Hawaii, a chain of 132 islands in the Pacific, isn't just a tropical paradise—it's a powerhouse. Despite its remote location, Hawaii boasts one of the top three ports for cargo in the U.S. and is the country's premier tourism hub. With a resident population of 1.21 million, it may seem small, but it's second only to Las Vegas in transient visitors.
These factors make Hawaii one of the world's most livable places. As a result, countless celebrities and tycoons snap up properties in Honolulu, its capital, driving up housing costs so much that a third of locals can't afford to buy homes in their own state.
Maggie Q, the star of Mission: Impossible III, made a name for herself in Hong Kong before returning to settle in Honolulu. Her roles in Naked Weapon and Mission: Impossible III propelled her into Hollywood, giving her plenty to brag about. But since returning from the UK after filming, Maggie's kept a low profile, living a surprisingly disciplined routine.
Honolulu's elite live in the Diamond Head wealthy enclave, where a quiet, tree-lined road flanked by coconut palms leads to neatly arranged villas with a volcanic backdrop—a stunning skyline.
Fresh from a workout, Maggie jogged along the road in a gray athletic outfit, three golden retrievers trailing lazily behind. As she neared her home, she noticed a moving truck parked at her neighbor's gate.
Curious, Maggie lingered at her doorstep, eyeing the truck. Her friend Michelle Monaghan joined her, equally intrigued, wondering who'd bought the pricey mansion next door. As movers unloaded gym equipment and quirky music gear, Michelle asked, "Some NBA star cashing in on a big contract?"
"Do basketball players rap now?" Maggie shot back, rolling her eyes before heading inside.
Michelle, after settling the dogs in their kennel, followed, grumbling, "Why'd you buy such a massive villa? It takes forever just to walk inside."
Maggie, holding a glass of water, caught Michelle bent over, changing shoes at the door. With a playful smack to Michelle's backside, Maggie teased, "No idea who's gonna get lucky with that one day." She grabbed a thick stack of newspapers from the mailbox and plopped onto the sofa.
Michelle, now in slippers, collapsed beside her, peeling off her black stockings. "I'm done with pointless banquets," she groaned.
"Didn't you go to a Playboy shoot? What's with the banquets?" Maggie asked distractedly, flipping through the papers.
Michelle tossed her stockings aside and flopped onto Maggie's lap. Spotting the Manchester Evening News in Maggie's hands, she raised an eyebrow. "Since when do you read small papers like this? Shouldn't you be on The Guardian?"
"Just keeping up with current events," Maggie replied casually.
Michelle sat up, excited. "Wait! The Playboy event's main gossip was this guy's rumored boyfriend—a dude!"
Maggie, usually unflappable, perked up, her eyes betraying curiosity. "What's his name?"
"Oh, right—Dujuan!" Michelle said. "She was just a third-tier model at IMG, but with help from some agencies, she landed big gigs. And after the Lem Valley Music Festival blew up, she's now tied to the British Royal Foundation."
Maggie grabbed her phone, searching for Dujuan's name. As she scrolled through the UK gossip about Dujuan, her usually cool demeanor grew icier.
"Tch, men change once they get famous," Michelle scoffed, waving the Manchester Evening News. "Look at this guy stealing the spotlight from Rooney. No wonder Manchester United dropped him from the Premier League roster." Noticing Maggie furiously tapping her phone, Michelle snatched it. Seeing the Google search for "Claire and Dujuan," she gasped. "Wait! That time you said a thug harassed you in the UK and some stranger saved you—was that Claire Lee?!"
Maggie rubbed her forehead, exasperated. "Yes, my dear, but can you not yell at the door? You trying to summon every paparazzi in the neighborhood?"
Michelle, grinning like she'd uncovered a scandal, whispered, "Wow, you're destined to be tied to football for life!"
Maggie playfully swatted her. "Oh, shut up."
"I'm serious! That Japanese footballer Hidetoshi Nakata's still dropping hints to the media about you!" Michelle pouted, listing Maggie's rumored flings: "Daniel Wu! Edison Chen!" Each name came with a dramatic finger-count.
Maggie, fed up, tackled Michelle onto the couch, and the two dissolved into giggles.
---
Claire Lee, hands behind his back, admired the luxurious Diamond Head villa with a satisfied grin. His assistant, Dilia, drenched in sweat, directed movers hauling furniture.
Costa Mayor, beaming, held a folder and said, "I told you to come to the U.S. Look, the boss rented you this huge place as soon as you arrived. Nice, right?"
Claire rolled his eyes. "As if I can't afford it. Give me a few months, and I'll buy this villa outright."
Costa choked on his words. UK Big Sale Net's valuation was no joke, and with its Warner Records ticket sales deal, Claire could cash out big. "Fine, I won't argue," Costa sighed, handing Claire a schedule.
Claire's excitement faded as he scanned it. "Oh, come on! I'm here to be a student—why's my schedule packed?!"
"You think the artists and resources from Lem Valley were free? You owe favors!" Costa shot back.
Claire scratched his head awkwardly. Before he could respond, Costa added, "You're a guest vocalist for Taylor's New York tour. Once your enrollment's done, you're off to New York."
"No way!" Claire groaned.
Costa, amused by Claire's distress, felt his mood lift. Dilia, lugging gift bags from the car, set them by the villa's entrance.
"Those gifts are for your neighbors," Costa said. "As the new guy, you gotta make nice. Don't let them think you're some aloof jerk, or they won't have your back when trouble hits."
Claire waved them off, looking defeated. Costa turned to Dilia. "He's in your hands now. Take a break for a few days. Once he's enrolled, come back. I've got to head to the UK to sort out that Rooney mess."