As Harvey entered the Los Angeles Angels Club, he was greeted by an unexpected sight: an array of guns and various firearms scattered throughout the establishment. The atmosphere here was far from that of a leisure club; it resembled more of a shooting and combat training ground.
Matt Damon, in a hushed tone, questioned, "Why did he ask us to meet here?"
Harvey replied cryptically, "It's a demonstration."
Just then, Georgina, who had arrived earlier, emerged and informed them, "They're waiting for us in the entertainment department."
Harvey followed Georgina, speaking in a low voice as they moved. Meanwhile, Matt Damon couldn't help but wonder if Harvey's wife had led them here, making it seem as though they belonged on the other side.
However, he quickly dismissed that thought as gunfire unexpectedly erupted in the background. Harvey instinctively froze, reminded of Martin Davis's violence on the Santa Monica Pier, and a trace of panic washed over him.
But he swiftly regained his composure, realizing that even if Martin Davis had some audacity, he wouldn't dare to attack him.
As they ventured further into the entertainment and leisure area, Harvey and Damon followed Georgina into a lounge where only two figures awaited them: Martin and Bruce.
Martin stood up, greeted Harvey and Damon with a handshake, and invited them to take a seat, saying, "Feel free to sit wherever you like."
Georgina settled across from Martin at the table, and as a waiter served coffee, Bruce discreetly closed the door.
Harvey remarked, "It's been quite some time since we last met, back at the Cannes Film Festival."
Martin replied, "I've been working overseas, and when I returned, I had some unfortunate matters to attend to. I wanted to visit, but time slipped away."
This wasn't a mere excuse, as Georgina had indeed extended an invitation to Harvey's Beverly Hills mansion.
Harvey lightly tapped the table, saying, "In my vision, 'Inglourious Basterds' could have clinched the Best Actor award at Cannes."
Martin retorted without remorse, "This time, the Best Actor award rightfully belongs to me. Harvey, it was a fair and square competition, and I emerged as the victor."
Harvey couldn't help but chuckle, "Fair and square? You're telling me Isabel Adjani had nothing to do with your win?"
Martin's expression remained unwavering, his heart steady, "Her? What does she have to do with me? I've heard of her but never met her."
Harvey cut to the chase, "You exploited the ongoing feud between Adjani and Huppert to undermine me and the 'Inglourious Basterds' crew. You stole the Best Actor award through devious means."
Martin shrugged innocently.
Harvey persisted, his determination unwavering, "You owe me a debt."
Martin shook his head slowly but resolutely, "Harvey, I don't owe you anything."
A year ago, he might have continued to show vulnerability, but the situation had reached a point where no further concessions were necessary.
Harvey sighed, "We could have been partners, shaping a new era in Hollywood together."
Martin quipped rhetorically, "And then I'd be like Damon and Affleck, inseparable?"
Just as he finished speaking, a stockinged foot slyly extended from under the table, resting provocatively on Martin's ankle.
Georgina playfully removed her high heel and teased Martin, all the while keeping her gaze locked on Harvey.
Teasing her husband's arch-nemesis right in front of her spouse, Georgina couldn't help but feel a peculiar thrill surging through her. Every cell and nerve in her body seemed to come alive with excitement.
Harvey noticed his wife's gaze and interpreted it as a sign of her concern for him. He subtly nodded in her direction and then turned back to Martin, asserting, "There are certain debts that can be forgiven if one claims not to owe them."
Martin found himself at a loss, muttering, "Sometimes, life requires a bit of reason."
Harvey retorted, "In the past, numerous actors and stars have asked me for reason, only to beg me later not to be reasonable. Stars like you, with your glamour and star power, often believe you can rewrite the rules by stepping onto the frontline. Many before you shared the same notion, but let me enlighten you."
He tapped his chest with conviction, "The rules of this industry are crafted by people like me, and stars like you can only thrive by adhering to the rules we've set!"
This would have been an open-and-shut case just a few years ago.
Georgina beamed at Harvey, as if urging him on, all the while her foot beneath the table teasingly climbed up Martin's trouser leg.
Martin turned his head, regarding her with casual indifference.
Georgina didn't restrain herself in the slightest, and the strange excitement coursing through her only intensified.
Harvey continued, "Martin, individuals like you fail to grasp that Weinstein Films represents more than just me."
Martin responded, "I understand. So, what's your proposition?"
In Harvey's eyes, Martin lacked the qualifications to negotiate rationally. Much like the previous Screen Actors Guild strike, which Harvey not only initiated with a tough stance on behalf of the Producers Union but also concluded as the last major member to reach an agreement with the Screen Actors Guild.
Harvey was accustomed to dealing with actors who exhibited a strong demeanor. Even A-list stars like Matt Damon, who possessed fame and appeal similar to Martin's, could be influenced by him. A simple phone call, and they'd obediently clean up their mess.
"I won't burden you with anything overly challenging," Harvey calmly stated, "Regarding Ben Affleck, Casey Affleck, and Brad Pitt, this matter concludes here. They will issue public apologies to you and each provide substantial compensation. I guarantee they won't return to Hollywood or engage in any film or television-related work for the next three years."
