[Chapter 464: Halle Berry Comes Knocking]
After the New Year, Linton officially closed the San Francisco branch of his charity foundation and relocated it to Los Angeles. However, he did not set up the new charity office in the Linton Building but instead rented a two-story house in the Westside area of Los Angeles.
At the same time, he purchased a medium-sized detached villa on the hillside in The Summit community of Beverly Hills as a gift for his Aunt. The location was just a little over ten minutes' drive from Linton's estate, offering a prime spot. The community's environment and security were excellent, making it an ideal neighborhood for wealthy residents.
...
Aunt Kelly and her family completed all their affairs in San Francisco by mid-January and moved to Los Angeles as well. On their first day, Linton hosted a grand welcome party at his home.
Aunt Kelly held the rosy-cheeked little Lina lovingly, overwhelmed by maternal affection, calling her "baby" repeatedly and reluctant to let go. Then, thinking of her late sister, tears welled up in her eyes. She finally pulled out a carefully prepared gift: a set of Tiffany jewelry. Although Lina was too young to wear or comprehend it, the sparkling platinum pieces made her giggle, clutching them happily.
Upon hearing that Sophie Marceau, Cristiana Reali, and Monica Bellucci were all expecting Linton's children, Aunt Kelly felt dizzy and unsure how to react.
Her nephew was simply unbelievable -- a genius with top-notch earning power and a big heart. Yet, he was such a player. She could never understand how these delicate superstar women could be so devoted to him. If this was any other man, she would have blacklisted him and forbade the family from associating with him.
But since he was her nephew, she could only take their hands, sincerely bless them, and even share her own experiences about motherhood.
...
With help from Goodman and Henry, Aunt Kelly began setting up the new charity office, including recruitment and establishing regulations. Of the 14 staff members at the old San Francisco office, most refused to relocate and resigned, with only three young employees following her to Los Angeles.
This year, the foundation had heavy charitable spending obligations with a budget of $150 million -- more than seven times last year's amount -- transforming it into a large-scale charity institution. Consequently, more staff and tighter regulations were necessary.
...
Her husband, Jeff chose to work at Universal Studios, starting from an ordinary position, which was good for him and conveniently close to home.
Judy, meanwhile, was like a caged bird freed, spending every day with Winnie, her idol. The two were inseparable during the day, like sisters.
---
With his companies finally running smoothly, Linton enjoyed an easygoing life lately, sticking to a regular routine. During the day, he'd slack off a little in the office, play games, and occasionally listen to his subordinates' reports. At night, it was all about exciting parties and immersive theatrical performances...
Of course, for Cristiana and Monica, who were busy with Oscar promotions recently, Linton made special efforts at parties. He generously shared his vitality essence with them to help relieve their fatigue.
---
Time flew to late January.
One day, Linton was happily playing Tomb Raider in his office as usual when his assistant, Meena, walked in holding the phone.
"Boss, your call, from Halle Berry."
Halle Berry reminded him of the times they had worked together. During the production and premiere of his first movie Step Up, she had left him with fond memories.
Fortunately, she was a woman who knew her limits and never clung to him. Plus, with her smooth career in Hollywood, their contact gradually diminished.
He took the call. "Hey, Halle."
"Linton, are you at the office?"
"Yeah."
"I'm heading to your company right now. Mind if I come see you directly?"
"No problem. Just come up to the 16th floor."
"Thanks, see you soon."
They hadn't been in touch for two or three years. Why the sudden visit to the office? Whatever it was, he'd find out soon enough.
...
Shortly after, Meena led Halle Berry through the office door.
She was clearly dressed up with care today -- long black hair draped over her shoulders, exquisite makeup on her face, wearing a sleek blue evening gown that accentuated her alluring figure, while also exuding a unique, relaxed elegance -- truly a captivating Black Pearl.
Upon seeing Linton, she didn't hesitate to throw her arms open and gave him a warm hug, even whispering breathily in his ear.
Clearly, she had a serious reason for coming; otherwise, she wouldn't have started by flirting with him.
After Meena served coffee and left, Halle didn't pick up her cup but turned and locked the office door behind her.
Striding like a cat, she walked right over to Linton and sat on his lap, wrapping her arms around him and planting a passionate kiss.
"Halle, what are you doing?"
"I'm reliving the good old memories." She said, then didn't stop but dove under the desk.
"Wait, I have cameras installed here." He joked, though there weren't any.
Hearing this, Halle jumped from the desk and exclaimed, "How dare anyone install surveillance in your office?"
"It's okay, only I can watch. It's mainly to stop anyone from framing me since I'm a big star."
"Only you can watch? Then it's fine, let's continue." Saying that, she disappeared back under the desk.
...
Continually teased by Halle, Linton soon got excited, pulling her up and carrying her toward the inner room.
"Baby, let's just stay here. I like it here..."
"Alright, whatever you want..."
...
Still, their passion took them all over the place since the 16th floor was spacious...
...
Two hours later, they finished and swam two laps in the pool, then cuddled up on a lounge chair.
"Halle, what exactly brought you here this time?"
"Darling, I missed you, didn't I?"
"Of course you did, but there must be something else."
"You're right. I heard Universal is preparing a movie called The Nutty Professor."
"Yes, that's true. It's in pre-production. Why?"
"I heard it's a $20 million investment, a movie featuring mostly Black actors."
"Yes."
"Darling, there are so few Black-led films in Hollywood to begin with. Those that do exist tend to be low-budget art films. A big-budget commercial film produced by a major company is a top-tier opportunity for Black actors. How could I not have ideas? Can you help me? I think I'm the perfect fit for the female lead, Carla."
Over the past few years, Halle had actually done quite well, starring in several movies and firmly establishing herself as the premier Black "beauty icon" in Hollywood. The only real competition was Tyra Banks, who hadn't fully committed to her acting career.
However, it was still 1996. Although the 1992 Los Angeles riots had boosted Black status significantly, the racial equality movement in North America remained in early stages. Hollywood opportunities for Black actors were still scarce, mostly leading roles in small productions but only supporting parts in larger commercial films.
This rare big-budget, Black-led commercial film was naturally an excellent chance for her.
Thinking it over, Halle was quite considerate. She hadn't bothered him all this time and now came knocking, offering warmth and exceptional service.
More importantly, her image perfectly suited the role of Carla in the movie.
"Alright, I'll talk to Brian about it. Be ready."
"Darling, you're the best. I owe you big time."
*****
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