Chapter 733: Serial Car Accident

Arriving at Louise's bustling office, Martin gracefully pulled out a chair, settling in with a confident air. "I've got a recommendation for our leading lady," he announced.

Louise, perched across from him, shot a playful smirk. "So, Martin, which leading lady has caught your eye? An actress, perhaps?"

She chuckled, unable to resist teasing further. "Or maybe you've taken a liking to someone's wife or fiancée?"

Martin couldn't help but smile at her jest. "Am I that predictable?"

Louise leaned back, crossing her arms, her gaze piercing. "Oh, Martin, you're an open book to me."

Undeterred, Martin steered the conversation back to business. "Saoirse Ronan has been honing her singing and dancing skills since last year, though she's a bit young."

"Ah, your protege," Louise recalled. "Isn't she turning 18 soon?"

"She's got the talent," Martin affirmed, "and with a touch of makeup, her age won't be an issue."

Louise mulled it over. "Let's give her a shot at the audition. But we'll need to see how she looks with the whole package."

"Oh, and there's another project," Martin interjected. "Disney's eyeing a live-action 'Beauty and the Beast.' We'll need your expertise on that front."

Louise and Martin, seasoned collaborators, nodded in agreement. "Consider it done," they said in unison.

"And about Belle," Martin continued, "Saoirse would be perfect."

"Belle?" Louise pondered. "Wasn't she played by Emma Watson?"

Martin nodded solemnly. "Yes, but times change, and so do reputations."

As they delved into crew matters, the afternoon slipped away, the studio buzzing with activity.

Emerging from their discussions, Martin dialed Saoirse, delivering the news of the two musicals. "Which one do you prefer?" he inquired.

Saoirse glanced at her mother, Monica, then back at Martin. "Teacher, can I choose both?" she asked tentatively.

Martin leaned into the phone, his voice brimming with encouragement. "Get your resume ready, and have your agent send it over to the 'La La Land' crew. As for 'Beauty and the Beast,' it's still in the approval phase."

"Thank you, teacher!" Saoirse exclaimed, her fist pumping with excitement. Months of tireless singing and dancing practice were finally paying off.

She understood the depth of her connection with Martin, knowing he was her staunchest ally in the cutthroat world of Hollywood. "Teacher," she said earnestly, "I've been working hard on my dancing. I'll perform a special dance for you on my eighteenth birthday."

As the call ended, Martin's advice lingered in her mind. "Keep practicing," he urged.

Though she couldn't see Martin's nod of approval, Saoirse nodded to herself. "I'll keep at it," she affirmed.

A sudden "Oops" echoed through the receiver, followed by Martin's voice. "Let's leave it at that for now," he suggested.

Saoirse grinned at the now-silent phone, her excitement palpable. "Mom," she announced to Monica Ronan, "I've got a new role!"

Monica beamed with pride. "Take good care of it," she advised.

Saoirse enveloped her mother in a hug. "I will," she promised before grabbing her belongings and heading out. "Time for dance class!"

Her dance teacher once shared stories of her early struggles in LA, even resorting to pole dancing to make ends meet. Saoirse resolved to seek her guidance and work even harder.

---

Meanwhile, at Disney Studios, a near collision unfolded over the phone.

Martin, facing away from the bustling "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." studio, narrowly avoided a collision thanks to Bruce's timely intervention. The woman on the other line hastily ended her call, apologizing profusely for her distraction.

With cascading golden-red waves and striking Eastern European features, she resembled a Hollywood starlet herself. Her V-neck shirt and leggings accentuated her figure, rivaling that of Blake Lively.

Recognition sparked in her eyes as they fell upon Martin. "You're Martin, right?" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with awe. "I almost ran into you!"

Martin, unfazed by her fluster, assured her with a calming smile. "No harm done," he replied smoothly.

Trembling with excitement, the woman produced a pen and notebook, eager for an autograph. "I know it's not ideal to ask in the studio, but I'm your biggest fan," she confessed.

Martin graciously accepted the pen and notebook, signing it without hesitation.

