As the morning light filtered through the windows, Martin emerged from the fitness room, coincidentally crossing paths with Bruce who was about to step out.
"Bruce," Martin nodded in acknowledgment.
"Judy requested a meeting," Bruce replied, adjusting the strap of his gym bag. "Her insights on the last report were invaluable, so I couldn't turn her down."
Martin, feeling a bit sluggish that morning, waved his hand dismissively. "Go ahead, I'll catch up later."
Just as Bruce was about to head out, Elizabeth's voice stopped him in his tracks. "Wait a minute."
Curious, Bruce turned to face her as she emerged from the adjacent room, carrying two bags. "What's this?" he inquired.
"Some cosmetics and a handbag," Elizabeth explained, offering them to Bruce. "Take them, it's a gesture of appreciation."
Bruce hesitated. "I could just buy them," he remarked nonchalantly.
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. "Sure, you could. But when was the last time you thought of picking out a gift for someone?"
Bruce contemplated for a moment, knowing Elizabeth had a point. With a sigh, he accepted the bags. "Fine, I'll take them."
With the gifts in tow, Bruce drove to the designated meeting spot. To his surprise, it turned out to be a fitness club, not the typical meeting place he had envisioned.
After announcing himself at the club, Bruce was directed upstairs where he caught sight of a familiar figure through the glass window—a woman with a slender frame and a determined expression.
It didn't take more than a glance for Bruce to recognize Judy. Watching her perform weight-bearing squats, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of concern for her safety.
As Judy finished her set and turned to greet him, Bruce's expression remained impassive. "Are you done?" he asked bluntly.
Judy motioned for her trainer to take a break before joining Bruce in the adjacent room. Upon seeing the gifts, she quipped, "Wow, a gift? You're full of surprises."
Handing over the bags, Bruce got straight to the point. "Why the sudden interest in working out?"
Judy's response was straightforward. "I want to enhance my figure."
Bruce couldn't help but feel a pang of irony at the situation. Had he unwittingly adopted Martin's habits?
As they settled into a VIP lounge, Judy suddenly locked the door, causing Bruce to tense up. "What's going on?" he demanded.
With a mischievous smile, Judy began to undress, revealing a more serious motive. "Do you really want Martin's dirty laundry aired out for the world to see?"
Bruce's mind raced as he weighed his options. Sacrifice was nothing new to him, but this was unexpected.
Resigned, he gave Judy a nod. "Do what you have to do."
Judy reassured him with a smirk. "Don't worry, I have a plan."
Bruce couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as he pondered the lengths he was willing to go to protect Martin's reputation.
At Davis Manor, Martin immersed himself in archery within the underground shooting range until his phone rang, interrupting his concentration. He glanced over to where Elizabeth was just finishing up her own round of shooting and called out, "We've got guests on the way. Let's head back."
"Who's coming?" Elizabeth inquired, setting down her bow. If it was Leonardo or Nickerson, Martin would have them come directly to the manor.
Martin packed up his gear and explained, "It's my old neighbor, Gillian Flynn, the author of 'Gone Girl,' and Natalie Portman is with her."
Elizabeth quickly washed her hands and changed out of her shooting attire. "Let's go greet them then."
As they returned to the villa, the security guard at the main entrance relayed that Gillian Flynn and Natalie Portman had arrived.
Martin stepped forward to welcome them.
A sleek black Mercedes-Benz pulled up, and Natalie stepped out, offering Martin a warm smile. "Long time no see."
Though Martin noticed subtle signs of aging, he maintained his composure. Extending his hand, he replied, "Welcome."
He then greeted Gillian and ushered them inside the villa.
Once inside, Elizabeth, ever the gracious hostess, exchanged pleasantries with their guests.
Gillian mentioned, "I came from Cotis Community and bumped into Mr. Jones. I've brought an invitation letter for him and Jenna."
"Is 'Dark Place' about to premiere?" Martin inquired.
Gillian handed Elizabeth an invitation letter, saying, "If you're available, do attend the premiere."
Natalie interjected, "I'm the lead."
Elizabeth complimented her, "Your performance in 'Black Swan' was exceptional. You truly deserved the Oscar."
"Thank you," Natalie replied with a bright smile, though inwardly she couldn't help but ponder the debt she owed Elizabeth's partner, Martin.
Natalie was eager to repay the favor, perhaps with a simple transaction, though the longer she waited, the higher the price might become.
She hoped her role in 'Dark Place' would garner her another shot at an Oscar.
Gillian added, "Many old friends from the Cotis community will be attending."
"As long as our schedule allows, Elizabeth and I will be there," Martin affirmed.
Natalie chimed in, "I heard your film 'The Martian' is set to release soon. Don't forget to send us an invitation."
Martin grinned, "Consider it done once the premiere date is set."
After some light conversation about life in the Cotis community, Gillian and Natalie bid their farewells.
As Martin and Elizabeth saw them off, another call came in, this time from Ari Emmanuel.
"Martin, did you meet with Nat?" Ali asked.
"They just left," Martin confirmed.
Ali got straight to the point, "Nat believes her performance in 'Dark Place' is Oscar-worthy again."
Martin was frank, "Winning twice in a row will be tough."
"I know, but she's our top client. I have to try," Ali pleaded. "Can you help me out?"
Martin nodded, "I'll see what I can do."
Martin sighed in frustration, "What can I do?" Using himself as an example, he lamented, "I, too, won an acting award a few years back. But since then, I've been stuck merely accompanying others to the Best Actor award. If there were a solution, I wouldn't be in this predicament."
Ari pondered for a moment, acknowledging the truth in Martin's words. "Seems like we're left with the usual tactics."
"Don't overlook your number one male customer!" Martin interjected. "I'll be vying for the Oscar this year too."
"Martin, you're relentless," Ali chuckled.
"Do you know, I'm starting to avoid encounters with Leonardo and Nicholson?" Martin quipped, adding humor to his plea. "Every time they ask, 'What trio has three Oscar winners but both of them have best actor i don't have one?' It's getting old..."
Ari burst into laughter, "With your talent, you'll get there soon."
After hanging up, Elizabeth presented Martin with an invitation letter. "Your status and talent speak for themselves. Whether or not you win Best Actor won't hinder your rise to superstardom."
Martin glanced at the invitation, musing, "The Oscars' influence diminishes each year. But lacking a Best Actor statue does leave a void for a superstar."
Elizabeth playfully shrugged, "So, what's the plan?"
"I'll let you know when the time comes," Martin assured her.
Later that afternoon, as Elizabeth and Lily went shopping, Bruce returned home.
Spotting Bruce's discomfort, Martin teased, "Trouble again?"
Bruce plopped onto the sofa, grabbing a glass of water. "The seats aren't plush enough. It's torture."
After downing the water, he continued, "Here's the kicker. Jody's taken up squats."
"Squats for a better behind?" Martin raised an eyebrow.
Bruce nodded, "Exactly. She's relentless!"
Martin chuckled, "No, no, my friend. It means one thing—you're so irresistible that even the most slender beauty feels compelled to enhance her curves. Impressive."
Bruce grimaced, "I'd rather she didn't bother."
"Fair enough, let's change the subject," Martin suggested. "Which event company does Morgan Freeman use?"
Bruce, having encountered Ivan earlier, replied, "Global Travel Company, owned by Michelle Bryan. She had a run-in with the FBI a few years back but got off with a $35,000 fine."
Martin recalled, "I vaguely remember reading about it in the news."
Bruce added, "They primarily cater to male and female models. You can guess the rest."
"Wasn't Morgan Freeman a client of theirs?" Martin inquired.
"Used to be," Bruce confirmed. "Their clientele spans Hollywood."
Martin nodded knowingly, "Figured as much."