Chapter 220: Beauty Trap

"What went down yesterday?" Shermer grabbed an iced Coke from the film and television base's beverage reception area, took a deep sip, and inquired, "Did you manage to get him out?"

Pratt sighed in frustration, "He's really busy, had something last night, and I couldn't push him into going."

Shermer tightened his grip on the Coke bottle, "I'll try inviting him again when I find the right moment. I'll choose my words carefully to avoid arousing his suspicion or resentment."

Pratt thumped his chest confidently, "I'm an actor, after all."

Having finished his Coke, Shermer left the area. Pratt wiped the sweat from his brow and enjoyed another bottle of Coke, a ubiquitous presence in Atlanta.

Before he could finish the bottle, a pale hand reached out and gripped Pratt's shoulder, much as it had done recently.

Mene appeared from behind and asked, "Hey, are you under a lot of pressure? Feeling tired?"

Seeing that it was Martin's younger brother, Pratt perked up and smiled, "I noticed Martin's busy over there, so I thought I'd come out for some fresh air."

Mene patted him on the back and went to grab a Coke. As he watched the black man walk away, he casually asked, "I've noticed you've been chatting with the folks from the other group lately. What's the discussion about?"

Pratt's heart skipped a beat, and his smile briefly froze before returning to normal. "Just some small talk with Shermer; he's from Atlanta. I was asking about fun nightclubs."

Mene replied, "If you happen to find somewhere fun, give me a shout."

Pratt assured him, "I'll definitely give you a call."

In truth, Mene had been keeping a close eye on Pratt ever since he started getting close to Martin. When someone tries to steal your older brother's attention, a younger brother can't help but feel anxious.

At noon, the film crew left the studio one by one and headed to the restaurant for lunch. Mene and Bruce walked side by side.

"That fat guy's been awfully attentive lately," Mene remarked.

Bruce asked, "Worried he might take your place? You know what I've told you; our friendship can't be compared to his."

Mene, however, felt something was off. "No, just this morning, I had a casual chat with him, and it felt like he was acting."

Having followed Martin and Bruce for a while, Mene had developed the instincts of a shrewd individual. "Bruce, do you think he's planning to join forces with someone else and leak Martin's information to the media?"

Bruce couldn't help but think of some unsavory things Martin had done and replied, "Keep a close eye on him."

Such rumors were bound to surface. Recently, gossip newspapers had been speculating about Martin's involvement with Jolie.

However, the crew denied it, and neither Martin nor Jolie confirmed anything. It was all just gossip.

Many lead actors and actresses on the show had faced similar scandals.

After lunch, Bruce also mentioned it to Martin. Initially, Martin didn't pay much attention, but in the afternoon, Criss Pratt approached him again, wanting to take him out in the evening.

"No need for this," Martin blocked him directly. "I've been an actor since I was a child, and I know every step of this journey is challenging. You don't have to go out of your way for me."

Pratt struggled to find words for a moment. "I'd like to help you if I get the chance."

Upon hearing this, Pratt almost blurted out something, but he held back, thinking about those videos.

Martin nodded, "That's it."

A defeated Pratt could only mutter, "Thank you, Martin."

Watching Martin get into his car and leave, Pratt walked alone out of the film and television center and headed halfway down the street before entering Shermer's car.

Pratt quickly recapped the situation and explained, "I did my best, but he still refused to go to the nightclub. I can't press him any further."

He didn't want to continue, fearing that pressing the issue would raise Martin's suspicions. Shermer took out his phone and made a call to Fred.

Fred instructed him to wait.

A few minutes later, Shermer received a callback, "The boss says to initiate Plan B."

Shermer hung up and told Pratt, "Go back and find a way to keep tabs on Martin's whereabouts. Provide timely information if you think he might show up somewhere."

Pratt felt a bit relieved; this seemed better than dragging Martin to the nightclub himself.

Shermer offered some final instructions and then drove Pratt back to the hotel.

Not far away, Mene exited a roadside café and called Bruce, reporting, "Doesn't seem like anything special. The chubby guy got into his black friend's car."

At the Hyatt Regency Hotel where the crew was staying, Martin returned to his room, took a shower, changed into casual attire, and checked the time. He asked Bruce to accompany him to the Peach Tree Hotel.

Both hotels were on Peachtree Street, not too far apart.

In the car, Martin called Elena. They had been house hunting earlier in the day and had just returned to the hotel.

Elena informed him, "Lily and Hall are all hyped up and noisy. There's a bar downstairs. Why don't you go there and wait for me? I'll join you after taking a shower."

