Chapter 174

That night, Lindsay and Martin talked for hours.

She shared how her mother didn't approve of her looks, comparing her to the iconic women of Charlie's Angels and instead pushed her to audition for The Princess Diaries... She also told him that her parents had been fighting constantly, and they had now decided to divorce...

She explained that her mother didn't work regularly and would ask her for money when she needed it to buy wine...

Lindsay spoke about how Aunt Monica had always been kind to her, even going so far as to argue with her parents on her behalf...

Martin just listened, allowing her to unload all the grievances she'd been holding inside.

To be honest, Martin realized that if Lindsay Lohan—who was known for her straightforward and earnest personality—didn't have someone reliable supporting her in the entertainment industry, she would likely be chewed up and spit out by Hollywood's ruthless nature.

Her fate in the original timeline proved this.

But in this life, Martin had made a decision—he would protect this delicate flower in Hollywood and become her backbone!

As the most obedient of Martin's "girls" and the first one he met, Lindsay held a special place in his heart. She was, without a doubt, the one he doted on the most.

Later that evening, in Santa Monica

A lavish estate was alight with bright, shining lights.

Luxury cars pulled up to the gate of the manor. Men in sharp suits and women in evening gowns stepped out, showing their invitations to the security guards at the entrance before entering.

At that moment, an old Ford pulled up along the road, drawing the attention of the security team.

"Number 3, keep an eye on that car—could be a paparazzi trying to sneak in."

"Understood!"

The Ford was stopped before it could even approach the gate. A solidly built security guard knocked on the window.

The window rolled down, revealing a strikingly beautiful woman—still exuding charm. It was Dina Lohan, Lindsay's mother.

"This is a private driveway. Who are you?" the guard asked.

Dina leaned on the edge of the window, flashing a wink at the tall, white security guard before responding, "Handsome, we've been invited."

The security guard remained unmoved. He shone his flashlight into the back seat and saw a young girl wearing heavy makeup sitting there. He was slightly relieved and then said, "Please show me your invitation."

"Oh, you still don't believe me? Just a security guard," Dina replied, feeling slighted. She rummaged through the car and handed him the invitation.

"See? I told you we were invited."

The security guard took the invitation, inspected it, and returned it to Dina. He waved his hand. "You can go up." Then, he spoke into his radio: "There's only one invitation. I assume it's for the girl in the back. She looks about fifteen or sixteen, though it's hard to say with all that makeup."

The captain's voice came through the radio. "Underage. These rich people sure know how to have fun." The security guard smiled and added, "The driver must be her mother. Guess she's delivering the goods straight to the door."

The captain responded with sarcasm. "Hollywood is a cesspit—full of garbage and maggots. Some of them manage to turn into flies. Everything's so glamorous on the outside, but it's all rotten inside." The guard made a disgusted face and said, "Come on, Captain, you've ruined my Hollywood dream."

The captain chuckled. "Oh really? Then you should thank me for saving you!"

The Ford pulled up to the manor gate again, only to be stopped by the security guard once more.

"What now? Didn't you check us already?" Dina snapped.

"Sorry, cars aren't allowed inside. Please turn left, the parking lot's that way," the guard replied politely.

"Damn it, why didn't you tell me that earlier?" Dina grumbled.

"Mom, there were signs on the road when we came in. I already reminded you," Lindsay said, unable to tolerate her mother's rude behavior.

"Yeah, I didn't hear you. Guess I need a drink. Hopefully, there's something good at the party today. Go ahead, sweetie. I'll park the car."

As Dina parked the car, Lindsay noticed a black car driving past and entering the manor. She immediately pointed at the car, fuming.

"Damn it, why did that car get in?"

"That's a distinguished guest," the guard replied indifferently.

The contempt in his eyes silenced Dina, and she could only seethe inwardly, "You're just a pathetic guest!"

She grabbed Lindsay and began heading toward the gate, only to be stopped again by security.

"Sorry, ma'am. You only have one invitation, and it's for your daughter. You can't enter."

"What the hell?! Do you even know who I am? Mr. Kevin Johnson invited us, you idiot!" Dina shouted, her face flushed with anger.

"Sorry, ma'am, but I'm just following the rules. Only one person can enter per invitation unless it's explicitly stated that you can bring a guest. Your daughter's invitation doesn't allow that."

"Goddamn it—"

At that moment, a red convertible sports car sped by, filled with a group of young men and women. The driver, a beautiful girl, laughed loudly as they passed by, and some in the car even raised their middle fingers. They were all hyper and excited, clearly high on something.

The car reached the gate, and the security immediately opened it.

The sports car drove past.

"These little brats never even check their invitations!" Dina shouted, red-faced with anger.

"Those are Mr. Kevin Johnson's daughter and her friends. They don't need to show an invitation," the guard replied coolly.

"You—" Dina sputtered, furious.

At that moment, Lindsay tugged at the hem of her mother's dress, desperate to stop her from making a scene.

"Mom, stop. I'll go in by myself."

Dina pointed at the security guard in frustration before squatting down to talk to Lindsay.

"Lindsay, you need to understand. This is a huge opportunity. If you can impress Mr. Kevin Johnson, you'll get a movie deal, and you'll be set. A big shot!"

She hesitated for a moment before adding, "If he makes any... special moves, just go with it. Be patient, and it will pass. You can't get anything without giving something in return. Understand?"

Lindsay's face shifted, her resolve strengthening. "I understand, Mom."

"Great, go ahead."

The security guard watched as Lindsay walked into the manor, silently sighing. "Another girl ruined by Hollywood."

He glanced at Dina with contempt. "Please leave, and don't stand in the way of the gate."

Dina gave the guard the middle finger before heading to the parking lot. She decided to wait for Lindsay in the car, remembering that there was half a bottle of wine left.

[•———•——•———•]

𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