In the early morning light, Martin slipped out of the room, leaving the door ajar. Across the hall, Catherine Daddario poked her head out, a warm smile gracing her lips.
"Morning, Martin. Off to the set?" Catherine's voice carried a hint of curiosity.
Martin nodded, flashing a grin. "Got a shoot lined up as soon as we kick off, so gotta head there early. You have the freedom to do as you please. I'm out."
Catherine's gaze drifted to the closed door behind Martin. "And my sister?"
Martin gestured towards the room. "No morning drama for her; she's still catching up on her sleep."
Tentatively, Catherine inquired, "Mind if I pop in and check on her?"
After a brief pause, Martin swiped his card, granting access. "Go ahead."
"Thanks," Catherine murmured before slipping into the room.
Observing her retreating figure, Martin closed the door behind her and made his way to the restaurant for breakfast.
Inside the suite, scattered clothes adorned the floor, unmistakably belonging to Alexandra. Catherine, well-versed in her sister's size and style, took in the disarray with a sigh, reminders of past battles lingering in the air.
Lost in thought, Catherine's gaze lingered on the remnants of skirmishes past, a silent homage to Martin's struggles.
Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Alexandra came out from her morning ablutions, clad in a loose nightgown. Spotting her sister in a reverie, she leaned against the doorframe, silently observing.
Turning her head, Catherine's eyes caught sight of the plunging neckline of Alexandra's attire. Unable to resist a hint of admiration, she quipped, "Martin wasn't wrong. You've got quite the knack for stealing the spotlight."
Unfazed by her sister's attempt at one-upmanship, Alexandra sauntered over to the sofa, settling in with a smirk. "And what brings you here, exactly?"
"Martin let me in," Catherine replied, studying Alexandra intently. Her sister's complexion was flawless, radiating youthfulness reminiscent of her twenties.
Brushing off Catherine's presence with practiced ease, Alexandra quipped, "If you're done ogling, perhaps it's time to enroll in an acting class. I'll let you know if there's a role that suits you."
Catherine's temper flared at the dismissal. Why should she be shooed away? Just because of a difference in assets?
With a determined step, Catherine crushed a discarded bra beneath her heel before taking a seat nearby. "I came to support you, yet you chase me away? Some sister you are."
Arms crossed, Alexandra retorted, "Support? Funny how you suddenly find the time now. Where were you during my earlier shoots, hmm? Oh, right, busy visiting the set in Boston because of a certain actor named Martin Davis."
Catherine kicked off her high heels, sinking comfortably into the sofa, legs crossed as she addressed her sister. "Seriously, do you have to go this far? There are at least five leading ladies in Hollywood who've had enduring flings with Martin."
She smirked, running her tongue over her lips theatrically. "You'd rather divvy him up among the masses than let your own sister have a taste. What kind of sister does that?"
Alexandra bristled, her frustration evident in the sudden swell of her chest. " Is this something I can share with my sister."
Ready with her rebuttal, Catherine sprang into action, wrapping her arms around Alexandra's in a gesture of solidarity. "We're sisters, Lace. We should stick together! Just think, Martin's attention span? It's like his hand's gonna cramp up any day now. Resources are scarce, and those celebs? They'll be siphoning him dry, reputation be damned."
Alexandra fell silent, considering Catherine's words.
Catherine pressed on, her voice gaining conviction. "Instead of letting others snatch it all away, we should grab as much as we can! Together, sis, we're a force to be reckoned with. How many men can withstand the united front of sisters?"
"You're insane," Alexandra muttered, though inwardly, she couldn't deny the logic in Catherine's argument. The world was indeed a chaotic mess.
Catherine locked eyes with her sister, determination blazing in her gaze. "It's not me that's crazy, it's this messed-up society we live in. From entertainment to business to politics, it's all the same."
Alexandra fell silent, conceding that her sister had a point. The world had indeed taken a turn for the worse.
Catherine held Alexandra's gaze. "It'd be a travesty to squander the power of sisterhood."
She stressed, "Remember, I'm your blood."
After a moment of contemplation, Alexandra nodded reluctantly. "I'll give it a try, but if Martin objects, it's over."
Catherine understood the boundaries. "And you'll follow my lead in these matters."
"Of course, you're the big sister," Catherine grinned.
As Alexandra headed to the closet to change, she mused, "I'll need to find the right moment. It'd be a relief to have you share the load. Dealing with Martin solo is... challenging. Lately, his... demands haven't been as... insistent."
