Chapter 825: Is Leo Still Leo If He’s Not a Playboy?
In Martin's collection of beauties, only Nicole Kidman and Charlize Theron could rival Amber Heard's exquisite features. But in terms of figure, Amber's curves were fuller, more captivating. Her only flaw? Her legs weren't perfectly straight, with a slight inward curve at the knees. Still, it was barely noticeable—not enough to detract from her allure.
After sizing her up, Martin was smitten. Her beauty was exactly his type. Since arriving in this world, he'd "saved" countless wayward girls, altering their messy or tragic futures—Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, Rachel McAdams, Anne Hathaway, Drew Barrymore, Kristen Stewart, the list went on. Born in April 1986, Amber was just 24, in the prime of her youth for a white woman. Her stunning looks were one thing, but it was the innocent charm—yet to be tainted by her future scandals—that truly stirred the heart.
Even Downey, now a devoted family man, wavered. So it was no surprise that Martin, who had little resistance (or desire to resist) beautiful things, was hooked.
Amber cursed herself inwardly for being so flustered. Since realizing at 17 that she preferred women, she'd never been this rattled by a man—not even when facing sleazy producers with ulterior motives. This feeling was new, different from what she felt with Tasya van Ree. It was… intoxicating, almost magnetic, as if something about him was pulling her in.
"So, Amber, have you been in any films?" Martin asked.
Amber replied, a bit sheepishly, "Actually, I've been in quite a few. Like the rom-com All the Boys Love Mandy Lane, the horror flick The Ward, the comedy Drop Dead Sexy, the crime drama Criminal Minds (Season 1), the indie Alpha Dog, the action movie Never Back Down, and the zombie comedy Zombieland. But they're all supporting roles, nothing that made waves."
"Oh?" Martin feigned surprise. "That's hard to believe. Forgive my bluntness, but a beauty like you could easily play a top-tier 'vase' in a big-budget film."
"Really? That's a shame then," Amber said, her voice tinged with regret.
Martin shifted gears. "So, Tasya, are you still shooting portraits for models in the fashion world?"
Things too easily obtained are rarely valued. Amber felt a pang of disappointment—he hadn't offered her a role, which she'd secretly hoped for.
"Yes, I'm still photographing models, and occasionally some actresses for print ads," Tasya replied. "We got the premiere invite from Amy Adams. She's busy shooting The Fighter and couldn't make it, so she gave me her tickets."
"Amy Adams? We worked together on Catch Me If You Can," Leonardo DiCaprio said, joining the conversation out of nowhere. Then, struck by Amber's beauty, he extended a hand. "Hi, I don't think we've met. You are…?"
Amber's heart skipped. Am I actually attracted to men too, but only specific ones?
As they chatted, Scarlett Johansson and Susan Downey joined in. Seeing Scarlett's familiar, intimate demeanor with Martin, Amber felt an unexpected twinge of jealousy. What's wrong with me? she thought, instinctively tightening her grip on Tasya's hand.
The movie was about to start, so the group wrapped up their chat and headed into the theater.
Catching a moment when Scarlett wasn't looking, Leonardo whispered to Martin, "Hey, is she your target?"
"What, you've got your eye on her too?" Martin teased, finding the situation amusing. He could tell Leo was also taken by Amber's beauty. The idea of competing with his friend for her—and crushing him in the process—sounded like fun. Martin's mischievous streak, that devilish charm, was kicking in.
But then Leo surprised him. "I'm serious, man. I'm trying to be faithful."
Martin's eyes widened. A faithful Leo? Is he even Leo anymore? What the hell have I changed? But on second thought, if Leo really settled down with Blake Lively and lived a stable life, that wouldn't be so bad. Better than ending up as a chubby, middle-aged guy spraying water guns with models on a beach, mocked by the internet.
On the other side, Amber turned to Tasya with a hint of regret. "That's it? Should we try to catch up with Martin after the movie?"
Tasya's response was cryptic. "It's just a gesture, girl. No one who reaches Martin's level is ever simple."
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