Chapter 803: Nothing Left to Lose!

Beverly Hills, Charlize Theron's home.

On the second floor, Martin sat behind a window near the stairs. From his vantage point, he could see Charlize Theron in the living room on the first floor and Stuart Townsend, who had come over, begging for mercy.

Stuart Townsend looked like a shadow of his former self. His puffy eye bags, gaunt frame, and low spirits stood in stark contrast to Charlize, who looked radiant and rejuvenated.

"I'm sorry, Sally, I'm an asshole," Townsend pleaded, his voice quivering. "I was wrong! Everything is my fault. I'm really sorry. Let's get back together."

Charlize's face was a mask of tension. She didn't say a word, her unhappiness etched into every line of her face.

Townsend's eyes fell on a photo of the two of them still hanging on the living room wall. Drawing some misplaced confidence from the image, he continued, "During this time apart, I realized that the only person I've loved and still love is you. Without you, I'd rather die than live!"

His mind swirled with thoughts of his previous life of luxury, which had included a big villa, a luxury car, regular financial support, an easy job, and a top lawyer to handle any troubles. Now, without those comforts and entangled by his new partner, Toni, even daily living had become a struggle. Having once experienced such opulence, the thought of a simple life seemed unbearable.

It dawned on him how enviable his previous life had been, a life supported not by an old rich woman but by Charlize Theron herself!

His gaze flicked back to the photo by the stairs, his confidence swelling. "I know you and Martin Davis are just having a fling. No matter how good he is, can he compare to our ten years together?"

Charlize had once thought that a single night with Martin was worth more than a decade with Townsend, and her opinion hadn't changed.

"You don't have to say anything," she said, her voice cold as ice. "You can go now."

Townsend, sensing Charlize's unhappiness, though not directed at him, cautiously asked, "What happened?"

Charlize didn't respond, her eyes drifting to the coffee table.

Eager to please, Townsend quickly picked up the newspaper. It was filled with reports about the previous night's Oscars, but there was little mention of Charlize Theron.

Confused, he continued reading until he reached a song performed by host Seth MacFarlane, and saw the lyrics printed below.

"Is it because of this bastard?" Townsend pointed at MacFarlane's song and asked.

Charlize's face darkened even more, but she remained silent.

Townsend, ever the opportunist, saw his chance to ingratiate himself. "I'm in a very bad mood today and don't want to talk about love. Go away!" she snapped, standing up to open the door. "I'll talk about this when I'm in a good mood."

Townsend gritted his teeth, forcing a strained smile. "Okay, let's talk about it when you're in a good mood. I'm leaving now."

Charlize kept her eyes fixed on him, cold and unyielding.

As Townsend stepped out of the house, he couldn't help but feel the weight of her stare lingering on his back. He walked to his battered Toyota, a car that had seen better days and too many miles, and drove away from the mansion that had once been his sanctuary.

Oddly enough, his spirits lifted slightly as he left. The photos of him and Charlize still hanging in the living room and on the staircase whispered of a possible reconciliation. The thought of resuming his life of luxury beckoned him like a siren's call.

"If she didn't still care, why keep those photos?" he mused aloud, gripping the steering wheel tighter. "It's a sign, a clear one!"

Leaving the affluent North District of Sunset Boulevard, Townsend made a series of phone calls. It wasn't long before he got the information he sought: Seth MacFarlane, fresh from his controversial Oscars hosting gig, was currently the paparazzi's favorite target.

Charlize's foul mood had a direct cause, MacFarlane's crude song from the Oscars. Sensing an opportunity to ingratiate himself, Townsend decided he'd teach MacFarlane a lesson and hopefully win back Charlize's favor.

With MacFarlane's address in hand, Townsend revved up his Toyota and sped off.

Unbeknownst to him, an ordinary Volkswagen followed at a cautious distance. The passenger, Bruce, made a call from the front seat.

Minutes later, Bruce's commercial vehicle picked up Martin and Charlize, who quickly joined the pursuit of Townsend's car.

Charlize asked, "Do you think he understands the hints I gave him?"

Martin replied, "It's not about understanding; it's about whether he's willing to be a bootlicker."

Charlize smirked. "I know him better than anyone. After getting together with you, I realized how foolish I was to tolerate Townsend for so long. He has lofty ambitions, mediocre skills, and a taste for the high life. Where else but with Charlize Theron could he find such an easy ride?"

Martin thought of other Hollywood exes and commented, "When love turns to hate, it's truly terrifying."

Charlize shot him a curious look. "Is that why you don't want to get married or engaged?"

Martin chuckled. "Because I'm a responsible man."

Ahead, Townsend's Toyota came into view.

Charlize's gaze hardened. "In the last few years we were together, he had no income but spent millions. I just want to get some of my investment back!"

Martin took out his phone. "Shall we invite some friends to join the fun?"

Charlize nodded with a playful glint in her eye. "Why not?"

Martin dialed a number. "Jack, come out quick. There's a spectacle you won't want to miss. Hurry, or you'll miss the best part."

Nicholson asked for the approximate address. "Got it. Wait for me, I'll be there soon."

Martin then dialed Leonardo.

Leonardo, influenced by Martin and Nicholson's sense of adventure, abandoned the blonde, long-legged model he had been with and rushed over.

