Chương 565: Chapter 565: Case Closed!
In the courtroom's gallery, Martin, Elizabeth, and Lily sat in anticipation, their eyes fixed on the unfolding proceedings.
Across the aisle, Jolie and Aniston, leaders of Me Too, were present in their sharp black business attire, each sporting a collar badge with a distinctive red nail – the emblem of Me Too.
This insignia represented Me Too's identity.
Jennifer Garner, accompanied by several children, anxiously awaited the verdict nearby.
The trio in the defendant's dock must have sensed the gravity of the situation. Brad Pitt and Ben turned to catch sight of their ex-wives.
It was the ex-wives and ex-girlfriends who displayed the most ruthless demeanor. Jolie and Aniston offered a courteous smile and a subtle nod to Pitt.
Pitt, on the other hand, seemed drained of all vitality. His reaction was subdued, head lowered, focused on the hope of a shorter sentence and potential avenues for appeal after release. Perhaps he could leverage his time in the Sacred Valley for future film projects.
Big Ben's gaze shifted from Jennifer Garner to Martin, his tense face contorted with resentment and anger.
He turned his head forcefully, concealing the intensity of his emotions. Guilty or not, he vowed to seek retribution against Martin Davis and his family.
Vengeful thoughts raced through his mind. At this moment, he contemplated five different ways to exact revenge, such as trading Lily on Custom Street in Tijuana, Mexico, or abducting Elizabeth.
As he pondered these dark scenarios, Ben envisioned that upon his release, Elizabeth Olsen would be relegated to the ranks of countless ex-girlfriends.
Cassie observed her brother, sensing his malevolent thoughts, but circumstances prevented her from inquiring further.
In contrast, Pitt appeared more resigned, having endured successive tragedies that left him despondent.
An ex-wife and an ex-girlfriend had tormented him to the point where he couldn't escape the clutches of the Sacred Valley.
Bruce inched closer to Martin and whispered, "Ben harbors intense animosity toward us."
"Understood," Martin replied, acknowledging the sentiment. Yet, comprehension didn't equate to inaction.
Martin inquired, "Is Mene back?"
Bruce nodded discreetly. "I've spoken to Mene; he does have several childhood friends in prison."
Martin lowered his voice to avoid being overheard by Elizabeth. "Tell him to find someone else, not to personally involve himself."
Bruce affirmed, "I'll convey the message."
Elizabeth caught sight of Martin and Bruce engrossed in hushed conversation, aware that they were discussing confidential matters. However, she feigned ignorance and opted not to pry.
The judge and jury returned, prompting everyone to rise as they delivered the verdict.
"When an American national hero is defamed and framed, the repercussions extend beyond the confines of the case. They strike at the core of our legal system and the values this nation upholds. The jury has reached a verdict for the defendants Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck, and Casey Affleck…"
The courtroom fell into an eerie silence, each person present gripped by the solemnity of the moment.
Subsequently, the judge revealed the trial's outcome. Pete, Ben, and Cassie were declared guilty of extortion, conspiracy to commit fraud, and incitement to criminal acts. They were sentenced to 7 years in prison, with no possibility of parole for 5 years.
Inside the courtroom's auditorium, applause erupted as the victims of Ben and Pitt's assault case expressed their relief and satisfaction.
For the dozens of spectators present, the prospect of receiving compensation from Ben and Pitt, along with witnessing the two men being sentenced to jail, was a cause for celebration.
With the trial now concluded, Pitt, Ben, and Cassie were promptly taken into custody and would soon be transferred to a state prison to begin serving their sentences.
Martin rose from his seat, pulling Elizabeth along with him. Bruce and Lily trailed behind them.
Upon stepping outside, a throng of reporters immediately surrounded Martin, their questions pouring in.
"Martin, can you share your thoughts on the trial?"
"Is this the outcome you were hoping for?"
"Do you believe they received the appropriate punishment?"
Martin paused briefly before responding, "This trial has restored my faith in the law and delivered fairness and justice."
Realizing the futility of engaging further with the press, Martin offered no more words, climbed into his Escalade, and drove away, a somber expression etched across his face.
The Escalade navigated the streets toward Beverly Hills.
Seated in the passenger seat, Lily interjected, "And then there's that wretched Harvey Weinstein."
Elizabeth inquired, "He won't be entering the trial process for a while, will he?"
Martin grimly replied, "Given the multitude of victims, the trial isn't likely until March or April next year."
Lily nodded, acknowledging the complexity of the situation. She then turned to Martin, asking, "Will you be heading back to Atlanta for Christmas?"
Martin affirmed, "Yes, we'll spend Christmas in Atlanta."
Elizabeth, however, expressed her reluctance to accompany him. "I need to stay in Los Angeles for Christmas with my parents and sisters. I won't be joining you."
Martin smiled warmly and accepted her decision. "That's perfectly fine."
Upon returning home, Martin and Bruce set out for another round of shopping in preparation for the evening's party.
Menet had brought Isabelle Huppert to Los Angeles, and Elizabeth had organized a welcome party in her honor.
