Chapter 772: The Court Hearing!

Burbank, Davis Studio.

Martin meticulously closed the heavy curtains, dimming the room, before lowering the projection screen with a soft hum. With a click, the projector came to life, casting a glow across the studio.

Leonardo deftly plugged the data link into Martin's sleek computer, the screen reflecting the anticipation in his eyes.

Nicholson glanced at his watch, the silver gleam catching the light, and remarked, "Still a good half-hour before the court session begins."

As Martin logged into TMZ, the homepage blared with the live broadcast column, featuring Johnny Depp and Amber Heard in a dramatic tableau.

Leonardo's eyes flitted between the projection screen and the headline, his voice tinged with intrigue, "Blonde locks, statuesque figure, such a shame, such a waste..."

Turning to Martin, he inquired, "Did she really drag him onto Musk's bed?"

Martin shook his head knowingly, "No chance. It's crystal clear. Even if she did, Musk's antics probably welcome such company."

Leonardo puzzled, "Why does it seem like we always know the shady characters?"

"Because, my friend, we're cut from the same cloth," Martin quipped, unapologetic.

"TMZ must've emptied their coffers to snag the rights to this live broadcast," Martin remarked, clicking on the feed and settling back in his chair, enthusiasm palpable. "Let's make it interesting. Who's your money on: Depp or Heard? I'm betting on Amber!"

Leonardo smirked, "Too obvious. I'm with Depp."

Nicholson interjected, "I'm in for Depp too, but with a condition, that I win."

Martin leaned in, intrigued, "Go on..."

Nicholson, ever the provocateur, proposed a wager befitting his reputation, "If you two lose, you must each court Lorraine first. Tie the knot before sunset..."

Leonardo scoffed, confident in their victory, "And if you lose?"

Martin's eyes twinkled mischievously, "During the first Lakers game this year, halftime show, Jack here runs a lap in the buff, shouting into the mic about his secret desires to be a transsexual. Agreed?"

Leonardo chuckled, "Deal!"

Nicholson, silent until now.

Martin teased, "Seems like age isn't the only thing catching up with you, Jack. Your courage too, shrinking faster than your brother's."

Leonardo added, "Rumor has it, it's down to two centimeters. And shrinking."

Nicholson, feigning indignation, stood up and made a show of adjusting his belt, prompting Martin's intervention, "Save it for Jennifer Lawrence, old man."

Settling back into his seat, Nicholson declared, "I'm in."

The trio sealed their agreement, exchanging banter until the live broadcast commenced.

Depp, the epitome of eccentricity, appeared with his trademark flair, while Heard exuded a composed demeanor, her femininity underscored by a poised presence.

A prime example of a lowlife and a greenhorn.

"From an outsider's perspective, Johnny Depp's a total write-off," Leonardo declared, disdain dripping from his words. "Jack, you're about to eat dirt! Depp's whole demeanor screams defeat. His legal team hasn't pulled their weight."

Nicholson smirked, his confidence unshaken. "If I lose, I'll streak. Half seen God already, what's a little more exposure? But if I win..." His grin widened, leaving his threat unspoken.

Martin shook his head in mock disappointment. "You see, Leo? We've always treated Jack like kin, but the despicable Jack wants to be our in-law!"

Leonardo scoffed, "Jack's got no shame!"

"He's destined to lose!" Martin asserted, dropping a bombshell. "Just recently, Depp forked out a fortune in back taxes and penalties. His grand legal strategy? Down the drain."

Nicholson chimed in with a knowing smirk.

Today marked the climax of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard's bitter divorce saga. The world watched as the mudslinging reached fever pitch, each accusation more scandalous than the last.

Accusations of bed-wetting and infidelity flew, leaving scandalized onlookers shaking their heads.

As the trial unfolded, the sordid details of celebrity life unfurled before the world's eyes.

Both sides presented damning evidence, but it was Amber Heard's calculated move, involving Depp and Lily-Rose, that delivered the knockout blow.

In this battle of wits and wiles, the scoundrel found himself outmaneuvered. Depp's actions in front of his own daughter shattered his credibility, sealing his fate.

With the jury comprised largely of parents, Depp's downfall was all but assured.

