Chapter 494: The Goddess of Fighting

The following morning, Steven Soderbergh, a specially-invited guest, met Martin in the office of the Davis Film and Television Studio. With the bald director was an acquaintance of Martin's, Jenna Jones, an old neighbor.

Soderbergh introduced Jenna, stating, "She's the lead for the experimental film I've finalized."

Shaking hands with Jenna, Martin inquired, "It's been a while. How's your father doing?"

"He's doing great. I even snagged another award at the AVN Awards Ceremony recently," Jenna smiled. "You never came to see us after you moved."

Returning the smile, Martin promised, "I'll treat you and Mr. Jones to dinner soon, including Jillian."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they delved into business.

Soderbergh was known as Hollywood's most experimental director, often venturing into avant-garde content with short films or bold experiments.

Martin wouldn't have invested in Soderbergh's film without Korean capital. The project wasn't expected to yield profits, especially if released on DVD or video tapes, taking years to recoup.

Originally set in Manhattan, the film focused on high-end escorts, a challenging theme due to its expansive scenes. Unable to find a suitable actress in Hollywood, Soderbergh ventured to the San Francisco Valley, ultimately selecting Jenna for the role. He adapted the story to fit her background, placing it in the San Francisco Valley and Los Angeles, shaping the protagonist as both an artist and a high-end escort, mirroring the reality of actresses in the San Francisco Valley who juggled art and part-time work.

Despite Soderbergh's discourse on the film's thematic depth and meaning, Martin's genuine interest waned.

Using Soderbergh's renown filming experience, Martin secured Korean investment and orchestrated communications with South Korea, finding them receptive to funding.

Having a pulse on South Korea's film industry, Martin recognized their aspirations for Oscar glory after success at European festivals.

While Soderbergh's investment stood at $1.8 million, upon mentioning Cannes, he pledged assistance in roping in Isabelle Huppert.

Though unacquainted professionally, they shared a friendship from the '90s. Isabelle Huppert served as this year's Cannes Film Festival jury president.

While Martin wasn't well-versed in purely European filmmakers, Isabelle Huppert's remarkable performance in "Mother, the Limits of Love" from his previous life lingered in memory, a film even too daring for Cannes.

As Soderbergh departed, Jenna, the lead in his new film, remained behind.

The familiarity between Jenna and Martin was evident as they engaged in a conversation. Jenna cut straight to the point, asking about negotiating the adaptation rights for the San Francisco Valley version of John Wick.

Martin, in a gesture of affirmation, nodded and directed Jenna to discuss the matter with Jessica.

However, Jenna had more on her mind and shifted the conversation: "You're pals with Jolie and Aniston, right?"

This piece of gossip wasn't just local; it had made its rounds across the United States and beyond. Martin, acknowledging the truth of it, didn't feel the need to deny the connection: "Our relationship isn't too shabby."

Jenna, well-connected in the San Francisco Valley business circles due to her shares in a prominent company, brought forth news: "I heard some gossip a while back. A neighboring company might be signing Brad Pitt, making him the centerpiece of a super series."

Martin was taken aback: "Brad Pitt heading to the San Francisco Valley?"

Jenna elaborated, sharing that this news had stirred interest among various individuals in her circle. The likes of Jenna, Kayden, and Jessica were keen on collaborating with Brad Pitt.

Changing her tone, Jenna added, "Initially, we were about to seal a deal, but recent news suggests otherwise. Brad Pitt turned down a lucrative contract, aiming to return to Hollywood. Any takers for him in Hollywood now?"

Martin shook his head slightly. The feminist organization, Me Too movement, and influential figures like Jolie and Aniston, both linked to Brad Pitt in different ways, weren't keen on his return to Hollywood. They seemingly wished to cast him away.

"Once a crew gets activated, Me Too movement advocates will surely pounce at the projec," Martin commented.

Curious, he probed Jenna: "Have you heard what his plans are upon returning to Hollywood?"

"No," Jenna replied honestly, mentioning that the company vying for Brad Pitt's contract was their competitor.

"Help me out. If you're free, gather more intel about Brad Pitt from your connections. Keep me posted if there's anything new," Martin requested.

"Absolutely," Jenna assured.

