Chương 703: Chapter 703: Take the money and run away.
Ever since their return to the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, Marlena Morgan, Mia Markova, and Nikia had been eagerly awaiting Martin's elusive call. They had meticulously delved into the intricacies of Texas Hold'em poker, investing their time and resources to align with Martin's interests, all thanks to Michelle's generous support and encouragement.
Michelle's enthusiasm knew no bounds; not only did she cover their expenses, but she also went the extra mile by securing a lavish temporary abode for them, urging them to extend the invitation to Martin.
But as days turned into weeks, Martin's silence spoke volumes. The trio found themselves with Michelle's funds burning a hole in their pockets, facing the uncomfortable reality of squandering the money without any results to show for it.
"It's getting dicey," Marlena remarked with a furrowed brow, her voice tinged with concern. "We can't just sit idly by after taking Michelle's money."
Nikia nodded in agreement, her mind racing with potential solutions. "We'll have to take matters into our own hands."
Their attempts to reach Martin's doorstep on the prestigious North Side of Sunset Boulevard proved futile, leaving them with no choice but to linger outside Davis Studios, WMA, and Disney Studios in hopes of a chance encounter.
Luck finally seemed to smile upon them one fateful day. Spotting Martin outside WMA, Marlena sprang into action, her heart pounding with anticipation. "Martin, over here!" she called out, waving frantically as she dashed towards him.
Mia and Nikia trailed behind, the former pausing momentarily to capture a candid snapshot of Marlena and Martin against the backdrop of the bustling studio lot.
Martin, caught off guard by their persistence, couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for neglecting their earlier connection. "Long time no see," he greeted them with a forced smile, his mind preoccupied with his hectic schedule.
"We've missed you," Marlena replied with genuine warmth, masking her disappointment at his apparent indifference.
"What brings you here?" Martin inquired, his tone guarded yet curious.
Caught off guard by his directness, Marlena faltered for a moment before Nikia interjected, her words laced with urgency. "We've been honing our poker skills since our last game. We thought it'd be fun to challenge you again."
Mia chimed in, her enthusiasm palpable. "How about a friendly game today, Martin?"
Despite their earnest plea, Martin's obligations weighed heavily on his mind. "I'm afraid I must decline," he replied apologetically, gesturing towards his waiting car.
Undeterred, Nikia seized the opportunity, her voice tinged with desperation. "After the game, perhaps we could explore other... avenues of entertainment," she suggested coyly.
Marlena, recalling their previous discussions, added with a hint of mischief, "We even found a place with a pole, just like you mentioned."
Martin's suspicions were piqued by their forwardness, his guard instinctively rising. He discreetly signaled to the nearby security guard, opting for a swift exit to avoid any further entanglements.
As they bid Martin farewell, the trio's hopes were dashed once again, thwarted by the vigilant security personnel.
As their failed attempt unfolded, Bruce, Martin's astute confidant and chauffeur, couldn't help but voice his apprehension. "They seem a bit too eager, don't you think?"
Martin nodded in agreement, his mind already racing with potential explanations. "It's not uncommon in this industry. Most prefer to go through intermediaries rather than deal directly with clients."
Taking charge, Bruce pulled over, reaching for his phone to make a discreet call to their vigilant bodyguard trailing behind.
As the trio watched Martin's car disappear into the distance, the reality of their failed endeavor sank in, leaving them to ponder their next move in the unpredictable game of Hollywood politics.
As Bruce swiftly reported the suspicious license plate number, Martin watched the Chevrolet linger in the WMA parking space, his mind churning with suspicion. "They're definitely waiting for me," he mused, mentally plotting his next move. "Let's have a closer look, Bruce. Get the surveillance footage from Disney Studios and the nearby studios."
Bruce wasted no time, making two crucial calls to gather intel. As the Escalade pulled back into the Davis Manor, Bruce relayed the latest findings to Martin. "That Chevrolet's been parked near Disney Studios for quite a while. Seems like they're playing by the book."
Martin's unease grew. "Don't let that money slip away. Ivan, dig deep into those three," he instructed, his voice edged with concern.
Meanwhile, Bruce diligently gathered photos and information on Mia, Marlena, and Nikia, arranging a rendezvous with Ivan later that evening.
