Chapter 453: Messed With The Wrong Person

In the consultation room of the psychological clinic, the atmosphere was calm yet pensive.

Dr. Laura, her blonde hair neatly tied in a ponytail, peered at Martin with a hint of surprise. "Not opting for the sofa today?" she inquired, her tone light yet observant.

Martin, sitting across from her, offered a wry smile. "Sleeping on the couch has lost its appeal," he replied.

Laura, her eyes thoughtful behind her gold-rimmed glasses, set them aside. 

"I have a question," Martin began, leaning forward slightly. "If someone urgently needs money but doesn't have enough cash, and their spouse refuses to sell any assets, would they look to make money through other industries or professions?

Laura pondered for a moment, her analytical mind at work. "Typically, people gravitate towards what they know. Even when branching out for financial gain, they often choose something related to their current profession."

Martin nodded in agreement. "Like if I can't make money acting, I'd probably seek something related to that field."

"You, however, are an exception," Laura said with a serious edge to her voice. "In your case, I wouldn't put it past you to become a risk-taker, maybe even stealing gold from the Federal Reserve.

Their conversation, laced with humor and subtle insights, continued for a while before Martin took his leave.

Outside, in the car, Martin queried Bruce about the compensation claimed from Cassie Affleck. Bruce's response was factual. "$3 million isn't a random figure; it's a calculated sum for psychological damages."

"Pity Cassie's broke," Martin mused, recalling details of Cassie's financial woes and his obsession with those statues.

Bruce added, "The Affleck brothers are close. Big brother Ben has always been supportive of his younger brother Cassie."

"Their brotherhood could've been heartwarming, if not for the manipulations of others," Martin reflected, his voice tinged with a hint of cynicism.

Bruce, knowing Martin well, retorted, "You have a knack for exploiting others' goodness."

Martin's thoughts drifted to Elizabeth, and he suddenly recalled a line from a villain in a film: "He messed with the wrong person."

Bruce, hearing this, rolled his eyes at Martin's theatricality.

Ignoring Bruce's reaction, Martin called Nicholson, rallying for action. Nicholson, wealthy and in search of amusement, agreed readily. "Everything's on track," he assured Martin, though his tone shifted to one of seriousness as he reminded Nicholson to be cautious.

Nicholson, ever the spirited character, responded with bravado, seeking validation of his youthfulness from Jennifer Lawrence, who played along with an exaggerated act.

After hanging up, Nicholson, feeling victorious, praised Jennifer's acting skills. He then promised her an opportunity for a significant role, understanding well the desires of a young actress striving for success.

Jennifer, who had been working hard under Nicholson's tutelage, eagerly agreed to his proposal, ready to seize any opportunity that came her way.

Nicholson, showing his age, settled into his routine with a touch of resignation. "Alright, time for some good sleep. Except for Martin and Leonardo, ignore any other calls. They don't matter."

Jennifer Lawrence, who had been intermittently in contact with Nicholson over the past two years, understood his dynamics well.

Besides his relatives, Nicholson shared a strong bond with those two in particular.

Before succumbing to sleep, Nicholson's eyes fluttered closed as he imparted a final word of caution, "Let's keep our relationship under wraps."

Jennifer hurriedly reassured him, "I haven't mentioned it to anyone."

In another part of town, Big Ben sat in his Volvo outside his house, not immediately exiting the vehicle. He retrieved a bottle of whiskey from the locker, unscrewing it to take a few sips.

The alcohol descended into his stomach, soothing his restless mood.

Once composed, Big Ben entered the house and handed over his baby to the babysitter. Garner, following him into the courtyard, broached the subject, "About Cassie's situation?"

Big Ben, a mix of resignation and resolve in his voice, confirmed, "Yes, it's all over the gossip papers."

"Cassie's been set up," Big brother Ben said grimly, "and we're in a tight spot."

