Chapter 263: Bad Intentions

In the afternoon, Martin returned home after dinner and prepared to go for a walk. After a series of consecutive arguments, he decided to wait for some peace before taking a break.

Donning his sportswear, Martin came downstairs and found Bruce, who appeared rather peculiar. "What's wrong?" Martin inquired as he strapped on his sports watch and headed out.

Bruce followed with an unexpected revelation: "Jessica just called me. CAA's agent, Steve, visited the set and submitted Aniston's interest in starring as the heroine in 'Limitless'."

The news took Martin by surprise. "What's going on? Is there a mistake?" he wondered.

Bruce reassured him, "You might have confused the person, but the crew wouldn't make such a mistake with such vital information."

Perplexed, Martin mused, "Is 'Never Ending' really that appealing, or have my recent successes drawn Aniston's attention?" He shook his head, saying, "It doesn't make sense."

Bruce, being blunt, stated, "Aniston's involvement today has nothing to do with you. Remember how many ideas you've given Jolie? The buzz will center around your past affairs with Jolie. Aniston... this film might turn into the next 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith'."

Martin turned and left.

Bruce continued, "From a professional standpoint, the odds are in our favor."

As Martin walked away, he raised his middle finger and commented, "I can't shake the feeling that things aren't that simple."

Bruce followed him, saying, "No matter how complicated things get, can't they be resolved with force?"

Martin opened the door, and Bruce added, "I've contacted Judy. She might be discreetly covering the situation. Be cautious."

As the buzz around the wanted order diminished, Martin realized the importance of maintaining media exposure. Celebrities often have long-standing relationships with entertainment reporters or paparazzi. Even street photos taken by the media are often staged.

On Martin's side, Bruce had a history of working with Judy, a freelance journalist.

As Martin walked towards the community committee, a few paparazzi started following him. However, after a while, two of them withdrew as Martin's walk appeared uneventful. Only Judy continued tailing him.

After some distance, Judy swiftly raised her camera, sensing a potential scoop. On the same sidewalk, she spotted Jennifer Aniston walking her white mixed-breed dog.

Judy recalled that Aniston had moved back to Shermer Oaks after her divorce from Pitt, and it was unexpected to discover her living in the same community as Martin Davis.

Though the two might not have known each other personally, it was clear they recognized each other. Judy found a good spot and began snapping pictures.

As Martin and Aniston approached each other, they both stopped, waved, and engaged in what appeared to be a familiar conversation. Judy took numerous photos, pondering how to craft an article around this encounter.

The headline, "Martin Meets Aniston," wouldn't have much impact, but "Aniston's Post-Divorce Stroll Intertwines with a Chance Encounter with Martin" seemed promising.

Judy adjusted her angle to make the conversation appear even cozier. Across the street, Martin and Aniston walked towards the community board together.

Martin initiated a conversation, saying, "Jen, I just received news of your interest in the heroine role for my new project."

Aniston acted as if it were genuine, "I read Alan Gylnn's novel and was deeply moved. I initially sought the adaptation rights for Plan B Company, but they were already sold."

Although Martin didn't quite buy it, he played along, "So, I snatched the project from you?"

Aniston, with a mischievous grin, responded, "As long as you cast me as the heroine, my goal is achieved."

Martin sensed something amiss but played along, saying vaguely, "Who could resist Rachel?"

Aniston sighed, "Rachel is already in the past."

Aniston's thoughts wandered to Jolie, and she asked Martin, "What do you think? Am I suitable for the role?"

Martin replied, somewhat cautiously, "You're undoubtedly a great fit, but I'm just one of the investors and promoters. Others have a say in this project too."

Aniston nodded, determination in her eyes. "I'll go for the audition."

Martin gave her his full attention and affirmed, "You're welcome to join the third audition directly; no one will object."

As the evening descended, the streetlights began to illuminate the surroundings. Aniston added, "Whenever you have some free time, let me treat you to show my gratitude."

