Capítulo 544: Chapter 544: Calling The Police!
As Toni emerged from the grand entrance of the Hilton Hotel, she was instantly engulfed by a sea of reporters, their cameras flashing and microphones thrust forward. Bombarded with rapid-fire questions, the unprepared woman froze, momentarily lost for words.
It took her a moment to gather her composure, recalling Ben Affleck's advice. She began to sob, holding her child tightly to her chest. The sound of her crying mingled with the baby's wails, painting a picture of distress that tugged at the heartstrings of those around.
"What did Martin do to you?" one reporter shouted above the din.
Toni, initially flustered, gradually found her footing. After all, she had been bold enough to disrobe in front of cameras. Cradling her child with one arm, she wiped her tears with the other. "I never imagined he'd deny his own child," she said, her voice cracking. "I wore a wedding dress to the release of 'The Dark Knight' DVD and gave Martin my contact information. When he called me back in Los Angeles, we shared a sweet, romantic night."
Her confidence grew as she continued, "Not long after that night, I discovered I was pregnant with Little John."
Another reporter chimed in, "When exactly did this night occur?"
Toni replied, "It was around the time Martin won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor."
In her heart, Toni was certain: if the DNA test matched, her story would stand unchallenged.
The reporters fired more questions, and Toni's responses became increasingly fluent. Seizing an opportunity amidst her child's loud cries, she hastily left, clutching contact details from several journalists.
She hopped into a taxi, escaping the relentless pursuit of reporters and paparazzi, and soon met Ben and Cassie in a secluded underground parking lot.
As Cassie drove them away, Toni recounted the event while nursing her child.
Big Ben's expression was grave. "Just as we expected, Martin denies everything. He refuses to take responsibility for you and Little John."
Toni, disillusioned, agreed. "He's heartless."
"We have one option left," Ben suggested. "Call the police. Martin exploited your admiration, leading to your pregnancy. The law should hold him accountable and provide the compensation you and your child deserve."
Toni, uncertain, questioned, "Can we really do that?"
Ben reassured her. "As a single, breastfeeding mother with a young child, public opinion and the court will likely be in your favor. If the DNA test matches, Martin's denials will be worthless."
Encouraged, Toni dialed 911.
Listening to Toni report her allegations, Ben mused over the corrupt nature of Hollywood's male stars. He was convinced that Martin was behind his own downfall and was determined to use this situation for retribution.
Inside the bustling press hall of the Hilton Hotel, a palpable sense of anticipation hung in the air. Hundreds of media reporters and onlookers, eager for the latest Hollywood scoop, were gathered in anticipation.
Leonardo's announcement that Martin would soon clarify the red carpet incident only heightened the excitement. The rumor of a Hollywood star's illegitimate child, while not uncommon, still held a tantalizing allure for the crowd.
Speculations swirled among the attendees. "Could it really be Martin?" one whispered. Another chimed in, "I doubt it. Surely Jolie or Aniston would be more likely candidates." A third added, "Nicholson's had his fair share, it wouldn't be surprising if Martin followed suit."
The chatter continued, "That woman, she's the head of Martin's fan club, isn't she?"
In this simmering pot of speculation, Martin, usually a bystander in such dramas, found himself at the center.
Having completed his interview with the LAPD, Martin donned a crisp Brioni suit jacket, preparing to take the stage. Leonardo caught him just before he stepped out, concern evident in his voice. "Are you sure about this, Martin? Don't mess it up."
Nicholson, ever the provocateur, quipped, "What if it turns out to be true?"
Martin, confident after his reflections, reassured them. "The Foot Gang has declared war on me, but I'll face them head-on, with integrity."
Their banter continued, Leonardo jokingly suggesting they stir up some trouble.
At that moment, McClain and several LAPD officers approached. The chief detective assured Martin they had found evidence of extortion and would be following up.
Martin expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, LAPD. Your commitment to justice upholds the integrity of Los Angeles."
Martin had always maintained a strong relationship with the LAPD, supporting them through donations to the Police Foundation.
McClain, a member of an influential group, reassured Martin. "As long as you confirm the child isn't yours, the rest should be straightforward."
"If she's proven guilty of extortion, anyone behind her will be held accountable," McClain added.
Thomas joined them, indicating it was time to face the crowd.
As Martin and Thomas approached the podium, the room erupted in murmurs. Thomas, taking the microphone, calmed the crowd before introducing Martin.
Martin, with a microphone in hand, began with a smile. "The lady on the red carpet is a well-known supporter of mine. She's always been enthusiastic, showing her support through dance and other antics. We've even taken photos and exchanged contact information at a book signing in New York."
A reporter shouted, "So, did you arrange to meet her?"
Martin, relaxed, replied, "No, our schedules in Hollywood are hectic. I'm sure you're all aware of that."
Laughter rippled through the room, recognizing Martin's reputation for his complicated romantic history.
Martin continued, "I remember her, her name is Toni. Today was the first time I've seen her since that book signing in New York, where she suddenly appeared with a child, claiming it was mine."
He gazed around, his eyes wide with disbelief, "Good Lord, how can this be happening?"
At that moment, a man planted in the audience earlier rose, his voice tinged with accusation, "Is that an LAPD car I see? Did you call the cops? Why would you do that?"
Martin's smile vanished, replaced by a grave expression. "A pertinent question indeed," he said. "You see, Toni was once a staunch ally of mine. Out of a sense of duty and concern, I invited her to the lounge through Bruce to discuss her current situation. I personally intervened, hoping to help. But do you know what occurred?"
His anger was palpable. "She demanded ten million dollars from me! Threatened to go to the police and file charges if I didn't comply. While I'm always ready to assist someone in need, especially someone who's supported me in the past, her using a child—a child that isn't even mine—as leverage for extortion is something I cannot condone. So yes, I called the police. I refuse to bow to such illegal tactics."
The assembled reporters seemed stunned. In Hollywood, when stars were faced with allegations of illegitimate children, the norm was to quietly settle and sweep it under the rug.
But Martin was breaking the mold by involving the authorities.
Could it be that the child truly wasn't his?
His voice resonated with conviction, "To demonstrate the truth, I am willing to undergo a paternity test. Let the evidence speak for itself!"
He gestured towards the audience, "In the interest of transparency and fairness, I invite you all to observe the entire process. It can even be broadcasted live, on television or online."
A hush fell over the reporters as they absorbed Martin's bold confidence.
He continued, "I'll let the law and the facts handle the rest. Should the other party wish to proceed with a paternity test, they know how to reach me."
Thomas chimed in, "We'd appreciate it if the members of the press could relay this message to them."
After his statement, Martin stepped down from the podium, retreating to the seclusion of the backstage lounge.
McClain was on the phone. As he ended the call, he approached Martin quickly, "I've just been informed that Toni Fairman has accused you of seduction and assault."
The image of Ben flashed in Martin's mind. Struggling to control his rising anger, he asked calmly, "What evidence did she present?"
McClain whispered, "She's filed a report, claiming the incident happened too long ago for physical evidence, which she supposedly discarded. But she insists her child is proof enough and has requested a paternity test."
Martin's response was a smile, tinged with irony. "Well, that's great news, Mike. Thanks for keeping me informed."
"You're not just my friend, Martin, but a friend to the LAPD as well," McClain said earnestly.
As they shook hands, Martin replied, "You know who I am. I won't belabor the point with thanks. Let's stay in touch."
The Martin McClain knew was a man of generosity, breadth, and knowledge.
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