Bab 836: Chapter 836: Martin’s Selection!
In just one week, thanks to Martin's quiet promotion and encouragement, Alexandrovich experienced a remarkable transformation. He shifted from being merely a film and television star to becoming a widely recognized social celebrity and influential opinion leader. His new status earned him immense public support and a surge in popularity.
The Security Bureau, under growing public pressure, felt compelled to continue its investigation into the case, refusing to let it drop. As they delved deeper, the investigation began to uncover connections leading to France. However, some aspects of the case proved elusive, as they were not thoroughly documented or deeply covered.
One by one, clues emerged. While Los Angeles remained relatively calm for the time being, many leads pointed to the Karin Model Agency in France. This agency, founded by the legendary French fashion mogul Brunel, had produced supermodels like Monica Bellucci, Milla Jovovich, and Christy Turlington, and was celebrated across Europe.
Yet, according to the Security Bureau's findings, there was a darker side to the agency. At least 100 Ukrainian models linked to the Karin Model Agency had gone missing. Ukraine formally notified France, urging the French authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly.
But the French response was lukewarm, if not outright dismissive. After all, Brunel was a bona fide billionaire, and his influence ran deep. Despite this, Alexandrovich once again called on the French authorities to take action, demanding that the Karin Model Agency provide an explanation. However, the French showed little concern, and the agency remained tight-lipped.
As public outcry in Ukraine grew louder, Alexandrovich's personal reputation soared. This month, he had become Ukraine's top celebrity, a figure who commanded attention both at home and abroad.
The pinnacle of his newfound fame was the final of the
Saint Girl Group Selection Competition, an event he hosted and presided over. The entire competition captured the attention of Europe, causing a sensation across the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). The ratings for the event were unimaginably high.
The competition spanned three nights, showcasing individual talents and physical displays. On the final night, a new twist was added, a temporary three-person team performance. Misha, Erica, and Nastya, who had prepared meticulously, delivered a stunning performance.
Nastya, with her striking black hair, wore a white short skirt, while Misha, with her brown hair, donned a red short skirt. Erica, the blonde, sported a black short skirt. Their outfits had been subtly altered to reveal their underwear during their singing and dancing, which earned them an outpouring of support from the audience.
Before the final results were announced, Martin, Alexandrovich, and Rebrov briefly conferred. Martin, who was one of the judges, took his role seriously and didn't hesitate to make his choice. "I choose Nastya, Misha, and Erica. It's not just because their performance and appearance were outstanding, but also because we are all beneficiaries of the public attention stirred up by recent events."
He glanced around the room, noting, "Alexandrovich has risen to the status of a social leader. The influence of 1+1 TV has spread across half of Europe. Even our competition's commercial and advertising revenues have skyrocketed. The catalyst for all of this were the key clues provided by these three individuals."
Rebrov, who was more focused on the expansion of the TV station's influence and the surge in commercial revenue, nodded in agreement. "I'm with you on this."
Alexandrovich recalled how the three had approached him with the crucial clues and added, "They also gave the best group performance."
As everyone knows, talent shows are often shrouded in controversies, with endless rumors of behind-the-scenes manipulation. However, Martin was relatively transparent in his decision-making.
The show resumed after a brief commercial break, and the anticipation in the air was palpable as Martin prepared to announce the final results. Fifteen beautiful contestants stood nervously in the front row, waiting to learn their fate.
Erica was so anxious she could hardly breathe, clasping her hands together in a silent prayer. Misha whispered repeatedly, "Can we win? Can we win? Can we win?"
Nastya, the youngest of the trio, appeared surprisingly calm. Her eyes were fixed on Martin. It wasn't that she hadn't considered other strategies, but the key players who could have swayed the outcome had been preoccupied, leaving her with no other options.
The entire venue fell silent as hundreds of spectators waited with bated breath. Meanwhile, tens of millions of viewers sat glued to their screens, eagerly anticipating the results of the competition.
Martin stepped up to the microphone, his voice steady as he announced the results that everyone had been anxiously waiting for: "The winners of this year's trials are Mia Romanova, Erica Hersager, and Anastasia Rekepnikova."
The crowd erupted into applause, a mix of joy and disappointment rippling through the audience. For some, it was a moment of triumph, while others felt the sting of loss.
Erica, overjoyed, threw her arms around her two teammates. "We did it! We actually did it!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with excitement.
Misha, too overwhelmed to speak, planted a celebratory kiss on Nastya's cheek, her happiness bubbling over.
