America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 531 The Simplest Way to Debunk Rumors

Standing in the apartment's entryway, Ben Affleck looked into the living room, where Martin Davis was the only person in sight.

On the wall, there was a poster of Martin Davis, the leader of the Cola Cult.

On the shelf, there was a photo of Toni in a white wedding dress with Martin, but the background was a bit strange, as if it were in a DVD store.

On the coffee table in front of the sofa, there is a handmade clown statue.

There are too many others to count.

Toni, an outsider to Hollywood, knew nothing about the Foot Gang and Face Gang, things that weren't often in the media. Seeing Ben Affleck lost in thought, she said, "I'm a Martin Scorsese fan, the really fanatical kind. I've been a crazy fan of his."

Ben pointed to the framed group photo: "You can tell she's even wearing a wedding dress."

Toni handed Ben a bottle of water and smiled, "Back then I was incredibly fanatical, my mind was completely consumed by Martin."

Having perhaps not interacted with anyone for a long time, she couldn't help but say a few more words when she finally made a friend she thought was good: "Back then, I was determined to marry Martin; I felt he was my everything."

Ben Affleck chimed in, "I went through a similar phase. When I was younger, I was a huge fan of Warren Beatty; he was my idol."

"Martin is more than just my idol." When talking about the person she admires so much, Toni's words flowed freely: "He's also my hero, my safe haven, and my future support..."

Da Ben looked surprised: "Our future support?"

Toni's hand instinctively rested on her stomach, gently stroking it.

"No way?" Ben then noticed another framed photo on the TV cabinet, containing a picture of Martin receiving his medals on the South Lawn of the White House.

This is the award poster for Martin receiving the Distinguished Presidential Medal of Freedom!

The photo wasn't very clear, looking like it was made from a poster, but he seemed oblivious, pointing at the frame in shock: "Tony, last time you told me at the hospital that your child's father attended the Independence Day celebrations!"

He asked, "You're not talking about Martin Davis, are you?"

Toni hesitated for a moment, then smiled happily and nodded gently: "It's him, it's Martin!"

Despite having some suspicions, Da Ben was still extremely excited when he heard the answer.

It wasn't shocking excitement, but rather exhilarating excitement.

Toni added, "Ben, please keep this a secret for now so I can give birth to the baby in peace."

“We’re friends, Toni,” Big Ben said, sitting down on the sofa next to her. “I swear to God I’ll keep your secret.”

He certainly couldn't let anyone else know about such valuable and explosive news: "You'd better not tell anyone else about this. Martin is now a national hero of America and a top Hollywood star. If the paparazzi and entertainment reporters find out, they'll be chasing you every day."

Toni nodded: "Nobody knows except you."

This made Ben suddenly realize something, and he tentatively asked, "Martin doesn't know either?"

Toni didn't answer; instead, she seemed a little wary.

Ben Affleck, having observed this, said, "Don't misunderstand, I'm also a father of two and I especially love children. Although I'm not in a great situation right now, I'm also a Hollywood star and know a lot about Hollywood, so perhaps I can help you."

Toni had seen Ben bring the two children to the apartment building. After a moment's hesitation, she said, "I haven't told Martin about this yet; he doesn't know yet."

"There's a few things I need to say, don't misunderstand. I'm just speaking from a Hollywood perspective, helping you anticipate potential future challenges." Ben Affleck needed to confirm something: "Are you sure this child is Martin's?"

Because she had been given a heads-up, Tony wasn't excited. She said, "I'm absolutely sure! Ever since The Dark Knight came out last year, I've been a huge fan of the Joker and Martin, and I haven't had a relationship with any other man or received any genetic material from anyone else."

She was lost in her memories: "That early morning, his thing was full, and then I quietly left. After that, he came into being. He belongs to me and Martin, and our DNA can prove it!"

When Tony brought up the DNA, Ben was convinced it was true and said, "You're a good girl. Martin should be glad he has a girl like you who likes him."

Tony loved hearing that.

Big Ben started steer the conversation toward his own ideas: "But there's something I, as your friend, must remind you of."

He said very seriously, "Many big-name Hollywood stars have illegitimate children, such as Martin's best friend Jack Nicholson. Toni, you can look it up. Back then, Nicholson's illegitimate child scandal caused a huge uproar, but he refused to admit it, and even now, his attitude remains unchanged."

Toni's smile gradually faded.

Ben continued, "Have you thought about what you'll do if Martin refuses to acknowledge the child in your belly?"

"No, it won't happen." This was the first time Tony's fantasy had fallen into reality since she became pregnant, and the contrast made her feel a little uncomfortable. She didn't want to face it: "The Martin I know is sunny, handsome, and responsible. He's a hero, not this kind of person."

Ben reminded him, "Don't forget, Jack Nicholson is his best friend."

Toni was silent for a while before saying, "No matter what, I will give birth to this child."

