Chapter 490: The Child Has a Good Father

Martin arrived in London for promotional activities, but the British media's onslaught was relentless, unearthing his purported romantic history. From Eliza Cuthbert to Anne Hathaway, Blake Lively to Elizabeth Olsen, numerous names, including rumored connections to Jolie and Aniston, faced the sharp scrutiny of Fleet Street. Even the dissolution of Sam Mendes and Kate Winslet's marriage found a finger pointed at Martin.

Speculations didn't spare the supposed saints of the Coca-Cola Church, implicating them as Martin Davis's mistresses. As for Taylor, Alexandra Daddario, and Victoria's Secret models linked to Martin, the media cast doubt on their platonic relationships.

Amidst these reports, Martin remained unfazed. With no marriage plans on the horizon, he paid little heed to the sensationalism. His Playboy reputation had seen minimal buzz in the past couple of years.

"Would I dare to call Leo and Jack womanizers without my slew of rumored girlfriends?" he mused.

At the London film premiere, Martin encountered Kate Winslet, offering solace. "Isn't it normal for men and women to have mutual needs?" he remarked.

Agreeing, Kate acknowledged, "Yes, we all need each other."

"Rest assured, that's not how I see it," Martin assured her as they headed towards the screening room.

Passing by the third row, Martin crossed paths with Saoirse Ronan, who requested a private chat. Kate excused herself, allowing them space.

"Is everything alright?" Martin inquired.

Saoirse disclosed an audition offer for a role in Peter Jackson's project based on "The Lovely Bones."

Acknowledging the project's credibility, Martin advised, "If you're interested, consider going for it."

Understanding, Saoirse affirmed, "I got it."

Concerned about her capability to handle strict directors, Martin cautioned, "Peter Jackson's known for being tough. Keep calm if you audition."

Defending her passion for photography, Saoirse assured, "I don't cause trouble; I just enjoy taking photos."

Recalling past scandals involving others, Martin emphasized, "Be mindful of your actions. Don't inadvertently offend anyone."

Asserting her growth, Saoirse asserted, "I'm not the same girl I was at fifteen, Teacher."

Acknowledging her growth, Martin nodded before heading back to his seat. Saoirse invited him for dinner when he was free, suggesting a taste of British cuisine. Martin, occupied with work, agreed to meet her the following evening.

"Tomorrow it is," he accepted Elsa's invitation to explore British food.

Upon hearing the buzz surrounding him, Martin's immediate reaction was regret.

"John Wick" stirred immense enthusiasm in the UK, earning praise post-premiere. Coupled with Martin's popularity, theaters were bustling with high attendance rates.

Paparazzi clandestinely captured Kate Winslet's arrival and hotel check-in, igniting swirling rumors of an affair with Martin. Both Martin and Kate chose to disregard the speculations.

Following Saoirse's invitation to savor London's delicacies at a French restaurant, "John Wick" commenced its first weekend in British theaters, raking in 5.67 million pounds across 528 theaters. Simultaneous releases in European markets like France, Germany, and Italy also garnered first-week revenues of approximately $5 million each.

Film ratings continued to wield significant market influence. In North America, "John Wick" maintained its market dominance with a relatively stable box office performance. Its weekend earnings dipped just over 50%, fetching $27.74 million. Including previous working days, the North American box office triumphantly surpassed $100 million, reaching a total of $108 million. Warner Bros. projected Fast Track's North American box office between $190 million to $210 million, paving the way for an anticipated sequel.

Accompanied by the crew and creators, Martin commenced an international promotional tour spanning Europe to the East, skipping over Ukraine and Russia due to uncertainties.

Feeling like a reluctant trespasser, Martin preferred to avoid Moscow, fearing unforeseen mishaps where calling upon God would be futile.

Finally free from the UK and the US, Martin envisioned a well-deserved break. However, upon arrival in South Korea, Hollywood's backstage, enthusiastic gangsters from a Korean film company, aiming to replicate Hollywood's advanced production models and propel their stars into the limelight, entertained Martin's group fervently.