The judge's verdict echoed through the courtroom: Amber Heard and Johnny Depp were officially divorced. Depp was ordered to pay a staggering $45 million in settlement and compensation, draining his coffers dry.

Depp's legal team vowed to appeal, but the damage was done.

As TMZ's broadcast concluded, Martin shut off the projector, turning to Nicholson with a smirk. "Looks like you're on the losing end, Jack."

Leonardo couldn't contain his laughter, "Imagining Jack baring it all, I can't help but smile."

Nicholson shrugged, nonchalant as ever. "Ain't my first rodeo."

Martin leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Leo, let's spread the word, make sure everyone gets an eyeful of Jack's rear end."

Leonardo grinned devilishly. "I'll buy ad space in the papers, make it a front-page spectacle!"

Nicholson, visibly displeased, erupted in fury. "You two scoundrels! We've worked tirelessly to bring Johnny Depp to his knees, and now all you care about is keeping him down!"

Martin refocused the conversation. "Regardless of Depp's appeal, today's verdict is damning. The law has spoken. With Hollywood's current climate, this is enough to brand Depp with the scarlet letter of disgrace."

"Why stop there?!" Nicholson interjected. "Women's rights groups, MeToo movements, we can rally them all against him! And don't forget Megan Ellison!"

---

Meanwhile, at Annapurna Pictures in Los Angeles, Megan Ellison glared at the TMZ live broadcast on her screen, her gaze piercing through Johnny Depp's image like twin blades.

"I did everything right. Martin Davis is no match for me," she muttered, refusing to shoulder blame for "Transcendence" or "The Lone Ranger." The real culprit? Johnny Depp.

"He's sabotaged my career with his antics. It's time he paid the price," she vowed silently.

Amber Heard's victory in court had been a pivotal moment, and Meghan wasted no time. "Get the media on our side. We need a relentless campaign against Depp," she instructed over the phone.

Her associate assured her, "Consider it done."

But Meghan wasn't finished. "We'll leverage public opinion to pressure UTA into cutting ties with Depp."

"Understood," came the prompt reply.

With her future in Hollywood hanging by a thread, Meghan resolved to make Depp's life equally unbearable. "Use every penny we have to oust him from this town."

"We've already allocated funds to women's organizations. They'll speak out against him soon," her associate informed her.

"Good. I want Johnny Depp obliterated," Meghan declared icily.

"As you wish."

As Meghan hung up, a familiar call came through, the bank manager, Judith, demanding payment once more. It seemed some things never changed.

The weight of the world seemed to crush Megan as she bowed her head. "Seventh Son" remained unsold, leaving her with few options.

After her disheartening call with the bank, Megan dialed her father Larry Ellison's office. When he answered, her voice trembled, drained of all energy. "Dad... I can't do this anymore."

Larry Ellison's reassuring voice came through the line. "Sweetheart, come back to San Francisco. Let the company's fate rest with the bank. You don't need to carry this burden alone."

This billionaire father was always prepared to bail out his daughter from any financial woes.

Megan managed a weak response. "I'll tie up loose ends and head back home."

Meanwhile, the internet erupted with news of Depp's divorce saga.

In the era of information overload, even jaded observers were stunned by the sordid revelations aired in court.

Celebrities, once idolized, now faced the brunt of public scorn.

"The despicable abuser deserves nothing less than total condemnation!"

"How can someone like him be a father figure?"

"Depp's actions tarnish the reputation of all Hollywood stars!"

Amidst the cacophony of criticism, media outlets joined the chorus.

"The Sun" ran a scathing piece titled "Shameful Domestic Violence: Johnny Depp".

The Los Angeles Times warned of the risks associated with hiring Depp, citing his troubled past.

Aligned with prevailing left-wing sentiments, education organizations urged parents to boycott Depp's projects.

Even Hollywood icons like Jolie and Aniston weighed in, carefully toeing the line under Martin's guidance. Their seemingly critical statements masked a calculated stance, calling for solidarity among women against domestic violence.

As the public outcry intensified, Dior caved under pressure, terminating Depp's endorsement deal.

UTA followed suit, severing ties with Depp and canceling their contract unilaterally.

Amidst the sea of betrayal, Depp realized he was surrounded by fair-weather friends.