Chapter 171

"Hi, are you here for the audition too?"

"Yes, my name is Lindsay Lohan. What's yours?"

"My name is Anne Hathaway. Nice to meet you!"

"Same here!"

Anne Hathaway was initially cautious about Lindsay, but after speaking with her, she realized the girl seemed harmless and had a rather sweet, innocent demeanor.

Is this really the competition?

Anne Hathaway thought: This girl doesn't quite fit the character of "Princess Mia" from The Princess Diaries... I might have a better chance.

So, Anne was more genuinely friendly toward Lindsay.

But then, everything changed in an instant.

"What? You're friends with Martin Meyers?" Lindsay asked, a bit confused.

"Yes, but why do you ask?"

"Well, it's nothing. I just want to meet Martin Meyers."

Anne recalled the audition she had been so sure she would win a year ago, but failed. That girl named Scarlett, who was also friends with Martin, had gotten the role instead—thanks to that bastard helping her win.

Could it be happening again?

Why is my luck so terrible?

Lindsay, noticing the shift in Anne's demeanor, sensed the change. The warmth had vanished, replaced by coldness—yet there was something more. Was it anger?

The innocent girl had no idea she had triggered a storm.

After the final round of auditions, both girls were asked to return home and wait for the news.

Director Garry Marshall was in a tough spot. One girl was perfect for the role of Princess Mia, while the other was Martin's close friend—Hollywood's newest power player.

He wanted to follow his instincts but was wary of crossing Martin.

In the end, Reed McCas, a Disney exec overseeing the film, proposed a solution: Martin could make a call to gauge the other person's stance. If they insisted, he would go with Lindsay; otherwise, Anne would be his choice.

Back at her rented apartment, Anne couldn't shake her unease. To distract herself, she turned on the TV—only to see news about that bastard again.

"Wait—Martin's book signing? In Times Square? He's in New York right now?"

"That jerk… I'm going to find him tomorrow!"

Anne Hathaway, with typical American determination, gritted her teeth and made a bold decision.

The Next Day

Buzzbuzzbuzz!

Martin's phone vibrated on the table in his hotel room.

He picked it up to see it was Drew Barrymore.

"Who?" A soft white arm wrapped around Martin's back, and the face of the mischievous Paris Hilton rested on his shoulder.

"A partner," Martin answered, then picked up the phone.

"Hey, Martin. I've got everything ready for Charlie's Angels—when do we start filming?" Drew's voice crackled through.

"Everything's set. We'll start shooting immediately. The main cast is locked, and we'll shoot according to my split-shot script. We aim for a release this year."

"Great! When will the producer be in place?"

"I'll call him. You can inform him directly." Martin passed along a number—his production manager at Meyers Films.

When he hung up, Paris seemed a little jealous. "It's that little devil Drew, isn't it? You should watch out for her. She plays men like a game."

Martin chuckled and teased, "Really? That only makes her more interesting."

Paris pouted, "Humph, I'll drain you dry and won't give that little goblin a chance."

Martin grinned, "That depends on your ability."

Later that day, the autograph session continued.

The venue was much more secure today—extra security and even NYPD patrols nearby.

During the break, Gordon approached Martin.

"Yesterday, I had people follow the two suspects, but found nothing."

"Any updates on the call records?" Martin asked casually.

"I checked, and here's the kicker... it's Ben Affleck!" Gordon said.

"Ben? He doesn't have the guts to make a move against me. It must be Harvey. Has this fat guy finally decided to cut ties with me?"

After the film Little Island, Martin had ended his collaboration with Milan Max. It seemed like Harvey, feeling hurt, wanted to stir up some trouble.

Martin thought for a moment, then picked up the phone.

"Hello, Matt Damon?"

"Matt, it's Martin. I need a favor..."

"Don't worry, I won't leave you hanging. I've registered a script with the Screenwriters Guild—The Bourne Supremacy. You can check it out if you're interested in the lead role."

After a brief chat, Martin hung up, satisfied. His negotiation skills had worked wonders—Matt couldn't resist the offer.

Stretching, Martin walked over to the window. "Wow, it looks even busier today. Another long day ahead!"

"Martin, you really don't have to sign for everyone."

"No, those people are my fans. I can't let them down." Martin responded earnestly.

"They're the energy that powers me," he thought to himself. "What's a little physical exhaustion for the magic I gain?"

"Martin, you're such a good guy!" Jeff said, sighing.

Martin just gave him a blank stare.

The autograph session began again, and the crowd was much more subdued thanks to the heightened security.

Everything went smoothly throughout the afternoon.

Then, a striking woman with dark brown hair approached Martin, taking a deep breath.

He stared at the familiar, beautiful face and said, "Hi, where are the things you need signed?"

Anne Hathaway cursed herself internally. She had planned to confront Martin today—maybe even call him out for abusing his power to help people through the back door.

Why had she backed down at the last minute?

"I... I want you to sign here."

Suddenly, Anne pulled down the strap of her T-shirt, revealing her white shoulder.

"On the shoulder?" Martin was surprised. He'd signed bras before, but this was the first time for a shoulder.

"Yes, right here," Anne nodded.

"What should I write?"

Anne's eyes lit up. "Just write: Martin Meyers—Wishing my good friend Anne all the best forever!"