Martin maintained his deceitful demeanor, "Actually, it doesn't affect me personally. But, Harvey, you've got it wrong. The crux of the matter isn't about me. The three of them broke the law, and the Los Angeles judicial system is upholding the law's integrity."
Martin's words sounded like empty rhetoric to him, so he responded with equally empty words, "As an honorary citizen of Los Angeles, I bear the responsibility and duty to uphold Los Angeles' laws and legal system!"
Georgina almost couldn't contain her laughter. The two men surrounding her were wealthy and influential, capable of supporting her cause.
But when she looked at Harvey beside her, he appeared pudgy, unattractive, and somewhat oily.
Harvey's expression darkened as he cautioned Martin, "Playing games within this circle will displease many."
Martin remained composed as he replied, "When they manipulated a woman into framing me with baseless accusations, were you pleased?"
Matt Damon, with his typically honest demeanor, couldn't help but say something far from it, "How dare you claim that what happened to Pitt and Ben had nothing to do with you?"
Martin coolly responded, "Of course, it had nothing to do with me."
Even the shameless Matt Damon paled when faced with this brazen and wicked scoundrel.
No matter what these two exchanged, Martin remained unfazed. If he hadn't held his own against those who crossed him, he wouldn't be sitting here today.
As Harvey and Martin continued their standoff, Georgina's excitement soared. She yearned to conclude this conversation and hasten to their designated hotel room, where she anticipated another test from Martin.
Matt Damon may not have a vested interest in Pitt, but he wasn't willing to relinquish his high-budget project either. He spoke up, saying, "Let Pitt shoulder the burden. It's unrelated to the Affleck brothers. Everything Harvey stated holds true. In addition to their compensation, I'm willing to offer you additional compensation."
Martin remained impassive, declining to respond.
Harvey recognized that today wouldn't yield a resolution. He contemplated whether he should dig into Martin Davis's past, possibly starting in Atlanta.
He was aware of the challenges; Atlanta was Martin Davis's stronghold. Kelly Gray, who shared a close connection with Martin Davis, had even been elected to the Georgia State Assembly.
Matt Damon still appeared eager to continue the discussion, but Harvey discreetly shook his head.
Georgina, initially inclined to explore the situation further, reluctantly withdrew her foot and pursed her lips.
Harvey rose from his seat, declaring, "Martin, you're making an unwise choice."
Matt Damon stood up in silence.
Standing by her husband's side, Georgina confronted Martin, a shared adversary, declaring, "Martin, you've crossed paths with the wrong person. Do you wish to engage in a battle with me?"
Martin met Georgina's gaze squarely, replying, "You're the one seeking a confrontation!"
Harvey intervened, grasping his wife's arm, and advised, "It's unnecessary."
The trio bid their farewells and exited together.
Once outside, Harvey felt a warmth in his heart for his wife's support. He whispered softly, "By doing this, Kate might get into trouble woth you."
Georgina reassured him, "I can handle it. This isn't my first time."
Harvey nodded, and the three of them left the Angel Club, not stopping to look back.
As they entered their respective cars, Georgina shared her intentions, "I'm going to find Kate and discreetly gather information about Martin. Perhaps I can assist you."
Harvey contemplated for a moment before responding, "Be cautious and avoid drawing attention. I doubt Kate was deeply involved in Martin's wrongdoings."
Georgina smiled and said, "Don't worry. I'll return if I find nothing substantial."
As Harvey watched his wife climb into another car, he realized that her marriage to him wasn't solely transactional. Despite their long history together, their feelings for each other endured.
Yet, the Martin incident weighed heavily on him. He entered his car and instructed the assistant in the passenger seat, "Call Nicole Kidman. She's eager for another shot at the Oscars, right? Tell her to meet me at the Four Seasons Hotel; I have a proposal."
Matt Damon, accustomed to Harvey's ways, remained unfazed and asked, "What's our plan?"
Harvey considered for a moment before saying, "I'll start with the Democratic Party and use political channels to pressure the LAPD into granting bail to the three of them. The rest will require a more long-term strategy."
Matt Damon agreed, "I'll take care of the bail arrangements."
Harvey concluded, "I need some time to clear my thoughts, Nicole Kidman will help me regain my focus."
Half an hour later, Harvey and Nicole Kidman arrived separately at the Four Seasons Hotel.
Almost simultaneously, Martin and Georgina entered the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, ten minutes apart.
Georgina had declared war on Martin, and as a man, he felt compelled to respond.
In the room that Georgina had unlocked, an intense battle commenced. It didn't take long before Georgina conceded defeat.
Acknowledging her defeat, Georgina divulged all of Harvey's forthcoming plans while floating in the aftermath.
"Just a word of caution," Martin remarked with a sense of responsibility, "You're aware of Harvey's misdeeds, and these skeletons will eventually come to light. If you're implicated, it could harm your career."
Georgina remained undeterred, "One day, I'll turn the tables on him effortlessly."
The couple exchanged murmurs.
It may have been due to prolonged sitting, but Georgina developed a bothersome itch on her buttocks. She woke up at 6 o'clock in the morning, struggling with the discomfort, and decided to seek medical attention. The relentless itch made it impossible for her to stay still.