After a round of internal family deliberations, Luca was finally cleared of any suspicions, and harmony was restored within the family. However, dealing with the outside world was a different story.
That evening, at the Lima apartment, Luca lay in bed texting Britney, discussing how to explain everything to the public.
"Explain? Why do we need to explain anything?" Britney asked.
Luca smirked. "This kind of news could damage your reputation."
"Reputation is crap. I don't care about that, do you?" Britney asked.
Luca chuckled. "Of course, I don't care. I'm just a small-time model."
"Haha, you're Mr. Big! How could you be small?" Britney said.
Luca grinned. This girl sure knew how to say things that could get someone into trouble. Just as he was about to reply, Britney called him.
He glanced at the bedroom door and answered the call.
"Hey, Luca, good evening! Are you asleep yet?"
Britney's voice was lively and contagious, instantly putting him in a good mood.
"No, just lying in bed, making calls."
"Wow, me too. I'm not wearing a bra, by the way. What about you?"
"…"
"Haha, you're probably embarrassed again. You're too cute."
Britney laughed a few more times. "Do you have time this weekend? I'm filming a music video in Times Square. You should come by!"
The weekend?
Luca was speechless. This girl was bold. Their rumors were already flying everywhere, and if they were seen together this weekend, they'd be caught red-handed.
"I can't, Britney. The day after tomorrow, I have to go to Hollywood for a movie audition."
"An audition? Oh, that's a shame!"
As they continued talking, Britney suddenly shrieked.
"What's wrong, Britney?" Luca asked urgently.
"Haha, guess what I just found in bed?"
"A cat?"
"NO! It's something very personal."
Luca thought for a moment and laughed. "Britney, it wouldn't be… adult toys, would it?"
"Haha, of course not. It's something for kids."
"Emmmm~ no idea."
"Hahaha~ it's your diaper, Luca! Your diaper is still here with me. When are you coming to get it? If you don't want it, I'll put it up for auction on eBay. A Mr. Big diaper—I'm sure lots of people would want to collect it! Hahaha~"
Britney was laughing hysterically.
Luca's face turned dark. Last time, he was supposed to dance, and wearing a diaper was inconvenient.
Britney had suggested he take it off.
He did, and then forgot to take it with him when he left. He never imagined Britney had kept it, adding yet another embarrassment to his list.
"Britney, I'll definitely come pick it up soon."
"Okay, okay, I'll be waiting for you!"
Luca awkwardly hung up the phone and lay in bed, feeling uncomfortable for a while. Suddenly, he realized that Lima hadn't come in yet.
"Lima, aren't you done with your shower?"
"Almost!" Lima's voice came from the next room.
Luca sighed and patted the bed. It was late, and she was still in the game room?
He got out of bed in his pajamas and saw the beautiful Lima, dressed in a bathrobe, sitting at her computer desk, completely focused on her game, completely forgetting her boyfriend lying in bed.
His face darkened as he approached her, ready to carry her into the bedroom for a playful spanking.
But then he saw Lima controlling a female character in the game, brutally kicking a man to death, with blood pooling on the ground.
He hesitated, then decided against it. After all, in relationships, peace was key.
"Oh, darling, why did you come out here?"
Lima glanced back at him.
"What do you think? I've been waiting for you for almost an hour."
Luca said, his face dark.
"Emmm~ darling, I just finished my shower, and my hair's still wet, so I'm drying it here."
Lima rubbed her hair and smiled apologetically.
Luca shook his head and grabbed the towel nearby to help dry her hair. Lima's hair was a rich chestnut color with soft curls, thick and shiny. Blow-drying didn't help much, so she always liked to air-dry it after washing.
"Lima, which one's more important: me or the game?"
Luca asked casually as he dried her hair.
"The game... Oh, wow, it's over!"
Lima blinked and turned to him. "What did you just say, darling?"
"What do you think, chubby?"
Luca was annoyed. He picked her up by her long legs and slung her over his shoulder, giving her a playful slap as he marched toward the bedroom.
"Ahhh! Luca, you big pervert! What are you doing?"
"Don't move!"
"Haha~ I'm sorry, Luca! You're the most important, the most, most, most important!"
"Now you say that? Too late!"
With a loud bang, the bedroom door slammed shut.
Luca spent the night stirring up a storm, and by the next morning, the city was buzzing with gossip.
When he turned on the TV and opened the newspapers, it was all news about him and Britney's car scandal.
The *Washington Post* reported on March 3, "Yesterday afternoon, FOX News aired a very interesting video. According to Nielsen's statistics, the broadcast garnered 38.3 million viewers, surpassing the popular show *Joe Millionaire* by 10 points.
"The video showed Britney and Ford model Luca Kelly in a car affair. After the incident was exposed, it caused a huge stir in the entertainment industry. So far, neither party has made a statement."
The *Los Angeles Times* reported on March 4, "Shocking news: Superstar Britney and a small-time model were caught in a car scandal. Can you believe it? Of course you can, because you've seen the video, right?
"What you might not know is that the small-time model already has a girlfriend—none other than supermodel Adriana Lima, a smoking-hot Brazilian beauty.
"On one side, we have superstar Britney, and on the other, supermodel Lima. Honestly, I'm a bit jealous of that small-time model."
The *New York Times* also reported on March 4, "Yesterday, two big events happened in America. One was the anti-war protests across the country, and the other was Britney's car scandal.
"In the midst of the anti-war outcry, it's surprising that Britney's scandal generated even more attention than the protests."
Countless entertainment tabloids also picked up the story, mostly focusing on the scandalous details.
At LaGuardia Airport's Terminal 3, Luca flipped through several newspapers, sweating slightly.
He knew the news would cause a stir, but he didn't expect it to blow up this much. Almost every newspaper was covering it.
Britney's influence was undeniable.
"Luca, congrats! You've gone viral!" Ed said, putting down a newspaper with a smile.
Luca shook his head. "Ed, this isn't funny at all."
Ed laughed. Though he was teasing, he was also being truthful. Luca's name, once known only in fashion circles, was now on everyone's lips. He had truly "crossed over."
Unfortunately, it wasn't because of his work, but because of a scandal. It felt a bit hollow.
But, with this newfound fame, he could achieve a few things.
For example, the upcoming audition—before, he only had a 50% chance. Now, it was 100%.
The only dilemma was which to choose: *Under the Tuscan Sun* or *Underworld*?
Ugh, such a tough decision!
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please..."
The airport's announcement echoed.
Ed stood up, adjusted his suit, and said excitedly, "Luca, it's time to conquer Hollywood. Let's go!"
"OK, let's go!"
Luca flicked the hem of his coat and swaggered into the boarding gate.
(End of this chapter)