Chapter 460: Bargain Purchase

In the study of his sprawling villa, Martin was absorbed in the unfolding scandal surrounding Ben Affleck.

The barrage of news articles on his computer screen was interrupted by the distant hum of an engine. Glancing out the window, he noticed a red lawn cart maneuvering across his front yard, trimming the grass under the guidance of a young woman in a sunhat.

Curious, Martin stepped outside and called out, "Lily, come here."

The lawn cart ceased its buzzing, and Lily, clad in casual jeans, hopped out and approached Martin with a mix of haste and curiosity. "What's up? I've still got work to do," she said, her tone light.

Martin gestured towards the lawn and the cart, a puzzled look on his face. "Why did you suddenly decide to do this?"

Lily, her smile unwavering, replied, "I'm just trying to help out where I can."

Martin, somewhat bemused, reminded her, "I asked you to trim the turf ten days ago. You haven't done it till now."

Realizing her oversight, Lily admitted, "I know, I'm sorry. I just had the time today."

Martin scrutinized her, sensing there was more to her sudden diligence. Lily, sensing his unspoken question, confessed, "I've been reading about Cassie and Ben Affleck. Seems like Ben is trying to raise funds for his brother. I wanted to help out somehow."

Martin waved a hand dismissively. "Cassie's situation is none of your concern, and neither is Ben's."

Unfazed, Lily argued, "I may not be able to help with those issues, but I can at least do the chores."

Martin then inquired about the statue Lily was supposed to carve for Leonardo, urging her to focus on that task instead.

Reluctantly, Lily departed but made a detour to Ben Affleck's house, where a throng of protesters and media had gathered.

Outraged by the scene, she muttered curses under her breath and gestured defiantly at the house before driving off.

Meanwhile, at Ben Affleck's villa, a business car pulled up. Matt Damon, Cassie, and Attorney Cole emerged and entered the house to find Ben in a state of despair, drinking heavily. 

Damon, taking charge, snatched the bottle away and pressed Ben to gather his wits. "If you don't want to end up in prison, snap out of it!" he urged.

Ben, despondent, lamented the loss of his professional partnerships and endorsements. Damon, however, tried to rally Ben's spirits, suggesting he settle the claims and pivot his career behind the camera, where his past transgressions might be overlooked in favor of his talents.

As Ben's eyes flickered with a semblance of hope, he inquired about Harvey Weinstein. Damon firmly reminded him to keep silent about Harvey, emphasizing the gravity of their situation.

The scene at Ben's villa was a stark contrast to the vibrant, unified front outside, where protesters voiced their support for the victims and condemnation of Ben's alleged actions. Inside, the once-celebrated actor faced a grim reality, his future uncertain and his reputation in tatters.

In a tense atmosphere, Ben, sitting disheveled and despondent on the couch in his villa, nodded in a daze at Damon's words. "I haven't mentioned Harvey to anyone," he mumbled, his voice barely a whisper.

Damon, ever the assertive presence in the room, conveyed Harvey's message with gravity. "Harvey can't come to see you now, but he's assured me he's not abandoning you. Just settle this mess with those women, and when things cool down, he'll find you a directorial project."

Cassie, present in the room, interjected guiltily, "Ben, this is all my fault..."

But Damon swiftly cut him off, his gaze fixed on Ben. "It's normal for men to make mistakes, Ben. What's important is facing them head-on."

Ben, attempting to muster some semblance of resolve, admitted his financial predicament. "I don't have the funds to settle with all these women. It's not just the acting class students; there are others from past projects too."

Turning to Attorney Cole, he inquired about the possibility of liquidating his marital assets, only to learn that Jennifer had already filed for divorce and was seeking an equitable division.

Resolved to move forward with the divorce and desperate for cash, Ben instructed Cole, "Let's get this divorce settled quickly. I need the money."

Cole nodded, understanding the urgency. The divorce, mainly centered around property division and visitation rights for the children, seemed straightforward enough.

Damon continued to bolster Ben's spirits, reminding him of their past struggles and triumphs since their early days in Boston.

Meanwhile, at TMZ's office building, Judy was basking in the success of her recent investigative work. The editor-in-chief lavished praise on her, confirming the significant traffic boost the website had received from her story.

Judy, filled with pride, accepted the commendation. The financial director handed her an envelope with a reward check, which brought a bright smile to her face. "Thank you," she beamed, appreciative of the recognition and the financial gain.

The editor-in-chief, seeing Judy's dedication, expressed his eagerness for more sensational reports from her. Judy, on her way out, remembered the informant fee for Ivan and promptly headed to the finance office to collect it.

After securing an additional $2,000 check, Judy called Ivan and drove out of TMZ. The pair met again at Griffith Park, the site of their initial collaboration. Judy handed over the informant fee to Ivan, a token of appreciation for his crucial role in uncovering the scandal.

As the story continued to unfold, the implications for Ben were becoming increasingly clear. His personal life was unraveling, his professional reputation was in tatters, and the financial repercussions were just beginning to surface. The once-celebrated actor was now facing a reckoning of his own making, with the full weight of public opinion and legal consequences bearing down on him.

In the serene ambiance of Griffith Park, Judy, without any unnecessary small talk, handed Ivan a check for $2,000. "If you come across similar news, remember to reach out to me first," she said, her tone businesslike.

Ivan, accepting the check with a nod of satisfaction, offered an additional tip. "I've heard that Ben and Jennifer Garner are heading towards a divorce. That could be another angle for you." He paused, adding generously, "No charge for this tip."

Judy's interest was piqued. "Anything else I should know?"

Ivan elaborated thoughtfully, "Keep an eye on Ben Affleck's assets. This divorce and the compensation claims could force him to liquidate some significant holdings."

Judy nodded in understanding, acknowledging the potential ramifications. "Thanks for the heads-up," she said, before departing from the park.

Ivan, after watching Judy leave, retreated to his car and promptly dialed Bruce to relay the latest developments.

....

Back at Martin's residence, the atmosphere was light and celebratory. Nicholson, in high spirits, raised his glass in a toast with Martin. "Here's to the downfall of Ben! Not even Harvey Weinstein can save him now."

Martin, sipping his champagne, mused, "Ben's fortune is about to be decimated. This divorce and the victim settlements will see to that."

Nicholson, lacking any sympathy, quipped, "From a millionaire to a pauper – let's hope he doesn't lose his mind."

Martin considered the situation. "Jennifer Garner's divorce will likely include a hefty property division. Ben might have to sell off assets quickly, probably at a lower price, given the current economic climate."

Nicholson caught on to Martin's line of thought. "Are you suggesting we capitalize on this and buy up his properties at a bargain?"

Martin nodded. "It's a cyclical market. Prime properties always rebound. We've seen it happen before."

Nicholson, amused and intrigued by the scheming, suddenly had an epiphany. "There's one more asset we haven't considered."

Martin, puzzled, inquired, "And what might that be?"

Nicholson, with a mischievous glint in his eye, declared, "Jennifer Garner herself! After taking over his projects and properties, shouldn't we consider..."

But Martin, cutting him off with a shake of his head, responded, "If you're interested in that pursuit, I'll leave it to you."

Their conversation, a blend of strategy and humor, reflected the complex dynamics of Hollywood, where fortunes could shift rapidly and opportunities were seized by the shrewd and the savvy. As they continued their discussion, plans were made, and the wheels of their next moves were set in motion.