Chapter 176
"Martin, drink some water!"
Lindsay handed Martin a glass of juice.
She then stood by his side, her posture obedient, as she basked in the admiring glances from the audience. She couldn't help but feel proud, knowing that these were some of the biggest names in Hollywood.
Lindsay herself felt uncomfortable with all the attention on her, let alone the pressure of having to come up with a brilliant script on the spot. But Martin? He was a genius!
As Martin continued his narration, the crowd's reactions grew more intense, their mouths widening in disbelief. The story he was telling seemed to mirror the events unfolding at the party — a girl bullied, then fighting back, only to win the affection of the crowd.
Could it be that Martin had really come up with all of this on the spot?
Was this true genius at work?
It seemed like this "legendary story" would become the talk of the evening.
Many guests glanced at Kevin Johnson and his daughter with hidden smirks and amusement. Clearly, they were now the backdrop to a "legendary" tale.
Viola Johnson, once so arrogant, was now pale, the effects of the drugs she had taken long gone, leaving only regret and irritation. As the tension mounted, her friends, seeing the situation turn sour, had quietly slipped away.
Kevin Johnson, brows furrowed in frustration, realized Martin had not only outdone him but had also put his daughter in a position with no way out. He had to salvage something from this or risk losing his standing in the industry. The embarrassment would be devastating.
What could he do? Claim the script was pre-written?
No, that would be useless.
Who were the people in this room? Hollywood stars, film executives, and media moguls. There was no way they'd fall for such an excuse.
Then, Kevin's gaze fell on Lindsay, standing next to Martin. A plan formed in his mind. He motioned to a nearby security guard, giving him a few quick instructions.
Two hours passed.
Martin stopped speaking and turned to Lindsay. "What do you think of this script? Do you like it?"
"Of course, I love it!" Lindsay beamed, both happy and shy.
Martin handed her the script. "It's yours."
"Ah, thank you, Martin!" Lindsay nearly shouted, so excited that she almost blurted out "Dad."
Martin then returned the recorder to Kevin Thomas. "Thanks for your help, Kevin. Also, could you email me a copy of this recording?"
"Of course. My pleasure."
Kevin Thomas paused before asking, "What's the name of this script?"
Martin thought for a moment before smiling. "Mean Girl."
At this, all eyes shifted back to Viola Johnson.
The once-arrogant girl couldn't hold it together any longer. She bolted from the room, crying.
Martin took Lindsay's hand. "Alright, let's go. I can see you're upset."
Lindsay smiled sweetly. "Okay."
Just then, Kevin Johnson strode over, blocking their path.
He had hoped to salvage the situation, but now he had to protect his pride.
"Martin, you can leave, but she stays."
Martin paused. "Why? Does Mr. Johnson intend to force me?"
"Force? No, no, no. This is something Lindsay's mother promised me."
"Literally? Is there proof?" Martin chuckled mockingly.
Kevin Johnson smiled and shook his head. "No literal evidence, but I have a witness!"
He gestured to a large security guard who walked over with a middle-aged woman.
"Mom?" Lindsay gasped.
Martin frowned.
Dina Lohan hurried over, flashing a smile at Kevin Johnson, but avoided eye contact with Martin. Instead, she focused on her daughter.
"Lindsay, why are you being difficult again? The party isn't over yet, you can't just leave."
It was strange that despite Martin's immense status in Hollywood, no one dared cross him, yet Dina Lohan seemed completely unawed. Perhaps it was because she'd known Martin since his early teenage years. That familiarity made her less inclined to show respect.
"Ms. Lohan—" Martin started, but was interrupted by Lindsay.
With tears in her eyes, Lindsay faced her mother and boldly declared, "Mom, do you remember what you promised him? You told me to perform a striptease for this old man. I'm only fourteen years old! How could you do this to me? Such a shameful thing!"
The room went silent, the shockwaves of Lindsay's words spreading like wildfire.
People close to Kevin Johnson immediately stepped away, casting him disapproving looks.
There are many unsavory things that can be done in Hollywood, but such matters must never be aired publicly.
Kevin Johnson was stunned, both angry and panicked.
How did this girl find out?
He had only discussed the matter over the phone with a few like-minded individuals, and there was no way they would have leaked the details.
And her mother had promised to keep quiet!
Unbeknownst to him, Lindsay had overheard that phone call, setting the stage for this explosive revelation.
Dina Lohan, flustered and confused, tried to deny it. But she couldn't keep track of her lies.
"Well, so what? That's how things are in Hollywood. You get what you pay for. Mr. Johnson agreed, if you perform for him, he'll give you a good opportunity."
Lindsay stared at her mother in disbelief. "Sorry, mom, but I'll never agree to that. I'm leaving with Martin now. I'm going home, packing my things, and I'm out of here!"
With that, Lindsay grabbed Martin's hand and bolted for the door.
Dina Lohan, left behind, yelled after them. "What do you mean? I'm your mother! What about the rent? What about my wine money? Come back!"
The people around her looked on with increasing disdain.
Kevin Johnson was speechless, stunned by Dina's stupidity. He had called her over to save face for me, but now she'd gone and exposed everything. Damn it!
If only he had known how clueless Dina Lohan was, he would never have made a deal with her.
The others were equally dismayed, murmuring to each other about the catastrophic blunder.
Kevin Thomas, a film critic, quietly exited the banquet hall. He had just witnessed a major scandal. This story was so explosive that once it hit the press, it would cause a sensation—and he would be handsomely rewarded for breaking it.
[•———•——•———•]
𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