As the night progressed, Leonardo arrived at the party with his new girlfriend, a Russian supermodel named Anne-Viarizna, who had recently graced the Victoria's Secret runway.
Blonde hair and long legs were her signature attributes.
Leonardo sought a private conversation with Martin amidst the festivities. He handed Martin an invitation, saying, "Shutter Island will premiere in February next year. Don't forget to attend."
Martin accepted the invitation with a nod. "I'll make sure to be there."
Leonardo turned to glance at his new girlfriend, who was seated among Elizabeth, Lorraine Nicholson, and other female family members. He shared, "I've been quite occupied lately. I didn't mention that I attended a fashion event in Russia last month."
Martin guessed, "It must have been quite remarkable."
Leonardo enthusiastically nodded. "It was beyond remarkable. The Russian fashion scene is an absolute goldmine. The supermodels there are tall, leggy, stunning, and possess enviable figures. I never wanted to leave."
Having witnessed the fates of "Russian girls" in his previous life and encountering a few while working in Europe, Martin remarked, "But, as they reach their thirties, their figures tend to undergo drastic changes."
"Thirty? Why wait until thirty?" Leonardo countered. He stuck to his philosophy, saying, "Isn't it better to part ways when everyone's around twenty-five and find someone younger?"
Martin couldn't refute the logic. He admitted, "You're right; I misspoke."
Leonardo, always loyal to his friends, asked, "When we have the chance, can we go to Russia together?"
"Russia?" Martin shook his head resolutely. "I'd rather not. If they detain you, there'll be no one to rescue you."
Leonardo slapped his forehead in realization. "I nearly forgot about your storied history. You've captured and eliminated numerous Russian spies."
He suggested, "How about this: when we find some free time, we'll set up a gathering in Paris or London, bring over Russian and Ukrainian supermodels and actresses, and invite that old rascal Jack to join us for a party."
Martin nodded, his interest piqued. "No problem."
A memory resurfaced in Martin's mind. "I recall there was a All Saint Girl Group or something that used to perform."
Leonardo nodded in acknowledgment. "The Saint Girl Group, yes, I'm familiar with them. The company they're affiliated with has been eager to break into the English-speaking market."
Martin chimed in, "Once you've got it organized, just let me know the details. I'll cover the expenses this time. I may be high-class, but I won't be as audacious as Jack, showing up at a party with just a gun."
Leonardo glanced at Martin, and both of them shared a hearty laugh.
Approaching from the other side, Nicholson intercepted the conversation before he even reached them. "My gut tells me you're badmouthing me again."
Both Martin and Leonardo quickly denied it. "No!"
"Your gut's track record isn't exactly stellar!"
Of course, these two rascals wouldn't admit to any wrongdoing.
Nicholson appeared somewhat concerned as he began, "There's something that's been weighing on my mind lately."
Martin's eyes widened with mock shock. "Jack, did you make Jennifer Lawrence's belly bigger?"
Nicholson was exasperated. "No! Don't be absurd."
Leonardo inquired, "So, what's troubling you?"
Nicholson worried that these two would continue to jest at his expense, so he hurriedly explained, "After Harvey's scandal broke, Meryl Streep approached me and mentioned that she's contemplating a divorce."
Leonardo asked, "Why?"
Martin went a step further, "Why are you her go-to confidant?"
Nicholson was still startled. "She approached me to confide in me—why else would she seek a divorce?"
Leonardo nodded in understanding. "I'm reaching out to you for a reason."
Martin patted Nicholson on the back, showing his brotherly support. "Boss, I'll prepare a grand wedding gift for you!"
Nicholson, however, had no intention of tying the knot. "Shut it."
Martin and Leonardo exchanged knowing glances, relishing the thought of Nicholson navigating the labyrinth of matrimony.
In another scene...
Mene followed Bruce into a private lounge.
Bruce presented a bag filled with items he had prepared in advance and handed it to Mene. "This is for you."
Mene cautiously opened the bag and found it stuffed with bars of soap. He recoiled with a bemused expression. "Come on, Bruce, we're buddies, no need to joke around. I'm not very funny, seriously!"
Bruce, unamused, gestured dismissively with his middle finger. "These aren't for you. You're not qualified to enjoy these."
Mene recalled their previous conversation. "You mentioned something this morning..."
Bruce nodded affirmatively. "Indeed. Brad Pitt, Big Ben, and Cassie have been sentenced and will soon be transferred to state prison."
Reassured, Mene assured Bruce, "Don't worry, I've got it covered. In our neighborhood, many of my friends either still serve time or maintain connections after their release. It's a piece of cake."
Bruce cautioned, "Don't personally get involved. Find someone trustworthy, money is not an issue."
Mene asserted confidently, "Rest assured, Boss, I'm no longer the naive actor I used to be."
Bruce affectionately placed his arm around Mene's shoulders, admiring him sincerely. "A naive person doesn't end up with Celine Dion, Isabelle Huppert, and Emma Thomas, you know?"
Mene chuckled. "I can't compete with you—after all, Kim and Khloe are sisters."
Bruce playfully shoved him away.
Mene steered the conversation away from the subject and left the villa, depositing the bag in his car before arranging to meet two of his longtime friends later on.
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