At the bustling Union Square in San Francisco, set against the backdrop of Macy's Department Store, Martin was stationed at an autograph table, diligently signing a DVD for an appreciative fan. His smile was genuine as he expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for your support, it means a lot!"
As the afternoon wore on, the queue dwindled significantly. Toward the end, a burly man, his frame substantial and his demeanor jovial, joined the line, clutching a commemorative Blu-ray disc.
Looking up, Martin's gaze settled on a familiar figure at the line's end. It was none other than Musk. "What's he up to today?" Martin wondered aloud, his curiosity piqued.
Musk finally reached the front, holding out the disc to Martin with a friendly challenge, "Hey old friend, how about we snap a photo together?"
Martin, scribbling his autograph, agreed, and as he noticed the absence of any followers, he rose to stand beside Musk for the photo. Musk, with a playful grin, handed his phone to Bruce, instructing cheekily, "Try to make me look the hero, and Martin here the comic relief."
"Go ahead, listen to him," Martin chuckled in response, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "But just remember, no camera can overshadow my natural charm."
After Bruce captured the moment, Musk quickly grabbed his phone, a mischievous glimmer in his eye, "Just need to tweet this masterpiece!"
He swiftly uploaded the photo, leveraging Martin's current high profile, freshly minted as an Oscar-winning actor. Musk, ever the strategist, was looking to boost his own venture, Tesla, riding on Martin's star power.
Once done, Musk's gaze returned to Martin, his invitation casual yet earnest, "I heard you were in town for the DVD promotion. How about dinner tonight?"
Martin, easing the stiffness in his wrists from hours of signing, nodded, "Sounds like a plan."
They left the throng of Macy's, stepping into the cool San Francisco evening. A sleek Tesla awaited them, whisking them to a waterfront restaurant bathed in the hues of the setting sun.
Over a lavish dinner, conversation flowed effortlessly, anchored in their mutual ties to Hollywood. But as the evening progressed, Musk revisited a previous discussion with a smirk, "Remember what we talked about last time? Amber Heard?"
Martin retorted, quick-witted as ever, "And what about your promises of introducing Silicon Valley beauties?"
Without missing a beat, Musk produced a photo, sliding it across the table. "I always keep my word. Here, I've lined up three possibilities for you."
Martin examined the photo, his expression one of polite skepticism as he noted the mature appearances of the candidates. "Looks like you've set quite the mature table here, Elon," he quipped, unable to hide a bemused frown.
Martin pondered to himself, questioning whether Mene's dish was truly the work of Musk, considering his track record.
"These three individuals are sisters," Musk introduced with a hint of pride evident in his tone. "Susan Wojcicki, Janet Wojcicki, and Anne Wojcicki."
Martin couldn't help but quip back, "I thought your appreciation of beauty was on par with mine, Musk, but these results are disappointing. Is this what you call beauty?"
Musk, undeterred, urged Martin to withhold judgment. "Listen to their stories first before passing your verdict, okay?"
Martin gestured for Musk to continue, intrigued.
Musk delved into the backgrounds of each woman, highlighting Susan's pivotal role at Google, Janet's academic achievements, and Anne's entrepreneurial success. Martin's perception of the women in the photo shifted as he absorbed their impressive accomplishments.
"These three were carefully chosen," Musk explained, before Martin interrupted, seeking clarification.
"What do you mean, Elon?" Martin interjected, his curiosity piqued.
Musk chuckled, referencing Hollywood rumors. "I've heard some interesting gossip. Isn't this your type?"
Martin quickly rebuffed the insinuation, asserting his distaste for such scandalous talk. "Do you truly believe that? Does it align with my values?"
Musk entertained the thought for a moment, but ultimately dismissed Martin's protestations. "Who in Hollywood doesn't have a whirlwind of rumors surrounding them? What about Jolie and Aniston? Or Charlize Theron's scandals?"
Martin sighed, feeling exasperated. "You're being disingenuous."
Musk, now serious, pointed out the potential strategic advantage. "You and Depp are enemies. If I help you with Amber, it's like aiding your cause. You've tangled with your enemy's wife before, right?"
Martin shot back, maintaining his moral ground. "If you're planning something underhanded, don't drag me into your supposed noble cause."
Musk persisted, unapologetically proposing an exchange. "I scratch your back, you scratch mine, right?"
Martin remarked, "The motive behind seeking out these three individuals must be intricate."
"How could it be anything but complex?" Musk retorted bluntly. "Is there ever truly an innocent dynamic between men and women?"
