《The Wolf of Los Angeles》 Chapter 1: Dinosaur Blood Chapter 1: Dinosaur Blood Hawk woke abruptly from his sleep, instinctively rolling out of bed and pressing himself against the wall. He edged cautiously toward the window and peered outside. The dry, yellowed grass was empty, and mist shrouded the distant lake. The howl came again¡ªa distinct cry of a North American coyote. This isn¡¯t the prison where they held me! Hawk thought, withdrawing his gaze with suspicion. He quickly surveyed his surroundings. A rough and dilapidated wooden cabin shielded him from the cold wind. Thick cobwebs blanketed the raw timber beams holding up the roof. The air was chilly. Hawk grabbed a thick coat nearby, noticing the words "Exclusive to the ¡®Singing Detective¡¯ Production Crew" printed on it. Looking around, he spotted a pristine newspaper and two documents on the wooden table in front of the fireplace. Hawk picked up the newspaper first. It was the January 5, 2002 edition of the published in Provo, Utah. A job listing had been circled in pen: ¡°Ackman Pictures''s ¡®Singing Detective¡¯ production crew is hiring temporary stunt actors. Requirements: male under 30, approximately six feet tall, physically fit, skilled in climbing and firearms. Professional experience preferred¡­¡± Setting the paper down, Hawk grabbed one of the documents. It was a temporary actor contract for the ¡®Singing Detective¡¯ crew, signed by Downing Ward. The other document was a comprehensive medical report and stunt actor insurance policy issued by the same production crew, also signed by Downing Ward. One clause in the insurance policy required all actors to undergo medical examinations before coverage. Flipping through the report, Hawk noted that all health indicators were normal. However, one detail caught his eye: The subject belongs to the Hh blood group system! A doctor he knew from his time in prison had once mentioned rare blood types. If Rh-negative was "panda blood," Hh blood was "dinosaur blood." Hawk instinctively glanced at his hands. His long fingers were calloused and weathered. He stepped to the wall, took down a dusty mirror, and wiped it clean. The reflection showed a head of messy brown hair like dried weeds. The slightly bloated face, unkempt beard, and somewhat pudgy body resembled a haggard, underfed brown bear emerging from hibernation. ¡°So, this is Downing Ward?¡± Hawk muttered, a flood of fragmented memories filling his mind. This body¡¯s original owner, Downing Ward, had grown up near Utah Lake, poaching wildlife with his father. Later, he dabbled in extreme sports but never made a name for himself. After his father¡¯s death, he returned to Provo, nursing heartbreak from a failed first love. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Living off cheap food, Downing gradually grew out of shape. With his wallet nearly empty, he stumbled upon the job ad in the paper. His decent physical condition earned him a temporary stunt actor role. The memories Ward left behind were sparse and vague, centering mainly on his background. Traveling back to 2002 was something Hawk could still process. After all, by the 2020s, stories of time travel had flooded the internet. But more importantly, Hawk was free. In his previous life, Hawk had worked in online reputation management before moving to North America, where he honed firearm and combat skills. He caused chaos across the United States, eventually earning a 200-year prison sentence in California. His home was a solitary cell in San Jose Prison, where he spent 23 hours a day confined. Life without freedom, waiting to die, was unbearable. His stomach growled. Hawk opened the peeling fridge, finding a pack of bread and half a jar of jam. He checked the expiration date, grabbed a knife, and spread jam over the bread. As he ate, he thoroughly inspected the cabin. In the modern world, survival requires money. Hawk found a wallet containing $17 in cash. Using skills from his previous life, he discovered a hidden compartment near the bed. Using the knife, he pried open the wooden panel and pulled out a metal box. Inside, wrapped in plastic, were six driver¡¯s licenses¡ªmale and female, young and old, from all over the United States. Beneath the licenses lay a small M60 snub-nose revolver. Hawk picked up the revolver, expertly opening the cylinder to find only four bullets remaining. He carefully inspected the ammunition and the firearm¡ªboth were in good condition. Satisfied, he reloaded the revolver and tucked it into his coat pocket. This remote wilderness, with the sprawling Utah Lake right in front of the cabin, sparked a grim suspicion in Hawk¡¯s mind. Old Ward must have dabbled in shady dealings. Flipping through the driver¡¯s licenses, Hawk¡¯s gaze froze on one. He plucked it from the stack and tucked it away. The license belonged to someone named Hawk Osman, born in 1980. With short black hair and a face somewhat resembling his current appearance, it seemed usable. The remaining five licenses were either of different genders, too old, or too young to be of use. Hawk thoroughly searched the cabin again but found nothing new. Heading to the fireplace, he lit a fire and burned the other five licenses into ashes. He mixed the remnants with the wood ash, placed them in a trash bin, and carried them out. Crossing the dry grassland, Hawk climbed to a high point by the shore of Utah Lake, scattering the ashes into the water below. The weather was cold and overcast, hinting at impending snowfall. Hawk returned to the cabin and sat by the wooden table, pondering his next move. His past experiences urged him to stir up something significant, but he knew the influence of a single person was inherently limited. How can one gain massive influence? The answer was obvious: power and wealth. In America, the two were often interchangeable. Hawk glanced at the shabby cabin and his wallet containing only $17. His brow furrowed deeply. To make progress, he needed to leave Provo. He thought of Los Angeles, where he had spent time in his past life. His eyes drifted to the stunt actor contract on the table. In America¡¯s rigid social hierarchy, it was extremely difficult for the poor to climb the ranks. Hawk became strikingly pragmatic. Power and wealth were distant goals; his immediate priority was earning enough money to reach Los Angeles and avoid homelessness. He looked down at the jacket bearing the "Singing Detective" logo. The stunt actor gig was something he couldn¡¯t afford to give up¡ªat least for now. As he mulled over his options, the sound of a car engine reached his ears. Hawk quickly pulled the revolver from his pocket and moved to the window, peering outside cautiously. An old two-seater Dodge pickup truck approached from the highway, stopping at the stone path leading to the cabin. The driver¡¯s door opened, and a blond, fair-skinned man about Hawk¡¯s age stepped out, wearing a thick jacket also emblazoned with "Singing Detective." He marched to the door, pounding on it loudly and shouting, ¡°Hey, lazybones! Get up! It¡¯s the last day of filming¡ªdon¡¯t be late!¡± Hawk tucked the revolver back into his pocket, keeping the barrel pointed forward, and crept toward the door, staying close to the wall. In a deliberately groggy voice, he called out, ¡°Who is it? Who¡¯s banging on my door so early?¡± The man outside responded, ¡°It¡¯s me, David! Still hungover? Don¡¯t even recognize my voice?¡± He sounded impatient. ¡°Today¡¯s the last day of filming, and we¡¯re getting a week¡¯s pay after this. Stop dawdling¡ªhurry up!¡± Chapter 2: Body Donation Agreement Chapter 2: Body Donation Agreement The Dodge pickup truck rumbled down the highway toward downtown Provo. ¡°Hey buddy, your gas tank¡¯s running low. Remember to fill it up later,¡± said David, the driver. ¡°Last night, you were drunk off your ass, and I had to drive you home. Now I¡¯m up early to pick you up¡­¡± ¡°Thanks,¡± Hawk replied curtly. ¡°Thanks isn¡¯t enough. Show some action,¡± David grumbled, clearly fishing for something. ¡°The Sundance Film Festival in Park City is just around the corner. It¡¯s not far. Let¡¯s go check it out together. You cover the expenses.¡± David was an actor with aspirations: ¡°If we¡¯re lucky, we might meet a big-shot director who could give us a break.¡± Hawk glanced at him. This guy, with his blonde hair, blue eyes, and handsome face, looked like someone destined for the big screen. Hawk quipped, ¡°Better get your butt cleaned up first.¡± Anyone remotely familiar with the entertainment industry knew the subtext. David did too. ¡°Can¡¯t there be a chance it¡¯s a beautiful female director?¡± Hawk laid it bare: ¡°You¡¯ll only meet a hyena director.¡± David frowned. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± ¡°Someone who doesn¡¯t just shoot movies but also specializes in rectal reconstructive surgery.¡± David went silent, focusing on the road as they drove into Provo¡¯s modest downtown, the city¡¯s tallest cluster of buildings nestled in the center of this town of 100,000. The filming location for was a modest eight-story building that the crew had fully rented. David parked in the lot and quickly tousled his smooth blonde hair into a messy bird¡¯s nest. Then, he scooped some dirt from the ground and smeared it on his face. Hawk raised an eyebrow. ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°You still drunk?¡± David shook his head in disbelief. ¡°Don¡¯t you remember? The lead actor, Robert Downey Jr., is a total diva. After a hit, he doesn¡¯t tolerate anyone on set looking better than him.¡± Hawk smacked his forehead. ¡°Hungover brain fog. My bad.¡± David handed him the car keys and pointed at Hawk¡¯s scruffy, unshaven face. ¡°You¡¯re fine. You¡¯re always in the safe zone. Not like me¡ªprime jealousy target.¡± Ignoring him, Hawk headed toward the crew¡¯s base camp, David trailing behind. Several trailers dotted the lot, serving various departments. The two made their way to the stunt division¡¯s trailer and waited patiently. Hawk, appearing casual, chatted up those around him, quickly piecing together the situation. The film, funded and produced by California billionaire Buddy Ackman¡¯s Ackman Entertainment, had initially hired three stunt performers in Los Angeles. However, upon relocating to Provo for filming, the director, Keith Gordon, and producer, Bro Derek, decided to add more action sequences. One stunt performer twisted an ankle, and another¡ªa union member¡ªquit, citing non-compliance with union standards. This left only one stuntman on set. To save costs, the production decided to recruit locally, bringing on Hawk and David as temporary hires. At that moment, stunt coordinator Freddy returned from the director¡¯s unit. He gave the two a once-over and said, ¡°Put on black jackets and keep the black masks on.¡± An assistant handed them two jackets. Hawk let David pick first before taking the other and changing into it. Hawk ensured the coat he removed had its zippered pockets secured, concealing the revolver and car keys inside. Freddy tossed them each a head covering. ¡°Put them on and follow me to the set. Don¡¯t keep the crew waiting for your amateur hour.¡± Donning balaclavas that only revealed their eyes and nostrils, Hawk and David followed Freddy to the front of the building. The local hires were a cost-cutting measure, with their masked robber roles never requiring their faces to appear on camera. Even makeup was unnecessary. Near the building¡¯s main entrance, the set buzzed with preparation. The remaining stunt performer, Mackin, arrived but wasn¡¯t scheduled for this scene. As Hawk and David warmed up, the director¡¯s team trickled in. The assistant director, sporting a dramatic flourish, entered the set to brief the actors on their scenes. The robber roles were last-minute additions with no scripted dialogue. Everything would hinge on directions given right before shooting. The Dodge pickup truck sped down the road toward Provo¡¯s city center. ¡°Buddy, this wreck of yours is almost out of gas. Don¡¯t forget to fill it up,¡± David said from the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°Last night, you were wasted, and I had to drive you home. Now I¡¯m up early to pick you up again¡­¡± ¡°Thanks,¡± Hawk replied curtly. ¡°Thanks isn¡¯t enough. Show me some appreciation,¡± David said, clearly fishing for a favor. ¡°The Sundance Film Festival is just around the corner. It¡¯s not too far. Let¡¯s go check it out together. You foot the bill.¡± David had dreams of stardom: ¡°If we¡¯re lucky, we might bump into a big-name director who can help us hit the big time.¡± Hawk glanced at David¡¯s blonde hair, blue eyes, and strikingly handsome face. ¡°Better clean up your act,¡± he quipped. Anyone familiar with the entertainment industry knew the subtext. David understood. ¡°What if it¡¯s a beautiful female director?¡± Hawk delivered the hard truth: ¡°You¡¯re more likely to meet a predatory director.¡± ¡°What does that mean?¡± David frowned. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°A director who¡¯s into filmmaking and rectal reconstructive surgery.¡± David lapsed into silence, focusing on the drive as they entered Provo, a modest city of 100,000 located less than 100 miles from Salt Lake City. The production was based in a modest eight-story building rented entirely by the crew. David parked, messed up his sleek blonde hair into a chaotic nest, and even smeared some dirt on his face. Hawk raised an eyebrow. ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re still hungover?¡± David shook his head. ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear? Robert Downey Jr. hates anyone on set looking better than him when he¡¯s strung out.¡± Hawk smirked. ¡°Hungover brain fog. My bad.¡± David tossed him the car keys and nodded at Hawk¡¯s scruffy, unshaven face. ¡°You¡¯re safe¡ªalways below the threat threshold. Not like me, a walking jealousy magnet.¡± Ignoring David¡¯s self-congratulations, Hawk headed toward the crew¡¯s base camp. Several trailers filled the lot, each designated for a specific department. Hawk and David found the stunt division¡¯s trailer and waited. Casually chatting, Hawk quickly pieced together the situation. The film was funded and produced by California billionaire Buddy Ackman¡¯s Ackman Entertainment. The original stunt team had three members, but after the crew moved to Provo, director Keith Gordon and producer Bro Derek added more action scenes. One stunt performer injured their ankle, and another¡ªa union member¡ªleft, citing non-compliance with union rules. This left just one stuntman, forcing the production to hire Hawk and David locally. The stunt coordinator, Freddy, appeared, scrutinizing them before saying, ¡°Put on black jackets and masks.¡± Hawk let David pick first, then took the other jacket. He ensured his revolver and car keys remained secure in the zipped pocket of his old jacket. ¡°Mask on, follow me,¡± Freddy barked, leading them to the set. Their masked robber roles required no face time, sparing them makeup. At the front of the building, the set was abuzz with activity. Mackin, the remaining professional stunt performer, joined but wasn¡¯t slated for this scene. After warm-ups, the assistant director minced onto the set, explaining the scene with exaggerated gestures. ¡°You two are robbers who break into an argument and start fighting. You,¡± the assistant director said, pointing at Hawk, ¡°take him down quickly, then run toward the building. Got it?¡± ¡°Got it,¡± Hawk replied. The clapboard snapped. David swung a punch at Hawk, who instinctively blocked with his left hand and went for a groin kick with his right leg. Catching himself just in time, he aimed for David¡¯s thigh instead, landing a loud slap. David yelped, his eyes bulging. Hawk followed up with a throat grab and forceful shove while tripping David with his leg. David toppled backward like a felled log. Hawk sprinted toward the building. ¡°Cut!¡± the director called out. ¡°Beautiful work!¡± From the sidelines, Mackin folded his arms, whispering to Freddy, ¡°This guy¡¯s got skills.¡± ¡°Promising stunt talent,¡± Freddy agreed. Hawk helped David up. ¡°Buddy,¡± David grumbled, rubbing his leg, ¡°that wasn¡¯t what we rehearsed.¡± ¡°Improvised. Got carried away,¡± Hawk lied, still clueless about their supposed plans from the previous day. The assistant director returned, waving a limp wrist in Hawk¡¯s direction. ¡°Follow me.¡± They moved to another setup. The assistant director gestured to a second-story window. ¡°For this shot, you climb up there and crawl through.¡± Hawk surveyed the scene. The window was more than 13 feet high. Nearby streetlamps were about 26 feet tall but stood 10 feet away from the building¡ªtoo far for leverage. The building¡¯s walls were clad in matte granite panels, with occasional decorative protrusions forming 90-degree angles. Hawk backed into a corner formed by two walls, leaped up, braced himself with his hands and feet, and began scaling the wall like a spider. At about 6 feet, he slid back down. ¡°That¡¯ll work?¡± he asked. The assistant director waved him off to consult the director. When the cameras rolled, Hawk¡¯s slightly overweight body still retained its athletic core. In just a few breaths, he clambered to the second-floor ledge and slipped through the open window. The scene was approved in one take. Later, Robert Downey Jr. arrived on set, and the stunt team was done for the day. During downtime, David dragged Hawk to the second-floor crew lounge to kill time with video games. At lunch, they left their masks in the lounge. After lunch, David sent Hawk back for the masks. ¡°My leg¡¯s busted, thanks to you. You owe me.¡± Hawk shot him the finger but complied. In the lounge, he stumbled upon Robert Downey Jr. snorting white powder off a glass table. Startled, Downey glared. ¡°Out. Now.¡± Hawk grabbed their masks and a newspaper, muttering, ¡°Carry on.¡± Ignoring the actor¡¯s simmering fury, Hawk returned to the set with the masks. Sitting beside David, he flipped open the newspaper. The front page featured a headline: It detailed how stars Robert Downey Jr. and Katie Holmes had signed body donation agreements, encouraging others to do the same. Hawk smirked, dismissing it as Hollywood PR fluff. Behind the charitable facade, the industry¡¯s addiction issues were an open secret. Chapter 3: The Jump Chapter 3: The Jump Second Floor, Producer''s Office Three bodyguards patrolled the hallway while two others stood watch outside the office door. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Inside, Producer Bro Derek closed the door and asked the middle-aged man with brown hair who had just entered, ¡°Director of the Ackman Charity Foundation personally stopping by¡ªdoes this mean we¡¯ve found a match?¡± Barack Bernan, the Foundation Director with a prominent Jewish nose, replied, ¡°It was confirmed this morning, so I stopped by on my way. Hh blood type is extremely rare, and matching organs is even more difficult. Buddy Ackman¡¯s organs are failing, and the family launched an extensive search across all their spheres of influence. Your crew happened to find a match first.¡± There were details Barack didn¡¯t share. The Ackman family had previously prepared two fully matched organ donors, but both were disqualified after contracting HIV. Bro chuckled, ¡°I¡¯ve always had good luck.¡± ¡°If Mr. Ackman recovers, he¡¯ll meet with you personally,¡± Barack said. ¡°Congratulations on taking your career to the next level.¡± Bro brushed off the compliment. ¡°I just hope the company invests more resources in Sarah so she can make it to Hollywood¡¯s A-list as soon as possible.¡± Barack had no interest in actresses or doting husbands. Changing the subject, he asked, ¡°Have you done a background check?¡± Bro straightened up. ¡°The target is 22, from Provo, Utah, born into a low-income family. He dropped out of school before finishing high school. His parents are divorced; his mother moved to Europe a decade ago and never returned. His father, once a forest ranger, died a year and a half ago. The target lives alone and previously relied on church aid to get by.¡± Barack summarized: ¡°No family, no wealth, no influence¡ªthe perfect donor material.¡± He then inquired, ¡°Do you have a thorough plan? Mr. Ackman aims to enter politics after his recovery. We can¡¯t afford loose ends.¡± Bro had already considered this. ¡°The crew has one last rooftop stunt scene. Originally planned as a wire stunt, I¡¯ll have the director revise it into a jump stunt. The target will be injured and sent to Los Angeles for treatment, showcasing our mercy.¡± He added, ¡°The target isn¡¯t a union member, so the stunt performers¡¯ guild won¡¯t intervene. Plus, he signed a donation agreement as part of our charity campaign. We¡¯ll follow standard procedures.¡± Barack asked, ¡°A jump stunt¡ªare you confident?¡± ¡°Freddy, our stunt coordinator, was personally brought on by Mr. Ackman and has experience with such operations. He¡¯s also under our control,¡± Bro assured him. Bro picked up the phone and made a call: ¡°Come over.¡± Within 30 seconds, there was a knock at the door, and Freddy, a fellow Jewish man, entered. Bro wasted no time. He explained the scene changes and the ultimate goal: ¡°I need the target injured and alive when sent to Los Angeles.¡± Freddy, who owed his career to the Ackman family, nodded without hesitation. ¡°We¡¯ll slightly adjust the direction of the three wire rigs, inflate a safety cushion in the back lot, and move the control station downstairs. I¡¯ll handle the controls personally. No problem.¡± Barack added, ¡°There¡¯s a private jet waiting at Hunter Private Airport on the west side of town. The target will be flown to Los Angeles immediately.¡± To ensure success, he gestured to the bodyguards outside. ¡°The five men I brought will stay here. Three will monitor the set to ensure the target doesn¡¯t get suspicious or try to escape. The other two will go to his residence and destroy anything that needs erasing.¡± Freddy saw an opportunity and volunteered: ¡°Let me coordinate everything.¡± Bro patted him on the shoulder. ¡°I¡¯m counting on you.¡± Barack checked his watch. ¡°I¡¯ll leave this to you. I have a charity gala tonight and must accompany Miss Ackman. A flight to Los Angeles is waiting. So many sick children need my help.¡± Bro smirked knowingly. ¡°Primarily their mothers, I¡¯d imagine.¡± Both men laughed. Hawk noticed that the stunt crew was busier than before. The rooftop wire rigs were being adjusted, and a green-screen-like inflatable safety cushion was being inflated in the back lot. Hawk asked David, ¡°What¡¯s the afternoon scene?¡± ¡°Rooftop wire stunt,¡± David replied casually. ¡°Are you sure?¡± Hawk frowned. He suddenly felt an unsettling presence behind him and quickly turned to look. Robert Downey Jr., hyped up and scowling, swaggered toward Hawk. David nudged Hawk and whispered, ¡°The drama queen¡¯s coming over.¡± Hawk turned to see Freddy and the assistant director approaching with Mackin, the other stuntman. They bypassed the inflated safety cushion and walked straight toward them. The assistant director spoke first: ¡°The afternoon scene has been modified. One of the characters will take a fall.¡± Downey, clearly intoxicated and irrational, pointed at Hawk, yelling, ¡°Him! Make this guy¡¯s character take the fall!¡± Freddy smiled at Hawk. ¡°The director has decided to change the scene. Your character will now jump from the building to conclude the scene.¡± Before Hawk could protest, Freddy added quickly, ¡°Relax. Hollywood pays extra for stunt jumps. This scene alone is worth $5,000. Plus, safety is guaranteed¡ªwe have the best stunt team in the industry. We¡¯ve done this dozens of times.¡± Hearing the payment amount, Mackin immediately protested: ¡°I can do the jump too! Put the black hood on me, and no one will know the difference.¡± Freddy glared at him. ¡°It¡¯s not your role.¡± Hawk felt a vague unease. Scanning the area, he spotted three suited men he had seen earlier on the second floor. They now formed a triangle within the crowd, with him and David at the center. The assistant director, growing impatient, waved a limp hand. ¡°Don¡¯t forget your contract. You¡¯re obligated to follow the crew¡¯s instructions.¡± A sudden surge of danger washed over Hawk. He judged it unwise to openly refuse. ¡°No problem,¡± he said calmly. ¡°Then get up there,¡± Freddy ordered. Keeping his expression neutral, Hawk followed David toward the building¡¯s rear entrance. Mackin, clearly itching for action, trailed them closely. Freddy grabbed the assistant director and issued a firm reminder: ¡°The producer is watching this scene closely. Make sure it goes smoothly, no matter what.¡± Hearing the producer¡¯s name, the assistant director straightened up and nodded. ¡°Leave it to me.¡± On the Rooftop Hawk rode the elevator with David and the others. Mackin and the assistant director stepped out first when the doors opened. Hawk deliberately lagged behind, seizing the opportunity to assess the rooftop¡¯s setup. Several crew members were ready with their equipment. A camera team stood by, and the wire rigging for the stunt had been fully prepared. The chill wind stung Hawk¡¯s face as he turned to David and asked in a hushed tone, ¡°Did we sign organ or body donation agreements too?¡± ¡°You really don¡¯t remember anything from last night?¡± David gave him a confused look. ¡°Yeah, we signed along with everyone else in the crew. They¡¯re using it for publicity. Didn¡¯t you see it in the papers?¡± Hawk¡¯s stomach dropped as he recalled the medical report and the mention of his rare "dinosaur blood." Words like ¡°harvest,¡± ¡°extraction,¡± and ¡°organ farming¡± surged through his mind. The assistant director waved a limp hand at Hawk. ¡°Hurry up.¡± ¡°I¡­ I need¡­ to use the restroom,¡± Hawk stammered, intentionally sounding frazzled. ¡°Wait¡­ I really need to go to the bathroom.¡± ¡°Hurry back!¡± the assistant director barked. Mackin pointed at Hawk¡¯s trembling legs and sneered, ¡°Look at that! He¡¯s shaking like a leaf! This coward¡¯s too scared to jump.¡± Several crew members, tasked with fitting safety gear, shook their heads in disapproval. Hawk, feigning panic, clutched David¡¯s arm. ¡°Take me to the bathroom! Quick! I can¡¯t hold it¡ªbig emergency!¡± ¡°Hold it in, man!¡± David groaned, guiding Hawk toward the nearest bathroom. Behind them, Mackin smirked derisively. ¡°Switch to me already. Same hood, same look. You can¡¯t count on this spineless wimp!¡± In the eighth-floor restroom, Hawk flung open the window and peered down. He spotted the black-suited man stationed near the safety cushion and another guarding the building¡¯s rear exit. David, confused, opened his mouth to ask a question, but before he could speak, a scream echoed from above. The whooshing sound of wind filled the air, followed by Mackin¡¯s anguished cry. His body slammed into the inflated cushion with a loud . Gripping the windowsill tightly, Hawk peered down. Someone shouted, ¡°Get a doctor! Call a doctor now! Both his legs look broken!¡± Chapter 4: A Desperate Chase Chapter 4: A Desperate Chase The parking lot erupted into chaos as Hawk darted away. He turned to David briefly. ¡°I¡¯ve got urgent business. I need to head back.¡± David stared, baffled. ¡°The scene wraps after this, and the crew leaves. Aren¡¯t you going to collect your paycheck? We¡¯ve worked a whole week for it!¡± ¡°You should leave early too.¡± Hawk was already out the restroom door, taking the stairwell down. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He considered the rear exit¡ªsomeone was definitely guarding it. The front? Probably also covered. He was certain: those men had guns. Fighting unarmed against armed opponents? That was like pitting Tyson against a middle schooler¡ªno chance. At the third floor, Hawk stepped out of the stairwell into a long hallway. At the far end stood a tall window, almost human-height. Shedding his cumbersome coat and hood, Hawk tossed them aside and sprinted toward the window. Freddy emerged from the crowd near the safety cushion, holding a bloodstained black hood. He moved swiftly to a quieter area by the rear exit, dialing his phone. After a quick conversation, he turned to the nearby burly black man. ¡°That idiot didn¡¯t jump. Mackin went down instead. I think he¡¯s onto us¡ªfind him!¡± The black man tapped his earpiece, relaying orders, then bolted toward the back entrance. The white man stationed there was the first to rush inside. Meanwhile, Freddy contacted the producer, Broderick. ¡°We have a problem. The target chickened out. It was Mackin who jumped. I think he suspects something.¡± Broderick, ever composed, replied coolly: ¡°Stay calm. Handle it. I need him alive.¡± With Plan A ruined, they shifted to Plan B. At the hallway¡¯s end, Hawk shoved the sliding window open. He spotted a streetlight pole nearby¡ªabout 8 meters tall¡ªbut it wasn¡¯t directly in front of the window. It was four meters off to the side. Backing up several meters, Hawk took a deep breath, then sprinted forward. He leaped onto the windowsill and launched himself into the air. Like a great bird, Hawk sailed across the gap, arms reaching for the pole. Wrapping his legs tightly around it, he spiraled down, landing with practiced precision. He bolted toward the front of the building, where the stunt crew¡¯s trailer was parked. Inside, his coat held two precious items: his truck keys and an M60 revolver. Snowflakes began falling, cold and wet against his face. Bursting into the trailer, Hawk grabbed his coat. Checking quickly, he confirmed the gun and keys were still there. Shrugging the coat on, he sprinted toward the parking lot. Upstairs in the producer¡¯s office, Broderick spotted Hawk sprinting toward the lot and immediately called Freddy. ¡°He¡¯s heading for the parking lot!¡± Freddy relayed the update to his team. The black man and one of the white men emerged from the building in pursuit. Freddy himself, recognizing Hawk¡¯s truck pulling out of a space, jumped into a black Mercedes. ¡°He¡¯s in the pickup!¡± Freddy yelled, starting the engine as his team piled into the car. Hawk floored the gas pedal, sending the old Dodge pickup into a frenzied roar as it sped out of the lot. Freddy gritted his teeth, pushing the Mercedes to its limits. His movie stunt experience made him a skilled driver, and he knew Hawk couldn¡¯t have gone far¡ªthe main road was the only exit. The snow thickened as Hawk merged onto the city¡¯s main street. Ignoring the western route leading back to his cabin, Hawk made a sharp turn north at the next intersection. Driving as fast as the aging truck allowed, Hawk¡¯s mind raced to piece together the situation. The health checks, the "donation agreement"¡ªthey reeked of a sinister scheme. Those men weren¡¯t just after him; they had a purpose. His rare "dinosaur blood" had painted a target on his back. He tightened his grip on the wheel. Freedom wasn¡¯t something he¡¯d give up easily. The chase continued, snow falling thicker, blurring the path ahead. Hawk knew that anyone who could mobilize Hollywood stars like Robert Downey Jr. and Katie Holmes to back a film must be an incredibly powerful figure. Such a person wouldn¡¯t let him escape easily. Realizing there was a high chance someone would be lying in wait at the cabin, Hawk abandoned the idea of returning. With the fuel warning light on in the old pickup, he drove out of Provo¡¯s city limits, heading into the winding mountain roads. The snow was falling heavier, blanketing the roads and surrounding areas in white. Hawk glanced around, noting that the fuel gauge was almost empty, and the aging pickup groaned under the strain. As he turned a sharp corner, the rearview mirror revealed a black sedan in the distance. It was far enough away to give him a little time, but close enough to put him on high alert. ¡°Pursuers?¡± Hawk immediately assumed the worst: five men in suits, armed with guns. If they caught up to him, he¡¯d stand no chance in a one-against-five gunfight. Hawk spotted a side road leading into the mountains and didn¡¯t hesitate to turn onto it sharply. The path was lined with jagged boulders, providing excellent cover. After driving a short distance and rounding two bends, Hawk used the terrain to hide his truck, pulling it over to the side of the road. Moving quickly, he searched the truck¡¯s glove compartment and storage box. He found a knit hat, gloves, and a length of rope. Grabbing them all, he leapt out of the truck, donning the hat and gloves while clutching his revolver tightly. The snow was falling heavily now, visibility diminishing. Hawk scrambled up a slope littered with irregularly shaped boulders. Finding a suitable vantage point, he dragged over an oval-shaped stone and placed it strategically. Pulling the black knit hat over one end, he tied the rope around it and looped the other end around a nearby rock to create a decoy. From below, it looked like someone was crouched behind the boulder. Satisfied with his makeshift ruse, Hawk took cover behind another protruding rock and loaded his revolver, ensuring it was ready to fire. He then waited, tracking the snow-covered footprints he had deliberately left leading toward the decoy. Meanwhile, the black sedan rounded the bend and stopped near Hawk¡¯s abandoned pickup truck. From the passenger seat, a burly Black man holding a Glock stepped out. A white man from the backseat followed, carrying both a Glock and a taser. Freddy, holding a knife, exited from the driver¡¯s seat. The Black man glanced at Freddy with a raised eyebrow. ¡°My gun¡¯s in Los Angeles,¡± Freddy muttered. ¡°I don¡¯t have a Utah carry permit.¡± The three of them first checked the empty truck before Freddy pointed to the obvious trail of footprints leading up the hill. ¡°He went up the mountain,¡± Freddy said grimly, his knife glinting. ¡°Phones have no signal here,¡± the Black man noted, holding up his phone. ¡°Then we go up and deal with him,¡± the white man replied. Freddy reminded them as they advanced, ¡°He¡¯s valuable alive. Don¡¯t aim for the torso¡ªhis organs are important.¡± The three men followed the trail of footprints toward the rocky hillside, where Hawk lay waiting. Chapter 5: The Honest Mans Counterattack, Simple Yet Effective Chapter 5: The Honest Man''s Counterattack, Simple Yet Effective Amid the heavy snowfall, a chilling howl broke through the silence. Several North American coyotes emerged from the opposite side of the mountain, their eyes fixed warily on the two-legged intruders. Hawk let the snow settle on his shoulders as he crouched behind a boulder, observing the approaching figures. Only three men had come¡ªfar better than the worst-case scenario he had anticipated. He flexed his fingers slightly, ensuring his hand wouldn''t cramp from the cold or dampness of the snow, and prepared to strike as the group drew nearer. The white man in the lead wiped snow from his eyebrows, following the footprints up ahead. He spotted a hint of black atop a boulder¡ªa hat¡ªand signaled to the Black man, pointing towards the object. The Black man grinned, his white teeth flashing, and murmured, ¡°You go around and cut him off.¡± The white man began circling forward. The Black man advanced cautiously, while Freddy trailed behind at a distance of seven or eight meters, staying behind cover. The trio moved carefully. This was America, after all¡ªthere was no telling if their quarry was armed. Hawk, hidden behind a rock, didn''t wait for the perfect opportunity. Instead, he created one. He yanked hard on the rope, sending the stone tied to the other end tumbling down. The rolling rock clattered noisily against others, mimicking the sound of someone fleeing. The Black man saw the hat disappear and heard the commotion. He immediately quickened his pace, shouting, ¡°He''s trying to escape! Don''t let him get away!¡± The white man, who was maneuvering to cut off Hawk¡¯s retreat, also sped up. The Black man¡¯s agile strides brought him within Hawk¡¯s firing range in mere moments. Hawk peeked out slightly, both hands steady on his revolver, and pulled the trigger. The shot struck the Black man squarely in the chest. Hawk fired again, hitting the same area. The Black man toppled forward mid-stride, collapsing face-first into the snow. Even as the second shot rang out, Hawk rolled to the side, taking cover behind another boulder. The white man retaliated with a flurry of gunfire from his Glock, the bullets whizzing over Hawk¡¯s head. Hawk crawled and rolled through the snow, finding a safer vantage point a dozen meters away. From thirty meters back, Freddy crouched behind a gray rock, his voice trembling as he said, ¡°He¡¯s armed!¡± The white man stopped shooting and crouched behind cover. He called out the Black man¡¯s name but received no reply. ¡°We need backup,¡± Freddy suggested, panic creeping into his voice. ¡°Shut up!¡± the white man barked, irritated. Hawk leaned against his rock, listening intently to gauge their positions. He picked up an orange-sized rock, glanced left and right to confirm their locations, then hurled it toward his right. The thrown rock clattered against a larger stone, creating a clear sound. Freddy clutched his knife tighter, searching for a sense of safety. Seven or eight meters away, the white man pivoted and fired two shots toward the noise. Hawk seized the distraction. Rising slightly, he aimed his revolver and fired. The bullet pierced through the swirling snow and struck the white man¡¯s exposed arm. The impact forced a scream from him as he stumbled, exposing his chest. Hawk didn¡¯t hesitate¡ªhis second shot drilled into the man¡¯s left chest. Blood spread across the snow as the white man crumpled beside a rock. Freddy, seeing the carnage, turned and bolted. Realizing that Hawk¡¯s weapon was a revolver with limited ammunition, Freddy banked on distance to escape. He knew it would be difficult for Hawk to land a precise shot on a moving target. But Hawk wasn¡¯t about to let Freddy get away. Noting that Freddy only carried a knife, he immediately gave chase. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The rocky terrain was treacherous, made even more slippery by the snow, and Freddy¡¯s flight was clumsy at best. Amid the snowstorm, the tension on the mountainside reached its peak. As Hawk closed the gap to 20 meters, he noticed Freddy¡¯s figure ahead. With a swift motion, Hawk hurled his now-empty revolver. The gleaming silver chunk spun through the air and struck Freddy square in the back, causing him to lose his footing and stumble forward before falling. Freddy turned to face Hawk, realizing he couldn¡¯t outrun the younger, fitter man. A grim determination took over, and he gripped his knife tightly, charging at Hawk with all his might. Hawk slowed down slightly but didn¡¯t hesitate. He stood his ground. This was a fight where only one of them would leave alive. Freddy, with his background as a stuntman, had some close-quarters combat training. His knife slashed through the falling snow in a deadly arc aimed at Hawk¡¯s chest. Hawk moved faster. With a deft sidestep, he avoided the blade and swung his fist like a hammer into Freddy¡¯s exposed armpit. The blow landed with bone-crunching force, causing Freddy to grunt in pain as his arm and shoulder went numb. The knife clattered to the ground. But Freddy knew his only chance at survival was to fight desperately. Lowering his body, he tried to tackle Hawk. Hawk¡¯s response was simple and devastating. With no flourish, he drove his right knee up into Freddy¡¯s groin. Freddy let out a scream that only men could truly understand. Even as he reflexively tried to counter, Hawk¡¯s calloused hand shot out, delivering a precise chop to Freddy¡¯s throat. Freddy gasped for air, his vision swimming. Hawk followed up with his left fist, knuckles jutting forward like a battering ram, striking Freddy squarely between the eyes and nose. The impact crushed Freddy¡¯s prominent Jewish nose, sending blood splattering across Hawk¡¯s jacket, staining the words ¡°Singing Detective¡± printed on it. Hawk¡¯s fighting style was brutally straightforward: groin strikes, throat chops, and eye jabs¡ªpractical, ruthless, and effective. Freddy¡¯s resistance crumbled. He collapsed to the ground, consciousness slipping away. Breathing heavily, Hawk shook the stiffness from his gloved hands. This body needed more conditioning. He removed Freddy¡¯s shoelaces, using them to tie the man¡¯s hands behind his back and bind his feet. Only then did he retrieve the knife and his discarded revolver. A chilling howl echoed from the mountainside as coyotes, startled earlier by the gunfire, began circling back, curious about the commotion. Hawk quickly checked the bodies of the two other men. From the white man, he retrieved a Glock pistol and a wallet containing cash but no identification. The Black man¡¯s corpse, already covered in a layer of snow, yielded similar findings: another Glock and cash. Returning to Freddy, who was groaning faintly, Hawk decided to ¡°wake him up.¡± Avoiding major arteries, he drove Freddy¡¯s own knife into the man¡¯s leg. Freddy screamed, his cry piercing through the snowy silence and startling the coyotes into retreat. ¡°Please! Let me go!¡± Freddy begged, writhing in pain. ¡°I can get you into Hollywood! Make you a star! An action star!¡± Hawk ignored him, pulling the knife free and wiping it clean in the snow. He asked coldly, ¡°Who ordered this?¡± Sweat dripped from Freddy¡¯s pale face as he gritted his teeth. ¡°I¡¯m a Hollywood figure! A famous personality! If you kill me, you¡¯ll be hunted across the entire United States!¡± ¡°Relax,¡± Hawk said, his tone almost casual. ¡°I won¡¯t kill you.¡± Freddy exhaled shakily in relief. Hawk¡¯s next words chilled him to the bone. ¡°I¡¯ll sever your Achilles tendons and leave you here.¡± Hawk¡¯s eyes flicked toward the circling coyotes. ¡°They¡¯ll love you. Coyotes prefer their meals alive. They¡¯ll tear you open and help you with some ...¡± The mention of organ donations made Freddy tremble uncontrollably. Hawk pressed the knife against Freddy¡¯s Achilles tendon. ¡°Robert Downey Jr. specifically asked for me to do the jump. Was he involved?¡± Freddy¡¯s disoriented mind responded reflexively, ¡°Yes!¡± ¡°What about the others?¡± Hawk pressed further. Chapter 6: Grilled Squid Chapter 6: Grilled Squid ¡°California billionaire, founder and chairman of Ackman Pictures, Mr. Buddy Ackman, had a serious health decline last year.¡± Freddy, his will already shattered, endured the excruciating pain as he spilled the details: ¡°During the crew¡¯s preparation, I happened to overhear from the higher-ups that he was planning an organ transplant.¡± Hawk said coldly, ¡°Keep going.¡± Freddy dared not slack off. ¡°Since the start of the year, companies under the Ackman family have been conducting comprehensive medical examinations under the guise of welfare or charity. However, blood type Hh is already rare, and matching for organ transplants is even harder. You just happen to be a perfect match.¡± He took a few heavy breaths and quickly shirked responsibility: ¡°I was acting under orders¡ªI had no choice! Otherwise, I¡¯d lose my job. Without an income, my house, my car, my wife¡ªeverything would disappear into thin air.¡± Hawk stared at him. ¡°Get to the point.¡± Freddy tried a different approach. ¡°It was Bro Derek and Barack Bernan who forced me! They said if I didn¡¯t do it, they¡¯d fire me!¡± Hawk knew Bro Derek was the crew¡¯s producer and asked, ¡°Who is Barack Bernan?¡± Freddy answered, ¡°Like me and Bro, he¡¯s also Jewish and currently serves as the chairman of the Ackman Charity Foundation.¡± sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawk wasn¡¯t the least surprised. Charitable foundations in America often have ties to organ donation and transplantation. He pressed further, ¡°Where are these two now?¡± ¡°Barack has already flown back to Los Angeles,¡± Freddy, still holding onto hope for survival, added, ¡°When I left the set, Bro had mobilized all the security personnel. You think you can kill someone under the protection of a dozen guards? Once I lose contact, he¡¯ll head straight back to L.A.¡± ¡°Los Angeles,¡± Hawk murmured with a nod. Returning to the set was too risky. A Hollywood crew backed by a billionaire shooting in Provo could easily influence the local police and city hall. Besides, his own overweight body wasn¡¯t in its best condition. Hawk had already planned to move to Los Angeles, and now his destination was clear. Freddy made another desperate plea, ¡°I swear, they forced me! I have no grudge against you¡­¡± Hawk put away the knife and pulled out a Glock. Freddy shouted, ¡°You swore to God you¡¯d spare me!¡± Hawk didn¡¯t say another word. A single shot blew Freddy¡¯s brains out. Gathering the spoils, Hawk walked toward his parked vehicle. On the hillside, the scent of blood wafted through the air, drawing more coyotes. Seeing the dangerous two-legged creature leave, they began cautiously descending one by one. Hawk stashed his loot in the pickup truck, then searched the Mercedes thoroughly. Inside the glove compartment, he found Freddy¡¯s wallet, which contained a decent amount of cash. He took the cash and discarded the rest, then found a green jerry can in the trunk. Perfect timing¡ªhis pickup truck was almost out of fuel. Hawk refueled the truck and inspected his haul one by one. Even the two Glock pistols were disassembled and examined to ensure there were no trackers or GPS devices hidden inside. As for the Mercedes, Hawk remembered David mentioning earlier that the crew had rented ten of them, most likely equipped with GPS trackers. The pickup made a U-turn. At the foot of the hill, the coyotes began their squid feast. Hawk returned to the highway but didn¡¯t head toward Provo. Instead, he drove north. Snow began to fall, burying the remaining traces. On a stretch of road near Utah Lake, an open, desolate area with no one in sight, Hawk stopped his vehicle. He retrieved a plastic bag and packed away the cleaned revolver, the fired Glock, the blood-stained coat, and other items needing disposal. He weighted the bag with metal and rocks, sealed it tightly, climbed up the cliff-like lakeshore, and threw it into the deep, dark waters. He continued driving north, reaching the small town of Highland before nightfall. Here, the snowfall was lighter. The pickup circled the town before stopping on the outskirts of a Black neighborhood. Nearby was a junkyard run by African Americans. Hawk tidied his belongings and cleared any traces, then walked away. With their ¡°principled¡± reputation, the junkyard crew would surely take care of the vehicle for him. As soon as the snow stopped, several men from the junkyard began eyeing the pickup. After observing it multiple times, they decisively broke into it. However, the truck was far too old to be worth reselling without modifications. The cost of refurbishing would likely outweigh the profits. The junkyard crew unanimously agreed to dismantle it instead. Here¡¯s the translation of the provided text: Hawk had already hitched a ride by now and arrived in Midway City late at night. He went into a small supermarket on the outskirts, buying an assortment of items, including a jacket and food. The cold weather and heavy snow kept people off the streets. He found an old house with no lights on, observed it for a while to ensure it was empty, then climbed over the wall, unlocked the back door, and rested there for the night. After a grueling ten-plus hours, Hawk was exhausted. At dawn, a howling sound startled him awake. Sitting up straight on the worn-out sofa, he aimed his gun at the source of the noise. In the dim morning light, he realized it was just the wind outside. Unable to fall back asleep, Hawk checked the front and back of the house. Seeing nothing unusual, he washed up briefly and sat down at the vanity with the items he bought last night. He grabbed a razor and shaving foam, carefully shaving off all his facial hair. Then, taking the driver¡¯s license labeled ¡°Hawk Osmond¡± from the wooden cabin, he used the hairstyle in the photo as a reference. With clippers and scissors, he cut his messy long hair into a neat buzz cut. Next, Hawk trimmed his eyebrows, prepared some hair dye, and dyed both his hair and eyebrows black to match the photo. Gone were the scruffy brown beard and unruly hair. With slightly adjusted eyebrows and expressions, he looked like a completely different person. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Hawk Osmond.¡± Hawk practiced speaking, adjusting his tone to mimic the Wyoming accent he remembered from his past life. ¡°My name is Hawk Osmond, and I¡¯m from Wyoming.¡± When you¡¯re on the road, your identity is whatever you make it. Thinking of those Jewish guys who wanted him dead, Hawk put on a pair of large, plain glasses, his expression calm and refined. ¡°My favorite dish is stir-fried squid.¡± The person in the vanity mirror no longer appeared disheveled and worn out but instead simple and unassuming. Hawk pinched his cheeks and patted his slightly bulging belly¡ªhe needed to lose weight and reshape his physique. He put away the driver¡¯s license from the vanity, took out the one belonging to ¡°Donning Ward,¡± and cut it into pieces with scissors. Together with the hair he shaved off, he placed it all in a tin cookie box, burned it to ashes, and flushed it down the toilet. Last night, he also bought sandwiches and sausages. Hawk ate a bit, opened up a map, and spent some time studying it. He decided to spend the next few days constantly changing his appearance and location while hitchhiking. At the same time, he¡¯d focus on losing weight, reshaping his face, and perfecting his Wyoming accent. He was heading to Los Angeles with a new look, identity, and persona. But to achieve this, he needed money. Hawk pulled out his wallet and counted all his cash. In addition to the $17 he originally had, he¡¯d looted some from Freddy and his group, leaving him with $472. That wasn¡¯t enough to make stir-fried squid. Especially when the main course involved four oversized squid. Having been reborn for 24 hours, making money was still his top priority. Hawk stared at the map, pondering how to earn some cash. Ideally, it would align with his new persona as ¡°Hawk Osmond.¡± His eyes settled on Park City nearby. Yesterday, David had mentioned the Sundance Film Festival was about to begin. In his previous life, Hawk had experience in online public opinion control and knew a bit about the Sundance Film Festival. It was one of North America¡¯s largest independent film festivals, drawing a large crowd of media and movie fans every year. With tens of thousands of outsiders flocking in, it¡¯d be easy to blend in. The abundance of opportunists would also make it easier to find chances. Hawk thought carefully for a while, recalling some ways to make money at the film festival. He decided to head to Sundance. After meticulously cleaning up any traces, he left the house. Chapter 7: Classified News Chapter 7: Classified News Five days later, in Salt Lake City. Hawk, dressed in a gray suit and carrying a black briefcase, entered the "Jazz" internet caf¨¦. He ordered a coffee and sat down at a computer to go online. From his suit and leather shoes to his briefcase and phone, everything was cheap second-hand finds. Compared to a few days ago, Hawk''s previously bloated face had slimmed slightly, and his overall demeanor had changed dramatically. He had transformed from a scruffy, overweight, and disheveled man into an average office worker entering the corporate world. On the street, he was just another face in the crowd. In the past few days, Hawk had traveled back and forth between various places, his sleep always shallow and easily disturbed by the slightest sound. The "curse" of dinosaur blood had become his original sin. Unless he dealt with those bastards, peaceful sleep would remain out of reach. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawk had also used his driver''s license to quietly investigate "Hawk Osmond''s" immediate relatives, social security number, and criminal record. This identity was squeaky clean, allowing him to successfully open a bank account. Sipping his coffee, Hawk opened a browser, logged onto a blogging site, and created an account. He selected the entertainment and film category, preparing to publish his first post. The persona he had built for "Hawk Osmond" was that of a media professional, specifically an entertainment and film blogger. After the events of 9/11 last year, online blogs had gained significant traction for their immediacy in delivering news, heralding the rise of the new media industry. Some major entertainment bloggers had even become honored guests at film and television premieres and screenings. Hawk downloaded several publicly licensed promotional photos from the Sundance Film Festival''s official website. He added a caption: "Embarking on my Sundance Film Festival journey¡ªhope everything goes smoothly." After posting the blog, Hawk opened Google again to search for information on four people, continuing to memorize and deepen his understanding. Freddy had revealed four names: Robert Downey Jr., Bro Derek, Barack Bernan, and Buddy Ackman. Buddy Ackman, a billionaire residing in Los Angeles, owned multiple companies, including Ackman Studios, Ackman Entertainment, and Ackman Investment. He was also the largest donor to several nonprofit organizations, including the Ackman Charity Foundation. Robert Downey Jr., the future Iron Man, was now a famous Hollywood actor. Both he and his father were notorious for substance abuse. Bro Derek, an executive and producer at Ackman Pictures, married Hollywood actress Sarah Parker a few years ago. She was the star of the hit TV show . Barack Bernan, chairman of the Ackman Charity Foundation, was hailed as the "angel of California¡¯s children" and had received the President''s Volunteer Service Award. These four Jewish individuals were all wealthy and influential elites. Even if Hawk could successfully "saut¨¦" them, killing such high-profile targets would ignite a nationwide storm. He¡¯d face LAPD and FBI¡¯s highest-level manhunts, becoming a rat scurrying through the gutters and reliving his past life''s miserable fate. To prepare the dish "stir-fried squid" properly, Hawk needed exceptional culinary skills and precise timing. He checked the time, finished his coffee, cleared his browsing history, paid his bill with a tip, and left the internet caf¨¦ with his briefcase, heading to a nearby bus stop. The bus station was bustling with people and chaotic chatter. As Hawk walked and listened, he suddenly stopped in his tracks. Amidst the crowd, a brown-haired man about his age was chatting with a pretty girl about the film festival and Park City. The brown-haired man did most of the loud talking, while the girl listened with visible impatience. After eavesdropping for a bit, Hawk discerned that the two were college classmates. The man, who was from Park City, bragged about his connections to the film festival''s organizing committee, claiming he could get plenty of tickets to screenings. Enthusiastically, he invited his female classmate to join him at Sundance, but she flatly refused. Just then, the bus arrived. The brown-haired man reluctantly gave up, slung his laptop bag over his shoulder, and headed for the front door. Hawk calmly followed him with his briefcase. Once on board, he found a seat in the middle of the bus. After the man settled into his seat, Hawk slowly walked over, gestured to the empty seat beside him, and asked, "Is this seat taken?" The man replied, "No, feel free." Hawk sat down, buckling his seatbelt. Hawk was still thinking about how to start a conversation when the man next to him spoke first. ¡°I¡¯m Brandon Keane, from Park City. Your accent doesn¡¯t sound local.¡± Hawk replied with a calm smile, ¡°Hawk Osmond, from Wyoming.¡± Brandon found Hawk¡¯s face friendly and gave him a quick once-over before asking, ¡°Are you here for the Sundance Film Festival?¡± ¡°How did you know?¡± Hawk deliberately answered with a question to keep the conversation going. Brandon chuckled heartily. ¡°Park City¡¯s a small place. This time of year, if you¡¯re from out of town, you¡¯re either here for skiing or the film festival.¡± His gaze fell on Hawk¡¯s suit and briefcase. ¡°You don¡¯t look like someone here to ski.¡± Hawk extended his hand. ¡°Media professional, and also an entertainment and film blogger. I¡¯m hoping to find some opportunities at the Sundance Film Festival.¡± Brandon eagerly shook his hand and exclaimed, ¡°So you¡¯re in the film industry!¡± Clearly, this guy was the chatty type and didn¡¯t need prompting to continue. ¡°We¡¯re practically colleagues! I joined Park City¡¯s alpine community theater group in sixth grade and participated in performances ever since. I even considered majoring in acting in college, but I ended up choosing electrical engineering at the state university instead.¡± Hawk followed up with, ¡°Why did you give up acting?¡± As the bus began to move, Brandon carried on without missing a beat. ¡°Two reasons. First, our community was pretty average. The theater group was dirt poor, couldn¡¯t afford professional-level teachers, and didn¡¯t have a fixed performance venue. Most of the people there were lazy and just wanted to hang out and have fun.¡± He shook his head and sighed. ¡°Acting is my passion, but the career prospects are too uncertain. The market is highly polarized¡ªyou might still be paying off student loans by the time you retire. At least with electrical engineering, there¡¯s a guaranteed baseline.¡± Hawk nodded approvingly. ¡°Makes sense.¡± Brandon suddenly leaned in and lowered his voice. ¡°Let me share a little secret. A friend from Los Angeles once told me that the areas around Hollywood are full of throat and proctology clinics.¡± He winked at Hawk. ¡°You get what I mean?¡± ¡°Got it, got it,¡± Hawk said with a knowing nod, pretending to be enlightened. He added deliberately, ¡°When I get there, I¡¯ll make sure to post about it on my blog.¡± Brandon, pleased by the response, grew even more enthusiastic. He pulled his laptop bag from under his seat. ¡°Why wait? Post it now¡ªuse my laptop.¡± Seeing his enthusiasm, Hawk felt it would be impolite to refuse. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll take you up on that.¡± Brandon opened his laptop, connected it to a wireless card, and handed it over to Hawk. ¡°Since you¡¯re in the industry, do you have any juicy insider news?¡± The internet speed was painfully slow. Hawk, considering his persona and the opportunity to bond, thought for a moment, then leaned closer and whispered as if sharing a major secret: ¡°Winona Ryder is a kleptomaniac. She often shoplifts.¡± ¡°The Winona Ryder that Johnny Depp was head over heels for?¡± Brandon¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief as Hawk nodded. ¡°But she¡¯s not short on money!¡± Hawk explained, ¡°It¡¯s kleptomania¡ªshe can¡¯t control it. It¡¯s like an addiction.¡± Brandon looked as if he¡¯d had an epiphany. ¡°You haven¡¯t blogged about this?¡± Hawk spread his hands. ¡°I don¡¯t have photos or videos to back it up. If I posted gossip like that publicly, I¡¯d be sued into bankruptcy.¡± He emphasized, ¡°This is explosive news I¡¯m preparing. Keep it to yourself.¡± Brandon mimed zipping his lips. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, my lips are sealed.¡± For reasons he couldn¡¯t explain, Brandon liked Hawk even more now. Finally, the webpage loaded. Hawk logged into his blog account and uploaded a picture of the Hollywood sign, adding Brandon¡¯s remark as the caption: ¡°There are a lot of throat and proctology clinics around Hollywood.¡± After several minutes, the post finally went live. Brandon pointed at the laptop screen. ¡°Mind if I take a look?¡± Hawk turned the laptop slightly toward him. ¡°Go ahead.¡± Brandon scanned the screen and saw only two posts. Scratching his head, he asked, ¡°Just started?¡± ¡°I quit my job to escape being exploited by capitalists,¡± Hawk explained casually. ¡°I¡¯m here at Sundance to make some money and strike out on my own.¡± Having shared a significant secret earlier, Brandon responded without hesitation, ¡°I¡¯m a local in Park City. I can be your guide.¡± Chapter 8: Alpine Community Theater Chapter 8: Alpine Community Theater By the time the bus reached Park City, Hawk and Brandon had hit it off. The two exchanged phone numbers, and Brandon invited Hawk to stay at his place. Park City was a renowned skiing destination in the U.S. Brandon¡¯s parents worked at a ski resort in the mountains and rarely came down during the busy tourist season. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unable to resist Brandon¡¯s enthusiasm, Hawk agreed. The main reason was that he didn¡¯t want to stay in a $50-per-night hostel crammed with six people. Forget about star-rated hotels¡ªHawk had called around while in Salt Lake City. The cheapest single room at a hotel was $455 per night, and even budget motels charged $285 per night. Even at those rates, rooms were scarce. Park City had only one main street, with buildings scattered along the slopes in an orderly yet uneven fashion. The bus stopped midway along Main Street, and Brandon motioned for Hawk to get off. This part of the community had visibly older houses. Though the town was small, there were still class distinctions. After the bus departed, Hawk glanced across Main Street. There, a large theater named the Big Salt Lake Cinema displayed numerous movie posters at its entrance. Brandon, slinging his laptop bag over his shoulder, looked in that direction and said, ¡°The Sundance Film Festival is essentially an independent film marketplace. During this time of year, every theater in Park City runs screenings for over sixteen hours a day.¡± Hawk withdrew his gaze. ¡°Every independent filmmaker hopes to create a miracle.¡± ¡°This way.¡± Brandon led the way into the roadside Alpine Community while introducing it as they walked. ¡°Park City doesn¡¯t have a big population, and this is one of the largest neighborhoods. The conditions might not look great, and folks here aren¡¯t wealthy, but the sense of community is really strong.¡± Hawk observed as they walked. The community was built along a gentle slope, with small, standalone wooden houses for each family. There were almost no ethnic minorities in sight. Two young men approached them, greeting Brandon from a distance. ¡°Hey, you snuck back again for the festival?¡± Brandon replied, ¡°The theater group¡¯s annual festival meetup¡ªI can¡¯t miss it.¡± One of the men, dressed in a down jacket, said, ¡°Our group has never produced a star. Every meetup is split the AA way, and since people don¡¯t have much money, there¡¯s been a lot of grumbling.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because no one¡¯s willing to sponsor it.¡± Brandon shrugged. ¡°Without support from someone influential, if the meetups stop, the group will completely fall apart.¡± ¡°The leader, Larson, hasn¡¯t organized anything in over six months.¡± The one in the knit cap glanced at Hawk and asked, ¡°Your friend?¡± Brandon quickly introduced them. ¡°This is Hawk Osmond, a media professional in the entertainment industry and a friend I met in Salt Lake City.¡± He then introduced the other two. ¡°This is Damian, and this is Lewis.¡± Damian bumped fists with Hawk. ¡°We¡¯re unemployed drifters.¡± Hawk replied seriously, ¡°I was, too, not long ago.¡± Damian and Lewis burst out laughing. Brandon pointed up the slope. ¡°Let me get Hawk settled in first. Catch up later.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll come find you in a bit,¡± Lewis said. Brandon seemed to have a great reputation in the community, with people constantly greeting him along the way. Hawk followed him into his home, a modest standalone house with three bedrooms. Since it had been unoccupied for a long time, all the furniture and beds were covered with dust sheets. Hawk helped Brandon tidy up and took the opportunity to ask, ¡°Does your community theater group host regular meetups?¡± ¡°The biggest one is during the film festival every year,¡± Brandon said, scratching his head. ¡°Didn¡¯t I mention it on the way? Sorry, I must¡¯ve forgotten.¡± He gave a rough explanation. ¡°During the festival, we watch one or two movies together, then have a potluck party where we discuss the group¡¯s plans for the next year. It¡¯s AA-funded. In the early years, everyone was really enthusiastic, hoping the group would produce a star. But after all this time, not even a single professional actor has come out of it¡ªit¡¯s been a huge letdown.¡± Hawk found the concept of an American community theater group fascinating and asked, ¡°How many people are in the group?¡± Brandon replied, ¡°The group was founded during the 7th Sundance Film Festival. This year is the 18th, so it¡¯s been over ten years. In total, more than 200 people have joined at one point or another. But participation in the meetups has dwindled. Last year, fewer than fifty people showed up, and no one wants to foot the bill.¡± Hawk understood the mindset of pooling money and joked, ¡°What if someone covers the cost?¡± Brandon laughed heartily, playing along with the joke. ¡°Big-time blogger, are you offering? I guarantee if you do, 100-plus people, families and all, will show up.¡± Hawk replied honestly, ¡°I can¡¯t afford that.¡± It was nearing noon when Brandon took out his phone. ¡°I¡¯ll order some food.¡± Hawk stopped him. ¡°I¡¯ll go buy it.¡± He wasn¡¯t about to let Brandon provide both lodging and food. ¡°I noticed an Alpine Pizza place nearby. How¡¯s the food there?¡± ¡°It¡¯s pretty good,¡± Brandon said. Hawk grabbed his wallet and phone and opened the door, only to find Damian and Lewis standing outside. ¡°Hey, man, just got here and already heading out? Did Brandon suddenly change teams and harass you?¡± Lewis joked. Hawk spread his hands. ¡°I¡¯m going to grab lunch.¡± Lewis bumped fists with Damian. ¡°Fantastic, we¡¯re crashing the meal!¡± Brandon, coming over from the living room, flipped Lewis off. ¡°Don¡¯t ruin my reputation. There¡¯s a girl I like at State, and I even invited her to the film festival.¡± Damian snorted. ¡°You said that last time you were here. Your goddess, right? You chased her like a horny mutt, but she wasn¡¯t interested and turned you down repeatedly.¡± Brandon, usually full of words, fell silent. Hawk thought of the pretty girl at the bus stop but didn¡¯t comment, heading out to buy pizza instead. Damian and Lewis walked inside and asked Brandon, ¡°Is Hawk really in entertainment media?¡± ¡°Of course! He¡¯s an incredible entertainment blogger!¡± Brandon¡¯s energy returned, and his words raced ahead of his thoughts. ¡°He knows a ton of Hollywood secrets.¡± Sensing gossip, Lewis pressed on. ¡°What kind of secrets?¡± Brandon quickly covered his mouth but couldn¡¯t keep the words bottled up. Finally, he blurted, ¡°Okay, but this is top-secret. Don¡¯t tell anyone! Winona Ryder¡ªyou know, the lead actress from ¡ªshe¡¯s a kleptomaniac. She steals stuff all the time.¡± Damian and Lewis gaped in shock and started bombarding him with questions. Not long after, Hawk returned with two large pizza boxes and a 12-pack of canned beer. He opened the box, handed each person a can, and raised his own. ¡°To new friendships¡ªcheers!¡± ¡°Cheers!¡± After finishing his beer, Lewis asked Hawk, ¡°Did Winona Ryder ever steal a male celebrity¡¯s underwear?¡± Hawk didn¡¯t answer. Instead, he turned to Brandon with a look of mock heartbreak. ¡°This was supposed to be confidential!¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Brandon apologized quickly. ¡°I couldn¡¯t hold it in.¡± He looked genuinely guilty. ¡°That was wrong of me. Hawk, if you run into any trouble in Park City, just let me know.¡± Damian chimed in. ¡°You shared such jaw-dropping gossip with us and even treated us to drinks. If you need anything in Park City, just say the word.¡± Lewis added, ¡°If we can¡¯t handle it, we¡¯ll find a whole crew of people who can help.¡± Hawk didn¡¯t hold it against them and instead changed the subject. ¡°On the bus ride here, I noticed screenings had already started in some places. How about we check them out this afternoon?¡± Opportunities wouldn¡¯t come knocking on their own¡ªhe needed to actively seek them out. The money-making plans he had in mind required the right film crews to implement. Brandon immediately agreed. ¡°I¡¯ll take you. No problem. I¡¯ve got connections with the organizing committee.¡± As a local, Brandon had a wide-reaching network in town. The four of them ate pizza and drank beer, chatting in a lively and relaxed atmosphere. Chapter 9: You Don’t Know Your Own Talents Chapter 9: You Don¡¯t Know Your Own Talents By the time night fell, Hawk had finished exploring the outdoor exhibition area of the film festival and returned to Main Street. Apart from the 30-plus business cards Brandon collected, there was little to show for their efforts. This was Hawk¡¯s first time attending a film festival, and it wasn¡¯t what he had envisioned. The small production teams in the outdoor exhibition area were poorer than expected, with wallets as dry as their expressions. Brandon asked, ¡°What¡¯s next?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s hit the cinemas, gather more data, and talk to people from the participating crews.¡± Hawk included Brandon in his plan because he might come in handy. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you know people on the organizing committee? Tomorrow, can you try to get a list of all the films in the festival? Also, see if you can dig up last year¡¯s sales data.¡± Brandon hesitated before answering, ¡°I¡¯ll give it a shot.¡± They visited five cinemas, collecting a pile of film brochures, and even watched two movies. However, the films were so bad that they left before either screening ended. Eventually, they arrived at the Big Salt Lake Cinema near the community, where several people were handing out flyers to passersby, trying to attract them to watch a movie. The leader, a man in his late twenties, was dressed in a suit and tie. His long face and brown hair gave him a sharp look, and his left wrist sparkled with the golden glow of a Rolex. One of the group ran over and handed a flyer to Hawk. ¡°¡ªshowing soon! Free screening!¡± Hawk took the flyer and quickly glanced at it. The pictures were filled with Mexican characters, and the story was set in a Mexican-dominated neighborhood in Washington, D.C. A professionally styled portrait on the flyer revealed the Rolex-wearing man as the film¡¯s director. Hawk passed the flyer to Brandon and observed the theater entrance. Most of the attendees were white, with a few Black people and hardly any Mexicans. After a moment¡¯s thought, Hawk said, ¡°Let¡¯s go take a look.¡± Brandon asked curiously, ¡°Does this movie have potential? I mean, a story about Mexicans? Sounds boring¡­¡± Hawk walked ahead. ¡°How would you know without watching it?¡± Brandon closed his mouth but couldn¡¯t stay quiet for long. Before they even reached the theater, he blurted out, ¡°I get it! The director¡¯s wearing high-end brands and a Rolex. He¡¯s obviously rich.¡± Hawk replied, ¡°You¡¯ve finally spotted the key detail.¡± Brandon grinned. ¡°I¡¯ve got an eye for beauty.¡± Inside the theater, Hawk chose seats in the last row. They waited for about ten minutes before the movie began. The audience wasn¡¯t large; out of 200 seats, barely a third were occupied. Hawk noticed the Rolex-wearing director slip into the back row as the movie started. He took out a portable camcorder and began filming the audience, his face alight with anticipation. But the excitement on his face soon faded. The film quickly established its setting: Washington¡¯s Heights district, a predominantly Mexican neighborhood nicknamed the ¡°World¡¯s Crack Capital.¡± The protagonists were a group of former Mexican dealers trying to turn their lives around amidst the shadows of drugs and violence. The screen was filled entirely with Mexican characters, and some dialogue was in Spanish. Barely five minutes into the film, three white audience members left. Shortly after, a mix of Black and white viewers followed suit. The Rolex-wearing director¡¯s expression darkened. He seemed like a novice, and as yet another group left, he couldn¡¯t help but stand up and ask, ¡°Is the movie bad?¡± A white man shrugged dismissively. ¡°Not interested.¡± ¡°Boring.¡± ¡°Who cares about this garbage?¡± The harsh comments weren¡¯t limited to them. A few minutes later, Hawk noticed Brandon yawning beside him. After glancing at another group leaving, Brandon asked, ¡°Should we leave too?¡± ¡°The production is rough, but the story¡¯s decent,¡± Hawk said deliberately. ¡°Why do you want to leave?¡± Brandon repeated himself. ¡°It¡¯s just a bunch of boring drama about Mexicans. Not interesting.¡± Hawk responded, ¡°Let¡¯s finish it first.¡± By the film¡¯s halfway point, nearly half the audience had left. As the movie industry often attracts emotional and expressive people, the Rolex-wearing director was clearly disheartened. He turned off his camcorder and slumped back into his seat. Hawk quietly moved to the empty seat beside him and asked, ¡°You¡¯re the director?¡± The Rolex-wearing man nodded numbly. ¡°Great film,¡± Hawk complimented before introducing himself. ¡°I¡¯m Hawk Osmond, media professional.¡± The man forced a handshake. ¡°Eric Eason. You can see it for yourself¡ªjust another unsuccessful director.¡± Hawk asked deliberately, ¡°I hadn¡¯t heard about this film before. Which company backed it?¡± Hearing this, a bitter expression flashed across Eric¡¯s face, as if recalling kneeling before a plain-faced woman, full of resentment and frustration. ¡°I financed it myself¡ªnothing to do with any studio.¡± Hawk pulled out one of the business cards he¡¯d printed in Salt Lake City and handed it to Eric. ¡°Can we exchange contact information?¡± Eric accepted the card and gave one of his own in return. But before Hawk could say more, Eric suddenly stood up. The gloom and disappointment on his face vanished, replaced with a dazzling smile as he strode toward the theater entrance. Hawk was surprised by how quickly his demeanor changed. Entering the theater was a classic American woman: tall, broad-shouldered, long-legged, with a stocky waist, and a square face to match. Eric rushed over and planted a firm kiss on the woman¡¯s lips. ¡°Honey, you made it!¡± She returned the kiss with equal enthusiasm. ¡°I¡¯m here to congratulate you¡ªyour film finally screened in a theater!¡± Eric¡¯s smile stiffened slightly as he muttered, ¡°Theatrical screenings are different from festival showcases.¡± The woman continued, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve been in touch with a distributor. They¡¯ll be sending someone to watch the film.¡± Eric¡¯s grin blossomed wider than a sunflower. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to thank you enough¡­¡± From a short distance, Hawk had overheard everything. When finished its screening, the audience slowly filtered out. Eric was busy chatting with the woman, leaving no chance for further conversation. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawk exited the screening hall and carefully examined all the promotional materials for in the ticketing area. Brandon asked, ¡°Seriously? You think this film has potential?¡± Hawk didn¡¯t answer directly. Instead, he pointed to the screening hall. ¡°Do me a favor¡ªgo back in and chat with the director. Try to learn about the film¡¯s financing, exhibition, and sales prospects. Get as much information as you can.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know him!¡± Brandon protested. ¡°He¡¯s not a friend¡ªhow am I supposed to ask?¡± Hawk sighed. ¡°You don¡¯t know your own talents.¡± He nudged Brandon toward the hall. ¡°Trust yourself¡ªyou can do it.¡± Reluctantly, Brandon went back inside. Hawk waited by the roadside for half an hour before Brandon reemerged, practically glowing with the thrill of gossip. ¡°What¡¯s the story?¡± Hawk asked directly. Brandon¡¯s first words were, ¡°The poor director sold his love to fund the movie. Every night, he has to grovel to that woman.¡± He added with a disappointed shake of his head, ¡°Turns out being a kept man isn¡¯t all that great. I think I¡¯ll stick to chasing my pretty girl.¡± Hawk sifted through the rambling remarks to find the key point. ¡°If the film needs more funding, would the woman bankroll it?¡± Brandon thought for a moment before replying, ¡°From what the director said, it sounds like she inherited over a million dollars. In her social circle, having an artsy filmmaker boyfriend who worships her probably boosts her image quite a bit.¡± He confirmed, ¡°As long as the director ¡®performs¡¯ well at night, getting another round of funding shouldn¡¯t be hard.¡± It was getting late, and Hawk¡¯s stomach rumbled. ¡°Let¡¯s grab some food. You can tell me more while we eat.¡± Brandon had proven skilled at building rapport, managing to uncover a trove of useful information. Eric Eason had only ever made one experimental short film before. At a film industry gathering, he had the chance to meet his square-faced girlfriend, Catherine. After outshining his competitors, he won her favor and secured a $200,000 production budget to create . Like many young directors, Eric had high artistic ambitions but little understanding of the market. He believed his debut feature film had the quality to secure theatrical distribution. With his girlfriend and a few hired hands, he brought the film to the festival to showcase and promote it. However, the audience¡¯s mass exodus during the first screening shook his confidence. The second screening was scheduled for three days later, from 9:30 to 11:30 in the morning, at the same Big Salt Lake Cinema. This second showing would be crucial. Using her late father¡¯s connections, Catherine had managed to invite a team of buyers led by Rob Reiner, a senior VP of production and distribution at Castle Rock Entertainment, a major Hollywood studio. Whether or not the film would be picked up for distribution and enter theaters hinged on this one event. Chapter 10: Professional Audiences for Films? Chapter 10: Professional Audiences for Films? After running around all afternoon and most of the evening, meeting with dozens of film crews, Hawk finally found an opportunity. Reviewing the situation with , Hawk¡¯s eyes settled on Brandon. Combining this with memories from his previous life, he began crafting a plan. Brandon¡¯s local background and strong network were critical. Hawk patted Brandon¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I have a plan¡ªhow about making some money together?¡± Brandon, still a college student, replied, ¡°I¡¯m happy to help. Just treat me to dinner, and that¡¯s enough.¡± Helping wasn¡¯t enough; Hawk needed him fully committed. ¡°If the plan fails, we both stay broke. But if it succeeds, I¡¯ll give you 20% of the profits.¡± Brandon hesitated. He still didn¡¯t believe a film about Mexicans could turn a profit. Hawk played his trump card. ¡°Next time you ask that girl out, bring her Tiffany jewelry or a Chanel bag. Trust me, the outcome will be different¡ªshe might even start chasing you.¡± Brandon¡¯s enthusiasm skyrocketed. ¡°I¡¯m in!¡± He rolled up his sleeves, full of energy. ¡°What do you need me to do?¡± Hawk glanced toward the Big Salt Lake Cinema. ¡°Tomorrow morning, head to the organizing committee. Get a copy of submission materials, along with the last three years¡¯ transaction data and audience ethnicity statistics, if they have it.¡± Brandon, unable to contain his excitement, declared, ¡°For my goddess, I¡¯ll camp out at their door if I have to!¡± At the cinema entrance, Eric and Catherine emerged. Eric opened the car door for her, and the two drove off to a nearby hotel. Hawk checked the time. ¡°Let¡¯s grab dinner.¡± Brandon¡¯s stomach growled in agreement. Ahead was the Alpine Pizza place. It was late, and the large space felt a bit empty. Brandon led the way, pushing open the glass door. As they entered, two people eating near the entrance waved at him. One of them gestured for Brandon to come over and said, ¡°I just heard some explosive gossip about the film industry.¡± Hawk suddenly felt a headache coming on. Sure enough, the man continued, ¡°Winona Ryder is a kleptomaniac¡ªshe steals male celebrities¡¯ underwear!¡± The other added, ¡°Yeah, she stole Tom Cruise¡¯s underwear, and that¡¯s why Johnny Depp broke up with her.¡± Hawk and Brandon exchanged a speechless glance before quickly distancing themselves and finding a table farther away. Brandon shuddered. ¡°The speed at which scandals spread is terrifying.¡± ¡°Even scarier is how they morph into different versions during the process,¡± Hawk replied. Thinking of Brandon¡¯s loose lips, Hawk decided to secure them. ¡°Our plan must stay secret. If it leaks, we won¡¯t make a dime. You won¡¯t have money to woo your girl, and she¡¯ll end up bouncing happily in someone else¡¯s arms!¡± He twisted the knife further. ¡°Picture her playing poker with one man after another while you can only watch from the sidelines.¡± Brandon, naturally imaginative, conjured vivid scenes in his mind. Horrified, he clamped his mouth shut. Hawk placed their order. The owner, Bill, knew Brandon well and brought their food over while chatting with them for a bit. Brandon asked, ¡°The festival¡¯s started¡ªhow¡¯s business been lately?¡± Bill shook his head. ¡°Same as usual. Most of my customers are regulars from the community.¡± ¡°I¡¯m from out of town,¡± Hawk interjected to establish familiarity. ¡°Your pizza, fried chicken, and fries are top-notch.¡± Bill laughed happily. ¡°Young man, you¡¯ve got great taste in food.¡± After the owner left, Hawk continued eating while chatting with Brandon about the community theater group, its meetups, and Brandon¡¯s family. True to form, Brandon¡¯s mouth overflowed with words. The next morning, Hawk woke up on time to exercise, determined to get his body into peak condition as soon as possible. After a simple breakfast, Brandon headed out to the organizing committee to gather the materials. As soon as he left the house, he bumped into Lewis. ¡°Did you and Hawk find anything yesterday?¡± Lewis asked. ¡°We¡­¡± Brandon started but stopped himself, the ¡°lock¡± in his mind snapping into place. In his imagination, his goddess was crying out while surrounded by several men. His resolve held firm. ¡°¡­haven¡¯t found anything yet.¡± Here¡¯s the translation of the provided text: Brandon coughed awkwardly, trying to cover up his clumsy conversational pivot. Waving Lewis off, he hurried toward the organizing committee. Back at the house, Hawk borrowed Brandon¡¯s laptop to search online for information about Castle Rock Entertainment, Rob Reiner, North American moviegoer demographics, and other publicly available Hollywood data. After some time, Brandon returned with a thick stack of copied documents. Hawk first reviewed the background information on Eric and Catherine, then sorted the materials into categories and recorded all relevant data. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Understanding the target and making precise preparations increased the chances of success. Once he finished, Hawk pulled out the business card he¡¯d gotten the previous night and called Eric. ¡°Director Eason, we met last night and exchanged cards. I can help you solve the problem of viewers walking out early. Can we talk in person?¡± After a moment of hesitation, Eric agreed. Seeing Hawk hang up, Brandon asked, ¡°What do I do now?¡± Hawk packed his briefcase and replied, ¡°Reach out to that lawyer your family¡¯s used before. We might need him today.¡± In a hotel¡¯s business suite, Eric had been stewing in anxiety since the night before, so much so that he couldn¡¯t even muster the energy to flatter Catherine. Having sunk significant costs into the film, Catherine took her director boyfriend¡¯s concerns seriously. ¡°Castle Rock¡¯s Rob Reiner will personally attend. He has independent purchasing authority. Our film will definitely make it to theaters.¡± Eric, however, remained uneasy. ¡°You saw the DV footage I took last night¡ªso many viewers left early. If that happens again during the showcase, I can¡¯t even imagine the consequences.¡± Catherine recalled Castle Rock¡¯s requirements. ¡°Rob insisted on a public screening.¡± Eric understood why. ¡°I¡¯ve heard from colleagues that Rob values direct audience feedback highly.¡± Catherine frowned. ¡°The film is well-made. Are those viewers out of their minds? Why leave early?¡± ¡°Someone just called and said they could fix this,¡± Eric said, glancing at the time. ¡°I need to head down.¡± He took the elevator to the second-floor caf¨¦, where he met Hawk. Eric still remembered him from the night before when they had exchanged cards. Hawk got straight to the point. ¡°I¡¯ve learned from the committee that Castle Rock Entertainment¡¯s VP of Operations, Rob Reiner, will arrive in Park City the morning after tomorrow. Your film¡¯s screening is on his agenda.¡± Eric saw no need to deny it. ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡± ¡°With all due respect, given the situation during last night¡¯s screening, he¡¯s likely to pass on your film,¡± Hawk said, referencing his research. ¡°He places immense importance on audience feedback from the ground level.¡± Mixing truth with a little fiction, Hawk continued, ¡°For films with high walk-out rates, he doesn¡¯t even finish watching them.¡± Eric¡¯s face froze, though he clung to a shred of hope. ¡°That might not happen next time.¡± ¡°It absolutely will,¡± Hawk said with complete confidence. ¡°I disagree!¡± Eric countered, trying to bait Hawk into revealing more. Hawk saw through the ploy but didn¡¯t mind. ¡°In this place, at this time, you won¡¯t be able to solve this problem on your own.¡± Eric asked directly, ¡°So you¡¯re offering to fix it for me?¡± ¡°I¡¯m a media professional,¡± Hawk said smoothly. ¡°Problem-solving is my specialty.¡± Eric added with a touch of cynicism, ¡°And charging fees too, I assume.¡± Hawk neither confirmed nor denied it. Eric wasn¡¯t ready to give in. ¡°Unless you tell me exactly what¡¯s wrong, I won¡¯t pay.¡± Hawk pulled out the first set of documents and handed them to Eric. ¡°Over the past three years, Mexicans have accounted for less than 3% of North American moviegoers. The largest demographic is white audiences, followed by Black audiences.¡± Eric examined the data and thought back to the viewers who had walked out. ¡°So white and Black audiences don¡¯t like my film?¡± Hawk responded bluntly. ¡°They¡¯re not interested in stories about Mexican communities or centered on Mexican characters.¡± He produced a second document. ¡°Here are the audience demographics for the past three festivals. The proportion of Mexicans in Park City is minuscule. Among visitors, Mexicans make up less than 2%. Your next audience will still be predominantly white.¡± Eric thought he saw a solution. ¡°Then I¡¯ll focus on attracting more Mexican viewers.¡± ¡°That would kill your film even faster,¡± Hawk said, pointing to the first set of data. Eric glanced again at the dismal statistics for Mexican audiences and muttered, ¡°No studio would spend money on such a small audience.¡± Hawk pressed on. ¡°Even Robert Rodriguez, a Mexican director working in Hollywood, doesn¡¯t use Mexican actors as leads in his Mexican-themed films. You¡¯re a new director with no stars in your cast. Your film is low-budget and roughly made¡­¡± Eric realized the problem seemed unsolvable. Hawk spoke at an unhurried pace. ¡°I can help you create the perfect audience environment: no one will leave early. Everyone will watch with enthusiasm, making Rob¡¯s team feel the audience¡¯s love for your film.¡± Eric¡¯s interest was piqued. ¡°I know what you¡¯re thinking,¡± Hawk said calmly. ¡°You could try hiring your own audience, right? But would movie buffs you pay stick through an entire screening? How much would it cost to overcome white audiences¡¯ deeply ingrained biases? And do you think unorganized individuals can match the impact of a trained group?¡± Hawk changed his tone. ¡°I can provide you with a team of highly professional audience members. They¡¯ve seen countless films, have extensive acting experience, and know exactly how to react emotionally to scenes, delivering the loudest applause when it¡¯s most needed.¡± ¡°You¡¯re saying¡­ professional audiences?¡± Eric asked, struggling to process the idea. ¡°Has the industry become so commercialized that even the audience is professionalized? And why haven¡¯t I heard of this before?¡± Hawk smiled confidently. ¡°Because every time we succeed, the filmmakers or studios we help never mention us. They chalk it up to their film¡¯s greatness and call it a triumph of cinema.¡± Lowering his voice, Hawk added, ¡°The Sundance Film Festival has been around for 18 years. If we ever messed up, word would¡¯ve spread throughout the industry by now.¡± Eric was swayed. Reflecting on it, he realized there was no chatter in the industry criticizing such practices. Chapter 11: We Are the Best in the Industry Chapter 11: We Are the Best in the Industry Hawk handed another document to Eric. ¡°Last year, excluding works from Hollywood film studios, only 14 independent films were sold during the Sundance Film Festival, despite a staggering 1,488 entries.¡± He went straight to the point: ¡°Without necessary measures, what are the chances of selling such a niche film?¡± Eric felt an urge to agree immediately. However, glancing at the Rolex gold watch his girlfriend had bought him, his heated mind quickly cooled. ¡°I¡¯ll need to discuss this with someone,¡± he said. Hawk didn¡¯t rush him. ¡°Feel free. Call me anytime after you¡¯ve talked it over.¡± Eric signaled the waiter to charge the coffee to his room. His voice caught the attention of a group seated some distance away. Among them, a handsome man wearing gold-rimmed glasses turned his head. Upon seeing Eric, his face lit up as if he¡¯d just taken a stimulant. He strode over enthusiastically. ¡°Eric, my friend, what a coincidence!¡± Hawk glanced at the man with gold-rimmed glasses, then at Eric. Eric muttered, ¡°Coincidence, my ass. Attending the same festival, staying at the same budget hotel¡ªclearly deliberate.¡± The man with gold-rimmed glasses reached their table, beaming. ¡°I heard your screening isn¡¯t going too well. I told you long ago, don¡¯t make films like this, but you wouldn¡¯t listen.¡± Eric replied, ¡°None of your business.¡± Gold-rimmed glasses smirked. ¡°You seem confident. Is it because of Castle Rock Entertainment?¡± S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Eric¡¯s expression shifted subtly. The man turned to Hawk and asked, ¡°Do you work for him? Take my advice¡ªleave early. His film won¡¯t sell, and he won¡¯t be able to pay you.¡± Hawk found the man bizarre. ¡°Good luck to you,¡± the man said, patting the back of Eric¡¯s chair before heading back to his seat. Hawk looked at Eric inquisitively. Eric explained in a low voice, ¡°That¡¯s George Hanson. When I made my first short film, he was the assistant director. Later, he also pursued Katherine, but he failed. We had creative differences on , and he left to secure funding for his own film, a feature called , which is also at this year¡¯s festival.¡± Hawk remarked, ¡°A former subordinate rising up, eager to take down his old boss?¡± ¡°Possibly.¡± Eric went to discuss with his girlfriend. Meanwhile, George Hanson dropped his smug fa?ade and returned to his group. Fixing his gaze on the bald man across from him, George said seriously, ¡°It¡¯s confirmed¡ªour intermediary¡¯s information is accurate. Robert from Castle Rock Entertainment will attend Eric¡¯s screening.¡± The bald man stirred his coffee slowly. ¡°I¡¯ve looked into it. If we¡¯re willing to pay, the intermediary can influence Robert¡¯s assistant and steer him to watch instead.¡± George, desperate to step on his former boss, asked, ¡°See if the intermediary can arrange for Robert to only watch our film and skip Eric¡¯s entirely.¡± The bald man picked up his phone and made a call. After a long conversation, he hung up and said, ¡°The intermediary suggests scheduling our screening at the same time as Eric¡¯s. Robert¡¯s schedule is tight; he¡¯ll only be in Park City for one day. The intermediary will try to bring him to our screening.¡± He looked at George with a cryptic smile. ¡°This will cost extra¡ªon top of the intermediary¡¯s quoted price.¡± George caught the implication and shifted uncomfortably. ¡°Can you help with the extra cost?¡± The bald man, who was financing the project, invited George with a sly grin, ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the room. You have five minutes to figure out how to make me happy.¡± The two left the caf¨¦ and headed to the elevator. Hawk stepped out of the restroom, heading toward the stairs. The sound of the elevator arriving made him turn instinctively, just in time to see the bald man squeeze George¡¯s behind. George noticed Hawk and flipped him off angrily. ¡°Shut your eyes, idiot!¡± He stepped into the elevator and jabbed the close button. Missing his chance to grovel before Katherine and reaping the joys of ENT and proctology treatments¡ªthat¡¯s the real reason George despises Eric. Hawk had just reached the ground floor when Eric called him back. Minutes later, they met again on the second floor. This time, Eric brought someone else along¡ªa square-faced, statuesque woman, Katherine. Katherine asked Hawk about creating an atmosphere for the screening. Then she inquired, ¡°How confident are you?¡± Hawk replied straightforwardly, ¡°We have never failed!¡± Katherine scrutinized him closely. Hawk¡¯s demeanor was calm and self-assured, without the slightest hint of insecurity. He wasn¡¯t exaggerating; he had every reason to be confident. Katherine shifted her focus. ¡°What¡¯s your price?¡± The festival committee¡¯s documents listed the production cost as $200,000. Hawk based his quote on that. ¡°$20,000.¡± ¡°That¡¯s too much,¡± Katherine said, shaking her head. ¡°When the crew hires extras, they only pay the local minimum wage. The film¡¯s runtime is less than two hours, so let¡¯s calculate based on that. Even if we double the hourly rate to $10¡­¡± Hawk raised a hand to interrupt. ¡°The extras you¡¯re talking about are just background fillers. My team? They start preparing today. They¡¯ll study the film, learn the preferences of the screening panel, rehearse on-the-spot reactions, and put in over 30 hours of work. Utah¡¯s minimum wage is $5.15 an hour, and for a team of over 100 people, labor costs alone will exceed $15,000.¡± He lifted his head with a hint of pride. ¡°You won¡¯t find a team more professional in the film industry. We are, without question, the best in the business!¡± Katherine, though wealthy, wasn¡¯t one to spend frivolously, especially since Hawk wasn¡¯t groveling for her favor. ¡°$5,000, tops,¡± she countered. ¡°There are over a thousand crews at this festival. You¡¯re not the only option,¡± Hawk said, spotting the leverage point. He reached out for the documents in front of Eric. ¡°Please, give those back to me.¡± Eric, desperate to see his hard work hit the big screen, gently nudged Katherine with his foot. He could hardly hold back. Reluctantly, Katherine conceded. ¡°I¡¯ll pay you a $5,000 deposit and another $5,000 after the screening ends.¡± Hawk shook his head. ¡°That won¡¯t do. I don¡¯t take on losing deals.¡± Unwilling to bear all the risk herself, Katherine proposed, ¡°If sells its rights, I¡¯ll give you 1% of the sale as a commission.¡± Hawk placed his hand firmly on the documents. ¡°Make it 2%.¡± Eric nudged Katherine again. ¡°Fine,¡± Katherine agreed. She added a condition. ¡°I want all 200 seats in the theater filled, and no one leaving midway.¡± Hawk¡¯s makeshift team hadn¡¯t even been assembled yet¡ªwhere would he find 200 people? He responded with utter seriousness, ¡°More viewers in a theater doesn¡¯t necessarily mean better results. You might not realize this, but during the festival, there are so many films being screened. Except for those by stars or renowned directors, most showings rarely get a full house. Achieving 50% occupancy is considered good. For a film like , a packed theater might seem suspiciously unnatural.¡± Eric nodded. ¡°That makes sense.¡± ¡°Trust our expertise,¡± Hawk reassured them. Katherine stopped quibbling. ¡°Get your lawyer. Let¡¯s sign the contract.¡± Hawk was prepared. He called Brandt, who soon arrived at the hotel with a local attorney. The parties drafted terms and signed a cooperation agreement. Katherine promptly wrote Hawk a $5,000 check. After depositing the money, Hawk paid the lawyer¡¯s fee and left with Brandt. While this deal was settled, Hawk¡¯s so-called ¡°team¡± didn¡¯t even have a framework yet. Brandt was amazed. ¡°You signed a contract and pocketed $5,000 without having anything ready!¡± ¡°Because I have you,¡± Hawk said, grabbing Brandt by the shoulder. ¡°Remember the community theater gathering we talked about last night? Didn¡¯t they complain about splitting costs? Didn¡¯t they say they lacked sponsorship? Well, I¡¯ll sponsor them!¡± Hawk added, ¡°I¡¯ll treat the troupe to a free movie screening and even fund a party afterward!¡± Chapter 12: Tough to Make Money, Troubles Abound Chapter 12: Tough to Make Money, Troubles Abound The community theater group Brandt was part of was the professional team led by Hawk with exceptional expertise. Upon arriving, Hawk confirmed once more, ¡°As long as there¡¯s sponsorship, the group can gather nearly a hundred people to participate, right?¡± Brandt kicked at the snow piled by the roadside and replied, ¡°It¡¯s winter now, and the community has a lot of idle folks. If you were offered free food and drinks at a party, would you refuse? Trust me, they¡¯ll bring their whole families.¡± Motivated by the chance to win over his dream girl, Brandt was all in. ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll take you to meet the group leader, Larson. He¡¯s the most influential person in the theater.¡± Ten minutes later, Hawk found himself in the living room of a wooden house, face-to-face with Larson, the group leader. Larson, nearly fifty but still full of energy, asked directly after hearing Brandt¡¯s explanation, ¡°Outsider, are you planning to sponsor us? I don¡¯t get it. Are you doing charity work?¡± Hawk chose his words carefully. ¡°I have a director friend who made an independent film. It¡¯s screening the day after tomorrow at the Great Salt Lake Theater. He¡¯s worried there won¡¯t be enough audience members, so he asked me to find some. Since I¡¯m friends with Brandt, he mentioned your gatherings.¡± Larson eyed Hawk with a sly grin. ¡°I bet you stand to gain quite a bit.¡± Hawk replied nonchalantly, ¡°Just some hard-earned money.¡± Larson¡¯s smile faded as he got straight to the point. ¡°I want half.¡± ¡°Leader, I¡­¡± Brandt began, but Hawk cut him off. Hawk always considered the worst-case scenario, and Larson¡¯s reaction clearly leaned toward the unfavorable. Pulling out a wooden chair, Hawk sat down across from Larson and began slowly, ¡°The production is paying $5,000 for this gig.¡± Hearing that number made Larson¡¯s eyes light up. Hawk didn¡¯t fear Larson¡¯s greed, only his disinterest. ¡°The Sundance Film Festival happens every year. There are always over twenty or thirty productions needing this kind of service. This could be a long-term business.¡± He pointed to himself. ¡°I¡¯m an outsider. After this festival, I¡¯ll be gone. This market will be yours to dominate.¡± Larson understood and probed, ¡°So it¡¯s not just about finding an audience?¡± Hawk replied, ¡°Executing it isn¡¯t simple. Brandt¡ªor even you¡ªcan shadow me for this festival to observe and learn. I won¡¯t charge you tuition.¡± Larson couldn¡¯t hold back and swore, ¡°You¡¯re one generous bastard!¡± ¡°Thank you for the compliment.¡± Hawk¡¯s method wasn¡¯t particularly sophisticated¡ªit was just old wine in a new bottle. Once the box was opened at one festival, it would soon become a widespread practice. A $5,000 bait per production was tantalizing enough for Larson. With over a thousand productions attending each festival, the potential was enormous. After considering for half a minute, Larson turned to Brandt. ¡°Call the other deputies and have them come over immediately.¡± Brandt quickly made the calls. About ten minutes later, four deputies¡ªall middle-aged men around Larson¡¯s age¡ªarrived. Larson explained the situation. One of the deputies, who seemed particularly level-headed, said, ¡°Everyone complains about spending money at the annual gatherings. Canceling the most important one would completely demoralize the group.¡± sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Larson¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°If we do this right, the group will have a stable source of income every year. With money, we can bring in professional instructors. Those with talent will have a better future.¡± This perspective surprised Hawk, forcing him to reevaluate Larson. People were indeed complex. After some discussion, Larson turned to Hawk. ¡°Tonight, I¡¯ll try to gather everyone here by eight. Just one thing¡ªwhile I can rally them, you¡¯ll need to motivate them.¡± Hawk had anticipated this. ¡°A hundred people, no problem?¡± Larson asked the deputies a few questions and replied, ¡°Including family members, more than enough.¡± ¡°Great. I¡¯ll come by tonight.¡± Hawk gestured for Brandt to follow, ready to leave. One of the deputies stopped Hawk. ¡°You¡¯re in the media business. Let me ask¡ªdid Winona Ryder really steal money on Capitol Hill and not get caught?¡± Hawk said nothing, simply bowing his head and walking out. Outside, Brandt wisely avoided mentioning the theft scandal. Instead, he offered, ¡°I¡¯ll cover the gathering costs. The leader isn¡¯t what I expected.¡± Hawk refused, predicting future problems if they deviated from the plan. ¡°Stick to the deal. Don¡¯t forget, your dream girl is still waiting at the state university.¡± Motivated anew, Brandt pressed, ¡°What¡¯s next?¡± He urged, ¡°Buddy, now¡¯s not the time to slack off! You¡¯re too slow¡ªwe don¡¯t have much time!¡± ¡°Sort out the food for the gathering.¡± Hawk headed toward the community¡¯s exit. ¡°You know Bill pretty well, don¡¯t you? How much does Alpine Pizza make during lunch? What would it cost to book them for a time slot?¡± Brandt, familiar with Alpine Pizza, muttered calculations as he walked. In the end, with Brandt acting as a partial insider, Hawk secured a $1,000 deal to book Alpine Pizza for a mid-day slot. The restaurant would provide a spread including pizza, steak, barbecue, fried chicken, and salad, with unlimited beer and soda. Additionally, they¡¯d prepare a hundred cups of instant black coffee for the morning of the event. Holding cups of black coffee, the two stepped out. Taking a gulp, Brandt reflected on recent events and said to Hawk, ¡°I¡¯ve noticed that except for Lewis and Damian, you¡¯ve leveraged every resource you¡¯ve encountered.¡± Hawk tossed his empty cup into a trash can. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t been lucky to meet you, it would¡¯ve been a different plan entirely.¡± At 8 PM, Hawk returned to Larson¡¯s home. The yard, enclosed by wooden planks, was packed with nearly ninety people. Larson spoke about the movie and the gathering, eliciting cheers. Everyone loved the idea of a free feast. A man with a bushy beard raised a bottle and shouted, ¡°Buddy, I¡¯ll toast to you! You¡¯re a damn good man!¡± ¡°We¡¯ll drink at the gathering!¡± Hawk began to address the movie. ¡°Before the party, there¡¯s a screening of a film about Mexican culture.¡± He had Brandt distribute promotional flyers for the movie. As people read the introduction and saw the stills, the enthusiasm evaporated. The bushy-bearded man exclaimed, ¡°A movie about Mexicans? What¡¯s that got to do with us?¡± The crowd grew restless. ¡°This movie sounds boring.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t we watch something else?¡± ¡°We¡¯ll go to the party but skip the movie.¡± Large groups are notoriously hard to manage, and organizing events is especially challenging. Hawk pulled a small electronic megaphone from his bag and said, ¡°Everyone, everyone, listen to me!¡± The noise subsided slightly, and Hawk offered a simple incentive. ¡°Each attendee will receive $10! Ten bucks!¡± The mention of money quickly quieted the crowd. Hawk added, ¡°Anyone who watches the movie seriously will get another $10 at the party. But there¡¯s a catch¡ªthe crew will have monitors. If anyone doesn¡¯t watch properly, not only will they lose their reward, but they¡¯ll also be barred from the feast.¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound too hard,¡± someone murmured. ¡°It¡¯s just over an hour.¡± ¡°Could be interesting to see Mexican life.¡± Human nature is the same everywhere, akin to retirees spending hours to claim free eggs or participating in online promotions for a small discount. Watching a movie in a warm theater for just over an hour? Not a bad deal. Hawk sweetened the pot further. ¡°To keep everyone awake, I¡¯ve also prepared coffee.¡± The bushy-bearded man raised his bottle again. ¡°Can I get two cups?¡± Feigning difficulty, Hawk hesitated before replying, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll give you mine.¡± The crowd burst into laughter, and the mood lightened. The makeshift group finally took shape. After explaining some key points, Hawk watched as everyone dispersed. Coordinating nearly a hundred people smoothly would take more than one or two individuals. The next day, Hawk met with Eric and Katherine in the morning. In the afternoon, he regrouped with Larson and the deputies to go over the plan for the following day. Later, he joined the former pair at the Great Salt Lake Theater to finalize the exhibition setup. Hawk wanted the client to see that he was constantly at work. No one could guarantee the film¡¯s sale, but the client still owed the remaining $5,000 regardless. After dinner, Hawk finally had some downtime. Borrowing Brandt¡¯s computer, he updated his blog with a photo-filled post. At around 10 PM, Katherine called, sounding anxious. ¡°Rob Reiner suddenly changed his schedule and won¡¯t attend tomorrow¡¯s screening. Eric¡¯s gone berserk, storming off to confront people. I couldn¡¯t stop him. Hurry and come help!¡± Chapter 13: High-Stakes Business Warfare Chapter 13: High-Stakes Business Warfare Under the dim streetlights, Hawk and Brandt pedaled their bikes furiously toward the hotel. By the roadside, Katherine stood by a BMW, waving them over. ¡°Get in!¡± Brandt, recognizing the doorman, left a quick word before ditching their bikes by the hotel and hopping into the car with Hawk. Katherine spoke urgently. ¡°He didn¡¯t find anyone at the hotel, so he went to the Crystal Theater.¡± The BMW hadn¡¯t been on the road for more than five minutes before stopping abruptly. ¡°There!¡± Katherine pointed at the theater entrance. Hawk was the first out of the car, sprinting toward the Crystal Theater. The client hadn¡¯t paid in full yet; nothing could go wrong! Eric was blocking the theater entrance, yelling, ¡°George Hanson! Get out here, you backstabbing bastard! Come out and face me!¡± A group emerged from inside the theater, led by George, wearing his signature gold-rimmed glasses. Standing on the steps, George looked down at them with a smile full of mockery. ¡°Look who it is¡ªour future great director!¡± Hawk arrived just in time to catch George¡¯s next jab, ¡°And his brainless sidekick.¡± Eric shouted back, ¡°Was it you who sabotaged us by making Castle Rock Entertainment change their schedule? You despicable, shameless¡­¡± For a moment, guilt flashed across George¡¯s face, but he quickly recovered, his resolve solidified as he straightened up and interrupted, ¡°I¡¯m just a small fry; how could I possibly influence Castle Rock? Don¡¯t be ridiculous!¡± Eric looked ready to storm up the steps, but Hawk grabbed him, whispering, ¡°This won¡¯t solve anything.¡± Even as Eric struggled to break free, Katherine and Brandt rushed over to hold him back. Suddenly, with a heavy thud, the theater doors burst open. A middle-aged man wearing a cowboy hat stormed out, wielding a buzzing stun baton that crackled with electricity. He pointed the baton at the four of them and barked, ¡°Outsiders, stop causing trouble at my theater! Get lost now, or I¡¯ll bash your heads in and leave you lying like stinking dog sh*t!¡± The weapon worked like a charm, instantly calming Eric. Hawk pulled him back and addressed the theater owner, ¡°Relax, buddy. We¡¯re leaving.¡± The middle-aged man watched as the four retreated to their car before lowering the baton and shouting, ¡°Don¡¯t let me see you here again, you stinking dog sh*ts!¡± George flashed the owner a grateful smile. ¡°Thanks.¡± ¡°Protecting my private screening clients is my responsibility,¡± the owner replied as he headed back inside. ¡°You¡¯d better finish setting up by 11 PM.¡± George followed him into the theater. In the lobby, a bald man sat drinking alone. George pulled out a chair to join him, still uneasy. ¡°Are you sure they don¡¯t have a chance?¡± The bald man stroked his beard and grinned. ¡°Rob Reiner is only in town for a day. Even if they wanted to reschedule their screening, there¡¯s no way to coordinate a new time slot. Every theater in Park City¡ªnearly twenty of them¡ªhas their schedules packed, and all the other productions are busy hosting buyers and screening groups.¡± He poured George a drink and added, ¡°They could rent an outdoor tent for their screening, but that¡¯d only insult Rob and Castle Rock Entertainment.¡± George raised his glass. ¡°To our success.¡± Back at the hotel, in the suite¡¯s living room, Eric sat with his head hung low as Katherine quickly summarized the situation. About half an hour ago, she had received a call from Rob¡¯s assistant. Rob had unexpectedly changed his Sundance schedule and planned to watch another film tomorrow morning, forcing to move its screening to the afternoon. The problem was that the Great Salt Lake Theater was fully booked, and none of the other productions were willing to adjust their schedules. Katherine had contacted other theaters, but the response was the same. In the film industry, distribution companies were king. Small productions like theirs worked tirelessly to arrange screenings for potential distributors, and no one dared risk canceling them. After probing someone from Rob¡¯s team, Katherine learned that Rob would be attending George Hanson¡¯s screening of tomorrow morning. The reason wasn¡¯t complicated. Rob¡¯s assistant had shown him promotional materials for both and . The former, with its Mexican themes, didn¡¯t appeal to Rob, while the latter, a film about white Americans, did. Though Katherine¡¯s father had known Rob personally, he¡¯d been dead for years, and those old ties couldn¡¯t compete with commercial interests. Brandt scratched his head, frustrated. ¡°Making quick cash is so hard¡ªso many stupid problems.¡± ¡°We¡¯re finished,¡± Eric said hollowly. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°You¡¯re just going to give up?¡± Katherine snapped, unable to swallow her anger after being threatened with a stun baton. ¡°Bow to that two-faced bastard?¡± Hawk remained silent, unhurried¡ªit wasn¡¯t his problem yet. Katherine noticed his calm demeanor and asked, ¡°Do you and your team have any ideas?¡± Hawk shrugged. ¡°This isn¡¯t part of my service package.¡± Katherine scoffed, pulled out her checkbook, and started writing. She handed over a new check. ¡°Here¡¯s your bonus.¡± Hawk glanced at the $5,000 amount but didn¡¯t take it immediately. ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°I want to get things back on track and ruin George Hanson¡ªmake him pay, the more miserable, the better!¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been meaning to expand into new areas,¡± Hawk said thoughtfully. After mulling it over, he accepted the check. ¡°Let me ask first: If doesn¡¯t screen as planned, can you get Rob to come back to us?¡± Katherine nodded. ¡°Rob¡¯s a stickler for efficiency. He¡¯s only in Park City for a day and won¡¯t carve out another two hours.¡± After a long moment, Hawk said, ¡°Tomorrow morning, go to the airport to meet Rob. Stick to him and wait for my call.¡± ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Katherine asked. Hawk extended his hand. ¡°I¡¯ll need to borrow your BMW.¡± After Katherine handed over the keys, Hawk turned to Brandt. ¡°What time do most theaters close?¡± ¡°By 11:30 PM for sure,¡± Brandt replied. Hawk checked the time. ¡°Let¡¯s take a drive.¡± He clapped Eric on the shoulder. ¡°Buddy, pull yourself together. If you stay like this, your movie will be doomed.¡± ¡°Is there still hope?¡± Eric asked hesitantly, overhearing the earlier conversation. ¡°There is,¡± Hawk replied. Eric forced himself to sit up straighter. ¡°What do you need me to do?¡± ¡°Make sure nothing happens to the film reels or the screening. Keep the reels in sight at all times.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll have two people with me,¡± Eric promised. Taking Brandt downstairs, Hawk grabbed a quick snack before inspecting the BMW to ensure there was no recording equipment. Then they drove toward the Crystal Theater. ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± Brandt asked incessantly. ¡°This is tough. You¡¯d have to convince Rob to change his mind¡­¡± ¡°Keep an eye out for cameras along the way,¡± Hawk interrupted. ¡°Public surveillance is negligible in Park City, and private surveillance is nearly nonexistent. We don¡¯t like invasive technology,¡± Brandt replied. But he still checked thoroughly. Familiar with the area, he eventually pointed out an alley. ¡°No cameras here¡ªI¡¯m sure of it.¡± Hawk gestured to a shadowy wall. ¡°That¡¯s the back of the Crystal Theater, right?¡± Brandt nodded. ¡°Yep.¡± Without stopping, Hawk asked, ¡°Need me to pull over so you can confirm the power cable layout?¡± ¡°No need,¡± Brandt replied without thinking. ¡°In winter, all the wiring runs underground, and theaters keep their breakers in dedicated rooms.¡± Continuing to drive, Hawk asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you studied electrical engineering?¡± Brandt, oblivious to the trap, puffed up. ¡°Of course. The wiring layout for Park City is practically etched in my brain.¡± Hawk thought to himself that he¡¯d picked the right companion from the bus¡ªa perfect asset. As they passed the neon sign of the Crystal Theater again, Brandt¡¯s confidence faltered. His hands and feet grew cold. ¡°Hawk, what exactly are you planning?¡± ¡°We¡¯re facing a dire situation,¡± Hawk explained. ¡°If things get worse, not only will we lose the remaining payment, but we¡¯ll also have to refund what we¡¯ve earned. The theater gathering, the business¡ªall of it will go down the drain.¡± Brandt fell silent for once. Hawk spoke softly, ¡°Whether we like it or not, we¡¯re now engaged in a business war¡ªa high-level battle in the film industry.¡± ¡°But¡­ but¡­¡± Brandt stammered. ¡°Business wars aren¡¯t supposed to involve¡­ this kind of thing.¡± Parking the car, Hawk waited until Brandt had calmed down. ¡°The higher the stakes, the simpler the methods.¡± The thought of losing money¡ªand the dream girl¡ªconvinced Brandt. He nodded. ¡°I¡¯m in!¡± ¡°Good,¡± Hawk said without wasting words. ¡°Do you have black clothing, face-covering hoods, sturdy ropes, or similar items at home?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Brandt said. ¡°My parents work at a ski resort. We¡¯ve got plenty of that stuff.¡± ¡°Can you use your knowledge to make it look like a power failure isn¡¯t sabotage and can¡¯t be fixed quickly?¡± Hawk asked. ¡°That¡¯s easy,¡± Brandt replied. After a pause, he added, ¡°With Park City¡¯s efficiency, a complex breaker issue would take two to three days to fix. Even if the theater rushed, it¡¯d still take a full day.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you mention that Park City¡¯s regulations prohibit commercial cables from being above ground?¡± Hawk asked. Brandt nodded. ¡°If they try to borrow power from a neighbor, we¡¯ll have someone watching and report them.¡± It had to be said¡ªfollowing Hawk these past few days had been an education for Brandt. Hawk nodded slightly. ¡°Hire your friends Lewis and Damian to help out.¡± After a moment of thought, he added, ¡°We¡¯ll wait until dawn to act, giving them no time to react. Also, check if they have backup generators.¡± In this high-stakes business war, Hawk was ready to deploy one of his go-to strategies: cutting the power. Chapter 14: George Goes Down Chapter 14: George Goes Down As daylight broke, chimneys that had been dormant overnight began puffing smoke again, one emitting a noticeably thicker plume. By the fireplace, Hawk was burning the clothes and other items they had used the previous night, reducing them to ash. ¡°You¡¯re sure you cleaned up everything?¡± came Brandt¡¯s slightly muffled voice from the bedroom. ¡°No evidence left behind?¡± Hawk stirred the flames to ensure thorough combustion. ¡°I¡¯ve checked carefully. Even if someone concludes it was sabotage, it won¡¯t lead back to us.¡± Brandt emerged from the bedroom, fully dressed. When Hawk turned to look, he almost dropped the fire poker. He pointed to the corner of Brandt¡¯s mouth and asked, ¡°What the hell did you do?¡± Brandt, gingerly touching the small wound at his mouth¡¯s edge, winced as he spoke, ¡°Talking too much makes it easy to slip up. I don¡¯t want to end up in jail, so I scratched myself with a thumbtack. Every time I speak, it hurts¡ªa reminder to keep my mouth shut.¡± Hawk suddenly felt like he¡¯d either ruined this man or turned him into something tougher. No matter. After dumping the ashes into a public trash can, the two headed out to the hotel, where they updated Katherine and Eric on the situation. Katherine left shortly afterward for the airport to meet Castle Rock Entertainment and Rob Reiner. Hawk and Brandt made their way to a glass-walled fast-food restaurant across from the Crystal Theater. Picking a table near the window, they ate while watching the theater. Brandt only ordered a milk carton with a straw. During breakfast, Hawk called Larson and the four deputies, arranging for them to gather. Then he had Brandt contact Lewis and Damian to join them for breakfast. About ten minutes later, the two arrived. The group hadn¡¯t finished eating when the theater owner came to open up. Remembering being insulted as "stinking dog sh*ts" the night before, Brandt couldn¡¯t resist muttering, ¡°That damned¡ª¡± But the pain in his injured mouth shut him up quickly. Across the street, the theater owner unlocked the door and discovered there was no power. Calmly, he headed to the breaker room, where he fiddled with the circuits but couldn¡¯t restore electricity. Unable to find the issue, he made a call for repairs. Next, he went to the toolshed to try starting a generator that hadn¡¯t been used in over a year, but the machine wouldn¡¯t run. ¡°Damn it,¡± he grumbled, kicking the generator in frustration. ¡°Indian-made junk! It¡¯s only been unused for a year!¡± Without power, the theater couldn¡¯t screen films, which would certainly anger the productions and force him to refund the rental fees. The first scheduled film of the morning was . The owner hastily dug out the director¡¯s number. George was in the middle of breakfast when he heard the news about the power outage. He exploded, tossing his utensils aside and rushing to the theater. Far more anxious than the owner, George barged into the building and yelled, ¡°How is there no power? When will it be fixed?¡± The owner spread his hands helplessly. ¡°I don¡¯t know. I¡¯ve checked, but nothing works. We¡¯ll have to wait for the repair crew.¡± George roared, ¡°Where are they? Are they here yet?¡± ¡°When I called, they were having breakfast,¡± the owner explained, exasperated. ¡°After that, they need to clock in at the office, attend the morning meeting, and then head over.¡± With a loud bang, George slammed his fist on the counter. ¡°Damn it! Damn it!¡± He glanced at the clock, trying to reassure himself. ¡°There¡¯s still time.¡± The owner, not wanting to breach his contracts, kept calling to urge the repair crew to hurry, even trying unsuccessfully to borrow another generator. George stepped outside, pacing the theater steps as he made calls. He had spent a fortune hiring intermediaries to connect with Castle Rock Entertainment. If the screening fell through, his reputation among Hollywood buyers would be ruined. Inside the restaurant across the street, Hawk and his team finished breakfast. Lewis peered through the glass at the Crystal Theater. ¡°You¡¯ve treated us to two meals. Helping out is the least we can do.¡± Young and loyal to their friendships, Damian readily agreed, ¡°Keeping an eye on their wiring isn¡¯t just help¡ªit¡¯s protecting Park City¡¯s safety.¡± Hawk spoke quietly, ¡°Besides that, there¡¯s a small task that carries some risk.¡± He nudged Brandt. Brandt pulled out cash and handed it to the two, gesturing wordlessly to his injured mouth. ¡°We can¡¯t let you take risks for nothing,¡± Hawk explained. Lewis and Damian exchanged glances before pocketing the money and shrugging. ¡°A little risk is no big deal.¡± Hawk pointed at George, who was pacing outside the theater with his gold-rimmed glasses. ¡°Keep an eye on that guy. Wait for my call, then deliver a message to him.¡± ¡°That¡¯s too easy,¡± Damian said, feeling overpaid. Hawk nodded. ¡°Thanks. This side is in your hands now.¡± As the two left, Hawk and Brandt headed to Alpine Pizza. Brandt, mindful of his injury, remained unusually quiet unless necessary. At the pizzeria, the theater group members began trickling in, including Larson and his deputies. The bearded man from before clapped Hawk on the shoulder and grinned, ¡°Buddy, you still owe me a black coffee!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll grab one for you.¡± Hawk got a cup from Bill and handed it over. ¡°You¡¯re a good guy,¡± the man said cheerfully. Nearby, a ten-year-old girl tugged on Hawk¡¯s sleeve and asked, ¡°If I watch the movie, do I get ten dollars too?¡± ¡°Of course!¡± Hawk said. ¡°But keep it to yourself, okay?¡± The girl nodded eagerly. ¡°Got it!¡± She ran off to tell her sister, ¡°I¡¯ve got ten bucks for the week!¡± The crowd grew, creating some chaos. Hawk checked the time and had Larson organize the group, splitting them up and heading toward the Great Salt Lake Theater. At the theater entrance, Eric¡¯s heart finally settled halfway as he saw the stream of attendees. ¡°Are they ready?¡± Eric asked Hawk. ¡°They¡¯ll be fine. Everyone will stay focused and watch the film without interruptions.¡± Eric hesitated. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say the audience would have emotional reactions?¡± ¡°Immersion and attentiveness emotional reactions,¡± Hawk replied. The real fireworks, of course, were saved for after the screening. Inside the auditorium, Hawk noticed the audience was clustered too closely. Calling over Larson and the deputies, he instructed, ¡°Leave the first two and last two rows empty. Spread out the others. This isn¡¯t a group viewing.¡± Larson, eager to learn, nodded. ¡°Makes sense.¡± Hawk added, ¡°Distribute yourselves among the crowd to keep them focused. After the film, make sure they stay seated until I signal. If there¡¯s a scoring session, don¡¯t give all perfect scores¡ªstick to three or four stars.¡± Five stars was the maximum. ¡°Understood. Everything¡¯s ready,¡± Larson assured him. Hawk left the auditorium briefly, scanning the concession stand before summoning Brandt. ¡°Call Bill and have him deliver the same instant black coffee here. Stock the concession stand with it.¡± Brandt endured the pain as he made the call. Hawk then found Mason, the theater owner, and gave him additional instructions. Eric ran in from outside. ¡°The plane¡¯s landed.¡± Hawk took out his phone and called Lewis. ¡°It¡¯s time.¡± Eric, puzzled, asked, ¡°Time for what?¡± Hawk didn¡¯t answer, instead asking, ¡°You have a DV camera, right? Can I borrow it?¡± ¡°Sure,¡± Eric said, sending someone to fetch it. When the camera arrived, Hawk was surprised to see it was a semi-new professional-grade model. After Eric showed him the basics, Hawk turned to Mason. ¡°Get some temporary security agreements ready,¡± Hawk said. ¡°I¡¯ll find people to maintain order until the screening ends¡ªfor free.¡± ¡°Listen to him,¡± Eric told Mason. The added bonus from Katherine made Mason agree after brief consideration. At the Crystal Theater, an electric company van pulled up, and two repair workers got out to inspect the situation. George breathed a sigh of relief. He¡¯d just been informed the plane had landed. ¡°There¡¯s still time,¡± he muttered, following the workers. But soon, he received the worst news. ¡°The issue is highly complex,¡± one worker said. ¡°Further inspection is needed. This won¡¯t be resolved anytime soon.¡± S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°How long?¡± asked the owner. ¡°Earliest by afternoon, but possibly not until tomorrow,¡± the worker replied. ¡°What? Afternoon? What kind of shoddy work is this? It needs to be fixed in half an hour!¡± George raged. The workers, unimpressed, shrugged. ¡°Feel free to fix it yourself.¡± ¡°Just hurry,¡± George said, barely containing his temper before turning to the owner. ¡°What about the generator?¡± ¡°It¡¯s from an Indian supplier,¡± the owner said. ¡°I called for repairs, but they¡¯re backlogged for a week.¡± He added professionally, ¡°Since your film can¡¯t be screened, I¡¯ll refund you in full.¡± ¡°Refunds? Is that the issue here? F***! F***!¡± George felt his future slipping away. How had things fallen apart overnight? Before he could say more, the owner casually picked up a stun baton. George immediately fell silent. ¡°I¡¯ll transfer the money,¡± the owner said. George, dazed, found himself back at the theater entrance. His phone¡¯s ringtone snapped him out of it¡ªit was the intermediary calling. Just as he answered, a young man dashed over. ¡°This is what you deserve, you sick pervert!¡± With a crash, George¡¯s phone shattered on the ground. Jumping down the steps, Lewis flashed George two middle fingers. ¡°Eric Isen, this isn¡¯t over!¡± George shouted as he scrambled into a black car and sped toward the Great Salt Lake Theater. With his Crystal Theater plans ruined, he had nothing left to lose. But he vowed to make Eric suffer. Chapter 15: Multiple Gains Chapter 15: Multiple Gains The black sedan sped toward the Great Salt Lake Theater. Damian, keeping watch from the roadside, dialed a number and reported the car¡¯s license plate. George, clueless about high-level business warfare, was single-minded in his desire to ruin Eric¡¯s screening in retaliation for his own botched one. The plan was straightforward¡ªcopy the exact sabotage he¡¯d experienced. ¡°He¡¯s not at the main entrance¡ªhe¡¯s heading to the back,¡± a voice on the line informed Hawk. In the hallway, Hawk answered the call, holding a handheld camcorder as he led a group toward the back entrance. ¡°He¡¯s here. Hide,¡± he instructed the bearded man and Larson¡¯s team. The bearded man grinned. ¡°That coffee wasn¡¯t free, huh?¡± S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawk stationed himself by the back window, adjusting the camcorder to film the rear yard. Eric watched in confusion. ¡°This¡­ is part of building the movie-watching atmosphere?¡± ¡°Just wait and see,¡± Hawk replied, gesturing for silence. The payment wasn¡¯t fully secured yet¡ªclient satisfaction was critical. Moments later, two objects were tossed over the yard¡¯s low wall, followed by George himself climbing over. George picked up a wooden baseball bat and pulled the safety pin on a fire extinguisher. Swinging the bat, he knocked over a discarded Christmas tree blocking his path, then strode toward the power room¡¯s ventilation window with the extinguisher in hand. From the side of the power room, the bearded man crept up and launched a full-bodied tackle. With a thud, George landed hard on the ground, emitting a peculiar cry. He released the bat and extinguisher, clutching his rear in apparent agony, rolling around like he was being tortured. The bearded man froze, raising his hands. ¡°Wasn¡¯t me¡ªI didn¡¯t do it!¡± George instantly regretted agreeing to wear that ¡°gift¡± from the bald man for the whole day. Now he felt as though he might die. Hawk turned off the camcorder and called Mason, the theater owner. ¡°There¡¯s a maniac trying to sabotage your power room¡ªwe caught him.¡± George, still writhing in pain, let out pitiful wails. Eric grabbed Hawk¡¯s arm, laughing uproariously. ¡°Amazing! Absolutely brilliant! Buddy, you¡¯ve really helped me vent my anger!¡± Hawk replied, ¡°I¡¯ll need the camcorder for a little while longer to transfer the footage.¡± ¡°You like it? It¡¯s yours,¡± Eric said, not joking in the slightest. Pointing at the still-rolling George, he added, ¡°You to take it. This camcorder isn¡¯t enough to repay you!¡± Relieved of his pent-up frustration, Eric felt so light-hearted that he barely cared about the movie¡¯s fate anymore. ¡°Even if we don¡¯t sell the distribution rights, I¡¯ll pay you an additional amount¡ª2% of the production cost.¡± The money wasn¡¯t coming out of his pocket anyway, and a little extra groveling was a small price to pay. By the time Mason arrived and assessed the situation, he called the police. Hawk reminded him, ¡°Keep this contained to the back¡ªdon¡¯t let it affect the front.¡± Mason, having charged Eric extra, was particularly cooperative. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The officers are locals¡ªthey¡¯ll handle it discreetly.¡± Small-town connections worked wonders. Using Eric¡¯s computer, Hawk transferred the footage to a storage drive before returning to the scene. Police and paramedics were already there. Hawk provided the video as evidence, and Mason handed over the temporary theater security agreement signed just ten minutes earlier. The bearded man was in the clear. Meanwhile, George, still howling, was loaded onto a stretcher and into an ambulance. ¡°What happened?¡± someone asked. The medic gestured with both hands. ¡°Horrifying¡ªat least seven inches, all the way in. God bless him.¡± As the ambulance and police car departed, a woman with a press badge rushed over, blocking the door and asking Mason, ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± Mason shook his head. ¡°Gina, you¡¯re too late. The story¡¯s already gone cold.¡± Hawk glanced at the cameraman behind her and then at her badge, noting she worked at Channel 7 in Salt Lake City. ¡°You all head back. I¡¯ll chat with her for a bit,¡± he told his group. Gina shook Hawk¡¯s hand and introduced herself. ¡°Gina Enke, local reporter.¡± Hawk raised the camcorder. ¡°I¡¯ve got a big story here¡ªa lunatic tried to sabotage the theater¡¯s power room¡­¡± Gina offered quickly, ¡°Fifty bucks for the footage.¡± ¡°Can I finish?¡± Hawk continued, ¡°That lunatic is a director with a feature film in the festival. He was jealous of a fellow production¡¯s superior work and came to sabotage the screening.¡± Gina¡¯s instincts for a bigger story kicked in. Hawk pressed further, ¡°A scandal like this at Sundance will rock the film and entertainment industries. My time is valuable¡ªif you¡¯re unwilling to pay $1,000, I¡¯ll contact Fox or CBS reporters instead.¡± ¡°Let me see the footage,¡± Gina demanded. Hawk led her to the computer and played the video, highlighting the horrifying seven-inch detail. A straightforward case of power room sabotage might fetch $50, but when tied to a director at Sundance, the value skyrocketed. Sundance had run for 18 years without a scandal like this¡ªa first in high-level business warfare. Gina made a call, borrowing $1,000 from Mason to purchase the footage. Returning to the theater lobby, Brandt leaned in, ignoring his mouth pain. ¡°I¡¯ve realized something¡ªI never truly understood you. Hawk, you squeeze every possible benefit from a situation.¡± Hawk chuckled. ¡°We¡¯re partners; you get a share too.¡± Brandt fell silent, deep in thought. If he could learn half of what Hawk knew, paying off his student loans wouldn¡¯t be a problem. At the Crystal Theater, four sedans pulled up to the curb. Rob Reiner, wearing a wool coat, exited with his assistant and four associates, heading toward the theater entrance. Katherine, stepping out of the last BMW, stayed at the base of the steps, letting the others proceed. There was no welcoming party¡ªjust a man in a cowboy hat pacing the steps. Rob frowned in mild irritation. The owner, overwhelmed with the power outage and multiple breaches of contract, was in no mood for pleasantries. Seeing the group, he barked, ¡°Theater¡¯s got no power¡ªno screenings today. Go somewhere else.¡± Rob turned to his assistant, who quickly said, ¡°I¡¯ll make a call.¡± Rob waved dismissively. ¡°Forget it. Let¡¯s go.¡± Just then, one of his associates pointed out Katherine. ¡°Boss, Katherine¡¯s been waiting down there.¡± Rob paused before walking toward her, his demeanor softening. ¡°You¡¯re just like your father¡ªrelentless. Fine, lead the way.¡± Katherine smiled as though nothing had happened. ¡°Uncle Rob, this way. It¡¯s close¡ªjust a few minutes by car.¡± The four cars departed, heading for the Great Salt Lake Theater. Throughout the drive, the assistant remained silent, sensing his boss¡¯s displeasure. He cursed the intermediary who had arranged the Crystal Theater screening. In stark contrast to the gloomy Crystal Theater, the Great Salt Lake Theater buzzed with activity. The crew waited warmly at the curb, rushing to greet the arrivals. Katherine handled introductions with grace. Rob, glancing at the steady stream of attendees entering the theater, remarked, ¡°No need to rush¡ªlet¡¯s watch the movie first.¡± Chapter 16: The Applause Begins Chapter 16: The Applause Begins As they entered the theater, Rob casually glanced around, noting the roughly 50% occupancy rate. Without heading to the front, he chose a seat in the last row and said to Katherine and Eric, ¡°Sit wherever you like. No need to accompany me.¡± The two exchanged a few words and settled across the aisle. Rob removed his wool coat, noticing many audience members in the front rows sipping coffee. Turning to his assistant, he said, ¡°Simon, get me a cup of coffee.¡± Simon approached the concession stand and saw paper cups filled with instant coffee on display. ¡°Is this all you¡¯ve got?¡± he asked. ¡°That¡¯s all,¡± Mason replied, adding, ¡°It¡¯s complimentary. The director paid for it.¡± He handed over a cup and asked, ¡°How many do you need?¡± S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Simon took one and returned to the auditorium, explaining to Rob, ¡°The coffee¡¯s instant, provided by the production team.¡± Rob took a sip and remarked, ¡°Using coffee to attract an audience¡ªclever.¡± He gave instructions, ¡°Distribute the questionnaires now and collect them after the movie ends. No need to return¡ªfind seats elsewhere.¡± This was routine for him. The four assistants left to distribute the forms. With the doors closed, the screening began. In the third row, Hawk received a questionnaire and a pen as well. The form was a simple post-screening evaluation, with a maximum score of five stars. Satisfied that everything was on track, Hawk relaxed. Regardless of the final outcome, this venture was already a financial success for him. Energized by the strong coffee and motivated by promises of a free meal and cash rewards, most audience members were engrossed in the movie, even though it was filled with Mexican characters. One older girl yawned out of boredom, only to receive a furious glare from her younger sister, who clearly saw it as jeopardizing her own allowance. The older girl immediately straightened up and focused on the screen. Across the aisle, the bearded man noticed someone in front slumping sideways. With a swift kick to the seat below, the sloucher sat bolt upright. Simon chose a seat and occasionally glanced at the audience. Though the movie¡¯s focus on Mexican culture didn¡¯t interest him much, he was surprised by how attentive the nearby white audience members were, their eyes glued to the screen. This wasn¡¯t unusual for the other assistants. They¡¯d often found that films they didn¡¯t personally enjoy were embraced by audiences post-purchase. Rob, meanwhile, barely touched his coffee once the movie started. The story unfolded neatly, following a classic three-act structure. Its themes of redemption, family, and friendship were all staples beloved by Hollywood and American audiences. Despite the low-budget production, the film held its own against similar projects from major Hollywood studios. The only lingering question in Rob¡¯s mind was: why wasn¡¯t the protagonist white? Movies like this hadn¡¯t crossed his path in years. The last time, many audience members had walked out early. But this time, no one left early, much to his surprise. From his vantage point in the last row, Rob observed a captivated audience, with even bathroom trips kept to a minimum. As the film neared its conclusion, Rob pondered the changing times. Was this increased engagement due to the progress of civil rights movements? Or perhaps the movie¡¯s depiction of drug issues in underprivileged communities resonated deeply with the audience? Up front, Katherine breathed a sigh of relief. Not only had the audience stayed through to the end, but so had Rob. The atmosphere wasn¡¯t explosive, but the quiet focus of the viewers was a success in itself. Katherine started feeling hopeful that the film¡¯s rights could be sold, recouping the investment and potentially yielding profits. She stole a glance at Eric. While her boyfriend excelled at groveling, he clearly had real skills that could elevate her professional standing. As the film ended and the credits began rolling, Hawk was the first to clap. Those around him followed suit, and soon the entire theater was filled with applause. Hawk stood first, clapping as he rose. Following prior coordination, others stood as well, creating a wave of standing ovations. From the back left, Larson stood, prompting those around him to rise and clap. Elsewhere, the four deputies, Brandt, the bearded man, and others stood in succession. Soon, the entire audience was on their feet, clapping fervently. The applause continued¡ªhalf a minute, then a full minute. Katherine, recalling Hawk¡¯s advice, tugged Eric¡¯s arm. ¡°You idiot, go take a bow!¡± didn¡¯t have a full cast to present; Eric was the only one there, both director and representative. Unused to such attention, Eric hesitated, overwhelmed by the applause. He stumbled slightly as he rushed to the front of the theater. Hawk, assuming it was a deliberate act, silently admired how it added to the authenticity. For a rookie director, such a reaction¡ªshock, excitement, nervousness¡ªfelt genuine. Standing before the audience, Eric bowed deeply. Hawk intensified his applause, prompting those around him to do the same. The clapping grew louder and more enthusiastic. Eric straightened up, bowing again. Hawk glanced at his phone in the cup holder¡ªless than four minutes had passed. There was no rush. The applause continued. The contagious atmosphere reached the back, where Rob stood and began clapping softly. For Rob, the criteria for a good movie were simple: if the audience loved it, it was commercially viable. Historically, films receiving such applause at festivals often achieved significant success. Meanwhile, Larson and the bearded man exchanged glances, silently cursing Hawk. Their hands hurt from clapping for so long. Up front, Eric bowed again, his thoughts racing. At precisely six minutes, Hawk stopped clapping and sat down, signaling others to do the same. The applause gradually subsided as everyone took their seats. Hawk reflected briefly¡ªsix minutes was modest. In five or six years, such extended applause would become a business strategy at major European film festivals, sometimes lasting over ten minutes. ¡°Thank you! Thank you!¡± Eric shouted his gratitude. Another round of applause broke out. As the audience began filing out, Rob¡¯s assistants stationed by the exit collected as many questionnaires as possible to get immediate feedback. Simon, busy gathering forms, was interrupted by the bearded man, who whispered, ¡°Got a question for you. You¡¯re from Hollywood, right? Ever heard about Winona Ryder stealing the underwear Bill wore in ?¡± The question left Simon dumbfounded. Nearby, Hawk hurriedly handed off his questionnaire and slipped away. As the crowd exited, they headed enthusiastically for Alpine Pizza. With his tasks complete, Hawk joined them at the pizzeria. True to his word, he handed out the $10 rewards in cash, pre-exchanged by Bill. This group would likely be useful again later in the festival. The bearded man approached Hawk, handing him a beer and toasting. ¡°Buddy, here¡¯s to you!¡± Hawk took a swig, clinked cans with him, and then did the same with the quietly reflective Brandt. Brandt suddenly remembered something¡ªthe $1,000 gathering cost had ultimately fallen onto George Hanson. Chapter 17: Money Received Chapter 17: Money Received At the Great Salt Lake Theater, Rob sat in the back row, waiting for a few minutes. His assistant hurried over, handing him the collected forms. ¡°Boss, 65 valid questionnaires returned. Average rating: three and a half stars.¡± Rob glanced at the forms and said decisively, ¡°Inform Katherine to prepare for a copyright discussion. Tell her I only have ten minutes.¡± The assistant quickly located Katherine and Eric. A few minutes later, the two parties convened in the theater¡¯s office to negotiate the sale of copyright. As a distributor, Castle Rock Entertainment occupied the top tier of the film industry chain, leaving Katherine and Eric no room to haggle. They quickly agreed to sell all rights to for $350,000. On Main Street, under a streetlamp. Hawk received Katherine¡¯s call. Inside Alpine Pizza, Brandt stood by the window, watching Hawk pace outside. He touched the injury at his mouth and felt a complex swirl of emotions. In just a few days, he had experienced more shocks about earning money than he had in his entire life. It was nothing like he imagined or learned about in school. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Brandt sighed internally. Larson approached from behind, glanced at Hawk outside, and asked, ¡°Learned something?¡± Brandt, suppressing the pain in his mouth, replied, ¡°I feel like I¡¯m learning all the wrong things.¡± Then he added, ¡°Making money fast is so hard.¡± Larson nodded in agreement. ¡°Except for the tax bureau and capitalists, no one finds it easy to take money from someone else¡¯s pocket.¡± Brandt¡¯s phone rang. After a brief conversation with Hawk, he told Larson, ¡°I¡¯m heading out with Hawk.¡± Larson clapped him on the shoulder. ¡°The festival¡¯s just starting. Stick close to him and learn. The theater group¡¯s future depends on you.¡± Brandt followed Hawk to the hotel and entered Eric¡¯s suite. Katherine handed Hawk a freshly signed copyright transfer contract. ¡°The copyright sold for $350,000.¡± ¡°Congratulations.¡± Hawk accepted the contract and quickly skimmed through it. Without further ado, Katherine produced a prepared check. ¡°Here¡¯s the $5,000 remaining payment.¡± Hawk inspected the check carefully and tucked it away. Katherine explained, ¡°The transfer funds haven¡¯t been credited yet. Normally, we¡¯d wait until Castle Rock¡¯s payment clears to settle with you.¡± Recalling Eric¡¯s praise for Hawk, she decided to settle early as a favor. ¡°You handled the George Hanson issue beautifully, so I¡¯m choosing to pay your share in advance.¡± Hawk replied, ¡°You pay, I deliver¡ªit¡¯s only fair.¡± Katherine pulled out her checkbook and started writing. ¡°Two percent share¡ª$7,000.¡± Hawk accepted the check, stood, and said, ¡°Our agreement is complete.¡± Katherine shook his hand. ¡°I hope we¡¯ll work together again.¡± ¡°If you need me, you have my number,¡± Hawk said without hesitation. As Hawk left, Eric walked him to the elevator. While waiting for it, Eric suggested, ¡°There¡¯s a bar next to the hotel with a great vibe. Want to grab a drink tonight?¡± After days of non-stop work, Hawk was ready for some downtime. ¡°Sounds good. Seven o¡¯clock, don¡¯t be late.¡± Eric grinned. ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting early.¡± The elevator arrived, and Hawk shook hands with Eric before descending with Brandt. The two stopped at a nearby coffee shop. Brandt, anticipating what was coming, couldn¡¯t hide his excitement despite his sore mouth. ¡°How much did we make in total?¡± Hawk laid it out: ¡°The signed contract earned us $5,000; Katherine gave us another $5,000 that night; the news video sold for $1,000; and just now, we received $5,000 plus $7,000.¡± Brandt did some quick mental math. ¡°That¡¯s $23,000.¡± Hawk nodded and added, ¡°Expenses were $1,000 for the gathering, and a little over $1,000 for audience payments, the amplifier, and other equipment¡ªlet¡¯s round it to $1,000.¡± Brandt chimed in, ¡°We also spent on legal fees, dining, copying materials, and payments to Damian and Lewis. Those total about $1,000, too.¡± Hawk concluded, ¡°So, subtracting $3,000 in expenses, we netted $20,000.¡± ¡°In just four days, we made $20,000? That¡¯s insane!¡± The money had clearly changed Brandt, making him speak with newfound composure. ¡°We agreed I¡¯d take 20%, so $4,000.¡± Understanding the lure of money, Hawk said, ¡°Let¡¯s finish our coffee and head to the bank to transfer it.¡± ¡°Deal.¡± Brandt raised his coffee cup, though he didn¡¯t drink right away, deep in thought. Money was clearly driving him to change. After a long sip, Brandt asked cautiously, ¡°Will we keep doing similar deals?¡± Sensing Brandt¡¯s transformation, Hawk replied, ¡°The festival lasts over a week. I plan to approach new production teams¡ªthis promotional method has more clients to tap into.¡± ¡°Next time, I want¡­¡± Brandt hesitated, then compromised, ¡°three and a half percent.¡± ¡°Max is three,¡± Hawk countered. Brandt nodded. ¡°Fine, three it is.¡± Hawk knew that after a few more ventures, Brandt would likely push for a 50% share. Money and human nature were always in flux. After finishing their coffee, the two went to the bank. Later, Hawk returned to Alpine Pizza to settle the gathering bill. He declined the bearded man¡¯s drinking challenge and headed back to his accommodation to rest. Days of running around, including a late-night outing, had left him exhausted. When Hawk awoke, he found Brandt sitting by the fireplace, lost in thought. ¡°Thinking about what gift to get for your dream girl?¡± Hawk asked knowingly. ¡°Yes,¡± Brandt replied seriously. ¡°Tiffany, Herm¨¨s, Chanel¡ªwhich brand do you think is best?¡± Hawk poured two glasses of water, handing one to Brandt as he sat across from him. ¡°None of those.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± Brandt asked, surprised. Hawk gave earnest advice: ¡°Focus on making money. When you have enough, the women you dream of will come.¡± Brandt, still believing in love, countered, ¡°If I wait until I¡¯m rich, I might miss out on someone special. If I don¡¯t try, I¡¯ll regret it.¡± ¡°Good luck, then,¡± Hawk said, changing the subject. ¡°Does Park City have a gym, a fight club, or a shooting range? Ideally, all in one place.¡± Brandt shook his head. ¡°There are gyms, but I don¡¯t recall seeing fight clubs or shooting ranges. Park City is mostly about ski resorts.¡± After thinking for a moment, he added, ¡°A multifunctional club like that might only be in Salt Lake City.¡± Hawk made a mental note to search online after wrapping up his work in Park City. His recent string of tasks and physical activity had slimmed him down considerably, shedding the puffiness in his face. But he knew his body wasn¡¯t yet in peak condition. Hawk spent some time examining the camcorder Eric had gifted him. Its functions were decent, and its night-vision capabilities were impressively clear. Meanwhile, Brandt, fatigued, dozed off by the fireplace. As night fell, Hawk woke him up. ¡°Want to join me for drinks?¡± Brandt remembered Eric¡¯s invitation and waved him off. ¡°No pretty girls? I¡¯ll pass. Bring me back some late-night snacks.¡± ¡°Got it,¡± Hawk replied, heading to the bar on foot. Chapter 18: Don’t Be a Freeloader Chapter 18: Don¡¯t Be a Freeloader The rustic bar hummed with the strains of country music. ¡°What¡¯ll you have? Whiskey?¡± Eric extended a hand adorned with a gleaming gold Rolex, pouring a drink for Hawk. ¡° isn¡¯t making it to theaters.¡± Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawk raised an eyebrow. ¡°Didn¡¯t Castle Rock Entertainment buy the rights outright?¡± ¡°They¡¯re pushing it straight to the DVD and VHS market,¡± Eric explained. ¡°If things move quickly, it¡¯ll hit stores right after the Oscars.¡± ¡°At least tens of thousands of people will get to see it,¡± Hawk offered. ¡°Compared to most directors, I¡¯m still lucky.¡± Eric raised his glass to Hawk. ¡°With Katherine investing in me and meeting you in Park City, this film sold only because of you. Otherwise, I¡¯d have been dropped by Katherine, and finding future opportunities would¡¯ve been nearly impossible.¡± Hawk responded diplomatically, ¡°Katherine seems to treat you well.¡± Eric shook his head. ¡°A director with no successful projects doesn¡¯t raise a wealthy woman¡¯s status. What use would she have for him?¡± Pointing at Hawk, Eric continued, ¡°But you, my friend, gave me a chance to keep making movies.¡± Hawk poured them another round. ¡°Here¡¯s to your next project coming to life soon.¡± Eric, brimming with ideas, added, ¡°When it does, I¡¯ll hire you to handle film operations. You¡¯re the best I¡¯ve ever seen at it.¡± ¡°Thanks,¡± Hawk said, a bit proud. Eric¡¯s follow-up jab took the wind out of him. ¡°Of course, I haven¡¯t seen many film operators.¡± Hawk quickly recovered. ¡°I¡¯m not a film operator¡ªI specialize in media operations.¡± Several drinks later, Eric grew more inebriated, and the conversation turned to one of men¡¯s favorite pastimes: bragging. Pounding the table, Eric declared, ¡°When I start my own film company, you¡¯ll be my media operations director!¡± Hawk, also loosened by alcohol, quipped, ¡°Will Katherine agree to that?¡± ¡°If I¡¯ve got the money to start a company, who needs Katherine?¡± Eric blurted out, letting slip a deeper truth. ¡°If I could finance my own films, do you think I¡¯d rely on that crap?¡± Hawk poured another drink and said, ¡°I need a favor.¡± ¡°Anything that doesn¡¯t involve eating that crap,¡± Eric muttered, clearly harboring a lifelong resentment. Hawk smirked. ¡°Help spread the word about my work. You don¡¯t need to do much¡ªif someone calls to ask about my operations, can you speak honestly?¡± Eric was surprised. ¡°Haven¡¯t you had plenty of successes?¡± Hawk rehashed his standard explanation. ¡°The groups I¡¯ve worked with always attribute their wins to artistic triumphs. My contributions are considered trivial.¡± ¡°Bullsh*t!¡± Eric raised his glass and clinked it against Hawk¡¯s. ¡°If anyone questions you, tell them to call me.¡± Breaking into the film festival was tough, but Hawk knew he had to keep the momentum going to secure more clients and profits. Before they could finish the bottle, Eric got a call from Katherine, forcing him to leave early. ¡°Take their money, follow their rules,¡± he said, downing his glass. ¡°Don¡¯t be a freeloader!¡± Hawk chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡ªif freeloading is an option, I¡¯ll do it with flair.¡± Eric didn¡¯t catch the nuance, waving as he staggered off. ¡°I¡¯m heading to L.A. soon. If you¡¯re ever there, give me a call.¡± Hawk raised his glass for a final toast. ¡°I¡¯ll be in touch when I need you.¡± With Eric gone, Hawk eyed the bottle and decided to drink solo. The country tune on stage shifted to jazz, and Hawk hummed along until the chair next to him was pulled out. It was Gina, the reporter, signaling the waiter for a glass. ¡°Drinking alone?¡± ¡°Not anymore,¡± Hawk replied, pouring her a drink. Gina didn¡¯t waste time. ¡°Any big news?¡± Hawk deflected with a question of his own. ¡°How¡¯s the response to this morning¡¯s story?¡± ¡°Explosive,¡± Gina said with a satisfied sip. ¡°For the first time in Sundance history, it¡¯s drawn nationwide attention. And the George Hanson situation? Wild.¡± Hawk raised an eyebrow. ¡°That bad?¡± ¡°They extracted something nearly seven inches long,¡± Gina said, leaning in conspiratorially. ¡°Absolutely insane.¡± She continued, ¡°George Hanson¡¯s opened a Pandora¡¯s box. What happens if future productions compete for rights by sabotaging each other¡¯s screenings? Imagine movies pulling the plug on rival screenings¡ªit¡¯s absurd.¡± Hawk clinked glasses with her. ¡°You journalists love stories like this. It¡¯s great news material.¡± ¡°If you¡¯ve got more stories like this, let me know. Money¡¯s no issue,¡± Gina said. Hawk shook his head. ¡°If scandals like this were everywhere, I¡¯d already be rich. I¡¯d be at a hotel with Hollywood starlets instead of drinking alone in a bar.¡± Gina sized him up, clearly unconvinced he had that kind of money. She handed him a card. ¡°Call me if you get a lead. If it¡¯s valuable, I¡¯ll pay a finder¡¯s fee.¡± Recalling the $1,000 he¡¯d made from her earlier, Hawk asked, ¡°The bigger the story, the bigger the payout?¡± ¡°Generally, yes,¡± Gina replied. ¡°But it depends on the industry. For entertainment news, if it involves a celebrity, it¡¯s worth a lot more than the same story about an average person.¡± She elaborated, ¡°Take the Great Salt Lake Theater incident¡ªimagine if Spielberg had been involved. That video would fetch $100,000, maybe more.¡± Hawk nodded thoughtfully. Gina went on. ¡°Hollywood is full of rumors. For example, there¡¯s longstanding speculation that Tom Cruise is secretly gay. Tabloids like and have offered millions for photos or videos proving it. Anyone who captures proof would become a millionaire overnight.¡± Hawk chuckled. ¡°Or they¡¯d get sent to meet the Scientology gods in the cosmos.¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Gina agreed. ¡°In this line of work, you need to know when to stop. Don¡¯t mess with the wrong people.¡± Hawk gained some useful insights from Gina and ordered another bottle. As a faux media professional, Hawk took the opportunity to glean even more information from her. When Gina had too much to drink, she tried to drag Hawk home to ¡°study the camcorder.¡± Hawk wasn¡¯t one to take advantage of a drunk. Besides, the risk of puke could leave lasting trauma. He drove Gina home in her car and then walked back to his accommodation. One tidbit from Gina stood out¡ªthere was a Brazilian production called preparing a press screening, aiming to gain attention in North America. The next day, Hawk began gathering information on the production. This time, not only did Brandt assist, but Larson and the deputies joined in. Having one successful case made landing the second much easier. Hawk arranged a meeting with the production¡¯s director and producer, Beto Brant. After calling Eric and Castle Rock Entertainment for confirmation, Brant didn¡¯t hesitate to sign a deal with Hawk. Chapter 19: Unprecedented Chapter 19: Unprecedented Melano Theater, Park City. The credits for began to roll as Hawk stood and clapped enthusiastically. Gradually, the other audience members followed suit, rising to their feet in applause. Within seconds, over a hundred people were giving a standing ovation. The applause was thunderous, seemingly endless. In the front-row media section, Gina turned to a colleague. ¡°How long has it been?¡± The colleague glanced at their watch. ¡°More than five minutes.¡± Brazilian director Beto Brant repeatedly bowed to the audience, which only fueled their fervor. The clapping grew even louder. The mutual exchange of gratitude between the audience and director seemed to create an unspoken rhythm. Ten minutes later, the applause finally began to fade. The journalists in the media section were visibly surprised. Gina asked, incredulous, ¡°Was the movie really that good? A ten-minute standing ovation is insane.¡± A fellow journalist clapping along said, ¡°It¡¯s not bad. Judging by today¡¯s response, might even win a minor award.¡± Another colleague reminded them, ¡°Time to head to the hotel. The production team is hosting a reception with a ¡®special surprise.¡¯¡± The woman grinned. ¡°I wonder what the surprise will be.¡± Gina shrugged. ¡°Whatever it is, once we accept it, we¡¯ll have to write our articles according to their press release.¡± Backstage. Hawk exited through a side door and joined Beto Brant in the lounge. With his thickly accented English, Beto asked, ¡°Are the press releases ready, or do we need to add more?¡± Hawk pulled out a chair and sat at a typewriter. ¡°Let me add a few new touches¡ªI just got some inspiration.¡± Beto stood nearby, waiting. Hawk¡¯s fingers flew across the keys, translating the ovation¡¯s intensity and his own prior knowledge into compelling narratives. His drafts focused entirely on thematic headlines: Breaks Records: The Longest Standing Ovation in Sundance History! Receives a 15-Minute Ovation at Sundance! Beto Brant, a wealthy and ambitious new director, nodded repeatedly as he read the headlines. ¡°Good! Very good! I¡¯ll make sure these are in the gift bags.¡± Hawk tidied up his belongings, adjusted his jacket, and accompanied Beto to a nearby hotel for the media reception. His role was minimal¡ªjust to handle any unexpected issues. In the banquet hall, Hawk grabbed some food and settled into a quiet corner to eat. Gina, having received her gift bag from the production team, scanned the room for a quiet spot. Her eyes landed on Hawk, and she made her way over immediately. ¡°Mind if I sit here?¡± she asked. ¡°Suit yourself,¡± Hawk replied, unfazed. ¡°Why are you everywhere I go?¡± Gina teased as she sat across from him. She¡¯d reported on and covered the George Hanson debacle. Eyeing Hawk for a moment, she asked, ¡° got an unusually long standing ovation, and reportedly had the same. You were involved with both productions. Is there a connection?¡± Hawk remained unflustered. ¡°I¡¯m just a media professional and entertainment blogger chasing new films.¡± Lifting a gift bag beside him, he added, ¡°I got one of these too, just like you.¡± Gina asked, ¡°Will you write your article according to the production¡¯s press release?¡± Hawk, whose agreement was still active, kept things professional. ¡°Why not? The production isn¡¯t asking us to fabricate anything¡ªjust report the truth.¡± Gina shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s all glowing praise.¡± Hawk countered, ¡°But the audience really did clap like crazy, right? They really did give a standing ovation. The unprecedented 15-minute record is real, isn¡¯t it? Reporting the truth doesn¡¯t violate journalistic principles.¡± S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After glancing at her gift bag, Gina nodded. ¡°Fair point. I¡¯ll stick to the facts.¡± Hawk gave her a thumbs-up. ¡°That¡¯s integrity.¡± After the reception, Hawk approached Beto Brant to say goodbye¡ªand to remind him about payment. ¡°Wait a moment,¡± Beto said, making a quick phone call. ¡°I¡¯ve instructed the bank to transfer the money. It should be in your account within 30 minutes.¡± Hawk packed his belongings, briefcase in hand, and left the banquet hall. Not long after, he received a text confirming the transfer: $15,000 successfully credited. This income, of course, needed to be shared. With no communal meal involved, the Alpine community theater group¡¯s individual fee had risen to $15 per person. Like Brandt, the group members would likely demand higher rates next time. By the end of the Sundance Film Festival, Hawk had completed four deals in Park City. After deducting expenses and splitting earnings, his net profit was $42,600. Brandt also earned a substantial sum. As the festival concluded, Hawk began preparing to leave Park City. Watching Hawk pack, Brandt asked, ¡°Larson wanted me to ask¡ªwill you be back for next year¡¯s festival?¡± Hawk zipped up his backpack, grinning. ¡°Tell Larson not to worry. I¡¯m a man of my word. I definitely won¡¯t come back next year.¡± Brandt breathed a sigh of relief but also felt a twinge of loss. The past ten days had matured him more than the previous years combined. ¡°I wonder when I¡¯ll see you again.¡± Hawk walked over and gave him a hearty slap on the shoulder. ¡°Quit acting so sentimental. Where¡¯s your old carefree attitude?¡± Brandt chuckled. ¡°You¡¯ve taught me a lot. Without you, I won¡¯t find a better mentor.¡± Hawk checked the time, slinging his bag over his shoulder. ¡°There are some things you shouldn¡¯t learn from me¡ªthey¡¯ll only get you into trouble. You wouldn¡¯t want me visiting you in prison, right?¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare do anything too crazy,¡± Brandt replied, knowing Hawk often operated on the edge. ¡°What¡¯s next for you?¡± ¡°On to the next opportunity,¡± Hawk said, picking up his briefcase and heading for the door. ¡°And learning to cook something special.¡± Brandt raised an eyebrow. ¡°You¡¯re becoming a chef?¡± ¡°Only a rare chef can make this dish,¡± Hawk replied cryptically. Seeing that Hawk wasn¡¯t elaborating, Brandt let it go. Grabbing his keys, he offered, ¡°I borrowed Larson¡¯s car. I¡¯ll drive you to Salt Lake City.¡± Hawk didn¡¯t refuse. ¡°Thanks.¡± Brandt drove Hawk to the Salt Lake City train station, the same spot where they¡¯d first met. After seeing Brandt off, Hawk shouldered his bag and embarked on a new journey. During his time in Park City, he¡¯d already chosen his next destination: Las Vegas. There, at a club offering fitness, shooting, climbing, and combat training, Hawk began a six-week regimen. Preparing for his role as a media professional in Los Angeles, he also enrolled in a photography and videography course. Soon, a new Hawk Osmond would emerge in Los Angeles. Chapter 20: Starting a Business in Los Angeles Chapter 20: Starting a Business in Los Angeles S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Late March, East Hollywood, Los Angeles. In the parking lot of Ranch Park, Frank Brown sat atop his RV, gazing past Fountain Avenue at the two-story house across the street where a new tenant was moving in. The man had short black hair, a lean, muscular build, and a calm demeanor. His appearance was unremarkable, blending into the crowd effortlessly. When the new arrival stepped out through the security door and looked toward him, Frank generously offered a middle finger. Hawk, unfazed, returned the gesture with two fingers, then headed to his second-hand black Mondeo to unload his belongings. His luggage consisted of a bag of clothes and daily necessities, with the rest filled with tools for his media work. Back inside the house, Hawk carried his clothes upstairs and organized them before unpacking his equipment, wrapped securely in bubble wrap. Among the items were the camcorder gifted by Eric, surveillance equipment, professional cameras, long lenses, storage drives, photography smartphones, a printer-fax machine, a mini recorder, and a laptop¡ªall purchased in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Over the past two months, Hawk had spent heavily. He had signed a one-year lease for the house and set up a workstation and shelves in the first-floor living room. Internet and a router were already installed. Although East Hollywood was far from downtown''s impoverished areas and near affluent neighborhoods like Silver Lake and Beverly Hills, Hawk still installed hidden surveillance cameras inside and outside the house. He placed his cameras and camcorder in easily accessible spots, reinforced the security doors and windows, and replaced the locks. From his belongings, he retrieved a Glock pistol and performed maintenance. He planned to obtain a California firearm license to purchase a legal weapon. Standing in the center of the living room, Hawk realized he still needed a safe, which would have to wait for now. He cracked open a bottle of water, sat at his workstation, and powered up his laptop to check his blog. Despite posting nearly 30 entries, his readership was negligible¡ªhe lacked explosive news to draw attention. Hawk wrote a new post: ¡°Starting Fresh in Los Angeles: West Coast Media & Entertainment Studio Underway.¡± After publishing it, Hawk closed the webpage and began researching the activities of Buddy Ackman, Robert Downey Jr., Bro Derek, and Barack Bernan¡ªhis primary targets in Los Angeles. His goals in the city were clear: take down those four, and gain wealth and power. To sever ties with his past and rise higher, he needed to fry some big fish. With the 74th Academy Awards approaching, entertainment news was everywhere online. Hawk quickly found a popular article about Robert Downey Jr. The article quoted Downey at an Oscars pre-event, stating that he was fighting his drug addiction and would emerge reborn. Photos accompanying the piece showed him entering and exiting a gym, still sweaty from his workout. Even Downey Sr. had stepped up, claiming his son¡¯s addiction issues were hereditary and partially his fault. The media celebrated Downey Jr.¡¯s bravery in confronting his demons, praising him as a phoenix poised to rise from the ashes. Hawk scrutinized a photo of the gym¡¯s sign: ¡°Tracy Gym,¡± located in Westwood. A quick search revealed Downey¡¯s public residence in the affluent Brentwood area. Taking note of this, Hawk moved on to Buddy Ackman, whose most newsworthy moment included Barack Bernan. A report from weeks earlier described Buddy, alongside his daughter and Bernan, attending a press conference to announce his recovery from a severe illness. Buddy pledged to donate $30 million to support bone marrow matches for children with leukemia. Hawk surmised that Buddy had found a suitable organ donor. The bone marrow initiative hinted at continued hunting for compatible donors, possibly to ensure a steady blood supply. Another report speculated that Los Angeles might grant Buddy the Honorary Citizen¡¯s Golden Key, recognizing his contributions to society and philanthropy. Next, Hawk checked on Bro Derek. He had recently attended the premiere of the new season of with his celebrity wife, Sarah Parker. The couple exuded wealth, flaunting designer attire and expensive jewelry. Leaning back in his chair, Hawk reflected on his determination. The memory of almost losing his kidneys and life left him resolute: he wouldn¡¯t just fry these "squid"¡ªhe¡¯d ensure their complete downfall. What would happen if Robert Downey Jr. or Buddy Ackman met an untimely end? Downey Jr. might become a tragic figure, celebrated like Heath Ledger or Paul Walker, and would soar in popularity, immortalizing his legacy alongside Hawk¡¯s involvement in the project. Buddy Ackman, on the other hand, would be canonized as a moral and charitable icon, with his heirs continuing their opulent lives. The thought of such outcomes made Hawk sick. Hawk narrowed his focus to Downey Jr. He lacked the strength to confront Buddy Ackman head-on, as Ackman¡¯s wealth and connections were far beyond his current reach. American corporate warfare often escalated beyond simple tactics like cutting power or internet lines. Stories of dump trucks, explosions, plane crashes, and mysterious "self-inflicted gunshot suicides" were alarmingly common. To dismantle the Ackman empire, Hawk needed time and resources to grow. With that, he grabbed his phone and called a consulting agency, arranging a meeting that afternoon. That afternoon. After grabbing lunch and taking a brief nap, Hawk drove his Mondeo to the agency¡¯s office on Highland Avenue. Passing by Hollywood Boulevard, he noted the presence of numerous homeless people, even though it wasn¡¯t as impoverished as the city¡¯s worst areas. After circling the Kodak Theater (soon to be renamed), he parked in front of an office building on Highland. Inside, he met with Milner, a consultant who reviewed Hawk¡¯s prepared documents. ¡°What¡¯s the name of your company?¡± Milner asked. ¡°West Coast Media & Entertainment Studio,¡± Hawk replied. Milner jotted it down. ¡°What¡¯s your scope of business?¡± ¡°Media promotion, crisis PR consulting, and strategic planning,¡± Hawk answered. Curious, Milner inquired, ¡°Going beyond entertainment into politics?¡± Hawk smirked. ¡°Power is hard to resist when opportunity knocks.¡± ¡°Fair enough,¡± Milner said, though privately skeptical. Many such studios launched yearly in Los Angeles, and few survived. Hawk, however, knew his focus had to remain on entertainment¡ªfor now. Ackman Pictures and other Ackman family ventures were deeply rooted in the entertainment industry. After paying the agency fee, Milner reminded him, ¡°Keep your phone on. We may need to contact you anytime.¡± Hawk signed the paperwork and left the office. Checking his bank balance, Hawk noted his dwindling funds. After months of training, buying equipment, and securing his identity, his savings had fallen below $10,000. He ordered a safe and drove to Westwood, easily locating Tracy Gym. Attempting to enter, he was stopped by a guard. Membership required an existing member¡¯s referral and a minimum $5,000 fee. Taking a step back, Hawk snapped photos of the gym and its surroundings. He then headed to Brentwood, finding Downey Jr.¡¯s public address¡ªa luxurious mansion. Hawk took a few pictures but didn¡¯t approach, noting the extensive surveillance and security systems. Later, he passed by Buddy Ackman¡¯s home in the gated Sunset Boulevard North area of Beverly Hills. The area¡¯s tight security and frequent police patrols made entry nearly impossible. Back on Fountain Avenue, Hawk bought a stack of entertainment tabloids with grandiose names like , , and . These papers often revealed more than their lofty titles suggested. Chapter 21: When in Doubt, Target a Celebrity Chapter 21: When in Doubt, Target a Celebrity West Hollywood, Los Angeles County Museum of Art. A charity art auction had just ended, and Melissa Ackman, elegantly dressed, exited with a faint smile. She was Buddy Ackman¡¯s beloved daughter and the CEO of Ackman Pictures. Robert Downey Jr. hurried after her, keeping pace as he spoke in a low voice. ¡°About the project¡ªthere¡¯s a role that would be perfect for¡ª¡± ¡°That¡¯s a Sony-Warner production. We¡¯re only minor investors,¡± Melissa interrupted, stopping to face him. ¡°Are you truly clean now?¡± Downey swore earnestly, ¡°I promise!¡± Melissa¡¯s eyes turned icy. ¡°If your addiction causes losses for the company, I¡¯ll make sure you pay for it all at once.¡± Downey instinctively took a step back, too intimidated to continue the conversation. Melissa turned away gracefully, leaving without another word. Shaken, Downey lingered for several minutes before finally leaving the museum. Still haunted by Melissa¡¯s words and glare, he grabbed a plastic bag from his car and indulged to calm his nerves. Feeling more composed, he drove off to Viper Room on Sunset Boulevard to begin his night. Meanwhile, Melissa waited for a moment before inviting Barack Bernan into her Rolls-Royce Phantom. As the car began moving, the partition between the front and back seats rose, sealing them in privacy. Melissa went straight to the point. ¡°Still no trace of him?¡± ¡°The snowstorm that night covered too many tracks,¡± Bernan repeated his usual explanation. ¡°The local police won¡¯t pour resources indefinitely into a case. Their murder clearance rate isn¡¯t great, and the investigation¡¯s been shelved.¡± Melissa¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. Bernan continued, ¡°We expanded the search radius and found a lead near the small northern town of Highland. A grocery store owner claimed to have seen someone matching the description, but we found no car or trace of him at any local hotels or motels. The trail goes cold near Highland.¡± ¡°That¡¯s all?¡± Melissa¡¯s tone was flat. ¡°I¡¯ve contracted Pinkerton Detective Agency under the guise of a foreign foundation to continue the search,¡± Bernan added. ¡°When you find him, don¡¯t make a fuss¡ªjust bring him in quietly,¡± Melissa instructed. Bernan was tempted to ask why but wisely held his tongue. Melissa¡¯s thoughts drifted to her father and herself. She, too, might need a ¡°blood source¡± one day. East Hollywood, Fountain Avenue. Hawk parked his second-hand Mondeo in front of his house, slinging a camera bag over one shoulder and carrying dinner and a stack of newspapers. Near a garbage bin, the same pudgy old man from earlier¡ªFrank¡ªwas rummaging for bottles. Spotting Hawk¡¯s newspapers, he called out, ¡°Hey, buddy! Let me take care of those papers for you.¡± Hawk, his hands full, considered flipping Frank off but couldn¡¯t manage it. ¡°I¡¯ll do it for you!¡± Frank gleefully gave himself the finger, even sticking it in his mouth and wiggling it dramatically. ¡°How¡¯s that? Now, can I have them?¡± Impressed by the man¡¯s shamelessness, Hawk said dryly, ¡°Not now. Come back tomorrow.¡± ¡°Deal!¡± Frank wiped his lips and shuffled off toward the RV he lived in at the park across the street. Back home, Hawk glanced out the window to see Frank heading to his RV. Satisfied, he ate dinner before diving into work. Online, he looked up Robert Downey Jr.¡¯s latest news and noted his frequent locations. Then, he combed through the tabloids for additional details, jotting everything down on a sheet of paper. Four places stood out: Brentwood (Downey¡¯s residence) Tracy Gym (Westwood) Viper Room (Sunset Boulevard) Eric Ohlen¡¯s Martial Arts Gym (Victory Boulevard, North Hollywood) Hawk had already checked out the first two locations earlier without much luck. The Viper Room was a Sunset Boulevard nightclub popular among celebrities and athletes, owned and meticulously curated by Johnny Depp. As for the martial arts gym, a blog post claimed that Downey was interested in learning Wing Chun under Eric Ohlen. Hawk vaguely remembered hearing that Downey had indeed dabbled in Wing Chun. The post also led him to another article about Downey¡¯s romantic history. One name jumped out: Sarah Parker, Bro Derek¡¯s wife. Hawk shook his head but wasn¡¯t surprised. Hollywood stars rarely lacked a long list of exes. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With his next day¡¯s itinerary set, Hawk burned the paper with the noted locations and reorganized the tabloids. He focused on the biggest sellers: , , , and . Each featured tip lines and submission numbers for breaking stories. Hawk¡¯s camera gear wasn¡¯t just for Downey¡ªit was also a potential moneymaker. Everyone knew that in times of scandal, a celebrity controversy was the perfect diversion. For Hawk, celebrities were broad-reaching, highly profitable targets with relatively low risks. He saved the tabloids¡¯ contact information to his phone. The next morning. Hawk started his day with a jog in the park, grabbed breakfast, and returned home to find Frank sitting by the roadside with a hat for donations. Occasionally, passersby would toss some change in. After breakfast, Hawk brought a stack of unused newspapers to Frank, placing them beside him. ¡°Thanks,¡± Frank said, flipping through them. Noticing Hawk¡¯s camera bag, Frank smirked. ¡°You a journalist? Freelancer? Or just starting out?¡± Hawk paused, turning to look at him. ¡°New in town, carrying a camera bag, and buying stacks of tabloids. Easy guess,¡± Frank said smugly. ¡°Lots of folks try this in L.A. Most fail.¡± Hawk considered for a moment and asked, ¡°Any advice?¡± Frank waved the papers. ¡°Get a big scoop and sell it to Channel 11. They¡¯re owned by Fox News now and pay well for stories.¡± Hawk took note, got in his car, and drove off. North Hollywood, Victory Boulevard. Hawk parked his Mondeo and walked to Eric Ohlen¡¯s Martial Arts Gym, which sported bilingual English and Chinese signage. A staff member greeted him and, learning of his interest in Wing Chun, led him to an exhibit room. The walls displayed photos of famous practitioners like Bruce Lee, Ip Man, and Eric Ohlen with his mentor, Zhang Zhuoqing. The gallery, however, lacked celebrity photos, indicating the gym hadn¡¯t gained much renown. Hawk left with a price list and schedule for private lessons, which were even more expensive than Tracy Gym. Standing on the roadside, Hawk observed his surroundings before crossing the street to a convenience store. Inside, he found shelves stocked with Chinese ingredients and spices. He grabbed a few items and overheard an argument at the counter. A white woman in her thirties scolded a mixed-race man in his twenties for mistakenly putting fireworks on display. ¡°You¡¯re brainless, Edward! Those are for a friend, not for sale!¡± she hissed. Edward retorted, ¡°Then why were they in storage? That¡¯s your mistake.¡± ¡°Your brain must be stuck below your waist! Or did you blow it all out last night? Take them back!¡± Grumbling, Edward carried the fireworks away. In California, selling and using fireworks without a permit was illegal¡ªbut widely ignored. Hawk feigned ignorance and handed the woman his card at checkout. ¡°I¡¯m a journalist. If you spot any celebrities at the gym across the street, call me. There¡¯s a cash reward.¡± She pocketed the card and handed him a store card and flyer. ¡°We deliver orders over $25, but tips and delivery fees are extra.¡± Edward muttered, ¡°I¡¯m your boyfriend, not your employee!¡± Hawk stuffed the card and flyer into his pocket and headed out, planning to distribute more business cards elsewhere. Chapter 22: The First Deal of Entrepreneurship Chapter 22: The First Deal of Entrepreneurship As night fell, Hawk started the car and turned onto Sunset Boulevard. After spending the day staking out the gym and Brentwood, he had nothing to show for his efforts. Now, he planned to try his luck at the Viper Room. Hawk parked his Mondeo by the roadside. Since it was inconvenient to carry a camera or camcorder, he packed them away and took out a mini voice recorder, slipping it into his pocket. He then pulled out his newly purchased Nokia 7650 and snapped a photo. Its 300,000-pixel camera wasn¡¯t exactly impressive, but in this era, there weren¡¯t many camera phones to choose from. Hawk walked into the bar alone. It was still early, and the place wasn¡¯t crowded. After taking a lap around both floors, he didn¡¯t spot Robert Downey Jr. Choosing a spot with a clear view of the entrance, Hawk ordered a drink and waited patiently. Suddenly, a commotion erupted at the door. It seemed someone notable had arrived. Stretching his neck to see, Hawk caught sight of David Beckham smiling as he stood at the entrance. Even in a country where soccer wasn¡¯t wildly popular, Beckham¡¯s charm had won over plenty of fans. In recent years, under Victoria¡¯s meticulous branding, Beckham¡¯s public image had become increasingly beloved. As Beckham entered the bar, the noise outside quickly subsided. This bar was a hotspot for celebrities, and few people here would bother them for autographs. Like many British athletes of his time, the young Beckham shared a fondness for large drinks. He made his way to the bar and ordered a sizable glass of something strong. Hawk took a sip from his own drink, glancing at Beckham. Where others saw star power and an idol¡¯s halo, Hawk saw business opportunities and dollar signs. Many media outlets had reported on Beckham¡¯s escapades. If Beckham¡¯s main hobby was infidelity, Victoria¡¯s full-time job seemed to be forgiveness¡ªover and over again. Later, another athlete Hawk didn¡¯t recognize joined Beckham at the bar. They quickly struck up a lively conversation. Eager to overhear, Hawk exited through the fire escape and re-entered through the main door, taking a seat closer to Beckham. He discreetly eavesdropped on their conversation. Bits and pieces of their chat reached him. Beckham mentioned skipping a national team match due to injury and accepting an invitation from Tom Cruise to attend several events in Los Angeles. The other man introduced himself as Miller Collins, a baseball player for the Dodgers. The two downed drinks together, naturally steering the conversation to topics most men couldn¡¯t resist¡ªwomen. With their wealth, looks, and fame, men like Beckham were hardly going to stay loyal to just one Victoria. At one point, Beckham mentioned a female model, piquing Hawk¡¯s curiosity. Unfortunately, Beckham didn¡¯t disclose her name. As the bar grew busier and noisier, their conversation was soon drowned out. Around 8 PM, Hawk finally spotted Robert Downey Jr. entering the bar with a group of friends. The bar manager personally greeted them, presenting a bottle of fine liquor. Hawk immediately abandoned Beckham and focused all his attention on Downey. From a distance, he kept an eye on them, waiting for the right moment to strike. How to handle this first ¡°dish¡± would depend on Downey¡¯s next moves. If Downey openly carried a stash of the stuff, things would be much simpler. Less than an hour later, Downey stepped aside to take a phone call. Shortly afterward, the group left the bar. Hawk trailed them without rushing. The group split into two cars and headed east along Sunset Boulevard. Downey¡¯s residence in Brentwood lay to the west. Hawk followed in his car, soon noticing another vehicle and two motorcyclists also tailing Downey. Most likely, they were freelancers in the media industry. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Downey¡¯s cars didn¡¯t go far before pulling into the underground parking garage of an apartment building. The others couldn¡¯t enter and had to wait outside. Hawk parked a bit further away and used binoculars to keep an eye on the parking garage exit. Los Angeles was full of celebrities and actors, offering no shortage of juicy scoops. But after a while, the other tailing vehicles gave up and left, having found nothing. Strictly speaking, Hawk was in the same line of work, but his goals were different. Downey was his primary target. He stayed put, watching the parking garage from a distance. Inside the apartment, one of Downey¡¯s chubby friends pulled the curtains closed and said, ¡°Those bastards are gone.¡± Downey, now dressed in a different outfit and wearing a hat, replied, ¡°I¡¯m heading out.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t you have her come here instead? Who is she, anyway? You¡¯re being so secretive about this. Do you really think we¡¯d sell you out?¡± another friend asked. ¡°I¡¯m not telling you loudmouths anything. I¡¯m a married man, after all,¡± Downey said, checking himself in the mirror. He looked pleased. ¡°You guys stay here and keep drinking. I¡¯ll be back in the morning.¡± The chubby friend advised, ¡°Pick a low-profile motel. Don¡¯t go to any big-name hotels; you¡¯ll get caught.¡± Downey smirked confidently and left alone, taking a Lexus. At the parking garage exit, under the bright lights, Hawk spotted Downey through his binoculars as he drove out. He quickly started his car and followed. The Lexus blended into Sunset Boulevard¡¯s traffic, heading northeast. No one noticed a black Mondeo trailing from a distance. While driving, Downey received a phone call. ¡°You¡¯re already there? Wait for me a bit longer. I¡¯ll be there in ten minutes. Opening a room is a man¡¯s job¡ªit adds to the sense of ceremony.¡± On the other end, a woman¡¯s voice responded, ¡°You¡¯re such a romantic, Downey, my darling.¡± Downey laughed. ¡°I¡¯ve prepared a special gift for you. Just wait.¡± The woman giggled and hung up. Excitement coursed through Downey as he sped up. Both were married, but the illicit thrill of an affair made him impatient. Maintaining a steady distance, Hawk kept trailing the Lexus. The car eventually turned off Sunset Boulevard, heading north before stopping at a small hotel. The hotel had a modest seven stories and no dedicated parking. Hawk parked on the street, watching as cars lined up at the entrance. From the backseat, he pulled out a bag and began changing swiftly. In record time, he ditched his casual outfit for a business suit and leather shoes, added oversized glasses with clear lenses, and donned a golden parted-hair wig. With a black briefcase in hand, he was ready. Downey handed his car keys and a tip to the valet before entering the hotel. Scanning the lobby, he smiled and nodded at the woman waiting for him near the elevator, then went to the front desk to check in. The woman waited near the elevator, glancing around nervously. As Hawk entered the lobby, he spotted Downey queuing at the desk. Unbothered, he strolled towards the waiting area, quickly surveying the scene. His gaze lingered momentarily before snapping back. Hawk had spotted Sarah Parker¡ªBro Derek¡¯s wife. Over the past few days, Hawk had been collecting intel. There was no mistaking her. Even more intriguingly, Sarah frequently glanced in Downey¡¯s direction. This was getting interesting. Hawk recalled that the two had dated in the past. He had a feeling his first entrepreneurial deal in Los Angeles was about to materialize¡ªand it was going to be a lucrative one. Chapter 23: Unconventional Methods Chapter 23: Unconventional Methods At the front desk, Robert Downey Jr. was waiting to check in. Meanwhile, Hawk found a seat in the lounge area, settling at a small round table. As usual, his mind immediately went to strategizing, scanning his surroundings for potential opportunities. Across from him sat a woman with immaculate makeup, a stunning figure, and a tight-fitting short dress. She mistook Hawk, with his polished appearance, for a traveling business professional. Raising an eyebrow at him, she slid her hand over her smooth, stocking-clad leg, brushing past her knee before curling a finger in invitation. Hawk noticed everything clearly: she was almost certainly a high-end escort. The setting of the venue already placed her several tiers above streetwalkers. Her handler was likely in cahoots with the hotel management. An idea formed in Hawk¡¯s mind. He beckoned to the escort. The short-dressed woman immediately stood up and approached, taking the seat across from him with a professional smile. ¡°Good evening, handsome. I¡¯m Jacqueline. Yes, like Jacqueline¡ªthe one with a hole in her husband¡¯s head. Same charm, though. Are you alone tonight? Need some company?¡± Hawk took out his phone, lit up the screen, and asked, ¡°Do you have a phone? Give me your number.¡± Jacqueline flashed a toothy grin. ¡°What, one night isn¡¯t enough? Want to keep in touch? In my line of work, we can¡¯t just hand out our numbers...¡± Before she could finish, her words trailed off. Hawk had placed a $20 bill on the table. Jacqueline¡¯s mouth outran her caution as she rattled off her number and reached for the money. Hawk dialed, and her phone buzzed. Jacqueline ended the call and said, ¡°So eager? Should we go upstairs now?¡± Over at the front desk, Downey had begun checking in. Hawk took out another $50, placing it on the table, and gestured discreetly towards the front desk. In a lowered voice, he said, ¡°See the guy in the gray sweatshirt and baseball cap? Once he finishes checking in, follow him upstairs. Find out what room he¡¯s staying in and call me.¡± Jacqueline hesitated. Working in her profession came with risks, and she was cautious. ¡°What...what are you planning? I¡¯m not doing anything illegal.¡± Hawk resisted the urge to roll his eyes and cut the chatter, handing her a business card. ¡°I¡¯m a freelance journalist.¡± In Los Angeles, that required little explanation. Jacqueline nodded. ¡°Got it. He¡¯s a celebrity.¡± With Downey nearly done at the front desk, Hawk didn¡¯t have much time. ¡°I¡¯ll give you another $50 when the job¡¯s done,¡± he added. ¡°Just follow them into the elevator, act like you¡¯re staying on the same floor, and trail them from behind. That¡¯s all.¡± Jacqueline picked up the $50 and glanced toward the front desk. ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡± Hawk reminded her, ¡°Don¡¯t stare directly at them. Isn¡¯t acting a big part of your job? Use your skills to pull this off smoothly.¡± He noticed Downey heading toward the elevators and said, ¡°Go now.¡± Jacqueline grabbed her purse and walked to the elevator area. Downey entered the elevator, glancing back toward the entrance. Sarah Parker approached leisurely and stood behind him, maintaining an air of unfamiliarity. Three other people entered the elevator, one of them being Jacqueline. Despite her slight nervousness, Jacqueline¡¯s experience in her line of work made feigned nonchalance an easy performance. The elevator doors closed, and Downey pressed the button for the fourth floor. The others followed suit, pressing their respective floor buttons. Jacqueline initially reached out to press one but pulled back after noticing the fourth floor was already selected. Two others chose the fifth floor. Jacqueline stood near the front, and the elevator soon arrived at the fourth floor. As the doors opened, Jacqueline exited first but feigned a stumble, grabbing the elevator wall as if her high heel had twisted. Downey walked past her without stopping, followed by Sarah Parker. Both barely glanced at Jacqueline as they exited the elevator area. Jacqueline waited momentarily until she heard the clicking of Sarah¡¯s heels come to a halt. She stepped out of the elevator in time to see them entering a room. She noted the room number, turned, and entered the stairwell. Pulling out her phone, she called Hawk. ¡°They¡¯re on the fourth floor, room 407.¡± ¡°I got it. Come back down,¡± Hawk replied. Jacqueline reminded him, ¡°Don¡¯t forget the extra $50 you promised.¡± ¡°Wait for me in the lobby. I¡¯ll bring it to you shortly,¡± Hawk said, hanging up. He then studied the hotel layout diagram, confirming room 407¡¯s position. The bedroom window faced the front of the hotel. Leaving the lobby, Hawk crossed the narrow street to a spot opposite the hotel. He glanced up and saw that the lights in room 407 were already on. A man and a woman alone, meeting in a low-profile hotel¡ªit was obvious what they were up to. Hawk remembered that Sarah Parker hadn¡¯t divorced Bro Derek, and Downey had a wife and kids. Being the compassionate man he was, Hawk felt it necessary to notify Sarah¡¯s husband and Downey¡¯s wife. Turning back, Hawk noticed an old four-story office building across the street. He returned to his car, parked in a discreet alley, changed back into his casual clothes, and grabbed his equipment bag. American-style office buildings like this often had external fire escapes. After scouting the area, Hawk found a spot where the wall¡¯s angles and drainage pipe bolts provided sufficient grip. With a few nimble movements, he scaled the side to the second-floor landing, grabbed the iron railing, and climbed up to the fire escape. He soon reached the rooftop. Hawk set up his camera on a tripod, attaching a long-focus lens aimed at room 407¡¯s window. He managed to capture a side profile of Downey before a woman¡¯s hand appeared and pulled the curtains shut. Without a clear line of sight, Hawk muttered a curse under his breath. Giving up wasn¡¯t an option. ¡°Dirty cheaters,¡± he grumbled, determined to find another way. This was, after all, the first job for West Coast Media & Entertainment Studio. Scaling the hotel itself was out of the question. With pedestrians and traffic on the street, it was too risky. As for Jacqueline? Her usefulness was limited; Hawk couldn¡¯t rely too much on someone like her. In moments like these, came to life through Hawk¡¯s actions: when the profit is great enough, a way will always be found. Even if the method was unconventional, as long as it worked, it didn¡¯t matter. Reaching into his coat pocket, Hawk pulled out a business card and a flyer from a convenience store he had visited earlier. The flyer had the store¡¯s contact information. The store was less than a five-minute drive from Victory Boulevard. Hawk dialed the number and said quickly, ¡°This is the freelance journalist who visited earlier today. I need to buy some items. Can you deliver them immediately?¡± On the other end, a woman¡¯s lazy voice replied, ¡°It¡¯s too late. We don¡¯t do deliveries at this hour.¡± Hawk responded crisply, ¡°I¡¯ll double the price, including delivery.¡± The woman¡¯s tone shifted instantly. ¡°Of course, sir. Let me know what you need, and I¡¯ll make sure it gets to you as fast as possible.¡± sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 24: For Whom the Fireworks Bloom Chapter 24: For Whom the Fireworks Bloom In just three minutes, Edward Connor arrived at the delivery spot in his car, but he didn¡¯t see the buyer. ¡°Over here,¡± a man¡¯s voice called from a shadowy alley. The faint glow of a phone screen lit up a friendly-looking face. Edward turned his car into the alley, driving deeper into the darkness. He wasn¡¯t worried or afraid; as a Compton native, the night was his domain. ¡°Good thing I¡¯ve got guts. Who else would dare make a delivery like this?¡± Edward got out of the car, popping the trunk open. ¡°You promised to double the goods and delivery fee¡ªshort me even a dollar, and these beauties stay right here!¡± Hawk glanced at Edward¡¯s not-so-dark face, paid the agreed amount, and walked toward the fire escape. ¡°Help me carry them up. Follow my instructions, and I¡¯ll add another $100.¡± Edward¡¯s tone turned wary. ¡°What are you up to? I¡¯ll tell you right now¡ªfireworks are meant for the sky. If you set them off wrong, people could die!¡± Hawk pointed upward. ¡°Just fire them where I tell you to.¡± Tempted by the extra $100, Edward picked up a box but couldn¡¯t resist adding, ¡°Don¡¯t tell Brittie about this cash. If she finds out I made extra, she¡¯ll force me to take her daughter to the amusement park.¡± Hawk hurried him along. ¡°Quit the chatter and move it.¡± Edward, true to his style, talked even as he worked. ¡°A man shouldn¡¯t rush¡ªit¡¯s about power, not speed. One step at a time.¡± Once on the rooftop, Hawk directed him to the highest platform. ¡°Go there, set it up, and wait for my signal to light them.¡± Edward spotted Hawk¡¯s camera setup. ¡°Whoa, man, that camera is something else. You could fetch a few grand for it on the black market.¡± A native Angeleno, Edward made a quick guess. ¡°You¡¯re a reporter, right? Shooting something? Someone famous causing trouble in that hotel over there?¡± ¡°Shut up and do your job,¡± Hawk replied curtly. Though Edward¡¯s mouth kept running, his hands stayed busy. He carried the boxes to the platform, set up the fireworks, then sat on the edge, looking toward the hotel. Pulling out a lighter, he asked, ¡°So, you¡¯re a journalist? What are you waiting for? Why not light them now?¡± Hawk checked the time and replied offhandedly, ¡°Do you think anyone in the middle of an affair has the mood to enjoy fireworks?¡± ¡°Of course!¡± Edward said, using himself as an example. ¡°I like leaving the curtains and windows wide open¡ªenjoying the view while handling business.¡± He turned to Hawk, surprised. ¡°You actually pull the curtains shut? Man, that¡¯s so old-fashioned, so outdated, so...boring!¡± Feeling the disdain dripping from Edward¡¯s tone, Hawk shot him the middle finger. ¡°Shut up.¡± Edward shook his head. ¡°You need to face the real issue here. Look at what you¡¯re doing¡ªignore the root problem, and you¡¯re gonna lose it.¡± Ignoring the lecture, Hawk used binoculars to focus on the shadows flickering behind the curtains of room 407. He rushed to the camera, adjusted the long lens, and waved his hand at Edward. ¡°Fire it up¡ªtwo at a time.¡± Edward lit two fireworks, muttering, ¡°I used to get hauled into the Compton police station all the time and walk right out. But you? You¡¯d get unlucky in there¡ªsome of those guys love a big, strong dude like you.¡± The fireworks launched with a series of bangs, spiraling into the sky before exploding into brilliant colors. At the hotel entrance, a few valets glanced up, momentarily mesmerized by the unexpected show. Guests in street-facing rooms pulled back their curtains to enjoy the sudden spectacle. But the curtains of room 407 stayed firmly closed. ¡°Another round?¡± Hawk muttered. ¡°Don¡¯t stop! Keep them coming!¡± he shouted. Edward, unbothered by propriety, grew increasingly enthusiastic. The sparks seemed to ignite his energy as he loudly cheered and continued lighting more fireworks. The sky grew brighter, and more hotel windows opened as people looked out. ¡°Keep going!¡± Hawk urged. While lighting more fireworks, Edward shouted back, ¡°Man, if the LAPD shows up, we¡¯re both toast. Those guys empty entire magazines!¡± ¡°That¡¯s for you, not me,¡± Hawk shot back. For the first time, Edward found himself at a loss for words. As more fireworks erupted, the entire neighborhood¡¯s attention was drawn skyward. Inside room 407, Sarah Parker, startled by the glow and sound, rose to peek through the curtains. She gasped at the dazzling display and called out, ¡°Look! Fireworks!¡± Wrapped in a blanket, Robert Downey Jr. joined her by the window. ¡°Beautiful fireworks,¡± he remarked. ¡°Is this your surprise for me?¡± Sarah asked excitedly. Downey thought to himself that he had already given her several ¡°billion-dollar surprises,¡± but he simply replied, ¡°Yeah.¡± Sarah threw herself into his arms for a passionate kiss, which Downey eagerly reciprocated. From the rooftop, Hawk worked like an emotionless machine, clicking the shutter repeatedly to capture the intimate moments through the open window. As the fireworks finale approached, Edward lit the last of them, his excitement at its peak. The brilliant colors illuminated not only the night but also Hawk¡¯s rooftop position. Downey suddenly noticed a figure on the opposite rooftop, camera in hand. Panicking, he closed the curtains, pushed Sarah aside, and peeked out. ¡°He¡¯s a paparazzo!¡± Downey exclaimed with a curse. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Sarah immediately grabbed her phone. ¡°We¡¯ve got a problem. I was on a date, and a journalist might have caught us. If it were Bro Derek, I wouldn¡¯t be calling you right now. I¡¯m alerting PR.¡± Downey also made a call, contacting the same crisis PR agency as Sarah. On the rooftop, Hawk swiftly dismantled his camera setup, packed everything into his bag, and folded the tripod as he shouted, ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Edward didn¡¯t miss a beat, following Hawk down the fire escape. Back at the car, Hawk instructed, ¡°Follow me. We¡¯ll regroup outside this block.¡± Edward hopped into his car and tailed Hawk¡¯s Mondeo as they left the alley and drove to another neighborhood. No sirens or flashing lights appeared. The LAPD, stretched thin, didn¡¯t care about a fireworks display. Hawk pulled into a parking lot with multiple exits. Edward, driving skillfully, followed and parked next to him. Hawk handed Edward $100 and a business card. ¡°If you come across anything interesting, call me.¡± Edward checked the bills and pocketed the card with interest. ¡°Man, your job is wild. Pays well, too¡ªbig bucks?¡± ¡°Just enough to scrape by,¡± Hawk replied vaguely. Edward didn¡¯t buy it. ¡°Next time you¡¯ve got easy money to make, give me a call.¡± After Edward drove off, Hawk remembered there was still someone to pay. Returning to the hotel, he switched into his disguise before entering the lobby. As expected, Jacqueline was waiting in the lounge, scanning for him. Hawk approached, handing her the prepared cash. ¡°This is yours.¡± Jacqueline asked in a low voice, ¡°Those fireworks¡ªwere they yours?¡± Hawk deflected. ¡°What fireworks?¡± Jacqueline looked puzzled but let it go. Hawk handed her more business cards. ¡°You¡¯ve got plenty of friends, right? Give these to them. If they come across valuable people or events, tell them to call this number.¡± He pointed to the cash in her hand. ¡°As you can see, I¡¯m generous. Money won¡¯t be an issue.¡± Jacqueline misunderstood. ¡°I can¡¯t help you expose celebrity scandals involving us. Our managers would never let it slide.¡± Hawk shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t need photos, just tips.¡± Jacqueline pocketed the cash and cards. Hawk returned to his car, drove away from the hotel, and pulled out his phone. Checking the contacts he had collected earlier, he thought about how to monetize the night¡¯s footage. Choosing the right media outlet would ensure a good price. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 25: Nipping Scandals in the Bud Chapter 25: Nipping Scandals in the Bud At Fullspeed PR¡¯s office, the lights were still on late into the night. Caroline Jones, with her golden straight hair and red lips, hung up the phone and pressed the intercom button. ¡°Sasha, Amanda, come in.¡± Two women, whose looks and figures couldn¡¯t quite match Caroline¡¯s, entered the office. Caroline got straight to the point. ¡°Ten minutes ago, Junkie Downey and Idiot Sarah were caught having an affair in a hotel. Someone took photos, and the matter has been escalated to us by the Boss.¡± Sasha, curious, asked Amanda, ¡°Were those two involved before?¡± Amanda replied, ¡°Yes.¡± There was no time to waste. Caroline issued orders. ¡°Sasha, call all the major freelance journalist studios and active paparazzi. Find out who¡¯s behind this.¡± Sasha immediately got to work. Caroline turned to Amanda. ¡°Contact all the major gossip media outlets. If they¡¯ve received any related news or photos, tell them to hold off on publishing.¡± After a brief pause, she added, ¡°Based on what Downey described, the photos were taken with a camera. Whoever has them will likely prioritize selling to print media. This is a major scoop worth a fortune, and smaller tabloids won¡¯t afford it. Focus on , , and .¡± Amanda nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll call those three first.¡± Caroline clapped her hands. ¡°Let¡¯s get busy cleaning up after these two idiots!¡± As her assistants began making calls, Caroline pulled out her makeup bag to touch up her brows and lips. Soon, Amanda exclaimed, ¡°I¡¯ve got something!¡± Caroline immediately grabbed her bag, her heels clicking as she strode toward the door. ¡°Tell me on the way.¡± At a McDonald¡¯s in Melrose Square, Hawk arrived punctually at the designated location. James, an acquisitions editor for , was already waiting. After introducing themselves, James cut to the chase. ¡°Haven¡¯t seen you before. New to the business? What¡¯s this important scoop you mentioned?¡± Hawk opened his laptop, allowing the slideshow of images to play as he turned it toward James. ¡°Shot just half an hour ago.¡± James took one look and immediately recognized the value. ¡°This is huge.¡± He asked, ¡°Is the source legal?¡± ¡°Shot by me, completely above board,¡± Hawk confirmed. ¡°Okay,¡± James said, just as his phone rang. After a brief conversation in a quiet corner, he returned and said, ¡°Mr. Osman, this story¡¯s value exceeds my bidding range. Please wait a moment; the editorial team will assess its worth shortly.¡± Knowing wasn¡¯t his only option, Hawk checked his watch. ¡°Five minutes.¡± From the mall entrance, three women walked into the restaurant. Amanda subtly indicated with her eyes and whispered, ¡°That¡¯s James from , and the guy with him must be the seller.¡± Sasha pretended to order food, casually passing by Hawk¡¯s table. Her gaze briefly flicked over the laptop and camera bag before she returned with a tray of burgers and fries. ¡°It¡¯s a young newcomer,¡± Sasha said. ¡°I¡¯m guessing he¡¯s fresh to the scene, carrying a laptop and a gear bag.¡± ¡°Perfect. I¡¯ll talk to him and find out what he wants,¡± Caroline said, lowering her voice. ¡°If negotiations fail, I¡¯ll signal you for a more targeted approach...¡± Sasha and Amanda nodded. Caroline strode confidently toward Hawk, her high heels clicking rapidly. Hawk, ever alert, glanced at her out of habit. Wealthy and powerful people rarely played by the rules. Rules were for ordinary folks. The tall, curvaceous blonde with immaculate makeup and red heels quickly caught his attention. Caroline, recognizing James, said, ¡°Let me have a word with him.¡± In the PR world, relations with media were often cooperative rather than antagonistic. James nodded. ¡°Ten minutes.¡± He stepped aside. Hawk closed his laptop. Caroline sized him up. ¡°No watch, no accessories, no cologne. Your clothes are from mid-range brands, and your hairstyle is outdated. Your skin tone suggests outdoor work¡ªyou¡¯re struggling financially.¡± She exuded confidence. ¡°Listen carefully. What I¡¯m about to say could help you escape your predicament.¡± At that moment, Caroline presented herself as an elegant, slightly smug lady. Placing her Hermes handbag on the table, she revealed a Cartier watch on her slender wrist. ¡°I¡¯ve worked a job similar to yours before. Back then, I was in an even worse state than you are now. Look at me now: Hermes bags, Cartier watches, Chanel dresses, and perfumes...¡± Hawk interrupted, ¡°You¡¯re a PR agent?¡± Caroline smiled briefly. ¡°A PR professional who transitioned from freelance journalism. Caroline Jones, Fullspeed PR. And you are?¡± S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Hawk Osman,¡± he replied. Caroline quickened her pace. ¡°Oh, Hawk, may I call you that? Thank you. My client is a generous woman with extensive connections in Hollywood and the media industry. She¡¯s happy to help friends, for example, by offering a stable job with a good income.¡± Seeing no reaction from Hawk, she added, ¡°Of course, I wouldn¡¯t let tonight¡¯s efforts go unrewarded. Would you like to exchange those photos for some cash?¡± Typically, the next step would involve Hawk asking how much, leading into a verbal trap that would frame him for extortion. Instead, Hawk glanced at her Hermes bag as she nudged it closer. What¡¯s inside? Ignoring her script, he replied with righteous indignation, ¡°Though I¡¯m just a freelance journalist, I hold myself to high standards. Every photo I take must be truthful and socially responsible. The public has a right to know!¡± Caroline tried steering the conversation back. ¡°You love journalism¡ªgreat! My client and I can help you land a job at a media outlet, like , where James works.¡± She mimed counting money. ¡°How much?¡± Hawk¡¯s face grew stern. ¡°You¡¯re not just questioning my professional ethics¡ªyou¡¯re insulting my character!¡± Caroline remained outwardly calm but internally raged. She glanced at him, doubting he leaned toward genius. Hawk stood. ¡°We have nothing more to discuss.¡± The best PR strategy, of course, is to kill a scandal before it gains traction. Caroline tapped her Hermes bag and offered, ¡°$5,000. For all the photos.¡± Hawk reached to retrieve his laptop. Caroline suddenly laughed, her smile radiant but her words sharp. ¡°Judging by your accent, you¡¯re a Wyoming hillbilly. A simpleton from the mountains trying to make it big in L.A.? Don¡¯t be naive.¡± Retrieving her Hermes bag, she drummed her fingers on the table. ¡°I¡¯ll find out who you are, everything you¡¯ve done, and even the skeletons in your family¡¯s closet. I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re ruined.¡± Hawk smirked. ¡°Go ahead. Because I¡¯ll do the same. And trust me, your skeletons outnumber mine by tenfold.¡± Caroline froze momentarily. Across the room, Sasha and Amanda received the signal and sprang into action. Chapter 26: High-Stakes PR Chapter 26: High-Stakes PR ¡°Here¡¯s your large cola,¡± said the server as they placed the biggest cup on the counter. Amanda grabbed the cup, removed the lid, and took a sip. Behind her, Sasha approached the counter and ordered, ¡°I¡¯d like a large cola, no ice, please.¡± Amanda casually walked down the aisle toward her boss, blending in like any ordinary customer. Hawk, hearing the sharp click of heels, glanced slightly in her direction. ¡°Ten thousand dollars!¡± Caroline¡¯s red lips moved as she made the high offer, trying to seize Hawk¡¯s attention. At that moment, Amanda drew closer, her eyes quickly flicking to Hawk¡¯s laptop. Her knowledge of electronics immediately pinpointed the location of the hard drive. Meanwhile, Sasha circled around from the opposite side, ready to grab the camera bag as soon as Amanda made her move. The rookie journalist had made a critical error: bringing both his laptop and camera to the same meeting. PR wasn¡¯t just about spinning stories or media management¡ªit sometimes meant "cleaning up" the source of the problem altogether. If you could remove the people or items causing the issue, the problem itself would disappear. Amanda adjusted her steps, approaching Hawk¡¯s table while pretending to sip her cola. But as she neared, she seemed to stumble over something, losing her balance and falling toward Hawk. Her cola tilted precariously toward his laptop. A large hand shot out, catching Amanda¡¯s arm mid-air. Amanda¡¯s arm jerked outward, spilling the cola in an entirely different direction¡ªstraight onto Caroline. The sticky liquid drenched Caroline¡¯s face and chest, soaking her hair and turning her sheer blouse transparent, revealing the black lace beneath and accentuating her curves. Hawk¡¯s other hand swiftly moved his laptop out of harm¡¯s way, just as he heard footsteps approaching from behind. He turned sharply, flashing a warm yet unsettling smile at Sasha, who froze mid-step, her body stiffening as if Hawk might pull a gun at any moment. Unable to take another step, Sasha halted. Amanda, staring at her cola-soaked boss, stammered, ¡°I...I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡± Hawk packed up his laptop and slung his camera bag over his shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re going to pay for the damages!¡± Caroline barked, wiping cola from her face and gesturing toward her drenched Hermes bag and Chanel blouse. ¡°This stuff costs more than you¡¯ll make in a lifetime!¡± Even in her disheveled state, she didn¡¯t forget her role. Pulling out her phone, she threatened, ¡°I¡¯m calling the police¡ª¡± ¡°Please do,¡± Hawk interrupted smoothly. He glanced at the two cola-wielding women. ¡°I¡¯m sure the media and public will find your little team effort fascinating. The LAPD will have no trouble piecing it together.¡± Caroline stood slowly, cola dripping from her clothes and skin. ¡°Call them or don¡¯t. I don¡¯t care.¡± With that, Hawk strode out of the restaurant. Once he was gone, Amanda hurried to wipe the stains from Caroline¡¯s clothes with napkins. Caroline waved her off. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± The trio left, drawing stares and whispers from onlookers. Outside, Caroline grabbed a towel from her car to dry her hair and retrieved a brand-new Chanel jacket to change into. ¡°What¡¯s the plan now?¡± Sasha asked. ¡°This is out of our hands. I have a feeling that bastard has no intention of selling out quietly,¡± Caroline replied as she buttoned up. ¡°Next, we move on two fronts. We pressure the media while convincing the client to pay for the photos. At the same time, we prepare for damage control in case the story breaks.¡± She admitted, ¡°We made a mistake. We underestimated him. He¡¯s not a rookie.¡± Sasha quickly apologized, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Caroline wasn¡¯t disheartened. PR was a messy business, filled with irredeemable situations and plenty of futile efforts. She clapped her hands. ¡°Get to work!¡± Sasha and Amanda split up, making calls to media outlets and clients. Meanwhile, Caroline opened her Hermes bag, discovering its interior soaked with cola. The micro-recorder was ruined, and her Sony Ericsson phone was no longer functional¡ªa significant loss. She cursed under her breath and grabbed a spare phone from her car, dialing James. ¡°You¡¯re incredible,¡± James snapped. ¡°In under five minutes, you managed to ruin my deal! Now he refuses to negotiate with me, and you owe me compensation!¡± Caroline shot back, ¡°Compensation? What do you want me to do¡ªspread my legs? I guarantee you¡¯ll only have two balls left to play with!¡± ¡°Just feed me some inside info,¡± James muttered, defeated, before hanging up. Meanwhile, Hawk loaded his camera bag and laptop into his car. From the glove box, he retrieved a storage drive and checked it. This kind of scoop demanded multiple backups stored in various locations for peace of mind. James called just as Hawk finished. ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Hawk said. ¡°Our five-minute window expired. I¡¯m meeting with another publication.¡± For high-value celebrity news, the market favored the seller. ¡°Five thousand dollars,¡± James blurted. ¡°I¡¯ll take it.¡± ¡°I¡¯m meeting someone now. I¡¯ll call you later,¡± Hawk replied without committing. At the next meeting location, Hawk, wary after the earlier fiasco, opted to meet the buyer in his car rather than a coffee shop. Two minutes later, Jerry, a bearded editor from , climbed into Hawk¡¯s car. After a brief introduction, Hawk turned his laptop toward Jerry, showing him the photos. ¡°Clear and explicit,¡± Jerry remarked, impressed. Hawk wasted no time. ¡°An Oscar-nominated actor and a breakout TV star nominated for an Emmy. Married man. Married woman. Scandal gold.¡± Jerry understood the story¡¯s value. Even just the images of the couple topless and affectionate would boost the paper¡¯s circulation significantly. After a brief pause, Jerry said, ¡°Five thousand dollars.¡± Hawk snapped his laptop shut. ¡°Don¡¯t insult me. You might underestimate me, but not the story¡¯s value. This is national news¡ªheadline material.¡± Jerry asked, ¡°How much do you want?¡± Hawk didn¡¯t hold back. ¡°Fifteen thousand.¡± ¡°If it were two A-listers, I¡¯d pay twenty,¡± Jerry replied pragmatically. ¡°Downey¡¯s a B-lister at best, already infamous. One more scandal won¡¯t shock readers. Sarah Parker¡¯s hot now, sure, but she¡¯s just a TV star.¡± Hawk countered with a critical detail. ¡°You might not know this, but Sarah¡¯s husband, Bro Derek, is the producer of Downey¡¯s new film . And for the record, Sarah¡¯s hit show got her an Emmy nomination last year.¡± He added, ¡°Also, Derek is a producer on a project Downey¡¯s vying for, . The ripple effects...¡± The weight of the story clicked for Jerry. He quickly verified the connections via a call to his most informed source. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. , one of North America¡¯s largest tabloids with vast readership, could afford the price. Jerry ended the call, nodded, and offered, ¡°Ten thousand for exclusive rights.¡± ¡°Deal,¡± Hawk agreed but added, ¡°It must be published¡ªno burying it due to PR interference.¡± Jerry assured him, ¡°We¡¯re buying it to put it on the front page.¡± Chapter 27: What News Sells Best Chapter 27: What News Sells Best After signing the exclusive rights agreement, Jerry handed Hawk a check, and Hawk delivered the photo copies. With the transaction complete, both went their separate ways. The West Coast Media & Entertainment Studio had just completed its first deal, earning $10,000. Driving back to East Hollywood, Hawk parked on the street, returned home, secured the door, and checked his surveillance system and alarms. He grabbed a bottle of water, taking a couple of sips as he sat down. The night had been exhausting¡ªstarting with the Viper Room, running nonstop until now. Hawk pulled out the check, setting it on the table, and glanced at the numbers again. Money gives men courage, and Hawk was no exception. In Los Angeles, success meant constantly shelling out cash. The hotel escort, the fireworks delivery¡ªall had nothing to do with charm. It was all about . The scandal would hit the newsstands the next morning. Hawk anticipated that Robert Downey Jr.¡¯s acting career might take a serious blow. A drug addict caught with a producer¡¯s wife was bound to have repercussions. But Hawk wasn¡¯t out to destroy Downey entirely¡ªjust fair payback. If Downey had pushed him toward a literal leap of faith, Hawk figured a metaphorical one for Downey seemed only fair. As midnight approached, Hawk showered and prepared for bed. He placed his gun within arm¡¯s reach and ensured the bedroom¡¯s security window could be opened quickly, providing an escape route to the backyard. The next morning, Hawk¡¯s custom-made safe arrived. As workers unloaded it, Frank, the old man who lived in a trailer at the nearby parking lot, came over with his can-collecting net in hand, drawn by curiosity. ¡°You got yourself a safe?¡± Frank asked. ¡°What¡¯re you planning to stash in there? Secrets?¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Hawk replied bluntly. ¡°It¡¯s for secrets.¡± Frank rattled his bag of cans. ¡°If you don¡¯t need the cardboard, give it to me.¡± ¡°Deal,¡± Hawk agreed. ¡°But keep an eye on my place when I¡¯m not around.¡± Frank nodded. ¡°No problem. The street folks here give me plenty of respect.¡± Curious, Hawk asked, ¡°You don¡¯t look like a gang member. Are you the leader of the local scavenger crew?¡± Glancing at the cans in Frank¡¯s bag, Hawk added, ¡°This business must be popular. You¡¯re out collecting freely, and no one bothers you?¡± Frank raised his chin proudly. ¡°That¡¯s because no one dares mess with me.¡± Hawk¡¯s curiosity grew. ¡°Why do you live in a trailer at the parking lot?¡± Frank¡¯s face brimmed with untold stories. ¡°It¡¯s complicated. You young folks wouldn¡¯t get it.¡± The workers finished unloading the safe, and Hawk ended the chat, directing them to position it in the corner of his living room. The safe was heavy, equipped with an old-school mechanical lock. After receiving instructions from the technician, Hawk set up the safe himself. To anyone looking, it now held nothing but old books, newspapers, and photographs. Working in media consulting and entertainment often meant encountering fierce competition, shady corporate warfare, and high-stakes PR battles. Precautions were a necessity. To that end, Hawk installed a trigger mechanism inside the custom safe and ran concealed wiring to an electrical source. If anyone tried cracking the safe, they¡¯d experience an electrifying surprise. As a "proper" professional, Hawk would never stash valuables in the safe. It was more decoy than vault. After tidying up, Hawk noticed Frank still lingering outside. He brought out the cardboard and packing foam for him. ¡°Beer¡¯s on me later,¡± Frank said, hugging the cardboard as he crossed the street back to his trailer. Hawk headed to the nearest newsstand to grab a copy of . Even from a distance, he could see the paper prominently displayed, with the front-page headline and nearly half-page photo showing the couple in a heated embrace. It was attracting plenty of attention from passersby. Hawk waited as a few customers purchased their copies. The pile of papers was noticeably smaller than those of ¡ªa clear indicator of its popularity. When it was his turn, Hawk bought a copy and casually asked the vendor, ¡°Good sales today?¡± ¡°The has big news!¡± the vendor said with a grin. ¡°What kind of stories sell best? Not Washington policies or how much wealth some billionaire gained¡ªcelebrity gossip, of course!¡± The vendor added, ¡°People love it, understand it, and can chat about it with anyone.¡± ¡°Good insight,¡± Hawk replied. The vendor chuckled knowingly. ¡°Twenty years of selling papers¡ªI¡¯ve seen it all.¡± Hawk handed the vendor a business card. ¡°If you come across anything interesting, give me a call.¡± ¡°You a journalist?¡± the vendor asked. ¡°Sort of. Part of my gig,¡± Hawk replied before heading home with the paper. Back home, Hawk carefully read the article, noting how the story was written. After all, the studio¡¯s future work would involve crafting similar pieces. ¡°Robert Downey Jr. and Sarah Parker caught in a hotel rendezvous¡ªbetraying their respective spouses!¡± S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The headline was succinct but lacked the dramatic flair of clickbait that would dominate in a few years. Hawk thought about how ¡°shocking¡± headlines had taken off elsewhere and pondered adapting the style when the time was right. At Fullspeed PR¡¯s office, Director Rooney Chasen slammed a copy of onto her desk with a loud . Sasha and Amanda instinctively shrank back. Caroline Jones stood quietly, her long neck upright. Rooney, now 40, couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of anger at Caroline¡¯s youth and beauty. The thought of someone 15 years younger outshining her only fueled her fury. ¡°You got the tip first. You responded first. And you were dealing with an independent journalist,¡± Rooney fumed. ¡°Yet you failed to contain it?¡± Caroline, though unafraid, remained silent. ¡°The clients are furious. Robert Downey Jr. has already decided to terminate his contract with us. Your failure has cost this company reputation and business, and the board is asking questions. If I hadn¡¯t intervened, you¡¯d all be out of a job!¡± Caroline accepted responsibility. ¡°It¡¯s my fault.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care about blame, and I don¡¯t care about losing Downey as a client. I¡¯ve had enough of his junkie antics!¡± Rooney took a deep breath, shifting her tone. ¡°What angers me most is how completely out of control this situation became!¡± Fixing her gaze on Caroline, Rooney added, ¡°You let one man make a fool of you. If I were in your shoes, I¡¯d climb to the top of the Columbia Tower and jump off.¡± Caroline replied softly, ¡°I underestimated him.¡± Rooney, having vented her frustrations, felt marginally better. She sat down and continued, ¡°Losing Downey doesn¡¯t matter, but this company cannot afford to lose Sarah Parker. Go to her, do whatever it takes to smooth things over. If you have to grovel, then grovel!¡± Uncomfortable as she was, Caroline had no choice but to comply. Chapter 28: Storms Rise and Fall Quickly Chapter 28: Storms Rise and Fall Quickly Beverly Hills, North Sunset Boulevard. In the sprawling mansion, Buddy Ackman basked in the afternoon sunlight, folding his newspaper as he remarked, "I recall the company¡¯s involved in a project featuring Robert Downey Jr.?" His daughter, Melissa Ackman, replied from behind him, "The $10 million investment in ." "Will it affect the project?" Buddy asked. "The film is scheduled for a fall release," Melissa said softly. "There¡¯s still about six months to go. Hollywood will churn out new scandals long before then, and people will forget. By the time it¡¯s released, the impact should be minimal." Buddy, a man of the old guard, scoffed. "An actor having an affair with a producer¡¯s wife¡ªthat¡¯s audacious and bad business." Melissa added, "The company won¡¯t work with Downey again. Other producers will likely hesitate to collaborate with him too." Buddy pressed further, "How is Bro taking it? Will it affect his work?" "Probably not," chimed in Barack Bernan, an old friend of Bro Derek. "Bro worships his wife. If Sarah sincerely apologizes, he¡¯ll cave without question." Buddy, ever the realist, observed, "Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. A leader¡¯s true talent lies in leveraging strengths. That makes a person valuable." Melissa knew this was directed at her. "I understand, Father." With a wave, Buddy dismissed her and turned to Barack. "The medical team suggested younger blood packs yield better results. It¡¯s time for the foundation to act¡ªrenew the inventory entirely." Barack, prepared, responded, "The foundation plans to launch overseas charity initiatives, targeting the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia for candidates." Buddy nodded slightly. "Make it quick." Sherman Oaks, A Red Bentley Parked Outside a Hillside Mansion. Inside the car, Sarah Parker hesitated, reluctant to go inside. Turning to the passenger seat, she said, "I never wanted to be with Downey. I stopped having feelings for him ages ago. I just¡­ wanted to have some fun. I never intended to hurt Bro or our family." Caroline, ever blunt, said firmly, "You have two choices: sincerely apologize to Bro and beg for his forgiveness, or divorce him and let this blow up publicly." "No, I won¡¯t divorce him!" Sarah exclaimed. She couldn¡¯t bear to lose Bro, who treated her so well. "I¡¯ll apologize. If he truly loves me, he¡¯ll forgive me." Even Caroline, used to dealing with drama, was momentarily stunned by Sarah¡¯s brazenness. Regaining her composure, Sarah started the car and drove into the mansion. Caroline, fiddling with the pepper spray in her Chanel bag, wondered, The sound of the car startled Bro, who came to the door holding a copy of the Sarah parked, hesitated for a moment, then braced herself and stepped out. Bro approached her immediately. "Darling, where have you been? I was so worried." "I¡­" Sarah¡¯s tears flowed automatically, a skill honed from years of acting. "I¡¯m sorry. I made a mistake." Bro, often mocked by his friends as being a pushover for his wife, immediately embraced her. "It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ve got you." Caroline stood dumbfounded. Bro¡¯s next words left her utterly speechless: "Next time, invite me. I won¡¯t mind." Sarah froze momentarily, but as the idea settled, she found it oddly thrilling. After all, the reason she sought out Downey in the first place was for the excitement. The couple retreated inside for a private discussion. Caroline, left in the courtyard, quickly gathered her wits. After all, most of her clients were Hollywood players, and the industry was rife with scandals. On-set romances were par for the course. Male, female, same-sex, throuples, trades¡ªit was all standard fare. Producers like Bro could summon men, women, or anyone in between with a mere gesture. What made someone like him settle down? Caroline shook her head, puzzled. Ten minutes later, Sarah emerged and called Caroline inside. Bro got straight to the point. "You¡¯re Sarah¡¯s publicist. Handle this scandal quickly." Caroline considered the situation carefully. "The key is your¡­ united front. I¡¯ll contact the media. You two will appear in public, hand in hand, expressing your commitment to your marriage and family. I¡¯ll arrange an interview where Sarah can show remorse, and Bro can forgive her. We¡¯ll release statements emphasizing the importance of family and love. Then, we¡¯ll redirect public outrage toward Downey. Trust me, that druggie is unstable and bound to cause a scene." Holding hands tightly, Sarah and Bro agreed. "Make it happen." Caroline quickly exited, muttering, Despite their unique preferences, she suspected their relationship was entangled in a web of mutual interests. Meanwhile, in Brentwood, Hawk stood among the throngs of reporters camped outside Robert Downey Jr.¡¯s home, waiting for Bro Derek to confront him. Speculation ran wild among the press. "If Bro shows up, ask provocative questions. Push him to lose his temper¡ªmaybe even start a fight with Downey." "Better yet, hope for a shootout," someone quipped. "One dead, one injured," another added, drawing laughter. "We¡¯d strike it rich!" Hawk silently agreed but said nothing. Having sold his photos on the condition of publication, he hoped to witness Derek and Downey tearing each other apart. But as the afternoon dragged on, Bro never appeared. Instead, a source from a major studio shared new intel. "Fresh news on Downey," someone announced. "What is it?" Hawk asked. "The project¡ªco-produced by Sony and Warner with Ackman Pictures as an investor¡ªjust declared Downey unsuitable for the role." "Downey¡¯s been blacklisted," someone deduced. "He slept with a producer¡¯s wife. No studio will touch him now." "Who¡¯d risk their wife for a film?" Exhausted from the fruitless wait, Hawk returned home and flipped on the TV. At 6:30, Channel 11¡¯s entertainment news covered Downey and Sarah¡¯s scandal, followed by a surprising clip: S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bro Derek and Sarah Parker, hand in hand at the Beverly Shopping Center, smiling as if nothing had happened. Sarah, tearfully apologizing during an interview, was forgiven by Bro, who declared her his one true love. Both expressed a renewed focus on their marriage and family. Watching this spectacle, Hawk thought, Chapter 29: The First Employee Chapter 29: The First Employee Landing the first job was a good start, and making money didn¡¯t conflict with recruiting people. Though Robert Downey Jr.''s career faced setbacks, it was far from ruin. Hawk had no luck in Brentwood, where too many peers were already camped out, making exclusivity impossible. At the Wing Chun Gym, he had managed to recruit a few informants, but the Tracy Gym remained a blank slate. The gym wasn¡¯t just Downey¡¯s spot but also a popular choice for many Hollywood stars and athletes. New to Los Angeles, Hawk lacked connections. After some thought, he remembered Eric Eason, a director he¡¯d met at the Sundance Film Festival. Eric had mentioned plans to develop his career in L.A. Hawk found Eric¡¯s number and made the call. Eric was thrilled. ¡°You¡¯re in Los Angeles?¡± ¡°More opportunities here,¡± Hawk said truthfully. ¡°So, I decided to move here and try my luck.¡± ¡°Got time? Let¡¯s meet up,¡± Eric suggested. ¡°Perfect timing. I could use a little help from you,¡± Hawk said. They agreed to meet in Century City. Twenty minutes later, Hawk arrived at a Starbucks and waited briefly before Eric showed up, right on time. The young director looked much more confident than he had at Sundance. After ordering coffee, Hawk remarked, ¡°Looks like you¡¯re doing pretty well.¡± Eric laughed freely. ¡°Not bad at all.¡± Then, sizing up Hawk, he added, ¡°You¡¯ve really changed. If you hadn¡¯t reached out first, I¡¯d have thought you swapped bodies.¡± Hawk joked, ¡°I wish I could swap bodies. Ideally for a handsome one¡ªa real star¡¯s face. Then I could live off my looks.¡± Eric teased, ¡°It¡¯s not just the face. In Hollywood, some also rely on their ass and mouth.¡± His tone turned serious. ¡°If you want to grab onto someone powerful, you have to get down and work those angles.¡± Hawk chuckled to himself. Eric, the artist, was still something of a philosopher. Because of their collaboration in Park City, Eric trusted Hawk more than most. ¡°Found a job yet? Want to join me?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got something already,¡± Hawk declined politely. ¡°How¡¯s your progress?¡± Eric shared his excitement. ¡°Next month, is hitting the DVD and VHS market. It¡¯s profitable, so Katherine has agreed to help me secure a million-dollar budget for my next project¡ªa proper theatrical film. I¡¯m currently writing the script.¡± Hawk, clueless about screenwriting or filmmaking, asked, ¡°Is the script done yet?¡± Eric waved it off. ¡°Not even close. It¡¯ll take at least six more months.¡± Then, with a dramatic air, he sighed, ¡°So I¡¯ll have to keep enduring for a while longer¡­¡± Sensing Eric¡¯s unease, Hawk reassured him, ¡°Compared to someone like George, you¡¯re lucky. At least Katherine¡¯s a woman.¡± The comparison worked. Thinking about his rival, George Hanson, Eric immediately brightened up. Hawk then brought up his favor. ¡°I¡¯m new to L.A. and don¡¯t know many people. Ran into a little trouble, so I figured I¡¯d turn to you.¡± ¡°Say no more. Tell me what you need,¡± Eric offered. Hawk smiled. ¡°Since Sundance, I¡¯ve been maintaining a strict workout regimen. You can see the results. There¡¯s this Tracy Gym in Westwood with great facilities and professional trainers. I gain weight easily, so I want to sign up there. Problem is, it¡¯s members-only, and joining requires a referral from an existing member.¡± Eric thought for a moment. ¡°I¡¯ve heard of that gym¡ªquite famous in the industry. Katherine mentioned it once. I¡¯ll check with her.¡± ¡°Thanks,¡± Hawk said sincerely. ¡°No problem,¡± Eric replied but then recalled something. ¡°You¡¯re not planning to cause trouble at the gym, are you?¡± Hawk flexed his arm, striking a playful pose. ¡°Of course not. I¡¯m just there to work out.¡± Relieved, Eric promised, ¡°Alright. Leave it to me.¡± They continued chatting about Eric¡¯s new project, with Hawk wisely listening rather than offering opinions on creative matters. At noon, Hawk treated Eric to lunch. Afterward, he received a call from the convenience store owner in North Hollywood, informing him that Robert Downey Jr. had arrived at the Wing Chun Gym. Hawk drove there immediately. Outside the store, Bree, the white owner, lounged casually, watching the Eric Ohlen Martial Arts Gym across the street. Inside, her mixed-race employee, Edward, was busy stocking shelves. As Hawk stepped out of his car, Bree waved him over and pointed across the street. ¡°He¡¯s been in there for a while. His wife came chasing after him. I know her¡ªDeborah. She¡¯s all over the papers today.¡± Hawk nodded slightly. According to the news, Deborah had moved out of Brentwood with their children, separating from Downey. Following professional etiquette, Hawk handed Bree $20. ¡°Thanks for the tip.¡± Delighted by the easy cash, Bree returned to her store. Edward, having witnessed the exchange, complained to Bree, ¡°I was the one who spotted him first.¡± Bree snapped, ¡°Get that pile of cotton products into the storage room. I¡¯ll order you fried chicken and watermelon juice for lunch!¡± ¡°You treat me like a slave! Working every day without pay!¡± Edward was furious. He ripped off his apron and shouted, ¡°I¡¯m done with you!¡± Hawk barely noticed the quarrel as he turned to see Downey and Deborah emerging from the gym. They were arguing heatedly, with Deborah calling Downey scum and accusing him of being unfit to be a father. Downey, clearly guilty, got in his car and drove off. Deborah followed suit, leaving shortly after. Hawk lowered his camera. Behind him, Edward stepped out of the store. Bree¡¯s voice rang out from inside. ¡°You leave me, and you¡¯ll end up homeless!¡± Edward shouted back, ¡°I¡¯d rather live on the streets than let you drain me dry!¡± Hawk glanced curiously at the convenience store. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Hey, buddy. We meet again.¡± Edward grinned, flashing a row of white teeth, and gestured toward Hawk¡¯s camera. ¡°Caught anything good?¡± Before Hawk could reply, Edward continued, ¡°See? Every time you run into me, you hit the jackpot. I saw your last front-page scoop. Struck it rich again this time?¡± Hawk casually replied, ¡°Just earning a living.¡± Edward suddenly had an idea. ¡°Say, are you hiring? I¡¯m a hard worker. We¡¯ve got great chemistry. I can drive, use a camera, and never complain. Every boss I¡¯ve worked for says I¡¯m great¡­¡± Hawk said nothing, gesturing toward the store. ¡°No, no, that¡¯s different,¡± Edward explained quickly. ¡°I felt sorry for her¡ªdivorced with a kid¡ªso I stuck around as her boyfriend. But she treats me like a slave! I¡¯m worse off than my ancestors picking cotton.¡± Hawk cut to the chase. ¡°Why¡¯d you go after her? Be honest.¡± Edward shrugged. ¡°Divorced with kids? Means child support. I figured I could skim a little off the top.¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t the first time, is it?¡± Hawk pressed. Scratching his head, Edward admitted, ¡°I got out of Compton without ending up homeless thanks to single moms. They¡¯ve got at least half the divorce settlement, plus child support. Most own homes but are lonely and need someone to do the heavy lifting¡­¡± Hawk found him amusing. This was a unique survival skill. ¡°Who taught you all this?¡± Edward chuckled. ¡°Figured it out myself.¡± Glancing back at the store, he added, ¡°But this time, I got nothing. Daytime labor, nighttime¡­ more labor. I¡¯m done!¡± Hawk, in need of an assistant and someone to handle risks, found Edward¡¯s background fitting. He motioned toward the car. ¡°Let¡¯s talk on the way.¡± Handing Edward the keys, Hawk instructed him to drive while he called Jack from the . They arranged to meet at their usual spot for a deal. Edward, a native Angeleno, navigated the city with ease and quickly brought them to the destination. After a brief wait, the bearded Jack arrived. Hawk sent Edward away to give them privacy. The two quickly struck a deal¡ª$200 for the photos. The argument between Downey and Deborah wasn¡¯t major news, but as a follow-up to a previous headline, it had some value. Once Jack left, Edward returned. ¡°Deal done?¡± Hawk nodded and, with a serious tone, said, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about you working for me. Show me your driver¡¯s license or ID, and your Social Security number.¡± ¡°Seriously? All this just for a job?¡± Edward grumbled but complied, handing over his license and reciting his SSN. Hawk photographed the license and noted the SSN. ¡°You¡¯re on a one-month trial period. California minimum wage. Hours are flexible. Meals provided during work. And your phone stays on 24/7.¡± Edward groaned. ¡°My ancestors on the plantation had better deals than this!¡± ¡°You can walk away anytime,¡± Hawk replied flatly, before sweetening the pitch. ¡°My studio is just getting started. If we succeed, you¡¯ll be my business partner.¡± Edward wanted to refuse but recalled the fireworks of that night and reluctantly agreed. ¡°Fine. If it doesn¡¯t work out, I¡¯m leaving.¡± Hawk added, ¡°Not so fast. To get this job, you have to pass my test.¡± He didn¡¯t believe in charging employees or making them invest, but anyone wanting to join West Coast Media had to prove themselves¡ªthrough commitment and a willingness to take risks. Every good hire needs some skin in the game. Chapter 30: The Test Chapter 30: The Test Night fell as a black Mondeo roared down the streets, its 3.6L V6 engine humming powerfully. Hawk hung up the phone and instructed Edward Conner, who was driving, ¡°Head to Linton Caf¨¦.¡± Edward turned the wheel and asked, ¡°Another celebrity scandal?¡± ¡°We¡¯re going to help a wounded beauty in distress,¡± Hawk replied. Earlier, he had received a call from Jacqueline, who claimed to have an important news lead that required a face-to-face meeting. ¡°A lover of yours?¡± Edward quipped, his mouth seemingly incapable of staying shut. ¡°Wait, you? An old-school stiff like you? No way a girl likes you! Tell me, boss¡ªare you the kind who can only do it in the dark with two awkward positions¡­¡± Hawk, recognizing the mockery, barked, ¡°Shut up, or I¡¯ll dock your pay!¡± Edward instantly zipped his mouth, not daring to further tease his boss. As they approached the street near the caf¨¦, Hawk told Edward to park the car and handed him Jacqueline¡¯s number. ¡°Go meet her and bring her over here.¡± Edward was puzzled. ¡°Why not just go directly?¡± Hawk, wary of someone using Jacqueline as bait, deflected with a professional excuse: ¡°The News Act mandates that journalists protect their sources. Safeguarding the anonymity of informants is a cornerstone of press freedom.¡± In a serious tone, he added, ¡°You¡¯re a fresh face. Anyone seeing you two together won¡¯t suspect anything.¡± Edward, recalling the horror stories of informants in Compton gangs, nodded solemnly. ¡°I get it.¡± Hawk couldn¡¯t shake the thought of Downey¡¯s unpredictable behavior, especially if he was high, and how that might endanger Jacqueline. Edward entered the caf¨¦ while Hawk followed at a safe distance, observing. A few minutes later, Edward emerged with Jacqueline, no incidents occurring. When she got into the car, Hawk greeted her. Jacqueline remarked, ¡°You look even more inconspicuous than last time.¡± Hawk inwardly groaned. Meanwhile, Edward, noticing her heavy makeup and sultry appearance, asked, ¡°Beautiful lady, have you ever been divorced? With kids, maybe?¡± Jacqueline shook her head. ¡°No, I¡¯m only 22.¡± S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Edward shrugged, losing interest. Hawk got straight to business. ¡°You¡¯ve got a big news lead?¡± Jacqueline, visibly furious, vented, ¡°Some b***h stole my most important client and even called to rub it in!¡± Hawk asked the crucial question, ¡°Who¡¯s the client?¡± ¡°Eddie Murphy!¡± Jacqueline spat out the name. The name sounded familiar to Hawk, who glanced at Edward for confirmation. Edward smirked at his boss¡¯s ignorance but explained patiently, ¡°Black comedy star. He¡¯s in and . Last year, he was in ¡ªhe voiced the donkey.¡± ¡°Eddie always contacted me through his agent,¡± Jacqueline elaborated. ¡°But this time, he left with that little b***hAnd that b***h even called to gloat, mocking me for being old¡­¡± Relationships between women were always complicated. Gritting her teeth, Jacqueline growled, ¡°I took care of that b***h when she first arrived in L.A., helped her settle in. And this is how she repays me!¡± Edward chimed in, ¡°Isn¡¯t it possible Eddie just got bored and wanted a change?¡± Hawk shot him a glare. The possibility wasn¡¯t the point; the lead was valuable. He immediately asked, ¡°Where are they most likely to be?¡± Finally taking the hint, Edward shut up. Jacqueline replied, ¡°Hobert Hill Park. There¡¯s a palm grove there. Eddie never takes me to hotels or apartments. He likes setting up tents in that spot. If no one¡¯s around, he¡¯ll even fool around outside the tent.¡± ¡°What kind of tent does he use?¡± Hawk pressed. Jacqueline thought for a moment. ¡°Lately, he¡¯s been using an orange-red tent with a Brooklyn Bridge design. Says it represents his hometown.¡± ¡°Does he have bodyguards?¡± Hawk asked. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen any,¡± she replied after thinking it over. Hawk nodded. ¡°Give me your phone.¡± ¡°What for?¡± Jacqueline asked warily. ¡°To delete all call records and my number. Memorize it instead.¡± Hawk emphasized, ¡°From now on, remember this¡ªwe never spoke today. Go back to work, call his agent, and vent about that b***h¡¯s ungratefulness to blow off steam¡­¡± Following his instructions, Jacqueline deleted the information but still asked, ¡°Why all the precautions?¡± Hawk answered cryptically, ¡°There¡¯s an old saying where I come from: barking dogs don¡¯t bite.¡± Jacqueline caught on, her anger fueling her actions. She didn¡¯t even ask for money before rushing off, driven by the desire for revenge. Hawk signaled Edward to get in the car, and they headed straight for Hobert Hill Park. Hobert Hill Park was a popular camping spot in Los Angeles, though the March nights were cold, so there weren¡¯t many campers. Entering the park, Edward drove along the designated path. At a fork, Hawk got out to check the map, then directed Edward to take the left path. Before long, they spotted lights in the distance. Hawk had Edward stop the car. He handed him black clothes, a balaclava, and gloves, while also attaching a flash to the camera. Edward donned the gear and joked, ¡°I look like a robber! This is exactly why I left Compton¡ªI didn¡¯t want to be a thief anymore!¡± Ignoring the chatter, Hawk said, ¡°This is your first test. Night is your element¡ªuse your natural advantage!¡± ¡°Boss, can I file a discrimination complaint?¡± Edward muttered. ¡°Feel free to quit,¡± Hawk retorted, handing him a knife for emergencies. ¡°Time¡¯s ticking.¡± Edward licked his lips nervously but got out of the car. ¡°Keep your mouth shut. No one will notice you,¡± Hawk instructed as he also put on his dark gear. Together, they moved toward the lights, creeping closer until they spotted a tent under the glow. The design¡ªBrooklyn Bridge in fluorescent print¡ªmatched Jacqueline¡¯s description. ¡°All clear,¡± Hawk whispered from their cover behind some bushes. Edward seized the moment. ¡°We just wait? What if it takes all night?¡± ¡°Wait? Feed the mosquitoes while we¡¯re at it?¡± Hawk scoffed. ¡°News doesn¡¯t fall into your lap¡ªyou dig it up. Go!¡± Edward pointed to himself in disbelief. ¡°Me? I¡¯m a rookie!¡± ¡°Heroes rise from the trash heap. Didn¡¯t you escape Compton? Every success story starts somewhere,¡± Hawk said, pumping him up. Then he handed Edward the knife and camera. ¡°Sneak up from the back. Avoid the lights¡ªdon¡¯t let your shadow hit the tent. If the zipper doesn¡¯t open, cut it and take the shots.¡± Edward felt like he¡¯d boarded a pirate ship but couldn¡¯t back out now. He took the equipment and crept forward. ¡°Boss, what about you?¡± Edward asked at the last second. ¡°I¡¯ll cover you,¡± Hawk assured him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡ªif you screw up, I¡¯ll save you.¡± Feeling slightly reassured, Edward advanced. His dark figure blended seamlessly into the night. Approaching the tent from the back, he heard muffled sounds¡ªfamiliar noises that confirmed his suspicions. Drawing the knife, Edward cut a slit in the tent and slipped the camera lens inside, snapping away with the flash. Inside, Eddie Murphy roared, ¡°Who the hell? Stop that!¡± At that moment, car headlights suddenly flooded the area. Nearby, two men¡ªone large and one slim¡ªemerged groggily from a black Cherokee, startled by Eddie¡¯s shouts. Edward bolted, clutching the camera tightly. Eddie tumbled out of the tent, screaming, ¡°Stop him! Get the camera!¡± The two men charged toward Edward, but Hawk was ready. Springing from his hiding spot, Hawk rammed into the larger man, sending him sprawling against a palm tree with a loud thud. The man crumpled, groaning in pain. Not giving him a chance to recover, Hawk kicked him in the stomach, leaving him doubled over. He then tackled the slim man, disarming him of a stun gun and pinning him to the ground. ¡°Is this worth risking your life for?¡± Hawk growled in an East Coast accent, applying pressure to the man¡¯s neck. The second man stopped struggling. Hawk melted into the shadows, his mission a success. Chapter 31: Every Local is a Treasure Trove Chapter 31: Every Local is a Treasure Trove Edward might not excel in everything, but when it came to running, he was as quick as a rabbit. Reaching the car, he leaped into the driver¡¯s seat and shouted to Hawk, who was following, ¡°Hurry up!¡± Hawk got into the passenger seat and tossed Edward the keys. Edward started the Mondeo, spinning it around before racing toward the park exit. Hawk kept a close watch behind them. After several sharp turns, seeing no one in pursuit, he said, ¡°Relax, we¡¯ve lost them.¡± Edward exhaled heavily, calming his breath. He took off the camera slung around his neck, pulled into a parking lot, and parked. ¡°Boss, are all our jobs this intense? That skinny guy pulled a gun!¡± Hawk brushed it off. ¡°It was just a taser. I handled him easily.¡± Edward patted his chest. ¡°I thought you¡¯d run off.¡± ¡°Do I look like that kind of person?¡± Hawk replied grandly. ¡°I said I¡¯d back you up, and I did. You work for me¡ªI won¡¯t let anything happen to you.¡± Edward, still shaken but grateful for Hawk¡¯s timely intervention and his ability to take down two opponents, declared, ¡°You¡¯re the bravest and most righteous boss I¡¯ve ever had.¡± ¡°Good that you remember that.¡± Hawk took the camera and asked, ¡°Did you get the shots?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡± Edward admitted, this being his first time on such a job. ¡°I just kept snapping randomly. For some reason, I was more nervous taking those photos than during gunfights back in Compton.¡± He clutched his chest. ¡°My heart was pounding like crazy¡ªlike meeting a divorced, beautiful woman with kids!¡± ¡°You¡¯re hopeless,¡± Hawk muttered, connecting the digital camera to his laptop to download the photos. He opened the files and started reviewing them one by one. The first three were blurry shots of the tent¡¯s fabric. The next three were overexposed, making it impossible to see anything clearly. The following five showed a man raising his arm to block his face. As for the rest, they weren¡¯t worth mentioning. After painstakingly sorting through over twenty pictures, Hawk finally found one usable shot. It showed Eddie Murphy¡¯s face, and in the background, a near-naked woman covering hers with both hands. He turned the laptop toward Edward. ¡°Recognizable?¡± Edward grinned. ¡°That¡¯s Eddie Murphy! Wow, I¡¯m pretty good. Look how clear this is! That girl in the back has a killer figure. No wonder Eddie ditched your source.¡± S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawk snorted. ¡°You wasted dozens of shots, and this is what you call skill?¡± Scratching his head, Edward defended himself, ¡°Isn¡¯t it just about pointing the camera and pressing the shutter? I¡¯ve taken plenty of pictures before.¡± Hawk flipped him off, then connected his Nokia phone to the laptop to retrieve additional tent photos. Combining them with Edward¡¯s, he compiled a package. Like most cheerful types, Edward didn¡¯t dwell on criticism. Instead, he asked, ¡°Where to next?¡± ¡°Hold on,¡± Hawk replied, pulling out his phone to call a few tabloid papers. He briefly described his scoop and asked for bids. Eddie Murphy was somewhat past his prime, and while still a known comedian, this scandal wasn¡¯t explosive. The woman wasn¡¯t a celebrity or the wife of a famous figure, and the situation lacked the tangled drama of Robert Downey Jr. and Sarah Parker. The highest bid came from ¡ª$4,000. Half an hour later, Hawk met with bearded Jack at their usual spot. After reviewing the photos, Jack grumbled about the poor quality, noting only one usable picture and cutting the price to $3,500. Given the evidence, Hawk didn¡¯t argue. Once the deal was done, Jack remarked, ¡°Two headline-worthy scoops in under a week, buddy. You¡¯ve got talent for this line of work.¡± ¡°I¡¯m just getting started,¡± Hawk said. ¡°Once I¡¯ve got a foothold in L.A., there¡¯ll be plenty more.¡± Jack handed him a check. ¡°If the news is juicy enough, you know where to find me.¡± Hawk seized the moment. ¡°I heard the paper issues freelance reporter credentials. Think you can get me two?¡± Jack didn¡¯t dismiss the request outright. ¡°The Oscars are coming up. Got any big stories for me?¡± Hawk wasn¡¯t into speculative reporting¡ªit lacked credibility. Besides, this year¡¯s frontrunners, Denzel Washington and Halle Berry, had already won SAG awards, which were 95% predictive of Oscar winners. After a moment¡¯s thought, he asked, ¡°I¡¯ve heard rumors of a secret party after the Oscars¡ªnot the official afterparty, but the kind with masks and wild orgies. Is that true?¡± Jack, familiar with the whispers, gave Hawk a once-over before cautioning, ¡°You¡¯re young, with your whole life ahead of you. Don¡¯t go digging your own grave.¡± Hawk understood. ¡°Got it.¡± Jack left, promising, ¡°The credentials will come after the Oscars.¡± Afterward, Hawk took Edward out for a late-night meal, using the opportunity to teach him how to properly use a camera and camcorder. Edward had his merits¡ªhe was fast, dark-skinned (perfect for blending into shadows), an excellent driver, familiar with L.A.¡¯s layout, and, as Hawk noted, a true local treasure. As they ate, Hawk said, ¡°Learn the equipment properly. Pull off another big story, and you¡¯ll be officially on the team.¡± ¡°You got it, boss. I¡¯ll study hard and practice,¡± Edward said between bites of his burger. Then, true to form, he added, ¡°Once I¡¯m official, can you introduce me to a divorced woman with child support payments?¡± Hawk countered, ¡°Can you actually get money from them?¡± Edward puffed up with pride. ¡°Left Compton at 17. It¡¯s been ten years now. Of the guys I grew up with, at least half are dead or missing from street violence. Most of the rest are homeless, with a few in gangs being exploited. Me? I¡¯m the only one living free and easy!¡± Adjusting his relatively clean work jacket, he boasted, ¡°I live in their houses, eat their food, and spend their ex-husbands¡¯ child support. Life¡¯s great¡ªuntil Bree, that witch.¡± Hawk pondered whether Edward¡¯s experiences and connections might come in handy. Every local had a wealth of untapped potential. ¡°Boss, seriously,¡± Edward pressed, ¡°can you set me up? I¡¯ll cut you in on the benefits.¡± Hawk suddenly had an idea. ¡°What do you think of Robert Downey Jr.¡¯s wife?¡± Edward was stunned. ¡°Aren¡¯t they still married?¡± Hawk¡¯s plan began taking shape. ¡°That¡¯s fine. We¡¯ll help them get divorced.¡± A celebrity divorce meant at least half the assets were up for grabs. ¡°You think they¡¯ll split over something like this?¡± Edward asked doubtfully. Hawk thought of Sarah Parker and Bro Derek. In Hollywood, scandals like these were routine, and many couples reconciled after one big fight. But someone like Downey, with his history of addiction, would spiral under mounting chaos. This could be Hawk¡¯s opportunity to ruin him completely. ¡°Can your old partners be trusted?¡± Hawk asked. Edward shrugged. ¡°Pay them right, and they¡¯re more reliable than most whites. Honestly, whites are the worst. They¡¯re the ones who should be picking cotton on plantations!¡± Hawk didn¡¯t push further but had the beginnings of a plan to target Downey. That night, they scouted some celebrity hotspots but didn¡¯t capture anything worthwhile. Later, Eric called to inform Hawk that Katherine had agreed to help after the Oscars, and Hawk would be introduced to Tracy Gym. As the Oscars approached, Hawk prepared by printing 2,000 business cards. With Edward as his runner, he had a plan. At the studio, Hawk handed the cards to Edward. ¡°Hire some temps. I¡¯ll cover the cost.¡± Edward, motivated by money, agreed. ¡°Where should we distribute these?¡± Hawk laid out the strategy: ¡°Target two areas¡ªwithin a five-mile radius of the Kodak Theater and Beverly Hilton Hotel. Focus on burger and fried chicken joints, especially McDonald¡¯s and Burger King.¡± Edward was confused. ¡°Other studios recruit at bars, nightclubs, hotels, and Michelin restaurants. Why fast food?¡± Hawk played it coy. ¡°Plenty of stars love burgers.¡± He remembered stats from 2010 showing many stars, after dieting for weeks to fit into Oscar outfits, binged on burgers post-ceremony. To keep Edward motivated, Hawk added, ¡°You might even find a divorced mom while recruiting sources.¡± Edward¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°I¡¯m on it!¡± While Edward distributed cards, Hawk disguised himself and rented a new house in Santa Monica as a temporary safehouse. He also bought a used Chevrolet, parking it at an old multi-exit lot for emergencies. Chapter 32: Gossip and Scandals are Too Tame Chapter 32: Gossip and Scandals are Too Tame In a corner unit of a Santa Monica apartment building, Hawk, disguised with a wig and a glued-on mustache, pulled open the curtains. The fourth-floor apartment had windows facing south and east, with nine-meter-high streetlamp poles below. The height made climbing up nearly impossible while still allowing Hawk a quick escape through the windows if necessary. At the table, Hawk spread out a set of photographs in a circular pattern, placing Robert Downey Jr. at the center. Around him were pictures of Downey¡¯s wife, Deborah, his agent, and two frequent companions. With a pen, Hawk marked Deborah and the two companions. Inspired by Edward¡¯s comments, Hawk saw Deborah as a potential emotional trigger. To dig deeper, he needed more information about Downey and the people closest to him. The companions, often more intimate than a wife in Hollywood, were key. In both Hawk¡¯s photos and online reports, these two¡ªa fat man and a bald one¡ªappeared frequently at Downey¡¯s side. Unable to find much about them online, Hawk left his apartment and took the old subway to Inglewood, where he located a private detective agency specializing in tracking and photographing cheating spouses. Adopting an East Coast accent, Hawk handed over the photos of the two companions along with $1,000 cash as an advance. He left a new phone number for updates. His goal was simple: figure out what these two were up to when they weren¡¯t with Downey. By noon, Hawk had returned home, looking like his usual self. On the way, he picked up a copy of . The Eddie Murphy scoop was today¡¯s headline, complete with Hawk¡¯s self-coined title: ¡°Solicitation Scandal.¡± Shortly after, Edward burst through the door, his excitement unmistakable. ¡°Boss, you were right! Developing news sources is my chance too!¡± Hawk humored him. ¡°Met someone you like?¡± Edward pulled up a chair, sitting across from Hawk. ¡°Over on Highland Street, I met this divorced woman, around 30. She¡¯s raising two kids on her own¡ªit¡¯s exhausting!¡± With an air of exaggerated compassion, he declared, ¡°I¡¯ve decided to help her out. She¡¯s been through enough.¡± ¡°One person raising two kids is tough,¡± Hawk agreed. ¡°Boss, when will the freelance reporter credentials be ready?¡± Edward¡¯s intentions became clear. ¡°I¡¯ve already taken the first step to success. While handing out cards, I got her number. But I talked too fast and told her I was a reporter...¡± Hawk smirked knowingly. ¡°It¡¯ll take a few days.¡± Edward was eager. ¡°Can¡¯t you call and speed it up? Having the credentials would make me seem more credible when I ask her out.¡± ¡°It depends on your performance,¡± Hawk said, shifting the focus. ¡°What do you need me to do?¡± Edward asked eagerly. ¡°Start by cleaning the first floor,¡± Hawk replied. Edward, full of enthusiasm, grabbed cleaning supplies. A knock at the door interrupted them. Hawk opened it to find Frank, the RV-dwelling old man, holding a few cans of beer and a paper bag. ¡°Promised you a drink, didn¡¯t I?¡± Frank said. Hawk stepped aside. ¡°Come in.¡± Edward, hearing the commotion, peeked out and exclaimed, ¡°Free beer for lunch!¡± Frank, ever the curmudgeon, scoffed. ¡°Want some fried chicken to go with it?¡± Edward, unfazed by insults after years in Compton, shot back, ¡°If you¡¯re paying, I¡¯ll eat it.¡± Frank put the beer down and pulled fried chicken from the bag. ¡°I¡¯ve got sausages, canned beef, and sandwiches too,¡± Hawk offered, grabbing food from the fridge. Frank glared at Edward. ¡°All you brought was your appetite?¡± Edward bristled. ¡°Hey, old man, don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know you. You¡¯re the guy picking cans up and down this street! Tomorrow, I¡¯ll fill some cans with crap and toss them in every trash bin around. Let¡¯s see how you pick them up then!¡± Frank retorted, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll just go pick cotton instead.¡± Turning to Hawk, he added, ¡°Got any watermelon? I could go for some watermelon.¡± Hawk intervened, bringing food to the table. ¡°Both of you, shut up. Or I¡¯ll kick you out. Frank can go pick cotton, and Edward can start collecting cans.¡± Finally, the two fell silent and sat at the table, though Frank tossed Edward a beer despite their spat. Edward, undeterred, tore into the fried chicken. Frank inspected Hawk¡¯s camera and camcorder. ¡°The Oscars are tonight. You¡¯re not heading out to chase a story?¡± ¡°The ceremony starts at 5 p.m. Those stars and bigwigs are on their best behavior right now, prepping for the event,¡± Hawk explained, sipping his beer. ¡°The mainstream media will cover everything the public wants to see. There¡¯s no beating the big outlets at that game.¡± He pointed to the window. ¡°Once night falls and the ceremony¡¯s over, when they¡¯re drunk and partying, that¡¯s when freelancers like us get to work.¡± Frank nodded in agreement. ¡°Exactly. Those high-and-mighty types get so full of themselves after a few drinks, they think they¡¯re gods.¡± ¡°You seem to know a lot about this,¡± Hawk probed. Frank drained his beer and cracked open another. ¡°The celebrities, directors, and producers who act all polished in public? Behind closed doors, they¡¯re all scumbags. They¡¯re just like Washington politicians¡ªshiny on the outside, rotten underneath.¡± Hawk, having only known Hollywood gossip through online chatter in his previous life, now realized even the juiciest scandals online were tame compared to the reality. Eric Eason had been right: if you wanted to get ahead, you had to bow and use your mouth. If you were lucky, the person you bowed to was a woman. If not, you might end up worse off than George, dealing with men¡ªor even worse, some twisted combination. Edward, tossing aside a chicken bone, snorted. ¡°What would a can-picking bum know about any of that?¡± Frank muttered, ¡°Because I used to be one of them. Did a lot of terrible things.¡± ¡°Yeah, right,¡± Edward scoffed loudly. ¡°And I¡¯ll say my ancestors never picked cotton!¡± S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawk was curious. ¡°So what happened?¡± ¡°Got too full of myself, thought I was invincible,¡± Frank said vaguely. ¡°Messed up a few projects. And I wasn¡¯t about to let my ex-wives spend my money on other men¡­¡± Edward, clearly invested, added venomously, ¡°Those guys live in the houses you paid for, eat food bought with your child support, and push your kids around for fun.¡± He twisted the knife further. ¡°Bet they even hang your wedding photos over the bed while they screw!¡± The words hit their mark. Frank glared at Edward, unable to argue because the accusations were painfully close to the truth. Hawk, worried Frank might keel over on the spot, kicked Edward under the table and shoved another beer toward the old man. ¡°Drink up, drink up.¡± Edward dialed it back. ¡°You¡¯re not serious, are you? That stuff really happened?¡± Frank couldn¡¯t finish his beer. He stood abruptly. ¡°I¡¯m heading back to rest. We¡¯ll drink again another time.¡± Hawk saw him out, while Edward muttered to himself, ¡°Was this guy really somebody? And ? Plural? I need to get close to him and dig up dirt on those ex-wives.¡± As night fell, the Oscars began. Hawk drove Edward into Hollywood but avoided the Kodak Theater. The area was swarming with reporters¡ªso crowded you could trip over them. After driving around for a while, Hawk only managed to capture a few worthless photos. At around 10 p.m., the business cards they¡¯d distributed finally paid off. Near Highland Street, just south of Santa Monica Boulevard, Hawk¡¯s phone rang. Chapter 33: Gandalf’s Smash-and-Bash Incident Chapter 33: Gandalf¡¯s Smash-and-Bash Incident ¡°Faster! Go faster!¡± Edward shouted from the passenger seat, acting more zealous than Hawk as if he were a crusading journalist chasing truth. ¡°If we don¡¯t get this scoop, we can kiss those freelance reporter credentials goodbye! Without them, I¡¯ll just be a fraud¡ªand I won¡¯t get into her house!¡± He turned to Hawk with desperate urgency. ¡°Boss, you wouldn¡¯t want me homeless, living on the streets, would you?¡± Ignoring the melodrama, Hawk deftly turned the wheel, exiting Highland Street onto a quieter road. The phone rang again. Edward answered and spotted a bald man under a streetlamp ahead. ¡°Hey, buddy, is that you? I see you.¡± ¡°Black Ford, right?¡± the man replied. Hawk stopped the car next to him. Edward jumped out and asked, ¡°Where is he?¡± The bald man pointed ahead. ¡°At the McDonald¡¯s. Gandalf¡¯s gone nuts. He¡¯s smashing everything with his staff. I tried to calm him down, and he almost hit me instead!¡± Edward slipped him $20, hopped back into the car, and shouted, ¡°Big scoop ahead! McDonald¡¯s! Gandalf¡¯s out of the movies and went berserk! He¡¯s throwing fireballs and mistook this guy for a goblin!¡± Hawk had no idea what Edward was rambling about, but he slammed the accelerator anyway. Whether it was Gandalf or Galadriel, nothing was going to stop him from making money. As the McDonald¡¯s sign came into view, the sound of smashing grew louder. Sure enough, it was Gandalf¡ªspecifically, Sir Ian McKellen, the actor who played Gandalf in . Clearly drunk, he was wildly swinging a broken wooden stick at the McDonald¡¯s glass doors. The usually 24-hour location was completely dark, its doors locked. Hawk guessed it had gone out of business, a victim of the area¡¯s increasing decline. Hollywood¡¯s traditional neighborhoods were becoming more impoverished, with significant population flight. ¡°Take pictures,¡± Hawk ordered Edward. Edward grabbed the camera, quickly adjusted the focus, and snapped away. Outside the McDonald¡¯s, Ian McKellen, reeking of alcohol, yelled as he swung his stick: ¡°Open the door! Open up! I want a burger! I need a burger!¡± His shouting grew louder. ¡°Open the door! Give me my damn burger!¡± After the massive success of , the cast and crew had dominated the Oscars and were celebrating. Ian McKellen, heavily intoxicated, had sneaked out of the hotel, taken a car, and driven to the nearest McDonald¡¯s he remembered¡ªonly to find it closed. Fueled by frustration and alcohol, McKellen, a tempestuous British actor, channeled both Magneto and Gandalf, smashing the doors in a rage and demanding his burger. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Spotting the approaching car, McKellen turned into a drunken hooligan and shouted, ¡°Get lost! Don¡¯t get in the way of my burger!¡± When the car didn¡¯t leave, he picked up a glass Coke bottle from the steps and hurled it at them. Hawk floored the gas pedal, narrowly avoiding the bottle, which shattered on the sidewalk, scattering glass shards everywhere. ¡°Damn it!¡± Hawk cursed. ¡°British people really are hooligans!¡± Edward opened his door, camera in hand, ready to get out. An idea struck Hawk, and he stopped Edward with a quick command, laying out his plan in a few short sentences. Edward hesitated. ¡°Will that even work?¡± ¡°Why not? You¡¯re Black!¡± Hawk reminded him. ¡°If it backfires, just claim he¡¯s being racist.¡± Edward, remembering the struggles of his ancestors who picked cotton and ate fried chicken, nodded. If he didn¡¯t use that legacy now, what was the point of their suffering? He stepped out of the car and ran toward McKellen. Hawk grabbed his handheld camcorder from the backseat, got out, and positioned himself for the perfect shot as Edward approached the McDonald¡¯s. Edward snapped a few quick photos as he neared McKellen. ¡°Get lost, you bastard!¡± McKellen snarled. ¡°Get out of here!¡± The British actor¡¯s gentlemanly veneer was completely stripped away, replaced by a drunken rage. He raised the stick and shouted, ¡°Leave, or I¡¯ll bash your skull in!¡± ¡°This is a public area! I have the right and freedom to film!¡± Edward declared loudly before muttering under his breath, ¡°Hey, British troublemaker, are you the one stirring the pot, or the one getting stirred?¡± McKellen, an openly gay man, flew into a fury and swung his stick at Edward. Edward, trained by Hawk, managed to snap two more photos before turning and running. McKellen¡¯s swing missed, further stoking his anger. He gave chase, stick in hand. Edward had time to glance back and snap another shot mid-run. Hawk, hidden behind a streetlamp, captured the entire chaotic scene on his camcorder. Edward¡¯s natural speed outpaced the enraged McKellen, who couldn¡¯t catch up. But then, an unexpected twist. Five figures turned the corner ahead, the most recognizable being Orlando Bloom. Spotting McKellen with the stick, Bloom called out, ¡°Ian, what¡¯s going on?¡± McKellen shouted back, ¡°Orlando! Sean! John! Stop that bastard up ahead!¡± Realizing the danger, Edward turned around and sprinted back toward the car. Orlando Bloom, Sean Astin, John Rhys-Davies, and two others immediately gave chase. Seeing the camera in Edward¡¯s hand, they needed no further explanation¡ªit had to be one of those detestable paparazzi. With pursuers ahead and behind, Edward veered onto the road. Hawk filmed the bizarre scene, then jumped into the car, spun it around, and opened the passenger door mid-turn. The open door lined up perfectly with Edward¡¯s trajectory, allowing him to dive in effortlessly. As soon as Edward shut the door, Hawk floored the gas, leaving only a cloud of exhaust behind. Back on the street, McKellen leaned on his stick, panting heavily. Orlando Bloom, catching his breath, asked, ¡°Ian, what happened?¡± ¡°You disappeared, so we went looking for you,¡± Bloom explained quickly. ¡°Someone said you drove off. Elijah and Billy went north while we came south.¡± McKellen, still drunk, muttered, ¡°I just wanted a burger. A McDonald¡¯s burger.¡± John Rhys-Davies called Elijah Wood to bring their car over. Orlando, piecing together what had happened, turned to the others and whispered, ¡°This is trouble. We need to alert the director and producer immediately.¡± Sean Astin nodded. ¡°Make the call. Now.¡± At a nearby hotel where cast and crew were still celebrating, the party was abruptly paused as emergency calls came in about Ian McKellen¡¯s antics. Chapter 34: The Savior Chapter 34: The Savior Hawk drove the Mondeo onto Santa Monica Boulevard, slowing down as he entered the parking lot of a supermarket. After parking, he turned to find Edward still buzzing with excitement. ¡°Boss, how did I do? I got that old British drunk riled up so easily! Of course, it¡¯s because you taught me well, but I think I handled it pretty brilliantly myself,¡± Edward said, beaming. Hawk retrieved the digital camera, flipping through the photos. After reviewing them, he said solemnly, ¡°Edward Conner, I hereby officially inform you that you¡¯ve passed the probationary period for West Coast Media & Entertainment Studio. You¡¯re now a full-fledged employee.¡± Knowing there would be more situations requiring Edward¡¯s daring antics, Hawk added, ¡°Your weekly pay is $400.¡± ¡°Fantastic! Now I just need to find a divorced woman with child support, and I¡¯ll be middle class. Two of them, and I could retire!¡± Edward quipped, then paused and frowned. ¡°No, wait. They¡¯d drain me dry. Those women are too thirsty.¡± Ignoring his ramblings, Hawk connected the camera to his laptop, transferring the photos and reviewing the footage from the camcorder. The visuals were excellent, though the sound quality was poor due to distance. After completing the transfers, Hawk examined everything one last time. Edward snapped out of his daydreams about child support. Glancing at the screen, he asked, ¡°What now? Do we call the buyers and turn this into cash?¡± Hawk nodded. After finishing with the footage, he used Edward¡¯s phone to make the calls, ensuring his assistant would handle the transaction. Selling the material back to the production team crossed Hawk¡¯s mind, but the risks were too high. Without backing, he could easily be accused of extortion¡ªa common fate in Hollywood. The established entertainment news trade was much safer, with a robust system already in place. Studios typically only spent real money on PR with media outlets. Hawk called , , , and . This time, offered the highest bid: $5,000. Curious, Edward asked, ¡°Why is offering $5,000 while the others are only at $3,000?¡± ¡°The author is British, and the franchise has massive influence in the UK,¡± Hawk explained. ¡°Ian McKellen is British, and is the weekend edition of , a British tabloid.¡± The combination of frenzy and Gandalf¡¯s star power made it an irresistible story. ¡°Too complicated,¡± Edward groaned. ¡°I prefer running or just lying down to make money.¡± Hawk started the car and drove toward the Los Angeles office. ¡°You¡¯ll handle this deal. Use your name and sign an exclusive rights agreement.¡± ¡°Me? Alone?¡± Edward hesitated. ¡°What about the video?¡± ¡°The video is a separate story,¡± Hawk replied. ¡°It has nothing to do with your photos. We¡¯re two different reporters with two distinct scoops.¡± Edward, not one for nuanced thinking, looked confused. Hawk elaborated, ¡°An exclusive agreement means the content can only be sold to one outlet. Selling the same story to multiple buyers creates unnecessary trouble.¡± With West Coast Media & Entertainment Studio still small and vulnerable, Hawk¡¯s strategy was straightforward: Edward was the photographer for one scoop, while he, as a videographer, had an entirely separate piece. The Los Angeles office occupied a modest three-story building. Hawk parked the Mondeo in a prominent spot near the entrance and gave Edward the storage drive along with instructions. ¡°Head in and close the deal. The price is set¡ª$5,000 as long as the photos check out.¡± Edward pocketed the drive and paused before exiting. ¡°Boss, aren¡¯t you worried I¡¯ll take the money and run?¡± Hawk clapped him on the shoulder. ¡°I pulled you out from under the barrel of a gun. You¡¯re not the kind of guy to betray someone like that.¡± ¡°I¡¯m a savior, through and through!¡± Edward proclaimed, hopping out of the car and heading into the building. Hawk puzzled over Edward¡¯s comment before realizing the reference¡ªEdward Conner, a mix of Edward Furlong and John Connor from the movies. Once Edward disappeared inside, Hawk got out and approached the building, chatting briefly with the security guard. A pack of cigarettes and a $20 tip secured some useful intel: the office had two main exits and a fire escape at the back. Hawk parked himself near the fire exit, keeping an eye on the building. Inside, the transaction went smoothly. The photos were clear and compelling, and Hawk¡¯s prior negotiations ensured the price was locked in. After signing the exclusive rights agreement, Edward walked out with a $5,000 check. In the lobby, Edward glanced at the amount on the check and instinctively slipped it into his inner pocket. For a brief moment, the thought of running crossed his mind. Looking out the front door, he spotted the Mondeo parked conspicuously under the streetlights. His gaze shifted to the fire exit sign, and he took a couple of steps toward it before stopping. The memory of Hawk taking down an assailant to save him flashed before his eyes. Edward wasn¡¯t feeling gratitude¡ªhe was recalling Hawk¡¯s efficiency and ruthlessness in that moment. Patting his neck and stomach nervously, Edward spun on his heel and exited through the front door. Back at the car, Edward found it locked and no sign of Hawk. A moment later, Hawk emerged from a nearby convenience store, holding a bag of beer and snacks. ¡°Done?¡± Hawk asked casually. Edward handed over the check with slight hesitation. ¡°All good.¡± Hawk tucked the check away and handed Edward the bag. ¡°Let¡¯s celebrate.¡± Grinning ear to ear, Edward cracked open a beer and took a long sip, letting out a contented sigh. ¡°You did great tonight,¡± Hawk said. ¡°Once we sell the video, you¡¯ll get a $200 bonus.¡± Edward lit up. ¡°Boss, you¡¯re more generous than any divorced woman I¡¯ve ever chased!¡± Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawk couldn¡¯t help but think Edward¡¯s true talents lay in dealing with divorcees. The two celebrated their first successful deal with beer and snacks. ¡°Where¡¯s the video going?¡± Edward asked. ¡°TV,¡± Hawk replied, scrolling through his phone for contacts. ¡°Videos don¡¯t fetch much from print media, but they¡¯re gold for TV.¡± ¡°Do you need me for this deal too?¡± Edward asked. ¡°This one¡¯s mine,¡± Hawk said, finding the right number and dialing. The recipient, intrigued, invited him to meet in person. Hawk drove west along Santa Monica Boulevard into Beverly Hills, arriving at Century City. His first stop was Channel 11, as suggested by Frank. Channel 11, now managed by Fox News after being acquired, operated out of the Fox Television Center. Hawk prepared to pitch his footage. Chapter 35: Midnight Entertainment Chapter 35: Midnight Entertainment Fox Building, Fox Television Center. In the 11th Channel offices, assistant producer Claire rushed through the workspace, barging into the control room. ¡°Megan, we¡¯ve got some explosive news¡ªa perfect headline for the 11 p.m. . The seller¡¯s asking for a high price. Want to take a look?¡± ¡°Take me to it.¡± Megan, both the producer and anchor of , pulled a hair tie from her wrist and swept her cascading blonde hair into a ponytail. In an instant, she transformed from a sweet-looking host into a sharp and capable producer. Claire led the way to the reception room, opening the door for Megan to step inside. A man sat alone in the room. Megan gave him a quick once-over: short black hair, average looks, calm demeanor¡ªnothing remarkable. ¡°This is Megan, producer of ,¡± Claire introduced. ¡°Pleasure to meet you.¡± Hawk stood up, noting that even in heels, Megan was nearly his height. He handed her a business card and introduced himself. ¡°Hawk Osmond, founder of West Coast Media & Entertainment Studio.¡± Megan nodded, took the card, and passed it to Claire without a glance. ¡°Let¡¯s see the news,¡± she said, getting straight to business. Hawk wasted no time, pressing play on his laptop and positioning the screen for Megan. Megan leaned in, her sharp eyes locked on the footage. The video was crisp, though the audio was faint¡ªa common issue with outdoor recordings lacking professional microphones. She watched the entire clip, then replayed it, pausing at key moments. The main aggressor was Sir Ian McKellen, famously known for his role as Gandalf. The target of his rage was a Black man with a camera around his neck¡ªclearly a paparazzo. Toward the end of the video, five men appeared. Megan instantly recognized Orlando Bloom, with his unmistakable face, alongside Sean Astin and John Rhys-Davies. The other two seemed familiar but not immediately identifiable. ¡°Who are those two?¡± Megan asked. ¡°I know them,¡± Claire replied. ¡°Dominic Monaghan and Greg Parker. All part of cast.¡± Megan turned the laptop back to Hawk. ¡°How much are you asking?¡± Hawk smiled. ¡°Why don¡¯t you make an offer first? This is a headline-worthy scoop.¡± Megan recognized its value and tested the waters. ¡°$4,000.¡± Without a word, Hawk closed the laptop and began packing up. Megan stayed silent, watching as Hawk slung the bag over his shoulder and headed for the door. Just as he reached the exit, Megan called out, ¡°Wait!¡± Hawk stopped, looking back at her. ¡°$6,000,¡± Megan offered. ¡°That¡¯s the best we can do.¡± Hawk shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s Oscar night. The cast chasing down a reporter and obstructing press freedom? Surely that¡¯s worth $20,000.¡± ¡°Obstructing press freedom?¡± Megan thought. The framing was clever and aligned with her own assessment of the story¡¯s value. But while Fox had deep pockets, she couldn¡¯t blow nearly a week¡¯s budget on a single news item. With time running out before the show, Megan made a final bid. ¡°$10,000. Take it or leave it. And I can guarantee no other station in L.A. will offer more than 11th Channel.¡± Recalling Frank¡¯s tip about Channel 11, Hawk agreed. ¡°Deal.¡± Before finalizing, Hawk added a condition: ¡°I need two Channel 11 freelance reporter credentials.¡± Megan glanced at her watch. ¡°Don¡¯t push it.¡± ¡° credentials will do,¡± Hawk clarified. ¡°Fine,¡± Megan said, signaling Claire. ¡°Handle the paperwork.¡± Turning back to Hawk, she added, ¡°I like the angle: the cast attacking a journalist and obstructing press freedom. Bring me more big stories, and I¡¯ll be here.¡± Hawk assured her he would. The process moved quickly. They signed an exclusive agreement, with Hawk receiving a $10,000 check and Megan¡¯s team taking the footage. A production assistant whisked the video away for immediate processing. As Claire escorted Hawk out, she asked, ¡°You¡¯re new to this, aren¡¯t you? Never seen you around before.¡± Hawk replied ambiguously, ¡°I¡¯ve landed several headline stories already.¡± ¡°Impressive.¡± Claire¡¯s tone turned enticing. ¡°Bring us more blockbuster stories, especially about big stars. If it¡¯s sensational enough, we¡¯re talking six or even seven figures.¡± Hawk knew the immense value of entertainment news. ¡°I¡¯ll be in touch when I have something.¡± Claire handed him her card. ¡°Call me directly.¡± S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With his credentials in hand, Hawk left the station, moving quickly. Back in the control room, the video was undergoing basic edits. Megan made the call: ¡°Put this as the headline story. Push the Oscar results further down the lineup.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s the Oscars!¡± the director objected. ¡°The ceremony ended almost two hours ago,¡± Megan pointed out. ¡°Everyone already knows the results. It¡¯s old news. Gossip surrounding the Oscars is far more compelling.¡± She turned to Claire. ¡°What¡¯s ¡¯s global box office gross?¡± ¡°Over $825 million,¡± Claire replied. ¡°Exactly,¡± Megan said, spreading her hands. ¡°This movie is a phenomenon. And now its two most beloved stars¡ªGandalf and Legolas¡ªare caught chasing down a reporter and obstructing press freedom. It¡¯s gold!¡± Then, an idea struck her. She raised a finger. ¡°Highlight the paparazzo in the footage.¡± The video paused on Edward, his face pixelated to avoid legal issues. His posture and skin tone, however, were unmistakable. Megan, with ratings on her mind, asked, ¡°In the close-ups of Ian McKellen, doesn¡¯t his mouth look like he¡¯s saying a racial slur?¡± The control room fell silent. The director swallowed hard. ¡°That could land us in trouble. We¡¯ll get lawyer letters for sure.¡± Megan had already thought it through. ¡°The video¡¯s clear, and we¡¯ve got close-ups of McKellen. Bring in a lip-reading expert for a live segment. Frame it as addressing allegations of racial bias and let the expert analyze his words. Where¡¯s legal? I want a risk assessment.¡± A bespectacled man chimed in. ¡°It¡¯s still suggestive and risky, but the liability would be reduced.¡± ¡°Good enough,¡± Megan decided. ¡°Let¡¯s roll with it. Write up the script!¡± Turning to Claire, she added, ¡°Find me a lip-reading expert within five minutes.¡± As orders flew, Megan headed to the dressing room to change into a short skirt and touch up her makeup. Fox News CEO Roger Ailes had mandated that all female anchors, no matter the show¡¯s seriousness, wear short skirts and stockings, with a specific camera angle dedicated to filming them from below. At 11 p.m., Megan sat under the bright studio lights, glancing at the teleprompter before launching into that night¡¯s . Chapter 36: Hawk Dislikes Being Passive Chapter 36: Hawk Dislikes Being Passive Back in the car, Hawk handed Edward a freelance reporter ID. ¡°Here¡¯s what you wanted.¡± Edward eagerly grabbed the card, kissing it repeatedly. ¡°Boss, you¡¯ve saved my future happiness! With this, I¡¯ll have all the confidence I need to win over that woman and her two kids. I¡¯ll be moving into my new home in no time!¡± Seeing Edward¡¯s enthusiasm, Hawk decided to reward him further. ¡°Once we¡¯re home, I¡¯ll give you a $200 bonus. You¡¯ll need money for your date¡­¡± Edward was bewildered. ¡°Since when does the guy pay? It¡¯s always the woman!¡± His disdain was palpable. ¡°Boss, you¡¯re so old-fashioned. Want me to take you out and teach you a thing or two? Or maybe I should lend you some of my San Fernando Valley videos? Don¡¯t worry¡ªthey¡¯re free.¡± ¡°Shut up,¡± Hawk said curtly. Edward, emboldened by their growing camaraderie, pressed on. ¡°Every time we talk about this, and I bring up something you can¡¯t argue with, you just shut me down. It makes you seem weak in this area. Wait¡­ don¡¯t tell me¡­ are you still a virgin?¡± Hawk chuckled inwardly. Casually, he replied, ¡°I have standards. Anyone I consider has to at least match the level of a young Brooke Shields or Jennifer Connelly.¡± Edward frowned, deep in thought. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ a bit tough.¡± Arriving at their home on Fountain Avenue, they entered. Edward carried in beer and snacks. Hawk unpacked his gear and handed Edward $200 in cash, along with a handwritten receipt to sign for the bonus. For now, the West Coast Media & Entertainment Studio existed only in name; its official registration was still underway. Edward signed the receipt, cracking open a beer and taking a seat. ¡°It¡¯s late. Mind if I crash here tonight? I promise I¡¯ll have a new place soon.¡± ¡°Second floor, spare bedroom,¡± Hawk replied. Raising his beer in a toast, Edward said, ¡°Boss, no one¡¯s ever treated me this well¡ªnot even another man.¡± Hawk played along. ¡°What about your father?¡± ¡°Who knows where he is. Maybe God does,¡± Edward said nonchalantly. ¡°You know the biggest flaw with Black men? They¡¯re irresponsible with women and family. The moment a woman gets pregnant, the man bolts.¡± Glancing at the clock, Hawk noted it was nearly 11 p.m. He grabbed the remote and switched to Channel 11. ¡°A lot of women prefer men like that,¡± Hawk commented as the TV came on. Edward tested the waters. ¡°Boss, are you a responsible man?¡± Hawk deflected. ¡°Who knows?¡± At 11 p.m., began. The headline was Hawk¡¯s video, aired as a top story. Initially, the program matched Hawk¡¯s expectations, focusing on cast attacking a reporter and obstructing press freedom. But then, the unexpected happened¡ªa live segment with a lip-reading expert. Host Megan raised a question about whether Ian McKellen had used discriminatory language toward the fleeing Black reporter and asked the expert for their opinion. The expert said the video quality wasn¡¯t clear enough to confirm anything. Though no conclusion was reached, the segment subtly nudged viewers to speculate that McKellen¡¯s furious expression likely accompanied something offensive. ¡°He didn¡¯t insult me,¡± Edward said, putting down his beer. ¡°I can guarantee that.¡± ¡°Television is about ratings and sensationalism, not facts,¡± Hawk replied. ¡°Pathetic. The station has no morals,¡± Edward scoffed. ¡°We¡¯re better than them. At least we don¡¯t make stuff up!¡± sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Feeling morally superior, he declared, ¡°We¡¯re the ones chasing truth and reporting it.¡± Hawk, unabashedly unscrupulous, agreed wholeheartedly. ¡°Exactly. And if presenting the truth requires entertainment, so be it. Heroes and villains are two sides of the same coin.¡± Edward raised his can. ¡°Boss, you¡¯re wise and cultured. I¡¯ll drink to that!¡± Hawk clinked cans with him, taking a swig. ¡°But listen, ¡®Savior,¡¯ we¡¯re still small-time. Always make sure to capture photos or video as evidence before selling a story. Without proof, it¡¯s not news¡ªit¡¯s libel.¡± Edward, not the sharpest in such matters, asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t gossip all about scandals?¡± Hawk shook his head. ¡°With proof, it¡¯s a scandal. Without it, it¡¯s defamation.¡± Edward nodded. ¡°Got it. Defamation gets you sued and costs money.¡± As the program moved on to Oscar results and other gossip, it covered Eddie Murphy¡¯s solicitation scandal¡ªHawk¡¯s previous scoop¡ªwith a retrospective of Murphy¡¯s history of wild exploits. was pure tabloid television, aggressively airing celebrity dirt. The show¡¯s tone matched Hawk¡¯s current needs perfectly. He saved Claire¡¯s contact info as a stable channel for future video sales. Channel 11, backed by Fox, was not only wealthy but audacious. Hawk pocketed the $15,000 in checks and went upstairs to rest. The next morning, he dragged Edward out for a run. Afterward, they picked up the Oscar special edition of . The front page naturally focused on the Oscar ceremony, but Hawk¡¯s Ian McKellen photos made the third page¡¯s headline. Even in the chaos of last night, McKellen smashing a McDonald¡¯s remained a heavyweight scoop. After breakfast, Hawk filed the third-page clipping alongside previous headlines about the solicitation and affair scandals, storing them in a dedicated cabinet. These stories represented the studio¡¯s achievements and, when needed, could serve as leverage. As Hawk finished tidying up, he received a call from the agency handling the studio¡¯s registration. The process was down to the final steps, and his signature was required. ¡°Got some plans today,¡± Edward said sheepishly. ¡°Think you could¡­¡± Recognizing Edward¡¯s role as a fearless field asset, Hawk waved him off generously. ¡°Go on, take care of your date.¡± The truth was, Hawk also wanted a quiet night. Edward¡¯s snoring was deafening. Edward grabbed his reporter ID and rushed off to woo the divorced mother. Hawk, meanwhile, drove to Highland Street. At the agency, he signed the necessary documents to finalize the business license and tax registration. The West Coast Media & Entertainment Studio was officially established. After cashing his checks, Hawk called the private detective from a payphone, using his East Coast accent to inquire about progress. The detective reported some findings: one of Downey¡¯s associates regularly attended private poker games, though more details would take a few days. Hawk hung up, pondering where to find his next story and revenue source. Relying solely on distributing business cards and waiting for tips was too passive for Hawk¡¯s liking. Starting fresh in the industry made it tough to stumble upon the perfect scoop. The solution was to news. As he thought about Robert Downey Jr., a plan began to form. Hawk resolved to stir the pot himself, capturing the chaos to sell for the money needed to grow his studio. Chapter 37: Clearing the Petty Obstacles Chapter 37: Clearing the Petty Obstacles Fountain Avenue, across from Ranch Park. A stepladder leaned against the wall outside the house as Hawk took the brass nameplate Edward handed him. Fixing it firmly to the wall, he officially unveiled the West Coast Media & Entertainment Studio. Edward and the ever-idle Frank grabbed handheld confetti sprayers, releasing bursts of colorful ribbons and glitter that rained down on Hawk. Passersby stopped to glance at the commotion but quickly moved on. Opening the door, Hawk invited, ¡°I¡¯ve prepared a small party. Come on in.¡± Inside, Frank followed closely, taking in the modest spread of beer, pizza, and barbecue on the office desk. He shook his head disapprovingly. ¡°Some party. You guys are really keeping it basic.¡± Hawk feigned generosity. ¡°Once the studio takes off, I¡¯ll hire dozens of Hollywood actresses to help us celebrate properly. I¡¯ll make sure it feels like your glory days.¡± Frank smirked nastily. ¡°No need. To you, they might be unattainable muses, but I¡¯ve had my fill of them.¡± Edward, ever eager to curry favor, handed Frank a beer and played along. ¡°I bet some of your ex-wives were Hollywood stars?¡± Standing tall with mock pride, Frank declared, ¡°Of course!¡± Edward pressed with calculated curiosity. ¡°Who exactly? You want us to admire and envy you, don¡¯t you? Then give us a name. No name? We¡¯ll assume it¡¯s all made up.¡± Hawk sipped his beer, entertained by the banter. Helping Edward out, he added, ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re not bluffing?¡± Frank, seasoned and sharp, saw through their antics immediately. His eyes darted between Hawk and Edward. ¡°What¡¯s your angle? Hoping to sell my stories for cash?¡± Feigning hurt, Frank exclaimed, ¡°I thought you were my friends, and now you want to sell me out?¡± Hawk assumed a righteous tone. ¡°Relax. I swear on my professional ethics¡ªwe¡¯d never sell your secrets.¡± Frank scoffed. ¡°Professional ethics? In your line of work?¡± ¡°Absolutely!¡± Hawk replied without hesitation. ¡°A pure pursuit of truth and justice.¡± Frank sneered. ¡°Pick your burial plot, then. Tell me where, and I¡¯ll bring flowers every year.¡± Hawk flipped him the finger. ¡°Quit stalling!¡± Edward jumped back in. ¡°What¡¯s the name? No name, no truth!¡± Tapping into his ancestral knack for persuasion, Edward¡¯s tone turned earnest. ¡°You said your ex-wives used your money and child support on other men. That¡¯s not right! My friends can¡¯t be treated like that. Give me their names¡ªI¡¯ll get justice for you!¡± Frank chuckled, seeing through Edward¡¯s schemes. ¡°With what? Your buddies? Your ancestors left all their brains in Africa when they came here. After all these generations, they still haven¡¯t grown back.¡± ¡°F*** you!¡± Edward snapped. ¡°Put your ¡®buddies¡¯ on the table, and let¡¯s compare!¡± Hawk interrupted their colorful exchange, steering the conversation elsewhere. ¡°I visited Channel 11, and their style seems very aggressive.¡± Frank, sipping his beer, explained, ¡°It wasn¡¯t always like this. After Fox bought them, things changed fast. You¡¯ve heard of Fox News, right? Big money, bold tactics, and no fear of unconventional methods. That influence trickles down to all their subsidiaries.¡± Leaning back in his chair, Frank continued, ¡°When it comes to celebrity scandals, Channel 11 can usually handle the backlash, and they¡¯re willing to pay.¡± ¡°Their prices are fair,¡± Hawk said, thinking of the $10,000 he¡¯d earned. ¡°Anything to watch out for when dealing with them?¡± Frank thought for a moment. ¡°Never cross Roger Ailes, the head of Fox News. The man¡¯s ruthless. But don¡¯t worry¡ªyou¡¯re too small-time to get on his radar.¡± Hawk stored the name in his mental files. With Frank off to wander the streets, Hawk handed Edward a box filled with business cards. ¡°Pass these out across L.A. Get your crew involved¡ªI¡¯ll pay minimum wage.¡± Edward, recalling his past success, eagerly took charge. ¡°Leave it to me, Boss. I¡¯ll get it done.¡± Carrying the box, Edward rounded up his friends. Soon, over a dozen men arrived via subway, ready to work. Distributing the cards, Edward gave specific instructions. ¡°If you spot a divorced single mom living in a big house, write it down and report to me. Got it?¡± Though unsure of Edward¡¯s motives, the promise of pay earned their compliance. ¡°Got it!¡± they echoed. Edward crossed his arms. ¡°You take my money, you do the job. Slack off, and I¡¯ll kick your ass.¡± With his crew dispatched, Edward personally headed to wealthier areas like Santa Monica to find potential targets¡ªand distribute cards. While Edward handled passive news gathering, Hawk focused on creating news. His target was Robert Downey Jr. Hawk aimed to expose scandals while profiting at the same time. Gathering newspapers and browsing online archives, Hawk combed through every mention of Downey. Despite being dropped from the cast, Downey¡¯s connections were helping him bounce back. Confirmed reports showed his father leveraging ties with Steven Soderbergh to recommend him for the project. Meanwhile, Mel Gibson, Downey¡¯s co-star in , had put in a good word for him with director Michael Hoffman for . Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Relationships were smoothing the path for Downey¡¯s redemption arc, a classic Hollywood trope that audiences never seemed to tire of. Adding insult to injury, reported that Downey¡¯s wife, Deborah Falconer, planned to move back to Brentwood, signaling a marital reconciliation. Watching his enemy thrive felt worse than losing a fortune. Western psychology might label Hawk¡¯s feelings as envy-induced depression. Eastern philosophy framed it differently: encountering a petty person blocking one¡¯s path. The solution? Clear the obstacle to restore peace of mind. Hawk wrote Robert Downey Jr.¡¯s name on a whiteboard, pinning a poster from alongside it. He sat back, contemplating his next move. Later, Edward returned, guzzled some water, and noticed the whiteboard. ¡°Boss, didn¡¯t we already do a story on Robert Downey Jr.? Why are you still fixated on him?¡± Hawk replied casually, ¡°I promised to find you a rich, divorced mom with kids.¡± Warmed by the thought, Edward exclaimed, ¡°You¡¯re going to all this trouble for my little problem? Boss, I¡¯m with you all the way¡ªwhatever you need, just say the word!¡± Hawk smirked. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You¡¯ll be in the thick of it soon enough.¡± Chapter 38: The Gambler Chapter 38: The Gambler Brentwood, inside a luxurious mansion. In a bid to demonstrate his commitment to turning his life around, Robert Downey Jr. hired renowned psychic and astrologer Judy Havenly, a former student of the famous Jeanne Dixon. ¡°I¡¯ve been really unlucky lately¡­¡± Downey recounted his recent scandals, including the affair caught on camera and his dismissal from a film crew. ¡°How do I get back on track?¡± Judy requested a few strands of his hair and began an elaborate divination ritual. Downey and his two companions, Cole and Sheman, sat silently, afraid to disturb her. After a while, Judy concluded the ritual with an air of gravity. ¡°I¡¯ve pinpointed the problem.¡± Cole whispered to Sheman, ¡°Can she really be this good?¡± Downey shot them a sharp look, and they fell silent. Judy asked, ¡°This year, have you had any deep desires that went unfulfilled?¡± Downey thought for a moment before replying, ¡°I wanted the lead role in , but I didn¡¯t get it.¡± Judy shook her head. ¡°Think further back.¡± After a long pause, Downey recalled something. ¡°I once wanted someone to jump off a building, but he didn¡¯t. It really annoyed me. Does that count?¡± Judy¡¯s face remained enigmatic as she declared, ¡°That¡¯s it.¡± She added cautiously, ¡°But you must ensure this person jumps voluntarily¡ªno coercion.¡± Downey nodded. ¡°Got it.¡± Judy collected her fee and left. Back in the lounge, Downey racked his brain, trying to recall the person¡¯s name. Unable to remember, he called a director for help. When the name came back as Downing Ward, he turned to Sheman. ¡°Sheman, head to Provo, Utah, and find this Downing Ward guy. He used to do extreme sports and stunt work¡ªshouldn¡¯t be too hard to track down.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll pack right away,¡± Sheman replied. Downey then addressed Cole. ¡°You¡¯ve got the connections. Round up some reliable guys. Once Sheman confirms the target, grab him¡ªbut don¡¯t hurt him. I want to see him jump.¡± Cole grinned. ¡°This¡¯ll take some cash.¡± Downey led him to a room, opened a cabinet, and gestured to a stack of cash. ¡°Take what you need.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll handle it perfectly,¡± Cole promised. Cole took about $1,000 and was about to leave when he noticed a Rolex watch collecting dust in the corner of the cabinet. Being familiar with Downey¡¯s extensive watch collection¡ªso vast even Downey couldn¡¯t keep track¡ªCole pocketed the watch. His movements were smooth, suggesting this wasn¡¯t his first time. Meanwhile, Downey went to another room where Deborah was packing clothes for their son. ¡°How about dinner out tonight?¡± he suggested. Deborah replied coldly, ¡°Not interested.¡± Downey raised his hand in mock solemnity. ¡°I swear I¡¯m done with all that stuff. Tomorrow, I¡¯ll hit the gym and start fresh.¡± Deborah sighed. ¡°One last chance. Let¡¯s see if you mean it.¡± Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Frustrated, Downey returned to his entertainment room, retrieved a small plastic bag from a billiard table compartment, and indulged himself one last time. Santa Monica, outside a pawn shop. Cole parked his car and walked toward Big Papa¡¯s Art Shop. Across the street, Hawk, disguised with a wig, glasses, and a fake mustache, watched from a bench. Speaking in his East Coast accent, he confirmed, ¡°That¡¯s our guy¡ªthe fat one.¡± Next to him, an unremarkable man with a newspaper nodded. He had the perfect look for a private detective: utterly forgettable. ¡°This guy¡¯s a gambler,¡± the detective reported. ¡°He frequents a private poker game and regularly brings stolen goods here to sell. This is the third time I¡¯ve seen him come here since I started watching.¡± ¡°Perfect,¡± Hawk replied, handing over an envelope. ¡°I¡¯ll handle this. Keep an eye on things, especially the other guy.¡± ¡°Got it. My assistant¡¯s already tailing him,¡± the detective assured. Hawk entered the shop, already familiar with the layout from a prior visit. A clerk greeted him. ¡°Looking for something specific?¡± ¡°I¡¯d like a second-hand watch¡ªRolex or Omega,¡± Hawk replied, glancing toward the clock section, where Cole was negotiating. The clerk, eyeing Hawk¡¯s modest attire, led him to the pre-owned watches. At the counter, Hawk placed his modified briefcase with a hidden camera pointed toward Cole and the appraiser. Feigning interest in the watches, Hawk began bargaining to stall for time while capturing footage. Shortly after, Cole received a check and left. Hawk, claiming dissatisfaction with the prices, exited as well and got into his Chevrolet. He followed Cole¡¯s car westward along Santa Monica Boulevard to a large parking lot on Third Street. When Cole parked and got out, a Chevrolet pulled up nearby. The passenger window rolled down, revealing a large photograph. In the picture, Cole was shown with a female appraiser, holding a Cartier necklace. Hawk gestured. ¡°Hop in, buddy.¡± Cole froze, then reluctantly climbed into the passenger seat. Inside the car, Hawk handed him a stack of photos¡ªeach one showing Cole selling stolen goods at Big Papa¡¯s Art Shop. Hawk cut to the chase. ¡°You don¡¯t have any other income besides Downey¡¯s payments, so these aren¡¯t yours. They belong to your boss or your friends, don¡¯t they?¡± He added, ¡°Oh, and you just sold a Rolex, didn¡¯t you?¡± Cole, pale and sweating, stammered, unable to respond. Hawk pressed further. ¡°You¡¯re a regular at a certain poker game. Does Downey know about that?¡± After a long pause, Cole asked weakly, ¡°What do you want?¡± Hawk smirked, playing the villain archetype. ¡°Relax. I¡¯m not asking much¡ªjust a little information. Like Downey and Deborah¡¯s plans, or who they¡¯re meeting.¡± Cole, still wary, asked, ¡°Are you a reporter?¡± Hawk handed him a fake business card. ¡°Anthony Murphy. Freelance journalist.¡± After some hesitation, Cole agreed but demanded conditions. ¡°One week. Then I¡¯m out, and you give me all the photos and negatives.¡± ¡°Ten days,¡± Hawk countered. After brief consideration, Cole relented. ¡°Fine.¡± After securing Cole¡¯s phone number and leaving his own burner number, Hawk drove off. Midway, he called the private detective. ¡°Pull back.¡± ¡°Understood,¡± the detective replied, adding, ¡°My assistant followed the bald one to the airport. He¡¯s flying to Provo, Utah.¡± ¡°Got it,¡± Hawk said, hanging up, his mind racing. Why was Sheman heading to Provo? Did it involve Downing Ward? Hawk called Edward. ¡°Did you arrange things with Jacqueline?¡± ¡°She¡¯s still in bed,¡± Edward replied. ¡°We agreed to meet in an hour at Hobart Hill.¡± ¡°Good,¡± Hawk said, ready to set his next move into motion. Chapter 39: The Big Softie Chapter 39: The Big Softie Hobart Hill Park Jacqueline, dressed in jeans and sneakers, quickened her pace as she spotted Hawk and Edward. Reaching them, she threw her arms around Hawk, giving him a firm hug. ¡°Thank you for everything you¡¯ve done for me.¡± Hawk stepped back with a composed smile. ¡°It¡¯s me who should thank you for the lead.¡± Sitting down on a stone bench, Jacqueline said, ¡°I saw the piece. My agent blamed that little b***h and ordered her to leave L.A. He said if she shows up again, he¡¯ll have her dumped in Compton.¡± ¡°That¡¯s harsh!¡± Edward, himself from Compton, winced. ¡°A young, pretty white girl ending up there? That¡¯s like something straight out of a San Fernando Valley film.¡± Hawk cut to the chase. ¡°I need your help with something else.¡± Jacqueline, still feeling grateful, replied, ¡°Anything I can do.¡± ¡°It¡¯s simple,¡± Hawk explained. ¡°You¡¯ll need to pose as a pregnant woman to meet someone.¡± Jacqueline patted her flat stomach. ¡°I don¡¯t know much about being pregnant.¡± Edward handed her a CD that Hawk had prepared in advance. ¡°This has all the details. Watch it and practice.¡± ¡°How much for a full day of your time?¡± Hawk asked. ¡°I¡¯ll pay you the market rate.¡± Edward¡¯s eyebrows shot up. ¡°Boss, you¡¯ve got game? Wait, how do you even know what the daily rate is?¡± Jacqueline chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m taking a break because it¡¯s that time of the month... Let¡¯s say $200 a day.¡± Hawk handed her the cash and said, ¡°It might take more than a day. Watch the CD first.¡± Edward passed her a backpack filled with props. Hawk added, ¡°Inside are professional pregnancy disguises. Take them home and practice. Keep your phone on and wait for my call.¡± Jacqueline nodded and left. Once she was gone, Edward scratched his head. ¡°Boss, why does this feel like we¡¯re the shady villains in a Hollywood movie?¡± Hawk smirked. ¡°Who do you think¡¯s stronger¡ªus or Downey?¡± ¡°Obviously Downey.¡± Edward counted on his fingers but gave up halfway. ¡°He¡¯s probably a millionaire. Compared to him, we¡¯re nobodies. Our only advantage is staying in the shadows.¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Hawk replied. ¡°If we¡¯re not scared of being broke, why should we be scared of lurking in the dark like snakes?¡± Edward grinned, his confidence restored. ¡°You¡¯re right. We broke nobodies don¡¯t have anything to fear.¡± The next day, Hawk called Cole to check on Downey¡¯s schedule, further pushing the boundaries of his leverage. Cole revealed that Downey would be visiting Tracy Gym that day. Hawk then contacted Eric. ¡°Hey, about that gym membership?¡± Eric sounded sheepish. ¡°Katherine found someone to help, but I got so busy writing that I forgot to tell you. Let me check with her.¡± A few minutes later, Eric called back, asking Hawk to be at the gym by 3 p.m. Not wanting to keep anyone waiting, Hawk drove to Westwood and parked near the gym. At 3 p.m., Eric arrived in a Ford Bronco alongside a familiar figure: Dwayne ¡°The Rock¡± Johnson. Back then, The Rock wasn¡¯t the box office titan he would later become. Eric introduced them. Johnson offered Hawk a handshake and a friendly smile. ¡°Eric¡¯s been hyping you up the whole way here. Says you¡¯re a genius at marketing films. Turned one of his doomed projects into a hit at Sundance.¡± Hawk humbly replied, ¡°Eric¡¯s movie stood on its own merit. I just gave it the push it deserved.¡± ¡°No, no, no,¡± Eric interjected. ¡°I picked the wrong material. Hawk brought it back to life.¡± Johnson¡¯s curiosity deepened. Katherine, impressed with Eric¡¯s directing talent, was fundraising for his next feature film. Johnson, wanting to network with potential collaborators, had volunteered to help. ¡°Let¡¯s head inside,¡± Johnson suggested. With Johnson leading the way, they entered Tracy Gym. Hawk and Eric both signed up for memberships. Eric left shortly after, needing to focus on his screenplay, while Johnson guided Hawk through the gym. In the locker room, VIP members had private changing areas, but Hawk, as a standard member, changed in the communal space. Emerging in workout gear, Hawk¡¯s physique caught Johnson¡¯s attention. ¡°Damn, buddy. You¡¯re hiding some serious muscle under there.¡± Hawk glanced at Johnson. ¡°You¡¯re smaller than I expected.¡± ¡°Hey, never tell a guy he¡¯s small!¡± Johnson joked, glancing down. ¡°Oh, crap. I forgot something important.¡± He rummaged through his bag, pulled out a fresh pair of socks, rolled them into a ball, and stuffed them into his waistband. The once-flat area now sported a pronounced bulge. Hawk tried not to laugh. Johnson shrugged with a grin. ¡°My PR team keeps hammering this home¡ªimage is everything. For my brand, I have to ooze masculinity.¡± Then, flexing his biceps, he added, ¡°Keeping this kind of muscle means taking certain supplements. Those kill... certain functions. Guys like me are just big softies.¡± ¡°You¡¯re surprisingly candid,¡± Hawk remarked. ¡°Hey, as long as it works, who cares? It¡¯s all about that moment of joy, right?¡± Johnson quipped, heading to the gym floor. ¡°You just nailed the secret to happiness,¡± Hawk replied, following him. The gym was filled with personal trainers guiding their clients, some of whom were celebrities. Hawk spotted Jennifer Lopez and Hugh Jackman. He didn¡¯t see Downey yet, so he joined Johnson for warmups and weightlifting. During a break, Johnson said, ¡°Eric mentioned you ran a unique campaign. I¡¯m intrigued.¡± ¡°No need to be modest¡ªit worked,¡± Hawk replied. ¡°Did you focus only on his movie at Sundance?¡± ¡°No, I also helped a Brazilian director, Beto Bront, with ,¡± Hawk explained. ¡°It was an overlooked foreign film until we turned it into a media sensation.¡± ¡°I know that one,¡± Johnson said, impressed. ¡°It won the Latin American Film Award at Sundance.¡± Hawk smiled. The results spoke for themselves. Johnson pondered for a moment before saying, ¡°My first lead role hits theaters next month. Got any advice?¡± ¡°You mean ?¡± Hawk asked. Johnson nodded solemnly. ¡°It¡¯s my first time headlining. If it flops, I¡¯m back to wrestling.¡± ¡°My studio handles promotions,¡± Hawk offered. Johnson, not one to pinch pennies, understood immediately. ¡°The production team¡¯s already handling my PR, but I¡¯m planning to invest in my own campaign too.¡± While chatting, Hawk finally spotted Downey arriving with Deborah. The couple, laughing and affectionate, looked nauseatingly unbothered by their past scandals. Hawk kept his distance, observing discreetly. After leaving the gym, Hawk checked the documents Johnson¡¯s assistant had delivered and promised to draft a proposal. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Back in his car, Hawk noticed Downey¡¯s lackeys loitering nearby. Pulling out a burner phone, he called Cole. ¡°Let me know if Deborah goes out alone.¡± Chapter 40: Divorce Chapter 40: Divorce Beverly Shopping Center, Parking Lot Hawk lowered the car window, eyeing the Samantha Beauty Center in the distance. ¡°She¡¯s been inside for forty minutes. Based on what I¡¯ve heard, Deborah should be out in about ten.¡± ¡°Boss, your intel is impressive,¡± Edward said with admiration. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the passenger seat, Jacqueline, her belly padded to look pregnant, asked, ¡°Should I head down now?¡± Hawk handed her a Cartier necklace. ¡°This is the evidence. Use it wisely.¡± The necklace was rented from Big Papa¡¯s Art Shop. Jacqueline took it, opened the car door, and said, ¡°I¡¯m going in.¡± Hawk reminded her, ¡°If things go south, retreat immediately. Edward and I will cover you.¡± Edward chimed in, ¡°I¡¯m great with women who have kids.¡± Jacqueline gave him a puzzled glance before walking toward the beauty center. Hawk pulled on a Dodgers baseball cap and motioned for Edward to follow Jacqueline at a discreet distance. ¡°Not taking pictures?¡± Edward asked. ¡°No need,¡± Hawk replied. ¡°Jacqueline¡¯s job is to provoke Deborah. If her face shows up in the tabloids, it could cause trouble.¡± Edward frowned. ¡°Why this approach?¡± Hawk explained, ¡°Deborah can tolerate Downey¡¯s infidelity or drug use¡ªthose are common in Hollywood. But the idea of a child threatens her claim to his estate.¡± That clicked for Edward. ¡°Ah, a kid means hefty child support¡ªdirect competition for Deborah¡¯s share.¡± Hawk nodded, scanning the area for other paparazzi. Thankfully, Downey¡¯s recent scandals had cooled, and no one else seemed interested in the couple. Jacqueline stood near Deborah¡¯s car outside the beauty center. Minutes later, Deborah emerged, sunglasses on. She immediately noticed Jacqueline¡ªher striking looks and apparent pregnancy impossible to ignore. Jacqueline stepped forward. ¡°Deborah, can we talk for a moment?¡± Deborah cast her a frosty glance and headed for her car. Jacqueline raised her voice. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to know whose baby this is?¡± Deborah kept walking. Similar scams were all too common in Hollywood. But Jacqueline pulled out the trump card: the Cartier necklace dangled in front of Deborah. Deborah stopped in her tracks. She recognized it instantly¡ªit was her wedding anniversary gift from Downey. She¡¯d worn it once before stashing it away in the wardrobe. When it later went missing, Downey had brushed it off, saying it would turn up eventually. Here it was, right in front of her. Jacqueline¡¯s voice turned soft. ¡°He gave this to me.¡± Years of suppressed anger boiled over. Deborah didn¡¯t even question the story. Downey¡¯s lies, countless broken promises, and repeated betrayals came flooding back. Jacqueline protectively placed her hands over her fake belly. ¡°Can we talk privately now?¡± Deborah, seething but composed, nodded toward a nearby Starbucks. ¡°This way.¡± Inside the caf¨¦, Deborah tried to assert control. ¡°You have two options: take a payout and terminate, or I¡¯ll make sure someone takes care of it for you.¡± Jacqueline, playing her part with practiced finesse, responded, ¡°That night, there were eight or nine of us. He was too high to care. As for the others, I have no idea...¡± Deborah¡¯s face darkened further. Jacqueline lightly touched her belly. ¡°I¡¯m keeping this baby. With him, I won¡¯t need to work another day in my life.¡± Deborah held back her rage. ¡°You¡¯re just trying to destroy my family.¡± ¡°I couldn¡¯t care less about your family,¡± Jacqueline said sharply. ¡°I came to warn you. Someone in our circle has HIV. I¡¯m lucky to be clear, but I can¡¯t speak for the others from that night.¡± Deborah¡¯s mind reeled. Her hands trembled. She thought of Downey¡¯s betrayals, the public humiliation, and his reckless lifestyle. She thought of the front-page photo of him with a producer¡¯s wife. Continuing down this path, Downey was heading toward bankruptcy¡ªa fate many Hollywood stars had suffered before. If he were an ordinary man, she would¡¯ve left long ago. His multimillion-dollar fortune had kept her tethered. But now, her long-buried thought resurfaced with force: divorce. As the wronged party and the higher earner, Deborah could claim the majority of their assets. Her resolve solidified. She said a few curt words to Jacqueline before heading to her car and calling her lawyer. ¡°Sophia, I want a divorce. Use all the evidence we¡¯ve been holding onto.¡± ¡°Finally!¡± Sophia exclaimed on the other end. ¡°This is the right move to protect yourself. I¡¯ll make sure you get most of the assets.¡± Deborah then called her private doctor to schedule a checkup before driving back to Brentwood to pack her things. Jacqueline returned to the Mondeo, handing the necklace back to Hawk. ¡°She lost her mind, then regained it. I can¡¯t tell what she¡¯ll do next.¡± ¡°Follow her,¡± Hawk told Edward. They tailed Deborah¡¯s car to Brentwood, where she parked and stormed inside. Downey, sipping a drink, greeted her with a smile. ¡°Hey, honey, back so soon?¡± Deborah exploded. Grabbing his glass, she flung its contents in his face. ¡°Are you crazy?¡± Downey shouted, standing up. Deborah picked up the entire bottle and poured it over his head. Downey snapped, shoving her away. She stumbled back into a shelf with a loud crash. ¡°You¡¯ve lost it!¡± he yelled. ¡°And I¡¯m divorcing you,¡± Deborah shot back, storming off to her room to document her bruises. ¡°Fine, go ahead!¡± Downey roared. Cole stepped forward with a towel, trying to calm him down, but Downey waved him off. ¡°If she wants a divorce, let her have it!¡± Cole wisely stayed quiet as Downey changed clothes, his frustration boiling over. ¡°I need my stuff,¡± Downey barked. ¡°Get me some. I¡¯m done with this crap.¡± Cole nodded and left to fetch his boss¡¯s fix. From a distance, Hawk watched through binoculars as Deborah drove away with her son. ¡°She¡¯s gone,¡± Hawk said, signaling Edward to move out. Jacqueline, sitting in the backseat, mused, ¡°Did I just ruin a family?¡± ¡°You saved a woman and her child,¡± Hawk corrected. They dropped Jacqueline off first. Along the way, Hawk called Cole. ¡°Let¡¯s meet,¡± he said. Chapter 41: Hatred Runs Deep Chapter 41: Hatred Runs Deep Los Angeles Cemetery, near the UCLA side. Disguised with makeup, Hawk stood by the cemetery railing, gazing at the eerie tombstones. A pudgy figure appeared in the distance. Hawk waved him over. Cole, visibly reluctant, trudged toward Hawk with heavy steps. ¡°I¡¯ve done everything you asked. Now give me my stuff back.¡± ¡°We agreed to ten days,¡± Hawk reminded. ¡°It¡¯s barely halfway.¡± Cole hesitated, his voice heavy. ¡°Deborah¡¯s divorcing Downey. Was that your doing?¡± ¡°Not mine,¡± Hawk said, staring toward UCLA. ¡°Ours.¡± Realizing he¡¯d unwittingly contributed, Cole¡¯s face twisted with guilt. ¡°You said this was just for the news¡­¡± ¡°No news without a story,¡± Hawk replied nonchalantly. ¡°I had to make one, didn¡¯t I?¡± He patted Cole¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Relax. This is just a warm-up. Bigger stories are coming.¡± Cole¡¯s face crumpled. ¡°You never mentioned it would go this far. I¡¯m out. I can¡¯t do this anymore.¡± ¡°Are you sure?¡± Hawk¡¯s tone sharpened as he laid out the stakes. ¡°If Downey finds out what you¡¯ve done, what do you think will happen? At best, he¡¯ll fire you. But Deborah? Does she like you enough to let it slide? Or will she press charges and send you to jail? You can¡¯t afford a lawyer without Downey¡¯s support.¡± Cole, like most of Downey¡¯s entourage, had no income outside his association with the star. ¡°If you go too far, my life will be ruined either way,¡± Cole muttered. ¡°Money fixes everything,¡± Hawk said, dangling temptation. ¡°What if you could walk away with a fortune? How much does Downey give you? Selling the odd trinket isn¡¯t going to make you rich. Do you think Downey¡¯s collection is limited to what you¡¯ve seen?¡± The gambler in Cole went silent, his greed beginning to stir. Hawk said no more, letting Cole wrestle with his thoughts. Minutes passed before Cole spoke. ¡°If I take too much, it¡¯ll be obvious.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not the issue,¡± Hawk countered, sensing he had Cole on the hook. ¡°Deborah¡¯s moved out. If Downey loses control of his assets, who knows the layout of his home better than you?¡± ¡°Me,¡± Cole admitted without hesitation. ¡°Think it over. You won¡¯t get a better opportunity. With enough money, you can disappear. Head south. Three hours, and you¡¯re in Tijuana. No border checks.¡± Cole¡¯s hands trembled. There¡¯s no greater abyss than human greed, especially when fueled by addiction to gambling or drugs. A single nudge was all it took to send Cole teetering into the void. The two talked for hours as the day gave way to evening. Finally, Cole left, and Hawk drove his Chevrolet to Santa Monica. Changing out of his disguise, Hawk returned to the West Coast studio. Edward had brought back dinner. Over barbecue, they discussed the day. ¡°Jacqueline took the money and won¡¯t talk,¡± Edward reported. ¡°What about the pregnancy props? What should we do with them?¡± ¡°Keep them,¡± Hawk replied. ¡°We might need them again.¡± Edward frowned. ¡°Why would I need those? They¡¯re for women! Boss, you¡¯re not thinking of making me dress as one, are you? Look at me! Black hair, black skin¡ªI couldn¡¯t pass for a woman!¡± Ignoring his rambling, Hawk said, ¡°Drink less tonight and get some rest. Tomorrow¡¯s going to be big.¡± ¡°What kind of big news?¡± Edward asked, curious. Hawk smirked. ¡°The kind that could put someone behind bars for a few years.¡± Edward¡¯s face lit up. ¡°Prison sounds great! Someone like Downey in gen pop? He¡¯ll eat well every day.¡± Hawk thought back to stories he¡¯d heard in prison about ¡°special recipes¡± for troublesome inmates. Downey might not end up jumping off a building, but there were other ways to fry a squid. After dinner, Hawk reviewed his plans. No matter how meticulous, the unexpected could always happen. Edward asked, ¡°What¡¯s my role tomorrow?¡± ¡°Find a public phone away from surveillance cameras and wait for my call,¡± Hawk instructed. Brentwood, Downey¡¯s mansion. Robert Downey Jr. didn¡¯t need much persuasion to spiral. By dinner, he¡¯d downed one drink after another, quickly drowning himself in alcohol. With Deborah gone, the house was eerily empty, save for Downey and Cole. After helping Downey to bed, Cole locked the bedroom door. He disabled the security system, then began rifling through the house. As one of Downey¡¯s closest confidants, Cole knew the mansion better than Deborah ever had. He flushed most of Downey¡¯s stash down the toilet, leaving only a small packet untouched. Then he entered Downey¡¯s prized collection room. Inside were several trophies, including a BAFTA award and smaller accolades. But Cole wasn¡¯t interested in awards. His gaze locked on the glass cases housing Downey¡¯s collection of luxury Swiss watches, each worth a fortune. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His breathing quickened. Tens of thousands of dollars sat before him. ¡°Mine. All mine,¡± he whispered, as the last remnants of his moral compass shattered. Cole left the collection room to retrieve a Glock 26 from the gun cabinet. He wasn¡¯t stupid enough to use it himself but figured its presence might be useful. The next morning, Downey woke up to a call from his lawyer. Deborah¡¯s attorney had filed for divorce, demanding an outrageous share of their assets. ¡°That b**** has lost her mind!¡± Downey screamed, hurling his phone at the TV. ¡°She wants to take everything!¡± Fueled by rage and withdrawal, he stormed around the house, smashing anything within reach. Outside, Cole made a call. ¡°Deborah¡¯s lawyer sent the papers. He¡¯s losing it.¡± ¡°Proceed,¡± came the reply. ¡°Remember what I told you yesterday?¡± Cole¡¯s memory, sharpened by greed, recalled every word. ¡°I remember.¡± The plan was simple: take as much as possible and flee to Mexico. Downey¡¯s shout echoed through the mansion. ¡°Cole! Where¡¯s my stash? Where¡¯s my stash?¡± Cole pocketed his phone and ran back inside. ¡°Is it gone?¡± Downey, frantic and sweating, tore through drawers and cabinets. ¡°It¡¯s all gone! Who did this?¡± ¡°Deborah,¡± Cole said without missing a beat. ¡°It must¡¯ve been her.¡± ¡°That b****!¡± Downey growled, clutching his head. ¡°I¡¯ll kill her!¡± Cole retrieved the small packet he¡¯d saved. ¡°Here, take this. It¡¯s mine.¡± Downey eagerly accepted, his temper cooling as he indulged. Later, Cole watched as Downey, now calmer, declared, ¡°Forget wives. Brothers like you are what really matter.¡± But in Cole¡¯s mind, the word ¡°brother¡± rang hollow. Downey¡¯s demand for more ¡°supplies¡± brought the scheme into motion. Cole suggested stockpiling as much as possible before Deborah could use it against him in court. Downey, his judgment dulled, agreed. ¡°You handle it.¡± Cole contacted a supplier. ¡°We need a large shipment. Don¡¯t worry¡ªDowney himself will be there to make the deal.¡± The supplier agreed. Back inside, Cole told Downey, ¡°It¡¯s a big order, and LAPD¡¯s been setting traps. They¡¯ll only deal if you¡¯re there in person.¡± Too high to think clearly, Downey nodded. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s go.¡± Cole selected one of Downey¡¯s registered Cadillacs for the trip and made sure to bring the Glock. Chapter 42: Gaining a Few More Holes Chapter 42: Gaining a Few More Holes Santa Monica, Third Street Promenade Parking Lot In the dark confines of his Mondeo, Hawk adjusted the press pass around his neck one last time and checked his handheld video camera. Everything was ready. Moments later, his burner phone buzzed. ¡°Are you there?¡± came Cole¡¯s voice. ¡°We¡¯ll be there soon for the deal¡ªfive minutes at most. Our car is a champagne-colored Cadillac.¡± Hawk, maintaining his fake persona, replied smoothly, ¡°The quantity you¡¯re asking for is too risky. LAPD and DEA are fishing hard these days. I need Downey himself to handle the transaction alone.¡± In the Cadillac, Cole sighed, glancing at Downey. ¡°These guys are out of line. No respect for protocol...¡± Downey, overhearing the conversation, was too far gone to care. High and desperate for more, he waved it off. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯ve done this before. It¡¯s exciting! Call it method acting¡ªprepping for a future role!¡± ¡°Fine,¡± Cole relented into the phone. ¡°No problem.¡± Arriving at the parking lot, Cole parked the Cadillac. Hawk¡¯s Mondeo trailed discreetly behind, taking a parallel route through the lot. Once the Cadillac stopped, Hawk parked a short distance away, his camera trained on the scene. Downey stepped out of the car, his movements unsteady from his earlier high. ¡°Wait,¡± Cole called after him, concern etched on his face. ¡°They said you should go alone, but what if it¡¯s a setup?¡± ¡°They want money, not trouble,¡± Downey dismissed. ¡°Do you know who I am? I¡¯m Robert freakin¡¯ Downey Jr. They wouldn¡¯t dare touch me.¡± Playing the part of the overzealous driver, Cole handed Downey a Glock 26 from the car¡¯s compartment. ¡°Take this, just in case.¡± Downey accepted it absentmindedly, shoving it into his coat pocket before swaggering off toward an SUV. Hawk¡¯s camera tracked Downey as he handed over a bag of cash to a sunglasses-wearing man who examined its contents under the light. Satisfied, the man passed Downey a bag in return. Downey opened it, sniffed the contents, and nodded approval. The dealer muttered something in Spanish, disdain coloring his tone. ¡°These addicts live like kings. Why?¡± Moments later, Downey stumbled back to the Cadillac, the dealer muttering curses as he drove away. Back in the Cadillac, Downey tossed the bag onto the center console. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Let¡¯s head home and party!¡± he declared gleefully. Cole, feigning casualness, suggested, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we test the new stuff first?¡± Downey¡¯s face lit up like a child on Christmas morning. ¡°Great idea!¡± Cole prepared a small dose for him, politely declining to join in. ¡°I need to keep a clear head for driving.¡± Downey indulged enthusiastically, and soon his high spiraled further out of control. From his Mondeo, Hawk continued filming. Every frame focused solely on Downey. Inside the Cadillac, Downey¡¯s manic energy escalated. He banged his head against the headrest, muttering darkly, ¡°That b**** Deborah. I¡¯ll kill her! I¡¯ll kill that b****!¡± Cole attempted to calm him. ¡°Relax. She won¡¯t take your money. We¡¯ll figure it out.¡± Downey alternated between sobbing and laughing hysterically, his threats growing louder. Cole eventually pulled onto Santa Monica Boulevard, parking near a McDonald¡¯s. ¡°I¡¯ll grab your favorite burger,¡± Cole said, unbuckling his seatbelt. ¡°Might take a while.¡± Downey, too absorbed in his delusions, barely nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll kill her... that b****...¡± Cole slipped into the McDonald¡¯s front door and exited through the back, climbing into another car. His mind was already on his escape to Brentwood and, beyond that, Mexico. Hawk, parked a safe distance away, filmed every moment. He adjusted his camera as two LAPD patrol cars, lights flashing, entered the scene. The first officer, a brown-haired man, approached the driver¡¯s side cautiously, one hand on his holster. ¡°LAPD! Step out of the vehicle for inspection!¡± he called. Noticing the driver¡¯s seat was empty, he peeked into the passenger side. Inside, Downey rocked violently against the headrest, mumbling incoherently. A bag lay on the console, white powder scattered around it. The officer immediately drew his weapon. ¡°LAPD! Temporary inspection! Sir, show me your hands and exit the vehicle!¡± His partner, a tall, sharp-eyed female officer, mirrored his movements, holding her Glock low but ready as she approached the passenger side. Downey¡¯s fogged brain registered their commands. He shakily opened the door and stepped out. ¡°Hands up! Against the car!¡± the female officer ordered. To Downey¡¯s twisted perception, she was no officer. She was Deborah, the woman trying to take everything from him. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you, b****!¡± he screamed, drawing the Glock from his pocket. ¡°Drop the weapon!¡± the female officer shouted, her Glock snapping into position. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you!¡± Downey screamed again, raising the gun. Gunshots echoed through the parking lot as the officer emptied her clip into Downey¡¯s chest. The man who fancied himself untouchable hit the ground, a new set of holes punctuating his body. From a distance, Hawk recorded the entire scene. Satisfied, he turned off the camera and murmured, ¡°That¡¯s a wrap.¡± Chapter 43: Stir-Fried Squid with Peanuts Chapter 43: Stir-Fried Squid with Peanuts From less than five meters away, Hawk crouched behind a sturdy streetlamp pole, extending the lens of his camcorder to record the entire scene. He was stunned¡ªsomething had obviously gone wrong. Downey actually pointed a gun at the LAPD. The plan had gone off course. Despite his surprise, Hawk felt a rush of exhilaration. Downey, the kind-hearted guy, had wanted him to jump off a building. So, the "good-hearted" Downey grew himself an extra "kind heart." Although the expected outcomes of "black cannon squid" or "cream puff squid" didn¡¯t pan out, he still got "stir-fried squid with peanuts." But things had definitely gotten messy. Hawk wasn¡¯t panicking. When entering Los Angeles, he had already set up escape routes. He always prepared for the worst. This time, before making his move, he¡¯d done extensive prep work, even disguising himself for a trial run to Tijuana. Hawk¡¯s hands remained remarkably steady as he quickly weighed his options while continuing to film everything happening on-site. A male officer arrived from the other side and checked on the female officer. He immediately reported to command, "Shots fired at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and 20th Street! Suspect down! Requesting backup and medical assistance!" The female officer, though shaken, stayed composed and didn¡¯t panic. She recognized Downey but wasn¡¯t about to risk her life over it. Fame was his, but her life was her own¡ªand she only had one. When someone points a gun at your face, gambling isn¡¯t an option. The man convulsing on the ground clearly wasn¡¯t going to make it. The two officers holstered their weapons. People from afar began to crowd closer. Watching drama unfold was the same everywhere in the world. Hawk approached with his camera, focusing on Downey. He zoomed in for close-ups of the extra "kind-hearted" chest wounds and the bloodstained face. He then shifted the lens through the open passenger door, capturing a clear shot of the black bag on the armrest and the scattered powder. The male officer noticed him. Hawk raised his press credentials hanging on his chest and identified himself, "Fox News journalist!" Then, he added, "This scumbag attacked the police. I saw it. I can testify for you!" Hearing the name "Fox" and those words, the male officer warned, "Stay away from the crime scene." Hawk didn¡¯t approach any closer, keeping a few meters¡¯ distance as he continued filming. In the distance, patrol car lights flashed one after another as more LAPD vehicles arrived. This was Los Angeles'' premier armed violence squad, notorious for covering their own. It wasn¡¯t yet the era when Black leaders publicly revealed LAPD undercover lists. Hawk glanced at the male officer again. This type of situation was a headache for the LAPD too. But the LAPD¡¯s stance was easy to predict. It wasn¡¯t just the LAPD¡ªpolice anywhere in America would back their own. Unless they were dealing with big financiers or high-profile figures, but Downey wasn¡¯t one of those. Hawk had thoroughly researched Downey¡¯s background. Since 1996, Downey had been arrested by the LAPD three times and spent three years in jail. Calling it bad blood was an understatement. Hollywood had plenty of people more outrageous than Downey. That was part of why Hawk dared to have Edward call the cops. The LAPD clearly had it out for Downey. Hawk determined it was far from time to flee. The potential problem might lie with Cole. When contacting Cole, he had been in full disguise, changing his accent and body language. He had even used a special phone. Every trace left behind pointed to ¡°Anthony Murphy.¡± Now that Downey was gone, the risk level had increased. Hawk decided on his next steps. He turned off his camcorder, then handed the male officer a business card containing only his name and phone number. "I recorded everything. You did the right thing. If the public outcry becomes an issue, feel free to call me." The male officer accepted the card and responded politely, "Thank you." Hawk picked up his camcorder and walked toward his car. Nearby, a Dodge Durango pulled up, and a long-haired man stepped out. Spotting Hawk and the badge on his chest, the man exclaimed, "Buddy, you¡¯re fast!" Hawk didn¡¯t break stride, replying casually, "Just lucky." The man followed him, "Daniel Richards. I¡¯m in the same line. Did you capture anything? Care to share?" Hawk pointed at the scene, "If you head over now, you can still get a hot bite." Daniel stopped, watching as Hawk got into his car and drove off. Shaking his head, Daniel hurried to the scene, knowing full well the most valuable footage had already been snagged by that bit** colleague. Hawk started his car, heading west. Taking out a backup phone, he called a number in a coastal accent, "Where are you?" Cole¡¯s excited voice came through, "Brentwood! I¡¯m grabbing some stuff and heading to Mexico like you said!" He was ecstatic, shouting, "I¡¯m gonna loot Downey! I¡¯m gonna f***ing strike it rich!" From Los Angeles to Tijuana, it would only take two hours if driving fast. Hawk merged onto Pacific Coast Highway, removing the SIM card from the backup phone, shredding it, and then disassembling the phone into parts. He scattered the pieces along the route, tossing them into the ocean. Pulling out another spare phone, he called Edward. Edward, having made the report, had been waiting in a rented car in Brentwood for some time. --- In Brentwood, at Downey¡¯s mansion. Cole used an electronic key to unlock the door, entered the house, and went straight to the collection room. He grabbed the bag he had prepared the day before, packed all the luxury watches inside, and then proceeded to other rooms, collecting a considerable amount of cash and jewelry. The abundant haul kept a smile on his face. After quickly finishing his looting, Cole got into a car and headed straight for San Diego. He knew that this time, he was going to ruin Downey¡¯s life worse than the last three times he¡¯d been arrested. After this, Cole would leave the United States and never return. Behind him, Edward, an excellent driver, followed closely. Cole drove across the U.S.-Mexico border and entered Tijuana. There were no checks when leaving the country, so Edward followed him into the city until Cole checked into a motel. Using some ¡°cash power,¡± Edward obtained Cole¡¯s room number and then called Hawk. Hawk had already finished editing the video and had prepared several copies. When he received Edward¡¯s call, he instructed him, ¡°Destroy the phone and SIM card I gave you and dump them in Mexico. Then head back.¡± Hawk found a deserted public phone and dialed a number he had obtained in Tijuana, speaking in a deliberately exaggerated Hollywood movie accent: ¡°It¡¯s me, Phil Delno, the one who paid the advance a few days ago. The target has arrived in Tijuana.¡± He gave the corresponding address and made sure to add, ¡°He¡¯s carrying at least six figures¡¯ worth of goods.¡± The person on the other end chuckled, ¡°Buddy, keep coming to me with deals like this.¡± sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawk quickly left the area while deep in thought. As for Jacqueline, without Cole, the risk was minimal. A fake pregnant woman provoking a celebrity¡¯s wife to stir up fake news¡ªthat was all. --- In Tijuana, at the motel, someone knocked on the door of Cole¡¯s room. Cole opened the door slightly and saw a beautiful Mexican woman standing outside. The woman smiled charmingly and said in halting English, ¡°Sir, need service? Only fifty dollars.¡± Cole sized up the woman. She had a pretty face, a sexy figure, and bore a strong resemblance to Hollywood actress Jessica Alba. As she leaned forward slightly, her curves were hard to ignore. Cole opened the door. From both sides of the doorway, four Mexican men rushed in. Before long, the five of them left with a large suitcase and Cole¡¯s bag. In Tijuana, people disappeared every day, and the chances of being found were negligible. --- In Sherman Oaks, at a standalone house. Deborah received a phone call informing her that Downey had been shot and killed by the LAPD during an armed assault on the police. Her face changed dramatically. She rushed to the bar in the living room, grabbed a bottle of champagne, and poured herself a full glass. One big gulp later, she felt an inexplicable sense of joy. It was f***ing fantastic. Estranged spouses held grudges as deep as the ocean. Deborah wouldn¡¯t need to go to court to fight for the inheritance, saving tons of lawyer fees. How many women had every Hollywood star messed around with? Ten or twenty was considered modest¡ªDowney had probably been with dozens. Whether or not there were illegitimate children, there was no longer a chance of them splitting the inheritance. This was simply too wonderful. Deborah had the urge to set off fireworks, but on second thought, she decided to maintain an extremely sorrowful appearance. She could celebrate with fireworks after inheriting the estate. --- At dusk, in Century City, Hawk parked his Mondeo. He took out his everyday Nokia phone and glanced at it¡ªno missed calls. He dialed Claire from Channel 11 directly and got straight to the point: ¡°This is Hawk Osmond, the source of the Gandalf-hunting-doorstep news.¡± Claire, who dealt with numerous reporters daily, immediately recalled the story and person. ¡°Got any big news?¡± Hawk quickly said, ¡°I¡¯m giving you a free tip: not long ago, Robert Downey Jr. was shot dead by the LAPD at the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and 20th Street.¡± Claire, an entertainment news veteran, replied, ¡°I already got word. Anything else?¡± Hawk replied calmly, ¡°I recorded the entire incident on video.¡± ¡°You recorded it?¡± Claire practically shouted. After taking several deep breaths, she solemnly asked, ¡°Mr. Hawk Osmond, are you certain you have the entire incident on video?¡± Hawk¡¯s tone was unusually serious: ¡°The footage is right here on my laptop.¡± Claire didn¡¯t hesitate: ¡°Where are you right now? I¡¯ll send a car to pick you up immediately. Please don¡¯t contact any other media outlets before we formally quote a price. Our offer will be the highest in the industry.¡± Hawk said, ¡°No need. I¡¯ll drive over myself.¡± They hung up. Claire immediately left her desk, knocked on the producer¡¯s office door, entered, and shut it tightly. She informed Megan, ¡°Hawk Osmond, the freelance reporter who provided us with news about The Lord of the Rings crew, just called. He claims to have recorded the entire incident of Robert Downey Jr. being shot by the LAPD.¡± Megan shot up from her seat: ¡°Where is he? I need to see him immediately.¡± News about a living Robert Downey Jr. might not be too attention-grabbing, but a Hollywood star killed in a shootout? That was a whole other level of value! ¡°He¡¯s on his way,¡± Claire said. Megan instructed, ¡°Go wait for him at the building entrance. This isn¡¯t just entertainment news; it¡¯s also social news. We can¡¯t let anyone else take the story.¡± Every tabloid scandal reporter dreamed of making it in mainstream social news. ¡°I¡¯m on it,¡± Claire replied as she turned and left. Megan picked up the phone on her desk and dialed a number. ¡°What¡¯s left of our budget this month? What? Not enough? Get an application to upper management immediately. Use the top-tier breaking news channel. If anyone gives you trouble, I¡¯ll handle it!¡± Once they secured exclusive footage of the scene, it wouldn¡¯t matter who reported the story first. All eyes would be glued to Channel 11¡¯s Midnight Entertainment. Chapter 44: Stirring the Pot, Stirring People, Stirring Money Chapter 44: Stirring the Pot, Stirring People, Stirring Money At the Fox Tower, inside the Fox Television Center, Hawk stepped into the reception room and found Megan, a tall blonde with her hair tied in a ponytail, waiting for him. Megan was both a producer and an anchor. She gave him a quick smile and asked, "Did you bring the video?" Hawk didn¡¯t waste any time. He placed his laptop on the table. Claire immediately grabbed an adapter and connected it to the power source. Hawk powered on the laptop and opened the footage of the shooting. Megan crossed her arms, the fabric of her shirt visibly tightening at the sides. The video began with a Cadillac¡¯s rear end, the camera staying focused on the vehicle as it parked. The footage continued to track the car until the sound of police sirens prompted the camera to pan up, revealing two LAPD officers stepping out from behind the vehicle. Robert Downey Jr. got out of the car, pulled out a handgun, and aimed it at the female officer, who fired first, emptying her magazine. The camera shifted, capturing a close-up of Downey¡¯s bleeding chest, his bloodstained face, and the pool of blood beneath him. Megan¡¯s breathing quickened as a surge of excitement overtook her. Each synapse in her brain seemed to fire in rapid succession, electrified by the explosive story. She grasped the public''s likely reaction instantly. ¡°This could link to other LAPD excessive force cases and spark a wave of¡ª" Hawk, sensing trouble, interrupted her, "If you report it from that angle, I¡¯m taking the footage back." Megan stopped him, "Is there more?" Hawk opened another video. "Watch this first before deciding on your angle." The second video showed Downey in a parking lot, conducting a deal with a trafficker. Megan immediately discarded her earlier approach. She pivoted, "Robert Downey Jr., involved in drug transactions, found hoarding large quantities of narcotics, overdoses, then attacks police with a firearm." Hawk gave her the green light, adding, "Let''s ensure Downey is utterly discredited and shunned by the mainstream media." Megan saw an even broader opportunity. "Tie this to Downey¡¯s prior drug-related cases and Hollywood¡¯s rampant drug culture. Highlight the societal damage caused by celebrities abusing their influence." Hawk hit where it hurt. "And don¡¯t forget Downey¡¯s family history with drugs. Dive into his upbringing, explore why he fell into addiction, and expose all the terrible things he did after." Megan jotted this all down, recognizing the immense value of the story. She made her offer without hesitation. "Fifty thousand dollars. Two videos, one major story." Hawk had done his research beforehand. "Two months ago, a video of the LAPD gunning down an unarmed Black man sold to Channel 9 for $8,000. That was a nameless civilian and a relatively low-profile social issue." He tapped the upright edge of his laptop. "This is the death of an Oscar-nominated actor and BAFTA winner. While trafficking drugs¡ªpossibly even dealing them¡ªhe resisted LAPD inspections with a gun and nearly killed a female officer. The value here isn¡¯t just tenfold; it¡¯s astronomical!" Hawk emphasized, "And, a female officer." Megan¡¯s sharp media instincts immediately locked onto his angle. "Yes, we can definitely play up the gender element." Her transformation from media strategist to opportunist was seamless. Just minutes ago, she¡¯d been leaning toward framing the female officer as an excessive force enforcer. Now, she pivoted 180 degrees. "Highlight her bravery and courage. Women can do what men do. Let¡¯s involve women¡¯s organizations in Los Angeles, encourage them to visit and commend the officer, and document the whole thing. It¡¯s a great chance to champion gender equality." The deal was as good as sealed. Megan had the decisiveness and broader perspective to finalize her offer. "A hundred thousand dollars. That¡¯s the max I can approve. Beyond that, my hands are tied." "Deal. One hundred thousand. But I want your reporting stance written into the transfer agreement," Hawk agreed without hesitation. "Here¡¯s an extra tip for free." He continued swiftly, "Downey¡¯s personality has likely made him plenty of enemies in Hollywood. Why not invite a few guests to tear him apart publicly? Everyone loves piling on, and it makes for fantastic viewing." "You mean digging up dirt on Downey and ensuring he¡¯s forever disgraced?" Megan uncrossed her arms and slid one hand into her trouser pocket, for the first time giving Hawk a serious once-over. Aside from his solid build, he appeared fairly ordinary. Finally, Megan extended her hand. "Megan Taylor." Hawk shook it. "Hawk Osmond." Megan grabbed a pen, scribbled a number on a sticky note, and handed it to Hawk. "This is my direct line. Call me if you have any other big stories. They need to be substantial." Hawk pocketed the note. "I will." Megan then directed Claire, "In my name, issue Hawk an 11th Channel special correspondent credential. Do it now." Claire left to make the arrangements. Hawk thanked them politely, "Appreciate it." Megan, curious about how Hawk had captured such sensational footage, didn¡¯t ask a single question. All she cared about was the story itself. An assistant came over to copy the videos. Hawk handled the task personally, unwilling to leave his laptop in their hands. Fox-affiliated outlets were notorious for their rock-bottom ethics. Within minutes, the process was complete. Hawk received a $100,000 check and an 11th Channel correspondent ID. Back in Megan¡¯s office, production meetings were already underway. After reviewing the videos, Megan laid down the law. "The tone of the footage is clear. Let the program follow suit. Everyone, leverage your resources to dig up every scrap of dirt on Robert Downey Jr. I won¡¯t let him leave this world quietly. His death will serve one purpose: boosting our ratings!" Megan efficiently assigned tasks as the plan took shape. Meanwhile, Hawk left Fox Tower and drove toward his studio. Contemplating the LAPD angle, his phone rang. Answering, he heard a familiar voice. "Hello, Mr. Osmond. This is Officer Julian from the LAPD West Substation. We met this afternoon, and you gave me your card." Prepared, Hawk replied, "Yes, we met earlier on Santa Monica Boulevard." Julian continued, "Regarding this afternoon¡¯s case, we have some questions for you." Hawk offered, "You¡¯re welcome to come to my studio. It¡¯s on Fountain Street, number 13, East Hollywood." Julian hesitated but quickly agreed, "We¡¯ll head over now." Hawk assessed the situation as low risk. "I¡¯ll cancel my evening plans and wait for you." He entered his studio, secured his gear, and discreetly stashed a Glock pistol within reach. He also packed up cash and valuables just in case. Hawk waited for a while until he heard a knock at the door. He checked the surveillance monitor first and saw only three people outside. Leading the group was someone in a patrol officer¡¯s uniform¡ªJulian, whom Hawk had seen earlier that afternoon making a phone call. Behind him were two others: an older man, a police inspector, and a female police officer who appeared to be a sergeant. Across the street on Fountain Avenue, Frank, sitting on top of an RV, curiously watched the West Coast Studio. Three LAPD officers showing up at the door wasn¡¯t a good sign. Frank took a sip of beer, frowned, and muttered, ¡°Just opened for business, and now it¡¯s about to shut down? These young folks are too reckless.¡± Inside the studio, Hawk offered them seats. Julian introduced everyone: the inspector¡¯s name was Edmond, and the sergeant was Susie. Edmond began, ¡°I heard you¡¯re a reporter.¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Hawk took out the press ID he had just received and placed it in front of Edmond. Seeing the Fox Channel 11 logo on it, Edmond asked, ¡°You were the one who left Officer Julian your contact information, correct?¡± Hawk was well-prepared. ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯m a reporter, and I¡¯m very sensitive to public opinion. The person who died was a celebrity. Officers Julian and another policeman could potentially face public criticism. As someone who witnessed the entire incident, I believe they were not at fault at all. My sense of professional ethics and justice doesn¡¯t allow me to let the situation escalate unchecked.¡± Susie chimed in, ¡°That¡¯s exactly why we¡¯re here¡ªwe¡¯re worried about that too.¡± Edmond continued, ¡°Can we take a look at the video?¡± Hawk turned his laptop toward them, allowing them to view the footage he had recorded. The trio¡¯s demeanor revealed the LAPD¡¯s stance on the matter, which aligned perfectly with what Hawk had anticipated. Edmond reviewed the video carefully. The most troublesome aspect of this case was that Downey was a public figure. If it had been an ordinary individual, the media might stir things up for a while, but ultimately they wouldn¡¯t have much leverage against the LAPD. At most, the female patrol officer might face a temporary suspension. Now, however, Downey¡¯s father and some others were making a fuss, giving the LAPD a hard time. Ironically, Downey¡¯s wife, Deborah, didn¡¯t seem to care. These people weren¡¯t donors to the LAPD, and there was even considerable animosity between the two sides. The LAPD had gone after Downey three times in the past, leading him to spend nearly three years in and out of jail. The fourth time, Downey ended up being summoned by God. The attitude from LAPD Headquarters at Parker Center was crystal clear: they needed concrete evidence to solidify Downey¡¯s guilt and definitively resolve this case. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 45: Death and Disgrace Chapter 45: Death and Disgrace As the video concluded, Edmond, Susie, and Julian each let out a subtle sigh of relief. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Edmond and Susie, both from LAPD¡¯s Parker Center headquarters, had already grasped the potential for this case to spiral into a massive public relations nightmare. Susie, who specialized in media relations, understood just how closely the media monitored the LAPD. But these two videos were game-changers, enough to quash the storm and pin the blame squarely on Robert Downey Jr. Susie noted the clever camera angles, which not only captured the entire shooting but also kept the focus firmly on Downey. Anyone who watched the footage would immediately feel that Downey had brought this upon himself. A single event could provoke vastly different emotions depending on the perspective of the camera. Susie leaned closer to Edmond and whispered a few words. Edmond¡¯s demeanor shifted noticeably. He smiled at Hawk and asked, "Could we get a copy of the video?" Susie pulled a flash drive from her bag. "Sure, I¡¯ll copy it for you," Hawk replied, taking the drive. Once the transfer was complete, Edmond, still harboring a trace of doubt, asked directly, "Have you been following Downey?" "I¡¯ve been tailing him for a few days," Hawk replied, opening a folder on his laptop and clicking through photos and videos. "Here he is at Tracy Gym. Here¡¯s him at the Wing Chun Martial Arts Hall on Victory Street. And this is him at the Viper Room bar." Edmond pressed further. "Why were you following him?" "It¡¯s my job," Hawk answered, pulling out a recent issue of and pointing to the front-page story. "This was my scoop. But I¡¯d appreciate it if you kept this confidential¡ªI don¡¯t want any trouble." He added, "Oh, and about today¡¯s video¡ªplease don¡¯t reveal the source." Susie reassured him, "We¡¯re the LAPD. We understand media laws and won¡¯t disclose the source of the footage." Hawk gauged the LAPD¡¯s stance and decided to align with them. "I¡¯ve only been in L.A. for less than a month, and most of the time I¡¯ve been running around like a headless chicken. When I landed this headline, I thought digging deeper might uncover more stories. I¡¯ve read reports on Downey over the years. A guy like him not having scandals is like people not eating or drinking¡ªit¡¯s impossible. I figured he¡¯d destroy himself eventually." Thinking of Downey¡¯s years of bad behavior, Edmond slowly nodded. Suddenly, he locked eyes with Hawk. "Did you call the cops?" "Call the cops? I¡¯ve never done that," Hawk replied, genuinely surprised. With over a decade of police experience, Edmond could tell Hawk wasn¡¯t lying. And Hawk wasn¡¯t bluffing¡ªhe really hadn¡¯t made the call. Edmond nodded again. "There was someone else in the car with Downey, wasn¡¯t there?" Hawk confirmed, "Yes. Downey had a driver, but he never got out of the car, so I didn¡¯t film him." He spread his hands. "Even if he did get out, I wouldn¡¯t bother filming. A driver doesn¡¯t have news value¡ªI wouldn¡¯t waste a second of footage on him." Edmond accepted this reasoning. Susie, seeing Edmond had no further questions, shifted to the crux of the matter. "Did you hand the video to Fox News?" "I granted 11 Channel¡¯s an exclusive license. The agreement is already signed," Hawk replied. He anticipated their concerns and added, "During negotiations, I made it clear how the story should be reported. The production team agreed and included this in the licensing agreement." Susie hesitated but asked, "May I see the agreement?" Hawk retrieved it. "Just don¡¯t take pictures." Susie skimmed through and found his claims accurate. "Thank you." Hawk¡¯s involvement suddenly made the LAPD¡¯s job much easier. A previously tangled situation now seemed far clearer. Edmond stood to leave, and as they departed, Susie handed Hawk her business card and asked for his contact details. "In case we need follow-up." Hawk smiled. "You can call me anytime." The three LAPD officers stepped outside and into their car. Susie turned to Edmond. "So, what¡¯s the call?" Edmond replied softly, "The higher-ups are clear: Downey pulled a gun on the police. He deserved it. They want this case closed, and Downey disgraced." For years, the LAPD had repeatedly targeted Downey. The fourth strike was the fatal one. Susie nodded, removing her hat to reveal her brown hair tied in a bun. "Drop me off at the Fox Television Center." Julian drove toward Century City. Susie quickly reached out to Megan Taylor of . The two met at the Fox center and immediately hit it off. The show¡¯s coverage stance was entirely anti-Downey, complete with plans to dig into his scandals. Susie agreed to serve as the liaison, providing access to records from Downey¡¯s previous arrests and arranging LAPD cooperation for interviews, including with the heroic female officer. Their goals aligned perfectly. Meanwhile, as Hawk saw the LAPD out, another knock came at the door. It was Frank, uninvited, peering around with surprise. "You didn¡¯t get taken in?" Hawk shut the door behind him. "The LAPD came for help, not trouble. No drama for you¡ªsorry to disappoint." Frank, unbothered, grabbed two beers from the fridge and tossed one to Hawk. "I know your type. You guys will do anything for so-called press freedom. Plenty of you end up in jail." Hawk opened his beer and took a sip before sitting on the couch. "On the contrary. I follow the law to the letter. That¡¯s why the LAPD needed my help, and I gave it." Frank took a seat, adopting a worldly air. "Smart move. Don¡¯t mess with them. In this town, crossing one LAPD officer means crossing the entire department." He warned, "In Los Angeles, the LAPD is the biggest gang in town. Even the FBI plays ball with them. Your line of work is bound to attract their attention." Hawk nodded, listening. "I¡¯m just a small fry trying to make a living here. I wouldn¡¯t dream of crossing them." Curious, he asked, "You claim to have been a Hollywood big shot. Why did Downey get arrested three times in recent years?" Frank shrugged. "Simple. He pissed off one of LAPD¡¯s benefactors. Hollywood¡¯s full of druggies, but they targeted him. It was probably over some bedroom drama. So, buddy, don¡¯t mess with the bigwigs. Hollywood stars are just their playthings." "I¡¯m not stupid," Hawk replied. Frank smirked. "I¡¯ve finally found a new friend. I¡¯d hate to see you end up dead or in prison." Hawk flipped him off for being pretentious. Finishing his beer, Frank stood to leave. "I¡¯m out. Time for bed. Maybe I¡¯ll dream of my celebrity ex-wife." Hawk shot back in Edward¡¯s tone, "That dream will star your ex-wife cuddling with her boy toy under your wedding photo." Frank fumed all night. At 11 p.m., Hawk tuned into Channel 11. aired its special, dedicated solely to Downey¡¯s alleged drug possession, trafficking, and armed assault on police before being fatally shot. Hawk¡¯s two videos aired, cementing the public narrative. Sympathetic or skeptical media quickly reversed their positions, and mainstream outlets unanimously condemned Downey. By the next day, countless scandals involving Downey¡ªand even his father¡ªsurfaced. Women¡¯s groups accused him of targeting women and threatening to kill ¡°her.¡± Some even protested outside Downey Sr.¡¯s home. Hollywood insiders jumped on the bandwagon, adding their accusations. The narrative was fully controlled. In death, Downey¡¯s disgrace was absolute. Alive, he might have had a chance at redemption. But dying in such a pathetic manner ended everything. Even his father¡¯s attempts to stir up trouble failed to gain traction, as the LAPD had him firmly in their sights. Downey was dead, and his reputation buried. milked the story for weeks, airing expos¨¦s that left no stone unturned. They even partnered with the LAPD to promote the heroic female officer, elevating her to a media darling. Chapter 46: True Feelings Exist in This World Chapter 46: True Feelings Exist in This World Early Morning, Hawk jogging out of Ranch Park. At the park entrance, Frank, who was begging with a hat in front of him, waved at Hawk and reminded him, ¡°It looks like someone¡¯s looking for you. That girl¡¯s got quite a figure.¡± Hawk had already noticed her. Across the street, in front of the studio, a girl with golden-brown hair tied in a ponytail and wearing jeans was pacing back and forth on the sidewalk. Frank asked, ¡°She¡¯s not looking for you, is she? Introduce her to me if she is.¡± Hawk shot back, ¡°What¡¯s the deal? Don¡¯t you have enough ex-wives already? Haven¡¯t they worn you out enough? You want to do it all over again?¡± Frank snorted, ¡°I¡¯m free and unburdened now, a lone wolf.¡± ¡°So am I,¡± Hawk replied as he crossed Fountain Avenue. He gave the girl a quick once-over and asked, ¡°Officer, are you looking for someone?¡± The girl turned around, recognized Hawk, and took the initiative to extend her hand. ¡°Erica Ferguson. We met on Santa Monica Boulevard. Julian gave me this address.¡± ¡°Hawk Osmond.¡± As they shook hands, Hawk discreetly studied her. She wasn¡¯t particularly beautiful, but she exuded a bold, spirited charm. She was tall, with golden-brown short-to-medium hair and sun-kissed, wheat-colored skin. Her toned figure, with long legs and a slim waist, hinted at regular exercise. She vaguely reminded him of Erica Schmidt, a female athlete he¡¯d seen online in his previous life. Hawk guessed she must be new to the field because most experienced female police officers were like tanks. Heavy tanks. ¡°Do you need something?¡± Hawk asked. Erica smiled. ¡°I wanted to thank you in person.¡± Hawk opened the studio door. ¡°Come in.¡± Erica followed him inside, quickly glancing at the furnishings. The place was clean and organized. Hawk pointed at his sweat-stained workout clothes. ¡°I¡¯ll go change. Make yourself comfortable.¡± He went upstairs, wiped off his sweat, and came back in fresh clothes. ¡°Tea or coffee? Aren¡¯t you working today?¡± ¡°No, thanks,¡± Erica replied. ¡°I¡¯m on administrative leave.¡± ¡°Is it serious?¡± Hawk asked. Erica looked a bit uneasy. ¡°Just a few days off. I¡¯ll be back soon.¡± She paused before adding, ¡°Without you, I might¡¯ve lost my job.¡± Hawk said, ¡°No need to thank me. I just happened to be there and recorded it.¡± He stuck to his usual line: ¡°My conscience and professional ethics wouldn¡¯t let me ignore it and let an innocent person suffer undeserved criticism.¡± Erica smiled. ¡°You saved me from a lot of trouble. I just started on the job and ended up in a mess like that. If the public backlash had gotten worse, I don¡¯t even want to think about it... especially since the person who died wasn¡¯t just anyone.¡± Hawk bluntly replied, ¡°All I saw was a scumbag¡ªa parasite who thought he could do whatever he wanted because of his fame. A thug who wanted to shoot a lady.¡± Erica suddenly found Hawk¡¯s otherwise ordinary face rather pleasing. ¡°Oh, by the way, here.¡± She pulled out a special card from her bag and handed it to Hawk. ¡°My boss asked me to bring this over. If you have this, my colleagues on the road won¡¯t bother you.¡± Hawk accepted it and politely said, ¡°Thank you.¡± He had heard of this card before¡ªa special LAPD exemption card. For minor offenses like speeding, even if caught, LAPD officers would let it slide. Erica also gave Hawk her contact information. ¡°If you run into trouble within the West Division¡¯s jurisdiction, feel free to call me.¡± These were useful to Hawk, so he accepted without hesitation. Just as he was about to say something else, the door suddenly swung open, and Edward walked in. The old-timer immediately noticed Erica and exclaimed, ¡°Boss, you work fast...¡± Hawk cut him off. ¡°This is Officer Erica Ferguson. She¡¯s the one who shot Downey.¡± Hearing she was a cop, Edward instantly felt a sense of suppression in his veins and clamped his mouth shut, managing only an awkward smile. An LAPD officer who dared to shoot Robert Downey Jr.¡ªwouldn¡¯t she empty her magazine on a black guy? Erica chose this moment to leave. After she left, Edward asked, ¡°Boss, you¡¯re not thinking of making her your girlfriend, are you?¡± ¡°Are you kidding me? Having an LAPD officer around would be asking for trouble,¡± Hawk retorted. He decided to throw Edward a bone. ¡°Erica¡¯s a street cop. Her patrol area is in West Los Angeles, where celebrities gather. Who knows? We might need her someday.¡± Edward¡¯s mind immediately went to inappropriate places. Grinning, he grabbed Hawk¡¯s sleeve and said, ¡°For the sake of our startup and the future of this studio, Boss, you should take one for the team!¡± Ignoring Edward¡¯s nonsense, Hawk tossed him an envelope. ¡°Your bonus.¡± Edward pulled out a thick wad of cash. ¡°$5,000? This much?¡± He scratched his head. ¡°Boss, I didn¡¯t do much¡ªjust followed someone.¡± Hawk replied, ¡°I made more. If you don¡¯t take it, I won¡¯t feel at ease.¡± Edward grinned, showing his white teeth. ¡°For your peace of mind, Boss, I¡¯ll take it.¡± Hawk left the studio alone. After disguising himself, he used some tricks he remembered from his past life to exchange some cash. Near Manhattan Beach in Venice, he rented another safe house and a long-term berth for a speedboat at a private dock. No matter how well a plan is laid out, unexpected situations can arise. It¡¯s always good to have an extra exit strategy. Sherman Oaks, a hillside mansion. Bro Derek hung up the phone and grabbed several newspapers from today. The front-page headlines were all about Robert Downey Jr. Sarah Parker walked over with a cup of coffee, leaned down to kiss her husband, and said, ¡°We haven¡¯t seen him in just a few days, and now he¡¯s meeting God.¡± ¡°I told him several times to quit that stuff when we were on set,¡± Bro Derek said as he sipped his coffee. ¡°Addicts deserve what they get.¡± Sarah added, ¡°Downey was quite fierce when he was high.¡± The couple didn¡¯t touch that stuff themselves, having found more ¡°interesting¡± games instead. Bro sighed, ¡°It¡¯s such a shame...¡± Sarah was puzzled. ¡°You just said addicts deserve what they get. Why are you saying it¡¯s a shame now?¡± Bro set down his coffee cup, pulled Sarah onto his lap, and explained, ¡°I was planning to have you invite Downey out so the three of us could take a little trip together and... experience a different kind of life. But now he¡¯s gone to meet God before we could act.¡± Sarah tightly embraced Bro¡¯s head. They¡¯d tried something along those lines recently, and the thrill was unparalleled. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The toxic Hollywood environment and the unique power of producers on set had warped Bro¡¯s character. He held his wife tightly and said, ¡°I know what you¡¯re worried about, but, darling, you have to believe me¡ªI¡¯ll always love you and do anything for you.¡± Sarah wasn¡¯t as twisted as Bro, but she was addicted to the same thrill and couldn¡¯t bear to lose the resources Bro could bring her as a producer. In this moment, her acting skills exploded. ¡°I¡¯ll always love you too.¡± The sudden ringing of a phone interrupted the intimate moment. Bro left the room to answer it. When he returned, his face was clouded with worry. ¡°What happened?¡± Sarah asked. Bro kept it brief. ¡°Because of the negative impact caused by Downey, the distributor is pulling out of . The company might have to find a new distributor¡ªor, more likely, push it directly to DVD and VHS.¡± He gathered his things. ¡°I¡¯m off to a company meeting.¡± Sarah handed him his briefcase. Driving toward his office in Santa Monica, Bro passed an intersection where he saw a familiar figure. A Bentley overtook him¡ªit was Deborah Falconer, Downey¡¯s newly widowed wife. The Bentley entered Brentwood, and Deborah returned to her familiar home. The large villa was empty. Far from grieving, Deborah felt a sense of relief and exhilaration. If it weren¡¯t inappropriate, she would have liked to thank the LAPD officer who shot her husband. No lengthy, expensive divorce case. She directly inherited everything. As for her late husband, Deborah¡¯s only thought was that addicts deserve to die. Entering the house, she noticed that the collection room¡¯s watches and some valuables were gone. Considering how Downey had always been obsessed with that stuff, she wasn¡¯t surprised. He might¡¯ve even one day dared to pawn her and their child to get more. The most valuable thing left here was still the house. Deborah¡¯s lawyer called, asking her to come in to handle the formalities for identifying the body and inheritance paperwork. She drove off. At a Brentwood intersection, Edward, in the second-hand van Hawk had just bought, raised his camera and took several shots of Deborah¡¯s car until it disappeared from sight. Wealthy, beautiful, and with a big house to boot. Edward realized how good his boss was¡ªfinding such a potential match for him. For a moment, he felt that even in this cold world, there was still some warmth. True feelings exist in this world. Chapter 47: Self-Made Stories Chapter 47: Self-Made Stories By mid-April, Los Angeles was heating up. Edward returned from an outing, grabbed a bottle of ice-cold cola, and gulped half of it in one go. He pulled a check from his bag and placed it in front of Hawk. "Photos I took last night sold for $280. It¡¯s all here." Hawk took the check and continued leafing through Dwayne Johnson¡¯s personal dossier. The chaos surrounding Robert Downey Jr. had delayed his discussions with Johnson about movies and personal branding. Fortunately, Johnson had been busy flying across North America for promotional work and had only just returned to Los Angeles yesterday. With nothing better to do, Edward fiddled with a camera, grumbling, "Boss, don¡¯t you think work¡¯s been pretty dull lately?" Hawk looked up. "Romantic troubles?" "No," Edward sighed. Having tasted the adrenaline of headline-worthy, high-stakes work, he now found routine photo assignments unbearably mundane. Licking his lips, he said, "We¡¯ve been pulling off huge stories, making the front page every time. Now doing these $200 side gigs feels awful." Hawk ignored him and asked, "Any updates on Deborah?" Edward leaned back. "She¡¯s been tied up with Downey¡¯s inheritance proceedings. It¡¯s not the right time to make a move. I can¡¯t just drop the ball on what we discussed¡ªshe¡¯s working at the shelter, and cutting things short would be too irresponsible!" With a self-satisfied grin, he added, "I¡¯ve thought it over. Widowhood isn¡¯t my forte. I¡¯ll take a more indirect approach¡ªthrough her son. I found out her kid, Indio, goes to Brentwood School." Hawk smirked. "You¡¯re a genius." "Boss, we need another big story!" Edward practically vibrated with energy. "No, scratch that¡ªwe need to manufacture one!" Hawk closed Johnson¡¯s dossier. "Soon." Edward nodded approvingly. "I get it now. Big stories aren¡¯t stumbled upon; they¡¯re made¡ªlike what we do." Hawk pulled out his phone and called Johnson. Once the call connected, he said, "It¡¯s Hawk Osmond. Saw the news you¡¯re back in L.A." Johnson remembered him immediately. "Been busy lately, so I haven¡¯t followed up. Any progress on what I asked you?" "I¡¯ve got some ideas. Let¡¯s talk in person," Hawk said. Johnson glanced at his schedule. "How about Tracy Gym this afternoon?" "Works for me," Hawk agreed and ended the call. He thought for a moment, then called Eric, who was stuck on a script and looking for an excuse to get out. In the afternoon, Hawk arrived at Tracy Gym on time, changed in the locker room, and waited. Johnson and Eric arrived shortly after. Hawk grabbed a towel and said, "I¡¯ll warm up in the boxing area. Join me when you¡¯re ready." Johnson gave him a thumbs-up and headed to his private locker room. Eric, however, used the public area. As Eric changed, a burly white man emerged from another private locker room. Spotting Eric, he veered toward him. To the man, Eric¡¯s scruffy beard, tired eyes, weathered face, and perpetually pursed lips exuded an artsy, submissive vibe. Placing a hand on Eric¡¯s shoulder, the man said, "Hey there, newbie?" Eric stepped forward to shrug off the hand, sizing him up. "Who are you?" The man smiled. "Miller Collins, wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers." "An NFL star, huh?" Johnson emerged from his locker room, shaking hands with Miller. "Dwayne Johnson. Don¡¯t think we¡¯ve met before." Miller gave a polite nod. "Just joined recently." Glancing at Eric, he added, "It¡¯s the offseason. I bought a house in Santa Monica and am staying here for now. Gotta keep training." "Good luck with your season," Johnson said amicably. "Thanks." Miller turned to leave but cast another look at Johnson before exiting. His mind wandered. Just then, his wife Maria arrived. "You¡¯re taking forever," she said. "Ran into Dwayne Johnson. Had to chat," Miller replied, kissing her cheek. As they walked out, Maria spoke enthusiastically. "Your career won¡¯t last forever. Moving to L.A. is the right move. Start networking with celebrities while your name is hot. It¡¯ll set us up for the future." She smiled warmly. "Dorothy¡¯s growing up fast. We need her to fit into L.A.¡¯s elite circles." "Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve got it handled," Miller assured her. "Last month, I used my connection with Beckham to meet Tom Cruise." Meanwhile, Johnson and Eric joined Hawk in the boxing area, where Hawk was drenched in sweat, throwing punches at his sparring partner. After a while, Hawk stepped back to the ropes, had someone help him remove his gloves, and asked Eric, "Feel like a round?" Eric quickly pushed Johnson forward. "You fight him." "I¡¯m not in his weight class," Hawk said. Johnson motioned to the weights area. "Let¡¯s hit the iron." Hawk stepped off the ring and followed. On their way, Eric commented, "Something about that guy didn¡¯t sit right with me." Johnson frowned. "Seemed fine to me." "Strange," Eric murmured. "What are you talking about?" Hawk asked. Eric recounted the locker room interaction and pointed subtly toward the dynamic duo on their way to the spin bikes. "The guy¡¯s over there." Hawk glanced quickly, realizing he¡¯d seen the man before¡ªat the Viper Room bar, chatting with Beckham. "That¡¯s Miller Collins," Johnson explained. "A star wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers." Hawk nodded. An NFL player. It all made sense now. The three worked out, with Eric tapping out early and retreating to the rest area. Hawk and Johnson, however, completed their routines before joining him. Eric groaned. "This place isn¡¯t for me." "Let¡¯s try climbing or shooting next time," Hawk suggested. Eric grumbled. "Your media job doesn¡¯t involve armed robbery¡­" "High-stakes business," Hawk reminded him. "You saw it in Park City. Without a strong body, how do you win?" Eric thought back to George¡¯s mess and reluctantly agreed. "Fine. I¡¯ll try again." "What high-stakes business?" Johnson asked, intrigued. Eric explained briefly, and Johnson nodded thoughtfully. "Earlier this month, a production company in New Jersey held a test screening for distributors. Suddenly, the town lost power. Investigators think a rival investor sabotaged the electrical grid." "George opened Pandora¡¯s box!" Eric fumed. Hawk sipped his electrolyte water but didn¡¯t swallow, spitting it into a nearby bin without a word. Johnson gave him a thumbs-up. "You know movies, and you know how to fend off competition. Impressive!" Hawk thought to himself, Switching gears, Hawk addressed Johnson. "I¡¯ve got a plan for that matter we discussed." Johnson, influenced by Eric and Katherine¡¯s high praise, was eager. "Fantastic!" Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawk outlined his approach, emphasizing, "We¡¯ll need to sign an agreement before proceeding." "I¡¯ll bring in Dani. She¡¯s my wife and manager," Johnson said. Dani had already connected with the production¡¯s director and producer, Beto Blount, at Johnson¡¯s request. Half an hour later, Dani Garcia arrived. Eric excused himself, while Hawk and Johnson retreated to a private lounge to hash out the details. After an extended discussion, they finalized the agreement at Johnson¡¯s management office and signed the deal. Chapter 48: A Hero’s Stereotypical Rescue Chapter 48: A Hero¡¯s Stereotypical Rescue At the William Morris Agency in Beverly Hills, Edward shuffled uncomfortably in the black suit Hawk had insisted he wear, twisting his shoulders like he was trying to escape a straitjacket. After speaking with the receptionist, Hawk approached and smacked Edward on the back. "Straighten up! You¡¯re a senior manager representing the company¡¯s image and reputation." Edward¡¯s face practically crumpled. "Boss¡­ no, I can handle being a thug, a gang member, a crook, even a dealer. But a senior manager? I¡¯m completely out of my depth." "Relax. Just keep a poker face and don¡¯t talk." Hawk gave him an encouraging nod. "Out in the world, you¡¯re whoever you decide to be. Confidence is key." Edward adjusted his expression, attempting to look serious, though it came off more constipated than composed. Hawk gestured for him to follow as they were led upstairs to a small conference room. A polished young assistant opened the door. "Please wait here. Mr. Johnson and Ms. Garcia are wrapping up discussions with the production team and will join you shortly." Inside, Hawk immediately spotted someone familiar¡ªa woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing Chanel and holding a Herm¨¨s handbag. Her makeup was Oscar-worthy, as if she¡¯d stepped straight off the red carpet. It was Caroline Jones, Sarah Parker¡¯s publicist¡ªthe same one who had once organized the infamous soda attack. Caroline raised a sculpted brow. "Well, if it isn¡¯t the Wyoming cowboy. What are you doing here?" Her realization was swift. "You¡¯re the one working with Dwayne?" Hawk¡¯s tone was unapologetic. "Hello, Peacock. Fancy seeing you here." "A paparazzo playing manager now?" she shot back. "Because I¡¯m smart and capable," Hawk retorted, sliding into a chair across from her. "Unlike some people who look pretty on the outside but have rocks for brains." Caroline, who had lost to him in their last confrontation, didn¡¯t engage further in that battle. Instead, she changed tactics, spinning a gold ring on her finger. "I hear cowboys in Wyoming like to ¡®spend time¡¯ with their sheep." "Ah, so it¡¯s you¡ªMiss Sheep," Hawk replied flatly. Caroline pushed back her chair, propping her beige-slacked legs on the table. The snug fit of her pants emphasized certain curves. Dangling a red stiletto on her toe, she let it swing like a pendulum. "Baa, baa¡­" She crooked a finger at Hawk. "Come on. Dare you?" Hawk knew better. A single accusation of harassment from someone like her, and his career¡ªor worse, his freedom¡ªwould be over. Instead, he pulled out his Nokia 7650, aimed it toward the wall behind her, and clicked the camera button. "Just taking a picture of that artwork behind you. Don¡¯t block the shot." Caught off guard by his brazenness, Caroline quickly closed her legs. Before she could respond, the door opened, and Dani Garcia and Dwayne Johnson walked in. Dani, ever the professional, didn¡¯t hold back. "Caroline, honey, you¡¯re here to work, not to flirt with men." Caroline glanced at Dani, who was nearly twice her size in both height and muscle. "Just a little game," she muttered. Dwayne introduced the room. "This is Caroline Jones from Fullspeed PR, my publicist. And this is Hawk Osmond, founder of West Coast Media & Entertainment Studio." Turning to Hawk, he added quietly, "Part of the PR contract is that Caroline must be involved in any media or promotional work." Hawk grinned. "Caroline and I go way back." He shifted focus. "All squared with the production team?" "Yes," Dwayne confirmed. "Producer Stephen Sommers is on board with the plan." With that, Hawk stood, pulled over a whiteboard, and clapped his hands. "Alright, let¡¯s get started." Edward handed out detailed plans to everyone in the room as Hawk began writing on the board: Hero Saves the Day. "As clich¨¦ as it gets," Hawk admitted. "But clich¨¦s work." He turned to the room. "Dwayne, as ¡®The Rock,¡¯ is known for being solid and dependable like a boulder, yet his smile radiates warmth." Caroline raised her pen. "That smile was professionally designed and trained by me." Hawk acknowledged her with a nod. "You¡¯ve positioned him as an action star, right?" Dani confirmed. "Yes. Dwayne¡¯s acting range is limited, so roles like Schwarzenegger¡¯s are the most fitting." Caroline, now fully in work mode, added, "That¡¯s why I¡¯ve emphasized his masculinity in all his branding. For example, no matter the setting, we highlight his male traits." Dwayne chuckled. "Stuffing socks in my pants? That was Caroline¡¯s idea." "Smart choice," Hawk said without missing a beat, then moved on. "In Dwayne plays a hero who overthrows tyranny and saves the people. On-screen, he¡¯s a savior. Off-screen, his image needs to match. If the hero on film is a champion of justice but comes off as weak or effeminate in real life¡­" "I agree," Caroline interrupted, surprisingly on board. Dani nodded as well. Hawk outlined his idea. "Here¡¯s the plan: At a carefully selected location, a woman shopping is ¡®attacked¡¯ by a few miscreant Black men trying to rob her." Edward¡¯s stoic demeanor caught Dani and Caroline¡¯s attention. "Dwayne steps in at just the right moment, heroically fights them off. It¡¯s all captured on camera by a bystander," Hawk continued. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This type of stunt, he knew, had been successfully pulled off before by a certain actor promoting their superhero film. Caroline chimed in. "Why not take it up a notch? Have him disarm a gun-wielding robber¡ª" "Whoa, no!" Dwayne cut her off. "I¡¯m not kidding. If I see a gun, I¡¯m out. I¡¯ve only got one life." Hawk shifted gears. "What¡¯s the maximum number of attackers you¡¯re comfortable handling?" Dwayne considered. "Three adult men. More than that, it¡¯d look fake." "Done." Hawk turned to Edward. "We¡¯ll recruit three of our most capable team members for the roles." Edward, remembering they were the entire team, nodded firmly, hiding his confusion. Caroline added enthusiastically, "I¡¯ll handle the TV station coordination." "No, no TV crews," Hawk interrupted. "It wouldn¡¯t look authentic and might get out of hand. I¡¯ll film it myself as a bystander and pass it to Channel 11. I¡¯ve got a great relationship with their team." Edward, ever the sidekick, flashed his special reporter ID for emphasis. Caroline mulled it over and agreed. "Selling the footage to Channel 11?" Hawk assured her. "It¡¯ll air on With their ratings, it¡¯ll go viral across entertainment media the next day." Dani and Caroline exchanged approving looks. "Spreading the footage and building momentum afterward is your specialty," Hawk said, delegating. "Of course," Caroline replied. "It¡¯s my job." "When do we start?" Dwayne asked. "My team needs some prep time, and we¡¯ll finalize a location. Three days from now," Hawk replied. Dani checked Dwayne¡¯s schedule. "He has a street photoshoot planned that afternoon. I¡¯ll cancel it." A simple street shoot couldn¡¯t compare to this stunt¡¯s impact. Hawk reminded them, "The $30,000 advance needs to be in my account within the hour." "That urgent?" Dwayne asked. Hawk explained, "We won¡¯t film in crime-heavy areas¡ªtoo risky if real robbers show up. But safer neighborhoods mean more patrol cars. If LAPD stumbles on us mid-shoot, I need to have them on board. That takes money." Everyone in the room understood the reality of greasing the wheels with LAPD. Dwayne called his accountant to expedite the payment. Hawk then spent another hour hammering out details before leaving with Dwayne. Afterward, Caroline asked Dani, "How much are you paying him?" "Eight grand," Dani replied. "Fair price," Caroline said, satisfied. Dani agreed, considering Dwayne¡¯s $5.5 million paycheck for the film. Chapter 49: Every Resource and Connection Has Its Use Chapter 49: Every Resource and Connection Has Its Use Leaving the William Morris Agency, Edward yanked off his tie, gasping for air like a drowning man who had just reached shore. Hawk held out his hand for the car keys, slid into the driver¡¯s seat, and waited for Edward to climb into the passenger side before saying, "You¡¯re in charge of finding the professionals we need." Edward nodded instinctively, then asked, "We¡¯re talking Black guys, right? Plenty of them around. What¡¯s the criteria?" Hawk outlined, "Discreet, cooperative, and with menacing looks." "The last one¡¯s easy¡ªthere aren¡¯t many friendly-looking Black guys out there," Edward joked, mentally reviewing the homeless buddies he¡¯d rounded up recently. "If we need three, I can pick them out." He added an important caveat, "But boss, money needs to be right." Hawk got straight to the point. "What¡¯s the going rate?" Edward considered. "Two hundred bucks each. I guarantee they¡¯ll be more obedient than kittens. If anyone steps out of line, I¡¯ll personally kick their ***." Hawk raised an eyebrow. "Didn¡¯t you say you¡¯re not in a gang? Where¡¯s all this confidence coming from?" Edward grinned. "Remember that woman I told you about? Nicole, from the shelter where I handed out business cards. I¡¯ve been staying at her place. Turns out she has the power to make those homeless guys¡¯ lives miserable. I can use that leverage to keep them in line." Hawk chuckled. "You¡¯re a true savior." Edward leaned back, showing off. "I¡¯ve got a notebook full of divorced women with kids from those business card runs. Ready to strike anytime." Hawk gave him a thumbs-up. "If I ever go broke, I¡¯ll follow you." Edward laughed. "You¡¯re the boss, remember." Hawk nodded, then pulled out his phone to make a call. Edward was curious. "Calling a woman?" "Jacqueline," Hawk said, dialing. When the line connected, he greeted her. "Hey, it¡¯s Hawk. Not your shift yet, is it? Let¡¯s talk." On the other end, Jacqueline stretched lazily. "Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re hiring me for work. If we skip the agency cut, I¡¯ll give you a discount¡ªwe¡¯re friends, after all." Hawk ignored her teasing. "I¡¯ve got a new job for you. Won¡¯t take more than an afternoon. Five hundred bucks." The generous offer was irresistible. "Meet me at the usual spot in an hour." Less than an hour later, Hawk met Jacqueline, who showed up sans makeup. Her youthful complexion was marred by dark circles from working nights. After Hawk explained the task, she agreed readily. "Why wouldn¡¯t I? But no sketchy neighborhoods. I¡¯m not going to some slum and risking a gang pile-on. You¡¯ll need to guarantee my safety." "I¡¯ll be nearby, filming the whole time," Hawk assured her. Jacqueline smirked. "That¡¯s all it takes? Five hundred bucks makes you one generous boss." "You¡¯re a pro," Hawk said sincerely. Jacqueline looked genuinely flattered. "No one¡¯s ever called me that before." Hawk casually asked, "Ever thought about switching jobs?" She shook her head. "Not interested." Edward chimed in, "Starting a business with us has more potential. I¡¯ve seen too many people in your line of work struggle once they¡¯re older and less attractive." Jacqueline shrugged. "I work nights, so I can freelance for you during the day. Why change when I can earn from both? I¡¯ll deal with getting old when it happens." Hawk let the topic drop. "Keep your phone on after noon. I might call anytime." Yawning, Jacqueline agreed. "Got it, got it." Leaving a $200 deposit, Hawk moved on. He stopped by a coffee shop to pick up four iced Americanos, then headed to West Los Angeles. Edward frowned. "Why four coffees? You treating Nicole to one? Her shelter isn¡¯t far from here." Hawk clarified, "We¡¯re heading to West L.A. to see Officer Erica Ferguson. The coffees are for her and her partner." "Boss, you¡¯re finally making a move! Want me to play wingman? Need some tips? Take her for a ride in the patrol car, and she¡¯ll never forget you¡ª" sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Shut it," Hawk interrupted. "I need her for work. Her patrol area includes several key streets." Edward grumbled, "Wasting a resource is a crime!" Hawk smirked. "Once we¡¯re rich, we¡¯ll have no shortage of women. We can invite twenty at a time." "But you¡¯ll never know true love," Edward countered. Ignoring him, Hawk drove into West Los Angeles. He had already scouted Erica¡¯s patrol routes and decided that 14th Street was ideal: sparsely populated during the day, slightly off the beaten path, but not overly dangerous. Turning onto 14th, Hawk spotted a patrol car parked by the curb. Erica and Julian, in dark uniforms, were handling a street dispute. Hawk parked five meters behind their vehicle, grabbed the coffees, and waited for them to finish before approaching. "Julian. Erica." Erica adjusted her hat, looking up. "Hawk. What a coincidence." "Passing through and remembered this is your beat, so I brought you coffee." Hawk handed each of them a cup. "Just plain iced Americano. Hope it¡¯s to your taste." Erica accepted hers first. "I like iced Americano." Hawk asked, "The media hasn¡¯t been bothering you lately, have they?" "My fifteen minutes of fame are over." Erica shrugged playfully. "Reporters are like sharks¡ªalways chasing fresh blood." Realizing her phrasing, she amended, "But if more journalists were as responsible as you, L.A. would have fewer problems." "Agreed," Julian, quieter by nature, added. Hawk seized the moment. "In a few days, I¡¯ll be working on something in your area. A director friend and I are shooting a short street scene. I scouted earlier, and 14th Street looks perfect." "Need us to clear the area? We don¡¯t have that authority. You¡¯d need City Hall for that," Erica said. "No need to clear it," Hawk explained. "We¡¯ll be quick¡ªten minutes tops. There¡¯s a robbery scene, though, so patrol cars would disrupt the vibe." Erica joked, "You¡¯re not planning a real robbery, are you?" Hawk gestured to himself. "Do I look broke?" "Just kidding." For Erica, this was a minor issue. After a moment¡¯s thought, she said, "Call me when you¡¯re ready. If Julian and I are nearby, we¡¯ll reroute our patrol." "Thanks," Hawk said. "No problem. Just buy me dinner afterward," Erica replied. "Done," Hawk agreed. "Once this job¡¯s wrapped, I¡¯ll set a date." Julian and Erica returned to their patrol car after a bit more small talk. On the way, Julian asked, "Interested in him?" Erica mused, "Don¡¯t you think he¡¯s responsible?" Julian, older and more cautious, considered before replying, "He¡¯s very purposeful." "Which shows he has ambition," Erica countered. With the location secured, Hawk dropped Edward off at the shelter to recruit the temporary "actors." For their roles, actual acting wasn¡¯t necessary. The next morning, Edward arrived with three recruits at Ranch Park, where Hawk began their training. He also rented a prop knife, unwilling to risk them getting overly enthusiastic and accidentally stabbing Dwayne for real. In Los Angeles, with its thriving film industry, renting realistic props was as easy as pie. Chapter 50: Save Me! Chapter 50: Save Me! 14th Street, West Los Angeles. A silver Mondeo rolled to a stop along the curb. Nearby, Jacqueline stepped out of a red BMW, briskly walking to the passenger side of the Mondeo. She knocked on the window, opened the door, and got in. Hawk glanced at the clock. "You¡¯re early?" "You¡¯re paying generously," Jacqueline quipped. She had attended the training in the park and continued, "It¡¯s not much work, and it¡¯s easy. Of course, I¡¯m motivated." Hawk gestured to 14th Street ahead. "In a bit, you¡¯ll walk south along this road. When you¡¯re robbed, make sure you look panicked." Jacqueline smirked. "I got mugged more than once as a kid. I know what it feels like." "Then channel that memory," Hawk said. Jacqueline¡¯s smile faded. "It¡¯s a terrible feeling." Just then, Edward called. Hawk had Jacqueline return to her car, drove a short distance ahead, and parked next to an old van. Opening its side door, he climbed in. Inside, Edward had gathered his three "specialists." All three had rough, villainous appearances¡ªperfectly cast for the role of street thugs. Hawk thought they could walk onto the set as extras without needing makeup. The largest of the three raised a hand. "So, about hitting him¡ªhow hard can we go?" "Just like we practiced," Hawk replied. "A few punches to the face and other visible areas. Nothing that requires him to strip to show the injuries." The second thug asked, "Can we get arrested for this?" Hawk frowned. "Why would you want to get arrested?" The third chimed in, "It¡¯s better than being homeless." Hawk turned to Edward, who quickly reassured them, "Don¡¯t worry. You¡¯ll get priority treatment at the shelter after this." The second thug grinned. "Relax, boss. This is just a fake robbery. No problem for us." The largest thug agreed. "Robbery¡¯s in our blood." S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawk handed the second thug a bright red jacket. "Make sure you wear this. It¡¯s important." The man donned the jacket immediately. Hawk pointed to an alley on the sidewalk. "Go wait over there. She¡¯ll be along shortly." The three exited the van and moved into position. Hawk had Edward drive toward Dwayne Johnson¡¯s location. After confirming the absence of paparazzi, Hawk joined Dwayne in his car. The actor, dressed casually, greeted him. "Everything set?" "It¡¯s ready. You might take a few hits, though¡ªit adds to the authenticity," Hawk replied. Dani, who was driving, nodded in agreement. "Makes him more relatable." Caroline, in the back seat, added, "He gets hit during filming anyway, and it¡¯s always in the contract." "Getting hit in real life will only enhance your tough guy image," Hawk said, shifting his gaze to Dwayne. The actor smiled nervously. "Fine. Just not too hard." "They¡¯re professionals," Hawk assured him, holding up his phone. "When I call, drive up." He emphasized, "The target is a blonde girl in a white dress. One of the robbers will be wearing a red jacket." Dwayne nodded. "Got it." As Hawk left, Caroline grabbed his arm. "Wait a second." Hawk turned back. "What is it, Miss Baa-Baa?" "The photos you took last time¡ªdelete them," she demanded. "I wasn¡¯t taking photos of you, just the wall," Hawk said, walking off before she could reply. Caroline gave him the double bird behind his back. "If I get the chance, I¡¯ll ruin you!" Back in the old van, Hawk put on a headset to monitor calls while Edward turned the van around. Hawk watched as Jacqueline emerged from a rental shop and began walking south along the sidewalk. At the alley, the three thugs waited like wolves eyeing their prey. Everything was proceeding smoothly. Jacqueline walked past the alley, clutching her purse. The thugs trailed behind her, with the smallest lunging forward to snatch her bag. Jacqueline screamed and clung to her purse. "Help! Help! Someone help me!" Hawk, filming from a distance, sprinted toward the scene, capturing the tussle on his camcorder. The audio recorded his heavy breathing and the sound of his footsteps, enhancing the realism of the event. The largest thug entered the frame and shoved Jacqueline to the ground, while the second thug brandished a prop knife. "Drop the bag if you don¡¯t want to die!" At that moment, Dani¡¯s car screeched to a halt nearby. "Let go of her!" Dwayne leapt out of the car and charged, delivering a powerful kick that sent the second thug sprawling. The knife flew from his hand. He then grappled with the other two thugs. Despite taking a couple of punches from the largest one, Dwayne managed to flip the smallest thug over his shoulder in a dramatic takedown. Jacqueline used the distraction to retrieve her purse, letting out a piercing scream as she scrambled to her feet. Dwayne shoved the largest thug aside and landed a solid punch, sending the man sprawling to the ground. Groaning and winded, the thug couldn¡¯t get up. Dani, still in the car, shouted, "I¡¯ve called the cops!" The remaining two thugs hoisted their fallen comrade and fled. Leaning against a lamppost to catch his breath, Dwayne asked Jacqueline, "Are you okay? Should I call the police?" Jacqueline shook her head. "No, I¡¯m fine. Thank you so much!" Dwayne asked a few more questions before Jacqueline, flustered and grateful, walked away. Hawk stopped recording and immediately called Dani. After a brief conversation, Dani signaled to Dwayne, who got back into the car. They drove off as if nothing had happened. Returning to the scene, Hawk noticed the prop knife left behind by the thugs. He quickly retrieved it¡ªit had a deposit, after all. Satisfied everything was in order, Hawk returned to his car and called Erica Ferguson. "We¡¯re done filming." "That was fast," Erica said. "Everything went smoothly. You can resume patrols," Hawk replied. "Alright," Erica said before hanging up. Later, Hawk met Jacqueline outside a mall and handed her the remaining $300 of her payment. Jacqueline beamed. "Call me for gigs like this anytime!" Hawk smiled. "You weren¡¯t hurt too bad, were you?" "Not at all," she said cheerfully. "Falling down beats, you know, " "Be ready for follow-up work. I¡¯ll call you," Hawk said before driving off. Jacqueline returned to her car, a wild idea forming in her mind. The thought was fleeting, though, as she decided to ask Hawk for advice later. Chapter 51: Playing Too Wild Chapter 51: Playing Too Wild In the second-hand van, Hawk looked at the largest thug, who was grimacing in pain. "Do you need to go to the hospital?" The big guy quickly waved it off. "No, no, I¡¯m good. Just needed a moment to recover." Edward chimed in, "These three are tough as nails." Hawk pulled out a stack of cash and handed each man an extra $50. "Keep quiet about this." The second thug grinned as he pocketed the money. "Boss, who¡¯s going to believe the word of homeless guys like us?" Edward cautioned, "Hold onto that cash tight. Don¡¯t let anyone rob you." Hawk had a thought. "Did they help hand out the business cards?" The third thug eagerly nodded. "We sure did! Even helped Edward collect a list of names¡ª" Edward groaned. "You idiots, stop blurting out everything!" Hawk, amused, decided to give them some advice. "You¡¯re in good shape. If you¡¯re going to hang around the streets, pick up some bad habits." The big and second thugs exchanged puzzled looks before turning to the third. "What does that mean?" The third thug shook his head. "No clue." Edward, recalling Hawk¡¯s earlier warnings, explained more directly, "Stay away from those charity health check-ups, got it?" The big guy looked confused but nodded. "Sure thing." The second thug scratched his head. "Aren¡¯t those supposed to be helpful?" The third thug added, "Ackman Charity Foundation has been offering free check-ups. They even took a few sick homeless guys for treatment, and some didn¡¯t come back. Word is, they got jobs elsewhere. Everyone¡¯s envious." Hawk pointed to Edward. "Just listen to him." Edward dropped the trio off and then drove Hawk to Century City, where they entered the William Morris Agency. In the same meeting room as before, Hawk found Dwayne Johnson, Dani Garcia, and Caroline Jones already waiting. Dwayne was holding an ice pack to his face, which sported two noticeable bruises. Hawk immediately intervened, "Don¡¯t let the bruises fade. The more visible, the better. When reporters interview you, these are your badges of honor." Caroline smirked, "I told him that, but he wouldn¡¯t listen. Go ahead, Cowboy, talk some sense into him." Hawk flipped her off without hesitation. Turning to Dwayne, he added, "If the swelling fades, I might have to step in. Just so you know, my specialties include groin kicks, chokeholds, and eye pokes." Caroline whistled. "Sounds like Dwayne¡¯s favorite activities." Fed up, Dwayne flipped her off as well and put down the ice pack. "What did you call her last time?" he asked Hawk. "Miss Baa-Baa," Hawk replied. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Dwayne echoed with mock seriousness, "Miss Baa-Baa." Caroline, unbothered, maintained her composure. "Gentlemen, let¡¯s focus on work, please." Hawk connected his laptop to the projector and played the video. "Dwayne did an excellent job. Brave and heroic." The footage began with a scenic street view before capturing Jacqueline¡¯s cries for help. The video, shot entirely from a "bystander¡¯s" perspective, was shaky and featured heavy breathing and hurried footsteps, adding a sense of urgency. Jacqueline¡¯s face remained obscured. Dani was impressed. "It¡¯s so convincing. Watching this, I¡¯d believe Dwayne genuinely stopped a crime." Hawk didn¡¯t downplay his role. "Like I said, I¡¯m the best at this." Caroline¡¯s commentary mixed praise with jabs. "Quick cuts, shaky breathing that sounds borderline obscene¡ªit¡¯s amateurish to the core, but it sells authenticity. Classic paparazzi finesse." Ignoring her, Hawk said, "If everyone¡¯s satisfied, I¡¯ll deliver this to Channel 11." Dani emphasized, " is a must." "No problem," Hawk assured her, then asked, "Have you prepped the media?" Caroline took over. "I¡¯ve lined up reporters. When Dwayne leaves, they¡¯ll photograph his injuries and ask what happened. He¡¯ll only say it¡¯s ¡®nothing serious.¡¯" Her approach was methodical. "By 6 p.m., headlines about Dwayne¡¯s injuries will be on Yahoo Entertainment, movie forums, and entertainment blogs, building momentum for tomorrow." Hawk appreciated the strategy. "Doing good anonymously but ¡®accidentally¡¯ getting media attention works wonders." Caroline quipped, "You¡¯re not as dumb as you look." "Baa," Hawk retorted, earning a sour look from her. Just then, her phone rang. After a brief conversation, she turned to Dwayne. "The reporters are in place. Let¡¯s head down." Dwayne gestured to his face. "Do I need makeup?" Caroline pushed him forward. "No time. Let¡¯s go." Hawk followed a few moments later, wanting to observe traditional media tactics. He stood by the agency¡¯s glass doors, watching as Dwayne exited alone toward the parking lot. Reporters appeared seemingly out of nowhere, cameras flashing. "Rock, what happened to your face?" one asked. Dwayne, wearing his trademark warm smile, replied, "Nothing serious. Just a little incident." He deflected further questions and got into his car, leaving the reporters to speculate. Caroline appeared beside Hawk. "Pretty tame, huh? Not as wild as your stunts." "Times are changing," Hawk replied. Caroline warned, "Play too wild, and you¡¯ll break something beyond repair." Hawk shrugged, "Let¡¯s stay in touch." On his way to Fox Television Center in Beverly Hills, Hawk called Megan Taylor and arranged a meeting. He arrived at Channel 11 shortly after and found Megan waiting in the reception area. Her newly dyed blonde hair was pinned up with a pen. "Is it headline-worthy?" Megan asked bluntly. "If it¡¯s not, you¡¯re wasting my time." "It¡¯s a bombshell," Hawk replied confidently. "You¡¯ll want this one." They watched the video together. The jittery footage, heavy breathing, and frantic movement made the incident feel like a genuine emergency. Megan watched it twice, pausing for a close-up of Dwayne¡¯s bruised face. She confirmed the video¡¯s authenticity. "Where¡¯d you get this?" "A source," Hawk replied. Megan, impressed by his track record, said, "You always land the big scoops." Hawk was honest. "I¡¯ve distributed thousands of business cards across L.A., and I pay better than any other studio for tips and licensing rights." She wasn¡¯t surprised. Big media often relied on sources, some of whom came from high-level corporations or even Congress. Deals involved complex exchanges of interests. After some negotiation, they agreed on $10,000 for the video. Hawk signed the licensing agreement and pocketed the check. As he was leaving, Megan stopped him. "Ever consider joining my team? I can offer you a good spot." Hawk flicked the check in his hand. "What¡¯s the weekly pay?" Megan deadpanned, "Forget I asked." Back in the production room, Megan reviewed the video with her team. "What¡¯s the headline?" A male editor suggested, "¡®Dwayne Johnson Fights Off Thugs to Save Woman: A Real-Life Hero!¡¯" Megan shook her head. "Not enough for a headline. Beyond Dwayne¡¯s heroism, we need a broader narrative." She pointed at the footage of the three "robbers." "Tie it into L.A.¡¯s worsening crime, with violence creeping from the inner city into affluent neighborhoods." The team nodded in agreement, recognizing the combination of celebrity and social commentary would make the story irresistible. Chapter 52: Publicity Heat Chapter 52: Publicity Heat Morning in the studio, Hawk descended from the upstairs room, having changed out of his workout clothes. Edward came in carrying a stack of newspapers, about to shut the door when a large foot jammed it open. Frank, shameless as ever, walked in. "Once you¡¯re done, I¡¯m taking the papers." Edward, annoyed, held his ground. "Have some decency, you old beggar. Coming straight into someone¡¯s home to scavenge? Watch it, or I¡¯ll call the cops." Frank smirked. "What¡¯s the matter? Was the cotton for this paper grown by your ancestors?" Edward switched tactics, delivering a verbal uppercut. "Don¡¯t let me find out who your ex-wife is with her kid. Because if I do¡­" His gleaming white teeth flashed in a menacing grin. Frank felt his blood pressure spike. Hawk, now holding the papers Edward handed over, focused on flipping through the entertainment section. Nearly every paper featured prominent coverage of Dwayne Johnson¡¯s story: "Johnson Fights Off Three Thugs, Saves Woman from Robbery!" "A True Hero: The Rock!" "On-Screen and Off, Dwayne Johnson Proves to Be a Hero." Frank leaned over Hawk¡¯s shoulder, skimming the articles. "This have anything to do with you?" Hawk deflected smoothly. "I got the footage through my network." "Sure you weren¡¯t scammed?" Frank grabbed a paper, reading it more carefully. His brows furrowed. "This seems too perfectly timed. His movie is about to premiere, and here he is, saving the day?" "It¡¯s all real," Hawk replied, placing the entertainment headlines into a file with previous clippings. "I sold the video to Channel 11 last night. aired it as the top story." Frank, unimpressed, grunted, "Congrats on another paycheck. How about celebrating?" Hawk, knowing the freeloader¡¯s intent, shot back, "Sure, invite your ex-wives over. We¡¯ll throw a big party." Unfazed, Frank quipped, "Let¡¯s plan for the weekend. In front of my trailer, we¡¯ll host a bash. Bring your girlfriends." Edward seized the opportunity. "Tell me your ex-wives¡¯ names¡ªI¡¯ll bring them for you." Frank ignored him entirely. Hawk checked the time and announced, "Time for work." He clapped Frank on the shoulder and handed him a broken ashtray. "Here. Get to work. Set this on the street." Frank snorted, accepted the ashtray and newspapers, and ambled to the sidewalk. He set up his makeshift "booth," plopped down, and waited for alms. Edward, not missing a chance to rub salt in, dropped a dime into the ashtray. "Don¡¯t mention it." "Thanks," Frank said sarcastically. Hawk chuckled. "You two are a comedy act." Hawk and Edward drove to Beverly Hills and arrived at William Morris to see Dwayne being mobbed by reporters in the parking lot. Caroline stood nearby, watching the scene unfold from beside her Mercedes. She waved at Hawk as he approached. "What¡¯s the buzz like?" he asked. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Caroline lightly tapped her high heel on the pavement. "Twelve outlets showed up, including and " Her tone shifted sarcastically. "Proper entertainment media¡ªnot the likes of or other bathroom rags." Hawk caught the dig and retorted, "So you use those rags in the bathroom? Impressive. Not worried about chafing?" Caroline ignored him, tilting her chin and standing tall in her blush Chanel suit, resembling a flamingo. The media frenzy had exploded after ¡¯s broadcast and the subsequent coverage in major outlets. Reporters surrounded Dwayne, snapping photos of his bruises¡ªvisible badges of his heroism. Dwayne, maintaining his practiced humility, told the crowd, "I just did what any man should." It took nearly an hour for Dwayne to break free and enter the agency. Hawk followed, catching up in the hallway. "Man, you were right," Dwayne said. "These bruises are getting me headlines left and right." "You¡¯ve got a talk show this week, right? Go on with the bruises," Hawk suggested. Dwayne slung an arm around Hawk¡¯s shoulder. "Done. I¡¯ll listen to you." Caroline, trailing behind, pointed out, "I said the same thing before him." Dwayne, grinning, replied, "Yeah, but Hawk explained it better." Dani Garcia entered with an envelope, handing it to Hawk. "This is for you." Hawk opened it and found an invitation to premiere. "From Dwayne," Dani said. Hawk passed it to Edward. "Thanks." "Don¡¯t mention it," Dwayne quipped. "But don¡¯t expect to walk the red carpet. Just head straight to your seat." Hawk laughed. "I¡¯d rather you send me more clients." Dwayne thought for a moment and nodded. "I might know someone who needs your kind of help. I¡¯ll set it up." At the conference table, Dani pulled up her laptop to show the group the online reaction. Dozens of websites, blogs, and forums had picked up the rescue story. The video was trending everywhere. Comments poured in, praising Dwayne: "This is so Rock. A real-life hero." "Dwayne Johnson is as reliable in real life as on screen." "Strong, brave, and admirable." "Even with those bruises, he¡¯s even more lovable." "Movies may be fake, but The Rock is the real deal." Caroline added, "Public enthusiasm for actors often translates into increased interest in their movies. We¡¯ve run surveys to prove it." Dani agreed. "The production team is ramping up Dwayne¡¯s promotion." Hawk outlined the next step. "Let the buzz simmer. Tomorrow, we¡¯ll release a statement from the rescued woman, thanking Dwayne. She won¡¯t reveal her identity to maintain privacy." Caroline approved. "Good. Let¡¯s keep the momentum going." Dani glanced at her screen again. "Good news¡ªGoogle searches for the rescue story are now in the top three trends." Dwayne beamed. That afternoon, producer Stephen Sommers called Dwayne. "Fantastic work. Ticket presales are up 20% today." The next morning, Hawk met Jacqueline to record a censored video where she expressed her gratitude to Dwayne. Rather than reinvent the wheel, Hawk worked with which had exclusive rights to the original rescue footage. Megan Taylor and her team gladly followed up, ensuring the new segment would continue building the story¡¯s momentum. Chapter 53: Celebrities and Crime Chapter 53: Celebrities and Crime Fox Television Center, Channel 11 Reception. Hawk turned his laptop screen toward Megan Taylor and said, "My source tracked down the woman Dwayne Johnson saved. She recorded this video to publicly thank him." Megan squinted at the pixelated, blurred face on the screen. "No unedited version?" Hawk shook his head. "She wants to maintain her privacy and avoid media harassment." Megan crossed her arms, lightly tapping her left arm with her right hand. "The price difference between a blurred face and a clear one is significant." Hawk spread his hands. "What do you expect me to do? Your show doesn¡¯t want a lawsuit for violating someone¡¯s likeness rights, does it?" Megan smirked. "Relax. Our legal team is top-notch." S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Doesn¡¯t change the fact she doesn¡¯t want to be bothered," Hawk countered. "Will the video make the headline?" Megan mulled it over. "It doesn¡¯t align perfectly with our top news theme, but I¡¯ll reserve some airtime after the main story." "I watched yesterday¡¯s episode," Hawk added. "The theme of crime spreading to Westside affluent neighborhoods was great. Felt more like social news, though." Megan¡¯s eyes gleamed with ambition. "Hollywood stars tied to crime syndicates¡ªthat¡¯s the real gold mine. You could still dig into Robert Downey Jr.¡¯s story. Like, who were his dealers? Were other celebrities involved? Is there a sprawling drug network? Rumor has it there are secret organizations within Hollywood¡­" Hawk cut her off. "I¡¯m here to make money, not risk my life." Megan stared at him for a moment before relenting. "Fine. But keep an ear out for stories like that. We¡¯d pay top dollar." "Depends on my luck," Hawk said, transferring the video onto a storage drive provided by Channel 11. After negotiating, they settled on $2,000 for the story. Since the video was just a derivative piece with a blurred face, it was worth much less than the original. As Megan prepared to leave, she turned back. "If you can rope in more celebrities for news like this, bring it to me." Hawk wasn¡¯t surprised she had pieced things together. "As long as the price is right." Megan nodded. "And don¡¯t forget¡ªcelebrity crime stories." Back in the car, Hawk recalled a persistent rumor about Winona Ryder allegedly stealing from a film festival in Sundance. Pulling out his laptop, he searched for updates. The story had indeed gone viral online, but no conclusive evidence had emerged. Given the fierce competition, Hawk decided not to dive into the chaos. After signing the agreement and pocketing the $2,000 check, he received a call from Dani Garcia, who inquired about the progress. Hawk quickly explained the situation. The thank-you video would keep the buzz alive, segueing perfectly into Dwayne¡¯s upcoming talk show appearance and building momentum for release. On his way to a Beverly Hills accounting firm recommended by Dwayne, Hawk sighed at the complexities of U.S. tax law. With tax season in full swing, he knew avoiding the IRS was non-negotiable. After leaving the firm, Edward called, shouting into the phone, "Boss! A source just told me Britney Spears is having a public argument with her dad. I¡¯m heading there now!" Hawk bolted to his car. "Where?" "West Olympic Boulevard, Beverly Wood!" When Hawk arrived, the area was swarming with photographers and reporters¡ªat least thirty of them. Britney and her father had already retreated to a van, while paparazzi swarmed the vehicle. Resigned to the lack of exclusivity, Hawk didn¡¯t bother pushing through the crowd. Instead, he climbed onto a nearby planter for a better view. A familiar voice greeted him. "Too late, buddy. Nothing hot left." Hawk glanced down and recognized the reporter he had met during the Robert Downey Jr. incident. "Daniel Richards?" "That¡¯s me," Daniel said, approaching. "Forgot to get your name last time." "Hawk Osmond," Hawk introduced himself as he climbed down. Daniel smiled. "I was first on the scene. Got enough footage to make at least $5,000." With a wave, Daniel added, "Catch you later¡ªI¡¯ve got money to make." His tone carried a hint of boastfulness, perhaps a subtle jab at their previous encounter. Edward soon emerged from the chaos, his face glistening with sweat. "It¡¯s insane! These people are like wild animals. Nothing like the elegance of our setups¡ªit¡¯s pure madness." "Did you get anything?" Hawk asked. Edward shook his head. "By the time I arrived, the argument was over. All I got were shots of them getting into the van. Not worth much." Hawk reviewed the images on the camera. "Not worth it. Let¡¯s go." Back at the studio, Hawk tossed Edward a water bottle and asked, "The tip came from a source?" Edward gulped down half the bottle before replying, "Yeah, but by the time they called, reporters were already there. I was late." Grateful for Hawk¡¯s generosity in other areas, Edward lamented, "Burned gas money and a $20 tip for the source. Nothing to show for it." "Business has its ups and downs," Hawk said calmly. Edward, drained from the experience, reflected, "We¡¯ve covered plenty of tips from sources, but none of them have led to exclusives. Relying on tips feels unreliable." Hawk agreed. "The highest payout from a source-based story was $280¡ªthe one you shot." Edward crunched the numbers mentally but gave up halfway. "Relying on tips alone won¡¯t make us much. Might as well specialize in divorced women with kids. Less running, more¡­ other work." "Developing tips from the public is a gamble," Hawk explained. "Sometimes, luck strikes, and you get a big story." "Luck doesn¡¯t favor Black men," Edward quipped, his confidence bolstered by recent earnings. "Boss, depending on tips is pointless. We need to manufacture news. Self-made stories are the way forward." Hawk nodded. "Opportunities arise, but we must seize them." He pulled out an invitation. " premiere. I can bring a plus-one. You¡¯re coming, so get a suit." Edward immediately protested. "No way! I hate suits!" Hawk smirked. "What if you meet a divorced Hollywood star with kids?" Edward straightened up. "Boss, you need a proper assistant to carry your bag." Hawk turned serious. "You should learn more. At the very least, improve your math skills. The studio can¡¯t stay stuck at just manufacturing news." Edward slumped into a chair. "Just kill me now." Chapter 54: Connections Upon Connections Chapter 54: Connections Upon Connections By late April, Dwayne Johnson¡¯s premiered in North America. Hawk, accompanied by his "bag man" Edward, entered the Chieftain Stone Theater before the red carpet event began. Inside, they ran into Katherine and her ever-loyal sidekick, Eric. Katherine greeted Hawk with an enthusiastic hug. "What happened in Park City was like a miracle. You truly opened the door for Eric and me into the film industry." Hawk joked, "If you end up bankrupt from investing in movies, don¡¯t blame me." Katherine, dead serious, replied, "That would only happen if I let my ego get ahead of me and failed to hire you to manage the films." The flattery landed perfectly, and Hawk turned to Eric. "Your girlfriend¡¯s boosting me too much¡ªI¡¯ll be in for a hard fall." Then, addressing Katherine, he asked Eric, "Don¡¯t you think Katherine¡¯s becoming more charming by the day?" Eric shoved his hands into his slacks pockets and said, "She¡¯s glowing because did well in the home video market. Castle Rock Entertainment bought it outright, and within a month, we made back the investment from VHS and DVD sales." He grinned with newfound confidence. "Castle Rock has already agreed to co-invest in my next film." Katherine gently corrected him, "Our next film." Eric¡¯s confidence evaporated. "Right, our next film." Nearby, a sharply dressed couple strolled past. The husband, a stocky man, glanced sideways and caught sight of someone familiar. His steps slowed as his gaze settled on Eric. Miller Collins couldn¡¯t help himself. Eric¡¯s subtle air of artistic vulnerability was utterly captivating. His wife, Maria, held their young daughter¡¯s hand. The girl tugged on her dad¡¯s arm, asking, "Daddy, why¡¯d you stop?" Miller snapped out of it, catching up quickly. "Saw some people we met at Tracy Gym," he said, gesturing subtly toward Eric. Maria glanced over and nodded. They did look familiar. The family moved on into the VIP lounge. Eric, now visibly uneasy, glanced around. "Feels like someone¡¯s watching me¡­" Hawk noticed his nervousness. "Expecting someone?" S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Katherine, ever perceptive, perked up. "No, just a weird feeling," Eric replied, still scanning the area. Hawk joked, "Maybe some admirer has their eye on you." Eric declared with complete sincerity, "My heart and soul belong to Katherine. I¡¯m not interested in anyone else." Katherine beamed. Having a director with a released film grovel over her was elevating her status in their circles. After chatting for a while, they joined the VIP lounge. Hawk didn¡¯t recognize most of the attendees. Eric, a direct-to-video director, wasn¡¯t exactly a Hollywood insider, and Katherine wasn¡¯t officially part of the film industry. The three settled in to chat. Edward, feeling out of place, wandered off to explore. Before long, the film¡¯s production team arrived, including Dwayne¡¯s wife and manager, Dani Garcia. She approached Hawk. "Give it a moment. Dwayne will find time to introduce you to Stephen Sommers." "No rush," Hawk replied. Soon after, Dwayne appeared and led Hawk over to meet the famed director. Stephen Sommers, known for and had a commanding presence. After introductions, he shook Hawk¡¯s hand. "Your publicity stunt was clever. It boosted Dwayne¡¯s profile significantly, and the film benefited." Hawk said modestly, "I hope it helps the box office." Stephen offered a polite compliment. "It¡¯s a good start, young man. You¡¯ve got potential." The meeting was brief, as Sommers quickly moved on. Dwayne commented, "That¡¯s just how big names in this industry are. Even I barely get a word in." Hawk nodded in understanding. Dwayne¡¯s fame from wrestling only gave him a slightly higher starting point in Hollywood. In the film world, he was still a newcomer. "Actually, there¡¯s someone else I¡¯d like you to meet," Dwayne added. "Let¡¯s go." Following Dwayne through the crowd, Hawk noticed their destination: a petite woman with striking features. She had a curvy figure and a lightly bronzed complexion, possibly from a tan or mixed heritage, like Dwayne himself. "This is Allison Faith," Dwayne introduced. "Her mother and I are old friends. Allison, this is Hawk Osmond, founder of West Coast Entertainment Studio." "Nice to meet you," Allison said with a melodic tone. "Likewise," Hawk replied. Dwayne scanned the area. "Where¡¯s your mom?" "She was here earlier," Allison said. "She ran into some charming Black guy and stopped to chat. Not sure where she went after that." Hawk immediately thought of Edward. Allison, seemingly reliant on her mother, said, "I¡¯ll go look for her." After she left, Dwayne filled Hawk in. "Allison was a child star and singer. She was popular until she turned 15. Then her dad squandered all her earnings. Her parents fought over custody, and her career stalled. She hasn¡¯t released a new album or performed much in years." "She wants a comeback?" Hawk guessed. "Exactly. Both she and her mom are determined to revive her career," Dwayne confirmed. "She signed with a new label recently and might release an album this year." Hawk¡¯s mind went elsewhere, thinking about Allison¡¯s divorced mother and her encounter with Edward. Sure enough, Allison returned with her mother, Joanna¡ªa stunning middle-aged woman who looked like an older version of her daughter. Following them was Edward, trailing behind like a loyal puppy. Dwayne introduced everyone, and Joanna immediately asked Hawk, "Do you have a business card?" Hawk handed her one. "Feel free to reach out. I can offer you a unique approach and options." "Let¡¯s find time to discuss," Joanna said, slipping the card into her purse. After the introductions, it was time to enter the theater. Hawk lingered at the back of the group, watching Joanna and Allison walk ahead. His thoughts drifted to the challenges of reviving a fallen star. A once-famous child singer¡ªwhat would it take to make her shine again? For now, he shelved the question. Inside the theater, Eric caught up with Hawk. "Let¡¯s grab a drink after the movie?" "My treat," Hawk agreed. Hawk and Edward settled into seats in the third row, with Eric and Katherine next to them. Behind them, in the fourth row, Miller Collins and his family took their seats. Chapter 55: Zero or Infinite Chapter 55: Zero or Infinite Inside the theater, Hawk sank into his seat, flipping the chair down first. Eric sat beside him, and a few seats away, Joanna kept glancing their way. Edward turned his head and flashed his trademark toothy grin at her. Hawk leaned over and muttered, "You¡¯re shameless." Edward, smug and confident, replied in a patronizing tone, "Boss, you just don¡¯t get it. Look, I¡¯m seeing Nicole from the shelter now, but feelings can change overnight. I need contingency plans, right? Can¡¯t be left homeless if things with Nicole fall apart." He continued, "That¡¯s why I line up options in advance. Deborah¡¯s one, Joanna¡¯s another." Hawk shook his head. "You¡¯re a strategic genius. The man who saves the world." "Shh, it¡¯s starting," Eric interjected, cutting off further conversation. The lights dimmed, and the screen lit up. Directly behind them, Miller Collins couldn¡¯t sit still. The artistic air exuded by Eric was too distracting. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. While everyone focused on the screen, Miller stretched his legs. Being tall, his foot "accidentally" nudged the back of Eric¡¯s seat. Eric felt the vibration immediately and whipped around. "Sorry," Miller said quickly, "didn¡¯t mean to kick your seat." His politeness left Eric with no choice but to reply, "It¡¯s fine." "Everything okay, honey?" Maria asked, noticing the exchange. "Yeah, just a little mishap," Miller replied, reeling his legs back. The minor commotion settled, and the room returned to silence. The movie ended to enthusiastic applause, but the clapping from the audience faded within two minutes. Eric, ever the critic, thought, As the cast and crew took their final bows, most of the audience began to leave. Hawk and Eric followed the crowd, while Katherine opted to head home. Hawk, Eric, and Edward decided to hit a nearby bar for drinks. The post-premiere buzz brought plenty of industry folks to the bar. "Look at her," Eric said, nudging Hawk and nodding toward a stunning brunette. "She¡¯s gorgeous." Hawk glanced over. "That¡¯s Rachel Weisz, lead actress of series. If you¡¯re into her type, go for it. Don¡¯t forget¡ªyou¡¯re a director. Actors tend to loosen their belts around directors." Eric shook his head. "She¡¯s dating a director already." Edward cut in, feigning outrage. "Who? That guy¡¯s got no decency!" Hawk and Eric exchanged puzzled looks. Edward clarified. "She¡¯s public property, and this guy makes her private? Zero respect for community sharing!" Eric, aghast, turned to Hawk. "Where do you find these high-caliber individuals?" Hawk hid his face behind his drink, muttering, "Specialty industries need specialty talents." Eric, still baffled, asked, "How do you dig up big stories on celebrities like her?" Switching into work mode, Hawk explained, "A drunk celebrity in a bar is a story, but it¡¯s barely worth anything. Now, if our savior here spat in her face, and we caught it on camera, that¡¯s a six-figure blockbuster." Edward recoiled. "Not interested. She¡¯s neither divorced nor has kids." Hawk sighed. "That was an example, moron." Eric shook his head, feeling both enlightened and horrified. "Every field has its quirks, huh?" Suddenly inspired, Eric asked, "Could I immerse myself in your line of work and write a script about it?" Hawk saw an opportunity for free labor. "Sure. But your paycheck comes from Katherine." "Deal," Eric agreed. "Once I finish the first draft, I¡¯ll come shadow you guys." "Anytime," Hawk replied. With Katherine texting Eric to come home, the trio didn¡¯t stay out too late, wrapping up within an hour. The next morning, a shipment of equipment arrived for Hawk¡¯s studio: a laptop, camcorder, storage drives, and a digital camera¡ªmostly second-hand gear from a shuttered independent media outfit. Hawk handed the set to Edward. "Get familiar with these. They¡¯re yours now." He added, "When you capture valuable footage, always make a copy. Don¡¯t carry the original with you." Edward, having observed Hawk¡¯s methods, promised, "Got it, boss." After spending the morning testing the equipment, Edward headed out to "sweep the streets" for newsworthy material, aiming to cover the day¡¯s expenses. Hawk, meanwhile, turned his attention to paperwork, starting the process to apply for a California gun license. Following the established protocols, his clean record as "Hawk Osmond" meant approval was likely. The studio needed to keep earning, and Hawk reviewed his four primary targets. The first, Robert Downey Jr., had been a resounding success, exceeding expectations. Next up was Bro Derek, executive and producer at Ackman Pictures. Hawk had previously targeted Bro by exposing his wife, Sarah Parker, having an affair with Downey. However, Bro hadn¡¯t reacted as expected. Instead of divorcing Sarah, he publicly defended her, projecting a united and loving front. Incredibly, Bro even garnered praise for his response. Hawk suspected their marriage resembled the Beckham dynamic¡ªheld together by shared interests rather than personal affection. Digging deeper, Hawk figured there had to be explosive secrets buried in their relationship. He pulled out a file on Sarah Parker and found a lead: she and Bro had appeared at multiple promotional events for the new season of Public records on Sarah were abundant compared to Bro, making her the easier target. Recalling his success with manipulating Deborah and Downey, Hawk saw an opportunity. Sarah, a woman with questionable fidelity, seemed likely to slip up again. After some research, Hawk learned that was hosting a major promotional event in Los Angeles soon. Sarah would be attending. Hawk marked the date and location, planning to scope it out. Meanwhile, as rolled out across North America, Hawk kept tabs on the film¡¯s box office performance. Strong numbers would validate his contributions to its success, bolstering his reputation and securing more business from Dwayne and his network. It wasn¡¯t just about income¡ªsuccess meant building capital and expanding the studio¡¯s reach. Chapter 56: The Champagne Celebration Chapter 56: The Champagne Celebration Sunday at William Morris Agency, the office building buzzed with activity despite it being the weekend. Dani Garcia rushed out of her office, clutching a freshly printed fax. She pushed open the nearby meeting room door with a bang, interrupting a lively discussion between Hawk, Dwayne Johnson, Edward, and Caroline. All heads turned toward her. Hawk reacted first. "The numbers are in?" Dani nodded, her voice raspy with excitement. "¡¯s opening weekend box office is in. Friday: $14.55 million. Saturday: $16.21 million. Sunday projections: around $11 million. We¡¯re looking at over $40 million for the weekend!" Hawk was the first to clap, rising from his seat and raising his fist. "Congratulations, Mr. Box Office Champion!" Dwayne met his fist with a grin before pulling Hawk into a bear hug. "We¡¯re the **** box office champions!" Hawk extricated himself and gave Dani a quick hug. Caroline stepped back. "Whoa, whoa! Don¡¯t even think about it. Your bargain-bin clothes will ruin my Chanel." Ignoring her, Hawk hugged Edward for good measure. As the group celebrated, Caroline stood off to the side, feeling oddly left out. Dwayne clapped Hawk on the shoulder again. "Your plan was unconventional, even wild, but it worked like a charm!" Dani added, "Universal¡¯s most optimistic projection was $35 million for the weekend, and we hit $40 million!" Dwayne grinned. "A truly incredible experience." Caroline, unwilling to be left out, chimed in, "Hey, everyone! Time to pop some champagne!" Dani sent someone to fetch it, while Dwayne stepped out briefly, returning with several gift bags. He handed a sealed envelope to Hawk. "Here¡¯s the remaining $50,000 balance." Hawk checked the envelope briefly and pocketed it. Dwayne distributed the gift bags, dividing them by gender. "I prepared a little something for everyone. This success wouldn¡¯t have been possible without you all." Dani opened her box first, revealing a Rolex Lady-Datejust. Caroline received a similar gift in a different style. Hawk¡¯s box contained a gold Rolex Datejust, which he accepted with a grin. Even Edward got a Rolex. "Thank you," Hawk said, tucking the watch into his bag. With champagne flowing, the mood was jubilant. But with the final payment made, the contract between West Coast Entertainment Studio and Dwayne¡¯s team officially ended. After a toast, Hawk broached a new topic. "So, about Allison Faith¡ªthe singer you introduced me to¡ªwhat¡¯s her situation now?" Dwayne explained, "Her new label is scouting for songs, and she¡¯s trying her hand at songwriting. It¡¯s still a prep phase, not yet time for full-scale promotion." He added, "Joanna knows about your work from this campaign. If they need help, they¡¯ll call you." Hawk nodded and signaled to Edward to leave. In the lobby, the sound of hurried footsteps in heels followed them. Caroline caught up, calling, "Cowboy!" Hawk paused. "Miss Baa-Baa, what now?" "The photos¡ªdid you delete them?" she demanded. Hawk sighed. "Didn¡¯t I tell you? I only took pictures of the wall." Caroline raised a skeptical brow. "I don¡¯t trust you. Hand over your phone. I¡¯ll check myself." Hawk considered her ties to Sarah Parker and had an idea. He discreetly gestured to Edward, signaling him to start recording audio. Edward, quick on the uptake, activated the recorder on his phone. Feigning indignation, Caroline leaned in, parting her lips in a sultry bleat. "" Her voice wavered suggestively, drawing stifled laughter from Hawk and Edward. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawk countered, "Fine, but I¡¯ll check yours, too. How do I know you didn¡¯t take photos of me?" Reluctantly, Caroline handed over her Motorola after unlocking it. Hawk, in turn, handed her his everyday Nokia¡ªempty of anything incriminating. Caroline scanned his photo gallery, quickly finding the date in question. Sure enough, there was only a picture of the conference room wall. Meanwhile, Hawk found Sarah Parker and Bro Derek¡¯s private numbers in Caroline¡¯s contacts, mentally noting them before returning the phone. Caroline handed back his Nokia. "We¡¯re even." "Goodbye, Miss Baa-Baa," Hawk said, waving casually. Caroline strutted out, her Herm¨¨s bag swinging as she clicked away in red heels. Outside, she answered a call from Sarah Parker, who wanted to discuss her promotional plans for over dinner that evening. Later that night in Sherman Oaks, Hawk parked outside Sarah and Bro Derek¡¯s hillside mansion. Through binoculars, he watched the house as lights flickered off inside. Suddenly, the glare of flashing red and blue lights illuminated the street. A patrol car approached. Knowing he couldn¡¯t avoid it, Hawk calmly stepped out and told Edward to stay in the car. Holding the card Erica Ferguson had given him, he approached the officer. "Everything okay?" the officer asked. Hawk showed the card, replying, "My car made a strange noise. I was checking it." The officer glanced at the card and nodded. "Need any assistance?" "All good now. Thanks." The officer returned to his patrol car with a polite reminder. "If you need help, call 911." As the patrol car drove off, Hawk admired the card¡¯s usefulness before returning to the driver¡¯s seat. He resumed his surveillance briefly before concluding, "Let¡¯s head back. Nothing tonight." Edward started the car, grumbling, "If that were me parked here, they¡¯d have cuffed me already." Hawk reassured him, "We¡¯ll shift focus. Tomorrow, we¡¯ll scope out ¡¯s event venue." Edward hesitated. "Didn¡¯t we already get a story out of Sarah Parker? Why her again?" Hawk explained, "Last time, the fallout landed entirely on Downey. Sarah was practically unscathed, and Bro even defended her publicly. I think their relationship isn¡¯t as perfect as it seems. If we keep digging, we might find something bigger. Once a cheater, always a cheater." Edward nodded, adding knowingly, "Yeah, I¡¯ve seen it. Once they start, they never stop." Hawk asked, "Personal experience?" Edward fell silent, his swagger momentarily deflated. The next morning, Hawk visited the Burbank Nova Theater, blending in as a regular moviegoer. He wandered through the lobby, studying posters until he reached the one for A fan event was scheduled for the next evening, with Sarah Parker and other cast members in attendance. After confirming the date and time, Hawk examined the theater¡¯s layout. Besides the main entrance, there were two emergency exits¡ªone leading directly backstage and inaccessible to the general audience. At the box office, he purchased two tickets for the event. Each cost a steep $39.90, far above the standard $7 ticket price. The high price served as a filter; only die-hard fans would pay. The ticket explicitly prohibited recording devices, further ensuring exclusivity. Outside the theater, Hawk circled the building, meticulously noting each exit. A plan was forming in his mind. Chapter 57: Counter-Surveillance and Tracking Chapter 57: Counter-Surveillance and Tracking Burbank, Nova Theater. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fans dressed in merch stood in a glowing line outside, eagerly awaiting entry. Hawk, wearing a gold wig and a T-shirt featuring Sarah Parker¡¯s image, blended into the crowd. A bag slung over his shoulder, he moved forward with measured steps. Edward, meanwhile, circled to the back of the theater in his car, finding a discreet spot to wait. Inside, Hawk passed the ticket check and followed the crowd into the theater. He chose a seat with a clear view of the stage, noting the bright floodlights already set up for media activities. Professional entertainment outlets were present, but Hawk wasn¡¯t worried about competition. Unlike him, they¡¯d simply report what the studio wanted them to. The theater buzzed with activity as most fans remained standing, milling around and chatting. Hawk adjusted his plain glasses and imitated their enthusiasm to avoid drawing attention. At 8 p.m., the event began. Director-producer Anders and actress-producer Sarah Parker took the stage with the rest of the season five cast. The typical fan event rituals followed: media interviews, Q&A sessions, and some light interactions between the stars and fans. At one point, Sarah approached the edge of the stage to shake hands with fans. Hawk, closer now, scrutinized her. At 37, her skin was unnaturally smooth and taut¡ªlikely the result of Beverly Hills¡¯ finest cosmetic procedures. Hawk wondered, amused. Soon after, Hawk slipped out of the theater and into a restroom along one of the emergency exits. From his bag, he retrieved a plain sweater, replacing the fan T-shirt to disguise himself. He surveyed the area. One emergency exit led outside for audience members, while another led backstage, where two brawny security guards stood watch. Occasionally, confused attendees looking for restrooms would wander over, only to be turned away. Hawk grabbed snacks and a drink from the concession stand, settling into a spot where he could keep an eye on the backstage entrance. Within 30 minutes, a server passed by several times, muttering complaints to a coworker at the concession stand. "These actresses are impossible. One splashed water on the floor because it had soda, and another did the same because it " Hawk perked up as the server fetched a mop and bucket. When she turned into a quiet hallway, Hawk followed. The server entered the supply closet, and as she turned back around, she found Hawk, his wig and glasses intact, shutting the door behind him. Her eyes widened, and she began to yell¡ªuntil Hawk smoothly produced a $50 bill. The sight of cash made her pause. Hawk glanced at her name tag. "Lina, interested in making some money?" Lina, unfazed, pulled a flat plastic bag from her pocket. Hiking up her skirt, she deadpanned, "Condoms only. Fifty bucks gets you three minutes. After that, it¡¯s another fifty." Hawk froze, caught entirely off guard. "No, no, not that!" he spluttered, taking a step back. Lina frowned. "You¡¯re not here for me?" she asked, clearly offended. "Quit wasting my time!" Hawk quickly produced another $50 bill before she could escalate. "Not at all. I just need information. About Sarah Parker." But Lina wasn¡¯t swayed. "No way. I¡¯d get fired." Hawk sighed, pocketed the cash, and turned to leave. "Wait!" Lina called after him. "What do you need exactly?" Hawk stopped. "Let me know when Sarah Parker leaves. Another $50 when it¡¯s done." Lina hesitated, then snatched the cash. Hawk gave her a burner phone number for updates. Grumbling, she left with her mop and bucket. she thought smugly. Back in his seat, Hawk nibbled on snacks, waiting. Lina passed by once, muttering softly, "She¡¯s still in the dressing room." Hawk called Edward, instructing him to stay by the theater¡¯s side door. "There are about twenty reporters here," Edward reported. "I think most are waiting for Sarah and the other stars." "Hold tight. Watch how things unfold," Hawk advised. Backstage, as the event wound down, Sarah Parker sat in her dressing room while her assistant packed her belongings. A knock at the door revealed a dashing man¡ªJason Lewis, a model-turned-actor. His chiseled face lit up with a smile as he greeted Sarah. "I bought a new place in North Hollywood," he said, stepping closer. "Secluded and private. Want to come check it out?" The two had been entangled since filming began, but Sarah hesitated. "There are too many reporters outside," she said. Jason smirked, snapping his fingers. "I hired a new assistant. She¡¯s about your size. We¡¯ll dress her in your clothes and send her out in your car." He chuckled. "No one notices me these days." Sarah considered, then nodded. "Bring her in." Lina, sensing something was up, kept an eye on the dressing room. A golden-haired man¡ªJason¡ªentered with a woman. When Sarah later emerged, escorted by her assistant, Lina noticed immediately: something didn¡¯t add up. Sarah¡¯s "double" wore flats, while Sarah had arrived in heels. Years of janitorial work had sharpened Lina¡¯s attention to detail, and she quickly pieced it together. As the fan event ended, the audience began filing out, while actors and crew trickled toward the side door. Reporters snapped pictures of the departing stars. A red Bentley pulled up, and Sarah¡ªstill in disguise¡ªslipped into the car, shielded by her assistant and security. The reporters swarmed, tailing the Bentley as it drove off. Edward, among the tailing vehicles, stopped at Hawk¡¯s call and waited at an intersection. The few remaining reporters loitered by the theater¡¯s side door but soon gave up after seeing no notable exits. Jason finally emerged from backstage, his car parked conspicuously at the main entrance. After confirming the coast was clear, he called Sarah. She exited shortly after, dressed as an assistant in a brunette wig and plain clothes. The adrenaline of sneaking out unnoticed sent a thrill through her, leaving her giddy. Unbeknownst to her, Lina followed at a distance, dragging her mop bucket along. At the concession stand, Lina spotted Hawk chatting animatedly with a female cashier. She scowled. When Hawk saw Lina pointing discreetly toward Sarah, he sprang into action. On his way out, he slipped another $50 into Lina¡¯s hand. Hawk crouched by the door, his phone camera peeking out, capturing Sarah as she climbed into a black Ford. The poor lighting made the video grainy, but Hawk noted the license plate before calling Edward. Moments later, Hawk hurried to his car. The black Ford was already on the move. Sliding behind the wheel of his Mondeo, he set off, tailing Sarah and Jason. Chapter 58: How Dare They Not Invite Me Chapter 58: How Dare They Not Invite Me North Hollywood, Toluca District A Mondeo approached from the north, and Hawk spotted Edward standing at the parking lot entrance. He turned the wheel and drove toward him. When the car stopped, Edward got into the passenger seat and pointed about a hundred feet ahead. ¡°They went into that house.¡± Hawk took out his binoculars and carefully observed. It was a modest detached house. A black Ford, with the same license plate he¡¯d previously noted, was parked under the lamppost near the front gate. The yard¡¯s walls were unusually tall, over three and a half meters, covered in rose vines that obscured the house inside. Hawk deduced that behind those walls was likely a single-story house. Edward also picked up his binoculars. Using the streetlight, he first examined the car, then the high walls and the towering roses. ¡°Boss, based on my extensive experience, those two bastards must be fooling around in the yard. If I sneak in and record it, we¡¯ve got them.¡± Hawk shook his head. ¡°If you go in, they¡¯ll shoot you in the head, and they won¡¯t even have to go to prison.¡± Edward scratched his head. ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan?¡± Hawk¡¯s mind flashed to headlines of celebrity scandals, particularly the ones featuring Sarah Parker and Bro Derek¡¯s public displays of affection. An idea started forming. He needed to witness what was really going on with this couple before devising a plan to bring Bro Derek down. Edward waited for instructions. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawk pulled out his phone and sent Edward a phone number he¡¯d gotten from Caroline. ¡°Pretend you¡¯re someone from production crew. Find a public phone and call Bro Derek. Tell him Sarah Parker is here, and she¡¯s with someone. Got it?¡± Edward instantly understood. ¡°Boss, leave it to me. I guarantee Bro Derek will show up.¡± Hawk nodded. ¡°Get moving.¡± Edward jumped out of the Mondeo and sped off in a van to another location. Hawk grabbed his photography gear, drove into the parking lot, and found a good spot to set up a tripod and camera. The tall lamppost nearby provided excellent lighting for nighttime shots. He also set up a long-lens digital camera and retrieved a night vision device from the car to scan for hidden surveillance. Finding none, Hawk waited under the quiet night sky for the showdown to unfold. Sherman Oaks, Hilltop Mansion In the living room, Bro Derek glanced at the clock. His wife, Sarah Parker, still hadn¡¯t returned. The event should¡¯ve ended a while ago. He had a bad feeling. His phone rang, and he answered, ¡°This is Bro Derek.¡± ¡°Hello, I¡¯m a colleague of Sarah¡¯s from .¡± An unfamiliar voice came through. ¡°Mr. Derek, after the event, Sarah and Jason Lewis went to a place in North Hollywood¡¯s Toluca district.¡± The caller provided an address before adding furiously, ¡°They¡¯re together in a house. Definitely fooling around!¡± Bro was skeptical. ¡°Why are you telling me this?¡± The person shouted, ¡°They¡¯re fooling around and didn¡¯t invite me! I won¡¯t let them get away with this!¡± Bro hung up, equally annoyed. They didn¡¯t invite me either! However, the thought of Sarah fooling around with someone else didn¡¯t upset him. He loved it when she was happy¡ªit wasn¡¯t a big deal. The only issue was that he wanted to join in. Bro immediately called Sarah. When she answered, he heard strange noises, including Sarah¡¯s excited exclamations. He asked sternly, ¡°Where are you? I love you so much. Why didn¡¯t you invite me this time?¡± At that moment, Bro felt a deep sense of betrayal. ¡°How could you do this to me after all my love for you?¡± Sarah was surprised. ¡°How do you know?¡± ¡°Someone from the production crew tipped me off,¡± Bro said. Most people wouldn¡¯t have his private number. ¡°Did you give my number out?¡± Sarah, after catching her breath, replied, ¡°It must¡¯ve been David or Sam. They¡¯ve seen my phone, maybe even memorized your number.¡± Bro pressed on, ¡°Did you fool around with them too?¡± When Sarah confirmed, Bro said, ¡°Next time, invite me.¡± Sarah asked, ¡°Are you coming tonight?¡± Bro was already at his car. ¡°Wait for me.¡± Parking Lot Edward returned and got out of the van. ¡°Boss, I made the call. From my experience, he¡¯ll definitely come.¡± Hawk checked the time and handed Edward the camera. ¡°Sherman Oaks is close. If Bro¡¯s coming, he¡¯ll be here soon.¡± He reminded, ¡°Turn off the flash. Just shoot whatever you can.¡± Edward quickly disabled the flash, grinning. ¡°This is going to be wild! If they start fighting on the street, the news will blow up!¡± Hawk pulled him into hiding. ¡°Stay quiet and wait.¡± Before long, a Mercedes drove up and parked across from the Ford. The driver didn¡¯t get out, seemingly scoping the area. Once he confirmed it was safe, Bro stepped out, checked the address, and then knocked on the door. Hawk adjusted the tripod and lens to focus. Edward hid behind a car, muttering, ¡°This doesn¡¯t feel right. Shouldn¡¯t he be kicking the door down?¡± Hawk kept his lens trained on the scene. The gate opened, and Sarah, dressed in a nightgown, appeared. Instead of the expected drama, Bro immediately embraced Sarah, kissing her passionately as they went inside and closed the gate. Hawk shut off the camera, realizing things hadn¡¯t gone as expected. ¡°Perverts!¡± he cursed. ¡°They¡¯re insane!¡± Even Edward could tell the footage had no value. A late-night rendezvous between a husband and wife wasn¡¯t scandalous. Hawk glanced at the lamppost, quickly disassembled the camera, and packed up the tripod. Edward followed, asking cautiously, ¡°Boss, are you okay? You seem shaken.¡± ¡°Hollywood freaks!¡± Hawk muttered. ¡°How many people are in the house right now?¡± ¡°At least three!¡± Edward realized what was happening. ¡°Wait, no way¡ªSarah and Bro are¡­¡± Hawk retrieved a rope with a hook and slung it around his waist. He also strapped the camera to his back. ¡°Boss, are you scaling the wall?¡± Edward, ever eager to break the law, offered, ¡°Let me do it. No boss should lead from the front!¡± Hawk pointed at the tall lamppost. ¡°Can you climb that?¡± Edward eyed the seven-to-eight-meter pole and shook his head. ¡°If I had those skills, I wouldn¡¯t have left Compton. I¡¯d be a gang leader with a crew by now.¡± Hawk pointed north. ¡°Go to the next intersection. If you see a patrol car, call me immediately.¡± ¡°Got it!¡± Edward drove off. Hawk crossed the road, stood under the lamppost, and assessed it. Gripping the pole with his hands and clamping it with his legs, he began climbing. He had practiced this skill in Las Vegas, inspired by videos of elderly men scaling poles in seconds. Even with the camera on his back, Hawk swiftly reached a height of six meters. Securing himself with the rope, he leaned back slightly to stabilize. He unhooked the camera and aimed it over the wall. As he had anticipated, the yard was small, with a single-story house in the back. Bright lights illuminated the scene. The front had a massive sliding glass door and wide windows, all open, likely due to the security offered by the high walls¡ªor impatience. Inside, Bro was seated on the couch, watching Sarah and Jason¡¯s ¡°performance.¡± Soon, he joined in. Hawk captured everything with his camera. Chapter 59: The Mole Chapter 59: The Mole Explosive footage filled the camera lens. Hawk felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. Balancing the camera in one hand, he leaned against the lamppost and slid down. After unhooking the rope, he quickly checked the footage to ensure nothing was missed. Then, crossing the street, he hid in the parking lot. Moments later, a patrol car, flashing red and blue lights, drove south along the road. Hawk didn¡¯t rush to leave. Instead, he called Edward and sat in the car to review the recording. The night and the distance made the footage less sharp, but the powerful camera Eric had given him compensated. Multiple close-ups clearly identified the participants in the scene. At this moment, Hawk fully understood why Bro Derek had forgiven Sarah Parker and why the couple still appeared so affectionate in public after their scandal. Edward returned, knocking on the passenger window before climbing in. ¡°Boss, what did you capture?¡± Hawk turned the camera display toward him. ¡°Take a look.¡± Edward¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°I knew it! These people are insane!¡± He stammered, ¡°They¡¯re playing so wild while we¡¯re stuck outside watching. It¡¯s too much¡ªit¡¯s not fair!¡± ¡°What? You want to join them?¡± Hawk quipped while connecting the camera to his laptop to transfer the video. Edward waved his hands frantically. ¡°No, no, not my thing. I couldn¡¯t handle that at all.¡± This guy¡¯s mind was always in the gutter. ¡°What about you, boss?¡± Edward asked, half-joking. Hawk casually replied, ¡°If it were young Brooke Shields and Jennifer Connelly together, I¡¯d be thrilled. And if Nicole Kidman and Charlize Theron invited me now, I wouldn¡¯t say no.¡± Edward couldn¡¯t take the bravado. ¡°I¡¯m sure of it now¡ªyou¡¯ve lost your mind.¡± Hawk finished transferring the footage and made two backup copies. Edward asked eagerly, ¡°So, do we sell the video next?¡± Hawk decided to teach Edward something. ¡°There are three options, my friend. First, we sell it to the TV stations as we¡¯ve done before. Megan Taylor at Channel 11 would probably offer a high price. Second, we approach Valley distributors¡ª¡¯s lead actress in a threesome? They¡¯d pay well. Lastly, we sell it to the parties involved, which might fetch an even higher price, though it¡¯s riskier.¡± Edward, not one for complex plans, shrugged. ¡°Isn¡¯t the point just to make money?¡± That was true on the surface, but Hawk had more in mind than just profit. Bro Derek wasn¡¯t just an executive producer with power in the film industry; unlike the drug-addled Robert Downey Jr., he was tough to bring down. This video could serve as a stepping stone, stirring the pot in unexpected ways. Bro Derek¡¯s status as a film company executive and producer was leagues above that of any celebrity. Hawk glanced at his phone. Tonight¡¯s episode of had already started. He started the car and drove straight to Beverly Hills, heading for the Fox Broadcasting Center. He handed Edward the backups and took the laptop upstairs. With his Channel 11 correspondent badge, Hawk entered the building. The broadcast had just ended. When Claire mentioned Hawk¡¯s arrival, Megan Taylor came to meet him without even removing her makeup. Hawk quickly took in her appearance: short skirt, stockings, high heels, fitted blazer, and a plunging neckline¡ªall classic Fox style, emphasizing her legs, chest, and face. ¡°You¡¯re even prettier in person,¡± Hawk said politely. ¡°Thank you,¡± Megan replied, getting straight to business. ¡°What do you have for me? Is it headline-worthy?¡± Hawk sat at the office desk, booting up his laptop. ¡°Just a moment.¡± Megan moved closer, standing beside him. Hawk warned, ¡°You¡¯d better get the budget ready in advance. I¡¯m worried you¡¯ll exceed your limit for this month.¡± ¡°Is it that explosive?¡± she asked, intrigued. ¡°Very explosive,¡± Hawk assured her. Megan immediately called someone to prepare funding. Even at this hour, the Fox Broadcasting Center was bustling. As the laptop booted up, Hawk opened the video and hit play. Through the faint wind noise in the footage, three figures appeared. One sat on the couch, observing. The initial part wasn¡¯t very clear, but the camera soon adjusted, and the footage sharpened, zooming in for close-ups. Megan tapped the spacebar to pause the video. Studying the three individuals, she quickly identified them. ¡°The woman is lead Sarah Parker. The man on the couch looks like her husband, Bro Derek. The guy behind her... he seems familiar.¡± Hawk, having researched the couple and the cast, supplied the name: ¡°Jason Lewis. He was a model for major brands before transitioning to acting. His career hasn¡¯t been stellar.¡± Megan nodded slightly and resumed the video. Her breathing quickened as she watched, the heat from her exhalations practically igniting the air around Hawk. This was a media professional¡¯s natural reaction to explosive news. When the video ended, Megan placed a trembling hand on Hawk¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Play it again.¡± Hawk noticed her hand shaking as he replayed the video. Megan¡¯s eyes widened, unblinking, as she confirmed the footage and identities. Given the sensitivity of such content, it was vital to verify everything. Unlike adult film stars whose identities were harder to confirm with clothes on, Hollywood actresses were dazzling when dressed but surprisingly ordinary without makeup, leading to doubts about their authenticity. Megan, wary of unscrupulous journalists, said, ¡°I need someone to confirm their identities.¡± Hawk didn¡¯t trust her either. ¡°We¡¯ll do it here.¡± Megan called in three people, one carrying a laptop. Using footage from Sarah Parker¡¯s past films with more explicit scenes, they compared key features. One woman pointed to the screen. ¡°See here, here, and here¡ªthe moles match perfectly.¡± A man chimed in, ¡°It¡¯s definitely her.¡± Megan dismissed the team, instructing them to keep it confidential. When the room cleared, Hawk named his price. ¡°$100,000. The video is yours.¡± Megan leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. ¡°Downey¡¯s gone, but Sarah isn¡¯t.¡± Hawk stood. ¡°I¡¯ve also contacted Christina from on Channel 6.¡± Megan knew this type of news was rare and in high demand. ¡°The usual terms.¡± ¡°Deal,¡± Hawk agreed. They finalized the contract, and Hawk received a check. Since it was late, the process took longer than usual. Claire took the copy to the editing room. As Hawk left the building, Megan happened to be heading out too. In the elevator, she noticed something and remarked, ¡°Your pants are torn.¡± Hawk glanced down. The inner thigh seam had split, likely from sliding down the pole. He shrugged. ¡°Climbing walls and rooftops¡ªit happens.¡± Next time, he vowed to bring a lift and pose as a maintenance worker. As they walked to the parking lot, Megan gave him a once-over. ¡°You¡¯re in good shape.¡± Hawk replied casually, ¡°I work out regularly.¡± Megan nodded, saying nothing more before heading to her car. Hawk got into the van Edward was driving. ¡°Buddy, you¡¯re getting a bonus tomorrow.¡± The following morning, Megan arrived at the station before 10 a.m. and called a meeting with the core team. Before everyone gathered, Claire rushed over. ¡°Megan, the channel director, Cynthia Rosberg, wants you to seal last night¡¯s video and report to her office immediately!¡± Megan¡¯s expression sharpened as her gaze swept the room. Someone on her team might be a mole. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 60: We Are the Rules Chapter 60: We Are the Rules Fox Broadcasting Center, Channel 11 Director¡¯s Office Cynthia Rosberg wore a pleasant smile as she praised Megan Taylor, seated across from her. ¡°Your recent shows have been excellent. Ratings are up significantly.¡± sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Megan knew her boss hadn¡¯t called her in just for compliments. She hinted, ¡°That¡¯s because we¡¯ve had explosive headlines, which give the team a strong foundation to create compelling content.¡± Cynthia¡¯s tone shifted. ¡°And the expenses have been significant, too. Last night, we spent $100,000 on just one piece of news.¡± Prepared for this, Megan responded directly, ¡°A reporter captured footage of Sarah Parker and her husband, Bro Derek, engaging in a threesome with a former male model.¡± Cynthia sighed. ¡°Sarah Parker¡¯s husband is Bro Derek, an executive and producer at Ackman Pictures. I¡¯ve told you before¡ªany news involving prominent producers must be handled with caution.¡± Her voice grew firmer. ¡°This story needs to be shelved. Do not air it.¡± Megan objected, ¡°That story cost us $100,000, and the team signed a transfer agreement. We can¡¯t just waste it.¡± ¡°The previously reported on Sarah Parker¡¯s scandals, and Bro Derek was implicated,¡± Megan argued, trying to justify the story¡¯s relevance. Cynthia waved her hand, her tone turning stern. ¡°Are you truly this naive, or are you pretending to be? Sarah Parker¡¯s infidelity painted Bro as a victim, showcasing his grace. But this story implicates him directly and could harm his career.¡± Megan started to speak, but Cynthia raised her hand to stop her. ¡°Roger Ailes himself called me,¡± Cynthia said. ¡°Do you understand now?¡± Megan fell silent. Roger Ailes, Rupert Murdoch¡¯s most trusted confidant, was the king of Fox News. As the implications dawned on her, Megan realized this wasn¡¯t just about unspoken industry rules but about larger forces at play. Fox¡¯s upper echelons were predominantly Jewish, and Bro Derek was part of that group. Megan understood well the immense power wielded by Jewish influences in the media and entertainment world¡ªresistance was futile. Quietly, she stood to leave. Cynthia added, ¡°Seal the footage. Do not let it leak. And inform the reporter who provided it¡ªthey can keep the money but must keep their mouth and hands in check.¡± Megan immediately grasped the situation. The reporter¡¯s information had already been leaked. ¡°Journalism law explicitly prohibits revealing sources. Protecting reporters is fundamental to press freedom.¡± Cynthia smirked. ¡°You still don¡¯t get it, my dear. ¡± Megan understood. That ¡°we¡± didn¡¯t include her¡ªit was a power far beyond her reach. ¡°Get to it,¡± Cynthia urged. Back in the newsroom, Megan instructed Claire, ¡°Gather everyone for a meeting.¡± A few minutes later, the team filled the conference room. ¡°The ¡®three-person scandal¡¯ story is canceled and sealed.¡± As both anchor and producer, Megan looked directly at Abraham Adler, a man with a prominent nose. ¡°Care to explain why?¡± Abraham, one of the few who had seen the video, remained composed. ¡°I didn¡¯t want the show to face a crisis.¡± Megan¡¯s tone hardened. ¡°Pack your things and leave my team. Wherever you go next, ask the person you called last night.¡± The room fell silent as others turned toward Abraham, their expressions a mix of anger, disdain, and contempt. Traitors and informants were despised everywhere. Abraham calmly gathered his belongings, unfazed. His Jewish heritage gave him advantages in the industry. The previous night, after confirming that Jewish producer Bro Derek was about to be scandalized, he had immediately informed his mentor. There was an unspoken understanding within the Jewish community, both inside and outside the industry. As long as the situation wasn¡¯t too severe, they would look out for one another. Stars like Downey were expendable, but someone like Bro Derek, who controlled valuable resources, was an entirely different story. After setting an example, Megan instructed, ¡°Claire, you and Molly oversee the destruction of the footage. Bring me the storage drives afterward.¡± The drives were handed over. Such sensitive material was tightly controlled¡ªonly two copies existed, and both were destroyed. Megan personally took the storage drives to the archive center, where they were labeled and placed in Fox¡¯s secure vault. These would now be resources under Fox¡¯s control. Standing by the window, Megan gazed out at Century City. She pulled out her phone, found Hawk¡¯s number, and called him. ¡°Are you free for coffee? My treat.¡± Half an hour later, Megan arrived in Westwood and met Hawk at a coffee shop. Hawk had just come from the gym. After ordering, Hawk asked curiously, ¡°What¡¯s this about? Is there an issue with the footage?¡± ¡°There is.¡± Megan got straight to the point. ¡°Roger Ailes pressured my boss, and the story was pulled. The footage is sealed.¡± She added, ¡°You know who Roger Ailes is, right?¡± ¡°Of course. The big boss of Fox News.¡± Hawk wasn¡¯t entirely surprised¡ªBro Derek wasn¡¯t just another celebrity. His main concern was different. ¡°Megan, I signed a copyright transfer agreement with your team. There¡¯s no way I¡¯m returning the $100,000.¡± Megan rolled her eyes. ¡°You don¡¯t need to return it. I called you not only to inform you but to warn you. If you have any copies of the footage, do not let them leak. This involves the Jewish powers in Hollywood and the media. It¡¯s more trouble than you think.¡± Hawk nodded. ¡°The Jewish influence in media sounds intimidating.¡± Recognizing Hawk¡¯s knack for delivering headline-worthy stories, Megan didn¡¯t want to lose him just yet. She said seriously, ¡°They see themselves as the principles. They ignore the law because they believe they the law. Your information has been leaked, and they may try to warn or pressure you. Be careful.¡± Hawk drew a finger across his neck. ¡°Like this?¡± ¡°Not that extreme.¡± Megan shook her head. ¡°Bro Derek isn¡¯t that important. He¡¯s just a mid-level executive and producer. But those people have a habit of banding together to protect their group¡¯s interests.¡± ¡°I understand,¡± Hawk said, smiling. ¡°Thanks for the heads-up.¡± ¡°Just a small favor,¡± Megan replied dismissively. ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve been warned too,¡± Hawk noted. ¡°If the footage leaked, would you be in trouble?¡± Megan forced a smile. ¡°I might lose my job.¡± Seeing her feigned concern for him, Hawk mirrored her tone. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m a man of principle. I took $100,000 from you, so I¡¯ll ensure the footage doesn¡¯t leak.¡± Megan could only accept his promise. ¡°Thank you.¡± Hawk stood to leave. ¡°I should get going. Still have work to do.¡± True to her word, Megan paid the bill and left a tip. After leaving the coffee shop, Hawk drove down Santa Monica Boulevard and parked in a quiet spot. Thinking carefully about the day¡¯s events, he concluded that Megan wasn¡¯t lying. His identity as the source had likely been leaked. Bro Derek probably knew by now that someone named Hawk Osmond had filmed him. It wouldn¡¯t be long before someone came to warn or intimidate him. Of course, a Hollywood producer wasn¡¯t going to meet a ¡°paparazzi¡± in person. Hawk didn¡¯t like being passive. If trouble was inevitable, why not take the initiative? Sarah Parker¡¯s PR manager, Caroline Jones, was someone he knew. After some deliberation, Hawk dialed Caroline¡¯s number. When she answered, he said with a grin, ¡°Ms. Jones, I have something to discuss with you. How about we rent a pool for a private swim and chat?¡± Chapter 61: The Wolf and the Lamb Chapter 61: The Wolf and the Lamb Sherman Oaks, Hilltop Mansion Caroline Jones hung up her phone in the hallway before stepping into the study, where Sarah Parker and Bro Derek were waiting. ¡°The man we were just talking about called me,¡± Caroline said with a smirk. Bro looked surprised. ¡°You know him?¡± Sarah Parker reminded him, ¡°When Donnie and I were secretly photographed last time, Caroline dealt with him.¡± ¡°It¡¯s more than that,¡± Caroline added, not revealing too much. ¡°He¡¯s worked with Dwayne Johnson on image campaigns. As Johnson¡¯s publicist, I¡¯ve met him a few times.¡± Bro thought for a moment. ¡°That works. Go talk to him. Get all the video copies back, have him sign a confidentiality agreement, and make sure he understands the consequences of stepping out of line.¡± Sarah, understanding what it would take to resolve the situation, added, ¡°Money¡¯s not an issue.¡± Bro nodded slightly. Though he had called in many favors to suppress the story, as a practical-minded Jew, he added, ¡°Pay as little as possible¡ªor nothing at all if you can.¡± With her client¡¯s needs clear, Caroline set off for West Hollywood, making a call on the way to confirm the address and room number. West Hollywood, Swimming Pool Complex Caroline arrived, parked her car, and walked toward the building. In a nearby vehicle, Edward kept a close eye on her arrival. Seeing she was alone, he called Hawk. ¡°Boss, it¡¯s just Miss Caroline.¡± Hawk instructed calmly, ¡°Keep an eye out. If anything seems off, call me immediately.¡± ¡°Got it,¡± Edward replied. Caroline entered the complex, changed into her swimsuit in a VIP room, and headed to the designated private pool area. Entering the access code, she stepped inside. The private suite included a changing room, a lounge, and a small pool. In the water, a muscular figure swam toward her. Caroline couldn¡¯t resist her usual sarcasm. ¡°Did you learn to swim in some backwater Wyoming town? Your strokes are hideous¡ªyou look like a mangy wolf.¡± Hawk swam to the pool¡¯s edge. ¡°A skinny little ewe like you wouldn¡¯t last a day in Wyoming. You¡¯d get tossed to the coyotes as feed.¡± Caroline stood tall, flaunting her figure. ¡°I¡¯m proud to be slim.¡± Her swimsuit had about as much fabric as a sock. Hawk glanced at her, estimating a B+, and gestured. ¡°Get in.¡± Caroline tied up her hair, climbed down the ladder, and entered the water. ¡°Why meet here?¡± Hawk swam closer. ¡°Do you trust me?¡± Caroline answered without hesitation. ¡°Not a chance. No one in our line of work trusts the opposition. What kind of joke is that?¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Hawk agreed. ¡°I don¡¯t trust you either.¡± Reaching out, he ruffled her hair, prompting her to retaliate by grabbing at his. Unfortunately, his short haircut left her with nothing to latch onto. ¡°To show good faith,¡± Hawk suggested, ¡°let¡¯s take a lap underwater.¡± S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With a shrug, Caroline dove first, and Hawk followed. After a few laps, they settled in the shallow end, sitting side by side by the ladder. ¡°You really know how to stir up trouble,¡± Caroline remarked. ¡°Why do you always target my clients?¡± ¡°A tipster called me,¡± Hawk said, feigning sincerity. ¡°Someone from the cast gave me the location. Can¡¯t tell you who. They were venting about not being invited to the fun. Classic case of jealousy.¡± He gestured at her Chanel swimsuit. ¡°Look at you¡ªyou¡¯re dressed in Chanel, while I wear bargain bin stuff. You¡¯ve got money; I¡¯m broke. If I stumbled onto a story this juicy, would you let it slide if you were me?¡± Caroline ignored his reasoning. ¡°You must realize the story won¡¯t air. Not on Channel 11 or any network. No one will publish it.¡± Hawk, recalling Harvey Weinstein¡¯s tactics from his previous life, understood this was likely true. ¡°Channel 11 already informed me.¡± Caroline pressed her advantage. ¡°You took their money. If you sell the video to someone else, it¡¯s a breach of contract. Hand over all copies and sign a confidentiality agreement. Let¡¯s end this here.¡± Gone was her usual playful demeanor. ¡°Money¡¯s great, but a future in this industry is more important. Their influence runs deep. Cross them, and you¡¯re finished.¡± Hawk, who loved outmaneuvering opponents, smiled at her boldness. ¡°Channel 11 signed a broadcast agreement. Since breached it, I¡¯m free to authorize another sale.¡± Caroline scoffed. ¡°You¡¯re so short-sighted. Ever heard the difference between a single meal and a lifetime of meals?¡± Hawk pressed on, ¡°If the media won¡¯t publish it, there¡¯s still the internet. If that fails, I can sell it to Silicon Valley. Their biggest companies are owned by General Electric shareholders. Does Bro Derek¡¯s influence extend that far?¡± Caroline, steeped in traditional PR methods, hadn¡¯t considered the Silicon Valley angle. ¡°How much do you think Silicon Valley would pay for the rights?¡± Hawk asked. Caroline scrutinized him before replying, ¡°You wouldn¡¯t sell it there. Otherwise, why arrange this meeting?¡± Borrowing Edward¡¯s phrase, Hawk replied, ¡°I¡¯m a broke man, desperate. Poor folks don¡¯t fear other folks.¡± He added, ¡°Save the warnings. I¡¯ll give you the footage and sign a confidentiality agreement.¡± Caroline was suspicious. Prepared as always, Hawk laid out his terms. ¡°Ms. Sarah Parker will pay $500,000 to sign a contract with West Coast Media Studio. In exchange, we¡¯ll create a professional development plan for her career.¡± Caroline splashed water at him. ¡°You¡¯re incredibly cautious.¡± Hawk grinned. ¡°Isn¡¯t selling me out the standard move?¡± Caroline, realizing this couldn¡¯t be resolved without spending money, said, ¡°$500,000 is too much. For that amount, we could hire an army of drifters to storm your studio. I can convince my client to agree to $250,000.¡± Hawk tapped the water thoughtfully. ¡°A $250,000 career plan¡ªI¡¯ll have to put some thought into it.¡± Caroline studied him closely. ¡°What?¡± Hawk finally asked. Caroline splashed him again. ¡°Don¡¯t you know the rules?¡± Stretching out in the water, Hawk teased, ¡°I get it. Go ahead. I won¡¯t resist.¡± Caroline, unfazed by his banter, replied, ¡°Wolves and lambs don¡¯t mix. The models don¡¯t match.¡± She added pointedly, ¡°I brokered this deal. Shouldn¡¯t I get a commission?¡± Hawk countered, ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve left room for profit already.¡± Ignoring him, Caroline climbed out of the pool, her figure on full display, and reached for her towel. ¡°I need to see the footage.¡± Hawk dried himself off and joined her in the lounge. Opening his laptop, he played the ¡°three-person scandal¡± video. Caroline watched in silence, considering alternative strategies. Hawk casually commented, ¡°Sarah¡¯s taken great care of herself. She doesn¡¯t look 35 or 36. Her skin¡¯s as good as yours.¡± No woman would let that pass. Caroline touched her smooth face. ¡°Thank Beverly Hills¡¯ advanced cosmetic treatments.¡± ¡°Botox?¡± Hawk asked. Caroline ignored the question. ¡°I¡¯ll finalize this deal. Sarah won¡¯t deal with you directly. She¡¯ll delegate me to handle the signing.¡± ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Hawk said. ¡°I won¡¯t be signing either. Edward will represent the studio, along with our lawyer.¡± With terms agreed upon, Caroline left. Later that day, Caroline informed Hawk that Sarah and Bro had approved the deal. Sarah authorized Caroline and her lawyer to sign a $250,000 contract with West Coast Media Studio for a professional development plan, along with a confidentiality agreement. Hawk immediately started drafting the plan, knowing the next steps depended on it. Chapter 62: The Endorsement Plan Chapter 62: The Endorsement Plan ¡°Recently, renowned producer Bro Derek accompanied his wife, Sarah Parker, at her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony. The couple, married for five years, remains a picture of marital bliss¡­¡± At West Coast Studio, Hawk sat at his desk, watching the entertainment news report. Nearby, Edward smirked, his expression exaggeratedly dismissive. ¡°Hollywood¡¯s filthy circle isn¡¯t any different from Compton. These dolled-up actresses are just streetwalkers in disguise. No, wait¡ªthey¡¯re classier, more like Jacqueline.¡± Hawk ignored him, his focus on the television screen as Sarah Parker¡¯s close-up appeared. ¡°How well does she maintain herself?¡± ¡°Looks no older than 30,¡± Edward replied instinctively. Then, as if struck by a shocking thought, his eyes widened. ¡°Boss, no way. Have you been single too long? Watching too many videos and losing your mind? Are you really thinking of joining her circus? Honestly, I¡¯d bet on you with that sheep lady before this.¡± Hawk didn¡¯t dignify Edward¡¯s nonsense with a response. Instead, he continued drafting a professional development plan for Sarah per their agreement. ¡°A 37-year-old woman who looks under 30 is perfect for endorsing beauty products. With her fame, she could land a major deal.¡± Edward, having picked up a thing or two from working with Hawk for the past month, quipped, ¡°She¡¯s probably had injections.¡± Still researching online, Hawk said, ¡°Cosmetic injections often have side effects initially¡ªswelling, stiffness. Timing is key.¡± Edward picked up on Hawk¡¯s angle. ¡°Are we going to fleece this sheep dry? Won¡¯t she end up bald?¡± Hawk shook his head. ¡°I suspect there¡¯s a distorted love between Bro and Sarah.¡± He planned to exploit that dynamic, with Caroline playing a key role. After completing a concise proposal, Hawk called Caroline to arrange a meeting. The Next Morning Caroline arrived at West Coast Studio, where Hawk handed her the printed proposal. ¡°Take a look.¡± ¡°Is this necessary?¡± Caroline asked, flipping through it carelessly. ¡°It¡¯s just a $250,000 formality. A single sheet of paper would¡¯ve sufficed.¡± ¡°I¡¯m a professional,¡± Hawk replied. ¡°You paid me, so I take this seriously.¡± He added, ¡°Whether you adopt my suggestions or not is up to you, but I¡¯ve put as much effort into this as I did with Dwayne Johnson.¡± Caroline, recalling Hawk¡¯s earlier work with Johnson, gave the proposal a closer look. It was straightforward, focusing primarily on endorsements. ¡°You had this in mind from the start, didn¡¯t you?¡± she asked. ¡°Of course,¡± Hawk admitted. ¡°Sarah is well-suited for beauty endorsements. From what I¡¯ve seen, her reaction to cosmetic injections is minimal, and her face looks very natural. That makes her an ideal candidate for skincare brands targeting her age group. These deals usually come with hefty fees.¡± He added slyly, ¡°By the way, when¡¯s her next injection? Make sure it¡¯s scheduled in advance.¡± Caroline avoided answering directly. ¡°I¡¯m only making a recommendation,¡± Hawk continued. ¡°The specifics are up to you. But if you help your client secure a big deal, you get a cut, right?¡± Caroline remained vague. ¡°Not much.¡± Uncomfortable under his scrutiny, she rose abruptly. ¡°I¡¯m leaving. Call me if you need anything.¡± Hawk slid another document her way. ¡°Sign the acknowledgment receipt.¡± She skimmed it quickly, signed her name, and left, heels clicking as she walked away. Back in the Office Edward, who had been quiet, finally asked, ¡°Boss, why does it feel like you¡¯re plotting something?¡± Hawk pulled an envelope from his drawer and tossed it to him. ¡°Your bonus for the news.¡± Edward opened it to find a thick stack of cash. Beaming, he said, ¡°Whatever you¡¯re plotting, count me in. If you need me to charge ahead, I¡¯ll never back down.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the spirit,¡± Hawk said with a grin. Packing up two checks, Hawk prepared to visit the bank. While the news story hadn¡¯t panned out as expected, it had been a financial windfall. Channel 11 paid $100,000 for the video. Sarah Parker¡¯s professional development contract brought in another $250,000. In just one deal, Hawk had made $350,000¡ªfar surpassing the $240,000 he¡¯d earned during his first month in Los Angeles. And he had planted another seed for future gains. Later That Day As Hawk was about to leave, there was a knock on the door. Edward opened it to reveal Frank, who headed straight for the fridge. ¡°Want a beer?¡± Frank asked, already helping himself. ¡°No,¡± Hawk replied as he packed his bag. Edward teased, ¡°Do beggars pay taxes?¡± ¡°You ignorant pig,¡± Frank shot back. ¡°Even cotton farmers wouldn¡¯t hire you. All labor income is taxable, but begging¡¯s income is too low to count.¡± After taking a sip, Frank turned serious. ¡°The weekend¡¯s coming up. I¡¯ve cleared the space in front of the RV. Is your party ready?¡± Hawk had nearly forgotten about the event, distracted by Sarah and Bro. He figured it was a good time to relax. ¡°I¡¯ll go shopping for supplies now.¡± ¡°Get a grill,¡± Frank suggested. ¡°I¡¯ll show you guys how it¡¯s done.¡± Hawk, knowing Americans loved their parties, told Edward, ¡°Take the car this afternoon and help Frank with the shopping. Charge it to the studio account.¡± Edward jabbed, ¡°Don¡¯t just bring your appetite, Frank. Bring all your begging money too.¡± Ignoring him, Frank added, ¡°Invite a few girls to liven things up.¡± Edward pondered. ¡°Nicole might be free this weekend.¡± He then asked Hawk, ¡°Boss, how about inviting Miss Caroline?¡± Hawk shook his head. ¡°What, so she can mock us poor folks?¡± Grabbing his briefcase, Hawk left for the bank. Fullspeed PR Office S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Caroline sat stiffly in an uncomfortable chair, shifting occasionally. Across from her, Rooney Chasen, the senior partner and director, closed the proposal. ¡°You wrote this?¡± Rooney asked. Caroline smiled, not denying it. ¡°This overlaps with agency work,¡± Rooney noted. ¡°But it aligns with management goals.¡± Caroline, understanding the importance of company backing, suggested, ¡°Could we collaborate with Sarah¡¯s management agency? Pooling resources could help secure a major endorsement deal. remains hugely popular.