Chapter 530: The easiest way to break the rumor.

Standing solemnly at the threshold of the apartment, Ben Affleck's gaze swept across the living room, halting abruptly at the lone figure of Martin Davis. The room was steeped in an air of quiet reverence, with artifacts of adoration meticulously placed like sacred relics in a shrine.

Adorning the wall was a larger-than-life poster of Martin Davis, enshrined as the messianic leader of the Coca-Cola Cult. Its colors were vivid, casting an almost ethereal glow in the dimly lit room.

On a nearby shelf, a photograph caught the eye. It featured Toni, radiant in a white wedding dress, posing beside Martin. Yet, something about the background struck an odd note—it resembled the cluttered, narrow aisles of a DVD store, lending an air of surrealism to the image.

In the center of the room, commanding attention on the coffee table, sat a handmade clown statue. Its intricate details and vivid colors contrasted sharply with the muted tones of the room, casting an almost eerie presence.

Scattered around were countless other mementos, each telling a silent story of devotion and idolatry.

Toni, an outsider in the glittering world of Hollywood, seemed oblivious to the more obscure facets of fame, such as foot cuffs and face cuffs, rarely seen in mainstream media. Noticing Ben's dazed expression, she confessed with a mix of embarrassment and pride, "I'm more than just a fan of Martin; I'm utterly devoted to him. My world revolved around chasing his shadow."

Ben, his curiosity piqued, gestured towards the wedding photo. "It seems he even convinced you to don a wedding dress."

Toni, handing Ben a bottle of water with a nostalgic smile, reminisced, "Back then, my enthusiasm knew no bounds. Martin was my everything, the sole occupant of my thoughts."

Her voice, tinged with a hint of loneliness, betrayed her isolated existence. Finding a kindred spirit in Ben, she opened up further, "I dreamed of marrying Martin. He was my world, my everything..."

Ben chimed in, reflecting on his own past, "I understand that feeling. In my youth, Warren Beatty was my idol, my beacon."

Toni's eyes sparkled with fervor as she spoke of Martin, "He's not just an idol to me. He's my hero, my sanctuary, and my future."

Ben, surprised, echoed, "Your future?"

Toni's hand instinctively caressed her stomach, a tender, protective gesture.

"Really?" Ben's attention was suddenly drawn to another frame on the TV cabinet. It showcased Martin, adorned with the Grand Medal of Honor, standing proudly on the South Lawn of the White House. The image was grainy, as though reproduced from a poster, but Ben was too astonished to notice. Pointing at the frame, he recalled, "Toni, you mentioned in the hospital that the father of your child attended the Independence Day Celebration..."

He asked, a hint of disbelief in his voice, "You're talking about Martin Davis, aren't you?"

Toni hesitated, then with a smile of blissful affirmation, nodded, "Yes, it's Martin."

Ben's excitement was palpable, not from shock but from a genuine thrill.

Toni implored, "Ben, please keep this a secret, so I can have this child in peace."

"We're friends, Toni," Ben reassured her, sitting beside her on the sofa. "I swear, your secret's safe with me."

He cautioned her, understanding the stakes, "You better keep this quiet. Martin's a national hero, and you're a Hollywood star. If the paparazzi find out, they won't leave you alone."

Toni acknowledged with a nod, "You're the only one who knows."

Ben, struck by a sudden thought, ventured cautiously, "Does Martin know?"

Toni's response was a guarded silence.

Sensing her unease, Ben reassured her, "Don't worry, I'm a father too, and I cherish children. Despite my own troubles, I know Hollywood inside out. Maybe I can help you."

As Toni watched Ben Affleck guide his two children towards her apartment building, a flicker of hesitation crossed her face. She finally mustered the courage to confess, "I haven't told Martin yet. He's completely unaware of this."

Ben, with a cautious tone, clarified his intentions, "I just want to prepare you for potential Hollywood complexities." He felt compelled to verify, "You're absolutely certain the child is Martin's?"

Unfazed, Toni affirmed confidently, "Without a doubt. Since 'The Dark Knight' and my infatuation with Martin's portrayal of the Joker, there's been no one else for me. I've remained true to him."

She drifted into a reverie, recalling that fateful dawn when Martin left, leaving behind more than just memories. "He's the father, and DNA will confirm it," she declared with conviction.

Ben, reassured by her certainty, complimented her, "You're a genuine soul. Martin is lucky to have someone like you."

Toni basked in his kind words.

Ben, feeling the weight of his responsibility as a friend, cautiously advised, "Many Hollywood celebrities have faced scandals. Take Martin's close friend, Jack Nicholson. When his own paternity issues surfaced, he denied everything. It's a harsh reality."

Toni's smile waned at the thought.