Martin inquired, "You want to treat me?"

Aniston nodded with a slight smile, "If I hadn't met you today, things wouldn't have gone so smoothly."

Martin reassured her, "No, it will all go smoothly. Neither I nor the rest of the crew would ever turn down Jennifer Aniston."

Aniston couldn't help but chuckle, "You're quite the charmer, aren't you? Are they all like this?"

Martin shook his head, his sincerity shining through as he spoke passionately, "Of course not. You're different from the rest. In 1994, I was just thirteen when I first saw 'Friends' on TV. I instantly fell in love with it and with Rachel Green. My admiration for Rachel stayed with me throughout my teenage years."

Aniston couldn't help but wonder about the adoration of teenage fans. She pondered, "I bet you had a lot of posters of her."

Martin continued, "I never dreamt I'd have the opportunity to act with you."

Aniston humbly replied, "I'm just an ordinary person, an ordinary actor."

Martin asserted, "There's only one Rachel in the world, just as there's only one Jennifer."

The two encountered Harold leaving the community committee, but he chose not to approach them. He smiled, waved, and drove away.

After a few more minutes of walking, Aniston halted at the entrance of her villa. Her dog, Norman, eager to enter, had to be restrained.

Martin, noticing the vast courtyard, inquired, "Is this your home?"

Aniston confirmed, "Yes, this is my place. I moved here after leaving Beverly Hills."

Realizing it was getting late, she glanced at her watch and said, "It's a bit late, so I won't invite you in. I'll get in touch another day."

Martin adhered to his principles and responded, "You should head back early. Good night."

"Good night," Aniston waved and entered her home, leaving the door slightly ajar.

As Martin walked away, the two couldn't help but share a laugh.

"I'll be on my way," Martin turned and left.

After he had moved a bit farther, Aniston went inside her villa.

Once inside, she fed her dog some water and sat on her sofa, sighing softly. She reflected on Martin's good looks and charm, understanding why Jolie had chosen him over Pitt.

Outside the villa, Judy snapped a photo of Martin departing and another of Aniston's closed door. She couldn't help but feel some regret. If only Martin had walked through that door tonight, the scoop could have been worth tens of thousands of dollars.

"What a missed opportunity..." Judy sighed and headed back.

But the rewards were promising, and the photos of Martin and Aniston strolling together were valuable. Jodi quickly returned to her parking spot and was about to get in her car when she noticed Bruce waving from across the road.

She set her camera aside, crossed the road, and joined Bruce in his car.

"Thank you for the big news," Judy said, appreciative of the tip from Bruce.

Bruce surprised her with more information. "There's also another exclusive news about Martin and Aniston."

Judy's immediate reaction was to question their relationship. "Are they realy together? But Martin's public girlfriend is Blake Lively."

Bruce dispelled her imagination, stating, "You're letting your imagination run wild."

Judy was ready to make a deal, remembering her prior rejections from Bruce. She offered, "What do you want?"

As a dedicated paparazzo, she was willing to pay the price for exclusive news. "I'll do whatever it takes."

Bruce looked at her, his weathered appearance contrasting with hers. He stopped teasing and got to the point. "Aniston's agent has contacted the crew of Martin's new project, 'Limitless,' based on the novel 'Dark Fields,' and Aniston is very interested in playing the lead role."

Judy quickly understood the significance. "Thanks."

Bruce wasn't interested in further discussion, and he reminded her, "Don't mess around. I'm not one for drama."

Judy emptied her wallet and pockets, handing all the cash to Bruce. "That's everything I have. Don't think it's too little."

Bruce pointed forward. "Let's get back and write the article quickly. It needs to be in the newspapers tomorrow."

Judy didn't want to waste any more time, quickly exiting the car, running across the road, and making phone calls to sell today's valuable news. In a matter of minutes, she drove away from the Coty community, eager to reach the destination for the transaction.