Entertainment: Starting as a Succubus, Taking Hollywood by Storm

Leonardo was indeed destined to lose the bet.

After learning about the wager, Martin seized the opportunity when Rachel and Kate were apart and approached Kate.

"Hey, Kate, I heard you made a bet with Leonardo?"

Kate's face flushed. "We were just joking. Damn it, he actually told you!"

Martin smiled. "Yes, he told me. So, I'm betting you'll win."

Kate's eyes lit up, and she was about to say something when Rachel suddenly ran over. "Auntie Kate, Martin, what are you talking about?"

Kate frowned. "Hey, you call me 'Auntie' but call him 'Martin'? That makes me sound old!"

Rachel squinted, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "But Mom said it's polite."

"Then why don't you call Martin 'Uncle'?" Kate retorted.

"Because Martin is only three and a half years older than me!"

Kate was left speechless.

"Rachel, come back. Don't disturb your Auntie Kate."

A middle-aged woman walked over, took Rachel's hand, and greeted Martin politely. Then, she subtly winked at Kate.

The woman, Rachel's mother, was a theater actress and had been close friends with Kate for years. She knew her best friend had been eyeing Martin lately, especially after the Oscars. During one of their chats, Kate had grumbled, "Oh, Nicole Kidman is such a lucky woman. She actually got to sleep with Martin."

Rachel's mother had asked curiously, "How do you know they slept together?"

Kate had replied, "Hmph, I can smell the chemistry between them!"

Of course, Kate hadn't planned to act on her feelings—it was just harmless banter. The bet with Leonardo was the same.

But she never expected Leonardo to tell Martin about their little wager, and Martin's reaction surprised her even more.

It seemed… she actually had a chance!

But… wasn't Martin with Nicole?

Perhaps their relationship wasn't what everyone thought?

Maybe they were just friends with benefits?

No, judging by their interactions at the Oscars, they seemed quite close.

Kate was confused and even missed her friend's subtle hint until Martin spoke up.

"After the party, want to grab a drink?"

"Sure!"

Kate agreed with a smile. Only a fool would refuse.

As someone who appreciated good looks, Kate had no resistance to a handsome man like Martin.

However—

Good things never come easy.

"Oh my God, Rachel, what's wrong?"

A cry of alarm drew Martin and Kate's attention. They turned to see Rachel collapsed in her mother Sarah Hurd-Wood's arms, her beautiful little face turning red, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

The crowd gathered around, someone exclaiming, "Oh no, her tongue is swelling!"

Another added, "It's an allergic reaction! My cousin's kid had this happen once."

"Get her to the hospital!"

"Has anyone called 911?"

"Make way, make way!"

Leonardo pushed through the crowd, followed by Martin and Kate.

"What do we do? Someone help us!" Sarah cried, panicked. Her daughter had never experienced anything like this.

"Get her to the hospital. Her tongue is still swelling and could block her airway. It's probably an allergic reaction. A shot should fix it."

Martin only needed one glance to assess the situation. His vast knowledge and quick thinking gave him many skills, including basic medical expertise.

Without delay, he scooped Rachel into his arms and said to the tearful Sarah, "Ma'am, now's not the time to cry. We need to get her to the hospital. Let's take my car!"

With that, Martin dashed out of the house, carrying the girl. Sarah followed close behind, frantic.

Martin had driven himself today in a sapphire blue Bugatti. After racing one in Abu Dhabi, he'd developed a fondness for the brand.

He handed Rachel to Sarah, opened the car door, and turned to see Leonardo and Kate following.

He quickly said to Leonardo, "The car's too small for everyone. You stay here—you've got guests to attend to."

Leonardo glanced at the Bugatti's cramped interior and nodded. "Alright. Call me if anything happens."

"Got it."

Martin then turned to Sarah. "Ma'am, you hold Rachel in the front seat. Kate, squeeze into the back."

Once everyone was in, Martin slid into the driver's seat, and the Bugatti roared to life, speeding off.

Ten minutes later.

The Bugatti, followed by a police car, screeched to a halt outside the hospital.

Kate climbed out of the back seat, her legs wobbling, nearly collapsing to the ground.

Oh God, Martin had driven so fast her heart was still racing.

"Sir, you're under arrest for reckless driving—oh my God, you're Martin?!"

The officer was about to recite the standard spiel when he recognized Martin and immediately stopped.

Martin turned to Sarah and Kate. "Go inside. I'll handle this."

"Mr. Martin, I'm Officer Kurt. Is there anything I can do to help?"

The officer, who seemed to be in charge, treated Martin like his superior.

He quickly explained why.

After his initial statement, Kurt leaned in and whispered, "I'm from the Hollywood precinct."

Martin understood—this was one of Paul's men.

Which meant he was practically one of Martin's own.

He patted Kurt's arm and smiled. "Don't worry, I won't make things difficult for you. I'll explain the situation, and I'll accept any fines."

"Yes, Mr. Martin!" Kurt was visibly excited.

Martin's reputation was well-known throughout Hollywood and the entire West Coast police force.

Chief Paul had risen to his position thanks to Martin's help, while the former chief had been ousted for crossing him.

This story was practically legend among West Coast officers.

Martin had become a figure no one dared to offend—and a symbol of opportunity.

No wonder Officer Kurt was so cautious around him.

Taking Martin's statement felt less like an interrogation and more like receiving instructions from a superior.

"Everything's clear now, Mr. Martin. Your actions were completely justified. You don't need to come to the station, and you won't receive a ticket. Have a great evening!"

With that, Officer Kurt turned and returned to his car, speeding off into the night.

This… was privilege.

Martin sighed softly.