Meanwhile, Townsend made a stop at a Chinese restaurant, picked up a bucket, and placed it in his trunk before continuing his drive.

Around noon, Townsend's Toyota pulled up outside a store on Seventh Street in Santa Monica.

Bruce's commercial vehicle halted slightly ahead at an intersection. Leonardo hopped in first.

After a brief wait, Nicholson and Lorraine arrived from the opposite direction and climbed into the vehicle.

Martin glanced at the Toyota. "Let's get closer."

Lorraine opened her bag, pulling out a DV camera, and swiftly adjusted the lens.

Charlize, intrigued, asked, "Why do you have a camera with you?"

Lorraine smiled. "I'm a part-time freelance reporter. I shoot gossip news to make some extra cash. Things have been tight the past couple of years."

Charlize looked puzzled, glancing between Nicholson and Martin. "What's going on?"

Martin offered a simple explanation. "Don't underestimate Lorraine. A lot of hot news comes from her."

Lorraine proudly chimed in, "Amber Heard's 'Rushgate,' Emma Watson's 'Rushgate'..."

She paused, realizing something. "Why are all the exclusive stories I capture about rushgate?"

Leonardo quipped, "Because the people causing trouble are always rushing things."

Martin and Nicholson simultaneously raised their middle fingers at Leonardo.

Charlize observed the group with keen curiosity. Rumors about these three troublemakers were rampant in Hollywood, and now they seemed every bit as crazy as the stories suggested.

Martin patted Lorraine on the shoulder, pointing towards the Toyota. "The protagonist has arrived."

Townsend had stepped out of his Toyota and was standing near the trunk, smoking a cigarette. A Lexus was parked just behind him.

Lorraine cracked the window slightly, positioning her camera towards the scene. She moved with the practiced ease of a seasoned paparazzi navigating the streets of Los Angeles.

Leonardo alerted the group, "Here comes our guy."

All eyes turned to the storefront.

As Seth MacFarlane came out from the door, several paparazzi rushed forward, snapping photos. Fresh from his Oscar-hosting gig and infamous for his controversial song, MacFarlane was the man of the hour.

Lorraine adjusted her camera to capture the perfect shot. "Got him," she whispered, a glint of excitement in her eyes.

Townsend, seeing MacFarlane, took a deep breath and walked towards him with purpose. The stage was set for a dramatic encounter, and everyone in the car watched with bated breath.

Charlize leaned in, her voice barely a whisper. "This is going to be interesting."

Martin nodded, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Let the show begin."

Townsend eyed his target to confirm his identity. Satisfied, he flicked away his cigarette butt, crushing it underfoot, then opened the trunk of his Toyota. Grabbing a bucket, he strode purposefully toward MacFarlane.

The foul stench emanating from the bucket hit the two nearby paparazzi first. They instinctively recoiled and stepped aside, their noses wrinkling in disgust.

MacFarlane, sensing the commotion, caught sight of Townsend and the malodorous bucket. Though known for his pranks on screen, MacFarlane was much more serious in real life. Without a word, he spun on his heels and tried to retreat back into the store.

But Townsend, driven by his desperate need to impress Charlize, wasn't about to let him escape. He quickly closed the gap, lifted the bucket, and flung its contents at MacFarlane.

The liquid splashed all over MacFarlane's head and face, drenching him in a grotesque mix of red, green, and yellow. For a moment, he stood there, stunned and dripping.

"This is for Charlize Theron!" Townsend shouted, his voice echoing in the street.

Cameras flashed from all angles, capturing every humiliating detail.

MacFarlane tried to speak, but the stench overwhelmed him. He gagged and dry-heaved, unable to form any words.

Feeling a surge of empowerment, Townsend raised his voice again. "This is for all the women you insulted!"

Inside the commercial vehicle, Charlize shook her head, a wry smile on her lips. "Looks like even the gigolo has learned to use his moment."

Martin laughed. "Best keep your distance from him for a while."

Charlize nodded. "I'm heading to North America for a film shoot. I won't be back in L.A. for at least six months."

Meanwhile, Townsend, having delivered his message, jumped back into his car and sped away.

Lorraine turned off her camera, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. "Another spicy scoop!" She whipped out her phone and dialed a contact. "Big news, Seth MacFarlane got doused with garbage by feminist supporters. Interested?"

The response was immediate. "Meet at the usual spot."

As Townsend's Toyota disappeared into the distance, Bruce restarted their vehicle and drove away. They were unconcerned with the aftermath of the incident.

Martin, scrolling through his phone contacts, found Kate Winslet's number and called her. "Check out TMZ later. Some juicy news about Seth MacFarlane getting his just desserts."

Kate's voice held a note of surprise. "Martin, did you get revenge for me? Thanks, but it's a shame you still look down on me..."

Charlize quipped loudly enough for Kate to hear, "Maybe try losing some weight."

Martin shot Charlize a reproachful glare, but she remained unfazed.

Kate hung up, leaving Martin shaking his head.

On their way back, Lorraine exited the car to handle her business.

As Martin and the group entered Beverly Hills, TMZ had already uploaded a video of MacFarlane's public humiliation. The narrative quickly took hold online, with feminists seizing the opportunity to dominate public opinion. MacFarlane found little sympathy; instead, the internet erupted in laughter at his expense.