¡± Knowing the company¡¯s profit-driven approach, she added, ¡°If we close such a deal, the company could earn commission fees on top of the PR charges.¡± After a moment of consideration, Rooney said, ¡°I¡¯ll contact Sarah¡¯s management agency. You prep Sarah for this opportunity.¡± Caroline stood. ¡°From what I know of Sarah, she¡¯d jump at the chance for another endorsement.¡± Chapter 63: Ackman Charity Foundation Chapter 63: Ackman Charity Foundation Pasture Park, RV Area Under the shade near the RV in the parking lot, a grill sizzled with oil and smoke as Frank skillfully flipped the meat with tongs in one hand and brushed on sauce with the other. Nearby, folding tables and chairs were set up. Hawk, sitting in one of the creaky canvas chairs, opened a cooler to pull out chilled drinks and beer. Turning to Erica Ferguson, he asked, ¡°Beer or juice?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll help you,¡± Erica offered, striding over with her long legs, her golden-brown ponytail swinging behind her. She began grabbing bottles and cans. The weather had warmed considerably, and condensation quickly fogged the icy drinks as they were laid out. Erica popped open a beer and handed it to Hawk. ¡°The savior isn¡¯t back yet?¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± Hawk glanced toward Fountain Street, pointing at a secondhand van pulling into the parking lot. ¡°There they are.¡± The van parked near the RV, and Edward got out first, sliding the side door open. A woman in her early thirties stepped down, holding the hand of a girl who looked under ten years old. Edward introduced everyone. The woman was Nicole, who worked at a local rescue center, and the girl was her daughter, Michaela. Michaela wasn¡¯t very lively, often appearing preoccupied. Erica tried chatting with her but was quickly rebuffed. Turning to Hawk, she whispered, ¡°I¡¯m terrible with kids.¡± ¡°Then just keep your distance,¡± Hawk said, setting down a plate of freshly grilled meat. ¡°Try Frank¡¯s cooking. He¡¯s always bragging about how he used to host top-tier BBQ parties back in Malibu when he lived in a mansion.¡± Erica cut a small piece of meat and tasted it. ¡°It¡¯s amazing! Compared to him, my dad¡¯s BBQ skills wouldn¡¯t even be fit for dogs.¡± Hawk tried a bite himself and admitted, ¡°Frank wasn¡¯t exaggerating for once.¡± Curious, Erica asked, ¡°Frank seems decent. What¡¯s his story? Why is he living in an RV?¡± Hawk only knew bits and pieces. ¡°He claims he used to be a Hollywood producer but went bankrupt after divorcing multiple wives and refusing to pay alimony. Some old friends chipped in to buy him the RV and promised to keep him safe.¡± As Erica wiped sauce from the corner of her mouth with a napkin Hawk handed her, he added, ¡°I¡¯m not even sure Frank is his real name.¡± ¡°Everyone has secrets,¡± Erica said, leaving it at that. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Not wanting the conversation to stall, Hawk changed the subject. ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about applying for a concealed carry permit. How hard is it to get one in California?¡± He sounded sincere. ¡°Most of my work is at night, and with LA¡¯s crime rates, it¡¯s risky without a gun for protection.¡± Erica, familiar with the dangers of certain LA neighborhoods, asked directly, ¡°Do you know how to handle a gun?¡± ¡°I grew up on a bankrupt ranch in Wyoming,¡± Hawk replied. ¡°Out there, if you didn¡¯t know how to shoot, the coyotes would eat all your sheep.¡± Erica explained, ¡°You¡¯ll need to pass a background check and take some classes.¡± Thinking it over, she added, ¡°I¡¯m free tomorrow afternoon. I¡¯ll go with you.¡± Hawk didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°I¡¯d appreciate that.¡± They clinked their cans together. ¡°No problem,¡± Erica said. Meanwhile, Michaela had taken an interest in Frank¡¯s BBQ skills, while Edward brought Nicole over to their table. The four of them chatted amiably until Erica asked Nicole, ¡°I occasionally work with rescue centers. Which one are you with?¡± ¡°The Ackman Charity Rescue Center in Hollywood,¡± Nicole replied. Hearing the name Ackman made Hawk perk up. ¡°Edward¡¯s mentioned you before. I thought you worked near Skid Row.¡± Nicole turned to Edward, planting a kiss on his cheek. ¡°We met while he was handing out flyers in Hollywood. It was a romantic encounter.¡± Edward returned the kiss. ¡°It was destiny, and I thank God for it.¡± Hawk, unable to stand their public display, steered the conversation. ¡°Seems like there are more homeless people around the Walk of Fame lately.¡± ¡°If the government doesn¡¯t take stronger action, Hollywood will become another Skid Row,¡± Erica said, raising the stakes of the discussion. ¡°Shelters alone can¡¯t solve the problem, especially as charity becomes more commercialized¡ª¡± Realizing Nicole and Edward weren¡¯t following her, she stopped mid-sentence, sensing the mismatch in tone. Hawk quickly filled the gap, asking Nicole, ¡°Is the rescue center part of the Ackman Charity Foundation?¡± ¡°It is,¡± Nicole confirmed. ¡°I¡¯m just a low-level employee, though.¡± Erica smiled at Hawk, grateful for the save, and added, ¡°I read recently that the Ackman Charity Foundation donated millions to help leukemia patients find bone marrow matches.¡± Nicole nodded. ¡°I¡¯m not involved in that. My work focuses on helping the homeless. Occasionally, the foundation offers free health screenings for them, and I assist with those.¡± Edward chimed in, praising Nicole. ¡°I heard many people were diagnosed and saved thanks to those efforts.¡± Hawk was beginning to understand how Edward charmed these lonely, divorced women¡ªhe excelled at offering emotional support. Nicole, encouraged by Edward¡¯s words, smiled sweetly. ¡°Some people got treated and came back to thank us. Others recovered and reintegrated into society without returning.¡± As she spoke, Frank glanced over at them from the grill, his expression unreadable. Noticing, Hawk called out, tossing him a beer. ¡°Come on over, Frank. Enough work¡ªjoin the conversation.¡± ¡°After I finish grilling this,¡± Frank replied, giving Hawk a knowing look. Once the ribs and skewers were ready, they pushed the tables together and sat down to eat, drink, and share stories. Some of Frank¡¯s acquaintances from the park joined in, turning it into a lively gathering. The Next Day Hawk met Erica in the afternoon, and they headed to Atal Mountain Shooting Range, a facility partnered with the West LAPD. Hawk submitted the required documents, registered for classes, and began the background check process. Thanks to a call Erica made, his application was expedited, and his training and testing were scheduled promptly. For Hawk, live-fire training was a breeze. Once his background check cleared, he was eligible to purchase a firearm. Erica recommended the Glock 17 and Glock 19, popular choices among LAPD officers. Hawk opted for the compact and portable Glock 19. Afterward, Hawk drove Erica to the West LAPD station for her night shift, making sure to park conspicuously near the entrance to establish a presence. The gossip mill in LA was always buzzing, and Hawk intended to use it to his advantage. A visible connection to the police could prove useful in West LA. That Evening As night fell, Hawk prepared to relax when his phone buzzed. The call was from Claire, Megan Taylor¡¯s assistant at Claire¡¯s tone was cautious. ¡°We haven¡¯t seen any news from you lately. Are you upset about the last story being shelved?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve just been taking a break,¡± Hawk replied. Recent episodes of had lacked explosive headlines, and ratings were slipping. Megan had asked Claire to call him. Claire tried to motivate him. ¡°You¡¯re young. Shouldn¡¯t you be hustling harder? How else will your studio grow?¡± ¡°Headline-worthy news doesn¡¯t come every day,¡± Hawk said. Unlike some, his scoops were always authentic, though many were self-created. ¡°I¡¯m searching for the next big story. Don¡¯t worry¡ªif it¡¯s good and your price is right, you¡¯ll have first dibs.¡± Driving back to the studio, Hawk pondered his next move. Relying on naturally occurring events for exclusives was unrealistic, with thousands of competitors in LA alone. When he arrived, his phone pinged with a multimedia message. It was a selfie from Erica in her police uniform, standing before a full-length mirror. Hawk replied, ¡°A beautiful, valiant angel of justice has descended on LA.¡± Before he could put his phone down, it rang again. This time, it was a man¡¯s voice¡ªEric. ¡°Heading to Tracy Gym tomorrow?¡± Eric asked. ¡°I¡¯ve got firearm training and a live-fire test scheduled,¡± Hawk replied. Eric was stunned. ¡°Wow, has business competition gotten that intense?¡± Hawk chuckled. ¡°Once you reach a certain level, you¡¯ll find it¡¯s normal.¡± Eric sighed, then said, ¡°Johnson¡¯s off overseas for promotions. Since you¡¯re busy, I¡¯ll head to the gym alone.¡± Chapter 64: A Personal Vendetta Chapter 64: A Personal Vendetta Atal Mountain Shooting Range The sound of gunfire echoed through the range as Hawk fired his last ten bullets. Removing his noise-canceling earmuffs, he ejected the magazine and cleared the chamber. The instructor overseeing the live-fire test approached and examined Hawk¡¯s target. ¡°Perfect score again, 100 rings. You¡¯ve passed your live-fire assessment, buddy. I¡¯ve got nothing left to teach you.¡± Signing Hawk¡¯s certification form, the instructor added, ¡°Best of luck out there.¡± ¡°Thanks.¡± Hawk handed over a tip, took the signed form, and submitted it to the range supervisor. With the morning session complete, Hawk had one more theory class in the afternoon¡ªan eight-hour mandatory course since online options weren¡¯t available. After changing into a fresh jacket and securing his gun per regulations, Hawk planned to grab lunch. Before he could leave, his phone rang with an unfamiliar number. Answering, Hawk spoke briefly before quickly heading to his car and driving to the West LAPD station. West LAPD Station Eric Eason had been arrested and called Hawk for help, asking him to find a lawyer and explicitly warning him not to tell Katherine. Hawk contacted a lawyer he¡¯d worked with while registering his studio, and they met at the station 30 minutes later. After completing the necessary paperwork, Hawk was allowed into the holding area where Eric was being detained. Eric¡¯s face was bruised, and he radiated anger as if he might explode at any moment. ¡°What happened?¡± Hawk asked, noting that Eric¡¯s injuries weren¡¯t as severe as Johnson¡¯s had been. Grabbing Hawk¡¯s arm tightly, Eric seethed, ¡°Miller Collins! Do you remember him? That from the San Diego Chargers? He harassed me in the locker room¡ªgrabbed me, touched me. I fought back, but he beat me up.¡± Eric¡¯s voice cracked with frustration. ¡°I couldn¡¯t beat him. I just couldn¡¯t¡­¡± Hawk remembered Miller Collins¡ªa physical beast, like all pro football players. Eric continued, his rage building. ¡°That creep is a serial offender. He spilled water on my pants, pretended it was an accident, then started wiping me down and grabbed me there¡ªhe even tried to pull it out and opened his mouth!¡± Growing more furious as he recounted the incident, Eric added, ¡°When I resisted, he called the cops first, accusing of harassing ! And some guy in the locker room backed him up, saying I was the one who touched him!¡± Hawk believed Eric. Despite his complaints about ¡°seafood,¡± Eric was no closet case. ¡°This is humiliating,¡± Eric groaned. ¡°I can¡¯t let Katherine find out. I had no choice but to call you.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Hawk assured him. ¡°You¡¯re the victim here, not the one who should feel ashamed.¡± Eric looked at Hawk, his face softening slightly. ¡°I knew you¡¯d believe me.¡± Just then, the lawyer returned. ¡°How does it look?¡± Hawk asked. The lawyer replied, ¡°The situation isn¡¯t too bad. Miller Collins has decided not to press charges and has already left with his lawyer. Once we complete some paperwork, Eric can leave too.¡± Eric shot to his feet. ¡°I¡¯m the victim!¡± The lawyer remained calm. ¡°The evidence isn¡¯t in your favor. There are no cameras in the locker room, and Collins has water stains and your handprints on his clothes. The sole witness supports his story.¡± Hawk held Eric back, turning to the lawyer. ¡°Handle the paperwork. We¡¯ll leave as soon as it¡¯s done.¡± Back in the Car After leaving the station, Hawk drove Eric to Tracy Gym in Westwood to retrieve his belongings. On the way, Eric fumed. ¡°That witness must know Miller Collins. If we can find him, we can clear my name!¡± Hawk countered, ¡°If Collins is a serial offender, that guy is probably his accomplice. Finding him won¡¯t help.¡± Defeated, Eric slumped in his seat. ¡°You¡¯ll need a different approach to get back at him,¡± Hawk advised. Eric¡¯s mind wandered to his old rival, George Hanson, and he began brainstorming a sophisticated form of revenge. At the gym, Eric retrieved his bag and returned to find the manager waiting with an envelope. ¡°Mr. Eason,¡± the manager said curtly, ¡°due to your actions causing distress to other patrons, Tracy Gym can no longer accommodate you.¡± Handing over the envelope, she added, ¡°This contains your refunded fees.¡± Eric snatched the envelope angrily but held back his words, storming out instead. Hawk followed, giving the manager a cold glance before leaving. Once they were back in the car, Hawk tried to console Eric. ¡°Don¡¯t let scum like that get to you. We¡¯ll figure something out.¡± ¡°I just don¡¯t know what to do,¡± Eric admitted, his eyes red. ¡°And don¡¯t tell Katherine about this¡ªit¡¯d destroy my last shred of dignity.¡± sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°This stays between us,¡± Hawk promised. Eric was visibly struggling, unable to shake the humiliation. His creative energy for scriptwriting had evaporated, replaced by anger and frustration. Eventually, he turned to Hawk with a desperate plea. ¡°Your West Coast Media Studio can handle projects for Johnson. Can I hire you too?¡± Hawk immediately understood. ¡°You want me to take on Miller Collins, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Eric admitted. ¡°I need to get back at him, or I won¡¯t be able to move on.¡± Eric¡¯s faith in Hawk had only grown since the incidents in Park City. ¡°Collins is an NFL star. He¡¯s within your studio¡¯s scope, right? I have $30,000¡­¡± Hawk raised a hand to stop him. ¡°I can¡¯t take your money.¡± Eric was stunned, slumping back into his seat in despair. ¡°You¡¯re my friend,¡± Hawk explained. ¡°If someone bullies my friend, I won¡¯t stand by. But don¡¯t talk about paying me for this.¡± Eric protested, ¡°I can¡¯t let you work for free.¡± Hawk smiled. ¡°Did you charge me a penny when you introduced me to Johnson? Would you?¡± Eric fell silent. Hawk continued, ¡°Don¡¯t feel guilty. There¡¯s a chance I could profit off Collins during this process, but even if I do, I won¡¯t share it with you. However, if any major expenses come up, you¡¯ll need to cover those.¡± ¡°Deal,¡± Eric agreed. ¡°Forget about extreme measures like shooting or breaking his legs,¡± Hawk said, amused. ¡°We have bright futures ahead of us¡ªno point going to jail over a creep.¡± ¡°What¡¯s your plan?¡± Eric asked. ¡°For now, tell me what you want so I can plan accordingly.¡± ¡°I want to ruin him,¡± Eric said firmly. ¡°I understand.¡± Hawk dialed Edward. ¡°Stop wasting time outside. Head back to the studio¡ªwe¡¯ve got news to manufacture.¡± Edward perked up instantly. ¡°A new target, boss?¡± ¡°Exactly. Get back quick¡ªI¡¯m on my way.¡± Hanging up, Hawk asked Eric, ¡°You won¡¯t be able to work on your script until this is resolved, right?¡± ¡°Not a word,¡± Eric admitted. Hawk grinned. ¡°Then join me. You wanted to experience my work for inspiration¡ªnow¡¯s your chance. You¡¯ll get the satisfaction of revenge, and trust me, it¡¯s a hundred times better than sex.¡± Eric finally smiled. ¡°I¡¯m in!¡± Back at the Studio Once Edward returned, Hawk called a team meeting. He pinned a magazine poster of Miller Collins to the whiteboard. ¡°This is our next target,¡± Hawk began. ¡°NFL star wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers. We know too little about him right now. Before starting any plans, we need a thorough background check.¡± Edward and Eric received their tasks. ¡°Edward, comb through newspapers and magazines from the past three years for stories about Collins. Eric, reach out to Johnson for public information about Collins¡¯ team dynamics, endorsements, and business ties.¡± Hawk assigned himself the task of investigating Collins¡¯ family and social circle. ¡°Let¡¯s move, gentlemen,¡± Hawk said, clapping his hands. Chapter 65: Finding the Breakthrough Chapter 65: Finding the Breakthrough Santa Monica Mountains, Palisades Community Hawk adjusted the lens of his camera, snapping a series of photos of the luxurious mansion across the street. The white house, partially hidden by trees and high black walls, was designed to ward off prying eyes. A patrol car drove by in the distance. Hawk lowered the camera and said to Edward, ¡°Let¡¯s head back.¡± Edward accelerated, steering the car forward. ¡°Miller Collins definitely has something to hide. Renting a place like this while owning another house? He¡¯s up to no good.¡± Hawk agreed. He knew from experience: keeping a secondary residence often signaled covert activities. As they navigated through mild traffic, a bucket lift repairing a streetlamp caught their attention. Workers in reflective vests moved about in the elevated platform. Hawk casually snapped a couple of photos. Edward glanced at the lift and joked, ¡°Boss, if we¡¯d had that last time, you wouldn¡¯t have had to climb the pole yourself.¡± Hawk put the camera away. ¡°No problem. Next time, you can climb it.¡± Edward laughed nervously, then flattered, ¡°You must have serious skills to pull it off so easily. Bet you¡¯ve done it countless times, huh? Probably got calluses from it!¡± Hawk smirked, owning the moment. ¡°Only lucky women will find out.¡± Back at the Studio Eric arrived with a backpack shortly after Hawk and Edward returned. Edward unpacked piles of newspapers and magazines onto the table, while Hawk organized the day¡¯s photos and videos into folders. The three got to work, each sorting through materials they believed to be valuable. By evening, Hawk turned on the lights, signaling a pause. Edward brought back takeout, and the group ate quickly before diving into another meeting. Hawk opened the session, organizing his notes. ¡°Let¡¯s review the background research on Miller Collins. Share what you¡¯ve found.¡± Eric started. ¡°Miller Collins entered the NFL seven years ago through the draft, joining the San Diego Chargers. He¡¯s been traded once and re-signed, and for the past three years, he¡¯s been considered one of the best wide receivers in the league. ¡°Currently, he¡¯s in a contract year and negotiating for a new deal. He¡¯s aiming for a massive payday before retiring, with a potential annual salary exceeding $10 million.¡± Eric pinned photos to the whiteboard. ¡°This is Maria Collins, his wife, and Dolores Collins, their daughter. The family has a pristine public image. Miller is hailed as one of the NFL¡¯s model husbands.¡± Eric¡¯s disgust was palpable as he finished, nearly gagging. Hawk handed him a water bottle. ¡°Does he have any endorsements?¡± Eric gulped the water and continued, ¡°He¡¯s got five deals¡ªfour for men¡¯s products and one co-branded with his wife for family-related items.¡± Hawk examined the materials. ¡°The first four rely on his ¡®rugged and wholesome¡¯ image as a real man, while the last requires a picture-perfect family dynamic.¡± Eric asked, ¡°Should we expose him directly?¡± Hawk shook his head. ¡°Without concrete evidence, we¡¯d face defamation suits, not just from Miller but also from his team and sponsors.¡± Edward, confused, asked, ¡°What are you guys even talking about?¡± Eric answered bluntly, ¡°Miller Collins is a closeted gay man.¡± Edward¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°He¡¯s gay? And married with kids? That¡¯s messed up!¡± Making a crude gesture, Edward asked, ¡°So, is it this kind of gay or that kind?¡± Eric mimicked a circle with his fingers. ¡°Definitely the first kind.¡± ¡°No wonder,¡± Edward exclaimed. He rummaged through his stack of clippings and pulled out several photos. Pinning them to another board, he said, ¡°I went through all his news and magazine features from the past three years. He¡¯s always photographed with male companions. I thought they were just friends.¡± Hawk scrutinized the images. ¡°Did you identify any of them?¡± Edward removed three photos. ¡°I found these guys.¡± Plugging a USB drive into his laptop, Edward displayed additional photos. ¡°This one¡¯s Sean Howard, an ad model who worked with Miller. This is Smith Wood, an artist. And this is Quinn Dennis, a ballet dancer.¡± Eric was surprised. ¡°You even took pictures?¡± Hawk explained, ¡°Companions are often closer to celebrities than spouses. Many of my past scoops came from companions.¡± Eric nodded. ¡°That makes sense. Letting the professionals handle things always pays off.¡± Hawk continued, ¡°Through media contacts¡ªespecially Channel 11¡ªI learned that Miller is from Southern California. He grew up in a middle-class white family and used sports to climb the social ladder. However, he still maintains connections with childhood friends, some of whom are involved in white gangs.¡± Edward frowned. ¡°So we might face gang retaliation?¡± Hawk cautioned, ¡°Be prepared for that possibility.¡± Eric, still fuming from his earlier humiliation, showed no fear. ¡°Bring it on. Let¡¯s have a high-stakes showdown!¡± Hawk nodded and added, ¡°Two months ago, Miller bought a mansion on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica for his family. Shortly after, he rented a smaller house in Palisades. He uses a different car when going there, suggesting he¡¯s keeping something secret.¡± Eric speculated, ¡°A place for secret rendezvous?¡± ¡°Most likely,¡± Hawk agreed. ¡°Miller is also close to several celebrities, including David Beckham and Tom Cruise.¡± ¡°Wow, that¡¯s huge!¡± Even Edward, who wasn¡¯t a football fan, recognized Beckham and Cruise. ¡°If we get footage of Miller with either of them, that¡¯d be a seven-figure payday!¡± Hawk cautioned, ¡°Beckham doesn¡¯t matter much since he¡¯s not American, but Cruise is different. Messing with him could get you silenced by Scientology. They¡¯ve done it before.¡± Edward quickly backtracked. ¡°I¡¯d rather stay alive to spend my money. There are too many single moms out there waiting for me to rescue them.¡± Eric laughed. ¡°No wonder they call you the Savior.¡± Edward grinned proudly. Hawk steered the conversation back. ¡°Forget Beckham and Cruise for now. Even if there¡¯s something there, it¡¯d be nearly impossible to capture. Waiting passively isn¡¯t the West Coast Studio way.¡± Eric asked, ¡°Then what¡¯s the breakthrough?¡± Hawk turned to Edward. ¡°The Savior didn¡¯t earn his nickname for nothing. He¡¯s already found it for us.¡± ¡°Miller has a wife and daughter¡ª¡± Edward began. Hawk interrupted. ¡°No, focus on this.¡± He brought up the photos of Miller¡¯s three male companions. ¡°What do they have in common?¡± Eric observed, ¡°Brown hair, slim build, and a bit of stubble.¡± Edward added, ¡°They look about thirty, have slightly long faces, and carry a melancholic air.¡± ¡°And,¡± Hawk pointed out, ¡°they¡¯re all involved in the arts.¡± Eric rubbed his stubbled chin. ¡°That description sounds oddly familiar.¡± Hawk and Edward both turned to him, and Edward handed him a mirror. ¡°See for yourself.¡± Eric stared at his reflection: brown hair, stubble, a melancholic gaze, and a weathered long face. ¡°F***,¡± he muttered, realization dawning. ¡°No wonder¡­¡± Edward still looked puzzled, so Eric briefly recounted his locker room ordeal. ¡°I hate creeps like that!¡± Edward declared. ¡°Anyone messing with my friends deserves payback. Let¡¯s take him down!¡± Eric clarified, ¡°He didn¡¯t succeed, though.¡± Hawk redirected. ¡°We always take the initiative and create opportunities where none exist. The simpler the plan, the fewer the risks. I have an idea.¡± He gestured to the photos. ¡°We find someone with this look who¡¯s willing to work with us.¡± Eric hesitated. ¡°But Miller has more money. That could cause problems.¡± Hawk reassured him, ¡°We¡¯ll offer something Miller can¡¯t: opportunity. Eric, you¡¯re a director with backing from Castle Rock Entertainment. Finding an actor with this look shouldn¡¯t be hard.¡± Edward added, ¡°Hollywood is full of guys like that.¡± Eric thought it over. ¡°I could hold auditions under the guise of casting for my next project.¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± Hawk said. ¡°Someone willing to take a chance will show up.¡± Eric nodded. ¡°For the right role, many will jump at the chance.¡± Edward asked, ¡°What about his sponsors and team? Will they shield him like last time?¡± S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawk shook his head. ¡°Possibly, but less likely. My research shows that when major scandals break, sponsors are usually the first to cut ties.¡± Chapter 66: An Actor’s Craft Chapter 66: An Actor¡¯s Craft Los Angeles¡¯ sprawling acting community is legendary, with claims that one in five residents is an actor. Leveraging this, Hawk placed a recruitment ad under Eric¡¯s name in local newspapers. By that afternoon, Eric¡¯s temporary studio was packed with hopefuls. The initial selection process moved swiftly¡ªappearance was the primary filter. Acting skills, disposition, and psychological resilience eliminated many more. A few days later, four candidates made it onto Hawk¡¯s shortlist. He invited the most suitable one for a face-to-face meeting. The Candidate Kevin Lee arrived on time. At 30 years old, he¡¯d been pursuing acting for 11 years since moving to Los Angeles at 19. His most notable role was a bit part in a TV movie with seven lines. Eric descended from his upstairs office to update Hawk. ¡°In the interview, his acting was solid, and he fits Miller¡¯s type perfectly.¡± ¡°Eleven years as a struggling actor,¡± Hawk mused. ¡°He must have real determination.¡± The two went downstairs. Hawk entered an adjacent office, observing Kevin through a large one-way mirror. The man¡¯s brown hair, long face, and melancholic aura mirrored Eric¡¯s, making him a perfect decoy tailored for Miller Collins. Eric joined Kevin in the meeting room. Kevin stood up instinctively. ¡°Good morning, Director.¡± ¡°Have a seat,¡± Eric instructed, his tone direct. ¡°My film has been greenlit, with Castle Rock Entertainment co-financing. You can verify this with the Directors Guild and Producers Alliance.¡± ¡°I already did,¡± Kevin replied. After years of scams and exploitation in Hollywood, he was cautious by nature. Castle Rock¡¯s involvement meant the project was legitimate and would likely reach theaters. ¡°Good,¡± Eric continued. ¡°Let¡¯s get to the point. The role you¡¯re auditioning for is the film¡¯s male supporting lead, second only to the protagonists. Casting is entirely my decision.¡± Kevin, familiar with Hollywood¡¯s rules, asked, ¡°What do you need me to do, Director?¡± Eric¡¯s expression turned stern. ¡°Before securing the role, there¡¯s one thing you must do for me.¡± Kevin unbuttoned his shirt collar and said suggestively, ¡°Now? I¡¯m ready anytime.¡± Eric recoiled, coughing violently in disgust. ¡°Stop that nonsense¡ªI¡¯m into women.¡± Kevin froze, thrown off by this unexpected turn. His assumptions shattered, he wondered if he¡¯d misunderstood the situation entirely. ¡°Sit down,¡± Eric instructed, sipping water to calm himself. He explained the plan in detail. After a moment of thought, Kevin said, ¡°I can handle a one-night or even multiple-night stand if we hit it off. Even if things go south afterward, I can manage. But one thing is non-negotiable¡ªI won¡¯t do any filming. That¡¯s your job.¡± ¡°You won¡¯t need to touch a camera,¡± Eric assured him. ¡°Just be with him in the right setting.¡± Kevin, having waited 11 years for an opportunity like this, knew he had little left to lose¡ªhis body had already been traded plenty of times before. After a brief hesitation, Kevin declared, ¡°I want a contract with the production beforehand.¡± ¡°Bring your agent, and we¡¯ll sign today,¡± Eric promised. For an actor of Kevin¡¯s stature, finding an agent wasn¡¯t hard, even if he didn¡¯t have a dedicated one. By the end of the day, they¡¯d finalized the actor¡¯s contract. Kevin left his contact information, offering to stay at the studio for convenience. Its accommodations were far better than his current short-term rental. After Kevin left to pack his belongings, Eric turned to Hawk. ¡°What¡¯s the next step?¡± ¡°Start by prepping him,¡± Hawk said. ¡°How?¡± Eric asked. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawk grinned. ¡°Teach him your mannerisms, behavior, and vibe. If Miller couldn¡¯t resist you, there¡¯s something about your style he finds irresistible.¡± Eric groaned. ¡°Don¡¯t remind me¡ªit¡¯s a nightmare I want to forget.¡± The Waiting Game Hawk checked in with Edward, who was monitoring Miller Collins. ¡°He hasn¡¯t left his house all day,¡± Edward reported. ¡°Keep watching,¡± Hawk instructed. ¡°Let me know if there¡¯s any movement.¡± Days passed with Miller sticking to a routine: home, Tracy Gym, and a quick trip to San Diego with his agent for a team event. Edward and Eric grew restless. Eric, increasingly agitated, showed up with a split lip and blamed it on ¡°Katherine¡¯s hormones.¡± Edward sympathized. ¡°Being a director sounds rough.¡± ¡°Be patient,¡± Hawk advised, like a seasoned hunter stalking a fox. ¡°Edward¡¯s been combing through Miller¡¯s trash. Lately, it¡¯s been full of used sanitary products. Athletes have raging hormones¡ªhe won¡¯t hold out much longer. He¡¯ll start hunting soon.¡± Eric grimaced. ¡°This job is tougher than I thought.¡± Edward smirked. ¡°Our hard work justifies every dollar we earn.¡± The Lead Emerges After nearly a week, Miller finally deviated from his routine. Edward spotted Miller¡¯s Mercedes heading east on Wilshire Boulevard and immediately alerted Hawk. Hawk picked up the trail on Sunset Boulevard, taking over the pursuit. Miller eventually slowed near the Viper Room, a bar Hawk had encountered him at before. Calling Eric, Hawk instructed, ¡°Bring Kevin to the Viper Room immediately.¡± Miller parked, tossing his keys to the valet, and entered the bar alone. Hawk followed and found an empty table, quickly spotting Miller at the bar, drinking solo. Eric and Kevin arrived shortly after. Kevin entered the bar and found Miller at the counter, as instructed. Though his roles had been minor, Kevin was no stranger to navigating Hollywood¡¯s darker side, making him well-prepared for the encounter. Kevin approached an empty stool nearby and ordered loudly, ¡°A Cosmopolitan.¡± The cocktail, popular in certain circles, was almost a code. Miller¡¯s head turned at the sound, his gaze locking onto Kevin. Kevin¡¯s slim build, brown hair falling over his forehead, long face, stubble, and melancholic eyes exuded an artistic allure. Miller couldn¡¯t help but think of the director who had captivated him before. Noticing Miller¡¯s attention, Kevin nodded subtly. Miller raised his glass in response. Kevin picked up his Cosmopolitan, sealing the connection. In a place like this, subtle cues were enough. Miller moved over to Kevin¡¯s side. The two exchanged introductions, clinking glasses as they talked. ¡°What do you do?¡± Miller asked. ¡°I¡¯m an actor,¡± Kevin admitted honestly. ¡°Though not a very successful one. My biggest role was a minor part in a TV movie.¡± Miller asked for the movie¡¯s name and promised to watch it. After a few drinks, Miller received a call and had to leave early. As he exited the bar, he hesitated at the door, glancing back to find Kevin still nursing his drink alone. Encouraged, Miller returned and asked for Kevin¡¯s number before leaving. The Follow-Up Back home, Miller put his wife Maria to bed, then stepped onto the balcony to make a call. ¡°I met an actor today¡ªKevin Lee,¡± Miller said to a friend. ¡°He mentioned a TV movie he acted in. Have you heard of him?¡± ¡°No,¡± the friend replied. ¡°But I know someone connected to that production. I¡¯ll ask.¡± A few minutes later, the friend called back. ¡°Yes, he¡¯s real. A struggling actor with decent talent.¡± They added a warning. ¡°But my contact says he¡¯s gay. Be careful.¡± ¡°I understand,¡± Miller replied, though inwardly he was thrilled. The Next Morning Hawk received a call from Eric. ¡°Miller wants to meet Kevin again.¡± ¡°Tell Kevin to avoid hotels,¡± Hawk instructed. ¡°Suggest meeting at Miller¡¯s place instead.¡± Hotels could complicate things¡ªdaytime meetings rarely led to fireworks. Chapter 67: The Battle of Revenge Chapter 67: The Battle of Revenge A red Jeep Wrangler turned off 20th Street into the Palisades neighborhood. Miller Collins was at the wheel, his right hand resting on Kevin¡¯s leg. The two exchanged a warm, knowing smile. Trailing behind at a careful distance was Edward in a black van, with Hawk in the passenger seat. ¡°It¡¯s almost certain he¡¯s headed for the house he rents,¡± Hawk remarked. He had prepared multiple contingency plans depending on the location: beach, park, house, or hotel. The house was a middle-ground option; hotels were the least desirable. Since Kevin couldn¡¯t directly suggest an outdoor location without arousing suspicion, the rented house was their best bet. As the Jeep turned into a driveway, Miller pressed a button on the remote, opening the gates. While the car stopped inside, Kevin glanced at his phone to check a vibrating notification¡ªa new text from Eric. He quickly read it before pocketing the device and stepping out. Looking at the sparkling blue pool in the front yard, Kevin exclaimed, ¡°Wow, what a beautiful pool! Can we swim later?¡± S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Of course,¡± Miller replied, pulling Kevin along. ¡°Come on, I¡¯ll give you a tour of the house.¡± Outside the House Edward parked the van a short distance away. Eric stared at the high black walls and the thick trees surrounding the property, frustration etched on his face. ¡°How are we supposed to record this? Should we break in? What if he has a gun? Maybe I should go in alone with the camera.¡± ¡°Relax,¡± Hawk said calmly. ¡°I can¡¯t sit still!¡± Eric snapped. ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± Edward grinned. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, our boss is the master of climbing poles. His nickname¡¯s ¡®The Lamppost Warrior!¡¯¡± Eric, intrigued, asked, ¡°What, like stringing someone up there?¡± Edward gestured exaggeratedly. ¡°No, climbing up and down until the pole¡¯s worn smooth. That kind of skill.¡± Ignoring the banter, Hawk observed the surroundings. Spotting the lift truck nearby, he said, ¡°Turn around and head for that lift truck.¡± Eric looked at the towering trees and the lift¡¯s height, then grabbed Hawk¡¯s arm. ¡°You¡¯re a genius!¡± The Lift Truck Hawk approached the workers, speaking loudly, ¡°Who¡¯s in charge here? I have a business proposition.¡± One of the men yelled back, ¡°This is a dangerous work zone. Stay back!¡± Edward joined, hands on his hips. ¡°Want to make some money? Then step forward.¡± From behind the cones, a burly man with a safety helmet and reflective vest strode over. Spotting Edward, he exclaimed, ¡°Savior! You troublemaker!¡± Edward, recognizing the man, laughed. ¡°Bull Daddy! Didn¡¯t expect to see you here.¡± The man known as Bull Daddy crossed his arms. ¡°Still causing chaos with those women, Savior?¡± ¡°I¡¯m rescuing them,¡± Edward retorted. ¡°Without me, they¡¯d wither away in their loneliness.¡± Hawk cleared his throat, refocusing the conversation. Edward introduced the two. ¡°This is my boss. And this is my former boss, Bull Daddy. Used to be in landscaping¡ªlooks like he¡¯s switched careers.¡± Hawk cut to the chase. ¡°I need to borrow your lift truck for two hours. Name your price.¡± Bull Daddy thought for a moment. ¡°$1,000¡ªand that¡¯s a discount for the Savior¡¯s sake.¡± Eric didn¡¯t hesitate, pulling a wad of cash from his pocket and handing it over. ¡°For the next two hours, you¡¯re working for us.¡± Bull Daddy grinned, pocketing the money. ¡°Pack it up, boys. We¡¯ve got a side gig!¡± Hawk requested uniforms for everyone. Bull Daddy obliged, pulling reflective vests, helmets, and work clothes from the truck. Setting Up the Operation Three vehicles¡ªthe lift truck, Bull Daddy¡¯s pickup, and the van¡ªpulled up near Miller¡¯s house. Hawk noticed a black-and-white patrol car approaching. He warned his team, ¡°Look busy. Don¡¯t talk.¡± The three donned their safety gear and started placing cones around the lift truck. The patrol car slowed as the passenger window rolled down, revealing a middle-aged Black officer. ¡°Bull, working faster today?¡± the officer asked. Bull Daddy laughed. ¡°Trying to stretch out the job, officer. If I finish too quick, I¡¯ll go broke!¡± The officer chuckled and drove off. Once the patrol car was out of sight, Hawk handed the camera to Eric and pointed to the lift. ¡°Think you can handle it? If not, don¡¯t push yourself.¡± Eric, buoyed by the adrenaline of revenge, grinned. ¡°I¡¯ve shot from rooftops before. This is nothing.¡± Hawk cautioned, ¡°Safety first, no matter what happens.¡± Eric climbed into the lift basket, which rose steadily under Bull Daddy¡¯s guidance. ¡°Position it behind the treetops,¡± Hawk directed. The lift ascended, its basket hidden by the tree canopy, offering Eric a clear view over the high walls. Capturing the Scene Inside the walls, a private pool sparkled under the sun. Eric steadied the camera, the lens aimed squarely at the scene below. The house¡¯s side door opened, and Miller emerged with Kevin, both dressed in swimsuits. They moved toward the pool, and Eric adjusted the zoom to capture clear close-ups. The two men jumped into the pool, splashing and playing before suddenly embracing. Kevin retreated to the pool¡¯s edge, sitting on the rim as Miller leaned in, his head lowering¡ª Eric¡¯s camera recorded it all. As Miller pulled back, wiping his mouth, something caught his eye. He turned sharply toward the trees, spotting the reflection of Eric¡¯s lens. ¡°Hey! Stop filming me, you bastard!¡± Miller shouted, pointing furiously. Eric panicked slightly, shouting down, ¡°Lower me! He saw us!¡± The lift descended slowly. Inside the yard, Miller grabbed Kevin¡¯s arm. ¡°Let¡¯s get inside!¡± Kevin, playing his part perfectly, stumbled and fell dramatically on the way. Damage Control Inside the house, Miller threw on clothes and frantically made phone calls. Kevin, feigning panic, paced nervously. ¡°What do we do?¡± Miller reassured him, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll handle it.¡± He handed Kevin a gift box. ¡°No matter what happens, don¡¯t say a word.¡± Chapter 68: Sowing Discord [Chapter 68: Sowing Discord] Outside the black wall, the lift gently landed at the bottom. Hawke quickly asked, "Did he spot you?" "He saw me," Eric handed the camera over to Hawke, unable to suppress a grin. "I got everything I needed." Since they couldn''t linger, Hawke instructed Edward and Eric, "Let''s move." He glanced at Benjamin Daniels and asked, "You not coming with us?" Benjamin Daniels waved cheerily, "Wish you guys safe travels." Even with the best plans, unexpected situations could arise, just like the surprise of Edward knowing Benjamin ''Bull Daddy'' Daniels. If he dared to use it, he also had to be ready for the risks it entailed. ... The three hopped back in the car, and Edward slammed down on the gas, shooting the van forward. Hawke took out his laptop in the back and connected the camera to download the footage. He hit play. With enough daylight, Eric''s professional level showed in the clear footage -- the moment Miller and Kevin emerged, their faces were instantly recognizable. As for what happened next, it was quite the eye-opener, with some parts straight out of scandalous realms. Finally, as Eric got caught, the video abruptly ended. Hawke gathered several storage drives and made copies, saying to Eric, "Your filming skills are impressive. When you get a moment, teach the Savior a thing or two." Driving, Edward chimed in, "Boss, don''t you think my video has a rare sense of authenticity?" Eric, feeling good, retorted, "What authenticity? You shot it terribly." He grew worried, "I wonder if Miller recognized me." As Hawke focused on making copies, he said dismissively, "Not a big deal." But Edward wasn''t done, "Let him recognize you! Knowing who''s behind this will make revenge all the more satisfying!" Eric shot a look at the driver, "Savior, your theory is unique, but it sounds quite plausible." Hawke stated, "The moment that Bull recognized the Savior, our risk of exposure spiked. Unless we drop this today, but it''s fine; sooner or later, we''ll have to face something similar. It''s better to get it over with." Edward scratched his head, "I didn''t expect to run into Bull Daddy here; last time we passed through, he wasn''t by the lift." "Doesn''t matter," Hawke replied, having finished making a copy and handing one to Eric. "Keep one for yourself." He added simply, "A hot star often represents a complex web of interests; we''ve acted quickly in the past, and the subjects had no clue about us; all the real pressure falls on the buyers." ?¨¤?¦Ï§£¨§? Eric replied, "I''m not afraid." Hawke warned, "Take special care over the next few days; don''t go out causing trouble. Stay close to me." Edward was no issue, but Eric needed to first call Katherine to discuss operations for the new project with Hawke. Hawke created a few more copies, and as the van turned onto Santa Monica Boulevard, passing by the Bank of America, he made Edward pull over. He grabbed one copy to bring into the bank and opened a safe deposit box. ... On the other side, Miller had made a few calls and hurried out the front door. The high-lift work vehicle remained parked; the workers on it were still maintaining the street lamps and poles. Miller spotted Benjamin Daniels right away and fast-walked over, demanding, "Were you guys responsible for that?" "Not us," Benjamin Daniels replied with a laugh, showing his crooked teeth. "They borrowed our truck, then they ran off." Several workers sidled up, standing behind their boss. Miller quickly steadied himself, asking coolly, "Who are they?" Benjamin Daniels lingered, clearly with an agenda as he beamed at Miller. Miller understood the game all too well, rummaging through his pocket to pull out a wallet, taking out all the cash and stuffing it in Benjamin Daniels''s hand. "Tell me who they are; how do I find them?" Benjamin Daniels pocketed the cash with a grin. "There were three of them, I only recognize one -- he''s called the Savior, real name Edward Connor, from Compton. I''ve got his phone number..." Miller noted down the name and number; he saw Benjamin Daniels''s numbers were overwhelming and turned back, receiving a call from his agent yelling, "Get over here quickly!" He hung up, composed himself, and dialed the number he had just noted. The situation needed swift resolution. Miller dialed the number. ... In the van, Edward''s phone suddenly chimed. He took it out, seeing it was an unknown number. Upon answering, a stranger''s voice replied, "Edward Connor, the Savior, right? This is Miller Collins." S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Edward switched to speakerphone mode. Miller continued, "Since I know who you are, I can find you. I''m not sure what you want, but I advise you to give me what you''ve filmed, or I will use my vast resources to hunt you down. At that point, it won''t be a calm conversation anymore." Edward didn''t hesitate, replying in a teasing tone, "Oh no! I''m so scared of you coming after me!" After issuing his threat, Miller''s tone shifted. "You want money, right? Just return the footage, and I''ll hand over $500,000, no problem." Hearing that number struck Edward''s breathless. Hawke, ever the schemer, remained silent. Eric could hardly contain himself, shouting, "You think money can fix this? Just so you know, I''m the one who filmed it! Eric Emerson!" Miller quickly realized, "You? You''re the trash director! You think just filming it allows you to release it? My team, my sponsors, my agency will all turn against you! No media outlet will touch this; they still won''t use it even if we deliver it to them!" He retorted, "Taking you down is like squashing an ant!" Eric thought about the intel they had gathered and realized Miller was indeed powerful. Miller tried to sow discord among them: "Hey, Savior, you''ve got another buddy. Just bring the footage to me, and I''ll give you $1 million -- cash today." A seven-figure sum was an undeniably tempting offer, especially for broke guys like Hawke and Edward. Eric trembled slightly, conspicuously looking toward Hawke, a frown of worry plastered on his face. Hawke was ready for this and finally spoke up, "No media will touch it? That''s fine, we''ll make three hundred copies and send them for free to every TV station, newspaper, and internet news site in the country. Someone will bite." Miller hissed, "You fools won''t get anywhere..." "Fool is you," Hawke shot back, more piercingly, adding, "By the way, your team, your friends, your sponsors will all get copies. Does your teammate know you''re gay? I bet not. I''m a caring person; I''ll help notify the team." He slowed down, "If they found out, wouldn''t that be something? Would they dare to shower and change clothes with you? You might just encounter betrayal." Silence fell on the other end. In killing someone, targeting the heart is essential. Hawke twisted the knife and turned it thrice, "Oh, your sponsors are quite a few; they''re certainly strong. I recall several brands are male-oriented, looking for a healthy image. If they learn you''re gay, they might have a dramatic change of heart -- are you ready to inform them? I could help you with that call." "No!" Miller almost shouted. It was evident that Hawke had thrown him off balance. Since Hawke was helping Eric, he was going all in: "And what about your wife and daughter? Do they know you''re such a troublemaker? Or, should I say, are you the one creating troubles for them? What would they think of you? I have your wife''s number; I can call her anytime." With a fierce front, Miller lost his previous bravado. Then the call abruptly ended. Edward remarked, "Boss, he thought we didn''t understand anything; little did he know we know more than he does!" Eric stared at Hawke, not sure what to say next. How many friendships could withstand a million dollars'' test? He mimicked Edward''s tone. "Boss, I was worried that they were really powerful. Hearing him, I realize he''s just a bluff." "Don''t be careless," Hawke reiterated. "He has money, and money can do a lot." Without hesitation, Eric responded, "I''m with you." Edward asked, "Boss, was what you said true?" Hawke replied, "It mainly puts him off-balance, so he''s less likely to use those resources. Miller is a professional athlete; his greatest marketability lies in his masculinity, and being gay would ruin everything. Football doesn''t welcome LGBTQ." In ten years, Hawke would never say those things over the phone. He glanced at the time and continued, "To prevent Miller and his allies from striking back, we need to find allies of our own to stand firm against the pressure." Edward reacted instantly, "Media, big media!" Hawke affirmed, "I checked; Miller''s sponsoring brands aren''t main advertisers for Fox. Channel 11 remains our best bet." Fox was an excellent source of protection. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 69: You Messed with the Wrong People [Chapter 69: You Messed with the Wrong People] In the business van, Hawke pulled out his Nokia phone and dialed Megan Taylor''s number. "Are you at work? I just got some explosive news. It''s almost as big as when Downey got shot, and the ripple effects could be even greater." Megan immediately shouted from the other end, "Where are you?" Hawke glanced outside. "Santa Monica Boulevard, just got to Westwood." "I live in Westwood. Just come to my place," Megan offered a quick address. Hawke hung up and repeated it to Edward. The van turned south at the next intersection, heading towards West Olympic Boulevard. ... Within five minutes, the vehicle stopped in front of a small, standalone villa. Hawke grabbed his laptop, stepped out on his own, and stood in front of the visual intercom, pressing the doorbell. The door opened, and Megan''s voice floated out. "Come in, but remember to close the door behind you." Hawke crossed the small yard, and by the time he reached the front door, Megan had already pulled it open. She wore a satin house robe, her face fresh-faced without makeup. "You arrived too quickly; I haven''t had time to change." Hawke complimented her, "You''re naturally beautiful, even without makeup." "Thanks." Megan got straight to the point. "You''ve been slacking lately; it''s been a while since you''ve brought any hot news. Whose scoop did you get this time?" Sitting on the couch, Hawke opened his laptop. "San Diego Chargers star receiver Miller Collins. He''s gay and messing around with men." Megan turned to him, looking a bit surprised. "I thought he had a family." "The model husband in the NFL, wife and kids," Hawke clicked on a video. "It''s a little eye-catching." Megan had seen all kinds of news before and remained unusually calm. As the two appeared on screen, she hit the enter key to pause and confirm their identities. When it reached the crucial moment, she did the same, pausing again to ascertain the extent of the content. After watching through, she lamented, "The critical parts need to be blurred. It really loses a lot of interest." Hawke commented, "The other person isn''t a public figure, so his face can''t be shown." "I know." Megan wasted no time. "What''s your price?" Hawke didn''t immediately state a figure; instead, he said, "Just ten minutes ago, Miller himself called me, offering $1 million to buy back the video." Before Megan could react, he slightly shook his head. "But I turned him down. Claire had previously called me, saying ''Midnight Entertainment'' was seeing a drop in ratings and lacked any sensational news; I thought this scoop could help you." Megan scrutinized him, trying to discern the truth in his words. "What are you getting at?" Hawke explained, "First, your offer needs to be reasonable. Second, you need to withstand the pressure. ''Midnight Entertainment'' has to break this story. Otherwise, there''s no point in us talking." ???????????¨º???? Megan placed her hand on the laptop. "This scoop is mine." She pulled out a small phone from her robe pocket and dialed Claire''s number. "Find out how many brands Miller Collins from the San Diego Chargers has endorsement deals with, and check if any are the main advertisers for Channel 11 or any TV station." Hawke remained silent, knowing Megan wasn''t fully confident in him. The call on the other end quickly returned. "No main advertisers, but there are ads running on Fox; the scale isn''t large." Megan hung up. "I guarantee it''ll air." Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke added, "There are clearer broadcasting terms. If you get authorization but don''t air it, I''ll take it to other media platforms." Megan needed explosive news even more; she needed someone who could continually provide it. She fixed her gaze on Hawke. "If someone really pressures me, I''ll resign to resist them." The show''s ratings directly impacted her career. "$150,000." Hawke cut her off from negotiating. "The higher the sunk cost, the less pressure you''ll face." Megan replied, "$150,000 is my maximum authorization; that''s what I can offer." Hawke tilted his head toward the door. "Let''s head to the station." Megan responded, "Wait for me to change." ... Santa Monica, Palisades. Miller hung up the phone, feeling dazed as he returned to his house. It felt as if all his vitality had been sucked away by Hawke from a distance. After a long moment, he regained his senses and found Kevin missing, his gift replaced by a note. The note simply read, "Goodbye." Miller furrowed his brow, putting it aside temporarily since his agent and publicist had arrived. The last one to come in was his friend from childhood. A tattooed white guy named Henry. Miller quickly recapped the situation, including what Hawke had said. Neither the publicist nor the agent were surprised about him messing around with men. Without any damaging rumors, how could that still be considered a star? The agent said, "That guy was right. If this gets out to the team, it''s going to be a mess. You''re in your contract year, negotiating a renewal with the team, and we''re still working on landing a big deal." He looked pained as if he might explode. "The sponsors are going to be worse. When there''s profit involved, they''re quicker than anyone else. If they push down on it and use too much of their resources, they''ll be the first to abandon you. They''ll not only cut their ties immediately but could also accuse you of a breach of contract." Miller still held onto some hope. "Can''t they help me contain this?" The publicist shattered his illusion. "You''re not Jordan, you''re not Manning, you''re not Woods. In their eyes, you don''t hold that much value. If a video lands in the hands of major media, how much do you think they''d spend to manage your crisis and suppress the news? To abandon you? All they need is to activate the breach clauses and find a new spokesperson. When past stars faced PR crises, the first thing sponsors did was to cut ties!" Miller''s heart sank lower, almost to the ocean floor. "You''re facing a formidable opponent this time. From what you''re saying, this guy sounds tough." The agent''s face was serious. "He investigated you before shooting, accounting for all of this." The publicist added, "That Kevin is probably bait sent out by them." As Miller slowly pulled himself together, he had considered this idea. The agent wanted to say he had messed with the wrong person, but ultimately held his tongue. Miller looked at the public relations manager and then at the agent. "What do we do next?" The publicist stood and walked a few steps. "We divide it into three parts. First, keep contacting those people; whether it''s through apologies or hefty bribes, we must temporarily stop the video from reaching the media. It''s best to reach a confidentiality agreement. As long as the video doesn''t fall into the hands of major media, we can still find a way." Miller sighed, "I offered a million bucks, and they turned me down." He felt helpless. "I just bought a house in LA; I don''t have that much cash on hand. They''re too alert to trick." The publicist nodded, continuing, "Second, we need to apply pressure to the media. I''ll do my best in this regard, but don''t get your hopes too high. If the video lands with smaller media, we can handle it; if it ends up with the or Fox''s subsidiaries, it''ll be incredibly difficult. Be prepared with over $5 million cash." Such a hefty sum, Miller couldn''t manage. Liquidating fixed assets took time. Coming from a traditional white family, he had no connections in the media industry''s entangled web. The publicist continued, "Beyond conventional methods, there are unconventional ones. You mentioned two names?" Miller said, "Eric Emerson, a small director; I looked him up -- he only has one tape movie. The other is Edward Connor, nicknamed the Savior, a blue-collar worker from Compton. I haven''t found anything else on him yet." The agent added, "Anyone hanging with these two isn''t going to have high connections." High-end public relations, much like high-end business battles, often came off plain and straightforward. The publicist said directly, "Let''s look into them; we''ll do our best to stall them with conventional means." He turned to Henry, Miller''s friend. "As for unconventional means, we aren''t equipped for that." Henry answered, "Leave that to me." The agent picked up the phone, contacting people in and out of the media industry. Hawke and Edward had sold plenty of stories and photos. Before long, the agent gathered information from the and about West Coast Media Entertainment Studio. Then, through the company name, they dug up more details. Henry came from a white gang organization and quickly gathered a crew. ... Century City, Fox Television Center. Hawke signed the agreement and received a $150,000 check. Megan had returned from the Channel 11 director''s office and called Hawke into her office immediately. Hawke settled on the couch in the waiting area, asking, "Did you get things sorted with the director?" "Don''t worry, the news will definitely air," Megan replied simply. "To avoid leaks, only I, Claire, and channel director Cynthia know the specifics right now. Since it involves three advertisers, as per our agreement, we''ll notify them three hours before the broadcast." "I believe you can handle the pressure." Hawke prepared to say goodbye. But Megan called him back. "Hawke, I need to remind you of something." Hawke looked at her. "There''s a media friend who called to ask about the news. I evaded her questions, but she let slip that someone is inquiring about the West Coast Studio," Megan warned. Hawke nodded. "I understand." Megan cautioned, "Be careful. I''m counting on you to bring more hot news." "Thanks." Hawke left the office and quickly left. ... After rejoining Edward and Eric, he instructed the former to drive back to East Hollywood. He remarked, "They''re looking for us." Edward replied, "I keep getting calls on my phone. I didn''t answer them, just like you said." Hawke urged, "Stay alert while driving." Eric seemed nervous. "Is a high-stakes business war coming?" Hawke nodded slightly, removed his workout jacket, slipped on a shoulder holster, and pulled out the legally purchased Glock 19 to slide into the holster. He rummaged through his clothing pockets and found the gun permit he had just received two days earlier. The business van returned smoothly to East Hollywood. Hawke pointed to the ranch park. "Don''t go back to the studio; head to the parking lot, and let''s go to Frank''s." He had already considered that they might be facing high-end business dealings, so he had prepared accordingly. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 70: Creepy House [Chapter 70: This House Is Too Creepy] As night fell, Hawke sat atop the RV, raising his binoculars to survey the studio across the road once more. Edward took a sip of water and asked, "Boss, should I call DaShawn and the others?" Hawke waved him off, "No need, let''s first see what''s happening." Eric expressed some regret, "I''m really sorry for dragging you into this mess." Hawke shook his head, "Come on, buddy, we don''t need to exchange pleasantries like that." Eric pressed his lips tightly together. "Ah..." Frank sighed inwardly, realizing the foolish guy was likely going to take a bullet for that jerk for a long time to come. He took a sip of cold beer and said, "Hey, guys, you''re not grateful for my hospitality?" Hawke raised his arm and gave him the finger without a second thought. Frank snapped back, "I was living a peaceful and happy life, carefree! What about you? You clearly want to break up my retirement!" "Last time at the party, you said you were lacking excitement," Edward retorted. "We''re giving you a show, and you haven''t even paid for the ticket." Hawke raised a hand, cutting them off, "There''s movement." Frank sprang up like he was twenty years younger, leaping over with renewed energy. He snatched Edward''s binoculars, squinting at the scene across the road. "Four people just got out of that black Chevy. Looks like they''re heading to your studio." Hawke had already spotted them. Edward and Eric wanted to speak. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke whispered, "Don''t rush it, just wait." But Frank said to Edward, "Get me my taser from the nightstand over there." Hawke commented, "You''re getting old." Frank shot back, "Without a bit of special excitement, I''m afraid I won''t even be able to lift my gun in the future." Edward headed down to fetch the taser gun. ... Across Fountain Street, Lewis, Harvey, Puyol, and Sergio exited the Chevy, checking their pockets for guns and knives as they scouted their surroundings. ?§¡??B?? It was clear the dark house was empty. The former made a call, "Boss, we''re here. Their car isn''t here, and neither are the people." On the other end, Henry responded, "Find a way in and remember to grab all the video and photo storage devices, including computers, discs, and hard drives." "Got it." Lewis hung up, pulled on gloves, and asked, "Is there any surveillance?" The big-mouthed Harvey replied, "I didn''t see any." Lewis declared, "Puyol, it''s your turn. Go open the door." Puyol donned some gloves from his toolkit, approached the front door, glanced at the "West Coast Media Entertainment Studio" plaque, and began to work on it. For a pro, any commercial-grade anti-theft lock was just a minor hurdle. It was almost like using a key; he easily unlocked the door. Sergio stood guard outside while Lewis and the others stepped into the house, switching on their flashlights to search around. Puyol naturally scanned the corners, spotting the safe and saying, "I''ll go open it." Lewis told Harvey, "Search elsewhere." Puyol knelt in front of the wall, working on the safe lock. This safe was the common type available on the market, posing little challenge for him. Lewis''s flashlight landed on a shelf, revealing a black camera, some videotapes, and disc cases. He motioned to Harvey, who took off his backpack and headed toward the shelf. The two opened the backpack, tossing the camera and tapes inside. Meanwhile, Puyol succeeded in opening the safe and shined his flashlight inside. The most noticeable items inside were several disc cases -- exactly what they needed. When they arrived, the boss had instructed them to take anything that could store video and photos. Puyol reached in, but immediately noticed something was off. The cover of the disc case felt like a thin sheet of paper, collapsing under his grip. Numerous sharp objects, as fine as needles, pierced through his gloves and jabbed his fingers. Then, an indescribable pain surged through his fingertips, a strange numbness and weakness rapidly spreading throughout his body. Puyol froze, as if his body and mind had been immobilized by an electric charge. On the other side, Lewis and Harvey were quickly collecting the videotapes, oblivious to Puyol''s plight. After grabbing the tapes, they moved on to retrieve the disc-like items. As Harvey reached out, he tore the paper layer with his finger, revealing a cluster of sharp steel needles, which broke through the gloves and contacted his skin. An electric shock coursed through him, surging like a wave. Harvey shuddered violently, eyes rolling back as he fell backward, crashing to the ground. Lewis jumped, turning back to see Harvey convulsing on the floor, urgently asking, "What''s wrong with you?" Harvey couldn''t respond at all. Lewis immediately sensed something was off, pulling his gun and turning to the corner, "This isn''t right -- let''s move!" No movement came from the corner. Shining his flashlight over, he saw Puyol still crouched there, but his body slumped forward, his head resting against the safe. "What the hell is this place?" Lewis panicked, scared of an invisible enemy, asking himself, "Are the people in this studio all monsters?" Lewis nudged Harvey, but he was unresponsive. They couldn''t stay here. The mission wasn''t worth his life. Lewis stood up and left. As for Harvey and Puyol, he couldn''t worry about them now; he''d call the boss when it was safe. The boss was smart and would definitely know what to do. ... On the sidewalk outside the studio, Hawke wore a headset and sported a tracksuit and sneakers, resembling any jogger out for a night run as he closed in on the studio entrance. Sergio, who was keeping watch on the sidewalk, glanced at Hawke before returning his focus to the vehicles. Hawke seemed oblivious to him and continued running past. When they were within five meters of each other, Hawke swiftly pulled out his taser from beneath his jacket and aimed it at Sergio, firing. The electric dart shot out, hitting Sergio square in the chest. He had no time to react, stumbling backward and falling to the ground. Hawke rushed over, quickly checked, threw a knife far away, and confirmed the guy was incapacitated before signaling across the street. Edward, Eric, and Frank dashed over. Frank held two shoelaces, instructing Edward and Eric to twist the guy''s arms behind his back and expertly bind him. Next, he moved to tie his legs. Hawke crept toward the studio entrance, whispering, "Keep him from making a sound." Frank removed his shoes, taking off a sock to stuff in Sergio''s mouth. Sergio, who had slightly regained consciousness, was hit by a foul smell that choked him and felt as if he were dying. Extraordinary reflexes kicked in, his eyes rolling back, and he fainted again. Edward quietly asked, "Old beggar, you''re surprisingly skillful?" "Oh, I used to tie up actresses all the time." Frank seized the moment to boast, "Many actresses voluntarily came to me, begging me to tie them up." Hawke, along with Edward and Eric, felt like taking a moment to punch this old man instead of worrying about the scumbags inside the house. He interrupted Frank''s bragging, "Call 911." Eric took out his phone and quietly dialed. Hawke pressed against the wall, reaching the studio''s entrance. Suddenly, a white man burst out the door in a panic. Hawke swiftly kicked his calf. Lewis, eager to escape the bizarre house, sprinted out, feeling as if his leg had struck a metal post, tumbling forward and landing hard on the ground, losing his gun in the process. His backpack, unzipped, spilled several items onto the ground, including a shattered camera model. Edward, seizing the opportunity, dashed over and applied the technique Hawke had taught him, curling his heavy knee down right onto the back of Lewis''s neck. Lewis struggled in vain, unable to rise or breathe, gasping out, "I can''t breathe... I can''t breathe..." Yet Edward didn''t let up, pressing down harder, shouting for Eric and Frank, "Come help!" Eric ran over with two shoelaces in hand. Frank reluctantly removed another sock, pinching Sergio''s nose and expertly stuffing it into his mouth. Once they had tied him up, Edward finally stood. Frank glanced at the scattered items from the backpack, warning Hawke, "The camera got smashed." Hawke replied, "Just a toy model." ... At the same time, a patrol car rolled up, and two officers stepped out, first neutralizing the gun and knife threat. Hawke pulled out a card, held it up, and briefly explained the situation. After inspecting the card, one officer called for backup. When another patrol car arrived, the four held their guns protectively as they entered the studio, finding two knocked out inside. Hawke stepped in as well, flipping off the switch under the desk. One of the officers radioed for medical assistance, while the other approached Hawke asking, "What happened here?" "I''m in media and public relations, and I often run into trouble. I installed some security measures in the studio," Hawke explained. "I have surveillance cameras -- they should''ve captured everything." The officer replied, "Make a copy; it''ll make things safer to handle later." Outside the studio, Frank pulled out his phone and made a call. Once he got through, he said, "Hey buddy, I''m running into some trouble. I''m at a party with a few friends in an RV, and some idiots broke into my friend''s studio to steal stuff. They were armed with guns and knives." He chuckled, "Of course, I''m fine. You know me; I can hold my own. With a few friends, we managed to subdue them. Can you make a call to ensure they take this seriously?" The other end confirmed, and after hanging up, Frank saw Edward hiding behind him, eavesdropping and kicked at him, "Go on, plant some cotton if there''s nothing wrong!" Edward dodged, looking at Frank, astonished, "Old beggar, were you really being serious about all that?" Frank, exuding confidence, shot back, "Am I here to boast to kids like you? No need!" Edward hurried off to find Hawke. Hawke nodded slightly after he finished speaking, "If he''s willing to help, I''ll owe him that favor." Minutes later, a sheriff and his subordinates arrived to oversee the situation. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 71: Destroying Careers, and Families [Chapter 71: Destroying Careers, Destroying Families] The Hollywood precinct was under the management of the West Los Angeles division, where four suspects were brought in after receiving urgent medical treatment. Hawke, Edward, Eric, and Frank, who were involved, decided to go there as well. The police had obtained copies of the internal and external surveillance footage, and since Hawke was a known figure at West Los Angeles precinct, everything went smoothly. Frank even made a phone call, and a female police officer recognized Hawke and discreetly contacted Erica. Once Hawke finished his statement and exited the office, he saw Erica waiting at the door. "Don''t you have patrol duty?" Hawke asked, noticing Erica''s fully armed uniform, and he noticed her police rank had been raised. Erica knew how to play it cool: "A colleague of mine saw you being brought in and called me. I was worried something might''ve happened to you, so I came to check." She asked, "What happened?" "It might be trouble from the news I was working on. A few gang members broke into my studio to steal something," Hawke casually explained. Erica raised an eyebrow: "You modified the safe with an electric shock?" Just then, Frank came over and chimed in: "It''s more than that. He was worried the thieves would wear gloves, so he even equipped the safe with steel needles." Erica was at a loss for words. Hawke had his own theory: "Who keeps valuable items in a safe? Installing a safe is just waiting for someone to steal it, so of course, I had to take some necessary measures." Frank was impressed: "You''re a genius. The safe manufacturers should hire you as a designer." Hawke ignored the old man and said to Erica, "Those four thieves definitely had someone behind them. Can you keep an eye on it? It''d be best if you could find out who it is." Erica replied, "I''ll ask around." She quickly left the room, only to return not long after with information: "All four of them have prior records, but they''re tight-lipped about who they were working for. It might take some time." Hawke stated plainly, "I mentioned to the officers during the statement that I suspect it''s related to Miller Collins." Erica added, "The gang those four are part of is called the Dwarfs'' Gang, comprised entirely of white males. Be careful." Hawke agreed, "I will." As Erica spotted her partner Julian arriving, she pointed at her watch: "I''ve got to go; I''ve still got patrol." "Be careful out there," Hawke said. Erica smiled and exited. Frank suddenly lowered his voice: "That watch she wears is quite pricey." "Read the writing on the wall," Hawke replied, and they waited a moment in the waiting area until Edward was the last one to exit. The sheriff in charge of the scene spoke with the four of them, indicating that they would handle the situation with strict measures and asked Hawke to log his losses for compensation later. ?????N?????§¦???? Frank felt Hawke was inexperienced and took the forms from him, filling them out, exaggerating the value of all items - for instance, a toy camera was claimed to be a professional digital camera. The thugs were undoubtedly heading to prison. ... By the time the four of them left West L.A. precinct, it was already past eight o''clock at night. Once in the car, Hawke said to Edward, "Let''s head to the Fox Television Center." Frank immediately guessed, "You plan to sell the surveillance footage?" "Of course," Hawke replied. "They broke into my studio, damaged my camera model, and wasted so much of my electricity. I have to cover my losses." Frank was skeptical, thinking that one day, Hawke might even sell himself as news. Upon arriving at Fox Tower, Hawke carried his laptop upstairs alone. Just as he entered the Midnight Entertainment crew area, he saw Megan Taylor arguing with someone. "This news must be retracted," the short-haired woman said sternly. "Miller Collins is the spokesperson for three of our advertisers; your actions could cause significant financial loss!" Megan remained calm: "Just an hour ago, I called and emailed all three companies according to company policy." She knew why the woman was there and didn''t engage in an argument: "Director Cynthia approved the publication." The woman retorted, "Don''t use Director Cynthia to pressure me..." Megan interrupted her, "Jessica, we''re Channel 11 under the Fox Network. Do you really believe the esteemed Fox would cave to three advertisers over this?" Jessica realized her efforts had failed and turned to leave without saying anything further. Once in a secluded hallway, she pulled out her phone: "Sorry, I can''t stop it. Fox has already pushed it into the release schedule unless you can handle Cynthia Rosenberg or Roger Ailes." No matter how it turned out, she had tried her best and could justify the salary she received. ... In the lobby of the crew, Megan saw Hawke and looked a bit surprised: "You''re back? Or did something else happen?" Hawke tapped his laptop: "We need to talk privately." Megan led him into her office. "About an hour ago, my studio was attacked," Hawke sat back on the couch in the reception area, opened his laptop, and explained what had happened while showing Megan the footage. Megan naturally sat next to Hawke, closely watching the video. In high definition on the surveillance footage, the nameplate of the studio was blurred out, but everything else was almost fully visible. Seeing the two thieves fall, Megan couldn''t understand: "What happened?" Hawke simply replied, "The safe was set up with electric needles, and so were the storage racks." Megan asked, "Did you anticipate they would make a move?" Hawke thought for a moment and said, "You''re in the news business; you should know better than I do. High-end business wars and upscale public relations will use any means necessary." Megan was genuinely impressed this time: "You even used your studio to create news." Hawke continued, "They''re infringing on press freedom! A reporter got video of Miller Collins, and then gang members broke into the reporter''s studio. If it''s said there''s no connection to Miller, a five-year-old wouldn''t believe it." He was always keen on urgency: "Aren''t you looking for crime-related celebrity news? Well, here it is!" Megan had similar thoughts, and when the surveillance video finished, she said, "There''s no evidence to connect the two, but I can design and guide the presentation to easily provoke audience associations." Hawke seized the opportunity: "So, this celebrity crime news video for $30,000 isn''t too expensive, right?" Megan, needing the footage, shot back, "No more than $10,000." Hawke replied, "Deal." Megan went to make a call, asking Claire to send the storage drive and agreements over. As Hawke copied the video, he asked, "Have you notified the advertisers yet?" "Standard notification; there were some hiccups, but it was within my control," Megan called out as she got busy, "Just wait and see the news when you get home." Having signed the authorization agreement, Hawke took a $10,000 check and headed down the elevator. ... When he reached the first floor, he bumped into Caroline Jones, greeting her: "Long time no see, Miss Baa." Caroline responded, "Country bumpkin." Hawke suddenly thought of a possibility: "Could Miller Collins'' PR be you?" He asked, "What are you doing here?" Caroline glanced toward the elevator entrance: "I''m accompanying a client to a late-night talk show." She held the elevator door: "The person''s here, can''t talk now." "Bye," Hawke said, stepping forward, and encountered a couple, both white. They were relatively young; the man was tall and handsome, while the woman was pretty and elegant. However, she had a big belly, looking like she was about to give birth. The man supported her, suggesting a great couple in love. Caroline turned around, glaring at Hawke. Hawke opened his mouth, making a "Baa" shape with his lips. Caroline''s expression finally darkened. Hawke felt rejuvenated and left the Fox Tower with a light step. ... Santa Monica, Palisades. The fax machine buzzed loudly, disturbing Miller Collins'' restless state. He gulped down a glass of whiskey and poured another, continuing to drink. Once the noise finally stopped, his agent picked up several fax documents, glanced at them, and his face changed, handing one to Miller: "The four brands you were working with -- razors, condoms, sports drinks, and men''s underwear -- all sent termination letters to the agency. This was forwarded by the agency." Despite all his efforts, the results were dismal. If Miller had just been passively absorbing all of this, that might''ve been easier to deal with, but here he was, actively shooting himself in the foot. Miller quickly flipped through the papers, demanding, "How could you let this happen?!" The agent replied, "The agency did their utmost, but that jerk sold the video to Fox immediately, and Fox followed standard procedures notifying their collaborating brands." That day, he made countless calls and used various personal connections, unable to contain his rising voice: "That''s Fox! Your agency and PR firm can''t face off against Fox. The tactics we typically use can''t affect Fox at all." Miller felt like he was strapped to an electric chair, waiting for execution, muttering, "Fox, Fox..." Outside, car noises could be heard, and Henry walked in quickly, addressing Miller: "The people I sent out went dark; I just found out they were caught by the West Division. That West Coast studio isn''t simple; they have close ties to the West Division." Seeing Henry, Miller grabbed his arm, almost clawing at him in desperation: "The video''s at Fox Tower; get it back for me, please..." Henry chuckled at his condition: "That''s Fox, Fox! How do you expect me to get it back? Should I take a crew and guns with me?" Public relations pushed Miller back to reality: "Once the video landed in Fox''s hands, the situation was completely out of our control. I suggest you start considering how to deal with the fallout from the exposure." The agent added: "If the sponsors know, it won''t be long before the team finds out. Miller, it''d be best if you speak with the team before the news airs." Miller looked utterly pained: "What am I going to do about that $10 million contract?" The agent further advised, "The contract will be tough to negotiate. You also need to assemble a legal team quickly. The brands you endorse will definitely seek to shift their losses to you and sue you for breach of contract." As Miller listened, he suddenly realized he might end up bankrupt. He grabbed the whiskey bottle and took several gulps. The agent signaled to Henry, who quickly stopped him. This wasn''t the time to get drunk; there were a bunch of issues waiting to be resolved. Miller pushed Henry away. Henry, who wasn''t as strong as him, calmly said: "Stop drinking; think about Maria and Dorothy. What would happen if they found out?" Miller''s grip loosened, and the bottle dropped to the floor. He bolted out the door frantically, ignoring the shouts behind him, jumped into a car, and sped away. Those bastards were out to destroy his career and his family! ***** /Sayonara816. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 72: Ability and Ambition [Chapter 72: Ability and Ambition] In the area bordering West Los Angeles and Santa Monica on Wilshire Boulevard, a fierce argument erupted in a standalone villa by the street, with the sounds of a man and a woman shouting coming through to the neighbors'' homes. Accompanied by the sound of objects being smashed, Miller Collins was tossed out of his house by his wife. His wife, Maria, shouted her intention to divorce him and told him to "go die." Their daughter was still at home, leaving Miller unable to do anything but get into his car and head out, irritated and choosing instead to drink at a nearby bar. Bad luck tends to compound upon itself. In the small bar, a large screen TV played Midnight Entertainment, and Miller became the center of attention. The laughter of patrons echoed, and some even loudly asked how he felt. Hiding his face in his hands, Miller ran out of the bar and sped off in his car. He was speeding, drinking too much, and losing control of the vehicle, quickly drawing the attention of a patrol car from the LAPD. When God closes one door, he surely seals another. Miller was detained by the LAPD, taken for alcohol testing, and then charged with DUI, being temporarily held. ... "From the video evidence, the person standing in the pool is undoubtedly Miller Collins, the San Diego Team''s wide receiver." On the TV screen, Midnight Entertainment was airing the video Eric had taken, while host Megan Taylor''s voice provided commentary. When Miller finally looked up and reached for his lips, she was noticeably taken aback: "Did he... consume the whole thing?" In the West Coast studio, laughter erupted. Hawke raised the can in his hand: "Congratulations, our news has hit the headlines again!" Edward, Eric, and Frank clinked their drinks with him and joined in the celebration. Eric watched the close-up of Miller Collins on the TV, and the frustration he''d been feeling evaporated instantly. He chugged half a can of beer, with the ideas bubbling up like a volcano breaking through the surface. £Ò§Ñ??B§¦? "Guys, guys, listen!" He stood up, animated: "I''ve got an idea for our next project! This real-life experience has unleashed my entire artistic potential!" Frank piped in, "You''re not thinking of turning this into a movie, are you?" Eric pointed at Hawke and Edward: "Their work is ordinary yet thrilling; they''re natural movie stars! I must base a movie on Hawke''s character; that''s my mission as a director!" Hawke burst out laughing: "Using me as a model is fine, but don''t mention my name in any context." Eric asked, "Don''t you want royalties?" Hawke shook his head: "By the time you finish adapting that movie, I might not need the money anymore." Eric didn''t push: "I''ll take your word for it." Edward interrupted, "The news is on again." Midnight Entertainment aired the surveillance video. "Our special correspondent who provided us with the news captured the footage you see here, but then the studio was invaded; four thieves rummaged through cheap CDs and tapes, but the LAPD arrived in time, capturing them on the spot. Witnesses heard one of the suspects boast about having crossed a major figure in the sports world." Earlier, they had seen Miller swallowing the milk, and with the video and Megan''s voiceover, anyone with half a brain would connect it to Miller Collins. Once the video ended, the scene shifted back to the studio. Megan reported, "We''ve been in contact with Sheriff Lucio from the West LA division responsible for this case." Sheriff Lucio filled half the TV screen and answered Megan''s questions: "All four suspects had prior records, and after interrogation, we''ve confirmed their identities. They all belong to the white gang known as the Dwarfs'' Gang..." After concluding the link, the screen transitioned to show clips of news articles. Megan continued, "Over the past few years, various media outlets have reported on Miller Collins'' ties to the Dwarfs'' Gang." There were numerous clippings, constantly flashing, proving the rumors were not unfounded. They even showed Miller Collins'' response, where he previously defended himself in the media, claiming he was seen with a gang member because they were childhood friends, purely a personal relationship. As the segment entered its final moments, Megan Taylor specifically addressed the celebrity crime topic. She brought up the deceased Robert Downey Jr., using him as a talking point for sensationalism. The ratings for the program reached unprecedented levels. "Celebrity and crime is a topic that inherently draws interest," Frank remarked, setting his can down: "This woman''s doing great with the news; she''s ambitious and capable." Hawke stated honestly: "She''s also quite daring. I''ve got a feeling she''s aiming to shift towards social commentary." As the program wrapped up, Frank prepared to leave, grabbing a bag to toss the empty cans inside: "Want to climb the ladder? I haven''t kept up with Channel 11 for years, but if Roger Ailes interferes, heh... that could be trouble." Hawke fully understood the meaning behind those words. Edward couldn''t stand Frank''s ego and chugged his beer, purposely tossing the empty can at him: "Sell it if you can; no need to thank me." Frank was left speechless, struggling to form a retort and composed himself, taking the empty can with him. Hawke turned off the TV, handing Edward a reassembled Taser: "You''ll sleep downstairs tonight; do you know how to use this?" "I can use it," Edward glanced at Eric, annoyed: "Why do I have to sleep downstairs?" Hawke replied directly: "Put on some black clothes, make a dark bed on the floor. If someone really attacks us, they won''t see you." Edward protested: "So just because my skin is dark, I''m on the front line?" Hawke pulled out a Glock handgun and grabbed a magazine, heading upstairs to sleep. Eric was in high spirits, having drunk a lot, and Edward helped him upstairs to lie down, before returning to change into black clothes and pants. ... At the Fox Television Center, Midnight Entertainment just wrapped up their broadcast. Megan Taylor emerged from her makeup session, only to be greeted by applause. Picking up her pace, she turned a corner into the office area where everyone was clapping enthusiastically. Claire rushed over, announcing, "The latest ratings are in; we''ve made it into the top five for all shows nationwide at the same time!" A huge wave of joy crashed over Megan, covering her mouth with her hands, utterly incredulous. The entire team was applauding her. "Thank you, thank you, everyone," Megan pressed her hands down, exclaiming, "At the end of the month, we''ll have a buffet party, and I''ll cover it!" The applause turned into cheers. Megan smiled as she returned to her office. Just as she sat down, the channel director Cynthia''s phone call came in. "Congratulations, you did well," she said on the other end. Megan thanked her and said, "Director, I promised you I''d bring back the lost advertising revenue with our ratings." "You did just that," Cynthia replied. As Megan hung up the phone, she felt a wave of relief wash over her; she''d managed amidst the pressure. The show''s success and material were noteworthy. Quickly, Megan picked up her phone and called Hawke. "Need something?" he asked on the other end. Megan spoke softly, "Just wanted to congratulate us; our show''s ratings have made the top five nationwide." Hawke was blunt: "Will I get a bonus for that?" Megan laughed, enjoying the moment: "I''m planning to throw a party for the whole team; you can come too." "Just call me with the time and place once it''s set." Hawke then recalled something and reminded her: "That jerk has ties with the Dwarfs'' Gang. Be cautious when you go out; watch out for him going crazy." Megan took his warning to heart. After work, she purposely walked to the parking lot with several male colleagues before driving home. ... The next day, entertainment news, sports news, and even social commentary flooded with stories on Miller Collins. Images of him with his head down and wiping his mouth were published on the front pages of major newspapers and magazines, presented as giant posters in the most eye-catching spots. Five sponsors had issued announcements in succession, terminating all co-operations with Miller Collins and seeking to hold him accountable for breach of contract. The San Diego Chargers halted its contract renewal negotiations with Miller Collins. Hawke had Eric call a tabloid. Starting with this tabloid, Miller Collins'' new nickname spread across the country: "The Milk Drinker." There were still points yet to resolve; the four members of the Dwarfs'' Gang remained tight-lipped, taking the fall for everything. Furthermore, there were forces within the LAPD that obstructed outcomes. Every well-known gang had to have legitimate influences backing them. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Maria Collins, after making a public appearance crying, suddenly went silent. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 73: The Executioner [Chapter 73: The Executioner] West Hollywood, Eric Emerson''s personal studio was about to be opened. Hawke and Edward arrived early to help out. The house had been rented while casting for actors, a two-story building that came with a yard. Hawke was setting up the largest conference room with Edward, planning to host a small celebration after the opening. Eric was out shopping and parked his car by the entrance on his return. As he got out to retrieve some items from the trunk, a beautiful woman approached swiftly. Maria Collins came at Eric with intensity, exclaiming, "Eric Emerson, you ruined my life!" Eric instinctively took a step back, recognizing her as Miller Collins'' wife. Maria was furious, almost frantic, demanding, "Why did you do this? Why?" A number of pedestrians had turned their heads in their direction. Not wanting anyone to know about his harassment by the man, Eric pointed toward the gate and said, "Let''s go inside and talk, inside." Maria followed him into the yard, her eyes red with anger. Her husband faced significant setbacks in his career and was about to encounter a series of difficulties, making her the butt of jokes from the media and many others - she felt utterly humiliated. After hearing Eric''s name from Henry, Maria had found the casting notice and tracked down the studio according to the address. As they approached the house, she could no longer contain herself, yelling at Eric, "Executioner! You''re a murderer! I once had a loving husband, a lively child, a happy family, and now you''ve destroyed it all!" Hawke and Edward exited the conference room, walking quickly toward the disturbance. Maria remained on her moral high horse, accusing Eric: "You''re just a butcher who destroys other people''s families; you''re about to kill a woman and a child under ten!" "No, that''s not what happened," Eric protested. "It''s not like you think..." But Maria spoke much quicker than he could defend, standing solidly in the victim''s position, "Do you know how my daughter is treated at school? All her classmates ridicule her; she has to hide alone in the bathroom. She''s not even ten years old!" She yelled, "This is all your fault!" "No, this is your husband''s fault!" Hawke interjected as he approached. "If your husband had been loyal to your marriage and family, instead of messing around, none of this would have happened." He was merely pointing out the obvious. Hawke''s words came fast and sharp, hitting the target every time: "For the past few years, haven''t some brown-haired, long-faced, tall men often been around your husband? Didn''t you ever think that those men had done things with your husband on camera? Did it never cross your mind that your husband had cheated?" Maria recalled the male friends her husband often associated with, and the fierceness of her accusation dimmed. "No, he wouldn''t do that! He promised me it was the first time, just pure curiosity..." Hawke chuckled coldly: "It''s easy to confirm; just take a stick and poke around. See if Miller''s tight like his mouth!" Maria suddenly felt nauseous and dry heaved several times. Hawke continued at a steady pace: "You and your child are victims? That''s a big joke. Where were you when my friend was harassed and slandered by your husband? Where were you when my friend was arrested?" Maria remembered the strange way Miller had looked at Eric when she met him before. At the premiere of , Miller even kicked Eric''s seat. Maria crouched down, overwhelmed with discomfort. Hawke recalled the four short gang members sent by Miller and said, "Take my advice: find a lawyer and file for divorce immediately. Miller Collins has lost numerous endorsements and is about to face breach of contract lawsuits. If he loses, how much of your assets will remain?" S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His words struck straight to the heart: "Don''t forget, you have a daughter. Without assets, how can she receive a good education? Do you want your daughter to end up on the streets?" Maria, having been a wife and a mother, felt awakened. Suddenly, she stood up, all her discomfort vanished. She glanced at Hawke, turned around, and walked away without saying another word. Before, she talked of divorce lightly, but now she was serious about it. As for that scoundrel Miller Collins, she thought; disgusting! Let him rot! ... In the yard, Eric looked shamefaced and said to Hawke, "I''m not really good at arguing with people." Hawke smiled, "Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses." Edward was quickly typing on his phone, adding, "Like our boss, great at sharpening tools but not at using them in battle." Hawke turned to kick him but noticed Edward typing. He asked, "What are you doing?" Edward pointed to where Maria had disappeared, saying, "She''s getting a divorce and will get a big chunk of cash; I''m definitely keeping her on my backup list." ?¨¢??¦¢????? Hawke was speechless. "You''re quite the character." He reminded him, "You still haven''t dealt with Deborah." "I''m happily in a relationship with Nicole; things are stable for now. I can''t act unethically and juggle two relationships," Edward said confidently. "Once things are over with Nicole, I''ll make my move on Deborah; she can stay on the sidelines." Just as Eric was about to ask for Edward''s advice, Katherine came in from outside. He quickly adjusted his demeanor and greeted her with a bright smile. The two shared an enthusiastic kiss. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Emerson Film Studios took place on schedule. In addition to Hawke, Edward, and Katherine, Eric also invited Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia. The latter had also brought along Caroline Jones. ... The ceremony was quite simple, and afterward, everyone gathered in the conference room to eat and chat. Eric took a call, found Hawke, and whispered, "Kevin Lee asked me about a role. I think we should keep our promise." Hawke, not being knowledgeable about film production, didn''t want to intervene: "If you think he''s good for it, use him." ... At that moment, Johnson approached to toast Hawke. Hawke clinked glasses with him, saying, "Congratulations, is about to hit over a hundred million at the North American box office." "Thanks, you really helped a lot," Johnson said, beaming. It was impossible to downplay his success in Hollywood. ... After a bit of chatting, Hawke noticed Caroline heading out alone. He waited a moment before following her out. He stepped out of the conference room just as Caroline was coming back from the restroom. Hawke seized the opportunity to ask about the latest on Sarah Parker and Broderek: "Miss Baa, let''s talk for a few minutes." Caroline extended a hand, pointing at her Chanel, then at Hawke''s plain casual attire: "People of high status charge for talking to a country bumpkin." Hawke pulled five dollars from his wallet and handed it to her: "Let''s chat for five dollars." He pushed open the door to a nearby office, stepping in first. Caroline smirked slightly, folding up the five-dollar bill and stuffing it into her purse, before following him into the office and closing the door behind her. "The latest news about the milk scandal? That was you, right?" Hawke asked, "How did you know?" Caroline pulled out a chair and sat down: "People at Fox are saying that Megan Taylor is hot right now because she has the support of the West Coast Entertainment Studio." Hawke recalled, "How are your two clients doing on Fox''s talk show?" "With me around, it''s going smoothly, of course," Caroline raised her chin. "I linked them to magazine, and once their baby is born, will buy the exclusive rights to the baby photos for a whopping $1.5 million." Hawke had seen that kind of deal before. Remembering how much Brad and Angelina''s first baby photo had sold for, he asked, "What do your clients do? I don''t recognize them." Caroline looked at him incredulously: "You don''t know Steve Nutt, the star player for the Los Angeles Dodgers? His wife, Daisy Nutt, is also a famous model; the media calls them the American Beckham and Victoria." [T/N: Inspired from Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod) and Jennifer Lopez (J.Lo) in real life.] Hawke realized, saying, "I don''t pay much attention to baseball." Caroline seized the opportunity to tease him: "Almost forgot, you''re a shepherd from Wyoming." Hawke''s comeback was simple and effective. He pulled out his phone, turned on the speaker, and played the recording Edward had sent him: "Baa, baa, baa...", the sound was clear and melodious. Caroline''s face darkened as if water would drip from it: "You bastard, I''m going to kill you!" Hawke poured her a glass of water, saying, "Drink this and cool down." Caroline snapped, "Delete the recording!" Hawke hurriedly pressed buttons on his phone: "Deleted." Returning to business, he asked, "Enough teasing, let''s talk work. Did Sarah adopt the proposal I sent you last time?" Caroline''s expression brightened considerably: "She used some of it. I facilitated connections, helping Sarah to reach Lancome and Estee Lauder among others. The negotiations for skincare products are looking really promising." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 74: Monetization of Private Lives [Chapter 74: The Angel Is About to Descend] Upon hearing that Sarah Jessica Parker had accepted the proposal, Hawke felt reassured; the first step had been a success. He asked, "Which brand is still negotiating? Is the price off?" "It''s not just the price, but also the brand image," Caroline said proudly as she spoke on her forte, almost as if she were a teacher talking to elementary school kids. "Sarah is a major television star now; while she''s not at the level of the top movie actresses, she still commands a huge fanbase and influence. Mid-tier brands are simply not in our consideration, even if they offer a high price." Hawke feigned humility, "I just got wind of a big story. I heard Miller Collins is getting sued by a brand for breach of contract. Will there be any cosmetics endorsements on the line?" Caroline was particularly pleased with his low profile, "Of course there will be. A brand has to assume responsibility relative to the amount they pay. If issues arise due to personal reasons, the brand certainly has the right to pursue a breach of contract." Hawke casually posed, "What if Broderick physically abused Sarah and messed up her face? Would that count as a breach?" "That wouldn''t count," Caroline thought to herself that this guy was a bit dense. "Your own footage shows that Broderick''s feelings for Sarah are very complicated; it''s a distorted kind of love. From what I''ve observed, Broderick would rather get hurt than let Sarah take any damage." Hawke said directly, "I can''t understand that." Caroline smirked, "I can''t comprehend it either, which is why we''ll never become stars or be a part of their world." Hawke concluded, "Because we''re not twisted enough." Caroline agreed, "Exactly. We''re normal people, while the ones who thrive in Hollywood are a bunch of weirdos. Like the couples on set; as long as they''re not exposed, they act like they don''t even exist." "That kind of love is very peculiar," Hawke said worryingly, stopping himself from asking too much to avoid raising suspicions. He switched the subject back to Caroline: "You made this big deal happen, so you have to be getting a nice commission." Caroline replied, "It''s alright, definitely better than the hard-earned cash you''re making." "I''m starting a business, working hard for my own career," Hawke shot back. "If you have any suitable business on your end, you know my expertise -- fixing difficult problems." Caroline looked down her nose at him, "Your methods are too out there; not sticking to the conventional path will eventually backfire." Hawke pretended he didn''t hear her: "If you can successfully introduce me to a deal, I''ll give you a cut." Caroline''s expression changed immediately, her demeanor brightened like a cheerful lamb: "No problem." At that moment, her phone rang as she walked over to the window to answer. After a brief conversation, she quickly hung up and patted her Hermes bag: "I''ve got an urgent matter, I need to leave now. Please apologize to them for me." ????????¨¨S? Hawke stood up and walked outside, casually asking, "What happened?" Caroline quickly replied, "The baseball star Steve Nutt, his pregnant model wife Daisy is having contractions and has gone to a hospital in Orange County. There''s a media frenzy following them; I need to rush over." Hawke nodded, "Good luck with everything." The sound of Caroline''s high heels echoed as she quickly disappeared. Hawke returned to the conference room and briefly summarized, but the others didn''t pay much attention. ... After the party wrapped up, Hawke and Edward drove back to the studio. Nicole called Edward, mentioning that there were a lot of no-shows at the shelter today and asked if he could help out. Hawke decided to give Edward a break. He grabbed some beers and that Taser gun, crossed Fountain Street, and made his way to the parking lot where he found Frank lounging beneath a sun umbrella on a reclining chair. The old guy wasn''t shy at all; he tucked the Taser gun away and accepted the beer from Hawke, popping open a can to take a swig before gesturing toward a nearby folding chair: "Make yourself comfortable." Hawke cracked his own can of beer, saying, "You''re living the good life, taking it easy every day." "You could too," Frank said, nodding toward the open space nearby. "A few grand could get you an old RV; you could drive it over, and we''d be neighbors." He then passed over the broken ashtray Hawke gave him: "Don''t forget this; set it up by the roadside. No investment needed." Hawke replied, "I''m not like you. I don''t have a bunch of old friends helping me out. Just claiming territory on the street would get me beat up." Even begging had its own territories. Frank chimed in, "No worries, I''ve got your back." Hawke shifted topics, clinking his can with Frank''s: "Thanks for that phone call." Frank countered, "In others'' eyes, this might look like a simple favor, but for anything major, think they''d lend a hand?" Hawke could see more: "It''s not a small matter for me. It saves me a lot of headaches. The gang I''ve helped arrest aren''t fools; they can sniff out that I have a PD exemption card and a connection with a big shot from PD." Frank interjected, "And you''re also involved with a wealthy young lady from PD; that chick shot little Robert Downey Jr. in public and didn''t get blamed at all; her rank even went up a level. If that were a regular cop, I''d lose my head just to give you a football." Hawke continued from earlier: "It''s been days now, and every night I''ve been sleeping with a gun, but these gang people haven''t come looking for trouble." "That shows they''re not idiots," Frank said, thinking about the studio across from them and burst into laughter, then added, "Your place is too intimidating for them to come near." Hawke remarked, "I also designed a few little gadgets, but it seems I won''t need them now." Frank bluntly said, "At the rate you''re getting into trouble, you''ll be needing them soon. I strongly suggest you stock up; I feel like having too few won''t be enough." Hawke found that very reasonable, "I''ll swing by the hardware store later." Frank ushered him, "Let''s go. I''m old; I''ve had my time. You won''t squeeze any juice out of me, and you won''t find any connections." The old man was shrewd, so Hawke didn''t linger, saying, "I''ll take you out for a drink another day." Frank responded, "Leave all the beers behind." ... Hawke returned to the studio, standing by the window, glancing at the RV across the street. Networks of relationships developed step by step, radiating outward through connections. Frank, Eric, Catherine, Dwayne Johnson, Miss Baa, Erica, Megan Taylor, and even Edward could serve as connections to reach out further. Thinking of Megan Taylor, he rummaged through a cabinet and found a new can of pepper spray, stuffing it into his pocket. The Fox 11 Channel anchor was currently his biggest backer. Not just selling news. Based on his observation of Dwayne Johnson''s case, as long as it was a true story, she''d use it. That meant that some operations and PR matters could also be handled through her. Building a good relationship and showing some care was definitely necessary. And then there was Miss Baa, who maintained a sophisticated lifestyle on dollars, hoping to get lost in greed. Hawke wasn''t afraid of her being greedy; he was worried she would not be. Greed would only help her fight for endorsements for Sarah Jessica Parker. Hawke recalled what they discussed today and searched online for the couple Steve and Daisy Nutt. The former was the star player for the MLB Los Angeles Dodgers, having made 47 home runs last season. The latter was a model who had strut her stuff for many big names, including Valentino. After marrying Steve, her fame skyrocketed, and they created a joint business brand, modeling after the Olsen twins. Simply put, they were quite akin to the American baseball version of Beckham and Victoria. This star couple together achieved a synergy greater than the sum of their parts. However, their influence was mostly limited to North America. Hawke discovered the couple''s blog online and clicked on it. The blog boasted high traffic and was filled with Daisy''s baby bump photos recently. The couple had been generating buzz for their upcoming child. Hawke surmised it might be part of a baby photo rights agreement. The latest post appeared today and featured six pictures. In the photos, Steve and Daisy were both at a hospital room -- one standing by the bed while the other lay in the hospital bed. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The caption read: "Awaiting the arrival of our angel." Star''s private lives could be monetized if executed well. Hawke closed the webpage, turned on the security system, and headed out to Century City, where a large supermarket was located in the mall, fully stocked with hardware products. He picked up additional tools and supplies to bolster the studio''s security. The West Coast studio rarely received clients in person; uninvited guests were usually malicious idiots. After wrapping up his shopping, Hawke headed to Rodeo Drive to customize two suits along with matching shirts and shoes. The clothes for climbing high and jumping low had to be sturdy and durable, while the business attire needed to be presentable. Hawke paid the deposit and left Rodeo Drive, making his way to the Fox Television Center. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 75: The Black Baby [Chapter 75: The Black Baby] FOX Television Center, Channel 11. Things had changed, and Claire directly brought Hawke to the producer''s office. Megan Taylor saw Hawke and, noticing he didn''t have his notebook bag, was surprised. "You didn''t come to deliver news, did you?" Hawke approached her desk, saying, "I just went to the supermarket to pick up some stuff and thought I''d drop this off for you." Megan was quite surprised, asking, "You wanted to give me a gift?" Hawke pulled out some pepper spray and placed it on her desk. "Watch out for the that gang." "Thanks," Megan replied, putting it away. "Make yourself comfortable." As Hawke sat down, she asked, "Has that gang been bothering you again?" Hawke chuckled, "Not really. I guess my office left a lasting impression on them." Megan thought about the modified safe, fearing it wouldn''t shock the other side and installing needles; she couldn''t help but laugh. "When I get a day off, you should help me rework my home safe." Hawke wouldn''t refuse, saying, "Anytime." In her busy and stressful job, Megan rarely relaxed. She joked, "You might want to branch into home security." Hawke feigned seriousness, saying, "I''ll apply for a patent later." Megan fiddled with the pepper spray, asking, "You think they are bold enough to retaliate against a Fox anchor?" "No way, they can''t afford to mess with Fox," Hawke replied, knowing that gangs didn''t even rate against big corporations. He cautioned, "Cockroaches can''t harm people, but they sure can gross you out." "I''ll keep an eye out," Megan said, wanting to say more when there was a knock at the office door. A subordinate entered, saying, "The script is out; needs your final touches." Hawke took his leave. Megan went to the editing room. ... Hawke returned to East Hollywood and started making some modifications to the studio. The next day, upon Edward''s arrival, Hawke specifically pointed out new precautions to prevent him from becoming too arrogant. Edward took notes, saying, "Boss, I realized you are a defensive conservative type." Hawke was busy disassembling a Glock 19 for maintenance, casually replying, "Do you know what a conservative is?" Edward said, "Isn''t that just someone who sticks to old ways?" Hawke shook his head. "Thinking radicals are too conservative -- that''s what makes a conservative." Edward admitted he didn''t get it. As Hawke reassembled the gun, he asked, "Savior, can you handle a gun?" Edward said, "Coming from Compton, who can''t?" Hawke packed his desk, saying, "Let''s head to the range today. I''ll sign you up for a gun license..." But Edward waved his hands, "No way, Boss. I think it''s better not to carry a gun." He pointed to his face, "A guy like me, whether or not I have a license, I''d get my magazine emptied anyway." ??¦­?????¨º? Hawke insisted, "Come on, you drive us to the Sutter Mountain shooting range." Edward had no choice but to go along. ... At the shooting range, Hawke knew the drill and signed Edward up, running into some trouble during the background check. Being from Compton put Edward on a watch list. Fortunately, Edward had no arrests or criminal records, and he successfully passed the firearms background check. As for the classes and tests, Edward nearly blew up on the spot. He shoved the newly bought handgun into Hawke''s hands, "Boss, point this at me and empty the magazine." Hawke didn''t take it, replying, "Great, your bonus just got halved this week." As soon as he heard that, Edward hurriedly backtracked, "Boss, don''t worry. I''ll make sure to stay focused in class." His confidence waned, considering he hadn''t even finished his happy education, and his voice dropped, "I''m not sure I''ll pass the exam..." Hawke walked towards the shooting range. "Bonus is getting halved again." Edward felt like the sky was falling, confidently promising, "I''ll make sure I pass." Arriving at the shooting range, Hawke saw the instructor from last time playing with a slingshot and chatted him up for a bit. He remembered how much he loved slingshots as a kid. Excited, Hawke found they sold slingshots at the range, so he bought two sets along with a big bag of steel balls to practice his aim. ... Orange County, St. Joseph Hospital. At the door of the hospital room, Caroline Jones sat on a bench, watching Steve Nutt anxiously pace back and forth, feeling a bit dizzy. The Los Angeles Dodgers'' star was soon to be a father. Caroline sent her assistant, Amanda, off. "Go grab me a bouquet of flowers." Amanda hurried away. Just then, the hospital door swung open, and a doctor stepped out, saying to Steve Nutt, "Congratulations, Mr. Nutt, you''ve become a father. Daisy and the baby are both doing fine." Steve stopped in his tracks, grinning from ear to ear. "Thank you! Thank you!" He pointed toward the hospital room door. "Can I go in now?" Having been too anxious, he was pushed out by the doctor earlier. "Not yet," the doctor explained. "We have a bit of wrapping up to do." Steve was joyful. "I''ll wait -- hurry!" The doctor went back inside. Caroline came over, smiling: "Congratulations, Steve." Steve said, "Once I see the baby, you announce it outside." Caroline nodded slightly. "I''ve prepared the press release." A nurse quietly scurried over, softly asking, "Steve, can we take a picture together? Please?" Feeling in high spirits, Steve replied, "Sure." The nurse pulled out a Polaroid and had Caroline help take a photo. When the picture was ready, she asked Steve for his autograph. After a while, the hospital door opened again, and a nurse pushed out some medical waste, followed by others coming out one after another. Steve got the doctor''s okay and eagerly entered the room. Caroline followed inside, taking her camera out, ready to snap pictures of Steve and Daisy for her blog. As for the baby, they would hire a professional photographer from magazine. After all, the copyright sold for 1.5 million dollars. Steve entered the room, quickly made his way through the suite''s living room, and headed for the room where Daisy lay. He looked at his weary wife, kissing her pale cheek. "Honey, you''ve been through a lot." Daisy smiled, "Quick, take a look at our angel." The newborn lay nearby in the crib, sound asleep. Since he had just been born, his skin was still red. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. Caroline opened it and Amanda entered with Steve''s agent, Biles, along with a nanny. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Caroline and Biles went into the room and placed the flowers on a table away from the baby. The nanny went to care for the child. The four of them chatted for a while when suddenly the baby began to cry. Daisy turned on the bed, looked at the baby''s face, and her expression changed. Steve rushed over, stunned. As the newborn''s red skin gradually faded, black skin was revealed! Black skin! Steve instinctively touched his own face and checked the wall mirror, fully confirming he was indeed a white guy. Then he looked at his wife Daisy, who was even whiter than he was. Steve stumbled back and plopped down on the sofa. Daisy murmured, "It can''t be... it can''t be..." Caroline noticed the baby''s skin color and reacted quickly, telling Amanda, "You guard the hospital door and don''t let anyone in without my permission." She stepped over to the nanny quickly: "I''ll raise your pay by 50%, just hand over your phone!" The nanny glanced at the child''s parents, then at the baby, took out her phone, and handed it to Caroline. Caroline turned to the agent Biles, saying, "Get a new confidentiality agreement drafted immediately. You need to communicate with the hospital again and stress that they must keep all details about the Nutt couple and their child confidential." Biles left right away. "This can''t be my child!" Steve shouted, glaring at Daisy. "You and I are both white -- how could we have a black baby?" Daisy defended herself: "Maybe... the child mutated?" In her panic, she sought a reason. "Last time you went to Chinatown and bought Chiniese soy sauce, and after we had sex. That must have influenced the kid''s skin color." Caroline gestured to the nanny, asking her to take the baby out into the hallway. Steve was even angrier: "You might insult my character, but that''s one thing; don''t insult my intelligence!" Daisy didn''t expect the situation to turn out this way. "Could it be your ancestors had black people?" "Your ancestors had black people!" Steve snapped back. Daisy suddenly understood, "Right, my ancestors had black people." Steve stood at the bedside, pointing at himself: "Do you think I''m an idiot?!" He shouted, "You cheated on me, betrayed me!" Daisy opened her mouth, but no words came out. Steve yelled, "I want a divorce! Let you and your black child go to hell!" "Is this all my fault?" Daisy was furious too. "How many times have you cheated? You think I don''t know? Sleeping with white women is one thing, but you even mess with black women!" Her voice turned sharp: "You slept with your black teammate Wilson''s wife, and got her genes, that''s why it turned out to be a black child!" Steve roared, "Okay, I admit I messed around. You also got pregnant from someone but deceived me about this being our child!" "This only happened after that night at the pool. I thought it was yours," Daisy, feeling exhausted and in pain, nearly snapped, "Could it have been the night before when I was with Wilson at the hotel..." Upon hearing this, Steve recalled, "Wilson? You slept with Wilson, he''s my teammate!" Caroline, standing by, felt a headache coming on. Were there really no normal people among these stars? Or did people pursue strange thrills just because they had money and fame? Finally, the shouting subsided a bit, and Caroline, fulfilling her public relations duty, reminded, "Daisy, Steve, we need to send out a press release and photos. magazine''s people have been waiting for a call! We can control the child''s news for a while, but it will inevitably get out in three or four days." Steve slumped down, saying, "You''re the PR; what do you suggest we do?" Caroline said, "Please don''t speak for a moment -- just drink some water and calm down for five minutes. I''ll ask again in five minutes." The two of them were silent, fuming. After five minutes, Caroline said, "You''re about to face a huge public opinion crisis. Please cooperate with me. If you act recklessly, you must have seen what happened to Miller Collins..." She asked directly, "Think about it, don''t answer right away: Do you want a divorce?" Steve opened his mouth, thinking to say divorce, but considering their joint business brand and the possible repercussions, he closed his mouth again. Daisy knew full well she was just a washed-up model tied to Steve for whatever she had now and quickly spoke up, "No, I don''t want a divorce!" Caroline looked to Steve, who gave a slight shake of his head. "In that case, let me lay out the major issues we will encounter next," she explained: "Once the child is exposed, your crisis will be laid bare in public, and your careers and business brands will suffer. The brands you represent may even cancel their contracts with you." Daisy tried to suggest, "What if the child doesn''t get exposed? Or what if there''s a medical accident, and the child is stillborn?" Caroline replied, "The hospital won''t cooperate with us; it would hurt their brand. Additionally, you need to remember the exclusive agreement with magazine, which you secured for 1.5 million dollars. A breach of contract means a full refund with an equal penalty, and a furious magazine would take this public opinion crisis to hit you hard." Steve buried his face in his hands, and after a long while, gritted his teeth and asked, "What''s the solution?" Caroline pondered a moment: "I''d propose that Daisy admits to a drunken one-night stand, and Steve, you publicly forgive Daisy and commit to raising the child well. Then we''d communicate with magazine, and they only need the buzz, and as long as there''s buzz, they won''t consider it a breach of contract." Daisy argued, "My reputation and Steve''s will be damaged, and the endorsements will be dropped." Steve asked, "Isn''t there a better plan?" "This is the most effective PR strategy to minimize negative impact," Caroline explained. Suddenly, a figure fluttered through her mind. Her PR strategy and the agency''s style focused on maintaining stability, but that guy had rough methods. She also remembered a key point: Steve and Daisy''s PR fees were paid in fixed amounts to the company every year, not personally to her. That guy had promised her a cut. Caroline then said, "There''s someone who may have a solution." Steve urgently asked, "Who? Get them here fast!" Caroline replied, "West Coast Media Entertainment Studio, Hawke Osment." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 76: Hawke Was So Reliable [Chapter 76: Hawke Was So Reliable] At West Coast Media Entertainment Studio, Hawke changed into a tailored business suit, put on his Rolex gold watch, and donned leather shoes as he came down from the second floor, grabbing a new business bag while greeting Edward, who was similarly dressed, saying, "Let''s go." The two of them stepped out and got into the Mondeo, with Edward driving towards Orange County. Hawke sat in the passenger seat, contemplating how to handle the situation. Ms. Baa''s phone call hinted at some details. Hawke thought about it throughout the drive and came up with a preliminary plan, but he knew he would need more specific information before moving forward. As they arrived at St. Joseph''s Hospital, they were met with a crowd of hundreds of fans and media reporters gathered at the entrance, prompting Edward to slow down. Hawke observed carefully, noting many fans waving posters of Steve Nutt with a baseball bat. The reporters anxiously waited, occasionally snapping photos of the hospital entrance and the crowd of fans. Two television broadcast vans were even parked on either side of the street. Hawke''s impressions of Steve Nutt and Daisy had mainly come from online news. Now, he was gaining a much more direct experience of celebrity culture. They resembled a toned-down version of Beckham and Victoria, but they had learned from the Olsen twins and established a jointly-owned business brand. ... Driving into the hospital, Hawke and Edward headed straight for the patient room, taking the elevator to the fifth floor, and as they exited, they saw Caroline waiting by the room door. Caroline''s eyes lit up upon seeing Hawke, and she said, "That outfit doubles your credibility." Hawke cut to the chase and asked, "Are there many people in the know right now?" Caroline entered work mode: "I''ve got the situation under control. Those knowledgeable include me, assistant Amanda, agent Biles, and caregiver Sophia. The hospital has a confidentiality agreement with Steve, so things should be stable for now, but over time, information will inevitably leak out." Hawke glanced toward the patient room and said, "I need to understand the details and meet with the involved party." Caroline opened the door and entered first. ... Inside, Steve turned to look as soon as the door opened. Behind Caroline, a young man entered. Though unremarkable in appearance, he wore a tailored suit, had a Rolex gold watch on his wrist, and carried an elegant briefcase -- an obvious sign of an elite. ?????????????¦¢????? Caroline made introductions between the two. Hawke shook hands with Steve and said, "To solve this issue, I need to know everything in detail." Agent Biles handed over a confidentiality agreement and inquired, "West Coast Media Entertainment Studio? I haven''t heard of it before." Hawke clarified, "I collaborated with the team from Castle Rock Productions on , and with the crew of which was produced by Stephen Sommers and starred Dwayne Johnson." Biles hadn''t heard of the former but knew of the latter, and while Hawke reviewed the confidentiality agreement, he stepped aside to send some texts. The agency quickly responded after inquiring, confirming that both Dwayne Johnson''s agent and Stephen Sommers'' assistant had collaborated with West Coast Studio, and the former held Hawke Osment''s capabilities in high regard. Biles tucked his phone away and subtly nodded towards Steve. Caroline noticed everything but chose to remain silent. She had seen firsthand how Hawke could think outside the box; sometimes unconventional methods were more effective than standard public relations. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke confirmed that the confidentiality agreement was solid and signed it with Edward. He was straightforward: "I want to see the child first." The caregiver brought over the baby carriage. Edward stepped forward to take a look and remarked, "It might turn out darker than me when he grows up." Hawke replied, "I need to know the sequence of events, including all related circumstances." Steve recounted his story first. Hawke entered the patient room, listening to Daisy recount her side of things, and called for Biles and Caroline to explain the specifics. Afterward, he asked all four of them some questions. Caroline expressed her concern, reminding him, "Are we working together to resolve this crisis?" Hawke understood her implication: "Give me some time; I need to think it through." Steve thought about how Miller Collins had lost all his endorsements and faced lawsuits for breach of contract, leaving him extremely unsettled. As the star player of the Dodgers, he was also carrying several endorsements. Miller Collins'' fate was a clear warning: once a public image crisis struck, businesses would surely abandon him. After a moment, Hawke asked Steve, "I need to clarify the specific goals here." Steve said, "Daisy and I''s careers and reputations shouldn''t be greatly impacted; it''d be best if we could maintain the current situation." "I can guarantee that," Hawke replied, speaking calmly and slowly. "If you cooperate, I can help elevate your status to become a symbolic figure in American sports." Steve was incredulous: "You really believe you can pull that off?" Hawke displayed an air of confidence: "You guys must have confirmed that grossed over a hundred million in North America, creating a commercial miracle, and I played a part in that." Agents had communication channels, and Biles had just taken a moment to call Dwayne''s wife and agent, Dany Garcia. He nodded again towards Steve. Caroline opportunely interjected, "Hawke has created miracles more than once." Steve asked, "Alright then, what do you need me to do?" "The two of you, along with those in the know, including Mr. Biles and Ms. Jones, must follow my lead," Hawke stated bluntly. "For the commission, it''s $600,000." Biles wanted to object. Hawke reminded Steve, "If this situation spirals out of control, you stand to lose $1.5 million from magazine alone, along with potential penalties and losses from other endorsements..." Steve interrupted Hawke, saying, "Fine, $600,000, I''ll give you a $200,000 advance, and the rest at the end of our photo shoot with the magazine." Hawke added, "During this time, all expenses incurred will be your responsibility." Steve didn''t care about the small sum: "Sounds good." Hawke stated, "Let''s sign it then." ... The contract was drafted, and Hawke signed an official agreement with Steve and Daisy. Meanwhile, Edward slipped his hands into his pockets and turned off the recorder. Hawke outlined his thoughts broadly and everyone quickly agreed. "Alright, let''s not disturb Daisy and the baby''s rest; we should head outside," Hawke said as he moved to the lounge area, waiting for everyone to join him. "Mr. Biles, please coordinate with the hospital to secure the vacant room on the left as our temporary office and reception area." Steve looked over at Biles, who immediately went to take care of it. Hawke asked Caroline, "Is your Coca-Cola girl trustworthy?" Amanda recalled her first meeting with Hawke, where she almost doused his camera and notebook with soda, never expecting they would be working together today. Caroline responded, "She''s trustworthy." Hawke nodded at Amanda, pointing toward the door: "You stand guard at the patient room; aside from us, even if doctors and nurses come, make sure they take off their masks to confirm who they are." Caroline understood another aspect of Hawke''s business and advised, "Follow Hawke''s orders." Amanda exited and stationed herself at the patient room door. Hawke turned to Steve: "Have your teammate Wilson come over; he''s a crucial factor." Steve gritted his teeth, "Seeing him would make me want to kill him..." Hawke knew how to ease tensions: "Haven''t you been with his wife? Find an opportunity for her to get pregnant." Steve''s anger evaporated in an instant; he found Hawke extremely reliable and felt fortunate to have partnered with him, saying, "I''m starting to have faith in you now." Hawke replied, "Just get him here, and I''ll have a good chat with him; we can discuss the rest later." Steve calmly went to make the call. At that moment, Biles returned, and the door to the adjoining room had already been opened. Hawke went next door. Caroline hurried after him, whispering, "I''m coming too." "Ten percent," she often teased him, so Hawke didn''t forget to tease her back: "Ms. Baa, let me hear a few bleats. " Caroline shamelessly closed the door and bleated, "Baa! Baa--" Hawke frowned at her antics: "Why imitate a sheep when you''re a perfectly good person?" "You!" Caroline felt like she''d been pushed over the edge. Hawke returned to the topic: "Let''s hold off on the media announcement and the notification to magazine for now; you can think of a reason. Also, reach out to Wilson''s agent and have him lean towards us to help convince Wilson to cooperate with our plan." He specifically reminded, "Getting teammates'' wives pregnant is a huge no-no in the team." "I know how to handle it," Caroline said as she went to make the call. Hawke turned to Edward: "Engage all your baseball-loving friends to search for any incidents of discrimination against black players in recent years, in MLB games or elsewhere -- photos, news articles, and videos will all be necessary. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 77: How the Truth Came to Light [Chapter 78: How the Truth Came to Light] Everyone was busy, and Hawke was no exception. He opened his briefcase, took out his laptop, and connected to the internet in the room to check the public information about the Dodgers. The team had several Black players, and even the manager was Black. He also searched online for information on IVF and test tube babies. Orange County had abundant medical resources, especially in Irvine. After browsing for a while, he closed the webpage and headed to the nurses'' station, where he saw a tall nurse organizing some files. He quickly walked over to her. "Excuse me," Hawke said, lifting his left hand to lean against the marble wall of the station, his sleeve dangling from his wrist. The nurse looked up, and seeing a friendly face, she initially intended to respond with a routine answer. However, her gaze fell on his tailored suit and Rolex watch, and she immediately brightened up and asked, "How can I help you?" Hawke flashed a warm smile. "I wanted ask if you have any services for IVF here?" "We don''t," the nurse replied helpfully. "But there are several specialized facilities in Irvine if you''re looking into IVF for babies." Hawke inquired, "Which ones are reliable?" After a moment of thought, the nurse answered, "Agatha Fertility Center and Irvine Medical Center. Those two are the most professional, but this service isn''t widely available." "Thank you," Hawke said as he prepared to leave. The nurse, however, called after him, "Let me do some checking for you. I''ll find out and let you know. How do I contact you?" He had no choice but to give her a phone number. The nurse called him right away and, upon hearing the ringtone, reminded him, "This is my number." ... Hawke nodded and hurried back, where Edward was approaching. He lowered his voice and said, "Boss, you really know how to charm the ladies!" "Your tactics are too basic," Hawke whispered back. "High-end hunters present themselves as the prey." Edward took note and asked another question, "What exactly is IVF? Is it a baby created in a laboratory test tube?" Hawke explained briefly, "It''s artificial insemination done outside the body, letting embryos develop in a test tube before implanting them back into the mother''s womb." "I see," Edward replied, handing over a sports magazine. "I just found this. Last season, when the Dodgers played the Red Sox in Boston, some extreme fans targeted them. They threw a bunch of bananas, watermelons, and fried chicken at the hotel where the Dodgers were staying, creating quite a stir..." This type of incident wasn''t unusual in Boston. Hawke took the magazine, saying, "Good job, keep digging." Edward went back to work. ... Hawke returned to his temporary office and browsed through the sports magazine. After a while, someone knocked at the door, and Caroline walked in, followed by a middle-aged Black man. ????¦Â¨§? Caroline introduced them, mentioning that the man was Cobb, Wilson''s agent. Hawke shook his hand and immediately addressed the issue concerning Steve Nutt''s child and Wilson. Cobb looked stunned. "Is he crazy? Messing around with a teammate''s wife, let alone the leading star of the team!" A smart agent like Cobb quickly grasped the seriousness of the situation. "This jerk, Wilson, has no sense! This could ruin his place on the team; not just this team, he will not be able to gain a foothold in any team!" Hawke stated, "Steve authorized me to discuss this matter with you first." Cobb knew Wilson couldn''t compete with Steve, so he directly said, "We''re willing to apologize and make reparations." "No, no need for reparations," Hawke replied quickly. "You just need to cooperate with me and with Steve. We can diffuse this situation without damage, and it can actually boost Wilson''s fame." Cobb looked skeptical. "You really think there''s a chance of that?" Steve pushed the door open and stepped out, saying, "I can assure you, if this gets exposed, it won''t do me any good." Cobb asked, "What do you want me to do?" Caroline showed her presence: "Convince Wilson to cooperate with us." ... Wilson received a call from Steve and immediately rushed to St. Joseph''s Hospital. Heading upstairs, he spotted his agent, Cobb. Before Wilson could ask any questions, Cobb gestured, "Come with me." Wilson followed him into a temporary office. Despite repeated reminders to stay calm, Steve''s anger flared as he saw Wilson''s bald head, and he lunged forward. Cobb and Biles quickly intervened, separating the two. "Are you out of your mind?" Wilson yelled. Steve was livid. "You fucked my wife and got her pregnant!" Hearing this accusation, Wilson''s bravado faded, and he turned, making a dash for the door. But Edward, who had received a nod from Hawke, stepped forward, blocking the exit. Hawke approached Steve and whispered, "Did you forget what I told you?" Steve paused, considering Hawke''s words, and gradually regained his composure. Cobb then led Wilson to an inner room. Although Wilson''s instinct was to react impulsively, he quickly realized, with Cobb''s persuasion, that if this situation wasn''t handled delicately, he would become a pariah not only within the Dodgers but throughout Major League Baseball. He was, after all, just a role player. A few minutes later, Wilson re-emerged and approached Steve, saying, "I''m sorry." Hawke patted Steve on the back, and Steve restrained himself. "If you help me sort this out," he said, "then it''s over." Wilson''s response was unexpected. "You''re not going to make me raise the child, are you?" Steve replied, "No." At that, Hawke moved to the center of the room, clapping his hands. "Alright, everyone, find a seat. Let''s get down to business." They all took their seats. Concerned that Wilson might try to leave, Edward positioned his chair near the door. Hawke began explaining the plan: "Tonight, we''re going to reveal the child''s origins to the media and the public. Remember, the truth is in our hands, and the truth we create is what the public will believe." Steve exhaled, feeling a measure of relief, and even Wilson seemed to relax slightly. Hawke continued, "Steve and Daisy have wanted children for a long time, but Steve''s genetic material is naturally less active. Since they married, Daisy hasn''t been able to conceive and has often expressed frustration about it." Wilson blurted out, almost reflexively, "Is that so? No wonder¡­" Steve shot him a glare. "Genetic vitality has nothing to do with a man''s capabilities!" Cobb lightly nudged Wilson, signaling him to be quiet. Hawke went on, "Steve learned about IVF and felt moved by the discrimination Wilson and other Black teammates faced in Boston last year. So he decided to use Wilson''s genetic material through IVF with Daisy, aiming to fulfill his dream of having a child and creating a ''new era'' family." Hawke gestured to Biles, who handed Steve a packet of printed information about IVF procedures. "Review this carefully to get a basic understanding," he said. Steve nodded, accepting the documents. Caroline, seizing the moment, chimed in, "I can draft a speech for Steve based on these ideas and contact the media to set up a press conference. How does three hours sound?" Hawke, with a different strategy in mind, shook his head. "A straightforward explanation has too many loopholes and might be hard for the public to accept. Even if Steve and Wilson jointly reveal the story, there will still be doubts afterward." Biles added, "The public instinctively questions any official narrative when it involves sensitive issues." Hawke then looked at Edward, a freelance journalist. "This story can''t come from Steve or us. We need the media to discover it ''organically,'' through leaked footage or a recorded conversation. The real truth lies in the footage that appears to be secretly captured." He continued, "In fact, we should make it seem like we''re trying to hide the truth, while making sure everyone ''discovers'' it." Caroline''s perspective shifted, and she nodded. "You''re right. The public and the media tend to believe that anything captured secretly is genuine." "Then, we''ll have Steve and Wilson publicly align themselves with the fight against discrimination in sports," Hawke instructed Caroline, emphasizing that her speech should frame this story around anti-discrimination themes as well as IVF. Everyone, except Edward, appeared slightly taken aback by the plan. Finally, Hawke pulled Steve and Biles aside for a private discussion about the IVF narrative, securing Steve''s consent to proceed. ***** S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. /Sayonara816. Chapter 78: White and Black [Chapter 79: White and Black] In the temporary office suite, Hawke opened the briefcase he had just picked up, carefully checked the camera inside, and added a mini external microphone. Edward brought over the power cord and plugged it in to charge the battery. Hawke said, "I just went down to check. The break room in the medical building connects to the coffee shop, and it''s relatively quiet there. We''ll set up the spying location there." Edward rubbed his hands in anticipation, "Boss, don''t worry. I''ve trained for so long; there won''t be any problems." Hawke waved his hand, "Relax. If it doesn''t work out this time, we can always try again." Edward thought about it and realized it was true; the thrill was gone in an instant. This spying operation was neither tense nor stimulating. Hawke looked at the time and said, "I will step out for a bit. You assist Miss Baa. Don''t let Steve and Wilson get into a fight." There was a knock at the door. Hawke opened it to find Caroline. Caroline had finished drafting the copy and wanted him to take a look. Hawke reviewed it carefully, pointing out two areas that needed changes. Once Caroline made the adjustments, he instructed Steve and Wilson to memorize their lines. Both men were public figures, having faced cameras many times before, so they managed well. Hawke put on his jacket, grabbed his bag, and headed out. Caroline followed him outside and asked, "Where are you going?" Hawke simply replied, "The in-vitro-fertilization program still needs an endorsement. I''m going to find a professional institution to fill that gap." ... He went downstairs and drove to the Irvine Medical Center based on the information provided by the nurse. After taking a quick look, Hawke turned around and left. It was a huge comprehensive medical group, with six tall buildings occupying several floors. Steve wasn''t significant enough to matter here. ... Soon after, Hawke found the Agatha Fertility Center. This place resembled a large clinic more than anything else. Hawke observed for a moment; there seemed to be no one coming or going. Once inside, the atmosphere was relatively quiet. The enthusiastic nurse had already inquired for him, noting there were fewer than 50,000 in vitro births in the entire country each year. Compared to the massive Irvine Medical Center, the more specialized Agatha Fertility Center was doing just okay. ?????£Î??????? Hawke approached the front desk and pulled out a business card, "I represent Steve Nutt and Daisy Nutt; I have an important matter for your manager." The receptionist asked cautiously, "Steve Nutt, the star player for the Dodgers?" Hawke confirmed, "That''s right." The receptionist reported to her superior, who then made a phone call. After waiting five or six minutes, the receptionist received a response and led Hawke to the second floor. ... In a large office, he met Dr. Agatha, the founder and head of the center. She was dressed in a sharp women''s suit and wore black-rimmed glasses. After shaking hands with Hawke, she said, "I saw the news today; the Nutt couple is at St. Joseph''s Hospital waiting for their baby to be born." "The baby has already been born," Hawke replied, pulling out Steve''s authorization letter and his own business card from the briefcase and placing them in front of Agatha. "Doctor, you can verify this at any time." Agatha remained composed and asked, "What do you want to do?" Hawke said, "Steve and Daisy Nutt have tasked me with expressing their gratitude to you for helping their angel arrive through IVF." Agatha frowned, not recalling any past cases of their in vitro births at her center. Hawke continued, "Right now, numerous fans and media reporters are gathered at the entrance of St. Joseph''s Hospital. Steve and Daisy cannot come in person, but once they handle all these matters, they will personally come to express their thanks. A lot of media will be present, so please prepare accordingly." He smiled politely, "Steve also wants this opportunity to let couples in California and across the country who want children but cannot have them know that Agatha Fertility Center can help them fulfill their wishes." At this point, Agatha understood, eyeing Hawke up and down, then called in her assistant to verify the information. Hawke relaxed slightly, pleased he didn''t have to go find another place. The assistant quickly provided a positive confirmation. Agatha stated directly, "We cannot have fewer than twenty media representatives on-site, and at least five need to be from mainstream outlets." Hawke wasn''t afraid of her demands; he was more concerned if there weren''t any. "That''s doable," he replied. He proposed his own request: "I will notify you ahead of time, but I ask that you personally meet and receive the Nutt couple." "I will wait for the Nutt couple to come," Agatha replied, trying to gain more benefits. "When Steve comes to express his thanks, I would like to take a photo with the couple, and I will display the photo prominently in the clinic''s lobby." Hawke said, "No problem, but you cannot use the photo for promotional purposes in the media directly, as that would infringe upon Steve''s portrait rights." Agatha frowned. If one wants someone to take risks for support, they need to offer a benefit, but Hawke wouldn''t have to provide it. He suggested, "Media reporters can snap photos of the wall picture and press it in the media; you won''t be able to control that." Agatha chuckled, took out her business card, and handed it to Hawke. "Just let me know when the time is set; you can call me anytime." Hawke accepted the card, packed away the authorization letter, and stood up to shake hands with Agatha again. "Pleasant cooperation." Agatha escorted him out of her office. ... With that settled, Hawke immediately returned to St. Joseph''s Hospital, where he encountered Caroline at the ward''s entrance. Miss Baa asked in surprise, "You got everything wrapped up in less than half an hour?" "The Agatha Fertility Center is on board with us. Based on Daisy''s recovery status and media coverage, we''ll set a time for the Nutt couple to visit." Hawke delegated the follow-up communication to Caroline, instructing her to speak with the Nutt couple after the spying operation concluded. ... In the temporary office, Steve and Wilson began rehearsing according to the script. The first part went fine, but the latter half of the script, which involved anti-racism, caused the two of them to break into laughter frequently. "Gentlemen, please be serious; this is a very serious topic." Although Hawke never took this matter too seriously, he couldn''t say that aloud. He picked up a sports magazine that Edward had found, turning to an article about last year''s Boston incident, saying, "Have you both forgotten last year''s game with the Boston Red Sox? How those guys insulted you!" Wilson glanced at the pictures in the magazine, noticing images of fried chicken, watermelon, and bananas, and his laughter instantly faded. A strong team had to have a sense of collective honor. Steve was the core star of the Dodgers and commented, "I will always remember that moment." The two of them focused on rehearsing earnestly. After listening for a bit, Hawke felt something was off and asked, "Is there a lot of vulgar or insulting talk among teammates when you chat privately?" Steve suddenly realized, "No wonder I find it awkward talking to Wilson." Edward, standing by the door, muttered to himself, "Awkward is because he got with your wife and gave you a little black kid in the process." On the other hand, Steve and Wilson''s conversation was peppered with their everyday slang and coarse language, and they found their groove. ... After rehearsing a few more times, Hawke sent Edward to grab the briefcase camera and called Biles, who was waiting in the coffee shop, saying, "Gentlemen, it''s time for action." He first instructed Wilson, "You hurry to the medical building coffee shop and find a quiet place to wait." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Wilson left first, followed by agent Cobb. Hawke glanced at his watch and told Steve, "You leave in two minutes. Savior, now take the bag downstairs, and start following Steve from outside the main entrance. Stay sharp; don''t get caught by hospital security." Edward grabbed the bag and replied, "No one can catch the Savior; not even the T1000." Once they all left, Hawke was the last to go. Caroline tried to follow but was stopped by Hawke, "You stay here and guard the ward. Don''t let anyone sneak in; if someone snaps a picture now, you''ll lose your cut." "Who dares!" With the mention of her cut, Caroline''s face turned fierce as she pulled a taser from her bag. "If someone dares to come over, I''ll make sure they can only stare at the ceiling!" ... A few minutes later, Hawke went downstairs and arrived at the coffee shop adjacent to the medical building. Standing outside the glass door, he observed for a moment before spotting Steve and Wilson. At a table diagonally behind them, Edward ordered coffee and dessert as if enjoying afternoon tea. The briefcase was placed diagonally on the table, with the camera facing Steve and Wilson. Hawke ordered a lemonade and quietly walked over, taking a seat behind the two men. "Buddy, after coming back from Boston last year, you said your sperm was too poor and insisted on using mine to help Daisy with the in vitro," Wilson spoke casually. "Well, for the sake of brotherhood, I fucking agreed." He questioned, "Now that the baby is born, you bastard, you won''t even let me take a look!" Steve replied, "I didn''t say I wouldn''t let you see the baby. The doctor said it''s not convenient for the baby to see anyone for the time being. Newborns often have varying degrees of jaundice, and the baby''s levels are a bit high, so just wait a little longer." Wilson shook his head, "I don''t understand all this jargon." He then asked, "What about the baby''s skin tone? Is it like yours, or mine?" Steve responded, "The complexion is like yours." Wilson whistled, "My friend, you will have troubles in the future." His tone suddenly turned serious, "You and Daisy won''t be rejecting him, will you?" "What nonsense are you talking about!" Steve momentarily lost his words; after a brief silence, he said, "You know nothing; you know nothing at all." Wilson raised his chin, "Don''t underestimate me!" Steve recalled the gist of the lines, "I have so many friends; why did I choose you? You have no idea!" Wilson showcased his talent for rap, "How would I know if you didn''t say anything?" Steve added, "Remember last year''s game against the Red Sox in Boston? Those extremists brazenly attacked us in the most vile and insane ways, insulting you and the other black brothers on the team. They weren''t just insulting you; it was an insult to the entire Dodgers!" His voice grew more passionate, "This kind of thing has happened over and over again, previously in Arlington and in Seattle; similar incidents have occurred. And what can I do as captain? All I can do is comfort you, saying this is the behavior of a minority, that everything will get better, but in reality? I can''t do a damn thing!" Wilson said, "Steve, you''ve done a lot..." Steve, afraid of losing his words, took the opportunity to speak, "After coming back from Boston last year, I''ve been thinking about how to support you all, how to raise awareness, and then Daisy reminded me. After careful consideration, I felt that as a pure white couple like Daisy and me, if we could raise a black child, we could set an example and perhaps help you all!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 79: Temptation of Downfall [Chapter 80: Temptation of Downfall] What should a freelance journalist do if his undercover shots didn''t turn out well? Hawke would tell him to have the stars redo it; they would take another round of candid footage. Under his direction, Steve and Wilson went up and down the stairs, chatting in the cafe while Edward took another round of shots. Everyone returned to the makeshift office, and Edward uploaded the video onto the laptop, quickly making copies. Hawke approached the laptop and opened two videos for playback. A few people stood behind him to watch. Even Daisy, who was in a wheelchair, had Amanda push her over. After all the videos played, Hawke directly asked, "Which one do you guys think is better?" Caroline was the first to speak, saying, "The second shoot is a bit better; it''s a complete candid perspective." Agent Biles agreed, "If we didn''t know ahead of time, I''d absolutely think this was a real scoop." The others chimed in, expressing their agreement. Hawke replayed the second shoot for a closer look. Steve whispered, "I performed well, huh? Hey... do you think when I retire, I could learn from Simpson and break into showbiz?" Daisy exploded, "What, you want to learn how Simpson killed his wife?" Steve clammed up, and no one could know what else was running through his mind. Hawke packed up the laptop and handed it to Edward while saying to Caroline, "I''ll leave things here to you." Caroline nodded slightly. ... Hawke had Edward drove back to Los Angeles. On the way, he called Megan Taylor, "I just got a huge scoop." Megan cut straight to the point, saying, "Come to my office." When the car arrived at Fox Tower, Hawke carried the laptop upstairs, skipping any pleasantries and knocking on Megan''s office door directly. Megan was waiting for him, quickly opening the door and asking, "Can it make the headlines?" Hawke settled in the guest area, sitting on the couch and opening the laptop. "It''s a $150,000 explosive story." Megan sat beside him, her eyes locked onto the screen. Hawke clicked open the video, and the shaky oval-shaped footage clearly came from candid shots, with the lens constantly following a figure. Megan quickly recognized, "Steve Nutt from the Los Angeles Dodgers?" "That''s right," Hawke confirmed. Megan immediately reacted, "The paper covered it today; his wife Daisy is due to give birth anytime now. You didn''t actually get a shot of the baby, did you?" ???§°¦¢§¦? Hawke casually replied, "I have lines I won''t cross; how could I shoot a baby without the guardian''s consent?" Megan turned to scrutinize him for a moment but was quickly drawn back to the video. The camera panned into the cafe, zeroing in on the table where Steve sat, and another bald Black man appeared on screen. The two chatted; their voices weren''t particularly clear, but the dialogue was distinguishable. Megan quickly picked out the key points of their conversation: Steve Nutt and Daisy Nutt''s newborn was an IVF baby, with the genetic material from the bald Black man -- Steve''s teammate Wilson. This news was undoubtedly explosive, but Megan thought the subsequent conversation was even more impactful. Steve mentioned that the reason for using Wilson''s genetic material, besides his own reasons, was due to the repeated discrimination faced by his Black teammates, including Wilson himself. The star of the Dodgers wanted to support his teammates, fighting against the persistent shadow of discrimination in sports. After the video finished, Megan remained silent. She took the mouse from Hawke and replayed it again. As before, she paused at critical moments, even rewinding some parts for another look. Once she finished watching, Hawke said, "$150,000 -- totally worth it." "Definitely worth it," Megan turned to glare at him, "There are no signs of artificial manipulation, but I know your style well. Why is Steve Nutt being so cooperative?" Hawke calmly replied, "Daisy gave birth to a Black baby. According to her, the father of the child is Steve''s teammate Wilson." Megan quickly pieced things together, "You''ve leveled up, helping the Nutt couple with PR?" Hawke neither confirmed nor denied it but said, "You''ve always wanted to elevate the social depth of entertainment news; I specifically crafted this story for you." "Should I thank you?" Megan responded without waiting for an answer, "A prominent celebrity couple having a baby but the father is a Black friend? The gossip factor is off the charts; and at the same time, we see the mocked hero showcasing incredible humanity, flipping the narrative unexpectedly; finally raising it to the level of a social issue." Hawke acknowledged, "That''s a very apt summary." Megan curiously asked, "Which university did you graduate from? Who was your mentor?" Hawke had a thick skin, replying, "Self-taught." This was indeed the kind of story Megan wanted, and even knowing it was concocted by the jerk beside her, she wasn''t willing to let it go. Hawke could guess her thoughts: "All the footage and audio are real; these are genuine events." Having interacted with Megan multiple times, he understood what she needed: "This could spark a media frenzy. You can report on it continuously, including inviting Steve and Daisy along with Wilson to your show." Megan suddenly grabbed Hawke''s arm, "You are like Mephisto, here to tempt people into downfall." She stopped hesitating, "You didn''t mention those things to me, but what I saw in the video is exactly what I understand. $150,000 -- I want that video." Hawke introduced a new condition, saying, "It''s provided by West Coast Media Entertainment Studio." Megan thought for a moment and replied, "Alright." Hawke extended his hand, "Let''s have a pleasant collaboration." Megan shook his hand and simultaneously proposed another request, "You''ll attend the program''s meeting so you can add in any new ideas." Hawke nodded, "No problem." Megan got up and walked to her desk, picking up the phone and ordering, "Claire, bring the storage drive and the rights transfer agreement to my office. Prepare a check for $150,000. Also, notify all department heads to meet in ten minutes." Claire quickly arrived in the office. Hawke copied the video and reviewed agreement signatures. ... Ten minutes later, he entered the program meeting room with Claire and found the least conspicuous corner to sit in. The video played once, rendering the meeting room silent. The attendees weren''t newbies; they recognized the potential immense value of this news. The program group operated under Megan''s authority: "Tonight, all other news is off; we are focusing solely on the video and its related content. I''m assigning tasks; those responsible need to execute immediately." She quickly ordered, "Claire, contact the Dodgers; take a broadcast van straight to the team. Find either the team manager or a player, preferably a Black player; I want a live link during the show." Claire called a cameraman and rushed out of the meeting room. Megan continued, "Alexander, lead your team to search the Fox archive; find all cases of racial discrimination involving the Dodgers and MLB over the last three years, along with other cases in professional sports leagues. I need the most typical, well-known incidents, preferably with video footage." A middle-aged man left the room. Megan looked at a bald man and instructed, "Bill, contact the NAACP; during the program, I want to connect with their Black opinion leaders." Bill hurriedly exited the meeting room. Megan addressed a man wearing glasses, saying, "Stephen, draft a narrative shifting from sports gossip to racial discrimination; I need a rough draft in two hours." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Then she turned to Hawke in the corner, "What about you? Anything to say?" Most people in the program team knew who Hawke was; it was surprising for him to even be invited to the meeting, let alone to be asked for his opinion. "Just give a brief rundown on what the IVF is about," Hawke suggested, as it was something Edward had thought of, "Many people don''t understand." Megan nodded slightly, instructing someone on her left, "You go gather relevant materials." The meeting wrapped up quickly, and the team got busy. ... Hawke picked up the check, said goodbye to Megan, and had Edward drive them back to Orange County. Before 11 PM, everyone gathered again in the makeshift office to watch Midnight Entertainment. Thanks to the high ratings following Miller Collins'' Milk Gate scandal, many viewers across the country tuned in to the program. Especially in the Greater Los Angeles area, once the video aired, it caused explosive reactions. ... In a typical Dodgers fan home, the wife yelled toward the bathroom after seeing the show, "Oh my God! Steve Nutt''s kid isn''t biologically his; he used teammate Wilson''s genetic material to help Daisy have a test-tube baby!" The husband, who was showering, didn''t believe it, replying, "No way? Celebrities often say ridiculous things..." "Absolutely not false!" the wife insisted, "Steve and Wilson were caught on camera discussing this!" The bathroom door swung open, and the husband rushed out with a towel wrapped around him, standing in front of the TV and exclaiming, "It really was a candid shot, then it must be true! Oh my God, this is crazy! Have Steve and Wilson lost their minds?" Just then, his phone rang; it was a friend from the same fan group, who asked right away, "Did you see Steve''s story?" The husband replied, "I did." "That''s explosive!" his friend was fully convinced of the video''s authenticity, "Uh, the latest part really flips our understanding; Steve is doing this for the team!" ... Meanwhile, several Black Dodgers players were called in by the team''s Black manager to gather at the club, where they watched Midnight Entertainment together with Claire and a cameraman in a conference room. Their emotions were like riding a roller coaster -- from initial shock to anger at the repeated discrimination on sports fields, finally culminating in astonishment over Steve''s statements. "I, along with Daisy, as a pure white family, if we can raise a Black child, maybe we can set an example to help you guys!" In the recorded candid footage, Steve''s words came with audio noise but resonated in the ears of every Black person present. The Black manager maintained his composure, but the players, easily stirred, couldn''t contain their excitement upon hearing their star player speak this way. Two of them even shed tears. The tallest Black player expressed, "Steve''s words weren''t just talk; he genuinely means it." The cameraman had already turned on his camera, capturing the moment. Midnight Entertainment set up a live video link. The moved Black players all appeared on the TV screen. The team manager was very pleased, and the team''s reputation skyrocketed. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 80: Hot Headlines [Chapter 81: Hot Headlines] In the Westwood area, inside a newly decorated mansion. Dwayne Johnson sat on the big sofa in his bedroom, intently watching TV. Dany Garcia emerged from the makeup room, joining him to watch a gossip show. After a while, Johnson couldn''t help but exclaim, "Steve Nutt is amazing." According to the one-drop rule, he was Black too. "If it were me, I definitely couldn''t do that. The Dodgers'' cohesion must be incredibly strong after this." Dany laughed, "What you''re seeing may not be the truth." Johnson had been watching since the show''s start, catching the moment when Megan Taylor connected with the Dodgers'' Black players. He argued, "You didn''t see earlier. The information wasn''t released by the Dodgers nor promoted by the Nutt couple. It was caught by paparazzi." "Just because a journalist got a scoop doesn''t mean it''s true," Dany reminded sternly. "Did you forget? We were also photographed last month." Johnson was startled, tapping his forehead. "You mean..." Dany picked up the thread. "During the day, Steve Nutt''s manager called to confirm whether Hawke had worked with us. I spoke highly of Hawke since he was no ordinary person. Yet, it was less than a day before Steve Nutt dropped this bombshell." "It must be related to Hawke," Johnson confidently stated. "He used unconventional methods last time." Dany remarked, "Unconventional, but very effective. Even you believe this is real." Johnson marveled, "That guy has so many tricks up his sleeve. Who would''ve thought something snapped by a paparazzi could be fake?" After thinking for a moment, Dany noted, "This is exploiting the media and public psychology." "I''ll call Joanna," Johnson said, rummaging for his phone. He dialed his friend''s number and said, "You should tune in to Channel 11. Yes, it''s about Steve Nutt and his wife. Remember the friend I introduced you to last time? That''s who it''s about." Joanna had been hoping for the washed-up pop star daughter, Allison, to make a comeback. Johnson added, "If you want Allison''s album to sell big and for her to regain fame, working with him seems much more promising." Joanna was serious. "Thank you. I''ll definitely reach out when I need to." "Have Allison check out the Channel 11 show too," Johnson suggested. "She isn''t here," Joanna replied with a hint of frustration. "She went out on a date and hasn''t returned." Johnson had a great personal relationship with her and advised, "You need to rein Allison in a little. She''s about to release a new album, and this kind of partying can lead to trouble." ???????????§¦s? "I''ll try," Joanna said. Once Johnson hung up, Dany asked, "You''re so eager; did you manage to get a cut from Hawke?" "I''ve known Joanna since I was a teenager. If I can help, I will. Allison is a washed-up child star. Making a comeback is hard enough, and traditional promotion has limited chances," Johnson replied. "Alright, enough of that," Dany said, sitting on him. "Big guy, let me see your little guy." ... Beverly Hills, Four Seasons Hotel. After a grand Hollywood party, Waddell, the deputy editor of , exited the hotel and climbed into a waiting car. Once the car began to move, the assistant in the passenger seat quickly stated, "Sir, in the recently concluded Midnight Entertainment show, Steve Nutt dropped a bombshell. The father of Daisy''s child is actually his Black teammate Wilson..." Waddell''s surprise interrupted the assistant''s explanation. "What?" "The content revealed by the show is like this..." The assistant detailed everything, finally emphasizing, "Megan Taylor video-called several Black players from the Dodgers, who were so moved by Steve that they went crazy. Then, they connected with Cecil, a leader from the NAACP, who praised Steve as a real hero." Waddell sensed a major news break and instructed the driver, "Back to the office." He then said to his assistant, "Gather the top editorial team. They need to get to the office within half an hour." He pulled out his phone, calling Steve''s PR manager, Caroline, asking, "What''s the matter with the revelation in Midnight Entertainment?" Caroline''s voice came through amidst car honks, "I''m on my way to St. Joseph Hospital. I just spoke with Steve and his agent Biles. Wilson indeed went to the hospital this afternoon, and Steve talked to him." Waddell pressed for the key detail. "What''s the deal with the IVF?" Caroline was prepared. She immediately threw down a bombshell: "I asked. Steve said fans and professionals have faced repeated racial discrimination, particularly last year''s Boston incident when extreme Red Sox fans openly acted inappropriately outside the hotel. Boston officials did nothing, and it made him determined to fight discrimination his way!" Waddell didn''t know what to say at that moment. No matter how he felt privately, some things couldn''t be said out loud, or it would lead to huge trouble. ... Upon arriving at the office, he immediately reviewed the footage from Midnight Entertainment. The show had pulled together every racist incident that had occurred in sports and its surroundings over the past three years, all as background for Steve Nutt. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Steve Nutt''s image loomed large, as if he could sit at the Lincoln Memorial. Waddell then checked online for related information. Within half an hour of the show finishing, Steve Nutt''s news had become a trending topic on the internet. Numerous sports and entertainment bloggers were re-sharing the news. Having worked in the media industry for years, Waddell sensed something unusual was brewing, but he was even clearer that Steve''s news was destined to explode. And it was in a positive direction. He understood exactly how to proceed. He called Caroline again: "Work with the hospital to find out the earliest time we can get a photo of the child. I want it for the next magazine cover." ... St. Joseph Hospital, parking lot. Caroline stepped out of a red Mercedes, looking at Hawke standing beside the car. "Done. The position from is pretty much what we expected, but Waddell wants those photos fast." Hawke headed toward the hospital building. "You''re responsible for communicating with the Nutt couple and the hospital." Caroline had only taken a few steps when her phone rang. She answered, saying, "Yes, I just arrived at St. Joseph Hospital. For detailed information, please look at tomorrow''s announcement." Hawke inquired, "Has the media called?" "Yep." While Caroline was answering, her phone rang again, still media inquiries. For more than an hour, her phone didn''t stop ringing, with various media outlets frantically asking for information. On the traditional media side, Hawke wanted to hear Caroline''s opinion, "What do you think?" Caroline replied, "Let the news simmer overnight. Tomorrow, Steve will be on the front page of numerous entertainment and sports media. We can let him respond then." Hawke pondered slightly. "Sounds good." ... As they returned to the temporary office, Steve greeted Hawke with a fist bump. All his earlier anger and despair had vanished, and he excitedly said, "Buddy, you''re incredible! You managed to control the narrative effortlessly." Hawke cautioned, "This is a critical moment. You have to watch what you say and do." Steve repeatedly agreed and added, "The teammates and the team manager just called me saying they''d be coming over tomorrow morning." "Great," Hawke said. "You''ve moved the whole team. Next, you''ll touch the entire state of California and America." Steve smiled widely. Hawke turned to Caroline, "Find a news tipster to notify the media that the Dodgers will come to visit Steve and Daisy tomorrow morning." Caroline pulled out her phone and called another assistant still in Los Angeles. Sasha, who had already fallen asleep, had to get up, find her backup phone, and start calling the media. That night, reporters from many publications, including the , , , and the , all received one message: the Los Angeles Dodgers would collectively visit St. Joseph Hospital the next day to support Steve Nutt and his wife. By the time the clock had struck midnight, it was destined to be a sleepless night for the media workers in the Los Angeles area. ... As others gradually turned in for the night, Hawke kept an eye on the trending news online. Steve''s report had already become the top trending story. The anti-discrimination campaign was picking up steam, and mainstream media''s stance was quite clear. Hawke found Caroline. "You stay up and write a speech for Steve." Caroline stretched, "Country boy, it''s 1 AM. You don''t intend to let me sleep?" "I''ll keep you company through the night," Hawke replied. Caroline grabbed some paper and a pen, sitting at the desk. "Theme?" Hawke had been considering for a while. "Steve should express the intention behind doing IVF, share his stance against discrimination, and the pride of having a Black son while calling America to pay attention to Black issues." Caroline''s lips twitched, and she wrote a title on the paper: My Black Son and I. The piece took a full two hours to write, during which Hawke reviewed and suggested edits multiple times, continuing until after three in the morning. Crossing into the other rooms that were all occupied, Hawke finished reviewing the notes and sat on the couch, preparing to rest for a bit. Caroline, too tired to keep her eyes open, sat down beside him and pressed down hard on his shoulder, "Can I borrow this?" Hawke closed his eyes. "Whatever, Miss Baa. I''ve told you a long time ago, I''ll cooperate with you no matter what you want." Caroline leaned against him. "I''ll just sleep for a bit, country boy, and don''t move. I have a taser." Hawke casually responded, "I''m not into little sheep." Caroline didn''t reply, quickly falling asleep and mumbling in her dreams, "Baa! Baa--" ... The next morning, the entrance of St. Joseph Hospital had turned into a tourist attraction. Hundreds of people almost blocked the road. Irving''s police had to increase their manpower to maintain order. Large numbers of fans held up huge posters of their Dodgers players, gathering at the hospital entrance to show support. Hundreds of media reporters amassed on both sides of the entrance. The number of TV broadcast vans parked nearby had increased from two to six. When the Dodgers'' vehicles arrived, the media went wild, crowding the cars to take pictures and hoping for interviews. In the early stages of summer, Los Angeles erupted into the hottest news event since 2002. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 81: Fame and Connections [Chapter 82: Fame and Connections] In the fifth-floor hallway, Hawke sat on a bench, watching Steve embrace his teammates one by one, excitedly chatting as he took a sip from his coffee cup. He had only slept a little the night before, but it hadn''t affected him much. The Dodgers'' manager had arrived, first offering Steve encouragement before conferring with Caroline. Edward returned with a cup of coffee and sat down next to Hawke. His thought process was different. He said, "Boss, no one is paying attention to us. It feels like we''ve been forgotten." Hawke slowly sipped his coffee and responded softly, "Savior, do you know about puppetry?" Edward thought for a moment before pointing toward Steve and saying, "They''re the puppets, and we''re the ones pulling the strings?" ... Things quieted down a bit, and Steve, Caroline, and Biles came over. Biles said, "The team wants Steve to make a public statement with Wilson." "That''s fine," Hawke replied, having already planned with Caroline and discussed it with Steve. "In the morning, Steve and Daisy will go to the Agatha Fertility Center to express their gratitude." He turned to Caroline, saying, "Have Amanda prepare a wheelchair; the doctor approved some moderate activity for Daisy." Caroline fetched Daisy, and Hawke told Biles, "There''s a hotel near the hospital; rent their largest banquet hall and invite all the media and fan representatives for a press conference at three this afternoon." Biles replied, "I''ll get on that right away." Hawke looked at Steve and said, "Familiarize yourself with the new script Caroline wrote and transform into a warrior to fight." "I will," Steve said as he took the script back to his hospital room. ... Out in the common area, newspapers that Biles bought were scattered everywhere, all featuring Steve''s image on their front pages. This was California, and almost all the headlines praised him. "Steve Nutt, a true civil rights champion in sports!" "Facing social injustice, Steve Nutt has made the strongest statement through his actions." "Steve Nutt has showcased the best model of a new American family." Not to mention the liberal press, even the conservatives did not directly attack him. Although civil rights hadn''t reached the heights of the Black Lives Matter movement yet, after entering the new century, very few openly expressed views related to racial discrimination. ???????????¨º? Steve''s teammates chose to stay, deciding unanimously to head to the hotel press event in the afternoon to support him. ... Hawke found a quiet spot and called Agatha. "Doctor, we''ll arrive punctually at ten-thirty." Agatha replied, "Everything is ready on my end." She didn''t forget to ask, "What about the media?" Standing in front of the window, Hawke looked at the crowd of reporters outside the hospital, saying, "I guarantee there will be over thirty." Agatha laughed, "Please send my regards to Steve and his wife." After hanging up, he turned to Edward. "Savior, want to earn some extra cash?" ... A few minutes later, Edward borrowed a hospital janitor''s uniform and snuck out through a side door, heading to the front entrance. Before he had the chance to find someone, a reporter with a press pass approached him. "Are you from the hospital?" the reporter asked. Edward tugged at his uniform and said, "I''m a janitor in the patient tower. I''ve just received an important tip regarding Steve Nutt." The reporter, looking to develop a scoop, immediately asked, "What''s the tip?" Edward grinned, revealing two rows of white teeth. The reporter said, "100 bucks!" Edward held up five fingers. The reporter hesitated for a moment, gritted his teeth, and said, "Alright, 500 bucks." Edward replied, "I want cash." The reporter, having come prepared, pulled out 500 dollars. Edward whispered, "I overheard Steve Nutt''s PR team on the phone saying they''re preparing to go to the Agatha Fertility Center." S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The reporter, recalling last night''s news that Steve''s child was a test-tube baby, knew it was accurate. He handed Edward the cash along with his business card. He called for a photographer and a car, rushing off to the Agatha Fertility Center. Edward quietly returned to the hospital, exited through another door, and circled back around to find another reporter. "I have the latest scoop on Steve Nutt." As the clock neared nine-thirty, Edward had sold the news five times, netting him 2300 dollars. ... At ten o''clock, Hawke drove a van carrying Steve, Daisy, Caroline, and Amanda out of the hospital front entrance. As they left, Steve rolled down the car window to answer the fans'' support. Soon, dozens of media vehicles followed the van as it headed towards the Agatha Fertility Center. Seeing the crowd, Dr. Agatha nearly beamed as she came out with a few aides to personally greet Steve and Daisy Nutt. There wasn''t much to discuss; Agatha quickly summoned someone to take their picture together. After just a short visit, Steve and Daisy bid farewell. Once they left, Agatha thought of Hawke''s idea and immediately ordered, "Have that photo framed and put it in the most visible spot in the lobby as fast as possible." She also instructed the security at the entrance and the front desk, "If any reporters try to sneak in and take pictures, act like you didn''t see them." Though Steve and Daisy had gone, a large group of media reporters remained. Agatha stepped outside, confidently accepting interviews to endorse Steve and Daisy while riding the wave of publicity. Within half a day, the name of the Agatha Fertility Center spread across the nation. ... While having lunch, Hawke received a call from Agatha. "I''m very satisfied with your arrangements, Mr. Hawke Osment. If you ever need to have a test-tube baby in the future, the center will waive the fees for you." Upon hearing this, all Hawke could say was, "Thank you." He put away his phone and asked Caroline, "Has the news conference information been released yet?" Caroline replied, "It''s already out. Over sixty media outlets will be attending." Hawke said, "The impact is getting bigger." Caroline had been keeping an eye on the media dynamics. "The buzz is through the roof; it''s the hottest news in recent times." Hawke asked, "Is it alright for us to be on Midnight Entertainment?" "They agreed," Caroline replied, then jokingly asked, "What, did Megan Taylor sleep with you?" Hawke''s expression didn''t change a bit as he said, "Because it has the highest ratings among entertainment shows right now." ... Close to three o''clock in the afternoon, Edward drove the van, bringing Steve, Wilson, and Caroline from the hospital to the hotel entrance. Near the entrance, hundreds of Steve''s supporters had gathered. These fans wore Dodgers baseball caps, held up large posters of Steve, and shouted the Dodgers'' exclusive cheer slogans. Steve, Wilson, and Caroline squeezed toward the hotel entrance. Once the crowd thinned out, Hawke entered the hotel alone, accompanied by Biles to the back of the banquet hall, finding a spot to sit down. Inside the hall, hundreds of reporters had convened, with live cameras set up by various stations, including Channel 11 and Channel 9. "This was initially a huge crisis," Biles, not particularly skilled in crisis management, was nonetheless deeply impressed. "Now it''s not only been smoothened out but it has also skyrocketed Steve''s reputation." Hawke took out his business card and handed it to Biles. "If any of your other clients need anything, don''t hesitate to have them call me." Regardless of whether they are entertainment stars or sports figures, they tended to create scandals. Biles accepted the card and took it seriously. "We''ll cooperate when the opportunity arises." ... Cheers erupted from the crowd. It was Steve who walked out with his teammates. Facing numerous media representatives and fans, Steve delivered a speech titled "Me and My Black Son." Besides explaining the origins of the test-tube baby, Steve highlighted the various injustices faced by his Black teammates both on and off the field, passionately declaring: "Black lives matter as much as white lives; we are all part of America, and African Americans are also the future of society. We cannot demonize our own people... Just yesterday, I became a father, welcoming a Black son into my new family, which will thrive, while countless families like mine will build a greater nation!" Dodgers teammates gave Steve thunderous applause. The fans and media joined in enthusiastic applause, cheers ringing out. Even in that era, California had seen an influx of white liberal activists. Surrounded by applause, Steve felt like a hero for everything he had done and the new family he was advocating for. He became emotionally charged, suddenly realizing that this path would bring him even more fame. At that moment, Steve decided to transform into a civil rights warrior. As the press conference drew to a close, a leader from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Sesko, rushed up to embrace Steve, their big hands -- one Black, one White -- raised high together. At that moment, no one cared about how Steve''s Black child had come to be. ... The next day, with the doctor''s consent, Wardell, the business deputy editor of magazine, led a professional photography team to St. Joseph''s Hospital to take a family portrait of Steve, Daisy, and their Black baby. Normally, such a young child wouldn''t be suitable for a photo shoot. But both the Nutt couple and magazine didn''t want to miss the opportunity. This group photo would feature on the cover of the next issue of . Wardell privately approached Caroline, saying, "This situation is unusual. While I don''t know the details, this isn''t the style of your PR company." Caroline forced a smile. "Sorry, but there''s nothing I can tell you." Wardell wasn''t surprised. "Let''s introduce each other." Caroline pulled out her phone, called Hawke, and led Wardell into a temporary office. She introduced the two men, "This is Hawke Osment, founder of West Coast Media Entertainment Studio; and this is Wardell Bell, the business editor of People magazine." Hawke shook his hand, offering his business card. To his surprise, Wardell said, "I''ve heard of you. Where? Oh right, from Cynthia at Fox 11." Hawke also got Wardell''s card, realizing that through all the news operations, he had gained not only money but also fame and connections. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 82: Conflict Everywhere [Chapter 83: Conflict Everywhere] At the Fox building, Channel 11''s television center, in the producer''s office, Megan Taylor closed the issue of magazine she had been flipping through. She glanced at the cover featuring a family of three and turned to Hawke. "There''s been a backlash against discrimination in sports. Last week, several MLB games featured anti-discrimination slogans on site." Hawke stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows. "I just wanted to shift the focus and give it a little push." Megan looked down to see Steve, Daisy, and Wilson getting out of their car, preparing to enter the Fox building, but they were blocked by a large group of people. It wasn''t just fans; there were several zealots from equality organizations, many of whom were white. In terms of public impact, the issue affected the California white demographic far more than it did the Black community. Once inside the building, Megan said, "Let''s go." Hawke followed her out of the office, and they waited a moment at the entrance of the crew''s workspace before Caroline and Biles turned the corner, accompanying the three of them. Steve stepped forward, lightly punching Hawke on the arm. "I have some good news for you. I just scored a new endorsement." "Congratulations." Hawke promptly introduced both sides. ... Caroline led the three of them to discuss the show''s process with Megan. Biles stayed behind. Hawke took Biles to the reception room. At Midnight Entertainment, he felt just like he was in his own studio. "I need to ask you something," Hawke said directly. "When are you going to pay the remaining $400,000?" Biles looked surprised. "Hasn''t it been paid yet?" Hawke just smiled at him. Biles realized there was an issue. Not paying someone their due wages was definitely not a wise choice. He''d seen firsthand how Hawke controlled public opinion. "Wait a second," Biles said as he left the reception room to find Steve. Hawke waited about five minutes before Biles returned. "Steve had the accountant pay you the remaining wages the day after the People photo shoot," Biles explained earnestly. "But Daisy believed the photo shoot was moved up and thought it should be paid according to the original schedule, so she told the accountant to hold off..." ?¨¤??????¨§? Biles knew the crux of the issue. "Steve called the accountant again." Hawke nodded slightly. Not long after, the business manager from the connected bank called, reminding him that there was a $400,000 deposit in the studio account. Biles went to the studio to accompany a client. ... The door to the reception room swung open, and Caroline sauntered in, plopping down onto the armchair. "This woman is really hard to deal with." She asked Hawke, "Did she drive a hard bargain on all the news pieces you brought in?" Hawke tucked his phone away. "On the contrary, I always ask for top dollar." Caroline, having done similar work, understood immediately. "You''re always getting headlines that are hot. That kind of news is in demand. With so many media outlets in Los Angeles, there are always buyers." Hawke said, "Turns out you''re smarter than I thought." Caroline''s face darkened, but she suppressed her annoyance. "Next time, let''s create some news together." "By the way, Steve''s commission has all cleared. I''ll transfer $60,000 to you tomorrow." Hawke baited her with this info and added, "Collaborating is fine. You just need to find the opportunities." Thinking about that $60,000, Caroline readily agreed. "No problem." Hawke had already figured out how to leverage Ms. Baa. ... In the office of the Channel 11 director upstairs, since Midnight Entertainment''s ratings had exploded and there was a major event happening tonight, Director Cynthia Rosenberg decided to take the day off and come into the station at night. As she managed her time carefully, she turned on the television in her office. There was a knock at the office door, and a blonde woman in her thirties walked in. Cynthia looked at the Channel 11 news anchor. "Gretchen, what brings you here?" Gretchen, producer and anchor of Channel 11''s prime-time Ace News, pointed to the TV. "I wanted to talk to you about something." Cynthia gestured for her to sit down. As Midnight Entertainment began its broadcast, it was reviewing the Steve incident. Gretchen smiled and said, "Wouldn''t this story perform better in prime time?" Cynthia instantly understood what she meant. "The news avenue was developed by Megan, not given by me." Gretchen, being the first-choice female anchor at Channel 11, had some clout. "Such trending news would perform better in prime time and would have a more noticeable impact on the entire channel." Cynthia, mastered in the art of balance, replied, "Our industry has rules. Even I can''t force Megan to hand over her news sourcing." Gretchen mentally rolled her eyes. When it was convenient, they adhered to the rules; when it was not, they acted as the rule. But since the conversation had reached this point, she found it hard to retort to the director, so she sat silently beside Cynthia to watch Midnight Entertainment. ... As the trio featuring the outrageous figures behind the black little kid segment appeared, the show''s ratings skyrocketed like a rocket. Women''s jealousy is particularly strong, especially when they''re in direct competition as anchors. Gretchen endured watching for a while but eventually couldn''t take it anymore and decided to leave. As she exited the director''s office, she saw Cynthia''s assistant on one side of the office and leaned in. "Are you free this weekend? Let''s go shopping - Burberry just released new stuff." The assistant understood she was being offered a gift and didn''t refuse. "Sure!" Gretchen lowered her voice. "Do you know much about the West Coast studio? Have you met Hawke Osment?" The assistant leaned in closer. "All of Megan''s recent hot news has come from the West Coast studio." Gretchen was aware of this. The assistant continued quietly, "He''s apparently in the Midnight Entertainment crew tonight." "Thanks," Gretchen said, walking out. She pulled out her phone to send a text. Before long, she received a response: "He''s wearing a tailored gray business suit, has short black hair, and is about six feet tall." Gretchen headed straight for the elevator, descending to the first-floor lobby. She found a spot where she could observe the elevator area and patiently waited. ... As Midnight Entertainment wrapped up smoothly, the audience erupted in applause. Daisy was the first to leave the studio, heading toward the ladies'' room. Outside the studio, Edward caught sight of her and said to Hawke, "Boss, wait for me a moment. I''ll be right back." Hawke waved him off nonchalantly. Steve and Wilson exited one after the other. Hawke waved at both but didn''t approach. After this show, their contracts officially ended. Megan also stepped out, her mood evidently high. A bright smile graced her perfectly made-up face as she stopped by Hawke. "This incident started with Channel 11 and will end with Channel 11; it''s perfect." Hawke, always straightforward, replied, "If it''s so perfect, how about the crew pays me $150,000 more?" Megan''s smile instantly vanished. "The last party was delayed due to your news until this weekend. Are you free?" Hawke reiterated, "Call me with the time and place." Megan went to remove her makeup. Hawke had nothing pressing to do, so when Edward returned, they headed to the elevator down. Curious, Hawke asked, "What did you go to do?" "I went to get Daisy''s contact info. She seems to really like Black guys, and she gave me her card without hesitation," Edward said. Hawke raised an eyebrow. "Since when are you into married women?" "Not interested in married women," Edward clarified, explaining to Hawke, "Look, Daisy and Steve will definitely get divorced in the future, which means Daisy will eventually become a divorced woman with a kid, right?" What could Hawke say? He just admired, "You really are forward-thinking." ... As they exited the elevator area, ready to leave Fox, a blonde woman hurriedly approached Hawke. "Are you Hawke Osment?" she asked, extending a greeting. Hawke took a quick look at her. She seemed to be in her thirties, tall, dressed in the typical Fox female anchor attire of a short skirt, tights, and high heels. She had a mature, intellectual beauty likely enhanced by makeup. He frequently visited the Fox television center. While he hadn''t seen her in person, he recognized her. Gretchen smiled and gestured toward a section in the lobby. "Can we have a chat?" Hawke waved off Edward and followed Gretchen to a seating area. Gretchen said directly, "I''m sure you know who I am; I''m the anchor and producer for Ace News. If you have any hot news, feel free to come straight to me." Hawke was certainly open to another avenue for selling news. "I only deal in hot news, so my prices will be high." "If your news appears on my program, it''s not just about the money," Gretchen said, effectively leveraging her position. "News in prime time versus late-night gossip has a completely different impact on the studio''s development prospects." Hawke replied, "My news may predominantly fall in the gossip category." Gretchen asserted, "Stories like Steve Nutt''s can still make headlines on my program." She pulled out a card with her name and phone number and handed it to Hawke. "Feel free to contact me with any big news; don''t worry about the price." Hawke accepted it and handed her one of his own cards in return, effectively promoting: "Besides news, my studio also takes on public relations consulting work. If you or anyone you know needs help, just give me a call." This caught Gretchen off guard. She hesitated for a moment, piecing together what was implied based on Steve''s news and said, "If I need anything, I will definitely call you." ... After Hawke bid farewell, he reunited with Edward, left the building, and got into the car. Gretchen watched the elevator doors, having just seen Claire walk out with Steve and his group. She smiled and nodded at Claire, adjusting her handbag as she headed toward the exit. Gretchen deliberately chose a busy lobby, wanting Megan to understand she was Channel 11''s ace -- resources were readily at her fingertips. Claire noticed the exchange between Gretchen and Hawke, turned around, and caught the elevator back upstairs. In the past month, all of Midnight Entertainment''s hottest news stories had come from Hawke. Claire knocked on the door to Megan''s makeup room, finding Megan already finished with her makeup. She waved the makeup artist away, and the artist hurried out. When the door was closed, Claire said to Megan, "Gretchen just approached Hawke." Megan tied her loose hair back, replying coolly, "I know." ***** /Sayonara816. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 83: Special Treatment in Prison [Chapter 84: Special Treatment in Prison] After a few busy days, Hawke decided to give Edward a break and caught up on some much-needed sleep. However, just as the sun began to rise, loud banging on the door jolted him awake. Hawke threw on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, then leaned out the second-floor window to see what was going on. Frank, the old man, looked like a beggar asking for change, banging on the door with a coin-filled ashtray. Hawke shouted down, "Wait a minute!" Frank shot a middle finger up at the second floor. ... Hawke quickly washed up and went downstairs to open the door, pulling a dime out of his pocket and tossing it into the ashtray. "There''s your money." Frank pretended not to hear, forcing his way inside, setting the ashtray down by the fridge. He grabbed a beer, popped it open, and took a long swig, letting out a satisfied burp. Hawke asked, "You come banging on my door this early for something?" "I haven''t seen you in days. No morning runs; the lights are off at night," Frank said, rummaging through the fridge for some sausage Hawke had bought just yesterday. He sat down on the couch and ripped open the packaging with his teeth, stating, "I thought you were dead or something, so I came to check if you needed an ambulance." Hawke snatched the sausage away from him. "Thanks, but no thanks." He purposely pressed a few buttons on the remote. "I''m about to electrify the couch." Frank jumped up in alarm, scolding, "I was just trying to be nice; don''t be ungrateful." "Grateful? I''d thank you, but I don''t have time," Hawke said, tossing the sausage back to him. "I''ve been busy with a project down in Orange County for a while." Frank took a bite of the sausage. "Why does your sausage taste so damn good?" Hawke replied, "Because it''s free." "That makes sense." Frank found a bag, opened the fridge, and stuffed the beer, sausage, and other food inside. "Just don''t electrify anything; I''m not here for a free meal." He continued, "A few days ago, the four punks who hit your studio finished their trial. They were charged with burglary, vandalism, and illegal possession of firearms, and they got three to five years." Hawke was surprised. "That process moved fast?" Frank started to brag a little. "Did you forget who''s been keeping tabs on them?" Hawke recalled hearing that the fastest criminal cases in California sometimes wrapped up in just over a week. Frank added, "The property they seized is going up for auction, which could take a bit longer. You should get around $35,000 in damages." When someone helped him, Hawke was gracious. "Once the money comes in, I''ll buy a new RV and let you use it." Frank responded without hesitation, "Just put it under your studio''s name for tax write-offs. I can''t have any assets in my name." At that moment, Hawke''s phone buzzed, and he took the call. It was Caroline. "Wasn''t it today that you were going to give me my cut?" "I remember," Hawke checked the time. "Ten o''clock at the Bank of America in Century City." He noticed Frank had raided his fridge and thought it might be a good time to get some groceries. "I''ve got to go," he said as Frank filled his bag. Frank paused at the door and asked, "Haven''t seen that LAPD girl lately?" Hawke replied, "Erica went to New York for some event." Frank left, and Hawke changed his clothes, driving over to Century City. ... By ten o''clock, he met Caroline outside the Bank of America. Ms. Baa was dressed in a white Chanel mini-skirt, carrying an Hermes purse, and wearing red high heels, strutting like she owned the place. She approached Hawke, took off her sunglasses, and reminded him, "Sixty thousand dollars." Hawke waved her into the bank, where they found the business manager and settled the transfer inside a VIP room. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When they exited the bank, Caroline suggested, "Let me buy you a coffee." "Sure," Hawke replied. They walked into a nearby cafe and ordered their coffees. As Caroline stirred her drink slowly with a spoon, she said, "Steve left in a hurry last night; he couldn''t tell you in person, so he called me to say thanks on his behalf this morning." ???????£Â¨¨? Hawke sounded very professional. "I am paid to do my job, that''s what I should do." Caroline conveyed some regret, "I wish I knew when I''d get another big payout opportunity like this." Hawke reminded her, "That depends on whether you can find another opportunity." Caroline sighed, "I was worried when I didn''t make money, and I found that I was more worried when I made money." "You''ve got a screw loose," Hawke sipped his coffee. "When you''re starving, you only worry about finding food. Once you''re full, a plethora of new concerns come up -- all because you''ve eaten too much." Caroline got annoyed. "You country bumpkin, you don''t understand the finer pursuits at all." She placed cash on the table. "I got it; bye." Hawke leisurely continued sipping his coffee. ... Caroline exited and hopped into her red Mercedes, driving off to Rodeo Drive, parking in front of the Hermes store. She raised her chin and entered, asking the sales associate, "Where are the limited edition bags for the new season?" The associate smiled and replied, "Ms. Jones, you don''t have enough quota to qualify for the allocation." With a confident smile, Caroline stated, "I''m here to shop today." The associate quickly became more enthusiastic. "This way, please." With the recently earned sixty grand, Caroline felt empowered to spend. About an hour later, the associate returned with four shopping bags and escorted Caroline to the car. She stashed her purchases and then headed over to Chanel and Cartier for more shopping. A luxurious lifestyle needed money to sustain itself. ... Meanwhile, Hawke left the cafe and called Dwayne Johnson. "Got time for some target practice at the Gun Range?" Dwayne replied, "I''ve got time tomorrow; how about then?" "Sounds good, tomorrow." Hawke then called Edward. Edward said, "Boss, hold off on the gun permit class for now; I''ve got some important stuff to deal with." Hawke didn''t push. "You handle your business." ... Brentwood School, a private elementary school. Edward drove a second-hand van, following a Mercedes to the school entrance. Deborah parked her car, opened the back door, helped her son with his backpack, and reminded him, "You better hurry; I''ll pick you up after school." The little boy remained silent, walking into the school alone. Deborah drove away. Not long after, the boy quietly slipped out of school, heading down the sidewalk alone. Edward followed closely, yet discreetly. The boy reached the entrance of Brentwood Park, turned in, and walked along a gravel path until he got to the manmade lake. He picked up a rock from the ground and threw it hard into the water. He looked unhappy, tossed rocks for a bit, then took off his shoes, sitting on the granite edge of the lake, splashing his feet in the water. Edward saw his chance and walked quickly over, grabbing the boy. "Hey, hey, don''t play in the water here; it''s dangerous." The little boy struggled, "None of your business!" Edward spotted the boy''s backpack on the ground. "Where are your parents? Did you come here by yourself? Are you skipping school?" The boy shouted, "It''s none of your concern." "Tell me your parents'' phone number," Edward said sternly. "You are a Brentwood School student, aren''t you? If you don''t tell me, I''ll have to call the police or notify your school." He picked up a flat stone and tossed it into the water, where it skipped seven or eight times across the surface. The boy''s eyes lit up. "Wow, that''s amazing!" Edward asked, "Do you want to learn?" The boy nodded eagerly. Edward seized the moment, saying, "Tell me your name and your parents'' contact info." "I''m Indio Downey, but do you promise to teach me?" "I promise." Edward got a phone number, called it, saying, "Hello, ma''am, I''m at the artificial lake in Brentwood Park, and I''ve found your son, Indio." ... After about ten minutes, Deborah hurried to the park''s lake, finding her son playing the stone-skipping game with a young Black man. They were laughing and seemed to be getting along quite well. Deborah paused for a moment, thinking about how long it had been since her son found this much joy after Robert''s passing. Edward spotted Deborah and patted Indio on the shoulder, nodding toward her. Indio''s smile instantly vanished; he picked up his backpack and walked toward her. Edward waved at him and turned to leave. "Excuse me, sir." Deborah stopped him. "Thank you for your call." Edward smiled lightly. "No problem, I was just passing through when I spotted Indio." The boy tugged at Deborah''s sleeve, "Mom, can I play here a little longer?" He looked up at Edward. "You promised to teach me; I haven''t learned yet." Deborah hadn''t seen her son this happy in a long time and slightly nodded. She turned to Edward. "Sir, could you stay for a little while longer?" Edward replied, "I always keep my promises." Indio led him back to the water to skip some stones. Deborah stood nearby, watching. Edward quickly became familiar with Deborah through Indio, and when they parted, they exchanged contact information. Indio arranged to come back with Edward the following weekend. Deborah agreed, wanting to do what was best for her son. Edward took his first successful step. ... Santa Clara County, San Jose Prison. Henry, covered in tattoos, exited the visiting room and climbed into a parked Cherokee. His driver, Pedro, asked, "How were Lewis and Puyol holding up in there?" Henry fastened his seatbelt. "They''re getting special treatment." Pedro misunderstood, "So they''re doing okay?" "I''ve got intel that''s good," Henry sighed. "The West Coast Studio has a rather cozy relationship with the LAPD. Lewis and his guys are all in a cell with Black inmates. When those old black people get angry, they don''t care about anything." He slammed his fist against the door. "Every night, two of those Black guys are tormenting them!" Pedro''s eyes widened in shock. "Oh my God!" Henry replied, "Let''s get back to LA." He thought for a moment and instructed, "Lewis and his crew took all the heat, and it didn''t lead back to the gang at all. When we get back, get part of the money to send to their families." Pedro started the car, asking, "They''re being treated this way, and we aren''t getting them justice?" "Justice?" Though Henry wasn''t the head of the Dwarfs'' Gang, he was a senior member. Still, he wasn''t stupid enough to overlook the facts. "When you break it down, it''s all thanks to the West Coast Studio and Fox Television Channel 11. The former is colluding with the LAPD, which is why Lewis and his crew are drowning in milk every day. And Fox? They could wipe us out with a single breath!" Pedro, the low-tier member, lacked Henry''s vision and insight but was fiercely loyal. He didn''t dare to harm someone or wreak havoc, so Lewis and the others were a clear cautionary tale. He wasn''t prepared to handle the inconvenience of dealing with the Black inmates. But he was quite skilled at being a nuisance instead. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 84: Nuisance [Chapter 85: Super Glue Seals the Valve, Steel Wool Blocks the Exhaust Pipe] At the Shooting Range, in the outdoor training area, a red Coke can hung in mid-air from a horizontal beam. Hawke stood over twenty meters away, pulled back the slingshot he had bought last time, and without much aiming, shot out a steel ball. With a crisp sound, the empty can crumpled. "Nice shot!" Johnson called out, grabbing a steel ball and loading it into the slingshot. He pulled back the elastic band and let it fly. The can didn''t budge at all. Hawke took out several steel balls and fired them in quick succession, completely destroying the can. Johnson shook his head and picked up a nearby shotgun. "This is more my style." Hawke stepped aside as Johnson gripped the gun with both hands and took aim. With a bang, white smoke billowed, and the can was sent flying. Hawke put the slingshot away in his waist pack, retrieved a pistol from the table, and fired at another can. After expending the bullets, only the top of the can remained. Johnson remarked, "You''ve got good aim and moves. I really want to hire you as a coach for my next role; I need to play a gun expert." Hawke ejected the magazine and reloaded, saying, "I charge a pretty high salary." "I know," Johnson pointed southeast. "That thing at St. Joseph''s Hospital must have been at least hundreds of thousands, right?" Given that Hawke had previously helped Johnson with some paparazzi work, he wasn''t surprised that he could guess; he simply smiled. "You''re really impressive with image management. I''ve never seen anyone like you," Johnson asked seriously. "Hawke, don''t worry about what others think. Based on your observations, what route do you think I should take?" Hawke replied, "I''m not exactly an expert in film production, but I can offer a subjective opinion." He paused to think. "Dwayne, you''re a big guy, so action roles make sense. But unlike Stallone or Schwarzenegger, your smile is particularly friendly, and you have a natural humor. I personally think comedy-action suits you better." Johnson considered, "Comedy-action? Like Jackie Chan?" Hawke thought for a moment, saying, "You might draw on comedic elements, but for action, let''s pass. Jackie Chan is a like a god of war in a furniture store; your style leans more toward straightforward action." Johnson reflected on this and asked, "What else?" Hawke honestly responded, "Beyond that, I''m not quite sure. I''m not exactly a pro in this field." Both men put away their weapons and slingshot as they walked back. As they walked, Johnson said, "I''m going to go for a gun-wielding leading role soon. The success of The Scorpion King gave me some confidence, but landing the role relies on more than just that. The competition in Hollywood is fierce, with all kinds of tactics used. I might need your help." ????????¨§S? In that moment, Hawke thought about higher-stakes competition -- things like bludgeons and laxatives and so on. "You can call me anytime," Hawke replied, not wanting to push business away. "Can you tell me which film it is?" Johnson shook his head. "Not yet; I signed a confidentiality agreement, so I can''t spill the details." But he did share a little. "It''s a cop-action movie." Hawke and Johnson headed to the indoor shooting range. ... In West Los Angeles, a BMW 7 Series turned onto Manning Road and stopped by the curb. Megan Taylor got out of the car with her handbag and entered a nearby styling studio. A female stylist had been waiting at the door, leading her into the VIP area to do her hair. Across the hallway, a white young man named Pedro emerged from an alley. He crossed the not-so-wide street, turned onto the sidewalk, and walked toward the studio. After returning from Santa Clara yesterday, he had gone to the Fox Television Center, where he waited half the night just to see Megan Taylor come out. Pedro hadn''t dared to confront Megan but noted her car and license plate number. Even if he couldn''t take them on directly, he wanted to help his brothers save some dignity. Being exposed by Midnight Entertainment had been a key reason why Lewis and the others received strict penalties. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Pedro walked quickly, and as he neared the BMW, he swiftly pulled out three keys from his pocket, wedged them between his fingers, and dragged them forcefully along the side of the car, making a harsh scratching sound. The keys scraped across the rear, back door, front door, all the way to the front. Pedro looked around and noticed no one was paying attention. He went around to the other side and did the same thing. On both sides of the BMW, the previously shiny paint now bore six distinct scratches. Pedro tucked the keys away and briskly walked off, whistling cheerfully as he returned to the alley he had come from. He hopped into an old car and quickly left the area. His whistling grew louder, and then he joyfully laughed, his grin stretching from ear to ear. At that moment, Pedro felt he was the most loyal brother of all, while Henry was simply hard to judge. ... On the other side of Manning Road, after a long wait, Megan, with her freshly styled hair, happily walked out. Recently, the viewership for Midnight Entertainment had topped Channel 11, even surpassing the primetime Ace News. Just as Megan stepped out of the studio, her good mood evaporated. Her BMW 7, which she had just bought this year, bore several terrible scratches, exposing the color underneath. She immediately pulled out the pepper spray Hawke had given her, stepping back toward the studio entrance while scanning the area. She didn''t spot anyone suspicious. Seeing their VIP client in distress, the studio staff rushed over to inquire. Megan quickly called the police. However, there weren''t any nearby cameras, and after the LAPD arrived, they found no suspects. Megan recalled Hawke''s words and explained her suspicions to the police. Then, she reported the incident to her company. Fox quickly sent someone over to negotiate with the LAPD. They took such matters seriously; if they didn''t respond, how would their employees do the news in the future? ... When night fell, Hawke drove his Mondeo back to the studio. As usual, he parked near the house, ensuring the hidden surveillance cameras were able to capture everything. Hawke gathered several bags and carried them inside. When the lights turned on, he was surprised to find someone sitting in the dark. Hawke immediately pulled out his handgun. Edward had just woken up, startled, and dropped to the floor, exclaiming, "Boss, don''t shoot! It''s me!" Hawke holstered the gun, "Why didn''t you say anything when I opened the door?" Edward scrambled to his feet. "I was asleep; I just opened my eyes when I heard you come in." Hawke set down the two bags and asked, "Did you get anything today?" Edward shook his head, "I received three tip-offs, paid 60 bucks, but didn''t capture anything valuable." Thinking of their weekend plans, he asked for time off, "Boss, I have a date with Indio Downey on Saturday to go to Brentwood Park..." Hawke recognized the name. "Robert Downey Jr.''s son?" "Yes, that''s the one." Edward quickly summarized yesterday''s events. "I''ve already opened a breakthrough." "Go on," Hawke generously gave his number one subordinate the day off. His top henchman, sleeping with the widow of the Calamari, spnending the funds left behind by the Squid, and beating up his son -- Hawke thought this was quite good. Noticing that Hawke was in deep thought, Edward quietly said after a while, "Boss, um... can I crash here for the night?" Hawke snapped back, giving Edward a once-over, "You and Nicole called it quits so soon?" Edward looked up at the ceiling, looking sorrowful. "Love comes quickly and leaves just as fast." Hawke handed him a beer, "Don''t be too sad." Edward cracked it open, took a sip, and perked up. "I won''t be sad because I have a new goal." In a tone of experience, he advised the rookie, "Boss, you have to believe me: don''t linger too long with one woman. Trust that the next one will be great, and the one after will be even better." Hawke gave him a thumbs up. "I believe in you." Lights turned on, attracting Frank as well. Hawke grabbed some nuts, snacks, and beers, and the three of them chatted and ate. By 11 PM, Frank was feeling good and had two beers in hand as he stumbled out. Hawke locked the door and activated the nighttime security system before heading upstairs to shower. Edward, in the side room, had turned off the light early. Hawke looked out the window. Across the street in the parking lot, Frank''s RV still had its lights on. Hawke grabbed the slingshot and stood at the window, tried taking a shot at Frank''s car window. However, it was too far, and the steel ball dropped on the ground. Since it was late, Hawke put down the slingshot, turned off the lights, and went to sleep. ... In a rundown car on Fountain Street, Pedro saw that the West Coast studio had turned off its lights and began to make his move. After waiting for several hours, he felt it was finally time to act. Pedro took out a tube of super glue and a bag of steel wool, breaking it up and stashing it in his pocket. He didn''t dare to mess with that studio. Several companions had told Henry about the terror of that place. After waiting a bit longer, even the streetlights went off, and Pedro quietly got out of his car. The surroundings were entirely still; not a single pedestrian in sight. Pedro crouched low and jogged up to the Mondeo, pulling out the super glue. He smeared it on the tire valve and then circled to the back, retrieving the steel wool. He found the exhaust pipe, pressing one hand on the back of the car while stuffing the steel wool in hard with the other hand. The Mondeo shook slightly, and the car alarm started blaring. In the quiet of the night, the sound was extraordinarily jarring. Pedro cursed inwardly, "Damn, this freak installed an alarm!" He turned and bolted. As soon as the alarm went off, Hawke woke up immediately, rolled out of bed, and went to the window, just in time to see someone running away. He flung open the window, grabbed the slingshot off the sill, loaded it with steel balls, and took a shot. The two were only about twenty meters apart. With a whoosh, the steel ball struck Pedro on the back of the neck. Pedro''s vision went black; instinctively, he turned his head, and a rush of pain hit his forehead. Blood erupted from his head. With two more swift shots, Pedro was hit on the forehead and the side of his nose. Blood streamed down, and he felt dizzy, losing his balance and collapsing to the ground. At that moment, the door burst open, and Edward rushed in, shouting, "Boss?" Hawke pointed down at the scene. Edward picked up a baseball bat and ran downstairs. Hawke grabbed the gun from the nightstand and shouted outside, "Don''t move! I''ll shoot!" Pedro pressed his hands to his head and glanced back, seeing a dark gun barrel in the moonlight. He immediately raised his hands. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 85: Borrowing Power to Eliminate Future Troubles [Chapter 86: Borrowing Power to Eliminate Future Troubles] Outside Fountain Street Ranch Park, after just two minutes of a car alarm wailing, silence returned once again. It might have startled the nearby residents, but given the brief duration, no one wanted to venture out at night to check the situation. Pedro had his hands tied behind his back, blood covering his face, as he was marched into the dimly lit ranch park by Hawke with a gun pointed at him. Edward rushed over from behind, holding a steel wool ball, and said, "I pulled this out of the exhaust pipe. The valve on the right tire is completely plugged with super glue." As they approached the edge of the woods, Hawke kicked Pedro down, saying, "Great, super glue at the valve, and steel wool clogging the exhaust, huh? Savior, shove that steel wool in his mouth." Edward bent down to do just that, but he certainly wasn''t as skilled as Frank. Pedro struggled desperately. Hawke kept the gun pressed against his forehead. Pedro obediently opened his mouth, allowing the smoky steel wool to be stuffed inside. After a moment, Hawke asked, "I have a few questions for you. Who are you? Why did you do this? Who sent you?" "Um... um..." Pedro nodded repeatedly. Hawke gestured for Edward. Edward tugged on the part of the steel wool sticking out, pulling hard. Pedro groaned painfully, and when the steel wool came out, his mouth was all red. Hawke kicked him, "Speak." Pedro mumbled, "I was in a bad mood today, walking by here, saw that car and didn''t like it..." Hawke tossed the super glue to Edward, "Shove the steel wool up his ass and seal it with super glue." Edward opened his mouth, but didn''t say anything; he wasn''t cut out for that. Hawke didn''t actually intend for him to really do it, so he continued, "Doesn''t he like using super glue? Seal all his holes -- mouth, nostrils, ears, and eyes." sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He pointed to a horizontal branch on a tree, "Then hang him up there; his balls make a good target. I want to practice my slingshot in the moonlight." Sealing the back with super glue was something Edward couldn''t do, but the ears were no problem. He twisted open the cap of the glue, pressed onto Pedro''s head, and was ready to drop it into his ears. Pedro was scared out of his wits, yelling, "I''ll talk! I''ll talk!" His head throbbed fiercely, and his mouth pained him just as much. After gasping for breath, he finally said, "My name is Pedro. I came here today to get back at you for my brothers Lewis, Puyol, Harvey, and Sergio. They were tortured badly in prison by you guys!" ??????§à?§¦???? Hawke knew those four names well. He asked, "Are you a member of the Dwarfs'' Gang?" "Yes," Pedro looked up, seeing the dark faces and the super glue dangling in front of him. "You and Fox made things really tough for them. I just wanted to let off some steam for them." Hawke thought of Megan, "What did you do to Fox''s people?" Pedro replied, "I keyed Megan Taylor''s car." Hawke asked again, "Who is your boss?" Pedro was reluctant to answer. Hawke kicked him right between the legs. Pedro rolled around in agony. When the pain began to lessen, and he was still trying to catch his breath, Hawke stepped on his sensitive spot. Pedro realized that he had to protect his little brother from suffering; little brother is more important than blood relatives. He shouted, "Henry! Henry Cruz from the Dwarfs'' Gang!" Hawke continued to ask, "Does he have a relationship with Miller Collins?" Facing the threat to his manhood, Pedro followed along with Hawke''s questioning, "Miller Collins has been best friends with Henry since childhood; everything shady about Miller was handed to Henry to do." ... Hawke questioned him further, directing Edward to keep an eye on Pedro. He pulled out his phone, searching for Megan Taylor''s number while quickly thinking. The Dwarfs'' Gang was a hassle; they could resurface at any moment. Plus, now they had messed with Megan. Would Fox Broadcasting let a notorious gang threaten one of their prominent female anchors and producers? Hawke realized his current capabilities were limited. What he couldn''t handle, Fox could. With that in mind, he dialed Megan''s number. Megan had just stepped out from the Midnight Entertainment studio when she answered, "Calling this late? What''s up?" "I caught the guy who keyed your car this afternoon..." Hawke explained the details of what Pedro had revealed. Megan asked, "Is he with you? Didn''t electrocute him, did you?" Hawke glanced at the bloodied Pedro, "He''s still breathing." He pointedly reminded her, "A well-known anchor and producer at Channel 11 being threatened by gang members -- does Fox Broadcasting not care?" Once Megan heard that, she understood Hawke''s intentions. The reality was she wanted the same. This wasn''t just about a keyed car. "If those lowlifes aren''t punished this time, how can I report the news with peace of mind?" "This time, if you''re not tough enough, more people will come knocking next time," Hawke echoed her thoughts. "Will you dare to deliver hot news after this?" Megan replied, "I''ll call you back." ... After a short wait, Megan called back. Fox Broadcasting would fully involve themselves in this matter; she and several professionals were on their way. It wasn''t far, and within half an hour, three cars arrived. Megan stepped out of one, still in her short skirt, stockings, and high heels, clearly in a rush. Upon seeing Hawke, she asked, "You weren''t hurt, right?" "I''m fine." Hawke noticed Fox''s people arriving and gathered with them to talk more thoroughly. One of Fox''s security heads made a call to the police. Not long after, several police cars arrived, and without asking Hawke -- the person involved -- they took Pedro away. The security head told Hawke, "Fox will pursue this matter to the end." Hawke replied, "Hope this helps Fox." The man smiled and nodded before getting into his car. Megan was also leaving, "I''m going to keep an eye on this. Those who dare to mess with us will get what they deserve!" Hawke nodded, "If there''s good news, remember to let me know." Megan confirmed and drove off. Hawke glanced at the blocked valve on the tire before heading back to sleep. ... When a big news organization like Fox mobilized, not to mention just one Frank; even ten Franks wouldn''t stand a chance. When the underhanded tactics came into play, Pedro forgot all about brotherhood, spilling everything he knew about Henry Cruz and the Dwarfs'' Gang. ... In the early hours, Henry''s apartment was filled with the sound of snoring. He had drunk that night and brought in two women, so he was thoroughly exhausted and sleeping soundly. Suddenly, with a crash, the door was kicked open, and a flash bang was tossed inside. With a deafening noise and bright flash, Henry and the two women found themselves helplessly on the floor. Fully clad SWAT officers rushed in, their rifles and shotguns directly aimed at Henry''s head. Henry was disoriented, and when his vision settled enough to see, he was met with a team of SWAT and felt utterly bewildered. Did they really need this much force for a small-time thug like him? ... At almost the same time, the neighborhoods controlled by the Dwarfs'' Gang were undergoing a massive sweep by the LAPD, resulting in several high-ranking members being arrested. The gang''s leader, Brighton, was found hanging from the rafters of his home, ruled a suicide. Yet, his home safe vanished without a trace. That day, the Dwarfs'' Gang, once rampant in parts of West Los Angeles, ceased to exist completely. ... In the morning, with the sun just rising, Miller Collins, amid scandals and divorce proceedings, had not yet shaken off his hangover when multiple LAPD officers knocked on the door of his rental in the Palisades under the direction of a sergeant, presenting him with a subpoena. As Miller Collins was escorted out, numerous media reporters, tipped off beforehand, surrounded the area, snapping pictures frantically. Soon after, several Fox-affiliated outlets broke the news that Miller Collins would face charges of conspiracy and incitement to commit crimes among others. His relationship with the Dwarfs'' Gang was also put under the microscope by the Midnight Entertainment program, scrutinized thoroughly in front of audiences across America. Some tabloids even published bizarre stories claiming Miller Collins had hired a hitman to silence Brighton, the leader of the Dwarfs'' Gang. Megan occasionally called Hawke to share any information she gathered. ... On Friday afternoon, folding tables were set up again in the parking lot of Ranch Park. This time, only Hawke, Edward, and Frank were present. After flipping through several newspapers from that day, Frank lamented, "Why didn''t you call me that night? I wanted to try stuffing someone with steel wool too..." He boasted unknowingly, "What a shame; I could''ve used steel wool back in the day with those starlets." Hawke and Edward simultaneously shot him the finger. "Don''t worry, I''ll definitely call you next time." Hawke, recalling Edward''s hesitance and lack of skill, said, "You''re a pro at tying up and stuffing stinky socks." Frank seized the opportunity again, "They insisted pretty strongly, so I couldn''t refuse. After doing it a few times, I got the hang of it." Edward couldn''t take any more of this show-off and quickly changed the subject, "Fox Broadcasting created quite the uproar this time. Megan Taylor is just an anchor on Channel 11, does she really have such an impact?" Hawke casually said, "Megan doesn''t hold that much influence; Fox is just maintaining its own authority." "Let me explain something to you," Frank elaborated, "Fox is one of the four major networks in the U.S. It has numerous anchors and journalists, many in sensitive positions. They might resort to unusual means to get news. If Fox can''t even protect its well-known anchors from gang harassment, how do you think their frontline reporters will feel or behave?" He sneered, "Fox Broadcasting needs to send a signal to the public and its staff: They are a steadfast mountain, unshakeable!" Edward absorbed the lesson, rare for him to not mock Frank, instead saying, "I understand now that you put it this way." Frank looked towards Hawke, "You know this well, so once you see an opportunity, leveraging Fox''s power to wipe out the Dwarfs'' Gang is the way to go." Hawke reiterated, "Cockroaches don''t kill you, but they are incredibly annoying." After finishing their meal, Hawke and Edward left. Edward said again, "Boss, I won''t be coming to work tomorrow. I''m going to meet Downey''s son." "Go ahead," Hawke had plans for the next day too. Megan Taylor invited him to a party for Midnight Entertainment. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 86: The Pole Warrior [Chapter 87: The Pole Warrior] Beverly Hills, Courtyard by Marriott. Inside a hired-out banquet hall, the crew from Midnight Entertainment partied hard. Megan Taylor discreetly slipped away, carrying a plate as she entered an adjoining private room, pulling out a chair to sit down across from Hawke Osment. Hawke grabbed a wine glass and poured her a bit of red wine, asking, "Leaving so soon?" "I''m just too visible when I''m around them," Megan said, her gaze fixed on Hawke as she scrutinized him. Hawke wore a casual, form-fitting white shirt that hugged his muscular frame, and the definition in his arms was particularly noticeable with each movement. Megan felt her mouth water and quickly took a sip from her wine glass. Noticing the strange glint in her eyes, Hawke deliberately asked, "What''s up?" Megan glanced at her watch; it was still too early to leave, and said, "Someone told me that Gretchen from Ace News has been in contact with you." Hawke saw no need to deny it, "Just normal business; she wants hot news, and I can provide it." He turned the question back on her, "What''s your relationship with her?" Megan laughed, "Direct competitors. If Gretchen ranks first among the anchors at Channel 11 during prime time, I''ll have to settle for second." The cunning Hawke immediately responded, "Since she''s your competition, I''ll refuse to cooperate with her." Megan didn''t believe him, but it didn''t stop her from feeling pleased to hear it, and she asked, "What''s the next story you plan to produce?" Hawke replied seriously, "I always take a serious approach to news; I only film events that actually happen." "Let me give you a tip," Megan remembered something and added, "Miller Collins'' divorce from Maria Collins is going to have a female judge, and the mediator is also female." Hawke grasped the essence right away, "Women helping women." Megan''s eyes brightened, "That''s a very fresh perspective." She continued, "Unless something unexpected happens, most of Miller Collins'' wealth will be taken by his ex-wife and daughter." ?????¨º? Hawke recalled that Maria Collins was on Edward''s list and sighed, "The Savior must have saved the earth in a past life." Megan, with her keen sense for news, inquired, "I wonder why you''re targeting Miller Collins if your goal''s already achieved." Hawke clarified, "I''m only interested in women." Megan blinked a few times, stating, "This time, I owe you one; you nailed the key person and helped me vent some frustration." Hawke replied, "You still need to be careful; the Dwarfs'' Gang definitely has some loose ends. If any of them goes crazy and wants revenge, it could be troublesome." Megan wholeheartedly agreed, "You''re absolutely right. Last time they vandalized a car, next time they could hurt someone..." Hawke suggested, "You should hire a bodyguard." Megan looked at him, "It''s too late for that tonight." She glanced at her watch again, deciding to take charge: "Aren''t you always working out? Could you play bodyguard just this once and take me home?" Hawke picked up his phone from the table, "I''ll drive you." After some brief back-and-forth, the two of them left the hotel together. ... Hawke drove his Mondeo, taking Megan out of Beverly Hills, into Westwood, and turning onto Olympic Boulevard, soon arriving at a standalone villa. Without waiting for Hawke to park, Megan pulled out a remote and opened the electronic gate, "Go ahead." Hawke drove into the yard, followed Megan out of the car, and walked toward the front door. Megan walked ahead. Hawke trailed behind, enjoying a good view of her fit figure. Megan opened the door and stepped inside first. Just as Hawke turned to close the door, Megan tossed aside her handbag and lunged at him. They kissed wildly, hands roaming everywhere. After a moment, Hawke pushed her away. Megan sat on the living room sofa, looking at Hawke in surprise, seemingly puzzled about why he pushed her away. Hawke moved to the window, pulled the curtains shut, and glanced at the streetlight outside. He closed all the curtains. Megan commented, "You''re quite cautious." "I''m not afraid," Hawke replied, pulling another curtain closed. "I''m just worried you might become the headline for another show." Once the curtains were all drawn, Megan, in her high heels, walked toward the bedroom, beckoning Hawke with her finger as she opened the door and leaned against the frame, asking, "Why were you specifically watching the poles?" Hawke straightforwardly explained, "I have a nickname; it''s the Pole Warrior." Megan looked at a particular hard spot in awe, remarking, "That''s quite an image." Hawke quickly moved, dragging her into the room. ... Brentwood, outside a restaurant. To thank Edward for spending time with Indio, Deborah treated him to dinner. This guy always had higher IQ when it came to wooing women, as if his mind was stuffed with cotton and grew new brain cells overnight. By the end of the day, Edward had certainly won Deborah''s favor. Deborah let Indio get in the car first and turned to Edward, saying, "I really appreciate you today; we haven''t had this much fun in a while." Edward grinned ear-to-ear, "I''m really happy being with you guys." Deborah felt she wanted to leave but was missing something, trying to find a topic, "I forgot to ask what you do for work." Edward recalled the scope of the studio''s business and replied earnestly, "Crisis PR consulting and business strategic planning." Deborah, a former actress, understood this industry, saying, "That''s a great job." After a day of playing, Indio was tired and sleepy, leaning out the window, "Mom, can we go home and sleep?" Deborah pointed at Edward, "Just a moment, I need to say goodbye to Edward." Indio, leaning on the car window, innocently asked, "Can''t we bring Edward home to sleep? We have so many rooms; I could play with him when I wake up tomorrow." This made Deborah a bit embarrassed. Edward took the initiative to excuse himself, "It''s late; you should take Indio back." Deborah nodded slightly. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Edward helpfully opened the driver''s side door for her. In no time, the red Bentley pulled away. Edward got into his used minivan and headed back to East Hollywood, parking at the studio, and stepped inside. It was getting late. He walked around the upstairs and downstairs but didn''t see Hawke. "That''s weird, where''s the boss? Did he discover some big news?" Edward mused as he pulled out his phone to call. Suddenly, he remembered that Hawke had gone to Megan Taylor''s party. Edward was always bright in this regard. Tossing aside the thought of calling, he went upstairs to shower and sleep. ... In the morning, feeling a lot lighter, Megan walked with newfound energy. She felt like a clogged pipe had finally burst open, water gushing out, inexplicably refreshing. So, after getting up in the morning to provide assistance, Megan specially made high-protein breakfast for Hawke, including eggs, milk and fried fish. The two sat at the dining table together, enjoying breakfast. After tasting the fried fish, Hawke complimented, "Not bad cooking." Megan replied, "I usually make breakfast for myself." She looked out the window at the tall streetlight pole and asked, "Climbing those things really builds endurance in that area?" Hawke casually remarked, "Actually, I haven''t climbed them that many times." Megan clicked her tongue in astonishment, "But you truly are the Pole Warrior." Hawke proudly stated, "Thanks; that nickname fits well." He then turned serious, "There''s something I need to tell you." Megan put down her utensils, worried that Hawke was about to confess, cutting him off, "Let me go first." Hawke nodded, "You first." Megan was very direct, "I''m busy with work and under a lot of pressure; my career is on the rise. I don''t have time or energy for a relationship, but I''m an adult and naturally have physical needs." Hawke felt relieved and replied, "That''s what I wanted to say as well." Remembering the star anchor from Channel 11 trying to woo Hawke, Megan specifically added, "It looks like we are the best partners; we think alike." Hawke didn''t engage with that remark but instead continued, "We won''t enter each other''s lives. If either of us has needs, we can reach out to each other." Megan was thinking broader, "Not limited to just my place; we could meet elsewhere too." Hawke replied, "I''m open to that." Megan was very pleased. Although Hawke had an average face and wasn''t particularly handsome, he was strong and fit. The key point -- the Pole Warrior. ... After breakfast, Hawke packed his stuff and prepared to leave. Megan suddenly remembered something and called Hawke to the basement, rummaging through a storage cabinet to pull out a box and place it in front of Hawke, "This is something a sponsor gave me during an event. Since I don''t run on the front lines, I have no use for it, but you might find it helpful." Hawke quickly unwrapped the box to find a small wearable camera, perfect for shooting while on the move. Megan added, "I noticed the LAPD has started equipping some of their officers with similar gadgets after the Dwarfs'' Gang incident." Hawke nodded, "I think they call them body cams." Megan had specifically inquired, "Exactly." "I''ve wanted to buy one but couldn''t find it in any stores," Hawke put it away. "I''ll take it." Megan''s intent was clear, "Use it to capture some explosive news." Hawke glanced at the time, "You should get to work; let''s go." ... They left the house; Megan''s BMW 7 was in for repairs, and she had borrowed a car left at the hotel parking lot from last night. Hawke drove her to Fox Television Center before returning to the studio. When Edward saw Hawke walk in, he set his sandwich down and leaned closer to sniff, "Boss, you smell familiar; let me think hard..." He truly had a talent with women: "That''s the scent of Megan Taylor!" Hawke replied, "Correct answer; this week''s paycheck is deducted." "How can you be so cruel?" Edward cautiously asked, "So, are you two dating now?" "Are you kidding?" Hawke sat on the sofa and stretched, "Just running partners to solve physical needs." Edward praised, "That''s my boss; never getting tied down to one tree." Hawke noticed some empty boxes near the door and asked, "Are you moving?" "Some stuff was left at Nicole''s; she wants me to pick it up soon," Edward summarized his experience. "I won''t leave my things at their places again; it''s better to move in with just my bag." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 87: The Mexican Mule Gang [Chapter 88: The Mexican Mule Gang] Nicole''s shelter was located in the Hollywood area. Over the years, the number of homeless people had surged in the traditional heart of Hollywood, represented by the Walk of Fame. In response, shelters had popped up as well. According to what Edward told Hawke, he had previously stayed in the shelter with Nicole. Everything they ate, drank, and... well, everything, had been provided by the shelter. After the van passed through Highland Avenue, it stopped on a side street east of the Walk of Fame. The Ackerman Charity Foundation''s sign stood at the entrance of the shelter, where many homeless individuals were lining up. Hawke didn''t rush to get out of the van. He sat inside, observing closely. Besides the shelter handing out burgers, pizzas, and bottled water as cheap eats, a few medical vans were parked on one side of the shelter, offering free health check-ups to the homeless. Edward stared at the medical vans. "They''ve been coming around frequently lately..." Hawke tapped him lightly. "Don''t talk too much." Edward nodded. "Got it." Hawke opened the van door and pointed toward the shelter entrance. "Nicole is over there." Edward picked up two boxes and headed toward the entrance. Hawke followed behind, examining everything curiously. The free health check-ups and blood tests, along with the promise of nutritious meals, were pretty tempting, and a lot of people were waiting in line. "Boss, I am going to find Nicole," Edward said, pointing to the shelter door. Hawke stopped. "I''ll wait for you here." sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Edward carried the boxes toward the entrance of the shelter. It seemed very busy on Nicole''s side, and he was told to wait a moment. ... In June, Los Angeles had a sunny glare after the sun rose. Hawke found shade under a tree and continued watching the free check-ups. He noticed that some people in line were being turned away. As he got a bit closer, he listened for a while and got a rough understanding. These individuals had participated in the Ackerman Charity Foundation''s free check-ups a while ago, and this time, the medical screenings were for new arrivals among the homeless. People who had already been checked were of no use; perhaps the newcomers had something to offer? Hawke couldn''t help but wonder. There were a few reporters and photographers around taking pictures. The Ackerman Charity Foundation had always paid great attention to its image. Seeing many people taking photos, Hawke pulled out his Nokia phone, snapped a picture of the shelter entrance, and then took one of the medical vans. "Sir," a nearby Mexican-American passerby said, pointing to the ground, "You dropped something." Hawke glanced down and saw a card on the ground, resembling a business card for Megan Taylor, probably taken out when he pulled out his phone. "Thanks," Hawke said, picking up the card. The Mexican-American didn''t say anything else; he seemed slightly unsteady on his feet, limping slowly toward the shelter entrance. Hawke flipped the card over. On it was Megan''s lipstick mark with a handwritten note in eyebrow pencil, "Midnight, my place." Hawke guessed it was something Megan had slipped into his coat pocket earlier that morning. "Playing a little game of mystery?" he thought as he tucked the card away. ... Edward was struggling back with a box under each arm. Hawke stepped up to help him. Just as they were close to each other, chaos erupted behind Edward. Two aggressive men were shoving a Mexican-American who had just received his burger, making him stumble backward. ??????o??¦¥? Hawke quickened his pace, exceeding Edward, and positioned himself to block the man from being knocked over. The Mexican-American teetered on the edge of falling. Hawke steadied him with a hand on his back and looked over at the aggressors. "Watch it." A few volunteers in vests rushed over, separating the two sides, warning, "If this continues, we''re going to cancel today''s meal service." The two aggressive men decided they didn''t want to be the villains and turned to leave. Upon noticing Hawke, the Mexican-American quickly offered, "Thank you." Hawke replied, "No trouble." The Mexican-American bent down to pick up his dropped burger, limping off towards the left intersection. Hawke took one of Edward''s boxes and asked, "Is there more?" Edward said, "A few more items. It''s crowded up ahead; Nicole will get someone to take it to the back entrance. We can drive around." The two walked around, stashing the box in the van before driving to the back entrance of the shelter. ... Right next to the back door was a parking lot. After they parked, Edward headed off alone to the back entrance while Hawke sat in the van, enjoying the air conditioning. Next to him, a Dodge pickup truck pulled into the adjacent parking spot. The truck was the same model Hawke had driven when he was in Provo, and he couldn''t help but glance at it. The elderly driver turned off the engine, took out the keys, and placed them behind the sun visor before getting out to take a phone call and quickly leaving. As Hawke pondered whether the truck might get stolen, a bald Mexican-American walked by, opened the driver''s door, and climbed in, pulling out the keys to start the engine. Seemingly seeing someone in the car, the bald man raised his left hand, giving Hawke the finger. Hawke unhesitatingly shot back a finger of his own. The bald man glared at him before backing the truck up and leaving. Hawke looked in the direction the old man had gone but didn''t spot him. However, he did see the limping Mexican-American hurrying toward him. The Mexican-American leaned against the truck, looking to Hawke. "Stay out of this." Hawke rolled down his window, quickly scanning the man''s right hand, and asked, "Buddy, is something happening?" The Mexican-American replied, "That''s the mule gang from Mexico moving goods. Just ignore them; they''re particularly ruthless, and you don''t want to get involved." Hawke recognized this was good advice. "Thanks, I won''t go looking for trouble." The Mexican-American started to back away. Hawke called out to him, "Hey, what''s your name?" The Mexican-American paused. "My name is Campos." Edward pulled a dolly from the back entrance of the shelter at that moment and chimed in, "Nice name; I remember there was a butterfly named Campos." The Mexican-American forced a smile. Hawke retrieved two bottles of water from the van, handing them over. "Just arrived in L.A.?" Campos accepted the water but didn''t respond. Hawke stopped asking questions. "Thanks." Campos walked toward the corner of the parking lot, heading toward a few other Mexican-Americans sitting on some worn cardboard in the shade. ... Edward stowed the items and climbed into the driver''s seat, curious as he drove off. "Boss, what got you interested in that Mexican guy?" Hawke replied, "He''s not just anyone. His right hand shows signs from long-term gun use, especially around the webbing and index finger." Edward was surprised. "A gang member?" "I''m not sure." Hawke thought for a moment. "Given the situation, this guy might be a line runner coming to L.A., probably without legal status. Tell DaShawn to keep an eye on him... and look out for him too." Edward said, "Once I drop this stuff off, I''ll go back and find him." Hawke asked, "Have you heard of the Mule Gang?" "I have." Edward, being a local, knew more about the underbelly of society. "They''re a drug gang that emerged on the U.S.-Mexico border in recent years. I''ve heard about them from people in Compton. They are extremely ruthless; they shoot first and ask questions later. It''s said they''ve taken several shipping routes and opened up the L.A. market." Hawke nodded. "I''ve heard Mexican drug organizations are quite formidable." "Mexican drug dealers are all a bunch of super outlaws." Edward thought for a moment. "A buddy of mine said that the major drug organizations in Mexico aren''t even gangs; they''re warlords." He made a comparison: "When it comes to being ruthless, those little gangs can''t even shine the shoes of the Mexican Mules." Hawke noted that finding a reliable pawn like this was difficult, cautioning, "If you run into them later, keep your distance." Edward assured him, "I''m not looking for trouble -- I''ll be avoiding them. It''s just that these Mexican dealers don''t play fair. If they see you as a threat, they''ll chase you down like rabid dogs." ... The van returned to East Hollywood. Since Edward didn''t have a place to stay temporarily, Hawke took him in while he sorted out his living situation. Edward swore, "Boss, you have to believe me. Within half a month, I''ll have things wrapped up with Deborah, moving into Downey''s mansion, and beat up Downey''s son." Hawke didn''t believe the rest, but he had faith in Edward''s abilities in this area. ... Edward got his things organized and treated Hawke to a great lunch that afternoon. Both received a call from an informant around 2 PM, saying that Tom Cruise and Spanish star Penelope Cruz had shown up at the Beverly Centre. Hawke and Edward immediately jumped in the car to head over. Yet as they arrived near the shopping center, they found it swarming with paparazzi; everywhere they looked, there were cameras. Losing interest, Hawke urged Edward to go take photos while he would stay in the car to rest in preparation for the night''s action. Suddenly, he noticed a familiar face -- Sarah Jessica Parker -- on the shopping center''s massive screen. It was a cosmetics advertisement featuring her. Hawke watched for a moment, as the ad promoted Lancome''s Aurora Essence skincare collection. Clearly, Sarah had landed this endorsement deal. Hawke took out his phone and called Caroline. No one picked up, and after a minute, Caroline returned his call. "I was in a meeting. Did you need something?" Hawke said, "Miss Baa, you''re not being very professional." Caroline shot back, "How so? In learning to bleat like a sheep?" "You could call me if you wanted," Hawke got to the point, "Your client got the Lancome endorsement thanks to my suggestion. How about giving me a cut?" Caroline wasn''t confused. "Hey, country bumpkin, if I remember correctly, your plan had Sarah spending $250,000 to secure it!" Hawke wasn''t after money; he just wanted to ensure that everything was going smoothly. He added, "If your client has any future needs regarding strategic planning, feel free to reach out to me." "I got it," Caroline said, ending the call. ... Before Hawke could put his phone down, it rang again, this time it was The Rock calling. He answered right away. "Are you calling to ask me to go shoot guns or hit the gym?" "Neither of those," Dwayne Johnson directly asked. "Hawke, you don''t have any other business to deal with right now, right?" Hawke replied seriously, "Not at the moment." Dwayne Johnson continued, "Don''t take on any other work just yet. Remember what I mentioned last time at the shooting range? I passed the screening and initial audition -- I want to go all out for the lead role. Can you help me?" Hawke responded without hesitation, "No problem." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 88: Dwaynes New Venture [Chapter 89: Dwayne''s New Venture] In the morning, Megan Taylor stirred from her deep sleep, vaguely hearing sounds. With great effort, she opened her eyes to find herself alone. She heard footsteps and turned to look in that direction. Hawke had gotten dressed and waved goodbye, saying, "I have an important job today. I have to go." "Goodbye." Megan reminded him, "If you get any important news, make sure to contact me." Hawke stepped out, hopped into his Mondeo, grabbed the remote Megan had given him, opened the electronic gate, and drove toward Century City. ... Fifteen minutes later, he met Edward at a breakfast spot in Century City. After they had eaten, they headed to William Morris. After a few questions at the reception desk, they were led upstairs to that familiar small conference room. Dwayne Johnson was already there. When he saw Hawke, it felt like seeing family. He rushed over to give him a bear hug and said, "This competition is intense. I have no confidence at all. I had to come to you." Hawke jumped right in, asking, "What specific film and role are we talking about?" Johnson handed him a script and replied, "It''s a gunfight action film. We don''t have a final title yet, but it''s temporarily called S.W.A.T.. I want to go for the lead role." Hawke opened the script and flipped through the pages carefully. Edward, dressed in a suit, was adapting to his role and chimed in, "I think there''s a series with that name." Johnson explained, "A few screenwriters from that series are coming over to our crew." Seeing that the script was more of a character breakdown, Hawke quickened his pace in skimming it. After reviewing the first fifth, he flipped to the end and closed the script. He looked at Johnson and said, "This is useful for actors but not for me." The office door opened from the outside, and Dany Garcia walked in, carrying some documents. "Morning, Hawke," she greeted the two men. "Morning, Savior." Hawke stood to shake her hand. "Dany, I didn''t expect to see you so soon again." "Maybe we can continue working together," she laughed. "Should I outline the way we''ll collaborate?" Compensation and job details were obviously the first topics to discuss. Hawke listened to see what she had to say first. "I''m all ears." Dany mentioned, "Assist Dwayne in landing the role. Unlike previous image consulting or business advising, this falls into the manager''s job scope. My suggestion is for both sides to sign a temporary management agreement, focusing solely on this role''s competition." R?????¦­?§£¨§???? Hawke understood the difference between a Hollywood agent and a manager, replying, "Sounds good." Dany continued discussing the payment issue, "The industry standard for a manager''s commission is typically ten percent of the actor''s fee for the role. Dwayne''s fee for was $5.5 million, so the new role''s fee won''t be lower than that." After arriving in Los Angeles, Hawke had done his research on Hollywood and the entire North American entertainment industry: "If a film grosses over a hundred million in North America, the lead actor''s fee must rise, corresponding to their status." Dany nodded slightly. "The compensation to the West Coast studio would be one-tenth of Dwayne''s fee this time." Hawke added, "If the production opts for a base fee plus share, it should include that later share as well." Dany knew how Hawke had rescued the star player of the Dodgers from the brink of disaster and had great confidence in him. "No problem, but let me be clear, Hollywood producers are full of pitfalls. Dwayne is only just gaining a foothold within the industry, and with his level of fame and ability not being strong enough, later participation won''t be offered." Hawke pressed, "What''s the minimum guarantee here?" Dany answered bluntly, "Even if this fails, you''ll still receive $100,000." Hawke stated, "There are a few points I need to clarify beforehand. Dany, Dwayne, we''ve collaborated once before, and you know me a bit. But I don''t understand the specialized aspects of acting, how to perform a role, how to excel in auditions, or how to prepare for a character." Johnson replied, "If you were handling that work, neither Dany nor I would have invited you. Just do what you''re best at." Hawke wanted to set expectations first: "My style is pretty unconventional, and it might even go beyond the visible rules that Hollywood lays out." Dany couldn''t help but laugh, "If everyone followed those visible rules, would Hollywood even be Hollywood anymore?" Johnson said to Hawke, "Do you know why I''m determined to invite you? Because some people don''t play by the rules. After the initial audition, Kevin Spacey pressured me by calling to suggest I withdraw from the project." "Kevin Spacey?" Hawke thought of certain rumors he had come across online in another life. This guy had a deep hidden gay; was he trying to support a troublemaker or the one to play the lead? Dany confirmed, "Exactly. When this Oscar winner made the call, I was present. He didn''t threaten me directly, but every word was veiled in intimidation, implying that if Dwayne didn''t back down, he would ruin Dwayne''s career." Hawke turned to Johnson and asked, "You weren''t scared off by that and are still willing to compete?" Johnson offered a warm smile: "I''m not a complete newcomer, nor am I someone easily pushed around." Hawke stated clearly, "Since we can use unconventional methods, I''ll take the job." Upon hearing this, Dany and Johnson visibly relaxed. If the competition played by no rules, they wouldn''t either. Hawke asserted, "Let''s get the agreement signed." Dany had been prepared: "The contract is right here." ... Hawke carefully reviewed it and faxed it to his lawyer to confirm there were no issues before signing. Both sides reached an agreement, and work officially commenced. Hawke first wanted the crew''s basic information. Unlike the character breakdown, he meticulously scanned it. S.W.A.T. was produced by Sony Columbia Pictures, with four other smaller companies participating in the funding. The public production budget stood at $80 million, with Leonard Goldberg as the lead producer, who was a non-Jewish white man. His most notable past work in recent years had been . The director was confirmed too. Hawke had never heard of him, a guy named Clark Johnson. Dany compiled Clark''s directing resume, detailing that he had worked primarily in television, directing series like , and , and had also directed a TV movie . This would be his first time directing a feature film. Additionally, the crew had secured a primary actor: Samuel L. Jackson. He had received support from some investor and was also serving as a production manager. Shooting was set to commence in September, with a release scheduled for August of the following year. By early July, all principal cast choices needed to be confirmed. Hawke, after going through the information, asked, "Who is the casting director?" Dany understood his implication: "The one who ultimately decides on the lead actor is producer Leonard Goldberg. Director Clark has the power to make suggestions, but due to the massive success of , Sony Columbia has immense trust in Leonard." Hollywood is a producer-centric model; unless the studio intervened, decisions were often left solely to the producer, except for top-tier directors. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke further asked, "I need to know who Dwayne is up against." Johnson responded, "The crew has conducted preliminary auditions and non-makeup tests, eliminating most of the actors. Only five are left for the lead role, including me: Paul Walker, Colin Farrell, Josh Hartnett, and Jeremy Renner." Hawke had heard of those four names, recognizing that none had achieved success on the same level as Johnson later on. Hawke stood up and rolled a whiteboard over, using a carbon pen to write down the film company, producer, director, and competitors'' names. He also jotted down a line: insurance company for the production. Hawke said, "Let''s start with a background check to understand these people''s situations." Dany noted it down in her notebook: "I can pull related information from the company''s database, including their work backgrounds and family info." "That''s not enough," Hawke set his pen down and said. "I need to know their hobbies and preferences, work and living habits, problems with drug abuse, if they are troublemakers or just caught in the mess, their financial situations, and any past scandals or suppressed dirt..." He listed a lot and took a pause, emphasizing two aspects: "I need to know the producer''s and director''s past decisions in actor casting -- why they''ve eliminated people and what led to their selections. I''ve heard that the crucial factors for choosing lead actors involve performance in the audition room and also outside it." Johnson candidly stated, "Performance outside the audition room holds more weight." Hawke added, "Which insurance company provides the completion bond for production, who the point of contact is, their background and preferences, and what risks they fear most -- that needs to be investigated too." Dany felt overwhelmed and remarked, "Hobbies and preferences, drug abuse, scandals -- all that''s best handled by public relations firms." Hawke looked at both of them, "Let''s bring Miss baa into this." Johnson turned to his wife, "Call Baa, and have her rush over." "You two can''t just refer to her like that," Dany remarked, pulling out her phone to dial Caroline''s number. Once the call connected, she said, "Dwayne has an important matter that requires your presence. Hurry to William Morris. What? You''re at a client event on Hollywood Boulevard?" She was straightforward, "This deal will be calculated separately, $20,000." Caroline on the other end didn''t hesitate, "Give me half an hour." ... In at most ten minutes, Caroline nearly burst into the small conference room, her feet already sore from her high heels. Hawke pointed to a seat next to him, saying, "Sit down and let''s talk." Caroline sat down, noticing Hawke was at the head of the table. She questioned Johnson and Dany, "What''s going on? Why did you bring him in?" After several collaborative confrontations, she felt that wherever Hawke was involved, serious business was sure to follow. Hawke explained, "This time, we are assisting Dwayne to compete for the lead role in a film." Dany detailed the situation from beginning to end. Caroline adjusted her posture, saying, "You''ve found the right person; I can dig up all this information." She turned to Hawke, "But one condition: the information I uncover cannot be leaked to the media, especially not to Midnight Entertainment." Hawke affirmed, "The information you provide will only be used for this assignment." Caroline stood up, "I''ll get started right now." Hawke told Dany, "You should hurry up too." He called Edward, "Let''s go; we won''t gather any intel sticking around here." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 89: Im Black and Im Proud [Chapter 90: I''m Black and I''m Proud] On Venice Boulevard, at the Cactus Auto Repair Center, Hawke sat in a reclining chair, watching a group of Mexican workers busily engaged in their tasks. Edward wandered around, curiously inspecting the products displayed in the window. The center''s owner approached with a cardboard box and said, "This is the dashcam you ordered; it just arrived yesterday afternoon." Hawke inquired, "How''s the clarity of the footage?" The owner opened the box, connected it to power, filmed a short clip, and transferred it to a computer for Hawke to review. At that time, one couldn''t hold modern standards against technology from years past. When Hawke saw the picture quality was satisfactory, he checked the dashcam and said, "Let''s install it in the car." The owner instructed a worker to install it and added, "It has a loop recording feature, just like a surveillance camera; if you need any files, extract them as soon as you''re done recording." "Got it." Hawke called Edward over, "When you get a chance, bring the van over and install one in that too." The efficiency of the workers in this place was always commendable; the latest model dashcam he had ordered had taken a month to arrive. ... After the workers finished, Hawke tested the features, settled the remaining payment, and had Edward drive them to Culver City. Sony Pictures was located right there. Following the address in his notes, Hawke reached the production studio, where the sign "S.W.A.T." hung on a two-story building by the roadside. The crew was recruiting extras. After donning a wig, a false mustache, and glasses, and applying some makeup, he went into the studio with the William Morris work badge he got from Dany and requested several recruitment forms. Like some small agents from other companies, he took the forms to a small meeting room on the first floor and filled out some actor application information. After writing for a while, he pulled out a bottle of water and took a sip, realizing he was filling out the forms at a painfully slow pace. He casually jotted down the names of about a dozen supposed extras and then took his bag out to use the restroom. Hawke ducked into a storage room, found a "Do Not Enter - Cleaning" sign, hung it on the bathroom door, and swiftly moved toward the stairs with a small pack of tissues clutched in his hand. The stairs were adjacent to the front desk, and the receptionist, seeing him head upstairs, asked, "What''s the matter with you?" Hawke waved the tissues in his hand, saying, "They''re cleaning the first floor; I can''t hold it anymore." Noticing how uncomfortable he appeared, the receptionist waved him through. Once on the second floor, he darted into the men''s restroom and soon emerged, adjusting his William Morris work badge to display it prominently on his chest. He strode confidently as if he were a legitimate agent discussing business, openly walking through the second floor. During his time there, he encountered a few people, but nobody paid him any mind. After circling around without any fruitful results, he was about to head downstairs when he heard a door open down the hall and quickly turned to take a look. About six to seven meters away, a door opened to an office where a Black man wearing a black beret stepped out. Hawke recognized him immediately -- it was Samuel L. Jackson, before he had turned himself into an one-eyed pirate. The man strolled further down the hallway. Hawke waited a moment, then picked up his bag and returned to the hall, walking forward. Up ahead, the Black man knocked on a door and entered the director''s office, their voices carrying out into the hallway. Hawke quickened his pace just enough to pass by the open door, glancing inside quickly. Jackson shut the door behind him. It was in that fleeting moment that Hawke noticed two other individuals outside the office. One man, a bald head, he had seen on the paperwork yesterday: the crew''s director, Clark Johnson. This guy had a slightly darker complexion, looking like a Latino mixed heritage or perhaps a Black man on the verge of washing out. The other was a pure Black man wearing glasses; he looked somewhat familiar, possibly from media appearances. Hawke caught a few key words from their conversation. They discussed civil rights advocate Steve Nutt and the increasingly vibrant Black civil rights movement in California. Having lingered on the second floor for a bit too long and seeing there were no new leads, he returned to the small meeting room to continue filling out the registration forms. §²¨¤???¦¥? Before long, a few agents approached the front desk to submit their applications. Hawke followed one group in but didn''t turn in his forms. Taking advantage of the busyness at the front desk, he slipped out of the office building. ... After circling back to the car, he removed his wig, mustache, and glasses, turning on the air conditioning to cool off and dry his sweat. Edward asked, "Boss, did you find anything?" Thinking about the Black man he had seen in the director''s office, Hawke replied, "Just hold tight; wait a bit." By midday, Samuel L. Jackson, Clark Johnson, and the man in glasses exited the office building together. Hawke grabbed his camera and snapped a photo while asking Edward, "Hey, do you know the guy with the glasses?" Edward replied, "That''s Spike Lee, one of the top Black directors in Hollywood." Hawke was slightly surprised. "You actually know him." "Boss, I''m Black," Edward said proudly, "Spike Lee is a leader in the Black movement in Hollywood; of course, I know him." Hawke then recalled what he had overheard in the office: "Is Clark Johnson also Black?" Edward remarked, "He looks a bit like Dwayne Johnson; I can''t be sure." The three men jumped into a car, and Hawke signaled Edward to follow. Taking out his phone, he called Dany, asking, "Is director Clark Black?" "I forgot to mention it in the materials?" Dany apologized, then added, "Like Dwayne, his father is of African descent, so by some definitions, he is as well." Hawke continued, "Spike Lee often speaks out for Black issues in Hollywood?" S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "It''s not just occasionally; it''s frequently," Dany explained, clearly familiar with the director, "He''s a leading voice for Black rights in Hollywood." "I see." Hawke hung up the phone. ... The car ahead stopped at a restaurant, and the three men headed inside for a meal. Hawke told Edward to park: "Let''s grab some lunch." The two of them entered the restaurant. There weren''t many patrons there, and Hawke chose a booth nearby the three Black gentlemen. The trio wasn''t discussing movies; through their conversation, they primarily talked about the plight of Black individuals in Hollywood and expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. After lunch, a car arrived to take Spike Lee away, while Jackson and director Clark returned to the studio. ... Hawke received a call from Caroline, prompting Edward to drive them to Burbank. While on the road, Hawke retrieved Clark''s materials, focusing on highlighting the keywords related to Black and civil rights. When they arrived in Burbank, Caroline called again. With his William Morris agent badge, Hawke entered the studio lot and, at an ice cream shop, found Caroline. Miss Baa was sporting a new blunt bang haircut and large earrings, sipping lemonade at a small round table by the glass window. Hawke pulled out a chair and sat across from her: "Any luck?" Caroline took a sip of lemonade, replying, "Follow me." Hawke followed her out of the ice cream shop as they walked towards the film set. Passing two soundstages, Caroline stopped in the shade and pointed subtly with her chin diagonally: "The completion bond for S.W.A.T. was provided by the Firefighters'' Fund Insurance Company, and the business manager, Green, is in this soundstage negotiating with the Warner Bros. crew." Hawke nodded slightly, then asked, "Your other client, Steve Nutt, is he currently closely linked with the Black civil rights organization in LA?" Caroline answered, "Not just closely; thanks to your maneuvering, Steve has become a representative figure in the realm of Black civil rights within sports -- Los Angeles''s Black civil rights organization has taken him on as their mascot-like leader." She abruptly paused, slightly poking Hawke in the side and gestured with her eyes: "The guy who just came out is Green." Hawke saw him -- a man in his thirties who was a bit paler than Edward. A mixed Black. Caroline whispered, "Should I go and talk to him?" Hawke shook his head, "Don''t confront him directly; have your assistant or someone else test the waters with him... mm, ask him about his thoughts on Steve Nutt." Following their previous collaboration, Caroline had adapted somewhat to Hawke''s rhythm and replied, "I got it, the beauty strategy, piece of cake." "Let''s go." Hawke headed towards the studio gate. Caroline followed, making a phone call as they walked. This kind of covert probing wasn''t difficult for a public relations agency. ... As they strolled, Hawke pondered, and when she finished her call, he asked, "Does the third-party bond significantly impact the crew''s choice of actors?" Caroline stated, "Very much so, especially with action films. If the insurance company doesn''t cover the actors, any accidents they face will wholly become the crew''s risk. Not providing a completion bond makes things even more complicated; companies involved in financing and funds would just pull out." She summarized, "The guarantee of a third-party insurance company is one of the cornerstones of today''s Hollywood film industry." Upon arriving at the studio''s entrance, Hawke noticed she was dragging her feet and urged, "Have you gathered the info on our competitors?" Caroline replied, "Working on it." Hawke prompted, "Hurry up. Don''t dawdle like a little sheep." Caroline shot him a glare and lightly punched his arm before pulling out her phone to call again. ... They entered the parking lot and got into a Mondeo. Edward waved, "Good afternoon, Miss Baa." Caroline''s face darkened, and she kicked the driver''s seat: "A hick and a cotton-picking descendant, not even worth a sheep..." Hawke''s phone rang; it was Dany. She sounded cheerful: "I just got some good news, Paul Walker declined." Hawke asked, "What''s the reason?" Dany quickly explained, "Universal has kicked off , and side character Vin Diesel is filming another action movie, so he won''t be appearing; Universal offered Paul an irresistible paycheck for market considerations." Hawke cautioned, "Make sure to confirm the source to guard against rivals moving backward as a strategy." Dany emphasized, "I can confirm one hundred percent." Hawke added, "Great, that leaves our competition with Colin Farrell, Josh Hartnett, and Jeremy Renner." Dany continued, "Jeremy Renner lacks the competitive edge; he has had no significant roles and is destined to be in a supporting position." Caroline remarked, "Let''s hope these guys know their place and back out voluntarily." Hawke didn''t share that sentiment, saying, "Dany, I have some ideas; let''s have a meeting tomorrow morning." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 90: Lets Get Started [Chapter 91: Let''s Get Started] Inside a small conference room at William Morris. Everyone gathered around the table. Hawke sat at the head of the conference table and said, "Let''s summarize what everyone has on their plates." Dany put down her phone. "I just received some news. Paul Walker has signed with Universal Pictures, and the filming schedule for overlaps with our project." Hawke reminded her, "You need to keep an eye on the production team. Watch out for any new actors joining the auditions." He turned to Johnson. "What about you, Dwayne?" Johnson replied, "In the past couple of days, I had lunch with producer Leonard Goldberg and even played a round of golf with him. He doesn''t hold any grudges against me, but when it comes to the role, he won''t budge easily since there are others vying for it too." Hawke asked directly, "What about Leonard''s preferences? Male or female? Or does he swing both ways?" Since he had chosen this line of work, Johnson felt no embarrassment. "He''s straight; I can confirm that. Plus, his taste aligns somewhat with mine -- he likes strong women." Dany added, "Actress Michelle Rodriguez has been visiting Leonard''s hotel room for discussions about the script and the leading lady for several nights in a row. She''s likely to land the role." Auditions were just the foundation; the real decisions were made outside the audition room. Hawke looked over at Caroline. "What''s happening on your end?" Caroline passed her materials over to Hawke and said, "My assistant Sasha contacted the operations manager at the Firefighters'' Fund Insurance Company, Green, last night. Through some probing, we established that Green views Steve Nutt as the archetype for white men and is extremely supportive of the advocacy for Black civil rights." Hawke took the materials and reviewed them. This was information Caroline gathered about competitors and the power players in the production. He skimmed through it quickly, pulling out some previously prepared photos to stick on the whiteboard. They included One-Eyed Pirate, Clark Johnson, Spike Lee, and Insurance Manager Green. Hawke laid out what he had seen yesterday and the subsequent investigation, concluding, "Samuel, Clark, and Spike are all supporters of the civil rights movement in Hollywood; the latter two are even leading figures. They are highly sensitive to the rights of Black individuals in Hollywood." He added, "Spike Lee never stirs up trouble with major companies, but when it comes to personal actors and the Academy Awards, he has dropped more than a few curse words in frustration." Caroline followed Hawke''s rhythm, understanding his intentions. "But Colin Farrell and Josh Hartnett have never shown any tendencies toward racial discrimination." Johnson chimed in, "Samuel is just a nominal producer; he might influence director Clark, but Clark only has advisory power. The real decision-maker is Leonard, and he''s white." Hawke''s finger tapped on Green''s photo. "So we need to pull in the third-party insurance manager to put pressure on both sides and influence the crew''s decision." Ra?????¦Â§¦? He turned to Caroline. "There''s one particular skill for our job that''s crucial." Caroline worked hard to keep up with Hawke''s pace. Edward shook his head at Ms. Baa, feeling her skills weren''t impressive, saying, "Creating something out of nothing!" Caroline immediately recalled an earlier collaboration with Hawke, where the public revelation about Steve''s son was something Hawke had fabricated. "Yesterday, I came up with our first specific plan: we''ll stage a discrimination incident!" Hawke''s choice was influenced by the social backdrop. "The Steve Nutt incident has initiated another peak of Black civil rights discussions across California, especially in Los Angeles." Caroline stared at Hawke, feeling a strange admiration. The wave he created, only to have it utilized by him later on, was something that even the head of a PR firm like Rooney Chasen would struggle to handle. Johnson and Dany exchanged glances, the former asking, "Are we taking them all out at once?" Hawke shook his head. "That approach can only be used once on a single target; we''ll take out the biggest threat." Dany added, "Josh Hartnett; he starred in . While the film was criticized by both media and audiences, many still see it as an impressive credential. Plus, he collaborated with Sony Columbia on ." Johnson pointed out, "Josh has a good relationship with Leonard''s co-producer. I suspect there''s something more to that friendship." Hawke understood what that "something" was and wasn''t surprised. Even if you can''t make it to the top, the leading actor in a large or medium-sized investment project may not have to pay less than the leading actress. The Hollywood scandals out in the media didn''t even scratch the surface of what went on. Hawke asked the key question, "What''s Josh Hartnett''s background?" Dany elaborated, "He came from a regular family, non-showbiz second generation. He studied acting at the State University of New York and has faced hurdles on his way up, but he managed to reach his current status. Besides his acting, his biggest asset in Hollywood is his physique." Hawke wrote Josh''s name under the pictures of the four men. Next, he wrote down Colin Farrell''s name. "We also need to figure out how to counter him; otherwise, everything done to Josh could end up benefiting him." Caroline said, "Colin Farrell is close with Kevin Spacey. I heard a rumor that they got together while working on ." Hawke nodded slightly. "Tell me more about Colin Farrell." Caroline detailed, "He''s Irish. Both his parents were football players, and he himself started as an athlete before switching to drama school. Like many Irish men, he enjoys drinking, has a fiery temper, and often flies off the handle over trivial issues, especially when dealing with those beneath him." Hawke glanced at the list of works Colin had appeared in; he acted in his first feature film in 2000 and had a movie titled releasing this year. Caroline continued, "He''s got good looks, a great physique, and he''s daring. He participates in all sorts of games, which many producers and directors appreciate, so his future looks promising within the industry." Hawke stuck a press photo of Colin Farrell on the whiteboard. "If the producer has a preference for men, Dwayne won''t have a chance." Edward interjected, "Thank goodness Leonard is a straight guy." Hawke asked a pivotal question, "Did Kevin Spacey only call Dwayne?" "No," Dany clarified after digging deeper. "He called everyone who attended the final audition, trying to leverage his fame and influence over the candidates. He even specifically sought out producer Leonard." Hawke shifted the conversation back to Leonard: "What does the producer hate the most in both his personal and professional life?" "Leonard Goldberg is a veteran producer at Columbia Pictures, having been in the industry since the 1970s," Caroline explained. "He despises being rejected by actresses in his personal life; he''s produced or been involved in over 30 films and shows, and any actress who has refused him or stood him up has been completely cut off." She continued with his professional disposition: "In terms of work, he hates tardiness. During auditions for , Cameron Diaz was late, and Leonard shot down her chances right away. Drew Barrymore had practically pre-sold half the investment in that film, and despite her best efforts to mediate, Cameron Diaz still had to spend the entire night with Leonard." Edward remarked, "Isn''t it true that it was Drew Barrymore''s continuous invitations that ultimately got Cameron to begrudgingly participate?" "Just promotional material; I recommend not taking it too seriously," Caroline replied. "I''ve fabricated some behind-the-scenes footage for various productions for promotion." Suddenly, Johnson stated, "I''m a hero who thwarted a robbery." The serious atmosphere was broken, and everyone burst into laughter. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After settling down, Hawke asked, "Any similar situations?" Caroline responded, "Yes, during auditions for projects like and , similar incidents occurred. All the actors who were late were outright rejected by him." Hawke was starting to get the picture. "For now, we''ll focus on the biggest threat, Josh Hartnett." He said, "We haven''t initiated anything yet; right now, the ones causing the most stir are Colin Farrell and his master, Kevin Spacey, who has also made threatening calls. If we take out Josh Hartnett, who do you think he would suspect first?" Dany laughed, "Colin Farrell." Hawke continued, "Of course he''ll suspect us too, but that''s not important. Let''s muddy the waters." Johnson said, "Tell us what you need us to do; we''re on it." To get things done, money was a foundation. Hawke directly stated, "You prepare a sum of operating cash; nothing else matters. Don''t flop in the audition room; we need you to meet the basic requirements." Johnson put in his investment too. "I''m in touch with the S.W.A.T. team in LA; I''ll be experiencing life as part of the squad tomorrow." Hawke turned to Dany and Caroline. "Both of you tap into your resources to find out about Josh Hartnett''s recent schedule. I need to know the places he frequently visits, like bars, hotels, and gyms." Caroline responded, "Public schedules aren''t hard to track down; for private ones, we can trace them using the public schedule." Hawke looked at Edward. "You''re on standby." Edward, being a good driver and a native of Los Angeles, knew the roads and neighborhoods very well, and he hadn''t messed up during the few times he had to drive with others. As for how to deal with Josh Hartnett, that would be up to Hawke now. ... Half an hour later, the meeting wrapped up. Hawke grabbed a stack of cash and left with Edward. Back in the car, Hawke said, "Get to searching for the our trio of trouble makers." Edward replied, "Those three are itching to make some money again." Hawke dropped Edward off at Fountain Street, letting him pick up a car to locate them. ... The next day, Caroline provided Hawke with a range of information about Josh Hartnett. Despite receiving backlash for his role in , he had gained fame. With combined media and PR insights, it became clear where Josh Hartnett frequently hung out. After thoroughly researching, Hawke drove around to check these places, including Paloma Bar on North Santa Monica Boulevard, a residence in Sherman Oaks, a gym in North Hollywood, and the performance school located at Paramount Pictures. He also called in the trio to Ranch Park for some impromptu training. Hawke mapped out several action plans based on different locations, but the execution would rely on how well the trio adapted on the spot. More information came in from Caroline: it turned out that Josh Hartnett had never had a Black friend and had a general indifference toward the Black community. Edward was dispatched by Hawke to keep an eye on Josh Hartnett for the opportune moment. On an ordinary afternoon, Edward called, reporting that Josh, after changing his appearance, had gone to the Marriott Hotel in Manhattan Beach. Hawke promptly gathered the team and set out. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 91: Ugly, Fierce, and Disgusting [Chapter 92: Ugly, Fierce, and Disgusting] Manhattan Beach, Marriott Hotel. Josh Hartnett sat on the balcony facing west, looking out at the sunset over the ocean. A terrible odor lingered around him. He grabbed the nearby perfume and sprayed himself several times, but the foul stench clung to him, refusing to disappear. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This only added to his inexplicable agitation. Teddy Black came up behind him, resting his hands on Josh''s bare shoulders. "The audition will be next Monday to decide who will play the role. Be prepared." Josh turned to face him. Teddy was the most trusted assistant of producer Leonard Goldberg, serving as the associate producer on set. Leonard liked women, so Josh could only confide in Teddy, saying, "Whether I succeed or not depends on you." Teddy grinned confidently, "Over the years, Leonard has usually listened to me." Josh replied, "No matter what it takes, I''m all in." Even though Teddy had a good attitude, he still offered a warning: "It''s a shame Dwayne Johnson rejected me. A guy that big..." Josh felt a sense of urgency. "I''m out. Call me if you need anything," Teddy said as he put on his jacket and left the room. Josh got up from his chair and rushed to the restroom, throwing up into the toilet. He ripped off his clothes and turned on the shower, scrubbing himself furiously. But no matter what he did, he still felt the smell clinging to him. It was as if he had been pickled in excrement, and no matter how hard he tried, the smell wouldn''t wash away. Disgust led to rage, and he began smashing things in the bathroom. Eventually, he had to compose himself. While filming , his co-star Ben Affleck once said that climbing up the ladder was all about riding on someone''s coattails -- and that included kneeling for men. A while later, after calming down a bit, Josh got dressed and prepared to check out. Of course, he would have to pay for the things he had broken. ... In the parking lot outside the Marriott Hotel, a newly bought used van was parked in a spot convenient for observing the hotel. A man in his thirties, bald on top, stepped out of the hotel. Edward pointed to the man, telling Hawke, "That''s him -- the bald guy with a ridiculous mustache." Hawke had seen the crew''s management materials and recognized that it was associate producer Teddy Black. Edward added, "Josh Hartnett stayed at this hotel too; they''re meeting up." DaShawn, who came over, familiar with the plot, commented, "There are some not-so-clean men on the street who often..." He coughed, adding, "Looking at it this way, Hollywood stars might be dirtier than homeless guys." Teddy walked unsteadily, his feet slightly turned out. Carter had seen many such characters on Los Angeles streets and remarked, "This is the one who got screwed. The one who stayed in the hotel must be the top." ???????????????¡ì Edward marveled, "It''s eye-opening; the producer actually used this method to take advantage of the male actors." Tyrone chimed in, "Nonsense -- drinking, drugging, and spreading diseases; they''re no different from homeless folks." As they spoke, Teddy drove off in a car. ... Hawke looked over at the trio. "The target is about to come out; you guys get ready." The trio, all of whom were both ugly and menacing, replied, "Boss, we are street people, we have seen a lot of gays, and we know how to irritate them." Hawke cautioned DaShawn and Edward, "You two get out, don''t rush it -- go for provoking first." DaShawn grinned, looking even more grotesque. "I have experience dealing with troublemakers." Edward grabbed his briefcase and was the first to step out, finding a concealed spot between Josh Hartnett''s arriving car and the hotel entrance to wait. ... DaShawn got a paper cup of coffee and, following Hawke''s indicated position, avoided the hotel surveillance as he waited for Josh to come out. ... As night fell, Josh Hartnett stepped out of the hotel wearing a baseball cap, his head down. He walked into the small parking lot. As he was about to pass a minivan, another figure turned the corner -- a Black man. Both were moving a bit quickly, and the Black man, dressed in all black, almost collided with him. Startled, the Black man instinctively dodged, his arm striking a car, causing coffee that he was sipping from a straw to spill everywhere. Some coffee splattered onto the Black man''s clothes, and a few drops hit Josh Hartnett. Before Josh could say anything, the Black man angrily grabbed his shirt collar. "Hey! Watch where you''re going, jerk!" Josh pushed his hand away and looked up slightly, realizing not only was the man aggressive, but he was also painfully ugly in a way that made it hard to look at. Just one glance could give someone nightmares. DaShawn backed away a step, assessing the man and waving his hand before his nose. "What a strange smell; turns out you''re a disgusting gay dude." He deliberately asked, "Dude, are you the one on top? No wonder there''s a stench; I''m so unlucky to bump into someone like you. Just get lost -- I need to go shower!" "Shut your foul mouth!" Josh, wanting to avoid conflict, stepped aside. Rage filled him, but he remained cautious around this sudden confrontation. With people around the hotel, any altercation would be messy. He bit his tongue and walked toward his car. ... As he drove out, Edward, hiding beside the front of the car, quickly climbed in. Josh drove a black car out of the parking lot. Hawke seized the moment and followed him. Edward felt a bit regretful. "He didn''t even get physical." The black car drove northeast, quickly turning onto Santa Monica Boulevard. Edward glanced at the road on either side and remarked, "Boss, he lives in Sherman Oaks; this isn''t the way home." Hawke had done extensive research beforehand. "Based on the car''s direction, he should be heading to Paloma Bar -- that''s where he often goes alone." Edward confirmed, "That''s right." Hawke followed for a while, ensuring they were on the right track before saying, "Let''s set up ahead of time." The van sped ahead, passing the black car. Edward, familiar with the roads, directed Hawke to turn onto a side road, taking a shortcut to Orlando Street, where Paloma Bar was located. This was an old street; Hawke had scoped it out previously, and like much of Los Angeles, it almost had no surveillance. He picked a spot, parked the van, did a quick makeup change, and approached the bar''s valet with a bit of East Coast charm, slipping the valet 100 dollars. The valet grinned, took the keys, and moved a few cars around a bit. Hawke grabbed a hot dog from a bag and leaned against the wall of the sidewalk, eating. By the sidewalk, Tyrone and Edward, with his dirty braids and hairy face, took their positions. Carter, the skinniest and most grotesque, carried a prepared paper bag and walked over from the bar. Hawke glanced to the south, announcing, "The car is coming." ... A black sedan approached; Josh noticed that the parking spots close to the bar were full, forcing him to park a bit further away. He got out, putting on his cap, and walked to the bar. To his side, two Black men argued over a parking spot. Having just had a conflict with one of them, Josh felt an urge to distance himself. But the Black men were quick to escalate, shoving each other. One of them, sporting braids and a hairy face, shoved the shorter, uglier man, who lost his balance and stumbled backward, heading right towards Josh. Josh swiftly sidestepped, but in doing so, the ugly man dropped his bag, spilling its contents everywhere. Some items flew toward Josh, who raised his arm to shield himself and felt something sticky splatter on his forearm. Before he could comprehend, the fallen Black man scrambled back to his feet, yelling, "Get away from me, you white face!" Josh glanced at the ugly Black man; he was not only vile but also repulsive, with a caveman-like appearance. The big ugly seemed to shift his anger. "What are you staring at? Look again, and I''ll pull your stick out and shove it up your...!" Josh felt sick and wanted to drink something to wash the feeling away; he turned to head to the bar. A series of banging noises erupted nearby. Josh quickly spun back, seeing the hairy-faced man kicking the ruined van that had parked there; it attracted quite a few onlookers. Hawke opened the camera cover and rushed over as if he were one of the curious bystanders. Josh turned and walked away, colliding with a Black man coming toward him, both of them focused on the chaos around the van. They collided. It might have been nothing, but the Black man was holding a paper bag filled with items. When they bumped, the canned herring inside burst out, releasing an awful smell. Josh remembered something -- his stomach clenched, and his heart raced. He wanted to leave, but the Black man grabbed him. "Hey, you messed up my stuff!" Josh looked at the ugly man, who was both frighteningly repulsive and the source of an unbearable stink. It was astonishing that a person could be this ugly. Josh felt a strong urge to call him an un-evolved monkey, but basing it on his public relations training, he held back, firmly pushing the Black man aside and shouted, "Get lost, disgusting jerk!" This guy was both lanky and unattractive. Josh was tall and well-built. He stumbled and fell, crying out in pain, struggling to get back up. Josh raised his hand to block his nose to avoid smelling the repulsive odor again, glaring at the fallen man before hastily walking toward the bar entrance. ... Hawke captured Josh''s silhouette as he entered the bar and switched off the camera. Carter staggered back to his feet and continued onward. Tyrone cursed at the hairy-faced man and walked off as well. The few onlookers quickly dispersed. Hawke glanced around before hopping back into the ruined van. He drove first to pick up Edward with the braids, then turned the corner to grab Tyrone. On another road, when they picked up Carter, the stench nearly knocked Edward out. Following Hawke''s instructions, Carter ripped his ruined coat into scraps and tossed them into several trash cans. Hawke sped away, distancing themselves from the area, heading straight toward West Los Angeles. As they passed a parking lot on Santa Monica Boulevard, he stopped the car. They parked in a dark spot, and Edward quickly got out, tearing off the covering on the license plate, changing it to another one. Hawke swept up the inside of the van, but that persistent stench lingered. He found a bottle of air freshener from the business side and sprayed some in the vehicle, temporarily rolling down the windows to air it out. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 92: We Teach the Audience How to Watch the News [Chapter 93: We Teach the Audience How to Watch the News] In the van, Hawke tossed the keys to the minivan over to DaShawn. Then he pulled out a stack of cash from his bag, evenly dividing it into three parts and handing them to the trio. Carter, with nimble fingers, quickly counted the cash and announced, "Five hundred dollars." The three guys grinned from ear to ear. Hawke said, "Old rules." DaShawn immediately reassured him, "We''ll keep our mouths shut. We''re going out tonight, won''t know anything." "Good, a night out." Hawke pointed at the minivan. "This ride is for you too. Take it out of town, sell it, and enjoy a week before coming back." DaShawn stuffed the money away and asked, "Can we make it ten days?" Hawke replied, "It''s up to you." As the trio prepared to leave, one of them suddenly remembered something. He turned to Hawke and said, "Boss, about that Mexican guy you wanted us to keep an eye on -- Campos, he''s a bit slow, doesn''t usually cause trouble, but he looks out for his fellow countrymen..." Hawke had almost forgotten about him and said, "Just don''t provoke him." The three exited the van, filled with excitement, and drove off. They decided to head straight north, checking out San Francisco. ... Edward closed the van door, removed his dreadlock wig, and tore off the fake beard from his face, grimacing from the pain. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke returned to his usual appearance, connecting the camera to his laptop to stream the video and make copies. Edward gathered up the makeup supplies and leaned over, asking, "Boss, how did it go?" "Let''s just say it was passable." Hawke opened the video. "After all that pressure, he still didn''t say anything explicitly discriminatory. It seems his management or publicity team has educated him on this." Edward scratched his head and said, "We failed." Hawke replied, "Not exactly a failure, just not very successful." The video started with the moments leading up to the confrontation with the dreadlocked guy, shifting to the sidewalk amidst the commotion. In that same instant, two people collided -- Josh Hartnett and one of the trio, Carter, had a brief confrontation. "Get lost, you disgusting bastard!" The insult rang clear. Even though the footage showed the hurried and shaky nature of a hidden camera, Hawke''s skill made Josh Hartnett''s face distinctly recognizable. Especially when Josh left, hand over his nose, casting a disgusted look at Carter on the ground. ... Hawke shut the laptop and said to Edward, "Drive to the Fox Television Center." Edward immediately started the car and made a turn out of the parking lot. After pondering for a while, Hawke took out his phone and called Megan Taylor. On the other end, Megan asked, "Are you free tonight? Coming over?" Hawke got straight to the point. "I just got some news; I''m on my way to the Fox Television Center." Megan replied, as usual, "I''ll be waiting for you at the office." The van pulled into Century City and soon arrived at the entrance of the Fox building. Hawke grabbed his laptop and got out of the car. Edward poked his head out and asked, "Boss, should I stay here for you?" "Head back," Hawke waved him off. ... The security at the building had already seen Hawke and pulled out his phone to make a call. "Millie, the Hawke Osment you wanted me to keep an eye on just showed up." £Ò???????????? "Thanks," Millie promptly went to inform her boss. ... As Hawke entered the Fox building, Gretchen rode down in the elevator. They crossed paths in the elevator. "Good evening, Hawke," Gretchen greeted him, then asked directly, "What''s up? Any big news?" Hawke replied, "I caught a scandal with a Hollywood star cursing today. You interested?" Gretchen, who worked on the primetime Ace News, was hoping to get something as sensational as the Steve Nutt scoop from Hawke. But upon hearing that, her interest waned. "Gossip doesn''t align with my program''s focus." Hawke needed to make a plan with the video, and there was no way he could sell it to Gretchen. If the video ended up in her hands, it could mean losing control. Gretchen maintained a composed smile and said, "Remember to contact me if you get some big news." Hawke casually acknowledged her and took the elevator up. ... Upon reaching the Midnight Entertainment crew, he went straight into Megan''s office. Megan, already eager for some explosive news, asked, "Something breaking? Is it headline-worthy?" Hawke opened his bag and pulled out his laptop, powering it on as he said, "It''s about Josh Hartnett, the leading man from . He got into a scuffle on the street." Megan said, "Josh Hartnett? He starred in , but his personal response is lukewarm. He''s barely mid-tier..." Hawke clicked on the video. "You should watch it first." Megan sat next to him, examining the video intently. She usually watched it once all the way through, then slowed it down for a detailed analysis. The video was short, and Megan hit pause often. The two black men appeared in the footage; the one kicking the car had his dreadlocks obscuring his face -- he was a big guy with a beard. The one who collided with Josh Hartnett was barely visible, only a side view that didn''t show his face. But it was clear he was black. Josh Hartnett, despite wearing a hat, was on screen multiple times, his face captured by the camera. Hawke''s shooting style was particularly adept, whether it was the frantic camera shifts or the shaky footage -- everything suggested it was an urgent response to an unexpected event. After finishing the second round of viewing, Megan remained silent, dragging the video to the end and replaying the part where Josh Hartnett shouted, analyzing his disgusted expression as he left. "You want to take him down?" Megan had a good reading on Hawke''s intentions. Knowing he couldn''t hide his plans from her and needing the crew''s cooperation, he replied, "I picked up a gig to help someone land a role, and Josh Hartnett is a competitor." Megan raised her hand. "You don''t need to tell me more, I won''t know about that. I''ll just report based on what I see in the video." Hawke directly asked, "What''s your plan?" "Strictly speaking, this video isn''t heavy enough for a headline," Megan said, switching off the video and pacing back and forth in the room. "However, Josh Hartnett''s last words and expressions leave room for media framing." Hawke agreed, "We control the narrative; we teach the audience how to perceive it." Megan halted, a decision solidifying in her mind. "Recently, the Black Rights Movement sparked by Steve Nutt has remained hot, especially around California and Los Angeles. I plan to invite a representative from the movement and a civil rights activist for a video linkage to debate whether the person in the video shows racial discrimination." Pausing slightly, she added, "This way not only raises the stakes but also allows our program to dodge as much risk as possible." Hawke suggested, "You can invite Steve Nutt as the representative. He''s taken on the persona of a civil rights champion and collaborated with you recently. Your coverage has been favorable toward him; I doubt he would refuse." Megan considered the idea and saw the potential for increased program interest. "I''ll personally call him up to extend the invitation." Hawke continued, "The video''s worth ten grand." "That video''s only worth five thousand at most." Megan was relentless in business discussions, handing him a storage drive. "After you copy the video, go find Claire, sign the agreement, and get the check." Hawke started to duplicate the video. Megan stood beside him and quietly said, "Business aside, how are you planning to thank me?" Hawke replied straightforwardly, "In the office?" "Are you crazy?" Even though Megan liked to play it wild, she wasn''t that reckless. "If you''re done, just wait for me to finish work, and we can go to my place tonight." "Alright, to thank you, I won''t sleep tonight." Hawke packed his laptop and left the office to find Claire for the agreement. ... After getting the check, Hawke called Caroline. "Miss Baa, I remember when your client needs to attend a media event, they need your advice on that." Caroline answered, "That''s stipulated in the contract." Hawke replied directly, "If Steve Nutt ask you about participating in Midnight Entertainment, you need to make that happen since it ties into our current work." Caroline first clarified, "This won''t harm Steve''s interests, will it?" "Absolutely not," Hawke confirmed. Caroline agreed. ... When Hawke got back with the check, Megan was already gathering the team for a meeting. She approached Hawke, mentioning that Steve Nutt received the call, quickly considered it, and confirmed he''d join the video linkage tonight. Caroline then called in, informing Hawke she was heading to the Fox Television Center to discuss the video linkage details with the crew. Hawke settled into the reception room to rest and ponder future developments. During this time, Dany called, asking, "Everything go smoothly?" Hawke replied, "Smooth as butter." Dany didn''t say more and hung up. After some time, Caroline knocked and came in, a new Hermes bag placed on the table, sitting on the sofa beside Hawke. "It''s done." Hawke inquired, "What did he say?" Caroline explained, "Steve viewed the video and believes Josh Hartnett''s remarks were a subtle form of racial discrimination. He''ll engage in a debate during the video linkage." Hawke handed her a bottle of water, saying, "Take a sip, rest a bit." Caroline twisted open the bottle and took a drink, then said, "I have a feeling Steve is pouring too much energy into this cause; he''s more proactive than some of the black community..." "Sunken costs, really. He''s invested so much, he has to stick with this path," Hawke noted. He kept choosing Steve because it made influencing him easier. "You need to get Steve to instigate a new campaign within the black rights organization to protest at the event where Josh Hartnett will be." Caroline responded, "You''re exhausting every resource available." Hawke stated, "Isn''t that our job? As you said, Steve wouldn''t say no." "Given his current mindset, he''ll be eager to participate," Caroline remarked, somewhat moved. "You''ve changed a sports star''s life." Hawke quipped, "Not just that, I also changed a PR manager''s life." Caroline''s face tightened. "You haven''t changed mine." Hawke reminded her, "Did you used to make sheep sounds?" Caroline ground her teeth in frustration, warning Hawke, "One day, you''ll pay for that." "Alright, enough joking." Hawke returned to seriousness after teasing her, "We need to start preparing to ensure the news will be featured in more media tomorrow, also getting Insurance Manager Green to see it." Caroline added, "Don''t worry about Director Clark. Before I arrived, Steve already alerted the Black Rights Organization in Los Angeles, asking them to watch tonight''s program. Spike Lee is a significant part of that group." Hawke remarked, "I wonder who Josh Hartnett might suspect first." Caroline speculated, "Normal thinking would likely land on the threats from Kevin Spacey and Colin Farrell." Hawke had a sudden thought and pulled out his phone to call Dwayne. "Dwayne, later on, hit the road, find someone trustworthy to bump into you for me. I''ll have Edward film it." "No, not one of your buddies," he rejected Dwayne''s suggestion. "Have Dany find a professional stunt driver. Considering your future, he''ll gladly help you out." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 93: He Wasnt Suitable for Our Crew [Chapter 94: He Wasn''t Suitable for Our Crew] On the TV screen, the video played once again. Under the guidance of host Megan, two video-linked guests shared their opinions. "From the footage in the video, this was just a typical street altercation," bald-headed old man Adams stated first. "The reason it made the news and drew attention is that the white person involved is Hollywood star Josh Hartnett." Steve Nutt immediately countered, "I disagree with that viewpoint. Did you hear what he said? ''Get lost, you disgusting bastard.'' He clearly saw a Black man across from him and still said it. You might say it''s just casual cursing, but look closely at the footage that followed." The producer thoughtfully replayed the moment where Josh Hartnett was seen pinching his nose, giving it a close-up pause. From the footage, one couldn''t see the can of herring or sense the overwhelming stench. Transforming into a champion for equality and an anti-discrimination pioneer, Steve continued, "What do you see in Josh''s gaze toward the person he pushed down? The first thing I saw was disgust! Unmasked disgust! And just look at his actions -- Josh covered his nose. Does he even find the other person''s scent repulsive?" He had also prepared some materials, holding up a picture of an old newspaper: "Do you know what this reminds me of? Nineteenth-century slave owners. Look at the preserved papers and images. That''s how they viewed those slaves. It was a horrible chapter in history." Adams retorted, "They might have had conflicts for some reasons we don''t know." The disgust evident in Josh''s expressions and actions was so clear that he couldn''t lie with his eyes wide open, so he blurted, "The disgust caused by conflict is not discrimination." "That''s precisely a kind of hidden discrimination," Steve argued. "If the person on the ground had been white, would he have had that expression? The most terrifying thing is this very hidden discrimination..." Of course, the debate wouldn''t lead to a conclusion; the show thrived on its controversy. ... In a standalone villa in Santa Monica, Spike Lee lit a cigar and picked up his phone to call his old friend Samuel L. Jackson. "Catch Channel 11''s Midnight Entertainment; you need to check it out. It''s quite interesting." ... On the other side, Samuel L. Jackson had only watched for a short while before calling director Clark Johnson. "Director, you need to check out Channel 11''s Midnight Entertainment." ... Clark was watching, his brow furrowed. If he had enough clout in the crew, he would have kicked Josh Hartnett off the audition right then. In the eyes of many Black people, particularly those constantly spouting off about equality, even a lack of special treatment equated to discrimination. ... As the show wrapped up, Hawke turned off the television in the reception room and stepped out with Caroline. He told Miss Baa, "You go ahead. Call Steve in a few minutes and make sure he leads the charge tomorrow." "Steve is already being proactive," Caroline said, her Hermes bag in hand, as she clacked away in her red high heels. Not long after, Megan, emerging from the studio, walked over to Hawke and asked, "What are you thinking about?" Hawke replied, "I might have opened a Pandora''s box." Megan thought he was referring to the role dispute. "The competition behind the scenes in Hollywood is fierce. For an actor to break through, it means using all sorts of strategies to step on the heads of hundreds or even thousands." ???????¦¢?? She felt something was off. "You wouldn''t care about that." Hawke smiled. "The Black rights movement." "It''s unstoppable," Megan replied, gazing out into the night. "Things may not be clear elsewhere, but here in California, the tide can''t be resisted." Hawke assessed Megan''s short skirt, sheer stockings, and high heels. "Let''s go to your place; I want to thank you properly for your help." Megan replied, "I''ve got to take off my makeup first." But Hawke insisted, "You don''t need to. You look perfect just like this." Megan went to her office to grab her bag, and they took the elevator down together. ... The two got into Megan''s BMW 7 series and headed to Westwood. Along the way, Megan''s work phone vibrated incessantly, but she didn''t answer a single call. Hawke could guess why: "Do you get a slew of calls every time a hot news story breaks?" Megan replied, "In the beginning, I''d pick up. It was okay when it came from friends or relations talking favors, but some are just abuse and threats. I exposed many of their scandals, so you can imagine how they feel." Hawke turned onto Olympic Boulevard, "As long as Fox is around, these things aren''t a problem." Megan nodded. "Fox is my biggest support." Just then, Hawke''s phone rang. It was Edward calling. "Boss, Johnson was in a car crash on 17th Street. I have exclusive footage from the scene." Hawke replied, "You can sell it to a media outlet. It needs to be out by tomorrow." Megan asked, "What happened?" Hawke summarized, "The Savior captured Johnson''s car crash; I told him to find a place to sell it." Megan wasn''t too interested in this trivial news that couldn''t be explored further. ... In Sherman Oaks, a Toyota sped down Ventura Boulevard. Agent Will asked the PR manager in the passenger seat, "Julius, is the phone still not connecting?" "Josh''s phone still isn''t picking up," Julius tried the landline, but had the same result. Will asked again, "What about Fox Channel 11?" Julius snapped his phone shut. "I called the production team, but Megan Taylor has already left for the day. I also tried her mobile but still received no response." Will fumed. "That bitch! Thinking she can mess with us thanks to Fox''s backing! If she''s going to play us like this, at least give us a heads-up." Julius shrugged. "Fox has always had this style. Don''t blame me for not warning you. Focus on the issue, not the individual." He continued, "A while back, there was the Miller Collins incident. The crew allied with Miller directly targeted Megan, and they just scratched her car. But then Fox contacted the LAPD, and the entire Dwarfs'' Gang was eradicated. I heard their leader''s neck was broken and it was ruled a suicide." Will comprehended: "Fox is warning us and instilling confidence in all Fox employees." The Toyota pulled up in front of a small villa, and Will rang the doorbell, but there was no answer. He took out a key and opened the door, calling for Julius to come inside. As soon as they entered the villa, they heard thunderous snoring. Josh Hartnett lay sprawled on the couch, sleeping like a dead pig, with the scent of alcohol permeating the whole place. Julius went to open a window. Will called out for a long time before managing to wake Josh and helped the intoxicated star into the bathroom. ... After nearly an hour of fuss, Josh finally managed to speak coherent words. Will quickly recounted the report from Midnight Entertainment. "That''s not right; it''s not at all how they reported it," Josh reacted, recalling what had transpired outside the bar. "I absolutely despised that bastard, I hated him to the core, but I didn''t say anything racially discriminatory." Julius quickly corrected him. "Remember, you didn''t hate him. It was just a verbal spat; no other thoughts were involved." Will frowned. "This situation seems off," he asked. "Did you annoy anyone recently?" Josh shook his head. "No." Julius reminded him, "Has there been any conflict of interest?" "I''ve been competing for a role," Will recalled the audition for S.W.A.T. "Josh and I received a call from Kevin Spacey. He warned us to drop out of the audition." Josh was surprised. "Was it him?" Will thought about it for a moment. "It''s hard to say. If this was orchestrated, your competitors could include Dwayne Johnson, Colin Farrell, or Jeremy Renner." Josh, well-versed in the nuances of Hollywood, exclaimed, "Is the competition already that intense in Hollywood?!" No sooner had he spoken than Julius''s phone chimed. After picking up and asking a few questions, his face displayed shock. "I just got word -- Dwayne Johnson was in a car accident on 17th Street." Josh froze. Will was also taken aback. Julius detailed, "An SUV suddenly malfunctioned and collided with Johnson''s Ford Mustang. Johnson was paying attention and swerved a bit; the SUV originally aimed at the cabin only hit the rear of the Mustang." Josh mumbled, "Is this still Hollywood?" Will, being an experienced agent, was unfazed. "In business competition, everything is on the table. If this involves the lead role for S.W.A.T., not considering the fame and commercial opportunities, the pay alone is close to ten million dollars." Josh felt a rush of adrenaline and started to sweat, completely sobering up. "I had an incident, and Johnson got into an accident. The biggest possible link here is Colin Farrell." Will concurred, "Jeremy Renner is a newcomer with little competitiveness, but Kevin Spacey has threatened us before." Josh slammed his fist onto the couch: "These bastards!" "Hey, hey, guys, the most urgent matter isn''t that," Julius interrupted. "Josh needs to clarify quickly that he isn''t a racist, or this could lead to endless troubles." Will shifted focus to this pressing matter. "You''ll be giving a media interview tomorrow to clarify things, then we''ll quickly find the people involved." He asked, "Do you remember those people? Can you recall the vehicle?" Josh replied, "I think I remember the license plate number." He recited the plate number, and Will contacted someone to check it out late at night, but the result was disappointing. "The license plate is fake." Julius added, "It would be impossible to find the person in the short term. A simple clarification might not be effective. Though Hollywood is mainly controlled by old white men, racial discrimination against Black people can''t be brought to light. To cater to Black consumers, any actor tied to racial issues will encounter various troubles." Will agreed with this viewpoint. "Josh, you need to get rid of this trouble as soon as possible." "What should I do?" Josh looked to the PR manager. "I can''t just find a Black woman to play along, can I?" This suggestion struck Julius. He thought of Steve Nutt, who appeared on the show, and an excellent idea popped into his head. He grasped Josh''s shoulder. "Find yourself a Black girlfriend fast and show off your love everywhere." Will responded, "Ordinary Black girls won''t do; it''s best to find a well-known Black actress." Josh glanced at his agent and then the PR manager. "You guys know I have a girlfriend. Ellen and I have been together for eight years." Julius assured him, "I''ll talk to Ellen; she''ll understand." Josh knew well that "understanding" meant breaking up. Will, knowing Josh well, urged, "Look at how much you''ve sacrificed for your success. Are you really going to give up now? What about everything you''ve invested?" Josh pulled at his hair in frustration. "Just give me a little time, a little time." Will called Julius out of the room. The two split up, one contacting the media, the other searching for a suitable Black woman. ... The next morning, in North Hollywood. A Jeep Wrangler pulled up at the NAACP Los Angeles chapter. Steve Nutt got out of the car and quickly reviewed the notes Caroline wrote for him as he walked straight to the conference room. Spike Lee stood up immediately, giving way to Steve, their much-needed vanguard and mascot. Inside the conference room sat over a dozen people, both Black and white. Steve picked up a copy of the resting on the table and pointed at the headline featuring Josh Hartnett. "I''m sure you all know what happened last night. A Hollywood star, paying no regard to his influence, made such a discriminatory act that we absolutely cannot tolerate." The attendees voiced their agreement. "This cannot happen!" "We must respond!" Steve pressed his hands down, assuming a leader''s demeanor. "Brothers, this is a movie star occupying an important promotional territory in Hollywood, which will yield a significant societal impact. We need to fight back and demonstrate our unity and strength to everyone!" He pronounced loudly, "We''ll organize people to go to Josh Hartnett''s events, to his agency, to his film set, and stage sit-ins to let everyone know the stance of us Black brothers!" Spike Lee nodded, "I agree." The rest responded in turn. "Agreed!" "Agreed!" A large group of Black and white individuals quickly organized themselves. ... The older members of the Black community had a unique way of crying out; they could rally faster compared to other minority groups like the Latinos. Moreover, Black individuals were widespread across many industries, not to mention the presence of white liberals. The gathering was registered at record speed. Before long, the association received news that Josh Hartnett would be holding a press conference at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Following Steve''s suggestion, the protest group split into two parts. One group went to Hilton Hotel. The other group hopped in cars to the studio in Culver City to protest the casting of a racist as the lead. ... Half an hour later, dozens of Black and white individuals appeared at the Hilton Hotel entrance, showing off banners and posters, quickly becoming the center of attention. The reporters originally attending the press conference paused at the entrance to take photos. A bit later, Caroline''s assistant Sasha passed by with Green, a Firefighters'' Fund manager she''d met once, driving toward Century City, having picked up some specialty desserts nearby. Sasha glanced toward the hotel entrance. "Are they having an event over there? It looks like someone is protesting." Green also took a look, seeing a massive banner that read Josh Hartnett and Racism Against Black People. This reminded him of a business project they were involved in. Passing by a newsstand, Green stopped the car and asked Sasha to grab a few newspapers. After dropping Sasha off at Century City, he took a look at the newspapers, most of which featured negative reporting about Josh Hartnett. Last night, it appeared that Josh Hartnett had allegedly racially discriminated against a Black person. Green called Sasha and immediately revved up his engine, speeding toward Culver City. ... Near the Sony Columbia Studios, outside the studio. Hawke parked his car in the shade of the building and took a bottle of water from the door compartment, handing it over to Caroline in the passenger seat. She pointed toward the studio entrance. "They''ve arrived." Hawke looked and saw a mini bus and two full-size vans parked on the side of the road, with dozens of white liberals and older Black folks stepping down one after the other. These individuals were highly skilled; they quickly set up their prepared materials and raised them. They sat down on the studio entrance''s sidewalk without making any aggressive moves, clearly seasoned professionals in the protest trade. Caroline received a phone call and told Hawke, "Green, the business manager from the third-party insurance, is on his way over." Hawke advised her, "You should treat your assistant to a nice dinner." Caroline smirked. "I''ll give her a bonus for this; I won''t sleep easy without paying her." Hawke noted a sedan pulling up on the studio side. "Director Clark Johnson has arrived." ... S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Clark stepped out of the car, glanced at the older Black folks sitting quietly in protest, his expression turning grave as he hurried into the studio and headed upstairs to the producer''s office. Leonard Goldberg was looking out the window at the gathering outside when he saw Clark arrive. He asked, "Did you come here for this?" Clark nodded. "My personal recommendation is to cancel Josh Hartnett''s last audition invitation. Collaborating with a racist reflects very poorly on the crew." Leonard''s assistant, Teddy, had often defended Josh in front of him. Being an older producer, he regarded this assistant, raising a hand to stop Clark. "I''ll give this matter my serious consideration." Clark only had the right to suggest; he spoke softly, "Please respect my feelings on the matter." Leonard nodded slightly. Clark was left with no choice but to leave. Leonard hesitated a bit, sitting in the office and contemplating. From a risk assessment perspective, letting go of Josh Hartnett was the wisest choice, especially since the crew hadn''t invested any resources in him and there were no sunk costs. But as an older man, he also needed to respect Teddy''s opinion, who would handle many specific tasks. ... After a long period had passed, Leonard found himself dozing off, there was a knock on the office door from outside. Green, the business manager from the Firefighters'' Fund insurance company, walked in. Leonard perked up. "What a rare visit." Green politely smiled and said, "There''s a potentially significant risk to the crew, so I had to make a trip." Upon hearing this, Leonard understood immediately. "About Josh Hartnett?" Green directly stated, "Having a racist potentially playing the lead role could tarnish the crew''s reputation, impact creditworthiness, and create issues with financing, thereby increasing third-party insurance risks." He pointed towards the window. "The insurance company can''t cover a racist." If the director objected, that would be one thing, but with the insurance company opposing it too, Leonard had to think carefully. He paused momentarily, then picked up the phone and dialed a number. "Please notify Josh Hartnett''s agent that Josh Hartnett isn''t suitable for our crew." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 94: Crash [Chapter 95: Crash] Beverly Hills, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Hawke walked down the corridor and nodded at Amanda guarding the door before stepping inside a therapy room. Inside, Johnson reminded the doctor, "No need to treat the face wounds; it''s better as is." The doctor glanced at Dany Garcia, looking unsure. She replied, "Just follow his lead." The doctor gathered his things and left the therapy room. Once the door closed, Johnson pointed at his facial injuries. "How about that? I did it myself. This time, I learned from last time and didn''t let anyone treat me. Pretty clear, right?" Hawke took a look and spoke honestly, "We need to get out of the hospital quickly. If we don''t leave soon, the swelling will go down, and the scars will be less visible on camera." Johnson hurriedly packed his things and urged Dany, "Let''s move!" Hawke called Edward to have him bring the car around. Johnson had his own entourage and friends, but Hawke had repeatedly shut down any involvement from them. Even the person who crashed into Johnson last night was a stuntman affiliated with Dany. The crash looked serious but posed almost no risk. ... Edward drove a business car from William Morris and pulled up at the steps outside the medical building. Over twenty reporters had shown up. Hawke had specifically chosen this hospital; coming out of the medical building led right to the main entrance, making it convenient for reporters to snap their pictures. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the news Edward sold, Johnson''s ability to escape a runaway car had not only preserved his image but also reinforced his tough-guy persona. Hawke was the first to leave the hospital, getting into his car. A moment later, Johnson, accompanied by Dany, walked out of the medical building, standing on the steps and revealing his not-so-visible facial scars for the reporters to photograph. "I had a full check-up, and I''m not injured," Johnson briefly took questions, flashing his signature warm smile. "Thank you all for your concern." With hospital security escorting him, he squeezed into the business car. ... The group headed to William Morris. As they entered a small conference room, Caroline rushed in, her high heels clacking on the floor. "Good news! The crew just notified Josh Hartnett''s agent that Josh isn''t suitable to continue auditioning for the lead role." Johnson bumped fists with Hawke, saying, "I knew you could do it, buddy." Dany asked, "Should we pop some champagne to celebrate?" "No, let''s wait until Dwayne secures the role before we celebrate." Hawke halted Dany, then walked to the front of the conference room and clapped his hands. "Okay, people, it''s not time to celebrate yet. We''re starting a new phase of work, and our target is Colin Farrell." ?¨¤????????¦¢?S? Everyone promptly sat along the long conference table, listening without any hesitation to Hawke''s instructions. Hawke wrote down Colin Farrell and Kevin Spacey''s names on the whiteboard, then added producer Leonard Goldberg next to them. Dany remarked, "Kevin Spacey is very influential in the industry. He''s met with Leonard Goldberg three times this month." Hawke nodded slightly, asking, "Let me confirm again, Leonard is vehemently opposed to actors being late for auditions?" "Yes," Caroline responded first. "He sees it as the utmost disrespect." Dany added, "If it were a woman he found appealing, the actress could be late and charm him for a day or two, and there might still be a chance. But a male actor? It just doesn''t work; he has very typical tastes." "Well then, let''s handle Colin Farrell in the simplest and most direct way," Hawke said, picking up a marker and writing a single line on the whiteboard: Crash. ... At the Beverly Hilton Hotel, third-floor lounge. Josh Hartnett stood by the window, looking at the protesting crowd below. Upon receiving the recent phone call, he was too angry to even drink water. This bunch of people was incredibly infuriating. His agent, Will, reassured him, "Even if you lose this role, it''s not the end of the world. As long as we get through this crisis, more opportunities will come." Josh nodded slightly. Publicist Julius walked in from outside, saying, "I just spoke to several media outlets. We sent the appropriate gifts, and only a few agreed to stop connecting you to racism. The others will continue reporting on it; after all, the protesters are right outside, and the news is happening." Will reiterated, "Traditional methods won''t work here. We need to find a Black girlfriend as soon as possible." Faced with the reality of being kicked out by the crew, Josh, despite his heartache, made a decision: "You guys find a suitable candidate." Celebrity relationships were just performances. Will had already found a lead. "I''ll have someone get the information to you soon; she''s not as high-profile as you, but she''ll be eager to date you." Josh closed his eyes, contemplating how to break up with his girlfriend of eight years. After a moment, he remembered something. "What''s going on with Dwayne Johnson''s car accident?" Julius grabbed the laptop, logging into Yahoo Entertainment and pulling up images for Josh to see. The pictures were from the accident scene, showing an SUV that crashed into the rear of a Ford Mustang. Both vehicles were mangled, looking quite gruesome. After closing those images, Josh discovered Johnson was making headlines again. He saw the photos of Johnson leaving the hospital after his medical treatment. In several pictures, the injuries on Johnson''s face were quite visible. Josh exclaimed, "I''m being set up, and so is Johnson. It can''t be a coincidence." He asked his agent and publicist, "What about Colin Farrell? Is he all right?" Will had already looked into it: "He''s fine. He had lunch with Kevin Spacey in Beverly Hills today." "I''ll fully cooperate with you in finding a Black girlfriend," Josh gritted his teeth. "But I''m not going to let this setup slide." Will agreed, stating, "Exactly. We can''t let this just pass by. In Hollywood, weakness gets you trampled; we need to take a hard stance." Julius remained silent but tacitly approved. The competition in the marketplace was fierce, and behind the scenes in Hollywood was no less intense. This was relatively mild, as some stars not only sacrificed themselves to please powerful figures but also dared to throw childhood reminiscence parties for them. Josh clicked on the accident pictures, staring intently at the mangled vehicles. From a bystander''s perspective, the crash seemed intriguing. ... In Culver City, the arts district. Oscar-winning actor Kevin Spacey finished his afternoon tea with Leonard Goldberg, exited the Expo Line restaurant, and got into a waiting SUV. Inside the car, the AC was running cold. Colin Farrell acted almost like a male nanny, pulling out a damp towel to help Spacey wipe the sweat off his forehead and then attended to each finger. Once done, Spacey tapped the driver''s seat, saying, "Drive, back to the office." Colin fetched a bottle of soda, twisted it open, and handed it to him. A backgroundless Irish actor had ventured into Hollywood in Los Angeles, whose luck led him to meet Kevin Spacey. He had heard tales of how Brad Pitt crawled out from the bottom and had decided to make a similar choice, becoming an Oscar-winning actor''s male nanny. Spacey was a decent guy; his contributions reaped returns, far better than those who deceived for money or love. Once finished, Colin returned to the seat and asked, "What did the producer say?" Spacey frowned, "He said to give it your all in the final audition; as long as the audition goes well, the rest shouldn''t be a problem." Colin felt somewhat disappointed; such comments were essentially meaningless. Spacey did his best to help him, applying pressure on the competition to garner producer support. As for the rest, this Oscar-winning actor also had to consider the cost-effectiveness. Spacey grabbed the newspaper he purchased that morning, pulled out the entertainment section, and handed it to Colin. "Take a look at your competition''s news." Colin read the article, which reported on Josh Hartnett''s alleged racist actions and Dwayne Johnson''s collision with an SUV. He looked at Spacey, questioning, "You didn''t have anything to do with this, did you?" Spacey replied, "It wasn''t us; the two of them had an accident..." Colin suddenly realized, "Jeremy Renner! It must have been Jeremy Renner! I never thought this little actor could be so merciless." Spacey thought similarly, "Among the four who advanced to the final audition, he''s the weakest. To move up, he has to think outside the box." He warned, "Stay put in your house before your audition on Monday morning." Colin agreed but took out his phone, sending a text to a familiar editor at a newspaper, preparing to pay for coverage to ensure more negative articles on Jeremy Renner were published. He also called an assistant director he had paid to know, arranging for the newspaper to be slipped into the daily review stacks Leonard would look through. The SUV drove along the San Diego Freeway into West Los Angeles, then turned onto the not-so-wide Pico Boulevard, heading towards Beverly Hills. ... Following behind, Edward diverted to Century City before the others entered the gated community. Edward arrived at the Santa Monica Museum of Art, parked, called Hawke, and then strode into the exhibition area, locating his boss in the quiet gallery. Hawke sat on a bench, examining an abstract painting on the wall, asking Edward, "What''s the situation?" Edward replied from across, "I''ve followed them three times. Colin Farrell and Kevin Spacey have consistently taken the same route to Culver City. They leave the community, taking Pico Boulevard in West Los Angeles, then onto the San Diego Freeway before heading to Culver City." Hawke understood the road conditions: "Pico Boulevard is narrow; some sections only have two lanes in each direction." Edward got his leader''s meaning: "One section has almost no intersections; it''s impossible to bypass." "This section is in West Los Angeles." Hawke recalled it from helping Johnson''s heroic rescue, which was quite close to this route. Edward said quietly, "Boss, this stretch seems to be Erica''s patrol area." Hawke replied, "I know." He glanced at the time, taking out his phone to call. "Have you arrived?" The response came, "Just parked." Hawke instructed, "I''m in the gallery area; turn left as soon as you come in and go straight." Before long, an unmade-up Jacqueline hurried over. "I thought you''d forgotten me since it''s been so long since your last call." Jacqueline sat down and complained. Hawke replied, "Money is tight, and there''s too little business." Jacqueline looked at his face. "You have a good body, but shame about the plain face; otherwise, I could have introduced you to a few clients." Hawke quickly shifted the topic, "I need you for a job." Jacqueline said, "I also have something to consult with you about." Hawke listened first, "Go ahead." "In our previous collaborations, I performed quite well, didn''t I?" Jacqueline probed. "Do you think I could make it in Hollywood?" Hawke was taken aback, "You want to be an actress?" Jacqueline displayed exceptional confidence. "I''m just as good at the actress''s job, and I''m more professional with better skills." Edward interjected, "Relying solely on that won''t get you famous; if it were that easy, Hollywood would be filled with female stars." "You have a point, but I''ve heard of people succeeding in this line." Jacqueline had heard from some veterans, "Denise Richards, Charlie Sheen''s fiance, played the pilot Carmen in . She was a few steps ahead of me before meeting Charlie." Edward stood there dumbfounded and suddenly snapped, "Yet another person lacking public decency who turns communal goods into private property." Hawke, needing Jacqueline''s help, thought for a moment and said, "I can help you get introduced to a crew for a minor role to try." A simple word from Eric would suffice. Jacqueline had been in Los Angeles long enough to know this wasn''t easy, quickly replying, "Thank you, thank you! How can I repay you? How about free company for a few nights?" At this, Hawke thought of Charlie Sheen, waving his hand graciously. "Friends help each other out; I have things I need you to do for me too." Jacqueline was fully engaged now. "Tell me!" Hawke explained, "Find a reliable woman who can drive next Monday morning. On Pico Boulevard''s West Los Angeles stretch, you two can stage a fender bender to block the road, and then create a fuss that lasts a bit longer." "It''s that simple?" Jacqueline thought it''d be something difficult. Hawke added, "I''ll give you $2,000. You can decide how to split it, but make sure to keep your mouth shut." This wasn''t Jacqueline''s first collaboration with Hawke. She understood the stakes, pondering, "I''ve met a woman these days. She''s a few years older than me but has a daughter. To raise her, she''s more driven than us." Excited by the task, she added, "She''s a good mother; her daughter is only three, and to protect her, she wouldn''t speak out carelessly." Hawke got up, stating, "Come with me; I''ll take you to inspect that road first." ... The three of them left the museum, heading to the narrowest section of Pico Boulevard West Los Angeles, even getting out to observe the area closely. Jacqueline noted down every detail Hawke had instructed. Once everything calmed down, she immediately called her coworker, Renee. This woman was different from the vain girls; she had a compelling reason to work in this field. Her Black husband had left after she gave birth, and their child was born with congenital issues. Charity aid she applied for had been trimmed down significantly before reaching her, leaving her with very little to cover the treatment costs; she had to resort to the most primitive and risk-free means. Upon hearing of the extra income possibility, Renee readily agreed. ... On the other hand, Hawke didn''t reach out for Erica''s assistance. He simply made a phone call. Erica was still in New York attending an event co-hosted by the NYPD and LAPD, and wouldn''t return to LA until next week. Hawke directed Edward to drive to William Morris. At five o''clock, they held another meeting. The following day, several newspapers released numerous negative stories about Jeremy Renner. "It wasn''t me," Caroline was the first to clarify. Dany stated, "Johnson and I didn''t do this to him; he doesn''t pose a big threat." Edward glanced at Hawke. "We didn''t either." Hawke remarked, "It should be that we stirred the waters, and someone got caught in the crossfire." He looked at Johnson, "Your audition is scheduled for Monday afternoon. Don''t go out unnecessarily before the audition." Johnson was aware the situation was a bit chaotic. "I''ll let you know beforehand if I go out." ... On Monday, close to 9 AM, On top of a three-story building on Pico Boulevard, Hawke donned plumber''s overalls, stood at the edge, looking eastward, and called Edward, asking, "Where are you?" "Entering the target section now," Edward replied, "Colin Farrell is driving. His agent is in the passenger seat; it''s a blue Lexus." Hawke took out binoculars and spotted the blue car through the moderately trafficked street. They were still waiting; the Lexus hadn''t reached the narrowest part of the road yet. ... To avoid being late, Colin had left a bit earlier. Despite the traffic on Pico Boulevard, he always took this route to Culver City and had no intention of diverting. When the light turned green and the Lexus crossed the intersection, the road narrowed, prompting Colin Farrell to slow down. On the convenience store side, there was a one-way delivery alley where a delivery truck was parked. As the Lexus passed, the truck suddenly accelerated and charged out of the alley. The distance was short; the truck wasn''t moving particularly fast. But all squeezed into traffic, the Lexus had no chance to evade. The truck crashed into the rear of the Lexus with a loud bang, causing it to veer and hit an oncoming Jeep. The airbags deployed with a loud pop. Colin Farrell and his agent were momentarily stunned. Fortunately, the truck was moving slowly, and the angle of collision was chosen wisely. The impact wasn''t too forceful; it wasn''t a serious crash. The truck driver seemed to be in shock but eventually came to and called 911. This section of Pico Boulevard instantly became a traffic nightmare. ... Edward, who had followed behind, was taken aback; wasn''t the plan for Jacqueline to create a minor fender bender to block this road? Why was there an actual crash? His phone rang, and he quickly answered it. Hawke, observing clearly from above, said, "The collision has nothing to do with us; they were driving normally and leaving normally." He pulled out his backup phone, located Jacqueline''s number, and dialed saying, "Action is canceled; you all return normally, and don''t linger here." Jacqueline asked, "Why was it canceled?" Hawke directly replied, "Pay will still be provided." Jacqueline immediately responded, "I''ll inform Renee to leave." Hawke finished his repairs, slung his toolbag over his shoulder, and headed downstairs to wait for traffic to clear. While they didn''t know who orchestrated the accident, it couldn''t be anything but Josh Hartnett or Jeremy Renner''s handiwork. Things were definitely getting murkier. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 95: The Star, Johnson [Chapter 96: The Star, Johnson] After more than half an hour, Pico Boulevard finally returned to normal traffic. Hawke drove east towards Century City, changed back into his usual attire, and entered the William Morris Agency. Edward was already waiting in the lobby. He spotted Hawke and said, "Boss..." Hawke quickly walked toward the elevator, replying, "We''ll talk upstairs." The two took the elevator upstairs and entered the conference room, where Dany, Johnson, and Caroline were all waiting. On the wall-mounted TV in the conference room, the local news channel was broadcasting updates. It reported a traffic accident that occurred on Pico Boulevard, with the anchor describing the incident in a voice-over. Caroline looked at Hawke in shock and said, "Are we going a bit too far?" Hawke replied, "It''s not our fault. I just arranged for a minor fender bender, but before Colin Farrell could even start, he got hit." Johnson, who had been worried earlier, laughed then, "Whoever did this, it''s in our favor." "We also need to be careful," Hawke said. To ensure big profits, he had to make sure the clients stayed safe. He turned to Johnson and added, "This afternoon, don''t drive your own car. Have someone bring it directly to the front. Find someone with a similar build to wear your clothes, and continue down the San Diego Freeway." This time he had stirred the waters too murky, and things could backfire on them. Hawke added to Edward, "Go find Eric and borrow Katherine''s Mercedes for a bit." Edward went to call Eric. Hawke turned back to Johnson and said, "This afternoon, I''ll go with you to Culver City." Johnson said, "I feel better with you around." ... Culver City, Studio. In the producer''s office, Leonard glanced at the time and stood up to head to the audition room. Teddy Black came in and said, "Colin Farrell hasn''t arrived yet." Leonard said nothing and retook his seat. Teddy added, "Should I contact someone?" Leonard shook his head, "Just wait." Teddy fell silent, sitting on a nearby chair. He knew his boss despised waiting. As the clock struck on the hour, Leonard softly said, "Notify the audition room to cancel for now. The afternoon session will resume on time." Teddy understood that Colin Farrell would not get another chance. He nodded and stepped out toward the audition room. The audition session paused, and after Teddy emerged, he casually sent an assistant to call Colin Farrell''s agent to inform him the audition had ended. ????¨¤????? ... Outside the main entrance of William Morris. A tall, muscular man climbed into Johnson''s SUV, and the vehicle drove away from the company''s entrance, heading straight for Culver City. Hawke observed carefully from a seldom-used side entrance. He spotted a Mercedes on the roadside, made a quick call, and parked it right at the door. Johnson and Dany hurried out to board the Mercedes. Hawke started the car and chose to head east towards Culver City via La Cienega Boulevard. At a distance behind them, Edward followed in another car. If they had a tail, it would be easy to notice. Johnson commented, "We turned an audition into a special agent mission." Dany replied, "As long as we secure the role, it''ll all be worth it." Hawke, who was driving, added, "We''re just being cautious. The actors who are getting important roles likely have no idea what they''re giving up." Johnson fell silent; the road for an actor was never easy. Even stars like Leonardo DiCaprio had whispers swirling around him regarding those in powerful positions. Hawke asked, "What''s the situation with Colin Farrell? Have you checked in?" "The truck driver said the gas pedal got stuck under the floor mat," Dany had specifically asked around. "The vehicle is fully insured, and the driver accepted full responsibility. Colin Farrell and his agent weren''t hurt much; it just depends on how LAPD assigns responsibility." She added, "The truck driver is a union member and has applied for legal assistance from the union. Unions can be quite a hassle." Hawke replied, "Learned something today." They had no further incidents on the route, and the Mercedes arrived smoothly at the studio''s entrance. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Hawke accompanied Johnson and Dany upstairs. Under the guidance of the assistant director, they entered the makeup room. The production manager wanted to discuss business with Dany. In the makeup room, it remained just Hawke with Johnson. Hawke checked the chairs and other facilities before allowing Johnson to sit. An assistant entered, knocking with bottled water, and placed a few bottles on the makeup table, handing one to Johnson. Hawke casually took it and said, "Thanks." The assistant smiled and quickly left the room. Hawke set the water aside, opened his bag, and asked, "Want to drink?" Johnson replied, "No need." The makeup artist came in, followed by the assistant, and started working on Johnson. Once the makeup was done, the assistant director returned to lead Johnson to the audition room. Hawke followed closely, until they reached the audition room''s entrance. What happened inside was no longer under his control. ... Contrary to Hawke''s expectations, Johnson emerged not even half an hour later. Seeing Johnson''s beaming face, he asked, "Was it smooth?" Johnson whispered, "The producer and the director were really happy. I think I have a strong chance." As they returned to the makeup room, they ran into Dany. Before she had the chance to speak, a phone call pulled her away. When Johnson finished cleaning his makeup, Hawke asked around and learned Dany had gone to the producer''s office. Director Clark Johnson approached to shake hands with Johnson and said, "Congratulations, I''m here on behalf of the crew to officially inform you that you nailed the audition. The lead role is yours." Johnson''s face lit up in delight. "Thank you! Thank you!" He grabbed the director''s hands, exclaiming, "I don''t know how to express my gratitude. Once I''m done with the contracts, I''ll throw a party -- please make sure to come." Clark assumed a director''s air, "Let me know once you confirm the time; I still need to check my schedule." Johnson quickly added, "As soon as I finalize the time, you''ll be the first to know." Clark tapped his arm, "Prepare well for this role. I really believe in you." Hawke sat off to the side, watching the two converse until Clark finally left. Then he said, "Dwayne, congratulations." Johnson high-fived him and then pulled Hawke up saying, "This victory is ours together." His expression turned serious, "I have a feeling if it weren''t for you, I wouldn''t have landed this role. The competition was brutal." Hawke understood that it reached this point because his actions had sparked the whole series of events. Still, achieving the goal was what truly mattered. Hollywood was a winner-takes-all game. Audiences only remembered who became the big stars; few cared about how many times they ate fast food, drank cheap beer, or what they sacrificed along the way. Johnson was thrilled and called his friends to share the news. ... Hawke pulled out his phone and called Caroline. "Miss Baa, I''ve got good news for you: Dwayne passed the audition." Caroline was ecstatic on the other end. "That''s amazing! On top of the twenty grand, there''s an additional twenty grand bonus! Time to shop again!" "You''ll go broke and end up as a little sheep," Hawke said, hanging up before she could respond. He sent Edward a text next. When Edward received it, he remained calm because he viewed it as an inevitable outcome. When the boss hit big, when had he ever missed? ... Hawke and Johnson waited for nearly an hour before Dany finally returned. She said, "Let''s talk in the car." The three exited and hopped into the Mercedes for the return drive. Johnson asked, "What did you discuss with Leonard?" "Just preliminary talks regarding the schedule, salary, and the role," Dany was aware of Hawke''s capabilities and specifically noted, "Thanks to ''s success, the salary won''t go below seven million, and there''s room to negotiate higher, depending on the following discussions." Johnson understood what his agent-wife meant and told Hawke, "As soon as I sign the acting contract, I''ll ensure your payment is processed immediately." Hawke was straightforward, "No need for pleasantries here." Then Dany brought up more requirements from the crew and the shooting schedule. Hawke didn''t listen closely, as these were of little concern to him. ... Once back at William Morris, Caroline was already waiting in a small meeting room. Dany entered from her office with a bottle of champagne. Edward brought over champagne flutes to set the mood for celebration. Everyone urged Hawke to say a few words. He stepped to the front of the conference table and declared, "Alright, folks, it''s time to pop the champagne!" Johnson opened the bottle with a pop and poured everyone a glass. He raised his glass first, saying, "This toast is for everyone here. Without you guys, I wouldn''t have nailed the audition." Hawke finished his glass and directly added, "Next time there''s a similar job, feel free to reach out to me." Despite some small hiccups along the way, they achieved the anticipated target. Johnson refilled Hawke''s glass, clinking it with him, saying, "You seem to know how to untangle difficult problems. In the future, if I come across any challenges, I''ll definitely seek your help." Hawke laughed, "You''re my top client now." After finishing the champagne, Dany and Johnson needed to prepare for tomorrow''s final negotiations. Hawke and the others said their goodbyes and left. ... As they descended to the first floor, he heard the rhythmic sound of high heels clicking behind him. When the sound came closer, Hawke didn''t even look back and said, "Miss Baa, why the rush?" Caroline caught up, saying, "Did you know it was me?" Hawke intentionally replied, "The sound of those little hooves on marble floors is quite distinct." Caroline, annoyed, raised her red high heels and said, "These are the latest Manolos; I could buy ten pairs of what you wear." Hawke shot back, "Wear them long enough and you''ll end up with bunions, achy tendons, and cracked dry heels." He slapped his forehead, "Look at me, I got mixed up; yours are hooves; you won''t have those problems." Caroline stormed off, visibly infuriated, as she practically fast-walked away in her heels. ... Hawke exited and got into Edward''s car. "Back to the studio." Edward dropped Hawke off at Fountain Street but didn''t exit the vehicle. Hawke asked, "Do you have business to handle? You''re free for the next couple of days." Edward scratched his head and said, "Boss, I''ve been busy for days and haven''t seen Deborah and Indio. They''ve called me several times. If I don''t go over soon, all the connections I''ve made will be in vain." Hawke waved him off, "Go, go." Even though he didn''t understand why Hawke was at odds with Downey, Edward knew the boss didn''t like that squid. He reassured, "Don''t worry, Boss, I''ll go to Deborah''s place. Her wedding pictures with Downey haven''t been thrown out yet; I''ll make sure they get hung up!" He became more enthusiastic as he spoke, "If I get the chance, I''ll give that worthless Downey''s son a good lesson." Hawke added fuel to the fire, "Downey up there is surely thanking you." ... Edward drove to a nearby boutique first to buy a gift for Indio Downey. He might not always be sharp upstairs, but he knew how to handle single mothers with kids. A child was the best opening towards that woman. Once the child was taken care of, he could probably win her over with ease. Edward bought a gift for young Indio that he loved, quickly removing any resentment Deborah and Indio might have had toward him. ... Hawke returned to the studio and tidied up, bringing back various equipment from the car for necessary maintenance. Johnson called again. When Hawke answered, his first response was, "Is something wrong?" "Nope." Johnson laughed, "I just discussed it with Dany. After the negotiations, I plan to rent a yacht and invite you, the Savior, Caroline, and a few of my friends for a day out at sea." Hawke responded, "A party at sea? I''m in." Johnson continued, "Do you have any female friends to join us?" He added, "I''ll get fishing rods ready. If you like fishing, we''ll have a fishing contest." Hawke jokingly replied, "For who can catch the most mermaids?" Johnson answered, "That could work too; it''s a sport I enjoy." What man didn''t like that? Hawke chatted a bit more before ending the call. ... As he stepped out to grab his briefcase from his car, he noticed Frank waving from across the parking lot. Hawke crossed the street and approached the RV. Frank, with grease on his hands, was using a wrench to fix the RV. Hawke asked, "What''s the issue?" Frank replied, "The air conditioning compressor is broken. It''s July, and this is the hottest time in LA. I can''t sleep without AC during the day." He glanced across Fountain Street, "Can I temporarily crash at your place?" Hawke found it amusing that he pretended to be tough; it was amusing until he realized dealing with him every day might tempt him to throw a punch. He thought of a response: "Last time the Dwarfs'' gang''s theft compensation suit wrapped up. I''ll call and check soon. Once the compensation comes through, I''ll get you a new RV." Frank tossed the wrench aside, "Great! I don''t need to fix this old clunker anymore. Once your new RV arrives, I''ll sell this one off." Hawke prepared to make a call. Before he could, Frank pulled out his own phone and made a quick call. Not long after, he said, "The compensation application was approved when I mentioned it last time. That crew''s seized assets auction is over; you''ll get the call soon." He shook his head, "The efficiency of the local and law enforcement agencies keeps declining. If you don''t actively follow up, they''ll take ages to reach out." Before long, Hawke did receive a call from the local court, informing him to bring necessary documents and collect the theft compensation on weekdays. Frank was in high spirits, exclaiming he''d go tomorrow. ... The next morning, Hawke drove Frank to collect a total of $35,200 in compensation. Afterward, he took Frank to Los Angeles International Auto City. Frank was familiar with the place, leading the way to the used car market, where he found a manager he had previously worked with. This old man could be flashy but was certainly reliable when it came to business. Hawke was prepared to buy a new RV for around $50,000. "I don''t want anything over $35,000," Frank was particular, "That $35,000 I earned through my own capabilities and connections; it should be enough for an RV." Hawke was more than happy to save money, "Alright, I''ll go along with you." Frank called the manager over, remarking, "Bill, you know the deal between your boss and me; don''t mess this up." Bill was careful as he replied, "Don''t worry. I''ll take you to see an RV that''s nearly new. A senior manager at an IT company bought it for vacations but got laid off and hasn''t paid the loan..." They went to view a Ford RV that indeed looked brand new. Hawke didn''t know much about RVs, couldn''t name the specific model, but looked around before waiting outside. Frank stayed on the RV for quite a while before finally stepping out, satisfied, saying, "That''s the one!" He turned to Hawke, "You pay for it and register it under your studio''s name." Hawke was prepared for this, following Bill into the payment area. This area was part of a massive automotive marketplace, offering full-service support. ... Hawke registered the RV under the West Coast Media Entertainment Studio''s name. When they returned to East Hollywood, Bill arranged for a driver to deliver the RV. Hawke drove with Frank. The old guy turned back occasionally to cast a pleased look at his new home. But then, he suddenly lost his smile. Frank turned to Hawke and asked, "When did you start scheming against me?" Hawke was taken aback, "Why would I scheme against you? What do you have? You''re even poorer than the Savior; it''s just a piece of junk RV, and it''s not even yours." Frank looked as if he saw through everything: "My old RV is gone; the new one is registered under your studio. If your studio has issues down the line or files for bankruptcy, that RV will end up getting seized; then I won''t even have a place to live." He snickered, "You bind me to you losers with just an RV; what a good calculation." Hawke couldn''t help but laugh, intentionally saying, "Your ex-wife has done you in too bad, giving you a case of paranoia." "You wouldn''t understand," Frank switched modes as soon as his ex-wife was mentioned, channeling his inner king of sarcasm. "Unless you''ve stood at the peak of glory, you''ll never know the pain of crashing down the cliff. What I have been through is beyond your imagination." He looked at Hawke, "What about when you grow old and frail, and your new starlet wife invites all your ex-wives over for a sports day, and you''re outmatched -- mocked by all of them? Do you understand that kind of pain?" Hawke was a jerk, "Someone like you who''s had glory definitely has hidden assets, right? They would get discovered under your name; how about this? Transfer those to my name, and I''ll help you enjoy your life to the fullest..." Frank scoffed, "And this is what you call not scheming against me?" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 96: Guns and the Thorn Rose [Chapter 97: Guns and the Thorn Rose] West Hollywood, in front of Emerson Film Studios. Hawke parked his car by the roadside. Glancing at the license plate of the red sedan ahead, he got out and approached the passenger side, gently tapping on the window. Jacqueline, who was touching up her makeup, waved from inside. She quickly packed her things and got out of the car. "Follow me," Hawke said, waiting for her to catch up. "The lead investor for this project is the director''s girlfriend, so don''t try to pull any tricks in front of the director." Jacqueline, not one to be foolish, quickly replied, "Can you wait for me a moment?" Hawke waved his hand, "Go ahead." Jacqueline returned to the car. When she came out again, all her makeup had been removed, and she had changed her clothes, losing much of her previous high-maintenance vibe. She asked Hawke, "Is this okay?" "This way," Hawke led her into the studio, heading straight to the director''s office. With the crew''s preparations underway, the place was no longer quiet, with many people coming and going. Hawke even spotted Kevin Lee, who had been dealing with Miller Collins, but he didn''t directly introduce himself; Kevin didn''t know who he was. Eric''s assistant saw Hawke and approached him, saying, "The director is waiting for you." Hawke took Jacqueline into Eric''s office, introduced her, and said plainly, "This is my friend. She''s very interested in acting. Why don''t you see if she has any talent?" Eric first let his assistant take Jacqueline to the audition room to get familiar with the environment. Once alone, he asked, "Hawke, is she your girlfriend? Or your lover?" Hawke clarified immediately to avoid any misunderstanding: "She and I aren''t involved that way. We met while working together. She has always dreamed of becoming an actress. If she''s decent, help her find a small role that doesn''t interfere with the shoot. If it doesn''t work out, just say so. No need to be polite." Eric thought for a moment and said, "There''s a role that has some decent screen time. It''s just a prostitute, though, a bit on the risque side." Hawke couldn''t help but size up Eric, thinking to himself, do you have a thing for Jacqueline? He didn''t mind, "You do what you think is best." Eric rummaged through the file cabinet for the script for that role, "You sit tight; I''ll take her for the audition." ... Hawke borrowed the script Eric was writing to look over. It was an outline about a gossip columnist trying to rise above the struggling underbelly of Los Angeles... Before long, Eric returned and said to Hawke, "Although she hasn''t professionally studied acting, she has potential." He seemed a little puzzled, "The scene I had her audition for was pretty central; she used a pole to seduce a client. Honestly speaking, she did really well, quite reminiscent of Jamie Lee Curtis in True Lies." ??¦­??????? Professional-level talent was, of course, impressive. Hawke nodded slightly, "As long as she fits, that''s all that matters." Eric continued, "Actors can''t directly negotiate contracts with the crew; she''ll need an agent." Hawke''s Nokia phone beeped with a text message, "Let the crew handle that." He introduced Jacqueline to the crew, and afterward she would have to rely on herself. Hawke opened the text; it was from Erica Ferguson. It simply read: I''m back in Los Angeles. "I''ve got something to take care of, so I''ll be off," Hawke announced, exiting Eric''s office and dialing Erica''s number. ... On the other end, Erica''s bright voice came through, "Hey, Hawke, I''m back from New York." Hawke replied, "You were gone so long; I thought you might turn into a East Coast girl." "The bunch of Yankees on the East Coast are boring and dull, all just a bunch of tame sheep," Erica retorted and then asked, "How about you? Busy with work?" Hawke replied, "I''m off today, just twiddling my thumbs. Do you have time? Let''s hang out." Erica immediately chimed in, "Sure! I just got back, don''t have to work right now, so I have the time." Her suggestion was quite different from what most girls would propose: "It''s been so long since I shot a gun. I remember you''re good at it. How about we go to the Artel Mountain shooting range and have a little friendly competition?" Hawke obviously wouldn''t turn her down, "See you at the shooting range." ... A little over ten minutes later, both of them arrived at the shooting range at almost the same time. Erica got out of a Cherokee with a bag slung over her shoulder and approached Hawke, saying, "You look more fit than before." Hawke also grabbed his bag, "That shows my regular workouts are paying off." As they entered the shooting range, they each headed to the changing rooms to change their clothes. When Hawke saw Erica again, he was taken aback. Her long brown hair was pulled back, revealing a confident face. The tactical belt around her slim waist accentuated her camo training vest, highlighting her upper assets. She wore high-top police boots paired with camo pants, looking like a lithe leopard. In terms of looks, Erica might not be as beautiful as Megan, but she exuded an entirely different vibe. Hawke was dressed in black training gear and met her with his gun bag. Erica confidently stated, "Which game? You pick, and let''s agree upfront, the loser treats for lunch." Hawke replied, "Outdoor rapid fire, half-body targets." "Sounds good," Erica said. ... As they reached the outdoor area, they selected a shooting range and a safety officer followed them over. Seeing Hawke and Erica, the safety officer remarked, "So, you two sharpshooters are going to compete?" Surprised, Erica looked at Hawke, "What happened while I was in New York?" Hawke stepped out of the booth, pulled out a magazine, and checked his handgun, saying, "I come here often to practice. Occasionally, I''ll compete against others; they think I shoot exceptionally well." "World-class shooter," the safety officer added, "You''re good at slingshots too." Hawke loaded the magazine, "Shall I go first?" "Sure," Erica replied. Hawke stepped onto the range. Once the safety officer called to start, he quickly took aim, rushing forward. Several half-body targets were set up; he shot rapidly, and with the noise of gunfire, the targets quickly fell one after another. With the magazine empty, Hawke replaced it with a second one. Outside, Erica crossed her arms and watched Hawke with great interest. Within twenty meters, he hit every shot. This guy really was a treasure. After emptying two magazines, Hawke turned back. The safety officer checked the electronic counter and said, "Buddy, another perfect score!" When Erica waited for Hawke to come over, she said, "You''re good, but I''m better." As the safety officer signaled the start, she darted out like a cheetah, moving swiftly with tactical maneuvers while firing simultaneously. Each shot brought down a half-body target. After two magazines, Erica returned with her empty gun, pointing to her wristwatch, "Perfect score, but I took three seconds less than you, so you lost." Hawke didn''t argue, "Alright, lunch is on me." Erica asked, "Did the safety officer mention slingshots earlier?" Hawke went back to the booth, opening the bag on the wooden table and pulling out a slingshot, "This kind." Erica took it, stretching the rubber band. Hawke produced a few steel balls, explaining the technique, "Give it a shot." Erica drew back the slingshot, aimed at a half-body target''s head, missing the first shot. The second shot adjusted, hitting with a satisfying thud. She then shot five more steel balls, all hitting the target''s head. Hawke appropriately praised her, "Wow, you''re skilled at shooting, it''s quite impressive." Erica was far from modest, "Friends and co-workers say the same. I''ve been shooting with my grandpa since I was seven." Hawke took back the slingshot she handed him, casually asking, "How many years have you practiced?" "Fifteen years," Erica replied casually, then realizing said, "I''m not too fussy; you could just ask directly. I''m 22 this year." They packed up and went to collect rifles, both grabbing an AR-15. The entire morning was spent at the shooting range. Hawke could see that Erica really enjoyed shooting. Coincidentally, he was also quite good at it. They both enjoyed the activity together. ... Come lunchtime, Hawke took Erica out to eat at a nearby restaurant. While chatting, they recounted how they had met. Seeing she didn''t mind discussing it, Hawke said, "Practicing for so many years, no wonder your aim is steady." Erica replied, "If I''m not steady, I could die. Who would bet their life on something like that?" She smiled at Hawke, "Good thing you filmed it." Hawke remarked, "Why do I have this feeling that even without my video, you wouldn''t be in too much trouble?" "Though the one who died was a lowlife, he''s still considered a celebrity," Erica didn''t deny, "Public pressure is huge; I might lose my job." Hawke said, "Patrolling can be risky too; with guns out of control, even ordinary incidents can result in someone pulling a gun." Erica replied, "I''m not patrolling anymore; I''m moving to detective work." She pointed out, "I passed the entry exam for the detective." Hawke felt that this job was even more dangerous, but Erica clearly enjoyed it. He said, "Congrats on the promotion." "My title hasn''t increased yet," Erica curiously asked Hawke, "What about you? Busy with work lately? Still going around shooting news?" Hawke simply responded, "Not so much shooting anymore. My main business is crisis PR consulting and strategic business planning, and I''ve landed two big contracts in the last month." Erica inquired, "Can you share?" Hawke could only be vague, "Equal rights champion Steve Nutt, and helping Dwayne Johnson snag a lead role." At this point, he recalled Johnson''s invitation: "Dwayne Johnson is throwing a yacht party after signing on as the male lead and invited me, allowing me to bring a plus one." Having attended many yacht parties throughout her life, Erica asked, "Were there any particularly fun activities?" When Hawke extended the invitation, he had already thought about this. Erica was different from regular girls, she loved guns and shooting. He quickly thought of something, "When I lived in Wyoming as a kid, someone taught me a fun way to fish -- shooting fish." Erica asked, "Fishing with archery?" "Similar, but..." Hawke gestured as if pulling back a slingshot, "using a slingshot for fishing." Erica, a city girl who was well-versed in firearms and had even tried archery, was intrigued: "Let''s buy tools after lunch." Hawke, being the cunning strategist, had broader thoughts: "I haven''t seen anyone selling that; how about we buy some materials and make it ourselves?" If you look carefully, you could definitely find what you needed. But the experience of building and then using it together would feel entirely different in terms of significance. Erica replied enthusiastically, "Sure, let''s build it ourselves." ... After lunch, they rushed over to the nearest hardware store and selected a bunch of materials and tools. After putting everything in the trunk, Hawke drove ahead, leading the way while Erica followed in her vehicle back to Fountain Street. The studio didn''t have much space, and there was no garage. They could have used the second-floor side bedroom as a workspace, but Edward had temporarily moved in there. Hawke had a plan and drove the car straight into the parking lot, stopping in front of Frank''s RV. Frank came out of the RV and, seeing Hawke unloading items from the trunk, asked, "Did you buy me all this good stuff?" Hawke dropped the bags on the empty ground in front of the RV, "Just borrowing your space and your electricity for a while." Erica opened the spacious trunk of the Cherokee, dragging over heavy boxes. She didn''t need any help, slipping on gloves and using a crowbar to pop open the box, assembling a workbench from within. In fact, she has an empty house in the Silver Lake community not far from here, but now is not the time to bring anyone into the house to be alone. Frank was confused but plugged in the power from the Ford RV. Hawke brought down alloy boards, heavy-duty rubber bands, pulleys, fish line, and engineering plastic boards among other materials. Making a slingshot was a simple task for him. Adding a line reel with a strap that could loop around the wrist, modifying the arrowhead for fishing spears, and connecting it to the fishing line. Frank pulled up a chair to sit, eyeing the enthusiastic Erica, then shooting a glance at the cunning Hawke, nearly cringing at their lack of flirtation. But upon seeing the new RV, he held back. Considering the new RV, he just pretended to be oblivious. Erica went back to the Cherokee and returned with a brand new mini-welder and a cutting machine. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Frank watched in disbelief as Hawke spent hundreds of dollars to make two slingshots. The two people next to him -- there wasn''t a word of romance exchanged between them. They discussed mechanical workings and craftsmanship, but their bond was clearly growing stronger. Frank suddenly felt that the Savior was as blind as a bat. Was this called lacking in the art of seduction? How could he not know how to use a gun? He shook his head, "That fool doesn''t even deserve to pick cotton!" Suddenly, a cacophony of sounds emerged as they started calibrating the slingshots. Erica repeatedly loaded steel balls, shooting at a tree in the distance. Finally, Hawke''s voice called out, "Hey buddy, turn off the power." Frank went to switch it off. Erica picked up the rather crude-looking slingshot, attached the reel to her wrist, excitedly stating, "Let''s give it a try." Hawke grabbed a bottle of water and led her towards the park saying, "This way." ... They entered the park. In the afternoon, with few people around, Hawke found a secluded area in a grove and hung the water bottle from a tree branch. When he returned to Erica''s side, he saw she was looking to her left. Erica gestured for him to be quiet, pointing at something above a tree. Hawke looked and saw a pitch-black crow perched in the tree. Erica clearly was not interested in lifeless targets. She attached a small harpoon to the heavy-duty rubber band, pulling it back while itself ready to aim. With a snap, the harpoon flew out like a released arrow. Feathers exploded around the branch; the crow was pierced by the harpoon. As Erica pulled back the fishing line, the harpoon and bird got caught in the branch, and she had to go and retrieve it. Hawke was certain, if Downey had encountered Erica, his death would have seemed quite justifiable. Erica returned holding the still-twitching crow, laughing, "It packs quite a punch." Hawke replied, "Let''s find a spot to bury it; we don''t need anyone to see it and cause trouble." Erica pulled out a police knife from her pocket and ran over to a tree to dig a hole without needing Hawke''s help, "The mess I created, I can clean up myself." Hawke gradually understood her nature, not wanting to impose. He grabbed the slingshot and reel, walking twenty meters away. He glanced at the hanging water bottle, pulled back the slingshot, and with a pop, shot the bottle clean through. This was pretty dangerous. Hawke retrieved the harpoon and fired a few more shots. Meanwhile, Erica had buried the crow. ... They returned to finish the next one. Hawke asked Frank, who had seen it all, "Do you need a permit for fishing with this in the sea?" "Absolutely," Frank reminded, "Anything flying in the sky, running on the ground, or swimming in the water, if you want to hunt it legally, you need a permit." Erica volunteered, "I can go get a fishing license; it''s not hard." Hawke replied, "Sounds good; I''ll leave it to you." By four in the afternoon, Erica was ready to leave, taking a slingshot with her, "I''ll practice back home." Hawke said, "Sure." Frank took away Hawke''s ordinary slingshot and warned, "Please take away your tools. They give me a headache." "Let''s leave them in my car," Erica said, opening the Cherokee''s trunk. Once Hawke approached, she casually mentioned, "I have an empty house in Silver Lake. I''ll take you there in a bit." Hawke caught on to her meaning; he asked, "You don''t need my help with that?" Erica reached out, brushing a speck of metallic dust from his face, "I can handle it myself." ... Hawke nodded slightly, packing the car to drive her out of the parking lot. Suddenly, he spotted a delivery truck across the street with Edward standing next to it on a call. Erica recognized the Savior and stopped the car to go greet him. Edward saw Hawke and quickly hung up the phone, saying, "Boss, I was just about to look for you." Erica approached, "Good afternoon, Savior." Edward felt slightly nervous upon seeing Erica, subconsciously worried about getting her magazine emptied out, politely responding before turning to Hawke, "I''m planning to move." Hawke asked, "So soon?" Edward replied, "I rented a storage unit to move my stuff over, and I''m heading to Downey''s place; Deborah invited me to stay." Hawke patted him on the shoulder, "Moving into a big mansion, huh?" Edward grinned broadly, showing off his teeth, and opened the door to move his things. Erica turned to Hawke, puzzled, "The Savior mentioned heading to Downey''s place? Which Downey? That Deborah sounds familiar." Hawke directly answered, "The same Downey you''re thinking of, Robert Downey Jr. Deborah is Downey''s widow, and somehow the Savior got to know her. Noticing she was lonely, he showed some concern. I''m not entirely sure how it went down, but they are together now." Erica blinked, feeling something was off, an idea quickly surfacing in her mind. She shot Downey, and Hawke used his connections to profit off Downey''s news. His underling was courting Downey''s widow and moving into the estate Downey left behind? ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 97: Americas First True Love [Chapter 98: True Feelings of America] Century City, William Morris Agency lobby. Dwayne Johnson was holding a signing ceremony for Leonard Goldberg stood by Johnson at the makeshift signing table, shaking hands and posing for photos. In an unassuming corner, Caroline held a Hermes bag and asked Hawke, "Country boy, how much commission can you get this time?" Hawke couldn''t resist teasing her, "Call out a couple of times, and I''ll tell you." Caroline wasn''t falling for it, "At most ten times mine." sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke wouldn''t tell her anyway, so he simply said, "If your other clients run into serious trouble, you can call me, and I''ll still give you a cut." "Can you please stop cursing me?" Caroline was unhappy. Hawke understood, "Almost forgot, you guys get a fixed PR fee every year." Thinking about how much more Hawke earned on a single deal than her entire year''s salary, she felt depressed. She was more upset than losing a hundred grand. ... The signing ceremony ended, and a cocktail party was about to begin. Hawke decided not to attend and headed straight upstairs to a small conference room. Caroline followed behind. After a moment''s wait, Johnson and Dany walked in together. The latter handed an invitation to Hawke and Caroline, saying, "Dwayne rented a big yacht from the Santa Monica Yacht Company for the weekend, inviting only our friends, no outsiders." Hawke asked, "Are we staying out on the water overnight?" Johnson replied, "We set sail Saturday morning and return Sunday afternoon. We''re heading to the waters off Southern California, where the water''s good and the fish are plenty, plus no one will disturb us. We can have a blast." Hawke nodded, "I''ll definitely be there." Miss Baa returned the invitation to Dany, saying, "I have to accompany Sarah Jessica Parker to an event for Lancome in Paris this weekend." She looked a bit frantic, ultimately letting out a resigned sigh. Hawke carefully stowed the invitation and added, "See, this is the difference between the cattle, horses and the boss." "Cows and horses?" Caroline didn''t understand. Hawke leisurely explained, "Eating grass, doing the heavy lifting, always on call seven days a week, 24 hours a day." Caroline felt disheartened; wasn''t that exactly her work state? Dany chimed in, "Dwayne called the accountant before coming in; your pay should be credited soon." Hearing about the money perked Caroline up. Money meant shopping. Hawke didn''t want to dampen her spirits further, so he chatted with Johnson for a while before receiving a call from the bank manager. The manager informed him that $850,000 had just been deposited. Caroline received a call too. ... Afterwards, Hawke excused himself. Caroline followed him, holding her head high, saying, "I''m planning to go shopping on Rodeo Drive. Are you coming?" Hawke slowed his pace a bit to walk alongside her, "Why should I go with you?" Caroline finally found a way to one-up Hawke, "Because you, country boy, always look so out of place. I''ll take you to the brand stores and give you some free guidance..." ???????B¨º???? "Miss Baa," Hawke interrupted her, "I suggest you save some money." Caroline was puzzled; had this guy changed his tune? She asked, "Why?" Hawke pointed at her meticulously done face, "You put on heavy makeup every day; your skin will start showing problems soon enough. Save some money for a Botox treatment." He had ulterior motives: "Sarah''s place for beauty treatments is pretty good; you could ask her about it." Caroline rolled her eyes, "The Beverly Beauty Center? That''s not a place I can afford." Hawke''s playful banter had a purpose. As usual, he appeared to criticize Miss Baa, "Look at your under-eye bags; they''re practically visible. When is Sarah going again? I strongly recommend you tag along and check it out before you hit thirty. You don''t want to end up a wrinkled hag." Caroline touched under her eyes, "Is it that obvious? All from this damned job! I need to take an extended leave; November feels too far off. I might just head over there and get it checked out." Hawke kept going, "You need to ensure you get enough sleep." Caroline wanted to, but working at a PR firm meant catering to Hollywood stars, those stars who continuously stirred up scandals, leaving no time for sleep. Once downstairs, Hawke got into his car and called Edward, "Gather some information about the Beverly Beauty Center over the next few days. Be careful and don''t alarm them." ... At his Brentwood villa, Edward leaned against the headboard, stretching out his arm to take the call, "Got it." Meanwhile, Deborah was roused by the phone ringing, turned over, and pushed Edward down, saying, "Let''s hurry up before Indio arrives." Edward put his phone away and whispered something in Deborah''s ear. Deborah hesitated, "Isn''t that a bit inappropriate?" Edward insisted, "I haven''t rested properly since last night. I just need a bit of stimulation." Deborah, already at odds with Downey, bit her lip but eventually agreed. She got up and headed to the storage room, soon returning with a large picture frame. Edward quickly took it from her and hung it on the wall by the bed. This was a wedding photo of Downey and Deborah. Stimulated by the wedding picture, the two of them worked tirelessly until noon. Edward finally drove out of the villa. Though sore with aching back and cramping legs, he felt completely refreshed. On his wrist was the Jaeger-LeCoultre that Downey had left at another residence, wearing a tailored suit from Deborah, with the latest gold-trimmed Motorola in his pocket, and he even drove a brand-new Cadillac. Life couldn''t get any better than that. ... Beverly Hills, Century City shopping mall. Hawke ordered two business suits at the previous store, along with a few casual outfits. For cars, his Mondeo was still sufficient for the moment. He bought several pairs of shoes and watches. He also picked up a swimsuit and a sun shirt for the weekend. Once out of the shopping center, he called Erica, "The yacht party is set for Saturday. We leave at 8 AM and return Sunday afternoon." Erica replied, "Sounds good. I can coordinate my time. I''ve got a temporary fishing license; we''ll have a great time." Hawke asked, "Should I pick you up?" Erica said, "Let''s meet at the dock." She was clearly busy: "I''m processing a transfer; see you Saturday." "See you Saturday." Hawke hung up and drove to his safe house. ... After changing, he drove a Chevrolet to Melrose Flea Market, buying some climbing gear and makeup items. Some vendors were selling surveillance equipment and miniature cameras. However, Hawke didn''t take any; he recalled memories from his past life, where the FBI frequently used such devices to fish for trouble, and unlucky souls sometimes fell for it. Similar equipment could be found more safely on the black market in Tijuana. There, the threat wasn''t the FBI fishing; it was crooks eating each other alive. ... By the afternoon, Hawke drove back into Beverly Hills, finding the Beverly Beauty Center. This professional medical beauty facility on Burton Road claimed to have the most advanced cosmetic and surgical techniques in the world today. Hawke had specifically asked Caroline; most Hollywood actresses had undergone some form of surgery, and many male stars were regulars for cosmetic procedures. Hollywood silently accepted this fact. Hawke observed for a while, noticing almost no customers coming in. Beverly Beauty Center''s clientele mainly consisted of Hollywood stars, not accepting ordinary customers. Hawke switched angles multiple times to photograph, but finding nothing of interest, he eventually left. ... After changing back into his clothes, he prepared to return to Fountain Street when he received a text from Megan Taylor. "12 AM tonight, at your place." Hawke hurriedly drove back to tidy up. After Edward moved out, Hawke, the kind-hearted boss, had given him a few days off. The studio hadn''t been cleaned and was a bit messy. After tidying up, with the sun already set, he decided to go out for dinner and pick up some late-night snacks. Tonight, he expected to burn off a lot of energy. Around eight, Frank walked over to Fountain Street, hoping to mooch some drinks. Hawke handed him a case of beer, trying to send him on his way. Frank leaned against the door, sizing up Hawke, "Honestly, what are you up to tonight? Got something going on?" Hawke told the truth, "Just people, no trouble." Frank didn''t believe him, "That night you had a scene, you even used a steel wool scrubber and didn''t call me. You want to hog it all again?" "Not like that," Hawke responded, frustrated, "A running buddy is coming over to work out." Frank grabbed the beer and headed out, looking up at the southern window of the bedroom, and said to Hawke, "Tonight, don''t draw the curtains. I want to see your skills." Hawke shot him a middle finger, "I''d hate for you to feel inadequate." "I''m serious here," Frank insisted, "I''ve been with so many actresses and models; I have at least hundreds of them. With my experience and expertise, just teaching you a bit will benefit you immensely." Hawke restrained himself from physically attacking this pretentious person and verbally countered, "Why not teach Edward? He still longs for your ex-wife. Speaking of, do your ex-wife still keep your wedding photos?" Frank suffered a devastating blow, the king of pretension fading away, and the depressed version took his place. The old man looked down, clutching a case of beer, crossing the road alone, casting a long shadow under the streetlights, appearing both pitiful and helpless. Hawke rushed upstairs and pulled the curtains closed in the master bedroom, ensuring they were thick and opaque before feeling satisfied. Across the way, Frank climbed onto the roof of the RV, raising binoculars to look, cursing several times at Hawke for being cheap. ... As midnight approached, a black sedan turned into Fountain Street. Megan Taylor parked behind the familiar Mondeo and called Hawke. On the rooftop, Hawke was scanning the area, confirming there were no tails before letting her in. Once inside, Megan initially wanted to pounce on him but suddenly recalled the videos she had seen, where several unfortunate souls were incapacitated in this house, making her stop suddenly. She looked around, "Will I get electrocuted?" Hawke teased, "If you want, I could help out." Megan cautiously stepped forward. Hawke reassured her, "I''ve turned everything off." Megan lunged at him. The two of them started on the first floor before moving upstairs. Megan got a bit wild, wanting to try out the rooftop, but Hawke held her back. He understood well that, down in the parking lot, the obnoxious jerk might very well be watching with the binoculars. While playing cards, he took a moment to extend his hand through the curtain slit, giving the parking lot the middle finger. Steel balls echoed on the pavement of Fountain Street. That old bastard Frank had taken one of Hawke''s regular slingshots. Megan, curious, asked, "What''s happening?" Hawke whispered in her ear, "There''s a jerk across the way trying to spy on us with binoculars, but he can''t see a thing." Megan, perhaps too accustomed to chatting about various leaked videos, felt even more excited hearing from Hawke. ... The next morning, Megan didn''t leave, enjoying fast food breakfast, and told Hawke, "I''m leaving at 10:30, heading straight to Fox Television Center." Hawke handed her a cup of milk and pointed out the window, "The old man sitting by the road with a begging ashtray? Don''t pay any mind to him when you leave." Megan immediately understood, "The one from last night?" Hawke simply said, "A loser friend." Just then, a Cadillac pulled up to the curb. Edward, freshly spruced up, got out and walked toward the studio entrance. Hawke opened the door for him, letting him in and shutting the door behind, asking, "Savior, did you just save the universe?" "I said I didn''t want it; I kept declining," Edward seemed somewhat modest but was openly bragging, "But Deborah insisted on buying it for me; I had no choice." Megan queried, "Deborah? Downey''s widow, Deborah?" Edward finally noticed Megan and greeted her with a smile, "Deborah is now my girlfriend." Megan felt her brain struggling to keep up for the first time. Hawke chimed in, "Love between a man and a woman is completely normal." Edward handed Hawke the collected material, "Boss, here''s what you wanted." Hawke took it. Megan blurted out, "Are you guys planning to create news?" Hawke placed the material in the filing cabinet, "Don''t ask what it is just yet; it''s just some preliminary preparation work." Now that Edward was there, Megan had no intention of sticking around. She finished the milk Hawke had prepared for her, rinsed her mouth, donned her gear, and left for the Fox Television Center. ... Hawke took out the documents and began reviewing them. Most of what Edward gathered was public information. After flipping through for a while, he opened his laptop to check yesterday''s photos. He told Edward, "I''m giving you a long-term task. Whenever we aren''t working, head to the Beverly Beauty Center, watch where their customers leave, and what areas are good for shooting. If our target comes out, how can we capture her true self?" Edward scratched his head, "Most of those tasks seem fine, but that last one sounds tricky. It''s too mentally demanding; I can''t handle it." Hawke urged, "Just do what you can." Edward asked, "Boss, who are we targeting?" "Sarah Jessica Parker," Hawke simply stated, "She''s a regular at Beverly Beauty Center and will be going for treatment in a few months." Edward raised two fingers, "We''ve sold news about Sarah twice already; is this for the third time? Are we going to end up over-extracting her?" Hawke wouldn''t reveal that the real target was Broderick, only inquiring, "I want you to keep an eye on the Parker''s relationship. How are they doing lately?" Edward said, "They still look very much in love in public; it''s a bit extreme." What Hawke aimed to exploit was precisely this extreme love. Hollywood had its fair share of weirdos, and for Broderick, the affection for Sarah was truly a grand love story. The TRUE feelings of America. After reading through the materials, Hawke instructed Edward to continue gathering information, adding, "I''ll be out at sea this weekend. I''ll leave a satellite phone contact for you; if there''s an urgent matter, give me a call." Edward acknowledged, suddenly hit with an idea: should he buy a bouquet of flowers this weekend and bring Deborah and Indio to visit Downey''s grave? At least say thank you for the villa and the inheritance on Downey''s headstone, right? ... Santa Monica Yacht Club dock, already bustling in the early morning. A massive white yacht was fueling up, with a fuel truck parked alongside. Two cargo trucks rolled up on the other side, as crew members operated a crane to load a large amount of food and fine wine onto the boat. The catering team hired by Johnson was loading provisions onto the vessel. A fishing gear company delivered fishing rods. The fuel truck driver, who was of Mexican descent, leaned against the dock railing. Another Mexican second mate approached him to chat. The driver gazed at the yacht in the distance, saying, "This trip is just like the last. They''re heading south, right?" The second mate replied, "This is the club''s most popular charter route, and it''s also our safest cargo route." The driver fully agreed, "Safer than the mules on land." "Because a star''s boat won''t get checked, even if the Coast Guard or DEA patrols the waters. They basically just ask some questions over the radio," the second mate, who had considerable experience, shared. "Are we certain about the action this time?" The driver confirmed, "The goods have been prepared, still in the supply ship offshore, to be sent on board when fueling at night. You''re to personally escort the crew." The second mate downplayed, "I''ve always been responsible for night fueling. Every night fueling is supervised by me. Almost half the people on board, including the first mate, have been paid by me; people are greedy, and they''ll cooperate if there''s money to be made." In the past, they had taken advantage of Hollywood stars chartering yachts to smuggle goods to Los Angeles while never encountering issues. The driver stated, "Your cut will be deposited into your account at Credit Suisse tomorrow." "Alright, time for me to head back." The second mate walked towards the yacht. He felt particularly upbeat; after a few more gigs, he''d achieve financial freedom and leave America for a life in Switzerland. As long as he could sneak out of North America, the mule gang wouldn''t be able to touch him. Once the fuel was fully loaded, the driver drove off first. The second mate talked with a few others for a moment before boarding, inspecting things, calling over his trusted subordinates to help carry the prepared Evian mineral water onto the boat. He arrived at the bridge, waiting to hand over responsibilities to the captain and first mate when daylight broke. He managed all the nighttime work on the boat. As dawn broke, the captain and first mate rushed over to start up the engines. Once the sun rose, luxury cars gradually arrived in the dock parking lot. Johnson and Dany were the first to board. Dany chatted a bit with the captain, reconfirming the itinerary. A little past 7:30, Hawke drove into the dock parking lot, and less than two minutes later, Erica''s Cherokee turned in as well. They each pulled a suitcase and boarded the yacht rented by Johnson. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 98: Pulling Off a Big Score [Chapter 99: Pulling Off a Big Score] The white yacht burst out of the dock area and entered the vast Pacific Ocean, its impressive 200-foot body shrinking in size. In the spacious lounge, Hawke and Johnson introduced each person to the group. Erica and Dany needed no introduction. Katherine and Eric arrived at Johnson''s invitation. Then there was a mother-daughter duo who looked almost like they were cast from the same mold: Joanna Faith and Allison Faith, whom Hawke had seen at the premiere of . sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Another guest was an 18-year-old actress named Lauren Hashian, who was Dany''s client. They seemed to have a close relationship and were invited by Dany. The last group present was the specially hired culinary team brought in by Johnson. Apart from Erica, everyone either came from the entertainment industry or was closely associated with it, and the conversation continuously focused on Johnson''s new movie and the album Allison was currently working on. Hawke made it a point to ask Joanna, "Is the album production going smoothly?" Before boarding the yacht, Joanna had heard from Johnson about the casting competition for the lead role and responded with a serious tone, "All the tracks for the new album are prepared, recording has begun, and we''re also planning the music video for the lead single. You probably know how it is for Allison; rebounding isn''t easy, and the label''s resources are quite limited, nowhere near the level of Sony, Universal, or Warner." Hawke pressed further, "What kind of direction is Allison looking to take with her comeback?" "More of a sexy image," Joanna said, glancing at her daughter who was leaning against the window. Allison was wearing a cropped t-shirt and a pair of ass-short ripped denim shorts, emphasizing her curvy figure. Though only 18, the girl had already matured quite distinctly. Joanna added, "Do you have any good ideas for a comeback?" Hawke thought for a moment, "How about this: once you get back, send me a detailed profile of Allison and yourself. I''ll take a look, and if I can think of something good, I''ll reach out." He quickly added, "But I charge a high fee." Joanna looked over at her daughter, as if she were eyeing a money-making opportunity: "If it leads to success, money is no issue." ... On the other side of the deck, Johnson and Eric were discussing their new films. Hawke had intended to join their conversation but noticed Erica seemed quite bored. He wrapped up his chat with Joanna and moved to sit next to her, looking out at the ocean view. ?????????? He remarked, "Everyone here is a Hollywood player or closely tied to it; the conversation always circles back to the industry." Erica smiled, "Listening to you guys talk is pretty entertaining. I looked into Steve Nutt and Dwayne Johnson; it''s clear you''re quite good at what you do." Hawke feigned surprise. "Wow, you figured all that out?" Erica was unashamed, "Because I''m good too! I aced the new recruit exam at the police department, came in first!" She dropped her voice, "We won''t even get started on Johnson; your handling of the Steve Nutt incident could be textbook material." Hawke replied calmly, "I''m under a confidentiality agreement; I can''t say anything." Erica dropped the subject but, based on her collected intel, concluded that Steve''s wife was definitely cheating on him. She noted, "Your job seems interesting." Hawke cautiously replied, "It often involves turning black into white." Erica wasn''t the type of overly righteous cop you''d see in a movie; instead, she said, "You know what the LAPD excels at?" "What? Clearing out magazines?" Hawke quipped. "Nope," Erica replied, her voice dropping lower. "Turning black into white." Katherine came over, interrupting their conversation. "Hawke, I heard you introduced a very beautiful actress into the crew?" Hawke casually replied, "A friend who wants to try out acting." Eric chimed in, "She has a fair amount of talent." Katherine shot Eric a glance, and he instantly went silent. ... Outside, the sound of a foghorn signaled the passing of a Coast Guard boat. Such large luxury yachts rarely faced inspections, and a brief radio exchange occurred. The second mate even came over specifically to have Johnson chat with the Coast Guard. He smiled and said, "This way, we can avoid a lot of hassle while we''re out enjoying ourselves." Johnson had cultivated his public persona as friendly and humorous, responding enthusiastically as he conversed briefly with the Coast Guard over the radio. They were reminded to stay safe as the patrol boat promptly moved on. ... In the afternoon, the yacht arrived at the first planned location. Hawke returned to his room, changed into sun protection gear, and grabbed his fishing slingshot. Suddenly, he heard a knock on the door. Erica, wrapped in her clothes, hurried in. "Ready yet?" Hawke dug out a recorder as a gift from Megan, strapped it to his shoulder, and put on a pair of sunglasses. "Let''s go." When they stepped out, Eric and Johnson were already out on the foredeck, ready with their fishing rods. Seeing Hawke and Erica heading for the back deck, Johnson shouted, "Aren''t you two going to fish?" Hawke had already asked the crew about the arrangements. "We''re taking the speedboat to the little island." On one side of the rear deck, the crew was lowering the speedboat into the water while another crew member prepared to drive. Hawke stepped onto the boat, and Erica quickly followed suit. ... On this calm sea, the feeling on the small boat was completely different from that of the larger vessel. Erica asked, "You''re from Wyoming, so you won''t get seasick, right?" Hawke replied, "And you?" Erica said, "I often took boats out for fun before work." She checked the compass on the dive watch and pointed to a small island to the left. "Let''s head to the southwest side; I remember the water is clear there, and the fish are plenty." On the back deck, Alison, in a bikini, called out, "Hey, can you guys take me one?" Erica eyed her; the girl was pretty much wearing strings. "Sorry, we''re full." Hawke told the crew, "Start the boat." ... The speedboat shot out quickly, soon rounding to the southwest side of the island. Because of the tides, the water was exceptionally clear that day, and from the boat, they could see the rocks below. Schools of small fish swam near the rocks. The fish arrow couldn''t penetrate too deep, so Erica asked the crew to slow down, bringing them closer to the rocks just under the surface. Hawke scanned the water, looking for signs of fish. Erica focused on the other side. Hawke warned, "I''ve tried it before. Within 15 meters, it can only hit 30 centimeters underwater at most. It won''t be very powerful if it''s deeper." When it came to this sport, hitting a fish was secondary; the main thing was enjoying the process. He deliberately turned on the recorder and asked Erica, "Do you mind?" Erica replied, "As long as it doesn''t get out." Hawke nodded, "Of course." Erica pointed to the boat''s stern. "Over there." There were some fish swimming close to the surface coming from afar. Hawke loaded the fish arrow, saw a fish approaching the surface, felt the distance was right, stretched the rubber band, and shot the arrow tied to the line, which pierced through the water with a splash. His wrist reel spun rapidly as something clearly tugged from the other end. Hawke flipped his hand and gripped the line, pulling it back with force. "Did you hit anything?" Erica asked. The water''s refraction played tricks on the eye, but Hawke had practiced long enough to know how to compensate. As he reeled in, a mackerel over a feet broke through the surface. "First catch!" Hawke exclaimed, pulling the fish onto the boat and removing the arrow. Erica took the fish, pulled out a knife, and said, "If we''re eating it, we need to bleed it for freshness." The crew brought up a bucket of water. Hawke, unfamiliar with the procedure, asked, "Where do you bleed it?" "Watch closely," Erica instructed, plunging her knife into the fish''s gills and stirring it a bit before tossing the fish into the bucket, splattering blood onto her gloves. She casually wiped it off with a towel and slid the knife back into its sheath on her waist. Some of the mackerels that were scared away just now swam back. Hawke pointed, "Now it''s your turn." Erica pulled back the rubber band and, with a snap, the water splashed as she brought a second mackerel aboard. Hawke took the knife from her waist and bled the fish. As the arrows continued to fly, the deck was soon covered in fish blood. Most of them were mackerels; this type of slingshot couldn''t get to deeper fish. The largest catch was a bonito. Erica pointed at the rocks along the island''s edge. "Look over there; it seems there''s a pelican." Hawke was uninterested in the pelican and looked up at the sky. "Isn''t that a bald eagle circling above?" Erica recognized that he shared her wild spirit and warned, "You can''t kill those; they''re protected." Waiting for the crew to clean the fish, she lowered her voice. "One day when it''s just the two of us, let''s bring a shotgun and see what they taste like." Hawke gave her a thumbs-up. "Great idea." Erica added, "This time, you treat me to fishing, and next time, I''ll take you to Florida to hunt alligators." "Sounds good." Hawke noticed the winds had picked up a bit. "Let''s head back." This sport was all about the novelty. Once that wore off, it was just usual. Erica sat close to Hawke as the speedboat headed back. ... When Johnson and Eric saw the two return, they rushed to the rear deck to check their catches. Eric rummaged through his haul. "Dwayne and I caught a couple of grouper." Hawke chuckled, "The joy of fishing and hunting is in the process, not in how many you catch." Katherine, having a more robust figure, approached wearing a swimsuit. "Hawke has a point; you''re not quite as convincing as he is." Hawke handed the bucket of fish to the crew. "Take this to the kitchen and have the chef prepare some extra." Weather on the sea can change quickly, and now the wind had started to pick up. Everyone returned to the lounge. The yacht continued southward. ... In the evening, the yacht prepared a sumptuous feast, kicking off the celebration party. Johnson announced at the party, "Tonight we''re heading to Guadalupe Island in Mexico. It''s the mating season for great white sharks, and Guadalupe is a hotspot for shark watching." Hawke jokingly quipped, "Does that mean we''ll be soaked in blood when we go swimming to see them?" Johnson replied with a straight face, "If you want to go that way, I won''t stop you." He continued, "We''ll refuel at 2 AM, and by morning we''ll be at the island." ... By now, it was getting late in the cockpit. The captain, who had watched over everything all day, was ready to rest and instructed the first mate to take the night shift. He asked the second mate, "When''s the fuel boat arriving?" The second mate replied, "They''ll meet us around 2 AM; I''ll wait for them in the back." He chuckled, "They''ve been a reliable company for years; they won''t let us down." Relieved, the captain returned, drinking some Evian bottled water on board before falling asleep. ... With nighttime came a calm, and in the cockpit, it was just the first and second mates. The first mate stated, "This time I want to increase the take by $50,000." The second mate didn''t respond but asked, "Did you gamble again at the private table? I advised you long ago that''s a bottomless pit. If you save that money, you could retire soon." The first mate didn''t engage, sticking to his point: "So, are you in or not?" The second mate sensed trouble ahead and questioned, "You didn''t borrow high-interest loans, did you?" The first mate merely stared at him. "Alright!" The second mate quickly assured him, "I''ll give you some when we come ashore." The first mate cautioned, "Remember what you said." The second mate feigned a caring demeanor. "Just stop gambling; pay off those high-interest loans, and we can work together for a few more years, and soon we''ll be financially free." After a moment of silence, the first mate slowly nodded. The second mate wasn''t sure if he got through to him, but at least he calmed him down. As he left the cockpit, he contemplated how he''d find a way to replace the first mate after this. It wasn''t hard; the mule gang had gained some power in Los Angeles, and causing a car accident to break a leg or an arm would do the trick. ... Once the second mate left, the first mate reached for the radio to call someone, and shortly after, a tall white crew member entered the cockpit. The first mate queried, "O''Reilly, how did it go with your private contacts?" O''Reilly''s smile appeared slightly sinister. "The three underlings from the second mate are all up for a job; they''ve followed him around and haven''t earned much. Most of the money goes to the second mate; he''s too stingy. He eats meat while they barely get a sip of broth." He continued, "Boss, can you find a channel to sell the goods?" The first mate replied, "I know a guy from the card table who is looking for merchandise." O''Reilly added, "I''ve already organized everything; every crew member on night duty is one of ours." The first mate mulled it over and said, "First, let''s see the quantity of goods. If it''s small, we can wait; we only have one shot, and it needs to be big." Money holds a strong temptation, especially for someone like him, working on a luxury yacht where wealthy clients come and go, but he had a limited salary, which could skew his perception. O''Reilly asked, "What about the guests on the boat? The chef team is hired by them; we can''t interfere." The first mate and second mate had handled similar situations before. "Just like before. After the party wraps up, send bottled water to each room. Let them sleep well. I consulted a pharmacist buddy who said if we control the dosage, the side effects are barely noticeable. Even if a few experience slight effects, they''ll just think it''s seasickness." "I''ll go prepare now." O''Reilly left. Not just the guests on the boat, but even the captain, who didn''t have a night shift, always slept particularly soundly whenever they were on board. The captain felt that he was born for the sea. ... In the yacht''s banquet hall, the party had just come to a close. Hawke was drying his hands with a napkin when Allison suddenly popped up beside him. She leaned over from the table, and her neckline slipped down, saying, "It''s cleared up outside. Want to go to the top deck and stargaze at midnight?" Hawke looked her over. The girl appeared youthful, but her outfit was sexy and mature. Getting involved with someone like her meant incalculable trouble. He pointed toward Erica, who had just exited the banquet hall, and directly refused, "I have a companion." Allison stuck out her tongue in a playful twirl before walking away. She didn''t go back to her room but instead headed for the kitchen. Hawke had a feeling this girl could be easy to seduce. He left the banquet hall and ascended the stairs to the second-level deck. Erica had just opened her door and was waiting outside. When she saw Hawke approaching, she waved, "Goodnight; see you in the morning." Hawke wasn''t in a hurry, replying, "See you tomorrow." At the stairs, a crew member was coming around with water delivery. Each room received two bottles of Evian mineral water. Hawke took the water and suddenly recalled Allison''s invitation, pulling at it again, "The wind has died down outside; want to go stargazing at midnight?" Erica answered, "Sure." "I''ll call you then." Hawke opened his door and went inside his room. Erica returned to hers. Hawke placed the bottles of water on the cabinet at his door, then carefully checked the locker door, opening it to retrieve a bottle from his suitcase, slowly sipping it. This water was prepared by Johnson''s culinary team. ... Meanwhile, in the main bedroom upstairs, Dany twisted open a bottle of Evian and took a few sips. Johnson emerged from the washroom, and she handed him another bottle. As Johnson took it, he suddenly remembered Hawke preventing him from drinking the bottled water provided by the crew during auditions. He glanced down, realizing this water wasn''t the brand he had ordered. Though he thought Hawke could be overly cautious at times, he had also benefited from the caution, so he capped it and tossed it aside, saying to Dany, "Aren''t we stocked with water we brought?" Dany tossed him a bottle from the chef''s team, saying, "You''ve been influenced by Hawke, being too careful." Thinking back to how he won the lead role, Johnson replied, "It''s better to hit someone than to be the one getting hit." Dany felt uneasy. "That sounds like it carries another meaning." Johnson chuckled, "Just a straightforward literal interpretation; nothing more." ... On the second deck, Hawke took a brief nap and woke up exactly at midnight. He washed his face and brushed his teeth in the washroom, ready to head across the hall to call Erica when there was a knock on the door. He peered through the peephole and opened the door. Erica, dressed in a black coat, entered and said, "Ready? Time to watch the stars." Hawke went to grab his clothes. "I was just about to call you." Erica replied, "If we had a date, I''d naturally come; I wouldn''t make you wait." Hawke put on his coat, taking the fishing slingshot with him. "There seems to be fish attractant lights on the yacht. After stargazing, let''s try some nighttime fishing." "Good idea." Erica returned to her room to grab her gear. Hawke removed the charging recorder, putting it on his shoulder. Remembering he''d need to stargaze, he also grabbed a pair of binoculars. They locked the door and quietly made their way upstairs to the top deck. ... The afternoon winds had calmed, the clouds have cleared, and the night sky was filled with sparkling stars, almost like jewels adorning the dark canvas above. They walked toward the bow of the deck when they suddenly stumbled upon two silhouettes at the very front. One was leaning against the guardrail while the other squatted before him. Hawke and Erica both halted in their tracks. The two in front noticed them as well. With the starlight, moonlight, and lights from below the yacht, Hawke recognized who they were. The person standing looked like one of the younger chefs from the culinary team. The one crouched down was Allison Faith. As for what they were up to, even without seeing it clearly, it was easy to guess. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 99: The Crew Turns to Robbers [Chapter 100: The Crew Turns to Robbers] At the front of the upper deck, Allison waved to the two without an ounce of embarrassment and asked, "Wanna join us?" "You all go ahead." Hawke remained unbothered, giving Erica a knowing look as they made their way to the back deck together. "Just like Hollywood," Erica whispered, admiring the scene. They reached the end of the deck, sitting in the last two chairs, gazing up at the stars. Not far ahead, they faintly heard some sounds. The two figures morphed into one leaning against the railing as the other stood behind. Erica openly enjoyed the show. "Didn''t expect there''d be a free show tonight." The shameless Hawke raised the binoculars he brought along. "It''s even got a plot worthy of the San Fernando Valley." Suppressing a laugh, Erica replied, "It''s definitely more entertaining than the stars." The performers on stage could vaguely see their audience enjoying the view. One lout even had the audacity to use the binoculars! Such shamelessness! Finally, feeling awkwardness fill the air, Allison picked up her clothes and dragged the man downstairs, but instead of returning, they headed to the outer walkway on the second deck. ... It was then Erica noticed lights turning on in the side rear area. Looking over, she remarked, "Looks like another boat is coming." Hawke recalled what Johnson had said: "It''s the fuel replenishment ship." Lights illuminated the rear deck as several crew members appeared, busying themselves. Hawke glanced down to see the second mate on the back deck. Before long, the first mate came over too. Erica watched the back deck with a profession-related sensitivity, murmuring, "Just for refueling. Why are so many gathering at the back deck?" Hawke lowered his voice, "Let''s observe first." Both wore dark jackets, hiding on the upper deck where it was hard for anyone to spot them. ... The fuel supply boat slowly approached and parked alongside the aft deck. Crew members from both sides became busier. Fueling was underway, but several boxes filled with vegetables and drinks were also being moved onto the yacht''s back deck. Hawke lifted the binoculars, using the light to examine the crew on the supply ship and scrutinized the boxes closely. He leaned in to Erica, whispering, "Dwayne packed enough food and provisions for five days. There''s no need for this." ?¨¢?¨¯?¦¥S? Taking the binoculars, Erica inspected for a moment, her expression turning serious. "I smell drug traffickers." Hawke turned on the recorder, angling the lens downwards. Erica had her fishing harpoon slung on her wrist, holding her hunting slingshot tight. Hawke worried she might act rashly and pointed toward the fuel ship. "There''s a lot of them." Erica merely prepared for the worst, nodding slightly. ... On the back deck, the second mate asked the transferring crew member, "What''s the amount this time?" "Double from last time," the man replied. With such a cargo involved, the second mate wouldn''t dare take it lightly and motioned for three trusted associates. Each opened a box to inspect the contraband hidden within the compartments. The first mate quietly took two steps forward, observing quickly, calculating the quantity and value while the second mate conversed with the Mexicans. O''Reilly arrived next to them. The first mate gestured to the Mexicans with his eyes, indicating they''d discuss it later. Matching the count, the second mate instructed to move the cargo into storage, locking the door once finished. Once the fueling wrapped up, the Mexicans gradually returned to their vessel, and the fueling boat drifted away from the yacht. ... As the lights dimmed, the first mate turned to the second mate. "Where''s the money?" Sensing trouble, the second mate stuffed his hand into his coat pocket. "We agreed that once we reached land, I''d pay you fifty percent more." The first mate replied, "We want it all." At this, the second mate pulled out his gun quickly. But before he could even aim, one of the three associates waiting behind already had his firearm pressed firmly against the second mate''s lower back. "Don''t move!" The second mate turned back, looking shocked at his own men. "You all..." Another said flatly, "Sorry, boss, you offered too little, and they offered too much." The first mate stepped forward, snatching the gun from the second mate''s hands. He had a plan for how to deal with this guy. The yacht would arrive at Guadeloupe before dawn, and a few cuts to the second mate followed by a toss into the sea would surely make the sharks happy. The seven men present could testify that the second mate fell overboard by accident. Once they finished handling the cargo, they planned to leave Los Angeles immediately. ... Meanwhile, on the outer walkway railing of the second deck, Allison and the young chef had reached the brink of a wild storm, their environment stirring up excitement. Allison, akin to a washed-up Hollywood star, reveled in the thrills of the night and suddenly shouted. "Who?" The crowd on the back deck was tense, especially those who had betrayed the second mate with their emotions running high. The gunman instinctively turned the barrel towards the sound and pulled the trigger. Bang! Bang! Bang-- Gunshots rang out, bullets pinging off the ship. In America, many people could distinguish gunfire. Allison screamed and quickly turned, bolting down the second deck. The chef was even faster. ... The first mate shouted, "Stop shooting! Stop shooting!" The gunman emptied the six-round revolver before finally ceasing fire. "Damn!" the first mate cursed and ordered someone to tie the second mate up, gag him, and lock him in the cargo hold. O''Reilly approached, gun drawn. "We''re in trouble, the woman screaming was the most flamboyant girl on the yacht." The first mate recalled that woman who had been flirting with men around. No doubt about it. O''Reilly asked, "Boss, she saw everything, what do we do?" What to do? The first mate wished to ask someone how to handle this but the other six men all looked to him, waiting for orders. He knew he couldn''t remain silent; at this critical moment, he had to assert control over them, pondering for a moment. "O''Reilly, you take three men armed to the lounge. Secure the satellite phone immediately, then head to the second and third decks, tie up the wealthy guests and the captain!" He directed two others: "Bert, you get back to the engine room, guard it. Richardson, you come with me to the cockpit. The rest wait until we secure the ship!" The crew, already tough characters, sprang into action. ... A little earlier, on the upper deck, Hawke and Erica exchanged glances and ran towards the stairs. Erica only said, "If we get captured, our lives will be in someone else''s hands." Hawke said nothing else, nodding slightly before rushing down the stairs. As he reached the third floor, the master bedroom door suddenly swung open. Johnson poked his head out just in time to find two sharp fish harpoons pointing at him, prompting him to raise his hands. "Guys, it''s me." He didn''t know Erica, but he recognized Hawke. "What''s going on? I thought I heard gunfire; it went off several times." "The crew became robbers and are armed!" Hawke couldn''t afford to waste time; he quickly jumped downstairs. Erica followed closely. Johnson hesitated momentarily and, barefooted, followed behind. Hawke reached the stairway corner, raised his fist behind him, and Erica came to a stop. Following Hawke, she lightened her steps and quietly crept downwards. From the first floor, the rapid sound of footsteps signaled that trouble could come their way at any moment. Hawke quietly made it to the second floor, signaling to Erica about their footing. Erica nodded slightly, crouching down, using the angle to conceal her body. Johnson caught up and pointed to his chest. Hawke pointed towards the laundry room by the stairway, whispering, "Don''t move until I start." Johnson squeezed into the laundry room. Hawke sidled into the hallway where a shared restroom awaited. He hid by the restroom doorway, ready to fire with the fishing spears positioned on a rubber band. The footsteps soon reached the stairway, sounding frantic. Hawke could tell that they didn''t have any professional training. ... O''Reilly had the satellite phone while looking for spare keys to the hatch and led the second mate and three rogues upstairs. The top thug turned the corner of the stairway, coming to the hallway, and abruptly noticed something shimmering brightly under the lights. Before he could react, Hawke''s close-range fish harpoon hit him right in the neck. The thug gasped for breath, feeling weak as he toppled sideways. Simultaneously, Erica stood up from the stairs leading to the third floor, her right hand pulling the rubber band on her harpoon taut. A whooshing sound sliced through the air as the second crewman rushing up felt something collide against the back of his head. Then his vision faded to black as he collapsed to the ground. O''Reilly aimed his gun, but Johnson charged from the laundry room, grabbed the man with both hands, and threw him out. The guy''s back hit the stair railing and his body was almost broken into pieces. As the fourth thug attempted to retreat, Hawke rushed up, snatching a handgun from the floor and fired three rounds down toward the stairway. Bang! Bang! Bang! The first two shots hit the thug''s torso, while the final shot found its mark on his head. Meanwhile, Johnson swiftly maneuvered behind O''Reilly, expertly twisting his arms behind his back, eliciting rapid breaths from him. He glanced at Hawke and Erica a few feet away, holding their calm and not even breaking a sweat. At that moment, the hallway fell eerily silent, void of screams or anyone checking the situation. Erica picked up a handgun. Hawke began checking the other three men, temporarily turning off his chest camera and stating, "They can''t make it." "Relax, everything will be fine," Erica reassured him. O''Reilly overheard, his eyes wide as he stifled pain. "You guys are insane! How dare you kill someone!" Hawke and Erica looked at the four handguns they''d brought, ignoring his outcry. Hawke searched the three dead bodies to find a magazine. "And where are your partners? Where are they hiding?" Erica squatted in front of O''Reilly, gripping his pinky finger. O''Reilly resisted answering, wincing in pain. Erica twisted his pinky, bending it at a ninety-degree angle. O''Reilly screamed. Hawke reminded Johnson, "This is the same hand he broke when he fell." Johnson nodded, "I got it." Erica grasped O''Reilly''s second finger. "Wait, wait!" O''Reilly thought to himself that he was just an occasional boat crewman trying to make some extra cash. How could they treat him so brutally? He needed a moment to breathe from the agony. He feared having another finger broken and quickly replied, "There are three more guys: one is the engineer Bert, and the other two are in the cockpit." Hawke asked, "Is the first mate in the cockpit?" O''Reilly, thinking that Hawke knew about the first mate, assumed he was dealing with the FBI or the DEA and nodded repeatedly. "He''s in cockpit! They were trying to take you guys hostage." He even raised his voice, proclaiming, "I''m willing to become a witness!" Erica pressed further, "And the other crew and captain?" "The ones off duty? We added some special seasick medication to their Evian mineral water, they''ll be out cold and won''t wake up. The captain had nothing to do with this; he''s too old to keep late hours," O''Reilly spoke rapidly, fearing he''d get another finger broken. "The captain''s totally in the dark." Hawke slipped out the magazine from his gun, checking the bullet count while saying, "Let''s take back the ship. Prevent any desperate moves." "I agree," Erica added. Johnson picked up one of the handguns. "I''ll go with you guys." Hawke pointed his gun at O''Reilly. "Can I refuse?" O''Reilly, realizing he''d better comply, said, "I''ll do it." Erica glanced at her compass. "The boat''s heading south. Let''s wrap this up and stop them." Johnson rummaged through O''Reilly''s pockets and found the satellite phone. Erica took it, dialed a number, and spoke quickly. Hawke glanced at her. Erica stated, "We need to regain control of the ship." Hawke aimed his gun at O''Reilly. "Get up." ... In the cockpit, the first mate heard the gunshots. Richardson pulled out his gun. "Someone''s shooting." The first mate strained to listen, noting that no further shots followed and said, "It''s just O''Reilly warning them. There are four of them." Richardson felt a bit more assured and set his gun aside. Almost immediately, the first mate went silent, carefully contemplating their next actions. If it came down to it, he''d steer the boat to Panama; he had connections there as well. Additionally, there was the money aboard with the wealthy guests. They would shake down every last cent. As he pondered, there were knocks on the cockpit door. O''Reilly''s voice shouted from outside, "Boss, I''ve got everyone awakened and secured. Those three are watching them." The first mate asked, "Did shots get fired?" "A couple of idiots couldn''t read the room," O''Reilly glanced at the men pointing guns at him and added, "I gave them a scare." Hawke adjusted his recorder to capture Johnson and Erica better. Richardson approached and opened the door just as Johnson charged in like a beast, crashing into him. Both men tumbled to the ground, with Richardson serving as a makeshift cushion. Just as Johnson was about to apply a chokehold, the first mate reached for his gun. But Erica was faster, pivoting to the door with her gun gripped tight and pulling the trigger. Three more shots echoed in the cockpit; the first mate collapsed, bleeding out, twitching. On the floor, Johnson already had Richardson controlled. Hawke tossed several zip ties to O''Reilly. "Go ahead, tie them up." As O''Reilly began securing the men, he remained cautious under Hawke''s watchful eyes. Hawke handed duct tape to him. O''Reilly quickly took it and tore off strips, sealing Richardson''s mouth tight. Johnson offered, "I''ve driven a yacht before. Should we halt?" Hawke interjected, "There''s still one person in the engine room. Don''t stop the boat. Stay in the cockpit and guard it. Erica and I will handle him." Erica didn''t say anything but nodded gently. "Let''s go. Lead the way." O''Reilly had already shown the way once, this time without hesitation. ... The trio reached the engine room, audible machinery operating within. O''Reilly stood at the door, calling out, "Bert, it''s me, O''Reilly, the first mate sent for you." As the hatch opened, the engineer prepared to ask a question when a dark gun barrel appeared in front of him. Erica coldly commanded, "Step out." When the engineer saw Erica was a woman, he started to step forward, raising his hands to seize the gun. A knee flew in violently, brutalizing his stomach before he could make a sound. Before any cries escaped, Hawke''s hand clinched his throat, cutting off airflow and turning his face crimson. Erica searched him but didn''t find a gun. O''Reilly, without needing to be told, pulled out zip ties and bound the engineer, sealing his mouth for good measure. Hawke examined the engine room, retrieving a handgun and a shotgun. O''Reilly had mentioned their weapons were typically hidden there. Once finished, Hawke instructed O''Reilly to check the cargo hold where they found the second mate tightly bound, mouth gagged. Erica quickly located the intercom and called Johnson in the cockpit, instructing him to turn the boat back to Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Hawke directed O''Reilly to collect the supplies sent by the fuel boat, personally helping secure O''Reilly as well. With the immediate threat dealt with, the two breathed a bit easier. Erica looked at the boxes, asking Hawke, "Does the recorder still have battery?" Hawke held the recorder toward the boxes. Erica opened one, tossing aside the vegetables and fruit until she discovered the compartment inside. She removed the compartment, revealing vacuum-sealed plastic bags, each larger than her palm. Taking one out, she placed it on top of another box and sliced open one side of the packaging. Inside lay white powder. Erica studied it closely, confirming, "Cocaine." S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke adjusted his angle for more light to shoot a clearer video. Erica stripped away the compartments, enabling Hawke to film the inside plastic packages. Just one compartment had thirty large packages. Erica opened another box down to the compartments beneath the bottles, finding the same thirty plastic packages again. Another box behind it yielded a similar result. Hawke captured every moment. The sheer number of packages astonished even Erica. After finishing the shoot, Hawke turned off the recorder. "Congratulations, beautiful detective, you''ve cracked a major armed drug trafficking case." The yacht came from Santa Monica, registered in Los Angeles, so the case undoubtedly fell to the LAPD. Erica was unreserved. "No need for gratitude; this case can serve me well." Outside, the sky was brightening gradually. Once the people were awakened, they reacted with surprise and fear, with Johnson naturally assigned to calm them down. Meanwhile, Hawke settled in the cockpit, supervising the captain as he piloted the ship back to Santa Monica. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 100: You Gain Fame, I Gain Profits [Chapter 101: You Gain Fame, I Gain Profits] The Santa Monica Yacht Club was swarmed by over twenty marked LAPD vehicles encircling the entire dock, with more arriving continuously. Such a large-scale mobilization inevitably caught the attention of the media, with some journalists capturing footage from behind the barricades. Onboard, Hawke had already transferred the recording video onto his laptop and awaited further developments. Erica immediately reported the incident to the detective bureau, and the chief of detectives was among the first to arrive, separately questioning her about the events. With the video evidence in place, this incident would have fewer complications. Before heading over, Erica informed Hawke that she''d notified her family. Hawke had suspected her family wasn''t ordinary since the Robert Downey Jr. incident. In the yacht''s lounge, Johnson observed teams of officers boarding the vessel to conduct thorough searches and asked Hawke, "Should we call in a lawyer?" Hawke responded, "Let''s wait a bit." Katherine added, "Whatever you need, just say the word and I can assemble a legal team." Hawke noticed Officer Suzy had arrived, the one who had been with him during the small Robert Downey Jr. shooting, and she was accompanied by a young man with brown hair. They moved towards the back of the yacht, entering Erica''s quarters. ... After what felt like ages, Suzy emerged into the lounge, recognized Hawke, nodded at him, and spoke, "We''re here to discuss exclusive matters with Mr. Hawke Osment and Mr. Dwayne Johnson. Could everyone else go to the banquet room for a bit? We''ve prepared some morning tea for you." Erica and the young man entered at that moment, addressing everyone, "Thanks for your patience." Hawke, Johnson, and Erica had saved their lives, and upon hearing Erica''s words, the others promptly rose to leave. Eric specifically mentioned before departing, "Hawke, call me immediately if you run into any trouble." Hawke nodded. Dany remained, stating, "I''m Dwayne''s wife and manager." Erica shut the lounge door and introduced Suzy. "This is Officer Suzy from LAPD headquarters at Parker Center." Then she introduced, "This is my lawyer, Brian Ferguson. He''s also my cousin." Everyone exchanged handshakes. As Hawke shook hands with Brian Ferguson, the handsome fellow asked, "You''re the one who took Erica out to sea?" "That''s right." Hawke replied. Brian lowered his voice, "You''ve got some serious guts. I''ve never seen anyone manage to take her out overnight." Hawke grinned. "That just shows my charm." "Everyone, feel free to take a seat," Suzy said. "I represent LAPD and would like to discuss follow-up proceedings for this case." Hawke sank into a long sofa while Erica settled next to him. Suzy explained, "We''ve reviewed the situation and the recording video of the incident. LAPD inspected the yacht thoroughly, and the quantity of drugs recovered is unprecedented." ???¨®¦Â?? "Now that the record has been made, when can we leave?" Dany asked, direct as always, "Dwayne and Hawke, like Erica, are heroes. They saved everyone on the yacht." Suzy smiled. "LAPD has no intention of holding you back. I''m here as the PR representative to discuss follow-up matters with you." Hawke cut in, "Can you outline your plans?" Suzy replied, "LAPD intends to widely publicize this case, showcasing the hard work of our department to the citizens of Los Angeles and all taxpayers. The video will be aired publicly, and Erica will become a hero." Brian added, "Erica needs this recognition too." Hawke didn''t know much about investigations, but he knew the media game well. Hearing their words, he interjected, "The recorder was worn by me, and I captured everything. Per the media law, the video rights belong to me." "That''s true," Brian agreed. Hawke was straightforward. "I have a say in this situation; is that acceptable?" Having dealt with Hawke before, Suzy, who had ties to the Ferguson family, immediately affirmed, "Of course." Hawke continued, "I never showed my face, so in any promotional coverage, just treat me as if I don''t exist." Erica looked at him. "Without you, neither Dwayne nor I could have done it." "I''m not a public figure, so I don''t need this." Hawke''s intentions were anything but transparent. He focused on Dwayne. "My friend Dwayne was heavily involved, displaying fearless courage and acting heroically to take down two armed thugs." He turned to Dany and Dwayne: "What do you think?" This situation suited Dwayne''s public persona perfectly, particularly with him set to star in the upcoming film. Dany remarked, "Dwayne is an actor and needs exposure too." Suzy emphasized, "LAPD appreciates Mr. Johnson''s bravery, and we''ll accurately report everything he''s done." "We have reached a mutual understanding on this point," Hawke stated, not wanting to represent Dwayne in specifics. "Dany, you can discuss with Suzy about the follow-up; for media promotion, you can involve Miss Baa." Dany nodded in acknowledgment. "Now that we''ve discussed Dwayne, let''s look at my rights." Hawke made it clear that he sought his due. "I will give LAPD the video for free but under one condition." Suzy followed his lead. "Please, go ahead." Hawke stated, "I must retain the premiere media broadcast rights. I can ensure the coverage is solely favorable to LAPD, and I''m happy to collaborate with you moving forward." Suzy contemplated, "Are you talking about the Midnight Entertainment show on Channel 11?" She had objections, "We must hold a press conference within two hours; the video must play immediately after, eliminating all doubts about incidents, and we can''t afford to wait until 11 PM." Hawke was prepared, "Can I contact the media? To get her over for an interview?" Suzy said, "I require FOX to lean towards LAPD." Hawke waved it away lightly. "She''ll come, and you can negotiate." After some thought, Suzy agreed. "Alright." ... Hawke ventured to the other side of the lounge and pulled out his phone to call. On the other end, Megan Taylor answered, "Aren''t you out at sea? You''re back already?" "Something serious happened, but I can''t divulge details just yet. Just know I was part of it and filmed the entire ordeal." Hawke stated plainly, "This is explosive news with a deep social relevance and entertainment value, so if you want it, come to Santa Monica Yacht Harbor in person with a cameraman." Megan replied, "Just a moment." She pressed a button on her communicator. "Claire, I need to know what''s happening at Santa Monica Yacht Harbor." There was a brief pause before Claire quickly informed, "LAPD has dozens of police cars blocking the entire dock area, and a large number of reporters are arriving. At Channel 11, Gretchen is personally accompanied by a cameraman." "Get the cameraman; we''re heading there now!" Megan exclaimed, "I''m on my way!" ... While Hawke tackled the call, Dany and Dwayne quietly conferred while simultaneously calling Caroline. Brian stood up, exchanged glances with his cousin, and they moved towards the window. He nudged his chin toward Hawke across the way. "What''s his deal? Suzy seems overtaken by him." Erica glanced at her cousin, who still looked not very smart, and remarked, "Hawke is the founder of West Coast Media Entertainment Studio, primarily focusing on crisis PR consulting and strategic business planning." "In this situation, Hawke is indeed quite capable," she noted confidently, "And I am right next to him." Brian acknowledged her insight. "Guess I should devote more of my brainpower to serious matters." Erica glanced at Hawke again and continued, "If you keep stirring up trouble, don''t forget to ask Hawke for help. Remember to bring a seven-figure amount; eight figures are even better." Brian thought of a clever plan: "Working in this field can easily lead to trouble -- I can be his lawyer and let him help me deal with those things for free." Erica could hardly afford to entertain her unusually thick-headed cousin any longer. ... Hawke finished the call and returned, saying, "They''ll be here soon." Suzy glanced at her watch; time was still plentiful. She asked Hawke a few questions and made calls to the personnel below. Outside the dock, yellow tape cordoned off extensive areas, with numerous officers patrolling to prevent reporters and paparazzi from advancing even a step. Some daring souls employed speedboats to reach the waters, but LAPD boats swiftly turned them away. Anyone with a touch of news instinct understood this yacht held big news. ... Gretchen and her crew had arrived over a dozen minutes earlier and were stuck outside the perimeter, unable to connect with anyone. The tighter LAPD guarded the scene, the bigger the story must be. Gretchen paced anxiously, continuously dialing contacts. Suddenly, she spotted Megan approaching, flanked by two others accompanied by LAPD personnel. Approaching the barricade, an LAPD officer helped lift the barrier for her. Gretchen nearly lunged forward, stopping Megan. "What are you doing here? Can you board the yacht?" Megan replied, "Time is tight; this isn''t the moment for chit-chat." Being a smart negotiator, Gretchen understood that compromising here could garner advantages. "Take me up; tonight on Ace News, we can co-host." "Sorry, that''s not something I can decide," Megan continued walking, crossing the barricade and boarding the yacht. ... As Megan entered the yacht''s lounge, she noticed Suzy, Erica, the policewoman who shot Robert Downey Jr., along with Hawke. Megan greeted everyone warmly. Hawke stated, "I need to have a private word with her." "By all means," Suzy replied tersely. Hawke pulled out his laptop, taking Megan into the adjacent small room to show her the footage. Though there were several segments in the recording due to intermittent shutdowns, Hawke managed to capture all the crucial moments. While the trading shots weren''t the clearest from that height, it sufficed to make out shadows and scenarios. Inside the brightly lit ship cabin, the gunfight provided enough clarity to identify weapons and faces. Once the video ended, Megan immediately inquired, "You''re not hurt, right?" "Nope," Hawke replied. "This was recorded with the device you gave me. I encountered some crew members engaging in a trade with Mexican traffickers..." He briefly recounted the events. Megan responded, "I want that video; how much?" Hawke stated firmly, "Three hundred thousand dollars." S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Megan instinctively started to argue. Hawke cut her off. "This is a series of cases involving a new Mexican trafficking organization called the Mule Gang. LAPD will pursue targeted strikes. You''ve always wanted to delve into social reporting and explore the intersection of celebrity and crime. This is your chance." He laid out his conditions upfront: "If you want to collaborate, specific demands must be met; otherwise, I''ll find someone else." Megan gestured for him to go on. Hawke stated, "LAPD will hold a press conference at 11:30 AM. This video must air by noon latest; you won''t snag the prime news slot if you wait." "I''ll make a call," Megan replied, taking out her phone and dialing the network director, Cynthia''s office. Hawke exited the small room, giving her space. Before long, Megan reappeared. "I got it sorted; today''s midday news slot is ours, Channel 11 will air it at noon on the dot." Hawke instructed, "Handle the rest of the arrangements with Suzy." Megan sought Suzy next, discussing their promotional strategies as Dany quickly joined. The Fox Network''s platform was large enough for all. ... Hawke called over Erica and Dwayne. "Guys, there''s something." Hawke proceeded, ensuring clarity. "I''m selling the video filmed on the yacht for $300,000..." Dwayne interjected, understanding immediately, "I get fame while you secure the profit; it''s only fair." Erica chimed in, "This was your footage." Hawke extended his hand. "No more pleasantries; we''re allies in this endeavor." Having gone through life-and-death together, Erica placed her hand beneath his while Dwayne''s rested atop them. Hawke reminded them, "I heard the Mules are ruthless; once you''re exposed, be cautious." Erica deemed it a significant point but swayed the conversation into her usual tone, "Well, LAPD is the largest armed violence organization in Los Angeles." Dwayne said, "I''ll hire a few bodyguards." In Hawke''s view, this also presented an opportunity to promote Allison. However, with Allison now too shaken to face people, she kept avoiding interactions. Without compensation, he certainly wouldn''t play the philanthropist. ... Suzy beckoned Hawke over, and he joined the ongoing discussion. He spoke little, as the presence of his video warranted a standard promotional approach for safety''s sake. Half an hour later, Suzy exited the yacht, announcing to the media that a press conference would commence in the yacht club hall at 11:30 AM. A mob of reporters quickly dispersed, rushing to secure advantageous spots in the club''s hall. Yet Gretchen stayed put; Megan had yet to come down from the yacht. A few moments later, Hawke gathered his luggage, following Megan off the yacht. A business vehicle pulled up to the dock ramp, ready to take Megan, Hawke, and Claire. Although it was a distance away, Gretchen spotted that Megan was accompanied by Hawke Osment. Her suspicions rose. The vehicle departed the ramp, leaving the yacht dock, heading straight for Century City. ... On the way, Megan commented, "Your business is really taking off; even the LAPD is getting involved." Hawke replied honestly, "Just a matter of coincidence." Megan countered, "When opportunity knocks, it''s your skills that will make the difference." Upon arriving in Century City, the vehicle halted at the Fox Tower''s entrance, and everyone rode the elevator up to the Midnight Entertainment studio. Megan clapped her hands together emphatically. "Alright, everyone, let''s move! Adjust the electronic backgrounds in the studio; we''re handling the 12 PM noon news today." Everyone was taken aback, the director asked, "Is there breaking news?" "Super news!" Megan said quickly, "Something we can track in multiple reports." An assistant producer immediately led the charge. Megan instructed Claire, "Go and secure $300,000 in funding. Cynthia has already approved it, so hurry." Claire set off to fulfill her task. Hawke made his way to the reception area, awaiting contracts and checks. Megan stopped him. "Are you free tomorrow morning?" "Can''t do mornings," Hawke explained, "Today''s events aren''t over, and I need to supplement my report at LAPD, handle some evidence storage matters." His fishing slingshot and fish harpoons were temporarily held by LAPD. Suddenly, a commotion spilled out from the studio entrance. Megan shifted her gaze, whispering, "Cynthia Rosenberg has arrived." Hawke looked toward the incoming woman at the door. A middle-aged lady stepped in. It was hard to judge her looks, but her surname denoted a likely Jewish background. Megan provided introductions between the two. Cynthia gave Hawke a light handshake. "I''ve heard of you; you often catch major news." Hawke affirmed, "Indeed, I''ve contributed to Fox on several headlines." "You''re doing well -- keep it up," Cynthia remarked, casually charting a prosperous path. "Fox values every partnership." Megan and Cynthia headed to the producer''s office. ... Hawke waited for a time in the reception area before Claire returned with the agreement. As usual, Hawke signed the licensing agreement and soon received the check. At 11:30 AM, the LAPD press conference at the Santa Monica Yacht Club commenced on time, with Suzy presenting the yacht trafficking case and armed robbery against crew members. Soon, Dwayne Johnson and Erica Ferguson took the stage. Suzy highlighted the duo''s heroic actions during the ordeal. Director Eric Emerson, actress Lauren Hashian, and the yacht captain joined them, extending their gratitude to Erica and Dwayne. However, several journalists raised concerns during the session, with many claiming Eric and the others supposedly missed witnessing both Dwayne and Erica in action during their intoxicated slumber. Suzy refrained from clarifying or allowing Erica and Dwayne to rebut. As noon approached, a large screen in the hall lit up and switched to Fox Channel 11. To everyone''s surprise, the previously entertainment-themed Megan Taylor was now co-hosting the midday news. In a collective gasp, the audience saw Megan report the exclusive breaking news. The video footage captured by Hawke displayed various segments as broadcast on television. For a moment, the hall fell into silence, accompanied only by muffled voices from the footage. Once the video concluded, someone from the audience broke into applause. Suddenly, the hall erupted with claps. Others shouted: "You''re heroes! Erica Ferguson, you''re a hero! Dwayne Johnson, you''re a hero too!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 101: This Cursed World [Chapter 102: This Cursed World] In a reception room at the Los Angeles Police Department. Hawke finished taking his statement and grabbed a few newspapers from the rack to browse through. Yesterday''s news had made the front page of the . "Brave Act: Female Detective Teams Up with Hollywood Star to Rescue Victims and Break Up Drug Ring!" The most eye-catching photos displayed two sets of images featuring Erica and Johnson. One set showcased Erica in full gear and a still from Johnson''s role in . The other included snapshots from a news video, showing Erica on a yacht, gun in hand, while Johnson took down a thug with a bear hug. Strictly speaking, such news stories didn''t carry as much societal weight as Hollywood stars'' gossip scandals. But one involved a beautiful detective and the other a Hollywood newcomer, causing the buzz to rise significantly. The headlines of other newspapers were inevitably about Erica and Johnson, but especially in the entertainment tabloids, Johnson was the talk of the town. focused not only on yesterday''s news but also featured an extensive article about Johnson''s upcoming role in , where he would portray a SWAT officer. Hollywood productions had a knack for sniffing out stories, and surely the studio had paid for the press coverage. Such a good opportunity for press promotion couldn''t be ignored; that wasn''t the Hollywood way. Hawke heard noises outside, stood up, and walked to the window, finding the entrance of the police department packed with reporters. Erica was bound to become a star at LAPD. The door to the reception room opened, and someone came in, notifying Hawke that he could leave now. ... Hawke grabbed his briefcase, left the reception room, and arrived at the main hall of the office building, where a guy was coming downstairs. It was Brian Ferguson, whom he had met on the boat the day before. Brian greeted him, "Hey, buddy." Hawke shook his hand, "Didn''t expect to see you here." Brian replied, "I''m Erica''s lawyer, here to handle some legal matters." He casually pulled out a business card and handed it to Hawke. "If you need legal assistance, feel free to call me." Hawke accepted the card and took out his own to hand over. "My studio mainly deals with crisis PR consulting and business strategy planning. If you need anything, give me a call." Brian took it, nodding towards the exit, "Let''s leave together." Hawke responded, "I''ve finished my business here." "Let''s go." Brian walked with him outside and said, "I heard Erica say you''re good at helping people deal with crises?" Hawke simply replied, "I''ve helped many people, not only clearing their scandals but also helping them become leaders in their fields." Brian, being well aware of his cousin''s character, saw he wasn''t joking around. He immediately asked, "Have you dealt with the political sphere?" Hawke shook his head, "Not yet." He took the initiative to ask, "Why, are you planning to get into politics?" "Not really," Brian replied with a slight sense of resignation. "But some things aren''t for me to decide alone." Hawke was curious and inquired, "What does your family do?" Brian looked surprised. "You don''t know?" Hawke simply explained, "I''m shooting buddies with Erica; she likes shooting, and we used to shoot together." Brian thought for a moment and vaguely answered, "Well, we have a large family; some engage in politics, some in business, some like me just kind of float around, and others like Erica are PDs." ???o??????? The two exited through a side door and entered the parking lot. Hawke prepared to get into his car while Brian sized him up. Despite his simple attire, Hawke wore a tailored suit and a Rolex watch. He had an ordinary appearance but radiated a mild confidence. Brian knew he would eventually go into politics and needed to establish a base; thinking of Hawke''s industry, he chuckled, "We should grab a drink sometime." He made sure to remind him, "If you stumble upon some interesting Hollywood scandals, don''t forget to give me a call." Hawke replied, "No problem." They shook hands once more before heading to their cars. ... Hawke drove to the bank to cash in yesterday''s checks. While passing by the Beverly Shopping Center, he noticed a commercial on the outdoor screen featuring Johnson in "The Real Hero of Hollywood: Dwayne Johnson!" The ad was clearly newly produced. Hawke''s phone rang; it was Erica calling. She said, "I''ll be really busy these next few days, so I might not have time to go shooting." Hawke understood, "Just give me a ring when you''re free." Erica answered briefly, "Sure." ... After hanging up, Hawke drove back to East Hollywood and parked on Fountain Street, entering the studio. Edward was organizing cameras and equipment, preparing to shoot that afternoon, while Frank sat at the desk, sipping free beer and munching on sausages, looking quite content. He saw Hawke return, "Did you shoot that video with the LAPD girl and that fake wrestler?" Hawke sat at the desk in front of the computer, replying, "That was me." Frank nodded, "You''re even better than I thought." Edward looked up and said, "Boss, I really regret not going with you." "What could you have done?" Frank mocked, "Go eat fried chicken and drink watermelon juice?" Edward shot him a middle finger, "Shut your ugly mouth." Frank went on, "If you had gone, you''d just be a hindrance. Didn''t you see the news coverage video? That LAPD girl is impressive, and Johnson''s strong too, whereas you don''t even know how to farm cotton!" He looked at Hawke, "You guys took out a few bad guys using your handcrafted slingshots. Isn''t that a great feeling? The last time we made slingshots, what are we going to make next?" Hawke displayed a middle finger from behind the monitor. Edward asked, "Boss, regarding the LAPD report, were those guys from the Mule Gang?" Hawke stated, "The Mule Gang is employing new methods for distribution. LAPD and DEA are currently targeting yacht clubs for a major sweep." "Be careful of retaliation from the Mule Gang," Edward suggested. Compared to Edward, who grew up on the streets, Frank was less concerned, "Just a dealer organization; they''re not even a big deal. Now that they''re in LAPD''s sights, they won''t have time to protect themselves." Some things, he understood but didn''t voice. The faces on display were star Johnson and the LAPD girl, while Hawke, that cunning guy, hid in the back; if the Mule Gang sought revenge, they would probably target those two first. ... Hawke checked his email; one new email came from a brokerage firm in Jeffrey City, Wyoming. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Before coming to Los Angeles, he had been to Wyoming, investigating basic information about Hawke Osment. The Osment family had little population. After their small ranch went bankrupt, his parents passed away early. Hawke Osment himself left the area before he turned 18, with friends and relatives so few they were negligible. No one knew where he went until Hawke found his driver''s license in a cabin in Provo. Hawke had done some investigation too and could basically confirm that this person was likely a skeleton at the bottom of Lake Utah. Wyoming was vast and sparsely populated; in over 250,000 square kilometers, fewer than 40,000 people resided. Before leaving Wyoming, Hawke had asked the brokerage firm in Jeffrey City to keep an eye out for small farms or ranches for sale. The email from the brokerage firm notified him of a small auction taking place recently in Jeffrey City. After reading the email, Hawke called to book a flight. Jeffrey City was a very small town, so he needed to fly to Buffalo first and then drive there. ... After booking the ticket, he told Edward, "I''ll be flying back to Wyoming tonight and might stay there for a few days. Here at the studio, you take photos based on tip-offs. Put other matters on hold for now, and we''ll talk about them when I return." Edward assured, "Boss, don''t worry, I''ll take care of the place." Frank''s sarcasm continued, "Given the nature this guy, he''ll probably sell off all your belongings and make a run for it." He suddenly said, "You might as well leave the studio to me." Hawke shot back, "Your ex-wife will be there tomorrow to tear the studio apart for cash." Hearing his ex-wife mentioned, Frank lost his appetite, as the free beer and sausages tasted like horse pee mixed with splinters. The old man bagged his leftovers and left without a word. Hawke went to pack his luggage. Edward followed him and said, "Boss, on Saturday, Deborah took me to visit Downey." Hawke turned to him, puzzled. "To the cemetery," Edward quickly explained. "This was my idea, and Deborah agreed; we bought flowers together and visited Downey. I assured him Deborah would be fine with me looking after her; he could rest easy." Hawke patted his shoulder, "You''re a good subordinate; I''ve decided to raise your weekly salary by $200." Even if a savior did nothing, the emotional support alone warranted that extra $200. ... Hawke finished packing his luggage and flew to Wyoming that night, renting a Mercedes G-Class in Buffalo, arriving in Jeffrey City, and then attending the farm auction, eventually purchasing the small ranch that had once belonged to the Osment family. The ranch was given to the brokerage firm for basic maintenance. He then found the graveyard of the Osment couple and, adhering to local customs, presented two bouquets of marigolds. Hawke managed his affairs with money in Wyoming, handling several matters before leaving after nearly a week. ... In Sherman Oaks, inside a villa. "That''s it for today; I''ll take my leave now." A Black girl waved at Josh Hartnett, leaving the villa without looking back. She got into her car and called PR manager Julius, saying, "The impact isn''t good. The media has recently been mentioning me and Josh Hartnett, both sarcastically saying he took a Black girlfriend to redeem himself. Being with him didn''t create that one-plus-one-is-greater-than-two effect; it dragged me down instead." Julius, also Josh''s PR, tried to persuade her, "This is only half a month in; the media and public will naturally have doubts, but over time, they''ll get used to it, and the criticism will fade." The Black girl wasn''t naive, "The criticisms surrounding Josh Hartnett indeed will gradually fade, but what benefits do I get? I''ve recently been rejected by a project from a Black director''s crew." Julius wanted to say something more, but the Black girl wouldn''t give him the chance, cutting him off: "Let''s leave it at that; don''t waste your time on me. You can find someone better. I have an appointment with a journalist today, and I''ll tell them we''re just friends." ... After hanging up, Julius quickly called Josh''s agent, Will. They both arrived at Josh Hartnett''s home. As soon as they entered, a strong smell of alcohol hit them. Josh Hartnett had opened a bottle of whiskey, drinking it alone. Almost half of the large bottle was already gone. Will rushed over, grabbed the bottle, and pulled it aside, saying, "At this rate, you''ll ruin yourself and have no second option." But Josh shook his head, " rejected my audition, and so did the crew. I''ve been abandoned by Hollywood." Will warned, "If you give up now, not only will the crews abandon you, but the agency will too!" Josh raised his drink again. Will decided to take a hard approach. "Do you know the consequences? Your mortgaged house will be taken by the bank, your car will be taken by the bank, and you won''t even be able to pay next year''s taxes; you''ll be homeless." He slammed his palm down on the table, adding, "What happens to a guy like you living on the streets? Those street folks will use you like a toilet!" "If I stay in Hollywood, I''ll just be a toilet or a toilet brush." Josh retorted while he put down his glass, his hands running through his hair, "This relationship with my Black girlfriend backfired; is there any other way?" Julius added, "Learn from Steve Nutt. Find a Black girl, get married, and get her pregnant as soon as possible." "I''d rather go homeless." Josh revealed the crux of the problem: "I''m just a new star, not a superstar; after waiting so long, how many will still remember me?" The public relations manager reminded Will: "There are rumors circulating that Steve Nutt and his Black son, originally a scandal, turned the situation around through incredible maneuverings, gaining tremendous fame and becoming a leading figure in the Black empowerment movement." "Are you implying we should reach out to Steve Nutt?" Julius asked. Josh widened his eyes, "That bastard has always been attacking me. If he weren''t attacking, I wouldn''t be in this position now." Will, being a competent agent, advised, "That doesn''t matter; what matters is benefits! Benefits come first." Julius concurred, "Apologize to Steve. Let''s go and ask him for help pointing a way out." To exonerate himself from accusations of racism, Josh broke up with his girlfriend Ellen, and started dating a Black girl, already investing a lot. Giving up now meant throwing away all the previous investments. He dared to demand roles while serving as the crew''s associate producer; taking the initiative to seek out Steve now wasn''t out of the question. His bottom line had been crossed not long after entering Hollywood; Josh was gradually retreating. Will, through his connections, soon found the contact for Steve''s agent and quickly reached out to Biles. They agreed to meet, but required Josh to apologize to the Black community and film it for media release. Will easily guessed their motive -- leveraging Steve''s strong charisma and prestige to compel the allegedly racist Hollywood star to apologize to a Black person. This was also an opportunity for Steve to gain further recognition. Under Will''s persuasion, Josh endured; after all, he wouldn''t throw away his path to stardom. ... The next morning, Josh Hartnett, accompanied by Will and Julius, arrived at the Los Angeles branch of the NAACP, publicly apologizing and confessing under the gaze of numerous media representatives. Josh felt utterly humiliated. But the media didn''t care about his apology; they didn''t care about his attitude. All eyes were fixated on Steve Nutt, who unsurprisingly received a roaring applause. Recently, he had started to shift his focus toward the empowerment movement. How much money could a professional baseball career provide? This could bring a lifetime of wealth and even opportunities for erecting a statue. Steve addressed the crowd, delivering a speech. Miss Caroline Jones''s script allowed Steve to bask in the spotlight. Josh stared dumbly at Steve, who seemed to possess a magical power, effortlessly stirring the emotions of reporters and the audience present. He wanted to be like that. But reality was harsh; he was a textbook example of how not to act in a crisis. As the commotion continued, two hours passed. ... Steve met with Will and Josh in a reception room. Will cautiously asked, "Mr. Nutt, I wonder if Biles conveyed our intentions to you?" "I know about this matter," Steve said gracefully, tearing off a sheet of note paper, scribbling on it before handing it over: "You should reach out to Hawke Osment at West Coast Media Entertainment Studio. Whether he can be moved depends on how much you''re willing to invest." Josh took the slip, which contained an address and phone number. He was unfamiliar with West Coast Media Entertainment Studio and Hawke Osment, but he figured that even if he ended up doing something embarrassing, it wouldn''t be that big of a deal. Steve left. Will and Josh followed. Josh wasn''t willing to give up, speeding up to catch up with Steve, whispering, "We have no grudges; why are you being like this?" "We have no personal grudge; I don''t even know you," Steve replied, appearing radiantly like a divine figure, "But you have undermined the very foundation upon which our society and country exist." Josh froze, feeling as though he and Steve were operating on entirely different wavelengths. Steve had achieved his aim, pointing to Caroline Jones, who was preparing to leave, "That''s my PR manager, Caroline Jones. She''s friends with Hawke Osment; you should reach out to her for help." ... Will saw the woman in red heels leaving, quickly ran toward her, waving, "Miss Jones! Miss Jones, please wait!" Caroline paused, watching as Josh Hartnett and his manager hurried toward her. She suddenly wanted to kick off her heels and make a run for it. She suspected they might have caught on to what she had been involved in. But upon seeing Steve approach and the numerous Black individuals around, she held her head a bit higher. For the first time, Caroline realized that Black individuals could provide a sense of security. Will approached her, introducing himself, and said to Caroline, "I heard you''re friends with Hawke Osment at West Coast Studio. Could you introduce us?" Josh added, "I really need to get out of this predicament; money is not an issue." If he could be like Steve, he could sell off his current assets because he''d earn them back quickly, and probably even earn more. Even though Caroline Jones had seen a lot of the entertainment industry''s absurdities, she was momentarily stunned. Caroline instinctively turned to glance at the sun overhead, realizing the direction was indeed right. A guy who had been driven to the ground by a country idiot named Hawke was seeking help from him? This world was truly cursed! ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 102: I Would Pay Any Price [Chapter 103: I Would Pay Any Price] Century City, Beverly Business Club. Hawke, dressed in a sharp suit, arrived at the door with his aide Edward and asked the receptionist a question. The pretty receptionist led the two to a private room. Caroline was sitting outside the room with an Hermes bag, sporting a strange look on her face. Hawke noticed her expression and asked, "What''s up? Did you accidentally eat some shit?" "Hey, you country bumpkin!" Caroline snapped, "I''m trying to introduce business for you; can you be a bit respectful?" Hawke feigned respect, asking, "What''s the deal? Who''s the client? You didn''t say when I called." Caroline was deliberately withholding, taking the lead, "You''ll know when you get inside." ... Hawke followed her into the room and, to his surprise, found himself facing Josh Hartnett. What a small world. Caroline, trying to stifle her laughter, introduced the two, clearly pleased with herself. They shook hands and took their seats. Will jumped straight to the point, "Hawke, I don''t know if you''ve been following the news about Josh. He''s in a lot of trouble; he''s been cut from three projects in a row." He detailed the situation Josh had faced that morning, alongside some recent trouble including issues with his Black girlfriend. After Johnson signed his contract, Hawke had finished that business and tossed it aside. Who would''ve thought that the failed party would seek him out for help, not to cause trouble but rather for crisis PR? What a mess! Hawke quickly adjusted himself and remarked, "Getting a Black girlfriend isn''t a bad way to go, but it needs to be long-term. A short-term relationship could lead to public backlash, where critics deride you for merely having a Black girlfriend." Josh sighed, "That''s right." He added with a hint of disappointment, "The other side has publicly stated we''re just friends." Hawke said directly, "Actually, your PR manager''s method wasn''t wrong. If you keep at it, even if all else fails, a staged marriage could help deflect this incident from public attention, and then you could gradually make your return." "That would take too long," Josh said impatiently. "Hollywood is too competitive. Hundreds or thousands of people compete for each spot; many have better acting skills than me. My past luck was just coincidence, and it''d be hard to strike lightning twice." He had seen countless stars rise and fall: "It''s too hard to get famous again." Hawke understood now, "You want to shake off the negatives in a short time and create some buzz to re-enter the public and media''s eye, right?" "Exactly," Josh replied, but having seen Steve Nutt earlier, he wished for more. "If I could be a unique symbol like Steve Nutt and become synonymous with discussions, that would be perfect." R????????????? Will looked at Josh, doubting that request''s feasibility. Even at his peak, when was released, Josh''s media impact was average, primarily focused on negative perceptions like lacking skills and the vacant look in his eyes. Hawke was deep in thought. If time were extended, this wouldn''t be difficult at all, but the closer Josh got to the issues related to his race, the more backlash he would face. After a moment''s contemplation, Hawke couldn''t help but curse internally: what a mess! Wasn''t he digging his own grave? Hawke stated, "Becoming a unique symbol like Steve Nutt won''t be that easy." Josh''s star dream ignited once more with Will''s encouragement: "I''m willing to pay any price!" Hawke shook his head. "It won''t get that serious." Will chimed in, "Fans and audiences are forgetful -- if we take it slow, one day they''ll forget about Josh''s trouble and forget about him, especially since he''s just a new star, not an A-lister." Hawke pondered for a moment before saying, "Here''s the deal: you provide me with comprehensive material on Josh, including his personal background, past films, connections in the industry, and dating history, the more detailed the better." On their way here, Will had asked Caroline, and he learned that Hawke himself had catapulted Steve Nutt to his current status. Without hesitation, he said, "Give me some time to prepare." Josh felt a sense of hope: "Can you really do that?" Hawke laid out his conditions, "I''ll review your materials and think of a solution. If I can create a plan, I''ll reach out to discuss signing a contract; otherwise, I''ll return the materials without any charge." Josh found that very reliable: "Okay." Hawke exchanged contact information with both of them before leaving the Beverly Club. Josh and Will left first in their cars. ... After they''d left, Hawke turned to Caroline and said, "Miss Baa, come with me." Caroline clutched her Hermes handbag to her chest, "What do you want?" Hawke pulled out a $5 bill, handing it to her, "Let''s chat about a $5 topic." Caroline took the money, following him to a shaded area where she stated, "Don''t misunderstand; I''m just trying to introduce business for you." Her eyes sparkled with dollar signs, "If you land this deal, don''t forget my commission." "I''ll deliver," Hawke replied as he glanced at her red heels. "I''ll chop off your red hooves and make a soup for you." Caroline bristled, "I''m genuinely trying to help you grab clients..." Hawke cut her off: "Oh really? You seem more interested in watching the show." Caroline laughed, enjoying herself: "I just want to see how you dig your own hole and then climb back out." Hawke wasn''t joking: "Do you have any ideas?" Out of nowhere, Edward chimed in, "Take him to Compton to streetwalk, specifically catering to Black clients, then film it..." "You can shut up," Caroline interjected. "Time is the best remedy, but he''s too impatient." Hawke stated, "He''s a star; right now, he''s a fallen star. Seeing Steve''s presence and charisma, being envious and jealous could lead to a warped mindset -- that''s normal." With Steve drawn into the conversation, Caroline sought to add her thoughts: "Since becoming a champion for rights, Steve''s performance has declined on the field." Hawke shrugged, "That''s beyond my control; my contract with Steve has ended." Caroline pivoted back to Josh: "What''ve you thought of?" Hawke shook his head, "Not yet; don''t worry; if I think of something, I won''t give you a commission. This is a business introduced by Steve." Money meant everything to her. "I only want five percent." Hawke successfully maneuvered his leverage, saying, "If I use your skills, I''ll personally pay your stakes." Caroline quickly avowed, "I''m on call for anything." ... Hawke sent her away before getting into the Mondeo, instructing Edward to drive back while sitting in the passenger seat, deep in thought. Without debating difficulty or ease, a client had come to the door, and with anything possible, he must work to strike a significant deal. Once the two returned to the studio, Edward received a call from a news tipster, asking him to head out and shoot some photos. Hawke conducted an internet search on Josh Hartnett, the Irish-American star had debuted in 1997, gaining true fame from Sofia Coppola''s . He later starred in Michael Bay''s war blockbuster . That cheesy love triangle film had one of its main characters, but Hawke recognized it did well for Ben Affleck since he had a well-connected network. Josh Hartnett and Kate Beckinsale''s careers only progressed moderately. Suddenly, Hawke''s Nokia ringtone played; it was Johnson calling. Hawke answered, jokingly teasing, "The great hero -- looking for me about something?" Johnson, busy rehearsing, revealed, "It''s not me looking for you; it''s Joanna Faith." Hawke remembered her: "Allison''s mother." "Right; she chatted with you on the boat, didn''t she?" Johnson quickly responded. "You promised to review Allison''s materials." Hawke said, "Have her come find me at Fountain Street." Johnson replied, "I told her to head straight over, but she insisted on getting me to call you first. She''ll be on her way now." After hanging up, Hawke waited no more than half an hour before someone knocked at the door. He opened it to find Joanna, carrying a briefcase, standing outside. ... Hawke invited her in and grabbed a bottle of water. "Thanks," she replied, opening the case and presenting a large stack of materials. "I''ve been gathering information about Allison since we got off the boat. It was too much to sort through until today." Hawke asked, "I remember you mentioned Allison was taking a sexy route with her new album?" Joanna confirmed, "Yes, the song style is fierce, and the MV will push some boundaries, but you know... the best songwriting resources won''t land into hands like Allison''s." Hawke wasn''t surprised by that; if Allison could easily regain a foothold, Joanna wouldn''t need him. Recalling Allison''s provocative behavior on the yacht, Hawke, to avoid a hellish launch, warily reminded, "Jo, with the new album set to drop, you should really reign Allison in." "She hit her rebellious phase a bit late, and frankly, I don''t know why she''s so keen on casual encounters," Joanna lamented. "I''m trying my best to keep her in check." Hawke glanced at her deeply toned skin and asked, "One more thing, does your situation resemble Dwayne''s, having some Black blood?" Joanna readily admitted, "Allison and I are both biracial Black." "I see," Hawke accepted the materials she offered. "I''ll study these closely, and I''ll reach out when I have ideas." Joanna stood up, saying, "I won''t disturb you further; Allison is set to shoot her first single''s MV soon, and I need to oversee her to keep her grounded for a few days." Hawke walked her out and returned to reviewing the stack of information. ... Joanna got into her car, and when her phone rang, she answered, "What''s up?" It was the bank: "Miss Faith, your mortgage and commercial loan extensions are due to expire in 30 days; please ensure payment is made on time." "I know," Joanna hung up and banged on the steering wheel, overwhelmed by the pressure like a madwoman. After a long interval, she regained her composure and called a friend at the bank, seeking a second extension. The response there was merely, "Try this form." Joanna started her car and went to Beverly Hills, returning home. ... It was a grand villa with a garden; alongside her Porsche in the garage, two luxury cars stood still. Maintaining a lavish lifestyle was no easy feat, and the mortgage was intimidatingly high. Joanna didn''t wish for a downgrade; she made several calls to request more loans. She fully understood, as long as Allison regained fame, her daughter would become a cash cow, rendering the current difficulties negligible. Prior to the divorce litigation, Joanna had invested heavily in acquiring luxury houses and cars, building a lifestyle to rival the top echelons while seizing her daughter in the process. She was a mother, sure, but she thought about the returns Allison would yield. The person Joanna envied most was Jamie Spears, for he had a daughter named Britney. Suddenly, noise came from upstairs. Joanna rushed up, noticing her daughter''s door ajar and two older boys going wild dancing inside. "Get out! Get out of here!" Joanna''s head spun as she threw something at them. The stoned boys, though not completely out of it, hopped up, grabbed their clothes, and fled. Joanna entered the room and nearly died from frustration. Allison was crouched on the floor, her face covered in cum. Joanna picked up a towel and threw it upon her head, "Can''t you show a little self-respect?" "You used to do this, too," Allison nonchalantly wiped her face, "I learned it from you." Joanna was at a loss for words; her actions had evidently influenced a young Allison. Allison''s words cut deeply, "Mom, you always told me to learn from you and never from Dad. I''ve been trying to emulate you." Joanna''s vision went dark, clutching the door frame, imploring, "Before the album launches, please stop acting out this way, this is my only plea." "But I become bored after two days -- what then?" Allison reflected, appearing almost addicted. Joanna gritted her teeth, returning to her room to fetch a vibrator before tossing it to Allison, "Use this." Allison pointed at the item, laughing. Joanna went downstairs, sulking on the couch, wishing Allison would behave like Britney. ... The boys hastily threw on clothes and exited Joanna''s home ready to hop in a roadside vehicle. One pulled out the latest camera phone, scrolling through their gallery, telling the other, "Check it out; my shots turned out pretty decent." The other leaned in closer, viewing close-ups of Allison covered in cum. The first one flipped the pages, filled with close-ups of her face. Some even included their antics together. After putting away his phone, he started the engine, "Alright, let''s go and take our time enjoying these." "Yeah, let''s savor this, our washed-up star is still something special." ... Fountain Street, West Coast Studio. After hours of reading the files, Hawke grew disoriented and walked to the window to gaze at the neighboring pasture park. That used business van rolled back in just then, and Edward got out juggling his work bag, returning to the studio. "Did you get some exclusives?" Hawke inquired. Edward sighed, "When I got there, everyone had left." Hawke considered, "In the future, unless you encounter significant news, skip the celebrities'' shopping sprees and fights." Thinking long-term, he added, "Use this time to learn other skills, like video editing, photo processing, and writing." Edward was shocked, "Boss, I''ll stick to fieldwork; that''s what I''m best at." Hawke shook his head, "You''re good at running away." Edward chuckled, scratching his head, "I''ll always be at the forefront of strenuous and risky work." Speaking of danger, Hawke recalled, "So, did you pass that shooting range test?" "Uh..." Edward hurriedly replied, "Once I have time, I''ll go." Hawke insisted, "Like the yacht incident, these scenarios could arise again. When the time comes, will I be running ahead or you?" Edward promised, "Boss, I assure you, I''ll finish this month." Just then, a ringtone chimed; Edward answered, conversing with the caller for a moment. After hanging up, he said, "DaShawn called; he mentioned the Mexican man Campos''s condition isn''t good; he''s been suffering from a high fever." Hawke recalled him, at the back door of the Ackerman Community Shelter, giving that warning to watch out for the Mule Gang. Edward turned to Hawke, "Should we help?" Hawke recalled the long-gone signs of using a gun likely left on Campos''s hands and responded, "Visit the Ackerman shelter to check on him; if he has legal status, take him to a hospital. If not, head over to Koreatown; I''ll be waiting at the intersection from Beverly Boulevard to Koreatown. There''s a clinic there; as long as you pay, they''ll treat him." "I''m on it," Edward replied enthusiastically, packing up to head out. ... Hawke grabbed essential items and cash before he exited as well, driving straight to Koreatown. Soon, he arrived at Beverly Boulevard, finding a parking spot. Not long after waiting, he got a call from Edward: "Campos doesn''t have legal status." Hawke wasted no time, "Come to Koreatown." On the other end, Edward hung up, instructing the big and small guys to lift Campos into a vehicle, bringing both of them along to drive to Koreatown. Their progress was smooth, and they met up at Beverly Boulevard. