America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 335 Life is Full of Surprises

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Los Angeles.

Accompanied by Thomas, Martin entered the business reception room and met Simone and Filippo from Italy.

It is also a representative of the top menswear brand Briony.

After shaking hands and exchanging a few pleasantries, they quickly got down to business.

Simone began by saying, "The main reason we invited Mr. Davis here for a meeting is that Brioni intends to hire him as the brand's global brand ambassador."

He asked Martin, "Do you know anything about Briony?"

Martin smiled and said, "Of course, the Rolls-Royce of menswear."

Filippo didn't rush to speak. While listening to the conversation between the two, he kept observing Martin. Martin was dressed in a formal suit, with a tall and upright figure, a resolute face, a generous and elegant demeanor, and spoke with composure.

After watching for a while, he noticed that Martin possessed a free and unrestrained charm and spirit in his every move.

Before meeting him in person, Filippo was worried that Martin Davis, coming from a lower social class, might be as vulgar and crude as Sean Connery.

That man is a quintessential English gentleman.

After observing Martin, Filippo was very satisfied with him. He was good-looking, had a good temperament, was tall and broad-shouldered, and was an excellent clothes hanger.

"Martin currently only has one endorsement deal with Coca-Cola," Thomas explained simply. "Several brands have contacted us regarding clothing, but Martin is very selective about brands, paying particular attention to their image, history, and connotations. Brioni excels in all of these aspects."

After a brief exchange, Martin spoke very little, leaving Thomas to do everything.

Filippo, who had the authority to make the decision, observed for a period of time before speaking up: "A week ago, Brad Pitt was Brioni's first choice for a spokesperson. I came from Rome to discuss related matters with him. I never expected such a big change to occur in just a few days."

Martin and Thomas exchanged a glance, thinking to themselves, "Isn't this a coincidence? It's possible that the endorsement deal with Pete might end up in their hands."

Filippo continued, "Perhaps it's also a kind of luck that we've discovered Mr. Davis has a series of strengths and advantages. Compared to Brad Pitt's dandyism, you are more suited to Briony's temperament and image."

Martin smiled and said, "It's my honor."

Simone said, "If you are interested in cooperation, how about we begin formal discussions next week?"

“No problem.” Martin looked at Thomas. “My agent will handle this entirely.”

That concludes today's talks. After a few polite words, both sides parted ways.

Martin and Thomas went downstairs.

After leaving the hotel and getting into the Cadillac Escalade driven by Bruce, Martin stretched and felt inexplicably refreshed.

In the morning, she was playing poker with Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston, and in the afternoon, she snatched Brad Pitt's endorsement deal. Life is truly full of surprises.

Thomas said, "The other party's willingness to cooperate is quite strong. If nothing unexpected happens, I should be able to finalize this endorsement deal within one to two weeks."

Martin nodded and asked the crucial question: "What about the endorsement fees for top clothing brands?"

"For clothing, especially top brands like these, endorsement fees aren't particularly high." Thomas had done his research beforehand: "You can look to George Clooney for reference. He just signed with Armani Menswear this year for $600 million a year. That's the highest we can negotiate."

Martin said, "Okay, go ahead and talk."

Thomas responded and added, "We're in luck this time. Briony had his eye on Pete, but then Pete had an unexpected incident, and the endorsement fell to us. Wouldn't you call that a windfall?"

Bruce, who was driving, remained silent, but he was thinking to himself that Briony's approach was indeed unexpected, but landing this endorsement deal was not.

What happened to Pitt was not an accident at all.

Bruce asked, "Will Martin's formal attire for all future public events be sponsored by them?"

"That's right," Thomas replied. "Endorsement contracts definitely have relevant terms. Smaller events and award ceremonies may not have restrictions, but for the Golden Globes and Oscars, there will certainly be requirements."

Martin then remembered something: as a Hollywood superstar, Pitt certainly had more than just Briony as an endorsement or potential endorsement. Now that Pitt's situation was precarious and he was almost nailed to the pillar of shame, what about those brand endorsements?

He wasn't doing it for the money, but... no, he wasn't doing it for anything else, he was purely doing it to increase his income.

"What's the status of Pitt's other endorsements?" Martin asked.

Thomas, being a competent agent, immediately realized this was a golden opportunity and pulled out his phone, saying, "Let me ask around."

Before Cadillac even arrived in Burbank, Thomas inquired about the details, saying, "Reliable sources say that Cadillac and Breitling have informed Brad Pitt that they are terminating his endorsement contract on the grounds of his unilateral breach of contract."

This wasn't surprising; Pitt wasn't the only Hollywood celebrity to have done something similar. Martin asked curiously, "What kind of brand is Breitling?"