Elena Satine seized the moment to introduce herself. "I'm Elena Satine, an aspiring actress working on the crew of 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'"

"Nice to meet you," Martin replied, returning her pen and notebook with a courteous nod.

Elena swiftly stowed away her belongings, expressing her gratitude. "Thank you, Martin," she said earnestly.

Martin acknowledged her with a slight nod before heading towards the entrance of Disney Studios.

Elena trailed behind him, but sensing his silence, she refrained from initiating conversation.

Bruce discreetly observed Elena, choosing to ignore her presence.

As they reached the parking lot near the studio gate, Martin prepared to depart. Elena positioned herself beside a Hyundai, waving a farewell. "Goodbye, Martin," she called out.

Martin reciprocated the gesture with a polite wave. "Goodbye," he replied.

Elena slipped into her Hyundai and drove off, leaving Martin to settle into the passenger seat of the Escalade.

Once seated, Martin turned to Bruce. "Do you think she did that on purpose?"

"Most likely," Bruce replied matter-of-factly. "Ever since you became famous, there's been no shortage of women trying to orchestrate chance encounters like this. It's practically a weekly occurrence."

"She even glanced at you before making her move," he added.

Martin sighed. "It's tough being in the public eye. Constant vigilance is necessary."

Bruce nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. You've got to watch your back. One wrong move, and you're in trouble."

He then steered the conversation to Elena's appearance. "But I must say, she's quite stunning. Rare to find a beauty like her, especially with those fiery red locks."

Martin shrugged casually. "True, but there are others like Nicole Kidman and Jessica Chastain."

As they drove, Martin received a text message prompting them to detour to Rodeo Avenue. Without hesitation, Bruce altered their route.

During the journey, Bruce's phone rang. He answered, listening intently as the bodyguard behind him relayed information.

"There's a Toyota Prado following us," the bodyguard reported.

"Paparazzi or reporters?" Bruce inquired.

"It doesn't seem like it," the bodyguard responded. "They're not carrying any cameras or equipment, and they don't look like entertainment media."

"Keep an eye on them," Bruce instructed, his senses heightened as they continued their journey.

Martin caught sight of the Toyota Prado trailing them in the rearview mirror, scrutinizing it briefly. "Definitely not paparazzi or professional trackers," he remarked wryly. "Their skills are seriously lacking."

Bruce chuckled, exchanging occasional words with the two bodyguards seated behind him.

With a sense of urgency, Martin dialed Elizabeth's number, relaying the message that they were being followed and advising them to return home promptly with their security detail.

Lily, ever astute to Martin's cues, swiftly responded, taking charge of escorting Elizabeth to safety.

In the Prado, besides the driver, a passenger beside him continually tried to reach their cohorts. "Where are you? Why haven't you caught up yet?"

"It's taking longer than I thought!" came the animated response, possibly fueled by alcohol or other substances. "Your directions were all wrong, otherwise we would've had them by now!"

Frustrated, the co-pilot retorted, "They usually take that route. Who'd have guessed they'd change it up today?"

"Enough with the excuses! Just tell me where they are!"

"Just one intersection ahead on this road. Better hurry and get there."

"Got it!"

"For Johnny!" the co-pilot shouted.

"For Johnny!" echoed the passenger, brimming with determination.

As the Escalade neared the intersection of Fourteenth Street, Bruce remained laser-focused.

Martin glanced back at the Prado, noticing it lagging behind as traffic thickened.

As the traffic light turned green, Bruce accelerated through the intersection. Suddenly, he slammed on the brakes, jolting the occupants forward, restrained only by their seat belts.

The abrupt halt caught the following vehicles off guard, resulting in a loud collision with the Escalade's rear.

Luckily, the Escalade's sturdy build minimized the impact.

In a heartbeat, a black Hummer thundered past the Escalade, careening out of control. It plowed through a car, veered onto the sidewalk, and collided with a streetlight pole like a battering ram.

The force of the impact sent the pole toppling, crashing onto the Hummer's roof and triggering a chain reaction of collisions.