Chapter 273: Borrowing Strength

At present, Martin and Thomas share common interests, and they are closely connected. However, the situation is different when it comes to WMA. Both WMA and CAA are industry giants, with Martin being at best one of their more significant clients.

It is essential for clients to assert themselves at the right moment. If they don't actively advocate for their interests, agencies might persistently offer the same package and even covertly reduce client benefits.

This is why, upon spotting several CAA agents, Martin, though he didn't initiate any greetings, made sure to mingle and chat with anyone he crossed paths with.

Within moments, Maha Darkhill, Anne Hathaway's agent, approached Martin.

"Good evening, Martin," Maha said. She briefly appraised the handsome man before her. "We've known each other for just a year, and during that time, you've transitioned from a relatively unknown actor earning 200,000 Dollars to a major star commanding a salary of nearly 10 million Dollars. It's quite remarkable."

Martin responded with a smile, "I find it unbelievable as well. Everything feels like a dream." He then inquired, "How is Annie?"

Maha shook her head, "She blames herself every day, thinking that she was foolish to let go of something so beautiful. What you had was a very beautiful connection, and she believes she won't find true love like that again."

She sighed again, "Annie has parted ways with me, and I'm no longer handling her business at CAA."

Martin was curious, "Why? You did a great job for her. Wasn't 'The Princess Diaries' a project you fought for on her behalf?"

Maha replied somewhat truthfully, "It's related to you. Annie blames me for not intervening in her breakup with you in time and failing to grasp the dynamics of your relationship. As a result, I was let go by her. Anne is now under the supervision of Brian Lord in the company, and I was merely her executive agent."

Martin knew that Brian Lord held a status at CAA equivalent to that of Ari Emmanuel, one of the partners at WMA.

Martin responded with a casual, "I'm sorry."

Maha continued, "Brian is monitoring your progress closely. Someone recommended you to CAA earlier this year. We've been closely following your career."

Martin smiled, "I'm honored."

Maha signaled a waiter to bring two glasses of wine. She raised her glass in a special toast and said, "Annie's situation is in the past for both of us. Let's move forward."

Martin promptly inquired, "You didn't seek me out solely due to matters concerning Annie, did you?"

Maha got straight to the point, "There are two main issues. Firstly, it's about Brad Pitt. I co-manage Brad Pitt and he's one of Brian's clients."

Martin repeated his stance, "I have no personal grievances with Brad Pitt. Regarding what happened that night at Avalon, if Pitt hadn't picked a fight, I wouldn't have even spoken to him."

Suggesting an alternative, he added, "You should have a word with Brad Pitt. There's something amiss with his mindset. Regardless of any issues with Aniston, he's just her ex-husband."

Maha replied, "Don't let the conflicts linger. The industry is small, and there will be times for collaboration, you cant become a target for anyone."

Martin agreed, "Maha, in the interest of our friendship, as long as Brad Pitt doesn't provoke me, I won't instigate any issues."

Maha went on to address the next matter, "I recall your contract with WMA; the agent's commission is still at 10%, right? You're no longer a small-time actor, so they haven't mentioned anything?"

Martin, rather than providing a direct response, simply smiled.

Maha continued, "Are you categorized as a fourth-level or third-level client within WMA?"

With a teasing smile, she remarked, "It's the new century, yet WMA still employs old-fashioned client classifications. They haven't given you the attention you deserve, Martin. Should you decide to join CAA, I can guarantee you better resources and treatment than Anne. We'll even reduce the agency's commission by two percentage points."

Just a few days ago, Halle Berry, a client of CAA's Brian Lord, had been lured away by WMA. While Halle Berry held an Oscar, she wasn't considered an A-lister and lacked significant box office drawing power. However, among movie stars of color, she was one of the most prominent and highly sought-after actresses in roles specifically requiring women of color.

CAA had been closely monitoring Martin's career. He was a rising star at WMA, ascending at a rapid pace.

Martin appeared to be giving the matter serious consideration.

Maha believed there were no boundaries she couldn't cross, saying, "CAA is the top agency in the industry today. We excel in management, concept development, and operations, surpassing WMA in every aspect."

Martin replied, "I can't give you an answer right now. This is a significant decision, and I must consider all aspects of the situation."

Maha shook Martin's hand once more, saying, "I hope we have the chance to collaborate."

The two of them had not strayed far, and Thomas had been closely watching Martin since the CAA agents approached him. He was keenly aware of the situation.

Maha was a capable subordinate of CAA co-founder Brian Lord, and she was always on the frontlines in challenging situations.

CAA had poached many clients from WMA, and WMA had engaged in similar tactics.

Thomas considered joining the conversation, but he decided it wasn't the right time. It was akin to a wife who observed her husband being courted by an attractive woman. She was both frustrated and strangely proud.