Thomas simply stated, "A Swiss watch brand, I'd say a third-tier one." He then emphasized one point: "Because they are currently going through contract termination proceedings with Pitt, Cadillac is preparing to find a new spokesperson."

Martin went to great lengths to ruin Pete's reputation, so he felt perfectly justified in accepting this reward: "Don't you think I'm a perfect fit?"

"Uh..." Thomas nodded without hesitation and said, "We are indeed a very good match."

The global ambassador for Cadillac has agreed to an endorsement fee of tens of millions of dollars per year.

Next month, in January 2007, Martin will have a new film released, followed by the announcement of the Oscar nominations. These are all good news and will help increase our bargaining power.

"Try to get in touch with Cadillac." Martin's words sent Thomas running around like crazy.

If they can get this endorsement back, they will earn more than $1000 million more each year.

Martin had to admit one thing: Pete was a good guy!

Thomas got off the bus midway through the journey to handle the matters Martin had instructed him to attend to.

He walked along the sidewalk toward the parking lot, the bright California sun shining on him, creating a subtle reflection.

Hardworking people always radiate a certain brilliance, making people want to throw an even heavier burden on their shoulders.

In the car, Bruce asked Martin, "Doesn't it feel great?"

Martin was very straightforward: "From body to mind, it felt so good I wanted to take off."

Bruce said, half-jokingly, "Have you noticed? You're not as rotten as you used to be?"

"Old Brooks, you're really good at praising people." Martin gave the middle finger to the rearview mirror.

Bruce hadn't finished speaking when he said, "You're trying to emulate Angelina Jolie."

Martin felt no way: "Impossible, I'm not that kind of person."

"That's true." Bruce actually admired Martin: "He stole Pitt's woman and his money. Jolie couldn't do that. She's far inferior to you."

Martin didn't respond, but he had an indescribable feeling, probably the kind of feeling often described in his past life that "stealing is worse than robbing."

The two went to WarnerMedia to meet Aniston and participate in a program to promote "Limitless," which was scheduled to be released the following month.

Related publicity and marketing have been launched on a large scale, posters have been distributed, and the first trailer was released early.

Compared to the past, apart from the rumors of Martin and Jennifer Aniston possibly dating, the production team did not deliberately create hype in any other way.

The major scandal involving Martin and Aniston alone is enough to attract attention.

The Hollywood Reporter listed "Limitless" as the most anticipated film of 2007, due to its recent release date.

Martin and Aniston have been frequently appearing in various promotional events recently.

The latter job is relatively easy.

Martin's situation is a bit more complicated. In addition to his new film releasing next month, he also needs to mention "The Departed" appropriately to continue building momentum for the awards.

The Departed was a critical and commercial failure in East and Southeast Asian markets, but it was a critical and commercial smash hit in North America, Hollywood's home market.

Many media outlets even consider it a classic.

While Martin and Aniston were busy with their TV appearances, Bruce wasn't idle either.

He left WarnerMedia alone and went to a forest park not far away, where he met Ivan and learned more firsthand information.

After Martin came out and got into the Cadillac, Bruce said, "There are now more than 10 victims who have come forward to accuse Pete. They have collectively hired a legal team led by Camille Vácquez and, in addition to reporting the incident to the LAPD, have formally filed lawsuits in court."

Martin nodded: "Even if an out-of-court settlement is ultimately reached, Pete will have to pay a heavy price."

Bruce continued, "TMZ believes they are at odds with Pitt and will pursue this matter relentlessly. Camille is the lawyer TMZ introduced to the victims. This lawsuit will take at least six months to reach a preliminary result, and if the lawyers maneuver a little, it could take even longer."

Martin then asked, "What about Pete?"

Bruce learned that "after being subpoenaed by the LAPD for the second time, Pitt was released on bail and placed under house arrest, unable to leave his Beverly Hills mansion. In other words, Pitt cannot work normally until the lawsuit is completely resolved."

Martin shook his head: "What a pity..."

Bruce looked through the car window at Aniston, who was walking towards them, and roughly guessed what Martin was regretting.

He quickly added, "I've asked Ivan to contact TMZ, and TMZ will be interviewing Ben Affleck and Matt Damon soon."

Martin couldn't help but laugh: "Old Brooks, have some decency!"

There was a knock on the car door from the outside. Martin opened it, and Aniston got in with her head down.

Martin asked, "Where to?"

"Coty neighborhood," Aniston said casually. "Julie just called me. She's reassured her adopted children, so they don't have to go home tonight."

She whispered in Martin's ear, "I'm really looking forward to you punishing this bitch severely!"

Martin patted his waist: "You got the hang of it."

Aniston laughed happily: "You're tough enough, and your stick is powerful enough. I've been doing strength training these past few days, and it won't be long before that bitch is begging for mercy!"

(End of this chapter)