Nastya, always the calm one, leaned in close to her friends and whispered, "I told you, everything we've been through was worth it!"
Alexandrovich then took the microphone, his voice booming as he walked to the center of the stage. "Let's welcome the new group of saints, Erica, Misha, and Nastya, to the stage!" he announced with pride.
Nikia, standing among the contestants, felt a pang of disappointment, but she had prepared herself for this moment. Ever since the kidnapping attempt, she knew her chances of winning had slipped away.
As Misha and Erica stepped back, they made way for Nastya to lead the group onto the stage. The three girls, still buzzing with excitement, approached Alexandrovich one by one, each giving him a kiss on the cheek as a sign of their gratitude.
Alexandrovich caught sight of Martin on the other side of the stage. With the recent surge in his reputation, Alexandrovich made a quick decision. Quietly, he turned off his microphone, leaned in close to the girls, and whispered, "Martin chose you three. You really are exceptional."
Nastya's eyes widened in surprise. She was momentarily stunned, but as she walked towards Martin, her steps quickened with a new sense of purpose. When she reached him, she didn't just kiss him on the cheek, she wrapped him in a tight hug, whispering, "Thank you," with all the sincerity she could muster.
Misha and Erica followed soon after, each sharing their own moment of gratitude with Martin.
Rebrov then stepped forward to place crowns on their heads, signifying their victory. The event, which had captured the attention of so many, had finally reached its conclusion. But for the newly crowned members of the Holy Girl Group, this was just the beginning of their journey to stardom.
After the show, Alexandrovich and the newly minted Saint Girls Group faced the press, answering a flurry of questions from eager journalists. Meanwhile, Martin quietly left the TV station and returned to his hotel, the weight of the evening's events heavy on his mind.
As soon as he entered his room, Bruce, his trusted confidant, performed a routine security check. Once they were alone, Martin got straight to the point. "The Ukrainian Security Service still hasn't caught the man named Lynch. He's likely made his way back to North America by now," Martin said, his voice laced with concern.
Bruce, always diligent, replied, "After Nikia approached you, I had someone keep an eye on Michelle Bryan. So far, there's been no sign of anyone named Lynch. It's possible he hasn't returned to Los Angeles yet."
Martin nodded thoughtfully. "Tell our contacts in Los Angeles to keep a close watch on Michelle Bryan. Also, inform Thomas that I need detailed intel on her."
Bruce was already ahead of him. "Thomas is on it as we speak."
Martin paused, considering his next move. "Reach out to Nikia. We need to learn everything she knows about Michelle Bryan's business. Document everything. Also, see if you can track down Malena Morgan and Mia Malkova to verify what Nikia told us."
Bruce, ever cautious, added, "You should also consider meeting with Morgan Freeman when you get back."
Martin nodded in agreement. "It all started when I first connected with Michelle Bryan's people at Morgan Freeman's farm."
Nikia had revealed that Michelle Bryan had plans to turn Martin into one of her major clients. If it were just about business, Martin wouldn't be too concerned. But he knew Bryan's intentions went deeper, she wanted to turn him into an addict. Martin had kept meticulous records of everything, planning to settle these accounts in due time.
Bruce, piecing together the information, said, "From what I've gathered, the kids Lynch and Andre picked up are likely being sent to Los Angeles. They've already shipped out one batch."
"This is getting complicated," Martin muttered, his mind racing.
Bruce, sensing the gravity of the situation, asked, "Have you heard any rumours?"
Martin thought back to his past experiences and said in a more guarded tone, "I'm a billionaire now, which means facing all sorts of temptations. Someone once told me about a private island, described as paradise. They said it's a favorite spot for America's top billionaires and several high-ranking members of the Democrats Party."
Bruce, usually unflappable, couldn't hide his unease. "You need to be careful," he warned. "I don't want to find out you've suddenly 'committed suicide' one day."
Martin chuckled, though there was little humor in it. "You know the game too well, Bruce."
Bruce shrugged, his expression serious. "That's just how those at the top operate."
Martin nodded, contemplating their next move. "Michelle Bryan isn't powerful enough to be the mastermind. She's likely just a pawn in a much bigger game."
Bruce saw an opportunity. "Alexandrovich is hungry for fame, for social influence, even international recognition. He's a Ukrainian, so he has legitimate reasons to get involved. He might be the perfect candidate to push forward."
Martin couldn't resist making a dark joke, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Ukraine won't rest until the last billionaire and politician in America has been taken down!"
