Chapter 226: Exceptionally Good
Late at night, after leaving the Four Seasons Hotel, Aaron headed to a bar in West Hollywood to unwind—only to find that the afterparty for The Age of Innocence was being held there.
After greeting director Martin Scorsese, as well as leads Daniel Day-Lewis and Michelle Pfeiffer, Aaron made his way over to Winona Ryder, who played the supporting female role in the film.
The Age of Innocence, adapted from the novel by American writer Edith Wharton, is a period romance set within the upper echelons of 19th-century New York society.
"Martin Scorsese directing a romance—that alone is a talking point," Aaron remarked with a faint smile. After all, Scorsese was best known for gangster films.
"You went to Venice, right?"
Winona nodded. "Yes. The film premiered there, and the cast attended several award events."
Aaron slipped an arm around her waist and smiled. "Your performance in The Age of Innocence has been widely praised. The papers have mentioned it—several critics' associations have already awarded you Best Supporting Actress."
"If nothing unexpected happens, your name will likely show up at next year's Golden Globes and even the Oscars."
Winona shook her head modestly. "That's thanks to Martin's guidance."
In truth, many felt her performance even outshone Michelle Pfeiffer's.
"By the way," she added with a teasing smile, "last time in New York, I introduced you to Gwyneth Paltrow. You didn't seem very interested."
"She's quite taken with you—young, beautiful, great figure… Honestly, that's not very typical of you."
Winona's eyes sparkled with amusement as she studied his reaction.
Aaron narrowed his eyes and pressed Winona Ryder back against the wall, lifting her chin with his fingers as he looked down at her.
"My style?" he murmured. "Do you take me for someone who says yes to every woman who comes along?"
"Aren't you? Mm—"
She didn't finish her sentence. He cut her off with a kiss, deep and possessive. Beneath the dim bar lights, the air was thick with alcohol and heat. Not long after, they left together for Winona's hillside villa in West Hollywood.
---
The next morning, Aaron was still asleep when Winona had already gotten up.
"Aaron, you can head out on your own later. I made you breakfast."
She leaned down and kissed him softly.
"You're up this early?" he asked, pulling her back toward him.
She traced her fingers lightly across his chest and smiled. "Last night was incredible."
"After finishing promotion for The Age of Innocence, I need to head straight into rehearsals for Little Women. Filming starts soon."
"Alright. I'll let myself out."
She nodded. "When I'm in Los Angeles, I'm usually here. I don't go out much. Just come here next time."
"Got it."
---
Southwest Houston, near Memorial Park—Aaron had purchased a sprawling luxury estate in the River Oaks area as his future residence in the city.
Cristiana Reali, who had just returned from Brazil, had also come to Houston to join him.
"So? Is everything settled over there?" Aaron asked, holding her on the sofa as they discussed her modeling agency.
"It's all set," Cristiana replied. "I brought three models back from Brazil this time. They've walked in the Big Four fashion weeks, so they have solid experience. We can focus on developing them."
She added, "And before I came to Houston, I contacted Victoria's Secret. They said they need at least a dozen models."
Cristiana might not have been the strongest actress, but when it came to the modeling business Aaron supported, she was fully committed.
Aaron smiled. "Don't worry too much. It's their first show too—Victoria's Secret isn't exactly certain what they're doing yet."
"I've approved a one-million-dollar marketing budget to promote the brand. Any model you believe in can audition. A few extra won't hurt."
Cristiana kissed his cheek. "Thank you."
---
That afternoon, Rockets general manager Ray Patterson visited the estate to discuss plans for a new arena.
It was preseason. The Houston Rockets had made some roster moves, but as long as Hakeem Olajuwon was on the team, they remained contenders.
"The Houston city government supports building a new arena," Patterson explained, "but financially, they're limited."
Aaron shook his head and chuckled. "Rely on city hall? Unless we threaten relocation, getting serious funding from the council will be tough."
"I'll put up $100 million in cash. We'll secure a naming-rights sponsor and finance the rest through bank loans."
"One hundred million…" Patterson's eyes lit up. "That more than solves the problem."
"I want a state-of-the-art multipurpose indoor arena," Aaron continued. "It should be a Houston landmark—and a cathedral for fans."
Madison Square Garden was known as the "Mecca of Basketball." Aaron envied that legacy.
If the Rockets performed well, ticket sales would follow. Advertising revenue would increase. Owning and operating their own arena would put them ahead of teams that merely leased facilities.
In the current NBA, very few franchises actually owned their arenas. Most were city-built and team-rented.
"With $100 million committed, construction can begin right after Christmas," Patterson said. "And naming rights won't be hard to sell. Banks, automakers, airlines, telecom companies—they've already reached out."
Aaron smirked slightly. "Good. I'll inject the $100 million into the franchise this month."
He paused.
"By the way—Hakeem's condition? No concerns, right?"
Patterson grinned. "Better than ever."