect Meryl to flip out on her on the spot and embarrass her publicly."

Martin thought for a moment. Meryl had slept with an Oscar Best Actor and the Best Director, been with an Oscar-winning producer, maintained an enviable, harmonious family, and was adept at exacting revenge.

He couldn't help but comment, "Quite the heroine amongst women."

Kate slapped her forehead, "You and Leo and the others are always causing trouble."

Martin played innocent, "As a lackey, I don't have a say in things. I can only follow the lead of my bosses."

Kate didn't buy it one bit.
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After chatting for a while, Georgina returned to the hall. Seeing Kate with Martin, she also came over and took a seat at the small round table.

Kate asked, "Where is she?"

Georgina replied, "She changed her clothes and left early."

Martin glanced at the door and said, "I hope they don't encounter each other outside."

"As long as they leave my house, how they tear each other apart is none of my concern," Georgina said, visibly irritated. "I don't care if they stab each other in the back."

Kate pointed at Martin and said to Georgina, "Dear, you really should thank him. If he hadn't pulled Meryl back, allowing Blanchett to splash wine on her, with Meryl's fiery temper, you wouldn't have been able to calm things down tonight."

Georgina rubbed her forehead, "A blessing in disguise." She signaled a server to bring over three glasses of wine and offered one to Martin: "Regardless, you helped stop a bigger scandal from happening. Thank you."

Martin clinked glasses with her, "Don't mention it."

Kate comforted Georgina, "It's not your fault. The two of them have had issues since filming at Pine Forest Film Studio. In the future, don't bring them to the same event."

Georgina took a sip of her drink and set the glass down, "I know."

On the other side, someone signaled Kate. Kate said, "You guys talk, I'll be right back."

"Suit yourself," Martin said, looking at Georgina, "These little dramas are common in the industry, always vying for fame and fortune."

"Is that why you and Harvey had a falling out?" Georgina had always been curious.

Martin knew from what Kate had told him that Georgina held some affection for Harvey, largely due to marrying into his network.

For a nascent fashion brand aiming for the luxury market, how difficult was it to make a breakthrough? Harvey's presence could significantly lessen those difficulties.

But Martin was cautious with his words, "Harvey invited me to star in a film. I had scheduling conflicts and had to decline politely. Maybe, how should I put it..."

Georgina, knowing Harvey, continued, "He's quite forceful in business, he doesn't like being refused."

Martin smiled helplessly, "That's right."

Seeing Georgina show no unusual reaction, he probed further, "Also, I was unlucky. In a project Harvey funded, they cast an Australian actor named Heath Ledger. He nearly hit me and Aniston after taking drugs while driving."

Georgina nodded slightly, "I'm aware of this incident, but what Kate said and what Harvey said are completely different."

Martin immediately asked, "Would you like to hear the account from someone involved?"

"Of course," Georgina replied.

Martin recounted the incident in detail, concluding, "Because of this, the shoot was delayed for a while. Maybe Harvey blamed me, but Aniston and I nearly got killed by that guy."

Compared to Harvey's version, Georgina trusted what she saw with her own eyes. She had known Martin for quite some time, particularly through her close friend Kate.

It was evident, due to some issues, that Harvey harbored a bias against Martin, making his version overly subjective.

Their conversation went well, and Martin even took the opportunity to bring up Brioni, "They're interested in having me as a brand ambassador. I don't know much about the fashion industry, but you're an expert. Could you give me some professional advice?"

Feeling needed in her area of expertise, Georgina spoke earnestly, "If the endorsement fee is right, I suggest you take it. Brioni is a luxury brand that would also enhance your image..."

Martin listened attentively as if Georgina's advice was invaluable, and he said, "Thank you. What you've said has been a great help to me."

Kate returned, "Some people might be leaving."

Georgina stood up prepared to bid farewell to guests, "With tonight's commotion, Blanchett and Streep are likely to reject my brand."

She sighed, "It's a pity. Harvey has no influence in the fashion and modeling circles."