Chapter 870: Have Some Respect!

As the meeting wrapped up, Dwayne Johnson and his team exchanged brief farewells and swiftly exited the room, the air heavy with the unresolved tension of a deal that never came to fruition.

Thomas, ever the observant one, remarked, "He seemed pretty enthusiastic about the project you're backing."

Martin's thoughts drifted back to past experiences as he responded, "It's to be expected. The protagonist of the script perfectly aligns with the persona Dwayne has been cultivating for years."

Reflecting on the day's developments, Martin couldn't help but feel a twinge of relief. If he hadn't stumbled upon "San Andreas" early on and secured it through his connections at WMA, it would have undoubtedly been snatched up by Johnson. The cutthroat nature of the industry was never more apparent.

Thomas, his tone reassuring, said, "You're the top priority here at the agency. Forget about them, just keep pushing forward with your vision."

Nodding, Martin shelved the matter for now and turned his attention back to the WMA database, scrolling through a seemingly endless sea of potential projects. But today, his search yielded nothing new.

Just as he was about to call it a day, his phone buzzed. It was Alexandra Daddario on the other end, her voice light with a hint of excitement. "How about we grab drinks tonight?"

"Sounds great," Martin replied without hesitation, suggesting, "Meet me at the Ritz-Carlton."

Alexandra had recently wrapped up filming "Sicario" and was deep into post-production dubbing in Los Angeles. Though he wished her sister Catherine could join them, she wasn't in town, leaving the evening plans feeling just slightly incomplete.

As soon as Martin hung up, his phone rang again. This time it was Leonardo, his voice booming with its usual charisma. "You jerk, come out for a drink! Jack and I are heading to the Avalon Bar. You better bring a date."

"Tonight?" Martin hesitated briefly, weighing his options. "Alright, give me a minute. I need to talk to Emmanuel first."

"Fine, but don't keep us waiting," Leonardo insisted before hanging up.

Martin quickly redialed Alexandra. "Change of plans, we're heading to the Avalon Bar instead. Leo and Jack will be there, so if they get there first, you can hang out with them until I arrive."

"Got it, I'll head over now," Alexandra replied, her enthusiasm undeterred by the switch.

With that settled, Martin left his office, accompanied by Thomas, and made his way to the reception room next door where Ari Emmanuel was waiting.

This year marked a critical juncture, Martin's contract renewal was on the horizon. While Thomas wasn't concerned about Martin's loyalty, having witnessed firsthand the unwavering support Martin received from the agency, he knew the stakes were high. If Martin ever decided to switch agencies, Thomas would simply follow him wherever he went.

But Ari Emmanuel had more at stake. Martin wasn't just any client; he was the cornerstone of WMA, bringing in more revenue than any other actor in Hollywood. Every major agency in town would kill for a shot at representing him, and WMA couldn't afford to lose him.

As they entered the room, Emmanuel greeted Martin with a broad smile. "We've had a great run together these past few years. WMA's commission rates have always been the most competitive. Between us…"

Understanding where this was headed, Martin cut to the chase. "When my contract expires, I'll renew with WMA for another three years."

Relief washed over Emmanuel, but he knew the game wasn't over. The official contract renewal wouldn't take place until early next year, and until the ink was dry, nothing was guaranteed.

"Ram and the entire team will continue to support you with everything we've got," Emmanuel assured him, sensing an opportunity to solidify their relationship.

Martin smiled, offering a firm handshake. "I look forward to more successful collaborations."

Emmanuel reciprocated, though he was acutely aware that the decision to stay or go lay entirely in Martin's hands. For now, Martin had no plans to jump ship. As WMA's premier client, he was treated like royalty, with the entire agency at his beck and call.

Other agencies had approached him, some more aggressively than others, but none had offered terms compelling enough to make him reconsider. Why trade a sure thing for the unknown? As Martin saw it, there was no reason to switch from a well-oiled machine to something untested. The status quo suited him just fine, for now, at least.