Catherine's eyes sparkled with understanding. "Like Tiger Woods and those NBA or NFL stars?"
Alexandra nodded, a hint of frustration in her voice. "If only I were Madonna."
On the bustling streets of Boston, the film crew continued their location shoot for the day.
Martin and Jeremy Renner, following the prescribed routine, expertly portrayed the tumultuous dynamics of brothers at odds.
In the heat of the moment, Martin maneuvered Jeremy Renner to the ground, only for Renner to retaliate with a drawn gun, intensifying the tension. Their choreographed brawl lasted half a minute before director Villeneuve's booming voice signaled the scene's completion.
As Martin emerged from the set, shedding his grubby costume jacket, he handed it off to a nearby crew assistant before spotting Thomas approaching.
The two retreated to the privacy of the makeup trailer for a discussion.
Bringing welcome news, Thomas exclaimed, "Hamlin's lawyer and Warner Pictures' legal team have reached a settlement out of court. Warner Pictures has agreed to honor your outstanding contractual dues from last year, totaling $17.58 million. The sum has already been wired and is expected to reflect in your account within the next forty-eight hours."
Impressed by the efficiency, Martin remarked, "Warner Pictures seems to be on the ball this time."
Thomas nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Jon Berg's dismissal prompted a shake-up. With Daniel stepping in, Warner Pictures aims to restore its reputation. To maintain credibility with A-list talent, directors, and investment partners, a rebranding is imperative."
Martin nodded, acknowledging the significance. "Daniel's been persistent in his outreach lately. It's evident Warner Pictures is eager to rekindle our collaboration."
However, Thomas interjected with a reminder, "Let's not forget our commitment to Disney Pictures."
Martin clarified, "While Davis Studio is bound by the Disney contract for project distribution, as an actor, I remain open to suitable offers from other studios, including Warner Pictures."
Thomas concurred, "Flexibility is key. It's a prudent move for both parties."
Martin pondered aloud, "If Warner Brothers regains its dominance in Hollywood, would Daniel have opted for an out-of-court settlement? In the current industry landscape, unless you're a powerhouse like Mel Gibson, Pitt, or Ben, disputes between top-tier talent and studios tend to resolve amicably."
With Jon Berg out of the picture, the feud between Martin and Warner Pictures seemed to have reached a temporary ceasefire.
Pressing on, Thomas disclosed, "The single-day box office earnings for 'Jack the Giant Slayer' dipped below $300,000, breaching the distribution contract terms. Consequently, major theaters across North America have pulled the film."
Martin inquired, "What's the final tally for the North American box office?"
"27.41 million U.S. dollars," Thomas uttered, feeling the weight of the film industry's precarious nature, where fortunes could easily flip with one flop.
His gaze shifted to Martin, reflecting on their long history of success together. Thomas couldn't help but wonder, what had ever convinced him that movies weren't high-stakes gambles?
Regaining his composure, he continued, "Internationally, the film's reception has been lukewarm at best. Audiences worldwide are panning it, citing disjointed plotlines and a confused protagonist. Despite its release in over 60 countries, the cumulative overseas box office barely scratches 30 million US dollars. It's unlikely the film will breach the 100 million mark globally."
With Martin acknowledging the grim reality, he shifted gears, inquiring about another matter. "What's the latest on Depp?"
"The media's still buzzing with their feud, but public sentiment overwhelmingly favors Amber Heard," Thomas replied bluntly. "Heard's legal team proposed a staggering $65 million settlement in the divorce proceedings, including claims of domestic violence and property division."
Shaking his head, Thomas continued, "Depp's demanded timely settlement of tax debts and fines, painting a bleak future for Heard."
Martin quipped, "Perhaps bankruptcy's his best bet."
Thomas grasped Martin's implication; bankruptcy would cut off Depp's residual earnings from film royalties, plunging him deeper into despair.
"If Depp's got any sense left, he'll tough it out," Thomas mused.
Martin concurred, recalling similar Hollywood tales where stars hit rock bottom.
"But it's clear Depp's Hollywood career's toast," Thomas stated matter-of-factly. "His assets will likely be liquidated to settle debts, leaving him financially crippled."
Martin's expression shifted as an idea struck him. "It's a tragedy to see Depp at rock bottom. Perhaps it's time we extend a helping hand."
Bruce, breaking his silence, inquired, "What's your plan?"
Martin proposed, "Once Heard and Depp split, we could assist him in finding stable employment. Imagine if Depp and Pitt starred in 'Man and Man' in the Sacred Valley. The buzz alone could turn it into a blockbuster."