America Tycoon: The Wolf of Showbiz

Chapter 215: Chapter 214 Full of Guilt

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Los Angeles International Airport, having received the news in advance, the paparazzi gathered near the terminal, waiting for the news to fall into their laps.

Jody was wearing a Dodgers baseball cap backward and was waiting in the airport area permitted for photography with her camera ready.

She had received a call from Atlanta early in the morning, a heads-up from an old acquaintance.

The airport speakers announced the arrival of the targeted flight, and after a short wait, the VIP passengers began to emerge from the gate.

Jody picked up her camera and prepared to take pictures, and when Martin walked out, she repeatedly pressed the camera shutter.

There was indeed news.

Walking beside Martin was Angelina Jolie.

The two did not interact much, looking more like business partners and friends.

Jolie wore a short trench coat, her left hand holding a little boy who could walk, and her right hand carrying a little girl, radiating a glow of motherhood all over.

It seemed the children were her everything.

Martin hastened his pace to leave, leaving the stage to Jolie alone.

On the way over on the plane, they had a deep conversation, and upon his return to Los Angeles, Jolie was ready to make a move.

After Martin exited the terminal, he got into the sedan driven by Jessica and said, "Don't go back to the apartment for now, go to the Four Seasons Hotel."

No sooner had they left the airport than the paparazzi followed.

Martin was used to it and said to Bruce, "Keep an eye on the news about Jolie."

"It's bound to blow up," Bruce suggested, "Aniston is America's sweetheart, and you are America's hero, you might as well make a move on Aniston."

Martin couldn't be bothered with Old Cloth; his standing was several notches below Aniston's. He asked Jessica, "Any special events lately?"

Jessica knew Martin was asking about things related to him and said, "No, everything's normal."

Entering Beverly, the car soon stopped outside the hotel.

Martin and Bruce went into the hotel together. After checking in, they turned into the elevator area and bumped into two people coming out.

Annie Hathaway and her agent Maha.

Both parties stopped in their tracks.

Martin, being gracious, nodded to Annie and Maha, "What a coincidence."

Maha, the tactful agent, responded with a smile, "Long time no see, Martin."

Annie's gaze fell on Martin's face. She intended to leave directly but couldn't move her feet and said softly, "Do you have time for a chat?"

"Sure," Martin said as he left the elevator area and headed to a coffee shop next door, settling down in a secluded spot.

Annie followed in alone and sat across from Martin.

After more than two months without seeing each other, he had become a hero beloved by all of America, not only receiving the key to the city of Los Angeles but also rumored to be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Annie felt uncomfortable, but that was not the key issue.

A few days ago, Annie read in the newspaper that "Wanted Order" started filming in Atlanta with a publicized budget of 65 million US dollars!

Martin was not only the lead actor but also the production manager, clearly having secured investment.

Moreover, the cast announced by the "Infernal Affairs" production team listed Martin as the second male lead, investing in the project!

That was a movie directed by Scorsese.

In a low voice, Annie asked, "I saw in the news you were filming in Atlanta?"

Martin admitted frankly, "Yes, I was filming 'Wanted Order'. I'm back for a premiere."

Annie raised her head and stared intently at Martin, "Why did you lie to me? Everything was going well, so why did you tell me investors had pulled out..."

Martin was surprised, "When did I tell you that investors had pulled out?" He thought back, "I have never said that!"

Annie then remembered Martin had never said it to her directly, but at that moment, feeling indignant, she blurted out, "That morning, Bruce came to the room. I overheard what you said to him."

Martin recalled, "Now I remember, the day you said you wanted to break up, I had to audition for 'Infernal Affairs'. I asked Old Cloth to run lines with me so I could get more familiar with the audition script before I went for the second audition."

Annie, despite considering herself very smart and thorough in her actions, had not foreseen such a scenario and was momentarily stunned.

She could hardly believe it, "You... You're telling the truth?"

Martin said, "To check the performance, I even had Old Cloth bring a video camera. We recorded it; Old Cloth read from the temporary script. If you want to see the video, I can have Old Cloth look for it."

Annie bowed her head slightly, but as soon as she did, she raised it again and accused, "Why didn't you explain it to me?"

Martin looked helpless, "You wanted to break up without giving a reason, how was I to explain?"

Annie thought to herself, I can't possibly tell you that I broke up with you because you didn't have a promising future, right? I'm not that mercenary!

Martin continued, "I called you, you hung up the first time, then turned off your phone, later you changed your number." He countered, "What could I do?"

Annie was filled with regret. She had let go of such a high-quality 'stock' on her own accord—what a foolish move!

Thinking about Martin's current momentum and career, she tried to reconcile, "I misunderstood you, but now that it's cleared, we..."

