Redoing My Life (Modern Family)

"How hard is it for you to believe?" I asked, gripping the steering wheel tightly as I drove along the winding path lined with towering cypress trees. The sprawling vineyards and rolling hills stretched out endlessly toward the horizon.

Margot, sitting in the passenger seat, tore her gaze from the picturesque scenery and fixed a skeptical look on me. "So you're telling me Ryan Reynolds—the funny, rom-com guy—had your car moved just so he could park his?"

"Yes!" I exclaimed, exasperated. "That guy is pure evil. The whole 'I'm so nice' thing? Total cover."

Margot chuckled, shaking her head. "I think you're mistaken. Ryan Reynolds? Evil? Seriously?"

I sighed, loosening my grip slightly as the estate's ornate gates came into view. "Believe whatever you want. But I know what I saw."

With a shrug, still clearly amused, Margot turned back to the scenery. As we approached Vineyard Ranch Estates, the landscape became even more breathtaking. On either side of the road, rows of grapevines stood in perfect alignment beneath the warm sun. Beyond them, a horse ranch unfolded, graceful animals grazing in quiet dignity. And in the distance, crowning it all, stood a sprawling, mansion-like estate framed by manicured gardens and fountains.

I pulled into a shaded parking area near the entrance, the building's cool shadow offering relief from the sun. The moment Margot stepped out, her eyes lit up at the sight of the horses in the distance.

"We're going there first," she declared.

She reached into the car and plucked out a cowboy hat she'd brought along, settling it atop her head. The hat was the perfect touch to her outfit: a crisp, white Western-style shirt with intricate floral embroidery at the shoulders and cuffs, high-waisted dark-wash skinny jeans, and a pair of rugged yet stylish boots. She looked like she belonged on the cover of a ranch magazine.

I leaned against the car and let out a low whistle. "You look incredible."

Margot grinned, tipping her hat in playful acknowledgment before looping her arm through mine. Together, we strolled toward the estate's entrance.

Up close, the building's grandeur was even more striking—towering columns, wide verandas, and ornate stone carvings hinting at a blend of Mediterranean flair and modern elegance. Inside, staff welcomed us with warm smiles and glasses of chilled white wine as we checked in.

As we wandered through the airy, sunlit atrium, Margot turned to me with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. "Maybe Ryan will show up and steal your car from here, too."

She burst into laughter. I groaned, but a grin tugged at my lips. "I have to get back at him," I muttered, half-annoyed and half-plotting.

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Later, we went horseback riding. Margot took to it immediately, moving with an easy confidence in the saddle. I, on the other hand, wasn't much of an animal person, but once we set off along the winding trails, I began to relax. The steady rhythm of hooves on soft earth, the gentle rustle of the grapevines in the breeze, and the sound of Margot's laughter as her horse playfully nipped at mine made it hard not to enjoy myself.

"You're a natural," Margot called over her shoulder, flashing me an approving smile.

"Don't let this fool you," I called back, tightening my grip on the reins as my horse made a sudden, unexpected turn. "I'm one nudge away from falling off."

Later, we traded horses for bikes, weaving through the vineyards and rolling hills. Margot raced ahead, her hat now tied behind her bike seat, blonde hair streaming behind her. We followed winding paths that shifted from sun-dappled groves to wide-open meadows. From time to time, we paused to catch our breath, Margot snapping photos while I marveled at the estate's natural splendor.

At one point, Margot wobbled on her bike and veered off the path into a patch of soft grass. She toppled over, laughing uncontrollably as she fell.

"Graceful as ever," I teased, helping her to her feet.

She stuck out her tongue, brushing grass from her jeans. "You're lucky I like you."

As dusk settled into night, we found ourselves on a cozy blanket spread across an open field, far from the estate's main buildings. Above us stretched a sky filled with stars, brighter than I'd ever seen them, unobscured by city lights. Margot lay on her back, one arm tucked behind her head, the other pointing out constellations she only half-remembered.