Bruce chuckled along with Martin, but after a moment, his tone grew serious. "What about France?" he asked.
"Karin Models is one of the oldest and most prestigious modeling agencies in France," Martin replied, his voice low. "Brunel, the man behind it, is a billionaire. But the troubling part is that over 100 models associated with Karin have gone missing, and they're not in Ukraine. There could be even more victims."
Martin's tone turned somber as he continued, "Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Eastern Europe and the CIS have become the biggest sources of models for Europe. It's hard to count how many young girls and boys have traveled to Western Europe, chasing dreams of becoming supermodels or stars."
Bruce's eyes darkened as he recalled something. "I remember stumbling across a disturbing video online once. It showed a brutal murder, and the victims looked Eastern European. Their features… it was hard to forget."
Martin nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Alexandrovich needs a powerful adversary to keep himself in the spotlight, and Brunel, the Frenchman, is a perfect target."
Bruce pondered this for a moment before asking, "Do you think the Ukrainian government will pressure the French authorities?"
Martin paused, weighing his words. "If Ukraine applies direct pressure, it might backfire. The government might even find it advantageous to appear closer to Russia on this issue. Europe, especially countries like Germany and France, has already been under significant pressure for some time."
Bruce, with his background as a soldier stationed in Europe, nodded. "It's not just Europe. Anyone who lived through the Cold War has some fear of Russia. That fear lingers."
Bruce then expressed concern, "But Alexandrovich's influence is still too limited."
Martin smiled slightly. "I'll advise him to rally Ukraine's civil forces. He needs to embrace the voices of the opposition, too. If they unify, their outcry will resonate across Europe."
Bruce recognized Martin's determination. He knew Martin had always harbored big ambitions. If Alexandrovich could succeed in rallying support, it would not only elevate his status but also open up massive financial opportunities in Ukraine. The profits from reselling Ukrainian assets could be staggering.
Even from the recent Holy Girl Group audition competition alone, Davis had pocketed over $35 million. Davis Studio, the largest shareholder in Ukraine's Zeka Entertainment, was now sitting on a goldmine with productions like "Saints of War" and "Servant of the People."
Martin concluded, "Before I leave Kiev, I'll have a thorough talk with Alexandrovich."
---
After the press conference, Nastya, Misha, and Erica stood together, posing for yet another round of photos, their smiles reflecting their genuine joy. They had not only won but had also secured a five-year contract with the Holy Girl Group, a dream come true for any aspiring star.
As they made their way backstage, the other contestants had already left, leaving only their relatives to rush forward with congratulations. Amid the buzz of celebration, Nastya scanned the room, looking for Alexandrovich. But she noticed Martin was nowhere to be seen. She quickly pulled her two friends aside. "Did you hear what Alexandrovich said on stage?" she asked urgently.
Erica, always straightforward, nodded. "He said Martin picked us."
Misha, sensing the importance of discretion, nudged Erica, signaling her to be careful.
Nastya leaned in closer, her voice firm. "We can talk about this among ourselves, but we can't tell anyone else."
Erica, finally catching on, raised her hand as if swearing an oath. "I swear, I won't say a word!"
The three girls quickly wrapped up their goodbyes with family and friends before sneaking away to find Alexandrovich in the lounge, where he was alone.
Misha grabbed Erica's arm, silently urging her to let Nastya do the talking.
Nastya, with a mix of curiosity and caution, asked, "You said on stage that Martin chose us?"
Alexandrovich smiled warmly and nodded. "Yes, Martin proposed you three and strongly advocated for your selection. The others couldn't disagree with his choice."
Misha, ever inquisitive, asked, "But why would Martin support us?"
Alexandrovich's smile widened. "Your talent and performance were undeniable, but it was more than that. You three were brave enough to step forward and provide a crucial clue. Martin appreciated your courage and kindness. He believes that people like you deserve to be rewarded."
Erica, who had been holding her breath, finally exhaled, her eyes shining with excitement. She wisely covered her mouth, resisting the urge to say something impulsive.
Nastya, always the thoughtful one, nodded slowly. "So this is Martin's way of rewarding us." She hesitated, then asked, "Where is Martin now? We'd like to thank him in person."
Alexandrovich understood their desire and shared the information willingly. "Martin has already returned to his hotel to rest. His private plane is waiting at Kiev airport, and he'll be leaving Ukraine early tomorrow morning."
The girls exchanged glances, their excitement tempered by the realization that their chance to thank Martin directly was slipping away. But they knew their journey was just beginning, and they had much to look forward to.