Taking note of this, Martin promptly reached out to Bruce and Thomas for updates on Brad Pitt. Additionally, he tasked Bruce with finding a professional female bodyguard to safeguard Lily and Elizabeth.

After a brief thought, he separately called Jolie and Aniston. Their responses seemed ordinary, inviting Martin over to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel for a poker game.

This time, however, a playful tussle ensued between the two over seating arrangements. Pushing and jostling each other, they discovered that the front position was the most comfortable.

Amidst their antics, they engaged in poker, followed by lunch. In the serene hotel restaurant, Jennifer Aniston reassured, "Don't worry about Brad Pitt; his downfall is imminent."

Angelina Jolie nodded in agreement, adding, "He won't bounce back."

Startled, Martin interjected between bites, "What have you two done now?"

Aniston and Jolie exchanged knowing smiles, their once antagonistic relationship now replaced by an unspoken understanding.

Trying to maintain a serious facade, Martin warned, "Quit teasing, spill the beans, or you'll regret it!"

Jolie teased back, "We fancy a slap in the face, so we won't talk!"

Aniston, more cooperative, disclosed, "After Brad Pitt and I married, our finances remained separate. When the real estate market boomed, Brad Pitt invested millions in Fannie Mae. But with the recent economic slump, Fannie Mae crashed, leaving Pete's shares unsellable."

Acknowledging this familiar tale, Martin nodded.

Jolie, slightly exasperated, remarked, "Are you enjoying those stick hits enough? Just say what you want!"

Martin glanced at Jolie and quipped, "Do you still have conditions in mind?"

Jolie's eyes kept rolling as she spoke, her tone teasingly persistent: "Darling, include Elizabeth in the call, alright? The four of us can handle this."

"Enough!" Aniston snapped, irritation lacing her words. "Three's already a crowd!"

Jolie, nonchalant, shrugged and fell silent.

Martin glanced at Aniston, prompting her to continue.

Aniston explained, "Brad Pitt's strapped for cash and eager to revitalize his assets. Jolie and I arranged a covert plan, showing him a way to turn around ten million into a profit."

"Brad Pitt took the bait?" Martin inquired.

Jolie chimed in, "We spread rumors discreetly in the San Francisco Valley, and it worked. A company there showed interest and sought him out. Brad Pitt was lured by their offer, but recently bolted from the San Francisco Valley to Los Angeles. His sudden departure explained his ties to the San Francisco Valley. They pulled off something in secret."

"You have considerable sway," Martin observed. He knew firsthand the dread of having an ex-partner turning against him with insider knowledge.

Reflecting, he thought of Leonardo, never haunted by exposés from exes, just transient gossip. Leonardo was truly exceptional.

"Stay cautious," Martin cautioned.

Angelina Jolie scratched Martin's palm, stating, "Whatever Brad Pitt's up to, you'll be his prime target. You've snatched away his woman, home, and endorsements. As long as you stand strong, Brad won't come after us."

Martin couldn't refute the logic in Jolie's words.

Jennifer Aniston added, "We'll be pushing hard from behind to handle Brad Pitt."

In the past, Martin had taken the lead in pushing them to confront Brad Pitt as warrior goddesses.

Jolie persisted, "Martin, call Elizabeth. The four of us will discuss this! Someone will toss Peter into the sea, I guarantee!"

As they finished dining, Martin wiped his mouth. He noticed the others had set aside their cutlery, dragging Jolie with one hand and Aniston with the other, heading upstairs.

"Jen, I'll control Angie," Martin instructed while walking. "You sprint and hit my back from behind, at least ten meters away."

Aniston, instantly game, declared, "I've been training and running."

Upstairs, in the room, Martin released Jolie and turned to Aniston: "Where's your Joker figurine? I'll teach this wild woman a lesson today!"

Aniston retrieved a 40-centimeter version from her bag, initially contemplating using her regular one but opting for Lily's specially crafted piece the Joker Figurine, considering Julie's spitefulness.

Unyielding, Jolie, a staunch advocate for freedom, raised her arms defiantly: "Though I've lost Elizabeth, I've gained priceless liberty!"

Fearless, she proclaimed, "Let the battle intensify. Let's go!"