Chapter 698: Girl Helps Girl

As the day's filming wrapped under the warm glow of the afternoon sun, Emma Watson retreated to her dressing room, her face still adorned with the day's makeup. She dismissed her entourage with a wave, her attention turning to Alanna, the young woman dutifully carrying her bag. With an air of anticipation, Emma inquired, "Has the story broken?"

Alanna, her expression a mixture of confusion and surprise, confirmed, "It's out," her brows knitting together. "But the narrative... it's not what we anticipated."

Curiosity piqued, Emma retrieved her laptop, her fingers swiftly navigating to the TMZ website. The homepage boasted a feature on Martin and Saoirse Ronan, their images splashed across the screen. Emma leaned in, her eyes scanning the text as she absorbed the details.

The report hinted at Martin Davis's latest venture, a project seemingly shrouded in mystery but rumored to spotlight the talented Irish actress Saoirse Ronan. Whisperings suggested a departure into the realm of musicals, a genre that was too unexpected for Martin.

Alanna interjected, her voice laced with excitement, "I caught a glimpse of Martin and Saoirse's Twitter. It's buzzing with their new videos. Saoirse serenaded Martin with 'Scarborough Fair,' almost as if she's vying for a part. Do you think our efforts will still make a splash?"

Emma's response was a silent gesture, a finger raised to her lips, urging silence. Her mind was awash with a singular focus: Martin Davis's new cinematic endeavor.

After a pause, she mused aloud, her voice tinged with disbelief, "Saoirse's relentless pursuit of Martin... it's all been for this. For a chance at his new project."

Alanna chimed in, admiration clear in her voice, "Martin's projects are renowned for catapulting actors to stardom. Remember Charlize Theron? A supporting role with him and she was the talk of the town."

In a spontaneous display of her multifaceted talent, Emma began to sing "Scarborough Fair," her voice echoing Alanna's earlier discovery.

Alanna, initially taken aback, soon realized Emma's intent. "Are you planning to outshine Saoirse for the role?"

Emma's smile was wry, her confidence unshaken. "My fame eclipses hers. My talent, my beauty, my fanbase – they all surpass her. In the Hollywood hierarchy, I am at the pinnacle, while she lingers in the shadows."

She continued, her ambition clear, "Martin's new project... it's an opportunity I cannot let pass. His films are synonymous with success."

Echoing Emma's sentiment, Alanna agreed, "They always are."

Emma, reflecting on her career, expressed her longing for roles that would redefine her legacy beyond Hermione Granger. "The saga of Harry Potter is behind me. It's time for roles that affirm my status, roles that are as iconic as they are transformative."

With resolve, Emma confided in Alanna, "Saoirse stands as my rival, yet my greatest advocate in Hollywood will Martin himself. I aim not just to win the role but to secure his unwavering support."

"What's our next move?" Alanna asked, ready to play her part.

Emma laid out her strategy, "Keep a close watch on Martin's engagements at the studio..."

Alanna nodded, her resolve matching Emma's. "Understood."

Meanwhile, as the studio's hustle and bustle wound down, Martin found himself navigating the labyrinth of his professional landscape. Approached by Bruce with concerns of unwelcome surveillance, Martin's frown deepened. "Monitor both," he instructed, referring to the unidentified woman and Emma Watson.

In the studio's hallowed conference room, Martin met with Alan Horn, the conversation steering towards the whispers of a new project and the continued success of their cinematic endeavors, a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence that defined their journey in the ever-evolving tapestry of Hollywood.

The box office success was just the beginning; Disney Pictures had also reaped a windfall from DVD sales, with revenues in North America alone topping $100 million, firmly securing the top spot in the year's DVD sales rankings.

Alan Horn, with a twinkle of pride in his eye, reminded, "Let's not overlook the remarkable achievements of Disney Pictures."

Surrounded by the buzz of success, Martin replied with a congenial smile, "Disney Pictures will always be at the forefront of my collaboration list."

Their conversation meandered pleasantly for a bit longer before they parted ways, each to their own pursuits.

Martin's journey home that evening was direct, his thoughts already on the next day's endeavors at Disney Studios. Arriving punctually, he was greeted by the sight of Emma Watson, a beacon of cheerfulness beneath an umbrella at the entrance to the "Argo" set. Her presence was unmistakable, her greeting warm. "Good morning, Martin."

Martin, feigning ignorance to her scheme, returned the greeting, "Good morning, Emma."

With a stride that bridged the distance between them, Emma shared, "I have a friend who greatly admires you and would cherish an autographed photo. She would've approached you herself, but her mobility is restricted. Knowing I was here prompted me to act as the messenger."