Back in Raymond's office, Dwayne Johnson sat in silence, his usual upbeat demeanor noticeably absent. The project he'd been so eager about had slipped through his fingers, purchased by someone else, and the disappointment was etched on his face.

Despite his public persona as a laid-back, larger-than-life character, Johnson was far from carefree. Beneath the surface, he could be incredibly exacting, some might even say petty.

Sensing his client's mood, Raymond leaned forward and spoke gently, "Dwayne, I know it's frustrating, but the rights to that script are with Martin Davis now. There's no way we can pry it away from him. But don't worry, the company churns out new scripts every month. We'll find something even better for you."

But it was Garcia, Johnson's ex-wife's manager, who knew how to get through to him. "Why don't you blow off some steam? Go out, grab a drink with friends. You'll feel better afterward."

Johnson forced his signature smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. "Lei, what's up? Feel like getting a drink?"

On the other end, Ray Park, a buddy Johnson had made during the filming of *G.I. Joe*, answered enthusiastically, "Sure thing! I was actually thinking of hitting up Avalon Bar. My treat."

"Sounds good. I'll meet you there in twenty minutes," Johnson replied before hanging up.

Garcia gave him a supportive pat on his massive arm, her hand barely covering half of it. "Go on, Dwayne. A few good drinks and some company will make everything seem a little less important."

Johnson left the office, his pace quickening as he descended the stairs. He climbed into his Mercedes-Benz G-Class and navigated the streets toward Sunset Boulevard, his mind still lingering on the lost opportunity.

When he arrived at Avalon Bar, Ray Park was already there, waiting in one of the booths. They ordered a round of drinks and settled in. The Avalon Bar was no ordinary watering hole, along with the Grapevine Manor across the street, it was a hot spot for Hollywood's elite, nestled in the heart of Beverly Hills.

Just as Johnson was getting comfortable, Gal Gadot, his co-star from the *Fast and Furious* franchise, strolled over. She greeted him warmly, her smile as radiant as ever.

"Hey, Dwayne!" she said, her voice bright with familiarity.

Johnson returned her greeting with a nod and a few friendly words before politely sending her on her way. There was something off about his demeanor tonight, something that Gal, ever perceptive, picked up on as she walked away.

Ray Park, however, was more focused on the view. As he watched Gal's retreating figure, he couldn't resist asking, "Not interested in her?"

Johnson shrugged, the motion making his pecs ripple beneath his tight T-shirt. "What's the point? Her chest is smaller than mine. Honestly, if I wanted to cop a feel, I might as well just touch myself."

Ray burst into laughter, nearly spilling his drink. "Man, more than half the women in Hollywood aren't up to your standards!"

Johnson grinned and raised his glass. "Can you blame me? I mean, would you settle for less?"

Ray poured them both another round, shaking his head with a smirk. "I just hope you find someone who can measure up someday."

Johnson took a deep drink, feeling the burn of the alcohol start to loosen him up. The earlier disappointment began to fade as they chatted and drank, their conversation meandering through familiar territory.

Before long, Ray brought up a sore spot. "Think they'll ever make a sequel to *G.I. Joe*?"

Johnson's expression darkened slightly as he shrugged. "Hard to say. Paramount wasn't thrilled with how it did at the box office. And let's be honest, you were hidden behind a mask the whole time. No one even saw your face."

Ray, now several drinks in, scratched his head ruefully. "Yeah, and to think I used to be the top action coordinator and stuntman around. Back in the day, Chad Stahelski was just my assistant. Now look at him, he's one of the biggest directors in the business, raking in millions. Meanwhile, I'm stuck here, wondering where it all went wrong."

Johnson raised his glass again, a reflective look in his eyes. "We're both just waiting for that one big break."

His mind wandered back to the script he'd read earlier in the day. There was something about it, a gut feeling that this could be the one, something that could outshine even his role in *Hercules*. It was the kind of instinct that had guided so many stars to success, and it gnawed at him now.