Martin immediately cut her off, "Sorry, Annie. It's all in the past. I've been through a shooting incident. I'm physically and mentally exhausted and just want some peace to be alone for now. I don't want to talk about relationships at the moment."

Annie still wanted to make amends.

Martin, as if deeply hurt, walked out lonely and desolately.

Annie's eyes reddened, and she muttered guiltily, "I'm sorry."

As she watched Martin's receding back disappear through the door, only one thought filled her heart, "I was the one who let down this relationship."

When Martin returned to the hotel lobby, he met up with Bruce and they went upstairs together.

Once inside the suite, Bruce couldn't help but ask curiously, "Did Annie ask to get back together?"

"I turned her down and laid all the blame on her." It was not easy to make a princess feel guilty and admit her faults. Martin sat on the sofa and asked, "Did I just reach a new low?"

"It's not too bad." If it had been before, Bruce would have let loose with all sorts of nasty comments, but this time was different, "You're much higher up the scale of decency compared to those creeps in the crew."

Take Morgan Freeman, for instance, who managed his public image so well, widely acclaimed for his acting and character.

After packing his luggage, Bruce said to Martin, "I'm going out tonight."

Martin replied, "Go see your Kardashian sisters."

Possibly having seen too many freaks in the crew, Bruce seemed self-righteous and unabashed.

Back in Los Angeles, Martin finally got to give that thing a break, took a hot bath, and had a really good night's sleep.

It's not easy being a male star; after all, standing to attention at any moment is much harder than spreading legs anytime.

That night, Martin slept exceptionally well, and didn't even hear the call from Blake Lively.

When he woke up the next day, various entertainment newspapers Bruce brought back were filled with news about Jolie and Pitt.

Jolie was all about maternal love, seemingly a saint.

Pitt still brimmed with desire for family and children.

The promotional plan, which had been interrupted by the incident at Burbank Middle School, reactivated as they strove to establish their personas.

With just over a month until the release of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith", this was the last chance.

......

In the outskirts of Los Angeles, on a farm owned by Jolie, reporters and photographers from "People" magazine, under the Warner Bros. umbrella, were busy setting up for a shoot.

Their editor-in-chief had struck an agreement with Jolie and the Warner Bros. executives for a series of exclusive stories.

Jolie came out of the cabin with her children.

She lifted the child she had just adopted this year, then played with her son.

No script needed, Jolie had enough ability to make these moments natural and genuine.

Moreover, the photographer was skilled, always capturing the most spectacular moments.

After taking some photos, a minibus drove up, and Brad Pitt was the first to get out, then waved for a dozen or so orphans to get off in an orderly manner.

Afterward, he led these children over to Jolie's side.

The theme of the day's shoot was family and children.

After capturing many photos, under Jolie's subtle guidance, the photographer snapped wholesome pictures of Pitt, her, and two children – perfect for a cover!

Once the photo session ended, some staff took the children on a tour of the farm, and "People" magazine's lead reporter came for an intimate interview with the child-loving Jolie and Pitt.

Jolie firmly controlled the whole scene.

Finally, the interview concluded.

The staff from "People" magazine were the first to leave.

Jolie had been busy, and it was quite a while before Pitt found a real chance to have a quiet chat.

"Should I go to your place after this or mine?" he specifically asked Jolie, "We haven't been together for months."

However, Jolie said, "I'm not convenient these days, and I need to look after the children."

She was planning to force Aniston and Pitt to divorce, so Pitt had almost lost his charm in her eyes, "What we are doing now is crucial for our future, every step is vital, so let's be prudent."

Pitt agreed, "For our future."

Jolie's heart was already elsewhere, "Temporary patience is for better development later. We can't afford any accidents at this stage."

Pitt nodded, "I understand, we can wait until this period is over."

Jolie smiled faintly, "Keep in touch."

As Pitt drove away, he made a call, intending to find his regular housekeeper for relief.

Housekeepers, nannies, and cleaning ladies had always been to his taste.

Once Pitt's car had left the farm, Jolie pulled out her phone and dialed Martin's number. As soon as he picked up, she asked with a smile, "Mr. Martin, are you free? I'm coming to you for a lesson."

Getting a response from the other end, Jolie immediately handed the two adopted children over to the nanny, drove the nanny's car straight to Beverly Hills, and headed alone into the Four Seasons Hotel.

After a night's resupply of ammunition, Martin's firepower was restored.

Jolie left alone in the late afternoon.

Because Martin was departing.

That afternoon, the premiere of "The Summer of Jeans" was held at the Los Angeles Sunshine Cinema.

This coming-of-age film would debut across a wide range of theaters in North America on the second weekend of the summer slot.