Chapter 237: Open and Aboveboard, Leveraging Publicity

The Police Chief's Office.

"Old friend, so you're saying the case is resolved? Martin definitely didn't enter the apartment, specifically not into... Anne Hathaway's room?"

The middle-aged officer, though somewhat skeptical, knew better than to voice lingering doubts. After all, it wasn't impossible for Martin and Anne to have done something discreetly. However, he also understood what the chief wanted to hear and the resolution the precinct preferred for this case.

He nodded and replied, "Yes, Chief. This case boils down to a jealous woman and a group of drug-fueled ramblings—bizarre and laughable, nothing more."

"Good work. Let's close the case, then. Oh, and arrange a press conference to brief the media on the details."

"Understood!"

The officer recognized the importance of this move. With a celebrity like Martin involved, journalists had already caught wind of the story and started probing.

No doubt, someone in the precinct had leaked the information—standard practice in cases without confidentiality restrictions. In the U.S., police officers, being regular workers, often sold information for extra cash. Major media outlets typically maintained informants within law enforcement agencies.

Watching the officer leave, the chief immediately picked up the phone.

"Hello, Martin. The matter has been settled. Apologies for the inconvenience. Rest assured, the precinct will hold a press conference to clarify everything."

"OK, thank you for your understanding. Let's grab a coffee sometime. By the way, we questioned Miss Hathaway today as well, but she's already been released. I hope it hasn't caused her any trouble."

Though the chief didn't know whether Martin and Hathaway were romantically involved, mentioning her situation to Martin certainly wouldn't hurt. If they weren't involved now, who could say about the future?

To rise to the rank of police chief in America, one didn't need to be the best at solving cases, but excelling at interpersonal relations was a must.

On the other end of the line, Martin hung up with a calm demeanor. He'd never been worried.

From the moment Sophia, along with Desborough and Stephenson, entered the building, he'd been aware of their presence.

In unfamiliar settings, Martin habitually set magical traps for early warning. This applied to Charlize's home, Nicole's place, and Hathaway's apartment as well.

While engaging with Hathaway, he had manipulated everything behind the scenes.

His ever-growing magical power rendered him almost godlike in a mundane world, capable of anything.

The "new drug" discovered in Desborough's bag was something Martin detected with his magic.

As a tabloid paparazzo for World News, Desborough earned good bonuses but also faced immense pressure. Naturally, he sought stress relief through means like marijuana, drugs, or women.

"Anne..."

Martin picked up the phone again and called Anne Hathaway to reassure her. He also coached her on handling the media effectively.

The following day, the police press conference brought this peculiar case to the headlines of major media outlets.

Television networks found the absurd story highly entertaining, airing the police-provided footage on news and entertainment segments. It became the talk of the town.

"These scumbags tried to smear Martin. Outrageous!""Are paparazzi this audacious now? Picking locks and spying—this isn't journalism; it's espionage!""That Sophia woman is disgusting—a jealous and shameless gold digger!"

Meanwhile, Anne Hathaway found herself surrounded by reporters—a scenario she secretly welcomed.

Still a rising actress, she needed media exposure to boost her profile.

"Yes, yes, Martin wasn't with me that night. He's a gentleman; he dropped me off at my apartment and left."

"Sophia and I have no issues. Honestly, I don't know why she did this."

"Oh, that night, when she came out to take out the trash, we chatted briefly at the door. I mentioned how well The Princess Diaries was being received."

"Jealousy? I don't know. But I don't think Sophia is a bad person—perhaps she just made a poor choice in the moment."

"No, no, I don't want to press charges. I'm moving out soon; let's all move on."

Under Martin's guidance, Hathaway crafted a persona of kindness and resilience, painting herself as a gracious victim. She also strategically referenced The Princess Diaries multiple times during interviews.

Disney's publicity team also sprang into action.

"We have sent legal notices to World News and Sophia Santee."

"Anne Hathaway is as kindhearted as Mia in The Princess Diaries, but we won't tolerate criminal behavior."

The buzz surrounding The Princess Diaries soared.

By the end of its opening week, box office reports were in: $25.5 million, surpassing the original timeline's figures by $2 million. A $100 million North American gross was now within reach.

"Martin, I've made it—I'm famous now!"

"Oh my God, I love this—smiling faces wherever I go!"

"Martin, are you free tonight? Let's have dinner. I've reserved a table at Bowery Meat Company."

That evening, Martin and Anne Hathaway appeared together at Bowery Meat Company, one of New York's most renowned steakhouses. Their arrival caused a media frenzy.

After all, the strange case was still fresh in everyone's minds.

"Martin, are you dating Anne Hathaway?"

"Anne, what's your relationship with Martin? Did you two sleep together?"

"Martin, Anne, is what Sophia said true?"

Martin shrugged and turned to the reporters, flashing a smile.

"Guys, don't jump to conclusions. Anne and I are just friends, grabbing a meal together."

"If we were really involved, wouldn't we be hiding at home instead?"

After a few casual remarks, Martin confidently took Hathaway's hand and led her into the steakhouse.

This open, unguarded demeanor convinced the reporters that he and Hathaway were indeed innocent.

Blushing slightly, Anne couldn't help but smile, her lips curling upward in delight.