Entertainment: Starting as a Succubus, Taking Hollywood by Storm

Evans Crookes manipulated the computer, and a transfer of $1 million successfully reached Hasfah's Swiss bank account.

Hasfah took the laptop, checked the transfer, and laughed heartily. "The internet is truly a wonderful thing. It makes everything so simple."

Patting Evans on the shoulder, he said, "Very good, my friend. I accept our deal."

He then gestured to one of his assistants, who brought over a briefcase and handed it to Evans. "Everything I know is in here. We're square now."

Without waiting for a response, Hasfah left with his two assistants, clearly uninterested in continuing the conversation with his "friend."

Evans opened the briefcase, and Martin shifted his magical viewpoint to observe the contents.

As Evans flipped through the pages inside, his expression grew increasingly grim, while Martin's grew increasingly amused.

Bang!

Evans slammed his hand on the table and stood up, his face dark as he called out to Hasfah, who was already at the door. "Mr. Hasfah, wait a moment! This doesn't include the oilfield's coordinates."

The documents in the briefcase turned out to be detailed information about the bidding process. While valuable, the problem was that Texas Oil Group had already purchased the same information for $1 million.

Hasfah had essentially sold the same goods twice.

Evans was on the verge of exploding with rage.

Martin, meanwhile, was trying not to laugh himself silly.

Hasfah turned back with a look of feigned surprise. "My friend, I never said I knew the location of the oilfield. What I said was that I had some confidential information. And this," he pointed to the briefcase, "is the confidential information. What? Are you trying to back out of our deal?"

Of course, Evans wanted to back out.

But seeing Hasfah now completely sober, he realized he had been played.

And yet—

Hasfah was not someone who could accomplish much himself, but he was undoubtedly capable of causing significant problems. If offended, he could sabotage Texas Oil Group's bid at every turn.

Suppressing his fury, Evans forced a smile and said, "Of course not. This is just a small expense for our company. Let's call it a gift for Mr. Hasfah to enjoy some more fine wine."

Hasfah burst into laughter and nodded. "Excellent! Evans, you're truly a good friend."

Evans' heart was bleeding. If the bid failed, he knew the board would tear him apart for the overspent budget.

Before leaving, Hasfah added, "Let me give you one more piece of advice. The exact location of the oilfield is known only to Sheikh Zayed and the Crown Prince."

Hearing this, Evans felt a sliver of relief. There was still hope. As long as he had a direction, he had a chance.

In the next room, Martin smirked and muttered, "No, you don't." With that, he dismissed the magical water screen.

The current Sheikh of the UAE (also the president) was both the King of Dubai and the father of the Crown Prince to whom Jordan's King Abdullah wanted to marry off Princess Haya.

Arabian names often distinguished father and son through middle names.

The UAE and Dubai's current king: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.His son, Dubai's Crown Prince: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Martin's plan was to leverage King Abdullah—Princess Haya's brother—to gain access to these two figures.

Princess Haya moved swiftly.

Within three days of their meeting, Martin received an audience with King Abdullah II of Jordan.

In the palace in Amman, Martin finally met Princess Haya's brother.

Thirteen years her senior, Abdullah II had a round face that appeared kind and friendly. He wore a suit paired with a traditional Arab headdress, creating a somewhat mismatched look.

This attire was typical for leaders in many Arab countries, symbolizing their attempt to balance a desire for Western alignment with a commitment to traditional identity.

Abdullah had studied at Oxford University in England and even served in the British Army. After returning to Jordan in 1985, he rose through the military ranks, holding positions such as armored battalion commander. Along the way, he studied at prestigious institutions like the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the British Infantry School, and the U.S. Armor School.

Abdullah's relationship with China was notably positive, primarily due to his consistent support for Palestine in the Israel-Palestine conflict—a stance rooted in history.

Jordan was carved out of Palestine. Originally part of Palestine, it became a British mandate after World War I. In 1921, the area east of the Jordan River became the Emirate of Transjordan, while the western region remained Palestine. Jordan and Palestine share deep cultural and historical ties, with many members of the Jordanian royal family marrying Palestinian women. Both Abdullah II and Princess Haya have Palestinian heritage.

"Martin Myers, welcome. I enjoy your novels and films. Please, have a seat," Abdullah greeted warmly.

"Your Majesty, it's an honor to meet you," Martin replied politely.

The two exchanged pleasantries, with Haya sitting nearby, quietly rolling her eyes. Two hypocritical men, she thought.

After some small talk, Abdullah broached the main topic. "My sister Haya mentioned you had something important to discuss. What is it?"

Martin smiled. "Could we speak privately?"

Abdullah was momentarily taken aback. After exchanging a glance with his chief bodyguard, he waved for the attendants and guards to leave the room.

Martin, still silent, casually twirled a crystal wine glass in his hand.

Abdullah, sensing the atmosphere, smiled and said to Haya, "Haya, you should leave as well."

Haya shot Martin a sharp glare as she left, her brother unable to see her expression.

Now, only Abdullah, Martin, and the chief bodyguard remained in the hall.

The bodyguard's watchful eyes never left Martin, one hand resting on the grip of his holstered pistol.

Martin glanced at the bodyguard and sighed internally. Great, another one to deal with. What a waste of effort.

An hour later, Martin emerged from the hall, looking relaxed. Abdullah followed closely behind, his demeanor unusually warm.

To Haya's shock, her brother even performed the traditional Arab gesture of pressing his nose to Martin's forehead—a sign of utmost respect and friendship.

"What on earth did he say to my brother?" Haya wondered.

If she didn't know better, she might have suspected Martin had done something illicit.

Her shock deepened when Abdullah beckoned her over and, smiling, said, "Martin told me about your concerns, my dear sister. If you don't want to marry Sheikh Mohammed, why didn't you just tell me? I would never force you to do something you dislike."

Haya's mind raced. Haven't I resisted enough? If I hadn't fought back, I would've been married off to that old Sheikh two years ago!

While part of her wanted to retort, another part was overwhelmed by disbelief.

Staring at her brother, her voice trembled as she asked, "Does that mean… I don't have to marry the Sheikh?"

"As long as you don't want to, yes."

Abdullah's answer left Haya both ecstatic and utterly bewildered.

She turned to Martin, who stood smiling nearby. Her shock turned into a mix of admiration and suspicion.

How did he pull this off?