Chapter 737: Family Property!

In the elegant study room on the villa's first floor, Elizabeth Olsen deftly plugged the projector's data cable into the laptop, setting the stage for what was to come.

Lily's graceful hand pressed the remote control, orchestrating the descent of the metal curtain, enclosing the room in a cocoon of confidentiality.

Martin opened a folder containing damning evidence of Johnny Depp's financial misfortunes, showcasing the IRS's grip tightening around his assets.

Harris-Carter scrutinized the contents with a discerning eye, the gravity of the situation sinking in.

Turning to Bruce, Martin inquired, "Are they all accounted for?"

Bruce nodded knowingly, "Every asset that Johnny Depp can lay claim to is meticulously listed. According to the Mandel brothers' estimates, apart from the three mansions in Los Angeles, everything else is ripe for the picking."

Harris grasped the underlying motive behind Martin and Bruce's meticulous preparations, they were aiming to seize Johnny Depp's prized possessions.

Interjecting at the opportune moment, Lily recounted a recent incident involving Martin narrowly escaping a car accident orchestrated by Depp's bodyguards. She painted a vivid picture of danger averted, thanks to Bruce's quick reflexes, leaving everyone in the room visibly shaken.

Harris nodded solemnly, "Depp must be held accountable."

Each member present, including Elizabeth and Lily, echoed the sentiment, advocating for Depp to pay dearly for his transgressions.

Martin soberly explained, "Due to mounting tax liabilities, Depp is facing a daunting debt of nearly $100 million, with his cash flow on the brink of depletion. Liquidating his assets is the only viable option, but to do so quickly, he'll have to accept substantial losses."

Locking eyes with Harris, he continued, "Our involvement could jeopardize the transactions."

Harris reassured, "Leave it to me. We'll acquire the assets discreetly and reap the rewards."

Martin's indifference to profit was palpable as he addressed the room, "If you're willing to invest, we'll pool our resources, with Harris overseeing the acquisitions and profits distributed accordingly."

Elizabeth pledged her unwavering support, "Count me in."

Lily followed suit, her determination unwavering, "And me."

Bruce and Harris nodded in agreement, their loyalty to the cause unwavering.

With unanimous consent, Martin declared, "Let's proceed, Bruce."

Bruce took charge, highlighting a picture of Depp's extravagant yacht, Amphitrite, on the screen. He divulged its opulent details, emphasizing its exorbitant upkeep costs and Depp's current financial woes.

"If we play our cards right," Bruce suggested, "we can acquire this yacht at a bargain and wait for the opportune moment to strike a lucrative deal with JK Rowling when she resurfaces from her literary seclusion."

Martin turned to Elizabeth, silently seeking her opinion.

Elizabeth, catching his glance, shook her head decisively. "I'm not keen on those vintage two-mast yachts."

Bruce swiftly adjusted the presentation, the screen morphing into a picturesque house perched atop a solitary cliff overlooking the sea, commanding an expansive stretch of land akin to Weiss Manor, albeit on a more intimate scale.

The laser pointer illuminated the grand edifice at the heart of the image. "This is one of Depp's estates in Los Angeles, and the crown jewel among them. Spanning nearly four acres, its current market value hovers around $39 million, making it the most prized possession in Depp's real estate portfolio."

Martin's eyes gleamed with determination. "This house speaks to me. It's meant for us."

Lily nodded in agreement. "I was captivated from the first glance."

Bruce seamlessly transitioned to the next piece of information. "Now, behold this vineyard nestled in the French countryside. Valued at approximately $19 million, it's more akin to a quaint village in its own right..."

As Martin absorbed the details, he couldn't help but marvel inwardly. Depp's decades-long reign as a Hollywood icon, despite financial missteps and legal entanglements, had endowed him with an enviable array of assets.

Depp's real estate empire spanned 14 properties across prime locations globally, showcasing his enduring legacy in the industry. Despite his current predicament, the total value of his fixed assets hovered near the $100 million mark.

Yet, even with such wealth, Depp's recent troubles hinted at a looming reckoning. The need to liquidate quickly would undoubtedly necessitate substantial sacrifices.

After the study's deliberations concluded, Martin tasked Bruce with compiling a comprehensive dossier for Harris.

In addition to the core team comprising Martin, Lily, Elizabeth, Bruce, and Harris, Elena from Atlanta would be enlisted to bolster their financial resources.

With swift farewells, Harris departed, leaving Martin to initiate the next phase of their plan.

Martin promptly dialed Thomas and lawyer Hamlin, ensuring their focus remained on the three individuals involved in the recent car incident, notably Howard Butte. With Depp's unwavering loyalty to his entourage, Martin anticipated a costly endeavor ahead, spanning bail, legal fees, and potential civil compensation.

In this aspect, Depp's loyalty shone through, affirming his character amidst the turmoil.

The following morning, lawyer Hamlin delivered news of initial communication from Depp's legal counsel, signaling a potential pathway to resolution through monetary compensation.