Despite their earnest intentions, Martin was coerced to consider Korean investment, reluctantly relinquishing his vacation. The relentless efforts of a nine-member girl group sent by a Korean entertainment agency aimed to persuade Martin, showcasing South Korea's adeptness in such dealings, even though the group merely served as tools for their agency.

Marcus' biography "Lone Survivor" neared completion, ready for release followed by a film adaptation. Martin opted not to star, viewing it as an ensemble piece with uncertain returns. Korean investment would fund the film's production, ensuring profitability for Davis Film and Television Studio regardless of the movie's outcome.

Additionally, Martin admired the company's discerning eye in selecting the girl group, aligning with societal aesthetics and avoiding artificiality. Comparing it favorably to other entertainment agencies, Martin perceived Hollywood actors to be in a realm of ease.

---

Inside the Olson family mansion in Sherman Oaks, Mary Olson observed Martin's burgeoning popularity, prompting a conversation with her younger sister Elizabeth.

"Martin's quite the sensation lately," remarked Mary, setting down her newspaper.

Elizabeth, occupied with the dog, turned around, noting, "With Rapid Chase's success and a North American box office exceeding 100 million, it's expected."

Ashley Olsen chimed in, "The entertainment media can't stop gossiping about him."

Mary cautioned, "He's quite the playboy."

Elizabeth assured with a smile, "I'm his main lady, not anyone else. As long as I'm in the picture, I'll remain the lady of Davis Manor."

Ashley paused, acknowledging the truth in Elizabeth's words from certain perspectives.

Mary expressed concern for her younger sister, voicing her worries: "He's best friends with Leonardo and Nicholson. Those two..."

Elizabeth, not as naïve as she seemed, quipped, "I'm no Gisele Bundchen." She continued playfully with the dog, "No matter where he wanders, home is where he returns."

"I won't pry into your private life. You know what's best," Mary refrained from delving further. "When Martin's back, invite him home," she suggested.

Confidently, Elizabeth affirmed, "He'll come."

Meanwhile, Ashley suggested, "We haven't seen 'John Wick' yet. How about a movie night to support Elizabeth's beu at the box office?"

Packing her things, Mary proposed, "It's been a while since we had a group outing. Let's go."

The three sisters headed to a nearby movie theater, halfway through, Elizabeth phoned Lily Carter specifically to join them for the rest of the movie.

---

In Burbank, Toni emerged from the theater, discretely concealing her slightly rounded belly. Carrying a copy of the Los Angeles Times, she slipped into her car.

Having watched "John Wick" thrice now, Toni, thinking of Martin's commanding presence on screen, gently caressed her belly, remarking, "So cool, so handsome. He's the father my child deserves!"

Interrupted by the rumbling of a passing sports car, Toni snapped out of her reverie. Flicking through the entertainment section of the newspaper, she scanned the box office rankings, overwhelmed by the immense figures, concluding the film's earnings in the hundreds of millions.

Amused, Toni pondered on Martin's potential earnings, estimating his conservative investment to be around $20 million. "And this is just one film!" she chuckled, recognizing that Martin's success meant a more secure future for her child.

Driving back to her Burbank apartment, Toni observed fervent fans wearing red Coca-Cola shirts or donning clown makeup, finding their dedication lacking.

"True fans dare to dream of having children for their admired celebrities!" Toni mused, parking her car and entering her apartment, a place she rented at a premium for its convenience and future preparations.

Awaiting the elevator, Toni noticed a familiar face behind her. The man, sporting long, greasy hair and a dense beard, possessed a blank, nearly paralyzed expression.

Recognizing him, Toni tentatively queried, "Ben Affleck?"

Confirming his move into the area after selling his previous house, Ben nonchalantly affirmed, "That's right."

Aware of the rumors, Toni instinctively took a few steps back, sensing Ben's irritation. Subsequently, as the elevator arrived, she stayed put, waiting for the next one before ascending.

As she headed home, Toni contemplated the rewards from the alliance leader, the update on the alliance leader's second chapter, and the pending manuscript updates.