Entertainment: Starting as a Succubus, Taking Hollywood by Storm-Chapter 430 - 429: Soon, They Won’t Be Your Problem Anymore

If political asylum was the issue, Martin decided to discuss it with the Chinese government to see if they were willing to offer sanctuary to Iraq's former regime.

If that didn't work out, it would just take a bit more magic.

As his career soared, the magic within him accumulated as well, allowing him to accomplish more than ever before.

Martin and Gordon sat in David Scott's car, heading toward Campbell Oil's base at the Abu Dhabi port, while three bodyguards followed in another vehicle.

Since they needed a permanent presence in the region, Campbell Oil had purchased a small building here to serve as their UAE headquarters.

Entering the office that David Scott had reserved for him, Martin gave the luxurious décor a passing glance before losing interest.

"David, contact the former Iraqi government. Let them know I'm here and that I want to meet them face-to-face."

David Scott hesitated before replying with concern, "Those people are in hiding. If we want to talk to them in person, we'll have to go to them, but—"

He spoke frankly, "That would be extremely dangerous."

Then he added, "How about I go talk to them instead?"

Martin shook his head. "There are decisions you wouldn't be able to make on the spot, especially regarding political asylum. I need to handle this personally. As for the danger..."

He wasn't particularly worried, but he gestured toward Gordon and his bodyguards with a smile. "With them protecting me, I doubt I'll be in any real danger."

David Scott wanted to protest further, but at that moment, Martin's phone rang.

On the other end, a familiar voice—tired and weary—spoke.

"Martin, would you be interested in buying my half of the SONY/ATV music catalog? Seven hundred million, and it's yours."

It was Michael Jackson.

Martin was ecstatic. Looks like Mottola succeeded. He's really cornered Michael.

But he responded with feigned surprise, "Michael, are you serious? This catalog is your life's work!"

Michael's voice turned bitter. "Yes, it is my life's work. But as long as I own half of the catalog, Sony Music will never stop hounding me. Those bastards are like rabid dogs!"

"My situation has been terrible lately. I can't perform, I can't release music, I can't do commercials... Those people accusing me just won't back off. I'm at my limit. But I'd rather sell my catalog to you than let those scumbags win."

"But..."

"Martin, my brother. I have to warn you—if you buy it, Sony Music will shift their attention to you. It could bring you some trouble. I just want to be upfront about that. If you decide not to go through with it, I'll understand."

Martin burst into laughter. "Don't worry, I'm not afraid of them. I'll buy your share of the catalog. And—"

He decided to plant a seed for the future. "And I'll get revenge for you, Michael. I'll find a way to take Sony Music's half as well."

"Really? If that happens, I'd love to see it," Michael said.

"When can we sign the contract?" Martin asked.

"I'm free anytime. Can you come to New York? You know how hard it is for me to travel right now."

"New York is no problem. I'm currently in the UAE, but I'll catch the next available flight. I'll be there no later than the day after tomorrow. In the meantime, my legal team will head over to review the documents."

"Ok, I'll be waiting in New York."

"Michael Jackson is under investigation for money laundering. His assets are about to be frozen..."

"Reliable sources say Michael Jackson has been summoned by local authorities for questioning regarding child abuse allegations. Law enforcement wouldn't pursue him without cause..."

"Michael Jackson is on the verge of bankruptcy. No bank is willing to lend him money..."

On the plane, Martin flipped through a few newspapers and found nothing but negative press about Michael.

Mottola really pulled out all the stops with the media smear campaign.

In the original timeline, Mottola should have been fired by Sony Music in March, yet he was still clinging to his position.

Clearly, he had pulled some strings to hold on. All for a measly hundred million dollars—he was giving it everything he had.

Now, it all came down to whether he could sway Sony's board of directors.

What a coincidence.

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Just as Martin was thinking about Mottola, his phone rang the moment he stepped off the plane.

"Martin, I've convinced half the shareholders, but a few stubborn old men won't budge. I need Michael Jackson to apply some pressure on them. Can you make that happen?"

Martin smirked. "That won't be a problem."

Hanging up, he headed straight for Michael Jackson's ranch.

Michael was already waiting in the yard to greet him.

Martin noticed several people standing around—some from his own legal team, and others from Michael's camp. Among them were two familiar faces: Aaron Grubman, who handled Michael's record deals, and Branca, his longtime business partner.

The moment they entered the villa, Michael led Martin straight to the study, even waving away Grubman and Branca, who had wanted to follow.

"Martin, it's been a while. There are some things I need to tell you privately."

Michael gave him a slightly shy smile before stepping forward and giving him a hug. "Have a seat. Want something to drink?"

"Just some juice. Anything will do."

"Alright. Juice is a good choice. I've been drinking two glasses a day lately. You know, I haven't had much of an appetite, but juice gives me some vitamins and helps me sleep better..."

Michael chatted idly as he poured two glasses of mixed fruit juice—one for Martin, one for himself.

As he handed over the drink, Michael let out a dry chuckle and said,

"Martin, you know, as much as Sony Music has made my life hell, I've made things difficult for them too. Recently, some old man from Japan called me, urging me to give up my half of the catalog. He promised that if I did, they'd fix my legal troubles and even get rid of Mottola for me."

A sharp glint flashed in Michael's eyes as his smile faded into a look of seething resentment.

"These people think I'm a sheep, just waiting to be slaughtered. But I'll show them—I'm a lion. Even if I'm dying, I'll tear a piece off them before I go."

Martin replied calmly, "No need to get angry over them. Soon, they won't be your problem anymore."