Erica, always the outspoken one, couldn't hold back any longer and blurted out, "We haven't had the chance to thank Martin properly yet."
Alexandrovich, always direct and to the point, responded, "Starting tomorrow, you have three days off. You need to be back in Kiev by Thursday morning. If you're thinking of taking a vacation in Western Europe, why not catch a ride on Martin's flight? Given the impression you've made on him, I doubt he'll say no."
Nastya glanced at Misha, who gave a firm nod of agreement. Erica, meanwhile, was practically bouncing with enthusiasm, nodding eagerly.
Nastya suggested, "Should we go back to the hotel and ask Martin?"
Alexandrovich, relieved that the girls were quick to catch on, smiled and said, "That sounds like a good idea."
Even though the audition show had ended, their newfound fame meant they were swarmed by reporters as they left the 1+1 TV station. The trio stared out of the car windows at the photographers chasing after them, snapping pictures. It was their first real taste of stardom, and it sent a thrill through them.
Once back at the hotel, they hurried to their room. At Nastya's suggestion, they changed into more stylish outfits, perfect for making an impression. Then, they took the private elevator up to the floor where Martin's presidential suite was located.
As they approached the suite, they ran into Martin's manager, Bruce, along with Alexandrovich.
Erica nudged Nastya forward, silently encouraging her to take the lead.
Nastya stepped forward, flashing a warm smile at Bruce. "We'd like to thank Martin in person."
Bruce opened the door and said, "Come on in."
He and Alexandrovich led the way, with the three girls following close behind.
Inside the spacious living room of the suite, they found Martin, dressed casually, standing by the French windows and talking on the phone. When he finished his call, he turned to them with a welcoming smile. "Good evening, champions," he greeted them.
He gestured to the seating area. "Make yourselves comfortable."
Nastya took the lead, walking up to Martin and stopping a few steps away. She glanced back at Misha and Erica, who quickly joined her side. In unison, the three of them bowed deeply, a full 90 degrees. "Thank you, Martin, for choosing us!" Nastya said, her voice full of gratitude.
Misha and Erica echoed her sentiment, their voices equally sincere. The three of them wore short shirts with low necklines, V-necks and round-necks, so their deep bow was quite the display of earnest appreciation.
Martin waved off their formalities with a smile. "No need for all that. What matters most is your talent and hard work."
He knew that if they hadn't been talented and captivating, they wouldn't have caught his attention.
The girls settled on the sofa, with Martin seated nearby on a single armchair. Misha, feeling the pressure of the moment, nervously kicked Nastya's foot under the table to prompt her. But in her anxiety, she ended up kicking Erica instead.
Erica shot her a puzzled look, her eyes wide as if to ask, "What was that for?"
Nastya, ever composed, crossed her legs and broke the silence. "I heard that the people who tried to abduct us have been caught."
Martin nodded, then pointed to Alexandrovich. "He's been working on rescuing more people involved."
Misha, feeling a surge of gratitude, added, "All Ukrainians should be thanking you for this."
Martin simply smiled, not wanting to make a big deal of it.
Nastya glanced at the clock, realizing they needed to get to the point. "After today's show, Mr. Alexandrovich told us we have three days off."
Alexandrovich chimed in, "They've been performing and training non-stop for months. They deserve a short break to recharge."
Nastya, gripping Misha's hand in one of hers and Erica's in the other, continued, "We've decided we want to take a vacation abroad, in Western Europe. But with such a tight schedule, it's been hard to book flights, and we didn't manage to secure one when we came back. We heard your private plane is here in Kiev, and you're flying to Paris tomorrow morning…"
She trailed off, letting the question hang in the air. Martin immediately understood their request. He nodded slightly.
Nastya, seeing his reaction, took a deep breath. "Would it be possible for us to join you on your flight to Paris? We wouldn't want to impose…"
But Martin, true to his generous nature, waved off her concerns. "There are plenty of seats on the plane. It's no trouble at all to have three more passengers. Just make sure you get your travel documents sorted out in time."
Nastya wasn't sure what paperwork they needed, given the late hour, but Alexandrovich stepped in. "Don't worry about that. I'll handle everything. It won't delay your departure tomorrow."
A few days earlier, the show's organizers had conducted thorough physical exams on all the contestants, so they were already in good standing.
Nastya, Misha, and Erica exchanged relieved smiles. Nastya said, "We'll go get our documents ready now." They were excited, knowing that their spontaneous plan had just fallen into place.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone