Chapter 697: Trigger Warning

After Saoirse Ronan's captivating acapella rendition of "Scarborough Fair," she paused, her eyes searching Martin's face for approval. "Do you think I'm any good at singing?" she inquired, a hint of vulnerability in her voice.

Martin, her mentor, grinned warmly. "Your singing is exceptional, Saoirse. You've got a gift."

Saoirse glanced around, noticing the people milling about in the front hall and the subtle presence of surveillance cameras. The atmosphere wasn't exactly conducive to letting loose like a wild horse.

Just as she was about to inquire about Martin's office, Bruce, the security expert, materialized beside them.

Martin gestured towards Saoirse, concern furrowing his brow. "What's going on?"

Bruce nodded gravely, shooting a cautious glance at Saoirse. "Someone's been tailing you both, snapping covert photos."

Saoirse's jaw dropped in disbelief. She was used to capturing candid moments with her own camera, but the idea of someone turning the tables on her felt invasive.

Martin pressed for details. "Any idea who?"

Bruce shook his head. "Not yet. We've got eyes on the studio, but it's a crowded place. Could be a fan or someone with less friendly intentions. That's why I've got our guards discreetly tracking them. They're better at this than brandishing firearms."

Martin remained composed. "Let's give it a moment."

But Saoirse couldn't shake the feeling. "I think it's Emma Watson's doing," she blurted out, her mind racing. "No one else here would be so brazen. Emma's always had a tight-knit crew from her Potter days. It adds up..."

Martin raised a calming hand. "Patience, Saoirse. We'll uncover the truth soon enough."

Saoirse pulled up a chair, her nerves on edge.

Moments later, Bruce's phone buzzed, prompting him to step aside and take a call. After a brief exchange, he forwarded a message to Martin.

Martin's expression shifted as he examined the photo on his phone—a young woman in her twenties caught in the frame.

Bruce returned, his voice lowered. "She followed you from the restaurant to the studio, then met up with Emma Watson's crew from 'Noah's Ark.'"

Saoirse bit her lip, eager to speak but hesitant under Martin's gaze.

Bruce continued, relaying his findings. "She lingered outside the studio, then entered with Emma Watson."

Martin nodded, his mind already connecting the dots. "Find out her connection to Emma Watson."

Bruce nodded and made the call.

Saoirse leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "Can I see?"

Martin obliged, showing her the incriminating photo.

Saoirse's eyes narrowed as recognition dawned. "That's Emma Watson's assistant, Alanna. I've done my homework on Emma's circle. There's no mistaking it."

Mentioning Emma Watson ignited a flame of frustration within her. "She's targeting me, I'm sure of it!"

Bruce swiftly unearthed more information. "Her name's Alanna, part of Emma Watson's entourage."

Martin's expression darkened. "Emma Watson harbors animosity towards Saoirse. Her assistant's clandestine photography is no coincidence. What are they planning?"

In the cutthroat world of Hollywood, Bruce cut to the chase. "You're not yet 18, right?"

Saoirse's mind raced. "I'm 17." She could already see where this was going. "Emma Watson is trying to exploit my underage status for trouble. Are they going to call the cops?"

Martin shook his head, a plan forming. "That's too messy. We'll counter their move by releasing what they've captured. Rumors spread like wildfire, but quenching them requires decisive action."

Bruce's voice cut through the tension. "No matter how you try to debunk the rumor, it'll stain your reputation."

Martin's mind whirred with possibilities. "Let's cover our bases. Get on it."

Saoirse interjected, her determination palpable. "I can explain."

"It'll be useful, don't worry," Martin assured her, then raised his voice toward the front desk. "I just saw your video..."

The receptionist shot up from her seat, flustered. "I meant no harm, truly! I just wanted a keepsake."

Awareness prickled over Martin as he considered the legal ramifications. "Have you all signed agreements?"

The girl nodded vigorously. "Yes, of course! It's just for personal use."

Martin's gaze sharpened. "Do you have Twitter?"

"Yes, I do!" she exclaimed eagerly.

