Chapter 458: How Can You Bear It

In the bustling heart of Los Angeles, Judy was deeply embedded in her undercover assignment at the acting school, skillfully blending in while capturing crucial evidence.

Meanwhile, Martin and Nolan had returned to the city, their successful promotional tour in Latin America having significantly boosted "The Dark Knight's" international acclaim.

The film's box office earnings were soaring, nearing the $400 million mark overseas and surpassing $450 million in North America.

It was rapidly approaching the elite billion-dollar club, a feat achieved by only a few cinematic giants like 'Titanic', 'Star Wars: Episode I', 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest', and 'The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King'.

Exiting a psychiatric clinic, Martin was immediately swarmed by reporters. One journalist, eager for a scoop, asked, "Martin, what's your take on the heated debates among fans of 'The Dark Knight', 'The Godfather', and 'The Shawshank Redemption' on IMDb?"

Aware of the delicate nature of fan controversies, Martin feigned ignorance with a bemused expression. "I've just stepped out of the clinic after a session; I'm not up to speed on these discussions."

As the clinic's security staff intervened, Martin made his way to his Escalade, where Bruce was waiting. Bruce, having overheard the reporter's query, mentioned the online uproar. Martin, undisturbed, remarked, "Let them debate. The louder they are, the more attention the film gets."

Suddenly, Martin's Nokia phone buzzed with a cryptic message signed 'JJN' – unmistakably a code from Nicholson. He showed it to Bruce, who suggested checking the storage compartment for the codebook. After some decoding, Martin understood the message: "Meet at the usual place."

Arriving at Century City's east gate, Martin, taking no chances with discretion, donned a fake beard, switched into casual attire, and carried a trendy shoulder bag before entering.

Inside, a maintenance worker, part of Nicholson's elaborate security protocol, challenged him with a password. Martin's correct answer, "Marlon Brando," granted him access, though the worker's playful threat added a touch of levity to their secret meeting.

Finding Nicholson, Martin was immediately drawn into the urgency of their situation. Nicholson informed him that TMZ had infiltrated the acting school undercover but was now out of their direct control.

Martin, pragmatic as ever, noted the limitations of their influence over TMZ's actions. "We can pique their interest, but we can't steer their course. We have to let the story unfold."

Nicholson, ever the character, playfully boasted about his 'sharpshooting' abilities, only to be cut short by a sudden bout of back pain. Martin, concerned, helped him, but couldn't resist a gentle reminder about Nicholson's adventurous escapades with Jennifer Lawrence and the risks of such a lifestyle.

As they left Century City, Martin offered one last piece of advice, cautioning Nicholson about the considerable age difference between him and his young companion. But for Nicholson, bound by the thrill of romance, age was but a number in the grand scheme of love.

In the heart of Burbank, at the Jen & Ben Acting School, the atmosphere was charged with a mix of ambition and unease. After a particularly intense acting session, several students filed out of the classroom, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and determination.

Among them was Hayley, a young actress with striking blonde hair and a presence that set her apart. Her eyes, though brimming with talent and ambition, also held a hint of concealed distress.

Judy, who had been discreetly observing the dynamics in the class, noticed Hayley's demeanor. She knew Hayley had a strong sense of self-respect, not easily compromised, even in the ruthless pursuit of stardom.

Approaching Hayley with a guise of concern, Jody offered a shoulder to lean on. "Hang in there, it'll get better," she said softly, her bag discreetly packed with recording equipment.

Hayley, her gaze downturned, remained silent. Sensing an opportunity to learn more, Judy gently coaxed her. "Let's grab a drink. Get some fresh air."

At a nearby café, the two sat by a window, the city's relentless pace unfolding outside. Over iced drinks, the conversation grew more personal.

"How do you deal with it all?" Hayley asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and despair.

Judy, playing her part perfectly, replied, "I just remember he's Ben Affleck. I can't afford to cross him." She repeated her earlier advice, "Just endure it, and it'll pass."

Hayley's frustration was palpable. "How can you bear it?" she exclaimed. "He was supposed to be teaching us about love scenes, but it went too far. He was rough, and his hands..." Her voice trailed off, the memory too painful to articulate fully.

Judy, older and more seasoned in the ways of Hollywood, offered a mix of empathy and practical advice. "I've never accepted those kinds of 'invitations'. I refuse to be degraded, even if it costs me my acting career."

Hayley's story poured out, a tale of a small-town girl with big dreams, who had borrowed money to chase a brighter future in Los Angeles, only to find the path to stardom fraught with unexpected challenges and moral quandaries.

Judy, sensing Hayley's financial desperation, probed further. "Are you struggling with money?"

Hayley's gaze drifted to the bustling streets outside. "I just wanted a better life than what my parents had. Toiling on a small farm, drowning in debt... I didn't want that for myself."

Judy, blending truth with her undercover persona, shared her own 'background'. "I'm from a small town too. In Los Angeles, you do what you must to survive."

Hayley's anguish was evident. "Why is it so hard for us ordinary folks to make a living?" She glanced at Jody's designer bag, curiosity mingled with envy. "How did you manage to make it here?"

Judy, careful not to blow her cover as a journalist, offered a half-truth. "I juggle acting with a regular job. It's tough, but it's the only way."

As they talked, Judy's recorder, hidden in her bag, captured every word, weaving a narrative that would soon expose the harsh realities hidden behind the glamour of Hollywood's acting schools.

In the quaint café, as the late afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the window, Hayley's curiosity was piqued by Jody's profession. "You're a reporter?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of surprise and newfound hope.

Judy leaned in, her tone taking on a more serious, professional edge. "Yes, I cover the entertainment industry. And about Ben Affleck…" she paused for effect, "I have a plan. Are you interested in something that could not only expose him but also potentially bring you significant compensation?"

Hayley, her expression resolute, clarified her boundaries. "I won't compromise my integrity."

Judy reassured her. "You won't have to. Affleck has considerable wealth. If we handle this carefully, there could be a substantial settlement."

Their conversation deepened, Judy citing a high-profile case as an example. "Remember the scandal involving Brad Pitt's nannies? They received hefty compensations for harassment claims. I led that story."

Hayley, a mix of admiration and ambition in her eyes, saw an opportunity. "I want in," she declared, her resolve strengthened by the potential for financial gain.

The following day, Hayley and Judy returned to class, enduring Affleck's advances.

Hayley even went to his office under the guise of seeking acting advice, recording their interaction as Affleck alternated between coaxing and threatening her, his tactics eerily reminiscent of those used by Harvey Weinstein.

Meanwhile, in a dimly lit bar in Santa Monica, Ben Affleck and Cassie, old friends and fellow actors, met to discuss their woes. Cassie, embroiled in legal troubles, relied on Ben's support. 

Ben Affleck, his mind on the acting school, assured Cassie. "We're making good money there. It's easy and enjoyable work, especially with all those starry-eyed girls."

Their conversation, a mix of camaraderie and scheming, continued into the night.

Simultaneously, Judy and Hayley entered the TMZ office, armed with audio and video recordings of their interactions with Affleck.

The evidence they carried had the potential to unravel the dark underbelly of Hollywood's casting practices and bring to light the exploitation veiled behind the glamour of stardom.

As they walked through the doors, a sense of anticipation hung in the air, the weight of their revelations poised to shake the foundations of the entertainment industry.