Martin mulled over the significance of the trio's identities and wealth. "Enough with the rhetoric. What's your angle in involving me with them?"
Musk leaned in, his eyes glinting with determination. "From what I gather, all three are fervent admirers of yours. They're the type who idolize you... Now, Tesla is gearing up for a significant expansion and fundraising initiative. I see bringing in Google players as our ultimate trump card."
He seemed almost willing to lay it all on the line. "Martin, let's join forces. Two against three. We'll have this in the bag!"
Martin smirked. He had a knack for handling individuals of their caliber. Dealing with three wouldn't pose a challenge.
Musk persisted, his conviction unwavering. "If we can sway them, Google will undoubtedly join our cause this time."
Martin's smirk persisted.
Musk continued, "Susan and Anne, they wield billions..."
"If you had told me this six years back, I might have been grateful," Martin interjected, recalling his less scrupulous days in Atlanta. "Back then, my main goal was finding a wealthy woman to cozy up to."
He reminisced about Kelly and Louise, two affluent women who had only supported him in his endeavors rather than offering him comfort.
Shaking his head, Martin dismissed the thought. "That's all in the past now."
Musk got the message. "If you come with me to persuade them, Tesla will reserve a share allocation for you in the fundraising effort."
Martin wasn't the penniless youth he once was. He had fought tooth and nail to ascend the ranks. Why should he betray his principles for the sake of profit?
He declined outright. "You're better off going solo. I have faith in your abilities."
Martin conceded that he couldn't indulge in the company of these tech-savvy beauties.
Musk accused, "Everyone touts Martin as the epitome of loyalty to his friends, but what do we see? You're not loyal. I helped you with Depp, yet you won't lift a finger for me."
"I fear being deceived... just like Sergey Brin," Martin countered.
Musk sighed, realizing he couldn't sway Martin. He refrained from pressing further and instead contemplated his next move. Facing three adversaries alone would pose a greater challenge, but targeting one for an initial breakthrough seemed feasible.
He set his sights on Anne Wojcicki, Sergey Brin's wife.
Having known Martin for years, Musk leaned on their rapport. "It seems Tesla's financing and stock expansion have hit some snags. As a friend, I'm here to assist. I've recently acquired a substantial stake in Tesla this year."
Musk thought to himself, *Didn't I just say this? He doesn't want to help.*
He continued, "Pure capital won't suffice. Let's not forget, our endorsement negotiations fell through, and you renewed your contract with Cadillac."
Martin lamented, "Cadillac offered me $1,500 a year. For a $10,000 endorsement deal, you won't even commit $5 million, let alone put it in writing. There's no point in discussing this further..."
Musk interjected, "Let's forget about the investment for now."
"Come on, you're overlooking the advertising impact I can bring!" Martin persisted. "Last year, I topped both the Hollywood celebrity power and income lists!"
Musk remained indifferent.
Martin pressed on, emphasizing his influence as the leader of the Coca-Cola Cult. "There are millions of believers in North America alone and hundreds of millions worldwide. Even without endorsing Tesla, imagine the advertising potential of my investment!"
As Martin spoke, Musk found himself admiring Martin's charisma and loyalty.
Martin was known for his high profile, and part of Musk's motivation was to leverage that attention to boost Tesla's visibility. Despite the initial rejection, Musk couldn't let go just yet. "Let me mull it over," he conceded.
Martin didn't push further. Tesla was already on the market, and if one avenue closed, there were others to explore.
After dinner, Musk broached a different topic. "I heard the premiere of 'Transcendence,' starring Depp, is coming up. Haven't you received an invitation from Megan Ellison?"
Martin assured him, "Don't worry, I'll keep you posted."
"Unlike you, I stand by my friends," Musk declared, adopting a brotherly demeanor. "I'll definitely help you handle Depp!"
---
Los Angeles, Columbia Building.
The entire top floor of the building was occupied by a lavish mansion, the love nest of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard.
While Amber was out partying, Depp and his entourage kicked off their nightly ritual of revelry.
Alcohol and drugs were the staples of their parties.
As the night progressed, fueled by substances, Depp's spirits soared.
Amidst the chatter of his followers, Depp's thoughts drifted to a conversation from the past. "Colson, didn't you mention last year that Fernandez claimed someone higher up would deal with Martin Davis?"
Caught in the haze of intoxication, such matters were easily forgotten.
Colson nodded, "I'll make a call and find out."