In the morning, after his routine exercise, Martin headed back to Carter’s house for breakfast. As he reached the yard, he heard raised voices coming from the open doorway.
“I’m the father of this useless bunch!” Scott Carter’s voice roared like a truck horn. “If I’m out of money, who else am I supposed to turn to? Your damn mother? Harris, stop hiding like a coward; you still owe me 20 dollars for the tapes you used.”
Harris replied, “I didn’t use your tapes. I absolutely don’t owe you any money.”
“Here’s 10 dollars!” Elena slammed a ten-dollar bill onto the table, her face cold. “You can leave now!”
Scott took the money and turned to leave, only to see Martin at the door. With the momentum Elena had subdued, Scott’s mood instantly shifted. “You scoundrel, I heard you’ve made money? Bought a car? When will you repay what you owe me?”
Martin, bewildered, asked, “Have you lost your mind?”
Elena came out and banged the door shut.
Scott hurried away, muttering, “How did I end up with such worthless children?”
Elena turned back as if she hadn’t heard him.
Martin, unperturbed and with no hint of embarrassment, followed inside for breakfast.
Hall suggested, “You should break his nose.”
Martin sat at the dining table and said, “He’s your father. If I hit him, he might go to child services and have you and Lily placed in foster care. Can you imagine the outcome?”
Hall fell silent.
Lily interjected, “We’d never see you again.”
“Shut up!” Elena barked. “Come and have breakfast.”
After breakfast, Lily and Hall went off to school, and Harris retreated to his room to study.
Elena cleared the table and pointed at Martin’s neck. “Injured?”
Martin shrugged. “Just a scratch.” He took out a check and handed it over. “Your payment.”
Elena looked at the amount, her eyebrows rising. “800 dollars! Quite a sum!”
Martin handed Elena another check. “This 200 dollars is for Monica. Don’t mention the amount you received. By the way, I’m planning to throw a backyard party on Wednesday afternoon to celebrate. I’ve invited a few friends and colleagues; please invite some of your friends as well.”
Elena replied, “No problem. I’ll make sure to bring a lively crowd.”
She packed up, grabbed a bag, and asked, “Is this a good time? Take me to the supermarket.”
Martin fished out his car keys, drove out of the community, and stopped at a lottery store where Elena insisted on buying a lottery ticket.
“I’ll buy one for you?” she asked.
Martin handed her the money. “Choose whichever you like.”
Elena quickly returned with the ticket and handed it to Martin. “May you have some luck.”
Martin took it and asked, “Do you always play?”
Elena tucked the ticket away, “In a situation like Carter’s, the only chance for improvement is winning the lottery.”
She suddenly looked exhausted. “I want Harris to get into a good university, and Lily and Hall to attend private schools, but what can I do? I’m useless!”
Martin drove thoughtfully and said, “Learn a skill and find a stable job. If you’re interested, I can teach you bartending.”
Elena lacked confidence. “I’m not good at anything.”
Martin encouraged, “I’m not particularly smart either.”
“Exactly!” Elena realized. “If a fool like you can learn, then I’m sure I can too.”
Martin dropped Elena off and, considering the party needs, went shopping for supplies.
Later, he retrieved Kelly Gray’s business card and visited the Marietta Library. Using a public computer, he looked up relevant information online.
Gray Film Company had an official website.
Kelly Gray, 31 years old, from a wealthy family, owned a modestly sized film production company but collaborated with several cable channels.
Additionally, Kelly Gray had worked in Hollywood for four years after graduating from USC.
Among Martin’s potential connections, Kelly Gray was a top-tier contact.
Martin’s experience told him that networking was a key element of success.
Since the initial contact with Kelly Gray had gone well, Martin was determined not to let this opportunity slip by.
Back at home, he found an excuse, pondered for a moment, and dialed Kelly Gray’s number.
Martin introduced himself and invited Kelly Gray to visit the club when convenient.
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