"Tweet the video," Martin instructed, "Saoirse, retweet it. Bob, retweet Saoirse's... And I'll spread the word. Judy, let TMZ know."

Bruce eyed the surveillance camera. "We could also leak the surveillance footage."

Saoirse listened intently, her mind racing. "Shouldn't we release it first to preempt their move?"

"Exactly," Martin agreed.

As the receptionist tweeted, Saoirse swiftly forwarded it, while Martin contacted his network for support.

Bruce headed to the surveillance room, intent on retrieving the footage.

Martin didn't just repost Saoirse's video; he added a heartfelt message. "Spotlighting talent. This girl's dedication shines through."

The tweet gained traction, quickly attracting attention from industry heavyweights like Meryl Streep and Leonardo DiCaprio.

---

Meanwhile, in Emma Watson's opulent lounge on the set of "Noah's Ark," Alana diligently compiled the incriminating material.

Emma, ever the strategist, pointed out the most damaging shots. "These. We'll want these ones. And edit this section for extra impact."

Alana complied, transferring the files to a USB drive. "What's next?"

Emma navigated to TMZ's website. "Contact them. They'll pay top dollar for this."

Alana made the call, arranging a meeting with a TMZ editor at a nearby cafe.

After a swift negotiation, the deal was sealed, and the damning evidence was on its way to TMZ's headquarters.

But back at TMZ, Judy, the deputy editor-in-chief, was in for a surprise. A flagged news article popped up, bearing Martin's name—a potential bombshell that demanded her immediate attention.

As Judy scrutinized the compromising evidence, Bruce's face flashed in her mind. "That conniving Boo definitely doesn't want Martin's scandal exposed," she muttered under her breath.

The images and videos depicted Martin in a questionable light with a young actress. Judy recognized the actress as Saoirse Ronan, a rising star from the UK or Ireland.

The angles of the shots were deliberate, creating an air of ambiguity around Martin and Saoirse's interactions, potentially fueling scandalous rumors. The accompanying text emphasized Saoirse's underage status, further tarnishing Martin's reputation.

Judy knew someone was orchestrating a smear campaign against Martin. The carefully crafted content aimed to incite scandal and sow doubt.

She reached for her phone, dialing Bruce's number urgently. "Bruce, I've got scandalous news about Martin. We need to act fast to contain it."

Bruce's rapid-fire response barely gave her a chance to speak. "Martin and Saoirse Ronan?"

Judy couldn't help but smirk. "You got it, Boo. Come over tonight, or face the consequences."

"Quit the theatrics and check Martin's Twitter," Bruce retorted. "There's relevant content there."

With another phone in hand, Judy navigated to Martin's Twitter feed. She watched the video of Saoirse singing—a stark contrast to the scandalous material she had just seen.

"Someone's trying to blackmail Martin or Saoirse," she mused aloud.

Bruce's voice crackled over the phone. "Any updates on Martin and Saoirse?"

"Just stopped a news release," Judy replied, recounting the recent events.

Bruce promised to provide more information. Judy feigned incompetence, concealing her plan. "I'm not thinking clearly right now. I'll wait for you."

Bruce caught on to her game. "Fine, I'll swing by later."

Judy chuckled. "I've got a plan brewing. See you tonight, Boo."

After hanging up, she instructed the editor to incorporate Bruce's new video into the news. The headline shifted the narrative, focusing on Martin's purported new project with Saoirse.

"Martin Davis Investigates Irish Actress Saoirse Ronan for Potential Song and Dance Collaboration," the revised headline read.

The news went live, but it failed to spark significant interest. Followers focused more on Martin's supposed upcoming project than the scandalous allegations.

Back at Disney Studios, Martin and Saoirse regrouped with their team. Bruce had briefed them on the TMZ situation.

Saoirse clenched her fists. "I won't let that witch get away with this!"

Martin instructed Bruce, "Keep an eye on Emma Watson, but don't engage."

He turned to Saoirse. "And you, stay vigilant."

Saoirse nodded firmly. "I'm all ears, teacher."