Martin agreed, "Alright."

In less than ten minutes, Bruce pulled into the hotel's parking lot.

The two entered the lobby. Bruce answered a phone call, exchanged a few quick words, and then turned to Martin, saying, "Duke and Murphy followed us here from the Hyatt."

Martin walked into the Blue Bar, found a quiet spot to sit, and asked, "Who's the guy?"

Bruce's phone rang again, and after checking a text message, he handed it to Martin, saying, "It's the chubby guy."

The photo showed a blurry figure who had just exited a car, but it was unmistakably Chris Pratt.

"Why are you tailing me? Is someone giving you orders?" Martin pondered recent events, wondering, "Tyler Perry? Or is it related to the Russians?"

Bruce inquired, "Do you have a gun with you?" Martin had a Georgia gun license and nodded, "Yes, I do. Bring it."

"Let's sit separately, and please keep an eye out. Duke and Murphy are following him," Bruce instructed as they arrived at the entrance of the Qing Bar, positioning themselves at an angle to each other.

Martin scanned the surroundings carefully, then took out his phone to call Elena, telling her to hold off coming down for now.

Shortly thereafter, a tall, attractive blonde woman entered the bar. She took a seat at the bar and ordered a drink. Martin glanced at her from behind and noticed a slight resemblance to Lily.

The woman sipped her drink and surveyed the bar. When her eyes landed on Martin, she stared for a moment, her surprise evident. She quickly approached, her high heels clicking.

Martin cautiously placed a hand inside his coat, and Bruce's attire revealed a subtle bulge.

Before the woman reached Martin's table, she began dancing with excitement. She held up her phone and waved it at Martin. "Hi, Martin! I... I'm your fan!"

"Hello," Martin responded calmly. However, he didn't believe her, having heard that line countless times and understanding the tone, voice, and matching gestures.

"I'm Lina, and I absolutely adore you movies the 'Sisterhood of Traveling Pants' and 'the hills have eyes' are masterpieces!" Lina introduced herself, tossing her blonde hair and showcasing her figure. "Martin, can I take a photo with you?"

"I'm waiting for my friend; it's not very convenient right now," Martin replied. He had been through a lot in the past few days, and he didn't have the same tough demeanor as usual.

Lina's response was unexpected. She hesitated and then smiled, "That's okay." She glanced around and retrieved a tissue from a nearby box. "Could you sign this for me? I didn't bring a autograph book..."

Martin continued deviating from the expected script, "I'm sorry, I didn't bring a pen."

Lina maintained her pleasant smile, "No problem." She simply pulled a chair and sat across from Martin. "Can I stay here? I feel so lucky to have run into you. I'd love to treat you..."

Something felt off, and Martin detected the distinct scent of trouble. He subtly knocked his head.

On the other side, Bruce made a phone call.

Before Lina could say anything more, Martin's phone rang. He answered it, listening intently, then said, "What's wrong? Lily had an accident? Just wait for me; I'll be right there." He hung up and apologized, "I'm sorry, there's been an emergency."

Lina didn't have a plan for this scenario, so she could only smile and respond, "No problem."

Martin swiftly exited the bar, while on the other side, Bruce had already made a call. "Duke, keep an eye on the blonde woman in the bar. Murphy, watch the chubby guy."

Upon seeing Martin, the two of them instinctively headed for the unoccupied service passage.

Martin asked Bruce, "It's probably not the Russians, but something's definitely up." He inquired about calling the police, to which Bruce replied, "Calling the police won't help. They haven't done anything concrete. APD can only file a report." Bruce was well-versed in handling such situations. "I called Vincent and Sophia, and they'll handle it. You go; what happens afterward won't be your concern."

Following the formal procedures would likely prolong this messy situation indefinitely. Bruce opted for a swift resolution.

Martin reminded him of Pratt's friend, the one Mene had mentioned from the neighboring crew. "Don't forget about Pratt's friend," he urged.

Bruce nodded, took out his phone, and made a call. As he exited the service passage and entered a coffee shop connected to the hotel, he covertly observed Pratt in the distance. A black man occupied the driver's seat of the car Pratt was in.

Duke's vehicle pulled up, and Bruce, who was more familiar with Atlanta, took the driver's seat. Pratt and the woman hadn't emerged yet, indicating they were persistent.

Meanwhile, at Clayton Street Hulk Mansion Strip Club...

Ivan and Jinmao each led three people and urged them, "Hurry! Hurry! Let's support Bruce. If we're slow, Bruce's rear end might get blown off!" These individuals were armed and quickly got into two cars, heading toward Peachtree Street.