Ben pressed on, "Have you considered what you'll do if Martin denies the child?"

Caught off guard, Toni's fantasy clashed with a harsher reality. "I can't imagine Martin being that way. He's always been my hero, not someone who shirks responsibility."

Ben gently reminded her, "Remember, Nicholson is his best friend."

After a moment of silence, Toni's resolve strengthened. "Regardless, I'll have this child."

Ben supported her decision, "It's your right, and the father has obligations, both moral and legal."

Toni placed her hands on her belly, her voice firm, "My child deserves a father's love, to grow up in a complete family."

"You're absolutely right," Ben replied, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "As a father myself, I understand. I won't let a friend's child grow up fatherless. I'll be here to help."

Toni, sensing the complexity of her situation, was relieved to have Ben's support. "I'll turn to you for guidance."

Ben smiled reassuringly, "You can reach out to me anytime."

Toni felt empowered, ready to face any challenge ahead.

After their conversation, Ben briskly exited, a determined air about him. Once alone in the elevator, he clenched his fist, silently celebrating his discovery of Martin's vulnerability.

Back in his apartment, Casey Affleck awaited him. "Are you certain?" he asked.

Ben, unable to hide his excitement, confirmed, "Yes, it's Martin Davis' child."

Casey scoffed, "So much for being different from the typical Hollywood star."

Ben mused, "That's Hollywood for you. No one's immune to its vices."

Casey laughed, and Ben added, "Our priority is Toni's well-being, to ensure she safely gives birth. This child could be key to justice."

Casey nodded, "I'll keep a discreet eye on things, and you handle the rest."

Their focus now was entirely on ensuring Toni's safe delivery, even more so than when Jennifer Garner was expecting.

Their mission was clear: protect Toni and her unborn child.

In the affluent streets of Beverly Hills, Martin Davis observed an escalating argument near a sleek car, just as Bruce steered their Escalade into the upscale neighborhood. The quarrel involved his neighbors, Charlize Theron and Stuart Townsend, their voices rising in heated exchange.

Initially, Martin preferred to stay out of the fray, but a flash of memory from a recent incident involving a trash can and Stewart's harsh words compelled him to intervene.

"Stop the car, Bruce," Martin directed firmly.

The Escalade came to a halt just behind the scene of the dispute. Bruce, overhearing Martin's murmur about a past slander involving a kicked trash can, advised, "You surely don't want to give truth to those baseless accusations, do you?"

Martin, clutching his chest in frustration, expressed his disdain for unfounded rumors. "There's nothing more unsettling than being the subject of false gossip. I despise rumors the most!" He stepped out of the car, pondering aloud, "What's the most effective way to quash rumors?"

Bruce, familiar with Martin's cunning, muttered under his breath, "Turn rumors into truth, and they lose their power."

As Martin approached the arguing couple, he overheard their intense squabble. Unconcerned with who was right or wrong, he saw an opportunity to intervene in the name of justice.

"Sally, do you need me to call the police?" Martin called out, attempting to diffuse the situation.

Stewart, already seething with anger, turned towards Martin, his suspicions boiling over. "What, are you two involved now? You're siding with him?"

Charlize, too upset to respond, remained silent.

Martin, undeterred by Stewart's outburst, inquired again, "Are you alright?"

Stewart barked back, "Stay out of this!"

Ignoring him, Martin focused on Charlize, "This is no place for such disputes. Shall I drive you home?"

Grateful for an escape, Charlize quickly agreed, "I'm sorry for the trouble."

She ceased her argument with Stewart and walked towards Martin's Escalade.

Martin courteously opened the car door for her. They both entered the vehicle, paying no heed to Stewart's increasing frustration.

As Bruce drove them away, Stewart, pushed to the brink, kicked the car's wheel in a fit of rage.

Inside the Escalade, Charlize remarked, half in jest, "You're playing the knight in shining armor."

Martin offered comfort, sharing his own experiences, "Elizabeth and I have had our share of arguments."

Charlize shook her head, venting her frustrations, "He's being completely unreasonable. I just returned from shooting, and he accosts me in public."

She glanced at Martin, adding, "He even accused me of having an affair with you."

Martin sighed, recalling the trash incident. "I'm partly to blame... When I bumped into Stewart while taking out the trash, he confronted me about you. Despite my denials, he grew more irate."

Charlize, surprised by these revelations, expressed her regret, "I'm sorry, Martin. I didn't expect my personal issues to affect you."

Martin smiled reassuringly, "Don't worry about it. As neighbors and friends, we look out for each other."

Upon reaching Charlize's house, she thanked Martin and made her way inside.

As Martin settled back into his routine, he put the incident aside. His friend, Tom Cruise, had extended an invitation to a party the following night, offering a welcome distraction from the day's drama.