"What's that one?" she asked softly, her voice hushed in the nighttime calm.

"That's Cygnus. The swan," I said, lying beside her.

She turned her head toward me, eyes reflecting starlight. "You're such a nerd."

I chuckled quietly.

We fell into a comfortable silence, only the gentle rustling of nearby trees and the occasional chirp of a cricket filling the space. Margot reached out and entwined her fingers with mine.

"This was a good idea," she whispered.

I smiled, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "Yeah. It really was."

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As we made our way back into the city after an incredible couple of days, we stopped at a restaurant before heading home.

"So, for the Bonnie and Clyde premiere, I was thinking something bold," Margot said, her eyes bright with excitement. "Maybe a red gown—something that makes a statement but isn't too over-the-top."

I smiled, pouring myself another glass of water. "You'll look stunning. You always do."

She rolled her eyes playfully. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Mr. Adler." Then, her voice softened as she admitted, "I'm nervous. What if it doesn't do well? If it flops… my career—"

"Hey." I leaned forward until our eyes met. "You've worked hard, and it shows. People are going to love it. And if some don't, screw them. The movie is still months away, and everything I've heard has been great."

She gave me a grateful smile and sighed. "Thank you. I needed that."

Standing up, I smoothed the napkin on the table. "Let me grab a nice wine to celebrate your big night in advance." I winked, stepping away to browse the restaurant's wine rack a few feet away.

As I searched the labels for the perfect bottle, I finally settled on a Pinot noir. Turning back, I walked toward our table—only to find someone looming over it. He was large, dressed in a rumpled suit straining at the seams. I recognized him immediately: Harvey Weinstein.

'The fuck is he doing here?' I thought.

Margot sat stiffly, her smile forced. Her fingers tightened around her wine glass as she looked around the room, clearly seeking me out.

I drew closer and caught snippets of their conversation.

"That's... very kind of you," Margot said politely, though her voice sounded strained.

"Kind? No," Harvey said with a familiar, oily chuckle. "Just honest. I know talent when I see it."

I gripped the wine bottle tighter, my pulse quickening.

Spotting me, Harvey's grin widened. He gestured toward me. "Hey there! The man I've been looking for!" His booming voice cut through the restaurant's gentle hum.

I approached the table, my expression calm. "Harvey," I said, voice firm but polite, forcing a smile as I concealed my irritation. "Didn't expect to see you here."

"Fortunate, isn't it?" he replied, stepping closer, eyes flicking briefly to Margot. "I remember your girlfriend from a casting call a while back. Shame she didn't show."

Margot's forced smile faltered, her discomfort all the more obvious.

"If you wanted to talk," I said evenly, "you could have made an appointment."

"Ah, that's the thing. You keep canceling on me."

"Well, I'm a busy man."

"Let's talk now, then."

"Fine, if you want to talk, let's talk." I inclined my head, signaling we should move elsewhere.

"Oh, come on, Daniel." Harvey waved a hand dismissively. "We can talk right here."

I locked eyes with him, still smiling but making it clear I would not budge. "I insist."

He studied me, his grin fading slightly, then shrugged with exaggerated casualness. "Alright, alright. Lead the way."

We walked to a more secluded table, where a young woman—no older than twenty—sat waiting. She forced a polite smile as Harvey approached. Poor woman, I thought. Harvey gestured for her to stay, but I leaned toward her, offering a gentle smile of my own.

"Could you give us a moment?" I asked softly.

She looked to Harvey, who made no effort to hide his annoyance. "Wait for me outside, sweetheart," he said, patting her shoulder. She nodded, heels clicking away.

As she left, I took the seat opposite Harvey. He leaned back, his frame dwarfing the chair, and studied me with a predatory grin.

"So," Harvey said, his tone dripping with false camaraderie, "I hear you're making waves, Daniel. Everyone's talking about you. The Oscar winner. And this new movie—The Revenant."

