Chapter 648: Setting Them Up.

As the clock neared noon, the notorious night owl, Johnny Depp, stirred from his slumber, his senses dulled by the previous night's revelries. Amber Heard, his latest flame, had already rustled up a meal, her patience waning as she detected the unmistakable aroma of alcohol clinging to Depp's disheveled form.

"Off to the bathroom with you," she urged, nudging him towards the sink. "You could use a good scrub."

With a resigned sigh, Depp shuffled off, leaving Amber to momentarily conceal her revulsion before plastering on a saccharine smile as she heard the water running.

Their relationship was akin to a twisted tale straight out of "Gone Girl," fraught with drama and unpredictability.

After a leisurely meal, the pair, accompanied by their entourage of drivers and bodyguards, piled into the awaiting vehicle, belatedly embarking on their journey to a long-awaited meeting.

Though the appointment had been scheduled for the early hours, punctuality was a virtue lost on Depp, his perpetual tardiness a byproduct of his unconventional lifestyle.

Since his days as the swashbuckling Captain Jack Sparrow, Depp's erratic behavior had become somewhat of a norm, both on and off-screen, leaving those around him to acclimatize to his whims.

Pulling up outside a prestigious business club, Depp was enveloped by a throng of admirers as he made his grand entrance, eventually reuniting with his agent, Whigham.

"John, you're fashionably late as always," Whigham remarked, a hint of exasperation tinging his tone.

Depp shrugged indifferently. "What's a few minutes, anyway? It's all just a waiting game."

Following Whigham's lead, the group navigated through the club's opulent halls, eventually settling into a private reception room where they were greeted by Thomas Lane and Jessica, representatives from Davis Film and Television Studio.

Pleasantries were swiftly exchanged, leading to the crux of their meeting: an enticing offer for Depp to spearhead their latest project, "The Lone Ranger."

Jessica extended the proposal, detailing the substantial investment and potential collaboration with Disney, all contingent on Depp's involvement.

As Depp perused the documents, his memory fogged by last night's excesses, Whigham interjected with a reminder of a previous interest in the project.

Thomas elucidated their intentions, emphasizing Martin Davis's endorsement of Depp for the lead role of Donto.

Meanwhile, Amber, ever the opportunist, discreetly activated her phone's recording function upon hearing Martin Davis's name, sensing an opportunity amidst the negotiations.

With confidence, Thomas assured them of imminent negotiations, citing longstanding connections between Davis and Disney executives.

Intrigued, Amber leaned in, feigning interest as she queried the project's status, inwardly strategizing her next move.

"'The Lone Ranger,'" she mused aloud, masking her ulterior motives with feigned curiosity. "Sounds like a timeless classic in the making."

Jessica's voice rang out confidently, "Indeed, ABC's iconic radio dramas and television series boast a dedicated fanbase, making them ripe for adaptation."

Whigham interjected, his brow furrowing with concern, "So, are we talking about starting production soon? Filming dates?"

"Expected to kick off around May or June," Jessica confirmed.

Whigham's mind raced, realizing the clash with Depp's commitments. He suspected the intentions of the duo representing Martin Davis and ventured cautiously, "Johnny's tied up with 'Transcendental Hacker' during that period, no wiggle room."

Jessica didn't beat around the bush, "Ideally, we'd like Johnny to step away from that project. Davis Studio will cover all associated costs during his absence."

She dropped the bombshell, "We'll ensure Johnny suffers no financial setbacks. His fee stands at $35 million, plus up to 10 points from the North American box office, with additional perks negotiable."

Depp, seemingly oblivious, emitted the occasional belch, much to Amber's dismay. How could such behavior coincide with his skyrocketing fame?

Adding fuel to the fire, Jessica revealed, "Davis Studio, Pacific Pictures, and Disney are all vying to collaborate with Johnny."

Whigham, seizing the gravity of the situation, opted for deliberation, "This requires careful consideration. We'll need time to mull it over."

As discussions continued, Depp's impatience got the best of him, prompting him to abruptly depart, leaving Whigham to offer apologies before trailing after him.