Ben encouraged her: "This is your child, of course you should give birth to it. A father has a responsibility to his child, both morally and legally."

Toni placed her hands on her stomach: "I don't care about myself, but my child should have a father and should grow up in an environment full of paternal and maternal love."

"You're absolutely right." Ben Affleck looked nostalgic. "I'm a father too. I've had a family, and I have children."

He was a mediocre actor in Hollywood, but he was more than capable of handling Toni: "As a father, I can't watch my friend's child grow up without a father, Toni, I'll help you."

Toni also realized that the problem might not be as simple as she thought. It would be good to have someone who knew Hollywood help her come up with ideas, so she said, "Ben, I'll come to you for advice when I need it."

Ben smiled and nodded: "You can call me anytime."

Tony was encouraged and felt that she could solve any problem she encountered.

Ben quickly said goodbye and left. After leaving Tony's house and arriving at the elevator, he couldn't help but clench his fist and wave it a few times.

After spending so much time, we finally found Martin's weakness.

Back at his apartment, Casey Affleck was waiting for him and asked, "Are you sure?"

Ben couldn't contain his excitement: "That's right, it's Martin Davis's illegitimate child."

"I thought he was a real oddity among Hollywood stars." Casey gave a disdainful smile. "Turns out he's no different from everyone else."

Ben Affleck said, "This is Hollywood. Where isn't there cheating, having affairs, forcing women, having illegitimate children, or being a Cao fan?"

Cassie laughed heartily.

Ben added, "Tony still has some time before giving birth. Our mission during this time is to protect Tony and ensure she delivers the baby smoothly. Only with this child can we truly get justice."

Cassie nodded: "I'll protect you in the shadows, and you'll take care of me in the open."

These two are even more attentive than Jennifer Garner was when she was pregnant.

Now all they have to do is make sure Toni gives birth to the baby.

…………

In Beverly Hills, Bruce drove his Escalade into the neighborhood and, not far ahead, Martin noticed a car parked in front of him.

Two people were arguing by the car: his neighbors, Charlize Theron and Stuart Townsend.

Martin initially didn't want to get involved, but seeing Stuart's face suddenly reminded him of what happened a few days ago when he was taking out the trash.

"Old Brooks, stop the car," Martin said.

The Cadillac Escalade pulled up behind the sedan. Bruce, who had heard Martin mention the trash can being kicked, said, "You don't really want what he said about you to become true, do you?"

Martin clutched his chest and said, "It's really painful to be slandered out of thin air, you know that feeling? I hate rumors the most!" He opened the car door and got out, then asked, "Old Brooks, do you know what the simplest way to dispel rumors in this world is?"

Bruce knew this scoundrel best and muttered, "Turning rumors into reality will make them crumble on their own."

Martin got out of the car and heard the two arguing fiercely.

He doesn't care who's right or wrong; at this moment, good looks represent justice.

Martin called out, "Sally, should I call the police?"

Upon hearing this, the aggressive Stewart turned around and immediately saw Martin. He angrily retorted, "Ha, you two have no relationship? I'm arguing with you, and you call him over to help?"

Charlize was so angry she didn't want to say anything.

Martin, standing on the other side of the car, asked again, "Are you alright?"

Stuart shouted, "None of your business!"

Martin ignored him and asked Charlize, "There are so many people coming and going here, should I take you back first?"

Charlize, not wanting to argue outside, said, "Thank you for your help."

She ignored Stewart and walked around to Martin's Cadillac.

Martin went over and opened the car door for her, but neither of them paid any attention to Stewart, and they got into the Cadillac one after the other.

Bruce immediately drove away from there.

Stuart was furious and kicked the car wheel hard.

In the car, Charlize said, "I'm sorry you had to see this."

Martin reassured her, "Elizabeth and I argue sometimes too."

Charlize shook her head: "He's completely unreasonable. I just got back from an location shoot and he started arguing with me on the way home."

She glanced at Martin: "He actually slandered me, saying we had an affair."

"This is my fault..." Martin specifically mentioned what happened a few days ago: "I went out to throw out the trash that day and happened to run into Stu. He confronted me and asked if I was with you, you know what I mean. I denied it and refuted him, which made him even angrier, and he kicked my trash can until it was deformed."

He said helplessly, "If I hadn't argued with him that day, maybe he wouldn't be arguing with you today."

Charlize hadn't expected this. Nothing had happened between her and Martin, so she felt no guilt and was even more dissatisfied with Stewart: "I'm sorry, Martin, I didn't expect that my personal matters would implicate you."

Martin smiled and said, "It's alright. We're neighbors and friends, and we help each other out."

The Cadillac stopped in front of Charlize's house, and Charlize got out and went home.

After Martin returned home, he put the matter aside for the time being, as Tom Cruise invited him to a party the following night.

(End of this chapter)