Chapter 536: Big business worth billions

In the early morning light that filtered through the hotel corridors, Bruce, carrying a fresh set of women's casual clothes, approached Martin's suite. Just as he was about to knock, the door opposite swung open.

Mene emerged, his face radiating a youthful vigor that belied his age, resembling a man in his twenties at the peak of his charm.

Bruce, surprised, mumbled to himself, "When did he get back?"

Mene just offered a cryptic smile in response.

Their exchange was interrupted by a woman's cheerful voice from inside the room. "Wait for me, let's have breakfast together. I'll be right out. How did you train your tongue to be so flexible? It's my first time witnessing such skill."

Bruce's eyes widened in disbelief. Had Mene really mastered such an unusual talent?

Then, a familiar figure stepped out – Sophie Marceau, the renowned European actress, her presence unmistakable.

Bruce discreetly gestured a thumbs-up to Mene, impressed.

Recognizing Bruce, Sophie Marceau inquired warmly, "Are you Bruce, Martin Davis' bodyguard? I saw the Santa Monica Pier incident. Where's Martin? Maybe we could all hang out later."

Bruce, aware of Martin's lack of interest, replied, "Martin has urgent matters and will be stepping out."

Sophie, though slightly disappointed, was clearly enchanted by Mene's allure. Linking her arm with his, she suggested, "Let's head to the restaurant."

As they walked, Sophie advised, "Avoid spicy foods for breakfast. With your skills, you won't need them."

Mene, serious yet amused, replied, "My abilities are purely technical."

Sophie, intrigued, asked, "Could you tie a knot for me later? I'd love a photo to remember it by."

Their banter continued as they disappeared into the elevator.

Bruce, shaking his head amusedly, knocked on Martin's door to deliver the clothes.

Ten minutes later, Martin and Léa Seydoux emerged from the room, heading to the hotel restaurant for breakfast.

Léa, spotting Sophie, remarked in surprise, "She's here too."

Martin, with a knowing smile, explained, "The man with her is Menet, an old friend with a unique charm that seems to captivate mature ladies. Be cautious."

Léa nodded, "I've heard of him. Huppert's young lover, famed for his looks and skills. The rumors are true, it seems."

"Is Menet really that well-known?" Martin asked, intrigued.

"In the actresses' circle, definitely," Léa replied, a hint of mischief in her voice. "Later, you must introduce me to him. I think my mother would love to meet him."

Martin's fork clattered against his plate, startled. "Are you serious?"

"Absolutely," Léa affirmed. "My parents divorced long ago, and my mother hasn't been truly happy since..."

Martin, caught off guard, responded vaguely, "We'll see about that."

After breakfast, Bruce drove Martin and Léa to District 7, where her mother's vacant apartment housed a hidden safe containing the crucial evidence they sought.

Martin, standing on the balcony with Bruce, gazed out over the serene Parisian streets of the 7th District. He knew, without needing Léa Seydoux to confirm, that she must have created multiple copies of the evidence. Unlike the infamous Department 93, known for its lack of security, the 7th District, akin to the affluent 16th, was a haven of safety. Consequently, Léa's mother's unoccupied apartment had remained untouched by thieves.

Back in the apartment, Léa deftly removed a picture frame, unveiling a hidden safe in the wall. Martin and Bruce remained outside, discussing their next moves.

Bruce, looking out towards the city, questioned, "Is she planning to handle this herself?"

Martin, his eyes still fixed on the Paris skyline, replied, "She's cautious. She plans to release a recording to TMZ or another outlet when the timing is right."

Bruce, concerned, asked, "Where's the video?"

Martin turned to face him. "For now, she's keeping it. But she shared something intriguing. After 'Inglourious Basterds' wrapped up, she kept a close watch on Harvey. She suspected he might target another actress and provided her with a hidden camera."

Bruce, familiar with the rumors about Harvey, remarked cynically, "That's classic Harvey. It would be surprising if it wasn't forceful."

Martin nodded, deep in thought. "Léa believes the actress captured something significant that night. However, she left Los Angeles shortly after, likely with the video."

"Who is she? Where does she live?" Bruce pressed, ready to follow up.

Martin pondered, looking pensive. "I'm not sure yet. Uncovering that might come at a high cost."

Bruce gave Martin a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "With your resources, you'll manage it."