Jennifer Garner's response was practical yet concerned. "Are we expected to pay this $3 million damages?"

"Cassie has no money," Big Ben admitted.

Garner countered with hard facts, "We barely make ends meet with our earnings. How can we afford such an amount?"

Big Ben hesitantly proposed, "I've thought about selling the Miami house."

Jenifer Garner's immediate refusal was laced with emotion. "No! That house is special to us. We can't just sell off our memories, especially in this economy. Besides, haven't we helped Cassie enough? He's an adult, not a teenager!"

"Cassie is my brother," Big Ben insisted, his voice rising with familial loyalty.

"I'm your wife, and we have a child to think about!" Garner's retort was equally forceful.

Their disagreement escalated into a full-blown argument, leading to a temporary separation.

Later, Big Ben, still grappling with inner turmoil, arrived at Adler Acting School. Elizabeth Olsen, a regular teacher, had been missing classes due to her schedule, bound by a contract that demanded a minimum number of teaching hours.

Inside the school, Big Ben overheard a conversation among veteran acting teachers. These seasoned actors, not stars themselves, discussed the influx of new students with a mix of cynicism and resignation.

"The school's changed; it's just about the money now. The standards have dropped," one teacher, with a big nose, lamented.

Another, a ponytailed woman, added, "The fees are astronomical, but what's the real investment in these kids?"

"The school's financials are through the roof," the bald teacher noted.

Big Ben, overhearing this, interjected with a half-serious suggestion, "Ever thought of starting your own acting school?"

The conversation in the makeshift office reflected a harsh reality, the dream of Hollywood stardom was a lucrative business, often capitalizing on the aspirations of many, leaving only a few to achieve their ambitions.

Big Ben, amidst these seasoned educators, contemplated the complexities of the acting world, where dreams and harsh truths often collided.

In the makeshift office of Adler Acting School, the conversation continued with a mix of earnestness and humor. The bald teacher chuckled at Big Ben's suggestion.

"Us, start an acting school? Ben, you're giving us too much credit. We lack the funds, fame, and resources. Unlike Adler, we can't offer students the opportunity to actually experience acting on Hollywood sets."

Big Ben acknowledged the uniqueness of Adler's position in the industry. "True, Adler's resources are unmatched by most."

Ponytail interjected with a historical note. "Many Hollywood stars have ventured into teaching acting. Remember when Marlon Brando started one back in 2000? He even kicked out Leonardo DiCaprio on his first day."

Refocusing the conversation, she asked Big Ben, "Have you ever considered starting your own acting school?"

Big Ben, with a rare moment of clarity, admitted, "I'm still a bit short on reputation and resources for such an endeavor. It's a challenging venture."

"But the profits can be considerable. Just a few classes, and you're making a fortune," the bald teacher added, gesturing towards a group of young aspirants in the distance. "People like them will keep flocking to Los Angeles for decades to come."

Big Ben's gaze followed, a reflective look crossing his face. He remembered his own early days as a hopeful actor in Los Angeles, understanding all too well the allure and desperation of those chasing the Hollywood dream.

He knew that these dreamers were willing to risk everything, monetary or otherwise, on the faintest chance of making it big.

Across town, in the area teeming with acting schools like Studio Four in Burbank, another hopeful, Jennifer Lawrence, approached the entrance.

Carrying a bag and filled with aspirations, she arrived at Studio Four, an acting school run by James Franco. Though smaller in scale and fame than Adler, it still held a certain allure.

As Jennifer entered, the reception staff greeted her promptly. Her eyes were drawn to a large poster of James Franco, surrounded by his movie posters and notable characters.

"Excuse me, is acting taught here?" Jennifer asked, pointing to Franco's portrait at the front desk. "Does James Franco himself teach the classes?" Her voice held a mix of curiosity and excitement, emblematic of the many young dreamers who come to Los Angeles with stars in their eyes and hopes of finding their place in the glittering world of Hollywood.