**Chapter 254: A Drink of "Rat Tail" Cocktail**

"Hahaha~"

In a booth at the bar, Luca and his friends were chatting happily.

On the second floor, Pete glanced down, squinting slightly.

"This kid is really enjoying himself. Have we not put enough pressure on him?"

"."

His assistant, Wilson, looked down too and sighed softly, 

"Luca has a lot of friends in Hollywood. It's hard to completely block him out, and it's not really worth it. According to our investigation, he and Jenny haven't had much contact in private, so you don't need to worry too much about him."

"Of course, I know there's nothing between him and Jenny. The reason I'm dealing with him is because I don't like him. He's all over the place, with no sense of decorum."

Pete sneered coldly, taking a puff from his cigar, expertly blowing a smoke ring.

"As a senior in this industry, it's our duty to teach him how to behave, isn't it?"

Wilson nodded. This was Hollywood's way.

The upper class makes the rules, enjoys them, and newcomers must follow them.

Luca, in his quest for fame, had crossed some lines, even using Aniston's name to stir up drama. That was a breach of protocol.

With a few phone calls, Pete had blocked Luca's Hollywood career. However, others seemed to have also joined in, as there were many people in both Hollywood and the fashion industry who didn't like Luca.

"Hahaha~"

Another burst of laughter came from downstairs.

Pete frowned, "Is that kid into drugs? Find a way to get him thrown in jail."

Wilson shook his head, "He seems to have quit."

"Quit completely?"

Pete was doubtful. Once someone touches drugs, it's hard to quit entirely.

"Yes, according to our investigation, he leads a very healthy lifestyle. He's never been involved with drug dealers, and he reportedly doesn't even touch marijuana."

"That's impossible. He's just hiding it well. You guys should dig deeper. Even if he's not using drugs, there's got to be something else—gambling, prostitution, alcohol abuse, theft. Is he really squeaky clean in all of those areas?"

"No. Aside from some messy relationships, he's actually quite clean in other areas."

"Can we use those relationships against him?"

"It's difficult. He's handled them very discreetly, with no obvious scandals."

Wilson affirmed.

"Heh, so you're saying there's no way to deal with him?"

"That's right!"

Wilson thought for a moment and said, "But ever since the rumors started spreading, all the companies have been distancing themselves from him. He can't make any moves in Hollywood right now. Maybe in a few days, he'll leave on his own."

"Pete, there's no need to waste more energy on him. Just give it some time. Once he loses hope, he'll leave Hollywood, disheartened."

".Alright!"

Pete was busy with big projects at his company and filming a movie. He didn't have time to focus on this for now.

He glanced at the booth downstairs, the muscles in his face twitching slightly.

"Little mouse, I hope you can keep laughing a little longer."

"Haha, Luca, you must've pissed someone off. The news has been so harsh on you. Some of the comments are funny, like jokes.

Just like yesterday, *Hollywood Film Weekly* criticized your role for not having enough screen time, saying Mekhi Phifer outshone you. They clearly didn't even watch the movie and still think you were the lead."

In the booth, Rachel smiled as she spoke.

"Yeah, I don't know who I've upset, but it feels like the whole world is against me."

Luca shrugged, looking helpless.

"Don't you know who's messing with you?"

Ryan raised an eyebrow and whispered, "But we heard rumors that you've been fooling around with both Pete's and Leonardo's girls."

"That's nonsense. I have standards. I'd never get involved with someone else's partner."

Luca said firmly.

"What about Britney?"

Ryan teased.

"Don't bring up Britney. I've explained that situation a thousand times."

Luca was tired of explaining.

"Luca, if it's just a misunderstanding, maybe you should have someone mediate."

Naomi Watts smiled as she set down her glass.

"That's... worth a try."

Rachel nodded.

Luca thought for a moment, then shook his head.

"Forget it. A little pressure isn't bad. Pressure creates motivation, right?"

"Haha, you're pretty optimistic."

Rachel glanced at him, her lips curving into a beautiful smile.

"Don't be too optimistic. You're just a newbie, a tender sprout. Be careful not to get crushed."

Ryan teased as he wrapped his arm around Rachel.

"Don't worry, I'm in great shape."

"Didn't you injure your back twice?"

"..."

Luca's face darkened. "I don't want to talk to you anymore!"

"Hahaha~"

Everyone laughed.

"Mr. Kelly?"

At that moment, the bartender came over.

"Yes, what is it?"

Luca asked, confused.

"Yes, a guest ordered you a 'Rat Tail' cocktail. Enjoy!"

The bartender set down the glass.

The Rat Tail is a cocktail made from a plant called sage. It's black, like ink.

"The person who ordered it must be a girl. Luca, your charm is impressive!"

Ryan said jealously. Even as a big star, no one had ordered him a drink.

"Hehe~"

Luca glanced up at the second floor, catching a familiar figure slipping away.

A Rat Tail cocktail? 

Is someone calling me a little rat?

A 'Rat Tail' drink?

"Luca, why do you look upset?"

Rachel asked, curious.

"Nothing."

Luca shrugged and smiled, "I just don't like this drink."

"I've had it before. It's a bit bitter."

Ryan shook his head.

Luca pushed the glass aside and started talking about other things with the group. They didn't leave the bar until after 4 PM.

Whew~

As the car hit the road, Luca exhaled, his face gradually darkening.

There was anger, but also a sense of helplessness.

Today felt like a slap in the face, but when it came to Pete, he had no way to fight back.

He could only swallow his pride, and that feeling was awful.

"Fuck!"

He angrily slapped the steering wheel.

Beep beep~

"Hey~ Luca, you look terrible!"

On the road to Malibu, a sports car pulled up next to him, driven by the stunning Jolie. She was wearing a black jacket, with a cigarette between her red lips, looking cool.

Luca glanced at her but didn't bother responding, speeding up.

"Haha, Luca, wanna race? I'll give you a head start!"

Jolie skillfully kept pace with him, no matter how fast he went.

"Luca, I heard Pete's really messing with you. No movie company wants to work with you anymore. Need my help? I've still got that role as the psychotic killer open. Want it?"

Luca ignored her.

"Hey~ Did you go mute?!"

Jolie snorted and bumped her car into his.

Bang! 

Luca was startled and quickly turned the wheel, almost veering off the road.

"Crazy woman, what are you doing?"

He shouted angrily.

"Kid, I was talking to you, didn't you hear?"

"What are you saying? That I'm a mess?"

Luca, frustrated, sped up.

"Come on, how bad could it be? A grown man can't handle a little heat? Pathetic!"

Jolie scoffed.

"..."

"Hey, it's been a while since we played a game. Wanna play?"

Jolie bumped his car again.

Bang! 

This time, Luca tried to avoid her, but there was a guardrail on the side of the road. His car scraped against it, and his head hit the steering wheel, making his mind buzz, stars flashing in front of his eyes.

He wiped his forehead—he was bleeding.

"Uh, are you alright?"

"..."

Luca took a deep breath, "Jolie, you want to play a game?"

"Forget it, you're hurt."

Seeing his bloodshot eyes, Jolie remembered their last encounter and felt a little nervous.

"It's nothing. This is just a scratch."

Luca wiped the blood from his face.

"What, are you scared?"

"Scared of you?!"

Jolie scoffed.

"Then let's do this!"

He slammed on the gas.

If he couldn't get back at Pete, he'd take it out on Jolie.

Vroom vroom~ 

The two cars sped down the road, flying through the air.

(End of chapter)