He then suggested, "Should I stay here for a bit?"

Martin considered this. "Better to head back to the hotel. It's safer there."

Bruce mulled over the situation. If Léa could secretly record Harvey, it was possible she might have installed something to record Martin too.

"It's a tough task for just us," he cautioned.

Martin recalled a recent conversation with Saoirse Ronan about a project involving Harvey and Warner. "I've asked Thomas to dig deeper into that."

Just then, Léa called out from inside, "I've found it."

Martin and Bruce returned to the living room. Léa extended a USB flash drive towards Martin. Bruce quickly set up his laptop, and Martin inserted the drive, hitting play.

The first file was an audio clip of Harvey Weinstein making a threatening statement. Although Léa's name wasn't mentioned, his intentions were unmistakably coercive.

Next was a video, evidently edited to show only Harvey leaving a location, his menacing demeanor reminiscent of criminals from Department 93.

Léa remarked with disdain, "It's revolting. No sane woman could tolerate being near him."

Martin's thoughts drifted to Joanna Chapman, busy with work, and his ongoing bet with Nicholson.

"If I stay the course, victory is mine," he thought to himself.

He remembered conversations with Angela Lindworth about Joanna. Ever since he introduced them, Joanna, Angela, and Carolina had become close companions.

Léa added, "That's all for now. I'll retrieve the rest when I can and pass them on to you."

Martin instructed Bruce to gather their belongings. "Let's go explore Paris."

Bruce nodded in agreement. "Absolutely, let's see what the city has to offer."

Martin and Léa Seydoux embarked on a picturesque tour of Paris, marveling at its most iconic landmarks. The city, bathed in the soft glow of the afternoon sun, provided a perfect backdrop for their explorations. Afterward, they strolled along the bustling Champs Elysées, indulging in a shopping spree. Martin, now affluent, was generous, spending lavishly as they meandered through the high-end boutiques.

That evening, back at the hotel, Martin shifted his focus to a substantial business deal with Léa Seydoux. The stakes were high, involving billions, and their discussion was intense. Léa, now financially empowered, deepened her resolve against Weinstein and promptly provided Martin with the contact details of the French-American actor involved.

Martin wasted no time, immediately forwarding this crucial information to Bruce and urging swift action. Bruce, interrupting his vacation in Long Beach, promptly headed to San Diego to follow up.

Meanwhile, Martin and Léa strategized further. Léa agreed to come forward against Xavi when necessary, playing a critical role rather than just a peripheral one. In the industry, it was well-known that those who first accused Harvey risked their careers. Martin knew not to expect immediate support from A-listers. However, he believed that once the silence was broken, influential figures like Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, and Meryl Streep, previously close to Weinstein, would be among the fiercest to denounce him.

The following morning, Léa departed early from the hotel, and Martin returned to his film set. After two intense days of shooting, the production neared its finale.

Director Nolan saved the climactic ending for the final day. On set, Martin received a box from Nolan, inside of which was the iconic metal top. Nolan gestured towards a table. "Let it spin for a while," he said, having decided to use Martin's suggestion for an open ending.

Martin, immersing himself in the character, replied confidently, "No problem."

Nolan, sensing an opportunity to capitalize on Martin's appeal, instructed his assistant, Anderson, to record behind-the-scenes footage. He announced that the film would have an open ending, a concept proposed by Martin.

Anderson, intrigued, asked if Cobb, the protagonist, had returned to reality. Nolan's creative gears turned once more. He instructed that all publicity should leave this question unanswered, fueling audience speculation and discussion.

The film's ending was shrouded in mystery, not for depth or symbolism, but as a clever marketing strategy. Nolan even considered leveraging this ambiguity when promoting his future project, "The Dark Knight Rises."

The filming of Cobb's return began. Martin executed the scenes flawlessly, culminating in the pivotal moment with the spinning top. He had practiced privately, and the top spun effortlessly, drawing parallels with an obedient dance. Before it could stop, Nolan called cut, approving the take and announcing the end of the shoot.

After wrapping up "Inception," Martin received the spinning top as a memento. That night, the crew celebrated with a grand party before parting ways.

Menet chose to stay in Paris for a collaboration with Huppert. Meanwhile, Martin headed to Milan to visit Elizabeth at Fashion Week, before making his way back to Los Angeles, his mind abuzz with the recent whirlwind of events.