How could someone actively seek out someone less remarkable?

Ultimately, Thomas saw Martin parting ways with Maha and walking alone. He pretended to join them casually.

Martin glanced at his agent and stated, "It's getting late. I'm ready to leave."

Thomas appeared particularly concerned for Martin and reminded him, "Jolie is still waiting outside."

Martin quickly glanced in her direction and said, "It's alright; I can handle it." He then voluntarily brought up the recent encounter, "Maha from CAA approached me for a chat."

Thomas inquired, "Regarding Anne Hathaway?"

Martin shook his head slightly, explaining, "She's no longer Anne's agent and has no association with Anne. She approached me about moving to CAA and suggested reducing the brokerage company's commission to 7% among other conditions."

Thomas mentally cursed Maha's entire lineage for breaking the rules. Why not drop it by three points straight away? Why wait until the client becomes a top-tier star? Shouldn't it be brought down to less than 5%?

Martin continued, "She came as a representative of Brian Lord and promised that the company would provide me with resources and treatment on par with Peter's."

At this, Thomas's heart skipped a beat. A single percentage point could translate to over one hundred thousand dollars. Martin might not mind the dollar amount, but who wouldn't want the best resources?

Treatment of clients within an entertainment agency varies greatly. WMA couldn't possibly offer Martin the same superstar treatment that CAA could provide.

Unsettled, Thomas asked, "How did you respond to her?"

"I didn't give her any response," Martin replied. "In reality, the difference between top-tier agencies isn't significant to me. Most people may not realize it, but you do. I have the resources to manage my own business."

Thomas nodded in agreement. Martin had support from three women, Louise Meyer, Kelly Gray, and Sophia, as well as Asian investors. He was not a typical actor or star.

Martin placed a reassuring hand on Thomas's arm and spoke firmly, "But you are different, Thomas! We met when we were young, struggled together, and grew up together. We've faced countless challenges to get to where we are today. You trust me, and I trust you. This level of trust can't be found with any other agent."

This was a slight exaggeration, but Thomas wholeheartedly concurred, "We are partners, golden partners."

Martin reaffirmed, "The agent I worked with before was Thomas Lane, the agent I'm working with now is Thomas Lane, and the agent I'll work with in the future will still be Thomas Lane. I don't want to change that!"

The role of an agent was closely linked to their clients, and Martin was inextricably tied to Thomas. Without hesitation, Thomas declared, "Don't worry; I will formally address the issue with the company. Your salary must see a substantial improvement. It's what you deserve."

Martin nodded in approval and said, "I'm leaving this matter in your capable hands."

Thomas didn't shy away, affirming, "Tomorrow, I'll meet with the company's senior management to discuss this matter formally."

As the guests in the banquet hall began to leave, Martin conversed with Thomas for a moment before searching for Louise, who had accompanied him to the event, and bidding farewell to Barry Meyer and Alan Horn in preparation for his departure.

Louise suggested, "I had a brief chat with Aniston. She's quite fond of you. Why don't you invite her to join you?"

Observing Jolie near the door, she added, "Add Jolie to the mix, and I can't help but imagine the excitement!"

Martin playfully threatened, "If you don't stop, I'll drag you along with me!"

Louise laughed but fell silent.

Upon reaching the entrance, Jolie smiled at Martin but didn't approach him.

Exiting the banquet hall and entering the hotel's lobby, Louise mentioned, "Jolie and Aniston were once love rivals. It's quite interesting that they may continue to be rivals in the future."

Martin had no qualms in responding, "Dear, you can leave."

Louise released his arm voluntarily, stating, "You're so heartless."

She departed alone, heading for the Rolls-Royce waiting at the door.

Bruce had yet to arrive in the Escalade, so Martin lingered behind the hotel's revolving door.

Footsteps approached from behind, and Aniston reached the door. Standing beside Martin, she inquired, "Has the car not arrived yet?"

Martin replied, "It'll be a little while."

Jolie suddenly appeared on the second-floor balcony.

As if sensing something, Aniston glanced back, draped her arm around Martin's, and suggested, "I'm heading to the set tomorrow. Will you join us? We need to work together."

Maintaining his principles, Martin responded, "I'll be on set tomorrow morning."

Coming closer, Aniston said, "Great, I'll see you in the morning."

The black Escalade pulled up in front of the hotel entrance, and Martin pointed at it, saying, "I should go."

Jennifer Aniston smiled and wished him goodnight.

Martin exited the hotel. Before leaving, he turned around, smiled, and waved, then proceeded to the waiting car.

Jennifer Aniston, too, briefly looked back, smiled at Angelina Jolie, and had a thought cross her mind: Would Jolie despise Martin if he was obedient like a puppy, she wondered?