Martin firmly rejected any attempts at settlement, even when pressed by the opposing party. Instead, he brazenly threw out a demand for $50 million in moral compensation, knowing full well Depp's camp would balk at such a figure.

Undeterred, Martin remained resolute in his pursuit of justice, adamant that the trio of troublemakers involved in the car incident would face the consequences of their actions.

Meanwhile, Depp, facing mounting legal fees, sought to assemble a high-powered legal team to counter the impending lawsuit, a move that would require significant financial resources.

Ever the strategist, Martin devised a cunning plan to undermine Depp's defense by reducing his own salary, thereby limiting Depp's ability to retain top-tier legal representation.

---

In the lavish confines of Disney Studios' "La La Land" Studio, Martin crossed paths with Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur, in the lounge area of the grand foyer. Musk, engaged in animated conversation with Mia, the project's screenwriter, exuded an infectious enthusiasm that left Mia in stitches.

As Martin approached, Mia composed herself and greeted him warmly, "Good afternoon, Martin."

Returning the pleasantries, Martin settled into a nearby chair and turned his attention to Musk, inquiring about the source of his apparent joviality.

Musk grinned, "Mia shared tales of her stint as a part-time waiter at an ice cream parlor. Quite the amusing anecdote."

Recalling their serendipitous encounter at a similar establishment, Martin nodded in agreement, "Indeed, it's remarkable how chance encounters can lead to great collaborations."

Sensing an opportunity to depart, Mia excused herself, citing an appointment with Mandy Moore to discuss choreography. As she left, Musk commented on her professionalism, earning a nod of approval from Martin.

Once alone, Martin issued a lighthearted warning to Musk, "Keep your antics in check on my set, or I'll consider strapping you to a rocket destined for Mars. I hear Martians have a soft spot for jovial billionaires."

Musk chuckled, "You underestimate Amber's charm. She's truly remarkable, and her eagerness to do things is unparalleled. I'm considering making her an angel investor."

Puzzled by Musk's cryptic remark, Martin raised an eyebrow, "Your 'angel' bestowed upon Disney Studios a notorious attraction known throughout the nation as being infamous."

Musk cleared his throat, shifting to a more serious tone, "On a serious note, let's not waste time on trivialities. I intend to pursue a relationship with Amber officially, but she must sever ties with Depp first."

This declaration aligned with Martin's agenda, prompting him to broach the purpose of their meeting, "A woman like Amber will leave Depp easily once his coffers run dry and his reputation lies in tatters."

Their conversation pivoted toward strategizing the downfall of Depp's empire, setting the stage for a meticulously orchestrated plan to disentangle Amber from his grasp.

Musk's gaze lingered on Martin thoughtfully, a hint of intrigue coloring his expression. "Depp is your arch-nemesis, Martin. Surely, you must have some schemes in mind, right?"

Martin's retort was swift, laced with sarcasm. "So, your plan is to steal someone's wife and then cast her off a cliff, leaving her stranded?"

Unfazed by Martin's jest, Musk remained unfalteringly composed. "Isn't it intriguing? Amber will owe me a debt of gratitude, granting me access to untold opportunities and allowing me free rein on her."

Shaking his head in disbelief, Martin quipped, "My moral compass is starting to waver the more I engage with you."

Musk countered, undeterred. "On the contrary, Martin, you've been my mentor in such matters. I've merely taken a page out of your playbook."

Martin's fingers drummed against the table in frustration. "You scoundrel, don't pin your antics on me. I have never stooped to such low tactics!"

Musk interjected, eager to drive his point home. "But Martin, Amber and I are merely following your example, alongside Charlize Theron! Remember your dealings with Stuart Townsend's fiancée and the chaos it ensued? You've set quite the precedent for all of us."

Despite Martin's eloquence, he found himself at a loss for words, forced to confront the uncomfortable truth that Musk's actions mirrored his own, albeit through a different lens.

With a tone of genuine sincerity, Musk acknowledged Martin's influence. "You, Martin, are my mentor in this area. Your exploits with numerous leading ladies have become legendary, a veritable treasure trove of wisdom for us all."

Martin waved off the praise modestly. "Let's not dwell on the past. From today onward, you're the teacher." Suppressing a chuckle, he added, "My, how quickly my mentee has surpassed me. Done it all, yet still afraid of a little scrutiny?"

Returning to the matter at hand, Musk steered the conversation back to Amber and Depp. "So, what's your take on Amber and Depp?"

Martin seized the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of the film industry, particularly Depp's tumultuous relationship with investor Megan Ellison during the production of "The Lone Ranger," a film with a staggering budget of $250 million. "Depp's antics during the filming drove Megan Ellison to the brink of insanity. If anything were to happen to this film, Ellison wouldn't hesitate to sever ties with Depp."

As a fellow denizen of Silicon Valley familiar with the Ellisons, Musk chimed in, "My understanding is that Megan Ellison won't let Depp off the hook, even if the film proves successful."

Martin nodded in agreement. "Precisely." He tapped the table emphatically. "That's our opening."