[Chapter 313: Nicole Kidman's Surprise, The Garden Project]
After the intense lovemaking session, the two returned to the dining table to replenish their energy.
Nicole Kidman nibbled on a simple green salad and happily raised her glass of red wine. "Darling, don't you think I look younger today? My skin's more radiant and smoother than ever."
"Baby, you're getting more beautiful and alluring by the day."
"Do you like that?"
"I do -- didn't you feel it just now?"
"Oh stop it, you're just teasing me." Thinking back to Linton's passion just moments ago, a faint blush colored Nicole's cheeks, along with a satisfied smile.
"It's not a joke; it's the plain truth."
"Darling, you're amazing. I don't want to be away from you."
"No problem, anytime you want to come to my estate, you know it's just a few minutes from your place."
"That's right. When Tom and I divorced, I made sure I got the Mulholland Drive estate. I even gave up other assets to make it happen so I could be closer to you."
"Baby, I know how much that means. I'll make sure you're happy for life."
"Darling, I want you to work your magic every day so I stay forever young and beautiful."
"I'm more than happy to do that."
"You're the best." Nicole cheerfully sat back on Linton's lap and planted a tender kiss on his lips.
Seeing her eager to continue, Linton gently held her back and pulled the Independence Day script from his bag. "Sweetheart, my company has greenlit this major production. The female lead, presidential assistant Constance, is all yours."
"Really? That's fantastic! Thank you so much, darling. I'm so grateful." The sudden opportunity thrilled Nicole so much she barely glanced at the script before diving back into the passionate encounter.
Soon, their lovemaking resumed with even greater intensity -- throughout the dining room, kitchen, sofa, sinks, and bathtub...
Everything bore the marks of their passion.
Their sweet laughter and joyful moans echoed unceasingly.
...
Before everyone realized it, October had arrived.
After more than a month of on-site inspections and design work, landscape experts James van Sweden and Topher Delaney finally returned to Los Angeles with two garden design proposals.
Each had its merits and sophisticated style but differed greatly in aesthetic.
Based on Linton's preferences and earlier discussions, Plan A emphasized natural harmony. It featured flowing water, layered plant zones, and seamless integration between built structures and the landscape. The focus was on creating a tranquil, immersive environment -- poetic yet grounded -- where paths curved gently, viewpoints were carefully framed, and the garden evolved with the seasons.
Plan B, by contrast, evoked a more formal and aristocratic atmosphere. The front section proposed a grand estate house and manicured lawn, while the rear grounds unfolded into a series of structured gardens: hedged walkways, reflective pools, and sculpted symmetry. It conveyed order, legacy, and quiet power -- a space designed to impress as much as to inspire.
"Winnie, which design do you prefer?" At this meeting, only Linton, Winnie, Aunt Kelly, and the two experts were present.
"Both are incredible, surpassing all my expectations. Living in such a garden would be a dream. Darling, you decide."
"Then let's go with Plan B."
"That's the right choice. If built as drawn, I believe even moguls like the Rockefellers or Rothschilds couldn't match this estate's grandeur." Winnie was visibly excited.
True, having the designs was one thing. Actually constructing it with such detailed architecture, blending buildings and landscapes to create various moods, was another. Hiring a local construction team would likely skyrocket the cost, but they needed expert opinions.
"Mr. Van Sweden, Ms. Delaney, I'm very pleased with both design proposals. Have you prepared a cost estimate?"
"Yes," Van Sweden replied, "the total budget should come to around fifteen million dollars."
"Fifteen million?" Linton looked up with interest.
Delaney explained, "That includes everything -- design, grading, custom stonework, heritage trees, water features, lighting, and the structural elements across the full 200 acres."
Van Sweden added, "And thanks to Kelly's coordination, we're sourcing the bulk of the on-site labor from South Columbia. That significantly lowers the labor cost while maintaining quality."
Linton glanced at Kelly, who nodded. "I pulled some strings with contacts in the Columbian government. We'll be able to bring in experienced workers through a temporary visa arrangement. It's fully legal under a special cultural exchange clause -- just needed the right paperwork."
"Good," Linton said. "If I approve the full fifteen million, will you guarantee that the final result mirrors your design exactly?"
"You mean we'd handle construction supervision as well?" Van Sweden clarified.
"Yes. I don't want to risk miscommunication with a third-party general contractor unfamiliar with your vision."
Delaney responded, "Then it's settled. Our teams will oversee every detail, from material procurement to final installation. You'll get precisely what's in the plan -- no shortcuts."
Satisfied, Linton nodded. "Good. Have your lead construction managers come to Los Angeles immediately to finalize the agreement and begin logistics planning. I want this ready to break ground in spring."
The construction was scheduled to run from April 1 to September 30 the following year.
Linton authorized a $4 million advance to allow them to secure materials and begin scheduling shipments.
Most important to him was the construction quality. Most importantly, the contract explicitly required that final payment would only be made upon full adherence to the approved design.
*****
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