Chapter 252: Preparations

Chapter 252: Chapter 252: Preparations

As the night deepened, the Santa Monica sea breeze, carrying a faint saltiness, brushed into the bedroom through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Irene was at her computer, double-checking the invitation list for the housewarming party.

Most of the invitees were actors and film company executives she had worked with. She was just about to message Shelly to ask if the list needed further adjustments when her phone rang. Britney’s name flashed on the screen.

"Irene, I heard you moved into your new home today! How does it feel?" Britney’s voice was full of excitement.

"Not bad. Why don’t you move in with me? I have plenty of rooms here anyway."

"Sure, I’ll stay with you for a while after the party," Britney said, then changed the subject.

"By the way, speaking of the party, some friends of mine heard about it and want to join the fun. Do you mind? It’s just a few people I’ve been hanging out with lately. They won’t cause any trouble."

Irene raised an eyebrow, her gaze falling on the list. At the moment, the list was dominated by male executives, and the female guests were just a few actresses she had worked with. It was indeed a bit monotonous.

"I don’t mind," Irene replied with a smile. "I won’t send them separate invitations. They can just come with you."

After hanging up with Britney, she immediately dialed Shelly’s number, her tone carrying a new idea.

"Shelly, add a few of Britney’s friends to the list. Also, I have an idea—let’s add a ’little surprise’ to the housewarming party."

"What’s the idea?" Shelly’s voice was tinged with curiosity.

"Isn’t Facebook open for registration across the U.S. now? It just hasn’t been widely promoted, so not many people know about it."

Irene looked out at the shimmering sea, her thoughts becoming clear.

"Many of the guests at this housewarming party are core Hollywood connections—production executives, artists, and technical leads. They are all key figures who can help Facebook break into the mainstream in the future.

I want to formally introduce Facebook on the gift cards and invite everyone to register early and become the first batch of users."

Shelly’s eyes immediately lit up. "That’s a brilliant idea! It’s not forced, yet it precisely reaches the core group. Oh, and the party favors need to keep up.

I suggest preparing them by gender. It shows thoughtfulness and allows us to embed the Facebook introduction on the cards, which carries much more weight than just mentioning it verbally."

"I was just thinking about that," Irene nodded.

"The male guests are mostly producers and industry seniors, so red wine from my father’s winery is most suitable. It’s niche but high quality, something respectable that also reminds them of the ’Coppola Family’ connection.

For the female guests, I’ll choose silk scarves and niche perfumes. For the scarves, we’ll pick high-end brands with simple, sophisticated designs. For the perfumes, we’ll select light scents from major brands that aren’t too common, fitting their aesthetic."

"You’ve thought of everything," Shelly praised.

Irene added, "The gifts don’t need to be too expensive. It’s the thought that counts. Also, let Martha know to set up a check-in desk at the entrance so everyone can pick up their gift when they sign in."

"No problem! I’ll go arrange it now," Shelly’s voice was full of energy.

After hanging up, Irene walked to the edge of the observation deck. The evening breeze brushed her cheeks, and the distant sea shimmered with silver light.

She took out her phone and sent a text to her father: "Dad, I need a batch of red wine from your winery for housewarming party gifts. Arrange for someone to deliver it to the new house in Santa Monica as soon as possible."

Her father replied quickly: "No problem. I’ll have the butler deliver it directly. I’ll pick out a few bottles with a good vintage to help you make an impression."

The day before the party, the winery’s red wine arrived on time. The deep red labels were printed with the Coppola Family logo, exuding quality.

Shelly also brought back the silk scarves and perfumes he had selected. The scarves were in Morandi tones, soft and draped beautifully, while the perfumes were woody florals, fresh and not overpowering.

That night, Shelly and his team worked late to produce the gift cards. Each one was hand-signed by Irene, with the registration link clearly visible on the back.

Martha also set up the check-in desk as requested, with exquisite gift bags laid out, waiting for the guests to arrive.

On the evening in Santa Monica, the setting sun painted the sea a gentle orange-red. The sea breeze, carrying a faint saltiness, drifted through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Irene’s new home, mingling with the jazz music playing inside.

The housewarming party officially began. The venue, arranged by Martha’s team, was minimalist yet exquisite. The long table in the living room was filled with cold hors d’oeuvres, champagne, and fresh-cut bouquets.

Warm yellow string lights were wrapped around the balcony railings. The sound of waves in the distance harmonized with the band’s performance, creating a perfect atmosphere that made every guest feel comfortable.

Guests began to arrive one after another, most of whom were Irene’s core partners.

Reese Witherspoon, wearing a simple off-white dress and carrying an exquisite gift box, walked in and waved with a smile from afar.

"Irene! Congratulations on the move! Your new home is so beautiful. This ocean view is simply incredible!"

"Thank you, Reese. Come in and sit down." Irene stepped forward quickly to hug her and took the gift box. "You even brought a gift. You’re too kind." ℴ

"Just a small token. It’s a scented candle I had custom-made by a craftsman. It has a very fresh scent, perfect for your study." Reese winked, her gaze scanning the living room. "Is the team from ’The Italian Job’ here too? I just saw Matt Damon at the entrance."

Following her gaze, Matt Damon was standing by the observation deck with Adelaide, both holding champagne and seemingly discussing future collaborations.

"Yes, they’ve been here for a little while. How have you been lately?"

Since finishing two teen comedy films under Irene, Reese had changed her style from her previous life and started taking a workaholic path, with a role being released almost every year.

"It’s alright, but still quite a bit different compared to when I worked with you," Reese said, her tone becoming a bit hesitant. "I’ve been auditioning for a movie recently where Matt is the lead. Do you think if I say a few good words to him, he’d be willing to help?"

Irene looked at Matt Damon not far away, then back at Reese, and said without any emotion in her voice, "You can go try. Matt is a very nice person—sincere, polite, and helpful. If you’re embarrassed, I can take you over."

Reese waved her hands quickly. "No need, Irene. I won’t trouble you with such a small thing. You go ahead and stay busy. I’ll go over and ask."

Irene smiled and nodded, not pushing the matter.

On the other side, Hilary Swank also walked over. After a period of training, she had developed a powerful aura.

"Irene, congratulations! I saw this in a gallery and thought the colors matched your new home perfectly, so I bought it as a gift." As she spoke, she handed over a small landscape painting.

"Thank you so much, Hilary. I was just thinking about hanging some decorations in the guest room." Irene accepted it with a smile and had her assistant, Vera, help register and store it.

More guests arrived with gifts. Johnny Depp brought a custom handmade dagger, saying it was a "housewarming security essential."

Vivian brought handmade cookies in an exquisite tin. Warner Bros.’s Hope Leslie brought a set of limited-edition movie scripts, signed on the title page.

Irene moved among the guests, greeting and thanking them one by one.

Just then, a burst of lighthearted laughter came from the door. Britney, wearing a sequined miniskirt, walked in arm-in-arm with three eye-catchingly dressed girls.

As soon as she entered, she was captivated by the atmosphere of the living room and the sea view outside. "Wow, Irene, your new home is decorated so beautifully! It’s even better than I imagined!"

The three girls beside her also looked around curiously.