As they shared another drink, Ray reached for the bottle, but his hand froze mid-pour. His gaze was suddenly fixed on a woman making her way toward their table, a look of intrigue spreading across his face.

The woman caught Ray Park's attention the moment she stepped into the bar. She wore a dark, cropped jacket over a tight white T-shirt that clung to her curves, accentuating her figure in a way that instantly brought to mind Jennifer Connelly's iconic scene on the wooden horse. But in Ray's eyes, she had even more going for her.

Unable to resist a smirk, Ray nudged Johnson with his chin. "Hey, Dwayne, looks like we've found someone with a little more up top than you."

As they exchanged glances, Alexandra Daddario breezed past their booth, her long legs carrying her quickly to an empty seat diagonally across from them. She sat down and immediately began tapping away at her phone, seemingly oblivious to the attention she was drawing.

From his vantage point, Johnson had a clear view of Alexandra. Her striking ice-blue eyes, framed by dark lashes, and her perfectly sculpted features matched his ideal aesthetic to a tee. He recognized her instantly, Alexandra Daddario, the actress who had been the subject of countless rumors linking her to Martin Davis.

Johnson felt a pull, a desire to approach her, but something held him back. It wasn't hesitation exactly, more of a momentary doubt. Ray, however, saw things differently.

"If you like her, just go get her number," Ray said, as if it were the simplest thing in the world.

Johnson drained his glass, feeling the warmth of the alcohol bolster his confidence. He grabbed his phone and started toward her, forcing his face into the trademark smile that had been crafted over years in the industry, a smile designed to instill trust, a sense of ease.

As he walked, Johnson reflected on how much he had changed. The aggressive, sharp-edged persona he once carried into Hollywood had softened over the years. Now, he was more like the approachable, reliable neighbor, the strong but gentle figure everyone could rely on.

"Good evening, Alexandra," he greeted her with that polished smile.

She looked up from her phone and offered a polite nod. "Hello."

Johnson, ever the professional, launched into his pitch. "I'm in the process of preparing a new film, and I'm on the lookout for a leading lady with a captivating presence. When you walked by just now, I thought you might be perfect for the role."

He held out his phone, a friendly invitation in his voice. "Could I get your contact information? When we start casting, I'd love to reach out and see if you're interested in auditioning."

Before she met Martin Davis, Alexandra might have considered the offer, but those days were behind her. Martin had opened doors for her that led to starring roles, broadening her horizons beyond what she once thought possible. Without hesitation, she smiled back and declined, "I appreciate the offer, but my schedule is fully booked for the next two years."

Johnson's smile faltered slightly. Normally, he would have walked away, but today had been rough, and the alcohol had dulled his usual restraint. He pressed on, "There's always room for one more opportunity."

But Alexandra wasn't swayed. "Thank you, but no thanks," she replied firmly.

Despite her clear dismissal, Johnson lingered, his persistence bordering on the uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, at the entrance of the bar, Leonardo DiCaprio and Jack Nicholson arrived, each with a female companion in tow. Leonardo had Margot Robbie by his side, the Australian actress radiating her usual effortless charm. Nicholson, however, had brought someone unexpected, his daughter Lorraine, not Jennifer Lawrence, as many would have guessed.

As they made their way inside, Leonardo caught up to Nicholson, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Why'd you bring Lorraine along tonight?" he asked, curious.

Nicholson lifted an eyebrow, his voice tinged with mock seriousness. "Well, I'm just trying to get her and Martin together. Maybe they'll hit it off and tie the knot sooner rather than later."

Lorraine rolled her eyes, clearly exasperated by her father's antics. "You three can scheme all you want, but leave me out of it, please?"

Nicholson shrugged, a sly grin playing on his lips. "What choice do we have? You know, with our reputations, we're running out of options."

Lorraine shot back, "Maybe it's because no one wants to deal with you guys anymore."

Margot, always sharp, interjected, "Hey, isn't that the girl Martin mentioned? Alexandra Daddario? Looks like someone's giving her a hard time."

