America achieves both fame and fortune

Chapter 544 Extortion

It's not exactly big news that a top Hollywood star has an illegitimate child, because it's happened far too often in the past. For example, Jack Nicholson didn't dare to do a DNA test and settled out of court.

But Martin has another identity besides being a Hollywood star—an American hero.

Media reporters surrounded both sides of the red carpet, while the organizer's security personnel were watching closely, ready to pounce at any moment.

Bruce knew that getting the man out of there first was the best course of action: "You can talk to Martin in person."

Toni still harbored illusions about Martin. Holding her child, she followed Bruce resolutely toward the hotel entrance.

Midway through, she glanced back.

Ootengu Toni nodded.

In recent days, he has spent considerable time considering various possible developments based on Toni's account, the prevailing environment in the industry, and Martin Davis's own tough personality.

Ben Affleck had worked as a screenwriter and director, winning an Oscar for the former and possessing considerable talent for the latter. Based on the "facts" Tony mentioned, further deduction was no challenge for him, and he made various psychological assumptions for Tony based on this.

Toni told him that Martin had slept with her and they had gotten pregnant.

Thinking this through, Ben suddenly laughed. Martin Davis would definitely refuse, and the real fun would begin after he refused!

In some ways, it was indeed as he had expected. Faced with the sudden appearance of a so-called illegitimate child, Martin could not possibly admit it, because it was absolutely not true.

Upon entering the hotel, the experienced Nicholson advised Martin: "If you were responsible, or if you're unsure, give them a sum of money to get rid of them quickly; the longer you drag it out, the more trouble you'll cause."

Leonardo didn't think it was a big deal, and gloated, "While you're at it, think carefully about how to explain this to your girlfriend."

"It has nothing to do with me," Martin said seriously first, then patted Leonardo on the shoulder: "Sorry for messing up your event."

Leonardo shook his head: "We don't need to talk nonsense between us. Let's get this sorted out. If you need anything, call me and Jack."

Nicholson asked, "Do you want me to come with you? I'm very experienced in dealing with illegitimate children who come to your door."

Martin said, "You should stay with Leo. I'll call for help if I need it."

Leonardo and Nicholson continued with their activities, while Martin asked for a lounge at the hotel and waited patiently.

Not long after, Bruce and Thomas, who had rushed over, brought Toni into the lounge.

Martin glanced at the baby she was holding. The child had stopped crying and was blinking its eyes, curiously observing the world.

Toni leaned closer and said, "John, look, this is your dad."

Martin unconsciously took a step back, thinking to himself, "This woman is crazy!"

But he didn't go crazy. Seeing Bruce nod slightly, he said, "I remember you. You asked me for autographs at the Times Square book signing in New York, wearing a wedding dress."

"Yes, it's me, Tony. I left you a card with my contact information." Tony said these words to Ben many times, probably even believing it herself: "After a while, you contacted me, and not long after, I had John."

She opened her eyes wide, her gaze full of expectation: "John has your blood in him, look at him, he looks just like you."

Thomas's face darkened, and he warned, "Madam, please watch your words. You are defaming Martin and will face legal consequences!"

Tony said, "I'm telling the truth. If you think there's a problem, I can take John with me to get a DNA test!"

Thomas's heart skipped a beat at these words, and he couldn't help but turn to look at Martin, wondering if it was true.

After all, Martin's playboy reputation was known throughout the United States, so it wouldn't be surprising if he accidentally caused a murder.

Martin calculated the timeline, which was impossible, and he remembered very clearly that he had never had any relationship with this woman.

The only time they faced each other directly was at a book signing event in Times Square, New York.

Martin smiled and said tentatively in a kind tone, "Tony, you're a good girl. I don't know what's going on between you and Ben Affleck, but I have some personal issues with him. Don't let you and your child become tools in his hands."

Toni hugged the child tightly: "Ben was right, you're just making excuses to deny it!"

Over the past few months, Ben and Toni have gotten along extremely well, and under their subtle influence, it's not something Martin could easily persuade with just a few words.

Martin smiled and shook his head: "You have nothing to do with me, and this child has nothing to do with me either!"

Toni discovered that Ben was absolutely right; these Hollywood stars were two-faced and would never admit to having illegitimate children.

She said, "Martin, I've poured my heart and soul into this child. If you don't admit it, we'll have to see you in court."

Martin deliberately asked, "What if I don't want to see you in court?"

Toni gently patted the child: "Acknowledge that he is your son."

