章節 614: Chapter 614: NXIVM!
The Basel Sculpture Exhibition dazzled at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
In the bustling exhibition space, the trio of troublemakers, along with Mene, Chad, Marina, Spravina, and other crew members, gathered to show their support for Lily.
A swarm of reporters trailed them, snapping photos at every opportunity.
Martin leaned in to whisper to Leonardo, "As Hollywood's most renowned art collector, take your pick, and it's on me."
"No need," replied Leonardo, striding toward a display case. "I've got my eye on one of Lily's pieces."
Martin grinned mischievously, "All my votes are in your pocket this year."
"Already picturing that Oscar in your hands?" Leonardo quipped.
Martin's tone turned serious, "Let's not count our chickens before they hatch. Premature celebrations often lead to regrets."
As the trio attracted more attention, Leonardo pointed to a marble sculpture and called over a staffer, inquiring about its price.
Reporters seized the opportunity for a joint interview with Leonardo.
"I've been collecting art for over a decade, with a keen eye for quality. Lily Carter's work, in particular, has always captivated me," Leonardo boasted, oozing confidence. "Take this marble sculpture, for instance. From a mere stone, Lily has crafted a masterpiece, imbuing it with a unique beauty and artistic allure that's simply irresistible..."
Martin and Nicholson observed from the sidelines, impressed by Leonardo's performance.
"So, Jack, do you think he's worthy of Best Actor?" Martin inquired.
Nicholson pondered, "If there's no standout, he'll naturally be the frontrunner." He added, "Isn't 'Gone Girl' also hitting theaters during awards season?"
Martin shrugged, "I might snag a nomination for that role, but winning? Not likely. Our trio boasts four Oscar wins, but Leo's still chasing his first. It's embarrassing, to say the least."
Nicholson lamented, "Even the boss has his off days."
In the days following their discussion about Leonardo's Oscar prospects, Martin racked his brain, trying to recall the contenders that could stand in his way. Two films loomed large in his mind—one a black-and-white silent film steeped in nostalgia, and the other, a tale of the British monarch's struggle, possibly titled "The King's Speech."
Martin realized these films weren't part of the year's theatrical releases. If they were Weinstein Pictures productions, Harvey Weinstein might have secured them early. But if they were foreign acquisitions, the rights might not have been sold to the U.S.
Before long, Lily approached them, seeking to mingle with her supporters. "Excuse me, gentlemen," she said, "the curator's brought some guests over. I should go and greet them."
Martin waved her off, "Don't worry about us. Go work the room."
Nicholson remarked, "She's come a long way."
The exhibition hall buzzed with activity, making Martin uneasy. He pulled out his phone and called Bruce, "Get a bodyguard to shadow Lily."
Bruce nodded, dialing a number and murmuring, "I've got her covered."
On the second floor balcony, Allison Mack and Catherine Oxenberg flanked Keith Raniere, peering down at the bustling exhibition hall below.
"Is that Martin Davis talking to Lily Carter?" Raniere inquired, gazing intently at the scene.
Allison confirmed, "Yes, Martin Davis. And that's Jack Nicholson next to him, with Leonardo DiCaprio joining shortly after. They're the notorious trio known as the Bastard Three in Hollywood."
Raniere nodded knowingly, "I've heard of them. Could their presence be hindering your progress?"
Allison quickly deflected, "No, Lily's been consumed with exhibition preparations lately. Plus, she's become a bit wary of me..."
Raniere leaned forward, gripping the railings, his gaze fixed on Lily below. Her graceful movements stirred something primal in him, igniting a desire to possess her.
Allison interjected, "I've heard rumors about Martin Davis's tangled relationships, even involving Brad Pitt and Ben Affleck."
Raniere smirked confidently, "Do you think such obstacles can thwart your leader?"
The women bowed their heads respectfully.
"What sets Martin Davis apart from the Seagram Liquor Group?" Raniere mused, "His connections with social elites through the Coca-Cola Cult. While Nxivm may have fewer elites, we boast influential members like Claire and Sasha Bronfman."
In unison, the women echoed, "The master is our sun, and the rest mere dust beneath him."
Raniere stood tall, exuding confidence and elegance, a testament to his repeated successes and elite status among his followers.
His followers, including Claire and Sasha Bronfman, heirs to the Seagram Wine Group, poured millions into Nxivm, bolstering Raniere's wealth and influence.
Unlike the Cola Cult's loose affiliation, Nxivm boasted 17,000 devoted members, all social elites, including politicians and wealthy scions, ensuring Raniere's protection and support.
Despite reports of his nefarious deeds, Raniere evaded punishment, thanks to his powerful allies.
Turning to Catherine and India, Raniere commanded, "You two, come with me."
Addressing Allison, he ordered, "Keep watch here and notify me of any developments."
Alison obeyed, "Yes, master."
Raniere led Catherine and India downstairs, presenting a facade of familial bliss.
To outsiders, it would be inconceivable that such an elegant man harbored dark secrets, with the mother and daughter mere pawns in his twisted game.
As they descended to the exhibition hall, they admired Lily's abstract works, reminiscent of Martin's creations—mere stone, plaster, and wood to Lanier's discerning eye.
Among his followers, Raniere boasted of his extraordinary intellect and precocious abilities, further solidifying his cult-like hold over them.
In reality, he's a sleazebag who barely scraped through a second-rate college," Catherine whispered, pointing discreetly.
Raniere followed her gaze, spotting Lily engrossed in conversation with a group of people.
Upon closer inspection, he noted Lily's striking beauty. Her delicate features and statuesque figure captivated him instantly. There was an untamed allure beneath her seemingly demure exterior.
Contemplating the prospect of taming such a wild spirit as his own personal slave sent shivers down Raniere's spine.
Knowing he had to proceed with caution, Raniere instructed Catherine, "Go inform the organizer that I intend to purchase all of Lily Carter's works."
Catherine hurried off to relay the message.
Left alone with Raniere, India trembled like a leaf, intimidated by his imposing presence.
Raniere offered reassurance, "Upon my return to Los Angeles, I'll mark you as mine."
India's fear deepened. She'd witnessed her mother's branded scars—a constant reminder of her subservience.
...
Meanwhile, Martin conversed with Leonardo and Nicholson. Bruce approached hurriedly, whispering, "Someone's looking to purchase all of Lily's pieces."
Leonardo raised an eyebrow, "A generous benefactor, it seems."
Martin inquired, "Where are they?"
Bruce replied, "They're meeting Lily, her agent, and bodyguards in the VIP room adjacent to the exhibition hall."
Nicholson's eyes gleamed behind his sunglasses, "My gut tells me this person has nefarious intentions."
Leonardo rolled his eyes, "You don't need gut instincts to figure that out."
Martin decided, "Let's go see for ourselves."
Exiting the exhibition hall, they entered the museum's office area, encountering Lily and her agent.
Lily approached Martin eagerly, "More than a dozen pieces, all at the listed price. Could lightning strike twice, Martin?"
Leonardo quipped, "You can thank me for the boost."
Grateful, Lily nodded, "Thanks, Leo."
Nicholson interjected a word of caution, "Test the waters before diving in."
"I will," Lily assured, turning to Martin, "Should I sell them all?"
Martin grinned, "Why not? Remember the sugar-coated bullets?"
Recalling Martin's earlier advice from Atlanta, Lily nodded knowingly, "Eat the candy and return fire with cannonballs, right?"
Martin confirmed with a subtle nod.
Nicholson chimed in, "With us here, we could handle anything from bullets to missiles!"
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