Outside the club, Depp rallied his cohorts, declaring, "Black Mamba Bar, tonight's festivities begin!"

Resigned, Whigham acknowledged the futility of further discussions.

Amber interjected, "I've got a skincare appointment with my sisters. I'll join you at the bar later."

And so, the group dispersed, each to their own plans.

As they strolled, Depp boasted to his companions, "Tonight, the finest wines are on me."

Curiosity piqued, one of them inquired, "Anything special?"

Grinning, Depp revealed, "Ever heard of Martin Davis? Today, he practically begged me to lead 'The Lone Ranger.'"

...

In the VIP confines of the club's third floor, Nicholson observed the departing groups and turned to Martin, querying, "How did it go with Thomas?"

Martin pocketed his phone, "Negotiations are underway. Depp's camp received the proposal and promised to consider."

Nicholson nodded knowingly, "We cast our line. Let's see if we reel in the catch."

Leonard Duo, peering through binoculars, remarked on Amber, "That one's a catch, alright. Stunning and shapely."

Martin jested, "Right up your alley."

Shaking his head, Leonard clarified, "Not my type. Rumor has it, Depp's itching to put a ring on her. Your favorite kind."

Martin's attention shifted, "I'll keep Amber in the loop. Disney Pictures, any updates, we'll know pronto. In Hollywood, Megan Ellison's just a bystander."

...

Alone in her car, Amber replayed the recording, her excitement palpable.

Moments earlier, during Depp's encounter with Megan Ellison, crucial information had been exchanged.

Without hesitation, Amber dialed the number left by Megan, introducing herself before spilling the beans, "Thirty minutes ago, Martin Davis, along with agents Thomas and Jessica, tried to strong-arm Depp into leading his latest project."

"Megan beckoned, 'Step into my office.'

With haste, Amber rushed to Annapurna Films, where an attentive assistant ushered her into Meghan's inner sanctum.

Cutting straight to the heart of the matter, Meghan's gaze bore into Amber as she demanded, 'Give me the rundown.'

Amber, having mentally rehearsed her account, wasted no time in recounting the saga, providing a detailed narrative peppered with pertinent details. Retrieving her mobile phone, she played back the incriminating recording for Meghan's benefit.

Impressed by Amber's resourcefulness, Meghan commended, 'You're astute.' Retrieving her checkbook, she hastily penned a generous reward, sliding it across the desk. 'Consider this your due.'

But Amber, driven by a sense of duty, demurred, 'This is just what's right.'

Undeterred, Meghan's gaze remained steely. 'I trust you to keep a close eye on Depp. Prevent any missteps that might rub me the wrong way.'

Emboldened, Amber affirmed, 'He won't slip past me.'

Pleased with Amber's commitment, Meghan's tone took on an authoritative edge. 'Leave the recording on your phone.'

In a swift maneuver, Amber made a copy of the recording as Meghan's assistant approached, before swiftly taking her leave.

Meanwhile, Meghan delved into research on "The Lone Ranger," uncovering its rich history and Disney's ownership of the rights following their acquisition of ABC.

With her next move in mind, Meghan placed a direct call to Depp's agent.

Whigham, impressed by Meghan's swift actions, saw no need for secrecy as he happily divulged the developments.

In this strategic chess game, both companies vied for Depp's attention, ultimately benefiting the actor himself.

With Martin Davis's ambitions thwarted once again, Meghan couldn't shake the memory of his past transgressions, particularly his brazen poaching of talent.

Summoning her associates, Derrett and Wilson, Meghan briefed them on the situation, playing Amber's covert recording to underscore the urgency.

Wilson, a veteran Hollywood producer, shed light on the project's tumultuous history, highlighting Jerry Bruckheimer's frustrations with Disney's management.

Confirming Bruckheimer's involvement, Meghan's resolve solidified.

Instructing Wilson to reach out to Bruckheimer and Dre to gather intel, Meghan emphasized the need for discretion.

With assurances from her team, Meghan watched them depart, knowing they were on the cusp of a significant breakthrough.