Martin and Elizabeth were on Rodeo Drive, up on the second floor of Brioni's boutique store. There, Martin was being meticulously measured by a master tailor. He was asked to pick his preferred fabrics and basic styles.
Elizabeth, who had come along with him, grabbed Martin's arm and pointed at a fabric, suggesting, "This color suits you perfectly and will make you look more lively." It seemed like a small, insignificant detail, but Martin valued Elizabeth's opinion and decided to go with her choice.
The master tailor, known as Master Pirlo, jotted down the choice. Elizabeth was delighted and led Martin to select leather shoes and a tie.
Leaving the store, they hopped into Elizabeth's Porsche. Martin then proposed, "It's your turn to choose a dress now."
Elizabeth grinned and replied, "I already have something in mind."
Surprised, Martin asked, "Is it from a sponsored brand?"
Elizabeth started the car and headed to Century City Shopping Plaza, explaining, "No, it's my sister's brand, and it perfectly fits my status in the circle. When I reach your level, maybe I'll have big brands sponsoring me."
Martin complimented her, saying, "You're quite exceptional for your age, Liz. You're a remarkable young woman."
Elizabeth attributed her awareness to her sisters and mentioned the internet saying about praising someone's character leading to rejection or breakup.
Playfully, she asked Martin if he wanted to break up with her, to which Martin playfully responded, "Why would you think that? We've crush villains like Leonardo and Nicholson to be together!"
Arriving at Century City Shopping Plaza, they entered the underground parking lot and took the elevator upstairs.
Elizabeth decided to explore "The Row," an affordable luxury brand by the Olsen sisters, which suited her style. Martin actively shared his opinions, showing his care for her.
While Elizabeth chose a light-colored dress, Martin went for a black outfit. He even swiped his card to pay for Elizabeth's purchases.
Elizabeth insisted, "You don't have to do this."
Martin insisted, "It's my pleasure."
Exiting the store, they continued their shopping spree. Elizabeth whispered, "Let's visit the supermarket. I need to buy some personal items."
Martin agreed, and they headed to the supermarket together.
As they strolled through Century City Shopping Plaza, a bustling commercial hub in Los Angeles, they crossed paths with various people. It was a place frequented by many celebrities.
Among them, Brad Pitt, with his characteristic messy long hair tied in a ponytail, strolled through the mall alone, drawing curious glances and whispers.
Peter noticed the mixed reactions, which ranged from envy and admiration in the past to disdain and ridicule now. Parents even took steps to protect their children from him.
He overheard someone say, "Girls should always be cautious and stay away from people like him."
Another person chimed in, "The legal system in Los Angeles should be doing something about this. Such individuals should be in jail."
In this bustling place, Brad Pitt couldn't escape the judgment and criticism that followed him everywhere.
These words stung, but Brad Pitt could endure them, having endured many hardships over the past year. His acting career had dwindled, with no film contracts in sight. Brands he endorsed terminated their agreements, some even pursuing him for compensation over breached contracts, like Cadillac.
His association with Plan B Company ended with expulsion from its management as Jennifer Aniston became the company's major shareholder. Brad Pitt approached the supermarket, surrounded by bustling cosmetics counters.
The posters on the left and right featured Jennifer Aniston's skincare series and Angelina Jolie's recommended makeup series, reminding Brad Pitt of his girlfriend and wife, both associated with a man named Martin Davis. Rumors linked Martin to both Aniston and Jolie, leaving Brad Pitt infuriated and questioning why he couldn't be in Martin's shoes.
Arriving at the supermarket entrance, a giant poster caught Brad Pitt's attention. It showcased Martin Davis, the Coca-Cola cult leader, endorsing Coca-Cola. A voice interrupted his thoughts, discussing Martin's promotion strategy.
The voice belonged to a sweet girl accompanying Martin. Her smile seemed to heal Brad Pitt's heartache until he noticed her holding Martin's hand tightly, fueling his anger. Martin sensed trouble and shielded Elizabeth from the impending confrontation.
Brad Pitt approached, followed by Bruce, and an uncomfortable silence ensued. Eventually, Brad Pitt spoke, acknowledging Martin and expressing his frustration about losing his wife, girlfriend, and endorsements to him.
Martin defended himself, but the tension escalated, prompting Martin to call Bruce for support. They left for the supermarket, leaving Elizabeth behind a pillar.
Brad Pitt noticed Martin's departure and commented on the bodyguard's responsibility, adding remarks about Elizabeth. Martin reacted by pulling Elizabeth into the store, and she expressed concern. They decided to leave the supermarket quickly after picking some items.
In the car, Elizabeth questioned Brad Pitt's behavior, to which Martin reassured her. They drove away, leaving the confrontation behind.
Martin didn't mince words, stating, "He blamed me for the breakup of Jolie and Aniston, even though he and I had an affair, leading to conflicts."
Elizabeth offered a gentle reminder, "You need to be careful."
Martin, wearing a reassuring smile, responded, "Don't worry, it's just a minor issue. I'll drop you off first."
Understanding that Martin might have unfinished business, Elizabeth didn't press further, simply saying, "I'll drive back myself."
Upon reaching the south hillside of Sherman Oaks, Martin observed Elizabeth's Porsche entering the Olsen family's mansion. He then turned and joined Bruce in his Escalade.
Bruce inquired, "What's the next step?"
Martin didn't reply directly but asked, "Does Brad Pitt still reside in the Beverly Hills mansion?"
Bruce nodded, "Yes, he's still there. Are you seriously considering buying his mansion?"
Martin contemplated and questioned further, "What's Brad Pitt's financial situation?"
Bruce provided an overview, "He has low cash flow, significant fixed assets, and about two-thirds of those he wronged have reached out-of-court settlements with him. Over half accepted cash compensation, some are ready to sign agreements, and the rest, one-third, demand higher compensation."
Martin devised a plan, instructing Bruce, "Inform Ivan to encourage the victims to seek more compensation from Brad Pitt."
Bruce affirmed, "I can handle that."
Martin dialed Thomas' number on his phone and continued, "I'll have Thomas reach out to the brands Brad Pitt endorsed before, especially Cadillac. I remember that Cadillac considered suing Brad Pitt for breach of contract."
Bruce recalled, "You're right. Cadillac temporarily shelved the lawsuit after you signed the contract, as their business improved significantly."