Chapter 177

###

Kevin Johnson never expected that one of his birthday parties would turn into a media spectacle.

"Universal Pictures' Head of Production, Kevin Johnson, allegedly forced renowned child star Lindsay Lohan to perform a striptease, with Lindsay's mother, Dina Lohan, also implicated..." The New York Times

"A shocking scandal has emerged, involving a Universal production manager attempting to molest an underage girl. The actress at the center of this incident is Lindsay Lohan, who played Nicole's daughter in *Island*. Martin stood up for his childhood friend, rescuing Lindsay from the situation." The Washington Postband, Los Angeles Times reported in detail:

"Yesterday, at a mansion in Santa Monica, Kevin Johnson hosted a lavish celebration for himself."

"During the party, Kevin's daughter, Viola Johnson, bullied child star Lindsay Lohan, disparaging Martin's work as plagiarism."

"Martin arrived just in time to halt the bullying, using the confrontation as inspiration to create a script he deemed exceptional. Once again, Martin proved his genius."

"Afterward, as Martin attempted to escort Lindsay away, Kevin Johnson intervened, calling Lindsay's mother to persuade her to stay."

"Then, a scandal erupted. Kevin Johnson allegedly made a private agreement with Lindsay's mother, Dina Lohan, allowing Lindsay to perform a striptease for him after the party. The implications were disturbing..."

"Dina Lohan confirmed the incident at the scene, and a heartbroken Lindsay was taken away by Martin."

The uproar surrounding these revelations placed Kevin Johnson in an excruciatingly awkward position.

He admitted to the media that his daughter had bullied Lindsay but vehemently denied making any inappropriate requests, labeling the entire situation as fabricated news concocted by Dina Lohan, whom he called a delusional woman seeking fame for her daughter.

"Yes, I have never made such a request. I have a daughter myself—how could I allow another's daughter to be exploited in such a way?"

"This is all the work of Dina Lohan, a crazy woman. I can't fathom her motives; maybe she thought this would garner her daughter some attention."

"I will make that lunatic pay for her slander. I'll sue her to the fullest extent of the law!"

Reporters gathered outside the small villa rented by Lindsay's family.

Inside, Dina Lohan was alone, surrounded by empty wine bottles and the heavy scent of alcohol. Her anger simmered.

Dina scanned the room with bleary eyes, searching for something.

"Damn it! Where did that little brat, Lindsay, hide her stash? Didn't she take it with her?"

"What am I supposed to do if I'm broke?"

"I need a drink! I need a drink!"

Dina muttered as she rummaged through the house, desperate for any coins.

At that moment, the alcohol had taken its toll. She felt an overwhelming discomfort, as if bugs were crawling in her throat.

Finally, unable to contain her fury, she shouted, "Lindsay, you forced my hand!"

She burst out of the villa, calling out, "Is anyone there?"

"Who is it?"

"It's Dina Lohan, Lindsay's mother."

"Who cares? Hurry up and let us interview you!"

"I have insider information about Lindsay! If someone gives me $500, or even $300, I'll share it!" Dina shouted at the reporters.

"Is there really such a mother?"

"Please, she'd sell her daughter to anyone if it meant a profit."

"Should we pay her?"

"Let's pool our resources!"

Soon, the media gathered their money and entered Lindsay Lohan's home.

"Let me tell you, my daughter has been..."

The next day, a flood of gossip about Lindsay Lohan hit the headlines, beginning with "Lindsay's mother said..."

In a mansion in Beverly Hills, Martin threw a stack of newspapers in front of Lindsay. "Lindsay, it's time to make a decision. People like this are not worthy of your protection."

Lindsay scanned the articles, filled with speculation and invasive details about her life. Her eyes reddened as she fought back tears, feeling a mix of anger and sadness.

She read each paper with mounting resolve, knowing she needed to confront her reality.

Martin remained silent, understanding that she needed to process the news in her own way.

"Martin, I've made up my mind! I want to sever ties with my parents."

Finally, Lindsay set the newspapers down and looked at Martin with determination.

"Okay, I'll help you."

In truth, Martin had already begun gathering evidence against Lindsay's parents. He was prepared to present this information in court to ensure her safety.

He stepped out of the room and made a call. "Attorney Smith, it's time to move forward. Have you contacted Lindsay's aunt?"

"Oh, what did she say?"

"Great! She agreed to adopt Lindsay, so we have nothing to worry about."

A few days later, Lindsay's lawsuit to sever ties with her parents took place in court.

Reporters swarmed the building as Martin, Jessica, and Dorothy supported Lindsay as friends.

Mark and John wanted to attend but were dissuaded by Martin.

With a trove of evidence demonstrating the Lohans' exploitation of their daughter, and bolstered by the Meyers family's extensive connections, the lawsuit proceeded smoothly.

March 28, 2000.

The court ruled that Lindsay Lohan's father, Michael Lohan, and her mother, Dina Lohan, lost custody of their daughter. Lindsay would be raised by her aunt until she turned sixteen.

As she left the courtroom, a mix of disappointment and relief washed over Lindsay. The burden she had carried for so long felt lifted.

She glanced at Martin, who stood protectively among the reporters, and a small smile graced her lips.

She realized she might finally be free—free from all of it, except for Martin.

---

"Lindsay Lohan, the next Drew Barrymore!"

The following day, numerous print outlets featured that headline.

The experiences of the two young actresses were strikingly similar, but thanks to Martin's intervention, Lindsay had escaped her struggles earlier.

"Hello, Martin! I read the papers, and it looks like everything is settled. Can my wonderful partner Jessica and our brilliant tech expert Lindsay come on board?"

"Honestly, I think Lindsay and I will have so much to discuss. I really like this girl."

"Get her to the set quickly. While she's filming, she'll start to forget all those unpleasant experiences."

"When she becomes famous, no one will remember her past. Even if they do, it will be an inspiring story!"

Drew Barrymore seemed particularly eager to meet Lindsay and couldn't wait to see her.

Martin consulted Lindsay and Jessica, and the next day, the two girls packed their bags and flew to Atlanta.

Meanwhile, Scarlett had already been on set for over a week.

[•———•——•———•]

𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