My voice remained measured. "What about it?"

"I hear you're moving forward with it, and word is you've got Leonardo attached." He leaned forward, eyes dark. "That's a problem, Daniel. I want him in my movie, and we've got a scheduling issue."

I didn't flinch. "It's done. Leo's on board, and we're moving forward."

He smirked, a thin, humorless curve of his lips. "You're confident. I like that. But confidence can be dangerous. You're young, you've got talent—but you don't have the kind of power I do."

I kept silent.

His grin warped into something uglier. "You're making a mistake, kid. You don't want to cross the wrong people."

I forced down my anger, letting my voice stay calm. "I'm not one for threats, Harvey."

He chuckled, leaning back with a casual shrug. "Not a threat, just advice. And by the way"—his tone turned lecherous—"your girlfriend's a real beauty. She's got a bright future ahead of her... as long as she plays her cards right."

"This has nothing to do with her." I replied calmly.

Harvey raised his hands in mock innocence. "Hey, just saying. Hollywood's tough. It's about knowing the right people." He paused, eyes narrowing. "Wouldn't want anything to happen to that bright future, would you?"

I clenched my jaw. "She's doing just fine."

"Oh, I'm sure," Harvey said, smiling without warmth. "But it's different when someone like me gives you the nod. I open doors most people don't know exist. She could have been a star overnight, if she'd had the right... conversation." He tilted his head, grinning.

"Think about it, Daniel. You can push your movie back a couple of years. I want Leonardo, and people don't say no to me," he said, rising as if to leave.

As he turned, I grabbed his arm, forcing him back into the chair. His eyes blazed with fury.

"What the fuck are you doing?" he growled.

"Not yet," I said evenly. "The answer is still no. And if you're smart, you'll do exactly what I say."

He opened his mouth to retort, but I went on.

"When you get home, you'll find a dossier waiting for you. Read it carefully."

His confusion and anger deepened. "What the fuck are you talking about?"

I stood, adjusting my jacket and meeting his glare with a calm, steely gaze. "And one more thing Harvey—keep my girlfriend's name out of your fucking mouth."

His face reddened, but I didn't wait for a reply. I walked away without looking back.

Approaching our table, I found Margot waiting, worry etched across her face.

"Everything okay?" she asked quietly.

I mustered a reassuring smile. "Yeah, it's fine."

"Are you sure?" Her eyes searched mine.

"Let's get out of here," I suggested softly. "We can pick up takeout and eat at home."

Margot's shoulders relaxed a bit, and she smiled. "That sounds perfect."

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Two weeks later

I was at home, writing, when my phone buzzed. Glancing at the screen, I recognized the caller, and a faint smile tugged at my lips.

I answered, "This is Daniel."

A familiar, gravelly voice responded, "Daniel Adler."

"Harvey," I said, leaning back in my chair, still smiling.

"You've been busy," he said, voice tinged with menace. "Talking to people you shouldn't be."

"I take it you've read the dossier."

"You're playing a dangerous game," Harvey continued. "You don't understand how things work. I have powerful friends, Daniel. Friends who don't like troublemakers."

I let out a quiet chuckle. "Oh, you have powerful friends," I echoed mockingly.

"That's right," he said, the words clipped. "I'm giving you a chance to back off."

I leaned forward, resting my elbow on the desk. "Harvey, let me be perfectly clear. I've got some powerful friends too. Maybe it's time for you to retire. You know what they say: out with the old, in with the new."

Silence hung on the line for a long moment, and I pictured his face contorting with barely contained rage.

Then the line went dead.

Setting my phone down gently, I allowed myself a small, satisfied smile. It wasn't over, not by a long shot. But I'd won this round, and I had no intention of backing down.

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You can read up to chapter 158

p.a.t.r.eon.com/Illusiveone (check the chapter summary i have it there as well)