Martin subtly guided her, "I have no relationship with your son. What if you want to leave?"

Toni's first thought was that Martin wanted to pay, like many Hollywood stars do.

Big Ben had told her more than once not to talk about money first.

But all of Tony did was for money.

Toni was a woman with her own ideas. The allure of money was stronger than anything else. She said, "Ten million dollars. I'll sign the agreement with you, take John, leave Los Angeles, and never come back."

Martin declared righteously, "I do not accept your threats!"

Toni was also a little angry. Is it too much for a father with assets of seventy or eighty million dollars, or even hundreds of millions, to give his son and his mother ten million dollars?

She said, "Martin, I'll call the police and sue you!"

Martin asked, "How much? I didn't hear you clearly."

"Ten million dollars!" Tony emphasized again, "Give me ten million dollars, and I'll disappear with John immediately."

People who are only after money can't be dismissed with words alone. Martin is well aware that he is definitely not as attractive as the US dollar.

Martin stood up, feeling there was no point in continuing the discussion, since he wasn't going to give a single penny: "Go ahead and leave."

Toni looked at the child in her arms, her disappointment turning to despair at the child's father's indifference. She said, "I will apply to the court for a paternity test!"

Martin didn't say anything more and left the lounge.

Thomas, worried, quickly caught up from behind and asked, "Are you sure?"

Martin stated bluntly, "Who knows better than me whether my brother did it or not?"

The three of them went into another room.

Martin said, "I saw Ben Affleck next to this woman named Toni, and Casey Affleck seemed to be nearby too. They were very likely involved!"

Thomas was confused: "Them? Old Brooks said this woman was one of your old female fans..."

Bruce said, "They first appeared in the Coty neighborhood of Sherman Oaks, where reporters blocked the door and a dozen women came out to dance topless. Later, they even attended a book signing in New York wearing a wedding dress and claiming to be Martin's wife. If I remember correctly, Toni was the one leading them."

Martin couldn't understand: "Was she bluffing by voluntarily requesting a DNA test? Or was she confident?"

Bruce asked, "Did some slut sneak off with your genetic material in her mouth and then share it with her?"

"No, absolutely not," Martin said. "Every time, I watched them swallow it all, and besides, I stopped using condoms last year..."

At this point, both he and Old Bu remembered: "These women used to rummage through our trash cans!"

Martin looked at Old Brooks: "It's not yours, is it?"

"Don't talk nonsense, it's definitely not mine!" Bruce was also very careful: "I used all my money on Kim and Kohler."

Thomas knew who Kim and Kohler were, and looked at Bruce in surprise. This guy was really something else!

Martin frowned. "That's strange." He quickly made a decision: "Find the best private investigator to investigate Tony's whereabouts and profession since last year, and see how she got together with Ben."

Bruce nodded: "I have accomplices at the Pinkerton Detective Agency. As long as the commission is right, these are all minor issues."

Martin asked, "Did you just record a recording?"

Bruce took out a voice recorder, pressed the speaker button, and paused it when Toni said $1000 million.

"Although I don't know where the problem lies, I can be sure that the child has nothing to do with me!" Martin, a patient with deep-seated persecution complex, still had this much confidence.

Having had a relationship in the last two years, it's impossible for him to have his things leaked out.

If Kate, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Aniston, Daddario, Elizabeth, and others were to hold a child and claim it as theirs, it might be true, but there's absolutely no way it could be Toni!

Martin added, "We've always done things honestly and fairly. Since Toni is threatening me with $1000 million, call the police. I'm being blackmailed."

Thomas asked again, "It's not yours?" Seeing Martin nod firmly, he said, "Okay, call the police."

Martin took out his phone and said to Thomas, "Go find Leo. He's the one who organized this event. Tell him I need to borrow his venue to hold a press conference."

Thomas nodded and immediately went to find Leonardo.

Martin pressed 911, dialed the emergency number, and said after the call connected, "I am Martin Davis? Yes, Martin Davis, an honorary citizen of Los Angeles. I am being blackmailed by a woman at the Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel. She is threatening me and demanding $1000 million from me..."

At 911 in Los Angeles, there was a list of outstanding individuals, and Martin was one of them.

After finishing the call, the operator quickly relayed the situation.

Martin, on the other hand, found McLean's phone and said directly, "I've been blackmailed for $1000 million..."

Without further ado, McLean said he would be there in person very soon.

Almost simultaneously, Leonardo announced at the event that there would be a brief press conference later.

(End of this chapter)