Fans possess a unique mindset that defies conventional understanding. It's as if the epitome of pink transforms into the epitome of black in the blink of an eye.
In the bustling square, amidst the cacophony, a faction of Depp enthusiasts chimed in, adding to the fervor.
"The queen peed the emperor's shit! The queen peed the emperor's shit..."
The chant reverberated through Nokia Plaza, catching Depp off guard. His eyes widened, alcohol and drug-fueled nerves on edge.
An impulse surged through him, thoughts of Amber's recent transgressions fueling his rage. Storming towards the loudest voices, he thrust his middle finger skyward, bellowing, "French Ke Squid!"
Stunned silence enveloped the stage as Depp's gesture seemed aimed at everyone, not just the intended group.
The crowd erupted, hurling bottles, signs, and slogans onto the stage. Depp's bodyguard sprang into action, whisking him away from the chaos.
The once-promising event descended into disarray, the stage littered with debris, halting the roadshow in its tracks.
Media outlets clamored for the scoop, relishing the unexpected drama. Ivan wasted no time, already en route to TMZ with breaking news.
Meanwhile, Meghan seethed with fury, her plans for retribution thwarted as Depp made a swift exit.
Daniel, a Hollywood veteran, was taken aback by Depp's uncharacteristic behavior, a departure from the industry's facade of glamour.
Megan, unable to contain her rage, vowed vengeance, while acknowledging her father's more restrained demeanor compared to Depp's erratic outburst.
Daniel urged, "We need to act fast and implement crisis PR."
Fuming with anger, Meghan pondered the financial stakes tied to Depp's projects, the colossal budgets of "Transcendental" and "The Lone Ranger" looming over her. Despite her seething frustration, she called in her subordinates, Wilson and Drette, to strategize damage control.
Meanwhile, Daniel reached out to contacts at the distribution company for support.
Minutes later, Drette delivered the news to Meghan: "Depp's images and videos are splashed across TMZ's front page. I've tried to negotiate with them, but they're refusing to take it down."
Meghan threw up her hands in exasperation, hands on her hips as she stewed in anger. Finally, she commanded, "Find someone to keep tabs on Depp for me!"
"I'm on it," Drette assured, not forgetting to remind Meghan of the impending release of "The Lone Ranger."
Meghan nodded reluctantly, realizing she couldn't take action against Depp until after the film's release due to the immense sunk costs.
---
At the "La La Land" studio, Sebastian stood by the piano, imparting advice to Martin.
Martin set aside the sheet music, fingers hesitantly dancing across the keys, producing a tentative melody.
Though the notes were choppy, he powered through, determination evident in his playing.
When the music ceased, Sebastian commended, "Your progress is remarkable."
"Thank you," Martin replied, admiring his hands. "You're a great teacher."
Recalling his military days and seeking guidance from a fellow actor nicknamed Kato Monkey, Martin had honed his skills in Hollywood. His finger dexterity rivaled that of sculptor Lily and garnered praise from stars like Elena, Elizabeth, Daddario, Taylor, Theron, Jolie, and Aniston.
Sebastian emphasized, "Consistent practice is key. Aim for an hour daily until filming begins."
"No problem," Martin assured, flexing his wrists, eager to improve.
Sebastian didn't hold back, addressing Martin's fingering technique, crucial for authenticity in the film's music scenes.
Thirty minutes later, a soft creak announced Bruce's entrance into the music room.
Martin glanced towards the door, questioning Sebastian, "Are we wrapping up for today?"
Sebastian acknowledged Bruce's presence with a nod. "We'll pick up where we left off tomorrow."
"Understood," Martin concurred, following Bruce out of the music room.
In the office, Bruce powered up the computer, gesturing towards the TMZ website. "The latest on Depp."
Martin scrutinized the screen, shaking his head in resignation. "Depp never fails to disappoint."
Bruce remarked, "Ivan and the team have been on standby all morning. Looks like their patience paid off."
Martin had tasked Bruce with coordinating with Ivan due to Depp's tendency for troublemaking, whether showing up late or intoxicated, with an alarming 80% probability.
Switching off the screen, Martin sighed, "Depp's burning his bridges in Hollywood."
Bruce observed, "Seems like Depp's on a self-destructive path."
"Perhaps," Martin conceded. "But even if his career tanks, he'll still lead a lavish life with his millions."
"He's a real piece of work," Bruce remarked. "Living the high life while making enemies left and right."
Martin grimaced, "Living well despite being despised... that's a fate worse than financial ruin."
Bruce confirmed, "Everything's set on our end."
"Good," Martin nodded. "Let's wrap things up and head out."
As Martin prepared to leave, Thomas interrupted with news: "Daniel from Warner Bros. sent an invitation for you to the 'Transcendence' premiere."
Martin, having secured a $50 million investment share through connections in Tesla's financing, knew Musk coveted an invite to Depp's premiere.
Contemplating Megan Ellison's intentions, Martin inquired, "How many guests can I bring?"
"Two, including yourself," Thomas replied.
During the ride home, Martin phoned Musk, extending an invitation to the "Transcendence" premiere.
Musk's enthusiasm was palpable, promising not even an earthquake would deter him from attending.
At the Los Angeles Country Fishing Club, Joel Mandel, Johnny Depp's investment manager and an experienced angler, popped open his car trunk, unveiling a massive herring ensconced in a woven bag alongside his friend, Rogers.
Their catch shattered the club's previous record, drawing a crowd of awe-struck onlookers, eager to witness Joel's stroke of luck.
With the assistance of fellow fishermen, they hoisted the hefty herring for a commemorative photo op.
The prized fish would find its final resting place within the club, preserved through taxidermy.
After the excitement subsided, Joel and Rogers retreated to the café, indulging in coffee and desserts to recharge.
Between bites of a donut, Rogers inquired, "How's the investment front looking?"
Over the past six months, their friendship had blossomed, allowing them to discuss everything openly. Joel didn't hold back, giving a thumbs-up. "Smooth sailing. Made a pretty penny. Robert and I revamped all the portfolios."
Rogers chuckled, jesting, "I should've stuck to your methods. Mine pale in comparison."
Casting a cautious glance around, he queried, "No issues on the horizon, right?"
Joel chuckled, confidence evident. "Depp signed off on all my investment documents. He won't have a leg to stand on in court."
Rogers nodded towards the plump fish. "Your catch is quite the prize."
Joel extended an invitation, "Join us next time."
"This one's yours and Robert's triumph. Can't poach your catch," Rogers declined with a smile.
Sipping his coffee, Joel remarked, "These fools will squander their wealth regardless of our actions."
Rogers cautioned, "We still need to tread carefully."
Leaning in, Joel lowered his voice, "We're covered. Depp's got tax troubles. If he dares to sue, someone will blow the whistle on his tax evasion, leaving him in hot water with the IRS."
"Depp's hardly ever sober. He and Robert, the brothers in arms, wield multiple powers of attorney, getting him into and out of trouble," Joel added knowingly.
Shifting gears, Joel suggested, "Fancy a fishing trip tomorrow?"
"Can't swing it this week. Got a client eyeing properties Down Under. Gotta seal the deal," Rogers lamented, blinking. "Can't pass up this lucrative opportunity."
The two shared a hearty laugh.
Meanwhile, Rogers, the investment manager, was gearing up for a relocation to Hong Kong City for work and residency.