Leonardo's expression darkened as he recognized the situation. "That bastard Martin's running late. We better go check this out." He strode forward purposefully, with Nicholson following close behind.

Out of habit developed over the past few years, Lorraine instinctively reached into her purse, pulling out her phone and quickly activating the camera. She had learned the hard way that when the three troublemakers she often found herself with decided to stir the pot, hesitating even for a second could mean missing out on capturing something that could be worth some serious pocket money.

...

Meanwhile, Alexandra Daddario's patience was wearing thin. Dwayne Johnson, clearly more than a little drunk, was becoming an annoyance she could no longer tolerate. Her voice was firm, her tone cold as she snapped, "Please, respect yourself!"

The words cut through the haze in Johnson's mind, pulling him out of his alcohol-induced stupor, if only for a moment. Just as he opened his mouth to try and salvage what was left of his pride, he felt a presence behind him, moving swiftly.

An older man with a protruding belly, slicked-back hair, and sunglasses, despite the dim lighting of the bar, stepped between Johnson and Alexandra. It was none other than Jack Nicholson, a Hollywood legend, and a fixture at the Academy Awards, not to mention the unofficial mascot of the Oscars. His tone was anything but friendly as he addressed Johnson, "Hey, pal, didn't you hear the lady? She's been turning you down. Have some decency."

The appearance of Nicholson and Leonardo DiCaprio had the effect of a spotlight, drawing the attention of nearly everyone in the bar. Heads turned, and conversations paused as eyes focused on the unfolding drama.

Feeling the heat of embarrassment, Johnson stammered, "I was just inviting Ms. Daddario to consider a role!" His voice carried a mix of desperation and anger as he looked down at the slightly hunched but still imposing Nicholson. "Watch your words."

Sensing the tension rising, Ray Park hurried over to Johnson's side, ready to back him up.

At the same time, Leonardo moved in, his tone more diplomatic but no less firm. "It's not cool to harass a lady, Dwayne. You owe her an apology."

While the confrontation escalated, Lorraine, ever the opportunist, found the perfect angle and snapped a few quick photos, her fingers moving with practiced ease.

Margot Robbie, standing just a bit back, glanced toward the entrance and spotted Martin walking in. Recognizing the potential for things to get out of hand, she quickly waved to catch his attention.

Martin immediately picked up on the situation. His eyes locked onto Johnson, his bald head gleaming under the bar lights, muscles tensed and ready. Without hesitation, Martin hurried over, his presence adding another layer of tension to the already charged atmosphere.

The sound of his footsteps drew more attention from the other patrons. In a place like Hollywood, where the stars had money to burn and time to waste, scenes like this weren't exactly rare. In fact, Avalon Bar had seen its fair share of celebrity scuffles. The staff knew better than to intervene too early. Instead, they waited, letting the situation play out, knowing that a few sparks of conflict often drew even more people in, boosting business rather than hurting it.

By now, the crowd was buzzing with excitement, everyone eager to see how this would unfold. The prospect of watching a real-life clash between Hollywood heavyweights was too juicy to resist.

Martin reached Leonardo's side, his eyes scanning the scene quickly before landing on Alexandra, who gave him a nod of acknowledgment. Turning back to Johnson, Martin's voice was calm but resolute as he said, "You need to apologize to her."

Surrounded by a growing crowd, Johnson's face hardened. "I was just offering Ms. Daddario a role," he insisted, the alcohol emboldening him. But Martin's tone and the mounting pressure from those around him clearly irritated Johnson. He couldn't resist taking a jab. "And Martin, I thought your girlfriend was Elizabeth Olsen. When did you switch her out?"

The taunt hung in the air, heavy with implication. Johnson was clearly spoiling for a fight, and he wasn't the type to back down easily. Ray Park, standing beside him, was a seasoned fighter himself, having once claimed the British Wushu Championship. The situation teetered on the edge, one wrong move away from a full-blown altercation.