---
At the WMA entrance, Mia, Marlena, and Nikia stood in uncertainty, their hopes fading along with the disappearing Escalade.
"They're not the sharpest tools in the shed, are they? Best at... other things," Marlena quipped, eyeing the trio's lack of strategy.
As security attention waned, Nikia voiced their dilemma. "What's our next move?"
Marlena wasted no time, leading the charge towards the waiting Chevrolet. "No point lingering here. Let's hop in."
Following her lead, Mia and Nikia piled into the car, the weight of their predicament sinking in.
"Martin doesn't seem too keen on us," Marlena observed from the driver's seat, her brow furrowed in concern.
Nikia fretted, "We've taken Michelle's money. She won't be pleased when she finds out."
Mia, ever resourceful, suggested a plan. "I've got a photo of Marlena and Martin. Let's send it to Michelle to reassure her that we're making progress."
After a brief deliberation, they agreed, and Mia swiftly fired off an email with the photo attachment.
Michelle's prompt reply brought relief. "Well done. Can you bring him to our place tonight?"
Excited yet wary, Mia consulted her companions before responding cautiously, "Martin's cautious. We'll try to bring him, but let's keep it just us for now."
Michelle's assurance came swiftly, "Understood. Build that trust. Next time, take him to the place I've arranged."
Nikia, intrigued, questioned their next move. "What's so special about Michelle's place?"
Marlena, the seasoned veteran, explained, "Michelle's method is to gradually win over clients, easing their guard before leading them to her venue where she can capture their trust... and more."
Mia nodded in agreement, adding, "She's got powerful backing."
Nikia, reflecting on her homeland's struggles, voiced a concern. "Being caught between giants like this... it's tough for us little guys."
Marlena and Mia exchanged a sober glance, realizing the gravity of their situation. Tonight's encounter with Martin was just the beginning of a high-stakes game where trust was currency, and the stakes were higher than they'd ever imagined.
As the trio huddled together, their minds weighed down by the sinister reality of Michelle's ruthless schemes, Marlena recounted a chilling tale. "One of my colleagues roped in a wealthy stockbroker to Michelle's game. But once he became a big client, he regretted it. Michelle didn't hesitate to subject him to unspeakable torment."
Nikia shuddered, recalling the ominous whispers surrounding Michelle's clients. "I refuse to be a pawn in her twisted game," she declared, her resolve unwavering.
Marlena's brow furrowed with concern. "We can't keep running in circles like this."
Mia, ever the strategist, pondered their predicament. "We've gained Michelle's trust after the last gig with Morgan Freeman. Let's leverage that to settle our dues with her. Then, we'll lead Martin into her trap one last time."
The prospect of a hefty payout lit up her eyes. "Money talks," she chimed in eagerly.
Mia nodded, her plan taking shape. "Once Michelle pre-pays for the next encounter, we'll vanish from Los Angeles. With her influence limited to California, we'll be ghosts in the vast expanse of the United States."
Marlena's eyes sparkled with newfound determination. "It's settled, then."
Nikia nodded in agreement. "I refuse to be another victim."
With their decision made, the trio wasted no time, the Chevrolet disappearing into the city's bustling streets.
---
As the weekend unfolded, Martin spared no expense in hosting a lavish yacht party, accompanied by an eclectic mix of guests.
Mene, accompanied by Celine Dion, added a touch of glamour to the affair, while Bruce brought along his companion, Judy, urging her to set aside her TMZ persona for the occasion.
Judy, now a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, embraced her new role, eager to leave her tabloid past behind.
As the yacht set sail, Martin raised his glass in a toast, welcoming everyone to his exclusive fishing retreat.
Amidst laughter and camaraderie, Mene declared his intention to reel in a great white shark, met with playful banter from the other guests.
Celine Dion, ever the gracious hostess, indulged in lively conversation, her infectious energy setting the tone for the festivities.
Meanwhile, Judy, intrigued by the dynamics of Martin's social circle, observed with keen interest, noting Mene's prominent presence among the group.
As the day wore on, the group indulged in fishing and leisurely swims, the sun casting a golden hue over the tranquil seascape.
In the distance, a smaller vessel approached, signaling the arrival of unexpected guests and the promise of new adventures on the horizon.
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