Her request was straightforward, tinted with hope, "Could I trouble you for that autograph, Martin?"

Martin, puzzled yet unbothered by the simplicity of the task, agreed without hesitation, "Of course."

Bruce promptly handed Emma the autograph.

Emma, seizing the moment, suggested, "Let's capture this with a photo."

And so, with a photo that bridged any distance between them, Emma left shortly thereafter, her mission seemingly accomplished.

Martin, ever cautious, instructed Bruce, "Keep an eye on her. There's more to this."

No sooner had he stepped into the studio than David Fincher appeared, his comment laced with irony, "Warner's princesses seem to find their way to us."

Martin's reply came with a hint of jest, "Not a princess, perhaps more of a witch."

As the day unfolded and filming wrapped, Martin encountered Emma once more, still perched under the same umbrella. Her initiative in greeting him sparked curiosity, "Hi, Martin, finished for the day?"

Martin, intrigued by her intentions, responded, "Hi, yes, heading to dinner soon."

Emma stood, her demeanor eager, "I've delivered your autograph. My friend was ecstatic. Please, let me express my gratitude with lunch."

Martin, brushing off the gesture as minor, replied, "There's no need for that."

Yet Emma persisted, "Please, allow me this opportunity to thank you."

Considering their previous interaction, Martin suggested, "The studio restaurant, then."

Their walk to the restaurant was light, Emma's mood infectious as she hummed a tune, her voice carrying a youthful vibrancy that echoed through the air, rivaling even Saoirse Ronan's.

At lunch, the sight of Emma Watson and Martin together didn't sit well with Saoirse, her frustration palpable as she muttered under her breath.

Emma, meanwhile, navigated the waters of Hollywood, laying down stones to solidify her path in the industry.

Saoirse Ronan, ever the provocateur, was scheming to stir the pot in grand fashion.

As they departed the restaurant, the air between Emma Watson and Martin was charged with an unspoken tension. Emma, seizing the moment, extended an invitation, "How about we grab a drink after wrapping up this afternoon?"

Martin cast a sidelong glance at her, noting the deliberate mention of her age, "I'm of age now, perfectly legal to enjoy a drink."

Hollywood's unspoken cues were loud and clear to Martin, who understood the implications all too well. Despite Emma's seemingly innocent proposition, he was acutely aware of the undercurrents from yesterday's events. He politely declined, "I'm afraid I have commitments with Elizabeth this evening. I mustn't be late."

Emma's smile didn't waver as she replied, "No worries, we can always plan for another day."

Near the entrance of the "Argo" set, under the familiar umbrella, Emma glanced at her watch, suggesting they take a moment to rest.

The cushioned chairs welcomed them once again, and they delved into a myriad of topics, their conversation bridging worlds and dreams until Martin excused himself back to work.

Emma then made her way to the "Noah's Ark" set, her steps leading her into a quaint cold drink shop where Alana awaited.

The shop, with its limited seating, felt like a secluded haven. Positioned back-to-back with an inconspicuous middle-aged man, Emma shared her gleanings from the chat with Martin, confirming his musical project and the pivotal role of its heroine.

With the resolve of a seasoned player in the entertainment industry, she instructed Alana, "Let's retrofit a bag to conceal the small DV Rupert provided. It's time we captured the truth."

Alana, a hint of hesitation in her voice, questioned, "Are we really going through with this?"

Emma, her determination steel-clad, affirmed, "It's necessary. This industry is filled with too many who take without giving. Once we have something concrete on him, he won't dare cross us."

Their stay was brief, the duo exiting with their plans set into motion, leaving behind only the fleeting chill of their skimmed ice cream.

The middle-aged observer, seizing his moment after their departure, retrieved a discreetly placed device from beneath their table, pocketing it with a sense of purpose.

Finding solace in a quiet corner, he reviewed his findings before making a call, "Bruce, I've got something. Can I swing by?"

"Meet me at the studio's back door," came the reply.

The afternoon unfolded in a flurry of activity for Martin, who emerged from his duties to find Emma once again awaiting his presence, their interactions drawing curious glances.

Rumors of Emma's apparent pursuit of Martin were poised to ripple through Disney Studios, casting a shadow of speculation.

Martin, sparing only a few words, excused himself under the guise of lingering tasks, leaving Emma in the waning light.

Bruce, shadowing Martin, murmured the confirmation of their suspicions.

Martin, unyielding in the face of manipulation, strategized, "Let's not stoop to direct confrontation. Instead, let Saoirse lend us a hand in dealing with Emma." A plot was brewing, one that would intertwine the fates of all involved, hinting at the complex dance of alliances and rivalries within the glittering facade of Hollywood.