The Griffith Observatory, one of the world's most renowned observatories, offered Los Angeles' most breathtaking nighttime views. Perched northwest of the city, it faced the iconic "Hollywood Hills" sign in the distance. A landmark in its own right, the observatory had served as a backdrop for films like Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle and GoldenEye. Open to the public by day with reservations, it was strictly off-limits at night—unless you had special clearance.
Martin, a donor to the observatory, had made a quick call to secure that "special" access. As he led Kristen Stewart to the top-floor viewing platform, a stunning scene unfolded before them.
Ahead lay a deep, endless darkness. Below, the city sparkled with vibrant lights. Above, a vast, star-studded cosmos stretched endlessly, blending with the glow of countless homes below in an indescribable beauty.
"Wow, this is gorgeous!" Kristen gasped.
"Not as gorgeous as you," Martin replied.
In that moment, under the stars, Kristen surrendered to the magic of the night. She reached up, cupping Martin's face, and stood on her toes to kiss him.
Her lips were cool yet sweet, laced with a faint hint of wine, intoxicating. But she was the one truly drunk, melting into Martin's embrace, overwhelmed by his magnetic allure.
After a long, lingering kiss, they parted. The stunning cityscape couldn't hold her gaze—she only had eyes for Martin, her gaze as bright as the stars. "Love me!" she whispered.
Except she didn't say love me. She said fuck me, which, in context, meant much the same.
Martin's magic scanned the surroundings, and Gordon, stationed by the terrace door, got the hint. He stepped outside, locked the iron gate, and stood guard.
Martin grinned, his hand reaching for Kristen's clothes. She wore a gray T-shirt and tight, elastic jeans that hugged her curves, accentuating her pert backside and slender legs. The jeans, though, were a challenge to remove.
"These pants are tough to get off—let me—" Kristen started.
Before she could finish, the jeans slid down smoothly.
Her surprise was cut short as Martin pulled her into his arms again, kissing her deeply. Kristen's senses drowned in his presence.
The moon hung high, the night sky vast and clear. Stars and city lights intertwined, a fleeting dance of passion…
The sounds of their fervor echoed faintly on the terrace. Gordon shook his head, stepped a few paces away, and focused intently on the dark hallway below.
In the parking lot outside, two paparazzi sat in a blue Cadillac.
"Joaquin, what do you think Martin and that girl are doing in there?" one asked.
"Do you even need to ask?" the other scoffed. "They're getting it on, obviously."
He sighed enviously. "Look at that guy—fine wine, gourmet food, luxury mansions, yachts, and beautiful women. That's living. We're just surviving."
"Joaquin, you wanna keep staking out here? I know a club with some wild girls."
"You think I'd go somewhere pricey?"
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's roll!"
The next day, Martin brought an exhausted Kristen to his Beverly Hills home. When she saw his two stunning housekeepers, she perked up instantly.
"Hi! I'm Kristen Stewart. What're your names? Making breakfast? Need a hand?"
Bijou and Heather exchanged glances.
"Is this girl hitting on us?" Heather whispered to Bijou.
"You feel it too? Thought it was just me!" Bijou replied, stunned.
Martin eyed Kristen's sudden burst of energy warily. Did I just let a wolf into my house?
After settling her in, he drove to the Meyers Entertainment tower.
"Martin, the CEO of AMC Theatres called," Drew said, jogging to meet him. "They're fully backing your new film."
Despite her fierce, professional demeanor in public, Drew was all warmth with Martin, always eager to be close. As soon as they entered his office, she shut the door and pressed herself against him.
Martin indulged his curvaceous, indispensable assistant, lifting her onto his lap as she briefed him on recent developments.
"AMC promised at least 1,200 theaters and over 2,900 screens for The Joker. The other two major chains gave similar numbers… Warner and Disney are also on board to help distribute… Oh, and Will Smith called. He wants to make a movie about Chinese kung fu, starring his son, and asked if we'd invest."
A kung fu movie starring Jaden Smith? Martin's memory clicked—The Karate Kid. Invested $40 million, grossed $322 million globally. No-brainer.
"Greenlight it," Martin said. "Will's got a good eye for scripts. Even if it's not a blockbuster, it won't lose money."
"Also, Scarlett's been cast in Iron Man 2. Apparently, Robert Downey Jr. put in a good word."
"Robert's a family. Of course he'd help Scarlett."
"Oh, remind me to call Leonardo," Martin added suddenly. "I want him for my next project."
Drew raised an eyebrow. "The dream one?"
The Washington Post: "Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer believes Congress may discuss revitalizing the economy post-financial crisis by November, with Federal Reserve Chairman Bernanke's support being crucial. 'For a new stimulus package, we couldn't ask for a better ally,' Schumer said. His backing turns possibility into reality…"
The Washington Herald: "Obama, with his mixed-race background, knows race is a double-edged sword in politics. Recently, Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin campaigned heavily in West Virginia, targeting Obama's weakness. Many local white voters expressed unease about his race…"
The Los Angeles Times: "Martin's new film, still in post-production, is already a hot commodity among theater chains. The Joker is shaping up to be a blockbuster…"