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Follow me," Hawke signaled toward the business vehicle as they drove into Koreatown, turning into a nearby community with their car stopping behind a clinic. Hawke stepped out to knock, and an Asian mixed boy opened the door. Hawke didn''t waste his breath, handing over two $100 bills: "There''s a patient -- he''s homeless." The mixed-race boy opened the door, eyed Campos tightly, checking his forehead before lifting his eyelids and gesturing, "There''s a wheelchair behind the door; just roll him inside." Hawke positioned the wheelchair beside the van. The big and small men assisted in lifting Campos onto the wheelchair. The Asian pointed at the first two men, adding, "They look too scary; wait outside." Hawke had them wait in their car as he accompanied Edward into the clinic. On Campos''s leg, a wound was badly infected from a lack of treatment, which had recently worsened with hot weather inducing a fever. Fortunately, it wasn''t a critical situation. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 103: Scandal [Chapter 104: Scandal] After being checked over, Hawke went to pay; the clinic was accustomed to such business and immediately quoted $2,000 for treatment fees. Edward was annoyed: "Are you robbing us?" Hawke intervened, taking out cash to pay the chubby woman at the front desk. On their way back, Edward commented, "In Compton, they''d charge at most $500." "Can they cure him?" Hawke inquired. Edward answered, "Depends on whether God favors him." The two returned to the diagnosis room and could see through the glass door that a nurse was administering IV fluids to Campos. Hawke waited in the hallway, continuing to contemplate the previous two undertakings. He still had some ideas regarding Allison but nothing for Josh yet. He had dug his own pit, making it difficult to fill. Noticing Hawke was lost in thought, Edward decided to remain silent, waiting patiently. Only faced with situations involving Nicole or Deborah would his thoughts frantically race; foreverything else? Not so much. For instance, his last suggestion for Josh Hartnett to streetwalk in Compton had been dismissed by Miss Baa''s mocking laughter. Others may have seen that as a joke, but Edward meant every word seriously. ... The clinic provided catering services, so Edward returned with a couple of snacks and drinks. A while later, the nurse returned, announcing Campos was improving and was awake. Edward grabbed a couple of snacks and beverages to enter again. A moment later, he re-emerged and told Hawke, "Boss, that butterfly wants to see you." Hawke opened the door to the examination room, leaving Edward stationed outside. As Campos drank some water, he recognized Hawke, "It''s you." Hawke pulled a chair beside him and asked, "Feeling better?" Edward sat beside the door, stating, "This is my boss, Hawke Osment, the founder of West Coast Media Entertainment Studio." "Why did you save me?" Campos inquired, sheltering his wariness. Hawke quickly fabricated a reason, "It''s simple; last time we met, you offered me a warning, thereby avoiding certain troubles. For that, I made some friends keep an eye out for you." ?????£Î??§§? Campos realized, "Those nice Black folks who look out for me are with you?" He instinctively touched his backside, "I thought they were coming to get me." Edward was displeased, "Hey buddy, they may look scary, but they have good hearts, and they detest faggots." Campos ignored the unpleasant topic and asked Hawke, "Has the Mule Gang been after you?" Hawke evaded, "With you lacking legal status, you need to stay put and nurse your wounds; don''t run around." After glancing at the bandage on Campos''s leg, he fell silent for a moment and asked directly, "What do you want from me?" Hawke turned his gaze to Campos''s right hand, "Who are you?" Campos thought for a moment. Edward couldn''t help but shake his head, "With how we''re treating you, let alone these Black street homeless folks, if we alerted immigration, do you think it''d be dire?" He then added, "We''re footing the $2,000 bill! Do you grasp what that means? With $2,000, we could hire street trash to take out ten of you!" Campos took a deep breath, slowly answering, "I''m a Mexican, a narcotics officer; I used to take my work seriously, wanting to do something for my hometown." Hawke had a hunch about that; in Mexico, decent narcotics officers are weary of taking their job seriously; if they do, problems ensue. Sure enough, Campos continued, "By sheer chance, I intercepted a vehicle with large quantities of product; I even caught two dealers on the spot. I initially believed this was the best breakthrough to take down the local biggest trafficking organization, then reported my findings to my captain." Edward jumped in, "You were sold out." "Exactly; the captain I deemed righteous -- most of the bureau was full of their people," Campos lamented, his face contorted in agony. "We were sold out, and my comrades got killed in plain view -- those who came after me were my colleagues!" He seemed to have lost his resolve: "Fortunately, I was trained well, fighting to escape, though I''ll never shake off what those comrades said." Without prompting, Campos continued, "They told me the reason I became a narcotics officer in Mexico was just to facilitate their bribery, or to switch sides and become a trafficker myself." Hawke stated, "Your experience could be adapted into a Hollywood film." Campos mustered a faint smile, "Subsequently, I became a fugitive after killing several comrades; I had to escape, blending into the waves of refugees coming from South America, wandering through Tijuana into California and ending up in Los Angeles." Hawke directly asked, "What''s your full name? Which city do you hail from?" Reaching this point, Campos plainly stated, "Joaquin Garcia Rodriguez, from St. Louis City. I took the name Campos because I like butterflies, so you can call me Campos from now on." "First, take care of yourself and heal up," Hawke noted down his name and city, saying, "We''ll talk about the rest once you''re well again." Campos thanked him. Hawke prepared to leave: "Leave some cash and a phone for him. If anything comes up, he can call." Edward took out a gold-trimmed Motorola but quickly tucked it back in his pocket, pulling out a battered Nokia, placing it beside Campos. Hawke left some cash, then went outside with Edward to the van. Edward went to see the two Black guys. ... Hawke made his way downtown, searching for a public phone without surveillance. He donned a pair of gloves and dialed a number in Mexico. The other end picked up quickly, but there was silence. Hawke spoke with a thick Hollywood accent, "This is Phil Delno; I contacted you before." The person on the other end laughed, "I remember you; you sent a big fat sheep my way." The big fat sheep he referred to was Cole, Robert Downey Jr.''s companion. Hawke said, "Help me look into someone named Joaquin Garcia Rodriguez from St. Louis." The guy sounded surprised. "A wanted man from St. Louis? No problem, considering that fat sheep you sent last time, I''ll send someone to check it out, call back in an hour." ... Hawke confirmed and drove off from there, doing a huge loop around downtown Los Angeles. Here, heaven and hell intertwining was the norm. The area surrounding City Hall was one of Los Angeles''s most vibrant CBD locations, while just a few streets away lay neighborhoods brimming with homeless people. Farther south, there was the infamous Compton. Hawke arrived in North Hollywood and found another public pay phone. After a brief wait, he redialed the number. The person on the other end greeted him, "I found him; he does exist, but the situation isn''t quite what the warrant states..." Hawke listened carefully. The details were mostly consistent with what Campos had told him. Before Hawke could hang up, the guy said, "Hey man, next time you have a fat sheep, don''t forget to send it over." Hawke hung up without responding. That kind of sheep was hard to come by. ... When he returned to the studio and hadn''t even exited the car, his phone rang again. It was Josh Hartnett, who hastily asked, "Hawke, have you thought of a plan?" Hawke sighed, "Stay calm; I''ll get in touch with you once I have a solution." Josh replied, "I understand but it''s urgent, my situation is really dire. Will just submitted audition applications to two other productions, and they''ve just been rejected." Hawke said, "I''ll think of something and call you back. If I haven''t by the end of two days, I''ll let you know." Josh pressed, "You can do it; I know you can." He added, "Will is delivering documents to you." Hawke ended the call, thinking to himself that he wasn''t as confident as Josh seemed to be. ... Back in the studio, he found Josh''s agent Will waiting outside with a briefcase. Hawke invited him into the studio. Will placed the documents on the table and said, "Everything I could gather in the short term is right here." "You tell Josh to be patient; getting too anxious can lead to mistakes," Hawke said, opening the bag to take a look. "A background check is essential; we need to ensure we can formulate targeted strategies instead of making one mistake after another." Rushing into a relationship with a Black girlfriend had only added more pressure on Josh; Will remarked, "We''re waiting for good news from you. If you can''t find a solution, please let us know quickly." Hawke shook his hand, "I''ll give you a clear answer within three days, whether it''s good or bad." "Okay, I''ll take my leave now," Will said before departing from West Coast Studio. Hawke walked him out. ... Before the door even closed, Frank came in, holding an ashtray. Hawke casually dropped a dime in for him. Frank headed straight for the fridge. Once he grabbed something to eat and drink, Hawke asked, "You''ve had such a glorious past, you''ve got connections in Mexico, right?" Seeing Hawke offer him an opportunity to boast, the king of bragging replied quickly, "Of course! I''ve been with more Mexican actresses than you''ve met Mexican women. Do you know Salma Hayek? She was the last Mexican star I was with; I almost suffocated to death because of her boobs." Hawke set a trap for Frank to brag about himself, saying, "Since you know so many people, can you find out about someone for me?" Frank, now in a bind due to his own bragging, had to admit, "Who do you want me to look into? Just don''t drag me into your mess." "A wanted fugitive from the St. Louis Police Department named Joaquin Garcia Rodriguez." Hawke had specific ideas in mind, hoping to verify Campos''s identity, "Find out why he''s wanted, the real reason, and a picture would be great." With self-inflicted pride weighing heavy, Frank reluctantly promised, "Let me make a call first. It shouldn''t be a problem, but the photo might take a little longer to arrive from Mexico." "Thanks," Hawke said, knowing that he let Frank take food and drinks from the fridge because it served a purpose. When it came time to pull someone down, he wouldn''t hesitate. ... In Malibu, a beach villa area. West Voice Records rented a well-shielded beach house for filming a music video for one of its artists. At the top of the steps leading down to the front lawn, Joanna sat under a sun umbrella, watching Allison and a group of young men and women rehearsing their dance routine. With electronic music playing, Allison, in a bikini, slinked her body like a snake. Her suggestive dance movements, combined with her sexy figure, provoked all sorts of wild imagination. The choreographer occasionally halted the dancers to demonstrate, teaching Allison how to make the routine more alluring. The blend of electronic beats and seductive dance was always a perfect combination. With Allison''s sultry moves, it was even more enticing. The only regret Joanna had was that Allison couldn''t write her own songs, meaning they had to buy all her material from outside sources, which were difficult to secure. A young manager, Scott, walked over and took a seat beside Joanna. He glanced at the practice scene and said, "Jo, you need to keep a tight leash on Allison these days; don''t let her go wild. We''re at a crucial moment." Joanna replied, "I''m watching her twenty-four-seven. Other than our home in Beverly Hills, the recording studio, and here, I''m not letting her go anywhere." "That''s best," Scott noted, puzzled as to why a just-turned-adult girl would have such big cravings. Joanna worried and asked, "How''s the communication going with West Voice Records? Can they invest more resources in Allison?" Scott told the truth, "This company was only founded in ''97, and its capabilities are limited." "I know," Joanna acknowledged. "That''s why Allison, who was rejected by Universal, Sony, and Warner Brothers, ended up being signed by West Voice Records." If given a choice, she would prefer a major label. Scott then added, "But there''s good news; I heard from the company founder, Roger, that Bad Boy Records is interested in West Voice Records and may acquire it." He queried, "You should know this label; many of its artists have a similar background to you and Allison." Joanna confirmed, "Is it Diddy''s Bad Boy Records?" "Yes, that''s the one," Scott said simply. "It may not compare to Universal, Sony, and Warner Brothers, but Bad Boy has significant power, especially since Diddy himself has an expansive network. Artists like Puff Daddy, Lil'' Kim, and Mary J. Blige have all thrived under him." Joanna was well aware of these artists and remarked, "They''re all Black." She thought it was a good thing, saying, "Hopefully, this acquisition will go smoothly." Scott added, "Roger, the founder and major shareholder of West Voice Records, thinks the same." After several days, Joanna finally heard some good news. "Can you find a way to connect with Diddy? Let''s get ahead of the game." Scott thought it over and replied, "I''ll give it a try." ... On the lawn, two early promotional staff from West Voice Records arrived, setting up cameras to take some pre-promotion photos. Fergie snapped a few dance shots and called in an assistant to upload them into the house''s computer for processing. The assistant admired, "She has an amazing body." Fergie moved her mouse, selecting suitable photos and said, "Maybe mixed-race people have an innate advantage." After finalizing the images, they proceeded to another round of selection. As Fergie typed on the keyboard, she stated, "Let''s publish these by combining photos from Allison''s child star days with current ones, posting them on entertainment websites and pop music forums. Be sure to indicate that the little girl from back then has evolved into a sexy beauty now." The assistant, who had a close relationship with her, couldn''t help but add, "The kind that likes to mess around." "Let''s not bring that up in public," Fergie reminded her assistant, "You publish online, and I''ll send emails and call media outlets, trying to get Allison''s photos and stories in the news." The assistant got to work but didn''t forget to mention, "It''s tough without any money." Fergie knew this, saying, "Our budget is tight, so we need to invest focus on promotion at this stage." The assistant first posted on a pop music forum, uploading two sets of photos while introducing Allison''s upcoming album release. Next, they switched to another entertainment website. Fergie was busy making calls. While browsing Yahoo Entertainment, the assistant suddenly found a headline. ... "Pop Star Allison Faith Falls from Grace, Scandalous Photos Surface!" She quickly clicked it open, and the page displayed several shocking images with minimal text. Most of these images were close-ups of Allison''s face or full-body shots. Allison was seen kneeling on the ground, her face smeared with semen. While that could still be explained, other photos showed Allison with a dick. Yet none of the photos showed the owner of the dick. The assistant''s voice trembled, "Fergie, Fergie! You need to come see this, now!" Fergie hastily hung up the phone and hurried to the computer. The moment she saw the photos, she was dumbfounded. "Which site is this from?" Fergie hoped it was a small forum that could delete posts quickly... The assistant pointed to the logo on the webpage, "Yahoo Entertainment." "Oh no." Fergie quickly pulled out her phone to contact Yahoo. The response from the other side was clear; the news had already been published and could not be taken down. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. While still on the phone, the assistant checked other entertainment websites and exclaimed, "It''s on blogs too; a lot of big bloggers have re-shared the Yahoo Entertainment news." Fergie knew she couldn''t suppress it herself, immediately calling her boss Roger. Roger said he would come right over. ... Fergie rushed out and called for Joanna and Scott, "You two, come over here!" The two followed Fergie to the computer. Seeing the images nearly made Joanna faint; she quickly grabbed the table for support. Scott was taken aback too, asking, "Jo, are you sure it''s Allison?" Joanna, weakly responding, confirmed, "Yes, indeed." Scott, a capable agent, asked Fergie, "Are those photos fabricated?" "I assure you, they are not," the assistant replied. Scott pressed, "Have you contacted the website? Can they take it down quickly?" "It''s too late," Fergie answered. "By the time we discovered the news, it had already been re-shared by multiple websites and bloggers; it''s already out there." She added, "I''ve alerted my boss, Roger." Scott, not being a public relations manager, turned to Joanna and asked, "Where''s your publicist? Get her over here fast; if this isn''t handled properly, Allison won''t just have trouble releasing her album -- she''ll become a laughingstock across the nation." Joanna, unable to stand any longer, plopped down onto a nearby couch, suddenly thinking of Dwayne Johnson, shouting, "Hawke! Get Hawke Osment here, fast!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 104: Totally Crazy [Chapter 105: Totally Crazy] At the West Coast Media Entertainment Studio, Hawke put on a tailored suit while Edward also donned his custom-made ensemble. Hawke strapped on his Rolex gold watch and Edward fastened his Jaeger-LeCoultre strap. The two men walked out, with Hawke heading toward the Mondeo. But Edward said, "Boss, let''s take my Cadillac." Remembering that this vehicle was bought with his good buddy Robert Downey Jr.''s money, Hawke didn''t hesitate to take the passenger seat. Edward revved the engine and headed straight for Malibu. On the way, Hawke pulled out his laptop and connected to the internet to search for news about Allison. The pictures and articles had been shared by some bloggers and websites, but the buzz and traffic weren''t very high. Unlike Jennifer Lawrence in his previous life, who had already become an Oscar-winning actress at the peak of Hollywood, Allison was nowhere near that level now. The online media painted a clear picture; public and media opinion about her had stagnated, lingering on that of a once-popular child star who had vanished from the limelight. If this scandal wasn''t handled well, Allison''s chances of making a comeback could only rely on the San Fernando Valley. Thinking back to what he saw on the yacht, even if they managed to smooth things over this time, similar situations would definitely arise again. Allison was not simply careless; she was completely without restraint. People like her weren''t rare in the celebrity world, a typical example being Grace Kelly. Rumors circulated that whenever Grace entered a film crew, she claimed she could sleep with all the men involved -- from directors and producers to even the crew. The difference was that Grace was very famous and could pursue any romantic interest she chose without ulterior motives. Allison had already faded out; if she wanted to regain her former glory, she couldn''t afford to be reckless. Wasn''t this like starting in hell? Hawke closed his laptop, considering their options. The crisis presented an opportunity for him to make a bold request. ... As the Cadillac entered Malibu and turned into the coastal villa area, Edward quickly found the high-walled villa and parked right in front of it. Hawke called Joanna, scanning the area for any signs of paparazzi but found none. The electric gate opened, and Edward drove in. In the green front yard, Allison and her backup dancers were still practicing their dance routine, clearly oblivious to what had happened. The car came to a stop at the steps, and Hawke saw Joanna along with three others. As he got out, Joanna introduced everyone. The man was named Scott Braun, Allison''s manager. The woman was Fergie Encko, Allison''s publicity head. And there was a middle-aged man in his fifties, Roger West, the owner of West Voice Records. Hawke shook hands with each of them as they moved up the steps into the villa. Joanna emphasized, "Hawke is a crisis management expert. Without him, there would be no Steve Nutt today." Roger''s interest was piqued as he confirmed, "The star player for the Dodgers, Steve?" Hawke replied, "Due to a confidentiality agreement, I can''t disclose what happened, but I can assure you that every word Joanna said is true." Scott interjected, "I work with Biles at the same agency. He''s spoken highly of you. Impressive work." Roger had already invested considerable resources into Allison and wasn''t about to give up easily. He asked, "Do you have a way to salvage this scandal?" ????????????? "I checked the news online as I came in, and I can say it''s impossible to restore her image," Hawke replied frankly. "With just us here, we can''t fight back against internet opinion." He stated outright, "Internet opinion can only guide or shift; it can''t be confronted." Fergie asked, "Why can''t we just refute it?" Hawke glanced at her, casually saying, "There might be hundreds of thousands who have seen this news, and each person has their take. Do you think we can really debate right and wrong with them?" If a confrontation ensued, millions of armchair critics could pop up online, scrutinizing every detail. Not even God would withstand such nitpicking. Joanna, clearly agitated, suggested, "Should we release a statement saying it''s all false?" "Calm down," Hawke indicated to Edward. Edward quickly handed her a bottle of water. Joanna then recognized him as that smooth guy from the premiere of . She accepted the water, took a sip, and even flashed Edward a smile. Seeing her expression gave Hawke a headache, but business was business: "With a scandal of this magnitude out in the open, never rush to deny it, nor call it rumors; that will only backfire. What we need now is calmness and a strategy to solve the problem, not to rush into media and public scrutiny unprepared." As he spoke, both Scott and even Roger found something sensible in Hawke''s reasoning and started to trust him more. Hawke, having learned a tactic from Miss Baa, said, "Let''s all take three minutes of silence to cool off and let our emotions settle." The others complied, but Joanna found it hard to relax. Hawke had a trick and subtly signaled Edward about Joanna. Edward leaned in and whispered, "Jo, don''t worry. There''s no issue my boss can''t solve." Joanna nodded slightly, but what preoccupied her mind were the loans. If this incident caused Allison to completely fade away, she wouldn''t just lose her loans -- West Voice Records could potentially sue for breach of contract too. She had just taken out a loan against Allison''s record contract. Seeing her hopes of becoming the next Jamie Spears fade before dawn was hard to accept. ... Three minutes passed, and Hawke lightly clapped his hands, asking Joanna, "Do you know where the photo came from? Who''s the guy?" Joanna replied, "It might be from two boys a couple of days ago, but looking at the background, it could be someone else... Allison partied too hard. I''m not sure if there were others involved." "What? There are more?" Roger was nearly beside himself with rage. "I''m trying to build Allison into a pop star, not some bimbo from the Valley!" Joanna lowered her head. "I''m sorry; I didn''t manage her well." Roger was about to explode but was interrupted by Hawke: "We need to solve the problem, not create new ones." Scott advised Roger: "Let''s first focus on solutions." Sitting on a single couch, Roger pulled out his phone and quietly texted his assistant: ''Get me an appointment for a physical as soon as possible.'' He had reason to be anxious; he''d also been involved with Allison. No, to be clear, it had been her who had seduced him. With such reckless behavior, Roger felt uneasy. Hawke was already formulating an idea, but he first needed to clarify a few aspects since the method would be quite radical. He first asked Roger, "Allison''s new album is taking an electronic and sexy direction, similar to the dance practice I saw when I walked in; did it include risque content?" Roger answered, "Yes, we assessed that her looks and body are indeed her strengths." Hawke continued, "If a singer has significant buzz and becomes a representative figure of some kind, can that buzz translate into album sales?" If asked this question a decade later, the answer would have been obvious. Roger considered for a moment before answering, "It depends on how significant that buzz is. Back in the ''70s and ''80s, probably not. But in the last decade, especially the last five or six years, there have been singers who went viral while having decent album sales." "Fan economy in pop music and idol culture is worse than in film industry, right?" Hawke slightly elaborated on the fan culture. Everyone present understood immediately; they were all industry insiders. Scott confirmed, "Indeed, the loyalty and rivalry among fans in the music industry are far more intense than in cinema." "Got it," Hawke said. "So let''s align our thoughts and goals: Allison must make a comeback -- better yet, the more popular, the better. Ideally, she should become a trending topic to boost her album sales." Fergie replied, "That''s precisely the goal of publicity." Everyone agreed. Hawke''s gaze fixed on Joanna: "Jo, I need to confirm one thing. After this crisis is resolved, can you ensure Allison refrains from similar incidents?" Joanna wanted to say yes but opened her mouth and steeled herself to say, "It''s difficult. I''ve had numerous arguments with her over her recklessness. Allison insists she''s only interested in two things in life -- singing and partying..." Roger, who was purely a businessman, nearly slammed his hand on the table. Hawke stated, "Normal public relations cannot resolve this incident. Going in recklessly might cause Allison to be thoroughly abandoned by both public and media. Additionally, according to Joanna, Allison is like a ticking time bomb -- she might pull a second stunt at any moment." He scanned everyone''s faces. "So, the method I want to employ is to deepen the scandal, like a nuclear bomb explosion, transforming it into a hot topic." Scott thought of someone: "Like how Madonna did? Publicly dating Rodman, teasing Jordan, and purposely leaking a series of scandalous stories in her autobiography to attract media and public attention, becoming the center of conversation across the nation?" Hawke slowly shook his head: "Allison isn''t Madonna; she doesn''t have that kind of capital. Also, my method must be even more radical. Future similar incidents wouldn''t be seen as scandals but could instead be perceived as symbols of female liberation, igniting a societal conversation." With no sunk cost, Roger would have ditched Allison long ago. But given the investment already made, he asked, "How do you propose we proceed?" Hawke calmly stated, "Let''s first discuss the fee -- $800,000. This situation might raise some legal questions, so we need a legal consultant. I have someone in mind; you can negotiate his fee directly with him. Furthermore, all expenses incurred during this process will be covered by your side." The quote left everyone in the room in silence. Even Joanna hesitated, glancing at Roger. Roger, however, gave no indication. Joanna had invested too much in her daughter; the only way to repay her loans was if Allison succeeded, allowing her to become the envied Jamie Spears. In all honesty, what choice did she have? She lifted her head, looking at Roger: "I''ll personally cover $400,000!" Roger never expected such determination from her. Weighing the pros and cons, he finally said, "The record label can cover the rest." Hawke chimed in, "I''ll call the legal consultant; let''s sign the agreement once he arrives." Roger mused for a moment, saying, "The plan must satisfy us." ... Hawke stood up, moved to a quiet spot, and dialed Brian Ferguson. When the call connected, an astonished voice came through, "You actually called me! You''re not looking to treat me to drinks, are you?" "Aren''t you a lawyer? I have a business proposition," Hawke reminded him from their last conversation. "Interested in Hollywood scandals and disasters?" On the other end, there was a loud sound, followed by excited exclamations, and then Brian said, "I love scandals and disasters! Where? I''m on my way now." "Malibu, in the seaside villa district," Hawke provided the address. ... In less than twenty minutes, Brian arrived promptly. Dressed to impress, he introduced himself as Hawke presented him to Roger and Joanna, showing them his attorney''s badge and firm identification. They quickly negotiated fees. Then, Hawke signed agreements with both Joanna and Roger. They agreed to share the costs. Hawke stepped to the center of the living room, stating, "What I''m about to share must be kept strictly confidential. Brian, prepare the non-disclosure agreements; everyone here needs to sign." Brian already understood the situation and was eager to see how Hawke would resolve this mess, responding, "I''ll get right on it." Once everyone signed the NDAs, Hawke declared, "I''m going to call this public relations project the San Fernando Valley Plan." The name took everyone by surprise. Ignoring their shock, Hawke continued, "We don''t know who the male lead in those photos is, nor do we need to. We''ll create a stand-in for this incident, extending the background into filming a video." "Wait," Roger connected the dots, feeling a bit uneasy. "You mean filming something like that in the Valley?" Hawke nodded slightly. "More specifically, a self-shot video led by Allison and the male lead we find, which would ''accidentally'' leak and be bought by a Valley company; after gaining the rights, they''ll undoubtedly promote its release." Brian had never witnessed such public relations tactics. He thought Hawke had lost his mind. Hawke continued, "We''ll promote this video through the method typically used for a movie, generating buzz. No previous star, not even a faded star, has ever had an incident like this explode at such scale. We''d be the pioneers -- when the media and public think of leaked videos, they''ll first think of Allison." Joanna kept trying to wrap her mind around it: "But this is a scandal... a scandal!" S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke replied, "Just like everything Madonna did, scandals can also attract fans. Importantly, this wouldn''t be a video we released; it would be something that leaked unintentionally. The ones who should feel ashamed aren''t us or Allison, but everyone who watches the video." He spread his hands, saying, "Allison simply did what couples often do. Is she to blame? Those who see the video owe Allison for an album!" Roger began to see the implications: "Creating explosive headlines to promote Allison... but there''s one issue; Allison''s notoriety is somewhat limited." "A long video carries much more impact than a few photos," Hawke, having seen successful examples before, replied: "The presence of such a video will revive memories of Allison; even those who don''t know her will search for who Allison is." He turned to Fergie: "So, one of your tasks will be to showcase Allison''s past as a child star, utilizing blogs or other formats to ensure that the audience can easily find her online." Fergie took notes. Hawke slightly paused to ensure everyone absorbed the information before continuing, "There''s another key element: The male lead! This character can''t be just any regular Joe; they must be someone recognizable enough to spark viewers'' curiosity and make the video truly explosive." Brian caught on, interjecting, "Get a male star?" Scott noted, "Generally, male stars wouldn''t want to do that..." The current decade certainly wasn''t like a decade later when deliberately showing off body parts on social media was common. "Actually, I know a male star who might be willing. He could be considered a second-tier celebrity, but in a video like this, his allure and timeliness would overshadow that of a first-tier." Hawke revealed, "Allison might not be as famous as he is, but she''s got the looks and body to attract attention. He''s well-built and attractive too, plus he''s got a bit of fame -- imagine the buzz that couple would create in such a video..." He made an exaggerated motion, "It would explode like a nuclear bomb, sending shockwaves throughout America." Joanna concernedly inquired, "So, afterwards, for Allison..." Hawke affirmed, "Allison will stand strong, fight through, and walk at the forefront of female liberation, becoming an emblematic figure for particular events that people will talk about -- even if she faces something similar again, she''ll carry the banner of female freedom." Roger, the pure businessman, was thinking further; if such an outcome was possible, it didn''t matter whether Allison sold albums or anything else. He could even profit handsomely from leaked private moments. He advertised, "Jo, I think this is a great plan. The record label will not only pay Hawke but also throw in an additional $500,000 for operational costs." Joanna envisioned the financial prospects, saying, "I need to discuss this with Allison." Hawke fell silent; the decision was now in their hands. ... Within ten minutes, Joanna returned with Allison and nodded at everyone. Allison was much more straightforward: "I''m totally on board. This is intriguing, and I''ll cooperate." Spotting Hawke, whom she had previously attempted to charm on the yacht but failed, she asked, "Could you play the male lead?" "The lead is someone else," Hawke instructed Joanna to take Allison out while he laid the groundwork. What had been discussed so far was the operational mindset, but to execute it, numerous tasks remained. The most crucial preliminary step was filming a private video. Hawke had already chosen the right candidate. About an hour later, he called Edward to prepare for their exit. Brian tagged along, saying, "Man, you''re something else! I''ve never seen anyone clean someone''s name like this or so seriously handle scandals -- very impressive!" Hawke teased back, "You looking to be the male lead? The female lead would totally agree!" Brian quickly shook his head. "I''m not interested in that." Hawke dialed Josh Hartnett''s number, "Where are you? I''ve got a solid idea for our PR strategy." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 105: What Is This Operation? [Chapter 106: What Is This Operation?] At Josh Hartnett''s villa in Sherman Oaks. Hawke briefly laid out his thoughts while sitting patiently on the couch. Josh Hartnett sat silently with his head down. Will, the agent, still showed signs of shock on his face. Public relations manager Julius stared blankly at Hawke, his mind racing. Was crisis management really about escalating the situation into a larger scandal? Will finally regained his composure and asked, "Is this really going to work?" Hawke emphasized his key points again: "Allison is a Black woman. Didn''t you guys come up with a plan for Josh to flatter Black women? This could be the opportunity." Josh wanted to speak but was at a loss for words. Hawke continued, "If you''re going to flatter her, you can''t just do it quietly; you need to let everyone in America see it. Once that video gets out, the public and media focus will be on that video, and the earlier topics about racial discrimination will be a thing of the past." Josh finally spoke up, "But that''s a scandal." "How is that scandal worse than racial discrimination?" Hawke said as he reviewed the materials Will had sent him. "What kind of buzz could this video create? Josh could jump back into the public eye and become this year''s hot topic, essentially becoming synonymous with Allison in celebrity tapes." He looked at Will, "If Josh becomes extremely popular, can you help him find new work?" At that moment, Will felt invigorated. "Fame is a star''s lifeline. If this kind of buzz happens, I can''t promise anything for the larger production companies, but there will be many mid to small-sized companies ready to craft a movie for Josh!" Julius was contemplating, "A video leak isn''t really comparable to racial discrimination. The privacy of celebrities has always been a hot topic, and this kind of private video could really ignite the public''s desire to peek." He seemed a bit cautious, "I''m worried that if things go wrong, it could worsen Josh''s situation." Hawke responded directly, "Could it be worse than it is now?" Will and Julius fell silent. Instead of waiting for a slow decline, Josh lifted his head and said with firm determination, "I''ll do it!" As a star who had risen to fame, he couldn''t even count how many people he had encountered along the way. Now that''s just making the process public. Will and Julius didn''t object. "Let me explain the costs for West Coast Media Entertainment Studio: $800,000." Hawke stressed gender equality, "Additionally, any expenses incurred during this process will be shared between you and Allison Faith''s side. The expenses related to your independent promotion will be borne solely by you." ????????¨§? The three moved to another room and, after some discussion, agreed to Hawke''s terms. Josh didn''t have that much cash, but he had an apartment in Manhattan. He decided to mortgage it. Hawke looked at Brian, "Prepare the contract and the confidentiality agreement." Brian had come prepared. Once both sides signed the agreements, Hawke said, "Let''s head to Malibu." Josh, Will, and Brian took two cars and drove straight to the villa in Malibu. ... Just like before, Brian got into Edward''s Cadillac and asked Hawke, "Buddy, can this really create the kind of explosive buzz you mentioned?" Hawke replied, "If the video leaks directly online, that''s not going to work. The buzz would rise and fall quickly. There are too many stars in Hollywood with a knack for getting themselves in trouble; there''s always someone else stealing the spotlight." Brian thought of his cousin, "The news about Erica and Johnson has been holding strong due to the LAPD''s crackdown on the Mule Gang. Is that related to you?" "I just gave it a nudge," Hawke replied while opening the door. The rest would proceed according to plan: "The LAPD and Fox Television have teamed up; the promotional power is significant." "Is there more behind-the-scenes work needed?" Brian observed that there were not just crisis management, but also operations involving people. Though he usually didn''t conduct himself well, anyone who could become a lawyer couldn''t be naive. Today''s events could easily be turned around to manipulate an opponent. Hawke chuckled, "Without behind-the-scenes work, it would just become a true scandal." Brian was increasingly curious, "Can I observe the whole process?" "Sure," Hawke joked, "Let''s calculate your tuition..." Brian pulled out his most inconspicuous cost, "I''ll provide legal services for you, and I won''t charge you for small stuff." Hawke called him over, with a purpose in mind, "If there''s something useful for you in this matter, I won''t be polite." "Within my means," Brian replied, careful with his words. ... Upon arriving at the beach villa in Malibu, Hawke introduced Allison and Josh to each other. With both sides having aligned interests, they reached a tacit understanding quickly. Will and Scott arrived together. The latter asked, "When can we officially proceed?" Hawke considered practical issues: "Let''s first get Allison and Josh acquainted." Joanna hurried over and chimed in, "No need, I feel like they already know each other well." Following her line of sight, Hawke turned to see Allison linking arms with Josh, sitting on the same single sofa, chatting. Will cleared his throat, "Josh seems quite pleased with his partner." Hawke inquired, "Jo, where did that photo take place?" "My home," Joanna confirmed. "In Allison''s bedroom." Hawke nodded slightly, "Great, let''s shoot at your house." At this point, Joanna had no choice but to cooperate. "Today?" "Yes, today. The pictures circulating online have already built some hype for us." Hawke called over Roger, "Speed up the recording of the first single and the MV, and release it when the buzz is at its peak." He added, "I have some ideas for the single and MV to align with this event. We''ll discuss them in detail later." Roger replied, "The single has already been recorded, and shooting the MV can start anytime." Hawke called out, "Alright, folks, we''re heading to Beverly Hills. Prepare your belongings; we''re leaving shortly." He turned to Edward behind him and asked, "Did you bring the camera?" Edward replied, "It''s in the car." ... As the group headed out, Brian chimed in again, "Shouldn''t we design a storyline or evoke emotions from the actors? Shouldn''t we bring in a specialized director or cinematographer?" Hawke immediately understood what the guy was after, "You want to play a dual role?" Brian smiled, "I''m quite skilled at this; I''ve done plenty, but I''m usually the lead." "This kind of practical opportunity is rare," Hawke rubbed his fingers together, "But you have to pay to shoot." Brian fell silent. Once inside the Cadillac, when the car drove out of the villa gates, Hawke warned, "Buddy, listen to me: if you''re looking to move into politics and you shoot this kind of video, don''t let it end up in someone else''s hands. You''d better destroy the best stuff you have too." Brian replied, "I''ll store it on my computer, locked in a safe." Hawke understood; this guy was experienced. ... The group arrived at Joanna''s house. After checking out the upstairs venue, he didn''t hesitate to use free labor. On the second-floor hallway, Hawke took the camera that Edward handed him and directly handed it to Brian, "I have no experience, but you do, guide them." Brian first asked, "No charge?" Everyone around was stunned at the ridiculousness of the lawyer''s question. You''re being asked to guide, and you still want to charge? What kind of operation was this? "This time, it''s free," Hawke waved his hand, pointing at the two at the door. "Hurry up; Allison and Josh are still waiting." ... Brian carried the camera over and recalled how he usually filmed, saying, "Don''t be nervous. Just do what you usually do; feel free to improvise, but remember one thing: you''ve both seen the photos, so focus on capturing those moments and the poses, and scenes." Josh seemed to be facing a director, "I discussed this with Allison; I know what to do." Brian nodded, "Now, let''s talk about the shooting process. First, we need to achieve one thing: this is a one-shot love story, understand?" Both of them nodded in agreement. Brian became animated as the temporary director: "The shoot will primarily use three methods: a fixed camera position, one handheld by the male lead, and another handheld by the female lead. You can switch back and forth; don''t limit yourselves to just one angle." ... Meanwhile, everyone listened to Brian as he passionately relayed the considerations for the lead couple. Will asked Hawke quietly, "Is this director... no, lawyer, providing legal services for a company in the Valley?" Hawke reassured him, "Don''t worry, he''s dependable." Scott glanced at Hawke with a serious expression, then at Brian, who was overflowing with enthusiasm. The latter hardly seemed like a reliable choice. The shooting didn''t need fancy lighting or professional sound recording, just a real feel. After giving guidance, the filming began. Including Hawke and Edward, everyone gathered at the door to watch the shoot. After all, opportunities were rare. ... Brian, the impromptu director, expressed his displeasure, "You all are going to interfere with their performance; move back, move far away." Everyone had no choice but to retreat to a small hall on the second floor, watching from afar. Before long, Brian called for a stop, "Allison, stop looking at the lens so much; you''re doing it too frequently." He knocked on the door, "Let''s do it again!" They resumed filming, but just a few minutes later, Brian halted it again, reiterating the same issue: "Hold back, don''t keep looking at the camera!" Similar problems continued, as Allison frequently caused the shooting to restart. Hawke remained patient, biding his time. Finally, Joanna couldn''t sit still any longer. She stood, removed her jacket, threw it on a chair, and declared, "Let me take over!" The room fell silent in shock. Joanna stated, "I''m practically the same size as Allison, with my hair down, you won''t even notice. Let me do this, and I promise we can get it right in one take." Hawke gestured at the sofa chair, "Don''t rush." Scott advised, "Jo, calm down, give them a little more time." "How can I calm down?" The weight of pressure bore down on her, and today''s built-up frustration poured out. "I have a mortgage to pay, business loans, and I need to maintain a glamorous lifestyle. If I don''t earn money, I''ll go bankrupt!" She shouted, "Those bastards at the bank will take everything from me, and the auction won''t even cover the loans. I''m going to be drowning in debt!" Her voice echoed into the bedroom, prompting Allison to bolt through the door and embrace Joanna tightly: "I''m sorry, Mom. I''ll work hard and won''t let you down." Joanna nodded vigorously. The touching mother-daughter moment quickly turned when Allison followed up, "Mom, when I succeed, can you hire a bunch of male models for a party? We can celebrate together!" Joanna replied, "Once you succeed, I''ll hire ten, no... thirty, and we''ll have a nonstop party!" After Allison returned, filming resumed again. This time, Brian didn''t call for a stop, and the one-shot love story was a resounding success. ... As they gathered in Joanna''s living room, neglecting the handsome couple upstairs, the video moved from the camera to a laptop that Allison frequently used. Once everyone finished viewing, Brian exclaimed, "So, what do you think? Not too shabby, right? I''m a professional." Scott asked, "What''s next?" Hawke replied, "We need to partner with a company in the Valley." He turned to Brian, "Do you know anyone who can help introduce us?" Brian sighed in resignation, but wanting to see what unfolded, he pulled out his phone and browsed through his contacts. Hawke stood, addressing everyone, "Folks, remember one thing during this execution: for stars, the worst thing isn''t scandal but being ignored!" ... As night fell and streetlights illuminated the Hollywood freeway, a Cadillac drove through Burbank, heading north toward the San Fernando Valley. Brian watched the light poles rush by outside and said, "When you called me, I thought you were plotting against me." He then shook his head, "No, when you asked what my family did at the precinct, weren''t you considering today''s situation?" Hawke replied candidly, "I don''t believe that someone as smart as you could fail to catch on to such simple tricks, yet you still came, which shows you''re quite interested in this kind of mess." Brian found himself at a loss for words. Was he supposed to admit he wasn''t as smart? He only received a call saying there was a Hollywood scandal to see, so he rushed over. Hawke returned to the topic: "Tell me more about the company you mentioned that deals with private videos." Since Brian had already helped with the call, he straightforwardly replied, "The private video company falls under the Private Media Group. The group primarily operates in the Valley and is one of the largest companies worldwide in this field, with over thirty subsidiaries and more than 50,000 employees globally. Its total assets exceed any of the six major studios in Hollywood, consistently ranking in the upper half of the Fortune 500 for years." He had plenty of knowledge, "The group''s primary shareholder is General Electric, and many well-known companies and investors are among its minor shareholders; my family has some investments there." Hawke recognized the company; its logo was reminiscent of Columbia Pictures. As the adult film industry continued to grow, it was strange not to see a big group behind it. Hawke asked, "Does the person you brought have any influence?" Brian simply stated, "The company mainly handles North American business, and Justin Blatt is the senior director of their publishing business... This year, I''ve helped him with two legal disputes." Edward couldn''t help but interject, "No wonder you can direct; you really do handle adult business." "Incorrect." Brian, ever wearing a bright smile, even while rebutting, said, "I only represent Justin''s personal business." ... The Cadillac reached San Fernando Valley and, following Brian''s guidance, quickly parked outside a company building. The three got out, and an assistant was already waiting at the entrance. After exchanging a few words with Brian, they headed upstairs. In a spacious office, Brian introduced Hawke to the bespectacled, balding Justin, who shook hands with him. Having a stake in this matter, Brian emphasized, "Regarding Steve Nutt''s situation, Hawke is the behind-the-scenes driver. And you''ve seen the news about Erica, right?" Justin remarked, "Miss Ferguson is incredibly brave; she''s a city hero in LA." Brian continued, "The video of Erica and Johnson was filmed by this guy; the promotion and image management were initially his." Regardless of whether this was an act, Justin gazed at Hawke with respect and shook his hand again, "You''re a hero in your own right." Hawke replied, "I just aided a little." He then had Edward boot up the laptop, diving straight into the main issue: "I''ve come today mainly to discuss a partnership with your company. I have a video that you might find interesting." Justin came over to look. Edward opened the video. After watching for only half a minute, Justin showed interest, especially in the faces of the leading actors. He recognized the male lead instantly: "That''s Josh Hartnett, the lead in , and he has a significant role in this year''s ." Hawke confirmed, "That''s indeed Josh Hartnett." Justin continued watching, and upon seeing the woman''s face, he furrowed his brow, "She looks familiar. Let me think... right! That''s her in the provocative news article on Yahoo Entertainment today." Hawke added, "Allison Faith, a former child star who was once renowned alongside several of the most famous from the Mickey Mouse Club." Justin pondered for a moment but said nothing further, refocusing on the video. The recording lasted over thirty minutes and featured scenes almost identical to the news photos. Yet to his professional eye, he spotted the differences -- the milk machine. However, the video appeared to be a straightforward selfie; with his expertise, he could determine there was a lack of backdrop lighting, and no edits were present -- it simply showcased a couple documenting their loving moments. Such types of personal videos featuring ordinary handsome and beautiful people would be captivating. With a Hollywood star and a faded female star involved, it surely would spark consumer interest. Once the video ended, Justin looked at Hawke and asked, "I want to know the source of the video." Hawke pulled out an authorization letter and placed it in front of Justin, "This is the authorization from Josh Hartnett and Allison Faith." Justin took it for review, and after scanning through, he glanced at Brian. Seeing Brian nod, he asked, "Are you saying they want to sell the video rights and then launch it?" Hawke nodded, "Exactly." Justin was puzzled. Many actors actively participated in this industry, but more often, things operated through deception and monetary temptation. Were those two out of their minds? "I''m quite confused," he stated plainly. "There''s a special need," Hawke elaborated, "The video would be licensed to the Private video company, with Josh and Allison each taking ten percent of the sales revenue, and the rest would belong to you." Justin was intrigued by these terms. A tape featuring Hollywood stars would definitely sell like hotcakes. It would require some investment for publicity; the cost for DVD production was negligible. However, being a businessman, after some negotiations, they finally agreed on a seven percent cut. Hawke added, "But there''s one condition: you need to follow my promotional plan and work in sync with my pace." Justin replied, "I need to know what your plan entails." "First, you have to find someone willing to take a risk to play a repair shop owner," Hawke started detailing. The meeting continued until ten o''clock at night, with both sides ultimately signing the licensing agreement. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Justin realized that following Hawke''s plan wouldn''t only mitigate risks; the video could potentially become a massive hit. With such vast sums of money on the line, he felt it would be rude to decline. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 106: Heroes Speak Through a Movie [Chapter 107: Heroes Speak Through a Movie] It was late when Hawke and Brian emerged from the offices of a private film company. Edward had already pulled the car up to the entrance. As they got in, Hawke asked, "Where are you heading?" S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Brian replied, "I live in Covina. Are you really going to drive me there?" "Covina on the east side of Los Angeles?" Hawke was a bit surprised. "You live out there? You must really enjoy country living." Brian shrugged, "I moved over there a while ago. I''ve been settling down there for years now. I remember mentioning to you before that I''d definitely go into politics, and this is where my district begins." Hawke remarked casually, "I wish you luck in one day taking over the Oval Office." "You''ve got a knack for causing trouble," Brian responded, feeling a bit overwhelmed today. "If that day comes, you''ll be my chief of staff." Hawke chuckled, "Then America would end up looking quite abstract." Brian had helped quite a bit today, and now Edward was dropping him off in Malibu, where Brian''s car was still parked at the villa. As they stepped out of the car, Brian asked, "Where are we meeting tomorrow?" Hawke inquired, "Don''t you have to work?" Brian shrugged again, "Work or not, it doesn''t matter to me." Hawke restrained the urge to punch him; that guy might prove useful later. "Beverly Hills, Joanna''s villa," he finally said. ... As Brian drove off in his own car, he called his assistant. "Help me take a few days off. I have important matters to attend to." That jerk could fulfill a purpose in the future; he''d be able to hang out with Hawke for a few days, connecting on some networking. ... Inside the Cadillac, Hawke asked, "Did you record everything, Savior?" Edward replied, "Boss, I recorded the whole thing." Hawke nodded approvingly. "That''s a good habit; keep it up." He thought for a moment. "Tomorrow morning, you drive the business van. Follow my instructions and act alone; make sure to capture the entire process." Edward asked curiously, "Are you planning to sell this as news later?" "We do have professional ethics!" Hawke emphasized, then added, "People are unpredictable; it''s better to be safe." He glanced at his watch. "Let''s get back to the studio and rest up. We''ve got a long list of issues to tackle tomorrow." ... The following morning, Hawke drove the Cadillac to Beverly Hills. As he entered Joanna''s house, Brian pulled in with a Mercedes. Hawke ignored him and went straight into the villa, asking Joanna, "Are you ready?" Joanna brought over Allison''s laptop and said, "All set." Hawke turned it on but saw an error message that prevented it from booting up. "Have Allison head to the Melrose Market area." Allison stepped out from the study, threw on a jacket, and grabbed the laptop to put it in her bag. Hawke''s greatest concern was her: "Remember the address. Give the computer to be repaired, leave it at the shop, and go back to pick it up in two hours. Got it?" ???§à§£¨º? "Uh, I got it," Allison replied, shouldering her bag and leaving. Hawke got into Brian''s Mercedes and pointed at the Porsche in front. "Follow that car." "You''re not shy at all, are you?" Brian feigned annoyance but drove after it anyway. ... They arrived at Melrose Plaza, where Edward followed behind in a business van equipped with a dashboard camera. Allison finally managed not to mess things up, stopping at the computer repair shop Hawke had mentioned. She walked inside with her bag. Before long, she came back out, empty-handed. Edward, in photography enthusiast mode, managed to catch the moment as he was filming the scenery. Allison ventured into a flea market and began browsing around. Hawke checked the time and instructed Brian to wait in the car. Inside the repair shop, a young Mexican technician reinstalled the system and accessed the D drive, revealing a hidden file folder. He opened it and his expression shifted to one of excitement as he scanned a video file. After checking it out for a bit, he remembered business and hurried to get a storage device, making a copy of the video. Two hours later, Allison returned to the repair shop, paid for the service, and left with the laptop. Diego, the young technician, searched for contact details on the computer, deliberately leaving some traces, as he picked up the landline and dialed the number of Private film company. He promptly closed the shop and headed straight to the San Fernando Valley. Once there, he met a business manager and signed a sales contract, selling the video to Private film company for $10,000. ... Inside the Mercedes following at a distance, Hawke received a call from Justin. The message was brief: "We got it." Hawke remained silent and hung up, then called Fergie and Julius, the two individuals responsible for press promotion. "We can start up." The two of them employed their computer network to flood various online postings about Allison with attention-grabbing claims that they had more explosive content ready. Every Stan knew that once these kinds of posts hit, the response rate went through the roof. [T/N: Stan originated from Eminem''s 2000 song "Stan," describing an overly obsessive fan. In the original it was LSP, which is it''s equivalent in East Asia, hardcore fans who are overly enthusiastic or obsessive about celebrities, particularly regarding their appearances or personal updates.] ... "Need pictures!" "Videos would be even better." "Here''s my email, please send them directly." "Please, reveal the info, OP!" In the internet culture, there was a prevailing sentiment that political rants leading to sites or groups being shut down were met with scorn, but anything scandalous that caused a shutdown earned you the title of hero. Almost to prove his point, a self-proclaimed hero leaked a few new images. While the content wasn''t overly revealing, one of the figures was unmistakably the male lead. Hollywood star Josh Hartnett! Despite being embroiled in a supposed racial discrimination scandal, this kind of debuff did little to dampen the determination and enthusiasm of these Stans who were eager for gossip. After all, he was the lead in a major blockbuster like . Earlier that year, Ridley Scott''s had also been released. The blogs and forums that shared these pictures erupted with comments flooding in. "Josh has a great physique; what a handsome guy!" "Honestly, I''m so jealous, he''s quite the catch!" "The girl is beautiful and sexy, even if her skin is a bit dark." "Why isn''t the leading lady Kate Beckinsale?" The identity of the female lead had already been sleuthed out, with screenshots of web pages and links appearing in the trending comments. "Allison Faith, a former child star who released two albums and was once compared to Britney and Christina from the Mickey Mouse Club. Unfortunately, she fell out of the industry after her parents divorced." Many online platforms, forums, and blogs began to pop up with details on Allison Faith, particularly contrasting her child star pics with her current ones. Allison''s name gained increasing attention. The urge to invade a celebrity''s, even a washed-up one''s, super-privacy enlivened people to scour the web, eagerly sharing once they had their juicy tidbit. By nightfall, that hero had launched a blog where he uploaded even bolder images featuring the two in affectionate poses. Having generated interest from his previous posts, countless Stans rushed in. Some even demanded to know where the photos had come from. Many questioned if they were digitally altered. In a fit of rage, the hero penned a confession. "All the photos are genuine! I screen-capped the video myself from Allison Faith''s laptop! To clarify, I''m not a thief -- I didn''t steal anyone''s laptop! Allison brought it to me for repairs, and I just happened to see the video and copied it." As his words spread, entertainment sites turned to reprint them, while the Stans, caught in a frenzy, fawned over their hero. "Hero, speak through the video!" "It''s hard to believe you without showing the video." "The only way to prove you''re not lying is to release the video." Not just the Stans but even media reporters began to catch the scent and follow suit. One reporter commented, "I''m a journalist from the . Can I interview you?" "Los Angeles Channel 9 is willing to pay top dollar for your video. Can we talk?" Some media outlets even dispatched technicians to trace the hero''s IP address, only to find it was all fake. Gossip reporters in Los Angeles, along with several paparazzi, received directives from their higher-ups to quickly uncover the identity behind the video. ... Outside of Allison Faith''s house, now exposed to the network, paparazzi were beginning to swarm. On the second floor of the villa, Joanna stared out the window, watching as at least a dozen cameras and phones were pointed her way, feeling an urge to cry with excitement. It had been three long years! The last time reporters had shown any interest in her and Allison was three years ago. At that moment, Joanna truly understood what Hawke meant when he said that the scariest part isn''t the scandal, but rather the lack of attention! She picked up her phone and called Hawke. "There are a lot of reporters outside; should we..." Hawke warned her seriously, "Do not accept any interviews tonight. Tomorrow, Scott and Will will make a statement on behalf of those involved. It''s not the right time to be seen yet." Joanna answered, "I''ll follow your lead." ... Back in the West Coast studio, Hawke hung up the phone and glanced across at Will and Scott who had gathered there. Megan Taylor''s host skirt had nearly reached the tops of her thighs... Hawke asked, "You''re not doing your show tonight?" Megan walked over, sitting down beside him. "I had my eye on a headline, but without the video, what can I do?" Hawke had an idea ready. "How about this: when the time is right, I''ll help you get Josh Hartnett and Allison Faith on your show." Megan, well aware of the dynamics at play, replied, "You want to use my show for your promotions without giving me any benefits. This is typical of you, maximizing every resource." "This situation is highly complex," Hawke said. "This is just the beginning." He pulled out a USB drive and handed it to Megan. "Use this as a token for appearing on the show." "What is it?" Megan asked, intrigued. Hawke casually replied, "Just pay attention to the news tomorrow, and you''ll understand its importance." Knowing the video wasn''t accessible, Megan dropped her insistence. "I''ve been swamped with news pressures regarding Erica and Johnson lately. It''s a lucky break to stop by your place; I can''t leave empty-handed. Let''s get to it." "Alright, I''ll make sure you head back with a few hundreds of millions," Hawke said, grabbing her and heading upstairs. ... The next morning, while the entertainment sections of various tabloids didn''t score the top story, news of Allison and Josh was everywhere. Most of the stories mentioned that the informant still had the video. Scandalous incidents involving celebrities could really capture the public eye. Joanna found herself blocked by reporters at her Beverly Hills home. Meanwhile, even more people gathered in front of Josh Hartnett''s house in Sherman Oaks. Almost simultaneously, Will and Scott, as respective agents, accepted interviews from reporters. They stated that Josh and Allison were currently a couple, that the video was shot for personal enjoyment, and had long existed in Allison''s laptop. Alison''s earlier visit to the Melrose Plaza electronics store for repairs was confirmed, and she had no idea why the video had leaked. They urged anyone with the video to delete it and refrain from releasing it further or they would involve the police. Such statements, falling on the ears of the media and the Stans, were tantamount to a confirmation of the video''s existence. What was previously uncertain news suddenly became solidified. The various computer repair shops that resided around Melrose Plaza turned into reporters'' hunting grounds. Though it hadn''t reached the level of total invasion of privacy, interest just kept climbing. ... By that night, Megan Taylor aired the video Hawke had given her on Fox 11''s Midnight Entertainment. According to her, the footage was captured by a photographer doing a segment at Melrose Plaza, who inadvertently stumbled upon a key news item. The video played, showing Allison suddenly stepping into frame as she entered the computer repair shop. The camera clearly captured the shop''s sign. By midnight, the sound of car engines shattered the silence of Melrose Plaza as dozens of paparazzi raced to the computer repair shop. However, the doors remained locked; there was no one inside. In the dark, many reporters opted to stake out the shop. The more effort they put in, the greater their zeal to chase the story became. This was precisely the effect Hawke had intended. ... As dawn broke, surrounding shops began to open, yet the repair shop''s door remained shut tight. While journalists were investigating for the owner''s contact details, an additional piece of news broke: the hero had updated his blog. Like hyenas, the reporters surged forth, those with laptops quickly connecting to Wi-Fi. Those without scrambled to find places to log in. The hero announced in his blog, "I''ve sold the full video to Private film company. Please stop bothering me." Implied was the directive to head to the San Fernando Valley to interview Private film company. A large number of Los Angeles paparazzi were mobilized by Hawke, compelling them to invest even more time and tenacity. ... The spokesperson for Private film company accepted an interview, claiming they were not up-to-date on the situation but promised to provide information to the media as soon as they could. ... Meanwhile, back at Joanna''s villa in Beverly Hills, Hawke glanced at Will and Scott, who were gathered there, and said to Brian, "I''ve just realized that aside from the initial day of signing the contract, you''ve mostly been an observer. Aren''t you feeling a bit left out?" Brian thought for a moment and replied, "Yeah, a bit." "I''ll give you a chance to participate," Hawke said as he pulled out a address book and handed it to Brian. "Pretend to be a news informant and call the reporters on this list to tell them Will and Scott are heading to Private film company to negotiate." "This sort of participation?" Brian sounded reluctant. Hawke replied, "If you give your bank account number, maybe someone will slip you $20 for tips." Brian pulled out his phone, ready to call, "Do I really need $20?" ... Many reporters returned to Melrose Plaza, intent on delving into the repair shop lead when several received tips that Allison and Josh''s agents were on their way to negotiate with Private film company. They couldn''t even grab lunch before turning back, internally cursing. But this was their bread and butter; chasing hot news translated to higher income. By 2 PM, the number of paparazzi clustered around had surpassed fifty. Even a major Hollywood couple''s first public display of romance wouldn''t have drawn such numbers. At 2:30, Will and Scott arrived in a car, walking past the throng of media cameras as they entered Private film company. ... Simultaneously, Edward drove Hawke and Brian to the company''s back entrance, quickly ushering them into Justin Blatt''s office. Upon seeing Hawke, Justin warmly greeted him, "Hey, my friend, welcome back!" Hawke asked, "Is tomorrow''s press conference all set?" Justin smiled. "Once you''re out of here, I''ll personally make the announcement that the press conference will be held tomorrow afternoon." Hawke nodded slightly. "Schedule it for the afternoon and release an online version of the poster. We''ll make a strong statement the next day, and you can post a teaser trailer online the day after that to maintain buzz." "I have a feeling this will sell like hotcakes!" Justin said enthusiastically, grabbing a guest list from the table and handing it to Hawke. "Whoever you want, from Jenna Jameson to Jessica Drake, just let me know how many, and I''ll get them here." Brian leaned in. "We could throw a big party." Hawke, already having a casual encounter and a new target, set the guest list aside, "Let''s get our business sorted first, then we''ll have fun." ... Around 3 PM, Will and Scott exited Private film company, looking serious, and conducted interviews outside. They expressed that the negotiations hadn''t gone well. If Private film company insisted on its stance, they would take necessary legal action. However, shortly after, Private film company held a brief press conference in the lobby, announcing that they would hold a news conference on the matter the following afternoon. The San Fernando Valley hadn''t been this lively in a long time. ... When Hawke returned, he originally planned to ask Miss Baa to help him craft a statement for the press conference regarding Josh and Allison. After all, he had promised her a 5% commission. But Brian, keen to be more involved, offered to write the statement himself. Hawke shared his thoughts, and Brian dedicated over two hours to draft it. Next came the essential rehearsals. Josh was alright as he had always been active in work until Hawke had tarnished his reputation; Allison, having been away from the spotlight for years, needed to reacquaint herself with it. This all consumed a great deal of Hawke''s time and energy. He also contacted Megan Taylor to arrange for Channel 11 to broadcast the press conference live. Moreover, a women''s rights organization collaborating with Channel 11 was also set to enhance the event. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 107: The Appointment of Superstars [Chapter 108: The Appointment of Superstars] Beverly Hills, Hilton Hotel. In a small conference room, Hawke turned on the television, playing the recorded press conference from Private film company so that Josh Hartnett and Allison Faith could watch it again. The press conference held yesterday in the San Fernando Valley had dozens of media outlets in attendance, and Los Angeles Channel 9 even aired it live. Justin Blatt represented Private film company and announced that they had legally acquired the video featuring Josh Hartnett and Allison Faith. The video, lasting 42 minutes, would be released unedited on both VHS and DVD as soon as possible. Posters were placed at the event, showcasing intimate images of the couple, their faces deliberately blurred. However, anyone who had seen the photos online in recent days could easily identify them. After the press conference ended, the Private film company released six brand new video stills on their official website for promotional purposes. The images, particularly explicit, resembled those from the Valley films. Meanwhile, Brian, Julius, and Fergie walked in. Brian joined Hawke and said, "After the Private website released the promotional photos, it got overloaded and had to be taken down. The influx of users crashed the server three times in just eight hours after midnight last night." He sighed, "Is it really that appealing?" Hawke fired back, "You doubt your own work?" Brian clarified, "It''s about the public''s invasive curiosity. America has truly fallen." Hawke replied, "It has always been this way. Consider it from another angle: if you were unaware of this story and stumbled upon juicy news about a Hollywood blockbuster male lead and a former pop star, wouldn''t you be intrigued?" Brian''s answer was straightforward: "I wouldn''t rest until I saw the video! If anyone tries to stop it, I''d hold a grudge for life." Hawke shifted topics, "Your script was impressive. It''s hard to believe a man can write something that gives voice to women so well." "Because you provided me with a complete perspective," Brian rubbed his forehead, "Buddy, you should really get involved in social activism, seriously. That bunch in the Blue (Democrats) party should pay big bucks to recruit you." The video concluded. Hawke turned off the television, saying, "We have an hour until the press conference begins. Let''s hold our meeting now." Will and Scott pulled chairs over and sat down on either side of the conference table. Hawke looked at Fergie and asked, "What''s the media situation?" Fergie glanced at her stats, reporting, "Sixty-seven media outlets have confirmed their attendance at our press conference, including Fox 11 Channel, which will broadcast it live." Hawke continued, "What about our online representatives?" "Over fifty entertainment bloggers are confirmed," Julius answered. "The actual number may be even higher; this is making too big of a splash online." She seemed to have a newfound perspective on the internet: "For the first time, I feel like the whole web is filled with perverts." Brian joked, "Hawke has awakened the souls of these guys all across America." Hawke disregarded his comment and turned to Josh and Allison: "Since yesterday afternoon, I''ve been training you both on how to speak at the press conference. You''ve memorized your lines, so I won''t repeat that. Now, I must emphasize one crucial point!" ?????£Î¨°B§¦? Josh was willing to do anything; his expression was particularly serious and solemn. Allison may have been flirtatious and bold, but she knew that if she wanted to truly captivate America, she better listen to Hawke. Hawke intensified his tone, saying, "At today''s press conference and in any future interviews, no matter who you''re speaking to, don''t apologize or give in to any feelings of guilt -- there''s nothing wrong with what you did." He needed to build their confidence: "What''s wrong with two people in love making intimate videos without coercion? If your computer breaks down, is it abnormal to get it fixed? The wrongness lies not with you but with those prying into your lives and profiting from it!" "Great point! Well said!" Brian cheered, thinking to himself that if he hadn''t directed the filming, he might''ve actually believed Hawke. But those words worked on Josh and Allison, who both felt a surge of confidence. Hawke addressed Josh, "You are a man, an adult; you must step up and take responsibility for this matter. Remember that you''re responsible for the video itself; if you hadn''t insisted, Allison wouldn''t have filmed it at all. As the process unfolds, be willing to bear that burden and act like a man. Protect the woman!" Josh replied, "I''m ready." Hawke turned to Allison, "Remember your stance. You must face this bravely and showcase women''s courage and freedom. Your body is your own, and women, like men, are central to this world!" Allison pulled out her script again to review it. ... With the press conference about to begin, Hawke checked the news room one more time before allowing the media into the hall. Fox 11''s crew was setting up their broadcasting equipment, and Megan Taylor was also present. She approached Hawke, pointing to the podium, "I have a suggestion; remove the tables and chairs on both sides. Just keep two sets and no background decorations. A simple black curtain would create an image of two fighters, alone yet unwavering, for those watching from home." Her initial seriousness gave way to comedy, "This way, the audience will find the video even more intriguing. It will look even more impactful." When it came to producing atmospheres on TV, Hawke knew he couldn''t match a veteran like Megan. He immediately called for Fergie and instructed her to make the necessary adjustments. Megan suddenly thought of a question and quietly asked, "Have you ever filmed us without permission?" "Absolutely not! Do I seem like that kind of person?" Hawke glanced at Megan, adding, "But if you want to shoot something, I wouldn''t mind." Megan ignored his remark. Hawke shifted back to the main topic, "Have we contacted the feminist organizations?" "Of course," Megan replied briefly. "While I''m not participating, I''ve collaborated with them in the past. Remember when that LAPD female officer shot Robert Downey Jr.? I worked with the Parker Center to organize the Feminist Majority Foundation to offer support." Hawke nodded, "So the Feminist Majority Foundation is willing to help?" Megan smiled, "Once the heat reaches this level, how could they refuse?" Hawke encouragingly advised Josh Hartnett to take charge, aligning with the organizations'' expectations of men. ... Half an hour later, over a hundred media reporters and entertainment bloggers started to fill the venue. Hawke headed to the backstage lounge and checked on his two clients: Josh was in a black suit, and Allison was sporting a white T-shirt that read "Freedom." All the outfits were carefully chosen by Hawke; it was part of the PR strategy. Josh''s black suit, paired with his tall and sturdy figure, made him appear strong and reliable. As for Allison, the goal for her today was to highlight female freedom. The press conference didn''t allow for any questions from the floor. Thus, by the time the press conference began, ninety percent of the work had already been completed. Only Josh and Allison sat on stage at the start of the press conference. Josh spoke up first, immediately placing the responsibility for the video on himself: "The video was my personal decision, and I insisted on filming it. We made it for ourselves and not for any film. Allison and I did nothing wrong, but the Private film company''s intention to release it without our consent is a criminal act." His demeanor was exceptionally serious: "We will take all necessary legal steps to defend our rights. I will fight them to the end!" Allison instinctively took her cue from their rehearsal and continued, "This is not a scandal between Josh and me; this is a blatant crime! Over the past few days, many have been engaging in sexual exploitation and violation, fixated solely on making money while disregarding a woman''s legal rights." Her newfound skills in rhetoric came pouring out with conviction: "It''s already the 21st century; I cannot believe that in a free and democratic civilization like America, such violations of women''s rights still occur. I find it hard to swallow that they could be so selfish and indifferent to a reasonable request from a woman. It''s hard to accept that I live in such a world." Men didn''t need to meander in lengthy speeches; they merely needed to project strength, responsibility, and reliability. Too much elaboration would only make them sound like gossips. Women, however, were different. Allison continued, "In the past few days, I''ve kept an eye on the online discussions; many have mocked me, calling me shameless, just because I used to be a public figure, a singer. But this wasn''t a choice I made; I am a victim! Besides, I''m of legal age; I have the freedom to love and be loved -- My body, my choice!" "Many want to see me cry, but I will never shed a tear because I am not the criminal! It is those who exploit my photos or videos for profit -- shame on you!" "Women, like men, are essential to this world. A woman''s love is love, and a woman''s desire is also freedom. Without a woman''s love, there would be no humanity!" As Allison''s voice trailed off, the press room fell silent. Megan Taylor was the first to break the stillness, applauding, followed by numerous reporters and bloggers clapping for Allison. In California, the media landscape was highly left-leaning, with a significant number of media professionals holding such views. The script that Brian wrote, inspired by Hawke''s ideas, resonated with many on a personal level. In the press room, nearly all the female reporters and bloggers applauded for Allison, and even some male reporters joined in. The accusations and speeches were key to shaping their public personas and self-promotion. Josh Hartnett would handle the video promotion. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This actor delivered a grand finale announcement: "We will be taking legal action. Please refrain from viewing or purchasing any related videos or photos; that is criminal behavior!" Everything else could be debated, but in these matters, the louder the shout, the stricter the consequences. Those Stans were even more enthusiastic. Anyone who tried to hinder the video''s release was seen as an enemy to these guys, including those involved. The press conference concluded successfully. ... Hawke found Joanna: "You need to personally go to the Los Angeles Feminist Majority Foundation and formally request media assistance for Allison''s plight." "Sure," Joanna asked, "Are we not requesting legal aid?" Hawke pointed to Brian: "He will handle the legal matters. If the FMF gets involved in the legal aspects, it could lead to chaos." He reminded her, "Joanna, our goal is to make Allison and Josh hot topics, not engage in mindless, radical feminism -- their support doesn''t come with funds." Joanna responded, "I''m on it." Hawke instructed Fergie nearby, "Notify the media to cover Joanna as she heads to the FMF." Fergie hurriedly made the phone call. Hawke called Josh and Will over: "Tomorrow, you two, alongside Brian, must go to the local court and approach the Private film to request a restraining order. Don''t worry; Brian has handled some groundwork; the restraining order likely won''t pass, but we need to show our stance. Josh also needs to maintain visibility and build an uncompromising persona before the video is released." Will nodded in understanding: "Got it." Allison walked over, asking, "What about me? Am I not going with Josh?" "Legal matters are Brian and Josh''s responsibility; women''s organizations will be handled by your mother," Hawke had already outlined the plan. "And you, Allison, your next task is to return and shoot the music video (MV). It must be completed before the Private films'' DVD and VHS release." Before the DVD and VHS hit the market, Hawke had further plans for the duo on Midnight Entertainment. As for other talk shows, Will and Scott were already contacting those as well. Given North American media''s penchant for sensationalism, as long as both gained significant attention, countless programs would invite them regardless of the scandal''s origins. Hawke sought out Roger, the owner of West Voice Records, saying, "According to our plan, Allison shouldn''t just embody a sexy image; she also represents bold, free, and avant-garde ideals in pop music. Her performances and outfits must be unique and innovative!" Roger had become accustomed to following Hawke''s directives: "The MV must fit her style?" "The dance design should be bolder," Hawke responded. "Outfits need to be even more avant-garde." He grabbed a piece of paper and drew a camel toe. "Have you ever seen something like this?" Roger laughed, "Isn''t this what happens when someone particularly well-endowed wears tight clothing?" Hawke replied, "Tailor the outfit, and if it doesn''t fit, get silicone padding for it. We''ll test it during tomorrow''s MV shoot." "Bold, avant-garde, unique..." Roger burst out laughing, "Hawke, you have quite an imagination!" Hawke calmly stated, "I''ve earned every dollar I''ve ever gotten." Roger acknowledged, "Your capabilities are worth every penny." As the media reporters left, everyone gradually filed out of the venue. Hawke called Justin Blatt from the Private film company, ensuring their continued collaboration. Soon after, Joanna called with news: the Feminist Majority Foundation agreed to support Allison. Just as Hawke had expected, these individuals were like sharks sensing blood; any hint of opportunity would have them jumping in to stir things up. ... The following day, several left-wing newspapers ramped up their coverage, showering praise on Allison, calling her a representative of the new era of women. "My body, my choice!" This declaration made headlines across various women''s publications. Allison began to become a symbol. Josh Hartnett also earned a good deal of praise. The women''s organizations desired a man like him to step up and take the heat. The struggles, burdens, and responsibilities were his to bear while she enjoyed the ride. Promoting Josh Hartnett aligned with their interests as well. After all, these organizations weren''t after equality; they sought privilege. As for Josh Hartnett''s previous allegations of racism against Black individuals, the media had completely forgotten to bring it up. The buzz surrounding the video news far eclipsed those concerns. On the internet, at Hawke''s suggestion, Fergie used the term "SelfieGate," making Josh and Allison the spokespersons for the SelfieGate and tape scandal. After the promotional wave from the press conference, both of their online prominence surpassed the hottest movie of August, , which brought together M. Night Shyamalan and Mel Gibson. Many people flooded the Private website with comments, urging the private film company to expedite the release of the SelfieGate DVD and VHS tape. The Private film company responded to the press conference by releasing a 45-second teaser. They also announced the title of the DVD and VHS. Many came flocking in, and the Private website''s servers crashed once more. Meanwhile, Brian took Josh through legal procedures, while Edward snapped photos occasionally for promotional use. With continuous operations and excitement, the heat surrounding SelfieGate now surpassed what Hawke remembered about Paris and the Kardashian tape. ... Malibu, beach villa district. The MV production team was set up, and the backup dancers were gathering on the grass. Roger was present, personally discussing the MV style with the director, ensuring the shoot was trendier and bolder. The investment side was willing to pay, so the director would comply with their demands. Soon enough, Allison emerged from the dressing room wearing tight shorts, instantly capturing everyone''s attention in her fresh look. It was a prime example of avant-garde fashion. Especially for an MV featuring upbeat songs and sultry dances, her movements became even more bold. The director, mindful of Roger''s instructions, angled the camera cleverly, allowing women''s beauty to shine through completely. On the steps in front of the villa, Hawke sat under the sunshade, enjoying the dance. Next to him, Joanna was nearly bursting with joy, telling Hawke, "Once Allison''s MV releases, I''ll pay the remaining half of her fee immediately." At this point, half of Allison''s fee had already been paid. Hawke is quite responsible for doing things for money, insisting, "Maintain this style and continue collaborating with the FMF. I can''t guarantee forever, but it won''t be hard for Allison to stay popular for 3 to 5 years, even without standout projects." Joanna added, "As long as Allison can gain fame, the subsequent resources will improve. The West Voice Records company may likely be acquired by Bad Boy Records. P. Diddy loves promoting black artists..." Hawke seemed to have heard that name before, "P. Diddy?" "He''s Sean Combs, a rapper, and owns Bad Boy Records," Joanna summarized. "Sean has launched several successful black artists, and Scott spoke with him on the phone last night; he said he admires Allison." These details fell outside Hawke''s purview, yet he merely nodded: "Good luck with that." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 108: One-Stop Service [Chapter 109: One-Stop Service] West Hollywood, a Private video store. A massive poster hung at the entrance featured a man and a woman, but their heads were replaced by bold letters -- Officially Released. Early in the morning, long before the store opened, a queue formed outside. Dozens of fans lined up, eager to get their hands on the DVD or VHS tapes. These folks showed no sign of embarrassment as they eagerly discussed Josh Hartnett and Allison Faith. As soon as the doors opened, fans surged into the store, their years of being single having honed their speed as they scrambled for the DVDs. In just half a day, the 300 copies stocked in the store had completely sold out. The owner hurriedly called to restock. On that day, the Private films company''s release of shattered the single-day sales record for VHS and DVDs in the San Fernando Valley. Due to distribution limitations, some stores did not have dedicated areas for 18-and-over products, which meant that this film could not match the sales of the best-selling . However, in many stocked stores, it shot to the top of the sales charts. In less than two days, sold over a million copies. Inevitably, pirates popped up online, spreading the product further and sweeping across the nation. On forums, blogs, and social media platforms, the hottest topic became Josh Hartnett and Allison Faith. While new photos of Allison surfaced online, the massive scandal brought an intensity akin to the sun, sweeping away everything in its path. This only fueled the fire. The two made headlines in several gossip outlets, including and . It''s not easy to grab a headline in Los Angeles, a hub for scandals, but Josh and Allison managed to dominate for days. The video''s heat was the foundation, but Allison''s bold statements during interviews became the key. "My body, my choice!" This slogan resonated with certain groups. Allison boldly took center stage, pushed into the limelight. Josh Hartnett maintained a sense of responsibility throughout the chaos. Although he didn''t garner as much attention as Allison, his own scandal was overshadowed by hers. The incredible scandal managed to eclipse another one. .. On the third day after was released, when the news buzz started to subside, Hawke called another press conference for Allison and Josh to announce they were suing the Private films company. Online, fans who had followed the scandal felt a sense of satisfaction, assuming the role of justice fighters as they rallied around the relatable Josh Hartnett, protesting the Private films company''s infringement. Hawke took advantage of the situation and had Will hire a professional protest company, gathering a crowd of over a hundred people to sit-in outside the Private films company. Many fans from the San Fernando Valley also showed up to join the spectacle. A large crowd quickly formed, protesting outside the Private films company. Reporters and paparazzi eagerly snapped photos, not letting the opportunity slip by. While this news was still heating up, Hawke orchestrated another twist. The computer technician who sold the footage emerged during a media event attended by star detective Erica Ferguson, moved by her righteous presence, and confessed on the spot. ?????????????B¨¨s He participated in an interview, detailing how he copied the video from Allison''s laptop and sold it to the Private films company, unable to resist bragging about it online. The public, while munching popcorn, was also captivated by Detective Erica Ferguson''s charm. ... The following day, news from the LAPD triggered Josh and Allison''s public outcry. The technician was bailed out later that night. Even in court, it was likely to result in just fines and probation. Amidst all this commotion, Fox 11''s Midnight Entertainment invited Allison and Josh to the studio, where they shared their experiences over the past ten days in an interview with Megan Taylor. The episode garnered astonishing ratings, which directly boosted the sales of . In just over a week, the film set a new record for sales since Private Media Group entered the new century. The selfie scandal reached its peak. ... At that point, Western Voice Records officially announced that Allison Faith would soon release a new album titled Following this, the lead single was released. Based on Hawke''s directions, the lyricist made urgent revisions to better align with Allison''s current situation. After the first music video dropped, it left everyone in awe. The song''s quality was average at best, but the MV''s energetic dance captivated fans and free-spirited girls alike. Allison''s look in the music video truly encapsulated "My body, my choice." Previously, there may have been similar scenes in shows, movies, or posters, but nothing had depicted it this clearly. Allison claimed the early advantage once more. On the most influential platforms online, Hawke had Fergie''s team post continuously, branding the camel toe as a new symbol of female empowerment, fashion, and avant-garde. Allison''s first music video became a massive hit. While there was plenty of criticism, there was also widespread applause. Under the momentum generated by the scandal and Western Voice''s operations, Allison''s new single quickly climbed into the Billboard Top 50. That was already a victory. However, as they moved forward, Hawke would no longer be responsible -- those tasks fell to the record company. In a responsible manner, before wrapping things up, Hawke contacted Wardell Bell, the associate editor he had met during the Steve Nutt incident at Magazine. As long as the heat was there, entertainment media didn''t care about anything else. wanted to do a feature on Josh and Allison and had them lined up for the next cover. At the same time, agent Will forwarded Josh Hartnett''s profile to several casting agencies. With only a few exceptions, most accepted his material. A number of studios even notified Josh Hartnett to audition. Furthermore, the selfie scandal also caught the attention of several Hollywood producers. Maybe the mid-sized and large production companies weren''t interested; they had countless scripts gathering dust. But for smaller companies, if they leveraged the heat well, they could potentially profit. ... Culver City, The Asylum Pictures. At the Monday meeting, the three founders -- David Michael Latt, David Rimawi, and Sherri Strain --convened on time David Latt''s office. They had once been executives at Village Roadshow Pictures and were involved in producing . Sherri asked, "How are the negotiations for the film adaptation rights of the sci-fi novel going?" "Not well," David frowned. "I just started negotiating with the rights agent when Spielberg swooped in. We could only offer $500,000 while that old jerk asked for $5 million. How can we compete?" Sherri sighed, "Our total project investment wouldn''t even reach $500,000." Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. David thought of a solution: "Spielberg''s film has heat, so why not create an original script titled ? We could release it before Spielberg." "You''re brilliant!" Michael praised, grabbing the latest issue of and sliding it toward them. "Take a look at the cover story." Sherri instantly recognized it, "Those two hotshots -- Josh Hartnett and Allison Faith." David, who focused on film operations, said, "These two have a public relations wizard behind them. In just over a month, he has transformed almost forgotten Josh and overlooked Allison into prominent figures across the nation. Reviving two ''dead'' careers is no small feat." Sherri continued, "It''s a rarity for public relations firms in Hollywood to accomplish such a feat." Michael quickly redirected the conversation, "Don''t you think this process is fascinating? It could be turned into a movie! And we could get Josh Hartnett himself to star, maximizing that buzz!" David pondered, "If we had a ready-made case, the script could be done in a month. A month for preparation, a month for shooting, and a month for post-production, and we could release it in just four months, just in time for this year''s schedule to take advantage of the heat." Among the three, Sherri, who excelled in scriptwriting, considered for a moment and said, "Josh and Allison are suing the Private films company, but based on past experience, they''ll reach an out-of-court settlement for a portion of the profits. There''s bound to be some anger between them." The more she talked, the clearer her ideas became. "I have a main storyline in mind. The movie will be called . The male protagonist has his privacy invaded by a paparazzi who refuses to delete the footage. The paparazzi sell it to a media company, which then goes public for profit, causing the protagonist to face ridicule from media and the public. In seeking justice through legal means, he finds it elusive, forcing him to take matters into his own hands." "Good idea," Michael deduced Sherri''s narrative arc. "So we''ll conclude with an epic action scene where the protagonist takes out all the scoundrels who exposed his privacy!" Sherri replied, "Exactly! The real Josh must feel suffocated, and we could let him vent on screen." David, skilled in operations, calculated, "Excluding Josh''s fees, production costs can stay under $1.5 million." "Now, we have one issue left," Michael stated. "How can we entice Josh Hartnett to star in this role? No one fits better, and losing him would diminish the film''s selling point significantly." David suggested, "A $500,000 salary plus a share of the profits, no audition necessary -- tailored for him." Michael nodded, "Sounds good. You should draft a script outline quickly. Once we have the framework, I''ll reach out to negotiate." "I''ll start writing now." Sherri grabbed a pen and pad and left. Being a small company meant fewer bureaucratic hurdles; the three could make decisions for The Asylum Pictures. ... Burbank, Western Voice Records. A van pulled up to the entrance, and Joanna was the first to step out. Eager reporters and paparazzi swarmed in, snapping photos as the door opened. Allison slowly got out, raising her hand to greet the cameras. She reveled in the feeling of being surrounded by flashing lights. Suddenly, she spotted two paparazzi lying on the ground, capturing shots from below. Rather than being annoyed, she deliberately parted her legs as she exited the vehicle. One paparazzo finished shooting and quickly got up, dashing back toward the car. Camel toe -- he had captured it, sure to fetch a good price. Joanna and Allison, mother and daughter, loved being the center of attention, and they strolled slowly toward the record company''s entrance. The receptionist awaited them at the door: "Ms. Faith, Miss Faith, the president wants you to head straight to the conference room on the second floor." They picked up the pace, entering the conference room, where the president, along with Hawke and his assistant, awaited. Joanna quickly stepped forward and respectfully greeted Hawke, "I apologize for the delay; we were pursued by reporters." Hawke replied graciously, "No problem, I just arrived." Once the mother and daughter sat down, Roger said, "Over this past month, I''ve witnessed what it means to turn the mundane into the extraordinary. You mobilized half of Hollywood''s paparazzi and journalists to work for us for free, leading to today''s success." Hawke asked, "Where did the first single land on the charts?" Allison replied, "Number 33, with a solid chance to break into the top twenty." Hawke understood that such results meant Western Voice Records must have invested resources into promoting the song. Though he was unfamiliar with Billboard''s rules, he was aware of Hollywood''s and the Oscars'' operations -- wherever there are people, there are dynamics. Joanna said with anticipation, "Hawke, if possible, we''d like to hire you as Allison''s public relations manager." "My fees are quite high," he reminded her. "The typical public relations manager doesn''t earn what I do, but since you''re a friend of Dwayne''s, I''ve only charged you $800,000 for this job." Joanna opened her mouth but quickly closed it, realizing she couldn''t afford Hawke. Roger noted her reaction, recognizing the fortune it was to have someone like Hawke as a partner; being on the opposing side could be terrifying. He glanced at Joanna: "Now that the planning has been successfully executed, I''ll inform the finance department to transfer the payment." Joanna came to her senses; though it pained her financially, she still called her accountant to clear the balance she owed. Before long, Hawke received a call from the bank''s liaison, informing him that two deposits of total $400,000 had just been processed. With the payment received, the contract concluded. Hawke stood to leave and shook hands with Roger. "You have my contact info; feel free to call whenever needed." "I will," Roger thought otherwise, concluding he wouldn''t want to hire him unless a scandal erupted that was impossible to handle. On the one hand, the fees were too steep. On the other hand, it just felt wrong. Roger always felt that everyone, including himself, was being manipulated like puppets. And the puppeteer was obvious. Joanna stepped forward to shake Hawke''s hand. Just as he was about to leave, she turned and reached out for Edward. With work so hectic lately and the pressure mounting, she had no time to catch up with the charming, dark-haired guy -- now she could finally breathe. Joanna asked, "Do you still have my contact info?" Edward flashed a big grin, "I''ll call if I get a chance." "I''ll be waiting," Joanna smiled and nodded. Hawke had already exited the conference room. Allison rushed out after him, "Hawke, wait!" "Is there something?" Hawke asked. Allison struck an exaggerated pose, her body curving attractively. "Do you have time tonight? I''m at home waiting, ready to thank you properly." Hawke, wary of potential complications, replied, "I''m just doing my job; it''s expected." At that moment, Edward stepped out and waved. "Savior, let''s go." ... The two made their way downstairs, getting into a Cadillac as Edward drove away from the curb, asking, "Where to?" Hawke replied, "To Sherman Oaks, to Josh Hartnett''s place. Will and I have an agreement." Edward drove west, "Boss, every time we wrap up a contract, it goes smoothly. Back when I worked with Bull Daddy and others, it was always complicated." Hawke explained simply, "Take this instance, for example. The lawyer I hired is not ordinary, well-connected with the LAPD and Fox 11, able to coordinate support from the Feminist Majority Foundation, arrange a magazine exclusive, and even craft persuasive statements." Edward realized, "If they don''t pay the final bill, the cost will be greater!" He then added, "And you always have me record crucial points." ... The Cadillac arrived at Sherman Oaks, pulling into Josh Hartnett''s driveway. Will and Josh emerged quickly from the villa to greet them, both wearing smiles as if something good had happened. Once inside, Hawke asked, "Seeing you both so happy, you didn''t just land a major role, did you?" Josh replied, "Major roles usually require several rounds of auditions -- it doesn''t happen that quickly." Will handed Hawke a document. "The president and chief creative officer from The Asylum Pictures came by this morning, preparing to invite Josh to star in their major project." Hawke looked through it. Will continued, "This lead role doesn''t require an audition. The Asylum Pictures is tailoring it for Josh; the plot aligns perfectly with his current situation." What Hawke saw was an outline for a script whose main storyline mirrored the public perception from the selfie scandal. There were differences, of course, primarily in the ending, where the protagonist picks up a gun and takes out the culprits. Josh was relishing the prospect of a comeback and asked Hawke, "Do you think I should take this project?" That was the wrong question to ask. Hawke responded, "Your agent or manager understands these situations better than I do. Let the professionals handle what they do best -- I don''t want to give you bad advice." "Okay, then." Josh chuckled, "I was presumptuous." Will added, "I think the project is solid. Although the investment is modest, the short turnaround allows us to leverage this momentum. Once the film turns a profit, it''ll be much easier to pursue additional roles." Josh said, "You give them a call. I''ll consider their offer and will give them a definite answer in two days." Hawke returned the document to Will. "Our contract has been fulfilled." "Understood." Josh grabbed his phone to call his accountant. Since Josh planned to mortgage his New York apartment loan, he initially only paid Hawke $200,000. The remaining $600,000 quickly arrived. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 109: Life Strategy Planning [Chapter 110: Life Strategy Planning] East Hollywood, Fountain Street. In front of the studio, Hawke held up a sign for Edward to hang outside. It read "Temporarily Closed." After a busy month dealing with the selfie scandal, Hawke finally planned to take a few days off. Once the sign was hung, Edward returned to the studio and said, "Boss, Butterfly called me several times and wanted to meet with you. We''ve been busy, so I''ve been making him wait." Hawke asked, "Is Campos better?" "After the fever subsided, his leg wound healed quickly," Edward explained briefly. "He walks without limping anymore and has returned to the shelter, where DaShawn and the others are taking care of him. He''s doing pretty well among the homeless." Hawke was never one to give out kindness indiscriminately. "Call Campos. We''ll head over there this afternoon." Edward made the call. Hawke took out his mobile phone and called someone else. When the other end picked up, he said, "Haven''t seen you in a while. You went missing? You should''ve come over for drinks." ... Five minutes later, someone knocked on the studio door, and Edward went to open it. Frank sauntered in, glancing at Edward''s tailored suit and Jaeger-LeCoultre watch. "Where''d you steal those?" Edward grinned, revealing his big white teeth. "They''re gifts from little Robert Downey Jr.''s widow, Deborah." He pulled out his gold-trimmed Motorola and said, "See this? All gifts from her! Wanna guess why? Because I moved into her home. Old man, let me remind you, don''t let me find out who your ex-wife is!" Once upon a time, threats regarding ex-wife were just words. Now, with blatant examples laid out, Frank didn''t dare mention cotton, fried chicken, or watermelon juice. He pulled out a photo and said to Hawke, "About what you asked me to check last month, it''s pretty much as you said. I got the photos sent over. You guys have been busy lately, so I didn''t want to disturb you." Hawke took the photo, looked at the man in a Mexican police uniform, and handed it to Edward. "Take a look." Edward scrutinized the photo and confirmed, "Boss, that''s definitely Butterfly." Hawke pocketed the picture. Now, with both the black and white sides confirming each other, Campos''s identity didn''t pose much of an issue. When the opportunity was right, he could have Erika check further. ?¦¡???????S? Frank cautioned, "I heard from a friend that this guy is quite formidable. You shouldn''t provoke him." Hawke inquired, "Tell me more about it." "A local drug gang tried to kill him but failed." Frank''s contacts were relatively high up; he knew the rough outline of the situation. "Later, a warrant was issued, and he was ambushed by a dozen armed Mexican police in the city. Not only did he survive, but he also took out four guys, injured three, and escaped." "That''s ruthless," Edward expressed, somewhat surprised. Hawke nodded slightly. Even if he valued his life, to achieve such results meant undeniable capability. This guy was skilled in investigations, had good skills, and, at the very least, decent character. He was valuable. Hawke''s criteria for hiring people prioritized their abilities. Those addicted to gambling and drugs were completely untrustworthy. Someone like Robert Downey Jr.''s buddy Cole was purely utilitarian to him. Frank was particularly self-aware; after saying this, he pulled out a cloth bag and went to the fridge. He opened the door and began tossing in food and drinks -- beers, sausages, milk, fruits, and more, filling the bag to the brim. Hawke said nothing. Edward was about to speak. But Frank picked up the bag and left without mocking anything Edward said, even pretending he didn''t see him. Edward was fired up: "Hey, where are you going? I wanted to chat more and show you the Cadillac and Hermes bag that Deborah gifted me!" Frank slammed the door behind him. Hawke recalled something: "Did you open a bank account? From now on, bonuses will go directly to your account; giving you cash is a hassle." "I opened it yesterday," Edward quickly replied, giving Hawke the account number. "Boss, do I have to pay taxes?" Hawke advised, "With our current status, don''t attract attention from the IRS. Your income is decent now; don''t think about skimping; get an accountant to help you sort it out." Edward noted it down and decided to use the studio''s accountant. ... As noon approached, the two went out for lunch. They called to Frank, who was in the parking lot across the street, but the old man made it clear he didn''t want to see Edward. The King of Pushbacks seemed to have developed a complex. In the afternoon, Edward drove the Cadillac over to Hollywood Boulevard, where he found the Ugly Trio. These three guys were performing ridiculous acts while sitting on the stars on the boulevard. Unlike Frank''s straightforward begging, they actually showcased some skills. Edward made a call, and DaShawn temporarily left the sidewalk, crossing the street to get in the Cadillac. Hawke asked, "What''s Campos''s situation lately?" "He''s picked up a few odd jobs to earn some money, but he still doesn''t have legal status," DaShawn said. "He generally doesn''t stir up trouble, and with the three of us around, no one dares to mess with him." Hawke continued his questioning, "Who does he usually hang around with?" DaShawn thought for a moment and said, "Besides a few Mexicans, it''s mainly just us three. He hardly interacts with anyone else." Hawke nodded. "Alright, keep doing your thing." DaShawn hopped off the car. Hawke said, "Let''s head over to the shelter." The Ackerman Charity Shelter wasn''t far away; if they turned down one more street, they''d spot the big sign. ... Charity was also a business, with all sorts of quirky non-profit organizations popping up. Hawke intended to start a non-profit organization himself once they had a bit more funding and scale. It was quieter than usual at the shelter today -- no free health exams, and lunch had long passed. The homeless people who had received food sought shade from the glaring sun, hiding away. The Cadillac drove around the shelter and pulled into the back parking lot. Hawke made a call, and soon enough, Campos came over from the other side of the parking lot. He walked quickly, no longer limping like Hawke remembered from their last encounter. Hawke rolled down the window and waved him over. Campos opened the car door and immediately said, "Thanks for saving me." Hawke nodded slightly and asked, "Fully recovered?" "Yeah," Campos replied, clearly bright. "What do you want me to do?" Hawke didn''t answer but instead asked, "Last time you warned me about the Mule Gang operating in secret." Campos explained in detail, "When I was in Mexico, I studied the Mule Gang''s smuggling methods in-depth. Once they get the goods across the border, to avoid detection by the DEA and local police, they hire less noticeable mules temporarily to transport the goods into Los Angeles, as well as Orange County to the south and San Francisco to the north." Hawke recalled the old man he''d seen previously -- an old guy driving a classic Dodge pickup, at least in his seventies. Hawke asked, "The old men?" Campos confirmed, "They''re a common group they rely on -- aging seniors. They seldom get checked. They just need to drive to a designated spot, leave the keys behind, and the contact person, who assesses there''s no risk of exposure, takes their vehicle to drive off with the goods and leaves cash behind." Hawke pressed further, "What about other groups?" "Very visibly pregnant women," Campos explained. Having stayed near the parking lot these past few months, he''d observed frequently. "Not pretend pregnant women, but genuine expectant mothers facing family financial crises. If they encounter a check, they just clutch their belly, and as long as they aren''t primary suspects, there''s a good chance they let them go." Edward remarked, "The smugglers are pretty sharp." Campos said, "The ones who are not smart usually end up handling small-scale distribution. Anyone lacking in smarts either gets caught or eliminated by rivals." Hawke glanced at Edward, "Is Compton the same?" "I only interact with the lower-tier members," Edward shrugged. "Those distribution fools earn no more than if they worked a regular job, but nobody likes working. After all, running the streets can mean partying more, while a job just wears you out for longer hours. It''s not better than what their grandparents did picking cotton." Campos saw Hawke kept asking about the Mule Gang: "You want to go against the Mule Gang?" Hawke replied, "My studio isn''t involved in drug enforcement; concerning the Mule Gang... you can think of it as I''m making a life strategy plan for myself." Campos''s expression turned grave. "Even though you saved me, those matters..." "You''re overthinking it," Hawke interrupted, knowing Campos misunderstood. "I''m a man of principles; gambling and drugs are my lifelong enemies!" Campos visibly sighed in relief. Hawke asked, "Has the Mule Gang been using this area for transport recently?" Campos recalled, "There was one instance a little over a month ago, but I was starting to get sick then and didn''t focus. While I was at the clinic, I was a bit out of the loop, but I haven''t seen anything since I returned from the clinic." He had a decent understanding of the current Los Angeles situation: "I''ve seen reports that a female detective from the LAPD intercepted a large haul of Mule Gang goods on a yacht not too long ago. Following that, the LAPD initiated a crackdown on the Mule Gang, so it''s bound to affect them." Given that Campos was a serious and responsible narcotics officer nearly taken down by his colleagues and superiors, Hawke decided to probe, "With your understanding of the Mule Gang, do you think the LAPD can wipe them out completely?" "Not a chance," Campos shook his head. "The Mule Gang is too entrenched of an organization. There are bound to be those hidden in the shadows. There are way too many Mexicans in Los Angeles; you can easily find a Mexican family to hide among -- it''s hard to track them down." He showed some disdain for his colleagues, saying, "I''m not saying LAPD can''t handle profit and protecting wealthy areas, but they are generally mediocre in other aspects. Over the past decade, LAPD has faced plenty of public embarrassment." Edward chimed in, "Los Angeles riots, North Hollywood heist, road rage shootouts between officers, the Raphael Perez incident..." At this point, when Hawke looked confused, Edward simply explained, "Back in ''98, the LAPD lost 5 pounds of evidence from their evidence locker, suspected theft by Officer Raphael Perez. Eventually, the investigation uncovered another 11 cases of missing items from the evidence room involving over 70 officers, but in the end, Raphael took the fall and got paroled last year." Hawke wasn''t the least bit surprised, understanding they were Los Angeles''s largest armed violence organizations. Edward remarked, "LAPD is just the strongest legal gang in Los Angeles. I heard that donations have stagnated over the past two years, leading to declining public trust and sentiment." Hawke thought of Erika, realizing that LAPD''s promotion of her also hinted at some image management considerations. Campos sighed, "America isn''t paradise either." During this time, Edward had been living comfortably, saying, "As long as you have enough money, life in America is like living in paradise." Hawke sized up the parking lot and instructed Campos, "For the time being, keep an eye on this area for any vehicles from the Mule Gang... don''t alert them; ensuring your own safety comes first." Campos was professional in this regard: "As soon as they show up, I''ll spot them immediately." Hawke continued, "Once you see them, call me right away. You have my number, right?" "I do," Campos confirmed, pulling out his old Nokia and dialed Hawke''s number. Edward went back to the car to grab a charger, and DaShawn and the others were able to find a place to charge. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke saw the incoming call, then hung up, pulling out an envelope. "Consider this my hiring you." Campos was easygoing alone, but with a few others to care for over here, he didn''t push back any further. He accepted the envelope and promised, "If they don''t show, I can''t do anything. But if they do, they won''t escape my eyes." "Let''s wrap this up here for today," Hawke concluded. Campos carefully put away the envelope and got out of the car. ... Hawke looked around and suddenly spotted someone coming out from behind the shelter. "Boss, I want to go check it out," Edward unbuckled his seat belt, fixed his eyes on the back door. The woman emerging wore an Ackerman Charity Foundation vest -- none other than Nicole, whom Hawke had met before. "Go ahead," he understood Edward''s feelings; the Savior was kicked out by Nicole. Edward pulled down the sunshade and opened the vanity mirror, adjusting his tie before stepping out to head towards the back door of the shelter. As he got near Nicole, he raised his hand to greet her, his sleeves slipping down to reveal his Jaeger-LeCoultre watch. "Hey, Nicole, long time no see." Nicole stared at the revamped Edward, stunned for a moment, then turned her back and entered the shelter without a word. Edward felt invigorated, turned back to the car, and still smiling, said, "Boss, that was an amazing feeling." Hawke gestured ahead, "Drive. Let''s go." ... Edward was beaming, like he had just eaten something phenomenal, cruising along while chattering away, "Should I get something nice for Deborah?" "You never got her anything?" Hawke was curious. Edward replied, "Most of my gifts went to her son... um, I''ve decided; I''ll get her a gift." He seemed to revert back to his old ways: "Deborah will definitely reciprocate, and the value of the return gift will at least be ten times what I gave her." At this point, Hawke was lost for words regarding such a talent. Edward had publicly embarrassed his ex-girlfriend and was now excessively euphoric, adding, "Boss, your lead on the Mule Gang is also a gift, right?" Hawke replied, "It''s a strategic business plan." Edward, confused, remarked, "Last time we were over here moving stuff, you brought up the Mule Gang. Why didn''t you tell Erika?" "Gifts aren''t just given all at once; it requires careful negotiation. She''s negotiating with me, and I''m doing the same with her," Hawke insisted that this strategic business plan was no joke. "You can''t raise a woman''s expectations too high all at once, or it''ll be a hassle later." Edward scratched his head with his left hand, "You''re making this too complicated; I''m better off enjoying pure love." ... Hawke fished out his phone and dialed Erika''s number. When she picked up, he asked, "Still at work?" Erika replied, "I''m not off yet, unlike you; I have a case to wrap up." Hawke inquired, "Tomorrow''s the weekend. Got any time? Let''s hit the Artel Mountain Shooting Range and shoot some guns." "Sounds good," Erika agreed swiftly, "Did you finish up everything?" "The contract''s done; we''re wrapping it up," Hawke responded. Erika had someone call her name from across the room; she said, "Gotta go; a bunch of things to handle. See you tomorrow." ... Hawke hung up, returned to the studio, and took out a gun to clean. Edward announced he was ready to leave. "I''ve taken leave this weekend, plus two days next week for a family event." Without looking up, Hawke asked, "Downey''s son?" "Yeah, I''m going camping with Downey''s son," Edward said, sounding like a proud father. "I''m off to buy supplies tonight and heading out early tomorrow to Palm Springs for three days." Hawke, being a good boss, said, "Go ahead. I suggest you propose to Deborah; she seems like a good catch." Edward was taken aback. "Boss, we agreed not to tie ourselves to one tree! Also, marrying her wouldn''t be a good deal for me." "How is it not a deal?" Hawke''s thought process differed from Edward''s. "Even if you divorce later, you can still take away a big chunk of cash." Edward said with an unprecedented seriousness, "I''m the co-founder of West Coast Media Entertainment. I earn dividends every year. Given our growth speed, by the time I divorce Deborah, I''ll be the one losing out on the assets." Now, it was Hawke''s turn to be surprised. "Wow, Savior, you really know how to flatter." "No, no, no, this isn''t flattery," Edward insisted. "I''m being completely sincere." Hawke waved him off: "Hurry up and find your Deborah." Edward set off to be a stand-in father for Downey''s son. ... Hawke had dinner alone and received a call from Miss Baa. "I saw the news lately; you made quite a sum off Josh Hartnett, huh?" Miss Mei was very direct. "The guy was sent by me, and you promised me a 5% cut." Hawke feigned innocence: "Aren''t we friends? Shouldn''t we help each other out?" When it came to money, Caroline was shrewd: "The weather''s starting to cool. I''ve had my eye on a Chanel trench coat; can you send it my way?" To keep Miss Baa on board for future networking, Hawke said, "It''s too late today; let''s do it tomorrow. I''ll have the bank transfer $40,000 to your account." Caroline gasped, "You raked in $800,000 from a single deal?" Hawke was ready to hang up. "Make sure to check your statements tomorrow." Caroline sounded deflated, losing some of her usual sass: "Okay, I''ll be sure to check." Hawke knocked her down a peg but then sweetened the deal: "If anyone from your company has any unresolved issues, they can come to me. For anyone you refer, I''ll give you a 10% commission." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 110: Rules Are Meant to Be Trampled [Chapter 111: Rules Are Meant to Be Trampled] West Los Angeles, Artel Mountain Shooting Range. With a brand-new AR-15 resting against his shoulder, Hawke took a moment to aim before squeezing the trigger. The semi-automatic rifle spat out a shell, and bullets flew from the muzzle, hitting the static target fifty meters away. Soon, his magazine was empty. Hawke ejected the empty clip and took off his earmuffs, asking Erica, who had also removed her earmuffs, "How did I do?" Erica gave him a thumbs-up, "Perfect score!" Hawke loaded another magazine, stating, "I was in Wyoming recently. I went up into the mountains to try it out. I only took five shots and killed four coyotes." "I heard Wyoming is vast and sparsely populated, overrun by wildlife," Erica replied, putting on her earmuffs and loading her own AR magazine as she approached the shooting line. "Is your ranch being disturbed? I can help you out." She raised her rifle, butt resting on her shoulder, and fired off the magazine faster than Hawke. After checking the electronic scoreboard, Hawke noted, "Perfect score, and you did it two seconds faster than me." Erica set down her rifle and, seeing no one around, whispered, "I prefer hunting live targets over stationary ones." "Too bad you can''t help out at my ranch," Hawke said, fully aware of Erica''s intentions. He replied, "The last time I went back, I just bought back the little ranch that got seized by the bank after my parents passed. I''m having a management company handle it for now." Erica grabbed a new magazine, slotted it into her rifle, and smiled at Hawke. "No worries, as long as I can hunt." Hawke continued, "I heard there are grizzly bears around the mountains." Erica''s interest piqued. "I''ll see if I can get a hunting permit." Gunfire echoed once more. As noon approached, the two had each fired over 100 rounds. Erica was packing up her equipment when she said to Hawke, "With you so busy lately and not practicing, your rate of fire is definitely not as fast as mine." Hawke agreed, "You have to keep practicing to stay sharp." Erica eagerly suggested, "If you have the time, let''s come here to practice shooting two or three times a week? It feels great to shoot with you." "Sounds good," Hawke replied. "I just closed a big deal, so lunch is on me. What do you want to eat?" Erica said, "I have to stop by the district attorney''s office in the afternoon, so let''s keep it light." ... The two changed out of their workout gear and drove to a nearby Mexican restaurant, ordering some dishes while chatting. Erica mentioned, "I still need to thank you for the computer repair guy case. It put me back in the spotlight." "Don''t mention it. We help each other out," Hawke said, having warned her ahead of time. "I needed some publicity on my end, and you took the time to let him do the media interview." ?¨¤???¨º? Erica thought about the month''s most talked-about entertainment news in Los Angeles and lowered her voice to say, "How did you even come up with that PR strategy? I was shocked when you had Brian pass on that the repairman was thinking of turning himself in! I didn''t know media coverage could work like that." Hawke explained, "Both parties were in such a bad position that we had to take a different route and think of some unique solutions." "It worked great! That Allison is one of the hottest singers this month," Erica laughed, "Brian couldn''t praise you enough, saying you''re the only one in all of Los Angeles who could turn a major scandal into a talking point." She leaned in slightly, appearing closer to Hawke, as if sharing a secret. "He knew I would tell you, deliberately using this method to build a connection so you''d help him out." Hawke moved closer too. "No worries, when he comes to me, I''ll make sure to ask for a hefty sum -- at least seven figures." Erica began to joke, "That works out perfectly; we''d have the funds to go on a wild hunting trip." "Wild hunting still needs to wait until Mule Gang is out of the picture," Hawke naturally shifted the topic to the gang. "How''s LAPD handling it?" Erica could only give a vague answer: "We''ve cleaned out three major strongholds and five smaller stash houses. We''ve arrested dozens, but the Mexican drug gangs are tough to deal with. They''re particularly vicious, and a few of my colleagues got hurt in the operations." She leaned back, taking a sip of water, and continued, "There are just way too many Mexicans in Los Angeles and southern California, making it hard to root the gang all out." Hawke nodded slightly, saying, "I might have a lead, but it''s not confirmed yet." Upon hearing that, Erica warned, "You''re a businessman. Don''t get entangled with the Mule Gang; that''s LAPD''s job." "After the yacht incident, we''re already sworn enemies with the Mule Gang," Hawke replied, his expression firm. "We need to kick them out of Los Angeles as much as we can to be safe." He briefly mentioned Campos and then showed Erica a photo. "Look into him." Erica snapped a picture and shot off a text message, then made a call. Just as their lunch was wrapping up, Erica answered the returned call and said to Hawke, "The situation is real -- similar incidents have happened over in Mexico. There have been incidents of mayors who pushed for anti-drug campaigns being shot dead by drug dealers." Hawke cautioned, "Be careful." "I''m always cautious," Erica said again. "Practicing weekly is just to keep my skills sharp." Hawke went to settle the bill. ... As they left the restaurant, Erica got into Hawke''s car to head back to the shooting range to retrieve her vehicle. On the way, she remarked, "Now that you found that lead, we shouldn''t focus on reporting it up the chain just yet. We''re figuring out how to make it work in your favor." Hawke replied, "Our favor." "Right, our favor," Erica felt particularly pleased. "I won''t report this up just yet. Once you have clear information, you''re good at operations. We can think about how to both benefit if we find leads." "I''ll have to think it over," Hawke fully agreed. As for the lives of those guys, Erica didn''t care much. She focused solely on Hawke, saying, "Just stay out of it and don''t go to that parking lot." Hawke recognized her good intentions and said, "Campos knows his stuff. Me going would just complicate things." Erica''s upbringing taught her how to motivate people effectively. "You tell Campos if there''s any gain; LAPD will help him with his identity issues." They retrieved their long rifle bags from the shooting range and left separately. ... On his way back, Hawke remembered the call he received the previous day from Caroline, and notified the accountant to transfer money to Miss Baa''s bank account. Miss Baa soon called to express her gratitude. As he entered East Hollywood, his phone rang. It was Brian Ferguson. He asked, "Got time? Let''s grab a drink." Hawke inquired, "Where? What''s the bar called?" "Covina," Brian gave him an address. "Citrus Bar." It was a bit far out, and Hawke said, "You''re way in the southeast, can''t you come to West Los Angeles?" Brian had his reasons. "Come check out the little town where I live." Hawke drove east along Santa Monica Boulevard, turning onto the San Bernardino Freeway. He continued east, leaving Los Angeles city limits and arriving at a small town in the far east of Los Angeles County. ... Covina was famous for its citrus industry. The Citrus Bar sat on the town''s widest main street, marked by a huge citrus sign on the roof -- quite eye-catching. After parking, Hawke went inside the bar. In the early afternoon, the bar wasn''t busy, and he spotted Brian seated at the bar. He pulled out a stool and sat beside him. Brian asked, "What do you want to drink?" The middle-aged bartender chimed in, "How about trying the citrus liquor? It''s hand-crafted, a specialty of the Citrus Bar, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression." "I''ll take one," Hawke replied, accepting the drink. He looked at the orange liquid, took a small sip, and remarked politely, "Great, a unique flavor." Brian said, "This liquor is more like a dessert drink; they added too much sugar during the brewing process." The bartender, annoyed, replied, "Do you always have to put me down?" Hawke laughed, "That''s just how he is." The bartender smiled and moved on to serve someone else. Hawke raised his glass and asked, "What made you suddenly invite me out for drinks?" Brian toasted and replied, "I''ve been reviewing your entire operational process these days. The more I think about it, the more impressive it is. I''ve never seen this kind of operation in my life." "No need to butter me up," Hawke replied straightforwardly. "You want me to clean up your mess -- we both know the drill, so just pay up." Brian took a sip and said, "I''ll help you pursue Erica. She''s tough to handle. No one has ever managed to win her over in all these years." Hawke shook his head, "No need, I can manage." But Brian chuckled, "Maybe I can''t help you win her over, but it''s easy to mess things up." Hawke scoffed, "Would you do that? All your initial investment in me would go to waste! Come on, think about it. You''ve been through a lot of mess with me, was it worth it?" "A whole month, a whole month!" Brian raised a finger and emphasized, "I followed you around and even shot a fucking pornographic film. I''m just short of getting paid to work." Hawke clapped him on the shoulder, "Okay, buddy, tell me why you called me out." Neither of them was easy to deal with. Brian said, "Let''s finish our drinks and then take a walk." ... After finishing their drinks, Hawke followed Brian out of the bar. Without driving, they walked along the town''s main road and soon reached the highest hill in the town center. From up high, looking over the town, Brian said, "These small towns are so peaceful compared to the big city. Covina''s biggest features are the citrus plantations and their processing industry. This place resembles Orange County more than Orange County itself." The little square featured citrus trees, and by September, oranges had already grown big. Hawke, pretending not to know, asked, "You planning to invest in the citrus industry?" "I''m not interested in business," Brian stopped in front of an orange tree, plucked a leaf, and sniffed it. "Next year, the mayor''s term ends here, and I''m planning to run." He looked at Hawke, "So what do you say? You interested in helping me out then?" S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke didn''t respond, jumping up a nearby step to survey the whole town. All the houses were standalone, and the tallest building was the church. He asked, "With your family resources, why choose here?" Brian jumped up beside him, saying, "With a big family, no one gets to waste resources. Those who can''t deliver should step aside. If you want resources, you''ve got to prove you''ve got the skills." He chuckled. "You don''t have to prove how smart you are, but you have to show them you''re not an idiot." Hawke asked seriously, "You have no resources at all?" Brian replied, "Well, there''ll be some, but don''t expect too much. I''ve been living too lavishly before, so I can''t count on them to invest heavily in me." He provided an example, "Erica''s proven her skills and will definitely get promoted again this year -- she''ll be a 22-year-old sheriff." Hawke knew Erica and Brian were close, so he said deliberately, "That''s something she fought for with her life on that yacht." Brian pointed toward the town. "I need to show I''m not just a party boy to obtain more resources." Hawke needed to be upfront about something: "Brian, we just collaborated a month ago. You know my style. If you want to play by the rules, you shouldn''t come to me; we won''t be able to collaborate." "Rules? Aren''t they meant to restrain the poor while the rich trample on them?" Brian chuckled. "In American elections these years, aside from personal attacks, what rules are left?" Hawke replied, "It can go further than what''s happening now, far more without limits." Brian showed no hesitation. "As long as we''re not doing personal attacks, I''m good." Hawke added, "Another piece of advice: keep yourself in check. Don''t involve yourself with just anyone. Even if you do, make sure you can wrap things up properly. It''s not worth it." "No problem," Brian stated confidently. "As for Hollywood starlets, as long as the money''s right, everything else won''t be an issue. They''re tight-lipped -- when talking about how they got to the top, they''ll always say it''s through hard work, never mentioning the real grind isn''t done on set." Hawke deliberately said, "Since it doesn''t wrap up until next year, my friend, you still have plenty of time to scrape together money. I charge quite a lot." Brian hopped down a step. "Let''s go back and have more drinks. Tonight, I''ll take you to a great place." Hawke asked, "Where?" "There''s a club in nearby El Monte," Brian said while walking. "A few girls will be performing as Dita Von Teese''s imitators tonight." Hawke became interested. "The one they call the Queen of Burlesque?" Brian nodded. "That''s right... actually, no. It''ll be a few actresses imitating her. While their names may not be as large as Dita''s, they might have even better looks and figures." ... After dinner in Covina, they drove to a much larger town to the west, bought tickets, and entered the club. The place was bustling -- many of the patrons were women, all appearing very prim and proper, as if appreciating an artistic performance. That night, two actresses took the stage, performing feather dances and champagne baths. The former was a bit lackluster, but the latter provided quite a show. One actress, with an incredible figure and looks, bathed in a large, clear crystal bathtub shaped like a champagne glass. While seated in their booth, Brian lowered his voice to Hawke. "For just $10,000, you can take one of them home." Hawke replied, "Just looking is enough. I''m not interested in shared goods; AIDS is too rampant." He mischievously asked Brian, "Buddy, you''re not a frequent flyer in shared goods, are you? I''d strongly recommend getting checked. Seems like someone in Hollywood is hiding their HIV status, but I haven''t dug into who it is yet." "Are you kidding me?" Brian felt a pang of panic, initially wanting to spend money to take one home, but now he felt no enthusiasm at all. Though Hawke was intentionally trying to scare him, he was not making things up. "Get yourself checked, you''ll feel better. If you don''t do it, how will you eat and sleep?" Brian fished out his phone to send a text message. Forget about later; tonight he was bound to be sleepless. After the performance, Hawke bid Brian goodbye and drove back to Los Angeles. ... Brian, restless, called a 24-hour hospital, driving through the night toward Irvine in Orange County. During the blood draw for his check-up, Brian cursed Hawke a thousand times in his mind. That bastard always liked to bring him down. But for some reason, he found this interaction quite amusing. Damn it! He slapped himself -- was he so hooked on being PUA''d? ... On the other hand, Hawke returned to East Hollywood, parking along a roadside next to Fountain Street, feeling equally antsy. Though he spoke lightly, the performance he had just seen was clearly choreographed by professionals who knew how to play into men''s weaknesses. Coupled with the actresses'' astonishing physiques, he checked the time and pulled out his phone to send a text. "Tonight, at your place." After a slight wait, Megan Taylor responded, "Meet me at Fox Tower." Hawke started the car, drove into Beverly Hills, and arrived at the side entrance of Fox Tower. This entrance was less noticeable, far from the parking lot and underground parking exit. Not long after 11:30, Megan emerged from the building, glancing around before walking to the Mondeo and getting in the passenger seat. ... Hawke drove straight to Westwood, turned onto West Olympic Boulevard, and entered Megan''s home. As the electric gate closed, his hand dropped onto Megan''s leg. The two were locked in a frenzied kiss inside the car. Yet space was limited, and both Hawke and Megan were tall, making it hard to maneuver. Megan pushed back slightly, breathlessly asking, "What''s got you so worked up?" Hawke pulled her out of the car and went to close the curtains once they entered the room. "I was provoked this morning, had some social obligations tonight, and went to see a show. After watching the performance, I''m fired up all over." Megan, curious, asked, "What kind of performance?" "The kind similar to Dita Von Teese -- looks artistic but is actually quite seductive." Hawke drew all the curtains tight. Turning back around, he noticed music had begun to play, and Megan unbuttoned her fitted jacket. As pulsating music filled the room, Megan showcased her dancing skills. Hawke found that the club performances were nothing compared to the moment he was currently sharing with Megan. Tonight, she was particularly enthusiastic and proactive. Physically, they seemed incredibly in sync. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 111: Under Surveillance [Chapter 112: Under Surveillance] Early in the morning, Hawke came out of his bedroom, and Megan had already prepared breakfast. As usual, it was rich in protein. Hawke sat at the dining table, enjoying his meal as he glanced at Megan''s plate. "You''re eating so light? Do you want a fried egg?" "No need," Megan replied with a double entendre. "I''ve got plenty of protein already." Hawke almost choked on his milk. Megan added, "I''ve got something to tell you." "Tell me," Hawke said as he wiped his mouth with a napkin. Megan organized her thoughts a bit and said, "I''ve been following the Mule Gang incident involving Erica Ferguson and Dwayne Johnson. During the midday news slot, I managed to secure significant airtime, even surpassing viewership for the prime-time Ace News." Hawke guessed her intentions. "Are you looking for prime time?" Megan believed she understood Hawke well. Using the best tactics she could muster, she said, "Ace News has a much larger budget. You can get the explosive stories, and I can offer you a better price." "I can help you with the news," Hawke responded. After all, selling to anyone was still selling, and Fox''s offer was still better. He weighed his words carefully. "I won''t get involved in your internal conflicts." To him now, Fox was a colossal entity. The last tussle with the Dwarfs'' Gang was still fresh in his memory. Megan wanted to ask him for help against Gretchen but knew she couldn''t control him. After a brief hesitation, she said, "Just don''t sell the hot stories to Gretchen or to anyone else." Hawke made his stance clear. "As long as the price is right, those have never been problems." Megan had a lot she wanted to say but bit her tongue. They weren''t a couple, let alone husband and wife, and Hawke wasn''t obligated to help her. After breakfast, they chatted a bit about the recent hot news before Hawke drove Megan to the Fox Television Center. ... As Megan got out of the Mondeo and waited for the elevator, she ran into Gretchen. Gretchen casually remarked, "I just saw you getting out of Hawke Osment''s car." Megan confidently replied, "You didn''t see wrong. I slept with him last night." Gretchen''s follow-up was immediately cut short, and it was uncomfortably so. Among women, especially competitors, there could be no peaceful coexistence. £Ò£Á?O???? Once inside the elevator, Gretchen ridiculed, "Your ratings during this period are all due to the support of the man behind you." "You''re absolutely right," Megan boasted. "I''m prettier than you, in better shape than you, I''m more daring in bed, and my skill set is simply superior. So of course, Hawke''s going to support me." Gretchen scoffed, "Anyone can do what you''re doing." Megan deployed her killer move: "I''m 26, you''re 33. No one likes old ladies." At that, Gretchen nearly choked on her disgust. The elevator dinged, and Megan exited first, moving into the section where Midnight Entertainment was located. ... Gretchen made it to her office and gradually calmed down. Recently, she had felt a real threat. Gretchen pressed her intercom and called her assistant, Anna Cookman, who regularly helped her brainstorm. "Everyone at Channel 11 knows that Megan the bitch is aiming to replace me," Gretchen stated straightforwardly. "If she pushes me out, the entire production team will be swapped out. Do you have any bright ideas?" Anna understood her boss''s worries. "The network prohibits malicious competition or revealing information between hosts. We can''t directly target Megan Taylor." Gretchen continued, "I had someone compile the stats -- over 70% of Megan Taylor''s hot news in the past three months has come from Hawke Osment." Anna comprehended the situation. "I''ll figure out how to deal with him, but I''ll have to do it in your name. I lack the persuasion; I can''t guarantee anything." Gretchen instructed, "Just find out how he''s getting his news, and don''t mess things up." ... On his way back to East Hollywood, Hawke suddenly recalled that had already begun filming. Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, all exterior shots were being filmed in the city''s neighborhoods. Hawke decided to drive downtown. The production team was stationed on Olvera Street. Between the Mexican-style buildings, the occasional sound of gunfire echoed. Hawke hadn''t seen many Hollywood film shoots; he stood outside watching the spectacle. A crowd of reporters and paparazzi gathered nearby. Suddenly, someone called out to Hawke. "Hey, Hawke, are you here to cover the news?" Hawke turned to see a long-haired man who looked familiar. "It''s me, Daniel! Don''t remember?" Daniel Richard reminded him. "We met at the scene where Robert Downey Jr. got shot, and then we talked later during that fight between Britney and her dad." Hawke''s memory clicked, and he shook his hand. "I remember now." After shaking hands, Daniel said, "Wait a minute, you''re not here to film?" He scrutinized Hawke. "The suit looks tailored, and your watch... Rolex? Your outfit must total several grand." Daniel recalled their first meeting months prior when they both roamed around as freelance reporters with their cameras. He was amazed. "Man, you''ve struck it rich?" Hawke laughed but didn''t reply. Daniel looked down at himself. "Got some connections? Bring me along." Just then, Dany Garcia walked over from the production. She spoke with a crew member in a vest and waved to Hawke. Hawke prepared to approach her. Daniel quickly said, "Take me inside with you." "Sorry," Hawke replied politely. "That''s not my call." Daniel watched Hawke enter the production area, envy written all over his face. How many exclusives could he get if he got in there? ... Hawke followed Dany Garcia to the actor''s lounge. The crew was filming, and the two couldn''t talk, so they just observed. Johnson was the lead actor, and since there were many action sequences, he only took a break as noon approached. When he saw Hawke, he broke into a wide smile. "I don''t know why, but this leading role is just freakin'' awesome!" Hawke understood that feeling. "Because we worked hard to get it." Johnson thought for a moment, and it indeed rang true. "We only cherish what we obtain with difficulty." Hawke asked, "I hope you haven''t run into any trouble." Johnson pointed to three burly guys nearby. "I hired professional bodyguards." Suddenly his face lit up with a realization. "Joanna called to thank me for introducing you; Allison is now super popular with her new single shooting up the Billboard top 20!" Hawke offered a word of caution. "You might want to keep a little distance from them." Johnson understood. "Look, I''m aware Joanna and Allison have complicated personal lives, but I didn''t expect it to go this deep. I was foolish enough to let it be exposed." Hawke warned, "They can only use such tactics once; it won''t work the second time." Johnson nodded. "I get it; I helped when I could, but from now on, it''s on them." Dany interjected, "Did you manage to clear Josh Hartnett''s name?" "He approached me himself and offered a high price. I couldn''t refuse," Hawke explained. "Perfect timing; Allison needed a male lead." He cautioned, "The audition for this production is bound to raise suspicion on Josh''s end. Dwayne, you''re the ultimate beneficiary. Josh and his agent won''t dare to cross me, so keep an eye out." "It''s all good," Johnson said confidently. "I''ve got him more than a length behind. It''ll only widen from here." Dany picked up a newspaper from a nearby table. "The Asylum Pictures has a film project tailored for Josh Hartnett, signed off yesterday." Hawke glanced at it, and saw the entertainment section featured an article about Josh shaking hands with the CEO of The Asylum Pictures, with prominently displayed on the backdrop. Johnson took a look as well and then couldn''t contain his excitement. "Is it based on Josh Hartnett''s recent experiences?" Hawke''s phone buzzed in his pocket. He looked toward the set, and when filming paused, he answered. Caroline was on the line. "Do you have time tomorrow? Steve wants to sit down and chat." Hawke was surprised. "Doesn''t he have my number?" "Afraid you''d be too busy to answer," Caroline said. "If I set it up, and you decline, neither side loses." Hawke remarked, "Steve is becoming increasingly thorough in his considerations." Caroline pressed, "You don''t have time?" Since a client reached out, Hawke had no reason to refuse. "Tomorrow at 10 AM, Beverly Business Club." Caroline ended the call. ... Outside the production, Daniel Richard''s phone started ringing unexpectedly. He answered, spoke a few hurried words, and rushed off Olvera Street. Following a prearranged plan, he arrived at Historic Filipinotown and entered a tea house. On the second floor, Daniel saw a brown-haired woman and said, "Anna, you called me?" Anna Cookman poured him a cup of red tea. "Sit down." Daniel set down his camera bag, pulled out a wicker chair, and took a large sip from the cup. Anna filled it again and asked, "How many years have you been a freelance reporter now?" Daniel chuckled, "Just the news I sell to you guys is worth several thousand dollars." Anna took out a bag and pushed it toward Daniel. "Count it." Taking the bag, Daniel opened it and counted -- there were indeed $5,000. "This is a deposit for a news story," Anna said softly. "If you can get me what I need, I''ll pay you an appropriate licensing fee based on its value; it will be at least $5,000." "Who are you guys looking to expose? I''m just a small reporter; I can''t handle the big shots," Daniel realized. Knowing celebrity gossip was easy, but certain prominent figures were off-limits. Anna smiled, calming him down. "It''s not a big shot, someone in your line of work. Do you know West Coast Media Entertainment Studio?" "I know! It was founded by Hawke Osment," Daniel remembered from earlier that day. "A really lucky guy; he often gets exclusive breaking news and seems to have struck it rich recently." Anna''s smile faded. "Are you friends with him?" Hearing Hawke''s name, Daniel relaxed, slipping the deposit into his pocket. "Not friends; we''ve met two or three times at news scenes." Anna continued, "In recent months, Hawke Osment has been consistently landing hot news. That''s unusual, and there must be some special reason behind it. I hope you can uncover the truth." She emphasized, "Gretchen is quite interested in this." Daniel took it seriously. "Leave it to me; you know my specialty is following the news." "Make sure to contact me if you get something," Anna left the money, grabbed her bag, and left the tea house. Daniel drank a couple more cups of water before he hoisted his camera bag and departed. ... Once in his car, he opened the money bag and found a note Anna had left specifically. Since Hawke often went to the Fox Television Center, many observant people remembered his car. The note detailed the model of a Ford and the license plate number, along with the address of West Coast Media Entertainment Studio. East Hollywood wasn''t far from there, so Daniel decided to head out to Fountain Street. Upon arriving near Ranch Park, he slowed down and found a roadside parking spot before observing the house across the street through his car window. The West Coast Media Entertainment Studio''s brass plaque was hanging at the entrance of a two-story house. Daniel picked up his camera and started shooting photos of it. For a moment, he considered sneaking in to see why he couldn''t make a fortune like Hawke as a fellow freelancer. However, Daniel restrained himself; barging in could lead to trouble if he was caught. He snapped a few more shots of the surrounding environment. Getting follow-ups required both patience and reliable sources. While surveying the area, he suddenly spotted a disheveled old man sitting by the curb, with an ashtray in front of him. Occasionally, passersby dropped a few coins into the ashtray. Vendors, newsstands, and the homeless were ideal sources for street news. Daniel set down his camera, grabbed some spare change, and walked up to the walkway near the park entrance to drop some coins into the ashtray. Frank, the old man, didn''t even lift his eyelids. Daniel squatted down beside him and pulled out a $20 bill. "Old man, you want to earn some cash?" Frank replied, "What do you want me to do?" "Did you see the two-story house across the street? The one with a brass plaque," Daniel pointed to the West Coast Studio. "Have you ever met the owner? Do you know any gossip?" Frank answered, "I''m here every day, of course I''ve seen him. I once heard them whispering while I was begging on the other side of the street." "What were they saying?" Daniel asked. Frank went silent. Seeing Frank''s age, Daniel understood these old street rats were greedy. He handed over the $20 bill. Frank accepted the money and extended his hand again. Daniel hesitated and gave another $20. Frank tucked away the cash but still held out his hand. "Don''t be so greedy!" Daniel warned. "Just leave," Frank replied, ignoring him. Having already given $40, Daniel felt his anger flare but continued to fork out more cash. After collecting $100, Frank spoke. "There are two people in that studio -- besides the boss, they have a little black guy working there. I once overheard the little black guy say he really liked to mess with women going through divorces with kids." "Is that it?" Daniel frowned. "Isn''t that news?" Frank replied. Daniel pondered; that''s certainly news enough -- could be useful. Seeing the old man still so greedy, he continued. "If any strange characters show up or anything odd happens in that studio, or if the boss rushes out, call me." He handed Frank a business card. "Call the number on it." Frank took it and promptly extended his hand again. Daniel stared hard at him. Frank reminded. "Phone calls cost money, you know. If I''m here keeping an eye on things, it will affect my begging income. You should compensate me a little." Daniel reluctantly pulled out $50 and handed it to the old man. "You do this well, and there''s more money for you." Frank grinned. "It''s all good if there''s cash." The greedier people were, the more actively they looked for news. Although Daniel felt a bit of frustration, he felt okay once inside his car. After hanging around for a while, he decided to leave. ... As night fell, Hawke returned home. Once he was inside the studio, Frank arrived with the ashtray. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke let him in and casually dropped a coin in the ashtray. "I already had dinner outside; you won''t be getting any." "You should pay me more," Frank said, casually placing the ashtray down. He pulled out a business card from his pocket and handed it to Hawke. "This guy has been paying me to keep an eye on you and the studio. If there''s any major news, he''ll pay me more." Hawke took the card and recognized the name -- Daniel Richard. There was even a title on it: President of Free Sea Media Studio. Hawke asked, "What does this guy look like?" Frank gave a brief description. "Taller than you, with long hair. I even watched his car and noted down the license plate..." Listening to him, Hawke moved to the window, pulled it open, and looked outside with binoculars, scanning the area carefully. There was no sign of the car Frank described. Hawke put down the binoculars and said, "If he comes around again, keep your eyes on him. Be aware of any unusual movements. If he tries to sneak in, don''t engage." Frank had intended to head for the fridge, but the moment he heard Hawke''s words, he quickly stopped and asked, "The fridge isn''t plugged in, right?" "No need to open the fridge. You took the last of it, and I haven''t gone shopping yet," Hawke hadn''t been to the grocery store in a couple of days. Frank got angry, purposely saying, "How can you let my fridge stay empty? Make sure to fill it up tomorrow." Hawke ignored him and countered, "How much did you take from that bastard?" "$150," Frank glanced at the ashtray. "You should at least match that amount." Hawke retorted, "Have a little shame. You got from one customer and now trying to take from another..." He paused, suddenly at a loss for words. Frank smiled at him. "Where do you think I learned it from?" Hawke, uninterested, picked up the phone and called Erica. "Got a moment? Help me check on a vehicle." Erica quickly responded, confirming that the car''s paperwork was in order and registered under Free Sea Media Studio. Hawke checked the time and called Edward. "Wrap up quickly over there. We have a new client now." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 112: Public Relations and Image Building [Chapter 113: Public Relations and Image Building] Beverly Hills, Century City. Hawke drove off Santa Monica Boulevard, arriving near the Beverly Business Club. He grabbed his briefcase, exited the car, and presented his membership card at the entrance of the club. Not far away, Daniel Richard got out of his Honda Accord, waited for a moment, and headed towards the Beverly Business Club. As soon as he reached the doorway, he was stopped. "Sir, please show your membership card." Cursing under his breath, Daniel turned and walked away. In a nearby Cadillac, Edward recorded every move Daniel made with a handheld camera. Daniel got back into his car, waiting there for Hawke. Edward turned the camera lens to keep an eye on Daniel. ... Inside the club, Hawke spotted Caroline. Miss Baa was wearing a newly bought Chanel trench coat, carrying a conspicuously labeled LV handbag, and her feet were adorned with sparkling diamond-studded high heels. She looked less like a public relations manager and more like a fashion model. Hawke pointed out her newly styled bangs, saying, "The bangs hang down too much; I can barely see your face." Influenced by Hawke''s earlier comment, Caroline had opted for light makeup on her little sheepish face. "As long as my face looks small, I look pretty no matter how I appear." Hawke walked towards the front and asked, "Where''s Steve?" Before Caroline could answer, the door to the private meeting room opened, and Steve Nutt appeared swiftly to greet Hawke, extending his hand. "Long time no see." Hawke smiled slightly, "We are old friends; no need to be so formal." Steve led Hawke into the room and had coffee sent in. Caroline shut the door behind them. Manager Biles and Steve''s wife, Daisy, were not present. "I''ve been keeping an eye on Josh Hartnett''s movements lately," Steve genuinely admired, "You actually managed to get his crumbled career back on track in such a unique way." ?????¦­?????§§s? Caroline chimed in like a saleswoman, "I told you, when it comes to unconventional public relations and strategic planning, you can always count on Hawke." "I have a bit of a situation, and I''m hoping you can help," Steve said, looking slightly troubled and unsure how to begin. Suddenly, Hawke recalled something he had said to comfort Steve, wondering if it had something to do with his Black teammate Wilson''s wife being pregnant. But considering the mix, the probability of having a Black child was far higher than a white one. It didn''t seem too serious. Steve hesitated before continuing, "Ever since you helped me deal with that mess last time, I''ve quickly become one of the opinion leaders in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP, Los Angeles Chapter." Hawke responded politely, "You''re on the right path." "After the recent peak of the civil rights movement, things in Los Angeles have gradually quieted down," Steve felt the benefits of the civil rights movement and showed no signs of stopping. He continued, "I always believed this is an essential movement for America to become a beacon of freedom and democracy; it shouldn''t just subside but should be carried out more vigorously." Hawke understood that Steve was dissatisfied with the status quo and wanted to continue pushing the civil rights movement. Steve asked, "You have a lot of insights on this; could you guide me further?" Hawke remained silent, contemplating. At this stage, buying for free is not suitable for Steve; things like kneeling down on one knee were missing a dead black guy. Get a black guy to be killed by the LAPD? Obviously not suitable. Hawke had a good relationship with the LAPD, and that route wouldn''t be cost-effective; it could also backfire. Seeing Hawke lost in thought, Steve quickly added, "You don''t need to worry about expenses; I have a sufficient budget." "Are you in a rush?" Hawke asked. Steve said, "Before October." Hawke nodded slightly, "Give me some time. I''ll come up with a complete plan." He created this statue-like character, which he had also used in other plans, and it was highly likely to be used again in the future. He couldn''t allow this statue to fall just yet. Given the current situation, there were still opportunities for long-term gains. Hawke thoughtfully said, "Although I don''t have a specific plan right now, I need to tell you in advance, Steve, that the new wave of the civil rights movement should preferably be peaceful, operating in a non-confrontational and non-violent manner, actively aligning with mainstream California, rather than becoming a disruptor of social order." "I''ll heed your advice," Steve replied, having tasted the sweetness of civil rights activism. He considered it a long-term endeavor; he might not listen to others, but he''d carefully ponder Hawke''s words. "I leave everything to you," Steve said. Hawke stood up, shook his hand, and bid farewell. Caroline said something to Steve and followed after. ... Hawke heard the familiar sound of high heels clicking and said, "Your share is guaranteed." "I just wanted to see if you needed me for anything," she responded. "What will I do if I don''t participate and you only give me five percent?" Hawke replied, "Just wait; if I need you, I''ll call you." As they reached the front hall of the club, Caroline kept trailing behind. Hawke ignored her, pulled out his phone, and dialed Edward, asking, "Is he still out there?" Edward replied, "Still watching outside, south side of the entrance, beneath the lamppost -- the Honda Accord." Hawke hung up, found a spot, and pointed outside at the Honda. "Do you see that car? There''s a jerk in there who''s been tailing me all day. Go grab some eggs and throw them at his windshield." Miss Baa was taken aback, pointing at her Chanel coat and then swinging her LV bag. "You want a fashion-forward woman like me to do something so uncouth?" Hawke shook his head, "I really shouldn''t have expected much from this little sheep." "How about I help with strategy, contacting the media, and writing copy instead?" Caroline suggested, worried about being left out and not making any money. "That''s more my expertise." Hawke agreed and prepared to leave. Caroline asked, "How do we handle that jerk?" Hawke said, "The guy in the car is a paparazzo. He doesn''t even know he''s been exposed; there''s no rush to deal with him now. A paparazzo following someone like me, who has little news value, likely has someone pulling the strings. I''ll just wait for a good opportunity to mess with him a bit - you handle spreading the word to make sure L.A. paparazzi learn their lesson." Caroline quickly replied, "I''m good at spreading that kind of news." Hawke got in the car, took a few laps around the block, and headed to Artel Mountain Shooting Range to practice shooting. Erica was already waiting there. Edward followed in shortly to join a concealed carry course exam. ... In Hollywood, Ackerman Charity Rescue Station. Eighty-year-old Rub¨¦n drove an old Dodge pickup, having traveled for several hours, finally arrived in Los Angeles from the small town of Chula Vista, bordering Tijuana. He drove past the rescue station, turned left at the intersection ahead, and entered the parking lot behind the station. The afternoon sun hit the windshield, and Rub¨¦n''s eyes felt blurry. He slowed down and parked in an available spot. Turning off the engine and removing the key, he placed it behind the sun visor as before and got out of the car, walking off into the distance. On the other side of the parking lot, a young Mexican ran over to Campos, saying, "Another car has arrived." Campos, who was eating, put down his food and moved to a concealed spot in the dilapidated building, pulling out binoculars to observe the parking lot. He first spotted the old Dodge pickup, then saw Rub¨¦n slowly exiting the parking lot. That old man was quite elderly, appearing to struggle with his legs. Campos took out his Nokia, which had just been charged the night before and would last a while longer. He pulled out his car keys from his pocket and instructed the young Mexican, "Stay put. If I''m not back by nightfall, go to the main road and find those three black guys." The young Mexican, around his teens, understood and spoke simple English, "I understand." Taking advantage of the lack of attention, Campos quickly moved into the parking lot, getting into the car provided by DaShawn. He laid the seat back so that no one outside would notice someone inside the car, while also ensuring he could keep an eye on the Dodge. After a while, a bald Mexican approached the parking lot, seemingly like a regular driver, heading towards the old Dodge. However, the bald man looked around as he walked, ensuring there were no unusual situations, opened the Dodge''s door, searched for the keys, started it, and drove out of the spot. But Campos didn''t make any move. The bald man drove out of the parking lot, turned onto the main road, then suddenly stopped, glancing back towards where he came from. After a few minutes, no cars came from the parking lot. Seeing no followers around, he relaxed and restarted his vehicle, heading north. Moments later, Campos leisurely drove out, turned onto the main road, and looked toward the roadside. A Mexican homeless man pointed in the direction the Dodge had gone. Campos chased after it, quickly spotting the old Dodge in the flow of traffic. While in Mexico, he had done this kind of work, skillfully using the traffic to hide crucial movements from the car in front. The Dodge meandered through North Hollywood, turning back south, eventually crossing through West Los Angeles and entering the seaside town of Venice. It arrived at a parking lot, where the driver switched to a Mercedes G-Wagon and entered an open single-family villa area. Seeing the G-Wagon slow down, Campos parked far away, watching the G-Wagon drive into a villa with red tiles and yellow walls. The car did not come out after it went in. Campos waited for a while before driving past the front normally, turning to see the house number before leaving the community. A few minutes later, he parked in a lot on Abbott Kinney Boulevard and dialed Hawke''s number. No one answered on the other end. Campos immediately switched numbers and called Edward, getting through this time. He quickly relayed the situation. ... At the Artel Mountain shooting range, Edward dashed out of the indoor area and headed to outdoor range three, finding Hawke and Erica practicing shotguns. The safety officer wouldn''t let Edward enter the shooting range, so he waved repeatedly. Hawke noticed this, immediately put away his gun, signaled to Erica, who was wearing earplugs, and first headed outside. Erica followed closely behind, with the gun pointed upwards. Hawke asked, "What''s going on?" Edward replied, "The butterfly." This wasn''t the place to talk, so Hawke gestured for Erica to join him back inside, seeking a vacant room. "A few minutes ago, Campos called, reporting that the Mule Gang was moving goods," Edward summarized. "He followed them to Venice and is waiting near Abbott Kinney Boulevard." Hawke said, "That should be a hideout, and it''s still concealed within a wealthy area." S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Erica analyzed, "I know that villa area in Venice; the development company had been trying to sell properties there. The villas are quite pricey, and so is the rent. Regular gangs wouldn''t be able to stay there; it must be the Mule Gang''s notable figures in Los Angeles." Hawke agreed, "Now, we''ve caught their tail." "Tell your people to wait a bit," Erica considered not so much apprehending them but rather focusing on maximizing their benefits, including for Hawke: "If what I believe is true, we need to think of a comprehensive plan." She began to negotiate, "If I report this, I''ll surely gain credit. But how is your side benefitting from this?" Hawke tapped his fingers lightly on the armrest, thinking for a moment before responding, "You''re right; we must ensure our interests first before considering other factors." He formulated an initial idea: "As far as I know, LAPD''s reputation has been tarnished in the past two years. Their annual donations haven''t shown a significant increase, am I right?" "That''s correct; there have been too many scandals from Parker Center to precincts across the board in the last two years," Erica confirmed. "Most of the scandals have been widely reported. Parker Center kept pushing me forward, which had to do with family factors, but primarily for the sake of improving LAPD''s image." Hawke continued, "How effective has it been? Have you adapted personally?" Erica could sense he was planning something, and she answered seriously, "The results have been quite good. How do I put it? I feel positive about it, and the important thing is there''s a chance for a promotion." With accomplishments, background, and being a star officer in the LAPD, as long as nothing major happened, her future was promising. Hawke sensed high feasibility and said, "I have an idea. Let''s turn this capture operation into an image PR and building plan for LAPD, mobilizing the best of SWAT to take out this group decisively. We will film the entire process and share it through partnered media outlets. Let the public, taxpayers, and donors see LAPD''s strength and determination." Some things he couldn''t say to the higher-ups at LAPD, but Erica could talk to them. Hawke added, "Crime has gradually penetrated the wealthy areas, and LAPD must showcase its determination and capability to combat it. After the incident gains traction, a fundraising or other appropriately themed event should be held, and the effect will surely be great." Erica looked at Hawke, "You see it more comprehensively than I do, but this is something my direct supervisor cannot decide on either." Hawke suggested, "How about we check the site first? Then you can get in touch with your boss." "Let''s go," Erica packed her things and headed out. Both were on the same wavelength; if they couldn''t secure enough benefits, they''d rather play dumb and seek opportunities later. Hawke told Edward, "Drive the Cadillac to the side entrance; we''ll get in from there." Erica noticed something off, "What''s happening?" "A tail''s been following me; I don''t know who hired a paparazzo," Hawke said while walking. "I''ve had my share of victims with the things I''ve been doing lately." Erica pondered, "It couldn''t be a particularly high-end opponent." Always decisive in action, she added, "If LAPD acts, I can have someone ram into him. We''ll detain him for assaulting an officer and obstructing justice until we find out who is pulling the strings behind him." Hawke thought to himself, just as well -- this year''s LAPD was certainly far bolder compared to a decade later. Imagine, two groups of LAPD could engage in a shootout in the streets. He still asked, "Don''t get yourself into trouble, okay?" Erica smiled, saying, "It''s just a minor matter." Not one to be overly serious, Hawke didn''t press further. Both emerged from the side door, got into Edward''s Cadillac, and headed towards the southwest to Venice. ... After meeting Campos at Abbott Kinney Boulevard, they got him into the Cadillac. Following his directions, Edward drove through the community for a tour. The villa had two gates -- a main and a back entrance, the latter connected to a narrow driveway leading straight to the beachfront highway. Like many mid-range suburban villas, the residences didn''t have walls; the courtyards were mostly lawns, surrounded by beautiful flower beds with wooden fence walls. Erica started making calls from the car, dialing multiple numbers before instructing Edward to head to the detective bureau. ... Soon enough, they pulled up outside the detective bureau. Hawke, Campos, and Edward entered a lounge, waiting for word from Erica. Edward grew impatient, standing up from time to time to check. Hawke asked Campos, "Can you operate a camera?" "I can, and I''m fairly proficient," Campos replied. "I received training when I was in training. Our instructor advised us to find the goods and capture them immediately to prevent anyone from..." He couldn''t continue talking here. All this was useless in Mexico. Hawke was aware of the situation. After a little over an hour, the door to the lounge was pushed open from the outside, and Erica walked in. "We''re going upstairs," she told Hawke. Following her out of the lounge, Hawke asked, "What''s the outcome?" Erica said, "I reported to them; they discussed it and found this plan highly viable, but they wanted to understand the details more." ... They reached a conference room on the second floor, and Erica knocked and went in. Only three people were inside, one of whom was Suzy, with whom Hawke had interacted twice; she was in charge of LAPD''s media relations. The other two included Lieutenant Johnson from the detective bureau and Deputy Chief Evans from Parker Center. Given that this matter concerned the entire image of LAPD, everyone appeared exceptionally solemn. Hawke calmly presented a more detailed plan. Evans asked, "So, you mean we collaborate with your studio and you''ll communicate with the television station?" This felt akin to outsourcing to him. Hawke was prepared: "If we let the TV station come directly, it could turn into uncontrollable factors. First, there''s the confidentiality; TV stations are unpredictable. If the operation becomes too significant, it could easily alert the criminals. Additionally, if the operation doesn''t go smoothly, and the TV station insists on airing it, it would put us at a disadvantage. I also collaborated with LAPD during the yacht incident, and we coordinated seamlessly." Everyone in attendance understood the nature of media reporters. If LAPD succeeded in their action, it would be a headline news story; if they failed, it would be explosive headlines. After that, stopping them would be problematic. They couldn''t just shoot those reporters and cameramen indiscriminately. Evans appeared puzzled, glancing at Suzy, who then provided a brief explanation. They asked Hawke more specific questions, eventually letting him leave for the time being. Suzy made it clear about Hawke''s previous informal collaborations with LAPD. Robert Downey Jr. and the yacht incident had earned Hawke unanimous praise from LAPD. Erica generally explained recent operational cases concerning Steve Nutt and the selfie scandal in the West Voice Records. The outcomes of these two PR efforts caught the attention of several high-ranking LAPD officials. General people could only dream of achieving such results. Not only did a criminal''s image get scrubbed clean, but it also became wildly popular. In the end, LAPD decided to implement this public relations and image-building plan. Suzy and Hawke would handle the media aspect while the detective bureau and SWAT would handle the operations. ... Afterward, Suzy spoke with Hawke privately. As this would be their first official cooperation, the video recording and processing aspect would require oversight from LAPD''s media and public relations office - essentially supervised by Suzy - while the West Coast studio would liaise with media outlets. However, the outsourcing fee for this incident stood at a modest $100,000. Hawke did not mind, seeing it as a long-term strategy benefit. Erica approached as Suzy left to give them space to talk. Hawke asked, "How can I thank you? You must have put in a lot of work." "The biggest benefit still goes to LAPD, well, to the people on my line," Erica closed the door and said. "You''re the one who spotted the lead, and the news tip came from you -- can''t let you leave empty-handed." She checked her watch. "We''ll act soon. You''ve got that tail, right? Take this opportunity to deal with him." Hawke, not one to follow customary practices, replied, "Sure, let''s see if we can find out who''s behind him." Erica responded, "Just a little maneuvering will do; don''t forget -- Los Angeles is LAPD''s territory." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 113: Lightning Strike [Chapter 114: Lightning Strike] The sun had slipped to the western sky as Hawke drove his Mondeo through the streets of West Los Angeles. In the rearview mirror, he noticed a Honda Accord tailing him. He immediately stepped on the gas, forcing the Accord to speed up as well. As the Mondeo turned onto 20th Street, the Accord followed right behind. Daniel Richards accelerated, trying not to lose sight of his target. He had worked for a few years as a freelance journalist in Los Angeles, and he still had a sensitive nose for news, sensing something big was about to happen. Whenever he found himself at a major news scene, his heart raced. Right now, he had that feeling. Daniel focused his gaze ahead but suddenly noticed an oncoming SUV that had veered into his lane while attempting to overtake. As a seasoned driver, Daniel quickly swerved to the outer lane. But that lane already had a delivery truck speeding along, which suddenly hit the brakes. Daniel slammed on his own brakes. He had been going too fast to track the Mondeo, and the sudden incident meant that even though his vehicle stopped, he still bumped into the delivery truck ahead. With a dull thud, the collision wasn''t serious, but Daniel quickly pulled the handbrake and grabbed his bag, stepping out to assess the situation. The SUV that had caused the chaos was nowhere to be seen. A burly man with a fierce expression got out from the passenger side of the delivery truck, glaring at Daniel. Not one to back down, Daniel shouted, "Why did you drive like that?" Just to be safe, he decided to pull out his camera from the bag and film the incident. However, this motion caught the burly man''s attention. Before Daniel could fully reach into the bag, the back door of the delivery truck swung open. Two men in black masks and bulletproof vests emerged, brandishing AR-15s and shotguns, shouting, "LAPD! Show us your hands!" Daniel was taken aback, his hands going limp and his bag dropping to the ground. He thought to himself, "What kind of trouble did I get myself into?" Having heard of the LAPD''s brutal ways, he hastily raised his hands above his head, yelling, "I''m not attacking you! I don''t have any weapons! I''m cooperating!" A business van pulled up behind him, and two armed plainclothes officers stepped out, taking control of Daniel. Inside the business van, Erika reported into her transmitter, "K1 team has been hit by an unidentified vehicle. It''s currently unclear if it''s related to the operation. The individual is to be detained by the West Bureau." The reply came through, "Agreed." The plainclothes officers searched Daniel''s car, checking for any potential video or audio that shouldn''t exist. If it weren''t for the numbers, they might have planted a gun or something else on him. LAPD''s tactics in setting people up weren''t any worse than the FBI''s. As Erika wrapped up her report, her former partner Milner arrived in a patrol car, according to Erika''s direction. He took over Daniel''s custody and led him back to the West Bureau for questioning. A person could be held for 24 hours; if he didn''t talk, they could always throw a few old black guys in the same holding room with him. Within just a few minutes, the chaos around them had settled. The two vehicles sped away from 20th Street, heading straight toward their destination. A number of disguised civilian vehicles arrived near Venice Beach. ... Hawke called out to Edward and Campos, grabbing two cameras as they made their way to a media signal van disguised as a delivery truck, tapping on the back door. The door swung open from the inside, and the three of them climbed into the van together. Hawke asked, "Did you get what I needed?" Suzy moved a box from the interior, saying, "It''s all here." Hawke directed Edward and Campos, "Put all this gear on." Inside the box were two sets of police-issued bulletproof vests and helmets. Edward and Campos prepared to follow the two teams of LAPD as they rushed into the dealers'' villa. These were all necessary safety measures. In such a dangerous filming operation, Hawke made sure his crew was in the back. Once the two were suited up and wearing the composite helmets, Hawke patted them on the arm, reminding them, "Stay in the back of the group. Don''t act independently. Safety first." ?§Ñ??????¨ºS Edward grinned and said, "Boss, don''t worry. Compared to the Compton riots, this is just small potatoes." The Savior had personally witnessed the LA riots back in the day. Campos was no less seasoned, having fought his way out from the attacks of dealers and former colleagues. The two checked their cameras to ensure nothing would delay the shooting. Suzy sent someone to take them to another vehicle, to follow the two teams. Hawke sat in front of the monitor, asking, "Did everyone get their recorders on?" "All communications are set," Suzy replied, taking off her hat to smooth down her chin-length hair as she took a seat in another chair. "Each team has three people wearing recorders; they will turn them on when they get out." Hawke thought about some of the things he had done in his previous life, saying, "Preventing them from having explosives is crucial." Suzy assured him, "Everything has been prepared. They are the most professional action teams in LA. They''ve obtained building blueprints and deployed surveillance vehicles. The operation will go down during their dinner time, leaving no chance for them to retaliate." "Let''s wait then," Hawke stated, not wanting to say more. ... Before long, the radio crackled with conversation, as the commanding detective issued orders. Several vehicles gradually approached the villa area, waiting for the right moment to strike. The van that Hawke and Suzy were in stopped in front of a convenience store near the community. After a moment, the reconnaissance personnel reported that the target house had ordered dinner. With a command from the commander, action began. On Hawke''s multiple screens, images flickered, divided into two groups. One was the first team of LAPD ahead, while the second team followed behind. One SWAT team drove a utility truck, targeting the front door for the main assault. The second team, led by Erika, rode in a delivery van painted with furniture advertisements, preparing to block the back door. Edward and Campos followed both teams to film, though they didn''t have live signal transmissions. ... The utility truck sped toward the villa, suddenly revving its engine and turning the wheel sharply. It jumped onto the sidewalk, crashing through wooden fences between two palm trees, sending splinters flying right into the front of the house. As soon as the truck stopped, its doors opened. With two powerful thuds, windows shattered on the ground floor, and flashbangs crashed into the dining room and living room. The entries turned into a shooting showdown that didn''t happen. In the ensuing commotion, every window in the house broke. Moments later, tear gas canisters flew inside. The fully armed SWAT team disembarked, with one person leading the charge while carrying a ballistic shield, while other team members secured the perimeter. Campos, holding the camera, was protected amidst the squad. A specially designed shotgun blasted open the door lock, allowing the front door to swing wide. Another flashbang paved the path for them. Similar action unfolded at the back door. After a brief wait, both teams charged into the villa. They didn''t fire any shots and faced no resistance whatsoever. The nine individuals inside the villa were all apprehended without incident. When the Los Angeles'' top armed violent group decided to make a move, the gangs barely amounted to anything. ... In the signal transmission van, Hawke took off his earpiece, grabbing his camera. "Shall we go together?" "Let''s do it," Suzy said as she put on a police hat and followed Hawke down to the street in front of the villa. The outer perimeter team quickly erected a barricade. The commotion had drawn many community residents out to gawk. Hawke switched on the camera as he crossed into the barricade and began filming over toward the villa. With the permission of the scene commander, he and Suzy entered the villa together. Hawke filmed everything, arriving in the living room where he got a close-up shot of Erika who had removed her helmet. She was leading a search when they quickly uncovered crucial evidence in a basement. Hawke kept filming as the camera shifted, revealing bright light gleaming off cabinets filled with palm-sized plastic bags packed with a significant amount of substances, far more than their previous yacht seizures. Erika pulled out a few bags for a quick inspection, stating, "Kratom." Hawke captured another close-up. "Over here!" yelled another officer who had pried open a metal cabinet. "Come look." Everyone came over to check. The cabinet was stuffed with firearms -- various handguns, along with five AK-style rifles and two shotguns. In one corner, there were even grenades. There were also valuables found in the kitchen above. They retrieved large amounts of cash and further kratom packages, with Edward following along to capture it all. Noticing that nobody was filming her temporarily, Erika sent a glance to Hawke and began speaking to her superior according to their script. Hawke walked closer, turning the camera in her direction. "Preliminary searches of the scene have uncovered a massive amount of narcotics, firearms, and kratom," Erika reported to her superiors. "The quantity is beyond imagination; this could be the largest drug bust we''ve done in five years." The superior succinctly replied, "Keep searching. Don''t miss a single corner." After some time, the situation reached a stalemate. The nine captured suspects along with the confiscated illegal items were steadily escorted out. ... Meanwhile, media reporters began to appear outside. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. An officer responsible for perimeter security hurried to the door and whispered a few words. Erika borrowed a phone to call her former partner Milner and then found Hawke, beckoning him to a corner. "Milner just called. Daniel Richards, who was tailing you, disclosed some information," Erika quickly said. "The person instructing him is Anna Cookman, an assistant producer at Channel 11''s Ace News, and it''s tied in with Gretchen. They''re curious about how you keep getting hot stories and want to uncover the secret." Hawke couldn''t help but shake his head. "What secret? It''s just self-production and self-distribution." Trying to hold back a laugh to maintain a serious facade, Erika continued, "Like today''s news, for example." "More or less," Hawke contemplated what Erika had mentioned, "Gretchen from Ace News is a curious character." Erika reminded him, "The paparazzi issue is one thing, but involving someone from Fox could become problematic." Hawke wasn''t one to keep his head down; since Gretchen and her assistant were the instigators, he needed to figure out a counterattack. He thought of Megan and realized that if this worked out well, he could help her out too. Being an important link in the relationship web would be beneficial for him. Hawke asked, "Given that this involves Gretchen, can the West Bureau issue a legal summons for her? Get her in for questioning?" "Just to ask for information?" Erika wanted clarity since it involved Fox. "If it''s purely a matter of inquiry, there''s no problem as long as you give a heads-up beforehand to those at Fox." She was no stranger to these kinds of disputes. "Don''t expect to get anything out of her; she''ll definitely have a lawyer when she comes in. This incident should serve as a solid warning for that paparazzi; he''ll know to keep a low profile." Hawke glanced at his watch, adding, "That''s not what I meant. Can the West Bureau issue a proper summons after 6:30, keeping her until 8 PM before letting her leave the station?" Erika pondered momentarily, "An hour or so shouldn''t be too difficult to arrange." Hawke recognized that she hadn''t finished. Erika stared at him, probing, "Can I trust you to handle this?" Hawke detailed, "Considering the nature of my work, if I don''t respond when pressured, it could create more turmoil down the line. It''s better to make an example to warn those who are itching to move." Erika nodded slowly, remaining silent. Hawke continued, "During morning shooting practice, you mentioned wanting to take a vacation next month. How about I invite you to Wyoming for a hunting trip? I''ll cover all the expenses." "That sounds like bribery," Erika replied teasingly. But Hawke said confidently, "Don''t worry; I have ways to make this not count as bribery." "Just a summons and inquiry, at most an hour and a half," Erika pulled out her phone and dialed. ... Once they wrapped up there, Hawke called for Suzy to return to the signal transmission van and organize the filming footage. It wasn''t just what he had shot; they also had the footage transmitted from the recorders. Soon, Edward and Campos rejoined him. Hawke quickly reviewed the videos they captured and asked Suzy, "Any issues?" Suzy nodded, "Everything looks great. The operation was swift, and the strikes were precise." Hawke compiled the footage onto his notebook and made a copy onto a storage drive, announcing, "I''m heading to Fox Broadcasting now." Suzy pointed outside, "I''ll manage the media here. I still need to prep the statements for Johnson and Erika." "Stay in touch," Hawke packed his things and slung his bag over his shoulder as he headed out. ... Edward had already revved up the Cadillac outside. Hawke hopped into the back seat, turning to Edward. "Take me to the Fox Television Center." As the car started moving, Campos in the passenger seat chimed in, "Boss, if there''s nothing else, could you drop me off at Albert Kinning Boulevard? I''ll drive home from there." Hawke responded, "Your legal status will be resolved soon; don''t worry." Not able to return to Mexico, Campos wanted to remain in Los Angeles, saying, "Thanks." Edward turned onto Albert Kinning Boulevard, pulling up near the parking lot. Campos got out of the car. Hawke reached into his already prepared envelope full of cash, handing it to Campos. "This is your pay for these past few days. Once your legal status is sorted, you''ll receive a weekly wage. When that happens, you can rent a place, and I''ll inform you of specific jobs then." With others to take care of, Campos accepted it without fuss. After he exited the car, Edward drove toward Century City. ... Fox Plaza, office of Channel 11''s director. The channel''s legal advisor, Pierce, had just reported to director Cynthia Rosenberg about the notification from the West Bureau. Cynthia asked, "What are the specifics?" Pierce elaborated, "I reached out to contacts in the West Bureau. Gretchen''s assistant Anna Cookman sent a freelance reporter to investigate Hawke Osment at the West Coast studio, and coincidentally today, the LAPD had a major operation. The reporter encountered a disguised civilian vehicle carrying SWAT and got apprehended." Cynthia, who oversaw everything at Channel 11, grasped the situation instantly. "Gretchen''s rivalry with Megan." "The West Bureau plays by the book; they notified us first, and their officers will arrive shortly," Pierce posed a direct question. "How should we respond?" Cynthia asked, "Is it just for a summons?" Pierce confirmed, "Yes." He then added, "I also got word that Carter Ferguson''s daughter, a member of the LAPD commission, is in a close relationship with Hawke Osment. They reportedly shared a near-death experience with Dwayne Johnson on that yacht, saving everyone aboard." Cynthia recalled the media clip. "Megan''s news team aired that." She pondered for a moment, "Gretchen has crossed a line; if everyone starts doing what she did, where does that leave the channel''s order? Who would dare sell hot news to Fox again? When the West Bureau arrives, take Gretchen with you. If things check out, fire Anna Cookman immediately." "I understand," Pierce nodded and left the office. ... Ten minutes later, as Gretchen prepared for tonight''s Ace News broadcast, she suddenly noticed the legal advisor showing up with two people, barging into her crew''s workspace. The two men explained their purpose and showed Gretchen and Anna Cookman the paperwork. "I refuse," was Gretchen''s immediate response. "I don''t know the person you''re talking about, nor am I clear on what happened. My show is about to go live in less than an hour..." The two men remained silent and turned to Pierce. Pierce replied directly, "Director Cynthia''s instruction is for you to come along and explain the situation to prove your innocence. I''ll accompany you the entire way." Gretchen didn''t believe it. She picked up the phone and dialed the director''s office number. "Director, I''m here..." Cynthia cut her off, "You''ve crossed the line; don''t let it happen again." Hearing the busy signal on the phone, Gretchen could only put on her coat. "Please hold for a moment," she went to the adjacent office, saying, "Nina, tonight''s show will air as planned, and if I don''t make it back, you''ll have to hold the fort." Leaving that office, Gretchen shot a glance at her assistant. Anna lowered her head. They headed downstairs and drove to the West Bureau. While in the car, Gretchen asked, "Who exactly did you look for? How do you get things done?" Anna replied with a sense of grievance, "You''ve met Daniel Richards; he''s been providing us news for a long time and is reliable. I specifically warned him to avoid direct contact with Hawke Osment..." Gretchen retorted, "Remember, this all came from your personal instructions." Anna, being a competent assistant, nodded in agreement, "I''ll stick to that." Gretchen tried to keep her emotions in check, knowing that with Fox''s backing, this wouldn''t be too big a trouble. As Anna turned out of the parking lot, she noticed a Cadillac approaching from the nearby entrance. The dapper driver was familiar to her; it was one of Hawke''s assistants. She pointed, "Hawke''s here." Gretchen turned her head to watch the Cadillac as it parked. As soon as that Cadillac came to a stop, Hawke stepped out, briefcase in hand, and hurried toward Fox Plaza. "Did he land another big scoop?" Gretchen asked. Anna quickly glanced, "Looks like it." Gretchen had a bad feeling, but given the circumstances at the West Bureau, she had no choice but to go. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 114: Ace News Got a Host [Chapter 115: Ace News Got a Host] Fox Television Center, Channel 11. In the office, Megan Taylor finished watching one video and clicked on another, pausing it now and then. Hawke mentioned some related news requests. After a while, when all the videos were done playing, Megan looked up and commented, "Some of these videos came from a body camera, looks like you struck a deal with the LAPD." Hawke explained, "Agent Erica Ferguson''s informant uncovered a hideout of the Mule Gang''s high-ranking members. I collaborated with the LAPD on this image campaign. You always wanted social news, and this has plenty of highlights." Stacks of cash, weapons, and drug paraphernalia certainly made a visual impact. Megan wasn''t shy about it, adding, "If there''s bloodshed and more bodies, it''d grab even more attention." Hawke shrugged, "The LAPD is too powerful." "I want the news," Megan asserted, pressing a button to have Claire bring over the storage drive. Hawke casually countered with a price, "$300,000, just like last time, the reporting has to bias toward the LAPD." Megan fed back, "Are you trying to drain my entire budget?" Hawke, acting altruistically, informed her, "This budget might come from another production team." "What do you mean?" Megan asked, confused. "You''d better find out where Gretchen from Ace News has gone," Hawke suggested. "I did you a favor, but you need to bear the consequences." Megan remembered that morning after consuming too much protein, and quickly picked up the phone to call out, "Hey, what''s going on with Gretchen?" "I''m not sure of the details, but I heard she was called in for questioning by the West Bureau." The person on the other end was quick with information. "Legal advisor Pierce went with her." After hanging up, Megan looked at Hawke anxiously and asked, "What did you do? Some things can''t be used against Fox; it''s scarier than you think." Hawke reassured her, saying, "Don''t worry, I didn''t use any dirty tricks." He knew how to speak in a way that made Megan feel indebted. "Your feud with Gretchen got me wrapped up in this. She had a paparazzi follow me, trying to undermine me." Megan appeared furious, saying, "That bitch crossed the line! I''ll tear her apart!" Hawke summarized, "The situation could involve Gretchen. I got a friend in the LAPD to help out; she won''t be back before eight." Claire knocked and entered at that moment. "Step outside for a moment," Megan said, giving her a look. "Stay at the door; no one comes in without my permission." Claire placed down the storage drive and quickly exited, closing the door behind her, remaining on guard outside the office. Megan closed her laptop and unexpectedly moved in front of Hawke. With Gretchen temporarily out of the picture and a major social news story in her hands, she knew who stood to gain the most. ?a?¨°????§¦? Hawke asked, "What do you want to do?" "Don''t you want to try it in the office? It happens that I want to try it too," Megan said, lowering her head a bit, asking, "You wouldn''t refuse me, would you?" There was no way Hawke could refuse a request like that; it would be too damaging to his pride. Perhaps the thrill of the moment made their encounter particularly quick this time. Before long, Megan entered the office suite''s restroom to rinse her mouth. Hawke reminded her, "Go find your boss; hurry and get it done. I can only help you this far." Megan emerged, wiped her lips with a tissue, and instructed, "Wait for me here." ... Megan headed upstairs to the director''s office, greeted the assistant briefly, and Cynthia allowed her to enter. "Director, can I take over tonight''s Ace News?" Megan jumped straight to the point. "I have a major social news story." Cynthia showed no surprise at her arrival. "Go on." None of these female anchors were ever easy to deal with. "The LAPD launched a raid this afternoon on a secret Mule Gang hideout in Los Angeles," Megan spoke quickly. "They uncovered the largest drug-related case in L.A. in five years. Star officer Erica Ferguson was key to solving this. " She continued elaborating, "The hideout was located in the wealthy area of Venice, and I have contacted the LAPD. We can do a live connection with Erica Ferguson and Chief Johnson from the detective bureau." Cynthia, comfortably sitting in a high position, wanted to see her subordinates compete but under certain boundaries. Gretchen crossed that line, so she didn''t hesitate. "Tonight''s live signal for Ace News, switch to your studio, and get ready." "Thanks, Director." Megan rushed out, heading downstairs to inform the production team of the news. ... The entire team got busy. Megan gave orders for Claire to finalize the copyright agreement with Hawke and for the editing team to cut the video, focusing on key moments and areas with different angles. She personally called Suzy to send out a broadcast truck to connect with those still on-site. Claire, the assistant, found herself constantly being directed by Megan. However, she found something strange; there was a faint seafood smell lingering whenever Megan spoke. ... After Hawke signed the agreement and handed over the copied video to Claire, he waited in Megan''s office. An application report had been made, and the approval for Fox''s news copyright fees was quick, although slightly slower than usual that day. According to Fox Television''s regulations, in situations like these, costs would be charged to Ace News''s account. Tonight, Megan not only hijacked Gretchen''s show but planned to use their funds as well. More than thirty minutes later, Claire delivered the check. Hawke moved freely through the production team, packed his things, secured the check, and went to the control room to watch the news live. Separated by a glass wall, the electronic backdrop of the studio had already switched to Ace News. Megan was making the final preparations. Hawke asked Claire, who followed him, "I remember this show always has a theme." Claire softly replied, "Tonight''s theme is Safety in Los Angeles, Protected by the LAPD." Hawke had seen Megan''s ability to handle news; ordinary reporting could stir a storm, and this time she was bound to drag all of Los Angeles into it. As expected, after the show started, Megan first reported the news and then, as Hawke suggested, tied crime into the outskirts and upscale areas of Los Angeles as a backdrop. She then reviewed the actions of the Mule Gang, showcasing their brutality and ruthlessness. Subsequently, multi-angle action video played, requiring little embellishment since the afternoon''s LAPD operation was completely overwhelming. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... West Bureau. After the routine questioning, Gretchen exited the interrogation room and asked Pierce, who had accompanied her, "Can we leave now?" Pierce replied, "We can go now." The two walked down the hallway toward the exit. Along the way, Pierce went into another interrogation room and brought Anna Cookman out. Anna took the blame on herself and whispered, "I won''t get in trouble, will I?" Pierce assured her, "You only violated the news act, but didn''t actually harm Hawke Osment''s rights. The LAPD has no jurisdiction over you." While she hadn''t faced any rude treatment, Gretchen didn''t want to linger there and said, "Let''s just get out of the precinct." The three turned out of the hallway and entered the lobby, discovering many officers glued to the wall-mounted television. Gretchen vaguely heard a familiar voice; it sounded like someone was reporting that the LAPD had cracked a major case. She turned to look at the TV screen and immediately saw Megan Taylor. "The timing is off." Gretchen scrutinized the program banner and realized it was Ace News. That bitch is hosting her own show! And even doing a live-link with none other than Chief Johnson from the LAPD. Gretchen wanted to demand why Megan was hosting her program. At Fox, it was normal for hosts to fill in for each other when one had issues, but there was always prior notice exchanged. Now, the on-site guest had switched to star LAPD officer Erica Ferguson. Having worked there herself, she had decent rapport, and she heard cheers as Erica was interviewed. By the time the on-site interview wrapped up, some officers were even applauding. Gretchen picked up her pace and headed outside, pulling out her phone to call, "Nina, what''s going on with today''s show? Why is that bitch hosting?" The other end quickly replied, "Director Cynthia''s arrangement. Since you weren''t at the production team, we couldn''t argue." Gretchen hung up, rushing toward her vehicle. Earlier, she felt a looming crisis; now it was directly above her head. Gretchen and Anna got into the same car. Pierce got into his car and first called Cynthia. ... The two vehicles soon returned to the Fox building. Once Gretchen and Anna entered the production team, they found Pierce had followed in, along with two security personnel and a HR officer. Pierce approached Anna directly and stated, "Now, I officially notify you, Ms. Anna Cookman, on behalf of our legal department, you leaked company news sources to individuals not related to the company, violating the news act." The HR officer produced a document and placed it in front of her. "The company has decided to terminate your employment; please collect your personal belongings and leave." Anna''s hope shifted to Gretchen for a brief moment. Gretchen challenged, "You can''t just fire my assistant without my consent?!" The HR officer maintained, "A decision has been made by the company." Gretchen understood; clearly, this had Cynthia''s approval. The hope in Anna''s eyes gradually vanished, quickly morphing into despair. Under the security personnel''s watch, she returned to her workspace, collected her belongings, and left the company in a daze. The other crew members watched everything unfold, their gazes shifting toward Gretchen. They suddenly realized that Gretchen might not be able to hold onto her position much longer. Pierce and the HR specialist soon exited. ... Gretchen returned to her office, unable to keep it in any longer, and called Cynthia. She tentatively asked, "Director, why?" Cynthia responded coolly, "Your people not only crossed the line but are also undermining the foundation of Fox Network. Fox is where it is today because of your contributions, but crucially, it''s explosive news that drives viewership! Have you forgotten that the station broadcasts 24/7? There needs to be something to attract viewers; where does that come from?" Gretchen protested, "I never meant to hurt anyone..." "Enough," Cynthia cut her off, not wanting to hear explanations or defenses. "You haven''t taken your vacation this year; start your time off tomorrow." With that, the call ended abruptly. Listening to the busy tone, Gretchen slowly put down the receiver. There was no way to change the outcome now. ... After wrapping up the media affairs on-site, Suzy arrived at Fox Television Center. Ace News had already concluded, and Hawke, Megan, and she were discussing follow-up matters in the producer''s office. Suzy remarked, "Tonight''s show was a success. Management was very satisfied with the operation and the program; they hope to sustain the momentum of the reporting." Megan had already heard the news about Gretchen being put on vacation. With Ace News temporarily assigned to her, she immediately stated, "Tomorrow, I''m heading to the detective bureau to film the weapons, drug money, and drug paraphernalia. Can we arrange interviews with the suspects? We can blur faces if necessary." Suzy frowned, "I''ll communicate with them; the items shouldn''t be a problem, but people... we''ll see." Hawke pulled from past practices to suggest, "I recommend that the LAPD and Channel 11 choose a suitable venue to publicly showcase the seizures from the Mule Gang as part of a community outreach." "Community outreach?" Suzy shook her head. "In this drug war in California, it''s unclear who the ultimate winner will be." Hawke clarified, "We''re not aiming for a show; it''s about making a point that Los Angeles has a serious crime issue and that the LAPD is giving it their all." Megan and Hawke''s ideas resonated well: "Channel 11 can highlight this; you could bring in some victims of the Mule Gang to speak out against the Mexican cartel''s brutality." Suzy caught on, "That''s a great idea; it shows citizens the efforts the LAPD is making for public safety." Hawke added, "That could push the fundraiser forward." Suzy corrected, "It''s a community appreciation event." Hawke nodded, recognizing that they were essentially after the same thing: business. The three discussed for a while, and Suzy was the first to leave, heading back to consult with upper management. ... With only two people left in the office, Megan remarked, "For the next half month, Gretchen will be on vacation, and I''ll be overseeing Ace News." Hawke responded, "Congratulations, seize this opportunity; overseeing can turn into directorship." "It''s not easy to get Cynthia to make a decision," Megan understood her superior''s style well. "Channel 11 isn''t like the Fox News channel; changes under Cynthia''s watch depend entirely on ratings, and this period will be a test for me." She further explained, "That''s why Gretchen sees me as a threat, and Cynthia ranks me second among Channel 11 hosts. Since April, ratings for Midnight Entertainment have skyrocketed." Hawke laughed, "No need to flatter me; just say it directly: ''Hawke is awesome, Hawke is strong, and Hawke is backing me up.''" Megan raised an eyebrow, "Why not say Hawke fed me well?" Hawke hadn''t passed that wise phase yet. "On a serious note, with this collaboration with the LAPD, at least it''s good for a week." "The Ace News production team has sufficient funding; we can afford the news costs," Megan seemed eager for Hawke to earn more money. "Aren''t you good at generating news, crafting stories?" Hawke quipped, "You think I don''t want to make money? This isn''t an assembly line product that you can just churn out." Megan was overly eager, and her mentality felt a bit unbalanced. Hawke picked up on that and jokingly suggested, "How about this? You use the whole year''s budget for the production team to hire a few hitmen to take out that pig in the Oval Office." Megan recognized the jest and couldn''t help but chuckle. "I''m full now, you can go." Hawke grabbed his bag, waved goodbye, and as he headed downstairs, he called Edward to wait for a moment at the building''s front entrance. ... In no time, a Cadillac pulled up in the driveway. He got in and told Edward, "Back to the studio." Edward chimed in, "I just contacted Campos, and everything''s going well over there." He turned and asked, "Boss, since Campos joined us, should I take him out for news coverage?" Hawke had already considered it, "I plan to have him start a consulting firm." "A consulting firm?" Edward didn''t comprehend. Hawke elaborated, "Similar to a private investigator." Having followed Hawke for a few months, Edward occasionally had bright ideas: "So, when we''re dealing with tricky matters, we can have him conduct investigations on the side?" Hawke remarked, "Turns out your talents aren''t just for picking up chicks." Edward couldn''t help but boast, "In Compton, I was also known as a smart guy." Hawke realized there was a significant problem; the overall intelligence in Compton was concerning. Before he could speak, Edward added, "There''s hardly anyone who lives as well as me among black folks escaping Compton." "You''re the wisest man in Compton!" Hawke praised and pulled out his phone to call Caroline. "Miss Baa, have you returned to the barn?" Caroline instinctively replied, "I''m back! Wait, I went home to get some beauty sleep; if there''s nothing, I''ll hang up." Hawke said, "Our paparazzo, Daniel Richard, got picked up by the LAPD; he might face a hefty fine. You should spread the word." Caroline, who had promised earlier, replied, "Sure, I''ll handle that tomorrow." Hawke hung up, and by then, the Cadillac had entered East Hollywood, soon stopping on Fountain Street. Edward still needed to return to Brentwood to keep Deborah company. ... As Hawke entered the studio, just a few minutes later, someone knocked on the door. Frank called out, "I saw you back." Hawke opened the door and noticed he wasn''t carrying an ashtray, asking, "Didn''t beg today?" "I''ve been keeping an eye out for that paparazzo," Frank exclaimed, as if it were a huge deal he pulled off. "That jerk hasn''t shown up at all." Hawke handed him a bottle of water, saying, "I managed to get him sent to the West Bureau." Frank nodded and pulled out a folded bag from his pocket, approaching the fridge, and opened the door. Then he exploded, "Why is my fridge still empty? Are you trying to starve me?" If it weren''t for Frank''s reminders, Hawke wouldn''t have managed to deal with Daniel Richard so smoothly. He replied, "Tomorrow morning, we''re going grocery shopping together; two shopping carts, filled with food and drinks." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 115: Right to the Point [Chapter 116: Right to the Point] In Silver Lake Community, at a Walmart supermarket. At the entrance, Hawke spotted Caroline rushing over, and he handed her the shopping cart. "Push it." Caroline instinctively caught the cart, but then realized something was off. "Hey, hey, hey." Hawke reminded her, "Wrong." Caroline opened her mouth and instinctively let out a "baa..." She quickly covered her mouth and glanced around, only to notice a scruffy old man leering at her from the other side. Caroline adjusted her Chanel trench coat, swung her Hermes bag, and shot a fierce glare at the old man. Frank shook his head. "She doesn''t like the poor and loves the rich. She doesn''t look very smart." Hawke replied, "We shouldn''t have too high expectations for a little sheep." Frank pushed the cart into the supermarket. "Let''s go," Hawke followed. Caroline gritted her teeth, fuming, but thinking about the big upcoming business deal made her hold back her anger. Since Hawke hadn''t revealed his plan yet, she complied and pushed the cart along. The group headed straight to the food section. Hawke picked up some food items with little or no sugar, tossing them into Caroline''s cart. Caroline leaned in closer with a look that said, "You really associate with everyone, huh?" "You''re really not too bright," Hawke whispered, "Everyone has their purpose. That jerk stalking me? He was the one who figured it out." Caroline understood. "My purpose for you is just bringing in clients?" Hawke shook his head. "Nope, your greatest role is to make me happy." Those words made Caroline grind her teeth. Sure, Hawke might be happy, but it drove her to the point of wanting to baa in frustration. Frank didn''t hold back with Hawke at all, loading up Caroline''s cart and calling her over to keep adding more. Hawke didn''t act like a gentleman, letting Caroline do all the heavy lifting. As Frank went to grab some beers, Caroline asked the question that was burning in her mind. "Have you figured out a plan for Steve yet?" "I''ve been busy with other things these past few days. Just wait a bit," Hawke said, also observing the social dynamics. "To create a buzz again, whatever we come up with has to be different." Caroline completely agreed with that. Once both shopping carts were full, the trio made their way to the checkout. Hawke stepped ahead to pay. Caroline bit her lip, feeling like she was bleeding money. "I''ll cover today''s bill." Seeing her gritted teeth, Hawke responded, "Don''t force yourself." Caroline insisted, "I''m doing this willingly." While he was scanning items at the register, an old Black man suddenly dashed out of the supermarket. This guy was limping, carrying a bag of goods, trying to flee but not moving very fast. He didn''t get far before a Black security guard charged out, shouting for him to stop while drawing his taser. The taser dart flew through the air, and the old man fell to the ground, shaking. "Did you see that?" Frank was still afraid of Edward and deliberately provoked him, "One day, that cotton-picking lackey of yours might end up like that." ??????????????????? But Hawke replied, "I think it''ll be the other way around; you''ll be the one lying on the ground, trembling." California hadn''t passed any relevant laws yet, and now the zero-dollar purchase trend wasn''t really taking off. The old man really had a screw loose coming to a place like Walmart. ... As Frank and Caroline wheeled their cart out, Hawke took a closer look at the old man lying on the ground. His pant leg had blown up in the wind, revealing part of a prosthetic limb. The other foot was stuck in a dirty flip-flop. Caroline passed by, quietly fanning the air in front of her nose. Her little hoofs hit the ground like a drumbeat, and in just a few breaths, she had moved far away. When Hawke caught up, she said, "What''s to look at? It''s all dirty and smelly. Only someone like you, a real country bumpkin would care..." Hawke shot back, "Shut up." Feeling indignant, Caroline blurted, "Baa--" Hawke glanced at the woman whose head was kicked by a sheep''s hoof and said, "You go tell Steve I have a plan. Have him wait a few days." "I''ll call him shortly." Caroline pushed the cart to the Mondo, waiting for Hawke to open the trunk, automatically loading bags in. Hawke stood beside her, drinking water. While loading, Caroline felt something was off. Wasn''t her role usually to be a bystander while Sasha and Amanda, her assistants, did all the work? After Frank and Caroline finished loading, Hawke dismissed her. "Go ahead and keep yourself busy." Caroline got into her red Mercedes, sitting in the driver''s seat, staring blankly for a moment. A feeling became clearer; her destiny was tightly grasped by that bastard Hawke. Caroline felt a bit annoyed but then relaxed with a thought. When it came to making money, it didn''t really matter. ... This shopping trip not only filled Hawke''s fridge but also Frank''s RV fridge. Frank pulled out the newly bought sausages and the beer he just shoved into the fridge. "I''ll treat you for lunch." Hawke looked at the things freshly picked from Walmart and said, "You''re generous!" "You gotta understand what it feels like to be broke," Frank specifically asked, "How much have you made since coming to LA?" Hawke vaguely replied, "Definitely above seven figures." He hadn''t counted it closely, but since he arrived in LA, he was sure all incomes added would exceed four million dollars. Frank seemed somewhat surprised. "That''s more than I expected." He then asked, "Ever thought of scaling up?" Hawke was quite clear-headed. "Scaling up is inevitable, but not now. I''m also learning how to run a studio; without matching capability and resources, expanding too soon would be a disaster." Frank plated up the sliced sausages and bagged grilled meat, adding some fruit, setting it all on the table. "You''re more stable than I thought, not that type of young man who easily gets swept away." The king of the hustlers couldn''t help but chime in: "I''ve seen so many young geniuses who made a ton of money in their first year and rushed to expand their companies. In the end, they couldn''t even pay staff salaries, while the more prudent ones like me can achieve great successes and become big names in the industry." Hawke decided to indulge him, raising his beer for a toast with Frank. "One day when I scale up, I''ll have you as my advisor. You can''t own any assets, but I''ll make sure you have your food and shelter." But Frank replied, "You''re trying to take advantage of my connections." Hawke replied boldly, "Keeping it would just be a waste." Just then, a Maserati Quattroporte pulled into the parking lot and parked nearby. The driver door opened, and a shorter yet imposing Mexican woman stepped out. She was wearing stilettos, walking with a sway that seemed like it could crush mountains underfoot. Anyone would be drawn to her height, while only someone like Quentin, the weirdo, would fixate on her feet. Having seen , Hawke recognized the woman, Salma Hayek, whom Frank nearly choked on when mentioning her as his lover. Right then, Hawke wanted to gossip about this, but after finishing his beer, he stood up, saying, "I''m heading back for a nap." Salma smiled and nodded at him. Hawke politely nodded back and started to leave. Then Frank remembered something and warned Hawke, "Don''t tell that cotton-picker." Hawke waved him off casually as he walked away. Behind him, Salma yelled out, "So this is where you''ve been hiding! If it weren''t for you digging up info from Mexico, I''d never have found you." Frank urged her to get in, "Come on, let''s go. Don''t let others gawk at us." ... Hawke returned to the studio, sitting by the window, pulling out binoculars to look across to the parking lot. The RV curtains were tightly shut, with nothing to see. "What a cheapskate!" Hawke grumbled as he put down the binoculars. He went upstairs for a short nap. Hearing noises at the door, he woke up immediately and peeked outside to find Edward had arrived. Hawke quickly washed up and headed downstairs, where Edward sat at the window with binoculars, scrutinizing the scene. Hawke asked, "What''s up?" Edward exclaimed, "Boss, come over! I discovered that old bastard''s ex-wife! She''s right in front of the RV!" Hawke approached the window and said, "That''s Salma Hayek, his girlfriend." "Seriously? He didn''t even introduce me to her? I thought we were friends!" Edward put down the binoculars. "I''ll go over and say hi." Hawke thought about how Frank wouldn''t even let him have a glance, and said, "Let''s go together." ... They stepped out and quickly crossed Fountain Avenue, entering the parking lot. Frank had seen Edward from afar and urged Salma, "Hurry, get in your car!" Salma pointed to Hawke and Edward, "Aren''t they your friends?" Hawke waved, "Mind introducing us?" Edward smiled revealing two rows of perfect teeth toward Frank. Salma approached Hawke, shook his hand, and introduced herself. "I''m Salma Hayek, an actress." Hawke wasn''t just interested in gossip but used the opportunity to hand her his business card. "Hawke Osment, founder of West Coast Media Entertainment Studio, specializing in crisis public relations consulting and business strategy." "West Coast Media Entertainment Studio? Hawke Osment?" Salma said earnestly. "I''ve heard of you. The selfie scandal was a very successful PR campaign." Before Edward could introduce himself, Frank hurried in. "You can leave now." Salma sighed and offered a brief apology before getting in the car and leaving. Edward wandered over, banding his arm around Frank''s shoulders. "Is this your ex-wife?" Frank shrugged him off, "No!" He turned and climbed into the RV, slamming the door shut, then opened one window with the slingshot gifted by Hawke aimed at Edward. "If you don''t leave, I''ll hit you!" Edward retorted, "Salma Hayek, I''ll remember that." Hawke turned away and quickly distanced himself from the RV. Sure enough, Frank picked up a steel ball, casually tugging the elastic and shot it at Edward, who took off running in a panic. ... As they exited the parking lot, Hawke told Edward, "Let''s go to the detective agency." Edward''s Cadillac had become the studio''s business vehicle. His good buddy Downey would definitely give him a thumbs-up. Edward drove, asking, "Boss, was that really Frank''s ex-wife?" Hawke replied, "Frank sometimes boasts, but you can trust some of what he says. He''s enemies with his ex-wives, yet seems on good terms with Salma Hayek. Doubt she''s one of them." Edward sighed, "Whatever, it''s not interesting." "What''s going on with you and Deborah?" Hawke asked. Edward said, "I encouraged Indio Downey to sign up for Taekwondo classes with me, so I could rightfully beat up Downey''s son." Hawke gave a thumbs-up to the Savior. ... Upon arriving at the detective agency, Suzy was already waiting there. Shortly after, Megan Taylor arrived with a film crew. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The group proceeded to the evidence room, filming what the LAPD had confiscated the day before in Venice. Tonight, Ace News would continue its coverage. Suzy found Hawke and said, "The charity exhibition you suggested has been approved. It''s tentatively set for this weekend at the Griffith Exhibition Hall." Hawke asked, "What about the thank-you event?" "It''ll showcase during the day on Saturday," Suzy replied. "The thank-you event will be on Sunday night." She pulled out an invitation from her briefcase. "You''re welcome to attend." Hawke accepted it. "That''s efficient." Suzy smiled. For money-making endeavors, efficiency was key. Hawke opened the invitation to find a card slipped inside. Suzy explained, "An upgraded version of last time." Hawke properly stored it away; he had heard from Erica that as long as it didn''t involve criminal activity, LAPD would often turn a blind eye. Just then, Erica called, asking, "Are you at the detective agency?" Hawke replied, "I was just chatting with Suzy." Erica, out tracking down the old Mule dealers, sounded a bit chaotic and moved to a quieter place, stating, "Milner just notified me that Daniel Richard''s detention time is up. He''s being released soon." Hawke responded, "Got it." Erica hung up. Hawke found Edward and instructed him, "Go to the West Division and wait for Daniel Richard to come out. Follow him." Edward took off immediately. ... With matters wrapped up at the detective agency, Hawke called a cab, heading to Hollywood Boulevard. He dialed Edward. "Where are you?" "North Hollywood on Victory Boulevard," Edward said, providing an address. "He went to an insurance company after he got out, probably to negotiate vehicle insurance and repairs." Hawke hung up, walked ahead to the place where the three, DaShawn and others, were performing, and shot DaShawn a knowing look. He turned at the entrance of an alley, using the building to shield his body. DaShawn quickly followed. Hawke said, "Find a reliable one, preferably a homeless person with an infectious disease. Head to North Hollywood and have the Savior show you the target." DaShawn suggested, "How about AIDS, bite him?" Often unyielding in retaliation, Hawke shot back, "Why not?" The chances of infection from a bite were low; he thought for a moment and added, "Just use a freshly contaminated needle to avoid detection. Dress as a thief, and while you''re at it, cut his pocket. Can you find someone with experience in stealing?" "No problem." DaShawn turned without another word and headed off. He headed to the parking lot behind the Ackerman Shelter, asking Campos for car keys and seeking out people in the nearby homeless camp. Healthy homeless people were rare on the street; sick ones were plentiful. DaShawn found a homeless person with AIDS, in good enough shape but one of the fastest among the local homeless. After connecting with Edward and acquiring some razor blades, he loaded the guy in his ride, heading straight for North Hollywood. ... Upon reaching Victory Boulevard, he found Edward standing at the entrance of a convenience store, showing off his watch and phone to the female shopkeeper. Edward had run into an ex-girlfriend, and back then, he had tried to mooch off the shopkeeper''s support, but she saw him as free labor. Now with this chance at bragging, he couldn''t resist. What was the point of having it all if he didn''t show it off? Fortunately, Edward hadn''t lost sight of their mission and quickly wrapped up his showcase adventure, signaling discreetly to DaShawn in the vehicle as the two cars took off in succession. Edward was familiar with Victory Boulevard and came to a roadside parking lot without surveillance, producing the previously taken photo of Daniel Richard to hand to DaShawn, pointing out Daniel''s position and swapping the fake license plate as Hawke suggested. Climbing back into the vehicle, DaShawn showed the photo, handed over the razor blade and needle, and gave a few last reminders. ... The homeless man donned a new jacket and tidied himself a bit to avoid being considered competition by the other homeless folks on the street. He exited the vehicle, approaching the insurance company''s entrance, keeping a close watch. Inside, Daniel Richard finished negotiating with the staff, who finally agreed to coordinate with the West Division to handle his car the next day. Without a vehicle or equipment, Daniel couldn''t even work. He dialed Anna Cookman from Channel 11, but she didn''t answer. Daniel knew that she likely faced repercussions because of his disclosures. Not that he intended to make trouble, but the LAPD were all jerks, locking him with a group of gay Black men in the same holding room! After the negotiations wrapped up, Daniel left his number and stepped out of the insurance company, calling for a taxi. He waited on the sidewalk for the cab to arrive, where a few others stood waiting as well. The homeless man noticed his target and pulled out a syringe, jabbing it into himself. As the needle filled with blood, he concealed it in his palm and briskly approached Daniel from the side, one hand slicing his pocket while the other jabbed the needle in. Daniel, waiting for his ride, paid no mind to what was happening behind him, until he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his leg, like something had pricked him. He turned to see someone sprinting away along the sidewalk. "Who are you! Stop!" Daniel panted, chasing after him. "Don''t run!" The runner was fast as a rabbit and quickly turned the corner ahead. DaShawn''s car was parked on the side with the passenger door open. The homeless man jumped into the car, leaving the door ajar while DaShawn hit the gas, starting the vehicle. As the door closed, the car merged into the traffic. Soon after, it veered into concealment, and DaShawn swapped out the fake license plate. By the time Daniel turned the corner, he had missed everything. Panting heavily, Daniel reached down to check his leg, spotting a faint trace of blood. He then noticed a hole in his pant pocket, clearly slashed through by someone. Such a small injury didn''t bother Daniel. He figured that jerk must have been a thief trying to snatch something from him, but with minor skill, he had taken nothing. Daniel strolled back, waiting for his taxi to arrive as he left North Hollywood. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 116: Operation Redemption [Chapter 117: Operation Redemption] On Saturday, the LAPD, in partnership with Fox Television Channel 11, successfully held a charity exhibition at the Griffith Exhibition Center, co-hosted by West Coast Media Entertainment Studio. Due to the tremendous success of the operational plan, along with Hawke''s serious negotiations with Suzy, West Coast Studio managed to sneak its name onto the list of co-hosts. This left a lasting impression on many people, especially since the LAPD invited several partners to join the event. By Sunday night, at the LAPD''s gratitude banquet, Hawke, introduced by Suzy as the founder of West Coast Studio, met many influential individuals. Deputy Chief Charles Baker even chatted with Hawke, saying, "I heard the initial plan came from you?" Hawke playfully responded, "It was I who proposed the preliminary scheme to your Officer Erica. Detective Bureau and Sheriff Suzy further improved it. It was a result of teamwork, not something I could accomplish by myself." "You did an excellent job," Charles Baker remarked, glancing at Suzy. "You should collaborate more with media professionals and studios like this to further maintain and enhance the LAPD''s good image." Suzy replied earnestly, "Of course, this isn''t our first collaboration with Hawke. He''s an old friend of the LAPD." Charles Baker was quite busy that night, and Hawke, being perceptive, politely excused himself and left the gathering. Suzy tossed her brown bobbed hair and said, "It seems I can''t avoid working with you next time." Hawke replied, "I excel at solving tricky problems." Reflecting on what she had learned, Suzy had to admit, "Your recent talents have been impressive." "Hey, Suzy, can I borrow your friend?" Someone approached from the side door and slapped their fist on Hawke''s shoulder. Hawke turned to see Brian Ferguson. "What are you doing here?" Brian replied, "I''m here on behalf of my father for the appreciation banquet and to finalize a donation." Since Hawke had also come to participate, he had prepared a donation as well. In fact, each donor received a special donation certificate. ... Brian glanced around, noticing no one was nearby, and quietly said, "I had a check-up, and everything''s fine." "Right now, it''s fine, but that doesn''t mean it will stay that way," Hawke commented, considering Brian''s upcoming election next year. He''d had one hell of a start with Allison Faith and didn''t want it to happen again. Hawke added, "You know a lot of people in Hollywood, right? Just ask around. There must have been cases of HIV in the circle." "Good idea." Brian, feeling a bit paranoid, pulled out his phone, making a call. "Tommy, where are you? Come over to the left window, near the balcony." ???????????????? Not long after, Hawke noticed Tom Cruise had arrived. Known for his fiery temper, Tom embraced Brian with a smile and turned to Hawke, "Aren''t you going to introduce me?" Brian promptly introduced, "Hawke Osment, founder of West Coast Media Entertainment Studio, Steve Nutt''s equality advocate, and the mastermind behind last month''s selfie scandal. He''s directly executing PR and operational planning for this LAPD action." Tom had heard of these but, more importantly, Brian emphasized that Hawke was a crucial person. Tom''s infamous temperament seemed selective, and he stepped forward to shake Hawke''s hand, grinning, "A friend of Brian''s is a friend of mine." Hawke politely responded, "I really enjoy the series and Ethan Hunt." Once the pleasantries were done, Brian said, "If you ever run into trouble or face tough issues, feel free to reach out to Hawke." Hawke handed his business card to Tom Cruise, who exchanged cards with him. Brian then asked, "I heard Hawke mention some people in Hollywood had contracted HIV?" "It''s always been rumored, although I''m unsure who exactly it pertains to. You know how chaotic this industry is," Tom stated plainly. "Take me, for instance. If I want to be intimate with someone, they must present a recent medical report." Hawke chimed in, "See, I wasn''t lying to you, was I?" Tom reassured him, "This industry has always been this way. While it may seem to have changed on the surface, the underlying issues have remained unchanged for decades." Someone approached to talk to Tom, and he quickly excused himself to leave. Brian''s good mood evaporated as he turned to Hawke, saying, "Why do I have this urge to hit you?" Hawke clenched his left fist with his right hand, "How about this? Tomorrow, we find a boxing ring and have a fair fight." Brian remembered what Erica had told him about Hawke''s ruthless side when on the yacht. "Do you think I''m crazy? You made me suffer from AIDS phobia." "I''m just saying you should maintain your health," Hawke comforted him. "Staying healthy is crucial if you wish to eventually take over the Oval Office. You promised me that chief of staff position -- it''s time to fulfill that, right? Buddy, you should get a steady partner." Brian sighed, "Entering politics definitely calls for a steady partner, along with a few mistresses on the side." "I thought you''d play the role of a reformed playboy," Hawke replied. Brian quipped, "In our family, aside from their wives, what man isn''t keeping a mistress or two? It''s quite normal." Hawke didn''t respond; he noticed Erica in her police uniform approaching. She took off her hat and greeted the two. "Hey, could someone send over some water?," Hawke waved at the waiter. He then turned to Erica after getting water, "Erica, your voice is almost hoarse, drink some water first." After drinking water to soothe her throat, Erica said, "Constantly chatting and mingling is more tiring than dealing with drug dealers." She expressed her eagerness for a break. "Once this case wraps up, I''ll be heading on vacation soon. When can we go hunting in Wyoming?" "You guys are going hunting in Wyoming?" Brian chimed in. "Count me in!" Hawke and Erica shot him stern looks, stabbing him like knives. The chill radiating from the two hardened individuals, who had blood on their hands, made Brian instinctively shiver. He felt certain that joining these two would not end well, and he quickly excused himself, "I''ve got something to do. I''ll head out first." ... Once Brian had walked away, Hawke addressed Erica, "Let''s plan for October. I have another job that might take a few days." Erica responded, "That''s fine; just call me when you know the dates." Lowering her voice, she added, "I''ve arranged Campos'' ID, and the documents are in my bag. I''ll give them to you later." In the black market, legal identification came at a price, and it wasn''t cheap. No one knew if it was an FBI sting operation. For certain circles, these transactions weren''t too hard. Hawke was direct, saying, "Campos has been your long-term informant. If there''s any similar info in the future, I''ll have him contact you directly." The two had a solid relationship, having formed a tacit understanding after disembarking from the yacht. Once the appreciation banquet wrapped up, Hawke donated $100,000, received the documents from Erica, and drove back to East Hollywood. ... The following morning, after a morning workout and breakfast, Hawke called Edward to join him at the Ackerman Charitable Assistance Center. Today the center was abuzz with activity as the medical bus for free check-ups arrived. Hawke observed briefly, without stopping, instructing Edward to park in the back lot and calling Campos. Before long, Campos approached from the other side parking lot, climbing into the Cadillac. Hawke fished out the document envelope from his bag, handing it to Campos. "Take a look." Campos received it and carefully opened the documents. Having come from a Mexican police background, he understood that these were legitimate identification papers. It contained his picture and a new name -- Campos Sanchez Gonzalez. A bit excited, Campos thought about being wanted back home and secretly wished to return one day to settle scores. Hawke had picked up on Campos'' thoughts during their interactions. He said, "Once we expand our influence and capabilities, those people and events from the past won''t mean much in the face of enough dollars." Campos'' eyes lit up. "As long as it''s not involved with drugs, I''m all in." "I''ll invest some cash to help you set up a consulting company. You have some Mexican staff, right? They can keep an ear to the ground and handle some business. When I need it..." Campos understood, "Undercover investigations are my specialty." He thought a moment, then added, "According to my knowledge, a few Mexican cops who crossed the drug dealers managed to escape to Los Angeles. Can I try to connect with them?" "Sure, but I''d say that reliability is key over capability. Whatever they know, let it end with you." Hawke contemplated. "If there are any usable people, let them know that if they do well, I can assist in resolving their identity issues." "Sure," Campos agreed. Hawke turned to Edward, "You''ll accompany Campos to handle paperwork, find housing, get a car, buy filming equipment, and register the company. Do as I instructed -- go find a real estate agency to handle it." Before they''d arrived, they had discussed all this. Edward grabbed his briefcase and signaled for Campos to step out of the car, saying, "Let''s go." Campos nodded at Hawke and left with Edward. ... Hawke then took the driver''s seat, driving the Cadillac to Dodger Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Major League Baseball season had already entered the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Dodgers had a disappointing year, eliminated in the first round, and the team had just been granted time off. The reasons for their elimination were debated in the media, with some outlets suggesting that their star player, Steve Nutt, had been distracted by too many off-field issues, leading to noticeable decline this season. However, criticism against Steve was quickly subdued by a wave of commendation from left-leaning media, praising him for engaging in a more significant cause. The organization assessed more than just performances on the field; they were considering overall commercial value. Steve had signed a fresh contract with the Dodgers, with a raise instead of a cut. In Los Angeles, Steve was becoming a symbol. A symbol meant not just to lead athletic trends, but also to mask the reality of a poor season. Steve approached Hawke, eager to regain the spotlight. Hawke had called Caroline beforehand, and upon entering Dodger Stadium, he parked at the side entrance, spotting Caroline waiting at the door and hurrying over. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As the wind blew against Caroline''s new Burberry trench coat, she waved to Hawke, calling out, "Over here!" Hawke matched her speed, there to discuss work today and forgoing any playful banter. He asked, "What''s the situation with Steve? Why did he arrange to meet here?" Caroline replied as they walked, "You''ve managed to sway the whole team. Once they heard Steve''s intentions, they decided to back his cause and join in on this movement." "So that''s why they got eliminated," Hawke concluded. "Turns out it wasn''t just Steve''s responsibility." ... They crossed through the corridor and entered a lounge where, aside from Steve, there were his agent Biles and the team''s African American manager, Maduke, whom Hawke had encountered at Orange County Hospital. After some initial chit-chat, Hawke got straight to the point, saying, "I need to clarify our objective once more." Steve responded, "To create a highly visible equality movement, at least stirring a new wave across California." Hawke turned to manager Maduke, "What do you want from the team?" Having experienced the benefits of equality recently, Maduke said, "I want the team to engage deeply in this." Hawke understood, responding, "Steve is my old client and friend. I won''t raise the fee. The rate stays as before -- $600,000 commission." This banner could be very useful for him down the line. Steve glanced at Biles, then at Caroline, ultimately saying, "I agree." Maduke had previously discussed this with Steve, "The team will cover $400,000 of the commission, and they will handle all expenditures during this period." As long as the commission was met, Hawke didn''t care who chipped in how much. The last contract template was still available, and the two parties quickly signed the agreement. ... Hawke folded their contract and began outlining his plan, "This initiative is called Redemption." Steve asked, "Redemption? In which regard? Are we referring to the old plantation era?" "That''s right." Hawke explained, "Africans initially arrived in North America as slaves, laboring under extreme hardship, with no freedoms, and all the fruits of their labor were appropriated by white people." He started his impassioned speech, "Everything that white people enjoy is built upon the exploitation of the blood and sweat of blacks. It''s the 21st century; that barbarous time has passed. Freedom, democracy, and civilization have come to this land, and after generations of efforts, equality is a societal consensus. However, for most people, equality remains a mere buzzword rather than something physical like what Steve embodies." Everyone else listened intently, but Caroline knew Hawke didn''t genuinely believe his rhetoric. Maduke''s interest in the team participating wasn''t merely out of admiration; he saw it from a commercial perspective and queried, "Redemption? Economic reparations from the team? That''s not realistic." "Extracting money from others'' pockets is the toughest," Hawke explained. "If we rally white people to provide financial reparations to blacks, those who remain indifferent or nonchalant will certainly distance themselves from this movement." Chanting slogans is one thing; opening wallets? Not happening! There are too many out there who think like this. Additionally, many who support this movement are simply in it to profit. Hawke continued, "Thus, we need to start with something that encourages everyone to participate without needing to reach into their wallets." He turned to Maduke, "I read the team''s news and recall a black player suffered an injury?" "Yes, he fractured his arm," Maduke replied. Hawke looked at Caroline, "Does Los Angeles have any welfare organizations for disabled black individuals?" "There are some," Caroline suddenly recalled a specific person -- the disabled black man who had stolen from a Walmart. She gazed at Hawke in disbelief, realizing this whole plan stemmed from that incident? The disparity seemed monumental. Was this the difference between wolves and sheep? While she was lost in her thoughts, Hawke outlined the specific approach for executing the plan. They gained the support of Steve and Maduke. Hawke directed Caroline, "You''ll be responsible for contacting them and ensuring good communication. The Los Angeles Dodgers will pay a visit." Caroline nodded, "Leave it to me." To Steve, Hawke said, "Invite your injured black teammate to that welfare organization. As the representative of the players, you''ll act as a bridge between the two." Steve trusted Hawke, replying, "No problem." Turning to Maduke, Hawke mentioned, "You need to communicate well with the white players. Don''t force anyone who disagrees." The Dodger team had shifted gears under that influence, and Maduke chuckled, saying, "They won''t refuse." Hawke noted that a lot of communication would be needed in the ensuing days, "Let''s set a date for three days from now for the team to issue a public announcement." Maduke nodded, "Sure." Hawke turned to Biles, "You''ve dealt with players frequently, assist Steve in maintaining player morale, so they willingly engage in this." Biles nodded in agreement. Hawke asserted, "Now, the most crucial task remains -- the audience! We anticipate primarily two audience sections: media reporters and regular folk. The former aligns with equality-focused media, and the latter..." "Steve!" he emphasized, "This portion of work is vital. I recall there are many white members within NAACP." "I represent that," Steve confirmed. Hawke pointed, saying, "Build connections with this like-minded group. Once our show begins, we''ll require their presence to generate a significant impact." Steve''s role as a leader in this movement wasn''t without its merit, "Leave it to me." Hawke told Caroline, "Prepare a media list and get it to me for approval as soon as possible." They further discussed several details, and Hawke recalled another matter, saying, "After the event, I hope the team interview can be conducted by Fox 11''s Ace News." This show had strong viewership, and Maduke agreed. Hawke added, "If it generates impressive feedback, the team might be able to invite a California college team leaning towards equality to hold a charity match at Dodger Stadium." Maduke jumped in, "The match''s proceeds would be nominally donated to black welfare organizations." With the meeting wrapping up, Hawke called Megan, followed by reaching out to Edward to prepare for the upcoming day. For instance, he aimed to visit the welfare center Caroline had mentioned and gather specific resources. After three days of preparation, the event kicked off on schedule. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 117: Day of Atonement [Chapter 118: Day of Atonement] Dodger Stadium, The team bus and other vehicles set out on time, heading toward the Batia Welfare Center located downtown. This facility assisted people with disabilities, and one of its main donors was the Los Angeles branch of National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), making its primary service demographic Black individuals. Inside a van, Hawke pulled out a walkie-talkie and asked, "Maduke, how''s the situation on your end?" Maduke replied, "Steve got the players pumped up, and they''re really energized." Hawke checked with the other end, "Caroline, how about the media you contacted? Are they catching up?" Caroline, sitting in the van, said, "They''re in tow with us." As the Dodger fleet left the stadium, several media vehicles followed closely, along with some enthusiastic Dodger fans who spontaneously joined the convoy. A caravan of dozens of cars made its way northward. Inside the van, Hawke grabbed his phone and called Megan Taylor, "We''re heading out. Are you ready on your end?" At the Batia Welfare Center, a broadcast truck from Fox was parked. Megan sat in the truck, saying, "I''ve got the slot; we can go live at any time, but it''s only for Channel 11." Hawke glanced out the window, "We''ll be there in ten minutes at most." Megan hung up, put on her headset, and shouted, "Prepare for live broadcast!" ... Outside the Batia Welfare Center, many Black and white supporters gathered, holding up various signs to support the Dodgers as they awaited the team''s arrival. Inside the pre-coordinated welfare center, volunteers rolled out some elderly disabled individuals from the building for the visitors to greet. To prevent any mishaps, Hawke had sent Caroline and Edward in a day earlier to ensure everything was coordinated. As the convoy slowed, the team bus stopped at the entrance of the welfare center, and security set up a pathway. Hawke spoke into the walkie-talkie, "Guys, stay sharp and be aware of any situations. Report to me immediately if anything comes up." The group replied one after the other. ... The bus doors opened, and Steve Nutt was the first to step down, waving his arms in response to the enthusiastic calls from the crowd on both sides. Other members of the Dodger team followed suit, making their way alongside Steve to the welfare center. Several media reporters trailed behind them. Organized by the association, over a hundred social figures also entered the welfare center. Hawke donned his headset, clipped his walkie-talkie to his waist, and blended in with the media reporters as he entered the front door. The crowd surged into the front yard. Hawke stepped out from the throng and showed his temporary credentials to the security stationed off to the side before entering an adjacent room. He passed through the building and down a long corridor to reach the therapy room, where elderly Black individuals were receiving care. Edward, along with several volunteers from the NAACP, was already there. Upon seeing Hawke, he hurried over, pointing to a large pile of basins next to him. "I came to collect these; they''re all different styles, some new, some old, and we don''t have enough." In recent months, Edward had shown significant improvement, and Hawke was pleased. "Let''s wait for the signal outside." He asked a volunteer from the Association to grab a vest and slipped it on. Out front, things were somewhat chaotic, but the volunteers and security maintained a basic level of order. Hawke approached the window to get a glimpse of what was going on outside. ... S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Steve, accompanied by a teammate with an arm injury, approached the group of elderly disabled individuals, hugging each one of them and taking a moment to chat. The other teammates followed his lead. ???o???? Media reporters were a bit disappointed, having followed the team just to see this? What was the big deal? The news value seemed pretty average! Many sets of eyes landed on Caroline, who was responsible for PR. Dressed in a Chanel short trench coat and handmade high heels, Caroline tilted her dainty chin slightly, waiting for the uninformed crowd to be taken aback. She and Hawke were ready for the main event! Ahead of the gathering, Steve embraced a one-armed Black man wearing flip-flops and noticed some grime on his feet. "Are you not getting proper care?" he asked loudly. The one-armed man responded, his voice carrying, "They''ve taken great care of me. I had surgery to amputate my right arm recently and am just getting used to eating with my left. I spilled during lunch." Steve turned to the volunteers beside him and asked, "Do we have any basins? Please bring a basin of water." "Yes," a volunteer dashed off into the therapy room where Hawke and Edward were. Edward picked up a fairly new basin, filled it with water, and came out right behind the volunteer. Steve took the basin, bent down to set it beside the one-armed man, and asked for a chair to help him sit down. "I''ll wash your feet," he instructed, prompting the man to remove his flip-flops and place his feet into the basin. Steve lowered his body but didn''t crouch or bend over. Instead, he followed Hawke''s advice and knelt on one knee in front of the one-armed man. Kneeling down, Steve gently washed the man''s feet. In that moment, keen-eyed media reporters caught on to a trending news story happening right in front of them. They hurriedly raised their cameras, snapping shots of Steve kneeling to wash the feet of the disabled man. The other white players on the Dodgers had been prepared by the organization and quickly made their way to the other disabled Black individuals, asking staff to bring chairs and fill basins with water. One by one, used basins were filled and brought over. Staff helped some of the disabled individuals to sit down. Those who were in wheelchairs found it even easier. The white Dodgers players steadily knelt on one knee, washing the feet of the disabled Black individuals. Soon, the Black players joined in, taking a knee and doing the same. Several white players who couldn''t get basins simply knelt down where they stood and pulled out wet wipes from their pockets to clean the feet of the disabled Black individuals. The media photographers went into a frenzy, including Fox 11''s live broadcast, which first focused on Steve and then shifted to a wide shot. Megan had already prepared a script in the broadcast truck. As the voiceover played, she announced, "This is the essence of humanity, this is social progress..." ... A stir erupted among the gathered reporters, and Caroline lightly nudged a nearby female reporter from . The reporter shouted, "Steve, what are you doing?" Steve knelt, scrubbing the feet of the elderly man, turned his face back with a serious expression, "We should feel ashamed of how we''ve treated Black people for the past 300 years. Everything our ancestors, including us today, enjoy has been built on the oppression of Black folks. I just want to take responsibility and care for those who need help, also in honor of my ancestors..." He called out, "Atonement!" After saying that, he turned back to continue washing feet. In the crowd, the white liberals from the Association applauded passionately for Steve. "Atonement! That''s right! I should atone for my ancestors!" Someone started it, and soon a dozen white individuals dropped to one knee. The scattered white liberals all followed suit, collapsing to the ground in unison. The reporters quickly shifted their cameras to capture this moment. Gradually, more and more white folks went to one knee, with some having prearranged it and most not. But those who managed to get in were predominantly white liberals. Swayed by the surrounding emotions or for other motives, these individuals followed suit, kneeling down in unison. Even some more radical participants took out tissues or handkerchiefs from their pockets to clean nearby Black individuals'' shoes, making them shine bright. Not only that, but California''s media also leaned left, and this wave influenced a lot of people. The white liberal reporters felt it was guilty to stand while shooting black people, thus all dropped to one knee. Among the standing Black individuals was Dodger manager Maduke, whose serious expression couldn''t hide the joy building inside him. Without a doubt, starting today, the Dodgers would dominate headlines for many days -- from sports news to social news; the front pages would be all Dodgers. The welfare center playground suddenly quieted down, with all Black individuals standing while a sea of white individuals knelt at the entrance. The reporters still standing felt a bit odd but held their ground. Steve and the Dodger players finished washing the feet of the disabled Black individuals. Some white liberals cleaned the shoes of Black individuals nearby. The reporters captured the desired hot news. As the performance wrapped up, the Dodger players and the welfare center staff began helping elderly disabled individuals back inside. Megan sent her trusty assistant Claire in from another entrance to conduct exclusive interviews with Dodgers players, including Steve. It was still early evening, and digital media would release their stories, preheating the evening''s prime-time A-List News. ... The Batia Welfare Center''s office had been commandeered temporarily by the Dodgers. Hawke regarded it as a temporary media center. A few team photographers were capturing several angles of video and photos. Hawke directed the team''s media officer to hurry with processing so that they could post it on the official website as quickly as possible. Caroline rushed in from outside, updating Hawke on the latest developments. "Yahoo Sports, Bleacher Report, and ESPN journalists just set up to edit news. In about ten minutes, the relevant news will be up on those sports portals." Hawke asked, "Did you finish drafting what I asked?" Caroline pulled the latest version from her bag and handed it to Hawke. "You weren''t satisfied with it last night; I just wrapped it up this morning." Hawke skimmed through it quickly. "Steve Nutt: America starts to atone to Black Americans today, beginning with you and me." The lengthy text beneath made Hawke''s head spin. He handed it to the team''s media officer, saying, "Just use the title; no need for content. Pair it with pictures and videos of the team, Steve, and the attendees, and upload to the official site." The media officer hurried to get it done. Caroline remarked, "The title is still yesterday''s. You told me to rewrite it; I thought all night and finished it this morning only for you to dismiss it..." Hawke raised his hand to interrupt her, "The reactions on site were enthusiastic, and even many white reporters knelt; the video and images speak volumes. No need for written guidance." "You''re the boss; you call the shots." Caroline took out her makeup mirror, sat in a chair and checked her dark circles. Those on the take couldn''t rest. Hawke handed her a laptop, "Keep an eye on the online dynamics." Suddenly, Caroline recalled when Hawke had said about cattle and horses, stating they eat grass and work hard while being on call 24/7. It felt too much like herself. ... A knock on the door sounded, and Edward went to open it. Megan walked in from outside. Hawke asked, "Did the exclusive interview go well?" "Very smoothly." Megan rubbed her face lightly, saying, "Los Angeles should erect a statue for Steve." Caroline thought to herself that the Lincoln Memorial should yield for Steve''s statue, which could then be renamed the Steve Nutt Memorial. "You have the hot news you wanted," Hawke called Megan to the window, speaking softly, "The Dodgers are all lined up for a charity game against Caltech''s baseball team this weekend." Megan nodded, "Channel 11 can''t broadcast sporting events." Hawke understood, "I''ve worked it out with the team; you still maintain in-house exclusive interview rights." He made sure to emphasize, "Before the game, the Dodgers will communicate with the college team, and at the start, both teams will take a knee, calling for an end to racial discrimination." Megan and Hawke were on the same page, quickly grasping his intention, "You intend to use Steve''s actions as a symbol for the equality movement." Hawke said, "I''m a man of principle. Steve paid for this." Megan understood, "I''ll reflect that in the news report; consider it the interest for your efforts." She is also very particular: "In the news coverage, I, as the intermediary, could pocket some cash, but that barely compares to an exclusive story. For news like this, it''s usually $50K, and I''ve already started the proper approvals through the network -- it might take a few days." Hawke said, "After the charity game this Sunday, I plan on having Steve''s family come on your Ace News." Megan squeezed his hand, saying, "Thank you." "Next week, I''ll head back to Wyoming for some personal matters," Hawke informed her in advance to avoid any sudden calls. "You''ll have to handle the follow-up for Ace News from here on out." Megan nodded gently, "Given how you''ve helped me this far, if I still can''t hold my own, I might as well quit." Hawke, shameless as always, said, "Since we''re so familiar, I won''t bring up your commission; just help me out a little bit in the future, as long as it doesn''t violate principles." "As long as it doesn''t conflict with principles, it''s fine." Megan understood clearly that while Cynthia, the director, didn''t interfere, the so-called principles were her rules. Essentially, it was all the same: it''s all about principle when it''s needed, but what is that principle when it isn''t? ... As time passed, reports about this incident started surfacing online. The Dodgers'' official website saw vigorous responses to the coverage. Being a bastion for the left, California fans flooded the comment sections. "Steve is a social role model!" "The Dodgers are a team filled with social responsibility!" "I want to kneel for atonement too!" Without question, Steve and the Dodgers were set to gain massive popularity again. As Caroline flipped through her laptop, she said, "Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report posted their news; comments have surpassed 10K, and shares exceeded 500." Hawke nodded slightly, "About what I anticipated." Caroline glanced at Megan, feeling inexplicably unsettled, and remarked, "The TV station was way too slow in their response." Megan casually replied, "The depth of TV reports coverage can''t be matched by the internet." Before Caroline could say more, there was another knock at the door, and team manager Maduke stepped in. His usually stern face was all smiles as he spoke, "I chatted with some media friends, and the feedback is overwhelmingly enthusiastic." As he spoke, Maduke finally noticed Megan and quickly covered, "My apologies." Hawke eased his words, "No need to worry; we''re in the same camp here." Megan stepped forward, stood next to Hawke, and said with a smile, "Congratulations again; you''ve positioned yourselves at the forefront of the times." Maduke responded valiantly, "The Dodgers bear the responsibility of our time and will continue to be accountable for social values." Megan quickly glanced at Hawke, suspecting that those lines were all crafted by him. This latest hot news didn''t happen by chance; it was another extension of Hawke''s manipulation of Steve Nutt. After Megan left, Maduke turned to Hawke, saying, "The news is online, and the college team that had been hesitant called me immediately to confirm the charity game for this weekend. They will promote anti-discrimination in the same manner as Steve." Hawke reminded him, "Time is short; will the game proceed as scheduled?" While Maduke might not match Hawke elsewhere, in organizing events, he was significantly more capable. "Don''t worry; the Dodgers have plenty of experience running events. Three days is enough time." Hawke replied, "Let''s start preparations right away. After the exclusive on Ace News this evening, release ticket reservations." He wouldn''t dive into organizing it -- as an outsider, he''d leave that to the Dodgers'' club to sort out. ... Once Maduke left to contact the team and fully kick off the charity match, Hawke settled beside Caroline, grabbing the laptop to check out the news online. The immediate nature of internet reporting far surpassed that of traditional print media. Left-leaning coverage praised Steve across the board: "Having Steve Nutt in our era is a blessing." "Steve is the Martin Luther King of the 21st century." "Highly recommend that L.A. City Hall declare a Steve Nutt Day." The latter point hinged not just on Steve''s popularity but also political will -- achieving it required the NAACP to work from multiple fronts. ... The event at the Batia Welfare Center finished successfully and was a tremendous success. As Hawke and his crew left by car, the event organized by the NAACP was still ongoing. Over a hundred white individuals mimicked Steve by kneeling at the entrance of the Batia Welfare Center. It seemed as though they were "atoning" for their ancestors in this manner. By evening, related news had fully spread across networks and TV broadcasts, which, of course, included viewers'' criticisms and abuse. However, no media outlet actively attacked Steve''s actions; rather, they sang praises. Fox 11''s Ace News, run by Megan Taylor, aired a special segment about "Atonement and Anti-Discrimination" during prime time. Megan reflected on numerous serious racial discrimination incidents, including a feature on her interview with Steve and Maduke, rallying support for the upcoming charity game. At the program''s conclusion, she announced that today would go down in history as the "Day of Atonement." Steve Nutt''s kneeling shot began to become an iconic symbol of the anti-discrimination movement. By the next day, print media followed suit, with the renowned left-wing newspaper, the , showcasing a massive image of Steve Nutt kneeling prominently on its front page! Various other publications also highlighted Steve and the Dodgers in their top headlines. The Los Angeles Dodgers promptly initiated ticket pre-sales for the charity match on Sunday, and local equality organizations in L.A. bought up tens of thousands of tickets. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 118: The Greatest Strategist [Chapter 119: The Greatest Strategist] Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium. Since the morning, crowds streamed into Dodger Stadium. Everyone was wearing the Dodgers'' newly launched charity gear, featuring Steve kneeling and anti-discrimination slogans on their baseball jerseys. Just from the clothing, the Dodgers had already raked in over a million dollars. By the afternoon, over fifty thousand people filled the stadium. Other than the reserved safety area, every seat was taken. Hawke and Caroline settled into their box. As the game was about to start, players began to enter the field. When Steve Nutt stepped out of the player tunnel, the stadium erupted with deafening cheers, followed by a long round of applause. Without Hawke having to look for anyone, countless fans spontaneously paid tribute to Steve in that wondrous land of California. The applause lasted several minutes. Steve was completely lost in the moment. He walked to the front of the field, raised his arms, and surveyed the crowd before kneeling once more. The Dodgers players and the Caltech baseball team mirrored his gesture. The two teams knelt on one knee in support of equality and anti-discrimination. The live camera first zoomed in on Steve before capturing the panoramic view of the stadium. At that moment, the equality pioneer Steve looked like a saint descending from the heavens. Even Jesus would have jumped down from the cross to give his place to Steve. ... Hawke looked down from the box and saw many fans leaving their seats, also kneeling in solidarity on the stands like Steve. Caroline shook her head. When the noise died down, she leaned closer to Hawke and said, "This society is getting more surreal." Hawke laughed, "Surreal is how we make money. If it weren''t surreal, why would Steve be pulling out his wallet?" "By the way, Steve asked me to ask you something." Caroline inquired, "What kind of car do you like?" Hawke replied without hesitation, "Something more business-oriented." Caroline took note. At that moment, someone from the adjacent box waved over to them. Though it was a bit far away and the stadium noise was chaotic, Hawke smiled and nodded in response. Steve''s wife, Daisy, sat in the stands holding their African American baby. As the camera panned over, her face beamed with a radiant smile. Hawke figured that this couple wouldn''t be getting a divorce anytime soon. The game began, but Hawke and Caroline couldn''t make heads or tails of it; most of the time, they were just making small talk. To Hawke, the most important part was the pre-game ceremony. Caroline was in a fantastic mood. "Did you notice how well we work together? We can handle all this nonsense perfectly." "Do you know why we work well together?" Hawke didn''t wait for her to respond. He continued, "Because you just need to follow my instructions. The rest of the time, you can go ''baa baa baa.''" ?§Ñ?O??§§???? Thinking about the generous commissions they could earn from working with Hawke, Caroline swallowed her sarcasm and responded flatteringly, "Don''t worry, I can also help you bring in clients." Hawke asked, "Who? Johnson and Steve are already my regular clients. Bringing them back won''t earn you a commission." Not only was he pushing Caroline to find new clients, but Hawke also wanted her to lean closer to his targets. After getting to know Caroline over the past few months, Hawke learned about her key clients. Caroline thought for a moment, "Award season is coming up soon; do you know much about how to push for awards?" Hawke recalled her mentioning it once before. "Last time you said Sarah Parker was aiming for the Golden Globe? Is it her?" "Exactly, it''s Sarah," Caroline said. Over time, every time she got a commission from Hawke, along with their friend-like jabs at each other, she felt cautiously trusting of him. "I remember mentioning that Sarah wanted to go for the Best Actress in a Comedy Series at the Golden Globes." Hawke put on a serious thinking face, "Let me think about it." Caroline added, "Forget the usual PR stuff. My company and I will handle that. You stick to what you do best." By now, she fully endorsed Hawke''s unconventional ways: "Times really have changed. Those old methods really needed an update." Hawke pointed to the stadium and casually remarked, "Look at this, with this trend, those unconventional methods you speak of will soon become mainstream." Caroline lowered her proud chin, "What about unconventional PR for Sarah during the award season? Can you come up with something?" Hawke pondered briefly and said, "I have an idea, but I need to discuss it with Sarah Parker in person. Broderek can''t know about it for the time being." He reminded her, "Last time you approached me for PR, Sarah knew who I was. How do we calm her fears? You need to handle that." "That shouldn''t be hard. Sarah is a refined self-interested person. Once she learns what you''ve done, she''ll make the right choice," Caroline said, thinking of the commission she could grab from this deal. "I''ll definitely set up a meeting with Sarah." Hawke asked, "How''s Broderek and Sarah''s relationship lately? Are they not having any issues?" Caroline thought of the unique couple. "Better than I can comprehend. From what I know, they go out at least once a month to seek some outside company. Given how long this has been going on, Broderek not only hasn''t developed any grievances against Sarah, but he has grown to love her even more." Hawke confirmed, "It wouldn''t be an act, would it?" Caroline shook her head, "Not at all. Sarah occasionally mentions how much she loves Broderek. It doesn''t even come close to what Broderek feels for her." The baseball game turned out to be painfully dull. About halfway through, Hawke and Caroline decided to leave. ... As they distanced themselves from the stadium, Caroline waited until the phone signal was clear, then called Sarah, "Got a moment? With award season approaching, I want to discuss Golden Globe PR with you." On the other end, Sarah asked, "Oh really? Have you thought of a good idea?" "I''ve found a talented PR strategist for you," Caroline said directly. "Steve Nutt last time, and now with Josh Hartnett and Allison Faith''s selfie scandal, as well as the LAPD taking down the Mule Gang, all of that was planned by him." These were recent hot topics in Los Angeles that Sarah had seen on TV and in the papers. Now that she heard the mastermind was a professional, she quickly asked, "Where''s he now?" Caroline added, "He had a run-in with us. He''s the one who shot those photos of you and Broderek." Sarah''s voice instinctively rose, "You mean Hawke Osment from West Coast Media Entertainment Studio?" Caroline hadn''t expected Sarah would remember, "That''s right, it''s him." "Isn''t he a paparazzo?" Sarah jumped in. "How did he switch to PR work? I remember he charged me a lot of money last time." Caroline explained, "That was when he just arrived in LA and hadn''t found his footing yet. He''s not doing that paparazzi stuff anymore. Sarah, you know I also PR for Steve Nutt. I watched him pull off two major operations for Steve. They were absolutely brilliant and unexpected. He turned a sports star about to be disgraced by a scandal into a white version of Martin Luther King!" Sarah fell silent on the other end of the line. Caroline added, "Hawke Osment gets the job done. Every client he has worked with speaks highly of him. Feel free to find out for yourself." "Sweetheart, it''s not that I don''t trust you," Sarah said. "I just need time to think it over." ... After Caroline hung up, Sarah made several calls. From her agency to friends in the LAPD, and then acquaintances in the media industry, she used connections to gather information. In these past few months, Hawke had built not just wealth but also prestige and credibility. Before long, Sarah received multiple responses praising Hawke''s abilities and professional ethics from those involved in the incidents. Her agent got in direct contact with Steve''s agent, who bluntly stated that without Hawke, there wouldn''t be a Steve today. Sarah decided to first meet and see how it went. Then she called Caroline back. They agreed to meet the following afternoon. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... After returning, Hawke reviewed Sarah Parker''s profile and this year''s potential competitors for the Golden Globe. ... That evening in prime time, with Hawke orchestrating it, Steve Nutt and his wife appeared together on Ace News, sharing their journey throughout the past week. Though constrained by the nature of the show, the segment wasn''t very long, but that night Ace News had record-breaking viewership. The champion of equality in America had arrived. ... The next morning, the media and newspapers were flooded with coverage of the charity game. The two teams made the front page headlines. Half of Los Angeles was talking about Steve kneeling. The topics of atonement and equality had become the hottest conversation in the country by late September. Steve''s name had topped Google''s trending searches for several consecutive days. This brought him not just fame but immense respect. reported that the city hall''s email inbox was overwhelmed, with at least tens of thousands of emails urging Los Angeles to establish a day of atonement or a Steve Nutt Day. Los Angeles city hall had no choice but to respond, stating they were considering it. At the routine White House press conference on Monday, the spokesperson also mentioned Steve. Even with the current administration being from the Republican Party, they still graciously praised Steve on such issues. ... At 10:30 in the morning, Hawke rode in Edward''s Cadillac and returned to Dodger Stadium once more. After Edward parked, he accompanied Hawke toward the team''s office. He pointed to the sidewalk outside the park, "Boss, look over there." Hawke''s gaze crossed the floral fence separating the driveway and saw a Black man standing across from a White man. The Black man was saying something, but it was too far away for Hawke to hear. Moments later, the White man stepped back, kneeling on one knee in front of the Black man. The Black man left, seemingly satisfied, and the White man appeared very pleased. Edward witnessed all of this and remarked, "Is this still the world I know?" Hawke turned and continued walking forward, saying, "That kind of White person is still a minority." "No way, when we get back to the studio, I''m going to make Frank watch the news and the footage," Edward declared passionately. "I want that old guy to apologize to me." Hawke quipped, "Savior, trust my judgment. Frank will definitely pull out his Taser and zap you down." Up ahead, the tall and slender Caroline had been waiting for a long time. When she saw them approach, she complained, "You two are late." Edward reached forward, revealing his Jaeger-LeCoultre watch almost in Caroline''s face, pointing to the hands, "We still have three minutes left until our planned time. You''re the one who came early." Caroline rolled her eyes, "Don''t show off to me. When I was making my way up in this world, you were still eating dirt in Compton." Hawke walked ahead first. When he heard the sound of high heels closing in, he asked, "Any new updates I should know about?" " magazine reached out to me," Caroline said while walking. "They want to do an exclusive interview with Steve. If everything goes well, Steve will be the cover story of the next issue." Hawke said, "Go on." Caroline continued, "The Oprah Winfrey Show sent an invitation for Steve to come to Chicago to record an episode. Los Angeles is considering granting Steve an honorary citizen title, and the NAACP is looking to help Steve secure the Presidential Medal of Freedom." "This is crazy. The whole world has gone mad," Edward, a Black man himself, couldn''t believe it. "I seriously doubt we are living in a real world!" Before Caroline could finish, she added, "The Dodgers are planning to erect a statue for Steve, with the initial design being Steve kneeling." Hawke thought for a moment and asked, "Does Steve have plans to retire?" "Not yet," Caroline replied, confused why Hawke cared about that. Hawke said no more and reached the meeting room. A team staff member opened the door for him. "Look who''s here," Steve''s voice exaggerated a bit, "Our greatest strategist, Hawke, has arrived!" Hawke chuckled, "From your mood, it''s clear my plan worked." "Very successful!" Steve replied. Team manager Maduke approached to shake Hawke''s hand, "In this regard, you are a genius!" He added seriously, "The team has decided that you will always have a box at Dodger Stadium. Whenever you want to come watch the game, you can, or if you don''t have time, you can share it with your family and friends." If calculated based on the market price of Dodger tickets, this was indeed a great gift. Hawke took the two cards Maduke handed him and said, "Thank you." Having worked with Hawke before, Steve knew how to cater to him and said, "Before you came over, I called the accountant. You''ll receive the final payment soon." Maduke added, "I''ve made the final payment on my end as well." Steve knew he would still need Hawke''s help in the future. He ushered everyone out of the meeting room and into the office area. While walking, he made a phone call. As they stepped off the stairs, a new second-generation Audi A8 drove up. The driver got out and handed the car keys to Steve. "Now it''s yours," Steve said, handing over the keys to Hawke, "The car has all the paperwork. You just need to complete the final registration." Hawke accepted the keys, "I won''t be polite." He figured if he didn''t take the car, Steve wouldn''t sleep well that night. Caroline looked on in envy from a distance, glancing at her red Mercedes, thinking it was time to upgrade, too. But no one was offering her a car. At that moment, Hawke received a call from the bank that the final payment had arrived. ... As Hawke prepared to leave, Caroline quietly approached him, "I still need to accompany Steve for a media interview. I''ve set up a meeting with Sarah for this afternoon. I''ll call you when I''m done." Hawke nodded slightly. Maduke and Steve had more activities planned next. Hawke didn''t linger, got into the Audi, and headed to a nearby auto shop to finalize the registration paperwork. Edward received a call from the agency stating that the registration for Butterfly Consulting was in the final stage. He went to pick up Campos to finish the last registration. While Hawke waited, he called Campos, "Try to track down Matthew Broderick. Ask the Savior who exactly it is." He instructed, "Remember, it''s better to find nothing than to alert him." Campos understood, "I know what to do." Hawke hung up the phone, waited for the paperwork to finish, and asked a worker to help him hang the license plates. After tipping, he left the auto shop. ... He called Erica, finding out she hadn''t gone out for field work today, and drove over to the detective agency nearby to take her out for lunch. They entered a Spanish-style restaurant. Once their meals were served, Erica curiously asked, "Is it you who has been working the Steve Nutt story?" Hawke nodded, "It''s pretty much wrapped up." Erica gazed curiously at Hawke, asking, "I don''t quite get it. How do you always come up with these strange methods?" Hawke jokingly said, "Maybe I''m a strange person?" He then asked, "When do you plan to take your vacation? I can be ready to go at a moment''s notice." "Within this week," Erica thought for a moment and said, "Wyoming... I''ll ask around to get a hunting license, and then I''ll apply for a concealed carry permit." Hawke informed her, "I won''t need that. Wyoming has pretty lenient gun laws. Local residents typically don''t face limitations, especially someone like me who owns a ranch." Erica replied, "I''ll take care of it promptly; once it''s done, I can take my vacation." Hawke said, "Call me when it''s done. I''ll book the tickets. Don''t worry; it won''t be a red-eye flight." Erica started to argue, "Red-eye flights are fine. We can take a nap on the plane and wake up at our destination." "I''ve said it, expenses on me this time." Hawke said seriously, "Of course, I''ll make sure you eat well, drink well, and have fun." Erica smiled, "Alright, I''ll leave it to you." She then asked, "Have you ever hunted a bear?" Hawke slowly shook his head, "No, I''ve only hunted coyotes and wild boars. Those are pests everywhere, the scourge of ranchers and farmers." Erica was particularly interested in bear hunting. "I hope we can take down a bear!" Hawke replied, "When that happens, I''ll grill you some bear paws." "Can you eat that?" Erica expressed her disbelief, "I heard my grandpa say he once tried cooking bear meat after he hunted one, but it didn''t taste good at all." Hawke confirmed, "It''s not tasty because you lack an authentic chef." Before they finished their meal, Erica''s phone rang. After answering and exchanging a few words, she looked apologetic, "There''s a developing case. I have to leave." Hawke nodded, "It''s alright, hurry and go." Erica smiled at him before hurrying out of the restaurant. Hawke finished his meal alone, and as he left the restaurant, he received a call from Caroline. "I''m done here. Sarah is getting ready," Caroline said. "Where should we meet?" Hawke thought for a moment and said, "Same place, Beverly Business Club. I''ll head there now; come with Sarah." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 119: Filled with Schemes [Chapter 120: Filled with Schemes] Century City, Beverly Business Club. As Hawke walked in, he spotted Caroline and felt a bit puzzled. She usually waited in the reception area. Hawke asked, "What are you doing here?" S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Caroline forced a smile that looked a bit unnatural on her small face. "I wanted to discuss something with you ahead of time. Can you help me out, okay? I''ve helped you so much before." Hawke hesitated but stopped walking. "Just say it." "Remember that proposal you helped Sarah with? The one where she paid West Coast Media Entertainment Studio $250,000 for a career plan?" Caroline lowered her voice unconsciously. "Could you please not mention that when you meet her?" Hawke paused to think and quickly pieced it together. "You''re having her endorse skincare products, right?" Caroline nodded eagerly. "Yes! Yes!" Hawke got straight to the point. "So you took my proposal and presented it as your own? And then made a profit off it, right?" Caroline bit her lip, staying silent. Not wanting to pursue the conversation further, Hawke walked toward the reception area. "I... can let you hear it." Caroline followed him, opening her mouth and bleating, "Baa! Baa, baa--" Miss Baa completely lost the poise she exhibited in the William Morris meeting room, putting her feet on the conference table as she confidently urged Hawke to give her a try. Perhaps this was the contrast brought on by thorough training? Hawke pulled out his phone and activated the recorder. "Miss Baa, change positions and do it again." Caroline hesitated but opened her mouth once more, "Baa--" "That''s enough." After recording, Hawke turned off his phone. "I won''t bring this up in front of Sarah." Caroline covered her face, quickening her pace to open a door to a meeting room. ... Sarah Jessica Parker looked up as the door opened. The person who entered wasn''t particularly striking, but her tailored outfit and gentle demeanor made her appear completely unrelated to the paparazzi who typically captured candid celebrity videos. Hawke stepped forward, extending his hand to Sarah. "Hello, Mrs. Parker." Sarah smiled. "Just call me Sarah." She added, "Although this is our first meeting, we''ve known each other for quite a while." Hawke replied, "Work sometimes leads to conflicts." With the topics of recent buzz at her fingertips from the previous day and earlier that morning, Sarah had thoroughly investigated and was well-prepared. ?????¦­?B¨§? The young man across from her might not have seemed impressive to an outsider, yet he stirred the entire scene in Los Angeles from behind the scenes. Sarah shifted her focus to the future and stated directly, "Caroline must have told you what I need." Hawke replied, "Best Actress in a Comedy Series at the Golden Globes." He asked directly, "Does Jennifer Aniston''s fall into that category?" Sarah spoke candidly. "That bitch is my biggest competitor." Hawke followed up with, "I checked earlier, and Jennifer Aniston has never won the Golden Globe for Best Actress." "Yes, she''s never won." Caroline chimed in. "I''ve heard that Aniston plans to go all out for this year''s awards." Sarah added, "That''s also why I wanted to meet with you." Having long developed a comprehensive plan against Sarah Parker through her husband, Broderick, Hawke had laid the groundwork during Caroline''s PR stint at the pool months ago. This referred to that so-called proposal. In these months, while Hawke made money, he built up his reputation. He used his commission-making strategy to bring himself closer to Caroline, which made Miss Baa lower her guard considerably, eventually becoming somewhat obedient to him. Now, he found himself sitting with Sarah Parker under the pretense of helping her navigate the Golden Globes, all while pursuing his own agenda. Hawke asked, "You''re Jewish, right? Your husband is, too?" Sarah confirmed, "That''s right, we''re both Jewish. My father worked in the media and held a high executive position, gaining some recognition in the Jewish community. This status gives us a slight advantage in the industry, but for awards like the Golden Globes, it doesn''t hold much weight. The awards have seen mediocre win rates for Jews over the years." Hawke took note of Sarah''s words and continued, "How many resources can your husband put into this?" "Just the usual resources." Sarah appeared slightly impatient as she responded. "That''s not why I reached out to you. The Golden Globes have only about a hundred voters. I could sleep with each one of them, but others can do the same. There''s no advantage here." Hawke, who had already planned out everything, then said, "In that case, I''ll be straightforward. To ensure a win, apart from normal publicity, we need to work on two fronts: first, establish your unique advantages, and second, eliminate direct competitors." "My biggest competitor is Aniston." Sarah turned her focus to another point. "Your unique advantages?" Hawke replied directly, "I have a way to make Aniston withdraw from competing for the Golden Globe this year, giving you a targeted advantage." Sarah understood and recognized that the other party wouldn''t just agree without money involved. Caroline opened her mouth, wanting to speak, only to suddenly notice Hawke discreetly signaling her to stay quiet. They had been cooperating for several months, and Caroline understood, remaining silent. Sarah pondered, her mind racing through various incidents Hawke had orchestrated during this time. A person like him was quite rare. "What''s your fee structure?" Sarah asked. Hawke said, "$2 million, plus an additional $800,000 if you win." Sarah disagreed, "The PR for Oscar Best Actors or Actresses doesn''t cost that much. I can only offer you $1.2 million plus the winning bonus of $800,000." "Deal." Hawke emphasized, "All additional costs will be your responsibility." Sarah looked to her trusted Caroline. "The expenses need to go through Caroline for approval." Hawke said, "No problem, that''s fair." Worried that someone else might snatch this person away from her, Sarah proposed, "Let''s sign a contract." Hawke reminded her, "Aren''t you notifying your agent?" "I''ll report to the agency," Sarah replied nonchalantly. "I just fired my agent, and the agency is currently in the process of getting me a new one." Caroline opened her bag. "I have a contract template, take a look." The two sides signed a collaboration agreement, with Sarah''s team making an initial payment of $1 million, followed by another $200,000 once they received a Golden Globe nomination. The final $800,000 would be the reward for winning the Golden Globe. ... "Can we discuss specifics now?" Sarah asked eagerly. Her career was at a bottleneck. While had brought her immense fame, it also fixed her image as an actress, and since the previous season, the viewership was subtly declining. They could only film another two seasons before concluding. Hawke said, "I''ll handle your main competitors. These matters will involve smear tactics, and you won''t have to know anything about them." Upon hearing this, Sarah was quite satisfied. "The negative stuff won''t be associated with me." "Now, let''s discuss how to create your unique advantage," Hawke continued. "Since marrying Mr. Broderick, have you had any plans to have children?" Sarah hesitated for a moment before answering, "Originally, I thought about it this year, but then you disrupted it." Hawke had his suspicions. Sarah elaborated, "It''s when you caught me with Robert Downey Jr." Hawke nodded. "What about now?" "I haven''t thought about it." Sarah was having too much fun with Broderick, and a child would only be a burden. "After that, we haven''t brought up the topic of children again." Hawke said directly, "You should consider having a child. With the timing, if you can get pregnant, it would show before the Golden Globe voting. This could give you an intangible edge." Sarah furrowed her brows. "As long as you spread your legs, it can happen..." "You''re right, but you''re not considering how the media and public perception work," Hawke reminded her. "Think about it: a pregnant woman often receives special treatment across industries in most circumstances." He emphasized, "I''ve seen the Golden Globe voter list; all are seasoned media professionals. They''re generally older, mostly have kids, and they like seeing a mother." After reflecting, Sarah slowly nodded. "That''s true." Hawke said, "That''s only one aspect; we''ll expand on this. I''ll draft a detailed plan." He subtly signaled to Caroline, raising a finger. Caroline understood. "If you''re not keen, just wait until the Golden Globe finishes, and say you had a miscarriage due to a little fall or something." "Good idea." While Sarah agreed verbally, her mind was racing with a different thought. She recalled hearing that pregnant women became more sensitive. Finding a third party while with her husband could double the excitement compared to now. Once she enjoyed herself enough, she could easily let it go. This plan would also achieve what Hawke had mentioned -- a win-win situation. All three individuals present were filled with schemes. Even Miss Baa pondered how to earn commissions to buy luxury goods. Sarah''s response reminded Hawke of Caroline''s earlier evaluation of her. A refined egoist. "Since you agree, a few more things need confirmation," Hawke began his calculations. "During this time, will there be anything that could hinder your pregnancy, particularly in terms of medical treatments?" Sarah thought for a moment. "I have to get a beauty injection on November 14." Hawke asked, "Can pregnant women use it?" "Generally, they shouldn''t, but some people in the industry have used it while pregnant." Sarah hadn''t considered carrying the child to term. "No worries, I will definitely have a miscarriage." Caroline interjected, "That''s fine." Hawke''s understanding of Sarah deepened. "Let''s finalize the first step. Sarah, you should try to get pregnant as soon as possible." Seeing the benefits now, Sarah stated, "I will consult a professional doctor for ovulation injections." Hawke checked the time on his watch. "Let''s wrap it up for today. I will leave soon for a trip, but when I return, I''ll prepare a plan." "Alright." Sarah reminded him, "Don''t forget who my main competitor is. Help me take down that bitch, Jennifer Aniston." Hawke casually replied, "No problem." ... Caroline accompanied Sarah out of the Beverly Business Club but returned shortly after. Upon entering the meeting room and noticing Hawke still there, she said, "I got it sorted for you." Hawke didn''t waste time on pleasantries. "Ten percent commission until the Golden Globes are over." "Sounds good." Caroline calculated; if everything went smoothly, she could earn a $200,000 commission. The mere thought thrilled her. Hawke added, "I had someone transfer the last commission to you." Caroline couldn''t suppress her smile. "I received it." Grabbing her bag, Hawke stood up to leave. Caroline followed and quietly asked, "What''s your plan for Jennifer Aniston?" Hawke replied, "What about using my charm?" "Is that you?" Caroline looked Hawke up and down, pinching his arm playfully. "Nice physique, solid muscles, but you''re not as handsome as Brad Pitt." Hawke''s aim lay with Broderick, not with Brad Pitt. He inquired, "I heard that Brad Pitt once served as a personal assistant for a male actor in exchange for his recommendation?" Caroline nodded, "That''s Hollywood for you. I had a fantasy about the stars before moving to LA, thinking the old ways of compromise had vanished, but reality proved I was just a naive fool." She returned to Hawke''s question. "A lot of people in the industry know the story about Pitt, the guy''s name was Roy London -- he was just a minor star in the ''80s, but to someone new in the business, he seemed quite significant." Hawke asked these questions for a purpose. "During this time, you need to gather some information on Brad Pitt. You in PR likely have access to dirt about celebrities others don''t." Caroline, motivated by her potential commission, kept a positive demeanor, eager to get things done since she hadn''t received her payout yet. "Leave it to me." ... Hawke left the Beverly Club and arrived in Hollywood, waiting for a while on an inconspicuous back road, where Edward and Campos drove up. The two got into Hawke''s car together. Edward stated, "Boss, the paperwork is completed." Campos added, "The company''s lease is near the original Ackerman Charity Center. Do you want to check it out?" Hawke shook his head. "Not today." He reminded, "Our focus for the next few months is Broderick." "I''ve followed him twice." Campos replied, a bit puzzled. "Once, Broderick went to a location directly associated with the Ackerman Charity." Hawke instructed, "Organize the information about him well. Every week, I''ll have the Savior retrieve it from you." Campos sensed Hawke''s seriousness. "I''ll handle that personally." Hawke continued, "Aren''t there a lot of Mexican homeless people on the streets? You could try developing informants. Also, check out those few people you mentioned last time." Campos noted everything down. The three discussed matters for less than ten minutes before Campos excused himself. Hawke turned to Edward. "While I''m in Wyoming, you''ll handle the studio. Miss Baa might provide some materials, so keep them secure until I return." Edward was busy getting cozy with Deborah. "Can I skip staying at the studio tonight?" "Open the security measures when needed." Hawke didn''t push. "You should head back to Brentwood and stay in a villa instead." Suddenly, an idea struck him. If Sarah Jessica Parker got pregnant and Broderick was out of the picture, she could perhaps land on the Savior''s backup list. When Hawke sent Edward off, he couldn''t help but applaud himself -- where in the world was there a better boss than him? ... As evening fell, the homeless around Hollywood Boulevard began returning to their shelters. This area had transformed into the second largest homeless settlement outside the poor streets of Los Angeles. Hawke drove back to Fountain Street, where there were no available parking spots on the street, so he turned into a park parking lot. Just as he stepped out of the car, Frank approached him with an ashtray in hand, patting the hood of the car. "Finally, a decent car! Back in the day, The luxury cars I bought back then couldn''t fit in the garage with ten parking spaces -- eventually, I had to give away a few cars I didn''t like." "I''m not big on buying cars." Hawke seized the opportunity to show off a little in front of the king of annoyance. "This was given to me by a client." Frank shook his head. "All your clients are fools. They still have to count money after you''ve sold them out." Seeing he couldn''t break through Frank with direct aggression, Hawke decided to sidestep. "Right, Salma Hayek left me a business card last time. Edward has been bugging me about it. Should I give it to him or not?" Frank''s expression turned dark as he turned to leave. Hawke followed him into the RV, lifting his shirt to reveal a handgun inside as a reminder. "Don''t mess with the Taser, or I''ll empty the clip." "Why learn from that LAPD chick to empty the magazine?" Frank opened the fridge and pulled out a can of beer, handing it to Hawke. "Are you still dragging things out with that chick? Move faster." Hawke replied, "This sort of thing can''t be rushed. In a few days, I''m taking her to Wyoming for a vacation." Frank asked, "Did she agree?" "Of course." Hawke responded, "I understand her tastes well." Frank remarked, "She seems nice, but you''re a bad person." He was savvy for his age. "You''re like a leading man in a Hollywood blockbuster; you''ve meticulously crafted your persona to please others." Hawke shook his finger. "You''re mistaken. What I excel at is what she enjoys, and what she has is precisely what I like." He specifically addressed Frank. "While I''m away, keep an eye on what''s happening at the studio." Frank didn''t refuse. "Bring me back a gift." Hawke agreed, "No problem." ... The next morning, Erica called to tell Hawke that her annual leave would start in three days. Hawke booked a flight from Los Angeles to Buffalo, Wyoming, making sure it wasn''t a red-eye flight but a daytime business class one. He couldn''t carry firearms on a plane, so he planned to buy weapons once he arrived in Wyoming. Erica arranged a hunting license for him, and she also obtained a legal gun license for Wyoming. To put it precisely, money and power made everything manageable. Laws and rules were mostly there to restrain ordinary people. Before the weekend arrived, the two of them met at Los Angeles International Airport, each pulling their baggage and boarding the flight to Buffalo together. After landing in Buffalo, they had to drive to Jeffrey City. Considering the needs for hunting, Hawke specifically rented a modified Ford Raptor and took Erica to a gun shop to purchase firearms. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 120: Bet Your Lives [Chapter 121: Bet Your Lives] Buffalo, Wyoming. This city, one of the largest in the state, had only a few tens of thousands of residents. The most prominent gun store, known as Buffalo Gun Shop, was located right by the town square. Upon entering the store, Hawke led Erica to check out the handguns and rifles. He remarked, "In the wilderness of Wyoming, the most dangerous creatures aren''t the animals, but the people." Erica had done her homework. "Wyoming has a low population density. If someone gets killed out in the wild, bears, wild boars, and coyotes will help cover it up. I saw an FBI statistic that said tens of thousands go missing in the wilderness across the U.S. each year." A staff member wearing a handgun approached them, asking, "What guns are you looking for?" Hawke replied, "Let''s start with handguns and semi-automatics." S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They were definitely going to buy something comfortable to use. Erica added, "A Glock and an AR series." The two approached the display case, where the staff member took out two brand new Glock 17s. Gun regulations in Wyoming were relatively lax, and approvals came quickly. Locals like Hawke, who owned property, pretty much had a green light in no time. Before coming here, Erica had already obtained her firearm license and hunting permit, so buying guns wasn''t an issue. For long guns, they chose semi-automatic AR-15s. Hawke mentioned, "We also need a shotgun, one that can take out a bear." The staff member led them to the shotgun section and handed them a long rifle, saying, "This is a Savage Bear Rifle, using .308 ammunition. It''s a favorite among Alaskan bear hunters." Hawke checked it out. The rifle was bolt-action with a four-round magazine, and in metric terms, that would be a standard 7.62mm. As a hunting duo, Hawke chose a long-range rifle while Erica opted for a close-quarters weapon, the Winchester M12 shotgun. Having selected gun bags, bullets, and magazines, they each grabbed a hunting knife. Hawke paid for everything, while Erica carried two large bags to the car. But that wasn''t all. Hawke drove straight to an outdoor store to buy other necessities. Next, they went to the largest supermarket in Buffalo, stocking up on a massive amount of supplies. Not just food, but plenty of daily essentials too. Hawke and Erica had agreed to temporarily stay at Osment''s small ranch. He had previously contacted a real estate agency that had gone ahead to repair and tidy up the house, ensuring it was stocked with essentials. Outdoor gear was expensive, and by the end of their shopping spree, they had blown tens of thousands of dollars. ... As the sun set towards the west, Hawke drove his modified pickup truck towards Jeffrey City. During the journey, they barely encountered any people. Erica pulled out the DV Hawke had brought and filmed the scenery along the way. When they arrived at Jeffrey City, night had fallen. Hawke drove into the town, saying, "It''s still about an hour to the ranch. Let''s find a place to eat first." ????????¨¨???? Erica, feeling hungry, joked, "Let''s eat first, or later I''ll want to eat people." The size of Jeffrey City, compared to Hawke''s previous life, felt like a small village on the eastern plains. There was only one main street, and not many restaurants. Hawke had been here before and parked in front of a place with a sign for barbecued meat. Erica slipped on a denim jacket and rolled a cowboy hat onto her head, securing her gun holster belt at her waist to ensure her Glock was visible. That way she could avoid unnecessary trouble. Hawke donned a camouflage jacket and secured his gun as they exited the vehicle. On either side of the restaurant''s entrance, two identical SUVs were parked, their front doors emblazoned with the words "Cougar Discovery Company." Hawke glanced at the dirty wheels and sides of the vehicles as Erica brushed past him, pushing open the restaurant door. She turned back and gave him a nod, saying, "Let''s go." "Yeah," Hawke replied, following her inside. ... The place wasn''t crowded; there was only a table of six near the entrance. They were dressed in matching uniforms with "Cougar Discovery Company" printed on their chests. These guys were drinking, their faces already flushed from alcohol. Erica automatically steered clear, heading towards a table at the far end. So, Hawke followed her. All six of them turned their gaze on Erica, erupting into laughter. One of them with a scruffy beard discreetly pointed in their direction. Hawke turned back, his hand resting on the gun at his waist. This was Wyoming; it was crawling with tough cowboys. Weakness only invited oppression. The six men''s attention shifted back, and the scruffy-bearded guy shut his mouth. Hawke pulled out a chair and sat down, grabbing the menu to ask Erica for her thoughts, waving for the owner to come over. "Jerry, we want two orders of Wyoming braised lamb, fried potato chips, special beef jerky, and a farm salad." Jerry, who eyed Hawke and recognized him, said, "Long time no see, have you returned to Los Angeles?" Last time Hawke was here, he had stayed for over a week, dining frequently and getting familiar with the owner. He replied, "I''m working in L.A. Just came back for a vacation and to manage my little ranch." Jerry quickly glanced at Erica, confirming with his eyes that she wasn''t a local. He then said to Hawke, "Guess you''ve been making good money in the city." Hawke gestured with his eyes, inquiring, "Who are those guys? I haven''t seen them around before." Jerry replied, "They''re security for a mineral exploration company. They showed up the day after your last meal here. They''re a bunch of outsiders, causing trouble after drinking because they have a big company behind them. Best to keep your distance." Hawke knew how to play his cards right, paying for the meal and slipping Jerry a $20 tip. Money spoke volumes; Jerry pocketed it and added, "I''ve heard those guys don''t play clean. Do you have anything valuable in your car? It''s best to keep an eye on it when they leave." "Thanks," Hawke nodded slightly. Once the owner left, Erica asked, "We''re not going to start a shootout on your first day back, are we?" Hawke quickly glanced at the six men. "Shouldn''t be." The food arrived quickly. It had been a busy day for both of them, and now they were ravenous, hardly talking as they focused on refueling. They both had a mutual understanding that the night would necessitate more energy. When they each finished a portion of lamb, Hawke noticed the six men were getting ready to leave. The scruffy bearded guy looked over in their direction. Staying away from these people, Hawke and Erica had sat towards the back. Hawke didn''t say anything, instead indicating towards the window near the car. Erica nodded slightly and walked over. As those six exited the door, Hawke quickly followed. ... Outside, it had grown dark, and it was very quiet. Three cars were parked in front of the restaurant: the two SUVs the six had arrived in and a black modified Raptor. One guy moved closer to inspect the window and the covered truck bed, saying, "There''s treasure up there." The scruffy-bearded guy pulled out a large set of keys, heading towards the pickup while saying to his friends, "Keep an eye out for me, I''ll need ten seconds." Another guy with a tattoo on his neck turned back as he was about to go to the restaurant entrance, only to suddenly spot a person standing right there. Hawke tightened his grip on the Glock, pointing it at the six, saying, "Listen up, gentlemen, don''t cause any trouble." The two who had been raising their hands went to reach under their clothes. With a loud bang, a gunshot echoed, sending dirt splattering up in between the six men. The shot had originated from the window. The two froze mid-motion. Hawke warned, "You can try, but do you think you can draw faster than us? The stakes aren''t high, just your lives." Having tried to play tough, the scruffy one attempts to reason. "Hey man, we didn''t touch your car. Let''s be reasonable here." "I''m all about reason," Hawke said. "But I came out here to inform you that your step daddy is at home playing video games with your mother. You might want to get home before you miss the authentic army surplus stew." The scruffy guy''s face instantly turned beet red with anger. Yet, with the dual threats of black holes from the guns, he could only bite his tongue. Hawke shouted, "Scram!"Those guys hurriedly piled into their cars, slowly backing out under the threat of guns, and pulled onto the road. Meanwhile, Hawke swung open the rear door of the pickup, retrieving an AR rifle. He stood by the pickup, rifle at the ready, watching the taillights flash. Erica stepped out of the restaurant, bringing another AR and standing close to him, saying, "People here are intense." Hawke replied, "The tougher the place, the more dangerous the people." Jerry, the restaurant owner, came out, seeing their guns and quickly said, "Put those away! If you keep this up, I can''t run my business!" "Are you filled up?" Hawke asked when Erica nodded. To Jerry, he said, "Let''s get more of that special beef jerky to go." Jerry went back to gather the jerky. ... Erica climbed into the back of the pickup, pulling out bullets and empty magazines for the AR, loading them. She even loaded her M12 shotgun. When Jerry came back with the beef jerky, Hawke had paid, accepted the spare magazines handed over by Erica, and climbed into the driver''s seat. Erica settled into the passenger seat, holding her AR. There was no tension or fear on her face; instead, she looked subtly excited. Hawke started the engine and drove away from Jeffrey City towards the ranch, commenting, "You might want to calm down; you''re coming off like a psychotic female assassin." Erica rubbed her face, asking, "Really? Is it that obvious?" She laughed, lightheartedly saying, "Doesn''t this scene remind you of Bonnie and Clyde?" "No, no, those two were the villains," Hawke replied seriously. "We''re the forces of justice." He drove, glancing back often; nobody was following them. It was a good distance to the ranch. After swapping out of the paved road, they also hit a stretch of gravel. ... After nearly an hour, they came upon a ramshackle wooden post and barbed wire marking the property line, where the headlights revealed a rundown hay barn and a two-story brick-and-wood house. That was the result of the repairs Hawke had carried out the last time he visited. The pickup parked in the clearing in front of the house. Hawke jumped out first to turn on the exterior lights. Erica stepped out with her gun, looking around before moving to the back to pull off the tarpaulin covering their gear. Hawke unlocked the door and switched on the lights before stepping back to help. They each grabbed a large box to carry inside. Erica set her box down and looked around the interior with curiosity, asking, "So this is where you grew up?" "Not exactly," Hawke replied simply. "That old house has long been torn down. This was built by someone who later bought the ranch. I bought the ranch back a while ago and fixed it up." He checked the kitchen for water and the gas stove. "I got a real estate company to take care of this place; it was falling to ruin after being unattended for so long." Erica wiped the surface of the table, finding it dust-free. Hawke confirmed that daily living was in order and stepped out of the kitchen. "Let''s unpack." ... They moved in their luggage and supplies, putting food and water into the fridge, and sorting through everything. Hawke took the new bedding upstairs. "I need to use the bathroom," Erica said, grabbing her toiletries before rushing in, taking a quick shower, brushing her teeth, drying her hair, and changing into a snug outfit that showcased her athletic figure. While she was drying her hair, a water sound came from upstairs - someone else was also taking a shower. Erica chuckled. After finishing with her hair, she emerged from the bathroom, grabbed her gun holster belt with her handgun, and fastened it around her waist, waiting a moment. In the meantime, she pulled out the raw meat she had prepared and threw it away from the house. Returning after that, she waited for the water to stop upstairs before pulling on her leather boots and heading up the stairs. Upon reaching the small loft upstairs, she noticed only one of the rooms had been made up. The door to the other bedroom remained closed. With one hand pressing against her gun holster, Erica placed the other on her waistband, casually walking to the window to gaze at the dark sky, as if admiring the stars. In reality, she was putting on a show with her long legs and curvy backside. Hawke stepped out of the bathroom, spotting Erica''s silhouette, he made a beeline for her. In between, he noticed her hand draped over the Glock holster. This woman was definitely trying to tease. Hawke decided to cut through the tension. He walked quickly toward her, grabbing her gun-holding hand, "You still got your gun?" Erica turned her head to face Hawke: "This place is as wild as the wilderness; I''m worried about a wolf attack." "Wolves are already here." Hawke leaned down to kiss her, his hands finding the metallic clasp of her holster belt, easily releasing it. They pressed against each other tightly. After a while, feeling her neck strain, Erica turned away. Hawke spun her back to face him, about to take things to the next level. Erica held up both her hands against his chest, still trying to pull back. "Aren''t we moving too fast?" "The pace is just right," Hawke said, ready to work his magic, using the spell named "How to Quickly Reach a Woman''s Heart." Of course, this spell had to be customized based on the situation -- it wouldn''t work on bad girls. Before long, Hawke began to understand why Brian Ferguson had warned him about his cousin being hard to deal with. Because Erica had already shown an interest. ... In the middle of the night, Erica lay sleeping in Hawke''s arms when suddenly howls echoed from outside. Instantly, both opened their eyes and sat up. Hawke said, "There are coyotes!" Erica grinned, "I threw out some raw meat. I didn''t expect them to come!" Hawke threw on a jacket, ready to head downstairs. Erica felt a little ache, moving slower than usual, she quietly said, "Leave me a few." Hawke went back and offered a hand, "Want me to help you?" "No need," Erica declined gently, "It''s just a small wound." The two made their way downstairs together. Hawke took out the Savage rifle, attaching a night vision scope. Erica was eager to try her hand as well. Hawke handed her the rifle, saying, "I''ll take the AR." "You''re the best," Erica leaned in to kiss him and then went to the open window to set up her rifle. At the other window, Hawke attached the night vision scope to the AR15 and leaned out. Erica pointed out where she had tossed the meat. Hawke nodded, catching sight of the coyotes. There were three coyotes out looking for food, drawn by the raw meat Erica had thrown, but they couldn''t find a full meal. These greedy creatures were on the lookout for more. Hawke pointed to the right. Both shared a silent signal, firing almost simultaneously. The sound of gunfire seemed to echo just once, and two coyotes dropped to the ground. As Erica racked the bolt, Hawke fired a second shot. The third coyote, which had been fleeing, dropped after a spray of blood erupted from its head. Hawke picked up the night vision binoculars, scanning the area, "All clear, let''s check it out." They turned on the lights, picked up their guns, and stepped outside, crossing the clearing to the grass. The coyotes lay on the ground, releasing a pungent smell. From a distance, they looked sizable, but up close, they were scrawny. Hawke poked a coyote''s head with his rifle, saying, "We should get some pliers tomorrow to pull the fangs. I''ll give them to Frank later; that old guy wants gifts." Erica, enthusiastic about the thought, suggested, "When we hunt a bear, let''s get him a dried bear paw." "Good idea," Hawke replied as he turned back, "We''ll deal with it tomorrow." ... Once inside, neither of them felt sleepy. Erica still felt an ache from her wound and didn''t want to do certain things. Instead, they chatted while keeping an eye outside, thinking the scent of blood might draw in more prey. The gunfire seemed to have scared the nearby wildlife, and no other animals came to receive the fiery embrace of bullets. Hawke ended up coaxing Erica back upstairs to sleep. ... When they finally awoke from their slumber, the sun had already risen high. Erica called out to Hawke, "Get up! We agreed to head into the mountains today." Hawke glanced at the sun outside: "Looks like good weather. You cook, and I''ll deal with the coyote carcasses." "I used to go through housekeeper training, but it''s been a while since I cooked," Erica said as she dressed, "All I can make are the simplest dishes." Hawke replied, "Just keep it simple." Dealing with the coyote carcasses was straightforward; Hawke put on gloves and drove the pickup over to pull out the pliers to extract the coyote fangs, tossing the rest of the carcasses into the truck bed and taking them to the woods to dump. Once he had disposed of the three carcasses, strange sounds suddenly emanated from the woods. Hawke immediately readied his AR rifle and pulled out his binoculars to peer into the timber. Something seemed to be hunting over there; he could faintly hear mountain lion calls. But from such a distance, it soon fell silent. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 121: Two Against Seven, the Recording Can Be Checked [Chapter 122: Two Against Seven, the Record Can Be Checked] In the sparse woods, Hawke squatted down, checking the ground while carrying a heavy backpack. The leaves and underbrush underfoot were trampled, with dark fur scattered around and dried blackened bloodstains. Behind him, Erica, also carrying a large pack and holding a Savage shotgun, scanned the surroundings vigilantly. Hawke picked up a stick and swept away the leaves, revealing tracks beneath. "A wild boar," he said, pointing out the hoof prints and the dug-up soil, along with claw marks. "It was ambushed by a feline. Judging by size, it''s likely a cougar." Erica leaned in to take a look and replied, "A cougar would be nice." Hawke tossed the stick aside, grabbing his Remington shotgun as he followed the tracks heading northeast. "This way. If we''re lucky, we might bag a cougar today." "Can Jeffrey City make a specimen?" Erica, always pulling on Hawke, said, "I have a big villa in Silver Lake with plenty of space to turn into an exhibition room." She emphasized, "Once we finish the exhibition room, we can display the specimens of the game we hunted together." Hawke teased back, "You want to move in with me? Isn''t that a bit fast?" Erica grinded her teeth. "I haven''t even stayed at that villa. I spend at least four nights a week at my place and I have to visit my grandparents on weekends." "Shh--" Hawke put his finger to his lips, signaling her to be quiet, as he crept forward through the underbrush. Erica sensed the foul odor and tightened her grip on the shotgun, becoming more alert. They came across a small white-tailed deer whose insides had been completely devoured, with the rest of its body already decomposing. Erica examined it closely, stating, "It must have been here for at least a week." "We walked into its hunting ground," Hawke said as he took out a video recording device, pinning it to his chest and turning it on. Neither spoke further as they followed the tracks deeper into the woods. The terrain became increasingly rugged; the hills weren''t tall, and the trees were sparse enough that they often had to walk long distances between them. Reaching the highest summit, Hawke scrambled to the peak and looked through his binoculars. Erica joined him, asking, "What do you see?" "Look over there." Hawke handed her the binoculars, pointing northeast. "In the farthest distance, you can faintly see a domed building. That''s the boundary of the Indian reservation." Erica squinted to see. The building was nearly at the edge of the binoculars'' view, with an estimated distance of over three kilometers. Given the undulating terrain, it would likely take twice that just to walk there. "We can''t just enter the reservation without permission," she said. "Let''s see if we get anything there, then turn back if we don''t." Hawke slid down the rocks. "Let''s go." ... Initially, they lost the tracks, but not long after, they stumbled upon another carcass that was also half-eaten and rotting. Since there was fresh food around, the top predator in North America, the cougar, usually avoided decaying meals. Continuing forward, Hawke spotted some carnivore feces. The ground evened out gradually, with wind blowing in from the northeast. Erica whispered, "Do you smell that?" Hawke nodded slightly. "A stench of decay." Erica lifted her shotgun, positioning herself behind Hawke. Hawke ventured further, and the ground leveled out completely. The trees became more spread apart, so much so that they could often walk several feet before encountering another. ????????N?¦Â????? He paused in front of a thick birch tree, where deep scratch marks told tales of feline claws. Looking a bit ahead, he located the source of the awful smell. A pile of chewed ribs lay amidst the thicket, strewn with clumps of dirt and rocks behind them. The site covered a large area, spreading across dozens of meters, nearing the slope of another small hill, as if a landslide had once taken place. Hawke scrutinized closely and exclaimed, "Something doesn''t add up." Having been a police officer, Erica saw nothing suspicious around and urged Hawke, "Is your video recording device on?" "It''s running," Hawke gestured to his chest. "Include me in the footage." Erica cautiously stepped forward, slightly raising her shotgun. Hawke followed suit. As they reached the edge of the underbrush, Erica approached the bones, examining them without touching, "These are human bones." Hawke pointed to the meat that was almost completely decayed. "He has been dead for a while." "Over half a month," Erica replied as she moved ahead and found a femur and a foot just behind a pile of rocks, both cleaned of flesh. A gust of wind blew, and Hawke caught a whiff of decay again, but not from the bones at his feet. He moved towards the source, finally spotting another body. "Over here," Hawke gestured. Erica hurried over to discover the body was missing two legs and an arm, its innards entirely hollowed out; the face was chewed off, and dark hair was tied back into a braid. Hawke frowned. "A cougar attacked two people in a short amount of time?" Erica turned to him. "I''ll use the satellite phone in my bag to call for help." Hawke pulled out the satellite phone, indicating the braid. "Looks like it was an Indian." It wasn''t far from the reservation now. "Local police don''t cover Indian matters," Erica knew the protocol and dialed the FBI number, and once connected, said, "Jen, it''s me, Erica. I''m hunting in the mountains northeast of Jeffrey City near the reservation, and I found two bodies that have been partially eaten by animals. One is likely an Indian..." She glanced at her GPS-enabled watch. "I need you to record the coordinates." Once she finished the call, Erica was about to speak when Hawke made a silencing gesture, pointing into the distance. He lowered his voice. "I think I hear a car engine." Erica listened carefully, saying, "Let''s hide and see what''s going on." "Find a concealed spot." Hawke lingered back, clearing away any traces they left. He then caught up with Erica, hiding within the rocky debris. ... Just as they concealed themselves, the roar of an off-road vehicle sliced through the forest. Out here, the most dangerous predators often roamed on two legs rather than four. Hawke crouched behind a mound of broken rocks, peeking out. A dirty black SUV and a pickup truck rolled in. The black SUV seemed vaguely familiar, and as it drew closer, Hawke spotted the name "Cougar Discovery Company" on it. Erica turned to Hawke, sharing a glance that conveyed mutual understanding. Today could get messy. The two sides were not far apart; with trees sparse on this side, the terrain flat, they could only wait and see what unfolded. Hawke took down the video recording device and tucked it behind some stones, where there was enough space to adjust the camera angle frequently. ... The SUV maneuvered through the flat area and approached the heap of rubble. Hawke and Erica prepared for the worst, guns in hand. The black SUV halted, and four men in black security uniforms stepped out. One man with a bushy beard waved at the pickup truck behind them, signaling for it to be brought closer. The other three men brandished AR rifles, scanning the surroundings warily. The pickup truck''s engine roared to life and arrived with a louder rumble. Three people climbed out of the vehicle, two of whom Hawke had seen the night before at the restaurant. The third was an older balding man directing them to unload stuff from the truck bed. They tossed two bodies from the truck bed onto the ground. Both corpses had dark braids, clearly identified as Indians. The bald man chuckled, saying, "Our little kittens have fresh food again." The man with tattoos on his neck added, "An environmental organization should give us an award; we''re feeding the whole family of kittens." "These bastards forget how their ancestors were scalped by us!" the blonde man kicked one of the bodies violently. "Whoever dares to stand in our way is asking for trouble." The bald man urged, "Alright, let''s clean this up quickly and head back for our reward." ... They had done this more than once, and even the prey had grown accustomed to it; when they heard vehicle engines, they didn''t hide but came out instead to grab a snack. Just then, two small cougars poked their heads out from a pile of rubble, curiously looking around. An adult female cougar sprinted down the hillside at full speed. This big cat moved with grace, making almost no sound as it leapt through the rocks and debris, getting closer to the dens. It spotted the small cougars peeking out and also caught sight of Hawke and Erica hiding behind the stones. Instinctively, the cougar bolted toward them. As it closed the distance, Hawke heard the sound of rolling stones behind him, and a weird sensation of being hunted warned him of imminent danger. He instinctively turned around, only to see the large cat leaping toward him. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With lightning-fast reflexes, he swung the shotgun but didn''t even have time to aim before pulling the trigger. The gunshot thundered! In an instant, under the shotgun''s blast, life and death were impartial. The cougar''s chest was ripped open by the pellets, blood spraying everywhere. Simultaneously, alerted by the danger, Erica turned around as well, but the Savage shotgun was too long, and she was a second late. Another gunshot rang out, the bullet hitting the cougar''s neck. The cougar thudded to the ground, never to rise again. Though Hawke and Erica had just escaped danger, their training kicked in. They instinctively switched positions, hiding behind rocks, simultaneously discarding their backpacks. ... BANG! BANG! BANG! The sound of an AR-15''s semi-automatic fire erupted, bullets striking dangerously close to where Hawke and Erica had just hidden. As the shotgun fired, the three men with AR rifles quickly deduced the source, not bothering with wasted words or movements, unleashing a barrage of bullets in that direction. The others scattered to their trucks, retrieving their firearms and ammunition, seeking places to hide. After the three ran out of ammo, they continued to lay down suppressive fire. These men were experienced, either hiding behind rocks or the front of their engine blocks, raising their rifles overhead and firing randomly toward the rubble. The bald man pressed against the front wheel of the pickup, anger etched on his face. Dumping the bodies would certainly attract attention; they couldn''t let this slide. He gestured with a slicing motion to the few hiding behind the trucks, signaling not to leave any survivors. "Damn it!" the bearded man complained. "I''ll draw their attention while you two circle around from the side." The bushy-bearded man pointed at the other two. "Open fire!" the bald man shouted. He and the other two raised their weapons overhead, shooting blind at the pile of rocks. Using the distraction, the bearded man and two others swiftly dashed around the vehicles. ... In the rubble, Hawke hunched low and began to maneuver around. When the gunfire erupted, he quickly squeezed into a pile of dirt, noticing two tiny cougars crouching in a hole amid the stones. The gunfire startled them, causing them to tremble and urinate on the spot. Hawke seized one by the scruff of its neck and tossed it toward the side. The cub hit the ground, struggled to run, making racket among the stones. The two white men, alerted by the commotion, immediately opened fire. The successive gunfire clued Hawke into their location; he pushed off the ground, darting away like a rabbit. He hadn''t even seen anyone yet when he shoved his shotgun outward, firing repeatedly toward where he predicted they were. In the deafening chaos, Hawke quickly emptied the shotgun''s chamber, then ducked for cover to reload. The sound of heavy things dropping echoed twice. Two men collapsed to the ground, their chests and shoulders horrifically mangled, twitching as they lay in a pool of blood. BANG! The Savage shotgun boomed again. Erica must have hit a man; he screamed out in agony. The bearded man cowered behind a mound of dirt, staring into the void, fear paralyzing him as death loomed close. Lying in a pool of blood, a man glanced at him, his pupils widening. Gunfire erupted again nearby. The bearded man considered retreating, shrinking back, still aiming his gun at where the man lay. Taking advantage of Erica drawing attention away, Hawke swiftly rose and sprinted to another mound of dirt, seeing another person''s shoulder protruding. As the body slid back and up, Hawke fired at that spot repeatedly. The bearded man noticed the movement, but before the gun could be turned his way, a hail of gravel mixed with bullets slammed into him, making his grip fail on the weapon. As he fell, he was unfortunate enough to take a shotgun blast squarely in his mouth, turning it into mush. Hawke slid down from the pile of rubble, ignoring the sting on his back, crouching as he circled toward the two vehicles. The gunfire from the semi-automatic rifle diminished, and to Hawke''s trained ears, only one rifle was still firing. Hawke quickly glanced up, spotting one of the gunmen shooting forward and rapidly fired two shots with the shotgun. The man went down amidst wails as Hawke''s shotgun echoed, silencing him. Erica''s crisp voice called out, "At the back of the truck, one man!" "Guys, we''re the FBI, surrender now! Your people are all dead! We have over ten agents searching the area, and you''ve got five minutes at most before a swarm of us comes through!" Hawke shouted. The bald man, crouched behind the front wheel of the pickup, seemed conflicted over Hawke''s claim. From the gunfire, it was evident the two were trained professionals, having taken out six of his men with just the two of them. The bald man thought about altering his cover. If the FBI really came, he''d have no means of defense. Hawke feigned a call on his radio, declaring loudly, "The target is behind the pickup! You''ll see him as soon as you come over. Don''t worry about taking him alive; just shoot to kill!" The bald man, wary of a two-front ambush, kept glancing nervously behind him. Understanding Hawke''s call, Erica fired again, her bullet hit the truck''s hood, causing it to jolt and shake. The bald man, preoccupied from two angles, had one foot exposed due to the tremors. Hawke took aim at the visible black boot, firing. Chunks of black leather and flesh flew violently. The bald man could no longer hold his position. He crumpled down dramatically. Erica adjusted her aim, firing again. The bullet surged forth, shredding a good portion of the bald man''s right palm, taking the AR with it. Hawke rose and dashed to the back of the pickup, taking aim at the bald man''s chest with his shotgun. He proclaimed loudly, "Got him!" The bald man was left in a shocking, dreadful state, half a foot and a hand missing, the sight grim. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 122: Two Calamities [Chapter 123: Two Calamities] The gunfire finally ceased, and Erica held her gun, checking each of the other six people one by one. Five of them had become corpses. The first one shot, a tattooed thug, lost too much blood, struggling to breathe, quickly slipping into a dying state. Both Hawke and Erica had no intention of providing medical assistance. If they lost this skirmish today, their outcome would have been just as tragic -- there wasn''t much more to say about it. Hawke untied two shoelaces and wrapped them around the bald thug''s injured ankles and wrists, hoping to keep him alive for a comparison when the FBI arrived. But he made sure not to give the thug a chance to retaliate, twisting the man''s limbs behind his back and tying them into a bow shape. Erica returned from a pile of rubble with two backpacks and the video recording device, coming over to the pickup truck and said, "They''re all dead. What was supposed to be a good hunt turned into a massacre." The bald man looked at Hawke and Erica''s weapons and said, "You''re not FBI. Who the hell are you?" Hawke couldn''t be bothered to respond to him. The bald man continued, "Let me go, and I''ll give you $500,000... No, $1 million!" In those days, a million dollars was a huge amount of money. The thug''s group had killed people but didn''t have even a fraction of that much cash on hand. Erica asked, "Where do you keep your money?" If the sum was substantial and easy to access, she would consider offing him. The thug sensed Erica was even more dangerous than Hawke and fell silent about the money, saying, "Just kill me!" "Why would you want to die?" Erica stated plainly. "Don''t worry, we won''t kill you. I''ve already called the FBI; their helicopters will be here soon. You''ll get special treatment from them." The thug opened his eyes wide, "You can''t do this! Don''t hand me over to the FBI! I have family! They''ll kill them all!" He shouted desperately, "Just kill me!" Suddenly, he thought of dragging these two down with him, "Hey, do you know what we were doing? We... auh--" Hawke kicked him square in the face, and the thug screamed, spitting out two front teeth. Before the thug could say anything else, Hawke pulled out a hunting knife, sliced off a big chunk of the thug''s shirt, and stuffed it in his mouth, tying it up with a belt. Erica watched Hawke''s actions with a mixture of skill and panic. "You seem awfully proficient at this?" After finishing the binding, Hawke replied, "Frank taught me. He often bragged about playing this kind of game with many Hollywood starlets." Erica conceded, "Nice job with the tying up. Next time, let me give it a try." Hawke said seriously, "We don''t need to know the rotten things they''re involved in." "Right." Erica understood this, "When the FBI arrives, we''ll hand him over." Hawke didn''t trust the FBI, especially in a place like this. "Are they trustworthy?" Erica replied simply, "The team leader is Brian''s classmate from Stanford. She has an... unrequited love for him, and I called home too, so there shouldn''t be any issues." ?????????¦Ï????????? The bald thug continued to struggle on the ground, unsure if he had something to say or if he was in too much pain, making odd grunting noises. But both of them ignored him, finding a high spot to hide and keep watch. ... Hawke took out two bottles of water and some chocolate from the bags, handing part to Erica. While the scene was gruesome with corpses and blood, it didn''t stop them from hydrating and getting some energy. Erica quipped, "We were supposed to hunt bears, but look where it ended up instead." "Much more dangerous than hunting bears." Hawke took a sip of water, "Bears don''t use guns." Erica laughed, "But it was definitely thrilling." She leaned over and softly kissed Hawke, "Did you notice how well we''re in sync -- working together so well?" Hawke retorted playfully, "Exactly, we had great chemistry last night, and it carries over into today." Erica replied candidly, "I lucked out -- picked someone whose body, spirit, and interests align perfectly with mine." Hawke remarked, "More like I got lucky." Erica shifted positions so they sat back to back, "When the FBI gets here, we can leave as soon as possible. Let them deal with the aftermath; this isn''t California, and if the other side has dozens of people, the two of us won''t stand a chance." "We''re just two people." Hawke agreed, "This excavation company doesn''t understand what they''re doing, getting so many Native Americans killed." "Economic interests," Erica clarified. "What else could attract them to treat Native Americans that way? When they delineated reservations, the designated areas left for Native Americans looked barren, forcing them to set up casinos to survive, but the technology, including prospecting, was relatively backward at the time. Recently, valuable minerals and resources have been discovered in some Native American reservations, which evolved into a new era of westward expansion." Hawke nodded, "I''ve heard some of that before." He suddenly came up with an idea, "There wouldn''t be anything valuable hidden under my small ranch, would there?" sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Erica responded, "If there was something valuable, would you even be able to buy it back?" Hawke found her point valid. At that moment, they heard noise in the sky, and both of them stood up to look up. ... After a while, three helicopters flew over from afar. When they got closer, Hawke looked through binoculars and saw the letters FBI on the body. After contacting Erica, the helicopters landed in an open and flat area, and a large number of people wearing FBI jackets began to descend from the aircraft. Leading the team was a female agent in a deep blue coat over a bulletproof vest, who quickened her pace upon seeing Erica. Hawke followed closely behind Erica, letting her handle the communication. The FBI agents quickly took control of the situation, and a doctor rushed over to provide emergency care for the bald thug. As per protocol, Erica and Hawke were separated for questioning. They didn''t need to lie; they told the truth. Erica even handed the recording device over to a female agent named Jennifer. While the footage was not complete, it captured some events, particularly the shot of the Cougar Discovery Company arriving and disposing of bodies. As the sun began to set, Hawke and Erica reunited. The FBI reported that agents had thoroughly searched a wide area of rubble, carefully examining the Cougars'' den, and alongside the two bodies discarded today, they found a total of eight sets of remains. Many of the remains still bore Native American decorations. Erica didn''t inquire further into the specifics. Half an hour later, Jennifer prepared to leave temporarily and arranged to have Hawke and Erica flown back to the ranch. She advised them not to leave Jeffrey City just yet. After what had happened, Hawke heightened his vigilance, loading all of his firearms, stashing both long and short guns upstairs and down. Both of them needed to conserve their energy; despite some restlessness, they held back. Thankfully, the night passed without incident. ... After breakfast, Jennifer called Erica to let her know they could leave now. Hawke packed up his belongings and checked the ranch without finding anything unusual. He contacted the real estate agency to continue managing the ranch, then drove the pickup truck back to Jeffrey City with Erica. The main street of the town was now dotted with several SUVs sporting FBI graphics. Even though they were both extremely curious, Hawke and Erica held back from asking anyone for details about what had happened. They treated the entire situation as if it wasn''t related to them. They would discuss it further once they returned to their California headquarters. Hawke filled the pickup truck with gas before heading straight for Buffalo. In the truck, Erica held her gun and told Hawke, "No need to ask; I can guess that in that reservation area, they found something valuable. That''s what attracted the Cougar Discovery Company, but it likely implicated some Native American land or property interests. The excavation company wouldn''t want to give too much in compensation, or the Native Americans might demand too much, so they resorted to the most straightforward and violent methods." Hawke remarked, "High-end corporate warfare, plain and simple, it''s always been like that." "High-end corporate warfare?" Erica laughed, "That''s definitely what it is." Hawke asked, "Your vacation just started a few days ago, and you want to head straight back to Los Angeles?" Erica, not wanting to be apart from Hawke, replied, "Let''s go to Yellowstone Park instead. We could have our little world there. Even if bad things happen, it''d still be simpler and more enjoyable than in Los Angeles." Hawke agreed, "Sure, let''s go to Yellowstone Park." ... Since they weren''t in a hurry to head back, they decided to stop midway in a valley to appreciate the autumn foliage. Setting up the home DV camera on a tripod, Erica powered it on and filmed against the backdrop of the valley''s red leaves, pulling Hawke into the frame. She teased, "Hawke Osment, you still haven''t confessed to me." Hawke, being the decisive one, wrapped his arms around Erica and kissed her, sealing their bond. They tangled together passionately, only parting after some time. Right after they separated, Hawke suddenly dashed off towards the pickup truck. Erica was puzzled and had no idea what was happening. Before she could ask, Hawke opened the truck door, pulled out the Savage hunting rifle, and aimed in the opposite direction of Erica. She quickly turned around to see a gray bear standing by the river, perhaps planning to fish or get a drink. Hawke worked the bolt, took aim for a moment, and pulled the trigger. After the shot rang out, the gray bear shook and turned to charge at them. Hawke quickly cycled the bolt again and fired a second shot. The bear collapsed to the ground. Hawke didn''t approach it; instead, he kept his rifle trained on the spot. After a while, when the bear remained still, Hawke walked over cautiously. Erica followed, quite pleased, "We''ve hit the jackpot together -- this lucky game just came to us." Hawke said, "I was just contemplating what kind of engagement gift to get you when it showed up." "I really like this gift," Erica beamed. One of her two main goals before coming here was completed last night, and now the second was achieved. Even though she didn''t shoot it herself, it felt almost the same as if she had. As they got closer, they could see more clearly that it was an adult male gray bear, weighing over 200 kilograms. Shooting was one thing, but getting it onto the truck would be another challenge altogether. Erica rushed back to get the DV camera and digital camera, asking Hawke to take her pictures beside the catch. After he snapped the photos, Hawke cautioned, "No one besides us should see these; it could cause problems -- especially you, half a celebrity already." Erica understood the craziness of extreme animal rights activists and environmentalists, replying, "I''ll cherish it just for us when we get back." ... Hawke called a hunting company, and after more than half an hour, a truck for transporting game arrived. He went over to negotiate while asking Erica to stay in the truck. The bear couldn''t be brought over, so four adults dragged and carried it with a net to get it to the truck. From there, things got easier. Hawke found the person in charge and asked, "I saw in your company''s brochure that you can create taxidermy mounts. Can you handle this bear?" "No problem," the person assured him. "We''ve done hundreds of them." Hawke proposed, "How about you make it into a mount and ship it to Los Angeles?" The person readily agreed. Once the game was all loaded, Hawke drove along with them to Buffalo, signed a contract with the hunting company, and paid a deposit, leaving the shipping address. Before leaving, he bought a few coyote tooth necklaces as gifts for Frank. He also spotted some uniquely Wyoming stone carvings, all made from locally-sourced soapstone. He bought a few pieces to give away. ... Next, they needed to head to Yellowstone Park, and since that required a flight, Hawke drove to the downtown buffalo gun shop to store his purchased weapons. They could use them again when they returned. He booked tickets for the next day and secured a hotel room, returning the pickup truck. Erica pulled him into the hotel suite. They had unfinished business from last night that needed to be addressed today. Both of them had kept in shape with regular exercise, had good stamina, and the evening activities stretched on longer than expected, creating quite the commotion. Thanks to the hotel''s not-so-great soundproofing, they were complained about by neighbors on either side throughout the night. When a hotel staff member knocked on their door, Erica donned a robe and candidly stated, "They''re just jealous!" Hawke completely agreed. ... The next morning, the two of them left Wyoming and boarded a flight to Yellowstone Park. Within the park, vacation cabins with yards were available for rent, fully equipped for living, ensuring no disturbances. During the day, Hawke and Erica explored the surroundings. At night, they studied the mysteries of the human body together. Unfortunately, hunting was off-limits in Yellowstone Park, so they couldn''t continue their game. ... Five days later, they began their return journey. On the plane, Erica specifically told Hawke, "This time, it was your treat, next time I''ll treat you. Next time let''s go to Florida to hunt alligators." She thought of another target: "There''s also an invasive giant lizard problem there. After legal hunting, you can sell the carcasses for money. I hear there are many lizard hunters in that area." "Sure," Hawke thought. If they wanted to deal with the troublesome family member in Florida, it was best to bring along his brother-in-law for the job. Erica smiled, "This vacation isn''t over yet, and I''m already looking forward to the next one. I never used to be like this, always worrying about getting promoted faster..." She hesitated to mention this to Hawke, "Forget that. I estimate there will be an award ceremony before Christmas. Can you attend if I send you the invite?" Hawke replied, "As long as you send me an invitation." ... The flight landed smoothly in Los Angeles. As Hawke and Erica emerged with their luggage, Brian was already waiting at the exit. They all got into Brian''s Cadillac, and Erica said, "Let''s drop Hawke off at Fountain Street first." Brian drove them out of the airport, finally unable to hold back, asked, "I heard from Jennifer you two went out again and did quite a bit of killing?" Hawke thought for a moment, "We got three coyotes, one mountain lion, one gray bear, plus six gangsters. Oh, and we severely injured one." "Good thing I didn''t go, thank goodness I didn''t!" Brian exclaimed gratefully. "If I had gone with you two, I certainly wouldn''t have made it back." Erica bluntly critiqued her cousin, "You know yourself well. At the most dangerous moment, it was just Hawke and I against seven armed thugs. If you had joined, it would have been three against seven, and we would have definitely lost." Brian looked glum, "That reasoning doesn''t add up. Two against seven and somehow you guys beat three against seven." Hawke lightly slapped the dashboard, inviting him, "Next time, Erica and I are planning to go to Florida to hunt alligators. Want to come along?" Brian asked, "Aren''t you afraid I''d be a liability?" With their seamless chemistry, Erica chimed in, "Crocodiles spend most of their time underwater. To hunt them, you need bait." Hawke added, "Preferably something that moves." Brian understood; he would be that bait. Hawke teasingly said, "Don''t worry, we can guarantee your safety." Faced with the relentless jabs from the couple, Brian decided to fight back and quickly found a point of attack: "I remember when you two first met, Erica shot little Robert Downey Jr. in the street?" Hawke replied, "That''s right, I recorded it on video." Brian added, "Later, you guys were out on a yacht, attacked by drug dealers -- several people died at your hands?" Erica clarified, "They were just low-life dealers." "And this time?" Brian said, "Six dead and one seriously injured!" He emphasized, "Didn''t you find this suspicious?" Erica naturally responded, "Hawke and I are capable and work well together." Brian corrected her, "No, no, that''s not the point. The problem is when you two are together, something always goes wrong -- sometimes a person dies; at worst, it''s an absolute disaster." Hawke brushed it off, "These are just small matters; they don''t mean anything." Erica continued, "That''s right. Just minor incidents." Brian deliberately remarked, "I feel like there will come a day when the two of you go on vacation together, and it''ll lead to a huge incident resulting in dozens or even hundreds of deaths." Both Hawke and Erica burst into laughter. ... The Cadillac reached Fountain Street and pulled over. Hawke got out to grab his luggage, and Erica followed, saying their goodbyes in the street with a kiss. Across the street, Frank, holding a tattered ashtray begging for change, shook his head disapprovingly: "Another poor girl deceived by that loser." After sending off Erica and Brian, Hawke turned to Frank and saw his disdainful expression, instantly replying with a middle finger. Frank pocketed his small change, grabbed his ashtray, and crossed the street to follow Hawke into the studio. Hawke opened his suitcase, pulled out a box, and tossed it to Frank, "Here''s a gift for you." Frank opened it and found a string of fearsome fangs, challenging, "After I guarded your door for over a week, you only brought me this piece of junk?" Hawke explained, "Every tooth comes from an adult coyote. Do you have any idea how much effort I put into getting this gift for you?" "Forget it, I''ll keep it." Frank packed it away into his pocket, saying, "Everything at the studio has been running smoothly, no one has caused any trouble." Hawke went upstairs to pack his things, "Help yourself." Frank rummaged through the food Edward had bought in the fridge, enjoying himself as he ate and drank. Free food was always the tastiest. When Hawke came back downstairs, he called Edward, "Savior, I''m back." Hearing his voice, Edward was overjoyed, "Boss, you finally returned! I made a big deal while you were gone!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 123: Prove Your Loyalty [Chapter 124: Prove Your Loyalty] Fountain Street, West Coast Media Entertainment Studio. Edward pulled out several checks and handed them to Hawke, saying, "Boss, here''s the income for this period." Hawke flipped through them; most were for $200 and $300, but one was close to five figures. "Did you scoop a big story?" Hawke asked. Edward chuckled, "I got lucky this time; I captured an exclusive big story." He elaborated, "A few nights ago, Matthew McConaughey threw a wild party, gathered a bunch of friends and women, got high, and over twenty people stripped down and ran to the yard singing rock songs. You know, one of those fenced yards. His neighbors on either side called the cops, and Officer Milner called me right away." Hawke asked, "You turned Officer Milner into a news source?" Edward continued, "The day you left LA, I bumped into Officer Milner in West Hollywood. He has a bunch of kids and his wife is unemployed." Hawke understood and reminded him, "Don''t make any moves on his wife." "Hey, boss, you can''t accuse a good guy of that," Edward defended, "Milner isn''t even divorced." Hawke barely raised an eyebrow. "Let''s talk business." Edward got back on track. "I made it there fast enough to scoop LAPD. I shot video of Matthew McConaughey dancing naked with a few guys and gals. Two of them were rock stars -- you''ve gotta see this exclusive video. I sold it to Claire, you know, Meghan''s former assistant; she''s now the associate producer and host of Midnight Entertainment." Hawke nodded. "Eight grand isn''t bad." He handed the check to Edward. "Deposit the money in the studio account tomorrow." "Sure thing." Edward pocketed it. Hawke then asked, "What about Campos?" Edward replied seriously, "Campos is very capable. He leveraged his Mexican identity to recruit a number of informants among Mexican immigrants. You know the situation in LA -- there''s just no counting the street homeless. When it comes to organizing, I don''t compare to him." "Good." Hawke said, "I''ll make time to meet him tomorrow." Edward checked the time. "Boss, I just got a tip from Joanna. Allison Faith is going to Griffith Observatory tonight. If you have no other business, I''ll start prepping for that." The fallout from the scandal with that mother and daughter left a deep impression on Hawke; both were trouble. Just in case, Hawke warned, "Keep your little brother in check. Don''t let him catch anything." Edward responded earnestly, "Boss, you don''t have to worry; there are so many good options. Why would I pick an old public transport vehicle? I''m not Charlie Sheen, bringing a public restroom home." Hawke waved him off. "Go on." His phone rang. Erica called, "I''m taking tomorrow off. I''m going to visit my grandparents, so I won''t be seeing you. I''ll be back at work the day after, and we''ll go practice shooting and coordination over the weekend." Hawke replied, "Sounds good." Erica wasn''t the clingy type and hung up quickly. After dinner, Hawke went to bed early. He had to stay sharp, working hard every night at Yellowstone Park. Thankfully, he had trained and was, indeed, a master at navigating chaos. ... The next morning, Hawke called Campos. The latter was in Sherman Oaks keeping an eye on things, and they agreed to meet at noon. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke went straight to a cafe near BWR Public Relations and sent a text to Caroline. Before long, Caroline walked in alone, holding a briefcase. As soon as she spotted Hawke, she quickened her pace, her red high heels clicking on the floor as she pulled out a chair and sat across from him. Hawke glanced at her brand-new briefcase, guessing its price, then asked, "What do you have for me?" Caroline opened the bag and pulled out a stack of files and photos. "This is information on Sarah''s biological father, Stephen Parker. He''s Jewish and worked in the media industry for years before becoming a senior executive as a partner in a financial firm." ????¦¡£Î?????¨º? She produced another photo. "This is Sarah''s stepfather, Paul Forste." Hawke nodded slightly, flipping through the paperwork. Paul Forste''s credentials paled compared to his biological father''s. After Sarah''s parents divorced, her mother Barbara married Paul Forste, with whom she had three boys and a girl. With her stepfather''s four children, Sarah had seven siblings. According to Caroline''s research, it was thanks to Stephen Parker''s child support that the family could hold it together. However, Sarah''s relationship with Stephen was far from that of a loving father-daughter bond. A typical family drama. Stephen and Barbara didn''t have a peaceful divorce -- they were at each other''s throats. Under Barbara''s long-term influence, Sarah believed that Stephen hadn''t fulfilled his responsibilities as a father. "When Sarah first broke into the industry, Stephen leveraged connections to make things easier for her," Caroline stated. "But Sarah always felt that was Stephen owing her something." Hawke asked, "What''s Stephen''s attitude towards Sarah now?" Caroline pondered for a moment and replied, "The things people can''t have often become the things they desire most; as they age, they reminisce about familial bonds." She suddenly connected it to herself, slightly shaking her head and deciding not to dwell on it. "Stephen doesn''t have any other children; I checked -- he really wants to restore a normal father-daughter relationship with Sarah, but she remains lukewarm towards him." Hawke recalled the last time he met Sarah; she had mentioned her biological father. He asked, "Is Stephen well-known among the Jewish community?" "He''s nearly seventy and has spent years in management in the media industry," Caroline explained. "All those years of connection must have made an impression on some people. The Jewish community, let''s face it, can be somewhat insular." Hawke noticed a photo of Stephen Parker in the materials and advised, "Look into his current address; we might need it." The high commission cut felt like a carrot dangled in front of a sheep; Caroline quickly assured him, "I''ll find a way to get it." Hawke pressed on a critical point. "How''s Sarah''s pregnancy plan coming along?" This was all a part of Caroline helping Sarah make connections. "Sarah''s following our plan. To keep Broderek from opposing, she hasn''t told him yet and has coordinated through me. She''s received ovulation injections from a professional agency and has been working on Broderek to get busy, but since he''s in his forties, Sarah''s worried about his stamina and is considering whether to find a few other guys to help." Her tone turned strange. "Sarah''s commitment to winning the award is impressive." However, Hawke now had a better grasp of Sarah''s personality. He urged, "It''s best if it''s still Brodereick''s." "I''ll persuade her," Caroline promised. Hawke inquired, "When can Sarah''s manager be finalized?" "Not until at least November," Caroline explained simply. "Sarah''s an A-lister. Whoever becomes her managing agent means a steady, high income every year. Competition within management firms is extremely fierce." Hawke made a new request. "I remember you have enough influence over Sarah to help her choose a manager who supports women''s rights, preferably someone of Jewish descent." Caroline replied, "That''s not difficult. During our last meeting, Sarah mentioned it; she intended to do that anyway." The two discussed further details in the cafe until about noon, when Hawke finally decided to leave. ... He drove to Beverly Boulevard, waiting a moment at the agreed parking lot when a nearly new Chevrolet pulled up. Campos parked and waited to make sure no one followed before getting in Hawke''s car. Hawke said, "I heard from the Savior that things are going smoothly?" "It''s an issue if many people are coming over here and working under the radar," Campos realistically noted. "As long as they are paid well, they can be very reliable eyes and ears." Hawke nodded. "Just keep moving at your pace." Campos opened the bag he had brought with him and handed Hawke some photos. "These are the ones I recently captured." Hawke flipped through them, all showing Matthew Broderek, alongside a man and a woman he recognized. The man was Barack Bernanke, chairman of the Ackerman Charity Foundation and one of the four targets. Robert Downey Jr. had already met his maker, with his wife and child under the Savior''s guidance. Broderek was the target for this plan. Barack Bernanke was next on the list. As for Buddy Ackerman, a billionaire, he was tricky. The woman in the photos was named Melissa Ackerman, Buddy''s daughter. Campos added, "Broderick has been seen meeting with these two frequently lately." He then pointed out a long-faced man in one of the photos. "And this guy, Broderick changed his clothes and car to meet him quietly." Hawke had never seen the man before and commanded, "Find out who he is." "Understood." Once Campos finished explaining, he didn''t linger and quickly drove off. Hawke continued to go through the photos, his gaze fixating on Melissa Ackerman. Suddenly, he recalled the gunfight in Wyoming and thought about what he''d do if he were severely injured or lost an organ in the future. That old bastard Buddy Ackerman wanting to off him indicated that their blood type and organ match were likely good. This guy was getting old and wouldn''t be of much use; he pondered whether any grandkids had the same traits. ... Fox Plaza, Fox Television Center. Gretchen returned from her vacation, and her first task was to meet with Channel 11''s director, Cynthia Rosenberg. But Cynthia was in a meeting. Come afternoon, Gretchen finally got her chance to see the director. Cynthia spoke directly, "The channel made adjustments to your position; you''re moving to the midday news." Gretchen had expected this outcome and had made moves during her time off, saying, "I applied for the transfer." Cynthia looked up at Gretchen, "Let the higher-ups send a formal request; I won''t stand in your way." The Fox Television Network was vast, and Channel 11 was just one of many subsidiary channels. However, it wouldn''t be wise to clash with a direct superior; Gretchen understood the workplace rules at Fox well. The loss of Ace News was a done deal, and if she had a fallout with Cynthia, resignation would be her only option -- not even a letter of recommendation would be forthcoming. Cynthia waved her hand. "Hurry up and arrange that." "I''ll get it done quickly." Before leaving, Gretchen made sure to say, "Thank you." Cynthia nodded slightly and didn''t say more. Once out of the director''s office, Gretchen called a former subordinate. "Nina, it''s me. I''m planning to transfer to another channel; are you coming with me?" There was a pause on the other end before Nina answered, "Sorry, I''ve settled into Ace News and don''t want to move to an unfamiliar place." "Good luck," Gretchen ended the call on her own. She knew Nina had allied with Meghan Taylor, and the other subordinates... Gretchen shook her head, not wanting to dwell on it. She didn''t need to return to the program team; during her break, she had taken all her personal belongings. Reaching the entertainment floor of the building, she found a lounge and made another call. "Susan, could you let Roger know I''m back? If he''s free, I can visit anytime." The voice on the other end replied, "I mentioned you to Roger; he''s taking a break right now. Let me check." Gretchen felt a wave of nerves, placing the phone down and hurrying to redo her makeup in the mirror. Then she stood up, twirled around in her high heels; although she was over thirty, she looked great, especially in a short skirt hugging her curves and those leg-lengthening stockings -- quite alluring. Her phone rang; she answered. The voice said, "He wants you to come up now." "Okay." ... Gretchen left and pressed the button for the private elevator, riding it straight up to the top floor. When she exited the elevator, she turned into a giant office containing only a desk, where an elderly Susan stood by a door. Behind the door was the supreme presence of the Fox Television Network -- Chairman and CEO Roger Ailes. He held the utmost trust from owner Rupert Murdoch; anything at Fox was decided by him. Susan pointed to the door. "You can go right in." Gretchen smiled at her, took a deep breath to calm her nerves, and opened the mahogany door. Inside the reception area, sat a stout man akin to a mound of flesh on a single sofa, wearing a friendly expression that resembled a kindly elder. "Good afternoon, Roger," said Gretchen. Roger Ailes pointed to a sofa on the side. "Have a seat." Gretchen cautiously sat down. Roger asked, "I heard you''ve been facing some difficulties recently?" Gretchen knew better than to discuss her former boss in front of a higher-up, especially not to badmouth Fox. She spoke directly, "The Fox News Channel is preparing to launch a morning news show, Fox & Friends. Can I transfer there?" Compared to the 11 Channel formed from the acquisition of LA''s Channel 11, the Fox News Channel had a broader audience. Roger said softly, "I really appreciate your work ethic, and I''ve considered promoting you." He wasn''t just saying this; while his focus was mostly on Fox News and less on the sub-channels, Roger had at least some familiarity with the well-known hosts beneath him. "With your capabilities, you''re good enough to host Fox & Friends." Gretchen held her breath, waiting for what he''d say next. Roger''s words lingered: "But I need loyalty, absolute loyalty. Prove your loyalty to me." Gretchen was prepared, but when that moment came, it felt heavy. She wasn''t one of those Hollywood girls. Roger Ailes was a veteran in this game; he asked, "I heard you were Miss America?" He gestured for her, "Stand up, Gretchen, stand." Gretchen rose to her feet. "Come closer to me. Raise your skirt and show me your legs; hurry, lift it a bit higher." Earlier, Gretchen wouldn''t have made this choice. But losing Ace News left her feeling she had no other options. Gretchen lifted her skirt. Then, under Roger Ailes'' direction, she found herself kneeling on the ground. If she wanted to cling to a big shot, she had to kneel and use her mouth. But it didn''t stop there; Roger added, "You''ll not only be with me but with everyone I assign you to..." After a long while, Gretchen exited the office through the mahogany door. Susan looked up at her, setting down her phone. "Congratulations, you made it through the interview." Gretchen smiled, saying, "Thank you for helping me secure this opportunity." Just now, after finishing, she took advantage of Roger being satisfied to discuss some program styles and themes from Channel 11. Channel 11, which originated from Los Angeles, does not sit with Fox News. Despite not liking the pig in the oval office, Roger had granted considerable leeway in terms of programming style. However, he had been hearing dissent recently. He picked up the phone to call Channel 11''s director, Cynthia. "It''s me." On the other end, Cynthia immediately recognized, "Roger, are there problems with Channel 11''s programming?" "Your ratings are decent." Roger praised a capable ally first, then shifted the tone. "A few episodes veered too far to the left." Cynthia had the right to argue a bit, "But the ratings are high, boosting the entire Channel 11''s advertising revenue." Roger stated, "You''re no longer LA Channel 11; you are Fox Channel 11." Cynthia affirmed, "I understand." After the call ended, she immediately dialed Meghan''s office, straightforwardly, "Steve Nutt''s issue should not be pursued further. The joint media activities with LAPD can continue." ... Century City, Spacca Restaurant. Meghan nibbled at a shrimp and asked, "How was your time in Wyoming?" Hawke pulled a box from his bag and slid it across the table. "It was okay; my little ranch has a beast infestation. I killed some coyotes and took out a bear and a mountain lion." "Is this a gift for me?" Seeing Hawke nod, Meghan opened the box to reveal a green stone carving. Hawke briefly remarked, "A local specialty from Wyoming, a nephrite carving." Meghan put it away. "Thanks." She grabbed her purse and said, "By the way, I wanted to mention that I''ve been officially appointed as the producer and host of Ace News." Hawke said, "Congratulations! You''re now the top star at Channel 11." Meghan felt a sense of satisfaction in her career but recalled Cynthia''s call. She added, "The top brass at Fox Network has intervened in Channel 11. You should have heard, since the network''s inception, it has always leaned towards the left. No one paid attention to our little channel, but now our ratings are too high, drawing interest from above." Hawke understood, "So the reporting can''t lean towards equal rights anymore?" "Not quite; the main point of the news channel is breaking news," Meghan explained generally. "Reporting is fine, but not in a way that preempts with a biased stance." Hawke asked, "And what about celebrity scandals? Like those involving A-list Hollywood stars?" Meghan replied earnestly, "Those will always be hot news." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 124: Principles? Do We Have Any? [Chapter 125: Principles? Do We Have Any?] Beverly Hills, St. Louis Private Fertility Center. In the VIP lounge''s waiting area, Hawke sat on a bench, flipping through the application rules published by the Golden Globe Awards Committee. Compared to the Oscars, the Golden Globes were relatively simpler, with only about 100 judges. All these judges were senior figures from the media circle. Hawke vaguely recalled that the Me Too movement had officially surfaced during the Golden Globe Awards ceremony. The event was notably more left-leaning than the Oscars. Caroline and Sarah''s new agent, Sophia, came over from the consultation room. Hawke asked, "What''s the situation now?" Knowing she had yet to earn Sarah''s trust compared to the two veterans, Sophia replied proactively, "She''s in the ultrasound room, and results will come soon." Hawke handed the documents to Caroline and said, "I''m going to the restroom." Caroline obediently took the papers like an assistant. Once Hawke walked away, Sophia quietly asked Caroline, "Are the rumors in the industry about the West Coast Studio true?" "Of course, they are true. The rumors are far too conservative; the reality is even more exaggerated," Caroline replied, looking polished from head to toe and knowing how to flatter: "Why would Sarah hire Hawke at such a high salary? Because I''ve collaborated many times with Hawke to achieve those incredible things." Sophia''s gaze towards Caroline changed. Although she didn''t know the details, there were whispers about Steve Nutt and the Selfie Gate scandal, as well as LAPD''s recent public relations and strategic planning, all stemming from a business strategy company called West Coast Studio. How could anyone involved be simple? Before long, Caroline''s cellphone beeped, prompting her to rush Sophia toward the elevator. As the elevator descended, Sarah Jessica Parker walked out. Upon seeing Caroline and Sophia, she immediately asked, "Where''s Hawke? Where is he?" Hawke emerged from the restroom, saying, "I''m right here." Sarah handed him a test report, "Good news, I''m pregnant!" "Congratulations." Hawke looked at the report, which bore a clear diagnosis. Sarah opened her arms and hugged Hawke tightly, "Thank you!" Hawke thought to himself, "Isn''t this going to get confusing? I''m not the one who got you pregnant!" He turned to Caroline, "Has everything been sorted out at the hospital?" Caroline replied, "We signed a confidentiality agreement. The clinic has a great reputation, and there''s a limited number of people in the know, so confidentiality shouldn''t be an issue." ????????????? Many Hollywood stars had their early pregnancy checks done here, and there had never been a leak before. Hawke led everyone to the underground parking garage. Edward was waiting in a van. ... Once they got in, Sarah asked, "Are we going to share the pregnancy news right now?" "Not yet, we''re following the plan." Hawke had long prepared his reasoning: "We can''t give the impression that you''re deliberately going for the awards, and we definitely can''t let anyone feel that your pregnancy is a ploy for the awards. You can''t be the one to announce it." Sophia agreed, "That makes sense." Hawke reached for Sarah, "Give me the test results; I''ll release them at the right time." Sarah handed the results over, "Just give me a heads up so I''m mentally prepared." Hawke glanced at the test results, "Once the media breaks the news, you''ll need to respond publicly." Sarah inquired, "What about other aspects?" "First, we need to advertise through the correct channels," Hawke looked at Caroline and Sophia, "You both are better at this than I am; I won''t comment." Sarah reminded him, "With your pregnancy plan in place, as long as we handle that Jennifer Aniston situation, my chances of winning are at least seventy percent." Hawke wanted to ensure it was much higher than that, "I need to guarantee you at least a ninety percent chance of winning." "Really?" Sarah laughed, "As long as I can score that Golden Globe, I''ll cooperate fully with you." The implications in her words were clear, almost directly stated. Hawke pretended not to understand and directed his attention to Caroline, "Make sure you maintain good communication with the crew." Caroline answered, "Leave it to me." This wasn''t the Oscars; the crew had limited resources and would only follow a conventional publicity model. Having been pregnant before, Sarah noted, "Time is a bit tight; two months is too early to show." Hawke didn''t care about that at all, "No worries, just pad your belly a bit." He waved the test report, "You really are pregnant." Sarah smiled, "That''s right." Hawke said to Sophia, "You need to go to another city and buy a set of pregnancy disguise supplies. It doesn''t have to be too exaggerated, just enough to suggest you''re showing." Sophia, who was a mother, understood, "I know what to do." ... After dropping Sarah off in Sherman Oaks, Caroline got into Hawke''s car and left. Hawke reminded her, "What''s the status on Brad Pitt? How''s the collection going?" "You ordered me to collect silently to avoid alerting Pitt, so it''s been slow," Caroline explained, "Just give me a little more time." Hawke applied a bit of pressure, "LV, Chanel, and Hermes are launching their new season soon. Is your credit card maxed out yet?" That pushed Caroline to get moving: "Three days, I guarantee I can sort it out." Hawke added, "Also, I need an update on Sarah''s itinerary every day about her schedule for the next day. If there are any changes on the day, let me know right away." For the past few months, Caroline had completely let her guard down around Hawke, thinking he was being genuinely responsible, and replied, "I will." ... After Hawke and Caroline left Sherman Oaks, Edward parked the car and dropped her off. Caroline got into her little Mercedes and immediately started making phone calls, tapping into all the networking she''d built as a publicist over the years. After finishing her calls, Caroline paused, suddenly feeling, "Am I being PUA''d?" But thinking about the potential $20,000 commission, she didn''t care. If every deal could earn that much, Caroline was willing to be PUA''d by Hawke every day. ... In the van, Hawke stored Sarah''s test results and said to Edward, "Put your other work on hold for now. Maintain the shooting equipment, and take the time to accompany Campos to the Beverly Beauty Center to familiarize him with the environment, so he''s prepared to shoot Sarah." Edward scratched his head, "Boss, what are we shooting her for? The pregnancy? Or with Broderick with someone else?" Hawke corrected him, "Remember the Beverly Beauty Center?" "Of course I remember," Edward quickly replied, "Boss, you had me keep an eye on it for a long time. Even though I can''t get into the beauty center, I''m very familiar with the surrounding situation." Hawke, through this task, had come to know everything about Sarah''s situation: "Sarah is about to go for beauty injections, and I need you to shoot photos of her coming in and out, and I will find a way to get her facial photos." He had started laying the groundwork half a year ago, and it was finally time to reap the rewards. But Edward seemed not to understand, "Shouldn''t we be helping Sarah aim for the awards? If this exposure gets out, it might be harmful for her, increasing our workload, right?" Hawke clarified, "What I want is for our workload to increase. Crisis management holds opportunities buried within danger." Edward had done self-promotion more than once but always with client consent. Cautiously, he asked, "Boss, while this is also self-promotion, isn''t it a bit against our principles to work against a signed client?" Hawke asked back, "What are our principles?" Edward could only remember one: "All news must be based on real events." Any other principles? It seemed there were none! Hawke continued, "The contract we signed with Sarah is to help her win the Golden Globe for Best Actress, and we must fulfill that contract. Anything else has not been stipulated." Edward thought about it and realized that was indeed the case. "Remember, Sarah is only a means to an end." To ensure the Savior''s better cooperation, Hawke revealed just a bit, "Broderick is our real target." Edward was even more puzzled; a producer''s news was nowhere near as valuable as a star''s. Hawke jokingly said, "Just remember to get it done. If not, I''ll notify the women on your reserve list..." "Boss, you can''t do that! You can''t do that!" Edward''s backup list was his lifeline: "I may not have major contributions, but I''ve worked hard!" He recalled a detail that Hawke relished, "I caught Deborah under one of Robert Downey Jr.''s wedding photos, went to the cemetery to tell Downey, and even took the chance to fight with Downey''s son during karate practice. I plan to take Deborah to the cemetery next year on Downey''s death anniversary to escalate things." That emotional value soared, and Hawke thought the company could collapse, but he could never give up on the Savior. ... Hollywood, Paramount Pictures. As the only traditional film company still based in Hollywood, Paramount Pictures appeared continually in films and television. Surrounding it were numerous acting training programs. Countless men and women chasing their dreams of stardom were relentlessly harvested by these programs, as if they were chives being harvested over and over. The Super Star Training School was one of them, and Broderick was one of the major shareholders. The annual profits created by the school often surpassed Broderick''s income as a producer. As long as Broderick was in Los Angeles, he attended classes every session. He would also take some time to browse the profiles of each class''s students. After today''s session, Broderick walked out. A blonde girl he had guided during the class misinterpreted the situation and immediately followed him, "Mr. Derrick, I still have a few questions I''m unclear about. Can I ask you in private?" Broderick walked out while maintaining a presence in the public eye, "Of course, but I''m very busy, Mia. Let''s talk as we walk." Mia kept up, "Wasn''t my impression of Jodie Foster good?" "You imitated her well, but that was just imitation," Broderick pointed out the critical issue with strong professionalism, "When you step onto a set and get a script, how do you transform the words on that page into a performance? Who do you imitate then?" Mia suddenly realized, "So I still have a long way to go." Broderick had looked over her profile, called her out to perform in class, and had left her with a question to ponder for good reason. He stepped out the door of the training school and added, "This is the second time I''ve taught you; your talent is the best among all the students I''ve taught this year, and your looks are also outstanding." Mia felt a bit excited, "Thank you." "If you have the means, don''t just watch and imitate, but actively think about how you would perform," Broderick casually asked, "Do you live alone or with others? I suggest you live alone; it''s better for your focused learning." Mia replied, "I just arrived in Hollywood, and most of my money went into acting classes. I currently live alone in a motel on Knock Street." Having heard the rumors about Hollywood, she was an open girl who had made the decision, "Mr. Broderick, if you have time, can you come over at night and guide me privately?" This made Broderick shake his head with a chuckle, "Mia, I remember you''re just 17, right? Is your father older than me?" Mia looked down, "I just wanted to express my gratitude for your guidance." Broderick''s expression turned serious, "Don''t say such things to me again. My wife is Sarah Jessica Parker, and I love her dearly. I would do anything for her." "I''m sorry." In that moment, Mia felt there were still good people in Hollywood: "I misunderstood." Broderick smiled slightly, "No need to be like that; Hollywood isn''t as you imagine. There are many people like me who maintain their principles." He seriously stated, "You have great talent; don''t waste it. If there''s an opportunity, I''ll help you. Give me your contact information." Naive and inexperienced, Mia didn''t have a full understanding of the complexities of human nature. She shared her phone number, feeling grateful: "Thank you." Noticing more students were coming out, Broderick quietly reminded her, "Resources are limited; don''t tell others about this." Mia nodded vigorously. "Okay, go back now; I have to get busy," Broderick crossed the sidewalk and got into a nearby car. Mia watched the car leave her sight. ... Meanwhile, across the street in the parking spot, the butterfly, Campos, put down his portable camera, slowly followed Broderick, and picked up a walkie-talkie, "Garcia, you keep following the blonde girl he talked to." The reply came from the other end, "Got it." When Mia called for a taxi, Garcia drove a common Chevrolet and followed suit. His background was somewhat similar to Campos''. He had been a policeman in Mexico but had ruffled the feathers of local cartels and had to flee to California. He had exhausted every means to obtain a legal identity until he met Campos, finally seeing the light of day. ... Broderick drove through North Hollywood, stopping at a gas station. After refueling, he took a moment to pull over. He took out his phone and dialed, "Carl, it''s me." The person on the other end spoke rapidly, "Your line is the easiest to find targets on; the bosses'' new gathering is about to start, and the gifts aren''t ready. If this continues, we''re all going to get in trouble." Broderick asked, "Are all the other lines good to go?" The person replied, "We are lagging behind at the moment. The fastest bastards have brought in a lot of minors from Ukraine, Mexico, and Romania. They are the ones who have the most difficulty." Broderick stated, "Don''t worry, just speed up the process. We won''t delay the bosses'' New Year gathering." For the bosses'' gathering, high-quality goods had to be provided, but those people were playing too crazily, and incidents of death were not uncommon. Broderick''s typical approach was to leverage his status as a producer to target those single girls arriving from out of town to deceive and lure them. Once people disappeared, no one paid attention. The number of missing persons in North America each year was far too high, not to mention those illegal immigrants that went missing. As long as there were no bodies, there were no homicide cases. Broderick discussed Mia''s situation: "The girl I mentioned the other day lives in a motel on Knock Street. Tonight, I''ll call and ask her out; you send... No, your subordinates are too uncouth and likely to scare her, so you should drive there in person, pretending to be my driver to pick her up." Carl laughed, "You always manage to tackle the hardest tasks; the ones I need to do are just small potatoes." Broderick cautioned, "Be careful, and don''t have any mishaps." "Don''t worry, I can handle it." The other end hung up. Broderick tucked away his phone and started the car to attend a media gathering that evening. With Sarah aiming for the Golden Globe, he had mobilized all possible resources. Aside from his special preferences, Broderick genuinely had no shortcomings when it came to Sarah. He could be considered Hollywood''s most passionate man. Broderick even called Melissa Ackerman to enlist her help. ... During the gathering, Broderick found time to call Mia, telling her there''s a high-end party in the film industry and there is a small supporting role perfect for her in a director''s new work, but the director wanted to see her first. The other party was in a hurry, so he sent a driver and a car over. The 17-year-old girl dreaming of fame put on her best makeup and the prettiest clothes, eagerly awaiting the driver''s call. Mia dashed out of the motel. A black Mercedes was parked at the entrance, with a kindly suited man standing next to it. Upon seeing Mia come out, the suited man stepped forward and asked, "Are you Miss Mia?" "Yes, that''s me." Mia replied with a smile, "Hello." The suited man opened the back door, "Please get in; Mr. Broderick is waiting for you." Mia quickly entered the Mercedes. The suited man got in and drove away. ... Campos didn''t rush and patiently waited. Sure enough, an SUV drove from the other end and followed the Mercedes. The following vehicle was clearly checking whether there were any trackers behind it. Campos drove closely behind while using a walkie-talkie: "Garcia, Carlos, the three of us will cross-track; there appears to be a tail behind the target, so be careful." "Copy that!" "Copy that!" ... In the Mercedes, the suited man announced, "Miss Mia, there are candies and bottled water on your left. Please help yourself if you need some." "Thank you." Mia noticed high-end mineral water she had only seen online before. She grab a bottle, twisting off the cap and taking a couple of sips. Due to psychological factors, Mia found the water exceptionally sweet, with a taste she had never experienced before. Before long, her eyelids grew heavy, and she fell asleep promptly. The suited man glanced in the rearview mirror and slightly shook his head; these girls dreaming of being stars were too easy to deceive. Broderick, overseeing the Super Star Training School, always managed to fill the slots effortlessly. No wonder he never rushed; the girls he provided were both young and beautiful. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After contacting his companions in the back, the suited man drove straight to Venice, entering a seaside club. ... Campos parked at a distance, took out binoculars to observe, adjusted his camera lens to snap a few photos, and, keeping in mind Hawke''s advice to not alert the target, signaled his companions to swiftly move away. Afterward, he returned to Butterfly Consulting to organize the recorded videos and footage. Once this was done, it was already midnight, and Campos felt it was urgent enough to dial Hawke''s number. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 125: Dirty Business [Chapter 126: Dirty Business] East Hollywood, Fountain Street. Late at night, the second floor of the West Coast Media Entertainment Studio was shut tight. After an intense battle had ended, Hawke and Megan Taylor had just fallen asleep. In her light sleep, Megan reached out and found Hawke''s arm. Instinctively, she tugged it open and nestled into his warm embrace, resting her head on his broad shoulder. She quickly drifted off into a deep sleep. Hawke returned the embrace, clutching what felt like a human-shaped pillow. Suddenly, the phone rang, jolting Hawke awake. His first instinct was to reach for his handgun. Megan stirred awake, rubbing the sleep from her eyes, and when she saw Hawke holding a gun, she immediately snapped into full alertness. Hawke answered the phone, putting down the handgun and lightly tapping her smooth, fair face. "It''s nothing. Someone called, and I overreacted." Megan pointed to the handgun on the nightstand. "Was that necessary?" "I''ve been in Los Angeles, and I''ve witnessed multiple shootings," Hawke muttered, picking up the call. It was Campos, calling with urgent matters that required a meeting. Hawke hung up and grabbed his clothes off the floor. "You keep sleeping. I have an emergency and need to head out." Megan felt uneasy at Hawke''s absence but didn''t say anything, simply nodding. "You go ahead." Before leaving, Hawke reminded her, "If I''m not back by tomorrow morning, just go downstairs and leave. Don''t touch anything on the first floor." Megan thought about the dirty dealings of the Dwarfs'' gang and replied, "I know." ... Hawke strapped on his gun, put on some makeup, and left to switch cars before meeting Campos at the safe house he had arranged. Campos was waiting there, also made up, with a laptop and printed digital photographs in hand. He placed the laptop in front of Hawke, showing him all the videos shot during the day and night, and laid out the photographs nearby. The videos were choppy, capturing only key moments, but they were enough for Hawke to identify three important figures: Broderick, a blonde girl, and a long-faced man in a suit. Hawke asked, "What happened specifically?" Campos recounted everything he had seen. On the surface, it seemed normal. A producer like Broderick was trying to seduce an actress -- nothing too complicated. After all, even directors of Eric''s caliber, if they wanted to play dirty with an actor, regardless of gender, had lines of people eagerly waiting. But having seen the grim business surrounding Ackerman Studios and being one of its victims, Hawke felt things were not this straightforward. He considered and asked, "Is there a class at the Super Star Training School tomorrow?" "There is," Campos responded. He had someone pose as an applicant to gather details: "The training lasts for two sessions each month, and it''s expensive." ???????§£§¦? Hawke nodded. "You and your people keep an eye on them tomorrow. Focus on whether that blonde girl shows up. If she doesn''t, let me know... And find out when their next training starts." Campos acknowledged, "Understood." Hawke collected the photographs, grabbed a USB drive, and copied all the videos. Before long, they left the safe house through separate exits. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Hawke returned to the studio, and Megan was still sleeping soundly. Taking advantage of the early morning hours, he too tried to catch some extra sleep. The next morning, Megan woke him up with a nagging jab, making up for the morning exercises Hawke had missed. Since they had work to do, Hawke hurriedly got Megan ready and sent her on her way. As Megan left, she spotted Frank with an ashtray, pulled out five dollars, and dropped it in. Frank opened his mouth to speak, but then saw a jerk standing at the studio window with a slingshot drawn. He swallowed his words. Watching Megan drive away, Hawke lowered his slingshot and gave Frank the finger. Frank returned the gesture with two fingers, continuing his noble quest for handouts. Life never stopped, nor did the handouts. ... After a quick breakfast, Edward arrived at the studio carrying camera gear and began charging the camera and camcorder. He had dark circles under his eyes and seemed out of it. Hawke asked, "Did you go out to shoot last night?" "No," Edward hesitated, unsure of how to explain before saying, "Deborah got persuaded by some guys into buying some party drugs and used some last night. I got drained pretty badly." Hawke pointed to the light pole outside. "Here''s a trick: climb up and down that 50 times a day, and whatever Deborah takes won''t help." "Boss, I''m not the light pole champion," Edward glanced at the seven or eight-meter tall pole and felt like continuing to be drained. ... By mid-morning, Campos called. Hawke answered, "What''s going on?" Campos responded quickly, "The blonde girl did not show up. I can confirm that." He mentioned another detail. "The next training starts in five days. The training school is advertising around Hollywood; spots are likely limited." "I got it. Keep watching," Hawke hung up and told Edward, "Let''s go." Edward grabbed the keys to a Cadillac. Hawke was on the phone as they exited, and once connected, he asked, "It''s me. Where are you?" Director Eric Emerson laughed. "I''m on set. Your call came just in time; the crew is on break." Hawke directly asked, "Is Jacqueline with you?" "She won''t finish her scenes for another two days," Eric checked the set and asked his assistant before replying, "She''s at the venue." Hawke said, "I''ll come by for a quick visit and we can grab lunch together." "Sure thing," Eric readily agreed. ... Hawke tossed the keys to an Audi A8 to Edward. "Drive this one." Edward pocketed his own keys, took the A8 that Steve had gifted Hawke, and drove to Burbank. Arriving at Warner Bros. Studios, they transferred to an electric cart and found the soundstage where Eric''s crew worked. Not rushing inside, they strolled deeper until they found a secluded spot. Hawke sent Jacqueline a text and waited a while. She came over quickly, draped in a coat over her costume. Hawke assessed her, noticing the grime she had lived with was almost nonexistent now. "Looks like you''re really enjoying this job." Jacqueline smiled, "I was prepared to gobble down all sorts of men''s stuff, but thanks to you, I snagged a decent role without having to." Hawke nodded. "When are you finishing up? Any plans after that? Going back to it?" "I''ll continue tonight. This job can''t sustain me," Jacqueline shared her aspirations. "During the day, I''ll try to hit the studios, production houses, and agencies to land my next gig." Hawke reminded her, "You need to work on your skills, especially your acting. This role is special." Jacqueline laughed, "I didn''t expect to play a hooker." Hawke replied, "In five days, near the Paramount lot, the new session of training at Super Star Training School starts. Sign up, and I''ll cover the tuition." Jacqueline knew it wouldn''t be that simple. "What do you need me to do?" "Just keep an eye on the other female students." Hawke wouldn''t let her do anything too complicated or dangerous; Jacqueline didn''t have that capability. "If any attractive female student suddenly goes missing, notify me immediately." Jacqueline blinked in surprise. "Is it that simple?" Hawke warned, "Don''t talk, don''t ask questions, and don''t pry. Just observe, safety first." "I got it." Jacqueline had matured working on set and understood not to ask unnecessary questions. Hawke gave her the address for Super Star Training School and waved, "Go back. Pretend you don''t know us at the studio." Jacqueline returned to the sound stage. Hawke didn''t go in but waited outside for a while. ... When the crew broke for lunch, Eric approached, calling Edward, and the three went to grab a bite. Hawke asked, "When will the shoot wrap? Any dates set?" "It''ll wrap up this month, but we''ll need at least three months for post-production." As for the distribution side, Eric stated it wasn''t just his call. "The tentative release date is slated for next year, but the exact date isn''t confirmed yet." Hawke raised his fresh juice glass. "Here''s to your success." Edward chimed in jokingly, "Once you''re a big director, you better save me a position as assistant director or casting director." Eric clinked glasses with them and asked Edward, "You planning on switching careers?" "Nope, I''ll always work with the boss," Edward replied, having gained plenty of insight into Hollywood during this time. "Once you''re a director and producer, you gotta make the right choices! What''s the correct choice? Sleeping with stars, of course!" He rubbed his hands together. "There are plenty of divorced starlets in Hollywood!" Hawke knew this guy wasn''t just talking; he meant it when the time came. But he didn''t feel like saying much, turning to Eric, "How''s the script for that freelance journalist coming along?" "I''ve only completed part of the outline," Eric responded seriously. "Once this film wraps, I want to shadow you guys to live a little." Edward piped up, "You''d follow us to film a documentary?" Eric perked up, looking at Hawke. "Hawke, how about I make you the main character for that..." "Not a good idea." Hawke cut him off, replying flatly, "Someone like me isn''t suited to be in the spotlight for now." Edward switched topics. "What about Katherine?" Eric responded, "She should be here this afternoon. There are a lot of actresses in the crew; she''s just not too confident with me." Hawke encouraged, "Katherine treats you well; if it comes to it, just marry her." "I don''t want to kneel before anyone forever," Eric was a director with dreams. "I want to play at the starlets too." Hawke said nothing. This kind of thing wasn''t just for Edward and Eric; if it were him in a position as a director or producer, how could he resist the allure of the red sofa or late-night script readings? In the words of past internet tycoons, if you stepped into the film industry and didn''t partake in such affairs, that''d be downright wrong! If presented with two golf balls and a pretty actress, what would one choose? ... By mid-afternoon, Campos called again, confirming that the performance class had ended, and that blonde girl hadn''t shown up. Hawke had Edward rent a car on the fly, driving to Knock Street. Not too close to the motel yet, he instructed Edward to stop at a roadside parking spot. Hawke took out binoculars to scrutinize the area, spotting lots of cars coming and going for quite some time, but two particular cars remained still. One was empty; the other had someone inside. He speculated someone might be keeping an eye on the motel and told Edward, "No need to look further; let''s go." Then, they made a trip to Venice, passing the seaside club Campos mentioned. Hawke looked closely, noticing multiple surveillance cameras set up around the entrance and walls. Rushing in could easily alert them and scare off the prey. So, he didn''t instruct Edward to stop, but kept driving past normally. Leaving Venice, Edward found a place to park, transferred the dashcam footage to the laptop, and opened the video for Hawke to view. "Boss, look here, here, and here; these should all be cameras." Hawke nodded. "Very dense; even if there are blind spots, no one could slip in unnoticed." Having been shadowing Hawke for six months, Edward had gained some insight: "These high-end private clubs accommodate a unique clientele and often engage in secret entertainment, so it''s rare for them to set up substantial surveillance. This one feels off." Hawke cautioned, "Don''t shoot any footage; don''t approach without my permission." "I got it," Edward replied immediately. Hawke thought for a moment and added, "Let''s check out the electronics market and model airplane shop." ... Edward started the car, heading first to the Santa Monica Shopping Plaza. Hawke visited many stores but couldn''t find what he wanted. In those days, getting drones capable of flying while filming from the sky was quite rare in the consumer market. Hawke called Erica. "Are you free tonight for dinner?" "Can''t say for sure yet," Erica was busy with cases: "I''ll call you back before five." Hawke replied, "Sounds good." He told Edward, "Let''s head back to Fountain Street; you can call it a day." Edward seemed hesitant to go back to Brentwood and said, "Can I stay at the studio tonight?" Considering his date with Erica, he wasn''t sure where he''d end up. Hawke replied, "Not tonight, I''ve got plans with Erica." Thinking about that cop girl while looking at his own skin color, Edward grimaced. "Here, I''m afraid the LAPD will empty their bullets. If I go back to Brentwood, I''m afraid Deborah will empty my bullets." Chilled at the thought, he shivered, "Not that I don''t have bullets now, that''s the scariest part." Hawke could only offer sympathy. Edward lamented, "Women over thirty are terrifying." He sought help, "Boss, you have wisdom..." "Something like that?" Hawke thought it over. "Find a supermarket or shop that sells lots of imported oriental goods." Edward perked up. "I know just the place." Minutes later, the car parked in front of a shop in Koreatown. Hawke got out alone, quickly finding what he needed inside. He bought it and returned to the car, handing it off to Edward. "Remember, just use a little." Edward looked at the instructions in English and characters. "This stuff?" "It''s called essential oil, or as I like to say, ''happy water for women''," Hawke explained quickly. "Just apply it down there." Being a black guy, Edward was especially curious. "Can I use it too?" Hawke was a generous boss, "It''s yours; feel free to try it out." Edward took the happy water, feeling a newfound confidence, went back to Fountain Street, swapped out his Cadillac, and rushed off to Brentwood. ... Before five, Erica called Hawke to say she''d be a bit late. Until nearly seven-thirty that evening, they finally met at a restaurant. Seeing the exhaustion on her face, Hawke asked, "Been busy these days?" Erica simply replied, "A serial killer case." She had her own restrictions. "Can''t go into detail." Hawke nodded. "If there''s anything you need me to help with, let me know." "I won''t hold back," Erica stated, "The awards ceremony is slated for before Christmas at the Park Center. I''ll send you the invite." Hawke responded, "I''ll definitely be there." Erica pulled out her phone and called someone right in front of Hawke. "Mom, I won''t be home tonight." She had a tendency to pull strings, so Hawke played along. "Isn''t your villa in Silver Lake community getting remodeled for a collection room? Is it done yet?" Erica said, "It''s done. Want to go check it out?" Hawke replied, "Let''s head over after dinner." "Don''t forget to buy condoms," Erica said candidly. "I overlooked that." Hawke chuckled, "I had some ready before I came." ... After dinner, they drove to the Silver Lake neighborhood next to East Hollywood. The Silver Lake community was built around a lake and had become a wealthy area developed in Los Angeles in recent years. The home Erica referred to was a large mansion with front and backyards; while it didn''t compare to the multimillion estates of Beverly Hills, it was definitely worth several million dollars. They exited the car and shut the doors. Erica rushed over, wrapping Hawke in a hug and kissing him. As they intertwined, Hawke carried her into the house while finding the switch to close all the curtains. The two explored the many rooms as if they were Siamese twins, particularly the exhibition room that had already been remodeled. Unfortunately, each display case was empty; the bear specimen wasn''t ready yet. Once they settled into the spacious hot tub, Hawke asked, "Do you have any contacts to buy a mini-drone?" Erica inquired, "Like the Predators used in Afghanistan?" Hawke replied, "Even smaller, capable of installing wireless cameras and flying low to capture footage." Erica understood, lying on Hawke''s shoulder. "The LAPD doesn''t have those yet. I hadn''t paid attention before; ask Brian when you have time." "Let''s not talk about this," Hawke pulled Erica closer. "Let''s just relax." ... In the following days, Campos confirmed that the blonde girl had indeed vanished. The new session of the Super Star training program began, and Jacqueline enrolled. Hawke called Brian, who was busy with a lawsuit but said he would keep an ear to the ground. By mid-November, the regular daily schedule issued by Caroline for Sarah Jessica Parker included a visit to the Beverly Beauty Center. That night, Hawke gathered Edward and Campos for a meeting, which would be filmed by Campos, who had been lying low. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 126: Brand Trust Crisis [Chapter 127: Brand Trust Crisis] Century City, Beverly Beauty Center. Since the second floor was off-limits to unauthorized personnel, Hawke could only wait in the lobby on the first floor. Sarah Parker had already gone upstairs. She had booked a lot of beauty treatments, and getting beauty injections was just one of them. Caroline came downstairs and sat next to Hawke, a bit shaken. "That needle was so long, putting it in your face is just terrifying! After it''s done, your whole face swells up and the muscles are so stiff you can''t show any expression!" Hawke teased her, "If you keep wearing that heavy makeup, you''ll look like that pretty soon." "I don''t want that!" Caroline shook her head vigorously. "I don''t want injections; I''d rather turn into a sheep." Hawke deliberately prodded, "Go ahead, give a few bleats." Caroline quickly shifted her seat away from him, distancing herself from the bastard. "Your clothes and things have improved, but your taste is still as bad as ever." Hawke knew how to hit her where it hurt. "I came to Los Angeles in March, and by November, guess how much I had earned in just eight months?" Caroline fell silent, not wanting to engage further. With no one else in the lobby, Hawke leaned in and asked quietly, "What happened with Brad Pitt?" "I was going to give you the info," Caroline showed her teeth, not wanting to be pushed around. "But now I don''t feel like sharing it." Hawke was unfazed. "About the commission, we never signed any contracts." Caroline quickly dug into her bag and pulled out a stack of documents, handing them over. "After this, I''ll never work with you again, I swear!" "Who''s your god of oaths in the sheep community? A succubus or Satan?" Hawke opened the documents and skimmed through them while keeping up the banter. He focused on the parts about Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston. Since Aniston was the target, all of Pitt''s past scandals were just yesterday''s news to her. Hawke found the part he wanted -- Pitt and Aniston had hired a nanny. In his past life, Pitt had been a prime gossip target; to some extent, the gossip kept him at the top of the A-list. Some of the stories were about Pitt and his nannies. Caroline had some connections and had even gotten photos. In the pictures, the nanny looked pretty average, plain even, and seemed to be of Mexican heritage, lacking any real allure. This could have been intentional on Aniston''s part. Hawke took out the nanny''s photo and handed it back to Caroline. "Find out her name, where she lives when she''s not working, and her ethnicity." Caroline, being in PR, immediately grasped Hawke''s implication. "No way, you''re telling me Pitt would go for her?" She couldn''t comprehend. "Forget Aniston; every other girlfriend Pitt has had was prettier by several times!" Hawke replied directly, "You little sheep, you just don''t understand men." Caroline rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at him, sarcastically bleating, "Baa--!" Hawke emphasized, "This person is key, understand?" With commission hanging in the balance, Caroline was all business. "Don''t worry, I''ll figure it out fast." With that, she took out her phone, clicking her heels as she moved to make a call. ... Hawke headed to the front door. The security personnel there specifically pointed out, "The front door is for entry only, please exit through the side door." ?£Á¦­??¨¨? Hawke feigned innocence. "My car is at the front door." The guard stood firm. "Company policy, please cooperate. Thank you." By the time Caroline finished her call and returned, Hawke asked, "I heard from Sarah that Broderick was leaving Los Angeles?" Caroline responded, "I think he''s off to handle something for his boss. He should be back in about a week." Hawke noted it down. ... As it neared 4 PM, Sarah Parker completed her beauty treatments and came back downstairs, preparing to head back to Sherman Oaks. Hawke approached her, leaning in to say, "The car is at the front. We''d better leave through the front; my team looked it over, and there shouldn''t be any issues." Sarah wore a hat with a scarf covering her face. Just as she was about to speak, the director of the beauty center beside her chimed in, "Ms. Parker, the front entrance is on Beverly Boulevard, which is busy. You should follow our arrangement and use the side door." The woman glanced at Hawke, who was unfamiliar to her. With a professional smile, she added, "Sir, please trust the Beverly Beauty Center''s proper arrangements." Sarah had been here numerous times; nothing had ever gone wrong. She waved at Hawke and said to Caroline, "Have Sophia drive the car to the side door." The director led several people to escort Sarah out while Hawke followed. Caroline turned back and slowed her pace to walk with Hawke, saying, "Celebrities are always like this, hanging onto inexplicable quirks and oddities." Hawke understood that mindset well. "After all, they put in so much effort in other places, and when fame finally hits, they want to show their power -- those sacrifices wouldn''t be worth it otherwise." ... Across from the side door of the Beverly Beauty Center stood a six-story commercial building. A group of Mexican workers was repairing the rooftop sign. One of them felt his phone vibrate, immediately grabbing his tool bag, hiding behind a ventilation duct, pulling out a camera with a prepped telephoto lens aimed at the side door. A group walked out of the beauty center, heading to the waiting nanny''s car. Campos''s camera lens precisely caught the woman in the center, snapping away. ... Hawke and Caroline had just reached the door when Hawke noticed Sarah''s dress strap was loose. He mentioned to Caroline, "Her dress strap is undone." Such matters were delicate for a man to point out. Caroline hurriedly stepped forward, gesturing as she said, "Sarah, fix your strap." Sarah, who had been keeping her head down under her wide-brimmed hat, looked up and turned toward Caroline. Caroline quickly walked behind her and re-tied the slightly loosened dress strap. "Get in the car," Hawke urged. "Hurry." They all quickly piled into the car. Edward drove the business car that kept close behind. Hawke had quietly checked Sarah''s schedule and knew that starting the day after tomorrow, she had several important meetings, two of which were with the Golden Globe judges. The nominations for the Golden Globes had yet to be announced, and the demands weren''t as strict as the Oscars; it was the perfect time for private meetings. These fell under routine PR matters, which were not under Hawke''s purview. He looked at Sarah''s swollen and stiff face, deliberately saying, "You should avoid going out for the next week. It would be troublesome if you got photographed looking like that." Since he referred to her appearance critically, it put Sarah a little off. She replied, "These meetings are private; I have to meet with the judges." Caroline chimed in, "It''s hard to get them out, and ditching could offend people." Hawke left it at that and kept silent. When they reached Sherman Oaks, Hawke got out early, hopped into the business car that had been following them, and took off. ... On the nanny''s car, Sarah asked Caroline, "Is he busy with my affairs these days?" Caroline, who earned a cut, naturally stood up for Hawke. "Yes, he''s found a breakthrough to hit Jennifer Aniston." She didn''t forget to highlight her role. "I''ve found a lot of the info he needs, and we''ll soon start targeted actions." Sarah was pleased and said, "You take care of the locations for the meetings with the judges." ... In the business car, Hawke pulled out his phone and made a call. "How did the shots turn out?" sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Campos replied, "There are quite a few that clearly capture her face." Hawke instructed, "Make several copies and store them in different places. I''ll have the Savior pick one up tonight." "I''m making backups now," Campos responded. Hawke added, "Starting tomorrow, divide your team into two groups. Follow Sarah Parker and Caroline Jones; the target is Sarah Parker. Find a way to get her face in a frontal close-up." Now that the target was clear, and with Hawke providing a general schedule, Campos felt confident they could handle it without any issues. ... Just three days later, Campos sent good news -- both sides agreed to meet at the safe house. When Hawke and Edward arrived at the safe house, Campos was already there with a notebook and photos. Edward picked up a photo and glanced at it, fist-bumping Campos. "Buddy, you did great this time." Campos replied candidly, "Compared to what we did in Mexico, this work is neither dangerous nor complicated." Those honest words left Edward momentarily speechless. Hawke pulled out a chair and sat, first reviewing the photos. Every photo featured the same person: Sarah Parker. The first few shots showed Sarah leaving the Beverly Beauty Center. She wore a hat atop her head and a scarf around her neck, and while a few shots captured her head turned up, they weren''t particularly clear, but one could discern her swollen face. The other set was a sequence taken when she exited a private club. At that moment, a gust of wind blew open Sarah''s hat and scarf, revealing her entire face. The angle was perfect, and the shots were exquisitely clear -- images of Sarah''s swollen and stiff facial features appeared across many frames. The laptop contained a video shot by Campos''s partner, Garcia. Due to the angle, the video wasn''t as clear as the photos, but it still highlighted Sarah''s swollen and stiff face. Hawke selected the clearest photos and handed them to Edward. "These aren''t needed." Edward was confused by the directive. "Boss, we took these to expose the situation, right? These are the clearest ones!" Campos didn''t speak but leaned in to listen carefully. Only when one thrived successfully in America could they return for revenge. "Our goal isn''t to take down Sarah Parker," Hawke explained patiently to both his subordinates, now eager to learn. "The ultimate target of this venture is to shift towards Broderick. In the process, if we can make some extra cash, why pass that up?" Edward chimed in, "We create problems, then we resolve them." Hawke nodded, "You''re absolutely right, but you overlooked something. The photos I plan to discard are too clear and would complicate problem-solving. We need to maintain control of the situation." Campos seemed to learn something. "So those close-up photos would complicate exonerating Sarah?" Hawke replied, "That would unnecessarily increase our workload." He then pointed out several photos that depicted Sarah''s swollen, stiff features but weren''t overwhelmingly clear. "These will suffice for creating issues." Edward asked, "Boss, should I contact the media?" "No, you can''t go," Hawke slowly shook his head. "A lot of people know there''s a cute black guy at the West Coast Studio." Edward scratched his head. "Didn''t know I was so famous." Hawke pushed the photos toward Campos. "Savior, find contact info for some suitable large publications to hand over to Campos. Campos, you''ll contact the media and sell the photos tonight. Remember to sign a publication agreement. The publication must buy the rights and print them." Currently, Broderick wasn''t in Los Angeles, making this timing perfect. This was an entirely new field, and Campos asked, "What if they refuse and we need to switch to another?" Hawke replied, "There are plenty of entertainment media outlets in Los Angeles -- someone will eventually agree." Campos collected the photos and asked, "What about the video? Aren''t we selling that too?" "Find a reliable assistant and sell the video separately," Hawke instructed. "Remember, the video and photos are independently sourced by different freelancers, so the copyrights belong to different creators, and you''ll have no ties between yourselves." The news photography business of the West Coast Entertainment Studio would inevitably be gradually sidelined as it developed, much like Hawke himself had essentially stopped participating in it, only sometimes receiving tips to step in for a quick snap. The problem-making came from the Mexican paparazzi. Hawke and the West Coast Studio were responsible solely for solving the issues. Meanwhile, Butterfly Consulting was encouraged to be self-sufficient; selling the rights repeatedly would help generate additional income. ... By the time darkness enveloped the sky, Campos quietly left the safe house, contacted Garcia, handed over the video, and as per Hawke''s orders, he reached out to the Los Angeles Nine. This was a television station that mainly focused on entertainment. That night, Campos contacted the . Because he held photos linking the Beverly Beauty Center and the private club, he comfortably sold them for $3,500. On the other side, the video proved challenging for Garcia, especially without legal status which left him lacking confidence -- the video fetched only $1,000. As it got late and was non-explosive in nature, Los Angeles Nine relegated it to the morning''s entertainment news. ... Hawke dismissed Edward, preparing to head back to the studio to rest when Caroline called. She stated bluntly, "I got the info on Pitt and Aniston''s nanny." Hawke glanced at his watch. "Find a laid-back bar, grab a drink, and chat." Caroline said, "Meet me at the Iris Bar on Olympic Boulevard. I''ll be right over." By the time Hawke arrived, Caroline had already secured a booth. The bar wasn''t crowded, rather quiet, but the drinks were pricey. Hawke casually ordered a bottle of Don Julio tequila, poured them both a glass, and clinked with Caroline, "Thanks for your hard work." Caroline took a sip of her drink. "I thought you''d only mock me." "I can pay you too," Hawke reminded. "You''ve probably made $100,000 from me by now, right?" Caroline tilted her chin defiantly. "That''s what I deserve." Hawke extended his hand. "So, where''s the information?" Caroline brought out a printed document. "I have everything written down here." "Tell me." Hawke raised her glass again. Caroline took a drink and started, "The nanny''s name is Lucia Sodi, a first-generation Mexican immigrant, 32 years old, married, residing on Oveira Street, a Mexican community, with a son, and has no criminal record." Hawke made a note of it and lifted his glass. "To drinks." Caroline took a sip, but as Hawke poured her another drink, she suddenly grew wary. "You''re not trying to get me drunk with some ulterior motive, are you?" "You?" Hawke shook his head deliberately. "Aren''t you bold? You showed courage spreading your legs at William Morris!" Caroline couldn''t very well tell him that taking his money had sapped her strength. Hawke bluntly stated, "I have a girlfriend." "Why did I not know this?" Caroline raised her tone without realizing, as if watching her cash fly away: "When did you get a girlfriend?" Hawke looked at her incredulously. "You''re not secretly in love with me, are you?" Caroline scoffed, "Knock it off. I''m simply concerned as a business partner." With that, she raised her glass and downed it in one go. "It''s getting late. I''m leaving," Hawke said, placing money on the table without looking back at Caroline and walking straight out of the bar. ... Caroline didn''t move, picking up the bottle of tequila and pouring herself another glass. She returned to her rented luxury apartment and fell asleep immediately. When the sun rose the next day, Caroline still hadn''t woken. It wasn''t until her phone rang repeatedly that she groggily came to. As soon as she answered, Sarah Parker''s frenzied voice came through the line. "What are you doing? Why aren''t you answering your phone? Something very serious has happened! Hurry over here!" Caroline was still in a daze. "Calm down, Sarah. What''s happened?" "Damn it! You don''t know?!" Sarah was frantic. "Haven''t you seen today''s newspaper?" Caroline quickly found an excuse, "I''m a bit sick; I took some medication last night and slept like a log." Sarah nearly shouted, "My appearance! My post-injection look! It got captured by the reporters! Those bastards at the put it on the front page!" As Caroline walked quickly toward the bathroom, she replied, "I''m heading over right now. Have you contacted Sophia?" Sarah said, "Hawke has already notified her. If it weren''t for Hawke''s call, I wouldn''t have known how serious this was." She accused, "Caroline, you''ve been negligent." Caroline couldn''t defend herself. "I''m coming over now." She asked, "What about Hawke?" Sarah answered, "He''s on his way. This is really serious! If the media confirms that I had beauty injections, the ads I did for Lancome''s Radiance Essence will turn into a joke, and it''ll spark a brand trust crisis..." Her voice trembled. "The consequences are too severe." Caroline paused, considering the best comfort she could offer. "Don''t panic, Hawke is here. It''s not a big deal. He''ll find a way out. Remember Saint Steve? Think of the selfie scandal; Hawke has created miracles more than once." Hearing this, Sarah calmed down a bit. "Hurry over and take me to the club that Hawke mentioned. He''s waiting for me." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 127: Hollywood Couples [Chapter 128: Hollywood Couples] Century City, Beverly Hills Business Club. In the meeting room, a copy of the lay on the desk. Hawke sat in an armchair, looking serious as he stared at the newspaper on the table. Sarah breathed heavily, clearly a bit nervous. Caroline and Sofia each held a copy of the newspaper, reading intently. Edward stood by the door, seemingly worried that someone might be eavesdropping. The front page headline featured three close-up photos of Sarah side by side. The first one showcased Sarah as if she were in her twenties, from a Lancome serum ad that she had endorsed. The second photo was a side shot taken at the Beverly Beauty Center, revealing her swollen face just barely. The final picture was a close-up of her face, which, while not very clear, showed that Sarah''s face was not only swollen but also had a stiff expression. The news headline read: "Beauty Guru Sarah Jessica Parker Suspected of Botched Cosmetic Surgery!" The article detailed that the Beverly Beauty Center''s main business was cosmetic surgery, further adding to the news''s credibility. Just then, Caroline''s phone rang. She answered and quickly put her hand over the microphone, saying, "It''s Lancome calling." Sarah chimed in, "Put it on speaker." S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Caroline switched to speakerphone and said, "Sarah wants to talk to you." "Hi, Isabelle." Sarah greeted with a smile. "Why are you calling so early?" The woman on the other end responded directly, "Is what''s in the paper true? Never mind, it doesn''t matter. What celebrity or model doesn''t get work done? You''ve got three days to calm this down. If you can''t, Lancome will have to take action. We can''t let your mistakes affect the brand''s image." In the fashion world, cosmetic surgery and injections were seen as norms; as long as they didn''t come to light, they didn''t exist. But if a scandal broke, that changed everything. Sarah wasn''t foolish enough to deny it, nor would she admit to it outright. She replied, "Five days." "Resolve it quickly," the other woman said before hanging up. "Damn it!" Sarah exploded, grabbing a newspaper, tearing it to shreds, and throwing it on the ground. "I shouldn''t have gone out the back door that day! And I definitely shouldn''t have met anyone!" She turned to Caroline and Sofia, saying, "You! And you! Why didn''t you stop me?" Caroline and Sofia stayed silent, opting for the rational route. Sarah then turned her attention to Hawke. Edward reminded her, "The boss suggested something to you, but you didn''t listen." Sarah paused, recalling that was indeed true. If she had listened to Hawke, none of this would have happened. Facing Hawke, Sarah seemed to change her demeanor, "What do you think we should do?" Hawke shook his head, "It happened suddenly; I don''t have any thoughts yet." Sofia, who had recently become Sarah''s manager, hadn''t reviewed the endorsement contract in detail, asking, "If it escalates, will Lancome breach the contract?" ??????????????????s Caroline understood more clearly; she stole a glance at Hawke, thinking he must have a plan, and kept talking, "This endorsement contract is worth $6 million annually. Other scandals and rumors don''t matter in the contract, they could just terminate it. But Sarah''s current situation could severely damage Lancome''s Aurora line, and they might seek significant damages." Sofia remarked, "It''s understood that female stars get cosmetic injections." "The problem is, it''s been revealed!" Sarah nearly shouted. "The image I created in the ad could collapse!" This was the most serious kind of breach. She looked at Hawke, "Can you resolve this?" Hawke remained silent, his expression deepening in thought. At the moment Sarah turned away to look elsewhere, Caroline suddenly noticed Hawke''s fingertips pointed towards her from under the chair. Why is he pointing at me? Is he scheming against me? Caroline initially felt confused, but as the months of collaboration had built a sort of understanding, she started to piece together what Hawke meant. It simply boiled down to a money issue. Once Caroline thought of money, she became particularly eager. "Hawke''s job is to help you secure a nomination for the Golden Globe. This matter doesn''t fall within his duty, Sarah; we need to handle it ourselves..." Her words reminded Sarah that if this spontaneous event couldn''t be controlled, the losses would be enormous. Just like in her rise to fame, when it came time to pay, Sarah was resolute, "Hawke, how much did you charge for the last crisis management?" Hawke replied honestly, "The selfie scandal cost $800,000." "Alright, in addition to the Golden Globe contract, we''ll sign a crisis management contract." Sarah had signed a two-year contract with Lancome. If her ad persona collapsed, she would owe a hefty breach of contract fee: "Payment $800,000." Hawke didn''t immediately agree but instead wore a very serious expression, "Give me a little time. If I can think of a solution, then I''ll take your job." Seeing he didn''t make any rash promises made Sarah trust that he could find a way. "Please, be quiet," Hawke said, focusing on the newspaper as he began to think. In fact, he had already considered a solution; otherwise, he wouldn''t have initiated this plan. This entire charade was meant to convey to Sarah that aside from this, there were no other options. In the meeting room, everyone fell silent. Sofia was also deep in thought, but her focus was more medical -- wondering if there were medical means to quickly alleviate the impact, allowing Sarah to appear on camera at her best, proving the problem lay with the reporters'' lens. Caroline didn''t want to overthink and prepared to shout "baa baa baa." During this time, Sarah received a call from Matthew Broderick, who had already booked his flight and would be back before the night. She relayed this information to Hawke, hoping he could factor in her husband''s resources. "Mr. Broderick is coming back?" Hawke seemed suddenly inspired, asking, "Sarah, how is your relationship with him?" Sarah knew Hawke was in the know and didn''t hide the truth, "Aside from a few special preferences, our relationship is incredible. Matt loves me to the core." Hawke asked again, "As a major client of the Beverly Beauty Center, would they cooperate with us in times like this?" "Of course," Sarah replied. "That''s written into the contract." Hawke''s serious demeanor faded, replaced by confidence, "I have a plan now. Prepare the contract." Caroline quickly pulled out the contract template from her email, sent it to both lawyers, and after drafting the terms, both parties signed the agreement. Sarah checked online; news about her had already circulated, with many entertainment bloggers sharing clips from Los Angeles Channel 9''s Morning Show. The news had spread across the internet, met with a flurry of ridicule. With urgency upon them, she called the financial manager to transfer $500,000 to Hawke as an advance payment. ... Hawke took the contract and shifted into work mode, saying, "The key to solving the problem lies with Matt." Sarah didn''t understand. "He loves you dearly; he will likely be forgiving about this incident, right?" Hawke asked directly, "For instance, as your husband, he would bear the pressure." Sarah enjoyed a queen-like treatment from Matt and thought it was only natural for him to bear pressure, "No problem." Hawke pointed to her swollen, stiff face, stating the facts, "Before Matt went on the business trip, you both had a fight. He got drunk and physically abused you, leaving your face swollen and injured. You went to the Beverly Beauty Center to consult a doctor about quickly reducing the swelling. Your silence until now was to maintain family harmony and to prevent him from bearing pressure." Sarah, being a refined egotist, couldn''t help but laugh upon hearing this, "Good idea! That can explain my facial issues!" Hawke reminded her, "The focus is on Matt." "Don''t worry," Sarah had decided to let her husband take the fall, "I can handle Matt." Sofia exchanged glances with Hawke, then back at Sarah, realizing this might actually be a solution. Caroline felt that Hawke wasn''t done speaking. Hawke kept piling on to the reasoning, "Pregnant woman, domestic abuse victim, family maintainer -- these labels will win you more sympathy votes when chasing the Golden Globe." He gave Sarah a moment to consider it and continued, "Most of the Oscars and Golden Globe judges won''t even watch the nominated works; emotional scores carry significant weight in their voting." Caroline added her support, "Emotional appeal is also the goal of publicists during the awards season." Sarah believed these words because that was the status quo in Hollywood. Hawke said, "There''s more I need to discuss with you privately." Sarah turned her head, staring blankly at Hawke for a moment, then replied, "Sure." Hawke addressed Caroline and Sofia, "If the media contacts you, tell them Sarah will make a formal statement tomorrow." Edward rose, opened the door to the meeting room, and gestured for Caroline and Sofia to leave. Seeing Sarah wave her hand, they had no choice but to exit the meeting room. Edward closed the door behind them, standing guard outside. ... Inside the meeting room, Sarah unbuttoned her blazer, pulled off her rhinestone belt, and asked Hawke, "What do you plan to do?" Hawke was momentarily thrown off by her move, "Wait, Sarah, what are you doing?" Sarah had long realized Hawke was strong and directly stated, "You want to send the others away, don''t you? That''s why we''re doing this." Hawke finally understood; Hollywood people were often driven by base instincts. Once someone took the initiative to suggest talking privately, they would jump right into it. Suddenly, Sarah recalled that Hawke had once secretly recorded moments of the two of them and asked, "You want to involve Matt? I don''t mind; he''s coming back tonight." Hawke waved his hand, "Stop with the nonsense. What I need to discuss next is a very serious matter." Sarah carefully examined Hawke, realizing he didn''t seem impulsive, and sat back down, "Go ahead." "How do you want to explain this to Matt?" Hawke asked. Sarah frowned slightly, "I''ll just tell him directly; with how he dotes on me, he''ll definitely agree. Isn''t it a husband''s responsibility to support his wife?" Hawke pointed to her swollen face, "You have to face the media. Although it''s swollen, it''s still different from visible abuse." Sarah touched her stiff face, "Are you suggesting I should have Matt actually hit me?" Hawke stated, "There are difficulties in this approach. First, Matt might not dare to lay a hand on you. Second, that would mean losing control of the situation. Are you really sure you can fully control Matt? Once something unexpected happens, it''ll be hard to remedy." He sighed, "You''re my client, and I am paid to uphold your interests." Sarah sensed some unease but, after some thought, felt that being in total control was indeed the safest route. After all, feelings could change. She asked, "What do you want me to do?" "Our plan is not to disclose anything to Matt for now," Hawke adopted a position entirely supportive of Sarah, "Matt would wholeheartedly protect you, proving his love for you, just like you do for him; that''s certainly not a problem, especially considering how much you''ve done for him." He emphasized, "Sarah, you are a woman!" Sarah naturally thought back to the times she had explored other relationships. At this moment, she certainly viewed those as sacrifices made for her husband. She softly replied, "You make a lot of sense; this is also a test for me regarding Matt. How specifically should I carry this out?" Hawke proposed, "You and Matt have a particular playfulness between you. What if this evening when he comes home, you express some frustration or suitable excuse and suggest trying a new game, using physical pain to alleviate emotional distress?" Sarah laughed, "That sounds perfect! We''ve played before, just at a lighter level, but he really enjoyed it." Hawke had previously gathered data showing that those interested in one type of kink often had a penchant for another. He said, "This time you could delve a bit deeper and even use a camera to capture it; then you''d be holding all the cards." Mending the breach of contract was bait; winning the Golden Globe for Best Actress was the hook. After some internal struggle, the refined Sarah opened her mouth to bite onto the hook: "The power is in my hands; I can maneuver as I please." She worried about the future, thinking of how Matt might change if she ever strayed. With newfound determination, Sarah asserted, "Hawke, find me a camera that can blend in as furniture. I need it before tonight." Hawke made a call, asked a few questions, and said, "I''ll figure it out." Sarah completely endorsed Hawke''s plan and asked, "What about other aspects?" "We''ll also need a selfie camera." Hawke detailed more aspects of the plan, going on for nearly half an hour. Afterward, he left the meeting room and chatted with Edward, who immediately left to "find" suitable filming equipment. ... Caroline caught Hawke, "Several media outlets called me inquiring about Sarah''s situation, and I provided the responses you suggested." Hawke nodded, "Prepare a press statement for Sarah and Matt." "What''s the content?" Caroline inquired. Hawke explained, "Matt apologizes for mistakenly hurting Sarah and expresses sincere remorse. Sarah states she chooses to endure and forgive for the sake of family and their relationship... and yes, she should stress she is not a good role model for women." Caroline had gotten used to working with Hawke. Whatever he said, she followed his thought process. In the past, everything had gone smoothly. At that moment, Sofia returned from her break, asking, "Will things resolve smoothly?" Hawke replied, "No major issues, it''s not the most difficult challenge I''ve faced." Caroline couldn''t resist adding, "The solution is pretty unconventional." ... Around noon, the group had lunch at the business center. By around two o''clock, Edward returned, handing a large bag to Hawke. Hawke called Sarah aside to the meeting room, opened the bag, and began teaching her how to use the equipment inside. As a member of Hollywood, Sarah was no stranger to such things. Hawke took the keys to the business car, giving them to Caroline, "The media knows about your car; it may become a target for them. Take this vehicle to drive Sarah home, park it at her place, and tomorrow I''ll send a driver to pick it up." Caroline complied, "Alright." ... Later that afternoon, Caroline drove the business car, quietly taking Sarah back home before leaving in Sofia''s car from Sherman Oaks. As the sun set, Matthew Broderick rushed over from the airport, seeing reporters with cameras along the road before speeding home. After parking, he dashed into the living room of the villa, tightly embracing his wife, "Don''t worry, I''ll take care of everything; just give me some time; I''ll figure it out." "You''re the one who loves me the most." Sarah, feeling lustful, clung to Matt, fervently requesting, "I''ve been down for a long time; make me happy." She led Matt to an upstairs room filled with various implements. Sarah requested, "I need extreme physical stimulation to temporarily forget about these worries, alright?" This was no usual couple; they played both openly and with kinks. At that moment, Matt couldn''t refuse his wife''s eager invitation. After establishing a safe word, the air filled with sounds of their play. Sarah continuously begged, shouted for him to stop, and screamed for help, which were not the agreed safe words but only fueled Matt''s emotional intensity. Encouraged by Sarah''s teasing, Matt grew more vigorous, and the marks left behind became increasingly apparent. When all quieted down, Sarah felt immensely satisfied and handed Matt a bottle of water. Matt, feeling fulfilled as if he had discovered a new territory, drank and quickly fell into a deep sleep. Sarah, ignoring her discomfort, entered the changing room, retrieved the hidden camera, and began taking pictures of her injuries in front of the mirror. This home must be under her command; these photos would give her true control. Even if Matt disagreed, he would take the blame. In Sarah''s mind, Matt was merely a behind-the-scenes producer; even if domestic violence allegations surfaced, it wouldn''t be a huge issue. After finishing taking pictures, Sarah donned gloves and, following Hawke''s instructions, started gathering the canes, wooden boards, and boxing gloves Matt had used, sealing them in plastic bags to hide for now. She recalled Hawke''s advice, ensuring she did everything she could. At last, she stood in front of the mirror, inspecting her face. Matt couldn''t bear to touch her already swollen face. The bruises were all inflicted by Sarah during the earlier play. Due to her prior injections, she couldn''t apply too much pressure, so she had to be careful to inflict just minor surface wounds, saving heavier makeup and concealment for the next day. A night passed in the blink of an eye. ... The next morning, when Matt woke up, he found the room had been tidied up, and Sarah had prepared bathwater and fresh clothes. Noticing the bruises on Sarah''s face and the marks around her neck from where he had applied pressure, he felt guilty, "I''m sorry, dear. I got carried away last night." "No, I feel wonderful." Sarah feigned unparalleled kindness and generosity. "This is what I asked you to do; you''ve brought me happiness." Matt, the most sentimental man in Hollywood, felt even guiltier, "Next time, I''ll be gentler." He recalled something important, "The negative press about you; it''s intertwined with the Lancome contract and must be resolved quickly." Sarah took Matt''s hand, caressing her facial wounds, "I have an idea -- can you help me?" Moments later, after hearing Sarah''s plan, the guilt-ridden, immensely satisfied man complied with her request. Matt, the responsible husband, was more than willing. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 128: Domestic Violence Scandal [Chapter 129: Domestic Violence Scandal] Sherman Oaks Plaza, the Olivara Hotel. A black Audi A8 rolled into the small parking lot in front of the hotel. Hawke pulled into a parking space and glanced at the hotel entrance, where a large group of media reporters and entertainment bloggers gathered. Hawke decided not to enter the hotel just yet. He pulled out his phone and called Caroline. "Are you ready?" Inside the hotel lounge, Caroline glanced at Broderick and Sarah, who were busy familiarizing themselves with their speaking notes. "Ready to go, we can start anytime," she replied. Hawke reminded her, "You''re a professional PR, make sure to control the atmosphere." Caroline shrugged. "This is just a small event for me." Hawke ended the call, knowing he would enter with the reporters a little later. Early in the morning, Edward had met up with Caroline and driven the company vehicle back. It was parked right there. He extracted the video from a hidden wireless receiver and transferred it to a storage drive before getting back in the Audi. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Edward handed the drive to Hawke, exclaiming, "This is brilliant! This couple shouldn''t waste their talent by not heading to the San Fernando Valley." Hawke tucked the drive away and asked, "Can you cut some suitable clips?" Edward thought for a moment. "There''s one part where Sarah screamed for mercy as Broderick assaulted her." Though Hawke had incited the situation, he couldn''t help but admire the intensity. "Truly a Hollywood couple." Glancing at the time, he put on his wide-brimmed glasses, casually picked up a camera, hung his Fox Channel 11 reporter badge, called Edward, and got out of the car toward the hotel. ... Reporters entered the media conference in droves, and Hawke followed Edward into the hotel''s press room. The media area was a bit far from the podium. Caroline hosted the press conference and delivered some opening remarks. Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick approached the podium one after the other. Faced with dozens of cameras, Sarah took off her hat, sunglasses, and scarf, revealing a bruised face. Despite her efforts at makeup to conceal the injuries, the thick foundation couldn''t entirely cover up the marks. Sarah''s makeup skills were impressive, evoking gasps from the crowd. The marks on her neck were particularly pronounced, suggesting a forceful grip had left its mark. The reporters stirred, and flashes erupted all around. No one seemed interested in whether Sarah had undergone cosmetic surgery or injections anymore; everyone wanted to know how she had sustained the swelling and bruising on her face. ?????N?????§§? This story had far more intrigue than any cosmetic procedure. Broderick took the microphone. "I''m sorry for taking up your time, but I made a huge mistake that led to Sarah getting hurt." Having been an actor, he easily wore a look of deep remorse and regret. "A few days ago, before I left for work, I drank too much at a party. Work pressure was immense, triggering my alcohol addiction. When I got home, I drank some more, and when Sarah came to stop me-- I... I was drunk, I grabbed Sarah by the neck and pushed her, which led to her injuries." Broderick bowed deeply, as if genuinely repentant. "I failed in my duties as a husband and a man. I will take full responsibility for everything that Sarah experienced. I just hope she gives me another chance..." At that moment, a female reporter shouted, "Sarah, you should call the police!" "Yeah, report it!" There were many female reporters present, and they all chimed in. Sarah then extended her hand, tightly gripping Broderick''s hand. "For these past few years, Broderick has been burdened by immense work pressure and fell into addiction, but he has been fighting hard against it. This was an accident. I believe in my husband, and I will stand by him as he overcomes his addiction." She turned to Broderick, embracing him tightly. "I''m not a good role model for women, but I''m trying to be a good wife." Reporters captured every moment with their cameras. The press conference went smoothly, and the response was positive. ... Media attention shifted; no one mentioned Sarah''s alleged cosmetic surgeries anymore, with subsequent coverage zeroing in on her experience with domestic violence. The online reaction was swift. As Sarah and Broderick returned home, news outlets, including Yahoo Entertainment, had already published photos and videos from the press conference. "Hollywood''s model couple''s relationship crumbles; Sarah Jessica Parker suffers domestic violence at the hands of Matthew Broderick!" "Matthew Broderick, the abuser of his wife Sarah Jessica Parker!" "Domestic violence in Hollywood rampant, urging Sarah to stand up and use the law as a weapon to reclaim justice!" Shortly after, the Beverly Beauty Center issued a statement, noting that Sarah Jessica Parker sought ways to quickly remove her injuries. Photos and videos of Sarah''s injuries flooded the internet. Netizens'' eyes were magnifying glasses. "There are definitely injuries on her face, like scrapes." "Despite the thick foundation, the injuries are real." "The marks on her neck clearly indicate a man''s grip. Just look at Matthew Broderick''s fingers; they match in size and position." ... At the Beverly Business Club, Hawke reviewed the online discourse and called Caroline. "How is Sarah doing?" he asked. Caroline was at Sarah and Broderick''s mansion. "They''re both very calm. Sarah is cooking lunch for Broderick." Hawke noted that Sarah was following his advice, stabilizing the situation with Matthew Broderick. "After the midday news, reach out to Lancome. The narrative has shifted; if Lancome invests some resources, we can hold the current situation steady." Caroline replied, "I''ll keep a close watch." ... After lunch, several entertainment networks aired stories about Sarah Jessica Parker''s domestic violence incident, turning the narrative around the spurious cosmetic surgery claims. Caroline later contacted Lancome''s liaison, Isabella. The latter stated, "Your actions have been decisive; the plan is effective. Lancome is watching closely and will step in if necessary." Caroline replied, "The narrative has already changed." Isabella assumed it was Caroline''s handiwork: "You are an outstanding PR manager; you have shifted the momentum with ease. Let''s stay in touch." Caroline neither confirmed nor denied. At that moment, Sarah approached, asking, "What did Lancome say?" "They will mobilize resources to influence the public opinion as much as possible," Caroline replied. "But the key lies with us." Having been in the industry for so long, Sarah had seen through everything: "When an issue arises, they ditch you faster than anyone, but when the situation reverses, they come back claiming we''re friends." She thought of the person who truly turned everything around: "I have only one person to thank, Hawke!" Caroline''s gaze shifted to the dining area, spotting Matthew Broderick. Sarah called Hawke, specifically mentioning, "About the pregnancy, as you said, I haven''t told Matt yet. Can we keep today''s plans under wraps, especially with regard to Matt?" Hawke replied, "You''re my client; I''m responsible only to you. The others don''t concern me." Sarah chuckled and added, "Mainly I want Matt to know that I''m more than just a pretty face." When she conversed with Matt, she framed it as if she had come up with a plan herself, not something orchestrated by PR or anyone else. Whether Broderick knew or not wouldn''t affect Hawke''s operations moving forward; he answered, "Alright." Sarah hung up. Caroline still needed to see Hawke, so she excused herself. Sarah saw her out and returned inside the villa. Broderick asked with concern, "Are you still in pain? You should rest more." "It''s nothing now," Sarah replied, holding her husband''s hand tightly and leaning against him. "As long as you''re happy, I''d do anything." Suddenly, Broderick got an idea -- he thought about bringing in a third party to encourage Sarah to submit, which he believed would be quite thrilling. As the thought flashed through his mind, lust surged within him. Sarah sensed it and squatted down in response. ... Caroline drove her small Mercedes away from Sherman Oaks to the Beverly Business Club, heading to that familiar conference room to meet Hawke. She picked up a bottle of water, unscrewed it, and took a small sip, stating, "Lancome called me. They''re very pleased and will assist us." Hawke had summoned her for other plans: "You maintain communication with Lancome. I have a new idea, one that will make Lancome more eye-catching and help Sarah secure the Golden Globe for Best Actress." Caroline sat down on the couch next to Hawke, feeling like she was being manipulated, and bluntly asked, "What do you want me to do? I won''t do anything illegal." Recalling what she had said earlier, she lifted her chin slightly: "I don''t want to get into a deeper collaboration with you." Hawke stared at Caroline''s face without responding. Instead, he offered her a choice: "You can withdraw now." "So I won''t receive my commission?" Caroline was most concerned about this. "Of course not; you''ll receive your $120,000 commission, and I''ll pay you on time," Hawke firmly controlled her leverage, "but you won''t get a cut from the $800,000 this time." Upon hearing the figure, Caroline instinctively looked at the bag she held and her attire, all from last season''s collection. Hawke leisurely remarked, "Oh, by the way, the promised $800,000 bonus for Sarah winning the Golden Globe..." Caroline cast aside her previous statements. "Cooperating once more wouldn''t be bad, Hawke. Don''t you see? We are the best partners. Just yesterday, you made a gesture, and I immediately assisted you." Hawke deliberately asked, "Not forced at all?" Caroline responded firmly, "Not at all; I willingly choose to work with you." "Great, since you''re on board now, there''s no withdrawal in the middle." Hawke suddenly changed his tone: "If you back out halfway, I''ll use a gun to make you my target." Caroline''s haughty chin remained raised, proud as a goat: "So, what is it you want me to do?" Hawke produced the data and contacts he had gathered when Allison had her selfie scandal, handing it to Caroline: "This is the address and contact information for the LA Feminist Majority Foundation organization. With Sarah facing domestic violence, as her PR manager, you should seek their help." Caroline was surprised. "Is this Sarah''s request?" Hawke stated plainly, "It''s my request, necessary for the awards plan." "But Sarah and Broderick..." Caroline hesitated. Hawke pressed on, "We''re being paid by Sarah, and we''re only responsible to her. Broderick isn''t our client, and he''s not part of our consideration." Caroline objected, "Sarah won''t agree." "Really won''t agree?" Hawke calmly replied, "You know Sarah. If public opinion turns into a tide, forcing her to make a choice, which way do you think she''ll lean?" Caroline didn''t need to think hard to answer: "She''ll choose what''s most beneficial for her." Hawke continued, "If you don''t want this cash, plenty of others would. I came to you because we''re the best pair." Knowing full well that Hawke was manipulating her, she could''ve easily refused, but the words simply wouldn''t come out. She wanted not only money; at that moment, she thought of more. If she secretly struck a deal with Hawke again, it wouldn''t be the first or second time. If it got exposed, she wouldn''t need Hawke to take action; her career would be done for. Caroline recalled the negotiations by the pool: "You intentionally dragged me down with you." Hawke replied, "Don''t blame me; you were the one who introduced the client. The first benefit you received from our collaboration was also when you exploited my name to gain from Sarah." After months of paying her more than five-figure commissions, he had secured the trust of Sarah''s trusted PR manager. There was no way he would let her slip away: "Miss Sheep, you clearly worship Satan but still blame me for not letting you meet God?" Caroline sank back into the couch, instinctively opening her mouth, "Baa--" She quickly covered her mouth, realizing not only had she been tricked, but she''d done so willingly. "I''m not a masochist, am I?" that thought flashed through Caroline''s mind, yet she honestly remarked, "I want my commission." Hawke replied, "Just do as I instruct, and there won''t be any problems." Caroline considered her future needs: "If I encounter any issues, regardless of outside circumstances, you have to provide me with a job." "Absolutely," Hawke immediately agreed. With prospects for greater earnings alongside Hawke, Caroline felt secure and asked directly, "So what do I need to do specifically?" "Go to the Feminist Majority Foundation and have them protest outside Sarah''s place, applying public pressure through active campaigning," Hawke explained. "I recall from , Sarah played a strong independent woman; the audience and her fans feature plenty of feminists. Riling up their emotions will shake Sarah and the show''s foundation, prompting the production team and studio to put pressure on her." He looked at Caroline: "Forcing Sarah to cut ties with Matthew Broderick." Caroline grasped the implication: "You''re targeting Broderick?" Already in the game, Hawke saw no reason to deny it. Caroline cautioned, "Broderick is Jewish, and handling his group within the industry and the media circles could be tricky..." "It''s not us who''s targeting Broderick; it''s Sarah Jessica Parker. We''re simply hired by Sarah." Hawke had thought this through: "Don''t forget, Sarah is Broderick''s wife and also Jewish. This is a couple''s conflict; do you think the people backing Broderick will interfere excessively?" Caroline''s last concern fell away: "Only a severe mental illness might trigger interference in a matter like this." She recalled another individual: "You even asked me to dig into Sarah''s father''s info. Stephen Parker had long served as an executive in the media industry, holding considerable influence within several Jewish organizations." Hawke stated, "Your sheep brain isn''t all that silly." Hearing the compliment, Caroline couldn''t help but smile: "You and I are the best partners." Hawke lightly tapped the couch armrest. "You need to act quickly. What we need to do now is make Sarah feel pressured." Caroline inquired, "Will the FMF cooperate?" Hawke remarked, "I''ve dealt with them; they''re proactive in this regard. Sarah''s fame will definitely attract their interest. The influence of a celebrity far exceeds that of thousands of ordinary women." Those folks, they wouldn''t just invite; they would rush to get involved even if not invited. Caroline agreed. ... After discussing for another half hour, Caroline left the Beverly Business Club and headed straight to the Los Angeles Feminist Majority Foundation organization. When she mentioned representing Sarah Jessica Parker, a leader from the FMF immediately welcomed her to the VIP room. Michelle, a seasoned feminist, said, "I saw the news on the internet and sympathize with Sarah''s situation, but she lacks the courage and independence women should have. When faced with such things, women should bravely stand up and fight for their legal rights!" Caroline spoke, "Sarah is quite hesitant. Broderick is a producer in Hollywood. While he has acted, his current power far surpasses that of just an actor. Sarah fears that if she stands up, she will be isolated and, in doing so, risk losing her family and severely damaging her career." She was on a pirate ship and couldn''t get off: "This is why Sarah asked me to quietly come to you, seeking your support." Michelle was well aware that Sarah wanted to use the Feminist Majority Foundation, but they also wished to leverage her. The impact of a celebrity was monumental. She asked, "What kind of support does Sarah need?" Caroline recalled Hawke''s words and replied, "I''m working on a plan with Sarah; you should hear me out." Michelle stated, "Please, go ahead." Caroline organized her thoughts: "Sarah won''t immediately lean towards you; at first, she will present a conservative image focused on family and husband during the press conference. Then, influenced by the protests and public discourse initiated by the FMF, she will evolve, eventually becoming a feminist." Hawke set this plan into motion because Sarah was unaware and wouldn''t cooperate at this juncture. They could only pressure her through public opinion and feminist organizations. Caroline added, "Transforming a conservative female star, especially one of her stature, into a progressive figure will have a tremendous promotional impact." "Great idea!" Michelle fully agreed and even directly invited her: "Miss Jones, you''re an outstanding progressive woman; join us!" Caroline, considering the practical needs going forward, verbally agreed. The two parties were in complete accord and began discussing the action details. ... Meanwhile, Hawke drove to Hobart Mountain Park, waiting near the entrance for a moment. Jacqueline, having finished her class, quietly approached and climbed into Hawke''s car. Hawke directly asked, "How are things on your end?" Jacqueline brushed her long hair to the side. "Matthew Broderick is out of town. His course was replaced by another person -- someone reportedly Broderick''s assistant at Ackerman Pictures. He''s been teaching us for two classes, specifically guiding two women." She pulled out her phone, revealing a photo she''d taken: "This red-haired woman''s name is Jessica; she''s 20 years old and came to Los Angeles to make it on her own." Hawke instructed her to send the photo over and inquired, "What about the other one?" "The other one is me," Jacqueline said, somewhat helpless yet proud. "I didn''t do anything; it''s probably just that I''m too pretty and have a great figure. He approached me, saying I had a lot of potential and should pursue this road." Hawke asked, "Did he want to meet with you alone or mentor you?" Jacqueline shook her head. "Not yet. He just tells me that I have great talent and should take this path -- otherwise, it would be a waste." "Do you believe that?" Hawke asked, feigning curiosity. "Complete nonsense," Jacqueline replied directly. "All the men I''ve encountered are sweet-talking until they get what they want, then it''s all lies." Hawke cautioned her, "You can interact with him, but definitely don''t go out on dates or trust his promises. If anything happens, contact the Savior right away." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 129: Taking Advantage of the Situation [Chapter 130: Taking Advantage of the Situation] In the morning, Matthew Broderick dressed in a tailored suit and came downstairs. Sarah had already prepared breakfast. The couple shared a harmonious atmosphere, seemingly with no rifts between them. Just last night, they reached a new agreement that once Broderick finished up his current commitments and Sarah snagged a Golden Globe, they would find a willing third party to join their game. They could have started sooner, but Sarah decided to hold off due to her pregnancy, planning to wait until after a potential miscarriage before diving into the fun. She hadn''t informed Broderick about the pregnancy yet, planning to surprise him when her baby bump started to show and the three-person dynamic kicked in. The thought of her husband watching her with another person sent a thrill down her spine. If she could pull Hawke''s sorry self into it, she thought it would be even more intriguing. Broderick quickly finished his breakfast and said, "I need to get ready for a New Year''s party; I might be busy for a while. The public opinion on you has already flipped. If anyone gives you trouble later, just pin it all on me." Sarah laughed and replied, "You''re my husband; I won''t let you off that easily." ... After finishing breakfast, Broderick grabbed his briefcase and left for work. Sarah accompanied him to the car. When he arrived at Ackerman Films in Santa Monica, Broderick noticed many people were giving him odd looks. He glanced around, and the stares quickly retreated. Once in his office, Broderick asked his secretary for several newspapers to see how the media had been attacking him as a bad husband. Sure enough, many outlets branded him as a disgrace among men, with some even labeling him an abuser. Broderick wasn''t a celebrity and didn''t really care about that. However, when he turned to the , the headline on the entertainment section made him frown: "Sarah Parker: A Sad and Pathetic Woman - Weakness and Compromise Only Enable the Abuser." The entire piece lamented Sarah''s situation and criticized her choices, calling her a bad role model. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. slammed Sarah for being entirely different from the character she portrayed on screen, stating she wasn''t a modern woman but rather lived decades behind the times. Another paper claimed her actions were a regression for society. Broderick closed the paper and called Sarah. "Have you seen today''s papers? Some media reports?" Sarah''s voice sounded low. "Caroline just called me. I saw them." Broderick reassured her, "Don''t pay them any mind. After a few days, the hype will die down, and they''ll quiet down." "Don''t worry; I''m fine." Sarah sounded very composed. "You focus on your work. Don''t let this little issue distract you." After hanging up, a knock came at the door, and his assistant, Guerrero, walked in, closing the door behind him. "Are you still going to the training session?" Guerrero asked. Broderick replied, "You handle this round; I''m busy preparing for the New Year''s party." He inquired, "Any suitable candidates?" Guerrero explained, "There are two women around twenty years old -- outsiders with a strong desire to become stars. They live in Los Angeles, come from broken families, and have little contact with their parents. Their looks are outstanding." Though Broderick had a lot on his plate, he still needed to delegate tasks. "Contact Carl. Use the usual method." Guerrero acknowledged and left. ... In Sherman Oaks, Sarah and Caroline were discussing the media''s criticism when loud noises erupted from outside. "Are those reporters out there?" Sarah asked. Caroline suggested, "It doesn''t sound like it. It seems like there are some protests. Should we go upstairs to check it out?" Sarah got up to go to the second floor with Caroline and looked out at the courtyard. A large crowd, easily over a hundred women, had gathered in front of the entrance, holding banners and showcasing posters of Sarah from Sex and the City with protest slogans. Some encouraged her to be braver and use legal means to protect her rights. ????£ÁN¨¯????¦¥? Fuming, Sarah exclaimed, "Have they lost their minds? I forgave Broderick; what does it have to do with them?" Caroline soothed her, "Just ignore them. They love the spotlight." Soon, a swarm of reporters showed up, clued in by the protest. By noon, several entertainment news outlets covered the issue on their midday broadcasts. The media landscape was split; right-leaning outlets like Fox News were in the minority, while most left-leaning outlets portrayed Sarah as a weak woman unable to escape her husband''s violence. In the afternoon, another wave of protestors arrived. Women''s hormones during pregnancy often led to emotional turmoil, and Sarah was livid. Caroline, while appearing comforting, subtly stoked the flames. California was a stronghold for leftist activism, and Feminist Majority Foundation had long been a staple in Los Angeles, capable of mobilizing a considerable number of people. This wasn''t just limited to traditional media -- online, waves of critiques aimed at Sarah emerged. ... Broderick noticed the public sentiment and the ongoing situation at his home. He returned early to comfort his wife. As an orchestrating producer, he immediately directed Caroline, a seasoned professional, "You need to work on defusing this situation as quickly as possible." Caroline said, "I suggest we divide our approach. I''ll handle direct communications with the media to minimize negative publicity. On the legal side, we''ll have your lawyer send a cease and desist letter to the pertaining media; that should reel them in a bit." She added, "The women''s rights organization could be a hassle; we''ll ignore them and let it cool off over time." Knowing the difficulties surrounding feminism in Los Angeles, Broderick warned Sarah firmly, "Do not engage or interact with them. Understand?" Sarah replied, "You''re my husband, my family. You''re supposed to provide me with protection. I''m not stupid." While saying that, her first priority was still herself. An idea suddenly sprouted in Sarah''s mind: if she could push Broderick back into the spotlight, perhaps it would quell the uproar. After all, it had worked once before. Shouldn''t a husband bear the brunt of such repercussions for his wife? Broderick kissed her and said, "I''m going to the study to call the lawyer." ... While Broderick left, Sarah contemplated the hidden items she discussed with Caroline. She hurried off to the ladies'' lounge, finding everything untouched. Relieved, she changed her jacket and returned to continue discussing with Caroline. Caroline, as a public relations manager, suggested standard public relations strategies, but given her current involvement with Hawke, she knew they wouldn''t suffice. Due to past incidents with surgery, Sarah had grown more sensitive and sensed a looming crisis. Taking advantage of Broderick''s absence, she asked, "What if we can''t gain control over public sentiment?" "I need to know your thoughts," Caroline replied. "What''s your stance?" Having struggled for years in Hollywood to achieve her current status, Sarah asserted, "I cannot abandon my career." Having just read those articles fortified her, and she nonchalantly said, "You should meet with Hawke tonight. This is a residual issue from the last public relations crisis; he''s obligated to help me resolve it." "I''m on it." Caroline hopped in her car and left Sarah''s house, glancing at the growing crowd of women and driving straight to East Hollywood. ... On Fountain Street at the West Coast Studio, Hawke instructed Edward to take Brad Pitt''s Mexican nanny file to Campos. He then settled in front of his computer, opening IMDb to check the comments for and then went to the show''s official website to jot down the studio address. Like many Hollywood productions, operated under an independently financed sub-company. As Hawke scrolled through the website''s comment section, he noted that some female viewers had already expressed their dissatisfaction. was aimed primarily at women, featuring a protagonist living in New York, and with each season, its narrative evolved toward a more independent and even feminist ethos. However, Hawke''s notion of a statement, crafted by Caroline, encouraging Sarah to forgive Broderick for his abuse, fell flat on ideals of feminism. There was a knock on the studio door, and Hawke opened it to find Caroline. "What''s the situation with Sarah?" he asked directly. Caroline ran through her traditional response strategy. "Sarah made it clear to me that she doesn''t want to give up her career." "Good." Hawke called her over to his computer. "Get in touch with the Feminist Majority Foundation and rally support to leave positive comments on IMDb and the show''s website." Caroline pulled out her phone. Hawke continued, "I want the FMF to organize a group of female fans to protest outside the Burbank studio. Keep this situation heated today, and tomorrow we''ll focus on three specific areas." Given Miss Baa''s reaction, he made suitable adjustments. "Since Sarah doesn''t want to give up her career, let''s present her with a choice." Caroline pocketed her phone. "I''ll head back to the women''s group." Sjhe asked, "When will you meet with Sarah?" "Let her know I''m out of town handling another client''s business," Hawke said, wanting to let the situation intensify further. "I''ll return early tomorrow. I should be in Los Angeles by noon." ... Soon aftr Caroline left, Campos called. "Boss, I received the materials Edward delivered." "Since you''re Mexican, connecting with Mexican immigrant families should be easier," Hawke instructed. "Just fo as the Savior says; the money isn''t an issue." "I got it." Hawke''s target was, of course, Brad Pitt''s Mexican nanny. Nannies usually lived in older, predominantly Mexican neighborhoods like Old Ovilla Avenue, where financial circumstances weren''t great. Hollywood stars often sought nannies through third parties. The salaries were significantly reduced from what the nanny actually received. ... That afternoon, many media outlets and websites in Los Angeles received letters from Sarah and Broderick''s lawyers. The legal letters had some effect, as the media''s reporting the following day suggested a softer stance. Caroline''s public relations maneuvering seemed to be working. But in reality, the battlefield had shifted. Outside Sarah''s mansion, only a few scattered demonstrators protested, urging her to stand up bravely against compromise and weakness for women''s rights. However, more demonstrators had congregated outside the Burbank Warner Bros. studio, gathering at the working lot. Under the guise of being fans of the show, these activists condemned Sarah Parker''s perceived weakness and demanded that she be removed from the cast for the upcoming season, as her character, Carrie Bradshaw, was supposed to represent an independent female. On unofficial forums for the show, posts emerged calling for a boycott against Sarah Parker''s return for the next season of . Inside the studio, producer Patrick stood by his office window, observing the hundreds of female protesters outside, a surge of irritation bubbling up inside him. The previous cosmetic surgery scandal had already riled him quite a bit, but it had only impacted Lancome and quickly cooled down. He didn''t expect this fire to reach the production team, too. A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. The associate producer, Cindy, entered and said, "You should check the official website and IMDb. More and more fans are leaving comments, and the sentiments against Sarah are heating up." Patrick sat at his computer and pulled up the web pages. The furious female commenters swarmed both sites like locusts. "A weak, ineffectual woman in reality is portraying an independent woman. It''s nauseating." "If this is the Sarah Parker we have, I''ll drop the series next season." "Me too." Patrick turned to his assistant, "What''s your take?" Cindy replied, "There are only a few hundred people outside; the online comments aren''t too numerous yet, and the negative sentiment has just begun. But public opinion rises quickly, and if it gains traction, we could easily lose half of the goodwill we worked for in the earlier seasons." Patrick nodded slightly. "The viewership for this show was already declining; this will force to end abruptly." Cindy added, "Let''s pressure Sarah Parker to resolve this, ideally by today; we need a solution." "Give her a call," Patrick instructed. "I''ll call her." Cindy returned to her office to pressure Sarah. As an associate producer, she could afford to speak more firmly, especially with Patrick''s backing. "Sarah, you need to resolve the current issues quickly. The situation is quite precarious, and your supporters could turn into your worst critics at any second. If that happens, the foundation of your career will crumble." ... In Sarah''s Sherman Oaks mansion, she hung up the phone. Caroline asked, "What''s the studio saying?" "Can they step in?" Her manager, Sophia, took great pains and worked with several partners to get Sarah''s agency business, but wasn''t getting any commissions amidst a whirlwind of nagging issues. Her interests were now tied to Sarah''s success. "The studio issued me an ultimatum; they need a resolution proposal from me today," Sarah replied. This raised her anxiety. "Can''t you sense the urgency? If this isn''t handled well, I''ll lose my supporters." Sophia exclaimed, "Their reactions are over the top." Caroline knew the underlying reasons all too well. Without Hawke and her meddling, the so-called public relation crisis would have already evaporated. Another idea emerged in Sarah''s mind. She remembered the hidden items and felt fortunate, believing that the situation was still in her control. Having known Sarah the longest, Caroline, who was involved with Hawke, saw her in deep thought and deliberately remarked, "Most of your fans are women. If this escalates, it could affect your endorsements, not just Lancome." She sighed, "We''re all women here; we know how women think. Our spending habits lean toward emotion, swinging from one extreme to the other." Still wavering, Sarah felt conflicted about her feelings for Broderick. Caroline, always direct about her work, said without hesitation, "The hottest female singer this year is Allison Faith. Her rise is thanks to her social media presence amidst the trending topics." Sophia, being a woman herself with leftist ideals and little knowledge of the actual situation, pointed to the bruise on Sarah''s neck. "Abuse like that is cyclical. Once it happens once, it occurs again and again. Look at the extent of your injuries." Sarah remembered Hawke''s whispered advice about the risks surrounding this publicity stunt. Back then, Hawke suggested Broderick might not even be willing to step up. But now, uncontrollable factors manifested elsewhere. Sarah held her trump card. "I need to hear what Hawke has to say." "He''ll arrive by noon," Caroline informed her. "Let''s go to him." The seeds of her plans had not only sprouted but were now flourishing. She envisioned herself with another man while Broderick watched excitedly from the sidelines, instructing the other guy to give it his all. Thinking back to that night when Broderick had beaten her, she darkly reveled in the image of her exquisite self-interest. As she walked towards the living room, she shot one last glance at Broderick''s framed photo and muttered softly, "Shameless! Pervert!" Rushing to the dressing room, she pulled out three suitcases. One was for daily clothing, accessories, and makeup. The second one held disguised cameras and evidence of his offenses. The last suitcase, she dragged to her safe, where she packed documents, contracts, and various valuables. Once Sarah packed her items and tidied the house to appear unaffected, she called Caroline and Sophia to help load the suitcases into her Bentley. Caroline asked, "Have you made up your mind?" Sarah bared her arms and legs, revealing a multitude of scars. "I can''t take it anymore!" Sophia and Caroline were taken aback, gasping, "Oh my god!" As fellow women, they shared a sense of camaraderie. "I can only depend on you two now," Sarah said firmly, gripping their hands tightly. Sophia nodded vigorously. "Don''t forget Hawke," Caroline reminded her. "Let''s go see him." The three of them got into their cars, heading out when Broderick''s vehicle turned the corner, coming towards them. He parked and rolled down the window. Without waiting for him to question her, Sarah halted her car, "Honey, why are you back?" Broderick said, "The public sentiment isn''t right." Sarah smiled and reassured him, "Don''t worry, everything is fine. The studio and HBO are preparing to take action, calling me in for discussions. Just wait for the good news." With HBO behind them, Broderick felt somewhat relieved. "Call me if you need me." "I will." Sarah rolled up her window, driving off. ... Broderick, too busy with work, turned around to head back to his company in Santa Monica, as he had been swamped with tasks lately. Upon returning to Ackerman Films, he found the head of the charity foundation, Barack Bernanke, waiting for him. Barack shut the office door and said, "I went to Malibu. We need to move some funds through your production company." Hollywood productions were a convenient front for money laundering, and Broderick was already accustomed to it. "Just give me the documents." Barack pulled out the paperwork and handed it over. Teasing his old friend, he said, "The wife you''re so devoted to has been stirring things up lately. If I were you, as a producer, you could have anyone you wanted..." Broderick interjected, "You don''t understand my happiness! Also, Sarah is my wife; stop joking about her." Barack waved him off. "You and your dedication to her leave me speechless." He lost interest in further conversation. "I''m out." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 130: Backstab [Chapter 131: Backstab] Century City, Beverly Business Club. Taking advantage of a moment to step out to the restroom, Caroline dialed Hawke''s number. "Sarah''s at the club; she brought her luggage out." On the other end, Hawke said, "Miss Baa, you''ve done well. Keep up the good work as an inside player in this promising career." Caroline shamelessly opened her mouth and shouted, "Baaa--" She hung up and walked back. Sofia waited for her halfway, and when she approached, said quietly, "If Sarah''s status slips, it won''t be good for either of us." Caroline agreed, "Our interests align with Sarah''s; we need to protect her." Sofia lowered her voice even more. "Broderick is the root cause of all this." Caroline pointed out a fact. "Broderick isn''t our client; he won''t give us any cut." Sofia looked at Caroline. The two women reached an agreement and nodded simultaneously. Agents and publicists were all crafty characters. When the stars who served as their cash cows didn''t comply, they sought to manipulate the stars instead for greater benefits. ... Around noon, Edward drove an Audi, bringing Hawke to the Beverly Business Club. The two entered the familiar reception room one after the other. Sarah stepped up and hugged Hawke. "Are you aware of the situation on my side?" Hawke nodded slightly. "Caroline called me earlier with details. I''ve also seen the news reports online and in print." Sarah directly asked, "What should I do?" "Let''s sit down and discuss," Hawke replied. With Caroline as an inside source, he was sure Sarah had made up her mind -- her luggage was already out. Hawke speculated that Sarah was consulting him for two reasons: on one hand, there was a final barrier she hadn''t broken through in her mind. On the other hand, hearing it from someone else might comfort her and make her feel better. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sarah sat on the couch, eyes eagerly fixed on Hawke. Hawke delivered the final blow. "I studied it carefully on the plane; this incident is more complicated than the previous one. It involves civil rights organizations. I don''t know if you know about them, but they don''t rest until they achieve their goals." ??????? He sighed. "The issue is that they can sway public opinion, influencing many women, and women are your biggest audience." Sofia chimed in at the right moment, "Sarah forgiving Broderick, the domestic abuser, has angered them." "Exactly," Caroline added. "They think Sarah has set a bad example." The trio was saying what Sarah wanted to hear. She seemed to have never considered this and, enchanted by their words, asked dejectedly, "Do I really need to call the police?" Hawke didn''t mind taking the villain''s role. After all, Sarah would take the brunt of it, and everything would surface as a marital dispute between her and Broderick. "Calling the police isn''t enough; you may need to cut ties with Broderick." "Without Broderick as a producer, my resources in the future..." Sarah showcased what it meant to be torn. Hawke replied directly, "Sarah, you are my client. I will only consider your standpoint and interests to provide the best solution." Sarah accepted this reasoning, saying, "That''s fair." Hawke elaborated, "A woman about to become a mother, a pregnant victim of domestic violence, standing up against it -- her courage and resolve are deserving of everyone''s respect. She could become a role model for all women in America, representing the anti-domestic violence movement. She''d hold an unshakeable advantage in the left-leaning Golden Globe nominations." Sarah asked, "What are my chances to win?" Caroline replied, "Including our other efforts, over ninety-five percent." Sofia pushed back, "You''re being too conservative. Ninety-nine percent." Sarah contemplated seriously. "If that''s the case, I must divorce Broderick." Hawke asked, "Did you sign a prenup?" "No," Sarah replied roughly. "When Broderick and I married, neither of us was particularly famous, and we didn''t have much property." She looked up. "As a victim of domestic violence, can''t I take most of the assets?" "You and Broderick used the same lawyer," Hawke said. "I suggest you change lawyers, call the police first, then file for divorce." Sofia summarized at this point. "A Golden Globe-winning actress, a massive fortune, and the reputation of an anti-domestic violence spokesperson." Just then, Caroline''s phone rang perfectly timed. She walked to the window to take a call, hanging up from a nonexistent conversation. "That was the company calling; the women''s clothing and perfume brand you''re endorsing just reached out and is monitoring this situation." With the last barrier breached, Sarah made up her mind. "Okay, I''ve decided to call the police." She looked at Hawke, asking, "When?" Hawke replied, "This afternoon. The sooner, the better. You can still get a check-up to document your injuries, then find a lawyer to accompany you to the precinct. Also, get a media outlet to film your walk to the police station; online media reacts the fastest." Sarah said, "I have videos of the abuse and the weapon. I brought them all." Hawke nodded. "Get them for me. I''ll contact the lawyer." Caroline and Sofia accompanied Sarah to grab her suitcase. ... Hawke pulled out his phone, dialing Brian Ferguson''s number. "I''ve got a case. Are you available?" Erica''s cousin was a typical lawyer who didn''t lack money. "I''ve just wrapped up a case and am on vacation," Brian''s casual work attitude shone through. Hawke knew how to pique his interest. "There''s a thrilling video to watch, and it involves an A-list star. Very captivating." Brian asked, "Is it more exciting than the ''selfie gate''?" Hawke replied, "Ten times as exciting, I promise!" "Where should I meet you?" Brian quickly put on his coat. Hawke first stirred his interest before getting into specifics. "Beverly Business Club, find Room 10. I''ll update you about the case; Sarah Parker is preparing to report domestic violence after being abused by her husband Broderick..." "Wait a minute," Brian interjected. "I don''t take divorce cases." Hawke clarified, "This isn''t a divorce case; it''s an assault case. Sarah was beaten badly. Don''t you want to see the footage? It''s incredibly captivating." Brian hesitated for a moment before conceding, "Hawke Osment, you''re a pure scoundrel!" Hawke chuckled, "If you want to see it, hurry up; otherwise, I''ll find someone else." "I''ll be there soon." Brian was skeptical -- could this footage really be as riveting as the ''selfie gate'' he had directed? Hawke hung up the call, waiting a bit before Sarah returned with her suitcase, accompanied by Caroline and Sofia. ... "Hold on," Hawke said after having seen the footage before. "The lawyer is coming over to watch." He turned to Sarah, "I''m preparing to expose your pregnancy news." Sarah immediately understood, "The timing couldn''t be better." Hawke took out the test result from his briefcase and handed it to Edward. "Take some photos and find an online media outlet." Edward knew what to do and walked off. Hawke then told Caroline, "Prepare an emergency statement for Sarah after she leaves the precinct, focusing on her pregnancy." Caroline understood immediately. "Broderick beat up a pregnant woman?" Sarah agreed, "He left me badly beaten." Hawke continued to delegate tasks. "After leaving the precinct, Sarah needs to go to the hospital for a check-up. I also suggest reaching out to women''s rights organizations for their support; it could save us a lot of trouble." Sarah stated, "I want to be a spokesperson for the anti-domestic violence movement." "Women communicating with women is much easier." Hawke looked at Caroline. "You''ll connect and communicate with them." Caroline had been doing this and replied, "No problem." Hawke turned to Sofia. "You contact the film crew. With Sarah stepping up, HBO or Warner should make a statement; Sarah''s influence will only benefit the show." Sofia said, "I''ve got it handled." Concerned about potential betrayals, Sarah said, "Once I tread this path, there''s no turning back. With the rise of female-centric film and television projects, becoming a spokesperson for the anti-domestic violence movement will bring in offers, and all of you can benefit from that." ... Some time later, there was a knock on the meeting room door -- Brian had arrived. Sarah had a brief chat with Brian and signed the attorney agreement. Hawke then instructed Brian to prepare confidentiality agreements for everyone to sign. While others signed the contracts, Sarah quietly approached Hawke. "Thanks for bringing in lawyer Ferguson." Clearly, she recognized that Brian wasn''t just any lawyer. Hawke displayed professionalism. "You''re paying me a hefty fee; I''m obligated to take responsibility, finding the optimal solution for you." Sarah expressed appreciation, "Thank you." Next came the viewing of the footage and evidence, which contained sensitive content involving Sarah and Broderick. Caroline, Sofia, and Edward all stepped out at Sarah''s request. Only Hawke and Brian remained. As a lawyer, Brian focused intently, his eyes wide like saucers. He wasn''t inexperienced; rather, he had seen much, even had similar live performances before. Yet this felt entirely different. The video featured a Hollywood star and the very actress herself was sitting next to him, watching the footage of her abuse. This peculiar psychological twist was mesmerizing. Brian was relishing the unfolding drama. Hawke asked, "What about the photos?" Sarah produced a storage drive, plugged it into the laptop, and opened the photos saved on it. "These were all taken by me that night, some even while I was in front of the mirror." Brian flipped through the photos, nodding approvingly. "The shots are very clear." Sarah then pulled out the weapon from a plastic bag. "I collected this while wearing gloves. It has Broderick''s fingerprints and my biological samples. I got a few cuts where blood got on me." Hawke produced another storage drive, borrowed a mouse, and found several images that didn''t show any sensitive areas. "These I intend to give to the media." Sarah nodded. "That''s fine." Brian, with a legal perspective, remarked, "The video as a whole won''t be admissible. To be used as evidence, we''ll need to trim the introduction and conclusion, just extract the middle portion. Don''t use it for now due to potential risks." He pointed at the photos and the weapon. "For now, these are sufficient." Hawke reminded Sarah, "Keep the video secure." Sarah thought a moment and then handed everything, including her laptop and the disguised camera, over to Hawke. "Aside from Caroline and Sofia, I don''t trust anyone else. I feel it''s better to leave it in your hands." Hawke accepted it. Sarah took two storage drives and asked, "When do we leave?" Hawke instructed, "Make some adjustments, mess up your hair and makeup a bit, but not too much." He emphasized, "Sarah, you need to fight like a warrior from here on out. Understand?" Sarah felt completely convinced this was the best path for her, feeling invigorated. "I will." Hawke called Brian outside to talk, temporarily leaving the meeting room to Sarah. ... As they stepped outside, Brian complained, "You scoundrel! You''re dragging me into this." Hawke questioned, "Isn''t it great to have drama and make money?" Brian conceded, "It is exhilarating, but this case leans blue." Hawke stated, "Business is business." "What else do you have planned?" Brian knew that work didn''t accommodate trivialities. Hawke explained simply, "Erica''s former partner at the West District, Officer Milner, has been promoted and is no longer patrolling. He''s back in the office and one of his duties is handling reports." "Great." Brian grasped the case''s general gist. "They''re unprepared on their end, while we are ready." He added, "A hidden knife is the most terrifying." Hawke asked, "Can you send Broderick to prison?" "I can only try," Brian said, not completely confident. "In L.A., domestic violence that results in injuries can see five years behind bars." Hawke replied, "Sarah is pregnant." Brian laughed. "A pregnant woman? That''s huge; makes a significant impact." Hawke directly inquired, "Will the prosecution appoint a female prosecutor? Try to get several female jurors? Money isn''t an issue; Sarah has it." "Buddy, you''re a great partner, but I need to point out something." Brian raised a finger, shaking it. "You''ve got the wrong person." Hawke nodded slightly. "Will the women''s rights organizations in L.A. have an impact?" Brian replied, "If you''re in contact with them, then reach out." Hawke took a note of that and reminded Brian, "Broderick isn''t simple either. There''s a covert Jewish alliance in Hollywood and media. When I got news about him before, Fox quashed it." Brian scoffed, "Those Jews -- a bunch of rats who fled here. We once took them in, yet they never showed gratitude." Hawke stated, "This is a case of domestic violence and spousal assault; those folks shouldn''t interfere if they''re sensible." Brian retorted, "If they interfere, that''s even better." Hawke didn''t understand. Brian explained, "Governor Davis has messed California up so badly that some people are brewing a recall movement to replace him. The Hollywood and media folks are staunchly blue." Hawke recalled what they had discussed during their last meeting in Covina and asked, "About your case?" "Just a small opening," Brian replied. "It''s not convenient to discuss now; we''ll talk in detail when things solidify next year." Hawke already knew that beneath Brian''s seemingly rough exterior lay a lot of depth. People formed connections with agendas of their own. Hawke was acutely aware that if he didn''t have the capacity or experience orchestrating deals -- let alone the kind of video Sarah Parker had - -Brian wouldn''t have come to see it, not even for footage of Julia Roberts. ... At that moment, Caroline approached. "I''ve contacted Yahoo Entertainment." Hawke looked at his watch. "It''s about time; let''s head out." He first called officer Milner to confirm and then gave Caroline a few instructions, emphasizing what he had discussed with Brian. Sofia accompanied Sarah into Caroline''s car, and the group headed toward the West District. Meanwhile, Edward called Hawke. "Boss, the testing photos sold; when I provided concrete evidence to Yahoo Entertainment, they bought the exclusive rights for $10,000." He asked, "Is this Sarah Parker''s first pregnancy? Should we sell it again?" "No need; don''t ruin the reputation," Hawke replied. "When are they publishing it?" Edward said, "It''ll be published shortly." ... As the two were on the phone, a vehicle belonging to Yahoo Entertainment chased closely behind. Due to Caroline''s call, the car soon caught up with the red Mercedes. Several vehicles parked in front of the West District station. Caroline and Sofia walked toward the precinct alongside Sarah. Brian followed along, carrying his briefcase. Hawke exited the car and strolled casually to the entrance, greeting a female officer he recognized in the lobby, finding a place to sit and wait. On the other side, Brian accompanied Sarah to give her statement and submit evidence. Once formalities were completed, Milner instructed an assistant to process Broderick''s summons paperwork. Following the procedures was of utmost importance. Not long after, Hawke saw Milner leave with his partner. ... Santa Monica, Ackerman Films. Guerrero entered his boss''s office, closed the door, and said to Broderick, "One of the two girls I mentioned is sorted out; the rare redhead." "Excellent," Broderick said, very satisfied, signing a document, sealing it in an envelope, and handing it over. "Deliver this personally to the Ackerman Charitable Foundation; give it to Barack." Guerrero then left the office. He took the elevator down, and upon exiting, he encountered Milner and his partner entering the lobby. The two presented their credentials, indicating they needed to see Broderick. The receptionist notified the company''s legal advisor and also called Broderick. The two sides quickly met in a reception room. Milner presented the summons. "Mr. Broderick, you are suspected in a violent assault case and need to accompany us back to the West District for further investigation." The legal advisor took the paperwork, confirming everything was in order. Broderick suddenly thought of his wife Sarah, and an unexplainable sense of dread washed over him. "I need to make a call." "This isn''t an arrest," Milner said. "Feel free." Broderick pulled out his phone and dialed Sarah''s number. On the other end, Sarah answered. "I''m pregnant, and I can''t let the child be with an abuser." Then the call ended, leaving Broderick in deep pain. The betrayal by the person he loved most made him feel devastated. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 131: Old Dogs Still Have a Few Teeth [Chapter 132: Old Dogs Still Have a Few Teeth] West Los Angeles, West Division Station. Sarah Jessica Parker, along with Caroline and two police officers, emerged from the precinct. Over twenty journalists, who had been waiting, immediately rushed over to her. One shouted, "Sarah, a photo of your pregnancy test appeared on Yahoo Entertainment. Are you really pregnant?" Sarah stopped, placing a hand on her abdomen, forcing a smile as she said, "Yes, I''m pregnant and about to become a mother!" Another reporter asked, "There are rumors that your visit to the precinct was related to domestic violence?" "Yes," Sarah replied, touching the bruise on her face and rolling up her sleeve to reveal the bruises on her arm. "I suffered serious violence, and I had no choice but to seek help from the LAPD." A journalist from Yahoo Entertainment interrupted, "But at the previous press conference..." Sarah cut him off: "Because I''m pregnant and will soon be a mother, I can''t let my child go through the same horrible treatment I did. I had to call the police!" Looking down at her flat belly, she continued, "I must ensure my child grows up healthy; that''s a responsibility I have as a mother." Some reporters attempted to ask further questions, but Sarah gestured to the bruises on her arm. "Sorry, I need to go to the medical examiner''s office." She walked away, her steps somewhat unsteady. Although the reporters continued to snap photos, they instinctively parted to let her through. Once Sarah got into her car, the journalists sprinted towards their vehicles, some following Sarah while others rushed back to their newsrooms. The reporters on various websites began brainstorming how to craft their headlines. ... In a corner of the West Division Station lobby, Hawke spotted Milner returning with Broderick and slowly exited the precinct. The plan had reached this stage, accomplishing the initial goal. Sarah had betrayed Broderick by filing for divorce on charges of domestic violence, aiming to take most of his assets. Whether Broderick would end up in jail later depended on how things unfolded. Hawke would adjust his plan based on real-time developments. He left the West Division Station and approached his car. After a brief wait, Milner''s phone call came through. Hawke asked a few questions and hung up. He started the car and headed straight to Century City, quickly arriving at the Fox Television Center, going directly to the Ace News editorial team. Hawke intended to leverage all available media resources. Many experienced cases had shown that public opinion could indeed be lethal. ... Upon arriving at Channel 11, he met with a new assistant named Aisha, who was waiting at the door. She led Hawke directly into Megan''s new office. Megan waved her hand, and Aisha politely exited, closing the office door behind her. Hawke glanced around the more spacious office and remarked, "The new office looks nice." "I took it over in a rush, didn''t have time to redecorate," Megan replied simply before asking, "Any news?" Hawke pulled out a flash drive. "Sarah Jessica Parker was a victim of domestic abuse; here are the photos of her injuries." Megan connected it to her computer, and the first thing that appeared was the sight of injuries. "Exclusive news?" she inquired. Hawke answered without hesitation, "The photos are exclusive; I got them from Sarah, but the news isn''t. About half an hour ago, Sarah, accompanied by her lawyer, went to the West Division to file a report, and the LAPD has already summoned Broderick." ?????¦­?¦Â¦¥? Megan opened her browser to search for related news and found several websites already reporting on the matter. "Brutal! Broderick assaulted his pregnant wife, Sarah Jessica Parker." "Sarah is pregnant and bravely stands up to domestic violence for her child." "Brave mom-to-be, Sarah Jessica Parker, says no to domestic violence!" Megan, being a media professional, quickly skimmed through the online articles and noticed the overwhelming support for Sarah Jessica Parker. She looked at Hawke and asked, "There''s been quite a lot of news about Sarah lately. Are you the mastermind behind it?" Hawke replied, "I signed a nondisclosure agreement, so I can''t go into specifics." Megan understood and commented, "Normally, media tends to lean towards the underdog, and since Sarah is pregnant, Broderick''s in trouble." She recalled the previous suppressed news, noting, "With both being Jewish, there shouldn''t be too much interference." "You get the stance," Hawke noted, preparing to leave while reminding her, "Don''t forget the price for the photos." "It''s no longer exclusive," Megan said, pragmatic about work. "I''ll give you a maximum of $8,000." Hawke replied, "Make it quick." Megan called Aisha back in to handle the necessary paperwork. Once Hawke signed the rights agreement and received the $8,000 check, Megan escorted him to the door, asking, "Got time tonight?" Hawke explained, "I need to go out of town. I won''t know how late it will be; let''s reschedule." Megan nodded, "Alright, next time." ... Downstairs, Hawke called Brian, learning that Sarah had left the medical examiner''s office and gone to the Beverly Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. When he arrived, Sarah had already completed her admission procedures. Caroline was ready to head out and told Hawke, "I''m going to the FMF, and I''ll let them know to gather forces." Hawke called her back: "Unless something unexpected happens, Broderick will likely be bailed out tonight. Let them protest to grab media attention." Having worked with Hawke for a long time, Caroline sensed more was at play: "What else?" Hawke explained, "I''ll have Savior find some people to blend in." "Make him get in touch with me," Caroline said, and after a few whispered words from Hawke, she hurried away. Hawke phoned Edward, asking him to come over. Meanwhile, Brian approached, saying, "Sarah consulted me about sending Broderick to jail." He shook his head: "The estranged couple is too terrifying." Hawke glanced at the hospital room. "I''ll go see her." Brian added, "Sarah wants to file for divorce to quickly secure her assets; I need to deal with this mess." Hawke stopped him: "Get the lawyer''s letter and asset division demands over to Broderick''s side as soon as possible." "What are you up to?" Brian questioned, having witnessed Hawke''s trouble-making capability firsthand. "What else are you planning?" Hawke replied, "Isn''t Sarah eager to send Broderick to jail? Let''s lend her a hand." He shrugged, "Let''s run a social experiment and see how far a man is pushed before he loses it." "I''ll send the lawyer''s letter ASAP," Brian said, rushing off to handle the task. ... Hawke entered the hospital room, while Sofia stepped outside to allow Hawke and Sarah to speak privately. Sarah asked, "Did they summon that jerk Broderick?" "I saw him being taken to the West Division," Hawke pondered for a moment. "Broderick has funds and backing from Ackerman Films. If it''s quick, he''ll likely be bailed out tonight." Having publicly severed ties with Broderick, Sarah was solely focused on protecting her interests. "You have connections. Is there a chance I can get all the assets?" "To accomplish that, we need to mobilize all our resources," Hawke pivoted to Stephen Parker: "Sarah, you mentioned before that your father had worked in media for years and had some influence in the Jewish community..." Sarah responded, "He could have treated my mother and me well but chose to abandon us." Hawke got straight to the point: "I suggest we enlist his help." "He? Help?" Sarah shook her head, "He''s a selfish man." Hawke insisted, "Don''t underestimate Broderick and the potential backing he has. This is war, and we must pull all resources to win." Sarah replied, "But I don''t want to see him or ask for his help." S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I''ll go," Hawke offered. Thinking about the upcoming battle for assets, she nodded, "Okay, he lives in Palm Springs." ... After exiting, Hawke waited a moment. Edward arrived, asking, "Boss, what do you need me to do?" "Find a few women who haven''t been involved before and mix them into the FMF protest tonight," Hawke instructed quietly. "You contact Caroline." Edward grinned broadly, showing his bright white teeth: "That''s easy." ... At the West Division Station, in the questioning room. Broderick found out that his wife, Sarah, personally came to report him for domestic violence and weapon-related assaults, providing a series of evidence from that night. His attorney had arrived. But when facing LAPD''s inquiries, Broderick remained silent, feeling utterly defeated. Sitting there, he had no desire to speak or act; his mind was consumed with one thought: the love of his life had betrayed him. The pain of betrayal made Broderick furious, his muscles in his legs and arms tensed up, nearly causing him to fall off the chair. He risked tarnishing his own reputation to help Sarah through her struggles, only to be met with betrayal in return! Seeing Broderick''s expression, the attorney assumed the domestic violence accusations were true. The questioning yielded no results, and Milner and his partner took a breather outside the interrogation room. The attorney pressed Broderick, "Not saying anything is equally detrimental. You need to deny--" "It doesn''t matter, it doesn''t matter anymore," Broderick continuously shook his head. "Let Sarah do whatever she wants." The attorney warned, "You used a weapon; that could land you in prison!" "Just bail me out, first," Broderick simply replied before shutting his mouth, refusing to say another word, even ignoring his attorney. The attorney was left speechless and could only call Barack Bernanke. ... In the office of the chairman at Ackerman Films, Barack hung up and told Melissa Ackerman, the chairman of the studio, "Broderick''s that wimp who won''t even defend himself." Melissa had just learned the situation: "I warned him; Sarah Jessica Parker is no ordinary woman." Barack pointed out, "He fell into a trap." "Are we sure it''s definitely Sarah behind this?" Melissa, who didn''t care much for the odd couple, was more worried about other issues. "Anything else going on?" Barack spoke, "I specifically checked. Sarah filed the report herself; she''s hired a highly capable studio in the industry to handle the crisis from her plastic surgery. That woman cannot be trusted; she has cheated multiple times and is quite scheming, even colluding with feminist groups. Broderick''s in for a tough ride." Hollywood couples falling out was a common occurrence; although the process could be quite dramatic, Melissa lost interest quickly. "Get Broderick bailed out soon, so he can deal with these issues. That woman should be tossed aside, and the marriage should end." "Let''s hope he learns from this experience." Barack left the chairman''s office and told his assistant to coordinate Broderick''s matters. He didn''t want to be involved in this soap opera between the wimp and his star wife -- otherwise, long-time friendships could shatter. ... Hawke drove his Audi east, turning into Palm Springs. Following Caroline''s instructions, he parked in front of a standalone wooden house. Through the wooden fence, Hawke saw an older man with a big nose sitting on a recliner soaking up the sun. He grabbed his briefcase, got out of the car, and approached the door, waving, "Mr. Parker, I''m here on behalf of Ms. Sarah Jessica Parker." Hearing his daughter''s name, Stephen Parker immediately sat up, scrutinizing Hawke. "The door''s not locked; come in." Hawke pushed the door open and walked in. "This way," Stephen beckoned him into the living room, and after seating Hawke, asked, "She actually reached out to me?" Hawke took out an envelope and handed it to Stephen. "Sarah is facing an unprecedented dilemma; as her father, she can only turn to you for help." As Stephen opened the envelope, he saw photos of his daughter covered in bruises. Hawke stated directly, "Broderick did this. Sarah has reported it, but Broderick, like you and Sarah, is also Jewish; he has some support in the media and entertainment world, and he might be bailed out tonight." He added, "Sarah is pregnant and is facing such abuse; she seeks justice." Stephen trembled as he looked at the photos, his face and neck visibly reddening. Concerned he might suddenly have a heart attack, Hawke quickly reassured him, "Stephen, Sarah still needs you to protect her!" Stephen put down the photos, sat on the sofa, opened the nearby drawer, took out a pill bottle, and swallowed two pills. Hawke picked up a water cup from the low table and handed it to him. After taking a sip, Stephen said, "Thank you." He then asked, "What does Sarah plan to do?" Hawke responded, "Divorce, aim to get as much of what she deserves, ruin the bastard who hurt her, and preferably send him to jail." "Even though I''m old," Stephen''s anger nearly burst forth, "Old dogs still have a few teeth!" Hawke had achieved his objective and prepared to take his leave. "Sarah is currently at Beverly Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; she would appreciate a visit from you." He shifted his tone: "I had a rough relationship with my father, and it wasn''t until he passed away that I understood his good intentions. Stephen, this is a great opportunity to mend your relationship with Sarah." "Thank you," Stephen nodded. "I''ll take care of a few things before visiting the hospital." ... Hawke left, and as Stephen walked him to the door, he began searching online for news about Sarah. As a father, he grew increasingly furious. He took out an old cell phone and called his old friends. "David, it''s me, my daughter Sarah, the one you''ve met before, yes -- that''s her. She''s being abused by her husband and is preparing for divorce. As for the news... you don''t have to slant it; just report the truth about Sarah''s abuse." He made another call, raising his voice: "Broderick is Jewish -- my daughter Sarah Parker isn''t? All I''m asking is for fair reporting!" Having worked in the media for years, even though retired, his reputation still held some sway. The most significant point was that the drama between a Jewish couple didn''t need extra interference; let them sort it out. ... Leaving Palm Springs, Hawke returned to Los Angeles, calling Campos along the way. They met in a parking lot on the east side of Los Angeles. Campos got into Hawke''s car and asked, "Boss, what''s our next move?" Hawke replied, "Broderick will be bailed out tonight. Keep an eye on him with your people 24/7, and notify me as soon as he steps out." Campos agreed and gathered his team to head near the West Division Station. Hawke then called Caroline, who discussed with leaders of several feminist organizations, including the FMF and the Guerrilla Girls. They planned to leverage the situation to push Sarah into the limelight, igniting a new wave of feminism. ... In West Los Angeles, at the West Division Station, the night had completely fallen, and numerous journalists filled the front road. Over thirty women appeared gradually. They held banners and raised posters with slogans against domestic violence and demanding strict penalties for offenders. Among them were two mixed-race women wearing hoodies, each holding a bag. The older one quietly asked, "Did you remember what he looks like?" The other said, "I remember. Don''t worry; I have a knack for throwing things; I can hit the bucket from across the street." The two donned their hoods and advanced forward, quickly making their way to the front. ... A car parked in the distance; Caroline looked towards Michelle and asked, "Is everything alright here? Will the LAPD interfere?" "Don''t worry," Michelle replied seriously. "As long as we''re not targeting the LAPD, they won''t bother us. This is about a female star who has suffered severe domestic violence bravely seeking fairness and justice." She turned to Caroline, "Never underestimate the power of women. We are the main consumers in society; when we unite, public opinion will shift in our favor." Caroline looked at the Chanel outfit she wore and the Hermes bag she carried, realizing that among her acquaintances, women''s consumer spending was multiples that of men. "Sarah bravely stood up; she wants to be a hero of the anti-domestic violence movement." Michelle smiled brightly: "We need someone like her as a role model. Have the exclusive interview details been sorted out for tonight?" Caroline confirmed, "It''s all set." ... Suddenly, chaos erupted as Broderick emerged after being bailed out. Media reporters surged towards him, cameras flashing. The protesting women, all with fierce expressions, shouted. "Murderer!" "Broderick, aren''t you ashamed?" "You should commit suicide to atone!" Amid the curses, the older mixed-race woman pulled out a few rotten eggs and threw them. With a splat, one hit Broderick squarely on the face, the disgusting smell causing the lawyer to distance himself. The other mixed-race woman took it a step further, unearthing what was concealed in her bag and tossing it at Broderick''s head. A large pile of fresh human waste splattered all over him. Broderick was left covered in excrement from head to toe, his hair, face, nose, and mouth completely sullied. Journalists went wild, photographing the spectacle. The two women quickly made their escape. Seeing their bravery, the other women opened up the way and provided cover while continuing to hurl accusations at Broderick. "Murderer, go eat shit!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 132: Settling Old Scores [Chapter 133: Settling Old Scores] Beverly Hills, Sherman Oaks, a luxury mansion. After rinsing himself three times and spraying on some cologne, Broderick finally made his way to the living room. His friend, Barack Bernanke, was waiting for him there. "Melissa reminded you to hurry up and wrap up this divorce," he said. Broderick remained silent, turning on the TV and tuning into the news channel. Los Angeles Channel 9 was covering the domestic violence allegations, and it was nothing but attacks directed at him, with barely concealed outrage. There was also a teaser for a press conference happening the next day, where Sarah Jessica Parker and other women''s organizations would be announcing the formation of a new anti-domestic violence charity. After seeing this, Broderick switched channels, specifically looking for related news. Barack snatched the remote from him and turned off the TV. "No need to watch; the public opinion is extremely against you." "Why?" Broderick asked. Barack understood what the question implied. "You''re Jewish, and Sarah Jessica Parker is too. Her father, Stephen, has called a lot of newspapers. No one wants to get tangled up in your private mess." He reminded Broderick, "Just finalize the divorce quickly, even if you have to pay more. You can earn back money later." "But you can''t get people back," Broderick whispered. Barack was at a loss for words and didn''t feel like arguing anymore. "I''m leaving. Call me if you need something." Broderick sat still, not moving. ... After Barack left, the lawyer returned with a fax. He handed it to Broderick. "Sarah has already retained a lawyer to file for divorce and requested asset preservation. She also sent over a property settlement agreement." Broderick scanned the document quickly. "She wants me to walk away with nothing!" The lawyer replied, "The current situation is not favorable for us..." "I''ll need to think it over," Broderick said, waving his hand. "You can go. I''ll call if I need anything." The lawyer had no choice but to leave. Broderick remained in the living room, staring at the wedding photo of him and Sarah for a long time. Love and Betrayal. ... Outside the mansion, in the wooded area, Campos put down his binoculars and spoke to Carlos, who was coming back from overtime, "Keep watching. I''ll take a nap and switch with you." §²¨¢??????¦¥? As dawn broke, nothing changed on this side. After waking up, Campos texted Hawke. ... At the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Hawke felt his phone vibrate and woke up to check. Edward, in the outer room, also roused from his sleep and asked, "Boss, what''s going on?" "Nothing, go back to sleep," Hawke said as he threw on some clothes, grabbed his gun, and headed for the door. In the adjacent room stayed Sarah Jessica Parker. Everything seemed normal. Returning, Hawke had lost his urge to sleep. Edward emerged from the bathroom and asked, "Do you really think Broderick will go to extremes?" "He''s not mentally stable; the relationship with Sarah is too twisted," Hawke summarized. "He''s willing to destroy his reputation to help Sarah tackle the plastic surgery scandal. When someone loves to such an extent, betrayal can easily result in extreme hatred." Edward seemed to recall past events. "Yeah, it''s easy to go to extremes." Hawke could tell there was a story behind the Savior, but it wasn''t the right time to ask. He added, "Broderick''s not just a producer." The film crew in Provo and the missing girl showed that Broderick wasn''t lacking in the courage to break the law. Worried that Broderick''s courage wasn''t enough, Hawke pushed him further. Edward asked, "What if he hires a crew...?" Hawke cut him off, saying, "Then we call the police; the biggest armed gang in Los Angeles will teach him a lesson." ... Since he couldn''t sleep, Hawke decided to call Caroline, who was also staying at the hotel. After a few rings, Caroline picked up, sounding half-awake and groggy. "What?" Hawke raised his voice, "Come over." Woken up, Caroline, irritable, responded, "What time is it!" "I have important work to discuss," Hawke casually replied. He hung up after that and got ready, not waiting long before Caroline, bare-faced, knocked on his door. Caroline grumbled, "I''m not your mule!" "I know; you''re my little sheep," Hawke retorted. "I have new ideas for Sarah''s speech." Reluctantly, Caroline grabbed a pen and notebook. ... As daylight brightened, the three decided to head out for breakfast. At 8 a.m., Hawke arrived at the hotel''s press area and checked the setup. Los Angeles Channel 9, responsible for the live broadcast, had already begun setting up the cameras. Hawke exchanged a few words with Sarah before heading to the back lounge with his bag. Edward had bought several copies of newly published newspapers. Hawke quickly flipped through them; they prominently featured the news about Sarah Jessica Parker''s domestic violence ordeal, with some even showing graphic photos from the victim as revealed by The Ace News. The media uniformly criticized Broderick. Pregnant Sarah Jessica Parker took a stand to protect herself and her child, fighting against domestic violence, which received widespread acclaim. The media also strongly urged judicial authorities to punish the domestic violence perpetrators severely. ... At that moment, two people entered: Caroline, ahead, introduced a middle-aged woman following her. "Hawke, this is the president of the Los Angeles FMF, Michelle. Michelle, this is Hawke Osment, founder of the West Coast Media Studio." Michelle stepped forward to shake Hawke''s hand. "Although it''s our first meeting, this is our second collaboration." Actually, it was their third; the first was when Erica shot Downey. Hawke didn''t mention that, merely smiling, "I hope this goes as well as the last time." Michelle continued, "At today''s press conference, we will establish a national anti-domestic violence alliance with Sarah, who will serve as honorary chairperson." Hawke replied, "This will be a great collaboration, one that will be noted in the history of the equal rights movement in this country." Their quick chat concluded as the press conference began. The live broadcast from Los Angeles Channel 9 also commenced. ... Back in Sherman Oaks, Broderick hastily ate some food. Remembering the preview he saw last night, he located the remote, turned on the TV, and switched to LA Channel 9. Then, he saw the wife he once loved but who had now betrayed him. Sarah was passionately speaking, urging all women suffering from domestic abuse in the U.S. to bravely stand up, say no to domestic violence, and take up legal weapons to seek justice against their abusers. Broderick maintained a calm demeanor as he slowly placed down the remote, lifting his hand to examine his palm. A once passionate love had turned into the most shameful betrayal! He got up and walked toward the storage room, opening a cabinet. From a hidden compartment, he took out a gun box, pulled out a small Sig Sauer pistol, loaded it, and tucked it into his pocket. Though he was no saint, facing the betrayal of his beloved stirred a righteous anger within him. The depth of love, the pain in his heart, the intensity of his hatred. Broderick climbed into his Mercedes and drove southeast toward Beverly Hills. ... At that very moment, Campos used binoculars to confirm through the windshield that it was Broderick driving. He grabbed his walkie-talkie, saying, "Target vehicle spotted, black Mercedes, southeast direction." Nearby, Garcia, who had been on standby in another car, immediately started his engine and followed. Campos packed away the binoculars and the walkie-talkie and ran toward the parked vehicle. Carlos had already started the car and was waiting. Campos hopped in and shouted, "Go!" The Chevrolet turned onto the main road. Campos pulled out his phone, dialing Hawke''s number. "The target has left alone, heading southeast, possibly going to Beverly." ... Hawke was distancing himself from the press area. "Keep following and confirm the destination." On the other end replied, "Got it." Hawke called Edward over to join him in another lounge room, where he removed his business jacket and opened another bag. He donned a wide-brimmed hat and a baseball cap, threw on a sports jacket, and took his gun out for inspection. Edward was mimicking his actions. "Boss, is he coming?" "Very likely," Hawke replied, tucking his handgun into a shoulder holster and warning Edward, "Keep your concealed carry permit handy. If the LAPD shows up wanting to check, cooperate with them, understand?" Edward knew well he belonged to the high-risk group with an emptied magazine and said, "I''ll keep my hands up!" In addition to the gun, Hawke also grabbed a canister of high-concentration pepper spray, shoving it into his pocket. Edward did the same. Once they were armed, Campos called again. "The target has entered Beverly Hills." Hawke retrieved a backup Sony phone, connected his Bluetooth earpiece, and walked outside. As he stepped out, he noticed a newspaper left at the door and casually took a copy with him. In the press area, the press conference had reached the final question phase. Hawke pointed, and Edward immediately entered the press area. He then turned down the corridor, making his way to the hotel lobby. Through Campos'' phone, Hawke kept tabs on Broderick''s movements. It didn''t take long before he confirmed that Broderick was headed to the Hilton Hotel. Hawke still couldn''t determine what Broderick intended to do and advised Campos, "Follow him, and unless I give instructions, don''t act recklessly." ... As the conference concluded, reporters exited one by one, rushing back to the office to file their stories. Before long, Michelle and her team left as well. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke pulled out another Nokia phone and called Miss Baa. "Have Sarah take a break before leaving." Until the money was secured, Caroline''s role remained compliant. "You tell me when to leave, and I''ll take Sarah with me." Hawke''s earpiece crackled with Campos'' voice again. He stepped outside the hotel door and leaned against a column to watch the parking lot ahead. A black Mercedes rolled into the parking lot, confirmed by the license plate as Broderick''s car. This vehicle parked where it had a clear view of the hotel entrance, but the occupant remained inside, seemingly on a phone call. Soon after, Caroline''s phone rang in, "Broderick just called Sarah, saying he is outside the Hilton Hotel, asking her to join him to go to the law firm and sign the divorce agreement. He said his love for her would never change and that he would give up all his assets." Her voice dropped to a rush. "Sarah has stepped outside! I couldn''t stop her; I could only follow." At that, Hawke was taken aback. Has Broderick really sunk that low? What a super simp? He found it hard to believe and said, "Stay a little farther from her." Caroline added, "She called Edward to drive her." Hawke turned back, waiting for a brief moment and saw Edward step outside. He subtly gestured. Edward noticed and hurried down the steps to start the car. Hawke carefully observed the positioning between the Mercedes and the hotel front, ensuring he chose the quickest route. He grabbed the newspaper and made his way to a bench, sitting down to scan it. ... The black Mercedes''s door swung open, and Broderick, wearing a cap, stepped out, one hand slipping into his coat pocket, clutching the small handgun nestled there, and walked toward the hotel entrance. ... To avoid suspicion, Campos waited a moment before grabbing his briefcase and getting out of the car. ... Inside the hotel lobby, Sarah was walking while dialing Brian to notify her lawyer of a possible significant breakthrough in the divorce case. If they could reach a divorce agreement without court proceedings, she would save a fortune on legal fees. Not to mention the chance to secure all the assets. Sarah found it hard to refuse. ... Carrying her Hermes bag, Caroline lagged behind, her high heels clicking on the floor, seemingly trying to catch up to Sarah but taking tiny steps instead, only distancing themselves further apart. ... Edward had already moved to the car ahead, and as Sarah reached the door, she walked straight outside. Broderick saw his wife, ever so familiar, and immediately quickened his pace, brushing past Hawke. Hawke couldn''t tell what Broderick planned to do and set down the newspaper to trail behind. Broderick''s gaze was solely on Sarah as he stepped onto the first step of the hotel and shouted, "Sarah Jessica Parker!" Sarah turned around, spotting her husband and the gun he had drawn. Instinctively, she raised both her hands, preparing to shield her head. That''s when Hawke had been waiting for. As Broderick pulled out his gun, he lunged forward, tackling Broderick to the ground. He grasped Broderick''s right arm, twisting it toward an empty spot. A gunshot rang out, with the bullet striking the glass at the side of the Hilton Hotel entrance, scattering shards everywhere. Screams and running filled the air. Simultaneously, Hawke tackled Broderick down onto the steps. He pressed down hard on Broderick''s right hand that held the gun and grabbed the back of his head with his left hand. Without letting the squirming guy exert any energy, he slammed his knee into Broderick''s abdomen with all his might. The impact cracked Broderick''s body as if an egg had shattered, causing him to collapse completely. Before Broderick could utter a sound, Hawke tightened his grip with his left hand, yanked up Broderick''s hair, and slammed his head down again. With a bang, Broderick''s entire face made contact with the marble floor. Broderick''s prominent nose crumpled upon impact. This guy was filled with hatred for Sarah''s betrayal, and even at this moment, still held tightly onto the gun. Hawke took the risk to pay some debts owed. His knee dug hard into Broderick''s lower back, gripping his hair again, lifting up Broderick''s head, and smashing it down again. Another thud echoed, and Broderick''s forehead, brow bone, and nose bled profusely. Without any pause, Hawke lifted Broderick''s head once more and noticed the edge of the step. He slammed it down again. It was like LAPD clearing a magazine, never stopping! Broderick''s mouth collided with the step, losing half of his teeth. Hawke yanked Broderick''s head up again and smashed it against the steps. Still, he forced Broderick''s mouth to meet the stone, and from Broderick''s gaping mouth spewed out over twenty teeth. All the teeth in the front were gone! Hawke kept hitting him, intending to turn this guy into a toothless calamari. "Drop the gun!" Hawke demanded, still applying pressure to Broderick''s hand. At this moment, it was hard for Broderick to let go. "Drop the gun! Quickly, drop it!" Seeing that this bastard refused to comply, Hawke pulled out the concentrated pepper spray he carried, aiming it at Broderick''s head, and sprayed it all over him. This stuff hitting the open wounds made Broderick wail in agony as he lost grip on the gun. Hawke swiftly kicked it out of reach. On the ground, Broderick no longer resembled a human. Several security personnel from the Hilton rushed over after seeing the gun fall. Hawke commanded, "Control him and call the police." "We''ve already called," the security officer pointed at Hawke''s wide-brimmed glasses, "Your glasses are splattered with blood." Hawke waved his hand, "It''s fine." ... He moved toward the hotel entrance, where fewer people were around, and a few stepped back instinctively. After hanging up, Hawke stored his Bluetooth earpiece, dialed Erica''s number. "I was shot at the entrance of the Beverly Hilton Hotel." Breath grew rapid on the other end. "Are you okay?" Hawke quickly replied, "I''m not hurt; I subdued the shooter." Erica didn''t say more. "I''ll be there right away." ... Not far off, Campos, who had followed, pulled something from his jacket and turned back. He didn''t need to stay here since the situation was resolved easily. He acted as the eyes in the dark, without needing to reveal himself. ... Hawke stepped over the shattered glass into the hotel entrance, seeing Sarah trembling. He gently patted her back. "It''s okay now." Miss Baa had seen the entire thing, her innocent eyes filled with what seemed like stars as they locked onto Hawke. She was a bit scared, a bit excited, and also a bit in awe. Fear stemmed from Hawke''s earlier warnings that she wouldn''t listen, otherwise she would be under target practice; now it was apparent that it wasn''t a mere threat. Her excitement and adoration came from her realization that this seemingly ordinary guy was extraordinarily powerful. Sarah asked, her voice trembling, "Is he dead?" "No, but he can''t hurt you anymore," Hawke glanced at the dazed sheep, making sure to say, "He called you out, and when Caroline couldn''t stop you, she called me. I worried he intended harm, so I waited right at the hotel, but I never expected..." Caroline understood. Sarah, irrespective of the blood on Hawke, embraced him tightly. "Thank you, thank you." She turned to hug Caroline. "Without you guys, my life would surely be ruined, or even worse, I''d be dead." ... Hilton Hotel executives began to arrive in droves. Outside, the LAPD patrol car sirens blared as nearby patrol officers rushed to the scene. The LAPD first secured the scene and briefly questioned everyone before looking for Hawke and Sarah in the hotel. When Hawke saw the patrol car, he pulled out the upgraded card Suzy had given him. The elder officer took a glance, then asked, "Sir, do you need medical assistance?" "I''m fine," Hawke gestured to Sarah. "My client is shaken up." More patrol officers arrived shortly thereafter. The main desk contacted them, reminding the officers to secure the scene; the detective bureau had dispatched their team, and they would handle the case. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 133: Late-Stage AIDS Anxiety [Chapter 134: Late-Stage AIDS Anxiety] At the precinct, Hawke finished giving his statement and stepped out of the interrogation room. A female officer waited by the door and quietly pointed to the left, saying, "The fifth room, the sheriff''s office. She''s waiting for you." Hawke hurried over, knocked on the door, and upon hearing Erica''s voice, he pushed the door open. "Make yourself comfortable," Erica said. Hawke sat on a single chair and asked, "That guy didn''t die, right?" "No, just a minor injury," Erica replied briefly. "He broke his nose and lost a lot of teeth; he''s been temporarily taken to the hospital." She continued, "You have a contract with your employer, and there''s no issue in protecting their legal rights." Hawke said, "I called Brian; he''ll be my attorney." Erica nodded and added, "Your client doesn''t have to worry about Broderick anymore. He fired a gun with intent to kill, and considering his previous history of domestic violence, we have ample reason to deny bail." The precinct had already figured out the situation. She added, "The actions of this bizarre couple almost got you in trouble." Hawke replied, "I took the money to solve my client''s problems. I couldn''t just watch as my client got shot." Erica came over, stood behind Hawke, and embraced his head: "Nothing is more important than personal safety." Hawke slightly leaned back, his head sinking into soft comfort. "It was just an accident." Erica tightened her hold, playfully pulling: "I''ll make that jerk pay." Hawke tugged back: "Today, I mainly listened to you and did as you said." "What?" Erica asked at just the right moment. Hawke elaborated, "If the other side has their gun out, absolutely don''t let your guard down. Once they have a legal means to attack, and they strike, don''t hesitate." Erica remembered: "The rhythm of emptying the magazine." She simply explained, "When LAPD faces a threat, it''s less of a hassle to empty the magazine in one breath. If you choose to fire intermittently, determining whether the other side has lost the threat during the follow-up investigation can be really annoying." A knock sounded at that moment. Erica stepped back, tidied up her shirt, and said, "Come in." A female officer entered: "Deputy Chief, it''s time for the meeting." "I know." Erica picked up her jacket. "Let''s go." Hawke got up to leave. After the officer went out, he whispered, "Going to Silver Lake tonight?" Erica turned and glanced at him: "Sure." ... In the lobby, Hawke saw Sarah Jessica Parker and her father, Stephen Parker. A few witnesses from the Hilton Hotel had already finished their statements and left. Stephen glanced at Hawke, his expression earnest. "Thank you. Without your quick action, Sarah would''ve been shot by that jerk." Hawke put on a professional demeanor: "Just doing my job." Stephen continued, "I''ve already reached out to some friends in the media. We''re going to fully expose Broderick''s misdeeds. He tried to shoot his own wife; he has to pay the price!" ??¦­???? Sarah added, "Caroline has already contacted the media; this afternoon, I''ll join the FMF for a press conference." "That''s good," Hawke nodded slightly. "It''ll show society what Broderick has done. Sarah is his wife; he committed domestic violence, then shot her..." Having immersed herself in the role for so long, Sarah spoke as if it were all real: "He beat me to a pulp and even tried to take my life. He''s so ruthless!" In that moment, she thought of the support from her father and grabbed Stephen''s arm: "Dad... Daddy, you have to help me. You''re my only family left." Stephen opened his arms and hugged his daughter tightly. "I have some reputation in the Jewish community; I may not be able to help you much, but at least I won''t let the media or public opinion support that jerk." Hawke felt moved by the bond between father and daughter. "If you two are reconciled, what problems can''t be solved?" Stephen reached out, patted Hawke''s shoulder: "You''re a good man." ... After finishing up there, Stephen accompanied Sarah out of the precinct where too many reporters had gathered, eager to interview Sarah. Caroline approached the reporters, telling them, "This afternoon, there''ll be a press conference at the Hilton about this case. Sarah is traumatized, so please let her leave." ... Hawke followed a few detectives out the front door and found Edward''s Audi. He got in. Edward asked, "Boss?" "Head to Century City." Hawke took out his phone and called Campos: "Make sure your team gets their bonuses." Campos replied, "I won''t have any problems on this end." Hawke called Caroline: "Let''s grab lunch together." "You''re being so nice?" Caroline sounded skeptical. "Are you plotting against me again?" Hawke said, "Do you want your commission?" Caroline''s tone changed instantly: "I''ll treat you to lunch; give me a chance to buy!" "Okay," Hawke felt bad refusing. "Let''s head to Casaro." With their plans set, Edward drove to Century City. ... Upon arrival at Casaro, Caroline was already waiting outside. Hawke and Edward got out of the car, and she came over to greet Hawke, then widened her eyes at Edward, turning her head slightly. Edward, not dense, realized Miss Caroline clearly didn''t welcome him, saying, "I have some things to handle; I''ll take off now." Hawke pretended not to see and entered the restaurant first. Caroline quickly followed. The two found a quiet booth, each ordered some food, and talked as they ate. Hawke directly said, "I''ll transfer the first commission of $120,000 to you today." Caroline smiled brighter than a flower: "I did a great job, right?" Hawke guided her, "Very good. You helped Sarah obtain almost all marital assets." "Uh-huh!" Caroline nodded eagerly, asking, "Now that we''re getting Sarah all her assets, shouldn''t she give a little extra in return?" Hawke replied curtly, "You can ask for it." Caroline waved it off grandly: "Forget it, forget it; we''ve already gotten quite a bit from Sarah." She calculated, "$800,000 for crisis management, $800,000 for the Golden Globe win; I can still get another $160,000." At this point, Miss Caroline was almost laughing herself silly. Hawke said, "We''re collaborating; money is not an issue." Caroline agreed: "These last few months, my quality of life has clearly improved." "Let''s not talk about money now; there''s more work to get done." Hawke emphasized, "You''re still in charge of media communication. The key focus of the coverage should be on Sarah and Broderick''s marital dispute. Broderick shooting pregnant Sarah in public will draw widespread sympathy." Caroline asked, "Don''t you want to be famous? You saved Sarah?" Hawke shook his head: "No need; people like us aren''t fit to be stars." "Right!" Caroline strongly agreed. "Hollywood stars are all psychos; Broderick and Sarah are just two of them." Hawke added, "At the press conference, if someone asks, you can mention the West Coast studio''s name." "I got it," Caroline said. After lunch, Hawke called his accountant, and the $120,000 commission was transferred to Caroline''s account. When the bank called, Caroline laughed until her eyes squinted. ... There was another press conference in the afternoon. The situation was clear-cut. Although Hawke purposefully chose a spot where the cameras wouldn''t catch him, most reporters had already left, but enough eyewitnesses remained. Broderick had no way to turn the tables. Hawke met Brian, who had rushed over. "Everything is looking good. All the issues are resolved," Brian said, having checked the latest news online. "The difficulty of this divorce lawsuit has been reduced by at least tenfold." Hawke replied, "Just yesterday, we were worried about how to send Broderick to prison, and now he''s just falling apart." Brian was in a good mood: "I''ll treat tonight. Want to catch a show?" He made a point to say, "Just like the tape of Sarah and Broderick." Hawke scanned him from head to toe, jokingly saying, "Didn''t expect you to be a weirdo!" Brian shrugged it off: "Just watching others perform; sometimes you might run into a Hollywood star." "I''m meeting Erica tonight," Hawke stated firmly, showing no interest. "You should go by yourself." Brian shook his head: "You need to adjust to our circle; besides a formal girlfriend or fiancee, you should also develop some peripheral activities." Hawke replied cheekily: "Dude, are you really going to take someone home after the show? Have you forgotten? AIDS!" Brian''s enthusiasm plummeted at the mention of it; his anxiety about AIDS flared up, killing any plans of going out. He angrily paced back and forth, almost pointing his finger at Hawke: "You did that on purpose, didn''t you? You''re doing it intentionally!" Hawke spoke earnestly: "Brother, I''m doing this for your good; consider it, AIDS -- no cure." Brian slumped down in a chair, defeated: "You''re such a jerk; does Erica know?" Hawke chuckled, "You say Erica and I are two disasters." This remark gave Brian a point to strike back: "I wish you both get stuck in a tourist trap with twenty armed robbers next time you go!" ... After the press conference wrapped up, Brian found Sarah to discuss the next steps for the divorce. Sarah had clear goals: take all the assets and send Broderick to prison for over five years. "Given the current situation, it doesn''t seem too hard," Hawke remarked, glancing at Stephen Parker. "Broderick has connections." Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Stephen replied, "I''m not close with Ackerman Films, but I have friends who know some high-level executives there. This is Sarah and Broderick''s private matter, and I''ve directed a few friends to convey that." Brian noted, "If that''s the case, our odds are significantly higher." Sarah wanted more than that: "What about the Golden Globes?" Hawke nodded: "I''ll handle that." ... After leaving the Hilton, Brian grabbed his bag and walked alongside Hawke. Hawke asked, "Where to next?" Brian replied irately, "Heading home to sleep. In the future, you bastard, don''t ever bring up AIDS in front of me again." "Fine, no more mentions." Hawke replied seriously: "By the way, I just read a medical magazine with statistics on the infectious diseases reported last quarter in California." He didn''t mention AIDS again: "Syphilis was in the top three for infections." Brian turned on his heels and approached his car, saying, "I don''t know you." Hawke said, "Dude, I''ll subscribe to that medical magazine for you; it''ll come to your house every month." As the engine roared, Brian sped off without looking back. ... Hawke returned to East Hollywood but didn''t go to Fountain Street. Instead, he entered through the other side of the Ranch Park, crossed the park to the parking lot, and knocked on Frank''s RV. Frank''s head popped out, asking, "What are you sneaking around for? Trying to steal my stuff?" Hawke flipped him the bird as a greeting, saying, "Any changes at the studio?" "Did you do something dumb again?" Frank shook his head: "Every time you do something stupid, you come to me to clean up. You''re hopeless." Hawke got in the car, took out binoculars, and checked on the studio from a distance. Frank said, "Everything looks normal." Hawke put down the binoculars: "Keep an eye on that place for a few days. I''ll be busy working and may not return. Don''t go in; the security''s all active. If any strangers try to break in, remember to notify me." "Got it." Frank was straightforward: "Take me grocery shopping this weekend. Salma is coming over in the afternoon, and I plan to make her a barbecue feast." Hawke agreed, then added, "Can''t figure it out, how does Salma Hayek like you? Is it that you don''t bathe? Is it the body odor? Or is it your dry, dead lawn?" Frank stood tall, saying, "Because I gave her advice that saved her three years of wrong turns." Hawke''s phone rang, and he stepped out to answer. It was Erica calling: "I just spoke with the district attorney''s office; you''ve been recognized for stopping serious violent crime, so there''s nothing to worry about legally." "Thanks, darling," Hawke knew that with such efficiency, Erica must have been a significant part of it. "If you want to thank me properly, don''t just leave it at words," Erica said generously. "Make sure you do well tonight." Hawke replied equally as boldly: "What time do you finish? I''ll wait for you at the villa." Erica responded, "By six-thirty at the latest, I can make it over." After hanging up, Hawke glanced at his watch, nodded to Frank, crossed Ranch Park, and drove to a nearby supermarket. Erica was tall and fit from years of working out; he needed to replenish his energy. ... After buying some food, Hawke drove to the Silver Lake neighborhood and went straight to Erica''s villa. The kitchen was fully equipped; he quickly prepared a simple dinner. As he brought the meal to the dining room, Erica walked in from outside. When Hawke saw Erica in the morning, she was dressed casually. Now, however, she wore a fitted police uniform, complete with a utility belt on her waist. Hawke set down the platter, leaned against the dining table, and scrutinized her from head to toe. Erica began again: "When I was on patrol, I noticed you often sneaked looks at me. What do you think of this uniform? Handsome, right?" "Absolutely beautiful." Hawke strode over to her. That uniform boosted her attractiveness by five hundred percent. Erica asked, "Did you really sneak peeks?" Hawke hadn''t expected this trap to come up, so he said, "You''re so gorgeous; if I didn''t sneak a look, that''d be disrespectful." Erica clasped the utility belt with both hands, teasingly inviting: "Come on, show me respect..." Before she could finish, Hawke had pulled her in, the fierce female LAPD officer falling into the hands of an assailant concealed with weapons. The two trained together every week at the Artel Mountain Shooting Range; Hawke was an expert with firearms, and Erica had substantial knowledge in handling guns as well. But due to some natural disadvantages women face, Erica soon found herself at a disadvantage. After the first round of the contest, Erica''s uniform turned into a tattered rag. ... After showering and changing, they returned to the dining table for dinner. Hawke asked, "Christmas is around the corner; are you guys getting a break?" "We are, but can''t go out," Erica replied while serving, "The family has to gather for Christmas dinner." She brought out a packet and handed Hawke an invitation: "There''s a ceremony next week at Parker Center; are you coming?" With the invitation handed over, Hawke nodded, "Of course." He curiously asked, "You''ve been promoted to sheriff; what kind of award is it?" Erica said, "The Brave Medal, awarded specifically to officers like me who exhibit courage while on duty." Though saying it herself had a certain air of boasting, Hawke had fought alongside Erica enough times to know she deserved that title of bravery. When she acted, she was extremely decisive and never half-hearted in her duty. The two chatted as they ate. Hawke casually inquired, "Have you cracked that serial killer case on your end?" "No, it''s a pretty complicated case," Erica responded curtly. "In recent months, we''ve found several girls who were tortured to death; our investigation has revealed there may even be missing persons behind it." Hawke''s mind sparked: "Actors or models?" Erica shook her head: "People from all walks of life; they''re all out-of-town folks. No one had reported them missing while they were alive, and some couldn''t even prove their identities. The only way we could identify them, we issued a notification to their parents, but their parents had since divorced and formed new families, showing no concern for them, not even accepting our offer to cover their travel expenses to come to Los Angeles." Hawke contemplated whether or not he should mention Campos'' discovery. Erica added, "Someone from the higher-ups has suppressed this case, telling us to hang tight, not to waste resources on the out-of-town people." Hearing this, Hawke held back from speaking, asking, "Is the precinct just giving up?" Erica shrugged: "We''re not miracle workers; without personnel and funding, it''s impossible to solve cases." Some things she couldn''t speak clearly to Hawke about, so she could only leave it vague: "Who knows, it might get activated again one day; this involves higher-level disputes." After dinner, they walked to the yard, and once they relaxed enough, they returned inside. With Erica assisting Hawke in practice, ... The night fell, and many people in Los Angeles were stirring. Stephen Parker left his temporary residence in Los Angeles, heading to an old town where he entered a bar called Echo. He found his old friend Sterling. After small talk, he pulled out a photo of Broderick and handed it to Sterling. "This is the target." Sterling replied, "I know him; taking him out would be too risky and bring LAPD down on us." Stephen said, "No need to take him out; I want you to find someone to humiliate him." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 134: The Tough-Gal Detective [Chapter 135: The Tough-Gal Detective] In the morning, at the medical center. Injured, Broderick lay on his hospital bed. His once prominent nose drooped sadly on his face. Pain caused him to occasionally move his lips, but no teeth were visible; he could only emit muffled sounds of discomfort. This was a room specifically set up as a collaboration between the LAPD and the hospital to treat serious offenders. Two metal chains cuffed Broderick''s wrists and locked them to iron rings bolted into the concrete wall. Faint voices drifted in from outside. Officer Wayne, who was on duty, received a phone call. Shortly after, a food delivery staff member wearing a white coat and mask pushed a cart toward him. Wayne conducted a routine check of the food cart, finding no illegal items. He murmured, "Hurry up." The white coat nodded and pushed the cart into the ward. ... Once the door closed, the staff picked up a loaf of bread and placed it on the bedside table. Broderick turned his head, staring hard at this person, mumbling indistinctly, "Carl." "It''s me, old buddy," Carl came specifically to say. "I was sent to tell you not to say anything you''re not supposed to. Soon, a sum of money will be deposited into your UBS account. You''ll only have to spend two years here before you get paroled. You''ll still be a rich man when you get out." Broderick knew the consequences of disobedience and nodded vigorously, "I understand." Pleased, Carl asked, "Anything you want to say?" "Sarah! Sarah!" Broderick struggled to articulate clearly. "Take out that bitch!" Carl had heard about Broderick''s situation with Sarah and replied, "You''ve certainly made me anxious about marriage, old buddy." Without further delay, Carl exited the room with the cart. ... It wasn''t long before Officer Wayne received another phone call. He glanced at the ward door, sighed deeply, and continued pretending he didn''t know anything. Moments later, an older Black man in a blue uniform pushed a cleaning cart toward the ward. Wayne conducted another routine check, advising, "Make it quick." The older man nodded and wheeled the cart through the door. Wayne realized supervising an injured prime suspect was no easy job. If someone called and he didn''t let them in, there would surely be trouble. If he did let them in and something happened, it would be his responsibility. ... Inside the ward, the old man tightened the chain on the wall so Broderick couldn''t move, and then he undid his blue pants. Broderick''s eyes widened in terror as he opened his mouth to scream. The old man noticed, grinning, "Oh, you don''t have any teeth? That makes it so much easier." Broderick tried to struggle, but he was unable to move. He called out, but there was no response from the outside and quickly closed his mouth again. The old man, well-experienced, pinched Broderick''s nose. Broderick had no choice but to open his toothless mouth. Wayne noticed some commotion inside and gently knocked on the door. "It''ll be over soon," the old man said as he tidied up and exited the room. Wayne didn''t allow him to leave just yet but checked on Broderick''s condition. Seeing he wasn''t hurt, he waved him off dismissively. The old man hurried out. Wayne glanced at the white foam around Broderick''s mouth and said, "Enjoying two hearty meals in a row, you sure are lucky." Broderick wailed. Wayne completely ignored him and stepped out of the ward, remaining on guard at the door. ... At Hobart Mountain Park, it was sparsely populated in the morning. Hawke rounded a cluster of palm trees and stepped into a clearing in the woods. With the winter temperature being a bit chilly, Jacqueline, dressed in a wool coat, paced nervously in one spot. When she saw Hawke, she exclaimed, "You finally made it!" Hawke asked, "What happened?" "Yeah, something happened," Jacqueline replied quickly. "Remember that red-haired girl Jessica I mentioned? The one from my acting class at Super Star Training School?" ?????¦­??¦¥? Hawke nodded. "I remember." Jacqueline''s face was serious. "Jessica has disappeared. I had to take two days off for an emergency, and when I came back to class, she wasn''t there. It''s been three days since then." Hawke remembered -- this was the second one. He recalled something and asked, "Did you ask around?" "No," Jacqueline replied, having worked with Hawke a few times and learning to follow instructions carefully. "I remember your words: just watch with your eyes and don''t ask with your mouth." Hawke reminded her again, "Don''t ask around. Focus on your classes and take acting seriously." Jacqueline nodded and added, "There''s one more thing. The producer in charge of our class, Guerrero, hinted to me before my leave that if I was willing to go out at night, I could land a role. But after my leave, he hasn''t returned to class." Hawke checked and found out Guerrero was Broderick''s assistant. With Broderick in trouble, Guerrero was probably busy working at Ackerman Films and had no time for class. "I have Guerrero''s contact information," Jacqueline offered. "Do you want me to reach out to him?" Hawke shook his head, firmly stating, "No! Remember, starting today, you''re just a student in the acting class, and nothing else. Don''t get involved in any other matters. Whether other female students disappear or not, it has nothing to do with you." "Okay, I''ll listen to you," Jacqueline replied, her lips parting as if unsure how to continue. Seeing her hesitate, Hawke asked, "Is there anything else?" Jacqueline thought for a moment, then asked back, "Do you remember Renee?" "Sounds familiar," Hawke pondered briefly before recalling, "The single mother you brought in that wanted to stage a car accident." When he helped Dwayne Johnson land a role, he had asked Jacqueline to find a companion for the staged accident. She had brought in a newcomer, a single mother whose Black husband had bolted after their daughter was born. The daughter seemed to have congenital issues, requiring substantial funds for treatment. This led her down the path of female entrepreneurship. Jacqueline said, "Exactly. Her daughter fell ill, and I took my leave to go help her." Hawke thought of Jacqueline''s previous acquaintance -- a plastic friend. "Renee is a good person," Jacqueline insisted. "Her daughter''s condition is dire, and I lent her my only savings..." Hawke understood. "Just say it directly -- asking for money doesn''t need to be so complicated. We''re old friends." Jacqueline smiled sheepishly. "I''m not used to borrowing money. I always prefer to earn it based on ability." She hesitated but finally asked, "Could you lend me $3,000? The little girl is really pathetic." Hawke had dealt with her enough to see she wasn''t lying. He replied promptly, "Sure, you can come with me to get the money." He called Edward, asking him to grab $3,000 in cash. Jacqueline said, "Thank you. I''ll repay you as soon as I can." Hawke waved his hand dismissively. "This is your compensation." Jacqueline didn''t say anything more. Once Edward arrived with the money, she drove straight to the University of California Medical Center to find Renee. ... Renee was quite attractive, especially with a bombshell figure, even more so than Jacqueline. Jacqueline urged, "Hurry up and get her medication." Renee rushed off to find a doctor. Jacqueline sat on a bench in the hallway waiting. After a long time, a weary-looking Renee returned. Jacqueline inquired, "What''s the situation?" Renee smiled faintly. "Stabilized." She looked toward Jacqueline. "Once her condition improves a bit more, I''ll go out and find a job. I''ll pay you back what I owe as soon as I can." "No rush," Jacqueline said politely, asking, "Have you heard any news from the charity foundation regarding the application?" Renee shook her head. "Nothing yet. I submitted an aid application to the Ackerman Charity Foundation and have not received a reply." Jacqueline reassured her, "The Ackerman Charity Foundation has a good reputation; there might be many applicants in need of assistance. Just hang in there." Renee had no other options and could only force a smile in response. ... In Santa Monica, at the Ackerman Charity Foundation headquarters, Barack Bernanke sat in his office as Carl reported on the situation at the hospital. He flipped through the newspaper, saying, "Broderick might face some difficulties. Sarah''s father has been quite active lately, making calls to many in the circle. Those people, like foxes, don''t want to get involved in this couple''s mess." Carl added, "I don''t want to get involved either." "Do you think I want to?" Barack complained, "Melissa doesn''t even care, yet it all lands in my lap." S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "This couple is truly twisted; one loves to watch his spouse get on with others, and the other is willing to use her husband as a stepping stone for fame." Carl said, "Marriage is a bad idea." Barack thought of Melissa Ackerman, considering that marriage might not be that bad after all. Carl asked, "Should I warn Sarah Parker to keep her head down?" "Don''t bother her. For the next few months, act like she doesn''t exist." Barack understood; Sarah was the center of media attention and a darling of the feminist organizations. "Their private matters are theirs to handle." Those women might find it difficult to achieve something, but they were great at causing trouble and could be irrational when provoked. Carl said that he still had some connections with Broderick. "Sarah''s management, PR, and operational companies are likely all involved." Barack recalled, "I remember hearing someone mention that the company managing Sarah is called West Coast Media Entertainment Studio, and the founder''s name sounds like Hawk or Horner. I''ve heard they''ve been quite active lately. Do a background check and have someone warn him." Carl made a phone call and said a few words. Soon, he received a return call. After listening for a while, he stated, "Confirmed information: West Coast Studio is a media and operations partner of the LAPD. The background operations behind the Mules Incident were handled by this company for LAPD''s image." "LAPD?" Barack frowned. Carl continued, "His girlfriend is Erica Ferguson from the Ferguson family, and the acting lawyer is Brian Ferguson." Barack''s expression froze: "The LAPD''s rising star cop, a future big shot..." Carl added, "Rumor has it that the lucky punk stopped Broderick from shooting Sarah. Erica Ferguson personally called the district attorney to confirm he had prevented a crime from happening." Barack recalled, "That''s right; Erica is ruthless and leaves no survivors, even taking out that disgusting little Robert Downey Jr." Even within their own circles, that poisonous person wasn''t part of their group. Even Carl looked down on him: "A junkie is just waste." Downey never realized he died due to a line he pushed someone to jump after taking drugs. Barack felt quite apprehensive, "Find someone reliable to remind that lucky punk not to overstep." Carl thought of the rough men in his team and said, "I''ll take care of it." Barack nodded slightly. "That''s fine." ... In West Los Angeles, at the Artel Mountain Shooting Range, Hawke and Erica geared up and cleaned their firearms at the outdoor training area. Hawke unloaded the spent magazine from an AR-15 and switched in a fresh one, saying to Erica, "Your shooting skills are excellent, but you''re not as quick as I am in close-quarters combat." Erica agreed. "Men do have an inherent advantage, and you... have even bigger advantages." "Yesterday, I met with Brian," Hawke said deliberately. "He sent us his blessings." Erica knew her cousin well: "He wouldn''t wish us happiness." Hawke shrugged, "He wished us that during our next vacation, we would encounter 20 armed robbers." "We need to be prepared," Erica said, loading her magazine and pulling back the slide. Hawke understood Erica''s taste well enough to say, "We should enhance our tactical coordination training." He pointed to the training area ahead, where mannequin targets stood. "Darling, you''ll take careful aim from the front, providing suppressive fire and cover. I''ll flank from the side and catch the enemy off guard." The two of them weren''t able to pull off any overly fancy tactics; Erica agreed, "Let''s get started." Simulated training commenced again, gunfire ringing out continuously. ... After exhausting every magazine, they finally finished training and returned to the changing room. Once dressed, Hawke''s phone rang; it was that Nokia he left on display. He answered to a stranger''s voice on the other end: "Hi, Mr. Osment. I''m Carl Berroth from the Ackerman Charity Foundation, and I''d like to meet with you briefly." Hawke glanced at his gun case and replied, "I don''t believe we have any business dealings." The voice continued, "You''re managing operations for Sarah Parker, which ties us together..." Hawke pondered for a moment, then said, "How about this: I''ll wait for you at Artel Mountain Shooting Range." After hanging up, he slung the gun case over his shoulder and waited a moment on a rest bench, when Erica also came out. "Ready to go?" Erica was headed to Silver Lake neighborhood. Hawke said, "Someone called me wanting to meet and talk, so I set up an appointment." He didn''t beat around the bush: "Can I borrow the LAPD''s top tough-gal detective as leverage?" Erica understood immediately, "Sounds like things are getting tricky?" Hawke replied directly, "It''s probably related to Sarah. The caller claims to be from the Ackerman Charity Foundation." Erica pulled out a tactical belt from her bag and strapped it around her waist, pulling out her handgun and sliding it into her holster. The two of them went to the agreed front entry waiting area. ... It wasn''t long before a tall, thin-faced man walked in. Carl scanned the front hall and spotted the star officer, Erica, before his gaze settled on the unremarkable man beside her. This man had short black hair, a slim face, an unremarkable appearance, and a calm demeanor -- relatively easy to miss. Almost simultaneously, Hawke was sizing up Carl and recognized him. Hawke had seen this man in pictures and videos shot during the Campos incident; he was the driver who helped Broderick eliminate the blonde girl. Carl approached Hawke quickly, greeting both of them, making introductions, and pulling out a chair to sit directly across from Hawke. But his eyes casually swept over Erica''s waist, noticing the gun. A cop known for shooting people wasn''t scary, but the concern lay in the fact that this woman had considerable backing. Hawke asked, "Did you come to see me about Sarah Parker?" Carl felt it was best not to say too much. He chose his words carefully and replied, "The private matters between Sarah Parker and Broderick are strictly between them." Hawke chuckled, "My current job is to help Sarah make a run for the Golden Globe." Carl understood and said, "Wishing you both success in winning that Golden Globe." "Thanks," Hawke responded, appearing harmless, just like his appearance. Carl stood to take his leave. "I won''t waste any more of your time." Things progressed smoothly on this front. Carl still needed to check in with Stephen Parker -- now that old codger was the truly troublesome one. The attacks on Broderick in the media recently had Stephen''s fingerprints all over them. ... Hawke and Erica left the shooting range, getting into the same car. On the way to Silver Lake, Erica reminded him, "The Ackerman Charity Foundation may present itself as a charity, but they act strangely. You need to be careful when interacting with them." Hawke considered this, slightly testing, "I''ve heard some things about this foundation." Curious, Erica asked, "What kind of things?" Hawke explained, "The Savior had a former girlfriend from their rescue station. I heard her mention that the foundation often organizes health checks. Some homeless people who test positive for health issues have never returned to Los Angeles reportedly found new jobs elsewhere." Hearing this sounded almost like a sci-fi story to Erica: "Free medical check-ups and they even offer jobs?" Hawke said, "I don''t quite believe it either." "Don''t worry about this junk; hidden dangers often lurk behind such things." Instead of it being Hawke warning the Savior, Erica turned the tables, cautioning Hawke: "When things reach a certain level, right and wrong aren''t about justice and fairness, but rather the positions and standings of the people involved." Hawke had never aspired to be a champion of justice, saying, "Good and bad are actually quite simple; those who don''t stand with us are the bad guys." Erica turned her gaze toward him, locking eyes, "Hawke Osment, do you realize how lucky I am to have met you? Your way of doing things, your way of thinking, and your physical attributes all align impeccably with me." "The lucky one should be me," Hawke thought, his mind wandering back to Carl and the Ackerman Charity Foundation. He knew well that these weren''t issues solvable in the short term. So, even after learning about the missing girl and potential problems with charity health checks, Hawke did nothing. He noted everything down, waiting to grow and find the right opportunity. ... In the following week, Hawke found himself with much more spare time at work. With Sarah Parker''s reputation skyrocketing, she snagged several awards in the Hollywood awards season leading up to the Golden Globes. Hollywood award selections never purely evaluated the work itself. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 135: Secret Weapon: Add Money [Chapter 136: Secret Weapon: Add Money] In downtown Los Angeles, at the Parker Center, the LAPD held a commendation ceremony in the plaza in front of its headquarters. Hawke sat dressed formally in a makeshift viewing area. At that moment, Suzy walked over and sat next to him. Hawke greeted her and asked, "Have they wiped out the Mule Gang?" "No, in the latest operation, we caught a lot of old mules," Suzy replied simply. "There are still some mule handlers; some returned to Mexico, while others hid deeper." Hawke didn''t need to guess; he knew it was impossible to wipe them out completely. Just a few days ago, Erica mentioned to him that without the threat of criminals, there was no reason for LAPD to exist. Now, LAPD was constantly demanding increased funding, further expanding their personnel to purchase new vehicles and weaponry. If Los Angeles remained peaceful, there would be no donations, and they wouldn''t pass government scrutiny. At that moment, Brian Ferguson accompanied a middle-aged woman over to their side. The woman had light brown hair, a face vaguely resembling Erica''s, and wore a ladies'' suit. Brian gave Hawke a nudge. Hawke guessed this must be Erica''s mother. Suzy stood up to greet her. "Mrs. Ferguson." "Hello, Suzy, it''s been a while," Mary Ferguson replied warmly, shaking Suzy''s hand. Brian leaned in next to Mary and whispered something. Mary looked up, her gaze falling on Hawke. "Hawke, let me introduce you to someone," Brian beckoned Hawke over and said, "This is Mary, my aunt. Mary, this is Hawke Osment, founder of West Coast Media Entertainment Studio." Mary remained warm and reached out her hand to shake Hawke''s. "I''ve heard Erica talk about you." "Hello, ma''am," Hawke replied politely. "The honor is mine." Mary curiously sized up Hawke. "You''ve stirred up public opinion across Los Angeles over the past six months." Hawke replied, "It''s a necessity for my job. I have to face various challenges, and some require guiding public opinion to resolve." Mary nodded slightly. "I''ve seen a few of your projects, and you''ve done an excellent job in managing your image." "Thank you," Hawke said. After their initial meeting and brief chat, they each took their seats again. Mary Ferguson was called to sit in the front row. Brian remained by Hawke''s side and said, "Buddy, you owe me a big favor." Hawke guessed what this goofball was getting at and stayed silent for the moment. "Do you know how many good things I said about you in front of Mary?" Brian boasted shamelessly. "Do you know who brought those newspaper articles about your work to Mary?" Hawke smirked, "Wasn''t it Erica?" Brian replied, "I did, okay!" He brushed it off. "You have to return this favor." Hawke shrugged, "Alright, what do you want me to do? If it''s about practicing shooting, I can teach you for free..." "Practicing shooting? Not interested." Brian briefly explained, "I''ve taken on a new case that''s a bit complicated, and I''ll reach out later for us to discuss details. You have plenty of wild ideas; I could use your help." ?£Á?????¦¢?? Hawke stopped joking and said seriously, "In terms of law and lawsuits, you''re a hundred times better than me." Brian added, "It isn''t just a legal issue." "Sure," Hawke said. He had asked Brian for help before. "Whenever you need me, just call." The commendation ceremony began, and they fell silent. ... Every year, the LAPD honored a group of officers, and many of them were awarded today. Erica wore her dress uniform and was among the last to go up for commendations. She was awarded the Medal of Valor. A twenty-three-year-old sheriff, plus a recipient of the Medal of Valor. Once the ceremony concluded smoothly, those who received medals came down to celebrate with their families. ... Erica first found her mother and then called Hawke, intending to introduce them to one another. But Brian chimed in, "I''ve already introduced them." Erica shot him a glare laced with anger as she scanned her cousin. Brian thought to himself, why did he have to put himself in such trouble? After exchanging a few pleasantries, Mary Ferguson glanced at her watch and prepared to take her leave. Before she left, she shook Hawke''s hand and said, "Come over to visit us sometime." Hawke responded politely, "I will." After sending her off, Erica linked her arm with Hawke''s and said, "My mom thinks well of you." Hawke quipped, "I''m very nervous; my heart is racing." Erica pulled him closer, pressing her ear to his chest. "No, your heartbeat is quite normal." Hawke felt defeated and said, "Aren''t you going to introduce me to your colleagues?" "Let''s go." Erica tugged Hawke toward the gathering area for the LAPD. Throughout the morning, Hawke became acquainted with many influential mid-level figures from the detective bureau and the West Division. These people were often frontline command personnel. ... At noon, after attending the LAPD''s reception, Hawke drove back to Fountain Street alone. Edward was at the studio, saying, "Boss, the Butterfly told me that the information on the Mexican nanny is complete and has also interacted with her." This nanny was Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston''s nanny, a married woman named Lucia Sodi. "Let him know to go to the safe house," Hawke said while changing clothes. Then, the two of them left the studio, switched vehicles midway, and headed to the safe house. Edward drove, confirming that they weren''t being followed. He said, "That Sarah Parker is gaining quite a bit of influence; she''s become a representative against domestic violence. Should we figure something out for the Golden Globes?" The botched shooting incident only enhanced Sarah''s reputation. Hawke replied, "Jennifer Aniston is the top sweetheart in North America and has not won any major performance awards for years. She is determined to put in her best effort this time, but it''s hard to predict how the judges will decide." Edward mentioned, "There''s an 800,000-dollar reward." Hawke had signed a contract: once he got paid, he would do the job. ... They arrived at the safe house where Campos was already waiting. Hawke sat down and said, "Let''s discuss the specifics." "Lucia''s family consists of three; their daughter is in elementary school. The husband doesn''t have a formal job and does odd jobs, making their income very unstable," Campos relayed, having interacted with them directly due to his background: "Currently, they are renting in a heavily populated Mexican area on Oliviera Street, but their long-term lease on an old apartment is set to expire at the end of the year." Edward interjected, "It''s a pity she didn''t get a divorce; otherwise, I could''ve easily taken care of her." Campos''s words got caught in his throat; he couldn''t grasp the situation. Hawke gestured to Campos. "Forget him; continue." Campos stated, "The best approach is to throw money at them; they really need cash. I had a local Mexican informant tentatively check, and Lucia had worked in Tijuana''s red-light district before coming to Los Angeles." Hawke asked, "How much do they need?" "At least $100,000, maybe more," Campos noted. "Once this job is done, they need to leave Los Angeles for another state." Hawke already had $200,000 allocated for operational funds from Sarah Parker and said, "You handle Lucia." He waved his hand and Edward placed a recently modified bag on the table. This wasn''t a branded item; it had some wear. Its appearance was similar to the one seen in Lucia''s photos. Hawke asked, "You''ve dealt with Lucia before and followed her for a while; how similar is this to her work bag?" Campos examined it closely and replied, "No problem." Hawke continued, "Get her on board, teach her how to use it, collect the video first before paying the remaining amount. Make several copies, store them separately, and wait for my call." Campos took the bag and began studying the built-in camera''s functions. Edward stepped in to instruct him. It was straightforward, no complicated operations involved. After a few minutes, Campos packed everything back in his backpack and left. Hawke and Edward followed suit. ... After switching cars again, Edward curiously asked, "Boss, Hollywood stars love to mess around, and Pitt has a notorious reputation. Can one video really disrupt his relationship with Aniston?" "Hollywood couples or partners might have cheated on each other countless times privately, probably more than God knows," Hawke explained simply. "But if it''s exposed by the media, especially confirmed with evidence, it changes the nature of things. Many stars still care about their image; if the media doesn''t expose it, it''s as if it doesn''t exist. But once it''s known, they usually have only one choice..." Edward considered this and stated, "Is it that thing you mentioned about maintaining a public persona and image?" Hawke nodded slightly. "Pretty much; this is extremely important to celebrities." He glanced out the window at the road and said, "Go to Sherman Oaks, let''s talk to Sarah about the money." ... By mid-December, Broderick had been sentenced to prison, receiving a cumulative sentence of six and a half years for various offenses. Though the divorce case wasn''t fully resolved, Sarah pocketing most of their assets was not an issue. She had also moved back into her luxurious home in Sherman Oaks. Once inside Sarah''s mansion, Hawke entered the living room and saw Sarah slightly showing a baby bump. Under the guidance of the experienced Sofia, she practiced how to highlight a pregnant woman''s posture and aura. Seeing Hawke enter, Sarah paused her practice, removed the cushion from her waist, and smiled, "You finally made time to see me." Hawke smiled back, silently. Sofia, being perceptive, gathered her things and announced, "I''ll take my leave now." Hawke nodded at her. Once she left, he said to Sarah, "Things have started on the other side." Sarah inquired, "Can we handle it?" Hawke replied directly, "It may require more than $100,000." "As long as we take out the strongest competitor, that''s nothing," Sarah, soon to acquire a large chunk of wealth, appeared quite generous. "Tell the person in charge, $200,000." Hawke nodded slightly. "That will give us a greater advantage." At that moment, Stephen Parker walked in, tapping Edward on the shoulder as he sat on the couch and said to Hawke, "There''s something I''d like to consult you about." Hawke asked, "What''s the issue?" "During Broderick''s hospital treatment, I had him try black market milk," Stephen said without reservation, even with Sarah nearby. "Now that he''s going to prison, I want to take it a step further." Hawke had planned to do this and hadn''t gotten around to it, answering, "Arrange the milk and soap deal together." Stephen wasn''t satisfied: "That''s too easy on him." Sarah chimed in, "Broderick is a pervert; he''ll adapt quickly to it, maybe even come to enjoy it, in the end, rewarding himself..." Hawke thought about all the terrible things Broderick had done and realized that might be true. Sarah would certainly know him best in that regard. Stephen frowned, "Getting a horse into prison isn''t realistic." Hawke suddenly remembered what Edward had said earlier and remarked, "Savior, do you still have that happy water with you?" Since obtaining the happy water, Edward had truly come into his own at Deborah''s place; he now kept it on him at all times and quickly produced a bottle. "Boss, I just bought this and haven''t opened it yet." Hawke pointed, "Hand it to Stephen." Stephen accepted it, opened the box to find a small glass vial filled with green liquid. Having been around during his youth, he quickly understood the purpose. "For the soap picking special?" Hawke gave him a thumbs-up and then asked Sarah, "Do you have any pepper spray, like high-concentration cayenne pepper?" "Sure!" Sarah dashed to the closet and returned with a bottle. Stephen took it and praised Hawke, "You really know how to handle various complex problems." Hawke was momentarily at a loss for words. But inside, he felt satisfied. Those who wanted to mess with him were about to enjoy the luxury of soothing liniment and pepper spray. Once the serious matters were discussed, Hawke took his leave. ... Just as Hawke and Edward walked out, Stephen gathered the liniment and pepper spray, preparing to go out shopping and letting his old partners find someone to take orders. But Sarah stopped Stephen. "Wait a minute." During this time, father-daughter relations were warming up, and Stephen felt gratified, smiling as he asked, "I''m heading out to shop; do you need anything?" Sarah pointed to the green glass vial. "You''ll leave that one for me." Stephen frowned but, upon consideration, decided it wasn''t a big deal. He handed the liniment to Sarah and turned to grab the packaging as he went out. "Happy water for women?" Sarah curiously examined the liniment, pouring a bit onto her finger. That unique sensation seemed to unlock a floodgate, instantly reminding her of its intended use. With the liniment in hand, Sarah headed to the bathroom where she confirmed this was indeed happy water. ... Edward was driving the Audi eastward along Ventura Boulevard. Nearing Sherman Oaks, Hawke noticed several 12- or 13-year-old girls with backpacks flagging down cars. One girl even gave a thumbs-up toward the Audi. Edward glanced at Hawke. Hawke remarked, "Ignore them." The Audi passed by the kids. But a following minivan came to a stop, and the driver gestured for the girls to hop in. Hawke turned around and saw the driver was Stephen Parker. He had Edward slow down. Stephen quickly caught up from behind, lowering the passenger window to wave at them as he passed. Edward waved back. Hawke noticed the girl in the front passenger seat was making faces at him. Edward didn''t indulge these kids and responded with a middle finger. The minivan''s passenger window rolled up. Edward said, "Kids from the wealthy area, aside from their clothes, are about the same as those from Compton." Hawke shook his head, "The social resources they enjoy and the elite education they receive are things ordinary folks will never have." "True," Edward said. "Many of my childhood friends joined gangs in middle school, or even elementary school, and ended up as low-level mules, dealing inside the schools." He sounded disgruntled, "I''m definitely going to take out some frustration on that Indio Downey, the rich kid!" ... On a typical December weekend, after Lucia Sodi helped Jennifer Aniston set up the Christmas tree, she drove her small car away from the Beverly Hills mansion and headed back to the old neighborhood. On Oliviera Street, despite the proximity to Christmas, the atmosphere was lacking. Lucia parked her car in an old lot ahead, got out, and grabbed a paper bag from the back seat. A nearby car door opened, and a man stepped out, waving at her. "Hey, Lucia!" "It''s you," Lucia recognized him -- he had helped her recently. Campos walked over. "Do you have a moment to chat?" Lucia pointed to a small shop at the parking lot entrance. "There''s a small shop over there; I''ll buy you a drink." "Thanks," Campos replied as they both headed to the coffee shop. In the afternoon, there weren''t many people around. As they casually chatted, Campos suddenly asked, "I heard you were working for Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston as their nanny?" Not many people knew about it, but Lucia acknowledged, "That''s right; it''s been a few months now." S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As Campos probed further, he continued, "I''ve met several of Pitt''s previous nannies; they all said they were harassed by him during their time." Lucia immediately became alert. "What are you getting at?" Campos queried, "Did Pitt harass you, and did he offer you any money on top of that?" This question struck a key point, and Lucia paused before saying, "No, never." Campos found his opening. "If he''s asking for extra services but refuses to pay, Lucia, what are your thoughts on that?" Lucia replied, "But he''s a big star." "Correct, he''s a star," Campos pressed. "What real benefits did you gain? How has your family''s situation improved?" Being not the sharpest tool in the shed, Lucia admitted, "None, there hasn''t been any change. I haven''t benefited at all, aside from having to eat disgusting things!" Campos stated, "You''ve been ripped off by a Hollywood star; he has countless millions but refuses to pay you a dime for your services." Lucia fell silent. Reflecting on her experience working in a red-light district, Campos pointed out one annoying fact, "You''ve been freeloaded!" Lucia thought it over and realized it was indeed true. Pitt enjoyed her services but never so much as bought her a gift. In contrast, the mistress Aniston occasionally gifted her small items. "I''ll help you get what you''re owed," Campos promised. Successfully stirring Lucia''s emotions, the secret weapon proved to be the most effective -- add money! ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 136: No PR, No Awards [Chapter 137: No PR, No Awards] In a multi-million dollar mansion in Beverly Hills, Jennifer Aniston packed her belongings and approached Lucia in the living room, saying, "Please wrap the gift box I prepared for today." "Sure," Lucia answered. Brad Pitt emerged from the study, kissed Aniston, and asked, "Honey, are we still eating out for lunch?" "To win an award, you have to wine and dine the judges," Aniston replied helplessly. "Without PR, how can I win?" Pitt warned her, "Don''t overdo it; take care of yourself. I''ll wait for you to come back for dinner." Aniston headed to the garage. Pitt watched as her car left the estate before returning inside. As he entered the living room, where they had set up the Christmas tree, he noticed their nanny Lucia had changed outfits -- still in her maid uniform. Perhaps due to having once served as a personal attendant to male actors, Pitt developed a particular fondness for the role of a nanny or maid after his rise to fame, akin to Quentin Tarantino''s penchant for feet. Lucia knelt before the Christmas tree that Aniston had set up herself. Pitt quickly approached, and they soon engaged in a story of hidden encounters between master and maid. By the afternoon, a fatigued-looking Aniston returned home, unaware of anything out of the ordinary, just like before. Seizing the opportunity while Pitt was out, Lucia requested a vacation from Aniston, wishing to return after the Christmas holiday. Aniston granted the leave and even sent a Christmas gift for Lucia''s child. Aniston would also be heading out soon; she had a soiree to attend that evening. ... Lucia took her bag and left the mansion, driving her Nissan out of Beverly Hills, searching for a roadside parking space before promptly making a phone call. Before long, two cars approached her location one after the other. The first car surveyed one side while another monitored the opposite side; Campos finally made a call to Lucia, directing her over. Lucia climbed into his car and returned her bag. Having viewed the camera inside, Campos paid the remaining amount, stating, "You all leave tonight." Lucia''s family had not lived well in Los Angeles. "There''s nothing worth reminiscing here." Campos reminded her, "Don''t return to California." Lucia nodded and expressed, "I want to go..." "No need to tell me." Being pursued by drug cartels, Mexican law enforcement usually received special treatment from their compatriots. Campos advised seriously, "Don''t reveal anything to anyone." ???????????§¦? By dark, Lucia drove back to Oliviera Street, picked up her husband and daughter, packed a few belongings, and under the cover of night, drove away from Los Angeles, heading onto the highway straight to Arizona. With financial means and legal identity, settling down would become easier. ... After Campos arrived at the safe house, the video from the camera was transferred to a laptop, just as Hawke instructed, copying it to several storage drives. Moments later, Hawke and Edward came over. They sat before the laptop, watching the footage of the nanny filming. Pitt and the ordinary-looking nanny engaged in activity beneath the Christmas tree. The video was clear, and various sounds could be heard, including Pitt expressing discontent and grievances about Aniston. Pitt vented not only his desires but also the constraints of his married life. "Pitt really has a great body; no wonder the nanny didn''t ask for money before," Edward remarked, impressed. Campos inquired, "If this video is released, will the faces of non-public figures be blurred?" "Online media might not blur them, but traditional TV networks will," Hawke stated after watching the video. He switched off the player and patiently explained, "Videos like this are a seller''s market. Networks may only get a handful each year, especially with Pitt being a top-tier actor. So long as the seller''s conditions are reasonable, buyers generally agree." Having done similar deals before, Campos asked, "If this one doesn''t go through, can I seek another buyer?" "Correct," Hawke confirmed. "Not only can you ask for a higher price, you can also include additional conditions in the exclusivity agreement, such as the requirement for the video to appear in news segments instead of being suppressed, and ensuring faces of non-key figures are blurred..." Campos understood, "You mean I should sell this video myself?" "Exactly." Hawke had previously shifted all filming responsibilities to Butterfly Company. "You should head to Channel 11''s Ace News first." In Los Angeles, there were hundreds of companies and studios that had provided news to Fox Channel 11 just in the last half-year. Each day, thousands of individuals shot gossip and scandals involving stars. Handling gossip surrounding business corporations or political figures was often riskier. However, scandals about Hollywood stars or sports figures were comparatively safer. Every year, there''s bound to be a super-scale scandal involving celebrity figures. Like the infamous Kobe incident. In all his years, Hawke had never heard of a reporter being silenced over celebrity scandals. He pulled out several contact numbers for Campos to note down. "From now on, you''ll handle this independently." Campos nodded. Hawke continued, "The producer and host currently in charge of Fox Channel 11''s Ace News is named Megan Taylor. You contact her directly on behalf of Butterfly Company." S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Campos replied, "I understand." "The Brad Pitt''s footage could fetch between $400,000 to $500,000 at least," Hawke quickly outlined. "Hundred-thousand dollars will serve as operation funds for your company. Some of it will also help you and your crew with legal status, and the remaining will be in cash or reserved funds, and I might have you procure vehicles or other items." He took out his phone, dialing Erica. "Any updates on that matter we discussed last time?" Edward picked up a pad and pen beside him and actively collaborated. "I have a lead, take this down," Erica replied, relaying a contact number while reminding him, "A minimum of $30,000 per person; it''s a bit pricey, but there shouldn''t be aftercare issues." Hawke nodded. "I won''t say thank you to you; something''s come up, so I''ll talk to you later." "Got it." Erica hung up. Hawke asked Edward to pass the contact number to Campos. "When the time is right, you can handle their identification issues." Campos collected the information. "I understand." Hawke didn''t linger, letting Edward take a copy before departing. ... Campos grabbed his laptop and storage drives, then left to drive to the Fox TV center. When he arrived at Channel 11, he found many freelance reporters coming to sell news, with studio staff coming in and out frequently. Because he had contacted Ace News during the show and reported that there was explosive news about Pitt''s cheating, Campos was treated preferentially by the show crew and entered the reception room alone. Aisha watched the video and immediately called Megan. The latter had been informed by Hawke, but still pretended to be ignorant of the matter. She first negotiated a piece of heavyweight news with a female paparazzi before coming to the reception room. After watching the footage, Megan was very satisfied with the explosiveness of the news and decided to invite Hawke to her house to reward him. This footage regarding two of the most-followed stars in America was undeniably a seller''s market; securing a price of $500,000 and Campos'' terms would not pose any problems. The contracts for the rights transfer were quickly signed. ... Upon returning to the studio, Hawke received a call from Campos, confirming the video would air on Ace News as scheduled. He dialed Sarah Parker, "Channel 11, Ace News." ... In the Sherman Oaks mansion, Sarah lay in her upstairs master bedroom, utterly drained. Beside her nightstand, the bottle of liniment Edward sent her was now empty. Heaven only knows what this woman had been through recently. Finally energizing herself, Sarah exclaimed, "That''s amazing!" Worried she might lose her mind, Hawke abruptly ended the call. Meanwhile, Sarah emerged from her bedroom clad in a nightgown, calling downstairs, "Stephen, where are the happy waters you bought? Could you bring me a few bottles?" Stephen strolled into the grand hall, asking, "Didn''t you just have one? Using it up so quickly? You wouldn''t gulp it down, would you?" Sarah rushed downstairs, retrieving three bottles. ... Award season in Los Angeles was always a bustling time, markedly more chaotic than the mayoral elections. At a rather unremarkable party, impeccably dressed Jennifer Aniston was mingling among several media reporters, discussing the latest hot topics, including Sarah Parker. Sarah was Aniston''s primary competition. While they chatted, Aniston suddenly observed that some newcomers entering the venue were glancing over at her and whispering among themselves. Some server even passed by, shooting her odd looks. Gossip travels faster than wildfire, spreading like a plague throughout the banquet hall. As a star, Aniston was particularly sensitive to certain feelings. She sensed she had become the center of attention in the banquet hall! The problem was that there were many stars here. Her old friend Courteney Cox quickly approached, grabbing Aniston by the arm. "Something''s up, come with me." Aniston followed Courteney outside, anxiously asking, "What''s happened?" "I overheard people discussing how Fox 11''s Ace News aired footage of Pitt cheating with your nanny," Courteney replied. Although she hadn''t seen it herself, the word of mouth suggested otherwise, "You better check it out." ... As people walked past, strange glances landed on her again. Aniston felt a full wave of discomfort wash over her and quickly entered a lounge, rifling through her bag to pull out a long-stored number, dialing with hesitant hope. "Fox 11, Megan Taylor," came the response. Aniston revealed her identity. "Megan, are you out to get me? You could give me a heads-up before doing this!" "Let me correct you; I''m not out to get you; it''s Pitt who cheated with your nanny," Megan replied, sounding defiant as per Fox''s stance: "And also, it''s against Fox''s protocol to notify involved parties before airing news." Aniston knew well that Fox was not the rigid, old-fashioned type. She abandoned her insistence, "I want a copy of the original video." Megan responded, "Would you prefer it sent to your email or to come get it?" "Send it to my email," Aniston provided an email address, stating, "Quickly, I need to view it right now." There was a computer available for entertainment within the lounge. Courteney powered it on, and by the time Aniston hung up, the computer was already booted up. As Aniston logged into her email, the video arrived shortly after. While the female face was blurred, Aniston instantly recognized her; it was Lucia. Pitt and Lucia engaged right beneath the Christmas tree that Aniston had meticulously decorated. Amidst it all, Pitt spoke some unsavory remarks about her. Aniston turned off the video, yet she showed no anger or panic. After all, Lucia wasn''t the first nanny Pitt had messed around with; that''s why she changed to a less attractive nanny. Previously, they had handled things privately without any rumors surfacing. But now, Pitt had not only cheated again but had been broadcast on television. Aniston felt utterly betrayed, her greatest concern being the embarrassment now shared with the world. Pitt''s phone rang at that moment, but without a second thought, Aniston hung up and told Courteney, "Can I stay at your place tonight?" Courteney replied, "Perfect timing; David is away filming. I could use someone to keep me company." The two of them left the hotel together, got into the car from the back door and left together before the reporters could react. ... In the vehicle, Aniston made up her mind, first calling her lawyer: "I want a divorce as swiftly as possible, no child support from that jerk; let''s stick to the prenup." Next, she contacted her agent: "Tomorrow morning, I want to call a press conference to announce my divorce from Pitt." Finally, she reached out to her public relations manager: "Draft a statement regarding my divorce from Pitt." Having taken care of this, Aniston leaned back against her seat, her phone slipping from her grasp, feeling utterly drained. Courteney asked, "Have you thought this through? Diving into a divorce will consume a lot of your energy. If it escalates into a messy divorce battle, it will complicate matters and be detrimental to your award chances." Aniston slumped against her friend and simply stated, "I want a divorce!" ... That night, an uproar erupted across America, centering around the first celebrity couple of Hollywood undergoing a deep relationship crisis, dominating all news cycles. The next morning, looking exhausted, Aniston promptly appeared at the press conference to announce her divorce from Brad Pitt. Pitt was not one to sit idle. Seeing no chance of salvaging their relationship, he began leveraging his media contacts, crafting carefully polished articles to attack Aniston. Like reports claiming Aniston was unable to conceive, among others. Though their divorce could be characterized as a straightforward course of action compared to the drawn-out divorce between Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, neither held back from slinging mud. The entire American public was glued to their popcorn. Aniston was overwhelmed and battered by the scrutiny surrounding her divorce and the fiery media frenzy. Whenever she appeared in public, she drew five to six paparazzi, alongside Pitt''s fans hurling verbal abuse. Inspired by feminist critique aimed at Broderick, some of Pitt''s extreme fans even subjected Aniston to bio-chemical warfare. Similarly, Rachel''s zealous fans waged biochemical attacks against Pitt. Aniston found herself unable to go out, work, or live normally, concluding she needed to leave North America for a time. Before Christmas arrived, Aniston announced through her agent her withdrawal from the awards season PR, then she and her friend Courteney took a private jet to temporarily escape North America, the land of strife. ... Throughout Hollywood''s awards season, an unspoken rule had taken root: Without PR, there would be no awards for the Golden Globes and the Oscars. Aniston''s departure from awards season effectively amounted to giving up her chance at the Golden Globes. The day before Christmas, Sarah Parker had arranged to meet with Hawke and Caroline at a Beverly Hills business club. Having won her divorce lawsuit, this woman had secured a substantial portion of couple''s assets. At the entrance of the club, Hawke peered outside through the glass wall. Stephen drove Sarah over, and as she alighted from the car, she was careful, even covering her rounded belly as she walked. With years of ingrained acting skills and makeshift training, she showcased the finesse of a qualified expectant mother. Journalists alerted by Caroline congregated outside the club, snapping pictures. Pregnant mommy Sarah Parker would appear in the news the next day. Hawke commented to Caroline, "Sarah isn''t looking for something from us; she''s seeking to create her pregnant image." Caroline added, "That was all your idea." She hinted at Hawke, "I feel like she has some unusual intentions towards you." Hawke''s hairs bristled at her remark, "Don''t joke about that; I can''t handle it." Caroline responded with surprise, "You can feel fear?" "This isn''t fear, but..." Hawke struggled to find a suitable word to describ the sentiment, saying, "We are normal, while they? A bunch of perverts, you know?" Caroline blinked, "But I think you''re a pervert." Hawke scoffed, "What did you say? Do you need to think about it again?" "Am I wrong? With respect to normal people, who gives anyone such nicknames?" Caroline continued teasing, "Normal people would never force someone as fashionable, beautiful, and elegant as me to act like a sheep!" Hawke grinned at her. Suddenly realizing she hadn''t received all her earnings yet, Caroline quickly changed her expression, beaming wide as she opened her mouth, "Baa--" Just then, Sarah entered the club''s front door. Hawke turned and walked towards the meeting room. They all filtered inside. Sarah could hardly contain her excitement. "Are we winning?" Hawke cautioned, "The awards ceremony is still more than half a month away, so don''t mention victory, and don''t celebrate early." Having dealt with the Johnson incident, Caroline advised, "Sarah, better listen to Hawke." With their biggest competitor being worked against to the point of withdrawing and leaving North America, Sarah now obeyed Hawke obediently. "Okay, no mentioning of winning or early celebrations, we need to keep our PR efforts going." Looking at Hawke and Caroline, she added, "Once I win Best Actress, I''ll throw a grand party to celebrate." It was at that moment that agent Sofia also rushed over. She arrived together with Caroline and Sarah to discuss normal PR matters. Stephen called Hawke aside to talk outside: "I''ve procured a batch of liniment and high-concentration pepper spray. I''ve found a few people to assist, and it''ll be sent into Broderick''s prison shortly." Hawke nodded. "I believe Broderick will thank us for this." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 137: A Well-Intented Struggle [Chapter 138: A Well-Intented Struggle] On Christmas Day, Hawke found himself all alone. Edward went to be with Deborah, Megan and Caroline had returned to their hometowns for the holidays, and Erica attended a family Christmas gathering. Even Frank from across the street had a date with Salma Hayek. Opening the window, Hawke grabbed his binoculars. In the empty parking lot, Frank had set up a grill, planning to enjoy a lovely barbecue with Salma. "This bastard, having a barbecue and not inviting me," Hawke grumbled as he put on his jacket and headed out to cross the street into the parking lot. Seeing Hawke approach from a distance, Frank stood up behind the grill and pointed the skewer at him, making it clear: "You shameless freeloader, don''t even think about coming over for food." Hawke pretended not to see that and walked over, pulling out a chair and greeting Salma across the table with, "Merry Christmas." "Merry Christmas," Salma replied as she went to fetch utensils and cups. Frank remarked, "Ignore him, let''s eat while he watches." Salma disregarded him and returned with a set of utensils and a few bottles of beer. "Thanks," Hawke said as he accepted it, popping open a beer and addressing Frank again, "Don''t be so stingy. The grill, the meat you''re cooking, and these beers were all bought by me." Frank shamelessly retorted, "You gave them to me; they''re all mine." Still, Hawke was already seated, and Frank didn''t push him away any further. Salma, curious, asked, "Do you guys act like this all the time?" "More than that. He''s a real bastard!" Hawke, though not like Savior, went for the metaphorical jugular with Frank. "I was spending the night with my girl, and he had the gall to shoot a slingshot at my bedroom window." Salma turned to look at Frank, surprised. "You actually did that?" Frank, furious, grabbed a fire poker, pointing at Hawke, "This bastard did it first." Hawke defended himself, saying, "I did that because you stole my slingshot." Not wanting to endure the two buttheads going back and forth, Salma interrupted, "Is the barbecue ready yet? How much longer do we have to wait?" Frank grumbled, "It''ll be done soon." Salma changed the subject and asked Hawke, "Your studio specializes in PR, right? Have you taken on any business during this award season?" "We accepted a big job," Hawke answered vaguely, "and we''re basically finished." Salma asked curiously, "Don''t tell me we''re competitors?" Hawke, confused, replied, "You''re up for an award too?" "Yes," Salma said, "It''s for the movie , a biopic about a Mexican painter. I''m aiming for an Oscar nomination for Best Actress." Hawke remarked, "I''m working on a series." He glanced at Frank, suddenly connecting the dots regarding why Salma was hanging around with that washed-up old jerk. Last time, Hawke had wondered why Salma would come to seek out Frank. It couldn''t just be for Frank''s desolate yard. Turns out it was all about the awards season. Given Frank''s age, he was among the most core old white male members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Oscar voting body. Moreover, once someone was a member, it was a lifetime position; the first to be expelled, Harvey Weinstein, wouldn''t have his day for many years to come. ?§Ñ¦­??????? Frank surely still had some old friends in the industry. Let''s just say that Salma Hayek was acting in perfect alignment with the usual Hollywood starlet mentality. It''s all about the Oscars -- every resource gets utilized, including their bodies. Frank served up the barbecue. Salma went back to her RV to bring out some delicious Mexican dishes she had prepared. The three of them ate, drank, and chatted, even discussing the Hollywood awards season. As it approached December 31, ballots for the Oscars would be sent out. Frank pointed at Hawke, saying, "For the sake of fairness, it''ll be Hawke who fills out mine." Salma lifted her glass and clinked it with Hawke''s. "Remember to vote for ." Hawke took a sip of beer, feeling helpless. "This is serious Oscar voting, and you all treat it so casually?" "What''s the best way to vote?" Frank nonchalantly asked. "Should we find a sheep to do it?" Hawke shot him the finger. Salma turned and asked, "Did you make that call for me?" Thinking about his own unblemished patch of grass that had been so thoroughly nurtured back to life, Frank said, "The call''s been made, but I can''t promise those old boys will cooperate. They don''t owe me anything." "That sounds fine," Salma said, satisfied, as she raised her glass. "Here''s to both of you." After finishing her drink, Hawke casually remarked, "Every line of work has its troubles." Salma added, "Especially for women. There''s a workplace rule -- women who face harassment from their bosses can''t complain; they have to endure." Hawke, having heard plenty from Caroline, Johnson, and Josh Hartnett, chimed in, "In Hollywood, it''s the same for men." Frank interjected, "Don''t just talk about men; those underaged kids are the same thing." "You wouldn''t have done anything wrong, would you?" Hawke scrutinized Frank. Frank scoffed, "I''m a normal man who likes normal pretty women, like Salma." He laughed coldly, raising his voice, "Don''t compare me to those sickos who are obsessed with studying hairless black holes; I find them disgusting." Hawke handed him a fresh beer, "You bastard, you can still be considered a man." Salma had felt her own experiences: "Although not as glorious as in past years, you are indeed a man." With the mood as it is, the King of Jerks stepped in, "Think back ten years: I had Julia Roberts in one arm and Cameron Diaz in the other, and on my knees was Marisa Tomei with Robin Wright behind me. With just one phone call, I could bring in Spielberg''s two goddaughters..." Hawke couldn''t stand this level of boasting. "Is your ex among them?" He put Frank back in his place, "I jotted all the names down; let the Savior try his luck." Frank shook his head, "Stop asking for my help in the future." Salma discovered that these two had a unique way of interacting. Looking at Hawke, she shifted the topic, "Your studio doesn''t primarily focus on business strategy consulting, does it? Could you help me create a plan?" Frank cautioned, "He charges a lot; your little paycheck wouldn''t cover it." "Just offer a general idea and I won''t charge," Hawke remarked, partly for altruism and partly to get back at Frank. "If you get nominated for Best Actress, your fame will reach new heights; why not marry a rich guy?" He especially noted, "There''ve been plenty of examples in Hollywood, like Grace Kelly." Salma thought that was a good idea: "I wouldn''t think about relationships here in America but could check out the scene in Europe -- after all, there''s a whole big ocean separating us. Hollywood stars still have a bit of a glow..." "Wait, wait!" Frank shouted, "I''m not dead yet, and you two are discussing this?" Hawke couldn''t resist the urge to pile on, "Can you provide Salma with the prosperous life she wants? Can you help her win the Oscar? If you two got together, she''d have to take care of you, an old man." Frank took a skewer of meat and slammed it onto the wooden table, exclaiming, "Get out, get out! I don''t welcome you two!" He stormed back into his RV. Hawke and Salma helped themselves to Frank''s barbecue, casually chatting. Not long after, Frank returned carrying a stack of newspapers from his RV and threw one at Hawke. "Read the paper, eat less." Hawke pointed at him, not saying a word. Starving, Frank hurried to eat his own food. As Hawke flipped through the papers, he found that this stack held mainly entertainment tabloids, the front pages buzzing with the latest about movies and personnel during award season. The second page of published a gossip piece related to their earlier conversation. Hawke read attentively for a while. Parents of several child actors had disclosed to the media that the director and producer Sterling Van Wagenen, known for his work on and , had abused their children. These kids included both boys and girls. Hawke showed the article to Frank. Frank glanced over it. "It''s not rare in Hollywood; don''t think child stars are safe from it. Those sickos in human skin don''t have any limits." He added, "If everything''s counted, you paparazzi are a hundred times more noble than them." Hawke flipped through other newspapers, noticing how outside of a single tabloid, no formal entertainment publications had covered the incident. Seeing that Salma had finished her meal, she volunteered to gather up the utensils, saying, "I have things to do this afternoon; I''ll be leaving now." Frank didn''t respond, casually waving her off. Hawke got ready to leave as well. "Not having a drink with me?" Frank asked. Hawke said, "I''m heading to the shooting range to practice." Right now, he needed to blow off some steam. ... In Brentwood, Edward drove his Cadillac, returning from shopping at Deborah''s house. As the car parked in the driveway, Deborah exited the villa, wrapping her arms around Edward''s neck, giving him a warm kiss. For a moment, the two felt a rush of emotions, and Edward''s hands started to wander lower. Edward asked, "What about Indio?" Hearing their son''s name, Deborah suddenly remembered she had something serious to discuss, whispering, "I found something out, and it''s not good." Pulling her into the car, Edward asked, "Is this about Indio?" Deborah nodded, "He went out for a classmate''s gathering this afternoon, and when I picked him up, he reeked of those leaves." Considering Indio''s age, Edward questioned, "Are you sure?" "Absolutely," Deborah asserted, "I lived with Robert Downey Jr. long enough to recognize those smells familiar." She felt anxious. "This is a bad start, and I''m worried that Indio will end up like his father..." "Don''t panic," Edward comforted her. His mind wasn''t the sharpest, and after a moment''s thought, he added, "Maybe Indio is just curious and won''t try it again." Deborah shook her head, "His grandfather was like that, and so was his father; I''m afraid he''ll take the same path. When normal people get involved with that stuff, their minds turn to mush." Having seen too many of such cases in Compton, Edward understood the enormous impact of environment. He asked, "Did Downey ever use it in front of Indio?" Deborah nodded. "Yes, more than once." Edward wrapped his arms around Deborah. "You, as a mother, have it hard; things are too tough on you -- this is all Downey''s fault." Those words struck a chord with Deborah. "That bastard deserved to die!" She worried about their son. "I can''t talk to Indio about this; doesn''t he see you as a good friend? Could you talk to him?" Edward wasn''t the most knowledgeable in these matters, but at that moment, he had to summon his courage and said, "Okay, I''ll talk to him." "He''s in the entertainment room," Deborah instructed. Edward exited the car and headed directly into the villa to the entertainment room. ... Indio was busy playing video games, and when he saw Edward, he exclaimed, "Wanna play with me?" "Sure," Edward agreed, playing a few rounds with him. Once Indio had his fill, Edward suggested, "After sitting for so long, we need to get moving." Indio caught onto what he meant and stood up to stretch. "Want to have a match?" Edward mimicked him and stretched. "Let''s hit the gym." They changed clothes and put on protective gear, standing on a thick sponge mat. Indio lightly tapped his helmet, asking, "The usual rules?" "We''ll try something new," Edward explained. "If you kick me, I''ll answer a question. If I kick you, you answer one." Indio bragged, "I''m way more agile than you." Feigning a lack of response, Edward set himself up for Indio''s kick. Indio quickly deceived him and aimed a kick, nailing him on the leg. "Yay!" Indio celebrated as he raised his fists, asking, "Why do we have photos of my mom and dad hanging in so many rooms?" Edward was taken aback for a moment but quickly recovered with some wit, saying, "Because I want to thank your dad." Indio replied, "I''m going for an attack now." This time, Edward dodged Indio''s kick back and responded by knocking him down. As Indio got back up, Edward inquired, "Did you have any fun at the party your classmates threw?" Indio looked around, noting his mom was absent, and whispered, "Somebody brought this weird smoke. Everyone said it was intense, and I tried it." Edward asked, "How did it feel?" Indio looked pained as he replied, "It felt awful -- really awful." "If it feels bad, don''t try it again," Edward advised. "The video games we play and the Taekwondo we practice all bring joy, right?" Indio thought about it and nodded. "Alright, I won''t try it again." Suddenly he noticed something wasn''t quite right, "Hey, you cheated! You only beat me once but are asking way too many questions." Edward waved him forward: "Come on; I''ll show you my skills." Deborah appeared at the door just then, watching through the window as she saw her son getting knocked down by Edward time and again. Instead of intervening, she smiled secretly, having heard all that Edward said to Indio. Edward meant well. Once those two finished their practice, they both headed for a shower. Deborah quietly followed Edward, hugging him while saying, "Thank you; without you, I wouldn''t know how to deal with this." After enjoying the thrill of taking down Downey''s son and now holding Downey''s wife, Edward felt great. "It was just a small thing; I could fix it easily." Deborah was particularly satisfied with him, saying, "Last time we left the cemetery, you mentioned you wanted Downey to see how happy I am now?" Edward flashed a wide grin. "I want him to know you''re well taken care of by me." Deborah, already at odds with Downey, said, "Let''s pick a time to visit Downey, when not many are around, and show him how happy I am!" And Edward naturally agreed. ... In West Los Angeles, at the Artel Mountain Shooting Range. Hawke tidied up his firearms, changed his clothes and exited the locker room, walking into the gun shop. He spotted the familiar shop owner, Palmer, and asked, "Has my gun arrived?" "It has, just a moment," Palmer replied. He opened the back cabinet, pulled out a walnut gun case, eased the clasp to one side, and gestured for Hawke to come closer. Inside lay a special commemorative M1911 handgun and two magazines. Hawke had custom ordered the commemorative model for collection and display purposes far beyond practicality. The gun''s body was engraved with design patterns, the grip was made of century-old walnut, and parts were silver-plated; it also bore a unique commemorative serial number from the factory. This was a gift for Erica. To Hawke, guns were weapons. But to Erica, they represented culture. They had talked about that model during their chats, so Hawke remembered it. After checking the handgun, he paid the remaining balance, and Palmer packed the gun away in its specialized bag. Upon Hawke''s return, Palmer handed him the bag and mentioned, "If you need anything, just let me know." "Thanks," Hawke said as he tipped the man, shouldered the bag, and left. ... Once outside, he placed the bag in the car, took out his phone, and called Erica: "Merry Christmas." "Merry Christmas," Erica responded, her tone shifting to a pleading manner. "I''m so sorry you have to spend Christmas alone." Hawke said, "Practicing alone just feels like something is missing." Erica replied, double-meaning, "I want to practice too, but I really can''t get away..." Hawke added, "No worries, I''ve prepared a special gift for you, one that you''ll get when we see each other." "I can''t wait," Erica''s voice carried genuine excitement. "I''ve never looked forward to a Christmas gift as much as I am now." Just then, Hawke received a call, replying, "I have to take this; someone is looking for me." "Alright," Erica said as they hung up. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... After checking the caller ID, he saw that it was Josh Hartnett. As he hesitated, wondering if he should call him back, the phone rang again. "Hey, Hawke! Merry Christmas!" Josh said, then asked, "Do you have some time?" Hawke countered, "Is there something you need?" Josh continued, "Will and I wanted to discuss something with you regarding the business, mainly introducing a new project." Hawke recalled that Will was Josh''s manager and asked, "New project?" "Yes, it''s about my upcoming movie," Josh explained. Hawke assumed it was about film marketing. "I have a meeting room at the Beverly Business Club; when you arrive, just mention my name." "Sure," Josh agreed. ... Inside the shop, a Mexican man approached Palmer, asking, "Are these the two best shooters in the club?" "Yep, Erica and Hawke are recognized as the top shooters here," Palmer confirmed. The Mexican man said, "I''d like to get introduced sometime." Palmer asked, "Why, looking to challenge them to a shooting competition?" "Can''t I?" the Mexican man replied, confidence radiating from him. "I''m pretty good at shooting." "Let''s wait until the next time they come around," Palmer said. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 138: Demons Among Us [Chapter 139: Demons Among Us] At the Artel Mountain Shooting Range, the Mexican man exited the gun store and walked to the rest area. There, a Latina woman was reading an old . An article reported on the LAPD''s annual awards ceremony, featuring a large photo of Erica Ferguson wearing a heroic medal. The Mexican man, Ayala, glanced over and remarked, "That 23-year-old police chief is quite something." The Latina replied, "That''s the result of our millions of dollars in goods and the blood of dozens of our brothers." Ayala said, "Camila, that man rarely shows up in public, but Erica Ferguson is a star cop, and everyone knows her. I made inquiries; the people on that yacht are Erica''s boyfriend; they''re pretty famous around the shooting range." Camila tore out the Erica picture to keep, cautioning, "These two aren''t ordinary people. One of them is a ruthless LAPD officer. Don''t let your guard down; we need to use this place as a bridgehead, looking for opportunities." Ayala warned, "We can''t act here; there are many coaches moonlighting as shooting instructors at the Western precinct, and the PD often comes to practice..." Camila, though seething, remained composed. "You''re good at shooting; connect with them and determine their movements so we can find the right location and opportunity for an effective strike." Ayala and Camila posed as a couple, spending a lot of money to get introduced as members here. Camila left on her own, getting into a Ferrari before taking out the Erica clipping and burning it to ash with a lighter. Her mule gang had been compromised at their Venice hideout; several of their personnel had been caught, and under the LAPD''s favorable conditions, they revealed two more locations. Camila''s brother died during the LAPD''s raid, struck down under Erica Ferguson''s gunfire. The internal rumors within the LAPD suggested that whenever Erica fired, there were never any survivors. Thinking of this, Camila muttered to herself, how coincidental; her own hands never left any survivors either. ... Century City, Beverly Business Club. Hawke met with Josh Hartnett and his manager, Will, in the meeting room. Josh was brimming with confidence, feeling reborn like during Pearl Harbor, "My new film is in post-production. It''s coming out in February, and you must attend the premiere." ????¦¡?????????§¦???? Hawke asked, "Is it the we talked about?" "Yes, that''s the one I mentioned before," Josh said, feeling certain of its potential. "I think it''ll sell well, especially since it''s based on the selfie scandal." Will interjected, "Already has built-in hype and a strong gimmick." "Wishing you success in advance," Hawke offered politely, before asking, "You mentioned a new project? Is it related to this film?" Josh went silent, turning to Will. Will responded, "The director of has run into some publicity issues that could impact his reputation and the film''s as well. Josh and I recommended you as the best person to handle such problems." Hawke, unafraid of trouble, was even eager to create some for others when there wasn''t any. He directly asked, "Can I see the documents first, to understand the specifics?" Necessary background checks were essential. Will opened his briefcase, pulling out a document to hand to Hawke. "Sterling is a seasoned director who has long collaborated with Robert Redford and co-founded the Sundance Film Festival." Hawke recalled making waves at Sundance and knew who the festival''s founder was --Robert Redford. Redford had launched his career as an actor, starring in and , before shifting to screenwriting, directing, and producing, eventually earning an Oscar nomination for Best Director. Seeing the director''s name on the paperwork, Hawke asked, "Is this related to the accusations about him abusing minors?" Josh replied, "You''ve seen the relevant reports?" Hawke nodded slightly, not elaborating, and folded the document back, handing it to Will. Will continued, "Wagenen is an outstanding director with a wide network in Hollywood and a good reputation..." "None of that matters," interrupted Hawke, heading toward the door. Josh hastily added, "I asked Sterling, and he insists he did nothing; those people simply want to blackmail him." While Hawke had never aspired to be a paragon of righteousness, even if he was willing to help Josh Hartnett and Allison Faith redeem their image following the selfie scandal, there were certain lines he wouldn''t cross. Even Frank the old bum looked down on those obsessed with hairless black holes. As for not doing anything wrong? This was Hollywood we were talking about. Hawke politely said, "I have other matters to attend to." Will knew that Hawke was the type of person who could change situations and decided to cut to the chase, saying, "Sterling is willing to pay $1 million for this, and we can negotiate up to $1.2 million." Hawke kept walking toward the door, not looking back. Will raised his voice, "I can get Sterling to agree to $1.5 million." Hawke looked back, saying, "None of that matters." Opening the door, he gestured politely, "You both should leave." Josh wanted to say more, but Will saw he was uninterested and shook his head to stop him. ... As they exited the meeting room, Hawke shut the door and pulled out his voice recorder, pressing the stop button. He switched on the computer in the conference room, checked the article online, and discovered aside from and a few forum sites, there was almost no news regarding Wagenen''s accusations. Unfortunately, it was not the weekend. hadn''t been published, and was not overly invested in Hollywood. The latter was reputable when it came to gossip scandals. Hawke closed the computer. The media wasn''t reporting much, and with Will approaching him with high prices, it was easy to suspect the truth behind the matter; it was likely genuine. The lack of media coverage all but confirmed that the matter was being suppressed. Hollywood was rife with suppressed scandals. But then he reflected that this issue might not be simple -- it could involve aspects he had yet to comprehend. Sexual abuse incidents against child stars in Hollywood had a long history; victims often stayed silent to avoid jeopardizing their future or financial security. Typically, many revelations came only when former child stars had transitioned beyond their careers in the industry. Those who thrived after growing up in Hollywood often claimed nothing had ever happened or said they had sensed danger and left before it got too late. So much for the judgement of right and wrong; Hawke packed his bag to leave. ... Outside in the parking lot of the club. Josh got into the car, turning to his manager Will at the wheel, asking, "Is Hawke nuts? He rejected $1.5 million." He shrugged, "Isn''t this normal in Hollywood?" Will was also a bit surprised. "He was all about money during our last collaboration." "What''s the plan for landing Wagenen''s directing business now?" Josh asked. Will said, "Without Hawke and the West Coast Studio, there are others and other companies." He paused slightly, "We should visit BWR Public Relations and have a talk with Rooney Chasen." Josh fastened his seatbelt, "Looks like that''s our only option." ... In Los Angeles, Woodland Hills. A massive luxury estate filled with guests for the Christmas party. After dinner, Erica and Brian were called into the study. Inside the study were six people. Erica greeted them as she made her way to sit beside her grandmother, Barbara. Her father, Carter Ferguson, and mother, Mary, were seated across from her. Brian also wanted to say hello, but before he could speak, his father, Gordon Ferguson, scolded, "Hurry up and get to the point; don''t dawdle." Carter patted Brian on the back reassuringly. Brian sat down obediently. Paul Ferguson, the eldest, looked toward Brian. "How''s that project you''re pushing going?" "I got three child stars and their families to cooperate. It was reported by and two other media outlets," Brian explained, showing that he was more sober than he appeared, "But Hollywood''s pretty blue and so is the entertainment media; it didn''t really make waves." Surprised, Erica thought to herself why her grandfather would care about this. Her father, Carter, signaled her not to speak. Paul glanced over at Erica, saying, "You''ve been promoted to police chief now, your growth exceeds my greatest expectations. Unlike your peers who only know how to cash in on dividends, you stand at a key intersection in life; there are things you need to know now." Gordon Ferguson chimed in, "We''re preparing to launch a recall campaign against Governor Davis. What Brian did is just a small opening, an initial test." He shook his head, "Not that impressive." Brian could only stay silent. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Paul''s expressions were still kind, but his words were equally stringent: "Since you decided to go into politics, you need to prove you have the capability." Brian pledged, "I will." He stole a glance at Erica, "I decided to invite a friend to be my partner." Erica quickly reacted, "You''re inviting Hawke?" Brian said, "Out of everyone I know, he''s the best at managing such events." Barbara held Erica''s hand, "You''re always telling me about that Hawke Osment?" Erica nodded slightly, "Yes." Gordon asked, "Who is he?" "Erica''s boyfriend, comes from Jeffrey City in Wyoming," Carter remarked succinctly. "A young man skilled at handling PR crises." Paul replied slowly, "It doesn''t matter where he''s from; it''s more about what he''s done, where he stands, and how capable he is." Brian understood and responded, "I''ll extend the invitation." Paul waved his hand, "I''m tired; let''s all head out." Erica looked towards her grandmother, who patted her hand. Erica got up immediately and left with her parents. Mary lingered behind, softly saying to her daughter, "We''re not against your relationship. Before I met your father, I was just a small-town beauty queen, but everyone makes choices, dear. You can''t interfere with his choices." Erica put down her phone. "Mom, I understand." ... On the other side, although Gordon was rather displeased with his worthless son, he still called Brian over for a serious word: "You are only one of four in the outer circle. This is not just about opening a gap; it''s a test for your generation. In a place like California, we don''t waste our limited resources on a fool." Brian nodded fervently, agreeing to everything his father said. In this plan, given his age and experience, he could only serve as an errand boy for now; higher-level matters were left to his father''s generation. ... Brian found a quiet spot, dialed Hawke''s number, and upon hearing a groggy voice on the other end, he shouted, "Get up, you bastard! Let''s go out!" Hawke, having just fallen asleep, replied grumpily, "Are you celebrating your new diagnosis of AIDS?" Brian sternly reminded him, "We agreed not to mention that." "Fine, my bad," Hawke said, "What''s with the late-night call? Got something to discuss?" Brian responded, "Get up; I have something important to discuss." Hawke was surprised, "Aren''t you all at a family gathering? Is that over already?" Brian retorted, "Hey man, quit whining." "You want me to let go of my morning grumpiness?" Hawke asked for an address, washed up, dressed, and hit the road. ... A few minutes later, Hawke arrived at Beverly Hills, finding the single-family home that Brian had mentioned, quickly driving inside. The porch light was on, and Brian stood there. Hawke got out of the car, asking, "How many beauties are lined up?" Brian replied seriously, "I''m preparing a headache of a case." The two entered the house and took their seats on couches. Brian retrieved a folder, handing it to Hawke. "Take a look?" "You have received high legal fees for all the cases I asked you to help with," Hawke reminded him. "I trust you won''t try to freeload." Brian''s expression turned serious: "Am I the kind of guy who takes advantage?" Hawke pulled out the files in the folder, scanning them quickly and frowned slightly. "What''s wrong? Is it complicated?" Brian asked. Hawke shook his head, "I don''t know how complicated it is, but the same case being approached by two different groups in one day is quite strange." This time it was Brian''s turn to be surprised, "Someone else has reached out to you? Did you accept?" "Not at all," Hawke clarified without reading further. "If you''re the lawyer for Sterling Van Wagenen, then I''m not looking any deeper. Two different people came earlier today asking me to help clear him, and I turned them down." Brian explained, "I''m the representative lawyer for the victims." He couldn''t help but add, "Didn''t expect you to have a sense of justice." Hawke didn''t respond to him but instead asked, "Why did you take this case? For the money? Or for a sense of righteousness?" "The idea of righteousness is quite extravagant to me," Brian confessed. "The money depends on the case''s outcome. With cases like this, the firm has a large percentage to make. There are strict confidentiality clauses, so I can''t disclose much, but one thing''s for sure -- your West Coast Studio can net over a million dollars." Hawke looked over the files, continuing to peruse, saying, "You also have other objectives, right?" Brian knew he couldn''t hide it: "Opening a gap that will reach certain people and force them to yield." Hawke grasped immediately: "Buddy, you want to drag me into this." "You chose Erica," Brian declared plainly. "This isn''t me dragging you; it''s you who made the choice." Hawke understood full well that this day was bound to come, and he kept quiet for a bit, focusing on the information that Brian provided. There were three victims, all underage girls. The eldest, named Evan Rachel Wood, described that while auditioning for and , she had been assaulted and molested by Sterling Van Wagenen, who served as one of the producers. The next, named Judy, was a bit younger than Rachel and had only appeared in advertisements and children''s music videos so far; Sterling Van Wagenen had lured her under the pretense of offering film roles to train her alone. The last girl''s name was Amanda, with circumstances similar to Judy. After perusing everything, Hawke said, "This afternoon, I was wondering why those young actors and their families had the guts to come forward. Looks like you''ve been working behind the scenes." Brian replied, "I mentioned this to you when Erica was receiving her award; I was still starting to persuade them. I wasn''t confident they would stand up, but in reality, there are even more victims, but only these girls are willing to step up." "It''s clear that Hollywood has a plethora of victims," Hawke stated. "Just like you said, perhaps we possess some sense of justice, but it isn''t abundant," Brian said sharply. "My goal is straightforward: to go after Sterling Van Wagenen." After contemplating for a moment, Hawke noted, "I recalled a line from a zombie movie: ''Hell is empty; demons walk among us.''" Brian extended his hand. "Shall we join forces and become demons hunters together?" Hawke kept in mind their long-term goals as he reciprocated the handshake, stating, "$1.2 million, and you must reveal the real objective." "This situation involves state-level matters, I''m not yet qualified. I don''t fully know what the big shots plan on doing," Brian explained. "Remember the last time I mentioned to you? Governor Davis has thrown California''s finances into disarray; some want him dethroned and replace him with Arnold." Hawke immediately thought of the action star who married into the Kennedy family, exclaiming, "Schwarzenegger?" Brian confirmed, "They want to push him into power, but getting rid of a governor is no easy task. Hollywood and its companies lean left, and we''ve received word that one of Davis''s closest aides is tight with Sterling Van Wagenen." Hawke asked, "So you want to leverage this opening?" "Not just this," Brian replied succinctly. "There are several groups looking for their own openings in different places." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 139: The Bloody Truth [Chapter 140: The Bloody Truth] This wasn''t the first time Hawke and Brian had collaborated, and they had built up a level of trust. In addition to understanding his side of things, Hawke pressed to know more about the other party. "What''s the situation on their end? Don''t tell me you can''t manage just one director." Brian elaborated, "The target of this case is the assistant to the governor''s office, Pope. Before taking up the position, Pope worked for a film private equity fund, which has repeatedly collaborated with both Wagenen and Robert Redford on film projects -- all participating in the investment." Hawke understood the implication: "You scratch my back, I''ll scratch yours." "Obviously," Brian continued. "Wagenen isn''t that influential, but Robert Redford counts as a big shot in Hollywood. He established the Sundance Film Festival and has great media relations. Under pressure from him, the mainstream media ignored this news." Hawke, knowing more about the media and the entertainment industry than Brian, remarked, "More than that, have you ever considered that this issue touches on a lot of people''s sensitive nerves in Hollywood and the media? They don''t want this turning into a hot news topic." Brian added, "That''s one of the challenges. The other is that there''s no direct evidence. Even if LAPD gets involved, they maintain a neutral stance without tangible evidence -- they can''t act against a prominent director or producer. The essence of the secrecy certainly won''t escape Parker Center; Uncle Carter, despite being a member of the five-person committee, carries significant weight but must consider other commissioners." He pulled out another document, "This is Wagenen''s lawyer, Cheryl -- she''s a tough one." Hawke quickly skimmed through the basics regarding the lawyer, asking, "Find out as quickly as possible who manages Wagenen''s PR." Brian replied, "I''ll have someone work on that immediately." "You handle the legal procedures," Hawke stated, well aware of their strengths. "Leaving counteracting their dirty tricks and the underhand schemes to me." This wasn''t about seeking fairness or justice in legal proceedings; Brian sought Hawke''s collaboration for exactly this reason. Hawke continued, "We need to set up a dedicated office." Brian pointed towards the exit, "Beverly Boulevard is right outside. It''s very convenient here." "We''ll need reliable personnel once we have our office," Hawke remarked straightforwardly. "I will have two people in the clear; you don''t need to worry about those clandestine operations." Brian nodded, "I can bring three people with me, and I''ll have personnel standing by in the shadows." Hawke instructed, "Install covert surveillance around the villa -- we need to guard against any moves from opponents." Brian replied, "I''ll have someone come to set that up tomorrow morning." As long as there is sufficient funding, none of these barriers stood in the way. After considering, Hawke added, "I need to meet the parties involved as soon as possible." Brian glanced at his watch, "Let''s do it tomorrow; it''s too late now." Hawke gathered the documents Brian had brought and prepared to leave. But Brian interjected, "Come to the garage; I have something interesting to show you." After hearing this, Hawke thought back to some shady characters in the past. The two moved into the garage, where three cars were parked. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Brian retrieved a car key, handing it to Hawke. "You can drive this Mercedes for now." Hawke questioned, "You''re actually being generous? What''s your ulterior motive?" "Just lending it to you; don''t read much into it," Brian replied, tapping the robust surface of the Mercedes. "It''s a bulletproof car." Hawke opened the car door and got in. "I''ll take it for a spin." Brian opened the electric garage door. ... Hawke drove the bulletproof Mercedes out, pulling out his phone. He sent a text: "You awake?" Erica''s phone rang right after, and she asked, "You''re outside? I hear car noises." "I just had a chat with Brian," Hawke said, anxious to avoid any hints of pressure. Erica asked, "How did it go?" Hawke replied, "Brian''s hired me with a high salary, and I''m working with him." Erica laughed suddenly, feeling the anxiety ebbing away. "I still have two days off. I''ll come look for you tomorrow." Hawke glanced at the running car. "I have things to attend to in the morning; let''s have lunch together." Neither of them was one to beat around the bush, and they quickly ended the call. ... Hawke took out a spare phone, texting Edward and Campos to meet at the safe house in the morning. Both replied promptly with confirmation. ... The next morning, Hawke drove the bulletproof Mercedes first to Venice Avenue, veering into Cactus Auto Repair Center. Upon arrival, the owner greeted him, "Back for another dashcam installation?" Hawke nodded. "Just one, please." He leaned in closer, speaking softly, "Don''t you have any detection gadgets? Could you check if there are any extra electronic devices on the car?" ????????§§???? Understanding immediately, the owner replied. "Don''t worry; I''ll get right on it." Hawke stood by the car, observing the workers as they busied themselves. Once the dashcam was equipped and checked, the owner approached him. "Everything checks out." Hawke made his payment and left. En route, he switched vehicles and arrived at the safe house, where Edward and Campos were already waiting. ... Hawke extracted the photocopied documents, handing them over to Campos. "Here''s the new objective and assignment." Campos took a careful look. Edward pretended to scrutinize them too. Hawke recounted the details of the incident to them. Campos sighed, "Americans are just as scummy as the Mexicans." Edward put down the documents to say, "Because Mexico is too far from heaven but too close to America." After they read through everything, Hawke revealed Sterling Van Wagenen''s picture. "He''s our main target." Campos focused on the image, aiming to imprint it in his memory. Hawke then pulled out the pictures of lawyer Cheryl and the actual target, Pope, reminding them, "Do not follow either of these two individuals; it''s critical!" Campos acknowledged their identities. "Understood." As he prepared to leave, Hawke called out, "Have the legal statuses been arranged?" "I made a down payment before Christmas," Campos explained broadly. "Garcia and Carlos''ll snag their legal credentials this afternoon." Hawke nodded, "Handle the rest according to your best judgment; don''t arrange too many at once." Having managed men back in Mexico, Campos knew how to balance instilling hope while not giving false expectations. After going over everything, Hawke and Edward quickly departed. ... Edward took the subway over and arrived to swap out his car for the new Mercedes, asking, "Boss, why the new ride?" Hawke replied, "Just a borrowed bulletproof car." "Bulletproof? Someone''s after us?" Edward exclaimed. Hawke waved it off, "Just being cautious." He pointed toward the exit. "Head to Beverly Hills; I''m meeting Erica for lunch." As they drove west, Edward casually remarked, "Downey''s son Indio was out at a classmate''s party and got into that stuff." Hawke inquired, "What happened?" Lately, Edward had found himself slightly boastful, especially after Campos arrived, noticing that the too-beautiful butterfly had accomplished significantly more efficiently, leaving him with a sense of insecurity. Dared to let Hawke know he was also pivotal, Edward bragged, "Deborah sought my help, and I, while practicing Taekwondo, gave Indio a good thrashing, making him understand it''s wrong to get involved with that stuff!" "You did well," Hawke nodded approvingly, encouraging him further, "Anything else?" Edward continued, "Deborah''s extremely grateful to me. Yesterday, we made a trip to the cemetery to visit young Robert Downey; she insisted on letting Downey know how happy she is now. She wouldn''t let me refuse." He spoke with sincerity, "Young Robert Downey must sense Deborah''s ultimate joy, agreeing to let me care for both her and Indio since he didn''t come out to express dissent." Hawke couldn''t help but laugh, feeling unexpectedly light-hearted. Humiliating the squid always brought some joy. Edward pumped up with enthusiasm. ... BWR Public Relations Company. Having finalized the interview arrangement with Sarah Jessica Parker, Caroline hung up the phone and sat back in her office chair, momentarily sensing boredom as no other tasks were at hand. Flipping through online news articles, she spotted a sheep and thought momentarily, "What is that wolf up to?" Having just returned from a red-eye flight back to LA, she yawned multiple times, instructing her assistant, "Sasha, go brew me a cup of coffee." Sasha exited the office, heading towards the coffee machine. Suddenly, she noticed a few people walking inside, one of them tall and handsome, recently a sensation online. During countless lonely nights, she''d seen numerous videos of Josh Hartnett, which bore a special significance for her. Josh Hartnett entered the office alongside two middle-aged men and made their way to the office of director Rooney Chasen. Sasha, taking coffee into account, rounded the corner near Rooney''s office but noticed that the frosted glass door was shut, preventing her from discerning what was happening within. Returning to Caroline''s office, she set down her coffee and spoke under her breath, "Guess who I saw." Caroline was caught between thoughts of sheep and wolf, abruptly annoyed, "Don''t tell me it''s your dream guy?" "Josh Hartnett!" Sasha exclaimed, sounding excited, "The main character of the selfie scandal, Josh Hartnett!" Although she hadn''t partaken in the selfie scandal, Caroline knew about Hawke''s involvement and felt intrigued. "What''re they doing here? Didn''t he become immensely popular after the selfie scandal?" Sasha shrugged, "Perhaps he''s here to snag another woman." Caroline took acute interest in things related to that wolf. "Go and dig up some information." With both of them free, they inconspicuously focused on Rooney''s office. The company''s legal advisor and director''s assistant were bustling in and out. Caroline signaled, "Go investigate." ... Seizing a moment, Sasha dazzled a legal assistant on her way to the coffee area, casually asking, "Manny, I think I spotted Josh Hartnett; is he signing with the company?" "Not him; it''s director and producer Sterling Van Wagenen he brought in." The assistant, unsure of specifics, replied vaguely, "Seems like he''s running into trouble and seeks Rooney directly to help him out." Sasha noted, "Rooney''s services don''t come cheap." The assistant shrugged, "Of course; it was suggested she charged $1.2 million." Sasha felt a rise of envy and resentment, "People like these scumbags really rake in the cash." "Right? Do people need to drop their morality just to earn more?" the assistant remarked. Sasha finished washing her cup. "I''m off now." ... Quickly returning to the office, she filled Caroline in on all she''d found. Caroline thought it odd; according to common sense, after the selfie scandal, Josh Hartnett should have recommended this to Hawke, especially if his circle had similar inquiries. She picked up the phone to call Hawke. Over on the line, he asked, "Miss Baa, have something to share? Or another late Christmas gift for me?" Hearing this made Caroline''s teeth grind, but instead of hanging up, she said, "I just discovered something. Josh Hartnett came to the company seeking PR help with someone else." On hearing that name, Hawke shot back, "Who did he bring with him?" Caroline hadn''t really paid much attention before, signaling Sasha with her eyes, who replied, "The director and producer, Sterling Van Wagenen." Once Hawke heard that, he sprang. "Do you have time this afternoon? Come out for a bit; we need to meet." "Sure!" Caroline quickly agreed. ... In a small parking lot in Beverly Hills, Hawke hung up the phone. Thoughtful, he took out his cellphone again, dialing Brian''s number: "It''s me; I''ve just received news. Sterling Van Wagenen opted for BWR Public Relations Company for his PR services and has high-priced Rooney Chasen to assist." Brian praised, "You''re fast on the uptake. I''m still digging around on my end." At that moment, a Jeep Cherokee pulled into the parking lot and parked next to him. Erica exited the vehicle and, while waiting for Hawke to finish his call, took out a gift box she handed to him. "This is for you." Hawke ushered her into the Mercedes. Erica frowned, "You don''t intend to do anything here, do you? I''m on my period." "What''re you thinking?" Hawke reached for the walnut box. "This is your gift." Erica recognized the style of the box and snatched it from him. "The M1911 special commemorative model!" "Open and take a look," Hawke said, revealing another firearm inside the box. A Colt Python! Erica lifted the gun, caressing its body as she turned to Hawke. Leaning in, Hawke kissed her softly. "We really do have a connection." Erica beamed, "Yes, we sure do!" Both admired their handguns and headed out for a meal. During lunch, Erica initiated a conversation about Brian''s case. "You know what? I''ve been worried about it." Hawke, ever the sly one, replied, "With how in sync we are, how could I make a wrong choice?" However, Erica remained skeptical, saying, "Politics is far darker than the LAPD; you need to be cautious." "I will," Hawke responded, noting that accepting this case came with significant consideration. "Don''t forget; Brian''s the one really stuck in this." Erica chuckled, "He''s not as sharp or alert as we are." Hawke mentioned, "Unless he''s truly deranged, I doubt he would directly target Brian for a personal attack. It''s really just a matter of outer engagement." Erica questioned, "Did you find a way?" "Just starting to piece it together," Hawke replied honestly. "You know me -- always looking for the unconventional route." Not one for such matters, Erica pivoted the conversation. "Have our bear specimen been delivered yet?" Hawke replied, "I called before the holidays; it won''t be in until after New Year." Erica sighed. "The display case has been ordered, but without a specimen." "Didn''t you want to bring me down to Florida for crocodile hunting?" Hawke suggested. "While we''re there, we can net a few trophies and create some additional specimens." After finishing their lunch, Hawke planned to meet Caroline. ... Erica didn''t delay him with work, driving her Cherokee towards Silver Lake Community to her own villa, placing the M1911 from Hawke in a prominent spot in the exhibition room. She thought ahead and dialed Wyoming, instructing the folks at the Buffalo Gun Shop to handle professional shipping for both of their hunting rifles and shotguns stored in the shop. These two weapons were memorable as they bore witness to their glorious achievements in their previous escapade. ... Meanwhile, Hawke arrived at Starbucks in Century City, where he met Caroline, who looked different with her platinum-dyed hair. Hawke assessed her appearance: "Platinum hair, white handbag, white coat, and white pumps -- you really want to be a sheep, huh?" Caroline rolled her eyes. "You don''t have any sense of aesthetic, do you? I splurged a lot to have a top-line designer create this new look for me." Not in the mood for an argument, Hawke simply asked, "Are you sure Sterling Van Wagenen wants to sign with BWR?" "Absolutely," she confirmed. "I checked online, and it seems the media is digging into reports about his abuse of child stars." Caroline further noted, "While these kinds of incidents aren''t rare in Hollywood, apart from those who fully detach from the entertainment industry, hardly anyone dares to expose scandals." She added, "The whistleblower won''t blend in with Hollywood anymore, regardless if they win or lose." Hawke asked, "Is your director Rooney Chasen all that formidable?" Calmly, Caroline replied, "She''s exceptionally talented -- miles better than I am. If I had her skills, I would have already taken her job." Hawke continued, curious, "Is her way of thinking as rigid and conventional as yours?" Caroline thought it through before answering, "Certainly not as wild as you." Then, she asked in curiosity, "Why all these inquiries? Are you planning to..." "Spot on," Hawke proclaimed, "you earn yourself a sheep bleat as a reward." Caroline stated, "If that''s the case, as a member of BWR, spilling this could lead to serious violations of company protocol." Hawke smirked. "You know about company rules?" Caroline couldn''t come up with a word of rebuttal, considering her collaboration with Hawke while utilizing company resources for commissions. Hawke directly proposed, "Miss Baa, join me on my side for a fair wage." Caroline prepared to resist. "I''ll be fired." Hawke threw down a bloody fact: "It won''t be long before you are anyway." "But there''s no steady income," Caroline had her sights set far ahead. Hawke clarified, "I''m about to establish a company with a highly focused agenda." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 140: Miss Baa Gets Fired [Chapter 141: Miss Baa Gets Fired] Hearing Hawke''s words, Caroline asked doubtfully, "Aren''t you running a West Coast media and entertainment studio?" Hawke acknowledged, "The nature has shifted. In fact, I had plans for this direction long before coming to Los Angeles. It''s just never been advanced until now." Caroline asked, "Was it inappropriate timing? Or insufficient funding?" "Both," Hawke mused, considering the prospect of partnering with Brian and also reflecting on Erica''s hints. "Most critically, I still lack formidable backing." If the cooperation with Brian could yield desired results, it could secure the necessary support. Media heavily leaned left in California; they might just need an unconventional voice channel. Hawke didn''t rush her; he waited for Caroline to deliberate. To label Miss Baa as exceptionally skilled wouldn''t be entirely accurate, but having spent over half a year training her, he''d gotten her to obey adequately. Even though she occasionally struggled, she still sank into the sheep mentality. On top of that, Miss Baa was well-informed; after all those years at BWR Public Relations, she had developed her own contacts. Caroline weighed the pros and cons. First off, working with Hawke was exhilarating; furthermore, the compensation was substantial. In the few months prior, the take-home pay from Hawke had been seven to eight times what she would earn at BWR Public Relations. Compensation was the key to any job. To focus solely on ideals and potential platforms without mentioning remuneration was mere nonsense. Caroline finally revealed, "Alright, I''m in. I''ll submit my resignation when I return, as there''s no non-compete agreement in this line of work." "You can''t just quit," Hawke insisted, calling her out with seriousness. "You need to get BWR Public Relations to sack you." Caroline was confused. "Why?" Hawke quietly revealed a few things. Caroline took a moment, stating, "I can ensure that!" The two chatted for nearly thirty minutes, and Hawke was the first to leave the coffee shop to head over to Brian''s place on Beverly Boulevard. ... Caroline rushed back to the office but received a call from Sasha midway as she returned. Director Rooney Chasen had informed everyone there would be a meeting in thirty minutes. ... Meanwhile, Hawke arrived at Brian''s villa to meet up with him. Brian''s two assistants, Sandra and Beacon, had temporarily relocated their work to this place. Hawke introduced them all around. He left Edward to get better acquainted with them while he pulled Brian into the newly prepared security room. Brian opened his computer, tapping some keys, and three screens lit up with multiple live feeds, the furthest showing the street several dozen meters away. ?????¦­?????¨¨???? Hawke, upon not noticing the surveillance gear, remarked, "Quick setup." Brian chuckled, "Where there''s money, there''s efficiency." Hawke remarked, "Start spreading the word about West Coast Studio teaming up with you." Brian was curious. "You plan to leak this information?" "Let''s just say we''re planting a little seed; don''t disclose this to anyone else," Hawke emphasized. Brian grasped the plan, replying, "Got it." He called out, "Sandra, could you come over here?" ... With things organized on this front, they set off to meet victims. First, they were visiting Rachel Wood, a child star born in 1987, who was now fifteen years old; she had auditioned for back in 1994 but lost out to Kirsten Dunst for the role of Claudia. As for what might have transpired behind the scenes, before this, Hawke might have thought they had strict child protection laws and Hollywood had changed from its former self. But now, with his experiences, he couldn''t say that since Hollywood hadn''t really changed much, if at all, and in fact, things had gotten worse. It just remained better hidden. Rachel''s mother was Jewish, but that didn''t spare Rachel. Upon meeting Rachel accompanied by her mother, Sara, Hawke directly said, "Ma''am, and Rachel, the following question may come off as intrusive, but it''s necessary for winning our lawsuit, so please be forthcoming." Rachel remained silent, shifting her gaze toward her mother. Sara forced a smile, "Go ahead and ask." Hawke, not being more professional than Brian in this matter, simply posed a singular question, "Rachel told Brian that during a rehearsal, Sterling Van Wagenen took her into a room, bound her hands, blindfolded her, and displayed her like a product?" Sara answered, "She was undressed and displayed like a product, with many men coming by during that time." She lightly patted Rachel, prompting her daughter to find her voice: "This happened twice -- both incidents involved different men. Though I couldn''t see them, I could tell by their hands that they weren''t directed by Wagenen." "Thanks," Hawke encouraged her. "You''re a very brave girl." ... After leaving the detached house, they climbed back into the car. Brian remarked, "She''s completely under her mother''s sway -- a cash cow hoping for a hefty compensation; that''s why she agreed to this lawsuit." Edward started the Benz, "It''s the same story for every child star in Hollywood, eerily similar." "Head to North Hollywood," Brian told Edward while conversing with Hawke. "Hollywood gossip isn''t confidential; most of these child star families aren''t doing poorly. They are at least middle class, yet they still bring their kids into this business..." Hawke cautioned, "You''re supposed to bring light to their lives as a representative lawyer." The duo visited Judy and Amanda''s places next, and their situations mirrored Rachel''s -- certainly under their parents'' supervision, as minors. Interestingly, neither wore blindfolds, but the men who abused them wore masks. They both recalled primarily four men involved -- three white guys and one black. The only difference was that Judy and Amanda had yet to act in any TV series, only taking jobs as child models for advertisements. Their parents harbored a deep contempt for Wagenen''s deceptive actions, understanding that their daughters'' hopes of becoming stars were dashed. They were even more determined to pursue claims and pursue compensation. ... Driving back towards Beverly Hills, Brian queried Hawke, "You''ve got the basic layout; what''s your take?" Hawke replied candidly, "I''m not entirely acquainted with legal proceedings, but looking from my standpoint just to create chaos, we have vulnerabilities everywhere. Even someone as clueless as Miss Baa could create a fuss." He illustrated: "First, media coverage -- without media backing, no solid evidence, we can''t bring down Wagenen, especially considering the people involved; for the three victims, they could easily switch their stands for money, since payouts often resolve outside the courtroom; Hollywood''s weighty inertia crushes anyone who dares to break the unwritten rules of the land..." Brian raised his hand, interrupting Hawke mid-sentence. "The reason I invited you in on this is because the situation is rather dire." Hawke suggested, "Let''s head back first and await correspondence." ... sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. BWR Public Relations, in the main conference room. Director Rooney Chasen stood at the front of the long conference table, with the images and profiles of Judy, Amanda, and Rachel displayed side by side on the projection screen behind her. Around the table, several senior PR managers, Caroline included, took their places. Rooney picked up a laser pointer, indicating the screen, "I want you all to mobilize every connection and channel to gather information on these three girls and their family, friends, and classmates -- everything you can find from the moment they were born. They''ve been in the industry since a young age, so there will be plenty of dirt to find. I want all of it!" She stressed, "For anyone not living in Los Angeles, go to their hometowns. As long as you can find a third-party willing to testify, even if it''s something as trivial as them wetting themselves in the street, bring it back!" This was absolute authority within the company, and no one dared dissent. "Meeting adjourned!" Rooney almost shouted, "Get moving, you ladies!" Before she could leave, someone knocked and entered, stating, "Director, we just received confirmation that West Coast Media Entertainment Studio has reached a cooperation agreement with the lawyer for those three girls, Brian Ferguson." Rooney recognized the name: "I need detailed information on this company!" She exited the meeting room and returned to the director''s office. The others gradually filtered out of the conference room, too. ... Sasha seized the moment with nobody watching to quietly slip into the director''s office. Spotting the glass door ajar, she lightly knocked: "Director." Rooney glanced at Sasha and asked, "What''s the matter?" Sasha responded, "I have some information to share with you." Not wanting Rooney to ignore her, she added, "It''s about West Coast Media Entertainment Studio." "Come in and tell me," Rooney''s interest was piqued. Sasha closed the door and continued, "Today when Josh Hartnett and Director Wagenen visited, Caroline called Hawke Osment. Hawke is the owner of West Coast Studio. Before she called, she made me inquire about it, and I curiously asked the Legal Department assistant." Rooney set her pen down, locking eyes with Sasha. Sasha explained, "I didn''t think much of it before, but in the meeting room, when I heard the name West Coast Studio mentioned, it suddenly felt off." Rooney cut off her rambling: "Is there anything else?" "There is," Sasha quickly added, "After lunch, Caroline stepped out, and when you notified us about the meeting, I called Caroline to inform her. On the call, I heard someone call for Hawke." Rooney extended her hand: "Give me your phone, unlock it." Sasha produced her phone, unlocked it, and handed it over. Rooney checked the call logs and confirmed that indeed, Sasha had called Caroline just before the meeting. She returned the phone to Sasha and quickly dialed the Legal Department. They promptly confirmed that Sasha had indeed been inquiring this morning. Rooney then recalled another point, pulled out the company client records, quickly rifled through, and found relevant information. Under the records for Steve Nutt and Sarah Jessica Parker, she noted that both had collaborated with Hawke Osment, with Caroline being the PR manager for both. Rooney closed the file and questioned, "Why did you do this?" "Because I''m an employee of BWR Public Relations first, and Caroline''s assistant second," Sasha replied. "The company pays my salary." Rooney was quite satisfied, "You did great." She grabbed the phone again, dialing the HR department''s number. Once connected, she stated plainly, "This is Rooney. I''m issuing a personnel directive effective immediately: Caroline Jones is no longer an employee of BWR Public Relations. You can let her know she''s fired." Sasha temporarily stepped out to wait in the public workspace. ... The HR director quickly brought two people to notify Caroline. Before long, Caroline dashed out of her office in high heels, barreling into the director''s office, confronting Rooney, "You''re firing me? What''s the reason? How can you do this!" Rooney maintained a straight face, "Yelling won''t solve anything. You''re friends with Hawke Osment, right? You met him this afternoon?" Caroline couldn''t deny it: "That''s true. I did meet with Hawke this afternoon, but it was just a normal friend meeting." "I advise you to pack your things and leave gracefully, or lose what little dignity you have left," Rooney shot back, "In your collaborations with Hawke Osment, did any money change hands? Have any company secrets been leaked? Should I let the Legal Department investigate this in detail?" Caroline''s confidence faltered: "We were just conducting normal business." Rooney offered her a choice, "Either leave quietly or tear apart the remaining relationship entirely; you decide." Faced with those two options, Caroline remained defiant. It was clear she felt immense frustration, but she stubbornly retorted, "Fine, I''m leaving!" Her face darkened as she exited the office. ... The voices of Rooney and Caroline had already traveled through the open office door. Many employees sitting in the public workspace were sneaking glances over. As Caroline stepped out, she suddenly turned right and spotted assistant Sasha, striding directly toward her. Sasha held her head high, fixing her gaze on Caroline, showing no signs of retreat. Caroline demanded, "Did you betray me?" "I''m an employee of BWR, paid by the company," Sasha stood firm, "You harmed BWR''s interests; I have the duty to report it." Furious, Caroline snapped, "You''re a shameless traitor!" Sasha countered, "The shameless one is you." On a nearby desk stood a cup of water, which Caroline seized and splashed water right onto Sasha''s face. She then turned and headed back to her office. The HR personnel followed closely behind. Someone near offered Sasha a pack of tissues, which she took and wiped her face, saying, "Thank you." ... Minutes later, Caroline emerged carrying two bags, leaving the office for good. Rooney happened to exit her office and glanced at Sasha, stating loudly, "That office and position now belong to you." "Thank you, Director," Sasha replied. Rooney nodded slightly; though she had little faith in Sasha''s capability, she decisively proclaimed, "Your main task now is to gather information on those three girls and their families." "I''ll get right to it," Sasha promised, quickly heading back to her office. ... Rooney returned to her own office, her assistant trailing behind, asking, "Director, do we need to adjust the arrangements from the meeting..." "Not necessary," Rooney replied, "Even if we don''t act, they''ll still remain on guard. As long as we find a breakthrough point, their defenses won''t matter. I will strike them down in the most forceful manner possible." She glanced at her watch, "I''ve got meetings scheduled with Wagenen and Robert Redford, as well as their lawyer, Cheryl. Keep me updated if anything develops." The assistant quickly contacted the driver. Rooney had already devised a comprehensive plan, but it required cooperation and support from Wagenen, Redford, and Cheryl, their lawyer. ... Outside the company building, Caroline turned to glance back at the bright sign reading BWR Public Relations. She gritted her teeth, feeling no nostalgic pull as she approached her bright red Benz. After storing her few personal belongings in the car, she took out her phone and followed Hawke''s instructions, copying her contacts and swapping out her SIM card for a new phone. Caroline dismantled her old phone and tossed it into a nearby trash can. Having completed her tasks, she sighed in relief and drove off. As she drove, appreciating the scenery on either side of the road, Caroline suddenly noted how blue the sky was, how brightly the sun shone, and how fragrant the grass smelled... ... Following Hawke''s directions, she turned onto Beverly Boulevard and soon spotted the villa. After parking, Caroline stepped in front of the house, looking through the wrought-iron floral gate, where she saw Edward''s silhouette. Edward spotted her too and approached to open the door. "Miss Baa, you''ve arrived? Please, come in." Caroline elongated her face, responding, "Call me Caroline or Mrs. Jones." Edward led the way while casually replying, "Sure." Once inside the villa, Caroline noticed it had transformed into a temporary office space. Against the wall, a large whiteboard held a visual map with photographs of various people being pinned up by Hawke. Brian greeted her as he approached. Once Hawke finished his current task, he asked Caroline, "Did you get fired?" Caroline nodded, "I''m unemployed now." Brian extended a welcome: "Glad to have you join our new team." "Thanks," Caroline replied politely, moving to Hawke''s side, asking, "What do you need me to do?" Hawke casually said, "How about shouting a few times first? It will lighten up the mood." Miss Baa''s face darkened at that suggestion. Brian reminded him, "How about shouting a few times first. I''ve noticed you have a knack for making the team feel overly tense." Edward brought over a few bottles of water, handing each of them one. Hawke looked at the mind map, eyeing the photographs of the three victims, and said, "If I''m not mistaken, your former boss is going to target them." He stated directly, "If you can''t solve a problem, just eliminate the person raising the issue, and the problem will naturally resolve." "You''re spot-on," Caroline switched into work mode, moving to the whiteboard and pointing at the photos of the victims, "Rooney will mobilize the company''s entire force to thoroughly investigate Judy, Amanda, and Rachel''s social networks, seeking every bit of potential dirt." She sipped some water and continued, "Once a crack is found, Rooney will unleash the most ferocious attack using money, legal measures, and role resources." Edward asked, "Now that we''re aware, will she alter her strategy?" "Not a chance," Brian shook his head, "This is the most effective approach." Hawke said, "I met with the three victims and their guardians today. Unless we place them under house arrest and cut off all external contact, we can''t avoid their attacks, especially with some still harboring dreams of stardom, where Sterling Van Wagner and Robert Redford could present high-quality resources." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 141: Subversion [Chapter 142: Subversion] With just a little analysis, Hawke quickly realized that they were at an absolute disadvantage. Hawke summed up the situation: "We''re completely suppressed by media sentiment, there''s no solid evidence legally, we''re being rejected and targeted by almost all powerful figures in Hollywood, and financially, we are stuck on an uncertain compensation split and still need to invest our own money." He tried to remain somewhat optimistic: "The only advantage we have is that Brian got three victims to come forward to accuse." Edward didn''t feel anything was amiss; when did their boss not face this kind of brutal field? Caroline had worked with Hawke enough times that she was quite at ease. However, Brian''s assistants, Beacon and Sandra, looked worried. "Everyone knows the basic situation," Hawke said, taking control of the situation without hesitation. "Now let''s initiate targeted work deployment." He looked at Brian: "Without solid evidence, the LAPD won''t make any progress. You need to push the three victims to officially file a lawsuit to divert their legal energy." Brian cautioned, "Caroline just said that they would be targeted..." Hawke responded, "Can we offer them a few million dollars? There are loopholes everywhere, and they can''t be stopped. So, let''s create a new battlefield. Given Sterling Van Wagenen and Robert Redford''s ages, these incidents can''t have just started in recent years. The victims absolutely can''t be limited to just three. Let''s work on identifying those victims we have information on and continue searching for those we don''t." Caroline, who knew more, interjected: "Potential victims are easy to find. Looking at the two projects they led, any underage actors from that time, whether boys or girls, likely experienced some form of harassment or intrusion." Brian instructed his two assistants: "You two handle this line of work." Hawke turned to Caroline: "Get in touch with the Los Angeles Parent-Teacher Association and request assistance that''s not limited to media and legal fronts. Then, based on the situation of the three, draft a media release with some evocative photos to include. Leverage your media resources and connections to create a strong presence." Caroline pondered for a moment and asked, "Isn''t this your usual way of handling media sentiment?" "Now that our opponent knows I''m collaborating with Brian, they will study my style," Hawke explained. He understood that the media wasn''t on their side this time, making past tactics less effective. "Doing this could attract their attention." At this point, even Brian was confused about what Hawke actually wanted to do. Hawke addressed everyone: "Bribery and provocation are common methods used in these types of cases. They will definitely reach out to you, and if they do, firmly refuse at first. Assess the situation and then ask for a retainer, understood?" Everyone present was sharp enough to grasp Hawke''s meaning immediately. Hawke said, "Alright, everyone, let''s get to work." The group quickly divided and started hustling according to his instructions. ... Once Brian noticed everyone had left, he asked, "Can we achieve anything with just this?" "No," Hawke replied honestly. "We''re at a huge disadvantage, and there are flaws everywhere. Relying only on this is bound to lead to failure." He headed for the security room, and as Brian joined him, he added, "If we want to win, we''re going to need other strategies." Brian inquired, "You have a plan, right?" Hawke said, "Have your people shadow every party involved. Don''t be too careful; if discovered, just act oblivious." The two entered the security room and discussed for quite some time. During this, Hawke focused on the surveillance screens and pointed to one image, saying, "They arrived pretty quickly. Did you see that? That car has been parked for over ten minutes, and the people inside haven''t gotten out." ?????¦­¦¯£Â¦¥S? Brian was surprised to see there were results on the first day of surveillance installation. He glanced at Hawke, impressed that everyone had their own expertise. Hawke gathered his bag and remarked, "Alright, I''m off. I want them to see me contacting the media I work with most closely." Brian realized, "Fox 11 News." ... Hawke left the villa and got into the Mercedes, driving down Beverly Boulevard directly to the Fox Television Center. Someone followed him from the back. Noticing this ahead of time, Hawke quickly found that at least two cars were tailing him. Hawke pretended not to notice, pulling into the Fox building''s underground lot, taking the elevator up to Channel 11, and walking directly into Megan Taylor''s office. Megan was reviewing the script for that night''s news. When he entered, she asked, "Got important news?" Hawke placed the draft script on her desk. "Inserts?" Megan picked it up to examine it closely, her golden brows furrowing slightly. "This news isn''t confirmed, there''s neither photo nor video, and it lacks a third-party witness." Hawke responded directly, "Change the way it''s presented, calling it reprinted news from other media." While this wasn''t exactly per regulations, since it was Hawke who was asking, had it been anyone else, Megan likely wouldn''t have considered it. "You''re creating a mess for me." "Your boss won''t cause you any trouble," Hawke said, having checked with Brian. Fox''s stance was clear: "She''ll pretend she didn''t see it." "Let''s not make this a habit," Megan replied, stashing the document. The presentation of news went through rigorous planning by the production team. While proper news reporting discouraged pre-set media stances, those in the media industry lived in the real world. How many reports nowadays lacked a bent? Megan then suggested, "Dinner at my place tonight?" "I''d love to," Hawke replied. He couldn''t risk dragging her down. "But I got involved in a bit of a dangerous job, and I have a few tails following me." Megan stood and started walking toward the door. "Don''t let anyone come knocking," Hawke reminded. Megan opened the office door and instructed the new assistant, Aisha, who was sitting outside, "I have something important to discuss. Don''t let anyone disturb me." Aisha acknowledged, "Sure." Megan returned, locking the office door. Just as she turned around, Hawke cornered her against the door. Soon enough, Aisha noticed the door shaking, the rhythm ebbing and flowing -- sometimes fast, sometimes slow. ... Not far from the Fox building''s underground parking lot exit, a mixed-race Black man in a modern car picked up his phone to make a call. When the other side picked up, he said, "Target number two has arrived at Fox." "Keep watching him." ... On the same night, both sides kept their activities ruthless. Sasha had been busy since the afternoon, gathering information on the three child stars and their family friends, working tirelessly until nearly 11 PM before heading back. Arriving near her home, her phone vibrated; a call came in from an unknown public payphone. Sasha didn''t answer and hung up, deleting the call log. She parked in front of her house and retrieved a thick envelope from her mailbox. Upon returning home, she opened it and pulled out a bottle of water, chugging down nearly half to feel much better. She approached her desk, opened the thick material inside. The contents were all about Rachel Wood, including her family and financial situation, school performance, and more. Sasha skimmed through it, took out some paper, and organized the materials in her own writing style, staying busy until after 1 AM. ... The next morning, Sasha took her gathered materials and headed straight for the Beverly Hotel. Director Sterling Van Wagenen had a long-term suite at the hotel, which was spacious enough to serve as their contact center. At 8 AM, Rooney Chasen arrived at the hotel and met Sasha waiting in the lobby. As they walked toward the elevator, she asked, "Did you find anything significant so soon?" Sasha replied, "I have an important discovery." Rooney nodded, "Let''s talk upstairs." They both ascended to Sterling Van Wagenen''s suite, where Sasha handed over the organized materials to Rooney: "Yesterday, I connected with two of Rachel''s former neighbors before she moved and visited the middle school Rachel attended before transferring. I''ve gathered some insights Sterling Van Wagenen were not privy to." Rooney glanced at her watch, "Cut to the chase." Sasha quickly stated, "Rachel''s mother can be swayed because they are in serious debt from a large mortgage on their new home, and poor investment choices have left them financially vulnerable, potentially facing a severe crisis after New Year''s." Then, about Rachel, she continued: "When she was attending the local Palm Tree Middle School, she was often reckless, dating boys since the age of 11. During her three years at that school, she must have had at least eight boyfriends, if not more!" Rooney was very pleased: "You did well." Sasha added, "If needed, I can track those boys down." Just then, someone began entering the room. The first to walk in was a middle-aged man wearing glasses, his gray hair complementing his serious demeanor -- Sterling Van Wagenen himself. Beside him stood a distinguished-looking gentleman approximately 60 years old, exuding charm and sophistication, Robert Redford. Following these two was a woman with gold-rimmed glasses, Sterling Van Wagenen''s attorney, Cheryl. Looking concerned, Sterling Van Wagenen asked Rooney, "Any progress?" Rooney shook the materials in her hand: "Major progress." Cheryl proposed, "Let''s have a brief meeting to discuss the current situation." Rooney included Sasha and said, "Sasha''s assistant discovered this situation; she has more information." All five moved into the conference room. Sasha repeated what she had just said. "This discovery is crucial," Cheryl stated from a legal perspective. "If Rachel is found to lack discipline, her credibility in court will be severely undermined." However, Rooney had a different stance from the lawyer: "I don''t think we need to go that far. Rachel''s mother is a good entry point; their motive is merely financial. We can use the insights we possess to shift the tide by spending a little of our financial resources." Robert Redford concurred with her thinking: "Let''s wrap this up as quickly as possible." Cheryl nodded lightly, deciding not to say much more. Ultimately, the matter came back to Sterling Van Wagenen. He realized this involved others, particularly Pope from the Governor''s office, and remarked, "Exactly, we need to finalize this quickly." Rooney said, "Next, I will meet with Rachel and her mother. Rachel is a moderately well-known child star; the compensation involved may exceed cash." Redford understood: "Tell them that I''m involved in preparing a mainstream project worth millions titled , with the lead female role intended for a young girl." "Understood." Rooney felt a surge of confidence, adding, "Everyone, I mentioned this yesterday; our opponent is not just Brian Ferguson; we also have Hawke Osment from West Coast Media Entertainment Studio involved. This guy was pivotal in Steve Nutt''s rise and orchestrated the selfie scandal. I studied several of his cases last night, and he has a special talent for manipulating media and public sentiment." Sterling Van Wagenen had also done his research: "He''s indeed someone skilled at leveraging public opinion. Both Steve Nutt and the selfie scandal were instances where he successfully turned the media towards his advantage. We must remain vigilant against him." Redford sounded assured: "In this matter, they won''t be able to make their voices heard." This not only involved numerous Hollywood forces but also some significant figures within the media industry. What the event truly entailed was clear to both Redford and Sterling Van Wagenen. This was more than a simple harassment case. Rooney then said, "Since yesterday, I''ve pulled together a competent team to track Hawke''s movements. He''s been to Fox Television." Redford frowned: "That''s a mainstream media outlet we can''t influence." Cheryl reminded, "Last night, Channel 11''s Ace News circulated related reports. They have no substantive evidence whatsoever, but I will be sending them a lawyer''s letter this morning." Sterling Van Wagenen ordered, "Keep an eye on them." "Robert, you should contact the media again today," Rooney suggested. "We don''t need an overtly noisy media environment." She then addressed Cheryl: "Keep a close watch on legal issues." Cheryl nodded slightly. Finally, Rooney told Sterling Van Wagenen: "Keep a low profile and avoid any reckless maneuvers." Sterling Van Wagenen assured her, "You can rest assured on my end." Cheryl told Sasha, "Let''s head over to find Rachel and her mother." Everyone started mobilizing. ... Redford went to another room to make phone calls. His first call was to the , followed by , , and others. Other television networks also received calls. Finally, he called Pope. In Sacramento, Pope was finishing up some business when he got Redford''s call. After pulling over, he asked, "Haven''t you resolved this issue yet?" Redford assured him, "Don''t worry; they lack any evidence. This thing will turn around in two or three days at most." Pope responded, "I''ll be waiting for good news from you." After hanging up, Redford stepped out of the room to find Sterling Van Wagenen staring blankly at a movie poster framed on the wall. It was a poster for -- his favorite film. Redford warned his old friend, "You need to keep yourself in check during this period. Don''t use that useless thing of yours recklessly." Sterling Van Wagenen responded, "You should know me by now. I can differentiate between what''s serious and what''s not." As Redford was about to exit, he recalled another issue and asked, "I''m asking you one last time -- did you invite those people for a good time? You didn''t happen to videotape it, did you?" "Why would I tape it?" Sterling Van Wagenen protested. "That would just invite trouble!" Nodding, Redford replied, "Just wanted to make sure you realized that." Sterling Van Wagenen resolved to maintain his stance; he would deny everything, regardless of who asked. After all, he had hidden things well. ... Meanwhile, Sasha drove Rooney toward Paramount Pictures. Rooney closed the materials in her hand and asked, "Have you met anyone from the West Coast studio?" "I''ve met two people while following Caroline before; it seems there are only two of them." Sasha was notably honest and reliable, stating only what she knew. "One is Hawke Osment, and the other is a Black guy from Compton." Rooney seemed intrigued: "Those from Compton are generally quite notorious." Sasha recalled some troubling antics by that charming young man and said, "That Black guy is indeed quite a piece of work." Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hawke Osment has converted Caroline and tricked me once," Rooney felt vengeful. "Try to turn one of his subordinates; we might receive some unexpected info." Sasha nodded, "I''ll try." Rooney dropped her materials and called Rachel''s mother. She knew how to lure someone out, making a quick call: "Hi, I''m the production manager for . We''re interested in inviting Miss Rachel Wood to play the lead role..." "Are you kidding me?" the other side questioned. Rooney assured, "We can meet right now. If you have time, come to Paramount Pictures where I''ll be waiting in the studio." The other side was thrilled: "Great! We''ll be there immediately." Sasha parked the car at Paramount Pictures. Thanks to Redford''s prior arrangements, they were granted smooth entry into the studio and borrowed a producer''s office. ... Before long, Rachel Wood and her mother arrived. They entered the studio and then the producer''s office, completely oblivious to anything unusual. Upon seeing Rooney, Mrs. Wood hurriedly asked, "Are you really here to invite Rachel for the lead role? I''ve read ; it''s an excellent novel." Rooney got straight to the point: "We do have intentions to invite her, but I understand Rachel has some troubles. The production team does not wish to work with problematic actors." Mrs. Wood wasn''t naive and quickly grasped what was happening: "You came on behalf of that bastard Sterling Van Wagenen, didn''t you?" Rooney didn''t respond directly but instead remarked, "Do you know how many popular child stars are vying for this role? Do you know the salary? This project has a budget of over $50 million, with the lead actress earning $3 million. If Rachel gets this role, it will alleviate your family''s financial crisis, and she''ll have a bright future, receiving guidance from major directors and producers." Mrs. Wood was silent as Rachel pulled at her, wishing to shake her head but deterred by her mother''s stern gaze. Rooney continued, "If you sue Sterling Van Wagenen, it''s merely about money; don''t say you have no evidence. Even if you do, we have ways to drag out this lawsuit for six months or even longer. Can you withstand that?" She hit the nail on the head: "How many boyfriends has Rachel had at school? Didn''t she have her first time a while ago? Do you need me to find all the boys she''s dated and have them describe to the media what they did? Do you believe the public and the court would trust the words of a disrespectful girl? Are you truly ready to face the onslaught of national media and public scrutiny?" Rachel lowered her head, and her thoughts evaporated. Mrs. Wood hesitated: "Can you make all this happen?" "Absolutely," Rooney smiled. "The production team can even sign Rachel right away." Her smile suddenly disappeared: "But once signed, you must follow my arrangements." After some back and forth, Mrs. Wood finally agreed after a lengthy contemplation: "Alright, I''ll agree." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 142: The Terrifying Video [Chapter 143: The Terrifying Video] A Cadillac parked on Beverly Boulevard as Edward hurriedly got out and rushed into the villa, finding Hawke and Caroline discussing something in hushed tones, waiting a moment. Once Hawke wrapped up his conversation with Caroline, he noticed the sweat on Edward''s forehead and asked, "What''s wrong?" "I''ve been approached!" Edward exclaimed before correcting himself, "Someone attempted to bribe me." He pointed toward Caroline: "Miss Baa''s assistant wants to offer me $30,000." "Tell her to raise it to $50,000," Hawke replied matter-of-factly. Caroline agreed: "Since Sarah is coming in, the chances of getting that money are pretty high." Hawke asked, "Is she waiting for your response?" Edward responded, "She called me about ten minutes ago. I told her I''d think about it." Hawke firmly instructed, "Set up a meeting, have her bring the money, and then casually drop the information that I told you about." Edward quickly left. Caroline remarked, "It seems those materials I provided are doing the trick." Hawke nodded, but before he could speak, Brian returned from outside. Seeing Hawke, he frowned, "You were right, Rachel''s mother called to unilaterally terminate the contract; they want to withdraw from the lawsuit." Hawke had long anticipated such an outcome: "That was inevitable. To win, we can only go on the offensive." "I spent two weeks persuading Rachel and her mother," Brian shook his head. "And in just two days, we lost the most vital ground." Hawke reassured him, "This isn''t our fault; the opponent can offer them the resources they desperately need, while we can''t." Brian replied, "I''ve notified Sandra and Beacon to contact child stars who have previously worked with Sterling Van Wagenen and Redford as soon as possible." Caroline interjected: "It feels like we are completely on the defensive now. None of the media I contacted, aside from forums where we can post ourselves, wished to publish related news, not newspapers, television stations, or online platforms." R¦¡£Î¨°?¨§? She continued, "The Los Angeles Parent-Teacher Association, which claims to be super concerned about child actors, regularly checking up on set conditions for their rights, merely stated they would investigate when I called. A contact inside told me that the association hasn''t taken any action." Hawke stated a fact: "If they were genuinely committed, would Hollywood still have so many child stars being abused?" Brian commented, "They''re like an iron wall." Hawke pointedly mentioned, "You guys'' performance with the media hasn''t been up to par over the recent years." This was also related to Brian''s lack of resource support. Talking about it wasn''t enough; experiencing it firsthand was key. Brian nodded, "That''s true. We have leads but can''t form a media offensive." Hawke said, "Regarding the media, I have an idea. Once this is over, perhaps we can chat." Brian knew Hawke often had clever ideas: "Sure." Hawke''s phone rang, he answered, "Any discoveries?" On the other end, Campos said, "We''ve mainly been tracking Sterling Van Wagenen and Redford. They''re very cautious. Sterling Van Wagenen hasn''t left the Four Seasons hotel in days. Carlos infiltrated the hotel by posing as a cleaning staff. Redford is merely shuttling between home and hotel; for now, there hasn''t been anything." Hawke instructed, "Stay safe." Campos acknowledged, "Got it." "That''s it for now," Hawke ended the call. Brian asked, "No progress?" Hawke shook his head: "We need to think of another way to get them mobilized." He looked at Caroline, who merely shook her head in response. Hawke had planted his procedures behind the scenes, but for those to have effect, they needed the opponent to expose a weakness. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meanwhile, Brian had submitted legal processes, but with Rachel''s withdrawal, many things needed to be re-started, and Judy and Amanda might very well bow out too. ... Hawke entered the security room and noticed on the monitor that at least two cars were surveilling their location. Brian followed in and asked, "Do you believe they''ll tape everything?" "It''s not them but the orchestrator, Sterling Van Wagenen," Hawke countered, "If you''re inviting those models and stars over, why would you record it?" Brian replied, "For fun; it''s of sentimental value." Hawke explained, "People in Hollywood enjoy fun too. A director with a background in photography like Sterling Van Wagenen wouldn''t hold back from filming, especially if he has ulterior motives for organizing these parties. Without videos or a list, what happens if the assistance promised by the other side falls through?" Brian considered, "If someone invites me to a good time, I''d want to protect myself too!" Hawke clapped his shoulder: "If the target is significant, don''t engage." At this point, Caroline came over to knock on the door. Once Brian opened it, she reminded, "You guys ought to check the TV." ... The three moved to the living room, finding the television already on and tuned to an NBC news program. Displaying on the screen was Rachel. The program featured a brief interview. The female host asked, "There have been reports that you accused director Sterling Van Wagenen of abuse via the media. Is that true?" Having rehearsed previously, Rachel responded, "That''s not true. I made a serious mistake; I lied." Though young, Rachel had years of acting experience; tears began flowing down her cheeks immediately: "I''m a bad girl, seduced and prodded into saying things that hurt Sterling Van Wagenen. The truth is, it was all lies, taught to me by my lawyer." Her tears flowed freely: "My lawyer said this could land me a big payday, and I could get a significant cut." Rooney, knowing that during such moments, Rachel needed to present herself as reliable, sought to instill trust regarding her statements: "Over the years, my mom has sent me to various acting classes to help me realize my dream. To improve our living quality, she even took loans to buy a big house. Though she never told me, I know my mom has gone into significant debt for me." She used her hand to wipe tears from her face, attempting to maintain her composure: "I don''t want my mom to struggle as she has; I want to help her pay off the debt." The host noted, "Even though you''ve made mistakes, it seems you''ve recognized them in time." Rachel stood, deeply bowing towards the camera: "I''m sorry, director Sterling Van Wagenen. I falsely accused you out of selfishness. I dare not beg for your forgiveness; I only wish to openly apologize." Backstage, Rooney nudged Mrs. Wood, signaling toward the stage. Mrs. Wood reacted, rushing onto the stage and embracing her daughter in front of the camera. Both mother and daughter fell into tears on camera. But that wasn''t the end; the host seized the opportunity to interview the mother: "You hadn''t known about this?" Mrs. Wood cried, "I thought Rachel had actually suffered abuse; I even confronted director Sterling Van Wagenen... I''m so sorry, director Sterling Van Wagenen." She wiped the tears from her face: "As soon as this show ends, I''ll take Rachel to the police. The LAPD should thoroughly investigate this lawyer for enticing a minor into a crime!" The program concluded successfully with great effect. Backstage, Mrs. Wood asked Rooney, "How did we do, Chasen?" Rooney smiled, nodding in encouragement: "You both did excellently." She ruffled Rachel''s hair, saying, "You''re a good girl." Mrs. Wood inquired, "Are we really going to the police?" Rooney, in serious mode, asked, "Why wouldn''t we?" Rachel looked somewhat anxious. Mrs. Wood questioned, "What about your promises?" "You''ve spoken with Redford, signed a contract, and notified the unions," Rooney assured. As the resources expended weren''t coming from Rooney''s end, she was generous: "We should head to the station to file a report." The group left the television station in two separate cars. Rooney instructed her driver to head to the nearest police station, taking out her phone and sending two urgent texts: "Resolve this as quickly as possible!" For the other two victims, Judy and Amanda, a public relations manager from BWR had accompanied them to watch the entire show, working on them -- their agreement was just a matter of time. Meanwhile, Rooney received a call from Sasha. Sasha quickly reported, "Director, I talked to that Black guy; he wants $50,000 as a show of good faith. He also mentioned an important piece of news: Hawke Osment and Brian Ferguson are mobilizing personnel to comb through child stars featured in previous works of Sterling Van Wagenen and Redford. They plan to visit each of them." "Are they ever going to stop?" Rooney fumed, but this news was crucial. Sasha proved her worth; without the key materials she collected, things wouldn''t have gone this smoothly. Rooney contemplated briefly before saying, "Give him the $50,000. The money will come from the client''s account. Tell him that we will surely provide this kind of heavyweight news again, and he won''t regret it." "Sounds good," Sasha confirmed before hanging up. Meanwhile, Rooney swiftly entered the police station. ... Inside the villa on Beverly Boulevard, Hawke handed over a microphone attached to a laptop to Caroline, saying, "Just call out a few times." Caroline took it, complying eagerly, "Baa--" After finishing, she inquired, "Is that enough?" Hawke instructed, "Once more." Caroline, now well-practiced, opened her mouth and mimicked a sheep again: "Baa--" After recording, Hawke clicked to play it back, a bizarre sheep sound echoing from the laptop''s speaker. Hearing that sound made Caroline cover her face with her hands. Hawke connected the storage drive to copy the audio file. Seeing this, Caroline quickly asked, "What are you planning to do?" "Take it to the station and play it on the news," Hawke casually mentioned. "To shock the entire nation." Caroline contemplated stealing the drive but was pushed back by Hawke''s hold on her shoulder. She scowled fiercely and warned him, "If you push me too far, I will actually bite!" Once the audio file was copied over, Hawke removed the storage drive and tucked it into his pocket, saying, "Don''t worry; it won''t air at the station. This is just a facade to mobilize those people over there." He felt a bit anxious, focusing to steady his mind: "If those people don''t move, we won''t find the right opportunity." Returning just then was Brian, who appeared somewhat dejected: "Our adversaries are quite formidable this time." Hawke could guess: "Did Judy and Amanda decide to bow out?" Brian had prepared himself mentally; the blow wasn''t too significant: "Yes, their guardians called one after another to express their apologies and terminated the agency contracts I had with them. As for the PR fee promised for you, it''ll just have to come out of my own pocket." He sighed, "As you said, we''re utterly vulnerable on the direct battlefield, suffering a comprehensive defeat. It would be hard for God himself to save us." Hawke declared, "Now it''s time for us to strike." The media battle had ended in a complete disaster, but Hawke didn''t specialize in just that. He called Edward: "Back yet?" Edward replied, "Almost there." Hawke packed his bag and told Caroline, "From now on, you are not to go out. Just focus on contacting people." He emphasized to Brian, "You need to stay alert. It''s best to use a bulletproof car and bring a bodyguard -- keep an eye out for dump trucks; it wouldn''t be good to get hit." Brian understood what Hawke was planning: "It won''t be easy for them to take me out." Hawke noticed the electronic notification alert, looking toward the door to find Edward standing outside. He drew his gun, checking the magazine before sliding it back into its holster under his coat. He strode outside. Edward took the car keys for the Mercedes Hawke handed him, getting into the driver''s seat. Once Hawke joined him, they drove straight to the Fox Television Center. The tail followed quietly. ... As they pulled into Fox''s underground parking, just before getting out, Hawke directed Edward, "Call them in 15 minutes and inform them of the news." Edward pulled out his phone, checked the time, and nodded, "Got it." Hawke took the elevator directly to Megan''s office. They had already spoken on the phone previously. Upon entering, Megan stated, "The last two news pieces you sent were pointless. The previous one was barely broadcast; this one cannot air at all." Hawke produced the storage drive, saying, "And there''s only a sheep bleating in it. So how can we air it?" Megan queried, "Then you''ll have to return it tonight." She took the storage drive, asking, "Now, what exactly do we do?" "You convene a meeting to announce that this will be tonight''s headline for Ace News," Hawke outlined. "Due to the sensitivity of the news and confidentiality principles, we''ll wait until an hour before the broadcast to prepare the copy. When the moment arrives, we can cancel it." Megan accepted the storage drive, pulling a label from her drawer and marking it with extreme confidentiality. She earnestly addressed Hawke, "This is your last chance; doing such things too frequently will damage my credibility in the production room." Hawke nodded, asking, "What about favors left unreturned?" Megan bluntly replied, "You''ll repay them with your light pole." She took the storage drive and made her way towards the door, adding, "You can wait here. I''ll handle the meeting." ... Downstairs, Edward browsed his phone until he found Sasha''s number, calling her up. As soon as it connected, she asked, "What''s the matter?" "A very important piece of news," Edward explained. "Brian obtained a video involving Sterling Van Wagenen from a young actor." Sasha queried, "What''s on the video?" Edward didn''t go into that: "About what we agreed upon." "Hang on a moment," Sasha said, hanging up. She spoke to Rooney in the same car before asking, "Director, he''s asking for money." Rooney whispered, "About the video involving Sterling Van Wagenen?" It was too usual to demand payment; she wouldn''t believe it if there wasn''t a request: "Tell him $30,000. Ask what the video contains and how Hawke Osment intends to handle it." Sasha called Edward back: "$30,000 will be wired to your account immediately. Please outline the video content and Hawke''s plan." Edward paused to await a text alert before responding, "The video shows a young actor copying something from Sterling Van Wagenen''s computer when he wasn''t paying attention. The contents are too explosive. As for the processing, I''m currently at Fox Television Center, and Hawke Osment has gone to find Megan Taylor at Channel 11." He briefly stopped, adding, "Just a reminder, if no swift action is taken, you all should see the video''s detailed content airing as the headliner on Ace News tonight." After finishing, Edward hung up. ... Upon her side of the conversation, Rooney cursed fiercely, "Damn it! This bunch of perverts in Hollywood are as stupid as pigs!" She took out her phone, calling, "It''s me, Rooney. Find out if your network''s Ace News received any big news lately? Yes, it''s important, and please keep it discreet." After some time, the reply came through: "Yes, it seems a significant news piece was handed over by someone from the West Coast studio. Megan Taylor just held a meeting and is, indeed, preparing it as tonight''s headline; to ensure confidentiality, the video will only be uncovered an hour prior to the program." "Thanks," Rooney hung up, feeling a loss of the previous ease, instructing her driver: "Drive straight to the Four Seasons hotel." ... Soon, the vehicles arrived at the Four Seasons hotel. Rooney and Sasha hurried into the lobby, taking the elevator up to Sterling Van Wagenen''s suite. When arriving at the sixth floor, they noticed a Hispanic cleaner was dusting a pillar, and they automatically dodged away. Rooney knocked on the door and found Sterling Van Wagenen, Redford, and Cheryl inside. Each held a glass of champagne. Sterling Van Wagenen grinned, pouring two glasses, handing one to Rooney and the other to Sasha: "This is brilliant! You both did superbly; we should toast to this." Redford added, "BWR''s PR director lives up to the name; the West Coast studio is utterly helpless against you." Cheryl interjected, "Just got word; the LAPD has summoned Brian Ferguson. While this won''t seriously harm him, it''ll turn him into a laughingstock in the industry." Rooney couldn''t refuse her clients, so she patiently clanked her glass with theirs. After downsizing her drink, she stated, "There''s been an unexpected development; Brian obtained video footage from a young actor Sterling previously worked with..." Rooney shared the situation in detail. Redford''s expression instantly morphed into a fierce glare, trained on Sterling Van Wagenen as he struggled to contain his outrage, "Where are the rest of the videos?" "There are none, absolutely none!" Sterling Van Wagenen insisted vehemently. In fact, he had taken so many secret photos that he couldn''t remember the specific circumstances. Why shoot? As a director who started out as a photographer, he couldn''t wait to shoot. He felt it was a guarantee. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 143: Lure the Snake Out of Its Hole [Chapter 144: Lure the Snake Out of Its Hole] S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The room suddenly became quiet, the atmosphere was a little depressing for a moment, and everyone''s eyes were all on Sterling Van Wagenen''s face. Robert Redford was so pissed off that he asked, "Where are the rest of the videos?" "No, there really are not!" Wagenen refused to admit it. At this juncture, confession would require him to produce video evidence for destruction, potentially leaving him high and dry. Denial was the only way to keep the wolves at bay. Rooney felt her head spinning, cutting through the argument: "Gentlemen, let''s focus on the pressing issue." She pointed to the wall clock: "We have only seven hours until Ace News airs. If we don''t act now, the consequences could be dire." Redford managed to hold his temper, prioritizing their imminent concerns. Rooney stated plainly: "Fox is already predisposed to that side. From my understanding, Megan Taylor rose from being a gossip anchor to the key host of Channel 11''s flagship program with a large part due to Hawke Osment''s influence. From a PR standpoint, we face formidable challenges." Redford disputed gently, "I can''t influence that side either; they''ve been consistently biased." "I have a plan." Cheryl, the lawyer, spoke up from her professional standpoint. "The other side holds the video and plans to air it on public media without notifying those involved. This constitutes an infringement of basic rights and privacy." She looked at Sterling Van Wagenen: "You have the right to seek privacy protection. As your attorney, I can file a request for an ex parte temporary restraining order to prohibit Fox Television from airing it." Rooney was skeptical, "Will that really work?" Cheryl replied, "It may not comply entirely with regulations, but if we strictly adhered to regulations, America wouldn''t be so rife with important issues and controversies." Redford frowned deeply: "Will there be enough time?" "By myself, no chance at all." Cheryl knew that the larger burdens in such situations couldn''t fall entirely on her. She glanced between Sterling Van Wagenen and Redford, saying, "I need your collective manpower to assist me, and it has to be fast. We need to get the restraining order before the Fox Television executives catch wind of our situation. That would at least buy us 14 days..." "Hold on." Rooney, capable of being the PR director, had a sudden thought: "What if we formulated a backup plan to synergize with Cheryl''s approach?" Sterling Van Wagenen asked, "Go ahead." Rooney proposed swiftly, "Since the restraining order has time limitations, we should factor in what to do next." She derived inspiration from Hawke''s handling of the selfie scandal: "In the meantime, we can contact Santa Monica''s film suppliers and find some actors who resemble Sterling Van Wagenen and a few younger girls who appear juvenile. Using cellphone and hidden-camera techniques, we could shoot some scandalous clips and spread them across the internet as a series featuring an older man and a young girl -- confusing public perception." Redford supported, "Great idea." Sterling Van Wagenen concurred, "Absolutely, sounds good." "Once the restraining order is in, you both need to act on that," Cheryl stressed, pushing for urgency. "Let''s secure the order first." Redford glanced at Sterling Van Wagenen: "I''ll make a call." Cheryl grabbed her bag: "I''ll head back to the law firm and initiate the application. Let''s all stay in touch." Rooney also hurried off, realizing she had left some documents in her car. She instructed Sasha, "Go to the car and retrieve that potential list." ... Sasha exited the suite and reached the elevator, noticing the Hispanic cleaner was still busily at work nearby while still wiping down the marble wall. ?¦Á??£Â¦¥s? Sasha, as if talking to herself, mused: "If there''s a video, Sterling Van Wagenen might have filmed things extensively." The cleaner''s cloth paused momentarily, almost nodding in agreement. The elevator finally arrived, and without looking back, Sasha stepped in. The cleaner completed his task before making his way towards the freight elevator. ... Meanwhile, Redford''s call made its way to Sacramento. Once Pope picked up, Redford detailed the situation thoroughly. Pope fell into brief silence: "There will be other footage." Understanding this implication, Redford replied, "I''m aware. Right now, the LAPD remains neutral; we can''t let Fox air the video. If they do, public pressure will compel LAPD to intervene." Pope affirmed, "I''ll contact Judge Bremer." His tone turned somber: "Robert, I''d rather not hear any more messages or rumors regarding that footage, you understand?" Redford grasped the weight of those words: "I''ll do my best to handle Sterling Van Wagenen." Pope clarified, "Not your best -- definitely get it done." Once that call ended, Pope, in deep thought, contacted Cheryl''s office to clarify a few details before calling Judge Bremer. He stood by the window, pondering the view, grappling with the realization of just how much footage Sterling Van Wagenen had likely recorded. ... Back inside the villa on Beverly Boulevard, Hawke received a call from Campos, confirming that a video indeed existed. Brian marveled, "Turns out most people are like me and feel the urge to document things even after the fun." "Stop making excuses for your weirdness," Hawke mocked, pivoting to the main point, "Our next goal is clear: find a way to procure this video." Brian began searching for details: "I''ve already identified all properties and safety deposit boxes under Sterling Van Wagenen''s name. Do you want to send someone in for a search?" Hawke raised a hand to pause him: "Not yet. If you can find it, others can too; think logically. Would Sterling Van Wagenen stash that video at those locations?" Suddenly recalling Brian''s own background as a videographer, Hawke inquired, "Where do you keep your footage hidden?" "What are you planning?" Brian instantly grew suspicious: "Are you planning to frame me or something?" Hawke urged him, "Think from a different perspective." Brian considered this, mumbling, "I''ve stored it safely, so it''s tough for anyone to locate." Hawke probed, "How many people can you mobilize? Get them ready. If things go south on my end, use your method to deal with it." "I''m on it!" Brian grabbed his phone and stepped into another room. Hawke turned to Caroline, "Have you informed her yet?" Caroline nodded slightly: "She''ll be monitoring Sterling Van Wagenen''s movements continuously." Yet she questioned, "Would Sterling Van Wagenen actually expose himself?" "It''s a possibility," Hawke replied. "If something similar to a treasured item suddenly appears that would substantially impact your future path, how would you react?" Caroline pondered, "I suppose I would wonder if something of mine had been lost. If so, I''d want to inspect the place to ensure it''s still secure, and if it is, I''d definitely seek a safer location." Once Brian returned from his call, he overheard their conversation and interjected: "Usually, people struggle to resist such temptations." Caroline asked, "Should we have her make a move to push things along?" "No, do not proceed like that at all," Hawke cautiously advised. "Those people aren''t fools. We''ve worked hard to earn their trust; she can observe but shouldn''t become hands-on." He looked at Brian, then at Caroline, pressing his hands down: "Alright, folks, we''ve got a glimpse of dawn. Let''s maintain some patience." ... The three continued discussing backup plans, feeling prepared with every additional contingency. Just then, Hawke received a call from Megan Taylor. He asked, "Is something happening?" Megan replied, "We are facing legal troubles." Hawke promptly switched to speaker mode to include Brian in the conversation. Megan proceeded, "I just got a call from Judge Bremer, who suspects my show might use footage that infringes on the rights of others. The lawyer for the aggrieved parties filed a privacy protection request, and Bremer is convening both sides for a hearing." Brian scoffed, "Not surprising -- these bastards are trampling over legal boundaries step by step!" However, Hawke posed another vital question: "Will the video be presented during the hearing?" "No," Brian immediately retorted. "We can decline to present it, citing the need to protect the legal rights of the other party." Megan confirmed, "That''s how I instructed the legal counsel to proceed as well." Since they''d resorted to such tactics, Hawke could visualize the end outcome: "Regardless, your team needs to argue it emphatically. Although we didn''t plan on broadcasting that news, the audio file of Miss Baa''s sheep bleating in there? No way we''re airing that." When the meeting concluded, Megan warned, "Hawke, you''re pulling me into dangerous waters." Before Hawke could respond, Brian interjected, "Taylor, the Ferguson family won''t forget your support." "No need to thank me," Megan deftly responded. "I''m helping due to my relationship with Hawke." The calls ended soon. Hawke reflected a moment before reaching out to Campos again: "Send people to stay at the Four Seasons hotel and ensure no one sleeps tonight." Campos affirmed, "Understood." Before long, Campos and Garcia -- dressed in formal attire -- checked into the Four Seasons hotel separately. ... At the same time, Cheryl reached out to Robert Redford. After hearing her out, he sighed in relief. "Judge Bremer has issued a temporary restraining order against Fox Television for a week, citing privacy protection and potential infringements on image rights." Sterling Van Wagenen pressed, "Have you seen the video content?" "Fox is completely unyielding," Redford disclosed. "They''ve similarly refused to return the footage, citing privacy protections." Sterling Van Wagenen cursed, "Damn!" This had been expected. Rooney cautioned, "We only have a week, which is extremely tight." Redford, boasting extensive connections, asserted, "According to our plan, I will contact Santa Monica''s suppliers and expedite the production of the older man and young girl series." Before leaving, he glanced back at Sterling Van Wagenen, ultimately saying nothing. Their decades-long friendship meant he would, of course, extend help; after all, he was involved in this too. Redford patted Sterling Van Wagenen''s shoulder and left in a hurry. Rooney had a similar agenda: "They''re still searching for potential targets; I''ll need to head back and organize a meeting on a pertinent plan." Sterling Van Wagenen waved them off: "Go ahead." Rooney looked over at Sasha. Sasha was seated at a computer, collecting personnel lists intensely, primarily focusing on child actors who had appeared in Redford or Sterling Van Wagenen''s works. Rooney asked, "Are you waiting for a while longer?" Sasha nodded: "I need to finish this setup and would then like to double-check that area''s specific personnel with an insider for more targeted data collection." "Alright," Rooney acknowledged her ability, trusting her judgement: "Contact me promptly for any crucial developments." "Will do!" Sasha went back to the computer screen. Rooney bid farewell to Sterling Van Wagenen before leaving the suite. ... Sterling Van Wagenen moved to the window, drawing back the curtains to look outside, his thoughts preoccupied with the video. His greatest concern was that footage he had captured. These recordings were crucial. Being a film director, Sterling Van Wagenen had a vivid imagination and had encountered some sleazy situations, which is why he had reconsidered maintaining a record. Given how things were unfolding now, if the situation deteriorated significantly, he would fear being completely abandoned as a primary suspect. Sterling Van Wagenen suddenly experienced a pang of regret -- not for filming the video -- but for not making further backup copies. He thought of mailing copies to his ex-wife in Australia and another set to his cousin back in the Netherlands. As for old buddies like Redford, that might be too risky; he had tangled with even more dubious characters. Sterling Van Wagenen returned to the room, shed his outer jacket, and grabbed a hat and spare pair of glasses, leaving them on the couch. The PR woman from BWR was still hard at work. Sterling Van Wagenen felt this public relations fee was worth every penny; Rooney Chasen was impressive, utterly illuminating how Hawke Osment had been effectively decimated. Even her assistant showcased skills in finding breakthroughs independently. He stepped behind the woman and asked, "Your name is Sasha, right?" Sasha turned, offering a polite smile: "That''s correct." Sterling Van Wagenen inquired, "Could you do me a small favor?" Sasha exhibited a committed work ethic: "Director, you''re my employer alongside the BWR Company. Please let me know what you need." Sterling Van Wagenen thought for a moment; this was indeed the case. He cleared his throat, saying, "Would you put on my clothing, drive my car, and take a quick spin out -- perhaps over toward Griffith Observatory?" Sasha, puzzled, asked, "Is that really all?" "Did you drive here?" Sterling Van Wagenen presumed. He was worried Redford''s men might be monitoring outside: "I''d need to borrow your vehicle." Sasha produced her car keys and replied, "The car''s in the underground parking C area; it''s a red Ford Focus." Sterling Van Wagenen gestured to the clothes on the couch: "Why don''t you go change into them?" "Sure," Sasha picked up the clothing and hat from the couch, moved into the meeting room, locked the door, and quickly changed. Upon her exit, Sterling Van Wagenen called out for her once more. He fitted her with a pair of non-prescription glasses, running his hands through her hair and adjusting it into the hat. "That should do." Sasha was ready to leave. However, Sterling Van Wagenen withdrew his wallet, offering her most of the cash contained within: "This is our little secret. Don''t tell anyone." He also ensured to play his strongest cards: "In the future, if your clients need roles, they can seek me out." Sasha quickly nodded: "Understood." Sterling Van Wagenen waved her off: "You''re free to go." ... Sasha stashed her phone and personal items into her bag, then exited to head down the elevator. In the parking lot, she found Sterling Van Wagenen''s luxury Bentley with no trouble. Glancing around, she ducked behind a column and dialed Caroline''s number. Once answered, Caroline asked, "Is there an issue?" "Sterling Van Wagenen made me put on his clothes, wear his hat, and drive his car..." Sasha succinctly shared the recent events. Caroline quickly queried, "Did he ask you to leave your car behind?" "Yes," Sasha confirmed, adding, "I suspect he''s going to take my car out." Caroline instructed, "Go along with whatever Wagenen requests. Leave the rest to us. Don''t call me; avoid returning to the Four Seasons hotel." Sasha obliged, and once the other end hung up, she climbed into the Bentley and started heading toward Griffith Observatory in the northeast direction. Unbeknownst to her, two vehicles were tailing her within the nearby traffic. ... Meanwhile, in the villa on Beverly Boulevard, Hawke exchanged a few quick words with Caroline before recognizing an opportunity had manifested. He immediately dialed Campos: "The plan has changed; have your team leave the hotel. Each side has a primary exit; station people at those exits." Caroline interjected, "There''s a red Ford Focus parked in the C area, and the license plate is..." Campos took note and promised to relay this information. He exited, notifying Garcia and Carlos. Carlos, with a mop and cloth, finished his current task and took the freight elevator back down to the underground level. Being part of the Cleaners Department meant he would be near the C area. Campos and Garcia both departed the hotel, hopping into their vehicles, heading toward the specified exits. ... Back in the villa, Brian asked, "Should we go over? We could use the same tactic to distract external personnel by having the Savior draw them off." Hawke responded, "Remaining here without any movement serves as our best support. If we step out, those people watching outside will report to their superiors immediately." Brian nodded, "I''ll follow your lead." Caroline voiced some concern: "Will Sasha be safe?" "She''ll be fine," Hawke reassured. "She''s just being used to divert attention, while Sterling Van Wagenen will very likely make some moves." ... In a hotel suite above, Sterling Van Wagenen changed into inconspicuous clothing, standing in front of the window, watching his Bentley depart the parking lot. Grasping Sasha''s keys, he patiently awaited a moment, confirming that the Bentley didn''t return before making his way outside. He took the elevator down to the underground parking lot and walked toward area C. Not far away, a janitor was cleaning up dust near the support columns. Sterling Van Wagenen cast a glance but quickly averted his eyes, pressing the electronic key. The lights flickered, revealing a red Ford Focus. The car was in decent shape, nearly new. Sterling Van Wagenen climbed in, pulling out of the spot, and drove toward the garage exit. ... Carlos dialed the necessary phone calls: "The target has entered their designated vehicle and is moving out." "Received." ... Sterling Van Wagenen turned onto the main road, heading west. Shortly after, he took a turn onto Santa Monica Boulevard, stopping in front of a store for a moment to pick up some storage drives. Then he turned onto 20th Street, parking in front of an apartment building erected less than ten years ago. The third-floor apartment had been a gift from his cousin before moving back to the Netherlands. Sterling Van Wagenen never altered the property''s ownership information; the place remained in his cousin''s name. Thus, this apartment became an ideal hiding spot for his valuables. Sterling Van Wagenen entered the building and rode up to Room 404, opening the door. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 144: A Sensation Across America [Chapter 145: A Sensation Across America] Inside the apartment, Sterling Van Wagenen opened a computer, plugged in a flash drive, copied the videos stored on the computer, and rummaged through a Federal Express package. Once the copying ended, he switched to another flash drive to continue copying, and when it was finished, he packed the completed drives into the package, preparing to send them later. Wagenen stayed calm as he made three copies before finally shutting down the computer. In addition to the two copies he intended to mail, he planned to keep the third in a safe deposit box at the bank. Checking the time, Wagenen grabbed the package, headed out, locked up the apartment, and walked towards the elevator. ... Upon reaching the ground floor, he opened the door of a Ford, climbed into the driver''s seat, and started the engine. Just then, he heard an unusual sound from the back seat. Before he could turn around, a familiar revolver was shoved against him from behind. "Don''t move, don''t scream," the person behind him said, their speech hindered by something in their mouth. "Do as I say." Sterling Van Wagenen quickly glanced in the mirror at the person wearing a black hood. Thinking he was being robbed, he quickly replied, "Don''t shoot, I''ve got money! I''ll give you everything!" The hooded figure ordered, "Just drive. There''s a parking lot less than 500 meters south. Drive into it." With the gun pointed at his side, Sterling Van Wagenen felt he had no choice but to comply and started driving that way, wanting to speak in the middle. The man warned, "No chatter. I''m not after your life, just your money." Feeling a bit relieved, Sterling Van Wagenen drove to the entrance of the parking lot and turned inside, following the instructions to park in a dark corner. As soon as he parked, the passenger door was flung open, and another hooded figure grabbed the package tossed aside on the front seat, deliberately stating, "The person above told us to pass on a message: don''t take pictures of things that shouldn''t be taken." A gasp of shock hit Sterling Van Wagenen as he immediately thought of Lawrence Pope in Sacramento. He feared they might be there to kill him, stammering, "Don''t kill me! Please, don''t!" He believed his survival depended on his words. As a director, he knew what to say at moments like this: "Killing me won''t solve anything. I have another copy entrusted to friends overseas. If anything happens to me, they''re going to release it..." The two men shared a glance, confirming their suspicions about him. Suddenly, the person in the back pulled out a box and took out a handkerchief-like object, pressing it to Sterling Van Wagenen''s mouth and nose. The passenger also joined in to restrain him. Sterling Van Wagenen struggled with all his might. At that moment, one of them said, "This is ether -- it will only knock you out. If you keep struggling, I might have to kill you." Hearing this, Sterling Van Wagenen thought of scenes from movies and sagged limp in his seat. Not long after, the effects of the ether took hold, and he fell into a deep sleep. The passenger unearthed a laptop from a backpack, powered it on, and handed it to the person inside while watching the outside. The person in the car inserted the storage disk in the package, clicked on one of the videos, and scrolled back a little. In the disgusting picture, Wagren''s figure appeared. Wearing gloves, he searched Sterling Van Wagenen and found his only phone. He took out the battery and SIM card, discarding them onto the seat. ?????????? The person in the back opened another video, and it showed similar footage, confirming they had the right material. "Let''s go!" They secured the laptop and flash drive and exited the parking lot, walking through an alleyway before reaching 18th Street, where they hopped into a car and sped away. On the way, they arrived at a pre-selected underpass, removed their hoods, outer clothing, and gloves, and tossed them into a barrel, setting it ablaze. ... On Beverly Boulevard, at Brian''s villa. Caroline seemed anxious as she paced back and forth in the living room. Edward handed her a bottle of water, saying, "Stop pacing; it''s making me dizzy." Brian checked his watch, asking Hawke, "Any news yet?" Just then, Hawke''s phone rang. Pulling it out, he saw it was Campos calling. "Got the package; there''s no mistake," Campos announced. Hawke secretly let out a breath of relief, keeping his voice steady. "Where''s the person?" "Sleeping in the car; I don''t think he''ll wake up tonight." "Great." Hawke glanced at the time, giving an address. "Take it directly to Century City Plaza. I''ll have the Savior pick it up." "Okay," came Campos''s succinct reply. "Ten minutes." Hawke hung up and tossed the bulletproof Mercedes keys to Edward. "Go." Edward immediately left, driving off in the bulletproof car toward Century City. ... Inside the villa, Hawke declared, "We got it." "Awesome!" Brian clapped his hands excitedly, his face alight with exhilaration, pumping his fist. "Now we seize absolute control!" Hawke cautioned, "Don''t celebrate too soon; they''re desperate and might lash out." He approached the window, observing the outside of Beverly Boulevard, beckoning Brian over. "Have your guys drive out immediately. Get a few heavy-duty vehicles to block the driveway and the area outside the courtyard to prevent anyone from crashing in with a dump truck." Caroline, having less experience with such matters, interjected, "Isn''t that a bit extreme?" Brian, however, wasted no time. He picked up his phone to call, arranging for an elite security team from Ferguson''s security company to be dispatched. Hawke then turned to Caroline, instructing, "Call Sasha, find a safe place to meet her. Bring the payment''s balance and an extra $50,000 as a bonus." Though it was the friendship between Caroline and Sasha that initially laid the groundwork for recruiting Sasha as an insider, the $100,000 reward was crucial. When it came to spending money, Hawke was never stingy. Caroline prepared to make the call. Hawke added, "Ensure she has a plan to travel soon -- best to go somewhere far from North America." Caroline nodded slightly as she picked up her phone to dial Sasha''s number, finalizing their meeting place. Brian handed her a check. Caroline soon left. ... As Ms. Baa departed, Edward entered carrying a bag, handing its contents to Hawke. Noting that Brian wasn''t present, he whispered, "As planned, Campos kept a copy." Hawke patted him on the shoulder, noting, "Good job." He moved to the computer desk and connected to the data drive. Brian heard the commotion and hurried over, standing excitedly behind Hawke. "Let''s see the content!" Hawke clicked on one of the videos, and on the player, the image materialized -- an empty room with a young man and woman entering. The video seemed to have been shot a long time ago, thus the quality wasn''t very clear, but it was evident that the young man was Sterling Van Wagenen, while the young woman seemed underage. Sterling Van Wagenen lured the girl with roles, film fees, and fancy gifts, and then the darker events unfolded. Hawke asked Edward, "Do you recognize the girl?" Edward took a glance. "No." Hawke switched to another video, which featured Evan Rachel Wood, just as Brian had known -- a black eye mask adorned her face. Then three men appeared: not only Sterling Van Wagenen but also Robert Redford and another man who Hawke didn''t know. Brian clenched his fists, pounding the armrest of his chair. "This is Lawrence Pope from the Governor''s Office. Perfect, we''ve got him!" Hawke said nothing, pausing the video to scrutinize each frame. In the clips, Sterling Van Wagenen, Redford, and Pope appeared separately in various videos and sometimes together as pairs or all three. Among the victims, one could spot Judy and Amanda''s figures. Even a boy made an appearance. Finally unable to hold back, Edward exclaimed, "This sick crowd in Hollywood -- morally worse than gangbangers in Compton!" Hawke quickly shut off the video. There were still two more videos left with larger files and durations, showing several masked men. Judging by their physiques, it was challenging to discern who they were. Brian pointed at the screen, saying, "Look, these two masked men compared to the previous ones are definitely Sterling Van Wagenen and Pope. The newcomers'' video clarity is clearly more recent. Judging by their bodies and their skin''s laxity, they should be over 50." "It seems to be the case," Hawke said, looking at Brian. "Can you hold your own?" Brian replied, "The battlefield isn''t just our one spot." Hawke remembered that there were three more. Brian, brimming with confidence, declared, "The ringleader is my grandfather, Paul." Once they finished watching the videos, Hawke immediately queried, "What do you plan to do next?" Brian stood up, pacing a few rounds. "First, expose it to the media and let the public stir it up, mobilizing the victims to report." He cautioned Hawke, "How we obtained this material doesn''t matter, but the processes that follow must be legitimate." Hawke affirmed, "These scumbags deserve exposure in front of the public." Brian asked, "Judge Bremer just issued a restraining order; does Fox still dare to air this?" Hawke knew Fox''s inclinations too well. Previously Fox complied with the restraining order because Megan Taylor lacked confidence, given that the flash drive only contained bleating sheep sounds. But with this material present, especially to the already red-leaning Fox executives, not even a blue-leaning local judge could withstand the fervor for news bursting out from Fox. He pulled out his phone and dialed Megan Taylor''s number. "What are you busy with?" Megan responded, "Preparing for the news conference, finalizing tonight''s program content." Hawke cut straight to the chase, "Cancel that meeting. I''ve got a super explosive scoop -- I obtained the video of Sterling Van Wagenen and Robert Redford''s offenses." Megan took Hawke''s words seriously. "Time is tight; get over here right now." Hawke replied, "I''m in Beverly Hills -- max fifteen minutes." ... As the Ace News team, Megan hung up, pushed open the conference room door, and faced her staff, stating, "Meeting canceled, all scheduled content is off, and we''re prioritizing an upcoming breaking news story -- remain here and wait." She picked up a box next to her, handing it to Aisha. "To prevent leaks, everyone needs to turn in their phones. From now on, even to the restroom, go as a trio." Aisha took the box and began collecting phones. Everyone realized a potentially shocking news event was brewing. Megan checked the time and called a security supervisor she was acquainted with. "Lyle, can you head down to wait for Hawke Osment? Once he arrives, escort him up directly." On the other side, he affirmed, "I''ll be right there." ... On Beverly Boulevard, at the villa, an elite security team arrived. In addition to the flash drives, Hawke, Edward, and Brian, all holding concealed carry permits, were armed with handguns. The best driver, Edward, took the bulletproof Mercedes, with support cars on both sides, charging straight to the Fox Television Center. The vehicles made significant noise, alarming the guards stationed nearby. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They hurriedly notified Redford. ... Currently at the San Fernando Valley, Redford was also puzzled and made calls to Rooney, Cheryl, and Sterling Van Wagenen. His calls to the first two connected, but Sterling Van Wagenen''s rang busy. Just as Redford was about to call the person waiting outside the hotel, he received a call. "Sir, it''s not looking good. We followed Sterling Van Wagenen from the Four Seasons to Griffith Observatory, then from the observatory to Burbank, and now to Century City Plaza. The person getting out of the car isn''t Sterling Van Wagenen; it''s a woman!" Redford''s head spun. "Who is it?" "The patrol cars are too numerous; we can''t get near. It appears to be Sasha, Director Rooney''s assistant, along with a very pretty and fashionable woman we don''t know." The person inadvertently raised their voice. "Sasha ditched Sterling Van Wagenen''s car and got into that other woman''s car. They met up with a convoy of three cars heading toward Fox Tower." Redford asked, "Is the car in the middle a black Mercedes?" "Yes." Hearing this answer, Redford recognized the situation was dire. "Follow them and keep an eye on what''s going on, but don''t act recklessly." The reply was, "Understood, I see our car -- Bailisa is trailing them..." Redford ended the call and quickly dialed Rooney and Cheryl. "Where are you? We need to meet right away; it''s bad -- Sterling Van Wagenen is missing!" The three agreed to meet in a private room at the Four Seasons. Redford forced himself to stay calm; perhaps things weren''t as grim. That bastard Sterling Van Wagenen loved to stir up trouble... He apologized to the San Fernando manager and instructed the driver to hurry back to Beverly. ... At the Fox Television Center, in the office of 11 Channel. Megan quickly scanned through the videos, her breath heavy. As a seasoned journalist, she had seen the darker sides of society too many times, causing her to grow somewhat numb. Viewing that footage reignited a long-buried anger within her. Turning off the video, she faced Hawke and Brian waiting on the couch and stated, "I need to air this. I must air it, even if it costs my career." Brian waved his hands. "That''s a bit dramatic." "You''ve endured some unnecessary pressure in the past," Hawke noted directly. "The moment I got the video, I thought of you." Megan had indeed taken risks in the past with her reporting. Brian''s demands were simple; he just needed coverage on a significant media platform. But Hawke''s line of thinking was different: "Megan, there are nine videos total. Let''s not worry about their lengths; name your price." Megan replied, "Total price is $1 million. I can''t offer more. Even then, I need to take them to the director''s office for approval." Hawke gestured with a polite flourish. "Go ahead, and please do it quickly." ... Megan made a call, closed her notebook, and hurriedly left the office to catch the elevator to the 11 Channel director''s office. The director''s assistant had already opened the office door for her. "Thanks," Megan nodded and entered Cynthia Rosenberg''s office. Cynthia was curious. "What news could possibly make you set a price of $1 million and risk defying a restraining order?" Megan opened her notebook, clicked on a video, and presented it to Cynthia. "There are a total of nine videos. Seven of the victims are children." Cynthia''s eyes widened as she recognized some of the people featured. "Robert Redford and Sterling Van Wagenen -- though not top-tier in Hollywood, they''re big players. The latter even helped the former establish the Sundance Film Festival." She switched to another video, and soon remarked, "I know this person -- Lawrence Pope." Megan looked to her superior firmly. "I want to do this news piece." Cynthia hesitated before asking, "Who provided the materials?" "Hawke Osment and Brian Ferguson." Realizing who was behind it, Cynthia was intrigued. "So that''s why you were able to get such a significant scoop. Hawke has seemed slightly blue in the past; why the sudden shift?" Megan understood Hawke better: "Hawke only sways toward the direction of dollars." Cynthia nodded, her demeanor turning gravely serious. "This news will put us in tremendous pressure. You should understand Hollywood''s nuances; this isn''t an isolated incident. The blue party won''t be a concern..." Then she suddenly chuckled. "Fox Television has been alive for less than ten years but already ranks amongst America''s top four networks. Though News Corp''s support is significant, you need skill, courage, and the proper attitude to achieve this." Megan understood. "I''ll head back now." Cynthia added, "This news is huge; let it premiere on Ace News, then shift to Fox News for a 24-hour rolling broadcast. I''ll reach out to Roger." Megan nodded vigorously, hugging her notebook as she returned. ... Back at Ace News, she called out, "Aisha, come here!" Aisha rushed from the meeting room and approached Megan. Megan instructed her, "Prepare a video news copyright transfer agreement and expedite the request for $1 million for the copyright transfer. Now!" Aisha sprang into action. Thanks to Cynthia''s intervention, the financial department operated promptly, directly requesting the account details from the West Coast studio and wiring the funds at lightning speed. Having signed the agreement, Hawke watched Megan rush into the meeting room with the video at hand. ... Brian appeared anxious, his hands trembling slightly on the couch. Hawke patted his shoulder, saying, "You should experience more high-stakes scenarios." Brian admitted, "I''ve lived a cushy life, sailing smoothly. I''ve never encountered anything thrilling like this." He glanced at Hawke, increasingly appreciative of him as a partner -- someone whose dreams could make him smile awake. But how could one sleep at night with enemies against them? Brian quickly said, "The videos you obtained should have all the transfer fees heading straight to your studio." Hawke remained unperturbed. "That''s fine." They didn''t have to wait long before Ace News broadcast was underway. Considering long-term effects, Megan chose only three of the clips for the news. However, once aired, it created a sensation across the country. The names Sterling Van Wagenen, Redford, and Lawrence Pope became hot topics of discussion. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 145: The Scene of the Shootout [Chapter 146: The Scene of the Shootout] In Beverly Hills, at the Four Seasons Hotel. Inside a private room, Robert Redford wore a grim expression as he faced Rooney Chasen. "My people found out that your assistant Sasha has been mixing with Hawke Osment''s crew." "That''s impossible!" Rooney was skeptical of outsiders'' claims. As tensions rose between them, attorney Cheryl interjected, "You both, our main focus now is to find Sterling Van Wagenen. Where the hell is he?" Redford grabbed his phone to call. On the other end, the person answered, "I was just about to call you! You need to check Fox 11. Ace News is airing footage of you and Sterling Van Wagenen right now." Redford hastily walked over to the TV, switching to Channel 11 while asking, "Is Sterling with you?" "He''s not here..." Redford suddenly hung up, cutting off the call as he caught sight of Ace News broadcasting. First appeared a girl whose face and key parts were pixelated but seemed quite young. Then three men showed up comprising Sterling Van Wagenen, himself, and Lawrence Pope. Cheryl and Rooney''s gazes snapped to the TV screen. Both initially planned to make calls but soon abandoned their phones -- it was no longer necessary. The TV shifted, displaying another video featuring Sterling Van Wagenen himself, across from someone equally young. After a while, the video showcased two girls, and three men remained unchanged: Wagenen, Redford, and Pope. At this moment, Redford was briefly stunned. That bastard Sterling Van Wagenen had not only filmed himself inappropriately but also caught him and Pope on tape! ... Beside him, Rooney grappled with the reality of her defeat, having not faced such a significant loss in a long time. Everything had seemed to go smoothly; she had relentlessly attacked Hawke and the West Coast studio, obliterating them without leaving room for retaliation -- the advantage covering the entire spectrum from public opinion to the victims, with overwhelming superiority on the legal front. ????????¨º? The victory was within reach, yet everything collapsed. Rooney suddenly recalled Redford''s prior words, suspecting that Sasha had aligned with Hawke''s team... If it was all true, from the day she took over Sterling Van Wagenen''s business, she had indeed been played by Hawke Osment and Caroline Jones! What about Rachel Wood''s information? Had she willingly exposed weaknesses to be targeted, diverting attention, and discreetly paving another path? Instead of guarding the weakest points, they had flanked her, aiming straight for their vulnerabilities. ... Cheryl, being a lawyer, was quick to react, grabbing Redford. "You''re in danger! Think about how to deal with the LAPD or the FBI''s investigation!" Redford was aware of the political atmosphere, understanding that aligning with Pope brought certain risks. Before, the LAPD and FBI''s Los Angeles branch hesitated to intervene, not wanting to involve themselves in a conflict between parties, void of evidence or pressure. But that was no longer the case; this kind of news couldn''t be delegated by a simple news team at Ace News, as it hinted at widespread media exposure, and the ensuing public pressure would be immense. The videos served as solid evidence; once a report reached the LAPD, they would have to act. Redford recognized the gravity of the situation, and the crucial factor -- his old friend Sterling Van Wagenen was missing. This unavoidably pushed thoughts of possible implications into his mind. "You''re the legal expert here; figure something out," Redford urged, grabbing his bag. "I''m off to make arrangements." Cheryl responded, "Don''t panic; we still have options." Redford nodded slightly, turning to Rooney. "You''ve caused us all a lot of trouble!" Rooney found herself momentarily speechless. ... As Redford left, heading to the elevator, he called his assistant. "Book me a flight immediately, preferably to a country without an extradition agreement with America -- no... make it the fastest exit from America! The sooner, the better!" He believed his friend was in danger, and he himself was not safe either; he hung up but dialed again, "Get over here; come with me to Los Angeles International Airport." At this moment, Redford was reminded of Roman Polanski; his scenarios bore a chilling similarity. Time to flee and dive into the European film scene. ... As Redford exited and Ace News continued its broadcast, Cheryl and Rooney dispersed in different directions. The former remained determined to continue the fight, while Rooney moved heavily, dialing Sasha''s number as soon as she got in the car. Yet she was met with a busy signal. Rooney came to the realization that Sasha was indeed the inside mole! After a moment, she called Caroline instead and was relieved when it connected. In the Fox Television Center''s lounge, Caroline asked, "What''s the matter?" Rooney stayed silent, ultimately saying nothing as she hung up. A loss was a loss; nothing more to be said. Rooney instructed the driver to take her back to the office. ... Caroline had stowed her phone away, feeling particularly pleased with herself, almost eager to rejoice. But with Sasha around, she had to retain her authority. Edwards walked in shortly after and, upon seeing Sasha with Caroline, expressed mild surprise. But after reflecting on his extended time with Hawke, he rushed over and asked Sasha, "You''re also an undercover?" Sasha nodded at Edward. "Hi there, Mr. Undercover." Edward admired, "The boss is incredible -- this whole deal brought out two undercover agents." "You all are making it too simple," Caroline interjected, maintaining a serious expression, "This isn''t merely some petty squabble within the entertainment industry; it''s party politics!" Just then, Hawke and Brian entered. Sasha stood to greet Hawke. Hawke nodded at her. "Good job." Sasha plainly said, "Thank you for the bonus." After thanking Hawke, she picked up a bag. "I''m off for a trip to unwind." Hawke instructed Brian, "Send two personnel and a car to escort Sasha." Using up her utility didn''t warrant just a bonus, but also an escort; Sasha sincerely said, "Thanks." Brian made the call, and soon a man and woman arrived to drive Sasha back to her apartment to pack for her journey to East Asia. With the others gone, Hawke turned back to Brian. "Let your two subordinates start reaching out to others; they should agree." ... Meanwhile, in Sacramento, Lawrence Pope was resting at home when he received a call. "Quick, flip over to Fox 11''s Ace News." Pope sensed this was important and emerged from his bedroom, glancing at his wife and fourteen-year-old daughter. "Linda, take Catherine to bed." Catherine protested, "I''m not tired yet! I want to watch TV..." Pope asserted, "Be good and listen." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Catherine pouted but reluctantly retreated to her room. Pope grabbed the remote, tuned into Channel 11, and saw himself onscreen. Alongside him was a young girl. "Fuck!" Pope exploded in anger, pulling out his phone, ready to call. From behind, a gasp echoed, followed by a thud against the wall. Pope turned and saw his wife, Linda, stunned, slumped against the wall, gaping at the screen, pointing at him, seemingly unable to speak. His phone rang -- a name flashed, and with no regard for Linda, he hurriedly answered. "I take it this is your guarantee?" Pope tried to argue, but upon peering at the scandalous TV coverage, he found himself at a loss for words. The other side''s fury had lessened slightly, speaking through grit, "Everything ends with you; make sure those who should be quiet stay that way." Pope understood the statement''s implication and replied, "I''ll take full responsibility." Once the call ended, Linda was already before the TV, glaring at the pixelated image of her husband. "Why? Why this?" Pope seemed to tune her out, sitting silently on the couch. "You''ve cheated, and I''ve pretended it wasn''t happening." Linda accused, gesturing towards the screen "But how could you do this? You have a daughter; you''re also a father!" She thundered, "You''re a monster! No, you''re less than a monster!" Not replying, Pope turned his attention to where his daughter was sleeping, viciously shutting his eyes. "I''ll face the consequences! Linda, Linda -- hear me out..." He raised his voice. "Everything moving forward is crucial -- your futures depend on it, you and Catherine." Linda gritted her teeth. "You''ve ruined everything." Pope remained collected, continuing, "You need to reach out to lawyer Donnie immediately; we''ll finalize the divorce tonight. All assets will be yours and Catherine''s. After the paperwork, leave Sacramento for New York; your brother will look after you." Linda inspected this almost beastly man, her feelings conflicted, unsure of what his true self was. "Be swift with your actions," Pope said, donning his coat and grabbing the car keys. "I need to step out. When I return, I better see a finalized divorce agreement." For the sake of the future, Linda forced herself not to show the smile hidden deep in her heart and nodded: "Go ahead." ... Once Pope left, driving out of the garage, he pulled out a second phone, dialing, "Hammerson, you need to meet with me, ASAP." Half an hour later, Pope retrieved a hefty sum of cash from a house and came to the coffee shop where he was to meet a burly white man. No words needed; he simply handed over the cash. "This is for your men -- start the operation tonight; head directly to Los Angeles." Hammerson opened his bag, counted the money, and inquired, "Who''s the target?" Pope replied, "Robert Redford and Sterling Van Wagenen -- find photos yourself; make sure they remain quiet." "Two Hollywood celebrities," Hammerson recognized. Especially Redford. Closing the bag, he added, "You''ll hear from me soon." Nodding, Pope stayed silent as Hammerson departed, reaching for a cigarette to light. ... In Pasadena, inside a detached house. Brian''s assistant, Sandra, accompanied a family of three in watching Ace News. Penny wrung her hands, her eyes huge with anger. While her parents were still processing things, Sandra recalled supplies from Hawke and said, "Previously, we approached three victims, but they all backed down under PR pressure. Do you know what tactics? One main actress got a $3 million contract! Are you going to keep silent? Just sweep it all under the rug?" Talk of justice and rectifying wrongs sounded absurd at this moment. Hawke entirely understood what could sway these people. Penny''s father suggested, "Can we discuss this?" Sandra smiled and nodded, exiting the room. Penny''s mother stood anxiously. "It''s so unfair! We followed the rules and got nothing! Look at those who broke the rules -- when they sue, they get hefty checks, and even if they back down later, they still receive money and resources." Her husband queried, "You agree with this?" The woman retorted, "Why wouldn''t I? Fox has exposed everything, so what''s there to fear?" The man nodded. "Okay, we''re going to report this." Penny dashed to the door, hollering to those waiting outside, "My parents want to let you in." ... Meanwhile on the coast in Santa Monica, another of Brian''s assistants had convinced a different victim''s parents under similar circumstances. Rooney''s PR and damage control efforts successfully held firm, but this all hinged on the absence of any video exposure; with the surfacing of news from Fox, these became tools for Hawke to rally support. Her offers to Rachel Wood were too enticing to resist. Thirty minutes later, the group reunited at Brian''s law office, where after brief negotiations, they signed an agency contract with him. Subsequently, under Brian''s supervision, two victims and their guardians headed to the West Division to report. Before reaching the West Division, Brian received calls from the guardians of Rachel, Judy, and Amanda, wishing to re-engage him for representation against Sterling Van Wagenen. Brian instructed them to head directly to the precinct. ... Downtown Los Angeles, in the editorial office adjacent to the City Hall. Deputy Editor Marielle had just received a direct call from Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Chair Franco Pearson. He stated directly, "Fox has already aired this story. Beyond what Ace News is doing, Fox News is now rolling out updates. Just now, at ten o''clock, they showed new content; this cannot be suppressed. As one of North America''s three major newspapers, we can''t pretend this isn''t happening." On the other end, Pearson''s voice sounded as if aged a few years. "I didn''t mean to obstruct your report. Covering hot topics is your news freedom. But this incident is merely an isolated case in Hollywood, and I hope it doesn''t influence this year''s Oscars." Marielle understood what he meant; this industry was not about merely reporting the news. She was courteous, "Of course, the focus would be on Sterling Van Wagenen and Robert Redford." Pearson replied solemnly, "Their actions deserve punishment." Marielle exchanged polite words before hanging up, looking at the drafts on her desk, one of which hinted at investigating whether Hollywood had such incidents. She promptly picked up the phone to call. Soon, the head editor entered her office. Marielle instructed, "Update the article. Focus the spotlight on Sterling Van Wagenen and Robert Redford; let''s not delve too far into details on the rest." "Understood," the editor agreed, taking the draft back for revision. Seconds before major newspaper editions were finalized, offices began receiving calls requesting to downplay the story -- not a total blackout but rather to center the reporting on individuals, emphasizing accountability. Particularly among California-based media, there seemed to be a quiet consensus. It was, after all, a stronghold of the blue party. Overall, Hollywood leaned deeply liberal. Even LAPD faced some repercussions; due to Brian''s late report, on-duty personnel were absent, and the request for a subpoena couldn''t be processed. Yet Brian maintained his composure, as the aim was effectively achieving targeted outcomes related to Pope. Hawke blended into the background, hiding inside the fortified villa, meticulously monitoring developments; nothing was more critical than personal safety. The time following the news''s exposure would be the most dangerous. During this period, he needed to hunker down, avoiding unnecessary risks. Even Campos and his crew were instructed to exit Los Angeles for an evening outing. ... The following morning, in the parking lot on 20th Street in Santa Monica. Sterling Van Wagenen awoke from his slumber, turning to see the passenger seat empty, and the package had been removed. Memories flooded back, and he slapped his forehead, "Damn it!" The flash drives and videos were snatched! Recalling the robber''s words, Sterling Van Wagenen suspected that the culprits were likely sent by Pope. He hurried to find his phone, only to discover the battery and SIM card had been discarded onto the passenger seat. Reassembling his phone, he realized he needed to contact Redford, remembering their long-standing friendship. However, when he dialed Redford''s number, it wouldn''t go through. He tried again, but the situation remained unchanged. Could it be? Panic set in; he started the car, exiting the parking lot and heading toward the Pacific Coast Highway. He owned a secret property in Malibu that contained cash and passports. Sterling Van Wagenen considered making a run for it. But with the signal on his phone active, he attempted another call, which led him to be pinpointed not long after. Before reaching Malibu, two FBI SUVs began to tail him. The leading car cut him off while the rear vehicle blocked his escape route, leaving no escape route available. With a screeching halt, all three vehicles came to a stop. Sterling Van Wagenen, seeing the FBI emblems front and back, raised his hands and exited the vehicle, shouting, "I''m unarmed! I''m unarmed!" Several agents wearing FBI vests exited the cars, taking cover behind them, shouting, "FBI! Show your hands!" Another voice barked, "Get down! Get on the ground!" Sterling Van Wagenen dropped to his knees with his hands on his head, crouched beside the car. Suddenly, gunfire erupted. Bang! Bang! Bang!-- The four FBI agents fired multiple rounds; bullets struck Sterling Van Wagenen, but even more pummeled his red Ford, transforming the scene into a chaotic gunfight. The Ford was riddled with bullet holes from the barrage. Wounded multiple times, Sterling Van Wagenen fell to the ground but was not dead yet. An FBI officer retrieved a Beretta from an evidence bag and approached Sterling Van Wagenen, standing alongside him. "Be careful." Others ducked aside, selecting their positions, ready to pull the trigger; the FBI vehicle took multiple hits. Once the gunplay concluded, agents positioned themselves securely, pointing guns at the SUVs. Sterling Van Wagenen, now weaker, let out a strange noise from his throat as bullets rained around him. One FBI agent concealed bullet markings on the firearm before placing it in Sterling Van Wagenen''s hands. "Is the gun safe?" one inquired. The other confirmed, "That was recovered from his home; it''s his." The lead officer urged, "Hurry." Creating a semblance of a real gunfight was no challenge to such professional agents. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 146: Suicide [Chapter 147: Suicide] In the morning, Hawke sat at the dining table, enjoying a simple breakfast prepared by Caroline while reading the newspaper Edward had picked up. Edward, holding an AR-15 rifle, positioned himself at the window as a lookout. Caroline poured several glasses of milk, placing them on the table. Alongside them, a security team brought in from Brian stood guard; the three had spent the previous night in the villa. Most newspapers featured front page headlines regarding the scandal involving Sterling Van Wagenen and Robert Redford. Caroline picked up a few copies to read through the articles before she remarked, "The reporting styles differ, the formats are varied, but the thematic content is strikingly consistent -- calling for severe punishment for both Sterling Van Wagenen and Redford." Hawke responded, "It''s straightforward; on either side, parties want to avoid the collapse of the film and entertainment industry." "Exactly," Brian said as he descended the stairs, holding his phone. "The key to this scenario lies with Pope, not Hollywood." He sat down at the table, stating, "Just received news half an hour ago; the FBI stepped in after receiving reports from victims -- they intercepted Sterling Van Wagenen''s vehicle on the coast highway. A shootout broke out, and Sterling Van Wagenen was shot dead on the scene." Hawke wasn''t shocked at all; Campos had obtained the goods and thoroughly searched Sterling Van Wagenen, who hadn''t brought a gun. But he kept this information to himself. The moment those videos aired on Ace News, the contract between Hawke and Brian had been fulfilled. Caroline witnessed the brutal reality and set the newspapers aside, instinctively asking, "Was he really shot dead because he resisted with a gun?" Brian asserted, "With the FBI''s proficiency, that''s guaranteed." Caroline swallowed nervously, asking, "Will they come after me?" Hawke pointed to Brian. "Have you noticed him? He''s our greatest shield. As long as he''s fine, we are too; if he''s compromised, you better bolt." Brian was taken aback. "Are you not running?" "Erika will definitely avenge you," Hawke said earnestly. "I''ll also help her." Brian responded, "Didn''t expect your loyalty to run this deep." Edward chimed in, asking, "What about Redford?" Brian stated simply, "After the news rolled out last night, the bastard boarded a flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Nassau in the Bahamas, likely to transfer to France." Hawke recalled something. "The U.S. and France lack an extradition treaty -- so he intends to be the second Roman Polanski?" "Who knows if he''ll even make it to France," Brian shrugged. "Polanski had personal issues; meanwhile, Redford is entangled in other matters." After pondering, he added, "Clearly, they want to silence anyone involved; even the FBI has been deployed to ensure Sterling Van Wagenen''s exit while keeping Redford untouched." £Ò????????¨®£Â¨¨???? Hawke casually stated, "Suicide? Or perhaps, overseas -- an option." Caroline queried, "Is that politics?" Just then, Brian''s phone rang, and he answered. After a brief conversation, he hung up. "I need to head to the office; more victims are reaching out for legal assistance regarding Sterling Van Wagenen." Hawke inquired, "Will the civil lawsuit continue if Sterling Van Wagenen is dead?" Brian nodded. "Of course, civil claims can proceed even if he''s unavailable for criminal prosecution. This guy had no family; he''s left behind millions. Rather than allowing those pigs to take it all, it''d be better if we had a piece." He reassured, "Give it a few days; the PR fees we arranged will definitely materialize." Hawke knew perfectly well that if they aimed to expedite this matter and remove media attention, they would work swiftly to settle matters with the victims -- using Sterling Van Wagenen and Redford''s assets for compensation would be the simplest course of action. ... In Nassau, Bahamas. Near the airport at the Hilton Hotel, FBI vehicles pulled up suddenly as a balding officer and his team entered the hotel. The hotel manager hurried to offer assistance. The officer displayed identification. "We received a report of a person hanging in a room across the street from your hotel." The manager''s face paled. "Deputy Cowell, can you confirm?" Given it was an American-owned hotel, Cowell must proceed cautiously. "I''ll dispatch personnel to check; please hold on." Before long, eyewitnesses and two policemen entered the hotel lobby. One officer informed Cowell, "There is indeed a person on the fifth floor." Cowell told the manager, "We need to check the fifth floor." The hotel manager approached, and once informed, he led the group up to the fifth floor, where they found the correct room. After knocking and getting no response, they had someone unlock the door. Once inside, two officers drew their guns, leading the way into the suite. As others followed, they found the curtains open in the bedroom; a long shoelace dangled from the ceiling fan adorned with colorful lights, from which dangled a man in his 60s, lifeless. "Secure the scene," Deputy Cowell directed, donning gloves and ordering, "Investigate the area." Including the hotel manager, all were escorted to the door. Two officers cautiously brought the body down. One found the deceased''s bag, which contained his passport and identification. Surprised, he exclaimed, "Chief! This guy is Robert Redford, a Hollywood star and director!" Cowell approached the body, inspecting the corpse before glancing back to verify the photo in the ID: "I saw the old film -- it''s definitely him." Another officer added, "Found a note here; looks like a suicide note." Cowell moved closer to read the cryptic, messy writing -- only a few lines existed. It looked something like a confession, expressing regret for his actions and the harm done to minors. In a dream, God informed him he was headed to hell. To apologize and seek redemption, he chose to end his life. Additionally, he offered his assets to compensate the victims. Cowell preferred avoiding any controversy and instructed to place the note and relevant items into an evidence bag for safekeeping. He dialed his superior, discussing the need to involve foreign affairs, ensuring communication with the American embassy. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If the embassy accepted the suicide narrative, the case would resolve swiftly. Before long, his superior accompanied American officials to the scene. After observing the scene and participating in clandestine discussions, they generally agreed that Hollywood star and producer Robert Redford died from a self-inflicted hanging due to guilt. While this determination wouldn''t be publicly announced immediately, both sides had confirmed the direction of the investigation, and overall progress would accelerate. ... In Sacramento, Granit Bay. Lawrence Pope hoisted a heavy suitcase into an SUV. Lawyer Donnie and his ex-wife Linda approached the garage, each carrying bags to load into the cabin. As Donnie''s phone rang, he picked it up and informed Pope, "The divorce agreement went through, and the asset division was fair -- all very smooth." Gripping Donnie''s hand, Pope gratefully said, "Thanks, old friend." Donnie appeared solid and reliable. "Even if some scoundrels have abandoned you, I won''t; I''ll fight for you. I can''t promise acquittal, but I''ll strive for the shortest sentence." Linda interjected, "He deserves it." Pope''s face turned bitter, leaving him speechless. Before legal proceedings kicked off, he left nothing unaddressed, ensuring everything he could keep remained with his wife and daughter. Footsteps approached, and they wisely lapsed into silence as Catherine rolled over, dragging her suitcase along. Still drowsy from poor sleep, Catherine complained, "Why are we suddenly going to New York? I''m not prepared!" Pope reassured, "Your uncle arranged a big party for you." "Cool!" Catherine climbed into the car. Pope slapped Donnie on the arm. "Can you take them to the airport?" "Of course," Donnie nodded, seating himself behind the wheel. Linda slid into the passenger seat and firmly shut the door. The garage door lifted, and they drove out toward the airport. ... Once the vehicle was far away, Pope closed the door and stepped into the hall, glancing toward the road outside. In just a few minutes, several FBI-marked black SUVs patrolled the area, pulling up alongside him. Pope, prepared for this moment, opened the front door and strode toward the agents. The lead FBI officer proceeded to present his warrant and promptly placed handcuffs on Pope, escorting him into the vehicle. ... As they arrived at the airport, turning into the parking area, Linda turned to glance back. Her daughter Catherine rested peacefully in the rear seat, lulled to sleep. Linda whispered, "Turn him into a felon. Let him rot forever." "Absolutely," Donnie remarked, wrapping an arm around Linda''s shoulder. "I won''t represent him; the firm will assign a rookie." Linda draped her arms around Donnie''s neck, drawing him into a passionate kiss. After a lengthy moment, they parted. Donnie declared, "Once the case concludes, return to me, and we''ll marry." The two had been entangled for some time now. Linda felt a rush but knew this wasn''t the place for overt expressions. "Take care of Catherine; I''ll sneak back." "Do it swiftly," Donnie suggested, checking his watch. "Hurry; don''t miss your flight." Linda awakened Catherine, while Donnie grabbed the suitcase, and together they approached the terminal entrance. As the mother-daughter duo exited, Donnie lingered behind, frequently glancing at Catherine. The young white girl had developed early. Good spirits engulfed Donnie; the financial benefits from Pope''s estate remained under his control, and he intended to keep both these women with him. But would Pope ever be able to come back from this? ... Back on Beverly Boulevard, at Brian''s villa. Hawke hung up his phone and relayed to Caroline and Edward, "I just received reliable intelligence: Robert Redford took his own life this morning in a hotel near Nassau International Airport, leaving behind a note, claiming it was a suicide due to guilt." Caroline had grown numb. "He deserved to die; such scum should perish!" Edward inquired, "And what about Lawrence Pope?" "He''s been invited by the FBI to assist with their investigation," Hawke revealed, a detail he''d learned from Brian. "He might survive this; the masked figures could remain unidentified for now, but with Sterling Van Wagenen and Redford dead, I suspect Pope will shoulder all blame." Caroline grasped the unwritten rules of the game. "So, his family and loved ones will be well looked after?" Hawke reflected on the controversy surrounding supposed suicides in years past. "It''s also possible, once the heat lessens, Pope may end up taking his own life." Edward recalled Hawke had previously noted: "The kind of guy who gets shot eight times in the back?" Hawke casually responded, "He might also hang himself in prison." Caroline felt she''d inadvertently boarded a pirate ship, quietly inquiring, "What about us down the line?" Edward suddenly chuckled, revealing a toothy grin. Hawke queried, "You''re not interested in a high-paying job?" Caroline quickly straightened her demeanor and flashed her cute, white, tiny fang-like teeth. "Speak, who do you want me to silence?" Suddenly, Edward stirred with the AR rifle at hand, noting, "Boss, we''ve got company." Security near the entrance was on the intercom, "Mr. Osment, a woman named Roonee Chasen is here to see you, claiming to be the director of BWR Public Relations." Caroline frowned. "What''s she here for?" Hawke pondered briefly, then said, "Let her in." ... A fashionable woman in high heels entered the yard, striding confidently towards the entrance. Caroline went to open the door. Rooney eyed the attractive woman who had pulled a fast one on her and boasted, "You''ve done well; I taught you well." With a blank expression, Caroline welcomed her inside. Rooney glanced over to Edward, noticing the AR he possessed. Yet, she appeared unfazed as she turned to Hawke. He seemed unremarkable -- just an ordinary-looking person you might see on the street. Hawke gestured toward the sofa. "Take a seat." Rooney nodded slightly and sat opposite Hawke. She asked straight out, "You had Caroline undermine me, didn''t you?" Hawke shook his head. "That was Caroline''s idea." Rooney turned and was surprised to fixate on Caroline. While Hawke was the instigator, there was no way Caroline could argue against it now. Her chin lifted defiantly in pride. Rooney quickly nodded and confirmed, "I taught you well." Yet, Hawke upon knowing her mindset, interjected, "You''re here with something to discuss?" "I wanted to see the person who caused me such a horrible defeat," Rooney replied. "Even up until yesterday afternoon, I thought I was winning, only to find myself utterly crushed." Hawke simply sat, intrigued. "And what do you think now?" Rooney produced a business card, sliding it across the coffee table toward Hawke. "Let''s exchange cards?" Hawke offered a card in return, also handing it over. Rooney stated, "We have no personal grudges; perhaps we''ll have opportunities to work together in the future." In her perception, neither side represented good or evil; both merely served their distinct employers. Hawke chuckled quietly, but chose not to elaborate further. Rooney collected Hawke''s card and prepared to leave. Caroline voluntarily escorted her out. As they moved across the threshold, the two women seemed to share a rivalry more intense than typical male hostilities. Describing it as a standoff would be an understatement. Rooney exited, muttering, "You bitch; you''ve now betrayed BWR -- one day you''ll also flip on West Coast. Do you think Hawke Osment will trust you? Now the entire industry is aware of how you undermined your previous company. I''ll be here waiting to see you get discarded by West Coast." "You think I''ll fret over my job?" Caroline responded, only moderating her tone slightly before revealing her true self -- a sheep head with sharp horns. "You came here to talk to Hawke; exchanging such talks only showcases how arrogantly you believed you''d defeated Hawke." Rooney dismissed her remarks. Having worked alongside her, Caroline had a handle on Rooney''s personality, knowing precisely how to strike at her. She half-truthfully, half-deceptively articulated, "Disregarding Judy, Amanda, and Rachel, seven others have now expressed interest in joining the suit against Sterling Van Wagenen and Redford; do you want the reason?" Without waiting for an answer, she replied, "We merely indicated what conditions you offered Rachel, and they all resolved to stand with us." Rooney halted, pausing to think it over, and continued walking. Caroline hovered near the door before making her way back. Once Rooney got into her car, smiling wryly to herself, she absorbed the reality of her overwhelming defeat; even those she''d trained had begun to mock her. ... In the coming days leading to 2003, America was entranced by the Hollywood scandal that emerged. Fox Television and the Ace News program continuously rolled out new evidence, keeping the relevant stories in high public demand. The identities of other masked figures also became a focal point for the masses. Both the LAPD and the FBI were inundated with calls from victims, and thus were compelled to collaborate on the case. With the intertwining of both parties, the scenario grew increasingly murky. As for the truth? No one was invested in uncovering it. This conflict was inherently about partisanship, as those orchestrating the case maneuvered to strike at the authorities governing Sacramento. At this stage, neither Hawke nor Brian could interfere. Amid these clashes, the blue party unleashed a massive public relations counteroffensive. The supermodel Gisele Bundchen unexpectedly held a press conference to accuse Leonardo DiCaprio of repeated infidelities. Having reached her breaking point, she chose to sever ties, prompting a media frenzy! Leonardo DiCaprio''s influence was far-reaching; from media, public, to trending discussions -- eyes swiftly shifted away from the masked figures and victims, focusing instead on the split of this golden couple. In a bid to secure continuous headlines and shift public attention, blue media outlets extensively covered the breakup, tracking developments around the clock. DiCaprio, as renowned as he was in the blue camp, artfully turned the relationship ups and downs into a gripping drama on ratings. Just a day after Gisele announced their split, the public was still occupied unraveling DiCaprio''s romantic entanglements -- until day three when he was captured onscreen outside Gisele''s residence, donning a massive engagement ring to win her love back. On the very first day of 2003, Leonardo and Gisele made a joint appearance before the media, with DiCaprio triumphantly announcing their reconciliation and formal engagement. In numerous regions, the entertainment industry had become synonymous with dysfunction; whenever something went sour, it could be casually tossed to the entertainment world, clouding discourse while swiftly drawing public attention. Entertainment news always found itself adept at commandeering the headlines. This couple''s engagement eclipsed all. On the other side, the elephants held weaker media influence. But the shifts lurking in the shadows continued being played out. ... Following the New Year holiday of 2003, as Brian projected, the Los Angeles Superior Court acted swiftly to resolve compensation for the victims. When those in charge craved efficiency, astounding swiftness was always achievable. In line with the contract, Brian disbursed $1.2 million in public relations fees to Hawke. He also covered all incidental expenses accrued during the legal proceedings. Additionally, he gifted Hawke the bulletproof Mercedes. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 147: Self-Made Security System [Chapter 148: Self-Made Security System] Beverly Boulevard, inside Brian''s villa. Hawke packed up his personal belongings, especially firearms, ammunition, and various digital devices, preparing to move back to Fountain Street. Edward stuffed all the documents he had from the past few days into a new shredder, thoroughly destroying them into tiny scraps. Caroline dragged a large suitcase downstairs from the second floor and asked Hawke, "When do I start?" "Aren''t you already employed?" Hawke replied as he picked up an AR and packed it into a gun bag. After thinking for a moment, Caroline rephrased, "What about that new company you mentioned?" Hawke said, "I''m working on a business plan. From now on, you''ll come to the West Coast studio every day. Your salary during this period will be equivalent to that of the Savior, basically $2,000 a week, plus bonuses." Caroline quickly agreed, "Okay, I''ll go tidy up and be there tomorrow." As Hawke finished packing, he remembered something and asked, "You often deal with celebrities; you must know about their non-profit organizations and the personal companies they have in Delaware or the Cayman Islands, right?" Caroline immediately understood, "You want to avoid taxes?" "I''m planning to establish a charity organization," Hawke responded seriously. "To contribute to equality in American society." For example, figuring out if Buddy Ackerman''s descendants had Bombay blood type so they could be used as blood donors in the future. Seeing Hawke''s serious nonsense, Caroline replied earnestly, "There are professional intermediary companies here. As long as you''re willing to spend, they''ll handle all the procedures flawlessly. Even if the IRS and the Justice Department get involved, they won''t be able to find anything wrong." "Great, when you arrive tomorrow, you can run this task," Hawke said, eager to keep his employees busy. ... Once Edward finished shredding the documents, Hawke checked around to ensure nothing was left behind. Then, he drove back to East Hollywood Fountain Street in an Audi A8 while Edward drove the bulletproof Mercedes. Before Caroline got in her car to leave, she called a few friends to inquire about the charity related matters. After moving his stuff back to the studio, Hawke called Brian, whose law firm also had specialists dealing with such affairs. The studio had been empty for ten days, covered in dust. Hawke commanded Edward to get busy. Not long after, someone knocked on the studio door from the outside. Hawke went to open it and saw Frank holding a battered hat as he entered. He looked thinner than before and immediately complained, "What have you guys been doing? Did you forget about me? If you didn''t come back soon, I would have starved to death!" ?¨¤??????????s Edward came out from the bathroom with a rag, tossing it directly to Frank, "Get to work, and you''ll get food." Frank caught the rag and threw it back, retorting, "Cotton products suit you perfectly." He then turned to Hawke, "Hurry up and order some fried chicken and watermelon juice; we can''t let people work for free." Hawke didn''t indulge him, "Haven''t you noticed? You''ve gained quite a bit of weight from eating a lot recently. We''re just helping you get back to the state we first met for your health." Frank''s face dropped, "Do you know why I got skinny? It''s not because I''m not trying to earn money, but it''s because I''m watching over your place! I sit at the park entrance begging every day, can''t go out to collect cans or newspapers, income has plummeted. If you don''t compensate for my losses, isn''t your conscience bothering you?" Hawke felt a pang of guilt, "Let''s go for a big meal at noon." Frank was satisfied, sitting on the couch and directing Edward, "The shelf isn''t clean, there''s still dust on the windowsill." "I remember," Edward flashed a bright smile, "I still remember a star named Salma Hayek." This time, Frank didn''t lose his cool, keeping it light, "She''s about to be nominated for the Oscar for Best Actress; both of us can''t touch that." Hawke casually asked, "You knew she''d leave if she got nominated, yet you still helped?" "She put in the effort; it made me feel warm," Frank reasoned. "Efforts deserve to be returned." Edward was left speechless and continued his work. Frank added, "Weren''t you helping someone on a project recently for the Golden Globe Awards? I found out yesterday through some contacts that Sarah Parker is likely to get a nomination." Hawke appreciated the gesture, "Thanks." Frank marveled, "You really create a mess; being an ambassador against domestic violence while pregnant, in such a left-leaning award category -- who would dare not award her?" Hawke maintained his professional ethics, "I''m just doing a paid job." "What Harvey Weinstein''s public relations team did is bad enough," Frank shook his head. "I feel like you''ve opened another door to a new world for them. In the future, those aiming for the Oscars will spend less time focusing on their characters and more time on gaining prestige." Hawke replied, "Without me, there would be others." ... Once Edward finished cleaning, the three of them headed to a nearby restaurant for lunch. Considering Frank had genuinely been watching over him recently, after lunch, Hawke accompanied him to a nearby supermarket, where they bought a mix of everything. Frank even bought a Japanese-made pocket toy, claiming it was for caring for the health of the elderly. He proclaimed, "Hawke, you''ve given Salma a bad idea. Once she gets nominated, she''ll head to Europe, and then I won''t have any benefits left." Hawke reassured him, "You still have plenty of ex-wives." Frank turned to look at Edward, who was pushing the cart, leaving him speechless. The three of them bought so much stuff that they not only filled the fridge in Frank''s RV but also stuffed the studio fridge. ... After Frank left, Edward came over to request time off, "Boss, I haven''t been back to Brentwood in days. Deborah has been calling several times a day, if I don''t go back soon, she''s going to break up with me." Hawke pondered, seeing as there was nothing urgent in the next few days, he said, "Go back. I''ll give you three days off, but don''t leave Los Angeles." Edward hurried out of the studio. ... Hawke sat in front of his laptop, continuing to write his business plan to prepare for the establishment of the new company. The new company was naturally in the internet media industry. Traditional media was at the beginning of a decline. Starting a venture too late meant the market was already sliced up. However, creating something in internet media was not easy. Hawke recognized his own strengths; he was better at destruction than creation. Besides, the internet media sector was already very competitive, especially with portal websites dominating the field. Blogs were dominated by a few sites. Hawke considered that the website would need media properties. It should attract users with popular, viral news while also allowing user interaction, thereby attracting investments and enhancing its strength. However, many ideas looked great in theory; the execution often had a host of problems. To say nothing of viral news; without sufficient strength, one might end up on the receiving end of being exposed instead. That was why Hawke had been thinking about this since before he came to Los Angeles, now ready to implement it. He jotted down various chaotic ideas, but in the end, only a few would be selected for actual implementation. Just then, Hawke''s phone chimed with a text message; picking it up, he read a short line: "We''re back." It was from Campos and the others returning to Los Angeles from their trip. Hawke thought for a moment and called Brian, who was still busy with ongoing lawsuits as the attorney for multiple victims. With Wagenen and Redford dead, civil compensation had concluded. But in the video, there was someone whose identity could be clearly established -- Lawrence Pope. According to Brian, Pope was extremely tight-lipped and took all the blame himself. Even so, the matter still involved the people behind him. The head of the governor''s office had to step forward to issue a public apology, and even Governor Gray Davis was implicated. The elephants were pushing the deep blue into a corner. Just as Hawke wrapped up the call, he received another call. It was FedEx notifying him that a shipment from Buffalo, Wyoming had arrived in Los Angeles, asking where to deliver it. This was the specimen of the North American grizzly bear they had hunted. Hawke had already discussed with Erica about sending it directly to the villa for exhibition in a display room. He called Erica and then drove directly to the villa in Silver Lake community. ... It wasn''t long before the delivery truck arrived, and several FedEx workers carried the wooden crate containing the specimen into the display room. Hawke signed for it, gave them a tip, and sent them on their way. Just then, Erica called, "Wait for me to come over and unbox." Hawke asked her, "Can you finish work on time tonight?" "I''ve been working on a small case outside, and I''m done now," Erica quickly replied. "I''m not going back to the station; I''ll be back in a maximum of twenty minutes." Hawke went to the tool room, grabbing the crowbar he had bought earlier. In less than twenty minutes, Erica''s Cherokee pulled into the villa''s driveway. When she got out of the car, she was carrying three heavy bags. Hawke stepped forward and took two from her, asking, "Did you buy guns?" Erica smiled, "Just open it up and see; it''s a surprise for you." Entering the display room, Hawke unzipped one gun bag, revealing a Remington shotgun, alongside a shell holder and corresponding ammunition. In Erica''s unzipped bag was a Savage bear-hunting rifle equipped with a scope. He unzipped another gun bag, finding two AR-15 semi-automatic rifles and a Glock handgun, along with their magazines and bullets -- exactly the weapons they had used in Wyoming. "I think these have special commemorative significance," Erica said, clearly invested in the relationship, wanting to manage it well. "I called the bison gun store to arrange special delivery, and they sent them right over." She picked up the Savage rifle and placed it in a display case. Hawke assisted her and handed over the Remington shotgun. Erica set the Remington next to the rifle, stepping back and nodding in satisfaction. The ammunition and magazines were stored separately in a metal cabinet with a fingerprint lock. Both Hawke''s and Erica''s fingerprints were set up for the cabinet. The two AR rifles and the Glock were kept as self-defense weapons. Hawke grabbed a crowbar from the top of the box, tossing it to Erica, "Let''s unbox." Erica came over eagerly, "Let''s do it together." Both pressed down on the crowbar simultaneously, and the wooden crate top popped open, revealing a parcel inside. After removing the outer packaging, they uncovered a lifelike grizzly bear specimen. The bear had its internal organs, fat, and moisture removed and replaced with stuffing material to maintain its appearance, looking large but not heavy. Hawke and Erica each took an end and carefully placed it in the display case. This villa was spacious enough, and the exhibition room was large, with over twenty display cases still empty. Hawke remarked, "Too bad the cougar specimen got ruined." Erica waved her arm, "We can go hunt again. Starting this year, I get an additional seven weeks off on top of regular public holidays, and we can go domestically and then to Alaska." Hawke locked the display case and called her, "Let''s go, it''s time to clean up." Erica chased after him, linking her arm with his, "I just got a new whirlpool bathtub; let''s try it out." Once they tried it out, it turned into nightfall. After their activity, they both felt hungry, and with just some convenience food on hand, Hawke changed into clothes, pulling Erica out for dinner. ... As Hawke drove the Benz, not far from leaving the Silver Lake community, he noticed two patrol cars parked outside an abandoned villa. Two black men were face-down on the ground, handcuffed by four patrol officers. Erica recognized one of the officers, rolled down the passenger window, and inquired, "Hans, do you need any help?" Hawke stopped the car, and Erica got out. As soon as the officer saw Erica, he waved his hand in reassurance, "It''s fine, we''ve got it. Just two petty thieves trying to steal from this abandoned house; the neighbors called the cops." Erica waved back and got in the car: "We won''t disturb you any further." Hawke continued driving, stating, "Many houses in the Silver Lake community are still unsold, and the occupancy rate isn''t high. I remember the houses on either side of us are empty." He suggested, "How about implementing some security measures?" Erica was aware of what he had been doing lately, "Didn''t you renovate the studio? You even successfully dealt with the Dwarfs'' Gang." Hawke fell into planning mode, "By the way, the slingshot-making tools are still in the tool room at the villa. After dinner, we can go to the supermarket and buy some tools and materials and renovate them ourselves. What do you think?" Erica was naturally someone who loved hands-on projects. "Sounds like a great idea!" She seemed excited, "Let''s hope a couple of petty thieves get tempted by that house and and we end up catching them." After a simple dinner, they went to the supermarket and bought so much that there wasn''t enough space in the Benz''s trunk and had to put some in the back seat. Back at the villa, they temporarily unloaded everything into the tool room and got busy. For the next two days over the weekend, they didn''t leave Silver Lake and worked on their custom-made security system. By Sunday night, Erica received a call and said to Hawke, "My grandpa wants to meet you." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 148: Concept for a New Media Website [Chapter 149: Concept for a New Media Website] Los Angeles, Woodland Hills. Erica drove her Cherokee up the hill. After passing the last intersection, she quickly turned her head to Hawke, deliberately asking, "Aren''t you even a little nervous?" Hawke smiled, "Why should I be nervous?" "That''s true," Erica said, reaching out her right hand to hold Hawke''s left hand, "We''ve faced life-and-death tests together; what could be scarier than facing death itself?" Hawke never said sweet nothings, but some words meant more than sweet talk: "You''re mistaken; I''m not nervous because Paul Ferguson is your grandpa, and you''re my biggest support." Suddenly, Erica stopped the car and said directly, "Hawke Osment, if you keep this up, I won''t be able to resist asking you to marry me." She restarted the car and drove toward a luxurious estate halfway up the hillside, where the gates slid open automatically. The residence was spacious, with an older building style; it looked like it had been constructed for a long time. Erica parked the car in the fountain square. A butler came over to open the car door. Hawke brought the gift Erica had prepared for him and stepped out, politely saying, "Thank you." The butler smiled and nodded to both of them, "Please, this way." ... The three of them entered the villa through the front door, walking all the way through to the back door. As they passed the garden, Hawke heard gunfire, sounding like a lever-action rifle being fired. He then saw a shooting range with an old man in a cowboy hat standing on it. Paul Ferguson was tall, slightly overweight, holding a Winchester lever-action rifle. Erica introduced both parties. Hawke stepped forward to shake hands and presented the gift. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Paul opened it casually, and inside was a classic Colt revolver. He handed it to the butler, glanced at Erica, and said, "When I was young, I loved playing with guns. I grew up on a ranch, where coyotes and black bears were dangers, and whether you are strong or weak, the only way to survive is to have a gun." ????¨¢??????¨º???? Hawke naturally replied, "I grew up between ranches and mountains in Wyoming, and I''ve had guns as companions since childhood. I''ve killed at least a hundred coyotes with my gun." Paul tossed the rifle toward him, "Let me see your shooting skill." Hawke was familiar with such old firearms; he skillfully loaded the bullets and aimed at a target several dozen meters away before pulling the trigger. The gunfire rang out rhythmically. Hawke quickly emptied all the bullets. Paul lowered his binoculars, "Perfect ten on every shot, good shooting!" "My father used to say, when the wolves come, you must greet them with a gun!" Hawke recognized the meaning behind Paul''s words; his philosophy was somewhat similar: "Only when you hurt them or scare them will they retreat for a while." Paul nodded slightly, saying, "This Winchester is a gift for you." "Thank you," Hawke replied, and just then, the butler came over to package the gun. Paul walked toward the lounge, and when Hawke and Erica caught up, he said, "I heard from Brian about the situation. You did excellently." Hawke gave a polite response, "One person can''t do it; it''s the entire team''s cooperation that matters." Paul, with clarity, dispelled that notion: "You could have done the same with another team, but without you, it would be hard to achieve the current level." His tone suddenly grew serious: "Brian is just a puppet in your hands." Hawke responded, "In fact, without him standing in front, no matter how good the planning is, it''s still just fluff. Many things are about strength." Paul took a seat and directly asked, "What are your plans next?" This was a question Hawke had expected. Though she''d never asked it before, Erica was also listening intently. Hawke responded calmly, "Besides the current crisis management and business strategy consulting, I''m preparing to venture into the internet media industry." He clearly wanted to demonstrate his value: "This collaboration with Brian revealed a serious issue -- American media... temporarily focusing solely on California, most mainstream media is either blue or deep blue. I felt oppressed in public opinion along with Brian; even if we obtained the video, they still manipulated media reports to deflect public attention, weakening the impact of the video." Paul observed quietly, fully aware that what Hawke was saying was true. The weakness in media opinion prevented them from expanding on their victories quickly. Hawke continued, "Internet media has a quick response time and fewer restrictions..." Paul had some understanding of the internet: "Portal sites?" Hawke explained, "Somewhat like blogs, but with more interactivity and media functionality." Paul slowly remarked, "Based on my impression of the internet, the key lies in the users." "Hollywood is crucial," Hawke stated simply: "People in the entertainment and sports circles are mostly blue supporters. These guys, with their notoriety, can often inadvertently support blue initiatives. For instance, Leonardo getting engaged recently -- everything they do easily draws public attention." He shifted gears, "But these stars are also scandal factories. I''m good at utilizing scandals; as long as the juicy gossip is explosive enough, attention and user engagement won''t be an issue." Essentially, what Hawke aimed to do was a combination of TMZ, Twitter, and TikTok, creating a platform where users could interactively engage in entertainment online, officially ushering in an era of universal entertainment. But at that time, the cell phone camera era had just started; mobile phones hadn''t even popularized basic photography functions, while home camcorders were pricey -- TikTok was still a future prospect. Currently, a combination of the first two aspects seemed more realistic. However, launching new online media faced the biggest challenge: attracting users. The public''s fascination with celebrity gossip far outweighed their interest in social-political scandals. By leveraging celebrity scandals that could become super hot topics, the aim was to draw in users. Although celebrity scandals were relatively safe, they still held substantial risk given the potential conflicts of interest. Hawke needed a certain degree of influence to support this. Paul pondered for a moment: "It''s great for young people to have ideas and drive. For legal issues, you can frequently consult Brian; for business matters, you might want to discuss with Erica''s mother." With that said, Hawke knew it was time to take his leave. He and Erica took the Winchester rifle Paul had gifted them and departed. ... Before the shooting range, Paul sat for a moment and said to the butler, "Have Erica''s mother keep an eye on him." The butler promptly made a call. For Paul Ferguson, a small investment from Mary Ferguson would suffice. If Hawke Osment succeeds, they would benefit greatly. Should he fail, that minor loss wouldn''t even count as a drop in the bucket. ... As the Cherokee drove out of the estate, Erica was a bit excited, saying to Hawke, "When my mother came to visit for the first time, grandpa also gave her a Winchester as a gift." "Looks like I''m getting the good treatment here." Though he said that, Hawke knew it wouldn''t be that simple. Thinking from a negative angle, this kind of mass-produced rifle was like some sort of heart-shaped stone. Capitalizing on it was never easy. What happened to Wagenen was not only a test for Brian but also for him. "Starting a business is tough, right?" Erica sighed as she drove. "I don''t know much about it and can''t really help you." Hawke chuckled, "I''ve said it, you''re my biggest support." Erica smiled back, deliberately asking, "Do you have an estimate of the results?" At that question, images of Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg flashed in Hawke''s mind, along with an image of a homeless person on the street. He said, "Success might turn me into a millionaire; failure means I''ll be on the street with a bucket." Erica replied sincerely, "Failure doesn''t matter; I can take care of you." ... It was Monday, and they had work to handle. Erica dropped Hawke off at Silver Lake, agreeing to resume their handwork that evening, and drove to the detective bureau. Hawke tidied up his tools, grabbed a long gun, and put it in the Benz before heading back to Fountain Street. Both Edward and Caroline were already there. Hawke began delegating new tasks, handing an envelope to Caroline, "About what we discussed last time, you''ll take care of it this week. I''ve prepared all the relevant materials; if you need anything, just come find me." Caroline received it and handed Hawke a copy of , "The nominations for this year''s Golden Globe Awards were announced this morning; Sarah snagged a nomination, but Jennifer Aniston didn''t make the list." Hawke noticed Sarah Parker''s photo on the cover, her pregnant figure standing out among the other celebrities. Edward leaned over to take a look, asking a crucial question, "Does she want to terminate it or keep the baby?" Hawke and Caroline instantly turned to stare at the Savior. Edward raised his hands defensively, "I''m just asking out of pure curiosity, nothing else." Hawke patted his shoulder, asking, "You want to manage her with another man?" "Absolutely not," Edward quickly shook his head, thinking of the horrifying scenario, "I won''t ask anymore." ... Caroline was out finding an intermediary company to handle the paperwork. Hawke instructed Edward to open the computer and browse blog-like websites to compile statistics. Since 9/11, blogs had proliferated rapidly, with hundreds of different types of blog sites established across the U.S. It wouldn''t be an exaggeration to say there were new blog sites being registered weekly while others shut down. Building a site from scratch was far less cost-effective than acquiring a soon-to-close small blog. ... In the afternoon, Hawke received a call from Erica; her mother, Mary Ferguson, wanted to discuss the establishment of the new media website with him. As Erica''s mother, Hawke was quite aware of the importance of this meeting. He went to downtown Los Angeles and entered an investment holding company in the recently renamed Federal Bank Building to meet Mary Ferguson. The two talked all afternoon; despite some disagreements, they reached a consensus on cooperation. In the following two weeks, Hawke focused on business matters for the new company. Additionally, Erica had encountered another case, and the two of them hadn''t had time to practice shooting at the Artel Mountain range for a long while. This raised concerns for some people. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 149: The Mules in Action [Chapter 150: The Mules in Action] West Los Angeles, Artel Mountain Shooting Range. Camila gripped a Beretta handgun tightly, aimed at the target ahead, and emptied the magazine as if venting her frustrations. She switched to a new magazine and shot it empty in one go. Beside her, Ayala restrained her arm, saying, "Let''s take a break." Camila put away the gun and magazines, following him to the break area. It was a workday morning, and the shooting range wasn''t too crowded; there were only the two of them in the break area. Camila grabbed a cup of coffee and asked, "Did those two switch shooting ranges? They haven''t been around for a while." "No," Ayala replied quietly. "I''ve got inside info from the precinct that the detectives over there have been dealing with some tough cases lately, one of which is handled by Erica Ferguson''s team. She''s been incredibly busy." He paused and added, "Those two are very cautious. We couldn''t approach Erica, and when we tried following Hawke Osment around New Year''s, our guys hadn''t even come close to the perimeter when they noticed they were being watched. I had to pull everyone back in a hurry." Camila, familiar with the dynamics among the dealers, remarked, "This person isn''t simple." Ayala asked, "Should we continue waiting?" "We can''t wait much longer," Camila understood her men''s temperament well. "The brothers can''t wait forever like this; they''ve gotten too accustomed to the wild in Mexico, and being stable in Los Angeles for half a month is their limit." Her older brother had died at the hands of these people, and the loss amounted to millions of dollars. "Let''s adjust the plan. You find channels to explore where this couple is living, see if we can identify a suitable spot to strike." Ayala nodded slightly. "I''ll contact our eyes on the ground in Los Angeles." "Get to it," Camila urged. Ayala stepped out of the shooting range, found a place to make a call. The mule gang had developed quite a network of informants in this area to help with shipments, and some of them had direct lines of communication with him. These individuals were spread across various industries, and some of them weren''t even at the bottom of the ladder. Since most were addicts, the mule gang provided them with the best stuff. ... The next afternoon, Ayala received a lead and headed downtown Los Angeles. He waited at a bar for a while until Ramirez, the sales manager from a property development company in St. Louis, entered. Ramirez sat across from him and quietly said, "I had a few friends check it out. One of them works for a company that developed single-family homes in Silver Lake, and they sold one to Erica Ferguson." Ayala asked, "Are you sure about that?" "There''s no mistake," Ramirez elaborated. "Erica Ferguson is a star officer with the LAPD; many people know her. With the economy struggling due to 9/11 and the stock market crash, their sales in the Silver Lake community haven''t been great. Though they haven''t advertised publicly, when pitching to clients privately, they always mention Erica Ferguson and security as a selling point." R??????????¦¥???? Ayala inquired, "Which house did they buy?" Ramirez pulled a copy from his bag and handed it over to Ayala. "Here''s the specific address." Ayala took it, examined it carefully, and noted the address. "Does she often stay there?" Ramirez had looked into this before, knowing a fair amount in the real estate business since the mule gang had once approached him and leveraged that insight. "She didn''t stay there much a few months ago," Ramirez recalled. "But it seems like over the last couple of months she''s started dating someone, going over there once or twice a week." Ayala asked, "Is it just the two of them?" Ramirez replied, "It should be just the two of them. Erica Ferguson and her boyfriend likely use it as a place to spend the night." "Good!" Ayala nodded, satisfied with the information that Ramirez had provided. "Is that place an open community?" Ramirez explained, "A significant portion of the property still hasn''t sold. It''s currently considered a semi-open community." After confirming details, Ayala pulled out a palm-sized bag from his pocket and handed it to Ramirez. "This is the best stuff." Ramirez gratefully accepted it, saying, "Thanks." Ayala left the bar, and Ramirez hurriedly exited as well. ... Fountain Street, West Coast Media Entertainment Studio. Compared to before, Hawke had been much more diligent at work lately. Even on weekends, he sat in front of his computer browsing blog sites. At one side of his desk, the printed list of blog companies and data had piled up to about the thickness of his palm. These were merely companies from the Los Angeles area. When one industry became hot, money and personnel rushed in like a swarm -- it was the same all over the world. The studio door opened from the outside as Caroline walked in, her heels clattering. She checked the fridge for water only to find that her usual high-end brand was missing, and she had to settle for something random. After taking a sip and grimacing at the label -- definitely not the right taste -- Edward looked up from behind his computer. The semi-illiterate Edward was forced by Hawke to become an office clerk. He said, "Can you grab me a bottle of water? Thanks." Caroline grabbed two bottles instead, handing one to Edward and placing another on Hawke''s desk. "Thanks," Hawke replied, not raising his head. Caroline cautiously probed, "Boss, can we upgrade our water standard a bit?" Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke replied bluntly, "The sheep on the farm drink straight from the tap." Caroline dared not push further, deciding to buy her own water in the future but glanced back at Hawke, realizing she might be able to bring him some since he was the boss. At that moment, Edward said, "You really shouldn''t drink tap water directly. I used to work at a water plant, and I heard some technicians talk about how some areas of Los Angeles still use old pipes with too much lead." Hawke casually added, "I heard lead adds sweetness, right?" "Not sure about that," Caroline switched back to business. "The paperwork for the non-profit and offshore companies has all been handled. Now we just wait for news." Hawke, being a good boss, picked up the blog company materials and handed them to Caroline. "Look into these companies'' information. I''ve already highlighted the key points. Starting tomorrow, visit them one by one and see which ones are looking to sell." Caroline quickly flipped through the documents and reminded him, "Tomorrow''s Sunday." Hawke caught the implication: "Let''s start Monday." He suddenly realized, "It''s Saturday; the Golden Globes should be starting soon." Caroline quickly searched for the remote and switched the TV to NBC. On the screen, the red carpet for the Golden Globes was unfolding. Hawke set aside his work to watch the award ceremony. Crisis management and business strategy consulting would continue, and with the establishment of the independent new media company, their business was still intertwined with the entertainment industry. Having a direct understanding of industry dynamics was crucial. Before long, Frank also arrived, bringing along some snacks. The four gathered on a long couch, indulging in food and drinks while watching. ... As the red carpet segment progressed into its later stages, the hottest figure of the night, Sarah Jessica Parker, made her entrance. She wore a specially designed gown that emphasized her protruding stomach. Standing in the interview zone, Sarah faced many media representatives, issuing a statement against domestic violence. Frank commented, "As long as she doesn''t sabotage herself, she can ride the anti-domestic violence wave for many years." Caroline, who had long served as Sarah''s PR manager, remarked, "In my opinion, she''ll crash her image within half a year at most." Hawke inquired, "Is she going off the rails?" "A few days ago, she invited me out to dinner," Caroline explained briefly. "Probably to flaunt how she''s spending Broderick''s money while pregnant with his child, and there were two male models invited..." Edward could hardly contain his astonishment, saying, "That''s just twisted!" Caroline agreed, adding, "Sarah said the chance of getting pregnant is rare, so if she doesn''t experience it well these months, she might not get another chance." Edward had a light bulb moment: "Boss, how about we set something up to catch her on video with those models?" "We have a contract with Sarah," Hawke maintained a professional stance. "We can''t do anything like that before the contract ends." Frank gave Hawke a thumbs up, "You''re a true moral exemplar!" As the award ceremony kicked off, the four of them fell into a quieter mood. ... In the film category, Miramax, controlled by Harvey Weinstein, scored big wins with and taking home Best Drama and Best Musical or Comedy, respectively. Nicole Kidman and Renee Zellweger both won Best Actress awards in the film categories. Watching the glamorous Nicole Kidman, Edward asked Frank, "Do you think they ran into that jerk Harvey?" Frank replied dryly, "Winning awards is certainly beneficial for Miramax, but Disney holds absolute control over them, so most earnings go to Disney. With so many actresses in Hollywood, why does Harvey prop them up?" He added, "Nicole Kidman''s feud with Tom Cruise is well-known. Renee Zellweger comes from humble beginnings; they don''t have a Douglas backing like Catherine Zeta-Jones." Caroline interjected, "Using your body to win awards is just the basic and lowest tactic." With a hint of pride in her voice, she continued, "Our methods are way more refined." Frank sighed, "Hollywood''s morals are getting worse." Hawke shrugged, "The more scandals there are, the better life gets for us in the media." As the ceremony moved to the television segments, the first major award was for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Series. No surprises here, Sarah Jessica Parker took home the trophy. Thus, Hawke''s months-long plan targeting Sarah came to fruition, achieving both main objectives. The contract stipulation required Sarah to win a Golden Globe. Hawke''s hidden goal was to see Broderick crash and burn and end up in prison, enjoying the "wolf deterrent" sprays and other enthusiastic services that come with the territory. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 150: The Advantage Is Ours [Chapter 151: The Advantage Is Ours] S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Century City, Beverly Business Club. Hawke and Caroline arrived at the meeting room, waiting less than five minutes before Sarah Jessica Parker and her father, Stephen Parker, walked in one after another. Sarah hurried over to Hawke, arms open for a hug. Hawke, however, took a step back, pointing at her swollen belly. "Be careful." Sarah laughed lightly, patting her stomach. "Wait until a bit later; I might just fall over." Stephen Parker, however, saw it differently, approaching Hawke and saying, "She always listens to you; you should encourage her to have the baby." There''s no way Hawke could involve himself in such matters. He replied, "It''s best you discuss it behind closed doors." Caroline remained silent. Hawke''s purpose in meeting Sarah was singular: "Congratulations on winning the Golden Globe." Sarah understood immediately, "I''ve already arranged the transfer. The final 800,000 in prize money will quickly be in your company account." She was ambitious, saying, "When I aim for the Oscars in the future, I will definitely come back to you." Hawke replied, "Wishing you all the best in realizing that dream." After discussing for a brief moment, she turned to Caroline. "I heard you had a falling out with Rooney Chasen?" "I''m now Hawke''s assistant," Caroline explained. "It''s easier here, and I get to learn some new things." Sarah sighed, "What a shame you can''t be my PR manager anymore." Caroline had long since had enough of her. "Good luck with that." ... Meanwhile, Hawke chatted a few moments with Stephen Parker and asked, "What''s the current situation over at the prison?" "Broderick''s enjoying a dual delight of hot pepper and calming oils," Stephen said with satisfaction for his daughter. "However, a few of the inmates are a little rough; after New Year, Broderick had to be moved to the hospital, and someone from Ackerman Films called me." Hawke asked casually, "What did they say?" Stephen replied, "They told me not to push my luck." He shook his head. "For now, we leave it like that. Broderick has a lengthy sentence; there''s more than enough time and opportunity ahead." Hawke said no more, taking Caroline and leaving the meeting room. ... Caroline followed closely behind, her palm-sized face full of desire. She opened her mouth to speak a few times, only to close it again. Hawke knew what she wanted to say but feigned ignorance, keeping her in suspense. Caroline had no choice but to take a step closer, whispering, "Boss, I just ordered a new car." "What kind of car?" Hawke asked. "A new Bentley Continental," Caroline replied. Hawke turned to look at her. "You''ve already pulled in about 200,000 in commissions over the last few months, haven''t you?" Caroline waved her bag and extended her left hand, showing a watch underneath her sleeve. "I''m a fashion guru; I can''t fall behind the trends." Hawke didn''t seem interested in her. "I''ll transfer your commission soon." Caroline''s face brightened, and she asked, "Boss, what kind of calls do you want to hear? I can call it out for you." Hawke stepped out of the business club, urging, "The work I assigned you yesterday, get to it." "I''ll go right away," Caroline felt fully motivated. ... At noon, Hawke had lunch with Megan Taylor. They met in a private room of a Chinese restaurant. Megan set down her chopsticks, switched to a fork, and said, "I''ve been covering the Wagenen story for several editions, been right on top of things, and now it''s marked with a red tag." ????????????? Hawke replied, "Currently, your focus is on social and political news; moving up while staying neutral is nearly impossible." Megan forced a smile, "I didn''t expect this day to come so soon." "Didn''t you notice? Society is slowly splitting apart," Hawke reflected. "If you''re not on my side, you''re on the enemy''s, aligning with the evolving societal landscape." Megan expressed, "I don''t like that pig over at the Oval Office; his words are too extreme." Hawke chuckled, "But that''s how America operates, both internationally and domestically with the two parties." Megan speculated, "Is it not just employment this time? Did you also make a choice?" "It''s not a choice," Hawke responded directly. "It''s a case of political and business collusion, traditional networking." He attempted to invite her, "I''m planning to go into online media. Want to jump ship? You''d be perfect as the editor-in-chief." With Megan''s abilities, she could easily turn celebrity scandals into sensational stories. Megan didn''t reply but stated, "Once the Wagenen incident news coverage ends, I''ve taken the position of assistant director at Channel 11." Hawke understood. Raising his glass, he toasted, "Cheers to your promotion and aspiring to be the director soon." Megan clinked glasses with him. "Thank you." Hawke shifted topics, leaving the previous matter aside and delving into recent happenings in Los Angeles. After lunch, as they exited the restaurant, Hawke drove Megan to the Fox Television Center. After that, he headed to the supermarket to pick up some daily necessities to take to the Silver Lake community. Erica had agreed to meet him tonight. ... In the Silver Lake community, Hawke drove up to the entrance of the villa, preparing to use an electronic key to shut off the power. The standalone security system lost power. He remotely opened the door and drove into the courtyard, finding the interior barren and devoid of intruders, feeling a bit disappointed. He parked the car in the garage. The community management system here didn''t compare to the renowned luxury areas like North Sunset Boulevard; it was a common semi-open luxury community. It had security personnel, but not in great numbers. ... At that moment, a Mexican man entered the security kiosk at the entrance from west to east. Using money to charm anyone, Ayala quickly bonded with the two security guards. The dealers were wealthy and generous. Ayala slipped some stacks of cash to the two security guards and brandished a prepared ID, saying, "I''m a reporter from and need a small favor." During that era, monitoring was infrequent, and if the security guards allowed someone in, they had their reasons. The two tucked the cash away, and the older white guard said, "Tell me." There were at least hundreds of thousands of people who had worked in LA as informants. This guard likely had dozens of reporters'' business cards in his drawer. Once he finished that transaction, Ayala directly said, "I have a lead that LAPD''s star officer, Erica Ferguson, has a villa here, and she often meets up with her boyfriend. I want to gather some news related to her..." The younger guard said, "I saw her a few days ago. They had something delivered." The noticeable FedEx cargo truck had rolled in; before entering the community, he made sure to have the delivery logged. Ayala handed over his business card. "Help me out; if they show up here, give me a call, and I''ll make it worth your while." "Got it," the older security guard confirmed, aware of his responsibilities. He added, "Don''t disclose our information." "Of course! This is a wealthy area; more celebrities will likely move in. I want to work with you long term." He gestured into the community: "I''ll go take a look." The older security guard waved him off. "Go ahead, but don''t disturb the residents." ... Ayala exited and drove on, entering the community while observing the surroundings. He quickly spotted the target. It was a large detached villa located near Silver Lake, set back with front and rear yards, enclosed with high three-and-a-half-meter walls, double-opening metal gates shielding outside views. The main house was a two-story structure with a loft layout. Here, the villas had a decent amount of space between them and the neighbors. Ayala slowed down a little, giving it a thorough look, and noted that the target villa had additional external locks; it seemed to be unoccupied. He was cautious not to draw suspicion from nearby residents and drove away normally. Ayala exited the community from the northeast, circling back to Santa Monica Boulevard, heading west toward Los Angeles. ... It was dark when Erica concluded her work for the day, driving her usual Cherokee to the Silver Lake community. The main road was well-lit as she passed the security kiosk. The young guard commented, "I think that just was Erica Ferguson''s Cherokee." The older one stepped out, still catching a glimpse of the tail end of the Cherokee. The younger guard followed behind. "I remember there are very few people with this Cherokee model in the community; it should be her." The older guard said, "Call it in now; that reporter was generous, and we might score a few hundred more dollars." The young guard hurriedly made the call. ... Erica entered the driveway, parked in front of the villa, and quickly dashed inside. She caught a whiff of something delicious and headed straight for the dining room. On the table lay braised beef with tomatoes and grilled lamb chops among other dishes. There was still activity coming from the kitchen, so Erica ran over and peeked inside, only to be suddenly enveloped by an arm around her neck. Hawke pulled her in and they shared a passionate kiss. Moments later, Erica broke away, "Not now, first, let''s eat. I''ve been out all afternoon, I''m starving." "Let''s fill up from the top first, then the bottom," Hawke urged, leading her out. They sat at the table, and Erica had just eaten half when she felt a leg slide over from across the table, resting on her toned leg. The meal quickly shifted to a different mode. ... Westwood, a classic upscale neighborhood. In a villa, Camila had just finished dinner and was considering dragging Ayala upstairs to release some pent-up stress when Ayala''s phone suddenly rang. Checking the number, Ayala answered. After a few exchanges from the other end, he hung up and said to Camila, "I got confirmation: Erica Ferguson and Hawke Osment went to the villa in the Silver Lake community." Camila asked, "Didn''t you say that would be a convenient spot for us?" "The occupancy rate in that villa area is low, and patrols aren''t dense," Ayala reiterated his earlier words, "No one is living beside them. For now, it''s just the two of them. The advantage is on our side!" Camila had waited long enough for this opportunity. "Gather the brothers; we strike tonight!" Ayala made a series of phone calls, rallying cars from West Los Angeles to North Hollywood, all heading to an agreed warehouse in Hollywood. The basement of this warehouse housed a stash of weapons for the mule gang. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 151: Highly Insulting [Chapter 152: Highly Insulting] The night was deep, and the warehouse was brightly lit. AKs, ARs, and shotguns lined up on shelves, and everyone was picking out their preferred weapon. Ayala stood in front of a whiteboard, drawing a simple blueprint based on the information provided by Ramirez. Dressed in black tactical gear, Camila drew her military knife from her waist and pointed at the blueprint, addressing her subordinates, "Brothers, the targets are just two people, one man and one woman. But don''t underestimate them; this couple is top-notch with firearms." She hadn''t found a picture of Hawke Osment, so she attached a poster of Erica Ferguson from the newspapers to one side of the whiteboard. "This is one of our targets. I don''t require them to be captured alive; just eliminate them." A big bearded guy commented, "That girl is hot." Camila retorted, "Her shooting skills are hotter than her looks!" She encouraged their spirits, saying, "Take down either Erica Ferguson or Hawke Osment, and besides your base pay, you''ll get an additional bonus of 2 million dollars." At this declaration, a dozen hulking men drew sharp breaths. In a place like Mexico, a few thousand dollars were enough to spark a fierce fight. Camila pointed her knife at the back door location on the blueprint, addressing the big bearded guy, "Quevas, you take seven men and initiate an attack from the back to prevent their escape; the rest follow me through the front door." She then looked at a bald man. "Cesco, you take a team to hit the garage from this side; the rest come with me to storm the front door of the villa." "Understood!" Their responses were orderly. The group Camila brought were elite members. Before joining the mule gang, they all shared a common background as Mexican drug enforcement officers. Just like Campos told Hawke, many join this line of work in Mexico to transition into dealing drugs. Everyone selected their weapons. Camila picked up her AR, emphasizing once more, "Remember, do not underestimate the enemy!" Ayala added a comment, "Once the job''s done, we''ll disperse according to Plan B for the retreat. If anyone gets caught by LAPD, remember what to say; your families will live in plenty." The rogues boarded several vehicles, including two taller trucks. ... Ayala and another person drove first to the entrance security kiosk. With money and fake reporter badges, they walked right in. While the security personnel were counting the cash, the two struck and sent the guards to meet their maker. Multiple vehicles drove into the Silver Lake community under the cover of night, arriving near the target villa. Two taller trucks parked against the wall. ... In the main bedroom of the villa, lights were on. After practicing his shooting, Hawke, fresh from the shower in shorts, approached Erica, who was drying her hair. "A few days ago, your mother contacted me." ?????£Î¨®??? Erica glanced back. "I heard my mother say she was going to invest in your new company." Hawke suddenly heard a loud sound -- the security system emitted an alarm; the villa was under invasion. He typed on the computer keyboard in the room, revealing the surveillance footage. Under the concealed monitoring camera, multiple vehicles were parked in front and behind the villa walls, and two trucks were positioned out front with armed individuals climbing over the walls into the yard. In that brief moment, Erica switched off the hair dryer, removed the elastic from her wrist, tying her hair back. Hawke grabbed a tactical vest from the nearby cabinet and threw one to Erica, hurriedly putting on another. He reached for an AR15, handing one to Erica and keeping the other for himself. Both wore tactical vests outfitted with three AR magazines, a Glock handgun, as well as earpieces, military knives, and basic gas masks. In a flash, Hawke and Erica were fully armed, even outfitting their rifles with suppressors. "Target consists of over twenty individuals, surrounding us from front and back," Hawke reminded, "You cover my back, I''ll cover yours." Erica offered no signs of hesitation as she grabbed her firearm and bolted out of the room. As she ran, she dialed 911: "This is Detective Sergeant Erica Ferguson, badge number... I''m at the Silver Lake community, Unit 10, being attacked by over twenty armed assailants. Requesting immediate backup! Please dispatch SWAT as soon as possible!" The LAPD''s Parker Center was immediately stirred awake, with alerts sounding within the Special Operations Bureau and SWAT teams. But it would take time for them to arrive; Hawke and Erica had to hold the line. Erica opened the north-facing multi-windowed house and dashed in, reaching a nearby window. She tapped on the keyboard, activating the computer screen, which revealed the surveillance footage with thermal imaging, showing eight figures. She spoke into her earpiece, "I see eight on my end." Hawke responded, "Thirteen in the front yard." ... Near the yard''s wall, two ladders fell, and thirteen fully armed figures, including Camila, entered in succession. The villa was eerily silent, with the largest window on the second floor brightly lit. Camila gestured to the group. Cesco led several men forward swiftly to the side. Ayala leaned against a light pole and waved, "Fernando, stun grenades!" That couple had impressive shooting skills and physical prowess, having prepared a big surprise. A big man standing at over six and a half feet led two men forward. Fernando held a shotgun that could blast through standard bulletproof glass. The other two pulled out stun grenades obtained at high prices from their belts. ... On the second floor, Hawke alerted, "Get ready, I''m turning on the lights." Erica replied, "Roger that." Hawke pressed the remote; as the second-floor bedroom lights turned off, brilliant lights illuminated the back and front yards as if it were midday. The security system activated, too. Suddenly, transitioning from night to day disoriented those outside; instinctively, they shielded their eyes. Some even fired shots defensively into the night. Gunfire erupted, striking walls and windows on the first and second floors, but the bulletproof glass absorbed the onslaught. Hawke had already stationed himself at a window, bracing his AR15 to the waist. Within the 50-meter range, the armed figures barely resembled fixed targets on a shooting range. Without needing to aim carefully, thanks to his extensive practice, his gun was pointed at the tallest man. Bang! Bang! Bang! The crisp sound of gunfire rang out as three shots exploded against Fernando''s ample torso. He never even let out a scream before crashing to the ground. His two followers sought cover, one feeling something beneath his feet; as he stepped, a faint crackle emerged. He realized with the last flash of awareness that his friend''s head had burst like an overripe melon nearby. Hawke smoothly tracked his weapon, firing again. The man with the smoking head crumpled, bullet hits to his chest. The others scrambled for coverage; some hid behind trees, others behind ornamental structures, and some sprawled flat against the ground. Having adjusted, their eyes began to adapt to the lighting; one-by-one, they lifted their weapons, targeting the light sources. Bullets flew around, slamming against the window, sounding like breaking glass. It was a chaotic scene of shards and battleground slogs. Hawke ducked behind the stone wall structure, repositioning himself for another shot at a window. ... "Lights out, take down those lights," Camila bellowed, shooting at the overhead light fixture with her AR. However, the light remained lit, and she cursed under her breath, "All the bastards living here are such freaks!" Ayala crouched behind a thick tree, using the light to observe the glass situation. That couple was really twisted to utilize bulletproof glass! He realized things weren''t going well; the gunfire was too sporadic. Some weren''t even firing! Not from hesitation, but from inability. Behind a stone figure, someone emitted a pitiful cry. This individual was knowledgeable enough in the military sense; even while being distracted by the harsh light, they quickly sought refuge behind the stone statue. With others laid flat on the ground, one raised their weapon yet felt a jolt from beneath. The metal crown atop the sculpture wobbled slightly, the embedded marble ball dislodged and burst mid-air. Not a loud explosion but enough to be incredibly humiliating. Inside that ball was a potent coil of capsicum resin used in self-defense sprays and pepper. When the liquid burst forth, it splattered onto the Mexican''s skin, body, and face, seeping into his eyes. The experience, more agonizing than being sprayed at close range by a cop, sent him screaming unintentionally as he wiped and smudged it further into his eyes, exacerbating the pain. He lost control of his body and stuck his head out from behind the statue. In the gaze of Ayala, this poor soul was shot dead. At the same time, another attempted to sprint behind a platform but stumbled into a suddenly appeared pit. At the bottom of that pit were pointed spears glinting ominously. Surrounded by confusion, Ayala pressed firmly against the tree trunk. Above, a package unwrapped, releasing a soft netstrung with metallic wire and weighted grenades, descending to cover several square meters. On the second floor, a deadly marksman fired. Ayala heard the wind whoosh over his head too late to dodge, so he instinctively shielded his head with his arms. The net fell, brushing against his skin as electric sparks crackled; Ayala turned with great effort to glance toward Camila''s side but didn''t see his beloved. He thudded onto the ground. Bang! Bang! Bang! The deadly AR rang out three consecutive times, hitting Ayala in the chest and one shot piercing his neck. ... Six feet away, Camila, crouched behind the support of a light pole, saw Ayala with only part of his neck still affixed to his body, his eyes wide with disbelief. She raised her weapon and aimed at the second-floor window, firing frantically. But her opponents remained safely shrouded in darkness behind bulletproof glass; there was little she could do. Gunfire and cries echoed in the backyard, too. Her men were being slaughtered! This was entirely different from what she had envisioned. The expectation was a stealthy infiltration, an explosive strike. Even if detected, they could rely on superior numbers and firepower to eliminate that couple. Just as Camila entertained this thought, another applied to Cesco''s left leg caught fire on the other side, and he rolled out to try to put out the fire. ... In the bright light, the flaming figure rolled over for safety, but to the opportunistic Hawke, it was just an easy target. Swiftly adjusting his aim, he called out the targets while helping them eat the pain away. As three rounds fired, the target felt relief from the flames and let the fire consume his upper body. He writhed in agony, appearing to nod silently in gratitude. In the front yard, several survivors lifted their weapons to unleash a barrage at the second floor. But the windows had bulletproof glass; Hawke in darkness had the height and stability to control the field. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He relocated, targeting the areas from where gunfire erupted, emptying his magazine into the fray. One Mexican slumped over with his AR. Changing the magazine, Hawke frowned slightly. The craftsmanship was imperfect; multiple security traps remained untripped or failed to activate after being triggered. There were myriad areas in need of improvement. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 152: Bringing Out the Big Guns [Chapter 153: Bringing Out the Big Guns] As the flames engulfed the corpses, the fire doused Camila''s heart''s burning vengeance. This was no estate courtyard; it resembled a slaughterhouse! The roles of butcher and prey flipped upon their entry into the yard. They held the home-field advantage while lurking in the shadows; hers fought in unfamiliar territory, exposed under harsh light. Fuming with anger, Camila gritted her teeth, loudly shouting, "Fall back! Let''s get out of here!" She brought her elite unit; she couldn''t let them all die here. She pulled out a smoke grenade and hurled it away. A cloud of white smoke billowed at the front of the villa. ... Hawke heard her shout and pinpointed its direction, firing repeatedly. Then switching to another window, he asked through the earpiece, "What''s going on?" In a fit of excitement, Erica responded jubilantly, "I''ve taken out five of the eight!" Hawke replied, "They''re trying to run; they set off a smoke grenade; I''m about to bring out the big guns." "Make sure none of these bastards get away!" Erica was adamant; anyone who dared to infiltrate her home needed to leave in a box. Hawke picked up the remote and pressed the spray button. ... From the backyard, someone shouted, "Boss, you need to go! We''ll hold them off!" "Get out of here!" echoed two responses from the front yard. Camila took care of her men; when push came to shove, people still stood up for her. Two excited young Mexicans jumped from their hiding spots, one with an AK and the other with an AR, opening fire on the second floor. Taking advantage of the moment, Camila and her men dashed towards the front entrance. Strange rumblings echoed from below as dozens of watering heads familiar to stadium grass sprouted up, turning to spray liquid in all directions. ... Inside the room, Hawke and Erica had already donned their gas masks, ready for what lay ahead. ... The potent aroma of capsaicin filled the air, causing the two gunmen now shooting to start sneezing violently. Their exposed skin suffered from irritation, as the liquid scalded them akin to high-temperature burns, making it impossible to hold onto their weapons. ????£Á£Î??????? Camila -- inhaling deeply -- caught the odor, and sneezed as she pulled up her black jacket to cover her face and mouth. Those fools had used biological weapons! It felt like it was raining and getting louder with the cries of her men. She dared not reveal her face. ... In the upstairs bedroom, Hawke stood behind the window, aiming his AR15 equipped with a red dot sight at the fastest runner. It was clearly a woman, a very fit one. Yet, to Hawke, she was just an enemy! When it came to enemies, he had to be as ruthless as winter. Hawke felt not an ounce of hesitation. Like shooting at a range, he decisively squeezed the trigger, taking aim with ease. Three shots sounded out, precision striking Camila in the back. She charged ahead, crumpling to the ground. This woman had great shooting skills. But in this entirely asymmetric battle, she didn''t even get the chance to unleash her skills. Hawke reset his aim, systematically taking down a few more that were attempting to flee. One by one, new bodies crumpled to the ground. Suddenly, Erica''s voice pierced through the chaos in his earpiece, "I''m in trouble; all eight on my side have been taken out! Leave at least one alive!" Hawke suspected she might be doing it deliberately but had no proof. However, in the yard, there was still one survivor, rolling around in the capsaicin mist. Hawke switched off the sprayers, calibrated his breathing, and found his opportunity, hitting the arms and legs of that individual with one shot each. With his arms and legs blasted apart, even those healed would be half functionally useless. Hawke''s fire fell silence, leaving the villa eerily quiet. The pungent odor of capsaicin hung heavily in the atmosphere. Beneath the bright lights, the villa yard lay in shambles -- it was utterly destroyed. This battle was not so much Hawke and Erica''s shooting precision but rather a consequence of their financial power. They had transformed that space, taking considerable time and effort, not to mention dropping over a hundred grand. Now, they''d be lucky to restore it to its initial state with several hundreds of thousands in hand. ... Hawke secured the windows, pulled off the mask, and braved the lingering odor within tolerable limits. Erica entered from the doorway, pistol and mask in hand. Seeing she was unharmed relieved Hawke, who said, "I left one alive." "There were eight in my backyard; I took them all out." The capable detective showed no mercy. Hawke remained focused, watching the surveillance footage on the computer screen, "I left one; he won''t get far." Outside the villa, the cars remained motionless. Erica noted, "They''re confident; everyone went in thinking they''d definitely take us down." Hawke scrutinized the footage, then took up his binoculars to survey the corpses strewn across the yard. "It seems they are all of Mexican descent." His suspicion was piqued: "Could it be the mule gang is retaliating?" "Possible," Erica speculated as she heard the sound of engines overhead. She quickly pulled out her cell and made a call. Soon after, Hawke spotted two helicopters approaching from a distance, their bright headlights clearly visible. Before long, the helicopters hovered above the villa, and a SWAT team began to lower themselves down. Erica used her phone to communicate, saying, "Friends." This allowed Hawke to set his AR down and flop back into his chair at his desk. ... The paramedics that came along with the SWAT team rushed to apply emergency first aid to the one surviving gunman. That man lay in a gruesome mix of blood and capsaicin, already on the verge of unconsciousness from pain. Erica proceeded to converse with the LAPD officers on-site, delegating the section outside the house to them. Just two minutes passed before a fleet of police cars arrived, sirens blaring. From Erica''s initial call to the helicopter''s arrival, merely six minutes had elapsed. However, with Hawke and Erica being strikingly brutal, and the threats posed in the yard, Camila and her men didn''t last even five minutes. Upon LAPD''s total involvement, the number of attackers was swiftly calculated to be 21, one female and twenty male, all of Mexican descent. This lineup included several members of the mule gang on the LAPD''s wanted list. This brief, violent shootout resulted in twenty deaths and one serious injury among the attackers. The deceased woman was Camila Fernandez, one of the mule gang''s three main leaders, known to have close ties with the famous Mexican drug warlord Joaqu¨ªn Guzm¨¢n. Her deputy, Ayala, was an exemplary case -- having once been a Mexican cop turned dealer -- also fell to the bullets. Further news filtered in that two community security guards had perished on duty. ... Twenty minutes later, reporters flocked to the scene, swarming outside the walls, snapping photos for the big story. The LAPD set up a perimeter around the villa wall. Earlier, Hawke had installed hidden cameras around the premises; footage from these would be extracted later and handed over to the detectives on-site. Initial footage was a bit unclear, but it captured the distinct armed intrusions of the culprits who stormed the grounds. After turning the lights back on, the film became clearer, showing the mule gang armed with AKs, ARs, shotguns, and other weaponry. ... Suzy, in charge of media and public relations for the LAPD, rushed over from home. Covering her nose to endure the pungent smell, she walked through the yard littered with shell casings before stepping into the villa. Seeing Erica unscathed, Suzy visibly relaxed. If an LAPD star officer fell victim to a revenge plot by the mule gang, it would erupt into a public relations disaster. Then Suzy laid eyes on Hawke. She scrutinized him and Erica, sensing something didn''t quite add up. Suddenly, it struck her that this pair had been involved in similar shootouts, including the promotional arrest staged by LAPD -- is this beginning to form a pattern? Her eyes swept back to the scene outside; the bodies, blood, and weaponry gave clear proof of one thing. These two were ten times deadlier than the thugs! S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She checked the surveillance footage and thought they were exceptionally ruthless, turning a once respectable residence into a stronghold. Fortuitously, this was the case; otherwise, tonight''s outcome could have been quite different. After discussing briefly with the on-site LAPD personnel, Suzy drifted over to Hawke, saying, "Tonight''s events make for excellent promotional material..." Hawke understood her implication and replied, "Let''s hold off for now and see what Erica thinks." Suzy nodded slightly. ... Just then, Hawke''s phone buzzed. He fished it out and answered. Megan Taylor''s voice came through, "I just caught wind of a new story -- heard your girlfriend was attacked by multiple gunmen at home tonight?" Hawke replied, "I''m right here." Megan whispered, "Leak a little bit; considering I never meddle in your life." "Isn''t that what we agreed upon?" After a moment''s thought, he decided to drop some intel: "Over twenty gunmen armed with automatic firearms initiated the attack, most have been taken down by myself and Erica." Megan knew Hawke too well. "You must''ve got footage." Hawke retorted, "Even if I do, I can''t hand it over to you just yet; we''ll talk later." Megan said, "If the video gets traction with a particular media outlet, you better come to me; Fox pays better than all the others." Hawke confirmed, "Let''s see when things are finalized." He hung up, casting a glance toward Erica. ... Erica was handing over the weapons they used, along with collected shell casings, to technology colleagues. Some necessary protocols were bound to unfold. Brian Ferguson showed up as Erica''s relative, entering the villa. Taken aback by the chaos, he sought out Hawke. "What on earth happened here? Did World War III break out?!" Hawke recalled the previous words spoken by this nuisance, deciding to pin the blame on him: "You''re a jinx; you had to say that Erica and I would face more gun attacks, and look what happened -- over twenty gunmen came after us!" He framed Brian for the incident. "This whole shootout is on you! You should change your name to Brian the Jinx!" Such a massive consequence was one Brian did not want to bear. He quickly countered, "How could this be my fault? The Robert Downey Jr. incident? Was that even my doing? The yacht ambush? You two coordinating a strike against the mule gang''s stronghold? Was that related to me? The situation in Wyoming -- again, was that me?!" Hawke wasn''t about to let Brian off the hook. "You didn''t say anything reckless? Did you not curse... no, I mean, wish for Erica and me to be attacked?" Brian fell silent, left speechless. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 153: Stay Away from Erica [Chapter 154: Stay Away from Erica] In the study of the villa, Mary Ferguson, who had just arrived, tightly embraced Erica, feeling her daughter''s warmth, which finally put her mind at ease. As a mother, she couldn''t help but complain a bit, "I wanted you to attend business school, but you insisted on becoming a police officer." "I''m fine. Those who dared to attack me were all taken down by Hawke and me," Erica comforted her mother in her own unique way. She added, "I don''t understand finance at all. I grew up playing with guns, and police can legally use them." She stated something very fitting for her situation, "Someone has to inherit Dad''s career." Mary shook her head and said no more, turning her attention to Hawke. "You weren''t hurt, right?" "I''m fine." Hawke intentionally made a light comment to ease the atmosphere. "Erica protected me really well." Erica shot him a glare and told the truth, "It was Hawke who protected me. He took out 13 guys, while I only took out 8." Brian, nearby, couldn''t help but chime in, "Are you trying to brag right now?" He pointed outside, "You two brought back this much stuff? Is this still a house?" Hawke replied, "Most of it was custom-made. We couldn''t have done it on our own." This villa was renovated by Mary, which already used bulletproof glass materials. The spotlights and things were also custom-made by Erica, working with those manufacturers. During the past month and a half, Hawke and Erica mostly dug a few holes and pulled some wires, installing things on trees and light poles. Even the biggest construction, the pit, required hiring people to dig. As for the underground pepper spray nozzles, they were part of the villa''s irrigation system upon delivery. They just needed to change the water supply system and connect another pipeline, and when the time came, they wouldn''t spray water anymore. Mary looked serious, "There are issues with the Silver Lake community management. So many gangsters came in without any warning. I will discuss this with the development management company and have them give us an explanation." The gangsters had mostly been dealt with, so someone had to take responsibility. At that moment, Suzy walked in through the door and said, "There''s a large gathering of media reporters outside. We need to respond beforehand. Hawke, what''s your and Erica''s opinion?" Hawke stated directly, "The surveillance footage only recorded the outdoor area, just consider me nonexistent." He turned to Erica, "You make the decision." Mary interrupted, "Let the spokesperson handle it..." Erica understood what her mother was worried about and said, "Even if I don''t step forward, the hatred between us and the Mule Gang won''t disappear. I''m already a thorn in their side; having one more won''t matter." Mary thought about it, and indeed the situation was such. Suzy quickly excused herself to handle media matters. Hawke chatted with her briefly. The surveillance footage was originally taken by Hawke and Erica. Fox 11 had collaborated multiple times, so Suzy naturally had no objections. Since it was inconvenient to go out now, Hawke called Megan Taylor to arrange a meeting for a detailed discussion the next day. Erica arranged for her mother to rest and made several calls to relatives. Hawke went upstairs and handed her the keys to the bulletproof Mercedes. "You can take this one for now. I''ll get the manufacturer to customize a brand new one for you." ????¦Â?? Erica parked the bulletproof Cherokee in front of the villa, but it had already sustained damage during the intense attacks from the Mule Gang''s firepower. She declined the offer, "No need, Mom will have someone bring over a brand new one." Hawke didn''t argue and pocketed the keys. "We can sell the video tomorrow; the money will go towards renovating the villa." Leaning against him, Erica remembered something, "Aren''t you planning to establish an online media company? Can this video be used to draw in users?" Hawke responded, "My online media is still in planning; we won''t be going online for a while. This kind of social news isn''t the kind of secret celebrity scandal that can be made public. With so many media reporters outside, timeliness is critical, and the hype won''t last that long." Erica nodded, "You''re more experienced in this area than I am; I''ll follow your lead." Regarding the explosive news after the establishment of the new media website, Hawke recalled a few ideas, deciding on which one based on the situation later. The North American sports and entertainment stars were never short of shocking scandals. Hawke had already pulled the Ferguson family''s business investment company into the fold. To aim for the Ackerman family, he first needed to be strong enough himself. ... That night, many media reporters surrounded the villa, finally waiting for the LAPD''s announcement. Learning that police officer Erica Ferguson had experienced an invasion from 21 Mule Gang drug dealers, and not only was she unharmed, but had also achieved an exaggerated record of shooting down 20 gangsters while severely injuring 1 -- each reporter was left in shock, frozen on the spot. Many reporters doubted, pressing Suzy, who was responsible for the police announcement. Suzy reiterated her answer and informed all reporters that the LAPD would hold a press conference after briefly handling the case. ... The next morning, newspapers and television stations based in Los Angeles, including the , made Erica the front-page news. Erica''s father, Carter Ferguson, who served as one of the five commissioners of the Police Commission, convened a meeting to specifically discuss follow-up handling. Since the LAPD''s law enforcement authority was limited to Los Angeles, the Police Commission decided to collaborate with the DEA to launch the most vigorous crackdown on the Mule Gang. This involved the safety and reputation of the entire LAPD. ... However, Paul Ferguson moved faster. His beloved granddaughter, the only third-generation member of the Ferguson family, had encountered such a threat, which made him furious. That morning, Paul instructed the butler while the butler visited the security company. A supervisor from the family security company left for an overseas business trip and contacted foreign mercenaries by noon. Paul Ferguson hadn''t acted against the Mule Gang before, initially saving that for Erica to gain experience and credit. Now, there was no need for that. ... All morning, Mary also met with the development and management company of the Silver Lake community. Although two of their security personnel had died, the fact remained that they had not done their job adequately. The development company''s house sales were already poor, and now with this incident, it was clear to them that if Erica Ferguson publicly sold her house in the Silver Lake community, it would undoubtedly be a fatal blow to them. The houses in this community would become undesirable. More critically, they had also secured another piece of land near Silver Lake, waiting for the right moment to develop Phase Two. If Phase One collapsed, Phase Two could be forgotten. The company stated they would bear all repair costs for the villa, install a security system for free according to the owner''s request, and provide $1 million as a mental consolation to Hawke and Erica. ... Hawke asked Erica for her opinion and decided to use the old method, signing a business strategic consulting agreement with the development company under the name of West Coast Media Entertainment Studio. The agreement was valued at $1 million. Hawke, of course, had no expertise in real estate. The so-called strategic plan was directly handed to Caroline, asking her to draft a logically coherent report that would satisfy the business requirements. The other party likely wouldn''t accept it anyway. Inside the villa, after Brian reviewed the consulting agreement and confirmed there were no issues, he had Hawke and Erica sign it. The development company''s general manager then left. Brian came over, putting an arm around Hawke''s shoulder. "Buddy, this is a big check; it''s time to treat us." Hawke readily accepted, "I''ll take you to the Artel Mountain Shooting Range to practice shooting. I''ll cover the costs of buying guns and training, both Erica and I will pay for it." "Forget it, forget it." Brian looked intimidated, "I feel like I''d be risking my life playing with guns around you guys." Erica chimed in, "With what you''ve stirred up recently, be careful of others taking potshots at you." Brian thought about Hawke being involved, "Don''t worry, Hawke will protect me." Hawke didn''t banter with him anymore. He told Erica, "I''ll set up a separate account for the money we earn together. We''ll deposit it there, and from that account, we''ll cover expenses for future trips, gun purchases, and hunting training." "Sounds good." Erica had no objections, but she needed to clarify one thing, "The income from the video belongs to you. We''ve agreed on that a long time ago; I get the name, you get the profits." Hawke swiftly agreed, "No problem." Brian interjected, "Wait, I noticed a major issue -- you plan on opening a separate account? What are you up to? Are you going to...?" "Shut up!" Hawke pulled out his Glock from his waistband, slamming it on the table. "Are you wishing us well or cursing us? Speak up." Brian''s words went unspoken as he turned to leave the room. He muttered to himself, "Did I just say something that made him leave?" This bastard wasn''t giving up. To test it, he quietly said, "I hope your next encounter involves a shooting involving hundreds of people!" Hawke took the Mercedes keys and storage drive. "I''m going to the Fox television center." Erica responded, "I need to go home too. My family won''t rest easy until they see me." The two drove their bulletproof cars out of the villa. Two more cars followed Erica. After the news conference the next day, she would head to the police station to handle necessary procedures, then start her administrative leave. ... Hawke entered the Fox television center, heading straight to Channel 11 to find Megan''s office. Megan could hardly wait, immediately watching the video carefully. The number of assailants and their firepower left her shaken. For an ordinary person, holding out until the police arrived under such an attack would have been quite impressive. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But these two managed to almost wipe out the Mule Gang. After watching the video, Megan didn''t speak but reflected deeply before telling Hawke, "Though I shouldn''t say too much, we are old friends, so here''s some sincere advice -- stay away from Erica Ferguson." Hawke was surprised, "Why?" Megan earnestly replied, "How much time has it been? Not even a year, right? How many times have you faced attacks in her presence?" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 154: Hollywoods Exemplary Couple and Showdown [Chapter 155: Hollywood''s Exemplary Couple and Showdown] Faced with Megan''s question, Hawke laid the blame squarely on someone else''s shoulders. "Someone''s cursing us." Megan was confused by the statement, "Cursing? Are we talking about mysticism now? Did you not only provoke Mexican traffickers but also anger voodoo practitioners?" Hawke clarified, "In the face of absolute firepower, those are minor issues." Megan didn''t say much more, quickly calculating and giving the highest copyright transfer fee. "$300,000. Any more than that will get me into trouble." "Deal." Hawke agreed. "Let''s complete the paperwork." He stressed, "Don''t forget our stance." Megan nodded, "I''m no stranger to collaborating with the LAPD; I''ll call Suzy shortly." Assistant Aisha arrived in the office to handle the copyright transfer. After Hawke signed the transfer agreement, the $300,000 quickly transferred into the West Coast Media Studio''s account. Afterward, Megan completed her exchange with Suzy. There was nothing special -- just broadcasting the surveillance video and adding voiceovers during key stages. The video wasn''t long, only about five minutes. Megan took the storage drive and called a meeting with her team. ... Hawke didn''t linger much longer; he exited the set and took the elevator down. As he came out of the elevator, a woman walked out of the adjacent elevator -- Gretchen. Hawke had heard from Megan that Gretchen had been reassigned to the Fox news station to host the morning news show, . Gretchen glanced at Hawke but didn''t show any intent to engage, quickly walking past him to the front of the Fox building. Just then, a Rolls Royce Phantom pulled up, stopping in front of the entrance. Gretchen stepped forward to open the door, and a Black man wearing a white baseball cap stepped out. He shook hands with Gretchen before they both entered the building. Hawke paused and scanned briefly, recognizing the man''s familiar face -- Hollywood''s only Black superstar, Will Smith. Hawke got into his Mercedes and drove away from Fox. ... Inside the building, Gretchen accompanied Will Smith to the elevator. His agent followed closely behind. They had come today to discuss the details regarding the program''s interview scheduled for three days later. Three of them arrived on the upper floors, entering a meeting room. The agent emphasized, "The interview is strictly limited to entertainment and films; no political topics. Will''s political inclinations don''t align with Fox." ????¨¢??¦Â¨§£Ó This was part of the promotion for . Getting Will Smith on board was quite a feat for Gretchen; she knew he wasn''t particularly fond of liberal views and promised, "All topics will center around Will''s career and ." She specifically asked, "Can we touch on Will''s family matters? Like his everyday interactions with Jada?" Will Smith flashed a charming smile. "Sure, but don''t get too personal." "A few questions about your relationship." Gretchen said with a smile. "You are the most famous exemplary couple in Hollywood." Will felt a bit sarcastic at the description of "exemplary couple," but he didn''t say much. Because Gretchen was making a concession, the conversation proceeded smoothly. The agent went off to discuss the script with the show''s editor, leaving only Gretchen and Will Smith in the room. Will Smith patted the space next to him. "Come sit." To entice Will Smith, Gretchen made several concessions, standing up and adjusting her short skirt slightly before sitting next to him. Will Smith extended his hand towards Gretchen''s thigh. "Is this okay?" "Of course." Gretchen smiled back. Will Smith''s hand moved down, exploring, "You know, I was in the audience when you won Miss America. You were breathtaking back then, leaving an indelible impression on me. Even now, I can still picture you wearing that crown." Gretchen asked, "Am I not beautiful now?" "Very beautiful," Will Smith laughed. "So I accepted your invitation." Few women rejected him, so he was very direct, "When will you fulfill your promise?" "Tonight." During this time, Gretchen had not only accompanied Roger Ailes of Fox but also attended other events on his behalf. Once a woman''s boundaries are crossed, proceeding with further interactions feels entirely justified. Gretchen thought it was a worthy sacrifice to secure Will Smith for an early morning interview. After the agent finished discussing the script, Will Smith temporarily left Fox and sent Gretchen a text from the car, giving her the address of a non-public property in Los Angeles. Both Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith owned secret properties, and they usually didn''t interfere with each other''s lives. On the way back, Will Smith called his wife, "I won''t be home tonight." Jada Pinkett Smith replied, "Exactly; I won''t be home tonight either." This couple had established a mutual understanding in certain aspects. ... In the capital of Baja California, Mexicali. Cars rolled into a manor in the city. High-ranking members of the Mule Gang gathered in Mexicali because the media in Los Angeles had just reported a significant event. Many talented gang members had perished in Los Angeles. They needed to come up with a solution quickly moving forward. From the outside, the manor appeared unremarkable. Inside, however, the individuals were heavily armed, resembling a fortified stronghold. As time grew late, suddenly all the lights in the manor went out. Explosions were heard in the power distribution room and generator locations, flames erupted into a bright inferno. Voices shouting "attack" in Spanish echoed continuously. At the same time, gunfire erupted without warning. Security guards within the manor were systematically picked off by more than one sniper from a distance, with blood gushing from their bodies. All three gates were simultaneously breached as pickup trucks and SUVs with makeshift machine gun mounts stormed in from the outside. Although some members of the Mule Gang consisted of former Mexican officers, they had long since become corrupted, and the most elite among them had already died at the villa in Silver Lake. In the face of the elite mercenaries, the battle tilted heavily from the start. Furthermore, the mercenaries were leaving no survivors and went on a slaughtering spree. Inside the villa, the leader of the Mule Gang, Herlault, was making a phone call to a senior officer at Mexicali Police Department when his call was abruptly cut off. Following that, he attempted to call a senior officer in the local army, but that call also failed to connect. ... At the Mexicali Police Department, the officer sat in his office, fully armed with several trusted henchmen guarding outside. On the desk opposite the officer sat an open suitcase filled with U.S. dollars. In the face of the choice between cash and offending a big shot from America, he remained loyal to his instinctive choice. In the ever-changing cycle of drug cartels across the Mexico-U.S. border, it wasn''t unusual for some individuals to become rich and others to be taken out; the hands behind such operations were clear. He was well aware that the true dominators hailed from America. Better to offend anyone than a big shot from America. ... Inside the manor, the gunfire gradually ceased, and a fire that had originally just burned in a corner suddenly became an inferno, consuming the entire estate. Even before the smoke cleared, the stench of burning bodies wafted in the air. The mercenaries came swiftly and left even faster; they rapidly distanced themselves, disappearing into the night. Most of the Mule Gang''s leadership perished in the assault. The following morning, the Mexicali police arrived at the scene, reporting after an inspection that a gang showdown had occurred at the manor, resulting in multiple fatalities and subsequent fires. Gang showdowns occurred all too frequently along the Mexico-U.S. border, with people on the other side of the border occasionally climbing to high floors to watch the unique fireworks set off by Mexicans on the other side of the border wall. ... In Los Angeles, at LAPD headquarters in the Parker Center. The LAPD''s Media and Public Relations Office held a press conference regarding the shooting incident in Silver Lake community. Because last night''s aired the surveillance footage, expectations for the news conference had significantly lowered. The atmosphere only brightened when LAPD''s top star, Erica Ferguson, took to the stage. Erica described the incident of that night in an orderly fashion and replied to several reporters'' questions before using fatigue as an excuse to exit. ... After the press conference, Erica followed the routine protocol to receive psychological counseling and then processed her administrative leave. Stepping out of the office building, she got into the Mercedes in the parking lot and said to Hawke, "We can leave now." Hawke started the car and drove out of Parker Center, asking, "Any plans for the leave?" Erica replied, "I can''t leave Los Angeles; I have to assist with the investigation whenever needed. Today I''m heading to your place, and tomorrow I''ll be at Woodland Hills, where my grandparents want me to accompany them." S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As Hawke drove west toward East Hollywood, Erica informed him, "I received word from the police department about a gang showdown in Mexicali last night. Most of the key members of the Mule Gang were killed in that clash." Hawke wasn''t surprised by the news but doubted the statement, "Was it really a gang showdown?" Erica shrugged, "That''s the information I received." She teased, "You didn''t sneak away to Mexicali overnight, did you? That you kept it to yourself?" "I don''t have such an appetite," Hawke joked back, "If I really aimed to take out that Mule Gang, I couldn''t do it without your remote assistance." He continued to joke, "Once we have enough money, we can support our elite followers. Anyone who dares to provoke us will be met with artillery fire." Erica laughed brightly, "I love this style." While Hawke seemed to be joking, he was genuinely considering it; America was too simple, and some matters couldn''t be overlooked. Once at a certain level, actions must be taken without hesitation. ... Arriving at Fountain Street, they entered the studio where Caroline and Edward were on the first floor. Erica greeted them, grabbed a laptop, and headed upstairs to avoid disrupting Hawke''s work. Hawke sat at his desk, asking, "How''s the progress on the work you''re handling?" Edward spoke first, "I''ve mobilized a lot of people, including our ugly trio, and once the website launches, we can have them spread the word in gossip columns so people know there''s a new news sales channel in Los Angeles." Caroline placed a document before Hawke. "This is the consulting document from the real estate company." Hawke waved his hand, "Send that over later." Caroline returned with another document, "I found a suitable acquisition target for the website." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 155: Twitter [Chapter 156: Twitter] In East Los Angeles, in the San Gabriel Valley. In a shabby office with red roofs and yellow walls, Kasim scratched his shiny forehead, looking troubled. Across from him, a brown-haired woman named Lola asked, "Do we really only have the option of selling the website?" Kasim replied, "There''s also the option of shutting down." He looked out at three subordinates still hard at work. "How long has it been since our five-person team earned any revenue? One can''t simply rely on passion. Right now, we have money to eat, but what will we do when we can''t afford food or pay rent?" Lola gritted her teeth, "That bastard Bennett transferred the shares and ran off. Now we''re stuck with a tech background and no business acumen; how are we supposed to keep this going?" "He couldn''t help it; he ran out of money," Kasim didn''t complain about Bennett, as he had transferred all his shares to Kasim and Lola before leaving. Last year, the three of them saw how blogs skyrocketed in popularity, and many blog companies secured investments, which prompted them to pour in their savings to create the "Window" blog site, joining the trend. Almost a year went by, and the reality was harsh. There were too many homogenized companies; cutting a path through this competition was exceedingly difficult -- it required capital, resources, and operational expertise. And all three of them really only understood technology; even Bennett, who knew some operational elements, had already skipped town. Just then, the phone rang. Kasim answered and exchanged a few words before hanging up. "They''re coming." Lola understood that this was the only viable plan to keep the website running. "I hope they''re sincere and not just bored." The two left the office, stepping toward the stairs under the uneasy gaze of the other three. ... A short time later, a man and a woman approached up the stairs. Clad in pricey business suits, the woman wearing either Hermes or Chanel, they looked the part. Kasim stepped forward and extended his right hand, "You must be Mr. Hawke Osment?" Hawke shook his hand. "Hello." They briefly introduced themselves as Kasim led the way, "Right this way, please." Hawke followed the two to an office door with a nameplate that read "Window Company." The office was small, with only a couple of rooms. Outside, aside from computers and servers, there was barely enough room for three people to sit. Inside was also crowded, and the working conditions were subpar. Hawke directly asked, "Are you planning to sell the Window website?" The transfer notice was already listed on the blog site, and Kasim admitted, "The company''s facing difficulties. Lola and I are tech-savvy but lack business acumen. We only have one request: please don''t shut down the site after the transfer." ???????B§¦? Lola added, "This is our year''s worth of effort." Hawke observed the pair closely. They both wore glasses with greasy hair, appearing unkempt, and dressed simply. They reminded him of typical tech geeks. He said, "If I acquire the site, it''s only natural for me to keep it growing." Kasim scratched his oily head, seemingly embarrassed, yet he had no choice but to ask, "How much are you looking to get for a sale?" Hawke had many options and certainly wasn''t going to offer a high price. "$100,000." "What?" Lola couldn''t believe what she heard. "That amount doesn''t even cover our investment in..." Caroline stepped forward, brandishing her Hermes, lifting her chin slightly like a loyal sheep, "It seems you''ve forgotten; let me remind you -- Window is a company on the verge of closing!" She quickly smiled, revealing two small sharp fangs as she began to tear into the prey. "There are hundreds of blogs like Window across America. Many close every day. You''re just near the end of that line, which is why we came to see first." Kasim and Lola were not skilled in conversation and were momentarily at a loss for words. Caroline had gathered enough information about the companies and websites she had picked herself, "The Window blog site has been live for less than 11 months, boasting 23,300 registered users. Since last November, the average active users daily stood at 1,140, but last month it plummeted to 556." Lola had seen the back-end data and lowered her head. This was far beyond being dire. Caroline''s sharp horns pierced right through to the vital areas. "You''ve gone over 7 weeks without salaries. How are you going to survive if this continues?" Kasim had nothing to counter, as reality was indeed brutal. As the leading "sheep of the flock," Caroline was very self-aware, considering herself the sacrificial offering. She looked at Hawke, "Boss, $100,000 is way too generous; $50,000 would be enough." Hawke waved his hand. "I said $100,000, so it''s $100,000." The two hadn''t discussed it beforehand, but they were very synchronized. Facing wolves and sheep, the two tech geeks were no match. Kasim sighed quietly, "$100,000 it is; we''ll take care of the transfer paperwork." After brief contact, Hawke could see clearly that these two were relatively simple -- a type of technical staff. He asked, "What do you plan to do after we take over the site? Exit this industry?" Lola replied, "Not sure yet." Hawke exchanged glances with Caroline, shaking hands with Kasim and Lola. "That''s settled then; Caroline will discuss the specific acquisition with you. I have to head out." Kasim looked at the arrogant and somewhat prickly woman, wishing to speak directly with Hawke but couldn''t stop him from leaving. Hawke and Edward exited Window Company and made their way down. ... Edward noticed and asked, "Boss, aren''t you going to bring them on board?" "This isn''t something appropriate for me to say," Hawke replied simply. "The contracts that Miss Baa signs can be steered under my leadership if they don''t end up being suitable." Edward suddenly understood, "I get it, Boss; Miss Baa can take the blame." Hawke casually nodded, recalling his promise to Edward from before. Edward''s capability was limited, but he was trustworthy and could provide emotional value. Sometimes, ability isn''t the top priority. Hawke directly told Edward, "You prepare a budget for the company''s website investment. That''ll be your share." Edward had received numerous bonuses in the last six months, but he had also spent quite a bit, "I can probably scrape together $50,000." "Good," Hawke replied. ... Meanwhile, in the upstairs office. "With your site being acquired, you''ll find yourselves unemployed and possibly forced to leave your beloved field," Miss Baa said, now aboard a metaphorical sinking ship, ready to bear the blame and become a black sheep. "Why not consider this? Why don''t you both join my company and continue in your previous roles? What about your salary sheets?" Lola retrieved the documents. Caroline glanced and replied, "Let''s do this -- plus 15% on your existing salary." Kasim asked, "Will we still be doing programming development and website architecture work?" Caroline nodded, "Exactly." Kasim thought about his failed startup and his uncertain future and said, "Can we have some time to discuss?" "Of course," Caroline turned and began negotiating the specific acquisition terms with them. Before the day was out, an intent agreement was signed. ... Among Kasim''s group, two felt this field was a lost cause, and once they received their overdue pay, they were ready to change paths. Their passion over the past year had become nearly depleted. Kasim, Lola, and another member had no better options and prepared to join the new company. Hawke set aside his other tasks and focused entirely on establishing the new company. The new company was registered in Delaware. Hawke rented a four-story building located in Silicon Beach, right at the junction of Santa Monica and Venice, an area that was just beginning to thrive in development, which would provide rent assistance and high investment tax benefits. Hawke also poached a young talent named Harland from Island Blog Company with a high salary to serve as the new company''s technical director temporarily. Regarding the new company and website''s name, Hawke thought to keep it simple and named it Twitter, controlling it via West Coast Media Entertainment Studio and a company registered in the Cayman Islands. Hawke himself took on the role of CEO and Operations Director, with Caroline acting as his assistant, handling internal administration and personnel matters. The company simultaneously initiated external recruitment. The updated website and program were of utmost priority. ... Hawke held multiple meetings with Harland and Kasim and others. He had only a few ideas but didn''t grasp the technicalities, relying on those technicians to manifest his vision into reality. "Last year, camera phones weren''t that common; now they are starting to gain traction." In the meeting room, Hawke stood at the front of the conference table, speaking out loud, "When you capture exciting content or take photos at a travel destination, wouldn''t you want those around you to know and see?" He looked towards Caroline. "If you bought a new luxury item, would you take a picture? Would you want others to notice it?" "Of course!" Caroline straightened her neck, extending her left hand to showcase her new Cartier watch. "The greatest significance of luxury items is to stand out and make others envious." Hawke continued, "As far as the website goes, we need to surpass blogs in terms of interactivity. When someone you follow posts an update on Twitter, you''ll get a notification in an easily spotted location!" The tall, intimidating Harland grasped Hawke''s intention. "So more focus on interactivity and user engagement?" "Precisely, interaction and sharing are crucial aspects of human social engagement. We want to allow those seeking to boast to do just that and those wanting to share insights to have their space as well, even enabling private chats and group chats like MSN." As for video sharing and mobile functionalities, those would wait until the network had taken root appropriately. Progress was essential step by step. Hawke further elaborated, "In the right sidebar, we should specifically reserve space for hot news to display trending news, establishing a popular news trending board. Our initial target will focus on entertainment and sports news, leaning more towards gossip." Kasim, a Hollywood enthusiast, noted, "Gossip scandals tend to attract more attention." Lola whispered, "That''s just your personal preference." Kasim quietly retorted, "You also loved watching that selfie scandal." For these technical geeks, gossip and scandal were among the limited amusement options available. Hawke continued, "Our users will be able to share news seamlessly on Twitter anytime and anywhere, whether in individual settings or groups." The meeting extended through the workday. A lot of what Hawke transmitted consisted of concepts from his previous life. ***** /Sayonara816. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 156: Determining Targets [Chapter 157: Determining Targets] In Santa Monica, at a newly secured safe house. Someone knocked rhythmically at the door. Edward went to answer it, and Campos slipped in, dressed up for the occasion. He looked at Hawke, who was sporting a wig and fake beard. "Boss." Hawke gestured towards the seat across from him, "Take a seat." He asked, "How''s business lately?" Campos sat down and replied, "We''ve taken on a few private investigator jobs, all tracking and photographing unfaithful spouses. Additionally, the Hispanic population in Los Angeles is growing rapidly. We''ve developed many informants, including those working in hotels, restaurants, and film sets." Hawke had another purpose for this meeting: "If you encounter a Mexican policeman like yourself again, after verifying relevant situations, you can consider bringing them into the company. You now have channels to handle legal identities. If there are suitable candidates, the company can fund their processing, but be cautious of the timeline." Campos understood. "I''ve already placed legal identity as one of the top rewards within the company." He then inquired, "Is there any significant work to be done?" "We need to train a skilled group adept in photography." Though Hawke''s version of Twitter wasn''t officially launched yet, preparations needed to begin early. "There will be big news to capture later." Campos understood the company''s current focal business was as such, continuously honing their craft in tracking and spying. Their meeting lasted only about ten minutes before they both departed. ... Returning to his own outfit and Mercedes, Hawke instructed Edward to drive to Brian''s law firm. He was there to sign an agency agreement on behalf of the newly formed Twitter company with Brian. Once that was taken care of, Brian pulled Hawke into his office and mentioned, "The struggles above are intensifying and could likely involve those below. You need to be cautious in the upcoming period." Hawke was psychologically prepared, knowing that whatever one did, they had to face the consequences. "Will they resort to humanitarian destruction against us?" "Not necessarily. If either side resorts to gunfire, things will spiral completely out of control," Brian was still confident in this regard. "Both sides have families; who would dare to fire the first shot easily?" That said, Hawke remained vigilant and urged, "Never underestimate their moral standards; to the big players, we are merely pawns." Brian chuckled, "Don''t worry too much; they''d go after me first, then you." Hawke patted his shoulder. "Be a sturdy shield -- absorb most of the damage." Reiterating his earlier advice, Hawke added, "Be cautious they don''t send a beautiful woman with AIDS your way to launch a biochemical attack." At the mention of AIDS, Brian became alarmed and angrily threw out a blessing, "Next time, you''ll encounter a huge-scale gunfight involving hundreds of casualties!" The two engaged playfully in verbal jabs. Hawke took the opportunity to remind him, "Didn''t you only get tested for AIDS last time? That doesn''t seem right; check your neck; there are plenty of red spots, and your hands are also reddened. You wouldn''t have contracted syphilis, would you?" Without the need for restraint, Brian realized his neck and hands were indeed a bit red, but he hesitated, recalling, "I was just sunburned!" Hawke kindly advised, "I strongly recommend you get tested again." Brian looked somewhat dazed, "Do you want me to find a beautiful woman?" "Not during these special times; of course not." Hawke returned to his earlier point: "You''re a shield. Don''t fall before feminine allure." He rose to take his leave, saying, "Make sure to have a bodyguard with you; don''t mingle carelessly, and don''t make me have to clean up your mess!" Brian held his hands up. "Listen to what you''re saying like I''m unreliable or something." Hawke was well aware that if Brian could stand firm, he would face much less trouble, bolstering his mood, "Do you remember? Our target is the Oval Office!" ???¨¯¦Â§¦? Brian nodded earnestly, "We''ve only just begun. There''s no way we can falter now." Hawke exited the law firm and got into his Mercedes. ... Edward set down the magazine in his hand and asked, "Boss?" "Let''s go to the company." Hawke wanted to grab a newspaper to flip through. It was the latest issue of , which prominently featured the latest Oscar nominations and various comments related to it. On the second page, a headline criticized this year''s Oscar nominations. Led by Will Smith and Spike Lee, Black Hollywood figures vehemently called out the Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor/Actress nominations for lacking Black representation. Even when considering Best Supporting Actor and Actress, only Queen Latifah received a nomination. It seemed they all had forgotten that last year''s leading actors and actresses were both Black. For Spike Lee, this was far from the first time he had cursed the Oscars. Will Smith also claimed that the Oscars lacked respect for Black talent. Without special privileges, that was, of course, a sign of disrespect. Hawke finished flipping through and tossed it aside, grabbing the next paper, the . The front-page headline caught Hawke''s attention. Bill Clinton came to Los Angeles to promote his autobiography and attended a luxurious party hosted by Sean Combs, alongside celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Will Smith, Jennifer Lopez, and other notable figures. The accompanying article featured a very clear group photo that seemed to have been specifically provided to the by the hosts. In the photo, Clinton took center stage, with many stars crowding around him. He recognized several people he had worked with before, with Hawke himself standing close to Sean Combs and spotting the main leads from the selfie scandal, Josh Hartnett and Allison Faith. Hawke surmised that Clinton had come to Los Angeles not only to promote his autobiography and attend the party but likely also to support that beleaguered blue-party politician. ... Arriving at Ocean Park Avenue, Hawke parked in front of the Twitter office building. The workers were busy on the top floors, having just put up the little blue bird logo of Twitter. Hawke entered the company and made a round in the tech department, where the beta version was already online, initially just in web format; the installation version would follow shortly. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the web-based trending news section, the top two stories just happened to be those he had seen before -- about Clinton at the party and the uproar led by the Black community regarding this year''s Oscars, spearheaded primarily by Will Smith and Spike Lee. Hawke entered his office, where Caroline was busy on the phone, contacting advertisers, managing forum promotions, and courting star clients. In Hawke''s name, she had pulled in Dwayne Johnson, Steve Nutt, Josh Hartnett, Allison Faith, and Sarah Jessica Parker to register. Hawke didn''t idle away his time either, calling Eric Emerson and Katherine to help out with promotions. He also recalled Brian''s strong ties with Tom Cruise, who was even attempting to play nice with him, so he called Brian again, asking him to recommend Twitter to Tom Cruise. Hawke even called Suzy, suggesting the LAPD set up an official Twitter, allowing timely releases of information. Even Frank, that bastard, didn''t escape. ... Frank made only one request: "You promised you''d make me a consultant for your new company." Hawke looked out the window at the parking lot opposite the company, which was just next to Venice Beach, and replied, "I''ll help you move tomorrow." He asked, "Can you figure things out down at Venice Beach? Just don''t let the local gangsters push you out." Frank confidently replied, "I''ll make one phone call, and it''ll be sorted." Hawke hung up the phone. ... "Boss," Caroline reported, "Since the new version of the website launched, we''ve gained 455 new registered users so far." Hawke nodded. "Don''t rush; every beginning is tough." Caroline handed over a fax. "This was sent by Mary Ferguson." "I see." Hawke carefully read it once before making a call to Mary Ferguson. Mary stated directly, "The website is live. What''s your plan now? You promised me that by May, active users would surpass 200,000." She slowed her speech, "You have to prove Twitter''s potential and value for me to secure more resources for you at the board meeting." Hawke replied, "The plan will be implemented shortly." "I''m looking forward to it." Mary quickly hung up. Hawke was well aware that the most pressing issue now was how to attract users to the Twitter site. His planned strategy was to leverage explosive news events to drive user engagement. For the general public, the allure of great gossip far exceeded news on societal or political issues. Unless the latter could generate an event on the level of 9/11. ... As Hawke devised his plan, he prepared two candidates. After encountering Gretchen and Will Smith at Fox Tower, the choice expanded to three. The original two were sports stars -- one was the renowned sex addict and golf superstar Tiger Woods. The other was the incredibly motivational cyclist who had clinched four consecutive Tour de France championships, Lance Armstrong. The former is a well-known sex addict. The latter is a typical American sports star and a doping expert. Hawke also collected some preliminary information through the Internet and first gave up Tiger Woods. This sex-addicted tiger currently only has a girlfriend and is not married yet. The gossip scandal is not big enough. Lance Armstrong, however, with testicular cancer, remained a strong candidate for Hawke. Hawke vaguely recalled pivotal moments in his doping scandal. But compared to Will Smith, the influence of both fell short. In 2003, Smith was nearing the peak of his career. Across all of Hollywood, few stars genuinely matched Smith''s level of prominence. Hawke suddenly remembered reading in the about the Clinton couple and Sean Combs, nicknamed "P. Diddy." These guys definitely throw unusual parties. But Hawke understood very well that he shouldn''t provoke them at this stage. Strength is the foundation. In comparison, even just an entertainment superstar like Will Smith seemed much safer to target. Hawke made a decision -- Will Smith would be the primary focus, with Lance Armstrong as a backup. He called Caroline in, instructing her to gather preliminary information on the individuals. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 157: Full of Conspiracy Theories [Chapter 158: Full of Conspiracy Theories] East Hollywood, Ranch Park. Hawke checked the drawers and cupboards inside the RV, locking all the latches to prevent things from falling out while driving. Footsteps echoed above him as Edward dismantled the sunshade, calling down to Frank, who was folding furniture. "Old beggar, just throw all this junk away." Frank turned his head and asked, "If I throw it away, will you buy me new stuff?" Due to his involvement in the company''s investment, Savior had been a bit broke lately, muttering, "If you go there like this, you will bring shame to the company!" "Hell no!" Frank spat back, "You, a cotton picker, dare to look down on other people?" Hawke opened the RV window and urged, "You two fools, hurry up! If anyone wastes more time, I''ll hang them from a streetlamp and shoot them with a slingshot!" Edward obediently closed his mouth. Frank quickened his pace as well. ... Half an hour later, Edward drove the RV out of the parking lot. Hawke, sitting in a lounge chair, asked Frank, "By your calculation, after decades in Hollywood..." S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Not decades, that''s stretching it," Frank scoffed. Behind this seemingly modest comment was the depth of the king of pretentiousness. "I merely stood on the mountaintop and witnessed the most beautiful scenery." This guy sure knew how to tick others off. It was no wonder Edward was curious about his ex-wives. "Not like you and that cotton picker, who haven''t even climbed up the valley." Hawke let him have his moment, asking, "What do you know about Will Smith?" The king of pretentiousness understood immediately. "You''re planning to mess with Will Smith? You want to dig up his scandals?" Hawke had no need to deny it. "I have intentions in that direction." Frank said, "These black folks are the most troublesome; they cause a ruckus at the slightest provocation. But the proportion of black consumers in Hollywood movies is increasing year by year, so we must pay attention to their voices." ???????????¨¨? He recalled Hawke''s question and changed the subject. "People say Hollywood is chaotic, but if you break it down, the hip-hop and rap scene is much messier than Hollywood. Will Smith has been in rap and hip-hop for many years, and his wife Jada has a particular fondness for rappers." Hawke asked, "So Jada chose Will Smith?" "No, no," Frank shook his head, "Jada had a male friend, also her teacher from drama school, the famous rapper Tupac, who was killed in a shooting in 1996." That last sentence struck Hawke like a conspiracy theory: "Did Will Smith do it?" Frank replied, "They only got married in 1997. It''s unlikely." Hawke recalled the gossip he had read in his past life, about Jada getting involved with a friend of her son''s, who, it seemed, was also a rapper. Was Mrs. Smith into that sort of thing? Frank added, "There are rumors, but who knows how true they are? Some even say Hanks is a pedophile. Who can confirm those things?" Edward chimed in, "Why not ask Haley Joel Osment? He''s been in a movie with Hanks, playing father and son, right?" Upon saying this, he seemed to have an epiphany. "In these two years, Haley has turned into a big fat guy, going from the best child actor to a bear. It can''t be because of that, right?" "I said it was just a rumor," Frank huffed. "You can verify it yourself." Hawke kept his notes, steering the conversation back. "So continue about Will Smith and his wife." Frank thought for a moment and said, "Over a decade ago, my company participated in the investment of a show called . Will Smith met a black actor named Duane Martin during filming. This guy was once in the NBA and is very tall and strong. They quickly became good buddies and have stayed that way until now." Hawke thought to himself that spending money on Frank was already worth it for that insider information alone. He asked, "Is Will Smith gay?" "I can''t be sure; Hollywood has too many secrets." Frank pondered again, "Do you remember Salma Hayek? A few years ago, she worked with Will on a movie called ." Edward immediately prodded to undermine Frank. "No way? Did your little girlfriend was fucked by Will Smith?" Frank got mad and swore, "I swear I''ll send you off to pick cotton!" He calmed himself slightly. "Will is one of the producers. If he isn''t involved, how could she be the lead actress? Salma told me." Hawke nodded slightly, "Duane Martin; I''ll remember that." Frank said deliberately, "Be careful; if you mess with people too much, you will be shot by someone sooner or later." Hawke replied, "I''ve changed careers. Now I am responsible for collecting news, not shooting." ... The RV arrived on Ocean Park Boulevard, and Edward parked it right across the street from Twitter''s office building before turning into the Venice Beach parking lot. Frank had called his old buddy beforehand, and the staff here were already waiting. They prepared a designated parking and activity space for him; utilities weren''t an issue. He could always go to Venice Beach to beg, and even though it was only mid-February, there were still quite a few tourists around. On the Twitter side, Hawke had already greeted the security at the entrance, so Frank could go in anytime. He had specifically instructed Caroline to seek Frank''s knowledge. ... Hawke returned to his office and called Campos, making targeted arrangements as per Frank''s suggestions. Campos acted quickly; within a few days, news came through. Caroline also gathered some materials through her channels. Hawke took the information Caroline collected and prepared to meet Campos. Caroline stopped him. "You said you''d start recruiting operations personnel and editors today..." "You handle it," Hawke replied directly. "You have enough skills in this area and know what kind of people I need." Caroline understood. "It requires not just text and image processing abilities but also some understanding of public opinion guidance." Hawke nodded slightly, called Edward, and left the office. Strictly speaking, the network media operations personnel being recruited leaned towards the professional internet media influencers. ... A little over half an hour later, Hawke and Edward met Campos in a safe house. Using the past few days, Campos had gathered a lot of firsthand information from his numerous Mexican informants. Hawke took out Caroline''s collected materials, mainly a few pictures. "Will Smith is about to collaborate with 20th Century Fox on . He''s also co-producing the project with Akiva Goldsman. The leading lady, Bridget Moynahan, got into the crew through Will Smith." Campos, who had followed Hollywood stars many times, understood the implication of that last line. It goes without saying what an actress has to pay to get into a crew through a man. Campos took the pictures and said, "We found out this too." He handed Hawke recent investigation materials and pulled out several photos, "Here''s Will Smith and Bridget Moynahan coming and going from the same hotel in succession. We''re currently trying to capture a video of the two directly communicating." Hawke looked through them one by one; aside from Will Smith and Bridget Moynahan, he focused on Duane Martin, as Frank had mentioned. Duane was from New York and had joined the NBA as a free agent but had never played in an official match. Later, he switched to acting and made his debut in NBC''s sitcom . As of now, the most notable work he had acted in was . Since they met in the early ''90s, Will Smith and Duane had always been as close as brothers. Such brotherly bonds weren''t uncommon in Hollywood; there were actually many stars known for their loyalty. But Hawke felt Frank''s concerns carried weight. Many folks dismissed Hollywood gossip, believing that the so-called gem of civilized life had eradicated the red couches and the ugly truths of the industry long ago. But the series of scandals that surfaced only proved one thing -- the outside world''s wildest guesses were nothing compared to the tip of the Hollywood iceberg. After Hawke finished looking at Duane''s profile, Campos pointed to the last document. "This one is about Jada Smith." He said, "Boss, regarding Tupac and the rappers you mentioned, we have pinpointed a preliminary target among Jada''s friends. His name is Nate Dogg, a cousin of Tupac''s friend Snoop Dogg. He''s also a rapper who has received Grammy nominations. Since Tupac''s death, he has been quite close to Jada, serving as her confidant." Hawke carefully reviewed the materials and asked Edward, "Savior, do you believe an African American woman could maintain a close and ordinary friendship with an African American man?" Edward knew his ethnicity all too well; he scoffed, "I''d sooner believe Frank is Abraham Lincoln reincarnated." Campos had seen a lot: "I don''t believe in platonic friendships between men and women." "Our target is now very clear." Hawke felt the same way. He found photos of five individuals and pinned them to the board behind him. "Our next targets are these five: Will Smith, Duane Martin, and Bridget Moynahan, and Jada Smith and Nate Dogg." Campos nodded slightly. Hawke slapped Duane Martin''s picture and said, "Will Smith''s relationship with him is key. Campos, you handle that personally." In Hollywood, celebrity couples cheating was certainly a bombshell, but it couldn''t compare to the explosive nature of the Smith scandal. Campos packed up the pictures and information, saying, "I''ll head back to arrange the work right away." Hawke added, "If there are any irreconcilable issues, call me immediately." Campos left the safe house swiftly. After waiting a moment, Hawke also left and said to Edward on the way back, "Once we''re back, gather more data on Lance Armstrong." Edward asked, "That Tour de France champion?" "Exactly." Hawke wouldn''t put all his eggs in one basket; if the situation with Will Smith didn''t pan out, he''d look at alternate options. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 158: Secret Operations on Oscar Night [Chapter 159: Secret Operations on Oscar Night] The next morning, Campos received a tip from his informant and immediately relayed it to Hawke. Upon hearing it, Hawke asked Caroline, "How old is Will Smith''s son this year?" "Jaden Smith, right?" Caroline recalled. "He seems to have been born in 1998, so he''s under five." She hesitated, almost daring to ask if Hawke was thinking about going after a child. But then she reconsidered; it seemed that her boss had a higher threshold than most people in Hollywood. Hawke didn''t elaborate because the information he had received from Campos was significant. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A while back, Sean Combs hosted a party for the Lattimores, and the Smiths attended with their son. Hawke mentally tuned out the Sean Combs'' party. The Clintons, especially that woman Hillary, were extremely vicious. ... As March approached, the Oscar Awards ceremony loomed closer, and all media in Los Angeles shifted their attention to the Oscars. Even the paparazzi scattered across Los Angeles had ditched less notable targets to follow stars or directors nominated for major awards. Will Smith, who had made a stir over the Oscar nominations, was absent from the list of presenters. The Smiths weren''t attending the ceremony to protest. At Hughes Aircraft, on the set of , a Mexican named Domingo, after waiting for more than half a month, finally got to see Will Smith and Bridget Moynahan together during rehearsal. He was a temporary set builder and had spent a good deal of money just to blend in with the crew. Most importantly, Domingo''s carpentry skills met the requirements. As noon approached, Domingo noticed Will Smith and Bridget Moynahan exiting the rehearsal area, heading toward where the trailers were parked. He hoisted a large tool bag, using the excuse of going to the bathroom to break away from his group heading to lunch. There were many people on set, so Domingo took his time, sneaking into the side restroom. Once inside a stall, he retrieved a small camera, adjusted the lens, and turned it on, placing it back in the bag. When he emerged, glancing around to ensure no one was watching, he dashed to the trailer parking area. The industrial building had long been transformed into the biggest film shooting location in the Los Angeles area, with large factories repurposed into studios. However, due to a lack of support facilities, they relied heavily on trailers for filming. Over twenty various types of RVs were parked there. Domingo had already scouted the area, nipping between the trailers, soon locating the one designated for the lead actress, finding all the curtains wide open -- no one was inside. He then found the actor''s trailer nearby, which had its curtains drawn, but from a particular angle, he could see that one curtain in the back corner didn''t quite close properly. This was where Domingo had made modifications before; it wouldn''t draw much attention, allowing him to shoot inside. Not only had he slipped into the male lead''s trailer, but he had also snuck into the actress''s trailer previously. Domingo reached his chosen angle, and after a brief observation, he noted there were two people inside, promptly pulled out his camera, hidden behind one of the RVs, quietly extending the lens, quickly adjusting to capture the scene inside. ??????o?????????? The two individuals were engaged in intimate activities. At that moment, due to their positions, he couldn''t get a clear shot of their faces. After waiting a moment, the two repositioned, and he finally captured their faces on camera. Remembering his boss''s instructions not to overshoot and desiring to avoid missing out on anything significant, he quickly checked the footage, ensuring nothing was amiss, before shutting off the camera and hiding it back in his bag, swiftly retreating from the area. On his way to the cafeteria, he called his boss. Once in the cafeteria, Domingo shared a meal with fellow crew members, but as they had a long time before their work resumed, a few wandered off. During that time, he purchased some cigarettes from a convenience store and happened to see Carlos, discreetly passing the camera bag to him. Carlos drove off promptly. ... By the afternoon, Edward had received the footage and delivered it straight to Hawke''s desk. Hawke reviewed it carefully; though the video wasn''t particularly clear -- shot through the curtain seams -- it was enough to clearly see Will Smith and Bridget Moynahan along with what they were doing. It had taken over half a month since the task was assigned to achieve even this first objective. Caroline approached and asked, "Shall we release it now?" "No, let''s wait a bit longer." Hawke looked to Edward and asked, "Did they catch on?" Edward had specifically asked, "No, they didn''t." Hawke filed away the storage disk and instructed Caroline, "Someone will come to sell the video before the end of the day. You''ll personally handle the deal and purchase it at regular price." Caroline understood. "Got it." Not long after, a Mexican woman arrived at Twitter, wanting to sell the news video, and Caroline personally attended to her. Hawke also got in touch with Campos, reminding him to be patient and not rush. If they could get video of Will Smith being gay, that would be the best outcome; if they couldn''t, the existing footage would still be eye-catching. ... On March 23, 2003, the 75th Academy Awards were held at the Kodak Theatre, garnering nationwide attention. Especially from the media. On such a unique day, even the paparazzi congregated in Oscar-related spots. Places like the theater on the Walk of Fame, hotels hosting Oscar night events, and the popular burger joints frequented by stars were all hotspots. Stars unrelated to the Oscars would naturally be overlooked. In Calabasas, Los Angeles, a mansion called Dream Castle occupied an entire hillside. This home belonged to Will Smith. There was only one main road leading up the hill, and at the museum parking lot near the intersection, Campos and Garcia had been staking out for nearly a month, frequently switching cars, outfits, and shifts. They had seen Duane Martin, the target, visit Smith''s mansion but couldn''t follow without raising suspicions. The sky gradually darkened, and the surroundings fell eerily quiet. In the past, this area would have been teeming with paparazzi. Tonight, those guys had vanished without a trace, all chasing the Oscars. In a Chevrolet, Campos jolted Garcia awake, who had dozed off. "A car is coming down." Garcia rolled over, grabbed the binoculars, and squinted toward the bright headlights obscuring his view of the car''s front. "There are two cars." Campos picked up the radio. "Everyone, get ready to move out." The three other vehicles quickly filled their seats. Campos had money and secured legal identities as he gathered a considerable number of Mexicans, including ex-Mexican police officers pushed into crossing borders and those who fled after drug traffickers killed their families. Campos observed for a moment as the cars grew closer. He turned to Garcia and said, "I''ll follow the first car; you take the one behind it. Remember, if there''s no good chance to shoot, don''t alert anyone." Garcia quickly packed his bag and hopped into another car. A person climbed into the passenger seat of the first car descending the hill, which turned onto the main road. Campos had memorized the vehicle entrances, recalling that the Smiths hadn''t had visitors in days. After waiting a moment, he followed. Just behind, another car trailed the Chevrolet closely. ... Descending from the hill, the second vehicle was Jada Smith''s Porsche, which Garcia pursued. Will Smith drove to a location near Barberia Lake Park. The driver was his aide and buddy, Bilaal. In this area, there were many detached houses separated by fences. Will''s friend, Duane Martin, lived among them. He couldn''t invite Duane over to his house due to his children, nor could he wait at a hotel, so this night, he chose to visit Duane instead. This road was quiet, bordered by the under-construction Barberia Lake Park on one side and the scattered homes on another. Will Smith made a phone call, instructing Bilaal to park near the door. After looking around the car, he pulled his hoodie up and quietly exited. He instructed Bilaal, "Stay outside." Bilaal nodded. "I''ll wait for you to come out." Will Smith approached the doorstep, inputting his fingerprint to enter swiftly. The outer wall concealed him from prying eyes. Duane was waiting at the door. A black Ford cruised past the gate, showing no signs of stopping as it continued forward. Bilaal noticed the Ford turning the corner ahead and leaned down, adjusting the radio to hear updates on the Oscar awards. Then, he rolled down the window to light a cigarette. ... Inside the black Ford, a Mexican grabbed the walkie-talkie. "Boss, there''s a car parked ahead of the target house with someone inside; don''t approach directly." "Understood." The Chevrolet stopped behind the corner of the road. Juan, sitting in the passenger seat, was just a new twenty-something with a short temper. "What are we going to do?" "You just wait in the car." Campos exited, pretending to be an ordinary pedestrian, heading towards the corner for a better view. Having exchanged experience with veteran shooters like Hawke and Edward, he immediately checked the streetlight poles. This area was not a major road, and the light posts were lower, not ideal for hiding. He cast a glance at the roadside landscape and noticed some trees, which he decided not to mention. Looking at the ongoing park renovations, he spotted something useful -- a vintage water tower not too far from the target house. It seemed to be purposely left as a scenic element. Campos turned back to Juan, both hefting their bags, stating, "Follow me and stay silent." They crawled over the park fence, keeping low toward the house, quickly reaching the water tower. The tower was fitted with a metal ladder; Campos climbed first, securing that viewpoint. Waving for Juan to follow him up, the two crouched on the metal framework of the water tower, with Campos hoisting his camera onto his shoulder aimed toward the house. The house had several large windows lit up, but no one was visible inside. Juan opened his bag, taking out his DSLR camera, fitting a long lens, and searched for suitable angles. Through the lens, they could see inside the house but again saw no sign of life. Campos glanced outside at the parked vehicles, whispering, "Stay calm and don''t rush." Juan nodded several times. With the thin metal framing underfoot, they squatted uncomfortably, but both endured. Time slipped by. Finally, two dark-skinned men appeared. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 159: Using Money as a Hammer [Chapter 160: Using Money as a Hammer] Straining in awkward positions for so long, Campos felt his feet going numb. But upon seeing Will Smith and Duane Martin, he perked up and adjusted his lens for the clearest shot. The sound of Juan hitting the shutter echoed beside him. Through the lens, Campos noticed something off about the two men''s movements. They removed their towels and moved forward, disappearing behind a window. Campos cursed inwardly -- just as he thought he would miss the most exciting shot, the men reappeared behind another window. Los Angeles, bathed in bright sunshine year-round, had houses that prioritized lighting and large windows and doors in their designs. Thanking the architect silently, Campos kept filming. Behind another window was a couch; Will Smith was leaning over it, while Duane held him down. [A/N: The above was quoted by Will Smith''s assistant Bilaal Salaam.] Having filmed this scene was more than enough. As the two remained unnoticed, Campos turned off the camera, telling Juan, "Let''s go." Juan nodded but moved his legs to get up. After being in such a cramped position for too long, he stumbled, grasped the frame instinctively, and sent the camera crashing to the metal frame below. A series of not-so-loud thuds rang through the night. The street was quiet and narrow, and this small noise found its way into the open windows of a nearby vehicle, grabbing Bilaal''s attention. Bilaal turned his head toward the noise and spotted the water tower in the park, catching sight of the two men climbing down. Though dark, he could make out a camera bag slung over one of their shoulders. Bilaal threw open the car door, bolted toward them, brandishing a revolver, yelling, "Stop! You two, don''t move! I''m armed!" "Go!" Campos ignored him entirely, urging Juan to retreat quickly. They were over twenty meters apart, and that punk held a small revolver; unless he had the marksmanship of a seasoned detective, he wouldn''t hit them. Jumping off the water tower, Juan retrieved the damaged camera and bolted after Campos. ... Bilaal hesitated to fire; if the issue blew up, they''d have far bigger problems to manage. He pursued the two over the fence while dialing Will Smith''s number to alert him. "Two paparazzi just took shots; they could have recorded something. You better think of a way to handle this!" ?????????????¦¢¨§? Will Smith, still fending off Duane, asked, "You were outside the whole time. What could they possibly see?" Duane interjected, "They climbed up the park''s water tower and shot us sneaking." Will''s instincts kicked in, as he unconsciously glanced through the window, dimly aware of a tall structure looming in the night sky. He realized this wasn''t good. "Get those guys!" "Not possible!" Bilaal panted, "They''re in a car and taking off. I got the license plate...." Duane caught a hint of urgency in Will''s voice, asking, "Will, what''s going on?" "Nothing, stay calm," Will responded into the phone. "Make sure to remember the plate number. I''m hanging up now." With long strides, Will paced, restless, as he reached for the phone to call his agent. "It''s me, Will. I''ve been shot at by paparazzi! Yes, it''s extremely serious! If it gets out, I''m done for!" ... Century City, at CAA, James Locke snapped upright in surprise, promptly standing from his chair. "I need to know what exactly happened!" "I was with Duane, and someone very likely filmed us!" Will declared urgently. "Damn it!" James swore and quickly composed himself. "Stay calm; you need to come to CAA immediately. I''ll be here; you''re one of our top clients, and we will mobilize every resource to assist you." Will replied, "Bilaal noted down the license plate. Can you check for me who they are?" This task wasn''t challenging for CAA. James quickly pressed, "Tell me the license plate number." After a brief pause, Will provided the number, and within a few minutes, news came back declaring the plate was fake. This was a common tactic used by paparazzi. James wasn''t surprised. He quickly called his team to initiate an emergency response. CAA offered comprehensive services to its major clients. Besides their primary agents, stars had additional co-managing agents. Maha Dakhil, who dealt with media affairs, rushed back from an Oscar afterparty upon receiving the call. Will Smith was hightailing it to CAA. ... On Fountain Street, Hawke was watching the Oscars with Erika when he received a call from Campos and immediately began reaching for his coat. Erika asked, "Is it an emergency?" Hawke paused, still planning to share a word. "A key moment in a future billionaire''s career." "Then go," Erika tossed him the keys to her Mercedes. "Be safe." Hawke caught the keys, tucked his gun in his pocket, and got into his bulletproof Benz. As he pulled away, he called Edward for an update. Next, he dialed Caroline. "Get to the office right away." Caroline complained, "I was just about to go for a beauty sleep." Hawke dangled a carrot before her, "Do you want to be a CEO with a million-dollar salary?" "I''m on my way!" Caroline recognized she had been PUA-ed but was pleased to comply. ... Being the nearest, Edward got to the office first, following Hawke''s instructions to wake Frank up from the RV. Minutes later, Hawke and Caroline arrived at the office one after the other. There were people on duty inside the Twitter building. The four of them entered a small meeting room, and Hawke laid out the situation briefly. His phone buzzed again, and upon answering, he stated, "I''ve just confirmed news; we''ve also acquired the video of Jada Smith and Nate Dogg." S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Caroline perked up, pacing in her red high heels in the meeting room. "This means we have two copies of Will Smith''s scandalous videos, with one featuring him with a man. The other shows Jada Smith and the rapper..." Frank cast her a glance, warning, "Don''t get too excited; Will Smith has hundreds of millions of assets. If he''s caught onto this, he''ll find a way to track you down. CAA is the top-tier agency in the industry and can exert pressure through various channels." Hawke had already considered that. "Money can indeed make a lot of things happen. Since Twitter just launched, our development heavily hinges on this strategy." Although Frank was older, he noted, "You guys are taking too many risks." Hawke declared, "The marketplace is just another battlefield." The front desk personnel buzzed in. They announced a Mexican freelancer had arrived to trade news, claiming to have an appointment with Caroline. Caroline stepped out to negotiate and purchased two videos alongside bonus photos, swiftly returning to the meeting room. Edward connected a projector to his laptop and played the video footage. The Smiths seemed to enjoy a particularly open lifestyle. ... At CAA headquarters in Century City, Will Smith sat in a meeting room, the anger on his face having faded. The situation had escalated, and now all he could do was come up with a solution. Maha Dakhil, who had been briefed on the situation, was busy making calls, having already dialed out dozens of times. She was doing everything possible to prevent the video from being made public tonight. As long as the video hadn''t been released, there was still hope. James Locke was also making calls, specifically hiring someone to check with the paparazzi in Los Angeles. But the feedback was discouraging; all the paparazzi were busy watching the Oscars, with no one following Will Smith. James shook his head at Will and sat down to think. Maha finished her calls and said, "I''ve called every media outlet in Los Angeles, big and small. If they receive something, they will definitely inform us." That was CAA''s confidence. Will didn''t waste words, directly stating his demands: "The video cannot leak." "Absolutely!" James took over, analyzing the situation. "Based on what we know, there are three possibilities. First, the paparazzi didn''t capture anything substantial, so there''s nothing to sell." Maha cautioned, "We shouldn''t rely on that luck." James continued, "Second, the paparazzi did get something, but they didn''t come to a favorable agreement, or they don''t know how much to sell it for, so the video''s still in their hands. The last possibility, which we dread the most, is that the footage has been sold to a media outlet we''re unaware of, and they are planning to orchestrate a media storm." Will said, "Whether it''s the second or third possibility, I don''t want to see it happen." Maha glanced at her watch: "We don''t have much time; we must find a solution quickly." If they could have even just a night, they could strategize carefully. James was acutely aware of the urgency. "Our biggest advantage is holding absolute resources." Will understood: "Money isn''t an issue." "Those paparazzi are almost certainly still in Los Angeles." James conceived a plan: "We could throw money at them to flush them out!" Maha looked at him curiously. James explained, "Contact all major communication companies and have them send out a message to all mobile phone users in Los Angeles..." "That will put me in the spotlight and pique the curiosity of the public media," Will thought, wanting a quiet resolution. James was more pragmatic: "Given how it''s escalated, preventing the video from leaking is our top priority. Think about your roles on screen, think about your public image. If that video is made public, do you think there will be any major productions wanting you as the lead? The same audience that supported you will turn against you!" He added, "Let''s nail down the video, and the following excuses and justifications will be easy to find." Will thought for a moment and nodded, "Let''s move fast and use money to flush them out." James made more calls and reached out to other senior partners to expedite the resolution. That evening, just as the Oscars wrapped up, mobile users in Los Angeles received a text message. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 160: Active Exposure [Chapter 161: Active Exposure] Ocean Park Avenue, Twitter Headquarters. In the conference room, Hawke was watching Jada Smith and Nate Dogg engage in a backyard brawl when both of his phones buzzed consecutively. He pulled them out to take a look and found that both had received the same text message. "Whoever retrieves my belongings at Barber''s Lake Park tonight, please contact CAA, and there''s a reward of $1 million!" At the end of the message, it was signed by Will Smith, along with several contact numbers for CAA. Hawke put his phones away and noticed that Caroline, Edward, and Frank were all looking at their phones too. He asked, "Did you all get that too?" Edward wondered, "Did they find us out this quickly?" "Your dumb head isn''t even fit for picking cotton!" Frank scoffed, continuing, "A situation this simple, and you can''t figure it out? Just go find a building to jump off." Caroline licked her slightly dry lips and said, "They sure think they can just throw money around, hiring a communications company to send out mass texts." Hawke suggested, "Let''s check it out." Caroline instinctively picked up her phone and started calling friends in different areas. Edward also reached out to Deborah. Moments later, Caroline reported, "I asked seven people living from the San Fernando Valley to Malibu to East Los Angeles and Long Beach, and they all received the message." Edward added, "Deborah got it too." Hawke concluded, "Will Smith''s people must have sent out mass texts across all of Los Angeles." "That''s not the key point," Frank emphasized, knowing human nature all too well. "You should focus on that $1 million!" He raised his voice, stressing, "This is $1 million! Don''t just think about selling someone out; you might even consider pulling the trigger." Hawke had been considering it. At that moment, his phone buzzed again. The four of them pulled out their phones to check the text, discovering it was still the same message. Hawke knew that a substantial number of people had been mobilized by Campos to capture videos of the Smiths. Normally, these individuals were quite reliable. But in front of $1 million, reliability was an extremely rare quality. Will Smith had undoubtedly presented him with a dilemma. Who conducts a test of loyalty like this? Frank, being the oldest, seemed to guess Hawke''s thoughts. "Few can withstand this kind of test; the moment we expose ourselves to Will Smith, it''s just a matter of time." ????????????? Suddenly, he turned his gaze to Edward. "You, cotton-picker, can you handle it?" Edward dismissively replied, "It''s just $1 million. Who do you think you''re looking down on?" Hawke raised his hand to stop their squabbling. Will Smith''s agency was CAA, and those jerks at CAA had thrown him a tough challenge. If they didn''t handle this correctly, Campos'' people would scatter. Frank was right -- facing such a substantial sum of money, exposing Twitter before Will Smith, was only a matter of time. However, that didn''t concern Hawke too much; he intended to release those videos on Twitter anyway. It merely meant the exposure time would be moved up. Hawke quickly made a decision, turning the situation from passive to active. "Since exposure is inevitable, let''s expose ourselves first." Caroline, understanding her boss''s thoughts well, immediately chimed in, "I''ll make the call! Let me take care of it!" Frank glanced at her and asked, "You want the $1 million reward?" Caroline tilted her chin slightly. "I''m earning this money for the company." Hawke remarked, "Will Smith comes from a rap and hip-hop background. Although he hasn''t been in the news much lately, he might have ties to gang organizations. Are you sure about this?" "Uh..." Caroline''s chin dropped back down. "Let''s let the Savior handle it." Hawke hadn''t considered them, as he picked up his phone to call Campos. "Did you see the text?" Campos replied, "I saw it. As soon as I received the text, I gathered everyone in the know for a meeting. People are... a bit unsettled. As of now, there''s no problem, but once they leave this place, who knows?" Hawke had thought it through and stated directly, "Find someone you can trust to call CAA, tell them the video was sold to Twitter through normal channels, and let them come here to contact Twitter." He added, "How to ensure safety, how to get the money, and how to distribute it -- those matters you will handle." Most of the people on Campos'' side had escaped from being hunted by Mexican drug lords; they were not ordinary people. He said, "If they dare to resort to underhanded tactics, Los Angeles will have another hot news story." Hawke said, "Stay safe." ... Meanwhile, at the Butterfly Company. In addition to Campos, there were eight other people seated in the conference room. Carlos and Garcia guarded the entrance left and right. Campos looked at the youngest member, Juan. "In five minutes, you''ll call CAA, report the situation accurately, and tell them we''ve sold the video for a high price. If they want to know which company it was sold to, they can fulfill their promise first." He surveyed the room. "If they can deliver on their promised payment, half will go to the company''s development fund, and the other half will be distributed among all participants." The others exchanged glances, and someone quickly said, "Boss, we''ll follow your lead." Everyone in the room had made it from Mexico to Los Angeles, and they weren''t fools; they understood the limits of individual power. Based on their experiences in Mexico, it could cost them their lives. Campos'' expression turned serious. "I''ll say this upfront; if anyone wants to back out, now is the time." Nobody moved. "Juan, prepare to make the call." Campos made other preparations: "You all get ready with weapons." ... That night, attendees at the Oscars and those in Los Angeles watching the ceremony suddenly found their attention diverted by the two successive text messages. What had happened with Will Smith became the hot topic of discussion. Harvey Weinstein was quite unhappy; tonight, he was supposed to be the center of attention. His film, which he had maneuvered, took home the Oscars for Best Actress and Best Picture, two of the most significant awards. But suddenly, all the limelight was snatched away by Will. ... Century City, CAA''s phones rang off the hook. The $1 million reward had people trying their luck, but no one had the correct answer. In the conference room, Will Smith paced back and forth anxiously, glancing at his watch from time to time. James Locke and Maha Dakhil continued making calls to their contacts. Most media outlets were still on good terms with CAA. Suddenly, the phone on the desk rang. James rushed over, answered it, exchanged a few words, then had someone transfer the call to him directly, asking several questions. On the other end, they hung up proactively. Before the agent could hang up, Will urgently asked, "Any news?" James replied, "Just got a call. Someone claims to have recorded video of you at Barber''s Lake Park. They said it was filmed from the park''s water tower and featured two male Black individuals." sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Will slammed the table, interjecting, "That''s definitely those punks!" James continued, "They''ve sold the video, but we need to pay the promised reward before they''ll tell us which media company they sold it to." Maha snorted, "They''re just feeding off the last guy to feed off this one. They have some serious delusions." There wasn''t a hint of comedic flair on Will''s face as he said, "Give me their number; I''ll take care of them!" Compared to the two, James, a senior partner at CAA, remained calmer: "Will, you just escaped from that mess, and you want to get involved with gangs? Once you get entangled, it''ll be endless trouble." The number used was a public phone and couldn''t be traced. James knew exactly what needed to be prioritized right now: "Anything that can be resolved with a little money isn''t the real issue!" He emphasized, "Will, let''s resolve the video matter first, then we can discuss everything else." Will, achieving his current success as a Black man, understood that luck was vital, but his own intelligence wasn''t lacking either; he cooled down a bit and agreed, "I''ll follow your lead." Their lines of communication connected again, and soon, Bilaal and two CAA assistants set off with cash checks. In less than twenty minutes, Bilaal called back with a name -- Twitter. Forget Will Smith; neither James nor Maha had heard of this company. But with the company name, finding other information became much easier. ... Not long after, the public information about Twitter was sent over, laid out before Will, James, and the others. "This company was registered less than two months ago," James stated simply. "The primary shareholder is an investment company from the Cayman Islands, the second shareholder is West Coast Media Entertainment Studio, and the third is Pacific Investment Group." Maha, well-informed, remarked, "The Pacific Investment Group belonging to the Ferguson family?" James glanced at the information. "That should be right." Maha frowned. "This is getting complicated." She then asked, "Did the Pacific Group only make investments?" "I know a bit about this investment company; CAA executive Richard Lovett is an old acquaintance of Mary Ferguson." James, being a senior partner, had heard some details: "Back when Mary Ferguson won the beauty pageant, Richard was one of the actual organizers." He set that aside for now. "Let''s see this: the actual controller of Twitter is Hawke Osment, the founder of West Coast Media Entertainment Studio, and Mary Ferguson''s daughter, who happens to be the famous Los Angeles detective Erica Ferguson''s boyfriend." Upon hearing this, Maha drew a conclusion. "We should approach them through legitimate channels and resolve this." Will Smith suddenly recalled someone and said, "My friend, Steve Nutt, has worked with Hawke Osment. He says they have a great relationship." Saint Steve Nutt was well-known; he was a leader in the Black empowerment movement. Maha pondered. "Hawke Osment also collaborates with the LAPD. I helped out Suzy from the LAPD; I can try to get in touch with her." CAA was well-established as Hollywood''s top agency, and its strength was undeniable. James declared, "Alright, let''s contact them right away." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 161: Mr. u0026 Mrs. Smith [Chapter 162: Mr. and Mrs. Smith] Ocean Park Avenue, the Twitter office building. In less than ten minutes, Hawke received calls from Suzy and Steve Nutt, both regarding Will Smith. Caroline remarked, "The connections at BWR Public Relations can''t compare to CAA." She looked at Hawke and added, "It hasn''t been long, and CAA already found your friends and acquaintances." Hawke replied, "After all, they are Hollywood''s top talent agency." Frank stretched and yawned, asking Hawke, "What do you think?" "We weren''t planning to publish anything tonight," Hawke said. Even if they did, the video he had wouldn''t go out until at least tomorrow once the office was officially open. He continued, "I had them relay that we wouldn''t publish tonight. As for what''s next, I have a new idea." Caroline, who had worked with Hawke several times, was feeling a bit lazy with her thinking. "Are you stirring things up?" Hawke simply said, "We have video of Will Smith and video of Jada Smith. How about creating a special couple''s segment? I wonder if the Smiths would be interested." Frank chimed in, "Using a text as a free advertisement?" Just as he finished speaking, Hawke''s phone rang with an unknown number. He answered it. On the other end was Will Smith''s agent, James Locke, wanting to meet with Hawke in person. Hawke chatted with him for a while on the phone, suggesting they come directly to Twitter''s office. After hanging up, he asked Frank, "What''s the deal with CAA''s James Locke?" Frank switched to his know-it-all mode, saying, "Back in my glorious days, he was just a junior assistant in the mailroom." "I''ve dealt with him before," Caroline interjected. "He''s one of CAA''s senior partners. Like Brian Lord and Richard Lovett, he''s a very rational guy." She thought for a moment and added, "CAA''s success comes from high-level agents who are rational and can keep the stars in check." Hawke nodded slightly, saying, "Let''s make sure the security personnel are prepared just in case." Frank wasn''t feeling loyal. "I''m going back to sleep." Edward pulled out a handgun and slapped it on the conference table in front of Frank. "Take it." "I don''t need it; I''ll stick with you guys." Frank grabbed coffee from the coffee machine. Caroline touched her head and revealed her small sharp teeth, feeling that this wasn''t enough. She said to Hawke, "I think I''ll get a gun permit too." Hawke looked at her skinny arms and legs and pulled out a can of pepper spray from his briefcase, tossing it her way. Edward left to find the security team downstairs. The security at Twitter consisted of personnel selected by the Ferguson family, handpicked by Erica. Each person had a concealed carry permit. The security team opened the gun cabinet and retrieved their weapons. Two of them even climbed to the rooftop to set up long guns. If there was an attack, the West Division could respond in under ten minutes. As a major tech hub in Silicon Beach, police patrols were also frequent in the area. ... It wasn''t just Hawke who was cautious. Will Smith and James Locke were equally on guard. As they got into the car, Bilaal tucked away the revolver that had been on the armrest. James Locke and Maha Dakhil both took note of this. Once the car started, they exchanged glances, and Maha said, "I asked Suzy in detail. Erica Ferguson was assaulted in the Silver Lake community recently. One of the gunmen not shown on video is Erica''s boyfriend, Hawke Osment. He took down 13 armed men, all trained ex-Mexican police." ????§Ñ¦­???? James was worried that emotions might run high, so he patted the driver''s seat and pointedly said to Bilaal, "If things get messy, we''d be in serious trouble." Will Smith sighed, "I never planned to draw a gun. If money can solve it, it''s not an issue." As they arrived at Ocean Park Avenue, they spotted the small blue bird and the Twitter logo from afar while Bilaal drove closer. James was the first to exit. He turned to Bilaal, reminding him, "You stay in the car." Bilaal shrugged without a word. ... When Will and Maha got out, the three approached the office building. Three people were waiting at the entrance to greet them. Two were sturdy-looking security guards in uniforms, each carrying a handgun. The other was a somewhat handsome black man in a custom business suit, looking a bit intimidating. Edward recognized Will Smith and gestured them to follow. "Hawke is waiting for you upstairs." The group entered through the front door, took the elevator upstairs, and went into a conference room. There were three more people in the conference room. James noticed something odd about the combination: a young couple and a scruffy old man. The woman was decked out in designer clothes from head to toe, looking like a luxury display. The man was ordinary-looking, with a mild demeanor. After brief introductions, they seated themselves on opposite sides of the conference table. James directly addressed Hawke, "Earlier on the phone, you mentioned you acquired some video about Will from freelance reporters?" Hawke, who had devised a new plan, replied, "Twitter is newly established and has been purchasing entertainment news at high prices, receiving dozens of leads. I only learned tonight that we bought Will''s video at a premium, then I had someone tally the other news we received, and there are two more stories related to Will." Will Smith couldn''t help but say, "What? Two more?" Hawke made a gesture at Caroline, who promptly turned on the projector and clicked the mouse on her laptop to play the video. The video didn''t feature two men but rather a man and a woman, with the man being Will Smith and the woman being Brigitte Moynahan. Will recognized the scene immediately, remembering that it had happened over a week ago at Warner Bros. studio. James held Will''s hand, motioning him not to speak. Hawke reminded them, "The next video involves Mrs. Smith. Should I play it?" Will gritted his teeth, "Play it." Caroline switched to the next clip, showing a man and a woman in a garden. The woman was Jada Smith, and the man was rapper Nate Dogg. Not everyone was like Broderick, keen on seeing someone else with their wife. Will shouted, "Turn it off!" Hawke nodded slightly at Caroline. Caroline shut off the video. Will''s forehead was slick with sweat, and he felt his pulse racing as he stared at Hawke. "You''re doing this on purpose!" "I have nothing against you; why would I target you?" Hawke replied honestly, stating that they bore no animosity. "I work in internet media, and I need hot news, so when someone sells it to me, of course I''ll take it." There couldn''t be that much coincidence in the world. Let alone Will Smith, even Hawke didn''t fully believe himself. But after it aired, Will understood that his current knowledge wasn''t much different from back then. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Will confirmed, "You''re out to get me!" At that moment, the young woman interjected, brandishing her sharp horns and showing her small teeth. "If you two didn''t engage in this, the paparazzi wouldn''t have captured it, and if the paparazzi don''t catch anything, it naturally wouldn''t be sold to us." She quickly smiled, her sharp teeth reflecting the light like some demon. "You should really look for the reason within yourselves!" Will wanted to argue, but James held him back, stating, "What''s done is done. We come with a willingness to resolve this matter." Maha specifically noted, "Suzy and I have known each other for many years. Mr. Richard Lovett, the CEO of CAA, is an old friend of Mrs. Mary Ferguson. There''s business between us as well." After some light pressure, James used the most sincere approach possible. "Regardless of how much you acquired these videos for, Will will repurchase them for $5 million. We owe your company a favor." Maha promptly added, "Will and Jada have two children; this news could severely harm them. We can''t let the kids suffer, right?" In that moment, Hawke felt like the villain forcing them into a corner. Given the role of a villain, he was ready for that perception. "You three are on the right side; you''ve placed my company in a moral conflict." Hawke raised his hand to interrupt James. "You know better than we do what the consequences would be if the video of Will and Duane Martin is released. Hollywood mainstream productions won''t cast a gay man as the lead." Will glared at Hawke. "You want to publish it? You want to ruin my acting career?" "On the contrary, Twitter wants to work with you, sincerely." Hawke replied calmly. "After James called me, I combined what he said with these three video recordings and suddenly came up with a show concept that could rock the world." James inquired, "What kind of concept?" Hawke looked at Will. "You and Jada reached an open marriage agreement a while back, right?" Now that they had the videos, it would be pointless for Will to deny it, so he casually replied, "Yes, it''s been a few years." Hawke asked, "Hasn''t there been anything caught on camera?" Maha seized the opportunity to press. "There were some, including many top-tier media, but we managed to handle it all." Hawke nodded slightly. "With that said, there''s bound to be quite a few rumors out there about your relationship, both inside and outside the industry." Will Smith remained silent, but ever since they got married, rumors of infidelities surrounding them hadn''t ceased. If it were just infidelity, he wouldn''t have been so anxious. "How about this? Let''s collaborate on a show." Hawke was an unashamed opportunist; he got Will''s video and wanted him to cooperate. "Will, you and Jada can come on Twitter for a guest segment. We can do a live stream, a red table talk where you and Jada can open up about your relationship." While there were many stars exposed in scandals, it was extremely rare for stars to discuss an open marriage on air. The potential impact could be even greater. Hawke was just making an attempt; if Will Smith didn''t agree, they wouldn''t waste time on previous plans. Will didn''t hesitate to reject. "Not a chance!" Hawke said, "Infidelity isn''t unusual in Hollywood; open marriages are common too. I''ve heard that Bruce Willis and Demi Moore were like that and half-public about it..." Will stiffened his neck, insisting, "I refuse." "Understood." Hawke turned to James Locke. "Let''s end it here." James stated, "We arrived with the utmost sincerity." Hawke replied, "I invited you both to collaborate sincerely, too." James understood his implication. "So if Will rejects your invitation, you''ll expose the video of him and Duane?" "Twitter is a legitimate social media outlet with a sense of social responsibility." In response to the earlier lofty tone, Hawke matched it just the same. "The public has long been misled, and we have a responsibility to tell them the truth. This is the very essence of press freedom." Will was enraged. "Despicable! Shameless!" Caroline, the young woman, jumped in again. "Ha! Telling the public your true colors is despicable and shameless? You''re openly deceiving society, creating a false image of a perfect couple. What''s that?" Will found himself at a loss for words. Caroline raised her chin. "The media has the duty to supervise society and public figures; this is granted to us by the news legislation!" Edward quietly gave Caroline a thumbs-up. The handsome black man suddenly remembered that Caroline wasn''t just a meek little sheep; back when they first met, she had a sharp tongue and was always mocking. At that moment, Maha asked Hawke, "So it''s a one-on-one discussion of marriage, including infidelity and open marriages?" Hawke confirmed, "That''s the main content." James and Maha were far more rational than Will, observing from a third-party perspective. The former remarked, "This doesn''t just concern Will; it involves Jada too. We can''t make decisions unilaterally." Hawke pondered briefly. "I can wait until tomorrow morning at eight." James understood that the other party could publish at any time, so there was no need for a long discussion. He nodded, saying, "See you tomorrow." Maha shot a glance at Will Smith, and they followed her and James out together. ... Hawke pulled out his phone and called Erica. "I probably won''t make it back tonight; some things came up. You should head home right away." Erica didn''t ask any questions. "I''m leaving now." Then she asked, "Is it serious?" Hawke chuckled softly, "I can handle it." After hanging up, he turned to Edward. "Notify all security to return to work; triple overtime pay." Edward pulled out his phone to make calls. Hawke cautioned, "No one is to leave the company until noon tomorrow." ... Downstairs, Bilaal started the car. As Will was about to speak, James'' phone rang. He answered it, hearing CAA CEO Richard Lovett on the other end. "Regarding Will, I just spoke to Mary Ferguson. She said that Pacific Investment Group is just an investor and doesn''t interfere with normal business operations." James felt a headache coming on. After hanging up, he looked at Will. "Ultimately, this decision rests with you." Will''s face was expressionless. "My mind is a bit jumbled; help me analyze it." "The current situation is clear." Richard''s call had crushed James'' last hope. "Time is extremely tight; it''s best not to use covert tactics. Even if we wanted to use force, we may not stand a chance against them." Maha glanced at the nearby buildings. "This is the Silicon Beach Tech Park that Los Angeles is heavily developing. A direct attack here would mean facing SWAT and the FBI." James didn''t consider that option. "Hawke Osment only gave us two choices. If we don''t collaborate, he''ll expose the video of you and Duane. Your career would plummet; mainstream productions won''t use you any longer, and you wouldn''t be considered for any heterosexual roles. You''d only be able to take on supporting roles in the future." There wasn''t a single leading gay star in Hollywood, especially not one in the spotlight. James continued, "If you collaborate, it won''t significantly harm your career. Infidelity has never been a problem in Hollywood, and open marriages aren''t that unusual. You and Jada would face some backlash, but it could also generate prolonged media attention." Maha initially wanted to mention the kids, but thinking of some things she had heard, she ultimately held back. This couple didn''t seem to care; why should she as an agent worry about it? Will was a sharp-minded star; now he had to make his choice. Should he gamble on mutual destruction, ruining his career, while Hawke timely released the video and then closed the doors? They could easily rebrand and launch another site. But he''d be cast aside by mainstream audiences. Hollywood was currently showcasing another black star, Denzel Washington, he was not irreplaceable. The group didn''t return to CAA. Will Smith called Jada, while Bilaal drove them to Calabasas'' Dream Castle. ... Compared to Will, Jada Smith was much more decisive. Thinking of the selfie scandal with Allison Faith, she saw it as an opportunity -- a fantastic chance to expand her recognition and influence! Jada wanted to be an independent, free woman, not merely an appendage to Will Smith. To achieve that goal, she needed her own career. She desired the benefits of being Mrs. Smith, but she wanted her own individual career too. Hollywood has always been at the forefront of the times. This new type of good wife, of course, wanted it all. The Smiths reached an agreement. Without waiting for the next day, James called Hawke on behalf of the Smiths. ... The next morning, James and Maha accompanied them to Twitter to finalize a series of follow-up matters. Last night, Hawke had outlined the plan''s framework, asking Caroline to work overnight to draft a detailed agreement. They discussed for half the morning and signed a formal collaborative contract. As the saying goes, if you can''t resist, you might as well lay back and enjoy. Stars have never feared a surge in media attention. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 162: Red Table Talk [Chapter 163: Red Table Talk] The day after the Oscars, the hottest news figures across America naturally included the winners of the prestigious awards. Last year, when Hawke arrived in Los Angeles, he had made a handsome profit off the viral video of Gandalf smashing a McDonald''s. However, this year was different. Outside of the Oscars, Will Smith found himself at the center of public opinion. In the morning, numerous entertainment media outlets reported on the text message incident from the night before. Online forums buzzed with discussions about the texts, with most people believing someone was pulling a prank on Will Smith. After all, similar SMS scams were rampant in North America. Reporters hoping to interview Will Smith had little luck locating him. They called his agency company, CAA, but received no response. By afternoon, various forums began circulating news of infidelity involving the Smiths, supported by video screenshots that were labeled as being shared from Twitter. Numerous major websites, including Yahoo Entertainment, amplified this news, which had originated on Twitter. Throughout the day, the editorial team led by Caroline was busy posting updates in forums. The posts, complete with images, quickly became the most popular topics of the day. Countless curious onlookers flocked to Twitter to watch the supposedly scandalous videos of Will and Jada Smith. Many of them signed up for Twitter accounts just to share the experience. Will Smith was a commercial superstar, and his influence far surpassed that of Josh Hartnett and Allison Faith back in the day. Across the country, both men and women, various Stans regardless of gender, jumped at the chance to discuss the unfolding drama. "Did you see Will Smith''s video?" Friends greeted each other with the buzz: "His wife''s even crazier." Fortunately, Hawke was prepared for the media storm. Thanks to the hard work of his technical staff, the website managed to withstand the massive influx of traffic. Those who had registered on Twitter shared the videos on their own accounts to make it easier for themselves to view later. On Twitter, Stans followed each other and commented, "It''s a shame the key parts were blurred."If they hadn''t blurred them, it''d just be a porn film that couldn''t appear on legitimate sites." "Turns out this couple is playing by their own rules." By the evening, news of the Smiths'' scandal and the exclusive Twitter revelation made it to Google''s trending topics. The Oscar winners found themselves overshadowed by the intense gossip surrounding the superstars. The two infidelity stories claimed the first and second spots on the trending list. ... The day after the video was released, Caroline reported back to Hawke, "Yesterday during the day and all night long, our registered users surged from under 30,000 to 2.27 million." Hawke instructed, "Don''t stop there; keep posting updates." "Yes, boss," Caroline replied, reminding him, "This plan of yours is driving everyone wild." Hawke stated a hard truth, "Even without this new plan, if we followed the previous one, Will Smith would still be in a frenzy." Caroline hurried out of the office to keep an eye on the newly recruited editors. Hawke made his way to the third floor, where the technical team was setting up for the live broadcast. In the center of the studio was a red round table. According to the plan, after sufficient public interest had built up, Will and Jada Smith would hold a to discuss their open marriage with America. Hawke called over the technical team leads, Harland and Kasim, and said, "From today onward, we''ll conduct daily live rehearsals. Any issues must be resolved on the spot." Harland responded, "Kasim and I will conduct a roundtable discussion shortly." Hawke stayed to observe the live rehearsal, witnessing numerous challenges that the technical team quickly worked to resolve. ... Century City, CAA Headquarters. A crowd of journalists gathered outside, having just received word that Will and Jada Smith would make a public statement regarding the infidelity video. Inside the lobby, Jada was eager, while Will sported a sullen expression, not having smiled in days. With his hands shoved deep in his pockets, he was unwilling to say much. ????????????? James Locke could only state, "Time is tight, and they''re still holding our vulnerabilities, so we can only make the choice that benefits you most for now." "I don''t blame you," Will understood that without James''s decisive intervention using money, his video with Duane would''ve likely been leaked by those bastards, which would''ve been far worse. James checked the time, saying, "Let''s wrap this up, preserve your career, and we can deal with the rest later." Frustrated, Will waved to Jada for her to join him as they stepped outside. Close to a hundred journalists surrounded the entrance. Los Angeles 9 even brought their broadcasting truck to the vicinity. Maha was maintaining order, ensuring Will and Jada could address the press. Will addressed the crowd of microphones, saying, "There have been issues in my marriage with Jada, but our relationship is not broken, and we never intended to part ways. We are committed to facing the challenges in our marriage." Jada added, "Since the start, Will and I have given each other trust and freedom. Our marriage cannot be a prison. However, to the outside world, the media and public opinion believe we have problems, and we will provide clarity on that." Will continued, "Where things went wrong, we aim to fix there. Over the past few days, Jada and I have been in discussions with Twitter about hosting a live broadcast for our most important conversation since getting married." The crowd gasped, and reporters from various networks shouted, "Will, Los Angeles 9 is a more suitable platform than the internet!" "ABC is ready for you at any time!" "Fox 11 is offering prime time!" Will and Jada chose not to respond further and turned to re-enter the CAA building. ... As news spread, Twitter found itself under the limelight again. The heat from the infidelity video had yet to cool off, and now the news of Will and Jada going live on Twitter for this crucial dialogue only fueled the fire. Twitter''s traffic surged yet again. The next day, Hawke, Maha, and James had a conference call. Following their discussion, Maha personally updated Will and Jada''s official Twitter account, displaying a promotional poster. Marriage is Not a Prison Underneath the title was a heartfelt photo of Will Smith gazing into Jada''s eyes. Below it was the time for the live broadcast. A couple''s infidelity, yet their relationship seemingly intact, with an intention to resolve matters through dialogue, was a major hook, especially with one of the parties being Hollywood superstar Will Smith. The buzz was through the roof. As a result, many internet users rushed to create Twitter accounts to follow Will and Jada. Seizing the moment, Hawke introduced a computer installation version of Twitter, which saw downloads exceed two million on the same day. ... At that time, Megan Taylor dropped by. In the office, Hawke welcomed his longtime friend. Megan glanced around his office, saying, "The last time you mentioned diving into web media, I thought you''d be in a slump for a while, and I didn''t expect you''d make it to this level in just two months." Hawke replied, "I was lucky and happened to catch Will Smith''s video." "Do you need to say this to me?" Megan shook her head, "You''ve never done anything the conventional way." S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke reiterated, "The business world is like a battlefield; without unconventional tactics, my investments risk going down the drain." Megan then brought up another matter, "How about collaborating for Friday''s broadcast?" Hawke flatly replied, "I''m sorry, I have an exclusive deal with Will." Megan didn''t press further and shifted the subject, "You haven''t visited in a while; my plumbing is clogged and I could use a man''s help." "I''ll get to it after this busy week," Hawke said honestly. "The next few days are crucial for me, I''ve only been getting a few hours of sleep." Megan made a quick visit and went as quickly as she came, "I won''t bother you anymore." ... Hawke spent the week navigating through busy schedules as Twitter rose alongside Will Smith''s news. Reporters even began gathering outside Twitter''s office building. After seven rehearsal runs, the technical team resolved all live streaming issues. Hawke held a final meeting, deciding to supplement the video broadcast with live text updates. Meanwhile, various comments flew around on Twitter, with rumors and images swirling about Will and Jada Smith. Twitter''s real-time sharing feature activated, causing fast dissemination of information. Netizens enthusiastically dug into the past, unearthing names of actresses who had previously dated Will Smith, listing photos and timelines of their relationships and breakups. Jada Smith was no exception, with Tupac''s name rising to prominence. Entertainment journalists needed not to scour far; they could directly repost from Twitter. Even more absurd, every leading lady who had ever worked alongside Will was pulled into the frenzy. In a sense, they weren''t entirely innocent bystanders. Trailing Jada Smith was a long list of names of African American rappers. With the Twitter-driven scandal, the Will Smith infidelity saga appeared to spiral into a collective entertainment frenzy reminiscent of something ten years down the line. Everyone participated in collecting stories, sharing allegations, and indulging in the unfolding spectacle. The visceral experience of being part of it all wasn''t something one could get from merely reading newspapers or watching television. This was the advantage of social media. ... On Friday afternoon, Will Smith and Jada, along with Maha and James, arrived at Twitter''s headquarters. Hawke and Caroline conducted a final briefing. The couple''s attracted enough attention that by now, the specifics didn''t even matter. Hawke maintained a serious focus, intent on seeing it through. Will and Jada took the as a chance at personal promotion, even bringing their son and daughter along. This was quintessentially the Smiths. ... By around 7:30 PM, Hawke stood in the makeshift broadcast room. Seated next to him was Caroline, working on text editing, and Harland from technical. The latter reported, "Website traffic has exceeded seven million and is still growing rapidly." Kasim remarked, "The server is under high load." Hawke responded, "Keep monitoring the live status." Caroline added, "Will and Jada''s is trending first on both Google and Yahoo News!" Her assistant, Sasha, chimed in, "Multiple forums have connected live stream links to Twitter." ... By eight o''clock, Hawke asked Harland, "What''s the current count?" Harland checked the backend, his mouth agape as if ready to eat someone: "Boss, the real-time view count has surpassed ten million!" Hawke ordered, "Let''s start." Outside the broadcast studio, James and Maha sat at a computer, fixated on the display screen. Across North America, millions awaited the broadcast to commence. Frank, the scruffy old guy, seized Edward''s office to watch the live stream from his own computer. On the Twitter live stream, the trailer for abruptly cut off. Sony Columbia had dispatched someone to inquire about the situation, and upon receiving the relevant updates, they sent over the trailer. Celebrity infidelity, whether from one party or both, was hardly groundbreaking in Hollywood. The live stream transformed into shots of Will and Jada seated across from each other at the red round table. Jada opened, "Hi, Will." Will nodded in response. Jada immediately got to the point, "The events of the past few days have left fans and media itching to surround us." Will assumed a socially responsible demeanor, "We''ve occupied too many public resources." With a serious expression, Jada said, "We vowed to love each other forever. Why has it come to this? When did we suddenly change?" Will replied, "Since the birth of our daughter. Remember? You had postpartum depression, and after Willow was weaned, we separated." "Yes, that separation happened," Jada emphasized, for in media and law, a separation doesn''t count as infidelity, which could dilute the negative sentiment aimed at them. Jada continued, "I felt particularly distressed at that time, and no one was there to share the burden except Nate Dogg, who would come by every day to care for me, and I naturally fell into a relationship with him." Will''s voice deepened, "I discovered it and felt heartbroken. I thought we would be completely over, and I started seeing other people until you came back." Jada nodded, "You told me that no matter what I did, you would support me." "Because every morning when I woke up, I found you crying in your sleep," Will said. "I counted; the longest sadness lasted for 45 days. That was the most terrible time in our marriage, and I felt like a failure." Jada added, "During that time, we referred to each other as life partners." Tears streamed down her face, "We even stopped claiming we were married." Will Smith cried as well, and although he was not known for his acting prowess, he still had a red nose from the tears. This couple wasn''t yelling or losing their tempers; there were no accusations between them. The content of the was structured by Hawke, with the Smiths filling in the specifics. This ensured there would be ample viewing interest. The odd Smiths reflected on their past, even swapping perspectives and considering conversations from each other''s viewpoints. They resolved to reflect on their actions and rekindle their marriage. Jada stated, "I once thought we could never reconcile, but after everything, I realized that you, our son, and daughter are what matters most to me." Will displayed great magnanimity, "You don''t believe in traditional marriage, so we have to give each other trust and freedom. For me, freedom and trust are the highest definitions of love." Jada responded, "As long as we keep our conscience clear, we can do anything we want." They shared a knowing smile, fist-bumped, simultaneously reciting, "We overcome difficulties together and face death together; our marriage remains unchanging!" As the broadcast picture froze, the came to an end. ... When the camera turned off, the Smiths rose and walked away from the round red table without a word. In Edward''s small office, Frank shut down his computer, shaking his head slightly: "A newly blossoming model couple in Hollywood and quite an unusual way of handling relationships." James and Maha approached Will and Jada. James reminded them, "There are reporters outside, so when you walk out later, make sure to hold hands." He thought for a moment before adding, "Hug one child each while you hold hands." Will grasped his wife''s hand tightly: "Let''s do it now." "Wait for me a moment," James said as he went to find Hawke but was stopped outside the makeshift broadcast room. One security guard said, "Please wait a moment, the president and several directors are tying up a few loose ends." James nodded slightly. ... In the broadcast room, Hawke instructed Caroline, "Put the video on the homepage, select exciting highlights, and create a short clip for easy sharing." He recalled, "During the live stream, Will and Jada had several impactful actions and lines. Let''s make them into site emojis; we''ll pay the licensing fees and allow users to use them for free." Kasim had previously heard Hawke discuss emojis in detail, and he replied, "That''s not technically difficult and can be executed easily." Hawke then spoke to Caroline''s assistant, Sasha, "You take charge of guiding online entertainment and maintain the buzz as long as possible." Sasha responded, "I''m on it." Hawke finally asked Harland, "Have the peak viewership numbers been gathered yet?" Harland replied, "The peak reached 12.35 million users watching." "Great job, everyone!" Hawke commended, knowing how to motivate his team, "Keep it up; bonuses are not an issue." The team was filled with enthusiasm. ... As Hawke exited the broadcast room, he saw James and shook his hand: "What an excellent talk show." James managed a forced smile and said, "Don''t forget your promises." Hawke waved down the corridor, and Edward came running over with a storage device to hand directly to James. "Inside is the original video," Hawke stated plainly, "I will honor our agreement." James replied, "That will do." He took the storage device and rejoined Will Smith and the others as they left Twitter. ... As James got into his car downstairs, he called, "I advise CAA to prohibit all clients from collaborating with Twitter." The person on the other end responded, "Tom Cruise and Steve Nutt have had personal Twitter accounts for a while, we can''t rein them in." With their status and importance, if either of them were unhappy with CAA, they could easily cut ties. Moreover, Tom Cruise had come away empty-handed from this year''s Oscars and was ready to fire CAA after a falling out with his agent, Kingsley. James''s expression darkened. Facing high-profile star clients, the agency was rather powerless; any management contract could only last three years. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 163: New Mission, New Goals [Chapter 164: New Mission, New Goals] Santa Monica, Ocean Park Boulevard. Hawke stepped out of the makeshift gym located on the basement level of the office building. He went upstairs to his office, took a shower, and changed clothes in his suite. When he emerged, Caroline arrived just in time to deliver breakfast. It was a very exquisite meal, fitting her usual taste perfectly. Caroline sat on the couch, tilting her head as she watched Hawke eat the breakfast she had brought. A smile crept onto her face as she noticed how seriously he was enjoying it. But then, a serious issue crossed her mind. For quite some time now, she had been bringing Hawke breakfast every morning, specifically choosing expensive, high-end options, and it had cost her a fortune. She wondered if she could get reimbursed. Hawke logged onto his Twitter account to check the latest news. He switched between several major news sites and saw that the Smiths'' episode was trending at the top of the news cycle. The Will Smith of now was different from the one over a decade in the future; he had already begun to fall from grace and was now nicknamed "the Fresh Prince" more ironically. The discussions on Twitter were vibrant and intense. "Open discussions about cheating, open conversations about open marriages; Hollywood stars continuously lower my standards of understanding." "This couple just released cheating videos; the so-called is just a crisis management stunt." "The movies from Valley are nowhere near as outrageous as this couple." "Reality certainly outshines fiction." "Twitter revealed Smith''s cheating videos, and they''re live-streaming on Twitter! I seriously suspect that Twitter has even worse secrets about them." ... After finishing breakfast and rinsing his mouth, the workday had just begun when he received a call from Erica''s mother. Mary Ferguson got straight to the point, "Based on your activity on the internet, it seems you''ve wrapped up a phase, right?" Hawke replied, "Today should be a bit more relaxed." "I''ll come by your place to take a look." Mary had been observing everything happening lately from a distance. Hawke welcomed her warmly: "Come by anytime." ... Half an hour later, a Rolls-Royce Phantom belonging to Mary Ferguson pulled up at the office building. Hawke had been waiting for her at the entrance. They went upstairs to the conference room, and Mary immediately asked, "How many registered users are there now?" Hawke had just checked the statistics that morning. "12.45 million and still growing rapidly." Mary smiled, "I remember a month ago, that number was only 30,000." "Exactly." Hawke mentioned another matter, "I finalized the investment agreement early; Pacific Investment Group''s $5 million investment was utilized effectively." R¦¡£Î????????????? Despite the Pacific Investment Group being controlled by the Ferguson family, with Mary herself as the CEO, their initial agreement was a gamble; they had agreed that user numbers must rise to 200,000 by May. Mary clearly underestimated Hawke. She wondered if Erica''s judgment was that sharp. Yet, considering her husband Carter''s choice to forsake daughters from prominent families for her, it made a sense. Her husband''s eyes were keen, so of course, their daughter would also have sharp instincts. Mary completely recognized Hawke''s capabilities and looked toward the future: "You''ve won. I''ll have the rest of the agreement finalized quickly; you''ll hold absolute control." The early stages of social media often required burning through cash like crazy, and with the approach Hawke had taken, it would be impossible for him alone to manage. Even if one had insight and capacity, breaking through in such a complex society was incredibly tough. Mary suggested tentatively, "If you''re willing to bring in investment now, with Pacific Investment Group backing, securing a valuation of over $100 million for Twitter shouldn''t be difficult." Upon hearing this, Hawke recognized where Erica had developed such habits. "There''s no rush. Over the next six months, I''m confident I can double or even triple the number of Twitter users." The user count signified a leap in company valuation. Mary nodded, "Do what you need to do; I''ll help shoulder the pressure." Hawke candidly remarked, "My methods can be pretty wild." Mary dismissed this, "Every new company aiming to grow must experience bloody struggles; every drop of blood from competitors solidifies the foundation of the company and strengthens its power." From her personal experiences, she reminded him, "Rules only restrain those who should follow them, not us." Hawke understood the implication in her words: "If those old-school guys dare take revenge, I''ll cut off their hands." Mary nodded, "Call Brian if you need support." Hawke was fully aware that this support extended beyond legal assistance. Mary Ferguson followed Hawke to tour several departments including operations, editing, and technology before leaving shortly thereafter. ... In the afternoon, Hawke attended an interview session, convening a brief meeting with the heads of various departments. The most urgent mission Twitter faced was to capitalize on the surge of traffic stemming from the cheating scandal and the . This operation not only led to a significant increase in user numbers but also helped Twitter build a genuine reputation across North America. Freelance journalists were now approaching to sell news. For operations, Hawke was inspired by Will Smith''s agent, James Locke. When the buzz and traffic dropping, he planned to contact telecom companies, promoting through mass text messaging. Additionally, he was serious about security. This was a top priority. Hawke had no doubt that someone would attempt to storm Twitter''s office with a gun in the future. Consequently, all security personnel had professional credentials. If anyone attempted to storm the office armed, they could shoot back. ... S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. That evening, Hawke went to a safe house in Santa Monica with Edward to meet Campos. "You did well this time," Hawke praised first, then asked, "How''s the personnel situation?" Handling the one million dollar reward poorly could lead to losing morale. "Everyone seems stable," Campos summarized his management approach. Hawke slightly nodded, "That''s good." Considering the troubles caused by the recent incidents, he stressed, "We need to reinforce personnel training. No more basic mistakes like that." Campos noted, "I''ve put together a new training program. In addition to tracking, investigation, and filming, I''ve got people with legal permits starting to practice shooting at a range." Hawke agreed, "Excellent, depending on anyone else in critical situations is not as dependable as relying on ourselves." Campos mentioned, "During this time, we''ve started to pick up some smaller jobs. What about you, boss?" Hawke had come with a new objective: "Keep an eye on Leonardo DiCaprio; he''s engaged to Gisele Bundchen, but from what I know, Leonardo will absolutely not marry Gisele. They could break up at any moment." Campos pulled out a small notebook and wrote down Leonardo and Gisele''s names. Chasing after trending news was perfect for celebrities. The night before the , Hawke had been contemplating this direction. He recalled a few suitable candidates, "How about socialite Paris Hilton? Check her boyfriends from recent years and prepare a detailed list." He vaguely recalled first seeing Paris and her infamous night in Paris in 2005, but from the male party''s account, the tape was made before Paris turned twenty, meaning it was shot back in 2001. What was this guy''s name? Hawke couldn''t remember. Even though everyone enjoyed such tapes, who cared about the leading man''s name? However, he thought that just looking at the photos might jog his memory. Campos asked while writing, "Should we follow Paris Hilton?" Hawke considered this socialite''s usual style, replying, "A follow wouldn''t hurt; stay focused on identifying her boyfriends." "I understand," Campos nodded. Currently, the Butterfly company had limited manpower; Hawke set forth just these two tasks. The first was time-sensitive and needed to be published as quickly as possible; the second could proceed discreetly. It would be best to obtain a recording. Campos left promptly. ... Hawke and Edward returned to the company. Edward hadn''t been to Brentwood for several days. He told Hawke he was in a rush to go find Deborah. ... Hawke switched cars, leaving the office and quietly making his way to West Los Angeles to enter Megan Taylor''s home. Her house had plumbing issues. Hawke, being a good Samaritan, rushed over to prepare and help her fix it. At 9:30 PM, Megan arrived home, driving her BMW 7-series. As soon as she walked in, Hawke''s eyes lit up. Wearing a white shirt and a fitted skirt, black stockings, and those sky-high heels, she also wore a pair of non-prescription glasses perched on her nose. Hawke joked, "I checked; your plumbing is fine." Megan took steps toward him, stating, "There''s one place you haven''t checked." "I''ll grab the tools," Hawke stood up to meet her. Megan smirked, "Normal tools won''t do; you''ve got to use the lamp pole of lamp pole of the god of war." Hawke charged forward. ... The two tangled together passionately, almost as if they had gone mad. Megan was against marriage, neither wanting to tie the knot nor have children. When Hawke had inquired about her family, she showed no desire to discuss it. He stopped asking. Once the plumbing was cleared, Hawke grabbed a bottle of water from the liquor cabinet and sat down to chat with Megan. Megan asked, "You won''t be providing me with news anymore?" Hawke replied straightforwardly, "The paparazzi was my only option when I first came to LA; now I have better choices." He thought for a moment, "I''m sure we''ll have collaborations in the future." Megan nodded, "Hopefully, they''ll be massive news that rocks the world." She never hid her ambition around Hawke, stating, "I want to win a Pulitzer Prize." Hawke laughed, "I think the Nobel Peace Prize might be easier." Megan wondered, "How could that happen?" "As long as you become the owner of the Oval Office," Hawke stated as a fact, "They''d hand the Nobel Peace Prize to you, even if you ignited battles left and right." Megan provocatively asked, "Is there a Nobel Prize for Biology?" "There''s a Nobel Prize for Medicine," Hawke informed her. Megan said, "I want to study a new discipline: the lamp pole of god of war and genetics." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 164: Head Hunter [Chapter 165: Head Hunter] East Hollywood, Fountain Street. Hawke personally took down the bronze sign from West Coast Media Studios and handed it to Frank, "Put this in the van." Edward emerged from the door with a box in his arms, and Frank casually placed the sign atop it. As Hawke entered the studio, he knew some of the packing work had to be done himself, especially hiding the firearms scattered throughout various rooms. Frank picked up another box and followed behind. By the time they were finished on the ground floor, the old man struggled to carry the box. He glanced down at it, filled with handguns, shotguns, ARs, MP5s, and military knives. Each gun had at least one spare magazine. Frank couldn''t help but ask, "How many guns did you actually buy?" Hawke casually replied, "Not many -- just around twenty guns." That''s all that mattered -- this house gave him access to a weapon at any time. Once the firearms were packed up, they moved upstairs to retrieve the remaining ones. The lease for the Fountain Street place was up, and Hawke decided not to renew it; the west coast studio would relocate to Ocean Park Boulevard, adding a nameplate for Twitter. Edward''s office could serve as the new West Coast studio. All weapons, office supplies, and photography equipment were properly packed into a cargo van. The modified safe also had to come along. Hawke coordinated with the property manager. Since he had made some alterations to the house, he settled the small compensation quickly and efficiently. Edward drove them directly to Santa Monica. Hawke had newly rented a not-so-big standalone villa on 20th Street in Santa Monica. This site was even closer to Ocean Park Boulevard. The house was two stories tall, with red roofs and yellow walls, a brick-and-mortar structure equipped with a small yard and garage, surrounded by walls over three meters high. The area was filled with similar two-story houses, with no taller buildings nearby. Moreover, there were no towering trees or streetlight poles surrounding the house. As soon as Frank stepped inside, he picked up on a critical point: "Great privacy; you''re ridiculously cautious." "Can''t help it; I''ve had my share of messy situations," Hawke replied straightforwardly, "This way, I can sleep a little easier." Frank clasped his hands behind his back, slipping into critical mode: "Starting a business is really tough for the young folks; to make quick money, one must take some risks." R?¦¡????o?????????? Edward came in carrying boxes, "A few days ago, a company wanted to acquire 30% of Twitter for $25 million; its valuation is now close to a hundred million. At your peak, could you compare to my boss?" He mockingly added, "Don''t forget, you''re a failure now." Frank shot back dismissively, "Even if I''m a failure, my ancestors were the ones wielding whips to reward your ancestors." Edward was speechless. Frank continued to obliterate him: "You were once a broke loser, chasing divorced women with kids everywhere. Not anymore; now you''ve got money, and they''ll drain your wallet!" Edward retorted, "I''m not as foolish as you to tie the knot with those women!" "Do you need to get married?" Frank had been waiting for this moment, finally seizing the opportunity to strike back. "Think about the mess you two created; if a woman finds a way to accuse you, you could face serious troubles that''ll cost you tons of time, energy, and money, until you''re completely drained!" Edward had been shadowing Hawke this whole time, witnessing the situations involving Sarah Parker and Jada Smith. He found himself at a loss for words. Frank was merciless in his counterattack: "Want to know my ex-wife''s name? I can tell you for free; they ruined me like this, and your net worth? Ha!" Edward lowered his head and went outside to move boxes, not keen to learn Frank''s ex-wife''s name. Hawke walked in with two large gun bags and urged Frank, "Stop chatting; get to work." "You''re a modern-day slave owner!" Frank raised his middle finger but quickly hurried to follow Edward''s pace. Hawke didn''t have much in personal belongings, moving into the villa quickly. ... The commotion of moving attracted the attention of their neighbor, a short man with a head full of blonde hair, who stepped out of his front door, curious about Hawke''s activity. Seeing Hawke and the others glance his way, he quickly approached the van to shake hands with Hawke, "Hey, new neighbor! I''m Jett Brown." S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This man was just about to Hawke''s shoulder height. Hawke shook his hand, "Hi, I''m Hawke Osment." Jett Brown also greeted Edward and Frank, politely saying, "Just moved in? Need any help?" "Thank you," Hawke smiled, "We''ll be done shortly." Edward and Frank each carried two gun bags down from the back of the van. Hawke went over to grab the last gun bag. Jett Brown immediately noticed the long guns inside, his expression slightly changed. Hawke explained, "I''m a firearms enthusiast; these are my collectibles." Such collections were common in North America. Jett Brown replied, "Actually, I''m a gun enthusiast too." Hawke cordially remarked, "Let''s exchange experiences sometime." Jett Brown nodded and asked, "What do you do for a living?" "Online media," Hawke pulled out a business card to hand to him. Jett Brown took it and saw the designation of Twitter''s CEO; his face brightened with a radiant smile, "You''re the CEO of Twitter?" Before Hawke could answer, he took out his own business card and handed it to Hawke, "I''m a senior talent consultant at Glimmer International in Los Angeles. If you need anyone in terms of talent, feel free to reach out." Hawke grasped the situation. "You''re a headhunter." Jett reached over to shake hands, "Hope we can collaborate sometime." Hawke nodded at the gun bags he was holding, smiling as he followed Edward and Frank inside the gate. ... Jett walked back, standing before his own front door, glancing at the cargo van and then at the card in his hand, deep in thought. Behind him, the door opened, revealing a tall blonde woman who stood half a head taller than him, asking, "Did someone move next door?" That was Jett''s girlfriend Diana Lund, a model. Jett showed her the business card, "The super-hot Twitter CEO." Diana glanced at the card and looked toward the van, "Everyone''s talking about Twitter; they say they have some explosive dirt on Will Smith." She seemed intrigued. "My agency -- CAA -- has strong opinions about him." Jett, a headhunter with good judgment, cautioned, "Don''t provoke him; he''s a tough character." Diana listened intently, "I''m just a small model; I wouldn''t interfere in big shot disputes." The couple quickly returned to their home. ... Hawke instructed Edward to temporarily move the unnecessary items to the storeroom, while he began organizing the firearms in the pre-selected area. Even on the second-story rooftop, he concealed ARs and shotguns. Frank asked him, "Doesn''t this lifestyle wear you out?" "Life doesn''t stop, and neither does the chaos!" Not only was Hawke not tired, but he was also invigorated. "You''ve overlooked one thing; such matters not only provide entertainment, but they also allow me to earn a fortune." He laid out the facts, "How did my millions come about? Isn''t it all because of stirring up troubles?" Frank reflected on this for a moment, realizing Hawke spoke the truth. ... Just as Hawke finished organizing his firearms, he received a call. It was Jacqueline, someone he hadn''t spoken to much since the acting class wrapped up. The last time they had met, Jacqueline borrowed money from him to help a friend''s daughter. Hawke instructed Edward to drive them first to drop off Frank at Venice Beach, then they would switch cars at the office and head to Hober Hill Park. At the usual spot in the park, Hawke met Jacqueline. Jacqueline greeted him, "Long time no see." Edward looked her up and down, "You seem different." Jacqueline asked with a smile, "Do I look more like an actress?" "Have you got any roles lately?" Hawke inquired. Jacqueline''s smile vanished, "I''ve only gotten background roles on two sets; I didn''t even get a line. The bastards in the casting team slept with me but didn''t fulfill their promises at all." She had come to a harsh realization: "You were right; merely sleeping around doesn''t make one a star. Even when I approached the production team, after sleeping with them, they still didn''t give me roles." With the previous incident involving the underage actress and the ongoing situation with Will Smith and CAA, the path Hawke was treading clearly put him at odds with Hollywood stars. He presumed Jacqueline wanted to find a role and bluntly said, "Aside from Eric Emerson, I don''t know any other directors to help you find roles." "That''s not it; I''m not asking you for help in finding roles." Jacqueline opened her handbag and pulled out a photo to hand to Hawke, "This is Kristen Johnson; we''ve worked together on two sets. Like me, she has dreams of stardom, and we often hang out during production." Hawke looked at the photo, a beautiful blonde girl. On appearance alone, she even surpassed Jacqueline. Jacqueline continued, "Five days ago, she suddenly went missing. I''ve been calling her, but she won''t pick up. I''ve checked her place, and her clothes and luggage were still there; she disappeared completely." Hawke asked, "How old was she?" Jacqueline replied, "She was at most eighteen; she might not even be seventeen." She recounted what she understood, "Kristen and I both slept with people from the production crew. I don''t have a clue what happened; it''s like she vanished from the world." Edward interjected, "Didn''t anyone report it?" Jacqueline clarified, "Her mom did report it. The last time I saw Kristen, she mentioned she had spoken with her family, making amends with her mother; after that, her mom couldn''t reach her anymore and came to LA to report her missing." She glanced around, ensuring no one else was around before stating, "Could Kristen have ended up like Jessica...?" Hawke remembered that name: "Jessica, the one you met at Superstar Acting School?" Jacqueline reminded him, "Jessica went missing, as I told you." Hawke questioned, "Didn''t I tell you not to get involved in this matter? You didn''t look into it, did you?" "No, I''ve been listening to you, treating it as if it never happened," Jacqueline understood Hawke''s more aggressive style, and knowing he was concerned, she certainly would not pry. Hawke recalled something: "Which company funded the set you worked on?" Jacqueline noted, "Many companies and funds collaborated; it seems that the main producers were Sony Columbia and Ackerman Films." Hawke had heard that name before and immediately tucked away Kristen''s photo, telling Jacqueline, "Write down her details for me, but don''t look into this anymore." Jacqueline agreed. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 165: A Gripping Reality, A Pretender Detective [Chapter 166: A Gripping Reality, A Pretender Detective] A Hollywood girl was missing, and only Hawke knew that this was the third case. The first two incidents occurred at Super Star Training School, while this one came from a film crew. Behind it all lay a name: Ackerman Films. Jacqueline had taken two photos of herself with Kristen from her rented apartment. Hawke immediately cut the photos, returning the half with her in it. Edward drove back as Hawke looked over the materials in his lap. He was well aware that the situation related to Ackerman Films but felt utterly powerless; it was infuriating. After a moment of thought, Hawke called Campos and then went to visit his bank safety deposit box to retrieve the files of the two missing female students from the acting class, placing them together. ... Roughly fifteen minutes later, they met in an underground parking lot. Campos handed Hawke a file folder, saying, "Here''s the information on Paris Hilton''s boyfriends from the past five years." Hawke tucked it away, then put on gloves, handing over the fingerprint-removed photos and data to Campos. As Campos slipped on gloves, he received everything, and Hawke instructed, "You should personally run this over, print out the data again tonight, and send it to Fox News." Campos accepted and organized the information. Hawke recalled a woman who initially wanted to take him down, saying, "Fox News has a morning show called , hosted by Gretchen. Check her email and send her the data." "Gretchen! Got it," Campos said, exiting after a quick call, leaving Los Angeles disguised as a tourist from Mexico, heading towards Las Vegas. ... As Edward drove out of the parking lot, he asked, "Boss, do you think Gretchen will cover it? Will she investigate?" "I''m not sure," Hawke pondered before responding, "People in the news business often have a strong curiosity. The Hollywood Jewish influence is part of a deep blue entity. Fox has gained notoriety in recent years; if these two collide, it will certainly be spectacular." Edward added, "And we can mess with that bad woman Gretchen too." Hawke replied, "Let''s hope she possesses the adventurous spirit of a journalist." In this world, even in America, not everyone considered the pros and cons first. There were still some idealists out there. Hawke wasn''t sure if Gretchen had this adventurous spirit, but he acknowledged she was an ambitious woman. The risk was high, but the opportunity was too. Hawke understood how Fox operated. They could give it a try; even without immediate action from Fox, news leads like this would be archived. One day, someone might decide to investigate. ??????§°¦Â?? ... Once back at the office, Hawke noticed Frank was giving a class to Caroline. This guy had experience managing multiple crews and an abundance of operational knowledge. Hawke stepped into the office and opened the file Campos had sent over, examining the information inside. It detailed a list of Paris Hilton''s boyfriends whom she had dated for over a month in the last five years. Some names were public, while others circulated only within elite social circles. Paris Hilton was currently thick as thieves with Britney Spears, frequently making tabloid headlines. Although the wild trio still lacked Lindsay Lohan, they were already gaining considerable notoriety. Hawke carefully scrolled through the photos in the file. His mind drifted to the "Paris Tonight" video he had seen more than once. The male lead had appeared on it several times. Hawke quickly recognized a familiar face alongside the corresponding details. The man was Rick Salomon, thirteen years older than Paris Hilton. He was a semi-amateur actor as well as a professional poker player, residing in Las Vegas. His background wasn''t particularly solid; his father, Old Salomon, had previously served as vice president in a Warner subsidiary film company but was fired a few years back. Despite this, he wasn''t hard on the eyes and had a gift for gab. He had dated multiple famous actresses, with his ex-lover list including not just Paris Hilton but Pamela Anderson as well. Rick Salomon had already broken up with Paris Hilton, apparently initiated by her, and the split was quite unpleasant due to financial disputes. Hawke scrutinized the photograph, recalling it distinctly -- it was indeed Rick Salomon. This guy had a video tape. Hawke picked up his phone and called Campos, stating, "Rick Salomon. Once you wrap up the documents over there, try to make contact with him. I''ve heard he has a tape of him and Paris Hilton. Try to buy it from him." ... After hanging up, Campos found a place to park. He retrieved Rick Salomon''s material and noted that he had been living in Las Vegas. As luck would have it, Campos was headed to Las Vegas as well, so he''d make a detour to check in on him. ... Meanwhile, Hawke received a call from Erica. "The villa in Silver Lake is finally renovated!" Erica sounded excited. "Want to head over to check it out after work?" Hawke agreed immediately, "Sure thing, I''ll head there directly after my shift." Erica said, "I just ran into a tricky case; I need to process some paperwork, and then I''ll be on my way." The Silver Lake community was closer to the detective bureau. Hawke decided to leave early, driving his armored Mercedes towards Silver Lake. ... After experiencing the Mule Gang''s nighttime gunfight, Silver Lake dramatically transformed. The previously semi-closed community had turned fully gated, with several security personnel patrolling the entrance. Many surveillance cameras dotted the community''s exterior. Hawke drove along the main road leading to the lakefront villas and noticed security vehicles patrolling. Advance precautions had been set in place, preventing a recurrence of the previous gunfight. He silently complained, arriving in front of Erica''s villa. The surrounding wall was taller, topped with electric fencing, and the covert surveillance camera he and Erica installed still operated. The property management company was genuinely renovating the villa''s exterior. Beyond the electric fencing, cameras similar to the ones at the perimeter of the community had been added. Hawke used the remote to open the gate and drove in. The driveway sported newly replaced granite. At the villa entrance sat a brand-new red Mercedes G-Class. Erica stood beside it, looking as if she had just arrived. Her long hair was pulled back, her sharp features suggesting confidence; her leather boots and form-fitting pants emphasized her toned legs -- she resembled a powerful cat ready to spring. Hawke parked next to the G-Class. They got out and shared a passionate kiss. After a moment, they began exploring the villa''s courtyard together. The lawn had all been replaced, and the bulletproof glass upgraded. The walls and sculptures, once riddled with bullet holes, had been retained as per Erica''s request, preserving their original charm. Erica''s aesthetic was certainly unique. She took Hawke''s hand and led him to a nearby stone sculpture, tracing her fingers over the bullet holes. "This is a special experience worth commemorating. We must leave some marks behind." Hawke chuckled, "By the way, I brought some guns from the office. Let''s put a few in every room of the villa." Suddenly, Erica had an idea: "I''ve got a great suggestion! We should build an underground shooting range in the basement. Practice shooting above and below ground." "Good idea." Hawke took her hand, leading her, "Let''s go try it out." Once they entered the villa''s foyer, without reaching the basement, their jackets hit the floor with a thud. An intense shootout began. ... After some time, they emerged from the basement back into the foyer of the villa. Hawke, having exerted most of the energy, slumped onto the sofa, gasping for air, while clothes lay strewn across the room. Erica picked up clothes as she approached him. She handed him his pants and shirt while slipping back into her outfit, then headed to the entrance to retrieve their jackets. Picking up Hawke''s jacket, a photograph slipped out. Erica quickly snatched it up, glancing at it. The picture featured a stunning blonde girl, likely around eighteen. Most critically, Erica recognized her. She couldn''t pretend she hadn''t seen it. After a moment''s pause, she entered the room with Hawke''s jacket, purposefully saying, "A photo fell out of your jacket. It''s a girl." Hawke replied, "A girl''s photo?" Upon hearing this, Erica relaxed and handed the picture back, asking, "Who is she? She looks beautiful." Hawke accepted the photo, recognizing it as the one Jacqueline had provided. He had brought it along intending to show Erica, stating, "A news tip from a source. The girl in the picture is Kristen Johnson, a small actress from Hollywood who went missing a few days ago -- no sign of her whatsoever." Erica took the photo back, examining it closely. Hawke continued, "The source mentioned that Kristen''s mother rushed to Los Angeles from out of town and reported her missing." "Yes, the report was filed." Erica explained, realizing Hawke was connected to the case. "The case is currently at the detective bureau, under my team''s jurisdiction. Kristen''s mother, Bryce, has been pursuing us, demanding we find her daughter." Hawke inquired, "Have any leads come up?" Erica shook her head, adding, "Do you remember the serial missing persons case I mentioned last year? About all those young, beautiful girls going missing?" "Vividly," Hawke recalled sharply, since the detective bureau shelved those cases after he had mentioned the missing students from the acting class. Erica asked, "Does your news source have any clues?" Hawke contemplated before saying, "Perhaps. It might be complicated. I recommend you stay hands-off, as it was last time." S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Erica understood immediately, "Are you suggesting Kristen is linked to the serial missing persons case?" "It seems highly likely..." Hawke proceeded to share the developments Jacqueline uncovered, along with the disappearance connected to Matthew Broderick. Erica''s family had connections in politics and business. Her grandfather had been a senator. From Hawke''s explanation, she deduced a conclusion: "There''s evidently a powerful hand behind these disappearances." Hawke mentioned, "I suspect it''s connected to the Ackerman family." "Don''t suspect; they''re undeniably involved," Erica asserted decisively. "The Ackerman family''s operations are primarily rooted in Hollywood, a part of the deep blue establishment." She was clear-headed, and the moniker "Gripping Detective" was more about the gripping than the detective skills, as Erica didn''t seek justice or truth. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 166: Another Tape [Chapter 167: Video Tape Again] The living room of the villa was momentarily quiet. Hawke and Erica, as a young couple, shared a strong sense of political awareness shaped by their respective backgrounds, keenly aware of the cruel and dark sides of societal competition. Erica stated, "As a small cop, I can''t investigate these cases." Hawke proposed, "Let someone stubborn lead the way." "Since I lead a small task force, I''m responsible for my team''s safety." Erica never considered endangering her colleagues. "If they can''t find anything, that''s fine. But if they uncover something, their safety will be in jeopardy." Hawke slightly shook his head, "No, that''s not what I meant." He simply stated, "I plan to send Kristen Johnson and Jessica''s information secretly from out of state to the Fox network." Erica asked, "Your friend Megan Taylor?" "Her rival, Gretchen," Hawke thought aloud. "Media under News Corp tends to be very bold. Gretchen has been with Fox for years; even if she doesn''t dare investigate herself, she might submit the data to higher-ups upon receipt. It all hinges on whether Fox has the courage to confront deep blue." Erica grasped his plan: "Using Fox''s knife to test the waters?" Hawke elaborated, "Currently, the red and blue factions are clashing over the governor''s race; this might become a breakthrough point." Erica pondered for a moment, "Should I mention this to my grandfather?" Hawke shook his head, "Not yet. We need someone to take the lead in weathering the storm, and Fox fits the bill." "True," Erica agreed with Hawke''s viewpoint, "Fox and News Corp are both massive; they can easily handle this level of pressure." Hawke interjected, "I''m starving. Let''s make dinner together. We still have plenty to accomplish after." He turned to Erica, "Do you have uniforms and gear over there?" Erica replied candidly, "Knowing you like them, I''ve specially ordered a batch." Together, they headed to the kitchen; as Hawke prepared dinner, Erica donned a fresh chef''s outfit. Dinner had become anything but typical. ... The dazzling lights of Las Vegas illuminated the night. Having applied makeup, Campos donned gloves, arriving on the edge of the city. He located a mailbox, free of surveillance, and dropped off the mail. This package was directly sent to Gretchen at Fox News. Campos hurried off, meandering until he got into a rented Volkswagen sedan and drove toward the city center. Near the MGM Grand Hotel, he made a call. Rick Salomon''s acting career was more a game; after his father left Warner, he hadn''t played any roles again. Yet he had moderate fame among professional poker players. As long as one was willing to pay, detailed information on characters like him wasn''t hard to obtain. Campos wasn''t in a rush; he found a place to stay, waited overnight, and received a more detailed fax about Rick Salomon in his hotel room. People like Rick Salomon, when dubbed ''professional poker players,'' were merely professional gamblers. There were ups and downs in this profession. Campos discovered that Rick Salomon was quite the lowlife; his breakup with Paris Hilton stemmed partly from her maturing beyond the gullible eighteen-year-old, and also from his underhanded use of her funds to gamble. ????????????¦¯¦¢?S While media labeled Paris as a frivolous heiress, she wasn''t entirely void of intelligence. Young, wealthy, and indulgent, Paris reveled in her celebrity status. Rick Salomon had faced poor luck in finances over the past two years. Campos also obtained Rick Salomon''s number. He connected through an intermediary, reaching out to Rick Salomon, pitching a lucrative business deal that could involve hundreds of thousands. They agreed to meet in MGM Grand''s cafe. ... At 10:30 in the morning, Campos arrived at the MGM Grand, entering the cafe to quickly spot the hat-clad Rick Salomon. Upon seeing the Mexican man sporting a beard, he asked, "Are you my contact, Vidal?" "That''s me." Campos displayed a fake press badge for Salomon to see, stating, "I''m Vidal from , here from New York to meet you." Salomon was surprised, "A reporter? You guys want to interview me? I''m up for it." Campos lowered his voice, "Not exactly. We want to gather information about significant news." "What news?" Salomon didn''t consider himself notable within professional poker -- money was all that mattered: "If you want me to provide news, you''ll have to pay." Campos spun a tale, "While in New York, I heard from an East Side socialite that Paris Hilton once got drunk and revealed to her and a few close friends that she filmed several tapes during her time with you. She''s been worried about those tapes leaking." This incident nearly slipped Salomon''s mind; however, it jogged his memory of their trip to Paris, where they filmed quite a few tapes together. Campos scrutinized the expression on his face. "Looks like there indeed are some." Salomon acknowledged, "Yeah, she wanted it filmed... No, wait, she demanded we film it. It wasn''t my decision." He worried they were sent by the Hilton family: "Come on, when a woman requests, how can we men refuse, right?" Campos agreed, "I need exclusive video rights." In a sense, Salomon was this era''s golden boy, having a peculiar draw to younger women. But such people didn''t care about women; Salomon directly asked, "How much can you offer?" Campos answered, "A hundred thousand dollars." Salomon grinned, "Are you kidding? I was the male lead, and she was Paris Hilton." Campos said, "I haven''t seen the video yet, so I''m unsure of its content. If it''s just kissing and hugging, it''s not worth even five thousand dollars." sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "The content is along the lines of an adult film, I assure you," Salomon thought about it and confirmed that he was right: "There are scenes of me fucking her directly, and scenes of her blowing me..." Campos said, "You name your price." Salomon thought for a moment and said, "One million dollars." They began negotiating, ultimately settling on a figure of eight hundred thousand dollars. However, Campos insisted that when the footage aired, Salomon''s image should remain uncensored. Salomon confirmed he had no issue with this; he could appear directly when the video dropped, possibly sparking jealousy among men nationwide. Who knows? Perhaps it could revive his acting career. To Salomon, it seemed like a bragging right. Campos didn''t agree to pay upfront, maintaining that payment would follow once he viewed the footage. Salomon led him to his place, retrieving the camera they had used, setting it up to show the footage on the computer. Campos was quite satisfied with the video. He swiftly drafted contracts through his law firm that day, securing exclusive rights for eight hundred thousand dollars. He made several copies right away, carrying the original back to Los Angeles. One copy was sent to Butterfly Consulting, while another was shipped directly to Twitter. Once he finalized everything, Campos called Hawke, updating him on the situation. ... In Los Angeles, upon hearing Campos''s report, Hawke replied, "The day after tomorrow, send someone over to sell the footage to Twitter. The process will be the same as before." "Got it. I''ll be back by tomorrow," Campos confirmed. Hawke hung up, heading to the operations department to find Caroline. He asked, "How is Will Smith''s traffic holding up?" Caroline forced a smile, "In less than two weeks, it''s mostly stabilized. In Hollywood, scandal gossip fades quickly." She glanced at the data sheet: "The number of new registered users per day has dropped to fewer than 100,000, and daily active users are below ten million now." Hawke nodded, "Online traffic has always been like this; it surges quickly and reverts just as fast." Caroline continued, "Tomorrow, there''s a press conference at the Parker Center. Are you going?" "You can attend; I''ve already coordinated with them over there," Hawke explained. Using his connections with Mary Ferguson and Suzy, he established cooperation between Twitter and the LAPD. Connections were indeed a form of resource, and he intended to make use of all opportunities. Caroline inquired, "Should I represent the company at the press conference?" Hawke acknowledged, "Soon, you''ll be the company''s operations director." This was no empty promise. Caroline understood this too, her excitement evident as she beamed brighter than a sheep entering a slaughterhouse. "I''ll do my best!" She pondered for a moment, then asked, "Boss, any new hot news coming up?" "Something is brewing soon," Hawke replied, keeping his cards close. "Once the buzz from the Parker Center dies down, we''ll have new hot news on our hands." Caroline envisioned her millions a year''s salary ahead of her, "That''s wonderful! We can make a big push!" ... The following day, in downtown Los Angeles, Caroline represented Twitter, signing an exclusive online partnership agreement with Suzy, the head of LAPD''s media and public relations office, in front of numerous media witnesses. LAPD would activate their official Twitter account, utilizing it to issue announcements via the internet. That same afternoon, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced at their preseason conference that they would fully cooperate with Twitter, launching an official Dodgers Twitter account. Famed saint Steve Nutt attended the press conference while also announcing his personal Twitter account, sharing updates about his life with his Black son through the platform. This drew many fans and media to register accounts on Twitter, even some outlets proactively contacted Twitter to ask for their accounts for official verification. Meanwhile, Caroline had successfully negotiated the new video tape rights. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 167: Stance and Blade [Chapter 168: Stance and Blade] In the conference room, heavy drapes hung closed. The projector''s data cable connected to the computer, casting video footage on the screen, accompanied by strange sounds from the man and woman. Including Hawke, a group of Twitter''s management gathered here, collectively taking in the spectacle. Compared to the Smiths'' leaked video, Rick Salomon''s openly filmed footage of Paris Hilton was much clearer. Frank sat beside Edward, struggling to comprehend, "Is she out of her mind? How did she let someone film her like this? The Hilton family failed miserably in their upbringing." From the opposite side, Caroline quietly remarked, "I guess she''s not the main inheritor; she prioritizes enjoying life." Edward chimed in, "You hardly see any news on the male descendants of the Hilton family in the media." Frank turned to glance at him, saying, "I see now, it turns out cotton in your head can still sprout intelligence." "Hey, old man," Edward shot back, "What''s your ex-wife''s last name?" Flipping the tables, Frank shot back confidently, "Elizabeth Taylor; you dare to go there?" Edward nodded, "Got it; you were a gigolo for a married woman." Hawke gently tapped the table, and everyone promptly fell silent. The video footage ran quite long; totaling over an hour and a half. Once the playback concluded, Edward hit ''stop'' on the projector and opened the curtains. As the company''s free consultant, Frank added, "Being a wealthy heiress, an East Side socialite; these two identities are more than eye-catching. This news is comparable to that of a Hollywood A-list actress." At that moment, the tech director Harland asked, "When will the video be published online? The tech department needs to prepare in advance." "Next week, ahead of the summer movie season," Hawke had already planned this out. "This week, we can capitalize on the traffic from the LAPD and Dodgers collaboration. By next week, a lot of that will have decreased." Caroline reminded, "We''re a legitimate media outlet; when we upload this, we need to censor it and avoid exposing critical parts." Hawke nodded and instructed Edward, "Select the clearest segment from the footage and edit it down to under ten minutes. The key parts must all be censored, and wait for my go-ahead." Edward took down the storage device connected to the computer, saying, "I''ll get right on it." Hawke stood up, addressing everyone in the conference room, "This is company confidential; no one is to disclose it to anyone before the news goes live." With that, the meeting concluded. Edward took the storage device back to his office to edit. Retired former producer Frank followed him, ready to offer guidance. Hawke suspected the old coot just wanted to watch Paris Hilton a few more times, but he had no proof. ... Caroline followed Hawke into the office and said, "This footage exceeds an hour and a half. Is it really enough to only edit ten minutes for online play?" ???????§£?? Hawke replied, "There are only three sections that are truly bright and clear; ten minutes of highlights will be sufficient." "What about the remaining parts?" Caroline inquired. Hawke didn''t answer directly but asked her, "What''s your take on it?" After thinking it over, and considering Hawke''s past style, she quickly suggested, "I thought of two approaches. We have exclusive rights to this; the ten-minute highlights can ignite news interest and serve as a great advertisement." She had her own capabilities: "During the ''Selfie Gate'' situation, I recall you collaborated with the Private studios. We can do this again -- buying the footage for $800,000 and partnering with the Private on DVD and tape distribution, referring back to the sales of ''Selfie Gate'', we could rake in at least $5 million." Hawke acknowledged, "That''s indeed a solid strategy. Since the company''s establishment, we''ve yet to score a significant income, and if we can pull this off, the profits will be considerable." Hearing her boss praise her, Caroline smiled triumphantly and added, "The second approach is that if Paris Hilton has any sense of morality left, she''ll likely approach us to buy back the video footage, after all, as a legitimate media outlet, we''re releasing a pixelated version." Hawke nodded, "As long as she bids high enough, selling it back to her is an option." Caroline quickly replied, "I''ll go plan that out now." Sitting at his desk, Hawke opened his computer and browsed online. The internet was filled with gossip about Paris Hilton, outnumbering that of typical Hollywood stars. The heiress was at one of the most chaotic, rebellious, and crazy stages of her life. While he could guess the thoughts of ordinary people, those like her had muddled minds; who could know what she was thinking? Hawke prepared for the worst. ... Century City, Fox Television Center. At the production team, an assistant knocked on the door of the associate producer''s office, and once she heard conversation from inside, she entered. She approached the desk, placing a package down, saying, "The postal service just dropped this off." Gretchen took it and looked at the package, shipped from Las Vegas. She dismissed her assistant and opened it. Inside were printed documents along with several photos; the young women pictured were all exceptionally attractive, making them first-class within the Hollywood context. Gretchen confirmed she didn''t recognize any of these girls. As she looked through the corresponding information, the more she felt something was off. According to the materials, all these girls were missing, with no signs of life or death. The disappearance of young, beautiful girls wasn''t anything rare in America or Los Angeles. Yet, Gretchen sensed something was wrong. After finishing the documents, she reviewed them again. With years of experience in frontline news, she had a well-honed instinct for news stories and quickly found a common thread among them. Two girls went missing from the Super Star Training School, and another girl vanished from a film set. All three cases involved Ackerman Films'' name. Gretchen searched online and discovered that billionaire Buddy Ackerman was the main shareholder of Ackerman Films, and the Super Star Training School was one of many subsidiaries Ackerman Films had invested in. Clearly, someone had purposefully sent this her way. Such a simple fact, and even Gretchen could piece it together. During her time hosting , she must have received countless similar news tips. A portion of those turned into hot news stories. However, this time felt different. Gretchen searched online for updates on Buddy Ackerman. A quick search returned numerous charitable news stories. Buddy Ackerman had donated to a research institution dealing with blood diseases. The Ackerman Charity Foundation sponsored blood tests for children to screen potential diseases. There were also provisions for the homeless, distributing food, water, temporary housing, conducting health checks, and rescuing the sick. Amidst this charitable news, Gretchen stumbled upon a political news story. A newspaper image from the showed Buddy Ackerman with the current governor, Gray Davis, and the lieutenant governor, Wilson. Gretchen felt this was no surprise; Hollywood''s Jewish community tended to lean toward deep blue. Many in Fox''s management were also of Jewish descent. These individuals sometimes assisted one another. Under normal circumstances, such leads would be filed away in a cabinet, ignored until an opportune time arose to exploit them. But Gretchen thought more deeply; two of the three hosts of were above her in rank. A powerless anchor was merely a puppet for the producer and director. After a moment of contemplation, Gretchen picked up the phone and called, waiting for the connection. "Hi, it''s me, Gretchen. Is Roger available? I''d like to meet with him." "Just a moment." It was quiet for a bit before she heard, "You can come up in half an hour." "Thanks." Gretchen hung up and quickly changed clothes. ... She swapped her standard outfit for a short skirt, stockings, and high heels -- Roger''s favorites -- then brushed her teeth and spritzed on some perfume. When the time was right, Gretchen took the leads with her and rode the private elevator upstairs, arriving outside the office of the Fox emperor, Roger Ailes. Upon entering the office, the hefty Roger Ailes waved her over, "Come here, let me take a look at you." Gretchen had become accustomed to this; familiarity could be a powerful force. She wouldn''t feel shame; instead, she fully utilized these moments for the resources she wanted. Gretchen provided Roger with a thorough service. But Roger wouldn''t base essential decisions solely on that. Having looked over the materials, he said coolly, "Someone wants to use Fox as a weapon." Gretchen tentatively probed, "The opposition belongs to the deep blue, standing against us." Roger didn''t respond but considered who had provided the materials. The first name that popped into his mind was Arnold Schwarzenegger. This guy was a candidate some from the red side had put forward to compete against Gray Davis for the governorship, but there were dissenting voices within the red camp. Was he planning to stir up an even fiercer battle between red and blue to gain full support from the red side? The powerful Fox had no fear of Ackerman; strictly speaking, the two sides operated on entirely different levels. Roger Ailes, informing his stance due to Fox''s political positioning, contemplated before stating, "Alright, research this; if you uncover substantial information, hold off on reporting and bring it to me." Fox wanted to grasp the initiative first. Gretchen reached her goal; soon, she took her leave and returned to her office. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... She found her capable assistant, Harley, handing her the materials. "Look through these carefully. For the foreseeable future, you and your news team will be solely responsible for investigating this story. Don''t make any noise about it; just bring the results to me." Harley, once feeling disappointed, had been lifted by Gretchen''s arrival. As a young reporter not long in the field, Harley was brimming with ambition, her ideals not yet dimmed. Flipping through the documents slightly, she discovered they involved the disappearances of girls similar to her, which sparked a feeling of empathy, adding a sense of girls helping girls. She declared, "I''ll make sure to investigate thoroughly!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 168: The Business Strategy Plan of a Heiress [Chapter 169: The Business Strategy Plan of a Heiress] As May rolled in, Hawke Osment issued the order to release the video edited by the Savior, which quickly appeared on Twitter''s news section. The newly promoted Operations Director, Miss Caroline Jones, immediately placed it at the top of the headlines, marking it with a red tag. Hawke was a person of taste, and knowing that Twitter was a formal social media platform, the video contained pixelation over the key areas of the male and female leads. However, this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the online LSPs (lewd social peeps or Stans), as even with the censorship, it was still easy to decipher what the two leads were doing. Its clarity and explosive content far surpassed that of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Within an hour of the news video going live, it was shared wildly across Twitter, with many users reposting it in their own groups. "Billionaire heiress video, that''s insane." "The rich really know how to have fun." "Paris Hilton is so bold." "Sure enough, gossip media is too conservative -- Paris Hilton is crazier than even the most risque news." ... In the morning, was only circulating crazily on Twitter. By afternoon, it was already a hot topic across the internet. Whenever celebrity scandals or such videos surfaced, the excitement from the LSPs could practically dry up the Pacific Ocean. Paris wasn''t just a socialite; she was the daughter of a billionaire family, and she was not hard on the eyes -- many media outlets referred to her as the real-life Barbie. The general public often harbored resentment towards the wealthy. Paris Hilton was one of those fortunate individuals, born into a world that the other 99.9% could only strive for but might never even catch a glimpse of. With such a wealthy, beautiful woman standing at the top of society involved in a scandal, the curiosity and excitement from the onlookers were understandable. No matter how rich she was, they relished watching her messy situations unfold. would become a memorable highlight for the LSPs of an era. The influx of users far surpassed Hawke''s expectations. He thought it would at most match the buzz of Mr. and Mrs. Smith''s , but for the first time since its launch, Twitter had gone down. The internet buzz didn''t just stop in the U.S.; it spread to Canada, the UK, and even some parts of mainland Europe, all eager and ready to consume the juicy gossip. Much like Hollywood movies, whatever became a hit in America often received a strong response in Canada and Europe. Although the service returned to normal within three minutes, it certainly caught Hawke''s attention. He soon discovered the reason: the blonde beauty and her super-rich heiress status meant that her scandalous video was far more enticing than anything two middle-aged people could muster. Celebrity gossip held a deadly allure for the masses, but even the LSPs would make discerning choices. If Oprah or Whoopi Goldberg were to be involved in a similar video, many might be curious at first, but actually watching closely would be too difficult. That would be a nightmare scenario. However, was set to become a cherished memory for a generation. The pixelated video left people longing for more, and hot tweets began pouring in. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Release the unedited video!" "We don''t want it pixelated!" "Protest Twitter, the video is censored!" "If Twitter doesn''t release the unedited video, I''m going to protest outside!" Countless tweets like these were fervently shared. Hawke saw them all. He immediately called Edward. "Find a group of people to protest at the company entrance -- let it last a few days." The Savior wasn''t new to organizing such events. He had some experience and asked, "Should I also call the media to make some money on news tips?" Hawke waved him off. "You handle it." Edward hurried off to contact people; Los Angeles had a wealth of professionals in this line of work, and he had worked with them before during scandals like the selfie debacle. ????¨¢?¨®?¦¥? ... The next morning, over a hundred people appeared at Twitter''s office to protest. With Venice Beach''s parking lot right across the street, they had plenty of space to make their voices heard. One by one, they raised posters of Paris Hilton, waving signs reading -- release the unedited video, no pixelation! Edward stood by the office window, rummaging through his contact book, about to make a call. Suddenly, a hand reached out from behind and snatched it away. Frank took the contact book, sat down in Edward''s chair, grabbed his phone, and began making calls to various media outlets. Then, he hurried downstairs to claim Edward''s news tip money. Edward followed him down, furious. "That''s my money!" "You''re a millionaire now!" Frank replied earnestly. "Meanwhile, I''m a broke guy without enough to eat." Edward stared at him in disbelief. "I always sense you have a scheme in mind." Frank clapped him on the shoulder. "A guy like you, with your head stuck in the sand, focuses too much on immediate gains. I''m helping you break conventional thinking, so you can see further and align better with your current status." Edward frowned. "What current status?" "A shareholder of Twitter," Frank replied. "A future billionaire." ... Not long after he made the calls, seven or eight media outlets gradually tshowetd up. Although the pay for news tips was limited, getting $20 cash from each was enough for Frank to whistle happily back to his trailer. ... Meanwhile, in the office above, Hawke stood at the window, watching the crowd of protestors outside. Besides the ones he had paid to come, some LSPs had joined in voluntarily. They could tolerate not having the full video, but they couldn''t stand the pixelation! A knock on the door broke Hawke''s thoughts as Caroline entered. "Boss, the number of new users who registered yesterday increased by 720,000 compared to the day before." Hawke nodded, silent. Caroline looked at her boss''s silhouette, finding him tall and commanding, like a lion among sheep... No, more like a wolf king. She continued, "With this wave of hype, we''ll surely surpass twenty million users." Hawke turned around to ask, "Did you receive any hot news?" Caroline felt a twinge of guilt. "Just ordinary gossip, nothing that''s gone viral yet." "You''ve worked as Steve''s PR manager -- reach out to him," Hawke declared, seeking to use every available resource. "Have Steve regularly update about his happy life with his black son." Caroline replied, "I''ve contacted him; Steve assured me he''d provide weekly updates on his son''s growth." She glanced at Hawke. "Steve is somewhat afraid of you." Hawke chuckled, shaking his head. "It''s not fear; we just know too many of his secrets, and he can''t do a thing about it." Caroline understood this as well. If Hawke decided to take action against Steve, the saintly image he had cultivated for himself would inevitably collapse. ... In Beverly Hills, at the Hilton Hotel, in the presidential suite at the top floor, Paris Hilton sat at her computer, registering a Twitter account. After logging in, she quickly opened the trending news section and saw the video featuring her and her ex-boyfriend Rick Salomon. Beside her, her assistant Kim Kardashian cast a glance at Paris, hesitant to speak much. Surprisingly, Paris wasn''t too angry; she had been quite wild in recent years, earning her the nickname "Drama Queen Princess." The videos were undeniably inappropriate but they didn''t reveal any critical parts. Kim had become accustomed to Paris''s reckless lifestyle, especially her antics when she drank heavily -- there was hardly a wild act she hadn''t pulled, like relieving herself in the car after a long night. In Kim''s eyes, a persona like Paris could easily keep eight paparazzi companies afloat. Of course, Paris was also displeased; she''d already yelled at Rick Salomon on the phone that morning. "Where''s the PR manager I hired?" she asked Kim. "I''ll make a call," Kim responded, pulling out her phone to reach their PR manager. Paris sat expressionless; in light of these events, her parents had only called to help her find a capable PR manager to manage the negative impact and help plan her future, that was it. In recent years, her wild behavior had left the Hilton family with no delusions about her. ... Before long, a fashionable middle-aged woman entered the suite, escorted by the butler. It was Rooney Chasen, the director from BWR PR, who greeted Paris and sat across from her. Paris immediately asked, "Do you understand my situation?" Rooney replied, "I researched it in detail before coming; it''s not too bad." "What are you planning to do?" Paris asked, her tone chilly. "Before deciding how to handle this, let me outline the background of the news outlet. You should have a basic understanding." Rooney checked Twitter and found a string of familiar names, making her cautious. "The CEO of Twitter is Hawke Osment, who is also the founder of West Coast Media Entertainment Studio." Paris shook her head. "Never heard of him." Rooney brushed off her comment, emphasizing, "This person is quite formidable; he knows how to destroy reputations and psychological states." She remembered the deceased Wagenen and Redford, feeling alarmed. "His methods aren''t superficial; he attacks from the least expected angles to deliver devastating blows..." "You forgot one thing -- my last name is Hilton!" Paris asserted. "Just get to your point." Rooney nodded slightly. "It''s best to resolve this with money; buy back the video rights. The person who released the video clearly left some room, with key parts pixelated." Paris inquired, "Can''t we just sue Twitter?" "It''s better not to go that route. On one hand, Twitter hasn''t used your video for direct profit, and you''re a public figure; they''ve preserved your privacy as much as they could." This situation wasn''t difficult to resolve, and Rooney didn''t want to clash head-on with Hawke Osment over mere money. She continued, "We''re currently in a passive position. If we anger Twitter, they might directly leak the unedited video, and the situation won''t be what it is now." Paris thought it over and looked at Kim, who gave her a knowing glance. Then Paris addressed Rooney. "I''ll consider it; you can go to another room for now." Rooney gathered her things and left for another room. ... Kim closed the door and said to Paris, "I think this is an opportunity, Paris. You could become even more famous and turn into a real superstar." Paris furrowed her brow. "What do you mean?" Kim reminded her, "Remember when we watched Josh Hartnett and Allison Faith''s selfie scandal? After their video dropped, they blew up! Haven''t you always wanted to be a big star? What Twitter''s doing for you is basically free advertising. Once the videos come out on tape and DVD, you''ll be even more famous than Josh Hartnett or Allison Faith!" She added, "Since this news is already out, you''ve basically been seen -- the pixelation doesn''t make a difference! Why not leverage this to your maximum benefit, buy back the video, and sell it in the San Fernando Valley?" "Enough!" Paris snapped, not losing her sanity just yet. She pointed at the door. "Go get Rooney back in here." ... When Rooney returned, she talked with Paris for a good half-hour, focusing heavily on Hawke. They discussed the selfie incident and Steve, among other topics. Then, Rooney called Hawke, arranging for a face-to-face meeting. ... An hour later, Hawke entered Twitter''s reception room to meet Rooney, Paris, and Kim. Paris stood out in a dazzling short skirt, literally eye-catching, with numerous rhinestones adorning it. Rooney shook Hawke''s hand and said, "Nice to see you again. This time I represent Paris and would like to discuss possible collaboration." Hawke glanced at Paris Hilton and asked, "About the video?" Paris replied straightforwardly, "I want to buy the video back. Name your price." Rooney interjected, "Paris intends to invite you to help with strategic planning for her career." "I''ll sell you the video rights for $5 million," Hawke stated boldly. "As for the business strategy planning, that comes at a separate fee from my personal studio." Paris, displaying the confidence of a wealthy heiress, pressed, "Just give me a number." Hawke replied, "$1.5 million; I''ll only handle the planning. All costs for implementation will be your responsibility." He looked at Paris. "I''d like to know your precise goals." Paris wasn''t as mindless as she occasionally appeared; she stated bluntly, "I want to be a star. I want to have my own business." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 169: The Ordinary Life of an Heiress [Chapter 170: The Ordinary Life of an Heiress] In a conference room of a corporate building, Hawke represented Twitter and West Coast Media Entertainment Studio to sign two contracts with Paris Hilton. One was a video rights transfer agreement, where Paris bought the rights for $5 million. The other was hiring Hawke to create a career strategic plan for her, with a fee of $1.5 million. After signing the agreements, Paris shook Hawke''s hand and said, "My family brought in Roonie for me, which shows my parents believe in Roonie''s capabilities. Roonie highly recommended you, so I trust you won''t disappoint me." Hawke replied, "I need to understand your situation better; please don''t leave just yet." Paris nodded, "I''ll be waiting for you." Hawke instructed Edward to take her to the meeting room. ... At that moment, Roonie approached and said, "Can we have a word alone?" Hawke replied, "Sure, go ahead." "Do you remember what I said last time?" Roonie didn''t wait for a response. "We will have opportunities to collaborate." She continued earnestly, "There are no personal grudges between us. The conflict we had last time was simply due to working for different employers. This time, we share the same goal." Hawke quickly saw through her motives. "Paris Hilton is quite a troublesome girl. She''s manageable when sober, but a nightmare when drunk. Your job as a public relations manager won''t be easy, and the public relations fees that the Hilton family can afford are no walk in the park, right?" Roonie admitted, "The PR fees are more than what Wagner offered last time, but it''s not a one-time payment; it''s for the entire coming year, which includes managing Paris." She glanced toward where Paris had just left. "She averages a scandal every two days, one person could support a hundred paparazzi. Just the sight of her drunk in nightclubs could fill their pockets. Guiding her is incredibly difficult." Hawke understood the essence of the situation. "Most people have a class envy mindset. She''s someone who''s never known struggle and doesn''t understand discretion while enjoying life''s pleasures. This will only lead to more scandals because the gossip media will cater to public sentiment." Roonie replied candidly, "That''s why I brought you in to see if you might have any special solutions." Hawke thought for a moment. "Changing this girl is nearly impossible. Do you think you can change her lifestyle? Instead of changing, why not create?" Recalling their last confrontation, Roonie said, "I excel in change, while you excel in creation." Hawke stated, "If I help you solve these issues, you owe me a fee." "Didn''t Paris just pay you $1.5 million?" Roonie said with a bold face. "I helped you land a job, and I haven''t even taken my cut yet." As Hawke walked out, he remarked, "I now believe Caroline is a product of your teaching." Bringing up that traitor, Roonie couldn''t help but add, "If she could betray me, she could betray you one day too." Hawke asked, "Do you think Caroline is afraid of dying?" This made Roonie think of Wagenen and Redford, causing her to fall silent. ... Just as Hawke stepped out of the conference room, he received a call from the bank: $1.5 million had just been transferred to West Coast Media''s account. Shortly after, Twitter''s financial department confirmed the $5 million had also arrived. ???????£Â¨§???? Paris lived extravagantly, but she paid promptly. In business, prompt payment was a sign of good faith. Hawke''s mind raced as he rejoined Roonie and pushed through into the meeting room. Paris, being sober today, directly told Hawke, "I want to be a star, to be the center of media and public attention, to have countless people chasing after me, and to have a career that is mine alone." Hawke nodded and asked, "A successful career in the limelight?" "Yes," Paris affirmed. "Genuine fame derived from a career, not like what I have now." Hawke continued, "I need to know how far you''re willing to go for this career." Paris, thinking he referred to financial matters, replied, "My trust fund can withdraw another $8 million at any time, but more than that would need my parents'' approval." Seeing she misunderstood, Hawke clarified, "The tapes you purchased can be used for publicity, similar to the ''Selfie Scandal.'' To be honest, the ''Selfie Scandal'' was my creation." Before Paris could respond, Kim Kardashian exclaimed, "You ran the ''Selfie Scandal''? Oh my God, you''re amazing! You turned two scandal-ridden individuals into hot stars." Roonie shot Kim a glance. Kim quickly zipped her lips. Paris asked, "How do we execute this?" Hawke explained, "Sell the tape to St. Valley Productions, have it re-edited, and released through their channels..." "Stop!" Paris interrupted. "I don''t want it that way. If I wanted that, why would I hire you to buy back the rights?" Hawke understood, then asked, "Are you looking to change your current lifestyle and ways?" Without hesitation, Paris replied, "No, why would I change? This is my life, and I won''t alter who I am because of the media''s chaotic reports." A life indulging in pleasures -- who wasn''t attracted to that? Hawke then asked, "What are you good at?" After a long pause, Paris earnestly answered, "Spending money, enjoying life, fashion, showing off, partying, dressing up. I''m also quite interested in cooking, but I don''t know how to make any dishes..." Roonie buried her face in her hands. Even the most outrageous Hollywood stars usually had a talent for acting. How could a girl who only knew how to spend money and enjoy life ever build a career for herself? She tentatively suggested, "How about Paris introduces the lives of the wealthy on a TV show?" Paris immediately jumped in, "I''m good at that too." But Hawke shook his head. "There are already plenty of shows like that. If you pursue it, even if someone watches, it will only attract envious gazes." Roonie thought for a moment and agreed, "Paris is way too flashy." Hawke took the opportunity to get to know more about Paris Hilton''s background, personal habits, and thoughts before concluding the meeting for the day. He needed time to think about how to proceed. Paris and Roonie''s group said their goodbyes shortly after. ... Hawke accompanied them downstairs, watching the car drive away. He turned to Edward and said, "Call Campos and have him send someone to follow Roonie Chase." Edward asked, "Boss, are you worried she has other motives?" "It doesn''t seem that way," Hawke replied cautiously. "But it''s better to be safe than sorry." Edward quickly pulled out his phone to call Campos. Hawke returned to the office. ... Caroline sneaked out from the operations department and asked, "Should we take down the news on Paris Hilton?" "No need," Hawke had already mentioned during the copyright talks that the video had gone viral. "This news is useful for my subsequent plans; let it stay in the headlines." Controlling the news'' heat was also crucial, and Caroline replied, "I understand." ... Not saying much more, Hawke entered his office and recalled what Paris had just said. This princess of the Hilton family had quite a few strengths. Still, none would truly change the public''s perception of her. Most likely, the most correct thing Paris ever did in her life was being born into a good family, allowing her to do whatever she desired without constraints. Without any standout skills, unwilling to alter her life of indulgence, and wanting to create a successful career in the limelight, what could she possibly do? Hawke suddenly thought of the short skirt she wore today, covered in sparkling rhinestones. A life of indulgence requires substantial wealth to support it. Paris was indeed wealthy, a quintessential pampered heiress. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. To create a career in the limelight required television, film, or other programs. Hawke ruled out television or film. He understood that world was too complex for him to manage. Given the instability that Paris Hilton represented, it could blow up at any moment. Suddenly, he thought of a person -- a wealthy individual who had been a judge and host, ultimately stepping into the Oval Office. It felt like a variety show concept. Hawke began to form an idea -- the contrast between Paris''s everyday behavior and her show personality might be the key. Contrast often brought excitement. He grabbed a piece of paper and quickly jotted down a title: . Oh, and Paris had mentioned her interest in cooking, despite not knowing how to cook at all. He added a note: Episode one: Cooking. The content would focus on the contrast of a wealthy woman in the kitchen. As for the planning and filming, that required strong professional knowledge -- something Hawke couldn''t handle. He recognized his limitations; he could churn out some wild ideas, but actual production required expertise he didn''t possess. However, he also knew he could find help in Los Angeles. With enough money, there was no shortage of professionals in that field. Besides, Paris Hilton was covering the costs herself. Hawke quickly wrote down his thoughts and added a few more points. He got a fresh sheet of paper to re-organize his ideas. ... By the time he had a basic outline ready, he picked up the phone and called Eric Emerson and Katherine. Both had just completed post-production on their new film and returned to Los Angeles from an overseas vacation. Before long, Eric and the big-faced Katherine entered Hawke''s fourth-floor office together. Katherine hugged Hawke and said, "Eric and I went on a global trip, and now you''ve turned into the founder and CEO of a major company!" Hawke joked, "I don''t have a wealthy girlfriend like you, so I had to tough it out and start a business." Eric approached and asked, "You mentioned on the phone that you thought of a show idea and wanted us to help look it over?" "Yeah, you two are more skilled in that area," Hawke handed over the handwritten plan. "Eric, you''ve already directed two official feature films, and Katherine, you''re now an experienced producer with your crew running smoothly." Eric took it and examined it carefully. "A reality show?" Katherine leaned over to take a look, and before long, she burst out laughing. "Paris Hilton? Isn''t her video the one from your site?" Hawke shrugged. "She hired me at a high price to create a career strategic plan." Typically, movie directors wouldn''t venture into reality shows, but Eric, remembering how Hawke had helped him, immediately said, "I''ll direct the first episode." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 170: In Paris Company [Chapter 171: In Paris'' Company] The plan involved a wealthy heiress footing the bill, which relieved them from worrying about funding. Twitter was a great platform for promotion, and Hawke could even pitch it to Fox Television. Just these two factors alone eliminated a significant portion of the usual Hollywood project hassles. Hawke took charge of the creative aspects while Eric assembled his professional team to turn those ideas into a feasible project plan. Katherine was responsible for all production duties. The three of them divided their tasks clearly, and within just two days, they completed a solid proposal for a variety show. The project was titled . That''s right; the name was inspired by Paris Hilton''s handbag-carrying friend, Kim Kardashian. Once the shooting proposal was finalized, Hawke called Rooney. ... That afternoon, Rooney Chasen arrived at Twitter with Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian. Hawke introduced them to Eric and Katherine. Katherine shook hands with Paris, saying, "We met in New York when you were still in school." Paris recalled, "I remember you. You lived on the Upper East Side and were part of the socialite crowd." Katherine replied, "I''m a film producer now." This piqued Paris'' interest. "How did you get into the film industry?" Katherine looked at Hawke and said, "Because Hawke helped me navigate it, I achieved success quite easily." Paris felt her confidence in Hawke soar; she asked him, "What''s your plan?" Hawke handed over two copies of the proposal to Paris and Rooney. "Take a look at this first." Rooney took her copy and started reviewing it carefully. Paris also read it with a rare level of seriousness. Kim glanced at both Paris and Hawke, wanting a copy for herself, but no one paid her any attention. After a while, Rooney asked Hawke, "Is this design meant to highlight contrast?" "Exactly, contrast. A rich heiress doing everyday things," Hawke emphasized. "This contrast will provide immense entertainment value for the audience. It''s a unique advantage that Paris possesses -- something most stars and actors can''t replicate. Her lifestyle and media presence over the last few years have made her irreplaceable in this regard." Paris scratched her cheek, thinking aloud, "That sounds interesting. I can show off my lifestyle while doing things I enjoy..." Rooney liked the idea. "I think the concept is great." Being a responsible PR manager, she asked, "Which platform will it air on?" Hawke replied, "Twitter or Fox Television. I''ve contacted the latter, but they need to see some sample footage first." Paris was impulsive by nature and didn''t need to think long about it. She declared, "This plan sounds feasible; I love it!" Hawke had tailored the idea to fit Paris'' everyday style. "I plan to shoot three episodes first to gauge market reactions." Paris pondered, "Isn''t three episodes a bit short?" "The shooting cycle for this kind of show is quite brief," Hawke explained, staying focused. "Let''s see how it works out first." Coming from a business family, Paris had some entrepreneurial sense. She nodded and asked, "What''s the budget?" Hawke estimated high. "Three million dollars for the three episodes." Rooney interjected, "That''s a bit steep." Hawke explained briefly, "We need to rent a top-notch mansion for filming." Paris jumped in, "I have a big villa in Malibu. It''s been renovated but hasn''t been lived in yet." Hawke nodded. "Aren''t you chummy with many big brands? We''ll need outfits, accessories, and everyday items..." "No need for that fuss," Paris said dismissively. "I have plenty of that stuff. I''ll have my team pack a few trucks to deliver everything to the villa." ??N§à?????? At this point, everyone -- Hawke, Eric, and Rooney -- preferred to avoid further conversation with Paris Hilton. No wonder she had a reputation for being obnoxious; she spoke with an air of bragging. The upside was that Paris was straightforward about money, exclaiming, "Three million dollars for three episodes? Deal!" Hawke stated, "Once the funding is confirmed, we can assemble the crew today. Please prepare the Malibu villa as soon as possible; Eric and his team will be on-site tomorrow." Paris turned to Kim. "Kim, run back to the hotel and have my clothes, jewelry, and everyday essentials packed and shipped to Malibu. Bring back a key to the villa." As Kim hurried off, Paris told Hawke, "You can head over tonight." Hawke looked at Eric. With a significant budget, Eric would be well-compensated -- wealthy clients incentivized him. He said, "I''ll start preparations tonight." Hawke turned to Paris, saying, "You still have some work to do for the show''s promotion." Since the project aligned with her needs and personality, she was cooperative. "Just tell me what you need." Hawke wasn''t just speaking to Paris; he looked at Rooney as well. "Make a note. Before the show goes live, we need to do the following." Rooney took out her notepad and pen. Hawke instructed, "Let Paris'' lawyers sue Rick Salomon. Try to do it publicly, ideally engage in a media battle to capture everyone''s attention." Rooney was adept at this kind of work. "Leave it to me." Hawke continued to Paris, "You don''t need to change your lifestyle. Go ahead and enjoy your life to the fullest -- maintain your high-profile way of living, even amp it up a notch." Paris chuckled, "That''s something I am excellent at." She had a little scheme in mind, "To draw more attention, I''ll drag Britney along for the fun." Hawke praised, "Great idea." Rooney added, "Britney is notoriously spacey; you can definitely manage her." Paris beamed even wider. Hawke instructed Paris, "Set up a Twitter account. We''ll generate buzz and traffic for you. Show off your wealth on Twitter." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Paris nodded enthusiastically. "That''s something I know how to do." In that moment, her impression of Hawke was through the roof. He didn''t lecture her. While he did guide her, everything he suggested allowed her to continue doing what she loved. Show off her wealth? Absolutely. Enjoy her leisure? Without question. Hawke stood up and clapped his hands, saying, "Alright, everyone, let''s get moving." The team dispersed to take care of their tasks. ... Once they all left, Hawke turned to Edward. "Any news about Rooney Chasen?" Edward replied in a low voice, "Campos'' people have been following her for a few days and reported no irregularities." Hawke nodded slightly. "Have them keep following her." Edward made the call. ... Hawke then gathered Caroline and Harland for a meeting to discuss the feasibility of airing on the Twitter platform. This required adding a video segment, but the timing wasn''t right. ... Later, he called Megan Taylor. Fox Broadcasting owned a dedicated film and television channel with high ratings, which also aired variety shows. Despite Megan''s connections, they still wanted to see a sample first. ... With enough funding and Paris generously sponsoring filming locations and props, they would start shooting the first episode. The next afternoon, Edward drove the bulletproof Mercedes, bringing Hawke to the beachfront villa in Malibu. Paris'' ocean-view villa sprawled across almost two acres, complete with a pool, beach, and lawn -- everything one could wish for. The two-story home showcased lavish interiors, appliances, and furniture at the highest luxury level. Hawke entered the villa where Eric was directing crew members to set up camera tracks in the open kitchen area. Since this wasn''t a studio, shooting was less convenient and required a lot of coordination. Fortunately, Paris was generous enough that any decor or furniture that needed removing for filming could be adjusted at her discretion. Hawke made his way to a large living room specifically cleared for filming, adorned with various women''s clothing and a large amount of recently purchased everyday and kitchen goods. The first episode of would primarily showcase this heiress'' culinary skills. However, this wasn''t just any ordinary cooking segment. Once Eric wrapped up his tasks, he walked over. Hawke said to him, "At the start of each episode, Paris should make a glamorous entrance, wearing the finest evening gown in her luxurious villa." Eric nodded and noted, "There are plenty of high-end custom outfits available." "They need to be eye-catching," Hawke cautioned. "First choice -- sparkly or gold." Eric understood the directive, "To create a sense of luxury." Hawke pointed to a few garments adorned with sequins or crystals. "Paris loves this style; these luxurious outfits enhance the contrast." He moved into the kitchen area, picking up a spatula. "This spatula, although high-end, isn''t suitable for shooting." Eric examined it. "But it is top-of-the-line kitchen equipment." "There''s no sparkle," Hawke noted. "The spatula must be encrusted with diamonds. Genuine diamonds are too expensive, so use artificial diamonds or rhinestones. Our motto is: don''t focus on usability, only on the cost!" Just then, Paris descended from upstairs. Hawke grabbed a pair of evening gloves and told her, "We can modify these a bit to serve as your kitchen gloves." Paris asked curiously, "How do we modify them?" Hawke replied, "Cut off the fingertips for practicality." Without hesitation, Paris took a pair of scissors, snipped the fingers off, and asked, "How''s this?" "The style works," Hawke responded, then pointed to the back of the glove. "Add gemstones -- rubies, sapphires, and diamonds." Paris'' eyes lit up. "I love these gloves! I can show off while cooking!" Hawke then picked up an iron from the utensils. "This also needs some alterations -- add gold and diamonds." Paris inquired, "Iron my clothes? I can''t do that." Hawke shook his head. "Don''t use it for clothes; instead, show off your extraordinary culinary skills by ironing bacon." "Great! Great!" Paris excitedly clapped her hands. A brilliantly creative mind paired with a delightfully extravagant heiress equated to an unbeatable combination. From the preparation stage, they exuded an astonishingly wealthy allure. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 171: Commercial Landscape [Chapter 172: Commercial Landscape] After four days of preparation, the new era variety show officially started filming in a luxurious mansion in Malibu. The production team included producers Catherine, Hawke Osment, director Eric Emerson, the leading lady Paris Hilton, and cameo star Kim Kardashian. Thanks to Paris'' exclusive funding and the advice of the experienced Rooney Chasen, they set up Paris Entertainment Studio, which naturally owned the show''s rights. Rooney saw Paris as a long-term cash cow and actively protected her interests. Once filming commenced, Hawke chose to remain silent, fully entrusting the professional aspects to Eric. ... The primary focus of the show was essentially Paris Hilton, dressed in high-end couture, attempting to cook various dishes herself, including candy and cakes. The production aimed to showcase a stark contrast between her glamorous lifestyle and her cooking mishaps. The show portrayed Paris as the quintessential rich girl, rich but a bit naive and silly, engaging in the chaos of everyday life. In the open kitchen, Paris donned diamond and ruby-encrusted fingerless gloves while whipping cream. Her enthusiasm caused her to be a bit overzealous, resulting in several gems falling into the cream. Annoyed, Paris threw down her spoon and unleashed a string of complaints at her assistant Kim, demanding she retrieve the gems immediately. At that moment, Kim could only lower herself in Paris''s presence. Once the storm of emotions erupted from Paris, the filming had to be halted. ... Eric and Rooney attempted to calm her down, but the young socialite was unyielding. With no other option, they stepped outside to request Hawke''s assistance. Hawke, expecting the tension, asked as he approached, "What''s going on?" Rooney detailed the situation, "Paris is throwing a fit at the assistant." Hawke entered the mansion and heard Paris''s furious shouts. He found a place to sit, signaling Rooney to stay calm. Eric joined them, and the trio decided to have the production assistants fetch coffee while they waited. A short while later, Kim emerged from the mansion in tears. Eric pointed in her direction. Hawke shook his head, "No need to worry, she''ll come back." Rooney observed Hawke''s every move. In light of their last interaction, she felt her conventional PR methods seemed a bit outdated. Moments later, Hawke stood up, "I''ll go talk to her." Rooney followed, "I''ll accompany you; after all, she''s a woman." Hawke waved his hand and approached Paris''s dressing room, gently knocking on her open door. The moment Paris saw him, she complained, "Filming this stuff is such a hassle." She waved her hands in front of her, "And I have to wear these gloves." £Ò?¦­§°£Â¨§? Hawke sat down in a chair, not addressing her complaint but instead asking, "You aren''t going to inherit the Hilton family estate, are you?" Paris shrugged, "I''m not the heir." Hawke continued, "Eventually, you''ll marry into some rich family for the Hiltons and have children, right?" He didn''t need her to answer. "So, before that happens, you should go wild, enjoy all your freedom." "You really know a lot," Paris glanced at Hawke, finding him interesting. "We might as well give it a shot -- I''m great at it, I''m sure you''ve seen those videos..." Hawke adopted a sage-like demeanor, "Don''t say such pointless things. Once you marry and want freedom, a successful career is your foundation. Only with success can you truly be yourself." Paris blinked, realizing how reasonable that sounded; with enough money, she could do whatever she wanted. She threw her arms wide, "What does that have to do with wearing them?" "Fingerless gloves, or rather, Paris''s diamond-studded fingerless gloves." To encourage the socialite''s entrepreneurial spirit, Hawke suggested, "If the show''s a hit, you can create a brand, you could incite a fashion wave." Paris seriously contemplated Hawke''s words; she knew fashion much better than he did and it seemed there weren''t many competitors in the diamond glove market. She turned to Rooney, "Contact someone right away and help me register this brand, just as Hawke mentioned." There were still many more complicated matters to deal with in filming. Hawke advised her, "Not just a fashion brand; in the next episode, you''ll make glittery cotton candy and sparkling candy that can also leverage the show to create your own brand." Paris''s eyes sparkled like diamonds, glimmering under the lights. She asked, "Is the career plan you devised for me just about being a TV star?" Hawke pointed his index finger at her, "Did you forget? We signed a contract for a business strategy plan! A life strategy -- understand?" "I get it," Paris nodded vigorously, "A true business map belonging to me." Her temper and frustration vanished, she strode out of the dressing room, calling, "Director Eric, Director Eric!" Eric stood up and waved. Paris rushed over, apologizing, "Sorry, Director Eric, I shouldn''t have blown up like that. I''ve calmed myself down; let''s continue filming." "Sure," Eric nodded, reminding her, "Your assistant..." Before he could finish, Kim had already entered from outside. Paris impatiently asked, "Are you ready? Come on, let''s start shooting." Kim muttered an apology before obediently following Paris to the kitchen area. Eric called for his crew and resumed filming. This left Rooney and Hawke alone. ... Rooney thoughtfully said, "I''m starting to understand why clients who work with you always praise you so highly." Hawke replied, "Looks like you''ve done your homework on me." "Of course, last time I lost badly, my clients met their maker," Rooney chuckled. "You don''t just focus on the present; you consider the long term." Hawke shook his head, "Talking about entrepreneurship? If it were someone ordinary, I wouldn''t suggest it, but Paris is different." Rooney asked earnestly, "Can you elaborate?" Hawke explained, "Paris holds some sway in high society. Forget about her friends on the Upper East Side; the influence she has over Britney can save her a lot of trouble in the fashion world." Rooney realized, "That''s true." Hawke continued, "As for the candy business, the Hilton Group owns thousands of large hotels globally, and candy is a necessity in hotels. Just a small inkling during the procurement process could support her candy brand." Rooney glanced towards the kitchen, "Those are truly her unique advantages." She tapped her head, "Paris wants to start her own business but isn''t using her brain." Hawke said, "If she had a few more years of social experience, she would have realized this. Right now, all her thoughts are on enjoyment." Suddenly, Rooney scrutinized Hawke and invited, "Want to grab a drink tonight? The new bar at Grapevine Winery has a male cocktail that supposedly tastes amazing." "I can only apologize," Hawke politely declined, also making it clear to avoid any inappropriate advances, "My girlfriend has made dinner plans with me tonight. If I don''t show up, it''ll be very messy." Rooney nodded, "Let''s do it another time." ... Hawke went to the kitchen area to observe Eric''s filming. Compared to before, Paris Hilton was much more serious, but the more focused she got on her cooking, the more blunders she made. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Eric never called a halt, allowing her to explore on her own, even resulting in a cream cake flecked with diamonds and rubies. The director believed this would be a selling point. ... As the afternoon filming neared completion, Catherine rushed in. She approached Hawke, saying, "I contacted someone I know at FOX, and the feedback is clear; for an external show, a test screening is essential." Hawke stated, "Let''s finish the first episode first, then prepare for the test screening." Catherine replied, "Once Eric finishes shooting, I''ll bring in the editors immediately." Hawke wouldn''t interfere with such specialized work, "Post-production editing can just be handled by you and Eric." ... After today''s filming wrapped, Hawke exited the mansion first, driving away from Malibu towards Laurel Canyon. Erika arrived even earlier, waiting at an Italian restaurant. She heard from her coworkers about the restaurant and specifically invited Hawke to join. As Erika ate slices of lamb, she asked, "Is there any news from FOX?" "Not yet," Hawke hadn''t been closely monitoring it; after all, it was merely a strategy to gauge FOX''s reactions. "It seems everything''s normal over there. I made inquiries about Gretchen, and her work situation hasn''t changed." Erika nodded, changing the subject. "I haven''t checked out your new place yet." Hawke chuckled, "I called you; you were busy these past few days." Erika sighed, "Los Angeles is a concentration of crazies." She was about to say more but noticed Hawke was thoughtfully selecting meat for his dinner. She held her tongue, "The poor are brutally poor, while the rich are pathologically crazy..." Hawke replied very seriously, "Brian intends to run for president in the future; let him change that." Erika remarked, "His reforms probably won''t last long before he gets shot down." ... After dinner, they both drove to Santa Monica, pulling up to 20th Street. The villa''s garage could accommodate two cars, and they parked side by side. As they stepped out of the cars, Erika carried a tote bag. Hawke curiously asked, "What did you bring?" Erika took a couple of steps forward, linking her arm with his, "A new uniform; you''re going to love it." Hawke was intrigued, pulling her towards the house. But Erika interrupted, "First, take a shower; you smell like sheep. Go upstairs, and I''ll be downstairs. Do not come down until I''m dressed." Hawke, genuinely perplexed, asked, "What kind are you preparing?" Erika didn''t answer but returned, "Do you like being a pilot?" Hawke affirmed that he really enjoyed it. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 172: Naive and Simpleminded [Chapter 173: Naive and Simpleminded] After two days of filming and three days of post-production, the first episode of was successfully completed. At the same time, Rooney Chasen and the Hilton Group''s lawyer in Los Angeles jointly announced that Paris Hilton was suing Rick Salomon for invasion of privacy. In line with Hawke''s advice, they also engaged in media skirmishing, resulting in a flurry of attention on both sides. Rick Salomon gave an on-air interview stating, "Filming was Paris''s strong desire. I disagreed at the time, and she threatened to break up with me!" Hawke advised Paris to respond with a foolish yet naive approach. Through Twitter, Paris replied: "I was coerced; he told me that if I didn''t let him film, he would find another woman. I didn''t want to lose my love." She even borrowed a line from Shakespeare, "I was too young then, very foolish and naive..." The naive persona quickly sprang into the public eye. This strategy reignited the interest that had begun to cool from previous videos and news stories. ... After finishing the first episode, Paris, following Hawke''s suggestion, continued her wild lifestyle as she and Britney wreaked havoc in nightclubs. Leaving the club one night, in high spirits, Paris boldly lifted her skirt in front of the paparazzi, flaunting herself without shame. Much like Nicole Kidman''s scandalous skirt lift at the Venice Film Festival, Paris Hilton caused waves on Sunset Boulevard. Under Hawke''s influence, interest surged once again. With popularity came potential profit. Hawke promptly reached out to Natasha, introduced by Megan Taylor, while Catherine arranged connections with her contacts at FOX. For the past two years, Paris had been a hot topic, but this year, a single scandalous video eclipsed even the biggest Hollywood stars'' controversies. The parties quickly agreed to hold a test screening in the FOX screening room. ... That afternoon, Hawke, Rooney, and Catherine brought the sample footage over. On the FOX side, Megan joined them to watch. She introduced Natasha, a friend of hers from the channel, around thirty with long brown hair. Natasha introduced two others, "This is the show''s associate producer, York, and this is the director, Cole." Hawke shook hands with each of them. These three held decision-making power. After some small talk, Hawke said, "Shall we watch the show first? Let''s see it before discussing anything else." "Sure," Natasha also seemed like a straightforward person. Handing the storage disk to an assistant, they immediately connected it to a digital player. Megan didn''t sit with Hawke but chose to sit next to Natasha instead. ... The show began, the title shining on the screen. A beachside mansion came into view, and then Paris Hilton burst into the frame, taking the camera on a tour of her luxurious Los Angeles home. This woman, decked out in opulent attire, stepped into an even more lavish mansion, showcasing her wealth in every frame. Natasha frowned slightly; while there was some entertainment value, it could seriously discomfort viewers. York and Cole exchanged glances, feeling the wealth-showing concept was a bit tiresome, especially since this genre had been done extensively by various channels, leaving the audience jaded. ?????¦­?????§¦S However, as the scene shifted, Paris became hungry, and with the housekeeper absent, the affluent heiress prepared to cook herself, petrified with the thought of having to. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She changed into what she perceived as a suitable outfit for cooking: a sequined mini skirt adorned with diamonds and a rose gold headband. To protect her hands while cooking, she also donned a pair of specially designed fingerless gloves, shimmering under the lights, fully covered with diamonds and rubies. Then, she started creating her first dish -- bacon ironed with an electric iron. Amid the clumsiness, she burned her hands a couple of times, but thankfully the diamond-studded gloves kept her from injury. This super-rich heiress, trying to cook skillfully while dressed to the nines, created an immediate contrast that piqued the interest of York and Cole. Cole leaned in, "This show could be quite interesting." An experienced York seized upon the essence: "A blend of luxury and naivete -- a perfect embodiment of the typical rich girl in the public''s mind." Paris showcased her remarkable culinary skills in front of the camera along with her top-tier kitchen equipment. There was a pink potato peeler decorated with sapphires, and sparkling glitter salt, but unfortunately, when adding salt, she dumped half a bottle into the pot. While whipping the cream, she got batter all over her clothes, and several gems from her gloves slipped into the cream. The syrup turned dark like asphalt, and a once-white cake morphed into an odd gray. York suddenly whispered, "This cake looks delicious." Cole shot him a skeptical glance, "You''re actually considering eating this dark cuisine?" York lowered his voice even more, "If you eat it, you can make a fortune! At least five gems over one carat fell in!" Cole immediately shifted his stance, "I want a bite too." Towards the end of the show, Paris decided to prepare something simple: pan-seared steak. Everything seemed fine until she revealed a diamond-encrusted spatula! By the finale, the heiress managed to eat a somewhat overcooked steak. What she ate wasn''t that crucial; what mattered was that the heiress adorned herself with utmost extravagance from beginning to end. She crafted a persona of a "barbie-like fool unharmed by the world." Before concluding the program, Paris took off her diamond fingerless gloves and expressed gratitude for their protection. ... As the credits rolled, featuring Director Eric and Producer Catherine, Megan looked over to Natasha. Natasha did a slight nod and offered a faint smile, implying some things didn''t need words. Once the screen went dark, York and Cole glanced at Natasha and stepped forward to shake Hawke''s hand. York commented, "That was an impressive episode. Honestly, it exceeded my expectations; what appeared on the screen was an entirely different Paris Hilton." Hawke smiled, "The media has vilified her; in reality, she''s just a girl in her early twenties with a side that feels quite ordinary." Natasha approached, stating without preamble, "The show is intriguing; I want it. Let''s discuss collaboration elsewhere." This trip''s primary goal was to get the show on air. Sales terms or advertising shares didn''t matter much to Hawke; after all, Paris was footing all costs. Rooney Chasen, the diligent publicity manager, ensured that the show''s rights remained with Paris. He called Catherine and Rooney over to follow Natasha into the reception room. ... During the negotiations, Rooney took charge, while Hawke and Catherine largely remained quiet. Despite the show''s engaging qualities, technically, Paris Hilton didn''t have a viewership base; ultimately, they only settled for $1.5 million for the three episodes. This total included shared post-production and distribution rights for FOX. The situation mirrored Hollywood film mechanics, where the party possessing the distribution channels held a significant advantage. ... It wasn''t until the following day that Hawke had Rooney call Paris over to sign a series of agreements. Paris was especially thrilled that her show would air on the FOX channel, fully displaying what it meant to be a billionaire''s daughter. She split the $1.5 million copyright fee into three parts: $300,000 as a reward for Rooney Chasen, $500,000 as a production bonus for Eric''s team, and the remaining $700,000 as a special advisor fee for Hawke. Through their recent dealings, Hawke was fairly convinced Paris was no mere naive fool; instead, she had ambitions beyond just partying. ... With a broadcast agreement established with FOX, shooting for the second and third episodes ramped up. Paris was significantly more earnest this time, especially for the candy-making segment in the second episode. She hired a high-paid confectioner through Rooney Chasen to teach her how to make the candies look even better. Additionally, she ordered a large batch of gold foil and platinum foil to wrap the candies. While viewers at home couldn''t taste the sweets, visual impact was key. Hawke''s suggestions stuck with Paris; she was determined to launch her candy brand. Given the prior $1.5 million and the extra $700,000, Hawke took the initiative during filming to advise Paris, "Launching a candy brand requires a complete business plan. I can help you plan, but real operational matters rest on you." He emphasized, "Paris, you''d best consult your parents about this candy venture." Paris seemed puzzled, "Aside from providing me with a wealthy lifestyle, they don''t interfere much, so why should I ask them?" Hawke questioned, "Aren''t candies essential in Hilton Group hotels?" "Of course! Candies are placed at reception, in the lobby, gym, entertainment rooms, and various public relations events." Upon that realization, Paris stared blankly at Hawke, "Is that what makes a candy brand successful?" Hawke, serious and responsible, replied, "Don''t view that as something shameful; just look at Eric and me. To have this opportunity, we can''t even find a way in ourselves." Paris, now having substantial trust in Hawke, replied, "Okay, I''ll follow your guidance and call my parents tonight." Hawke said, "That way, you can achieve your goals much faster." With ambition shining in her eyes, Paris declared, "I want to be famous; I want success; I want to become a billionaire!" Everything Hawke orchestrated was essentially converting Paris''s fame into profit. ... While they were still filming the second episode, FOX began ramping up promotional efforts for Paris. The hearing for Paris''s lawsuit against Rick Salomon for privacy intrusion also had its first meeting in Los Angeles. Hawke instructed Rooney to leak a preview, resulting in dozens of reporters gathering outside the local courthouse. When Rooney escorted Paris out, she specially answered the media''s questions, announcing that a press conference would be held at the Hilton Hotel the following day to formally address the tape issue. The rest Hawke didn''t need to worry about. These traditional media promotion tactics were all within Rooney''s expertise. ... At the following press conference, Paris emphasized her victim status and climactically announced that would debut on FOX next weekend. On FOX''s part, they released promotional snippets. Paris''s extravagant styling and visually stunning diamond-handled spatula steak-cooking scene spurred a massive response. The impression given was akin to how imposing general''s demeanor shocked onlookers during wartime. At the same time, Paris, wearing her diamond fingerless gloves, proudly showcased her culinary skills in a new poster that surfaced on her official Twitter account. This poster went viral, trending in less than a day on Twitter''s trending news list. For the past two years, Paris had continually been a hot topic among gossip media; in terms of staying power, she even surpassed many Hollywood stars. Seizing that crucial moment of public interest, FOX launched the show. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 173: Major Success [Chapter 174: Major Success] In Los Angeles during May, the days were a bit hot, but at night, the sea breeze blew in, making it quite comfortable. Inside an old house, Reni rocked her daughter to sleep, closed the bedroom door, took some beer and nuts, and headed to the living room, placing them in front of Jacqueline. Jacqueline pointed to the TV, saying, "Check out this show, it''s kind of interesting." Reni sat beside her and looked at the screen, realizing it was Paris Hilton, who had been all over the media lately. After watching for a bit, she remarked, "It''s rare to see a rich girl acting all silly on TV, entertaining us poor folks." Jacqueline''s eyes sparkled with envy as she exclaimed, "I wish I had that kind of life; I''d love to try a cake made by Paris!" "Looks like a game of Barbie dolls in action," Reni commented. However, she found it incredibly entertaining, especially for someone under immense pressure like her who was trying to make ends meet for her daughter''s treatment. Watching the rich girl make a fool of herself was oddly amusing. It felt satisfying to see someone with lesser cooking skills and common sense struggling. Plus, there was a sense of curiosity in the air. It was a wacky show, but the antics on screen were hilariously funny. The two of them kept laughing out loud. As the show reached its conclusion, Jacqueline gazed at a diamond-encrusted spatula cooking steak and couldn''t help but say, "I really want to taste a steak cooked with that diamond spatula; it must be amazing!" Reni nodded in agreement, "A steak cooked with diamonds should be something special!" They both wished they could try it, but they couldn''t come up with that many diamonds. At that moment, many Americans were having similar thoughts. Countless people even expressed their desire to taste Paris''s chocolate cake. Maybe it had real gemstones in it! ... At the Fox Television Center, in the film and television channel, Rooney Chasen sat in a chair outside the director''s room, waiting for the first-hand data feedback. She was paying close attention because the PR budget from the Hilton family was exceptionally generous. Another key point was that if the show was successful, her job would become much easier down the line. The toughest parts were all handled by Hawke Osment. While the PR funds for the upcoming year couldn''t be called easy money, they were still not much different from handling the usual issues that came with celebrity antics. All of this was a walk in the park for Rooney. Just then, the door to the director''s room opened, and Cole emerged. Rooney stood up and asked, "Have the viewership statistics come in?" Cole''s mood was obviously good, a smile plastered on his face as he replied, "Viewership during peak times exceeded 4.22 million -- and that''s just the first episode." "Not bad," Rooney breathed a sigh of relief. "The viewership is great; please ensure that you fulfill the contract and allocate more resources for the promotion of the second episode." At that moment, Natasha stepped out of the director''s room and chimed in, "The next two episodes must maintain high quality. It''s a weekly show; we must have the second episode ready before next Thursday." ????????¨º? Rooney added, "The second episode has been filmed and is in post-production now. The theme is Paris and candy. The planning for the third episode has also been completed, with Paris inviting Britney to join." Natasha looked pleasantly surprised. "I''m really looking forward to it." ... After discussing follow-up collaboration matters for a few more minutes, Rooney left the production team and made her way to the hallway. She took out her phone and immediately dialed Hawke''s number, saying, "The viewership stats are in: peak viewership reached 4.22 million." On the other end, Hawke relaxed, saying, "The first episode was a success. You need to keep Paris in the spotlight this week. She should drink and create buzz, get in public mishaps, and definitely keep up the wealth flaunting on Twitter." Rooney replied, "I''ll communicate that to her." "Alright, get some rest." Hawke hung up the phone directly. ... As Rooney stood at the hallway window, taking in the night view of Century City, she suddenly understood why Caroline enjoyed working with Hawke. He always managed to tackle the toughest problems, allowing partners to earn money without much hassle. Who wouldn''t like that kind of collaboration? She dialed Paris''s phone number to share the good news. ... In a presidential suite at the Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Paris had no concept of viewership numbers and asked, "So we succeeded?" Rooney responded, "Very successfully!" "Awesome!" Paris exclaimed excitedly, tossing her phone aside. She picked up her drink and said to her friend, Kardashian, "Come on! Let''s toast to my success." Kardashian raised her glass, drinking with Paris, and taking advantage of Paris''s celebratory mood, she asked while pouring more drinks, "Can you mention to the director that I want a few more shots in the next episode?" Although Kardashian also came from a decent background, she could never compare to Paris; the gap was too wide. Raising her glass and slightly tipsy, Paris replied, "No problem, it''s a small request. I''ll make sure to cover for you." She called out loudly, "Bring out the fireworks, hurry up! I want to celebrate!" Kardashian had also had her fair share of drinks, feeling just as hyped, and retrieved the fireworks she had bought earlier. The two wild women lit up the fireworks inside the presidential suite. As smoke and flames erupted, it looked almost as if the Hilton Hotel was on fire from the outside. Setting off fireworks indoors immediately triggered the smoke alarms, and the hotel management scrambled into action. Guests on the floor below even called 911 to report the chaos. Fortunately, the suite''s butler responded quickly, rushing to open the door and put an end to the escapades of the two wild women. However, several guests reported the incident, and since the Hilton was a high-profile establishment, three police cars rushed to the scene. Paris Hilton''s room was notorious for past antics. When something like this occurred, it was a given that explanations would be required. The hotel manager''s phone call came in, and the suite''s butler began to chatter nervously. Reality hit Paris, and she sobered up slightly. In that moment, instead of calling her PR manager Rooney Chasen, her first thought was of Hawke. Thinking of Hawke, Paris grabbed her phone and made a call. ... Hawke was practicing ''shooting'' with Erika when he heard his phone vibrate and hung up the call without answering. Just three seconds later, his phone buzzed again. Erica woke up from her daze, got rid of Hawk''s entanglement, picked up the cup of water, drank some water and rinsed her mouth, and at the same time patted Hawk''s strong body and asked him to answer the phone first. Hawke checked his phone, saw it was Paris calling, and picked up, asking, "What''s going on? Why are you calling this late?" Paris quickly explained, "The show was a success tonight, but I had a few drinks and set off fireworks in the hotel suite. Now the police are here. The guests who reported me say I''m endangering public safety. They will definitely take me to the station..." Hawke thought to himself that she should be consulting her PR manager, Rooney Chasen, about this mess. But considering how quickly Paris had paid her fees, he hesitated and asked, "Is your bag carrier still there?" Paris replied, "Yeah, she''s in the room with me; she had some drinks too and helped with the fireworks." Hawke instructed, "While the LAPD isn''t here yet, tell her that the fireworks were her doing alone and not yours. If she admits that, when we film and edit the third episode, you can ensure she gets more screen time." Paris lit up at this suggestion, recalling Kardashian''s previous request. She felt much more at ease and said, "I''ll talk to her right now." sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... After hanging up, she quickly mentioned the idea to Kardashian, who agreed without hesitation. If it meant more airtime on the show, Kardashian didn''t mind taking the blame. In fact, to ensure she got more screen time, Kardashian even plotted to make Paris drink another cup, pretending to be too drunk to notice anything. She took all the blame and got taken away by the LAPD. ... In the Ferguson villa on 20th Street, Erika emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a towel, asking, "Did I hear you mention the LAPD earlier? Do you need me to make a call to the West Division?" Hawke didn''t want Erika to owe anyone a favor for such a trivial matter. He said, "Paris set off fireworks in the Hilton presidential suite, and several guests reported it. It''s not a big deal; let it be." He then curiously asked, "Do you have anyone like Paris in your family?" "Yes," Erika said simply. "My uncle living in Washington; one of my cousins there only knows how to party, unlike Brian." She paused briefly and then added, "But he has one good quality; he''s very low-key and never appears in the media, simply living off family dividends." Hawke replied, "Sounds like a good life..." "You want that too?" Erika teased mischievously. Hawke dismissively shrugged that off and took action, pulling her down. ... really made waves once it aired. The next day''s repeat saw over 3.3 million viewers tuning in. In the past, the public could only passively consume Paris Hilton''s gossip, but this time they could reach out to her directly. That was because Paris Hilton had launched her own Twitter account. Before the rerun the next day, Paris posted two tweets, one apologizing on behalf of her assistant Kardashian concerning the fireworks incident in the Hilton hotel, responding to media reports. The other tweet revealed the poster for the second episode, which had the subtitle "Candy." The comments on that post were flooded with reactions from the viewers of the first episode "Cooking." "Barbie''s extravagant cooking highlights; I laughed so hard, I nearly spit out my midnight snack." "You mock Paris for being terrible, yet she mocks you for being broke with a credit card." "Did you think this was a cooking show? It''s actually Paris Hilton''s alternative way of flaunting wealth!" "The lives of the rich are so dull; they miss many exciting experiences, like suffering hardships, toiling hard, and worrying about poverty." Of course, such a show was only for laughs, satisfying the voyeurism surrounding Beverly Hills socialites and clueless beauties. It appeared somewhat absurd but hit the audience''s sweet spot. However, when the second episode aired, the viewership numbers for skyrocketed to 5.5 million. Paris became wildly popular, and her Twitter, which she updated daily, experienced a surge in new user registrations. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 174: Web Architects and Developers [Chapter 175: Web Architects and Developers] On Ocean Park Avenue, at the Twitter office building, Paris, accompanied by a recently bailed-out Kardashian, took the elevator to the fourth floor. As she turned from the elevator into the hallway, the office of the operations manager opened, and Caroline stepped out. The two women stood a few meters apart, sizing each other up. Paris quickly scanned the other woman''s appearance. The woman across from her was as tall as she was, her bobbed hair framing an ordinary face accentuated with light makeup. Overall, she seemed pretty yet unremarkable. Given Paris''s knowledge of fashion and haute couture, she instantly saw through Caroline''s facade. Caroline wore a beige Chanel mini skirt, the newest model of the season, but it was not a limited edition; anyone could buy it. The Cartier watch and hairpin were both mainstream items. Her red high heels were from the previous season''s Hermes collection. Caroline seemed like an ordinary girl trying to pose as a glamorous socialite. Paris chose to ignore her and strode past Caroline. Caroline stood frozen for a moment, blinking her long eyelashes as if struck down. Although Caroline''s outfit and shoes weren''t high-end, they were custom-made and unattainable for typical wealthy individuals. The Hermes bag that Kardashian carried was one of only twenty produced worldwide, if she wasn''t mistaken. Caroline felt a mix of envy, jealousy, and disdain. ... In the meeting room, after thanking Hawke, Paris received the Hermes bag from Kardashian, placing it on the table after opening it. She smiled and said, "These are the candies I made myself, specially for you as a thank you." "Thanks," Hawke accepted it. Peering into the open zipper, he noticed it was filled with candies, each wrapped in gold foil, a not-so-ordinary gesture. Paris added, "The first three episodes are wrapped up. Eric and his team are off, but Fox is excited to sign me for a new contract and wants to launch a second season. Any advice?" Hawke thought for a moment and replied, "The viewership and feedback have been positive; seize this opportunity! Inviting Britney for the third episode is a good move. From season two onwards, you can try inviting different guests." Paris thought of Lindsay Lohan, a recent acquaintance. Hawke continued, "The cakes with gemstones in the first episode received great responses. You might want to push for a candy brand launch -- maybe do gemstone giveaways and have gems wrapped inside the candy." Paris eagerly nodded, taking notes. "I spoke to my parents, and they''re supportive of me starting a candy brand," she noted, showing growth. "Once the first batch is ready, I''ll bring some by for you to taste." ?§Ñ¦­¦¯????§¦? Hawke nodded politely, saying, "Sounds good." Their conversation was brief, and Paris bid farewell, concluding her business strategy planning contract with Hawke. ... The door to the meeting room was knocked on, and Caroline walked in. She spotted the limited-edition Hermes bag in front of Hawke. Hawke picked it up and handed it over, saying, "You can take this." Caroline wanted to refuse but felt overwhelmingly drawn to the limited-edition Hermes, especially since it was a global rarity. Approaching the bag, she saw a glimpse of the shiny contents inside. Hawke said, "These are candies made by Paris Hilton herself, all wrapped in gold foil. Take it." He knew this little sheep too well and smoothly added, "As long as we work together harmoniously and the company flourishes, you won''t just get bags like this; there will be times when you can have the Hermes designer come and create a custom sheepskin bag for you." Caroline was sold on this notion. "Yes! Let''s use top-quality sheepskin!" Hawke expanded her horizons, "If you nail this job and the company grows, you can buy as much as you want." "Uh huh!" Caroline was aware she was being worked, but she willingly accepted it. Having witnessed the development of Twitter right from its inception, she had faith in its growth trajectory. Miss Baaa was dying to bleat out a complaint about her regrets. As one of the early founders, she could have been a stakeholder like Edward. Hawke had offered her an investment opportunity. Back then, Miss Baaa was caught up in the glamorous fashion scene; she could barely manage five-figure cash amounts, and her credit cards were practically maxed out. However, she knew she still had a chance. ... Hawke exited the meeting room, looking for the next opportunity. During this time, Erica called him, inviting him to practice shooting in the afternoon. Hawke agreed, sat at his desk, and logged into the website''s backend to check various data. If Will Smith was the catalyst that ignited Twitter''s rapid development, then Paris Hilton and her infamous tape, along with its ensuing media frenzy, had equipped Twitter with a makeshift liquid nitrogen booster. Just last night, at 8:35 PM, the global registration number for Twitter surpassed 20 million. Outside North America, Britain emerged as the second-largest market. Caroline prepared to take her operations team on a business trip to the UK, New Zealand, and Australia to secure partnerships with local download sites, further promoting Twitter. All these locations were part of the English-speaking Five Eyes alliance, which would advantage Twitter''s market development. Hawke also instructed the tech department to recruit new developers proficient in either French, Spanish, or Portuguese. This was not just for the European market but also for the broader Latin market. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. From Mexico southwards, besides a few countries or regions like Brazil, most were Spanish-speaking. ... After lunch, Hawke bundled his shooting gear and drove to the Artel Mountain Shooting Range. This time, following Erica''s suggestion, the two swapped roles. Hawke assisted from afar while Erica took the lead. This was also to prepare for different emergency scenarios. After practicing for over an hour, they took a break, and Hawke picked up an assault rifle again, requesting Erica practice dual offensive maneuvers with him. They spent the entire afternoon at the shooting range. Each of them shot over 300 rounds. As Hawke noticed Erica trying to load more bullets into her empty magazine, he stopped her, asking, "What''s happening? Venting through firearms?" Erica responded, "Did you notice?" "I figured it out after the first magazine. I thought shooting might help you decompress," Hawke replied. Erica set the bullets down and said slowly, "In recent days, I handled a child abuse case involving several minors who were brought from Mexico to LA and suffered some sick Hollywood abuses." She forced a smile, "Even I found it hard to watch." Hawke remarked, "Some people don''t deserve to be human. Even demons are kinder than they are." He probed further, "Were there any Hollywood stars involved in the abuse?" "It wasn''t stars," Erica replied succinctly. "Two screenwriters with decent incomes. They joined a dark web subscription where they not only could buy videos over time but also could purchase services, but they had to bring the people from Mexico themselves." Hawke looked around and asked, "During the bust, you didn''t execute them on the spot?" Erica lowered her voice, "I wanted to, but they were too cowardly. The moment we broke in, they fell to the ground, raised their hands, and gave me no chance." Hawke mused, "It must be your reputation; they saw you and were scared." Erica added, "Now the case is with the FBI. I no longer have the chance to act." As Hawke cleaned the guns, he shifted topics. "We need to strengthen that tactical training, preferably hire a professional coach." He redirected Erica''s attention, saying, "I have this feeling that bastard Brian is cursing us again. He has a crow''s beak; his well-wishing never works, but as soon as he says something bad, trouble comes knockin''. " Upon hearing her cousin''s name, Erica fumed, "Brian called us disaster stars; he''s the real disaster!" The more she thought about it, the more it rang true. "Do you remember when we returned from Wyoming? He said we would encounter dozens of armed robbers, and what happened?" Hawke automatically chimed in, "We were attacked by over twenty armed criminals." This couple had no doubt that the disaster star was Brian Ferguson. ... After dinner, the two returned to Hawke''s villa on 20th Street. After the long practice, they were exhausted. Hawke grabbed a bottle of wine and led Erica up to the rooftop terrace to enjoy the night view of Santa Monica Beach. As Erica opened the wine bottle and poured some for Hawke, they overheard shouting from next door. Hawke looked over to see his neighbor, Jett Brown, and his girlfriend, Diana, enjoying the night on their second-floor terrace. Both were in detached villas, not too close to each other. Jett waved and shouted a few words over before pulling out his phone and dialing Hawke. Being savvy, he asked, "Can Diana and I come over for a drink?" Given that Jett was a senior talent consultant at Glimmer, who might be a useful resource for Twitter, Hawke replied, "You''re welcome." Jett waved goodbye to Diana and descended the stairs quickly to Hawke''s place. ... Hawke went downstairs to accept the welcome gift Jett brought over, exchanged a few pleasantries, and led the two to the rooftop terrace. They introduced themselves. Jett marveled at the fact that Erica towered over him by quite a margin: "You''re LAPD''s Erica Ferguson?" Erica grabbed two new cups and poured drinks for everyone. "That''s me." "I''ve seen your videos," Diana chimed in, starstruck. "You''re incredible! You''re a total gun goddess!" Erica politely responded, "I''m just fulfilling my duties as an LAPD officer." Hawke chatted a few minutes with Jett before they naturally transitioned to their work. Jett got straight to the point, "I''ve been keeping an eye on Twitter; its growth is astonishing." Hawke saw no reason to deny it. "We seized a few great opportunities." Jett inquired, "With such rapid growth, are you in need of talent?" Being quite direct, he said, "I''ve been a talent consultant in Los Angeles for ten years, working at Glimmer for eight, and I''ve got a talent pool in my head." Hawke did indeed have demands in that area, replying, "I need web architects and developers for the site who are fluent in either Spanish or French." "Got it. How about tomorrow you swing by Glimmer?" Hawke replied, "Sounds good." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 175: The Justice and Axiom of Idealists [Chapter 176: The Justice and Axiom of Idealists] Twitter was in need of experienced executive-level staff across multiple positions. Hawke headed to downtown Los Angeles, where he engaged in detailed discussions with Glimmer International, and the two sides soon signed a headhunting agreement. Apart from the positions discussed by Hawke and Jett Brown, there was also a need for a video site architect. Jett Brown was responsible for Twitter''s senior talent recruitment efforts. Twitter was also recruiting general employees. Candidates such as Caroline, Harland, and Kasim submitted some suitable options, Hawke reviewed them and vetoed some applicants from advancing to second interviews. ... Beverly Hills, Century City Shopping Center. Edward was with Deborah and Indio Downey as they exited a supermarket. They placed several shopping bags into Deborah''s Bentley. Indio was clamoring to go to the amusement park on the other side. Edward was about to accompany him when he suddenly spotted a familiar figure. He glanced over and confirmed he hadn''t made a mistake. The woman wore a sunhat, dark sunglasses, and loose clothing, making it difficult for unfamiliar people to recognize her. On a June afternoon in Los Angeles, there were many women dressed similarly. Edward quickly placed several filled shopping bags down and said to Deborah and Indio, "I''ve got something urgent to take care of back at the office, so I can''t stay with you." Deborah expressed her displeasure, "You have been so busy for the past few months." Indio complained, "You haven''t played with me at all lately." "It''ll be over soon," Edward tried to reassure the mother and son. "I''m in a career growth phase, so it''s a bit busy. Please understand." Deborah didn''t respond, but Indio angrily retorted, "You never keep your word." Edward understood the gravity of the situation, grabbed his baseball cap, and left, blending in with the pedestrians as he followed the woman ahead. ... He could clearly see that the woman was indeed Gretchen from Fox News. Although he had done little undercover work since 2003, Edward had been a freelance journalist for over half a year, and the instincts lingered. He pulled out his latest Motorola camera phone and opened the camera app. Gretchen walked into a cafe, pushing the door open as she went inside. Edward remembered that this cafe had a side door leading into the shopping center. He bought a newspaper, turned, and entered the shopping center, using the side door to reach the cafe. He found a good spot for observation, quickly scanned the area, and spotted Gretchen in a diagonal corner speaking to another woman. With enough distance separating them, Edward looked around to ensure no one was watching before opening the newspaper to feign reading. He slipped his camera phone behind it and extended the top of the camera just enough to take pictures of the two women. He snapped several shots, picking the clearest one, and sent it via MMS to Hawke''s backup phone. ... After a short while, Hawke replied: "I just had someone check into it; the unknown woman is named Harley, a Fox News reporter, and Gretchen''s confidante." Edward recalled the information Hawke had sent to Fox News earlier. "Should I follow her, see what''s going on?" "Go ahead," Hawke replied. "Just make sure you''re not caught." Edward tucked his phone away, ordered a coffee, and waited for that side to leave. ... On the other side, Gretchen looked surprised at Harley and asked, "Why didn''t you go to the station? You brought me out here and made me change my look." ??£Î???? Harley pushed her gold-rimmed glasses up her nose, her heart-shaped face serious. "Boss, I found some troubling information on the girls who went missing from Super Star Training School, and it might be serious." Gretchen, being a news person with a hefty curiosity, probed, "What did you find?" Harley explained, "I discovered two girls went missing from Super Star School because they were too good-looking and faced rejection from those around them. They had no close friends in Los Angeles, and their original families had broken apart. I sent my assistant to their hometown, but they never returned, neither to where their parents live, it was the same." She took a sip of her coffee. "Their phone numbers are unreachable, and no one has reported them missing. It''s as if they never existed." Gretchen nodded slightly. "What about Kristin Johnson? Didn''t her mother report her missing?" Harley continued, "The case is with the detective bureau, and the LAPD has been investigating. Kristin Johnson''s mother, Blythe, was initially going to get media exposure, but right after contacting the , Blythe went missing too." "Are you sure they didn''t leave Los Angeles?" Gretchen sensed the gravity of the situation. "Didn''t they go back to their hometown?" Harley had a particularly serious expression. "I can confirm; Blythe divorced and remarried, her husband has passed away, and she lives alone. I personally went to ask her neighbors, and Blythe hasn''t returned since she left a while ago." Gretchen inquired, "What''s the LAPD''s stance?" "Now that there''s no victim, the detective bureau has shelved the case," Harley laughed coldly. "The LAPD appears to do well on the outside, pouring funds into promotions, focusing on publicity rather than actual crime-fighting..." Gretchen pointed out a fact: "The homicide clearance rate is less than 70%, and cases of missing persons without bodies are basically set aside." Harley nodded. "It''s already been shelved; the detective bureau doesn''t care about a single woman missing. The LAPD has long since decayed." At the mention of this name, Gretchen began to worry and cautioned Harley, "You need to be careful. Always prioritize your safety." Perhaps in three to five years, running into trouble, Harley might also become someone like Gretchen and Megan Taylor -- seasoned veterans of the field. But being new in the industry, she still harbored ideals and passion, pursuing justice and fairness. Harley declared, "I''ve already found a breakthrough. At Super Star Training School, through my recent investigation, I can confirm that there were more actresses who went missing after studying there, not just those two, but at least three more, or possibly even more." Determined, she asserted, "Super Star Training School enrolls two batches of students every month, and I plan to sign up for the next session." Gretchen knew the training fees must be steep and replied, "I''ll apply for a special allowance to cover your expenses." "Thanks," Harley paused momentarily, then added, "Boss, I will mail you updates every two days. If there''s a gap in communication, please call the police." This declaration startled Gretchen as she looked up at Harley. A voice deep inside her urged her to stop Harley, but she couldn''t find the words to say it. Gretchen well understood that if this story broke, she, no -- if she and Harley exposed it, it would create a media sensation. And Harley would carry the biggest risk. Fox was indeed their shield. Gretchen instructed, "You need to take good care of yourself." Harley nodded firmly. "I''m leaving." Gretchen watched as she loaded her bag and walked toward the cafe''s entrance. At that moment, Gretchen felt as if Harley''s silhouette was exceptionally tall. Compared to the brave and pure-hearted Harley, people like herself, Roger Ailes, Megan Taylor, Erica Ferguson, and Hawke Osment were just a bunch of disgusting scoundrels all focused on profit. ... Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Harley exited the cafe and drove off in her Volkswagen, heading toward Hollywood. A Cadillac lingered behind from a distance. Before long, Edward followed the Volkswagen to near Paramount Pictures. The Volkswagen parked in a roadside spot opposite Super Star Training School. The woman got out of the car and walked alone into the school. Edward was already prepared with a camera in hand, aiming it at her as he snapped away. Wary of being recognized, he did not rush to get out of the car. Instead, he switched out the camera for one with a zoom lens. As soon as Harley emerged from the training school, he rapidly clicked the shutter. Edward then followed the woman to her apartment building and called Hawke. Hawke directed him to contact Campos directly. Half an hour later, Edward met Campos at a safe house. He handed over all the videos and photos he had just taken, and Campos arranged for someone to track Fox reporter Harley long-term. ... The red-blue political battle in California had reached a boiling point, with many in both political and business circles either passively or actively involved. In a place like America, if one wanted to expand their business and make more money, politics was unavoidable. Los Angeles, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In the conference room, several people were seated. The most prominent figure among a group of black individuals was a white man, Steve Nutt, star player of the Los Angeles Dodgers and a leader of the civil rights movement, revered as a saint. Also present was Sesco, a true power player within the NAACP who had appeared at Steve Nutt''s press conference. They were joined by black leaders from Hollywood, Spike Lee and Will Smith. Additionally, a white man named Grant Cesar had come all the way from Sacramento, the state capital. The NAACP was a standard deep blue organization, essentially the Democratic Party''s stronghold in California. Grant arrived in Los Angeles with a heavy mandate. He looked at Spike Lee and Will Smith and inquired, "Why has Brian Ferguson and Hawke Osment kept quiet after tearing open Hollywood''s deepest wounds?" Spike replied, "People are dead; what do you expect?" Will chimed in, "Hollywood knows how to avoid trouble. Wagenen and Redford have tarnished their names; who would want to get involved with them?" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 176: How to Dispose of Hawke [Chapter 177: How to Dispose of Hawke] At the head of the table, the black leader Sesco said nothing, completely handing over the authority in the conference room to Grant. The latter''s gaze focused on Steve Nutt. "I understand you are very familiar with Hawke Osment?" Steve knew that this guy from Sacramento had ulterior motives and answered straightforwardly, "We''ve worked together twice." Grant replied, "Now that you''re part of the Democratic Party, it''s your duty to serve the bigger picture for us in California. Brian Ferguson and Hawke Osment directly caused the passive situation back in Sacramento; we need to get rid of him." He fixedly gazed at Steve. "This is your opportunity to shine." Steve was no longer the baseball star who first collaborated with Hawke. The experiences of the last six months, especially his two collaborations with Hawke, had opened his eyes and developed some social and political insight. He joined the Democratic Party because his style and contributions aligned better with them. But that didn''t mean he was willing to sacrifice his promising future for anyone. "Sorry, I consider Hawke Osment a friend. While I''m standing with the Democratic Party, I have to remain silent." Grant glared at Steve. Steve was unfazed, staring back like a sharp sword. If this were Governor Gray Davis in attendance, he might have reservations; but Davis'' lackeys were a different story. Grant couldn''t sway Steve''s allegiance, so he turned his gaze to Will Smith. Will was even sharper than Steve, not giving Grant any chance to speak: "I have a flight to Asia in an hour to promote ; I can''t be bothered about things here in Los Angeles." Grant pressed on, "Will, you''re just going to let this go?" Will, quite astute, wouldn''t believe that a piece of paper could bind Hawke Osment and Twitter. He chuckled, "Those are all promotional needs for , resulting in a weekend box office of $55.11 million." "I need to rush now; I''ll see you later," Will stated as he rose and left the conference room. ... Spike Lee made some small talk before chasing after Will Smith outside. "You are so disrespectful." Will shrugged, "I can''t screw myself over." When it came to avoiding an agreement, even Hawke Osment, that despicable villain, would think of ways to wriggle out. For instance, the paparazzi having copies of footage that got stolen or hacked. That video was a ticking time bomb. ... As Will and Spike left, Steve Nutt took that opportunity to make his exit as well, preferring not to get involved in this mess. His aim in joining the Democratic Party was to seek personal gain, not to be used as a pawn. Steve understood well that while Hawke Osment could elevate him to saint status, he also had the means to destroy that very same status. ... Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Inside the conference room, Grant felt a bit dissatisfied. Sesco remarked, "The association is just an ordinary civil organization, lacking sufficient leverage." Grant nodded in agreement. "I don''t expect much; I just thought that if they were willing to help, things might become simpler." He waved his hand and prepared to leave. ... Meeting up with his assistant Augusto outside, Grant stepped into a business vehicle and had the driver return to their temporary office in Los Angeles. ????????¨º? The phone rang just then, receiving a call on Grant''s phone. He answered and listened for a moment, stating, "The two African Americans you recommended aren''t reliable; those old-timers and their foolish counterparts can''t be trusted. Owen, if we want to deal with them, we have to rely on ourselves." The voice on the other end responded, "Last time, Brian Ferguson relied on Hawke Osment. He''s nothing more than Osment''s puppet. We can''t act directly against the Ferguson family, that would lead to a vicious cycle, jeopardizing our safety too. But we can preemptively cut off the hand controlling Brian! Make Brian unable to compete with me for the mayor of Covina." Grant vowed, "I''ll ensure he is dealt with first." The other side added, "I''ll be waiting for your good news." With the call concluded, Grant turned to assistant Augusto. "Let''s head back and convene immediately." ... Ten minutes later, they arrived at the Aon Center building downtown. Grant entered the temporary office and gathered his team for a meeting. In the small conference room, apart from Augusto, there were also Hailey and Madison. Grant sat at the head of the long conference table and announced, "Our primary objectives are twofold: on one hand, support Mayor Owen''s reelection to defend the Democratic Party''s absolute strength in Los Angeles; on the other hand, deal with the mastermind behind the last incident -- Hawke Osment!" "If it weren''t for Brian Ferguson and Hawke Osment, Sacramento wouldn''t be in such a passive predicament," he said, looking at his three subordinates. "Let''s hear what information you''ve gathered." Hailey was the first to speak, "Hawke Osment''s Twitter company has become a superstar enterprise on the internet over the past two months. According to our data from relevant agencies, Twitter has registered over 20 million users worldwide." She paused slightly, glancing at her documents, and continued, "He has a long-term, deep partnership with Fox, and he rarely appears in public, so public backlash wouldn''t have much effect and could easily alert him." Grant nodded and looked toward Madison. "What about you?" "I confirmed through an LAPD insider that the person who filmed Erica Ferguson with Dwayne Johnson during the yacht incident was Hawke," Madison explained. "Later, he collaborated with the LAPD to dismantle the Mexican drug Mule gang''s influence in Los Angeles. Camila, the Mule gang''s leader, orchestrated an attack on Erica''s villa with 21 gunmen, all of whom were wiped out." Madison intensified his tone, "Reliable sources indicate that twelve of them died at the hands of Hawke Osment." Augusto chimed in, "So armed attack isn''t a viable option?" Madison affirmed, "Unless we can launch a large-scale strike and take him out in one blow, we will face fierce backlash from the Ferguson family. Hawke isn''t just Erica''s boyfriend; the Twitter company he founded has the Ferguson family as its second-largest shareholder, and they are financially tied." Grant pinpointed the key: "The connection between Hawke Osment and the Ferguson family." Madison replied, "We indeed need to consider this angle." Grant stared at the wall for a moment, saying, "The key lies in the relationship between Hawke and Erica. If these two can turn against each other..." Hailey interjected, "When women fall out due to relationship issues, they become enemies who wish the other dead." "And let''s not overlook the greed of capital," Madison added. "Once Erica and Hawke''s relationship deteriorates, the Ferguson family will undoubtedly look for ways to swallow Twitter, turning them into enemies." Grant made a decisive remark, "Great, we approach this scenario focusing on Erica and Hawke''s relationship to thoroughly break them up." Augusto interjected, "Hailey, given your romantic experience, you''re more suited for this." Hailey put on a charming profile and pronounced, "I could step in myself as the third party. With my vast experience, I''m confident I can win over Hawke Osment." "Forget that; never use our approach to think about how those rich families and politicians behave," Grant directly dismissed her. "You interact too infrequently with families like the Fergusons. The males in large families generally have multiple mistresses; Erica has been raised in that kind of environment, making it difficult to foresee her ideas. She has faced life and death tests with Hawke, and even if there''s a third party, as long as her position isn''t threatened, there''s plenty of likelihood she would ignore them." He was also thinking of his capable subordinates'' safety: "Erica might even encourage you to step back, and with her way of doing things, that encouragement might involve a gun." Hearing that last part, Hailey backed off from stepping into the ring. While the pay for this job was high, her life was paramount. Grant had been deep in thought and began to formulate an idea: "With Erica being a star officer promoted by the LAPD, she counts as a semi-public figure. Despite the murky stuff going on privately, they still care about base reputation and dignity..." The other three nodded in agreement. Grant continued, "We have studied cases handled by Hawke; he is quite adept at dealing with public relation scandals, able to turnaround situations through unexpected actions." Hailey understood instantly: "Get Hawke caught up in a massive sex scandal?" Grant looked extremely serious. "Twitter''s popularity is immense, and if its CEO and founder were involved in a sex scandal, it would undoubtedly become a sensational topic. Would the Ferguson family continue to support him for the sake of digntiy and profit?" The answer was obvious. Grant added, "If I recall correctly, Twitter is currently hiring." Madison interjected, "They mainly need architects and programmers fluent in Spanish and French." Augusto reminded, "At the end of last year, we went to San Francisco to handle that case with the female black prosecutor, dealing with a Mexican-American programmer who graduated from Stanford with a perfect match for the position. We also had evidence of her engaging in corporate espionage." Hailey similarly recalled, "We didn''t handle it at the time, thinking it might come in handy later." Grant made a swift decision, instructing Hailey, "I need you to head to Silicon Valley today. Go meet Bella in person and tell her that if she handles this, not only will we wipe the slate on old debts, but I can also assure her a six-figure bonus." "I''ll book a flight right away," Hailey said as she gathered her things. Grant then told Madison and Augusto, "You two need to keep a close eye on the movements of Twitter and Hawke Osment." The two immediately left to start their tasks. Once the work was assigned, Grant returned to his office and called Sacramento. "I''m starting actions here. We expect to see initial results within a week." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 177: Brians Campaign [Chapter 178: Brian''s Campaign] Ocean Park Avenue, Twitter Building. These days, the company''s entrance was bustling with a stream of job applicants. Glimmer International had recommended five managerial candidates, from which Hawke selected two. Jett Brown actively started recruiting individuals. Regular programmers and architects were mostly recruited directly by Twitter itself. Hawke had no specific requirements concerning ethnicity or gender for other candidates, as long as they met the qualifications. Twitter would provide them the opportunity to showcase their talents. After several days of recruitment, over a dozen employees were brought on board. Among them, more than two-thirds were men, with only a few women, which conformed to the normal trends of company development. It was well-known that having too many female employees in a company, especially in the office, could create issues. Of course, there were also outstanding women among the hires. ... During the Monday staff meeting, Harland, the CTO, specifically mentioned a new hire: "One of our newly recruited female employees, Bella Sain, who previously worked in Silicon Valley, has proposed a new algorithm for user interaction that could potentially increase efficiency by 10 percentage." Hawke asked, "Is it feasible?" Harland replied, "We''re currently testing it; she''s highly capable and has a unique flair for creativity." "Let''s check it out after the meeting," Hawke said directly. "Tell her that if it works, bonuses and promotions won''t be an issue." After the meeting, Caroline planned to head overseas with her assistants to the English-speaking market. Hawke also exchanged a few words with her. ... After the meeting, Hawke followed Harland to the technology department. Kasim was leading a team to test the new algorithm. Harland introduced the developer of the new algorithm to Hawke: "This is Bella Sain, she joined us last week." Bella was serious, simply nodding to Hawke, politely saying, "Hello, boss." "Hi," Hawke said, giving her a brief once-over. She appeared to be of Latino descent, with a lighter skin tone than most Mexicans. In the midst of the department''s crew of greasy programmers, she could be considered beautiful, reminiscent of Jessica Alba. ??N?????¨º? Hawke quickly redirected his focus. "Is the new algorithm practical?" Kasim and Harland refrained from taking credit and let Bella respond. Bella adjusted her glasses and, with a serious expression, stated, "There are a few areas lacking; it needs further optimization." Hawke nodded. Bella did not elaborate further, quickly returning to her workspace. ... Hawke then went to the director''s office and chatted with Harland and Kasim for a bit. As he left, he stole a glance at Bella, who was intently typing away at her computer, lines of code flashing on her screen. Hawke didn''t understand code, so he soon left the tech department. He casually swung by HR to check Bella''s background. She was a Stanford graduate who had previously worked in Silicon Valley. Her prior company had encountered difficulties since 2003, causing a number of employees to seek new opportunities. Bella was among those seeking other avenues. This was all very normal; people looked for jobs primarily motivated by financial reasons. "Drawing big dreams won''t fill the stomach." ... In the afternoon, Hawke received a call from Brian, asking him out for drinks that night. The two had arranged to meet at 7:30 PM. Hawke got out of the office a bit late. As he stepped out of the elevator, he encountered a few overtime workers from the tech department. Kasim greeted Hawke, continuing his discussion on technical issues with the others. Among them were two new employees, one of whom was Bella Sain. She seemed entirely focused on the technical discussion, actively talking with Kasim about the feasibility of another algorithm. These thorough professionals acknowledged Hawke, offering polite nods or quick hellos as he passed. He didn''t disturb them, heading to his Mercedes and driving to the bar Brian had mentioned. ... It was a classy bar, nestled among skyscrapers in downtown Los Angeles. By the time Hawke arrived, Brian had already ordered a bottle of tequila. He poured Hawke a glass, saying, "This Twitter thing you''ve been working on has been making waves online for the last couple of months." Hawke replied honestly, "Without support from your family, it wouldn''t have gone so smoothly; who knows, a month ago, some big shot could have swooped in to take over." Brian clinked glasses with Hawke: "Here''s to you, future billionaire!" Hawke took a sip, noting, "Right now, it''s all about burning cash, with minimal returns." "What about advertising?" Brian understood some aspects of the business. Hawke replied, "We haven''t officially launched that yet; right now, attracting users and building loyalty is the priority. Jumping into commercialization too soon won''t be beneficial." Brian quickly grasped what Hawke was implying: "So you''re looking to bring in new investors?" "That''s necessary." For social media to expand, significant upfront cash was needed. Hawke and the current Twitter couldn''t sustain it alone. He also needed to find a way to start generating income. Brian lamented, "Too bad my sights are set on politics." Hawke spoke seriously, "I''m looking forward to colluding with you and leveraging traditional skills." "I know; you excel at high-stakes business warfare." Brian''s past collaboration with Hawke had proven that; that was why he sought out Hawke again: "Do you remember the thing I brought up last year?" Hawke responded in a mock-serious tone, using sarcasm: "You mean the AIDS testing initiative?" "Hey, buddy!" Brian exclaimed, curling his fingers to knock on the table, the conversation derailed: "Do you have any idea? I haven''t gone out to see any women for five months!" Fired up, he continued, "Do you know how I''ve managed during these five months?" Hawke nodded, "I''m sorry, man! Just before I came in, I saw an adult shop across the street. After we finish drinking, you should go buy a fleshlight..." Brian continued to glare at him. "Alright, I''ll cover the cost," Hawke brazenly said. "I heard they even sell dolls." Brian insisted, "I don''t need any of that stuff." Hawke rebutted, "No, you do." He anticipated Brian''s next statement: "You''re preparing for your mayoral campaign in Covina, right? Don''t go messing around with women. Watch out for traps; if any sexual scandals come out about you, you''ll be finished." "I thought you had forgotten about what we talked about last year, you helping me campaign for mayor of Covina." Brian hadn''t planned to let Hawke work for free; he knew how to get Hawke''s creativity flowing. "After the family dividends came in earlier this year, I haven''t touched it, just to afford your hefty salary." Hawke said candidly, "It''s a fair trade; I provide labor, you provide the funding." Brian nodded seriously, explaining, "To my knowledge, the Governor''s Assistant''s Office in Sacramento sent someone to Los Angeles specifically for the Covina mayoral election." He detailed further: "Los Angeles has always been a deep blue city, with almost all satellite city mayors belonging to the Democratic party in recent years. This time, I''m also aiming to break this deadlock. But the Democrats won''t give in easily; our last attempt in Sacramento weakened our position, leading to Governor Gray Davis nearly entering a recall election..." Hawke inquired, "Is his opponent Arnold Schwarzenegger?" Brian replied, "If the recall goes through, Schwarzenegger takes the helm; if not, Davis remains the governor." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He continued, "The people Sacramento sent are mainly there to thwart my campaign and reclaim some dignity after the previous failure. They might just use simple and crude tactics against us, like last time." Hawke chuckled: "Then you need a doll even more." "No, what I need is you," Brian quickly poured more tequila into Hawke''s glass: "We mess with them, they''ll mess with me back; without you strategizing, I wouldn''t feel safe at all." Hawke thought about the trouble he''d caused and refrained from downplaying his abilities: "I''ll likely become a target for retaliation too, so I should be cautious." Brian rebutted, "I''m the shield taking the hits; they''ll likely come after me first." Hawke contemplated before stating, "This must be entangled with your Covina campaign. Gather all the related material on the Covina campaign; the more detailed, the better. Get it to me as soon as possible." Brian took a sip of his drink: "Okay." Hawke continued, "Make sure your bodyguards follow you around 24/7; don''t let anyone take you out." "I''ve got a team following me always," Brian reminded him. "You need to be careful too, don''t get caught." This drinking session didn''t last long; they barely finished a third of the tequila bottle. ... Brian had prepared thoroughly; by the next morning, he sent detailed information directly to Hawke''s office. Hawke wasn''t overly busy, so he took the time to go through the material Brian had sent carefully. Brian''s main competitor was a man named Owen Nester, who happened to be Covina''s current mayor, a member of the Democratic party and already serving his second term. Cities across America operated differently; some had a city manager system, where the mayor was appointed by the council, often just a figurehead. Some towns even appointed cats or dogs as mayors, purely for symbolism. Los Angeles practiced a mayor-council system where mayors were elected. Covina was generally like Los Angeles but had some differences. For example, one could run for mayor after living in the town for three years. Also, adults over 18 who have lived there for at least two years have the right to vote. Similar campaigns traditionally focused on promoting the candidate''s image while disparaging the opponent. Hawke barely hesitated in focusing on diminishing the opponent''s image. He grabbed a pen and marked the critical points in the materials. ... On the second floor, at the tech department, interviews were still taking place. Harland and Kasim served as interviewers, handling the sessions due to the numerous technical questions involved. In the tech department''s open workspace, several programmers busily worked. Bella Sain, typing away on her keyboard, paused briefly. She removed her USB drive from the computer, temporarily locking her screen, and stood up to head to the restroom. Once inside a stall, Bella took out her specially prepared perfume from her bag and sprayed some on. This had an aphrodisiac effect. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 178: Frame-up [Chapter 179: Frame-up] With Caroline out on a business trip, Edward went to meet Campos, leaving the top floor exceptionally quiet. Hawke suddenly heard a knock at the door, snapped his pen shut, casually placed it on the desk, finished closing Brian''s file, and picked up a newspaper to cover it, saying, "Come in." The office door opened, and Bella Sain walked in, wearing a chiffon top and pencil pants, stepping in high-heeled work boots. She also held the company-issued USB drive. Hawke asked, "What''s up?" "Boss, I have made breakthroughs with the algorithm," Bella stated as she placed the USB on the desk. "Harland and Kasim are busy interviewing and won''t be back for a while; I need backend authorization to continue the development." She stepped forward a bit, maintaining her earlier serious demeanor, "I''m having a creative surge; I can''t afford any delays." Hawke, though not versed in programming, understood that inspiration was equally crucial for programmers. Picking up the USB, he caught a faint whiff of her perfume. Bella quickly scanned the office, finding nothing unusual, and quietly shifted her position. Hawke pulled out his laptop, powered it on, and was about to plug in the USB when he noticed Bella had circled around to the side of the desk. She likely intended to introduce the algorithm, yet Hawke instinctively heightened his awareness. This was a habit formed after repeatedly dealing with complications and encounters involving attacks. In the closed office, they were about to overstep a safety distance. Hawke moved his mouse to open the USB drive. As Bella noticed his attention on the screen, she pretended to stumble on her high heels, leaning toward Hawke as if to catch herself. Her hand reached out to press on Hawke''s waistband. Hawke felt the odd movement. Most people''s first reaction would be to reach out and help a woman, demonstrating basic gentlemanly decorum. However, Hawke pivoted his feet, sliding the wheeled office chair away. He swiftly reached under the chair, pulling out a compact Glock 19, letting it drop lightly to his side. With a thud, Bella fell to her knees, bracing herself against the floor; the neckline of her chiffon top slipped down, exposing ample skin. She pushed herself back up, kneeling while looking at Hawke. At this point, hesitating would only cause him to miss the final opportunity. Bella reached for her collar, tearing the chiffon top, ripping off her bra, and grasping her breasts tightly. She then slammed her head toward the desk edge, leaving an impression mark. Seeing all this, Hawke quickly realized Bella''s intentions. Though he didn''t intervene, he instead pushed off the floor further to distance himself. At this moment, he recalled something that Brian said. Last night while drinking, Brian had warned him to be careful of being set up. "That jinx!" Hawke cursed inwardly, "That cursed cult leader!" All of this was Brian Ferguson''s fault! Bella dared to take this route, clearly not planning to leave unscathed. She ripped open a leg of her thin pencil pants, taking a pen from the desk and shoving it somewhere. Bella had previously noted that the pen had noticeable fingerprints on its lacquered surface. The pen cap had a clip, and after utilizing excessive force, Bella let out a cry, wincing in pain. Hawke sat in the office chair, watching like it was a show. Two individuals alone, a pretty female employee accusing her male boss of harassment. The former in disarray with signs of injury, could easily seek out a women''s rights organization and media to expose the boss and bring significant trouble, with no clear way for him to defend himself. ???????¦Â?? It could even spiral into a long-term lawsuit. Against the company? Or personally? Hawke inclined towards the latter. Bella shoved the pen down her pants pocket, then slammed her forehead against the desk edge. The blow was severe enough to prompt tears and snot to flow freely. Hawke had already pulled out his phone, calling security: "Have someone come up; remember to bring two female staff members." Bella heard Hawke''s voice and looked at him in shock. There was no sign of panic or anxiety on his face. Hawke Osment, this jerk, seemed to treat her as though she didn''t exist at all. Bella saw no way out, pulled out her phone, and dialed 911, crying and sobbing, "Help! Help! Someone come help me; I''ve been raped... quick, save me!" The operator asked questions, and Bella quickly relayed her address. Hawke could determine at this point that the woman didn''t have any weapons, casually replying, "You''re talented and have a bright future ahead; why resort to these tactics?" Bella, in tears, shouted in rage: "You heartless bastard! Just because I''m attractive, you think it''s okay to assault me and harass me! You jerk, you''ll pay for this!" Hawke was very curious about who was pulling the strings of this puppet. He also dialed 911 himself, reporting that someone was falsely accusing him. It was quite evident; they were clearly using the opportunity of Twitter hiring to set up a technically competent female programmer, one whom even Harland and Kasim, along with most of the tech department, recognized. If it was an average person, they could easily fall victim. Footsteps were faintly heard outside. Bella crossed her arms, shrinking into a corner and trembling with fear, as if she was terrified beyond reason, shouting, "Don''t hurt me! Don''t hurt me! Please, stop hurting me; I''m your employee, you can''t do this to me..." Just then, another knock sounded on the office door. Hawke stated, "Come in." Security Supervisor Austin and his assistant Jerry entered the office with two female employees. The four of them glanced between Hawke and the disheveled, bruised Bella Sain, unsure of how to proceed. Their first instinct was that the boss had been involved in a typical office scandal with a pretty employee. Such incidents were all too common. A boss who didn''t engage in such dealings couldn''t be considered a good boss. Austin puffed out his chest, assuming a grim demeanor, with one hand resting on his holstered gun and taser. As high-paid security working for wealthy clients, Austin was well aware that he was expected to smooth out such troubles. Jerry worked in tandem, discreetly preparing the stun gun. The two female employees swiftly organized their thoughts upon witnessing the scene. Bringing in fearsome security personnel would definitely intimidate Bella. What role would these two women play? They would surely comfort Bella, persuading her to accept the boss''s compensation and the harsh reality. Women weren''t supposed to accuse male bosses in the workplace; that was the rule in America. In just a few breaths, the four individuals had completed their mental conditioning. Bella continued to cower in her corner, shouting forcefully, "Don''t come closer! Don''t come any closer..." Hawke then instructed, "You don''t need to interact with her; just guard the entrance." Austin and his three colleagues stationed themselves at the office door. Hawke stood up and moved to the window, pulling out his phone to call Brian first: "You damn jinx! They''ve made their move; it was an ambush; you are my lawyer as well as the company''s, so hurry over." Brian, curious, asked, "What happened to you? Which method did they use? A shooting? That shouldn''t happen." Hawke briefly explained, "They falsely accused me of rape." "Oh?" Brian sounded a bit surprised, "You didn''t really go that far, did you?" Hawke clarified, "No." Brian reassured, "I understand; I''ll head over right away." Austin''s walkie-talkie crackled to life; he acknowledged it, turning to Hawke: "The LAPD is on their way." Hawke glanced out the window, spotting the patrol cars and said, "Let them up." ... Before long, two LAPD officers, one male and one female, accompanied by company security, reached Hawke''s office. The older officer, Nick, recognized Hawke immediately, recalling him as the friend of Chief Johnson and the boyfriend of LAPD star officer Erica Ferguson. The moment Bella saw the two officers, she rushed over, sobbing, "Please take me away; I''ve been assaulted!" She pointed at Hawke, "He tried to rape me! He''s the one; he used his position to harass me..." Hawke spoke to the officers, "Officers, I''m Hawke Osment, CEO of Twitter. I am being falsely accused and defamed by this Ms. Bella Sain." Disregarding Bella''s theatrics, he added, "My office is equipped with surveillance cameras; it will clearly show the truth." Bella''s accusations fell silent as she stared at Hawke, unable to comprehend his words. ... The office also had a meeting room; Hawke opened the door and pulled footage from three minutes before Bella entered until now onto a storage disk. The cameras had multiple angles; he captured footage from other angles too and copied those as well. Then, he made two additional copies. One was for immediate use; the other stored securely in his modified safe. ... Outside, Bella searched frantically, not spotting any visible cameras in the office. She may still hold onto the hope that Hawke was somehow dragging this out to devise an alternative plan. Retrieving the storage disk, Hawke returned to the office, connecting it to his computer, flipping the monitor towards everyone to view together. Seeing Hawke actually pulling up the surveillance footage left Bella speechless. Hawke gestured to Austin. As they all viewed the footage, they subtly encircled Bella. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Soon, all of Bella''s actions appeared on the screen. It wasn''t just the video; the audio was recorded as well. Austin and Jerry exchanged glances, thinking to themselves about Hawke''s peculiar hobby of installing such high-resolution cameras. Were all his meetings recorded too, just to relive them later? Officer Nick received two notifications from the command center about the incident between both parties reporting to the police. With the facts clear, he relaxed, knowing he wouldn''t be in a tight spot. Bella fell silent, ceasing her protests, her gaze fixed on Hawke instead. When she came in, she paid special attention to the surveillance cameras and found nothing. This pervert was clearly hiding something and had ulterior motives. A female officer, due to issues handling the suspect, called for backup. ... Before long, two additional female officers arrived, bringing along an oversized coat for Bella to wear as they escorted her downstairs. Bella glared at Hawke, "Pervert! You''re a pervert!" The two female officers ushered her out of the office. Nick accepted the storage disk Hawke offered, stating, "Mr. Osment, you might want to come down to the station too." Hawke replied, "My lawyer should arrive shortly, and I will head to the West Division as soon as possible after meeting up with the lawyer." Nick nodded, waiting for Hawke''s attorney. Hawke called Austin and the others over: "The news of this incident will likely spread throughout the company. You need to take a copy of the footage down, so everyone understands what led to this." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 179: The Mentally Ill [Chapter 180: The Mentally Ill] In downtown Los Angeles, in the financial district, Hailey sat in her office at the Aon Center. She occasionally glanced at her phone, waiting for a call that never came. She had already reached out to media outlets and feminist organizations aligned with the blue camp. As soon as Bella Sain stirred up trouble, they would act quickly, aiming to smear Hawke Osment''s name and hang him on the gallows of sex crime accusations. The blue party had always held the upper hand in public opinion, especially in California. She had used similar methods more than once before. It seemed simple and blunt, but it was very effective when dealing with men, leaving them with no room to defend themselves. Hailey herself was a woman, and during her time in Sacramento, her main work had been focused on women''s issues. The feminist movement in California was thriving, and in recent years, she had studied numerous high-profile cases in depth. Women could accuse men of peeping, stalking, or harassment without needing concrete evidence. As long as they dared to stand up and voice their claims, men would have to expend an immense amount of time, energy, and money to prove their innocence. Even if the women''s accusations didn''t succeed, they could merely apologize, or even skip the apology altogether. If the allegations came complete with bruises, torn clothing, or signs of an assault, in California, where the blue party controlled the narrative, a man could spend the entire Pacific Ocean trying to cleanse himself of the stains! What about taking it to the law? Hailey hoped that would happen. People like Hawke Osment would spend a year or more dealing with such lawsuits. Even if they eventually won, it would still be a loss. Thinking this, she glanced at her phone again. Bella Sain had started work nearly a week ago without any updates. At that moment, her phone vibrated. She picked it up and answered, "It''s me. Any news?" In a parking lot at Venice Beach, a guy wearing sunglasses sat in his car, watching patrol cars and others driving away from Twitter''s office building. He reported, "It seems they''ve mobilized. Multiple LAPD patrol officers went into Twitter''s office building, taking a woman out. Hawke Osment followed them out as well." "Keep watching," Hailey instructed, then began dialing again. "It''s me, Hailey. A serious case has come up at the West Division. You guys can head over for interviews." On the other end, a female editor at the notified two female reporters, who drove straight to the West Division. Hailey reached out to a women''s advocacy organization, preparing to offer "help" to Bella Sain. ..... West Los Angeles, at the West Division. In the interrogation room, facing video evidence, Bella Sain was expressionless, stating, "My lawyer will be here soon. I won''t answer any questions until my lawyer arrives." This was her legal right as a suspect. The officers at the West Division obtained no answers from her. ... In the reception area, Hawke finished writing his statement. As his lawyer, Brian had watched the full video and was formally negotiating with the West Division. Bella Sain had intentionally accused Hawke of wrongdoing, which had crossed into criminal territory. As the victim''s lawyer, Brian demanded that the West Division act fairly. Hawke had a great relationship with the LAPD and even held a senior exemption card. If he were the perpetrator, the West Division might have considered his case. But it was clear that Hawke was the victim, backed by solid evidence. Needless to say, the attitude of the West Division. And Inspector Suzy from the Parker Center Media and Public Relations Office at headquarters called immediately. ... Minutes later, Erica rushed in. Upon seeing Hawke, she couldn''t help but comment, "I imagined this situation, but I didn''t expect it to happen so quickly." Hawke retorted casually, "After all, I''m going to be a billionaire." Everyone in the reception area were insiders. Brian added, "This has nothing to do with billionaire status; it''s just the continuation of upper-level political struggles." ???????????§¦¡ì Erica, being part of the Ferguson family, understood something of the dynamics. She turned to her cousin, "Shouldn''t they target you first?" Brian had long believed he was the primary focus. "I thought so too. By rights and importance, they should have come after me first." Hawke glanced at Brian, choosing not to comment. Erica had an epiphany. She looked at her cousin, saying, "Could it be that to them, you don''t matter? The truly important person is Hawke." Upon hearing this, Brian suddenly fell silent, not wanting to engage with this couple. Hawke remarked, "Those bastards assigned me a highly capable programmer, who also happens to be a corporate spy, tempting yet untouchable. Isn''t that disgusting?" Erica stifled a laugh. Thanks to her mother, she knew a bit about Hawke''s company and that Twitter was in desperate need of talent. Brian found a point to counter the couple: "Why don''t you deal with that female spy personally? Take on the gift they sent you..." Before he could finish, he felt two piercing gazes aimed at him, so he quickly altered his wording. "Just a suggestion." Erica jokingly remarked, "Next time I take vacation, I''m thinking of traveling to Tijuana. You should join me." "Tijuana?" Brian knew what that meant. Hawke knocked on the table, reminding them, "Let''s focus on figuring out who''s pulling Bella Sain''s strings." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Brian nodded, "According to sources, a team from a consulting firm linked to the governor''s office is here, but we haven''t identified the lead yet. They''ve come in covertly." Erica thought of how close Hawke was to being ruined. Her ruthless instincts kicked in. "I''ll find a way to have Bella Sain detained in a men''s facility!" ... At that moment, someone knocked on the door from the outside. Brian went to open it. Officer Milner walked in, shutting the door behind him. "Bella Sain''s lawyer has arrived." Erica immediately asked, "Is there a change in the situation?" Milner replied, "Her lawyer presented a medical record showing that Bella was diagnosed with a mental illness at the San Francisco Institute of Psychiatry over a year ago." Hawke shook his head, "This woman came prepared." Milner nodded slightly, "Yes. According to regulations, we can''t detain Bella Sain at the facility." He then reminded them, "Two reporters from the are outside, requesting interviews regarding the accusations involving the CEO of Twitter." Hawke wasn''t surprised. "They''re quick to act." Brian chimed in, "If you hadn''t been careful enough, we''d be in a much more passive situation right now." Hawke asked, "If a mentally ill person has self-harm tendencies, do you have a way to confine her in a partnered mental health institution? We can''t just let her go home to harm herself, right?" Brian recalled the video he had just watched. He opened his notebook, replaying a segment of video where he pointed at Bella, saying, "Look, Bella Sain picked up Hawke''s pen and made self-harm gestures. The LAPD considers her personal safety and feels measures should be taken." Erica remarked, "I remember that some seriously mentally ill suspects are sent to St. Mary''s Mental Health Center." Milner went back to the computer, rewatching the footage involving Bella Sain. After a moment, he declared, "We can justify denying Bella bail on grounds of preventing self-harm. This way, her medical record becomes her ticket into St. Mary''s." Erica thanked her old partner, "Thanks." Milner understood his stance well, responding, "Just a small matter." Once he left, Hawke said, "Once Bella is placed in the treatment center, we should arrange a special program for her." Erica replied, "While they do provide individual rooms, they do mix genders. Occasional incidents are normal." Hawke thought for a moment and suggested, "Put pressure on her mentally. There must be a lot of talented individuals in that place. Set her up in a special room, surrounded by some high-profile individuals. If Bella isn''t truly mentally ill, I wonder if she''ll enjoy it." Erica mused, "I remember there are a few high-profile individuals held there; they would certainly appreciate a new neighbor." Brian observed Hawke and Erica, muttering to himself about the absurdities of people attracted to similar people. He pulled out his phone and began mobilizing his connections to have Bella confined before anything else. Hawke dialed Edward, asking him to post on the official Twitter account. Then, he called Suzy, requesting LAPD''s assistance in clarifying matters. Empty words wouldn''t suffice; LAPD would release edited video footage through official channels. Twitter would also post the video through official channels. ... Quickly, Suzy arrived from Parker Center to discuss the specifics of the release with Hawke. There were two angles of the surveillance video, both clear, but for the sake of the individuals'' rights, the faces had to be blurred. Once everything was settled on their end, everyone else quickly got to work except for Hawke. Erica went to meet Milner to coordinate Bella Sain''s admission into St. Mary''s. Brian headed to negotiate with the West Division and the District Attorney, insisting that even if Bella Sain wasn''t mentally ill, she should still be transferred to St. Mary''s. Edward was quick on the draw and immediately posted a tweet along with the related video, which had blurred faces, providing a thorough explanation of the day''s happenings at Twitter. Simultaneously, Suzy had LAPD''s official Twitter release a statement and video, delivering an initial explanation regarding the case. The evidence was undeniable and irrefutable. ... Half an hour later, Hawke enjoyed the special treatment of the West Division, leaving in the officers'' passage along with Brian. The two female reporters from the waiting at the entrance did not get to see the subject. Soon enough, they received a call from their editor, and they hurriedly returned to the newspaper office. There was no longer a need to conduct interviews; both the police and Twitter had provided detailed accounts and videos through their official Twitter channels. This wasn''t a case of a male boss harassing a female employee; it was clearly a female employee falsely accusing her male superior! ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 180: Putting Aside the Video, Is Hawke Right? [Chapter 181: Putting Aside the Video, Is Hawke Right?] In the financial district of Los Angeles, at the Aon Center, Hailey hung up the phone with a sigh. Bella Sain had failed. She opened her computer and logged into her Twitter account. That''s right -- though Hawke Osment was their enemy, it didn''t stop them from using Twitter. It was the most widely used social networking site in America. As soon as Hailey entered the Twitter interface, she saw the announcements hanging on the right side of the screen. Both the official statement from Twitter and the LAPD''s announcement were there. She clicked in and played the video. Bella Sain had done remarkably well, being quite ruthless with herself by even using Hawke Osment''s pen to stab at her own vital points. Under normal circumstances, the plan would surely succeed. Who would have thought Bella encountered a pervert who had installed surveillance in her office? As the head of a company, weren''t you supposed to have affairs with female employees? Weren''t you supposed to sometimes fool around with a secretary? Didn''t you occasionally seek out a celebrity or model to indulge with? If you weren''t doing any of that, what kind of company boss were you! Hailey confirmed that the operation had completely failed and turned off Twitter, heading over to Grant''s office. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Grant was on the phone with Mayor Owen from Covina. Hailey waited until the call was finished before saying, "Boss, Bella Sain''s plan failed." Grant was slightly surprised. "The plan was simple and crude, but it usually yielded good results." "Take a look at Twitter." Hailey briefly explained the current situation. Grant opened the video and watched closely. After finishing, he sighed and said, "Bella did well, but she was up against an overly cautious opponent." Hailey agreed, "We planned well but lost to a pervert and caution." Grant nodded and asked, "Will there be any issues with Bella?" "No, we have her under control. She wouldn''t dare speak out. If our side gets exposed, she could spend the rest of her life in prison." Hailey said simply. "The moment our information gets out, she will be finished." Grant thought for a moment and added, "This failure has raised the opponent''s alertness. Let''s not make any moves for now to avoid weakening our forces. It seems we''ll have to face them head-on in Covina." Hailey said, "Feedback from the West Substation indicates that Brian has reappeared, helping Hawke Osment deal with the aftermath." "Just as we expected, those two have colluded again." Grant remained silent for a moment before saying, "As for Bella, let''s not worry about her; she doesn''t have any evidence pointing back to us. In fact, without her saying so, Hawke and Brian will guess it came from Sacramento. Before long, we''ll have to face him directly." ??¦­???? Hailey nodded and then left the office. Grant picked up the phone to call Sacramento, saying, "Things aren''t going well; we must take Hawke Osment seriously. He turns out to be more difficult to deal with than we expected." The voice on the other end replied, "You all should continue assisting Owen Nester''s campaign. The primary task is to ensure his reelection." Grant responded, "Got it." ... At Ocean Park Boulevard, at the Twitter headquarters, as soon as Hawke returned, he immediately gathered all department heads for a meeting. They all understood that Twitter had just pulled through a perilous time. If Hawke, the founder, went down, the company might just fall apart. In the meeting room, Hawke wasted no time with small talk. He directly said, "This incident can also become hot news. The operations and editorial departments need to heat this story up for the next week, with technical support from the tech department." The head of operations, Sasha, who was also Caroline''s former assistant, asked, "Is there a specific theme?" Hawke had been thinking about it on his way back and replied, "The theme is ''Men Should Protect Themselves.''" If taken alone, people might find it surprising. However, after hearing about Hawke''s situation, Sasha immediately understood his point. Aside from Sasha, all the others in the room were men. Considering what Hawke had gone through, they each subconsciously heightened their alertness. They didn''t even need Hawke to remind them that from now on, when meeting female subordinates, it was best not to be alone. If they had to be alone, they should definitely not close the office door. ... The meeting wrapped up in under five minutes. Hawke spoke briefly with the HR manager about controlling the female employee ratio during future hiring. The IT industry naturally had a significant male advantage. Hawke also thought about companies like Boeing and Twitter from his past life, which heavily relied on female and LGBTQ+ employees, and how they were nearly doomed. Amidst these cautionary tales, Hawke found another pressing issue. He called in Harland and Kasim, instructing them to temporarily avoid using Bella Sain''s algorithm. ... With everyone else out of the conference room, Edward spoke up, "Boss, I should have stayed at the company. If I were around, I would have directly accused Bella of racism." Hawke chuckled, "Were you planning to use a nuclear option right from the start?" Edward rubbed the back of his head, "Racism against feminism is definitely a battle worth fighting." "Don''t worry, if anything like this happens again, I will make sure you are at the forefront," Hawke changed the subject and asked, "Did you meet with Campos? Any updates?" Edward opened his bag and took out a dozen photos, handing them to Hawke. "These were taken by Campos and show the latest movements of that Harley who interacted with Gretchen." Hawke looked through the photos, mostly capturing scenes near Paramount Pictures, with several showing Harley coming in and out of the Super Star Training School. Harley was obviously well-groomed, sporting bright blonde hair and an outstanding appearance. Hawke easily guessed her intentions: "Has Harley signed up for acting classes?" "Yes," Edward elaborated. "Campos dug a bit and found that she changed her name to Polly, claiming to be a girl from Montana who just arrived in Los Angeles to chase her acting dreams." He pointed to two photos, "Harley moved out of her apartment and rented a room in a motel, telling the motel owner about her past; her father died in a car accident, and her mother from Australia returned to Melbourne to start a new family." Hawke immediately understood. This woman had surely researched the background of missing persons, carefully crafting her identity. Edward also picked up on it and said, "Boss, she''s worried those jerks won''t take her seriously, so she tailored this story." "Yes, she''s quite courageous and has a strong sense of justice." Hawke wasn''t that type of person; he had never thought of seeking justice for others, always weighing his own interests first. Nonetheless, he couldn''t help but admire such a person. Hawke put away the photos and told Edward, "Notify Campos to send his best two people to follow Harley in shifts. Good people shouldn''t go missing." Edward acknowledged, "I know what to do." ... Exiting the meeting room and returning to his office, he found Brian curiously snooping around. Hawke asked, "What are you doing? Be careful or I might mistake you for a thief!" Brian replied, "Looking for a camera." "Don''t worry, I''m not after you." Hawke went behind his desk and asked, "Have we figured out who is backing Bella Sain?" Brian said, "I contacted Erica, but she''s very tight-lipped. Her lawyer is also vigilant. It''s tough to get anything out of her through legitimate questioning at the police station." Hawke asked, "Haven''t your channels come up with anything either?" Brian showed a bit of shame. "Management is too bureaucratic, and efficiency is too low. Gray Davis''s assistant has a few consulting teams under control, and they haven''t gotten any information yet about who has come to Los Angeles." He assured Hawke, "Don''t worry, the toughest ones are definitely after Arnold Schwarzenegger; we''re just the little players here." Hawke said, "Those people aren''t pushovers either; they strike hard." Brian nodded. It was an old-school method, but effective. Seeing Hawke in thought, Brian opened a computer and logged into his Twitter to look up some news. After reading for a while, he couldn''t help but said to Hawke: "You were using your own case to stir up a hot topic!" Hawke replied: "It had already happened, so of course we had to use it. Wasting was not a good habit." Brian was speechless for a while. ... The founder and CEO of Twitter had been framed by a female subordinate, and the related news had quickly become a hot topic. Even though the person''s face could not be seen clearly, the video had still topped the Twitter trending news list thanks to the strong support of many netizens. It had also made it onto Google''s hot search news list. The strong response from netizens had far exceeded outside expectations. On Twitter, countless people had retweeted Hawke''s news and video and had left their own opinions. "The whole United States had been clamoring to protect women''s rights, but who had been protecting the legitimate rights of men?" "It had not been easy for men out there. You must have learned from Hawke and protected yourself!" "A true experience: my former colleague had been falsely accused of sexual harassment by a woman in the office. Although there had been a recording to prove it, he had still been fired by his female boss." "I''m a photographer. When I had been shooting on the subway, a woman had suddenly broken into my camera and had falsely accused me of secretly photographing her privacy. I had ended up paying $500." "It had been proven that when you are with a colleague or a single woman who was not a friend, especially a woman with whom you might have a conflict of interest, you must be careful. Otherwise, if the other party falsely accuses you of secretly filming or peeping or any sexual harassment, you would have no way to explain and would be socially dead." Faced with the overwhelming public opinion, how could feminists have remained silent? In reality, they might have been afraid of a man''s iron fist, a literal iron fist. But on the Internet, they had been fearless and had seemed invincible. Many feminists had also fought back on Twitter. "The victims of sexual harassment had mostly been women!" "You had been exploiting women for hundreds of years, and you want to continue exploiting them?" "If I hadn''t spoken out until something had happened, it would have been too late!" "Apart from the content of the video, shouldn''t Hawke Osment have reflected on whether he had done anything wrong? Had he been treating female employees unfairly in his daily work? Had he been giving people the wrong hints? There had been so many men at Twitter; why had the woman chosen Hawke Osment?" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 181: Torment from the Mentally Disturbed [Chapter 182: Torment from the Mentally Disturbed] In some ways, social media resembled that of the stars; it didn''t fear heated debates, but rather, it dreaded being ignored. Under Hawke''s deliberate machinations, men and women began bickering, and the topic quickly shifted away from the Hawke incident itself, veering toward a war of the sexes. This verbal skirmish spread from Twitter to the North American internet, drawing in numerous print media outlets. Even some European press got in on the action. In real life, it might not have been too noticeable. However, Twitter became a battleground, with a surge of people registering an account to join one side or the other, all ready to fight. As everyone knew, online arguments rarely resulted in a clear victor. A bunch of trolls could never outsmart another group of trolls. There were also those who, after registering, didn''t contribute much but eagerly consumed gossip. The only ones profiting from this debacle were Twitter itself. Seizing the opportunity, Twitter launched a Spanish version targeting all Spanish-speaking markets. This included Spain and all of Latin America from Mexico down south, effectively expanding Twitter''s reach. In just a few days, Twitter added over three million global users. Their total count approached 25 million. ... Caroline called Hawke from Australia, saying that the trending topics had simplified her promotional work significantly, allowing her to seal deals with telecom providers in Australia and New Zealand. She nearly burst into song on the phone, performing "The Sheep Song" for Hawke. Next, Hawke planned to collaborate with Brian on dealing with the behind-the-scenes bastards; his company needed someone to hold the fort. He instructed, "Finish up your work over there and come back immediately." Caroline responded without hesitation, "I''ll have someone book a flight now." Hawke slipped into his PUA mode, saying, "Miss Baa, the company can''t function without you." Caroline felt the urge to transform into a flying sheep and head back to Los Angeles right away, exclaiming, "I''ll book the earliest flight." ... Later in the afternoon, Erica called, inviting Hawke to the St. Mary Mental Health Treatment Center, saying she had crafted quite a performance. Hawke awaited this planned stunt for days, hoping it would reveal who was behind Bella. Due to her mental issues, Bella Sain was temporarily detained there. The LAPD had denied bail, citing her potential risk to herself and public safety, necessitating a psychological evaluation. That evening, two mental health experts were set to evaluate Bella. By the time Hawke exited the office, Erica''s Mercedes-Benz G-Class was already waiting at the building entrance. As he got in, he asked, "Am I allowed to observe on-site?" Erica turned onto Pacific Coast Highway, replying, "The involved parties or their lawyers have the right to observe. I took care of the paperwork." "Is Brian coming too?" Hawke expressed concern. "That guy, with his curse of a mouth, could disturb everyone and make the patients riot." Erica reassured him, "Brian is your lawyer; I''ve already called him." Hawke queried, "Did you bring your long gun?" Erica gestured to the back, saying, "The gun bag is right there." Just to be safe, Hawke reached for it. "You should definitely take it when we get out later." Taking into account Brian''s previous strange words of encouragement, Erica felt that having the long gun would be a prudent choice. Hawke opened the bag, finding a tactical vest, an AR-15, a shotgun, along with magazines and ammo. He inspected everything and confirmed it was ready for use. ... After driving for over forty minutes, they stopped in front of an old building now surrounded by an electric fence. The tall walls bore a sturdy iron gate, next to which stood a watchtower. All the guards were armed, their uniforms clearly not belonging to the LAPD. ??¦­??????? Hawke remarked, "Their uniforms look a bit off." Erica parked in the lot. She explained, "This place was originally managed by the Los Angeles City Hall, but with the increasing number of mentally ill criminals, the law mandates that they can''t be housed with regular inmates. The costs have been rising every year, so the city outsourced the St. Mary treatment center to a private entity." Hawke recalled, "I''ve heard a lot of prisons are also outsourced." "Exactly. California has also outsourced some prisons," Erica summarized, "On one hand, crime is on the rise, expenditures keep increasing, and the finances are tight. On the other hand, many states, including California, rarely impose the death penalty, and when they do, it''s difficult to enforce. The number of violent offenders is increasing, requiring solitary confinement, which costs even more." Hawke prompted, "What kind of performance did you plan? You''ve been tight-lipped." "A little surprise," Erica hinted, busy with plotting: "A scene that can make Bella Sain talk." ... Several cars arrived one after another, with a few LAPD officers, including Milner, stepping out. One of the vehicles was a Mercedes, and out walked Brian, also known as the Crow''s Mouth. Both Hawke and Erica exited the car too; Erica grabbed the gun bag and followed Hawke and Brian toward the gates. They presented their IDs, and the deputy director, Nathan, allowed them entrance. Milner was armed as well. Erica presented her officer credentials, and the personnel didn''t comment when they noticed the gun in her bag. Nathan had someone lead the way and approached Erica, whispering a few words. Erica nodded, "No real criminals involved." "Not a chance," Nathan chuckled, "They''ve been here for years, handling those mental cases and know how to act." Keeping her voice low, Erica said, "Once this is done, the remaining payment will come to you." Hawke overheard, but with Erica managing things, he didn''t dig further. They turned into a hallway leading to the inpatient area. Every few feet, there was a steel door, heavily guarded, reminding Hawke of the film . The mental institution where Sarah Connor was held was no different. Erica seemed to sense what Hawke was thinking and whispered, "Some scenes from were filmed here." Brian chimed in, "Being told this makes me feel like we just shifted from a horror movie to a sci-fi flick." Given the mix of horror and sci-fi conversation, Hawke sternly warned, "Keep quiet and don''t mention any nonsense." Brian protested, "I just thought it resembled a horror flick..." "You can shut up now," Hawke replied very seriously. "From now on, just wear your glasses and forget about having a mouth." Brian grasped Hawke''s point but couldn''t help but protest, "You two jerks, stop throwing around baseless accusations." As he opened his mouth to make a grand statement, "With security like this, how could anything go wrong..." he suddenly felt something hard poking him from behind and quickly fell silent. Lowering his gaze, he discovered it was Hawke''s finger and sighed in relief. ... They arrived at the evaluation room and stepped into the adjacent observation room, separated by one-way glass where they could see everything happening inside the assessment area. Two professionals assessing Bella Sain''s mental state were on their way. Brian pointed at his own mouth. Hawke reminded him, "Let''s stick to serious topics." Brian whispered, "If the evaluation shows no issues, Bella Sain could be bailed out, but under activity restrictions; she won''t be allowed to leave Los Angeles. Given what she did, I''m confident I can spin this and have her charged with false accusations, leading to a one-year sentence." Hawke frowned, "Just a year?" "She''s a woman," Brian explained, "Women evoke sympathy and get preferential treatment, even in court." Hawke glanced around at the others, his voice lowered, "Which place is more suitable, a women''s prison or St. Mary''s?" Brian replied, "Anyone kept here long enough -- sane or not -- might end up with mental issues; some might even become severe." Hawke rarely felt sympathy for his foes. "Then let''s figure out how to keep her here longer." ... In the inpatient area, the criminally insane section, the light faded outside, and the lights hadn''t turned on yet. Bella Sain, having been there for days, was highly tense. Since arriving, she hadn''t slept soundly. Suddenly, sounds of scratching echoed through the thin walls between the rooms. The jerk next door was scraping the cement wall with his nails. Though not loud, the noise sent chills down her spine and was unbearable. Clang! Clang-- In the other room, someone began to rhythmically bang their head against the iron bars of the cell, using just enough force to not injure themselves while ensuring the noise carried far. Combined with the scraping sound next door, it felt like someone was drumming while another played the violin -- though the worst kind. Out of the blue, someone knocked on the iron door from across the hall. Bella then realized that a new resident had moved in opposite her. The person across the two iron doors and hallway gestured for her to come closer. Hoping to engage with someone normal, Bella cautiously approached and found the individual appeared neat and tidy, quite normal. The person asked, "Hey, beautiful, how did you end up here?" Seeing the man''s body language and demeanor appeared stable, Bella replied, "The LAPD said I was mentally unstable and had a severe tendency to self-harm..." "Self-harm?" He asked curiously, "What did you cut off?" Suddenly, he turned sideways, lifting his shirt: "Like me?" Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bella noticed a massive scar on his side that looked like a gruesome centipede. However, injuries to the body were better than mental strains; she asked, "You self-harm too?" He chuckled, "I love eating animal organs, but the food here is awful and doesn''t provide any. So, I found a knife and cut it out to eat." At this revelation, Bella instinctively recoiled. The scratching sounds became sharper at that moment; the individual next door crawled in front of the door, scraping the metal bars as he spoke, "I watched you get taken away, and now you''re back like this." That person quipped, "What can a blind person see?" The scratching halted, and a voice rang out: "I wasn''t blind before." Bella, a Stanford graduate and former Silicon Valley white-collar worker, found herself in LA only due to someone holding a dangerous secret against her. These past few days had revealed a harsh reality starkly different from her imagination; this place wasn''t meant for humans. Suddenly, the noise cut off, and footsteps approached. A few guards, along with two burly female attendants, arrived at her door. They opened it, shackled Bella, and led her out toward the evaluation room, quickly securing her into an iron chair with locks. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 182: You Want to Destroy Me, I Want to Destroy You [Chapter 183: You Want to Destroy Me, I Want to Destroy You] Sitting on the cold iron chair, Bella deeply regretted getting that mental illness record. Her experiences in recent days had made her acutely aware of one truth: this sort of thing only worked well for the rich. Unfortunately, she wasn''t a wealthy person; she was just a little better off than the rest. Bella felt that if she stayed any longer, she would surely go insane. There were two assessors, one man and one woman. Before either of them spoke, Bella hurriedly exclaimed, "I don''t have a mental illness! I swear!" After a few sleepless nights of being tormented, she felt slightly delirious and unconsciously raised her voice. "I really don''t have any mental illness! I don''t!" The two assessors exchanged glances and subtly nodded, reaching the same conclusion. Based on past cases and their experience, Bella Sain was diagnosed as having a serious mental illness! The rest of the assessment proceeded like a factory assembly line. Throughout the ordeal, Bella repeatedly insisted, "I really don''t have a mental illness!" When the assessment finally concluded, Bella was taken back to the special ward. The two assessors then entered the observation room. ... The male assessor said, "Bella Sain''s situation is quite severe. I suggest we increase the medication dosage, continue solitary confinement, and maintain long-term observation..." This outcome came as no surprise to Hawke. When Bella shouted that phrase, he had sensed the fate was sealed. In a psychiatric treatment center, claim you don''t have a mental illness, and you surely do. The specialized doctors from the professional institution offered a highly specialized conclusion: Bella Sain had serious mental issues and was unsuitable to leave the St. Mary''s mental health center, let alone be released on bail. As everyone retraced their steps and exited the treatment center, the two professional assessors, along with Milner, sped away in their cars. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Hawke opened the back door of the Mercedes G-Class and stowed the gun bag under the back seat. Brian approached and said, "You see? Nothing happened, right? I told you, the problem doesn''t lie with me but with you two." Hawke exchanged a look with Erica and rebutted, "Even unlucky people can have their moments of good fortune." Erica, believing herself not to be the source of bad luck, retorted, "It''s because Hawke kept an eye on you; your jinx of a mouth never had the chance to utter those words." "Stop staring at me!" Brian shot a glance towards the treatment center. "This place is old and has held so many mentally unstable convicted felons. Do you think they won''t escape?" Erica got into the driver''s seat and just before closing the door, remarked to her cousin, "If anything happens at this treatment center, it''s definitely your fault." Hawke hopped into the passenger seat and immediately closed the door. Brian, vexed by those two, paced in frustration, pointing back at the center. "Look! No issues, right?" The treatment center was very quiet, and indeed, nothing had happened. "It''s too soon," Hawke insisted; he wouldn''t let the reputation of misfortune fall on him and Erica. Brian, disinterested in arguing with them, ambled towards the cars. Erica started the engine and was the first to pull out of the parking lot. Brian quickly followed. Just as the two cars hadn''t gone far, a piercing alarm rang out from the direction of the treatment center. Erica swiftly stopped the car. Brian followed suit and all three stepped out, standing by the side of the road, gazing up at the St. Mary treatment center. The sky had darkened completely, but the lights there blazed intensely as if chaos was unfolding within. Erica remarked, "That kind of alarm usually only goes off during riots or escapes." While no one knew what had happened, it didn''t stop Hawke from directly placing the blame on Brian. "You still won''t admit you''re a jinx?" Brian wanted to retort, but given the alarm still blaring in his ears, he opened his mouth but couldn''t find the words. Had what he said merely minutes before turned into reality so quickly? Was it really this uncanny? Hawke shrugged Brian''s shoulder and said, "Just admit it. You''re the god of curses, born with a crow mouth. Think about it: you just said something about me, and the very next day I found myself entangled in Bella Sain''s troubles." ???§à????¦¥? Hawke emphasized, "When you said it, Erica wasn''t around, and there was no Erica in my office either. So the problem lies with you and not us." "Your desk has a picture frame of Erica," Brian blurted, sounding tougher than he felt inside. Could it really be that he was a jinx? Did all his blessings turn to curses? That shouldn''t be! After all, the real jinxes were those two! Hawke glanced at Erica. Erica slightly nodded at him as the treatment center initiated movement again. Moments later, the alarm from the treatment center ceased. Brian quickly took out his phone to call, wanting to prove he wasn''t a jinx. ... After making a few calls, he received another one, which he answered, only to turn pale. Hawke inquired, "What''s going on?" Brian felt as if his soul had taken a serious hit. "They were escorting Bella Sain back, but one of the nurses colluded with a highly dangerous patient, quietly throwing him a set of keys to help him escape." Hawke noted the inconsistency, "A Joker and Joker''s girlfriend?" Brian wasn''t into comics, shrugged, and replied, "That patient is a psychopath and a locksmith. He didn''t escape but instead used the keys to open many inmates'' doors. A whole group of mentally unstable individuals broke out and caused chaos. One of them even pulled out a sharpened toothbrush and stabbed Bella down there..." Erica asked hesitantly, "She''s not dead, right?" "No, she''s fine; just a superficial cut on her thigh," Brian explained. "The guards arrived in time and stopped them, but Bella was left shocked and dazed. One jerk claimed he wanted to cut out one of her kidneys and eat it." Hawke patted Brian on the shoulder, "Man, keep your mouth shut from now on. Don''t speak mindlessly." Brian instinctively nodded, "I got it." After saying that, he felt something was off and quickly shook his head. "No, no, this isn''t right!" He looked at Hawke and Erica, realizing something was wrong. "It''s clearly you two; you came to St. Mary, so St. Mary got into trouble..." Hawke had already passed the blame onto Brian and was tired of dealing with him. He called Erica, "Let''s go home." The two got into the car, and the Mercedes G-Class sped away. ... On the dark, empty road, only Brian stood alone. He glanced back at the brightly lit St. Mary''s treatment center, thinking about the recent turmoil, wondering if he might cross paths with an escaped inmate. Not daring to linger, he quickly hopped into his car and sped off. ... Inside the Mercedes G-Class, Hawke mused, "This time, Brian will truly start questioning his life choices." Erica chuckled, "I wonder how effective it will be." Hawke understood her implication: "If Bella refuses to open up, we might as well try something out." Erica added, "If she were a man, some of these tactics wouldn''t be so sensitive, but with women, it''s a bit more complicated." Hawke wasn''t in a hurry: "Let''s return and wait for feedback." ... Saint Mary''s Mental Health Center, Medical Room. Bella Sain had two cuts, one at the base of her thigh and another near her left kidney. Though they bled a little, they were merely superficial wounds. The doctor applied iodine to her injuries and arranged for her to be returned. Arriving at her door, a sudden crashing noise came from the opposite iron door. A man with a huge scar on his waist pressed his face against the iron bars, revealing a gnashing grin. In another corner, the sound of nails scraping against the door echoed like a malevolent presence arriving. This brought Bella back to the earlier incident when that creep had poked her with a toothbrush handle. When the guard opened the door, she hurriedly darted inside, slamming it shut behind her. The guard locked the door and left. On the opposite side, the man''s menacing grin widened, "Sweet kidneys must be delicious..." Bella dared not look at him and shrank into the corner of the room. That night became unbearably difficult; strange noises echoed around her constantly. The moment Bella closed her eyes, she visualized her kidneys being gruesomely removed and stuffed into someone''s mouth. For a normal person, the mental stress of residing in such a place far exceeded imagination. Even though Bella had prepared mentally for jail time, being surrounded by a group of madmen and experiencing last night''s attack became too much to bear. The elite, who had grown up in privilege, would find it unimaginable just how oppressive and terrifying this experience was. ... By the next morning, Bella proactively requested a face-to-face meeting with Officer Milner, who was responsible for her case. Her conditions were surprisingly simple: to be transferred to a safe, secluded place away from those perverts, under solitary confinement. ... In the afternoon, Hawke learned from Erica the name of the mastermind behind everything -- Hailey Field. Quickly, both sides reached a plea agreement and negotiated a private deal. ... Bella confessed the identity of the mastermind and authorized Twitter to use a complete program algorithm she had developed, which could effectively increase Twitter''s operational efficiency by fifteen percent for free. Hawke ceased pursuing her charges, planning to help her leave North America at the right opportunity. However, she couldn''t be released immediately and would be detained in a separate area for now. Once she was out, the masterminds would likely take notice. As for calling the LAPD to summon Hailey, Hawke outright denied it because Bella had no concrete proof. ... Harland and Kasim confirmed the algorithm had no issues and even suggested Hawke consider keeping Bella Sain. But Hawke dismissed that idea too, reasoning that it might be a ruse and too risky. ... Subsequently, based on the information provided by Bella, Hawke instructed Edward to retrieve some documents from a bank safe deposit box. The material wasn''t very useful; Bella''s greatest asset was that complete algorithm. Hawke scrutinized the documents, which mostly contained information about Hailey Field. This woman belonged to the Bell Strategic Consulting Firm in Sacramento, and she had previously worked in the Governor''s Assistant Office. With the information on one individual, the rest would be easy. ... Hawke directly called Brian, sending a copy of the related documentation over. Before long, Brian had found out about the consulting team of Hailey Field. This team was one among several providing services to the office of the Governor''s assistant, led by a man named Grant Cesar, with three other members under him: Hailey Fields, Madison Jensen, and Augusto Stones. Brian got in touch with people up the chain to procure detailed information about this team. Once Hawke received the news, he called and instructed them to dispatch reliable personnel from the Ferguson family for a round trip. Additionally, Hawke tasked Campos to find the whereabouts of these individuals in Los Angeles. Especially Hailey Field, because there was a photo of her in the information Bella provided. He aimed to gather comprehensive information to deal with subsequent matters, which included how to handle this team. Grant''s team used the most vicious and shameless methods, tried to inflict social death upon Hawke. He felt indifferent towards Bella Sain since she posed no threat anymore. But against that secretive team, he would unleash a much more ruthless revenge. If they sought to directly destroy him, he would do the same. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 183: The Dump Truck Preparation [Chapter 184: The Dump Truck Preparation] In the office, Hawke flipped through the materials that Brian had brought. The four-member team, led by Grant, all hailed from California''s Governor Gray Davis''s alma mater, the University of California, Berkeley. They had joined the scientific and innovation research club founded by Davis during their time at school. Brian remarked, "The Bell Strategic Consulting Firm they belong to was founded by Davis''s college classmates. They''ve been collaborating with him since his first election, and this time they came to Los Angeles primarily targeting me..." Realizing they had initially targeted Hawke, Brian hastily added, "Oh, and you, too -- you''re the primary target." Hawke pulled out the photos of the four from the file and laid them on the whiteboard. "Based on the situations involving Hailey Field and Bella Sain, they''re really into causing trouble. Wanting to take me out directly is not much different from wanting my head." Brian''s greatest concern was this: "Now that they''ve already targeted you, will I be next?" Hawke wanted Brian to feel the danger. "If they get nothing out of me and raise my vigilance, the next target will definitely be you. According to the intel you obtained, their visit is not just about retribution for the Wagenen incident; their main goal is to assist the current mayor of Covina in his reelection." Upon hearing this, Brian realized he was quite important, a core part of the operation. "Without me, the current mayor, Owen Nester, would have no competitor." He had spent two million dollars hiring Hawke precisely to handle trouble and avoid being cornered: "Should we take them out first?" Hawke recalled the recent incident that Hailey had orchestrated. Had it not been for his deep understanding of high-stakes business and his daily caution, if Bella Sain succeeded, he wouldn''t even be able to explain himself. "I agree we should deal with them first. If I constantly have to be on guard, it''s just too stressful." After nearly becoming a victim of sexual assault, Hawke was more aggressive than ever: "Find out where they live and their schedule. Before they get fully involved in the Covina campaign, we send them where they belong." Brian inquired, "What do you suggest we do?" Hawke wanted to be a bit brutal, to express his stance: if they wanted to mess with him, they should think about the consequences. He replied directly, "There are two plans." Brian was a bit surprised. "You''ve already prepared two plans?" Hawke nodded slightly. "The first one is the simplest and most direct. We use a dump truck and wait for a chance when all four of them ride in the same vehicle so we can ram it. The advantage is that we could take care of them all at once; the disadvantage is that crashing is easier than cleaning up afterward." He had seen similar cases and already contemplated the possibilities. "There are many unemployed truck drivers turned homeless. For ten grand, someone would be willing to do it -- pay a bit more, ram the truck, and just dump them in Latin America to fend for themselves." Brian paused for a moment before asking, "What''s the second option?" Hawke said, "We could get some substance, toss it into their car, office, or residence, and then call the cops. As long as the amount is substantial enough, the case will definitely get transferred to the detective bureau. We would gain the initiative. The problem is, the LAPD rarely gets involved in political conflicts, so taking out all four at once would be incredibly difficult. This isn''t something that Erica or Milner could just handle quietly." "That''s a bit aggressive this time," Brian remarked. Hawke replied softly, "If their scheme succeeds, do you know what kind of situation I''ll be facing?" Brian could easily imagine. "You''d be forced to resign from Twitter, face a drawn-out lawsuit, and have your reputation completely ruined, ending up a broke man." ???O?????¨§???? "Not just that," Hawke said seriously. "Will you still work with me then? Will your family still cooperate with me? Will they pressure Erica to break up with me? Then our partnership could collapse completely, and the stock stakes in Twitter might ignite a rivalry between us, leading to a deadly standoff..." Brian''s expression grew serious as he understood his family''s situation. If it came to that, Hawke''s concerns could very likely come to pass. He replied, "With your skills, causing trouble for the Ferguson family isn''t difficult. They could sit back and profit while we tear each other apart." Hawke stated coldly, "From the beginning, they intended to completely ruin me." Brian nodded slightly, considering cautiously. This matter couldn''t be settled in rash anger between the two of them. Hawke continued, "One more thing. Since these people have come after me, they must have studied my previous cases carefully. My way of handling client issues has primarily relied on strategy, not so much on violent methods." He looked at Brian. "Or do you plan to wait for them to use similar methods to come after you? Once they take you out, Owen Nester would have no competitors." Brian awkwardly chuckled, "I''m not as twisted as you are; I couldn''t handle that." Ultimately, Hawke had to see how Brian would choose. Without Brian standing in front, Hawke definitely wouldn''t act. The biggest risks had to fall upon Brian since he was the direct beneficiary. Hawke simply stated, "Taking the initiative is a lot easier than being on the defense." "This isn''t a small matter," Brian remarked, unlike Hawke, he had more to consider. "Let me think it over." Hawke reminded him, "Don''t take too long. They could launch a second round at any moment." Brian nodded. "I understand." ... Hawke left him and walked to Caroline''s room, noticing her new look. Caroline had ditched her golden bangs, and her honey-blonde hair was pulled back into a ponytail. The outfit was no longer pastel but a dark business suit. Her usual red high heels had been swapped for more professional black ones. Seeing Hawke sizing her up, Caroline stood up and smiled, revealing her little fangs. "How do you like my new look? It fits the operations director role perfectly, doesn''t it?" Hawke chuckled softly. "You''ve gone from a cute pink little sheep to a black sheep." Caroline felt her smile freeze. Did her boss not like it? Hawke continued, "I''ve been super busy lately; you''re in charge of daily operations at the company. Frank''s downstairs if you need to consult him." Caroline instantly realized Hawke had something important to attend to. "Just call if you need anything in the media department." Hawke waved his hand, turning to leave the director''s office. ... Caroline quickly rushed to the outfit mirror to check her new look, feeling great about it. Did her boss prefer the cute little sheep over the black sheep? But she didn''t have time to ponder, as the tech department called in with work that needed handling. ... In Hawke''s office, Brian still weighed the pros and cons when his assistant, Sandra, called in. "Boss, check Twitter," Sandra said urgently. "Someone has exposed you there." There was an entertainment computer in the office; it was the same one Brian had used before. He hurried over, quickly booting it up. "What specifically?" Sandra revealed, "Your personal life." Brian sighed in relief. He wasn''t married, and even if he played around a bit, it wasn''t a huge deal. He opened Twitter and found that his name wasn''t trending in the hot news section. Compared to Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, and Paris Hilton, Brian was practically a nobody. Typing his name in the search bar brought up several news articles related to him. They were all basically similar content. "Covina mayoral candidate Brian Ferguson rumored to have AIDS!" Along with the tweet was a photo of him embracing a woman, and a bill for his hospital test that clearly indicated it was for an AIDS test! Further down were several hundred words of derogatory comments attacking him. Brian felt unwell all over; it wasn''t just a fear of AIDS, but it felt like he was stripped bare, with no privacy left exposed to the whole world. "Damn it! Damn it!" Brian cursed, pulling out his phone to call Hawke. "Get back here quickly; something''s gone wrong!" ... Hawke rushed back to the office as quickly as he could, stepping in to see Brian''s furious face. "What''s going on?" Brian pointed at the computer screen. "I''ve been set up, like a skinned pig waiting to be butchered!" Hawke moved behind him, quickly scanning the screen''s contents. "Someone from your doctor''s clinic sold you out." "That''s right. They are the only ones with that bill." "We''ll discuss this later," Hawke picked up the phone, calling the tech department. "Kasim, activate the new algorithm to minimize the appearance of Brian Ferguson on Twitter." Controlling the public opinion on Twitter was just a basic function of the new algorithm. Hawke hung up and called Caroline. "Check with the mainstream media in Los Angeles and see if they plan to publish anything about Brian." He looked at Brian. "Do you still have the test bill? Use it to clarify things with the media, although the result might not be favorable." Brian fumed, "I don''t have AIDS! Those bastards that got hold of the bill surely got the test results too!" S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke explained, "A mayoral candidate getting caught soliciting prostitutes and contracting AIDS fits public speculation perfectly. As for the clarifying test results, they''ll probably think you faked it." "It was Grant''s team! It has to be them!" As Brian''s anger grew, he said, "I know Owen Nester well; this isn''t his style." Hawke noted, "We haven''t even struck yet, and now they''re attacking." Brian lamented, "It''s my fault; you warned me, and I kept hesitating." ... At that moment, the phone rang, and Hawke answered it. Caroline was on the line. "Boss, I just checked with eight mainstream papers, including the . Three of them will publish news about Brian tomorrow." Having taken part in the last party struggle, she understood the situation well. "All of them are considered deep blue; I can''t handle them." "I figured as much," Hawke hung up and told Brian. "The deep blue media will publish your story widely tomorrow, including the ." That was the largest circulating newspaper in the Los Angeles area, with a massive number of subscribers in Covina. Having felt the heat, Brian fell silent for a moment before asserting, "We need to take them out!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 184: Bullying [Chapter 185: Bullying] The next morning, the hit the stands with news about Brian. Despite being one of North America''s top three newspapers and not indulging in wild speculation like tabloids, its claim that Covina''s mayoral candidate underwent an AIDS test would naturally leave the impression that he was particularly disreputable. Legally, it wasn''t a big issue; there were no regulations against AIDS patients running for office. However, the invisible discrimination was ever-present. Brian did provide clarifications, but their effectiveness could only be described as middling. In the office, Edward entered holding a stack of gossip newspapers, dropping them in front of Hawke and Brian. Hawke picked up a popular edition of the . On the front page of the second section, he saw Brian''s photo. He shook his head in admiration. "Man, you really know how to enjoy yourself, hanging out with three models at once." The photo background was a private beach, with four people in total; the man was Brian, and the other three were obviously models based on their figures. They lay on the sand, with Brian positioned over one model, hands firmly on either side of her bosom -- clearly the pose of a lewd wolf. Edward frowned, "You''re hooking up with models and didn''t bring me along? That''s just not cool." Brian''s face darkened, looking like it might rain. "I didn''t even know Hawke when I was having fun back then!" Hawke remarked, "All of your past indiscretions are about to be exposed." "It''s definitely those bastards'' doing! Their team is clearly out to create chaos," Brian resolved. "We need to act quickly." Hawke stated, "You''ll need your people to handle the operational side." Brian fully understood the implications this had on his future. "No problem." He then asked, "Have they located Grant''s people yet?" Even with the four names and faces, finding them in sprawling Los Angeles was no easy feat. "Not yet," Hawke had a corresponding strategy. "This team came to stop you and assist Owen Nester''s campaign, so they must have connected with Owen. If we follow Owen, we''re bound to find something." ????????????? Brian quickly pulled out his phone and called another assistant, Beacon, who was in touch with the security company controlled by the Ferguson family. Edward looked at Hawke, hinting, "Boss?" This guy was excellent at driving and tracking others, so Hawke nodded slightly at him. ... Edward immediately exited the office, grabbed the keys to a regular sedan, and drove from Twitter straight to Covina. Along the way, he called Campos. As Edward exited the highway and drove into Covina, he noticed a two-meter tall artificial orange sign greeting him at the main entrance of the town. Covina was famous for its oranges and citrus processing. He had heard Brian mention before that this enormous fake orange at the intersection was a publicity stunt created by Owen Nester for the elections. Edward parked near the city hall and spotted Campos. The two exchanged distant glances without greeting each other. ... Inside the city hall, Owen, in his forties, had a burgeoning belly and sparse hair but carried an air of authority. After signing a document, he waved to the driver. "Let''s head to the school." The two exited and boarded a Lexus heading to East Covina Middle School. ... Edward and Campos had great synergy, following closely behind. However, contrary to their expectations, the Lexus stopped at a school entrance. Owen''s expression soured as he walked into the school alone. Edward and Campos didn''t dare get too close, parking their cars from two different directions and using binoculars to monitor the situation. Soon, Owen came out, leading a stocky brown-haired boy from the school. They both got into the car, which then drove off from the school gate. A pair of Mexican mother and son emerged from the school. The boy stood at the door, filled with resentment as he watched the Lexus drive away. Seeing the situation, Campos called Edward. "You head after Owen while I check on the mother and son." Edward drove closely behind the Lexus. ... Waiting until the Mexican mother and son boarded an old Ford, Campos followed after them. After about ten minutes, the Ford stopped in front of a small diner, and the mother and son got out to enter. After a moment, Campos also walked into the diner. The Mexican woman stood behind the counter, while the boy had put on a waiter''s uniform. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Upon seeing the newcomer with a Mexican face, the woman greeted warmly. "Hello, how can I assist you?" Campos glanced at the menu. "One Mexican pancake, one Mexican grilled meat, and fries. And a Coke, please." The woman smiled. "Just a moment." She handed the menu to the kitchen, and when Campos paid, he discreetly peeked inside, seeing an elderly couple working in the kitchen. This was clearly a small family-run diner. After taking a seat, it wasn''t long before the boy brought over a tray of food and set it down. Campos tipped him two dollars casually and asked, "Such a young kid working, not going to school?" "Thank you," the boy gratefully accepted the tip and added, "I''ve got some things today, came back early." Campos noticed the bruise on the boy''s face. "Did you get into a fight with your classmates?" The boy didn''t respond, anger etched on his face. "It''s okay. I was bullied a lot by white bullies in school when I was younger," Campos said, something very common in middle school experiences. "Bullying is prevalent; you need to fight back." Being of similar descent, the boy quietly replied, "I can''t beat him." Campos offered, "Are there any other Mexicans in your class? Try to unite them; if you band together, you can fight back. Ignoring the bullying will only make it worse." The woman at the counter suddenly called out, "Rod, we need you back in the kitchen." "Thanks for the tip," the boy turned and headed back to the kitchen. After finishing his meal, Campos left the diner, taking out his notebook to jot down the restaurant and the boy''s name. He always adhered to Hawke''s advice, to observe, listen, and take notes, believing that such details might come in handy later. As night fell, Campos and Edward called each other to report. They hadn''t achieved much today. They shifted shifts with Carlos and Garcia and returned to West Los Angeles. ... Three days later, Edward finally had a discovery. Owen Nester drove solo to the Los Angeles financial district and entered a club. After waiting a few minutes, he observed a new Toyota Alphard pull up, from which four individuals stepped out. Edward recognized them immediately as the faces in Brian''s file, three men and one woman. He hurried to call Campos and Hawke. ... Inside the club, Grant and the four entered a meeting room to meet Owen Nester. Owen smiled as he said, "The action against that bastard Brian has been very successful. His negative press is everywhere; his clarifications didn''t work at all; he hasn''t dared show up in Covina lately." Grant appeared cautious. "Let''s not get too ahead of ourselves. Brian''s easy to deal with, but that man behind him is the real trouble." "That''s right; you mentioned that before," Owen had lived in Covina his whole life, and his perspective wasn''t particularly broad, so he hadn''t really taken much heed of the individual Grant''s team spoke of. "What was his name again?" Hailey replied solemnly, "His name is Hawke Osment, the founder and CEO of Twitter! Note that his expertise lies not in business but in business consulting!" Owen''s brow furrowed in confusion. "Like you guys?" Grant confirmed, "We''ve attempted an operation against him before, but failed." Now Owen took things a bit more seriously. "Why are we attacking Brian so much? Apart from clarifying through formal channels, they have not taken any other action." "That''s exactly what we''re concerned about," Augusto added. "We''re waiting for their next move." Madison said, "Hawke''s notorious for hiding in the shadows and using cunning schemes to sabotage people." Hearing how grave the four sounded, Owen felt uneasy. "When will you be in Covina?" Grant said, "No rush. We first need to see what Hawke Osment plans to do." Owen insisted, "Please hurry; that bastard Brian''s campaign office will be set up soon." ... A business vehicle entered the club''s parking lot. In the backseat, Hawke and Brian both grabbed binoculars and peered through the specially coated glass window toward the club. It didn''t take long for them to spot the Toyota Alphard Edward had mentioned. After waiting about half an hour, the four emerged from the club and got back in their car. Hawke clearly observed and declared, "That''s definitely them." Brian had reviewed the photos multiple times already. "It''s absolutely them!" Hawke grabbed his phone and made a call, "Cross-track without being spotted." Another individual exited the club, and Brian alerted Hawke, "That bald guy is Owen Nester." Having seen Owen''s detailed dossier, Hawke recognized him instantly. "That''s a match." ... In order to track them, besides Campos and Edward, there were four other cars dispersed at nearby intersections. Before long, news trickled back to them. Edward called in saying, "Boss, we found their lair. All four have rented an office in the E&Y Tower in the financial district. We''re concerned about alarming them, so we didn''t inquire about which floor they''re on." Hawke instructed directly, "You, Campos, and the others take turns keeping tabs on their movements and their vehicles." "Got it," Edward hung up. ... Hawke switched off his phone and turned to Brian. "We''ve located them; have you found suitable personnel on your end?" Remembering being exposed by those bastards for days, Brian grinned maliciously. "I''ve got people and vehicles ready. We''ve even prepared several withdrawal plans for both success and failure." In other places, the Ferguson family might not have such power. But here, in their stronghold of Los Angeles, things were different. ... The plan was clear-cut, but things rarely go as planned. Edward and Campos monitored those four for days, yet they rarely left their lair, leaving no opportunity for the right move. Brian grew anxious. The media attacks were piling up, putting immense pressure on him. No one could remain calm while being publicly vilified daily. He approached Hawke urgently. "What''s the plan now?" Hawke pondered carefully, shifting perspectives, "This time, they initiated the offensive. We''ve yet to respond effectively. They might be waiting for our next move." After a moment of contemplation, he added, "Isn''t your campaign office about to launch? We need to make a bigger move." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 185: Strike First [Chapter 186: Strike First] Covina, Center Street. In front of a two-story building that faced the street, a colorful arch was set up, while staff members handed out balloons to passersby. At the main entrance of the building, a shiny brass plaque had been personally hung up by Brian. The plaque read: "Brian Ferguson Campaign Office." After hanging the plaque, Brian took some balloons and headed out to the sidewalk, distributing them to pedestrians. He handed a balloon printed with "Support Brian" to a woman passing by. The woman initially reached for it, but when she looked up and saw it was Brian, she quickly withdrew her hand. "Do you have AIDS?" she asked. "No, I don''t!" Brian quickly explained, feeling more hatred for those four scoundrels who spread the rumors. Thankfully, Hawke had reminded him earlier. He pulled out two test results from his pocket and waved them in front of the woman. "This is from the Irvine Group medical test, and this is from the University of California Medical School. I do not have AIDS!" The woman glanced at them and accepted the balloon. "You really don''t have AIDS," she said, seeming convinced. It was a silly tactic, but given Covina''s small population and close-knit community, if one person believed him, it could encourage a dozen more to follow. After over an hour, Brian had handed out more than thirty balloons. His mouth was nearly dried out from speaking. ... Sitting on top of the church across the street were two men watching Brian with curiosity. One of them was Owen''s younger brother, Fowler, who asked, "This idiot thinks he can compete with you?" Owen remarked beside him, "Don''t underestimate anyone. We may call the shots in Covina, but we can''t compete with the Ferguson family in Los Angeles." ... Edward was driving his armored Mercedes closer to Covina. As they exited the highway and approached the intersection leading to Covina, Hawke spotted a giant orange sculpture. He hadn''t seen it during his last visit and asked Edward, "Was this just built?" Edward explained, "Owen commissioned this as part of his campaign stunt. It seems like the orange is Covina''s biggest industry." Hawke noticed the enormous orange statue with its shiny orange paint reflecting in the sun. Putting it simply, it was certainly memorable. As they drove down Center Street, Hawke could see a hot air balloon soaring high in the sky, boldly saying: "Support Brian Ferguson for Mayor!" Now that was striking advertising. The elections were a show in themselves. Hawke had been pondering how to add more entertainment value to this political spectacle. Although he had suggested various strategies to help Brian recover his reputation, one fact was undeniable: after the media rumors about Brian''s supposed AIDS diagnosis, his reputation had taken a serious hit, especially compared to Owen, who had served as Covina''s mayor for two consecutive terms. ... The Mercedes soon pulled up in front of the colorful arch, and Hawke stepped out. Brian rushed over and hugged him tightly. "Now that you''re here, I feel grounded," he said. ?§¡?§°?????? Hawke glanced up at the hot air balloon. "That''s a great idea -- everyone in Covina can see it." "Come inside and chat," Brian replied. They entered the office building, where about a dozen individuals were present, all members of a formal campaign team. The leaders were Beacon and Sandra. Beacon served as Brian''s campaign manager. The two greeted Hawke as they had collaborated with him during the Wagenen incident, knowing he was the key player. With Brian''s damaged reputation, normal promotional activities would have limited efficacy, so they had to explore alternative paths. Suddenly, someone rushed in from outside. "Sir, Owen and his brother Fowler are here," he said in a low voice to Brian. Brian quickly headed outside, and just as he reached the office door, he saw Owen''s large belly. Both men wore smiles as they shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. Owen''s gaze drifted past Brian to Hawke, who he assessed quickly. Hawke wore a distinguishable designer casual outfit and rocked a gold Rolex on his wrist, while holding the latest Nokia phone in his hand. His appearance is not outstanding, but his temperament is gentle and elegant. Owen said to Brian, "Would you like to introduce us?" "This is Hawke Osment, my good friend and the founder and CEO of Twitter," Brian said as he made the introductions. "This is Owen Nester, the mayor of Covina." Hawke took a proactive step forward, shaking Owen''s hand, "It''s a pleasure, Mr. Mayor." Owen smiled and responded, "I''ve heard a lot of good things about you." He gestured toward his brother, whose expression looked somewhat brutish. "Fowler is also a Twitter user." Hawke nodded towards Fowler, "Thanks for supporting Twitter." At that moment, Edward walked in, dragging a suitcase while carrying a bag. Hawke turned to Beacon, "Can you assist him?" Beacon quickly jumped in to help. Owen turned his attention to Hawke, probing, "Is Mr. Osment planning to stay in Covina long-term?" Hawke replied, "I really like oranges." "I''ll have someone send you some later," said Owen, achieving his goal and swiftly excusing himself. ... Stepping out of the office building, he and Fowler walked away. Fowler remarked, "That guy seems quite ordinary..." Owen snapped back, "If you lack common sense, just keep quiet!" Knowing his brother was brave but foolish, he reminded him, "An ordinary person couldn''t take Twitter where it is today. Use your brain." He pulled out his phone and dialed a number. Once connected, he said, "Grant, it''s me, Owen. I just saw Hawke Osment in Covina. He brought his luggage, clearly planning to stay for a while." On the other end, Grant asked, "He''s already there?" Owen replied, "Not just him; he''s also helping Brian combat the negative press." Owen urged, "When are you coming?" Grant took a brief pause, pondering, "Since Hawke Osment has shown up, we''ll head over to Covina right away. Get a place ready for us to move in." Owen replied, "I''ve got a villa prepared for you." ... In downtown Los Angeles, the financial district, Grant and his three associates quickly organized their office, grabbed computers and office supplies, then went to fetch their luggage from a hotel before getting into a Toyota Alphard. As the car left the financial area, a number of vehicles, including Campos''s, mixed in with the traffic and began tracking them discreetly. The news traveled quickly back to Hawke. ... In the second-floor office, Hawke noted, "They''ll hit the highway in about ten minutes." Brian didn''t respond or hesitate, grabbing his backup phone. This was a life-or-death political struggle. The last incident, involving the deaths of Wagenen and Redford, had opened his eyes to the brutal nature of political battles -- there was no room for mercy. Otherwise, they would be the ones in peril. Brian dialed a number. "Start the operation. Catch up to them at the highway entrance and handle it!" Once he hung up, Hawke took the phone, removed the SIM card, grabbed scissors to shred it, tossed the pieces into the office toilet, and flushed. Then he wiped the phone''s fingerprint and placed it in a plastic bag, tossing it to Brian. "Get rid of it." Brian nodded, "I understand." Noticing Brian''s unease, Hawke said, "Gather the team; let''s have a meeting. We need to unify our thoughts on some issues." S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Brian notified Beacon, "You, Sandra, and Hubbard come to the second-floor conference room. We''re having a meeting." Hawke stepped out to call Edward, directing him to the conference room. ... Meanwhile, as they neared the highway entrance, the Toyota Alphard slowed down slightly. "Last time, our strategy failed; we couldn''t take Hawke Osment down, and we lost Bella Sain as a pawn," Grant warmed up from the passenger seat. "From what we''ve gathered, Hawke excels in scheming, so we must be cautious. However, while being wary, we also need to completely dismantle him." Hailey, still stung by their prior defeat, replied, "Honestly, I hope he meets the same fate as Wagenen and Redford." Both had either been shot by the FBI or committed suicide in Nassau, transitioning straight to a heavenly fate. Augusto proposed, "Let''s come up with a solid plan to resolve everything in one go." Madison had an idea: "Find his car, sabotage the brake lines, then create a situation that forces him to rush back to Los Angeles." Grant nodded, "Come up with a solid plan." The Toyota Alphard turned onto the highway, where at that moment, traffic was relatively light, allowing them to pick up speed. ... This particular highway had been built a long time ago and had somewhat outdated facilities. The monitoring was scant. A West Star truck, loaded down, also merged onto the highway and began chasing the Alphard in front of it. The driver was an undocumented immigrant, experienced from years of driving a bus in Guatemala, displaying remarkable driving skills. Under his maneuvers, the heavy-duty truck sped up dramatically. Quickly, they spotted the Toyota Alphard up ahead. The two vehicles in front began to slow down, causing the Alphard to veer off the fast lane and into the empty outer lane. The West Star driver slammed the gas, the truck hurtling toward the Alphard. ... Inside the Alphard, the four were still discussing ways to take down Hawke Osment. Hailey Field came up with a solid plan: "Hawke places great importance on Twitter''s operations director, Caroline Jones. I''ve heard she also had a hand in the Wagenen incident. We could help set up a car accident for Caroline, so she..." Before she could finish, a colossal impact came from behind. Hailey, who had forgotten to buckle her seatbelt in the back seat, was flung from her seat and rolled through the air, landing painfully on the hard surface of the road. The West Star truck collided with the Alphard at a specific angle, sending the latter flying as though it were made of paper. The A/B/C pillars crumpled entirely, the vehicle tumbling off the road, with one passenger becoming airborne. The truck acted like a crumpled box, flipping and twisting in the collision, rendering it unrecognizable. The three remaining passengers in the Alphard suffered dire injuries, their chances of survival now left to fate. ... The West Star continued for a bit before coming to a halt. On the roadside, a common Ford sedan in California opened its door. The West Star driver jumped out, hopped into the Ford, and sped off. The car tore through the streets before exiting the highway, turning down an underpass into a storage building, where he swapped cars and drove southward, crossing into Tijuana from Chula Vista. Once delivered, the driver received cash for the remaining fare and was handed a ticket he had been waiting for, all set to board a flight to Argentina. He then caught another flight later, heading off for a vacation in Japan and South Korea. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 186: Whos Worse? [Chapter 187: Who''s Worse?] The highway scene had become a congested mess, with Campos in his car caught up in it. Like many others caught in traffic, he stepped out to avoid danger and watched the situation unfold. The woman who had been flung from the vehicle had a pool of blood and brain matter beneath her head. Campos didn''t need to look further to know that she was beyond saving. He remembered Edward had mentioned how she had once tried to frame their boss. "She had it coming!" Campos felt no sympathy for such a scumbag. As the jam worsened, more people exited their cars, seeking refuge on the roadside to watch the spectacle. Some bolder souls ventured near the mangled vehicle to look at the damage. Others, with camera-equipped phones, eagerly snapped pictures. Blending into the crowd, Campos took out his phone and captured a few shots of the woman and the wreckage, finding it hard to ignore the severe condition of the three people inside the car. Whether they lived or not depended on whether fate smiled upon them. Finding a quieter spot, Campos called Hawke''s number. ... In Covina, in the office on the second floor, Hawke''s backup phone rang -- Campos''s call. He walked to the window, pressed the answer button. "Hey, I just witnessed a horrific accident; a West Star truck slammed into a Toyota Alphard. A woman was thrown from the Alphard and fell onto the road; her brain matter was spilling out. The Alphard got knocked clean off the highway, crumpled like a metal pancake. The three inside are probably... may God bless them," Campos reported as if gossiping with a friend. Hawke understood, replying, "Such a terrible accident, may God bless them." Campos continued, "A patrol car is on its way; I think I''ll go check it out." "Sounds good," Hawke said, wrapping up the call. Brian immediately asked, "What''s going on?" Hawke replied, "Operation successful. The vehicle is severely damaged; one fatality and three injuries. The injured''s condition isn''t looking too good." Hearing this, Brian smiled. "Excellent! Excellent!" He approached Hawke for a fist bump. "Brother, with the two of us combined, who can deter us?" Hawke had broader considerations: "Grant''s team took a hit, and Owen Nester''s power has been undermined. We must seize this moment to turn the tide." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Brian nodded firmly, acknowledging, "Although Owen has some tricks up his sleeve, when it comes down to it, he can''t match us." "Let''s head to the meeting," Hawke said, exiting the office and entering the conference room. Brian trailed closely behind. ... Beacon, Sandra, and Edward were already waiting within the conference room. Hawke confidently took the seat at the head of the table and directly asked, "What''s the current situation?" Beacon opened his notebook and explained, "Owen Nester has served two consecutive terms as mayor, with his support base being the orange growers and associated businesses. However, his reputation isn''t that great; most of the promises made during his second term remain unfulfilled." ??¦­¨¯?????S Hawke wasn''t surprised; a politician who cannot paint a rostrum in the sky is not a qualified politician. How many of those big promises laid out during campaigns ever materialized? Beacon continued, "Besides Center Street, all other branching roads here are in disrepair, with streetlights and infrastructure severely damaged. Owen promised to improve them but took no action." He checked his notes again. "Then there''s the broadband issue. Covina is close to Los Angeles, and the eastern housing market is relatively cheap, attracting many young professionals. But Covina''s broadband remains primarily dial-up. Owen''s promises of fiber optics remain only campaign slogans." Hawke looked at Brian, "Have you all done any work on this?" "Of course," Brian detailed, "I''m not just making empty promises. Last month, I brought in a road management company to assess the condition and got AT&T''s LA division to promote fiber optics. Owen''s support base consists of the older established powers in Covina. I find it tough to win them over. However, the recent influx of blue-collar workers and new residents will be my focus." He elaborated, "These people are eager to improve their living and cultural conditions in Covina; the old guard and the so-called freedom of the Democrats are not set in stone. Given how long the Democrats have dominated the city, they''ve come to symbolize the establishment." Hawke certainly understood this -- the notions of conservatism and freedom were also time and place dependent. Beacon added, "Initially, we had decent support through our early operations, allowing us to catch up to Owen''s momentum. But throughout this past week, Brian''s negative news took a toll, particularly the AIDS rumors, affecting us significantly. Now, we''re at a distinct disadvantage." Brian turned to Hawke, "With the biggest obstacle gone and you here, we need you to turn the public opinion around." Hawke pondered for a moment before responding, "As for the media, you''ve already clarified the rumors, and the impact has been fairly average, so keep pushing hard in Covina." Brian noted, "My fear of AIDS originated from you, and once the rumors spread, clearing them is exceedingly difficult." Hawke had a plan. "Pursue a Hollywood actress known for being squeaky clean to become your friend, publicly express love and cohabitation, and then have her agree to an interview." Beacon chimed in, "That''s a solid plan." Edward, eager, pulled out his notepad. "I can recommend someone, Sarah Parker." That actress had recently suffered a miscarriage after a fall in March, not fitting the savior image; she became a non-viable option. Brian shot Edward a middle finger, exclaiming, "I think Jennifer Aniston would be great. She just got divorced, has a good reputation in the industry, and substantial influence." Hawke commented, "When it comes to Hollywood starlets, you know better than I do." Brian nodded and listed a few candidates in his mind, including Jennifer Aniston, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Connelly, and Cameron Diaz. He whispered a few instructions to Sandra to gather details on these actresses. Hawke continued, "As for public perception, currently, Brian is at a disadvantage in Covina due to the AIDS rumors. Even if we implement the above measures successfully, it''ll take time to alter the negative impression that''s been created; erasing it will require immense time and effort." He stood, walked to the whiteboard, and wrote down Owen Nester''s name, adding, "Therefore, the primary goal in the next phase is to tarnish his reputation even more than Brian''s." Brian clearly understood, declaring, "Are we really comparing who''s worse?" "That''s pretty accurate," Hawke continued while writing on the board. "Given the current situation, our strategic play is not only to gather more support for Brian but also to create a scenario where fewer people support Owen!" To achieve this, slandering, defaming, and spreading false rumors would undoubtedly be necessary tactics. Edward had followed Hawke for over a year and commented, "Let''s make Owen''s reputation even worse." This wasn''t a novel electoral strategy; since the Watergate scandal, the public had grown quite aware of such maneuvers. Brian voiced a reality check, "From small towns to cities and states, elections are no longer about simple democratic processes; they have devolved into a game of position, money, and influence." He asked Hawke, "Have you found a breaking point?" Hawke didn''t answer directly but instead asked, "The giant orange sculpture at the intersection leading into Covina, that was Owen''s doing, right?" "Correct, he put that up," Brian detailed. "His supporters are concentrated in the upper fruit industry, and for this election, he forked out of his own pocket to build that ugly statue, claiming it''s the new landmark for Covina." Hawke nodded subtly. "During my previous visit, I noticed that big orange was painted brilliantly and reflected some light. You find the right person to drive... no, ride a motorcycle; just ram into it. Then you can sue Owen Nester for endangering public safety due to the orange''s reflection. Brian, you''re a lawyer -- figure out the charges that would work." The idea hit Brian hard, his eyes lighting up. "Turning Owen''s prized creation into his laughingstock -- that would damage his reputation effectively!" Edward raised his hand to interject, "Leave this guy to me." Both Hawke and Brian turned to him. "I have a buddy who finally got out of Compton; right now, he''s unemployed and strapped for cash," Edward explained. "He''s a stand-up guy with no gang affiliations and a clean record." Hawke questioned, "Someone just like you?" Edward quickly clarified, "No, no. Boss, he''s not as charming as I am; he wouldn''t easily attract women''s attention." Brian added, "That''s fine. You find a person, and regarding the expenses, get some cash from Hubbard." The usually quiet Hubbard mentioned, "You can come find me directly in the finance office after the meeting." To support this campaign, Brian had raised quite a bit of campaign funding. Campaign finance law allowed candidates not to disclose how they spent the funds. "That alone is far from sufficient," Hawke remained cautious. He had gathered intelligence from Campos: "I heard that Owen''s son, Pratt, currently attends Eastside School and serves as the quarterback for the school''s football team. He often bullies fellow students, particularly minorities." Brian''s focus had been solely on Owen, neglecting his teenage son. "I hadn''t looked into that." Hawke suggested, "We should investigate; it shouldn''t be too complicated to find out, but caution is paramount -- not to alert Owen''s camp." Sandra eagerly volunteered, "I''ll handle that." Hawke nodded, "Sounds good." Brian inquired, "Are we planning to use this against Pratt?" "Precisely," Hawke emphasized. "The campaign isn''t just about the individual; it''s about the team, which includes their family. Families often provide ripe opportunities." He added, "Moreover, targeting Owen personally, you''re burdened by the scandal -- we can use the same tactics against him." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 187: Full Counterattack [Chapter 188: Full Counterattack] December 28, 2024 After the meeting concluded, everyone else began to busy themselves. Hawke called Brian back to the office, saying, "You''ve been working yourself to the bone downstairs; you should ask for some resource support from higher-ups." Brian inquired, "What kind of resources?" Hawke replied directly, "The party must have some madams or agents available; find a suitable person for a sting operation with the LAPD. Get them to produce a ledger or client list, and let them accuse Owen Nester of soliciting prostitution and abusing women." Spreading rumors and slandering wasn''t just something Grant and the others could do; Hawke was equally skilled. "You aren''t married yet, but Owen has a wife and kids, which makes it hit harder for him." Brian said, "Using their tactics against them? Good idea. I''ll get in touch right away." Hawke asked, "Can you find someone suitable?" "As long as there''s money, people are not a problem," Brian affirmed, not forgetting to point out, "Our media influence isn''t as strong as the blue party''s, so we''ll need you." Hawke thought for a moment and said, "On Fox Television, we won''t have a problem getting on Ace News. Twitter has a new algorithm to push news to the right audience." Brian understood, "The users around Covina." Hawke said, "Alright, go do it quickly." Brian left the office building on his tasks. Like last time, Hawke surveyed the overall situation and coordinated commands. With Grant''s team suffering a heavy blow, there would be a brief window of opportunity against Owen Nester, and he planned to take full advantage of it. Hawke thought of Hailey Field''s methods used against him; if he could find the right opportunity, he could similarly use it against Owen. Grant''s team had previously employed violent tactics against him, so now he and Brian planned to retaliate even more ferociously. What happened next was hard to predict. Hawke opened the suitcase Edward had brought and took out the firearms that had been prepared in advance, placing them in the office cupboard. ... The highway from Los Angeles to Covina. Campos got into his car, driving slowly forward under police direction. As he passed by the accident site, he turned to glance at the person lying on a stretcher, already covered with a body bag. On the wreckage of a Toyota Alphard lying off the road, a rescue team was using tools to remove the door to assist the individuals trapped inside. Nearby, medical personnel rushed to the vehicle and retrieved a body bag. Clearly, there were more casualties than just that woman. As traffic moved ahead, Campos increased his speed and drove further away. ... On the roadside near the accident scene, LAPD''s Sheriff Mombart was coordinating his team''s investigation. Someone approached to report, "Sheriff, we couldn''t find the driver of the Western Star truck. The license plate is fake, and both the chassis and engine numbers are all bogus. This vehicle isn''t from California; I''ve had people check it thoroughly, and we can''t find its origin for now." ?????????¦¯£Â§§? "I understand," Mombart replied. "Did you find any traces in the vehicle?" The person shook his head, "No fingerprints, no usable shoe prints, no biological samples; we have nothing to work with." Mombart had dealt with similar cases before and knew right away that the situation was going to be complicated. He quickly decided to follow the necessary procedures and then put the case on hold; anyone who wanted to investigate could continue as they wished. Another officer brought over the deceased''s phone, on which there was a number called today. Mombart put on gloves, took the phone, and dialed the number. It rang a few times before someone picked up. A man''s voice responded, "Grant, are you on your way?" "I''m Sheriff Jerry Mombart with the LAPD. The owner of this phone was involved in a serious car accident..." Mombart briefly explained the situation and asked, "May I ask who I''m speaking with?" The man replied, "I''m Owen Nester, the mayor of Covina." Mombart said, "If possible, please notify the owner''s family." ... Covina, City Hall. In his office, Owen hung up the phone, at a loss for words. His brother Fowler leaned in, asking, "What''s going on? Are they not coming?" Owen replied, "Grant, along with three others, was in a vehicle that crashed; it''s severe enough that they won''t be able to make it." Fowler frowned, "How could there be an accident?" Owen looked towards Brian''s campaign office, "Is it really that coincidental? Or do these big wealthy families not follow any rules?" Sitting in a single sofa was a middle-aged man named Arnold, wearing black-rimmed glasses, who reminded him, "We need to notify Sacramento immediately and have them send someone to handle the follow-up." Owen replied, "I''ll make the call." He turned to his brother Fowler and said, "Mobilize the old friends and get everyone on guard." Fowler was just about to leave when Owen called him back, "Starting tomorrow, you''ll be picking up Pratt from school; keep him low-key at school. He has just over a year before college, and I''m already trying to arrange a recommendation letter." Fowler nodded and hurried out of the office. Owen took a moment to adjust his emotions before picking up the phone to call Sacramento. ... Los Angeles, South Park. A Cadillac pulled into the parking lot, Edward got out and walked into the park, arriving at the agreed-upon artificial lake. There, at a stone table diagonally across, someone waved at him, "Savior, over here." Edward quickly walked over and embraced a fellow who was almost of the same age, saying, "Michael, you finally decided to leave Compton." "My mother passed away," Michael stroked his bald head. "There''s no longer anything keeping me in Compton." Edward said, "I''m sorry..." Michael shook his head, "It''s alright." He changed the topic, "A few days ago, I met DaShawn; he mentioned you''ve been doing pretty well." Edward laughed, "Mostly just got lucky; I''m involved in a company and got a bit of equity." Michael took a step back, appraising him, "Man, are you about to become rich? You better pull me up with you." Edward responded, "Not rich, but I do have a job that could help you out of your current predicament." "What job?" In Compton, Edward had helped Michael before, so he trusted him, "I can''t handle anything too complex." "It''s straightforward; you''ll be suing someone, and I''ll help you get set up with lawyers," Edward explained the special job briefly. Michael hesitated, "Ride a motorcycle and crash into a citrus sculpture? Then sue the builders of the statue?" He asked, "Savior, you''re not joining a gang, are you?" Edward said, "I''m doing legitimate work. This is part of an election campaign, proper work!" Michael seemed a little skeptical. Edward added, "You''ll also be given a motorcycle and $10,000 cash, and any expenses incurred will be on me; whatever compensation you get will be all yours." He patted Michael''s shoulder, "Compton is poor and dark; the outside world is equally harsh, especially for us black folks. When we can''t find decent work, we can only join gangs or end up homeless. You don''t have a distinct look; unlike the DaShawn and his crew, you can''t rely on natural talent to make a living..." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Michael nodded, "I trust you, because you''re my brother." "You''re a smart guy." Edward cautioned, "This requires not just smarts but a good plan. You must remember everything I''m about to tell you." Michael felt confident, "We''re the ones who broke free from Compton!" ... Covina, Center Street. As night fell, Sandra hurried back after investigating Owen''s son. She immediately went to see Hawke in the office, saying, "I quietly talked to some people outside of East Covina." Hawke nodded, "Tell me the details." Sandra stated, "Since eighth grade, Owen''s son, Pratt Nester, has been selected for the East Covina High School football team. He originally played wide receiver but later switched to quarterback. East Covina has historically been a weak team; Pratt isn''t particularly good at football but is like many white quarterbacks in film and TV -- good at bullying." Hawke interjected, "Art imitates life." "Pratt was physically strong as a kid and often bullied classmates in elementary school, and he carried that habit into middle school." Sandra recalled her own experience of being bullied by cheerleaders: "Bullying is way too common in America, to the extent that it''s become part of school culture." She complained about it briefly before quickly getting back to the point: "When he moved to middle school, Pratt was rejected by two private schools due to bullying and ended up choosing local East Covina High, but he didn''t change his ways. Owen was called to the school more than once, but being the mayor, both the school and the principal offered him dignity, and many matters were swept under the rug." Hawke asked, "Did this encourage Pratt''s arrogance?" "Absolutely; it made him more reckless." Sandra reflected for a moment before continuing, "Plus, he''s somewhat clever; he never bullies white classmates who are well-off. His targets are mostly minority students, primarily Mexican-Americans." Covina, being part of Los Angeles, shared similar demographics, with a significant number of Mexican-Americans. Hawke confirmed, "Can this be verified?" "Yes!" Sandra, after some on-site investigation, said, "Just a few days ago, Pratt even gathered his buddies to attack a Mexican-American classmate." Hawke was aware of this incident; it was mentioned in the materials Campos had provided him with, and he praised, "You did very well; this information is quite useful." Sandra smiled lightly, "It was my duty." At this moment, the office door opened from the outside, and Brian returned. Sandra greeted him and excused herself as she left. Hawke asked, "How did it go on your end?" "We made great contributions last time. If they don''t reward us, who will work hard in the future?" Brian said, "It''s done. We''ll start when you say we will." Hawke informed him, "Edward has found someone; we''ll start with him." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 188: A Long Night [Chapter 189: A Long Night] Under the night sky, Covina gradually quieted down. In a car at the intersection, Hawke glanced at the huge orange sculpture. Beside him, Brian picked up a camera, pointed it at the sculpture, and asked, "Why is he still not here?" Hawke checked his watch. "We''ll start in two minutes." Brian nodded and then asked, "Is this angle and technique good?" "Yours is just a backup; it may not even be used," Hawke said, pointing at the front of the car. "The Savior knows more about this, and he''s ready." A light flickered in the distance, and when Brian checked the time, he turned on the camera. ... A motorcycle sped toward the enormous orange sculpture. The light glinted off its smooth orange surface, causing Michael, who was driving, to squint against the glare. It seemed to distract him, as he didn''t turn the motorcycle and barreled straight ahead. With a jolt, Michael rushed onto the curb, crashing through the flower garden fence. The motorcycle tires skidded on the freshly watered lawn, and with a thud, he fell off, sliding across the grass towards the orange sculpture, stopping next to it. It seemed that he was about to miss the orange sculpture, and the fall would be wasted. The talent from Compton hastily stretched out his arm, trying to grab the sculpture as if it were a lifeline. His arm collided with the sculpture, and the sound of bones breaking echoed. Michael let out a scream; his arm was fractured. ... Brian saw it all clearly through the camera lens, taking in the sight of the injured man. "This guy is really dedicated; it looks like his arm is broken. Let the Savior know to give him a bonus!" Hawke remarked, "The Savior really knows how to find talent!" "He''s really talented!" Brian added, not holding back on the money, "Double the pay!" ... Nearby, Edward saw his old buddy crash hard and rushed to the passenger seat, saying to Frank, "Hurry up and call 911!" Frank had come to watch the spectacle but fumbled with his phone while asking, "Are you guys still paying me for my role?" As he spoke, he dialed 911. ... Before long, a patrol car arrived to handle the incident. Soon after, an ambulance arrived as well. Edward donned a reporter badge from Fox 11 and grabbed the camera, moving in to capture all the details that would help Michael. Since someone was paying, Michael quickly boarded the ambulance and was taken to the hospital. He had a fractured upper left arm and required surgery. ... Edward acted as Michael''s relative and paid for his medical expenses. Taking advantage of the empty hospital room, he stated, "Double the pay." When Michael heard that, the pain in his arm seemed to disappear. "Twenty thousand?" Edward whispered, "The money is in my hands; we''ll wait for things to settle down." "Got it." The Savior''s boss was generous, and Michael felt revitalized, as if he weren''t wounded at all. "Let the reporters come interview me!" Edward replied, "Just focus on healing." Not only did Edward pay for the medical expenses, but he also hired a professional female nurse through the hospital, ensuring round-the-clock care for Michael. R?§Ñ¦­£Ï£Â¨§? ... Leaving the medical building, Edward climbed into the bulletproof Mercedes and asked, "Boss, where to next?" Frank chimed in automatically, "Next stop is definitely the Fox Television Center." Hawke was busy copying the uploaded videos and photos on his laptop. "Go with him." Frank pointed ahead, issuing orders. "Drive!" As they drove, Edward asked, "Is the lawyer coming tomorrow?" "You guys are tricking them out of their money -- don''t forget, I get my cut," Frank interjected. "I helped call 911!" Hawke replied, "You also need to give something to your ex-wives." Frank retorted, "You guys need to give me cash." "Hey, you bastard, I saw a tweet from Salma Hayek today," Edward said deliberately. "Guess what she posted." Frank scoffed sarcastically, "She was holding a whip, whipping you while picking cotton." Edward was furious, raising his voice, "Salma publicly announced her new relationship with Francois-Henri Pinault, the Chairman and CEO of the French PPR Group. Gucci, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Brioni -- those brands are all under PPR. He''s younger and richer than you... once again, you''ve been dumped!" Frank fell silent. Hawke added salt to the wound, "In the future, you could write a memoir titled My Ex-Wives and Ex-Girlfriends. By the way, you can''t own property. The beneficiary for the memoir can be me; I wouldn''t mind taking on that heavy burden." Frank teased back, "Why do I have to know two despicable bastards like you?" ... sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Mercedes arrived at the Fox Television Center. Hawke grabbed the storage drive and went upstairs to Channel 11, looking for Megan Taylor in the team. Entering the office, he saw Megan with her arms crossed, looking at him. "I thought you went missing." Hawke replied, "I ran into some issues recently. Someone set me up." He briefly mentioned the situation with Bella Sain. "Your company was just starting to get better, and this shit happened." Megan sighed, "You were almost done for." Hawke handed the storage drive to Megan. "I found the roots of the mastermind behind it and am planning a counterattack. Take a look." Megan wasted no time; she plugged the storage drive into her computer and opened the video, which revealed someone riding a motorcycle, rushed onto the curb, fell on the lawn, and hit his arm on the reflective orange sculpture. Hawke moved behind her, placing his hands on the chair. "That person has already been taken to the hospital." In her usual fashion, Megan replayed the video, pausing it intermittently. Soon, she paused it again right as the motorcycle was approaching the sculpture, reflecting its light. She asked, "Is this related to the sculpture?" Hawke confirmed, "The person who erected the sculpture." Megan''s journalistic instincts kicked in rapidly. "Is the sculpture legally documented? Did it undergo a safety verification? The nighttime reflection could endanger public safety, ultimately leading to injuries." She pointed at the screen. "The primary issue lies with this sculpture." Hawke nodded; working with Megan made everything more efficient. "There are also some photos that can serve as material," he reminded her. "Wounds from the victim''s arm injury, damage to the motorcycle, close-up shots of the orange sculpture at night, plus daytime comparison pictures of the sculpture." Megan examined the photos, analyzing carefully, and directly stated, "I''ll handle the news." "Alright, I''m giving you these videos and photos," Hawke said, preparing to leave. But Megan grabbed him, standing up and taking off her outer jacket. "Do you still want this to be on the news?" Hawke understood immediately, scooped her up, and placed her on the spacious desk. ... Before aired, Hawke left Channel 11 and returned to the car downstairs. Frank sniffed the air. "There''s a perfume scent and the aroma of having just been with a woman." Hawke raised an eyebrow. "You can smell that?" Frank instantly put on an air of superiority. "Don''t forget, I''ve been with more Hollywood starlets than you''ve ever seen." Hawke ignored that comment, pulling out his phone to call Eric Emerson. "It''s me. Do you have time? Let''s meet; I need your help with something." ... Minutes later, both sides met at a speakeasy in Century City. Hawke stated directly, "I have a job here. I need a Mexican actor over 35 years old and a young Mexican actor under 20 years old. They should be reliable and real father and son are best. The remuneration will be generous." With Brian''s substantial campaign funds, Hawke gestured. "The two can earn at least fifty thousand, plus there are performance bonuses." Eric thought for a moment. "I''ll ask my agent to look around." Hawke insisted, "As soon as possible." "I''m on it," Eric rushed off. Hawke then called Sandra, asking her to check on the transfer procedure for Eastside Middle School. ... In Covina, City Hall. A Lexus pulled up at the front entrance. Owen instructed the driver and hurriedly got out, rushing inside. Inside the lobby, Arnold, wearing glasses, waited for him and asked, "What''s going on?" Owen replied, "Things don''t look good. Those four can''t provide us any assistance." Arnold pushed up his glasses. "The situation may worsen." "What now?" Owen asked immediately. Arnold said, "I recorded something from Fox''s ." The two entered a conference room, and an assistant came over to turn on the video recorder and television. Soon, Fox 11''s aired a report featuring the orange sculpture Owen funded. It showed someone crashing into the sculpture on a motorcycle, attributing the incident to the glare of the sculpture and stating that the reflection caused the accident and the injury. "It''s clear that the driver was at fault; how is that the sculpture''s problem?" Owen lamented, a few hairs slipping from his thinning scalp. Arnold commented, "That''s true, but the media has a narrative to push. Fox 11 seems biased. I smell a conspiracy." Owen paced back and forth. "Look into which hospital the injured party was taken and personally go there to offer them some money to sign a non-disclosure agreement." Arnold agreed that the situation shouldn''t be delayed, grabbing his briefcase. "I''ve already inquired and will head there now." He left, driving to the hospital, only to be told the patient was asleep after taking sleeping pills and painkillers. Arnold had to call Owen back and informed him he''d have to return tomorrow. But this was a long night. ... West Los Angeles, Nordstrom. Several cars slowly approached, stopping near a villa. Leading the team, Milner picked up his walkie-talkie and said, "Follow my lead." Tonight, they received a tip that someone was engaging in illegal activity here. The LAPD didn''t go fishing for these types of illegal actions as actively as the FBI, but they were still very much within their jurisdiction. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 189: A Tarnished Reputation [Chapter 190: A Tarnished Reputation] Inside the villa, bright lights illuminated the area as two men quickly got dressed under the watch of the LAPD. Meanwhile, female officers restrained four glamorous women. Including Milner, all LAPD officers wore the latest body cameras during the operation. Among the four women, the oldest one saw Milner approach and glanced back at her room, winking. Milner and his team immediately began searching the villa. They found a large amount of cash, leaves, and gaming paraphernalia. The body cameras captured everything. Then, in the madam, Selina''s, room, Milner stumbled upon a ledger. It listed numerous clients'' names and transaction methods. Several big clients had a single-page record with detailed transaction log underneath. Among them, the first name read was Owen Nester, along with contact information and his work or home address. His total transaction amount exceeded twenty thousand dollars! Having secured what he wanted, Milner waited for the search to conclude. Then, he commanded the LAPD to escort all suspects back to the station. ... Interrogations began right away as those involved in the transactions, especially the madam, spilled a lot of information. By 2 a.m., Milner''s spoils were significant. The suspects were separated into custody, and the crew held a debriefing. Milner pulled out the ledger. "This case involves many individuals, and our principle is to take down the big fish while letting the smaller ones go." He glanced at the time. "Start processing subpoena procedures for all suspects first thing tomorrow." The subordinates responded one after another, "Understood." Milner waved his hand. "Everyone, get some rest." Others gradually left. Julian pulled out a cell phone and took some photos of the account book, then wiped the fingerprints off the phone and put it in an evidence bag. Then he went out personally to buy midnight snacks for a group of guys. On the way back, the evidence bag containing the phone was wrapped in garbage and thrown into a trash can on the roadside. A homeless man nearby rummaged through the trash and found the items, disappearing into the night. .... Covina, late at night. Because Hawke had expended some energy on clearing the pipes, Hawke was a bit exhausted and fell asleep in the office''s lounge area. Suddenly, he was startled awake by footsteps and hastily pulled out his gun. Someone knocked on the door from the outside. Brian''s voice called out, "It''s me, I need to talk." "Come in," Hawke said as he holstered his weapon. Brian pushed the door open, catching Hawke putting the handgun on the bedside table and said, "Buddy, you need to control yourself; don''t mistake me for an enemy." £Ò????£Î§à£Â?s Hawke joked, "Don''t worry, at most I will beat you up." Brian got serious, "Milner has handled everything over there. We have plenty of eyewitness and material evidence. Tomorrow morning, Owen Nester will be subpoenaed." "Great!" Hawke picked up the phone, dialing out. "Send someone to Covina in the morning to stake out Owen because something big is about to happen; once that''s done, share it on Twitter." On the other end, Campos replied, "Understood." Hawke hung up and told Brian, "Gather a few people as we planned, wait for the LAPD to take Owen away, and spread some rumors." Brian grinned menacingly. "I''ve got people ready; I''ll make sure his reputation takes a bigger hit than mine!" sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It''s all about who can be the worst, right? With Hawke in the mix, Brian felt confident that his morals would be far superior to Owen''s. He then inquired, "What''s the situation with the school?" Hawke replied, "We''re finding suitable candidates; there are plenty of actors in Los Angeles. It shouldn''t be hard, and we want to blur the lines between reality and acting." Every aspect he planned had to happen in reality: "A father-son duo of Mexican descent moves to Covina, and the son transfers to Eastside Middle School. As a transfer student and a minority, he often becomes a target of bullying..." Brian asked, "Why use actors?" "Think about Hollywood''s current state. They''ve experienced much more than their peers; their backgrounds are more complex," Hawke simply explained. "They will perform better." Brian commented, "I''ll handle the transfer paperwork, and I''ll get my people on it." Hawke added, "Also find two more people to enter Eastside Middle School. I need both spectators and videographers." Brian nodded. "No problem." ... The next morning, while the hospital had yet to do their rounds, Brian''s law firm sent an experienced attorney, along with an assistant, to Michael''s hospital room to sign a representation agreement regarding the accident and injuries, seeking compensation. Following this, a reporter from Fox 11 interviewed Michael. Facing the camera, Michael stated, "I was driving my motorcycle normally. When I reached the three-way intersection near Covina, there was a sudden reflection in front of me, which made it difficult for me to see the road clearly. The bike rushed onto the curb and I hit the hard reflective object, causing my arm to be broken." All blame lay with that orange sculpture. The reporter also interviewed Michael''s attorney. The lawyer spoke sternly, "We have gathered specific information about the sculpture''s builder and will legally demand compensation from them." Arnold, who had come to see Michael in the hospital last night, was nowhere in sight now. He didn''t have the time or energy. ... In Covina City Hall, the workday had just started when two patrol cars belonging to the LAPD parked in front. Led by Milner, six officers displayed their badges and entered City Hall, finding mayor Owen Nester. After Owen listened to their introductions, he expressed some astonishment, "You are from the West Division? This isn''t under your jurisdiction." Milner presented the subpoena documents. "Mayor, we request you lawfully come with us to the West Division for questioning regarding a criminal case. Please cooperate." The office door slammed open when Fowler, along with some buddies, barged in. All six LAPD officers, including Milner, had their hands close to their weapons. Owen exclaimed, "Who let you in? Get out! Right now!" Fowler attempted to speak, but Arnold rushed in, pulling him aside and whispering, "What are you doing? Are you trying to get your brother killed?" They stepped back slowly. Milner, looking serious, stated, "Mayor, this is a lawful subpoena. If you don''t comply, we''ll have to take necessary actions." Owen stood up from behind his desk, straightening his clothes. "Lead the way." Two police officers walked behind him, Milner ahead, while others subtly surrounded Owen as they exited the office. Upon seeing Arnold, Owen said, "Notify the lawyer." Arnold nodded and pulled out his phone to make a call. As they exited City Hall, several flashes went off; evidently, reporters were taking pictures. As Owen turned, he spotted a female reporter holding a camera. On the other side, a male reporter videotaped the exit. At City Hall''s entrance, due to the patrol cars'' presence, a crowd of about ten curious townsfolk had gathered. Covina was a small place; a stir could captivate half the town. These townsfolk saw Mayor Owen being led out by five fully armed LAPD officers. "What''s going on?" someone curiously asked. Another, less informed, speculated, "Looks like he''s being arrested." The five officers surrounded Owen as they moved forward, and the whole situation seemed off. When Owen was escorted into the patrol car, even more spectators gathered around, totaling over thirty people. The cruise officers drove off one after another. Reporters followed suit, continuing their coverage at the West Division. Someone in the crowd suddenly said, "My cousin works at the Park Center; I just asked him; it seems Mayor Owen was taken for soliciting!" Another added, "That''s right; it''s related to prostitution; my aunt at the 911 call center discussed this after her shift last night." Gossip spread incredibly fast, especially since Owen was indeed taken by the LAPD. At first, the surrounding people debated the mayor''s entanglement with hookers. But as the story circulated beyond the immediate crowd, it morphed into Owen being caught with several prostitutes. As more people left, new rumors surfaced about the mayor being caught with multiple "chicks." Before noon, tales of Owen and a transvestite had already emerged. ... On Ocean Parkway, Twitter. In the editing room, Sasha personally assembled the recently garnered photos of Owen being escorted into a police car, last night''s LAPD operation video, and the madam Selina''s rap sheet along with excerpts from the ledger that mentioned Owen, then posted a news article while using a virtual identity. After posting, Sasha dialed Caroline, saying, "It''s sent out." In the Operations Department''s office, Miss Baa opened the backend to find the relevant news and, using higher permissions, ensured it would immediately reach those who needed to know. After finishing that, she picked up her phone and dialed out. Once connected, Miss Baa, donning a sheep-like outfit and a cheerful smile, reported, "Boss, it''s sent." Hawke replied, "I understand, keep tracking it." ... In an office of an orange and related processing products company in Covina. During the lunch break, clerks paused their work to surf the internet. Corte logged into his Twitter account and suddenly noticed a striking headline news piece in red, claiming Owen Nester had a long history of soliciting, catching his attention instantly. He clicked on it, and the webpage loaded. From the initial police crackdown on the prostitution ring to the discovery of evidence, along with the ledger detailing Owen''s financial dealings, and everything that occurred earlier that day at City Hall -- all of it indicated that Owen Nester lived a more indulgent lifestyle than his competitors, despite being a family man. Corte retweeted the news immediately. He exclaimed to his nearby coworkers, "Huge news in Covina! Check out Twitter!" "I''m already looking," said a colleague to his left, eagerly devouring the juicy gossip. The person on the right inquired, "What''s the big story?" Corte responded, "It''s about Mayor Owen Nester." That person began to scroll through Twitter, asking, "Wasn''t he taken away by the LAPD?" Corte affirmed, "Someone leaked a series of evidence on Twitter." Within five minutes, nearly everyone in the office had taken a vested interest in the scandal involving Owen Nester. Today, Covina''s residents had nothing else to discuss; all conversations revolved around Owen Nester. This incident was significantly juicier than the rumors surrounding Brian Ferguson''s single billing receipt. Brian was an unmarried bachelor. Owen Nester was arrested by the LAPD, yet was now surrounded by a myriad of "concrete" evidence, which also contradicted his picture-perfect family. For Hawke, tarnishing Owen Nester''s reputation proved far easier than re-establishing the reputation of Brian, an AIDS-phobic person. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 190: The Story Grows More Exaggerated [Chapter 191: The Story Grows More Exaggerated] After lunch, Hawke and Brian returned to the office building. Staff from the campaign team were gathered together, whispering among themselves. "God bless, our chances of winning have increased significantly," a girl gossiped. "Owen Nester reportedly was arrested by the LAPD for solicitation." A middle-aged man chimed in, "I overheard at the coffee shop that Owen solicited ten transsexuals." A woman sitting down remarked, "Is Owen really that bold?" Hawke and Brian heard the chatter but didn''t react, heading straight upstairs. The staff on the first floor only dealt with routine tasks and wouldn''t participate in the real competition. Back in the office, Hawke received a call and informed Brian, "Eric has found the candidates. I''ll meet him this afternoon; they''re a real father-son duo; we don''t need to fake anything." Brian nodded, "I have also found someone to cooperate with the filming." Hawke checked the log and called Edward. "Follow up on the lawyer and the court and strive to get the subpoena served to Owen today." Brian made a call as well. .... West Los Angeles, West Division. Accompanied by a lawyer, Owen emerged from the West Division''s front entrance looking unusual and uncomfortable. Dozens of cameras pointed at him, shooting nonstop. A reporter from Fox 11 asked, "Mayor, you were forcibly subpoenaed by the LAPD for solicitation?" Other media outlets picked up information from their sources and asked, "Was it true you had to post bail to leave the station?" "Were you placed under any travel restrictions?" "Are the criminal evidence posted on Twitter authentic?" Owen''s face darkened; he said nothing. He lacked experience in handling the media, so he simply closed his mouth and got into the vehicle driven by Arnold and Fowler. Those pesky journalists continued unabated, snapping wild shots of the car. The most aggressive even ran in front of the windshield, filming inside. It took a long time for the Lexus to squeeze through the assembly. Yet more persistent reporters on motorcycles chased after them. Owen pulled up the car''s window, hoping to escape the turmoil. Arnold asked, "What''s going on? There are tons of stories online about you; they claim you were caught soliciting, and some websites are reposting tweets containing so-called evidence." ???????£Â?? "Someone is framing me!" Owen concluded. "Last night, during the LAPD''s crackdown operation, they confiscated a ledger with my name on it. The madam and some prostitutes also said they provided services several times, and the total amount involved exceeded twenty thousand dollars..." Fowler, who had a tendency to speak his mind, chimed in, "Bro, you were caught playing around?" Owen slapped the passenger seat, admonishing, "Shut up!" Fowler didn''t dare say more, but he was still muttering in his heart, because his brother had taken him to a very interesting place, and the women there were as obedient as dogs. Those that are disobedient can still be tamed. Arnold added, "I suspect it''s the opposition''s doing, though I have no proof." Owen no longer lived in blissful ignorance. "They''re behind it; no need to doubt." He inquired, "Have there been any updates from Sacramento?" "No. They couldn''t pull resources and only sent two people to handle the fallout with Grant''s team," Arnold mentioned, having made multiple calls throughout the day. "There''s a fierce power struggle going on, and the recall election is imminent. We''re merely pawns, and they could toss us aside at any moment." Owen felt everything spiraled out of control since Grant''s team fell apart. He faced unprecedented challenges. He asked Arnold, "What should we do now?" Arnold recalled everything Brian had done post-scandal. "We need to clarify with the media, find ways to distract Covina citizens, and dig up dirt on Brian. A guy like him must have a ton of skeletons in his closet. It''s just a matter of mutual exposure, we can reveal each other''s secrets!" Fowler couldn''t help but interject, "This is too troublesome. If you ask me, I''ll do it the same way as the first election. I''ll take my boys and stand in front of the competitor''s house with guns. If he still doesn''t know what''s good for him, we''ll just shoot him with a gun!" "Shut your trap!" Owen snapped, genuinely furious. "Do you realize the implications of taking out Brian Ferguson? He''s a direct descendant of the Ferguson family; if we pull that stunt, we won''t face mere LAPD officers but SWAT teams cleaning house! Even if we manage to escape, the FBI would be pursuing us nationally!" The Lexus exited the highway, nearing Covina''s intersection. Owen spotted people taking photos of that orange sculpture. Recalling last night''s news, he asked Arnold, "How''s the injured person faring?" "I''ve been busy dealing with your situation." Arnold couldn''t get free and sent someone else to check on the hospital. "They transferred the patient; I haven''t learned where yet." As Owen gazed at the sculpture, it stood as a reminder of his prior pride, now looking like a potential pitfall. He suspected that the injury incident was orchestrated by Brian and pondered aloud, "With Fox 11''s news coverage, have there been no new developments?" Arnold replied, "Not for now." "Find that person quickly," Owen ordered. As the car passed the orange sculpture, he considered suggesting its demolition but held back. If they demolished it, he would become a laughing stock. Owen instructed Fowler, "Find some people to repaint the orange, then build a guardrail in front." ... At City Hall, Fowler pulled out his phone to arrange the work, but the construction team wouldn''t get there until the next day at the earliest. Owen opened the car door and stepped out. Deafening noises erupted nearby, as numerous citizens had gathered to witness the scene. "Owen turned out to be a criminal." "I heard he had to pay a large bail to get released." "Would you want a criminal mayor?" Rumors would morph into tales, growing progressively sensational. Hawke understood the dynamics; it wasn''t about making things up. As long as it was passed from mouth to mouth, it would ultimately evolve. He had witnessed that firsthand during the Sundance Film Festival when Winona Ryder ended up stealing a nuclear control box. And the rumor''s origin was merely a casual remark about Winona Ryder being a kleptomaniac. The truth didn''t hold importance, just as Hawke couldn''t clear Brian''s name from the cloud of suspicion. The same applied to Owen. Each uttered sentence felt like a knife, deeply piercing Owen''s psyche. He had no choice but to pretend he hadn''t heard and rushed into City Hall. Among the crowd, someone texted: "He''s back, in City Hall." ... At Brian''s campaign office, Sandra hurried upstairs. She found Hawke and said, "Owen''s back; he''s at City Hall." Hawke instructed, "Impersonate City Hall staff and call his wife; aren''t they on bad terms?" "Sure." Sandra produced a spare phone and dialed Owen''s wife, Helen. ... In a villa on Covina''s east side, Helen fumed, yelling at her son, "Pratt, get your car; we''re going to City Hall!" "I still have to go to school," Pratt replied. Helen glared at him and asked, "Are you coming or not?" "I''m coming," Pratt quickly ventured out to grab his car keys. The mother-son duo hurried out. ... At City Hall, Owen was surprised to see the two before him. After verification by the lawyer, he signed the receipt. They delivered civil lawsuit documents and a subpoena. The person who crashed into the orange sculpture last night filed a civil compensation lawsuit, totaling up to $850,000 after including medical expenses, loss of wages, and other costs. As the third-party personnel left after delivering the subpoena, more camera shutters clicked outside. They photographed and, after leaving, returned to a nearby van, utilizing a wireless card-equipped computer to instantly submit the pictures, while companions sold them to Twitter in exchange for checks. ... Quickly, a Twitter user named Michael, with a black avatar, tweeted out. "Seeking legal justice!" Underneath the title, key screenshots from last night''s car crash were showcased, along with images of his broken injury site, photos from hospital surgery, payment records, and pictures of Mayor Owen with the third party leaving City Hall. Accompanying the images was a description of the incident''s sequence, including details about the major compensation claims. Even though Caroline didn''t grasp Hawke''s specific reason for the insistence on including the amount, as the ever-compliant Miss Baa, she followed Hawke''s instructions to the letter, without any discounts. The backend program''s algorithm prioritized pushing this information first to Covina and surrounding users. Michael''s injury claim news spread rapidly across Twitter, mirroring the buzz around Owen''s solicitation scandal, becoming easily accessible news for all Covina residents. ... At that moment, tensions boiled within Covina City Hall, where a domestic explosion unfolded. In the front hall, Helen looked incredulously at her husband, smashing a large decorative vase in her fury, shouting, "Owen Nester, you''re disgusting! Is this what you call loyalty to marriage? I married you when you were broke, and today, you''ve risen thanks to my family''s wealth, and this is how you repay me?!" She summed up all her fury in one word: "Scumbag!" Owen retorted, "Let me explain; they''re framing me! Framing me! Those bastards want to ruin my reputation!" Helen coldly laughed, "Framing? Last month, there were strands of a woman''s hair in your car, blood stains on your clothes, and the lingering perfume scent -- are they all ''framing'' too?" She had suspected for a while but hadn''t wanted to believe it. "Do you dare swear on your mother''s name that you''ve never fooled around with other women?" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Upon hearing that, Owen fell silent. If only Helen hadn''t been so dominating in their marriage... "Disgusting!" Helen yelled, picking up a cup and smashing it onto the granite floor. Having aired their grievances in front of so many in City Hall, Helen turned on her heel and said, "You can expect my divorce settlement!" She exited the City Hall, entering her car but she didn''t act angry. Helen wanted to publicly break up with Owen because she had noticed over the years that Owen occasionally had blood on his body after attending some parties. She hadn''t thought there was anything wrong with it before. But the situation of this year''s election seems to be like a huge wave sweeping towards Owen. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 191: Striking It Rich [Chapter 192: Striking It Rich] In East Los Angeles, inside an unremarkable parking lot. Hawke finished giving instructions to the Navarros, a father-son duo, and opened his laptop. He pulled up photos and videos of Owen and Pratt, instructing them to pay close attention and remember every detail. These actors were sourced by Eric Emerson. The father had wasted years in Hollywood, his acting career largely mediocre, and his wife had divorced him to run off with someone else. His son, young Navarro, followed in his father''s footsteps and jostled his way into Hollywood. Yet both father and son had sacrificed a great deal and, to date, had nothing impressive to show for it. Young Navarro was only 17. Having survived the rough and tumble of Hollywood for a few years, he seemed far more mature than his peers. Hawke noted that Eric had an eye for picking talent. After replaying the videos and photos a few times, Hawke asked, "Do you remember them?" Young Navarro nodded vigorously. "I remember them very well." Hawke continued, "What do you plan to do?" Before old Navarro could respond, young Navarro interjected. After thinking for a moment, he replied, "The material Director Emerson gave me -- I''ve gone through it twice since this morning. If the details are correct, Pratt is like a tyrant amongst others, constantly showcasing his uniqueness. How can he let others see his uniqueness? By making things difficult for those who are weaker than him." Hawke couldn''t help but laugh. "Looks like you''re learning a lot from Hollywood." "I''ve been bullied far too much," young Navarro admitted. Initially, he thought that being under eighteen would protect him in Hollywood, but he quickly realized that the bullies didn''t care about age or gender. If they were interested, they''d take action. He managed a weak smile. "Someone like me, just transferred to an eastern high school, only has to act a bit flashy around Pratt -- like trying to grab the attention of girls close to him. He wouldn''t be able to resist." Hawke glanced at Eric, who, despite his quirks, had a remarkable ability to spot talent. The last extraordinary talent that he found, the gay actor, and now this Navarro duo were promising. Hawke knew how to motivate a person. "For your efforts, I''ll cover two years'' rent on a detached house in Covina and give you a cash payment of fifty thousand dollars." Old Navarro was thoroughly pleased. "You''re a generous boss." Eric, sitting across from them, was a man of integrity and spoke up. "I''m preparing a new movie with a male supporting role that needs someone from a minority background. If you can make Hawke happy, that role is yours." Upon hearing this, the Navarros were ready to impress Hawke right then and there. Hawke quickly shot down any wrong impressions. "Just do the task I assigned." "You can count on it, I''ll definitely take a beating from Pratt!" young Navarro assured. Hawke nodded slightly. "Go home and prepare to move and change schools." The Navarros exited the commercial vehicle and climbed into the sedan parked nearby, leaving the parking lot with Eric. ... Brian, disguised as a driver in a hat and sunglasses, lifted his head and said, "You always manage to find professionals." Hawke replied, "I''m just looking for the right people within my connections." He passed the documents in his hand to Brian. "Hurry and handle the transfer procedures. The Navarros can move into the villa you prepared starting tomorrow. We need to get young Navarro enrolled and crush Owen before Sacramento has a chance to regain traction." Brian responded, "Sacramento won''t have much time to focus on this. The recall election will finalize soon, and they''ll be all hands on deck to face off with Arnold Schwarzenegger and the others." Hawke cautioned, "Don''t underestimate any opponent." Brian chuckled, "Right now, we''re on top..." "Don''t say that," Hawke warned sternly. "Never toast to premature victories, and don''t say things that aren''t backed by results. This often marks the beginning of failure." ????????¦­??????? Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Perhaps this was the secret to success? Brian noted it mentally. Hawke said, "Let''s go back." Brian''s phone rang, and after he hung up, he said to Hawke, "AT&T called asking when they could lay down the fiber optic cables." Hawke asked, "Who''s covering the costs?" "A non-profit organization donated some funds," Brian replied. Hawke pondered for a moment. "These events need a little time to brew. Stay patient and wait a few days." Financially, things were flowing smoothly for Brian. "I''ll notify AT&T right now." After Brian finished the call, Hawke requested him to take a detour through the intersection to see what was going on there. Brian asked, "Does posting Michael''s case and the compensation amount on Twitter really make a difference?" Hawke responded seriously, "America is full of talent. With such compelling cases available on Twitter, I can''t believe bright Americans would ignore such a lucrative opportunity." As they approached the intersection, Brian spotted several motorcyclists. He sped up, stopping near the orange sculpture, just in time to see a motorcycle charge toward it, crashing through the stone barrier with a loud bang. The bike flipped, and the rider -- a black man -- lay on the ground, ignoring his pain, and yelled at bystanders, "Hey, buddy, did you film that?" A nearby older gentleman fiddling with his camera, apologized, "Oops, I missed it! Brother, just bear the pain and hit it again!" These voices floated through the window, and Brian''s face lit up with amusement. "Don''t worry," Hawke reassured, "Those riders are likely targeting that sculpture. I anticipate more Covina people will join in." Brian chuckled. "These guys are going to drive Owen crazy. If those injured due to the sculpture don''t get compensation, they won''t give up easily and will tarnish Owen''s reputation..." "That''s why," Hawke interjected, "instead of wasting energy clearing your name, it''s smarter to ruin your opponent''s." At the orange sculpture, that same black rider hit it again, finally capturing the right footage. The duo continued to pose for the camera. Proceeding along the road, another rider shouted, "Hey, guys, wrap it up quickly, don''t hold me back from making money!" The two black men recognized their job was accomplished and waved, "We''re done." A nearby biker saw one of them holding a camera and said, "I forgot my filming gear -- mind if I borrow yours?" The old man with the camera replied, "You''ll need to pay to rent it!" Just as this biker wasn''t quite ready, more motorcycles came rushing, lining up for their turn to cash in. ... Over at the City Hall, Owen had just dealt with his wife and sent his son away. He was just about to discuss with Arnold and a few of his cronies how to deal with the prostitution scandal when someone rushed into the City Hall. Seeing Owen, the man quickly reported, "Bad news, something''s happened!" Owen''s heart raced as he asked, "What now?" The guy explained, "I just came from the intersection and saw a bunch of motorcyclists gathered around the sculpture, those punks are lining up to hit it, and filming it all..." "A lot of people? Lining up?" Owen''s thinning hairline lost even more hair as he furrowed his brow. "What are those punks trying to do?" Arnold reacted swiftly, "Not good -- they''re aiming to mimic that idiot from last night and demand compensation for injuries!" Owen could see it coming. "Damn it! Have they lost their minds?!" He looked at Fowler. "Get a crew over there and kick those punks out. Tear that sculpture down!" This was Owen''s pet project to secure re-election, and razing it would be a significant blow to his image. Yet, in this dire situation, tearing it down was better than the alternative. Arnold reminded Fowler, "Dismantle it, restore it to how it was before, and put up warning signs." Fowler nodded and hurried off. After a heated exchange with his wife, Owen felt a little flustered. "What do we do now?" Arnold suggested, "Mobilize our manpower. We''ll spread negative rumors about Brian while stating that he''s behind all this trouble." He was older and held traditional views. "And let''s not forget -- Brian is an outsider, new to Covina, and we need to remind everyone of that fact!" As a native of Covina, Owen recognized the importance of this point and instructed his men, "Go act on it!" Rumors about the mayoral candidates spread throughout Covina, sparking countless stories. Once viewed positively, neither Owen nor Brian could escape being seen as shameless. However, Owen''s reputation took a larger hit. ... The following morning, as rumors swirled in Covina, a new tenant moved in. They drove to a single-family house and moved their luggage inside. Yet no one paid them much attention. The attention of nearly everyone in town had shifted to Mayor Owen''s latest troubles. That morning, Owen received nine letters from lawyers, all regarding the orange sculpture. A total of fifteen victims had come forward, demanding compensation from Owen, who had financed its construction, for injuries sustained from crashing into it yesterday. By the afternoon, civil lawsuits and summons were delivered to Owen by third-party workers. Those desperate individuals had no issue making accusations before establishing any merit. Moreover, they possessed video evidence to support their claims. ... Meanwhile, at East Covina High, a new student named Antonio Navarro -- a Mexican American -- joined the eleventh grade. This newcomer stood out with a striking appearance and a vibrant personality. He was also quite articulate, earning him favor among many girls. Young Navarro had his sights set. While navigating relationships with his new classmates, he closely monitored Pratt Nester, a star student at East Covina High. Pratt was tall, muscular, and the starting quarterback for the football team, dating the head cheerleader, Katie. Katie, the blonde cheerleader, exuded the usual charm of her role -- she was stunning and flirtatious, often drawing the attention of other handsome boys despite having a boyfriend. Compared to young Navarro, who had spent years grappling in Hollywood, these students lacked much social experience. It only took Navas one day to find a way through Katie. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 192: Extreme Violence [Chapter 193: Extreme Violence] Covina, East Covina High School. On the cheerleading practice field, the tall, handsome Mexican American, young Navarro, showcased the street dance skills he''d honed in acting classes, capturing the attention of cheerleading captain Katie. This beautiful, flirtatious blonde approached him just as Navarro had hoped. They found common ground discussing dance; young Navarro even demonstrated some of his street dance moves. Just as they were exchanging flirtatious glances, Pratt Nester rushed in. ... New school maintenance worker, there to fix some pipes, along with his colleague, stealthily approached from different angles, each carrying their respective work bag. Their eyes fell on young Navarro before shifting to Pratt. ... With a few of his football buddies trailing behind, Pratt noticed his girlfriend chatting up the new Mexican kid. Without greeting, he rushed forward and forcefully shoved young Navarro to the ground. Katie turned, alarmed to see her boyfriend. ""Damn it, you''re here again!" Young Navarro fell hard and struggled to get back up. Pratt moved in, grabbing him by the collar and venomously warned, "You bastard, keep your distance from her." But young Navarro smiled and said, "That''s my freedom." Pratt swung a fist, thudding hard against Navarro''s face. Katie tried to intervene but was held back by Pratt''s teammates. "Is that all you''ve got?" young Navarro said, his voice lower. "Coward." Pratt, who was used to bullying others, couldn''t hold back. He swung his fist again, this time more violently. Navarro, having taken acting classes, managed not only to resist the urge to dodge but also faced the blow head-on, meeting Pratt''s fist with his own nose. With a sickening crack, young Navarro''s nose broke! Nonetheless, thinking about the two years of free rent, the $50,000 cash payment, and the supporting actor promised by director Eric Emerson, young Navarro could only laugh in that moment. To Pratt, this laughter seemed like mockery. Pratt kept firing punches, knocking Navarro down again. And yet, Navarro continued to laugh, infuriating Pratt, who seized a nearby folding chair and smashed it against young Navarro''s back several times. Though furious, Pratt didn''t lose control, aiming for Navarro''s back instead of his head. After tossing the chair aside, he called out to the crowd, "You all saw it -- he tripped and fell!" Silence met him. Pratt shouted, "Did you hear me?" "Yeah, he tripped," came a reluctant reply. "This new kid isn''t familiar with the area and fell by himself." ... In all this confusion, the school worker and the plumber slipped out in different directions. As they reached the front and back doors of the school almost simultaneously, they each made quick phone calls. Once finished, they supplied their bags to waiting figures outside. ?§¡???????¡ì ... Ten minutes later, the hidden cameras packed within those bags ended up on Hawke''s desk. Hawke connected his computer and began watching the footage. Barely a third in, he pressed pause, grabbing his spare cellphone. He dialed young Navarro, saying, "It''s me. You need to get to school right now, call the police and an ambulance -- do not delay." Young Navarro realized the gravity of the situation. "I''m on my way." As he stepped outside, he dialed 911. Hawke resumed watching the footage, capturing the malicious look on Pratt''s face abundantly clear. Young Navarro appeared dedicated, taking a brutal beating, his face covered in blood. It was horrific! Hawke then reviewed a different video taken from another angle. Due to obstruction by Pratt''s friends, the footage was less clear than the first but still notable. He copied the footage onto a USB drive and hollered, "Savior!" Edward walked in. "Boss." Hawke handed the copied USB to Edward. "Deliver this directly to Miss Baa and tell her to follow the plan." "I''m on it," Edward replied, hurrying out to his car to head toward Twitter. Hawke then called Brian. "The campus operation was a success - come back now." ... Within five minutes, Brian rushed into the office. "Did it work out?" Hawke pointed to the computer screen. "See for yourself." Brian turned to view the bullying video. As the financier of this unfolding scheme, he was well-funded; in addition to the campaign resources, he had family dividends. Brian grinned, "Notify him there''s an increase in payment! An additional thirty thousand dollars!" Hawke agreed and immediately phoned old Navarro. "I just saw the video. Your payment is increased by thirty thousand dollars. Don''t worry about any costs." Old Navarro didn''t hesitate. "Thank you, boss!" S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With such a timely response from the boss, they, too, rose to the occasion. This matter would undoubtedly hold the culprits accountable. Hawke concluded, "Prepare anti-bullying promotional material and draft a speech attacking the Nester family''s crimes, encouraging victims of bullying to come forth bravely!" Brian nodded vigorously. "We need to rally the majority of mid-to-lower-class citizens on our side!" ... Meanwhile, in the nurse''s office at East Covina High, old Navarro faced the vice principal and grade advisor, pointing at his son in the hospital bed, his forehead pulsating with fury. "I''ve already called the police! We won''t talk about anything else until the police arrive." The vice principal intervened, "This was just a minor scuffle between students. There''s no need for it to escalate outside the school." Old Navarro remained silent, dialing 911 once again. The sound of sirens crept into the nurse''s office. Emergency responders arrived. Young Navarro was lifted onto a stretcher and taken into the ambulance. Old Navarro followed closely behind, speaking with responding officers and requesting his son be examined for injuries. Inside the nurse''s office, after departing with the LAPD officers, the vice principal questioned the grade advisor, "Have we sorted this out?" "They''re not going to dare speak out," the advisor replied. The vice principal pulled out his phone, dialed Owen''s number, saying, "Your boy Pratt has stirred up trouble again..." ... At the West Division precinct, Owen had just finished another routine inquiry when he received the call. Hearing his unruly son had hurt someone, he demanded, "You need to communicate with the family involved -- pay up if necessary." However, he quickly learned, "They''ve already called the police, and an investigation is underway at the school." "Called the police?" Owen''s alarmed. "What happened?" The caller recounted the events. Owen nodded. "I''ll head back right away to handle it." Exiting the West Division precinct, he relayed the situation to Arnold in the car. Arnold decisively suggested, "Regardless of the details, we need to find the other party, fork over some cash, and ensure they stay silent." Time was of the essence. Owen felt overwhelmed. As tensions rose with the false "solicitation scandal," and the allegations surrounding the orange sculpture began to expand, Owen realized something had to give. For a moment, he even considered dropping out of the campaign. But thinking of the empire he''d built in Covina over nearly ten years made him hesitate. ... Meanwhile, Edward arrived at the Twitter fourth floor, stepping into the operations manager''s office, placing the USB drive on the desk. "Miss Baa, the boss sent this over for you to send out tweets immediately -- all according to plan." Caroline nodded. "Got it. You can head out to rest." She plugged the USB into her computer, viewing the footage several times, ensuring every crucial point was noted, before crafting a news story. "Extreme bullying incident at East Covina High in Los Angeles: A white male student brutally injured a Mexican American classmate, Antonio Navarro!" She appended the video below and selected "post." Caroline then leveraged her access to prioritize the news, bolding and highlighting it for good measure, ensuring it reached the forefront of the news to a wider audience in Los Angeles. Another one of Caroline''s fictitious enthusiastic citizen accounts suddenly retweeted the video and tagged the official LAPD Twitter account. ... As LAPD officers interviewed students at the East Covina campus and were met with reluctance from the school, Officer John suddenly received a call from his supervisor detailing new developments in the case. "May I borrow your computer -- urgent matter," he requested from the grade advisor. The advisor couldn''t refuse and led them both into a nearby office. Seated at the computer, Officer John logged into his Twitter account, glancing at his supervisor''s message. He clicked and began playing the video. The grade advisor''s complexion turned pale as he watched the violence unfold. Officer John inquired, "What''s the name of that student? Provide his full name and whereabouts..." The grade advisor called the vice principal, and the vice principal also watched the video. He replied, "Let''s not pursue this further -- let Pratt and his scumbag dad handle their own mess." Minutes later, Officer John and his partner, along with two backup officers, escorted Pratt Nester away from the school. As he continued his outbursts, he only began to realize the dire situation when his hands were cuffed behind his back. The officers guided him to the patrol car, taking him into custody. ... Owen hadn''t even made it back to Covina before receiving word that he''d need to turn towards the central precinct. With the evidence stacking up, the proper procedures began accelerating. Young Navarro received urgent treatment before being subjected to an examination for injuries. ... Meanwhile, numerous media reporters descending on the scene, those who''d glimpsed the tweets, arrived faster than Arnold. When Arnold arrived at the hospital, old Navarro was already in the midst of interviews with reporters. Surrounded by a throng of reporters, Arnold found little opportunity to interject. Old Navarro''s sister arrived temporarily to look after him while the reporters flocked around old Navarro, directing them towards Covina City Hall. Along the way, old Navarro stopped at a printing shop where he printed enormous posters depicting Pratt attacking young Navarro. At City Hall, old Navarro stood at the entrance, hoisting the massive poster high, launching a silent protest. Onlookers began to gather; from a handful to nearly a hundred individuals soon joined. More than a dozen reporters appeared on the scene. School bullying was part of American campus culture, but when exposed, it often attracted significant attention. A white student, the mayor''s son, had violently assaulted a Mexican American classmate -- an appealing narrative indeed. The related videos on Twitter, due to algorithms, were rapidly shared and climbed the trending news charts within minutes. An increasing number of Mexican American citizens congregated in front of the City Hall, many were parents of bullied students. Hawke monitored the scene from the campaign office and addressed Brian. "The opportunity to sway public opinion is here; it''s time for you to take action." Sandra was already in contact with media outlets, including Fox 11, as many mainstream outlets were rushing to cover the event. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 193: Complete Collapse [Chapter 194: Complete Collapse] "Extreme campus violence resurfaces in Los Angeles, as Covina Mayor Owen Nester''s son, Pratt, assaults a Mexican American classmate, Antonio Navarro, at East Covina High, leaving him severely injured..." Fox 11 News broadcast vans parked directly in front of the City Hall, focusing their cameras on old Navarro and the poster he raised high. With a crowd growing and the media converging on site due to the victims'' rights and concerns, LAPD dispatched several patrol vehicles to maintain order. ... A couple of blocks away, a business vehicle rolled up and came to a stop. Inside, Hawke turned to Brian, stating, "Go ahead; your stage is set!" Brian brimming with confidence responded, "Watch me!" Driving, Edward glanced back and cheered, "Go get them!" "Let''s beat them to death!" Brian affirmed, exiting the vehicle, accompanied by Beacon and Sandra, charging toward City Hall. ... Passing by the officers maintaining order, Brian stepped right in front of old Navarro, looking up at the poster he held, and declared firmly, "The attacker must pay the price!" Fox 11''s cameras quickly shifted their focus to Brian. Brian mounted the steps leading up to City Hall, receiving the megaphone from Beacon. "I''ve seen the videos and spoken with the LAPD about what occurred -- a student who just transferred to East Covina High had no issues with Pratt Nester, yet he was met with extreme violence. Are we, in Covina, incapable of accepting even a seventeen-year-old boy?" His voice grew louder. "In my eyes, Covina is an open, inclusive town, where white folks, African Americans, Mexican Americans, and Asians coexist peacefully, working together to build a home. Why then does such a situation arise? Is East Covina High protecting Pratt? Why is that? Because he''s the mayor''s son?!" Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His words ignited the crowd. Brian continued, "Through this, can you not see that a hidden evil force exists, obstructing Covina''s growth? Take a glance around at the state of our internet connections and revisit the bullying incidents at East Covina High." He cried out, "I firmly believe that Antonio Navarro is not the first victim! Sisters and brothers among you, there are surely more victims! Here, I, Brian Ferguson, swear to do all within my power to ensure the attacker and those sheltering him pay the appropriate price!" In that moment, the overwhelming crowd fell eerily silent. Brian, emphatically stated, "Shall our children continue to suffer from the hands of these evildoers? Are you hesitant to even stand up for them?" Amidst the crowd, the restaurant boy, Rod, who had once encountered Campos, managed to break free from his mother''s grasp. Dodging his grandmother''s attempts to restrain him, he boldly stepped forward from the crowd. "I''m a student at East Covina High. I''ve been beaten by Pratt too. I thought about going to the police, but Mayor Owen warned my mom that if we didn''t accept his measly offer for compensation and stayed quiet, our family''s restaurant would close." Covina being a tight-knit community, many residents had visited the Mexican restaurant, recognizing Rod and his mom. Another Mexican American with a beard stood hesitantly but summoned courage and stepped out. "I work at the Gadis Orange Grove. Two years back, Pratt and his friends broke my son''s eyebrow bone." ??¦­¨®??? Soon more voices joined in, and as time passed, more than three hundred gathered at the City Hall. All seven victims testified, and led by Brian, they joined old Navarro on the steps. ... It wasn''t just the victims of Pratt''s bullying who stood up; more media outlets surged towards the scene. A Twitter team arrived on the site and launched a live broadcast online. What began as young Navarro''s bullying incident evolved into a public grievance against the normal citizens of Covina. Initially, it was only students bullied by Pratt who stood and spoke out, alongside their parents. But as waves of confidence swept through, former victims of capital bullying also emerged, recounting their experiences. Gradually, even those who had conflicting encounters with Owen Nester began stepping forward to denounce the current mayor''s despicable actions! The reputation of Owen Nester and his family among Covina''s working class reached a critical low. All of this gained traction through radio and Twitter live broadcasts, reaching every corner of North America. The news of the mayor and his son''s bullying reached trending status on Twitter. Millions discussed Owen Nester. "I can''t believe the mayor of a small town with only a few thousand people could be so atrocious." "Pratt became a bully purely because his father is the mayor." "My dad is the mayor; such a backing solidifies my power as a bully." ... Before long, the number of people gathered outside City Hall surpassed a thousand. Among them were numerous students who, faced with the likes of Pratt''s bullying, had felt powerless yet couldn''t must the courage to confide in their parents. Now was their time to speak up. Some even carried evidence of their own experiences with bullying. This impromptu event grew far larger and more impactful than Hawke had anticipated. From his car, he glanced outside, pulled out his phone, and called Sandra. "Tell him to mobilize for a collective report at the central precinct." Sandra hung up and found a moment to lean over and chat in Brian''s ear. Brian instructed her to coordinate with the lead officer. As the public grievances approached closure, Brian organized over thirty victims to form a substantial reporting team, driving to the central precinct. Leading with patrol cars clearing the paths, their contingency followed closely. The procession of victims was impressive. The word spread quickly, and shortly after, a group of injured motorcyclists joined, seeking to file their own reports. They, too, claimed that the sculpture constructed by Owen Nester had led to irreversible injuries. ... At the central precinct, Owen received word of events unfolding in Covina and intended to rush back. However, first, he needed to bail out his son. He continuously pressed his lawyers to expedite the process and made calls to Sacramento to seek assistance from their district attorney. The evidence against Pratt along with public sentiment posed significant challenges. After enduring much back-and-forth effort, they finally managed to process bail. However, they were swiftly notified of a cancellation as another wave of victims emerged at the precinct to file reports. This time, some presented strong evidence, prompting police to question further and clarify the details. Upon emerging from the waiting area, Owen glimpsed heavy crowds in the precinct lobby. While he didn''t recognize every face, many appeared familiar. In charge was none other than Brian Ferguson. Although their eyes crossed, Brian deliberately ignored Owen, focusing on aiding all the victims in filling out their necessary paperwork. Lawyers called by Brian also appeared on the scene. As Owen moved closer to press matters, two officers intercepted him. Officer John approached and stated, "Mr. Nester, you are accused of intimidation and insult, as well as interfering with judicial proceedings. Please follow us." Owen didn''t just fail to bail out his son; he was temporarily detained by the central precinct. The incident regarding Pratt''s bullying crisis detonated fully as the ramifications spread nationwide through Twitter. Owen''s reputation fell into disarray while Brian significantly shifted public perception. ... Later that evening, a meeting occurred at the campaign office. Everyone gathered, including Hawke and the others. Edward reported, "There''s a total of nineteen claims made against the orange sculpture incident -- including Michael." Beacon added, "Although the Western District Office has no further evidence, the rumor that Owen raped a transvestite has spread everywhere. Many people say that he raped ten transvestites. " This was the nature of rumors -- devastating. Sandra chimed in, "Interestingly, Owen''s wife Helen has reacted with more outrage than we anticipated. Her lawyer has already delivered a divorce agreement to Owen." Hawke mused, "There might be angles we''re not privy to -- keep an eye on that." Sandra acknowledged, "Understood." Brian chuckled. "With the bullying scandal included, Owen''s reputation in Covina is nearly obliterated." Hawke summarized, "The objectives of our smear campaign have been fully achieved." He turned to Brian. "Next, it''s time to rebuild your reputation." Brian appeared taken aback, "My current..." Just as he was about to underscore the advantages at hand, he remembered Hawke''s warnings and swallowed down his words. Hawke cautioned, "Never underestimate anyone. Owen is currently on the defensive, but who can predict he won''t make a comeback? We have to ensure he has no opportunity for a rebound." Suddenly, Brian envisioned the Toyota Alphard that had been smashed by a dump truck. This case had been classified as a hit-and-run, and due to the elusive driver and vehicle, it languished unattended. Similar circumstances often fell into the abyss of antiquated and forgotten records. "The truth is, Owen''s reputation has plummeted over tenfold compared to yours," Hawke''s words contrasted sharply with Brian''s thinking. "Put aside the reputation -- something tangible must be shown; let the Covina citizens see real benefits." Brian instantly recalled previous discussions. "The AT&T fiber optics?" "Correct. You''ve made plenty of promises during your campaign. Before the votes are cast, showing that something has been concretely achieved will garner stronger support." Brian said, "I''ll contact AT&T right away." ... The following morning, Covina citizens discovered that the fiber optic service promised by mayoral candidate Brian was actively underway. AT&T technicians arrived, assessing the town for the installation of fiber optics running from Los Angeles. On the same day, Sandra''s investigation revealed Owen''s approval rating had tanked below thirty percent. His campaign had completely collapsed. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 194: Victory [Chapter 195: Victory] The bright sunlight illuminated the Covina City Hall, with many citizens making their way towards it. On either side of the hall, two voting locations, one blue and one red, had been set up. Today was the election day for the Covina mayor. Under the watchful eyes of media cameras, Brian pulled out a ballot marked with oranges and dropped it into the red ballot box. A security team belonging to the Ferguson family stood behind him, ready to respond to any unexpected events. Meanwhile, Owen Nester, wearing an electronic tracking wristband, cast his vote into the blue ballot box. The election had officially begun. A Black man shot a glance at Owen and raised his middle finger before confidently striding towards the red ballot box. A woman behind him spat on the ground and remarked, "These disgusting creatures don''t even spare transgender individuals!" Over by the blue box, Owen came across his old buddy Rhea from the orange processing plant. He was a crucial part of his support base. "I always believed you all would back me," Owen said to Rhea. Rhea glanced at Owen''s wristband and replied, "I came here to say one thing -- sorry." Owen''s expression darkened. "Those are all falsehoods. I can''t believe you can''t see through these tricks." "Honestly, it doesn''t matter." Rhea nodded toward the new cables strung on the telephone pole. "Last time you campaigned, you promised to improve internet broadband, but by the end of your term, nothing happened. Your opponent, Brian, hasn''t even officially won yet and has already resolved the fiber issues. Do you know how much that saves me in costs for my shop on Amazon?" With new options available, he clearly had to think of his own interests. Rhea strode towards the red ballot box, shook hands with Brian, and then cast his vote. By 9:30 AM, lines had formed at both ballot boxes. The number of voters in this mayoral election far exceeded the last one. After all, the citizens of Covina found the drama just too enjoyable to miss. The final act certainly wouldn''t be overlooked. The line at the red box was more than three times longer than at the blue box. The outcome was apparent. This was just a small-town mayoral election; the voting would end by the afternoon, and no tricks could be pulled. The counting personnel wouldn''t be able to cheat either, given the significant disparity in line lengths. ... Across from the City Hall, Hawke and Edward sat on a bench, watching the voting unfold. Edward, having participated throughout, remarked, "Boss, if Arnold Schwarzenegger were to pull out $10 million and hire us to help him, he would definitely succeed in his recall election." Hawke shook his head, "Schwarzenegger has his trusted team; he wouldn''t hire us." Unable to contain his curiosity, Edward asked, "Is Brian really planning to run for president in the future?" Hawke replied, "His grandfather was a senator, his uncle is a senator now, and his cousin only knows how to eat, drink and have fun. For the third generation to step up, they can''t let Erica do it, so it has to be Brian." ?a?????¦Â§¦? He paused for a moment and added, "If he doeswell here in Covina, he''ll have a constituency. The next step is to run for city council or state legislator, or even further -- congressman, senator, or Oval Office." Edward grasped the key point, "So when he gets to higher places, we can collude with officials and businessmen?" Hawke affirmed, "Of course." ... At 3:30 PM, voting came to a close. The accounting firm responsible for the counting formally sealed the ballot boxes. The next morning, they began counting the ballots in the City Hall lobby, allowing observers to watch the process on a large screen set up outside. The results would be announced at 2:00 PM. After lunch, Hawke accompanied Brian into the City Hall. The other candidate, Owen Nester, hadn''t shown up; instead, Arnold came in his place. The outcome was evident. At precisely 2:00 PM, the results were officially announced. "Candidate Brian Ferguson received 78.85% of the votes and is officially elected as the new mayor of Covina." Brian pumped his fist in the air and cheered, then turned around to hug Hawke. "We did it!" Hawke smiled and said, "Congratulations, Mayor Brian." Around them, applause erupted, welcoming the new mayor as Arnold and others made their exit. Soon after, Brian approached the City Hall entrance and delivered a brief victory speech. ... Because of Owen Nestor, there were media reporters outside, so Hawke did not go out. Instead, he called Edward and left the city hall through the side door. Bryan won the election and the plan was successfully completed. Hawke got into the business vehicle, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. Not long after, Brian returned to the car and instructed Sandra, who had just gotten in, "This weekend, I''m throwing a party at my mansion in Malibu to treat the whole team." Sandra nodded and picked up her phone to make calls. Brian looked at Hawke, "How can I thank you?" Hawke deliberately hid behind and said, "Please don''t be like this. I have no interest in men." "I''m Brian, I''m a man, I like women!" Brian responded, pulling out his phone to make calls. "Transfer $2 million to West Coast Studio. Also..." He thought for a moment and decided, "Buy the best firearms on the market, from M4s to FNs to AKs, as well as sniper rifles, shotguns, and handguns. Get the most expensive and the best, and deliver them to Santa Monica." They responded, "I''ll send someone to do it right away." Brian ended the call and said, "So, how about that? Am I generous enough?" Hawke chuckled lightly, "The Pentagon released news a couple of years ago saying Lockheed Martin was testing a new type of fighter jet. If you''re sincere, send me one." Brian sighed, "You''re selling me out at this point." ... Once back at the campaign office, a call came from the bank''s client manager; the West Coast Studio account had just received a deposit of $2 million. As for the firearms, Brian was happy to send them over, and Hawke was glad to receive them. Aircraft, of course, had been a joke. Hawke reminded Brian, "We still have some bills to settle; let''s pay them off quickly." Brian understood, "I have all the cash ready. Have the Savior accompany Beacon to collect it." ... Edward entered the office, listened to Hawke for a bit, then followed Beacon out. They picked up the cash, and Edward drove away alone. During the journey, he called Michael to set up a meeting at Michael''s place. Michael, with his arm in a cast, was resting at home. Edward drove around downtown Los Angeles, checked for any followers, and then entered the apartment complex where Michael was renting. Upon seeing him, Michael said, "A few days ago, the lawyer held the first mediation with Owen''s side. They''re willing to compensate me with $50,000." Edward locked the apartment door and asked seriously, "What do you think?" Michael responded, "I''m following your lead." "$50,000 is too little. If we delay a little longer, we should be able to get over $100,000." Having been around Hawke for over a year, the once small-time hustler had become quite persuasive as he said, "Our goal has been reached; we shouldn''t be too greedy." He opened the bag he brought and pulled out the cash, placing it on the table. "Originally, the boss promised $10,000, but because you did exceptionally well, here''s $20,000 cash for you." Michael confirmed that his old friend had truly come up in the world. "If there''s any work like this again, keep me in the loop." Edward reminded him, "Remember to watch your mouth." Michael agreed, "You know me; I never speak out of turn." Edward needed reliable hands. The other crew could only handle low-end work, and their identity as homeless individuals limited them greatly. He said bluntly, "I''ll help solve your job issue; just do a good job. We''re not far from Compton; don''t go down the wrong path." Looking at the $20,000 in front of him and the potential for more in the future, Michael felt optimistic about his prospects. "Call me if you need anything." ... Edward didn''t stay long. He went downstairs to contact the Navarro father and son. Just as he made the call to set up a meeting, his phone rang. It was Deborah: "Are you coming back today? I call you every day, and you just say you''re busy with work. You''ve disappeared for over a week." Edward, feeling helpless, explained, "I''m really working here; I can''t get away." Deborah, dissatisfied, repeated, "Can you come back to Brentwood today?" "No time today." Edward thought for a moment, "I''ll see what tomorrow looks like. I''ll call you then." Deborah didn''t say much else and hung up. ... Edward sighed and started his car, driving to a nearby parking lot. After confirming there were no tails, he parked in a discreet spot and made a call. Before long, the Navarro father and son drove up and got into Edward''s car. They knew Edward was a driver from their last encounter. Edward glanced at Young Navarro: "Are you healed?" Young Navarro pointed at his reddened nose, "Except for the bridge of my nose, the rest are just flesh wounds. I''m young, so I''ll heal quickly." Edward handed the bag from the passenger seat to Old Navarro: "The boss is very pleased with your performance. On top of the agreed $50,000, he added another $30,000." Old Navarro opened the bag, counted the cash, and confirmed it was all real. He quickly said, "Thank you." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Young Navarro leaned in for a look and exclaimed, "Sir, you and your boss are both honorable people! A hundred times better than those perverts in Hollywood!" "There are good people in Hollywood too," Edward responded. "Director Emerson is a good person." Young Navarro recalled that artistic director and said, "He called me a couple of days ago and asked me to audition for the crew next month. He went over the character script and requirements in detail." Edward grinned widely, "I hope you will become a big star soon." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 195: Tom Cruises Troubles [Chapter 196: Tom Cruise''s Troubles] In Malibu, the large seaside villa hosted a stream of male and female models arriving from the afternoon onward. By evening, the lights illuminated the venue as guests trickled in. The pool and private beach were filled with dozens of models. "Buddy, choose whichever you like; you can take them all if you want!" Brian announced jovially to Hawke from the villa''s rooftop terrace. "All the models and little stars brought over this time are required to present the latest health reports. I guarantee they are free of any contagious diseases." Hawke stood behind the glass railing, watching the swimsuit beauties on the beach. "I remember you planned to pursue a Hollywood actress to prove your innocence." Brian spread his hands, "Not that I didn''t try." Hawke shot him a glance, sensing something was off. "You didn''t get rejected, did you?" Brian replied frankly, "Among the women we considered, only Jennifer Aniston and Cameron Diaz were single. Aniston was out of North America, so I reached out to Cameron, and she wasn''t opposed to a brief fling with me." Feeling proud, he added, "Compared to your bland face, the handsome and dashing Brian Ferguson is surely way more charming." Hawke inquired, "What about Cameron Diaz? How come I haven''t seen you both in public together?" Brian coughed lightly, "It''s all your fault! You made it hard for me to face these Hollywood starlets!" He leaned in and confided, "When I asked her for health reports, she called me a creep and then blew me off." Hawke encouraged, "You did the right thing; it''s about being responsible to both parties." The two raised their drinks and toasted. Hawke asked, "How''s the recall election going?" Brian responded, "The election process has been cleared, and we''ll soon enter the actual voting phase. Sacramento is too busy to be distracted; the decisive moment is approaching." Hawke remarked, "I hope Schwarzenegger gets elected." If Gray Davis won, they likely would face quite a bit of trouble. ... Footsteps echoed from the staircase as someone came upstairs. "I found out you two were hiding up here," the newcomer said while walking over. "You invite me over and then disappear; I thought you took some models to party." Hawke turned to see Tom Cruise. Last year at the LAPD''s social appreciation dinner, he''d seen Tom Cruise and Brian being quite familiar; Brian had even introduced him to Tom. Tom Cruise recognized Hawke and quickly remembered, "Hawke Osment, founder of Twitter." Hawke shook his hand and said, "Didn''t expect to run into you here." Cruise chuckled, "I made a last-minute decision to come over; the parties in the industry are seriously dull. Since Brian invited me, I came to unwind." He turned to Brian, "Congratulations, Mr. Mayor." Brian replied, "This is just the beginning." "Wishing you a speedy entry into the Oval Office," Cruise, who had been following Brian''s rise, added, "It was an incredible election. You left your opponents with no chance." ?????¦¥S? Brian looked at Hawke, "All of this is his doing. Without Hawke, I would have lost." Cruise seemed a bit surprised, "I heard about West Coast Studio. I thought you had made a shift in careers." Hawke clarified, "The business consultancy has always been ongoing." Brian poured three glasses of wine -- one each for Hawke and Cruise -- and added, "Haven''t you been running into some problems lately, Cruise? You could ask Hawke for help." Tom thought for a moment, "Things are still manageable." He raised his glass to Hawke: "If I need help, can I reach out to you?" Hawke clinked glasses with him, "Always welcome." The conversation shifted to Hollywood gossip and amusing anecdotes. During their talk, Tom Cruise shared some of the troubles he was facing. Hawke recalled from media reports. During the last Oscar Award ceremony, Cruise had yet again failed to clinch an Oscar, while his ex-wife Nicole Kidman, backed by Harvey Weinstein, had successfully won Best Actress. Media reports suggested that Nicole Kidman had left Cruise to live authentically and had truly built her own career. This left Cruise humiliated. Even after their divorce, his agent was still CAA''s Pat Kingsley, and Cruise felt that Kingsley and CAA were prioritizing Kidman for Oscars, neglecting his side of things. In a fit of anger, Cruise fired Kingsley and severed ties with CAA. Their conflict escalated; perhaps to prevent other clients from following suit, CAA and Kingsley began to tarnish Cruise''s image through media narratives, alleging strange beliefs and restricting Kidman''s freedom. Hawke vaguely remembered that things seemed only to be starting. Tom Cruise then changed the subject and asked Hawke, "I attended a screening session recently; is director Eric Emerson your friend?" Hawke nodded slightly, "His new film, ?" Cruise replied, "The film turned out great; Paramount wants to buy the distribution rights from Castle Rock Productions. I really like his style." Hawke affirmed, "Eric is a talented director." Eric had helped him out numerous times, so he extended a courtesy to Cruise, "You like Eric''s style? He has another new script; he showed it to me, and I found it quite interesting." Cruise, who also ran a production company, responded, "Really? Let''s find a day to have Eric come out, and we can chat." Hawke, being proactive, offered, "Should I call him now?" Cruise replied, "Sure." Hawke pulled out his phone and dialed Eric''s number. After explaining the situation, Eric said he would come right over. ... In less than half an hour, Eric hurriedly arrived in Malibu and was taken upstairs. Having participated by chance in the screening of Eric''s new film, Tom already knew him. Hawke made the introductions, then pulled Brian away from the terrace, leaving the space for the two to chat. With Brian and him present, even if Cruise was indeed interested in men, he wouldn''t act on Eric. This bowl of delicious soup has been simmered for more than 40 years and has not become mushy. Even with the support of Scientology behind it, it is enough to prove that Cruise is not a fool. As for whether they would reach a collaboration, that was beyond Hawke''s control. The party didn''t last too long; most guests had dipped out. Everyone on Brian''s team left with at least one model each. After all, the boss was footing the bill. ... On the way back, Eric also jumped into Hawke''s car, with Katherine''s assigned driver following behind. Hawke queried Edward, who was driving, "Why didn''t you pick one?" Edward, serious-faced, replied, "They all scolded me." Eric, curious, asked, "Why?" Edward shrugged: "When I asked around, none of them had children..." "Don''t be so rigid with your standards," Hawke interjected. "Loosen up a bit; it''s a forest out there." Edward managed a reluctant smile, "I''m a principled person." Truthfully, his mood had soured; he''d met Deborah that morning, who was highly dissatisfied with him vanishing for extended times. She had strongly demanded he resign from West Coast Studio. Though Deborah claimed she would support him herself, Edward wasn''t naive; there was no comparison between own money and a partner''s financial independence. He firmly rejected her request, leading to a heated argument. Hawke then asked Eric, "How did the conversation with Tom Cruise go?" "He reviewed the script I wrote, the one based on you and Edward," Eric shared. "Tom thinks the script is quite fun and suitable for a film adaptation, but we haven''t talked about how to collaborate yet." Hawke remarked, "If you can work something out with Cruise, it''ll be much smoother moving forward." Eric grinned, "Not just smoother, but significantly more so. Generally, the director has the upper hand in collaborations, but that''s not the case with superstars like Tom Cruise." He pondered for a moment, adding, "But Cruise hasn''t discussed an actual collaboration with me; I think he''s waiting." Edward recalled their previous discussion about whether Cruise was gay and chimed in, "Waiting for you to proactively offer?" "Not at all!" Eric retorted, sensitive to the notion, "I would rather not work with him! Cruise is waiting to see how performs before discussing collaboration." Hawke queried, "When will the film be released?" Eric replied, "A while back at the screening, Paramount was interested, but Castle Rock isn''t keen on selling. If all goes well, it should premiere in August." Hawke noted it down, "We''ll go to the theater to cheer you on when it comes out." "Buy a few extra tickets, please," Eric responded without being shy, "This is my first real theater film, and if it fails, I''ll be stuck making B-movies." Hawke thought of a plan, "No problem! I''ll arrange for Twitter to book a whole screening." Eric laughed, "You''re too generous, boss." Edward added, "I''ll rally my buddies to go watch too." ... Upon entering North Hollywood, Eric got out and left. Hawke received a call from Megan Taylor, instructing Edward to take him to Fox Television Center. Aside from Twitter, Fox 11 played a significant role in the election''s public relations. Using Megan''s goodwill would cost Hawke tens of billions if not hundreds to pay back. Upon entering the underground parking of the Fox station, Hawke retrieved a spare key, opened Megan''s BMW 7-Series, and got inside, then called her. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In under ten minutes, Megan came down, hopped into the passenger seat, and asked, "Off to your place?" Hawke felt it inappropriate to bring another woman to the villa he rented in Santa Monica. He replied, "Let''s go to your place instead." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 196: New Revenue Channels [Chapter 197: New Revenue Channels] In the morning, sunlight flooded the bedroom, turning the curtains into a golden hue. Hawke woke up, feeling as though two massive mountains pressed down on his chest, making it hard to breathe. He quickly understood what was weighing down on him. Megan raised her head, revealing a satisfied smile. "Good morning, dear." Hawke kissed her forehead, saying, "I haven''t slept this comfortably in a long time." "Is it because you missed me as a pillow?" Megan teased. "Or is it because Erica''s too fit to cuddle?" She wrapped her arms around Hawke''s neck. "You can come find me anytime." But Hawke replied, "I''m just worried about getting shot." Megan shifted a bit, the roundness pressed into a flatter shape. "What did you do this time?" "Nothing much, just helped Brian get elected as the mayor of Covina," Hawke said, naturally omitting specifics. "It involved the election, and the other side might get violent." He then asked, "I haven''t heard from Gretchen in a while; has she had any conflicts with you?" Megan shook her head. "No, she went to Fox News, so we don''t have any conflicts of interest anymore. It''s hard to see her, though. Last time, I heard Cynthia, the director of Channel 11, mention that Gretchen was working on a big story. Cynthia got the scoop from Roger Ailes." Hawke immediately thought of that journalist named Harley and, after some reflection, chose not to ask. The risk was too high, and he didn''t want to drag Megan into it. Megan instead inquired, "What, you still want to get back at Gretchen?" Hawke shook his head. "I''m not interested in her." He glanced at the time. "It''s almost noon. Time to get up; after lunch, you have to go to work. Young people need to work hard." After having lunch prepared by Megan, Hawke thought about Frank''s dog''s keen sense earlier and decided to shower before heading out with her. ... Megan drove him over to Twitter. Once he arrived, he headed upstairs, and the reception promptly informed the operations director''s office. On the fourth floor, Caroline stood in front of a dressing mirror, checking her outfit for the day, before stepping out toward the elevator. As Hawke came around the corner of the elevator, he spotted Caroline immediately. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ms. Baa was sporting honey-blonde bangs, dressed in pink Chanel, wearing a Cartier watch, and sporting red stilettos. The way she walked reminded him of a little sheep''s hooves tapping on a stone path, making a gentle clip-clop sound. Caroline''s doll-like face lit up with a smile. "Boss, you''re back!" Hawke nodded slightly, looking her over, and couldn''t help but frown. "The last business elite look was great; why did you switch back?" Her demeanor shifted; she recalled clearly that Hawke had previously said he preferred little sheeps over black goats. Had she made another wrong move? Caroline momentarily looked a bit dazed. After going through his usual briefing, Hawke walked toward his office. Ms. Baa flashed a slight grin, sharpening her little canines, and followed him. Once inside his office, awaiting Caroline''s entrance, he asked, "Ms. Baa, is there anything important?" Caroline replied, "Two executives poached by Glimmer International have joined us, and they improved our video-sharing structure. We''ve also reached an agreement with Yahoo, allowing both our websites to drive traffic to each other." ??N??????? Hawke nodded and then asked, "What about the Spanish-speaking market?" "I sent a marketing team to Mexico to discuss collaboration with their telecommunications department," Caroline explained in detail. "The push in the Spanish market is going relatively smoothly..." After listening to Caroline for a while, Hawke inquired, "What about funding?" Caroline''s expression grew serious. "The company has no other revenue yet, aside from the $5 million from Will Smith. The promotional costs are eating through funds quickly, and we can''t sustain ourselves for too long at this rate." "I''ll figure something out for the funds." Hawke was well aware that financing was an essential path forward. Without outside investment or going public, social media couldn''t genuinely scale. But before that, he aimed to raise Twitter''s valuation as much as possible to maximize benefits. That meant burning through cash. ... Once he finished with Caroline, Hawke called Campos, arranging to meet. Edward arrived shortly after. Hawke decided to invite him along to the safe house. Half an hour later, they met at the safe house in Santa Monica. Hawke asked, "Is the aftermath of Brian''s campaign all cleaned up?" "Everything''s handled," Campos replied, having taken part in a range of filming and surveillance activities. "The press reports were paid in full." Hawke said, "Good. Let''s withdraw the team from Covina; Brian can manage the remaining issues by himself." There were still loose ends to tie up, like the Pratt bullying case and Owen''s intimidation interfering with justice, which will not have any results in the short term. Pratt would most likely face actual sentencing. Owen wouldn''t fare much better. Hawke then asked, "Are your people still tailing Harley?" Campos detailed, "Carlos and Garcia have been following her. The acting class Harley''s attending recently started. She goes to the Super Star Training School every day, with classes Monday through Saturday, one in the morning and one in the afternoon." He''d done quite a bit of work. "To keep tabs on Harley, I sent a female subordinate, who got in the class. She''s had some contact with Harley, but since Harley''s an investigative journalist, I worry about her spotting my person, so I instructed them not to get too close. As it looks now, there''s been no unusual activity." "Keep at it, but don''t let her catch on," Hawke instructed. "If Harley runs into danger, step in if you can, though ensuring our people''s safety is the priority." Campos agreed. Hawke pondered for a moment before adding, "Next, we''re looking for new high-revenue channels." In recent days, he''d been planning Brian''s business while spending his spare time skimming through news focused on the entertainment and sports world. The reason was simple: entertainers and sports stars posed a minor threat, had significant fame, and held assets to play with. They were the most achievable targets. Campos also thought of the entertainment sector, mentioning, "There''s no sign of Leonardo and Gisele Bundchen''s engagement being called off." Hawke picked up a he had glanced at a few days ago, pointing at two figures on the page: a black man and a white woman. "Last month, Tiger Woods proposed to Swedish model Elin Nordegren. They''ve gone from dating to engaged, and it seems they''ll hold their wedding either at the end of the year or next year. Keep an eye on this tiger." Campos immediately grasped that Hawke intended to dig up Tiger Woods'' news. Flipping through that same , Hawke came across a story about Kobe Bryant, the star of the Los Angeles Lakers. The article mentioned that Kobe was recuperating from an injury at a resort in Vail, Colorado, and was preparing for knee surgery. Hawke said, "Send someone over to watch Kobe, focusing on his relationships." Campos noted that down as well. Hawke continued flipping through , spotting soccer news. David Beckham, the Manchester United superstar, was rumored to be breaking ties with the club after a flying shoe incident and was expected to join Real Madrid soon. Although the European transfer window hadn''t opened yet, rumors of Beckham and Real Madrid were rampant. Hawke recalled seeing Tom Cruise the night before and was reminded of Beckham. "If David Beckham transfers to Real Madrid, send a few people to Madrid to watch him, again focusing on his relationships." He casually provided a reason, saying, "I ran into Beckham''s buddy Tom Cruise, who mentioned that Beckham''s relationship with his female assistant is rather complicated." Campos noted that, then asked, "Boss, is that it?" "That''s all for now." Hawke handed over the , saying, "As before, gather news footage and send it to Twitter." Campos gathered up the magazine and his notebook, being the first to leave the safe house. At that point, Edward interjected, "Boss, if the paparazzi gets the video, do we want to expose it?" "Not necessarily; it depends on the situation." Compared to the helplessness he once felt when selling videos, Hawke now found himself with newfound confidence. "If those involved are willing to pay, we can accept their PR." Otherwise, it would be a matter of the public''s right to know, which was sacred and inviolable. Hawke and Edward soon left the safe house. ... Shortly after, Brian called Hawke again. Hawke instructed Edward to drive them to St. Mary''s Rehabilitation Center. The three met at the front of the center, and Hawke entered Brian''s business vehicle. Brian remarked, "She''ll be out shortly." Hawke replied, "Once she leaves North America, this matter will be over." Bella Sain, who once plotted to frame him in the office, had provided Grant''s team''s information. Hawke agreed to sign a non-disclosure, but she had to leave North America. Before long, a small side door opened, and Bella Sain walked out, dressed normally. Two of Brian''s subordinates greeted her, and they exchanged a few short words. Bella then got in the vehicle, which headed straight for Los Angeles International Airport. Brian deliberately asked Hawke, "Aren''t you going down to say goodbye?" Hawke shook his head. "If you hadn''t called, I wouldn''t have even come here." He called Edward, "Let''s go." The two vehicles left the rehabilitation center and returned to downtown Los Angeles. Bella''s vehicle arrived at the airport, where one of the female subordinates collected the boarding passes and accompanied Bella all the way to the gate. Bella didn''t cause a scene; she remained quiet. She had seen the news about Hailey''s team''s accident on TV. Bella understood: staying in North America meant certain doom. She boarded the plane, ready to start a new life in Brisbane. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 197: Breakthrough Point Chapter 198: The Breakthrough On the return drive to Los Angeles, Brian reminded, "The guns I arranged to procure will be delivered soon. Have you found a good place to store them?" Hawke thought for a moment and replied, "I''ll split them into two parts. One stash will go in the Silver Lake villa owned by Erica, and the other will be in my rental villa in Santa Monica." "Sounds good," Brian said. He pulled out his phone to send a text and added, "The number of weapons coming in will be enough for you to engage in a street fight." Hawke, feeling uneasy about Brian''s ominous prediction, quickly interjected, "Stop! I don''t want a street fight in Los Angeles!" He shot Brian a serious look, "Take back that nonsense!" Brian raised his hands defensively, "No street fights. Absolutely no street fights!" Hawke shifted the topic, asking, "Is Owen''s wife, Helen, really planning to divorce him?" Brian confirmed, "She''s already filed for divorce." "I can''t shake the feeling that Helen is overreacting," Hawke said. "I asked Sandra to look into it. Has she found out anything?" Brian replied, "I remember her reporting in. She seems to have bought off one of Helen''s friends." Hawke felt the need to clarify things, especially when it involved Owen. ... Covina, Main Street. A car pulled up slowly. Sitting in the passenger seat, Sandra turned to the woman driving and said, "If you can sort this out, there''s another payment waiting for you." Emily counted the cash in her hand, "I know what to do. Just wait for my good news." Sandra got out and transferred to her own vehicle. ... As night fell, Emily stepped out of the car and headed towards a nearby bar. The two had been classmates from elementary through high school. Despite the vast difference in their family wealth, they maintained a friendship. A girl like Helen, from a small-town wealthy family, needed a few peers to reflect her privileged status. Emily and Helen had a reasonably good relationship. If the money were meant to harm Helen in any way, Emily would certainly refuse. But asking why she was getting divorced was a different story. Emily was curious too -- was Helen really divorcing Owen over his infidelity? This seemed unlike the Helen she knew. Inside the bar, Emily found a booth and ordered Helen''s favorite orange drink. After a short wait, Helen walked into the bar and sat across from her. Emily opened the drink and poured a glass for Helen, pointing at her dark circles, "Haven''t been sleeping well lately?" Helen raised her glass and took a large gulp, "With everything that''s happened, how could I sleep well?" "Do you really want a divorce?" Emily probed, "Infidelity happens all the time; men everywhere are unfaithful. Owen will be back soon. He could win the next election..." ?????¦­??¨¨? Helen signaled for more wine, "You wouldn''t understand. This situation is too complicated." Emily poured another glass, "What about Pratt? Have you given up on him?" Helen shook her head, "He''s become a star across the country, a star for crime and bullying. What can I do? If I expose the whole situation, I might not even be able to protect myself." She clinked her glass with Emily''s, "There have been many times I''ve had to suppress things." Emily took a sip. Helen continued, "I even had Fowler threaten those who wanted to report it, as well as their parents." Emily was speechless. It was the continuous indulgence from both Owen and Helen that enabled Pratt''s increasingly domineering behavior. Helen drank down another orange drink, taking the bottle for herself, "I''m sick of this kind of family! I want my freedom!" The two began talking about romantic ideals, yearning for poetry and a life of freedom. After consuming most of the bottle, Helen felt the alcohol taking effect. Emily, not the brightest, struggled to find a way in. Fortunately, Helen changed the subject back to marriage, "Once I finalize the divorce and get all the assets, let''s take a trip to Europe together." Emily seized the opportunity, "You can get everything?" Helen hiccuped from the alcohol, "Owen wouldn''t dare not give me everything!" As usual, Emily listened, adopting the role of the adoring friend. Helen leaned closer, speaking softly, "Do you remember that time Owen came back from a gathering while you were at my place? You pointed out that you smelled some blood when he went upstairs." Emily nodded, "You know I''ve always been queasy around blood; I''m particularly sensitive to that smell." "After you left, he changed his clothes, and I could smell the blood on them," Helen continued, taking another drink. "Later, I also picked up the scent of another woman''s perfume and saw some minor blood stains. It''s hard to hide things from your partner. I''ve seen videos on his computer of women being abused..." Emily gasped, eyes wide, "No way." Helen smirked, "With your level of understanding, you wouldn''t even comprehend. This country and society are darker than your worst imaginings. That scumbag Owen must be involved with some dark, cruel organization. As his wife -- no, his ex-wife -- I absolutely cannot be mistaken about that." Emily called for another drink, pouring it for Helen. Helen added, "Owen thinks he''s concealing everything well, but he forgot about his not-so-smart younger brother. I tricked Fowler into spilling some details without him realizing." Emily chimed in, "Fowler isn''t the sharpest tool in the shed, that''s for sure." Having finished her last drink, Helen waved her hand dismissively, "I don''t want to be dragged down with them." The two downed over a bottle of wine, and Emily helped Helen outside, driving her home. For now, Helen was living alone in a small villa, away from the closest town''s chaos. Emily waited until she knew Helen was asleep before getting back in her car and returning to Main Street. ... In the same spot, she found Sandra and pulled out the voice recorder from her pocket. Sandra produced the agreed payment. Emily handed over the voice recorder. Sandra listened carefully and said, "You''re free to go." She added as a serious reminder, "If you don''t want to suddenly die, forget this ever happened. You''ve never heard of me." Thinking of how Helen was going to divorce Owen, Emily, despite not being very clever, understood the gravity of the situation and quickly replied, "I know nothing. I''ve never seen you." Sandra waved her hand. Emily hurriedly exited the scene. ... In the morning, before the sun rose high, Hawke received a call from Brian and immediately instructed Edward to drive him to Covina. In the campaign office, Brian had been waiting. As soon as he saw Hawke come in, he closed the office door, leaving Sandra to guard outside, and sat in front of his laptop to play the audio he had extracted the night before. The sounds of two women engaged in conversation filled the room. Brian stated, "That''s Helen Nester and her friend Emily." Hawke remained silent, attentive as he listened. Most of their conversation held little significance; it was largely filled with the two women''s fantasies. However, as soon as blood was mentioned, Hawke perked up. The subsequent details, while somewhat unexpected, were not shocking considering Owen Nester was a member of the Blue Party. In terms of tenure within the Blue Party, Owen was indeed a senior member. Of course, when discussing political parties worldwide, tenure was not the most crucial aspect regarding status and importance. Once the audio finished, Hawke asked, "Is there anything else?" "None," Brian replied, figuring that the juvenile offenses against minors connected to the Blue Party offered no surprises. "Helen is speculating, but her suspicions seem likely true." Hawke remarked, "If they don''t spare those child stars, then they won''t hesitate with adult women either." Brian looked at Hawke. "Do you have any good suggestions?" After contemplating for a while, Hawke said, "Is there a lot of insider knowledge? Let''s keep it under wraps for now." Brian added, "Sandra warned the person who recorded it. I''ve instructed Sandra to keep a tight lid on this." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Perfect." Hawke stood up, pacing around the room. He thought about his nemesis, the Ackerman family, and tentatively asked, "Do you know if the police department has investigated the disappearance of young attractive girls?" Brian replied, "I''ve heard about it. The latest was the case of Kristen Johnson, but after the person who reported her disappeared, the police shelved the case." Upon realizing Hawke''s train of thought, he continued, "Pretty girls go missing, and blue party member Owen attends gatherings that might be associated with some abusive activities, there might be a connection?" Hawke shrugged. "We don''t have proof, but if those perverts are targeting children, you can bet they won''t hold back with adults. Erica mentioned that the missing individuals share certain commonalities: they come from outside, have fractured families leading to neglect, live alone in Los Angeles, and lack friends." Brian deduced, "If that''s the case, even if someone disappears, no one will file a report. Even if they do file a report, without a victim, LAPD wouldn''t expend substantial resources on it. Missing persons cases aren''t treated as seriously as homicides." He elaborated, "I know about this case because both sides -- red and blue -- have put effort into it, and perhaps this could fully cement the Blue Party''s victory in California." Hawke cautioned, "Don''t stick your neck out on this. Be careful of others'' mudslides." Thinking of those four who had ''met their maker,'' Brian felt a bit vulnerable. Most importantly, if he stepped out, he would face the greatest risks, while the biggest beneficiary would be Arnold Schwarzenegger. That was not a worthwhile risk to take. Finally understanding the critical point, Brian said, "This situation is unclear; it hinges on Owen -- he is the best breakthrough." "Exactly. This is the opportunity to take Owen down once and for all," Hawke stated decisively. "Owen is already in his second term; he might cause trouble once he gathers himself." Compared to Brian, Hawke''s thoughts were much more complex. These matters tied back to the Superstar Acting School and the Ackerman Films. Hawke, the bastard, grabbed the string holding Brian, "Take care of that bastard Owen, and no one in Covina can threaten us." Brian considered. He didn''t need to risk himself. Plus, he could sweeten his standing with the higher-ups while clearing political adversaries in Covina. The benefits far outweighed the negatives. Soon, he made his decision, "I''m heading back to Los Angeles today. I''m sure someone up top will be interested in this news. Since Owen is a suspect, targeting him as the breakthrough won''t draw too much attention." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 198: Must Acquire Twitter [Chapter 199: Must Acquire Twitter] San Francisco, at the Santa Clara Business Club. Douglas walked into a conference room with a briefcase in hand. After waiting for a moment, he heard a knock on the door. He walked over and opened it to reveal a beautiful blonde woman entering the room. Although the woman was nearing thirty, her looks suggested she was around twenty-five. She had a tall figure and delicate features. Douglas shook her hand and said, "Emma, long time no see." The woman smiled, "You look even more handsome than before. Got any big deals on your plate?" Douglas got straight to the point, opening his briefcase and pulling out some documents to hand over to her. Emma looked closely at the documents. In the upper left corner was a blurry photo of a man with short black hair, wearing black-rimmed glasses. He had a lean build and an unremarkable face. Below the photo was the identification: Hawke Osment, founder of West Coast Media Entertainment Studio and Twitter. Emma reviewed the information and said, "The founder of Twitter, quite an impressive figure. I''m a Twitter user myself." She understood why he was seeking her help. "There are many business intermediaries in San Francisco and California. Why choose me?" Douglas replied, "Don''t underestimate your abilities. You''re one of the most formidable female intermediaries in Silicon Valley. Plus, your looks might appeal to Hawke Osment." Emma asked, "So he has a thing for blondes?" "Not just blondes." Douglas spoke softly, "Our prior contacts in Los Angeles mentioned that he was often seen with three women who had similar builds to yours, all with light brown or blonde hair." He looked at Emma, "There aren''t many beautiful women with business acumen. You''re the only one I know." "Thanks for the compliment. I accept it," Emma expressed with confidence, then asked, "What''s our goal?" Douglas stated, "We need to acquire his shares in Twitter. Price is negotiable, but we aim to become primary shareholder at the least." Emma had collaborated with Douglas''s investment company before. "I understand." The two discussed the details further before parting ways. ... Douglas got into his car and instructed the driver to go. Picking up his phone, he made a call, saying, "I''ve found the intermediary. She''s reliable, but it will take some time." On the other end, the person replied, "This time, those crude red trash in Los Angeles opened the way. Twitter has played an important role in public opinion propagation and guidance. We have an advantage in the media industry, and this new media tool, Twitter, must be in our hands." Douglas understood the stakes. This involved the red-blue rivalry in Sacramento. Currently, Gray Davis was heavily suppressed, and their blue camp was already strategizing for the long term. He responded, "It may cost over a hundred million dollars." "Twitter is widely regarded favorably. The investment is worth it," the person inquired, "Have the safety measures been prepared?" Douglas confirmed, "Of course." "That''s great," the caller said before hanging up. Douglas glanced at the assistant in the front seat and said, "You need to go to Los Angeles and stay there for some time. If Emma''s efforts don''t go smoothly, find that guy." ????????¦­o?B§§???? "Understood." The assistant lowered his head to look at the documents in hand. The individual mentioned was Miller Collins, a former star wide receiver of the San Diego Chargers. Last year, he was embroiled in a scandal, sued by endorsement brands for damages, and had connections with a Los Angeles gang known for attacking Fox News host and Hawke Osment''s West Coast studio, which resulted in a one-year prison sentence. During his time in prison, his wife, Maria Collins, divorced him, taking all his assets. Miller was also left to pay alimony to his wife and daughter. While in prison, the Chargers had already terminated his contract. From a millionaire sports star to bankruptcy and still having to pay alimony. The assistant quickly found a work breakthrough. ... Meanwhile, Emma Batson returned to her consulting firm in the Bay Area and immediately called a team meeting. That afternoon, a total of seven team members left San Francisco for Los Angeles. Upon arriving at Los Angeles International Airport, Emma''s assistant received the latest news. The assistant said, "I have a colleague at Fox who specifically inquired about Hawke Osment with Channel 11." Emma directly asked, "What are his interests?" The assistant replied, "Fitness and firearms." "Uh?" Emma was somewhat surprised. ... West Los Angeles, at the Artel Mountain Shooting Range. On the clay shooting field, Erica pressed the launch button, sending two red clay pigeons soaring into the sky. Hawke grabbed a double-barreled shotgun, hardly aiming, and using instinct alone, fired twice, turning the pigeons into fragments in mid-air. He skillfully reloaded, inserting two fresh bullets, and as the next set of clay pigeons launched, he shot again, hitting them. Brian, plugging his ears, entered from outside the shooting range, watching the pair excitedly practicing their shooting. He picked up a pair of earplugs from the workbench to wear. Finally, the world became quiet. Hawke continued firing, shooting a total of thirty rounds in one go. Erica noticed Brian arriving and waved at Hawke. Hawke removed his earplugs, hoisted the walnut gun stock onto his shoulder, and walked toward the rest area. Erica came over from the pigeon controller and asked, "How''s the gun?" Hawke gave a thumbs up, "It''s fantastic. Feels great in my hands, perfect for both competitive shooting and hunting." He placed the gun on the rack and sat across from Brian, saying, "Buddy, thanks for the gun." Brian glanced at the firearm, "Is this a gift from me?" Hawke nodded slightly, "That''s right, one of the many you''ve given me." "Hey, my dear cousin," Erica interjected, "You''ve never given me a gun." Brian redirected the animosity, "That''s something Hawke needs to do, I won''t interfere." Hawke remarked, "You can grab whichever gun you fancy." Erica deliberately raised an eyebrow, "Really? I can just take it? Use it freely?" Brian rapped the table, reminding them, "There''s still a single guy here! Can you two show a little restraint? Enough with the lovey-dovey acts!" Erica said, "I forgot to tell you. A while back, Jennifer Huey called me. She''s been transferred to the FBI''s Los Angeles office and may have already started her position." "What?" Brian exclaimed, astonished. Hawke asked, "Jennifer Huey? That name sounds familiar. Where have I heard it?" Erica reminded him, "In Wyoming, when we were hunting near your farm, that FBI agent who led the team came to our rescue after the attack." Hawke recalled that Erica had mentioned the agent had been pursuing Brian since they attended Stanford. Brian groaned, "Oh God, what''s she doing in Los Angeles?" Hawke teased, "Of course she''s come to find you. You two are rekindling your old flame and headed to the altar..." "Stop! Stop!" Brian interrupted emphatically, "There was never anything between us before!" Erica said seriously, "The supervisor of the FBI in Los Angeles is older and focused on a stable retirement. The recent incident with Wagenen getting shot has upset the headquarters, and don''t forget, the current FBI director was appointed from the Oval Office. They''ve reshuffled personnel in Los Angeles, and one of the deputies returned to D.C., replaced by Jennifer." Hawke understood, "Those bastards might have successfully silenced us, but not without a cost." Brian sighed, "If you do something profitable, you naturally have to bear the consequences." He paused briefly and added, "California used to be the Republican stronghold and cradle. Those fools'' series of messed-up operations have turned California from red to blue..." Erica, while not directly involved in politics, was somewhat aware, "Schwarzenegger has a good chance this time." Brian nodded, "Exactly. They''ve got the knives out, aiming straight for Gray Davis." Hawke asked, "Did you report on Owen''s situation?" Brian replied, "So far, there''s been no movement; they''re worried he might commit suicide." Erica interjected, "Jennifer showing up now must be related to Owen''s case." Hawke pointed at Brian, "For the sake of the Republican cause, go for it! Make your sacrifices!" Erica laughed, "Grandma has met Jennifer and thinks she''s nice." "Get back to business!" Brian snapped at the bickering pair, "Stop joking around!" Hawke stated earnestly, "This is business. If you want to gain attention and become a true political newcomer, you need to play a key role at this crucial time." Brian considered this, picking up his phone to scroll through numbers, "Should I call her now?" Erica suggested, "Send a text first; what if she''s at work..." Brian had already sent the text. He received a quick reply: "I''m at work, we''ll talk later." ... S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Covina, several SUVs with FBI logos drove through an intersection onto Main Street. Jennifer Huey, with her neat short hair, put her phone away and looked out the window. The convoy arrived at a villa, and Jennifer picked up the intercom, saying, "According to reliable intelligence, several armed individuals are among Owen Nester''s subordinates. Stay safe." She emphasized, "Once we''re inside, take control immediately!" "Understood!" "Got it!" The other vehicles responded promptly. The cars stopped by the roadside, and with a command from Jennifer, ten agents equipped with assault rifles, submachine guns, shotguns, and bulletproof vests quickly exited the vehicles. Following the pre-planned strategy, four headed to the back door, blocking any escape routes. The remaining agents followed Jennifer as she led the charge, using a door breacher to burst into the villa. ... Hearing the loud commotion, Fowler assumed something had happened and instinctively grabbed a shotgun. Before he could chamber a round, two elite agents stormed into the foyer, shouting, "FBI! Legal search! Show us your hands!" Although Fowler wasn''t the brightest, he quickly recognized the agents behind them, armed and wearing tactical vests with FBI insignias. He dropped the shotgun and raised his hands high. One agent asked, "Where is Owen Nester?" Facing the guns, Fowler pointed towards the study. ... Jennifer immediately led her team there. One agent kicked the door open, shouting, "FBI! Open up!" Minutes later, Owen Nester, in handcuffs, was brought into the living room. Jennifer presented the documentation, ordering her subordinates to search the villa, where they found a large number of videos of abuse of women and minors on Owen''s computer. These videos were all from the internet, but as they involved minors, possession alone constituted a crime. Owen was taken away. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 199: Saving a Life [Chapter 200: Saving a Life] The next morning, Hawke arrived at Twitter when Brian sought him out. He stepped into the office, closed the door behind him, and said to Hawke, "Latest news: A victim reported to the FBI, and they issued a subpoena for Owen Nester yesterday afternoon." Hawke recognized the key detail, "There really is a victim?" Brian answered, "It''s not difficult to find a victim. They''re the FBI, not the LAPD." Curiously, Hawke inquired, "How did you find out? Is your old flame in charge of the team?" "Not an old flame," Brian corrected him, adding, "Jennifer is handling this case." Hawke had thought of that yesterday; Jennifer''s transfer was a clear tactic from the Republicans, aiming to ramp up the pressure on the Democrats. He asked, "Jennifer comes from a complicated family, right?" Brian vaguely replied, "Not your average person; at her age, she wouldn''t be the deputy chief of the FBI''s Los Angeles office." He didn''t linger, and after discussing some matters regarding Covina, he soon took his leave. The series of events at Covina forced Brian to step in early. Thanks to family resources, he arrived with a specialized support team to help guide him, a rookie, along the right path. ... Hollywood, Paramount Pictures. After the afternoon class at the Super Star Training School, Harley leisurely packed up her belongings. She watched the tall, leggy beauty, Lena, happily rush out of the classroom to catch up with Guerrero, the producer from Ackerman Films. The two walked out together, engaged in conversation. Harley couldn''t hear what they were discussing but sensed something was off. She had done extensive research on the Super Star School and had even stealthily captured the names from past student lists, identifying several missing persons among them. She discreetly reached out to students from the same class. ?¦Á???????? Those students had some recollections and noted that the missing individuals were close to Matthew Broderick, the Ackerman Films producer teaching at the time. Broderick had already been sentenced and imprisoned for shooting his wife, Sarah Jessica Parker, in public. Now, the school''s head, Guerrero, had previously been Broderick''s assistant. Harley''s initial plan was to immerse herself in the scene; she was quite confident in her appearance. But after nearly half a month of classes, she realized she hadn''t garnered any attention. Instead, it was Lena who caught Guerrero''s favor. Harley quickly understood where the problem lay: she was nearly 25, while Lena was just under 18. These men! Guerrero and Lena entered the office. Harley could only walk ahead, exiting the Super Star School. She didn''t leave the area but walked toward her car. Since Lena had started to draw attention, Harley had made a point to befriend her, and their private relationship had grown closer. ... After waiting a moment, Lena exited the Super Star School. Harley called her. Lena, initially planning to grab a taxi, hurried over and smiled at Harley, "I thought you left." "We''re heading the same way; hop in," Harley opened the car door and took the driver''s seat. Lena joined her in the car. ... Nearby, a Mexican-American female student had been quietly following Harley and Lena. Noticing Lena had entered the office, she trailed behind Harley. At this moment, the two women were together. The Mexican-American student pulled out her phone and called, "Garcia, the two targets, Harley and Lena, just got into the same car and are getting ready to leave." The reply came, "Don''t worry about it; I''ll follow them." The female student hung up and drove away. ... Meanwhile, Harley was driving, casually asking, "What did Guerrero teach you? Sounds mysterious." "You saw?" Lena was in high spirits, thinking about the opportunities Guerrero offered her, and vaguely said, "There''s a party tonight; Guerrero invited me to join." This made Harley think of the missing girls, and she seriously warned, "I''ve been in Los Angeles for a while; many producers in Hollywood love to deceive beautiful girls. What they say can''t be trusted." But how could a girl blinded by the dream of stardom heed such advice? Lena brushed her off, "I didn''t plan to go anyway; it just feels rude to refuse him face-to-face. I''ll call Guerrero later and tell him I don''t have the time." Having worked as an investigative journalist, Harley could discern some truth behind the naivete of such a young girl''s words: "Hollywood isn''t that simple; you..." "Alright, dear, I get it," Lena smiled back at her. "I''m not going." At this point, Harley couldn''t say much more and continued to drive her to the apartment she was renting. As Lena prepared to get out of the car, she said, "Thanks; tomorrow night, I''ll treat you to dinner." Harley called out to her, retrieving a bag from the back seat, "I remember your 18th birthday is coming up, right? Here, this is for you." Lena quickly declined, "I can''t accept this." "Put it on," Harley smiled. "We''re both in Los Angeles without any roots; we''ll take care of each other." Lena saw the brand of the bag and found it hard to refuse, saying, "Thank you." Harley opened the packaging, "Let''s see if the color suits you." "It''s beautiful!" Lena took it, "Thank you." Harley unzipped it, tossed aside the drying agent, and opened the bag''s mouth. "Switch it over." "Alright." Lena placed her belongings from her old bag into the new one. She got out of the car and walked toward the apartment building. Harley felt a mix of emotions but hesitated for a moment before she grabbed a remote control and pressed the power button. ... Arriving at the building, Lena glanced back and saw Harley''s car driving away. She tossed her old bag into a trash bin and happily entered the building. Heading out that evening with her new bag gave her an extra boost of confidence. Lena ascended the stairs with a light heart. ... Harley returned to the nearby parking garage, swapped vehicles for a Cadillac, and drove out. That car, along with the bag for Lena, was equipment she specifically requested from Fox News. The media under News Corporation always had some special gear. Harley purchased food and water, even donning adult diapers for convenience in her stakeout. She understood well that the sooner she exposed those scumbags, the more she could prevent new victims from appearing. Harley activated the in-car GPS display and the listening device, putting on her headphones. The display showed the GPS locator right above the apartment. Lena''s humming came through the headphones with crystal clarity. Harley activated the recording function. Pedestrians passed by on the sidewalk. A Mexican-American man carrying a briefcase walked towards her, hurrying just like everyone else finishing work for the day. ... Carlos walked past the front of the car, his gaze sweeping quickly over the windshield, then continued forward, getting into a common Chevrolet parked by the curb. The car pulled out of the parking spot and vanished from sight. A few minutes later, a Ford turned onto the street, parking in an empty spot. Carlos pointed at the nearby vehicle, "Miss Harley is in that car." Garcia said, "She suddenly started tracking that girl named Lena today; could she have discovered something?" "The boss said to call him if we spot anything." Carlos pulled out his phone, "I''m calling the boss." He called Campos. ... At Butterfly Consulting, Campos had heard Carlos'' report and, after a moment''s thought, picked up a landline and dialed Hawke: "Boss, that reporter named Harley suddenly began taking action; she''s observing a pretty girl named Lena." On the other end, Hawke asked, "What''s the situation with this Lena?" Campos''s team had been keeping an eye on Harley and knew everything about her contacts: "She''s 17, a student in the training program, exceptionally good-looking, and from Texas." Hawke sensed it could be significant and replied, "You should go in person. That Harley... if you can ensure her safety, see if she can help." "Understood." Campos called up one of his skilled drivers and headed downstairs. ... The two of them drove straight to the Westwood area, quickly arriving beneath the targeted apartment building. They parked some distance away. As darkness enveloped the sky, streetlights flickered to life on both sides of the road. ... Harley, wearing headphones, heard her phone ring and immediately perked up. Soon, a Mercedes pulled up and stopped in front of the apartment building. ... Lena quickly emerged, spotting a middle-aged woman in a ladies'' suit, asking, "Are you Ms. Meriel?" "It''s me," Meriel smiled warmly, opening the back door and gesturing her in. "Mr. Guerrero is waiting for you at a seaside club." Lena got in the car, grinning at her, "Thanks." Meriel instructed the driver, "West, drive." The driver steered the Mercedes southward. ... Harley waited a moment before starting her car to follow. She glanced at the GPS display and confirmed she was tracking the vehicle''s movement. ... However, not long after she set off, a Range Rover also followed behind. As they turned off the street, the driver glanced at Carl and said, "Boss, did Meriel and them pick up a tail?" Carl, who had partnered with Broderick in the past and tended to be cautious, replied, "Let''s get a clear picture first." ... Once the Mercedes left, Campos and Carlos''s vehicle slowly moved, blending into the traffic behind. They had previously followed cars carrying straying girls all the way to a seaside club in Venice. Knowing their destination made it easy for them to tail the group. ... In the Cadillac, Harley maintained her distance while listening through her headphones. ... The woman named Meriel directed Lena to help herself to water and candy. Lena exclaimed in delight, as if water and candy were top-tier luxuries. As the car arrived in Venice, Harley suddenly noticed that Lena hadn''t made a sound for a while. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Mercedes driver said, "Finally, we can relax." Meriel replied, "These naive girls always get mesmerized by the dream of stardom." The Mercedes driver remarked, "She''s a good one, and those long legs... She is going to be killed in the end, can I enjoy her first before sending her off?" "Enjoy?" Meriel laughed, "You can wait until those big shots are done, then indulge." The driver added, "I''m not that twisted. I can''t be interested in someone who''s lost limbs or had their skin peeled." ... Harley caught every word in her ears. She realized she had zeroed in on the right target this time. This was a downward spiral, and from her vantage point, she noticed that a club on the right gradually opened its iron gate. The Mercedes slowed as it prepared to enter. Thinking of Lena inside that car and recalling those missing girls, Harley worried Lena might become the next disappearance once inside. Desiring the scoop, wanting to expose those creeps, she couldn''t just stand by while Lena vanished. Harley turned the wheel, lightly tapped the brakes, and prepped to bump their car, aiming to create a minor accident to draw attention from surrounding traffic. ... Meanwhile, from behind, Carl in the Range Rover saw the Cadillac''s maneuver and immediately understood her intention: "Block her from behind!" He turned to the two in the back seat, "Once we stop, quickly take control of the Cadillac and grab her!" The Range Rover charged ahead. ... As the Mercedes slowed to turn, Harley''s Cadillac collided with it. Before she could react, a not-so-strong jolt came from behind as a Range Rover crashed into her rear. The Range Rover''s door flew open, and three masked men jumped out. ... In the far distance, Campos, using the neon signs of the club as illumination with night vision goggles, noticed something was off: that female reporter was being pursued while she tracked others. Campos had prepared for this; he rolled down the passenger window, retrieved a mounted police light tucked beneath the seat, positioned it on the roof, and flicked it on. Flashing red and blue lights illuminated the area, with sirens echoing far and wide. ... The three men holding a window-breaking hammer and firearms heard the sirens and saw the brilliant lights. Carl glanced back at the securely closed Cadillac door and shouted as he hopped into the vehicle, "Go! Get moving!" The Mercedes didn''t turn but sped straight ahead. The Range Rover followed suit. ... Harley was initially terrified but as her emotions steadied, she began to chase after them. Yet the Mercedes stopped again, and Lena, along with her belongings, was tossed out of the car before it sped off. Harley exhaled a sigh of relief, turning her gaze to the approaching police car. It was an old Ford cruiser, its roof topped with a portable light. In the hopeful gaze of Harley, however, the Ford made a turn down another street, seemingly chasing a different car. "What luck today," Harley pulled out an rarely used phone and dialed 911 for Lena. She sensed danger looming, refraining from making her presence known, instead turning her car around to a concealed spot, waiting until the patrol car passed. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 200: Forge Ahead [Chapter 201: Forge Ahead] Santa Monica, 20th Street. Inside the villa''s tool shed, Hawke and Erica were sorting through firearms. Brian had previously sent over dozens of guns. Suddenly, Hawke''s phone buzzed, and he answered it. "Boss, they made a move," Campos quickly reported about the recent events. "I scared them off; Harley shouldn''t be hurt." Hawke responded, "Got it. Stay safe and don''t leak any information." Campos added, "Garcia and Carlos are still tailing Harley. I showed my face in front of her just in case. I''ll send my car to the junkyard and scrap it down to a pile of metal." "Sounds good," Hawke switched hands for the phone. "Where''s Harley headed?" "Looks like she''s going to Century City," Campos informed him. Hawke understood. "She''s heading back to the Fox Television Center. She''s a smart girl." Seeing Hawke hang up, Erica put down the assembled handgun and said, "Those bastards wouldn''t dare make a move at the Fox Television Center, even if they were crazy." Erica was already informed about the situation, and Hawke had briefly explained it to her. After a moment of thought, Erica said, "This is a good opportunity. If Fox exposed this, they''ll be under immense pressure. If this is connected to Owen, he might not be able hold on." Hawke replied, "Brian and Jennifer need this win, right?" Erica nodded, "Jennifer came to Los Angeles on a mission and just took office; she could use this credit. Brian is involved in this political game and needs to build his resume and credibility." Hawke, of course, wouldn''t be on the front lines. "Let Brian handle it." "Brian wants to secure more resources, so he naturally has to take on the corresponding risks." Erica was decisive and picked up her phone to call Brian. In this scenario, whoever gained credit would also bear the greatest risks. Hawke stayed back, watching everything unfold with a cold, detached gaze. His hidden objectives had never changed. After finishing her call, Erica wanted to prevent Hawke from taking risks, saying, "Hurry up and finish organizing those guns." "Okay," Hawke sat back down at the workbench. ... Downtown Los Angeles, FBI Los Angeles Division. An armored SUV sped into view and pulled over to the side of the road. In the back seat, Brian made another call. Within half a minute, Jennifer, with her neat short hair, hurriedly arrived and got into the back seat. She smiled at Brian, "I''m back." Brian looked serious. "Let''s get down to business; no fooling around." Jennifer wiped her smile away, asking, "What''s the important intel?" "One of my guys discovered something..." Brian quickly shared what he could reveal. Jennifer nodded eagerly, "Good! Very good! Owen has been tight-lipped, and due to his status, we couldn''t use some of our special measures. Now we''ve found a breakthrough; we can shatter his mental defenses." ?????£Î??????S? She had no time to waste here. "I have to go; we''ll talk later." Brian waved her off. "Go quick." ... Jennifer returned to the division, called two subordinates, and headed to the holding room to question Owen Nester again. Previously, they had found videos of the abuse of women and minors on Owen''s computer. Although they were downloaded from the internet, they were enough for the FBI to keep him detained. Jennifer also sent three of her loyal aides, who had accompanied her from Wyoming, to the LAPD to look for a girl named Lena. This time, the situation was different; using the information Brian provided, Owen''s mental barriers started to show signs of breaking. ... In the Cadillac, Harley maintained her composure as she drove into Century City, slowly spotting the brightly lit Fox Tower, gaining confidence. Earlier, when the vehicle had crashed into her Cadillac, she had clearly seen two of the three men who got out of the Land Rover with guns in their hands. Had it not been for lucky timing with a police car passing by, she might have died tonight. Or perhaps something worse than death. The Cadillac turned directly into the underground parking lot of Fox Tower and parked at the elevator entrance. ... Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Carlos and Garcia drove past the front of the building and disappeared into the night. ... Harley turned off the engine, realized her hands were sweating, and when she got out of the car, her legs felt a bit unsteady. Facing such a scene, her nerves were inevitable. But without a moment''s hesitation, she slung her briefcase over her shoulder, grabbed the recording storage device and the dashcam memory card, stomped her foot to regain her strength, and stepped out firmly. Harley quickly walked into the elevator area and took the elevator upstairs. ... Arriving at the Fox Newsroom, she found Gretchen. Gretchen looked at Harley, whose hair was soaked in sweat, and asked, "You look a mess! What happened?" "News! I''m on a story, and things went wrong." Harley''s nerves still lingered. "I got hit by a car; those guys had guns, and luckily a cop happened to pass by..." Despite having done some shady things, Gretchen never wished harm on her staff; she asked with concern, "Are you okay?" Harley replied, "I''m fine; I think I''ve gathered some crucial evidence." "Hang on." Gretchen walked to the office door, opened it, and checked outside for any abnormalities. Finding none, she locked the door and drew the blinds. Harley handed her the storage device. "You should listen to this first." Gretchen connected her computer, opened the audio file, and then watched the dashcam video. Harley fast-forwarded to the key parts. After Gretchen finished listening to the conversation between the two in the car and watched the crash footage, Harley took out documents from her briefcase, including secretly taken photos, recordings, etc. Gretchen quickly thumbed through them, realizing this was beyond her control to handle. She grabbed a bottle of water and handed it to Harley. "Take a sip and calm down. This is Fox; no one can hurt you here." Harley took it, twisted it open, and had a sip of the sugary water, easing her nerves a bit. After contemplating for a moment, Gretchen decided to escalate the issue to upper management. Since Roger Ailes cleared her path, Gretchen had people around her looking out for her. She called the chairman''s assistant. At this time, Roger Ailes wasn''t at Fox Tower. ... In Beverly Hills, on North Sunset Boulevard. In a luxury mansion, a high-profile party was still in progress. Roger Ailes had hosted a banquet to entertain McCarthy, Duarte, and other members of the Republican Party visiting Los Angeles. They were primarily discussing the situation in Sacramento. An assistant approached, whispering a few words in Roger''s ear. Roger replied, "Have her come see me immediately." ... Gretchen received the call, instructing Harley to bring all the materials and head downstairs with her. Harley reminded her, "They''re bold; they might come after us." Gretchen nodded. "The chairman''s office has notified security." The two made their way downstairs; it was the busiest time for the television station, with many people around. Once outside the building, three security department vehicles were already parked up front. Once the two got in, they sped off toward North Sunset Boulevard. ... In less than 15 minutes, Harley found herself in the study of a luxury mansion, face to face with the top figure of Fox. Gretchen gave Harley a look, and she handed all the materials to Roger''s assistant. Roger adjusted his glasses and reviewed the materials, photos, and audio and video records one by one. After listening to key parts of several audio files and watching the crash footage along with the club''s sign, he slightly closed his eyes, clearly in thought. Harley wanted to speak but was silenced by Gretchen''s eyes. At this point, the only person who could make a decision was Roger Ailes. Roger recalled the meeting earlier; McCarthy had mentioned that the Republican Party had opened a gap in Los Angeles and found a critical breakthrough point in Owen Nester, the former mayor of Covina. To amplify their advantage, they even employed forces from Washington to send over a deputy chief of the FBI with deep red connections. Owen Nester, Hollywood''s deep blue Jewish power, acting training schools luring pretty minor girls, clubs offering certain special services -- these incidents were not isolated. With Roger''s experience, it wasn''t hard to see a connection among them. The battle at the top of California''s political arena was reaching its decisive phase. With Fox''s stance clear, Roger had enough courage to directly say, "Fox hasn''t had a blockbuster story in a long while." Gretchen understood, "Yes." Roger checked the time. "There''s still time for tonight''s midnight news." He turned to Harley. "You report the story you investigated." Gretchen opened her mouth, but the words caught in her throat. To make a public appearance on the television screen, Harley first thought of the guns in those people''s hands, but after a moment''s hesitation, she recalled the missing girls who had vanished without a trace, as if they had never existed in this world. She felt incredibly resolute. "Okay, I''ll do it. I''ll report!" Roger nodded in satisfaction. "Go ahead." Harley gathered all the materials and left the study without looking back. Gretchen followed her. ... Roger Ailes picked up a secure phone and dialed an old friend''s number. "Arnold, I found the breakthrough you were looking for. Make sure to watch tonight''s midnight news." On the other end, Arnold Schwarzenegger remarked, "My partner is indeed exceptional." He directly promised, "If I win, Fox will receive a series of tax breaks and state grant funding." ... Gretchen and Harley hopped into a security department vehicle, hurrying back to the Fox Television Center. Arriving at Fox News, they received word from the chairman''s assistant to fully cooperate with Harley in preparing for the midnight news. Harley stopped thinking about anything else and forged ahead. ... Inside the villa on 20th Street in Santa Monica. Erica had just helped Hawke clean the guns in her own special way. With Erica''s stimulation, Hawke felt invigorated, his brain cells buzzing with activity. He suddenly said, "There was something I didn''t remind Brian about." Erica was resting her head on his thigh, lazily not wanting to think. "What is it?" Hawke said, "Those individuals might commit suicide out of fear of crime." Erica looked up at Hawke, "That can''t be stopped. As long as Fox News exposes them, they''ll definitely take action." Hawke sighed lightly, "What if the deep blues decide to compromise voluntarily?" Erica, not overly concerned, yet not oblivious, replied, "You already know the outcome." Hawke nodded. "Politics is an art of compromise. The red-blue struggle has been the theme of America for over two hundred years and will remain so for a long time, even though the division is intensifying. Both sides cannot completely annihilate each other." Unaware of Hawke''s deeper motives, Erica said, "We''re still young; we have plenty of time. At this stage, we just need to secure our rightful benefits without rushing for anything else." Hawke was well aware that some matters weren''t worth rushing. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 201: Death by Suicide [Chapter 202: Death by Suicide] In the late hours of the night, Fox News'' showcased a brand-new anchor in their headline segment. Harley stood in the studio, and the moment the live broadcast began, she suddenly became incredibly calm. The photos, videos, and text materials she had painstakingly collected over months appeared on the news screen, expertly edited. As a voiceover, Harley articulated the connections present in the evidence. She detailed each missing girl''s identity, their time in Los Angeles, where they stayed, their activities, their status when they disappeared, and their training in acting classes. She not only explained each case but also provided corroborative evidence. All of it pointed to the Super Star Training School and producer Broderick from Ackerman Films, along with his successor, Guerrero. The television then aired the full video of Harley following Lena in her car, along with the relevant audio recordings of their conversations. This included the moment the black Mercedes dropped Lena off and sped away, after which Lena was rescued by the LAPD. ... However, the news broadcast didn''t garner much attention. Compared to the scandal of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, along with their , it paled in comparison. Societal news couldn''t compete with celebrity gossip. Of course, this news wasn''t aimed at the ordinary viewer. Roger Ailes had never met Hawke and was unaware of his involvement, yet he chose to follow the path Hawke had laid out. This route aligned perfectly with Fox''s stance and interests. For many, it was a sleepless night. ... At the headquarters of the Ackerman Charitable Foundation in Santa Monica, in Chairman Barack Bernanke''s office, Carl had just arrived. He sat on a single sofa, watching the on television, his face a dark shade of unhappiness. When the broadcast switched to the studio and Harley appeared, he said, "When I looked at the woman in the Cadillac, she seemed just like her." "Forget about her for now," Barack replied. He had personally reported the situation to Melissa Ackerman, who had berated him soundly. This was a serious matter, affecting not only Ackerman Films but also many bigwigs connected to the Ackerman family. Ackerman Films had obtained so many girls through the Super Star Training School and various overseas channels, not for their own enjoyment but to satisfy the perverse cravings of numerous powerful individuals. Though uncertain, Barack could easily guess from the hospitality extended to the Clinton couple in Los Angeles that the pleasure-seeking circle in Los Angeles ran deep and was not limited to just them. This operation couldn''t cease; if it did, the losses would be significant. Barack asked, "Has everything been taken care of at the Beach Club?" Carl, who had just come from Venice, replied, "Everything that needed to be moved has been moved; the club won''t exist after tonight." Barack nodded. "The two most critical points are Guerrero and Broderick; they know the inside story." The former was of little concern, but the latter had a good relationship with Carl. It was he who had gone to the hospital to warn the toothless Broderick to keep his mouth shut. ???????????¨¨? Carl felt somewhat troubled, saying, "Broderick hasn''t said a word." Barack was friends with Broderick too, but for his safety, some things had to be done. He said, "Make sure he never speaks again." Carl''s hands tightened on the sofa''s armrest, sighing as he said, "I understand." Barack then added, "Get rid of anyone and anything that poses a risk." "I''m on it," Carl said, leaving the office without another word. ... Suddenly, the phone in the office rang. Barack answered, "Mr. Ackerman..." On the other end was Buddy Ackerman, the head of Ackerman Group: "Melissa has gone to Sacramento; you clean this up." Melissa was the CEO of Ackerman Films and Buddy''s daughter. Barack said, "I''ve failed to do my job." "There''s no such thing as perfect. Given enough time, the whispers will come." Buddy expressed great leniency toward his subordinates. "They will need our funds for a future comeback; don''t be too disheartened." Barack understood the implication -- beyond just needing funds, they required that special platform to lure more people aboard. ... Venice, Beach Club. The heavy iron gates swung open, the lights went out, and a gasoline scent wafted out. Suddenly, flames erupted; with a whoosh, the club was engulfed in fire. The roaring flames lit up half the sky, as they wrapped around the club''s entire structure. Soon, a passerby called 911. The nearest fire station received the alert, but due to equipment malfunctions, they couldn''t head out immediately. They made sluggish progress after they eventually left, their efficiency shockingly low. Half of the Venice Beach sky shone bright with the fire. ... In the southwestern part of Santa Monica, very close to Venice, Hawke received the news. Climbing up to the rooftop terrace, he took out his binoculars to gaze southwest, where the night sky had turned red. This night would not be quiet. Including Hawke, far too many people couldn''t find peace or sleep. ... In Downtown Los Angeles, the FBI field office. In an interrogation room, Jennifer Huey, arms crossed, watched the roaring fire on the television screen and asked Owen, who was strapped to a chair, "You went to this place, right? You''ve seen the previous news, and now the live broadcast; what do you think?" Owen''s face turned ashen, but he said nothing. Jennifer chuckled softly, saying, "It''s okay; we''ll let you go first thing in the morning, give you your freedom." No matter what, Owen had once been Mayor Culver, and he understood immediately, replying, "I covered up my son Pratt''s bullying, allowed armed threats against the bullied''s family, and interfered with judicial fairness; you can''t let me out!" Jennifer seemed to ignore his words: "I will release information that some of the news tips Fox received were provided by you!" She turned around, coldly staring at Owen: "Tomorrow when work resumes, I''ll notify your lawyer to accept your bail." Owen shut his eyes; he dared not gamble on their conscience. Politicians had their eyes only on benefits, where was the conscience in that? He said, "Fine, I can answer your questions, but you must guarantee my safety!" sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Jennifer addressed her two subordinates, "Let''s get started!" Before long, Owen mentioned the name of Governor''s aide Foster. Jennifer knew time was of the essence; she took down notes quickly and left in a hurry. ... In California''s capital, Sacramento. On 10th Street, in a campaign office featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger''s face. A fax arrived via a secure line. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was dozing lightly in the waiting room, was immediately awakened by his assistant. He read the fax, stating, "Wake everyone up; we need to have a meeting now." The seven aides of Schwarzenegger''s campaign team quickly gathered in the meeting room. These individuals not only handled the campaign but represented various factions within the party. The fax copies were distributed, and the team studied them closely. Well aware he wasn''t any seasoned politician, Schwarzenegger directly asked, "What should we do next?" Campaign manager Daniel Keitel, experienced in the political arena, responded, "This situation almost guarantees us a victory in the recall election, but how we handle it for maximum profit is what we should consider." Public relations head Steven Zhang stated, "Given the described situation, if I''m not mistaken, the donkeys have begun to take action." Upon hearing Steven''s explanation, the previously restless atmosphere in the meeting room immediately calmed down. The donkeys had plenty of dark secrets, but how much better were the elephants? If they were cornered and driven to desperation, what might they unearth? Schwarzenegger knew his own hands weren''t clean, and with a wife from the Kennedy family, a fire in the backyard would be troublesome. He looked at Daniel, saying, "Let''s not be too extreme in our approach." Daniel considered then said, "How about we send someone to make contact with Gray Davis''s people?" Schwarzenegger agreed, "Sounds good." This was a task fit for Daniel Keitel. ... Meanwhile, in San Jose Prison. Two guards were making their routine night rounds when they soon arrived at the isolation unit. This place was primarily for serious offenders, with only a few exceptions. For instance, Broderick in cell No. 11 was tortured so severely that someone outside paid money to put him in an independent prison area and enjoy solitary confinement. While that group of old black inmates brutally bullied him for not having teeth and filled him with milk daily, they also used a green bottle of happy water and high-concentration pepper spray. More disturbingly, Broderick seemed to be adapting, almost enjoying it a bit. The two guards signed the inspection log and continued to walk, checking each cell. Upon arriving at cell 11, they suddenly sensed something was off. A pair of pants twisted into a rope was fixed at the top of a bunk bed, with the other end wrapped around Broderick''s neck, hanging him up. The guards quickly pulled out their walkie-talkies to report the situation. Soon, chaos erupted as more guards and doctors arrived. But Broderick had long since drawn his last breath. The duty officer that night initiated a routine internal investigation and discovered that the surveillance had malfunctioned, failing to capture anything. The on-duty personnel all stated that everything had been normal. Such incidents generally led to a mutual agreement to minimize responsibility, tacitly understood within the prison. Before long, they reached a consensus that Broderick had died by suicide. There were still some formalities to conclude, but the suicide ruling wouldn''t change. This way, everyone saved time and effort. Almost simultaneously, a driver named West had a fatal accident while drink-driving, plunging from the steepest part of the Pacific Coast Highway. A single woman named Meriel, having gotten high, drowned while soaking in her bathtub. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 202: Resignation, Arnold Takes the Helm [Chapter 203: Resignation, Arnold Takes the Helm] In the early hours, at a seaside apartment building in Santa Monica. Guerrero felt a surge of anxiety as he looked at his secret girlfriend, Irene. He said, "You need to leave immediately. Don''t stick around here." Irene, her red hair tousled and still half-asleep, was less than pleased about being woken up in the middle of the night: "What are you talking about?" Guerrero grabbed a packed backpack and handed it to Irene. "You''ve got to remember what I''m about to say!" Seeing the seriousness in his tone, Irene quickly grabbed a wipe from the table and dabbed her face, trying to wake up. Guerrero continued, "Do you remember the house in the canyon? Don''t tell anyone. I''ve got some things stored in the basement, in the tool cabinet on the southwest side." Since he hadn''t been able to reach Meriel, a bad feeling had settled in his gut. "There''s cash, some designer watches, and jewelry. It''s enough for you to get through college and find a good job after." Irene looked bewildered. "What''s going on?" "You don''t need to know. It won''t do you any good." Guerrero pressed on, "If -- let''s say if -- something happens to me or I end up dead, you need to take what''s in that tool cabinet, find a media outlet... no, don''t just go with traditional media. Go for an online outlet that''s willing to break the story, and mail it to them from a remote area." Irene sensed something terrible had transpired. "Let''s leave together!" Guerrero shook his head. "I''m a local; my parents and siblings live here in Los Angeles. I can''t put them in danger." "Just go!" he urged. "You need to hurry!" With her bag slung over her shoulder, Irene hurried out of the apartment building. ... Minutes later, there was a knock on Guerrero''s door. He opened it to find his colleague and friend, Carl, along with several others. Guerrero could see the situation unfolding. "Do we really have to do this?" Carl stated flatly, "The money you''ve earned over the years will be shifted into your parents'' accounts. They''ll also receive additional benefits. Each of your siblings will, too." It was both a promise of money and a threat. Guerrero had steeled himself. "What do you want me to do?" "Write a suicide note," Carl replied gravely. "Take the blame for everything." ... In the early morning, just as dawn broke, strange shouts erupted from the seaside apartment building. Then came a sharp crack, sounding as if something had shattered. An early riser shouted, "Someone jumped! Someone jumped!" Another person called the police. The LAPD responded quickly, sealing off the area. With backup on the scene, they investigated and discovered a suicide note in the pocket of the deceased. FBI agents arrived shortly afterward and took over the case. Just hours before, Lena had woken up and, grasping the situation, officially reported it to the FBI. But Jennifer Huey waited until daylight to get authorization from her supervisor before heading out to apprehend Guerrero. At that crucial moment, the elephant and donkey found an unspoken understanding. ... In Sacramento, across from Arnold Schwarzenegger''s campaign office, stood the California State Capitol. In a private club beside the Capitol, Arnold''s campaign manager, Daniel Kessler, met with the governor''s aide, Foster. Daniel handed Foster a re-edited document. "Take a look at this." Foster took the document, and as he read, he didn''t appear fazed. Los Angeles had reported the situation overnight; while it was messy, someone had already taken responsibility for the specific charges. ????¦¢?? He tossed the document onto the table and denied it. "It''s all rumors and a setup." Daniel didn''t counter. "Resign and save what little dignity you have left." Foster knew very well that the resignation didn''t refer to his position as governor''s aide. Daniel added, "What we''re fighting over here is the position, not a person. Once the position is gone, everything else becomes irrelevant." With the situation deteriorating, it directly involved Governor Gray Davis. Foster didn''t know what else to say. He paused, then remarked, "Wait for my news." Daniel replied, "Don''t keep us waiting too long." ... By mid-June 2003, as California''s gubernatorial recall election began, the sitting governor Gray Davis announced his resignation, representing the blue faction''s retreat. Hollywood superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger, supported by the elephants, emerged victorious, becoming the 38th Governor of California without a fight. Both sides had quietly reached several agreements. On that same day, Schwarzenegger delivered a victory speech via Fox News, praising his predecessor Gray Davis for his contributions to California''s development. Since the red-blue battle had turned into chaos, there was a brief period of breathing room. However, Schwarzenegger''s victory did not imply the elephants had an absolute advantage, as the donkeys still held the majority in the state legislature. ... Later, the FBI''s Los Angeles division held a press conference announcing the details of the disappearance case exposed by Fox News. Jennifer Huey made a statement about the case. Over the past two years, seven girls had gone missing from the Super Star Training School, with the culprits being former head Broderick and assistant Guerrero. The two men used the promise of movie roles to lure specifically chosen recruits to secluded places, where they would then be abused and murdered, with their bodies disposed of at sea. Before the incident, Broderick had committed suicide in prison due to depression. Guerrero, fearing repercussions, took his own life and left a note detailing the crimes. Additionally, the Super Star Training School''s major shareholder, Ackerman Films, bore significant administrative responsibility. The executive vice president of Ackerman Films voluntarily surrendered, accepting their share of the blame. Yet, the most severe punishment would probably just be probation. ... Since Ackerman Films acted quickly, they managed to contact the families of the seven missing girls and offered substantial compensation, successfully securing a settlement. ... After receiving compensation, Lena, whom Harley saved, joyfully left Los Angeles. ... As for the results of the case''s release, it didn''t matter whether the public believed it or not; what mattered was that the officials had provided an answer, and whether people chose to believe it was on them. The red and blue factions had decided to maintain peace, and the mainstream media largely kept silent. It was just like how the squids were running wild, with the Western media choosing to selectively ignore the situation. ... Meanwhile, Melissa Ackerman, after undergoing routine questioning by the FBI, announced her resignation as CEO of Ackerman Films. But that was far from the end. Ackerman Films sold off several movie rights to raise tens of millions in compensation and soon declared bankruptcy, unable to cover their debts. The Ackerman family launched a crisis PR campaign, claiming they would now focus on philanthropy and contribute more to social development across the nation. ... At the Ackerman Foundation in Santa Monica, Melissa paced back and forth in her office and asked Barack Bernanke, "Did you find out about what I asked you to investigate?" Barack responded, "I looked into it. That day, the Fox News anchor was Harley Wayne, an investigative reporter whose former boss was the famous Fox host Gretchen. I reached out through various connections and quietly mobilized several Jewish staff members inside Fox to uncover a few leads." Melissa settled onto the couch. "Go on." S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Barack continued, "Months ago, Gretchen received a package. That day she sent Harley to get some tasks done, but the specifics are unknown. However, after that, Harley hardly appeared at the Fox TV Center. From that point on, she must have been investigating the Super Star Training School." Melissa asked the crucial question, "Where was the package sent from?" Barack replied, "We checked FedEx and USPS records of Gretchen''s deliveries over the past few months and found one that matched the timing. It was sent from Las Vegas, but the location is a very remote mailbox, making it impossible to pursue." Not being able to track it wasn''t surprising to Melissa. She thought for a moment and asked, "Who stands to benefit the most from this incident?" Barack answered without a second thought, "Arnold Schwarzenegger." Without the unexpected turn of events, the outcome of the recall election could have been uncertain, especially since California had always leaned deep blue. Barack quickly cautioned, "We can''t go after a sitting governor." "Let things cool down a bit," Melissa remarked. "Teach Gretchen and Harley a lesson." She felt a tight knot in her chest. With Ackerman Films declaring bankruptcy, offloading their film rights at fire-sale prices, compensating the victims, and covering the costs of the burned-down beach club and closed Super Star Training School, this incident had directly cost the Ackerman family over $80 million. Melissa hadn''t lost her sense of reason. Considering Fox, she specifically warned, "Make it look like an accident, understand? No physical harm, but let it be unforgettable for them." Barack noted this down. ... Meanwhile, at the Twitter building on Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica. Hawke scanned the various announcements in the newspaper. With the new governor elected, events were gradually settling down, and some unresolved cases were beginning to yield official results. The red and blue factions had finally struck a quiet deal to preserve their respective appearances. Hawke had mentally prepared for this and felt no disappointment. The Ackerman family had paid a significant commercial price for it. One of the key perpetrators, Broderick, was dead. While his opponents had been weakened, he was steadily growing stronger. There would come a time when the balance of power shifted completely. Hawke had been quietly working hard for a year and a half and didn''t mind continuing on this path. Moreover, the Ackerman family had revealed their vulnerabilities. Recalling a certain island from his past life, Hawke could be certain that incidents like those at the Super Star School wouldn''t stop; they would only continue to fulfill the twisted desires of some. With Schwarzenegger in the governor''s seat, circumstances were far more favorable than before. Hawke recalled that it seemed Schwarzenegger had served one term before being forced out of office in 2010. At that moment, the phone rang; it was Brian calling. Hawke answered. Brian said, "You in the office? Great. I''ll be there in half an hour with some excellent news." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 203: Rewarding Contributions [Chapter 204: Rewarding Contributions] As soon as Brian entered the office, he appeared radiant, filled with energy, as if he were a different person. He placed a document on Hawke''s desk and said, "Take a look at this." Hawke glanced at the densely packed letters and asked, "What is this?" Brian explained briefly, "It''s a draft of the economic development plan from the new governor''s office." Hawke understood immediately, "Rewarding contributions." "That''s not wrong," Brian replied as he pulled up a chair and sat across from the desk. "Policy support, funding assistance, tax credits, and so on. A number of companies will be featured, and at the top of the priority list are Fox Television, Pacific Investment Group, and Clarium Capital. The first one strongly backed Arnold at a critical moment, while the latter two are his main sponsors." Pacific Investment Group was owned by the Ferguson family. Hawke asked, "Clarium Capital? I haven''t heard much about them." Brian elaborated, "The founder is Peter Thiel, mainly investing in Silicon Valley. He co-founded the digital payment company PayPal with Elon Musk and others, which was sold to eBay last year for $1.5 billion." Hawke recognized a familiar name but didn''t press further. He was burning cash himself, and asking about anything else wouldn''t help. He shifted back to the main topic, "What about me?" Brian understood and smiled, "Twitter is among the companies in the second priority tier." He continued, "Arnold will launch the governor''s economic development plan, investing up to $750 million every year to support targeted enterprises. Twitter, as a secondary support recipient, will benefit from research subsidies, employment incentives, training for high-tech talent, broadband server subsidies, and office space subsidies, among other forms of support." Hawke wasn''t satisfied, "Is there anything else?" "Of course," Brian continued. "Led by the California Department of Finance, there''s a funding project where Twitter can apply for a $20 million interest-free loan." He looked at Hawke and added, "There are also additional job tax credits, California competitive tax credits, sales and use tax exemptions, etc. Once this plan is finalized, let your finance and accounting teams analyze it in detail." Hawke nodded; tax credits could boost corporate income, subsidies were like free money, and who wouldn''t appreciate an interest-free loan? It was no wonder that everyone liked the cozy relationship between government and business. If one emerged victorious in political disputes, the benefits were substantial. He scrutinized the document Brian brought, deducting the interest-free loans and tax benefits. Just from the subsidies alone, as long as Twitter continued to develop normally, it could apply for tens of millions of dollars in California fiscal subsidies each year. Interests dictated positions, and positions dictated actions. Hawke could now clearly declare that Schwarzenegger was a good governor. "What''s the timeline for implementation?" he asked directly. Brian replied, "Arnold has already taken office and is pushing hard. I estimate the state legislature will pass it by July; it''s part of Gray Davis''s resignation agreement." He suddenly laughed, "Under pressure, Gray Davis will temporarily retreat from politics. Guess which industry he plans to enter?" "Writing a book? Speaking engagements?" Hawke guessed, thinking of common money-making pathways for politicians. He frowned and wondered, "He isn''t planning to break into Hollywood, is he?" Brian laughed even harder, "You guessed it right. I have reliable information that Gray Davis plans to temporarily venture into Hollywood." Hawke was somewhat surprised, "A Hollywood superstar gets the governor''s seat, and his predecessor sheds the politician''s burden to turn around and enter Hollywood." Brian added, "And it''s happening swiftly. It''s said Gray Davis has contacted Sony Pictures about testing the waters with the series ." Hawke considered another possibility: "Looks like the Democrats have abandoned Gray Davis." Brian nodded, "Exactly. They likely won''t invest further resources into him." Just then, someone knocked on the office door, and Edward walked in. He greeted Brian first, saying, "Boss, one of Arnold Schwarzenegger''s assistants is here." ??????¨®????¨º? ... Hawke headed to the reception area, where he met a middle-aged man named Daniel Keitel. Daniel''s purpose was to deliver an invitation from Schwarzenegger, inviting Hawke to a party that weekend. Hawke sent him off and returned to his office. Brian glanced at the invitation and said, "I got one too." "Victory party?" Hawke asked. Brian replied, "More of a thank-you party." The two of them chatted for a while longer, discussing the latest updates on a missing persons case. That case had already concluded; the LAPD handed it over to the FBI, which reached a clear conclusion. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As for the missing girls, they might be completely forgotten by the world. ... In the San Fernando Valley, a neighborhood of single-family homes. Irene drove up to a residence and pressed a remote to open the garage, driving in without delay. She closed the garage door and took her bag into the house, opened the door to the basement, and hesitated for a moment before turning on the light as she descended. Once in the basement, Irene quickly located the tool cabinet her boyfriend Guerrero spoke about. The cabinet was large, featuring a compartment. Following her boyfriend''s instructions, she opened it to find a considerable amount of cash, most of which were old twenty-dollar bills. Next to it were several boxes, and Irene took them out one by one. Some boxes contained gold jewelry, while others held gold watches -- all easily convertible into cash. Finally, she turned to a plastic-sealed box. Upon opening it, she discovered photos, data storage devices, and written documents. Flipping through the photos revealed extremely disturbing content. The images depicted women and children suffering in inhumane ways. A few of the male tormentors looked somewhat familiar. Irene packed everything up. Her first instinct was to call the police, but as that thought crossed her mind, she discarded it. Her boyfriend Guerrero had jumped to his death! Everything seemed just as he spoke about before parting ways. The FBI and LAPD both deemed it a suicide. There was definitely something off; neither side was trustworthy. Thinking this through, Irene''s eyes turned red. She was still a student, still believed in love. Guerrero couldn''t just die like that. Looking at the materials in her hands, she wiped away the tears that had fallen from her eyes. Before she left that day, Guerrero had told her to find an online media outlet and mail the stuff there. Clearly, her boyfriend had been prepared for this. Irene thought back to the online media she used and suddenly remembered Twitter. It seemed this site had some guts, having recently exposed a scandalous video of heiress Paris Hilton. Earlier, there were stories on Will Smith and his wife. Irene decided to send the materials to Twitter to see how it went. As a still-studying girl, although she anticipated potential danger, her gaze remained too innocent, her thoughts too simple. She didn''t even make a replica of the materials. Irene found Twitter''s news submission email address online, bought a mailing package, and secured the items properly. She gathered her valuables and left the house, driving north to Santa Clarita, looking for the right mailbox to send the mail. ... Century City, Fox Television Center. Harley Wayne sat in her office cubicle, her eyes fixed on a blank piece of paper. On it were a few names, two of which she highlighted: Broderick and Guerrero. Both had committed suicide. Such coincidences didn''t exist in the world. The missing persons case exposed by the Superstar Training School saw the two previous executives take their lives in succession, with all blame resting on these two deceased individuals. The FBI released such an outrageous investigation result, and mainstream media not only failed to question it but also maintained silence. Were those missing girls still alive? Where were they? Or rather, where were their bodies? No one cared. Even Fox News, which exposed the matter, no longer reported it. Harley didn''t give up, but she knew Fox wouldn''t support her. From the two suicides, she gained a full understanding of the dangers. Words could educate, but perhaps a person wouldn''t grow particularly fast. However, experiences taught one quickly. Harley had become more cautious than before. To get to the bottom of these matters and ensure the world remembers the missing girls, she first needed to guarantee her own safety. This murky world was a monster that consumes without leaving bones. Harley didn''t go looking for Gretchen or Roger Ailes. As an investigative journalist, she now only trusted herself. ... In Beverly Hills, at the Hyatt Hotel. Emma Batson led a team from Bay Area Consulting that had been in residence for several days. During this time, they conducted extensive market research on Twitter. Similar social networks operated in North America, but none had the user numbers and impact of Twitter. Operating primarily out of Silicon Valley, it wasn''t hard for Emma to determine that this company had tremendous market potential. Additionally, the shareholder composition of Twitter laid out before the team. Discounting the negligible number of the Black shareholder, the main stakeholders amounted to just three: West Coast Media Entertainment Studio, an investment firm from the Cayman Islands, and Pacific Investment Group. In the conference room, assistant Isabella said, "Various signs indicate that the shares of the first two are likely held by Hawke Osment. According to our knowledge, Hawke Osment signed a betting investment agreement with Pacific Investment Group in the early days of Twitter, and he ultimately won that agreement, holding over 67 percent of the absolute controlling stake." Emma asked, "Is there any indication that he''s engaging with other investment firms?" "No," another assistant replied. "From sources in Sacramento, Twitter made the new governor''s development plan list and is set to receive high subsidies and large amounts of interest-free loans soon." Emma thought for a moment and said, "I''ll find an opportunity to privately contact Hawke and see what the situation is." Isabella responded, "He''ll be attending a party this weekend." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 204: BlackRock [Chapter 205: BlackRock] Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades. A mansion occupying an entire hillside shone brightly tonight as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver hosted a lavish thank-you party at their home. Hawke Osment and Brian Ferguson arrived together. Schwarzenegger personally called the two over for a brief chat and gave Daniel Keitel a gentle reminder to treat Hawke and Brian well. As the newly appointed assistant to the governor, Daniel spoke privately with Hawke and mentioned that once the new state government was formed, they would launch an official Twitter account, positioning it as the preferred online media partner for the state. This wasn''t just talk; he warned Hawke to send someone to liaise with the governor''s office as soon as he started work next week. ... As he watched Hawke and Brian enter the banquet hall, Steven Zhang, the media and public relations director for the new governor''s office, wondered aloud, "He looks young; is he even 25?" Daniel replied seriously, "He''s the founder of Twitter." Many in the California Republican Party already knew that Brian Ferguson had performed impressively, having opened crucial doors on two occasions, making him one of the key players behind the successful recall election. However, only a few core members understood the full picture: the new mayor of Covina had a powerful ally, Hawke Osment. Without Hawke Osment, there would be no Brian Ferguson. ... As they stepped into the banquet hall, Hawke found himself in a room filled with older individuals, where he encountered Roger Ailes, the chairman of Fox News. Brian noticed this and said, "We can''t really talk to each other; that''s the group of youngsters from last year." He approached a man in his thirties and introduced him, "I''ve got a friend here for you; like me, he''s from Stanford University." This man, casually dressed in a suit without a tie and sporting simple brown hair, embraced Brian when he saw him. Brian then introduced the two, "Hawke, this is Peter Thiel, founder and CEO of PayPal, and my fellow alumnus from Stanford Law School. Peter, this is Hawke, founder of West Coast Media Entertainment Studio and Twitter Entertainment." Hawke remembered hearing the name PayPal a few days earlier from Brian. Like the Ferguson family''s Pacific Investment Group, it was also a top priority in the new governor''s development initiative. Peter stepped forward, shook Hawke''s hand, and grinned, "I visited Pacific Investment recently, and Mary introduced you to me. I''m now a loyal user of Twitter." ?£Á??????§§? Hawke replied politely, "The pleasure is mine." Peter asked, "Are you interested in relocating Twitter to Silicon Valley? The environment there is much better for internet companies to flourish." Hawke didn''t hesitate and replied, "Los Angeles offers good conditions; the prospects for Silicon Beach look promising as well." "When is Twitter planning to seek funding?" Peter inquired directly, pulling out his business card. "Make sure to notify me." Hawke exchanged cards with him, "I will." Just as Peter Thiel left, a few more individuals approached him, all expressing an interest in Twitter and wanting to invest. The Twitter pie was growing larger, naturally attracting those looking for a slice. Hawke had established himself and built a network and influence, which led to discussions about investment. ... Emma Batson, dressed in a light yellow evening gown, had been observing from the sidelines. Receiving an invitation through her connections in Silicon Valley, she had entered the banquet hall early. Seeing the familiar faces from the investment world and noting Hawke''s popularity, Emma knew her mission would be quite challenging. Spotting a moment alone with Hawke, she approached him and introduced herself, "I''m Emma Batson." Hawke took her outstretched hand and stated, "Hawke Osment." Emma smiled and said, "I know you; you''re the founder of Twitter and West Coast Studio." Hawke glanced at her, judging her appearance; she seemed to be in her late twenties, with a polished look and an attractive figure. Remembering the visitors from earlier, he asked, "Which investment company do you work with?" "No, I don''t invest," Emma replied with a radiant confidence. "I specialize in business strategy planning for individuals and companies." Intrigued, given she knew he was the founder of Twitter and likely understood West Coast Media Entertainment Studio, he smiled slightly, "I didn''t expect we''d be in the same line of work." Emma responded, "Those who plan strategy often find it challenging to map out their path." Her bright eyes focused on Hawke as she added, "I come from a Bay Area consulting firm in San Francisco. Are you interested in collaborating?" Hawke questioned, "Collaborating? Do you want to develop a strategic plan for me or my company?" "The Bay Area has the best consulting firm in Silicon Valley," Emma asserted confidently. "The cases I''ve handled have increased in valuation by over five billion dollars, turning many company founders into millionaires and billionaires." Hawke wasn''t familiar with the firm, and he wasn''t sure if she was boasting, so he simply complimented, "You''re quite impressive." Emma, much like Hawke, was proactive instead of waiting for opportunities. She surveyed the banquet hall and remarked, "There are at least a dozen people here with a net worth of over 100 million, and some with a net worth of billions of dollars. In this battle in California, it seems that Schwarzenegger is the winner, but in fact they are the winners." She tucked her cascading red curls behind her ear, revealing her finely chiseled profile, and continued, "They are the true players at the table. Don''t you want to be among them? A net worth in the billions means shifting from being a pawn to being a player, impacting California and, indeed, all of America." Emma stepped subtly closer, neither breaching social safety lines nor failing to showcase her charm. "A man like you could have as many offers as he wants. Hollywood starlets would be clamoring for attention." "It sounds enticing," Hawke replied, catching a whiff of Chanel No. 5, "but shouldn''t company growth be gradual? A shaky foundation would turn into a sandcastle." Not pressing further, she proposed, "It''s a bit noisy here; shall we find a quieter place to talk?" Hawke turned to look at her, appreciating her looks more than even Bella Sain. This was Schwarzenegger''s territory, not his office, and he wasn''t sure where the surveillance cameras were. Hawke quietly said, "I think we should discuss it here." Emma conceded, "I''m connected with several investment firms. They have ample funds, far beyond what someone like Peter Thiel could offer, which could help Twitter quickly scale and capture the global market for an IPO." Understanding what drives career-focused men, she had researched his background. The son of a bankrupt small-farm owner from Wyoming wasn''t likely to resist monetary temptation. Emma continued, "Given Twitter''s active user base and rapid growth, coupled with the resources and support from large investment firms, reaching a valuation of over ten billion dollars wouldn''t be far-fetched." Hawke contemplated and boldly asked, "Which investment firm are you with?" "BlackRock''s San Francisco office," Emma replied directly. Hawke had heard about this firm and had seen some information online; it was a spinoff of the Blackstone Group that had only gone public in New York in 1999 but was nowhere near as significant as it would become post-2010. He also knew that BlackRock had a strong left-leaning bias. Sure enough, the Democrats had begun to realize the potential of Twitter and were starting to act. Hawke wasn''t naive enough to reject on the spot; he said, "What are the investment objectives? What are the plans? What platforms and resource supports are there? I see none, and I can''t make any commitments." Since he hadn''t outright refused, there was an opportunity for negotiation. Emma answered, "All of that will follow; our meeting today is just preliminary." Hawke replied, "Twitter doesn''t lack investors; you''ll need to show me your sincerity." After further discussion, the two exchanged business cards, and Emma bid him farewell. ... Hawke found Brian, who was entertaining Schwarzenegger''s daughter, Katherine. She was laughing joyfully during their interaction. Upon Hawke''s arrival, Brian wrapped things up, coming over and saying, "That woman was stunning." Hawke responded, "She''s a black widow." Brian asked, "What did you mean by that?" "We should head out; it''s about time," Hawke observed as numerous guests began making their way out. "I need to discuss some things with Mary." The two men said their goodbyes and made their way to the estate''s parking lot. Edward flashed his lights to signal their car''s location. A black armored Mercedes quickly exited Pacific Palisades. ... Half an hour later, at a bar in Santa Monica, Hawke met with Mary Ferguson and her daughter, Erica Ferguson. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Mary led the Pacific Investment Group, and it was the second-largest shareholder in Twitter. Erica acknowledged Hawke with a nod but exchanged no words. She went to the bar owner, ordered drinks suitable for Hawke and Mary''s tastes, slipped money to the familiar owner, and hung a "closed" sign on the door. Hawke then stated bluntly, "BlackRock contacted a consulting firm about investing in Twitter." Mary responded, "While the firm isn''t huge, it has shown remarkable growth in recent years." She paused a moment before asking, "What''s your take?" Hawke replied, "Investments are not just about money and platform; it''s also about timing. Twitter will definitely seek funding, but not with BlackRock." Mary nodded slightly, "I''ve gotten wind that BlackRock and Vanguard have devised a strategy with the Democrats to push marginalized voices into the mainstream." Hawke quickly understood, "Giving them privileges serves to distract while securing their votes. These marginalized groups can cause more chaos than ordinary folks when they seize opportunities." Without further thought, if BlackRock were to invest and bring in a bunch of LGBTQ individuals, it would be intolerable. The company would go bankrupt for sure. Hawke decided, "In the second half of the year, we will initiate our first funding round." Mary agreed, "The time is nearly right; Twitter needs more allies and platforms." "Regarding BlackRock, I won''t outright refuse, but I plan to delay," Hawke stated firmly. "I am concerned they might initiate a high-stakes business war and take physical action against us." Mary, being in capital investment herself, was acutely aware of such strategies; she reminded him, "Before seeking funding, focus on boosting the active user count as much as possible." Hawke nodded affirmatively, "I will." As Mary prepared to leave, she called to Erica, "Are we heading home?" Erica casually responded, "You go ahead; I''m not returning." Mary didn''t press further and exited the bar directly. ... Erica approached Hawke with a bottle of alcohol, "Let''s have a drink." Hawke got a new glass and placed it before her, "Just a little; we need to keep our reflexes sharp." Erica agreed, "The early stages of starting a business are always tough." The two returned to Hawke''s villa together. Erica unlocked a cabinet and pulled out a yoga outfit, playfully pushing Hawke outside to change clothes. That night, Hawke fully appreciated Erica''s flexibility. ... The next morning, after dropping Erica off at the precinct, Hawke arrived at the office. He encountered Edward and said, "Let''s meet Campos at ten." Edward made a call. Noticing that Edward looked a bit off, Hawke asked, "What''s up? You don''t seem your usual self." Edward sighed, "Deborah has been arguing with me constantly over the past few days; she insists that I should quit." "Quit?" Hawke was surprised. Edward wasn''t foolish at all; "I''m not quitting." "Didn''t you jot down notes about various women?" Hawke reminded him. "Are you really going to hang all your hopes on one tree?" Robert Downey Jr. had been dead for over a year, and Deborah, along with Indio, couldn''t provide much emotional support. Edward pondered the situation. ... "Make sure to carry a gun," Hawke advised, putting on his coat as he left the office. Edward grabbed the car keys and followed suit. They arrived at the safe house where Campos was already waiting. Hawke asked directly, "No news at all on Tiger Woods, David Beckham, or Kobe Bryant?" Campos replied, "Beckham''s transfer to Real Madrid has been confirmed, but the transfer window won''t open until July 1. The Madrid media has gathered; he''s been spending time with Victoria. We''ve had our eye on Tiger; for now, there''s been no movement; he just got engaged and has been keeping close to his fiancee aside from training and matches." He focused on the last individual, "Kobe Bryant has been restless since going to Colorado, and like many athletes during rehabilitation, he''s been messing around with women, getting close with a hotel receptionist. We''ve gotten some photos but haven''t alerted anyone yet. I''ve sent Garcia to assist; he''s more experienced." Hawke nodded, "Good work; let''s aim for some results." Campos added, "He''s back in Los Angeles, but we''ve received firm intel that he plans to return to Eagle County tomorrow to prepare for surgery." Hawke reiterated, "Keep a close watch on him." Having spent over six months with Hawke, Campos had seen the other side of celebrity life and stated, "Athletes are generally in good physical shape; their hormones are both active and difficult to control." Previous incidents involving Will Smith and Paris Hilton showed that celebrity scandals could effectively increase Twitter traffic and user engagement. For funding, the active user count remained a vital valuation metric. Hawke understood the effectiveness of old tactics and would certainly not abandon them. Furthermore, most Black athletes came from relatively humble beginnings, posing little threat. Before departing, Hawke mentioned, "I might need a few bodyguards; start looking for good candidates, ideally those skilled in combat and driving, someone who strongly adheres to principles." Campos agreed. He had encountered numerous individuals who had fled to California, refusing to associate with criminals. These individuals generally held strong principles and showed great dedication to their work. After thinking, Hawke added, "If you find suitable candidates, let them know they can bring their families to Los Angeles to live; their legal status won''t be an issue moving forward." ... Hollywood Boulevard. Tim, the assistant to BlackRock senior executive Douglas, drove through the famous Walk of Fame, where the sidewalks were nearly taken over by the homeless. The downtown area of Los Angeles and the traditional Hollywood district had become two major camps for the homeless. The person he sought had unfortunately fallen into that category, likely residing in one of these areas. Tim arrived near Highland Center and spotted the person he was looking for waving by the roadside. He parked his car and waited for the man to get in, asking, "Coulson, have you found him?" Coulson, a private investigator who had collaborated with BlackRock in the past, replied, "I found him. It''s hard to believe that a once-prominent football star has ended up as a homeless man due to just one wrong step." Tim said, "Take me to see him." "This way," Coulson directed. ... Tim drove eastward, past two intersections, turned a corner, and spotted the sign for Ackman Charity Shelter. Coulson pointed out, "There''s a parking lot behind the shelter. Miller Collins'' old teammates pooled money to buy him an RV, and he''s been living in it for now." Tim turned the car into the parking lot behind the shelter and parked in an empty space. Coulson indicated an old RV parked a few meters away and said, "He''s in there." Tim turned to look, and after a short wait, a figure emerged from the RV. The man looked disheveled, with a scruffy beard and unkempt hair, holding a bottle in one hand while the other clasped a cigarette, exhaling clouds of smoke. Tim scrutinized him for a moment and comparing to the photo he had, he had no doubt. Coulson remarked confidently, "We''ve worked together over a dozen times; I''ve never been wrong." Tim observed the scene and suddenly inquired, "Does this guy have any fight left in him?" "What fight? After last year''s milk scandal, he had a goon squad attack a Fox News host and ended up in prison," Coulson had done his research. "During his time in prison, his wife Maria successfully sued for divorce." He couldn''t help but shake his head, "This guy has hit rock bottom. He had to pay for breaches of contract, and with a female lawyer and judge in his divorce case, the court mostly favored her. On top of that, he still owed alimony based on his club contract''s income level..." Tim listened and felt a wave of despair washing over him, even starting to develop a fear of marriage. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 205: Eagle County Gate [Chapter 206: Eagle County Gate] The two men watched Miller Collins head off to pick up his food stamps, feeling a bit nostalgic. Coulson remarked, "He used to live in a mansion as a high-income earner, and now he''s down to a rundown RV." However, Tim had some thoughts of his own. "If that RV were gone too, do you think he would go insane?" Coulson nodded. "That''s quite possible. I quietly spoke to one of Miller''s former friends, and they mentioned that Miller is teetering on the edge of madness and collapse." Tim''s task in Los Angeles involved using some special methods when Emma Batson''s team faced difficulties. After confirming Miller Collins''s current situation, the two men left the parking lot. ... Tim drove back to Highland Center, dropping off Coulson. He watched as Coulson walked away and pulled out his cell phone to call, "How''s that thing I asked you to look into?" The voice on the other end replied, "I went to Jeffrey City, Wyoming, and even visited the Osment family''s small ranch. Hawke Osment''s parents have passed away, and he has no other siblings or relatives." Tim asked again, "Did he leave a will?" The voice said, "As far as I know, no." Tim hung up, feeling very satisfied. This meant there was a lot of operational space. BlackRock has had success stories in the past. ... Tim then called someone in San Francisco. His boss, Douglas, said, "Emma Batson made initial contact with him, and from what I gathered, he doesn''t seem opposed to working with us. For now, just hold off on any actions." Tim responded, "Understood." This development followed a logical path. Faced with a potential payout of over a hundred million dollars, or possibly hundreds of millions, a bankrupt farmer''s son had no grounds to refuse. ... Tim went to Santa Monica to check out Hawke Osment''s confirmed residence, located on the southwest side of 20th Street, not far from the Twitter office building. After driving around 20th Street, Tim stopped by a nearby real estate agency, hoping to rent a house on the southwest side of 20th Street. He wanted to become Hawke Osment''s neighbor to familiarize himself with his activities. All this was to prepare for a successful outcome in the end. ... West Los Angeles, Artel Mountain Shooting Range. Today, Hawke and Erica didn''t come to practice shooting. Erica wanted to test out some close combat techniques with Hawke. They often practiced together, but hadn''t engaged in a direct sparring match. Erica put on protective gear while Hawke just wore fingerless gloves. "Let''s get started," she said, playfully tugging on her headgear. "Protect your vital parts; kicking in the groin is my specialty." Hawke shot back, "What you excel at, I excel at too." Without wasting any more words, Erica lunged at him, intending to use her long-practiced Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo techniques to take him down. Hawke allowed her to come at him, and just as Erica applied her strength, he countered by lifting her up and slamming her onto the thick mat. He then pounced, choking her. Erica tapped the mat, conceding defeat. Hawke released her and reminded her, "If you ever face a male attacker, your best weapon is a gun." Erica nodded, "Women often lack strength and resilience compared to men." At that moment, Edward rushed into the training hall and, seeing their positions on the ground, said, "Did I interrupt something? Look at me, asking unnecessary questions; you two carry on..." ???????§£¨§? "I''m done here," Erica stated boldly. Edward glanced at Hawke with a hint of disdain. "That was too quick." Hawke gave him the finger. "Got a problem?" Edward nodded, "Campos just called. Kobe rented a private jet and is already headed to Colorado." ... Eagle County, Colorado. Outside the airport fence in Aspen, Garcia stood by his car, chewing gum while gazing at the tarmac. Young Juan ran over, grabbed a piece of gum from Garcia, unwrapped it, and popped it into his mouth. "I got the scoop; the tower confirmed Kobe''s private jet is about to land." Garcia glanced at the sky and asked, "What about Fiona? Is she still keeping an eye on that hotel waitress?" "Fiona believes it''s highly likely that Kobe is back for the waitress," Juan replied. "The waitress, named Catherine Fybel, had been creating opportunities to approach Kobe during his last visit. Kobe was quite cordial with her then, but his female companion and agent were with him, leaving no room for them to connect..." Garcia frowned. "If something happens between them, it will definitely be in the hotel room. Which room was Kobe in last time?" Juan understood immediately. "You think Kobe would stay in the same room again?" Garcia said, "People subconsciously seek familiar faces and things when they''re in unfamiliar surroundings." After thinking for a moment, he made a decision. "Wasn''t Betty hired through the hotel? Have her check if Kobe''s last room is available. If it is, I want my modified doll camera put inside the bedroom." Juan pulled out his phone. "I''ll call her." ... Aspen isn''t a big town, but it''s a popular tourist destination, home to multiple luxury hotels. The Cordillera Hotel and Spa was the most luxurious among them. Betty worked as a housekeeper and received Juan''s call, confirming that Kobe''s previous room had remained vacant since he didn''t check out after his last stay and would be occupying that room again. Betty found Fiona in the lobby, taking a distinctive local doll from her to place in the guest room. This doll had been modified with a hollowed-out interior that housed a micro camera. Betty returned to her service cart, used the freight elevator to the second floor, and quickly made her way to Kobe''s room, maintaining pretense as she cleaned. She pulled out a card, swiped it open, and stepped inside the suite. Betty made her way through the suite''s living room into the master bedroom, removed the doll sitting atop the plasma TV, and replaced it with her modified version, using it as cover to connect the power. After completing her setup, she proceeded with her cleaning duties. While taking a bathroom break, she bumped into Fiona again and gave her a slight nod. .... The Aspen airport saw a private jet land on the tarmac. A luxury car pulled up to the Cordillera Hotel. Kobe stepped off the plane, accompanied by a friend, and got into the car, heading straight to the hotel. Since the room from his last stay had not been checked out yet, the group was expected to stay on the second floor. Kobe engaged in jokes with his black friend during the ride. That same friend had shown great interest in the hotel''s spa during the last visit. Upon arriving at the hotel, the receptionist, Catherine Fybel, spotted Kobe immediately. The 19-year-old blonde girl radiated youthfulness. Kobe didn''t refuse her offer to help carry his bags. After she delivered the luggage, Kobe consulted with the hotel staff and had Catherine join him for a tour of the spa. Once they ventured to a less crowded area, the two exhibited an unusually close connection. .... Unbeknownst to them, shadows were constantly filming and snapping pictures through various means of stealth and ambush. Regular tourist Juan, elite vacationer Fiona, housekeeper Betty, and business mogul Garcia all took turns capturing the scene. Juan even caught a photo of the two kissing in the spa. ... After a little while, they returned to the accommodation area. Catherine, a manipulative girl, declined Kobe''s invitation due to her work commitments, heading back to the front desk. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shortly after, Kobe called, claiming there was an issue with the jet tub in the suite. Catherine went back over to check. She was fully aware that the basketball superstar had taken the bait. But Catherine was skilled at fishing; she handled the issue quickly and returned to her duties. Athletic stars often act without rational thinking in personal matters. For instance, Cristiano Ronaldo publicly pursues women, Rooney was seen with a 50-year-old... ... During this time, Kobe called a few more times, persistently inviting Catherine to join him. After several rejections, she finally accepted the invite and entered Kobe''s suite after her shift was over. Every moment of her entry was captured on camera. Once inside the suite, Catherine grew particularly proactive. Having finally found an opportunity to perhaps score, she wouldn''t let it slip. In fact, Catherine even declined Kobe''s suggestion to use a condom. ... On the second floor, in a room across the hallway, Garcia was behind his door, peeping through the peephole observing the situation across the way. The wireless camera was already connected to the recording device, capturing all the voices of the pair inside. Garcia, a former Mexican narcotics officer with considerable analysis and judgment skills, concluded just from the voices of an unknown man and woman that "this woman meant trouble." Juan nodded. "I picked up on that too; that NBA star''s going to have some trouble." Garcia deduced, "For a moment of gratification, he''s going to face a long-term headache." Juan added, "It''s a bit like those junkies." Garcia listened intently and said, "They should be wrapping up soon; that woman won''t stick around long. Set the things outside." He then retrieved a bag from his side, opened the door gently, and placed it by the entrance, aiming the camera at the opposite room door. Rushing back, he closed the door behind him. ... Garcia''s deductions proved to be accurate; the door soon opened, and Catherine Fybel stepped outside. She declined Kobe''s invitation to stay for the night, saying, "I need to go home and rest; I have another shift soon." Kobe walked her to the door. Catherine looked around to ensure no one was watching before she threw herself at Kobe, passionately kissing him. The two were lost in the moment before finally pulling apart. Kobe was very pleased with the fiery girl, wanting to offer her a gift but was met with a refusal. Catherine waved goodbye and quickly exited the hotel. ... After heading down to the second floor, Catherine made her way towards the female staff changing room. ... Fiona, who sat nearby, pulled out her phone. "She just headed into the staff locker room." "I got it," Betty said as she rushed that way. ... Inside the locker room, Catherine found it empty, shut the door tight, and stood in front of the mirror, stripping off her clothes, leaving almost no marks on her fair skin. Directing her head towards the wall, she slammed her forehead against it and then created other wounds on her face, neck, and body. Catherine packed a bag of lingerie, took out her phone, and snapped a picture of herself looking battered in the mirror. The last time Kobe was in town, he took the initiative to approach her and chat, which sparked her interest. In the days leading up to this, she specifically hunted down and analyzed various related cases. Athletic stars often find it hard to differentiate in situations like this; almost ninety-nine percent would opt to settle financially. Once she wrapped everything up, Catherine grabbed her bag and hurriedly exited the female staff locker room. ... Betty had been lurking nearby, capturing everything covertly. ... Catherine, now feeling particularly giddy, dashed out of the hotel, hopped into her car, and headed to a more populated area nearby. After some time gathering her thoughts, she finally squeezed out a few tears, ruining her mascara and leaving two dark streaks across her face. Catherine took out her phone and dialed 911. ... Meanwhile, a refreshed Kobe called for his friends waiting in the hallway to go out for dinner. ... Garcia notified Betty, who then pushed her cleaning cart to the second floor at lightning speed, switching the dolls in a hidden spot and handing over everything to Fiona. Fiona then linked up with Garcia and the others to review the recorded video and photos. Garcia made several copies; one kept close, one sent via FedEx to Los Angeles, and another handed to Juan. "You need to catch the next flight back to Los Angeles and deliver these in person to Campos." Without saying a word, Juan booked his ticket, leaving the hotel to rush to the airport. Garcia continued, "Catherine Fybel entered the locker room with no injuries, but emerged with marks in the photos. This woman''s after something big. Fiona, you and I will keep an eye on Kobe, and I''ll have Betty pay close attention to Catherine''s situation." After making the call, he grabbed a bag and headed out with Fiona to find Kobe. ... They located Kobe in the hotel''s restaurant with his friend. Noticing the adjacent tables were empty, Garcia and Fiona, resembling a couple, settled at a nearby table. Fiona discreetly adjusted her bag so the hidden camera aimed toward Kobe''s side. Garcia peered through the restaurant''s glass wall and noticed several police officers approaching quickly. He took out his new camera phone and prepared to photograph the moment. Sure enough, the officers, led by a sheriff, rapidly approached Kobe''s table. With few patrons in the restaurant, it didn''t cause much of a stir. The sheriff presented paperwork and explained the specifics of the situation, indicating that they needed to take Kobe to the precinct. Keywords like "Catherine Fybel" and "assault" were all recorded by Fiona. Kobe seemed completely taken aback and disoriented as four officers escorted him out of the restaurant. His friend quickly made a phone call. Garcia snapped pictures with a flurry. Fiona followed suit, trailing closely behind, acting as just another onlooker drawn to the commotion. They followed Kobe as he was taken to the police car. Garcia handed the camera to Fiona and retrieved his car keys. "I''ll follow and see what happens. You send the footage you captured to Campos immediately; it''s time-sensitive and could make the front page!" ... Fiona accepted the camera and rushed back to her room, downloading the video and photos, hurriedly writing character descriptions, and emailing everything to Los Angeles. She then called Campos, saying, "Boss, I just sent you some urgent news; take a look." ... In Los Angeles, at the Flutter Butterfly Consulting Firm. Campos opened his email, downloaded the message he received, and inspected the photos and videos meticulously. He fetched a USB drive from his drawer and copied everything on it. He then called Carlos over and handed him the USB. "Go to Twitter and sell these; move quickly!" Carlos tucked the USB away, sprinted downstairs, and drove directly to Santa Monica. ... In less than twenty minutes, he arrived at the Twitter office. A sub-manager greeted him, quickly viewing the photos before dialing Caroline. ... Before long, Caroline strutted into Hawke''s office. Seeing her rush in, Hawke jokingly asked, "Is a wolf chasing you?" Caroline felt it inappropriate to let herself be manipulated, handed over the USB, and raised an eyebrow. "The contents here are far more thrilling than any wolf on my tail." Hawke had already received a call from Campos and quickly viewed the USB. "Put together a news package with these videos and photos, and publish it. As for how to write it, you can decide." Caroline grinned widely, flashing her two little fang-like teeth, and struck a pose. "America is about to be shaken up!" Hawke cautioned, "The video evidence is clear, and the content is explosive. There''s no need to add unnecessary fluff." ... Caroline hurried back to her office, calling over Sasha from the editorial team. Both reviewed the text introduction and picked out the most critical parts from the photos and videos, setting to work editing this super gossip that was sure to stir North America. Before long, they finalized the news piece, pairing it with corroborating videos and photos, and uploaded it to the Twitter news page. Caroline got creative with the headline, making it bold and eye-catching for North American users. ... Just as Kobe''s agent, Robert Pelinka, received the call, still trying to wrap his head around the developing situation, his assistant walked into his office and warned, "Boss, check Twitter right now; there''s news circulating that Kobe was taken in by the Eagle County police!" "Fuck!" Pelinka cursed, hanging up the phone momentarily to rush over to his computer. He logged into Twitter to find Kobe''s headline already trending. It appeared standard on the surface, but Pelinka was alarmed. "Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant taken by Eagle County police on suspected assault!" Pelinka clicked on the photos, which showed police entering the restaurant, approaching Kobe, and escorting him out to the police car in a complete sequence. If only photos were involved, it could have been explained away, and he could''ve accused Twitter of defamation! But the video that followed obliterated any thoughts of defamation Pelinka had. The footage recorded the sheriff''s statements, explicitly stating Kobe was under suspicion for assault... The article below listed the person who reported it. It was none other than Catherine Fybel, the reception clerk from the hotel where Kobe stayed. Pelinka quickly reached out to Twitter, desperate to have them take the news down, but he faced a cold refusal. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 206: Twitter Isnt a Charity Organization [Chapter 207: Twitter Isn''t a Charity Organization] Other media outlets quickly caught wind of the news regarding Kobe, which had already hit the trending charts on Twitter, with over 300,000 retweets. The most important detail? There were photos and videos to back it all up. The internet in North America practically exploded. Waves of people flooded Twitter to catch the latest news. By the afternoon, the Kobe incident had skyrocketed to the top of the trending lists on Twitter, Yahoo, and Google. It was unclear how many reporters rushed to Colorado, all eager to scoop more explosive details from Eagle County. At the Eagle County Sheriff''s Office, Catherine Fybel presented evidence, including her underwear, and requested a medical examination. This evidence included her own DNA and the substances found on the underwear. Under normal circumstances, Kobe Bryant was about to find himself embroiled in serious trouble and a media storm. ... As dusk settled, more than a hundred reporters gathered outside the Eagle County Sheriff''s Office. Local news, along with exceptionally skilled lawyers, approached Catherine and offered her free legal defense. But "free" wasn''t entirely free; fees would be taken from any potential later compensation. Following her lawyer''s advice, Catherine agreed to a joint interview with several media outlets after her medical examination that day. When she appeared before the cameras, showing her bruises on her face and neck, reporters were ecstatic. The image of a battered female victim perfectly fit the media narrative and the societal stereotypes surrounding Black sports athletes. Catherine publicly declared, "I provided the police with underwear containing the attacker''s genetic material, and I underwent a medical examination. The police will be releasing the results shortly." The very fact that the victim dared to do this suggested she held concrete proof! Reporters were convinced they were on the cusp of sensational coverage as Garcia filmed everything from within the journalist crowd. The Catherine now, compared to the one before entering the locker room, was a stark contrast. ... Returning to the hotel, Garcia organized his footage and photos and emailed them back to Los Angeles. In Los Angeles, Juan stepped out of the international airport and immediately called Campos. Campos told him, "Carlos is waiting for you at the parking lot; just go directly to the media company to sell the news." "Got it." Juan descended the stairs and saw a Chevrolet. He opened the door and got in. Carlos fired up the engine and said, "You guys got a major scoop this time." Juan remarked, "Back when we didn''t know the boss, we lived like drifters. But after following the boss, I realized that even without breaking American laws, it wasn''t that hard to make money." ?¨¤?????????¨º? "You''re right," Carlos replied, knowing more than Juan did. "The crucial part of this success was that someone took the heat for us." ... The Chevrolet sped along until they reached Twitter''s headquarters. An assistant was waiting in the lobby, and as soon as they arrived, the assistant escorted them to the reception room to meet Caroline. Twitter bought out a comprehensive deal for $800,000 covering a series of news footage related to Kobe, both prior and forthcoming. ... Hawke, Edward, Caroline, and Sasha gathered in a small conference room afterward. The news material was divided into five parts: photos of Kobe and Catherine together in the hotel, recordings of Kobe repeatedly inviting Catherine, videos from the hotel room, footage of Catherine giving Kobe a passionate kiss on her way out, and an audio tape captured by a bug. In the photos, they looked very close, almost like a couple. The recordings and videos depicted Catherine being very forward and enthusiastic, even telling Kobe not to bother with any precautions. Having watched numerous similar cases while following Hawke, Edward shook his head, "Kobe walked right into the trap; he''s being set up." Sasha disagreed, "An athlete like him can''t control himself. If it wasn''t this time, it would''ve been the next." Caroline shot a glance at Hawke, recalling last time with Bella Sain, further realizing that their boss was no ordinary wolf. Edward then asked, "Are we publishing this directly?" "Releasing this immediately might drive some traffic, but it also means declaring the end of the story," Caroline, as the Operations Director, primarily considered Twitter''s interests and explained, "We have no vested interest with Kobe. He is not our client. Publishing this now would clear his name, which would settle the public uproar quickly, and that doesn''t help us." Sasha fully agreed, "We spent $800,000 on this news. Just to clarify for someone else and watch our traffic cool off within a short time... Twitter is no charity." Hawke nodded slowly, grabbing the remote to continue playing the previously captured videos and photos. Caroline and Sasha watched intently. After a while, Hawke hit pause and said, "I have an idea." Everyone, including Edward, turned towards him. Clearing his throat, Hawke stated, "This is all exclusive content. No other media has any clue; this gives us ample leeway." He took the mouse from Edward and curbed the right images and videos: "Kobe flirting with Catherine, Kobe inviting Catherine on a tour, and Kobe repeatedly asking her to his room. We can turn this into a series, paired with the current tensions in Eagle County, and stir up another wave of publicity." Caroline immediately understood, "It fits the public''s need for gossip, aligns with the pervasive stereotypes surrounding Black sports stars, allowing them to enjoy the ongoing scandal rather than having it come to a close." Hawke copied the selected images and videos into a folder, then chose additional clips: "Kobe and Catherine''s intimate photos, Catherine making moves on Kobe, and select recordings. Once public sentiment peaks and everyone rallies against Kobe, we''ll pivot with a turn of events. Unique!" Edward quickly grasped Hawke''s intentions, "We''ll send a message out letting Kobe''s camp know we have critical evidence that can prove he didn''t do anything aggressive." Caroline showed a sly smile, "We spent $800,000 on these materials, we can''t just let someone else benefit." Edward, for the first time, thought Miss Baa was really smart. "Absolutely right." Sasha agreed, "We''re already short on funds; every dollar needs to be spent wisely." Hawke glanced at his watch, addressing Caroline and Sasha, "You two are responsible for the editorial and operations aspect of the news. The next piece will be published tomorrow; we''ll assess the development of the incident and public sentiment after that." Caroline promptly grabbed all the materials and called for Sasha so they could head to her office together. Seeing that it was getting late, Hawke prepared to stay in the office suite to rest. Edward''s phone had been vibrating during the meeting. When he answered, it seemed he was in a heated argument with someone. Hawke patted him on the shoulder and made his way back to the office to sleep. ... The next day, the Kobe incident continued to evolve, with traditional print media quickly picking up the story. A reading of the news on Twitter garnered widespread attention once again. The headline was simple: "Kobe and Catherine''s Photos." It included some pictures and a few videos, mostly of Kobe''s first visit to Eagle County when he checked into the hotel. The videos were quite revealing, showing Kobe deliberately flirting, repeatedly approaching Catherine. The last video captured Kobe inviting Catherine to his room... These details fit perfectly with public and media expectations, and countless netizens flocked to Twitter to watch. That day''s retweet count surpassed a million. Even in parts of North America where basketball wasn''t the focal point, people braved over to Twitter for the gossip. The juiciest scandals around stars were sweet and enticing. Even people from Canada were intrigued. Riding on this wave of excitement, Twitter''s global registration shot past 30 million users. ... The media never sought a basketball star who maintained a pristine image; those kinds of athletes didn''t offer stories to write. How could one attract public interest? Thus, public opinion seems almost one-sided. "It''s not surprising that these things happen; it''s too common for stars to crumble like this." sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Stars are all the same; they''ll break down sooner or later." "Poor Vanessa, just when she gave Kobe a daughter." ... In a luxurious home in Beverly Hills, Vanessa looked at the news on Twitter, especially the pictures and videos, beginning to doubt her husband''s actions. But for the sake of her family, she temporarily swallowed her discomfort and told the agent Rob Pelinka, "Hire the best lawyer, offer a reward for any tips that could help him, and get him out as soon as possible." Pelinka had no hopes for the integrity of celebrities, commenting, "Their aim is certainly money." Vanessa considered this, "If it''s under $200,000, let''s settle." She gazed at her computer screen, "And that Twitter situation, get someone to handle them and make those disgusting bastards shut up." "I''ve already talked to Twitter," Pelinka sighed, "But they won''t communicate with me at all." Vanessa added, "What about a PR company?" Pelinka replied, "I''ll give it a shot." Vanessa inquired, "What''s the team''s stance on this?" "They''ve remained silent." Pelinka discerned the mindset of those businesspeople, "Over the past few years, many athletes have gotten into trouble, and the team would be reluctant to publicly support a player at the cost of their brand." With limited resources, Vanessa could only proceed this way for now. ... Pelinka left Beverly Hills, first contacting a lawyer and then asking his assistant to book a flight back to Eagle County. He needed to locate a PR firm and remembered one that a colleague, Biles, had mentioned. Biles'' client, Steve Nutt from the Los Angeles Dodgers, had once faced a serious PR crisis, and that firm not only resolved the issue but also crafted the "Saint Steve" image. Pelinka rang Biles and explained his intent. Biles asked, "The company is called West Coast Media Entertainment Studio, and the head is Hawke Osment." Pelinka took note and asked, "Can he handle issues with Twitter?" "Twitter? You mean Twitter?" With this confirmation, Biles felt his brain couldn''t process the information fast enough, "Rob, the founder of Twitter is Hawke Osment!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 207: Unyielding [Chapter 208: Unyielding] The Kobe incident that took place in Eagle County once again proved that the explosive gossip scandals of celebrities hold far more influence than social and political news. As the number of Twitter users overseas surged, a global sensation of collective gossip emerged online. Twitter entered a rapid growth phase in its user base. "Hey, the live broadcast is starting," Edward said as he walked into the office, picked up the remote, and switched on the TV to CNN. "That woman shouldn''t have messed this up, right?" Hawke had just spent the day shooting hundreds of rounds with Erica. He quickly assembled his maintenance pistol and replied, "Whether it''s true or false doesn''t really matter to us." ... At precisely the hour, CNN cut into the press conference regarding the Eagle County case. On the live broadcast, the police spokesperson announced a series of examination results related to the Kobe case. They revealed that Catherine Fybel had sustained injuries, and genetic material matching that of Kobe was found on her underwear. Furthermore, there were fresh injuries on Catherine''s face, neck, and torso. While there was no other corroborating evidence, this placed Kobe in a very difficult position. ... Shortly thereafter, the Eagle County Sheriff''s Office formally issued an arrest warrant for Kobe. He posted a $25,000 bail, and his agent, Rob Pelinka, made the first public statement for Kobe, denying the accusations and asserting that everything that occurred was consensual. But nobody believed him. More accurately, nobody wanted to believe him. Especially not the media. In the absence of evidence to clear his name, the media craved nothing more than to see a superstar fall from grace. Even infidelity wouldn''t be sensational enough. ... As the media hype relentlessly painted Kobe as a predator, Hawke felt it was time to let Twitter continue to release news. "There are hidden circumstances in the Kobe case. Twitter received images and videos from another informant." This news shifted the narrative, showcasing photos of Catherine actively flirting with Kobe, appearing cozy together. The video showed Catherine giving Kobe a tour of a spa, walking hand in hand like a couple in love. At one point, she even leaned in to kiss him. ... This turn of events left many in the media bewildered. "Does Twitter have any stance? The entire internet is branding Kobe a predator, and now you''re diluting that position?" They argued that it was Twitter that first exposed the scandal. The leaders in the media, who had been so aggressive before, now seemed to waver. This, of course, was not enough to shift public opinion, but it did drive traffic to Twitter. ??????¨¯?¨ºS Recent statistics indicated that since the onset of the Kobe scandal, Twitter was averaging 400,000 new registrations daily, with active users nearing 20 million. This was a global statistic, but in the North American social media landscape, Twitter had clearly taken a commanding lead. ... Meanwhile, the Eagle County police reached out to Twitter for relevant materials to assist in their investigation. Hawke instructed Caroline to refuse them outright. "Are you kidding? The police from Eagle County have no jurisdiction over Los Angeles." ... Having secured bail, Kobe returned to Los Angeles. Vanessa did not argue with him, providing him with at least a somewhat stable support. Pelinka, through fellow agent Biles, reached out to Hawke, expressing a desire to sit down and discuss matters. Hawke responded clearly, inviting them to meet at Twitter. ... That afternoon, Pelinka and the Bryants came to Twitter. Hawke, Edward, and Caroline welcomed them. Pelinka didn''t want to start off at a disadvantage and went straight to the point, asking, "Mr. Osment, where did you get the news about Kobe?" Hawke maintained a stoic face, replying, "Twitter gathers news globally, offering higher rates than other media. Freelance journalists are more than willing to collaborate with us. For this Eagle County event alone, nine different individuals sold us their footage and stories." Upon hearing this, Vanessa shot a glare at her husband as if to say, shouldn''t you be more aware with all these paparazzi around you? Having never dealt with Hawke before, Pelinka attempted to exert pressure, "These are crucial pieces of evidence in a criminal case. The Eagle County police should have been in contact with you, and you..." "If you want to discuss this," Hawke interrupted, "you can leave." Kobe seemed anxious. "Do you have any photos or videos that could prove my innocence?" Edward chimed in, "That''s Twitter''s trade secret. Thank you." "You know he''s going through a tough time, right?" The pressures Vanessa had faced these past few days were immense -- her husband in such a scandal, and what a woman must endure in such situations was hard to imagine. Under immense stress, she lost her composure: "He is a father, a father of an infant who''s not even half a year old!" "So, are you saying that everything your husband is going through, everything your child is facing, is Twitter''s fault?" Hawke''s sharp retort pierced through the tension. Faced with such aggressive tactics, Caroline joined the fray, ready to dismantle their illusions. "You come at us with legal threats? What evidence? According to the journalism law, materials purchased by the media are the company''s property. Without a court order, no one has the right to see them. What are your procedures?" She turned to Vanessa, "And you? Taking the moral high ground and pointing fingers? Do you want to discuss the ethics of this situation?" Kobe held up his hands to calm the situation, turning to the three of them. "I apologize, they''re just overly concerned for my situation." Caroline coldly replied, "I believe you''re not ready; when you are, we can continue the discussion." At this point, Pelinka realized their strategy was entirely flawed. But he was an agent, not a public relations expert. Hawke shot a glance at the agent, thinking if he had been more astute in public relations, Kobe Bryant wouldn''t be tied up in this case for over two years. The longer this dragged on, the greater the damage to Kobe''s reputation and commercial viability. Given the resources Twitter and Butterfly Company had poured into acquiring this news, there was no way they''d just give it away for free. Since they weren''t willing to negotiate, Hawke nodded slightly at the three of them and rose to leave the reception room. Caroline adopted a dismissive farewell stance. Pelinka had no choice but to leave with the Bryants. ... As they headed downstairs to their business vehicle, a black driver awaited them. Vanessa asked, "Do they really have something that could clear Kobe''s name?" Pelinka noted, "That guy, Edward, almost hinted that they might." Kobe asked, "What do we do now?" "Let''s seek help," Pelinka suggested, pulling out his phone to call Biles again, speaking for a long while. The two had a decent relationship within the company, and Biles agreed to try and set up a meeting with Steve Nutt. Before long, the call came back, and they arranged to meet at a Beverly Hills business club. As they drove in that direction, Pelinka took a recording pen from his pocket, pressed play, and heard only noise. He shook his head, tossing it casually back into his bag. Those people were too cautious; they had jammed the meeting room. ... At the Beverly Hills club, they met with the renowned figure, Saint Steve. Steve no longer looked like a professional athlete; his every movement exuded grace, and his bright eyes seemed to see into people''s hearts. Having been involved in social movements for over a year, Steve had transformed, gaining a deeper understanding of media, public opinion, and business. While no longer playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, they still kept him under contract. Pelinka briefly explained the details surrounding Kobe and the incident at Twitter. "I understand," Steve noted, immediately pinpointing the crux. He turned to Kobe, asking, "You''d rather not pay a huge sum, whether to that girl, Catherine, or Twitter, right?" Kobe remained silent. Pelinka added, "Kobe is being framed." Steve shook his head slightly. "What you say is meaningless. If Twitter had solid evidence proving Kobe''s innocence, they''d have the upper hand; they can portray you as a predator or just an unfaithful husband." He chuckled at that: "I''ve collaborated with Hawke a few times, and every partnership yielded fantastic results. He always does everything he can to get me the best outcome." Kobe and his companions were puzzled by this statement. Steve, familiar with being in the spotlight, spoke leisurely, "It''s really simple: get Hawke on your side." Kobe responded, "But he refuses to come over." Steve suddenly found these athletic stars amusing: "If he refuses, why don''t you make an effort to go to him?" His words left the trio momentarily stunned. Seeing Kobe''s dark skin, Steve said, "Hawke is the founder of Twitter and also the founder of West Coast Media Entertainment Studio. From what I know, he still engages in crisis management and business strategy consulting." He continued directly, "You need to go to Hawke, sign a public relations agreement with him, appoint him as the PR manager for this incident. Then you pay to buy the rights to the materials that can prove your innocence from Twitter, and disseminate them through Twitter''s powerful platform. Wouldn''t that solve everything?" Pelinka felt a lightbulb go off in his head at this suggestion, glancing at the Bryants. But Kobe remained silent. Steve observed the basketball star, sighed softly, and refrained from saying more. If his son had been born during a similar scandal, he too would have faced ruin. Steve took his leave slowly, exiting the meeting room. Biles patted Pelinka on the shoulder, calling him to step outside for a lengthy discussion. With Steve''s example in mind, Pelinka returned to Kobe and talked for quite a while. After nearly five minutes of silence, Kobe made a decision: "Let''s go back to Twitter." ***** /Sayonara816. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 208: Public Opinion Can Kill [Chapter 209: Public Opinion Can Kill] When Kobe and the others returned to Twitter, they had reached a consensus. Before getting out of the car, Vanessa pointed to the office building outside and asked, "Are we really going to pay them such a high fee?" Steve''s words had shifted Rob Pelinka''s mindset significantly; he took the initiative to take responsibility: "It''s my fault. I should have used the money to resolve the issue right away." Kobe shook his head: "This is not your fault. I''ve been too naive, thinking that just because I didn''t do anything wrong, the truth and facts would be on my side, and public opinion and the law would owe me justice." His face was full of bitterness: "It turns out I can only play basketball; I''m clueless about everything else... Steve Nutt is way better than me." It was still the same reception room where they met again. ... Robert Pelinka asked, "Can you really turn the situation around?" Ms. Baa was still leading the way, saying, "Regarding Twitter''s business secrets, I can only tell you that Twitter spent a fortune to acquire key news material from Eagle County." At that moment, Kobe had made up his mind. Without any idle chatter, he looked at Hawke and said directly, "Mr. Osment, I want to hire you as my crisis public relations manager, and I delegate your West Coast studio to take full responsibility for handling the media relations of the Eagle County incident." Edward was somewhat curious about how quickly the other party''s attitude had shifted back and forth. Kobe was young and impulsive; previously, he had been stingy, but now he had come to terms with it and said, "I''m willing to pay $3 million for this." Pelinka looked at Kobe, and seeing him nod, said, "We are willing to buy out the rights to all news materials related to the Eagle County incident that Twitter acquired for $5 million, and we''ll task Twitter to release them exclusively, regardless of the specific content." Hawke straightforwardly replied, "Call your lawyers. We''ll sign a contract." A whopping $8 million -- Kobe and Vanessa still felt some pain in their pockets, even though they were somewhat prepared for it. The man was okay with it; after all, Kobe had a big heart when it came to playing on the court. Vanessa couldn''t help but think that the number Catherine Fybel had demanded couldn''t be much lower than this. She asked, "How much can you really change the situation?" Facing a client who was about to pay a huge fee, Hawke was very professional; he could somewhat guess the other party''s thoughts and said bluntly, "If you pay Catherine Fybel compensation and reach a settlement, what will that look like? It seems like the issue could be resolved, but Kobe would carry the reputation of a strong suspect for his entire life, diminishing his worth in the eyes of fans, the league, and businesses." It was easy to understand; both Kobe and Pelinka nodded slightly. Hawke continued, "If Catherine Fybel is framing Kobe and he''s just guilty of cheating..." He looked at Vanessa, "That''s a private matter between husband and wife; you can close the door and resolve it yourselves. Moreover, in Hollywood and the sports world, there are many celebrities who have cheated, and their commercial value hasn''t taken a huge hit." Edward suddenly chimed in, "Buddy, thank goodness it''s not a guy you''re dealing with; that would be real trouble." Kobe and Vanessa''s faces instantly darkened more than Edward''s. Not long after, the lawyers arrived, and both parties formally signed the agreement. Kobe paid Twitter and the West Coast studio the initial amounts of $3 million and $2 million, respectively. ... Edward brought over the video materials, and after seeking Kobe''s opinion, he played it on the spot. After watching, Kobe''s expression was quite grim; his emotions were very complex. On one hand, this could prove his innocence. On the other hand, he couldn''t believe he had been filmed without realizing it. Kobe asked, "Where did these come from?" "A high-priced acquisition," Caroline said seriously. "As for the specific source, I can''t tell you; journalism laws prohibit disclosing news sources, and those who provide news are protected -- it''s a basic principle of press freedom." ???????§£§§s For the past six months, Twitter had been acquiring news materials. Pelinka had some suspicions, but the most urgent issue was to get Kobe out of the predicament. He said, "Should we hand this over to the Eagle County police?" "No, just handing it over to the Eagle County police won''t quell public opinion; it will only trigger a new wave of media crises," Hawke said earnestly. "Compared to Catherine Fybel, who is just a hotel receptionist, Kobe is a multi-millionaire, an absolute powerhouse. Even if the Eagle County police announce they have key evidence proving Kobe''s innocence, public opinion and the public won''t let him off the hook." Pelinka seemed to ponder this. Hawke went on, "Let me ask you, if Kobe is innocent, would public opinion rapidly settle? When newspaper sales drop, television ratings plummet, and website clicks decrease... To continue attracting attention, they will question everything; the public inherently tends not to believe celebrities and official statements. They will continue to question Kobe''s guilt, and the media will remain biased against him." He emphasized: "Public opinion can kill! It can lead to someone''s social death!" Kobe and Pelinka -- one was a sports star, the other a manager -- although not experts in public relations, were not completely strangers to media dynamics. The former suddenly said, "Michael Jackson..." Hawke turned to Kobe and asked, "Do you want to live the rest of your life in the shadow of public doubt? Do you want to bear the label of a sexual assault suspect forever?" "No, absolutely not!" Kobe hurriedly shook his head. "That would be terrifying!" Pelinka also thought of the serious consequences. Just in terms of commercial endorsements, the losses would reach a staggering scale. Kobe asked, "What are you planning to do?" Hawke had already considered it and said, "Catherine has already been blinded by money; she will only make one choice -- keep pushing forward. We''ll first release two videos of you kissing Catherine, where she is actively involved. This may not change public opinion''s direction, but it would provoke Catherine to come out and counter it, pushing her to fabricate new lies." He reached out to Caroline and took a sip of water that was handed to him, continuing, "The more lies she creates, the greater the backlash she will face when the videos inside the room are released." Vanessa asked, "Does the video have to be released?" "The release of the video serves two purposes," Hawke explained. "First, it can shatter Catherine''s lies and prove Kobe''s innocence. Second, it can effectively shift public attention; the focus of discussions will shift to the video itself." He added, "Twitter is a reputable media outlet, and the video will be censored." Kobe and Pelinka exchanged glances and said, "Okay." Hawke told Caroline, "Get ready to execute this plan." ... Caroline transitioned from sheep to an elite woman; she left the meeting room, called Sasha and initiated the next step. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The plans had all been prepared earlier, and now that the client had paid, it was time to execute them without fail. That afternoon, Twitter released another news piece regarding the Kobe incident. "The site has received new videos mailed in by Kobe''s fans, suggesting a possible new story behind the sexual assault case." Under the news headline were two videos. The content of the videos showed Catherine Fybel actively kissing Kobe. ... Once again, Twitter became the focus of the internet. Eagle County exploded. In a matter of moments, hundreds of reporters, along with paparazzi, gathered there, crazily digging for news. Although they found some tidbits, those were just verbal accounts, without any photos or videos to show. Far away in Los Angeles, Twitter not only snagged exclusive headlines and took positions but also continuously exposed exclusives. These reporters went wild, feverishly digging for scoops while starting to encircle one of the involved parties, Catherine Fybel. Some sharp-eyed journalists sensed that Catherine might crack under pressure. While Catherine was on her way to the Eagle County police station for a routine inquiry regarding the video, she was blocked by dozens of reporters. One reporter asked, "In the latest video released by Twitter, you kissed Kobe -- how do you explain that?" Juan, mixed in with the reporters, shouted loudly, "Did you willingly engage in relations with Kobe, thinking to make money off this afterward?" This prompted the other reporters to fire piercing questions, each one more direct than the last. Catherine had never encountered such a scene. Shocked, she shouted, "I originally liked Kobe and thought he was great, which is why I kissed him, but I didn''t expect him to use violence against me!" ... The next morning, Catherine''s remarks faced countless media outlets, both in print and online. Gradually, voices began to rise on Twitter questioning Catherine. With so many users involved, it quickly affected other websites. Public opinion across the internet was impacted. Seizing this opportunity, Twitter released another video. This time, the title was very confrontational: "Catherine Fybel''s bruises seem to be fabricated!" The video was shot outside a locker room at the hotel; it clearly showed that before entering the locker room, Catherine had no bruises on her face or neck, but when she emerged, she was covered in bruises. Additionally, the video included verification from a third-party organization regarding the authenticity of the video. ... The internet exploded; public opinion began to turn. "This woman is clearly lying; her words are not credible." "The so-called assault evidence is fake -- are the other pieces of evidence even real?" "She''s definitely just after money!" Even some industry peers, like the Twitter account of the , tagged the official Twitter account to inquire about the source of the news. The official Twitter account replied, stating that the video came from another one of Kobe''s fans, who had even more critical evidence and was on their way from Eagle County to Los Angeles. These messages captured the attention of all those following the Kobe case and the media reporters. In just two days, more than 50 media outlets contacted Twitter to gain access to official Twitter accounts. The early announcement of so-called crucial evidence being on the way was like saying, "See you Monday." ... On the side of Catherine in Eagle County, it fell completely silent. After two days of fermentation, just as the media and public anticipation peaked, Twitter released another news piece. This time, there was no headline -- just a video with key areas blurred. In the video, Catherine appeared eagerly proactive and passionately hot; not only did she take off her clothes, but she also urged the male party not to use protection, claiming that those rubbers wouldn''t let her enjoy properly. Afterward, accompanied by lawyers, Kobe entered the FBI''s Los Angeles branch to report the case, presenting video evidence while claiming defamation and malicious accusations. The FBI announced that they officially accepted the case. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 209: Apology and Pacification [Chapter 210: Apology and Pacification] When it came to getting paid for services rendered, Hawke never cut corners. With the truth video exposed, public opinion on Twitter completely flipped. The video shot by Garcia in Eagle County of Catherine''s accusations also came into play. Sasha edited these videos together, juxtaposing the video of Catherine actively undressing and seducing Kobe against the accusations, creating a stark contrast. After thorough preliminary fermentation, the news video''s share volume exceeded a million in a day. Under Twitter''s guidance, the online discourse increasingly tilted in one direction. "Accusers should bear the same legal consequences!" "Just because she''s a woman, does that mean she can frame someone at will?" "That kind of woman has no basic morals!" "When her lips are moving, others have to run like crazy to prove themselves!" Traditional media''s opinions also shifted direction. Even though some female publications questioned, "Isn''t Kobe Bryant responsible at all?" Catherine was still branded as a "liar." ... At this stage, the previously silent Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe''s sponsors all came forward to show their support. They stated that Kobe had merely committed a moral misstep and had not violated the law. The Eagle County police had received the original video sent over by Kobe''s lawyers. Once the FBI accepted the case, the Colorado branch summoned Catherine. Kobe''s fans also began to take action. Not just in the media and online, after securing some sponsorships, a group of fans headed straight to Eagle County, staging a sit-in in front of Catherine''s house. Their aggressive slogans and posters turned her home into a slaughterhouse for public opinion. The narrative flipped, and accusations rained down. Catherine, being just a 19-year-old girl, had never seen such a scene -- not to mention the overwhelming pressure. ... Pelinka and the lawyers, following Hawke''s instructions, made private contact with Catherine''s side. Almost effortlessly, both parties reached a settlement agreement. This agreement did not involve any monetary exchange. The main feature was that Catherine would publicly apologize, admitting her false accusations and defamation, while Kobe would dismiss the criminal prosecution. ?¨¤??????¨§? ... On the second weekend of July, Twitter live-streamed Catherine''s public apology press conference through text and images, conveniently cashing in on the final wave of traffic from the incident. The Eagle County Kobe case thus came to an end. ... On the business jet leaving Eagle County, Kobe''s previously tense expression finally eased. Robert Pelinka looked at the newspaper reports and sighed in relief. Although many sports media were still condemning Kobe''s moral issues and discussing the video, these concerns paled in comparison to the strength of the case. Vanessa sat with a tense face, not saying a word. Kobe glanced over at her side. Vanessa said, "$8 million!" Remembering that expense, Kobe felt another pang of pain. Pelinka, worried that both of them were overthinking, quickly reminded, "Before we came here, I talked for a long time with Biles; this spending, we treat it like it never existed. Now that the matter has calmed down, the rest is unimportant." Kobe slowly said, "But I suspect Twitter is behind all this." "I suspect so too." Pelinka said with a wry smile, "But what can we do? Twitter is now the hottest media company on the internet, and Hawke Osment is a real tough guy; besides, Twitter''s second-largest shareholder, Pacific Investment Group, is wealthy and powerful." He self-deprecatingly added, "And us? I''m just a manager; you''re a sports star." Kobe thought again of Michael Jackson. His influence compared to MJ''s was on a whole different level -- so far apart. But MJ found himself utterly defenseless against those media companies and the capital-controlled public opinion. Public opinion nearly killed MJ. As for the capital behind it, there was Sony Records and other companies... With this in mind, Kobe made a wise decision: "Notify the finance manager to pay the final payment to Hawke and Twitter today." Pelinka agreed: "We don''t have the capacity to play the game they''re playing, so it''s wise to keep our distance." Kobe nodded slowly. ... In Los Angeles, Ocean Park Boulevard. After receiving a call from Brian, Hawke welcomed a special visitor. Justin Blatt from the San Fernando Valley''s Private film company paid a visit. This company also held shares in Pacific Investment Group, controlled by the Ferguson family. When Hawke handled the Allison Faith and Josh Hartnett selfie scandal, they had collaborated with the Private film company. The Private film company was also the distributor of the selfie scandal tape. Therefore, Hawke warmly welcomed Justin and his group. After casual greetings, Justin got straight to the point: "Old buddy, is the video of Kobe and Catherine Fybel in Twitter''s hands? Can you transfer the rights to me?" Fearing rejection, he quoted an exorbitant price: "Private is willing to pay $10 million for a buyout." Hawke replied honestly, "The rights are with Kobe; he only authorized Twitter to publish it. I''m tempted by the price, but it''s beyond my control." Justin, involved in the San Fernando Valley business with substantial capital backing, lowered his voice and said, "I have a way; the storage disk containing the video could be stolen, and then you guys can report it to the police..." Though Hawke was ruthless when it came to business, he had no interest in certain tactics: "Sorry, I can''t help you with that." Before long, Justin took his leave. ... S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After exiting the Twitter company and getting back in his car, Jason called San Francisco: "Hawke refused; I can''t help you -- this matter ends here, and I''ve paid my debts." The person on the other end said, "He''s cautious; let''s leave it at that." As the company grew, the potential pitfalls appeared everywhere. ... The next morning, three shareholders of Twitter held an internal meeting. Edward observed silently throughout, not speaking a word. Mary Ferguson asked Hawke directly, "Twitter has become a star company on the internet, and the recent data growth has been considerable, right?" Hawke responded, "Yesterday''s statistics show that globally, registered users are 33 million, with active users surpassing 20 million." Mary couldn''t help but exclaim, "Using star gossip to drive topics and traffic has proven effective!" Hawke chuckled, "It creates enmity; I heard Dwayne Johnson say that many celebrities love using Twitter but also hate it. Hollywood has even placed me on an unpopular list." "Don''t worry about them," Mary said seriously. "If any of those celebrities dare retaliate, we''ll crush them decisively." Hawke nodded: "Many users have already formed habits; Twitter undoubtedly leads in user numbers among social networks." Mary was very pleased with this investment and said, "If you encounter any difficulties, just give me a call." "I will," Hawke replied. ... Once Mary left, hawke found Caroline and asked her to prepare; they would head to Sacramento. According to the agreement made during the transition between the donkeys and elephants, the economic development plan laid out by the new governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, had passed smoothly in the state assembly. Twitter was to receive financial subsidies, tax benefits, and interest-free loans as systematic support. The subsidies would be provided in phases, but the $20 million interest-free loan would arrive within half a month. ... Before the end of the workday, Hawke received a call from the bank''s client manager; the final payment of $1 million for the Kobe case''s public relations fees had been transferred. On the finance department''s side, the final payment for the copyright fees also came in. ... Driving home, as he turned onto 20th Street, Hawke noticed new neighbors had moved into a villa diagonal from his. After parking in the garage and exiting the car, he saw his neighbor, headhunter Jett Brown, with his model girlfriend, Diana. Diana was notably taller than Jett, with stunningly long legs -- definitely killing it in the looks department. Jett waved at Hawke, "Just got off work?" Hawke nodded and greeted Diana with a glance, signaling to the opposite side, "New neighbors?" Jett pointed to a man standing beside a box truck, "That should be him; never seen him before." The man appeared to be around thirty years old, looking quite ordinary -- nothing particularly notable. Diana casually rested her elbow on Jett''s shoulder and said, "Seems like a single guy. I haven''t seen a woman here." She turned to Hawke, asking, "What happened to Erica? Haven''t seen her in days." Hawke vaguely replied, "The detective bureau has been busy with cases; she works a lot and sometimes comes home late." Jett remarked, "The crime rate in Los Angeles keeps rising. Just three nights ago, a robbery happened in our neighboring block. Two black men robbed a convenience store, and rumor has it the store owner had a violent temper. He pulled out a gun and started shooting; one of the guys had his neck artery shot and was bleeding out, while the other got hit in the chest; I heard his insides were..." "Geez, shut up," Diana said, disgusted. "Why say all that?" Jett sighed helplessly: "What I meant is that the community''s security is getting worse." Hawke agreed: "The security in Los Angeles is indeed deteriorating step by step; news reports are not always exaggerative. Crime is spreading into affluent areas." Jett, feeling short and insecure, said, "Looks like I should learn from you and get a gun for home protection." ... While the three were talking, the box truck across from them finished unloading and left. The new resident noticed them, crossed the not-so-wide 20th Street, and walked over. He smiled and introduced himself, "Hello, I''m Tim Wilson. Just moved in over here." Hawke and Jett shook his hand and exchanged a few pleasantries. Tim spoke politely: "Just settled in; please forgive me if there is anything I can''t take care of." Being courteous, Hawke also replied, "We''re neighbors. No need to be so polite." Tim asked, "I heard there was a robbery in the adjacent block a couple of days ago; does our community have a neighborhood watch?" In response to the increasing number of crimes, communities have formed organizations such as neighborhood defense leagues where permitted by law. Hawke was unsure, so he looked at Jett. Jett nodded: "Yes, if you''re interested, just go to the community committee." "I''m not great with guns," Tim explained. "Communities with a watch tend to be safer." Jett joked: "Don''t worry, Hawke here is a sharpshooter." Hawke waved it off: "Not that exaggerated." New to the area, Tim said amicably, "I''ll head back to unpack; else I won''t have a place to sleep tonight." Hawke replied, "Go ahead." Once Tim walked away, Jett looked at the villa across the street and remarked, "Seems like the new neighbor won''t be hard to get along with." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 210: Time Bomb [Chapter 211: Time Bomb] At night, in a villa on 20th Street, Tim stood in front of a pitch-black window, raising a night vision binocular to observe the villa across the street. He was an assistant to Douglas, the investment manager for BlackRock''s Los Angeles office, but his responsibilities were always shrouded in secrecy. Since going public in New York in 1999, BlackRock had grown rapidly, accumulating numerous resources from its time under the Blackstone Group, but its flexible approach to business competition was also key. The street lit up with car headlights. Tim shifted his focus to the street as a red Mercedes G-Class pulled up and drove into the garage across the way. As the garage door descended, he spotted Hawke Osment and a tall, athletic woman taking things from the trunk of the Mercedes. Tim lowered the binoculars and glanced down at a newspaper on the windowsill. It was an old copy of the . The headline photo was of the woman in the garage. Hawke Osment''s girlfriend, Erica Ferguson. Below the photo, a shocking piece of news reported that 21 members of the Mexican Mule Gang had raided Erica''s villa in Silver Lake, resulting in one injury and 20 deaths on the spot. Tim pinched his nose. Hawke was very different from the people he had dealt with in the past; his combat skills were off the charts. Could one person with a gun resolve the issues at hand? After pondering, Tim decided to find a contact in Tijuana to get some fireworks for distraction. The lights on the second floor across the street flickered on, and just as the curtains were pulled back slightly, it seemed like someone was engaging in some intense physical activity. "Those two bastards!" Tim couldn''t help but curse. The two continued their activities for a long time, seemingly fueled by endless energy. Worried about being discovered, Tim pulled the curtains shut and lay down to sleep. ... The next morning, just as dawn broke, Tim got up and hid behind the window, checking on the activity across the street. When the sun rose, the gate of the yard opened, revealing a man and woman in workout gear jogging down the sidewalk along 20th Street. During their run, they encountered a short male neighbor and a tall female neighbor. The two groups seemed friendly, chatting for a moment before continuing their morning jog. Tim took out a notebook and recorded everything. ... Hawke arrived at the office and had just gone upstairs when Sasha followed him in, entering his office. She placed an opened package on Hawke''s desk and said, "Boss, take a look at these. The news department just received them this morning, and when I opened it, I found the contents to be very sensitive." Hawke took one of the notebooks and flipped it open. On the cover page, a line read: Beach Club Directory! Hawke immediately thought of the Venice Beach Club that had been burned down, all evidence and traces disappearing in the flames. Flipping through, he recognized a familiar name -- Guerrero. The former assistant to Broderick, the producer from Ackerman Films who had committed suicide. As he leafed through, he saw several familiar names. Barack Bernanke, Broderick, Melissa Ackerman. And there was also the stunt coordinator Freddy Dunn, whom he had killed near Utah Lake, as well as Melissa''s brother, Sean Ackerman. In addition, there were some names Hawke didn''t recognize: Fernando Crane, Andy Carroll, Meriel Kerridge, etc. Along with Guerrero himself, Hawke guessed these were likely the heads of the beach club. The next page had names he recognized as well. Owen Nester, Fowler Nester, former state governor''s aide Ben Foster, Los Angeles City Council member Darren Neville, the already dead Robert Redford, and Sterling Van Wagenen, former governor Gray Davis, former California State Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris, and so on. ?£Á??¦Â¨§s? These were mostly politicians. Hawke didn''t see the names of the Clinton couple among them. Then, there were some Hollywood celebrities. Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Combs were front and center, along with political activist George Clooney, the infamous James Franco, and Kevin Spacey alongside Harvey Weinstein. It was a sea of deep blue. Moreover, Guerrero had recorded a particular incident where Leslie Wexner, the owner of Victoria''s Secret, brought models to the beach club. It was common knowledge that to walk the Victoria''s Secret runway, one first had to get the approval from owners and creative directors. Hawke remembered that some online friends wanted to become Victoria''s Secret interviewers. In a real interview, those who understand will understand. After going through the names recorded in the notebook, Hawke found something peculiar. There were members of the Ackerman family, producer Broderick, Ackerman Charity Foundation chairman Barack Bernanke, and even the stunt coordinator Freddy whom he had eliminated. But surprisingly, the name Robert Downey Jr. was missing! Could there have been a mistake? Hawke recalled how Robert had shouted at him to jump off a building on set. No mistake -- he was certain of that. Hawke set the notebook aside and asked Sasha, "Has anyone else seen this?" Sasha replied, "No, I took it straight from the mailbox, opened it myself, and came right to you without anyone else touching it." "You understand what these things represent," Hawke stressed, "Don''t mention this to anyone, not even Caroline. Pretend you never received it; it will only bring you danger." Sasha thought of the suicides of Broderick and Guerrero and responded, "I don''t know anything." Hawke waved his hand, "You can go back to your work now." After Sasha left the office, Hawke continued examining the rest. There weren''t many photos -- about twenty or so -- clearly taken covertly. The girls looked utterly miserable, suffering inhumane torment. Among them, seven or eight captured the faces of the tormentors. Hell was empty, and the devils were on earth. Then he found two storage drives. Hawke took out a standalone laptop that wasn''t connected to the internet, plugged in the first drive, and opened it. The content was similar to the photos -- all about women. The number of women featured far exceeded the seven initially reported by the LAPD and FBI. Hawke roughly estimated, due to the gruesomeness of the material, that he could only identify over twenty women just by their faces and body types, the rest could not be identified clearly due to the blood and other reasons. The next drive contained different content. Hawke discovered it was about homeless people. Some homeless individuals were seen undergoing health checks and sent on an Ackerman Charity Foundation medical van to a hospital he could not identify, then brought into an operating room. When they emerged, they were covered with white sheets. Although the video didn''t show where this happened, one could see the logo of the Ackerman Charity Foundation on the hospital. Watching the video, Hawke recalled things he had heard about online but had never seen in person. Things like skin banks and organ harvesting. This made Hawke understand why the Ackerman family was stepping back, willing to see Ackerman Films go bankrupt rather than risk further processing. If LAPD and FBI truly dug deep, the consequences would be severe. Of course, neither agency intended to continue the investigation. These law enforcement institutions existed to maintain order in America, not for fairness and justice. Hawke called Edward over. When Edward entered, he asked, "Boss, you looking for me?" Hawke pointed to the items on his desk: "Take a look, get the basic situation." Edward scanned through the materials. Having seen a wide range of things, he was no longer shocked by what could blow up when made public, saying, "There are still so many things to dig up in the last case." Hawke reminded him, "Gather information on which hospitals the Ackerman Charity Foundation sponsored." Edward thought of his ex-girlfriend at the shelter: "I''ll check with Nicole..." He quickly realized that might not be wise: "It''s best not to inquire too much." Hawke added, "Check online. Stay away from any investigation; don''t inquire too deeply -- be careful of suicide." Edward nodded. Hawke grabbed a notepad and told Edward to transcribe the names: "Write with your left hand; it just needs to be legible." Edward pulled over a chair and sat on the other side of the desk. As he wrote, he asked, "Boss, where did these come from?" Hawke replied, "Someone sent them. These are time bombs; if mishandled, they won''t land on our enemies but will blow up in our faces instead." Edward asked, "So what now?" "Make a few copies and store them separately," Hawke said calmly. He knew this wasn''t something that could be resolved overnight. "We can''t alert them; gather some public information discreetly." Edward reminded him, "What about that Harley Wayne from Fox News?" Hawke waved his hand, "A person as upright as Harley shouldn''t be left silently to suffer." He thought for a moment: "If we genuinely wanted to drive Harley into the investigation, we have to ensure her safety first." Edward remained silent, swiftly replicating the names. He later photocopied the photos and copied the videos. Three copies had been made; Hawke kept one, placed one in a secure box at a bank, and the last one hidden by Edward. The Ackerman Charity Foundation. Hawke understood, the next breach would have to come from there. ... Northeast Los Angeles, Pasadena. Harley drove a rented car down Wilson Street. She parked at the curb and looked at the detached house across the way. Two cars were parked at the front gate, and some movers were going in and out. A few kids were playing near the door. This was Guerrero''s home, the man who had committed suicide by jumping off the building. Harley didn''t dare investigate openly, so she had to search for materials stealthily. After a long time, she finally found that the deceased''s relatives lived there. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After observing for a considerable while, she didn''t notice anything amiss. However, after her car accident, she became particularly cautious. Ensuring her safety was the first step to uncovering the truth. Harley paused for a moment, then drove off, circling around twice before returning to the street. She parked in a bank parking lot, changed her outerwear, put on a wig and sunglasses, applied some fake tattoos, and clipped a nose ring on before getting out and walking towards the house. As she approached, a child ran past and almost collided with her. Harley quickly steadied the kid, complaining as a tough girl would. A woman then came out, apologizing to Harley. Harley took the opportunity to ask a few questions, confirming that this family planned to leave California. She noticed two people emerging from the coffee shop across the street who appeared to be observing her. Not willing to stay longer or ask too many questions, she made her exit. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 211: Dont Let Anyone Get Hurt [Chapter 212: Don''t Let Anyone Get Hurt] The Venice Beach Club had burned down, and the associated events had long since settled down. Everything seemed to have returned to normal. Harley Wayne, disguised, arrived at Guerrero''s residence, the very building where he had committed suicide. This was not her first visit in recent days; she had waited outside several times, encountering a woman who lived on the same floor as Guerrero. As the woman approached a car, Harley followed her and greeted her with, "Hi, could we chat for a moment?" The woman paused, turned to assess her, and seeing Harley''s harmless appearance, replied, "What can I do for you?" Harley spoke softly, "I''m a reporter for and I''m trying to learn about your neighbor." Noticing the woman''s slight impatience, she pulled some cash from her pocket and handed it over. "For wasting your time, this should cover it." The woman took the cash and tucked it into her pocket. "Fire away." Harley gestured towards the woman''s car. The woman opened the door and invited Harley to join her. Harley understood that time was limited and jumped right in with her question, "Was there anything unusual about your neighbor Guerrero before he committed suicide?" "Nope." The woman shook her head. "I was out of town on business around that time, so I wasn''t here." Harley had only encountered this woman on her last visit. She decided to shift her approach. "Did Guerrero have any family living here with him?" The woman pondered for a moment, likely for the sake of the cash. "Most of the time, he was alone, but a few times -- starting this year -- he brought a girl over. She looked a lot younger than him, probably under twenty." Harley seized the opportunity. "Was it the same girl each time?" "Yep, definitely same person." The woman was sure of it and added, "Let me think back." She recalled, "About four or five months ago, I was in the elevator when she walked in. I remember asking her something, and she mentioned she was attending college at Pasadena." Since Pasadena had many colleges, Harley inquired, "Pasadena City College? Or Caltech?" "Caltech," the woman replied. Harley nodded and asked, "Do you know her name?" After a moment of thought, the woman responded, "It was something like Irene or Aileen. I can''t remember exactly." Getting this information was a lucky break. Harley pressed for a little longer but didn''t glean any further useful details. The woman was ready to leave, and their brief interaction wrapped up there. Harley noted the important details: Caltech and either Irene or Aileen. Immediately after Harley left, Juan, disguised as a woman, approached the same woman. ... On the highway, Edward drove a bulletproof Mercedes, heading north towards San Fernando Valley. He asked Hawk, "Boss, should we keep driving north?" Hawke was looking at a USPS map. "Cross through the canyon area and keep heading north to Santa Clarita." Edward accelerated. "Someone mailed this from outside L.A., could it be related to our previous situation?" Hawke pondered the same question. Through the mail, he traced the originating mailbox. The notebook had Guerrero''s signature, likely something he sent before his death or something sent by someone connected to him. R?¨¤£Îo?????§§S? Guerrero''s relatives lived in Pasadena, and Hawke had already instructed Campos to send someone to investigate. He also discreetly asked about any friends or girlfriends Guerrero may have had. As they drove through San Fernando Valley and arrived in Santa Clarita, Hawke quickly located the mailbox based on the USPS map. The bright red mailbox stood out near a park, where few cars and pedestrians passed. As for surveillance, public cameras were scarce even in the large city of Los Angeles at that time. Hawke had Edward circle around a few times but, seeing no prospects, he said, "Drive back to Pasadena." Edward turned the car around, returning to Los Angeles. ... Upon arriving in Pasadena, they headed directly to a shooting range as per Campos'' address. Hawke became a member, grabbed a gun, and entered the indoor range, casually choosing two lanes. He donned noise-canceling headphones and fired off a few magazines with Edward. Not far away, Campos was practicing with a handful of others. Hawke had previously discussed the business goals of Butterfly Consulting, stating that they weren''t merely a free-agent reporting firm but rather a security company. To those who had never experienced an information explosion, the world seemed almost idyllic; business rivalries were merely tit-for-tat struggles -- fighting to eliminate competitors within the confines of commerce and legality. Surviving cutthroat competition wasn''t merely about playing by the rules; it was about being stronger than your adversaries. Hawke had learned this lesson: If Bella Sain had succeeded in framing him, Twitter would have been in someone else''s hands. After Campos finished training, he and key members Carlos, Garcia, Juan, and Fiona left together. Hawke exited the training area and met Campos at a safe house in Pasadena. ... "Boss!" "Good to see you, Boss!" One by one, the team greeted him. Some were meeting Hawke for the first time, but from the constant sales of major news to Twitter, they had already speculated who he might be. Hawke responded to each greeting and accurately addressed them by name. Carlos and the others knew that their ability to obtain legal status and earn a high income in Los Angeles was largely thanks to Hawke. Without beating around the bush, Hawke asked, "How''s the investigation going?" Fiona jumped in, "Guerrero''s family, including his parents and siblings, have all moved away. They''ve listed their house in L.A. with an agency for sale." Carlos added, "I confirmed with the agency; they have no clue where the family relocated." Juan chimed in, "This morning I found Guerrero''s neighbor in his apartment building. She mentioned that before I got there, a woman claiming to be a reporter from had asked her about Guerrero, inquiring if he had any friends or a girlfriend." Hawke frowned slightly. "A reporter from ? That identity must be fake." "Looks like it," Juan continued. "I was wearing female makeup at the time, and the female neighbor told me that the woman''s makeup was a little weird, but she was ten times prettier than me, and didn''t have a trace of an East Coast accent." Hawke nodded. Who else would be so persistent? Guerrero''s family had left Los Angeles. The chances of finding any friends were slim. Hawke immediately thought of one woman: Harley Wayne. Juan said, "The neighbor mentioned Guerrero had a girlfriend named Irene or Aileen at Caltech." Hawke pointed at him, "Keep following that lead." "Got it," Juan replied. Hawke addressed the others, "Let''s pause the investigation here for now." Everyone nodded in agreement. Hawke pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Campos. "Find out who these people are, especially Fernando Crane and Andy Carroll." He added a stern note, "It''s better to not find anything than to alert anyone. You have plenty of time, so take it slow." Meriel Kerridge, the woman Hawke had identified yesterday, was someone he''d already figured out. A poor soul drowned in her own bathtub after getting high. Another case of apparent suicide. The rest gradually left, leaving Campos alone. He said to Hawke, "I''ve got the bodyguard candidates sorted. They''ve gone back to Mexico to collect their families and will be back soon." Hawke reminded him, "Get a place ready, and sort out their identities. Make sure everything''s squared away." Campos understood that family was a critical factor. Without a team member''s family, he wouldn''t dare bring them into Hawke''s operation. As Hawke prepared to leave, he remembered the female reporter and advised, "Keep an eye on Harley, just like before -- don''t let anyone get hurt." Campos acknowledged, "Understood." For now, that was as far as things could progress. Hawke sought out connections and institutions, waiting for the right moment to strike decisively. Since Schwarzenegger took office, California''s political scene had calmed a bit compared to the earlier tumultuous battles between the red and blue parties. ... On the way back, Hawke received a call from Brian, inviting him to dinner with Erica. Besides Brian, Jennifer Huey, the new deputy director of the FBI, would also be attending. Hawke and Jennifer had a history; she was among the few FBI heads in Los Angeles. It wouldn''t hurt to strengthen their rapport. He first texted Erica to confirm she wasn''t on a mission, then called her. Erica answered, "I''ll try to leave work on time." ... Upon returning to Twitter, the receptionist informed Hawke that director Eric Emerson had shown up. Hawke made his way to the meeting room and greeted Eric with a smile, "Why didn''t you call me?" "I just got here," Eric said, pulling an invitation from his bag. "My new film is about to premiere, and I''m here to formally invite you to the screening." Hawke took the invitation, saying, "I''ve been looking forward to your new film." Eric pulled out another invitation and handed it to Edward. "The invite allows for two." "Thanks," Edward noted, shrugging, "I''ll go alone." Curious, Eric asked, "Did this love expert suffer a heartbreak?" Hearing this, Edward sighed, "Not officially broken up yet, but it''s coming soon. I suddenly feel like being single could be fun." He turned to Eric and asked, "When are you marrying Katherine? Or are you planning to break up with her?" Eric sighed, portraying a righteous demeanor. "I can''t just kick out the girlfriend who supported me once my directing career takes off." Edward patted Eric on the shoulder, saying, "Directors who don''t take advantage of actress resources are just wasting opportunities, not to mention unethical!" Hawke interjected, "Don''t give Eric bad advice when you can''t even handle your own issues." Edward instantly slumped in defeat, commenting, "Boss, I remember when we first met, I laughed at you for being clueless with women, and it turns out I was the one who didn''t know anything. You''re the real expert." sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke warned him, "If you need to break up, do it soon -- don''t drag it out." Edward resolved, "I''ll take care of it as soon as possible." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 212: Common Goals [Chapter 213: Common Goals] For their evening dinner, Brian chose the Beverly Business Club. It featured soundproof private rooms that made it easy for a small group to talk and chat. Hawke and Brian arrived first, while Erica and Jennifer were late by about ten minutes due to work commitments. In their rush, they only wore casual clothes. Hawke raised his glass to Jennifer, saying, "Thanks for your help with the Kobe police incident." "Not a big deal, it''s just what I do," Jennifer replied, glancing at Brian seated beside her. "You helped him quite a bit, so I need to return the favor." Brian was taken aback and quickly interjected, "Don''t say that. We''re just friends; I can repay Hawke''s favor myself without you worrying about it." Erica chimed in, clinking glasses with Jennifer. "Brian still owes me a lot; how are you going to pay that back?" "You''re LAPD, and I''m FBI; we''re rivals in Los Angeles," Jennifer retorted as she took a sip of her drink. "But since he''s your cousin, I''ll give you a bit of leeway." Erica responded, "The LAPD is the largest armed organization in Los Angeles. You should be the one giving way to me." Hawke interrupted the playful banter. "We''re here to have dinner; let''s not bring work disputes into our personal life." Erica, never one to contradict Hawke in public, raised her glass. "To our friendship, cheers." Hawke nodded in agreement. Jennifer and Brian followed suit, raising their glasses. The four of them chatted casually while eating, effectively forming a sort of mutual interest group. Inevitably, the conversation turned to the suicide case. Jennifer remarked, "There''s definitely a massive group behind Ackerman Films, but they don''t dare investigate too deeply." "How do you even investigate that? What happens if we find something?" Brian spoke honestly. "Neither Elephant Party nor the Donkey Party wants the situation to spiral out of control; it doesn''t serve either of their interests." Hawke grabbed a napkin and wiped his hands. "It''s not entirely like that. The Elephant Party doesn''t have the power to wipe out the other side without repercussions. If they act too harshly, they risk backlash. Everyone at the top has skeletons in their closet; if anything leaks, it''ll all go down." Brian said calmly, "That''s right; there aren''t many politicians like me who are so open about everything." Jennifer asked, "Why did you go get an AIDS test?" "Blame him!" Brian exclaimed, nearly pointing his finger at Hawke. "I got dragged into this." Hawke replied, "When you eventually end up in the Oval Office and write your memoirs, make sure to include this part. Just give me a percentage of the royalties, and I won''t mind." Erica and Jennifer both laughed at this. Erica added, "If it means getting a cut of Brian''s presidential memoirs, we should work together to push him into that chair." Jennifer said earnestly, "The media from the Blue camp has been slamming the current president, saying even a pig could sit in the Oval Office. Brian is definitely smarter than that pig." Brian''s expression darkened. Hawke finally understood: Jennifer came from a good family, was beautiful, and had been in Brian''s class at Stanford Law School. It made sense now why she had pursued him to no avail. Erica quickly continued, "Let''s make it official. We four will form a special little group to help Brian get into the Oval Office." "Alright," Hawke declared, picking up the bottle to pour everyone a drink. "To our common goal!" Jennifer, realizing she had misspoken, clinked glasses with Brian. "Cheers." After the meal, Jennifer pulled Brian aside and they left first. Hawke and Erica got into their separate cars, heading back to 20th Street in Santa Monica. ????????§¦? ... The two cars pulled into the garage one after the other. As Hawke closed the garage door, Erica glanced outside and noticed lights shining from an empty house diagonally across the street and asked, "Did new neighbors move in over there?" "Yeah, they moved in a few days ago. I think his name is Tim. Not too sure what he does," Hawke replied. They left the garage and entered the living room. Erica slumped onto the sofa, clearly exhausted. "I ran around all day today." "You''re getting promoted soon; you won''t have to do fieldwork anymore, right?" Hawke sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "When can you move up again?" Erica nestled into Hawke''s embrace. "I''m only 23; it''s tough to get promoted that quickly." Hawke playfully suggested, "Do you want to ask Brian to show his cursed power?" Erica laughed. "If he dares to talk nonsense again, I will give Jennifer some medicine..." "He''s still your cousin," Hawke chuckled. "Even if he also moonlights as the head of the Cursed God Cult." Erica turned serious. "It doesn''t matter now. If Brian gets further ahead, being unmarried will become a liability." Hawke pulled her up. "Come on, let''s go upstairs and take a shower." ... On Ocean Park Avenue, the Twitter office building. Edward had a small office suite on the top floor where he kept his personal belongings. Upon returning that afternoon, he was in the middle of organizing everything. Valuables he had received from Deborah, like watches and jewelry, were all packed into a bag. Most of these were leftover from Robert Downey Jr., but some of it was new stuff Deborah had purchased. He would also gift Deborah some clothes and everyday items every time she brought him presents, especially as his income grew. Once everything was packed, Edward grabbed the keys to the Cadillac and drove to Brentwood. He also called a security team member from the company to take Hawke''s donated Audi A8, so he wouldn''t be left without a car on the way back. Love usually came sweet, but the daily grind after passion faded was often difficult, especially for Edward. ... On the road, he called to confirm Deborah was home and then took a turn into that luxurious estate. As soon as he parked, Deborah emerged from the house. Upon seeing Edward get out of the car, she loudly questioned, "Have you made your decision? Do you want that never-ending job, or do you want to be with us?" Even though the younger and fit guy across from her was skilled, he often got too busy to come to Brentwood, leaving Deborah frustrated. He couldn''t provide enough physical value or emotional support. Edward sighed as he pulled items out of the car. "I''m sorry, I can''t betray the boss, and I won''t betray the company. Let''s leave it at that." Deborah''s expression darkened considerably. Edward set the bag down in front of Deborah and took out the Cadillac keys. "These are your gifts to me..." Deborah snapped the keys from him. "You can just leave now." With that, the couple seemed to turn enemies. Edward turned to leave and stuffed his hands into his pockets, letting the wind catch his clothes, giving him an air of nonchalance. He didn''t look back. However, Deborah subconsciously followed him to the yard''s entrance. Edward stepped out, pulled out his regular Nokia phone, and made another call. Under the streetlight, a shiny new Audi A8 came into view and stopped right in front of him. The security guard, Jerry, was particularly perceptive; he quickly got out and opened the back door, saying, "Sir, please get in." Edward didn''t even glance back before stepping into the car. Jerry returned to the driver''s seat, turned on the Audi''s bright headlights, and spun the car around, heading back the way they had come. Deborah stood at the entrance, watching this unfold, suddenly realizing Edward was different now. Inside the car, Jerry continued to comfort his boss, "Women, you know; old ones fade, new ones come. With your current status, dating a Hollywood starlet shouldn''t be too hard." Upon hearing "starlet," Edward''s mind flashed to Sarah Jessica Parker and Allison Faith, and he quickly shook his head, replying, "Those Hollywood stars are best left for producers and directors to enjoy." There was one thing he didn''t mention: dating a Hollywood star would cost money. ... Back at Twitter, Edward lived in his office suite, pulled out a notebook for records, and flipped through a list inside. He marked Sarah Jessica Parker off since she had miscarried. As for Joanna Faith, she had a daughter -- Allison Faith -- but the mother and daughter were too wild. Edward recalled hearing from their agent that after the success of the selfie incident, the two had invited a dozen male models over for a wild night at home. What normal guy could put up with that? He crossed them off the list. He had thought soon-to-be veteran Steve Nutt''s wife, Daisy, would also be someone who''d quickly get divorced after giving birth to a black son, but it hadn''t happened. He even went out of his way to get her contact info through Fox Television. Yet, the Nutt couple hadn''t divorced; instead, they built what they called the New American Family model -- one black, two whites. What else was there? Edward wondered if he truly needed to go through a long dry spell; let his brother take a lengthy holiday? Wasn''t that just a shame for Compton? Just then, Edward realized he''d flipped two pages at once in his notebook and hastily tore them apart. On the newly found page, he spotted a name: Maria Collins! Miller Collins'' ex-wife, and they had already divorced. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Edward remembered they had a daughter, seemingly named Dorothy. It''s really pitiful that Maria found a gay as her husband. He opened his computer and searched the internet. Sure enough, Maria had divorced Miller and almost secured all their assets. Wealth wasn''t a big deal for Edward at this point; with Twitter''s growth, he was bound to be a millionaire in the near future. Even becoming a multimillionaire wasn''t just a fantasy. What Edward needed was emotional value; something to benefit him and also to offer emotional value to the boss. He prided himself on loyalty, despite his average abilities. While searching online, Edward discovered a post linking Maria to Twitter, and upon clicking, it led to Maria''s Twitter account. She had uploaded several tweets, most of which had pictures, primarily featuring her and her daughter Dorothy. From the most recent post, it appeared they were vacationing in Canada, enjoying some skiing in the photos. Edward logged into his Twitter, followed Maria''s account, liked a couple of her posts, and even dropped a comment: "The ski resort looks average, but the women are stunning." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 213: Dark Journey [Chapter 214: Dark Journey] On the weekend, Eric Emerson''s new film, , premiered at the New Beverly Cinema. Hawke and Edward came to support the film, showing no interest in the red carpet and entering the theater through a side door instead. Unexpectedly, they ran into the quirky director Quentin Tarantino at the entrance of the VIP room. He was engaged in a conversation with Dwayne Johnson''s agent wife, Dany Garcia. When Dany spotted Hawke, she wrapped up her chat with Quentin and came over to greet them. Quentin, being his usual lively self, approached them, wanting to get to know the unfamiliar faces. Dany did the introductions. Quentin was a bit taken aback: "You''re the founder of Twitter? I''m a faithful user of yours." He sincerely complimented, "The news you''ve put out is fascinating; even I, as an industry insider, find it quite engaging." "Thanks for supporting Twitter," Hawke said politely, and he meant it. "I''m a fan of your work too; I really loved and . I''ve seen them more than once." Quentin, however, had another idea: "Twitter is a great promotional platform. My new film, , is set to premiere in October; how about we collaborate?" Hawke thought for a moment and replied, "Sure, just have someone from your team come by Twitter to discuss." Quentin exchanged business cards with him and moved on toward the other side. ... Hawke cast a glance at Quentin''s departing figure and remarked to Dany, "Eric''s network is really expanding." "That''s not exactly true," Dany explained briefly. "Quentin is looking to buy this cinema. As long as he has time, he''ll attend every premiere held here." Edward whispered, "This guy has licked the feet of Frank''s old lover." Just then, Dwayne Johnson, who had just finished his walk down the red carpet, joined them. He hurried over, hugging Hawke and Edward in turn, cheerfully saying, "It''s been a while! When are we all getting together?" Hawke asked, "Do you have any free time lately?" Dwayne shook his head helplessly, "Don''t even mention it. Filming, appearances, premieres -- I''ve been on a non-stop rollercoaster for the past six months." ???????????¨¨???? He rubbed his increasingly thinning scalp and added, "I''m beginning to suspect I''ll end up bald at this rate." Hawke chimed in, "There''s a saying back in my hometown: As your hair count decreases, it usually means you''re getting stronger." Dwayne thought about his good fortune over the past year and responded, "That makes a bit of sense." Edward instinctively touched his own hair, debating whether he should get a bald cut. Noticing that no one was around, Dwayne continued, "In a little while, I might be going for a $130 million A-list production. If things don''t go well, I''ll need your help." Given that the business opportunity had presented itself, Hawke wouldn''t refuse: "Just give me a call if you need anything." Dany interjected, "I''ll check in first about how the crew feels about him. If they''re not interested, there''s no use in trying harder." Hawke agreed with that, just as he noticed someone entering the VIP room. He said, "If the competitor is him, I suggest we just concede right away." Both Dwayne and Dany followed Hawke''s gaze, and the newcomer was none other than Tom Cruise. He had previously expressed admiration for Eric, and it seemed he was here to support the premiere of his new film. Seeing a familiar face, Dwayne and Dany drifted off to another area. ... Hawke wasn''t very well-known, especially in Hollywood, so he appreciated the peace and quiet. Edward glanced at Tom Cruise, now the center of attention, suddenly feeling a bit concerned for their old friend. He lowered his voice and said, "Boss, there''s been a rumor in Hollywood that Tom Cruise might be a deeply hidden gay guy. Do you think he could develop a crush on Eric, like that Miller Collins?" Upon hearing this, Hawke frowned slightly and replied, "That''s a valid concern, but it shouldn''t be much of one; Eric isn''t gay." As they spoke, two mixed-race Black women approached them. The younger one, Allison Faith, looked at Hawke with a longing expression. The older woman, Joanna Faith, gazed longingly at Edward, as though both men had left them hanging. It felt as though Hawke and Edward had done something to wrong the mother-daughter duo. Hawke simply greeted them politely. He wouldn''t want to get involved with their search for male models at a hangout like this, especially since the fact that they appeared together at P. Diddy''s party made it impossible for him to have close contact with them. Business was still business. The Faith duo was known for the risque approach they took in the entertainment industry, sparking curiosity among many in the VIP room who wondered whom they would target tonight. Edward noticed the attention they garnered and thought about the recent performances of the sheep woman; that woman was more capable than he was and seemed intent on stealing his loyal job. Taking charge, the savior decided to say to Joanna and Allison, "Let''s go talk over there." Joanna''s face lit up with a radiant smile: "Sounds good!" Edward led her to another spot. Allison wasn''t about to let Joanna have all the fun, so she quickly followed suit. ... Hawke shook his head as he watched them; even with his future experience of the massive explosion of information online, he found the mother-daughter duo a bit eccentric. With Edward''s strengths, facing their inquiries would prove manageable. As guests started arriving for the premiere, Eric and Catherine made their entrance, coming over to greet Hawke. Tom Cruise also came over, shook Hawke''s hand, and inquired, "Do you have some time tonight? After the premiere, let''s chat privately." Even if he were gay, he posed no threat to Hawke. Hawke replied, "No problem." One by one, everyone moved toward the screening room. Eric deliberately hung back a few steps, saying to Hawke, "Tommy is very interested in my script. That''s why he accepted the invitation to the premiere. If this film does well, I''d expect him to want to collaborate with me." Hawke expressed, "I have faith in you." ... Once inside the screening room, his seat was arranged in the third row next to Edward. Hawke sat down and asked Edward, "Did you manage to shake them off?" Edward confidently replied, "I''m a pro at dealing with them." As the lights dimmed and the screen illuminated, the film began. ... It told the story of a father, a former mob enforcer, seeking revenge for the brutal death of his daughter, who was raped to death by multiple men. Compared to the audience reception for his Sundance feature debut, this one had a broader appeal. The film resonated with audience themes of family and relationships that were widely relatable. The character, whose father just got out of prison, discovers that his daughter, whom he visited in jail a month prior, had been killed. He reported the crime, but no one took it seriously, considering it a typical issue for a mob family; after all, the daughter was merely a streetwalker. Hawke''s old friend Jacqueline played the role of this street prostitute. While her dialogue performances were decent, the two bold scenes in the film were nothing short of stunning. This film, , chronicled the protagonist''s path of vengeance against those who harmed his daughter, ultimately fading into the darkness. Unlike the previous film, , which presented minority perspectives along with deep social reflections, this storyline shifted to the latter half depicting the protagonist avenging his daughter''s death with unforgiving methods, getting rid of each perpetrator one by one. As the film drew to a close, applause erupted in the theater, though it only lasted less than a minute before gradually subsiding. It was genuine appreciation. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Hawke didn''t grasp the finer points of filmmaking, but he understood that everyone had varied tastes in movies. This particular piece aligned well with his preferences. From his perspective, Eric Emerson''s marked a transformative achievement. With the film, he seamlessly integrated more commercial elements. Edward remarked, "This film is clearly better than the last one." Hawke agreed, "I think so too." As they moved along with the exiting crowd, Edward added, "I didn''t expect Jacqueline to perform so well." He speculated, "Being in this line of work means you''re always acting; her main scenes are closely linked to the profession." Hawke asked, "Have you kept in touch with her recently?" "I called her," Edward waited until the passerby had moved away before saying, "She''s still the same -- working at night and seeking roles during the day." Hawke, familiar with the Hollywood lifestyle, remarked, "Actors below a certain level struggle to support themselves through film pay." Edward didn''t think there was anything wrong with it: "Hollywood actresses and Jacqueline''s amateur career are actually similar." That made sense; Hawke couldn''t argue against it. ... Before they exited the cinema, Hawke''s phone rang. Picking it up, it was Jacqueline calling: "Boss, I saw you with the Savior. You said not to greet you in public, so I didn''t come over." Hawke praised, "You did great." She had been one of his earliest followers and he reminded, "If you encounter any unsolvable issues, ring the Savior." "Got it." Jacqueline also mentioned, "Eric Emerson said he''d leave a role for me in the next film." Hawke responded, "Don''t neglect perfecting your craft; that''s fundamental." Jacqueline stated, "I enrolled in an acting class again; it looks reliable -- shouldn''t be too much drama." Hawke advised her, "Just remember one thing -- anyone who actively approaches you with roles likely has ulterior motives." "I''ll keep that in mind." After chatting a bit more, she ended the call. ... Hawke left the theater, got into the car but didn''t drive off immediately, making Edward wait for a bit. Shortly after, Tom Cruise called, asking Hawke to meet him at a nearby Beverly Hills business club. Hawke readily agreed and instructed Edward to drive them there. About ten minutes later, in a guest room of the business club, Hawke met with the hurriedly arrived Tom Cruise. Tom had come alone and glanced at Edward: "Can we chat privately for a few minutes?" Hawke gestured for Edward to leave the meeting room. Tom had known Brian for many years and had turned to him for assistance with a particularly tricky lawsuit in the past. Through Brian, he was also acquainted with Hawke and understood his strategic planning capabilities. Hawke remained calm, waiting for Tom to make the first move. Tom Cruise began, "I''ve had quite a few issues on my mind lately. I''d like to borrow your perspective to analyze some of them." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 214: Generous Tom Cruise [Chapter 215: Generous Tom Cruise] Facing Hawke, Tom Cruise spoke about some current troubles he experienced. Since the Oscars wrapped up this year, the media had been filled with unfriendly, even hostile, comments about Tom Cruise. Among the most vocal critics was Nicole Kidman. The power of an ex-wife should not be underestimated; she could easily turn the tide against her former husband. Over a month ago, Nicole Kidman posted a photo on Twitter of her Oscar win, alongside a snapshot of her celebrating wildly on the streets after their divorce. The intent was clear. From traditional entertainment media to gossip tabloids on the streets, and all over the internet, praises for Nicole Kidman thrived, heralding her as someone who embraced her true self after kicking Tom Cruise to the curb. The reports that savagely tore into Cruise flooded in. On one hand, someone was orchestrating the onslaught from behind the scenes; on the other, when a celebrity found themselves in trouble, the media didn''t think about giving them the benefit of the doubt. Instead, they rushed in to stomp them down -- that''s how they created buzz. The last time Hawke met Tom Cruise, the latter considered the issues to be minor inconveniences. But as time dragged on, those inconveniences morphed into major headaches. ... Tom Cruise said, "This has affected my reputation. I had been looking to collaborate with Spielberg on a major sci-fi project, , and things were going smoothly. However, now Spielberg and DreamWorks are a bit hesitant, and the negotiations have stalled." "I''ve seen some of the news about you," Hawke remarked thoughtfully. "Before and after the Oscars, it was like night and day." Tom Cruise continued, "After the Oscars, I fired my former manager Pat Kingsley. CAA operates under a co-management model for high-profile clients, and Kingsley was a founding partner of PMK''s PR firm. She handled my public relations, essentially functioning as my PR manager." Hawke pondered for a moment before asking, "Are you planning to leave CAA?" "In fact, leaving CAA is inevitable; my contract with them is about to expire." Tom Cruise forced a smile. "That''s also one of the reasons for my troubles; CAA isn''t going to waste resources on a client who is leaving." He added, "The moment I fell out with Pat Kingsley, all these troubles started piling up. My people discovered her direct involvement -- using her years of media contacts and CAA''s influence, paired with the media''s eagerness to drag me down, she orchestrated this whole mess." Hawke remarked, "She even teamed up with your ex-wife, who knows too many of your personal secrets." Tom Cruise could not deny that and replied, "There''s nothing I can do; she knows me too well." The issue of who was right or wrong in this former marriage was a murky one. However, it was undeniable that without Tom Cruise''s resources, Nicole Kidman wouldn''t have reached her current heights. Ten years of youth traded for A-list Hollywood status -- who''s at a disadvantage and who gained from it is difficult for outsiders to judge. Tom Cruise stated, "Currently, Nicole is accusing me of controlling her life, manipulating her beliefs, and restricting her basic freedom. In media coverage about her, I have become a straightforward villain, even a super demonized one." ????¦¡?????§£?¡ì Hawke nodded, "I''ve seen that." Tom Cruise went on, "Then there are those allegations claiming my beliefs are abnormal and that I''m a drug addict. All of those stories are orchestrated by Pat Kingsley from the shadows." He had come to Hawke with a clear objective: "Help me deal with those stirring up trouble and turn around the public opinion." Hawke needed clarification: "The ultimate goal is to turn around the public opinion, right?" Tom Cruise chuckled, "Yes." Hawke fell silent for a moment before saying, "From what you described and what I know, if I were to handle this, it would need to be divided into three parts." "Please, go on." Tom Cruise completely trusted Hawke''s capabilities. Hawke outlined, "First, we need to address those causing you trouble; second, reduce your negative press and implement a series of actions to change the public perception; the current media narrative isn''t solely in the hands of traditional print outlets." Tom Cruise jumped in, "Including your Twitter?" Hawke exuded confidence, "When it comes to individual audience reach, Twitter is no less than any mainstream media outlet in North America." Tom Cruise had closely followed the Smith''s situation along with Kobe Bryant''s Eagle County incident and fully endorsed Hawke''s statement. Especially in the Eagle County case, Twitter, with its powerful immediacy and online influence, had essentially controlled the narrative, leading all media outlets. Hawke continued, "Plus, maintaining your achievements in film and achieving greater success can also help -- if your commercial value is high enough, these minor problems will quickly fade away." Tom Cruise acknowledged, "The current situation is that the first two issues have been affecting the latter, and they continue to do so." Hawke nodded, "So, let''s pinpoint the problems coming from two women: Nicole Kidman and Pat Kingsley." "Exactly!" Tom Cruise didn''t just have issues with these two; he harbored an intense grudge: "Resolving this starts with them." Hawke said seriously, "It''s best not to touch Nicole Kidman. Any misfortune that befalls her could serve as ammunition for her to attack you. Now with that Oscar, she can continuously attack you and gain massive media attention, elevating her own profile." He explained, "If we were to launch a direct attack on Nicole Kidman, what do you think would happen? She is a woman, and the current social climate -- especially in places like Los Angeles -- grants them privileges. A woman like her, who champions freedom and independence, would have a protective army rally against any attacks." Tom Cruise, who had experienced his share of adversity, wasn''t naive; he agreed, "If those organizations protest publicly, Hollywood will take a hit, and my reputation would plummet." "Therefore, our target is Pat Kingsley." Hawke had heard some things about this woman: "She has been deeply involved with Nicole Kidman and is the mastermind behind the scenes, rather than a sensitive public figure. If we can squash her with a strong approach, Nicole Kidman will have a much quieter existence because she can''t withstand scrutiny either." He directed a look at Tom Cruise, "This time, when Nicole Kidman snagged the Best Actress Oscar, how much did Harvey Weinstein contribute?" Tom Cruise''s emotions flickered slightly before he said, "As outsiders imagine, if the fat guy got no tangible benefit, how could he possibly push someone for an award? The things he desires are well known within the industry." Hawke nodded, "So, our primary target is Pat Kingsley." He emphasized, "Tommy, this is our first formal collaboration, and I must warn you that my methods will be unconventional." Tom Cruise responded, "That''s not an issue." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke replied, "No problem on that front means we have the groundwork for our collaboration." Tom Cruise asked, "What''s the next stage?" "You''ll have to give me some time," Hawke chuckled, "I need to think of a mature plan." Tom Cruise opened his hands, "No problem, my friend." He switched subjects, "What about the PR fees? You set a price." Hawke was straightforward: "For the Eagle County incident, Kobe Bryant hired me as his PR manager for $3 million. You''re my friend..." Without hesitation, Tom Cruise raised the stakes. "$3.5 million, and on top of that, any other expenses are on me." His decisive nature made it sound pleasant to the ear and incentivized Hawke to act. He nodded in agreement: "Great, come to my office tomorrow, and we''ll formalize the agreement." Tom Cruise said, "See you tomorrow morning." Hawke continued, "Come quietly, and keep it confidential. This isn''t just anyone we''re dealing with; it''s best if we deliver a fatal blow before she even notices, leaving her no chance to retaliate." Tom Cruise replied, "No problem." Hawke stood and shook hands with him. The two left the meeting room one after the other, with Tom Cruise meeting up with his driver to leave. ... Hawke called Edward and drove back to the company in a Mercedes. That evening, Erica went to Woodland Hills to be with her grandparents and wouldn''t make it to Santa Monica. Hawke decided to catch some sleep at the office. On the way, he mentioned to Edward, "Tomorrow, after I sign the contract with Tom Cruise, you''ll notify Campos to get him up to speed on the situation with Tom Cruise''s former manager and PR person, Pat Kingsley." Edward understood immediately, "Focusing on her shady dealings?" "Exactly." Hawke realized that competing with someone who had been entrenched in traditional Hollywood and media for decades wouldn''t yield great chances. He thought for a moment, "Not just her but also those around her." Edward responded, "Got it." He reminded Hawke, "Boss, don''t forget we have an old reliable tool in our corner. He might know more." Hawke recalled, "Frank? I haven''t seen him lately." Edward replied, "That guy''s been living luxuriously. He recently went to get signatures from Miss Baa, borrowed a company car, and went camping with an old buddy. He probably won''t be back for a while." ... Hawke didn''t press further and returned to the office, went upstairs, and checked online. He found that was receiving positive reviews. "It''s a great flick to watch for sheer enjoyment! Very satisfying and quite comfortable." "Where did this director come from? I''ve never heard of him before, but he did a great job. The plot twists are striking, and all aspects were on point." "Doesn''t anyone care about the lead character''s daughter? She''s quite something!" Hawke believed the film would likely be a moneymaker. ... The next morning, Tom Cruise, along with his lawyer, discreetly arrived at Twitter to formally sign a public relations and business strategic planning agreement with West Coast Media Entertainment Studio. The two signed and shook hands. Tom Cruise was generous, immediately transferring $3.5 million to West Coast Media Entertainment Studio''s account. Who wouldn''t want a client like that? ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 215: Not an Ordinary Person [Chapter 216: Not an Ordinary Person] After signing the agreement, Tom Cruise handed the materials he brought over to Hawke. Inside were all the details surrounding Pat Kingsley and Nicole Kidman. The estranged couple had reached a stage of mutual attacks, leaving little room for any lingering feelings. Hawke passed the information along to Edward, saying, "We need to deal with the people behind the scenes who are trying to undermine you before we can shift public opinion. Otherwise, our PR efforts will lose impact." Compared to Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise harbored a deep resentment towards Kingsley. "We need to make sure she is completely finished." Hawke couldn''t make any promises. "I''ll first look into her background." "I look forward to your good news." Tom Cruise opted not to linger any longer. Hawke reminded him, "Go back out the side door the same way you came in." Edward made a call, stating, "The security team has been monitoring the side exit. There haven''t been any issues there." Tom Cruise nodded, then headed downstairs with his lawyer. ... Hawke, meanwhile, took a seat and began to carefully review the materials. There was no need to elaborate on Nicole Kidman; she spent the first decade of her Hollywood career completely under Tom Cruise''s protection. The public blowup in their marriage had begun during the filming of Stanley Kubrick''s . Rumors surrounding the film were rampant, and after Kubrick''s passing before the film''s completion, speculation arose regarding the movie''s content. Hawke clearly rememberd that when he first watched the film, he was completely attracted by Nicole Kidman''s large-scale scenes. He felt that the content of the film was dull and boring, and basically only watched certain scenes. However, as the Hollywood glamour faded and more and more scandals surfaced in North America, reflecting back on Kubrick''s film took on a different significance. Not long after premiered, Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise publicly split, culminating in divorce. With her main support gone, Kidman quickly turned to a heavyset man; under Harvey Weinstein''s backing, she won the Best Actress award at the last Oscars. Public figures like her still had powerful allies, making things a bit more complicated. ... Hawke set aside Nicole Kidman''s information for the time being to examine the materials on Pat Kingsley. She had a background in public relations, previously serving as a senior partner and director at PMK Public Relations before moving to CAA for a comprehensive collaboration, also as one of their senior partners. Having her agent''s license and a traditional background as a seasoned PR manager, the 70-year-old Kingsley was no easy opponent. Engaging in a simple war of words or media battle against someone like her would prove complicated. Hawke understood that she had been in Hollywood since the late 1950s. On the surface, Kingsley seemed to have no major issues, and the troublesome topics were events from two or three decades earlier -- like her husband''s infidelity -- but the distance in time lessened their impact. As for her immediate family, Kingsley was married to Simon Foster, and they had a son and daughter; the daughter was married and working in New York, while the son was 30 and currently single. ?§¡?????¦¢¦¥? Hawke closely reviewed the materials; they were quite ordinary. As a major star, Tom Cruise didn''t have detailed knowledge about Kingsley''s life outside of work. Fortunately, Kingsley and her family all had several photos included in the documents. Hawke gathered up the materials and called for Edward, instructing him, "Pass these on to Campos. Have him look into this family thoroughly, and as usual, don''t alert them." Edward took the information, tucked it into his bag, and pulled out his phone to call Campos before heading out. ... As Hawke stored away Nicole Kidman''s materials, he thought if the investigation into Kingsley went smoothly, he wouldn''t have to worry about her; if she had any sense, she would lie low for a while. Considering the Best Actress curse, she would likely fade from the spotlight in no more than two years. One large and medium-budget film project after another would face failures, and soon she would find herself relegated to supporting roles. At that point, Tom Cruise would not be perceived as a controlling figure but rather as a lifelong love. As an actor, making money is not shameful. ... Hawke walked over to the window, gazing out at Venice Beach and contemplating Kingsley''s next move. The alleged rumors concerning his sexuality would be easy to squash; just find another woman to date or get engaged to. Tom Cruise''s most criticized aspect, without a doubt, was his beliefs. When faith was involved, things became tricky. Hawke never considered persuading Tom Cruise to abandon Scientology. That was clearly impossible; he was now among the upper echelons of the Church, and in some respects, promoting Scientology benefitted him as well. The best strategy was still to create another sensational event to divert public attention. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Moreover, Tom Cruise had immense influence -- he could also help promote Twitter further. Sitting back at his computer, Hawke began typing out a plan. ... After Hawke had been working for a while, he called for Caroline. In under three minutes, Ms. Baa came in wearing red high heels that clicked against the floor. Hawke went straight to the point. "Do you know Pat Kingsley?" His direct approach caught Caroline off guard. Before coming in, she had taken a minute to touch up her makeup and donned a business suit. The unconventional questioning left Caroline with few options; she pulled out a chair and replied, "She can be considered one of the pioneers of Hollywood entertainment PR. Rooney Chasen, who has a long history, entered the game at least thirty years after her. However, her approach to PR is traditional, and she''s rather conservative." Hawke nodded and pressed on, "Do you know anything about her personal life?" "I don''t know." Caroline shook her head, "There''s too much of a gap between us for me to have had contact with her." She continued, "But I could inquire a bit." Hawke raised his hand to interrupt, "Can you guarantee that you won''t alert her?" Caroline candidly responded, "She has such extensive connections in this industry; I''m not sure I can." Hawke said, "Then don''t take any action at all. Just leave it as is." "Alright," Caroline agreed. Hawke waved his hand, signaling for her to leave. ... Just then, his phone rang. Looking at the screen, he noticed it was Quentin calling. He answered, "Hello, Mr. Tarantino." A hearty laugh came from the other end. "Hey, Hawke! Remember we talked about the collaboration yesterday regarding the promotion of ?" "Of course, I remember. You can come over anytime," Hawke replied. Quentin continued, "I won''t be coming over. I''m not exactly the expert in this area. I''ve sent Parker from the studio to handle the promotion. He will represent the crew in full." Hawke said, "That works." The two chatted for a short time before hanging up. Hawke relayed this information to Caroline, "You''re in charge of the collaboration talks. Price it against Yahoo." Caroline was confident about it: "Our active user numbers match Yahoo''s." ... Less than an hour later, Parker, representing the team, arrived at the Twitter office to discuss the advertising partnership with Twitter''s operations director, Caroline. Ultimately, the two parties finalized a $1 million advertising deal. For Twitter, in addition to the licensing fees from Will Smith and Kobe Bryant, this also provided another revenue stream. ... The next morning, Caroline brought more good news to Hawke: the $20 million loan from the state''s economic development plan had arrived. Although it was earmarked for specific uses, Twitter''s funding was now robust again, alleviating urgent concerns and allowing them to more easily prepare for the financing and equity expansion in the second half of the year. ... In between his busy schedule, Hawke organized Twitter employees to take two afternoons off work to watch , supporting a friend. Eric''s film had generated an impressive response; at the end of July, it made some waves. The film, distributed in North America by Warner Bros., premiered in 2,347 theaters, bringing in $21.51 million over its opening weekend. Although it didn''t break the $10,000 per theater barrier, it was still a remarkable success for a newcomer director''s debut feature. Moreover, received positive reviews, boasting a 72% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.4 rating on IMDb, ensuring good future earnings. Internally, Warner Bros. estimated that the film''s North American box office would land around $50 million. There was no question that Eric Emerson had achieved a significant success, opening the door for his next project. ... While Hawke continued to strategize concerning Tom Cruise, the actor''s production company had officially contacted Eric, planning to invest in his new film and expressing interest in casting him as the director. Eric and Catherine were keen on this opportunity; collaborating with the famous Tom Cruise was undoubtedly a chance for a breakthrough. Tom Cruise''s works had a global draw. Additionally, Jacqueline had specifically called Hawke, revealing that Eric had clearly stated he would reserve an audition opportunity for her in the new film, urging her to further refine her acting skills. As a part-time actress, she used her earnings from night gigs to pay for acting classes during the day, showcasing her dedication. Hollywood was indeed filled with some bizarre trades, but those who managed to make a name for themselves during this time typically had solid acting skills. After all, it is not yet the era of chaos and disorder that will come later. ... On the Campos front, investigations into Pat Kingsley had produced no concrete results. The woman who could give Tom Cruise such headaches was not an ordinary character. At that moment, Hawke received a phone call from Emma Batson of Bay Area Consulting. Since their first contact, she had periodically reached out, demonstrating BlackRock''s strong interest in investing in Twitter. This time, she came bearing a preliminary plan. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 216: Preparations for the Deal [Chapter 217: Preparations for the Deal] In the reception room on the fourth floor of Twitter, Emma Batson and her assistant sat on the sofa, looking at Hawke and Edward across from them. She instructed her assistant to hand over the drafted proposal to Hawke, saying, "We invited a third-party professional firm to evaluate Twitter, and the valuation came out to $1.2 billion." Hawke didn''t look at the proposal; he replied directly, "That''s too low." Emma cut to the chase: "Twitter has a large number of active users, but it has only been around for six months and hasn''t found a stable revenue stream. It will operate at a loss for several years to come." Hawke countered, "Users represent all the possibilities for the future." "But we can''t calculate it that way for the investors; we also need to assess investment returns." The proposal she held was drafted by BlackRock''s San Francisco office, and she was only acting as a communication bridge. "Hawke, could you at least listen to the offer first?" Hawke nodded slightly, "Alright." Emma continued, "BlackRock''s San Francisco office is willing to acquire half of your Twitter shares for $500 million, and you would remain the CEO of Twitter, with no interference in day-to-day operations." "I''ll say it again, that''s still too low." Hawke had another point to make: "No interference in daily operations includes the direction of Twitter''s public opinion, right?" That was a topic that couldn''t be avoided and would also be reflected in the contracts. Emma couldn''t send the wrong signals here, so she said, "Of course, for significant public opinions, Twitter must maintain consistency with BlackRock''s position." Hawke expressed plainly, "I can''t accept that because it would diminish Twitter''s independence." Emma pointed out, "But Twitter would receive full support from BlackRock and all its associated platforms." Hawke shook his head, "Independence is key; I won''t give that up." Since they couldn''t agree on that crucial point, Emma increased the offer: "BlackRock can go up to $600 million." Hawke remained steadfast, "This isn''t about the money; it''s a matter of principle." "Please at least take a look at the proposal," Emma suggested as she prepared to leave. "I''ll communicate further with the San Francisco office." Hawke stood up and shook her hand. Emma and her assistant hurried out. ... Once downstairs and in the car, Emma''s assistant said, "It''s going to be tough going through the usual channels." Emma agreed, "It''s hard to deal with fundamental differences." The assistant suggested, "Should we try something else...?" Although Emma was very confident about her looks, she wouldn''t be blind: "In a deal worth hundreds of millions, how much impact could I have even if I personally got involved?" She chuckled, "Don''t joke. Hundreds of millions; people like me could be found in dozens." The assistant said no more. Emma added, "You also overlooked one thing: this is Los Angeles, not San Francisco. This isn''t our turf; it''s Twitter''s turf. Some strategies that work in San Francisco won''t work here. If something goes wrong, not many will come to help us." ??????o??¨º? The assistant replied, "I understand." Emma instructed the driver, "Let''s head back and continue discussions with the San Francisco office to see what they specifically want to do." ... Upstairs, Hawke returned to his office and opened the documents, carefully reviewing them to ensure there were no discrepancies before examining the investment proposal inside. The contents matched exactly what Emma Batson had stated, but as for the promised platform and resource support, in light of Twitter losing its independence, it was meaningless. Hawke quickly deduced that the other party wanted to use hundreds of millions of dollars as a bait to manage him, a naive hick from Wyoming, to take control of Twitter. At the very least, they wanted Twitter''s public opinion aligned with the blue party. Hawke picked up the phone and called Mary Ferguson, briefly explaining his meeting with Emma and faxing the proposal over. He wouldn''t hesitate when it came to aligning with significant players. One of the reasons for involving the Ferguson family in the investment was precisely for these kinds of troublesome matters. Now that Twitter had become a major asset, the Ferguson family certainly wouldn''t let just anyone take their piece. ... Long Beach, the highway leading to San Diego. Tim, having rushed over from 20th Street in Santa Monica, arrived under a highway bridge with private investigator Coulson accompanying him. Two Mexican men were already waiting there. As they spotted an unfamiliar car approaching, they instinctively reached for their guns beneath their clothing. Coulson made a phone call, and when it started ringing, he stepped out of the car, raising his phone and calling out, "It''s me, sent over by Chrissy, codename Rattlesnake." The bald Mexican shouted, "Everyone get out of the car! Hurry, everyone out!" Tim followed suit and got out. The two men walked toward the Mexicans. Tim held up a black plastic bag. "This is the money." The bald one shouted, "Open it." Tim untied the bag, revealing stacks of cash. The bald man looked satisfied. "Come here." Coulson and Tim approached, placing the money bag on the car''s hood. The bald man signaled to his accomplice. Another tattooed guy went to the car and brought out another bag, handing it over. "You guys check it out." Coulson took the bag. While the bald man counted the cash, Coulson examined the goods concurrently. Tim glanced inside, seeing that the bag was filled with high-quality plastic explosives. Once connected to a detonator, they''d be ready-made bombs. This stuff was incredibly powerful, perfect for sending targets to the sky. Coulson inspected everything and nodded at Tim, indicating, "The goods are fine." The bald man quickly finished counting the money, grinning, "If you need anything, don''t hesitate to reach out." Coulson replied, "I''ll call if we need anything." They shook hands and parted ways. ... Tim followed Coulson back to the car, safely storing the explosives before returning to Los Angeles. Coulson asked, "Are you really going to use these things?" "Why worry? It''s not like we haven''t used them before," Tim downplayed, "You won''t have to lift a finger." Coulson thought of Miller Collins behind the Ackerman Charity Shelter. He inquired, "Hawke Osment is different; once a person is dead..." Tim shook his head, "No, it''s people alive that are trouble. Once a person is dead, the forces behind them aren''t thinking of revenge; they''re only considering what benefits they can gain. As long as the gains are substantial, toss a killer their way, and everything will eventually settle down." Coulson smiled, "Your squabbles are too complicated; I just want to make money." Since he and Coulson had a long-standing relationship, Tim said deliberately, "Right now, the higher-ups haven''t confirmed to move yet. If it happens, once it''s successful, you can take a vacation overseas and come back in a few months." "I''ve actually wanted a break," Coulson understood the meaning behind the words, "When I return from overseas, I''ll be ready to retire." Tim pointed to where the explosives were hidden, "You''ll need to modify these." Coulson snapped his fingers, "No problem." ... When they reached Culver City near Sony Pictures, Tim switched cars and drove back to Santa Monica alone. On the way, he received a call from his boss, Douglas. "What''s the situation on your end?" "I''ve taken care of all the necessary preparations," Tim said as succinctly as possible, "Ready to go at a moment''s notice." Douglas advised, "Don''t act rashly; follow my instructions." Tim replied, "Understood." The call ended soon after. ... As night fell, Tim''s car turned onto 20th Street, coming close to home just as Jett Brown''s Volvo rolled up. Jett honked, parked by the roadside, and lowered the window to greet him, "Tim, haven''t seen you in a few days; been busy with work?" Tim lowered his window, smiling, "Just got back from a trip out of town." Jett, whose work involved directly calling people, invited him, "Got time tonight? Let''s grab a drink. I will bring Hawke along; we can have a guy''s night out." Tim declined, "I''ve been away for several days, just busy with work and I''m exhausted. I really need some rest; how about I treat you next time?" S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Jett didn''t press him, "Alright then, call me next time." Tim nodded at him, using his electronic key to open the garage door and drove inside. ... Jett backed his car into his own garage. He entered his home, went upstairs to change, and noticed Hawke''s Mercedes and Erica''s G-Wagon pulling into the neighboring garage one after the other. Erica came over; surely, Hawke was busy. Having been neighbors for a few months, Jett noticed that this couple had a remarkable amount of energy, often involved in multiple sessions in one night. Thinking of his own shortcomings, he sighed; the disparities between people were vast. ... Next door, Erica suggested making dinner for Hawke with ingredients she just bought from the supermarket. Hawke leaned against the kitchen doorframe, watching and asked, "Can you handle it? Do you want me to help?" Erica turned around and smiled, "Don''t underestimate me; I took cooking classes. This isn''t your crappy American cooking class." Hawke pretended to be horrified, "It''s not one of those British cooking classes, is it? Darling, meals like that can be lethal." "Of course not the British food," Erica seemed to understand the implications of British cuisine, "I learned Italian and Spanish cooking; I may not be an expert, but making simple grilled meat and pasta is no problem." She pointed outside, "You can go watch TV in the living room. Please be patient." Not wanting to disturb her further, Hawke returned to the living room, turned on the TV, and watched the news, specifically switching to the entertainment channel. Coincidentally, the entertainment channel was airing news about Tom Cruise and his association with Scientology. Dressed in high-ranking Scientology attire, Tom Cruise stood on a podium, calling for more people to embrace the Church of Scientology. This wasn''t recent footage; it must have been years prior, as Tom Cruise looked younger than he did now. Hawke sighed inwardly, noting that this guy was perpetually in the negative spotlight. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 217: Little Boys [Chapter 218: Little Boys] In Santa Monica, in a standalone house. Hawke and Edward walked into the living room, where they saw three Mexicans brought by Campos. Campos introduced them one by one to Hawke: "This is Raul, this is Guti, and this is Morentes." Hawke shook hands with each of them and asked, "Have you settled your families in yet?" Raul, the leader, replied, "It''s all taken care of, thank you for everything you''ve provided. We are very grateful." Guti added, "Life in Los Angeles is ten times better than before." Morentes wasn''t much for words, but he smiled cheerfully. Hawke knew how to win people over. He gave Edward a knowing glance, and Edward opened the bag he had brought, handing each of them a card. "This is an anonymous account, and there''s money in it." Noticing that Raul was about to speak, Hawke raised a hand to stop him. "You not only need to ensure your families have a place to live, but also need to send your children to school, set up medical records, and so on. All of that requires money, so take it." Raul nodded and accepted the card. From this day on, these three would officially enter their work status. Hawke instructed Edward to remind them of some precautions. "First, get concealed carry permits." This could be easily arranged through Erica''s connections. "Secondly, vehicles. I heard from Campos about how the people from Superstar Acting School capture girls -- one car trailing another, it''s beneficial for observation." He planned to split the three into two teams, with two vehicles trailing in a similar manner, one overt and one covert. Additionally, Hawke had rented a small villa on 20th Street where two of them would stay intermittently. Should his residence come under attack, they would be the first to offer support, creating a double-pronged approach. Edward took Raul and the others to another room. ... On this side, Hawke asked Campos, "Have you found anything on Pat Kingsley?" "Not yet," Campos replied in detail. "We''ve been following her for over a week and discovered that she has a very routine life. From Monday to Friday, she either works or stays at home, and on weekends, she goes to Catholic Mass." Hawke frowned slightly. "Kingsley has been in the business for over forty years, is in a high position, and has been in Hollywood for so long. Would she really not be influenced by the external environment?" Campos understood what Hawke meant by the "external environment": "We conducted extensive background checks, and aside from some old news from two or three decades ago, we found almost nothing. Kingsley is as clean as a whistle." Hawke said, "Keep looking, keep following -- don''t alert anyone." Campos replied, "Understood." Hawke recalled the matter he had mentioned before regarding Guerrero''s notebook and asked, "What about Carroll and the others?" "We''re still investigating," Campos answered quickly. "Fiona found a girl named Irene at Caltech. According to our side inquiries, someone reported that she used to spend weekends in Santa Monica, but she hasn''t been going recently. Fiona is currently gathering information about her." §²??????¦Â¦¥? He paused briefly before adding, "About Carroll and the others, we haven''t found anything yet." Hawke nodded slightly, knowing that this particular matter couldn''t be rushed. They soon parted ways. ... Raul and the others followed Hawke to a nearby parking lot, where they picked up two cars and fell in behind an armored Mercedes. In the car, Hawke asked Edward, who was driving, "Did you make all the arrangements?" Edward nodded. "All taken care of. I think they are way more professional than I am." Hawke replied, "They''ve gone through specialized training after all." At this point, Edward added, "Boss, about the Ackerman charity foundation you asked me to look into -- I found a lot of information. They have a medical research facility in Orange County and another one in Rosario, Baja California." "Baja California? Mexico?" Hawke was not surprised by this answer. "I remember Rosario is a hub for film studios in Mexico." Edward speculated, "They had Ackerman Films as a cover to operate more conveniently in the Hollywood studio hub, didn''t they?" Hawke agreed, "That''s possible. Gather more related information." As the group returned to the Twitter building, Hawke noticed someone sitting in front of Frank''s RV in the Venice Beach parking lot. He pulled out his phone and called. When the line connected, he asked, "Are you back?" Frank replied, "That''s right, I''m back from my trip and even brought some gifts for you guys." Hawke directly invited, "Come to the office to chat." "Give me ten minutes." ... Frank hung up, ran into the RV, grabbed a few shopping bags, and left the parking lot, crossing the street into the Twitter building. He approached the front desk, smiled at the pretty receptionist, and handed over a small gift, saying, "This is for you." The company''s long-time employees were familiar with Frank, knowing he was a friend of the boss and a special consultant for the company. The receptionist quickly thanked him with a smile. Frank then stopped by the security department, where he gave the security head Austin and deputy Jerry each a small gift too. The gifts weren''t expensive, but they were heartfelt. Frank lived in the Venice Beach parking lot and often spoke with the security staff at the company, sometimes asking them for little favors. He then went upstairs to Hawke''s office, and upon entering, saw a dark face. He took out a box and handed it over, saying, "This is for you." Edward took it and said, "You have a bit of conscience, don''t you?" Frank jokingly responded, "Cotton planting tools." Edward''s expression, already dark, quickly changed as he opened the box to find a very beautiful smooth pebble inside. Afraid he might not get it, Frank added, "Look at the flower on that rock -- doesn''t it look like cotton?" Without turning his head, Edward simply flipped him the bird. Frank approached the desk and handed another gift box to Hawke. "Thanks." Hawke opened it to reveal another smooth pebble. "This was picked up from 1500 miles away," Frank explained. "You all know I''m broke, with barely any cash on me. I can''t afford expensive gifts, so just collected a bit of nature''s gifts to give to you." Hawke placed the smooth pebble on his desk, commenting, "It''s beautiful." Edward retorted, "If you really had nothing to bring, you could have just brought your ex-wives over." Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Frank snorted, "They''d rip you to shreds." Hawke then shifted to the main topic: "You''ve been struggling in Hollywood for decades?" Frank took pride in this, coming off a bit boastful. "Over forty years -- became a well-known figure for nearly thirty years. You all know how Don Simpson launched Jerry Bruckheimer, right? I may not measure up to him in terms of fame, but in terms of years, Don would have to stand behind me." "I''ve heard of him," Hawke replied. "Don Simpson''s most famous works, like , , and , were all great films. I heard he died of a drug overdose." Frank sighed, "That''s the thing -- spending a long time in Hollywood, you pick up some bad habits. No one is exempt." Hawke took the chance to ask, "What about Pat Kingsley? I remember she was representing Tom Cruise back then. Didn''t she party hard with him when he worked with Don Simpson?" Frank was initially surprised, "Why are you bringing up that old lady?" But then he figured it out: "Have you had a falling out with Kingsley?" Hawke waved his hand dismissively. "Not exactly a falling out, but I took on a job that involves her, and someone would like her to stay quiet for a while." Frank immediately understood: "Tom Cruise, right? I''ve been following the entertainment news, and since the Oscars, Cruise has been smeared in the media, clearly a professional PR job. He also had a falling out with Kingsley, so the situation is pretty obvious." Hawke went straight to the point, "It seems like you know Kingsley well. Is there anything noteworthy about her?" "If you ask others, they probably wouldn''t know," he escalated his boasting further. "A person like Kingsley, appearing all upright, but having been in Hollywood for decades, she has her own preferences shaped by the environment, but most people wouldn''t know it -- only someone like me, who''s climbed to the top, has a clue." Hawke remained silent, acting as a qualified listener, staring attentively at Frank. The boastful one didn''t disappoint: "I once heard someone say Kingsley goes to church every weekend, and she attends a Catholic church." Edward''s eyes widened upon hearing this, realizing Frank had gone quiet. "That''s it? We discovered that too!" Frank shot a contemptuous smile at Edward, as if they were playing on completely different levels. Hawke looked puzzled at first, but soon recalled something and asked, "Catholic? Little boys?" Frank said, "Those are the favorites of the priests, and also the hearts of a certain group of people. After a while apart, it''s hard for them to eat or sleep well." Edward looked a bit surprised, "A 70-year-old lady, she''s practically a grandmother." "You''ve dealt with Hollywood more than once and experienced quite a bit," Frank countered. "Do you really think age is a problem for the weirdos in Hollywood?" This made Hawke recall Wagenen and Redford -- weren''t the latter''s 60s still strikingly similar? Switching the plates around isn''t weird at all. The main issue is the involvement of the Catholics. The issue of priests and boys has persisted from the Middle Ages to modern society. Hawke decided to ask one more question, "Is this reliable?" Frank replied, "It was definitely reliable back then, but I''m not so sure now. I''ve been away from the core of Hollywood for a while; these are all pretty old news." He suggested, "It''s easy to verify. Just find someone to check if Kingsley goes to any Catholic church regularly; if she does, she''s probably still keeping her old habits." Hawke mentioned he had heard Campos bring it up: "She still goes to a Catholic church frequently." Frank said, "Have your people follow her and investigate a bit." Hawke made a note to contact Campos about this later. Edward suddenly asked Frank, "Having spent so many years in Hollywood, have you picked up any bad habits? Surely not anything similar, right?" "Don''t put me in the same league as those creeps!" Frank''s serious expression returned. "I''ve picked up a strange affliction -- marriage anxiety, much like Elizabeth Taylor. I see a girl I like and can''t wait to marry her, then... it ends badly." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 218: Want to Trade? [Chapter 219: Want to Trade?] One of the hardest things often lies in finding a breakthrough. Frank, who hung around on Twitter, often managed to dig up some meaningful material that helped Twitter and West Coast Media Entertainment Studio gain some traction. Hawk immediately had Edward contact Campos to relay the critical point about little boys and the Catholic Church. However, this matter also posed challenges; the Catholic Church was like a hornet''s nest -- one couldn''t poke it lightly. The focus still had to remain on Pat Kingsley personally. This made Hawk admire real investigative journalists even more. In North America, big news thrived everywhere, yet once you dug too deep, it was easy to get yourself into serious trouble. Campos indicated that he would mobilize the team to conduct targeted surveillance immediately. At this stage, for the secretive filming efforts, Hawk wasn''t just participating but merely giving orders -- the folks from Butterfly Consulting always found a way to accomplish the task. ... Los Angeles, Westwood. Near a villa along the street, the traffic was light, although a few family cars passed by now and then. Campos drove a Ford Mondeo and parked it in an empty spot, pulling out binoculars to observe the villa across the street. At the nearby intersection, Edward drove a regular business vehicle, parked in the lot close to the corner. He lifted the radio and asked, "Hey, what''s the status?" Campos replied, "Everyone is in position. As long as she steps out today, she won''t be out of our sight." He checked the time and added, "Based on her recent trajectory, she should be heading to church for Mass today." Besides Campos and Edward, Carlos and Garcia also arrived at a key intersection nearby. Considering Kingsley was a woman, Campos had specifically called in two capable women, Betty and Fiona, to join them. ... sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Inside the villa, Simon Foster, wearing glasses, stepped out of his study and looked at his wife, who was packing her bag. He asked, "Are you coming back for dinner today?" Kingsley lifted her bag and replied, "After Mass, there will be Communion at the church. I''ll probably be a bit late coming back." After all these years, Simon Foster had long gotten used to it. "I need to head out too. I have events to attend this afternoon and evening." Kingsley nodded and left the villa with her bag in hand. The female driver had already pulled the car up to the pathway in front of the house. Kingsley got into a BMW 7 Series and instructed, "To St. Beatrice Church." The car turned onto the main road, heading northwest towards the Santa Monica Mountains. ... In front of the BMW 7, Campos, showcasing impressive driving skills, followed the car from the front and kept moving forward along the main road. Confirming that Kingsley didn''t have any followers behind her, Garcia, Carlos, and Fiona, along with Edward and others, expertly executed cross-tracking. ... The BMW 7 entered the southeastern part of Santa Monica Mountains, where a modest-sized church appeared not far from Palisades. This was St. Beatrice Church, a Catholic establishment in Los Angeles, which paled in size compared to the much larger Our Lady of Angels. However, behind the church was a charity school called St. Beatrice that housed homeless children. ... Edward had parked at a higher vantage point early on, using binoculars to observe the church and the charity school behind it. As he recalled Hawk and Frank''s words, he felt increasingly acutely aware of their weight. The church, the charity school, and the series of generous benefactors... It seemed terrifying just to think about. The BMW 7 parked in the church''s lot, and Kingsley got out alone, her expression serious as she walked towards the church with her bag. The area had a steady stream of cars and people coming and going. Campos and the others soon caught up. Carlos stayed outside to keep watch as backup. Campos and Garcia, along with Betty and Fiona, split up to enter the church. They had prepared in advance and blended in seamlessly among the many attendees. ????????????? ... Betty was the first to find where Kingsley was seated and quietly made her way there, sitting a row behind her without getting too close. Fiona also noticed and, without exchanging any words with Betty, found a nearby empty seat, patiently waiting for Mass to begin. Campos and Garcia each found suitable spots as well. The five of them subtly surrounded Kingsley. ... As the church grew quiet, Mass was about to begin. Kingsley appeared to be a devout parishioner, slightly closing her eyes, lost in the warm embrace of the Lord, feeling not just peace, but a peculiar sense of anticipation. What delightful surprise would come after Mass? Kingsley had been a benefactor of this church for nearly twenty years, enjoying preferential treatment throughout that time. Trust had long been established between them; every two to three weeks, the church offered her the best psychological comfort. Here, Kingsley truly felt the grace of the Lord. ... Campos squinted his eyes, continuously watching and waiting for an opportunity. After Mass ended, those who wished to stay for Communion began making their way to the dining area on the other side of the church, where designated people would distribute it. But Communion was tiered; some went left, while others went right. Here, God wouldn''t ask about your ranks, but how much you had donated. Seizing the moment when it got a little chaotic, Campos discreetly signaled to Fiona. Fiona, with her petite frame, quickly and skillfully followed Kingsley. She reached into her pocket, gripping the tiny listening device she had prepared earlier. Up ahead, in a bid to assist Fiona, Garcia accidentally stepped on Betty''s foot, leading to a brief squabble that drew the attention of those around, creating a minor disruption. A priest came over to maintain order. As people focused on Garcia and Betty, Campos moved forward a couple of steps, seemingly wanting to join in on the commotion, his tall frame blocking Fiona''s smaller figure. Fiona worked quickly; the black listening device was surreptitiously placed on the bottom of Kingsley''s black handbag. In front, with the priest persuading him, Garcia apologized to Betty, and the church''s order returned. ... Everyone moved forward, with Garcia and Betty heading to the side for regular Communion. Last time Fiona was here, she had donated and received preferential treatment, so she walked closely behind Kingsley, moving to the other side. Campos made a donation on-site and also received a ticket. Blending into the crowd, they entered the dining area to enjoy Communion and received holy water as a bonus. Having experienced too much darkness in Mexico, Campos was wary of anything that could be termed holy water. He planned to dispose of it in a garbage bin after leaving the church. Nonetheless, some attendees sprinkled holy water on themselves after enjoying Communion. After that, including Kingsley, the long-time donors with established trust in the church followed a priest named Michael Baker to the back of the church, where St. Beatrice charity school was located for some rest. The rest were taken on a tour by Father George Neville to learn about the history, developments, and planning of the charity school, assuring new donors that their money would indeed be put to good use. Simultaneously, this was a selection process. They knew how to make donors with special needs willingly part with more money. Campos trailed behind the donors'' group, watching from a distance as Kingsley and the others entered an apartment building. Nearby, there was a wall that separated the building from the outside world. Campos quietly made a call, indicating the location. ... Carlos, who was waiting outside, promptly drove to a road close to the apartment building. He donned his earpiece and activated the receiver and recorder, listening in. On the earpiece, two voices soon came through. "Ms. Kingsley, please come this way. This time, we urgently imported a good-looking boy, the kind who can speak and understand English fluently, just as you requested." After the man spoke, a woman''s voice followed, "Thank you, Father." The sound of a door opening was heard, then Kingsley''s voice, tinged with surprise, exclaimed, "Oh, what a exquisite boy! I can''t thank you enough." In her excitement, she dropped the formalities, addressing him directly, "Michael, you always know what I want." The man''s voice came again, "I wouldn''t want to intrude on the lady''s enjoyment." The door closed behind them. ... Inside the room, Kingsley gazed at the handsome young boy and couldn''t help but think of her grandson back in New York. She grew fonder of him and offered a warm smile, "Don''t worry; I''m here to help you. You''re about the same age as my grandson, so you can call me Grandma." The boy, timid and hesitant, didn''t respond at first. Kingsley studied his features, placing her handbag on a nearby table. "Can you tell me your name? Where are you from?" Seeing her kind demeanor, the boy, who didn''t seem like a bad person, said, "My name is Mila. I came here with my parents from Guatemala. They passed away not long after we arrived, and I was sent to this charity school." "What a poor child," Kingsley said, extending her arms to embrace him, pulling him onto her lap. "I''ll take care of you from now on, okay?" She pulled out some chocolate she had brought and offered it to him. "Try this; it''s a little treat I brought just for you." The boy opened it and stuffed it into his mouth. "So sweet, so delicious!" Kingsley asked, "Do you want more? However, you need to trade me something in return..." The boy, despite his past experiences, couldn''t fathom the malicious intentions hidden beneath the kind face of this elderly lady. Tempted by the chocolate, he asked, "What do you want from me? I can give it to you." Kingsley burst into laughter. ... Outside, Carlos almost ripped off his headphones in fury, continuously muttering insults about the pervert! He found it somewhat normal when young stars faced various scandals. After all, the demand was high. But for a 70-year-old woman... Carlos mused over this, suddenly flashing back to the face of the boss. Though he wasn''t exactly a paragon of virtue or a good person in the traditional sense, compared to these perverts, his moral character was exceptional. He could even be considered a good person. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 219: Recording [Chapter 220: Recording] As the sun leaned toward the west, Pat Kingsley stepped out of her apartment building, and Father Michael Baker approached with a smile. "Did you sleep well?" he asked. Kingsley stretched, "I haven''t had such a good rest in a long time." She glanced at Baker. "This Mila -- give me some alone time with him. Don''t let anyone else near." Baker assured her, "Don''t worry. During this time, he''ll live independently at school, focusing on his health." Kingsley seemed quite satisfied with that. "I''m off then." Baker accompanied her as they walked outside. ... Not far away, Campos carried a briefcase, positioning himself so that one side faced Baker and Kingsley. He''d been observing for a long time and noted how strictly the church managed St. Beatrice''s Welfare School. They had personnel patrolling many areas, so installing hidden cameras for surveillance was incredibly difficult. He had to make do with whatever he could capture. Though the influence of the church was not as fearsome as it was in medieval times, it still retained a formidable presence in modern society. Campos was cautious, not wanting to stir up trouble he couldn''t handle. After Kingsley and Father Baker parted ways, Campos hurried over, taking advantage of someone asking Kingsley for directions to the restroom. He passed by her and discreetly removed the bug from her handbag and left the welfare school area without looking back. Once out of St. Beatrice''s Church, he pulled out his phone and made a call before heading to the parking lot where Carlos''s car awaited. Garcia was already back. Carlos handed over a headset. "Boss, you should hear this." Campos took it and put it on, listening for a while. Even after seeing plenty of darkness, he still found that old woman to be twisted. Garcia then said, "Kingsley has gotten into the car. Fiona, Betty, and the Savior are following her in separate cars. She''s on her way home." Campos set down the headset and ordered, "Same as before -- make several copies of the recording and take two of them to Twitter and sell them." He handed over a modified camera bag. "There are some videos I shot inside; make several copies of those to send as well." Carlos began to get busy. Once the copies were done, they tested them out. On the other side, Fiona called, letting him know that Kingsley had gone directly home. Campos instructed to keep someone on her tail and hung up, telling Carlos to head to Twitter. ... Less than an hour later, the related audio copies were on Hawke''s desk. Hawke opened the audio file and listened carefully before watching some of the footage Campos had secretly recorded. The stories involving the Catholic Church and little boys had circulated for centuries. In Los Angeles alone, since the ''80s, there had been numerous related scandals, but the church had largely managed to suppress them. ??¦­§°§£¨º? After shutting off the video and audio, Hawke picked up his phone and dialed Frank''s number. Once connected, he said directly, "Thanks, your intel is solid." Frank retorted, "Don''t forget, I''m the guy who stood atop Hollywood Hills." Hawke, for once, did not shoot back. According to Frank, he''d contracted a sort of marriage fever while in Hollywood, wanting to marry any woman he liked, which led to several quick divorces. With all the wealth and career he''d wasted, he''d ended up in his current situation. Hawke thought Eric could write a script based on Frank''s story, titling it . There was a knock on the office door. After Hawke invited the person in, Frank entered. He ended the call and remarked, "Perfect timing, I was just teaching your prized sheep about management experience while stopping by to check in." Hawke pointed to the chair across from him. "Have a seat." Frank asked, "Have you already dug up the information? You''re quick." Hawke savored the opportunity to show off a bit in front of Frank. "Haven''t you thought about who''s really driving public opinion in Los Angeles over the past year?" "You''re strong, but not strong enough!" Frank cautioned. "The Catholic Church''s power may not be what it once was, but it isn''t something your emerging media can take on." He advised, "You''ve turned Twitter into a delicious cake, but you don''t know how many eyes and forces are watching. The Ferguson family might withstand a lot, but if you expose significant flaws, how many hungry wolves would come after you?" Hawke was receptive to useful advice and nodded slightly. This past year and a half had been the coziest time for Frank since he became homeless, plus he had been there since the company''s foundation, feeling a sense of involvement from the ground up. He definitely didn''t want to see Twitter fail. Frank added, "Stabilize your base and leave no openings." Hawke replied, "Got it." Frank lightly tapped the armrest of the chair. "Being cautious doesn''t mean retreating. We pull back our hands, clench our fists, and gather strength to deliver a stronger blow." Hawke chuckled at that, "Have you ever dabbled in screenwriting?" Frank did not answer and stood to leave. "I''m going downstairs to play some pool with the security on break." ... After he left, Hawke sat down behind his desk and listened to the recording again, contemplating the Tom Cruise situation. After thinking for a moment, he decided to consult Tom Cruise before making any decisions. Hawke dialed Tom''s number. "Tommy, I''ve got some crucial info. It''s not safe to discuss over the phone; you''d better come over quietly." Tom replied, "I''ll be right there." ... As dusk fell, a disguised Tom Cruise entered the Twitter building through a side door and made his way to the fourth floor. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Upon entering Hawke''s office, he quickly asked, "Is this about Kingsley?" "That''s right," Hawke confirmed. "Please, have a seat." Tom laughed. "The media is restless. To say they can deal me a fatal blow is to overestimate them, but these things are particularly annoying." Hawke chimed in, "That''s what women who have turned against you are like; they can''t kill you, but they can drive you crazy." He pulled up the audio. "Listen closely." Tom fell silent and leaned in to hear, quickly recognizing Pat Kingsley''s familiar voice. The subsequent developments were somewhat beyond Tom Cruise''s expectations. Although he couldn''t see the visuals, he knew something was wrong just by the sounds. The old woman was over seventy. Wait, this old woman had been entrenched in Hollywood for nearly fifty years. That changed everything. After the audio finished playing, Tom sat on the chair contemplating for a while. He finally addressed Hawke, "No wonder Pat Kingsley is so devout; I''ve tried to entice her into Scientology countless times, but she''s never bought it. Turns out her devotion has a special reason." After a slight pause, he continued, "Does she attend mass every weekend? How many years has she been preying on others?" Hawke, looking at the morally righteous Tom, asked directly, "Now that we''ve found the key to expose Kingsley, what''s the next step? It''s up to you to decide since you are the main party." "You wouldn''t want to expose this on Twitter, would you?" Tom''s righteous demeanor vanished in an instant. "Hawke, if this gets out, I''m the first one they''ll suspect." He was no ordinary star; he had enough sense to know, "Then the conflict between the Catholic Church and Scientology would unfold, and it would become much more complicated, which doesn''t align with my interests." Hawke had also considered this: "So, Tommy, how this ends up being dealt with is still in your court." Tom didn''t want the situation to spiral out of control. He thought for a moment before saying, "I''ll take the recordings with me for now." Then he reconsidered and asked Hawke, "If I wish to communicate with Pat Kingsley privately to temporarily keep her quiet, would this be sufficient?" Hawke didn''t answer but asked back, "Are you going to use that to meet with Pat Kingsley?" "Exactly," Tom confirmed. Upon hearing the decision, Hawke knew better than to argue; someone like Tom Cruise was notoriously stubborn. He followed Tom''s line of thought and pondered for a moment. "Tell her you''re just releasing the audio, and there are also past videos of her. With that audio, she won''t be able to see the truth clearly." Tom laughed, "Good idea." Hawke added as a caution, "Just be careful; don''t let her corner you." "I will. Even with her daring attitude, she wouldn''t risk taking me on," Tom asserted confidently. "The Church of Scientology has some power in California now, and she has kids; she wouldn''t make such a foolish choice." Hawke pulled out the USB drive containing the audio and handed it to Tom. "A bit of caution never hurts." "Thanks," Tom said as he prepared to act. "I''m off now; we''ll talk later." Hawke stood to see him off, escorting him to the elevator. ... Tom Cruise slipped in quietly and left without drawing any attention. As he drove back to his upscale residence, he immediately had someone call Pat Kingsley to set up a meeting. ... On Twitter''s side, Hawke pulled out another copy and thought carefully. Twitter, being a newer media outlet, didn''t have a strong enough basis for the current situation, so exposing this wasn''t suitable for them. What about Fox News? Compared to Twitter, they were significantly larger and had the capital to take a stand. Though Fox might not air the files or might suppress them, it would still be a possible outlet. Hawke knew there wasn''t much he could do, but he still wanted to help within his means. He took out his phone and called Megan Taylor. "Do you have time tonight? I''m coming over." Megan sounded thrilled at that, "Great! Just come to my house and wait for me. I''ll rush back as soon as I''m done." She loved that exhilarating feeling of impending excitement. "It''s a deal; no backing out!" Hawke glanced at the time. "I''ll head over now and make a late-night snack." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 220: Knives Out [Chapter 221: Knives Out] West Los Angeles, West Olympic Boulevard. Hawke lounged in the bedroom of the villa, comfortable enough to not want to move a finger. With a thud, Megan dropped down onto the soft bed, shifting slightly to rest her head on Hawke''s shoulder. The two of them didn''t say a word but fell asleep with their eyes closed. ... After a long while, Hawke awoke to the sound of his stomach growling and opened his eyes. He noticed Megan was still fast asleep, and without disturbing her, he carefully placed a pillow under her head before getting up to wash his face in the bathroom. When he returned, Megan was awake. "I''m going to grab something to eat. Want to join?" Hawke asked. Megan threw on a robe, "I worked up quite an appetite; let''s go." They made their way to the dining room, where Hawke set out a late-night snack he had prepared earlier. While eating, he mentioned the events of the day, focusing largely on the situation with the Catholic Church and Pat Kingsley. Megan was unfazed. "I''ve heard about this kind of news before; it''s been suppressed by the parish at any cost." Hawke bit into a piece of cold roast. "This Saint Beatrice Welfare School is something else; they have their sights set on the children of illegal immigrants." Megan barely touched her food, grabbing a napkin to wipe her mouth. She brought over her laptop and reached out for a USB drive. "You brought it, right?" Hawke handed it to her. "Give it a listen." The USB drive contained not only audio but also video footage secretly filmed by Campos. After watching it, Megan remarked, "Their grip has already reached the illegal immigrant community." Having finished his meal, Hawke set down his knife and fork. "The church''s welfare school provides food and shelter for free. Those kids lack relatives or have relatives who hardly care, so whatever happens, they just have to endure." Megan continued, "These low costs allow them to exchange help for sizable donations from those charity-minded individuals who need those kids. The church is running this business smarter than Buffett." Hawke said, "As they come through, do they know they are merely disposable materials once they arrive here in America?" Megan, a typical American with her views on Latin America, replied, "Maybe they come here because they see no future back home." This thought brought to mind Campos and Carlos, the former Mexican drug enforcement agents. Staying in Mexico would only bring them death. Megan pulled out the USB and tucked it away. "I can''t make that decision on my own; I need to check with the channel''s higher-ups. If it''s approved, I''d love to expose them." ?????????? Hawke understood her meaning: "Support from Fox is crucial. If Channel 11 doesn''t back you, then this whole thing might as well not exist. We can only ensure our own safety to do more." Megan suddenly smiled. "I''m the deputy director, after all. I have some say in this." "Let''s go, deputy director." Hawke stood and pulled her up. "It''s time to start the second half." Together, they headed to the bedroom. ... Beverly Hills, Mulholland Drive. Pat Kingsley rode in a BMW 7 Series, driving up the road towards the massive mansion that Tom Cruise occupied atop a small hill. The property spread over more than 2.5 acres, and it took several minutes just to drive from the main gate to the front door. The car stopped in front of the house, and Kingsley got out, glancing at the familiar assistant at the door. "Where''s Tommy?" S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The assistant smiled slightly. "He''s waiting for you in his study." Kingsley didn''t need him to show the way; she grabbed her bag and walked inside, knocking on the study door before entering. Tom Cruise was tapping away at his laptop keyboard. "Make yourself comfortable," he said. Kingsley sat directly across from him and coldly asked, "What''s so important that it couldn''t be said over the phone that I had to come here?" Tom Cruise flashed a bright smile, enjoying a moment of confrontation. "I mentioned the church, and here you are, so you know what this is about." Kingsley didn''t believe any information would leak; after all, she had been going to Saint Beatrice Church for over a decade with no issues. Her demeanor remained icy. "Cut the nonsense, Tommy. There''s no way we can coexist peacefully. You still don''t get it; you started this war!" Tom Cruise burst out laughing in anger. "I initiated this war? You''ve smeared my faith through the media, called me gay, and portrayed me as someone who imprisoned Nicole Kidman. Who do you think initiated this conflict?" Kingsley scoffed, "Because you fired me! No one has ever dared to do that before." "Hey, wake up! You''re not the center of Hollywood, let alone the center of the universe!" Tom Cruise could hardly contain his laughter, irritated by this veteran publicist and entertainment manager. "You know what? Your previous public relations manager and current entertainment manager are essentially here to serve stars, earning contracts for them through service." He shook his head with a smile. "What are you thinking? That you can turn stars into slaves? Or worse, become the master of stars like me? You think that''s possible?" Their fallout wasn''t limited to the Oscars; it was fundamentally a conflict about profit and status. Kingsley, being a sharp-tongued woman, said, "You say this to mask your cowardice after failing. Nicole Kidman won an Oscar, and you didn''t. You''re embarrassed; you feel inferior to your ex-wife and see yourself as a failure, yet you can''t even admit it. Instead, you blame it all on me." Her words struck like a sword digging into Tom Cruise''s heart, freezing the smile on his face. Without hesitation, Tom Cruise shot back. He hit the spacebar on his laptop, and a previously opened audio file began to play. Kingsley heard her own voice in the audio and fought to keep herself from smashing the laptop in rage. The words she had spoken just that day were fresh in her memory. Still, it was just sound. Tom Cruise raised a finger, reminding her, "Listen before you talk." Kingsley sat still, saying nothing and making no movements. The sounds of a boy calling her grandmother, trading chocolate, and those unspeakable utterances that followed... All of it was eerily similar to what had happened that day at Saint Beatrice. From the start of the audio to its end, Kingsley remained silent even after Tom Cruise stopped it. His earlier smile returned. "We''ve known each other for twenty years, haven''t we? It''s hard to believe that the always-tough and upright Kingsley has such a hidden side." Kingsley smirked dismissively. "Ridiculous. You slaved away just to catch me talking about funding orphans. Quite a feat for you." Tom Cruise responded, "Apparently, talking about funding orphans is something you want to highlight in a way that gets people to bite on those things. Fascinating." Kingsley''s expression didn''t change. "Just a joke." "Not a funny one." Tom Cruise thought of what Hawke said and used this card. "Just so you know, since the Oscars, I''ve had people keeping an eye on you; what I''ve obtained is more than just audio; there are also videos." He let out a chilling laugh. "You think the church is some safe haven? Many low-level priests and welfare school teachers are also eager for money." Hearing the mention of videos made Kingsley''s complexion change at last. She didn''t believe they could have filmed anything. Still, she didn''t trust that priests or teachers could resist the temptation of Tom Cruise''s money. Unable to contain herself, she shouted, "You can''t possibly have video!" Tom Cruise merely chuckled lightly, not feeling the need to respond. At last, Kingsley couldn''t hold back any longer and asked, "What do you want?" Tom Cruise grasped the initiative, not needing to make specific demands. "You know what I want you to do." Although the man across from her hadn''t made any threatening statements, Kingsley was unwilling to gamble; her losing would mean more than just her downfall. Without her protection and connections, her husband and children''s careers would be severely affected. After a moment of hesitation, Kingsley said directly, "I will halt all work related to you; from now on, we''ll be strangers, and none of us will interfere with the other." Tom Cruise didn''t wish to force things to a breaking point either, merely reminding her, "Don''t forget about Nicole Kidman." Kingsley paused thoughtfully and replied with a nod, "Okay, I''ll handle Nicole Kidman." Tom Cruise clapped his hands. "See? We easily found common ground despite our disagreements." Kingsley stood up, "Hold on to what you have. If it leaks, I''ll show you the madness of an older woman." Tom Cruise spread his hands. "Mind your tone; I''m afraid of sending the wrong email by mistake." Kingsley swallowed her frustration and said, "Sorry, my voice just got a bit loud." She opened the door to the study and left the mansion without looking back. ... Once she was in her BMW, Pat Kingsley finally took a breath and realized she couldn''t be the only one feeling uncomfortable. Pulling out her phone, she dialed Nicole Kidman''s number and said, "It''s me. Urgent matter; find a good place to take this call." Nicole Kidman quickly responded, "Go ahead." Kingsley stated plainly, "Starting tonight, try not to mention Tom Cruise in any situation. All those plans we set before are now null and void." Confused, Nicole Kidman remarked, "Our plans have been going quite successfully; they''ve garnered significant attention." Kingsley casually listed a few reasons, "Times are different; plans have changed. You''re the Oscar-winning actress now, having successfully established an independent female identity. Bringing up Tom Cruise too often will make people frequently recall your past, which could affect your new persona." She elaborated further, "The Church of Scientology has immense power; you know that better than I do. The smear campaign against Tom Cruise that we triggered is starting to spiral out of control. The Church is becoming the damaged party. Just think of Sharon Tate; do you want to be the second one?" Nicole Kidman recalled the former Hollywood star, the ex-wife of Roman Polanski, who had been cut open by a fanatic, and quickly replied, "I''ll listen to you; I''ll avoid mentioning Tom Cruise as much as possible." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 221: Medical Miracle [Chapter 222: Medical Miracle] Since Tom Cruise had taken the audio, Hawke quickly noticed that the negative media coverage against Cruise had significantly decreased. Nicole Kidman also hadn''t mentioned her ex-husband''s name in her recent interviews. It seemed both sides had reached an unspoken agreement. Tom Cruise called Hawke and said, "We achieved our first phase goal. Now it''s time for phase two." With a fee of $3.5 million, Hawke wasn''t about to decline, responding, "I''m drafting a detailed plan and I''ll notify you as soon as it''s finished." Tom Cruise reminded him, "Don''t take too long. Spielberg''s new movie project, that $150 million , will finalize its cast before October. I need to turn public opinion around quickly." Hawke had already started preparing and assured him, "I''ll give you a definite answer in three to five days." The success of phase one boosted Tom Cruise''s confidence in Hawke, as he said, "I''m looking forward to your good news." ... Hawke''s planned phase two aimed not only to reshape public opinion regarding Tom Cruise but also to get Twitter involved, leveraging Cruise''s fame and influence to ignite a new wave of online discourse. He had been contemplating this plan for days, combining it with memories from his past life, eventually selecting a strategy that would suit both Twitter and Tom Cruise. Preparation for this plan had already begun. Hawke made a phone call and waited for Edward to come in, and asked, "Did you find the patients with the disease and the medical institutions?" "I found them," Edward replied, clearly familiar with Los Angeles. He pulled out a stack of documents and placed them on the desk, saying, "This medical institution specializes in treating and researching ALS cases. They currently have dozens of patients hospitalized." Hawke looked through them and realized the institution was the renowned Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, one of California''s most respected medical research facilities. He was somewhat familiar with this place; it was the same hospital where Dwayne Johnson was treated after staging a car accident to secure a role. After reviewing the materials, Hawke asked Edward, "Find a Tom Cruise fan among the patients, preferably a child or a girl, whose wish is to meet Tom Cruise, or to have a photo taken with him, or to get his autograph." Edward thought for a moment and replied, "There are many Tom Cruise fans; it shouldn''t be difficult to find one." Hawke nodded, "For patients in such conditions, survival requires not only courage but also a significant amount of money. If we can bring Tom Cruise to meet the patient, it can help alleviate many financial burdens -- this point needs to be clearly explained to the hospital." "I''ll head over right now," Edward said, preparing to leave the office. Hawke considered it and took the plan book with him, saying, "We should go together." This was an opportunity for Twitter as well. Soon after, Edward contacted Cedar-Sinai on behalf of Twitter. The relevant person quickly returned the call, and both parties agreed to meet in the afternoon. ... After lunch, Hawke rode in a bulletproof Mercedes directly to Beverly Hills. While Edward drove, he scanned the area behind them, realizing that unless one looked closely for an extended period, it would be hard to notice Raul and his crew following closely behind. ??????§°????§§? Twitter''s reputation was still strong, and when Hawke arrived at Cedar-Sinai, Dr. Kurt, the head of ALS research, greeted him. In the meeting room, after brief introductions and pleasantries, Hawke got straight to the point: "Doctor, Twitter is a media company with a social responsibility. Recently, some employees brought up issues faced by ALS patients, so I had my assistant Edward do some community research." Dr. Kurt glanced at Edward; he remembered him from a previous visit focused on understanding ALS patients. Hawke continued, "Through Edward''s research, I noticed that patients'' medical lives and the studies you conduct are facing substantial difficulties." Dr. Kurt knew what to say and immediately displayed his traditional skills: "The main issue is a lack of funding. Without adequate funds, the patients'' living and medical conditions, along with many of our research topics, cannot be resolved." Hawke slightly nodded, "Whether it''s an individual, an institution, or a company, resources are limited. I have an idea: Twitter can collaborate with you to jointly host a media event to raise awareness for ALS patients, encouraging more individuals or charitable organizations to support ALS research." Dr. Kurt, not a newcomer to such discussions, immediately understood that Twitter intended to leverage this situation for media visibility; he was aware of what media was all about. Hawke then went for a big reveal: "Tom Cruise will participate in this event. If possible, can he visit the Cedar-Sinai Medical Center to meet the patients?" "Of course!" Dr. Kurt wouldn''t hesitate; doing so could jeopardize future funding and show a lack of respect for his research team and the patients. He immediately replied, "Let me know how I can assist." Hawke directly asked, "Do you have any particularly devoted Tom Cruise fans among the patients?" Dr. Kurt had a good understanding of his patients and responded promptly, "Yes, many -- Tom is America''s most beloved movie star." "Great, that makes things easier," Hawke said as he presented the preliminary plan he had drafted. Dr. Kurt read it seriously. After discussing for a while, they reached a consensus. Then, Dr. Kurt, along with a few staff members, took Hawke and Edward on a tour of the ALS patient ward. ... Many patients had already lost basic bodily functions -- standing or walking was out of the question, and even eating and drinking presented challenges. Dressed in a suit, Edward accompanied Hawke and Dr. Kurt along the long hospital corridor, his eyes peering through glass doors at the patients without saying a word. The few doctors accompanying them also kept mostly silent, occasionally providing updates on the patients'' conditions. As they continued viewing patient after patient, Edward suddenly realized that his boss''s work, beyond the surface fame and fortune, also concealed a kind-hearted nature towards society. For instance, many of these rare disease patients had been neglected, some with conditions poor not only medically but also economically. If his boss could bring Tom Cruise over to call for public attention, it would undoubtedly help many of them. Edward felt that his boss actually wanted to be a good person. But the society was so twisted that to be a good person, one must often be worse than the bad ones. Otherwise, how could one deal with the evildoers? ... As they exited the patient area, Dr. Kurt told Hawke, "Even though we have tried our best, many patients still leave us; sometimes, we can only lament how unfair fate is towards them." He sighed, "Most patients often can''t last five years, and only a few manage to survive a decade." Hawke said, "Hosting this event is also to try to raise awareness so that they receive more help." Dr. Kurt shook Hawke''s hand firmly, saying, "On behalf of everyone here, I express our thanks." Hawke''s expression turned serious, "You''re welcome." Dr. Kurt escorted Hawke and Edward out. As they walked out of Cedar-Sinai, Edward posed a question that had been on his mind: "Doctor, I have a doubt and I''m not sure if I should ask." Dr. Kurt encouraged, "Feel free to ask." Edward inquired, "As far as I know, some people have lived with ALS for decades and are still alive. Is there something special about the medical techniques here?" Dr. Kurt was momentarily taken aback by this question, then forced a smile: "That may be a medical miracle." Realizing it was probably not appropriate to say, he added, "After all, that''s an exception and doesn''t have widespread research value." Edward said no more and got into the Mercedes with Hawke. ... Returning to the office, Hawke adjusted the plan based on what he observed at Cedar-Sinai and his discussions with Dr. Kurt, calling in Caroline and Sasha to supplement it according to Twitter''s needs. Before the close of business, he called Tom Cruise. Tom was very enthusiastic on his end and quietly arrived at Twitter early the next morning. ... Hawke handed him the complete plan, saying, "Take a close look." Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Given the stakes involved in reshaping his public image, Tom Cruise reviewed it carefully. This plan focused on ALS advocacy and Twitter''s charitable outreach, starting with Tom''s personal involvement. The more participants there were, the greater the benefits he might reap. Tom Cruise raised a few key questions: "Have you made contact with Cedar-Sinai?" Hawke replied, "It''s all set." He handed Tom the information about Dr. Kurt and the fax he''d just received that morning: "They''re getting limited attention and charitable donations, so they''re severely underfunded and will fully cooperate with us." Tom Cruise reviewed everything meticulously; having learned a lesson from Pat Kingsley, he wanted to avoid any missteps again. "Do we need to establish a charitable foundation?" he asked. Hawke emphasized, "This time, we''re only seeking visibility and reputation; the charity''s accounts will be fully transparent and open to social scrutiny." Tom understood Hawke''s intent: "That''s fine. You can be assured that with my income, I won''t touch that money." With his wealth sprawling into the hundreds of millions, Tom Cruise certainly had the confidence to back that up. As for Twitter, they were aiming for online traffic and societal attention. Translating this interest into revenue could far exceed the amounts typically donated to charity. After Tom Cruise thoroughly reviewed the plan and contemplated his decision, he affirmed, "Let''s proceed as per your plan." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 222: Cant Drop the Ball [Chapter 223: Can''t Drop the Ball] On Ocean Park Avenue, at the Twitter office building, Caroline and Sasha arrived with their assistants at a small meeting room. Once they entered, they discovered that in addition to Hawke and Edward, there was also Tom Cruise sitting there. Both assistants felt a bit excited; after all, the biggest star in Hollywood for the past twenty years was right in front of them. Caroline gave a strict look toward them, and the assistants immediately quieted down. Hawke was flipping through a notebook in front of him when he looked at Edward and said, "Please brief us on the basics." Edward turned on the projector, and the Twitter interface appeared, showing the list of accounts they followed. It was the official Twitter account of the Cedar-Sinai Hospital''s ALS research institute. Edward stated, "The institute released the video as planned." The group turned their attention to the newly registered Twitter account, where there were over ten tweets primarily introducing ALS and related studies. According to Hawke''s request, they even shared videos showcasing the daily treatments and lives of ALS patients. The goal was to make everything flow as naturally as possible. Although anyone paying attention would know that this was a carefully orchestrated operation once it started, they needed to create the impression that it was spontaneous to the public. Edward clicked on a video featuring a teenage girl with ALS. The girl was unable to stand but remained strong, brimming with a desire for life, and tried hard to make a victory gesture toward the camera. In the video, she spoke, "I have many dreams yet to fulfill. I want to go to Yellowstone Park, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Caribbean, but my body won''t allow me to. I also want to take a picture with my favorite movie star -- I really like Tom Cruise, but unfortunately, I can''t go see his movies in person anymore." Hawke realized that the institute was not very familiar with using Twitter and had forgotten to @Tom Cruise. He pulled out his phone and called Dr. Kurt directly to briefly explain the situation. Soon, the institute posted again, tagging Tom Cruise''s official Twitter account with a tweet featuring the girl''s video. Tom Cruise logged into Twitter on his laptop. Hawke reminded him, "Just wait a moment." Tom Cruise nodded, "Sure." Hawke then asked, "How are we preparing on the media side?" "I''ve gathered contacts for dozens of media outlets that are based in Los Angeles," Edward replied. "As soon as Tom makes a public response, we will ready the news for release." Without needing to ask, Hawke knew that the Savior had contracted this job out to his informers. Edward had staff to handle matters as well. To ensure their commitment, the economic incentive needed to be compelling. ... As the meeting approached its end, Tom Cruise made a public response on Twitter. He liked and shared the tweet from the Cedar-Sinai ALS Institute and began drafting a comment. Of course, such a public statement was beyond Tom Cruise''s writing skills. Hawke had Caroline draft it for him. "I''ve got this," Caroline said with a smile, showing her small incisors. She quickly tapped away on the keyboard, mimicking Tom Cruise''s speaking style, crafting a short tweet. After Tom Cruise approved it, she sent it out. The tweet simply expressed Tom Cruise''s concern for the girl and the ALS community, promising that he would make time to visit them at the Cedar-Sinai Hospital as soon as possible. Caroline explained, "The simplest and most straightforward language works best here." Hawke agreed, saying, "Make sure it hits the trending news section." ... Sasha and Caroline each got busy. By noon, news about Tom Cruise had entered the trending news section on Twitter. The headline was highlighted in red: "Tom Cruise Likes and Shares ALS Girl''s Tweet, Promises to Visit Hospital." This news was algorithmically pushed in front of many people, and thanks to Tom Cruise''s massive fanbase accumulated over the years, it steadily climbed up the trending news list. Tom Cruise''s tweet began to be widely shared, especially by his fans, who spanned multiple generations and demographics. It was no exaggeration to say his popularity was universal across old and young alike. ?§Ñ£Î?¦¢?? After years of hard work, this superstar had almost dropped the ball a few times but managed to bounce back, with his long-established fan base playing a crucial role in that recovery. ... Before Twitter''s business day wrapped up, Tom Cruise asked Hawke, "When am I going to the Cedar-Sinai Hospital?" Hawke replied, "Wait a day. Traditional media takes too long to respond; we need to give them some time." Tom Cruise considered this and agreed. Today''s news could be immediately published on Twitter, even without the platform needing to be there personally -- users would upload content directly to Twitter. Television stations couldn''t keep up with Twitter''s speed. Traditional paper media was even slower, often taking until the next day to publish. ... The next morning, many entertainment media outlets published articles regarding Tom Cruise''s Twitter activity. The once-overlooked Cedar-Sinai ALS Institute suddenly received interview requests from over ten media outlets. The superstar''s influence was clearly evident at this moment. Hawke had previously discussed this with Dr. Kurt, and the institute temporarily declined all interview requests. Edward''s team sprang into action. He called Michael and the ugly trio of DaShawn and others. The four of them spread out across Los Angeles, making calls to various entertainment media news hotlines, providing news tips. The content was naturally that Tom Cruise would be visiting the Cedar-Sinai Hospital soon to meet with the loving fan suffering from ALS. Media who received the calls showed great interest. Tom Cruise''s news would always draw attention once it appeared in the media. ... Under the night sky, Michael, a Black man on a motorcycle, arrived at the designated parking lot to meet Edward. From a distance, he waved and called, "Savior, over here!" Edward quickly walked over and asked, "Did it go smoothly?" Michael pulled out some cash from his pocket and said, "I made a few hundred dollars from a dozen phone calls. It was so easy!" A few months ago, he had crashed his motorcycle into an orange sculpture of Covina, earning more back then but at a higher cost. Edward chuckled, "Working with my boss is not just about making money; it''s also about making it through legitimate channels." Michael nodded eagerly and asked, "You called me over for something else?" Edward pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to Michael, saying, "No rush right now. I might need your help soon, but after we wrap up this job, I need you to find out about this woman." Michael glanced at the paper. The streetlight was dim, and he could only make out the name at the top: Maria Collins, with a note about a daughter named Dorothy beneath it. Finding people was no big deal for him: "I got it." Edward reminded him, "Wait until I finish this task first." "Understood." Michael hopped on his motorcycle and rode off. Edward got in the car and returned to Twitter, ready to accompany Hawke to Cedar-Sinai Hospital the next day. He needed to get some rest for the night. ... On a regular morning in August, journalists from nearly thirty media outlets gathered at the Cedar-Sinai ALS Institute. Channel 11 of Fox Television even brought their broadcast truck. At the entrance of the institute, Dr. Kurt stood with his team, waiting for the agreed guest to arrive. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just after 9:30, an ordinary business van pulled up outside the institute. Tom Cruise opened the back door and stepped out with his assistant. Dr. Kurt immediately approached and shook Tom Cruise''s hand. Flashes from cameras lit up the scene. Inside the van, Hawke looked out at the tinted windows and told Edward, "Let''s go to the side entrance." Edward steered the vehicle to the side, and the two got out of the business van, changed into the prepared volunteer vests and ID tags, and through Dr. Kurt''s assistant, they quickly blended in with Tom Cruise and his group. ... Tom Cruise was a competent actor. When he first entered the institute, he appeared relaxed. However, once Dr. Kurt began showing him around the wards, he became increasingly serious, displaying a somber expression after visiting a few patients. Tom Cruise then went to meet the fan in the hospital room and fulfilled her dreams of taking a photo and getting an autograph with him. He also encouraged the girl to bravely fight her illness. With a pre-agreed script, combined with Tom Cruise''s acting skills and star power, the atmosphere of the event was particularly warm. The girl was so moved that she began to cry. Tom Cruise consistently cheered her on, like a hero suddenly appearing in her life. Not only Hawke, the planner, but also the media personnel present, as well as Dr. Kurt and others, all knew that this was a show. Yet, they also knew that such a performance could help these patients. The doctors and patients at the institute were very cooperative with Tom Cruise''s visit, having been informed of the plan in advance by Hawke. As far as the visiting segment was concerned, it deserved full marks. ... At the conclusion, there was a donation ceremony, where Tom Cruise donated DVDs of all the films he had starred in, along with a charitable fund. This was typical for such events. Everything appeared to be well arranged. But Hawke had prepared a twist. Just in front of the institute, at the end of the donations, Tom Cruise faced the cameras of numerous media reporters and, recalling the script Caroline had written, said excitedly, "Just under an hour ago, a 12-year-old girl told me she would not give up, even if all she could do was blink to express her thoughts! Such strength is admirable!" He looked at Dr. Kurt and the others, "Here, I see that everyone wants to help them. The doctor told me that illness may freeze their bodies, but it cannot freeze hope! We are their hope, and hope comes from the caring and assistance of more people!" At a critical moment, Tom Cruise didn''t forget the script and continued, "My power alone is limited, but I am willing to step up to help them, to bring them more hope. I have decided to establish an ALS charity foundation, a completely open charity foundation, to assist all ALS patients!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 223: Ice Bucket Challenge [Chapter 224: Ice Bucket Challenge] In Hollywood, many celebrities'' promises for charitable donations were no different than empty words. Figures like Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks, and George Clooney had repeatedly made headlines for their false pledges. Commitments they publicly announced were often abandoned right after, as if their mouths were looser than their belts. What they said about charity was nothing more than lip service -- definitely don''t take it seriously. The public''s trust in celebrity charitable donations was far lower than that in wealthy socialites'' gifts. Tom Cruise, whether motivated by future collaborations with Steven Spielberg or to turn around the negative media publicity he had faced over the last six months, had no qualms about spending some money. With Hawke''s urging, he announced the establishment of the ALS Charity Fund after declaring it as an open charity foundation at the ALS Research Institute. He quickly stated that they would hire PricewaterhouseCoopers to handle the corresponding financial issues, allowing the public to monitor the fund''s operations at any time. This showed a clear stance and position. ... In a Twitter conference room, Tom Cruise sat at one side of a long table, looking quite spirited as he said, "I donated $2 million to the charity foundation as seed money." He then added, "It''s not much, and it won''t do too much." Hawke took over, "That''s why the next plan is crucial. The current media narrative reversal is only temporary. What we need to do is ensure that your positive reputation can be sustained for a longer period." Tom Cruise had already gone through the entire plan several times before and asked, "Next up is the Ice Bucket Challenge, right?" "Exactly. You''ll launch the Ice Bucket Challenge on Twitter, selecting three friends from your circle to participate in this event. When the ice water is dumped over their heads, they''ll experience a brief feeling of muscle paralysis," Hawke explained. Tom Cruise began contemplating suitable candidates. Hawke continued, "The rules are simple. When you post the Ice Bucket Challenge video, @ three friends'' accounts. The invitees either have to accept the challenge within 24 hours or donate $100 to ALS." Tom Cruise understood the key point, "So three tag three more, and it spreads out further like viral marketing?" "That''s pretty much it," Hawke emphasized. "Tom, you''re the initiator and the creator of the ALS Charity Fund. As long as the campaign is spreading, you''ll stay in the public eye, continuously receiving positive public opinion." Tom Cruise laughed, "I have to admit, Hawke, you''re a genius!" Hawke replied directly, "You, the ALS patients, and Twitter will all benefit." "Starting from Twitter, stirring up excitement on Twitter," Tom Cruise marveled. "Your business strategy skills far exceed Pat Kingsley''s." Hawke didn''t respond directly and instead asked, "Have you thought of your candidates yet?" Tom Cruise had considered it and said, "I''m picking people from different industries. Let me know if this works for you." He listed, "In sports, I have a great friendship with English soccer star David Beckham. I plan to invite him to join Twitter, using Beckham to help spread the Ice Bucket Challenge in the European soccer scene." Hawke completely agreed, "He''s a great choice." Tom Cruise added, "The second person I want to approach is Arnold Schwarzenegger. Although our interactions are minimal, we''re on familiar terms. Arnold can pass the baton to the Hollywood circle and social elites. As for the third person..." He looked at Hawke, asking, "Are you interested?" Hawke shook his head, "Twitter''s under a lot of scrutiny; I''d rather stay behind the scenes." Tom Cruise wasn''t one to push, choosing a suitable person, "Next, I''ll go with Brian Ferguson, a rising star in politics." Hawke shrugged, "As long as he''s on board." Tom Cruise was action-oriented, stating, "Let''s get this prepared while the momentum is still strong. No need to go elsewhere; we can do it right there on your Twitter building''s rooftop, which is perfect for your team to help me shoot." Hawke nodded slightly, "I''ll arrange that right away." ... Tom Cruise pulled out his phone and called David Beckham and Arnold Schwarzenegger. David Beckham, who was in Madrid, Spain, hesitated when he received Tom Cruise''s call but was prompted by his wife Victoria to agree fast since she hoped Tom could help her expand her business in the U.S. £Ò???????¨¨? As for Arnold Schwarzenegger, it was unnecessary to mention; political figures always needed to put on a show. How could he miss such an entertaining spectacle? Twitter was quick to prepare; ice water arrived as the filming crew set up cameras on the rooftop. Tom Cruise invited Hawke to join him upstairs. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Not just Hawke, but others like Edward and Caroline also came up to watch the action. Tom Cruise changed into a blue casual shirt, approached the camera, checked the weight of the ice bucket, and confirmed he could lift it without issues. Hawke crossed his arms and stood in the shade, saying, "First, explain the basic rules, then initiate the challenge." Tom Cruise nodded, "Sure." He waved the cameraman away, saying, "I''ll start the recording myself to show more sincerity." The cameraman stepped back. Hawke signaled for everyone to step away from Tom Cruise''s noticeable presence. Tom Cruise started the camera, sat beside the ice bucket, quickly and efficiently explained the rules of the event, then poured the ice water over his head. The transition from the hot August weather to the cold sent a shiver down his spine. After completing the challenge, Tom Cruise switched off the camera. His assistant handed him a blanket. Hawke pointed to the camera and told Caroline, "Take care of that." Caroline nodded, said nothing further, and had the assistant take the camera downstairs. ... Once Tom Cruise changed clothes, everyone gathered back in the conference room to review the captured video. Tom Cruise himself posted the challenge on Twitter, tagging David Beckham, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Brian Ferguson. Shortly thereafter, Twitter directly released related news and featured it on the front page of the news section. "Helping ALS Patients, Tom Cruise Launches Ice Bucket Challenge!" Clicking on the news led to Tom Cruise''s complete Ice Bucket Challenge video. ... Just after its release, the video sparked intense reactions on Twitter. Ever since his visit to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, various media outlets and fans had been keeping tabs on Tom Cruise. After he launched the Ice Bucket Challenge, the comment section was flooded with praise. "Tommy has always been a socially responsible star, and this proves it yet again." "He doused himself in cold water but warmed the hearts of the entire community." Tom Cruise''s tweet was widely shared, and by that evening, the retweets had already approached a million. The momentum of this event quickly drew the attention of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who, before nightfall, publicly released his Ice Bucket Challenge video via Twitter, tagging three others to take the baton. In Europe, David Beckham promptly followed suit, using his newly opened Twitter account to post his challenge video. He tagged three people, including his wife Victoria, for the relay. The next morning, Brian Ferguson also shared his Ice Bucket Challenge video. As the list of tagged individuals grew, more and more people joined the challenge. Some opted to take on the challenge, while others chose to donate $100 to the ALS Charity Fund. Within just a few days, the activity spread across North America and Europe, with a flood of celebrities using Twitter as their platform to release their Ice Bucket Challenge videos. Many even chose to donate while participating in the challenge. ... The impact of the event expanded dramatically, drawing in even individuals who hadn''t been tagged.This movement, initially in the entertainment and sports circles, found its way into the tech and business arenas. Within a week, Bill Gates, Sergey Brin, Larry Page, and Elon Musk all joined in. Well-known soccer players from Europe, stars from North America''s four major sports leagues, and celebrities from Hollywood and the pop music scene flocked to participate. To take part, people needed to join Twitter and register an account. Thanks to the influence of these celebrities, the Ice Bucket Challenge gained incredible traction, and Twitter saw a surge in traffic. Tom Cruise''s launch of the Ice Bucket Challenge led to over 350,000 people completing the challenge in just ten days. This wasn''t just a charity event; it gradually evolved into a nationwide ice bucket celebration under the guise of charity. While the inclusion of numerous celebrities diluted Tom Cruise''s individual topic relevance, this Hollywood superstar saw a considerable turnaround in public opinion. The media''s negative coverage lessened significantly, while discussions surrounding his Ice Bucket Challenge were filled with vibrant praise. ... Tom Cruise also put his promises into action; before the end of August, he collaborated with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center to hold the first press conference for the ALS Charity Fund, announcing its inaugural donation of $18.95 million, which would be allocated for ALS medical research and improving patients'' medical and living conditions. The scale of this event continued to expand, even reaching the Oval Office, where the president also accepted the challenge. The prolonged buzz surrounding the Ice Bucket Challenge undeniably benefitted Twitter. For Twitter, this transcended being just an Ice Bucket Challenge; it became an Ice Bucket extravaganza. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 224: The Hatred After the Couples Fallout [Chapter 225: The Hatred After the Couple''s Fallout] The ice bucket challenge, spearheaded by Tom Cruise and fully promoted by Twitter, was in full swing. Twitter conducted an initial summary meeting. In the conference room, Hawke directly asked, "How long can we expect this hype to last?" The CTO, Harland, pushed up his glasses and replied, "In the early stages of the event, we developed a data model that suggests this level of excitement can be sustained for about ten more days. After that, we''ll enter a decline phase, with influence decreasing approximately every ten days, until it automatically concludes in about two and a half months." "Good, that''s better than I expected," Hawke said, turning to the Operations Director, Caroline. "How are the user stats looking?" Caroline quickly responded, "We currently have 38.41 million registered users, and we anticipate that the total could exceed 40 million by the end of this event." She paused slightly before adding, "In the past week, daily peak active users have all surpassed 28.4 million." Hawke nodded, clearly satisfied. Despite its growth, Twitter had seen a slowing user increase compared to its explosive early days. This was a natural trend. At that moment, Sasha chimed in, "There have been over 14.6 million tweets about the ice bucket challenge, with relevant videos reaching 510,000. It has impacted 57 countries and regions, making it one of this year''s most successful social movements and an iconic internet event." These figures provided the most direct market feedback from the ice bucket frenzy. Caroline added, "In this situation, we, Tom Cruise, and ALS patients achieved a win-win-win." Hawke concluded, "We ultimately reached our set goals." ... North of Los Angeles, Glendale, DreamWorks headquarters. Once ambitious about rivaling the major players in Hollywood, DreamWorks, after the split of its founding trio -- Spielberg, David Geffen, and Jeffrey Katzenberg -- had lost much of its former grandeur, and even the lot felt significantly emptier. Even so, the live-action film department led by Spielberg remained one of Hollywood''s key production forces. The preparatory meeting for the project had just concluded. Producer Kathleen Kennedy followed Spielberg into his office, saying, "We need to make a decision about the lead actor soon; the overseas investors are watching. If we don''t secure a sufficiently convincing star for the role, it might affect their investment." Spielberg, sitting in his office chair, asked, "Is Tom Cruise trying to pressure me with all the recent positive media coverage surrounding him?" Kathleen, who had worked with him for over twenty years, replied candidly, "I can''t say for sure if it''s pressure, but Tom''s public image has certainly improved a lot compared to earlier this year. The media and public''s attitude toward him has flipped 180 degrees." "I''ve seen the ice bucket challenge as well," Spielberg said. Although he hadn''t participated, everyone in Hollywood was buzzing about it. He had heard multiple times about it and even noticed that some of his adopted children recorded a challenge video. He shifted focus, "That Twitter company collaborating with Tom Cruise is intriguing." Kathleen Kennedy, due to her involvement with the film, had done some research: "It seems that Hawke Osment, the founder of Twitter, orchestrated the ice bucket challenge, which turned around the public opinion troubles Tom experienced over the last half year, allowing him to regain public approval." Spielberg suddenly felt interested in checking out Twitter. He opened up his nearby computer and, while waiting for it to boot up, said, "My biggest concern was Tom''s public image issues, his faith, and the continuous backlash from women''s organizations. If those issues aren''t resolved, it could impact our movie." Kathleen chimed in, "Now, all those issues have been resolved by Twitter''s Hawke Osment." With the problems taken care of, Spielberg decided to take advantage of the situation, saying, "Let Tom Cruise know that we''ve solved our technical matters and we can move forward with negotiations for the lead role." R????????? Kathleen responded, "I''ll call him right away." After she left, Spielberg patiently registered a Twitter account, finding it much easier to navigate than he expected. The tutorials were simple, and it was user-friendly. He attempted to send a tweet, tagging his adopted daughter, Mikaela. This young girl, currently under ten, had a dream of becoming a strip club dancer and an adult film star when she grew up. ... Beverly Hills, Mulholland Drive. In a luxurious kitchen, Tom Cruise stood in front of the oven, removing his thick oven mitts and tossing them onto the table as he set the timer. He looked at the chef and said, "Let me know immediately when the timer goes off; I need to take the cake out myself." The chef replied, "I''ll notify you on time, in twenty-five minutes." Satisfied, Tom Cruise stepped out of the kitchen. ... Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just then, an assistant rushed over, saying, "Tommy, I just got off the phone with Kathleen Kennedy. The technical issues with the crew have been resolved, and now she and Spielberg can continue talks." "Technical issues?" Tom Cruise scoffed, shaking his head. "These guys really know how to make excuses." Previously, they had clearly expressed their doubts about collaboration due to his declining influence and the surge of negative publicity surrounding him. In the industry, it was common for people to kick someone while they were down, even big directors and major productions. Tom Cruise, however, wasn''t bothered by that. He replied, "Reply to her that I will visit DreamWorks tomorrow for a face-to-face meeting." The assistant hurried to make the call. ... Tom Cruise pulled out his phone and personally called Hawke. When the call connected, he said, "It''s me. I have good news. Spielberg reached out to me and wants to continue discussions about the lead role in . We did it." On the other end, Hawke congratulated, "Congratulations, Tommy! You''ve secured another lead role in a top-tier production." Tom Cruise was in high spirits, chuckling as he replied, "I''ll be heading to Twitter this afternoon, and I''ll bring a gift." Hawke said, "You''re always welcome." ... After finishing the call with Hawke, Tom Cruise''s assistant approached him, indicating that Kathleen Kennedy wanted to speak with him. They talked on the phone for another while. Not long after, the chef came out from the kitchen to remind Tom Cruise that the time was almost up. Tom Cruise hung up the phone and returned to the kitchen, donning his thick oven mitts. He took the baked cake out of the oven, bringing over cream and chocolate sauce, and, with the chef''s help, made a white chocolate coconut cake from scratch. This had always been a special way for him to acknowledge friends. In the past, he usually reserved such gestures for Christmas. But today, in honor of Hawke, Tom Cruise decided to break that tradition. ... Century City, CAA Headquarters. Nicole Kidman, carrying a bag and walking in high heels, clicked her way into Pat Kingsley''s office. She plopped down on the sofa and complained, "A contact at DreamWorks just called me. Spielberg is restarting his collaboration with Tom Cruise." Kingsley felt a headache coming on at the mere mention of that name and advised, "Nicole, try to stay calm. Tom is a top-tier star, and it''s entirely normal for Spielberg to work with him." Nicole Kidman''s expression darkened considerably: "What about everything we''ve done over the last few months? You used media resources to expose his dirty laundry, while I did everything I could to tarnish his image, dragging him into the opposition between women and freedom. Was all of that for nothing?" The real reason Kingsley couldn''t say out loud, so she could only make up an excuse, "I never expected Twitter would so easily turn Tom''s reputation around." "Twitter!" Nicole Kidman recalled the still-ongoing ice bucket challenge and remarked, "It''s all Twitter''s doing behind the scenes for Tom." That thought struck Kingsley. Considering Twitter''s close collaboration with Tom Cruise, all those prior endeavors Tom had initiated could be linked to Twitter. If Tom had already known about those connections, he wouldn''t have held back until now. On the contrary, Twitter had earlier exposed scandals involving stars like Will Smith and Kobe Bryant, establishing a troubling precedent... The more Kingsley thought about it, the more she felt this was related to Twitter. Noticing her lapse into silence, Nicole Kidman asked, "Pat, are we just going to sit back and watch? Shouldn''t we do something?" Kingsley raised a hand to interrupt, "Hold on, I need to understand the situation with Twitter first." That feeling of hatred that came after a couple''s fight made Nicole Kidman long to see Tom Cruise fall into an abyss from which he could never rise again. She felt equally negative toward Twitter, which was helping him out. While Nicole Kidman might no longer have the backing of her ex-husband, she was supported by major players behind the scenes. With an Academy Award under her belt, the media had been singing her praises, giving her plenty of confidence. This cunning Australian woman''s mind raced quickly, and she soon came up with an idea, stating, "What they care about most is the ice bucket challenge, which is currently trending. Should we take advantage of that?" ... Meanwhile, Hawke welcomed Tom Cruise to Twitter. This Hollywood superstar brought with him a homemade cake as a token of appreciation for Hawke and the Twitter team. "Try this, everyone, please give it a taste." In the conference room, Tom Cruise handed out slices of cake to everyone, including Hawke, Edward, Sasha, and Caroline, and didn''t forget to add, "I made this myself." Hawke took a bite and found it overwhelmingly sweet. He pulled Tom Cruise aside for a chat, saying, "The second phase target was completed; now we move on to the third phase, primarily focusing on film production and finding a new girlfriend..." Tom Cruise laughed, "I can handle the third phase independently." With that, Hawke had no objections. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 225: Human Wave Tactics [Chapter 226: Human Wave Tactics] Under the night sky, in the parking lot of Venice Beach, Frank set up a barbecue grill. Fat dripped onto the glowing charcoal, sizzling away. Hawke took a generous handful of lamb skewers, skillfully brushed oil and seasoning on them. The mouth-watering aroma of the marinated meat instantly filled the air. "Alright, you''ve learned my five-star barbecuing skills!" Across from him, Frank took a big swig of beer and gave Hawke a thumbs up. "Just don''t add that chili powder; I can''t handle it." Edward chimed in, "A skewered meat without chili has no soul." Frank shot back, "That''s something only a fool who''s fit for fried chicken would say, so shut it." Hawke, annoyed by their bickering, suggested, "Either you both help out with the grilling or zip it." The two finally quieted down for a moment. Once all the skewers were perfectly grilled, Hawke placed them on a stainless-steel platter and set it on the table. Frank picked one up, took a bite, and remarked, "Barbecue made by a future billionaire sure tastes different." Edward opened a can of beer and poured some for Frank, saying, "A future billionaire personally pouring you a drink." At that moment, Frank felt invigorated, as if he had returned to Hollywood''s glory days. Hawke pulled him back to reality with, "A toast from a future billionaire to a past billionaire." Frank''s enthusiasm dimmed instantly, and as he clinked glasses with Hawke, he advised, "Stay focused on being good to your wife in the future, or you''ll end up like me." Edward, taking a page from Caroline''s advanced tactics, jumped in before Hawke could respond, "That''s because your brother is lacking; my boss is the acknowledged king of the lamp post!" Those words made Frank involuntarily eye the lamp post beside them, which stood over ten feet tall, a few feet in diameter, looking quite intimidating. If one had such a background, dealing with an ex-wife or ex-girlfriend would be a piece of cake. Hawke grabbed a can of beer and poured some for Frank, toasting him again. "I haven''t had a chance to thank you for your help with Kinsley." Frank perked up again, curiosity winning over. "Still the same as before?" Hawke emptied his cup, adding, "I don''t know how she was before, but she''s tangled up with St. Beatrice Church and St. Beatrice''s Welfare School over the kids." Frank understood immediately. "Hollywood hasn''t changed over the years; it''s always been that mess." Edward recalled hearing the tape of Kinsley. "They always say Compton is the crime capital of Los Angeles. I used to think the same way, even felt inferior for coming from there. But after being with my boss these past two years, I found Compton''s crime rates are negligible compared to the stuff those wealthy and famous play with." ??N?£Â?? "You seem to have a bit of sense." Frank offered an unusual compliment to the Savior. He added, "It''s only with money, power, and resources that one can commit more heinous acts in this lawful society. Wandering the streets with an AK, you only end up killing small fries, and within minutes you''ll get shot dead yourself. How much commotion could that really cause?" Hawke asked, "There must have been similar scandals in the Catholic Church before. Has anything ever surfaced to completely expose them?" "Never, never at all." Frank shook his head. "Their sins have been known for centuries, but they never confront it, preferring to take care of the ones who pose problems rather than actually solving the problems." Edward suddenly had an idea. "What if we can make Kinsley stir up some trouble and then get her taken care of?" Frank raised a skewer, pointing it at him. "You planning to make her cause trouble? Once she gets taken care of, they''ll get rid of you too!" "Those scumbags, especially the ones who pretend to be saviors, are revolting." The real Savior was quite displeased with the false pretenders. "Just thinking about it makes me want to puke." As the conversation grew heavy, Edward suddenly found the skewers a lot less appetizing. Hawke and Frank didn''t know what to say. At Fox 11, Megan hadn''t communicated anything either. It was clear that Fox was reluctant to poke that hornet''s nest. After a while, Hawke suggested, "If all else fails, we''ll launch a human wave tactic." This was also considering that Campos''s crew, the kids exposed by the church, hailed from Latin America. Frank inquired, "What human wave tactic?" "How many media outlets are there across America? Excluding the small ones, there are probably at least a few hundred influential ones." Hawke had resolved Tom Cruise''s issue and could pivot his thoughts elsewhere. "When you factor in Europe and Australia, we could muster about a thousand media outlets and send people to the more chaotic places in Latin America, shooting them emails." Frank caught on. "You believe there will definitely be a hero among them?" Hawke self-deprecatingly remarked, "Can''t have all the media being as opportunistic as us and ignoring the ethical issues." Frank shook his head. "The mainstream media is even more shameless than you think." The three men continued their barbecue and drinks, engaged in casual chatting. ... On the opposite side of Venice Beach, quite a few night owls roamed around. Private detective Coulson put on a pair of flip-flops and strolled by the edge of the beach, using the parking lot''s floodlights to catch a glimpse of the three men from afar. There were photographers around, shooting night scenes, and he raised the camera hanging from his neck, pretending to take pictures of the beach and parking lot, seemingly ignoring the target amid a hodgepodge of snaps. With the crowd and numerous people taking pictures, ordinary Coulson didn''t attract any attention. He settled down on an empty roadside bench, reviewing the photos he had taken with his digital camera, quickly locating two shots focusing specifically on his target. The long lens captured the image clearly: three people, two young men and one older man. The younger two were Hawke Osment and his trusted aide, Edward Connor. The older man was somewhat unfamiliar but didn''t matter much. ... In the parking lot, Raul and Guti stood by the car, one smoking while the other sat on the high concrete steps, occasionally surveying the area. In such a bustling location, they could only afford the most basic protective measures. Raul took a swig from his water bottle, commenting, "I can''t shake this weird feeling that someone''s watching the boss." Guti lifted a pair of binoculars for a closer look. "I can''t find anyone, but I feel it too." This feeling was odd; there was no evidence, yet it stemmed from the valuable experience garnered from battles with drug traffickers back in Mexico. Sometimes, it was even a crucial key to survival. Raul pulled out a newly equipped miniature walkie-talkie, calling out to Morentes hidden in the shadows: "I feel like someone''s spying on the boss; keep an eye out, and don''t expose your position." S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Morentes replied from the dark, "Got it." Guti then stood up, pacing around the beach parking lot. Not long after, they hadn''t spotted anyone, and the feeling of being watched faded away. Raul quietly informed Hawke and Edward. Since they couldn''t pinpoint anyone specific, the matter eventually drifted off. But Hawke remained cautious, paying more attention to their safety. ... After eating their fill of barbecue, the three prepared to leave. Frank turned to Edward, saying, "I heard you''ve been staying at the company lately? Perfect timing, come play a few rounds of pool with me." With Tom Cruise''s job finally wrapped up, Edward still wanted to find time for his next target. "I''m busy processing a lot of affairs, I can''t play." Frank asked, "Busy squeezing watermelon juice?" Edward had had enough of Frank''s tongue tonight and shot back with a deadly strike: "I''ve got someone checking on your ex-wife''s information." "You dare!" Frank''s eyes widened like saucers. Edward shook his head. "Look, you''re getting anxious again." Hawke couldn''t be bothered with the two, picking up a phone call. "Where are you?" On the other end, Erica replied, "Just turned onto 20th Street, I''ll be there shortly." With the night filled with unrest, Hawke had barely drunk anything, giving Edward and Frank a wave as he headed toward the parking lot. Edward followed up from behind, saying, "Boss, I have a new target in sight." Hawke casually asked, "Who?" "Remember Miller Collins?" Edward reminded, worried he might''ve forgotten. "The ex-football receiver who once harassed Eric. His ex-wife, Maria Collins, is now divorced with a daughter; I hear she''s really nice." Hawke wasn''t surprised in the least; the Savior noted everything down for future use. He waved it off: "Go for it, just don''t let it impact work." As they arrived at the parking lot exit, they waited just a few minutes when a red Mercedes G-Class pulled up to the curb. ... Hawke hopped into the passenger seat, directing Erica to drive. Erica inquired, "Have you been drinking?" "A little beer." Hawke admired her pretty profile. "Just wrapped up Tom Cruise''s engagement, scored quite a bit of cash, and Frank helped a lot; the Savior and I treated him." "How big is a big score?" Erica feigned curiosity to boost her boyfriend''s ego. Hawke answered candidly, "Three point five million dollars." Erica gasped, "You hit the jackpot!" Hawke knew most of her excitement was an act, yet it still felt good. "I''ll get you a gift later." "No need to wait." Erica said earnestly, "Give it to me tonight." That was nearly a clear hint. ... Once back at the 20th Street villa, Erica pushed Hawke into the downstairs bathroom, telling him to clean off the barbecue smell. She dashed upstairs to the master bedroom, quickly showering and changing into form-fitting white attire topped with light-colored pants, wearing no undergarments. When Hawke finished his shower and stepped out, he found Erica standing in the living room, a bucket of water at her feet. Curiously, he wondered, "What game are we about to play?" Erica picked up a porcelain bowl, filling it with water while slowly pouring it down from her white shirt collar. "I''ve never tried the ice bucket challenge before." Who could resist such temptation? ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 226: Determined to Win [Chapter 227: Determined to Win] Santa Monica, Hawke and Edward entered the safe house and met with Campos, who was waiting for them. When Campos saw Hawke, he handed over several photos. "Fiona found a girl named Irene at Caltech," he said. Hawke took a look at the pictures. The girl in the photos was about eighteen and very pretty. Campos continued, "According to Fiona''s discreet inquiries, Irene started dating an off-campus boyfriend earlier this year. The boyfriend sometimes drove to the school apartment on weekends. According to those who saw him, he resembles Guerrero, the guy who committed suicide." Hawke had not yet figured out how to trigger this incident and said directly, "Let''s keep a long-term watch; for now, don''t alert her." He asked another question: "What''s the situation over at St. Beatrice Church and the Welfare School?" Campos replied, "On the surface, everything seems the same as before. Garcia and I went in with Kingsley, and it felt like their security was much tighter than before." Hawke hesitated momentarily but said, "Check it out, but don''t make contact with the church. We can investigate through the children. The last boy Kingsley was with came from Guatemala, which indicates they have used Latin American children more than once." He took this approach for the sake of Campos and his team. People were not emotionless animals. The Butterfly Consulting Company, also from Latin America, would certainly have its own perspective on this. Campos perked up. "Boss, this is our specialty. We know exactly where to start." Hawke nodded. Most of the elite from Butterfly Consulting had previously worked as police in Mexico. Campos was smart and considered many aspects: "If we do uncover something, what then?" Hawke replied, "Find someone to go to Brazil or Colombia, keep changing locations, and send emails to the world''s media." "Got it," Campos said. This kind of task was not difficult for him. ... After leaving the safe house, Hawke felt inexplicably lighter. Even Edward had started whistling a cheerful little tune. Campos had close ties with the Mexican immigrants and would soon find some clues. Feeling a rare moment of downtime, when Hawke returned to the office, Edward came over to ask for time off. Hawke freely granted him leave. Thinking about the promise made with Erica last night, he planned to go practice shooting in the afternoon. Before he could reach out to Erica, a call came in. Emma Batson, the broker representing BlackRock''s San Francisco office, wanted to visit in the afternoon to discuss investment matters again. Hawke had to cancel his original plans and spent some time scrolling through Twitter in his office. His focus remained on the Ice Bucket Challenge. As more people participated, unexpected incidents began occurring. Some faced electric shocks, while others, like the bullies from Cleveland, doused their classmates with ice water mixed with cigarette butts, mud, and vomit. The latter caused quite a stir on Twitter. Hawke thought for a moment and directly forwarded the video to Tom Cruise. Incidents involving school bullying could not be entirely prevented. ... Venice, Manhattan Beach. The afternoon sun shone brightly. Edward drove his Audi A8 to the beach and turned into the parking lot, quickly spotting Michael, who was riding a motorcycle. ?????????£Ó Michael, head wrapped in a scarf and looking gloomy, stared longingly at the bikini-clad beauties on the beach across from him. Edward strolled over casually and asked, "Where are the girls?" Michael pointed to a group of girls gathered nearby and said, "Over there. See the long-haired woman in the orange bikini? The one with the best figure, that''s Maria Collins. The girl in the green polka dot swimsuit next to her is her daughter, Dorothy." He added, "I made sure to check; today is Dorothy''s class beach day." "Beach day?" Edward adjusted the rearview mirror of the motorcycle, checking out his stylish look. "I love this swimsuit day." Michael looked puzzled. "Savior, you''re in the high-income class now, with so many beautiful women in Los Angeles. Why look for someone older who''s divorced and has kids?" Edward tapped the handle of his motorcycle. "You don''t understand the appeal of women in their age group. They''re not comparable to those inexperienced girls. No matter what you want, they''ll be willing to cooperate and make it happen. Understand what emotional value means? A woman in this age group can help elevate your emotional value to new heights." Michael stood firm. "I still prefer younger women; eighteen is the best." ... Not wanting to debate further, Edward grabbed his beach bag and headed toward the changing room. After changing into his swim trunks, he admired his tanned physique in the changing mirror. Over the past year, he had spent a lot of time working out and training with Hawke. While he might not have been extraordinarily muscular, the definition was noticeable. Outside, a commotion ensued. Edward put on his beach shoes, hurried out, and quickly located his target, ignoring Maria Collins in a bright red bikini, surrounded by men vying for her attention. His gaze fell on Dorothy. As someone experienced in this area, Edward knew that once he won over the child, getting close to the mother would be easier. He patiently waited for an opening instead of rushing in. Children were always full of energy, and that energy in a crowd could sometimes lead to instability. Finally, Edward saw his chance. Dorothy and another girl ran toward the water, laughing and playing, unaware of a beach vehicle barreling toward them. The crowd scattered, and Dorothy fell on the sand, while her friend ran off. Edward rushed forward, grabbing her arm, shouting, "Come on! Hurry!" When Dorothy looked back, she saw the vehicle zoom past, nearly on the spot where she had just fallen. Edward urged her onward: "This place isn''t safe; let''s get to higher ground!" Dorothy lost her shoes but held tightly to Edward''s hand until they reached the steps at an outdoor shower station. He paused to ask, "Are you hurt?" Gasping for breath, Dorothy took a while to catch her breath before replying, "I''m okay." She looked up at Edward and shyly said, "Thank you for saving me." "It was nothing, just a little help," Edward waved off, then asked, "Where are your parents?" Dorothy snapped back into reality. "Right, my mom. Where''s my mom?" Amid the chaos on the beach, the beach vehicle had finally come to a stop, and many parents were searching for their children. Dorothy spotted Maria in the crowd and waved, "Mom! Mom!" Maria, tall and leggy, followed the sound, quickly jogging over to embrace Dorothy. "Sweetheart, you scared me!" "I''m okay," Dorothy quietly pointed at Edward. "This gentleman saved me. If it weren''t for him pulling me up and bringing me here, I would have been hit by that vehicle." Wearing a bikini, Maria genuinely thanked him, "Thank you, thank you for helping Dorothy." Edward smiled, "Just a bit of help, no need to mention it." Maria had a number of African American friends from her ex-husband''s team and didn''t mind him at all; in fact, she thought he looked quite handsome when he smiled. Edward played it cool and gestured to Dorothy. "She''s safe now; she''s in your hands. Goodbye." Maria quickly called out to him, "Wait, you can''t just leave like that. You saved Dorothy..." The two sides pulled together and ultimately walked toward the changing room. When Edward emerged from the changing room in designer attire, he exuded a confident demeanor befitting his executive role at Twitter, even driving out in the latest high-end Audi A8. He perfectly embodied the image of a successful man. It was worth mentioning that attire and cars could effectively reduce the communication costs between people. When Maria and Edward met up again, they successfully exchanged contact information. She even invited him out to dinner to express her gratitude. ... At Twitter, in the fourth-floor reception room. Emma Batson''s second formal meeting with Hawke ultimately failed to reach an agreement. There was an irreconcilable difference between BlackRock and Twitter on a crucial issue. The former demanded that the latter maintain a consistent stance on significant social issues, but Hawke could never agree to that. Since there was no basis for cooperation, continuing the conversation seemed pointless. Emma Batson excused herself and headed downstairs. ... Hawke stepped out of the reception room and into his office, standing by the window, watching the business car start its engine below. Would BlackRock try other means to achieve what they couldn''t at the negotiation table? Hawke made no speculations but focused on prevention. He made a call, saying, "Have someone follow Emma Batson around the clock." Business matters were never solved solely through business means. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Inside the traveling business vehicle, Emma Batson took out her phone and dialed Douglas. "I didn''t handle the work as best as I could. I tried every way to convince Hawke Osment to cooperate with BlackRock, but he finally refused." Douglas was mentally prepared for this. "They ultimately rejected BlackRock''s goodwill." Emma stated bluntly, "Because of our differing positions." Douglas understood the implication and replied, "My private jet is leaving for Los Angeles in two hours. You wait for me at the hotel, and once I arrive in L.A., we can discuss it further." "Sure, I''ll be at the Beverly Hilton," Emma provided her room number without hesitation. Douglas acknowledged and hung up the phone. In recent times, Twitter had generated considerable reactions worldwide, and its influence was visibly growing. BlackRock was determined to achieve their goal. This was closely tied to the turnaround plan that BlackRock and Vanguard International had devised for the donkey party. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 227: The Marginalized Program at BlackRock [Chapter 228: The Marginalized Program at BlackRock] Beverly Hills, Hyatt Regency Hotel. Douglas Coster, from BlackRock''s San Francisco office, entered a business suite accompanied by two assistants. Emma Batson was already waiting there. After entering the conference room, they began discussing the investment matters concerning Twitter. Emma candidly stated, "Twitter and Hawke Osment weren''t opposed to receiving investments from BlackRock, but the condition was that BlackRock wouldn''t interfere with Twitter''s operations. Twitter needed to maintain sufficient independence." She paused for a moment before adding, "Hawke Osment also proposed a dual-class share financing structure, where he controlled the voting shares, while other investors would only have dividend rights..." Such conditions were absolutely unacceptable for BlackRock. Douglas said bluntly, "He''s being overly optimistic. It would take at least more than a billion dollars, and if Twitter''s stance doesn''t align with BlackRock''s, that investment would simply fail." Business discussions weren''t solely about finances; they also involved a series of related matters. Emma hadn''t finished her thoughts yet: "On other fronts, such as increasing the number of minority and female employees at the company, all of these clauses were strictly rejected by Hawke Osment." Douglas took note of this and asked, "Did he provide a reason?" Emma replied, "He said it would interfere with Twitter''s independent operations." Douglas lightly tapped his fingers on the armrest of his chair, contemplating the implications. This situation involved future strategic plans for both BlackRock and Vanguard International. Since the mid-1990s, both investment companies had developed rapidly. However, after the Democrats lost the election and that Republican from Texas took power, their rapid growth was affected by policy and political environments. Take California, a deeply blue state, where the Democrats had been repeatedly thwarted. For BlackRock and Vanguard International, both of which leaned blue, regaining a foothold in rapid development was critical for restoring Democrats'' absolute advantage. The two companies partnered with several think tanks in Washington, setting up a program targeting marginalized groups. Their strategy involved leveraging media, entertainment, and business to promote the feminist movement to a new stage. They aimed to bring marginalized groups -- minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and addicts -- into mainstream society, granting them more voice and representation. These individuals had previously been overlooked by society. Their feelings of marginalization fueled a stronger desire to activate and a more proactive voting attitude. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The votes of normal people are votes, and the votes of these people are also votes. Moreover, the enthusiasm among these groups for voting was far higher than that of the general population. In business terms, BlackRock devised a future plan to establish a comprehensive marginal group assessment system. To secure investment from BlackRock, companies had to achieve high scores within this evaluation system. For instance, the proportion of female, LGBTQ+, and minority employees would be key assessment criteria. Although this plan had yet to be fully implemented, BlackRock''s engagement with Twitter was its first serious attempt, and the response had been a stark rejection. Douglas frowned, knowing that even for this strategic initiative to unfold, he needed to push the Twitter acquisition forward powerfully. A poor kid from Wyoming thought he could directly challenge BlackRock? After contemplating for a moment, he said to Emma, "Continue maintaining formal communication with Twitter. Let Hawke Osment know that BlackRock will continue to increase its offer and won''t back down easily. He needs to understand BlackRock''s position." Emma, acting as an intermediary, responded, "I will." "I''ll be staying in Los Angeles for a while," Douglas said as he stood up to leave. "If anything comes up, just call me." Out of respect and courtesy, Emma escorted him to the hotel exit and personally opened the car door for him. Douglas nodded slightly as he got into a Cadillac Escalade. ... Across the street, Carlos retracted his long-focus camera and said to Juan in the passenger seat, "Remember the license plate." Juan held a DV camera in his left hand, capturing images through the windshield, while writing down the license plate number with his right. Carlos grabbed the vehicle''s intercom and instructed, "The target vehicle is a black Escalade; follow it closely and ensure you''re not noticed." As the Escalade pulled away from the hotel, the Ford vehicle didn''t move immediately. Trailing behind the Escalade was another van, carrying a muscular bodyguard. Carlos and his team were experienced at tracking; they soon activated their vehicle and began pursuit. ... The black Escalade drove northeast, quickly reaching the southern part of Burbank and entering Universal Studios. Douglas Coster exited and headed straight to the headquarters of Focus Features located within Universal Studios, where he met the company''s founder, James Schamus, and his long-time collaborator, Ang Lee. ???????£Â?S? The newly established film company was in the process of planning a gay-themed film project that completely aligned with BlackRock''s strategic plan. A film foundation under BlackRock was ready to get involved in the investment and production of the film. For BlackRock''s strategic planning, Hollywood was undeniably the best platform for promotion. James Schamus offered Douglas a screenplay for adaptation, a short gay novel called Brokeback Mountain written by Annie Proulx. Douglas, lacking expertise in either literature or filmmaking, made only one request: "I can provide you with a sufficient budget, but the film must have a competitive edge at the Oscars, aiming to win at least one of the following prestigious awards: Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, or Best Picture." Ang Lee remained silent, recalling how he''d lost Best Director for a few years prior. With a financial backer behind him, he certainly wanted to try again. As for the hidden agendas of the backers, he wasn''t concerned or bothered. This type of business collaboration was simply about mutual benefits. James, quite courteous, replied, "BlackRock''s support was critical for the establishment of Focus Features. We will certainly do our utmost for this film project, especially for . However, winning key Oscar awards for a film that focuses on LGBTQ+ themes requires not just hard work, but also a touch of luck." Douglas didn''t believe in luck: "The key to winning Oscars often boils down to finances. In recent years, Harvey Weinstein has dominated the Oscars; the secret to his success? It''s all about spending money on PR." He looked intently at James and Ang, adamantly stating, "Gentlemen, this film holds exceptional significance for BlackRock and for America at large. I need it to make an extraordinary impact." Seeing that the financier was willing to be generous, James had little to argue about and readily agreed. Douglas added, "Furthermore, the film foundation under BlackRock will implement a long-term investment strategy in Hollywood. Topics around black rights, women''s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and other minority themes will be prioritized for investment. Do you understand?" Such projects were not unheard of in Hollywood. James seemed to envision a new path for film production and quickly replied, "We''ll handle these matters at Focus Features." After discussing various points with the two, Douglas departed from Focus Features and made his way to visit Burbank. According to BlackRock''s plans, the entertainment industry, specifically the movie sector, combined with traditional media and emerging online media, could form a perfect ecosystem. Emerging online media, of course, pertained to Twitter. Now, the ecosystem was missing one crucial element. ... In San Francisco, Bay Area. At the office of Clarium Capital Management, Peter Thiel stared at his computer screen, watching a live news feed on Twitter. Across from him, his college classmate and friend, Reid Hoffman, with whom he had co-founded PayPal, was also focused on a laptop. The screen displayed the same content: videos of the Ice Bucket Challenge. Like many others in Silicon Valley''s tech scene, the two had participated in this viral challenge. Peter asked, "How is the Twitter social media platform?" "Very usable," Reid Hoffman replied, having used Twitter for several months now. "For interactivity, entertainment, media, and ease of use, you can''t find a second one like it online." Peter said, "Forget LinkedIn. Join my investment team, and let''s invest in Twitter together." LinkedIn was also a social media platform, but its size and functionality could not compare to Twitter. Reid was a well-known angel investor in Silicon Valley: "This company has risen rapidly, so quickly that I lost interest before I even decided to join LinkedIn ." He voiced his concerns: "There have been numerous examples online of platforms or sites that skyrocketed to fame only to fade away just as quickly." However, Peter had faith in Twitter: "I''m investing in Twitter not just for the company, but also for its founder, Hawke Osment." Over the past few days, he had frequently contacted Brian to learn more about Hawke, even conversing with him directly. "For instance, the incidents like the Kobe Bryant event and now Tom Cruise''s Ice Bucket Challenge have made Twitter a focal point of Internet attention. Hawke Osment has skillfully turned these events into gripping, high-ratings shows." Reid had been following along with the action through Twitter: "It certainly has been interesting." After pondering for a while, he asked: "Investment requires the right timing. I''ve heard that BlackRock''s San Francisco office has been working to engage with Twitter." Peter Thiel chuckled: "That''s why I''ve been waiting. I didn''t rush in." Investments had to align with personal interests and maximize benefits: "BlackRock has significant influence and is not afraid to use various means to pressure Twitter. They''ll surely force Hawke Osment to compromise." Reid immediately understood: "We''ll come in as saviors when Twitter and Hawke Osment are in a critical position, rescuing him and Twitter to obtain the best outcome." Peter Thiel snapped his fingers: "Now we just need to sit back and watch the show unfold." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 228: Find a Relative for Hawke [Chapter 229: Find a Relative for Hawke] In the office, Hawke took the flash drive Edward handed him and connected it to his laptop to review the photos and videos taken by Carlos and Juan the previous day. Most of the footage came from outside the Beverly Hilton Hotel, featuring a middle-aged white man. Emma Batson personally opened the car door for this man, indicating his significance. At that moment, Edward said, "Carlos and the others followed him discreetly for a day. This man left the Hilton and went to Universal Pictures, visiting the newly formed Focus Features. After that, he headed to Burbank to meet with Disney and Warner Bros. He is currently staying at the Burbank Hotel." "Clearly, he is an important figure," Hawke responded. "Have you figured out who he is?" Edward shook his head. "Carlos and his crew couldn''t reach the higher-ups. They didn''t dare inquire at the hotel for fear of alarming him, so they still don''t know." ... Hawke needed to determine who the man was. He picked up the phone and directly called Pacific Investment Group. When his future mother-in-law, Mary Ferguson, answered, he said, "I have a person here who might be connected to Emma Batson, the female intermediary I mentioned, who is possibly from San Francisco. Could you help confirm his identity?" S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Regarding work matters, Mary Ferguson didn''t offer any unnecessary commentary. She simply said, "Send me the photos and videos." Hawke edited the photos slightly and sent them to Mary via encrypted email on Twitter. It wasn''t long before Mary called back, stating, "I know this person. His name is Douglas Coster, head of the BlackRock Investment Group''s San Francisco office. He''s in Los Angeles, likely related to Twitter." Hawke inquired, "Is there anything more specific?" Mary thought for a moment and replied, "I''ll gather more detailed information on him. I''ll be at Twitter in an hour. We can discuss it in person." ... After hanging up, Hawke noticed Edward grinning happily. This guy had been acting like he was on cloud nine for the last few days. Curious, Hawke asked, "Did you meet someone special? Tell me about it." Edward, sitting across from him, beamed as he said, "I started dating Miller Collins'' ex-wife." Hawke recalled, "Maria Collins, right?" "Exactly," Edward elaborated. "A few days ago, I saved her daughter, Dorothy, at Manhattan Beach. It was a formal introduction. She invited me to dinner that night, and I invited her back yesterday. Everything''s been going smoothly." Hawke teased, "You saved someone? It isn''t some cliche hero story, is it?" Edward quickly denied it. "No, not at all! Though I was watching them, I didn''t cause the incident." His dark face wore a knowing smile. "Miller Collins was once our adversary. I thought if I could win over his ex-wife, it might bring some emotional value to you, boss." Hawke couldn''t help but chuckle. The guy might not be a hero, but his loyalty was undeniable. Edward continued earnestly, "Sadly, while Miller Collins has become a homeless man, he''s still very much alive. No dancing on his grave." Hawke thought of Robert Downey Jr. and observed a moment of silence for him, then said to Edward, "Miller Collins has become a homeless man?" "I heard it from Maria during dinner," Edward summarized. "She mentioned that Miller''s assets were mostly awarded to herself, and he had to pay her and their daughter significant alimony every month. With no sufficient income, he chose homelessness instead." He remembered the location. "Like Frank, Miller has an RV parked at the Ackerman Charity Foundation''s back lot." Hawke nodded slightly and casually mentioned, "Let''s invite Eric and check it out together." Director Eric Emerson was Miller Collins''s victim. ... As the time approached, Hawke went downstairs and waited a moment in the lobby before Mary Ferguson walked in with her assistant. They went upstairs to the conference room to discuss. Mary handed the materials she had to Hawke, saying, "Douglas studied at Stanford Business School. After graduating, he was recommended to join the Blackstone Group by former Governor Gray Davis. Later, when BlackRock split from Blackstone, he left Blackstone to join BlackRock. He became the president of the BlackRock Los Angeles office over six months ago, overseeing all of BlackRock''s business dealings in California." ???????????§¦? Hawke''s focus wasn''t on the public records. He asked, "Have there been any incidents of casualties or criminal charges related to the acquisition deals he handled?" "More than once," Mary replied, eager to convey her findings. "Last winter, BlackRock faced resistance from the founders of a company in Silicon Valley they were investing in, resulting in an immediate IRS investigation, which led to BlackRock completing the investment below market estimates." She had evidently used her resources to investigate further. "BlackRock invested in a mining company in Wyoming, which is now under FBI investigation and has shut down." At that, Hawke couldn''t help but inquire, "Could it be related to the attack Erica and I encountered?" Mary affirmed, "Yes, Douglas was responsible for BlackRock''s dealings in Wyoming at that time." "An old acquaintance," Hawke recalled, remembering that group of gunmen. Mary then added, "There''s been a development. Remember I mentioned the future development pathway designed by BlackRock and Vanguard International for the blue camp? It has been approved by the Donkey side." She sounded especially serious. "While we don''t know the specifics yet, this plan reportedly involves media, entertainment, and finance, aiming to ignite society''s enthusiasm for marginalized communities and equality movements, linking them to financial investments." Hawke grasped the implication immediately. "Douglas came to Los Angeles and visited the heads of different production companies at Universal and Burbank. Their plan might leverage Hollywood to spotlight issues concerning marginalized groups and the black and women''s rights movement via Hollywood films." Mary added, "And the media; they have always held a strong position there." As she spoke, she became increasingly aware of Twitter''s importance. "Twitter holds substantial influence among young people. His goals on this trip also pertain to you and Twitter." Hawke nodded, emphasizing, "This plan is formidable as it aligns with current social trends. Once the marginalized movement gains traction, it could flip the script on the downturn of the last few years and spark a new social wave." Mary stated, "I''m planning to head to Woodland Hills." Hawke understood the significance of Woodland Hills; it was the home of Erica''s grandparents. He escorted Mary downstairs and, upon returning, instructed Edward, "We''re staying at the office for the next few days. Notify security chief Austin that the security level of the company is being raised to the highest." Edward immediately called Austin and then returned to the office, retrieving a handgun to carry with him. ... At the Burbank Hotel, Tim drove a Cadillac, turning into the underground parking lot, taking the elevator straight to the top floor''s business suite. Two bodyguards stood at the elevator exit. Upon seeing Tim, one of the black men said, "Hold on, the boss is on the phone." Tim patiently waited outside the door. After about ten minutes, the suite door opened, and someone waved him in. Douglas pointed to the sofa opposite him. "Sit down, let''s talk." Once Tim settled, Douglas asked, "How are things looking on your end?" "I moved in diagonally across from Hawke Osment''s villa, making it easy to monitor his comings and goings," Tim detailed the recent activities, emphasizing, "I found Miller Collins. He hasn''t been mentally stable since his release; any slight provocation can turn him into a ticking time bomb." His hired help, Coulson, had been preparing for this. "The private detective we''re working with has been posing as Miller Collins'' fan during this time, frequently assisting him and has earned his trust." Douglas was somewhat pleased with Tim''s groundwork. "Get ready to activate this pawn." Tim, being his confidant, questioned, "Didn''t the negotiation work out?" Douglas slowly shook his head. "No reason to continue negotiations. I''ve made preparations on other fronts; someone will be coming from Wyoming soon." Tim did not fully understand. Many tasks still needed Tim''s execution, so Douglas briefly explained, "During our previous dealings in Wyoming, we had some indirect communications with Hawke Osment and Erica Ferguson. I''ve looked into Hawke Osment''s family and couldn''t find anyone with a direct blood relation, but that can be manufactured." They were experienced in such fabrications. "A distant relative of Hawke Osment from Wyoming will arrive in Los Angeles soon, and several people will testify to his familial connection to Hawke Osment." Tim chuckled, "With that paired with legal proceedings, we can''t lose." Douglas stated flatly, "Even though the governor of California has changed, the blue team remains unchanged." In the plan to acquire Twitter, BlackRock had already gained support from former Speaker Willie Brown among others, and their people would be positioned from prosecutors to judges to inspectors. Tim still had some doubts and spoke up, "Sir, there''s something that must be taken seriously. I''ve learned that Hawke Osment trains three times a week, possesses strong combat skills, and has teamed up with his girlfriend Erica Ferguson, taking down 21 armed criminals. While there were advantages to their location, they should not be underestimated." With a company like BlackRock, their methods and personnel were much more extensive than what was openly displayed. Douglas took a moment to consider. "Deploy a specialized team just in case." Tim now felt more confident. "What time are we initiating the plan?" "Your work can get underway now," Douglas decided decisively, "Wait for the specialized team to arrive, look for an opportunity, and deliver a decisive blow." He glanced at another assistant, "Prompt Wyoming to hurry along and ensure they bring evidence and witnesses." The assistant swiftly made the call. Tim didn''t linger much longer, exchanged a few more words, and quietly left the Burbank Hotel. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 229: The Demolition Expert [Chapter 230: The Demolition Expert] In Burbank, a very ordinary Cadillac cruised down the street and turned into a nearby multi-story parking garage. The car drove up to the top level and parked. Hawke, who was wearing makeup, but still seated inside the car, picked up binoculars to observe the Burbank Hotel across the street. Edward, also with make up, pointed to the top floor of the hotel. "Douglas is staying in the only luxurious business suite. Betty is trying to sneak in as a hotel staff member, while Carlos and Juan have disguised themselves as guests, temporarily staying on the floor below." It was almost certain that one of Douglas''s objectives during this visit was Twitter, and Hawke wasn''t going to sit idly by. He had already made the necessary arrangements to keep an eye on this executive from BlackRock. The glass windows of the luxurious suite were all treated with special film, and even with his high-powered binoculars, Hawke couldn''t make out anything inside the room. Edward continued, "The Burbank Hotel has an underground parking garage with tight security. It will be challenging to track who has visited Douglas." S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Seeing no fruitful outcome ahead, Hawke signaled for Edward to drive away. This newly acquired Cadillac was also bulletproof, but Edward noted that it felt like the steering wheel was off, raising concerns about the car''s tuning. He remarked, "Boss, that old Mercedes drove better." Hawke waved his hand dismissively. "We slipped out quietly; we can''t drive that car." Edward glanced back at the Burbank Hotel. "This way?" Hawke quietly responded, "For now, let''s just keep track of his movements without drawing attention." ... In Hollywood, at the Ackerman Outreach Center, Tim arrived in a Cadillac and noticed many people waiting for their meals. He gently honked, and Coulson came out and waved at him. The two cars left the busy area in line and parked at an empty space along the roadside. Coulson quickly climbed into Tim''s car and said, "I''ve got the people; they''ll be here soon." Tim looked towards the outreach center and noticed some medical vehicles pulling up. He asked, "Are you sure this will shake him up?" "Of course," Coulson confidently assured him. "Since our first visit, I''ve come by almost every day with wine and food. I''m his last fan." His confidence stemmed not just from those visits. He pulled out a small plastic bag. "Miller Collins lost his mind after losing his divorce case and has been homeless for a while now. He got hooked on these. He tried the high-purity stuff I gave him, and now he can''t escape it." "Nice work, buddy!" Tim praised. Coulson''s phone rang, and he quickly answered it. After a few exchanges, he opened the passenger door. "He''s at the parking lot now. Let''s go clean out the RV." "Let''s move." Tim waited for him to get out before he turned the car around, quickly heading back to the outreach center and arriving at the back parking lot. ... Tim parked and saw a tow truck positioning itself in front of Miller Collins''s dilapidated RV. A few municipal workers in yellow vests were negotiating with Miller, who was agitated and shouting, grabbing attention from passersby. This place was no stranger to the homeless, and a large crowd of locals formed around the parking lot to watch. Several Mexicans who worked part-time as street informants even pulled out their phones, snapping photos of Miller and the scene. Miller was no longer the star receiver for the San Diego Chargers; his life as a homeless man, combined with alcohol and drugs, had almost obliterated his once-strong physique. Municipal workers led him aside, showing him legal documents as they prepared to tow away his only possession -- the RV that had seen better days and passed through many hands. ... Coulson arrived just in time, parking his car and rushing over to Miller, engaging seriously with the municipal staff. However, he couldn''t stop the tow truck from taking away the RV. ??????¦¯?§¦???? Worse still, the municipal workers demanded payment for overdue parking fines. Coulson stepped in to cover the fee for Miller. Once the municipal staff and the tow truck left, Miller sat on the ground, his already weary face now devoid of all hope. He glanced at Coulson, who held a bag, and resignedly said, "I can''t pay you back." Coulson retrieved a water bottle and handed it to him. "Forget about paying me back." Miller, feeling like a mere shell of himself, opened the water bottle and took a sip. "Just go; don''t come bother me. I''m not that receiver anymore." "No, you''ve always been my favorite superstar; that hasn''t changed," Coulson insisted. "You can recover; I believe in you." He reached out to help Miller up. "You don''t have a place right now. Why not stay with me for a few days?" Miller shrugged indifferently as he followed Coulson. ... They both got into the car, and Coulson drove towards the home he had already prepared in North Hollywood. While driving, he asked, "What do you plan to do next?" After a brief outburst, Miller''s response was blank. "Just take it one day at a time." That wasn''t the state Coulson wanted for him. He passed an intersection and said purposefully, "You''ve moved past your issues with West Coast Studio. Let it go; get back on your feet..." Sure enough, upon hearing West Coast Studio, a flicker of anger crossed Miller''s blank face, and he exclaimed, "I never wronged those bastards, yet they set me up and ruined my reputation with that kind of stunt!" Coulson followed up, "I checked that place you mentioned at West Coast Studio. The building on Fountain Street has been locked up tight; I haven''t seen that guy you mentioned, what''s his name again?" The name of that bastard was etched in Miller''s mind: "Hawke Osment!" "Right, Hawke Osment." Coulson continued, "I heard a while back that Hawke Osment and West Coast Studio moved out earlier this year. Some people said he started that trendy social media site, Twitter." He spoke casually, as if chatting with a friend. "I read in the newspaper not too long ago that Twitter now has over 30 million users, with the Silicon Valley companies valuing it at more than a billion. That bastard Hawke Osment got incredibly lucky and became a billionaire in no time." Miller raised his head, his eyes filled with a newfound spark. "That bastard is going to be a billionaire?" Coulson nodded vigorously. "That''s what the papers say. Who would have thought that a paparazzi invading people''s privacy would end up with such an opportunity?" Miller fell silent, his head down, but the glimmer in his eyes turned into resentment. He remembered vividly that he had never provoked Hawke Osment or his West Coast Studio, yet that bastard had schemed against him, causing his downfall in the way he enjoyed the most -- ruining his life. To top it, he had collaborated with Fox Television to falsely accuse Miller of planning to silence him. As a result, his connection with the old Dwarfs'' Gang was wiped out by the LAPD, and he ended up in prison. Miller was absolutely certain that his current situation was all thanks to Hawke Osment''s machinations. ... Coulson parked in North Hollywood, called Miller to get out, and entered a standalone house with a small yard next door. Miller shoved his hands into his pockets, his expression dark. The interior of the house was somewhat messy, but Coulson tidied up a bit, placing the bag on the coffee table. "Make yourself at home, grab a bite if you want." Miller sniffed, seeming uncomfortable, and asked, "Do you have any more?" Coulson sighed. "I''ll go find something for you." Before he left, he specifically cautioned, "There are many things I used for work lying around here, so don''t mess with them. I do demolition work, and there might be some explosives I''ve left behind." Feeling terrible, Miller waved his hand. "Relax, I won''t touch your stuff." Despite his words, once Coulson stepped out, Miller couldn''t help but look around. He soon stumbled upon some intriguing items on a shelf. Though he had never used them, he recognized them from movies and TV -- tiny detonators. When Coulson returned, Miller pointed at the detonators, curious, and asked, "What are these for?" Coulson casually replied, "I''m a demolition expert and often do controlled demolitions. Sometimes I bring work home to study. These detonators have a small yield and won''t pose any danger as long as they''re not connected to C4." He handed Miller a small plastic bag. "This is all I have." Miller accepted it without hesitation and started enjoying them right away. In a moment of euphoria, he asked Coulson a bunch of questions about detonators and C4, even following him to check out the C4 stored in the tool shed. Later, under Miller''s strong insistence, the two brought along the detonators and C4, headed to the wilderness, where they crafted some homemade bombs and blew up some fish in a valley. This plastic explosive was nearly foolproof to use. Even with Miller''s mind corroded by drugs, he picked it up quickly. Coulson had to go to work every day, so he left Miller with a cheap Toyota Corolla. ... Miller found himself with a new objective, possessing just one thought in his mind: He absolutely couldn''t let that bastard who ruined him become a billionaire! Miller found a flimsy reason to remember his enemy and get back on his feet, asking Coulson to gather all the information related to Hawke Osment. Coulson gathered plenty of reports about Twitter, even providing some photographs. Miller Collins almost etched Hawke''s face into his memory. ... One day, while having dinner together, Coulson mentioned something -- Hawke Osment was going to attend an event in Covina, a satellite city of Los Angeles. Miller took note, quietly searched for Covina''s location, and found out what was going to happen there. He followed Coulson''s method, dug out the stored C4 and detonators, and prepared some homemade bombs for delivery. ... Hawke received an invitation from Brian Ferguson to visit Covina and see his governance achievements firsthand. The newly elected mayor had delivered on several promises since taking office, earning high support from the citizens. Before the election, Brian partnered with AT&T to bring fiber optics to Covina. After taking office, he actively raised funds, renovating all the roads in Covina, including public streets in the plantation and processing plant areas, significantly improving the traffic conditions of the small satellite city. The broadband internet and transportation upgrades also boosted the local citrus industry, giving Covina a refreshing new vibe. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 230: I Am the Savior [Chapter 231: I Am the Savior] In East Los Angeles, Covina. As Hawke walked down Central Avenue, he gazed at the newly paved asphalt and caught a whiff of the faint odors in the air. He said to Brian, "The efficiency is impressive. It''s only been a little while since I last came here, and it''s already changed so much." Brian accompanied Hawke as they moved forward, adding, "For a newcomer in politics, reputation is crucial; maintaining the trust of the voters is vital." The two made their way toward Citrus Square in the middle of Central Avenue. Along the way, every citizen they encountered greeted Brian. The newly elected mayor was currently in a honeymoon period with Covina. Hawke remarked, "So, according to you, after the beginner period, reputation becomes unimportant?" Brian shrugged. "In politics, lying is a basic skill. A politician who can''t even lie is simply unfit for the job." He had a certain confidence about him. "This society is so realistic. Politicians'' promises can be influenced by various factors, and there will always be times when they can''t fulfill those commitments." Hawke didn''t argue back as they approached Citrus Square. Behind them, Edward drove a bulletproof Mercedes, keeping a steady distance while his eyes darted around, occasionally sweeping over passing pedestrians. Brian glanced at the Mercedes and said, "Keeping the car and bodyguard close always? The more wealth you have, the more cautious you become." Hawke responded, "In the past, I had nothing to lose, so I wasn''t afraid. Things are different now. Besides this life, I have a lot of money. If I die with money left unspent, wouldn''t that be a waste?" Brian looked like he found that quite reasonable and said, "Don''t worry, Covina has always been safe." Suddenly, the cursed-cult leader chimed in with an eerie tone, "We can''t have street battles in a place like this." "Shut up!" Hawke snapped back, anger flaring in him as he gave a serious warning, "How many times have I told you not to say things like that, especially coming from you?" Brian raised his hands in surrender. "Erica isn''t here; what''s the big deal?" Hawke shot him a cold look. "I''m worried about your big mouth! Brian, the Harbinger of Doom!" As they spoke, they arrived at Citrus Square, where the Citrus Festival was set to take place next week. Brian stood by the roadside, pointing at the square. "This time, I contacted fifty vendors to come to the Citrus Festival; it''s going to be the largest in Covina''s history." "Not bad at all, that''s a real achievement," Hawke casually mentioned. "It could help win further support in the district." Brian asked, "Should we host an online event on Twitter?" Hawke thought for a moment. "Have someone approach Twitter to discuss it." ... Some workers dressed in overalls, either carrying packaging bags or holding barrels, passed by from a distance and began busily preparing in the square. A few of them eyed Hawke and Brian closely. ?¨¢N?£Â?£Ó They appeared to be working but huddled together, whispering to one another. One burly man wearing a hard hat pointed at them with a tool and said, "Do you see those two? The young man in the sports attire is our target, Hawke Osment." Another man nearby took off his hard hat to breathe easier, exposing a shiny bald head. "Boss, if you shoot him from behind here, he''s dead." "Don''t act recklessly. This isn''t Colombia; it''s Los Angeles," the burly man warned. "We''re the backup plan, not the first line of attack. We only take action if the first plan fails." Another bespectacled man understood. "The first plan is safer?" The burly man scoffed. "If we do it that way, they''ll have a grand explanation for the social media fallout. They''ll face much less pressure." "For me, it''s all the same; it''s just $150,000," a tattooed man with paint splattered on his face stood up, looking like a mercenary preparing for a jungle war. "Hawke Osment equals $150,000." Suddenly, a voice crackled through the burly man''s earpiece. "Boss, that jerk has a bodyguard following him, and it''s not just that Mercedes." On a nearby scaffolding, a man wearing a sun hat observed from above and reported, "A Ford has made four passes. I absolutely won''t mistake it; it''s the same car." The sun-hat-wearing man was the sharpest observer in their crew, and the burly man believed his judgment. He replied into the mic, "Keep an eye on that car." ... At the intersection where the citrus sculpture had been removed, Miller Collins made a turn onto Central Avenue in a Toyota Corolla. Compared to his scruffy appearance a few days ago, he looked particularly sharp today. He had shaved clean, washed his hair, and was dressed in a San Diego Chargers jacket along with a cap adorned with the team''s logo. The latter two were special commemorative items the team had given him with a metallic emblem. Miller Collins was filled with food, drink, and buzz, and he had come for just one person. Although Covina wasn''t particularly large, he couldn''t find who he was looking for, his eyes wide as he turned through Central Avenue. In the passenger seat of the car, there were explosives already prepared, hidden in the glove box as well. Gradually closing in on Citrus Square, Miller''s gaze slid through the windshield and spotted two figures in the distance. One of them, he recognized from the photos he had repeatedly reviewed over the past few days -- there was no mistaking it -- Hawke Osment! The jerk who had caused him to land in jail and go bankrupt! Miller Collins, this homeless drifter, absolutely wouldn''t allow the person who harmed him to live a life of luxury and become a billionaire without consequences. The accelerator of the Toyota Corolla pressed down hard, and the engine let out a series of growls, producing a heart-wrenching scream. However, the car didn''t speed up as hoped; it didn''t shoot off like an arrow released from a bow. Miller didn''t care about that; his eyes were fixated on Hawke Osment at the opposite edge of the square, flooring the accelerator all the way down. He didn''t aspire to hit his target with lethal force; he just needed to get a little closer. That would still launch him into the air! This car was packed with explosives. ... Just as the Toyota Corolla accelerated, Raul, driving the Ford Mondeo behind, sensed that something was off. The car ahead suddenly sped up and veered off course. Without a moment''s hesitation, Raul shouted into the car''s intercom, "White Toyota! Watch out for the white Toyota!" As a bodyguard, this was all Raul could do at that moment. While the Corolla had low power, it had a little distance on each side, so the Mondeo couldn''t instantly catch up. At the critical moment, Raul''s warning had its effect. ... Originally, Edward had been driving the Mercedes, keeping a steady distance behind Hawke and Brian. As soon as the intercom crackled, the Savior''s instincts kicked in, with one thought racing through his mind -- White Toyota! The white Toyota was just a short distance ahead of the Mercedes, launching toward where Hawke and Brian stood! Edward had no time for thoughts or unnecessary movements; his eyes were locked onto the white Toyota as he slammed down on the accelerator. The bulletproof Mercedes activated its maximum power mode, transforming into a land-based jet as it hurtled toward the white Toyota. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He had no complex thoughts; he simply wouldn''t allow anyone to harm his boss. ... At the edge of Citrus Square and the sidewalk, Hawke heard the roar of engines and turned to see the white car approaching. He was dangerously alert and uttered no extraneous words as he grabbed Brian''s arm, urging him to run toward the steps of the square. Brian didn''t understand what was happening but quickly put the pieces together -- staying near Los Angeles''s first or second disaster magnet, and seeing the other run for it while pulling him along, he needed no further convincing. No more thinking, just run! Brian wore dress shoes, which made running awkward; he lost one shoe after just two steps. Hawke sprinted up, desperate to reach the staircase behind a concrete base that stood about as tall as a person and wide enough, knowing that if the Toyota climbed the steps, it would pose no threat. He had tilted his head, his gaze focused on a dark blur approaching. The bulletproof Mercedes! ... Edward came charging in like a savior, activating the maximum power mode as he rammed into the side of the white Toyota''s driver''s seat. With a thunderous crash, car parts exploded in every direction, and the Toyota Corolla soared through the air as if sprouting wings. The white car seemed to disintegrate, scattering fragments everywhere. It rolled through the air several times before crashing back to the ground and continued tumbling, slamming into a thick traffic signal pole by the road. The car was crushed and nearly cleaved in two; even the junkyard guys would have to obey and sell it as scrap metal. This violent crash happened with shocking speed -- a change so rapid that there was no time for anyone to react. Without warning, flames erupted from within the Corolla, leading to a deafening explosion. Boom! A crimson fireball shot into the sky, a wave of heat accompanied by the shockwave spreading outward in all directions. The first to be affected was the Mercedes, closest to the Corolla. Debris rained down on the Mercedes as a massive shockwave hit, causing cracks to sprout on the windshield. Thankfully, the car was a custom model from Brian, able to withstand such a ferocious blast. In the driver''s seat, Edward, cushioned by the airbag, forcefully shook his head to clear his thoughts. He looked outside, only able to see the distorted glass filled with cracks and the debris and smoke from the explosion. Though not an expert, he could infer from the sheer force of it that the white Toyota surely had some extra fuel. He wanted to shout to Hawke, but the words wouldn''t come out; he was rendered speechless by the pain. As the airbag began to deflate, Edward gradually regained his composure. ... On the other hand, the dust and smoke from the explosion soared into the air, enveloping the nearby area. Hawke had already released Brian''s arm and was sprinting toward the Mercedes. Brian yelled from behind, "Don''t go! It''s dangerous! Come back!" But Hawke ignored him, racing toward the Mercedes while shouting, "Call the police, hurry!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 231: Five vs Six [Chapter 232: Five vs Six] The explosion''s deafening roar spread across half of Covina. Fireballs and smoke soared into the air, capturing everyone''s attention at Citrus Square. The bearded man wearing a hard hat pressed his earplugs tighter and peered toward the edge of the Square, trying to get a clearer view of the situation. Dust swirled around, obscuring his line of sight, making it impossible to see clearly. The bearded man asked over the radio, "What''s the situation now?" A man under a sun hat, perched on the scaffolding nearby, observed the chaos and replied, "It''s unclear for now!" Preparing for the worst, the bearded man instructed, "Get ready to move. Wait for my command to draw your guns. No one acts without my order!" Beside him, a man with glasses, a bald man, and a tattooed guy all moved closer to their gear and supplies. ... Most of the other workers had lived in America for some time and, upon witnessing such a violent explosion, scattered, trying to get as far away as possible. In the haze of dust, Hawke noticed the white sedan was demolished, while the black Mercedes had sustained some damage but remained mostly intact. He dashed over, yanked open the driver''s side door, and shouted, "Savior!" Edward was gasping for breath as he replied, "Boss, I''m fine, really." He cracked a smile, revealing a set of bright white teeth, and cautiously warned Hawke, "That car exploded unusually, something''s off..." "Stay put, the ambulance is on its way," Hawke said firmly. Edward finally steadied his breathing, explaining, "I hit it, I hit it, the airbag popped on me..." From behind, Brian''s voice called out. Hawke glanced back and saw Brian shaking his phone, indicating he had just called for help. As the smoke began to clear and sunlight filtered back in, the previously dark sky lightened up. Seeing that Edward was relatively unharmed put Hawke at ease. "Take a breather." He closed the car door, cautiously scanned the surroundings, and pulled out his radio earpiece and microphone. He slipped the earpiece in and clipped the microphone to his collar, calling out, "Raul, Raul, do you copy?" ... A Ford pulled up not far from the Mercedes, and Raul was on alert, responding, "Nothing has been found yet." At that moment, he noticed that most of the crowd had fled the Square, except for a few workers who remained, drawing his gaze toward them. ... A Jeep Cherokee slowly approached, stopping on the opposite side of the street. Guti and Morentes inside the vehicle remained vigilant. ... Hawke reached the rear of the Mercedes, opened the trunk, which contained gun bags with long rifles. As long as there were enemies, he could quickly use the bulletproof Mercedes as cover to fight back. However, he hesitated to get in; another bomb could turn the Mercedes into a coffin. He couldn''t abandon Edward either, so he decided to stay near the Mercedes. ... On the scaffolding, the man in the sun hat kept his eyes on the dissipating smoke and dust, observing the burning wreckage of the car, the black Mercedes, and a few others along the road. ??¦­?§£?? Among them was someone huddled next to the Mercedes, clearly the target. The sun hat immediately reported over the radio, "Boss, the guy is still alive, next to the black Mercedes." Without hesitation, the bearded man barked, "Take him out!" Including himself, everyone quickly opened their gear bags, retrieving long weapons, including ARs and AKs. The man in the sun hat moved the quickest; he flung open his backpack and pulled out a scoped AUG rifle, kneeling on the scaffolding to aim. ... On the other side of the road, Raul had been keeping an eye on the Square and spotted the group''s movements. He shouted, "Enemy alert! Twelve o''clock in the Square, five guys armed with long guns!" ... Almost as soon as he yelled the first warning, Hawke grabbed the rifle bag and dove next to the wheel of the Mercedes for cover. The bomb-proof, bulletproof vehicle was currently the best shield available. Gunshots rang out, bullets striking near the spot where Hawke just was, creating several small craters in the freshly laid asphalt. Hawke quickly pulled out his gun and shouted, "Get down! Get down!" He was warning Edward and Brian. Edward curled up inside the bulletproof car, while Brian, although not skilled with guns, had relatives who were, and he had undergone gunfire protection training. He dropped to the ground and rolled under the steps between the Square and the sidewalk. ... Raul exited the vehicle, clutching an AR, taking cover near the engine. Across the road, Guti and Morentes exited their Cherokee, armed with long rifles as they charged up into the two-story storefront, taking the high ground. The three men Campos had found were well-trained in combat. ... Gunfire erupted continuously, the steady stream of bullets striking the bulletproof Mercedes, making it shake under the assault. Hawke raised his AR, aiming it forward, and squeezed the trigger. A burst of bullets flew out, silencing the gunfire from the other side. ... Morentes, using the cover of the brick railing of the second floor, took advantage of the momentary distraction from Hawke''s shooting and aimed at the enemy''s sniper. His gun fired with two muffled sounds, and the man in the sun hat on the scaffolding collapsed, blood streaming from his head and torso. ... Meanwhile, Guti, distanced from Morentes on the second floor, displayed a different shooting style. The wind caught his golden hair as he fired his AR-15, which was outfitted with a bump stock, delivering suppressive fire toward the Square. ... Behind the Mondeo, Raul raised his gun and, whether he hit or not, he fired in the direction of the Square to keep the enemy suppressed. In the chaos, suppressive fire was far more important than exact hits. ... Simultaneously, Edward, now collected, pulled out his Glock, lowering the car window and aiming outside, pulling the trigger. In an instant, gunfire erupted, resembling a battlefield. ... Hawke emptied a magazine, using the cover of the bulletproof Mercedes to reload as he moved to the front of the car. He raised his gun and spotted a reflective safety helmet. It was like shooting at a fixed target. Without a second thought, he pulled the trigger, firing a quick burst, not bothering to check if he hit, and quickly pulled back. Sure enough, gunfire erupted from the other side, bullets ricocheting off the Mercedes once more. ... In the Square, the tattooed man crouched behind a flowerbed, AR tossed to the side, his body slumped over the flowerbed, motionless. The bearded man realized something was wrong; within a short firefight, not only had they not taken down the target, but they had also lost two men. The target had bodyguards, and they were skilled. Without hesitation, the bearded man ordered, "Fall back! Cover each other, retreat!" He swapped in a new magazine and unleashed a barrage of fire toward the position of the Mercedes. The man with glasses and the bald man wasted no time; not caring about their fallen comrades, they immediately retreated under the cover of the bearded man. ... On the edge of the Square, Brian was lying on the ground, listening to bullets zip overhead, unsure of what to say or how to voice his thoughts. Suddenly, Hawke''s voice came from behind the Mercedes, "Stay put, don''t move or say a word!" That jerk seemed to know exactly what Brian was thinking. "If you dare say a word, I''ll blow your ass off!" After saying this, Hawke felt a bit of relief. He clearly remembered just ten minutes earlier when Brian had said it was impossible for a street fight to break out in Covina. What happened instead? Bullets were flying everywhere, and now they were dealing with some enemy who had even used a car bomb! Brian didn''t shut his mouth because of Hawke''s words. He knew Hawke was a loyal friend. Even with the car bomb crashing in, he didn''t forget to take him along. Thinking quickly, Brian yelled, "I didn''t call 911; I called the FBI to report a terrorist attack! The FBI helicopter will be here soon!" .... This message reached the Square, falling into the bearded man''s ears. The opponents were not fewer in number, nor were their weapons or skills inferior. The bearded man cursed the informant under his breath, urging, "Let''s move! Quickly! Cover each other!" The bald man paused, turned around, and fired back at the previous location, letting off a volley before making his escape. Real-life combat was nothing like the portrayal in Hollywood movies. Finding an opportunity for precise shots was incredibly difficult. Aiming at someone meant also becoming a target yourself. The soul shooting of the African mercenaries was the norm for hired muscle in battle. ... On the opposite side in the second-floor storefront, Morentes had already changed his position. He held his breath and ignored the bullets flying nearby, steadying his rifle to pull the trigger. Two shots rang out. The man with glasses, running, suddenly dropped. ... "Ah--" The bald man, seeing another go down, worried for the bearded man and turned his gun to the source of the gunfire, firing repeatedly. ... Morentes finished shooting and immediately changed positions. ... Seizing the opportunity, Hawke exposed his gun barrel and fired a quick, short burst, causing the bald man to crash to the ground. In this five vs. six gunfight, the latter had established a clear advantage. While Edward wielded his Glock and Brian shouted for help, they still contributed in their own ways. Hawke, having a solid understanding of firearms, had previously assessed the gunfire in their direction, estimating there were at most five attackers. Now, four had gone down, leaving only one remaining. He spoke into the radio, "If possible, let''s keep one alive." This sudden attack could have had unimaginable consequences if Edward hadn''t bravely crashed the car. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke needed to figure out where this assault came from, though he already had some suspicions. ... On the second floor of the storefront, Morentes had the high ground and locked his sights on the fleeing bearded man. He fired several times but aimed to keep the target alive, so he missed. Guti and Raul were not as skilled as Morentes; besides their suppressive shots, they didn''t point their guns at the bearded man. ... Hawke raised his AR, and thanks to the muscle memory from his constant practice, he pulled the trigger at the perfect moment. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 232: Failed [Chapter 233: Failed] With a sharp gunshot, the bearded man who was running fell to the ground, blood gushing from his leg where the bone had shattered. Despite the pain, he remained lucid. Using the momentum of his fall, he rolled behind two stone flowerbeds. Beads of cold sweat poured from his forehead, and his face turned an alarming shade of pale. Through the gaps in the flowerbed, he saw four bodies lying on the stone-paved square. Among the four subordinates who had come with him, none had survived. Grinding his teeth, the bearded man turned his gaze back. Their getaway car was parked less than thirty meters away. It was impossible to reach it now. Before coming here, the intel had warned that Hawke Osment was a crack shot and had some combat skills, but he never expected his shooting to be this remarkable. And those three or four bodyguards weren''t ordinary either; one of them even shot better than their sniper. If it hadn''t been for the fact that the sun hat had been taken out early in the fight, they wouldn''t have been in this dire situation. But the bearded man felt no regret. These mercenaries made their living on the edge. They sold their lives for cash, and dying in the process was simply part of the business. The sound of helicopters filled the air. The bearded man looked up in the direction of the sound and could faintly see two helicopters swiftly approaching. From the thrum of the rotors and their silhouettes, they were likely from the FBI. Sensing movement from the other side, he quickly raised his gun and fired a few shots in that direction. ... Hawke remained concealed behind a Mercedes, fully aware of his advantageous position. He certainly wouldn''t rush out and take unnecessary risks, not when he''d just become a live target. The FBI helicopters arrived, and the situation was already decided. Gunfire erupted again. ... The bearded man emptied his rifle magazine, pulled out his phone, and smashed out the SIM card with his pistol. He then fired several shots at the phone itself. The helicopters approached closer and lower, revealing the enormous "FBI" letters written across their bodies. The bearded man had no thoughts of making it out alive. He took a handgun and prepared to end it himself. If he died on a mission, his family would at least receive a substantial compensation. Being captured by the FBI was unthinkable; if he couldn''t hold out, the consequences would be dire. Those FBI agents would use every dirty trick in the book. With a finger poised on the trigger, he pulled it, and with the sound of a gunshot, blood erupted from his head as he fell lifelessly to the ground. ... The FBI helicopter landed, and two fully equipped teams of agents swiftly took control of Citrus Square. A bomb disposal unit was also en route. Hawke directly asked Brian to negotiate. For one, Brian was one of the involved parties. On the other hand, the FBI''s lead investigator was Jennifer Huey. The charm of the charismatic man was just what they needed. Five bodies lay on the ground of Citrus Square. Upon inquiring, Hawke learned that apart from the four killed earlier, there was also one who had shot himself after sustaining leg injuries. Counting the guy who had died in the car explosion, at least six people were dead. The direct attackers didn''t leave any survivors. As of now, nothing was found that could confirm their identities. This was a meticulously planned attack. ... Once the ambulance arrived, Hawke instructed the medical staff to take Edward to the hospital. Edward stated, "Boss, I should be fine; it''s just some superficial wounds." Hawke pressed him onto the stretcher, saying, "Go to the hospital for a full check-up. Don''t rush back; stay overnight for observation." Edward didn''t argue further and boarded the ambulance. ????????¨º? ... Hawke called Austin, the director of Twitter security, ordering him to cancel all personnel leave, arm everyone with weapons, and raise the alert level to maximum. ... Next, he contacted Campos, instructing him to send someone to the hospital to provide protection for Edward. Since the attackers had even used a car bomb, who knew if they would launch another, even crazier assault? While still on the phone with Campos, Hawke mentioned the Burbank Hotel. Campos promptly headed there, keeping an eye on Douglas Coster and his entourage. Currently, there was no evidence linking BlackRock''s people to the incident, but such matters didn''t require proof. In Hawke''s eyes, anyone with significant conflicts of interest was a prime suspect. Emma Batson was also under surveillance from Campos''s side. ... Finishing his phone call, Hawke saw that the FBI had initiated a preliminary examination of the scene. Jennifer Huey approached him, saying, "The scene is too horrific." She turned to Brian beside her, "Fortunately, you''re okay." Brian pointed to Hawke, "He protected me. Without Hawke, that explosive car would have rammed right into us." Jennifer asked Hawke, "Are you injured?" Hawke looked disheveled and covered in soot from the explosion. "I''m lucky this time; my friend crashed into the car to save me, and a few bodyguards fought hard..." Jennifer patted his arm, "Should I notify Erica?" Hawke gestured with his phone, "I''ll call her." "After your call, I''ll need to take your statement," Jennifer informed him, ready to handle the documentation herself. ... Hawke called Erica and lightly mentioned a few details. Erica had already heard about the explosion in Covina; upon realizing it involved Hawke, her tone immediately turned serious, "I''m heading over right now." ... The scene was entirely cordoned off by the FBI, and journalists with inside information rushed to the perimeter, snapping pictures. Hawke, covered in debris and soot, didn''t bother to clean up; he simply boarded an FBI vehicle to provide his statement to Jennifer. In truth, aside from unprovable speculations, he was somewhat at a loss. Where did the shooters come from? Who had driven the car bomb? He had no answers. If he hadn''t recruited Raul, Guti, and Morentes as bodyguards recently, things could have turned out very differently today. The accounts matched; they wouldn''t face too many issues. The only point was that Guti used a modified AR-15 with an illegal bump stock, but that wouldn''t matter much under Jennifer''s scrutiny. ... Sitting in the FBI vehicle, Brian, looking just as dusty and worn, handed Hawke a bottle of water, "I didn''t expect you to be so loyal." Hawke twisted the cap off, took a sip, and replied, "I''m counting on you to get me into the Oval Office. I can''t afford to have you die on me here." Brian grabbed another bottle of water, "Starting today -- no, starting tomorrow, I''m going to hit the gym. If anything like this happens again, at least I can run..." "Wait a second!" Hearing that, Hawke felt like grabbing the bottle and shoving it in Brian''s mouth, "Can you please stop saying things like that?" Brian opened his mouth and suddenly realized he might genuinely be a harbinger of doom; he quickly shut it. Hawke said seriously, "Don''t you see how severe this situation is? Let''s put aside the far-off issues; in the last two incidents -- the one at St. Mary''s Mental Rehabilitation Center and today -- you said some pretty ridiculous stuff that turned out to be spot-on!" With that, Brian began to doubt himself, "Am I really a curse-god?" Hawke responded earnestly, "No doubt about it; you definitely are." Brian shook his head vigorously; he couldn''t let that reputation stick. "Those people shouldn''t be targeting me..." Hawke couldn''t argue. He couldn''t turn a blind eye to the truth. So, he simply closed his eyes: "But they chose to strike when you were there; they launched the attack where you are the mayor." Their debate didn''t reach a conclusion before someone knocked on the car door. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Jennifer opened the door and said, "There are a few crucial matters I need to clarify with you to avoid misunderstandings." Hawke nodded, "Go ahead." Jennifer stated directly, "Currently, the situation is unclear, and the incident hasn''t been classified. You guys, being involved, should not make any public appearances or accept any media interviews. Keep your lines of communication open; we''ll contact you as needed." "I can handle that," Brian stressed, "Find out who did this as soon as possible." Jennifer let out a helpless smile, "We''re already looking into it. The five shooters at the square, judging by certain physical features, are most likely mercenaries. As for the guy who died in the car, he was blown to pieces, and identifying him will take a lot of work." Hawke glanced outside, lowering his voice, "Check into those people I mentioned with your insiders as quickly as possible." Jennifer lowered her voice in return, "We''re already working on it. But against public figures and business elites, without solid evidence, the FBI doesn''t have many options." She referred to a former deputy supervisor of the LA branch who had faced the heat for mishandling some matters and was pushed into early retirement by headquarters. Jennifer stated outright, "Don''t expect too much from the FBI." Hawke knew very well that the perpetrators wouldn''t hesitate to act with open investigations. Coincidentally, he wasn''t someone who relied solely on official inquiries. There was still plenty to deal with at the scene. Once Jennifer completed her briefing, she left promptly. ... Erica soon arrived and, upon seeing her boyfriend and cousin in such bad shape, looked extremely worried. She took out wipes and helped Hawke clean the soot off his face, saying, "This clearly isn''t over!" ... At Los Angeles International Airport, in the Besten Internet Cafe, private detective Coulson sat in front of a computer, sipped his cold coffee, and refreshed Twitter once again. This time, after the refresh, several new messages appeared on Twitter. One message caught Coulson''s attention. "Explosion suspected at Covina, East Los Angeles!" Coulson quickly clicked on the news headline, which led to user-edited tweets accompanied by several blurry photographs. The street, not very wide, was in disarray with bullet casings scattered about. A black Mercedes had shattered windows and was stopped in the middle of the road. Trash smoked nearby, and car fragments littered the ground. A thin door half-inserted itself into a tree beside the road. Upon seeing the chaos, Coulson realized that Miller Collins had made his move. He pulled out his phone and made a call, "How''s the plan going?" "It failed," Tim said bluntly from the other end, "It''s time for you to leave." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 233: The Foxs Tail Revealed [Chapter 234: The Fox''s Tail Revealed] After receiving a notification from Tim, Coulson dared not linger. He logged off Twitter, got up, and left the internet cafe, heading to Los Angeles International Airport with his bag slung over his shoulder. Since 9/11, security checks at North American airports had tightened significantly. Coulson went to exchange his boarding pass, using a passport provided by Tim instead of his real identity. He passed through security smoothly and boarded the flight to Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico, Coulson had an old flame who had dabbled in Hollywood as a minor actress; she was beautiful and somewhat alluring. Traveling alone around the globe had started to feel monotonous for Coulson, so he planned to tour Europe, Latin America, and Asia with his former lover. Once the trip was over, he intended to retire in peace. Both Los Angeles and Puerto Rico were decent options for settling down. ... Meanwhile, after Tim notified Coulson to leave, he drove his Cadillac to the Burbank Hotel and turned into the underground parking lot. ... Not far from the parking lot, Juan sat in a car, using a DV camera to film every vehicle entering and exiting the hotel. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke made a call to Campos, instructing him to keep a close eye on Douglas Coster. Campos suspected that if this situation was indeed connected to Douglas, the culprits would likely seek him out after their failure. The Burbank Hotel had an underground parking area that provided an excellent cover for discreet entries and exits. Campos decided to take a brute-force approach by having someone capture footage of all vehicles in and out of the Burbank Hotel, which could later be analyzed with other information. Juan remained at the hotel''s parking lot entrance filming. Others were stationed near the exit to take additional footage. While the FBI conducted their investigation, Hawke''s men had already started to mobilize. ... In a luxurious suite on the top floor of the hotel, Tim met with his superior, Douglas. He stated directly, "Sir, the operation failed." Douglas, somewhat prepared for this news, inquired, "What''s the situation now?" Tim had his men stationed in Covina, continuously feeding him the latest updates. "Miller Collins drove a vehicle into Hawke Osment, but his driver intervened. Miller''s car exploded violently, shattering both man and machine," Tim quickly reported. "The mercenary team made their move afterward, but Hawke was unusually alert and managed to evade the gunfire. He and his bodyguards counterattacked, leading to the complete annihilation of the mercenaries." Douglas asked, "Will that team come back to you?" Tim replied, "No, the mercenary team came through a middleman who''s currently in Colombia." After a moment, he added, "The only one who could potentially trace back to me is Coulson, but he has already left North America." Douglas, having always trusted Tim, immediately said, "That''s good; you''ll need to take care of things from here." Tim cautioned, "Though there won''t be any evidence pointing to BlackRock, Hawke Osment will definitely have his suspicions. I recommend bolstering your security, as you are the key to our success." This suggestion sounded particularly reassuring to Douglas, who wouldn''t take risks. "I''ve already dispatched a security team to stay by my side 24/7," he stated, looking at Tim. "This plan may have failed, but the demand from above for Twitter won''t diminish; it will still push forward, albeit with some restraint." Tim understood the implications of what Douglas was saying. "I''ve successfully integrated myself into Hawke Osment''s circle and have become his neighbor without raising any suspicions. This can be further developed, and it might yield unexpected results." "Okay, you stay safe," Douglas admonished. "Inform all relevant personnel to lie low for now -- no more actions. Keep an eye on Hawke Osment and the FBI''s movements, and contact me immediately if anything arises." "Yes," Tim replied before leaving the suite. He went downstairs, got into his car, and followed another vehicle out of the underground parking lot, merging into the flow of traffic. ... Near the exit, a vehicle occupied by a Mexican individual meticulously filmed each car exiting the underground parking lot. ... At the hospital, Hawke and Brian had cleaned up and, at Erica''s insistence, underwent minimal checks. Both had sustained only minor scrapes and inhaled a bit of smoke and ash; their injuries were negligible. Once it was confirmed that both were okay, Erica breathed a sigh of relief and continued to make and receive calls. On the line, she spoke fervently, "My cousin and my boyfriend barely escaped being murdered in broad daylight, and I will get to the bottom of this!" On the other end was her grandfather, Paul Ferguson. "The FBI has taken over this case; it''s outside your jurisdiction. Do not use the detective bureau''s resources." Erica found that unreasonable. "Grandpa, they know who Hawke is, and they know who Brian is. They still attempted to kill them -- it''s a provocation against us!" ?????????????????¨¨???? Paul Ferguson retorted, "This way, you can freely mobilize the family security company''s personnel and resources, but be mindful of how you do it -- some things shouldn''t involve your direct action." After hanging up, Erica continued her calls to the security company. ... Meanwhile, Hawke was also busy reviewing Edward''s medical report. Apart from minor cuts, he had a slight concussion, but it was nothing serious. Hawke had Jerry and others from Twitter handle the admission procedures for Edward, ensuring 24/7 surveillance. He entered the hospital room and glanced at Edward, who was now in a patient gown. "Get some good rest," he said. Edward had Jerry raise the bed and asked, "Boss, who is the culprit? Have we found any leads?" "Not for now." Hawke approached the bedside, saying, "Just don''t worry about it; I''m already investigating, and there will be news soon." ... At that moment, a knock sounded at the door, and Erica and Brian walked in. They had come specifically to thank Edward. The FBI had extracted the dashcam footage from the bulletproof Mercedes; it clearly documented the situation at the time. Erica watched closely, noting that without Edward''s intervention, the exploding Toyota Corolla would have directly crashed into Hawke and Brian''s section. Minutes later, two security teams arrived. One escorted Brian away, heading straight for Woodland Hills, while a six-man team was assigned to protect Hawke. ... In the bustling environment of a hospital, where patients came and went, it wasn''t exactly a place for quiet conversations. Hawke was preparing to leave the hospital to find a secure and quiet location to analyze the gathered intel and strategize his next steps. Erica suggested, "Let''s go to the Silver Lake community; the house there is spacious and modernized, with complete security measures and plenty of weapons and ammunition. It''s close to the detective bureau and SWAT; we''d be able to get support in case of an attack." Hawke agreed, "Alright, let''s head to Silver Lake." Previously, they had leveraged the security facilities and firearms available there to hold off 21 Mexican gangsters, almost annihilating their forces. ... The group entered three armored vehicles, heading straight for Silver Lake. Raul, Guti, and Morentes were still split between two cars, following behind. Upon arriving at the villa, the security system was fully activated, with guards stationed around the premises. Erica opened a weapons cabinet that stored guns ready for use at a moment''s notice. Hawke temporarily used a highly secured specimen exhibition hall as his makeshift office. The enormous bear specimen stood in a glass display, like a totem. Hawke mobilized his men to dig up information, especially concerning Douglas. Meanwhile, Erica''s phone calls were unceasing. Although both Hawke and Erica were eager to eliminate their top suspect, Douglas Coster, who remained safely ensconced at the Burbank Hotel, launching a direct attack would likely leave them at a disadvantage and could even provoke governmental repercussions. ... By afternoon, Jennifer Huey called to report that the FBI had made a discovery. As a member of Brian''s potential presidential campaign team, Hawke did not hold back in questioning her. "What exactly did you find?" Jennifer quickly explained, "We found some metallic remnants among the debris of the car explosion, and one piece might have come from a metal insignia on clothing. The insignia is slightly deformed but still identifiable; it resembles the San Diego Chargers logo." "San Diego Chargers?" Hawke was quite familiar with the logo. "Are you sure?" Jennifer replied, "Hold on, I''m sending some pictures to Erica''s email." After a short while, Hawke waited patiently. Erica opened her encrypted email, refreshing it several times until a new email appeared containing several images of the metallic insignia taken from various angles. She downloaded the images and compared them to the San Diego Chargers logo she found online. Hawke approached to examine closely, stating, "No doubt about it; it''s the Chargers logo." Looking at him, Erica remarked, "If I recall correctly, you''ve had a connection with someone from the San Diego Chargers." Hawke nodded, "Yes, former San Diego Chargers star wide receiver, Miller Collins." Erica entered Miller Collins'' name into a search engine, and an array of news articles surfaced, the most prominent being about Miller''s divorce, bankruptcy, and how he''d become homeless after being released from jail. She stated, "Miller Collins had ample motive." Hawke recalled a detail -- the Savior had mentioned Miller Collins a few days prior, indicating he had saved the latter''s daughter, Dorothy, on the beach and had evidently started a relationship with Miller''s ex-wife, Maria. It seemed they had begun dating. Hawke grabbed his phone and dialed Edward''s number, asking, "There''s something I need you to think about." Edward quickly replied, "Boss, what is it?" Hawke inquired, "Did Maria Collins tell you anything about Miller Collins?" "She did; I asked her about it," Edward remembered, adding, "Miller Collins became a homeless person, and his former teammates bought him a used RV to live in, similar to Frank''s situation." He paused for a moment, then continued, "Oh, by the way, his place is in Hollywood; we''ve all been there, in the parking lot behind the Ackerman Charity Shelter." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 234: Good Neighbor [Chapter 235: Good Neighbor] In Hollywood, Ackerman Charity Shelter Campos received a call from Hawke and immediately jumped into his car. He was very familiar with this area; after fleeing to Los Angeles, he had lived here for quite a while and had nearly died from a leg injury. Although he later established Butterfly Consulting, Campos often came back to this place, even recruiting quite a few news informants from here. He especially remembered the young man who had helped him and had equipped him with a camera phone. Returning here for Campos felt like returning to where it all began. Campos parked his car and headed to a spot where a group of Mexican youths gathered. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Boss!" "You back?" one of them asked. "Boss, need help with anything?" Those who recognized Campos came forward to greet him. He nodded in acknowledgment, taking out a photo of Miller Collins as he said, "I need to ask you all about something." He showed them the photo. "Have you seen this person recently?" One of them scratched his head and replied, "He looks kind of familiar." Another chimed in after taking a closer look, "Isn''t that that former sports star who lived in an RV at the parking lot?" "Yeah! That''s him." Another one remembered, "He hasn''t been around for a while. Last I heard, some city officials towed his RV, and he never came back." Hearing this lead, Campos probed further. "Can you give me more details about that?" The third person recounted how the city officials had come to tow the RV and how Miller Collins had left with someone after that. One of the youths pulled out the camera phone that Campos had given him and said, "Oh, we took some pictures." At once, Campos instructed, "Ask around to see if anyone else got photos, and send them all to me." Two youths left the group, searching for others who might have information. Soon after, another four came back with pictures from that day, adding up to several dozens in total. Campos then inquired about Miller Collins'' situation while he lived at the parking lot. More than one person mentioned that the man in the photo had been around frequently to visit Miller Collins, even bringing him some things. After exhausting most leads, he handed out some cash, reminding them to keep things quiet, and drove away from the parking lot. ... On the road, Campos found a clearer photo of the man''s face and forwarded it to his company, urging them to begin searching for this person''s whereabouts immediately. Once that was done, he received a call from Juan and Garcia, who had sent him some photos and videos taken at the hotel in Burbank. Campos did not wait to review them and drove straight to the Silver Lake neighborhood. After going through security at the entrance, he arrived at his target villa, negotiating with the security personnel before driving right in. He grabbed his phone and laptop, rushing into the exhibition room. ????????§§???? ... Once inside, Campos saw Hawke and Erica on the phone, standing next to the giant stuffed bear. "Any news?" Hawke asked upon seeing him. "Yes, I found something at the parking lot," Campos said, opening his laptop and connecting it with his phone. He clicked open the photo folder, saying, "There''s been a white male visiting Miller Collins frequently..." While showing the photos, he recounted everything he had learned from the parking lot. Hawke focused intently on the laptop screen, where the images primarily featured two people; a disheveled man, who was recognizable as Miller Collins, and another person he had never seen before. After completing her call, Erica joined them, standing next to Hawke to take a closer look. Campos pointed at the unfamiliar man. "I''ve already instructed the company to look into this man''s identity." The slideshow of pictures continued, one after another. Once they finished, Hawke and Erica re-viewed the images to glean more details. They found nothing new at first, but then Campos pulled out video footage from the hotel''s underground parking lot. This section was lengthy. ... Approaching it from a professional''s perspective, Erica suggested they look at footage within two hours of the incident. The three of them settled in front of their computers, watching the video. Given Erica''s expertise at the LAPD, she quickly paused the footage, scrutinizing a Cadillac on screen. After a moment, she rewound and played it back before pausing again. Erica then switched back to the phone photos and began to search through them. Hawke noticed her activity and leaned in to see what she was doing. In short order, Erica found the image she wanted, though it wasn''t very clear. Taken from a distance, it mostly centered on Miller Collins and another individual, but it also caught glimpses of others and vehicles on the fringes. Notably, in the top right corner of the photo, a Cadillac was turning into an empty parking spot. Being an elite detective at the LAPD, Erica sensed something was off. She flipped through the successive photos that were all from the same phone, taken from slightly different angles. The Cadillac made its way into the parking space, and one could vaguely see a man in the driver''s seat, but the details were too fuzzy for clarity. Hawke shifted his focus from Miller Collins and the other individual to that vehicle. Erica switched back to the video footage. "This car appeared at the entrance of the Burbank hotel''s underground parking lot." Hawke scrutinized the screen. Even though the video was crystal clear, the photos were a blur, but it was enough to conclude this was the same Cadillac. "The day Miller Collins'' RV was towed away and he went missing, this car was present," he recalled. "I got attacked with Brian less than half an hour later, and then this car showed up at Douglas Coster''s Burbank hotel." Erica interjected, "That vehicle raises serious suspicions. It''s definitely problematic." Campos was already on the verge of action, watching the Cadillac on the computer screen. "I''ll have someone investigate it immediately." Hawke nodded. "Quickly." Erica retrieved two USB drives, copying both the video and photos onto one, which she handed to Campos. She signaled to a security personnel to take the videos and organize a search for the Cadillac. ... In Santa Monica, at a monitored parking lot, a black Cadillac was parked in a long-term leased space. Tim stepped out of the car, walked around a corner, cautiously checking behind him to ensure he wasn''t being followed, and then got into his daily-driven Volvo. He drove out of the parking lot, soon arriving at 20th Street. By this time it was dark, and streetlights flickered on, but across the street, Hawke Osment''s villa remained completely dark. It had been like this for days. Tim''s initial plan was straightforward -- send Miller Collins'' RV barreling into that villa and let everything go up in flames. But Hawke Osment hadn''t been back in several days. Tim had even asked neighbor Jett Brown, who mentioned that Hawke had been busy with the company''s financing and listing, and had been living there. Tim entered the garage and headed to the second-floor window again, observing the darkened villa across the street that showed no signs of life. The operation had failed, yet Tim did not view it as a failure. He was now Hawke''s neighbor, and Hawke would eventually return. When that happened, there would be another opportunity. There was a significant commission of hundreds of thousands of dollars at stake. Tim took a shower and lay on a soft mattress, reflecting on the people and events involved. Those who needed to leave North America had done so, and those who needed to hide were already tucked away without a trace. ... Under the night sky, several individuals arrived at a used car market in Los Angeles. They located a dealer and inquired about a Cadillac. Soon those individuals unearthed relevant information and pulled up a segment of video from a still unmonitored security camera at the market entrance. ... Minutes later, in the villa at Silver Lake, Erica''s phone rang. She answered a call, calling for Hawke as she walked to the villa entrance. Someone had come specifically to deliver a storage disk. Returning to the villa''s exhibition hall, Erica connected the storage disk to her computer, opening the video file. Hawke saw the man who had driven away in that Cadillac. He recognized him! "Tim Wilson!" Hawke remembered the name of his newly arrived neighbor with some surprise. "So it''s related to him." Erica said, "Looks like he moved to 20th Street in Santa Monica just for you." Hawke shut off the video. "That''s the only explanation." Erica approached a metallic display case, directly opening the door to reveal firearms and pulled out a handgun to check the magazine and bullets. Hawke opened another display case, which also contained guns. The two were in sync, without mentioning reporting to the police or FBI. With their current connections and evidence, there was little chance to legally pin anything on Tim Wilson. He was no ordinary man and had powerful backing, so pursuing a legal route would likely end in two outcomes: long, drawn-out litigation or Tim Wilson''s self-inflicted demise. Neither of these outcomes pleased Hawke. Like public relations and strategic planning, he had always preferred to avoid the conventional path. Erica silently organized her weapons. However, Hawke stopped her, saying, "Let my people handle this." Erica asked, "Are you confident?" "Absolutely." Hawke replied simply, "My three bodyguards live right next to Tim Wilson." Erica queried, "Raul and the others?" Hawke pulled out his phone, ready to make a call. "Let''s find out if he''s at home." After thinking for a moment, Erica added, "To the south of Manhattan Beach, there''s a warehouse where I keep some things. Nobody goes there regularly." Hawke had her elaborate on the location before dialing Raul''s number. Minutes later, Raul and the other two left Silver Lake, switching mid-journey to a business car arranged by Campos, heading directly to 20th Street in Santa Monica. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 235: A Thorn in the Eye [Chapter 236: A Thorn in the Eye] In the early hours of the morning, 20th Street in Santa Monica had quieted completely, with streetlights automatically dimming significantly. Inside a villa, three individuals quietly entered the neighboring house, coordinating their efforts as they stealthily made their way towards the master bedroom on the second floor. Time was on their side, so there was no rush. They dismantled a security alarm and entered the master bedroom. It appeared someone was sleeping soundly in bed, but instead of approaching right away, the trio first inspected the room and then opened the closet door. The man who should have been sleeping in that big bed was instead lying on a mattress in the closet, a handgun resting beside him. Without needing to check, it was clear there was an alarm device by the bed. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The remaining work became simple. Making sure they had the right target, one person pulled out a drug and pressed it against the target''s mouth and nose. After a short while, the target slipped into a deep sleep. Soon, another two accomplices arrived to assist and they directly carried the target into the neighboring villa. They didn''t leave immediately, instead thoroughly searching the house, taking all monitoring and alarming equipment, erasing all traces before retracing their steps. As dawn began to break, a business vehicle drove away, carrying people out of Santa Monica. ... When the sun rose, several buckets of seawater were poured over Tim''s head. He slowly opened his eyes to see a familiar face standing across from him. It was a neighbor who had recently moved into 20th Street. Then he heard a familiar voice say, "Is he awake? Perfect timing." Tim turned at the sound to find a very familiar face -- Hawke Osment. Next to him stood a woman with stylishly kept golden-brown hair. He recognized her too, Erica Ferguson. A pair of bastards! Tim instinctively closed his eyes, hoping he was dreaming, wishing this wasn''t real. But when he opened them again, that bastard pair still stood before him. And he found himself bound hand and foot, unable to move at all. Tim lost all hope and tightly shut his mouth. ... Hawke didn''t waste a word and produced a large photograph of Miller Collins alongside an unfamiliar face, placing it in front of Tim, asking, "Who was in contact with Miller Collins?" ??¦­????????¦¥? Tim said nothing. "Clearly, that won''t yield answers," Erica, never one to play nice, remarked, "Let''s go straight to electric shock; the FBI really excels at this kind of thing." The golden-haired Guti approached with an artsy flair and smiled at Hawke, "Boss, should I give it a try?" Hawke cautioned, "Don''t kill him." "I won''t," Guti replied with a chuckle, pulling a small wallpaper knife from his pocket. He moved in front of Tim and said, "Buddy, you better keep your mouth shut and hold out a little longer; it''ll be more fun that way." He gripped Tim''s arm, digging his fingers down the length of it until he seized his wrist, signaling Morentes to straighten the arm out. ... Tim was a dirty workman from the BlackRock San Francisco branch and had dealt with many people. But being subjected to this was a first for him. His wrist involuntarily trembled. ... [T/N: Warning for torture.] Guti didn''t strike immediately; instead, he casually stated, "Do you know what I used to do? I was a surgeon, a very promising one at that. But why would a doctor end up in this line of work? There''s obviously a story behind it. In my hometown, narcotics organizations ran rampant. Because my fiancee publicly called for anti-drug measures, a bunch of thugs cold-bloodedly shot her dead in the street. She got hit with 32 bullets, and she was pregnant with my child!" He chuckled darkly, "From then on, I stopped saving lives and started taking them. Killing scum is, in fact, saving other lives. I found the bastard who killed my fiancee, quietly knocked him out, and bound him up, using a scalpel to chop off his hand that held the gun!" At this point, Guti swiftly swung the wallpaper knife. With Tim''s scream of agony, a chunk of flesh fell to the floor. A small piece of flesh was taken off the middle finger of Tim''s right hand. Guti didn''t seem to be joking: "I chopped his shooting hand''s fingers down to the bone, and every slice took away some flesh, ensuring I didn''t hurt any bones." Erica shot a glance at Hawke, sensing that the bodyguards Hawke hired all had stories. Considering they were from Mexico felt right. "I guarantee that each of your fingers will get 32 slices, and bones won''t be harmed," Guti cut into the second slice. A sickening sound rang out, the knife scraping along bone. More bloody pieces landed on the floor. Guti then covered his face, as if embarrassed, and apologized to Tim, "Sorry, sorry, I haven''t done this in a while, and I''m rusty. Forgive me this one time." This was a sentiment shared not just by him, but even Hawke and Erica couldn''t bring themselves to look at Tim. The job was too rough! But rough work had to continue; there was no stopping now. Tim''s cries echoed, while a middle finger gradually transformed into a bloody white bone. Not a single person present felt sympathy. Yesterday''s collision could have seen Hawke in a far worse situation. Tim was tough as nails; even after Guti sliced two fingers, he still gritted his teeth, refusing to speak. Hawke, however, had all the time in the world, allowing Tim to catch his breath before resuming. Guti wasn''t bluffing; he truly had been a doctor in Mexico. Before starting the next round, he gave Tim a nerve-stimulating injection. When he resumed, Tim was alert, screaming louder. With only a slice left on the index finger, Tim couldn''t hold out anymore, yelling, "I''ll tell you, I''ll tell you! I''ll say everything!" Guti shook his head, "Could have said it earlier, now you''re just wasting time." Tim''s face turned pale, sweat beading down his forehead as he glanced at his tragic right hand, pleading, "Help me bandage it up, just help me stop the bleeding." Hawke shot a look, and Raul fetched some bandages to assist him in stopping the blood. Guti observed for a moment, confirming that Tim''s mental fortitude had completely crumbled before signaling to Hawke. ... Hawke once again presented the photograph, asking, "Who was with Miller Collins?" "It''s Coulson! His name''s Coulson Serna." As Tim uttered this name, his mental defenses fell completely, and he shut his eyes again, as if trying to distance himself from reality. "Coulson is the founder of a detective agency in the San Fernando Valley. He has always been my contact in Los Angeles, specifically helping me handle some dirty business." Without waiting for Hawke to ask, he continued, "Coulson went to Puerto Rico through my channels!" Hawke had someone note everything he said. This private investigator named Coulson would surely need to settle the score. Hawke seized the moment, "And what about you?" To prevent the guy from holding out hope, he added, "What''s your connection to Douglas from BlackRock?" Upon hearing Douglas''s name, Tim lost any remaining hope, still frightened to open his eyes. "I''m Tim Wilson, from the BlackRock San Francisco branch, and I''m the assistant to the branch president, Douglas Coster. My main job was managing some dirty work for him." Hawke queried, "So I was your target this time?" "Yes, no... it was forced on me by BlackRock!" Tim quickly defended himself. "If I didn''t follow their orders, I''d be sent to prison or even killed!" Hawke didn''t linger on this point: "Explain your and Coulson''s specific plan with Miller Collins." Tim said, "When we targeted Twitter in San Francisco, we prepared plans in two aspects. One was for Emma Batson to engage you in financing negotiations through proper channels. The other was if that was refused, to force your acceptance of BlackRock''s investment. However, as Emma made contact, BlackRock realized the fundamental conflict in core interests was unresolvable, so they decided on drastic measures." He laid out how they intended to exploit Miller Collins, a drug addict drifter with a grudge against Hawke, to orchestrate a devastating outcome against him. These details aligned closely with what Hawke had surmised. Twitter''s rapid growth and expanding influence inevitably drew hungry wolves to its door. When interests were large enough, individuals became mere hindrances. One thing still puzzled Hawke: "Even if you manage to deal with me, my shares won''t end up going to BlackRock." Tim slowly opened his eyes, stating, "BlackRock had a mature plan. Douglas once ran the Wyoming office for BlackRock, and he sourced someone from there -- to be precise, he manufactured someone. That person would be your relative, with local witnesses, capable of passing testing and win in a probate lawsuit within California''s judicial system." Erica murmured, "California''s judicial system is more inclined toward deep blue." This political environment was a key reason BlackRock had the audacity to act as they did. Hawke further inquired about the identity of this manufactured person. Tim didn''t have much clarity on that. As for the mercenary team that had died at Citrus Square, he didn''t know much either, only realizing they came from Colombia. Hawke pressed on: "Was Douglas the one steering BlackRock and Vanguard International''s marginal groups initiative in California?" "Yes, he was. I''m the one who does the dirty work; I''m not clear on the specifics of how the plan is implemented." Now hitting that point, Tim shared whatever he could: "This is a time-consuming, labor-intensive long-term plan that cannot be realized in the short term." Hawke clearly understood it would take at least four to five years for such a plan to yield results. Moreover, it aligned perfectly with the prevailing trends of Western society. In this regard, BlackRock and Vanguard International were indeed formidable. Hawke began asking the most critical question: "Who else is involved or preparing to be involved in this plan against me?" Tim pondered for a moment before responding, "The real mastermind is Douglas, but his plan must have the consent of the higher-ups at headquarters. Without support from headquarters, it wouldn''t be possible to mobilize such large forces in California." Recalling his previous private conversation with Douglas, Tim added, "The people I know who might participate include former California Speaker of the Assembly Willie Brown, who tacitly approved this matter, and San Francisco prosecutor Hamas, who would serve as a liaison to Los Angeles federal prosecutor Garrison; that''s all I know..." Erica quietly told Hawke, "That''s the backbone of the Donkeys." Hawke remarked, "It seems I''ve become a thorn in many people''s eyes." Erica understood the reason: Hawke''s stake in Twitter was too valuable. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 236: The Death of Tim and Coulson [Chapter 237: The Death of Tim and Coulson] Tim Wilson, his willpower shattered, revealed a lot of information, including details about BlackRock and Douglas Coster. The extreme measures BlackRock resorted to sounded quite insane, but Hawke didn''t feel shocked. He remembered the capital games he had seen online in his past life. These actions concealed colossal interests worth billions, if not tens of billions of dollars. Notably, this didn''t just involve him -- there had been instances where a business competitor''s entire family had been wiped out. In the warehouse, Hawke repeated his questions, clarifying most of the details. Whatever he couldn''t glean, Tim clearly didn''t know, prompting Guti to pause the interrogation. He briefly communicated with Erika, "BlackRock''s San Francisco office planned this operation. The person in charge was Douglas Coster, who got approval from BlackRock''s headquarters. This involved numerous Democratic Party members. Tim Wilson and Coulson were the executors." Erika followed up on Hawke''s point, "We have two options moving forward. One is to pursue the official route to resolve this, which means the situation might spiral out of our control. The other is to take matters into our own hands." Her voice was calm, but it carried a deadly intent, "Since they are ready to kill, they should also be ready to be killed." Hawke had never been one to play by the rules, especially when his life was genuinely at stake. He stated firmly, "They all deserve to die." Erika turned to Hawke, "Whatever you decide to do, I''m with you." Hawke believed these bastards deserved death but would never underestimate their power. He said, "We should deal with them in three phases: immediate, mid-term, and long-term." This was one of the reasons Erika liked Hawke; he didn''t let anger cloud his judgment. He remained sharp, noting, "Our immediate target is Tim and Coulson -- the actual executors. Since they dared to act, they must be prepared to meet God. Then there''s Douglas Coster, who planned it all. Finally, we have BlackRock and their Democratic allies. These aren''t enemies we can just take out easily." Erika added, "Jennifer is fine, but the FBI is unreliable. They''ve recently brought in a new deputy director from the Democratic Party." Hawke nodded subtly, "I''ll handle my own affairs." ... Not far away, Tim Wilson slowly raised his head, looking at Hawke and Erika. The couple seemed calm and detached, not like good people. Tim suddenly felt like he was in grave danger and shouted, "I have more to say! I have more to say!" Hawke turned to him and shouted, "Hurry up." Tim had already spilled everything he could and couldn''t offer anything useful beyond meaningless repetitions. ... Hawke motioned for Raul to come over, whispering instructions to him to take cash and head to Tijuana. He had previously worked with an organization there while dealing with Robert Downey Jr. ??????o??§¦¡ì As long as they had money, they could provide identity information and general location; the rest was easy to resolve. Erika had already used her connections, tracing Coulson''s whereabouts based on Tim''s information. The man had used Tim''s passport to escape to Puerto Rico. ... By noon, Raul drove away from the seaside warehouse, heading south straight for the U.S.-Mexico border. Soon, a yacht set sail from a nearby dock, venturing into the vast depths of the Pacific Ocean; it only slowed down after reaching international waters. People aboard the yacht continuously threw out pieces of bloody meat, attracting more and more sharks. A bloodied human-shaped object was tossed into the sea, disappearing amidst the frenzy of a dozen sharks fighting over it. The crew carefully cleared all traces, returning leisurely. The sharks, having had their meal, soon scattered. In this world, there was no longer anyone by the name of Tim Wilson. ... San Francisco, Bay Area. In a bowling alley, Peter Thiel, the CEO of Clarium Capital Management, walked out of the locker room toward his old buddy Reid Hoffman. As he strolled, he said, "We just got word from Los Angeles that there was a car bombing in Covina yesterday, and Hawke Osment was caught up in it." Hoffman immediately guessed, asking, "Is Hawke Osment dead?" "No," Peter Thiel replied quickly. "My old friend Brian Ferguson was with him. They barely escaped the blast and were shot at by multiple gunmen afterward." Hoffman was astonished. "They survived? That''s a miracle." Peter Thiel laughed, "Not just survived; Hawke Osment fought back and killed all five gunmen on the spot!" Hoffman''s bowling ball fell from his hand, nearly crushing his own foot. Even though he was well-versed in such dealings, he was still shaken, "When did the business world let in such a monster?" Peter Thiel picked up a bowling ball, approached the lane, and bowled perfectly, knocking down all ten pins with a satisfying clatter. "Nice shot!" Hoffman exclaimed as he retrieved the fallen ball. Peter Thiel clapped his hands, saying, "With Hawke Osment''s temperament, being attacked like this would surely incite a fierce backlash. He has the support of the Ferguson family; BlackRock is about to face trouble." Hoffman asked, "This situation isn''t what we expected. When do we enter?" "Now," Peter Thiel decided. "BlackRock used the fiercest tactics possible. Hawke Osment''s about to retaliate, and he needs allies." As an investor, he was inclined towards the opportunity that benefitted him most: "The time for us to get involved has arrived." Hoffman immediately pulled out his phone, "I''ll get a plane ready; we''ll head over right away." Peter Thiel nodded, "Let''s leave today." The two Silicon Valley investment giants seized the moment, ready to join the Twitter investment battle. ... Puerto Rico, San Juan. A flight from Tijuana landed at the international airport. Four Latinos exited the terminal, pretending to be Mexican tourists on vacation. They rented two cars from a nearby used car dealership. One particularly attractive woman made a phone call, stating, "I think we''ve confirmed his location. He''s at the Bell Hotel." The leader said, "Hurry up, wrap this up soon. I need to get back tomorrow; my niece is getting married and I need to attend the wedding." Another person reminded, "The intel provided suggests this man has worked as a private detective and may be cautious. Be careful during the operation." The four split into two groups, driving to the Bell Hotel near San Jose Church. ... The woman and a man pretended to be a couple and checked into the same room. The other two each took separate rooms. They quickly found Coulson''s whereabouts. ... By the hotel pool, Coulson, wearing swim trunks, sat under a sun umbrella, sipping a cold drink and chatting and laughing with a woman at his table. "So, you closed a big deal and made a fortune?" Elano asked. Even though the plan had failed, Coulson had gotten his money and was in a great mood, "That''s right! I flew in from L.A. specifically to invite you on a global trip with me." He was feeling particularly generous, "I''ll cover all expenses." Elano perked up, "I just need to bring myself, right?" Coulson reached out for her hand, "Darling, you just need to bring yourself; I''ll take care of the rest." Elano couldn''t possibly refuse such an invitation, "Alright, I''ll go." Seeing he had charmed his dream woman, Coulson said, "Here''s my plan: we''ll start in Europe, ring in the new year in Northern Europe, maybe see the Northern Lights in Norway or Sweden, then head to Southern Europe and stay by the romantic Aegean Sea for a month..." Just then, Elano''s phone rang. She glanced at it, embarrassed, "I need to take this call; it''s my agent." Coulson smiled, "Please, go ahead." Elano stood up, walking to a quieter area to take the call, stopping by the restroom. That left Coulson alone. He put down his drink and watched the bikini-clad beauties in the pool, contemplating whether he should propose to Elano during their trip. A particularly alluring bikini woman walked by him. With minimal fabric and an alluring figure, she drew the attention of whistlers around her. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The woman confidently strolled toward the pool; when someone called out to her, she smiled and nodded in acknowledgment. Once she entered the pool, many men in swimsuits pretended to swim, joining her in the water. But Coulson stayed put. ... On the other side, three Mexican men spread across two tables were feeling somewhat disappointed. However, they were patient hunters waiting for an opportunity. Finally, the moment arrived. Once Elano returned, Coulson chatted with her for a bit longer before needing to use the restroom from all the drinks. ... The three Mexican men quietly followed him. In no time, the three emerged from the restroom, passing by the pool while giving a knowing look to the alluring woman. Understanding the cue, she shed her suitor''s company and made her way to the locker room. The trio didn''t return to the hotel but drove away immediately. Their hotel IDs were all fake. Soon, the woman also departed alone. ... Elano waited a few minutes, growing anxious as Coulson still hadn''t returned. Assuming he might have a longer bathroom break, she waited a bit longer, but he still didn''t show. After over ten minutes, Elano pulled out her phone to call him, but the call wouldn''t connect. She rushed to the men''s restroom and found a "Cleaning, Do Not Enter" sign at the door. However, Coulson had definitely gone in. Gathering her courage, Elano crossed over the sign and walked inside, instantly catching a whiff of a strong metallic odor. Inside the restroom, she discovered Coulson sprawled on the floor, surrounded by blood, with multiple stab wounds in his chest and abdomen -- he had been stabbed over twenty times. "There''s been a murder!" Elano screamed, "Murder! Murder!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 237: The Three Calamities of Los Angeles [Chapter 238: The Three Calamities of Los Angeles] East Los Angeles, Covina. A brand-new bulletproof Mercedes rolled down Main Street and stopped below the steps of City Hall. Hawke rolled down the window and waved to the steps above. Brian happened to come out from the door, quickly walked a few steps, and got into the backseat. Once the door closed, Hawke said to the driver, Raul, "Take me to the LA branch." As the car turned back onto the main road, Brian brought up the latest developments. "Jennifer found some leads. Early this morning, she sent someone to Burbank Hotel to summon Douglas Coster for questioning." Hawke asked, "Did we gather any direct evidence from those leads I provided?" "Nothing concrete, just testimonies aren''t enough," Brian replied, disheartened. "The media is all over the case; it''s getting a lot of attention. The LA federal prosecutor''s office is keeping a close eye, and with Chief Prosecutor Garrison''s history, don''t expect much from the FBI." Hawke wasn''t counting on them. He had decided to take matters into his own hands from the start. Tim was fed to the sharks, while Coulson got stabbed dozens of times. Hawke kept it brief, whispering, "The two direct executors met their maker." Brian was momentarily taken aback but quickly regained his composure. He thought about how, ever since the incident, Erica had kept her distance from Hawke. With the two biggest calamities in Los Angeles teaming up, it wasn''t surprising that a few people had died. As one of those involved, Brian could hardly contain his enthusiasm. "Well done." Hawke continued, "The mastermind is Douglas Coster, and he''s our next target." Brian responded, "He''s staying at the Burbank Hotel." "I know. There are always eyes on him there," Hawke said, briefly outlining the situation. "Douglas has four bodyguards and even brought in an 11-man security team the day of the incident. This is a law-abiding society; I''m not going to blow up the Burbank Hotel with a car bomb." Though they had done something like that before, Brian understood they couldn''t do it now. If they acted on that impulse, they would undoubtedly become a national target. Brian mentioned, "After all these years, the Citrus Square incident was the closest I''ve come to death." Hawke had faced similar dangerous situations many times, yet his thirst for revenge hadn''t diminished one bit. "We might not have a way forward right now, but we know who the enemy is and where he''s hiding." Brian had the same blood flowing through him as Erica, showing no hesitation as he coldly stated, "That bastard Douglas has to die!" That was exactly the effect Hawke wanted. He instructed, "Use whatever means you can to gather all info on BlackRock and Douglas -- not just about him personally, but his work, life, friends, family, and so on." Brian was stunned. "What do you want to do?" Hawke reassured him, "Don''t worry; I''m not some crazed lunatic." The moment those words left his mouth, Brian sized up Hawke repeatedly, feeling that he was planning something nefarious. As the car entered downtown Los Angeles, nearing the FBI branch, Hawke recalled something vital and cautioned, "Whatever you do, don''t talk nonsense in the future." At this point, Brian still had no intention of backing down. "The true calamity isn''t me; it''s you." "Alright, alright," Hawke replied, losing interest in the argument. "It''s the three of us -- me, you, and Erica. That should suffice, right?" Brian blinked, suddenly realizing there was some truth in that statement. "The three calamities of Los Angeles?" ... As the Mercedes arrived at the FBI''s LA branch, a throng of journalists waited by the front entrance. In recent days, the hottest news across LA and all of California was the car explosion and shooting incident that had occurred in Covina. Hawke had been too busy tracking down the real culprits to respond to any inquiries. However, Brian, serving as the mayor of Covina, had given a brief interview to Fox News. ??£Î¨°¦¢§§? Hawke made a call, steering the Mercedes around to the side door of the branch, where he drove right in. Getting out of the car, he saw Jennifer Huey had already emerged from the building. She stepped forward to shake Hawke''s hand. "Thanks for coming. I just need to confirm some details, and it''ll be over quickly." Hawke nodded. "I hope you catch the real culprits soon." Jennifer looked at Hawke and said, "I hope so too, but things aren''t looking too good. The federal prosecutor''s office has been scrutinizing us closely; they''re practically putting our every word and move under a microscope. It''s this damn political game." "You can handle it," Brian chimed in, trying to boost her confidence. ... The three of them walked into the building. Once they were out of earshot, Jennifer lowered her voice, "The LA branch isn''t what it was when I first joined. During the last beach club incident, we took everyone by surprise and pulled off a neat operation, but then the trouble started." Hawke guessed, "They''ve sent more people from the top over here?" Jennifer shrugged. "In a massive city like LA, the FBI can''t dominate alone. As soon as we gain a slight advantage, those power-hunters come rushing in." Brian looked around and asked, "Even if we find the real culprit, won''t someone tip them off?" "Since Hoover''s death, these kind of things has happened a lot frequently in the FBI." Jennifer had gotten used to it. "It''s really tough to get things done; there''s factional fighting everywhere." Hawke reiterated, "Because those who aren''t on our side have automatically aligned with the enemy." They arrived at a meeting room where, in addition to Jennifer, a clerical worker had joined in on the inquiry related to the Covina explosion incident. ... At the Burbank Hotel, after showing the proper identification, Douglas Coster stepped out of the top-floor suite accompanied by his lawyer and assistant. The three of them, along with a driver, got into a Cadillac Escalade from the underground parking lot. An FBI vehicle led the way, while another trailed behind, with the Cadillac sandwiched in between, heading toward the LA branch. This was a lawful routine summons; the FBI couldn''t employ any force. In the Escalade, the lawyer had gone over a series of instructions, advising, "For questions you''re uncertain about, you can choose not to answer." "I know," Douglas said, his face serious. Since the lawyer was one of his people, he directly told his assistant, "Contact Tim again." The assistant took out his phone and dialed Tim''s number and emergency contact, but neither answered. Douglas no longer felt lucky and stated, "Send someone to check the house on 20th Street in Santa Monica." The assistant made another call. Before long, the phone rang back. After hanging up, the assistant reported, "Nobody was at Tim''s rented house. They checked the fridge, food, and noticed dust. It looked like no one had been there for at least two days, but the place was tidy with no signs of struggle or fighting." Douglas raised his hand to stop the conversation. "No need to consider anything else; Tim''s gone." The assistant suggested, "Could he have been picked up by the FBI?" Douglas shook his head. "Impossible. If he were being arrested, I would definitely hear about it." The newly appointed second deputy at the FBI was one of their own, a high-ranking member from the LA branch. If there was any arrest operation, he''d know about it. Douglas considered a possibility. "What if Tim was picked up by Hawke Osment and is now in his hands?" The lawyer asked, "If he discovered something, wouldn''t he involve the FBI?" Douglas replied, "We knew there was something wrong with Jennifer Huey, how could they not know there was something wrong with the new second deputy director?" He tapped his fingers on the armrest of the seat. "This acquisition plan is getting more interesting." The assistant asked, "Sir, should we temporarily relocate the Wyoming guy?" "No need. Let him stay put at the hotel," Douglas replied, still not ready to abandon the plan. "We won''t have another chance to acquire Twitter after this." He felt a strong sense of responsibility. "Twitter is essential to the entire future plan for BlackRock." ... As the convoy arrived at the LA branch, they bypassed the throngs of journalists gathered at the front and went directly to the side entrance. Douglas stepped out of the car, following the two agents into the office building. His assistant on the left carried his bag, while his lawyer on the right, wearing glasses, contemplated the situation. As they walked down the hall, they soon encountered three individuals coming around the corner. Two men and a woman. The woman was in an FBI uniform, one man was a handsome and elegant man, and the other was strong and thin, looking quite average. Douglas recognized the man''s profile -- Hawke Osment, the founder of Twitter. ... Hawke had also seen Douglas''s profile and naturally directed his gaze at him. Douglas appeared to be in his forties, donned in a suit, exuding the aura of a business elite. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... As Douglas observed, he quickly realized something unexpected. The three people approaching seemed to revolve around Hawke Osment. Brian from the Ferguson family initially seemed intimidating, but on closer inspection, appeared more as a subordinate of Hawke Osment. He certainly didn''t look like a poor kid from Wyoming. ... Hawke had no interest in conversing with Douglas, glanced at him, and walked straight ahead. Douglas paused and initiated the conversation. "Mr. Hawke Osment." Upon hearing this, Hawke stopped, giving a slight nod. "Mr. Douglas Coster." Douglas continued in a bid to probe, "Is Twitter interested in accepting BlackRock''s investment? Under the agreement with Emma Batson, the price has doubled." Hawke''s mind drifted to the exploded car and the injuries of Edward, currently recuperating in the hospital. He chuckled, "As long as you''re happy." Brian recognized the middle-aged man and remarked, "There have been quite a few accidents in Los Angeles lately." Jennifer pulled on him, "Let''s go." Hawke moved forward. Brian followed suit, and once they were outside, he said, "You call me Brian the Crow''s Mouth? I''ll give it a whirl!" Hawke patted his shoulder. "Buddy, you finally got it. The curse should be cast upon the enemy." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 238: Verbal Agreement [Chapter 239: Verbal Agreement] Los Angeles, Police Department. Erica sat in her office, flipping through the files in front of her. There was a picture of a middle-aged man stuck on the top, next to which was printed his name -- Douglas Coster. He had been summoned by the FBI today and was supposed to return to his rented hotel in Burbank afterward. Coster came from BlackRock and was rumored to be quite skilled in corporate acquisitions. Erica hadn''t seen details about how the acquisitions would work, but she had certainly witnessed the brutality of corporate warfare. Decades had passed, yet the nature of business competition in America remained the same. Erica wasn''t well-versed in corporate battles and didn''t have thoughts as complicated as Hawke''s. Her logic was simple: if Douglas wanted to get rid of her boyfriend, then she had to get rid of Douglas. But figuring out how to do that required a plan. Coming from a family of police officers, Erica had inherited the LAPD''s esteemed traditions. Her first plan revolved around setting him up. She pulled out her phone and made a call, instructing her family''s security company, "Keep an eye on the target at the Burbank hotel. Notify me immediately if they go out again." She then called Hawke, who was over at Pacific Investment Group, discussing investment matters with her mother. ... Federal Bank Plaza, Pacific Investment Group. In the meeting room, Hawke met Peter Thiel again, along with Reid Hoffman, who was specially introduced. Mary Ferguson, the host, stated directly, "Peter and Reid are here from San Francisco to discuss Twitter." Peter Thiel didn''t beat around the bush and told Hawke, "Last time we met, we talked about Twitter''s investment and development. Twitter is growing rapidly, with an ice bucket challenge that has nearly every celebrity in America participating." Hoffman chimed in, "Peter and I participated too and even made a donation to Tom Cruise''s charity foundation." Hawke smiled, "Tommy should be grateful for your support." "Twitter is now undoubtedly the number one social media platform on the internet," Mary said. The Pacific Investment Group, under her control, was the second-largest shareholder of Twitter. She deliberately asked Hawke, "I presume Twitter has surpassed 40 million registered users globally now?" Hawke replied, "It surpassed 40 million last month." When Peter Thiel and Hoffman arrived, they were mentally prepared, knowing that with Twitter''s popularity and the number of active users, its valuation might balloon into astronomical figures. But if they didn''t act now, Twitter''s market value would likely continue to climb. Peter Thiel stated, "My Clarium investment firm, along with Reid''s foundation, is interested in investing in Twitter." Mary didn''t speak but turned to Hawke. After losing the wager, all matters related to Twitter''s investment and operation fell under Hawke''s responsibility. Twitter needed external funds and resources to grow further, and Hawke pondered, "A couple of months ago, the BlackRock office in San Francisco discussed financing cooperation with me. They proposed many unrealistic conditions. After some drawn-out discussions, I refused them, and something quite unpleasant happened afterward." R??????¨¯????¨§? Peter Thiel nodded, "I''ve heard about it. To be frank, BlackRock doesn''t have a great reputation in the investment circle. Their dealings often lead to some uncomfortable events." "So, I hope Twitter attracts partners and allies, not enemies," Hawke stated. He didn''t harbor too many illusions about these investors but didn''t shy away from accepting help. "I want partners who can stand shoulder to shoulder with Twitter." Hoffman didn''t want to involve himself in BlackRock''s matters but also didn''t wish to miss the opportunity to invest in Twitter. He turned his gaze to his companion. Peter Thiel showed more decisiveness than Hoffman, stating after a slight pause, "Investments, shares, and shared interests will naturally bind us together. We are indeed partners and allies." Mary interjected, "You both come from San Francisco, so I assume you know more about BlackRock and Douglas?" Hawke''s stance was clear: investing in Twitter was possible, but first, they needed to align with him. Twitter was about to secure interest-free loans from the governor''s economic development plan, along with a series of policy subsidies; the finances could hold out for a while. Peter Thiel understood what Mary and Hawke were implying but remained silent for a moment, exchanging glances with Hoffman. The Clarium investment firm was one of the sponsors backing Arnold Schwarzenegger, inherently leaning towards the red camp. From a profit perspective, investing in Twitter would yield greater returns. He nodded slightly at Hoffman, and seeing his companion had no objections, Thiel said, "I will assist Twitter in addressing BlackRock''s fierce attacks." Hawke replied, "Cooperation can uncover common ground amid differences and identify shared interests." Hoffman chuckled, "Exactly, shared interests." "There are a few points I must make clear first," Hawke said slowly. "Twitter''s financing will adopt a dual-class structure, establishing a board of directors, with a management team led by me retaining independent operational rights." These weren''t new ideas and were quite common in Silicon Valley; Peter Thiel and Hoffman had no objections. Hawke continued, "In terms of public opinion management, Twitter will also maintain its independence. Every once in a while, I''ll plan an event similar to the ice bucket challenge, keeping Twitter constantly visible in users'' sights." Regarding further plans, there would be measures targeting so-called marginalized groups that were comparable to corporate viruses. For instance, Twitter would control the number of female employees and those from minority groups, among others. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. These were all principled issues that could easily ruin a giant corporation with a glorious history. In a social media space like Twitter, any increase in the number of female employees could lead to significant internal strife. In such a social media environment, getting things all mixed up and causing chaos could be easily imagined. Once they reached consensus on these principled issues, they could then push forward on investment and financing matters. During this time, Hawke discussed the marginalized community plan promoted by BlackRock. Peter Thiel and Hoffman had heard some whispers about it. In California, this was part of the overall trend of social development. After half an afternoon of discussions, they reached a series of verbal agreements. This was merely the beginning. Next, professional third parties would need to be hired to evaluate Twitter, work on the dual-class structure design, financing amounts and ratios, shareholder rights and responsibilities, and so forth. All of these would take time and careful negotiation. Hawke, Mary, Peter Thiel, and Reid Hoffman agreed on the next meeting time, with the latter two leaving afterward. ... After sending them off, Hawke noticed Erica had arrived, waiting at the entertainment room. Mary called both of them into her office for a chat. Hawke asked his girlfriend, "Not busy today?" "No cases," Erica replied as she grabbed three cups of coffee. "I''m planning to set up Douglas." Mary looked at her daughter, slightly disapproving, "Hey, dear, you''re a police officer, a star officer at LAPD!" Erica chuckled and honestly replied, "Even star officers can frame people, especially enemies." Hawke didn''t mind and asked, "What exactly are you thinking?" Erica stated, "It''s pretty much about guns and drugs. Right now, Douglas is holed up in the Burbank hotel, remotely directing his subordinates by phone..." Following her line of reasoning, Hawke considered, "According to Tim, Douglas''s visit to Los Angeles isn''t just for acquiring my shares in Twitter; he is also responsible for executing the marginalized community plan." "The marginalized community?" Erica asked. "The groups you mentioned last time, like homosexuals and transgenders?" Hawke said, "Not just them. It also includes privileged black individuals and women." Mary interjected at this moment, "This marginalized community plan is very troublesome. I reported it to Paul, and they discussed it; it''s not easy to handle." Hawke warned, "I believe this plan must be taken seriously, as it could disrupt the current dynamics between the two parties." Mary asked, "It seems you have some unique perspectives?" "Indeed," Hawke asserted confidently. "Actually, I''ve handled many similar cases before." Erica added, "Steve Nutt''s saint plan and the selfie scandal involving two Hollywood stars are typical examples." Mary had researched the cases handled by Hawke and, after a moment of thought, remarked, "If you went to the Donkey side, you would be able to do plenty." But Hawke replied, "Thinking about having to work with a group of gay men and transgenders in the future feels terrifying." Mary made a note to mention this to Erica''s grandfather Paul, hoping that some higher-ups would listen to Hawke''s insights. Hawke then returned to the main topic, "According to Tim, the implementation of the marginalized community plan will hinge on traditional media, the entertainment industry, and emerging online media. BlackRock will seize the opportunity in Hollywood and use Hollywood films to steer the narrative." He said, "If we figure out which Hollywood filmmakers Douglas has interacted with, we might be able to track his movements." Erica remarked, "That''s going to depend on you and Brian." Hawke picked up his phone and texted Eric Emerson, Dwayne Johnson, and Tom Cruise, asking them to look into whether any recent Hollywood projects had dealings with BlackRock and its affiliated foundation. ... Eric Emerson had limited connections and got Kathryn to help ask around; unfortunately, there were no leads. Dwayne Johnson managed to gather some news, saying Warner Bros had allegedly contacted the BlackRock Film Foundation, but he hadn''t figured out which film team it was yet. Just before closing time, Tom Cruise called in. "Regarding your inquiry, I mobilized my network and even utilized my Scientology contacts to gather some information," said Tom Cruise, who had been riding high lately and was particularly attentive to Hawke''s case. He stated, "John Travolta heard from director John Woo that Ang Lee has a new film project that seems to have received support from BlackRock." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 239: For Example, Cutting off the Roots. [Chapter 240: For Example, Cutting off the Roots.] Knowing which movie project it was made it much easier to investigate relevant film information. By nightfall, the information regarding Ang Lee and was already on Hawke''s desk. Ang Lee''s long-time producer, James Schamus, collaborated with Universal Pictures to recently establish a film company called Focus Features. Aside from these two companies, the BlackRock Film Foundation was also a stakeholder. The project came from James Schamus''s initial push. In the past, Hawke would have deemed this a purely commercial movie endeavor. But with BlackRock involved and considering the marginalized community plan, he couldn''t help but notice the correlation. BlackRock had propelled the approval of . Hawke vaguely remembered that the evolution of gay-themed cinema in Hollywood had as a landmark event. As achieved great success at the Oscars, it had a profound impact across North America, marking the entry of gay-themed cinema into Hollywood mainstream culture and gradually shifting towards an LGBT narrative. ... "Hollywood has always been at the forefront of cultural trends," Hawke remarked, closing the notes on and addressing Erica in the living room. "BlackRock chose the most suitable entry point." Erica, engrossed in reading ''s novel, replied, "Movies and entertainment stars have such a significant influence on the general public." She didn''t personally like homosexuality, commenting, "This Hollywood circle is already chaotic enough. I can''t imagine what it will turn into as BlackRock kicks off the marginalized community plan." Hawke said, "Monsters are running rampant; for instance, men can enter women''s restrooms as long as they consider themselves female..." That version felt too progressive, leaving Erica puzzled: "They wouldn''t even need to undergo gender reassignment surgery?" Hawke shrugged, "If he identifies as a woman, but you insist he''s not, then you''re guilty." Even though he hadn''t delved deeply into it, he had seen too many related news pieces online: "There are even cases where a group of transgender individuals go to elementary schools to teach kids and allow minors to freely choose their gender, even undergo surgeries without parental consent." sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Erica asked, "How would the financial aspect be handled?" Hawke thought for a moment and replied, "The government funds it, perhaps by reallocating the fire department''s budget to gender diversity initiatives." "The current state of America is already surreal," Erica couldn''t fathom, "If it actually develops in such a direction, this country..." She frowned, "The Donkeys have gone mad!" Hawke pointed out a reality: "These individuals will make up the Donkey''s core support base. They will spare no effort in supporting the Donkeys for their own privileges." Erica understood, "So this is the purpose of the marginalized community plan?" Hawke said, "At least, it''s one of the purposes." Erica sighed, "Brian''s future mission will be tough." Hawke nodded, "I can''t speak for other states, but given California''s social climate, this will become part of the prevailing trend; if Brian wants to enter the Oval Office, he must overcome them." ??????????????¨§? Erica set aside the novel and asked, "Does this mark the official start of the marginalized community plan in Hollywood?" "If I''m not mistaken, the film is targeting the Oscars," Hawke recalled Ang Lee winning the Best Director Oscar for this movie. "Focus Features and BlackRock''s side will pour money into the awards." Erica remarked, "What they desire is precisely what we oppose." At that moment, the intercom buzzed; security reported Jennifer Huey had arrived. ... When Hawke and Erica reached the living room door, she was just walking in from outside. Earlier that day, Hawke had arranged to meet her tonight. Jennifer settled onto the sofa and inquired, "You said you wanted to discuss something privately?" Hawke moved to the side of the long sofa, saying, "Do you remember when we first met?" "In Wyoming," Jennifer recalled vividly. "That was when you and Erica took down six armed thugs from a mining company." Hawke said, "I received news that the investors behind that mining company were from BlackRock''s Wyoming branch, and Douglas Coster was the head back then." Jennifer nodded, "That''s right, there were many casualties back then. Pressured by the FBI''s investigation, after compensating the families, that mining company went bankrupt." Hawke asked, "After I returned from Wyoming, I didn''t keep track of the situation there. How many bodies were eventually found?" "We found 17 bodies," Jennifer thought carefully. "There might be some other missing persons, but you know more about Wyoming than we do; it''s vast and sparsely populated, so it''s challenging to search." Understanding Hawke''s thoughts, she simply stated, "The mastermind behind this case was indeed BlackRock''s Wyoming branch. The incident occurred on Native American reservations, and most victims were Native Americans who didn''t cooperate with the mining company; once compensation was settled, it ultimately became a closed case." Many cases involving large corporations typically unfolded this way: a hefty payout to close the matter. Hawke asked directly, "Is there a family with multiple deaths, leaving survivors?" Jennifer hadn''t been following the case for a while and said, "I''ll need to go back and look it up." Hawke added, "And also look for any documents or case files that can point to BlackRock''s Wyoming branch." "You''re asking me to make a mistake," Jennifer cautioned. Erica chimed in, "I owe you a favor." Hawke''s stance remained very clear: if you wanted to take me down, then I would make sure to eliminate you too. Jennifer glanced at Erica before turning back to Hawke, saying, "I''ll see what I can find." She didn''t hold back at all: "I heard your family is hosting a social gathering next month; you must invite me." Erica recognized her true target was Brian and replied, "Sure." Jennifer checked the time and said, "I don''t want to interrupt you any longer." She stood to leave, telling Hawke, "I''ll reach out to you right away when I have news." Hawke and Erica escorted her to the car. ... Back upstairs, Hawke and Erica relaxed together, recounting their experiences from Wyoming. They had left in haste due to safety concerns but hadn''t anticipated it would implicate BlackRock. While Erica wanted an opportunity to utilize LAPD''s traditional tactics, Hawke believed that either they would not act or, if they did, it was necessary to eliminate the threat without leaving any loose ends. In certain aspects, Hawke still retained the simpler, more straightforward thinking. For example, cutting off the roots. ... The next morning, when arriving at Twitter, Hawke discovered Edward had returned to work. The Savior was dressed in a sharp suit, brimming with energy. Hawke entered the office and asked, "Are you sure everything is alright?" Edward flashed a dazzling smile: "I''ve been in observation for several days. The doctor said I''m perfectly healthy -- strong enough to kill a bull." He inquired, "Boss, was the driver really Miller Collins?" Hawke confirmed, "Yes, the FBI performed a DNA test, and it has been confirmed to be Miller Collins himself." "Damn bastard!" Edward declared earnestly, "Boss, don''t worry. I will accompany Maria Collins to his funeral!" What could Hawke say? Naturally, he had to encourage his most loyal underling: "Just do your best." Edward nodded vigorously, "I will!" He started thinking, besides funerals, cemeteries, wedding photos, etc., what other scenes are suitable for performance? Edward resolved to head back and study some adult film footage carefully. ... There was a knock on the office door, and Caroline stepped in quickly, flaunting her golden bangs. She placed several documents on Hawke''s desk, stating, "These need your signature ASAP." Hawke took them, glanced through, and said, "From now on, the authority to sign these will be delegated to you." Caroline''s makeup couldn''t hide the dark bags under her eyes from lack of rest. "Why do I feel like my workload is increasing while my leisure time is shrinking?" Hawke casually remarked, "Because your abilities are growing, and your responsibilities have increased." He didn''t forget to motivate her: "You are about to become the operations director of a company valued at more than a billion!" Caroline blinked, seemingly unable to believe, "Is there an investment company that wants to assess it?" Hawke revealed the materials submitted by Peter Thiel and Reid Hoffman, saying, "Clarium Capital plans to participate in Twitter''s upcoming financing round, and you will oversee the specific work." Caroline stepped forward a bit, the sound of her high heels clicking on the wooden floor: "I won''t disappoint your trust." Hawke knew well that tangible benefits could engage people''s motivations: "You, the Savior, Sasha, Harland, and Kasim can all participate in this financing round as investors." "Miss Baa, do you have any money?" Edward teased, "I remember you always maxed out your credit cards." This time, Caroline had a different response: "Most of my income over the past year, I''ve saved. Haven''t you noticed? For more than six months, I''ve only worn last season''s discount items, and I haven''t bought a new bag in eight months." Edward''s mind sparked with an idea: "I can introduce you to a fantastic channel for luxury goods, way cheaper than the market price." Caroline, while trying to save for investment to become a Twitter shareholder, still felt the impulse of years of following trends: "Don''t even bring up discount stores." Edward shook his head, "My friends near Compton have a morning market street where they sell luxury goods dirt cheap, and they''re guaranteed authentic." Caroline was skeptical, "I believe it''s cheap, but guaranteed authentic..." Hawke reminded her, "You''re not thinking about this the right way." Edward elaborated, "They aren''t producing luxury goods; the cost for them is merely physical labor. If they were fakes, wouldn''t that increase costs, thereby reducing profits?" Caroline caught on immediately, realizing that with Twitter''s upcoming financing, they had to be smart with expenditures, turning to Edward: "You must take me there one of these days." Edward said, "No problem, I''ll just charge you a 10% finder''s fee." At that moment, Hawke stated, "We will hold a press conference with the Clarium Capital." He looked at Caroline, "You will represent Twitter at the event." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 240: Pay Well to Fight [Chapter 241: Pay Well to Fight] Los Angeles Convention Center, Press Hall. That morning, hundreds of media representatives and reporters gathered, most of whom came from the finance and technology sectors. All eyes were glued to the podium. Twitter, in collaboration with Clarium Capital from Silicon Valley, held a press conference to officially announce that both parties would begin investment negotiations. Peter Thiel and Reid Hoffman, representing the venture capital company, were well-known figures in Silicon Valley, with impressive business accomplishments. In contrast, Caroline, the representative from Twitter, seemed relatively unknown. The live broadcasting team from Twitter had set up cameras early on to stream the entire event live. Daniel Keitel, an assistant to the governor from the Governor''s Office, expressed the new governor Arnold Schwarzenegger''s focus on this emerging business investment. The press conference went smoothly, garnering more attention for Twitter. ... At the railing on the second floor, Mary Ferguson looked down and asked, "You don''t like public occasions?" Hawke responded, "I prefer to stay back. There are people who want to harm me; rushing to the front puts me at greater risk." "You''ve got to step into the limelight eventually," Mary replied, highlighting a reality, "You can''t hide behind the scenes forever." Hawke pondered for a moment and replied honestly, "Once I truly have power, it won''t matter if I''m on stage or backstage." Mary thought of something: "Did you manage to talk Erica out of this?" Hawke nodded, "She''s done so much for me; I can''t let my issues block her career at LAPD." He suddenly chuckled, "I have my own interests too. Once Erica becomes a big shot at LAPD, I won''t need to worry about these petty issues in Los Angeles." Mary looked into Hawke''s eyes with obvious admiration. Once again, she felt that what Erica''s grandfather Paul Ferguson said was particularly wise: it wasn''t about where someone came from, but what they''ve accomplished. ... Burbank Hotel, Top Floor Suite. The live broadcast of Twitter was projected onto a screen. Douglas Coster sat quietly on the sofa, watching the press conference hosted by Twitter and Clarium Capital. On the adjacent sofa, Murray Gober, who had just rushed over from BlackRock''s headquarters, wore a blank expression, as if there had never been a connection between Twitter and BlackRock. The press conference concluded amidst enthusiastic applause. Douglas picked up the remote control and turned off the projector. Murray said, "Once the estimates and negotiations are over, Peter Thiel and Reid Hoffman, along with the funds they''ve raised, will immediately flow into Twitter. Twitter will gain support from Silicon Valley''s capital and fully undergo a transformation." He paused slightly and continued, "Some investors are swaying left and right. They will lean towards whichever side can grant greater benefits." "It''s my fault for not doing my job properly," Douglas said, not shifting any blame, "We had an opportunity." Murray made it clear that he only needed to show the company''s position without laying blame. "Twitter''s situation can''t be reversed anymore; don''t linger there, focus on other acquisition targets." Douglas felt dissatisfied. "No other social media can compare to Twitter. Even the largest blogging sites can''t hold a candle to it." Then he suddenly had an idea: "Does Twitter involve monopolization?" Murray replied, "You can approach it from that angle to create some trouble over there, but the main focus still needs to be on the plan for marginalized groups." ???????§£?? This was related to BlackRock''s long-term strategy: "The board has decided; everything in Hollywood is fully in your hands." Douglas chose to set Twitter aside for the moment, pulling out prepared materials and handing them to Murray. "As of now, the BlackRock film fund has been pushing two film projects forward, one of which is , produced by Focus Features and directed by Ang Lee, is almost finalized." Although he hadn''t dared to go out much during this time, he hadn''t slacked off on work at the hotel. "George Clooney and Sean Penn recommended a biographical script to me, based on the life of the famous LGBTQ leader Harvey Milk, which involves social and political movements matching our plans." Murray wasn''t particularly knowledgeable about the film side but said, "You manage that. The plan needs to roll out quickly; we need to see results by this time next year." Douglas calculated the time and said, "The earliest would be by the next Oscars. Movies have a huge public impact, but the production and screening cycle is quite lengthy. This type of film can only follow a path aiming for awards, leveraging the Oscars'' influence to spark new waves across the country." "Sounds good." Murray put the materials away, preparing to leave. Before he departed, he reminded, "Stay safe." "I will," Douglas assured, being extra cautious. Since his assistant Tim went missing, he hadn''t stepped outside the Burbank Hotel except for a visit to the FBI''s Los Angeles office. An experienced security team was protecting his safety. After some time, he planned to leave Los Angeles and return to San Francisco, where it wasn''t the Ferguson family''s territory anymore. ... A brand-new bulletproof Mercedes left the city, passing through East Hollywood, and arrived at Century City Plaza in Beverly Hills. Edward turned and parked beside a Chevrolet. The window of the Chevrolet rolled down, and Jennifer Huey handed over a folder containing documents. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke accepted it, saying, "Thanks." Jennifer raised the window back up, saying, "These are your findings." Hawke understood her meaning: "Don''t worry; it has nothing to do with you." The Chevrolet''s window went up, and it left the parking lot quickly. "Let''s go to Silver Lake," Hawke told Edward. He opened the folder and began examining its contents closely. It detailed how BlackRock''s Wyoming branch exploited a mining company to infringe upon the rights of Native American reservations, eventually leading to disputes that resulted in several deaths. If those killed had been white, the matter would have blown up long ago. But since it involved Native Americans, it could easily be smoothed over with money. They had no human rights. Hawke wasn''t sure how much fight was left in those Native Americans, bearing over a hundred years of oppression. Douglas Coster remained hidden in the Burbank Hotel, shielded by a multitude of security personnel, much like a turtle retracting its head. Forget about Hawke, even Erica, who sought to tap into LAPD''s traditional skills, couldn''t find any opportunity to act. Hawke had a feeling this guy would be especially careful in Los Angeles. The head of BlackRock''s San Francisco branch, despite liaising with Hollywood and executing marginalized group plans, would still need to return to San Francisco. ... The Mercedes arrived in Silver Lake, driving directly into a villa. When Hawke got out of the car, he called Raul and the others: "Come inside." He turned to Edward, "Bring the packages with you." Edward opened the glove compartment, took out three small packages, and followed Hawke into the villa. Before long, Raul, Guti, and Morentes entered one after another. Hawke wasted no time, "Regarding the attack that happened at Citrus Square, your early warning and protection were in place. I won''t say much to thank you." Raul replied, "Boss, it''s our duty." "Then make sure you''re more attentive to your responsibilities," Hawke said, not one to demand unreasonable sacrifices without compensation. If others put their lives on the line for him, he needed to provide the rewards due. Hawke took the packages from Edward and handed one to each of Raul''s team. He stated, "Don''t refuse; this is a bonus. If you don''t take it, how can I feel at ease?" Guti grinned and tossed his golden hair, "Thanks, boss." Morentes remained silent but nodded firmly at Hawke, seeming to express his determination in this manner. His family had come to Los Angeles smoothly, solved their identity issues, lived in a standalone home, had their children enrolled in private schools, and he earned quite well. The boss wasn''t bad; he was generous. Such a job was hard to come by. Hawke added, "If you run into difficulties in life, communicate with Edward promptly." Raul laughed, "It''s much better here than in Mexico." The three left the villa quickly, returning to their normal work state. ... Inside the villa, Hawke pulled out a card and handed it to Edward: "This is for you; keep it." Edward happily accepted it, "Boss, you''re too generous." Hawke patted his shoulder, "Savior, you are my lucky star." Edward''s enthusiasm picked up, as he grabbed the folder Jennifer had given him, pulling out the documents to examine them closely, helping Hawke look for a breakthrough. Hawke continued to read the provided documents, reviewing them several times, pulling out a portion to reprint, organizing them into a separate file. Then he contacted Campos. ... Before noon, Campos arrived in Silver Lake. Hawke handed the printed materials to him, saying, "This contains information about a Native American and their family''s case. Do you have someone who understands Native American culture? I need someone to go to Wyoming, into the Indian reservation near Jeffrey City." Campos pondered for a moment. "People in this field are hard to find. Native Americans live in a different world entirely. Those on the reservations hardly interact with outsiders." Edward interjected, "It seems Native Americans have it worse than Black people." Campos responded, "Much worse. You all think it''s bad, but they..." "How about you find a reliable person to deliver this to the target? I want them to follow the person if the target leaves the reservation," Hawke proposed. Campos thought for a moment and said, "Let Carlos and Garcia handle it; this job won''t be hard for them." Hawke nodded, "Great. Have it arranged quickly." "I''ll get on it right away." Campos took the materials and quickly left the villa to return to the company. ... On the way, he called Carlos and Garcia, asking them to meet him at the company. Just past noon, the two had booked their tickets and were heading straight for Los Angeles International Airport. Hawke received an invitation from Fox to attend a collaborator''s party. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 241: Ms. Kidman, Please Respect Yourself [Chapter 242: Ms. Kidman, Please Respect Yourself] Century City, Fox Tower. Hawke donned a formal suit, taking the elevator up to the eighth-floor banquet hall. He presented the invitation sent by Megan Taylor to the receptionist, a woman in a business suit with a bright smile, "Mr. Osment, welcome! Your presence honors Fox." Hawke nodded slightly and entered the banquet hall. This was a collaboration party hosted by Fox, and he was specially invited. The Fox network had established itself in Los Angeles since its creation in 1986. This television station, famously known as the Elephant Promotion Department, had expanded into one of the top five networks in the United States. Megan had been waiting at the entrance of the banquet hall and quickly approached Hawke when she saw him, saying, "I thought you wouldn''t come." Hawke smiled, "You personally delivered the invitation, of course, I had to show up." Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As they moved through the hall toward the central area, they encountered a rotund elderly gentleman along with a white man in his thirties. Hawke recognized the former as Roger Ailes, the chairman of the Fox network. Hawke hadn''t seen the latter before. After catching a glimpse of Megan, Roger Ailes focused his attention on Hawke. Megan hastened to introduce them. The white man was James Murdoch, representing the Murdoch family. Roger Ailes stood still and nodded, "I''ve heard of you; you provided significant news coverage for Fox." Hawke replied politely, "I look forward to more opportunities for collaboration." Roger Ailes responded affirmatively, "There will be." He turned away to engage with other guests. James Murdoch stepped forward to shake Hawke''s hand. "The Twitter you founded has shone brightly online in the past six months." Hawke remarked, "Twitter''s just getting started; Fox is the benchmark in the media industry." The Murdoch family specialized in media and recognized the internet''s influence. James continued, "Let''s discuss the development and cooperation in the media industry sometime." ?¦¡?§à?¨º? "Anytime," Hawke said, pulling out a business card to offer. James took it and exchanged it for his own. This wasn''t the right setting for lengthy discussions, and as one of the hosts, James Murdoch had to attend to other matters quickly. Hawke tucked the card away and politely exchanged comments with Megan before moving on. ... Megan led him to meet the director of Channel 11. Cynthia Rosenberg was a Jewish woman, with less ambition than her younger counterparts. Hawke had had an incident before where he presented a recording of Pat Kingsley to Megan, wanting to publish it, only for Cynthia, the director, to stifle the idea. After leaving that area, Megan continued discussing the situation. "Cynthia believes a single recording isn''t enough to shake the Catholic Church, especially since the Los Angeles diocese is quite powerful. Investigating proactively is too great a risk; if reported to the LAPD, they likely wouldn''t pursue it." Hawke, cautious in his own right, hadn''t considered Twitter publishing anything and naturally wouldn''t complain to Fox. They were all in the same boat. What was different, however, was his preparation for a large-scale media strategy. More accurately, human wave tactics. Hawke spoke softly, "The influence of the Catholic Church is vast." Megan mentioned, "You may not know, but the Los Angeles diocese donates to the LAPD every year." Hawke understood: "Take the money, clear the trouble." Fox Group not only included the television network but also encompassed 20th Century Fox. At tonight''s party, alongside media personnel, many celebrities from Hollywood could also be seen. Hawke spotted Ridley Scott, James Cameron, George Lucas, and various directors collaborating with 20th Century Fox. He also saw Brad Pitt, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, and Will Smith among the stars. The latter spotted Hawke and quickly retreated to the side, sending a very clear idea: ''I can''t afford to mess with him, but I can avoid him.'' The two, Hawke and Megan, found a quieter spot, each ordered a glass of lemonade, and sat down at a small round table to talk. At that moment, Hawke noticed Dwayne Johnson, who was speaking with a 20th Century Fox executive, waving over to him. Hawke smiled and nodded in response. Megan jabbed him, saying, "Pat Kingsley." Following her gaze, Hawke looked over and saw Pat Kingsley, dressed in a business suit, mingling with directors and producers. Beside her, Nicole Kidman, in a red gown, appeared almost luminescent under the lights. This woman was stunningly beautiful, with delicate skin. Megan teased, "Interested in the Oscar-winning actress? I can introduce you; I interviewed her before." "Forget it," Hawke slightly shook his head, "I''m not interested in her." Megan pondered, "You''re the actual planner behind the Ice Bucket Challenge, which many in Hollywood must know, and the challenge allowed Tom Cruise to achieve unanimous acclaim, leading to Nicole Kidman''s constant attacks on him since the Oscars fail." She had interacted closely with Nicole Kidman before: "That woman is very petty, and if things go as expected, she would see you as an enemy." Hawke shook his head, "I didn''t provoke her, nor do I plan to." Megan, once an entertainment host, understood Hollywood all too well: "Stars from ordinary backgrounds usually feel extreme self-doubt, leading to immense pride after becoming famous. Helping Tom Cruise equates to damaging her interests." "I''m not helping Tom Cruise," Hawke corrected, "It''s Tom Cruise who hired me." ... Over on the other side, Nicole Kidman was trying to engage with several leading directors, following Pat Kingsley around. But whether it was Ridley Scott or James Cameron, they all treated her rather coolly. When it came to the collaborations mentioned by Pat Kingsley, they didn''t even respond. Nicole Kidman found her efforts to be a waste of time, clearly annoyed. She didn''t dare complain to these top directors, but her expression showed some displeasure. Being naturally beautiful, this look made her appear exceptionally cold. Nicole was the first to arrive at the bar, ordering a fruit cocktail while overhearing Hugh Jackman chatting with Will Smith. ... Will, pointing to a corner of the banquet hall, said, "Do you see that man near Megan Taylor? He''s the founder of Twitter, Hawke Osment." Hugh Jackman had heard of him: "Is he the one from West Coast Studios?" "Exactly, that''s him," Will Smith replied, "That guy is a complete bastard and a rogue; keep your distance from him." Hugh Jackman voiced his confusion, "He seems to have helped a lot of people in the industry, right?" Indeed, this statement wasn''t off the mark. Will Smith recalled the and said, "This guy does what he''s paid for, no doubt about it. Saint Steve, Allison Faith''s selfie gate... all his doing." He maintained a good relationship with Tom Cruise, having heard plenty: "And this recent Ice Bucket Challenge, from planning to execution, it was all him controlling things, successfully helping Tommy out of several troubles." ... Though those speaking hadn''t noticed, the listener kept it in mind. Nicole Kidman sipped her fruit cocktail, turning her gaze toward the corner of the lounge. It was that inconspicuous man who had cleared the bad reputation of her ex-husband, which had taken her over six months, and made it even better than before. Her ex-husband was doing well, which hurt her far more than dealing with Harvey Weinstein. Nicole stood up and walked over directly to Hawke without needing an invite and pulled out a chair to sit at the round table, saying, "Good evening, Mr. Osment." Hawke asked directly, "Is there something you want?" "Yes, I have a business proposition for you," Nicole said earnestly. "Can we find a place to talk privately?" Megan nudged Hawke''s leg with her foot. "The terrace over there should be empty." Nicole walked toward the nearby terrace. Hawke whispered, "Did you bring a recorder?" Megan pulled one out of her handbag and secretly handed it over: "Be careful." She winked deliberately, "I''ll wait for you outside." ... Hawke tucked the recorder into his jacket pocket and followed Nicole Kidman to the terrace. Here, a curtain separated the noisy banquet hall from the calm area. Nicole leaned against the railing, saying, "I''ve heard people mention that your West Coast studio is the best PR firm in Los Angeles." Hawke replied, "As far as I know, you have a PR manager." "I want to hire your services; she can''t accomplish what I need," Nicole stated directly. "Help me devise a plan to ruin Tom Cruise''s reputation..." Seeing Hawke about to speak, she interjected, "Let me finish with my conditions first!" Nicole Kidman knew very well what people in PR wanted: "No matter how much Tom Cruise pays you, I''ll offer you double what he does!" Tom Cruise was paying Hawke $3.5 million, which meant Nicole was willing to offer $7 million. Hawke stared at Nicole Kidman, clearly realizing she wasn''t joking. Nicole was deeply sincere: "What do you say? Work for me." Hawke was straightforward: "If this had come before Tom hired me, I would''ve accepted." Though his bottom line wasn''t high, he still had basic professional ethics: "Right now, I can only say I''m sorry." "Wait a second." Nicole''s face darkened as she clutched the side of her dress. This gesture made Hawke, who had suffered through Bella Sain'' false accusations, misinterpret the situation. Warning signs flared considering the moral standards celebrities had gone through in the past few years in Hollywood. Hawke didn''t want to cause a scene at the party, pulling out the recorder as he warned, "Ms. Kidman, please respect yourself." Nicole looked at the recorder in Hawke''s hand, instinctively clutching her dress, her complexion turning nearly translucent: "Shameless! You creep!" She felt immensely insulted: "You make me sick!" Hawke said nothing, only observing her. Nicole turned and stormed off. ... Hawke shook his head, returning from the terrace to the banquet hall where he saw Megan. Megan asked, "What happened?" Hawke handed her the recorder: "I rejected her offer to help her bring down Tom Cruise, and now I''m being labeled shameless." Megan put on her headphones to listen and then comforted him, "Don''t let it bother you. These Hollywood stars have such inflated egos." She leaned in close to Hawke''s ear, "Only I understand your goodness." The two left the banquet hall after not staying long, chatting a bit longer with James Murdoch before departing Fox Tower. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 242: Dragging Feet and Causing Trouble [Chapter 243: Dragging Feet and Causing Trouble] The next morning, a black bulletproof Mercedes sped toward West Hollywood. Edward drove the car and asked Hawke, "Boss, those bastards at BlackRock are going to be our long-term enemies. We should sabotage everything they try to push through." Hawke fully agreed. "Whatever the enemy wants to do, that''s what we oppose." At that moment, Edward recalled a plan Hawke had mentioned more than once. "The marginalized community initiative by BlackRock, starting in Hollywood?" "We''ll think of a way to disrupt things in Hollywood first," Hawke replied succinctly. "Today, Tom Cruise''s production company is signing a deal with Eric''s studio. Let''s go stir up some excitement." As the car bomb went off near Citrus Square, BlackRock had officially become Hawke''s sworn enemy. The chaos in America could only lead to more division, which Hawke knew would only benefit their cause. While the power of Hawke and Twitter could only take them so far in taking down BlackRock, it wouldn''t stop him from using various tactics to undermine their strategic planning. Without a doubt, the marginalized community initiative was one of BlackRock''s most crucial strategies for the future. Hawke couldn''t remember how this company became the behemoth it was in the 2020s, but that strategic plan had to be a driving force. From every angle, he couldn''t allow them to implement it smoothly. Hollywood was the vanguard of this initiative, with shifts in the entertainment and media industries leading to broader social changes. The BlackRock Film Fund had invested in Focus Features'' , aiming for an Oscar. Winning a major award was the only way to make such a niche film mainstream. Hawke also contemplated the Oscar game. Additionally, he''d sent someone to Harvard to find a student named Zuckerberg. It was only 2003; he wondered if Zuckerberg had launched Facebook yet. At this point, he either hadn''t or was still on the Harvard campus network. ... The Mercedes arrived in West Hollywood and drove straight into the lot of Emerson''s Film Studio. Hawke stepped out of the car, where Eric stood on the front steps waving. Beside him was Tom Cruise, casually dressed in a blazer. As Hawke approached, Tom Cruise greeted him with a warm hug. Eric called for them to head to the meeting room to talk. Hawke settled onto the sofa and asked, "Did you guys officially sign?" "Just signed the contract," Tom Cruise replied, having finalized his collaboration with Eric right after the opening weekend box office results of . They had been discussing it for nearly two months, and it was finally on paper. Tom Cruise continued, "Cruise and Wagner Productions are raising $20 million for Eric''s new film. I''ll be starring as the lead. I heard from Eric that the lead character is based on you?" ?????¨º? Hawke replied, "When I was a freelance journalist, Eric helped me for a while, and based on that experience, he wrote the script for your collaboration." Eric chimed in, "Tommy and I discussed it; the project is called ." "That name fits perfectly," Edward interjected. "Most of our news stories were shot at night." He turned to Eric. "What about my character? Who''s playing the role based on me? I''m the most important supporting character." Tom Cruise replied, "Once the cast is set up, they''ll hold auditions." S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke had read Eric''s script and said, "I''m not a film producer, but Eric wrote a brilliant script. It''s more engaging than my real-life experiences." "That''s what I appreciated about the script. In terms of character development and plot design, Eric has a master''s level skill," Tom praised the director before asking Hawke, "I heard you have some unique skills and a nickname from your work?" Edward eagerly added, "My boss is known as the Lamp Pole God!" Tom Cruise turned to look out the window, spotting a street lamp towering ten feet high. "Is that what I think it is?" Edward responded seriously, "In every sense of the term, yes." Hawke, ever the jokester, let Edward do the boasting before explaining, "In Los Angeles, the street lamp poles are pretty high, making it easier to get shots of what''s happening inside backyards." Tom Cruise suddenly understood. "I''ll have to move the street lamp outside my house!" Eric noted, "I''ll incorporate that into the scene design." Tom Cruise looked at Hawke and asked, "You''re going to have to teach me how to climb a lamppost." "Absolutely," Hawke gestured casually. "It''s no harder than running in one of your movies." Given that the film was based on real-life cases from West Coast studios, the four discussed many aspects of scene design. Tom Cruise specifically asked Hawke about key points for freelance journalists'' filming techniques. The conversation started with films but gradually shifted toward the Oscars and award season, thanks to Hawke''s subtle steering. Hawke specifically asked Cruise, "Do you have any new plans to tackle the Oscars?" "No, my last attempt flopped, turning me into a laughing stock across the country," Tom Cruise recalled the ice bucket challenge. "If you hadn''t helped me turn public opinion around, I''d still be known for that mess." Hawke asked directly, "Does this project have any chance for Oscar contention?" Tom Cruise thought for a moment before saying, "Not really in line with the Oscars'' sensibilities. Besides, those so-called standards change every year, and nobody can figure out what they''re thinking." He complained, "When going for awards, you can''t be too eager; if you''re too eager, they''ll criticize you for chasing awards. If you''re not enthusiastic enough, they think you lack ambition and disrespect the judges and the academy. Just when you think you''ve gotten it right, they''ll say you''re just too good-looking for the role..." Tom Cruise grumbled for a moment before returning to the topic. "Did you help Sarah Jessica Parker try for the Golden Globe?" Hawke nodded slightly, "During last year''s awards season, I served as Sarah Jessica Parker''s awards consultant. It turned out pretty well; she received the award she wanted." Regardless of hearsay or the actual benefits from the ice bucket challenge, Tom Cruise had firsthand experience of Hawke''s strategic planning capabilities. It wasn''t an exaggeration to say he had a knack for shaping public opinion. Initially, after Tom Cruise''s failed Oscar bid this year, he had grown indifferent to the Oscars. Yet, discussing it with Hawke rekindled his interest. In Hollywood, who could truly ignore the existence of the Oscars? Tom Cruise had the cash and resources; what he lacked was the Oscar. He directly invited Hawke, "You''ve got enough insight into the project. The film is expected to release in the second half of next year. How about you create an Oscar strategy for the project? We''ll team up again to take a shot at the Oscars." Eric was thrilled since he was both the writer and director of the film. "The project is based on some of Hawke''s personal experiences. Looking across all of Los Angeles, no one is better suited than Hawke to strategize for the Oscars!" Tom Cruise, always generous with money, replied, "Once the crew is set up, they''ll sign a contract with your studio, with payments matching the industry''s top standards." "Sounds good," Hawke thought to himself, as this visit was also about leveraging Tom Cruise''s resources. Even if the Oscars hadn''t embraced Tom Cruise, as one of the top figures in Hollywood, the resources he controlled far exceeded that of newcomers like Eric. Hawke''s real aim was to use Tom Cruise to undermine . Though social movements like LGBTQ rights certainly represented a significant trend in Hollywood and the broader entertainment industry, it stirred social currents that were hard to counteract as an individual. Still, Hawke wanted to give it a shot, at least to ensure that BlackRock''s plans wouldn''t launch as smoothly. Progress on was similarly at the early stages like Eric Emerson''s project. While Hawke acknowledged that winning an Oscar would be incredibly tough, he figured there''d be many ways to prevent a film from winning. Dragging feet and causing trouble was what he excelled at. Having settled the collaboration for the Oscars, Tom Cruise then shifted the conversation back to the ongoing ice bucket challenge on Twitter. "We''ve currently raised $38.57 million," he mentioned, not having any plans to pocket the funds himself. "Next week, I''ll have the charity foundation build connections with two more healthcare institutions." Hawke replied, "The White House should be considering a Presidential Medal of Freedom for you." Tom Cruise emphasized, "It should be for all of us." He then switched topics, "Remember the thing you mentioned last time?" Hawke had been going through a lot recently and had forgotten all about it. Tom Cruise reminded him, "Someone had an incident during the ice bucket challenge related to bullying. At first, I thought it was just a coincidence and didn''t pay much attention. But then, similar news began to surface on Twitter and other media. Some even criticized the ice bucket challenge..." Eric had been following this too. "It seems some firefighters faced electric shocks during the ice bucket challenge, holding up fire rescue actions. Others criticized the challenge as a waste of water resources, provoking protests from environmentalists." Hawke had been too busy dealing with the BlackRock situation to notice these events. But he was experienced enough to sense something fishy when he heard about them. "Someone must be pulling strings behind the scenes, right?" Tom Cruise affirmed, "I had someone investigate, and it turns out indeed someone is orchestrating things behind the curtain." He built suspense as he continued, "Do you know who it is?" Hawke''s first instinct was, "Pat Kingsley?" "Not her," Tom Cruise revealed a name that didn''t come as a shock: "Nicole Kidman." Edward exclaimed in surprise, "Ex-wives can be really terrifying." Eric cast a glance at the Savior and reflected on his situation. Marriage could wait a bit longer. Hawke told Tom Cruise, "Your ex-wife truly doesn''t want you to have a comfortable life." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 243: Sin [Chapter 244: Sin] "This woman is an absolute maniac!" From Tom Cruise''s perspective, Nicole Kidman''s actions were utterly irrational. Just as Nicole Kidman believed Tom Cruise had squandered her youth, her emotions erupted at the moment of their divorce. In the case of ex-husbands and ex-wives, right and wrong were hard to define; it all came down to perspective. Tom Cruise continued, "Nicole Kidman hired a small PR firm and launched a campaign based on falsifying information and spreading rumors about me in connection with the ice bucket challenge." Since Tom Cruise was now paying for the services and could leverage entertainment resources, Hawke found himself aligning with Tom''s viewpoint. It was also the most fundamental professional integrity. Hawke asked directly, "What do you plan to do about it?" "I can''t act too rashly; she is a woman after all," Tom Cruise expressed his hesitation. "When it comes to ex-couples, public opinion will always side with women, regardless of who''s right." He snorted, "After so many years of the feminist movement, this has morphed into a stereotype against men." Hawke remained quiet for a moment, considering the matter. With Pat Kingsley silenced, Nicole Kidman was still running amok... It seemed the latter hadn''t told the former the true reason for remaining silent. Nor could she. Hawke asked, "What''s the current situation with Pat Kingsley?" "She hasn''t been to St. Beatrice in a while," Tom Cruise replied succinctly. "I suspect she''s severed contact on her own." Hawke calculated the situation and said, "If I remember correctly, Nicole Kidman announced her conversion to Catholicism after her divorce from you." Tom Cruise nodded, "Yeah, she''s stated that repeatedly in public." Hawke confirmed this detail and thought of something Tom Cruise could handle: "You should have someone who can influence Nicole Kidman, right? Think of a way to get her to attend a mass at St. Beatrice''s Cathedral and possibly make some donations to their school. Just make sure she''s involved with that community." ????????¨¨? At the last Fox event, Nicole Kidman had called him a disgusting man. Then let this disgusting man give her a little push. Tom Cruise was a smart guy: "Got it, I will keep you posted." Before leaving, Hawke specifically asked Eric about the box office performance of . The film had been in theaters in North America for nearly two months and was nearing $50 million in box office receipts. The production and distribution companies would easily recoup their investments from ticket sales alone. ... On his way back to the office, Hawke called Campos to ask about the St. Beatrice Church and school. Recently, following the recording incident with Pat Kingsley, he had devised a media strategy concerning this Catholic institution and minors. He''d left the investigative legwork to Campos'' team. The team initially planned to start with the involved immigrant children. Disappeared illegal immigrants and missing immigrant children is not uncommon here. Yet few cared to investigate. This was mainly due to a lack of proportional inputs and outputs and the inherent danger. At the Butterfly Company, they had someone consistently looking into this matter. Similar to the rumors about many Catholic priests and boys, such matters weren''t hidden at all; it was not difficult to uncover if one had the will to look into it. ... Los Angeles, Overland Avenue. Juan carried a bag as he and Betty strolled down the street. This area had the highest concentration of Mexican immigrants in California. With two Latino individuals walking here, they went unnoticed. Turning past the old post office building, Betty glanced at the address and said, "We need to go deeper in." Juan remarked, "Finding a relative of a child at the welfare school isn''t as easy as it sounds." "They''re very cautious," Betty replied. Having played the role of as a kind-hearted person in the community of illegal immigrants from Latin America for a long time, she had finally gleaned some information. St. Beatrice Catholic Welfare School couldn''t just accept any child; it focused on those who had lost their direct relatives. Such individuals posed minimal threat. The two finally arrived at an old house, and Betty stepped forward to knock on the door. After a significant wait, a plump middle-aged woman answered, eyeing the two strangers suspiciously. "Who are you looking for?" "You must be Mrs. Frida?" Betty pulled out a fake business card and handed it over. "We are volunteers from the Los Angeles Palm Springs Children''s Relief Association, specifically providing financial assistance for multi-child families. A former colleague from the Langley restaurant spoke about your situation..." Upon hearing "financial assistance," Frida''s demeanor softened instantly. She accepted the business card and opened the door wider. "Please, come in." Betty stepped inside first, with Juan playing the role of her submissive sidekick. The house was messy; a nearby baby stroller held a mixed-race baby sleeping in it. Betty noticed a family photo on the coffee table showing five children. "They''re adorable." "They sure are," Frida replied with pride. "Caring for them is exhausting, but it''s heartwarming when they''re all around me." Her happiness was short-lived, and reality hit hard. "My ex-husband and three former boyfriends are all irresponsible jerks. They all ran off when we had kids, so I''m struggling to keep afloat." S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Betty pulled out a form. "Could you fill in the kids'' information? Are they in school? Include the info about the schools they''re currently attending. Every child qualifies for some aid." This seemed to spark Frida''s interest. "Every child can receive assistance?" Betty was using just this tactic to pique Frida''s curiosity. "Exactly, the foundation needs to verify it, but if the circumstances are real, the assistance can be expedited." Frida asked, "I... I have a nephew; can he qualify?" Betty countered, "Is he living with you? Where does he go to school?" "My sister and brother-in-law passed away." Frida detailed, "I''ve been raising him on my own, but as you can see, I have a lot on my plate. I sent him to the Catholic welfare school, but I still see him every week... rather, I always bring him back home on weekends." Betty wrote on the form. "If what you told me is true, this situation would qualify, but I need to see him in person." Frida contemplated, "It''s not the weekend, so I can''t bring him home." For a family like hers, an extra financial aid would be an enormous temptation, impossible to resist. "Yes, we could visit him. If you have time, we can drop by St. Beatrice Welfare School to see Marcelo." Juan chimed in, "This lady''s situation fits the bill for the kind of help we need." Frida nodded vigorously. Betty asked, "When can we go?" Frida checked the time. "School will be letting out soon. Once I get the kids settled, I''ll take you straight over." Betty affirmed, "You''re in luck; we have time to wait." ... Half an hour later, Frida returned with the kids, asking a neighbor to watch over them before leading Betty and Juan directly to St. Beatrice Catholic Welfare School. Frida was no stranger to this place and walked in confidently. With assistance from a familiar teacher, she saw her nephew Marcelo. She slipped the teacher some cash and used the excuse of taking Marcelo out for dinner to leave the school with him, where Betty and Juan waited outside. Betty treated them to a meal at a nearby restaurant to build initial trust. ... They took their time, carefully gaining more of Marcelo and Frida''s trust over the following days. Eventually, Frida passed the foundation''s review and obtained a sum of assistance. During the weekend, Betty accompanied Frida back to the welfare school. Marcelo''s situation, regarding his relationship with Frida, was recorded at the school; he could return for a day on weekends. Utilizing that day, Betty intentionally probed Marcelo for more details. "Those without relatives have to help out at the church on weekends," Marcelo shared about school life. "They''re usually unhappy whenever they return." Betty pointed below. "Here?" Marcelo nodded, "Yes, right here. I once saw a priest feed him painkillers." Betty asked, "Does Sergio have no relatives?" "That''s right, he''s an orphan with no one visiting him," Marcelo replied. "He can''t leave school without the priest''s approval." Betty gently tapped his forehead. "You have to learn to protect yourself." Marcelo, still innocent, said, "They know I have an aunt who visits me weekly, so they never let me go to that church..." "Is there anyone else?" Betty probed further. Marcelo thought for a moment and answered, "Lars mentioned it once, but he''s not favored by the priest. I remember he said he saw a movie star, and that star... made him pee and made him drink..." Betty''s heart skipped -- there were really too many disturbing figures in Hollywood. She asked, "Oh, who was it?" Marcelo shook his head. "Lars didn''t say; I didn''t dare to ask." Frida emerged from the kitchen, seeing Betty and Marcelo deep in conversation, laughing. "Please help take care of him." Betty smiled, "Of course, I love kids." While Frida was busy, Betty continued to ask questions. Yet it turned out Marcelo wasn''t a direct victim. He mainly shared what he''d seen or heard, knowing little of the situation. But, it still opened up a significant breakthrough. In the afternoon, the recording of Betty asking Marcelo was sent to Hawke by Campos. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 244: The Devil Wore a Disguise [Chapter 245: The Devil Wore a Disguise] On Ocean Park Avenue, at the Twitter office building, a back-and-forth recording played in the office. Betty and a young boy''s conversation was clear enough for adults to understand. After letting it play once, Hawke rewound and played it again. Edward and Campos remained silent, seated on the couch. Caroline thought for a moment, holding her chin, mulling over how to report the news -- something that would stir excitement without causing trouble. Hawke stood up and approached the whiteboard, writing down the name of St. Beatrice Church. He then set up a mind map around it. As the recording played again, Hawke remarked, "Behind St. Beatrice Church, there''s a cover-up of the priests'' misdeeds, which involves certain Hollywood stars." Caroline raised her pen, waiting for Hawke to acknowledge her before she said, "There have been rumors in the industry that Hanks had certain inclinations." Hawke waved his hand dismissively, "Who it is doesn''t matter. Our goal is to uncover the truth without getting ourselves in trouble. We need to ensure our own safety before exposing anything." He added, "And it also connects to Nicole Kidman." sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke took his work seriously when it came to money. Caroline thought it through, saying, "Boss, based on what you just said, if Tom Cruise manages to get Nicole Kidman to St. Beatrice Church, we could have Campos''s people snap some photos of it. Once the news about St. Beatrice Church surfaces, we can juxtapose those photos with reports of Nicole frequently visiting." She chuckled, her sharp little canines evident, "Once that rumor starts circulating, it''ll be hard for her to scrub her image clean -- her focus will have to be on clearing her name." Hawke pointed at her, "You''re getting better at this." Caroline smiled like a pleased sheep, her big eyes narrowing into slits. Campos chimed in, "After all, Tom Cruise is Nicole Kidman''s ex-husband. With his influence, getting Nicole to attend mass won''t be an issue. I''ll have someone follow her discreetly." Hawke nodded slightly and added, "The emphasis remains on St. Beatrice Church and the church''s welfare school." Edward interjected, "But just this recording isn''t enough." Campos replied, "We''re still looking for other victims. If we can crack open this case with Marcelo, the next steps will be easier." Hawke wrote down the name of the church''s welfare school, which was adjacent to St. Beatrice Church, "They have dozens of external staff. Are all of them void of conscience? The strongest fortresses are the easiest to bring down from within." He paced a little, then told Campos, "Have Betty continue her contact with Marcelo and find out which staff members at the school sympathize with the children." Campos reassured him, "Betty has already earned Marcelo''s trust; this shouldn''t be hard." ... In Beverly Hills, at the Four Seasons Hotel, morning arrived as Andrea parked her car in front of the hotel. Just then, her phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID and decided against answering. The call ended automatically, but moments later, the phone rang again. Frustrated, Andrea slammed her hand on the steering wheel and answered, "I promised I''d do my part." The voice on the other end said, "Just a reminder: it''s either money or jail time; you choose." The call ended, and a text notification chimed. Andrea opened the picture message, revealing a photograph -- a document on financial fraud from the year 2000. Seeing the evidence made her lips tremble. This was proof that Andrea had exploited her employer, Nicole Kidman''s trust, in league with a fund manager, to siphon off her wealth. Many financial managers in Hollywood, even those representing stars, would misuse the trust of these celebrities to drain their finances. Originally from Australia, Andrea had started as Nicole Kidman''s assistant ten years prior, becoming her manager in 1997, one of her most trusted individuals. Just like Johnny Depp and Nicolas Cage with their untrustworthy managers, Andrea was not above bending the rules in private. Many stars lacked a fundamental understanding of finance, taxation, and economic management. Andrea tucked her phone away and gently slapped her face to reset her expression. Although the caller didn''t reveal their identity, Andrea suspected it was Tom Cruise who was checking up on her. Nicole Kidman knew Tom Cruise well, and vice versa. Andrea suspected that Tom might know what she was up to, considering she was stepping on Nicole Kidman''s toes, something that Tom would find amusing. That jerk had a way with finances and was sharp as a tack. At critical moments, like now, he could threaten her to ensure compliance. "It''s just a trip to church," Andrea reassured herself, struggling to downplay what felt like a big deal. She exited her car and hastened into the hotel, taking the elevator to Harvey Weinstein''s long-term suite. ... Last night, Nicole Kidman was called here. The Oscar-winning actress was often just a toy in the hands of powerful moguls. Andrea sent a quick text, and the door opened from the inside. ?¦¡¦­???? Nicole peeked out, asking, "Where''s the outfit?" Andrea quickly handed her a formal dress bag. "I brought something more appropriate; according to our plan, you''re to attend Catholic mass today..." "Got it," Nicole replied, retreating inside. After a brief wait, the suite door opened, and Nicole emerged, gently closing the door behind her. Andrea wondered if Nicole had suffered too much the night before and cautiously asked, "Are we still going to church?" Nicole walked toward the elevator, "We can''t be late for mass." Andrea walked alongside her, conversing, "St. Mary''s is under repair. Shall we switch to another church?" "Repair?" Nicole''s supposed Catholic faith was merely a front to attack Tom Cruise. It didn''t matter where they went. "Let''s go to St. Beatrice?" Andrea suggested. "It''s not far and popular in the industry." She mentioned, "Pat often goes there for mass." Nicole nodded, her memory jogged, "Let''s go there." ... When they descended the stairs, they hopped in the car with Andrea driving toward St. Beatrice Church. Behind them, two cars followed; one sped up, overtaking Andrea''s car to reach the church first. By the time Nicole arrived, someone was already disguised, hiding in a corner of the church square, capturing her entry. Fiona had visited St. Beatrice Church before and had even donated money there. She entered with her bag, positioning herself a little distance away from Nicole. After mass concluded, Nicole indeed drew attention from those in the church. Fiona discreetly snapped photos with her bag. A priest named Michael Becker sought out Nicole for a chat. The two left the church to an adjoining side room. Fiona, as a major donor, also entered that side room to receive communion. After enjoying communion and receiving holy water, a few people departed with the priest, while Michael Becker guided Nicole Kidman on a tour of the welfare school. Fiona blended in with the crowd, keeping her distance for the shot. Her mission was straightforward: capture Nicole at St. Beatrice. After over half an hour, Nicole exited the church. With her interaction with Michael Becker and Andrea''s quiet influence as manager, Nicole had decided on St. Beatrice Church as her regular mass destination. ... At the St. Beatrice Church Welfare School, groundskeeper Ronald sped out of the school gate, heading for a nearby clinic. He knew a familiar doctor who could see him without an appointment. After getting a prescription, Ronald raced to Walmart on North Victoria Avenue. In the pharmacy section, he picked up a few anti-inflammatory medications according to the prescription. He was blissfully unaware that he''d been tracked since pulling out of the school. At the checkout, after paying, Ronald headed back to his car, discovering a Mexican man waiting beside it. ... Dressed up, Juan greeted him, "Mr. Ronald Bain, hello." Ronald sized up the bearded man, realizing he didn''t know him, "Who are you? What do you want?" Juan replied, "Can we speak privately for a moment? It''s about the students at the welfare school." Hearing the last phrase made Ronald''s expression change slightly, "There''s nothing to discuss." Juan glanced at the plastic bag with the medication, "The drugs you just bought are for pain relief, aren''t they? They can heal physical injuries, but what about their emotional scars?" He pressed further, "Some of your students have gone missing; don''t you want to know where they went?" Ronald fell silent and climbed into the driver''s seat. Juan hopped in, closing the door. Among the three Marcelo had mentioned, they had tracked down this one. Ronald asked, "Who are you?" "I''m a reporter from the , preparing to expose the offenders," Juan revealed his forged press badge and added, "We''re from New York; don''t worry about pressure here in LA. You know the divide and conflict between the coasts." Ronald rubbed his weary face, "No one cares about them -- their lives, their feelings, or whether they''ve been violated!" Juan cut straight to the point, "When you say ''them,'' are you referring to the boys at the welfare school?" "Yes, yes, it is them!" Ronald exclaimed, "They live in hell. Originally servants of God, now they''re in league with the devil. They crossed over from Latin America, thinking they arrived in a civilized world, only to find themselves in a situation worse than hell." His faith had long shattered, "The devil wore a disguise of God, sin was wrapped in the guise of civilization. Heaven is long gone; the demons are right here in America!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 245: Selective Blindness [Chapter 246: Selective Blindness] As the maintenance worker responsible for the utilities at St. Beatrice Welfare School, Ronald had numerous opportunities to tamper with the electrical equipment, causing it to malfunction and necessitating repairs. The apartment building near the church faced a minor electrical issue. Father Michael Becker, overseeing the repairs, summoned Ronald, instructing him, "Perform a comprehensive check-up. Fix what needs fixing and replace what must be replaced; I need everything back to normal by the weekend." Ronald immediately affirmed, "I''ll conduct a full system check." Michael Becker had trusted Ronald, who had worked at St. Beatrice for years. "Make haste." ... Ronald acknowledged, returning to his office to grab his toolbox, then picked up a bag of supplies before heading to the apartment building. He had noticed the place before and had repaired equipment in several rooms multiple times. He hadn''t considered much of it in the past. However, having seen that one person earlier, Ronald had resolved to act. He didn''t lack compassion. Yet, determination had always eluded him. Otherwise, in those years, Ronald had merely offered quiet assistance. What drove him to take action now was Hawke''s application of a common yet unique quality. Most of the time, money served as a powerful motivator. Ronald entered a room, opening an aluminum ladder, retrieving a camera from his supply bag. He found a suitable place to conceal it, drilled it in, hooked up the power, and hid it well. This posed no challenge for him. Once satisfied with one room, Ronald moved on to another. Given the limited number of cameras, he couldn''t install one in every room. Ronald specifically chose rooms frequented by Michael Becker and a few other priests. They bore a stark resemblance to demons. After installation, he double-checked everything to ensure adequate concealment and then reported the work completed to Father Becker. The priest appeared pleased, "The security work must be done well." Returning to his office, Ronald pulled out his phone and made a call. As the line rang, he hung up abruptly without saying a word. ... Nearby, the area surrounding St. Beatrice Church bustled with life. Just a tall fence separated the apartment road from a busy street. Juan drove a modified van, passing in front of the church, turning to find a suitable parking spot on the nearby road. Betty and Fiona urged the telecommunications tech, Hierro, "Get the equipment up and running; let''s check it out." Hierro powered on the wireless receiver, tuned the signal bandwidth, and connected to seven cameras. The van''s screen instantly revealed images from multiple rooms. Betty directed, "Let''s test the recording feature on each camera." "Already on it," Hierro said, deftly juggling a mouse in one hand and typing on the keyboard with the other. Minutes later, he opened the server and clicked through the auto-recorded files to confirm that the recordings were operational. Hierro declared, "Verification complete." Juan started the van, "Let''s pull out." "Hold on!" Hierro suddenly stopped Juan, "We''ve got movement." ... Juan hit the brakes, engaging the handbrake back. Betty and Fiona turned their attention to the display. Hierro zoomed in on one image, taking up the entire screen. A priest opened a door, leading a young boy inside, intending to give the boy a private lesson about the grace of God. ????????¦¥? Then, the kind of things that had circulated widely since the Middle Ages began to unfold. Fiona felt outrage and impulsivity bubbling within her. Betty restrained her, "We need to save more lives." Fiona had to hold herself back, asking, "Doesn''t the diocese know? Doesn''t the archbishop know? Doesn''t the Vatican know?" No one responded because everyone in the vehicle understood that the Los Angeles Archdiocese was certainly in the loop. Did they really think the archbishop was clueless? That the Vatican had no context for centuries of actions? Yet, no one was willing to change any of it. At the end of the day, victims were just some impoverished souls and expendable assets. On the screen, the priest took the young boy away, and the room returned to a heavy quiet. Betty reminded Hierro, "Copy and back it up, store separately." Hierro hurried to it. Juan lingered for a brief moment, ensuring no other events transpired, before finally driving away. That same night, Campos personally delivered the footage to Hawke. ... Hawke knew very well that this single piece wouldn''t be enough; even if exposed, it could easily be dismissed as the actions of isolated priests. He directed the Butterfly Company to gather more videos and photographic evidence. ... On the weekend, St. Beatrice Church held mass, and throngs of worshippers filled the chapel. Andrea accompanied Nicole Kidman into the church, both well-familiar with the routine. Nicole had even made a donation to the church last time. Like last time, Fiona entered the church, her main task still being to shoot Nicole Kidman. ... As mass neared its conclusion, Juan navigated the van back to the road alongside the church''s high wall, parking in the same spot as before. Hierro worked quickly, connecting all cameras and activating the recording function. Betty drove another vehicle, positioned a short distance away as lookout. ... It wasn''t long before the screens in the van displayed a deviant sight -- six out of seven camera angles captured activity. The priests, including Michael Becker, were ushering boys into the rooms, one by one. After several minutes, they even brought in adults. Each room contained at least one adult and one boy -- some men, some women. Juan noted that none of the people in this disturbing scene were any celebrities he recognized. However, in an empty room, another priest ushered in a young boy. Juan had already looked through the public records of the priests at St. Beatrice Church and the welfare school. The prior priest, Michael Becker, was easily recognizable. This one, upon careful inspection, was identified as Stephen Weiss. Both belonged to the publicly available list of priests from St. Beatrice Church. Juan and Hierro remained silent, watching in horror as they witnessed the unfolding events, their anger fueling their resolve. The majority of the boys, like Juan, were Latino. It wasn''t difficult to surmise that these children were descendants of Mexican or other Latin American immigrants. In many respects, they echoed Juan''s own identity. Finally, after all rooms had emptied, Juan stated, "Make copies." ... With the storage drives at the ready, Hierro set to work. Being older and with children of his own, Hierro found greater depth in the situation, stating, "If we hadn''t intervened, might our families have suffered the same fate?" Juan recalled his days on the street, "Back then, we couldn''t even take care of ourselves." Hierro continued, "The boss is truly a good person; he could easily ignore this situation..." Juan pondered a moment before replying, "All the good traits I''ve recognized in Americans combined still don''t measure up to the boss." He reassured, "Don''t dwell on that; let''s just do our jobs well. We''ll earn our keep." Without broaching the topic further, Hierro copied the video files to the storage drives. Once they had finished this task, Juan shot off a text saying, "We''re done." Betty wasted no time, starting the engine and driving off, with the van trailing closely behind. On the other side, Fiona took her time leaving the church. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Soon thereafter, they reunited at the Butterfly Company, where Hierro handed over the footage to Campos. Campos instructed Juan to deposit one copy in a bank safe, taking another to Twitter. ... At Twitter''s fourth floor, Edward received Campos''s call and promptly headed to the side door, waiting for Campos. Together they made their way to Hawke''s office on the fourth floor. Campos set the video copies onto Hawke''s desk, stating, "We captured a total of seven videos since we installed cameras in those seven rooms, but there may be even more." "You take a break first," Hawke replied, turning on his laptop and inserting the storage drive to review the captured footage. The clarity of the video content would be crucial for their future strategy. Hawke reviewed the seven recordings; six appeared to involve ordinary community members he didn''t recognize, but one was evidently a priest. Edward and Campos waited for Hawke to issue commands. Hawke opened his drawer, pulling out empty discs, "Make copies for this footage." He looked toward Campos, "Have you compiled the media list and the email addresses for sending out the news?" Campos nodded, "I''ve gathered the list; both digital and physical addresses -- all totaling over 350 media outlets." Without hesitation, Hawke instructed, "As per our plan, send a team to Latin America. Distribute the relevant content via email." There would definitely be some agencies that would report on it; he was sure of that. However, what worried him was mainstream media turning a blind eye. That concern was not unfounded, given that selective blindness was practically a fundamental skill. Hawke contemplated Fox News. Campos prepared to leave, "I will send someone to South America when I return." Hawke nodded, "Go ahead." Campos departed in haste, with Edward seeing him out. ... Hawke picked up the storage drive with the copies and thought for a moment before dialing Megan Taylor''s number, "Got time tonight? Let''s meet up." Megan answered with a laugh, "What, did you figure out the cleaning pipes situation?" Hawke replied earnestly, "I''ve gotten hold of a breaking story; you were the first person on my mind. Want to check it out?" "Sure," Megan responded eagerly, asking, "Is it a bit messy?" Hawke replied, "It''s still related to what I mentioned before, but this time it''s not just hearsay recordings -- it''s actual video evidence." Megan immediately declared, "I''ll come over now." "Come on," Hawke said before hanging up. He was preparing for all potential outcomes on this matter. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 246: All Rotten [Chapter 247: All Rotten] Back at the Butterfly Company, Campos immediately summoned Betty, Hierro, and Fiona, instructing them to head out to Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia respectively, to send out emails as planned. The three collected their funding and drove south, crossing out of San Diego and making their way to Tijuana to catch flights. By that evening, they arrived at their destinations. After a bit of makeup, they located internet cafes or public computer spots. Referring to a media list, they began sending out emails. One by one, those emails traveled via communication cables around the globe, but most went unnoticed, almost like a drop in the ocean. ... At Hawke''s office on Ocean Park Boulevard, Megan Taylor stared seriously at a computer screen as she watched the video playing. She frequently paused it, zooming in on the faces appearing on the screen. One particular frame froze on a bald man. Hawke asked, "Do you know him?" Megan nodded gently, "His name is Joby Harte, a long-time agent who worked with Disney, mainly representing child stars." Hawke had never heard that name before and asked, "Is he well-known?" "Not a top-tier agent," Megan replied casually, "Unlike regular agents, he primarily finds child actors and collaborates with Disney Channel, which, as you know, has used a large number of child actors." Suddenly, Hawke recalled something. It had been reported that Star-Lord once hosted parties at home, featuring numerous child actors for Disney executives, profiting off those gatherings. And looking back at the recent suicides of Wagenen and Redford, age was never a barrier in Hollywood. Various child advocacy groups, Parent Teacher Associations, and performing arts unions claimed to protect children''s rights but were just a fantasy. Megan played the second video, found the right frame, and paused it. This time, the screen displayed an Asian woman. Hawke had seen this woman before. She had a quintessential round face, he concluded, "She seems to be Korean." Megan also recognized her, "That''s Janet Kim, an agent from CAA." Hawke frowned slightly. "Another CAA agent?" Strictly speaking, Pat Kingsley was also part of CAA, holding a partner level. Hawke had a feeling that the videos they had captured might be connected to Hollywood. Having previously worked in entertainment news, Megan was particularly familiar with the scene. Sure enough, when she played the next clip, she sighed and said, "This is a screenwriter from Hollywood whose work has been popular in recent years." Megan added, "Have you seen and ? James Gunn wrote those films. I heard Universal is gearing up to remake George Romero''s , and he''s tasked with writing the script." Hawke watched the screen. The man was unfamiliar, but the name rang a bell. He appeared to be the director of Guardians of the Galaxy from his previous life. ?¨¤??¦¢¨º? Star-Lord, along with the scandals, now intertwined with the priests in the videos -- was this the company he kept? In the next video, Megan continued, "This guy is Victor Salva, a well-known director in the ''80s and ''90s who made and . He has a history of child molestation and served time. Francis Ford Coppola helped him avoid a long prison sentence." Curious, Hawke asked, "What happened?" Megan recounted simply, "For , directed by Victor with Coppola producing, during filming, he assaulted a child actor. The boy''s mother sought Coppola''s help, but he allegedly threatened her with a lawsuit if she spoke out, facing hefty damages instead." She took a sip of water before continuing, "But that mother had connections; she called the police and alerted the media, resulting in Victor''s prison sentence. Yet, for reasons unknown, Coppola went to great lengths to get him out early and even collaborated on after." Hawke could only conclude that Victor Salva held some leverage over Francis Ford Coppola. Megan was blunt, "Roman Polanski isn''t unique in Hollywood. He was just the one who got caught." Hawke nodded, "Compared to these guys, Tom Cruise''s beliefs hardly matter at all." Megan remarked, "Who knows what else is hidden beneath that pretty face?" Hawke wholeheartedly agreed, "This industry is rotten to the core." Out of seven videos, one featured a church priest, four were connected to Hollywood, and Megan didn''t recognize the last two. She speculated, "Judging by those four, these two probably have ties to Hollywood." Hawke noted, "The Catholic Church and Hollywood, the two most notorious enclaves of pedophilia in America, have now intersected in this incident." Megan thought for a moment and said, "These are successful people in Hollywood. Money comes easily to them. In this day and age, it isn''t easy to get donations from churchgoers; this might have led to these actions." She stated a fact, "The biggest problem in Hollywood has always been pedophilia. Not just in the past, but currently, and likely in the future, it remains the industry''s greatest issue." Hawke shut off the video, got up, and paced around before turning back to Megan, "Interested in uncovering it?" He recalled when they first met, and Megan had mentioned she always wanted a big story: "Now that the big story is here, it could even win a Pulitzer." Megan wasn''t impulsive. Otherwise, she would have jumped at the chance when she heard Pat Kingsley''s recording: "It might earn me a bullet." Though she said this, she wasn''t planning on acting recklessly: "Last time, it was just an unverified recording; now you''ve placed the video directly in front of me. If I don''t report it, I might as well quit." Hawke said directly, "Then you need to move fast. My people have sent out emails around the world. I estimate over 350 media outlets will receive relevant emails by tomorrow morning." Megan, a natural for news, understood Hawke''s meaning: "That''s a good plan. Who knows how many stories on this topic have been suppressed by the media in the past? Not to mention Hollywood, who knows how many have never seen the light? If you''re not an insider, who would know one of the four biggest directors, Coppola, was once involved in something like this?" Hawke asked, "Can you persuade Channel 11?" "Let''s give it a shot." Megan had made up her mind, "What you did can help convince the higher-ups at Fox." Hawke paused before adding, "I can also mention that the LAPD will take action." Megan laughed knowingly, saying, "Your girlfriend doesn''t seem like the justice-seeking type." Hawke replied, "With Fox''s exposure, the LAPD will have to act." "This situation isn''t typical of you," Megan remarked curiously, "I can''t see what you stand to gain." After a brief silence, Hawke finally explained, "It could make my environment a little better, put me in a better mood; that way, I''d be more motivated to make money." Megan, knowing him well, didn''t fully believe those words. Hawke wouldn''t reveal the other reason. Doing so would ensure that Campos and his crew worked more reliably for him in the future. Megan grabbed her storage drive, glanced at the time, and said, "I''ll head back to Fox to speak with Director Cynthia. If all goes well, the special edition of Channel 11''s will air these videos tonight." Hawke saw her to the door, saying, "I''m waiting for your good news." "You''ve already handled the hardest part." Megan didn''t forget another detail, "You can''t give me exclusive permission. The news licensing fee shouldn''t be very high; I''ll have my assistant contact you later." Hawke replied, "Sounds good." ... After she left, Megan drove directly to Fox, calling Channel 11''s director, Cynthia Rosenberg, on the way. Upon arriving at Fox Tower, she went straight up to the office of the channel''s director. Cynthia glanced at Megan, who rushed in, and asked, "Where''s that big story you mentioned?" Megan handed over the storage drive: "It involves the Catholic Church and some successful folks in Hollywood." Cynthia''s immediate reaction was, "They molested children?" In journalism circles, this wasn''t exactly a secret. Megan confirmed, "Someone captured it on video." Cynthia inserted the USB and quickly skimmed through the videos. Megan had already organized them in order. Thus, she first watched the clips of the two priests. Megan briefly explained, "The two priests are Father Michael Baker and Father Steve Weiss from St. Beatrice Church, and the incidents occurred at St. Beatrice''s Welfare School behind the church." Cynthia nodded, remaining silent as she focused intently on the footage. Shutting down the video window, she looked at Megan, "Are you ready to report?" "If possible, I''d like to go live soon." Megan was forthright, "This could cause a nationwide stir." S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Cynthia chuckled, "And then what, dear? From the Los Angeles Diocese to the Cardinal handling U.S. matters, even to the Vatican, they''ll all be calling Fox, applying immense pressure." Some stories could be reported casually, while others required caution; she knew the difference: "Let''s hold off on this one. I''ll communicate with the higher-ups..." Megan anticipated that outcome, saying, "Director, there''s one more thing I need to explain. The source of this news is a victim''s family member, a computer whiz who managed to capture these videos. This person also collected email addresses of more than 300 media outlets around the world and has sent these materials to them." Cynthia was quite surprised. Megan continued, "We''ll need to be cautious. Other networks will be wary, but what about emerging online media? European outlets? East Coast media? One of them will surely report on this." She added, "From what I know, this individual has already reported to the LAPD and is a Twitter user; they could also tweet about it!" Cynthia frowned, "This person is breaking unspoken rules in the media circle." Megan said, "Director, times are changing. The rise of Internet media has given individuals a voice. This news will inevitably be exposed. Why can''t it be Fox? If we lead the reporting, it serves Fox''s interests best!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 247: The Financial Backer [Chapter 248: The Financial Backer] Such a monumental story would naturally bring tremendous pressure. Cynthia Rosenberg, as the director of Channel 11, couldn''t be overly cautious. In front of Megan Taylor, she made calls to various newspaper media groups continuously. Print media would take at least until tomorrow to publish; even if they discovered the video, their response would be slower. Before long, familiar contacts from and responded that they had indeed received an anonymous email, which included footage of the priests and boys. Cynthia hung up and called the chairperson''s office, quickly briefing them on the situation. Roger Ailes was decisive: the news had already emerged, and with the videos in hand, what was left to hesitate about? He stated directly, "Fox is a media company with social responsibility." Cynthia understood, hung up, and looked at Megan, "Get ready." Confirming the report meant presenting Fox''s stance, she instructed, "Be thorough and nail down all the people completely; don''t give them any chance to bite back." "Understood." Megan retrieved her storage drive, saying, "A lot of media outlets may have received the video. I need to hurry; the special edition of will air at the next hour." Cynthia agreed, "Sure, you''re the deputy director of Channel 11; all channel resources are at your disposal." ... With no further words, Megan swiftly left the office and returned to the floor of . Upon entering the office area, she called, "Department heads, meeting now!" Everyone followed her into the conference room. Megan succinctly outlined the situation and played a video clip at double speed, saying, "Aisha, head the Channel 11 live news truck to St. Beatrice Church. I will connect with you live on the next hourly news." Aisha was the first to exit the conference room. Megan turned to a bespectacled guy, "Identify the seven individuals in the videos, gathering relevant materials -- especially concerning pedophilia. One''s named Victor Salva, previously imprisoned for molesting child actors on set. Dig up news from back then." The bespectacled man hurried to execute the task. As Megan issued commands, the team at sprung into action. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Cynthia quickly adjusted their programming, canceling the next hour''s news slot for a special edition. After the meeting concluded, Megan pulled out her phone and dialed Hawke, "It''ll air in the next hourly news." "I see," Hawke acknowledged before hanging up. By that point, he had arrived at a villa in Silver Lake. Erica had come over, having viewed the video. Hawke informed her, "At the next hourly news, Fox Channel 11 will report it." "Once media coverage begins, LAPD must respond," Erica understood clearly. "They can''t pretend to be ignorant after Fox''s story." While there had been instances of reporting before, the LAPD was always quick to manage PR with the diocese. Hawke asked, "Are the diocese and LAPD close?" Erica took the drive, saying, "The Los Angeles Diocese is one of the LAPD''s benefactors; in other words, they are among LAPD''s many financial backers." ?¦¡N??§¦???? The LAPD was essentially Los Angeles''s largest armed organization. When one pays protection money, they naturally maintain their interests. In contrast, those victims, often descended from illegal immigrants, yielded barely any income to LAPD; instead, they demanded resource expenditures. How both sides were treated could easily be imagined. Ultimately, it was about making money. Hawke fully understood this, stating, "Don''t take the lead." In such matters, charging ahead earned no merit. Erica nodded, "Don''t worry; I''ll handle it appropriately." Hawke walked her to the door. Erica drove away first. Hawke called Edward, "Head to St. Beatrice Church." The two left Silver Lake in an underutilized Cadillac. On the road, Hawke called Campos and the others. ... St. Beatrice''s Welfare School. The janitor, Ronald Bain, continued with his routine patrols, visiting the apartment building where the last power outage occurred. He moved quickly, dismantling all the cameras in the rooms, packing them into a bag, and taking them outside. Storing the items in his vehicle, Ronald made another call before hopping in. These were personal valuables, a few pieces he took away every day. With no ties left, Ronald drove out of the school and headed to the agreed location. Patting his revolver tucked in the door compartment, he made another call. Juan walked through a few cars to approach the sedan, opening the passenger door. Ronald handed over the bag with the cameras to Juan, "Here''s your stuff back." Juan peeked inside before setting it by his feet, "The footage captured will soon be broadcast on TV. Don''t return to school or your place; according to our plan, head to the East Coast or somewhere else." Ronald asked, "Is it that serious?" To emphasize the gravity, Juan pressed on, "Where did those missing children from the school end up?" Ronald fell silent, knowing many orphans had gone missing, but he dared not imagine their fate. Juan produced a black bag, handing it over, "Here''s the final payment. Take this money and leave Los Angeles immediately." Ronald checked the bag for cash and ensured its authenticity before placing it in the glove compartment and stating, "I''m heading to San Diego, then flying to New Zealand. I''ve always wanted to see Middle-earth." Juan nodded, "Stay there longer." "I will," Ronald replied, "I''ll keep an eye on the news here." Juan slung the bag over his shoulder and stepped out of the car, walking away without looking back, quickly disappearing behind a nearby truck. Ronald thought about the missing children and what he had been involved with, hastily driving out of the parking lot to his temporary place, packing a few personal items, and calling to book a plane ticket, steering toward San Diego. But instead of heading to New Zealand, he booked a flight to Houston. Ronald planned to return home for a visit. Everyone has their own intentions and doesn''t always follow the predetermined plan. ... At Century City, CAA headquarters. Nicole Kidman handed her purse to Andrea before entering Pat Kingsley''s office. Pat asked, "Why do you have time to come by today?" Nicole''s face was sour, "I stopped by the Four Seasons and decided to chat with you." Pat suspected, "That fat guy is up to new tricks again?" Nicole knew she was referring to Harvey Weinstein, "He wants me to massage his stinky feet. He''s getting more out of hand!" The so-called independence after leaving Tom Cruise was all just a publicity stunt. A star without a background had to suck up to the bosses for opportunities. "Just endure it for a bit," Pat suggested, knowing no solution, "You had a successful Oscar night; once you achieve significant commercial success again, you can shake him off." Nicole replied, "May God bless you." Then she recalled something, "You still go to St. Beatrice for Mass? I''ve switched there, too." This struck a sensitive nerve in Pat, "Why did you suddenly change churches? I haven''t attended St. Beatrice in a while." Nicole didn''t understand, "Why not?" "Just don''t like it anymore," Pat didn''t reveal the real reason. Just then, the phone at her desk rang. Pat answered, and her assistant conveyed, "We just received word from Fox; in ten minutes, Channel 11 will broadcast news involving CAA." "Ten minutes?" Pat reacted with displeasure, "Does PR know what''s going on?" The assistant replied, "They''re still discussing; they say it involves a sexual assault incident." Pat assumed the matter related to one of CAA''s clients, considering the kind of scandals Hollywood stars often found themselves in. She picked up the remote control, turned on the office television, and tuned into Channel 11. Nicole also focused on the screen. As the hour struck, Channel 11 did not air its regular newscast but instead cut into a special edition of . Megan Taylor appeared on the screen, her serious demeanor indicating a major societal event had occurred. She mentioned St. Beatrice Church, priests, children, Hollywood, and abuse among key phrases. Pat stood frozen on the spot. Nicole was intrigued. then played several video segments, and although the sensitive areas were obscured, the activities were still distinguishable. One featured Janet Kim, an agent from CAA. The segment focused mainly on the two priests and the well-known director, Victor Salva. On the screen appeared the photos and detailed profiles of the two priests. Alongside, Megan Taylor''s voiceover stated, "Our station captured details from St. Beatrice Church''s clergy bulletin, identifying Father Michael Baker and Father Stephen Wise as the priests who closely resemble those in the video." The scene flickered briefly before showing newspaper clippings and old video news segments. Megan continued to narrate, "Victor Salva, a director from Hollywood, assaulted child actor Nathan Winters during the filming of in 1989. He was later apprehended and sentenced..." Pat felt her heart race: it seemed... it seemed she was missing from the report?! But her relief was short-lived as the broadcast played two more audio clips, one of which was the recording she had previously heard. Involved in that recording were three individuals: Pat Kingsley, Father Michael Baker, and a boy. Megan had already discussed this with Hawke. After the audio clips finished, she said, "Pat Kingsley is the founder and partner of PKM and also a partner at CAA, currently acting as the manager and publicist for Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman." Hearing this, Nicole''s already sour expression turned even darker, and she shouted, "Damn! Why mention my name? What does this shit have to do with me? I''m not a pervert..." She couldn''t finish her sentence as she watched Pat become visibly uneasy, slipping off the couch to land on the floor. Although Nicole wasn''t innocent by any means, the look she cast at Pat at that moment was filled with contempt. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 248: Life Destroyed [Chapter 249: Life Destroyed] Palisades, St. Beatrice Church. Sitting in his Cadillac, Hawke glanced at the LCD screen installed on the passenger seat, where was in full swing. Megan Taylor dug into past cases of child abuse linked to the Catholic Church and Hollywood. Suddenly, the sound of police sirens wailed from a distance. It wasn''t just one police car; it was a whole convoy! Even during the day, the flashing red and blue lights were blinding. Edward said, "Boss, the LAPD is on the move." Hawke checked the time. had been on air for nearly half an hour, and the LAPD finally arrived. ... In front of the church, a TV broadcast van emblazoned with the Fox logo rolled in from the parking lot and parked right outside St. Beatrice. A cameraman carrying his camera, along with reporter Aisha holding a microphone, got out and walked towards the church entrance. ... On the LCD screen in front of Hawke, Megan was starting live coverage from outside the church. ... As the LAPD convoy pulled up in front of the church, the leading officer noticed the Fox live camera and quickly straightened his uniform. He issued orders: "Everyone, no talking out of turn; follow instructions." This case had already aired on Fox and was bound to shake the nation. Faced with the cameras, he had to keep everything by the book. The pressure from the diocese would not fall on him; those higher up would handle that. The officer stepped out, entered the church, and presented official documents to summon Father Michael Baker and Father Stephen Weiss. The two priests, still unaware of what was happening, walked over from a side room. Upon seeing the charges on the summons, they trembled, their lips turning pale. ... The church was a public area, so Aisha and the cameraman entered as well. Several LAPD officers seized the two priests, and through the television screens, the scene was broadcasted to North America. In voiceover, Megan said, "The LAPD has acted swiftly and has taken control of the two priests involved in this case." ... But the subsequent events were going to be complicated. To search the Catholic welfare school, the LAPD needed to file papers. Dealing with religious issues could be messy, even in America. The LAPD needed more evidence to convince the local prosecutor''s office and the judges. Fortunately, the media capital earned its name for a reason. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fox breaking the news meant shattering the unwritten rules of the media industry; once one person stepped forward, others would surely follow. The LAPD had not yet taken the two priests away. Outside the church, the media presence had grown from one Fox team to nearly thirty outlets. More reporters and paparazzi arrived, and some operatives from Campos'' team blended in, guiding the journalists to cover every entrance of St. Beatrice Church and the welfare school. ???????????§¦???? A media frenzy had commenced. Hawke didn''t need to take any further steps. He told Edward, "Let''s head back to the office." Edward revved the Cadillac and turned it south. ... Burbank, Warner Bros. Studios. In a street-facing studio, James Gunn, wearing glasses, sat by the window, gazing at the nearby shopping center, sketching a scene in his mind. A zombie apocalypse had broken out, with police and soldiers trapped inside a mall, armed to the teeth... Gunn shook his head. Weapons needed to be limited, and people too; otherwise, how could zombies become a real threat? Zombies in films needed their own handicaps to give humanity a fighting chance. He had realized this long ago. Otherwise, faced with human firepower, how could mindless zombies ever stand a chance? For instance, he recalled seeing artillery capable of delivering a 155mm explosive round with a kill radius of thirty meters and shrapnel casually claiming lives over a hundred meters. The max range was up to three hundred fifty meters. In an open area, one shot would take out a crowd the size of a football field. So, automatic firepower couldn''t be part of a zombie film. As Gunn pondered, the sound of chaos erupted from the first floor. He got up and opened his office door, only to be met by a line of LAPD officers. The lead officer presented a summons and said, "James Gunn, you are suspected of sexually assaulting a child. Please come with us to the station for questioning..." Gunn was momentarily stunned. Two officers approached, flanking him. Gunn shouted, "I want to call my lawyer; that''s my right!" Moments later, James Gunn was led out of the studio by the LAPD, journalists trailing him and snapping photos along the way. Gunn tried to cover his face, but the two officers, both fathers, firmly held onto his hand. The reporters had seen the news and knew exactly what was at stake, eager to get a close-up shot. ... Los Angeles Suburb, Pasadena. Multiple police cars with flashing lights rushed towards a motel. Following closely behind was a convoy of media vehicles. The police cars parked in front of the motel, and several officers entered the lobby to speak with the front desk staff before heading up to the second floor. On the second floor was a small bar that Victor Salva had rented out the previous night for a wild party. Sheriff Coria instructed the front desk clerk to open the door. When the little bar door swung open, the lights flicked on, revealing a raucous scene. A few men and a dozen women lay bundled together, with various drug paraphernalia scattered on the floor. "LAPD! Don''t move!" Sheriff Coria saw the addicts and instinctively placed his hand on his holstered gun, raising his voice, "Hands up! Let me see your hands!" He then demanded, "Where''s Victor Salva?" Among the crowd, a bearded man, with one arm around a woman and the other around a man, bobbed his head in confusion. The hangover combined with the high had left Victor Salva dazed. He found the noise unbearable, shoved the two people aside, reached for his pants, and pulled out a handgun. The mind of an addict was a chaotic mess, utterly unaware of the situation. Victor Salva stood up, gun in hand! "Put down the gun!" Sheriff Coria shouted, swiftly drawing his weapon and aiming it at the armed suspect. Bang! Bang! Bang -- the shots rang out suddenly, with four of the LAPD officers firing. They employed their traditional LAPD tactics and emptied their magazines. Screams, gunfire, and the sound of bullets striking objects melded into a cacophony. Victor Salva, previously stripped to the waist, crumpled to the ground amidst the chaos, with multiple wounds bleeding heavily. ... Century City, CAA Headquarters. Nicole Kidman may have looked down on the actions of Pat Kingsley, yet she still helped her up to sit back on the couch. Having weathered many storms, Kingsley''s eyes were hollow as she muttered, "What will my grandkids think when they see this?" Nicole understood instantly; the recording on was genuine. Despite her long history of making poor choices, sacrificing her dignity to climb the ladder, she couldn''t bring herself to harm a child. Kingsley continued to mutter, "Will they think I''m a monster?" She grasped Nicole''s arm, as if seeking a final ounce of comfort and redemption, "They won''t hold it against me, right?" Nicole, who had her own reputation issues, frowned and replied, "When you were doing those things, did you ever think about how your grandkids would view it?" Kingsley was left speechless. Just then, the office door swung open, and an assistant stepped in, saying, "Janet Kim has been taken by the LAPD, and there are others..." Before she could finish, a group entered the office. At the head was CAA''s legal head, flanked by several LAPD officers. One of the deputies stepped forward, presented a summons to Kingsley, and announced she was going to the station. Once celebrated and capable of handling anything, Pat Kingsley was now gripped by an uncharacteristic panic. Everyone had their fears, or aspects of themselves they worried would come to light. Kingsley pleaded with an unusual tone, "Please... just let me leave with my dignity intact." The deputy refused and instructed two of the female officers to restrain Kingsley. Before arriving, he had just received a call from 911 reporting another suspect, Victor Salva, had brandished a firearm, leading to a shootout with Coria and his colleagues. "Take her away!" the deputy ordered. Kingsley implored, "Put a hood over my head! Let me have some anonymity!" The deputy ignored her. The two burly female officers each grabbed one of Kingsley''s arms and escorted her out. The CAA legal head, a mother, remained silent, having just seen the news. In America, particularly in Hollywood and related industries, individuals who engaged in such actions were openly scorned. In broad daylight, Pat Kingsley was forcibly taken away. Once outside the building, reporters swarmed, camera flashes blinding Kingsley. This famed public relations manager and agent of Hollywood saw her spirit utterly crushed. She understood her life was shattered. Her family would no longer be proud; they would be ashamed! Not far ahead, another female CAA agent, Janet Kim, was similarly escorted into a police car by two female officers. ... Following the expose on Fox Channel 11 regarding the St. Beatrice priests, the LAPD displayed amazing efficiency and accountability, apprehending or fatally shooting the suspects in under an hour. kept its rolling coverage, with Megan Taylor urging society to focus on the victimized children and calling for the LAPD to rescue them swiftly. As a massive wave of public sentiment began to spread, it was clear that Hawke had done what was necessary and stepped back, taking no further action. He informed Campos and the others to retreat as well. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 249: You Were Involved Too [Chapter 250: You Were Involved Too] Ocean Park Boulevard, Twitter Headquarters. In the office, Hawke rapidly browsed through Twitter, which was being flooded with posts about the St. Beatrice priests scandal. This news explosion hit especially hard this time. Fox was not the only outlet; nearly every media organization had related material in their news inboxes. From Yahoo to Google to Twitter, the priest and the young boy had taken over the trending topics. Hawke called Caroline, "Release the news about Nicole Kidman." An Oscar-winning actress possibly connected to the priest scandal would further heighten the event''s profile, accelerating its spread nationwide and globally. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke added a reminder, "No fabrications." "Got it," Caroline replied as she pulled out the USB containing photos and videos of Nicole Kidman, plugged it into the computer, logged into Twitter''s backend, and quickly edited the news. She highlighted several photos and a short video, all featuring the St. Beatrice Church. "Devout Catholic, Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman donated a significant sum to St. Beatrice Church." Caroline kept Hawke''s words in mind; a responsible media outlet like Twitter couldn''t report false news. Thus, it was genuine that Nicole Kidman frequented the church and donated funds, with evidence in photos and videos. Similarly, the subsequent news articles were accurate as well. "Sources say that Nicole Kidman''s friend and manager Pat Kingsley is also a frequent visitor and donor to St. Beatrice Church." Beneath this segment, Caroline added images of Pat Kingsley entering and leaving St. Beatrice Church and the ones showing her being taken in by the LAPD. Pat Kingsley was one of the individuals summoned by the LAPD. Hawke had already learned that this Hollywood manager, once at the West Division, quickly spilled the details of repeatedly sexually abusing male students from St. Beatrice Welfare School. Through text, Caroline wove these genuine images and videos into a news piece that was then published. She also promoted the news to the homepage, bolding and highlighting it, placing it next to the St. Beatrice priests story. The news was real, every part of it was true, but the angles differed, leading to vastly different interpretations by the audience. Twitter had chosen a side, leaning toward Tom Cruise. ... The article was published for just a few minutes when comments started pouring in. "Too horrifying, Nicole Kidman was involved? Unbelievable; she has always been my idol." Someone responded, "She has worked with Pat Kingsley for over a decade. It''s said that for her, Pat Kingsley has had a falling out with Tom Cruise. Have you heard the recording? She has already been taken by the LAPD. If the manager is involved, do you think Nicole Kidman isn''t?" ???????B????? Others chimed in, "I don''t believe it! Have you seen those who were apprehended? Besides the two priests from St. Beatrice, they were all Hollywood professionals: directors, screenwriters, agents, and Disney executives. It''s totally regular." More users @Los Angeles Police Department: "There''s a suspect named Nicole Kidman here!" As more users continued to mention the LAPD, a self-proclaimed expert added, "Based on the information already revealed, aside from the priests, everyone involved in this scandal are Hollywood professionals. Nicole Kidman has frequently appeared at St. Beatrice and donated money; that can''t just be a coincidence; she must have been purchasing special services from the church!" Others were confused, "Purchasing?" One user explained, "I have some insight into the Catholic diocese in Los Angeles. The church doesn''t really hold that much wealth; they''ve run deficits each year for the past decade due to declining church influence and fewer donors, forcing them to find ways to increase income." Another replied, "So those high-income Hollywood figures donate money, and in return, they provide special services." Others began analyzing Nicole Kidman: "After her divorce from Cruise, she seemed free but lost her only support in Hollywood, compelling her to seek help from other bigwigs. Looking at her award-winning films, she got help from Harvey Weinstein -- the chubby producer infamous for his dealings with actresses. Kidman surely felt a lot of pressure to please him and must have redirected that somewhere..." People couldn''t help but let their imaginations run wild; every minute was filled with outrageous theories. The trending keywords around the priest scandal included Catholic Church, St. Beatrice, Hollywood, and donations. Nicole Kidman''s story was intertwined with every popular keyword. Searching these terms on Google would bring up news about Nicole on the first page. On Twitter, Nicole''s story went viral; the idea that the Oscar winner might be involved in the priest scandal had more impact than anyone including James Gunn and Pat Kingsley could muster. Nicole''s situation resembled what Tom Cruise faced earlier. When a star faces negative news, media outlets often don''t strive to clarify;they create sensational narratives. A small figure could rise to fame overnight while a major celebrity could plummet -- a far juicier story to tell. ... Burbank, Warner Bros. Studios. After wrapping up the audition for , Nicole Kidman stepped out of the studio only to be met by a throng of reporters bombarding her with questions. This morning, Nicole and her manager Andrea were both auditioning on the set, and her agent Kingsley was detained by the LAPD again. She didn''t know what was going on. Andrea thought it was about Kingsley and quickly stepped in front of Nicole, yelling, "We are not taking any questions regarding Pat Kingsley!" Just then, a loud-voiced reporter shouted, "Is it because Nicole Kidman did something similar to Pat Kingsley that you''re feeling guilty?" Nicole and Andrea froze momentarily. Other reporters jumped in with questions. "Did you go to St. Beatrice Church and donate money to them because they could provide you special services?" "Don''t you feel ashamed for abusing minors?" "Did the LAPD summon you?" Among the reporters, some offered words of sympathy, "Nicole, I urge you to cooperate with the LAPD or the FBI!" Studio security personnel rushed in to help separate the reporters and escorted Nicole to her car. As the driver pulled away, the persistent paparazzi followed, several cars and motorcycles on their tail. ... It had been a long time since Nicole had experienced this level of attention. In the past, she would have embraced it, but now all she felt was annoyance. Andrea pulled out her phone, made a series of calls, and then grabbed her notebook to connect to the internet through a wireless card. She opened Twitter, where Nicole''s news was at the top of the trending list. Her first feeling after scanning through the news was that Nicole had indeed been involved. Andrea realized why the pressure was on her to bring Nicole Kidman to St. Beatrice Church. Nicole asked, "What''s happening?" Andrea handed her the notebook, calming down slightly, "There''s news online saying you''re entangled in Pat''s case." "That''s nonsense!" Nicole quickly scrolled through the page, becoming increasingly alarmed. Throughout the news piece, there was not a single image or quote linking her directly to the priest scandal; it merely reported her visiting St. Beatrice and the facts surrounding Pat Kingsley''s involvement. However, after reading it all, even she began to doubt her own innocence. Nicole Kidman, who had been in the industry for over a decade, knew this was a troublesome situation. The rumors exploded even without any outright lies being told. Debunking them was going to be incredibly challenging. Just then, Andrea''s phone rang. After answering and speaking cautiously, she hung up. ... "Chanel called," Andrea said. "They want to know what''s happening and hope you can clarify this quickly." She took a deep breath, "Chanel has decided to suspend negotiations for your endorsement." Nicole couldn''t believe it. She had worked hard to secure the endorsement of Chanel No. 5. "This is a defamation!" Nicole exclaimed as she quickly dialed Karl Lagerfeld''s number. Lagerfeld responded directly, "The audience for Chanel No. 5 is predominantly adult women, many of whom are mothers. They cannot accept a celebrity embroiled in a child sexual assault case, even as a suspect." Nicole retorted, "I''m being falsely accused; I''ve been framed!" Lagerfeld remained unmoved, "The public sentiment is against you, dear. You need to understand that the key here is not whether you did anything but whether the public believes you did." With that, he hung up. ... Fuming with anger, Nicole slammed her phone down onto the seat. She turned to Andrea, "Notify CAA to schedule a press conference as soon as possible, and find a lawyer to send a letter to Twitter!" "Got it," Andrea replied. Before they had even left Burbank, Nicole received another call. It was Tom Cruise, "It seems you''re in some trouble. Do you need my help? Reach out if you need anything." "You can go to hell!" Nicole coldly hung up on him. ... Minutes later, she returned home to Sherman Oaks, where her lawyer soon arrived. Having reviewed the published news on Twitter, the lawyer asked Nicole several questions. After some thought, he said, "It''s going to be tough to sue Twitter; their news reporting is intricately designed, avoiding legal pitfalls. Even if we pursue them, we''re likely to get mired in endless disputes." Nicole insisted, "I am absolutely certain that Hawke Osment and Tom Cruise are conspiring to frame me!" The lawyer remained silent. Though he must uphold professional ethics and stand by Nicole Kidman''s position, after reading that piece, he sensed that Nicole Kidman was indeed guilty. Of course he would not say these words to anyone. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 250: Ignorance Is Bliss [Chapter 251: Ignorance Is Bliss] The red Ford Mustang sped down Ocean Park Boulevard, stopping in front of the Twitter office building. Tom Cruise stepped out, tossed the car keys to the security guard at the entrance, and entered the lobby. He approached the receptionist and asked, "Is Hawke in?" The receptionist smiled and replied, "The president is in his office on the fourth floor." Tom Cruise headed for the elevator, taking it directly to the fourth floor. Hawke had already received the notification from the front desk and opened the office door just as Tom arrived. Seeing Hawke, Tom Cruise beamed brighter than the Southern California sun. "I don''t even know what to say. You really helped me completely solve the problem of Pat Kingsley." He opened his arms and hugged Hawke briefly, then added, "And Nicole Kidman! I called her yesterday, and the feeling was as refreshing as enjoying ice cream on a summer afternoon. It felt like I was floating!" Hawke casually remarked, "You should thank Fox Television." Tom made a gesture as if zipping his lips. "I get it. Don''t worry, it''s all thanks to Fox." The two men entered the office. Tom understood exactly what Hawke had done for him. Hawke can easily handle Nicole Kidman and Pat Kingsley, and the same would be true for him. Tom Cruise was a smart man with a clear understanding of himself and Hawke. He excitedly announced, "Our Oscar campaign plan got the green light from the studio! Cruise & Wagner Productions secured $5 million to hire West Coast Studio for next year''s Oscar push. You''ll have all the resources you need." "Sure thing," Hawke replied, already looking to leverage Tom Cruise''s Hollywood connections. "Tommy, let''s give Hollywood a surprise." Tom Cruise thought of the Ice Bucket Challenge and the recent scandals, saying, "Just as long as it''s not a scare!" Hawke replied seriously, "A scare can also be a surprise for our opponents." "I like that kind of scare," Tom Cruise shifted the subject to his ex-wife, "I just got news that Chanel pulled out of negotiations with Nicole. Karl Lagerfeld originally planned to hire her for Chanel No. 5." He continued about his former agent, "I''ve heard from LAPD that Pat Kingsley spilled a lot during questioning. She has reportedly infringed upon over ten students at the welfare school, and she''s currently being temporarily held by the West Bureau with no option for bail." Hawke said, "Your former agent is finished." Tom Cruise laughed, "With such a good opportunity in front of me, I won''t let her get back up." He had been famous for over twenty years and was still one of the top figures in Scientology. "Believe me, Kingsley will go to jail." For more than six months, Kingsley had been smearing Tom Cruise, possibly having some dirt on him, making Tom''s initial responses seem weak until he hired Hawke. Now, Hawke had created a chance for a lethal blow. ... West Los Angeles, the West Bureau. In the break room, Simon Foster paced anxiously back and forth, checking his watch from time to time. His wife, Pat Kingsley, had been forcibly summoned by LAPD directly from CAA and was quickly arrested, the speed leaving everyone stunned. ????????¨¨? He had watched the video and didn''t think much was wrong; his wife was under a lot of pressure at work, and it was normal to vent occasionally. The only issue was that someone had caught her at a weak moment. At that moment, the lawyer returned from the office area. Simon quickly approached, asking, "Any news? Can we arrange for bail?" "The bail request was denied by the prosecutor''s office," the lawyer glanced around and said softly, "Pat''s situation is complicated. It now involves the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and they intend to shift the blame to those involved, including Pat. I''ve heard that the archbishop has been in private talks with the police commission and City Hall." Simon reacted quickly, "Those politicians and clergy plan to sacrifice Pat and the others?" The lawyer lowered his voice further, "It''s worse than that. Pat can''t be released on bail because of someone else." Simon furrowed his brow, "Who?" "Tom Cruise!" The lawyer had ample connections. "Tom Cruise has colluded with the prosecutor''s office behind the scenes. Generally, bail is possible in this kind of case." Simon grew restless, stamping his foot in frustration. "Worst-case scenario, will Pat be sentenced?" The lawyer thought about Kingsley''s own admissions and reluctantly replied, "Yes." "Can we seek a suspended sentence?" Simon held onto a glimmer of hope. The lawyer dashed his hopes, "It will be a minimum of five years in prison." He advised Simon, "If the Archdiocese quietly reaches an agreement with the city and justice, Pat could wind up with a sentence of ten years or more. You need to pull some strings; the situation is extremely unfavorable for Pat right now." Simon nodded, "I''ll do what I can." "I''ll take my leave," the lawyer said, "Contact me promptly if anything comes up." Simon saw the lawyer out and left the police station, getting in his car to call several partners at CAA, but all he received were excuses. The media was in a frenzy, and everyone who appeared in the videos was being vilified, with no one wanting to associate with them. Help in this dire time was scarce. ... Los Angeles City Hall, Mayor''s Office. Assistant Gordon entered, knocking on the door, and said to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, "Cardinal Maione from the Archdiocese just called..." Antonio raised his hand to cut him off. "Tell him that under the current circumstances, I can''t meet with him." Gordon wore a cross around his neck. As the mayor''s assistant, he had some authority and asserted, "Given the circumstances, this could spark a crisis of faith, undermining social stability in Los Angeles. If LAPD keeps digging, more problems will arise, leading to a situation beyond control." The mayor''s assistant was a senior staff member, so Antonio could listen to him. "Not investigating means there''s no problem?" sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Gordon replied, "Cardinal Maione has promised that in the next election, the Archdiocese will mobilize all its followers to support you." Antonio pondered. The red and blue struggle in California was intense; the governor had already been taken by the Elephants, with LA''s mayoral seat being the next. He would soon face enormous political pressure. While the influence of the Catholic Church had waned, their support could significantly boost his chances in the upcoming election. In politics, self-interest always took precedence. Antonio slowly said, "Tell Cardinal Maione to cut ties with St. Beatrice''s Church and the welfare school quickly; they can''t be saved." He thought further and added, "They need to get the LAPD police commission sorted out. I''ll give them a call." Gordon understood that this was about all Antonio could accomplish under the circumstances. He nodded and left to make the call. ... Later that evening, a member of the LAPD''s five-member committee and assistant chief, Charles Baker, welcomed a special visitor to his home. Cardinal Maione from the Los Angeles Archdiocese personally paid a visit. Charles Baker stated plainly, "You''ve given LAPD a tough problem. This case is attracting nationwide attention, with all four major networks, including Fox, rolling news 24/7, and thousands of reporters descended on Los Angeles, seeking news about it. Everyone is watching LAPD." Maione softly replied, "The Archdiocese won''t let you struggle. Tomorrow, you can search St. Beatrice''s Church and the Church''s welfare school to take away a batch of students." He shifted his tone, "This incident was carried out jointly by St. Beatrice''s Church and the welfare school; the Archdiocese was not aware of it." Charles Baker understood the implication; they wanted to contain the case within a certain scope, and LAPD didn''t want it to blow up either. Cases like this often brought little benefit. But he paused before making any comment, pretending to be in a dilemma. Maione stated, "There are still many good people in the Church; we should overlook these issues and focus on the good side of the Church." As a cardinal, he had decent secular affairs handling skills. He added, "This year, there will be a representative of the Archdiocese at the LAPD''s annual appreciation event, and they will donate a sum that is three times what we gave last year." "Thanks to the Church for supporting LAPD''s work." LAPD had never intended to dig deeper; Charles Baker was quite satisfied with the Church''s attitude, saying, "We hope the Church can manage strictly and prevent similar incidents from happening." The grandiose words sounded great coming from Maione, "In our doctrine, children are the most sacred beings." With the pressure money from the Church now tripled, Charles Baker didn''t have much more to say. The two exchanged a few more hollow niceties, after which Maione took his leave. This time, the American Archdiocese would allocate over $120 million to settle the incident. ... The following morning, the search warrant, which had been stalled at the district attorney and judge''s office, was officially approved. A large number of LAPD officers mobilized, surrounding St. Beatrice''s Church and the welfare school, conducting a legal search under the watchful eye of numerous media cameras. Multiple priests and school staff were taken away, and the students of the Church''s welfare school were temporarily handed over to child protective services. Targeted investigations would follow, determining the future placements of these minors. As we all know, the ending is basically foster care. Later, LAPD held a press conference to announce the individuals involved and the case details that had been clarified. Among the highlights was the mention of Hollywood''s famed agent and PR manager, Pat Kingsley. She had become the poster child for LAPD''s focus. The Catholic Church also released a statement acknowledging mismanagement and asserting its undeniable responsibility, pledging to cooperate with the investigation. Cardinal Maione publicly apologized on behalf of the Los Angeles Archdiocese and tendered his resignation. The Archdiocese promised to provide a series of compensations to the victims. The American Catholic Archdiocese worked tirelessly behind the scenes as media coverage gradually subsided. Even Fox, which had initially broken the story, began to shift its focus to other news. No matter what, dozens of children temporarily escaped the vortex. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 251: Its Hard to Be a Good Person [Chapter 252: It''s Hard to Be a Good Person] At the Butterfly Company''s main conference room, Just returned from Latin America, Hierro, Betty, and Fiona were reading today''s Los Angeles Times. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The front page was filled with reports on the priest scandal, but all the news focused solely on St. Beatrice''s Church and the welfare school, neglecting the rest. Campos walked in from outside, saying, "This matter is on hold for now." Betty asked, "Did LAPD only investigate St. Beatrice? What about other churches and welfare schools? Aren''t they being looked into?" "The case has been confined to St. Beatrice," Campos explained regarding the latest situation. "Right now, more than 20 people have been arrested, and all Catholic churches and schools are cleaning house internally." Juan chimed in, "Guys, we''ve saved over a hundred kids." Fiona put down the paper, saying, "Yeah, given our capabilities, that''s all we can do." Hierro sighed, "I just hope this makes those bastards in the Church hold back a little." Campos replied, "You''ve all done very well." "Actually, it''s Hawke who did quite well," Betty suddenly remarked. "He gains nothing from this but still works so hard." Juan agreed, "He''s a good boss." Hierro added, "What Hawke has achieved is no small feat. Without him saying a word, what are we? What does any of this mean? Who would care whether those kids live or die?" Campos stated, "It is this society, this country that has problems. Hawke is leading us against the tacit rules of this society, and prying open even the slightest gap with our strength is an uphill battle." This group had witnessed enough darkness in Mexico, running across the border to California and struggling at the bottom. They had experienced broad perspectives. Given the harsh reality, being a good person was immensely challenging. ... At the Twitter office building on Ocean Park Boulevard, Megan Taylor, wearing a professional outfit, stepped out of the elevator and turned into the hallway. An office door swung open, and Caroline happened to bump into her. Miss Baa, donning a pink Chanel outfit, stared at Megan like a sheep spotting another about to encroach on its turf. She asked, "What are you doing here?" Megan took a moment to appraise her and replied, "I need to speak with Hawke about something." Caroline wanted to block her but lacked a valid reason, so she could only watch as Megan passed by and entered Hawke''s office. She bit down on her lip with her sharp teeth and turned to head up to the third floor for a meeting. ... In the office, Megan sat across from Hawke at his desk. Hawke poured her a cup of coffee and asked, "What brings you here today?" "I''ve been exhausted from the priest scandal news lately, taking a few days off," said Megan without a hint of disappointment, knowing this outcome was inevitable during reporting. "Fox is also trying to protect me, preventing me from acting impulsively." £Ò??????¦¢¦¥S Hawke understood, "Sounds like you''ve uncovered quite a few hidden matters." Megan pulled out a USB drive and tossed it to Hawke. "Everything is on this drive. The higher-ups at News Corporation issued orders, and Roger Ailes couldn''t do anything; Fox won''t report any further." Hawke put it away, "Twitter won''t report anything now." Megan said, "The more you know, the greater the pressure; you grow increasingly disappointed with this country and society." Hearing this, Hawke was curious, "What have you discovered?" Megan smiled, tinged with bitterness. "If I told you that three-quarters of all the churches in the Los Angeles Archdiocese experienced such behaviors, would you believe me?" "I believe you," Hawke had no trust in the Church. "I''d believe it even if you said all were involved." Megan stated, "My team got ahold of a list, and over 500 victims were identified, just from one archdiocese in Los Angeles!" Hearing this, Hawke recalled a news story he had come across, perhaps a report from the , indicating that the Los Angeles Archdiocese had paid over $600 million in settlements to over 500 people, with more than three-quarters of its 288 parishes implicated. The unexposed actual number would only be higher. Hawke pocketed the USB drive, saying, "I''ll find an appropriate opportunity." Megan nodded, "I''ll return to work in three days; I''ll keep an eye on those children who have been rescued." "Will those children be adopted?" Hawke recalled that this was how it typically worked, "Into new families?" Megan explained, "According to regulations, once the situation is initially addressed, information will be made public, and suitable families will adopt them as their legal guardians." Hawke thought about her previous comment and asked, "Do you think the adoptions will go well?" Megan declared firmly, "The chances of issues arising are very high." Hawke asked, "Will they be sold?" "Sold?" Megan shook her head, "There''s no human trafficking in America, just missing persons." She explained, "I have a female news tipster at the California legislature, and from her, I received a preliminary statistic indicating that over 400,000 migrant children go missing every year in the U.S., and many of them are adoptees." Hawke believed the data because he''d seen a video where the New York City mayor stated that immigrant adoptees'' missing numbers had reached up to 500,000! The authority of the media was still ascending; after all, there were no trafficking incidents in America, only missing cases. Yet, Megan, being a woman, sometimes exhibited a sense of compassion, "We think too simply. . They might escape from one fire pit only to fall into another." Hawke wasn''t a savior and hadn''t intended to be one; he merely sighed, "We can only do so much, and we strive to do what is right." Megan, not being the fearless reporter she once was, returned to logic: "Fox expressing concern might help them avoid some bad situations, but that''s all." Hawke nodded, "This society is exceptionally difficult, and it''s not easy for ordinary people to change their social status. For people like us, caught in the middle, stability is our only chance to do what we want." "You''re absolutely right," Megan fully agreed, "Let''s keep it that way for now." She then asked, "I''m taking three days off. Want to hang out?" Hawke directly replied, "I can''t get away. Twitter is undergoing evaluations and negotiating investments with Clarium Capital..." They had initially agreed to keep things physical without entering into each other''s lives. Facing the situation, Megan didn''t hold back, "I demand compensation." Hawke shrugged, "What do you want?" Megan didn''t respond, instead ducking down below the desk, crawling underneath, emerging with her head, gathering her long hair into a ponytail. She recalled Caroline from earlier, looking up at Hawke and saying, "You can call your operations director in to report on work." "You''re insane..." Hawke''s statement was cut short as he felt the heat of the situation. Such office games had previously taken place in Megan''s office but never in Hawke''s office. ... Over half an hour later, Megan smoothed out her wrinkled clothing, waved goodbye to Hawke, and exited the office, even helping to close the door behind her. She wiped her lips, which she had pursed into a thin line, and walked toward the elevator, only to find Caroline waiting too. Caroline sized up Megan, sensing she looked different from when she had entered, her hair and clothes slightly disheveled. As an adult, and given her previous suspicions regarding Hawke and Megan''s connection, Caroline privately understood, biting her sharp teeth, but didn''t resist saying, "This isn''t Fox. Can you please be mindful of your image?" Megan smirked, guessing the woman''s thoughts, and replied, "You''re jealous of me." "I''m not!" Caroline haughtily replied, "I''m the operations director of a multi-billion dollar company. Why would I be jealous of you?" Megan chuckled lightly, "You''ve never experienced Hawke''s taste." Caroline scoffed, "I''m Hawke''s most trusted person." Megan countered, "You haven''t tasted Hawke." "You..." Caroline sadly realized she indeed hadn''t. Megan moved closer, "Do you want to try?" Caroline wanted to say no, but couldn''t bring herself to. With one finger, Megan pressed her lips and cooed, "Want to taste? There''s still a bit left." Caroline could hardly withstand such provocation, saying, "You''ll get your head blown off one day!" "Erica Ferguson?" Just then, the elevator arrived, and Megan entered with a smile. Caroline, unwilling to back down, followed her inside. They rode down to the first floor, and before departing, Megan pulled out a business card, handing it to Caroline. "Let''s stay in touch. We should grab coffee sometime." Caroline thought it over, accepted the card, and then gave her own contact info to Megan with a fierce warning, "Don''t flaunt in front of me from now on!" Megan got into her car, packed her bags, and left Los Angeles. ... Fox officially concluded its coverage of the priest scandal, choosing not to dig deeper. Other North American media outlets gradually softened their reports on the related news. In an effort to calm the situation, the American Catholic Archdiocese allocated $120 million. In this capitalistic country, with such a huge sum thrown, the effect was markedly significant. Los Angeles''s judicial system operated efficiently. The prosecutor''s office quickly intervened to propel the case into court proceedings. The fathers of St. Beatrice''s Church bore all the blame. To divert the public''s attention and criticism, those Hollywood figures appearing in the video were charged with various offenses, including Pat Kingsley and James Gunn, all labeled as heinous criminals. Entertainment circles across the globe bore the brunt of it all. The case that pushed quickly into court was that of Pat Kingsley, who accepted her guilt willingly and was convicted with undeniable evidence, ultimately sentenced to ten years in prison. This once-prominent PR manager and agent in Hollywood ended her career by being imprisoned. The evening the judgment for Pat Kingsley was announced, Tom Cruise hosted an extravagant party at his mansion in Beverly Hills, celebrating his contract with the cast of and inviting numerous friends and collaborators. Everyone saw that Tom Cruise was reveling in his victory. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 252: Cruise Was My One True Love [Chapter 253: Cruise Was My One True Love] Sylo, Los Angeles, at the Artel Mountain Shooting Range. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. On the outdoor training field, Hawke crouched on the ground, examining a broken twig. Wearing full camouflage, he slowly rose and advanced forward. His keen eyes tracked the ground''s changes before he abruptly halted. Between two trees, some dry grass had grown, and a thin line stretched across the underbrush. Hawke didn''t take a step forth; instead, he began to retreat along the same path he had come. His ears picked up distant sounds from behind him, which made him feign ignorance and step back a few more paces, leaning against a nearby tree. From the other side of the grass, Erica suddenly launched herself off the ground, her toned legs propelling her forward with the speed of a cheetah as she lunged at Hawke. He caught her wrist, which was clutching a paint-coated military knife, and used her momentum to throw himself down, rolling forward. Erica''s other hand quickly steadied herself on Hawke''s waist. They both tumbled to the ground. However, Hawke was able to pin Erica down, pressing both of her hands above her head with his own. Lying on her back, Erica looked at his knee resting on her neck and sighed, "I lost again." Hawke stood up, pulling her to her feet, and praised, "You''ve improved! Your ambush was more secretive, and your strikes were quick." Erica sheathed her fake dagger. "I just can''t compare when it comes to hand-to-hand combat." Hawke replied candidly, "It''s a matter of gender. A woman''s full-force blow doesn''t typically achieve the same effect as a man''s, especially if aimed at their vulnerable spots. Men generally can deliver harder attacks that women often can''t withstand." Having practiced close combat with Hawke several times, Erica muttered, "The innate difference is just too vast." They brushed the dust and leaves off each other before heading out of the training ground together. Erica inquired as they walked, "Have those guys you recruited, you know, Campos and his followers, continued their training?" Hawke responded, "They train weekly. Campos and the leading few plan to take revenge." "Do they have families?" Erica asked. "Yes," Hawke confirmed after investigating. "Not just Guti; Campos, Carlos, and Garcia all had family members brutally taken by drug trafficking gangs." He continued, "I am also looking into hiring mercenaries." "Feel free to contact me if you need help," Erica offered readily, then added with a smile, "The Ferguson family has investments in Latin America. The social order there is quite chaotic, and with the government not having a firm grasp on control, some armed groups are needed to protect those investments." Hawke wasn''t surprised by this revelation; he responded without reservation, "I''ll let you know if I need anything." After changing in the locker room and grabbing their bags, Erica proposed, "I got paid today; let me take you out for a nice dinner." Hawke couldn''t refuse, responding eagerly, "Sure!" ... Before leaving the shooting range, Hawke picked up a newspaper. Once inside Erica''s lavish Mercedes, he buckled his seatbelt and flipped through that day''s headlines, noticing that the front page was dominated by a Hollywood scandal. Former Best Actress winner Halle Berry had been caught in an affair, with her husband publicly denouncing her disgraceful actions. The couple had openly torn each other apart, revealing personal secrets and dirty laundry. Hawke remarked, "Whenever they''re needed, Hollywood stars have a way of sneaking into the headlines with scandals." Erica, having seen the gossip herself, chimed in, "Celebrity scandals are just so effective at shifting media focus." "When things seem uncertain, just drag a Hollywood star into the fray, and the pressure naturally dissipates," Hawke stated, setting the paper aside. "It''s an age-old trick, but it works every time." ????§Ñ¦­????B¨º? Los Angeles was never short on hot news, and when the timing was right, Halle Berry''s misdeeds stole public attention. ... Sherman Oaks, luxury hillside neighborhood. Standing on the second floor of her villa, Nicole Kidman finally breathed a sigh of relief, gazing out at the empty doorstep. Since yesterday, the swarm of reporters and paparazzi following her had vanished. There was no one behind her demanding retribution or encouraging a confession. At last, she could enjoy some peace. Nicole picked up a nearby newspaper. The front page featured a sizable photo of Halle Berry triumphantly holding her Oscar statuette. This Best Actress had shocked everyone with her unexpected scandal. Someone had managed to draw fire from the media, and without a doubt, Nicole should''ve been pleased. Yet, something gnawed at her, an unsettling feeling that something dreadful loomed ahead. Lost in thought for a moment, Nicole finally remembered, "Is the Oscar curse back at play?" After all, Halle Berry had won the last Oscar; it was Nicole who would win it this year. By this sequence of events, she realized she was the next target of the curse! A wave of anxiety washed over her as she looked out the window again; her doorstep remained eerily silent -- no reporters at all. The emptiness made her feel faded and irrelevant. "Andrea, are you up there?" she called out. The door swung open, revealing her manager, Andrea. "What''s up?" "Let''s... go for a drive," Nicole suggested. Andrea hesitated, concerned about the sudden desire to leave. "Given that the reporters have just shifted their focus, is it really the best time to be going out?" "Drive me in the Rolls-Royce I usually use for public appearances," Nicole insisted, noticing the quiet at the entrance magnified the curse''s pressure pressing down on her. ... Andrea eventually complied, pulling up in the Rolls-Royce Phantom as Nicole climbed in. As they hit the road, Andrea asked, "Where to?" After contemplating, Nicole replied, "Let''s head to Warner Bros. Studios." The Rolls raced ahead. For the first time in days, no motorcycle-mounted paparazzi were capturing images through the windshield, and no entertainment reporters followed behind. Only one car cruised along the road. As they passed a villa, Nicole noted a cluster of paparazzi and journalists gathered at a house. They surrounded an expressive Sarah Jessica Parker. The Rolls-Royce Phantom glided past the group, but they didn''t bat an eye in her direction. Yesterday, those same people had been relentless toward Nicole, but now the lack of attention felt far worse. She glanced up at the car''s ceiling as if anticipating the impending arrival of her Oscar-winning curse. "I need to do something," she murmured, biting her lip. "I need to keep the media''s attention on me." With this thought in mind, the Phantom rolled into Burbank. More attacks on Tom Cruise? Reflecting on her recent experiences, Nicole recalled her ex-husband had hired West Coast Media Studio, sending Pat Kingsley to prison for ten years. Could this somehow tie back to Hawke Osment? What had Kingsley done? Attack Tom Cruise. Nicole quickly changed her plan; a further assault on Tom Cruise wouldn''t be wise. The pressure exerted by Hawke Osment was simply too profound for her to bear. Still, her ex-husband was the best tool to attract public interest. An idea materialized in her mind. ... Arriving at Warner Bros. Studios, the Rolls pulled into the parking lot where Nicole saw throngs of reporters and paparazzi gathered near the entrance. Massive billboards proclaimed Warner Bros. and DC''s big production: . Nicole realized that they were all waiting to capture Halle Berry on set for . Stepping out of the car, she walked towards the studio entrance. Despite her emergence, only a few reporters seemed to redirect their cameras her way, casual in their acknowledgment. From extreme commotion to total indifference, the stark contrast unsettled Nicole. As she neared the studio entrance, she suddenly stumbled, letting out a sharp scream as she fell to the ground. Andrea was trailing a bit behind and couldn''t reach her in time. Nicole crashed down to the ground, her scream startling nearby paparazzi, who immediately redirected their cameras and video lenses towards her. A crowd began to gather. The quickest reporter rushed to Nicole, along with Andrea, helping her back to her feet. Nicole repeatedly expressed her gratitude, "Thank you! I appreciate your help." At that moment, thirty or more reporters circled them. One reporter couldn''t help but question, "What happened? How did you fall?" Nicole chuckled bashfully, "I got lost in thought and tripped." "As I walked here, I recalled the time when Tom and I first met while shooting , entering the studio together." Was that the right thing to say? Most reporters raised eyebrows at her words. One quickly asked, "Have you reconciled with Tom Cruise? Are you no longer angry with him?" Another chimed in, "Didn''t you two have falling outs? There''ve been rumors..." "No, it''s not like that!" Nicole exclaimed loudly. "After everything that has happened, I realized just how much I loved Tom, even if we can''t be together anymore. My feelings for him remain unchanged!" She declared, "Tom Cruise is the love of my life!" Gasps erupted across the crowd; this starkly contradicted everything she had voiced about her ex-husband in the two years since their divorce. One reporter skeptically probed, "Nicole, are you sure you''re not feeling any distress?" Nicole indeed was feeling overwhelmed, but it was the fallout of Kingsley that stirred her. If she continued to tarnish Tom, she feared she would meet a similar fate. This woman still had some sense of logic. Nicole didn''t burst into anger or panic, instead choosing to respond calmly, "The past few years took a toll on me due to the fallout from my marriage. I said things I shouldn''t have and made many foolish mistakes, but I''ve regained my clear head now." She locked eyes with the reporter, asserting, "I am quite composed now. I can tell you frankly, even being divorced and not returning to what once was, Tom Cruise is still the love of my life." As this conversation concluded, Nicole rubbed her bruised arm while entering the Warner Bros. Studios gate. The crowd of reporters dissipated, hurrying back to their cars or newsrooms to finalize stories. Compared to Halle Berry''s affair, this was far more captivating. A new entertainment headline was born. ... At Twitter Headquarters, Hawke was hard at work. During a break, Edward entered with an invitation, "Steve Nutt and the Dodgers'' club sent this over. They''re holding a charity game this weekend." Hawke glanced at it, "Similar to last year''s?" "Should be," Edward noted seriously. "Steve called, mentioning he had something significant to discuss. It seems there''s been some conflict between him and the NAACP." Hawke had anticipated this: "Some in the association only see Steve as a tool for advocacy, while he genuinely seeks to lead a rights organization." With that thought, he became contemplative. Could Steve Nutt become a vessel for mobilizing change? ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 253: The Saints Choice [Chapter 254: The Saint''s Choice] Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium. The bulletproof Mercedes pulled up to the VIP entrance, and Hawke stepped out, accompanied by Dodger manager, Maduke, on his way to the VIP box. This year, the Dodgers fell short of expectations once more, eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Teams focused on civil rights seemed to reflect the corporate trend, their performance visibly dwindling while still enjoying substantial profits. Having been ousted from the playoffs, the Dodgers were attempting to gather from last year''s lessons, organizing a charity match under the banner of civil rights, and Hawke was their targeted guest. He had long held one of the premium boxes at the stadium. Yet, he hadn''t attended since last year''s charity match. Maduke escorted Hawke into the box, mentioning, "Steve Nutt will throw the first pitch; he''ll be here afterward." Hawke replied, "You all get busy; I don''t need to be fussed over." Maduke quickly took his leave. ... The nearby boxes were interconnected. Hawke glanced around, noticing several Hollywood stars in attendance. The entertainment industry had long been at the forefront of championing civil rights. From a distance, he spotted Tom Cruise and Will Smith, the latter did not make any move, while the former left the box and walked along the back passage to Hawke''s side. He hugged Hawke and said, "I had no idea you''d be here; we could''ve come together." Hawke said, "I have some involvement with this place. I am here just to show my respect. I will leave after the game starts." "The Saint Steve," Tom laughed, "the civil rights movement''s current champion!" Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Then, he switched tracks, "You always manage to figure out how to resolve conflicts. If it weren''t for you, my reputation would still be mud after Kingsley''s smear campaign." Hawke remembered the recent tabloid headlines and responded, "There''s one situation I couldn''t control." Tom shrugged, "Can you believe I''ve suddenly become her cherished one again?" Hawke explained, "Because Nicole Kidman sensed her own crisis, and as her ex-husband, even if you can''t be her backer, you can become her hot spot." Tom sighed. "She''s riding my coattails; what can I do?" "Nothing," Hawke replied. "You''re ex-spouses; if your ex-wife reminisces about her time with you and claims to still love you, should you step in to reprimand her? Or argue with her? That would only deepen public empathy for her." Tom nodded, "I know that remaining silent is best, but it feels a bit grating to be exploited like this." Hawke reassured him, "At the end of the day, it''s still a compliment, not a smear campaign." But after comforting him, he plunged the knife in deeper: "Just remember to keep ignoring it; the problems are just beginning. Should Nicole''s fortune continue to falter, you will be the ''one true love'' she continuously mentions." ?????????S Tom reached a crossroads, saying, "You''ve made your point -- maybe I''ll just consider her a stranger now." Suddenly, thunderous cheers erupted in the stadium as Steve Nutt led the Dodgers into view. Before the game commenced, they engaged in a kneeling ceremony. Since last year, the Dodgers had shifted their focus towards community engagement, more than merely on-field performance. Although Steve rarely played, the Dodgers still maintained a long-term contract with him. When the charity game kicked off, Hawke struggled to grasp the rules of baseball. Compared to football, basketball, or even soccer, baseball regulations felt far too complex, especially regarding scoring. ... Before long, Steve arrived at Hawke''s box. Hawke introduced him to Tom Cruise. Steve appeared eager to speak with Hawke; Tom took his leave and returned to his box. Hawke anticipated the conversation but chose not to pry, allowing Steve to share his concerns. As the crowd settled down, Steve said, "I''m facing quite a dilemma and would like your input." Hawke inquired, "Is this about civil rights?" "Exactly," Steve chuckled, his smile seeming a bit off. "You''re the only one whose ideas I trust; I can''t rely on anyone else." Hawke recalled the incident with Kobe and said, "Feel free to share, but I might not be able to assist you." Steve organized his thoughts before continuing, "Recently, I attended a meeting for NAACP, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, where they launched a program regarding marginalized communities." Hawke instantly thought of BlackRock. Steve continued, "They want me to be a part of this initiative." Hawke asked curiously, "Oh? What do they expect from you?" "They believe that merely advocating for Black rights isn''t enough through me," Steve revealed, the look on his face turning peculiar. "The organization has been swayed by outside influences and wants me to take a more leading role, advocating for more groups, and they''ve been pushing to have me come out." Hawke was not surprised by these words, the so-called external forces were nothing more than the intervention of the Donkeys. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is a deep blue organization. BlackRock and Vanguard International have already begun to promote marginalized population plans, and these organizations will naturally be no exception. Hollywood led the way in entertainment activism, with feminist and civil rights movements closely trailing behind. Fighting solely for Black rights was just scratching the surface; more was needed, such as LGBTQ+ advocacy and transgender rights. The momentum appeared robust, especially combined with BlackRock''s efforts, LGBTQ+ rights alongside racial equality seemed to be the next stage in this evolution. Steve continued, "They want me to come out and develop a relationship with Wilson, my Black teammate." Hawke future-proofed the name as familiar: "Your son''s father?" "Exactly, the biological father of my Black son," Steve replied, his comments would undoubtedly create quite the stir if ever leaked. "The association plans to launch a social movement advocating for Black members of the LGBTQ+ community within three years, positioning me at the forefront." He gazed at Hawke, a hint of uncertainty apparent. "I''m not sure if I should accept this." After considering for a moment, Hawke queried, "Do you desire to identify as a gay man and spend years searching for a Black male partner?" Steve stood before Hawke without reservations: "Lately, I feel a surge of social movements, the Rainbow Parade in North Hollywood has already happened three times this year, each one bigger than the last." He candidly stated, "I want to lead these movements and benefit from them, yet I am not gay and hate to be gay." Saint Steve''s influence derived from Hawke''s own push. For anything BlackRock promoted, Hawke had a natural rebuff: "Respect your inner choice. Steve, we are old friends. In fact, I also know about the plan you mentioned. Homosexuality is just the beginning. There will be transgender plans later. You are a pioneer in the equal rights movement. Now they let you be gay, and in the future they will let you change your sex. Do you want to become a monster that is neither male nor female?" "Absolutely not!" While he could somewhat tolerate being gay, turning himself into a shemale was beyond tolerable for Steve. "I''d rather perish." Hawke gave Steve a reassuring pat on the shoulder, "Shifting political narratives often breed compromise; however, you''re the leader of the national civil rights movement, Saint Steve Nutt!" Hawke had been scheming: "With your influence, why not step out independently, forming your own equal rights organization? Considering current affairs, the association clearly sees your worth solely as a tool." Others might have brushed off those words, but given Hawke had single-handedly catapulted Steve to his ''saint'' stature, he took the message seriously. The NAACP is one of the Democratic Party''s core bases. According to Steve, it will also be one of the links in promoting BlackRock''s marginalized population plan. Hawke intended to pull out Saint Steve to fight equal rights against equal rights, magic against magic, and perversion against perversion. Steve pondered briefly and declared, "Establishing an equal rights organization that is entirely centered around me sounds excellent." Hawke persisted, "You can partner with Twitter; they''ll provide media support." Steve added, "Over the last year, I''ve also built a network at the NAACP that could support me in constructing this new organization''s framework." Hawke reinforced, "Equal rights is timeless." Steve had matured significantly over the past year and developed independent analytical skills. "Instead of following in the footsteps of others, I would rather be at the forefront and lead the trend of the times." "Precisely," Hawke affirmed, "You can set up headquarters in Covina; Mayor Brian Ferguson is a close friend of mine." If Bryan wants to make it big in a place like California, he must win the support of people of color. With the state''s demographic primarily comprising of Latinos and African Americans, they were crucial to political campaigns. Hawke''s comment lit a spark in Steve, he felt more and more that he should not serve as a tool of an association, but should become independent and lead a force on his own. He almost gave up his MLB playing career and devoted himself to the equal rights movement, which he considered to be his career for the rest of his life. The media hailed him as a leader, with some even comparing him to Martin Luther King Jr. Within such an environment, it was natural for him to perceive himself as a leader. Steve was no exception. Furthermore, the invaluable insights Hawke previously shared had positively impacted his journey. Steve nodded, "What you''ve said makes a lot of sense, Hawke. I''ll discuss it with my team then contact you." Hawke replied, "Feel free to call anytime." ... Steve called Hawke the night after the game. Hawke helped contact Brian. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 254: Escape from Los Angeles [Chapter 255: Escape from Los Angeles] East Los Angeles, Covina. In the city hall''s reception room, Brian, Hawke, and Steve had spent some time discussing. They decided to establish a brand-new social organization, with its headquarters located in East Los Angeles and Steve as the head. Of course, such an organization couldn''t just be formed overnight; it would require significant time, energy, and money for preparation. Steve vowed to set up a preparation committee as quickly as possible. Once their agreement was finalized, Steve took his leave. ... Inside the reception room on the second floor, only Hawke and Brian remained. Brian stood by the window, watching an Audi pulling away, and said, "Do you really intend to get me into the Oval Office?" Hawke replied jokingly, "I''m just a poor kid from Wyoming, and now that I''ve managed to create a somewhat valuable company, people are already trying to take a piece of the pie. Some even resort to physical destruction. They probably think I''m weak and once they deal with me, they can have it all. That''s why I need a backup." He walked over to the window and clapped Brian on the shoulder. "You are my greatest support." Brian asked, "Did you say something similar to Erica?" "Of course not! Erica''s ambition is to shoot legally," Hawke said, speaking the truth. "Your goals are far more ambitious." He added earnestly, "BlackRock is our arch-enemy. They''re implementing a marginalized community plan for the Democrats, which means we need to take down those bastards. We need varied strategies, and using magic against magic is one of them." He couldn''t elaborate on that topic further, so he shifted the discussion. "You need a massive voter base moving forward. In California, we can''t overlook the power of Latino and African American communities." Brian recalled some past events. "Back in my grandfather''s day, California was deep red. But after a wave of immigrants arrived, we messed up on immigration policy, and the state flipped to deep blue." Hawke asserted, "We''re the new generation. When the previous generation''s path doesn''t work, it''s necessary to change it." His actions were heavily influenced by his past life; practicality was key. ''Unite the normal crowd and gain their support.'' Brian chuckled. "I thought you were going to unite all those people." Hawke replied, "Those guys will only become objects of exploitation. The so-called marginalized community plan is nothing but a push for equal rights, allowing these so-called vulnerable groups to voice their concerns in hopes of securing votes from those who thrive on chaos. But these individuals simply don''t understand unity and will continuously ask for more." ?¨¤??????????? He pondered the marginalized community plan. "With the right provocation and timing, if we keep fueling the fire, they''ll inevitably turn on each other." Brian grasped the underlying logic. "We need our own equal rights organization." Hawke gazed into the distance; the Mexican immigrant population in Covina was vast, and Mexican Americans were seen everywhere on the street. "This may take time; beyond these marginalized groups, there are broader demographics, like African Americans and Mexican Americans." "I''ve worked with many African Americans and Mexicans due to my job." Hawke''s top aide was a black man from Compton, and the Savior had reached out to many rational thinking individuals for help. As for the Mexicans, over ten people were currently with Campos. Hawke slowly stated, "Many minority groups think quite logically. These ordinary folks work hard and rarely speak out; they seldom cause trouble unless pushed to their limits..." Brian noted, "These individuals often show little interest in voting. Why would the Democrats support them? With just a little agitation, they jump into action." "That''s why we need an equal rights organization," Hawke understood the future''s trajectory. "Keep adding fuel to the fire, let them dance absurdly, and turn on each other until society grows tired of it." He emphasized, "What we need to do is accelerate this process as much as possible." Brian nodded, "I''ll mobilize resources to hasten the formation of this organization." ... As lunchtime approached, Brian decided to call Hawke and Edward to join him for lunch at a nearby Mexican restaurant. The last time they''d been out, they encountered an attack in Covina. This time, they each had three vehicles following behind. During lunch, Brian brought up a shared enemy. "Douglas Coster from BlackRock has been hiding out at the Burbank Hotel, isn''t he like a turtle with his head pulled in, refusing to come out?" Hawke responded, "My people have been watching him, but he knows how to hide well." Brian nodded. "I tried using a honey trap but couldn''t draw him out." "He can''t hide at the Burbank Hotel forever." Compared to Brian, Hawke was more patient. "Douglas is the head of BlackRock''s San Francisco branch. After spending some time in Los Angeles, he''ll inevitably return to San Francisco. If we can''t act in Los Angeles, we''ll have to move in San Francisco instead." Brian asked, "Is there anything you need from me?" Hawke was direct. "My people aren''t familiar with the San Francisco area. If there''s a need, I''ll reach out to you." Brian replied, "No problem." ... After lunch, Hawke left Covina, and Edward drove them to Pasadena. At a shooting range over there, Campos was training with several subordinates. Hawke didn''t interfere with their session and went up to a platform where he observed the training ground through bulletproof glass. Most of these people had escaped from Mexico. Among them was Campos, along with a few others who were the sole survivors of their families. Hawke had seen an article online in a past life that listed the most dangerous jobs worldwide. One of those jobs was working in anti-drug enforcement in Mexico. He remembered a former Mexican president had sparked a drug war, which the government ultimately lost. The police like Campos, who sincerely wanted to combat drugs, faced grave dangers, often being hunted by drug traffickers or betrayed by former colleagues. ... Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After a while, someone knocked on the door, and Edward went to open it. Campos walked in. Hawke invited him to sit. "Any news from Wyoming?" Carlos and Garcia had been gone for quite some time, but Campos maintained contact. He said, "They disguised themselves as private detectives, found the person, and made contact. They''re looking for the right opportunity to deliver the message." He added, "That person''s parents and a younger sister all vanished, with only the parents'' bodies found. The sister is still missing and likely fell prey to wolves or bears." Hawke directly asked, "Is he planning revenge?" Campos answered, "Based on Carlos and Garcia''s observations, this person has been hunting alone in the mountains recently, supposedly practicing his shooting. He''s said to be a skilled hunter among the younger generation on the Indian reservation. He was guiding for a hunting company in Denver when the incident occurred, leaving him alone." Hawke remarked, "He''s lucky." He paused slightly and added, "I''ve been lucky too, to still be alive." Campos understood the implication. When the car bomb approached Hawke, it would have been a deadly situation. That wasn''t luck; it was Hawke''s emphasis on security measures. He felt a heaviness in his heart; it was tough being the good guy. While in Mexico, he had fulfilled his duties as an anti-drug officer but ended up escaping to California alone. Campos voiced, "Those bastards deserve to die!" Hawke said nothing more. Edward, the Savior, suddenly declared, "What is the essence of this world? The strong oppress the weak; good people never get their due rewards." Hawke responded, "We need to be worse than the bad guys." Campos nodded. Hawke decided to leave. "Make sure to notify me as soon as you hear from Carlos and Garcia." "Sure," Campos said as he saw Hawke to the door. Hawke and Edward stepped outside, ready to return to Santa Monica. On the way back, Hawke made a call; there was still no movement from the Burbank Hotel. ... Burbank Hotel, top-floor suite. Assistant Reid received a phone call and walked into the study. He informed Douglas Coster, "Sir, the chartered jet has been booked and will take off tomorrow at 10 AM." Douglas replied, "Book another one through the overseas foundation for 2 PM." "Understood." Reid hurried back to arrange for the overseas foundation to charter the jet. Douglas picked up a brand new mobile phone and dialed a number. "At noon, gather everyone using the best armored cars to escort me to the airport." The response came, "Please make a prepayment." Douglas instructed another assistant to handle the security fee payment. Having stayed in Los Angeles for so many days, he''d lost track of how long it had been since he stepped out of the hotel. Most work was conducted via email and phone calls, and any matters needing face-to-face interaction were to invite individuals to the Burbank Hotel for discussions. During this time, he even negotiated investments with several Hollywood studios. Ang Lee''s was a high priority. Originally, this project was to be funded step by step, likely taking until the following year to begin preparations. But with funding secured, the studio had officially been established and the project was in full swing. Filming was set to begin in January or February of the upcoming year, competing for the 2005 Oscars. This timeline was nearly a year ahead of what producer James Schamus had planned. If at all possible, Douglas would have wanted to participate in next year''s Oscars. Having arranged his work, he disclosed he''d be leaving Los Angeles tomorrow, and like usual, after lunch, Douglas went to his bedroom to rest. Instead, he quietly left the suite and took the freight elevator down. He joined the security convoy awaiting him, heading straight for Los Angeles International Airport. During the journey, he remained anxious, fearing an ambush. It wasn''t until he entered the airport hangar and boarded the chartered jet that Douglas finally relaxed. The plane underwent repeated inspections and took off smoothly. Two hours later, the jet landed at San Francisco International Airport. Douglas disembarked from the jet, climbed into the company vehicle awaiting him, and felt an entirely different zest for life. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 255: The Hunters of the Preserve [Chapter 256: The Hunters of the Preserve] Jeffrey City, Wyoming. An old pickup truck rolled in from the woods and stopped in front of a restaurant proudly displaying a sign for steak and barbecue. As autumn set in, the weather turned a bit chilly. Lokni, clad in a leather jacket, stepped out of the truck and walked into the restaurant, seeking a vacant table for a quick bite to eat. Across the street, in a Ford Raptor, Garcia and Carlos kept a careful watch on the pickup. Carlos said, "He just came out of the woods. Let''s go talk to him; we heard from LA that he''s heading back to San Francisco." Garcia nodded in agreement. "We''ve dealt with him a few times. We finally secured his trust to help him find the killer of his family. We need to give him the information soon. He''s been going out a lot lately to practice shooting, and he never has a target. His intentions are clear." "Our situation is the same; we both have family that suffered," Carlos tightened his fist, struggling to control the fire of vengeance. "Revenge always fuels a fire within." Garcia maintained a serious expression. "One day, we will make those responsible pay." Campos sent these two because they knew how to handle such things. ... Soon enough, Lokni exited the restaurant, carrying some homemade beef jerky from the owner. Although he had Native American heritage, he appeared to be of mixed descent, with a look that reminded Garcia of Dwayne Johnson. Garcia waved him over. "Lokni, we''ve found some information on the case you entrusted us." Lokni glanced in their direction, drove his truck over, and rolled down the window, noticing the two private investigators he had previously hired. "Did you get any results?" Garcia replied, "Can we discuss it somewhere private?" Lokni pointed down the road, driving south along the highway. Garcia started his car, following behind. ... Once they were out of Jeffrey City and not far down the road, Lokni''s pickup veered off the highway and into the woods, taking a dirt path blanketed with leaves, turning westward. ???????¦¢¨º???? In the Ford Raptor, Carlos, sitting in the passenger seat, pulled out his handgun for a quick check of the magazine. Given their experiences, they naturally considered personal safety in such a secluded area. The old pickup truck didn''t go far before it stopped by a lake. Lokni jumped out of his truck and hopped onto a rock at the water''s edge, waving towards the Ford Raptor. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Garcia parked and grabbed a bag, walking over alongside Carlos. Sitting on the rock, Lokni recalled their last meeting. "Did you two private detectives find out who was behind the murders of my family?" Garcia hopped onto the rock across from him and handed over the bag. "Everything''s in here. It took a lot of effort and money to track this down." "I didn''t bring cash; all I can offer is this," Lokni said, reaching into his pocket and tossing two coins at Garcia. "These are antiques, worth over ten thousand dollars each." He quickly added, "I''ll get you cash later." Garcia picked them up and held them up to the sun, realizing he didn''t recognize the coins, but they appeared to be some type of European antique. He tossed one to Carlos. Carlos examined it closely, confirming it was gold, even if he didn''t recognize the specific type. Lokni opened the bag and pulled out some documents, scanning through them. ... The first page mentioned the name of the company that was exploring mining rights. He recalled his trip back from Denver, where his father mentioned this company had obtained rights on the preserve. It had since been investigated by the FBI due to a case involving multiple deaths related to the preserve, ultimately leading to the company''s bankruptcy. Although Lokni had been investigating this company, his previous job as a hunting guide didn''t afford him much in the way of resources or influence. Even the preserve''s officers were reluctant to pursue inquiries into matters he had raised, leading to dead ends time after time. The two private detectives had taken on the case of a pair of siblings who died here, and he had taken the opportunity to solicit their help. He continued flipping through the documents, which detailed the shareholders of the exploration company. The backers included the BlackRock Wyoming division, which had employed people to establish connections between the government and the preserve''s management, facilitating the mining company''s acquisition. This person was identified as Douglas Coster, the former president of BlackRock Wyoming, who had since moved on to other states. The records indicated that he was the decision-maker for the exploratory project and should have been held accountable for the case. Yet, the head of the mining company took the blame while Coster faced no consequences for his involvement -- even advancing his career to California. Flipping further, Lokni found Coster''s photo and information, including his current location at the BlackRock office in San Francisco in the Bay Area''s Silicon Valley. There were further documents indicating insufficient evidence in judicial terms but pointing to Coster as the main culprit in the eyes of the victims. ... As Lokni finished reviewing everything, he carved the name Douglas Coster into his memory. He turned to Garcia. "Is everything you''ve investigated true?" "How could I possibly fake this? Do you think it looks like a falsehood?" Garcia leaned in closer, whispering, "I spent a lot of money to get this information through connections within the FBI." He held the coins up. "Buddy, you have no idea how greedy the FBI can be -- you''ve at least seen it in movies, right? This is not enough." Lokni said, "If your findings turn out to be legitimate, I''ll pay you the rest of the fee; I have the money." Though his sister had been classified as a missing person without any compensation, the bodies of his parents found at the mining company''s dumping ground garnered him a hefty payout. That money was enough for him to do many things. Garcia pointed at the bag. "Did you notice the letter mentioning your preserve''s sheriff? You know him, right? Grab him, and he''ll spill everything." Lokni replied, "I can''t manage him alone. How about you assist me? Money isn''t a problem; given your investigation, you should know I received a substantial sum." Garcia looked uneasy. "Dealing with the preserve''s sheriff poses a significant risk." Having worked in a big city like Denver, Lokni understood how to persuade others. "I''ll offer more." Garcia responded, "The job of private detectives always requires taking risks." Carlos shot his partner a disdainful look. For the sake of his family, Lokni, having returned from Denver, couldn''t afford to wait any longer. He said, "You two wait at Jeffrey''s restaurant for me; I''ll be back in a flash." "Sure thing." Garcia hopped down from the rock, calling to Carlos as they headed back to their car. ... As the Ford Raptor roared to life and turned around to leave, Lokni secured the bag and returned to the preserve, retrieving money from one of the houses before heading back to Jeffrey City. He stepped outside the restaurant and made a phone call. Garcia and Carlos emerged from the restaurant, climbing into his truck. Lokni pulled out the cash bag and handed it to them. Garcia opened it, checking the authenticity, counting just enough to satisfy himself before passing it to Carlos. Lokni exclaimed, "You guys need to change clothes; I''m taking you into the preserve." He dug through the back seat, pulling out several outfits for them to choose from. Garcia and Carlos had taken makeup classes while in Los Angeles, where Campos had hired professional experts to teach them. They quickly changed into the clothes, dyed their hair black, and donned fake mustaches as they followed Lokni into the preserve, arriving near the preserve''s police station. ... The preserve''s police station was set up independently, with officers consisting only of preserve personnel. The elderly sheriff, Graham, who had seen over sixty, was a well-respected figure with real power in the area. After his shift, he hopped into a patrol car, whistling as he drove home. The environment of the preserve was rough, characterized by barren mountains, and the population had dwindled over the years, leading to even sparser living conditions than the Wyoming average. After rounding a hill, Sheriff Graham spotted a rusty pickup parked up ahead, with a young local resident squatting beside a tire. Seeing the approach of a vehicle, the grease-covered young man stood and waved at the patrol car. Graham stopped and asked, "What''s wrong?" Lokni chimed in, "A flat tire; I didn''t bring a jack." "You youngsters." Recognizing the local accent, Graham exited the car and opened the trunk for a jack. Hidden behind some nearby rocks, Garcia and Carlos crept up, with the former pressing his gun against Graham''s head. "Don''t move, or my gun might go off." Graham felt the gun''s pressure against his head and quickly raised his hands. "You can take what you want, just don''t hurt me, kids." Garcia pulled his hands behind his back, tying them up with zip ties. To be safe, he secured him three times over. Carlos patted him down, retrieving his handgun, handcuffs, and pepper spray, shoving Graham with gloved hands. "Get in the car." The three got into the vehicle, with Lokni leading the way as they exited the preserve as fast as they could. ... When they reached the lake area, the patrol car drove straight into the water. Garcia dismantled Graham''s phone, removing the battery and SIM card, throwing them into the lake to ensure it wouldn''t be found anytime soon. Lokni then dragged Graham away for solitary questioning. In the forest, screams echoed occasionally. Lokni, who had served as a guide for a hunting company, realized he had killed more animals than he could count. The screams waned, gradually diminishing into groans, and before long, there was silence. Lokni emerged by the lake, a bloodied hunting knife in hand, rinsing it off. "He talked; what you researched is valid." Garcia asked, "What about him?" "Accidentally killed him," Lokni stated matter-of-factly. Garcia advised, "You''d better handle the body properly." "Help me toss him in the lake," Lokni urged, wanting to pull both men to the water''s edge. "I''ll pay you more if you accompany me to San Francisco." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 256: The Hunt [Chapter 257: The Hunt] East Los Angeles, the gym was buzzing. Edward shook his head, pedaling furiously on an exercise bike, his eyes frequently drifting towards the one in front. On that bike was a Latina woman, and because of how she was seated, her ample figure seemed to overflow onto the small bike seat. Edward deeply suspected the tiny seat would be swallowed whole. It was simply terrifying. Hawke passed by the spinning bike area, gesturing with the sports drink in his hand. Edward stopped, dismounted, walked over, accepted the bottle, took a small sip, and followed Hawke toward the relaxation area. As he walked, he looked back and said, "Jennifer Lopez''s backside is just too big." Hawke asked, "You mean the woman in front of you?" Edward pointed at the spinning bike area. "Yeah! She was just in front of me pedaling. Can you imagine?" Hawke chuckled, "Is that the charm of the Latina pop queen?" "Way too big," Edward replied. "Is that really attractive?" Hawke raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Aren''t you guys into that kind of thing?" Once they entered the relaxation area, Edward added, "Sure, a lot of people are into that, but I''m the exception." "You prefer single moms," Brian interjected, wiping sweat from his brow as he approached Edward. "Last time you mentioned you were pursuing Miller Collins'' ex-wife." Edward felt quite proud of this. "We''re already dating." Brian thought of the scumbag who nearly sent him on a free flight after that car bomb incident and made a suggestion. "Buddy, keep it up. Really go for it -- give it your all!" Edward laughed cheerfully. But Hawke knew this was no ordinary savior; he was always trying to pull people back from the brink. Thus, he had danced on the grave of Robert Downey Jr., sharing a duet with Deborah. He even planned to perform a tandem dance in front of Miller Collins'' headstone. Unfortunately, the latter had been blown to bits; only pieces remained, scattered, and he had yet to be buried. Since the car explosion, Brian had signed up for a super membership here and started his fitness regimen. His goal was straightforward: in case of danger, he wanted to be able to run faster and farther. The three of them took a moment to rest, changed their clothes, and prepared to leave the gym. ... At the entrance, they bumped into Jennifer Lopez, and seeing a swarm of media reporters outside, Hawke called out to Edward and Brian to wait a bit before leaving. ??N??????? The pop diva, wearing tight pants, stepped outside but didn''t get into her vehicle right away. Instead, she posed, accentuating her curves, giving the reporters plenty of opportunities to take photos. After fussing around for about ten minutes, Jennifer Lopez finally got into her car and drove off. Once the reporters scattered, Edward drove their car over. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Brian joined Hawke in getting into the car. As the car started, Hawke said, "My guy just arrived in San Francisco." Brian understood. "My guy has been secretly tracking Douglas Coster''s whereabouts. He wasn''t exactly a low-profile guy in San Francisco; we''ve pretty much figured out where he commonly goes." The two had long decided against taking action in Los Angeles. While Douglas was still in the city, Brian''s guy had already spread out in San Francisco. Campos had just contacted Hawke yesterday. The revenge-seeking Native American had hired private investigators Garcia and Carlos, and they were driving toward San Francisco. Hawke instructed, "Have your guy find a place to stash the goods there; my team will go and pick them up directly." He paused and added, "Are the weapons ready?" "Ready," Brian confirmed, having been keeping a close watch on this matter. "We got them from Mexico, brand-new barrels, never fired." Hawke was satisfied. "What about the rest?" Brian knew Hawke had a particularly daring streak, so he said, "Don''t use bombs or anything like that. It''s too messy to clean up later." "Don''t worry, I won''t go about it openly," Hawke simply said. "I''ll go with a gun or poison." Brian nodded, "We have cyanide ready." "Good," Hawke clapped on the driver''s seat. "Hero, you''ll take a turn for a run." Edward replied, "Got it." Around noon, Jennifer Huey invited Hawke, Brian, and Erica to lunch together. Upon arriving at the restaurant, as soon as Hawke and Brian got out of the car, Edward drove away. He called Campos midway, and they found a place to enjoy their lunch together. ... San Francisco Bay Area, Santa Clara. A large SUV rolled into the skateboard park parking lot, maneuvering into an empty space. The driver of the vehicle, wearing a hoodie, stepped outside to tie his shoelaces, and casually tucked the car keys underneath the front tire. Having done all that, the driver stood up slowly and walked unhurriedly toward the parking lot exit. He had previously scoped the area in a different outfit, choosing a route with minimal surveillance. Before long, the figure disappeared into the night. ... At a motel in San Jose, Carlos and Garcia, with fake mustaches stuck on their faces, had been in San Francisco for a few days. With the deposit from Lokni, they had come early to set up. By day, they explored; by night, they returned, changing their accommodations every day, conducting a thorough investigation of the Bay Area''s BlackRock San Francisco branch. Yet, they had yet to lay eyes on Douglas Coster himself. The guy had returned to San Francisco and was still keeping a low profile. He traveled in a bulletproof car that went straight into a secure underground parking garage of a heavily guarded office building. When headed home, his car would return directly to his expansive mansion. During these past few days, Douglas had only been making the commute between his company and home -- one unchanging route. It was evident he was being extremely cautious, even after returning to San Francisco. Carlos was munching on dinner when his phone suddenly buzzed with a text message. The message was from a newly activated number that simply read: "Santa Clara, skateboard park, take St. Thomas Avenue, license plate number..." Garcia devoured his sandwich, drank a can of soda, and asked, "Got a lead?" Carlos showed him the message before swiftly deleting it. "Let''s go." The two quickly finished eating and tidied up the room before heading down to the motel, hopping into the used Cherokee they had bought in Tracy, and headed toward Santa Clara. ... These two small towns were right next to each other, so it didn''t take long before they reached the Santa Clara city center. After turning onto St. Thomas Avenue, they quickly found the skateboard park. However, they didn''t rush over right away. They circled the area a couple of times to confirm there were no watchers before having one of them exit the car, walking toward the park parking lot while the other kept a distance behind to scout the surroundings. After getting a heads-up from Garcia that there were no issues, Carlos entered the parking lot, spotted the commercial vehicle, retrieved the keys from beneath the front tire, entered the vehicle, started it up, and drove out of the parking lot, making his way back to the motel in San Jose. Once he parked the car, Garcia joined him inside, checking the seats one by one, and found a bag beneath two of them. Each of them picked up a bag and headed back upstairs to their room. One of the bags contained disassembled rifle parts and ammunition. The other was a sealed box filled with cyanide. The second bag was packed with a wealth of documents detailing Douglas Coster''s frequent hangouts and the individuals he interacted with regularly. This was information Brian''s team had invested significant time and resources to acquire. Carlos examined the firearms while Garcia studied the documents closely. ... The next morning, the two checked out of the motel with their belongings, driving in two different vehicles away from San Jose and regrouping with Lokni in Sunnyvale. Upon seeing Carlos and Garcia, Lokni asked, "Any luck?" "We''ve been observing for days and have uncovered some findings." Garcia placed the collected items before Lokni, declaring, "You pay, we work." Lokni looked through the papers and found a record of Douglas'' daily work habits and return home times, along with frequent contacts and places he visited outside of work and home, including a mistress. Although eager to avenge his parents, he wasn''t familiar with San Francisco. Reviewing the information didn''t provide him with a proper choice. Lokni suggested, "Let''s check out these spots." "Sounds good," Garcia added. "For some reason, Douglas has been very busy lately." The three of them took a single car, scouring the Bay Area, focusing on spots Douglas had been known to visit. On the way back, Carlos remarked, "Once this is done in San Francisco, you''ll pay us the rest, and we won''t know each other." Lokni had some common sense. "If everything goes smoothly, I''ll be leaving America." He didn''t specify where he''d go, but he had already planned it. When he worked for a hunting company in Denver, he would go to Africa many times a year to provide guide and hunting partner services to clients. After avenging his parents, with nothing tying him to America, Africa would be a good move. The vast plains and abundant wildlife there would offer him a life of freedom. ... Back at the motel, the three began discussing. Garcia noted, "The locations of BlackRock Company and his home are not suitable for action. The company has an underground parking lot that makes it tough to infiltrate, and the house is massive. Douglas only leaves the vehicle after he drives in, and there are no tall buildings around..." Lokni, as a professional hunter, understood this. "Indeed." Carlos proposed, "I think two places are quite suitable: one is a bar that Douglas frequented in the Bay Area, and the other is his mistress Natalia''s residence." He pulled out his phone, opened the photo gallery, and showed them the pictures taken that afternoon. "The bar is crowded; we could find a way to poison him with cyanide in his drink; he wouldn''t come back from that." Garcia scrolled through the photos and added, "Natalia''s place is a beachfront villa, and there are a few taller buildings within a 200-meter radius, giving us an opportunity to strike from above." Carlos asked, "At that distance, can you hit? Don''t look at us; we don''t have that skill. And we don''t kill." Lokni replied, "My gun can''t do that." "You can''t use your gun," Garcia mentioned. "It''d easily trace back to you via ballistic analysis." Lokni pleaded, "You guys help me get a gun." He pulled out his strongest negotiation tactic, "I''ll pay extra!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 257: The Death of Douglas [Chapter 258: The Death of Douglas] For several days, Garcia, Carlos, and Lokni split into two groups. One stayed near Natalia''s beachfront villa while the other headed to a bar in the Bay Area. They took a wait-and-see approach, hoping for a sighting of their target. However, the bar yielded no results. Worried that the two private detectives, Garcia and Carlos, might run off, Lokni suggested that they be compensated more for their trouble. With no way to refuse without raising suspicion, the two men reluctantly agreed to the increased pay, silently enduring the situation. After discussions, the three decided to abandon the chaotic bar scene and focus solely on watching Natalia. They learned through various sources that Natalia and Douglas had not broken up; in fact, they were still dating before Douglas left San Francisco for Los Angeles. ... Men tended to be more rational, but not necessarily women. From a surveillance vehicle parked near Natalia''s villa, Garcia remarked, "Douglas has been in Los Angeles for a while. By the time he returns, he and Natalia should have met. For a man, holding back for a long time is challenging, and the same goes for a woman." Lokni asked, "What if they decide to split up?" Carlos pulled out a photo of a radiant young woman and said, "What does a woman like her see in a man over fifty? This villa isn''t even in Natalia''s name. If she doesn''t get enough out of it, she won''t break up with him." ... Back at the beachfront villa, Natalia contacted Douglas daily, but he always used work as an excuse to avoid visiting. To entice him, she sent alluring photos every day. Successful men were seldom able to stay faithful for long. With time slipping by, especially in a familiar place like San Francisco, a person''s guard might inevitably drop. ... Days passed, and as the end of the workday approached, two cars protected a bulletproof Escalade as it drove from the Bay Area to the beachfront. Hidden nearby were two more cars, but there were no followers. Carlos, seasoned in trailing people in Mexico and Los Angeles, parked early in a spot along the main route. Upon spotting the black Escalade with its protective vehicles, he quickly notified Garcia near the beachfront villa. Although they couldn''t confirm if Douglas was in the SUV, similar encounters over the last few days led them to think it could be him. It was better to check and be wrong than to miss out. "Let''s go!" Garcia grabbed his bag and led the way. ... Lokni, dressed in sportswear and carrying a tennis racket bag, followed Garcia into an adjacent aging apartment building. The two took the stairs instead of the elevator and made their way to the rooftop on the seventh floor. This building was the closest and tallest to the beachfront villa, providing them a good view. Lokni emerged onto the rooftop platform, while Garcia secured the entrance with a steel bar to make it difficult to open from the outside. He joined Lokni on the platform, where Lokni was already assembling a rifle and fitting a scope. Garcia took out military binoculars, stepping into the role of their lookout. Three vehicles approached from the south road near the beachfront villa, two of which parked in front of the house, while the Escalade turned directly through the gate. Garcia squinted through the binoculars, scanning intently. "Is it him?" Lokni asked. Garcia continued watching. "I haven''t seen him yet." The SUV drove past the front yard and came to a halt at the villa''s entrance. A stunningly beautiful young woman stepped forward, heading towards the vehicle. ?????????O??????? Lokni raised the rifle to his shoulder, crosshairs centering on her as the barrel followed the SUV''s movement. Although he was a little anxious inside, as a professional hunter, the moment he raised the gun, Lokni''s hands became exceptionally steady and his mind was much calmer. "That''s him!" Garcia exclaimed, suddenly alert. ... The door of the Escalade swung open, and a bodyguard stepped out. Douglas emerged, turning to meet Natalia as she hurried toward him. She had prepared herself, adorned in a stunning dress, looking absolutely captivating. After weeks apart, Douglas moved forward, eager to greet her. ... On the rooftop, Lokni and Garcia stayed vigilant, their eyes locked on the pair. Just as they lost Douglas behind the vehicle''s profile, he came back into view. "Fire!" shouted Garcia. At that moment, Lokni squeezed the trigger. The bullet struck its target, and he quickly reloaded for a second shot. Garcia''s binoculars confirmed the hit. "Let''s move!" ... Inside the beachfront villa, Natalia opened her arms, running towards Douglas, who suddenly felt something strike him in the chest, sending him stumbling sideways. A stream of blood erupted from his left side, splattering everywhere. Gunshots rang out. "There''s a shooter!" yelled the bodyguard. Before he finished his warning, a second bullet struck Douglas''s abdomen, causing massive internal damage. He collapsed, consciousness wavering but still aware enough to glimpse Natalia''s blood-stained face as she screamed. "Hawke Osment!" he tried to yell, but his mouth wouldn''t cooperate, the words trapped within. "Hawke Osment! Hawke Osment..." Douglas recognized the killer''s handiwork; the bastard had waited two months before striking. His vision blurred, fading into darkness just as he heard Natalia''s piercing scream. "Ah..." It struck Natalia, turning her into a frenzy of madness. The bodyguard grabbed his walkie-talkie. "We are under attack! Repeat, we are under attack! Shots came from the southeast!" Crouching behind the bulletproof Escalade, he caught a glimpse of Douglas''s lifeless form and determined he was beyond saving. He risked a glance towards the source of the gunfire. There, a six or seven-story building loomed, obviously where the shooter had fired from. "There''s a sniper on the roof of the southeast building!" the bodyguard shouted into his radio. Outside, a vehicle rounded the corner, heading straight toward that area. The bodyguard dialed 911 for emergency assistance. After the call, he returned to Douglas''s side, confirming the grim reality. "Damn it!" he fumed, seeing his employer fall. He seized the walkie-talkie again. "Get them!" ... On the rooftop platform, after two shots rang out, Garcia quickly stashed the binoculars and yelled, "Let''s move!" Lokni, who had been practicing disassembling the rifle over the past few days, swiftly collapsed the hot weapon with expertise, tossing it, along with the spent cartridges, into the tennis racket bag. He hopped down from the roof, trailing Garcia as they dashed to the side of the building. They scrambled down the iron fire escape, and as they reached the second level, Garcia kicked the ladder down with force, using it to propel himself to the ground, turning to assist Lokni. In front of them sat a plain Chevrolet parked in the fire escape area. Carlos, still behind the wheel, saw them get in and stomped on the gas, steering the car away from the beachfront villa. As they veered into traffic, they vanished into the street''s hustle and bustle. ... Nearby, an unmarked vehicle sped toward the apartment building entrance. Four armed men exited, racing inside. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The leader issued orders, "One with me to the elevator; the other two take the stairs!" While they moved quickly, it wasn''t quick enough. Upon reaching the floor, they found the hallway doors locked. After a struggle, they forced one open, but there was no one on the rooftop. Utilizing their experience, they tracked down the sniper''s vantage point and, spotting subtle tracks, deduced the shooter had used the fire escape to get away. They pursued down the fire escape, spilling onto two streets busy with cars, but there was no sign of the shooter. The sound of sirens filled the air as several police cars headed toward the beachfront villa, dispatched by SFPD to respond to the shooting. But it was too late to change Douglas Coster''s fate. ... The Chevrolet slipped into a subterranean parking garage, settling in a nondescript corner. Carlos and Garcia wiped down the scene, quickly changed clothing, and joined Lokni, switching to a different car parked there before heading onto the freeway toward the airport. Along the way, they pretended to be tourists visiting various coastal spots, discarding gun parts into the ocean. Upon arriving at the airport, Lokni grabbed two bags he had left at the baggage claim, tossing one to Carlos. "Your payment is in there." Carlos opened the bag, glanced inside, and said, "Make sure to leave North America quickly." With the blood feud avenged for his family, Lokni felt elated. "I''m not laying my life on the line for that bastard. I''m out of here soon." Garcia recognized Lokni''s calm during the crisis, impressed by his shooting skills. "Leave a contact number. We might cross paths again in the future." Lokni agreed, impressed by the private detectives'' abilities, and noted they had done the job well -- money guaranteed results. He shared a phone number usable in Africa. Later, Lokni bought a ticket for the next flight to Africa, heading straight to Morocco. Meanwhile, Garcia and Carlos each purchased tickets to Tijuana and Mexico City. That evening, the three boarded their respective flights, leaving San Francisco behind. Garcia and Carlos later bought a used car in Tijuana, driving back to California until they reached Los Angeles. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 258: The Stolen Paris Tape [Chapter 259: The Stolen Paris Tape] Santa Monica, in a single-family home. Hawke and Edward walked in and found Campos, along with Carlos and Garcia, whose faces were noticeably swollen. "What happened to you two?" Edward, now quite familiar with them, joked, "Did you take turns slapping each other?" Carlos managed a painful grin through his puffy face. "It''s from wearing fake mustaches for too long, caused an allergic reaction. We''ve already seen a doctor." It would have been better if he hadn''t said it. As soon as he said this, Carlos suddenly felt a mix of tenderness and itchiness on his face. He quickly pulled out a tube of cream, squeezed some out, and applied it to his reddened skin. "During the day, it''s bearable, but at night, it itches so much that I can''t sleep." Hawke sat across from them. "You guys have had a tough time." He gestured to Edward, signaling him to hand over the packages to the duo. Edward handed two bags to Carlos and Garcia, encouraging them to take a look inside. Carlos peeked inside and said, "Boss, there''s no need for this. We made a good amount of money from this trip." Hawke replied, "You did a great job; you deserve a bonus." He was curious. "So, you actually made some coin?" "We posed as private detectives and gained Lokni''s trust," Carlos recapped briefly. "In total, he gave us around $50,000." Garcia added, "That Lokni grew up on a reservation, mired in tough circumstances. He learned to hunt with guns from a young age, eventually joining a hunting company where he became a professional guide. He thinks things through and is excellent with firearms." Hawke found this very familiar. Edward remarked, "Boss, isn''t his profile a bit like yours?" Hawke laughed. "I''ve never been a professional hunter." Garcia pulled out a business card and handed it to Hawke. "I think this guy might be useful, so I got a contact. He''s over in Africa now." Hawke tucked it away, thinking it might come in handy later. He glanced at the duo''s puffy faces and then towards Campos. "So, they''re off on assignment for a while. Do they get some time to rest?" Campos replied, "I''ll give them a week off." "Thanks, boss." Garcia and Carlos happily left. ... Once Edward closed the door, Campos turned to Hawke and said, "Our people we sent to Madrid have been keeping an eye on Beckham and have some findings." Hawke recalled this. To make Twitter more appealing, he''d asked for several entertainment and sports celebrities to hunt down related gossip. On the entertainment side, Will Smith and Paris Hilton had sparked significant interest and heated discussions during Twitter''s early development. They''d also brought in a wave of traffic thanks to a scandal surrounding Kobe Bryant. In addition to the basketball star, Hawke had provided Campos with two other sports celebrities: soccer superstar David Beckham and the only golf sensation, Tiger Woods. Campos had dispatched people to follow both of them. Beckham''s fame and influence exceeded that of Kobe Bryant in Europe and North America; Hawke was keenly interested. "Did you manage to get any photos or videos?" R?????N?¦¢?? Campos opened his briefcase and retrieved several photos, handing them to Hawke. "We got these, but nothing showing the two together in an intimate moment." Hawke glanced at the pictures. One featured a young and attractive woman stepping out of the trunk of a Rolls Royce. Campos explained, "This Rolls is one of Beckham''s many cars. At the time, Becker''s driver pulled into the hotel''s underground parking, and our team followed. We caught the woman as she emerged from the trunk." Hawke looked closely at the woman in the photo, sensing she seemed familiar. "Is she a celebrity?" "No, she''s Victoria''s assistant," Campos clarified. "Her name is Rebecca Loos. Whenever Beckham transferred to Real Madrid this summer, moving to Madrid, Victoria''s career kept her in England and America. Rebecca was hired primarily to assist Victoria once she arrived in Madrid." Edward interjected, "So, Beckham''s involved with Victoria''s assistant?" Campos pointed at the photo. "That''s evident, but we haven''t captured any solid proof yet; without photos and videos, it''s not newsworthy." Hawke studied the images for a moment, recalling the news surrounding Beckham''s infidelity. In the past, it had caused quite a stir. This gossip was much louder than Beckham''s infamous dispute with Ferguson. Even in the realm of scandals, the enthusiasm for romantic entanglements was far more buzzworthy than mentor-mentee fallout. Hawke said decisively, "If possible, try to capture photos or videos." "They''re trying," Campos continued with updates from Madrid. "One of our female staff members had a brief encounter with Rebecca Loos. She embodies the typical Spanish mindset. To them, having a lover isn''t a big deal. It seems Rebecca''s motivated by the desire for fame or money..." Hawke understood his meaning: "If you can''t get the shot, perhaps someone should engage her." Campos nodded, "First, let''s aim for photos or videos. If that fails, we can make contact later." "Sounds good." With business out of the way, Edward looked at the woman in the photos and remarked, "She''s way more attractive than Victoria. Beckham''s a real looker, yet he ended up with such an unattractive woman..." "Is she that ugly?" Campos asked. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Her chin''s too sharp; her face lacks any softness," Edward mused. "With that look, she wouldn''t even rank in Hollywood." "Let''s go." Hawke returned the photo to Campos and stood up to leave. ... Exiting the house, Hawke and Edward hopped into a bulletproof Mercedes and left the neighborhood. Hawke pulled out his phone and called Brian. "Come by Silver Lake tonight; it''s been a while since we had a drink together." Brian knew why and replied, "I''ll be over shortly." Hawke then called Erica. "Are you wrapping up work soon? I''ve got Brian coming over for drinks." Erica responded, "I may be late; there was a burglary in Beverly Hills. Paris Hilton''s mansion was hit multiple times. The media''s about to catch wind, and the precinct''s feeling the heat. I''m handling this case myself, need to speak with Paris first. No idea how late it will drag on." "Multiple burglaries? Didn''t she notice?" Upon receiving confirmation, Hawke said, "I know Paris quite well; should I give her a call?" Erica laughed. "No need. I told Paris you''re my boyfriend, and she didn''t kick up a fuss." "That''s good to know." "I''ve got to get back to work." Erica blew him a kiss through the phone. "See you tonight." Hawke hung up. ... Edward drove them to Silver Lake, pulling straight into the villa. Security had remained tight. Hawke exited the vehicle and made his way to the underground wine cellar, fetching some bottles of tequila. Brian enjoyed that particular spirit. By the time Hawke emerged from the basement, Edward was ready to leave. "Boss, if there''s nothing else, I''ll be on my way." Hawke shook the bottle he held. "Not joining me for some drinks?" Edward flashed a broad smile. "I''ve got a dinner date with Maria Collins. She said yes." Hawke gave him a thumbs up. "Best of luck with your date." "It''ll definitely go well." Edward added, "Last time I visited her place in Pacific Palisades, I spotted her wedding photo with Miller Collins still hanging around." Hawke waved him off, "Go on, then." Edward, bursting with excitement, dashed off to the garage, hopping into an Audi A8 to head to his date in West Los Angeles. ... A little while later, Brian''s car pulled into the villa''s driveway. He came in holding a copy of the and made his way to the bar, spreading the newspaper out before Hawke. "Check this out." Hawke picked up the paper, noticing a photo of Douglas Coster on the front page. Brian opened a bottle of tequila, poured two glasses, and raised his. "Here''s to Douglas going to hell." Hawke clinked glasses with him, responding, "Here''s to this good news." Brian continued, "That bastard wanted to take us down, but now we..." "He''s done so many wrongs, causing death to many, so it''s natural for someone to seek revenge," Hawke interjected, stressing, "Let''s toast to that nameless hero who took him out." Brian got it right away and raised his glass again. "To the nameless hero." Hawke skimmed through the paper, filled with articles about Douglas Coster''s demise. Nothing groundbreaking stood out. Hawke cautioned Brian, "Stay safe out there." "I will." Brian informed him, "My grandfather''s making sure there''s word out that you''re a crucial member connected to the Ferguson family''s pivotal interests. If someone dares to approach you illegally, it''s equivalent to going after someone from the immediate Ferguson family." Hawke poured another round of tequila. "Thanks for the heads-up." Even though such information was circulating, he reminded himself not to neglect the issue of safety. To many, he was still that poor kid from Wyoming. Yet, that so-called poor kid held wealth worth billions. Brian and Hawke shifted their focus away from serious matters and resumed drinking. In the meantime, Brian received a call from Jennifer Huey, asking him out for a late-night snack. Considering the time, Hawke ended up escorting Brian out. By nearly nine o''clock, Erica returned home, looking a bit exhausted. "Dealing with reporters is scarier than facing armed robbers." Hawke understood she was referring to Paris Hilton''s situation. "What can you do? Paris is a celebrity." Erica sighed, "The thief made off with her tape." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 259: The Hollywood Scandal Duo [Chapter 260: The Hollywood Scandal Duo] Hawke was rather taken aback when he heard that a thief had stolen the videotape. He asked, "It wasn''t the tape with Salomon, was it?" "That''s exactly it." Erica, who was handling the case, had asked thoroughly: "She bought the rights from you and kept it separate; she didn''t destroy it." The clip that was streamed on Twitter was just edited highlights, with key parts blurred out. Hawke remarked, "To lose something like that, she really is something else." Erica chuckled, "The tape was just sitting in her bedroom. According to Paris, she occasionally took it out to watch with her new boyfriend, saying it could be entertaining." Hawke poured a glass of wine and handed it to Erica. "Sure enough, Paris Hilton''s mind works differently from most." He turned to ask, "Do you have any suspects yet?" This case wasn''t particularly sensitive, which was why Erica discussed it with Hawke. "The initial suspicion is that it was someone hired by a vendor from San Fernando Valley. According to Paris, some major vendors there had contacted her. The show you pitched her, , made her a hot reality star. Coupled with her socialite status, the tape was quite enticing." Hawke ventured a guess, "Paris doesn''t exactly need the money. With her fame now, she must have turned down those vendors from San Fernando?" Erica raised her glass, took a small sip, and said, "Exactly. Paris declined, but according to her, those vendors didn''t give up; they reached out to her again on the side. So she suspects it''s a vendor from San Fernando who had someone steal the recording." Hawke added, "Typically, something like this wouldn''t be settled by stealing the tape; there are copyright issues involved. Yet, those San Fernando people are known for their ruthless style. They probably don''t care about others suing them. Like I did back in the day, creating a fake thief to buy the rights could dodge a lot of trouble. As for the lawsuits, they might just increase publicity." "We''re just starting the investigation, so specifics remain unclear," Erica continued. "Paris didn''t just lose the tape; other valuable items went missing, too. The thief left fingerprints that appear amateurish, but there are currently no matches from the database." Hawke inquired, "Doesn''t she have a security system at home? No surveillance cameras?" Erica candidly responded, "Not many people voluntarily install surveillance systems at home." Hawke laughed, "People like me are few and far between." Suddenly, Erica leaned closer to Hawke and gently blew into his ear, whispering, "Isn''t there something different about filming yourself and then watching it later?" "I wouldn''t know," Hawke answered honestly. "I''ve never filmed myself." Erica raised an eyebrow, "Aren''t you a photography expert?" Understanding her implication, Hawke said, "Let me grab the camera." He retrieved a high-definition camcorder from the basement and invited Erica upstairs. When it came to photography skills, Hawke proudly claimed he was quite adept. That evening, sometimes he played the photographer, other times Erica took the lead. Occasionally, the camera rested on the table, or it was hung from the ceiling, capturing overhead shots. The next morning, Erica was punctual for work. Hawke had organized the camera, removed the storage card, and placed it in the basement safe. This kind of content absolutely could not exist on a computer, especially not one connected to the internet. He resolved that once they were done reviewing, he would destroy it entirely. ... After breakfast, Hawke noticed Edward had driven over. The savior pulled his Audi A8 into the garage and drove the bulletproof Mercedes out. Hawke jumped in the car, saying, "Let''s head to the office." Edward drove out of Silver Lake and turned onto Santa Monica Boulevard. Hawke inquired, "How was your date last night?" "We had dinner and then went to a villa in Pacific Palisades." Edward, always one to amp up the excitement, added, "I made breakthrough progress with Maria Collins beneath the wedding photos of her and Miller Collins." ?§¡£Î??§¦???? Considering the typical view that a soul remains after death, Hawke thought of that guy who tried to blow him up and said, "You''re always coming up with new tricks." Edward was grateful; following Hawke had elevated him into the high-income bracket, and he was well on his way to becoming a multi-millionaire. In turn, he intended to take some justice back for Hawke, saying, "Some bone fragments and relics of Miller Collins seem to be about to be buried." Hawke understood: "As you wish." "I will." Edward grinned widely with two rows of white teeth. "As for choosing a place, I am always casual." ... Once at the office, Hawke worked for a while, taking care of some tasks before holding a meeting with Caroline, Sasha, and Harland. With user numbers climbing, Twitter''s growth in North America had slightly slowed. But internationally, there was vast potential, especially in Europe and Latin America. Hawke thought of David Beckham, a true superstar in soccer, whose influence spread across Europe, Latin America, and Asia. After the meeting, Caroline followed Hawke into his office to discuss the Clarium Capital''s financing negotiations. So far, work efficiency was below par; a third-party valuation was still in progress. The dual-class stock structure had been mainly agreed upon, and Peter Thiel sought a board seat. Hawke made it clear that while a board seat could be arranged, they would need to increase the financial offer. There were still discussions left to hold. ... After lunch, Hawke received a phone call -- it was Paris Hilton. She wanted to set up a meeting with him. Hawke pondered briefly and said, "Come over to Twitter; I''ll be waiting for you in my office." "Okay," Paris, who had visited frequently during the tape incident, replied. "I''ll be there in half an hour." After hanging up, Hawke searched online and found a plethora of news about Paris Hilton. The latest reports covered her home being burglarized. While the media didn''t mention the videotape, it listed stolen items like dresses, lingerie, cash, and jewelry. Hawke was surprised. Did they even steal lingerie? Was it diamond-encrusted? Scanning other news articles, they were mostly gossip. Most stories featuring Paris included Britney Spears; the two made up today''s Hollywood scandal duo. If one person could keep eighty paparazzi busy, together they could surely keep three hundred on their toes with the juicy stories they generated. There was also news about Britney and her father. The conflict between them was well-known, and they occasionally aired their issues in public spectacles. ... Not long later, Paris Hilton, dressed in a lovely outfit, arrived at Twitter. Hawke met her in the reception area. Paris wore a red dress, a lady''s hat adorned with colorful feathers, and diamond-studded fingerless gloves; her attire was dazzling, an eye-catching display. Upon seeing Hawke, she brightened, exclaiming, "I''m in a huge mess and have to ask for your help." Hawke asked directly, "You mean regarding the burglary at your Beverly Hills mansion?" "Yes," Paris, who had previously met Erica and knew she was Hawke''s girlfriend, said. "You must have heard about the tape being stolen, right? I suspect it was those vendors from San Fernando Valley. They had contacted me multiple times to buy the video distribution rights, claiming I could earn over ten million dollars. I turned them all down." She paused for a moment and added, "Then there''s that jerk, Rick Salomon. Those vendors had been in touch with him too. I already had my lawyer warn him, but he declined." Hawke asked, "What do you need from me?" Paris had a clear aim: "I need to ensure the contents of that tape don''t get released! Although Twitter played some snippets, they were under ten minutes and were blurred out. I can''t be too embarrassed right now, especially since I have my own show and a candy brand, plus I''m branching into fashion with my own line of fingerless gloves." Hawke understood, "You''re worried this might affect your career?" "Yes, I''m now a star and have my own business brand." Thanks to Hawke''s earlier planning, Paris''s career was on a promising path. The satisfaction from achieving success through her own business far exceeded just monetary gains. Paris turned to Hawke, "As long as the video isn''t made public, I''m fine." She recognized the stakes: "Those vendors offered me five million dollars for the rights. I can''t provide you with five million, but I can give you the 3.7 million I made in the past six months as compensation." Hawke was puzzled about how his compensation related to the San Fernando vendors'' rights fees, but Paris''s offer of 3.7 million seemed quite sincere. Paris''s current career was almost entirely due to Hawke''s input. She decisively stated, "If you agree, I can have the money transferred to your studio''s account right now." S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke remained cautious, replying, "I need to understand the specifics first." Paris, thinking it was a San Fernando vendor''s work, became anxious: "If the video goes public, my career will be over." Before she had a career, she hadn''t cared much about these matters. However, achieving some level of success made her realize their importance. Hawke contemplated, "Here''s the deal; I need some information -- the vendors you''ve dealt with, your business and TV program competitors, and a list of your neighbors... Also, your assistants and household staff." At that point, Hawke shook his head privately. Erica was already investigating this case, and the leads he thought of would likely be ones Erica pursued. He decided to check in with Erica about the situation after lunch. Paris said, "I''ll get started on that right away and have it ready for you by this afternoon at the latest." Hawke thought it would be best to visit Beverly Hills, suggesting, "Are you home this afternoon? I''ll drop by around two-thirty." "I''ll be at home waiting for you," Paris replied, grabbing her handbag as she prepared to leave. "See you this afternoon." Hawke escorted her out of the reception area. ... As noon approached, he called Erica, who had been investigating the matter. The fingerprints left at the scene hadn''t matched up, and all the individuals Hawke had thought of were under exhaustive scrutiny by Erica, who had ruled them out as suspects. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 260: Gaining Weight, Not Brains [Chapter 261: Gaining Weight, Not Brains] In a sleek black Mercedes, Edward took a turn off Sunset Boulevard, quickly entering the territory of Beverly Hills. After making three bends, he arrived at Beverly Drive. Paris Hilton''s mansion wasn''t located in the most luxurious part of Beverly Hills on North Sunset Boulevard; it was situated on Beverly Drive, not far from the villa where Brian resided. As they drove along Beverly Drive, Hawke took in the surroundings. He had set up a temporary office in Brian''s villa while dealing with the issues regarding Wagenen and Redford, so he was somewhat familiar with the area. This part of the community had a semi-open layout, with relatively relaxed management, allowing vehicles to come and go without much hassle. Paris''s mansion was a large H-shaped structure with white walls and red tiles, standing out among the surrounding properties. ... Hawke drove straight into the villa''s courtyard and parked in front of the entrance. Paris was already waiting at the door, joined by a blonde woman. "Looks like it''s Britney Spears," Edward noted as he parked. Hawke stepped out and greeted Paris, "Let''s talk inside." "Follow me," Paris led the way into the guest room. She introduced Britney, "You should know her, my good friend." Then she turned to Britney and emphasized, "Brit, this is Hawke Osment, the founder of Twitter and West Coast Media Entertainment Studio. He helped me sort out my last situation and even crafted a career strategy for me." Britney stepped forward to shake Hawke''s hand, "Hi." Hawke replied politely, "I''m a fan of yours." The pop star''s breath reeked of alcohol and smoke, which caught Hawke off guard. He quickly turned back to Paris and asked, "Is everything ready?" "Ready to go." Paris handed over a document folder, "Everything you need is in here." Hawke took it, opened it, and flipped through the contents, locating details on the San Fernando Valley manufacturers. He pulled out his phone, snapped a few photos, and sent them to Brian via MMS while calling him to check if anything was going on with the manufacturers. The Pacific Investment Group held stakes in several major manufacturers around the valley. As Hawke continued to look through the information, he focused on the neighbors. The closest residence belonged to a rising star from a new TV series -- Rachel Bilson. She had a well-known boyfriend, Hayden Christensen, known for his role as Anakin Skywalker. Diagonally across was a larger villa inhabited by the famous elf prince, Orlando Bloom. Additionally, celebrities like Jessica Alba and Kate Beckinsale lived nearby. Though these individuals weren''t A-list Hollywood stars, they all had a certain level of wealth that allowed them to live in the Beverly area without managing to buy the top-tier mansions. Hawke asked, "Have you checked with the neighbors?" "The police department questioned them; that seems to rule out any suspicions," Paris replied. ... Just then, Hawke''s phone rang -- it was Brian. "I checked with the two partnering companies; it seems they haven''t made a move," Brian said on the line. "Thanks," Hawke replied. Brian was busy and ended the call quickly. ... Hawke put the materials away, feeling less convinced that the San Fernando Company was involved, which made the situation a bit concerning. Thankfully, the case fell under Erica''s jurisdiction; he hoped to gather more information from her. ?¨¢????s "How about this: I''ll head back to dig deeper, and if I find something, I''ll call you. If I can''t help, you can keep your payment," Hawke said. Paris looked at Hawke with confidence, "I believe you can stop the video from going public." Without further comment, Hawke said goodbye, motioned for Edward, and they left the villa. ... Paris saw them off until they got into the car and then turned her focus back inside. "Can''t see what''s so special about him," Britney spoke up, her tone critical. "Your ability to judge character is more unreliable than your boyfriends!" Paris teased, then added, "As your friend, I''ll remind you not to underestimate Hawke. Just think about it -- a regular guy from Wyoming without any background or connections but has managed to build such a career. That takes strong capability!" Britney simply shrugged, "The papers said he''s just lucky. I read some financial news about someone who bought stocks and became a millionaire when the prices surged. It''s just luck." Paris raised an eyebrow, "You actually believe something like that?" sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At first, Paris enjoyed their fun outings together, but with her career taking off, she realized Britney wasn''t the brightest. ''If she had a fraction of the talent she uses for singing in critical thinking, she wouldn''t be in this mess,'' Paris thought. Despite Britney''s shortcomings, Paris still valued their friendship. "Haven''t you run into a lot of unfortunate situations lately? The media has been slandering you continuously. Hawke specializes in resolving complicated issues; why not hire him for a comprehensive strategy to clear those obstacles in your career?" Britney shook her head, "I can handle it." "You?" Paris wanted to say more but restrained herself, "You only make things worse." Britney replied stubbornly, "Let''s wait until things get worse to bring Hawke in." Defeated by her friend''s naivety, Paris chose silence. Originally, she planned to help Britney out of friendship, but she didn''t expect that Britney only gained weight in the past few years, and didn''t grow in brains at all. Recently, Britney had been complaining to Paris but still believed she could fix her problems, especially since many involved her family. ... As they left Paris''s mansion in the armored Mercedes, Hawke noticed several police cars parked by the roadside, with officers interviewing locals about events in the vicinity. No matter where they were, police needed to conduct thorough canvassing to solve cases. Hawke pulled out his phone and asked Erica, "You around Beverly Drive?" "Just left Lindsay Lohan''s place; she reported a burglary," Erica answered. "Is it a recent incident?" Hawke inquired. "No, I can''t pinpoint an exact time, but it definitely wasn''t within the past week," Erica replied quickly. "Lindsay discovered three sets of lingerie, two designer outfits, and three pieces of jewelry were missing. The last time she used those was over a month ago; she found out only today while cleaning her wardrobe." She then asked, "Are you out in Beverly Drive too? How did your talk with Paris go?" Hawke replied, "No leads. What''s your location? I''ll come find you." Erica provided him with an address: "I''ll be waiting here." Hawke relayed the address to Edward, who turned around at the intersection, headed for the other end of Beverly Drive. ... Before long, they spotted Erica''s Mercedes G-Wagon parked at the side of the road. Edward stopped the car, and Hawke waved over to Erica. She had her partner drive while she hopped into Hawke''s Mercedes. "Any leads?" Hawke asked. Erica shook her head, "I don''t know how long ago the incident occurred, and there are no useful clues to go on." Hawke added, "I asked Brian to check in San Fernando, it might not be the San Fernando Company involved." "I checked too; it doesn''t look like it," Erica said, then observed Hawke. "You took on Paris''s case?" Hawke shrugged slightly, "Not confirmed yet. Crisis management and strategic planning I''m good at, but investigations are still your domain." "I''ll let you know if I get any leads; then you can call Paris to accept her commission. You catch the perpetrator, and I''ll handle it on my end," he stated plainly. "Half the pay goes to me," Erica teased. "Deal. The boyfriend sponsors the girlfriend''s living upgrades," Hawke replied. Erica shifted the conversation back, "I really feel like there''s something critical being overlooked, but I just can''t figure it out." Hawke commented, "I''m no investigator; you need evidence for your work while I don''t." "Savior," Erica joked, tapping the dashboard. "Could you drive slowly down Beverly Drive? I need to absorb the surroundings; maybe it''ll click." She added, "As for Lindsay Lohan, we can''t confirm if it''s related to what happened with Paris yet; the timing is too far apart, and there are no valuable clues at her scene." Edward drove at a moderate pace, and Hawke stayed quiet, listening. Erica continued, "As for Paris, things were a bit messy. It was clearly not a seasoned thief, and we managed to lift a couple of incomplete fingerprints, but they didn''t match anything in the system, which means the culprit likely doesn''t have a record." Hawke chimed in, "Typically, newcomers would leave evidence; if they''re here, they stand out." As they passed by Paris''s mansion, Hawke glanced out, noticing on the opposite side near Orlando Bloom''s villa a group of teenagers walking with backpacks on the sidewalk. One girl spotted their car and gave a thumbs-up, trying to hitch a ride. Edward ignored them, continuing forward while saying, "Those kids look somewhat familiar." "Where have you seen them before?" Hawke asked. Edward had a good memory, "A few months ago, we came from Sherman Oaks after helping Sarah in the awards season; we bumped into them. Couldn''t recall everyone, but the girl trying to stop us definitely stood out; she''s got that pancake face!" Hawke looked back at the kids. Just then, both he and Erica seemed to turn in sync, glancing at that direction. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 261: The Youth Thieves and Their Parents [Chapter 262: The Youth Thieves and Their Parents] After hearing Hawke and Erica''s discussion, Edward slowly parked the car on the side of the road so they could keep observing. There were five kids: four girls and one handsome boy. Apart from the boy, they all looked to be under 14 years old. Four were white, and one was Korean. Typically, groups like this were usually led by white kids, with Korean children often playing supportive roles. However, in this group, the Korean girl with the round face was clearly the leader. Erica quietly said, "The detective agency overlooked one thing: minors!" Hawke added, "Savior said he encountered these kids in Sherman Oaks before the Golden Globes. Have someone check for reports of celebrity thefts during that time in Sherman Oaks." ... Erica pulled out her phone and made a call. Moments later, the other end rang back. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "After the Golden Globes, Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston reported a theft. She lost her gown, lingerie, jewelry, and other items, but at the time, she was going through a divorce with Brad Pitt and had just moved from Beverly Hills to Sherman Oaks. She had been out traveling, and the West Division concluded it was likely lost during the move; the case was ultimately dismissed." "Thanks," Erica hung up. ... Hawke said, "Let''s focus on these kids or any other minors recently spotted in the area." Edward chimed in, "Would they really be involved? They have some nerve knowing the police are around and still dare to come back." "Some criminals enjoy returning to the scene after committing a crime; it happens more often than you''d think," Erica replied, glancing back. "If they are indeed suspicious, they might be scouting for more." Hawke recalled a case where a driver hit someone and fled, only to return to the scene soon after to see the cops handle it. The twelve- or thirteen-year-olds were dressed to impress, clearly children of affluent families. Walking in such a wealthy neighborhood, they really were inconspicuous, making them hard to suspect. It was like how drug dealers from Mule gang manipulated pregnant women and elderly men; children were also targets of society''s better-off. Erica had already picked up her phone, dialing her colleagues for backup. ... Meanwhile, the round-faced girl flagged down a car, and the owner, a woman, seemed friendly towards them. The round-faced girl and the boy climbed in while the other three girls remained behind. Hawke instructed Edward, "Follow them." Edward waited a moment before driving at a safe distance behind. Hawke used the car''s radio to call Raul and Guti, who were trailing behind him, "Keep an eye on those three girls by the sidewalk. Yeah! The ones with backpacks." ... In no time, the vehicle came to a stop near the intersection of North Hollywood, Sherman Oaks, and Beverly Hills, parking in front of Buckley Private School. Before the round-faced girl and the boy exited the car, Hawke already had his camera and camcorder ready, capturing both photos and footage with Edward. ??N¨®?????? "They must be Buckley students," Erica observed. "With these photos and videos, it''ll be easy to track them down," Hawke replied. Soon, additional cars arrived; members of the detective agency were providing support. "I''m on duty now," Erica stated. Hawke nodded, "You do your thing." Erica exited the vehicle, waved to her subordinates, and headed into the school. Hawke didn''t rush to leave; instead, he waited outside. If those two were indeed connected to the case, the school would notify their parents. ... Before long, Erica''s phone rang. The round-faced girl didn''t say anything. But the boy had poor composure. When Erica flashed her badge, he panicked, spilling more than he intended without considering whether the parents were around. The case implicated them. The school''s staff managed to keep the students secure, insisting that parents and lawyers come in before discussing anything. They had to wait for the parents to arrive. Private school teachers took their responsibilities much more seriously than those at public schools. ... After a while, when Hawke ended the call, Edward remarked, "Look at how they''re dressed; they''re clearly rich kids. Why would they steal?" "They might be short on allowance and want extra pocket money, or maybe they''re just after some excitement," Hawke speculated. "Another possibility is they''re fans of stars like Paris Hilton, stealing her stuff as keepsakes." Edward replied, "At least the kids from Compton are straightforward; they commit crimes just to put food on the table." Hawke casually mentioned, "When a person is hungry, they only have one worry. Once they''re fed, a thousand concerns spring up..." Edward thought back to his past, "A broke person has one worry: being broke." Hawke pointed out the window. ... A Lexus pulled up alongside the school entrance, and a friendly-looking man in a suit stepped out, walking toward Buckley. Hawke recognized the man from photos and videos he had seen before. He distinctly remembered the first time he saw this man; he had been investigating Broderick when he first discovered the Super Star Performance School. While Campos focused on a girl connected to Broderick, they found out this man had taken a beautiful student named Mia to a Venice Beach club. Later, a Fox reporter named Harley Wayne had chased a lead to that club, resulting in a crash and a series of events. Hawke received a dossier from Guerrero, which included this man''s name and picture. His name was Andy Carroll. Recently, Hawke had asked Campos to dig into Carroll, who worked at the Ackerman Foundation and maintained a close relationship with Broderick. Carroll entered Buckley. Edward captured it on the camcorder and said to Hawke, "Boss, isn''t that Carroll?" Hawke nodded affirmatively. "That''s him; no doubt." Edward considered further, "What if Carroll is a parent of one of those kids?" Hawke raised an eyebrow. "The intel we received suggested Carroll was single." Edward scratched his head. "Did he get married and have kids that quickly?" "Maybe there''s a new development," Hawke remained calm, knowing patience would reveal the truth. ... Not long after, a white couple arrived and entered the school. Hawke didn''t recognize them. Soon, two more cars pulled up, and men in suits stepped out, carrying briefcases. They were clearly lawyers. Edward speculated, "Boss, that Carol specializes in collecting beautiful women and transporting them to the Venice Beach Club. The victims of this crime are all children. Could they also be involved with children?" Hawke replied, "The Ackerman family''s business scope is vast." "Churches, Hollywood, lobbyists, politicians, celebrities, and the wealthy..." Edward, who came from Compton, shook his head. "Los Angeles really looks like Los Santos in some games, a veritable city of sin." He added intensely, "If I were a victim''s family member, not only would I seek revenge, but I''d also set fire to this city of wickedness!" Hawke commented, "Just like the Venice Beach club; maybe it wasn''t the victims but rather someone wanting to cover their tracks." That club, laden with the sins of the Ackerman family and certain affluent politicians, could turn to ashes in a roaring fire, leaving no trace but the ruins behind. The only remnants left might be those items collected by Guerrero''s girlfriend. ... Shortly after the two lawyers entered, Hawke received a call from Erica. She said, "Things are a bit complicated. I need to take them back to the LAPD. We can talk when I get home tonight." "Okay," Hawke hung up. ... After waiting a bit longer, a Hyundai pulled up to the school entrance. A round-faced Korean woman jumped out, hurriedly entering the building. As she stepped inside, the police led out the round-faced girl and another boy, followed closely by their parents and the school representatives. The round-faced woman approached Carroll, accompanying the girl out of the school. Hawke pieced it together; Carroll and the round-faced Korean woman were likely a couple or married and probably the girl''s parents. This development involving Carroll surprised Hawke. They needed to see how things unfolded with Erica. ... Once the police cars left, Hawke instructed Edward to drive away from there. On the road, Raul called with updates. The LAPD found the three girls, notified their parents, and followed protocol to take them in. Hawke pondered for a moment and decided to have Raul and the others head to the LAPD to keep tabs on Carroll. Because the suspects were minors, the interrogation protocol required the presence of a guardian and lawyer throughout. ... Carroll''s fiance, Veronica, was infuriated with their daughter''s actions but followed Carol and the lawyer''s advice to get her obstinate daughter to agree to a plea deal with the police. The others followed suit. Then, the LAPD searched the bedrooms of these teens, discovering a series of stolen goods. Apart from a few stolen pieces of jewelry, most of the items remained. They had stolen from seven Hollywood actresses, targeting primarily clothing and jewelry. The outfits and accessories of these stars were in such abundance that many were worn just once and then left in closets, making it unnoticeable when lost for a short period. Paris Hilton, who first realized her items were missing, had reported it as her fifth time being hit by this juvenile thief ring. Lindsay Lohan had also been a victim three times, while Jennifer Aniston''s items were stolen once before getting reported. The other victims included Paris''s neighbor Rachel Bilson and Kate Beckinsale. The stolen underwear and clothes were kept for personal use. The round-faced girl, Rachel, was the leader of the gang, orchestrating the thefts for show-off and star-chasing. She was a huge fan of Paris Hilton, especially her glamorous lifestyle, making Paris her first target. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 262: The Manipulator Behind the Scenes [Chapter 263: The Manipulator Behind the Scenes] It was nighttime when the lawyer completed the bail paperwork and handed Rachel over to his client, Carroll. Carroll, along with her fiancee Veronica and Veronica''s daughter, left the detective agency and got into the Lexus parked outside. Once inside the car, Veronica''s expression soured, and she scowled, asking, "Rachel, why did you do this? You''ve embarrassed us!" Rachel''s round face was even fuller than her mother''s. "Embarrassed? You care about embarrassment?" The girl was clearly in her rebellious phase, rejecting everything her mother did or said. "I wanted the Tiffany necklace, and you wouldn''t buy it for me! I wanted the Chanel dress, and you wouldn''t buy it for me! I wanted Paris Hilton''s shiny accessories, and you wouldn''t buy those either! I wanted an Hermes bag, and you still wouldn''t buy that for me!" Her voice grew louder, "I used to be the queen bee at school, but after a few parties where I had to keep swapping out my dresses, wearing cheap jewelry, everyone laughed at me! Those girls from wealthy families called me what? A country chicken pretending to be a peacock!" Carroll quickly played the peacemaker, "Honey, you can''t speak to your mom like that." "I''ve had enough of her!" Rachel shouted, directing her frustration at Veronica. "You sent me to the best private school in Beverly and Sherman Oaks, but now I''m a laughingstock! Do you even know what I want? You never ask! I want to be Paris Hilton! I want to be the glamorous girl like Paris Hilton! I want to rule the school parties!" At just under fourteen, Rachel, despite her Asian features making her look about twelve, had a mature mindset and an even more mature sense of competition. Before meeting Carroll, Veronica had owned a small business, but her hectic work life had meant she was often neglectful of her daughter. Compared to the average person, she was wealthy, richer than 90 percent of families in the United States, so she chose the best private high schools in Beverly and Sherman Oaks for her daughter. She even hoped Rachel would mingle with kids from higher-tier families. But in an area like Beverly Hills and Sherman Oaks, notorious for its wealthy residents, even with the combined assets of Veronica and Carroll, they weren''t considered truly affluent. Now hearing Rachel''s words, Veronica couldn''t help but wonder if she had made the wrong decisions. Fatigue and heartbreak washed over Veronica''s round face as she hesitated to respond. Carroll interjected, "Let''s go home and talk about this." Rachel turned her head away, staring out the window. Carroll started the Lexus, driving them toward Beverly Hills. ... Veronica''s house was also a single-family home, but it was not in as prime a location as those further down Beverly Drive. Rachel usually hung out with kids from similar backgrounds, and when they reached Beverly Hills and parked in front of their house, Rachel dashed out of the car and bolted inside, slamming the door to her room behind her. Veronica wanted to chase after her to give her a piece of her mind, but Carroll held her back. "Right now, she''s just being impulsive. If you go in there, you''ll only end up in another argument," Carroll advised. "Why is this happening?" Veronica cried out in frustration, "How did she become like this?" Carroll pulled her down from the car and into the house, handing her a bottle of water from the fridge. "Just calm down for a moment." Veronica took a big gulp of cold water, and the redness on her round face receded a bit. She sighed, "I''ve raised my daughter to be a thief!" "It''s alright, it''s alright," Carroll reassured her. "Who doesn''t make mistakes as a kid? Rachel is still young. I''ll have the lawyer work hard; worst-case, we pay some fines. She''s a minor; she won''t face jail time." ?a??????¨§???? But Veronica''s real concern went deeper than that. "The cops took Rachel straight from school, and the school had a representative with them. This will definitely spread around the School. We already face discrimination as it is. How will Rachel fit in at school after this? It''s hard enough to get into another private school in Los Angeles; the interviews will be a nightmare." These were the very results Carroll had been striving for. He sighed and admitted, "It won''t be easy to navigate this. I can help you business-wise, but I don''t have connections at the school." He looked apologetically at her, "I''m sorry, but my hands are tied..." Veronica interrupted him, "No, don''t blame yourself. You''ve helped me so much since we met. My business collapsed, and you connected me to the Ackerman family, becoming a supplier for the Ackerman Charity Foundation. You''ve made my company run smoothly again. I don''t even know how to thank you." Carroll gazed at her with affection. "You marrying me would be the best return." Her small company could thrive substantially with just a little contract from the Ackerman Charity Foundation. None of this came without a price. Veronica felt deeply moved, reaching up for a warm kiss, her hands attempting to slide down Carroll''s waist. Carroll quickly reminded her, "Rachel is still in the house." Veronica reluctantly contained her desires. Carroll shifted the topic back to the serious matter at hand. "We need to address Rachel''s education issues; that''s our priority." Veronica covered her face with her hands. "How did she become like this?" "I believe it''s environmental influences," Carroll said, steering the conversation where he wanted it to go. "Rachel wasn''t always like this. Ever since she got involved with that boy Nicholas and a few other girls, she''s changed so much." Veronica pondered for a moment. "That does seem to be true." Carroll added, "Perhaps a change of environment could help Rachel." "A change of environment?" Veronica frowned. "As long as we''re in this city, those bad influences will still reach her." Carroll waved his hand dismissively. "Then we''ll change cities." Veronica hesitated, feeling slightly intrigued but even more apprehensive. "But my company is in Los Angeles, not to mention my house and friends..." "No, your business wouldn''t be impacted," Carroll assured her. "The company mostly supplies medical materials to the Ackerman Charity Foundation, which is establishing a new medical center and bio-lab in Maryland. We can move to Baltimore. You won''t have to worry about housing, medical needs, or Rachel''s schooling; I can handle that smoothly." Such changes couldn''t happen overnight, and Veronica countered, "I need to think this through." Carroll had more options but refrained from pressuring her. A little while later, the phone rang. After a few words on the line, Carroll looked at Veronica, "Sorry, there''s an emergency at work. I need to head to the foundation for a bit." "Go ahead," Veronica replied, understanding. Carroll cautioned her, "Just try not to argue." Veronica nodded vigorously. ... Carroll left, driving off in his Lexus away from the neighborhood. Not long after, he arrived at the Norlin Cafe near Melrose Avenue, passing through the open area and heading directly upstairs. The second floor contained only a father and son. The boy among them was Nicholas, who had been caught with Rachel earlier that afternoon. Carroll sat across from them, saying, "You both did well." Nicholas, now fourteen, had a father who was the president of a film production company associated with Ackerman Pictures. Having grown up navigating the complexities of Hollywood, he understood and experienced far more than most boys his age. When his father''s company thrived, he would even use his characters to seduce those girls and do things that only adults would do. Unfortunately, after the collapse of Ackerman Pictures, which affected his father''s company, things had turned grim for them. Seeing this opportunity, Carroll had manipulated the father and son, blackmailing them into playing their part in leading Rachel astray. Rachel was obsessed with stars and had an enormous sense of competition. Once Nicholas transferred to Brooklynn School, he purposely befriended her, encouraging her to stray from the right path. Teenage girls often don''t have the best relationship with their mothers. Carroll first inserted himself into Veronica''s life, helping her in business, and opened the door for further influence over her. Stepfathers were often unwanted figures. A non-biological father dating his mother was rarely well-received. In solitary moments, with subtle suggestions here and there, an inexperienced girl could unknowingly fall into a trap. With this dual method at work, Rachel found herself in her current predicament. The small theft ring that emerged in Beverly Drive was no coincidence; it was all at Nicholas''s instigation. Carroll planned for Rachel to get caught. He had even arranged for someone to report her. Johnny, sipping his coffee, remarked, "We did what we promised you. Now it''s your turn to keep your end of the deal." Carroll produced a card. "This is an anonymous account at Credit Suisse, holding the balance. You don''t need me to explain how to transfer it, right?" Johnny took the card, smiling, "Easy enough." Before Carroll finished speaking, he added, "One more thing; starting tomorrow, Nicholas will call Rachel at home, and while Veronica is there, he should visit to see Rachel. It''d be great if he brought along Rachel''s friends." "Sure thing." Nicholas, handsome and confident, resembled a young Edward Furlong, the protagonist from . He boldly responded, "Just say the word, and I can get them all into one room." Carroll laid out the allure, "Aren''t you hoping to be a star? Once you complete this, we''ll take care of you." Johnny chimed in, "Sounds good." He saw no chance to revive his career, but his son still had hope. ... After leaving the cafe, Carroll got into his Lexus and drove back to Venice. Once home, he entered his study and opened a hidden safe, retrieving two medical reports. They belonged to Veronica and Rachel, stemming from a check-up at the Ackerman Medical Center a few months prior. One line noted both of their blood types -- Hh blood type, also known colloquially as Bombay blood! The Ackerman family had set their sights on these two women! Carroll was tasked by Melissa Ackerman to bring them both in. However, with Veronica running a business and maintaining extensive connections, including many employees handling substantial amounts of money, her sudden disappearance would raise alarms. Just the financial channels alone would trace back to her. Rather than outright snatch her, the Ackerman family would systematically undermine her business, forcing Carroll to swoop in like a savior, using his charm to consolidate his position. Ultimately, their aim was for Veronica and Rachel to sever their connections and willingly leave Los Angeles behind. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once they left this familiar city, they would become a ghost. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 263: Who is the Mastermind? [Chapter 264: Who is the Mastermind?] East Hollywood, Silver Lake community. It was almost ten at night when Erica finally got home. Hawke had prepared dinner for her. "Go wash your hands first." Erica handed her bag to Hawke, washed her hands in the bathroom, and then sat down at the table. She cut a steaming piece of steak and took a hearty bite. Hawke poured her a glass of soda. After finishing her steak and half of her soda, Erica exaggerated, "I feel like I''m alive again." Hawke asked, "Didn''t you eat dinner?" "Brooklynn Private School is the best... no, the most expensive private school in Beverly Hills and Sherman Oaks." Erica put down her glass. "The school board holds significant power, and they directly contacted the committee. We need to get the transcripts done quickly so that Brooklynn School can bail the students out -- no one should spend the night at the police station." Hawke quipped, "A school that takes its students so seriously, huh?" "Tuition is sky-high -- middle-class families can''t afford it. As long as they''re registered there, the school provides them shelter. Any expulsion or other actions can wait until after they''re bailed out," she explained. Then she recalled something. "Paris Hilton''s tape has been recovered. We interviewed the girls separately, and they didn''t copy or distribute the tape; they just kept it for themselves. You should notify Paris tomorrow and tell her to pick it up from the precinct." Hawke understood immediately. "The precinct wants to wrap this case up quickly?" Erica popped a tangerine slice into her mouth. "They''re all minors -- proving anything in court will be difficult. It will probably just result in fines, apologies, and community service." Hawke inquired, "What about that girl Rachel from before? Is she the mastermind?" Erica replied, "That boy Nicholas, along with three girls, identified her as the mastermind. They said she found Paris''s address using Google Maps and gossip magazines and figured out her routine. They realized that these celebrities don''t lock their doors when they leave. Then one of them would wait outside while the others went in through the front door to steal." Hawke couldn''t help but interject, "That''s ridiculous." "What''s even more ridiculous is that Paris was robbed five times, and it was only after the tape went missing that she noticed the theft," Erica continued. She switched back to the previous topic. "But Rachel believes Nicholas is the real mastermind because she claims she was manipulated into stealing by him. Nicholas told her she could be just like Paris, accepted in high society, as long as she was perfect and stylish, and he would help bring all of them into the inner circle." Hawke was more concerned about Carroll than Rachel. "Are those people her parents?" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Erica elaborated, "The woman, named Veronica, is Rachel''s biological mother. She runs a medical equipment company, and the man is her fiance -- they just got engaged not long ago." ??????????????¨º? Hawke realized he hadn''t shown Erica the files and videos concerning Carroll. She didn''t know who Carroll was. After the last Venice Beach club fire, the FBI''s investigation didn''t delve deeply. The opposing sides reached an agreement that placed the blame on Guerrero and Broderick, putting an end to the matter. Hawke wouldn''t put his faith in the LAPD or the FBI. ... While Erica went to take a shower, he called Raul and asked, "Any updates?" Raul replied, "They left the precinct and went to a house on Burton Road. Later, one target came out alone and went up to a private area of Norrin Cafe near Melrose. It looks like he''s meeting someone, but he went up to an area we can''t access, so we couldn''t see who he met." He paused and added, "But we did confirm where he''s staying." Hawke jotted down the address Raul provided and instructed, "Someone will come over to take your place soon." "Understood." Raul hung up. ... Hawke called Campos next. When the line connected, he stated, "There''s an important task." Campos got right to the point. "Boss, I''m listening." Hawke gave him the address. "Put the other matters on hold for now. Send capable personnel over and deploy multiple vehicles. The owner here is one of our previous targets, Andy Carroll. This guy is extremely alert, so be careful." Campos responded, "Carlos and Garcia just returned from vacation. I''ll send them and Juan over." "Sounds good." Hawke thought for a moment and added Veronica''s address. "Send Betty and Fiona there too." He stressed, "Better to lose the target than to alert them." Campos acknowledged and hung up. ... Hawke sat on the couch in the bedroom, contemplating the situation. He hadn''t expected to collide with Andy Carroll, who now had a fiancee, a Korean woman with a round face and a daughter. From Hawke''s perspective, it didn''t seem worth it for a guy like Carroll, who earned well, to marry a woman like that and take on her daughter. And it wasn''t like that woman was extraordinarily attractive. Even if it was Nicole Kidman or Charlize Theron -- Hollywood stars known for their beauty -- having a kid makes it a casual fling but marriage? That was foolish. Hawke thought about his loyal brother Edward; he was the kind of guy who would date single mothers but never considered marrying one. But savior could rescue such women from despair without ever contemplating long-term relationships. Was Carroll in love like his friends Broderick and Sarah Parker? Hawke couldn''t be sure and decided to investigate further. As for the Ackerman Charity Foundation, attempting to get to them would require more than just strength; it would be best to leverage societal trends. Like the last time with the Venice Beach club, Super Star Training School, and Ackerman Films, he had used the California political rivalry to his advantage. But passively waiting wasn''t Hawke''s style. How could he reignite the California political struggle? Next year was election year. Before then, he needed to gather as much damaging information on the Ackerman family as possible. ... Just then, the bathroom door opened, and Erica emerged in a bathrobe. Seeing Hawke deep in thought, she quietly approached, wrapping her arms around his neck from behind and leaning in for a kiss. Hawke gave her a warm kiss. Erica turned to sit on the couch beside him and asked, "What are you lost in thought about?" He replied, "Trying to think of new positions for tonight." "Don''t. Not happening tonight." Erica rarely backed down but quickly added, "I spent way too much energy dealing with the lawyers and board members from Brooklynn School today. I need to get some sleep." Hawke helped her up and placed her in front of the mirror while picking up the hairdryer. "Let me dry your hair." Erica smiled sweetly. "Okay." Once her hair was dried, they both lay down in bed chatting about inconsequential things. As they talked, Erica drifted off to sleep, clutching Hawke tightly and finding a comfortable spot in his embrace. ... The next morning, Edward drove over to pick up Hawke, who stopped by the office first to attend the weekly meeting. Afterward, he called Paris Hilton to discuss the tape incident. Soon, Paris still made a stop by Twitter. She told Hawke, "Hearing that the tape hasn''t leaked has put my mind at ease. On my way over, I called my accountant..." Hawke was known for being principled when it came to money matters. He stated plainly, "The case was broken by the precinct. I basically didn''t contribute, so you don''t need to pay me. Just make sure to say good things about Erica during your interviews." After a moment, Paris replied, "If I don''t give you something, I won''t feel right." Hawke assured her, "There will be more opportunities to collaborate." Upon hearing this, Paris recalled something. "My friend, the one you met at my house, Britney, has been having some trouble lately. Can you help her out?" From the gossip he had seen, Hawke knew Britney''s troubles were related to either a breakup or her notorious family drama. Family issues were always tricky. He replied, "If you request my help, I can agree, but Britney needs to address this herself. It involves legal and contract issues that require her to sign personally." "That fool will just end up in a mess eventually." Despite the media mocking Paris for being ditzy, she often played the role of the naive girl as part of her persona. In contrast, Britney genuinely seemed to have issues. Paris had developed a close friendship with Britney over the past two years. "I''ll talk to her; otherwise, she might get hurt." Hawke reminded her, "You need to be cautious too. Make sure to destroy that tape once you retrieve it. We can''t let it get stolen again." Paris sometimes ignored others'' advice, but she seemed to listen to Hawke. "I''ll call my lawyer and head to the precinct now; once I have it, I''ll burn it." Hawke didn''t say more and escorted her out of the meeting room. Paris headed directly to the precinct, where she met up with her lawyer, completed the necessary procedures, and retrieved the tape. ... After finishing his work at Twitter, Hawke instructed Edward, "Let Campos know to meet at the safe house in Santa Monica." Edward made the call and drove with Hawke to the safe house. Upon arriving at the house, Campos was already waiting. When he saw Hawke, he stated, "All personnel are in place; there''s nothing out of the ordinary for now." "For now, just follow discreetly and don''t rush," Hawke replied, handing Campos yesterday''s photos. "These are Veronica and Rachel. Look into them... focus on Veronica; she runs a medical company. Investigate how that company has been doing this year, particularly regarding its relationship with Ackerman''s subsidiaries." He turned to Edward and Campos. "If you both had a net worth of a million, would you propose to someone at the same wealth level like Veronica?" Edward shook his head. "I''ve never thought about marriage." Campos added, "My family stays in Mexico." Their responses seemed off-topic, so Hawke decided not to press further. "Just take a closer look." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 264: The Wall Crumbled [Chapter 265: The Wall Crumbled] Santa Monica, Ackerman Charitable Foundation Headquarters. In Barak Bernanke''s office, Melissa Ackerman flipped through two medical reports, each titled with the names Rachel Lee and Veronica Lee. They contained comprehensive analyses of the women''s blood, blood types, organs, and overall health. In simpler terms, these two women from a Korean background carried the Hh blood type and were in excellent health. Melissa looked at Barak and said, "They are perfect candidates for blood donors and spare organ banks, especially that girl. She''s not even fourteen yet; her organs are much younger and match me perfectly." Barak replied, "Finding a match in both blood type and organs isn''t easy." Melissa set the medical reports aside and said, "Nowadays, it''s not as convenient to get things done. In the past, with these small-time operators, we would have just taken them. Why bother with all this hassle?" "Even though we smoothed over the issues at Venice Beach Club, we''ve drawn some attention," Barak said as he securely stored the medical reports in a safe. "This may seem more complicated, but it''s actually safer." Melissa was unconcerned about the methods, just focused on results. "What''s the progress now?" Barak detailed, "Andy Carroll used Rachel''s character flaws and personal inclinations to make her the leader of a theft ring. Rachel was caught stealing from multiple Hollywood celebrities'' homes but has been bailed out by LAPD." He poured Melissa a cup of coffee and continued, "Using this situation, Carroll suggested that Veronica shut down her company in Los Angeles and move to Baltimore. Veronica is still considering it." Recalling how her father Buddy Ackerman nearly faced dire circumstances two years ago, she urged, "Tell Carroll to speed things up and deal with them quickly." Barak thought for a moment and said, "We could help turn up the heat." He pondered further, "Let''s engage the media, widely report on this. Have journalists and paparazzi camp outside to crank up the public pressure and shrink their living space, forcing them to come to terms faster." "Good idea," Melissa agreed enthusiastically. "A string of Hollywood stars'' homes were robbed; the media will be interested." Barak said, "I''ll arrange for someone to leak that information." Melissa waved a hand dismissively. "Go ahead." Barak called in a female assistant and set things in motion. ... Los Angeles had an abundance of news tipsters, and the previous theft at Paris Hilton''s residence had already made headlines. Due to the pressure from Brooklynn Private School and the fact that the suspects were minors, Rachel and the others'' identities were kept under wraps for the time being. ???¨¯§£????? Minutes later, a tip line at received a tip-off from a news contact, which promptly made its way to the editor''s office. The editor quickly reached out to an external reporter and relayed Rachel''s name and home address. Almost simultaneously, outlets such as , , , and also received news leads regarding Rachel. They immediately dispatched reporters to gather the exclusive scoop. Even on Twitter, someone tipped off with relevant news leads. However, curiously, the caller didn''t ask for a tip fee. ... Beverly Hills, Burton Road. Johnny stopped his car a few hundred meters from Veronica''s home and asked Nicholas, "Has everyone else arrived?" "I''ll make a call," Nicholas replied, pulling out his phone to dial. The other three girls couldn''t drive and had trouble with public transport, so only one managed to come by. But one was better than none. Nicholas flipped down the sun visor and adjusted his hairstyle in the mirror before saying to Johnny, "Dad, I''m heading in." Johnny advised him, "Make some noise." "Got it." Nicholas exited the car and strode toward Veronica''s house. ... Nicholas met up with his waiting companion, Amanda, at an intersection. The two of them approached Veronica''s door, knocked forcefully, and shouted, "Rachel! Rachel! Are you home?" The loud knocking and shouting stirred Veronica inside the house. She opened the door to see Nicholas and Amanda, her expression darkening. Nicholas, sporting a Hollywood pedigree and wearing a cheeky grin, asked, "Auntie, is Rachel at home?" Veronica snapped, "She''s not home! And don''t come looking for her again. She''s not going out with you anymore..." Before she could finish, Amanda yelled inside, "Rachel! Are you home? We want to take you out to have fun!" Veronica was enraged and wanted to lash out. Nicholas shouted inside, "Rachel! Rachel!" "Shut up!" Veronica barked. But Rachel heard the commotion from the upstairs window and peeked outside, asking, "What are you doing here?" "Come out! Let''s hang out!" Nicholas waved at her. "Sure!" Rachel responded. Veronica was furious. Not only were these kids coaxing her daughter into trouble, but they kept coming back. She stepped back, disregarded the two at the door, and slammed it shut. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Nicholas knocked again, calling, "Rachel, are you coming?" There was no reply. However, Nicholas soon heard raised voices, indicating Rachel and Veronica were arguing. He pushed, "Rachel, if you don''t come out, we''re leaving!" Eventually, Rachel did not come out, and Nicholas and Amanda walked away. Once outside, Nicholas said to Amanda, "We''ll come back tomorrow. We have to rescue Rachel from her mom''s grasp." Amanda, a playful girl lacking resoluteness, agreed, "Yeah! We have to save Rachel! I''ll be back tomorrow." ... Not far across the street, in a parked Chevrolet, Fiona adjusted the camera lens, documenting Nicholas and Amanda''s every move. Just moments ago, Nicholas''s shouting had caught her and Betty''s attention from across the street. Fiona grabbed her walkie-talkie and asked Betty in the other car, "Do you get the feeling this boy is stirring the pot?" Betty replied, "Sounds like it''s definitely possible. How about you keep an eye on things here while I tag along with that boy to see what''s up?" Fiona nodded, "Sounds good." Betty took off in a Mustang, following Nicholas after he split from Amanda, noticing he climbed into a car with another man. ... In a standalone villa, Veronica and Rachel engaged in a heated argument, which concluded when Rachel retreated upstairs and locked her bedroom door. Veronica sat in the living room, her chest heaving from anger. After taking a glass of water to somewhat calm down, she suddenly recalled her fiance Carroll''s words. The environment had too much influence on children. Suddenly, the phone rang. Veronica answered to find it was from Brooklynn School, requesting she bring Rachel for some follow-up matters that afternoon. Veronica already sensed what the "follow-up matters" entailed; Brooklynn School had helped bail Rachel out but, being concerned with its reputation, was pressuring LAPD discreetly. Now that Rachel was out, the school would likely try to push for her to voluntarily withdraw. In her thoughts, Veronica heard a clamorous noise outside, growing louder. She rushed to the window. ... A swarm of media vehicles, bearing logos, arrived and reporters equipped with cameras disembarked, numbering nearly twenty. Their aim was clear as they aligned outside her home. Some even raised their cameras to photograph the house. Across the street, Fiona showed up, displaying her Channel 11 press credentials, carrying her camera, and moved in on the scene. As Veronica prepared to take Rachel to school, the moment they stepped out of the house, they were immediately confronted by reporters. Neither had ever experienced such chaos, bombarded by a flurry of questions. "Rachel Lee, we heard you took several classmates on a theft spree?" "Why did you steal Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, and Kate Beckinsale''s underwear?" ... Having finally helped Rachel into the car, they sped off toward Brooklynn School. The reporters relentlessly pursued them the entire way, and even into the evening, these vultures hadn''t dispersed. Veronica even noticed someone filming from a nearby building, heightening her fear. The calls from newspapers and news outlets flooded in, all attempting to interview them, tossing various challenging questions their way. As details about her and Rachel began to leak, partners and friends reached out via calls and messages inquiring about the situation. Veronica felt her reputation tarnished, leaving her feeling completely humiliated. The psychological defenses of this businesswoman in Los Angeles were steadily crumbling. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 265: Savior, Please Save Me [Chapter 266: Savior, Please Save Me] Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Hughes Aircraft Company. The aircraft manufacturing factory that Howard Hughes painstakingly built had long been transformed into a Hollywood filming hub, with its enormous aircraft manufacturing hangars turned into multiple sound stages. The film , produced by Cruise/Wagner Productions and directed by Eric Emerson, officially commenced shooting in one of those sound stages. Hawke took some time to check it out, especially since he had struck a deal with Tom Cruise to act as the public relations manager for the project during the next Oscar season. While he wouldn''t follow Hollywood''s conventional award strategies, he still needed to have at least a basic understanding of the film. Catherine remained one of the producers on the film, among several others. She joined Hawke and Edward as they walked into the outdoor set area. From a distance, Hawke spotted Eric on a lift, busy directing the crew. The investment, scale, and staffing of had multiplied compared to the previous film . After two films, Eric had developed stronger capabilities and was methodically coordinating the crew''s various departments. As production was about to commence, the three stood back to observe. Hawke asked Catherine, "Did you invest in this as well?" "I put in eight million dollars," Catherine replied candidly. "All the profits from and were reinvested here." Edward chimed in, "Eric deserves this investment, and the male lead is still Tom Cruise." Catherine smiled, "It''s not just Eric; it''s Hawke." Edward widened his eyes in surprise, ''Is this square-faced girl going to abandon Eric and turn to the arms of the boss?'' Catherine continued, "Hawke''s role in orchestrating a campaign for the Oscars is crucial. I believe in Hawke''s abilities. Even today, I remember what transpired at the Sundance Film Festival, where Hawke miraculously sold a film that went unnoticed to Castle Rock." Hawke chuckled, "At that time, none of us had any options." Catherine understood the past, but being a benefactor made her admire him more: "Indeed, we were all in a tight spot then; we could only give it a shot." Hawke said, "Next year, when we go for the Oscars, we''ll be able to join forces again." Catherine reached out for his hand, shaking it, and said, "Here''s to our success." "Look!" Edward interrupted, "Tom Cruise is about to climb the light pole; we''re going to see the ''Light Pole God'' on screen." As the crew readied to begin shooting, Hawke and Catherine ceased their chatter and focused on the set. ... Tom Cruise, clad in a black tracksuit, carried a prop camera and stood next to a reinforced light pole. He refused to use a stunt double for next year''s award run, insisting on doing all the stunts himself. Tom Cruise might have his quirks, but he was undeniably dedicated. He had been training for half a month to climb that pole. Having captured plenty of action sequences, Tom was prepared. The stunt team secured him with safety ropes. With Eric''s command, filming began. Tom Cruise wedged his feet against the pole and climbed rhythmically, swiftly reaching about nine meters high. He wrapped the rope around the pole before removing the camera from his back and pointing it toward the second-story view facing the road. ??¦­??¨¨? After capturing the shot, Tom Cruise glided down the pole. Next, they filmed a running sequence. As everyone knows, Tom''s works always highlight various intense running scenes. Running is to Tom as furniture is to Jackie Chan. ... After a few takes, the crew called for a break. Eric had some matters to attend to while Tom Cruise went into the resting area. Catherine led Hawke and Edward into the area. Spotting Hawke, Tom stood up to embrace him and said, "You finally made it to our set!" Hawke replied, smiling, "I''ve been busy with some recent matters, but I finally found time to come by." He praised, "I caught some of your performance -- it was incredible." Tom was confident in this aspect: "For this shoot, I specifically sought out reporters and paparazzi to experience life, and also learned photography and climbing light poles, and did several months of preliminary preparation." He emphasized, "I never noticed this before; streetlight poles can be shortcuts for climbing and escaping. When it comes time to shoot the new , I''ll make sure to have a streetlight scene designed for Ethan Hunt." Hawke said, "I believe it will be a classic action scene." As Tom noticed Catherine approaching Eric, Edward had his sights set on a woman in the crew with a child actor. Leaning closer, he whispered to Hawke, "Do you have time this weekend? I can take you to a party, the kind where you wear masks. It''ll be exhilarating." For some reason, Hawke thought of , declining, "I''m visiting Erica this weekend; I need to prepare as this is my first formal visit." Tom nodded, "You should take it seriously; maybe we can catch up next time." ... S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As filming resumed, Hawke exited the set. Tom glanced over at him, clearly understanding that Hawke Osment wasn''t keen on being deep in his social circle. If it were anyone else, he would likely drift apart. But considering Hawke''s Twitter and how effortlessly he settled issues concerning Pat Kingsley, Tom made an intuitive choice to maintain a good relationship with Hawke. In the afternoon, the crew wrapped up on time. Tom Cruise had to leave early for another commitment. Eric invited Hawke and Edward to dinner. He suggested, "There''s a nice Italian restaurant nearby." ... After dinner, Edward drove Hawke back home in an Audi A8, then drove all the way to Palisades, and pulling into the luxurious villa that was once filmed by Eric using a lift. He didn''t exit the car but honked the horn. Maria Collins stepped out of the villa, carrying a bag and a bouquet. Edward got out, walked over, and gave her a kiss, placing the flowers and bag in the back seat. Maria got in the passenger seat as Edward drove them toward the Los Angeles Cemetery, which was not too far away. The two remained silent, feeling a thrill about their impending actions. The unspoken atmosphere amplified the excitement. They were heading to visit Maria''s ex-husband, Miller Collins, at the cemetery under the cover of night. In less than half an hour, Edward parked near the cemetery, picking up the bouquet once more to accompany Maria inside. He''d been there before; earlier in the year, he had come to visit Robert Downey Jr. at the same cemetery, so he knew the place fairly well. Heading down a path, Edward glanced in the opposite direction that led to Downey''s resting place. Each time he visited with Deborah, Downey would give them positive comments. Not giving a review, of course, means it is considered a positive review. The cemetery was built against a hillside. The two walked in, and except for dim lights and the guard at the entrance, they didn''t encounter anyone else. "This way," Maria turned off into a small side path, quickly reaching a respectable-sized plot. Edward switched on his flashlight, illuminating a familiar photo affixed to a granite tombstone. It was a picture of Miller Collins from his glory days. Edward placed the bouquet at Miller''s gravestone, saying, "I''ll take care of Maria and Dorothy from here on out; no need for you to worry." After a moment, he added, "Since you didn''t object, I''ll consider it agreed." Having had a bitter split with her ex-husband, Maria had claimed nearly all of his assets during the divorce. She was more than angry at her ex-husband''s behavior of preferring to go to men rather than come to her. At this moment, with her new boyfriend on hand, her purpose aligned with Edward''s -- she had but one aim. To let loose in front of the gravestone! Maria loosened her long coat, revealing black stockings underneath, and urged, "Savior, please save me!" "Just a moment," Edward reached into his pocket, pulling out a yellow paper talisman, sticking it on the side of Miller''s portrait. This was a product he bought from a China shop when he helped Hawke acquire essential oils -- a product the store owner highly recommended. It effectively suppressed troublesome spirits. He had even used it on Robert Downey Jr., who had given it a five-star review. The wind blew, creating eerie sounds in the hilltop''s expanse. At the same time, the sound of cats mewing and some slaps and thwacks could be heard. Maria held onto her ex-husband''s tombstone for stability. While Edward, standing behind her, ensured she kept warm against the chilly night air. Miller Collins''s photo, the former star, beamed with a lively smile. The entire scene thrived with joy. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 266: Hallasan and Ackerman [Chapter 267: Hallasan and Ackerman] Twitter, Office of the President. Caroline came in to report the latest updates on negotiations with Clarium Capital management to Hawke. As he listened to her, he glanced over some written materials on his desk. Caroline fidgeted in the office, changing positions from facing Hawke to standing sideways. If it hadn''t been impolite, she might have turned her back to him and pretended to wag her imaginary tail in excitement. To prepare for today''s briefing, Caroline had styled her hair and even had a designer help her pick an outfit, opting for a form-fitting pencil skirt that accentuated her figure. Though she didn''t have the voluptuous curves of a typical American beauty, she certainly had her own appeal. Once Caroline finished her update, the office fell silent. Hawke heard her high heels clicking as she moved and looked up to see her moving gracefully. He remarked, "You''re a sheep, not a cat. What are you spinning around for?" Caroline stopped, nodded slightly, and suddenly noticed a few long strands of hair under his desk. She recalled something from her last visit; when Megan Taylor had been there... Caroline thought about calling Megan for a chat later. This was Twitter, a reputable social media platform, not a private affair! With that in mind, she couldn''t help but show a hint of mischief with a small smile. "What are you standing there for? Take a seat," Hawke said appreciatively. "By the way, that outfit looks fantastic on you today. It really highlights your figure." Caroline smiled, saying, "Boss, you really think so? I had it custom-made just for today..." Hawke surveyed her up and down, commenting, "It suits you even better than that previous Chanel you wore." ''This is Haute couture,'' Caroline thought to herself, realizing that once she made some investments, she would need to step up her fashion game significantly. No, she had to wait until after the investments; if she missed this opportunity, it might not come again. Blending fashion with career ambition, Caroline firmly decided that career came first. Once Hawke finished reviewing the report, he said, "You can go now." "Okay." Caroline stood up and walked out, swaying slightly in her high heels. The pencil skirt hugged her slim figure, creating an exaggerated curve that resembled a large peach. Hawke thought to himself, ''Is she developing a bit of a rear-end wobble there?'' ... After Caroline exited the office, she pulled out her phone and found Megan''s number, texting her, [Are you free for coffee tonight?] Before long, she received a reply: [How about the afternoon? I need to prepare for a segment tonight.] Caroline realized then that Megan was the host and producer of the evening prime time show . She responded, [3:30 PM at the Starbucks in Century City.] Megan replied, [Sounds good.] Caroline put her phone away and was about to re-enter the office when she noticed Edward coming from the elevator. Edward greeted her, "Miss Baa, you look amazing today." She slightly raised her chin, replying, "Thank you." Edward didn''t say more and walked directly into Hawke''s office. ... "Did you see her?" Hawke asked. "I did," Edward replied, pulling out some documents from his bag and handing them to Hawke. "Veronica Lee is the founder and CEO of the Hallasan Company, specializing in medical devices. The company was struggling, but three months ago they secured an order from the Ackerman Charity Foundation, and their performance has significantly improved since then." ????????????? Hawke opened the file to look at the details of Veronica and her company. The Ackerman Charity Foundation''s orders mostly consisted of cotton swabs, blood bags, blood draw needles, and plasma separators. At first glance, there wasn''t anything particularly remarkable about it. Edward continued, "Nicholas, the boy who was implicated alongside Rachel Lee, has been looking for her these past few days, even shouting outside her house. Betty and Fiona believe he is deliberately trying to provoke Veronica and Rachel''s mother-daughter relationship." Hawke frowned slightly. Provoking the mother-daughter dynamic? What could be the benefit of that? Was it simply the nature of youthful impulsiveness? It wasn''t surprising that an impulsive teenager would act out, but Hawke responded, "Have them keep an eye on Nicholas." Edward nodded, "We''re on it. The information about the theft case has leaked, and now there are a lot of paparazzi and reporters congregating outside Veronica''s house, eager to get an interview with the mother and daughter. Oh, by the way, Rachel has already withdrawn from Brooklynn School." After reviewing the details, Hawke asked, "What about Andy Carroll?" Edward thought for a moment and replied, "Other than visiting Veronica and Rachel, he''s been working at the Ackerman Charity Foundation." Hawke set the file aside and mused, "I have a feeling that something about this situation isn''t quite right, perhaps there''s information we are missing. Get Campos to make contact with anyone recently separated from the Hallasan Company." Edward pulled out his phone and called Campos. With those topics wrapped up, Hawke moved to the window of the office, looking out toward Venice Beach. He asked, "Where''s that bastard Frank? I haven''t seen him around lately." Edward explained, "He''s been hanging around the neighboring company, trying to woo a female employee over there." Hawke joked, "Is he planning to split his RV and give half of it away?" According to Frank, he was a natural marriage enthusiast, and once he set his heart on someone, he just had to get married. "He''s quite the ladies'' man," Edward commented, skipping over the old bastard, "Last night, I went to the Los Angeles Cemetery with Maria Collins. Miller Collins''s grave was solid; we both stood on it, and it didn''t budge at all." What could Hawke say after hearing this? The savior always has his emotions at full capacity. Miller Collins, whose body was blown into pieces had a more stable coffin, compared to Robert Downey Jr. who was shot. "Good God, you really are a genius," Hawke remarked. "Aren''t you afraid he might spring out of the casket?" Edward laughed, showing his bright white teeth. "Not at all!" He pulled out a piece of yellow talisman paper, placing it on Hawke''s desk, saying mysteriously, "Boss, I bought this when I picked up some essential oils; the seller recommended it for warding off spirits. I''ve been using it, and it works amazing; their coffins haven''t budged." Hawke took a glance at it; it was clearly printed on paper with the words "Talisman" written on it. Though he didn''t understand much about talismans, he found it odd that such items could be mass-produced. He kept his thoughts to himself, handing it back to Edward: "You should keep that. If it works for you, continue using it." Edward agreed, "Sure, I''ll grab some more next time." He knew he would likely need it again. Aside from Miller Collins, who else had gotten a divorce? He would need to look into it further. ... In Koreatown, West Street. Juan, dressed up and driving a Dodge Ram, parked in front of an apartment building. Checking the address on a slip of paper, he confirmed it was the right one. Recently, through payroll records, the Butterfly Company found a few former employees dismissed by the Hallasan Company. Juan had previously sought out a few, but after being let go, those people had moved away from Los Angeles or changed addresses, making them hard to locate. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He exited his vehicle, climbed the stairs to the appropriate room, and knocked on the door. Moments later, a Latino man named Dominic opened the door. Seeing an unfamiliar face, Dominic asked, "Who are you and who are you looking for?" Juan handed him a fake press badge: "I''m a reporter looking to interview you about your former company, the Hallasan Company, particularly regarding illegal dismissals and quality issues with their products." Dominic didn''t want to get involved and started to close the door. "I''m not interested." But Juan noticed the shabby sofa and interior decor through the open door and said, "I can offer a tip for the interview." Dominic paused, his hand stopping halfway to shut the door. Since being fired by Hallasan, he hadn''t worked in a while and lacked any source of income. With no savings left, he was scrambling to make ends meet with odd jobs, working two shifts daily, and managing to scrape by on a meager income just to survive. Dominic asked, "How much will you pay me?" Juan replied, "200 dollars." Dominic wanted to save enough to pay the property tax on his old place to avoid becoming homeless and raised one hand, "500 dollars. You ask, and I''ll tell you everything!" "Deal," Juan agreed. Dominic opened the door wider and invited Juan inside. Juan pulled out the 200 in cash and handed it to Dominic: "The rest will come after we wrap up." Dominic said eagerly, "What do you want to know? Go right ahead." Juan asked, "Why were you dismissed?" Dominic thought for a moment and said, "They said my performance wasn''t up to par..." Juan continued probing, "Did they provide a severance package?" "Severance? What''s that?" Dominic shook his head repeatedly. "I didn''t receive anything." Though not critical, he was just stalling for time. After several irrelevant questions, Juan delved into the heart of the matter: "As you mentioned, the Hallasan Company secured new business from the Ackerman Charity Foundation, but why did they dismiss you? Did the company form an agreement with the charity?" Dominic replied, "I''m not sure about that; I was just a regular employee at that company." Juan asked, "Why would the Ackerman Charity Foundation want to collaborate with the Hallasan company?" "I know this one," Dominic replied quickly. "The boss Veronica''s new boyfriend is an executive at the Ackerman Charity Foundation; I think his name is Andy Carroll, and the business deal was brought in by him." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 267: The Real Purpose [Chapter 268: The Real Purpose] Not only did he charm the girl, but he also managed to bring business to her company; Andy Carroll could be seen as a model lover. Juan had asked many questions but found this connection the most puzzling. They had certainly been quietly investigating the Ackerman Charity Foundation, which had a history of claiming to be charitable without behaving that way. At Venice Beach Club, the vanished women, and the suicides of Guerrero and Broderick all pointed back to the Ackerman Charity Foundation. With this in mind, Juan realized that the focus needed to remain on the relationship between the Hallasan Company and the Ackerman Charity Foundation. He pondered for a moment, asking, "Since this year, has Veronica had any other engagements with the Ackerman Charity Foundation outside of her business dealings and Carroll?" "Other engagements?" Dominic thought very hard, and after a while said slowly, "There was one... Let me consider." Juan didn''t push, allowing him to recollect. Dominic finally recalled, "A few months ago, I can''t remember the exact date, but the Hallasan Company was doing well, had no hardships, and hadn''t interacted with the Ackerman Charity Foundation at all. Veronica organized a health checkup for all employees, including two family members. I was there, and the medical facility was affiliated with the Ackerman Charity Foundation." Suddenly, he remembered, "Not long after the company received the health check results, the business began to decline, and some poor-performing older employees were laid off." Juan deduced: "Did Veronica know Carroll at that time?" "No, I''m sure she didn''t; Veronica was very anxious," Dominic continued recalling more: "Eventually, she met Carroll, but I''m not sure how they met. When I went back to the company to retrieve a watch I left behind, I overheard a former colleague mention that Veronica had only been dating Carroll for about a week before they received an order from the Ackerman Charity Foundation, which saved the company from dire straits." Juan noted all of this down. After asking a few more questions that provided no useful additional information, Juan handed Dominic $300: "Thanks for the lead. You can keep this." Dominic gladly accepted the money, beaming. For someone living in dire poverty, words were unnecessary; cash spoke volumes. Juan added, "Just a reminder, the news carries risks. We will strictly adhere to the News Act; we won''t disclose anything regarding your information. You also need to be careful and don''t mention this to anyone." In a city like Los Angeles, filled with news sources, Dominic was aware of reporters who had faced violence for similar circumstances and nodded earnestly: "I get it. I won''t mention it to anyone." ??¦­?????§§? Juan said no more and quickly exited the apartment, getting back into his car and leaving Koreatown. ... Returning to the office, he pulled out the voice recorder from his pocket and handed it over to Campos. After reviewing the recording, Campos felt something was off but couldn''t quite pinpoint it. He decided to call Edward, using Twitter''s encrypted email to send over the audio file. ... Minutes later, Edward came into Hawke''s office with a USB drive containing the copied material. He handed the USB to Hawke: "Boss, this is what Juan found out about a recently fired employee of the Hallasan Company just an hour ago." Hawke inserted the USB into his laptop and pressed play. The clear inquest-style dialogue between the two men filled the office, and as Hawke listened to how all employees and their families of the Hallasan Company had once visited a medical institution under the Ackerman Charity Foundation for checkups, he instantly connected it to Andy Carroll''s past misdeeds. This person had a criminal history, often preying on young women, and in Guerrero''s materials, Carroll could be considered one of the direct offenders. The Ackerman Charity Foundation certainly had blood sampling options for their health checks, causing Hawke to speculate on the blood types of Veronica and Rachel. Was there an issue there? Hawke picked up the phone and dialed Campos''s number: "Find a way to check the blood types of Veronica and Rachel." Campos replied, "I''ll look into it right away." He hung up and called Juan, instructing him to keep digging. ... Meanwhile, Hawke played the recording again, increasingly convinced that something was amiss between Andy Carroll and Veronica''s supposed relationship. Edward, having heard Hawke mention the charity organization''s health checks before, remarked, "Are we suggesting Veronica''s blood type, or even her organs, could match with someone important?" "That''s a possibility," Hawke replied simply. "Before the health checks, the Hallasan Company was doing well, and Veronica organized a welfare checkup before she met Carroll. Soon after that, the company drastically declined and laid off many employees." As he spoke, he became increasingly uneasy: "Then Carroll shows up, seemingly a savior, with the order from the Ackerman Charity Foundation, winning Veronica''s heart." Edward added, "That''s not typical behavior for the Ackerman Charity Foundation; the missing girls from the Super Star Training School were all taken directly." Hawke extrapolated along those lines, saying, "Things are different now; last time, Venice Beach Club was burnt down, and the suicides of Guerrero and Broderick certainly put the Ackerman Charity Foundation under scrutiny. It would be easy for someone to take advantage of that." He thought about Veronica''s identity: "That mother-daughter duo isn''t just any pair; they have a million-dollar fortune, many employees and clients -- disappearing without reason would create a storm." "And what does Andy Carroll intend to do? Stage an accident?" Edward''s imagination ran wild. "A honeymoon trip where the wife and daughter ''accidentally'' fall into the sea? Or the three of them traveling in Latin America, ambushed by robbers, losing possessions and lives?" Hawke lightly tapped his fingers on the desk: "If Veronica or Rachel''s blood types do have issues, it suggests Carroll''s real target is them. The Rachel theft case should be looming; if we keep an eye on this mother-daughter pair, we should eventually uncover Carroll''s true ambitions." Edward asked, "Should we send additional support to Campos?" Hawke nodded, "Absolutely." Edward went to make the call. ... Hawke played that audio once more, and, perhaps due to his preconceived notion, he felt more and more convinced of the problems at hand. With the Ackerman family''s wealth, attempting to scheme Veronica out of her million-dollar assets was unlikely. Would a ruthless man like Andy Carroll really fall for a Korean woman with a child? And voluntarily assist with the Ackerman Charity Foundation''s business? Hawke couldn''t shake the suspicion surrounding the recent theft case involving Rachel. Was it simply about Rachel and the others stealing items? As things stood, it appeared that was the case. Nicholas and three other girls pointed toward Rachel, claiming she led the proposal for the theft. Rachel denied this, asserting she had been misled by Nicholas. Since the suspect was underage, while LAPD interrogated, parents, lawyers, and school representatives accompanied them, making it hard to discern the validity of what was said. With the Board of Brooklynn School applying pressure, LAPD was reluctant to dig any deeper, and even the celebrity victims weren''t willing to discuss the case. Ultimately, the matter seemed procedural. Previously, Hawke considered it a minor case, but now, with his investigation alongside Juan''s, he sensed something was off. He grabbed his phone and shot a text to Erica. ... S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Confirming Erica was available, Hawke called her directly: "I need the details of Nicholas and the other three girls -- their names and home addresses." Without hesitation, Erica said, "Give me a moment; I''ll send that over." In just a few minutes, Hawke received several MMS photos that included detailed information about Nicholas and the others. From names and contact information to family addresses, it was all there. ... Hawke instructed Edward to print the information: "You have a knack for dealing with divorced women with kids; reach out and see who masterminded the theft." Edward reviewed the data and identified a girl from a single-parent household. Her name was Eleanor, whose parents had divorced, and she currently lived with her mother. Edward felt he was perfectly suited for this line of questioning. "Boss, I can''t handle Nicholas; he''s from a happy family, both parents in the picture. But I can guarantee I''ll get the scoop from this Eleanor girl." Hawke responded, "You see why I''m assigning this to you?" Edward grinned, revealing his bright white teeth. "I''ll get you the good news." Hawke added, "Don''t draw attention; put on some makeup." Edward nodded: "That old bastard Frank introduced me to a fantastic makeup artist. I''ll head to their studio now." ... With that, it was only Hawke left in the office. He contemplated whether to involve Paris Hilton in this situation. At this moment, his phone rang again, with Campos providing new updates: Nicholas and a girl named Amanda went looking for Rachel today, prompting Veronica''s fury. She called the parents of both kids. Fiona, impersonating a media reporter, interviewed them. Both claimed they were just there to check on Rachel, but Nicholas was notably vigilant, more mature than typical 14-year-olds, speaking very coherently. A person like that returning repeatedly to provoke suspicion likely had ulterior motives. Hawke weighed the various details and became increasingly convinced something was amiss. Before the end of the workday, word arrived from Juan: the former Hallasan employee recalled overhearing two female assistants discussing Veronica on a phone call with her ex-husband, lamenting that Rachel had inherited a rare blood type from her, which could present issues for surgeries in the future. On receiving this news, Hawke immediately directed Campos: "Keep an eye on these individuals; Andy Carroll can be set aside for now, but Veronica and Rachel must not lose our sight." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 268: Media Assault [Chapter 269: Media Assault] "There''s news online that your trading company is selling faulty blood draw needles, which might have caused several people to contract hepatitis or HIV," a journalist shouted. "I heard Rachel has been bullying younger students at school. Is that true?" another reporter pressed. As Veronica and Rachel stepped out of their house, they found themselves surrounded by media personnel -- mostly entertainment reporters and paparazzi. The questions were relentless and merciless. Some of the paparazzi shouted even more outrageous claims. "Veronica, your friend told us you used to sell favors to American soldiers before you immigrated!" "We spoke to one of your childhood acquaintances who claimed you used to rummage through the trash outside a military base in Korea for food scraps to take home and cook!" Listening to those absurd accusations, Veronica felt a surge of anger, almost wanting to scream. But she couldn''t risk it; if the media caught her reacting, they''d twist it into a story that she was mentally unstable, which would invite intervention from Child Protective Services and threaten her custody of Rachel. Veronica held Rachel close, feeling like they were drowning in the media storm. Just then, two men rushed in, parting the sea of journalists and paparazzi. It was Andy Carroll and his driver. The two men escorted Veronica and Rachel away from the reporters, leading them to a Lexus. ... Carroll instructed the driver to take off, turning to Veronica, "I''m sorry I was late. We hit traffic. I didn''t mean to scare you." He had intentionally arrived later than planned so that the reporters would be primed and ready to attack the mother-daughter pair. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "It''s fine," Veronica replied, tightly linking her arm with Carroll''s. "I might have come out too early." He wrapped his arms around her, saying, "Don''t worry; I''ve got your back." Veronica held back tears, vigorously nodding in reply. ... The Lexus quickly pulled up to the Four Seasons Hotel, where Carroll led them upstairs. "Let''s stay here for now. The reporters may hound us, but they can''t get into the hotel." The situation at home had become unbearable -- almost around the clock surveillance by the media. They had no choice but to temporarily relocate to a hotel. But that wasn''t a sustainable solution. They checked into a business suite, and Carroll helped them with their minimal luggage. Once they were settled, Rachel shut herself in the bedroom, opting to play video games instead of talking with Veronica. "It''s getting late. I''ll order dinner," Carroll suggested. Thinking about the ordeal they just faced, Veronica grabbed his arm. "I need to talk to you. I''ve felt so anxious lately, with no one to turn to." Carroll looked at her earnestly. "You can confide in me. I''m your fianc¨¦. We face our challenges together." Veronica nodded repeatedly, pulling Carroll to sit on the couch. "Since Rachel got expelled from Brooklynn School, the media hasn''t left us alone. They keep dredging up my past, printing lies, and my so-called friends have only offered judgment instead of support since I''m in trouble." ?¨¢??????§§? Carroll understood the sentiment. "They can''t stand to see you suffer, but they loathe the idea that your life is better than theirs." "It seems that way..." Veronica said bitterly. "I''ve been labeled the mother of a thief. Other than the Ackerman Charity Foundation you helped connect me with, most of my clients have dropped out of business with Hallasan Company. Rachel made one mistake, and now it feels like the entire society is punishing her!" She felt suffocated. "And then Rachel''s friends keep coming over, yelling at me to free her from my grip. When I tell Rachel she can''t go out, she argues with me about it." Carroll pulled her into a comforting embrace, gently caressing her back. "The environment is crucial! Why do wealthy people live in gated communities? Their kids attend expensive private schools -- their surroundings matter." Veronica sighed, "I know... I know. I''ve got a terrible environment right now, and Rachel''s situation is even worse." Melissa Ackerman was rushing to secure blood bags, urging the process along. Carroll suggested, "Let''s just leave Los Angeles for good, wipe this slate clean." Veronica looked up at Carroll with hope. "Could we restart our careers?" "Absolutely not worse than it is in Los Angeles," Carroll explained. "I mentioned before that the Ackerman Charity Foundation is building a medical center and bio-lab in Baltimore. I''ll be the admin and security chief there; I''ll have the final say in procurement." Veronica''s face lit up with surprise. "Is it confirmed?" Carroll nodded. "It''s settled. We''ll leave behind everything bad here and head to Baltimore for a better future." He knew what mattered to Veronica. "In Baltimore, there are no reporters snooping, no bad influences for Rachel. She can find her footing again." That struck a chord with Veronica the mother. "Alright, we''re going to Baltimore!" Carroll added, "You should probably sell the company. If that doesn''t work, lay off the staff. The resettlement fees they bring with them are much higher than hiring new people; turn everything into cash you can." Veronica agreed. "Give me some time; I''ll handle it quickly." After everything she''d been through lately, she found nothing left in Los Angeles worth holding onto. Noticing her troubled brow, Carroll touched it gently. "Once you get this sorted out, let''s take a trip and clear our heads. Let''s bring Rachel along. Doesn''t she love watching ? We could visit the filming location in Baja California, at Rosarito." "Sounds good," Veronica replied. "Rachel will be thrilled; I''ll book a hotel right away." To ease any concerns, Carroll didn''t object, letting Veronica arrange flights and accommodations. When they sat down to lunch, Carroll shared the news, and Rachel finally broke into a rare smile. Veronica felt it was the right decision. ... After lunch, Carroll had to leave the Four Seasons to return to the Ackerman Charity Foundation''s headquarters. In Barack Bernanke''s office, Melissa Ackerman was also present. Carroll provided them with an update. Melissa said, "Rosarito is a great choice. We''ve been monitored by the FBI, so we need to be careful in Los Angeles. Rosarito in Mexico is close enough to transport people back and forth if needed." Barack turned to Carroll. "Keep an eye on that mother and daughter. Make a plan for what to do if something goes wrong." Carroll assured, "I''m on it." With blood bags and organ storage about to arrive, Melissa was in good spirits, advising, "Keep this quiet. Especially avoid letting anyone in our family catch wind of it." The last time, when her father Buddy Ackerman suffered organ failure requiring a transplant, several family members had contracted a contagious disease, forcing the foundation to search across the U.S. and even globally for matches, and complications arose during the process. Barack stated, "We won''t utilize outside help this time. Information remains within our control. I''ll arrange my own team for Rosarito. We won''t involve family." Melissa felt relieved. "That''s better." When it came to family inheritances, the fights could be fierce. Last time, Melissa had suspected her brother Sean was behind some of the chaos. Still feeling uneasy, she decided to divert his attention. "You should make a big show of going to Baltimore and let everyone know I''ll meet you there. That bastard will definitely compete with me for control of the medical center." Barack suggested, "Maybe I should go to Baja California instead." "I have to see to my blood bags and organ storage myself. It''s essential," Melissa said. She wouldn''t share medical matters, not even with her most trusted associate Barack. Melissa wanted to ensure she witnessed two blood bags being drawn and underwent tests to confirm the perfect match. Barack turned to Carroll. "You need to protect Ms. Ackerman." "I''ve got elite personnel on standby," Carroll assured. ... Beverly Hills, Burton Road. Edward slipped into a used SUV, driving away from an art gallery. After circling a couple of times to confirm he wasn''t being followed, he arrived at Century City Shopping Center, where he traded the SUV for an Audi A8. He pulled off a fake mustache, removed a wig, and used makeup remover to wipe off the contouring makeup. Using the intel from Erica, Edward successfully approached Amanda and managed to extract valuable information from her. He called over a young associate, Michael, stripped the fake plates off the SUV, and had Michael drive it away while he took the Audi back to Twitter, hurrying to Hawke''s office. Upon finding Edward had returned with remnants of makeup still visible, Hawke asked, "Looks like you had some success?" "Yes, I did. I got Amanda''s mother to talk, confirming Rachel was indeed leading the charge, but Nicholas has been planting all sorts of provocative ideas in her head, encouraging her to gain acceptance into school cliques and drive for popularity, even using her admiration for Paris Hilton to egg her on toward stealing." Hawke rummaged through his drawer, handing Edward Nicholas''s file. "Keep tabs on him. See who he''s been associating with lately." Edward accepted the file and exited the office. ... The next morning, Edward made a phone call and followed it up by sending several photographs to Hawke''s inbox. The photos showed a parking lot where two cars were parked side by side, and three men were exchanging something through the rolled-down windows. One of the men was indeed Nicholas; of the other two, one shared similarities with him. The last one was Andy Carroll. Hawke quickly pieced together that Rachel''s troubles were no coincidence. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 269: Target: Melissa Ackerman [Chapter 270: Target: Melissa Ackerman] What seemed like a simple theft evolved into much more than Hawke had initially anticipated. Updates gradually made their way to him. Veronica had released news that she was seeking to transfer ownership of Hallasan Compnay, getting ready to close her operations in Los Angeles. Additionally, her single-family home on Burton Road had been listed with a real estate agent. "It''s clear that Veronica plans to leave Los Angeles with her daughter, Rachel," Campos said, relying on recent intel, as they sat in his home in Santa Monica. "Once the company transfer and sale of the property are finalized, they''ll be out of here." These developments further confirmed Hawke''s suspicions. "Once those two leave the networking hub that is Los Angeles and move to some unfamiliar place, especially somewhere far from here, if they just vanished without a trace, no one would care." Edward walked in with a business newspaper. "Boss, you asked me to keep an eye on the Ackerman Charity Foundation. Check this out." Hawke took the paper and skimmed it quickly. "The Ackerman Charity Foundation is planning to build a medical center and a bio-laboratory in Baltimore?" Campos responded, "Baltimore is on the East Coast, thousands of miles away from Los Angeles." Edward, who had been with Hawke for a long time, chimed in, "Since Veronica''s Hallasan company is primarily doing business with the Ackerman Charity Foundation, is she also moving to Baltimore?" "There''s a strong possibility," Campos said, looking at Hawke. "Should we send someone there ahead of time?" Hawke replied, "If Veronica is really moving to Baltimore and sets up shop there, dealing with more people and factors, making someone disappear would become complicated." Campos understood. "The rare blood type of this mother and daughter could be useful to certain people?" Hawke nodded. "Perhaps members of the Ackerman family." With the Butterfly Company operating as it had, Campos was completely onboard with Hawke''s plans. Hawke shared some insight. "From what we''ve gathered, some members of the Ackerman family, including Buddy Ackerman, might have some very rare blood type running through their veins." Campos had suspected as much. "Andy Carroll''s goal is their blood and organs?" This was an area where the Butterfly Company had long operated from the shadows and had some understanding. Hawke had previously discussed this with them. "Keep an eye on Veronica and Rachel; make sure we know their movements," Hawke instructed, pausing for a moment before asking, "Last time I asked you to look into where the Ackerman Charity Foundation has set up medical facilities, especially abroad." Campos had thoroughly checked and recalled, "There''s a medical center in Rosario, Baja California." Edward added, "I''ve collected some information on it." Hawke remembered the Rosario center and asked, "Is there anything hidden there?" "Nothing has been found so far," Campos thought for a moment and said, "These large medical centers require substantial land and investment, and they tend to involve extensive connections, making it difficult to establish them secretly." Hawke nodded. "Is the easiest way to get to Rosario from Los Angeles by flight?" Campos, familiar with Mexico, confirmed, "Yes, Los Angeles International Airport has a direct flight to Rosario every day. Should I arrange for someone to watch that route?" Hawke agreed. The trio then discussed various plans and assigned teams to head to Baltimore and Rosario. Fiona and Hierro were sent ahead to Rosario while Betty went to Baltimore. Campos took the lead and left first, followed by Hawke and Edward as they returned to Twitter. ... The Butterfly Company operatives remained hidden, monitoring Veronica and Rachel closely. Some disguised as prospective home buyers, they infiltrated the Burton Road residence. ?¨¢N¨°?§¦? Intel continued to flow to Hawke swiftly. Not long after, Veronica''s low-priced sale of the house was completed. The buyer -- a recent immigrant from Mexico -- had made the purchase. Days later, the Hallasan Company was dissolved, with current employees receiving severance pay. All the office equipment, from desks to computers, was sold off in the second-hand market. Veronica informed her acquaintances and former coworkers in Los Angeles that she was leaving for Baltimore to start anew. This announcement served to sever her existing social ties. Hawke received the news quickly, and the developments aligned closely with his predictions. More personnel were dispatched to Los Angeles International Airport immediately. Several individuals were also monitoring the Four Seasons hotel where Veronica and Rachel had checked in. ... One ordinary Thursday morning, Andy Carroll accompanied Veronica and Rachel into the terminal at Los Angeles International Airport. Near the check-in counter, a disguised Garcia sat on a bench, reading a newspaper, his sunglasses concealing watchful eyes. Shortly after, he spotted his targets together at one of the counters. Garcia spoke into a hidden radio, "Target sighted, window 3, three people together." Just then, Betty, dressed as a hair-flipping cool girl, entered the terminal and placed a similar call. Juan, likewise, was there to check in and proceeded to handle baggage claims, carrying a bag and blending into the crowd as he followed Carroll''s group not too far behind. ... At the security checkpoint, Carlos stood in line. Since 9/11, security at American airports had tightened significantly, and the process had become notoriously slow. Veronica ran into minor trouble; her daughter Rachel had brought along a butterfly knife, which security confiscated. This girl had truly become a problem for her mother. Without Carroll making a few calls -- considering Rachel was a minor -- they could have faced serious trouble. After some back-and-forth, they finally passed security and made their way to the VIP lounge near the boarding area. ... Once Juan saw which VIP room they entered, he immediately radioed, "They''ve gone into VIP room 17, about to board the flight to Rosario." Garcia waited outside the security checkpoint. Carlos located a blind spot in the monitoring area, fixating on the entrance of VIP room 17. He had already called Garcia with that information. As Hawke previously speculated on whether Carroll''s trio might head to Rosario or Baltimore, Garcia dispatched two separate teams to Mexico and Maryland to prepare ground transportation. Campos swiftly alerted the Rosario team. ... When boarding time arrived at the airport, Carroll and Veronica, with rebellious Rachel, stepped into business class. Carlos confirmed through the glass door that the VIP room was now empty and communicated via radio. "Target has boarded." Garcia responded, "Understood." Before long, the flight took off, leaving Los Angeles behind. Subsequently, Juan flew on a different flight to San Bel Air and then drove from there to Rosario. ... The news was relayed back to the Butterfly Company, reaching Hawke''s desk swiftly. In the Twitter office, he picked up the phone to Campos. "Monitor them closely." Campos acknowledged. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At this moment, Hawke further validated his suspicions -- Carroll''s true aim was undoubtedly tied to the rare blood type of Veronica and Rachel. But these wouldn''t be used by him -- those ultimate beneficiaries would certainly be the Ackerman family. ... That evening, intelligence operatives tracking the Ackerman Charity Foundation reported that Chairman Barrack Bernanke, along with special monitor Melissa Ackerman, had boarded a private plane to Baltimore. This was public information from the charity foundation. Upon hearing the news, Hawke felt puzzled. Would Carroll be solely managing operations in Rosario? He remembered that after he had been matched on set, Barrack had personally visited to handle a series of matters concerning him. Then came the risky jump scene, followed by pursuit and escape sequences. This time, two blood bags and an organ bank were ofund but only one security supervisor was managing all this? Moreover, did Andy Carroll and Melissa Ackerman leave Los Angeles simultaneously by coincidence? Hawke pondered, deciding to keep a close watch on Rosario Airport. ... In Mexico, infrastructure could leave much to be desired, and Rosario hardly qualified as a major metropolis. The airport was built thanks to James Cameron''s re-shooting of . This great director turned a small artificial lake into a huge water studio. Later, many Hollywood crews filmed here, and Rosario became one of Hollywood''s famous filming locations Some media reported that Disney Studios is currently filming the naval battle scenes for there. Hollywood brought not only film crews but also tourists. Thus, Rosario managed to build a small airport. The airport had a single entrance, and the terminal was so small that takeoffs and landings were easily visible from a distance. Hierro and Juan had already tracked down the addresses of Carroll''s group. After receiving a call, Juan, more familiar with the looks of the Ackerman Charity Foundation''s high-ranking officials, drove to the airport entrance. Disguising himself as a woman, he had spent the previous night without success. But the following morning, a business jet touched down, capturing Juan''s attention and boosting his energy. ... Unaccustomed to the common travel habits typified by strangers -- even in first class -- the privileged Melissa Ackerman opted to rent a private plane instead. The plane landed on the tarmac, and a welcome car pulled up. Outside the small airport, Juan, equipped with binoculars, spotted three women descending from the aircraft -- one clearly an assistant and a larger figure resembling a bodyguard. The woman in the middle, from the photo he had seen, was undoubtedly Melissa Ackerman. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 270: The Reverse Plan [Chapter 271: The Reverse Plan] On the fourth floor of Twitter, in the conference room, Hawke convened a management meeting. He passed his phone to Edward for the time being. Then, a call came in from Campos. Edward answered the call, opened the conference room door, and nodded at Hawke. "The plan I mentioned earlier will kick off this week," Hawke stated quickly, wrapping up his points before declaring the meeting over. Caroline exited the conference room and glanced at Edward with curiosity, but wisely chose not to ask anything. If there was something important for the boss to share, he would. If he didn''t, it meant she wasn''t entitled to know just yet. ... Hawke nodded to Edward and retreated to his office. Edward followed him, shutting the door behind them, and said, "Boss, Melissa Ackerman was spotted at the airport in Rosario." Hawke confirmed, "Going to Baltimore is just cover; the real destination is Rosario." He continued, "What about Barack Bernanke?" "I didn''t see him," Edward replied. "Juan observed closely; only one female assistant and one female bodyguard arrived on the same flight." Hawke inquired further, "When did they arrive?" Edward glanced at his watch and said, "About fifteen minutes ago." Sitting down in his office chair, Hawke recalled the events from Provo. If he hadn''t been sufficiently alert, he could have ended up as a blood bag and organ repository for the Ackerman family. There had been news in the media back then about Buddy Ackerman''s successful organ transplant; it was a grim realization that if he was caught, he would''ve likely ceased to exist, with some of his organs already in someone''s else''s body. Hawke wasn''t a forgiving person. To avoid that fate, he took risks that led to the downfall of Robert Downey Jr. and Matthew Broderek. He even devised a somewhat unrealistic plan. With rare blood types, what would happen if he got injured and bled excessively or faced organ failure? Bombay blood was hard to come by, and matching organs was even more difficult. ???????§£?? He certainly couldn''t afford to wait for death. The Ackerman family case was proof of that. Thus, he once drafted a reverse plan, to capture someone with a rare blood type from the Ackerman family as a backup source for blood. Now, an opportunity had arisen -- Melissa Ackerman had left the Ackerman family''s territory in Los Angeles for the relatively weaker Rosario. It was an excellent chance to secure a blood source. While Melissa may not have been involved in the Provo incident, it didn''t matter; she was Buddy Ackerman''s daughter. Additionally, Hawke firmly believed in some lessons learned from the past, such as cutting down weeds or they regenerate. Hawke stood and approached the magazine rack in his office, grabbing a copy of the . The political section featured news about the Democratic Party''s John Kerry and John Edwards running in the next election. With less than a year until the elections, the rivalry was about to heat up. This was the opportunity that Hawke had been waiting for. Before next year, Twitter would complete its funding round; the assets he controlled were bound to exceed the Ackerman family''s total asset valuation of over two billion dollars. By then, the cash he handled would even surpass one billion dollars. ... Hawke made up his mind and pulled out his phone to call Erica. Once she answered, he said, "I''ve been quite busy lately with some urgent matters to attend to. I''ll be staying here at the office for a few days and won''t be heading to Silver Lake for now." Erica wasn''t the clingy type. "Alright, just give me a call when you''re done," she replied. ... Hawke hung up and pressed the intercom button, summoning Caroline. Caroline clicked her heels as she stepped into the office, seemingly summoned like a little sheep. "Boss, you called for me?" Hawke glanced at her and said quickly, "From today on, you and Edward need to come to the office daily as usual, reporting to me and maintaining the illusion that I''m still at the company." Edward instantly understood that Hawke was preparing for a trip to Mexico and said, "Boss, I..." Hawke raised his hand to cut him off. "No more chatter. Your presence here is vital to create the impression that I''m still at the office. This includes meals and keeping the lights on, all of that." Edward nodded, "Leave it to me." Caroline wasn''t aware of Hawke''s intentions, but she was ready to assist, saying, "Got it." ... Hawke made another call to Campos, instructing him to gather a focused team. Then, he hopped into Caroline''s car, and she drove him away from the Twitter building to a secure house in Santa Monica. Hawke changed his appearance, donning a golden-brown wig and sticking on a fake beard. He applied a few beauty marks on his exposed arms and neck, also putting on temporary tattoos. He even altered his posture to appear slightly limping with his head forward. ... After leaving the safe house, Hawke knocked on the Chevrolet parked on the roadside. Inside, Raul looked at him with a bit of surprise. "It''s me," Hawke said. Raul quickly unlocked the car door. Once inside, Hawke instructed, "Drive to find Campos." ... Ten minutes later, Hawke arrived at a standalone house accompanied by Raul, Guti, and Morentes, his three bodyguards. Inside, Campos, Garcia, and Carlos were already waiting for him. Hawke stated plainly, "I''m planning a trip to Rosario, targeting Melissa Ackerman and those associated with the Ackerman Charity Foundation. Each participant will receive $150,000." He didn''t hold back, adding, "There might be a shootout, and people may die; I won''t force anyone." Just as he finished speaking, Campos quickly stated, "I''m in." Garcia and Carlos exchanged glances and added, "Count us in, boss." Raul, Guti, and Morentes soon followed, confirming their willingness to accompany Hawke. "Let''s split up from Los Angeles and head to Rosario, meeting up with Hierro and Juan there." Garcia asked, "What about weapons? Should I find a way to get some?" "No need," Hawke replied, already having preparations in mind. He turned to Raul and the others, "You''re coming with me to Tijuana. I''ll handle the weapons." Hawke had been to Tijuana more than once in his previous life, and hired killers for dealing with Robert Downey Jr.''s friend and the private investigator Tim Wilson. He also remembered the locations of a few secret gang arms caches. In Mexico, if one didn''t have enough firepower, they would simply be devoured whole. Time was of the essence, and Hawke and Raul quickly set off in their vehicle, changing cars in San Diego and crossing the U.S.-Mexico border into Tijuana. The four of them dispersed, ditching their vehicles, and using public transport to blend into the city, where they procured new vehicles. ... Half an hour later, two cars arrived at a relatively safe parking lot, and the four of them drove towards a house in the southern part of the city. There, a Mexican couple served as lookouts, and Guti and Morentes, both former anti-drug cops, promptly guided them to the underworld. Mexican gangs often dealt in drug trafficking and human trafficking; taking out gang members was almost a privilege. Hawke recalled from his previous life that he found guns and ammunition in the house''s basement, as well as some cash in U.S. dollars. After disposing of the bodies in the basement, they grabbed the bags filled with weapons and quickly evacuated the location. At the parking lot, they switched vehicles again, heading southwest out of Tijuana, changing cars two more times before reaching Rosario. ... By the time Hawke and the others arrived in Rosario, Campos and his team had returned to the city from Mexico. Before night fell, everyone arrived at an abandoned warehouse in a remote valley on the outskirts. As the warehouse door shut, Raul opened the weapons they had brought along. Hawke put on tactical gloves, selecting the most comfortable AR rifle, and picked up an M9 handgun, finding empty magazines and corresponding ammunition to load. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The others came over too, each choosing their preferred firearms. Hawke looked at Juan, asking, "What''s the situation now?" Juan pulled out a map of Rosario, pointing at marked locations. "Fiona is watching over Andy Carroll; after checking in at Titanic Hotel with Veronica and Rachel, they haven''t left." He pointed to a spot marked along the coast. "Hierro has been keeping tabs on Melissa Ackerman. She arrived in Rosario but did not go to the Ackerman Medical Center; instead, she rented a villa in the coastal area. Shortly after her arrival at the villa, three SUVs entered. They are likely security personnel, but the exact number is unknown." Campos stated, "It won''t be more than twelve people. With Melissa''s team, that makes fifteen." Raul opened another bag containing grenades, bulletproof vests, and tactical vests. Clearly, these pieces of gear came from the Mexican police, who served as a primary source of weaponry for traffickers. The equipment of the gang was equivalent to the police''s resources. Among the guns was a Remington M700 sniper rifle, alongside an aging Mendoza RM2 light machine gun, as well as the U.S. military-grade M249 light machine gun. The latter utilized a top-mounted magazine, appearing similar to a Czech-made weapon at first glance. The last bag had an RPG-7 launcher and three rockets inside. Garcia, having heard Raul earlier, chortled, "No wonder these trafficker gangs can put pressure on us; they have heavy firepower." Garcia added the reminder, "Let''s not forget, the government forces in Mexico can''t fend off those major trafficking organizations." "This country is truly embarrassing," Carlos muttered, ashamed as a Mexican. Hawke looked at the map, saying, "I need to know once the shooting starts and someone calls the police, how long it would take for the Rosario police to reach the coastal villa from downtown." Campos approached to assess the distance: "If they get the call and respond immediately, they could arrive in about 35 minutes, but that''s under normal circumstances." Guti interjected, "If we open fire just a few times, they probably won''t arrive for over 40 minutes, but with our automatic fire and explosions, they might think it''s a large-scale gang conflict. As long as we''re not attacking a Hollywood set, they''ll likely wait for the gunfire to stop before approaching." Garcia sighed, "The Mexican police are rotten to the core; those who genuinely try to do their jobs can''t stick around." Everyone exchanged glances, shaking their heads. Each of them once belonged to responsible roles, yet this was their situation now. Hawke instructed Campos, "Arrange for people to monitor key routes from the city to the coastal villa. If you see the police mobilizing quickly, inform us immediately." Campos nodded, "We''ll head to the coastal villa and have Fiona wait outside; she''s a woman, and this kind of fight isn''t for her." Hawke asked, "What about the getaway vehicles?" Juan replied, "They''re already prepped." Hawke outfitted himself with the bulletproof vest and tactical garment marked with the Mexican police emblem, securing his handgun and magazines, while also strapping on two grenades and picking up a combat knife. The others armed themselves as well. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 271: The Nighttime Shootout [Chapter 272: The Nighttime Shootout] As night fell, the seaside resort in Rosario lit up. In one of the villas, crucial positions were occupied by security personnel clad in black suits with earpieces, fixated on the outside. Bodyguard Melanie finished her patrol and returned to Melissa, saying, "Everything''s normal; our security team is in position." The female assistant then asked, "Chairwoman, Andy Carroll just called. That girl Rachel is a bit difficult; he estimates she won''t be able to arrive until around ten." Melissa checked her watch, losing patience. "Tell Andy if he can''t handle it, he needs to send someone over with force." The assistant made another call and reported back, "Andy Carroll says he can handle it. The hotel staff is mixed, so it''s not suitable to make moves; he''ll bring the security with him." Melissa nodded and inquired, "Has the medical vehicle set out yet?" "It''s already on its way," the assistant replied. "It''s expected to arrive within half an hour." Melissa continued, "Once they arrive, everyone must sign a non-disclosure agreement." The Ackerman Charity Foundation had a medical center in Rosario, but it also had her people and her brother Sean Ackerman''s people inside. Melissa wanted to keep the blood bags under wraps, so rather than send people to the medical center, she opted for a small medical team she trusted to drive the latest medical testing vehicle to her. When the staff arrived and conducted blood tests in front of her, it ensured that no one could meddle in the results. ... By eight-thirty in the evening, a van marked with the Ackerman Charity Medical Center insignia pulled into the villa. In a neighboring vacation villa, the owner was absent, and tech-savvy Hierro easily opened the electronic lock and accessed the roof of the second floor. He hid behind the chimney, using night vision goggles to observe the events next door. Seeing the van, Hierro immediately notified Campos. ... In downtown Rosario, at the Titanic Hotel, Andy Carroll finally managed to rein in the rebellious Rachel and left with Veronica, fresh from their booked hotel suite. "Your friend is a bit too enthusiastic," Veronica remarked as they walked. "Is it alright just showing up like this?" "It''s all good. When they arrive in Baltimore, we can also give them a warm reception," Carroll replied, casting a worried glance at Rachel, concerned she might change her mind again. "That villa has a game room; they have games of all sorts to play." Rachel chose not to respond to the adults but showed interest in video games, so she didn''t reject the idea of going. Given the limited space, there wasn''t an underground parking lot. The three of them exited the hotel and approached the parking lot where they got into their rental car ready to head towards the villa. ... In one of the cars parked in the lot, Fiona quickly made a call. Afterward, she drove closely behind them, following the car out of the city as it turned onto the road toward the coastal villa area. ... A SUV and a pickup truck, carrying eight individuals, drove across the desolate Mexican landscape. In the SUV, Campos stated, "Carroll and the others are en route to meet Melissa at the seaside villa." Hawke nodded slightly, "Proceed as planned." The SUV turned onto a highway, heading northwest for a while before lights appeared in the darkness -- the seaside resort was up ahead. The driver, Juan, slowed down as they passed a villa with a large courtyard. "This is the target," he said. Hawke had seen the photos before and turned to remind them, "Maintain normal speed." Both vehicles passed the villa''s entrance, settling a hundred meters in front of another villa. Once the electronic gate opened, both cars turned inside and parked at the villa''s entrance. ... Everyone emerged and made their way to the second floor of the villa. Hawke reached a small window, using light from next door to observe the target villa. The back of the villa faced the coastal cliff, surrounded by tall walls with no back door. The other three sides had walls over three meters high, but no street lamps were lit outside due to either the late hour or Mexico''s poor infrastructure. ?????????¨®?¨º? Although their firepower should theoretically give them an advantage over the security company, Hawke showed no sign of underestimating them. He drew the curtains and moved toward the center of the room to set up. "Now, adjust your radios." Everyone donned their earpieces and switched frequencies. Hawke pointed upward, "Morentes, Hierro, you two head to the roof and take out the opposing fire points from the south to suppress any return fire. Don''t let anyone escape." Morentes grabbed the sniper rifle and secured a pistol to his waist. Hierro hung night-vision goggles around his neck and picked up the MG249 light machine gun. Hawke then looked at Guti and Raul. "You''ll drive to the north side, and when the action starts, scale the light poles on that side to flank the enemy." Guti had surveyed the light poles earlier: "Got it, boss." Finally, Hawke addressed the remaining five. "Campos, you''ll use the rocket launcher to blow open the front door! Once the door is down, we charge in!" He scanned the faces of everyone around, "Try to capture Melissa Ackerman alive; all other targets are to be eliminated! If Melissa poses a direct threat to personal safety, don''t hesitate -- execute her! Remember, your lives are more important than Melissa Ackerman''s!" Everyone nodded in understanding. Hawke glanced at his watch, declaring, "Alright, let''s move." Morentes and Hierro headed up the stairs first. Hawke pulled out a black balaclava and pulled it over his head. The others followed suit and donned theirs. ... In the neighboring villa, near the garage area, Veronica froze when she saw Melissa Ackerman. "Miss Ackerman, what are you doing here?" The Ackerman Charity Foundation was the leading client of Hallasan Trading Company, so she definitely recognized the Ackerman heiress. Melissa had no patience for idle chatter. "Blood testing, now." Veronica, taken aback, asked, "Blood testing? Why?" Several individuals in white lab coats approached them, masks on. Veronica turned to look at Carroll, full of disbelief, "What''s going on?" Carroll pulled out a handgun, pointing it at Veronica. "Cooperate; don''t make this difficult for me or force me to pull the trigger." Bodyguard Melanie and the head of security, Coleman, blocked Veronica''s escape from both sides. In disbelief, Veronica couldn''t fathom why her fiance aimed a gun at her, raising her voice, "Andy, what do you think you''re doing? What''s going on?" "It''s simple; I lied. You got duped, and I''ve kidnapped you," Carroll stated matter-of-factly. Veronica looked between Carroll and Melissa, puzzled. "I... I''m just a poor girl to you. Why kidnap me?" The two in lab coats approached, each grabbing an arm to pull her toward the garage. Veronica fought back, but with a gun pushed to her forehead, she lost control, instinctively following them into the garage. Rachel has been watching the show. This rebellious girl has always thought that this was a game arranged by Carroll and she found it very fun. But as the lab-coated figures dragged her toward the garage, Rachel realized that this was all too real. She yelled, "Let me go! You bad guys, let me go!" Veronica was pulled into the garage, while Rachel continued to shout, getting on everyone''s nerves. "Let me go! Let me go!" The commotion made Melissa frown, and she headed toward the garage. At the door, Rachel turned, attempting to bite one of the lab-coated people. The lab-coated figure winced, loosening their grip just enough for Rachel to break free. As she attempted to run away, she felt a foot kick her. Trained in Taekwondo, Melissa landed a kick on Rachel''s stomach, sending her crashing into the garage, leaving her unable to rise. Melissa lifted her foot, the heel of her high-heeled shoe pressing painfully against Rachel''s face, causing her to scream in agony. "Be smart about this," she told the lab-coated figures. "Take her away." With a resentful glare, Rachel noticed a discarded screw under the car. Seizing it, she covertly held it in her mouth, biting down gently. The two lab-coated figures dragged Rachel towards the medical vehicle, while Melissa and her bodyguard followed. Right as Melissa ordered them to proceed with the blood test, a strange whistling noise pierced through the outside air. The bodyguard, who recognized the sound, shouted, "RPG!" ... In front of the villa''s main gate, an SUV slowly approached. Near the villa''s entrance, nearly a hundred meters away, a rocket was loaded into the launcher, aiming at the villa''s metal gate. Campos hoisted the launcher, lining up the shot, and pulled the trigger. The whistling noise erupted as the rocket shot forth, trailing flames, slamming into the compound gate. The blast came with a deafening boom-- With an enormous explosion, the heavy iron gate toppled and crashed to the ground. Juan rushed forward to assist Campos in preparing the second rocket. After a slight adjustment in angle, Campos took aim at the villa''s entrance. Whoosh-- Fire sparked, bright as a meteor in the night, crashing against the villa gate again, igniting another ferocious explosion, flames and smoke erupting into the air. Carlos slammed on the gas, sharply steering the SUV forward toward the gate. Juan and Campos leaped into the pickup truck''s bed, prepping the final rocket. Garcia pressed down on the accelerator, racing towards the entrance. ... The rocket blast had caused many security personnel to instinctively take cover. Following the second explosion, as the rocket launcher remained dormant, the security team on the second floor quickly sprang up, leveling AR rifles at the vehicles. Bang! The muffled gunfire echoed as one security guard was shot, a fist-sized hole erupting in his chest before he collapsed. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... A hundred meters away on the second floor of the villa, Morentes swiftly pulled the bolt back, zeroing in on the next target. From a hidden spot in the first floor courtyard, an alarm was triggered. Yet Morentes couldn''t get a good shot at the fleeing target. ... On the opposite side of the rooftop, Hierro, armed with the M249, opened fire in rapid succession. Rat-a-tat-tat-- The machine gun roared as bullets rained down, and the individual who triggered the alarm fell victim to multiple rounds, resulting in a swift demise. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 272: One-Sided Battle [Chapter 273: One-Sided Battle] On the second floor, Hierro''s M249 machine gun roared nonstop, providing a suppressive fire for a short time. Morentes took aim with his sniper rifle once again, taking out a security guard who dared to peek out, blood erupting from the back of the man''s chest. ... A SUV skidded to a halt in front of the villa, and Carlos spun the steering wheel, positioning the passenger side toward the entrance. Before the vehicle completely stopped, Hawke opened the back door, jumped out, and took cover behind the rear wheel. Carlos moved equally quickly, ducking behind the front wheel. Gunfire erupted, bullets hitting the front of the SUV. Hawke unhooked a grenade from his tactical vest, pulled the pin, pressed the trigger, and lobbed it toward the villa entrance. The villa''s front door had already been blasted open by Campos with a rocket; the grenade flew straight inside. Boom! The explosion echoed, and a cloud of smoke and debris billowed out from the villa entrance. The two security guards hiding at the entrance were not dead yet, and their bodies kept twitching. Hawke rolled out, taking cover against the wall beside the door. As he tried to assess the situation inside, he thrust his gun ahead, pulling the trigger in a wild spray of bullets, not caring whether he hit anything. ... "Second floor!" came a voice through the earpiece. Tat-tat-tat---- The machine gun fired again, followed by screams from the second floor. The firepower disparity was overwhelming. ... Suddenly, gunfire, explosions, and cries echoed from the northern side of the villa as Guti and Raul climbed the lamp pole and leaped over the wall, launching a surprise attack from the side. ... The buzzing sound of a truck engine approached as a pickup pulled up beside the SUV. Once Garcia parked the truck, Campos shouted, "RPG!" Both Hawke and Carlos stuck their guns out, filling the inside of the villa with random fire to cover for Campos. ... On the neighboring villa''s rooftop, Hierro accelerated his gunfire to suppress the enemy. ... Campos hefted the rocket launcher, aimed at the villa''s front door, and fired off a rocket. Hawke ducked back while changing the nearly empty magazine. ?????????§à¦Â?? Boom! ... Inside the villa, a violent explosion went off, ringing in everyone''s ears. Three security guards hiding in the living room in preparation for an ambush had two killed instantly and one severely injured. ... "Go in! Go in!" Hawke ordered. Garcia leaped out of the pickup, holding an MP5, leading the charge inside. Juan followed closely behind, brandishing a Remington shotgun. Hawke and Carlos followed, with Campos covering the rear. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At the same time, Hawke reminded, "Reload!" Garcia charged through the doorway, firing three rounds at a silent target on the left. Juan swung his gun right, blasting a shell that exploded the head of a downed man. These former Mexican drug enforcement officers, who had endured severe battles, understood the importance of not showing mercy. From the north came the sound of breaking glass while Raul''s voice crackled over the radio, "We''ve breached the side entrance." Hawke commanded, "Eliminate all enemies." Garcia stepped into the living room, where smoke and dust filled the air. He spotted a woman trying to rise from the floor near the staircase leading to the second floor. ... Melissa''s assistant had escaped relatively unscathed; when the rocket struck the living room, she had merely been knocked down from the force of the explosion. "Don''t shoot..." the assistant murmured, seeing someone approach. But her words hadn''t even fully escaped her lips when Garcia quickly turned his MP5 toward her. Tat-tat-tat---- The short bursts rang out, and the assistant collapsed to the ground. Hawke followed right behind, shifting his gun to the right, opening fire on the sofa where another injured guard lay and an unconscious guard still remained. Another corpse was taken down by Carlos who was nearby. Simultaneously, screams erupted from the garage. Over the radio, Morentes''s voice called in, "There''s someone in the garage!" ... In the garage, chaos erupted amidst explosions and gunfire. Melissa pulled out a Glock 19 from her handbag, trying to maintain her composure. "Stay calm, we have elite security!" Just as she finished speaking, machine-gun fire surged through the area, causing Andy Carroll and the bodyguard, Melanie, both well-versed in firearms, to turn pale. The security team was only equipped with a few portable submachine guns; how could they contend with light machine guns? Not to mention RPGs. As explosions and gunshots continued, Carroll radioed the security chief and other personnel, instructing them to gather at the garage to protect Melissa. Initially, a few responded, but soon silence fell. Carroll remained more composed than Melissa during this chaos, saying, "Get in the car; we''re ramming through!" A few of them climbed into the more heavily armored ambulance''s back, signaling the driver to charge forward. ... The garage door opened, and before the vehicle could start, it attracted the attention of Hierro and Morentes on the neighboring rooftop. Fearing a horde of gunmen, Hierro, not knowing what lay behind the garage''s electric door, directed his M249 machine gun toward that direction and squeezed the trigger. Tat-tat-tat---- Gunfire erupted, riddling the aluminum garage door with over twenty bullet holes. Bullets struck the vehicle and ignited sparks within the garage. Bang! After the sniper fire, the windshield shattered as the driver along with the backrest of his seat was penetrated by bullets. ... "Close the door!" Carroll shouted. The female bodyguard quickly shut the electric door. ... There was panic in the back of the ambulance, and rebellious girl Rachel was pulled to the floor by Veronica. She looked up just in time to see the evil woman who beat her lying next to her. Rachel spat out the screw in her mouth, pinched it between her fingers, aimed it at Melissa''s beautiful face, and stroked it hard. All attention was diverted to the gunfire, leaving Rachel unnoticed. Suddenly, Melissa felt a sharp pain across her face, as if something had cut through her delicate skin. Blood rushed into her right eye, transforming her vision into a shade of red. Rachel succeeded in her first strike, and it was like stealing something from Paris''s house, and she did not intend to stop with just once. She swung her hand again for another strike. Melissa saw Rachel''s move and extended her right hand, quickly pulling the trigger on her Glock 19. With a bang, Rachel''s hand fell feebly toward Melissa, collapsing beside her, blood pooling from her head. "Ah--" Veronica witnessed her daughter fall before her eyes, her face morphed in madness. She lunged at Melissa, her long nails clawing like a wildcat across Melissa''s face. With her mouth agape, she bit down on Melissa''s neck. Melissa cried out in agony, the gun pressed against Veronica, as she pulled the trigger repeatedly. Every round of the magazine was emptied. When the gunfire ceased, Veronica slipped from Melissa''s grip. Melanie and Carroll hurried over, attempting to lift Melissa. ... Meanwhile, the five-member assault team led by Garcia turned toward the garage area. Garcia took cover by the doorway to fire at an angle, while Juan dashed in, aiming for the vehicle. Hawke followed closely, spotting the ambulance Morentes had mentioned. He raised his M4 rifle, aiming for the center of a chest level, firing continuously until the magazine went empty. Concerns about surrender or capture didn''t matter at that moment; survival was paramount. Bullets striking vital points meant death, no matter whether it was friend or foe. Carlos, following closely behind, made a similar choice. Campos stood guard at the door while Garcia quickly reloaded to ensure their firepower remained strong. ... Inside the ambulance, Carroll sustained at least a dozen gunshot wounds; one shot exploded his head, slumping him against the medical equipment, dead on impact. The female bodyguard, Melanie, dutifully shielded Melissa from a few ricochets, but her breaths began to fade. Among the medical team members, apart from two who were injured and fortunate to survive, the others were killed in the crossfire. ... Hawke replaced his magazine and shouted, "Cease fire! Cease fire!" Gunfire halted. Hawke signaled with his hand. Carlos and Garcia took their positions by the ambulance door while Juan opened the compartment. As the door swung wide, a waft of blood filled the air. The two medical personnel opened their mouths to speak. Carlos and Garcia fired simultaneously, leaving the two slumped in their pool of blood. Juan climbed in to check and said, "Veronica and Rachel are dead! This is Carroll; he''s dead too!" He examined the body of the female bodyguard, revealing Melissa''s trembling form beneath her. "There''s still someone alive here," Juan remarked. Hawke entered the back, grabbing a long strand of hair, revealing a blood-smeared face. This face had a long gash from the forehead down to the earlobe -- terrifying to behold -- but Hawke recognized her as one of his enemies, Melissa Ackerman, the daughter of Buddy Ackerman. The chairman of Ackerman Films, overseer of the Ackerman Foundation, and the immediate superior of Barack Bernanke. Realizing who stood before her, bleeding and in pain, Melissa gasped, "Don''t kill me! I have money, wealth beyond your imagination! Just let me..." Hawke pressed her head down, slamming it against the truck floor. One of her front teeth flew out; the rest of her plea remained unvoiced. "Tie her up and gag her," Hawke ordered Juan. "Just don''t let her die." Looking to the others, he added, "Clear the area! Take all communication devices and identification documents!" ... Campos, Garcia, and Carlos exited the garage to reunite with Raul and Guti, splitting into two groups to sweep the villa. They led with grenades, clearing all rooms of the last two security guards, collecting everyone''s cell phones, walkie-talkies, and ID cards. ... Juan twisted Melissa''s arms behind her back, securing them with zip ties before taking out pre-prepared duct tape to seal her mouth. After the villa was thoroughly cleared, Juan held his gun to Melissa''s back, escorting her out of the garage as Hawke brought up the rear. With his gun hanging at his side, Hawke removed one of the grenades from his tactical vest, tossing it into the ambulance. As the thunderous explosion rocked the area, they had already traversed through the living room. ... On the neighboring villa''s rooftop, Hierro continued to lay down fire while Morentes maintained a watchful eye on critical spots, prepared for any remaining concealed threats. ... Hawke and his group climbed into two vehicles, driving away from the villa. Speeding up, Hawke shouted into the radio, "Retreat! All units retreat!" Garcia glanced at his watch. "Under twenty minutes!" Campos noted, "An absolute firepower advantage combined with a night raid, it''s been a one-sided battle." ... On the villa rooftop, Hierro emptied his machine gun''s magazine before ducking down, swiftly headed downstairs. Morentes followed closely behind. They descended, hopped into their vehicle, and sped away. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 273: The Package Arrived [Chapter 274: The Package Arrived] In the Rosarito district, the police station. Emergency calls redirected to the station, but the officers in charge of responding were dragging their feet. The captain, Robert, moved sluggishly, resembling a turtle in hibernation. Several subordinates had synced up their pace; each one slower than the last, as if they were in a slow-motion competition. Fresh into the station, the young officer Diaz, fully geared up, approached, saying, "Captain, it''s urgent..." "Right, I know," Robert replied leisurely, asking, "Are the vests and weapons adequately supplied?" An old-timer answered, "Not enough ammo." "Get it immediately," Robert instructed. The old-timer transformed a single step into two and ambled toward the supply room slowly. About ten minutes after the emergency calls had come in, they finally exited the station. To make matters worse, two police cars required fueling. Watching Robert drive to the station''s designated gas station, Diaz was about to lose his mind. The station only had one attendant at night, and they would have to queue. Without gas, they couldn''t venture far. After filling up the gas, Robert specially called Diaz to his car. This man had some relationship with him, so he had to take care of him. "I''ll drive," Diaz insisted eagerly. "Sit up front," Robert insisted, personally steering the car while adhering strictly to the city''s speed limits. As he drove, Robert pointed out, "What''s the situation? What weapons were involved?" S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Diaz reported, "The caller heard continuous gunfire and numerous violent explosions. Someone even claimed to have seen a rocket launcher." Robert summarized, "Automatic rifles, grenades, RPGs! This is a gang war!" He questioned, "What will you use to stop it? Your flesh? Why are these gangs battling? For massive stakes! This has nothing to do with us! If we show up, aside from bullets and bombs, what else will we gain? The gratitude of gang members? Ha! When they see us during their shootout, they will only greet us with bullets and bombs!" "But we are cops!" Diaz protested, straightening his neck. "How much do you earn each month?" Robert interjected. "Your father is dead. If you die, what happens to your mother? Who feeds your sister? Don''t tell me the survivor benefits; the department hasn''t paid out the little money from three years ago when someone died -- his wife has to sell herself to make a living." He intensified his tone, "Let me tell you, if you die, your mother will be bullied, and your family will lose its income! To support your sister, your mother will end up on the streets! Do you know how the gangs controlling those areas operate? They enforce a survival-of-the-fittest rule; the bottom performance will get eliminated each month! With your mother''s age, what kind of performance can she have...?" Diaz''s neck slumped as Robert''s words struck him, a realization dawning as some things inside him faded away. He reached for the tissue in the car door, his movements slow as a retiree. Slow was just fine. These police cars seemed to be engaged in a slow race, each one crawling more slowly than the last. They needed to ensure one thing: by the time they reached the scene, the battle would have concluded, and everyone would be gone. ... At the critical intersection between the city and the coastal villa area, Fiona waited, not receiving the promised police presence from Rosarito. Instead, she got Hawke''s retreat call first. ???????????¨¨? She turned her car at the intersection, heading south toward another city, planning to catch a flight to the Bahamas before eventually returning to Los Angeles. ... In a secluded wilderness valley, three vehicles approached, driving over uneven terrain before reaching an area draped in camouflage netting. From a distance, these camouflage nets appeared as rocks; upon lifting them, there were the vehicles and barrels of gasoline, prepared in advance by Hierro and Fiona. Hawke was the first to disembark. After Hierro confirmed the vehicles'' safety, he reported, "All original vehicles, phones, and flammable items have been destroyed." Juan and Carlos dragged Melissa from the car and tended to her wounds. Everyone quickly changed clothes, dropping their discarded items into an empty metal drum. Campos doused them in gasoline. Next, they poured gasoline into all three vehicles they drove over. Fearing inadequate burning, Campos ensured all the prepared gasoline was utilized. Hawke first disassembled the phones, removing his gloves and mask, tossing them into the empty metal barrel. He then retrieved new gloves and a hat, calling Campos over. "You think you can take her back?" "Of course," Campos replied in a hushed tone. "I know an abandoned tunnel; that''s how I got into California." Hawke nodded. "Melissa is your responsibility. Find a suitable place to hold her, and don''t let her die." "Understood," Campos said. "We''ll contact you once we''re back." Hawke shook hands with him, reiterating, "If things go south, it''s fine to finish her off, but you all must return." Campos firmly clasped Hawke''s hand without a word. Looking around at everyone, Hawke declared, "Split up immediately! Each of you has to come back safe; anyone who dies, I''ll drag them back from hell, and the Savior will force feed them pastries!" "That sounds terrifying!" lively Guti chimed in. "If anyone dies, I''ll personally stuff their corpse with pastries." Laughter erupted among the group. ... Hawke was the first to board one of the SUVs, starting the engine and driving out of the valley, heading east. As he slowed down on the road, he glanced back. Flames erupted from the valley, vehicles and gasoline barrels ablaze. The fierce fire obliterated most traces. ... The two SUVs split up, each heading their separate ways. Campos continued south until, before dawn, he arrived at a coastal cliff with deep waters, stopping intermittently to toss all used firearms into the sea. ... At dawn, Hawke reached Mexicali, abandoning the SUV near a gang-infested area. He hopped on public transportation, wandering around the old town''s complex regions until he located a bus service catering to American visitors to Mexicali. He purchased a ticket and boarded. These chartered buses maintained connections at the border crossing, making regular trips between California and Mexico, enticing American men heading to Mexicali or Tijuana for illicit activities. In California, this was termed illegal trade and was relatively expensive. On a bad day, one might encounter undercover FBI operatives, which would spell disaster. But in Mexico, the prices were much lower. ... By afternoon, Hawke successfully returned to Los Angeles. This trip to Mexico took just one day. Hawke arrived at his safe house in Venice, discarding all disguises into the fireplace, incinerating everything in one go. Before the workday ended, he made his way back to the Twitter office building. ... In Maryland, Baltimore. Stepping out from the bio-lab planning office, Barack Bernanke pulled out his phone, calling Melissa once again, finding no response. Yesterday, he didn''t think much of it when no one answered; such occurrences happened frequently. As he got into his car, a nagging worry crept in, prompting him to call Melissa''s assistant. No answer. The assistant''s phone should be available twenty-four-seven. Furrowing his brow, Bernanke dialed Melanie, the bodyguard, and got no response either. Something was definitely amiss, so he opted to call Carroll, but the situation proved the same. He turned to his assistant, Golding, sitting in the passenger seat, saying, "Call the security director at Rosarito Medical Center, Tierney. Have him check on what''s happening at Melissa''s rental villa." Golding dialed in and exchanged a few words. ... Not long after, security chief Tierney called back. Golding answered and relayed, "Last night, a medical vehicle from Rosarito Medical Center and a testing team had an incident in the coastal villa area." "What?" The assistant was confused, yet Bernanke understood all too well that Melissa must have summoned the medical team for a blood retest for Veronica and her daughter. His urgency spiked, asking, "What happened in the incident?" Golding hurriedly explained, "They encountered a gang attack at a villa, armed with heavy weaponry, using RPGs and grenades, resulting in 19 fatalities. Local police found the medical vehicle from the center in the villa''s garage and notified the medical center. The center and Tierney has already reported this to Los Angeles headquarters this morning per protocol." Bernanke''s heart raced, feeling the tension rise: "Which villa? Have the identities of the deceased been confirmed?" "The incident occurred at villa number 16 in the Rosarito beach villa area," Golding continued. "All IDs and communications of the individuals are missing; currently, only five from the medical center''s identity confirmed, others remain unverified." This villa was the exact one Melissa had rented. Bernanke wiped his face, gathering himself, saying, "Have Tierney go check on the deceased and see if he recognizes anyone." Golding promptly dialed again. ... The car arrived at the Ackerman Charitable Foundation''s office in Baltimore. Barack immediately pushed the door open and got out of the car. He said to the receptionist who came over, "Notify Captain Manning to apply for a flight route immediately and fly directly to Rosario, Baja California, as fast as possible." The receptionist scrambled to get the call through. Golding exited the vehicle, rushing back inside. "Sir, Tierney is heading to the Rosarito police station. We''ll have news shortly." Bernanke was fidgety, making several more calls, including trying to reach the security chief Coleman, but connectivity was still an issue. Before long, updates from the receptionist streamed in: the flight route was approved for a private jet, which could depart in an hour. Without hesitation, Bernanke hopped into the car. "Take me to the airport." ... As they approached the airport, Tierney called Bernanke directly. "Chairman, I''ve checked all the deceased and identified the chairman''s assistant, Nina, and bodyguard, Melanie." Bernanke''s heart sank. "What about Melissa?" "I didn''t find the chairman." Tierney clarified, "I asked thoroughly; those were all the people present, and there were no others." This indicated Melissa was still alive, providing Bernanke with a small sense of relief; as long as she lived, there would be a way forward. The car rolled into the airport''s executive tarmac, where he boarded the private plane heading straight for Rosarito. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 274: The Ackerman Feud [Chapter 275: The Ackerman Feud] On the fourth floor of the office in a high-rise building, Hawke had just returned when Edward followed him in. "Boss, everything go smoothly?" "Very smoothly," Hawke replied as he sat at his desk. "This time, we took out Andy Carroll and captured Melissa Ackerman alive." Edward clapped his hands with enthusiasm. "That''s great! Those Ackerman bastards have done so much harm to people; they deserve whatever''s coming! Just at the Venice Beach Club alone, there were over a dozen confirmed deaths and missing persons." According to Jennifer Huey, the actual number could be ten times that. But Hawke was unfazed; this was personal. His feud with the Ackerman family had long spiraled out of control. Edward asked, "Boss, how do we deal with Melissa?" Hawke had already made plans and coordinated with Campos. "Let''s keep her confined for now and squeeze her for information." Edward piped up, "That woman must know a lot of secrets about the Ackerman family." "Not just her secrets -- we''re going for everything." Hawke was talking about extracting all the hidden truths and personal information; Melissa had a rare blood type. He thought, perhaps the Ackerman lineage went beyond Melissa. Maybe there were others with that same blood type. He wondered if, by confining her, he had turned into a monster himself. But the real monster was still out there. So, he remained the hunter seeking to slay the monster. He turned to Edward. "Any surprises today?" "None." Edward flashed his bright white teeth in a smile. "There''s been no turbulence; everything is under control." Hawke nodded. This time, the operation had been executed quickly. He said, "How''s the news collection coming along?" Edward replied, "We''ll have it soon." Hawke was sure there would be ample rewards for this operation. Payments would eventually flow through the news sold by Butterfly Consulting -- there were already longstanding legitimate business exchanges in place. Then, he suddenly thought of something. Over in Madrid, the Butterfly Consulting team was searching for a chance to snap photos or gather news regarding David Beckham''s extramarital affair. ??¦­£Ï??? Such globally impactful gossip could easily fetch over a few million dollars. Soccer combined with Beckham''s involvement made for a media sensation unlike any other. Hawke then asked about another target, "What''s the situation with Tiger Woods?" Edward, who had kept close contact with Butterfly Consulting regarding news, said, "Nothing concrete yet. But Campos'' people overheard caddies at the golf course talking about a female caddy from Los Angeles Country Club. It seems Tiger Woods was on the phone, possibly reaching out to a sfemale star from the Valley." There were so many female workers in the Valley -- stars almost equal in number to those in Hollywood -- that tracking one down wouldn''t be easy. Such events often involved middlemen -- agents. Many incomes for these porn stars stemmed from this side of the business. Hawke recalled distinctly the relationship between Trump and Stormy Daniels. Their connection had directly entangled them in the election. ... After work, Hawke stayed at the office. The next morning, he called a management meeting to discuss raising funds and expanding shares. The newspapers in Los Angeles still hadn''t reported anything directly concerning Melissa Ackerman. Online, however, there was chatter about a possible large-scale gang shootout at one of Hollywood''s overseas filming locations, Rosario, causing multiple casualties. Another day passed, and Hawke''s new burner phone rang. He picked up to hear Campos'' voice: "It''s done." Campos had called from a public phone, speaking briefly, "Your gift has arrived." Hawke hung up without responding. A significant package had been shipped from Mexico to Los Angeles. ... In Beverly Hills, North Sunset Boulevard, Buddy Ackerman met with Barak Bernanke, who had just arrived from Rosario. The latter provided detailed insights on the situation in Rosario, including the issues concerning Veronica and Rachel, the mother and daughter. Upon hearing that his daughter had found a new source for blood and organs but was trying to covertly seize it, Buddy simply sat in his armchair, squinting at Barak and asked, "Is Melissa alive or dead?" Barak said, "Probably alive, I believe Melissa was taken by her assailants." "And who did it? Any leads?" Buddy, limited physically, rarely went out anymore. Barak thought for a moment and replied, "The attackers used automatic rifles, grenades, and RPGs -- typical weapons for large Mexican gang conflicts. It''s likely one of the big Mexican gangs is involved, but we haven''t received any ransom calls yet." He paused before adding, "Another possibility is that our enemies disguised themselves as a Mexican gang to raid that villa." Buddy inquired, "Do Mexican gangs usually carry out kidnappings in an area guarded by an elite security team?" Barak answered, "In the last decade, especially since Pablo, Colombia''s drug lord, died, Mexican cartel power and finances have surged. Many ex-military and police personnel have defected, joining these organized crime groups. There are now channels set specifically for military and police to join drug lords, greatly bolstering their strength." Buddy nodded slowly and asked again, "Have any leads come through?" "Not yet." Barak had personally visited the scene and spoke with professionals in Rosario: "There are few residents nearby and no surveillance cameras. After the attack, they cleaned up the villa, taking anything that might leave a clue, including all communication devices and IDs. It seemed like a well-trained group." According to the local cops, they believed it was likely the work of former associates from a gang. Barak then expressed his suspicions, "But Melissa was targeted from the first day she arrived in Rosario. I don''t think the local gang operations are that efficient. While many Americans get kidnapped, scammed, or killed in Mexico, they rarely attack those from genuine upper society." He, as Melissa''s confidant, mentioned, "Even if it''s the Mexican gang''s doing, someone in Los Angeles must have colluded." Buddy had considered this word and even had someone in mind. He waved a hand dismissively, "Mobilize the foundation''s resources and connections to find her. Leverage our contacts in Mexico..." Seeing the incompetent Mexican government and the unreliable cartel, Buddy added, "Using our government connections, pressure Mexico to send elite personnel, and don''t hold out hope for the local police." "Understood," Barak said, moving quickly out of the study. ... Buddy turned to the butler beside him. "Increase the security measures around the estate. Tell the thugs not to venture out for the time being." The butler went to make the calls. After a moment, he returned, still standing behind Buddy. Buddy stated, "There has to be local support for this; in the twenty years since the foundation was established, even with rapid growth, we are surrounded by enemies." The butler understood exactly what his master meant -- how many people the charity had taken over the years and the unmentionable things done; he likely could not even recall them all himself. To gain resources, children and women had been taken for those in power. To succeed in a competitive landscape, they had employed illegal means, such as making people disappear. This was not something the butler could respond to; he remained silent. Buddy added, "Now, as the two-party struggle intensifies and the elections draw closer, I sense a storm brewing." The butler remained quiet. Buddy didn''t expect a reply. "There''s also a possibility -- this could be an inside job." He opened his eyes wide. "Bring Sean to me." Sean Ackerman, Buddy''s son and Melissa''s brother, had never enjoyed a warm relationship with his sister. The butler made a phone call. ... Buddy felt a crisis approaching; if this threat came from within, it would be even more perilous. In this increasingly fierce red and blue struggle, internal safety and stability had to be ensured first. Soon, Sean Ackerman entered the study. He casually took a seat, saying, "What''s up?" Buddy''s gaze bore into him. Sean felt uncomfortable under that scrutiny. "What''s the matter? If there''s nothing urgent, I''m heading out; I have plans with friends tonight." Buddy cut straight to the chase, "Melissa is your sister." Was his sister really trying to take all the family fortune? Sean couldn''t care less, stating, "Yeah, she is. I''ve never denied it." Buddy pressed on, "Where is Melissa?" "How should I know?" Sean feigned nonchalance. "She ran off to Mexico and then vanished. Not my concern." He sounded indifferent, adding, "As much as I dislike her, I''d never harm family." Buddy''s face turned serious. "Really? In late 2001, Camille, Barton, and Milman -- why did they all contract a contagious disease?" Sean replied, "How would I know? You''re the one with control over them; they vanished." Buddy coldly stated, "I''m old, but I''m not confused. If not for your mother''s dying request for me to look after you..." "Why did my mother die?" Sean questioned with a mocking grin. "Have you looked into which bitch caused her death?" Buddy said, "I told you, your mother''s crash was an accident." "An accident." Sean wouldn''t argue, saying, "I didn''t lay a hand on Melissa, but I''m glad to see this accident happen." Buddy shook his head. His son was naive and not the sharpest; there was no way he could hand over the Ackerman family empire to him. If it were to fall into his hands, not only the enemy across the way but also the greed from their side of politics would quickly chew him up. After Sean left Ackerman Manor, he made a call. "Melissa is missing; she might have been taken. Find out fast; if she''s dead, all the better. If not, don''t let her come back." ***** S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. /Sayonara816. Chapter 275: Im on Team Sean [Chapter 276: I''m on Team Sean] Inside a warehouse cluttered with costumes and props, it felt a bit chaotic. Hawke and Edward followed Campos as they navigated through, arriving at a hidden basement entrance. Fiona was keeping watch there. Hawke nodded at her and descended the stairs. The three of them donned black hoods. Campos said, "Only I, Juan, and Fiona know she''s here." Edward remarked casually, "This place is pretty discreet." Campos replied, "Juan used to work here as a mover. The warehouse originally belonged to a Hollywood rental studio that went bankrupt. The owners took sleeping pills together. Last month, the warehouse went on auction, so I purchased it." He rounded the corner of the stairs and continued, "The soundproofing here is excellent; you could blast metal music, and nobody would hear it." Hawke praised, "Well done, very thoughtful." The three reached the bottom and entered a twenty-by-twenty-foot basement. ... In the corner, there was a heavy metal cage, about five square feet. Melissa Ackerman, the daughter of a billionaire, was curled up in one corner. Her face was swollen, and a wound running from her forehead to earlobe had already scabbed over; it hadn''t been treated properly, leaving an ugly scar. When she heard footsteps, Melissa looked towards the entrance. Three hooded figures emerged. From their build, one appeared to be the lead from that night. Melissa took a couple of steps forward and gripped the bars of the cage, asking, "What do you want? Money? Or me?" She had been knocked out in Mexico and disoriented; now she didn''t even know where she was. The woman who previously brought her meals and medicine only spoke Spanish, and seemed not to understand English. Melissa remained calm, "Just give me a phone and a bank account, and you''ll immediately receive five million dollars." Hawke, using an East Coast accent, said, "We''re not in it for the money." Melissa wracked her brain, trying to place the voice, "What do you want? Just tell me." Hawke said, "You''ve been running the film company and charity for Buck. You''ve held many secrets. Share some hidden things and the related people." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Melissa''s expression didn''t change, but she suddenly recalled something. "You''re Sean''s people?" Caught off guard by her guess, Hawke was surprised; he knew about Sean -- Melissa Ackerman''s brother. Was there a sharp conflict between the siblings? Otherwise, Melissa wouldn''t have said that. Hawke refrained from responding. Melissa assumed this was tacit acceptance. "You can tell Sean that even if something happens to me, the Ackerman family''s estate won''t pass to him. His enemy has never been me." ????¦Á¦­?????????? Hawke understood immediately; this was the typical narrative of family feuds in wealthy families -- inheritance wars. He thought it over. "If you tell me the secrets, you have a chance to live; if not, it''s a dead end." "Kill me, and you''ll die too," Melissa shot back, meeting his gaze. "Don''t forget, I''m an Ackerman. As Sean''s sister, if something happens to me, the family will need a scapegoat to quiet the masses, and he is the perfect candidate." That made sense, but unfortunately, Hawke had never met Sean Ackerman. After waking up in confinement, Melissa had pondered the attack. It had happened too suddenly. Just half a day after arriving in Rosario, she was ambushed by a well-armed elite force who seemed to know her every move and captured her effortlessly. If Sean was the mastermind behind this, it all made sense. Just as she had bought off Sean''s insiders, there must be people close to her who he had also bribed. Hawke interjected, "A scapegoat can be found anytime, anywhere." "Sean can offer you money; I can double it... tenfold," Melissa insisted, believing cash could resolve conflicts. "If Sean sent you to handle this, you must be close to him, you understand his situation. My father never liked Sean; even without me, he''d pass shares to the family as a whole and hire professionals to manage, not leaving it to some fool." Hawke understood the truth in ''the more one speaks, the more one risks'', so he chose to hold back because Melissa was revealing a lot of valuable information. Seeing Hawke silent, Melissa pressed on, "I''m the first heir of the Ackerman family. My promises and offerings are nothing Sean can compete with." Hawke''s gaze drifted to the scar on her face. "You needn''t worry," Melissa thought she sensed his hesitations. "Beverly has the best plastic surgeons in the world, and this particular scar can easily be repaired; it''s just a matter of money." Once again, Hawke discerned a pushy nature; he turned and said, "We''re done here." He led the way outside, with Campos and Edward following closely behind. Melissa called from behind, "You might not care for yourself, but consider your subordinates!" Hawke''s steps paused momentarily. Edward, always in sync with him, glanced back at Melissa. Hawke resumed his pace, leaving the basement. ... As the figures vanished, Melissa retreated and sat on the floor. Even with the hideous scar, she managed to maintain a confident demeanor. In the face of adversity, she wasn''t panicking. Instead, she had taken her biggest asset and turned it into her survival plan. Reflecting on the conversation, especially how engaged her captors were, she was convinced they had listened attentively. As long as it sunk in, it could take root and sprout later. ... The three emerged from the basement. Campos told Fiona that he had found someone to be the warehouse manager here and asked her to hold on for a few more days. Hierro''s sister was deaf and mute and didn''t understand English but was strong enough to safeguard the warehouse without issues. They would just need to keep supplying her with food every few days. As long as she didn''t die, they were good. Edward said, "Boss, that woman thinks we''re Sean Ackerman''s people." Campos noted, "Seems the Ackerman family feud runs deep." "Buddy Ackerman nearly died last year and survived only through an organ transplant," Hawke said as they moved outside. "The Ackerman family sits on over two billion dollars in assets, and it looks like everyone wants to be the first heir." Edward had researched public information on the Ackerman family and reminded him, "Melissa and Sean don''t have the same mother." Hawke nodded. "From Melissa''s words, it''s evident -- the battle between the siblings is fierce." Campos agreed. "Her first instinct upon seeing us was to think we were sent by her brother." While Hawke had previously investigated the Ackerman charity and the family, he had never uncovered details about sibling rivalry. Clearly, such discussions lived only among the upper echelons of the Ackerman family and charity, far out of reach for those at lower ranks. Hawke instructed Campos, "Gather as much information as you can on Sean Ackerman, and stay alert to any movements from the charity side." "Yes, sir," Campos replied. As they reached the warehouse door, before stepping out, Hawke said, "Set up some trades through Twitter. I''m transferring the reward for this operation to you; distribute the bonuses promptly -- there should be no delays." The promised money would definitely flow. Campos affirmed, "Once the cash arrives, I''ll allocate it to everyone who participated in the operation." Hawke had no further comments. He hopped into the Cadillac while Edward drove them away. ... On the way, Edward remarked, "This Ackerman family doesn''t know how many lives they''ve drained." Hawke didn''t need to make excuses or rationalizations. Between him and the Ackerman family, it was personal vendetta. Everything he did in Los Angeles was solely to reach the top and eradicate this family. ''You want my life; I want yours.'' Edward continued, "This Mexico mission was a big success." Hawke added, "The only shame is we didn''t catch Barak Bernanke." Even someone as blunt as Edward could now grasp there was substantial friction between Hawke and the Ackerman family. He tentatively asked, "Boss, what''s our ultimate goal?" Hawke glanced at the driver before responding, "I have a vendetta against the Ackerman family that won''t end until one of us is gone." Edward might not be worth much else, but his loyalty was unwavering. "Boss, your enemies are mine too -- I won''t rest until the Ackerman family is gone." Hawke merely reminded him, "Stay safe out there. As long as we outlast Ackerman, luxurious living awaits us." "Ha ha..." Edward laughed, even daydreaming about the future, "By then, I will date a divorced woman whose daughter is 18 years old." He was ambitious in this regard: "A few years back, I saw in the tabloids that Angelina Jolie stole her mother''s boyfriend when she was 16. I''d like to experience that kind of thrill." Hawke noticed that compared to the savior figure, he felt downright conservative. But Erica was the girlfriend he had actively chosen, and he had no regrets. ... Back at the office, Hawke checked the time and called Erica. "I''m all wrapped up here and should be able to leave on time tonight -- heading to Silver Lake." Erica responded cheerfully, "I can end my day on time too." After wrapping up his work and leaving the office early, Hawke went to Silver Lake. When Erica returned, they worked together to prepare dinner. While eating, Erica asked, "Do you have time this weekend?" Hawke sensed she had something in mind and replied, "Of course I do." Erica added, "My mom and dad want to invite you over for the weekend." She thought for a moment and added, "Just the four of us, none of the extended family." That was inevitable; Hawke smiled and said, "Sure." Erica exhaled in relief and launched into persuasion mode. "Actually, they''ve brought it up several times. I''ve just brushed it off." Hawke teased, "Not confident in me?" "A little -- worried you might refuse," Erica admitted, finally relaxing, her act toughening up. "But mainly because you''ve been busy lately." Hawke suggested, "How about we go out after dinner and pick up a gift?" Erica was already prepared, "I have everything sorted!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 276: Dont Tell Him [Chapter 277: Don''t Tell Him] In Brentwood, a sprawling mansion stood host to a lunch gathering. When facing Erica''s father Carter Ferguson and mother Mary Ferguson, Hawke knew when to act and when to retreat. Although he didn''t say much, he always got to the point. With the halo of Twitter, he could definitely be considered a young and promising person. Mary was already quite impressed with Hawke, and by the end of the meal, Carter fully agreed with her assessment. He also seemed to think highly of his daughter''s choice. ... After lunch, Erica showed Hawke upstairs to tour her bedroom. Mary turned to Carter and asked, "What do you think?" "He has some ability," Carter replied, adopting a more relaxed demeanor away from Hawke. "He look a little worse than when I was young." Mary accepted a cup of tea from the maid, placing it in front of Carter as she said, "He may not be a standout, but he''s certainly more than ordinary, and honestly, that''s not the most important thing." Carter concurred, "It''s quite rare for someone from a regular background to achieve what he has." He paused for a moment before adding, "And crucially, Hawke isn''t rigid; he adapts well and plays hard in this dog-eat-dog world, which is necessary for protecting family and wealth." Mary chimed in, "Though, Erica can be ruthless as well, her focus just happens to be more on firearms." Carter nodded, "Erica''s our only daughter. Her future husband needs to be able to protect her." Mary took another sip of tea and remarked, "Douglas, the president of the San Francisco office of BlackRock, passed away." "The guy who attacked Hawke and Brian?" Carter sipped his tea before adding, "That was a necessary retaliation; you have to kill to stop killing. Only then will Blackrock and their men restrain themselves." If you are the first to kill, you must be prepared to be killed. The message was clear -- they had the capabilities to eliminate threats. Mary said, "After we made our voices heard, BlackRock passed the message through an intermediary that this needed to end here." Carter replied coolly, "Once something has happened, how can it end just like that?" "We are clear on that front, as is Hawke," Mary emphasized without having mentioned it to Hawke. "So, no need to remind him." Carter reflected, "I was rebellious when I was young, and I didn''t agree with what my father said. Fortunately, the rebellious period didn''t last long. Looking at you and Hawke, I''ve increasingly come to appreciate how right he was." Mary smiled, "When dealing with a person, focus on what they do rather than where they come from." "Exactly." Carter glanced at his watch. "I need to get going; I have a lot to do this afternoon." Mary nodded, "Drive safely." ... Upstairs in Erica''s room, Hawke flipped through an album of her childhood photos. As a toddler, she appeared chubby, but after five, many of her photos featured firearms. ??¦­??????? By the age of twelve, Erica posed with a small-caliber hunting rifle alongside her catches. Erica came up from behind, glancing at the photo and said, "This was my first official hunt. I vividly remember taking down a mule deer and a big-eared rabbit -- just like Bugs Bunny." Hawke promptly gave a thumbs up and said, "It''s much better than when I was thirteen years old. At that time, I could only shoot randomly to scare away coyotes." Erica asked, "When I visited your house, I didn''t see any childhood photos." "I had a rebellious phase, and that happened to coincide with my parents'' accident," Hawke responded. "The farm was sold off, and I was driving around in a beat-up car across America, learning a bunch of odd skills. The belongings at the farm were mostly treated as trash by the buyers." Erica leaned in and kissed Hawke''s forehead, saying, "Next time I have a break, we should go back to your farm in Wyoming. We can''t always be running into some assholes." Hawke suddenly realized, "Whatever you do, don''t tell Brian. If he finds out, our vacation will be ruined." The mention of Brian made Erica seriously say, "Absolutely not." The cursed tongue of a gossip was something to avoid at all costs. ... They quickly descended the staircase. Carter had left for a meeting, leaving only Mary downstairs. Mary chatted with Hawke for a few minutes, steering the conversation towards Twitter. "I heard you''re spearheading the overseas expansion?" Hawke replied briefly, "Mainly focusing on Europe, Latin America, East Asia, particularly Japan and Southeast Asia -- currently waiting for the right moment." Mary asked, "Still following the previous approach?" Hawke elaborated, "The studio that often provides news to Twitter has discovered news about a Soccer star and is currently following up. Soccer holds a massive global influence, far surpassing basketball. I expect that any related news we receive will spread a lot further than coverage on Kobe Bryant''s Eagle County scandal." He chuckled, adding, "Pacific Investment will continue to push forward when the time comes." Mary agreed, "Sounds good." ... After chatting a bit longer, Hawke politely decided to take his leave, with Erica following him out of Brentwood. They both had the day off and planned to go on their date. Hawke asked, "Where do you want to go?" Erica replied without hesitation, "Artel Mountain Shooting Range. We haven''t trained together for over a week; our coordination will get rusty if we are away from training for a long time." Hawke teased, "We just practiced last night." Erica pointed at him, pretending to be mad, "You weren''t accurate enough -- you might as well have closed your eyes." Hawke replied earnestly, "If you practice with me a few more times, accuracy will naturally improve." Erica grinned, "Let''s do it tonight." ... In Southern California, Rosario. A few cars arrived at a beachside villa, led by a police car. Captain Robert stepped out first, instructing his associate Diaz to open the rickety courtyard gate. Once the gate swung open, a dozen individuals exited the vans behind them. Among them was Barack Bernanke, accompanied by a high-paid consultant named Charles. Charles turned to his team and gestured toward the villa, saying, "Let''s examine the scene." They donned masks, shoe covers, and gloves, pulling out various professional equipment before entering the premises. Charles didn''t hold high hopes; Rosario''s police department had already conducted multiple searches and taken too much evidence from the scene. Too many people had entered; the Mexican police were limited in their capabilities, and much evidence had been compromised. Yet, given the client''s hefty payment, it was crucial to conduct the investigations as professionally as possible. Charles donned a mask and shoe covers, then took a quick look around. The scene was chaotic and he shook his head secretly. Just then a phone call came in and he found a quiet room to answer it. After a quick conversation, he exited and found Barack Bernanke, who was communicating with the Mexican police, and waved him over. Barack hurried to him. Charles reported, "My team has inquired at all the hotels and inns in Rosario, checked the guest lists, and questioned people around the airport, but we''ve found no suspicious individuals." He sighed. "The number of surveillance cameras here is nearly non-existent; the infrastructure is severely lacking." Barack showed no sign of blame since Los Angeles also had limited public surveillance. Continuing, Charles said, "In Los Angeles, my people paid a significant amount to obtain surveillance footage from the terminal covering Andy Carroll''s arrival and departure; however, given the volume of traffic, we haven''t identified anything yet. We''ve narrowed our focus down to passengers on the same flight as Andy Carroll and are currently examining the list for potential suspects." Barack asked, "What about Melissa?" Charles thought about it before responding, "As you suggested, there''s a substantial possibility of internal issues within your foundation." Barack regretted revealing plans that he would be visiting Baltimore with Melissa to assess the construction of a medical center. ... Hours later, the specialists who had entered the villa began to trickle out. One approached Charles and whispered a few words to him. Charles sought out Barack, saying, "The scene was too damaged; aside from bullet holes and shells, there''s practically nothing to recover." Barack couldn''t help but exclaim, "These Mexican idiots!" Then he inquired, "Is there any way to trace the firearms through ballistics analysis?" "Let''s try, but don''t hold your breath," Charles warned, not wanting to set unrealistic expectations for the client. "Mexico has too many guns and far too many shootings. There''s only a handful of labs capable of performing ballistic analysis, and even if these guns were used, the chances that the Mexican authorities have kept a record are very slim..." Upon hearing this, Barack finally understood why nothing had happened in Los Angeles; they purposely chose to act in Mexico. It wasn''t just because the Ackerman family had a long stranglehold on Los Angeles. This led Charles to conclude, "The ones who acted are skilled marksmen, likely trained professionals who knew Melissa''s movements. They didn''t just target her out of the blue -- they likely followed her for months or even longer." A name popped into Barack''s mind -- Sean Ackerman. After all, it wouldn''t have been hard for Sean to pull this off; it could even be seen as easy. Melissa and Sean had long-standing animosities; Sean believed that his mother died in a car accident due to Melissa''s actions. Barack suddenly faced a dilemma; if Melissa actually died, would Buddy have any other options regarding inheritance? What would happen to him? ... The team then proceeded to check the neighboring villa, again finding nothing. Barack and Charles got into a company car and returned to the Titanic Hotel where they were staying. They had already checked every possible place within the hotel, similarly finding no suspects. Those involved hadn''t even stayed within the city limits. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Barack returned to his room and called Los Angeles. After a busy day outside, he felt hungry, changed into a sweater, and headed downstairs to the restaurant. Finding an empty table, he placed his order. A moment later, someone approached and sat down across from him. The person leaned in and quietly said, "Barack, Mr. Sean Ackerman sent his regards. He has a great admiration for you, stating that the success of the Ackerman Foundation today largely owes to you." Barack remained silent. The person left a business card saying, "You can reach out to Sean Ackerman for coffee whenever you like." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 277: Beckhams Infidelity [Chapter 278: Beckham''s Infidelity] Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Hughes Aircraft Company. Hawke happened to be passing by and came to the set of . This time he didn''t see the square-faced Catherine, but when he got off the car, he unexpectedly bumped into Jacqueline, someone he hadn''t seen in a while. She waved at him from a distance before rushing to the make-up trailer to assist. Edward glanced in that direction and remarked, "She''s acting opposite Tom Cruise in this film. After it''s completed and released, she may just become a star." Hawke walked while responding, "Once the promotions kick in, Jacqueline is bound to shine; the film doesn''t have a lead actress, and her part is the most significant among the female roles, with many scenes alongside Tom." Edward added, "If Jacqueline makes it big, the media will undoubtedly dig into her past." "That''s no big deal," Hawke shrugged, "Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards got married, and she was once the ace girl under Hollywood''s most notorious madam." Edward held his tongue about turning public goods into private goods, knowing that Jacqueline might be on that path as well. He simply lamented: "For Jacqueline, life hasn''t changed much." For Hollywood actresses, getting involved with men isn''t an unusual scenario. Perhaps someone like Whoopi Goldberg would be the exception. Edward couldn''t fathom that anyone would be inviting Goldberg to use the red sofa or ask her to meet at a hotel to discuss scripts and roles. As they reached the outer perimeter of the open set, Eric Emerson''s assistant stood waiting there. Since the crew was currently shooting, they remained quiet, finding a suitable place to watch the action unfold. ... In the constructed street scene, various extras provided a busy backdrop, rushing by. From a park bench, Tom Cruise stealthily took out a camera and aimed it at a Porsche that was approaching. The car parked across the street, and a star stepped out of it. Not merely a character in the film but also a real-life celebrity. The woman who emerged was Victoria Beckham. Edward instinctively glanced at Hawke, who remained expressionless. Victoria''s scenes weren''t extensive; after about ten shots, her role was done. As the end of the day loomed, Director Eric called it a wrap. ... Eric was notified immediately by his assistant and came over to greet Hawke and Edward, asking, "Boss, what brings you here today?" Hawke replied, "I was just over at Glimmer International closing a deal, figured I''d stop by and see how things are going." He gestured, "Did you invite a real superstar?" Eric clarified, "Tommy invited her. No need to pay fees or transportation costs; she''s just doing it for fun." Edward interjected, "Tom Cruise has quite the draw." Eric could relate to that: "More and more media outlets have been eager to speak with us lately." Just then, Tom Cruise approached from the side, moving swiftly to shake Hawke''s hand. "Next time you come over, you have to let me know; we should have dinner tonight." ????????¨¨? Hawke replied, "We''re old friends, no need for formality." ... A short distance away, Victoria finished her scene and curiously watched the scene unfold, somewhat surprised. She could vaguely see a hint of flattery from Tom Cruise''s demeanor. In Hollywood, it was rare for someone to command that kind of respect. Victoria thought for a moment, clicking her heels, she strode over towards the group. The sound of her heels drew the attention of Hawke and Cruise. Victoria approached and exchanged greetings with Eric and Tom Cruise before her curious gaze landed on Hawke. Tom Cruise took it upon himself to introduce, "This is Hawke, Hawke Osment, the founder and CEO of Twitter." He then introduced Hawke to Victoria, saying, "This is Victoria Beckham, a former member of the Spice Girls." With David Beckham accepting Tom Cruise''s invitation to participate in the Ice Bucket Challenge, Victoria was well aware of Twitter''s significant role as the largest social media platform, widely utilized throughout the Western world. She promptly stepped forward, extending her hand to Hawke. "It''s a pleasure to meet you." Hawke courteously replied, "You''re one of my favorite British singers." Victoria was incredibly thin; while she quickly released her grip, it felt like holding onto nothing but bones. Miss Baa was one of those very thin people, but could actually be considered plump compared to Victoria. But perhaps Victoria''s stark style worked better on camera. But to the naked eye, she appeared rather frail, with dull skin lacking vitality. Victoria expressed, "I''m a Twitter user as well and hope to visit the office someday." Hawke smiled, "There will be a chance." As this was their first meeting, they exchanged a few polite remarks. ... Tom Cruise had to return to makeup, and Victoria soon excused herself, walking toward the makeup trailer. While leaving, she queried, "Is he involved in producing this film?" "No," Tom Cruise noted, adding, "He initiated the Ice Bucket Challenge." He made sure to warn, "Hawke Osment is not someone you want to mess with in Los Angeles; he can either help you out of a crisis or ruin you completely." Victoria took heed, saying, "I understand." ... Hawke entered Eric''s mobile office trailer, and the two conversed for some time. Once the promotions for the film commenced, a Twitter account for would be created. The marketing team would officially sign a promotion deal with Twitter, utilizing the platform for movie publicity. The advertising budget for this campaign was set at $5 million. Additionally, Eric''s first theatrical release, , had formally closed in North America after earning a total box office of $56.54 million. For a young director under 30, the debut film''s success was impressive. Now, Eric truly had the potential to elevate Katherine''s status. ... In Spain, Madrid. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Beside a street villa, Lareya unfastened the safety harness at his waist, wrapping his legs around a lamp post, and swiftly slid down. He detached the specialized footrest used for climbing lamp posts and tossed it to his lookout, Elena, saying, "Let''s move." Elena caught the footrest, tossed it into the trunk, and immediately took the driver''s seat. When Lareya got inside, she fired up the engine and drove off. Lareya glanced back, noting that the small villa remained quiet, its inhabitants blissfully unaware. ... Once they turned out of that neighborhood, Elena asked, "Did you get it?" "No video of the act since he closed the curtains beforehand," Lareya replied. "However, we captured footage of Beckham kissing Rebecca Loos." Elena couldn''t help but laugh, "That''s enough! We''ve been here for months waiting, and finally, we hit the jackpot!" Lareya asked, "What''s the plan from here?" Clearly, Elena was the boss, who said, "Back to the hotel. I''ll make copies, and we''re sending the video to Los Angeles while I set up a meeting with Rebecca." Lareya cautioned, "Stay safe." "I will," Elena reassured him, fully prepared. "I''ve dealt with Rebecca multiple times over the last two months -- she''s an ambitious woman; it won''t be hard to sway her." ... Having established a rapport with Rebecca during their encounters, they arrived at the hotel, entering the room where Elena connected the camera to her laptop, copied the videos, and hit play. The footage, shot through the large glass window, made clear the passionate kiss between Beckham and Rebecca. Elena instructed, "Send it over." As Lareya logged into the email, he sent the video to Campos. Elena then made a phone call. "You both did well," Campos said before asking, "Can the person be brought back to Los Angeles?" Elena answered, "There''s an 80% chance." After receiving the email, Campos hung up and reviewed the footage and ordered that it be delivered to Twitter by morning. ... In Madrid the following morning, Elena called Rebecca during Real Madrid''s training schedule and made an appointment to meet at Delima Plaza. Lareya drove her over and waited outside the agreed-upon cafe. Five minutes passed, and Rebecca stepped out of a Renault, entered the cafe, and found Elena, sitting down across from her. Elena began, "My work in Madrid is wrapping up. Would you be interested in joining me in Los Angeles for a little while?" For the past two months, Rebecca had received many gifts from Elena that left a fantastic impression. She replied, "I''m currently tied up as an assistant, but once I''m on break, I''ll definitely visit you in Los Angeles." Elena pulled out a state-of-the-art Motorola phone and said, "I have something for you to see, but let''s agree not to rush. You''ll benefit from it." "What kind of thing?" Rebecca asked curiously. "You''re being mysterious." Elena retrieved the copied video from her phone, selected play, and turned the screen towards Rebecca. Rebecca leaned closer, her eyes fixed on the scene, recognizing it as the event from last night. "You..." Her face flushed immediately, and her neck swelled with emotion. Elena made her intentions clear: "The media I work for will publish this video once I make the call." Panicking, Rebecca exclaimed, "But aren''t you working for a trading company?" "Details don''t matter," Elena cut in rapidly. "There''s an opportunity for fame and fortune right in front of you. If you follow me, you''ll become a global celebrity, earning $200,000, and with a little promotion, you can easily amass millions!" Rebecca wasn''t naive; she quickly gathered the essence behind the words, "You want me to betray Beckham? To make money off the cheating video? That will ruin my reputation, and I''ll be too ashamed to face anyone..." That last sentiment wasn''t believable to Elena; Rebecca worked as Victoria''s personal assistant and seemed oblivious to Beckham''s marriage. Elena pointed out, "The shame falls on Beckham, not you. You''re merely a girl who fell for the sweet words of a soccer star. Did you do anything wrong enjoying love? Beckham is the one cheating!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 278: Sheeps Attack [Chapter 279: Sheep''s Attack] Ocean Park Boulevard, Twitter headquarters. In the conference room, Hawke pulled out a chair and sat down, saying to Edward, "Play it." Edward pressed the remote, and a video less than two minutes long began to play, featuring a man and a woman. Even someone who didn''t watch soccer recognized the man as David Beckham. The woman, however, looked unfamiliar. When the video finished, Hawke said, "This is an exclusive news story that Caroline just bought for a million dollars." He looked at Caroline, who took the remote from Edward and pressed to continue. The projection screen displayed three images: Beckham, Victoria, and the woman from the video. Caroline shone her laser pointer on the woman''s image and said, "This is Rebecca Loos, Victoria''s assistant. That means Beckham cheated with his wife''s assistant." Everyone, working and living in Los Angeles, showed no surprise; such events were far too common in Hollywood. For example, there had been the earlier scandal of Brad Pitt cheating with the nanny. Caroline had already gathered enough information from Betty, who brought in the video. She continued, "The tipster has convinced Rebecca to fly from Madrid to Los Angeles; Twitter will have a live interview with her." Hawke added, "This news about Beckham mainly targets the Latin American, European, and Asian markets. Our goal is to drive more overseas interest and expand Twitter''s user base abroad." The technical department director, Harland, chimed in, "We already have mature technical support in place." Sasha then asked, "The live streaming technology isn''t an issue, but we lack a competent interviewer. Should we hire someone temporarily?" When Hawke received Campos''s call, he had already considered this and thought of Megan Taylor. However, her contract with Fox was exclusive and inappropriate for this. He thought of someone else and wouldn''t need to pay hefty fees: "After the last episode of The Smiths'' , did Jada Smith pick up any other talk show contracts with different networks or media?" Edward, who understood more about Black celebrities, answered, "No, that was the pilot episode of . She hasn''t appeared in any subsequent shows." "Great, we can try for a second episode," Hawke said, looking at Edward. "Savior, after Rebecca Loos signs the agreement, you handle contacting Jada Smith to see if she''s interested in the second episode of ." Edward took out his phone, scrolled through some contacts, and found Jada Smith''s agent''s number, saying, "Leave it to me." Hawke assigned a few more tasks, then wrapped up the meeting, stating, "Alright, get out of here." Everyone filed out of the conference room. The video wouldn''t be released just yet. After Rebecca Loos arrived in Los Angeles and they discussed the news plan, it could be timed to go public. ... In the afternoon, Betty and Fiona drove a company car from Los Angeles International Airport to pick up Elena and Rebecca. They first stopped at the Beverly Hyatt Hotel to check Rebecca in before heading straight to Twitter''s headquarters in Santa Monica. Approaching Ocean Park Boulevard, upon seeing Twitter''s signature sign atop the building, Rebecca finally understood she was about to work with the world''s largest social network. ??¦­?§£¨º? Seeing her nervous expression, Elena said, "Don''t panic. Twitter has global influence. Didn''t you want to become famous? This is the best platform for that." Rebecca forced a smile, mulling over the situation. Having seen David Beckham participate in the Ice Bucket Challenge, she had some understanding of Twitter''s significance. This internet media company had broken several celebrity stories this year, including those on Will Smith and Kobe Bryant. They operated similarly to , often buying news at high prices. As Rebecca stepped out of the car, she wondered if a $200,000 asking price felt a little low. Betty led Elena and Rebecca into the reception on the first floor. ... At that moment, Caroline was discussing work in Hawke''s office, and Edward greeted them. After chatting for a while, Rebecca stated her demand for $2 million. Elena grabbed her and said, "Didn''t we agree on $200,000?!" Rebecca responded, "This is news about Beckham! He''s a global superstar!" She glanced at Elena, "You said I could gain fame and fortune from this. That was your guarantee." Elena was momentarily speechless. Edward, knowing he couldn''t handle this, replied, "I can''t make decisions about the price; please wait a moment." As Rebecca, who had confidently turned in her previous employer for the scoop on Beckham and Victoria, pressed him, "You all need to hurry. If you don''t move fast enough, I''ll talk to other media about cooperation." Before leaving, Edward shot a knowing glance to security deputy Jerry, saying, "Get two women to guard the door. If the woman in the red shirt tries to leave, find a way to keep her here." Having been with Hawke long enough, he was fresh out of good ideas, but had plenty of bad ones: "I remember one of your female staff broke her nose just a few days ago -- bring her in on a temporary basis." Jerry understood immediately: "Got it. If she makes a run for it, that''ll be her excuse for her nose." Rebecca, with her boldness and greed, felt she held all the cards. However, a girl in her early twenties didn''t have a clear understanding of the world''s harsh realities. dward picked up the phone and called Hawke. Elena, who got the hint, left the reception room. ... In the fourth-floor office, Hawke hung up and glanced at Caroline, saying, "Rebecca Loos just raised her price to $2 million." Caroline raised her eyebrows, "She''s trying to play hardball!" Hawke replied, "You handle her." Caroline sharpened her teeth and laughed, "Give me a few minutes to think it through." Soon after, Ms. Baa rose and exited. ... Caroline walked downstairs, and Edward introduced Elena to her. She asked Elena a few questions, "Does Rebecca have any videos, photos, or items that could substantiate Beckham''s infidelity?" "I''m certain there''s nothing," Elena replied, having casually confirmed earlier in Madrid. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Caroline then turned to Edward, "I remember you mentioned Victoria Beckham is in Los Angeles." Edward affirmed, "Yes, she''s here at Tom Cruise''s invitation to cameo in directed by Eric Emerson, and she seems to have bought a house next to Tom." "Got it," Caroline said, pushing into the reception area. ... When Rebecca saw Caroline enter, she was taken aback. The woman was tall, striking, and impeccably dressed; her style far outshone Rebecca''s. Betty introduced, "This is Caroline Jones, the operations director at Twitter." Caroline nodded at her, "You''re asking for $2 million, right? Sorry, but that''s asking too much." Rebecca stated, "The news about Beckham''s betrayal is worth that price." Caroline smirked, "You seem to have misunderstood. We already have the video about Beckham''s infidelity; it wasn''t sold to us by you. You''re merely a supplement to the plan; whether you''re here or not doesn''t change that." Rebecca realized her miscalculation: the news video wasn''t hers to sell; it was Elena''s. Caroline comfortably dominated the negotiation, further stating, "You can reach out to other media outlets, because Twitter isn''t reliant on you as a source." Rebecca found her retaliation point, "Are you really going to go after Beckham himself?" "Victoria Beckham is here in LA," Caroline said nonchalantly. "We anticipated your actions. You''re just Plan A; Twitter has a Plan B." She elaborated, "Twitter will release this video news immediately and contact Victoria before dropping it. We will collaborate with the Beckham couple to have Victoria do an exclusive interview with Twitter, blaming you for enticing Beckham." Rebecca hadn''t expected someone as attractive to be so shameless. "The video speaks for itself." Caroline laughed, "This video wasn''t shot from just one angle, and certainly not from just one source. Elena has known you for two months. You think you were only caught once?" In the dynamics of celebrity and their assistants, the latter often take some initiative to a certain extent. Caroline added, "We''ve got a few video clips showing you being particularly forward. You''ll become the target of the public''s shaming and may even get attacked by Beckham and Victoria''s fans. Anything you say, no one would believe you; mostly, people would think you are a homewrecker." Rebecca, lacking a deep understanding of the media, burned with anger. "You are so shameless!" Caroline directly stated, "We had a verbal agreement. If you don''t plan to uphold it, we''re moving to Plan B." Rebecca fell silent. Having used the stick approach, Caroline now offered a little sweetness, "Of course, if it''s possible, we prefer Plan A." Rebecca raised her head, looking at the intimidating woman across from her, starting to feel afraid. "$300,000. If you agree now, we can sign. If you decline..." Caroline pointed toward the exit, "The door is right there; you''re free to go." Rebecca glanced at the door, ground her teeth, and said, "Alright, $300,000! Upon signing, you must deposit half immediately." Caroline nodded, "You''re a clever woman." ... The two sides reached an agreement and quickly drafted a contract, signing it off. Edward reviewed the agreement before contacting Jada Smith''s agent. Jada promptly replied and agreed to collaborate with Twitter. The last episode of had brought her massive exposure, and she''d since built up a following. Before the day''s end, Twitter released the news about Beckham''s affair. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 279: The Service Industry is in High Demand [Chapter 280: The Service Industry is in High Demand] Beverly Hills, Hilton Hotel -- a party involving the entertainment and fashion industries was taking place. Tom Cruise introduced several people to Victoria. At that moment, an assistant approached with a phone, saying, "Hawke Osment just called." "Give me the phone," Tom Cruise set the rest aside and promptly dialed Hawke back. He stepped onto the terrace, returning the call, stating, "I''m at a party tonight, but my assistant has my phone. Hawke, why did you need me?" On the other end, Hawke got straight to the point, "My operations director spent a million bucks to acquire a video of Beckham''s affair. It''ll go public in ten minutes." Tom Cruise wanted to ask if they could avoid publishing it, but stopped himself short. In the UK media, there was typically a courtesy call before releasing a scandal. But here in America, there wasn''t the same understanding; it entirely depended on the media''s connection with the individual involved. Hawke''s earlier statement had already hinted at the news -- a million-dollar report regarding Beckham''s cheating... If he weren''t concerned about his friendship with Beckham, Hawke wouldn''t have bothered giving him a heads-up. "Okay, got it," Tom Cruise didn''t make any demands and hung up. ... Tom quickly returned to the banquet hall and waved at Victoria off in the distance. Victoria hurried over. Tom said, "I just found out that in ten minutes, Twitter is going to publish a video news story about David cheating. You''d better be prepared." Victoria wasn''t shocked by infidelity but by the fact it had been caught and recorded. She heard a keyword, "Twitter? Hawke Osment''s Twitter?" In choosing between the Beckhams and Hawke, Tom Cruise didn''t hesitate, stating, "Hawke, because of the good relationship with you both, gave me a quick call. You should leave now to prepare." Victoria understood; Tom Cruise didn''t want to be involved in this matter. She was aware that Beckham''s relationship with the other party wasn''t as good as the media painted it, so pleading for support felt entirely unnecessary. "Thanks," Victoria exited the banquet hall to meet her assistant, saying, "Get in the car, we''re going back to the hotel." As the driver brought the car around, they all climbed in. ... Victoria pulled out her phone, dialed Beckham''s number, but it went unanswered; he was possibly in training. She quickly called her agent in the United States, and the agent immediately contacted Twitter. But they couldn''t reach Hawkins or even the operations director Caroline Jones. ?????£Î§°?¨º???? By the time they reached the hotel, Victoria hurriedly logged onto her computer and opened Twitter, seeing the bold, highlighted headline, "Soccer Superstar David Beckham Caught Cheating with His Wife Victoria''s Assistant!" Victoria opened the article and found scant text, with the most eye-catching element being a still frame video showing Beckham and Rebecca Loos in a heated kiss. "Damn it! Why did you have to pick my assistant?!" Victoria''s anger flared as she smashed a fine china cup to the floor, sending shards flying. This was too humiliating; she contemplated filing for divorce, deciding she would stand strong like Jennifer Aniston and just go for it. Victoria dialed Beckham again, but there was still no answer. She contemplated messaging him to propose a divorce but found herself frozen over the send button, unable to press it. After a moment, reason overtook impulse. How would her career advance without Beckham? Victoria''s mind returned to clarity; when the Spice Girls were at the height of their fame, she barely stood out until becoming Beckham''s partner. Now, with the Spice Girls disbanded and internal conflicts brewing, there was no path back to music. Victoria sought to break into fashion and develop her personal brand; Beckham was essential for that. Without Beckham, who would care about a faded popstar still known as part of a group? Victoria deleted her drafted message and opened her contacts to call her agent: "Find me a public manager as soon as possible -- someone powerful." Looking back at the video again, scrolling down the comment section, she found an avalanche of reactions. ... [The British ''golden boy'' really lives up to his name.] [It''s just became normal for a Hollywood star to cheat with the nanny, a basketball star to cheat with the waitress, and a soccer star to cheat with his wife''s assistant. Why is the service industry so in demand? I also want to get into these professions.] [Waiting for Victoria and Beckham''s divorce.] [I''ve long heard that Beckham''s side hustle is to cheat, while Victoria''s job is forgiveness, forgiveness, and more forgiveness.] Seeing that last comment, Victoria couldn''t bear to look further, fearing a breakdown might happen if she read more, prompting a hasty divorce. For the sake of her future, she couldn''t leave him. Surveying the numerous shares indicated at the bottom of the page -- over ten thousand -- it was apparent the public''s outrage was on the verge of explosion. Eventually, Beckham''s call came through. Upon answering, Victoria erupted, needing him to know how she felt about this. The screaming match persisted for over half an hour, concluding with Beckham''s relentless apologies. ... On Ocean Park Boulevard, at Twitter, Hawke switched the backend to the Spanish version. In Spain, Twitter''s activity surged, gaining 40,000 new users within just two hours, with the pace only picking up. While the Spanish were enjoying the juicy gossip, they weren''t overly concerned about it. [In the case of a star like Beckham, an extramarital affair is pretty standard.] [What with David''s allure and athleticism, one Victoria isn''t enough.] [Have you noticed that assistant looks better than Victoria?] Hawke decided to stay at the office for the night rather than going home. ... Four hours after the news video went live, Hawke logged back onto the backend to check the analytics. In Latin America, user growth was obvious, with nearly 70,000 new registrations flooding in from all southern markets. Asia had a massive population, and while Twitter couldn''t penetrate the largest markets, soccer''s impact in Asia rivaled that of Latin America and Europe. Beckham''s influence had long transcended soccer circles. Asian users spiked more than 100,000. At that moment, Edward knocked, entered, and asked, "Boss, I just spoke with Jada Smith; she''s flying in from out of town tomorrow morning and will come straight to Twitter after landing." Hawke nodded slightly: "I''ll meet with her." Getting Victoria to come to Twitter and participate in a second episode of alongside Rebecca Loos could spell excitement for the platform. ... Just then, Hawke''s phone rang, displaying a name he rarely contacted -- Justin Blatt! The president of Private Media, having collaborated with him during the Allison Faith and Josh Hartnett scandal last year. Picking up, Hawke said, "Good evening, Justin." "Evening. I was just chatting with Brian over tea the other day. He mentioned you and suggested all our signing stars establish official Twitter accounts." These big studios'' actresses harbored plenty of fans across America; Hawke couldn''t refuse, saying, "Twitter welcomes that wholeheartedly." Justin chuckled, "Alright, it''s a deal." After some small talk, Justin pivoted to business, "I just saw the trending news on Twitter; David Beckham has been caught cheating?" Hawke already anticipated his angle: "That''s correct; I spent over a million on that news." Justin was unfazed, countering, "Five million -- sell the full video to Private Media?" Hawke knew he couldn''t fake it on such matters. "What we released is the complete video, and that''s the extent of what was available to me." Justin replied, "That''s unfortunate; a private video of David Beckham would garner high value, even in a country like America with limited soccer appeal." He sighed, "Beckham is genuinely a soccer star with widespread influence here." Hawke understood him well, replying, "I''m powerless to change anything." Justin responded, "Alright, well, let''s keep in touch for any suitable opportunities. We''ll work together again." With that, Hawke hung up. Last year''s success on the selfie tape and DVD had made Private Media particularly attentive to illicit videos, seeking out celebrities'' private footage and selfies. Suddenly, Hawke remembered he had a tape in the underground vault of his Silver Lake home featuring him and Erica. Such material might not concern the male half of the relationship, but it could cause immense harm to the woman involved. After they finished shooting practice at a range in Altera Mountain, they''d already watched it once, with Erica completing the ''softening the hard'' exercise. ... Calling Erica, he asked, "Are you over by Silver Lake?" Erica responded, "Of course." Hawke said, "We''ve already seen the tape in the vault. Let''s destroy it." Erica hesitated reluctantly, then responded, "I''ll get it done." Not long later, she called back, "It''s been shredded and burned to ashes." Hawke sighed in relief. ... The following morning, just after nine, Jada Smith exited Los Angeles International Airport, instructing her driver to head directly to Twitter. Hawke personally greeted her. The Smiths'' marriage was essentially a business arrangement now; with substantial mutual interests, they wouldn''t split any time soon. In the meeting room, Hawke directly stated, "The upcoming episode of focuses on the woman at the center of the Beckham affair." Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. On her way over, Jada had seen some of the breaking news, stating, "I need to meet her." Hawke replied, "No problem, she''ll be here soon." Both Jada and Twitter needed some buzz, and this second collaboration seemed certain to generate some sizzling heat. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 280: The Heartthrob [Chapter 281: The Heartthrob] The media frenzy reached a boiling point, and seized the opportunity to launch its second episode to draw even more viewers. Hawke''s aim was crystal clear; he wanted to tap into the online audiences in Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The influence of soccer and the star players associated with it was enormous outside North America. Unlike American football, soccer had a global reach that was undeniable. With high demands for hardware and bandwidth, live streaming was challenging; besides video, Twitter would also sync text and image commentary. Outside the studio, a fully made-up Jada Pinkett Smith told Hawke, "I''m going to uncover every secret Rebecca has with Beckham and let the world see what they''ve been up to." As a master of gossip, Hawke added, "And her personal feelings about it too." He paused for effect, pointing out, "I''ve heard Beckham has incredible stamina, especially when it comes to running." Jada got the hint immediately. "I''ll have to see for myself one of these days." Hawke pretended not to hear her and called out, "Let''s get ready to roll." ... Inside the studio, the crew was all set. Rebecca Loos who had become very popular these days, looked radiant, like a Hollywood star. Yet, when she saw Caroline enter in red high heels, she felt a bit diminished. Caroline glanced at Rebecca and stated, "Cooperate well." Rebecca knew she wasn''t a must-have and realized that any shot at fame and fortune rested on Beckham. She nodded eagerly, "I absolutely will." ... Caroline stepped out and met Hawke, informing him, "We''ve decided to use a ten-second delay for the live broadcast, just as you suggested." Hawke replied, "That way, if anything goes wrong, we can handle it in real time." ... As they approached the beginning of the broadcast, Jada Pinkett Smith entered the studio, and the second episode of commenced. The first episode covered the infidelity of the Smiths; the second focused on David Beckham''s cheating scandal. These consecutive episodes essentially defined the format of the show, centering around celebrity infidelity. Jada, being a seasoned Hollywood veteran and someone who had experienced this firsthand, was acutely aware of how sensational and attention-grabbing celebrity cheating stories could be. Hawke chatted briefly with Caroline before heading to the director''s room to watch the live feed. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Rebecca, guided by Jada, spoke about her relationship with the Beckhams: "My job in Madrid focused mainly on taking care of Victoria. I''d show her around the city and take her shopping; I was the first to see the Beckhams every day, arranging their schedules." Jada didn''t hesitate to dig into the crux of the matter: "How did your professional relationship with Beckham turn into something more?" Rebecca thought for a moment before answering, "Victoria wasn''t fond of Madrid; her career revolved around England and the U.S. At least half of each month, she stayed in England, and one week in the States. Beckham felt lonely and, as a celebrity, found it hard to confide in anyone. He often chatted with me and showed genuine concern about my life. When he found out I was single, he asked me out." "Did you accept?" Jada interjected. Rebecca replied earnestly, "No one can turn down Beckham. He''s a heartthrob, a true gentleman." Jada probed further, "What was your first date with him like?" "It was a disaster; I''d rather not think about it," Rebecca recounted. "David picked me up, but we got spotted by paparazzi. He drove into the hotel''s underground parking, and I had to hide in the back of his car to avoid being seen. I didn''t come out until we reached a villa, and I was sore all over." ???????????§¦? Jada chuckled, "That sounds awful. Why didn''t you just refuse?" Rebecca paused, and then said, "Because he''s David Beckham." "Not because he''s rich?" Jada''s questions gradually became sharper. "When your date with Beckham went public, many of his fans on Twitter accused you of being a gold digger, calling you a prostitute." Rebecca shot back, "I''m not a prostitute. I''ve seen those articles. That guy who claims to know me and called me a prostitute, I don''t even know him." Faced with fierce accusations, she remained composed. "Other than my assistant''s salary and bonuses, there was no financial exchange between Beckham and me. My relationship with him was never about money; I never received anything for it." Jada picked up on her sentiment and asked, "What was it then?" Rebecca responded, "David confessed he liked me, and I was captivated by his charm." Jada continued probing, "Was that emotionally or physically?" "Both," Rebecca gushed about Beckham, "David is a true gentleman, incredibly charming, and one of the best athletes in the game. He''s in phenomenal shape; I don''t know how to describe him." At that point, Jada opted to stop probing. Rebecca elaborated, "David told me I was beautiful and sweet, unlike Victoria, who tends to be bossy and always orders him around." Jada immediately inquired, "Are there serious conflicts between Beckham and Victoria?" Rebecca hesitated before responding, "They''re not as harmonious as they appear; maybe they were in the beginning due to love, but now it feels more like a business partnership. They stay together for commercial interests. David has told me he doesn''t feel warmth or romance with Victoria anymore; they just discuss money." Jada, speaking from her own experience, noted, "I''ve been through something similar; it truly is frightening." Rebecca added, "Another thing to mention is, Victoria is getting thinner. David said it''s too scary to be with her." She suddenly stood up and turned to the camera, showcasing her figure as she declared, "Honestly, David likes my type..." Jada inquired, "Since you seem to get along well with Beckham, why come forward?" Rebecca replied seriously, "I fell for David, but he''s not loyal to me; he has other women." Jada appeared shocked, "You mean Victoria?" "Not her. It''s someone else," Rebecca clarified, based on her observations as an assistant. "Though I don''t know the name, I''m sure of it, and that person is likely a model from Asia." The conversation shifted entirely into more private matters, and Rebecca went so far as to mention a particular characteristic of Beckham''s anatomy to corroborate her claims. ... The live video, images, and texts spread across Twitter, reaching a staggering audience of over 27 million viewers worldwide. Most came from Europe, Asia, and Latin America. David Beckham, undoubtedly one of the most marketable soccer stars, made headlines as his infidelity scandal boosted Twitter''s international profile. By the time the show concluded, the latest stats were presented to Hawke. Caroline remarked, "The total viewership for the video, images, and text broadcasts reached 32.11 million, including an impressive 3.27 million new registrations, of which over 75% came from overseas, particularly Europe." Hawke was quite pleased and instructed, "Keep in touch with Rebecca and see if you can extract more stories from her." Turning to Edward, he added, "Notify Butterfly Consulting to see if we can find out who else Beckham has been involved with according to Rebecca." Edward confirmed, "They''re already on it." Vague memories of a past life hinted that Beckham had been linked to four or five women who were rumored to be involved with him. Some were even assistants or caretakers from when he became an owner of a Miami team. The vicinity of the stars was often a hotspot for scandal. Beckham never failed to provide juicy gossip. Caroline chimed in, "We could incentivize the news leads; if they''re willing to come forward, we can offer them a reward." Hawke agreed, "Sure, get that organized. It doesn''t matter if they don''t cooperate with Twitter; as long as they''re willing to speak, the interest will remain. Twitter will still benefit from being the first to report." ... Caroline exited the director''s room and posted a reward notice for news on Twitter. Ever since the release of Beckham''s incriminating video, Rebecca''s profile shot up, making her an internet sensation. Those women associated with Beckham, inspired by Rebecca''s revelation, might decide to step into the spotlight. Caroline''s announcement wasn''t the only thing making waves; she also released news about Rebecca. Just days ago, Rebecca received an interview request from , which was willing to pay her PS200,000 for a tell-all. However, Rebecca had signed a contract with Twitter, and their offer was not significantly better than what she had with Twitter. Naturally, in her response, Rebecca firmly declined ''s invitation. ... As word spread on Twitter, many women, especially those seeking fame and a quick payday, felt a stir of excitement. Many aspiring actresses and models who had distinct looks and were willing to step into the fray were aplenty -- too numerous to count, especially in Los Angeles. In Australia, a model named Sarah Marbeck was also a Twitter user. Ever since Beckham''s cheating video went live, she had been following the story closely. Upon seeing Twitter''s news alert, she decided to let go of her daydreams and head to Los Angeles. She had met Beckham during a 2001 summer tour with Manchester United in Asia, and they had exchanged numbers. In just a few hours, they had sent dozens of texts back and forth, with Beckham inviting Sarah to his private training session, where he showcased extraordinary ball skills and impressive lob techniques. Later on, they maintained a lengthy connection, with Beckham offering her match tickets and inviting her to Europe to catch games, where he''d also use her as a target for shooting practice. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 281: Pregnancy [Chapter 282: Pregnancy] Beverly Hills, in a mansion on the hillside. The director of BWR Public Relations, Rooney Chasen, sat in the living room listening to the heated arguments erupting in a nearby study. She glanced at the two men across from her. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. One was Simon Fuller, the former agent of the Spice Girls, who was now Beckham''s manager. The other was Florentino P¨¦rez, from Real Madrid, accompanying Beckham to Los Angeles to resolve the current PR disaster. Both men represented Beckham''s interests. Rooney Chasen was the PR manager hired by Victoria. Inside the study, the dispute between Beckham and Victoria showed no sign of resolution. If they parted ways unsatisfactorily, culminating in divorce, all three would end up as adversaries rather than collaborators. At that moment, with loyalties unclear, it was not the right time for Rooney to speak. Simon, with intimate knowledge of both parties, said softly, "They won''t get divorced." Beckham''s current commercial standing was due, not just to Victoria''s support, but to his own decisions. Their partnership was a true case of one plus one being greater than three. Exaggeratedly, the Beckhams resembled business partners with a personal connection. Sure enough, as the argument in the study subsided, the two main figures emerged, their emotions starting to stabilize after days of discord. It had been a few days since the scandal broke; they argued on the phone, continued their quarrel on the plane, and finally confronted each other in Los Angeles. They had likely ironed out their plans by now. ... David and Victoria emerged from the study. David looked at Simon and P¨¦rez, stating, "We''re not getting divorced; we''re working to quell this media storm as quickly as possible." P¨¦rez said, "I will pressure Twitter on behalf of Real Madrid. If they don''t downplay this incident, they''ll find themselves on our blacklist. Real Madrid will refuse any form of collaboration." Rooney, as an American, scoffed internally at that but noted that Victoria remained silent, so she kept her thoughts to herself. Simon added, "Pressure is one aspect; we may also resort to legal measures..." "This isn''t the U.K., and it''s not Madrid," Victoria interjected, more competent in handling media affairs than Beckham. "Real Madrid doesn''t hold enough power here; Twitter won''t care about your club." P¨¦rez looked a bit disgruntled. Victoria had never liked Spain or Madrid and had her reservations about Beckham''s transfer. Most significantly, the club didn''t fit into her business landscape. Victoria bluntly said, "This is Los Angeles, not Europe. Put away your aristocratic club airs; that''ll just worsen our situation." She pointed to Beckham: "He''s already admitted to it; there''s no defamation case worth pursuing." Simon nodded, asking, "What about Tom Cruise?" Victoria quickly interjected, "The founder of Twitter is Hawke Osment; Tom Cruise himself stated he wouldn''t want to provoke him." Rooney suggested, "I say we should solve this issue within the rules; we shouldn''t resort to underhanded tactics." Simon had generally been cruising smoothly in his career and didn''t take her word to heart. "Is he special?" Rooney replied, "Once we break the rules, the other side won''t play fair either. We can''t risk Hawke Osment''s out-of-bounds methods; we can''t take that risk." ???????????¨¨? She thought of the two people who had taken their own lives. "People could die over this." The living room fell into a momentary silence. Victoria broke the silence: "You''re the media PR expert out here; share your advice." From day one of accepting the task, Rooney had been contemplating this moment, and given her understanding of Hawke, she never considered crooked alternatives. Rooney understood that taking shortcuts would only exacerbate the problem or potentially lead to a complete breakdown. "Resolving this issue isn''t difficult; it hinges on you," Rooney looked at Victoria, "You don''t want a divorce, so publicly forgiving David will quell half of the storm." Victoria''s expression soured; no woman likes wearing their partner''s infidelity like a crown. Rooney glanced at David: "He is willing to publicly apologize and ask for your forgiveness..." "That''s not right," David interrupted. "If all the blame lands on me, it''ll tarnish my reputation." He considered, "I''ll remain silent." Victoria shot him a glance but remained quiet. Rooney analyzed, "In the current situation, you have been nailed to the cross by public opinion. It is easier to save your reputation by taking responsibility than to deny or remain silent. If you try to evade, not only will you be a cheater, but you will also be regarded as a coward by countless people." Victoria countered, "Rebecca mentioned you have more than one mistress." David denied it: "She''s lying; I don''t have any, don''t believe her." "Forget those details; if you apologize publicly and Victoria forgives you, everything else will fall into place," Rooney proposed her common PR strategy. "As for public opinion, it''s not that hard either; we can create a new explosive story to generate buzz." She glanced at Victoria''s belly: "Have David take you to a reputable clinic for a check-up, and then announce that you''re pregnant." Victoria quickly caught on: "Because of the baby, I choose to forgive David; everything I''ve done now holds a solid reason and explanation that protects my personal reputation." Rooney, whose priority was to safeguard Victoria''s reputation, declared, "The natural privileges attached to pregnancy will offset most of the negative remarks." However, David sat nearby, his face darkening: "Let''s not forget our news is being heavily scrutinized; Twitter is going after us!" "Targeting? That''s a stretch," Rooney, having worked with Hawke multiple times, had some insight into Twitter''s release strategy. "Twitter seeks buzz; your story brings in a massive flow of users, and they''ll hold on tightly. But once other stories promise even more traffic, Twitter will switch its focus." David opened his mouth to respond, but Victoria silenced him with a stern look. She asked, "Can you reach the Twitter management team?" "To do PR in Los Angeles, having connections is crucial," Rooney realized that knowing Hawke Osment significantly elevated her standing. She momentarily lost focus, before stating, "I know the Twitter founder, Hawke Osment and COO Caroline Jones; I''ve worked with them previously." Victoria made her decision: "Let''s proceed as you suggested." P¨¦rez had something to say but was cut short when Victoria told Beckham, "You take care of this." Since he wasn''t getting a divorce, he could only make concessions in this moment of weakness. ... Rooney reflected for a moment and then called Caroline. Caroline then alerted Hawke. An hour and a half later, Rooney quickly arrived at Ocean Park Avenue and entered Twitter''s meeting room. Familiar faces greeted her; Hawke met her in person. Rooney shared the details at lightning speed. What Hawke sought was buzzworthy content and the potential to convert viewers into Twitter users; he wouldn''t pass up a story like this. He stated, "A few things to clarify: whether Victoria is truly pregnant or not, you need to provide the most authentic proof, especially medical reports -- Twitter doesn''t report fake news." Rooney replied, "That''s not an issue; I''ve already scheduled the clinic for today. Victoria and Beckham will kick off their baby-making plan today; according to the doctors, Victoria has a hyper-fertile condition." Hawke had rich experience here and said, "Keep it discreet while you get the medical examination; avoid the media''s eye. Then you can have someone secretly film it and send the footage to Twitter. This way, it''ll be easier to earn public trust." Rooney hadn''t considered this but was enlightened: "The public distrusts what you disclose but trusts something caught on camera?" She remembered one thing: "Wasn''t Steve Nutt caught using a sneaked video?" Hawke dismissed her comment: "Once Twitter breaks the news, then have the Beckham couple hold a press conference." Rooney confirmed, "That''s doable." Hawke continued, "Photos of Victoria with the newborn must be published on Twitter." Rooney responded, "Absolutely." Hawke said, "Connect with your clients quickly, so we can formally sign the agreement." Rooney rushed off. ... The next morning, ran a story about Beckham''s new scandal. Australian model Sarah Marbeck claimed to have had a three-year secret affair with David Beckham and showed evidence such as the plane tickets and game tickets purchased by him. Online, more mistresses of David Beckham surfaced, including claims from men and transgender individuals through Twitter asserting one-night stands with Beckham. The Internet, especially Twitter, has given ordinary people a platform to speak freely. ... Under pressure from public outcry, David Beckham, who had initially hesitated, ultimately made concessions to Victoria and signed a confidential agreement with Twitter. ... That afternoon, they managed to evade the paparazzi and journalists by visiting a clinic in Beverly Hills, where they easily obtained a pregnancy test report through financial leverage. The report was swiftly leaked after being clandestinely captured. That night, the leaked video and photos appeared in Twitter''s news feed with the headline: "Victoria Beckham Suspected to be Pregnant!" This was akin to throwing gasoline on a blazing fire, fueling even greater media attention while simultaneously redirecting the public gaze. Pregnant women typically received a compassionate response. All blame and insults fell squarely on David Beckham''s shoulders. ... As a new day dawned, the Beckham couple held a press conference at the Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, formally announcing Victoria''s pregnancy. Beckham faced the media cameras, acknowledged his infidelity, accepted full responsibility, and publicly apologized to Victoria. Victoria graciously accepted his apology. The couple reconciled. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 282: First-Mover Advantage [Chapter 283: First-Mover Advantage] "Beckham and Victoria are still making headlines," Caroline said as she switched the projector screen in the conference room to display an official announcement from Real Madrid. "Real Madrid announced that David Beckham would miss the next two games for personal reasons, notifying media and fans." Hawke wasn''t particularly interested in that news. He cut right to the chase, asking, "How much have we invested in this, and what''s the data looking like?" Technical Director Harland replied, "We''ve seen a significant uptick in overseas user registrations. As of yesterday, during the Beckham scandal, we gained six million new users globally, with about 17-18 percent coming from outside North America." Caroline adjusted the projector to show the statistical data section. Harland continued, "Over this period, Twitter''s global user base surpassed 45 million, with nearly 35 million active users. The growth trend has been consistent." Hawke nodded slightly and inquired, "What about our competitors?" Caroline responded, "Currently, LinkedIn is in second place among social networks. It launched earlier this year and now has 2.24 million users. Originally, Reid Hoffman wanted to invest in LinkedIn, but we placed restrictions on him and Peter Thiel during negotiations, preventing them from investing in similar companies again." Hawke instructed, "Keep an eye on LinkedIn." But it wasn''t just LinkedIn; he privately sent someone to Harvard University to meet with Zuckerberg, applying pressure behind the scenes. Twitter''s lead was steadily expanding. With each passing headline, users flocked to the platform. The ease of interaction and user-friendly features cultivated a habit among them. As long as they didn''t make any major missteps, Twitter could maintain a strong growth trajectory in the short term. ... In the San Francisco Bay Area, at Clarium Capital. Inside his office, Peter Thiel browsed Twitter, noting that Beckham and Victoria seemed to have reconciled, leaving Los Angeles together. In the reception area, Reid Hoffman was sipping coffee when he remarked, "It turns out you had a good eye after all." He shifted topics. "I''ve been getting some pressure from a few calls lately. What about you?" "I''ve received some too," Thiel replied nonchalantly. "In the next five years, we''re potentially looking at a huge asset appreciation. Are you really going to walk away from that?" sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Reid Hoffman stated directly, "I''ll hold firm and continue our investments. If they dare to break the rules first, I''ll pull out five hundred million dollars to confront them directly." Thiel shared Hoffman''s view; such an opportunity was extremely rare, even in Silicon Valley. Empty promises meant nothing. To get their cooperation, it was simple: offer a good opportunity for a billion dollar asset appreciation. Hoffman added, "Twitter has rejected the initial valuation of five billion dollars, believing it to be worth more." Thiel sighed. "Thirty-six million active users is indeed astounding." Hoffman replied, "This company is growing at an astonishing rate. Users translate into immense market value, thanks to the Ice Bucket Challenge by Tom Cruise and Beckham''s infidelity scandal, which have both brought enormous traffic and built user habits." ?????£Î????£Â?S? "Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch are also eyeing Twitter," Thiel noted, sounding well-informed. "There''s also Bill Gates. He mentioned Twitter during Microsoft''s latest board meeting." Hoffman had heard the same: "Pacific Investment Group is also raising funds." Thiel paused for a moment before saying, "It''s hard to predict. Given Hawke Osment''s age and ability, Twitter will likely maintain its upward trajectory for the next fifteen years, potentially becoming the new Yahoo before 2001." "It''s an AB share structure. While we''d gain a seat on the board, Hawke Osment maintains absolute power," Hoffman expressed his concern. "He could put Twitter on the fast track to success or plunge the company into chaos." However, Thiel remarked, "Based on the past year''s performance, Hawke''s internet operations are just as strong as his strategic planning." Hoffman thought for a while and nodded slightly. "Without Hawke Osment, there wouldn''t be a Twitter today." Thiel stood up. "Let''s reevaluate and accelerate negotiations." The development of internet companies was often rapid, and Twitter was at the forefront. ... In Malibu, in an independent mansion that dominated a cliffside. In a private cinema, the latest movie was playing. Sean Ackerman had his arm around a blonde woman, playfully squeezing her soft spots while watching Hermione Granger on the screen. "If you could get her here, securing funding for the movie wouldn''t be an issue." The blonde flirted back, "Am I not enough?" "Not the same, not the same," Sean thought of the Venice Beach Club while looking at Hermione and felt his desires intensify. "You''re not fresh enough." The blonde reminded him, "This Hermione was born in 1990." Sean laughed, "Thirteen? Thirteen is the best age, I love it." Fernando Crane, the assistant, eavesdropped, thinking to himself, "Thirteen-year-old Hermione? I like that too." But he knew better; those brought over from Latin America were his to enjoy. Famous figures like Emma Watson were the playthings of the high-profile. As for age, in all his years with the Ackerman family, Fernando had seen that in Hollywood, age was never an issue. The reason why so many Hollywood child stars have fallen was not just the influence of fame and fortune but also the greed of their guardians. What they experienced far exceeded ordinary imagination. Those who emerged victorious, maintaining fame into adulthood, typically had powerful backers or had endured intense trials. Fernando hurried to Sean and said, "Sir, the people outside are back." Sean released the blonde and, trying to mimic his father Buddy Ackerman, patted her shoulder. "Get Hermione here as soon as possible; my check will always be waiting." The blonde had worked with Warner Brothers before and hesitated, saying, "I can try." She wasn''t naive. She''d need to find out which executive at Warner managed Hermione. If it was Producer David Heyman, she''d think of some ways to persuade him. ... Sean left the screening room with Fernando, taking the elevator to the second floor and entering the seaside study. Fernando stopped by the door, waiting outside. Inside the study, Sean glanced at Vaughns, who had been waiting. "Did you meet Barack Bernanke in Rosario?" "I did. We''ve talked a few times," Vaughns quickly organized his words. "Barack seems friendly and had no ill will toward us." Sean chuckled. "Without Melissa, he has to choose someone else." Vaughns added, "And you''re the best choice." Sean''s laughter grew more genuine. Compared to his sister Melissa, Sean wasn''t as capable or shrewd, which made Buddy''s disdain towards him understandable. Sean asked, "Was Barack in Rosario long enough to find leads on Melissa''s disappearance?" "Found a few leads," Vaughns explained. "The trail leads to a valley on the outskirts of Rosario, where a burned-out car was found. It''s a common Mexican model, and all the VINs were scrubbed. No weapons or bodies were discovered." "Great news!" Sean hoped Melissa would never be found. Vaughns continued, "The area around Rosario is vast and sparsely populated, and it''s chaotic. Once the assailants leave the city, it becomes nearly impossible to track them. Barack has hired Pinkerton professionals but still can''t find leads. That Pinkerton detective suspects the assailants have strong counter-surveillance skills and are likely professionals just like them." Sean asked, "Is Barack still searching?" Vaughns replied, "He hasn''t given up; he''s still looking for Melissa." Sean contemplated for a moment. "You should return to Mexico and keep an eye on Barack Bernanke. Maintain contact with him." He imagined, "As time passes since Melissa''s disappearance, Barack will gradually lose confidence, and he''ll have no choice but to support me." Vaughans promptly said, "I''ll book a flight to Rosario right away, following Barack''s team closely for their movements." "Go ahead," Sean affirmed. Vaughns left the seaside villa at a faster pace than when he arrived. ... Sean sat by the desk and felt an urge to call Buddy Ackerman. But remembering his father''s explosion of anger with no news on Melissa the day before, he decided it was best to keep his distance for now. With Melissa vanishing in chaotic and backward Mexico, having found no useful leads for so many days and no ransom calls, it was likely she was in dire straits. With Buddy Ackerman''s direct descendants reduced to just one, Sean believed that even if his father underwent an organ transplant, he wouldn''t live long. In that case, the family''s entire inheritance would rest solely on his shoulders. Fernando then walked into the study. Sean said, "Keep recruiting; we need to prepare to take full control of the Ackerman Charity Foundation." Fernando replied, "As long as the money is right, staffing won''t be a problem." Sean suddenly thought of something. "If we get the chance, find the blood packs and organ bank raised by the family." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 283: The Real Vampires [Chapter 284: The Real Vampires] In a pitch-black basement, the lights suddenly flicked on. Melissa, lying in an iron cage, instinctively raised her hand to shield her eyes. After a while, she adjusted to the brightness and slowly lowered her hand, noticing two burly Mexican women guarding her. Only when they moved aside did Melissa see two individuals in hoods positioned behind them. Recalling her last encounter, which she suspected involved Sean''s people, she sat up and combed her long hair, saying, "Have you made up your minds?" Hawke said, "We don''t know where the benefits you are talking about are, but the benefits given to us by others are right here." Melissa extended her hand, trying to take control. "Give me a phone. With a call, you''ll each receive five million dollars in your accounts." She emphasized, "You can keep an eye on me. If I say anything inappropriate, you''re free to kill me." Hawke merely stared at her coldly. Melissa continued, "I own an apartment on Brighton Street in Santa Monica. Behind a regular printed painting in the living room, there''s a key to a Citibank safe. The bank recognizes the key, not the person. Inside, I''ve stashed cash and jewelry -- my emergency funds." Hawke was silent for a moment before asking, "What do you want us to do?" Melissa slowly replied, "To make you a wealthy person, truly experience the benefits of having money." Hawke didn''t speak much more but kept observing Melissa and, satisfied with her physical health, appeared pleased. Melissa misread the situation. "If you want me, you can have me anytime you want." Hawke turned around and left. ... Once on the surface, Edward asked, "Boss, why not teach her a lesson? A round of torture would make her spill everything." Hawke said, "It''s not time yet." More precisely, Hawke needed a sufficiently healthy blood bag. But if the timing was right, he wouldn''t hesitate to extract Ackerman family secrets from Melissa and fully eliminate those bastards. No, it was to capture all of the Ackerman family''s younger generation with suitable age and blood type as backup blood bags. At that moment, Campos approached. Hawke cautioned, "Don''t rush, take your time. Anyone left alone in such an environment for too long will experience some mental changes." Campos reminded him, "Last week, she went on a hunger strike. I had to order nutrients to be infused directly into her." Hawke said, "She''s not the type to give in easily." Campos quietly informed, "Barack Bernanke has been in Mexico, still investigating, surrounded by a complete security team and Pinkerton detectives." "Don''t let anyone get close," Hawke said as he walked. "Focus on Sean Ackerman." Campos nodded, "We''ve pulled our people back." He kept pace with Hawke. "Sean has had a falling out with Buddy Ackerman and moved out of the North Sunset Boulevard Ackerman estate, but he has a lot of bodyguards, making it difficult to approach." ?????¦­¨®B????? Hawke has always been patient. "Investigate his recent lifestyle and business activities, along with any questionable dealings he''s been involved in." The group exited the warehouse, split into vehicles, and left. ... Inside their bulletproof Mercedes, Edward asked, "Should we send someone to look for the safe key?" "Just pretend you didn''t hear those words," Hawke replied succinctly. "Some information doesn''t need to be communicated directly. A sudden activation of a bank safe could be a signal released to the outside." ... The two made their way back to the office, and upon ascending the stairs, they found Frank looking as though he''d aged five years. Hawke was curious. "What''s wrong with you, man?" Edward jokingly said, "Could it be that your ex-wife was seduced away by someone?" "She got caught," Frank replied seriously. "Because she found a jerk who wasn''t picking cotton properly and whipped him." Edward had gotten used to this sort of jab. "It''s all good; that''s just the loving whip. You wouldn''t understand -- that''s love." Hawke entered the office, and when the two came in, he asked, "Did your ex-wife cause trouble?" Frank shook his head. "No, I''m heartbroken again." Hawke had heard from Edward that Frank was pursuing a female employee from a neighboring company. Edward launched a counterattack: "You''re just chasing; she hasn''t agreed to be your girlfriend, so how are you heartbroken?" Frank took on an exaggerated tone, "Five years ago, I could''ve had this type of woman in under two hours." Edward learned the art of exaggeration from him: "If she had a child and was divorced, I could have her wrapped around my finger in half an hour!" Hawke patted Edward on the shoulder, aiming to deflate Frank, saying, "I don''t believe you, but I believe the Savior, as I''ve seen that a couple of times." Frank added, "You''ve seen Salma Hayek." Hawke dismissed this. "I heard her talking about striving for an Oscar nomination." Frank sighed. "Finally found someone who matched my tastes, and then..." Hawke pointed at the office''s liquor cabinet and told Edward, "Grab that bottle of Laurent-Perrier Champagne. Let''s celebrate... no, let''s help Frank out of his heartbreak." Frank didn''t wait for Edward to comply and walked straight to the liquor cabinet, throwing Hawke a middle finger before starting. The three of them raised their glasses of champagne, and Frank seemed to come back to life. Hawke asked, "Have you dealt with the Ackerman family while working in Hollywood?" S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "That bunch of scum?" Frank scoffed. "I''m a real filmmaker; they are not." Curious, Edward asked, "Were they just looking to take advantage of real filmmakers?" Frank poured champagne for all three and explained, "The cotton planter has a bit of a brain sometimes." He elaborated, "To my knowledge, the Ackerman family entered the entertainment industry for people. Do you know how they amassed their wealth? They used investments in films to entice Hollywood stars and then provided services to political figures, leveraging those resources into commercial profits." Hawke raised his glass. "I''ve heard a bit." Frank shook his head and chuckled. "They often fund projects featuring attractive actors or child stars -- these films usually receive average reactions and could face severe losses according to Hollywood''s operation model. Yet, the Ackerman family''s assets just keep growing." Hawke noted, "Profit from films doesn''t necessarily come from the films themselves." Edward recalled the state of the industry, saying, "If those actors want to get roles, most of them have to accompany others to fool around. It doesn''t matter who they accompany." "You underestimate the craziness and perversion of those bastards," Frank wore an expression of disbelief at their ignorance. "Many beautiful people in Hollywood ruin their images, and you think it''s just for the films?" He looked at Hawke. "You''re asking these questions because you''re in conflict with the Ackerman family, right?" Hawke clinked glasses with him. "Cheers." Frank drained his champagne and commented, "With your current influence, Twitter''s impact on online public opinion, and the scale of your assets, it''s not weaker than the Ackerman family. But those Jewish overseers are connected with too many people, making them difficult to deal with." Hawke had known this long before. "I won''t be Don Quixote." Frank added, "Those bastards are true vampires, not just metaphorically but literally." This old man had a clear view of the world: "There are real legends of vampires that exist. From a long time ago, some people made people disappear or committed other perverted acts to satisfy their perverted desires, and then made up the so-called vampire lie, and all of this has been developed into the modern era." Hawke suddenly recalled seeing online discussions about spirit cooking in the previous life, along with human-shaped delicacies served to Hillary and others. Maybe that''s just a special ritual using materials advertised as chocolate and tomato sauce. But what was the reality behind the scenes? Who could say? Not long after the Email Gate erupted, rumors spread online that some involved parties either met with accidents or went missing. Hawke never considered becoming a vampire hunter; he just wanted to use the rivalry between the two parties to settle this grudge. ... As Frank enjoyed several glasses of champagne, he dragged Hawke and Edward downstairs to the entertainment room for a round of ping pong. In his past life, Hawke had been among the top three in the apartment building''s ping pong rankings, but while playing with Frank, Edward, and other security personnel, he didn''t need to use rubber. ... After a few volleys, his phone rang. Stepping outside, he answered it was Brian calling. Steve Nutt''s equality organization was officially underway. Brian arranged to meet him the next day in Covina. Hawke considered his schedule and agreed. This would be an attempt to defeat magic with magic. ... As the workday neared its end, Erica called, inviting Hawke to dinner in the Silver Lake neighborhood that night. Upon returning to the community villa, he found Erica had prepared dinner. Though it was a simple grilled steak and eggs, it tasted just fine. They sat down to eat, and Erica asked while munching, "Do you have any time next week?" Hawke thought for a moment. "I should be able to spare a few days next week. Do you have any plans?" Erica explained, "If I don''t take my annual leave now, it''ll be wasted. I plan to take next week off and want to take you out for a trip." "Sounds good," Hawke agreed wholeheartedly, asking, "Do you have a destination in mind?" Erica responded, "Remember that last time you covered my trip to Wyoming for bear hunting? I thought I''d invite you to Florida for hunting this time." Hawke recalled, "We''re hunting alligators to make them into trophies?" Erica laughed, "Alligators are just one of our targets. There are also invasive giant lizards there, and supposedly their meat is delicious." Hawke nodded, "Okay, we''ll go to Florida next week." He made sure to add, "Bring the bodyguards." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 284: Hunting Targets [Chapter 285: Hunting Targets] East Los Angeles, Covina. In front of an office building on Main Street, dozens of media reporters gathered. The well-known figure of equality Steve Nutt, under the gaze of cameras, hung a bronze plaque on the side of the entrance. The flash of cameras illuminated the inscription -- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. A crowd of white, black, and Latino spectators gathered, numbering over a hundred. Applause erupted in the atmosphere. Across the street from the office building, a Mercedes-Benz van parked among numerous vehicles. Hawke watched the excitement unfold and said, "Looks like Steve is doing quite well." Brian chimed in with honesty, "He''s the equality saint you crafted yourself. Before he even retired from the Dodgers, they erected a statue of him at Dodger Stadium." Hawke had always kept an eye on the saint he had created. "Steve has a strong following; the NAACP sees him as a mere tool and wants to use him as a face of it, but he''s also leveraging their resources. Over the past year, he has built a unique network within the NAACP, just like he did as the team captain of the Dodgers." Brian acknowledged, "Those people formed the basic framework of the Safeguarding Society." He then asked, "Has BlackRock''s marginalized group program officially started?" Hawke replied, "I heard Ang Lee took the crew to Wyoming and has already begun filming." Brian, accustomed to Hawke''s operations, inquired, "Isn''t that your hometown?" Hawke understood the undertone in his words and responded, "I left Wyoming at sixteen and drifted around North America for years before settling in Los Angeles. I don''t have much influence back home." Brian looked across the street, focused on the crowd, and said, "I have a feeling I''ll soon face the marginalized group program head-on." Hawke asked, "Do you have a new plan?" "Yes," Brian stated. "After the elections next year, I plan to run for mayor of Los Angeles." He chuckled, "I''ve been tested and since my election as Covina''s mayor, resources have gradually started to flow my way." Hawke glanced at Main Street in Covina. Compared to before the campaign, not only was there new asphalt, but it was also much cleaner. Even the rusty lampposts received fresh coats of paint. Hawke said, "The current mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, is a typical leftist representing the labor class and is of Mexican descent. It''s overly politically correct in Los Angeles." Brian shifted his gaze toward Hawke, with an unspoken meaning lingering in the air. Hawke pretended not to notice and kept looking towards Main Street. Brian remarked, "If I win, there''s sure to be a massive tilt in policies and resources." Hawke planned to focus on the Ackerman family during election year, temporarily putting Brian on the back burner. He straightforwardly said, "You should prepare for now; when the time is right, I''ll definitely get involved." He also reminded, "Leverage Steve''s situation; do more work around the minority communities." "I understand," Brian added, "According to reliable sources, Antonio is planning to make a fuss about women''s rights in addition to the basic base of Mexican workers this time." ??¦­?????¨º? Hawke was not surprised. "Catering to female voter support and waging a magic war." Brian was already familiar with Hawke''s expressions and turned to look at the NAACP area. "Women''s rights can be tricky; if we want to win, we can only fight magic with magic?" "Pretty much," Hawke suddenly had an idea and jotted it down in his phone''s memo app. "Once you show your campaign intentions, the pressure will come quickly. I don''t want you to get taken down before I even step in." Brian recalled the AIDS testing scandal and felt apprehensive. "If you don''t dig my grave, I should be fine." Hawke couldn''t help but laugh and slapped the driver''s seat. "Let''s head back." Brian asked, "Aren''t you going to see Steve?" "He''s doing great, fully invested in the work," Hawke observed clearly. "I''ve told him everything he needs to hear; these matters are solely in his hands." Brian marveled, "The equality saint -- that''s something we couldn''t accomplish." Hawke suddenly had a thought. "You''re not married; that''s a disadvantage. Have you officially started dating Jennifer?" "No," Brian held firm. "Once I start officially dating her, I''ll lose my precious freedom." Hawke replied, "Without a steady partner, you''re destined to lose." Brian felt he had time. "No rush." As the car drew closer to City Hall, he asked, "I heard from Erica that you guys were planning a trip to Florida?" Upon hearing that, Hawke reacted with caution. "Don''t say too much, curse-god; don''t comment on this matter -- I''m quite afraid of you right now." "You''re scared of me?" Brian said, exasperated. "I haven''t said anything, okay?" Hawke warned, "Everything you said before turned into a horrifying incident." Brian sighed, feeling genuinely sincere, "I wish you and Erica a smooth and fun trip, does that work?" Hawke saw that he truly hadn''t cast the curse and responded, "Consider that a small kindness." Brian recalled the bear taxidermy in the Silver Lake villa. "You guys better take down another bear and bring back a taxidermy -- I''d really need that." He emphasized, "From hunting to taxidermy to shipping, I''ll cover all expenses." For this upcoming trip to Florida, Hawke and Erica''s main target was large alligators. Yet he readily agreed, "If there''s a chance to encounter a bear, I''ll definitely help you get a taxidermy." The Mercedes-Benz van arrived at Covina City Hall, and Hawke and Brian headed inside together. ... As the weekend approached, Hawke started preparing for the Florida trip the following week, first arranging his schedule. This trip might last up to a week. Then, Hawke booked first-class tickets for Monday morning to Florida. Due to numerous factors including immigration policies against Cuba, Florida''s safety was reportedly no better than Southern California, with rampant crime. There was a saying online that Florida does not support idlers. The theft and robbery sectors flourished there. Hawke decided to bring firearms, including his and Erica''s hunting rifles, plus weapons for his bodyguards. Affording these was not difficult. To him now, money could accomplish anything. Hawke directly called Jennifer Huey; firearms could be sent through special cargo channels directly to Florida. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Securing legal permits for possession and hunting would also be easy. Just recently, Hawke had taken action against Melissa Ackerman, so he wouldn''t naively show up with just Erica. Raul, Guti, and Morentes, three bodyguards, would arrive in Florida ahead of time. Additionally, Erica''s side would also have four bodyguards accompanying them. Before the weekend arrived, Hawke had already set up the transport of weapons and ammunition. While it cost a fortune, the cargo would reach its destination by Sunday afternoon. On Saturday, Raul and the others took off first, heading to Orlando to scout ahead. ... Hawke searched the internet for information on the three main targets for this hunting trip. The priority was, of course, alligators. The southern waters and marshes of Florida hosted numerous American alligators. Media reports had even highlighted instances of alligators infiltrating golf course ponds. Fully-grown male alligators could reach lengths of over 20 feet, with recorded weights exceeding 2,000 pounds. Yet, encountering such a size was a long shot. Hawke, equipped with modern weaponry, naturally wanted to hunt one of them. The second target was the invasive green iguana species, rampant in Florida. In the 1960s, green iguanas had been introduced through the pet trade, and some escaped into the wild. With no natural predators and a resilience akin to cockroaches, they quickly proliferated. Iguanas could lay fifty to sixty eggs annually, damaging crops and invading homes by burrowing through ventilation systems. Florida''s government and local communities had organized hunting teams; however, firearms were not permitted against iguanas, and only air guns could be used. Slingshots were not restricted. Hawke had already sent the slingshots he and Erica crafted to Orlando. Iguanas were not only huntable but also edible, with local processing services available. The final hunting target was suggested by Brian -- the bear. Hawke specifically checked; Florida was not a habitat for brown bears, but it had a subspecies of black bears. However, the Florida black bears were on the smaller side, with males averaging less than 330 pounds. ... Just as Hawke was checking information on the prey, Erica returned from work. She approached Hawke from behind, glanced at his computer screen, and said, "We''ve got a bear taxidermy." Hawke turned around and kissed her, saying, "Brian wants a large bear taxidermy; he probably wants to show off his bravery." He shrugged, "But there are no brown bears in Florida." Erica thought for a moment and said, "There are large individuals among Florida black bears." She decisively added, "If we''re lucky enough to spot one, we can just take it out." Hawke chuckled, "Well, that depends on this bear''s luck!" ... On Monday morning, the two of them, along with four bodyguards, boarded a flight from Los Angeles International Airport directly to Florida. In the afternoon, the flight landed at Orlando International Airport. Hawke didn''t check into the booked Le Meridien Hotel; instead, he headed to the Four Seasons Hotel under the name of the company''s head of security, Austin. This hotel offered separate vacation villas, and Hawke rented two adjacent ones. Once the check-in process was done, it wasn''t long before Raul, Guti, and Morentes arrived, bringing along the cargo. They had also liaised through the hunting company to secure a hunter as a guide in advance. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 285: Iguana Hunting [Chapter 286: Brother and Sisters-in-Law] In a southern suburb of Orlando, Kissimmee. A narrow waterway led to Rand Lake on the outskirts, with houses spaced far from the waterway, ensuring no interference between them. Two nearly ten-meter-long motorboats were docked at a small wooden pier. Apart from the driver, each boat had a hunting guide. At that moment, three vehicles approached, and Hawke and Erica, dressed in hunting gear, got out, each carrying a pack and walking onto the dock. The others all shouldered long bags containing weapons. On the leading motorboat, a yellow and a black Labrador retriever crouched; upon spotting Hawke and Erica, they instinctively lowered their bodies, like they had encountered a mortal foe. The bearded guide, Duran, was slightly taken aback but quickly calmed the two dogs, scanning Hawke and Erica before warmly approaching. "Welcome to Kissimmee, the Roaming Hunters Club, the best urban hunting team in Kissimmee." Hawke shook his hand. "That''s exactly why we came to find you." Duran eagerly stepped aside, "Please, step aboard." Hawke and Erica were the first to board, followed by Raul and Guti. The others went to the boat behind them. ... Duran brought an air gun with a gas canister and stated, "Here we prohibit the use of live ammunition to hunt green iguanas..." Hawke opened his pack, pulled out a slingshot, and handed it to Erica, saying, "We brought hunting weapons." Erica opened her bag, took out a box of steel balls, and passed it back to Hawke. "I checked; we can use steel balls." Duran told the driver to start the boat, turning back. "If you''re using slingshots, make sure you aim for the iguana''s head; their bodies are tough; hitting them does limited damage." The motorboat moved slowly, and Hawke scanned the surroundings, asking, "Are there any restrictions on hunting?" "There are no size restrictions," Duran mentioned with visible irritation towards green iguanas. "These damned things often invade homes and steal our food; they''ll even dig up crop roots to eat." He gestured to the banks of the waterway. "They''re everywhere -- in the trees, in the bushes, on the ground, and in the water." Suddenly, Erica pointed at a tree by the shore and said, "I see one!" Hawke also spotted a green figure resting on a horizontal branch, estimating its length to be over twenty inches. Erica pulled back the slingshot, aimed carefully, and released it with a pop; the steel ball zipped through the branches and struck the triangular head of the iguana. ????a???????? With a thud, a green iguana fell from the tree, landing in the grass. The black Labrador retriever, well-trained, immediately jumped out, swam to the shore, grabbed the iguana, and returned to the boat by climbing back up the steps. Duran accepted the iguana and handed it to Hawke. "It''s dead." Hawke picked it up by the tail. "This should weigh about ten pounds; it''s too skinny, not enough meat." Erica, wearing gloves, squeezed the iguana''s back, inquiring, "Is this thing edible?" Duran laughed, "It tastes a lot like chicken, basically without any fishy smell -- high-quality protein." Hawke tossed the iguana into the cooler and leaned against the side of the boat, quickly noticing a small triangular head on the water''s surface, roughly the size of a child''s fist. He loaded the slingshot, aimed, and pulled back the rubber band, releasing it smoothly. The sound of a splash followed. Erica, with keen vision, exclaimed, "You hit it!" The yellow retriever jumped off the boat and fetched a large green iguana back immediately. Hawke pointed excitedly, "Darling, see that? The one I hit is much bigger than yours!" "Are you trying to compete with me?" Erica raised an eyebrow, challenging him. Hawke responded, "I''m a slingshot master." S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Erica leaned in closer, saying, "The loser will be bottom for a month." "I''m in," Hawke replied, loading the steel balls and drawing back the slingshot again. "Are we counting quantity or weight?" Erica retorted, "Both!" ... With another pop, the black retriever jumped in again, returning swiftly with a green iguana that had an exploded head. Before that dog could climb back up, the yellow retriever jumped into the water again, and Erica''s slingshot hit yet another one. Hawke was already looking for new targets while saying, "Let''s bring back several; we can try different ways to cook them." However, Erica suggested, "Let''s save some to ship back to Los Angeles; Brian should enjoy them." Hawke wasn''t sure about Brian''s feelings, but Frank loved making barbecue, and grilled iguana sounded pretty good. ... The boat ran slowly, not that much faster than a regular walk. As they neared a bridge, Hawke spotted multiple iguanas on open ground beneath it from a distance. A retriever barked excitedly at the iguanas: "Woof! Woof--" Hawke had already seized multiple steel balls in his hands and started shooting at the iguanas with the slingshot. Erica was no slouch either. Duran planned to use the air gun to shoot a few but seeing Hawke and Erica''s quick moves, he hurriedly put his gun aside. He was bombarded by the sound of the slingshot, and the largest iguana on the ground collapsed first; the others dashed toward the water. The thrashing tails flailed as they ran, some bleeding green fluid from their heads. In less than a minute, a dozen green iguanas lay flat. ... Duran looked at the iguanas'' corpses, then at Hawke and Erica, saying, "You two can stick around and get rich by hunting these nuisances." Hawke replied honestly, "Hunting these iguanas is just for fun; if it turns into work, then where''s the enjoyment?" Duran smacked the driver''s seat to have him steer closer. "Initially, I kept retrievers to hunt iguanas for fun, but when I formed clubs and hunting teams, I no longer enjoyed it like before." Erica remarked, "So, you''re the experienced hunter here?" "Of course," Duran confidently stated. "No one in Kissimmee is a better hunter than me, else the agency wouldn''t have pushed me to clients like you." Hawke asked directly, "Have you ever hunted an alligator?" Duran chuckled, "Though alligators aren''t as rampant as these iguanas, they still need to be managed routinely. If I hadn''t hunted gators before, I wouldn''t dare call myself the best in Kissimmee." He understood their intentions: "Hunting alligators can be somewhat dangerous; you two should be well-prepared." "We brought rifles capable of taking down elephants," Erica said confidently. Duran reflected on the pay he might receive, saying, "If you think I''m good enough, I''ll request to continue as your hunting guide." He emphasized, "It''s not hard to shoot alligators with guns, but I also have a hunting method -- fishing for them." With their shooting skills, taking down an alligator was quit trivial. Erica perked up with interest. "Like fishing?" Duran nodded and pointed forward. "If you continue straight ahead, you''ll reach Rand Lake. There''s a large uninhabited area with woods mixed with water where many alligators live -- a prime hunting spot." Hawke didn''t rush to confirm; he glanced at Raul. Raul nodded back at Hawke; he had previously looked into Duran''s background. Hawke said, "Why not give it a try?" He then asked, "Are there Florida black bears around?" Erica interjected, "We secured three hunting licenses." Duran said, "With some luck, you might run into one over there." ... The boat docked, and the two retrievers ran ashore, picking up the iguanas'' bodies they''d killed. Hawke and Erica had taken out a dozen, and Duran followed suit. He quickly spotted one among their catch and returned to the boat, saying, "Hey, you caught a monster -- a leader of a whole tribe!" Hawke stepped up, grabbing the tail and lifting it in hand. While the other iguanas were mostly green, this particular one was brown and unusually big, measuring over five feet long including its tail. Not just long, but also very fat. Erica took the large iguana from Hawke. "This one has a lot of meat." Hawke announced, "Let''s eat it for lunch!" Duran interjected, "This one has been around for at least ten years. Those green ones are female; this brown one is male -- a tribe normally only has one male, serving as the leader." Erica tossed it into the cooler, inspired by a video game she often played. She said to Hawke, "You took out a boss-level leader." ... The boat moved through the bridge, and Hawke and Erica shot down seven or eight more, gradually losing the novelty. For both of them, the difficulty was too easy. Any iguana spotted by them stood no chance against the slingshot. Hawke and Erica decided to put away the slingshots, sitting back while letting the others indulge in hunting. Before noon, the group returned. ... Duran led Hawke and the others to a local restaurant in Kissimmee, declaring, "The best place for preparing iguanas in town is this one." Hawke found it reliable. It was well known that preparing wild game into tasty dishes required more than simple grilling or frying. Once inside the restaurant, Duran negotiated with the kitchen staff, with Raul accompanying him. After half an hour of waiting, the prepared iguanas were brought out. Braised, beer-braised, roasted, stewed in sauce, ... Erica was no ordinary woman; she eagerly tasted a piece and exclaimed, "This flavor exceeds my expectations. It''s even better than chicken, fresh without being greasy or dry." Hawke bit into a piece of the braised tail and said, "Is it possible that the chef is just that good?" Erica agreed, "If the flavor is exquisite and easy to prepare, it wouldn''t be overpopulated." Their group had only consumed fewer than ten iguanas, while the remainder had their insides removed, frozen for shipping back to Los Angeles. One sizable specimen would be prepared for taxidermy. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 286: The Hunt Begins [Chapter 287: The Hunt Begins] The engine roared to life, startling animals deep in the woods. Countless birds flapped their wings, soaring into the sky. Four pickup trucks rolled along a somewhat muddy road, carefully maneuvering around a no-hunting zone, heading towards the intersection of wetlands and forest. After a long drive, the convoy stopped at the junction. On one of the pickups, Erica took out an insect repellent spray, giving some to the driver, Hawke, before spraying a bit on herself. "This place has swamps," Hawke said, glancing back at the muddy ground. Erica donned her gloves. "Be careful where you step." Hawke exited the vehicle, opened the back door, and retrieved the Winchester M12 shotgun he had bought in Wyoming, slinging an ammo bag over his shoulder. Meanwhile, Erica pulled out a Savage bear-hunting rifle. From the other two trucks, Raul and the other bodyguards armed themselves with long guns. Duran, their rugged guide with a beard, had already sensed that these two clients were not ordinary hunters. He pointed ahead. "About eight hundred meters out is a small lake. Last month, someone spotted a huge crocodile here. Two people confirmed it was nearly five meters long." "Any bigger ones?" Erica asked. "Based on the intel I have, that''s the largest one," Duran replied. "While American alligators can grow over six meters, ones exceeding five meters are quite rare." Suddenly, a thunderous roar broke the air. Hawke looked up towards the sound. In the distance, a small plane flew from south to north, seemingly dropping several items along the way. "What''s the plane dropping?" he called out. Erica grabbed her binoculars, squinting at the scene. "Looks like orange emergency kits." The plane quickly turned back south. "There''s a forest ranger station nearby; it could be a supply drop," Duran explained. Hawke nodded, not adding much more to the conversation. Duran watched as two two assistants grabbed ropes, shouldering bags filled with bait. "Some crocodiles can be very skittish. We''ll walk over first, wait until we successfully capture one, and then bring the trucks around." ?a?????????¨º???? Hawke nodded. "Sounds good." ... Duran led the way with his crew. Raul, Guti, and Morentes followed closely. In the middle walked Hawke and Erica, with the four heavily armed bodyguards bringing up the rear. The worn path underfoot marked the boundary between woods and soggy terrain. The further they walked, the thicker the humidity became; Hawke could even smell the water as they approached the river. Duran halted suddenly, glancing back toward the trees. Hawke caught a rustling sound and instinctively stepped forward to shield Erica. He spotted a shadow. A sub-adult black bear had caught a whiff of the meat and rushed toward the edge of the woods. Its eyesight was poor, but its sense of smell was acute; starving, it had detected food and rushed out excitedly. But when it finally saw the humans, it skidded to a stop. In the crowd, Hawke raised his shotgun, pointing it at the bear. The other guns aimed in that direction too. The young black bear sniffed hard, raised its front half as if to show off, then turned and scampered back into the underbrush, disappearing without a backward glance. Duran watched the retreating bear and commented, "Too small." Hawke, not firing because of the same concern, agreed, "Let''s see if we encounter a bigger one." S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "It seems to recognize guns," Erica pondered. "Those who don''t know the gun are already dead," Duran said. Laughter followed among the group. ... After trekking forward for several hundred meters, they arrived at a lake. Duran guided Hawke and Erica to inspect signs of animal activity along the lakeshore while the others kept a lookout. To the south, a patch of land with only some dried grass and muddy ground revealed claw and hoof prints along with signs of a struggle. Duran knelt in the mud, pointing at the ground. "This looks like a watering spot for animals. Not long ago, a crocodile was nearby, perhaps after a larger land animal. The scuff marks indicate a large croc rolling over after a kill." Hawke, gloved hands brushing the cracked earth, noted, "It has been living around here for a while; it must be hungry. Let''s bait it." "Agreed," Duran replied. Hawke took the rope sent by his assistant and secured a robust specialized metal hook at one end. Erica grabbed a piece of meat, hanging it on the hook before inspecting the water''s surface. "No sign of any crocodiles yet." "We''ll start with bait," given crocodiles might be enormous, Hawke held one end of rope and walked over to a thick tree to tie it off. When he returned, Erica lifted the hook and tossed the bait into the shallow area. The team retreated, concealing themselves behind a mound of earth. Now, it was simply a waiting game. Hawke, possessing unparalleled patience, sat on the ground, his gaze fixed on the lakeside. Occasionally, Erica would shift the rope, causing the bait to jiggle slightly, tempting any lurking crocs. ... In the woods, the young black bear dashed through the trees, startled by a sudden roar and quickly changing direction. A large adult male bear was nearby. Though biologically related, the male bear would be aggressive towards its young. This adult bear was massive, towering almost two meters high when standing, not the record-breaking weight of 345 kilogram but still formidable. From above, several orange emergency kits tumbled down, catching the young bear''s attention. It rushed towards the packages, tearing one open with its agile paws and exposing the foul-smelling contents. After a few curious bites, it lost interest and savagely tore the package apart. Dust rose around it as it eagerly clawed at the now ruined container, leaving some patches of white powder on its dark fur. Shortly thereafter, the bear went into a wild frenzy, ripping at the bark of a nearby tree, stripping it clean, while another small tree snapped under its force. It stood up, appearing intoxicated, emitting enraged roars. This bear was high, rampaging through the woods like a black bulldozer. ... At the lakeside, a group of people who wanted to fish for crocodiles waited for a long time. Even Duran was beginning to lose patience, questioning the validity of his intel. The tracks on the muddy ground were legitimate, but sometimes crocodiles would relocate from their usual haunts. Unlike Duran, Hawke and Erica maintained their composure, embodying seasoned hunters. Just when Duran was about to suggest they try somewhere else, Hawke spotted an object drifting toward the surface, whispering, "Here it comes." Erica raised her binoculars, spotting the moving crocodile. "It''s approaching; it''s heading toward the bait." Hawke tugged at the rope, creating ripples in the shallow water while warning Erica, "Hold it steady." "Should we capture it alive?" Erica inquired. Hawke shook his head. "No, let''s aim to take it out. We aren''t trying to keep it; we just need one for a trophy." Erica readied her Savage rifle, aiming at the area where the crocodile would emerge. The crocodile disappeared beneath the water, and Hawke tightened his grip on the slack of the rope. Suddenly, the line jerked forward. Hawke flexed his arms, pulling back hard, feeling the weight on the other end. The crocodile had swallowed the bait whole, including the hefty metal hook, now lodged within its jaws. Hawke yanked back forcefully, the hook embedding deeper, causing the crocodile to roll in the water. The surface erupted as it thrashed about, sending water and mud flying while blood quickly stained the lake. Hawke gripped the retractable cord tightly, pulling in the direction of the croc, its massive head breaking the surface. This monster was large; it twisted its head, attempting to swim away. Hawke lunged forward, planted his feet firmly on the ground, and flexed his muscles, steadying himself. Duran dashed to Hawke''s side with two assistants, grasping the rope and pulling together. Guti arrived shortly, helping to heave the rope. The four men combined their strength, dragging the crocodile from the shallow waters to the shore. The American crocodile revealed itself, spanning nearly five meters long, with skin like armor and jaws that could swallow a grown man whole. Yet, the hook was still piercing its mouth. Blood poured from the wounded jaws as it thrashed in desperation. Hawke bellowed, "Pull harder; we need to get it onto solid ground!" The three behind him grunted together, finally forcing the crocodile onto the bank. In a final act of defiance, the croc initiated its death roll, spinning ferociously. Despite its massive size, the hook inflicted grave wounds with each turn. Blood gushed from its mouth, merging with the foul smell of wet earth, creating a sickening stench. As the struggle continued, the animal''s strength dwindled until it came to a stop. Hawke and the others, working tirelessly, matched its raw power. Just over the edge of its demise, the crocodile opened its mouth again. Finally, Erica spotted a clear shot and took aim. Her rifle trained on the open jaws, she pulled the trigger! The gunshot echoed far and wide, scattering birds into the sky. The crocodile jolted, its struggle fading as the life ebbed from it. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 287: Striking Gold [Chapter 288: Striking Gold] The massive crocodile fell silent. Hawke grabbed a rock and tossed it onto the creature''s head, confirming it was dead. Duran looked at Erica. "Nice shooting." Erica switched off her Savage rifle safety, responding, "Thanks for giving me the shot." Blood continued to pool from the croc, the scent intensifying. Hawke approached the crocodile, measuring it with his foot. "Must be around five meters." Duran stepped closer. "In terms of American crocodiles, this is quite massive. If you want something bigger, you''d have to head to Africa for Nile crocodiles or Australia for saltwater crocs." "Africa?" Erica, slinging her rifle, approached. "When targeting Africa, hunting an elephant or lion would be ideal." Duran perked up at the thought. "If you''re interested, I could help you get in touch. Legal permits are limited every year." Hawke recalled the story of an American-Indian hunter in Africa and said, "I might reach out if I need help." Duran instructed his two assistants, "Quick, retrieve the crane truck and cargo truck." The assistants hurried off to retrace their steps. Erica remarked, "I remember the hunting company you worked with provided taxidermy services?" "Absolutely, they''re quite adept at it," Duran replied. "Once we have cell reception, I''ll notify them to come by." Duran asked, "Want to get a photo?" Hawke gestured to Raul. "We brought our own camera." Understanding the implication, Duran stepped aside. ... Erica drew Hawke closer to the crocodile''s head, both standing beside the gigantic creature for a snapshot. Raul pulled out a digital camera, snapping photos of Hawke and Erica posing with their weapons. Afterward, they took images holding their guns. Once satisfied with the shots, Raul put his camera away. ... Two trucks rolled in, one equipped with a crane for large catches. Duran found the right tools, removed the hook from the crocodile''s mouth, and tied it securely around the creature''s neck, hanging it on the crane''s hook. R???¦¯§£§¦? The machine whirred as it lifted the massive beast. Duran measured its length -- 5.04 meters. Hawke and Erica stood on either side of the suspended crocodile, posing for Raul again. The crocodile, now all but lifeless, had a particularly potent odor. Nevertheless, the group paid it no mind. With four trucks and a dozen firearms, they felt secure, ready to face whatever wildlife they might encounter. In many Hollywood horror movies centered around animal attacks, creatures tend to be portrayed as more powerful than they were, showcasing a human inability to use tools effectively. These kinds of stories often falter if modern firepower were in play, much like zombie films. After a morning spent waiting, and following the time-consuming hunt, even Hawke and Erica began to feel hunger pangs. ... The group cleared a patch of relatively dry land, setting up a temporary camp for lunch. Duran ventured out, returning with a wild turkey. The meat wasn''t particularly palatable, especially outside of Thanksgiving. He cut off two legs, throwing the remainder into the water. Hawke grilled a leg, but the taste was subpar. Erica had a single bite before pushing it away. "Your cooking skills are usually solid; what''s with this taste?" Hawke shrugged, "The ingredients are just bad; even the chef can''t work miracles." Duran approached Hawke and Erica, "Once we finish eating, let''s rest a bit. We''ll head back; once we have signal, I''ll get in touch with the hunting company to pick up the crocodile. Then, we''ll delve back into the woods looking for black bears." Hawke agreed, "Sounds good." Once Duran stepped away, Erica handed Hawke a bottle of water, suggesting, "If we don''t find bears this afternoon, let''s go after a wild boar for Brian." Wild boars were rampant in this area, and after pondering, Hawke added, "If we can''t get a bear, we can snag another crocodile." "Sounds reasonable," Erica responded. ... From a short distance, Duran''s assistant, Leimier, had a stomachache and he needed the restroom. Duran, still eating, shouted, "You better go downwind and far away, or I''ll toss you in the lake!" The assistant responded with a rude gesture. Leimier, taking care to find considerable distance, moved off nearly a hundred meters before situating himself behind a large tree. As he squatted down, the relief was immediate, but soon he noticed a foul odor and quickly realized something was off. Although Leimier wasn''t as experienced as Duran, he had spent years outdoors, recognizing the scent of a predator. He whipped around, spotting a nearly two-meter tall black bear not far behind him. Its dark fur was speckled with white powder, eyes bloodshot as it seemingly wandered in a daze. Not wanting to find out what would happen next, he leapt for a nearby tree, yelling at the top of his lungs, "Help! Help!" His cries echoed in the distance, prompting the bear to react. With a thunderous growl, it lunged in his direction. Leimier climbed quickly, but the black bear was not slow at all and was extremely manic, opening its mouth to bite. But it hadn''t caught up yet, and its mouth could only bite the air. Seeing the black bear getting closer and closer, Leimier calculated the distance and jumped onto another tree nearby. However, his unpulled-up trousers hindered his legs and he didn''t jump that far before falling straight down. With a thud, he hit the ground, just as the bear crashed down behind him. This mishap afforded him a moment''s gap; he quickly yanked up his pants and darted toward the trucks, still bellowing, "Help! Help!" ... Duran perked up, recognizing the urgency in Leimier''s voice, running toward the commotion. Hawke listened in, recognizing the cry. "That''s a bear roar!" In a swift motion, he grabbed his Remington shotgun, rushing into the woods. Erica followed closely, moving at a deliberate pace with her Savage rifle raised to cover Hawke as they ran together, a seamless routine from their year of training. Raul and the others swiftly picked up their pace. The roars continued, mixed with Leimier''s panicked cries. Duran drew his handgun, shooting a round into the air. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After the gunfire echoed, the black bear became all the more agitated. Leimier, quick as lightning, found a relatively thin tree to hoist himself onto, while the bear, not interested in climbing, stood on hind legs, shaking the tree hard. Duran shot again and again, yet the distance rendered his handgun ineffective against the rampaging bear. Seeing the opportunity arise, Hawke wouldn''t let it slip by -- he loaded bear rounds, outpacing Duran to get a shot in. The tree, unable to bear the weight, tilted precariously. The bear howled again, and Hawke took aim, steadied the shotgun against his shoulder, and squeezed the trigger. Boom! As he fired, Hawke quickly ejected the spent shell and swiftly loaded a second shot. Two slugs found their mark, entering the bear''s mouth and exiting through the back of its skull. Blood sprayed from the bear''s head as it tumbled to the ground. Hawke kept his shotgun ready, scanning the surroundings before lowering it. He glanced at the blood and flesh smeared on the forest floor, recognizing it wouldn''t need much more cleaning. Brian wouldn''t mind a patched bear trophy. ... Duran, older and slower, finally caught up, giving Hawke a nod. "Thank you." Hawke acknowledged the gesture with a slight nod. Duran hurried to check on Leimier, who appeared shaken but largely unscathed. Erica and the rest soon caught up. Hawke informed her, "We got Brian a bear." Stepping closer, Erica examined the bear. "That''s a unique scent." Hawke examined the white powder on the bear. Trusting Erica''s expertise, he asked, "How did it get covered in this stuff?" Duran urged Leimier to clean up, while another assistant joined them at the bear''s side. As Hawke rummaged through the bear''s paw, he pulled free a strip of orange fabric. Duran probed at the white powder smeared near the bear''s mouth, taking a sniff and promptly wiping it off. "Looks like this stupid bear ate some coke; no wonder it wasn''t frightened by the gunfire." Hawke replied, "It''s rare for a bear to eat something like that." Erica, through her binoculars, scanned the woods and noted a torn orange package in the distance. "That bag resembles what''s on the bear." The assistants chimed in, "Shall we check it out?" Leimier, taking the lead, moved toward the package, with Duran and another assistant following close behind. Hawke exchanged a glance with Erica. With an understanding nod, they spread out, continuing their search. The bodyguards trailed at a careful distance. Leimier reached the ripped bag first, squatting down to investigate. As he opened it, he pulled out multiple small plastic bags filled with the same white powder. Duran hastened over, picking up one of the bags to weigh it in his hand. "This could fetch a fortune in Orlando -- hundreds of thousands of dollars." "That means we hit the jackpot!" one of the assistants exclaimed. Hawke and Erica exchanged wary glances and simultaneously took a firm grip on their weapons, flipping the safeties off. Hawke signaled Raul and the others to be on high alert. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 288: Greed Kills [Chapter 289: Greed Kills] The sudden appearance of the cargo made the atmosphere tense for the hunting crew. Hawke and Erika readied their rifles, choosing a suitable place to take cover. They hoped Duran and his team wouldn''t get reckless, but if they made any sudden movements, they wouldn''t hesitate to pull the trigger. As professional hunters, they''d grown desensitized to death, having killed many large animals in their line of work. Duran recalled that several orange emergency packs had been dropped from the plane, and this was one of them. What about the others? Were they filled with goods as well? If they were, selling them could provide a way out of America, a chance for an easy retirement. The thought crossed his mind as Duran instinctively reached for his sidearm. Upon touching the cold metal grip, he quickly withdrew his hand. He turned to look behind him at a man and a woman standing about twenty meters away, rifles at the ready but pointed towards the ground. Behind them, there were a few more figures. Although he couldn''t see them clearly, Duran knew they were armed. These weapons not only clear the black bear''s mind, but also helped people calm their impulsive urges. Duran, with his bushy beard, forced a smile and said, "That bear could''ve eaten the food from here." Hawke replied, "That''s none of our concern. Let''s move." Even though their gun barrels pointed to the ground, Erika''s finger was poised on the trigger. Duran snapped to attention, noticing the two assistants drooling over the emergency packs. He reminded them, "There''s too much here. This is definitely the work of a large trafficking organization. Those cross-border drug dealers are all desperate criminals. We need to leave!" Leimier couldn''t help himself. "Boss, let''s just take a few bags." Hawke glanced at Erika. "We''re leaving first." Erika nodded slightly. The two stepped back, keeping an eye on Duran and the others. Duran urged his assistants again, "Let''s go!" Not everyone had clarity of mind, though. Leimier took off his jacket and threw it on the ground, piling up the bags. "Boss, there''s no one here. It''s our lucky day! This could make us more money than we''ve seen in ten years!" Another assistant chimed in, "It''s enough for three people!" "You guys are insane!" Duran turned to leave, warning, "We can''t control this kind of wealth!" The two continued to gather their loot without a glance upwards. Duran felt defeated, declaring, "I''ll leave you a car." Leimier looked up, "Boss, we''ll keep you a share." Duran pretended not to hear and quickened his pace to catch up with Hawke and Erika. ... When they emerged from the woods into the staging area for their vehicles, the remaining bodyguards had already loaded the bear''s carcass into another pickup truck, covering it with a tarp. ?????????¨®§£?? Raul asked, "Should we pull out now?" Hawke firmly replied, "Get in, everyone!" He and Erika made their way to the backseat of a truck filled with alligators while Raul took the driver''s seat. Emerging from the trees, Duran panted and called out, "Wait for me! Hold up!" In another pickup, Morentes pulled out a gun, subtly pointing it in Duran''s direction. Duran rushed to Hawke''s window, saying, "Leave a vehicle behind; I''ll go with you." Hawke glanced over at the trees again, saw no one emerging, and pointed to the front passenger seat. "Get in." Duran hopped in quickly. The group had arrived with a total of four pickup trucks; one was equipped with a crane while the other two held a bear and an alligator, leaving one truck vacant. The three vehicles rumbled to life and headed back the way they came. Duran gripped the overhead handle, asking, "Should we call the hunting company for support?" Hawke said, "No need; we''ll head back directly." Duran didn''t press the matter further. This area was desolate, and further ahead lay a no-hunting zone, distanced from the starting town of Kissimmee. ... S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After an hour on a rough road, they encountered seven or eight black SUVs cruising towards them. Each vehicle bore the DEA insignia, the abbreviation for the Drug Enforcement Administration. Seeing the DEA vehicles pass by and recalling the contents of the orange emergency packs, Duran''s expression turned grave. Those two fools were still out there in the woods. If they had taken just one bag, they would have had enough time to escape. The worry was that their greed would push them to try and grab more. Duran had already warned them. Now, he could only pray for their safety. Hawke observed the distance the convoy had covered and remarked, "DEA? Are they coming for those goods? When did they get so efficient?" "A few years back, the DEA was pretty dedicated, but their commitment seems to have waned lately," Erika joked bitterly. "Their sense of responsibility is about on par with the LAPD." Hawke responded, "If they''re this dedicated, it doesn''t sound like the DEA. Looks like someone else is involved." Duran chimed in, "Is it the FBI?" Erika replied casually, "Could also be the CIA." Duran nodded, "I''ve heard that the CIA utilizes their position for trafficking. A friend working at the Orlando PD told me that the biggest trafficking organizations from South America and Mexico practically have the CIA backing them." Erika added, "That''s one of the CIA''s conventional skills." Compared to the LAPD, which specialized in framing and siphoning off funds, the CIA had a greater arsenal of traditional capabilities. Hawke remarked to Duran, "If it really is the CIA, your two assistants are in trouble." Duran sighed, "I warned them, but faced with cash that could be turned into gold, they might turn on me." Hawke didn''t continue the conversation but turned his gaze outside the window. The three pickup trucks soon returned to Kissimmee. Erika called the hunting company, setting a meeting at the specimen processing facility in Orlando. Hawke wanted to drop Duran off. But the bearded man interjected, "I''ll go with you to Orlando for a few days. It''s safer there." Hawke nodded slightly. He instructed the convoy not to stop in Kissimmee, heading straight to Orlando. The truck convoy navigated through Kissimmee and turned onto the highway that led to Orlando. ... In the wooded and wetland area, Leimier and the other assistant were walking out of the woods. Using the experience they had acquired over the years hunting with Duran, they soon followed the trails left by black bears and found another orange emergency pack. However, this pack had been torn open, with most of its white powder spilling out on the ground. Yet, the duo was lucky. They discovered another intact emergency pack nearby, filled to the brim with goods. Leimier smiled broadly, suddenly feeling energized after a long day''s work. Together, he and his companion grabbed the bag and left the trees. "You know some gang members in Orlando, right?" Leimier asked as they walked. "Once we get back, you should go find him. The price doesn''t matter; let''s make a quick sale and leave Florida." His companion nodded, asking, "What about the boss''s share?" Leimier didn''t answer and instead retorted, "Duran already gave up his claim, didn''t he?" The other assistant paused, quickly realizing that if they cut Duran out, they could pocket even more. As they stepped out of the woods, they spotted their pickup truck. Leimier knew Duran well; he understood that while Duran was crafty and brave, he lacked ambition but valued loyalty. All it took was a request for Duran to leave behind a vehicle. Suddenly, from the other side of the truck emerged five muscular men wielding rifles. The leader shouted, "DEA! Raise your hands; let me see them!" All barrels were aimed at the two men. Leimier flinched when he saw the automatic weapons, quickly dropping the bag and raising his hands. His companion followed suit, fearing a moment''s delay might lead to their demise. "We''re not drug dealers," Leimier explained rapidly. "We''re professional hunters..." The shouting man didn''t listen and pulled the trigger. The other four in DEA uniforms had no hesitation in firing their weapons. After the gunfire, Leimier and his partner lay lifeless on the ground. The DEA leader ordered, "Get everyone over here, find a spot with alligators, and dump the bodies in the water." Another agent grabbed a radio, calling for more help. The convoy of SUVs arrived soon after. Someone went through the orange emergency pack, examined the wrapped clothing, and searched the two men, stating, "Some of the goods are missing." The leader pulled out a GPS tracker, peering at the screen to locate the dropped items. They collected the goods, dumped the bodies into a nearby waterway, and then retreated into the woods to search for the remaining packs. ... In a facility in southern Orlando, workers busily unloaded the black bear and alligators from the trucks. Hawke met with the company manager, who shook his hand and said straightforwardly, "We''ll turn both of these into specimens and ship them to Los Angeles." With the client offering generous payment, the manager assured him it was no problem. "We''ll start work today. The alligator and black bear are sizeable; the bear needs some repairs on it, so we expect it will take at least six weeks to complete." Hawke replied, "That''s fine." The manager added, "Is there anything else we can assist you with?" Hawke pondered briefly before saying, "I need to purchase some local souvenirs." The manager quickly gestured, "This way, please." Hawke and Erika followed him to the sales area. They each bought some locally made items, and that night, they flew out of Orlando to Miami, ready to enjoy the sunshine and beaches. Perhaps that cursed god never jinxed them this time. Aside from encountering smugglers using planes to drop off emergency packs, everything went smoothly, and there were no other mishaps. After three days in Miami, they returned to Los Angeles. Erika inquired for information but hadn''t heard any rumors about the DEA and the traffickers in the Orlando area. They soon pushed the thought out of their minds. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 289: Megans Vomiting Incident [Chapter 290: Megan''s Vomiting Incident] In Los Angeles, on Ocean Park Boulevard, Hawke returned from Florida to his company, where he signed an advertising deal with AMG, one of the top three cinema chains in the country. During that time, Twitter had been negotiating collaborations with advertisers. In the same day, he represented Twitter to sign advertising agreements with Coca-Cola, Revlon, and Cadillac. Additionally, Hilton Hotels were also in talks with Twitter about advertising. This deal had been arranged through Paris Hilton''s efforts. In the conference room, Hawke sincerely thanked Paris, who had come for a visit. "Thanks for bridging Twitter and Hilton." "You''re too polite; I hardly did anything," Paris replied, showing clear growth since before. While seemingly modest, she continued, "During a family gathering, I learned that the Hilton hotels were planning to expand their online business and partner with ad sites. I just casually mentioned that Twitter''s popularity and user base would be perfect for them." She pulled out a box of candies and a gift box for Hawke, saying, "I never thanked you for retrieving the tape I lost." Hawke accepted it without hesitation. Paris, filled with anticipation, asked, "Aren''t you going to open them?" Hawke opened the candy box to find luxurious candies wrapped in gold foil, adorned with rhinestones. One piece could easily cost over a hundred dollars. He opened the gift box to uncover a pair of open-finger gloves, crafted from black silk and gold thread, embedded with diamonds and sapphires. Paris introduced, "These gloves were specially made by my glove brand just for you." Since she had introduced a significant business deal, Hawke felt obliged to compliment her. "They''re stunning, unique. I can''t describe how it makes me feel." Paris replied, "Yes, one of a kind." Hawke accepted, thanking her. Now more mindful, Paris was determined. "I gifted the first few pairs I had made to friends: one for you, one for Britney, one for Lindsay Lohan, and one for me -- each with a unique design." Hawke understood immediately that this was advertising sponsorship. Britney and Paris needed no introduction, and Lindsay Lohan was also a popular child star at that time. ?¨¢???¨§???? Paris continued, "Britney has worn them on stage a few times, and it garnered a lot of attention." Hawke remarked, "Britney is currently one of the most followed stars on Twitter." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "It''s a pity she doesn''t always think things through," Paris expressed with some exasperation. "She constantly gets into trouble." Hawke remained noncommittal, opting not to engage further on that topic. After some more casual conversation, Paris took her leave. ... Hawke walked her to the lift, returning to his office where he bumped into Caroline. She followed him inside. Hawke inquired, "How are the negotiations with Hilton Hotels going?" Caroline sat down across from him and responded, "Hilton''s very interested in collaboration; eight million dollars is not an issue. They want us to run a dedicated Hilton promotional campaign on Twitter." Hawke nodded, "Do you have any ideas?" "I have some preliminary thoughts," Caroline stated. "I spoke with Sasha yesterday, and we''re considering launching a theme-based interactive campaign for Hilton, encouraging Twitter users worldwide to share their memorable moments while staying in Hilton hotels." She made a key point: "With the rise of smartphone photography, most Hilton hotels provide internet access, making it easy for Twitter users to share their experiences." Hawke asked, "Will there be any rewards involved?" "Yes, we''ve already discussed it with Hilton," Caroline replied. She straightened in her chair, saying, "Users can share stories related to Hilton through tweets, photos, or videos to redeem a small gift at local Hilton hotels, including Hilton-branded candies." Hawke chuckled, "That''s one way to market your own candy brand." Caroline continued, "If users post videos showcasing the Hilton hotel features, services, environments, and surrounding attractions, they''ll be granted exclusive member benefits from the hotel." Such initiatives were commonplace in the post-social-media era, but they still held value in this nascent stage. Hawke instructed, "Prepare a complete plan to present to Hilton." "Sure," Caroline said, tapping her red high heels lightly on the floor. She paused, catching sight of a gap in Hawke''s desk, which reminded her of how ewes get back into their pens by slipping through gaps like those. Should she attempt it? Megan Taylor, that shameless girl, had likely tried it. Thinking of Megan brought Caroline back to reality. "Megan is sick; she''s hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center." Hawke, having just returned from Florida and heading straight to the company, hadn''t been in contact with Megan. "What happened?" Caroline had visited once and explained, "It seems there is something wrong with her stomach; she went to the hospital the other night. It''s not serious, just under observation." Hawke said, "Please inform the Savior to buy her some flowers." "Sure," Caroline stood up to leave the office, heading next door to greet Edward. ... Hawke checked the time, choosing not to rush over immediately, instead handling a few accumulated tasks before calling Edward to leave Twitter for Beverly Hills. He picked up some flowers en route and arrived at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he called Megan to let Edward park near the hospital floor. Holding the flowers, he entered the hospital and soon located Megan Taylor''s room. Inside, Megan''s assistant Aisha was there. Upon seeing Hawke, she greeted him, saying, "I''ll check with the nurse to see if she needs more medication this afternoon." Hawke set down the flowers, pulled up a chair, and sat beside Megan''s bed. "What happened all of a sudden?" Megan, without any makeup, had her long, blonde hair draped over the pillow, and her normally fair complexion now appeared pale. She smiled faintly, saying, "Without you in Los Angeles, I just got unlucky." Hawke didn''t quite get it, asking, "What do you mean?" Megan treated Hawke as her anchor and elaborated, "This past Monday, the general manager of Channel 11, Cynthia Rosenberg, submitted a plan to Fox Television about her retirement early next year, leaving that position open." Hawke inquired, "She doesn''t seem old; why the sudden decision to retire?" "She looks good and has great makeup, making her seem in her fifties, but she''s actually of retirement age," Megan explained, adjusting herself for comfort. "Last week, Cynthia was diagnosed with breast cancer and plans to retire for treatment." Hawke added, "You want to contest for that position." Megan had mentioned that previously: "When you invited me to join Twitter, I refused because I was about to take on the role of assistant director at Channel 11 and aimed for the manager position." She held onto Hawke''s hand by the bed, saying, "But I''m not the only one interested in that position; Channel 11 has more than one assistant manager." Hawke understood, "Are you saying your illness relates to your competitors?" "I made a fool of myself this time, almost becoming a joke for Fox," Megan''s tone was bitter. "With Cynthia deciding to retire, the competition for the role has everyone on edge, including myself." She hurriedly explained, "Cynthia recommended me to Roger Ailes, but there are too many contenders, making the position hard to fill. The other night, I participated in a Fox show that included several well-known anchors, which Roger Ailes also attended." "The show was live, and just before it began, I suddenly had a gastroenteritis attack, leading to severe vomiting." Megan rolled her eyes at the ceiling. "Luckily, I vomited backstage, so it didn''t ruin my career. Unfortunately, I vomited right in front of Roger Ailes, leaving a dreadful impression and at least ruining Cynthia''s recommendation." Hawke directly asked, "Did anyone else vomit? What did the medical results say?" "No one else vomited," Megan handed him a report from the drawer. "The results showed high levels of Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus, causing gastritis, but everything else was normal." Hawke asked, "Anything else?" Knowing each other well, Megan understood his implication, responding, "I made breakfast and lunch myself, and had dinner at the company cafeteria. Many others had the same meal but displayed no symptoms. I didn''t touch the food at Fox while attending the show; Gretchen was in production as well -- I was cautious." She sighed helplessly, "Fox wouldn''t target all personnel because of me, and I won''t make such an absurd request; that would destroy my chances in the competition entirely." Hawke said, "So it''s a bacterial infection and not poisoning?" Megan forced a smile, "I''m not sure if it''s my issue or someone else''s doing, but the timing and setting were too convenient, right in front of Roger Ailes." She continued, "I remember mentioning that the image of Fox''s female anchors wearing short skirts, tights, and high heels was designed by Roger Ailes, who puts great emphasis on their appearances. Such an incident, even with Cynthia''s endorsement, would seriously damage my standing." Hawke reflected for a moment, asking, "What about Gretchen? Is she vying for that position too?" Megan replied, "No, she''s not qualified. Following Roger Ailes'' rules, managers of Fox''s subsidiary channels are typically promoted from within." Hawke, whose thoughts diverged from Megan''s, considered, "Perhaps Gretchen can''t compete but also doesn''t want you to win." Whether coincidental or manipulative, the outcome for Megan remained the same. At this sensitive time, all the problems were the competitors'' doing. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 290: Female Firefighters [Chapter 291: Female Firefighters] After finding some bottled water, Hawke poured a glass for Megan and placed it on the bedside table. He asked directly, "Do you want me to help you compete for the director position?" "We agreed to keep our work and personal lives separate," Megan replied, recalling their previous conversation. She framed it as a transaction to ease any concerns Hawke might have. "Over the years we''ve been together, I''ve never been an obstacle for you, and I won''t start now." She looked at Hawke, continuing, "I was born into a broken family. I never thought about starting my own family or having kids. Besides work and my career, the only joy I have comes from you. If there comes a day when you tire of me, I''ll quietly walk away." Hawke lifted the cup to feed her some water. "You''re overthinking it." After sipping, Megan said, "While the rise of new media is undeniable, traditional television isn''t going away anytime soon. If I become the director at Channel 11, I''ll have significant autonomy in news reporting, which could help compensate for your lack of voice in traditional media. I might not know what your plans are, but after spending so much time together, I can sense you''re plotting something..." Hawke saw no need to deny her point since she was his biggest collaborator in the media. Recently, Megan had been interacting frequently with Caroline, seemingly infectious in her ambition. "No matter what you''re planning, wouldn''t a dual approach of new media and traditional television yield better results?" "You''ve convinced me." Hawke took another sip from the cup. "First, we need to identify where our opponents are, their backgrounds, their strengths and weaknesses, and who the key decision-makers are at the network." Megan had been pondering this for a while. "Ultimately, the chairman''s office makes decisions -- Roger Ailes. But I won''t approach him; everyone at Fox knows that taking informal paths to gain his favor comes with a heavy price. I would rather not have this job." She stated her position clearly and further added, "The real competition comes from the other two deputy directors at Channel 11: Manninger Jenkins and Renee Russell." Hawke responded, "I need detailed information on both of them, as well as Roger Ailes and influential figures like Cynthia Rosenberg." Megan nodded. "I''ll put together the details as soon as possible." If they wanted to devise a targeted plan, background checks were necessary. Hawke thought for a moment and said, "You should stay in the hospital for now; don''t go out yet." Megan understood immediately from their teamwork over time. "I''ll stay put and watch the other competitors battle it out." When Aisha returned, Hawke said his goodbyes and left the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. ... Once in the car, Hawke called Campos to have him look into Manninger Jenkins and Renee Russell''s backgrounds. Just as he hung up, Brian''s call came through. "I heard you and Erica are back?" Hawke replied, "We arrived in Los Angeles yesterday afternoon." Brian asked, "Where do you want to meet up?" Hawke glanced out the window and said, "Let''s meet at the Beverly Business Club, the usual place." "I might take a bit longer to get there," Brian said, gathering some documents and calling for a driver. ... After hanging up, Hawke instructed Edward to head straight to Century City. Edward glanced at Hawke through the rearview mirror and cautiously asked, "Boss, nothing unexpected happened this time, right?" "Uh?" Hawke thought to himself, even you think something goes wrong whenever I step out? This was not normal. He replied seriously, "You need to understand one thing: there are always people wanting to harm me, it''s never just an accident." Edward then added, "A few days ago, while barbecuing at Venice Beach, Frank told me to watch out for news from Florida, hinting that we might soon see some disturbing headlines." ????????§¦S Hawke replied, "But nothing happened this time, right?" Edward cleared his throat and said, "I read an article in the Orlando Sentinel about two hunting guides who drowned while accompanying clients from California; they were attacked by alligators, and they couldn''t even recover their bodies." Hawke recalled Duran''s two assistants and the DEA convoy they''d encountered on the way back. Accident? The attacker probably wasn''t an alligator. Those two assistants were well-acquainted with the terrain. Hawke could only conclude that those involved in drug enforcement were also the biggest traffickers. He had heard Erica mention it more than once: every year, a part of what LAPD seized seemed to go missing from storage. When the extent reached a particular level, they''d pin the blame on one person, at most sentenced to five years. After a series of reductions, they''d often be out in a year. The latest one just got out after less than six months. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. These were all unspoken rules in LAPD. Even Erica avoided touching such matters; even Carter Ferguson from the Five-Person Committee stayed away. Hawke stated, "I caught some good game in Orlando. Once it''s transported via cold chain, I''ll send a portion to Frank." Earlier, Edward had mentioned in a phone call, "Are you talking about those lizards? I''ve never eaten lizard before." "They taste pretty good," Hawke recalled the lizard meat from the restaurant and said, "When the cargo arrives, take some home." Edward showed interest. "Sounds good." ... At the Beverly Business Club, Hawke entered a meeting room and didn''t wait long before Brian rushed in. As soon as he saw Hawke, he laughed, "How strange! You guys didn''t encounter any trouble this time." Hawke replied with resignation, "That''s because you, the curse-bringer, kept your mouth shut." Looking back, if he and Erica hadn''t cut their trip short, there might have been a gunfight with the DEA or a group posing as the DEA. Brian fell into deep self-doubt, remembering all the times he spoke before only to trigger unexpected situations. This time he didn''t say much and didn''t think long; it was surprising how smooth Hawke and Erica''s trip had gone. "This is unnatural!" Brian shook his head. "It''s just not plausible!" Hawke patted him on the shoulder. "You have a knack for exaggerating; this is more your supernatural ability than science." He shifted the topic. "I''ve secured the bear specimen you wanted. I took down a nearly two-meter-tall black bear, and the specimen will be sent to Los Angeles shortly after New Year''s. Just be ready to receive it." Brian grinned, "That''s fantastic! It symbolizes my courage!" "I''m glad you''re happy," Hawke replied. Brian opened his briefcase and handed Hawke a few documents. "Take a look at these first." Hawke took them, sat on the sofa, and carefully read through them. These were drafts from the Los Angeles City Hall, originating from the Mayor''s office and initiated by the current Mayor, Antonio. Most of the document dealt with next year''s public relations budget and expenditures. It included sections on LAPD as well as initiatives related to Silicon Beach. The Los Angeles municipal government aimed to bolster support for Silicon Beach, but when it came to the list of businesses being helped, Twitter -- currently the most influential in Silicon Beach -- was near the bottom. In contrast, the state government was offering preferential treatment to Twitter. When it came to initiatives from Los Angeles, the policies for the upcoming year were pretty standard. Although the division in American society hadn''t reached the extremes of post-2010, the current President''s remarks about you not being on my side meant you''d aligned with the enemy; the social and political landscape was shifting rapidly toward that direction. To Hawke, that was a good thing. At that moment, Brian remarked, "Antonio canceled some of the preferential policies that Twitter enjoyed this year." Hawke wasn''t surprised; although the Democratic Party in Los Angeles wasn''t completely ineffective, the previous mayor, Richard Riordan, had left office in 2001 after serving more than eight years. The Democratic Party took back the mayoral seat less than three years ago. Brian continued, "There''s one budget item you should pay more attention to; it''s placed at the end of the document and is a crucial political project for Antonio next year." Hawke quickly flipped to the back of the file. Brian explained, "Antonio plans to collaborate fully with several women''s organizations in Los Angeles and allocate an $8.5 million budget for the hiring of new firefighters." Hawke''s eyes narrowed. This current mayor of Los Angeles aimed to increase female representation in the fire department to gain support from female citizens, with $7.5 million dedicated to recruiting female firefighters. Brian pointed out, "Antonio is using the public budget of Los Angeles to buy off the support of female constituents!" He shook his head. "When wildfires break out, how many of those privileged women will dare to go in first? Can they withstand the pressure from high-pressure hoses?" Perhaps they were thinking about having fire-quenching babies? Hawke leafed through the document, "The current female firefighter ratio is 0.35%, and he wants to raise it to over 30%." "That''s insane." Even Brian, who wasn''t usually reliable, felt that budget was fundamentally flawed and filled with hazards. "You should mobilize forces to stop him in the city council!" Hawke set the document down, pondered for a moment, and asked, "Why stop it?" Brian replied, "That could ruin this city, Los Angeles suffers severe wildfires every year." Hawke slowly stated, "This happens to be your opportunity." Brian had been thinking like a citizen of Los Angeles, but at Hawke''s remark, he quickly adopted a more political stance. He rubbed his chin in thought for a moment. "If wildfires can''t be controlled and they reach residential areas..." Hawke said, "The truly impoverished live in the concrete buildings of downtown and Hollywood." Brian nodded. "Yes, those who live near wooded mountainous areas must be at least well-off middle class." Hawke continued, "Los Angeles receives little rainfall and is generally quite dry. I''ve heard the water supply has been sold to private companies. Is that true?" "Seems like it," Brian couldn''t quite recall. "I remember there was a water bank buying most of the freshwater resources in the Los Angeles region to develop agriculture. I need to check on that." The two discussed this topic for a long time and reached a mutual understanding. Before leaving, Brian asked, "The Hilton Group is planning to host a partner party in Los Angeles. Did you get an invite?" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 291: Little Guys at the Foot of the Mountain [Chapter 292: Little Guys at the Foot of the Mountain] Back at the office, Caroline handed Hawke the invitation from the Hilton Group. The party was set to take place at the Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, inviting a host of collaborating companies and stars associated with the Hilton Group. Caroline also received an invite and asked Hawke with eager anticipation, "Are you going? If you do, we can go together." They were in talks over an advertising collaboration, so Hawke certainly planned to attend. "Sure." Caroline beamed, a couple of dimples appearing as she stepped out of the office, pondering what hairstyle to wear, what outfit to choose, and which high heels to match. It was as if a carrot was dangled in front of a sheep. ... As quitting time approached, Hawke called Erica. She was working overtime and recently didn''t have time. Hawke tidied up his desk, then asked Edward to join him at a bespoke menswear store in Santa Monica to pick out a new suit. After leaving the store, Hawke got a call from Campos. ... They met at a safe house where Campos handed Hawke two folder envelopes. "These are photos and bios of Manninger Jenkins and Renee Russell, along with available public information; I''m still looking into the rest." Hawke opened the folders and took a look. Manninger was a middle-aged white man in his forties, a strong presence in the television industry. He had been with Channel 11 in Los Angeles for quite some time before the channel was acquired by Fox Network, at which point he seamlessly transitioned to Fox, rising from producer to deputy director. Renee Russell, a thirty-three-year-old white woman, joined Fox 11 in 1997. She held a position similar to Megan''s, serving as a host and producer for the 7 PM news, all while being a deputy director at Channel 11. Both were married; the former had a 15-year-old son, while the latter had no children. Judging by the publicly available information, it seemed that Manninger had a higher chance of promotion. However, Cynthia Rosenberg''s retirement report highlighted a strong endorsement for Megan. Campos mentioned, "Fiona went to the Fox Television Center this afternoon under the guise of a freelance journalist, she learned that the Hilton Group had invited Fox 11 to the partner party." ... Hawke pulled out his phone and called Megan. "Does Channel 11 have a collaboration with the Hilton Group?" Megan replied, "They''re one of Channel 11''s biggest advertisers." Hawke followed up, "The Hilton Group invited Channel 11 to the partner party in Los Angeles. Can you find out who will represent Channel 11?" "I''ll call right away." ... Megan hung up and reached out to the program team. She soon called Hawke back and said, "Manninger is representing Channel 11." Hawke responded, "Got it." Megan added, "If I get discharged, I''ll fight for it with Cynthia. It should be me going." Hawke said, "Just continue to rest. Make it seem like your situation is serious." Megan affirmed, "I understand." ... Hawke stored his phone and told Campos, "Keep investigating those two." "Understood." Campos replied, noting a few more details before departing. ... The next morning, Hawke received a call letting him know that the cargo transported from Florida via cold chain had arrived at a warehouse near Los Angeles International Airport, asking for a delivery address. ?¦Á¦­???S? Hawke ordered it sent directly to Twitter, instructing Edward to take care of the pickup. Frank sent a few over from the parking lot at Venice Beach, Edward kept a few, and a few more went to Brian. After checking in with Erica, he kept a few for himself. ... In the afternoon, Frank called, inviting Hawke and Edward to the parking lot for a barbecue. Under the setting sun, a complete barbecue setup was set outside the parked RV. Frank split a few cleaned green iguanas in half, skewered each piece, and placed them over the charcoal grill. Brushing them with sauce, a unique aroma drifted with the wind. Edward stood by the grill, watching the golden meat while still sporting half a triangle head, asked, "Are you sure that''s edible?" Hawke sat at the table, just opening a beer, and replied, "Don''t you know? They are like dinosaurs. Speaking from a grilling perspective, this is like barbecued dinosaur meat." Edward believed Hawke but was skeptical about Frank, muttering, "Good ingredients also need good chefs." Wearing oversized sunglasses, Frank got annoyed hearing Edward doubt his grilling skills: "I can make anything tasty, even cotton gin, so don''t you dare question my cooking." "Really?" Edward quickly pulled back his leg. "Let''s see you prove it!" Frank picked up a skewer, aiming towards Edward, which startled him into retracting his leg. Frank wasn''t aiming for his leg but rather a more sensitive area. Frank withdrew the skewer. "Since we have dinosaur meat today, I won''t be roasting any cotton." Once the lizard was done, Hawke brought over some trays. Frank added cumin and chili powder before placing everything on the trays. The three of them sat at the table, poured some beers, and dug into the grilled iguanas. Hawke ripped off a piece of meat, stuffing it into his mouth, giving Frank a thumbs-up. "This is on par with a top chef''s skills." Edward chimed in, "It must be due to high-quality ingredients." Frank entered his over-the-top boasting mode: "I spent time honing these grilling skills; with this barbecue technique, I''ve effortlessly charmed three Hollywood starlets, including Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor." Hawke caught the keyword: "So Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor were your ex-wives?" Frank raised his glass, downing its contents in one go, smiling without answering. Hawke challenged him, "You are bragging again. Haven''t you heard that Sophia Loren and Elizabeth Taylor had an ex-husband named Frank?" Frank waved dismissively, "Interpret it however you wish." As Edward refilled Frank''s empty glass, he curiously asked, "So, did you ever date Audrey Hepburn?" Frank chuckled, exuding the essence of a king of boastful charm. "I don''t believe it," Edward replied. "She had very few scandals." Frank clinked glasses with Hawke and indulged in food and drinks, unwilling to entertain Edward''s foolishness further. While visiting for the barbecue, Hawke was not only interested in sampling Frank''s cooking but also had something to inquire: "Do you know the current deputy director of Fox 11, Manninger Jenkins?" Frank looked contemplative. After a long pause, he said, "That name rings a bell, but I can''t associate it with a person." Hawke pulled out two photos from his coat pocket and handed them over. "This is how he looked back then and now." Frank took a look at both, shook his head, and returned them, saying, "I don''t know him." He reverted to his braggart status. "When I was at my peak in Hollywood, he was just a nobody down at the foot of the mountain. From the peak, I could see a vast crowd below; how could I possibly remember such an insignificant character?" Hawke then asked, "What about Renee Russell? She''s also a deputy director at Channel 11 and only 33." "I don''t know her," Frank replied firmly, shaking his head. "She''s too young." Hawke realized this information would be of no use. He wouldn''t be able to use the usual channels and had to explore different paths. Frank was the first acquaintance Hawke made when he arrived in Los Angeles. The old-timer lowered his voice, "Are they your next targets?" Hawke didn''t feel the need to hide his intentions. "It''s the director of Channel 11." Frank laughed. "Megan Taylor is aiming to be the head of Channel 11? That''s a tough spot to climb; dealing with Roger Ailes is no easy task." Hawke wanted to ask, so instead, he said, "Is there a legitimate way to deal with Roger Ailes?" "Roger Ailes has made quite a name for himself in the media since the ''80s; his reputation is unmatched in the industry." Frank stated plainly, "For most women to gain opportunities with him, they pretty much have to go down that unspoken path. I can''t speak for everyone, but at least a third of the female hosts at Fox Network didn''t climb through sheer talent; they took shortcuts through Roger Ailes." He sipped his beer and continued, "However, many others didn''t, especially the directors of various sub-networks. Program hosts can use shortcuts because they only need to follow established scripts and pretty much look pretty while reading from a teleprompter; but sub-network directors have to guarantee they possess the necessary capabilities. Channel 11 is a critical television station for all of California and the entire West Coast; if anything goes wrong, Roger Ailes has to explain himself to the Murdoch family." Hawke interjected, "Because the real emperor of Fox is Murdoch, not Roger Ailes." Frank chuckled, "You''ve hit the nail on the head. If Ailes makes a serious misstep, the Murdoch family won''t hesitate to dispose of him." Hawke asked, "What if there is only one best choice?" Frank contemplated cautiously for a moment, then said, "I''ve dealt with Roger Ailes a few times. The key is not to make him feel antagonized." He paused slightly before adding, "Intense competition is within his acceptance range. If you can''t win in the internal competition, how can you compete against your rivals?" Hawke poured Frank some more beer and clinked glasses with him. "Your perspective is wise; every time I consult you, I gain valuable insights." Frank took a sip of beer and glanced back at the RV. "You''ve not only provided me with an RV but you''ve also set up an entertainment room at the office with the security team to keep me company; I can''t just enjoy the perks without contributing something back." Edward couldn''t help but tease, "Who would''ve thought you''d have professional ethics for a culinary beggar like you?" "Better than you cotton-pickers who won''t even grow cotton!" Frank shot Edward a disdainful look and turned to Hawke. "You should acquire a piece of countryside and send this guy off to grow cotton." ***** /Sayonara816. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 292: Stirring the Pot [Chapter 293: Stirring the Pot] Beverly Hills, Hilton Hotel. Hawke stepped out of his bulletproof Mercedes, quickly striding through the hotel entrance while adjusting his suit buttons. The sound of heels clicking on the marble floor echoed as Caroline, her bobbed hair dyed honey gold, approached in a pair of black and red high heels. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Dressed in a red Chanel party dress and clutching a trendy new Hermes handbag, her diamond Cartier bracelet sparkled under the hotel lights. Caroline had not only chosen her accessories days in advance for this party, but had also spent most of the day in the styling suite. Hawke took a quick glance and complimented, "Nice choice, very stylish." Caroline beamed back, "I specially found a studio to design it for me." As they headed towards the banquet hall, Caroline looped her arm through Hawke''s, hesitating for a moment before doing so. Keeping pace with him, she remarked, "These pieces are all rented." Hawke replied, "It''s up to you." Approaching the banquet hall, they waited a moment until Edward arrived. They then presented their invitations and entered together. ... The banquet hall was huge, the annual Golden Globe Awards is held here every year. At the entrance, they spotted the hosts of the party, Steven Hilton and Richard Hilton of the Hilton family. Hawke and Caroline walked over, shook hands, exchanged pleasantries, and discussed an upcoming collaboration, the atmosphere between them quite cordial. Richard turned to Hawke and said, "Paris mentioned that the candy and fashion brand idea originated from your planning." Hawke acknowledged with a nod, "I just suggested a few things; Paris really took it from there." Richard replied, "You helped her get on the right track. Paris''s mother asked me to extend her thanks while I''m here from New York." "You''re welcome," Hawke replied. ... With the introductions behind them, Caroline accompanied Hawke further into the banquet hall. As they walked, she shared, "The theme promotion plan for Discover Hilton has been approved by the Hilton group -- we''ll likely sign the contract next week." Hawke said, "This is your first promotional campaign; make sure you oversee it yourself." "I will," she said, slipping her arm back through his. ... From across the hall, Paris Hilton approached with a slightly taller girl beside her. "Hawke, this is my sister Nicky," Paris introduced without hesitation. §²????¦­?????¨¨???? Nicky Hilton, perhaps a former model, had a supermodel-like figure and was more conventionally attractive than Paris. Without any pretense, she reached out and shook Hawke''s hand, bluntly saying, "Can you help me launch my career?" Hawke replied earnestly, "I don''t know you very well. If I give you random advice, it would only lead to failure and waste your money." Nicky stepped forward slightly, undeterred, "That''s okay; we can get to know each other better." Paris noticed her sister''s boldness and stiffened slightly. Nicky had just come from New York, completely unaware of who she was dealing with. While Nicky had emerged from the Upper East Side debutante scene, she was no match for Hawke''s caliber in this industry. Paris quickly pulled Nicky away, saying, "We won''t interrupt you further." Hawke smiled politely, "Please do as you please." ... Once they were a safe distance away, Caroline asked, "You seem to have an idea for launching something?" "I do, but it''s only feasible for direct members of the Hilton family," Hawke said casually. "Nicky Hilton could start a tissue company solely supplying to Hilton hotels..." Caroline blinked, realizing such ventures were indeed only achievable for immediate family members of the Hiltons. ... Meanwhile, Paris dragged Nicky to a quieter area, asking in a hushed tone, "What were you doing? You can''t just flirt!" Nicky replied with a weird expression, "Since I''ve been in LA, I''ve been hearing you rave about Hawke. Meeting him in person, he looks pretty unremarkable; I wanted to see if he had any special talents." Paris warned her seriously, "Stay away! He''s trouble, and his girlfriend is even more intimidating -- she''s taken out at least thirty people!" Nicky raised her eyebrows, surprised, just spotting Britney Spears. "I can at least go see Britney, right?" Paris shook her head, exasperated. That sister of hers never made things easy. ... On Hawke''s side, he ran into Dwayne Johnson''s agent wife, Dany Garcia, who was conversing with a tall, noticeably fat blonde woman. Upon seeing Hawke, Dany introduced her client, Charlize Theron. Enthusiastically, Charlize approached, "I''m also a Twitter user. For Oscar PR, my team suggested I ramp up my presence on Twitter since so many Academy members use it." Hawke asked, "Are you aiming for Best Actress?" "Absolutely." The PR campaigns for awards had to be high-profile. Charlize wanted Hawke to circulate some positive buzz about her, adding, "Earlier this year, I worked on a movie called , and to get into character, I gained nearly fifty pounds -- an enormous commitment, and I''m still working on getting back to my original weight." Dany seemed to want to poach the CAA client, saying, "I can see that it''s very different from your original image." Stirring the pot, she said, "But the resources CAA has invested in you don''t match your contributions -- they''re focused on Sean Penn''s Best Actor campaign instead." Hawke and Caroline preferred not to comment on that topic. Charlize picked up on Dany''s intentions and tactfully declined, "My team has formulated a targeted PR strategy for me." Hawke recalled vaguely some past memories. He remembered during Charlize Theron''s crucial PR moments, Roger Ebert publicly urged that if didn''t win, it would be one of the biggest embarrassments in Oscar history. In Hollywood''s climate, it was hard to tell if anything beyond money would convince the renowned critic. Hawke recalled a time when Stephen Hawking had jokingly claimed that even in infinite parallel universes, landing a date with Charlize Theron was impossible. Everyone knew how she was perceived. After realizing she couldn''t make a move with Charlize, Dany withdrew for the moment. She hugged Caroline, saying, "It''s been ages! You look exactly the same -- so young and beautiful." Those words resonated with Caroline, who returned the compliment, "You too." Hawke asked, "Where''s Dwayne?" Dany replied, "He''s in New York preparing for a role and might be there for a couple of weeks." ... After a brief chat, Edward approached quietly, signaling to Hawke. Hawke gestured to Caroline to continue their discussion, then took a drink and veered away. Edward surveyed their surroundings, noticing they were unnoticed before whispering, "Boss, the target is over there." Hawke discreetly settled at a nearby table, finally looking in the direction Edward indicated. Less than twenty meters away, Manninger Jenkins was deep in conversation with another middle-aged man. Edward identified the man, saying he had previously photographed him as a freelance journalist: "That''s Jamie Spears, Britney''s father and also her manager." He pointed out Manninger''s nearby, bearded companion, "That''s Britney''s agent, Larry Rudolph; he was instrumental in her rise to fame." Hawke nodded slightly, keeping his observations to himself. Manninger and Jamie seemed engaged in a lively discussion, apparently reaching some consensus. But following Hawke''s recollections, he remembered Jamie Spears as an extremely controlling father who had nearly derailed Britney''s entire career. A couple of years ago, the media touted Britney as a potential successor to Madonna as the next pop diva, but those mentions had since disappeared. Hawke had read a news report in his previous life that in the 2020s, Britney was bullied in public by NBA draft players, and she couldn''t even get back at them. In this era, it was hard to imagine. Taking a sip of his drink, Hawke noticed Jamie calling Britney over, engaging her in casual conversation while Manninger snapped pictures. He realized Manninger was acting like a devoted fan. Once the photo op concluded, Britney attempted to depart, but Manninger countered her efforts for more conversation. Hawke mused, "Is Britney single now?" Edward thought for a moment, replying, "Earlier this year, she broke up with Justin Timberlake and has mostly been hanging out with Paris since. I haven''t heard anything about a new boyfriend. But there''s a crazy admirer named Jason Alexander; he''s an old acquaintance of hers. The tabloids reported that he''s infatuated with her." Hawke filed that information away, uncertain of how it might come into play. ... A little while later, Britney made a call, and soon after, Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan arrived, pulling her away from Manninger''s not-so-subtle attentions. Manninger resumed his discussion with Jamie Spears. Edward feigned passing by, overhearing snippets, returning to tell Hawke, "That guy wants to invite Britney''s dad to a party he''s hosting." Hawke instructed, "Later, notify Campos to dig into Jamie Spears and Manninger. Let''s keep tabs on them." Edward made a note. Hawke continued to survey the situation for a while, saw no further developments, and left the lounge, joining Caroline to engage in necessary business networking. After the party, Caroline left the hotel and watched Hawke get into the Mercedes and leave. She wanted to take off her high heels and smash the rear window of the departing Mercedes. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 293: How Can You Play Without Paying? [Chapter 294: How Can You Play Without Paying?] Twitter, in the conference room. Hawke sat on one side of the conference table, taking the contract from Caroline and signing at the designated spots swiftly. Across from him, Steve Hilton, representing the Hilton Hotel Group, uncapped his signature pen and signed another contract document. They exchanged signed documents. Hawke capped the pen, rising to shake Steve Hilton''s hand. Caroline also stepped forward to shake hands with Steve. Applause erupted in the conference room. Edward raised his camera, snapping photos continuously. Having concluded the advertising agreement, Steve didn''t linger, leaving his assistant to handle subsequent matters with Twitter before departing. ... As Hawke returned to the office, Twitter''s official account announced the partnership with Hilton Group. Accompanying the announcement was a photo of Caroline shaking Steve Hilton''s hand. The first phase of this contract was set to last a year, with the total advertising deal worth $8.5 million, incorporating the promotional campaign for . Hawke would not need to spread himself thin over this; Caroline would oversee the entire operation. Edward stored away the additional photos in the office cabinet. ... As Hawke scrolled through his phone, he noticed a text from Erica asking if he had time to talk. He called her back, and once connected, he asked, "What''s up?" "The FBI just reached out to me," Erica stated directly. "They inquired about the two missing hunters in Florida, and Jennifer Huey came to see me. I explained the situation, so it should be fine." Hawke asked, "Is Duran still alive?" Erica informed him, "Yes, he is. As far as we''re concerned, the matter ends here." "Got it." Hawke asked, "Will you be able to leave on time tonight?" Erica''s voice carried a hint of exhaustion, "It''s tough. There have been multiple violent incidents in Los Angeles lately, and the detective department needs to appear proactive." Hawke assured, "I''ll be waiting for you at the Silver Lake Villa." ... In Beverly Hills, a Mercedes was heading towards Century City. Inside, Britney sat with a pouting expression, looking helplessly at her father, Jamie Spears. For the past decade, Jamie had focused solely on two tasks: brainwashing his daughter and draining her finances. "Sweetie, I''m your dad; how could I harm you?" Jamie turned on the emotional charm. "Your mother left us early; it''s just us now, and I''ve always been caring for you. Do you remember? When the Mickey Mouse Club disbanded, it was all because of me that your music career got started..." ????¦Á???????? Britney, while gifted in singing, had struggled with everything else. Reflecting on the past, she fell silent for a moment and stated, distancing from Jamie''s manipulative narrative, "Dad, do you know what we went through at the Mickey Mouse Club?" Jamie wrapped an arm around her shoulder, exuding false empathy, "I know, I know. That awful mouse company is one of the worst offenders in Hollywood against children. But those days are behind us! We need to look forward. Once we find a more powerful company to back us, we can settle accounts with Disney." It was apparent that, given the typical tactics of those scoundrels, his daughter must have suffered in some way which had an adverse effect on her mental state. While this made it easier for Jamie to control Britney, he couldn''t fathom anyone having fun with his daughter without compensation! Britney often clashed with him yet yearned for familial warmth. With a reluctant nod, she finally said, "Dad, I''ll listen to you." Seemingly sincere, Jamie said, "The world might try to hurt you, but your dad never will." He kissed her forehead and added, "Even if the world collapses, I''ll protect you." Leaning on Jamie''s shoulder, Britney felt as if she had the entire world with her. With his emotional manipulation showing signs of effectiveness, Jamie pivoted to the main topic: "Don''t listen to Larry Rudolph; he wants you to fire your dad and get a new manager and financial advisor -- he''s trying to drive a wedge between us!" S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Despite being an adult, Britney still struggled with decision-making, though she had some capacity for reflection: "I think he''s speaking a bit of truth." Jamie shot back, "You think your dad would harm you?" Britney fell silent, unsure how to answer. ... The car arrived at the Century City shopping center and came to a stop. Jamie felt it was time to ease off, saying, "Go have fun; enjoy yourself." "Okay," Britney said hurriedly before dashing off to reunite with Paris Hilton and her sister. Jamie checked his watch and instructed the driver, "Take me to BLG Cafe." The driver pressed the gas pedal, and the Mercedes headed in that direction. "Keep an eye on Britney''s movements," he commanded the driver. "Yes, sir," came the reply. The driver, like the one providing salary, was indeed Jamie Spears. ... Upon stopping in front of the cafe, Jamie exited the car, glancing around for signs of his daughter. Seeing no one, he found an empty table and made a phone call. ... Outside, Carlos and Betty emerged from their respective vehicles. Betty was the first to enter the cafe, immediately spotting Jamie at the front desk, requesting a cup of coffee before heading his way. The cafe buzzed with activity as Jamie was on a call and barely noticed her approach. Carlos entered through a side door leading to the shopping center and made his way towards the front desk. As Betty passed by Carlos, his briefcase brushed against her left hand, causing her wallet to plummet to the ground. Carlos hurriedly exclaimed, "Sorry about that!" "Not a problem," Betty said, bending down to pick it up. ... Jamie turned his head just in time to see Betty lowered down, but quickly returned to his phone conversation. ... Undercover, Betty swiftly slid her hand against Jamie''s table leg, sticking a listening device onto the underside. Carlos once again apologized as he moved toward the front desk to get his coffee before leaving. Betty found a spot to settle in and took out a book to read. After waiting for about ten minutes, just when Betty believed Jamie was merely stopping in for a coffee, a middle-aged man entered the cafe and took a designated seat across from Jamie. Betty sent a quick text: "The guy is here, it''s Larry Rudolph, Britney''s manager." ... In a car parked outside, Carlos donned a headset and initiated the recording function of the receiver. Voices soon entered his ear. ... "We''ve been working together for six years; it''s been quite pleasant," Jamie began, confronting Larry. "You shouldn''t be trying to drive a wedge between Britney and me." Larry, whose position had become precarious, adamantly denied, "I''m not trying to stir anything up! That''s a risky endeavor; why would I do it?" He made a downward motion with his hands, adding, "Jamie, our goals are aligned; our interest is to elevate Britney''s career, to earn more money, to reach greater heights, to genuinely become a pop queen." Jamie quietly scoffed, realizing their targets diverged significantly. While it was true that achieving pop queen status would make Britney wealthier, it was her money, not his. Jamie asserted, "All this means is you want me to sacrifice my position? To fire me from managing her career?" Larry remained composed, his true intentions hidden beneath a veneer of calm: "You''ve been a great father over the years, contributing immensely to her career, but she''s at a standstill now, and she needs a more professional manager." None of Larry''s rhetoric rang true for Jamie; Britney was his cash cow, and he held her tightly for security. "Why do you think she needs a new financial advisor?" Larry replied, "I''m not asking for a new financial advisor. It''s about bringing in a new accountant to oversee the finances; it''s standard in the industry." Jamie scoffed, "Introducing your accountant? Just like those unfortunate souls in Hollywood and the NBA, conned by unscrupulous agents and accountants?" The notion of introducing accountants was aimed directly at Jamie. Larry, maintaining his composure, replied, "The accountant I''ll introduce is independent; he has no connection to me." "Stop making excuses," Jamie mocked. "Britney is my daughter; I''m supposed to make decisions for her. You''re undermining both Britney''s and my interests, trying to disrupt our father-daughter bond. Once this contract expires, Britney won''t re-sign with you." In Hollywood, artists, whether musicians or actors, could only sign contracts with agents for a maximum of three years. Britney''s second three-year contract with Larry was set to end early next year. As the tensions mounted, Larry also decided against diplomacy, stating bluntly, "Britney will soon turn twenty-two, she''s an adult, she can make her own decisions about her career; you, as her father, have no right to interfere!" This struck Jamie directly between the eyes; Britney was growing up -- no longer the girl who needed his guidance in every aspect. By legal standards, he could only advise her. Larry continued without restraint: "You really think no one knows what''s been happening these past few years? Do you believe that when you drain Britney''s accounts, she won''t realize?" "You haven''t just impacted Britney''s finances; you''ve undermined the very career she loves most!" He had no desire to discuss matters further with this insatiably greedy man, standing up to deliver a parting shot: "I''ll be informing Britney about your actions. Though she''s naive, she isn''t a fool." Jamie retorted, "Britney won''t believe you." Larry remained silent, turning and exiting the cafe. ... Jamie''s expression soured as he sat alone for a while, seemingly contemplating his options. After a moment of hesitation, he retrieved his phone and called, "I need to speak with Manninger Jenkins! Tell him I''m Britney''s father." The other line quickly transitioned to another voice: "Hey, Jamie? Is that you? I was in a meeting; my phone was with my assistant." "Is what you mentioned yesterday true?" Jamie inquired. Manninger replied, "You think I''d joke about something like that?" "I want to meet with you," Jamie pressed. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 294: If Disney Can Do It, So Can I [Chapter 295: If Disney Can Do It, So Can I] After hanging up the phone, Jamie Spears initially planned to leave but took a glance at his cold coffee cup and downed it in one go. This was all his money! Jamie set the empty cup down and exited the cafe. ... Betty wasn''t in a rush; she waited for the server to clear the cups before casually passing the table, discreetly wiping the covert listening device on the table leg before pocketing it. Once outside, she hopped into her car, started the engine, and checked the GPS display, realizing Carlos had already left Century City. She quickly followed suit. En route, Betty used her walkie-talkie to call Carlos. Carlos was keeping track of Jamie Spears. When Jamie''s Mercedes-Benz pulled up outside a convenience store, Juan rushed over, having been alerted by Carlos, to grab the USB drive containing the recordings, and headed straight for Santa Monica. Carlos and Betty continued to pursue Jamie Spears. ... In South Santa Monica, at Twitter. Having received the USB drive from Juan, Edward hurried upstairs and entered Hawke''s office, placing the drive on the desk. "The Butterfly just had someone drop this off," he quickly explained. "It''s a recording of Jamie Spears discussing something sensitive with Britney''s agent, Larry Rudolph." Hawke connected the drive to a dedicated laptop and opened the audio file, the sound of two men''s voices filling the room. When the audio finished playing, Edward asked, "Are they fighting for control over Britney?" Hawke responded, "That seems to be the case." Edward shook his head. "Everyone knows Jamie Spears is unreliable. Why does Britney still trust him so much?" Hawke pondered for a moment. "Probably because she''s Britney." He rewound the audio to replay the part where Jamie was on the phone, listening again. "Jamie seems to have serious disagreements with Larry, yet instead of reaching out to Britney, he called Manninger Jenkins, which seems odd." Edward quickly reacted, "Could it be related to their conversation at the Hilton Party?" Hawke asked, "Did anyone follow them?" Edward had checked in with Juan, replying, "Carlos and Betty are tailing Jamie, while Garcia and Fiona are following Manninger." Hawke nodded slightly. "Let''s wait and see if there''s any updates." Just then, Hawke thought of Paris. From their first collaboration, Paris had frequently mentioned Britney, subtly hinting she wanted Hawke to assist Britney. However, Hawke wouldn''t make any moves without Britney''s direct request. He asked Edward, "Is Paris close to Britney?" "Very close." Edward brought up a particular incident. "You remember Paris''s assistant, Kim Kardashian? Apparently, Kim was badmouthing Britney and got scolded by Paris, who then dismissed her." ???????????????? Hawke understood. ... In Century City, near Fox Television Center. Carlos parked his car and was just about to put on headphones when someone knocked on the passenger window from outside. He glanced over and pressed the unlock button. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Garcia opened the car door and hopped in. "I didn''t think our targets would cross paths so soon." Carlos handed Garcia another earpiece and asked, "Is anyone watching?" "Betty showed her face earlier, but she can''t appear again," Garcia replied as he adjusted the earphone cord. "Fiona went inside to keep an eye on things." Suddenly, voices sounded in Carlos''s earpiece, urging Garcia to be quiet. ... "I know many people in the agent circle; my sources are usually reliable." Manninger Jenkins loosened his suit jacket for comfort. "Jamie, the info I shared at the party was accurate, right?" Jamie replied, "Larry Rudolph has ambitions and wants to push me out." Manninger laughed, "But you''re Britney''s father, her most important person." Jamie suddenly asked, "Why are you helping me?" Manninger didn''t hesitate, sounding sincere, "Because I''m a fan of Britney; I''ve loved her since her first single came out in 1998." Jamie recalled Manninger''s fan-like behavior when he met Britney in the Hilton ballroom and remarked, "You''ve helped me through a crisis." But Manninger wasn''t just being kind; he deliberately hinted, "You haven''t escaped the crisis yet. How much does Larry make off Britney each year? Surely it''s millions? Would he give up such a hefty income?" Jamie projected his views onto the situation. "No way! Absolutely not!" Taking this as an opportunity, Manninger pressed, "Larry is the one who made Britney a star; she trusts him a lot. Now that she''s grown up, she can make her own decisions. What if she chooses something that''s not in your favor?" Jamie shook his head, "She usually listens to me." "That''s true, but in the past," Manninger danced around the subject. "But Larry would definitely make her review her bank accounts and transaction history; you can''t stop that. I don''t know how you divide the profits between you two." Beads of sweat appeared on Jamie''s forehead. Too many parent-child relationships in Hollywood soured over money, covering the majority of child stars from average families. Manninger wasn''t finished: "As soon as someone turns eighteen, they need to manage their own income. I''ve yet to meet a twenty-one-year-old who hands their earnings to their parents." Just that short exchange threw Jamie''s previously stable mindset into chaos. Currently, most of Britney''s earnings were in Jamie''s hands, with a substantial amount already spent. In the future, Britney would control her income and decide how much to give him. That''s a drop from millions to just hundreds of thousands. Jamie couldn''t even vocalize his fears knowing Britney was a bit naive but far from stupid. Manninger casually sipped his cocktail. The bar wasn''t full, and the atmosphere was relatively quiet. Jamie couldn''t accept this grim future, his gaze wandered until it settled on Manninger. "You say this to provoke me, don''t you? What are you really after?" Manninger avoided directly answering the question and emphasized instead, "I really do like Britney." Jamie wasn''t naive; he understood what that meant. Manninger idolized Roger Ailes in some respects and had made similar moves within Channel 11, but due to Cynthia''s presence, he was limited to the junior hosts, none of whom could compare to Britney. What he said was true; because he was captivated by the music video back in the day. Unfortunately, he hadn''t had the opportunity until now. Having dabbled in the entertainment industry for years, Jamie had enough wisdom to deduce, "You''re not short on women." Manninger replied very directly like many executives, "She''s Britney! The joy she brings makes the other stars look like kids!" He had already considered this: "Why can the Mouse Club do it and I can''t as an executive at Fox?" Jamie wasn''t about to give in easily: "You need to tell me how I won''t lose my position." Manninger explained, "According to the law, if an adult behaves erratically or shows mental instability, they can be deemed incapable of independence. Consequently, a guardian will be appointed -- usually a close relative -- and the guardian will have full control over all aspects of the subject''s life, including financial gains." Jamie felt he had uncovered a great discovery, but then hesitated, "Britney isn''t really incompetent in areas outside music; she''s not a fool." "It''s simple -- use drugs," Manninger suggested. He referred to a new type of medication developed for athletes to treat various depression, asthma, and ADHD issues. Manninger elaborated, "Taking this drug makes people highly aggressive, emotionally unstable, and prone to baffling behavior. If she appears erratically in public several times, you can apply for special guardianship in court, and I can help; it won''t be hard to get through." Jamie worried, "Wouldn''t that affect her singing career?" "There may be some impact, but nothing too severe." Manninger had already prepared his rationale. "Do you want a Britney making $80 million a year, completely out of your control, only giving you a small allowance, or a Britney earning $40 million a year while you pocket $30 million of that?" That wasn''t a choice at all, so Jamie responded, "I want the $40 million!" Manninger said, "That''s very attainable." At this moment, Jamie was no longer rejecting Manninger''s proposition. Disney had done it, and record company executives had done it; adding one more instance wasn''t a big deal. Isn''t this how the star road in the entertainment world played out? Jamie scratched his head. "Can all these things you mentioned really happen?" Manninger assured, "You can give it a try first." "Alright! Alright!" Jamie replied. "What drugs are you talking about?" But Manninger countered, "My payment first." "As long as Britney is entirely under my control, would that still be an issue?" Jamie, as a father, was far more invested than Macaulay Culkin''s parents. He declared, "The Micky Mouse Club guys have done it, the record company people have done it, and so can you." Manninger softly whispered a few names. Fearing he wouldn''t remember, Jamie quickly pulled out a notepad and jotted them down. To him, a soaring star like Britney couldn''t compare to a tightly caged golden chick. As for his daughter''s life, nothing was more important than money. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 295: Going Crazy [Chapter 296: Going Crazy] In Santa Monica, 20th Street. Hawke''s rented villa was brightly lit; Campos and Edward were both seated in the study. The audio recording sent over by Carlos and Garcia had just concluded. Hawke recalled some details about Britney, a few salacious scandals. Like a madman at one point, Britney shaved her head, smashed cars, and even attacked people with an umbrella. Hawke remembered a report wherein Jamie Spears had allegedly used a hospital diagnosis to sue and gain special guardianship, completely controlling Britney''s career and life. Rumor had it that they even implanted something in her. As for what that was for, Hawke wasn''t sure. Coming from Compton, a city notorious for crime, Edward appeared shocked. "Jamie Spears doesn''t see Britney as his daughter; he''s just using her as a cash cow." Campos added, "I''ve met some of the most ruthless drug lords and murderers in Mexico, and they have more morals than this bastard -- this is his own flesh and blood." Edward turned to Hawke, saying, "Boss, this seems straightforward. As long as Twitter exposes this..." "No, we''d better steer clear of this," Hawke mused. "If it''s just to expose Manninger, leaking this won''t necessarily trigger any consequences from Fox. Over the years, several executives from Fox have had their careers crumble from exposure. But this issue involves the competition for the channel''s director position; if Twitter recklessly interferes in Fox''s internal affairs, it might not be a good move." Campos asked, "Expose it to other media?" Hawke didn''t answer immediately but extracted materials Megan Taylor had delivered earlier that day. There were two parts: one was about Manninger Jenkins and the other about Renee Russell. Hawke pulled out Renee Russell''s materials. "This woman is Manninger''s direct competitor, and she occupied the vice-director role earlier than Megan, and their conflicts are much deeper than with Megan." Having already reviewed the materials, Campos conveyed, "Unlike Manninger, Renee also acts as producer and host for the 7 PM news. Can we sell the recordings, photos, and Fiona''s footage through her news segment as freelance journalists?" Edward said, "That seems doable." Hawke agreed. "That''d be one route, but we''d need to find a suitable opportunity. Renee''s in contention for the Director''s position at Channel 11 following Megan''s temporary illness. If she suspects Manninger, it increases the chances that she''ll leak the story." He thought for a moment and continued, "The key to this matter is how Jamie and Britney''s father-daughter relationship evolves. We subtly push the matter along to amplify the situation and force Renee''s hand to make a choice." Campos was on board. "Manninger is a veteran at Channel 11 and will undoubtedly retaliate." "There''s a prerequisite," Hawke recalled another key factor, "Megan has to present a vulnerable front and must get Cynthia''s support." In this incident, Megan was the first to stumble. No matter where the issue of her stomach pain and nausea arose, let''s just assume she was ill for now. ... Hawke reached for his phone, dialed Megan. When she picked up, he said, "Tomorrow, release a statement that you''ve been transferred to St. Gabriel Hospital in Orange County due to serious symptoms." ??¦­???? Megan didn''t question the reasoning and trusted Hawke entirely, "I''ll go do it right now." Hawke added, "You need to coordinate with the doctors and Cynthia; the attending physician''s cooperation and Cynthia''s endorsement are crucial." "That won''t be a problem with the doctors; money takes care of it," Megan answered. "Cynthia''s health isn''t looking good either; she may not hold out for long. Her biggest wish lies with her daughter, and I''m figuring out how to connect her with her daughter." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke asked, "What''s the situation with her daughter?" Megan had done thorough research: "She''s studying film production at USC and preparing for an internship. I was thinking of recommending her for a crew position at 20th Century Fox." Hawke cut in decisively, "You should tell Cynthia her daughter can intern as a production manager on Tom Cruise''s set." Cynthia''s connections were mainly in media. Megan replied, "I''ll contact Cynthia right away." Hawke ended the call. ... Campos asked, "What about Britney''s situation?" Edward looked troubled. "Although Britney broke up with Justin Timberlake, they''re not married, and there are no kids; it''s not really in my area of expertise." Hawke had considered this issue already, saying, "In LA, Britney''s best friend is Paris Hilton. Paris has previously reached out to me, hoping I could help Britney out of her predicament." Edward noted, "For Britney''s sake, Paris fired her assistant, Kim Kardashian, who had been with her for years." Hawke stated, "For this matter, Paris makes for an ideal intermediary." After discussions, Campos left first, and after Hawke dialed Paris Hilton, they arranged to meet the next day, and Edward also took his leave. ... The following morning, Paris quietly arrived at Twitter and entered the meeting room. Hawke pulled out his laptop and slid it across the table to Paris: "This is the story Twitter acquired last night, involving your friend Britney, but it hasn''t been released yet." "What''s going on?" Paris asked, seeing the audio player paused and hitting the space bar. The initial recording played Larry Rudolph''s conversation with Jamie Spears. Though slightly shocked, Paris wasn''t entirely surprised. As Britney''s closest confidante, she was familiar with Jamie Spears to an extent. However, the subsequent remarks made by Manninger and Jamie Spears completely blew Paris away. This was not something a father would say. Paris looked alarmed, gazing at Hawke, "Jamie is going to ruin Britney!" "This man has no limits," Hawke said. "If he succeeds, Britney would be completely under his control, and your friendship with Britney could be severed." Paris had learned a lot in the last half-year, quickly stating, "Once Jamie controls Britney, he would inevitably create rifts between us." Hawke noted, "Certain drugs can completely destroy a person''s will; according to media reports, Britney isn''t a strong-willed person." Paris fell silent, even if she wasn''t the sharpest, she could imagine what Britney might face. She remarked, "Let''s expose this! I''ll go meet Britney to show her her father''s true face!" "Exposing is simple, but making Britney believe her father is trying to harm her is another story," Hawke responded, speaking the truth: "There have been countless media attacks on Jamie for deceiving Britney over the years. What''s the outcome? Jamie remains Britney''s most trusted person; they''re father and daughter -- naturally, they''d trust each other the most." He looked at Paris, "If a report came out claiming your father harmed you, would you believe it?" Paris retorted, "I believe the media is talking nonsense!" Hawke continued, "The media has produced so many rumors about Britney; I can''t even keep count. Jamie could just say it''s all falsehoods. Who would Britney believe? You or her father?" Paris didn''t have to think hard; she gave a clear answer, "She''d believe her father." Hawke''s hints became increasingly obvious. Paris finally realized, "Does this mean I should wait until Britney has been hurt by Jamie before finding a suitable moment to approach her? That way, she might trust me more." "I''ve been doing strategic planning in LA for nearly two years, handling many complex requests," Hawke observed Paris. "You can never teach someone a thing in your lifetime, but you can teach someone once." This remark reminded Paris of her past, a time she hadn''t used her brain much. It was precisely the tape incident that had driven her to change, opening the doors to her current career, leading her to think critically. "You''re right; Britney should learn a profound lesson." Paris agreed with Hawke and asked, "What should we do?" Hawke quickly laid out the plan. Paris listened intently, raising questions in areas she found intriguing. Interactions between people are curious; if someone close to you is struggling, you feel compelled to lend a hand. But if they''re thriving, the perspective shifts entirely. ... Burbank, South Buena Vista Street. This area housed the headquarters for Disney, Disney Studios, ABC, and many other entertainment media companies, making celebrity sightings even more common than in Beverly Hills. Many entertainment reporters and paparazzi often roamed the streets. Aiden, a special correspondent for the National Herald, originally stationed outside Disney Studios, decided to walk to a nearby studio as too many of his peers gathered around. A black Mercedes suddenly halted by the roadside, and the female assistant in the passenger seat stepped out and opened the rear door. Aiden recognized the car and whipped out his camera. Britney hopped out, waving at Jamie inside as she headed toward the studio. ... After the Mercedes pulled away, it didn''t go far before Jamie ordered the driver to stop. He lowered the car window slightly, twisting the water bottle in his hand, eyeing Britney. Britney had already begun to feel restless in the car. ... Aiden moved a bit closer, directing his lens toward Britney to capture her. The flashbulbs going off felt blinding to Britney. The clicking of shutters sounded like rusty steel scraping against one another, and she felt nauseous. Bright sunshine beamed down upon the studio''s glass door, and Britney felt like she was staring at a monster. An overwhelming urge surged within her. Britney tossed her handbag aside, sprinted toward the door, grabbed the sunshade propped up on one side, and began smashing it against the glass door! The loud thunks grabbed the attention of many around. Aiden snapped picture after picture, eager to capture as much exclusivity as possible before his peers arrived. The assistant tried to intervene but was shoved aside by Britney. Britney lifted the sunshade high and smashed it down forcefully, her thrusts were relentless. Perhaps lucky in timing, the metallic tip of the sunshade shattered the fragile section of glass, sending shards raining to the ground. Some shards even fell on Britney''s head and body, but she was undeterred, moving on to smash another door. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 296: Where Are the Enemies? [Chapter 297: Where Are the Enemies?] West Los Angeles, Golding''s Restaurant. After receiving a call from Hawke last night, Tom Cruise simply made an appointment with Hawke to have breakfast together. Hawke wasn''t shy and said directly, "I have a friend studying film production at USC who''s about to start an internship..." Tom Cruise interrupted, " is already in post-production, so that''s not ideal. After the New Year, I''m joining Spielberg''s crew. My company invested a small amount in that film. Just have your friend come directly to me, and I''ll arrange for him to work as an assistant production manager on the set." "Thank you," Hawke replied. "We''re old friends, no need to be so polite," Tom Cruise said. He had learned over many years that befriending people like Hawke would often work to his advantage. Hawke moved on from pleasantries and talked about the status of . The project had wrapped up filming, and director Eric Emerson was in the post-production phase. ... After breakfast, they each went their separate ways. As Tom Cruise got into his car, he picked up a copy of . Upon opening it, he was greeted by a headline about Nicole Kidman. It was a special interview where Nicole said, "To me, he''s just ''Tom''. To others, he means much more. He once filled my life with love, and I still love him..." Tom Cruise realized Hawke was right; he''d never escape Nicole Kidman''s shadow. ... Hawke got into his Mercedes and called Megan. From the driver''s seat, Edward handed Hawke a newspaper, saying, "Britney''s gone crazy." Hawke took the paper, and the front page headline showed an eye-catching photo of Britney holding an umbrella while smashing the glass door. The news scrutinized Britney''s mental health. "Britney Acts Out, Violently Smashes Studio Doors, Police Called for Concerns Over Mental Health!" Hawke set down the paper and said, "Jamie is fast on his feet." ... At the Fox Television Center, in the 11th channel office. Manninger Jenkins caught up on the news by reading the papers and surfing the internet, as well as watching the previous night''s news clip. The headlines all focused on Britney. The pop star went berserk, smashing studio doors and pushing her assistant to the ground. Manninger was quite satisfied; Jamie was nothing more than a fool chasing money while seeing his daughter as a tool for profit. He knew that soon, he''d have the chance to taste the sweetness of the sweet Britney. Manninger had been craving this opportunity for years. Unfortunately, he wasn''t in the upper-level management of a record label, he couldn''t write songs, and he wasn''t a heavyweight judge for music awards. If he wanted to taste Britney''s sweetness, he''d have to to find another way. Finally, he found out Britney''s management contract was about to expire and that her manager had clashed with Jamie Spears, presenting a solid opportunity. ... Just then, his phone rang; it was Jamie calling. Manninger picked up right away. "Did you see the news?" Jamie''s voice came through. "I just saw it. You''re doing great, Jamie. Keep this up for a week or ten days, and you''ll be in court applying for special guardianship -- it''ll definitely get approved." ???????????§§? Jamie laughed, "I''m a responsible father!" Manninger continued, saying what Jamie wanted to hear: "Britney is yours; no one can take her away." "Exactly, she''s mine!" Jamie thoughtfully added, "For the next ten years, I''ll use it every other day. Too much sensitivity might hurt Britney." He wanted a mindless star, not just any ordinary girl. ... After Manninger hung up, he felt he was just a step away from getting close to Britney, and taking full control wouldn''t be far behind. Manninger pulled up some videos stored on his computer and watched one of Britney''s music videos. One MV, in particular, was especially provocative. A knock came at the door. Manninger switched off the video and called out, "Come in." His assistant, Gibbs, walked in. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Sir, we have new intel from our competitors." He quickly explained, "We''ve learned that Megan Taylor left Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and checked into Alsa Healthcare Nursing Home in Orange County. She completed her admission process just now." Hearing this, Manninger pondered, "Megan Taylor''s condition hasn''t improved?" "Yes," Gibbs continued, "I had our people bribe a nurse from Cedars-Sinai, and we obtained details of Megan''s medical history. She''s infected with salmonella and staph, leading to severe gastroenteritis and ulcers, with potential for cancer... Though the risk isn''t extremely high, Megan doesn''t want to take chances and plans to recover a bit more before she comes back." Manninger asked, "Are you sure?" Gibbs replied confidently, "Our people posed as visitors from Fox and spoke to Megan''s doctor, and the doctor''s story matched." "Megan is leaving Los Angeles for Orange County and won''t return anytime soon, which basically rules out competition," Manninger mused. "But on that night at Fox, Megan suddenly got sick and vomited in front of Roger Ailes. I''ve always suspected someone was out to get her." Gibbs mentioned, "The rumors claim Cynthia recommended Megan for the director position." Manninger shook his head, "Cynthia recommending doesn''t guarantee it. My qualifications at Fox outperform Megan''s, and ultimately, it''s Roger Ailes who decides." Gibbs agreed, "Of course." Manninger continued, "We''re not foolish enough to poison her or plant anything harmful; there''s only one suspect." Gibbs thought of another competitor, "Renee Russell." Manninger said, "Aside from her, I can''t think of anyone else." The upcoming rivalry would focus heavily on Renee Russell. But on Megan Taylor''s side, Manninger would still keep tabs. ... One floor down, in the producer''s office for the 7 PM news. Renee Russell had also heard news of Megan''s deteriorating health and her move to Orange County for recuperation. Her assistant even leveraged her feminine charm to obtain copies of all medical records and reports. Renee glanced over and easily understood that Megan''s condition rendered her unable to work. With the competition for channel director looming, all three candidates had potential. While Megan had a slight advantage due to Cynthia''s recommendation, she and Manninger also had their chances. Before the competition even began, Megan''s health had already faltered. Renee was filled with questions; she considered uniting with Megan''s sworn enemy, Gretchen, using underhanded tactics to knock Megan out of the running. But she had only met Gretchen once, and before their discussion could develop into a plan, Megan had already run into trouble. Renee glanced up at the ceiling, wondering if Manninger was behind this. After pondering the situation, she couldn''t think of anyone other than Manninger. Internal competition was everywhere, and Roger Ailes encouraged it. This was a race for channel director, after all. While being extra cautious, Renee also considered how to handle Manninger Jenkins. Using certain competitive tactics was one thing, but if she resorted to them, she needed to ensure Manninger could never recover. ... Renee called her most trusted assistant and associate producer into the room to strategize. "It is impossible for us to significantly improve our level in a short period of time," Renee stated firmly. "But we can find a way to make Manninger slip up, thereby lowering his level and winning the competition." The associate producer said, "The chairman''s office hasn''t revealed the candidate yet, which seems to encourage competition." Renee turned to the assistant and instructed, "Have someone quietly spread the news about Megan Taylor''s health; let it circulate widely that she won''t be able to work." The assistant, a woman, replied, "I''m quite adept at that." Renee then directed the associate producer, "Find ways to gather negative intel on Manninger, no matter the aspect, I want it all." She further emphasized, "Remind the team to be on guard!" ... Beverly Hills, Beverly Drive. With Jamie Spears out, Paris Hilton visited Britney''s house to take her out. They didn''t head to Paris''s nearby villa but instead went directly to the Four Seasons Hotel. Once in the suite, Britney took out a small water bottle from her handbag and took a sip. Paris asked, "What are you drinking?" Britney put the water down, explaining, "It''s beauty water that Dad prepared for me. He says it keeps my skin clear, slows aging, and stabilizes my mood." She offered the water bottle to Paris, "Want to try?" Paris took the bottle but recalled Hawke''s advice, setting it aside. "What happened with you in Burbank?" "I don''t know," Britney sighed, feeling fretful and dizzy, "I just felt so agitated and impulsive; I couldn''t control myself." Paris probed, "Have you settled everything?" "It''s all cleared up," Britney rubbed her forehead, "I paid that studio some money and apologized." Paris whipped out her cellphone, saying, "I''m going to grab something. Sit tight for a minute." She headed to the bedroom to collect a USB drive from the notebook she had prepared. Halfway through, someone called, and Paris chatted for a moment. While still on the phone, she suddenly heard strange noises from outside and quickly exited the bedroom. Britney, in a fit of rage, smashed a decorative glass vase against the carpet. The thick carpet cushioned the impact, so the vase didn''t break. She picked it up again and hurled it against the wall. Amid a cacophony of shattering glass, Britney continued her rampage throughout the suite. The violent scene was terrifying for Paris, who didn''t dare approach. She grabbed the portable DV Hawke had given her and started filming Britney''s meltdown. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 297: The Turn [Chapter 298: The Turn] At the hotel suite door, Paris looked at the now-calm but exhausted Britney and told the approaching hotel manager, "I''ll compensate for all the damages and decorations; please don''t disturb us for now." The hotel manager recognized Paris and nodded, "Okay, but please keep the noise down; we don''t want to disturb the other guests." "I will," Paris assured. The hotel manager left, and Paris shut the door, turning to find Britney dozing off on the couch. She tried to shake her awake, but Britney felt heavy, so Paris fetched a goose down duvet to cover her. Paris had never seen Britney like this before. Sitting on the couch, she reflected on the terrifying events and thought, this cannot continue, or Britney will totally lose it. Paris stepped out of the living room and dialed Hawke, quickly recounting the situation. ... At the Twitter office, Hawke considered everything thoroughly, "Just follow our plan, and I''ll send someone over to assist you." This was Paris''s first time managing such a situation, and she felt uncertain. "Get someone here fast." Hawke thought of the fact they were all women and called Campos, asking him to send Betty and Fiona right away. ... Meanwhile, Paris grabbed Britney''s phone and, as directed by Hawke, removed the SIM card. Now, Jamie could no longer contact Britney immediately. Half an hour later, someone knocked on the suite door. Paris saw a stranger, a Latina woman. Fiona whispered a few words before cautioning, "If all goes well, I''ll accompany you and Britney back home as your new assistant." Paris asked, "Can''t you come now?" "I''m a newcomer," Fiona quickly explained. "Britney just had a meltdown. If I show up, it might raise her suspicions. It''ll be easier for you to talk to her alone, and I''ll only step in when she fully realizes what''s happening." Paris took her phone, entered her number, dialed, and returned the phone to Fiona, "Wait for my call." Fiona left for the downstairs. ... Paris returned to the room and waited a while longer until Britney finally stirred awake. She stared at the mess on the floor, paused to collect her thoughts, and said, "I''m so sorry. I don''t know what happened; I just lost control." Paris felt a bit jittery but took a deep breath and organized her words in her mind. "I came to see you today for this reason, but I didn''t expect to answer a call only to find you in this state." ???????????????? Britney looked apologetic, "I don''t even know why." "I recorded it. You need to see; it''s terrifying." Paris brought over her laptop, opening the video stored on the hard drive and hitting play. Britney''s eyes fixated on the screen, watching the wild woman explode in chaos, and she lowered her head in shame. Was that her? Had she truly lost control? More chaotic than her last incident of smashing the glass door. Britney felt tears welling up, "I''ve never been like this; why has this happened?" Paris said, "I wanted to talk to you about this today." She picked up the mouse and opened another audio file, "This is something I got from Fox. An independent journalist sold a story about your father to Fox. My series, , collaborates with Fox, and the producer who bought the news is familiar with me -- so he tipped me off. I purchased it after listening." If it were someone else, Britney might have doubted it, but upon hearing the voice, "My dad?" As the audio played, Paris also opened several photos for Britney to see, "The journalist caught these snaps." Britney recognized the two men instantly; one was her father Jamie, while the other was someone she had seen at a Hilton party, though the name eluded her. As more dialogue unfolded, Britney''s expression darkened. While she might not be the sharpest, she wasn''t naive. Those two were brazenly discussing how to drive her insane and control her to carry out illicit schemes. After considering the recent events in her life, Britney began to suspect her father. Suddenly, she recalled her manager Larry Rudolph mentioning that her earnings had been pilfered and her account was nearly empty. At first, she hadn''t taken it seriously, but the suspicion surged within her. Once someone develops a prejudice or suspicion about someone, they inevitably doubt every action taken by that person. Britney told Paris about her manager. Having received guidance from Hawke, Paris replied, "Ask your manager, then directly check with the bank. Remember, the financial manager is your father''s man -- keep it quiet." ... Britney called Larry Rudolph and then contacted the bank, discovering that her two accounts held less than $5,000 combined. She recalled her earnings for the year had exceeded ten million -- only Jamie and she could access those funds. The recordings echoed the truth. ... Paris and Britney deliberated further, and Britney called for Larry Rudolph to come over. Larry, having listened to the audio and seen the photos and video, subtly shot a glance at Paris. With his experience, he sensed something was off. But Larry wouldn''t reveal anything just yet, as it aligned with his interests as Britney''s manager. If Britney were driven mad by Jamie and fell completely under his control, her career would be finished. Larry''s primary revenue stemmed from Britney, amounting to millions each year. While Paris felt slightly nervous, it soon became clear that things were aligning with Hawke''s expectations, as Larry totally sided with Britney. Larry expressed his fury to Britney, saying, "What I previously told you doesn''t even scratch the surface of what Jamie has done. He isn''t a father; he''s a leech who wants to control your life and drain every drop from you!" Britney felt infuriated but also wrestled with a burning sensation inside her. Years of being controlled by her father had deeply ingrained that influence in her. "Maybe he just made a mistake in the moment." Larry nearly choked in disbelief, ready to burst. Hadn''t she learned anything after spending a decade with the Mickey Mouse Club and ten years in Hollywood? Paris, feeling momentarily at a loss for words, said, "I need to freshen up. I''ll be back in a minute." ... In the restroom, she pulled out her notepad, reviewing what Hawke had suggested she keep a record of during their discussions. Equipped with this insight, she knew what to do. Paris emerged from the restroom, regaining her confidence and telling Britney, "Since you''re still holding onto hopes and fantasies, how about we see if he truly sees you as his daughter, or simply wants to drain you dry?" Britney, feeling a connection to Jamie, said, "I want... to see for myself." Larry asked bluntly, "What''s your plan?" Paris addressed Larry first, "You leave here, call Jamie, and set up a meeting while I take Britney back home." Then she turned to Britney, "When Jamie returns, don''t mention anything about today''s melt down. If he asks, just say it didn''t happen." Britney still clung to hope, saying, "Okay." Paris also added, "I''ll have my assistant bring over some supplies to arrange your home; I won''t let anyone harm my friend!" After a quick discussion, Larry swiftly departed, calling Jamie to schedule their meeting. ... Soon, Fiona knocked on the suite''s door. Paris left the phone number with the hotel manager to estimate the losses, instructing that any bill should be sent to her. Then they got into Fiona''s car from the underground parking lot, heading directly to Beverly Drive, arriving at Britney''s home. The car pulled into the seldom-used underground garage, allowing for concealment. They entered the villa. ... Fiona asked Britney a few brief questions, before placing hidden cameras in various rooms where the father and daughter frequently interacted. Now, Paris mostly kept silent. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. All tasks were left to the people Hawke had sent, as they awaited the results. ... Paris and Fiona went to the second floor, entering Britney''s bedroom. The latter pulled out her laptop, checking the footage from the cameras to monitor the situation downstairs. Paris quickly retrieved her notepad to review the key points, refreshing her memory for the next moves in order to deal with the next situation. There were several points she needed to clarify and called Hawke specifically because he anticipated three developments. ... Dowstairs, Britney sat nervously in the living room, unsure of how long she''d been waiting until Jamie Spears walked in. Seeing his daughter, he questioned, "Where have you been? You didn''t even let me know. Do you have any idea how worried I was?" This made Britney feel a bit more at ease, convinced her father still cared about her. Jamie fake-concerned, asked, "Nothing unexpected happened today, right?" "No," Britney remembered, "I''ve been fine... Maybe I was just too stressed that day." Jamie, slightly taken aback, thought about what Manninger mentioned -- long-term use of medication leading to resistance. But hadn''t she only used it a few times? It seemed too fast. Recalling the earlier argument with Larry Rudolph left him more agitated, pushing the matter to a breaking point. Jamie felt he needed to assert control over Britney quickly; otherwise, managing a grown-up meltdown would be tricky for him. Thankfully, he had prepared a remedy: "Looks like the beauty water is working. Wait here; I''ll go grab some more." Britney remained seated, saying, "Sure." ... Jamie entered the kitchen, closing the door behind him. He pulled a bottle of mineral water from the fridge, pouring it into a large decanter, then took a powdered drug from his pocket, mixed it into the water, and added some sugar. Once thoroughly blended, he transferred it into a bottle and placed it on the low table in front of Britney. ... Meanwhile, on the second floor, Fiona watched closely through the security cameras and instructed Paris, "Call Larry; find a way to get Jamie out of there." Paris quickly made the call. ... In the living room, Britney, still clinging to her last threads of hope, asked, "Dad, can I not drink this?" "No, you must drink it." Jamie put on a stern fatherly facade, "This will cure your illness." Britney fell silent, knowing speaking would betray her emotions. ... Just then, Jamie''s phone rang; it was the financial manager calling. Larry Rudolph sought account clarification and was on his way to the office with a lawyer. Jamie cursed under his breath, preparing to leave. Before stepping out, he warned Britney, "Make sure you take your beauty water at the right time!" That wasn''t enough; he added, "Sweetheart, why don''t you go shopping with Paris and clear your mind?" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 299: Justice On Beverly Boulevard, Jamie Spears pulled his car into his daughter''s estate. As he exited, he contemplated getting special guardianship over Britney, ensuring the mansion would be transferred to his name. Entering the living room, Jamie called, "Britney?" The silence met him, "Out shopping?" Sitting on the couch, he noticed the kettle was also missing and smirked; he anticipated another scandalous headline about Britney breaking down tomorrow. Content, he lounged for a moment until flashing police lights and a doorbell interrupted him. Jamie felt gleeful, believing Britney had already caused trouble. She was indeed a stupid daughter. ... Jamie hurried over to open the door and saw that the person leading the group was a sheriff. He asked, "Britney was taken into custody?" Milner produced a subpoena and stated, "Mr. Jamie Spears, you''re suspected of illegal drug use and attempted poisoning..." Disbelief washed over Jamie, "What? That''s impossible!" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Milner revealed a search warrant, "We have the authority to search you, your vehicle, and your home." A couple of burly LAPD officers stepped forward, restraining Jamie and patting him down. Two others searched his parked Mercedes with nothing to show. However, one officer found two pill bottles on Jamie. Seeing Milner have the bottles bagged as evidence, Jamie suddenly realized he might be in trouble. However, he couldn''t fathom how his dim-witted daughter could put this together. The two strongest LAPD officers held Jamie firmly, escorting him into a police car. The trio of squad cars sped towards the Westside station. Jamie hadn''t seen Britney and called in a lawyer. ... The Westside precinct expedited his treatment, taking fingerprints, drug tests, recordings, and images effectively. Larry Rudolph, Britney''s manager, arrived at the police station and whispered to the lawyer for a time. Shortly, the lawyer came to inform Jamie that his client was Britney; she had issued a statement barring his participation in the case. Jamie realized he would need to find another lawyer. ... At 7 PM, the studio at the Fox Television Center buzzed with the emergence of Renee Russell for the 7 o''clock news. That evening''s headline promised to stir the nation. Video footage of Jamie and Manninger first hit the airwaves, followed by the recording and then images of Britney''s outburst in Burbank. Britney was at the zenith of her fame; America buzzed with astonishment. Not only were the crimes against Britney involved, but her biological father was also involved! Although the identity of the other person was not specified in the news, it was soon revealed: Manninger Jenkinson, the deputy director of Fox 11! Meanwhile, Milner of the Westside precinct, having informed Fox''s legal department in advance, led a team to issue a subpoena to Manninger. --- [Chapter 300: The Fox Turmoil] Orange County, Alsa Healthcare Nursing Home. Hawke lounged on a couch with Megan Taylor, watching the news unfold on screen about Manninger and Jamie''s conspiracy to control Britney. Megan leaned against Hawke''s shoulder, her legs propped on the coffee table, scrolling through the internet news reports. Time was tight; even Twitter hadn''t caught up with the updates yet. ?????§¦???? Hawke''s phone rang, he grabbed his arm to answer, "It''s me." From the other end, a voice hurriedly said, "Manninger has been detained by the LAPD." "Got it. Keep an eye on them," he hung up and turned to Megan, "Are your people ready?" Megan turned, craned her neck, and kissed Hawke softly, "Whispering rumors is a media person''s forte; I''ve been ready." Hawke asked, "What about Manninger?" Megan replied, "I''ll check first." "He was the financial supervisor at Channel 11 from 1998 to 2000. I was just a junior reporter while Renee was already the anchor," she began. Hawke understood instantly, "So Renee may have financial issues?" Megan rephrased, "That''s a theory, but I don''t have evidence. Most Fox anchors and producers play fast and loose with budget reports, unlike me." Hawke stated, "My plan is to provoke him into madness; I have experience in that area." "I can''t just let you do everything and sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor; I need to contribute." As she refreshed Twitter, she exclaimed, "Look!" ... Under Britney''s tweet, her fierce fanbase flooded the comments, [You were betrayed by your own father!] [Britney isn''t crazy; she was poisoned by her dad!] [Demand justice for Britney! We strongly demand that the judicial department severely punish Jamie Spears and Manninger Jenkins!] ... As the news broadcast wrapping up, Hawke received another call. After finishing the call, he saw Megan closing her laptop, kneeling before him. Megan pulled off Hawke''s belt, "You don''t care about the little money I earn, and you don''t care about fame; I''ll repay you in my way." She tied her hair and looked up at Hawke, striking a pose, "Any position, any way; whatever you want." Hawke quipped, "If you unlock too quickly, it will lose its novelty." Megan ignored him and lowered her head. Hawke remarked, "The news is out; Britney''s notoriety should provide some stock volatility for Fox." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 300: The Fox Turmoil The next morning, Britney, accompanied by Paris and Fiona, arrived at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center, where LAPD would assess the neurological damage due to drugs. This woman had some problems with her brain to begin with, and Fiona lectured her for a long time last night. During the assessment, Britney suffered various symptoms: vomiting, dizziness, headaches, and intermittent seizures. The LAPD were experts at exploiting situations, and with Milner''s help, the report on Britney''s drug damage was unfavorable for Jamie and Manninger. ... That day, alongside her manager Larry Rudolph, Britney held a small press conference. Under the gaze of numerous media outlets, she didn''t attack Jamie; instead, she reminisced about their father-daughter bond, sharing memories before she became famous. Even in the 21st century, amidst rising female empowerment, a daughter directly accusing her father wasn''t advisable. Britney redirected her criticism towards Manninger Jenkins. "My father has always cared for me; this incident resulted from bad influences." Facing the cameras, Britney still embodied the sweet girl image: "He was manipulated by Manninger; without him, my father wouldn''t behave this way. The true culprit is Manninger." Though other media questioned her afterward, Britney couldn''t respond, tears hindering her. Eventually, Paris rushed over with Larry Rudolph, supporting Britney as they departed. ... This press conference further fueled media speculation, with Manninger inevitably in the spotlight. The following day at the Westside precinct, Fox 11''s legal advisor, Pierce, completed the bail paperwork. Manninger could leave the station but not exit Los Angeles. Somewhere along the line, news leaked; as he exited, dozens of reporters and paparazzi ambushed him. Outside, Britney''s fans hurled accusations. Manninger knew better than to fall for the media''s provocation. He remained silent to questions and insults. ... Finally squeezing through the crowd, he hopped into the car driven by his assistant Gibbs, who asked, "What''s the word on the case? Is there a link to Jamie Spears?" Pierce replied truthfully, "Not favorable for you. Jamie is a wimp. He has reached a plea agreement with the LAPD. He said that he gave Britney drugs at your behest and that the drugs came from you. The police investigated your consumption records and found that you illegally purchased prescription drugs and controlled drugs through the dark web many times. Some of them were of the same type as those in Jamie''s hands." "Foolish girl, useless father!" Manninger couldn''t hold back, controlling his anger he inquired, "Is it troublesome?" Pierce continued, "Britney just underwent a legal drug damage assessment; results indicated nerve and brain damage leading to intermittent seizures, dizziness, and headaches -- potentially irreversible..." Manninger swore about Jamie, "How much poison did he administer?" Pierce pretended not to understand this and said, "I have a suggestion for you. Hire a professional lawyer as soon as possible to deal with this case." Having some prior connection to Manninger, he warned, "Today, Britney''s management at Sony Records and various fan organizations have contacted Fox to negotiate about this situation." Fox Network doesn''t care about things like agencies and fan organizations. But Sony Records is affiliated to Sony Entertainment, both are giants in the media industry. Britney is one of Sony Entertainment''s cash cows, so Sony Entertainment will inevitably put pressure on them. Manning knew very well that this matter was not as simple as it seemed. ... As the vehicle approached the Fox Television Center and parked underground, Pierce immediately headed upstairs. Meanwhile, Gibbs reported to Manninger, "The 7 o''clock news broke the story, hosted by Renee Russell, leading with the top headline. The chairman''s office has asked about it." Manninger was unsurprised by Renee''s involvement; he only worried about what followed. "What did the Chairman''s office respond?" Gibbs replied, "Get the legal department to bail you out." Manninger felt his heart sink; if Fox wanted to protect its people, they''d exhaust resources. However, it also depends on the situation. For example, in the incident with Megan Taylor and the Dwarfs Gang, the former was doing news on the Fox Network to boost ratings, and was retaliated by the Dwarfs Gang. Naturally, the Fox Network mobilized its resources to wipe out the gang. ????????¨¨???? This time, Manninger''s trouble was not caused by work, but by pure selfish desires. He asked, "Where did the news come from?" Gibbs responded, "Purchased from a freelancer; rumors circulated that Renee had commissioned several freelance reporters who often work with the 7 o''clock news to collect news about you." Manninger shut his eyes, "I''ve been away from the frontline for too long. Although my position is superior to hers, I can''t seem to source such assistance." Gibbs fell silent. "Since Renee wants war, we''ll give her one!" Manninger retrieved a flash drive from the car''s compartment. Gibbs chose to remain oblivious. ... After exiting the vehicle, Manninger walked toward the elevators and soon reached the 11th floor of the building. As he strolled towards his office, many peers regarded him with unusual curiosity. In media, it is normal for male superiors to sexually exploit their female subordinates, or for female superiors to sexually exploit their male subordinates. However, surreptitiously drugging someone to drive them mad, then coercing them was despicable. This sentiment had spread across the Fox Television Center and was publicly acknowledged. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This is common among people in this industry. But secretly giving someone drugs to drive them crazy and then raping them is despicable. This sentiment has spread throughout the Fox Television Center and has long been observed by those who are interested. ... Manninger disregarded them, reaching his office. Settling into the executive chair, he opened his computer to analyze Fox''s stock price. The first thing he noted was the news: "Affected by the incident in which Fox 11 deputy director Manninger instigated the poisoning of Britney, Fox''s stock price fell by 6%, and its market value evaporated by $2.1 billion." Realizing the implications of that figure, Manninger understood he was finished. Such a significant drop indicated this problem extended beyond Roger Ailes; the parent company would intervene. ... For Rupert Murdoch, far-off in New York, Manninger was a mere blip on the radar. Confronted with negative media-driven stock fluctuations, Murdoch adopted a simple and effective decision-making approach in the face of stock price fluctuations caused by negative news. Murdoch promptly called Roger Ailes, "Calm the public opinion as soon as possible." Roger Ailes understood what that meant. ... Just as Manninger entered his office, and was orchestrating a counteroffensive, he received a call from the Chairman''s office. The slightly aged voice of the chairman''s assistant sounded in the receiver: "Resign gracefully; for the sake of the company and yourself, maintain your dignity." After pondering, Manninger replied, "I''ll submit my resignation tomorrow morning." The chairman''s office deliberately released the news to people who had originally stood on the same front with Manninger and were preparing to fight back against Renee Russell. Men like Gibbs, for example, immediately backed off. ... Manninger said nothing as he exited the Fox Television Center. There were some things that he originally didn''t want to do because they were the tacit rules of the TV network. Once the tacit understanding was broken, he would hurt himself before hurting others. But Manninger no longer has such concerns. ... The next morning, many employees at Fox Television Center received an email from Manninger that documented multiple incidents from 1999 to 2000 regarding financial misconduct in acquiring news materials, defrauding the company in the process, along with supporting evidence. These included many purchases by Renee Russell. Fox''s staff hardly expressed surprise -- they all knew many were engaged in similar deeds. All hostile eyes were directed at Manninger, who sent the email. Yet they were powerless against him; Manninger had already resigned. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 301: When Two Dogs Fight Over a Bone, a Third Runs Away With It [Chapter 301: When Two Dogs Fight Over a Bone, a Third Runs Away With It] On the highway from Orange County to Los Angeles, a bulletproof Mercedes cruised smoothly. Inside the car, Hawke was scrolling through text messages from Campos. After a brief glance, he said, "I understand the situation. What do you plan to do next?" Megan smiled and replied, "I think we''re on the same page. I''m heading back to Fox 11 to take my leave request seriously and to fulfill the current director Cynthia Rosenberg''s commission. I need to calm this storm and show everyone that I can lead 11." Hawke reminded her, "Cynthia''s daughter is studying at USC Film School and has been brought onto the set of War of the Worlds as an intern production manager by Tom Cruise. That''s a position where she can learn a lot." Megan smiled, looking at Hawke, "I couldn''t have done this without you." Hawke didn''t say much; he knew he would need the support of the network''s public relations. With Megan in the director''s seat, his plans benefited significantly. He wanted to stir up the intense conflict between the red and blue factions during the election year, especially in California and Los Angeles. Fox News was the biggest player in the elephant party''s media landscape. The two continued discussing their next steps as Edward drove the Mercedes to the Fox Television Center. As the car pulled up to the Fox building, Hawke encouraged Megan, "Go get what''s yours." Megan leaned in and gave Hawke a passionate kiss on the cheek, "Wait for my good news." Hawke said, "Call me if anything comes up." ... Megan adjusted her bag as she stepped out, straightening her dark business outfit, and walked briskly into the television center. On the floor where Fox 11 was located, many were surprised to see Megan back. She headed directly to the director''s office. Cynthia Rosenberg was waiting for her, having been contacted the day before. "Feeling better?" Megan sat across from her, "Much better. It won''t affect my work." Cynthia responded straightforwardly, "A lot''s been going on at 11. I''m heading into intervention treatment soon and don''t have the time or energy to handle this. I''m leaving it to you." Megan had returned for this exact purpose. "I''ll take care of it as soon as possible." Cynthia warned, "The chairman''s office has been keeping an eye on what''s happening at 11." "I understand," Megan stood up, grateful, "Thank you." Cynthia waved her hand dismissively, "Nancy''s situation wouldn''t have gotten this far without Tom Cruise''s help." Nancy was her daughter, and this was Cynthia''s last wish. Megan smiled, "You''re my mentor and best friend; it''s what I should do." ... Leaving the director''s office, Megan returned to the Ace News team to stabilize the base. Next, she called Britney to arrange a meeting in Beverly Hills. Since the incident, Britney had been staying at Paris Hilton''s house, with Fiona accompanying them. Thanks to Hawke''s influence through Paris and Fiona, Megan had no trouble convincing Britney to meet. Britney decided to stop attacking Manninger Jenkins through the media and would focus on seeking justice through legal means. As events unfolded, Britney''s father, Jamie Spears, had completely ruptured their relationship, with Britney refusing to meet him again. Because of her public persona and personal image, Britney couldn''t directly accuse Jamie. Megan took this responsibility upon herself, "I can assure you, Fox News will concentrate all coverage on Jamie Spears for this incident. We will reveal his true colors to the world." ???????????§§S? Paris reinforced this, adding, "Jamie nearly ruined Britney''s life." Britney lowered her head, not saying much. Megan understood Britney''s mindset better than Paris did. "We''ll use public sentiment to make Jamie anxious, creating public scrutiny that could influence judicial decisions, and file for a court order to keep Jamie away from you." She held Britney''s hand, "This is best for both of you, preventing any more intense conflict." Larry Rudolph wanted to send Jamie to prison, but he had reservations. If they pushed for that, what would Britney think? The girl''s feelings couldn''t be measured like anyone else''s. If Britney redirected her resentment toward him, she would likely terminate the management contract, costing him millions. Larry glanced at Megan, recognizing that this well-known Fox host was clearly thinking more comprehensively, agreeing, "That''s the best way to handle this right now." Britney finally nodded, "Okay." Megan directly asked, "Do you have any news about Jamie that could make him the focus of media attention?" Britney looked at Fiona, who handed her a USB drive. Britney hesitated for a moment before handing the drive to Megan, saying, "Dad... this is the video of Jamie drugging me." "Thank you," Megan said, "What''s the news licensing fee? Give me a number." Neither Paris nor Britney cared much about this small sum, casually tossing out a figure. ... Megan returned to the Fox television center with the USB drive and entered the Ace News team office, immediately instructing her assistant, Aisha, to gather all the heads for a meeting. After returning to her office, Megan reviewed the video on the USB drive. The footage had been captured inside Britney''s home, documenting Jamie entering, conversing with Britney, going to the kitchen to prepare the drug, and repeatedly coaxing her to drink. Drawing on her extensive news experience, Megan recognized this story was undoubtedly going to blow up. Britney was at the height of her fame, and with the latest news about her being drugged making waves online, she needed to capitalize on this moment. However, no media outlet had ever published videos or pictures of Jamie actively administering poison. Megan copied the video and brought the USB drive into the conference room. Soon enough, Ace News finalized that the video of Jamie drugging Britney would be the night''s headline. That wasn''t enough; Megan contacted Caroline, ensuring they would push hard on Twitter to generate online buzz. Once she finished distributing tasks, she left the conference room and returned to her office. ... Manninger had already resigned and was out of the race for the director position. Naturally, Megan''s focus shifted to her next competitor -- Renee Russell. Before leaving Orange County, she had already reviewed Manninger''s mass email on the internal OA system, read the related news online, and discussed the situation with Cynthia. She had a clear plan. Megan picked up the phone on her desk and called the 7 O''Clock News team. When someone picked up, she said, "This is Megan. I need to speak with Renee." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A moment later, the call was transferred. "What do you want?" Renee''s voice was wary. Megan got straight to the point. "Let''s meet." There was a brief hesitation before Renee responded. "Fine." "Break room," Megan said before hanging up. She grabbed her phone and headed out. ... Five minutes later, they sat across from each other at a coffee table in the Channel 11 break room. The other staff members instinctively gave them space. Renee was older than Megan, but stress and time had aged her more than a decade beyond her years. She smirked. "You really picked the perfect time to come back." Megan remained calm. "I recovered faster than expected, so I returned." Renee eyed her suspiciously. "What did you do to Manninger?" "You''re overestimating me," Megan deflected. Then she shifted gears. "Let''s talk about your situation instead." Renee''s expression darkened. "You think this is new? At Fox, plenty of people have done worse." Megan nodded. "Sure, but usually, those things stay behind closed doors. Your mistake didn''t just come to light -- it left evidence, and now the board is involved." Renee was silent. Megan didn''t let up. "Take medical leave. Stay out of the public eye for a while. The media moves on quickly, and people forget." Renee, being in the news business herself, knew that was true. If she stepped away for a bit, the scandal would die down. But she wasn''t ready to surrender. "And while I''m gone, you slide into Cynthia''s position? Convenient." Megan shrugged. "You can refuse to take leave. But then the board will launch a formal investigation. Cynthia or I will oversee it. You''ll be fired." She leaned in slightly. "And if that happens, the reason will be made public. You''ll never work in media again -- not here, not anywhere. No network will touch you. Even outside this industry, you won''t get hired. Your mortgage? Your car payments? Your retirement? All gone." Renee clenched her jaw, saying nothing. Megan continued, "Remember Christensen? The top male anchor at Channel 11? Fox fired him over a scandal. Last I heard, he was living under a drainage pipe in Skid Row." Renee did remember. She had read the articles. After a moment, she asked, "Can you guarantee I keep my job at Fox?" "You just need to take leave," Megan said. "When you come back, you''ll still be the executive producer and host of the 7 O''Clock News. You''ll even keep your title as deputy director." Renee knew that if she agreed, Megan would have no remaining competition. But if she refused¡­ did she even have a shot? Megan glanced at her watch. "You have thirty minutes to decide. Let me know." She didn''t wait for a response. She stood, left the break room, and returned to her office. Her immediate priority was getting Renee out of the picture. If Renee wasn''t around to stir up trouble, Megan''s path to the director''s chair would be much smoother. ... It didn''t even take twenty minutes. Renee called her. "I''ll take medical leave," she said, her voice resigned. She submitted her request to the director''s office that same afternoon. Cynthia signed off on it within thirty minutes. That night, Ace News broke a major headline -- Jamie poisoning Britney. The scandal exploded, dominating the news cycle. Renee''s situation was officially buried. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 302: The Director [Chapter 302: The Director] After Fox 11''s news broadcast, Twitter reposted the news, along with countless other online media outlets. The video of Jamie Spears drugging Britney immediately set the internet ablaze. Recent recordings and videos only featured Jamie and Manninger''s conversations, but the LAPD evidence was mostly text and lab reports -- far less striking than a video. The story of a pop princess and her estranged father was undeniably juicy. Jamie became the hottest topic in North America, his scandal quickly reaching the East Coast and then to the other side of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Even in East Asia, where the languages differed entirely, the story made headlines. At that moment, whether in America, Europe, Asia, or Latin America, those newly embroiled in scandal were forced to grovel before Jamie. With one man''s actions, he had rescued the reputations and careers of countless individuals. As for Manninger Jenkins, he had fallen off the map, with no media or audience showing interest in him anymore. ... In Twitter''s office, Edward browsed the news and comments online, turning to Hawke, "A father-daughter feud like this, with a star of Britney''s caliber, is hotter than the combined scandals of Kobe Bryant and David Beckham." Hawke agreed, "This is Britney Spears, the biggest star of the 21st century. In terms of influence over the last two to three years, MJ and Madonna can hardly hold a candle." ... Edward received a call, hung up, and told Hawke, "Fiona has earned Britney''s trust; she''s now managing Britney''s official Twitter, and she just posted something." Hawke quickly found Britney''s Twitter account. ... The new tweet contained no text, only a series of images of a haggard Britney, tears streaming down her face. Right now, Britney didn''t need to do much; simply revealing her true state would earn her global support. Under Britney''s tweet, comments filled with comforting messages for her and angry tirades against Jamie flooded in. ... Not long after, someone on Twitter released another piece of news. Jamie had quietly exited a hotel, only to be cornered by a group of fans, one of whom threw a rotten egg at him. Online, there were no new updates on Manninger. ... Edward asked, "What about the other one, Renee Russell?" "On vacation, and she won''t return before the New Year," Hawke thought for a moment, adding, "Notify Campos to keep an eye on Renee." Edward dialed the phone. ... Hawke considered the current situation: Megan had no direct competitors anymore; she''d quelled Manninger''s upheaval and was now the only deputy director at Fox 11. ????????¨§???? Yet, nobody could guarantee a 100% successful promotion to full director at Fox 11. The people truly deciding that position were beyond Hawke and Megan''s influence. Internally at Fox, after Renee Russell''s sick leave, there were still murmurings, but no investigations were made, calming the fears. ... The following day, Britney''s camp filed a restraining order against Jamie, prohibiting him from approaching her. ... The next day, manager Larry Rudolph spoke with reporters, declaring that Britney''s finances were nearly depleted, all her earnings over the years had been siphoned off cleanly by Jamie. Britney''s lawyer filed a lawsuit, announcing actions against Jamie and the financial manager. The nightly news cycles obliterated any trace of Manninger''s scandal. Fox''s stock prices began to steadily recover. ... A new week arrived, and Cynthia Rosenberg made her way to the top floor of the Fox building. She waited briefly in the break room until she was invited into Roger Ailes'' office. Roger, sitting heavily on a single couch, appeared larger than life, his protruding belly exaggerated, almost like a nine-month pregnant woman. Cynthia placed the final report for the Fox 11 director position before Roger. He didn''t look at it but asked, "You''re leaving early?" Cynthia replied, "I start intervention treatment next week, which is supposed to be quite grueling, and I can''t balance work anymore." "Seems the competition yielded results." Roger''s team had been monitoring the situation at Fox closely. As Cynthia had told Megan, though it wasn''t explicitly stated, the upper management viewed competition as encouraging. The helm of Fox 11 had to emerge from fierce rivalry due to the increased external competition. Cynthia said, "It''s quite evident that Megan Taylor has won, and she has won extremely decisively." New York was satisfied with Fox''s efficiency; the negative news from Manninger had been swept away by Britney''s father, and the stock prices of Fox were on the rise. Roger said, "This woman is particularly strategic; she withdrew to let two rivals engage in mutual destruction before stepping in to fix things." Cynthia had always been a supporter of Megan, "She came back and swiftly dealt with Renee Russell, driving her to withdraw from competition, and quieted the storm caused by Manninger. She is both forceful and knows when to compromise..." She said seriously, "I believe Megan is the best fit for this position." Roger pondered for a few seconds with his eyes downcast and said, "Starting next week, Megan Taylor will serve as the acting director of Fox 11." Cynthia remarked, "I''ll ensure a smooth transition with her this week." Roger nodded slowly, not speaking further. Cynthia rose to take her leave. Roger then notified his assistant to draft a notice announcing this decision. ... Cynthia returned to her office and called Megan, stating directly, "The chairman just made a decision: starting next week, you''ll be the acting director of Fox 11. If things go well, you''ll get the position permanently." A rush of joy surged through Megan, and she struggled to contain her excitement, "Thank you for your recommendation and support." Cynthia didn''t elaborate further, reminding her, "Do well; this role carries significant responsibility." "I will," Megan replied. Cynthia waved her off, "Go back and manage the team''s affairs; be here for the transfer in the afternoon." ... S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Megan acknowledged her and left the director''s office. As she reached the elevator, her smile couldn''t be contained any longer. She pulled out her phone, her excited hands trembling, her bright eyes sparkling. When the elevator arrived, Megan stepped inside, joined by two others from Fox 11. "Congratulations, Megan," one man in a suit immediately said, "Happy to hear you''re stepping into the director role." Another woman chimed in with enthusiasm, "Congrats on becoming our new director!" Megan smiled and nodded, "Thank you." As she exited the elevator, she hastened toward the team, where everyone she passed greeted her with smiles. Upon her entry into the studio, everyone, including her assistant Aisha, stood up, applauding to welcome the new acting director of Fox 11. Megan raised her hand to calm the applause, waiting for it to settle before saying, "Let''s not make it too grand." Aisha understood and stepped forward, "The chairman''s office has issued your appointment announcement." Megan smiled, "Thank you, and I truly appreciate everyone''s support!" She walked toward her office, embracing every individual in the workspace, expressing her gratitude. In her office, she summoned Aisha and informed her that starting today, she would act as the producer for . Whether Aisha secured a permanent position depended partly on her performance and partly on whether Megan could stabilize her own position as director. ... Megan asked Aisha to step out and called Hawke, reaching him. "Calling me at this hour -- sounds like you have good news," he spoke. Megan replied cheerfully, "The chairman''s office has just sent an internal notice that I''ll be taking over for Cynthia as the acting director of Fox 11 starting next week." Hawke''s response was succinct, "Congratulations." "I don''t want to say thank you because no word can express what you''ve done for me or my gratitude toward you." After accepting that she wouldn''t marry Hawke or interfere with his life, Megan felt liberated. She suddenly exclaimed, "Might get boring with just me; how about I bring in another stunning woman with a different vibe to play some games with you?" To Hawke, Megan had always been a reliable choice and that anyone she picked would likely be solid as well, so he didn''t hesitate, "Just tell me who she is first?" Megan probed, "What about Caroline Jones?" "Ha..." Hawke laughed, "My sheep." Megan thought it over, "I''ll log this debt -- I''ll find a suitable candidate." Hawke stated directly, "I''m coming over to your place tonight." Megan said, "It''s already close to noon; I''ll look for some Valley tapes to study. Learning leads to growth." Hawke admired her-driven work ethic, "I''ll wait for you." ... Megan hung up, calling her assistant Aisha in, instructing her to go to the nearest video and DVD store and purchase the latest releases from the Valley. After lunch, she sat in front of her computer and began working diligently, displaying a strong research spirit. By the evening, Hawke fully appreciated Megan''s research efforts. ... Britney''s case entered the judicial process, and there were advancements on the civil litigation front. The court granted the restraining order requested by Britney''s lawyer, issuing Jamie Spears a long-term protection order, preventing him from coming within a hundred yards of Britney. This also included her residence and vehicles. ... Before Christmas, the court made a verdict regarding the poisoning case. Considering the severe negative societal impact, the jury unanimously agreed, finding Jamie Spears guilty of poisoning, sentencing him to 30 months in prison. Manninger Jenkins hired a legal team and was ultimately sentenced to 10 months of community service. Britney Spears finally escaped her vampire father''s control and signed a new three-year contract with manager Larry Rudolph. The latter helped Britney switch to CAA, which, given its strict management, could lead Britney down a different path. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 303: Taking the Shortcut Isnt Easy [Chapter 303: Taking the Shortcut Isn''t Easy] Santa Monica, Ocean Park Avenue. Hawke was in a conference room meeting with several executives. Meanwhile, down in the lobby, Paris and Britney were waiting for him. Just a short distance away, agent Larry Rudolph flipped through an introductory book on Twitter. "Am I free from Jamie because of Hawke?" Britney had heard Paris refer to the so-called truth many times, but knowing that her mind was mostly focused on her music, she still felt somewhat dazed. "He helped me get out of this crisis." Paris reiterated, "To be precise, I spotted the crisis and asked Hawke for help because of our friendship. So, he decided to step in." Seated at Twitter, Britney felt a sense of alertness in this unfamiliar environment. She stood up, walked over to Paris, and hugged her tightly, exclaiming, "So it was you who saved me." Paris emphasized, "I only asked Hawke for help; he''s the one who really saved you." Britney nodded in agreement. "I''ll have to thank him properly." Initially, she had wanted to come up with the simplest and most direct solution, but considering her empty bank account and the ongoing financial litigation with Jamie, she sighed and said, "I''m out of money, and who knows how long this fight with Jamie will drag on?" Larry Rudolph chimed in, "We can help promote Twitter." The three of them reached a consensus and began discussing plans. ... Minutes later, Hawke entered the lounge, shaking Paris''s hand. Following her introduction, he exchanged a few pleasantries with Britney and Larry. Britney looked at Hawke and said, "I heard everything from Paris about what happened this time. Thank you for your help." Having just brokered a deal between Twitter and the Hilton Group, Hawke made sure to give Paris credit. "You should thank Paris; she''s the one who reached out to me." Britney nodded appreciatively. Larry then interjected, "Mr. Osment, Britney is preparing for a new album, and we''ll announce the latest updates regarding the album promotion and her upcoming world tour through our official Twitter account." Hawke replied, "The Twitter platform welcomes every collaborator." Britney added, "I plan to shoot the MV for one of my lead singles using Twitter as the backdrop. I''m going to push for that to happen." In 2003, Britney was at the peak of her fame; Hawke certainly did not refuse and shook hands with both Larry and Britney, stating, "Twitter looks forward to collaborating with you." Being not just a reality star but also a business entrepreneur, Paris knew that such partnerships couldn''t rely solely on words. She chimed in, "Since you''re interested in collaborating, let''s talk business today." Hawke glanced at Paris, acknowledging that she was growing more impressive. Britney agreed readily. ... Shortly after, Caroline arrived from upstairs and went with Larry to a nearby conference room. They had not only to negotiate with Britney''s side but also to discuss matters with the record company. Given Britney''s favorable media presence, they would likely come to terms on these minor conditions without much trouble. Paris sought out Hawke for a quiet moment to discuss a fashion showcase she was planning in Los Angeles to promote her line of fingerless gloves and invited him to attend. Hawke readily agreed. ... Before noon, Paris and Britney''s group left Twitter, and Hawke escorted them downstairs. He received a call from FedEx notifying him that the shipment from Florida had arrived in Los Angeles. The shipment contained specimens of alligators and black bears. ?¨¤???????? Hawke provided the address and instructed them to deliver the items directly to the Silver Lake neighborhood in the afternoon. The alligator was a trophy he had hunted with Erica, while the black bear was a gift promised to Brian. Hawke called both Erica and Brian. Erica was free that afternoon, and Brian, whose duties as mayor were not too demanding, indicated he would also go to Silver Lake. ... Century City, Fox Tower. Gretchen stepped out of the chairman''s office, doing her best to maintain a normal walking posture. Before entering the elevator, she took a quick detour into the restroom, shut the stall door, and pulled out a pack of wet wipes from her purse, scrubbing vigorously. She wiped again and again but couldn''t remove the oils and fluorescent residues from her skin. "Pervert!" Gretchen cursed under her breath. Having taken a shortcut through Roger Ailes to land a position at Fox, she had to comply with his requests. If it had just been for one or two people, she wouldn''t have minded. After all, this kind of thing was all too common in the industry. But today, Roger had her servicing a real pervert. As he aged and became more rotund, he struggled with certain functions, which meant she had to cater to his twisted desires. In the past, she would usually take off her clothes and let him play with her however he wanted. Or kneel down and blow him or something like that. But as time went by, he had grown tired of regular encounters, and started looking for different men to play with, while he just sat back on the sidelines and watched. The individual he had arranged this time was particularly depraved. Not only did he use overly greasy substances, but he also mixed in some glow powder. In the poorly lit stall, Gretchen noticed it glimmering. After what felt like an eternity of scrubbing, nearly rubbing her skin raw, she finally felt slightly cleaner. With a heavy heart, she exited the restroom and made her way to the elevator, prepared to meet someone she had arranged to see. ... Upon entering the lobby, Gretchen discovered a small press conference taking place, with many reporters clustered on the left interviewing Megan Taylor. Gretchen instinctively halted, her eyes locking onto the scene. The young Megan exuded confidence, her every gesture radiating the aura of a rising star. She had just been appointed the new director of Channel 11. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Gretchen felt a pang of envy; rising to the director of Channel 11 meant vaulting into the upper echelons of Fox Broadcasting. With such a title, even if she left Fox for another network, many would be vying for her services. Like many around her, Gretchen stood on the opposite side of the lobby, observing the young female director. ... Finally, the interview concluded, and as Megan emerged from the reporters'' midst, she headed toward the elevator, locking eyes with Gretchen. A moment of tension seemed to spark between these former rivals. Megan continued walking past, deep in thought. Gretchen fought the urge to confront her and instead hurried across the lobby, entering Starbucks through a side door, where she found her friend Harley Wayne waiting for her. ... "Did you want to talk about something?" Harley asked. Gretchen replied, "Last time, you mentioned that one of the involved parties in the Venice Beach Club incident, Guerrero, had a girlfriend before he committed suicide?" "Yes, I found out some time ago that she was studying at Caltech," Harley confirmed. "Did she have any relevant information?" Since Fox had announced Megan''s promotion to Director, Gretchen had been restless. She had joined Fox earlier than Megan, held a higher position just a year ago, and was even more famous. Over the past year, she had taken every possible shortcut under Roger Ailes'' guidance -- forward, and backward -- yet she remained stuck in place, while her arch-enemy claimed the director''s chair. After everything she had sacrificed, Gretchen wanted to climb higher too. But some positions couldn''t be secured with just that -- after all, what she had, other women had as well. Harley shook her head, "I haven''t located her. I did find her at Caltech while digging, but by the time I went looking, she had already withdrawn." ''Things can''t be right if she dropped out of Caltech,'' Gretchen thought, eager to craft a major scoop. She understood immediately, "There must be something going on." "I found her home address, but her parents didn''t have much insight. They''d only received a couple of calls from her, and those were from virtual numbers. I''ve spent two months trying to track her down," Harley said, frustration wedging into her voice. Gretchen urged, "You need to dig deeper. Whether she''s hiding or has vanished, quitting Caltech is definitely suspicious." Harley nodded slightly. "I''ll give it another shot." After enjoying a cup of coffee together, they parted ways. ... In the Silver Lake Community, at Hawke and Erica''s villa. The luxurious residence with an exhibition room had its front door open as a FedEx truck drove into the yard. Hawke directed the vehicle over to the side entrance of the mansion. Erica had already opened the door leading to the specimen room, as Brian stepped out, saying, "Let''s put the black bear specimen here for now, and I''ll find a proper spot later." Hawke turned his head and teased, "Then I''ll charge a storage fee of $5,000 a month." Several workers descended from the truck, carefully unloading the horizontally-packaged boxes under Erica''s direction, wheeling them into the exhibition room. Then, they did the same with a vertically-packed box. One of the workers even carried an additional box. Brian paid the workers, and once they were all gone, he shut the door. ... Hawke took a pry bar and said, "Alright, let''s put them in the display case." Erica accepted one of the bars, heading over to the horizontal box. "This should be our alligator." Hawke glanced at its length and said, "Go ahead and open it." Erica pried the top open, revealing the alligator wrapped inside. The creature exceeded five meters in length, without any visible wounds, appearing lifelike. Brian stood in front of the box, grinning, "You two are incredible. You took down such a massive alligator." "It''s quite fragile compared to modern firearms," Hawke replied, already opening the prepared glass display case. "Let''s place it inside." The alligator had long been gutted and filled with stuffing, its weight far lighter than it appeared. The three of them lifted and placed it into the display case. Erica tossed the pry bar to Brian, saying, "This one''s your specimen; you open it." Brian was practically buzzing with excitement. He glanced at the pry bar, forcefully prying open the vertical box top to reveal a black bear. Upon closer inspection, however, he spotted something odd and pointed at the back of the bear''s neck. "There are signs of repairs here!" Hawke leaned in to take a look. "That''s a wound from my shot." He explained, "This bear had eaten too much of cocain and was already high; it almost attacked one of our guides. The situation was urgent, so I had to kill it with one shot." Inside the last box was a trophy of the leader of the green iguana. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 304: The Chaos Plan in Los Angeles [Chapter 304: The Chaos Plan in Los Angeles] In the villa''s dining room, Hawke emerged from the kitchen with the meal prepared by Erica, setting it down on the dining table. Brian chose a bottle of citrus wine, opened it, and poured the orange-red liquid into three stemmed glasses. As Hawke and Erica came out with their plates, he turned to Hawke and said, "Erica keeps saying you''re a great cook." Hawke replied, "Tonight''s chef is Erica." Brian looked down at the steak and vegetable salad on the table, unsure if he should eat it. The last time he had eaten Erica''s cooking was four or five years ago, and it had been so bad it made him want to cut his tongue off. Hawke picked up his fork and knife, cut a piece of steak, and tasted it. Only then did Brian feel brave enough to dig in; after he ate a bite of steak, he found it wasn''t bad. But it has a sour smell of love. The three raised their glasses for a toast. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke spoke directly, "If you have something to say, just say it." "You wouldn''t stick around for dinner if there weren''t an issue," Erica said, pouring more wine. "Is it inconvenient with me here?" Brian interjected, "Last time I discussed running for mayor of Los Angeles with Hawke, we had some follow-up." Hawke, who always kept an eye on the news, chimed in, "Did the Los Angeles City Council pass Mayor Antonio''s 2004 budget plan?" "Yes," Brian emphasized. "Los Angeles City Hall is partnering with Feminist Majority Foundation (FMF) and women''s rights groups. Next year, $8.5 million will be allocated from the fire department''s budget to promote women''s rights within the department to recruit female firefighters, targeting a 35% representation." Erica frowned, "Is this job suitable for women?" Brian chuckled, "The pay is high, the benefits are great. Women''s rights gain advantages, and Antonio gets votes." He continued, "This budget also included projections aiming for a 1:1 gender ratio by 2005." Erica shook her head, "The craziness of politics." Hawke asked, "For this budget proposal to pass, did you work behind the scenes?" Brian answered simply, "Some council members who were planning to vote against it decided to abstain after I did some lobbying." Hawke switched topics, "Did you look into the water bank I mentioned last time?" "The water bank is backed by a company called The Wonderful Company, which is California''s largest economic crop growing and processing firm," Brian said after a thorough investigation. "Its head is Stewart Resnick, a Ukrainian-born Jew who owns over 150,000 acres of prime agricultural land in Southern California and is North America''s biggest grower of pistachios and almonds." He raised his glass, took a sip, and continued. "Other crops like citrus, lemons, and pomegranates also boast impressive scales. The biggest citrus grower in Covina is also his company." Erica thought for a moment and replied, "I''ve heard of them. Stewart''s wife, Linda, donates large amounts of fruit, juice, and dried fruits to the LAPD and county sheriff''s office every year." Hawke inquired, "The largest agricultural capitalist in California? How significantly does their water bank affect Los Angeles''s water supply?" "They are California''s biggest agricultural capitalists and have controlled the Greater Los Angeles area''s public water supply since 1994," Brian divulged. "The Wonderful Company signed contracts with Los Angeles City Hall and the California government to secure priority water rights in Southern California and holds over 50% shares in several reservoirs. Even during severe droughts, they can guarantee their own priority water access." Hawke grasped the implications, "When does that contract expire?" Brian replied, "Thirty-five years from now." Erica processed the information, "Southern California is already a drought-prone area. If water resources are controlled privately... You mentioned before about recruiting female firefighters. What are you planning? Are you thinking about leveraging the annual wildfires for your agenda?" ????¨¤???§§s Hawke couldn''t answer right away, instead cautioning, "If you and your family have properties in the Santa Monica Mountains, Palisades, Sherman Oaks, or Malibu, which are prone to wildfires, it might be best to act quietly over the next few months." Brian clarified, "Our house isn''t located there; grandfather Paul has always warned us to stay away from wildfire-prone areas." Erica contemplated further, "Perhaps grandpa understands the water situation and considers those areas unsafe?" Hawke returned to the topic of water, "Go on, what''s the situation?" Brian informed him, "Freshwater in Southern California is essentially all privately owned. The tax office is considering imposing a rainwater tax. The government wants to mobilize water from private owners, which means they have to buy it. In a 2000 supplementary agreement, The Wonderful Company bought water at $28 per unit and sold it to public utilities for as high as $196." The profit margins here would make even Mexican cartels cry. Hawke queried, "Is Los Angeles''s fire pipeline and reservoir supply sufficient?" Erica responded, "To answer that with their typical operational quality, if they achieve even half of the minimum standards, they''ll be doing well." Brian noted, "But they could draw water from Northern California." After finishing his steak, Hawke wiped his mouth with a napkin and dragged a whiteboard over to the dining area. He asked Brian, "How long until the election?" "One year, but we need to start building momentum early," Brian replied. "We should plan for the second half of next year." Hawke instructed, "What I say, you write down for preparation." He stood by the whiteboard and continued, "From the moment you discovered Antonio''s fire budget plan, the fire department slashed its normal budget by $8.5 million to support the women''s rights movement, which will inevitably affect the welfare of traditional firefighters." Brian fetched a pen and notebook, ready to record Hawke''s points. Hawke wrote down ''Fire Department and Women''s Rights'': "I read the news that to this day, the families of firefighters who died during the 9/11 rescue have yet to receive full benefits. Medical payouts for the injured and sick have been delayed." Erica interjected with some data, "Among the 72,000 workers who participated in the 9/11 rescue and cleanup, 8,000 have developed various cancers, and over 2,000 have died from related illnesses. Firefighters protesting in recent years faced significant obstacles; I spent some time in the New York Police Department in 2002 and learned about their difficulties applying for legal aid." "When problems can''t be solved, eliminate the source of the problem," Hawke wrote ''9/11'' on the whiteboard. "Starting in the first half of next year, we need to continuously promote the plight of the 9/11 firefighters in California, especially Los Angeles media." He paused, adding, "Also look for firefighters'' cases in California that we can highlight." Brian observed, "When firefighters face danger, are they hesitant to charge in?" Hawke nodded slightly, continuing, "Hire a few meteorologists to predict that next year''s drought in Los Angeles and Southern California would be worse, putting more pressure on agriculture." Brian noted, "Drive The Wonderful Company to control more water?" He posed a question, "Could we draw water from the north...?" Hawke contemplated for a moment before answering, "You raise funds... well, find a way to sway a few environmental organization leaders. Pinpoint an aquatic species native to Central and Northern California and promote its importance, scarcity, and key role in biodiversity, urging society to focus on and protect it." Brian recorded this and added, "California''s environmental organizations generally lean toward the Democratic Party." Hawke pondered for a minute, saying, "First, identify a specific aquatic animal, use the media to promote it and recruit environmental opinion leaders to push for state regulations. Even if we encounter major hurdles, we must ensure those water sources aren''t easily disturbed. The state legislature is controlled by the Democratic Party, so proposals from environmental organizations would likely pass." Brian stated, "I''ll reach out to the governor''s office." At this point, Erica chimed in, "Since the early 1990s, the entire state of California has neglected infrastructure development, and public policy has long deviated from the needs of the community." Hawke added, "So someone must be held accountable." Brian was pragmatic, "With my reputation, even if I manage to secure enough campaign funding, it would still be challenging to beat Antonio in a straightforward challenge." Erica offered a particularly astute remark, "Your skills and notoriety can''t match Antonio''s. There''s no way you can grow to that level in just a year. Your strategy must be to make Antonio appear worse than you." Hawke reiterated his point, "This campaign is a competition to determine who''s more flawed." Brian glanced at Hawke and the filled whiteboard, "But you''re crazier than any strategic planner." "If we''re in this game, we must do everything we can to win!" Hawke dismissed the implications about Los Angeles, "We are not going to kill people or set fires, so what does a naturally occurring fire have to do with us?" Brian felt inspired by Hawke''s fervor, pondering how to ensure their considerable investment would pay off. If wildfires didn''t break out or were on a small scale, what should they do? Should they consider arson? Brian recalled a report he had heard; before 2000, there had been years with minimal wildfires, prompting Los Angeles to reduce the fire budget and lay off some firefighters. That year saw a series of wildfires, some of which had signs of being deliberately set. This dinner stretched on, with Brian and Hawke engaged in deep discussion, while Erica occasionally contributed her thoughts. Brian anticipated raising over ten million dollars in campaign funding, believing that with that money, Hawke should be able to create a spectacular show in Los Angeles. As the clock neared ten o''clock, Brian took his leave. ... Hawke saw him out while Erica had already tidied up the dining room. They both went upstairs. As Erica started running water for a shower, she turned back to find Hawke standing at the bathroom door. Listening to the sound of running water, she asked, "What if the fires stay under control?" Hawke had already thought this through: "As long as the fires incite enough chaos, those opportunistic elements won''t miss such an opportunity." This touched on Erica''s field of expertise, and she instantly understood. "Yes, every time something goes awry in Los Angeles, these people seem to join in. Rioting and looting feels almost instinctual to them; there are too few people who act like Ssavior." Hawke remarked, "I''ve designed a lucrative path for them. If the fires ramp up even slightly, the government would surely evacuate residents; troublemakers would set fires everywhere to pressure evacuations, entering empty homes and taking whatever they want. Once a few people start doing it, the media will draw attention to it, inciting many more to follow suit." These tactics were not complex, yet they were highly effective. Erica remarked, "Darling, I have a feeling you could throw American social order into chaos." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 305: Android [Chapter 305: Android] Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just four days later, Brian had prepared a complete plan and personally delivered it to Hawke Osment. During his previous campaign for mayor of Covina, he had encountered extremely fierce competition, which had provided Brian''s team with invaluable experience -- especially in their off©\the©\books recruiting efforts. In America, elections had long devolved into personal attacks, where candidates not only sought to elevate themselves but also aimed to undermine their opponents. The prevailing attitude was that it was acceptable for one candidate to be mediocre as long as the opponent was worse. In the last governor recall election and Covina mayoral race, the Democrats'' momentum had been undermined, allowing the Republicans to gain ground. This enabled Brian to secure the support of the California Republicans, and with the influence of the Ferguson family, he had smoothly become the sole candidate put forward by the Republicans. Brian also officially announced his candidacy for the next Los Angeles mayoral race, forming a campaign team to begin election preparations. The campaign team''s top priority was to raise funds; without money, there was no point in wasting time -- it was better to concede outright. Hawke Osment had written Brian a check, becoming his first financier. Twitter also agreed to fund Brian''s campaign, and other entities, such as the Pacific Investment Group and Fox Television, were also set to contribute. ... In the office, after Hawke had finished reviewing Brian''s plan, he asked Edward, "If chaos erupted in Los Angeles, could you mobilize your people to join in and further escalate the disorder?" Edward laughed and replied, "You can''t have chaos in Los Angeles without African Americans. Once the situation turned even slightly chaotic, folks from Compton would definitely come out to buy in bulk -- and it wouldn''t even cost us a dime. We wouldn''t even have to lift much of a finger." He described a common scenario on the streets of Los Angeles: "Whenever a neighborhood fell into chaos, by the next day when things had stabilized a bit, many African Americans would inevitably appear on the streets selling second-hand goods at low prices and excellent quality, outcompeting the local shops." Hawke understood; one option cost money, while the other cost almost nothing. He said, "Make preparations in advance; get some manpower. If chaos breaks out in Los Angeles next year, spread rumors in the African American neighborhoods." Edward thought of his subordinate Michael and the notorious trio living in Hollywood, and said, "Those guys are perfect for the job -- they roamed the streets, were seasoned, and knew how to incite people." Hawke then made some modifications to the plan -- adding the part concerning African Americans -- and had Edward personally deliver it back to Brian. ... Meanwhile, while Brian was raising funds, he also began making preparations in advance. Hawke''s off©\the©\books recruitment strategy was part of a long©\term plan. For instance, in the realm of meteorology, with 2004 just around the corner, once the money was poured in, experts would naturally step forward to speak. Meteorologists from the University of Washington, the University of California, and the California Institute of Technology had each predicted that over the next three years the climate in Southern California would tend toward drought. Southern California was already an arid region, and since the turn of the century rainfall had noticeably decreased compared to the 1990s -- with large-scale wildfires erupting on average once a year. The media reported on this as well, but ordinary people didn''t care and city hall was indifferent; only those with vested interests took notice. ... The news quickly reached the office of the CEO of The Wonderful Company -- a private firm controlling most of Southern California''s water resources -- which immediately took the matter seriously. Capital being inherently profit-seeking, The Wonderful Company and Los Angeles city hall entered a new round of negotiations, aiming to secure priority access to more water resources. ??????????????¨§s? Once in possession of the resources, no one would let them go without multiple-fold profit. ... It wasn''t just The Wonderful Company; Twitter was equally engaged. After prolonged negotiations, Twitter and Clarium Capital Management eventually reached a final agreement on financing. Twitter was eventually valued at $8.5 billion, and it secured $1.7 billion in financing from Clarium Capital. At the same time, Twitter''s existing management also invested in shares, becoming minor shareholders. Twitter adopted a dual-class share structure with Class A and Class B shares; Class A had normal dividend rights and voting power, while Class B, in addition to the normal rights, enjoyed extra voting rights. There were many restrictive clauses -- for instance, Class A could never be converted into Class B, whereas Class B could be freely converted into Class A at any moment. Also, if Class B shares were transferred to non-affiliated parties, they would automatically convert into Class A. This structure granted Hawke Osment''s shares super voting rights, solidifying his position so that he didn''t have to worry about control being diluted during fundraising, and ensured he could control enough board seats to remain with the company as long as he wished. In addition, Hawke transferred a one-point stake to Clarium Capital Management. Thus, including various revenues from strategic planning operations, his investment company in the Cayman Islands and West Coast Studios controlled a cash flow exceeding $100 million. Hawke needed a large amount of cash to execute his plan against the Ackerman family -- dealing with these people would undoubtedly require spending money. To help with tax avoidance, he also donated a sum to the already established Osment Charitable Foundation, which was nominally affiliated with the NAACP founded by Saint Steve. ... After the financing, Hawke still held 56% of the shares and possessed 78% of the voting rights. Twitter remained entirely under his control, while Peter Thiel and Reid Hoffman of Clarium Capital Management, beyond providing funds, also offered platform resources for Twitter''s promotion and development. Twitter''s rapid growth made them impatient, especially as other investment companies had already set their sights on it. Following the completion of the financing, Twitter established its board -- structured with the two founders, plus one company executive, along with investors and independent directors. Hawke Osment, Mary Ferguson representing the Pacific Investment Group, Twitter management representative Caroline Jones, and Peter Thiel were confirmed as board members, while independent directors were elected by the shareholders -- a process that also left decision-making power in Hawke''s hands. ... With ample funds, Twitter accelerated its development further, especially in overseas promotion, steadily expanding its scale, recruiting personnel, formulating plans, and cooperating with other companies. By the New Year of 2004, Twitter''s global active user count had surged past 40 million, and as the number of users increased, the company''s advertising business also began to thrive. After the New Year, in North America alone, Twitter had added 12 new advertising partners, and markets in different countries signed corresponding advertising deals. Additionally, Hawke planned to establish a mobile application research division. Smartphones had already appeared on the market; in fact, as early as the early 1990s, IBM had launched the first smartphone. Since 2000, Motorola had introduced the A6188 and Ericsson had launched the R380sc, among others. Smartphones were developing rapidly, and it wouldn''t be long before Apple introduced its first-generation smartphone -- handheld smart devices were the future of social media. At that time, Twitter''s talent pool in this area was insufficient, so Hawke decided to poach people. ... After spending the New Year holiday with Erica, as soon as he returned to work, Hawke contacted his neighbor on 20th Street in Santa Monica, Jett Brown. The headhunter from Glimmer International immediately rushed to Twitter to meet him. In the meeting room, facing the first big order of the New Year, Jett responded enthusiastically, "What kind of talent does Twitter need? Even if it''s the chairman of the Joint Chiefs or the White House Chief of Staff, I can poach them for you!" Hawke waved his hand and said, "Not that exaggerated. I had heard that there was a company called Android, specializing in mobile operating systems and software development, with a team that is highly capable and creative." Jett asked, "Do you have any more detailed information?" Hawke replied, "I had only heard about them; I don''t have any specific details." He had searched online and found no detailed information on Android, though he vaguely remembered that the company had been established before 2004. As for more specifics like personnel or the company''s address, he wasn''t very sure -- most people wouldn''t bother remembering such details. Jett understood and said, "Companies that do this kind of business are most likely located in Silicon Valley. I''ll head to San Francisco tomorrow and start my investigation from there." Hawke emphasized, "The most important thing is to poach the entire development team." "Understood," Jett replied, making a note of the name Android in his notebook. Hawke said, "You have one month." Jett nodded, "No problem." Hawke then left, and Sasha came over to discuss fee matters with Jett. ... The next morning, Jett flew out of Los Angeles and arrived in San Francisco. While asking his contacts and commissioning an investigative firm to locate the mobile development company called Android, his contacts had no information -- but the firm provided a lead after three days. In Silicon Valley''s Mountain View area, there was a company called Android, established in October 2003. However, the company was not engaged in mobile operating system or app development; it was developing an advanced operating system for cameras. Jett Brown immediately rushed to Mountain View and, in two connected garages, encountered a small company of only four people. The head of the company was named Andy Rubin, who had previously worked at Apple and Microsoft. Upon learning of Jett''s purpose, Andy asked, "Are you referring to Twitter -- the world''s largest social media network?" "That''s right. I have been commissioned by Twitter. If you are interested in being recruited by Twitter, you can go to Los Angeles and have a meeting with Twitter''s founder and chairman, Hawke Osment." Andy, well aware that for his company to grow support from a major company was indispensable, consulted with his three partners and they agreed to make a trip to Los Angeles. ... Subsequently, Jett led Andy''s team to Los Angeles, where they met with Twitter and Hawke. The two sides talked for a long time; regarding the mobile operating system and software development that Hawke had mentioned, Andy was very interested and believed that this business held more promise than the camera system. After a brief discussion among the four founders of Android, they unanimously agreed to join Twitter to develop a smartphone operating system called Android. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 306: Longfin Smelt and Habitat Protection Act [Chapter 306: Longfin Smelt and Habitat Protection Act] Throughout January and February, Hawke devoted all his energy to the company -- restructuring its organization, recruiting new employees, establishing more standardized management systems, and driving further development. In his scarce free time, he also went on dates with Erica or Megan. ... During this period, Hawke made several trips to Covina to directly oversee Brian''s campaign operations. Brian officially hired Hawke as a special campaign adviser with a salary of $5 million. In the office, Brian remarked, "I know you''re a billionaire now, so you probably wouldn''t care about a mere $5 million." He added, "The rest will have to wait until after I''m elected." Of course, Hawke did not mind the $5 million -- a sum more than enough to hire dozens of elite mercenary teams from Latin America. He said, "Just transfer the money to the account of West Coast Studios, as before." Brian immediately called the financial manager and then asked, "We''ve already set the ball rolling on the meteorology front -- God willing, those experts have predicted that the rainfall in Los Angeles will decrease over the next few years, so we won''t have to put in too much effort to fabricate support for that." Hawke replied seriously, "That means even the weather is on our side. Next, it''s time to deal with the environmental groups." Brian continued, "I''ve reached out to several influential figures in the environmental sector; as long as they''re paid, they''ll do the job." Hawke nodded, "We shouldn''t skimp on money in this area; get in touch with the media and start building momentum." After a moment''s thought, he added, "With the Oscars coming up soon -- and environmental causes always being a favorite among celebrities -- let''s have the aquatic movie, , featured at the Oscars, with Hollywood stars speaking up for them." Brian remarked, "I know those folks in Hollywood all too well -- once you stir up some buzz, they will definitely follow suit." One matter made Hawke uneasy, so he asked, "Is that secret fund handling the money transfers resilient to investigation?" In a lowered voice, Brian replied, "Of course. This is a foundation my grandfather established over a decade ago under the name of someone who outwardly leaned Democratic. Over the years, he funded the Democrats on multiple occasions." Hawke then said, "The Ferguson family has been investing more and more resources in you." Brian looked serious and admitted, "I''m under a lot of pressure." ... Under Hawke''s guidance, a university research group conducted a targeted investigation into the waters north of Los Angeles and discovered an endangered species of fish called the Longfin Smelt (Spirinchus thaleichthys). This fish was scarce in California and had rather stringent habitat requirements, primarily residing in northern-central California. Following Hawke''s command, a large sum of money began flowing -- via a secret private foundation -- into the accounts of California''s mainstream media, including the . Thus, from late February to early March, the Longfin Smelt became a media darling. Some outlets touted its crucial role in biodiversity, others emphasized its key position in California''s food chain, and still others claimed that protecting the rare Longfin Smelt was a major advancement for human civilization. ... As the Longfin Smelt gained popularity, online media were quick to follow suit. Google, Yahoo, and Twitter all reported on its origins, launching related videos and images online. Twitter even set up an official account for the Longfin Smelt and, through its algorithms, silently pushed news about it into the feeds of those connected to environmental groups. It was nearly impossible for these environmentalists not to take notice. ... The media coverage soon caught the attention of several environmental organizations -- including the California Nature Preservation Association, Earth Justice, the Sierra Club, and the Environmental Protection Foundation. ???§à£Â¨º? As is well known, the true purpose of environmental organizations has never been about protecting nature itself. Several influential environmental figures, swayed by the deep pockets of the secret foundation, organized their followers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento, obtained permits for marches, and took to the streets in large numbers to fight for the Longfin Smelt''s rights. For a time, the Longfin Smelt overshadowed everything else -- even dampening the buzz surrounding the upcoming Oscars. On the day of the 74th Oscars, over 300 environmentalists gathered near the Kodak Theatre, brandishing flags and banners calling for the fish''s protection, while staging a sit-in across the street. A swarm of reporters came over from the ceremony to interview them. ... At the awards show, just as Hawke and Brian had predicted, Hollywood celebrities known for their environmental advocacy mentioned the Longfin Smelt on stage. Leading the charge was Hollywood''s foremost environmental advocate, Leonardo DiCaprio. A typical liberal in Hollywood, he took the stage and declared, "Though the Longfin Smelt is small, it is a member of our California family. We should protect the Longfin Smelt as we would care for our own family!" Later that night, Charlize Theron -- fresh off winning Best Actress -- also thanked the Longfin Smelt in her acceptance speech, saying, "It has made us realize that even the most ordinary and insignificant beings possess great meaning!" After the Oscars, the Longfin Smelt enjoyed media treatment comparable to that of the Oscar winners, and its popularity continued to rise. ... The vice president of the California Nature Preservation Association and the chairman of Earth Justice eventually stepped forward, calling on the California government to enact specific legislation to protect the Longfin Smelt and its habitat. ... Though the situation had escalated beyond Hawke''s control, it achieved the effect he had intended. Environmentalism had always been a favored socio-political movement of the Democrats in California. Hawke had quietly executed his plan and delivered it to the Democrats -- and they couldn''t resist the bait. Several state legislators mentioned the Longfin Smelt in interviews and urged more people to stand up and fight for its protection. On Twitter, the call to protect the Longfin Smelt topped the trending news charts, with over 4 million posts and nearly 17 million retweets. Hawke continued to monitor the media and public reaction; it was clear that a large force had joined the movement, further stoking the news about the Longfin Smelt. "They needed that little fish," he mused. ... In Twitter''s chairman''s office, when Brian quietly visited, Hawke said, "Just as we anticipated, those Democrats who love to exploit environmental issues simply couldn''t resist this delicious bait." Brian agreed wholeheartedly, "In California, environmentalism is the Democrats'' base." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke added, "The proposals the Democrats put forward -- and the laws they pass -- will eventually backfire on them." After a pause, Brian said, "Antonio Villaraigosa will be the first to take the fall." He then asked, "When do we launch the next phase?" Hawke replied, "First, we''ll wait until the state legislature passes the protection act; after a while, we''ll publicize the tragic plight of the 9/11 firefighters." Brian recalled related cases his team had found -- several involving California firefighters, including two from Los Angeles. "Excellent," Hawke instructed. "Make sure their work is solid, and release the information when the time is right." These steps had to be taken one at a time; acting too hastily would have yielded poor results. ... In mid-March, two Democratic state legislators -- Clint and Dalot -- jointly proposed a protection bill for the Longfin Smelt. The move won fervent support from eight major environmental organizations, and Democratic-controlled media helped build the hype. Since the environmental movement had been underway in California for many years and was considered politically correct, even Fox Television reported on it. Twitter, like other media, did not miss out on the hot topic. The eight organizations convened thousands of people from all over California who gathered in Sacramento on Ninth Street and staged a sit-in in front of the state capitol to support the legislators'' initiative. For outsiders, it was hard to understand the fervor of this politically charged environmental movement. In Hawke''s earlier view, he dismissed these people as merely idle and overindulged -- after all, while the Longfin Smelt was scarce in California, it was not uncommon worldwide. In the end, it didn''t really matter what was being protected; what was most important were the economic and political objectives achieved through the protection. ... Days of continuous support activities were widely reported by the media, capturing the high ground of public opinion. It seemed as if everyone in California supported protecting the Longfin Smelt, and when necessary, the efficiency of political activism could be astonishingly swift. Legislators Clint and Dalot formally submitted the bill, and it passed at the special California legislative session in March. However, the bill was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger. According to regulations, a vetoed proposal would be sent back to the legislature, which could override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote. With 2004 being an election year and the race looming, the Democrats would never give up -- the battle had already begun. Countless Democrats scrambled and networked, hoping that this bill would secure the full support of environmental organizations and the California public for the remainder of the year. ... Soon, the Democratic-controlled legislature reconvened and, with a two-thirds majority, overrode Schwarzenegger''s veto -- turning the proposal into an actual law. A local California law called the Longfin Smelt and Habitat Protection Act was officially promulgated. Once in effect, the law essentially eliminated the possibility of diverting water from northern-central California to Southern California. The official enforcement of the Longfin Smelt law delighted the Democrats and boosted their morale significantly. Many already foresaw an absolute victory in the election year. Although the Republicans had won a round in California last year, California ultimately belonged to the Democrats -- and at the onset of an election year, the Republicans were not as formidable as they might have imagined. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 307: Smart Cars [Chapter 307: Smart Cars] West Beverly Hills, Los Angeles Country Club. Edward pulled up in his Mercedes sedan, easing into the parking lot near the entrance. Hawke stepped out and immediately noticed a crowd gathered near the restaurant on one side of the club. "Looks like some environmental group," Edward said, hopping onto a ledge for a better view. He squinted, then jumped down and turned to Hawke. "It''s the Sierra Club. They''re protesting the restaurant serving Smelt fish." Hawke had been to the club before and eaten the fish in question. Back then, the menu listed it as "Capelin fish," though he knew it was just a fancier name for Smelt. "They import it from Germany," he said. "Supposedly a big deal for their economy over there." Edward glanced back at the commotion, then caught up with Hawke. "Those eco-nuts are something else," he muttered. Hawke kept walking. "They''ve got sponsors footing the bill. Doesn''t matter what they do -- they don''t need real jobs. Stirring up trouble pays better than punching a clock. If they didn''t have that cash, they''d be out on the street like bums, too busy scrounging for food to care about fish." Nearby, Mary Ferguson climbed out of her car and overheard him. She shot Hawke a look. "Well said." Hawke had spotted her car earlier and meant for her to catch his words. "Environmentalism''s just a pawn in the game -- domestic and international power plays." Mary fell into step beside him as they headed inside the club. "For someone your age to see through the hidden agenda like that? That''s rare." Hawke gestured toward the Sierra Club protesters. "Groups like them get handouts from the Democrats here in North America, and overseas they''ve got the International Development Agency padding their pockets. That''s how it works, right?" Mary smirked. "It''s more than that. The Republicans toss them some cash too. These folks are a tool -- doesn''t matter who''s holding the leash. Like what you and Brian have been up to lately." She knew the bigger picture. "The International Development Agency''s a given. Environmentalism, carbon emissions -- it''s the perfect stick to beat back any country trying to climb the ladder. America sets the rules, makes it the price of admission. If you can''t meet the bar, you''re locked out of Western markets." Hawke wasn''t fazed. "Yeah, the Agency''s real claim to fame is long-distance ranching." Mary frowned. "Ranching?" "Raising attack dogs," Hawke said with a shrug. "They fund eco-warriors in other regions -- hand them cash to play the ''save the planet'' card to halt progress in their local areas." Mary chuckled. "That''s a dead-on way to put it." ... The three of them entered the club, grabbed their golf bags from storage, and hopped into a cart headed for the course. Peter Thiel was already waiting at the tee-off area. Beside him stood a tall, fat white guy Hawke recognized -- Elon Musk, Peter''s old business buddy. Musk, ever the social butterfly, didn''t wait for an introduction. He strode over and gripped Hawke''s hand. "You''re the new golden boy of Silicon Valley." ????????¨¨? Hawke shook his hand, playing it cool. "That''s laying it on a bit thick, don''t you think?" "Truth''s wilder than you''d guess," Musk shot back, grinning. "Twitter''s the king of online social media now -- hands down." Hawke stayed wary. Musk was the type to smile while slipping a knife between your ribs. What was he after? Musk turned and greeted Mary with the same over-the-top charm. The four of them moved to the tee. Mary took the first swing, then they each followed. Peter had some skill, but Hawke and the others were just hacking away. Golf wasn''t about the game anyway -- it was about the schmoozing. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They didn''t even finish the first hole before the conversation took over. Musk plopped onto the golf cart and started in about electric vehicles. "Driving up, I saw those environmentalists protesting. At first, I figured they were mad about the water this place guzzles." Peter chimed in. "Word is, the club uses as much water in a year as all of LA''s residents combined." Hawke jumped in. "Reminds me of something. Back when I was in school in Wyoming, every other group was preaching ''save water.''" Musk cracked up. "If the little people don''t save it, how are we supposed to blow through it?" The others nodded -- couldn''t argue with that logic. Musk steered things back. "Green''s the hot topic now. I''d bet the next few decades, it''s all anyone talks about. It''s gonna sink deep into people''s heads." He patted the cart. "Electric cars are the future -- huge market waiting." Hawke caught on, casually asking, "Are you looking to invest in electric vehicles?" "Exactly," Musk replied earnestly. "My goal this year is to invest in an electric car company." Mary spoke softly. "You''re not here for golf. You''re hunting investors." Musk didn''t dodge it. "Not just cash -- your platforms too." He leaned in. "I could get a bank loan for tens of millions, no sweat. But funding''s more than money -- it''s about resources to kick things into gear." Peter, who''d worked with Musk before, knew his style. "You want to hype up the electric car buzz?" Musk''s eyes locked on Hawke, practically burning. "Twitter''s the biggest influencer online right now. Its users -- they''re the ones who jump on new ideas, new tech. My research says they''re the prime buyers for electric cars down the road." Hawke got it. Tech-savvy folks were more likely to bite on electric vehicles. "I''ll level with you," Musk pressed, voice thick with conviction. "Invest in electric cars today, and you''ll see ten times the return later. It''s a rising star -- where cars are headed. Cuts fuel emissions, quiets the roads. Better for the planet, your wallet, and the drive -- beats gas-guzzlers every way you slice it." Mary, the oldest of the group and least plugged into the industry, tilted her head. "Building cars is a whole machine -- chassis, transmission, control systems. Takes years to get it right." Musk grinned. "Electric''s a different beast. Doesn''t lean so hard on all that old-school know-how." Peter backed him up. "If this was regular car-making, I wouldn''t even hear Elon out -- I''d show him the door." They rolled up to a rest stop. Musk waved the cart driver over, and the four of them piled out, grabbing drinks and settling under a big umbrella. Musk kept his focus on Hawke. "It''s bigger than that. Picture this: electric cars tied into the web. Take Twitter -- build it right into the car. Voice commands, whatever, so you''re online while you drive. Car and internet, working together." Most people might''ve shrugged it off, but Hawke knew it wasn''t far-fetched. Musk kept rolling. "Smart tech''s the future. Electric cars plus the internet -- AI''s the key. That''s where the web''s headed too." Hawke nodded. "You''re not wrong. Twitter''s got AI baked into our plans for the back half of this year." Musk pounced. "We should team up. This could be the poster child for the internet and electric cars joining forces." He''d been scoping out an electric car outfit since last year and hated their stale ideas. To him, the future was networked, smart cars -- not just better batteries. Thanks to his old tie with Peter, Twitter was his first pick. Sure, he was tight with Google''s founders, but for social clout, Twitter smoked them. With over 40 million active users worldwide, it was a goldmine. Electric cars needed buzz, and Twitter was the megaphone. Musk planned to be the voice. Hawke didn''t need to guess -- Musk wanted Twitter for the tech tie-in and the hype machine. The guy was a marketing wizard, maybe the best since Steve Jobs, with a fanbase that practically worshipped him. Mary wasn''t as tech-savvy and stayed quiet, watching Hawke for cues. Hawke cut to it. "You starting a car company from scratch or buying one out?" Musk laid it out. "I''ve been digging since last year. Two guys -- Martin Eberhard, an electrical whiz, and Marc Tarpenning, a computer guy -- started a company called Tesla last July. They''re in over their heads, though -- cash is tight. They asked me to invest." He grabbed his drink, raising it to the group. "Back in February, I gave them my terms: I''d invest, but I take control -- chairman, final say on everything." Peter smirked. "You and Hawke both need to run the show." Hawke shrugged. "Gotta keep everyone rowing the same way, or it''s chaos and collapse." "Exactly," Musk said, pointing at Peter, then back to Hawke. "Tesla''s founders took the deal. I ran into this guy in February, he mentioned you, and it clicked -- Twitter''s perfect. Tesla''s cars need to be game-changers, and that means tying them to the web. Twitter''s the best fit." Hawke didn''t flinch. "When it comes to people and the internet, Twitter''s got everyone beat." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 308: Tiger Woods [Chapter 308: Tiger Woods] Musk wasn''t hurting for cash -- his track record could pull Silicon Valley money easy. What he wanted from Tesla investors wasn''t just dollars, but platforms -- ways to turbocharge Tesla''s growth on the business and tech fronts. He leaned in, all sincerity. "Hawke, Mary, it''s time to jump on Tesla -- this rising star in a rising game!" Mary shot Hawke a look. "We haven''t seen Tesla''s rundown -- products, market outlook, plans, the works." Hawke wasn''t in a rush and kept his mouth shut. He figured Musk wanted to milk Twitter for all it was worth, but the guy''s name didn''t carry enough weight yet. Musk needed Twitter more than Twitter needed him. Hawke leaned over to Peter. "You in on this?" S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Peter nodded. "Already locked in." Musk made a quick call. Minutes later, a sharp-looking blonde assistant rolled up in a cart, handing over two sets of detailed paperwork -- one for Hawke, one for Mary. Hawke took his and passed it to Edward, sitting nearby. ... The four of them went back to their half-finished game. Afterward, Mary walked with Hawke as they stowed their clubs and headed out of the club. Mary spoke as they went. "Pacific Investment Group''s mostly stuck to old-school industries. Only since the turn of the century have we peeked at new stuff. What''s your take on this electric car thing?" Hawke thought it over. "At our board meeting in January, I pushed AI, internet, smart devices, cybersecurity -- how they''ll tie into other industries. Smart tech can slot right into electric cars. Self-driving''s on the horizon too." He paused. "But turning a profit? That''s five, maybe six years out -- could be longer." Mary got the picture and let it drop. ... Their cars pulled up to the club entrance one after the other. Just as they were about to leave, a black Hyundai Equus rolled in, blocking the exit lane. The back doors swung open. Two guys stepped out -- one Black, one white. Hawke clocked the Black guy instantly: Tiger Woods, the golf legend. The white guy was a stranger. Tiger breezed past into the club. The white guy''s eyes lingered on Mary for a second -- no greeting, though -- before he followed Tiger inside. Hawke raised an eyebrow at Mary. "Johnny Edwards," she said. "Federal senator. Announced last year he''s running for the Democratic nomination this election. Heard he''s been in California lately, probably drumming up support." ????????¨¨???? Hawke glanced back. "Looks cozy with Tiger." "Maybe he''s picking up golf," Mary said, sliding into her car and pulling away. ... Hawke climbed into his, telling Edward to drive. They rolled out onto Santa Monica Boulevard. Hawke turned to Edward. "Butterfly Consulting still tailing Tiger Woods?" Edward thought for a sec. "Pretty sure they''ve got eyes on him nonstop, fishing for a big scoop." "Has Tiger tied the knot yet?" Hawke asked. "Not yet," Edward said. Tiger was one of Hawke''s top three sports targets, so he''d kept tabs. "He got engaged to that Swedish model, Elin Nordegren, last year -- big fancy ceremony. Wedding''s set for this year, maybe September." Hawke nodded. "Call Campos later. Tell whoever''s on Tiger to play it safe -- especially when he''s with Johnny Edwards." If Johnny clinched the nomination, Secret Service would be all over him -- presidential-level protection. For now, he was still in the primary grind. ... Back at the office, Hawke tackled some work, then dug into Musk''s Tesla docs and pitch. The company was tiny -- under 30 people -- building off a British Lotus Elise frame. Musk''s plan was bold: ditch the bland tweaks and go for a full redesign to make a splash. Hawke didn''t know cars, but he agreed -- rushing out a forgettable model was a flop waiting to happen. At minimum, it needed flash -- big screens, cushy seats, the works. Investing in Tesla was a no-brainer, though his slot was capped at $5 million. Musk had shelled out $6.3 million in February to snag control. Hawke knew Musk was after Twitter''s reach more than its cash. The guy had turned online hype into an art form, building a cult following that practically deified him. The shares and terms? That''d come down to haggling later. ... Next day, Mary called. Pacific Investment was in -- $5 million wasn''t a big swing for them. Hawke shared his decision too. By afternoon, Musk was on the line. Hawke greenlit the investment, and talks kicked off fast. Musk even signed up for Twitter, hyping his electric car and rocket dreams. In one meeting, Musk half-joked about taking Hawke to Mars someday. Hawke figured the moon was a safer bet. Funny thing -- back in the day, America''s tech and military stats had a knack for fudging numbers. Made you wonder about that moon landing. ... Covina, Main Street. Inside a makeshift campaign office, Brian paced back and forth, grilling his campaign manager, Beacon. "You sure about this?" "Dead certain," Beacon said, all business. "Our guy at city hall saw the contract signed with his own eyes -- snapped the pics too." Brian grinned. "Perfect. Stewart Resnick''s so desperate to water his farms, he''ll bleed LA dry to do it." Beacon nodded. "The Wonderful Company''s ramped up planting this year -- pistachios, almonds, the lot." Brian checked his watch. "Hawke not here yet?" Beacon did the math. "Called Edward twenty minutes ago -- he should be close." ... Less than ten minutes later, a Mercedes pulled up outside. Hawke stepped out and strode into the meeting room. Beacon greeted him, and Hawke shook his hand, noting the guy''s ear-to-ear grin. "Good news, I take it?" Brian handed over a stack of printed photos. "Take a look." Hawke skimmed the tiny text and set them aside. "Just tell me." Brian laid it out. "Ever since the Smelt Fish Protection Act hit, the Resnick family and The Wonderful Company have been sweating. Their plantations are down in South California -- if drought hits, they can''t pull water from the north anymore." Hawke nodded. "That bill''s all about stopping the north-to-south water grab." Brian kept going. "Weather folks are predicting dry times, and with the bill in play, Stewart Resnick''s been working the room hard. He just wrapped a new deal with LA City Hall." His voice ticked up. "Few days back, Resnick''s rep, Stuttgart, and LA''s Antonio Villaraigosa hashed it out. They re-upped agreements on the LA Canal, Las Virgenes Reservoir, and Santa Ynez Reservoir. The Wonderful Company''s priority share jumped to 78%." Hawke smirked. "City Hall''s still got their priorities straight -- left 22% on the table." "That''s for the ultra-rich zones," Brian said flatly. "Everything else gets squeezed." "City Council signed off?" Hawke asked. "Yesterday," Brian confirmed. "Goes live April 1st." Hawke''s earlier moves -- pushing drought forecasts and the Smelt protection plan -- were paying off, tightening LA''s water chokehold. Brian''s team was also prepping firefighter stories to pile on the pressure. Post-9/11, the way firefighters got treated had flipped the industry upside down -- plenty of ammo there. Hawke stepped over to an LA map on the wall, studying it. "Let''s hope the experts don''t botch this drought call." If LA turned into a rainy mess, the whole plan would sink. Brian shrugged. "LA''s got over 300 sunny days a year. That''s not changing." He''d gone from LA rich guy to political player, ready for the worst. If the plan hit a snag, he''d just pick the right moment and pay someone to start a few fires. With thousands of homeless folks in Skid Row and Hollywood, $10,000 could buy hundreds of arsonists. Some would jump at jail time just for the roof and meals. ... Pasadena, outdoor shooting range. Campos drilled his team, gunfire popping as human-shaped targets toppled. They''d never stopped training -- tracking, shooting -- dreaming of heading back to Mexico to settle scores for friends and families killed by their former colleagues or or cartel goons. At the safety gate, Juan rushed in, waving at Campos. Campos spotted him, thanks to Garcia''s nudge, and stashed his gun before jogging over. The range was loud, so they ducked into a soundproof lounge. Juan cut to it. "Guys tailing Tiger Woods just checked in. He met up with Sean Ackerman from the Ackerman family." Campos perked up. "Both are on the boss''s watchlist. Up the manpower -- keep it tight, but careful." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 309: Ackermans New Club [Chapter 309: Ackerman''s New Club] In Beverly Hills, at the north end of Sunset Boulevard, Sean Ackerman stood at the front door of his mansion, watching as a luxurious Genesis pulled up. He hurriedly went to greet it. The car came to a stop, and out stepped Tiger Woods and Johnny Edwards. He shook their hands and said, "This way, my father is waiting for you." The three entered the mansion, with only Edwards heading to the study. Woods preferred to stay in the living room and chat with Sean, avoiding direct involvement with politics. Sean looked at him quizzically. "I heard you''re getting married? Is that a wise decision?" sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Woods replied, "Love is one thing, and having fun is another. Even if I get married, I can still go out and enjoy myself." He added with a hint of regret, "It''s a shame that the Venice Beach Club was destroyed in the fire." Sean reassured him, "A building may be lost, but the spirit of that great venture remains." Intrigued, Woods asked, "Why can''t I reach Melissa during my visit to Los Angeles? I''ve been calling but no one answers." Not wanting to divulge the internal strife within the Ackerman family, Sean casually explained, "She''s temporarily overseas expanding the business. I''m handling things here for now." Woods inquired, "Are there parties happening recently?" Sean gestured towards the study. "If he attends, there will definitely be a party. If not, then there won''t be." Woods has a particularly strong need for this aspect of play, and couldn''t help but smile, "Johnny Edwards is a regular guy after all." ... When Edwards emerged from the study and left with Woods, Sean headed to the study to consult his father, Buddy Ackerman. The elder Ackerman agreed to organize a grand party to welcome Edwards to Los Angeles, which had been the family''s traditional way of hosting. Following Melissa''s mysterious disappearance and with ongoing investigations yielding no leads, Buddy had reluctantly passed some power to Sean, the only surviving direct descendant. Even a seasoned tycoon like Buddy had to face the reality of his diminishing health and limited options for the future. Starting a new family at his age seemed impossible. ... Sean drove out of the estate towards Santa Monica and entered the headquarters of the Ackerman Charity Foundation. He opened the door to the director''s office and made a phone call. The chairman, Barack Bernanke, soon arrived. Bernanke, who had been tirelessly searching for Melissa in Mexico for months without success, returned to Los Angeles only to find that Buddy had delegated some power to Sean. Accepting Sean''s offer was the only way for Bernanke to continue in a high-paying job; leaving would mean risking his life. He held many family secrets and could not afford to leave alive. Additionally, deep down, Bernanke harbored suspicions about Sean being involved in Melissa''s disappearance, seeing as he was the biggest beneficiary of her absence. Yet, he still held a ray of hope that Melissa might still be alive, and he could find a clue to rescue her while working with Sean. Sean settled into his office chair and spoke to Bernanke, "An important figure has arrived in Los Angeles, and we need to host a party to welcome him." Bernanke quickly deduced, "Senator Johnny Edwards, right?" "Exactly," Sean instructed. "Find out what he enjoys and arrange something suitable." Bernanke was skilled in planning these types of parties and replied, "We should prepare various options - Black, White, blondes, brunettes, redheads, and different ages. Men tend to have more diverse tastes." ????§£¨º£Ó Sean nodded in agreement but added, "Let''s make sure to prepare some more tender ones too." He wasn''t sure about everything else, but he knew most men preferred them young, except for a few individuals, or people who ran out of vigor. ... Bernanke soon returned to his office, directing his assistant to get to work, especially ensuring that a boat was ready. Since the Venice Beach Club fire, for cover, the Ackerman Foundation''s new club had been established on an island away from Los Angeles. They sought to avoid being under the FBI''s jurisdiction when acquiring party gifts, sourcing them primarily from Africa, Latin America, Ukraine, and Russia. Among them, Ukrainian products were notably top-quality. Ukrainians matured early, with some being stunningly attractive before turning eighteen, but their prime years were often shorter. ... In the director''s office, Sean called his assistant, Fernando, and asked, "Any updates on Emma Watson?" Previously, he had been interested in Hermione. Fernando regrettably replied, "All of our party invites have been rejected. Emma''s agent told us outright that Ackerman Productions is bankrupt, and our resources can''t afford her." "Damn it!" Sean slammed his palm on the desk. The so-called top actors and stars, aside from a handful, were mainly playthings. Even Leonardo DiCaprio was no exception. The Ackerman family had ears everywhere in the deep blue camp, catching wind of some information from a rival at the party. The last time the Clinton couple came to Los Angeles, the strong-willed Hillary had spent a long time alone with Leonardo that night. Although this was all hearsay, since last year, Leonardo''s physique had deteriorated, and his face had become more gaunt. Any normal man would not have let himself go like that under normal circumstances. What transpired during that time was easy to guess. Sean recognized his status wasn''t on par with Hillary''s to attract such top-tier actresses, but for someone like Emma Watson to be so resistant... The allure of something unattainable sparked unrest within Sean as he frowned and said, "Isn''t the new movie set to premiere in North America this summer? Emma Watson will likely be in Los Angeles for the release, right?" Fernando quickly urged, "We can''t pull anything in Los Angeles; Warner Bros. won''t allow anyone to meddle with their cash cow." Sean raised a finger, shaking his head. "We would never employ such crude methods." He had bigger concerns: "By then, the candidates in the blue camp would have been decided. Inviting him to enjoy a good time with us would be golden; those politicians love mingling with that age group, and the star effect adds appeal. If he wins the election, we stand to gain significantly." Fernando fell silent; the Ackerman family had previously operated similarly, but not for a presidential election. The Ackerman family had amassed billions of dollars using such methods. Rumors suggested that wealthy folks in New York were doing the same. ... Unable to sit still in his office, Sean left to seek out some form of entertainment. Nearing a year since the Venice Beach Club fire, the Ackerman Charity Foundation gradually restored its operations. As long as there was money, their supply lines to Europe and Latin America remained clean, especially with affordable, quality goods from Ukraine. Bernanke efficiently organized the party, enabling preparations to wrap up by the weekend. Sean initially planned to send a car to pick up Tiger Woods and Johnny Edwards. However, they decided to travel together in Woods'' vehicle. ... On Friday afternoon, at the entrance of the Venice Private Yacht Club, Sean stood early in the foyer, waiting for the arrival of guests. Woods, driving a Genesis, took a turn leading directly to the club, picking up Edwards on the way. The Jeep Cherokee ahead of the Genesis never stopped, moving further away. Inside, Garcia called out through the car''s intercom, "Don''t stop; don''t turn off that road; it will draw attention." The driver, Carlos, assessed the situation and turned onto a distant winding road leading uphill. Meanwhile, another Dodge car with Juan reached a stoplight, merged into traffic, and made a U-turn to head back. He noted the club further down the road, where guards were stationed and cameras monitored every corner. Approaching would mean exposure. Juan drove away and entered a nearby multi-story parking garage, parking on the third level. From afar, it was hard to get a clear view of the club, so Juan pulled out binoculars to confirm the premises featured a yacht club with docks set aside for medium-sized yachts. A white yacht was currently docked at one of the pathways. Juan opened the trunk and retrieved a professional camera, setting it up to capture the club''s activities. Shortly after, the white yacht slowly departed the harbor, heading out to sea. Hearing cars approaching, Juan quickly packed up the camera and returned to his vehicle. He shared observational details with Garcia via comms. From Juan''s vantage point, he spotted the yacht''s other side while Garcia informed him that Woods, Edwards, and others had boarded that yacht. Moments later, Campos called, seeking specific updates. After Juan and Garcia shared their images and footage, Campos instructed them to maintain their current positions, assuring them someone would rotate in soon. ... The crew from the Butterfly Company remained on their posts for a full day and night until Sunday morning, when the white yacht returned from the ocean, gently docking back at the yacht club. In the parking lot, Juan continued watching as Hierro slowly drove out. Carlos on Garcia''s side was also prepared. Soon, a black Genesis rolled out of the yacht club. Carlos overtook it only to find it was not Woods at the wheel, but an unfamiliar face. When this Genesis returned to Beverly Hills, Hierro relayed the message that Woods and Edwards appeared tired, as if worn out. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 310: Life from Heaven to Hell [Chapter 310: Life from Heaven to Hell] In West Hollywood, inside a standalone house, Campos pinned a map of Venice onto a large whiteboard. Garcia took a pen and marked a red dot along the western side of Pacific Avenue. Hawke examined the map juxtaposed against his mental image of the area, quickly confirming the location, and asked, "Is this where the new club is?" Garcia affirmed, "We conducted some outer investigations. This is a private yacht club established seven years ago. It''s registered with a trading company unrelated to the Ackerman family and its enterprises. However, recent findings suggest it''s likely the starting point of their new club." At that moment, Juan approached the map and drew a line on the water: "The yacht left the dock, likely heading this direction, out to sea until it vanished from sight." Edward interjected, "They definitely relocated their party venue to some island." Hawke''s gaze fell on the open sea. "There aren''t many private islands off Los Angeles, but enough that tracking them will be difficult." Campos added, "The last time Harley Wayne tracked them to the Venice Beach Club, it triggered a series of events that the Ackerman family learned from." He bluntly pointed out, "Tracking on the open ocean is challenging. If they have radar on their boat, they can spot our presence from a distance regardless." Carlos chimed in, "It''s not hard to get civilian boat radars; money makes it easy." Hawke contemplated briefly before declaring, "We shouldn''t pursue at sea; it''s too dangerous. Safety is more crucial than catching these bastards." The others didn''t protest; they understood the seriousness in Hawke''s tone. He looked around the room, noting the gathered members had all participated in the operations in Rosario, Mexico, and stated, "We still have an ace up our sleeve; she should have some information." Campos said, "Melissa Ackerman has suffered long-term captivity, restricted diet, and is in poor mental health; she''s not in the same condition as months ago." Hawke nodded, "Good, we''ll check in on her later." He scanned the others and clapped his hands. "Everyone, resume your previous tasks. I''ll stress this: better to abandon a target than put ourselves in jeopardy." ... The team acknowledged before leaving, with Campos staying behind as Hawke and Campos headed to the warehouse where Melissa was held captive. Upon arrival, Campos received a call. He exited the car and reunited with Hawke, saying, "Latest news: Johnny Edwards took a flight from Los Angeles International Airport to San Francisco. Tiger Woods has also left, heading to Georgia for the upcoming Masters Tournament next month." "Got it," Hawke mulled over the information as they entered the warehouse. "Tell Johnny Edwards'' tail to pull back; we shouldn''t follow him further. Political figures require caution." Campos understood. "Understood." Hawke continued, "Follow Tiger Woods closely. He might be our breakthrough." Campos began making arrangements. ... Having donned disguises, Hawke and Edward descended the stairwell into the basement. Under the glow of the lights, the woman in the cage had unkempt hair, looked filthy, and emitted a foul odor, appearing gaunter than before. While she wasn''t skeletal due to her role as a backup blood supply and organ reserve, she was clearly in bad shape. ??????????????????? Hawke glanced at her before approaching the cage. Melissa fixed her gaze on them. Unlike previous encounters, these two men did not wear black masks, allowing her to see their distinguishable features under the lights. This resulted in misunderstandings. Her months of confinement had pushed her to the brink of mental collapse. Many experiences, when imagined, felt entirely different from living through them. Seeing the two men reveal their "true faces" made Melissa crawl to the edge of the cage, gripping the cold steel bars, pleading, "Have you finally made a decision?" Time had dragged on, rendering Hawke''s memories fuzzy. Melissa seemed increasingly distressed. Shaking her greasy hair, she rattled the iron bars while tears streamed down her face, shouting, "Why did it take you so long to come! Do you know how long I''ve been waiting for you?" The long captivity had transformed her life from heaven to hell, driving her nearly insane. "Hurry! Get me out of here! I''ll split my wealth with you!" Hawke responded, "Keep it down." Ignoring him, Melissa continued her incessant shouting. Campos, entering from behind, held an electric shock baton. Edward took it and struck it against the cage, creating a crackling sound of electricity, causing Melissa to scream piercingly. But afterward, she calmed down. Melissa looked on in terror at Hawke and the others. Campos whispered, "The last time, you asked her to have a mental breakdown as soon as possible, so I instructed the guard to keep conditioning her. The guard was deaf and mute, didn''t understand English and couldn''t really hurt her body, so opted for electric therapy instead." Hawke grasped the situation, realizing that the female guard Campos recruited was a master of electric training. No wonder Melissa was on the brink of mental collapse. Edward withdrew the electric baton, and Melissa showed less fear on her face afterward. Hawke took another step closer and remarked, "It''s been a while, Miss Ackerman." The shock had frightened Melissa, causing her to regain a bit of clarity as she stared at Hawke and Edward for a moment before slowly saying, "You''re not Sean''s men." Raising her voice unexpectedly, she demanded, "Who are you really?" Not interested in addressing her question, Hawke directly asked, "After the Venice Beach Club burned down, where did you decide to hold the party?" Melissa didn''t answer outright but instead retorted, "Are you FBI?" Hawke exchanged glances with Edward, who displayed a toothy grin and pressed the shock baton back against the cage''s bars, flicking the switch. As Melissa shrieked, her eyes glazed over, and she sat there in a daze. It looked like there was something wrong with the whole person. Hawke could only imagine the kind of conditioning game that had been played on her over those months. Edward retracted his electric baton as soon as it was touched. When Melissa regained her senses, he would extend it again. This time, Melissa crawled toward the bars instinctively, gripping them tightly, with her face pressed against the bars, crying, "I''ll tell you everything! I''ll reveal it all!" She spoke so quickly: "We relocated to Santa Catalina Island. We established a new club in Avalon, the only town on the island. Avalon has a small airport and a shipping dock for guest travel and allows us to easily bypass North America for transporting goods." Hawke turned to Campos, quietly saying, "The guard did an excellent job and deserves a reward." Campos also thought so. Without the deaf and mute female guard''s persistent training over the past few months, this woman would not have been so well-behaved. Hawke continued the questioning, "The guards and administration on the island are all yours?" Melissa broke into a bizarre laugh. "They''ve all been at our parties; they have no choice but to side with us." Then Edward feigned seriousness, "They could turn themselves in!" "Turn themselves in? Ridiculous!" Melissa replied scornfully. "Those seemingly upright guys have personally harmed girls while indulging themselves at the Venice Beach Club; do you even know what they''ve done?" She glanced at Hawke, "You men, once you drop the masks and indulge yourselves, are all devils!" Hawke chose to ignore her comments and continued, "I see you have some recordings to keep leverage on those people." Melissa laughed boastfully, "Why would we record? That''s just insane!" Hawke pressed, "Where are those recordings? Don''t claim you don''t have them." Melissa replied, "I could tell you, but what''s the bargain?" Edward stepped forward, pressing the baton against the cage. Melissa quickly said, "I don''t expect you to release me; could you at least improve my living environment? I want to have my own bathroom and access to showers regularly." Edward waved the electric baton mockingly. "And you want us to get rid of this too." Melissa looked at the baton, fear flickering in her eyes along with some complex emotions, "No, you can keep it." Hawke thought for a moment and said, "I''ll find you a new living space." Melissa responded, "My things are in Las Vegas. I have a safe at Citibank there; the safe only recognizes a key. I hid the key in a secret location at the Ackerman Charity Foundation headquarters, but retrieving it is no easy task. Outsiders find it hard to enter there -- dozens of armed guards patrol 24/7, along with a comprehensive security monitoring system." She paused briefly, "Perhaps you could speak to Chairman Barack Bernanke; he''s my loyal subordinate and suitor..." Hawke interjected, "I have some unfortunate news, Barack Bernanke has sided with your brother Sean." "Damn it!" Melissa roared, "I knew it, men cannot be trusted!" Hawke disregarded her outburst, further probing the detailed location of the key, only to realize the task wouldn''t be straightforward. The key was hidden in a file bag inside the treasury office of the foundation''s headquarters. What Melissa was holding was merely one of several backups, not intended to protect against internal members of the Ackerman family. Hawke attempted to inquire about the family''s secrets, but Melissa clammed up. The kind of information that concerned the family''s survival wasn''t something she would disclose, not even when Edward threatened her with the baton. Leaving the warehouse, Hawke dialed Brian, seeking his assistance in finding a suitable property to purchase for housing the blood bag. ***** /Sayonara816. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 311: The Battle for Revenge [Chapter 311: The Battle for Revenge] A black Mercedes pulled up to Inglewood, parking outside a gated community. While waiting for Brian to arrive, Edward pondered what Melissa Ackerman had said about the safe and the key. He glanced at the rearview mirror and noticed Hawke reading a newspaper. "Boss, the key is at the Ackerman Foundation headquarters. According to Melissa, it hasn''t been touched in years, so it should still be there." Hawke nodded. "If what she said is true, it''s likely still in place." Edward thought about everything that had happened in the warehouse basement. "Given the circumstances, Melissa didn''t seem to be lying. After months of captivity and manipulation, her will was weaker than before." He had an idea. "Compton has a lot of skilled thieves. Should I find one?" Hawke flatly rejected the notion. "A petty thief would just become prey in front of dozens of armed guards and the latest electronic security systems. There''s no need to rush on the key; I''ll make arrangements." Hawke already possessed some of the information Melissa mentioned; it was left behind by the deceased Guerrero and had been mailed to him by his girlfriend from Caltech. That girl had been found by Fiona and, under Campos'' arrangements, temporarily left North America. Whether it was the videos, the producer, or the girl, they had to wait for the right moment to truly make an impact. Otherwise, it would just mean more people ended up dead. Hawke planned to incite chaos when the fires in Los Angeles broke out, persuading certain groups to set fire near the Ackerman Foundation headquarters. They would take advantage of the confusion. These people might fail at many tasks, but they excelled at causing chaos. Hawke''s phone rang; it was Brian. After answering, he instructed Edward to drive. ... The Mercedes approached the entrance of the gated community. Brian stood next to a Cadillac, waving at Hawke''s car. Once the car stopped, Hawke got out. Near the community entrance, a manager in a suit was hurrying toward them. Seeing Brian, he rushed forward to shake his hand, then turned to Hawke and Edward, asking, "Who are they?" Brian briefly introduced them. "This is Hawke Osment, chairman of Twitter, and this is Edward Connor, vice president of Twitter." In a gated community where wealthy buyers had to meet certain criteria to enter, the manager''s smile brightened like the sun upon hearing Twitter''s name. He quickly approached them, shaking hands. Hawke was straightforward, saying, "Let''s go look at the house." The manager quickly led the way. "Hop in, follow me." He entered through the community''s gate, driving ahead, with Brian and Hawke''s cars trailing behind. This gated community comprised single-family mansions, each occupying nearly half an acre. While it may not have ranked among Los Angeles''s top luxury homes, it was still considered a premier community in Inglewood. ????????????S? The manager introduced a house located on a small hillside in the eastern part of the community, separated from neighbors by a half-natural green belt. The previous owner had built a nearly four-meter-high wall to ensure the yard''s privacy. The group entered the house, quickly checking the yard before stepping into the two-story villa. The house boasted stunning renovations, using a combination of brick, concrete, and wooden structures that Los Angeles seldom offered. The two-story building was otherwise unremarkable. Hawke''s main concern regarding the property was the basement. The house had two underground levels, all constructed from poured concrete. Upon entering the vast underground space on the second basement level, they found not only living facilities but also a bathroom and a water storage room. The first basement housed a storage area of over a hundred square meters filled with countless canned goods and bottled drinking water. Edward couldn''t help but ask, "Did the last owner plan to live underground?" The manager explained, "Not really. The previous owner was a crazy fan of zombie culture. His father had invested in several of George Romero''s films, and he personally had stakes in and the reboot of ." Edward understood. "He was worried about a zombie apocalypse?" "Yeah, every property he owned had a specially built underground bunker," the manager gestured to the stored food and supplies. "The costs to store all this far exceed the value of the goods themselves." Hawke deliberately remarked, "Sounds like we need to negotiate a cleanup fee; that''s not cost-effective." Brian caught on, realizing Hawke was trying to drive the price down. He added, "These supplies don''t have much practical value." The manager readily agreed, "That cost can be deducted from the house price." S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke inspected the property carefully, noting that the basement renovation wouldn''t be difficult. He asked, "Does the underground renovation need approval? Is it easy to manage?" The manager replied immediately, "I''ll help facilitate the process, and I can connect you with design and construction firms for the renovation." Hawke waved his hand, signaling to move on. "Let''s talk more upstairs." They headed up to the villa''s lofty living room. ... After conversing for a while, Hawke managed to negotiate the price of the $4.5 million property down to $3.8 million. The property was purchased under the name of the Osment Charitable Foundation to shelter funds from taxes. A small portion was engaged in various charitable activities through a professional manager''s operations. But most of the money was used elsewhere, like providing housing for the homeless, including the acquisition of this property. Most of the charitable foundations belonging to the wealthy operated similarly. ... After finalizing the house and signing the agreement, once the construction procedures were sorted, Hawke sought a construction team familiar to Campos to begin renovations on the basement. They planned to convert it into separate holding areas that wouldn''t disturb each other. In addition to Melissa Ackerman, Hawke had his sights set on Sean Ackerman as well. Yet, he still wasn''t certain about Sean''s blood type. If he could find an opportunity, he''d capture him to test. Hawke''s goal was clear. That old man, Buddy Ackerman, was beyond use with his aging body and organs. He just needs to find his God in peace. As for the younger generation, keeping them around til they were useful was important. Resources couldn''t be wasted. In this land of capital, wealth and power intertwined, undeniably providing a sense of empowerment. Hawke''s assets now surpassed the Ackerman family''s, and he resolved to leverage the fierce electoral rivalry between the two parties to wipe out this enemy family entirely within the year. It was about money and political struggles. Beyond that, preparations for potentially explosive business battles also had to be made. ... As April arrived, Los Angeles appeared stable, far from the heat of the election war. Campos and company expressed thoughts of seeking revenge. Hawke had promised them a long time ago and would fulfill that promise. Campos initiated this plan for a reason. News from Mexico had come through, reporting that the coach who had trained and recommended him had been found by traffickers, even in retirement, hanged from a streetlamp in St. Louis. Apart from Campos, Garcia and Carlos were also among this man''s students but not in the same cohort. Hawke stayed true to his word, requesting a list of target individuals, instructing them to wait a few days. When they returned, preparations had to be made. ... Hawke, under his East Coast alias, had contacted the Tijuana area multiple times, reaching an agreement with the mercenary organization he worked with twice before. Using this underworld organization, he managed Robert Downey Jr.''s assistant and a private investigator involved in high-stakes corporate battles for BlackRock. Naturally, the motivation for these individuals to work for him lay in substantial financial compensation. Hawke even took a trip to London, winning a batch of $500,000 in gemstones at a Sotheby''s auction. He returned with these synthetic gems, stashing them in the company safe. ... Later, Hawke met with Campos, Garcia, Carlos, Juan, and Fiona in a safe house. Campos'' eyes were red as he spoke, "Boss..." Hawke softly replied, "My condolences." Campos said, "We''re going to take out every last one of those bastards." Hawke pulled out a few printed cards and stated, "These are the people I''ve hired. They''re paid well for their services and come equipped with the best weapons and ammunition. A squad of mercenaries will follow your orders completely." Campos took the cards. "Thank you." Hawke continued, "In addition, they''ll send someone ahead to St. Louis to gather intel on most of the targets. You''ll receive detailed intel when you arrive." Campos and his crew seemed quite excited. "You all need to come back alive!" Hawke raised his voice suddenly. "Each of you must work for me for at least ten years!" They all nodded silently, showing none of the grandiose declarations. Hawke called for Edward, leaving without looking back. ... The youngest, Juan, watched Hawke''s silhouette disappear and said, "I plan to do this job until I can''t anymore!" Fiona remarked, "You''re a real jerk, wanting to game the boss. By the time you''re forty, will you still be doing this job? You''ll need to have the boss support you!" Campos patted Juan''s shoulder, saying, "Work hard and remember to make your efforts worth every dollar the boss pays." Carlos laughed, "I could kill that pig in the Oval Office for him." Garcia punched him playfully, "Are you trying to land the boss in a mental hospital?" They all laughed. Campos quickly composed his expression, saying, "Alright, let''s get ready. We''ll head out early tomorrow, splitting up and returning to Mexico via Mexicali." One by one, they left the safe house, heading home to prepare for their revenge battle against the dealers and former colleagues. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 312: The True Fighter [Chapter 312: The True Fighter] In Mexico, St. Louis City. This city lay less than 100 kilometers from the US-Mexico border, typically too far from paradise and too close to America. The St. Louis police department''s deputy chief, Saunders, clad in casual attire, stepped into a bar branded with a "Tequila" sign. During business hours, the bar was sparsely populated. Saunders spotted a cowboy hat-wearing guy and quickly sat across from him. The head of the Tequila gang, Javier, tipped his hat and poured a drink from the bottle on the table. "Is Mayor Maria''s speech theme still about drug prohibition tomorrow?" Saunders replied, "She hasn''t learned a thing from her previous narrow escape. She thinks a new chief can control the police department. It''s naive; a police chief isn''t everything around here." "Are the new generation of politicians really that idealistic?" Javier couldn''t understand. "The last shooting killed her husband, so she''s lucky to have survived, yet she still wants to destroy our business." Saunders suggested, "Then let''s get rid of her, silence her for good." Javier downed his drink. "We''re thinking the same thing. Let''s finish the job we left incomplete last time." He asked, "Is the police providing security for her speech tomorrow?" Saunders already knew his intentions. "Yes, the SWAT team will provide close protection for Mayor Maria and handle her transport." "Good. Let her give her anti-drug speech. Let her have her moment of righteousness," Javier said with a sinister smile. "Our dear Mayor Maria will just have finished her great anti-drug speech and was a paragon of justice when drug dealers shoot her on the street. That''ll send shockwaves!" Saunders felt satisfied. "The chief position should have been mine. She jumped in out of nowhere -- damn it." Suddenly, Javier''s smile vanished. He asked, "What about that former subordinate of yours, the best fighter from the SWAT team? Have you heard from him?" Saunders knew whom he meant. That guy, like the mayor, had issues; instead of taking the easy money, he focused on drug enforcement and arrested several important figures from the Tequila gang, leaving him no choice but to retaliate. The result? His family and friends had been killed, and he lost several insiders but didn''t take down anyone important. It was infuriating. Saunders shook his head. "No sign of him; he''s been missing for two years." Javier didn''t care. "Are you going to oversee the event tomorrow?" "There''s pressure from above; we''ve got to make it look good," Saunders said. "When your people attack, just don''t harm mine." Javier assured him. "We''ll have cars to keep you separate." The two sealed the fate of the city''s nominal highest official. ... After Saunders left, Javier headed to the wine cellar. Beneath the cellar was a large underground room filled with weapons, where eight strong armed men were maintaining their firearms. ?????£ÎO??????? However, no one noticed that on the second floor of a motel diagonal to the bar, two Mexican men were watching the Tequila bar. Dealers were a significant part of Mexican society. In places far from the capital, Mexico City, and close to the US border, dealer gangs were almost openly acknowledged. They had been observing for days, confirming that several high-level members of the Tequila gang regularly visited the bar, particularly the leader, Javier. ... As the night fell, the two men drove out of St. Louis towards a repairs shop in the northern suburbs, entering a workshop directly. Here, nearly twenty individuals had gathered. In the middle of the workshop stood a long wooden table covered in weapons. Campos was assembling an M4, while Hierro picked out his favorite light machine gun. The mercenary leader, Bosque, directed four subordinates as they brought in two boxes, revealing C4 explosives, grenades, and rocket launchers. Once everyone had arrived, Bosque addressed Campos. "Everyone is here." Campos set down his weapon and rose to the head of the long table, declaring, "Let''s discuss the latest updates." The first newcomer spoke up, "The Tequila bar is the base for the target gang. Their leader, Javier, spends most of the day inside." He showed photos and videos he''d captured on a laptop. Campos looked at Bosque. "What''s your opinion?" Bosque was all in for a hefty commission. "You''re the commander; we''re here to follow your orders." Having considered the situation, Campos remarked, "Now that we''ve confirmed, the St. Louis SWAT team will be responsible for protecting Mayor Maria tomorrow. This SWAT team is already corrupt; from what we know, the Tequila gang plans to strike against Maria. Knowing their modus operandi, they will likely act tomorrow." Bosque completely agreed. "Last month, a mayor who advocated for anti-drugs was shot dead within hours of taking office." That was typical of dealer style; they used murder as a warning. Having dealt with the Tequila gang extensively two years ago, Campos understood their style. "Following their typical operation, second-in-command, Cesar, and the third-in-command, Feirman, will lead the assault." Bosque inquired, "Do we divide into two teams?" "No, three teams!" Campos took out a thoroughly studied map. "Team One led by Bosque will ambush here, here, and here. After the mayor gives her speech, she will leave from this point." He looked at Carlos and Hierro, both in disguise. "You''re familiar with the area; follow Bosque." They nodded affirmatively. Campos gestured to Garcia. "You take one team. Once the mayor''s speech ends, I''ll notify you. You''ll storm the Tequila bar! The most elite forces of Tequila will go in for Maria, so ensure you eliminate everyone in the bar; leave no one alive!" Garcia agreed, "Got it." Campos pointed at the location of the speech on the map. "This anti-drug speech is a big deal, and both the police chief and deputy chief, Saunders, will attend. Juan and Fiona, you come with me; our target is Saunders." Once the plan was set, the withdrawal arrangements on both sides took shape. ... As the operation settled, Campos called Bosque aside for a chat. Over the past few days back in St. Louis, Campos had been keeping an eye on everything. He noted that the team led by Bosque was highly professional. When they arrived, Hawke had shared some insights. Campos cut to the chase, "Are you interested in working more together in the future?" S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bosque understood the dangers of domestic jobs. "I don''t take domestic jobs, nor do I engage with the four monsters of East Asia. Those places are too dangerous, and the odds of not coming back alive are significant." Though they were paid mercenaries, they would never seek death willingly. Campos assured him, "These jobs won''t be about that." Bosque nodded. "As long as the pay is right, we can work things out. I''ve had a few cooperations lined up with your East Coast employer, Phil Delno." Campos responded, "I''ll handle the contact from now on." Bosque recognized Campos and his crew''s professionalism; they weren''t slackers. They shook hands. "Here''s to enjoyable cooperation in the future." The two men, clad in tactical gloves, clasped hands firmly. ... The next morning. At St. Louis Square, hundreds of citizens gathered in front of a makeshift podium. Armed SWAT officers stood before the stage. Last year''s elected mayor, Maria, addressed the citizens and media with fervor, speaking about the dangers of drugs and the crimes associated with them -- outlining their impact on St. Louis city and its residents. The police chief looked tense, weighed down by what felt like an impossible task, while the real power, Deputy Chief Saunders, wore a relaxed smile. When her speech reached an emotional peak, Maria removed her jacket, revealing a black bra, and exposed gunshot scars on her body. "I take my clothes off only to show my scars. These were left from the last shooting by the drug dealers. Despite being wounded, I stand here bravely. Even if I lose my husband, I will not surrender! I will keep fighting against drugs, resisting without end!" This female mayor, taking on one of the world''s most dangerous jobs, remained full of spirit. But the applause from the crowd was sparse. Citizens understood that the drug menace had seeped into every corner of their city. Even with the mayor declaring war, it was in vain. Finally, scattered applause arose, echoing throughout the square. Maria donned her jacket back and raised her fist high, approaching the crowd beneath the podium. Compared to the various fairies and monsters in Los Angeles, she was a true feminist warrior. ... Under the protection of the SWAT team, Maria entered her vehicle. A standard police car led the way, with Maria''s car at the center and the SWAT''s armored vehicle following closely behind. The convoy turned from the square toward city hall. As the vehicles turned onto the main road and approached an intersection, a heavy garbage truck suddenly barreled out from an alley. It blocked their path, cutting off the SWAT vehicle. The SWAT officers in the armored car didn''t rush. They stepped on the brakes lazily, and the passenger side''s occupant, appearing as an elderly man, slowly exited to check the situation. The tailgate of the back vehicle swung open, creating an air of duty. Meanwhile, the police car in front accelerated and sped off. An SUV came charging down the opposite lane and rammed directly into Maria''s car. Having already survived one shooting, Maria saw masked individuals through the SUV''s windshield and tightly shut her eyes. She knew this day would come, but even facing death wouldn''t alter her resolve. St. Louis was her hometown, and she sought to save this fallen city. Yet, she wasn''t Batman, lacking the Wayne family''s wealth and power. The city''s criminals wouldn''t play along with her. Gunfire erupted. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 313: The Genius [Chapter 313: The Genius] In an SUV, four gunmen exited the vehicle. On the roadside, two other cars also had two gunmen getting out of each. Before they could raise their weapons, gunfire erupted from the rooftops on either side of the road. Assault rifles fired in rapid succession, and two light machine guns provided crossfire, cutting down the gunmen below like a scythe of death. The gunmen from the Tequila Gang attempted to rely on their cars for cover, but against the armor-piercing rounds from the M249 machine gun, a civilian vehicle offered about as much protection as cardboard. Two snipers took careful aim, picking them off one by one. A round grenade fell from the sky, landing behind the SUV, and the last gunman collapsed. Meanwhile, the SWAT team''s vehicle encountered gunfire as well. The officers, distracted by the opening of the truck''s door, barely had time to comprehend what was happening before a rocket propelled grenade shot into the back compartment. With a thunderous explosion, none of the five people within survived. The passenger in the front seat tried to feign an inquiry with the garbage truck driver but was quickly cut down by a hail of bullets. The only survivor was the armored vehicle''s driver, who, sensing the grim situation, immediately ducked down in his seat. ... "Retreat!" Bosque issued the withdrawal order less than two minutes into the ambush. Around the rooftops, five or six people from either side sprang into action, racing along pre-planned escape routes until they reached another road and jumped into vehicles before speeding away. ... The shootout was swift, concluding even faster. Sitting in the vehicle was Maria, who blinked as she surveyed the chaos around her. Her expression was one of confusion, as if she could hardly believe what transpired. Was this divine intervention? The gunmen who had aimed to kill her lay dead in the street, blood pouring from their wounds. The sounds of gunfire and explosions reached the plaza where the powerless precinct chief showed his despair, shouting for a few aides as he dashed toward the chaos. ... Panic swept through the plaza, but it was controlled, not frantic. This was Mexico, after all, in a city near the very borders of hell. The crowd was somewhat accustomed to such scenarios. People scattered as shadows moved past, while Deputy Chief Saunders gazed at the rising smoke and sighed softly. Suddenly, a gloved hand clamped over Saunders'' mouth, stifling his cries. Before Saunders could struggle, Campos plunged a dagger into his kidney. In and out the blade went, again and again! Two nearby bodyguards noticed and rushed to help. But bang, bang, bang -- the bullets fired by Juan and Fiona silenced them swiftly. As Campos drove the knife in deeper, he whispered in Saunders'' ear: "For my teacher, for my wife, for my father..." Then, holding the knife across Saunders'' throat, he declared, "This one''s for myself!" With a swift motion, the dagger slashed through the trachea and carotid artery. Campos released his grip, watching Saunders collapse to the ground before dashing toward the edge of the plaza, with Fiona and Juan close behind him. Saunders lay on the ground, succumbing to an abyss of darkness. ... As Mayor Maria concluded her speech, Garcia received a notification from Campos. With a command, a truck disguised as a delivery vehicle sped towards the bar''s entrance. Nearby, a dilapidated garbage truck parked at the back entrance of the bar. The cargo truck''s side door swung open as Garcia brandished a shotgun, firing repeatedly at the bar''s glass doors. The buckshot shattered the tempered glass into countless shards. Two mercenaries rushed to the front entrance, tossing in stun grenades simultaneously. After the deafening explosion, they pulled out hand grenades, tossing them inside the bar. Explosions also echoed from the back entrance. This wasn''t America; it was chaotic northern Mexico. After the grenades detonated, three well-coordinated mercenaries charged through the bar''s main doors in tactical formation. Garcia followed closely behind. As they neared the bar, one mercenary threw a grenade behind the counter. With a deafening blast, the bartender, who had just started to reach for a weapon, found his time cut short. Javier, the leader of the Tequila Gang, had already been disoriented by the stun grenade, hunched over on the ground, cradling his head. Garcia aimed his weapon and pulled the trigger, blowing apart his head. They swept through the bar without mercy, delivering a final bullet to the dealers sprawled on the ground. Gunfire rang out as the two teams converged, blasting their way through to the underground entrance via the wine cellar. ????§¡???¦¥???? Once inside, they burst through the door with a shotgun, using stun grenades to clear the way, and mercilessly swept through the rest of the building, leaving no survivors. This violent gunfire in northern Mexico indicated fierce clashes between rival gangs. Even if someone called the police, the experienced officers would take their time before responding. ... Garcia shouted, "Retreat!" They fled out of the bar''s front and back exits, jumped into their vehicles, and took off. Prior to the operation, Campos and Bosque had laid out their escape strategies. The mayor''s luck had kept her alive, and her influence slowed the pursuit. While accomplishing her goal was difficult, destruction was always easier than construction. Bosque''s team left for Mexicali that same day, dispersing back to Tijuana and temporarily vacating Mexico. Campos and his crew also broke apart, making their way back to North America through various means. ... In Los Angeles, at the Twitter headquarters, Hawke was reviewing an operational plan drafted by Caroline when a knock on the door caught his attention. Edward entered. He placed a newspaper on Hawke''s desk and said, "A Mexican newspaper! I bought it with great difficulty." Hawke nodded, not looking at it immediately. He finished going over the plan before picking up the paper. "I just spoke with Campos. He''s on his way back from Canada. The operation went smoothly; everyone will be returning to Los Angeles," Edward informed him. Hawke acknowledged this while examining the paper''s article about an attack in St. Louis. Such incidents were not uncommon in Mexico, where the media and government characterized the violence as rival gang confrontations. One deputy chief from the St. Louis police had died during the clash. Hawke remembered Campos mentioning this individual before; he was likely the one who had betrayed Campos years ago, leading to his own attack. The Tequila Gang''s leadership had effectively been wiped out in the confrontation. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In Mexico''s environment, this gang was essentially destroyed, and it wouldn''t be long before another smuggling organization filled the void. Campos and his crew acted decisively, mercenaries hired were also capable. ... Hawke knew he had to settle a final payment. He put down the newspaper and took an invitation and the exhibition''s appendix from his drawer, telling Edward, "Book me a first-class ticket to New York for the weekend." Edward asked, "Boss, are you still looking to acquire art? I''ve heard mixed reviews about buying and selling such items." Hawke replied, "Many things are simply used for money laundering. This time, I''m looking to purchase an antique." Edward''s eyes brightened comically, "So those tricky debts can be dealt with through that route?" The last time, Hawke had bought gemstones at a Sotheby''s auction in Port City. Antiques and gemstones were both rife with possibilities for misconduct. He intended to set up an art company overseas, showcasing an artist to help legitimize fund transfers. Many modern artists had wealthy patrons behind them or institutions sponsoring them. ... Just then, Edward''s phone rang. He glanced at the number, answered, and exchanged a few words before hanging up. "Betty''s here; she wants to report something." Hawke pointed toward the entrance, "Go bring her in." Edward exited the office, heading downstairs to the side entrance of the building, where he brought Betty back upstairs into Hawke''s office. Betty spoke directly, "Boss, I''ve just received some urgent news from Harvard. It''s a bit time-sensitive, and I had to come myself since Campos hasn''t returned." "That''s fine," Hawke gestured towards a chair. "Sit down and explain." Edward placed a cup of coffee in front of Betty, who continued, "Last fall, you had Campos hire two people to go to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to locate a Jewish student named Mark Zuckerberg at Harvard." Hawke certainly remembered this endeavor. He recalled Mark Zuckerberg had dropped out of Harvard after founding Facebook, but he didn''t remember the exact timing. Edward pulled up the freshman enrollment list on Harvard''s official website and located Mark Zuckerberg''s name, noting that he was studying psychology and computer science. Hawke had hired two young men skilled in socializing to befriend Zuckerberg, as high-end business warfare was a last resort. Their task was simple: become friends with Zuckerberg and indulge him in food, drinks, and parties. This was something the two young men excelled at, as it was what many young craved. Every fortnight, they compiled relevant information and sent it back to Los Angeles. Over the past few months, they had not only befriended Zuckerberg but had taken him partying, drinking, and chasing women. The passions of young Americans easily drew people in, especially young men in their twenties. The last time Hawke reviewed the compiled information, Zuckerberg was still lost in the party scene. "Has anything changed?" Hawke asked. Betty quickly responded, "Messages from Cambridge indicate that Zuckerberg had been enjoying himself and getting caught up in the fun, but recently there''s been a shift. He confided to two friends that he''s developed a computer program to help people select the best-looking individuals from a set of photos." Hawke immediately thought of Facebook. Betty continued, "He first used this program for casual encounters, asking modeling agencies to provide a bunch of headshots, which he then inputted into the computer to select the lucky ones for rendezvous." Hawke could only remark, "A genius at dealing with women." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 314: A Dangerous Game [Chapter 314: A Dangerous Game] Using a computer to sift through courses and create an ideal schedule, Zuckerberg found the application of his program to be quite useful. After several attempts, the chosen schedules met his needs effectively. With new ideas emerging, Zuckerberg considered the possibility of developing the program for website creation, believing it could be profitable. His father, a dentist, and his mother, a psychologist, had given him a taste of middle-class life. However, college in America was expensive, especially with socializing, and as he juggled the pleasure of selecting courses and enjoying life, he found himself short on cash. Zuckerberg had previously made money with a computer program during his high school years, and now that funds were running low, the urgency to find a way to make more money hit him hard. To catch the attention of beautifully captivating and charming representatives, he needed finances. "Zuckerberg just turned 20. Under our influence, he''s living for enjoyment," Betty remarked, taking a sip of her coffee before continuing. "But he also possesses substantial drive; he wants even more excitement and plans to explore the business side." Hawke was not surprised; those who achieve immense success usually hold some distinctive stubbornness. "Do we know any specific actions he is planning?" Betty responded, "He''s mentioned wanting to use the photo-selection algorithm to create a site similar to Twitter -- testing it first at Harvard, then rolling it out to surrounding universities." Hawke listened intently; this sounded like the early stages of Facebook. Although he didn''t understand why he had sent people to entice the Harvard student into a party life, Edward felt there was a strategy, creating a gesture, "Should we...?" Hawke shook his head, "No need for such hassles." He stood up and paced around the office, pondering Betty''s relayed information. He asked, "Does Zuckerberg want to move away from those games?" "Not at all. Influenced by our people, he aims to commercialize his program solely for the pleasure of having more fun," Betty had carefully probed the two sent to socialize. "Initially, he was a bit bashful. Still, after tasting the sweet fruits of success, he became completely obsessed." Hawke knew genuine enthusiasts seldom turn back. Betty continued, "He has a strong preference for female students and staff, ensuring he has at least one of each. His living expenses mostly come from student loans, and those funds pretty much go toward them." Hawke inquired, "Is his financial situation dire?" Betty nodded, "It''s clear he''s now using lunch loans." Hawke sighed, realizing the toxic impact of such indulgences. Betty continued detailing Zuckerberg''s actions while waiting for Hawke''s decision. Hawke devised three approaches. The simplest and least complicated was to emulate BlackRock''s methods and initiate high-stakes business strategies for a form of existential annihilation. After undergoing so many life-and-death moments, using raw, straightforward tactics left Hawke without any psychological burden. The second option, not complex either, involved the LAPD and FBI''s classic tactics -- weaving a frame of deception. Now that Zuckerberg was lost in a maze of temptation, finding a type he favored and crafting a plan would ensnare him into a trap reminiscent of the Eagle County scandal. A third strategy involved steering Zuckerberg down a different path while utilizing his program. Hawke gradually settled on attempting the third option. With a trip to New York planned for this week, Hawke told Betty, "Get ready; you''re coming with me to the East Coast, and we''ll visit Cambridge." He paused to say, "The two hired guys are good with people, right? Let them guide Zuckerberg to utilize his created program towards a revenue-generating path." Betty frowned in confusion, not wanting to dwell further on the topic. She asked, "How will we do that?" Hawke began detailing the plan. Edward leaned in, listening intently. ... In Cambridge, Massachusetts, near Harvard University, Neville passed a pack of cigarettes to Zuckerberg, who lounged on the couch. "Smoke one; get a boost of energy." ???????????¦¥???? Zuckerberg fished one out and looked for a lighter but couldn''t find one. Bart, who was nearby, retrieved one and tossed it over. After lighting one for himself, Zuckerberg handed another to Bart, savoring the tobacco flavors while asking, "How are your business ventures going?" Neville and Bart had come to the concentrated environment of Cambridge under the guise of selling used textbooks and providing academic consulting. It wasn''t just a show; they genuinely engaged in the business. Although much of their profit had been squandered, they were operating successfully. Neville opened a cabinet and pulled out a thin stack of cash, handing it to Zuckerberg. "This is last month''s commission, March was a bit slow." "Thanks," Zuckerberg replied, pocketing the cash. It wasn''t a lot but meant he wouldn''t have to rely on loans for lunch that day. Having splurged recently, Zuckerberg took a deep drag from his cigarette and exhaled a cloud, saying, "I need to take a break this weekend; I played too hard last night. I may have rubbed my skin and it''s been hurting." Bart put his arm around his shoulders, "Your skills are lacking; don''t let anyone know we''re friends!" Shifting topics, he added, "That program of yours really works. Once you set the criteria, it can select the best from all the proxies in Boston that fit our taste." Zuckerberg burst into laughter, "Didn''t I tell you? I''m a genius!" "You sure are." Neville lit his own cigarette and added, "Mark, the program you designed was truly born to help select course schedules!" Zuckerberg responded, "I feel the same, but unfortunately, there aren''t enough proxies in Boston." Bart chimed in, "Boston has a huge population, especially with an astonishing number of female professionals and college/high school girls. If we could get them all into the program''s database, you could enjoy your college graduation!" "But they''re not into those things. Even if some are quietly working part-time, we can''t reach them." Like any straight man, Zuckerberg enjoyed seeking out attractive prospects, saying, "We can''t just approach every pretty face we see on campus and ask them about side jobs, can we?" Neville nodded, "That''s absolutely not how it works. We need to think of our dignity and reputation, along with our finances." Bart chimed in, "What if we could get it for free?" Zuckerberg commented, "Dating should be free." "Dating equals free? Dude, you''ve got a screw loose," Neville said, speaking from experience. "I thought that too back in college, but after a couple of relationships, I realized otherwise." He counted it on his fingers: "When you go out, is the guy not footing most of the bill? On holidays, does the guy not have to buy gifts? Whatever the girl wants -- doesn''t the guy have to get something, too?" Bart added, "The cash spent on just one woman is enough to attract two dozen others!" After hanging out and partying with Bart and Neville over the last few months, Zuckerberg had bought into this way of thinking and declared, "Exactly, exactly. I''d rather remain single than date!" After finishing his cigarette, Bart pressed it into the ashtray and lamented, "What a pity for the program Mark designed." Zuckerberg too felt the loss. "That selection program is fantastic. Once I build a website around it and secure investments from other companies, we can expand to other cities... without needing to go there. We could connect with agents in those cities and input their resources into our database, allowing us to pick and choose, whether flying in or having them parachuted in." Neville praised him, "Mark, you''re truly a super genius!" Zuckerberg''s electronic watch beeped, signaling it was time to head to class. He jumped up and said, "I can''t miss my morning class; I need to head back to school. Let''s chat another time." Bart pointed out, "Go wash your face first." Zuckerberg dashed to the bathroom, quickly washing his face, slipping on his jacket, and vacating the apartment. ... Neville went to shut the door, saying, "Stay calm; take it one step at a time." Bart agreed, "Just like when we first met him; we''ll break down his defenses slowly." Neville smiled, "We''re influencing him now; much easier than before." The two shared a laugh, enjoying a life that seamlessly mingled fun and business. News from Los Angeles suggested that if they managed to guide Zuckerberg along the planned trajectory, they would be positioned as his agents, securing investment for Zuckerberg''s website. This would lead to a venture they could call their own. Where there were profits, there would be motivation. ... In New York, Hawke, Betty, and Edward exited the VIP passage of JFK Airport. Raul, Guti, and Morentes followed closely behind as security. At the exit, someone held a sign with Edward''s name from the Four Seasons Hotel. Edward approached, negotiating slightly before two Mercedes pulled up. They piled into the cars, making their way to the Four Seasons in New York. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Along the way, Betty received a phone call. After conversing, she turned to Hawke, "They''ve begun the operation and are progressing step by step to influence Zuckerberg. The results are looking positive." Hawke replied, "Good. Once we finish here, we''ll head to Cambridge." Betty nodded. "Understood." ... Arriving at the hotel, they ascended to a business suite on a high floor. Shortly after, Edward received a call from Christie''s, notifying him that a representative for their upcoming auction was en route with admission tickets. The classical art auction at Christie''s was set for Sunday, attracting many wealthy and influential attendees. Hawke noticed Leonardo''s name on the publicly available list of participants. Leonardo was known as Hollywood''s most renowned collector of art, amassing an impressive array of both modern and classical pieces. Previously, Hawke hadn''t thought much of it. But combined with the knowledge of Leonardo''s collaboration with Southeast Asians in money laundering, it just might be a method to transfer funds. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 315: BlackRock [Chapter 315: BlackRock] New York, Christie''s Classical Art Auction Hawke raised his paddle at the sight of the Aztec stone carving displayed on the stage, offering $300,000. No one bid against him. No one wanted it. It was nothing more than a vaguely shaped granite monkey. "$300,000 once... twice... $300,000, sold!" With the auctioneer''s final strike of the gavel, Hawke successfully acquired the artifact. From the back row, Leonardo glanced in Hawke''s direction, perplexed as to why he had bought such an ugly stone. The auction continued. In an effort to cultivate his image as an art collector, Hawke also purchased a Southeast Asian jade carving and an ancient Greek parchment. The last two items were relatively inexpensive, costing a total of $50,000. Hawke also kept an eye on Leonardo, who had acquired two modern oil paintings. As for the auction''s highlight ¡ª a Monet painting ¡ª Hawke merely observed. His cash flow was still healthy, but he needed to allocate his funds wisely. At this stage, splurging on artwork was out of the question. That painting ultimately went to BlackRock''s founder, Larry Fink. ... After the auction, Christie''s hosted a reception dinner at the Waldorf Hotel. Since he intended to participate in more auctions in the future, Hawke made a point of attending, using the opportunity to chat with a key executive from Christie''s North America. To the outside world, as the founder and chairman of Twitter, Hawke was seen as one of the rising stars of the tech elite. Leonardo had met Hawke once before at a party in Los Angeles. He took the initiative to greet him, shaking his hand and saying, "I saw you pick up a few antiques at the auction." Hawke replied earnestly, "I have a keen interest in historical artifacts. They represent different cultures and histories." Leonardo noted, "But the ones you bought were all from overseas." "That''s just how it is," Hawke said truthfully. "Anything unearthed in North America belongs to the Native Americans." Leonardo nodded as Hawke continued, "I''ve already collected enough Native artifacts." Leonardo, recognizing Hawke''s influence ¡ª not just as a billionaire but as the owner of Twitter, a powerful media tool ¡ª took a friendly approach. "I''m also interested in antiques and art. We should discuss it sometime." ??£Î??§¦s? Hawke knew about Leonardo''s ties to the Clintons, which could prove useful in the future. So he played along. "I''m still new to this world, and I''ve spent a lot of money foolishly ¡ª especially in L.A., where I bought plenty of fakes." Referring to the ancient Greek parchment he had won, he added, "Especially with ancient parchments ¡ª so many counterfeits out there. Do you know any tricks to identify the real ones?" Seeing Hawke''s "sincere" inquiry, Leonardo responded, "When it comes to ancient Greek parchments, I once heard a master collector say the easiest way to verify authenticity is by examining the script and the condition of the parchment itself." Hawke nodded. "Parchment is fragile and hard to preserve." S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Exactly. And the biggest issue with ancient Greek parchments today? Forgeries," Leonardo said, hoping to leave a lasting impression on Hawke. "Aside from the condition of the parchment, the writing itself is a major giveaway." Hawke was intrigued. "The script?" Leonardo elaborated, "Take the Declaration of Independence. It''s written on parchment. If you''ve ever seen the original in a museum, you''d know it''s America''s most important historical document. And America has the world''s best technology. It''s been carefully preserved since the country''s founding, yet after just over 200 years, the writing has already faded." He paused briefly, allowing Hawke time to think before continuing, "But ancient Greek parchments? After thousands of years, the writing is somehow clearer than the Declaration of Independence? Does that make sense to you?" Hawke raised an eyebrow. "I didn''t realize you were so knowledgeable about antiques." Leonardo gave a wry smile. "Only because I''ve been scammed so many times. Bought plenty of fakes. Every time someone needs something, they miraculously ''discover'' it in a cave or underground." Hawke understood. "So the demand comes first, and then they manufacture artifacts, books, and antiques accordingly?" Leonardo chuckled. "Exactly." ... The two continued chatting until someone approached, drawing Leonardo away. Hawke glanced over. Leonardo was now with Gisele B¨¹ndchen ¡ª they hadn''t broken up yet. His mind instinctively drifted to work. If he could get exclusive footage of their breakup, Twitter would enjoy a fresh surge of attention. ... Just then, another figure arrived ¡ª someone Hawke recognized instantly. It was Larry Fink, founder and CEO of BlackRock. Fink had seen Hawke''s photos and profile in reports from BlackRock''s San Francisco office. "Douglas mentioned Twitter and its founder to me long ago," he said. "Didn''t expect to finally meet you here." Hawke knew exactly who he was referring to ¡ª Douglas Coster, the now-deceased head of BlackRock''s San Francisco division. Their conflict had escalated to gunfire. Hawke had been lucky ¡ª he''d survived. Douglas wasn''t so lucky. He''d ended up with multiple bullet holes. Hawke was blunt. "We didn''t interact much, but BlackRock taught me a lot." Larry Fink, in his early fifties and still highly ambitious, chose to ignore the remark and instead said, "It''s a shame we missed out on investing in Twitter." Hawke countered, "We could have partnered in business. Last year, Twitter needed funding, but your side made a poor choice." Back then, BlackRock had valued Twitter at under $2 billion. By the end of the year, Silicon Valley firms valued it at over $8 billion. Now, with Twitter having secured investment from Silicon Valley, even the most conservative estimates placed its valuation above $10 billion. BlackRock itself had a market value of just under $20 billion. On paper, they were almost on par. But Hawke knew that behind BlackRock were powerful and difficult-to-deal-with investors. Fink continued, "Douglas made poor decisions, but that was his call ¡ª not BlackRock''s." Hawke didn''t believe a word. "Let''s hope so." Seeing Twitter''s potential, Fink didn''t want to let it slip away. "With Twitter growing at this pace, an IPO will be on the horizon soon. BlackRock can help make that process smoother." Hawke got straight to the point. "What are your terms?" Fink didn''t hesitate. "Allow BlackRock to invest in Twitter''s next funding round." "Fine," Hawke replied. "But with a dual-class share structure ¡ª your side gets Class A shares, entitled to dividends but with no voting rights." Fink kept his expression neutral but cursed inwardly. This bastard was as ruthless as BlackRock itself. Hawke wasn''t done. "And BlackRock will have no influence over Twitter''s daily operations." Fink understood ¡ª this was essentially a rejection. Still, he maintained his composure. "We can consider that. BlackRock only has one requirement ¡ª ensure the number of female employees is as close to 50% as possible." Hawke smirked. "How about this ¡ª BlackRock implements that first and maintains it for two years. Then Twitter will follow suit. Deal?" Fink studied Hawke in surprise. Since last year, BlackRock and Vanguard had been pushing diversity policies. One of the key evaluation criteria for their investments was "equality," including gender balance in the workforce. Most companies complied. After all, those in dire need of capital wouldn''t push back. Hawke said, "If BlackRock can do it, Twitter will consider it." Unlike other firms, BlackRock was purely an investment company. Its biggest roles were market analysis and asset management. If women account for half of the positions in these positions, the results will be outstanding. If time went on a little longer, BlackRock''s chances of over 90% would go downhill and it would no longer be a threat. With no agreement reached, the conversation ended on a cold note. ... When leaving the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, someone suggested to Larry Fink that he should launch another high-end business war. But Fink was cautious. He had done his research ¡ª Hawke always had bodyguards and was personally highly capable. If they failed to eliminate Hawke, they wouldn''t just face retaliation from a powerful political-business family, but also Hawke''s own brutal methods. Douglas Coster had already been proof of that. ... Hawke traveled around New York exclusively in bulletproof sedans. After returning to his suite at the Four Seasons, he instructed Betty to get everything ready ¡ª the group was heading to Boston. Hawke had no intention of directly approaching the two recruits hired through Campos, nor did he plan to appear in front of Zuckerberg. What he wanted was to see for himself whether, with enough time, effort, and the right mix of financial and sensual temptations, a person''s path could be altered. Resisting money and pleasure was easy to say but hard to do ¡ª few could truly manage it. ... Over in Cambridge, Bart and Neville were already working on Zuckerberg, applying subtle pressure through frequent drinking sessions and wild three-person parties. Slowly but surely, they were steering Zuckerberg''s entrepreneurial vision in the direction Hawke had mapped out. The three of them had agreed to make an investment together. Even before Hawke arrived in New York, Bart and Neville had set up a new company. The firm was registered in the Cayman Islands, with Bart and Neville holding small stakes. The controlling interest, however, belonged to one of Hawke''s offshore shell companies. Under this company''s name, Bart and Neville had hired a dozen girls in Cambridge. They even forged some student IDs and campus passes, using them to conduct direct field research on female students from Harvard, MIT, and other nearby colleges. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 316: Different Social Media [Chapter 316: Different Social Media] In America, for an ordinary student to get into a good university is extremely difficult. Not only do they need recommendation letters, but also extremely expensive tuition fees. Too many students are burdened with heavy student loans ¡ª even their daily living expenses at school require borrowing. Even at schools like Harvard and MIT, students relying on meal loans are not uncommon. At noon, Saoirse arrived at the university cafeteria, specifically watching for attractive girls who used meal loans. It didn''t take long for her to find a suitable target. Noticing the girl''s movements, Saoirse picked up her tray, followed along, and sat down across from her. Seizing the moment when there weren''t many people around, she asked directly, "Hey, my research group is conducting a social study. Can I ask you a few questions?" As she spoke, she placed a fake sociology research group ID on the table. College students might be cautious, but they still lacked the real-world experience of adults. Besides, in a campus setting, pretty girls tended to let their guard down ¡ª especially when Saoirse placed a $20 bill in front of her. It was just a few sociology questions. How could anyone refuse? The pretty girl nodded. "Go ahead, but don''t mention my name in your report." Saoirse smiled. "Then I won''t ask for your name." She began. "Do you have student loans?" At the mention of student loans, the girl''s face was filled with worry. "Yes. A huge amount. If I don''t get rich overnight and just graduate and get a normal job, I might only pay it off in twenty years. If I''m unlucky, maybe not until retirement¡­" Saoirse could see the pressure weighing on the girl. As she took notes, she asked, "Can''t your family help?" "My parents are both mid-level managers in regular companies. Their salaries aren''t that high, and they have heavy mortgage, car loan, and business loan burdens." The pretty girl continued, "They paid part of my tuition and helped me secure recommendation letters, so I only have to carry part of the student loan burden. That''s still better than many of my classmates. But for living expenses¡­ I have to figure that out myself." She glanced at her tray: a sandwich, smoked ham, and a carton of milk. "I got these using a meal loan." Saoirse responded, "Same here. I use meal loans too. But to ease my financial pressure, I found a part-time job for weekends." The pretty girl became a little wary. "You''re not trying to sell me a job, are you?" "No way." Saoirse shook her head. "I just want to ask ¡ª if there were a part-time job where you could earn $10,000 in just a few months, would you be interested? The only catch is that it might affect your reputation." ??¦­?§£?? The girl misunderstood. "Selling blood? But you can''t make that much from it. My former roommate was in a tough financial situation and relied on selling blood to cover her expenses. The IRS even taxed her earnings, and there''s also the risk of infections¡­" Saoirse thought to herself, ''What kind of experiences has this girl been through?'' She quickly clarified, "No, it''s not about being selling blood." Saoirse spoke directly, "There are a lot of wealthy men out there who are very interested in young, beautiful college girls. If they''re willing to pay to see pictures or videos of your body, and the money is enough to cover your living expenses for college ¡ª even pay off some student loans ¡ª would you consider it?" The girl hesitated, not responding immediately. Saoirse nudged the fake research badge forward. "You can keep your face covered, of course." The girl nodded. "I''m willing." "Thanks." Saoirse left the $20 bill on the table, picked up her tray, and went off to find her next target. ... Soon, she spotted another girl ¡ª sexy, practically flaunting her luxury brand accessories. After a similarly brief conversation, Saoirse received the same answer. By the end of lunchtime, she had interviewed five girls. Four agreed, one refused. Meanwhile, other team members were conducting similar survey statistics at universities and high schools across Cambridge. ... Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bart and Neville weren''t idle either. Bart visited girls and agents they had paid over the past few months to gather insights. Neville, along with their hired male operatives, sought out wealthy middle-aged men with the right conditions. In just a few days, the two had compiled extensive social and academic research reports. ... In a caf¨¦ near Harvard, Betty met with Bart and Neville to check on the progress of their work. Across the caf¨¦, in a discreet corner, Hawke was listening through an earpiece connected to a mic hidden on Betty. Sitting across from him, Edward also wore an earpiece. For a while now, they had been subtly guiding their target ¡ª Zuckerberg ¡ª gradually bringing out his true nature. A 20-year-old man, full of youthful energy, was at the age when he most craved intimacy with beautiful women. Once his interest was piqued in that area, his curiosity naturally extended to related things. And the more he indulged in such transactions, the more desensitized he would become. No matter how beautiful the woman in front of him, he wouldn''t blindly throw himself at her like a simp. Instead, his thoughts would turn to how much it would cost to make her kneel. That was exactly what Hawke wanted Bart and Neville to push Zuckerberg into. Betty took out a printed project proposal and reminded them of key points. After that, Bart and Neville left. Hawke and Edward removed their earpieces, walked out of the caf¨¦, and got into a car driven by Raul. ... After waiting a bit, Betty also came out and got in. Raul started the car and headed toward the hotel. Betty spoke, "The plan is progressing smoothly. To convince Zuckerberg, Bart and Neville even conducted a targeted market survey." She elaborated, "They hired people to survey female students and wealthy middle-aged men separately. The response rate among men was nearly 100%, and among female students, over half agreed." Edward looked through the car window at Harvard''s buildings. "I thought people here would have it better." Betty said, "According to their research, a large number of students here have student loans. Many even need loans just to eat." Hawke thought for a moment. "Did you tell them?" "Yes." Betty gazed out the window. "They''ll tell Zuckerberg ¡ª it''s not just business. It''s also helping those in need." Hawke said, "We''ll stay one more night. Once the target makes his decision, we leave." Edward booked their flights for the next day. ... After finishing his afternoon classes, Zuckerberg slung his laptop over his shoulder, hopped on his bike, and rode out of Harvard. He made a quick stop at the convenience store below his apartment building, picked up a pack of beer, and headed upstairs. Unlocking the door, he found the apartment empty ¡ª Bart and Neville hadn''t returned yet. He gave them a call, then powered up his laptop and got to work. Zuckerberg had secretly taken photos of several attractive female classmates. Among them was Natalie Portman, who had skyrocketed to fame after starring in He refined the algorithm for his design program, uploaded the photos into the database, and ran a search based on his own criteria for beauty. The results didn''t include Natalie Portman. "Does my program understand me better than I understand myself?" he wondered. Just then, the front door swung open ¡ª Bart and Neville were back. Their bags were stuffed with stacks of documents. Zuckerberg set down his mouse and asked, "Did you finish the research?" Bart nodded. "Of course. Making blind recommendations without doing proper market research? That wouldn''t be responsible ¡ª to you or to our investment." Neville placed two briefcases on the table. "We surveyed hundreds of people over the past few days ¡ª middle-aged men from various industries, female students from different colleges, and even some young professional women." Zuckerberg hesitated. "Do you think this will work?" "I think we''ll be profitable in no time," Bart said, pulling out the research reports and handing them over. "You''re our partner ¡ª take a good look." Neville added, "Trying to turn a computer program into the next Twitter? That''s an uphill battle. And don''t forget, Twitter''s latest quarterly report still shows a loss." Zuckerberg flipped through the survey data and feedback from female students. The results didn''t surprise him. After months of hanging out with class representatives and campus social circles, he had met plenty of female students. Too many of them, under pressure, had chosen quick and easy ways to make money. Zuckerberg asked, "This industry ¡ª does it have real potential?" Neville didn''t sugarcoat it. "It''s the only industry where a female-led startup is guaranteed to succeed." That statement made too much sense for Zuckerberg to refute. He had seen a female classmate who weighed over 200 pounds still making a killing in the business. Bart continued, "We''re building a platform that gives these girls a space to showcase themselves ¡ª it''s essentially a social media network. They upload their photos and videos to attract users. Once we gain traction, we can introduce paid subscriptions." Zuckerberg still had doubts. "But isn''t this kind of thing illegal in most U.S. states?" "Come on, man, what are you thinking?" Neville spread his hands. "We''re not acting as middlemen, we''re not brokering deals, and we''re not taking a cut from transactions!" Bart chimed in, "If users reach out to them privately, that''s their business ¡ª it has nothing to do with us." Neville pulled a document from the pile and handed it to Zuckerberg. "Take a look. I consulted both legal experts and the FCC. These platforms don''t require special licenses. The key legal considerations are copyright compliance, age restrictions, and tax regulations." Zuckerberg read through the document carefully. He even stepped out onto the balcony to call a law student friend for a second opinion. Once he was sure there were no legal risks, he returned to the room. Bart spoke up again. "Our platform could actually help these girls. You''ve met people in this industry ¡ª agents take half their earnings, and most of them can''t even complain. Some of these agents use intimidation, violence, and even drug addiction to control them." Zuckerberg''s last reservations faded, and his focus shifted to the money. "What''s the revenue potential?" Neville said, "This kind of content attracts attention effortlessly. As long as the girls are young and attractive, and their posts are high-quality, getting paying customers won''t be a problem." Bart pulled out the business plan and handed it over. "For the launch, we can recruit some of most famous and beautiful porn stars to join the platform." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 317: The Internet Haven of Dreams [Chapter 317: The Internet Haven of Dreams] After finalizing the business plan, Hawke set up a shell company overseas, which then took absolute control of Bart and Neville''s newly registered investment firm in the Cayman Islands. The latter provided an initial investment of $2 million, while Zuckerberg contributed his technical expertise and programming skills as equity. Thus, a brand-new internet company was founded in Cambridge. Leveraging Harvard''s student network, Zuckerberg recruited nine developers to build the server infrastructure and design the website. Following Hawke''s instructions, the website was named SugarBaby. The platform would eventually have two types of users: content creators, known as SugarBabies, and subscribing members, called SugarDaddies. A perfect match. Anyone who understood the implications knew exactly what it meant. With the establishment of SugarBaby, the company''s policies were officially put into legal effect. As shareholders and founders, the three of them were bound by a clause stating that even if they left SugarBaby and sold their shares, they were prohibited from engaging in the online media industry for the next ten years. ... Before leaving Cambridge, Hawke met with Bart and Neville in person. For the first time, the two of them were meeting a real big shot. Inside a suite at a luxury hotel, Hawke got straight to the point: "You two are good at external relations. Focus on website promotion." Bart immediately responded, "Understood." Hawke continued in an indifferent tone, "If this site is executed well, it may not surpass Twitter, but reaching a billion-dollar valuation is entirely possible." Neville''s eyes lit up. "We''ll drop all our other businesses and dedicate ourselves fully to SugarBaby." Hawke asked, "Any ideas for promotion?" Bart glanced at the boss, recalling Twitter''s growth trajectory, and said, "We''ve considered inviting adult film actresses from the Valley. That could bring in a large male user base, and we''d ramp up advertising. But if we only rely on that, rapid growth will still be difficult." Neville added, "This kind of platform is easy to copy. If we don''t secure an absolute first-mover advantage, a well-funded competitor could derail SugarBaby''s growth." The two of them bounced ideas off each other, and Bart continued, "Valley actresses are attractive, but they''re professionals. There are already plenty of ways to access their content. In this regard, other celebrities ¡ª like Hollywood stars and socialites ¡ª would be far more appealing." Edward, listening on the side, understood their point. "You want to follow Twitter''s marketing model?" Bart grinned. "Twitter is a mainstream media platform, so certain content can''t be posted there. But on SugarBaby, we have no such restrictions ¡ª photos and videos can be more¡­ explicit." Neville turned to Hawke. "Boss, you know Hollywood celebrities inside out. Could you give us some guidance in this area?" Their line of thinking aligned with Hawke''s own plans. He had come prepared. Picking up a copy of Entertainment Weekly, he handed it to Bart. "The recent film White Chicks not only topped the North American box office for its opening weekend but also generated a huge buzz across the U.S. It''s been the hottest movie for the past month." ????????§§? Bart took the magazine and saw two blonde women on the cover. Neville, having watched the film, muttered, "Boss, those two women are fake. The actors playing them are the Wayans brothers ¡ª Marlon and Shawn." Bart''s mouth twitched. "Black actors in whiteface, gender-bending, cross-dressing¡­ Some people like that kind of thing, but it''s pretty niche." Neville added, "The Wayans brothers'' film was a massive hit, but getting them onto our platform would be too expensive." The two of them went back and forth like a comedy duo. Hawke raised his hand to cut them off. "Not the Wayans brothers. I''m talking about Maitland Ward, one of the supporting actresses." Bart looked at the magazine cover again. Below the two "white chicks" were two female co-stars ¡ª Anne Dudek and Maitland Ward. Hawke continued, "You two are good talkers. Go approach Maitland Ward. According to my sources, she doesn''t mind working in this kind of industry. If we can get her on SugarBaby, it''ll create a major publicity boost." Edward pulled out a business card and handed it over. "Here''s the contact information for Maitland Ward and her agent." Bart took the card and put it away carefully. ... As a red-blooded man, Hawke had a lasting impression of Maitland Ward. It was rare for someone to have made a name in mainstream Hollywood before transitioning into the adult industry. Stallone had done something similar before he became famous, but his future was uncertain at the time. The actress who played Tyrion''s lover, Shae, in had a similar trajectory, appearing in multiple films before switching careers. Denise Richards, the lead in had once been a high-end escort ¡ª before later making headlines by entering the industry alongside her own daughter. But Maitland Ward? Cases like hers were extremely rare. Hawke remembered that she had made the transition before 2010. The first time he''d seen her in a related context was on programming. She had been a Hollywood child star, so she had probably faced all sorts of pressures growing up and wasn''t too fazed by this line of work. Her most famous role was in and after that, she had practically disappeared from Hollywood. Hawke had asked Dwayne Johnson''s agent wife for some details ¡ª Maitland Ward had only earned $20,000 for her role in and didn''t receive any backend profits. ... Neville placed the business card on top of the magazine. Then Hawke said, "Do you guys know Paris Hilton''s former assistant, Kim Kardashian?" "Of course. I even met her once," Bart responded quickly. "Kim used to appear on with Paris a few times. After leaving Paris, she''s been building her socialite persona through Twitter. I heard her late father was O.J. Simpson''s lawyer, and she''s used that connection to get into the professional sports scene. I even saw some tabloid rumors saying she''s dating an athlete." Neville asked, "Boss, are you thinking of inviting Kim Kardashian to join the SugarBaby site?" Hawke nodded. "I''m good friends with Paris Hilton, so I know quite a bit about Kim. This woman is for fame. You two should reach out to her and see if she has any tapes like Alison Faith and Josh Hartnett''s." Bart had followed the Paris Hilton tape scandal and other celebrity leaks, so he knew just how much traffic this kind of content could drive. Counting Kobe Bryant and Paris Hilton, this would be Hawke''s third time pulling off something like this. From a PR strategy standpoint, it was an old trick ¡ª but old tricks work as long as they deliver results. And let''s be real, even a decade from now, this kind of thing would still rake in of Stans. Neville, always quick on his feet, asked, "And if Kim Kardashian have a tape? Should we¡­ help her make one?" Hawke smirked. "Give it a shot. If she refuses, we''ll find another high-profile but low-status female celebrity. With Paris and Alison as precedents, someone will take the bait." Bart and Neville took notes. Hawke checked the time and said, "You guys will handle the actual execution ¡ª I don''t want my investment going to waste." They escorted Hawke and his team downstairs, watching as they drove off. ... Bart turned to Neville. "Let''s split up the tasks. Mark will handle the website. Which part do you want to take on?" Neville thought for a moment. "Kim Kardashian to be famous, but she doesn''t have a clear path. She''ll be an easy target. You want to handle it?" Bart didn''t hesitate. "You take care of Maitland Ward. I''ll lock down Kim Kardashian. If we pull this off, SugarBaby will blow up overnight." Neville grinned. "Hell, maybe overnight." ... The two hopped in their car and drove to their rented office, where they found Zuckerberg hard at work. Nine other employees were fully focused on their tasks. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. These guys were pouring every ounce of their energy into building their version of the internet. At the time, some Silicon Valley companies were already experimenting with similar sites, but most were rough and unpolished. A platform like SugarBaby, with its interactive model, was on the cutting edge of the trend. Zuckerberg had transformed over the past few months into a full-fledged depraved mastermind. When he saw them walk in, he said, "I just thought of a new feature for the site." Bart immediately perked up. "You''re a genius ¡ª what''s the idea?" "I''ve been looking at other Silicon Valley sites," Zuckerberg said. "Most of them are just boring click-and-watch setups ¡ª no fun, no engagement." His brain was on fire now. "What if we add a customization module for SugarBaby creators?" Neville asked, "You mean custom videos or photos?" Zuckerberg used himself as an example. "Take me, for instance. I girls in school uniforms or office wear. Girls dressed like that are much hotter than just being naked. But what if I find a creator who has the perfect body and face for my taste, but her clothing style turns me off? Isn''t that frustrating?" He kept going, getting more excited. "So, we introduce a custom feature ¡ª users can pay creators to produce content exactly to their preferences." "Brilliant!" Bart saw even bigger potential. "This could be a premium feature. SugarDaddy users would need to subscribe to a certain number of SugarBaby posts before unlocking customization." Zuckerberg lit up. "Yes, yes, yes! This will skyrocket revenue." Neville pointed out, "For this to work, we need tons of high-quality SugarBaby creators to sign up." Bart nodded. "As long as we build a solid brand and always pay creators on time, young women will flock to the platform." Zuckerberg had been immersed in this world for months. He had gained deep insight into certain demographics. "Why bust your ass studying or working hard when posting a few select photos and videos can make you way more money? What do you think those girls will choose?" Neville added, "Some of these low-income girls wake up at 6 AM, work two jobs, and still barely make ends meet. If they have this option in front of them, a portion will definitely take it." Bart smirked. "And once they get used to easy money, there''s no going back." Zuckerberg laughed. "Our site is destined for greatness." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 318: Los Angeles Heat [Chapter 318: Los Angeles Heat] Los Angeles, Century City. A Mercedes sedan pulled up in front of the Fox Tower. As Hawke stepped out, a wave of heat hit him square in the face. Just as meteorologists had predicted, summer had arrived early in Los Angeles this year, and the heat was relentless. "Mr. Osmond." Megan Taylor''s new assistant was already waiting at the entrance. Hawke gave her a slight nod and followed her inside the Fox Tower. They took the elevator upstairs to the floor where Channel 11''s director had his office. The assistant spoke softly, "The director is in a meeting. Please wait in the office for a moment." "Alright." Hawke entered the Channel 11 director''s office. ... This office was three or four times larger than Megan''s previous one. In addition to a spacious seating area, it also had a private lounge and a bathroom. Outside, there was even a dedicated workspace for her assistant. Hawke sat on the sofa in the seating area and picked up a copy of the . The front page was filled with political news. After all, it was an election year. Hawke read carefully. The Elephant Party''s candidate, often ridiculed by the media as "the Texas Pig," was currently serving his first term and was expected to run for re-election. On the Donkey Party''s side, the candidate was yet to be decided. John Kerry and Johnny Edwards were still battling it out, and a winner wouldn''t emerge until mid-year at the earliest. seemed to be favoring Kerry. California had been part of the Red camp in the early ''90s, but over the last decade, thanks to a series of spectacular blunders by the Elephant Party, it had firmly shifted to Blue. ... The office door opened from the outside. Megan walked in, dressed in a dark women''s suit. She gestured toward Hawke and said, "A small situation came up, so the meeting ran a bit longer than expected." Hawke put down the newspaper. "I just got here." Megan placed the documents she had brought back on the desk and sat on the armrest of the single-seater sofa next to him. "Last time, you mentioned going to New York for an art auction?" She was curious. "Since when did you become interested in art?" Hawke put on a scholarly air. "I''ve always been studying different cultures and art throughout history. This trip to New York was quite rewarding. I also happened to invest in a company." "What kind of company?" Megan asked. "If it caught your eye, it must be something special." Hawke replied, "An internet company. It will officially launch soon, and when it does, I might need some TV advertising." Megan understood. "Just have them come straight to the marketing department." "There''s more. We''re planning some media coverage as well." Hawke briefly explained the two major initiatives that SugarBaby was about to roll out. They would be using both traditional and digital media ¡ª Fox''s Channel 11 on one side, and Twitter on the other. Megan''s expression was amused. "So this is the kind of website you invested in." She teased, "Darling, you''re corrupting America''s youth and dragging the nation into depravity." ??N§°?????? Hawke, however, responded seriously, "I''m saving young men and women across the country by giving them a spiritual sanctuary. Think about it ¡ª if they spend their free time on this instead, won''t it diffuse their frustrations and aggression? Society will be more peaceful." Even though she knew he was talking nonsense, Megan was entertained. She played along, "So by that logic, I''m also a savior of America since I''m involved?" Hawke laughed. "If you really want to be part of the salvation effort, you should consider investing when the company seeks funding." Megan trusted his instincts. "Alright, I''ll follow your lead." Hawke continued, "Once I have more capital, I plan to start an investment firm." Megan smirked. "And then you''ll scam me out of both my money and my affection?" Hawke burst into laughter. ... After chatting for a while, Megan asked, "You didn''t come to Fox just for this, did you?" "Of course not. There''s something more important." Hawke took Megan''s hand. "Fox''s local stations all broadcast weather reports daily. Channel 11 focuses on California, and you have deep collaborations with local meteorological institutions, right?" Megan leaned against his shoulder. "Yes, especially with Caltech''s meteorology lab. We''ve been working with them for years, and their weather models for California are highly accurate." sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke asked, "This year''s heat wave started early. Can you check with your most reliable experts and see if temperatures will keep rising and if rainfall will be below average in the coming months?" "This year''s temperatures are indeed high. Summer and fall are already dry seasons in L.A., and we haven''t had a drop of rain since the Oscars." Megan pressed his hand against hers. "I''ll make a trip to Caltech and ask." She was curious. "What exactly are you planning?" Hawke didn''t answer directly. "There''s one more thing ¡ª if there''s going to be strong seasonal winds, have your partners give you an early heads-up." This was a normal part of the station''s collaboration with meteorologists, so Megan agreed readily. "No problem." Hawke kissed her. "Make it look natural." Megan said, "I''ll have my team do a segment on Southern California''s increasing drought issues. That will give us a reason to reach out to our partners." Hawke knew Megan was more than capable of handling this. She asked again, "What exactly are you planning?" Hawke gave her a hint. "I''m setting up a big news event. Fox and Twitter will report on it together ¡ª it''ll generate a massive wave of attention." Megan caught on. "You''re planning a major incident? In what area?" Hawke didn''t hesitate. "You''ve heard that Brian Ferguson is preparing to run for L.A. mayor, right?" Megan asked, "Isn''t the election next year?" "We''re laying the groundwork early." Hawke recalled how Arnold Schwarzenegger had entered office through a recall election and added, "If the timing is right and the conditions are favorable, we might push for a recall vote." Schwarzenegger had risen to power that way. Lately, Brian had been calling Hawke daily because this wasn''t just an isolated mayoral race ¡ª it was part of a bigger political strategy. The Elephant Party had lost California for just over a decade and desperately wanted it back. Given the current political climate, they needed a bold move to have a shot. Megan didn''t ask further. Fox News Network already leaned conservative, and Hawke would keep her informed on the necessary details. It wasn''t something she had to stress over. After discussing business, the two of them headed into the lounge. Before entering, Megan had already told her assistant ¡ª no interruptions for the next two hours. ... West 5th Street, Los Angeles Fire Department Headquarters. Brian''s Cadillac pulled up near the crowded entrance. "Find a spot to park," he told the driver. The driver circled around and finally found an empty space a bit farther from the fire department''s gate. The fire department was hiring, and the influx of applicants had made the entrance congested. Brian pulled out the binoculars Hawke had given him and scanned the fire department''s courtyard. ... The gates were wide open, and three long lines of applicants stretched deep inside. All of them were women, ranging from their 20s to their 40s. Since February, the department had been aggressively recruiting female firefighters, dedicating substantial resources to the effort. Reporters from the and NBC arrived at the scene and were welcomed inside by the newly appointed female deputy chief. Cameras flashed, and an NBC crew set up their equipment. ... Meanwhile, Michelle, a leader from the FMF feminist group, shouted, "Hold up our signs! Quick!" Most of the slots in this recruitment drive were unofficially reserved for L.A.''s major feminist organizations. At Michelle''s command, the women raised their banners and placards, displaying slogans advocating for women''s rights, along with messages supporting the city and the fire department. ... Just then, two vehicles from City Hall arrived, and Mayor Antonio stepped out, greeting the cameras with a wave before mingling with the crowd. He shook hands, made small talk, and delivered a speech about empowering women in all professions, promising that female firefighters would play a crucial role in Los Angeles. The crowd erupted in applause. ... Brian watched from afar, considering how to counter this. His faction had the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People led by Steve Nutt. If there was a conflict with the feminists, he would unleash the Black community''s influence. Black women had both gender and racial leverage ¡ª a double-layered shield. Brian signaled for the driver to leave and made a phone call. He had already planted people inside the recruitment drive. After arranging a meeting with his informant, he sent a message to Hawke. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 319: Coast-to-Coast Attacks [Chapter 319: Coast-to-Coast Attacks] In Century City, at a Beverly Hills business club, Hawke met Brian in a private meeting room he had reserved for some time. Both of them hadn''t had dinner yet, so they decided to order it straight away. As they ate, Brian talked about the situation at the fire department. "Yesterday, the fire department headquarters held its third recruitment drive this year. Hundreds of people showed up." Hawke took a sip of his iced lemonade and asked, "Were they all women?" "Exactly, all women," Brian elaborated. "The recruitment was supposed to end last month, but after the first batch, management kept dragging their feet. They still hadn''t reached their recruitment quota." He added, "Antonio, who pushed for this, has received a lot of support from the feminist movement. When the competition heats up, they might just influence us." Hawke had anticipated this. "In that case, we''ll close the doors and let the minorities take the lead." Brian had already thought about that. "I thought the same thing; Steve has a strong influence among the Black community. We could rally a group of Black women." Hawke praised him, "You''re keeping up with the times; use magic against magic." ... Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Brian''s driver brought in a woman. She was in her thirties, dressed in a professional suit, her face showing sharpness. Brian introduced her to Hawke, explaining that she was his connection to the fire department, established through the first recruitment of female firefighters. Hawke asked directly, "You''re in an administrative role?" "Yes," Susan quickly replied. "I work in information management at the office, unlike those female firefighters who have to undergo training." Hawke thought for a moment and asked, "What''s the internal reaction been like regarding this recruitment?" Susan detailed, "A lot of people are against it, including myself. The relationship between the new hires and the veterans is tense, as the newcomers jeopardize the veterans'' interests. Budgeting in the fire department has always been tight, and now they''re earmarking $8.5 million just for gender balance, which means cuts to veteran benefits and sacrificing equipment maintenance." Brian chimed in, "I heard that the fire department has laid off some male employees?" Susan explained, "To make room for the new female firefighters, many seasonal temporary workers were dismissed. These people were the backbone of the firefighting force, pivotal in frontline rescue operations." Hawke understood; these individuals were like temp workers. The U.S. government led the world in outsourcing, and seasonal fires in California naturally led to such a workforce. He asked the crucial question, "Are the newly hired female firefighters adapting to the job?" "The administrative staff is doing well and adapting quickly," Susan''s expression changed, and she quickly composed herself. "However, with the increase in female staff, the office atmosphere has worsened significantly, leading to infighting and a notable drop in work efficiency." Hawke already knew this; in Hollywood, there was a recognized phenomenon: once the female cast and crew outnumbered the males, the set would often turn into chaos. The last time he spoke with Dwayne Johnson''s manager-wife, she mentioned that Catherine Zeta-Jones and Julia Roberts had clashed fiercely on the set of , leaving the twelve male actors and director Steven Soderbergh rattled. And that was just two actresses; add in a couple more of similar stature, and the whole crew could break apart. Susan continued, "Training for female firefighters on the front lines is far from ideal. The first group of female firefighters recruited in February should have been on the job by early May, integrating work and training, but as of now, they still can''t take up their roles." Brian connected the dots. "Because they''re failing the training?" Susan confirmed, "Yes, they are. Two female firefighters are less capable than one male firefighter. When the high-pressure hoses are in use, they can hardly stand. Instead of coming together as a team, they blame and attack one another. In rescue training, two of them struggle to move a single rescue target. Everyone, including themselves, knows it''s not suitable, yet all are pushing this agenda." This was not about merit; it was a political issue. Politics, or perhaps ideology, outweighed everything. While listening, Hawke considered the implications and asked, "What about the existing leadership at the fire department?" Susan replied, "Director Morgan has a significant issue with this and wants to pause the plan. He''s slowed the hiring process and has even discussed it with Antonio." Brian nodded. "No wonder the recruitment hasn''t wrapped up yet." Susan emphasized, "Antonio is very dissatisfied with Director Morgan''s work and has initiated a dismissal process. This month, the fire department will see a new director -- a true female activist." Hawke and Brian exchanged glances. Brian couldn''t help but say, "Good, very good!" To appease the feminist agenda and gain political backing, Antonio''s moves seemed reckless. Dismissing seasonal firefighters and replacing them with a bunch of female recruits was one thing; now, they were also looking to install an inexperienced outsider as director, plus a recent female activist vice director. Essentially, the Los Angeles fire department would be rendered ineffective. This was a highly professional industry, and if a major incident occurred, the consequences of an outsider directing experts would be catastrophic. Hawke began framing his next steps, particularly regarding the fire department''s internal situation. Once everything had been discussed, Brian asked a few more questions, and Susan quickly left. ... When Brian returned, he said, "I think this alone could plunge Los Angeles into unprecedented trouble." "That''s not enough," Hawke said. "If we don''t go big, we might as well not play the game at all. Opportunities like this can take twenty years to come by again." Hawke said, "Even though the Democratic Party lost the mayor''s office in Los Angeles less than four years ago, California has been leaning blue for over a decade. If you want to win the mayoral seat, you''ll face enormous pressure. Instead of letting us carry that weight, let Antonio and his team deal with the backlash." Brian might not have been the brightest, but he could read which advice would benefit him the most. He understood Hawke''s point. "Put all the chips on the table?" Hawke nodded slightly, "When it comes to enemies, it''s best to take them down in one go, leaving no chance for a counterattack." He spoke directly, "I''ll have a few portable cameras modified, along with voice recorders. You''ll need to pass them to your contacts in the fire department. They should capture footage of the female firefighters during training and their jobs, showing dissatisfaction with the gender plan. If possible, get some conversations between Antonio and Director Morgan on tape." Brian grasped Hawke''s intent. "Morgan doesn''t agree with Antonio''s plan, and Antonio plans to eliminate him. That will definitely anger Morgan, but he won''t be able to resist Antonio''s will, and once he''s forced out, there will undoubtedly be sharp conflicts between them." Hawke continued, "Collect all relevant statements, actions, and news from Antonio and the Democratic legislators pushing this plan." Brian responded, "I''ve been working on that." Hawke asked, "Have you made a decision on whether to trigger a recall election or wait until next year?" "I''m leaning towards a recall," Brian noted that this election involved more than just himself or the Ferguson family. "But ultimately, it depends on how big of a wave I can create." Hawke said, "The tragic fate of firefighters from 9/11, along with those notable cases in California, can serve as the catalyst." He recalled Susan''s comments and added, "Weren''t many seasonal firefighters dismissed to accommodate female recruits? Getting the media to interview them should yield significant critiques." Brian took meticulous notes. Hawke reminded him, "If the election kicks off, be ready for attacks." sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It boiled down to who could weather the storm better. Brian said, "No one is more skilled at this than you." Hawke nodded. "I''ll come up with a plan." --- As June brought warmer weather, Fox News aired two special programs focusing on the firefighters from 9/11. The coverage aligned with the firefighters'' perspectives, showcasing the unfair treatment they faced after participating in the rescue efforts. They had received no promised aid from the New York City government, were left with no funds for medical expenses after falling sick, and only pocket change was issued as compensation for the losses. Firefighters advocating for their rights were forcibly dispersed multiple times by New York authorities, with the leaders experiencing a series of manufactured hardships in their everyday lives. ... Once Fox''s report aired, it sparked widespread attention. The East and West coasts had always been at odds, and even though New York had its deep-blue leanings, the quickly picked up the Fox News story, adding further content to highlight the plight of countless 9/11 firefighters suffering in pain and dying in despair. The West Coast seized the opportunity, unabashedly attacking the East Coast. Twitter joined in, passionately promoting the bravery and sacrifices of firefighters during the 9/11 events. Their current grim conditions stood in stark contrast. Google and Yahoo also focused their reporting on this topic. Other media sources based on the West Coast, such as the and ABC, eagerly joined the fray to give New York a beating. California''s two major metropolitan areas had a notorious rivalry with New York, much like the historical Yankees and Dixie. ... As regional disputes unfolded, New York''s media wouldn''t be outdone. With some dedicated foreign correspondents on the job, they quickly unearthed the dirt on Los Angeles''s fire industry. subsequently reported on cases where injured Los Angeles firefighters not only had their compensation delayed but were also laid off. Such cases were plentiful in California since there wasn''t much difference between the two coasts overall. An uproar erupted between the media from both coasts, highlighting the tragic treatment of firefighters now laid bare for the public to see. At the latest White House press briefing, the spokesperson claimed that federal compensation funds had been allocated. However, New York insisted they hadn''t received a thing. Washington and New York soon found themselves in a heated debate. The focus of the discussions had shifted from the firefighters to the mutual attacks among the parties involved. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 320: No Morals to Speak Of [Chapter 320: No Morals to Speak Of] On Ocean Park Avenue, in the office of the chairman at Twitter, Edward rushed in and exclaimed, "Boss, it''s happening! It''s happening!" Hawke, having just signed a document, looked up and asked, "What''s going on?" Edward replied, "Firefighters in New York were protesting peacefully when they were provoked by some people, leading to a physical confrontation. Many were arrested by the NYPD. The arrested claim the firefighters called them racially derogatory terms. Many 9/11 firefighters might face accusations of racial discrimination." sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke said, "Hire some cannon fodder to provoke them, addressing sensitive issues to distract from the protesting crowd, or use discrimination attacks." "Those in power in New York sure are decisive," Edward remarked in admiration. "Their hearts are cold, and their methods are ruthless." Hawke was unfazed and replied, "These tactics have escalated compared to when they openly suppressed protesting veterans back in the day." It wasn''t easy to organize a rally in America; aside from needing prior approval, every successful demonstration usually had hidden forces backing it. Edward asked, "What do we do next?" Hawke instructed, "Immediately repost the relevant news. You go find Caroline and have her use her permissions to push this news about the firefighters to all registered firefighter users on Twitter." Edward inquired, "Not just Los Angeles?" "All firefighter users in North America," Hawke stated with grandeur. "We can''t just stand by and watch American firefighters get hurt without doing anything. America has its own circumstances across states. The easiest solution is to raise awareness among firefighters nationwide. When faced with danger, they shouldn''t rush in recklessly. Property may burn, but their lives are their own." His words made too much sense, even for Edward, who enjoyed stirring the pot. This was a decisive move to cut off the sense of responsibility within the firefighter community. ... Edward left to find Caroline in the operations department to relay the situation. Caroline, overwhelmed but remembering what Hawke needed, took charge in the backend. All firefighter users logging into their Twitter accounts were greeted with news push notifications concerning the New York and Los Angeles firefighters. For them, these messages only generated negative impacts. ... After Caroline finished, she received new intel that during a press conference that day, the Los Angeles City Hall announced a new appointment. She had it reposted on Twitter. ... Meanwhile, Hawke was formulating plans to challenge his adversary. In the important elections across America, counterproposal strategies were crucial, directly affecting outcomes. Brian was vulnerable in many areas. Hawke disliked being on the defensive; his current actions were an offensive maneuver. Brian''s weaknesses could also be exploited proactively. Hawke planned to create a point of focus for the opposing side. ... At the headquarters of the Los Angeles Fire Department, Chief Morgan stood by the window, watching women arrive for interviews outside the office building. Prior to this year, women were a rare occurrence in such positions, but now they accounted for nearly thirty percent. Morgan frowned, feeling helpless. He decided to leave the window, taking a seat at his desk to avoid being stressed by the view. He was older now, losing energy, and nearing retirement. Today would mark the last day for this chief''s position, with a new appointee taking over. Morgan had delegated daily operations to the newly appointed female deputy chief who had started just last month, showing a semblance of responsibility only because he needed to fulfill his final duties. He picked up a copy of the and glanced at the reports on the firefighting industry. In the news, the 9/11 firefighters were labeled the most unfortunate group in the world, and the local departments from New York were seen as heartless. Flipping to the , he saw them seizing on a few cases of California firefighters to mount a fierce backlash, many of whom were linked to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Morgan felt something was off but with retirement looming, he couldn''t be bothered to think too deeply about it. ... An old friend called, urging him to check the news video just released on Twitter. With its increasing influence, even Morgan had become a user. Upon logging in, he was immediately greeted with news from New York. He felt sympathy for the firefighters involved in 9/11 who had been arrested, but that was as far as it went. Next was a video from the Los Angeles City Hall press conference. Mayor Antonio, as anticipated, announced Morgan''s early resignation from the fire department, with Karen Crowley taking over as chief. But as Morgan continued to watch, his expression darkened. A reporter questioned about several former firefighters in Los Angeles who had been forced to leave due to injuries, claiming they had not received adequate compensation and benefits. Antonio quickly deflected the blame onto Morgan: "Chief Morgan hasn''t performed some of his duties well, which is why I chose the more capable Ms. Karen Crowley to lead the fire department. She will address these issues properly." Morgan''s hand trembled on the mouse; he was old, nearing retirement, and now being cast aside, only to be buried in a heap of accusations? These politicians had no morals! ... At that moment, a notification blinked on the internal office system. He opened it to see that the HR department had sent out a new appointment. Christina, the former head of administration, would now serves as the chief training officer for the fire department. Of the five top executives in the fire department, three of them were now women. "He''s lost his mind!" Morgan shook his head. "Antonio has gone mad for votes!" Christina was skilled, having worked at the fire department for over ten years, but her expertise was in administration, not frontline firefighting. A spark of conscience prodded him, urging him to leave the office. He got into his car and sped toward City Hall. ... By the time Morgan arrived, the press conference had concluded, and Antonio had returned to his office. Morgan found the mayor''s aide, Gordon, and pressed him to arrange for a meet. Five minutes later, he stood face to face with the current Mayor of Los Angeles. "I have a serious issue with what you said at the press conference," Morgan, facing retirement, got straight to the point. "Your remarks were irresponsible and defamatory, severely damaging my reputation!" Antonio glanced at him without saying a word. Morgan continued, "I demand the city hall restore my good name!" Antonio sighed, "It''s just a damaged reputation; I won''t pursue other matters anymore. The three new fire extinguishing helicopters'' parts that needed replacing aren''t done yet; I won''t even mention the inadequacy rate of fire hoses and hydrants. And you think it''s secretive that a single ordinary bolt costs $299 to procure?" Raising his voice, he added, "Do you think this is hidden?" Being called out like this left Morgan feeling humiliated and outraged. His resentment towards Antonio only grew stronger: "Am I the only one making money off this? Everyone in this city hall, including your son''s business, what do they get? Where do you think those bolt purchases are coming from?" Antonio looked incensed at this remark. Morgan tried to calm his own temper as he said, "What you''re doing now, it''ll backfire in the long run. Does Karen Crowley understand firefighting? The deputy chief only knows how to push for special treatment for women, and the chief training officer comes from an administrative background. Can they handle firefighting?" "Firefighting is just one of many public services in Los Angeles!" Antonio slammed his hand on the desk to emphasize. "We need to serve the bigger picture." He leaned back slightly, "You''ve been part of the party for a while. Don''t you understand the current dynamics in Los Angeles and California? The Republicans are making a comeback, more aggressive than ever, and aiming to turn California red again! Last year, they forced a gubernatorial recall election, with a pivotal player being a guy named Brian Ferguson!" Morgan recognized the name: "Your election opponent." "Exactly," Antonio confirmed. "He is a formidable opponent, with a powerful team backing him. If I don''t do everything I can to rally votes, I could genuinely lose. The Republican Party isn''t as weak in California as we thought; my predecessor was part of that party!" He emphasized, "Women''s votes are still votes, just as valuable as men''s. Do you understand?" Morgan fell silent, realizing that when it came to political interests, none of the fire department''s matters were significant. Antonio added, "We''re not just seeing this kind of action in the fire department; the water and power departments and several others are similarly affected." Morgan fully grasped the situation; in pursuit of votes from women, Antonio was shamelessly pandering. He chose to remain silent and left the mayor''s office quietly. ... Later, Antonio reflected on Morgan''s words and called his son, advising him, "You need to lay low for a while!" Given his son''s tendency to cause trouble, he added, "Leave Los Angeles this week. Get out of California, even North America. Go travel the world until I call you to come back." His son acknowledged and hung up. Antonio contemplated whether there were any major vulnerabilities left in his plan. He summoned his assistant, Gordon, instructing him to find weaknesses in competitor Brian''s strategy. Since the beginning of the year, Antonio had been careful, ensuring that unsavory deeds were executed discreetly. Typically, the election campaign would not begin until the following year. However, since Republicans tasted victory in the recall last year, it was hard to dismiss the prospect of them trying again in Los Angeles. He could initiate a recall election early. ... After leaving City Hall, Morgan got into his car. From his pocket, he pulled out a voice recorder and pressed play. This latest model was highly resistant to interference. He listened intently as his conversation with Antonio played back in the car, both their voices clear and distinct. Having spent a life in politics, Morgan felt a deep-seated anger simmering inside him after what had just happened. He didn''t plan to do anything to Antonio just yet but knew all too well that politicians would do anything for self-interest. To protect himself from any blame shifted by the opposing side, he came with a set plan for countermeasures. As Morgan drove home, he reached for his computer and carefully made two copies of the recording to ensure protection against damage. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 321: The Wind Roared, the Fire Burned [Chapter 321: The Wind Roared, the Fire Burned] The bright sun hung high in the sky, causing the leaves to curl inward. Inside a moving SUV, Hawke turned up the air conditioning and said, "It''s over 95 degrees outside." Brian had been keeping a close eye on the weather lately. "Today''s high is 100 degrees. It feels like the asphalt on the road is touching 108 degrees," he remarked. In the summer, Los Angeles received very little rainfall, and the daytime temperatures soared. Since the turn of the century, the city had even recorded temperatures reaching 107 degrees. Originally, much of California enjoyed a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. However, since the late 1990s, the Southwest was gripped by severe drought. In Hawke''s memory, this drought had stretched on for over twenty years with no signs of easing. A devastating wildfire was bound to strike sooner or later. Hawke opened the car''s mini-fridge and handed Brian a bottle of water. "From January to now, Los Angeles has only received 0.67 inches of rain." Brian replied, "The meteorology experts at Caltech have been spot on with their predictions. The weather this year is just as they expected." He turned to Hawke and asked, "Where do you think the fire will start?" There was a standard answer to that question. Hawke replied, "For the past decade, wildfires have typically broken out in Malibu, southern Santa Monica Mountains, and Topanga Canyon." Brian added, "Aside from the Malibu Beach area, these places mostly house middle to upper-middle-income residents, small business owners, sports and cultural celebrities, and some government employees. The buildings are primarily made of wood, and the mountainous greenery is mostly composed of oil-rich trees like pines and oaks." Hawke reminded him, "Make sure you get a copy of the suburban development plans and forest management policies." Edward parked the car in front of a standalone house. Brian opened the door and turned back to Hawke. "Aren''t you coming in with me?" Hawke shook his head, saying, "This is your moment; I''m not needed." Brian stepped out and walked toward the house. The property''s fence wasn''t particularly high; it consisted of wrought iron with wisteria growing behind it. Due to the drought, much of the dense wisteria had withered, leaving many gaps in the fence. ... In the car, Hawke said, "Make the call; get someone over here." "A couple of years ago, news like this would have sold for thousands," Edward remarked as he dialed Juan''s cell. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke had built his initial capital through the freelance journalism industry. ... A Ford sedan rolled up, and Juan discreetly got out, camera in hand, sneaking toward the iron fence to find a gap where he could capture a shot of the front entrance. Brian entered the house and quickly made his way to the entrance. As the door opened, a beautiful, attractive woman emerged, holding the hand of a five or six-year-old boy. Upon seeing Brian, the boy eagerly ran over. Brian scooped him up with one arm and took the woman''s hand with the other as they entered the house. Juan captured all of this from a peeping angle. The SUV turned on and drove away. ... Edward asked, "Boss, has Brian gone public with his relationship?" "He confirmed it when he announced his campaign and openly acknowledged his relationship with Jennifer Huey," Hawke pointed out, "If all goes well, they''ll likely get engaged next month." In politics, reaching a certain level necessitated having a stable partner. --- At the Fox Television Center, Channel 11. With the ongoing heat and drought, the major networks sought ways to spice up the weather forecast to attract viewers. Channel 11 had a long-term collaboration with Caltech, frequently inviting experts to participate in their programs. Megan, the director, even personally met with meteorologists several times, establishing smoother communication regarding weather forecasts. As she walked down the corridor to the president''s office, the rapid sound of high heels echoed. Aisha reached the director''s office door, greeted the assistant, and entered Megan''s office. Megan set her work aside. "Did the meteorological agency provide a new prediction after your call?" As Megan''s former assistant, Aisha had taken on multiple roles, including hosting and co-producing , while also producing . Aisha placed the latest weather prediction on the desk, saying, "The experts at Caltech used weather satellites and advanced computer models to predict that starting the day after tomorrow, Southeast California will experience strong winds for the entire week due to the collision of high and low pressure caused by rising temperatures." Megan immediately asked, "Will it bring any rain?" Los Angeles typically received rain in winter. Aisha replied, "It''s the dry summer monsoon; the predicted wind speeds will exceed 50 miles per hour." Megan picked up the prediction report to review it. "How long will it last?" "About a week," Aisha said before adding, "The meteorologists suggest issuing a wildfire warning for Los Angeles." Megan noted, "It seems there haven''t been any large wildfires this year." Aisha recalled, "That''s right; back in May, a small fire broke out in the San Fernando Mountains, but it was extinguished in two days without causing any waves. Only the local channels and media reported on it." After examining the prediction report, Megan stated, "We''ll report the weather according to the experts'' predictions." She pondered briefly. "Since the meteorologists have issued a wildfire warning... Aisha, deploy a team to prepare for covering any potential wildfires. If we receive any tips, get the broadcast trucks out immediately." Wildfires occurred in Los Angeles every year, varying only in scale, so the media had always paid close attention to such news. "I''ll handle it right away." Aisha left the office. Megan put down the weather prediction report, snapped a few photos with her phone, and sent them to Hawke. ... Soon, Hawke called back, "Are you sure?" Megan replied, "Caltech has been working with Fox for nearly a decade, and their weather predictions are highly accurate." "I understand." In a villa on the other side, Hawke hung up, pulled up the photos, and told Brian, "Turn on your Bluetooth." As Brian enabled Bluetooth, he asked, "Is the timing right?" While sending the photos, Hawke relayed what Megan had told him. Hearing that there was a very high chance of consecutive strong winds in Los Angeles over the coming week, Brian spoke with excitement, "Finally, the chance has come!" As he reviewed the photos, he mentioned, "Yesterday afternoon, under the guise of an inspection, I went up to the hills near Covina. The dry branches and leaves hadn''t been cleared for a long time, and under the scorching sun, they could ignite with a spark." Hawke reminded him, "You need to be cautious over there too." Brian assured him, "Covina has relatively few areas. Most of the lower hills were leased to orchard farmers back in the ''90s. They planted fruit trees there and implemented effective fire prevention measures. In fact, I''ve already arranged for the municipal government to hire personnel to clear debris and set up simple firebreaks on the two remaining hills." Just then, Erica approached with red tea from the bar, saying, "I heard a colleague mention that her community planned to dig firebreaks, but they had to abandon it due to protests from multiple environmental organizations." Brian accepted the tea, glanced at Hawke, and replied to Erica, "Your boyfriend saw this coming. While all environmental organizations are slaves to money, the individuals within them can often be fanatics, prone to making a fuss with just a little provocation." Erica smiled at Hawke and handed him a cup of red tea, saying, "Whether red or blue, environmental organizations can be a useful pawn." --- Under the scorching sun, hot winds whipped through the air. At the edges of a pistachio plantation owned by Wonderful Company, a manager directed workers using several excavators to clear a three-meter-wide containment zone. Not only did they remove all plants, but they also dug a trench. Outside the plantation, dozens of environmentalists donned green vests, holding up posters and shouting for the construction crew to leave, demanding an immediate halt to what they considered environmental destruction. ... A car pulled into the plantation, carrying Stewart Resnick, the owner of Wonderful Company. He cast a distant glance at the construction site and instructed, "Have security keep an eye. Anyone who dares to step onto our property should be thrown out!" The assistant in the passenger seat replied, "Yes, sir." The vehicle entered the plantation and parked near a cluster of pistachio trees. ... Stewart exited the car, battling the wind as he walked toward where his wife Linda was with a soil and moisture specialist. Upon seeing her husband approach, she said, "The drought conditions are worsening; we''ve only received a few millimeters of rain this year." The specialist adjusted his sun hat to keep it from blowing away, saying, "The heat has intensified the drought; irrigation frequency needs to be increased." Linda added, "Many TV weather programs have issued wildfire warnings; we need to stay vigilant." Stewart nodded and turned to the assistant who followed him. "Notify all plantation areas to increase water extraction. All firewater pools and storage tanks must be filled to the brim. No one is to extract water from our rivers, reservoirs, or lakes without my consent." The assistant said, "The head of the LA Fire Department called earlier, wanting to communicate about water for firefighting." "Morgan?" Stewart had dealt with that old man numerous times. The assistant replied, "It''s the new chief, Karen Crowley." Stewart waved his hand dismissively, "Don''t worry about her." --- The strong winds blew continuously for two days without bringing any rain to drought-stricken Los Angeles. That evening, Brian stood atop the villa, feeling the unusually dry air, his brow furrowed. The fire still hadn''t ignited. If it didn''t catch soon, the wind might die down. Brian made a call, summoning his trusted aide and campaign manager, Beacon. Before long, Beacon hurried in and then quickly left again. ... In the early hours, in a deserted area between the Malibu mountains and the Santa Monica mountains, sparks suddenly ignited the dry branches and leaves. As the wind blew, sparks flew everywhere. The entire grove caught fire, with the resin-scented pine trees now blazing like torches. The northern sky of Los Angeles began to turn red. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 322: Not Hellfire, But Hell in Flames [Chapter 322: Not Hellfire, But Hell in Flames] The dry air filled Oliver''s mouth, making him feel uncomfortably hot all over. The former seasonal firefighter rummaged through his wallet and pulled out his last bill, using it to buy a cold beer. He climbed into his beat-up car and headed up the mountain. Since being laid off by the fire department in May, his life had fallen into disarray. Bills piled up, rent was due, and he had children to support. The pressures of being a middle-aged man were burdens that few could truly understand. As he drove, battling the strong winds, he made his way toward Hollywood Hills. The iconic Hollywood sign stood against the hillside, its lights illuminating the long string of letters. Oliver maneuvered around the roads and parked in an area scattered with dry twigs and leaves. Stepping out, he crunched the leaves beneath his feet. Oliver yearned to get his job back. Sure, the Los Angeles Fire Department had laid off seasonal firefighters before, but that group had always managed to fight their way back with real skill. In the darkness of the hills, apart from the Hollywood sign, there were no lights in sight. He put on gloves, took out a windproof lighter, and lit the dried leaves on the ground. Anxious that the flames wouldn''t catch, he lit spot after spot. Some fires flickered out, while others blazed bright. When he saw three fires growing stronger, he let out a whoop of laughter, tucked the lighter away, and rushed back to his car, starting the engine and speeding off. The flames, fueled by the wind, began to surge up the northern slope of the Hollywood Hills, creeping closer to the summit. ... Ashes and sparks, lifted by the gusts, began igniting seven or eight more spots nearby. After Malibu Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains, several ridges of Hollywood Hills lit up as well. The shrill sound of fire alarms echoed, and passersby began calling 9/11 to report the blaze. At that moment, anyone looking from Malibu Beach toward the western mountains would have seen a glow illuminating the night sky. From Sherman Oaks, looking north, the firelines in the northern Santa Monica mountains connected to form long lines. ... At the Los Angeles Fire Department, Susan had been on duty for days when she received the alarm. Immediately, she grabbed her gear, turned on her hidden camera, and rushed out of the office with Deputy Chief Michelle. Four standby fire trucks needed to deploy right away to respond to the nearest Hollywood Hills fire. As they approached an SUV, Susan noticed something awkward at the firetruck side. Male firefighters rushed over, suited up, gathered their gear, and jumped in. Meanwhile, the all-female firefighting crew, which had been formed to promote gender balance, was sluggish in their preparations. It wasn''t that they weren''t trying; the heavy gear and physical limitations hindered their speed. Michelle''s face turned sour as she shouted, "Hurry up! You''ve trained for over a month; where''s your professionalism?" Finally, under the deputy chief''s constant urging, the two female fire trucks sprang into action. Susan remained quiet, readjusting her camera angle to capture everything happening. Two fire trucks, one command vehicle, and one communications support vehicle began rolling out of the fire station headquarters. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Minutes later, through the windshield, Susan saw the glowing red sky above Hollywood Hills. The vehicle moved forward when suddenly, a gust took them by surprise. The scorching air blasted through the AC vents, flooding the car with the smell of burning. The inexperienced female driver quickly switched the vent to recirculate. Susan stared in shock at the road ahead. A thick plume of smoke billowed from the Hollywood Hills, with fiery sparks shooting up from the festering flames, like hell''s own welcoming party. ... A park ahead suddenly caught fire, the flames erupting wildly, fueled by something flammable hidden away. Not far from there was a gas station. Michelle, who had been involved in recruiting female firefighters, felt a mixture of politics and a desire to prove that women could perform jobs traditionally held by men. She saw the flames licking the bright gas station sign and immediately radioed, "Put that fire out first!" The two fire trucks turned into the park area, getting close to the flames. As if the heavens were cooperating, the winds calmed slightly. Michelle, who had researched firefighting techniques and observed training sessions, disembarked and directed her crew of female firefighters to prepare for action. These women were trained and might have been nervous as this was their first real firefight, but they operated methodically, dragging high-pressure hoses to the fire''s edge. The intense heat and the crackling of flames made their courage falter. When the water valve opened, several female firefighters held the hoses and unleashed powerful jets of water. However, the person turning on the valve fumbled, and the firefighters struggled to maintain their grip. The immense force of the water knocked them over, sending hoses flailing like a giant python stirred to life. Instead of spraying water into the fire, they drenched the fire trucks instead. In the chaos, one stream of water drenched Michelle, who was petite and not prepared for such force, causing her to tumble to the ground. Someone shouted, "Shut off the water valve! Shut it off!" The person in control of the valve became flustered, panicking and fumbling. Everyone knew that practice and real-life firefighting were two vastly different experiences. On the gas station side, several male employees rushed over with fire extinguishers, ready to help. But what they found was an absurd scene. The two fastest men quickly ditched their extinguishers to tackle the wayward hose. Though they fell awkwardly, they managed to get the hose under control, finally shutting off the valve. The women on the ground felt embarrassed. "Put out the fire! Hurry!" called a burly man. "Don''t just stand there; we''re gonna catch fire to the gas station!" With the flickering light reflecting off the flames, another bald man remarked loudly, "It''s all women? Which idiot thought it was a good idea to send a bunch of women to do this? Can they even handle this?" His words hit a nerve. One of the female firefighters sprang up, disregarding her pain from being knocked away by the hose. "You''re being sexist!" Others rallied around her. For these women, the fire was secondary; their struggle for equality took center stage. "Apologize!" "Apologize now!" "Expose him online!" The sudden outcry left the man stunned. "Wait, aren''t you here to fight fires? What is this, a personal attack?" ... Meanwhile, from the communications vehicle, Susan closed her eyes in disbelief. As a fellow woman, she found her sisters'' actions difficult to watch. Still, she didn''t hesitate to capture each moment on film with her hidden camera. ... Michelle stood up, attempting to regain control, but the women were too energized with emotion. Finally managing to refocus them on their task, the flames in the park were nonetheless spiraling out of control. Exhausted, Michelle saw the fire moving toward the gas station and issued a retreat order. Even in such a critical moment, some women were still embroiled in disputes with the men at the gas station, threatening to expose them on Twitter if they didn''t apologize. As they loaded onto the fire truck for evacuation, the women argued loudly, deflecting blame and accusing each other, nearly coming to blows. ... Listening to the bickering over the radio, Susan suddenly understood why the morale at the fire department headquarters was steadily diminishing. It was simply due to the number of women involved. ... As the vehicles moved away from the fire, the flames surged higher. They advanced into the gas station; luckily, the day''s fuel supply had nearly been exhausted, so the explosion wasn''t catastrophic. However, flaming debris scattered across nearby streets, buildings, and green spaces, igniting new fires. The blaring sirens of police and fire trucks resonated throughout half of Los Angeles. ... At the northern end of Santa Monica Mountains, two fire teams guarded a neighborhood, preventing flames from encroaching on residences. The lead, Peyton, shouted, "The tank is empty; open the fire hydrants and use the fire hoses!" The city used special pipelines for firefighting water that held higher pressure. Equipped, the male firefighters could control a single high-pressure hose together as they advanced toward the flames. Water gushed from the hose, but the pressure was alarmingly low. Peyton wondered what was wrong and yelled, "Increase the pressure!" From the hydrant, Campbell reported, "Chief, there''s no water! The fire lines are dry!" "How is that possible?" Peyton couldn''t believe it; this was emergency water. Even the city hall couldn''t be so negligent. Someone else sprinted over, shouting from a distance, "Chief, no water! It''s all dry; I''ve checked several hydrants!" Peyton cursed, "Damn it!" Firefighters retreated, and sensing their captain''s responsibility, he shouted, "Get the wind machines; follow me!" As he turned to go, Campbell caught his arm. "Chief, remember the 9/11 response teams? Most of those guys have families; what if something goes wrong?" His voice wasn''t low enough to avoid being overheard by those around them. A heavy silence fell over the group. Another voice piped up, "The dry lines mean there are idiots running things. If we get hurt, will they even help?" A nearby fireman pulled off his helmet. "Those idiots would rather cut back on firefighting gear purchases than focus on equity; our benefits have been slashed enough..." Peyton closed his eyes, "We did our best." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 323: The Big Action [Chapter 323: The Big Action] Early in the morning, Erica woke up and realized she was alone. She quickly got ready, called out for her boyfriend, and received a response from upstairs. The wind howled as Hawke stood on the rooftop, using binoculars to scan the northern horizon. "What''s going on?" Erica asked as she approached him. Hawke handed her the binoculars. "In Malibu, Santa Monica, and the Hollywood Hills, there are serious wildfires erupting at dawn, and the flames are spreading toward residential areas." Erica lifted the binoculars and saw smoke billowing in the distance, turning the sky gray. The north wind carried a charred smell into Santa Monica. Just then, Hawke''s phone vibrated, and he stepped aside to answer it. ... It was Campos. "Boss, the fires are everywhere to the north." "Have we sent anyone out?" Hawke asked. "They''re already on the front lines, capturing exclusive footage. I''m compiling everything right now and will send it out to Twitter ASAP." "Make sure they stay safe out there," Hawke replied, glancing at his watch. "I''ll send someone to meet you." ... He hung up and called Caroline. "Is the little sheep up yet?" Caroline played along, bleating, "Baa~" Hawke quickly said, "There''s a fire in Los Angeles, and those from Butterfly have caught a lot of exclusive footage and photos. Get to the company right away." Caroline, still not finished with breakfast, grabbed her briefcase and rushed out. "I''m on my way." ... Hawke hung up and looked at Erica. "You''re not on crowd control, are you?" Erica lowered the binoculars. "Keeping order is the job of police officers. Don''t worry, I''m not heading into the fire." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She sneezed twice and added, "Looks like this fire has finally ignited." ... Hawke''s phone rang again; it was Brian calling this time. "Let''s meet," Brian said. "Same place," Hawke replied, disconnecting the call. He turned to Erica. "I have to go." They descended the stairs together. Erica knew he was going north and urged, "Don''t get too close to the fire." Hawke nodded and stepped outside where Edward brought the car around. To navigate the mountains, Edward drove a Mercedes G-Class. Hawke opened the door but paused to look up at the sky, extending his palm to catch falling ash carried by the wind from the north. "Take me to Beverly Hills," he instructed Edward as they got in. ... Edward began driving, saying, "Boss, last night I followed Carlos and Garcia to the north side of Santa Monica. The fire is spreading rapidly." With a rainfall of only 16.9 millimeters for the past six months and intense heat, the dry branches and leaves had gone uncleaned, making the slow burn a rarity. Hawke knew too well how infrastructure and public services had declined in America since the early ''90s when the Red Giant Bear had collapsed. "How bad is it over there?" Hawke asked. Edward replied quickly, "My friend Michael has already returned to Compton. Many people there are watching the fire closely. It''s almost instinctive for them to act as soon as the media reports things are out of control. They could rush out of Compton at any moment." That rush out of Compton was entirely different from anything Hawke had experienced. Edward continued, "There''s a concentration of homeless individuals in Hollywood, many of whom are restless." Hawke stated, "The fire has just begun; it''s not chaotic enough yet." As they entered Century City, the wind roared between the skyscrapers. ... Inside the Beverly Business Club''s meeting room, Hawke met with Brian. "I got solid intel," Brian started. "The female firefighters that the fire department hired had nearly no impact during the early morning fires. And the water pressure in the fire hydrants was critically low." He chuckled. "Under normal circumstances, even with high winds, the situation shouldn''t get out of control, but as it stands, it''s rampant. Fires have erupted in two neighborhoods on the edge of Sherman Oaks, and three more below the Hollywood Hills, with Malibu being even worse off." Hawke remarked, "All of our preparations have taken effect." Then he asked, "What''s the situation with Antonio?" "Antonio went to Asia. Busan is a sister city with Los Angeles, and he''s attending an international art festival there. He''s going to need time to return," Brian speculated. "Wildfires happen every year in Los Angeles, so I doubt he''s taking it too seriously." ... A text alert rang out, and Brian looked at his phone. "Susan just got confirmed news that Antonio instructed the fire department to highlight the strength of female firefighters as a demonstration of democracy and freedom..." Hawke understood immediately. "Antonio hasn''t grasped the gravity of the situation. Perhaps the fire department misled him, turning this disaster into a political stunt." Brian replied, "The newly appointed fire chief, Karen Crowley, seems more like a social activist. From what Susan gathered, Karen reported to Antonio that the fire is totally under control." Hawke insisted, "We need to act quickly." "Let the flames purify everything!" Brian muttered, leaving the meeting room. ... Once outside, Hawke first went to the office with Edward, who had received videos and images from Campos and snagged content taken by Susan. Most were exclusives. After careful selection, Hawke kept the footage focused on the female firefighters and the lack of water in the fire hydrants, releasing only the reports reflecting the fire''s intensity. The number of affected individuals wasn''t significant enough yet, and public pressure was inadequate. Hawke needed the fire to grow further, especially since many celebrities lived in those northern neighborhoods. The real attention would come when their houses burned down. ... Meanwhile, in Sherman Oaks, Tobey Maguire, who had drunk heavily the night before, was still waking up late into the morning. Massaging his throbbing head, he picked up his phone, washed his face, brushed his teeth, and stood by the balcony window to look outside. The toothbrush clattered to the floor. Tobey froze as he stared ahead. Was that firelight and smoke? What was happening? He rushed back to rinsing his mouth, and hurriedly stepped outside with his phone. Faintly, he heard the sound of a loudspeaker broadcasting. "Residents, evacuate immediately! The fire is coming!" Exiting his villa, without the air conditioning, Tobey was hit by the acrid smell of smoke. The wind was fierce, carrying hot embers with it. Coughing from the smoke, his phone rang, and he quickly answered. On the other end, Leonardo called out, "I just saw the news! The fire is close to your house. Are you still at home?" "I was drunk last night and just woke up. I didn''t think it would reach me," Tobey replied. Leonardo, much clearer-headed, shouted, "Two communities in Malibu have already burned to ashes. You need to get out now!" Tobey hesitated. "But my belongings..." "Forget about that! Those can be replaced. You can''t just throw away your life!" Leonardo nearly shouted. "Get in your car and come to me. Leave everything else!" Tobey was encouraged by Leonardo''s words and didn''t head back inside but dashed to the garage, jumping into a Porsche Cayenne before speeding out of his home. ... Outside on the street, aside from two cars from the community, no one else was around. Flames had engulfed parts of the houses to the east and north of the neighborhood. With the roaring of the wind, the fire spread faster than he could imagine. Tobey parked at a plaza on the outskirts of the street, where crowds of residents gathered. He spotted TV star Sarah Jessica Parker, America''s sweetheart Jennifer Aniston, Oscar winner Kevin Spacey, last year''s Best Actress Halle Berry, and renowned producer David Heyman, among others. Nearby, several reporters were setting up cameras to capture the unfolding chaos. Yet despite the presence of fire trucks and dozens of firefighters, nobody was fighting the fire. Tobey approached David Heyman, confused. "Why isn''t anyone putting out the fire?" David glared at a middle-aged woman in uniform. "Do you really expect a female chief to put out a fire?" Tobey looked closely and noticed many of the firefighters were indeed women. "Oh my God!" Sarah Jessica Parker exclaimed in distress. The crowd gathered, and to their horror, under public scrutiny, this Hollywood actress''s mansion was consumed by flames. Standing there, Spider-Man could only watch as the fire raced toward him, engulfing his house and turning the whole villa into a torch. In that moment, Tobey recalled what the real estate agent had once told him: that specially treated wooden houses were the safest against fires. How could he have been so foolish to believe that? ... As Tobey''s home burned, Garcia turned the camera to capture Tobey''s helpless expression before shifting to the flaming mansion. "Spider-Man witnesses a ten-million-dollar mansion go up in flames, powerless to act!" That headline would certainly grab attention. ... Seeing the destruction of their homes, residents'' rage spiked, and many confronted the fire department and community council, blaming them for inaction. Then came the shocking news: the fire hydrants that should have immense pressure were completely dry! Tobey''s mansion, worth ten million dollars, held valuables and decorations worth millions more. He screamed at the female chief, "The fire burns right in front of you, and you are doing nothing!" The newly appointed fire chief, Karen Crowley, though inexperienced at battling blazes, excelled at social activism. She retorted, "Who says we''re doing nothing?" Women must win, she thought. They must earn the credit. So, she resolved to set in motion a big action. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 324: Incredible, We Saved the Dog and the Flag [Chapter 324: Incredible, We Saved the Dog and the Flag] A strong wind blew, causing the flag on a low flagpole to ripple with the stars and stripes dancing in the breeze. Below, flames licked closer, threatening to consume the flag at any moment. A small border collie dashed out of nowhere, barking incessantly at the fiery scene. From the night before until now, Fire Chief Karen Crowley had come to terms with the reality that most of the female firefighters she had recruited were unworthy in the face of such an intense blaze; they struggled to contribute effectively in these difficult conditions. However, as a passionate advocate for women''s rights, she was determined not to give up easily or abandon the banner of feminism. Karen called upon the most reliable team among the female firefighters and pointed towards the flag. She directed Team Leader Leah, saying, "Take your team over there, save that flag and the little collie, go now!" Leah nodded, rallying her team members. They donned their masks and grabbed fire extinguishers as they raced towards the flagpole. The six of them coordinated perfectly; four forged ahead, using their extinguishers to eliminate stray sparks, covering Leah as she rushed to the flagpole and untied the flag, now riddled with dozens of holes from flying embers. Another teammate gently cradled the little collie, offering words of comfort. They burst out of the fire zone, triumphantly returning. The other female firefighters spontaneously gathered along both sides of the road, watching the heroes they had rescued, clapping enthusiastically. ... In front of the cameras from the and NBC, Chief Karen Crowley personally approached Leah, embracing her while ordering, "Everyone, take off your masks and turn to the left." The six-member team led by Leah removed their masks, looked into the camera lenses, and stood composed. Karen guided the team to their fire truck, pulling back the damaged flag alongside Leah to showcase the greatness of female firefighters. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The firefighter holding the border collie joined them, squatting in front of the flag. Flashbulbs popped as reporters snapped photos. The predominantly blue media crowd applauded, treating the women as if they had accomplished something truly extraordinary. A reporter from Fox News, along with Garcia and a few others, remained silent, documenting everything with cameras. "Well done!" members from a nearby women''s rights organization rushed over, applauding, "You''re amazing! You''re heroes! You are true saviors!" ... Los Angeles was ablaze in more places than just this one. Chief Karen got in her vehicle, leaving the situation in Leah''s capable hands. For a moment, the atmosphere was jubilant, even putting the Hollywood stars -- known for their dramatic flair -- in an awkward position as they fidgeted with their feet. Suddenly, a Jeep Cherokee burst from the fiery area. With a screeching halt, it stopped near the fire truck. A 16-year-old blonde girl jumped out of the passenger seat -- it was Ashley Olsen. Panicked, she scrambled towards the media cameras and Leah, pleading, "My sister, my sister Elizabeth is trapped in the house! Please, you have to save her, hurry!" Mary, who had just exited the driver''s seat, was in tears, "Please help! We need someone to rescue her!" Leah and her team exchanged glances, looking towards the distant burning home, but no one responded, remaining silent. Desperate, Ashley''s eyes welled with tears, but she quickly regained her composure, shouting, "Whoever helps us, I''ll give you $200,000!" The women still didn''t budge. They certainly wanted that money, but what could they do -- bring someone out in such dangerous conditions? It was ridiculous. Yet three male firefighters stepped up, quickly preparing themselves as they dashed into the flames. In another inferno, faced with the relentless fire and fierce winds, the department could only retreat, regardless of gender. Harley Wayne, a reporter from Fox News, managed to sidle up to Fire Chief Karen, loudly questioning, "Doesn''t the fire department have planes and helicopters to fight the flames?" Karen shot a frosty glare at the blonde, dirt-covered woman. ... The wildfire caused atmospheric changes, and winds in northern Los Angeles intensified. All the hills of Hollywood ignited, with flames consuming the peaks of Mount Lee and rolling down towards the valleys. The enormous "Hollywood" sign was charred black, and several letters collapsed under the ongoing fire. At the helicopter landing zone behind the Fire Department''s headquarters, Susan carried her briefcase as she followed Deputy Chief Michelle out of the building. They entered the hangar and met Alvis, the leader of the aerial firefighting team. Michelle inquired, "When can the planes be repaired?" Alvis was not in the mood to engage with the women who had pilfered maintenance funds and reduced some benefits, but given the urgency, he bypassed that issue, pointing to two helicopters. "The engines and rotor shafts for Copter One and Copter Two have issues. I reported the need for funding last year, but City Hall suppressed the request, leaving the aircraft unserviced." Michelle''s expression darkened, interpreting his remarks as a personal affront. Alvis continued with brutal honesty, "To send these two out puts the pilots and crew at risk; if there''s a crash, the consequences would be dire." He pointed to Copter Three, "This one was only a minor issue, but due to delayed funding, it became serious; we''re still waiting on necessary components..." Michelle replied, "I''ll expedite a budget for it." Alvis noted, "From ordering to completion, it will take at least a week." Frustrated, Michelle left, unable to do more. ... Meanwhile, Susan recorded everything, capturing a stark contrast to the organized fire department she had joined. ... The chaos inside the department was palpable. Compared to the Fire Chief, who seemed more interested in publicity stunts with the media, Michelle diligently fulfilled her duties and managed to contact the fire department''s only fixed-wing aircraft. At a suburban airport, two fixed-wing firefighting planes owned by the fire department were parked there -- one in long-term maintenance and the other ready for missions. The pilots and crew inspected the planes, and ground personnel loaded fire retardant purchased from China into the aircraft belly. Just before dusk, the planes took off smoothly, following Michelle''s orders to head to the nearest Hollywood Hills fire scene. The pilot, with over 15 years of experience, didn''t dare get too close to the inferno, but quickly located the interface between the wildfire and residential neighborhoods. Confirming the ground crowd had been evacuated, the pilot brought the plane overhead and opened the release hatch. The red fire retardant poured down, creating the appearance of a torrential red rain as it followed the plane''s flight path. Initially, the retardant seemed to slightly contain the flames, but moments later, the fire surged higher, burning even more fiercely. The plane retreated, dropping retardant from the mountains down towards the suburb. The blaze clawed its way towards homes, igniting wooden structures in swathes and spiraling out of control. "My God, what have I done?" the pilot lamented. He quickly reacted, yelling over the radio, "The retardant purchased from China is defective! Do not use it again!" What was supposed to be a fire retardant had instead turned into an accelerant! ... News reached the fire department, and Michelle called to question the Chinese company. After an internal inquiry, the Chinese company concluded that workers might have confused the accelerant for the retardant during packing. No one, of course, wanted to publicly acknowledge such an incident; the Chinese representatives adamantly denied any wrongdoing. --- As night fell, the winds grew fiercer, and the blaze truly got out of hand, with multiple communities in the northern Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu''s western slopes, and around Hollywood Hills threatened by the inferno. The initial overwhelming confidence displayed by the three female executives in the fire department, coupled with their lack of professional response, led Antonio -- in Asia -- to mistakenly believe the wildfire was completely manageable. After all, wildfires were quite routine for LA. The flames roared into communities, forcing over 2,000 people to evacuate. --- The newsroom at Twitter pulled an all-nighter, churning out breaking news about the LA wildfires. On the rooftop platform, Hawke and Edward raised binoculars, observing conditions in Santa Monica to the south. The night sky to the north turned a brilliant red. Hawke lowered his binoculars, asking, "What''s the response from Compton?" Edward had reached out to Michael just moments earlier, stating, "Many folks are hearing about the evacuations; they''ve mobilized overnight. It''s the best chance for free looting!" He flashed a wide grin, "DaShawn just called; many homeless from Hollywood are heading to the hills." Impressed, Hawke remarked, "They really are skilled at this." After pondering for a moment, Edward added, "In events like this, there are always more people rushing in while the avenues for looting are limited." Hawke replied, "I believe in their talent; without avenues for obtaining goods, they''ll create their own." Edward nodded, "Trust me on this, my African American brothers possess exceptional talent and an astonishing creativity that astounds the mind." ... Returning to the office, Hawke contacted Campos for an update on the situation. The fire department was firing a large number of male seasonal firefighters and recruiting a workforce with 35% female representation. The leadership was now entirely female, benefits for male firefighters were slashed, and in light of the negative ramifications of the 9/11 firefighter incident, along with critical water shortages, the fire was spiraling out of control. ... Hawke was still on the phone when Brian raced in. He entered the office, waiting for Hawke to hang up, before asking, "Are we ready to push the second phase?" Hawke replied, "The extent of the fire isn''t sufficient yet; we need at least 150 square kilometers of burned area." Brian considered this, replying, "That''s going to be tricky." Hawke aimed for a target of at least 300 square kilometers. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 325: Expanding Results [Chapter 325: Expanding Results] Achieving the target of 300 square kilometers was no easy feat; even reaching 200 square kilometers posed challenges. In terms of preparation, there was no room for significant changes regarding water resources or policy. It was time to push forward from another perspective. Hawke figured he didn''t need to worry about the street kids and drifters. A little bit of gossip would go a long way, and these people would automatically join the crowd, looking to grab whatever was free. What Hawke focused on, however, was the firefighters. The female firefighters and commanders could only slow things down; they were unable to expand the results. ... In the afternoon, Carlos'' footage of the plane firefighting techniques, along with insider information that Susan later sent, sparked a new idea in Hawke''s mind. He quickly began searching for more details. Thanks to the surge in North American Chinese immigrants, he found just what he needed. Hawke pulled out a company profile he had prepared and handed it to Brian. "This private firefighting company called Clear Water was just established in May and is still in training. They''ve reportedly acquired over thirty fire trucks and plan to start private firefighting services in Los Angeles. Isn''t one of your people working in information liaison at the fire department? Have her pitch this company to the female leadership." Brian was confused. "Why would we recommend a firefighting company when our goal is to make the fires larger?" It dawned on him. "Are you saying there''s something wrong with this company?" "Outsourcing is all the rage in America. Even if no one recommends it, those female directors don''t understand the business and will soon think of outsourcing as an option." Hawke pointed at the company profile. "This new company looks financially robust, heavily backed by Chinese investors, with over ninety percent of its firefighters being Chinese." Brian finally understood Hawke''s intent. "Is it a problem that most of the firefighters are Chinese?" Hawke replied, "A company outsourced to Chinese is better than many others." Taking the document, Brian called Susan without even looking at it, and mentioned Hawke''s recommendation of the private firefighting company. ... The fire department was swamped, and Susan took advantage of a good opportunity to mention it, leading to Michelle asking her to take charge of the liaison. That evening, after obtaining routine approval from Karen Crowley, Michelle reached an agreement with the Clear Water Company. Under the cover of night, the wildfire, with help from strong winds, blazed into several residential areas. ... Community boards and Los Angeles City Hall had to urgently evacuate citizens. In the suburbs, over 98% of the homes were made of wood. The so-called fire-resistant claims by some were merely a joke. A large number of residents had to evacuate. As the northern winds continued to blow south, sparks appeared on many roads, resembling countless shooting stars across the sky. In the face of this crisis, amid such a dangerous environment, a group of brave individuals rushed into the burning neighborhoods. Driving dilapidated pickups, vans, and SUVs, they disregarded the danger as they entered the community, parking in front of vacant houses, and leaped out to grab various valuable items. "Free stuff for all!" "Quick, quick!" the leader urged, waving his arms at his crew. "Once we finish here, we need to hit the next one!" Nearby, one of them dashed out of a house, clutching a small Oscar statuette, grinning as he asked, "Boss, are Oscar trophies made of gold?" "Who cares? Just throw it in the truck!" In another neighborhood filled with tall palm trees, flames licked at the trunks like Olympic torches. A group of individuals, unfazed by danger, dashed into the area. Some carried televisions while others grabbed refrigerators and flashy electronics. Similar scenes of free scavenging unfolded across many neighborhoods that were beginning to burn. However, there were so many people scavenging that the number of burning communities fell short. The speed of the flames simply could not keep up with the pace at which they were hauling items. Mostly, these individuals hesitated to enter homes that were fully engulfed; they were there for free goods, not to risk their lives. By late at night, they hadn''t had their fill of free scavenging, and they had run out of places to loot. ... A group from Compton met up with another near the Santa Monica Mountains. The previous group''s leader, Valencia, spoke to the new group''s leader, Wilbeck. "Did you gather much?" "Not nearly enough," Wilbeck responded, clearly displeased. "Most of it is cheap, second-hand electronics. Not much split among us." Valencia pinched his nose to endure the acrid smoke, saying, "I''m in a similar situation. This opportunity is too rare; we need to find a way to gather more." Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sudden winds blew Wilbeck''s wig off, and he hastily grabbed it. After tossing it aside, he said, "We can''t loot in non-burning neighborhoods. Those areas are affluent, and the LAPD is patrolling everywhere." Someone shouted from the shadows, "Why don''t we set fire to the untouched neighborhoods? Then they''ll join in the fun!" Valencia and Wilbeck froze, then broke into cheers. "Great idea!" The latter raised a finger into the dark. "You''re a genius!" Valencia added, "With the winds and uncontrolled fires nearby, it''s only natural for embers to travel." Wilbeck waved his followers. "Let''s go loot!" The two groups piled into their vehicles and drove south. ... As the winds howled down south, Valencia targeted Palisades, splitting his crew into smaller groups around the neighborhoods and igniting the parched brush. Dozens of fire points blazed to life, quickly spreading into the community as the wind carried the flames. The wooden houses couldn''t withstand the flames, and chaos erupted in Palisades. ... Fire trucks arrived only to find their tanks empty, and the fire hydrants similarly dry. The firefighters, prioritizing their own safety, lacked the enthusiasm of the looters. Yet, some male firefighters "did their duty," taking luxury bags such as Hermes or LV from the owners'' homes, filling them with water from everyday taps to quench the fires in the brush. Whether they could extinguish the fire was up in the air, but they certainly made it look like they were putting it out. ... The flames kept raging, and the community board could only inform the residents to evacuate urgently. Just as the residents had barely left, the looters rushed in to begin their frenzy. ... Wilbeck led his crew to the southern foothills of Santa Monica, gazing down at the affluent areas of Santa Monica. If they were going to do something big, the looters weren''t going to hold back. They selected a suitable neighborhood to ignite and started the free-for-all by dawn. Their method spread quickly. From the sky, the northern areas of Los Angeles appeared a glowing red, while in the central zone, there were intermittent sparks. Locations were igniting constantly. The looters were proving that little sparks could indeed ignite a vast fire. ... To put it frankly, Hawke and Brian hadn''t done much but took advantage of the policies without leaving a trace. The flames were purging Los Angeles. The looters had made a significant contribution while the Chinese weren''t far behind. The Clear Water firefighting rescue company, having just been established, scored a major contract with the Los Angeles Fire Department for external support. The company''s Chinese-American CEO, Wong, dispatched over a hundred of the best employees to combat the Los Angeles fires. By morning, the Santa Monica mountains and surrounding areas were still ablaze, with six fire trucks belonging to Clear Water battling against the fierce winds and thick smoke in Santa Monica. After a night of chaos caused by the looters, the fire had now encroached into North Santa Monica. Jianhong and Weihao, who were in charge of this fleet, stepped out to assess the spreading flames in the north and began strategizing. Weihao remarked seriously, "From what I understand, there''s no water in the fire hydrants or hoses. Even if there''s a trickle, it''s of little use to the fire. The water in our six trucks won''t do much in a blaze like this." Jianhong pointed to an open area to the north and said, "Given the current situation, we only have one option: create a firebreak." Weihao asked, "You mean, use fire to combat fire?" "Exactly!" Jianhong replied earnestly. "We''ll use the vast stretches of low grass and shrubbery to burn a barrier." Weihao agreed. "That could work." ... They quickly formulated a plan, assigning the forty-some personnel accompanying them to prepare for setting fires. Jianhong drove around to carefully select twenty ignition points. This way, any unforeseen issues could be controlled. Then, he and Weihao distributed the tasks to their teams. With a commanded shout, the fire started. ... But soon, Jianhong noticed something was amiss. He had only instructed to ignite on the north side of the road, so why were flames bursting from the south side as well? There were only twenty designated ignition points; climbing to the top of the fire truck, he scanned the area and counted at least sixty to seventy spots ablaze. The flames on the north side were heading south, while those on the south side were equally racing southward. The Clear Water fire trucks were caught right in the middle. Jianhong and Weihao quickly made the decision to flee, gathering their crew as they made their escape. ... This wasn''t an isolated incident; with many Chinese employees pouring into Los Angeles to assist with firefighting, the speed at which the fires were spreading significantly accelerated. Apart from a few Chinese private firefighting teams, most of the areas Clear Water was responsible for didn''t see any fires extinguished; rather, the situation only grew worse. Another team of twenty, tasked with burning the firebreak, ended up trapped by flames while estimating wind direction and fire points, and eventually had to be rescued by the fire department. ... As the sun rose, the fire only blazed along the northern edges of Santa Monica. Thanks to all the mismanagement from the Chinese crews, by ten in the morning, the wildfire had stretched into the urban area of Santa Monica. Criticism towards the city hall and fire department surged, with Fox News and Twitter simultaneously releasing a video exposing the lack of water in Los Angeles'' fire hydrants. More homes were engulfed in flames, forcing even more residents to evacuate, with early estimates of the burned area exceeding 100 square kilometers around Los Angeles. The northern and northwestern parts of Los Angeles were in disarray due to the flames. The fire reached Santa Monica, prompting Hawke to hire an established professional firefighting company from Long Beach, with dozens of fire trucks stationed around the Twitter building. Even Frank, who lived in a parking lot at Venice Beach, had temporarily moved into the company''s headquarters. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 326: The Culprit [Chapter 326: The Culprit] Standing atop the Twitter building, one no longer needed a telescope; the smoke rising in the distance was clearly visible to the naked eye. "Boss, it seems a bit out of control," Edward said, standing by the window with a note of concern. "Are we going to get burned along with this mess?" Hawke acknowledged the blunder. "I tried to underestimate the organizational capabilities of the Los Angeles city departments, but I overestimated them instead. Their baseline is much lower than I imagined." Edward chimed in, "It''s been two days of fires in Los Angeles, and the mayor hasn''t returned yet. He''s still in Singapore for an art exhibition; it''s absurd!" Hawke shook his head in resignation. "I can only say that Brian picked a good time. That bastard has improved a lot." Edward picked up his phone and glanced at the messages from Michael and the other three. "Compton has sent out a lot of women and children to help." The four of them had been mere observers, serving as eyes and ears on the ground. "Let Caroline keep pushing out the news," Hawke said. He had been using Campos and others to monitor the fire''s spread and dynamics, feeling it was time to release some significant content. They had gathered nearly all the news that mattered. As the flames intensified and the fire spread, the risk began to escalate. Hawke instructed Campos to bring everyone back. ... There was one more thing to address -- Melissa Ackerman had once disclosed that she hid a safe key in the Ackerman Charity Foundation''s finance office. If there was a chance, they needed to try and retrieve it. The Ackerman Foundation was headquartered north of Santa Monica. Hawke left Twitter and went to a safe house in mid-Santa Monica, gathering Campos, Garcia, and Carlos to discuss their next moves. ... Meanwhile, Twitter and Fox 11 had started to expose various shocking incidents involving female firefighters. The platform exploded with reactions, making Twitter buzz with disbelief. In the videos that surfaced, the female firefighters consistently shattered the common perception of what it meant to be a firefighter. They couldn''t control even the basic firefighting equipment, failing to perform effectively amid the chaos, often clashing with the men who stepped up to help. These members of women''s rights organizations seemed to rely solely on their voices rather than their skills. ... Public frustration over the fires and chaotic situation led to an outpouring of criticism. "What is the current government thinking? Why are they sending a group of women to fight fires?" "Are they even capable of handling this job? Not a chance!" "Los Angeles burning like this, thanks to the elite of the fire department and city government!" More news and commentary piled up online. ... Subsequently, someone revealed last year''s fire budget from Los Angeles City Hall, highlighting a gender balance reform in the firefighting system led by Mayor Antonio. The outspoken critique inevitably focused on Mayor Antonio. "Los Angeles burning like this, thanks to our elite mayor!" "Antonio promoted the top three leaders of the fire department -- one had previous experience as an administrative officer, while the other two were social activists. Do they even know how to fight fires?" "In a bid to win over women''s support, Antonio is using the safety of all Los Angeles residents as an experiment!" The outcry against Antonio grew louder and more intense. Yet he did find favor with women''s rights activists, as many women publicly supported him. "How can we blame the female firefighters and Antonio? The weather in Los Angeles has been extremely hot and dry, leading to a lack of water in the firefighting pipes -- that''s the real culprit." These women could twist facts, but during this critical battle, they were failing to grasp the main point. ... A Republic party council member later disclosed a publicly available document showing that just months earlier, Antonio had signed an agreement with the Wonderful Corporation, selling off the majority of Los Angeles''s freshwater resources. This included two reservoirs meant for firefighting and the canals of Los Angeles. This was the real reason behind the water shortages. ... With this revelation, the devastating fires in Los Angeles had evolved from a natural disaster into a political struggle between parties. Another Republic party council member exposed another publicly available document, revealing that Antonio had slashed nearly half of the fire department''s budget for equipment purchases, maintenance, and employee benefits, redirecting those funds towards gender balance initiatives. This led to outdated firefighting equipment, neglected maintenance, and three firefighting helicopters that couldn''t even take off. Additionally, regular budget cuts meant that fire department supplies could only purchase cheap Chinese goods, which were utterly useless. These documents, previously overlooked, became the focus of public debates. Especially for those wealthy and well-known individuals living in northern Los Angeles, who had seen their homes burned down. They unleashed their fury on Antonio via Twitter. ... Antonio was on his way back to Los Angeles from Singapore and was unavailable for immediate comment. At his request, the fire department held a press conference at Los Angeles City Hall. Chief Karen Crowley reported on the situation, stating that the Los Angeles Fire Department was doing everything it could to control the flames. But Fox''s reporter, Harley Wayne, asked a very pointed question. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Before this fire, the fire department laid off a large number of male firefighters, replacing them with female firefighters." Harley directly inquired, "If a man is incapacitated by smoke in a burning building, will the female firefighters be able to rescue him?" All eyes in the room shifted to Karen. If Karen had been a typical chief, she would have scrambled to find a series of excuses. But before taking the position, Chief Crowley had been a women''s rights activist, her mind filled with notions of gender division and female privilege. Without hesitation, she responded, "If there are men trapped in a fire and need my female firefighters to rescue them, that just means he was in the wrong place!" Gasps filled the room. If Karen had said that female firefighters should prioritize their own safety, the media would have found that reasonable. But her blatant disdain shattered expectations. Los Angeles City Hall''s spokesperson, Ronald, was taken aback by her remark. With nearly ten injuries and many affluent residents forced from their homes, this was not the right time for such a statement! Ronald quickly announced the conclusion of the press conference. ... They all hurried out of the briefing room and into a nearby conference room, gathering with other city officials from Los Angeles, like the water and power department head Bjorkman and LAPD Chief Bratton. Once inside the conference room, Ronald expressed his frustration to Karen. "Your response is only going to escalate the tensions!" Karen, filled with thoughts of gender privilege, retorted, "Am I wrong? Men should save themselves from a fire, right? Or do they wait for women to come rescue them?" Bjorkman could hardly tolerate such foul rhetoric. "Why should women rely on male firefighters to save them?" "Isn''t that how it is supposed to be?" Karen insisted. "Isn''t that the gentlemanly approach you all advocate?" Bratton squinted, feeling an impulse to interject, but held back. Ronald interrupted their futile argument. "The key issue now isn''t this; it''s controlling the fire." Karen locked her gaze onto Bjorkman. "Then someone should ask the water and power department why there wasn''t any water in the pipes. Where did our firefighting water go?" Her earlier questioning had started off reasonably, but the next statements hit hard: "The water and power department has been dragging its feet on gender equality programs. I suspect you''re intentionally obstructing the women''s rights movement..." Bjorkman had no desire to engage in that argument. On the one hand, it tied back to Mayor Antonio''s agreement with Wondeful about water resources. On the other hand, he couldn''t win this showdown -- talking about rights versus responsibilities was an entangled mess. Bjorkman turned to Ronald. "I suggest you contact Antonio immediately and report the true situation." With that, he left the conference room, stepping back into the still-crowded press room to unilaterally announce his resignation as head of the water and power department. He refused to play along with the misguided rhetoric of the women''s rights movement; he was done! ... As Bjorkman exited City Hall, he came upon a gathering of protestors converging on City Plaza. Among them, some celebrities slipped into City Hall through a side entrance. Bjorkman recognized prominent producer David Heyman, CAA founder Michael Ovitz, and Lucasfilm''s vice president Jim Ward, among others. All of them had lost their homes in the fire. Looking up at the sky filled with concrete buildings, Bjorkman didn''t worry about the fire encroaching on him. But he sensed that this fire had the potential to reshape the political landscape of Los Angeles. --- At Los Angeles International Airport, throngs of reporters and protestors gathered at the terminal exit. They had received word that Mayor Antonio had landed in Los Angeles and would be coming out shortly. Exiting from first class, sauntering down the VIP corridor, Antonio learned of the situation in Los Angeles from Ronald, who was there to greet him. He was astonished. "What? The burned area has nearly reached 150 square kilometers? Why did the fire department say the situation was under control?" Ronald, the mouthpiece for Antonio, told the truth. "The ongoing drought, strong winds, and the inexperience of our female firefighters have caused the situation to spiral out of control." He advised, "Mayor, you need to let go of Karen and Michelle; they don''t understand their roles, and allowing them to stay has led to worse consequences. The Chinese-based firefighting company they hired failed to get the job done, only allowing the flames to spread into Santa Monica." Antonio didn''t respond, as firing those two representatives of women''s rights would undermine his plan to win their support. Even if he fired them and shifted the blame entirely onto them, would those who had already lost their homes still back him? The answer was clear. The fire may have destroyed others'' properties, but firing them would cost him his votes. At that moment, Antonio did not consider letting the representatives of women''s rights go. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 327: Molotov Cocktail [Chapter 327: Molotov Cocktail] The sky had turned black. At the entrance of the VIP terminal, dozens of media reporters and a hundred-person protest team blocked Antonio''s way. The reporters were direct but professional, their questions sharp but not insulting. In contrast, the protesters hurled curses at Antonio, many of whom were once his supporters. Their homes had burned down, and after watching the online and televised reports revealing the truth behind the disaster, they were furious at the mayor, who they blamed for the chaos. It didn''t take long for the anger to boil over, with demands for accountability echoing in the air. Antonio knew all too well that he had to defend himself. He raised his voice, "Hundreds of firefighters are risking everything to put out the flames, and the citizens must do their part! You have to understand something: disaster response is not solely the government''s responsibility. That''s a socialist concept!" Antonio recognized that the fire was out of control and knew he had to force the citizens to face reality. "The city doesn''t owe you anything! Stop expecting the government to do everything for you. You need to be part of the solution, not a part of the problem!" The crowd fell silent, taken aback by his words. A black Cadillac pulled up, and Antonio quickly got in and left the airport. Los Angeles International Airport sat in the southwest, far from the fires blazing in the northern neighborhoods. ... As he glanced out the window, Antonio saw that Los Angeles still looked like the sprawling, beautiful city it always had been. But suddenly, sirens blared -- the flames had erupted in a southeastern community and were spreading quickly. By the time the Cadillac passed by a nearby road, they could see chaos unfolding as the fire raged on, with people running amok. "Gordon, gather the police chief, fire chief, transportation department, and health department leaders for a meeting. I want them all at City Hall in one hour," Antonio instructed his assistant. After a brief pause, he added, "Los Angeles is running low on water. The northern region isn''t experiencing drought. Get in touch with the state legislature and the northern cities to activate the water support program. Also, coordinate with the Water Bank -- we need water urgently." Gordon took notes, nodding in agreement. ... The night in Los Angeles split into two: the northern region was lit up with flickering flames while the southern part was cloaked in darkness. Communities like Compton, Watts, and Willowbrook erupted with activity as too many people poured out onto the streets. They had heard about a way to get free supplies and donned black clothing, driving their rundown vehicles north in what seemed a mass migration. Wealthy neighborhoods lay to the west and north, where the middle to upper classes had retreated. Meanwhile, the primary settlements of African American communities remained in South Los Angeles. Thousands of people capitalized on the chaos, intent on looting at the expense of the city. Some even reached areas near Twitter''s headquarters, only to be scared off by fully armed security personnel. ... Late that night, Hawke spoke to Edward, saying, "Get the word out. Tonight is the only chance. Antonio''s back in Los Angeles, and he''s going to crack down on business districts and wealthy neighborhoods." Edward made a call and relayed to Hawke, "They''ve come up with a solid strategy." ... In north Santa Monica, Campos, Juan, Carlos, Garcia, Hierro, and Fiona all dressed in black, slipping on specially made black gloves and using black paint to hide their exposed skin. The wind had picked up dramatically since the evening, edging closer to the 50 miles per hour predicted by the California Institute of Technology meteorologists. Driving stolen pickup trucks, Campos and the group spread out to draw the crowds. Their plan for the night was to have a large group lead the charge. Betty kept a watchful eye on a newly emerging gang from Watts, each member seeking valuable targets. Under Campos''s direction, they approached these gang members from Watts, claiming there was a spot nearby where cash and valuables were commonly left unguarded -- a score that could equal looting twenty suburban homes. The gang from Watts had come out prepared for a night of making money, instinct guiding them to this path. After reaching the Ackerman Foundation''s northern edge, Campos led several of the group into a nearby high-rise. The makeshift fire site had already been evacuated, but from the height, they could see the brightly lit Ackerman Foundation headquarters in the distance. "A lot of guards, but you know there''s probably something valuable inside," one said, glancing through binoculars. "But there''s too many of them; what if they have weapons?" "It''s a charity foundation," Campos said, smirking. "They get large donations daily. I worked there before; they usually take cash to the bank on Fridays. Today is Thursday -- perfect timing." The gang member replied, "What if they have guns?" Campos scoffed, "You can''t tell me you all don''t have guns. What would you even be doing in Los Angeles if you didn''t?" As the conversation progressed, one revealed an M1911 tucked under their shirt. Their desire for quick money tempered by caution, he retorted, "Even if we''re armed, charging them is just asking to get shot." "Did you notice the convenience store on the first floor?" Campos countered. "They definitely sell liquor and snacks. If we haul some high-proof alcohol, sugar, butter, and gasoline, we can make one hell of a Molotov cocktail!" The gang member who had seen countless movies perked up, "You mean we can make Molotov cocktails?" Campos snapped his fingers, "Which would you rather do: haul away secondhand furniture or score big tonight?" "Let''s hit the convenience store!" the gang member agreed, heading down the stairs. ... They smashed through the doors of the store and grabbed bottles of high-proof vodka, sugar, and butter. With intentions already set for an arson spree, they brought plenty of gasoline along. Before long, the group had created dozens of makeshift incendiary devices. ... Leading their pack, Campos drove toward the south and the Ackerman Foundation headquarters in a caravan of more than ten vehicles. One member navigated around to the back, while Campos led the front attack. Close to the compound''s wall, Juan lit one of the burning bottles and threw it over the top. It soared into the yard and ignited upon impact, flames roaring to life as glass shattered. Then, a dozen Molotov cocktails were thrown into the foundation from different locations. Almost at the same time, Garcia and Carlos also instigated the group from Watts to come over. Without saying a word, these people threw Molotov cocktails at the entrance of the foundation. With flames threatening, the security team had long since evacuated, leaving only a few guards behind. The two security guards shouted warnings and even drew their guns. Despite warnings and drawn guns, the frenzy of those looting surged forward. It wasn''t long before a series of gunshots rang out, and chaos prevailed. On a tall building not far away, Morentes, wrapped in black clothes, picked up the bullet shell and put it in his pocket. At this moment, hundreds of Molotov cocktails had been thrown into the yard of the Ackerman Foundation. Once the flame is blown by the wind, it is impossible for human power to extinguish it. The security guard who originally wanted to put out the fire quickly left the fire scene. Strong winds fanned the flames and ignited the green belt. In this special terrain, changes in air flow formed small-scale tornadoes. The glass of the two office buildings shattered, and curtains and other things were the first to catch fire. Buildings in the Los Angeles area use too much wood. If the flame gets slightly out of control, it can turn into a major fire. The security personnel had seen a lot of fires in Los Angeles in the media in recent days, so after a little hesitation, they chose to run away. If you don''t run, you might be burned to death here. The looters, emboldened by the prospect of free goods, pushed further into the building. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Campos and his group moved into the finance office, fast in and out, not lingering. By the time the police sirens blared, they had vanished from the scene. LAPD resources were stretched thin, primarily covering affluent neighborhoods, and the chaos kept the forces off-balance. South Los Angeles remained calm while the north burned. The destruction only intensified a cleansing fire suffocating the city. ... As dawn broke, the scorched area in Los Angeles exceeded two hundred square kilometers, with northern Santa Monica reduced to blackened earth. The Ackerman Foundation''s headquarters lay in smoldering ruins. ... Antonio held court at City Hall, besieged with bad news. The fire department was short-staffed, low on water, and lacking proper equipment. Female firefighters were exhausted, and many men on the force had begun to work at a leisurely pace, fearing they would be injured and suffer the same bad things as the 9/11 firefighters. Even more alarming, a number of male firefighters left at the end of their shifts while fighting the blazes, abandoning their posts in a show of defiance over benefits being redirected to the women''s department. As for the fire? "We can tackle it tomorrow when the workday starts." Wonderful Water Bank denied the city''s requests for support as Antonio made direct appeals, even calling Stuart Resnick personally, only to be met with a hard line. The resounding response remained the same: severe drought conditions plagued Southern California, and while the company felt sympathy for the fire situation in Los Angeles, they could do nothing about it. The water bank, controlling the majority of fresh water resources in Los Angeles, stood firm in its resolve. Amid the turmoil, Washington turned its attention to Los Angeles. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 328: The Life and Death of the City [Chapter 328: The Life and Death of the City] Los Angeles, Woodland Hills. The Ferguson family''s mansion welcomed a prominent figure from Washington, D.C. Andrew Card was currently serving as the White House Chief of Staff and was also one of the heads of the President''s reelection campaign. Paul Ferguson, the grandfather of Erica and Brian, was in his study having a secret meeting with him. "This wildfire has a huge impact on the political landscape of Los Angeles," Andrew said, having made the trip in hopes that California would bring some unexpected surprises to increase their chances. He looked at Paul and smiled, saying, "Sir, Los Angeles used to be the Ferguson family''s territory, but the Democrats have stolen the power that rightfully belonged to your family since the mid-1990s. Don''t you want to take it back?" Paul ignored these tempting words and asked, "Who do you represent?" Andrew Card replied, "The President, and all those united around him." Paul responded, "I''m getting old and don''t really handle the specifics anymore; you should talk to those in charge." Andrew understood that Paul must have been referring to Brian Ferguson, one of the candidates for Mayor of Los Angeles. "That''s fine," he said. ... Brian, Hawke, and Erica were practicing shooting at the range behind the estate. Paul brought Andrew over and made the introductions. As Andrew shook hands with Hawke, he remarked, "You''re the founder of Twitter? You look younger than I imagined. The President has praised Twitter more than once as the leader in digital media." Hawke replied courteously, "It''s my honor." He intentionally let the butt of his rifle bump into Brian''s hip as he put it down. Having worked together for nearly two years, Brian understood Hawke''s hint and asked directly, "Is the President going to get involved in the affairs of Los Angeles?" Andrew remained tight-lipped: "The city hall is controlled by the Democrats. If the President wants to intervene, he''ll need a good reason." Hawke didn''t comment as he and Erica packed up their gear. Brian glanced their way and said, "The wildfire is raging, citizens are furious, law and order are breaking down, and the Democrats'' approval ratings have dropped to their lowest in five years." Before coming over today, he had discussed this issue at length with Hawke. "This matter involves not just Los Angeles but Sacramento as well. I''ll drag the entire California Democratic Party into this to weather the storm of public opinion. I can''t guarantee that we''ll turn California from deep blue, but we can certainly draw their focus and energy away." Hearing that he could also draw the Democrats in Sacramento into the fray, Andrew asked, "What''s your plan?" Brian elaborated, "We''ll look at the direct victims of the fire -- the homeowners who lost everything. I''ve had my team gather statistics; sixty percent of them are entertainment stars, sports figures, directors, producers, and executives from entertainment companies, as well as people in the media industry. There are hundreds of well-known faces among them, each with losses exceeding $1.2 million. Some representatives have already gone to city hall to protest to Antonio, and they were apparently quite vocal. The substantial losses from this wildfire have created an irreparable rift between them and the Los Angeles Democrats. The large farmers and plantation owners were initially our base, but in Southern California, the largest agri-business, the Resnick family, supports the Democrats. We''ll use this as a focal point in our campaign narrative; it''ll unite the smaller farmers who feel squeezed by them and attract those who are angry at them for the fire. Antonio has asked the state government for assistance to divert water from Northern California to Los Angeles, but he overlooked a crucial point: earlier this year, eight environmental organizations teamed up to push for the Democrats'' ''Smelt Fish Protection Act.'' This proposal was vetoed by the governor, but the Democrat-controlled legislature forcibly passed it with a two-thirds majority. Under this act, water sources in Northern California are strictly protected, and the environmental organizations have been keeping a close eye on it." With political instinct, Andrew immediately realized, "This act has created a significant pit for the California Democrats!" Brian flashed a confident smile, "Our job now is to push the Democrats into the pit they dug for themselves." Andrew looked toward the distant target and said, "The situation in California is much better than I imagined. The party headquarters and the President will certainly take notice." Brian''s gaze shifted from Hawke, fully aware that the current advantageous situation was all thanks to Hawke. The Democrats had once again employed their usual tactics of focusing on environmental issues, women''s rights, and Hollywood stars during an election year, but Hawke cleverly capitalized on the Democrats'' strengths, leading them to unknowingly fall into their own trap. Even when it was over, the Democrats would look back and not see the problems; instead, they''d think they simply had bad luck. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. California held 55 electoral votes, and the election followed a winner-takes-all approach -- meaning that the candidate who receives a majority of the votes in California automatically gets all of its electoral votes. The Republicans had lost California just over ten years ago, lost the Los Angeles mayoralty within four years, and had reclaimed the governor''s position. With the repercussions from the Los Angeles wildfire, Andrew felt California was up for grabs. Even if they couldn''t secure it, they could certainly divert their opponents'' attention and disrupt their plans. "It seems you already have a complete plan," he remarked. The sound of a bolt-action rifle being cocked came from the other side as Hawke loaded an old-style rifle. Brian understood and said, "Yes, my team and I have put together a plan, but we need more support." Andrew wanted details, replying, "What do you have in mind?" Brian said, "We''ll launch a conventional media war, pinning the responsibility of the fire on the Democrats. I''ll take advantage of this to propose suburb development plans and a forestry management proposal while initiating a recall election against Antonio in Los Angeles." Andrew nodded slightly; given the current situation, Brian''s chances of success were quite high. Brian continued, "This is an election year, and the event''s impact has to extend beyond Los Angeles, affecting the reputation of the Democrats across California. The Sacramento team also needs to act; they should fully leverage the environmental protection legislation the Democrats pushed." "I''ll head to Sacramento right away," Andrew declared. He then turned back to Hawke, nodding at him, "The President''s election campaign is about to kick off; I hope we can partner with Twitter." Hawke said, "Twitter welcomes every business partner." Andrew understood the implication of the statement: "Your company will be our top choice for online advertising." After their handshake, Andrew stepped away first. ... Hawke aimed his rifle at the humanoid target a hundred yards away and pulled the trigger. With ten consecutive shots fired, all ten targets fell. He set his rifle down and asked Brian, "What''s the expected budget for this election?" Brian pondered for a moment, "It should exceed $300 million." Erica chimed in, "Twitter is now the biggest platform for online advertising." ... The fire still blazed in Los Angeles, with the burnt area continuing to expand, threatening even the media capital, Burbank. Warner Bros. Studios, Universal Studios, Disney Studios, and Paramount Pictures all announced temporary closures. The immense pressure weighed heavily on the Los Angeles Democrats. Antonio''s water diversion request was denied by the Wonderful Water Bank, and his calls for water from Northern California went unanswered, leaving him to seek help from elsewhere. Las Vegas responded by sending 50 fire engines and five firefighting planes to assist Los Angeles. However, Hawke had prepared Brian in advance. ... The 50 fire engines were stopped at the California-Nevada border by environmentalists, as the Vehicle Emissions Control Act pushed during the Democratic rule mandated that heavy vehicles entering California must meet emission standards. Upon inspection, all the fire engines failed to meet the standards. Amidst the angry protests from environmental organizations, the 50 fire engines, which would seriously "pollute" California''s air, were forced to turn back. Seeing the situation, Las Vegas canceled the flights as well. ... Not only that, the Toronto, host to the Toronto International Film Festival, which had hoped to please Hollywood, hastily called off its aerial firefighting plans. Canadians couldn''t risk polluting California''s sweet air. ... Los Angeles was shrouded in smoke, with much of Hollywood Hills, Malibu, and Santa Monica now blackened. Thick smoke blew southward with the northern winds, surrounding nearly a quarter of Los Angeles in ash. Over 800,000 people faced water and power outages. It was as if the city had fallen under a magical curse. ... The current governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, arrived in Los Angeles. As he made an appearance on the perimeter of the Burbank fire site, he was surrounded by numerous citizens and reporters. Pre-arranged actors cleverly weaved around the governor''s security and approached Schwarzenegger, clutching children as they loudly demanded, "Why has my home become a ruin? Where are the rescue workers? Why are there no water in the fire hydrants? Why has no water been diverted from the north?" Around a dozen cameras focused on Schwarzenegger. "I''m a Los Angeles resident who has lived here for decades. My house in Malibu also burned down, and I empathize with your plight!" Schwarzenegger gave the citizen a comforting embrace before adding, "I came here to solve the problem and put an end to this disaster as quickly as possible." A Fox News reporter, Harley Wayne, shouted, "You''re the governor; you can''t shirk responsibility!" Schwarzenegger replied seriously, "I will not shirk responsibility. The Los Angeles city hall sold Los Angeles''s water to private groups, yet they refuse to respond or take responsibility. I will speak to the Wonderful Group today and demand they release water immediately!" He paused briefly, then said, "Water from Northern California cannot be diverted; do you remember? Earlier this year, the state legislature passed the ''Smelt Fish Protection Act,'' which requires protecting its vital water sources. I''ve reviewed forecasts from multiple meteorological agencies predicting that Southern California will experience unusual drought this year, which is why I vetoed that act to more easily mobilize water resources. However, the state legislature initiated a two-thirds procedure and forced the act through. Although I''m the governor of California, I have no power to violate the law." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 329: A Complete Disaster [Chapter 329: A Complete Disaster] Amidst the drifting ashes, Edward drove his Mercedes G-Class towards the small plaza ahead. Hawke observed as hundreds of citizens gathered in the square, accompanied by dozens of reporters and a large amount of supplies. Brian stood atop a pile of supply boxes, delivering a passionate speech. "Los Angeles faces wildfires every year, but why have they breached the city this year, burning over 300 square kilometers to ashes?" Brian shouted, his voice full of fervor. "Because Antonio sold out the interests of all Los Angeles residents! He sold off our water, leaving fire hydrants dry!" His rallying cry resonated, "Antonio is the culprit behind this disaster! He has used our tax money to hire unqualified firefighters, resulting in this tragedy!" He raised a fire extinguisher above his head, "My brothers and sisters! The Los Angeles City Hall, the City Council, and various public utility departments have failed to protect us! We must take this home back into our own hands!" ... Hawke sat in the car, watching Brian passionately rally support. After a week of fires ravaging Los Angeles, the blaze remained uncontrolled, but the winds had noticeably calmed. Brian was stepping up. He moved from public outcry to action, taking direct aim at Antonio and the Democratic Party in Los Angeles. He mobilized resources and arranged to send a substantial amount of supplies to a critical route connecting the north and south, which displaced citizens could access for free. Through Fox News and Twitter, the media heavily criticized Antonio and his series of blunders. The once-vibrant Los Angeles had turned into a hellish battleground under Antonio''s leadership. At any other time, Brian might have struggled, but with the raging wildfires surpassing 300 square kilometers and city hall unable to formulate a plan, Antonio''s side was collapsing. The Twitter news channel began a special segment on the Los Angeles fires, addressing issues such as water shortages, firefighting equipment, female firefighters, misuse of firefighting funds, and the "Smelt Fish Protection Act." Every incident was presented in concise language and video formats for all users to see. Fox 11 News''s program launched a series called , airing three episodes in a row. Each episode covered the facts, reported news, and featured experts in the studio to analyze the sluggishness and incompetence of the Los Angeles authorities. In contrast, Brian appeared at fire sites helping those in desperate need, calling for calm from environmentalists. Some extreme environmentalists, along with paid ones, clung to issues like non-compliance and pollution of California''s air, resolutely blocking aid from other states. Los Angeles could burn, but the sweet air of California must not be tainted! As for the smoke resulting from the fires, that was nature''s wrath, not manmade. During this unprecedented period, even a pig standing in front of Antonio would have held the advantage. How much more so for Brian, a wealthy and powerful man with the ability to take charge? ... Outside City Hall, thousands protested in silence. The signs they held criticized government authorities and Antonio. Some wielded megaphones, leading chants from those who had lost their homes. "Failure! Antonio must resign!" "Investigate Antonio for negligence!" "Democrats, get out of Los Angeles!" Glancing through the window of a car discreetly leaving City Hall, Antonio watched the protesting crowd and the journalists capturing every moment, his expression soured. Just days before, most of these people were his supporters. Back then, his approval rating in Los Angeles had been over 70%. Re-election had seemed secured. Beside him sat Gordon, his assistant and campaign manager. Antonio regained his focus and turned his attention to the newspaper in his hands. Even , typically supportive of the Democrats, had headlined Schwarzenegger''s criticisms of him -- brutally attacking his inaction as mayor. They even labeled him as the most ineffective mayor in Los Angeles in thirty years. He understood the stakes; the media workers mainly resided in the northern part of Los Angeles, and many had lost their homes to the flames. Homes may have burned down, but loans still needed to be repaid. Those so-called homeless people would not spare the face of the city''s leader. Additionally, his rival Brian Ferguson was escalating his attacks on the current administration daily. Antonio asked, "Has my approval rating dropped significantly?" Gordon couldn''t sugarcoat the truth. "It''s under 30% now." He spoke from a place of concern, "I suggest you resign." Antonio exploded, "Resign? That would put all the blame on me! I would become the scapegoat for this fire, nailed to the shame column of Los Angeles!" Gordon offered a more pragmatic outlook. "The current situation is highly unfavorable. Our supporters are turning into opponents. Even if the fire is eventually extinguished, the blame will still fall on us. Sacramento is eager to distance themselves from the environmental legislation and the Smelt Fish Protection Act; they won''t assist us." He warned, "As long as Brian Ferguson isn''t a fool, once the fire is under control, he will initiate a recall election, and we will have no chance. If you resign now, you might negotiate terms with Brian and exit safely." Upon hearing this, Antonio recalled the former governor Davis, who was defeated in a recall election by Schwarzenegger. Antonio, being of Mexican descent, had fought hard to acquire his current position and was not ready to give it up easily. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Antonio replied, "Let me give it one more shot." Gordon fell silent. ... As the car entered the financial district''s business club, Antonio met with Nelson, the CEO of Wonderful. "Where is Stuart? Why hasn''t he come to see me?" Antonio had arranged a meeting with the Stuart couple. Nelson smiled as he explained, "Mayor, the chairman and his wife suffer from chronic bronchitis and asthma; they cannot tolerate smoke. They left Los Angeles four days ago. If you have any requests, I can relay them to the chairman." Antonio dismissed pleasantries, "I need you to release water to alleviate Los Angeles''s drought and provide water for firefighting." Nelson''s expression hardened. "I''m afraid I can''t agree. According to our agreements, the water in multiple reservoirs and canals..." "Thousands of Los Angeles citizens have lost their homes!" Antonio interrupted. "Hundreds of thousands face the serious threat of fire, resulting in direct economic losses in the billions!" Nelson responded, "The water resources of Wonderful''s water bank must guarantee water for all of our plantations. This year''s drought is severe, and we are running low. If our plantations suffer reduced or total crop failure for lack of water, we cannot fulfill our client orders. It''s not just about refunds; we face significant lawsuits. Are you suggesting that the city hall or all Los Angeles taxpayers should foot this bill?" He suggested, "Request assistance from Northern California; they have plenty of water." This thought reminded Antonio of the Smelt Fish Protection Act and those fanatical environmentalists, filling him with frustration. He felt blood rise to his throat. How could those members of the Democratic Party in the state legislature possibly formulate a self-destructive act? Were those tiny fish more important than Los Angeles? The meeting ended on bad terms. With the stakes involving billions for other investors, not even a mayor of Los Angeles could sway their decision, let alone his father. ... On his return to City Hall, Antonio saw once more the protestors gathered at the plaza. They did not only demand his resignation but also hurled various insults and curses. More individuals continued to join the crowd. Some were victims who had lost their homes, some sympathizers, and others with ulterior motives stirring the pot. Antonio realized that this continued protesting would only hurt his position further. He immediately pulled out his phone and dialed Karen Crowley, asking her to organize a counter-protest. Most of the protesters at City Hall were men. If a group of women from a feminist group surged in, regardless of their actions, they would end up in a passive position! ... Upon returning to City Hall, Antonio encountered Harvey Weinstein, a benefactor of his. The fat Jewish man had dirt on his face, having seemingly just come from a disaster zone. Harvey erupted, "I lost two houses! The artwork inside was worth far more than the homes themselves. Your inept firefighter ladies blasted fluoride all over them, ruining millions of dollars worth of art!" He was nearly beside himself with rage. "What were you thinking? Hiring a bunch of women as firefighters? That''s irresponsible for every taxpayer! I demand you terminate them immediately!" "I will find a way to resolve these issues," Antonio attempted to appease him. "Just give me some time." Some people can give guidance when the winds are favorable, but when real challenges arise, they are utterly helpless. With 300 square kilometers scorched, it was not the time to dismiss Karen Crowley and her crew -- he risked losing the support of women''s rights activists entirely. Harvey left City Hall, not making it too far when chaos broke out in the plaza. ... Over a hundred women charged into the square, brandishing signs supporting Antonio, shouting slogans, and hurling insults at the protesting men. Some radicals even threw objects, tossing underwear and spitting. In that moment, the men were left bewildered, unsure of how to respond. Hierro, who was filming there, immediately notified Hawke about the commotion. ... Brian, who had been discussing next steps with Hawke, also received the news quickly. Hawke had anticipated this scenario. After hanging up, he stated, "Bring in the Saints." Brian nodded and dialed Steve Nutt''s number. Saint Steve had formed the National Association for the Protection of the Rights of People of Color in Covina after leaving the NAACP earlier that year. Over the subsequent months, the group had gathered a large following of Black and Latino members. Upon receiving the call, Steve sprang into action. He summoned over 200 female members, transporting them by several buses towards City Hall. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 330: Who Buffs More? [Chapter 330: Who Buffs More?] Los Angeles, City Hall. A group of women took to the streets, vehemently protesting against a gathering of men. Over a hundred women surrounded the men, launching a verbal onslaught. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You criminals by nature are to blame for everything that''s happening in this city!" "Cowards! Incompetents! Why don''t you step up and put out the fires!" "You ignorant fools!" The air was thick with insults, and the societal issues plaguing Los Angeles were pinned squarely on the men present. Some radical protesters even discarded their underwear, throwing items in the faces of the men across from them. Leading the charge was a woman named Vanessa, who urged her followers to escalate the attacks and inflame tensions further, aiming to provoke the mostly male crowd into retaliation. She believed that if the situation spiraled into all-out chaos, the so-called protest would quickly become a farce. ... On a nearby rooftop, Hawke and Brian were observing the scene with binoculars. "It''s getting chaotic down there," Hawke noted. "Antonio''s comeback is underway. He''s tapped into the essence of this conflict. The protesters have a natural advantage of gender; if they strike back, it would cast them as criminals and aggressors, and sympathy for them will evaporate." Brian understood the implication. "If they continue to push their agenda, they''ll soon elevate themselves to a privileged status." Hawke lowered the binoculars. "Normal male organizations can''t counter them directly; we can only fight fire with fire." "Good thing we planned ahead," Brian grinned. ... Five buses rolled up to the edge of the square, and over 200 Black women disembarked, inserting themselves directly between the protesting men and the feminist group. They began a chaotic brawl, with shrill voices filling the air. Some women ripped off their days-old underwear, smearing it on the faces of their opponents. Some people even went to the toilet before coming and got some liquid with special flavor, which they now flung on the white women''s heads, unleashing a noxious smell. The feminists had never experienced such a backlash and, losing control, charged forward. What started as shouting eventually turned into a full-on physical confrontation. The feminists, predominantly white, found themselves at a disadvantage. In the melee, a white woman shouted, "Stop! Just stop! I''m a woman! A woman!" To which a Black woman replied while continuing her assault, "So am I!" The white woman instinctively retorted, "You''re discriminating against women!" The Black women''s recent education had prompted them to respond smartly, "You''re the ones being racists! It''s you who perpetuate racial discrimination!" The white woman stood frozen, left vulnerable as the Black woman struck her repeatedly. ... In City Hall, the feminists faced defeat. Considering physical prowess, the Black women had a natural advantage. When it came to rudeness and aggression, the comparatively well-educated white women fell short. As the fight escalated, it was obvious that the feminists were not equipped to handle the situation. LAPD quickly intervened; the feminists accused their opponents of discriminating against women, while the Black women pointed out that they too were women. Someone uttered a slur, and witnesses began to surface with testimonies. Racial discrimination in public was a serious offense, and LAPD temporarily detained several key members of the feminist group. In the end, fire defeated fire. ... As the winds calmed, the spread of the wildfire in Los Angeles slowed, but City Hall still had not made effective moves to handle the chaos. Even with LAPD''s heavy-handed actions, those taking advantage of the disconnect continued their rampage, looting and igniting fires with unabated fervor. New hotspots flared up constantly, and once a fire ignited, it was hard to extinguish. By the latest count, the burned area in Los Angeles had reached 350 square kilometers. Social media buzzed with wild stories arising from the catastrophe. Two local banks lost their headquarters to the flames, compromising their deposit data while managing to save their loan records intact. Some suggested using seawater to extinguish the blaze, only to be shot down by environmentalists concerned about salinity harming the land. Animal rescue organizations, rather than aiding the displaced humans, invested heavily in temporary shelters for pets. Drawing water from urban ponds was prohibited, as it might endanger local frogs. Overhead, several aircraft swirled in the smoky sky, not for firefighting, but for media outlets capturing the chaos. Social media, led by Twitter, showcased breathtaking images from above; each photo was more striking than the last. ... The fire that had ignited in mid-July continued into August, and finally, the flames showed some signs of control -- not due to effective action by the city council, but simply because the winds had slackened and the blaze had consumed nearly everything. By early August, the burned area grew to 375 square kilometers, destroying nearly 15,000 homes, displacing 270,000 people, and affecting over 500,000 households with water shortages. The ash and dust resulting from the fire impacted millions throughout California. The Democratic leadership in Los Angeles, including California''s largest agricultural company, and state legislators faced fierce public criticism for pushing forward a water conservation initiative that was vetoed by Governor Schwarzenegger. This fire not only razed hundreds of billions of dollars but also created ripple effects throughout California''s social fabric. The Democratic Party''s approval ratings plummeted, particularly in Los Angeles where their support drastically dwindled. Seizing the opportunity, Brian ramped up his campaign efforts, appearing on various major media platforms to launch a direct attack on Antonio. Many individuals hired to support his campaign dove into the aftermath of the disaster to help victims, while trying to gather signatures for a recall election against Antonio. --- East Los Angeles, Covina. The campaign office was crowded with people, including Hawke and Brian. Hawke asked, "How''s the recall election push going?" Campaign manager Beacon responded, "We''ve gathered 100,000 petition signatures and expect to surpass 120,000 tomorrow. By the weekend, we should hit 150,000. Antonio''s approval rating is only 27% in Los Angeles right now; he can''t withstand this." Hawke remarked, "Wasn''t the requirement 12% of eligible signatures?" Brian interjected, "Not 12% of Los Angeles residents, but rather 12% of the votes Antonio received during his last election." Beacon clarified, "In the last mayoral election, Antonio received 920,000 valid votes; we''ve met the legal requirements." Brian''s assistant, Sandra, added, "Our biggest opposition is the feminist organizations." "After the last confrontation at the square, several mid-level members of major feminist groups were accused of racial discrimination," Brian continued. "Although they were released on bail, they have restrictions on their movements." Hawke posed a pivotal question: "When will the conservation initiative be revoked?" If they couldn''t get water from the north, Brian would inherit that headache as mayor. Brian knew this all too well. "Establishing a bill is easier than repealing one. The party is proposing an amendment that could allow water allocation in the event of special circumstances, such as those in Los Angeles. It''ll likely pass with over two-thirds support next week." Hawke understood, "California has been experiencing severe drought. Democratic lawmakers are worried their homes could catch fire." Most single-family homes in California were wooden, and once ablaze, they were difficult to contain. If water resources couldn''t be mobilized, the losses would extend beyond just the residents of Los Angeles. Hawke looked at Brian. "Let''s get moving. This situation is favorable for us, and if we wait too long, the pain from the fire will fade with time." Brian agreed, "Right." ... Fast forward a few years, and even with such a fire, toppling the Democratic Party wouldn''t be easy. Antonio had only recently won election, succeeding the Republican Mayor Richard Riordan who had served two consecutive terms since 1993. In 1983, Democratic candidate Tom Bradley had been heavily favored in polls, only to be toppled by a Republican opponent, creating the infamous "Bradley Effect" in American politics. Given five to six more years, the rapid development of marginalization strategies could completely transform California into a deep blue state. ... The following afternoon, Brian delivered a speech at City Hall to kick off the recall campaign, targeting Antonio directly. "Our city is in an unprecedented crisis, fires continue to rage, water supply is critically low, billions of taxpayer dollars are unaccounted for in Los Angeles, tens of thousands are displaced, and at this critical time, Mayor Antonio chose to travel to Singapore and became entangled with several Asian celebrities!" Brian made it clear what he and his supporters demanded: "Antonio must resign for failing to provide leadership during this crisis. If not, I will initiate a recall election!" "A thorough and transparent investigation into our city''s management of resources and funds is imperative!" "An accountability mechanism must be established for ineffective disaster relief responses!" "A safety plan must be developed to protect all Los Angeles residents during emergencies!" "I urge our fellow Angelenos and all concerned citizens to stand with us and hold Mayor Antonio accountable. It''s time for a change!" This speech drew in thousands of citizens, earning Brian thunderous applause. That day, the video of his speech circulated widely via Twitter and Fox 11, reaching viewers across Los Angeles. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 331: Life or Death [Chapter 331: Life or Death] Ocean Park Avenue, Twitter Headquarters. The windows of the conference room were covered in a thick layer of dust, blocking out the sunlight. Hawke sat in a chair next to his chief of staff, Andrew Card. They watched as Caroline exchanged a promotional contract with the deputy campaign manager. The two women shook hands and posed for a photo. Andrew remarked, "This afternoon, the initial advertising payment will be transferred to the Twitter account. Starting next week, Twitter will proceed with the promotion as planned." The advertising budget was a staggering $35 million. Hawke adopted an attitude suitable for dealing with major clients and stated, "We will cooperate fully with your team." With the contract officially signed, Andrew and a few others needed to rush to Fox News to say their goodbyes. Hawke accompanied them to the lobby. ... Caroline waved her hand to shoo away the flying embers and asked Hawke, "They''re clueless about internet and social media promotion. Their plan isn''t great." Hawke reminded her, "This is the client''s request, and we have to follow their plan. When it comes to election matters, we don''t have experience." Caroline quickly reached over to brush some dust off Hawke''s shoulder, saying, "I get it." Looking up at the sky, she commented, "The fire isn''t out yet." Hawke replied, "In a few days, once the surrounding blocks have burned down, the fire will naturally die down." As they walked back, they arrived at the elevator foyer with no one else around. Caroline whispered, "Do politicians and capitalists not care about ordinary people?" "If it doesn''t generate value, they won''t care," Hawke said casually. "If it does, they''ll weigh the pros and cons." He glanced at the increasingly mature, ambitious Caroline and said, "You''ll be a businesswoman soon enough." Once in the elevator, they emerged on the upper floor. Peering out the window, they saw more smoke rising in the distance, prompting Caroline to exclaim, "It''s like a hellish Los Angeles." ... That afternoon, Twitter received a $20 million advance from the re-election campaign office. Hawke, who was meticulous about the money, immediately ordered Caroline to assemble a skilled team to liaise with Washington. ... Brian also called in, informing Hawke that the petition for Antonio''s recall had been submitted to the state legislature, and under multiple legislators'' efforts, the recall election had been expedited. Many people had suffered losses from the fire. Everyone wanted a resolution from Antonio. Under normal circumstances, if Brian, as the candidate, won the recall election, he would become the mayor of Los Angeles. If he failed, the mayor''s seat would still belong to Antonio. The recall election was a month away, and by then, the fires in Los Angeles would be extinguished, and water would be restored. ... The Los Angeles City Council was initiating a review process to reassess the legality of Antonio''s signed water resource agreement with the Wonderful Company. In the local prosecutor''s office, four prosecutors, including the chief, had their properties destroyed in the fire. Although they could not shake the interests of their powerful group led by Stewart Resnick, they could exploit loopholes to dismantle certain agreements. ... With immense pressure mounting, Antonio faced not only the risk of losing his position but also the threat of investigation. It wasn''t just Los Angeles; the Democratic Party''s momentum was heavily impacted in Sacramento as well. Over the years, their focus on environmentalism and feminism had been primary causes of the forest fires spiraling out of control. ... Hawke received word that someone in the Oval Office had unexpectedly added California to their agenda, planning to visit Los Angeles to comfort disaster victims after the fire was fully extinguished. Since the mid-90s, California had shifted from red to blue over many years, and the Republicans saw another chance to reclaim some ground. There had been countless historical instances of political colors changing from red to blue and vice versa. Maps of American elections often swapped colors. Politics had never been static. Hawke was also taking advantage of the situation, stirring the pot to make America''s political landscape even more thrilling while seeking personal gain. As time progressed and society developed, the rivalry between the two parties would deepen, leading to increased divisions in American society. --- In Los Angeles, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, in a business meeting room on the top floor, forty-year-old prosecutor Kamala stared intently at Antonio, who had an unusually serious expression. Commissioned by important figures from the Democratic Party in San Francisco and Sacramento, she had come to meet with Antonio. Kamala asked, "Do you have anything to say?" Despite appearing confident, Antonio responded, "The outcome of the recall election is uncertain, but as long as you support me, I can keep fighting. Although my approval ratings have dropped significantly, the public is fickle. Once we strike at the opposition''s vulnerabilities, their attention will quickly shift." He emphasized, "My two major support bases, women and the Latino community, are still solid!" Kamala shook her head. "The capital is already engulfed in fierce conflict. We were caught off guard, especially with several legislators feeling compelled to resign... These are all repercussions of the Los Angeles incident." Antonio defended, "This was a natural disaster. Could anyone else in my position have done any better? Environmentalism and feminism are fundamental to our base here in California. Should we abandon our strengths? Weather factors are entirely out of our control. Even with ample firefighting equipment and water supply, under 50-mile-an-hour winds, could we have contained the flames?" Not just Antonio, but Kamala and the Democratic leadership in California believed they hadn''t done anything wrong. They hadn''t lost to the Republicans; they had lost to the climate. However, with the situation at this point, stopping the downward spiral was crucial. Kamala had come with a heavy mandate: "The key issue isn''t the process, but the outcome. The outcome is that we lost and it''s severely affected our reputation. This fire, smoke included, has impacted millions, and the media has gone into a frenzy with their negative coverage. Our base is shaking." Her stern expression remained unchanged. "Now, we need someone to take the fall, to end the media and public debate, and you are the best choice." This statement caught Antonio off guard. "You want me to take the fall to restore the party''s momentum?" Kamala replied, "Someone has to sacrifice something." Antonio closed his eyes but remained silent for a long moment before asking, "Is it just that?" Kamala had been instructed to convey several conditions: "Pacific Gas and Electric Company''s Southern California division needs an executive. Your wife, who works for Disney Studios, will be one of the production managers for two $50 million live-action film projects." S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The deal was not bad, and Antonio considered it carefully. But Kamala wasn''t finished. "These will only happen after the incident settles." Antonio remained silent. Kamala added, "You and I are both part of minority groups; we have our advantages, but we face many inherent challenges." "Thanks." Antonio understood that some people had no qualms about tearing others apart. Kamala dismissed him with, "Think it over and get back to me soon." Antonio didn''t leave. He sat on the couch, contemplating the potential choices before him. After some time, he said, "Tell them I agree." Kamala responded, "A wise choice." ... After agreeing to that statement, Antonio felt an inexplicable sense of relief. He stood up and approached the northern window of the hotel, gazing out. Unfortunately, the Los Angeles sky was filled with ash; all he could see was a haze of gray. "I''m leaving," Antonio said, turning around and exiting the room. On his way, he instructed his assistant, Gordon, to contact Brian. "I need to talk to that bastard face to face." Gordon wasted no time connecting with Brian through his campaign manager. They agreed to meet the next morning at the Beverly Business Club. ... That evening, Brian arrived at Silver Lake Villa specifically to find Hawke. Erica had readied some tequila and poured a glass for each of them, sitting close to Hawke, eager to listen. The LAPD had been incredibly busy lately, all thanks to these two. Taking a sip of his drink, Brian said to Hawke, "Antonio wants to meet with me tomorrow morning." Hawke replied, "Is he preparing to step back and use that as a bargaining chip for your commitment?" Brian nodded. "That seems to be the case. The situation in Los Angeles isn''t just about the fire; the budget and accounting must contain a series of issues." Erica interjected, "Isn''t the last instance of this sort during Arnold Schwarzenegger''s gubernatorial recall election when Gray Davis stepped down voluntarily?" Brian said, "That time, they caught them through the Venice Beach Club, forcing them to retreat. Schwarzenegger wasn''t completely clean either, but he reached an agreement after his goals were met." He looked at Hawke. "I''m facing a similar situation." "No, your situation is different from Schwarzenegger''s. No matter what he did, he could only reach the governor''s level and couldn''t run for president," Hawke replied thoughtfully. "Our final goal is the Oval Office." Brian remarked, "You really have confidence in me." Hawke brushed aside the comment and continued, "Your predicament is entirely different from Schwarzenegger''s. He was involved in a gubernatorial recall election, while this recall for the mayor of Los Angeles directly pertains to the presidential race in Los Angeles. It''s not just about you; it''s about the entire color choice for California." Behind all these lofty arguments lay Hawke''s ulterior motives; he wanted the two parties to fight it out fiercely in California. If things settled, the situation regarding the Ackerman family would become complicated. Brian was deep in thought. From any perspective, this political struggle was far from over. Hawke thought for a moment and said, "Consult Paul." Brian, erring on the side of caution, called Paul Ferguson and received the same answer as Hawke''s. Hawke was exploiting the Democrats'' core support to shape such a favorable situation. Any elephant with ambition would never turn a blind eye to this. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 332: The Final Opportunity [Chapter 332: The Final Opportunity] In other circumstances, the red and blue sides might have reached a compromise, but in an election year, both parties were eager to grab onto each other''s weaknesses to gain an overwhelming advantage. California had 55 electoral votes, the most in the nation. The fires that continued to rage in Los Angeles had transformed the city into a heated battleground for both the Democratic and Republican parties. Hawke only needed to make a suggestion, and Brian would jump on it without hesitation. It wasn''t that Hawke had any magical power; it was just that Brian, as a typical American politician, had inherited the persistent spirit of the United States. Contracts and agreements meant little when faced with someone like Antonio. Brian promised him verbally that if he stepped down, past issues would be forgotten. Perhaps Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gray Davis had given him a false sense of security, or maybe Antonio felt he had no choice. ... As mid-August approached, Antonio held a press conference, where he dismissed a group of women, led by Karen Crowley, from their positions and subsequently resigned from the mayorship of Los Angeles. During the press conference, Antonio admitted to making mistakes in the firefighting budget, taking accountability for issues like hiring female firefighters, and he claimed that he had spearheaded the introduction of the Smelt Fish Protection Act among others. In short, as he stepped down, the mayor shouldered all the backlash that the California Democratic party had faced from public scrutiny. Such situations were all too common in politics. Over the years, the LAPD had seen many illicit drugs disappear internally, and there always seemed to be someone ready to take the fall. ... According to California law, if one side voluntarily withdrew from a recall election, the other side would automatically win. With Antonio''s resignation, Brian became the new mayor of Los Angeles. He had already resigned from his position as mayor of Covina last month. Once the Los Angeles City Council formally approved the transition, Brian and Antonio began the handover process. The two sides appeared to have an understanding, reminiscent of Schwarzenegger and Davis, with everything seemingly going smoothly on the surface. Brian''s plans would naturally wait until the handover was complete. As for promises, the commitments made by the United States to its allies defined Brian''s stance. It looked good on the surface, but soon enough, the knives would be drawn behind each other''s backs. ... With water flowing in from Northern California and the state legislature passing relevant amendments, neighboring states sent rescue resources to Los Angeles, finally bringing the raging fires under control. Multiple city council members faced significant losses amid the disaster and chaos, while others had their property directly threatened. In record time, Brian''s proposal was passed unanimously. ... Following Brian''s agreement, Schwarzenegger deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles to maintain law and order in the post-disaster environment. The rampant arsonists quieted down. After over twenty days of devastating fires, they finally extinguished. ... In many northern neighborhoods of Los Angeles, wooden houses were reduced to ashes with not even a wall standing. Recovery and rebuilding would be a long process, but many were eager to stake their claim. The scorched areas became prime real estate. Hawke collaborated with the Ferguson family''s Pacific Investment Company to acquire a trading company while the fire still raged. Together, they established a new company -- West Coast Environmental Technologies Group. The company focused on two main areas: connecting with municipal projects and supplying vehicles and equipment to firefighters. With fire ravaging an area of 387 square kilometers, everything in the burned zones -- trees and houses alike -- turned to rubble. West Coast Environmental Company would soon sign a series of contracts to "Clean Up Los Angeles" with the municipal department, and then subcontract the work out. ... Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "After this fire, the firefighting department has exhausted its equipment, and what remains are unusable waste products," Brian remarked in the living room of the Ferguson family mansion in Woodland Hills. He addressed Hawke and Mary Ferguson. Once the handover process was complete, the city hall would sue the Chinese suppliers to hold them accountable for their failings, ensuring they faced financial reparations. Mary added, "The Democrats dropped the ball entirely. Over-inflated prices for contractual obligations are understandable, but the fire retardants they bought turned out to be accelerants -- it''s terrifying." Yet Hawke knew that even for Americans, pursuing a multinational lawsuit against Chinese suppliers wouldn''t be easy. While the Chinese suppliers were often seen as easy targets, they could just as easily retaliate with cunning tactics. However, the Chinese in Los Angeles were a different story. Hawke reminded, "The Clearwater Fire Company employed by the firefighters used a lot of Chinese equipment. They approached fire with more fire, which resulted in even greater disaster. Twitter has received numerous relevant videos -- don''t let them off the hook." Brian understood instantly. "The city will sue Clearwater. Citizens harmed by their foolish actions must also file lawsuits, forcing them to pay hefty compensations. In the short term, they might have to sell the company at a loss to raise funds." Hawke nodded slightly. "They used top-of-the-line fire trucks, and all the equipment was newly purchased. West Coast Environmental Company will conduct tests and help the fire department address the aging equipment issues." ... At that moment, Erica came from the study, inviting a few people to join her. Mary led the way, while Hawke and Brian followed behind. Brian spoke quietly, "The $5 million fee will be transferred to your West Coast studio''s account this afternoon." Hawke nodded lightly, "Sure." As they approached the study, Brian added, "Let''s discuss the company side of things after." Hawke entered the study with him. ... This study, nearly as spacious as the living room, was filled with Paul Ferguson, Erica''s grandfather, Carter Ferguson, and Brian''s father, Gordon Ferguson. Paul gestured for everyone to sit casually and focused his attention on Brian. "Was the handover smooth?" "Very smooth," Brian confidently replied. His team consisted of several trusted members he''d brought along, and the Ferguson family had assigned capable and experienced staff to assist him. "Face issues head-on and be cautious; don''t act impulsively," Paul advised before turning to Hawke. "You did an excellent job. Even I would struggle to reach such heights." Gordon, Brian''s father, had always looked down upon his son. "Without your guidance, Brian wouldn''t be where he is today." Quickly, Erica interjected, "The plan was originally Brian''s; Hawke only provided some suggestions." Paul glanced at his granddaughter and then at Hawke. As the only daughter of the Ferguson family, even if the family encountered difficulties in the future, he believed Hawke''s talents would ensure Erica''s protection. Every prominent family aimed to thrive, but Paul keenly sensed that the conflict between the Democrats and Republicans was intensifying and that the divisions were becoming more serious. Key figures on both sides acted with impunity over the years, and once exposed, it would lead to a fight to the death. At that moment, Gordon stated, "Now that Brian''s handover is complete, should we immediately initiate an investigation into Antonio''s Democratic forces?" Paul confirmed, "Absolutely; given the current climate, this is essential." He looked to Hawke. "Don''t you agree? What do you think?" Hawke had a clear agenda: to fuel a fierce battle between the parties in California, ideally leading to mutual destruction. "The way things stand, we are already at war with the Democrats. Even if we wanted a truce, they wouldn''t stop," he said quickly. "California has the most electoral votes in the country, making it crucial. The Democrats can''t afford any mistakes." Brian added, "The latest poll shows that support for both parties is almost equal." Hawke continued, "California turned blue in less than twelve years. Unlike San Francisco, where the Democrats truly took control of Los Angeles for less than five years. This is the best opportunity for a color change; if we let it slip, California will turn permanently blue." Before this, the Republicans had been striving to flip California, with Schwarzenegger''s rise to power the previous year serving as an attempt. He added, "More importantly, this directly affects our personal interests. If California goes fully blue, our opportunities for advancement would be nearly locked away, and Twitter might even consider moving out of California." Hawke turned to Brian, "It''s hard for you to rise any higher; there''s little hope for governor or senator positions, and even the House of Representatives would run on luck. The conflict we initiated isn''t for Washington; it isn''t just about party politics -- it''s our own fight to expand our growth prospects." Paul Ferguson resonated with this perspective and agreed, "Your thoughts align closely with mine, Brian needs to focus not just on carving out his own space but also on the family''s development." In that moment, Brian felt the weight of expectations pressing down on him. Erica looked at her cousin, recognizing the difference between them. She could pursue her desires within some boundaries, while Brian shouldered the family''s burdens. Consensus was reached in the study, setting the stage for a new conflict. Gordon said, "Next month, the President is coming to Los Angeles to visit disaster victims, and he might stay for several days." Paul stated directly, "The battle has to truly ignite during that time, drawing all the party''s significant forces into it, aiming to return California back to red." He turned to Hawke. "Did you manage to acquire anything?" As the pivotal moment approached, Hawke grew even more cautious. "Nothing''s solidified just yet; I need a little more time." After their brief internal meeting wrapped up, everyone began to leave one by one. Brian approached Hawke for a final discussion about the promised benefits. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 333: Super Subsidy Package [Chapter 333: Super Subsidy Package] After winning the internal competition and becoming the standout new talent of the group, Brian successfully ran for mayor of Covina City, laying the groundwork for a political career. Now, he had ascended to the mayor''s office in Los Angeles. No one understood better than Brian the crucial role that Hawke played in this journey. If Brian was the core of the team, Hawke was undoubtedly the soul. Brian was no fool. He knew that Hawke''s contributions during the Los Angeles fires could not just be compensated by the $5 million he received; it was merely pocket change when compared to the stakes involved. As they exited the villa and headed towards the shooting range, Brian remarked, "In the economic landscape of cities, Los Angeles ranks second only to New York as America''s largest economy. Each year, the city government supports key enterprises, and every mayor sets policies to assist a selection of businesses upon taking office." Hawke was fully aware. Countless businesses, individuals, and organizations sponsored elections, but it was not out of sheer altruism. Brian continued, "I''ve outlined two initiatives to support business development. One is a $1.43 billion corporate subsidy specifically aimed at high-tech enterprises. Twitter is currently one of the largest internet media companies, commanding a leading position in the Los Angeles area. We''re allocating $360 million for technological development, job creation, and skills training, scheduled for distribution over six months starting in September." Although they were alone, Hawke praised, "The new government team clearly prioritizes the development of new industries." Brian laughed. "The second initiative addresses production and office space needs. Silicon Beach is located north of Ocean Park Avenue south of Santa Monica, with the coastal office building owned by City Hall set to be completed by late October, currently undergoing basic interior renovations." Hawke didn''t hold back. "Sell it to Twitter. Our current office space is getting a bit cramped." The second-largest shareholder of Twitter was Pacific Investment Company, controlled by the Ferguson family. Without hesitation, Brian elaborated, "This building was constructed to foster the growth of Silicon Beach companies. Twitter serves as a face for Silicon Beach and Los Angeles internet enterprises. The city will offer the coastal building to Twitter at a favorable price, probably around $150 million." The coastal building was not far from Twitter''s current headquarters, and Hawke had seen it often. The building stood 16 stories tall, surrounded on all sides by four wings, featuring two separate garden entertainment areas and server rooms that could comfortably accommodate supercomputers and large servers for 8,000 employees. A price of $150 million hardly seemed workable. But, naturally, the lower the price, the better; public resources subsidizing big businesses was an admirable tradition in America. Many large corporations leveraged relocation as a bargaining chip to pressure cities into continuously rolling out new policies for more subsidies. The $360 million subsidy from Los Angeles would not only secure the building as headquarters but would also provide a generous cushion. Brian and Hawke weren''t concerned; this was par for the course in America -- rewards for election winners. Last year, Gavin Newsom became the mayor of San Francisco and bestowed a staggering $1.33 billion ''super package'' upon his key backers, Pacific Gas and Electric and the Getty family, not even factoring in the tax and policy incentives. Brian wasn''t finished speaking. "There are other inclusive policies: tax benefits and refunds, targeted support from public funds, and health assistance for those affected by the fire. You should send your people to negotiate with the city''s office on those matters." What could Hawke say? He bumped fists with Brian. "Buddy, from now on, you''re not the curse cult leader; you''re the money boss." Just as Brian opened his mouth to curse again, Hawke interrupted. He pointed to the humanoid targets on the shooting range. "I swear, if you say one more word, I''ll tie you to that target and let you see just how good my aim is." Brian instinctively took two steps back. "What do you want to do?" Hawke picked up the Garand he had used a few days prior, loaded with an eight-bullet magazine. He quickly retracted his thumb to avoid pinching it and said, "I''ve been practicing a new shooting technique called ''trace fire.'' Each bullet will fly precisely past your body and hit the target behind you. By the time I finish a few magazines, the target will have your silhouette imprinted on it." "I believe in your marksmanship, but I don''t trust your character," Brian quipped as he stepped up to another shooting position. Hawke donned ear protection, lifted the Garand, and fired eight shots, all hitting the bullseye. Brian took another gun and, thanks to his childhood training, scored eight on target as well, having picked up the skill again after the Covina attack. Hawke assessed Brian''s performance. "Not bad; you''ve improved. Next time Erika and I take a trip, I''ll invite you and Jennifer along." Speaking of Jennifer, he asked, "Aren''t you guys planning to get engaged this fall?" "The plans change faster than I can keep up. The engagement was more about the campaign necessity," Brian replied, setting down his gun. "With Antonio stepping down and me winning the election, engagements are just trivial." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke had anticipated targeting points, but they weren''t needed. The fire had scorched everything intensely, and the performance of various departments fell drastically below his lowest expectations. Who could have imagined that the second-largest city in America, fifth in the world, would be so helpless in the face of a catastrophe, ultimately relying on the fire to burn itself out to conclude? Was this still the America people believed they knew? --- After dinner, Hawke and Erika returned to the Silver Lake community, which was less than three miles from the fire zone. Fortunately, luck was on their side; they hadn''t been affected by the blazes. This only underscored one point: Hawke never anticipated the departments would falter so greatly. Erika sat in the passenger seat and said, "You don''t think we''ll run into any trouble, do you?" Hawke turned the wheel and noticed a group of men ahead. "Honey, I just promoted Brian to money boss; do you want to inherit his spot as the curse cult leader?" Erika ignored his joke and fixated on the seven or eight men ahead. She pulled a Glock handgun from the compartment beneath the armrest. Hawke clicked on the turn signal, and his left leg swung open, revealing the handle of a submachine gun. Erika''s Mercedes G-Class had been modified with several hidden weapon compartments. The group of men halted and looked toward the car. Suddenly, lights flashed from behind as three armed Humvees belonging to the National Guard approached. The armored vehicles mounted M2 machine guns and M249 light machine guns on their roofs. In downtown Los Angeles, this was the reality, the most convincing form of authority. The men scattered in a panic. Erika put her gun back in its place and said, "The flames are extinguished, but the crime rate in downtown Los Angeles has worsened." Hawke casually asked, "Are violent crimes on the rise?" "A lot of people have learned how to use Molotov cocktails," Erika rubbed her forehead. "They can get impulsive, and once they do, it''s troublesome; once it ignites, it''s hard to put out." Hawke remarked, "The Pandora''s box has been opened." Erika thought for a moment and replied, "Fortunately, this hasn''t escalated into a major riot in Los Angeles." Upon hearing that, Hawke suddenly remembered. He asked, "The last major riot was in 1992, right?" "Yeah, the 1992 Los Angeles riots," Erika confirmed. "Back then, the African Americans poured out of South LA into the streets, looting and rioting. The Los Angeles authorities suppressed them along with other minority groups involved." Hawke recalled hearing about the events from Edward. "I remember the trigger for the riots was the beating of an African American by white police officers." Erika had seen internal documents and had her own stance. "The issue started with drunk driving, but the real problem was Officer''s use of excessive force, striking Rodney King with a baton 58 times. To make matters worse, a local resident recorded it and sold the footage to a television station." The aftermath wasn''t hard for Hawke to piece together. "The media launched a campaign, sowing discord, leading to everything that followed." Erika nodded slightly, "Pretty much." Hawke added, "The events took place in 1992, an election year. California was a red state at the time, and the measures taken would have certainly agitated the minorities. In the subsequent elections, California flipped blue, and Clinton won triumphantly in what had been a traditional red state." Erika turned to Hawke and remarked, "When I was a teenager, my grandfather mentioned similar thoughts. He believed the escalation to violence and media hype had the shadows of the Democrats behind it, even saying that Hillary woman was something else." Hawke pondered, recognizing that every state''s shift didn''t just reflect long-term subtle influences but could also spark significant collisions during moments of change. The last time, it might have been the Los Angeles riots. This time, could it be the Los Angeles fires? ... As they entered Silver Lake, just before reaching the villa, Erika received a call. After hanging up, she said, "Sorry, dear, but I have to work late tonight." Hawke accelerated the car. "Is it an emergency?" "Three girls have been found dead in Beverly Hills, each with some sort of religious symbols branded on their intimate areas," Erika explained. "Cases like this in wealthy neighborhoods cannot linger. Regardless of whether we''ll solve it or not, the police department needs to show a strong stance." Hawke parked in front of the villa and said, "Be careful." Erika switched to the driver''s seat and waved to Hawke, "You should go to sleep. Don''t wait up for me." ... Hawke entered the villa''s living room and sat alone on the sofa, deep in thought about how to advance their future plans. The encounter with the National Guard and the deteriorating security situation in Los Angeles had made him acutely aware of the need for heightened security measures. He made a call, asking Campos to come by. ... Half an hour later, Campos arrived. Hawke pulled out the key to the safe from Melissa Ackerman and said, "I checked; this is the key to a safe at Citibank in Las Vegas. They only recognize the key for transactions. Bring a few people with you and coordinate inside to see what''s stored there." Campos took the key Hawke previously gave him. "I''ll personally take a team to check it out." Hawke added, "I''m planning to expand Butterfly Enterprises and formally establish a security company." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 334: Satanic Cult [Chapter 334: Satanic Cult] Under the night sky, Los Angeles International Airport bustled with activity. After flights had taken off, Campos looked down from the window, observing a stark contrast between the northern and southern regions of the city. The south was brightly lit, while much of the north lay in darkness, resembling a desolate wasteland. Next to him, Juan muttered, "Everything that has happened this month feels surreal. I can''t believe how different it''s become here." Campos replied, "You get used to it." "Yeah," Juan thought about everything that had transpired over the past year and fell silent, putting on his eye mask. Campos also donned his mask, but his mind raced. Hawke had decided to invest an additional $10 million to upgrade the Butterfly into a security company, which meant they needed to recruit a large number of reliable personnel. Campos had considered this carefully. There were plenty of officers in Mexico just like them. Although many drug enforcement agents claimed to have inside connections with the cartels, some refused to work with them and left their cities instead. This group had received professional training and often possessed various skills. Many were retired Mexican soldiers. For many of them, joining a cartel was often the first option upon leaving the military, although some chose to pursue different careers. A significant number crossed the border to seek opportunities in America. Campos knew that as long as the security company was well-funded, recruiting skilled personnel wouldn''t be a problem. --- In East Hollywood, at a Silver Lake apartment, it was late. Hawke woke up suddenly at a noise and instinctively reached for his gun, pointing it toward the door. The door opened softly, and Erica entered, saying, "It''s me." Hawke lowered his gun, asking, "What time is it?" "Early morning," Erica replied, shedding her jacket as she headed for the bathroom to shower. "You''re still as vigilant as ever, babe." Hawke sat up against the headboard, saying, "I guess I''ve been through too much recently and fear retaliation." "Relax," Erica said as she finished her shower and dried her hair. She jumped onto the bed and cuddled up to him, finding a comfortable position. "You seem really stressed lately." Hawke wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "Is it that obvious?" Erica replied, "It feels like you''ve got something weighing on your mind, pushing you to keep grinding." Hawke chuckled. "Because there are always idiots wanting to take us down." He thought about everything the Ackerman family had done, saying, "In today''s society, if we''re not at the table, we''ll end up on the menu, being devoured by others." Erica pondered this for a moment and replied, "That''s pretty accurate." Hawke switched the subject. "Is it true they wrapped up that Beverly Hills case so quickly?" "Three beautiful girls, dead and naked in the night," Erica explained succinctly. "They had branding scars, probably done with a hot iron. Looks like something a cult would do." Hawke asked, "Is there a connection to the last girl who went missing?" Erica responded, "So far, it doesn''t seem related. This is likely a cult from Beverly Hills. America has freedom of belief, so cults aren''t restricted. In affluent places like Beverly Hills, there could easily be a dozen or more cults. The Church of Scientology that Tom Cruise follows is relatively tame. They won''t easily take a life, but some are depraved and treat people like disposable objects." Hawke recalled, "The Manson family killed Sharon Tate right in Beverly Hills." "Beverly Hills has seen similar cases since, although the victims weren''t as famous as Sharon Tate," Erica remarked. "I have an old detective on my team. According to him, those three victims bore a sign associated with Satanic cults." Hawke frowned slightly. "Satanic cult? An inverted pentagram and goat''s head?" Erica shook her head. "Not quite. It''s a double circle containing an inverted pentagram, with a vaguely visible goat''s head in the center." Hawke raised an eyebrow. "Are they really holding rituals in Beverly Hills? At a time like this?" S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Do you think it has something to do with the current political climate?" Erica asked, "Not just the cult?" Hawke thought for a moment. "You should keep your ears open about this." Erica nodded, understanding. "Sure." Hawke had a lingering impression that many members of a certain political party had close ties to Satanic cults. There had been online leaks of members indulging in strange rituals, including photos where celebrities, some of whom he recognized from Hollywood, sampled grotesque cakes that looked like human corpses. He quickly lost interest in those thoughts as Erica pressed closer, and they began an intense romantic entanglement. --- In the morning, Erica took her time getting ready for work. After a long night of overtime, she could afford to sleep in a little. She intentionally made breakfast for Hawke. As they sat down to eat, Hawke received a call from Tom Cruise. "Hey, buddy! My new movie''s screening this weekend in Burbank. You should come!" Tom said on the line. Hawke replied, "I wouldn''t miss it." ... Just after hanging up, director Eric Emerson called, also inviting Hawke to the screening of , which he had collaborated on with Tom Cruise. Of course, Hawke wouldn''t decline. --- In Las Vegas, at Citibank, the glamorously made-up Fiona linked her arm with Carlos, dressed in a sharp suit, as they entered the bank lobby. After a brief exchange with the lobby manager, they made their way to the safe deposit area. Fiona pulled out the key, saying, "I need to retrieve something." The business manager verified the key and number. In the bank, the equally made-up Hierro, Juan, and Domingo, scattered around, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings. If anything went wrong, they were ready to assist in a quick exit. Outside, Campos and Lareya each sat in a car, waiting on the roadside. ... Once the manager confirmed the key was valid, he escorted Fiona and Carlos into a waiting room. They waited less than five minutes before the manager and a bank employee wheeled in a heavy metal safe. The safe was placed on a sturdy table. "You two take your time. Just call us if you need anything," the manager said before leaving the room and closing the door behind him. ... Carlos locked the door and nodded at Fiona. Fiona put on gloves, using the key to open the safe. The large safe contained surprisingly few items -- a stack of passports and neat bundles of cash in various currencies: euros, dollars, and pounds. Fiona examined the passports, finding them all legitimate. This was likely one of many escape plans prepared by Melissa Ackerman. On the other side were several plastic cases. Fiona opened them one by one, revealing a collection of CDs. This was probably the objective of their visit. After thoroughly checking the safe, ensuring there were no hidden compartments, she carefully removed the CDs, placed them in a pre-prepared bag, and examined the passports again to see if any were camouflaging additional items before storing them away as well. There was no need to take any other items; everything else remained in the safe. ... Fiona locked the safe and nodded at Carlos. He opened the door and waved at the business manager. Once the manager approached, Fiona instructed him to put the safe back. ... Carlos didn''t notice anything unusual and waved at Fiona. They exited the transaction area, passing Garcia as they left Citibank. Others didn''t rush to leave but instead conducted various transactions, acting like genuine banking customers, exiting the bank gradually. ... Campos and Lareya didn''t leave until everyone had exited, then departed in their cars one by one. The group didn''t linger in Las Vegas and returned to Los Angeles in their own ways, just as they had arrived. During the trip, Campos called Hawke to briefly update him on their situation. Hawke told him to discuss it further upon his return. If all went according to plan, the CDs contained secrets accumulated by the Ackerman family over the years. How to use this information required careful consideration and strategy. --- Back in Los Angeles, Hawke stepped out of the safe deposit area at the Bank of America, carrying a briefcase. He met up with Edward and Raul, and they left the bank together. The three of them exited through the front door and got into the business vehicle driven by Guti to return to Twitter. ... As they reached Ocean Park Boulevard, Hawke instructed Guti, "Let''s take the route through the Coast Building." The vehicle made a preemptive U-turn and turned onto Ocean Park Road, where the newly constructed Coast Building loomed prominently on the southern side of the street. The exterior of the building was finished, and a small plaza had been built in front, with entrances to two underground parking levels on each side. Edward looked up at it and remarked, "Our new headquarters looks stunning." Hawke replied, "Caroline is talking with the city hall today. If all goes smoothly, we can sign the agreement soon." The renovations inside the building had been temporarily halted, as they involved Twitter''s relocation, and necessary modifications would require input from the tech department. The server building in the center also needed to procure the latest server groups. In the future, they planned to install Twitter''s supercomputer. The vehicle circled around the Coast Building, but Hawke didn''t exit. Instead, he glanced through the window, taking in the surroundings. Twitter had grown significantly, having already tapped into California state subsidies and discounts. This year, they were poised to secure millions from the Los Angeles city hall, and soon it would be the federal government''s turn. It was well known that federal grants were more generous; whenever there was an economic crisis or a new administration, they would splash funds around. Those truly benefitting from it were primarily big corporations and conglomerates. Capital groups, alongside politicians, shared the nation''s wealth among themselves. This was one of the rules governing American society. Hawke also wanted to get a slice of that pie. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 335: Voluntary [Chapter 335: Voluntary] On Ocean Park Avenue, at the Twitter building, Campos entered the office and handed a CD and passport from Fiona to Hawke. He specifically stated, "The passports are all real, but the names are fake. The photo is indeed of Melissa Ackerman. We haven''t checked what content is on the CD." Hawke flipped through the passport, took a quick glance, and then placed it into a specialized box. He then opened up the CD pack. Inside, there were three DVDs, all high-capacity. These corresponded with the situations described by Melissa Ackerman. Hawke asked, "What happened to Melissa after she moved to Inglewood?" The house had already been renovated, and amid the chaos of the Los Angeles fires, Campos moved Melissa down to the basement. He replied, "Her physical condition is good, but her mental state has worsened; she seems to be suffering from depression." Hawke wasn''t concerned about her mental health and instructed, "Ensure her physical health. If she refuses to eat, administer nutritional fluids." Initially, Campos thought Hawke was keeping this beautiful woman for some ulterior motive, especially since holding someone captive could be alluring to some. However, he quickly realized that Hawke had no such interest in Melissa whatsoever. Not understanding, and always one to refrain from asking too many questions, Campos simply complied. ... Hawke called in Edward and had the Savior retrieve a security company proposal for Campos. The two of them headed to the adjoining conference room to discuss the expansion of the security firm. With Brian''s election, he had taken control of Los Angeles City Hall, and besides Twitter and West Coast Environmental Technologies Group, the newly established Butterfly Security Company would also receive subsidies and benefits, along with signing security agreements. Various security agreements were set to expire at the end of the year, and a significant portion of the security tasks would be assumed by Butterfly Security Company. Additionally, the outer security for the new Twitter building would also be managed by them. With a mayor elected, everyone surrounding him, including personal and corporate interests, would profit handsomely. If it were the governor and the president, the benefits would be even greater. ... Hawke pulled out a specialized laptop, inserted a CD into the drive, and began checking the three discs. The content on each DVD was different. The first disc contained a table filled with names, dates, and locations, along with blood donation frequency, among other details. This was the actual blood selling report from the Ackerman Charity Foundation. It recorded the names of missing homeless individuals, their blood test reports, and detailed information on the extraction and sale of their blood. Some test reports even noted infectious diseases such as hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and HIV. Yet, their blood was still sold as a commodity. Hawke had been investigating the Ackerman Charity Foundation and its affiliated Ackerman Medical Center and health inspection facilities. He had seen relevant medical reports showing that with less than 5% of the population, the U.S. constituted about 70% of the global blood market. Further down in the table, there were still names, dates, and locations, but the entries had changed to organs. Not mentioning other places, Los Angeles had numerous homeless and illegal immigrants go missing every year. As the world''s largest immigration destination, over the years, the overall population statistics in America had not shown noticeable increase. The table recorded names, ages, medical reports, and corresponding times for organ extractions. It involved Ackerman Medical Centers in Orange County and Rosario, Mexico. Below it was another appendix detailing the voluntary donation agreements. Hawke recalled how, back in early 2002, he had signed a similar voluntary donation agreement while working on the set of . It was evident that those whose organs had been harvested had all "voluntarily" signed off on donation agreements. With donors, there would naturally be recipients. During the early 21st century, organ transplant technology had made it difficult to preserve harvested organs for long; therefore, they needed to be transplanted quickly. The third table was a list of transplant recipients that laid out names, occupations, surgery dates, and the doctors who performed the surgeries. Hawke quickly skimmed through, not finding any familiar names; aside from those he knew, memorable names would typically belong to celebrities and super-rich individuals. These people had always been the wealthy, as the average person could hardly afford the costs associated with organ transplants. ... After reviewing, Hawke pulled out a prepared USB drive and made several copies. Then he switched to another CD. This disc was filled with over a hundred photos -- none depicting organ harvesting, but rather inappropriate sorts of images. Hawke recognized many came from the fire-ravaged Venice Beach Club, having seen similar photos from other sources. At the time, Fox News reporter Harley Wayne, led by materials Hawke had mailed, managed to track down the Super Star Training School and the Venice Beach Club, the former having gone bankrupt and the latter burnt to the ground. Broderick and Guerrero had "committed suicide," taking all the blame. This was also the result of former Governor Davis stepping down in a deal with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Subsequently, Twitter''s news inbox had received a package from Guerrero''s girlfriend, which included lists, photos, and videos. Hawke enlisted Campos and others to find that girl from Caltech and ensured her safety while they awaited their opportunity. Unlike the previous list of names on the other CD, many in these photos were familiar to Hawke -- Hollywood stars, political figures, business tycoons, and so forth. Unsurprisingly, former Mayor Antonio of Los Angeles was among them, a pudgy old black man, possibly former California Assembly Speaker Willie Brown. After going through all that, Hawke saw no signs of the Clinton couple. It seemed the Ackerman family was not connected to the Clinton line. After all, factions within the party were commonplace. Hawke made copies of these photos before putting them aside and inserting the final CD into the drive. ... This one contained entirely videos; each clip wasn''t very long, lasting no longer than five minutes. These videos captured moments of guests of the Ackerman family indulging in primal urges and perverse behavior. After making several copies, he compared them against what had been mailed by Guerrero''s girlfriend. ... The content from the blood and organ CDs extended quite broadly, probably lessening the blowback from exposure since it likely didn''t involve major figures. The latter two discs were largely filled with celebrities, socialites, and billionaires. If a list were to leak, it would set the world abuzz with scandal. At that point, they would be dealing with not just the Ackerman family, but an even larger force. Hawke had never intended to be some sort of vigilante, nor would he absurdly charge into a battle of power due to the increase in influence indicated on paper. His primary target was clear: the Ackerman family. He aimed to dismantle their power, extract their wealth, take down Barack Bernanke and Buddy Ackerman, and conveniently capture the younger generation from the Ackerman family to create a suitable pool of resources for his future. ... Hawke stashed everything away and approached the office window, gazing out at the distant Venice Beach and the ocean beyond, deep in thought. Although he was preparing to exploit the inevitable conflicts that would escalate around the elections, the more people involved, the greater the potential backlash. For the time being, Hawke contemplated selecting suitable Democratic targets to attack based on this to fully embroil the Ackerman family in the chaos of the election wars. He recalled an event from earlier that year, where he had encountered Tiger Woods and Democratic candidate Johnny Edwards while investing in Tesla, led by Elon Musk, at a Los Angeles country club. They had both been entertained by the Ackerman family at their new club location on Santa Catalina Island. Given the Ackerman family''s style as displayed in those photos and videos, it was very likely they''d been recorded during those interactions. Next month, the oval office occupant would visit Los Angeles to comfort disaster victims. Hawke returned to his office chair and checked out news articles from earlier, noting that had premiered in North America last month and would likely show at the Toronto Film Festival soon, followed by various award nominations during Hollywood''s awards season. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Regardless of the content of the documentary, its release timing indicated its intent -- aiming straight for the upcoming elections. It wouldn''t be an exaggeration to say the documentary had effectively served as a remarkable promotional tool. Hawke closed the web page, planning to tie this to the current socio-political dynamics. But he still needed a hard-headed, particularly determined, and justice-seeking journalist. Megan Taylor wouldn''t do; Hawke and she were essentially on the same wavelength. Finding a replacement was not difficult. Hawke remembered Harley Wayne, the intrepid reporter who had rushed to cover the Venice Beach Club fire. Last month, Fox''s news team had also seen her leading the coverage. Hawke sifted through the gathered materials, copying parts onto a USB drive. ... By the time Campos finished discussions with Edward, Hawke called Campos over, handing him the USB drive and saying, "Find a way to get Harley Wayne''s private email, and use the old method to send the material to her inbox." Campos had a deep impression of reporter Harley Wayne, replying, "I know what to do." .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } Given that this matter would soon involve the elections, getting personally entangled was quite dangerous; to say there was a threat to life would not be an exaggeration. Despite being the rogue he was, Hawke still had a sliver of conscience, warning Campos: "Send a few reliable guys to quietly follow Harley Wayne, make sure she stays safe." Campos replied, "I''ll send the best security personnel over there." Hawke was considering even more, discussing various strategies further. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 336: A Bunch of Scammers and a Client [Chapter 336: A Bunch of Scammers and a Client] Century City, Fox Television Center. Harley Wayne walked through the large newsroom and entered her own private office. Strictly speaking, it was a big cubicle designated for high-level reporters who went out into the field. There were many chaotic issues and rules within the TV station, but the field reporters, capable and willing to think outside the box while delivering results, received generous compensation from Fox. Harley''s job offered a good deal of freedom; not only did she have her own office, but she could also pursue the stories she was interested in. Following the Los Angeles wildfires, she had secured many exclusive reports. Since the Venice Beach Club incident last year, Harley had developed relationships with several news informants and handed out numerous business cards with her cell number and email address throughout Southern California. Having valuable leads enabled her to launch investigations. Harley opened her computer, logged onto Twitter, and browsed trending news. The current trends were still focused on the rebuilding efforts after the Los Angeles wildfires, along with news targeting the former mayor and several past Democratic Party lawmakers. She quickly noticed that the newly appointed Mayor Brian Ferguson had a uniquely favorable connection with Twitter; the platform was filled with positive news about him. Sources from City Hall also leaked to her that Twitter was among the top two companies slated for subsidies in the mayor''s economic development plan. While this was normal at the policy level, Harley felt it might be worth exploring. Harley opened her email, finding several unread messages, and quickly became engrossed in one. It contained photos of various forms, which revealed many names followed by blood test records, blood draw times, and information on where the blood was sold. Another form detailed an organ transplant list, meticulously recording the donor and recipient data, the timing of surgeries, and so on. The appendix attached to these forms included specialized descriptions from the Ackerman Charitable Foundation''s medical center. Harley''s right hand, gripping the mouse, trembled slightly as she opened an encrypted hidden folder containing findings related to the Venice Beach Club incident. Although the club was nominally founded by Broderick, an executive at Ackerman Films, it was actually owned by the Ackerman family. The fire had destroyed all traceable evidence, and with two supposed suicides to take the blame and the upper echelon''s conspiracy, everything had quickly returned to normal. Harley pulled up the profile of a man named Guerrero, who had committed suicide by jumping off a building. He had a girlfriend named Irene, who attended Caltech. When Harley searched at Caltech, she discovered that Irene had gone missing. Harley considered the possibility that the Ackerman family might be involved. The Ackerman Charitable Foundation was the family''s biggest business. ... Harley identified two local individuals in Los Angeles who had recently gone bankrupt and called one of them. "Hey, Bonte, can you help me look up two people?" "Do you have names or social security numbers?" came the reply. Harley provided the names and details of the companies they had run. "Thanks." The response came quickly: "They went bankrupt and couldn''t repay their loans, they couldn''t pay child support after their divorce, and they''ve become homeless." ... After hanging up, Harley contemplated contacting a friend at the Los Angeles Public Health Department to check the corresponding blood product batch numbers in the forms but hesitated, retracting her hand. If the content in the forms was accurate, such inquiries could easily alert the other party. Harley made notes, downloaded the email, created a backup, and replied, "The news leads you provided are valuable. Can we meet to discuss? Plus, I''ll throw in $500..." She deleted that and rewrote, "I''ll give you $1,000 as an informant fee." At the end of the email, Harley left her work phone number and clicked send. After a while, there was no response. ... Harley decided to investigate; she wasn''t familiar with blood products and organ transplants, so she looked up information online. In her search, she discovered the promotional website for the Ackerman Medical Center. With numerous blood banks established in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego, anyone in need could easily go to sell blood at any time. As a reporter covering social issues, Harley had some awareness of the stark realities in society. There were plenty of ordinary people in the lower social strata who relied on selling blood to survive. Harley noted several blood bank addresses, grabbed a bag she could use for discreet filming, exchanged her clothes for a worn outfit, and left the office. She drove a plain Hyundai straight to Hollywood. ... Not far from Century City, there was a shelter affiliated with the Ackerman Charitable Foundation in Hollywood, and in the same block, there was a blood bank operated by the Ackerman Medical Center. Harley had a glimmer of recognition of the area; she recalled how homelessness had been skyrocketing in Hollywood, where many were living on the streets and the residents mainly belonged to the lower social classes. Less than half an hour later, Harley found the blood bank, and there were many people selling blood inside. She prepared to go in; before leaving her car, she pulled out a wet wipe and removed her already light makeup, taking off her watch and bracelet to make herself appear more down-and-out. Putting on her best forlorn expression, she walked into the blood bank alone. There were many people selling blood, with prices clearly displayed on the walls. This was a legal industry, with set prices. Harley turned her body slightly to capture footage of the blood donation window. ... A bearded Mexican man entered, grabbed a flyer, and seated himself on a bench to read. Garcia had followed her all the way from Century City. ... Harley approached the blood bank staff to inquire about operations while filming and gathering information. When she exited the blood bank, she noted multiple violations, such as a complete lack of testing for infectious diseases among blood sellers; not even the most basic paper tests were conducted. Among those she filmed, several appeared to have problems, evidently seasoned addicts. The chances of these individuals contracting AIDS or other blood-transmitted diseases were quite high. Harley got back in her car and prepared to head to the next blood bank. Passing by the Ackerman charitable shelter, she noticed several medical vans parked out front, adorned with banners announcing free health screenings. She recalled another organ transplant form in her email, stating that the sources of organs were primarily healthy homeless individuals and undocumented immigrants. In front of the medical vans, people waited to get screened and claim free gifts. Harley saw a parking sign, circled around, and drove into the back of the shelter. ... Trailing behind were Garcia and Carlos, who immediately pulled out their phones to make a call. ... Upon exiting the parking lot, Harley spotted an older Mexican homeless man sitting by the door. Judging by his appearance, he had likely roamed the streets for quite some time. She took out a dollar and placed it in front of the man''s tattered hat, saying, "I''m here looking for someone, can I ask you about a few things?" The old man looked at the bill, grabbed it, and stuffed it in his pocket, saying, "Go ahead." Harley mentioned a name from the forms, "Do you know Ward Prowse? He''s my cousin; he became homeless after a divorce last year, and I heard he was around here." The old man thought for a moment, shaking his head, "No, I don''t know him." But Harley wasn''t here just to find someone. Instead, she added, "He sent me a last message, saying he got a health report from the charity at the shelter." The old man understood; fearing Harley might not realize, he interjected, "Is the health report indicating he has an illness? The charity will offer free treatment?" "Yeah, that''s right," Harley replied, recalling the email that said, "But after that, Ward disappeared, and I haven''t been able to contact him since." The old man glanced around, "There are many like that. I''ve been around here long enough to see that many who received free medical treatment after finding they had ailments never returned. I heard from those at the shelter that some people choose to return to proper life after regaining their health, while others leave Los Angeles altogether." Harley said, "That''s good for them, though." The old man shook his head continuously. "I really need to find him. His kids have been asking for their dad for a long while now," Harley said, putting on her best act of urgency, looking worried, "If you know how to find him, could you let me know?" The old man replied, "Anyone who leaves here, never returns. What happens, I don''t know." He pointed across the street, "You see that woman? You could ask her. Her brother got on a charity health care van earlier this year and hasn''t been heard from since. The shelter said he went to work abroad; she''s been looking for him since." "Thank you." Harley left that spot and approached the woman, explaining her intention. ... The Mexican woman said, "You shouldn''t bother searching; you won''t find him. I''ve been looking, I''ve checked all the places they mentioned, and couldn''t find him. I even reported it to the police, but they said homeless cases weren''t their issue." Harley acted heartbroken. The Mexican woman continued, "I started a family group on Twitter for missing persons to support each other. If you''re interested, you can join." Harley thought back to the entire list of names and their details and replied, "Thanks." They exchanged contact information, and the Mexican woman provided her with a Twitter group number. ... Returning to her car, Harley immediately opened her laptop, accessed Twitter through her Wi-Fi card, and joined the group. The group already had over a dozen members, many comments about searching for people, and someone claimed to have infiltrated the Ackerman Medical Center, discovering serious issues inside. Harley chatted with these individuals for a while, confirming that the credentials she received via email were genuine. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } In the office of Butterfly Security Company, tech guru Hierro closed Twitter in his laptop. The people in this group were real, but all were connected to Butterfly. A classic group of scriptwriters in the internet media era -- a bunch of scammers and a client. They were using this Twitter group to guide Harley''s actions and help the Fox-protected, justice-seeking reporter achieve her ideals of justice. They might even assist her in winning a Pulitzer Prize. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 337: Pity Selling and Image Building [Chapter 337: Pity Selling and Image Building] Stepping out of the luxurious Silver Lake mansion, Hawke got into the car driven by Edward as they headed to Burbank. This weekend, , directed by Eric Emerson and starring Tom Cruise, had its private screening hosted by Paramount Pictures at a cinema in Burbank. As the undisclosed prototype of the film, Hawke received the invitation. "Boss, I got into the missing persons support group," Edward said while driving. This group originated from Hawke''s suggestion, utilizing Twitter''s technology and algorithms to create multiple accounts with different ages, genders, addresses, and IPs. Hawke could easily imagine that Harley had fallen into a scam trap, with the only real person in the group being her, while the others were all facilitators, pushing her to take risks. At that moment, Edward added, "Harley pulled in two people into the group over the weekend, both of whom are family members of the missing." "Real family members?" Hawke asked. "Yes," Edward replied. "She''s quite capable. Besides contacting the family of victims, she''s also reached out to people at the Ackman Medical Center in Orange County. She thinks she can handle that connection." "I knew she was the right person," Hawke said. "Campos also mentioned something. Harley replied to the email, wanting to meet the news source," Edward disclosed. After thinking for a moment, Hawke said, "Let''s hold off on that meeting for now." This performance needed to maintain its pace because the audience had not yet arrived in Los Angeles. ... As they arrived in Burbank, they turned into South Buena Vista Street, stopping in front of a small theater. Hawke got out and showed his invitation to the person at the door. He waited for Edward to join him before they both went inside the theater. Eric, Katherine, and Tom Cruise stood in the foyer greeting guests. Hawke quickly walked over, shaking hands with each of them. He glanced at the film''s main poster next to them, featuring Tom Cruise standing under the Los Angeles night sky, looking almost ghostly. "This image is different from your usual look," Hawke noted. Tom Cruise smiled and replied, "To win awards, I had to change my established image." Eric chimed in, "Tom''s performance is outstanding, definitely deserving of an award." Hawke maintained a serious expression. "I''ve always believed that Tom''s acting is just as good as any Oscar-winning actor. The reason he hasn''t won that trophy yet isn''t because he isn''t talented, but due to external factors." Confident and proud, Tom nodded in agreement. "You certainly understand me well." In the foyer, as there were no other guests around, Hawke said directly, "The older judges at the Academy find it too hard to make it big; they believe that real talent is forged from hardships. Because Tom gained fame so easily, they envy him and will likely place him in the opposing camp, continuously trying to undermine him to assert their authority." Tom nodded repeatedly, flattering, "Finally, someone is speaking fairly about it. Hawke, I don''t know how to thank you." Hearing this, Eric frowned. "Looks like it won''t be easy for us to win an award." Tom had a clear understanding. "Winning an award isn''t just about battling those old-timers; we also have to compete against our rivals." Noticing more guests arriving, Hawke said, "Let''s chat after the screening." Tom nodded and stepped aside, saying, "Please, go ahead." ... Katherine accompanied Hawke and Edward into the screening room, stating, "If this film does well, it will be much easier for Eric to seek investors in the future." Hawke understood the implication but remained silent. Katherine continued, "The industry in Hollywood is terrible; those aspiring actresses are more shameless than ever. Even before Eric could prepare his new project, they''ve been bombarding him with their contact information and directly calling him to meet at hotels." Hawke was well aware that directors in Hollywood faced such situations regularly. Actors had to not just showcase their talents but also navigate their relationships cleverly, often having to please directors and producers. After thinking it over, he suggested, "You need to have a serious talk with Eric about this." Katherine sighed. "When Eric wasn''t successful, I wished for his rise to prove my foresight and profit from my investment. Now that he''s succeeded, I fear his success might be too much for me to keep up with." "Just keep a level head," Hawke advised. There weren''t many male directors in Hollywood who could handle such challenges from actresses. Flipping the situation, he questioned if he would even be able to handle it himself. After all, the women involved weren''t just pretty; they were some of the most famous beauties in America and even worldwide. Why did Hollywood stars often get involved with politicians and wealthy individuals? Why did Hillary have a soft spot for Leonardo? Katherine noticed that Hawke didn''t wish to interfere in her personal matters with Eric, so she stopped pressing further. ... As Hawke entered the screening room, he sat down on a couch as directed by staff. On one side of the room, Jacqueline noticed him and discreetly approached, taking a seat beside him. She extended her hand to shake Hawke''s, as if they were just meeting for the first time, and introduced herself. Hawke asked, "I heard from Eric that you''ve completely given up your side projects." "Yeah, it''s been a while now," Jacqueline softly replied. "After I finish this film, I''ve landed the role of second female lead in another project thanks to my collaboration with Tom Cruise, which pays enough to live on." Hawke knew that Jacqueline was the second person to successfully transition from a high-end escort to an actress. He said, "You haven''t run into trouble after leaving your old agent, have you?" "I joined William Morris, and compared to these real agencies, my old agent doesn''t hold up at all... Oh, by the way, my agent is Dany Garcia, Dwayne Johnson''s wife." Lowering her voice even further, she added, "When I first joined William Morris, I considered asking for your help with publicity, expecting my backstory to be spotlighted when released. I thought it might cause some trouble, but Dany advised me that it wasn''t worth bothering you." Given their past collaboration and Jacqueline''s compliance, Hawke said, "I recall you mentioned that you didn''t have a great family life?" Jacqueline nodded. "It was bad -- my parents divorced early and each started new families. I felt like a burden no one wanted." "Use that to your advantage. Have Dany draft a press release highlighting your difficult upbringing, perhaps including a few instances of close encounters with harassment or assault to elicit sympathy. Emphasize how you''ve never let those experiences defeat you, showing your determination and resilience. Focus on your efforts as a woman, fighting for your place, and how hard you''ve worked to get to this position." Jacqueline quickly pulled out a notepad, jotting down what Hawke suggested. Hawke considered for a moment. "Last year, you helped a friend raise funds, right?" "Yes, for her child who has a congenital disease," Jacqueline replied quickly. "She had to be hospitalized every now and then, which incurred significant costs. I assisted her a few times." Hawke suggested, "You and Dany should talk to her and get her to support you, maybe she can vouch for you regarding your past work. You joined this line of work to help her and her child. When you moved to Los Angeles, she took you in, but her kid''s health might deteriorate. Then an opportunity arose for you to take on that role; you had nothing to lose, and you could use your only asset to raise the money for the child''s treatment." Jacqueline realized that her problems sounded trivial in comparison to what Hawke was suggesting. When the topic turned to film promotion, Hawke said, "You should also consult with Katherine. These ideas could work for film promotions too. Hollywood and entertainment media love stories about redemption. You''re attractive and compassionate, which is a strong angle for promotion." Jacqueline closed her notepad and said, "I''ve noted that down." Hawke concluded, "For the specifics, you should discuss it with Dany." Jacqueline was eager to call Dany Garcia, exchanged pleasantries with Hawke and Edward, and quickly left the screening room. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Edward watched her hurried departure and remarked, "She''s embarking on a whole new path." Hawke thought Jacqueline left a good impression. "Let''s wish her luck." ... As more people entered the screening room, they were mostly from within Hollywood, with a few critics sprinkled among them. Only about a hundred people filled the large screening room, and the marketing staff from Paramount distributed surveys to everyone present. Before long, Eric and Tom Cruise also entered the theater, and the screening officially began. ... Most of the film''s scenes unfolded at night, centered on a down-and-out young man who had just arrived in Los Angeles and was determined to achieve the American Dream. By chance, he chose to enter the field of freelance journalism. The film included scenes of fireworks shoots, street battles, and actively creating news stories, all edited and embellished for the screen. The film''s climax was a massive clash between journalists, mules aiding drug dealers, and the LAPD. The male lead, having landed a major scoop, started earning a high income and founded his own media company. The content was largely inspired by real cases from West Coast studio, but to match audience acceptance, media opinions, and award considerations, the protagonist''s actions received a positive spin, and overly sensitive topics were dramatized for effect. If Hawke''s real-life accomplishments were adapted, the film might have earned a better reception among a select group of viewers. However, from a commercial standpoint, it would likely perform poorly. As for media opinions, they couldn''t expect any favorable reviews after portraying them darkly. Winning awards was even less likely; films with overly somber themes had never been Oscars'' cup of tea. After the screening concluded, the audience erupted into applause. .bg-container-10448ed3ed0{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } This was an internal screening, not one to build up hype for ticket sales; the applause faded after about ten seconds. Edward murmured, "Boss, a film at this year''s Cannes Film Festival received over ten minutes of applause." Hawke selected an A+ rating on the survey and remarked, "A new record for applause will be set soon." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 338: A New Approach to Film Publicity [Chapter 338: A New Approach to Film Publicity] After the screening, Tom Cruise and Eric invited Hawke to meet them at the studio on North Beverly Drive. Hawke settled into a sofa and asked, "Have they compiled the feedback from the screening?" Eric responded, "We received 102 questionnaires, with an average score of an A." Tom Cruise added, "Paramount is optimistic about this film. I had a chat with the distribution head, Bales, and he thinks the movie is entertaining and has solid commercial prospects. While it might not compete with mainstream blockbusters, if marketed well, it could potentially gross over a hundred million at the North American box office." Hawke nodded in agreement. Even though he wasn''t an expert in film distribution, he understood the immense draw that Tom Cruise had at that time. "What about awards?" was another concern for Hawke. Tom Cruise said, "Paramount and my company will fully support the awards campaign." He reminded Hawke, "We agreed to aim for the awards together." Hawke recalled their agreement clearly, stating, "The primary goal is Best Actor." He turned to Eric, "Best Director and Best Picture are a tall order, especially since Eric is a newcomer, but we might have a slightly better chance at Best Picture." Eric was composed, replying, "This is only my second feature film in theaters." Tom Cruise reassured him, "We''ll submit for all those awards. We still have some time before awards season, and we need to monitor not only ourselves but also our competition." Hawke completely agreed, adding, "Every Oscars comes down to the results. If all our competitors perform poorly, as long as we outshine them, we will win." Tom Cruise sought to capitalize on this idea. He had already thought it through: "The core Academy voters don''t really like me. Can we ensure they like our competitors even less?" Hawke gave him a thumbs up. "Tom, that''s precisely the essence of the awards game at the Oscars!" Eric, lacking experience in this area, asked, "I know that campaigning in Hollywood takes a lot of time, money, and effort to showcase our advantages and let everyone know we''re better off, right?" "That''s only part of it," Hawke explained simply. "Strictly speaking, the Oscars are like a massive election in the film industry." Eric looked puzzled. Tom Cruise quickly explained, "In every election, it''s a competition of not just who''s better but who''s worse. This trend has been increasingly evident. I think it won''t be long until the deciding factor in election outcomes will be which side performs worse." There was no denying that Tom Cruise maintained significant insight with his sustained global fame over the years. He continued, "The rivalry has already broken all standards, and the competition has turned vicious, with unethical tactics continually emerging." This reminded Eric of something: "Like the Watergate scandal?" He pondered further, "And maybe little Kennedy too?" Hawke returned to the topic, "With only a few months before awards season arrives, we need to start gathering intel on our competing projects, especially those looking to invest heavily in Best Actor, Best Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Picture." Tom Cruise affirmed, "I''ve hired a team specifically for that." Hawke had his own agenda in helping Tom Cruise secure awards and cautioned, "I received news earlier this year that Focus Features'' production, , is putting significant resources into contesting Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Picture. They''ve secured sponsorship from a foundation and might be willing to spend big." Eric had heard about this film: "A gay-themed movie? Is that really going for the Oscars?" Tom Cruise responded swiftly, realizing that the Oscars represented more than just Hollywood''s highest honor, but also broader societal trends and political significance. For instance, with the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language film, the quality of the film was not the primary consideration; the theme and ideology were crucial, particularly whether it aligned with Hollywood''s stance. Tom Cruise, who had faced rumors about his sexuality in the past, was candid about it: "Hollywood has a significant number of gay individuals. While many don''t dare to be open, they have continuously driven LGBTQ movements, and this film..." "Regardless of what''s behind and the nature of the premise, if they are contending for those awards, they are our rivals; they are our enemies," Hawke stated resolutely, looking at Cruise. "We need to pay close attention to their team." At Tom Cruise''s level, what he desperately needed was the recognition of a heavyweight award. He didn''t hesitate, saying, "I''ll have someone keep a close watch on their team." Hawke had his sights set not only on the crew but also on the BlackRock San Francisco office behind the project. Both sides had experienced their share of fierce competition. The scars from last year''s explosive incidents still lingered on Covina Avenue. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... After discussing for some time, Hawke prepared to leave. As Tom Cruise walked him out, he received a call, and upon hanging up, told Hawke, "I just got word that the Venice Film Festival closed three hours ago, and won this year''s Golden Lion award." Hawke hadn''t focused much on the film outside of North America, but it didn''t surprise him since Europe had often been ahead of America in LGBTQ representation. Using the latest news, Hawke remarked, "It looks like is going to be our formidable competitor." Tom Cruise appeared more serious than before, saying, "I will have my team gather all the information on that project." He asked Eric, "Who''s the lead actor in ?" Eric was well-informed: "Heath Ledger, an Australian actor." Tom Cruise frowned, "Haven''t heard much about him." The gap in their star power was stark. Eric continued, "He starred alongside Matt Damon in ." Tom Cruise still looked puzzled. ... Hawke took his leave and, while on the road, called Caroline to have her check into the judges and sponsors of this year''s Venice Film Festival. ... On Monday, after returning to work, Caroline''s assistant brought Hawke the latest information. Because the requests were highly specific, it took some time, but Hawke managed to gather substantial intel. At the recently concluded Venice Film Festival, it turned out seven advertising sponsors were backed by BlackRock or had funds controlled by it. This could be considered coincidence, especially since BlackRock had made a name for itself in the investment sector post its 1999 IPO, although its growth pace wasn''t particularly fast. However, Hawke continued to dig deeper, and what he found next wasn''t ordinary. This year''s Venice Film Festival jury chair was John Boorman, a British director known for films like , , , , and . Boorman was preparing a new film, , with BlackRock Film Foundation as its biggest investor. Interestingly, BlackRock Film Foundation was also one of the largest investors in the project. Hawke felt as though he had learned something valuable. Winning awards wasn''t just about publicity coups; it could be approached from this angle too. The allure of money was everywhere. However, this method wouldn''t work for the Oscars. The three major European film festivals have juries that hold significant power; if a jury chair fully intends to push a somewhat mediocre film for an award, other jurors would struggle to counter that. There were also jury chairs who attempt to balance things out, sometimes producing bizarre results, such as multiple individuals receiving the same award. Oscars awarded their trophies based on voting from over 5,000 Academy members. When it came to Tom Cruise''s bid for Best Actor, he required considerable support from actor-evaluators, with approximately 1,200 members needed. Hawke contemplated which approach to use. The ideal outcome would not only prevent from winning any major Oscars but ideally would also see it snubbed for major nominations altogether. At this point, the LGBTQ community hadn''t fully gained traction, and was still a non-mainstream movie. Hawke thought that what he was doing was exacerbating the divisions in American society. Various social groups and forces were at odds, and Hawke picked up the phone to call Tom Cruise, saying, "For , let''s especially reach out to some ambitious or greedy female members of the cast. Once they''re back from Venice, let''s send them a substantial gift." Tom Cruise agreed, "I''ll handle it." Hawke hung up, knowing that in today''s Hollywood climate, as long as actresses were willing to speak out, it would never become a slander. What Hawke aimed to incite was a true, high-end business war. ... Just then, there was a knock on the office door, and Caroline strutted in wearing red high heels. Miss Baa pulled out a chair and sat across from Hawke, crossing her long legs in her business suit, drawing attention to her slender calves in stockings. She flashed a smile, "I''ve finalized the discussions with City Hall regarding the coastal office building and financial subsidies, and they need you to sign the contract." Hawke asked, "When?" Caroline coyly stretched her foot forward, "Ideally this afternoon; I''ve scheduled a meeting with the design company tomorrow regarding the renovations for the coastal building." "Alright," Hawke checked his calendar and added, "Is Brian signing on behalf of City Hall?" Caroline pressed her foot against the floor to leverage her movement, bringing her foot under the table and forward: "Yes, he is." Hawke leaned back in his chair, colliding with a sharp edge as he glanced at Caroline, "Your hoof." .bg-container-10448ed3ed0{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } Caroline accused with a playful tone: "You bumped into my high heel!" Though Hawke caught a whiff of something, his thoughts were solely focused on dealing with the Ackermans, and he said, "We should talk it over when we do our random checks." Caroline blinked, "Let''s include Megan in the discussion." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 339: Deception Hidden in Plain Sight [Chapter 339: Deception Hidden in Plain Sight] Los Angeles, City Hall. In the conference room, Hawke and Brian sat on opposite sides of a long conference table, signing contracts in front of them before exchanging and signing again. There was no public ceremony, no media attention, just like many political deals, the formal signing slipped under the radar and landed in the pockets of big companies. This was a contract covering two projects. One involved the City Hall selling the Coast Building to Twitter for $150 million at cost price, under the pretense of supporting the development of Silicon Beach tech enterprises. The other was the City of Los Angeles''s financial support plan for key businesses, which provided Twitter with a subsidy of $360 million for technology research and development, personnel employment, and skills training. Once the contracts were signed, the projects moved forward. The paperwork for the ownership transfer of the building would be handled by subordinates. ... Hawke and Brian left the conference room and entered Brian''s office as mayor. Similar to an Oval Office, the mayor''s office was not large, adorned with portraits of distinguished former mayors of Los Angeles, but lacking an image of the last mayor, Antonio. Brian settled on the couch in the waiting area and told Hawke, "$150 million to be paid in three years. Twitter shouldn''t have too much pressure." "I was hoping for a ten-year installment plan, then wipe the debt clean at the end," Hawke joked. Brian responded simply, "Los Angeles has unwritten rules in this regard. For situations like the Coast Building, the installment period can''t exceed an administration''s term." There were more contracts than just these two. After the LA fires, all cleanup operations at the disaster site had been outsourced to West Coast Environmental Technologies, who then subcontracted to three other companies at a lower price. In the end, more than ten companies were involved in the cleanup. This type of subcontracting, with multiple levels, was a common global practice. West Coast Environmental Technologies snagged all bids in the latest procurement tender from the fire department. Due to the fire, City Hall and city council boosted the firefighting budget to its maximum. This procurement amounted to an impressive $32 million, with more to come. As everyone knew, government procurement in America was highly profitable. A security company had already signed a contract, and Butterfly Consulting was in the process of hiring staff, but the existing security company''s contract expired at the end of the year, allowing time for the new company to train personnel. Brian added, "The president is coming to LA before next weekend. Support for the donkey party has continuously dropped since the LA fires, and it''s nearly level with our elephant party." He then mentioned, "In the last election, the donkey party''s Gore got 53% of the vote in California, so they don''t really hold a dominant advantage." Hawke remembered that in ten years, that number would rise to over 60%. It seemed that Elephants could only secure about 35% of the votes in California. Hawke nodded, asking, "How did your conversations go with your girlfriend?" "Jennifer and I are just dating; we''re not engaged yet!" Brian emphasized, and then continued, "Jennifer is selecting reliable personnel and contacting the Washington headquarters to find a suitable reason to sideline the deputy director leaning toward the donkey party." That was one of the reasons Hawke had been waiting. LAPD might frame the average person without a problem, but for things like this, he couldn''t rely on them. Saying LAPD was as leaky as a sieve wasn''t an exaggeration. As soon as a case came in, it would immediately reach the ears of those who needed to know. The local FBI office was slightly better, mainly because Jennifer Huey had brought along a cadre when she transferred in. The supervisor here had been nominally working since last year, essentially retired, and paid no attention to these matters. As long as the deputy director was out of Los Angeles, Jennifer could use her position to suppress a lot of issues. Hawke said, "My team is progressing step by step, it won''t be long before that female reporter from Fox comes out swinging." Brian nodded, "I promised Jennifer that if this goes well, we would get engaged right away." Hawke sighed, "Buddy, for our careers, you''ve made a brave choice, and I really admire you." Brian looked sorrowful, saying, "But what I''ve lost is countless forests." "If you need me, I can help arrange a grand bachelor party," Hawke offered, feeling comfortable financially. "At the very least, I could find you five Victoria''s Secret Angels and ten models who have walked the Victoria''s Secret runway." Brian grabbed Hawke''s arm, saying, "Then it''s settled!" Hawke added, "Regarding accountability for the fire, don''t let your guard down for a second. You need to track down Antonio, while Sacramento should investigate those donkey party council members. This isn''t just about launching a pressure campaign; it will keep them focused on the aftermath of the fire." Brian understood these points, "We need to avoid them noticing that we''ve opened a new battlefield." After the fire, the donkey party sacrificed Antonio in hopes that he would shoulder as much blame as possible and attract the public''s attention. This method had proved effective; with the previous Los Angeles mayor resigning, the donkey party faced considerably less public pressure. Yet the elephant party continued its relentless pursuit, positioning itself to turn the narrative of the LA fire into a quick comeback for California. The two discussed matters for a long time, nearing noon before Hawke finally left Los Angeles City Hall. ... The detective bureau was not far away, so Hawke called Erica to confirm she was free for lunch, inviting her out. Over lunch, they talked about a recent case that had occurred in Beverly Hills. Hawke inquired, "Any updates on that case?" Erica replied succinctly, "The suspect remains unidentified, but all signs suggest that it was likely committed by some super-rich individual. Not only is this guy wealthy, but they might also be involved in a secret cult, possibly even a member of a satanic sect." Hawke understood, "So someone up top is applying pressure to obstruct the investigation?" Erica shrugged, "I can''t reach them, but both CHP heads are trying to bury the case." Hawke said, "LAPD is meant to protect taxpayers and donors. If someone pays a hefty protection fee and doesn''t receive adequate protection, who would donate to LAPD in the future? Isn''t that true?" Erica nodded slightly, "Pretty much." Neither of them were particularly concerned about seeking fairness or justice, making little of the matter. Hawke recalled something, saying, "I''ve upgraded Campos''s service to a security firm and need to secure a batch of firearms licenses." "Just have him send me the personnel files; it''ll take me no more than five days," Erica directly replied, pausing her knife and fork. She added, "I''ll get it sorted. When you go out, take extra security and drive the highest-rated armored car. What you''re planning with Brian may provoke a fierce backlash." "I will," Hawke assured her. "If anything happens, I''ll call you." Erica earnestly stated, "I''ll ensure to inform my grandfather and have the security firm prepare two helicopters on standby. If anything happens, they could support you at a moment''s notice." ... After finishing lunch, Hawke left the urban center first, driving back to Twitter and following Harland from tech into their newly acquired office building. Renovations on the Coast Building had paused, waiting for more specific requests from Twitter before continuing. The main changes revolved around networking lines and security systems, with the server setup being critical. Enclosed by sixteen floors of structure, the interior featured another sixteen floors dedicated to servers and supercomputers. Hawke followed Harland into the building, discussing various technical matters as they walked. This building had been designed for leasing to Silicon Beach tech companies, inherently structured to host servers, requiring minimal alterations. The specialized communication lines and cutting-edge servers alone made this building swallow the subsidies from the Los Angeles City Hall. The bleeding costs of developing social media networks surged. Hawke thought about the president coming to Los Angeles; if they wanted to gain an advantage here, they would undoubtedly leave something behind. He wasn''t in the business of losing money. --- In Downtown Los Angeles, at the Expo Park, Harley Wayne held a copy of , sitting on a bench beside the Rose Garden Plaza. Due to it being a workday, there weren''t many people in the park. Harley glanced occasionally at those coming into the park. The day before, the email address belonging to someone who had messaged her had suddenly replied. That person claimed to be a source for her news stories. Without hesitation, Harley arranged to meet the source at Expo Park. Glancing at her watch, she shook her head, telling herself to take a deep breath. She had come a bit too early; there was still half an hour until their scheduled time. ... In a parking lot, less than three kilometers away from the park, Irene, the late Guerrero''s girlfriend, reviewed the printed material again. Beside her, Betty gently squeezed her hand, encouraging her, "You''re a smart girl; you can do this." Irene set down the materials and looked up at the sky, "He''s watching over me from up there." Irene had seen everything Guerrero left behind and knew her boyfriend wasn''t a good person, but he treated her exceptionally well and died under unknown circumstances. Irene still remembered the last night; if Guerrero hadn''t forced her out, she would have certainly died. She didn''t care about others'' lives or deaths, but she had to exact revenge for Guerrero. When Fiona and Betty found Irene and showed her the details they mailed, she was quick to follow them without much persuasion. This college student, after understanding the situation, was determined to take revenge. For the past six months, Irene had been undergoing various training to prepare for her strike. Target: Ackerman Charitable Foundation! Irene grabbed her car keys, put on a Dodgers baseball cap, got into the nearby car, and said, "I''m going." S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. .bg-container-10448ed3ed0{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-container-10448222eb6{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } Betty nodded, "Don''t worry, I''ll stay close to you." "Okay," Irene replied, starting the car and driving toward Expo Park. Betty and several others quickly followed behind her. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 340: Breaking the Rules [Chapter 340: Breaking the Rules] Before long, Irene quickly arrived at the park entrance. She parked her car, grabbed her bag, and entered the park. Near the rose garden square, she spotted a blonde woman holding a magazine in the distance. Having seen photos of Harley, Irene approached and asked directly, "Are you Harley Wayne?" Harley, who had already noticed Irene, recognized her instantly and frowned as she asked, "Are you Irene from Caltech?" "That''s right, it''s me," Irene replied. Harley felt a mixture of surprise and understanding. She had done some digging on Irene last year and found out that she was Guerrero''s girlfriend. "I went searching for you at Caltech, but you vanished," Harley stated. Irene explained, "I found some things that Guerrero left for me, and I realized he didn''t die from suicide. I worried those people would come after me, so I had to leave the school." Her hatred radiated from deep inside: "I want revenge for Guerrero! The things I''ve got are connected to big names in California politics. They made Guerrero look like he took his own life. I''ve been quietly investigating them for the past six months, but I couldn''t get close. I''ve tried everything and only found the sorrow of the small people." At that moment, Irene recalled Guerrero, and tears rolled down her cheeks. "I can only choose to go public and try to ruin them, but I don''t trust those media outlets. They all smeared Guerrero! I saw your report on Fox News about the Venice Club. No one else dared to report it. You were the only one who stood up despite the pressure. I trust you with this!" Based on the information in the email, Harley conducted her own investigation, even bribing a janitor at the Orange County Ackerman Medical Center with a handsome sum. She was certain the names and details in the email were genuine. "Besides the email''s contents, do you have any other documents?" Harley asked. Irene replied, "Yes, Guerrero recorded some photos and videos at the Venice Beach Club." Harley felt a surge of excitement. "Where?" "Can you ensure this will get reported?" Irene asked. With a rare sense of justice among reporters, Harley declared, "I swear, even if I get busted up, I''m going to do this!" Irene led the way. "Follow me." ... They exited the park, got into their cars, and drove northeast until they reached Pasadena, entering a five-story building. In a third-floor apartment, Harley looked at several videos and corresponding photos on the computer. Irene stated, "These are all that Guerrero secretly left behind. If I hadn''t sorted his gifts, I wouldn''t have found them." The computer''s speakers blared cries from a girl begging and the sounds of sadistic abuse. This wasn''t mere intimacy; it involved violent mistreatment. One older Black man brandished a skinning knife. Harley flashed back to a news story she''d seen about a gruesome transaction in a chaotic part of Southeast Asia. For $10,000, someone could have a living person delivered for their pleasure. The local police later discovered many bodies without skin. Such insane behavior wasn''t unheard of globally, yet it was happening in America, which touted itself as the beacon of humanity. The perpetrator stood high on the beacon, torch in hand. Harley recognized the older Black man as former California Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, one of the prominent figures in the state. She was also familiar with others in the videos; the older white man was state senator Miles, and the middle-aged Latino man was former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio. Harley remembered the last time the Venice Beach Club caught fire. Fox News had been pressured heavily until they released Guerrero and Broderek as scapegoats, ultimately burying the incident. Just exposing these three could trigger a huge earthquake in California. Los Angeles had just endured a massive fire. Did it really need an 8.0 earthquake on top of that? Harley made her decision -- she would use public opinion to wash away the darkness and filth that the fire couldn''t burn away. If Fox didn''t dare report it, Harley would upload the information onto Twitter and to websites outside America. Those girls shouldn''t just disappear quietly from this world. Closing the video, she flipped through the photos and looked at Irene. "Are you willing to give an interview? Don''t worry, I''ll blur your face." Irene answered, "I''m not afraid." --- Ocean Park Avenue, Twitter Headquarters. Edward answered a phone call and informed Hawke, "Boss, Harley and Irene met successfully. She got everything from Irene, and they left Pasadena. Harley temporarily placed Irene in a house in Burbank." Hawke nodded. "Tell Campos to have someone watch around the clock. I don''t want any unforeseen circumstances." He prepared for this year''s political landscape since last year, taking advantage of the ongoing two-party rivalry. Just like how he dealt with the firefighters in New York, he stirred the pot using his media resources and even leveraged Brian Ferguson''s connections to exploit the situation for greater effect. If the two parties weren''t divided enough, Hawke would push for faster fragmentation in California during the elections. The elections were the perfect cover to hide behind. Pulling out his phone, he called Brian and asked, "What''s the situation over there? There''s still no news on the media front." Brian replied, "The paperwork is completed, and the district attorney''s office will be on its way shortly." "Got it," Hawke acknowledged. ... Inside the city hall office, Brian hung up and pressed a button, calling in his assistant Beacon. When Beacon entered, Brian inquired, "Are the materials ready?" Beacon reported, "Due to the sensitive nature of the investigation, we only traced seven departments from city hall with $15.7 million of funds unaccounted for." Brian had no interest in looking into legitimate municipal subsidies; they were all lawful dealings. He said, "Send it to the district attorney''s office and give it to Prosecutor Blinder." Beacon acknowledged and then left. ... On the other side, Hawke dialed Megan Taylor''s number casually, saying, "Honey, the show is about to start." S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Megan, having had in-depth conversations with Hawke about this, replied, "Are you coming over tonight?" Hawke responded, "I''ll head to your place right after work." --- West Los Angeles, Kemanda Travel Agency. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio, having taken on all responsibility, was idle during this time. He could no longer appear and campaign for the donkey party in the upcoming California election. He would be joining Pacific Electric''s Los Angeles branch next year. Using this downtime, he thought of going on vacation. Today, Antonio visited a travel agency to discuss potential trips to New Zealand. ... In the parking lot outside, Lareya sat in the car, checking his camera while keeping a watchful eye on the travel agency''s entrance. In the driver''s seat, his collaborator Elena pulled out camera badges for Fox 11 and handed one to Lareya while donning the other herself. A text came through, and Elena glanced at her phone, saying, "They''re on their way." Lareya powered up the camera. ... In just a few minutes, a car labeled as part of the Los Angeles district attorney''s office turned onto the street and parked near the travel agency. The occupants seemed to hesitate before finally exiting. At that moment, the glass door of the travel agency opened, and Antonio walked out. Prosecutor Blinder and assistant prosecutor Nikola quickly approached Antonio. The former introduced himself and presented legal documents, explaining, "Sir, there are several public funds with unspecified dispositions, and the prosecutor''s office has the right to question you." ... Meanwhile, Lareya moved closer with the camera to capture the exchange. Elena was in the car, clicking away at her camera. ... Antonio''s expression darkened, but he composed himself, scrutinizing the documents carefully. "You shouldn''t get involved in matters that don''t concern you," he warned. Blinder gestured for him to proceed. Internally, Antonio fumed at Brian for breaking his promise. However, he kept his anger in check, pulling out his phone. "I need to call my attorney." Blinder made no move to stop him. "That''s your right. Go ahead." Although such questioning was typically superficial and would last only an hour at most, Antonio sensed the danger lurking in the air. He first called his lawyer and then informed a colleague of the situation. After that, he climbed into his car and followed Blinder to the Los Angeles district attorney''s office. During the drive, Antonio briefly considered calling Brian but ultimately refrained. The fact that the new administration would not pursue the prior administration''s actions was a well-known rule in American politics. Now, the elephant party''s fools had broken that unwritten rule! Antonio remained clear-headed. During his term, he''d committed plenty of questionable acts; should anyone challenge the status quo, he would certainly face significant challenges. He wondered about the significant political shifts occurring over the past two years. The usually conservative elephant party was behaving much more aggressively than before. ... Behind the two cars, Lareya and Elena followed closely. Elena accelerated slightly, weaving through traffic to remind her partner, "Hurry up and make copies to send to Fox 11!" .bg-container-10448ed3ed0{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-container-10448222eb6{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } Lareya connected the camera to his laptop and copied everything from the recordings onto a USB drive. Using a wireless card, he first emailed it to Butterfly. When they reached the Los Angeles district attorney''s office, Elena found a suitable spot to park and then made a phone call. A little over ten minutes later, someone approached their car, collected the USB drive, and quickly headed to Fox 11 News. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 341: Managing a PR Crisis [Chapter 341: Managing a PR Crisis] "The video is set to go live on time," Hawke stated as he looked at the hastily assembled editing team in the small conference room. "The title and content should reflect on Antonio!" Johnny, who was in charge of writing the news, replied, "I need ten minutes." Hawke nodded, "That''s fine." He turned to Edward, saying, "The target audience for this news article is the supporters of the Democratic Party." Edward had spent over six months mastering some backend functions. Hawke continued, addressing a few others around the table, "You all will edit the news to highlight the various issues surfaced by the Los Angeles fires and connect them directly to Antonio, reminding everyone that these are the former mayor''s errors." He paused briefly to add, "Also, incorporate the recent discussions from Sacramento and the state legislators advocating for environmental legislation alongside the Smelt Fish Protection Act. Merge it with the previous media criticisms to ramp up visibility and make sure the right people see it." The group nodded in acknowledgment. Hawke''s aim was clear; he sought to reignite the media storm, grabbing everyone''s attention again. Social media on Twitter and traditional media on Fox News were aligning for the push. ... Ten minutes later, news about Antonio was published alongside the video. "During his tenure, over $15 million in public relations funds went missing; Los Angeles'' former mayor Antonio is under investigation by the LA District Attorney''s office!" The news was underpinned by photos and videos from Lareya and Elena. Below that were numerous clearly directed news links that criticized the California Democratic leadership in the aftermath of the Los Angeles fires. Though the Democratic Party had thrown Antonio under the bus, the public uproar hadn''t died down yet. The fire had raged too intensely, catching the eye of the Republican Party, and it wouldn''t be easy for those involved to escape blame. Among the key targets of criticism was California State Assembly Speaker Nunez, a major advocate for the environmental legislation and the ''Smelt Fish Protection'' proposals. As soon as the news hit Twitter, it soared to the trending topics and appeared on recommendation pages of the targeted audience. ... Meanwhile, Fox News Channel 11 also aired news about Antonio. In the director''s office, Megan Taylor called her former assistant and producer of , Aisha. "Did you catch the last segment of the news?" "Yeah, I saw it," Aisha acknowledged, knowing her position. "Antonio and those fools back in Sacramento are the main causes of the Los Angeles fires. We have to further expose their severe damage to California and Los Angeles!" Megan nodded, asking, "How is the new special program coming along?" Aisha responded confidently, "It can air anytime; it''s been ready for a week." "Let''s air it tonight," Megan stated, tapping her fingers on the desk. "We need full force, focusing on all the mess they''ve created. We''ll rerun it every day after the midday news." Aisha detailed the content of each episode and then left the director''s office. Each major media outlet had its stance -- they didn''t exist for fairness and justice, and Fox News was no different. ... Just as Megan finalized arrangements, the phone on her desk rang. It was from the chairman''s office, where Roger Ailes said, "I just saw the news advancement plan for Channel 11. You''re all doing very well, but the criticisms against the Democrats need to go deeper to build momentum." Megan, as the director of Channel 11, had to align with the stance of the entire network, especially this year. A month earlier, George Walker had specifically traveled to NYC to visit Rupert Murdoch, the emperor of News Corporation, Fox''s parent company. Both parties reached agreements on multiple fronts. The former would receive comprehensive media support from the latter, who would benefit once victorious. Megan had seen the reports on their meeting. She said, "The latest special will begin airing tonight on , attacking the key players behind the Los Angeles fires with full force." "Great, keep up your style," Roger Ailes concluded the call. ... Megan logged into the network scheduling software accessible only to network executives. After a few minutes, she pulled out her phone and called Hawke, saying, "Next week, that person coming to LA will appear on a Fox interview show." Among the major networks, only Fox leaned conservative. Hawke asked, "Not Channel 11?" "This level of interview isn''t something I can intervene in, and not even Roger Ailes has a say here," Megan explained succinctly. "This interview was personally arranged by Rupert Murdoch." --- In San Francisco, at Pacific Heights. Senator Miles hurried across the yard, up the stairs, and around to the ocean-facing terrace. There, Willie Brown, a bald Black man dressed in a blue casual outfit, sat relaxed in a wicker chair, gazing out over the San Francisco Bay while enjoying some afternoon tea. Kamala, a Black district attorney, noticed Miles arriving on the terrace and brought over another wicker chair. Knowing she was Willie Brown''s mistress, Miles nodded slightly and sat down, urgently saying, "I just got word that Brian Ferguson broke tradition and teamed up with several LA DAs, pursuing Antonio for misconduct, and he''s already accepted questioning from the DA''s office." Willie put down his coffee cup, the relaxed look on his face replaced by seriousness. "Are you sure?" Miles replied, "Twitter and Fox reported the news an hour ago and are stirring up the public again to focus back on us." Hearing this, Kamala brought her laptop over, connected to Wi-Fi, and logged into her Twitter account to find the relevant news, placing the notebook on the table in front of Willie Brown. Willie squeezed her leg, clearly satisfied with his well-supporting mistress. Miles shot a curious glance at Kamala, realizing why she was moving up the ladder so quickly. Just last month, someone had nominated her for San Francisco''s chief prosecutor position, and if it weren''t for the public PR crisis triggered by the Los Angeles fires, she might have already taken office. Miles sighed lightly, knowing someone had to be backing her up. Willie quickly scanned through the news, some mentioning him and Assembly Speaker Nunez as well. He wasn''t surprised. "The LA fires scorched over 300 square kilometers of land, leaving tens of thousands homeless, nearly 300,000 evacuated, and over half a million households without water or power, affecting nearly 20 million people with smoke. The Democratic response was entirely predictable." Miles added, "George Walker is coming to California next week to campaign." Willie shook his head in dismay. "This war in California is about to reach a fever pitch. That old fart from the Ferguson family is stirring the pot further just to benefit that pig in Texas." Miles agreed, "Without Paul Ferguson''s backing, Brian would be insignificant." "We can''t underestimate Brian though," Kamala interjected. "He has a close friend who''s also his cousin''s boyfriend -- Hawke Osment, the founder of Twitter. This guy is a strategic mastermind and played a crucial role in Brian''s campaigns for Covina Mayor and LA Mayor." Willie recalled Hawke. "The BlackRock San Francisco division wanted to control Twitter and launched a series of maneuvers that ultimately failed, resulting in the death of the head Douglas." Miles asked, "Has BlackRock tried anything since?" "They wouldn''t dare take any direct action against Hawke Osment''s safety again," Willie looked off into the distance. "That guy values his life more than anyone; he travels in a bulletproof car, accompanied by multiple bodyguards, and he''s quite handy with a gun. If you can''t kill him, you will have to live in fear of being assassinated at any time for the rest of your life." Getting back to the point, he stated, "This battle has to last until after the votes are done. We can''t let our guard down. You and Nunez need to communicate effectively and be fully prepared. We''ve always had the upper hand in media narrative; aside from Fox, mainstream media in California is on our side or at least not siding with the Republicans." "Before I came here, I talked to the Speaker. He has dispatched a PR team to contact major media outlets and TV stations," Miles responded. Willie nodded slightly. "That''s not enough; we need a two-pronged approach, playing defense while delivering a heavy blow to the Republicans!" Miles asked about the defense, "So we''ll continue to let the attention stay on Antonio?" Willie looked at Kamala. "You need to go back to LA and boost Antonio''s confidence. Tell him that even if this goes to court, he will be fine." His defensive strategy involved more than that: "Given the ongoing LA fires crisis, we''re at a disadvantage, and it''ll take time to retaliate. We need distraction factors to shift public focus." Miles thought of the most effective way, "Get a Hollywood star involved?" S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Willie recalled a previous wild party in LA and turned to Kamala. "When you''re in LA, see Leonardo. He''s tired of Gisele Bundchen, so have him dissolve that engagement as quickly as possible. I''ll have someone pressure him." Kamala nodded, realizing that sacrificing a high-profile Hollywood star was the best way to shift public attention. With Leonardo''s status and influence, even George Walker himself couldn''t steal headlines from that. .bg-container-10448ed3ed0{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-container-10448222eb6{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } Willie gestured for Kamala to hand him some documents, passing them to Miles while saying, "This is a record of violations by Andy Smith, the mayor of Fresno Elephant Party. Fresno is California''s fourth-largest city, so expose him and let him take some heat. We''re as incompetent as the Elephants; it doesn''t matter if it gets out sooner or later." Miles took the documents. "As George Walker comes to California to visit disaster victims in LA, wanting to play the good guy, I''ve got a surprise for him," Willie had been planning this with his successor Nunez for a while. "The BlackRock Film Foundation sponsored Director Michael Moore''s documentary ; technically, it premiered in North America, but it''s only been screened in a handful of theaters. We''ll contact major independent cinemas in Los Angeles and New York to have it go wide this weekend!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 342: Fool is Me [Chapter 342: Fool is Me] Sacramento, State Capitol. On this day''s session, several members of the Republican Party submitted a proposal calling for an investigation into numerous Democratic Party members pushing for new environmental legislation and the Smelt Fish Protection Act. Inevitably, both sides exchanged heated words, attacking each other to no end. With less than half of the meeting completed, Speaker Nunez expelled several individuals from the chamber. ... In California, the division and confrontation continued to escalate. The expelled members of both parties ended up brawling at the entrance of the Capitol, turning it into complete chaos. Since the Los Angeles fire, public opinion had been relentlessly attacking each side, leading to an exceptionally fierce clash. One Democratic Party member seized hold of a Republican member''s little brother, nearly cracking an egg in his grip. This Republican member was no pushover either; he bit down on the Democratic member''s other hand, almost severing a finger. It wasn''t until the Sacramento police arrived that the two were separated. At least a dozen media reporters captured relevant photos or videos. ... That afternoon, the incident appeared on multiple internet sites, including Twitter. Different media outlets reported vastly different stories based on their respective stances. For instance, Twitter and Fox had largely consistent headlines. "Faced with multiple members demanding a thorough investigation into the Democratic Party''s misconduct during the Los Angeles fire, they retaliated with personal attacks." However, the and NBC reported the opposite. Meanwhile, Twitter and Fox had not let up on Antonio. Fox Channel 11 aired an episode - "Antonio and the Mystery of the Missing $15 Million." --- Los Angeles, District Attorney''s Office. After a second round of questioning, Antonio left the building accompanied by his lawyer. Dozens of reporters surrounded him like sharks. The bright flashes made it impossible for Antonio to open his eyes. "Did the missing $15 million end up in your personal pocket?" "Did you misappropriate substantial public funds and spend them on gender equality? Was there any illegal financial transactions involved?" Facing the reporters'' questions, Antonio seemed not to hear them. He tightly closed his mouth and entered the car parked by the roadside under the protection of his lawyer and assistant. ... "Go!" Antonio scowled, urging the driver to speed off. "Those bastards clearly wanted to rip off all the masks!" He suppressed his anger, "How dare they use the budget for women''s rights to target me!" His lawyer advised, "This can be easily resolved. Speak with the women''s rights leaders and have them publicly voice support and protest. If necessary, let them sit-in at the DA''s office. Those women are tough cookies; the prosecutors will soon back off." Antonio said to his assistant, "Help me contact Karen Crowley and Michelle; it''s best if we can meet today." The assistant made a phone call and quickly hung up, saying, "They are available now." ... They agreed to meet, and thirty minutes later, Antonio met with Michelle and Karen Crowley, two women''s rights leaders, at the Green Business Club. Antonio had worked with them many times before, having appointed them as the head and deputy of the fire department, so he felt this request was a minor issue. He explained his purpose and made his demands directly: "You both need to publicly clarify your support for me on behalf of your organizations and send some people to protest the DA''s office. This will be resolved quickly." Hearing this, Karen and Michelle exchanged glances, silently reaching an understanding. Michelle responded, "We barely managed to extricate ourselves from the public scrutiny last time. You want us to jump back in?" Antonio sensed something was off in her tone. Before he could speak, Karen interjected, "Sorry, Antonio. We appreciate everything you''ve done privately, but we can''t support you publicly. We are a women''s rights organization, and endorsing a man publicly would draw a lot of backlash." Michelle added, "The last collaboration harmed our group''s reputation; we''ve now agreed to only support women for the mayor position. Men aren''t part of our consideration anymore." Karen said, "Women should support women, not men. Publicly supporting you goes against our fundamental principles." The two of them effectively leveraged the rapid-fire advantage of women''s dialogue. Michelle continued, "Public protests aren''t possible. Last time, in supporting you, we clashed with Black women. Many of our sisters face lawsuits for racial discrimination and are on the brink of fines and jail time." Karen also pressed on, "If your opponents bring more of those Black women in, we won''t stand a chance against them." After their previous confrontation, they thoroughly analyzed the situation, realizing that they only represented feminism, while their opponents wielded not only feminism but also racial discrimination. They were simply not on even ground. Antonio looked at Karen, then at Michelle. He initially had a lot to say but saw their limited vision and gender opposition; he instantly lost the will to debate. "Sorry, then." Karen concluded, signaling to Michelle as they both took their leave. ... Antonio watched them leave and suddenly recalled what an old friend had said during the formulation of gender equality plans. That friend had advised him multiple times: among those championing feminism today, very few were capable or visionary; the vast majority were merely a bunch of fools, flying the gender equality flag to demand privileges. What they wanted wasn''t equality but to have the traditional men and women underfoot, unconditionally enjoying all social resources without bearing any responsibility. "Fool is me," Antonio muttered sotto voce. Only a fool would expect anything from another set of fools. As he left, he realized he had made a monumental mistake; collaborating with feminism would lead nowhere good. --- With the election nearing, across the nation, including California, traditional media from radio to newspapers to television, along with internet media represented by Google, Yahoo, and Twitter, had been embroiled in a brewing conflict. The Watergate scandal had provided both sides the best example back in the seventies; since then, various advanced tactics repeatedly emerged. By the time the zipper gate incident erupted, mutual exposure had become a crucial part of election campaigns. Due to a series of chain reactions stemming from the Los Angeles fire, California''s 55 electoral votes had become the focal point for both sides. The Republican Party aggressively launched a media campaign, aggressively pushing to turn California red once more after twelve years. The Democrats were gradually implementing their traditional strengths in environmentalism and women''s rights. However, Hawke exploited the situation, and they found themselves at a disadvantage in public opinion. Public attention fluctuated rapidly. The Democratic Party played its trump card first. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... In Brentwood, a car suddenly pulled over, and Hollywood superstar Leonardo DiCaprio got out from the backseat, angrily striding forward. His fiancee Gisele Bundchen followed suit, stepping out of the car. Multiple reporters and paparazzi trailing the couple immediately chased after them. In front of numerous cameras and recording devices, Leonardo and Gisele erupted into a heated argument. The former complained that the latter didn''t give him any space, causing him a lot of pressure and making life very stifling. The latter accused the former of constantly cheating and never taking their engagement seriously. Their quarrel intensified. Within minutes, Gisele removed her engagement ring and tossed it at Leonardo, walking away without a second glance. In the meantime, she made a call to arrange for someone to pick her up. Leonardo also took off his ring, shouting at Gisele, "Our engagement is over!" These words fell on the ears of surrounding reporters and paparazzi, making them exceedingly excited. Another wave of stories was about to be fed! This was Leonardo, and the impact of his broken engagement was no less than that of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman''s divorce. ... The Butterfly Company had always followed Leonardo, and as soon as the news was captured, they hopped into their car to call Campos while quickly sending the footage over to Twitter. ... Leonardo donned two diamond rings and returned to his car, shutting the door and instructing the driver to go. As the vehicle distanced from the reporters, he pulled out his phone, opened his contacts, and found a name - Celery. Leonardo dialed the number, and as soon as it connected, he said, "I followed your instructions." "It''s not you who followed; it''s you who''ve always wanted to do this but hesitated. I helped you make a firm decision," came the voice of a middle-aged woman on the other end. Leonardo casually acknowledged and hung up the phone. He took out a mirror to check his face, still not fat enough, still looking somewhat handsome. He called his nutritionist, "Speed up my weight-gaining plan. I want to gain weight faster, especially in my face!" The driver glanced in the rearview mirror, saying to himself, is your face not your most important tool for making a living? Leonardo, looking at himself in the mirror, pinched his face and pulled on it hard until it distorted, which made him feel a bit better. --- Ocean Park Boulevard, Twitter. Edward rushed in, saying, "Boss, we just received news that Leonardo and Gisele Bundchen have called off their engagement. The Butterfly Company sent over video footage, but it''s not exclusive." Hawke wasted no time: "Get the editorial department to release it immediately." Edward made a phone call: "Send the video directly." Having followed Hawke for a while, he had developed a sense of awareness: "Boss, for Leonardo to break up at this time, he will definitely grab the headlines of major media. Is it deliberate? Could it affect us?" "Doesn''t matter." Hawke knew very well Leonardo''s influence: "Even if we don''t release it, other media will. It''ll still grab the headlines." The response speed of internet media far exceeded that of traditional media. .bg-container-10448ed3ed0{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-container-10448222eb6{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } Among all internet outlets, Twitter was the fastest in responding. Two minutes later, Twitter became the first to break the news and release the video. "Leonardo DiCaprio and Gisele Bundchen Call Off Engagement!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 343: This Isnt Corruption, Its a Tip [Chapter 343: This Isn''t Corruption, It''s a Tip] That afternoon, Hawke sat in his office, wrapping up his work before logging onto his Twitter account to indulge in some juicy gossip. News broke about Leonardo DiCaprio breaking off his engagement with Gisele Bundchen, instantly dominating Twitter''s trending headlines. In less than half an hour, the report, complete with a video, topped the Twitter hot search list. While he didn''t land the exclusive scoop, the early breaking news coupled with Leonardo''s star power caused Twitter traffic to surge by twenty percent within the first hour after the announcement. Forget about the Los Angeles wildfires, the mayor, or the bickering politicians; the latest scoop about Hollywood''s A-list was stealing all the thunder. ... Just as Hawke finished watching the video, Twitter''s algorithm pushed a new tweet to his account. It was from an account registered under Gisele Bundchen''s name, indicating it was likely true. "In light of Leonardo''s repeated infidelities since our engagement, I officially announce the dissolution of our engagement. I wish Leonardo a successful career." Barely ten minutes later, Leonardo responded through his own Twitter account. "I have lost the love of my life." The breakup of Leonardo and Gisele, once engaged and now apart, caught the attention of paparazzi, and their swift exchange of statements only added fuel to the fire, quickly attracting numerous comments on Twitter. ... "My Leo finally dumped that Brazilian ugly woman!" "According to Brazilian tabloids, she''s been played around a lot by Ronaldo!" "Finally, it''s done! Leonardo has broken up again." "Gisele started dating Leo with ulterior motives. Just look at how she turned from a regular model into a supermodel over these years. Without Leonardo, would we even know who she is?" Most Americans rallied behind Leonardo, voicing little sympathy for Gisele. However, some astute observers sensed something was off. "Why is their breakup so public?" "Feels like there''s a conspiracy behind it." ... Hawke browsed through the comments but quickly shut his laptop. It was obvious why such sensational news was released now. He understood Leonardo''s tactics not just from present events, but through nearly two decades of knowledge about the man. Leonardo rarely dated older women, often sticking to younger partners. As soon as his patners reaches twenty-five, his relationships ended quietly, usually only confirmed when he appeared with a new model girlfriend. Such an explosive and public breakup clearly had a single purpose. Hawke cursed under his breath at the California Democrats for resorting to using Leonardo as a distraction whenever they faced a backlash from public opinion. But he had to admit, this strategy was working remarkably well. He suspected there was a hand from Hillary at play. That woman wanted not just Leonardo''s body but also to leverage his fame. What a player she was. He remembered many rumors from his past life claiming that Chelsea wasn''t truly a daughter of Clinton but rather the child of Hillary''s classmate and partner, Huber. No one could verify such claims, and those daring to investigate would likely find themselves be killed. But everyone knew that the Clinton couple was particularly extravagant. ... As Hawke was enjoying this gossip, a phone call interrupted him. "You got time? Let''s meet up and talk," Brian said on the other end. Hawke glanced at the clock. "Just come over." "Okay," Brian replied. ... Less than an hour later, Brian walked into Hawke''s villa, sat down on the sofa in the guest area, and said, "Did you see the news about Leonardo and Gisele? They''ve taken all the spotlight." Hawke shrugged, "Leonardo is tight with the Democrats. They''re just using him to divert attention from themselves. We''ll handle our business while they self-destruct." Brian thought of the tactics they used last year against Sterling Van Wagenen and Robert Redford, adopting a similar tactic: when the opponent attacked the other, their team would attack from another track and directly defeat the enemy. Hawke continued, "This just shows the Democrats'' main focus is on the narrative surrounding the L.A. fires." At that, Hawke frowned slightly, "Is that all they''ve done?" "Not quite. There''s more," Brian added, now there for two reasons. "The Democrats are aiming for Fresno''s Mayor Smith. They''ve got dirt on him and have already submitted it to the Fresno federal prosecutor''s office controlled by the Democrats. A query notice has been issued to Smith, and it''ll likely be exposed tomorrow." Hawke inquired, "Smith is a Republic mayor?" Brian took the matter seriously. "Yes, he''s my classmate from Stanford Law School and an ally of mine." Hawke understood. "What exactly happened?" Brian detailed, "The dirt on Smith is about a contract he awarded worth $3.15 million to a company in Fresno for garbage trucks shortly after taking office. After fulfilling the contract, that company paid Smith $35,000." Hawke raised an eyebrow, "So, you''re saying he took a bribe?" Brian rubbed his forehead, clearly shocked by his peer''s stupidity. "Exactly. The company wrote a check directly to him." To add on, he said, "During the inquiry this morning, Smith claimed the money was consulting fees, but the federal prosecutor is preparing to indict him." Hawke was equally surprised. "This kind of idiot deserves to go to jail." "I concur," Brian said, then shifted gears, "He heard about the times you helped me out and is willing to pay $2 million for some advice -- just looking for your insight." When Hawke heard about the money, he replied, "Since he''s your classmate and ally, there''s still hope." Brian knew Hawke could come up with a plan. Hawke pondered for a moment and asked Brian, "Typically, when dining out or spending on services, how much do we tip?" The tipping culture was deeply ingrained in American society. After a moment''s thought, Brian answered, "Generally, it''s 10% to 15%. If the service is exceptional, it can go up to 20% to 30%." Hawke said directly, "In this garbage truck deal, the parties involved are the city and the garbage truck company. Smith is acting like a waiter; that $30,000 isn''t a bribe, it''s the tip the garbage truck company is giving for his services." Hearing this, Brian''s eyes widened as he realized, "Tips are an accepted part of business transactions and have evolved into a recognized cultural norm after decades. Smith is a mayor, but he''s also just a regular member of society. By providing good service to the garbage truck company, they pay him a proportionate tip -- that''s just a customary social rule." Hawke added, "Smith taking tips is fundamentally for public interest, not for personal gain." Brian thought of more to add, "Gifts before services count as corruption, while those after can only be seen as tips." He grew a bit excited, "If Smith''s case goes to prosecution, it might set a precedent and usher in a new era for America!" Hawke felt politicians should grant himself a celebratory award. Brian kept track of that thought before continuing with another subject. "Many independent theaters in Los Angeles have suddenly changed their screening schedules; starting this weekend, they will extensively show the documentary ." He asked Hawke, "Have you seen this documentary?" Hawke nodded slightly, "It covers the ties between George Walker''s family and various entities." Brian responded, "This film was made for the upcoming election, attacking George Walker throughout. It had a limited release in New York previously, blocked by Walker''s influences, and didn''t gain much traction, showing only in a handful of theaters. Now, it looks like the Democrats are waiting for an opportunity." "That''s good news," Hawke said, not really caring about George Walker''s situation -- he just wanted more chaos. "That pig from Texas views us as temporary allies. His eagerness in California shows he values those 55 electoral votes. The harder the situation gets for him, the more we stand to gain." Brian agreed, "If he shows up here and the outcome is decided, he won''t pay anything." Hawke snapped his fingers. "First, we secure our interests, then worry about the rest." It would be best if George Walker was slandered thoroughly, going head-to-head with the Democrats in California; that would make Hawke the happiest. The two briefly discussed the situation with Harley Wayne before Brian left to check Twitter. ... Updates continued to come in regarding Harley Wayne. The reporter from Fox was bold, driven by a sense of justice, but also not reckless. She recognized that, against the billionaire Ackman family and several key figures in California, she had only one shot to gather enough evidence to pin them down. If she failed to leverage Fox''s influence, the repercussions could be dire. Harley Wayne was still collecting more evidence. ... Later that night, Hawke noticed $2 million had been transferred into the account of the West Coast Media Entertainment Studio. Though Mayor Smith''s troubles were making headlines, they were overshadowed by the shocking gossip of Leonardo''s breakup. In the media spotlight that week, it was all about Leonardo and Gisele Bundchen. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As the weekend approached, would be extensively shown in densely populated areas like Los Angeles and New York, placing George Walker at the center of public scrutiny. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 344: Interest Alliances [Chapter 344: Interest Alliances] At Los Angeles International Airport, Air Force One was parked on the tarmac. Hawke, dressed in a suit, blended into the crowd welcoming the arrivals, unnoticed by anyone. Brian, as the same-party mayor, had already stepped to the front of the crowd to greet the visitor. George Walker descended the stairs, shook hands with Brian, and exchanged a few words. The current commander-in-chief made his way through the crowd, greeting everyone in sight. Brian introduced him as he went along. As they reached Hawke, Brian said, "This is Hawke Osment, my close friend and the founder and chairman of Twitter." George extended his right hand, shaking Hawke''s and remarked, "I''ve heard of you -- a young talent." Beside him, Chief of Staff Andrew Card whispered something. George then asked, "Are you still in strategic planning?" Hawke answered with confidence, "I dabble in it occasionally." George nodded slightly and continued shaking hands with others. Andrew Card stopped before Hawke and said, "The promotional plan is going smoothly." Hawke replied, "The execution of Twitter is beyond question; we have been advancing according to your plans all along." ... After exchanging a few words, George and Brian had already entered the vehicle, setting off towards northern Los Angeles to visit the citizens affected by wildfires. This visit to Los Angeles was a must-show for him, with the recent wildfires being identified by his team as the most beneficial factor. Hawke got into Brian''s assistant''s car, following closely behind. Upon reaching the Hollywood Hills area, George stepped out, and the photo opportunities began. A few buses arrived nearby, where protest banners and posters were raised, accompanied by chants. These were typical theatrics for campaign season; both sides were used to it. ... However, after George posed for pictures with a young boy, he sensed something was off. "The true masterminds behind 9/11!" "Executioner!" "Liars!" From a high vantage point amidst the cleared rubble, Hawke surveyed the surroundings. The protesters were holding up images of the Twin Towers, displaying posters of , and had a banner listing the number of 9/11 victims, chanting in unison. George maintained a stoic face, continuing his sympathetic outreach with Brian by his side. In recent days, had been released widely across America, with media buzzing about the documentary, along with various news reports that dug deep into George and his father emerging one after another. In conspiracy theories, it was said that the two Georges had a hand in 9/11. The Walker family''s ties with Bin Laden had become the hottest topic in the news. Given that the donkey party (Democrats) controlled most mainstream media, George could theoretically sit in an electric chair. While these politicians deserved scrutiny, becoming embroiled in a negative media storm at such a crucial moment was quite infuriating. ... After the outreach concluded, once George got inside the vehicle and the door closed, his expression darkened. He turned to Chief of Staff Andrew and said, "How could Brian be so oblivious, not even managing to deal with those opposing protesters beforehand?" Andrew could only advise, "The donkey party has a stronghold in California; Brian just won the mayoral recall election in Los Angeles; it''s normal for him to lack control." He pointed out, "With Brian elected as the mayor, the Ferguson family, an established force in California, will regain prominence; they''ll be one of our crucial pillars in this state." This served as a reminder to George that some conversations could be had privately but should never be said in front of the Fergusons. George responded, "Don''t worry; I will show them enough respect." Andrew added, "John Kerry and Johnny Edwards will also be coming to California soon." George couldn''t help but laugh, "After everything they''ve stirred up and the documentary they made to smear me, they''re chasing after me in California; what does that say?" Andrew''s expression became serious as he stated, "It indicates they have no confidence or grasp on the situation in California." George slapped the armrest of his seat and said, "What was once a blue state is very likely turning into a swing state, and this state has the most electoral votes, 55, in the country." Andrew took this to heart, saying, "California will be one of the decisive battlegrounds between us and the donkey party." ... The caravan drove out of the barricaded area, and as they passed the protesters along the road, George took in the various posters and slogans they held. He withdrew his gaze and closed his eyes, contemplating what it would take to secure California. Allies were just allies; to earn their support, interests were key. The convoy headed straight to Woodland Hills. George''s family owned a mansion there, and the Secret Service had already prepared. ... Upon entering the mansion, the campaign team swiftly set up in the meeting room. The latest data was compiled for Andrew. Campaign manager Mehlman and chief strategist Karl Rove were seated at the conference table. When George arrived, Mehlman said, "The latest statistics show that after spread widely, the impact from the Los Angeles fire, which had been increasing our approval ratings, has stalled since the day before yesterday and started to decline; in California, we remain the underdogs." In front of the core team, George did not hide his frustration, saying, "These Hollywood bastards can''t get anything right; they act like a swarm of flies." Karl, responsible for promotion and values, primarily pushing anti-terrorism and traditional family values, found himself at odds with Hollywood''s anti-war and single liberalism. He said, "Here in California, we have consistently held the high ground in public opinion, fiercely criticizing the donkey party''s misdeeds; but once the news about Leonardo came out, the public''s attention was diverted, severely diminishing our promotional impact." Mehlman suggested, "It''s the ideal opportunity; we should grab a few Hollywood stars and make them pay for making such a fuss every election cycle." Andrew raised his hand to interrupt them: "The real key lies in those 55 electoral votes; our approval ratings have come to a standstill -- if we don''t progress, we''ll regress. Merely relying on the narrative surrounding the Los Angeles fire won''t ensure our support." When George''s father ran for election, California was firmly a red state. He looked at Andrew and said, "You''re joining me tonight to visit Paul Ferguson." The Ferguson family''s estate was just a stone''s throw away, also in Woodland Hills. Andrew immediately got in touch with them. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... After dinner, George and his group arrived at the Ferguson family mansion to visit Paul Ferguson. This was an informal meeting, with no media allowed. Upon entering, George noticed in addition to Paul Ferguson, there were three young people present. He recognized two of them, Brian and Hawke, whom he had seen earlier that day. The other one was a light brown-haired girl, likely Erica Ferguson. They proceeded directly to the study to talk. Andrew was the first to address the matter: "The situation in California isn''t as optimistic as we imagined; simply relying on the Los Angeles fire is insufficient to turn the state red again." Brian interjected, "We also have a backup plan, but it requires a massive investment of resources." George chimed in, "The federal government is never short on resources." Hawke sought to intensify conflict while also extracting benefits: "Our plan significantly increases the likelihood of you continuing to access federal resources." Paul gradually said, "George, your father and I are old friends; when it comes to critical moments, old friends are the most reliable." Here, the negotiation for interest exchanges began. Twitter and the Ferguson family would work together to suppress the donkey party''s momentum in California, relegating them to a weak position in public opinion. Should George secure reelection, economically he would include Twitter and Pacific Investment Group in the primary tier of new economic development plans; politically, he would once again team up with the Ferguson family. As for the means of alliance, it would follow one of the oldest traditions in the world: one of Herbert Walker''s granddaughters would marry one of Paul''s grandsons. Without reelection, none of this could come to pass. Under the night sky, George and his group bid farewell and left the Ferguson estate. ... As they were seen off, Paul looked to Hawke and Brian, saying, "Whatever you need next, just contact me; I''m at your service 24/7." Hawke replied without hesitation, "I will need the most elite personnel to keep an eye on the Ackerman family and senior executives at the Ackerman Charity Foundation; they are crucial to our operation." Paul wasted no time, looking at Erica: "You take a leave of absence and assist Hawke in mobilizing the security company''s personnel." Erica understood how vital this was for both her family and for Hawke, responding, "Sure." Hawke reminded, "The FBI Los Angeles office is key." Paul addressed Brian: "You need a partner; Jennifer is a good candidate." Brian proved reliable in critical moments, saying, "I''ve already proposed to Jennifer; she accepted." Hawke extended his fist for a congratulatory bump, stating, "Congrats, man." Erica shot a glance at Hawke. Hawke noticed, meeting her gaze with a nod. Erica smiled and extended her palm, clasping Hawke''s large hand securely. Their hands, rough from hard work, gripped firmly together. Paul suddenly said, "Since California turned blue, the elephant party (Republicans) lost the Los Angeles mayoral office; you must feel the Ferguson family''s influence weakening -- we''ve even struggled to project enough deterrence outside during incidents like the Covina explosion. The world is forgetting us; if we don''t act, with California deepening into a blue state long-term, our family''s strength will continue to decline until we are overtaken." Hawke wore a serious expression, having already sensed this. Taking on the Ackerman family and escalating the conflicts between the two parties in California were also targeted approaches to undermine the Ferguson family. Time had proven that the Ferguson family had indeed taken this path. Paul''s gentle gaze sharpened as he instructed the three of them, "Once this is executed, there is no room for retreat; this political struggle is life and death, and there can''t be any softness -- that bunch of bastards is of no use, and those who must disappear will disappear." He first looked at Hawke and Erica: "I have full confidence in both of you." Erica laughed, "Grandpa, are you praising Hawke and me for being ruthless?" Paul ignored her and turned to Brian, "You should always heed Hawke''s advice." Brian, being the reliable person he was, could judge what was most beneficial for himself: "I will." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 345: The Time Had Come [Chapter 345: The Time Had Come] East Harleywood, Silver Lake Neighborhood. The basement was brightly lit, and the vault door stood open as Hawke took out a brand-new AK-74, carefully applying gun oil to maintain it. Erica appeared at the vault entrance, asking, "What do you plan to do with these guns?" The smell of gun oil filled the air as Hawke meticulously assembled the disassembled components. He replied, "Sending some scumbags to meet their maker." Erica walked over, grabbed a gun from a box, quickly disassembling it while also applying gun oil for maintenance. "Whatever you do, you must count me in," she said earnestly. "How can an assault not have me backing you up?" Hawke leaned in and kissed her cheek, saying, "Whatever I do, I can''t do it without your support." They finished maintaining the firearms and opened two boxes to check the condition of the RPGs. The boxes were filled with RPG-26s, more than enough to deal with all kinds of armored vehicles on the market. Erica warned, "It''s best not to use these domestically. Such high-powered weapons attract attention from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security." Hawke finished inspecting and sealed the boxes, assuring her, "These are meant for overseas use." After the last fire at the Venice Beach club, Broderick and Guerrero had committed suicide. Hawke suspected that if things escalated beyond control, Buddy Ackerman and his family wouldn''t just stand still; they would likely try to flee North America. They returned upstairs, and Hawke pulled out some prepared documents and handed them to Erica. "This includes the key players in the Ackerman family and the Ackerman Foundation." Erica took it, flipping through the pages carefully. There were about a dozen people listed, with the most important being Buddy Ackerman and his son, Sean, along with two executives of the Ackerman Charitable Foundation, Barack Bernanke and Fernando Crane. This time, Hawke had a clear target: to dismantle the Ackerman family''s power completely. --- Orange County, Ackerman Medical Center. Chandler, a muscular guy, finished his late shift and drove out of the medical center, heading northwest through the streets before turning into a parking lot. Near another exit, he parked next to a Ford. Harley Wayne stepped out from the driver''s seat, holding a bag in one hand while gripping her pistol in the pocket of her short coat. Chandler was cautious as he recognized Harley and scanned the surroundings before getting out of the car. He handed her the bag, saying, "Here''s what you asked for." Harley accepted the bag, passing over another one. "The final payment is inside." Chandler peered into the bag and smiled, saying, "If you need anything else, just let me know." Harley asked, "Who were the victims?" Chandler tightened his grip on the money bag, answering, "Two illegal immigrants of Mexican descent; one had a kidney removed, the other had a liver taken. All their blood was drained for export, and the leftover parts will be sent to a feed factory, ground up with leftover scraps from pigs, cattle, and sheep to make chicken feed." The last comment made Harley, who had just enjoyed fried chicken for dinner, feel nauseous enough to nearly vomit. She held it together and stated, "I''ll call you if I need anything else." Chandler waved her off, got back in his car, and drove away quickly. ... Harley climbed into her SUV, double-checking the bag before starting her vehicle and heading out of the parking lot directly towards Pasadena. Since the two locations were somewhat far apart, by the time she returned to her apartment building, it was near dawn. Irene, seeing Harley come in, let out a sigh of relief, saying, "I thought you had vanished." Harley grabbed her laptop, powered it up, and asked, "Why would I disappear?" Irene shrugged, "It''s been days; you haven''t made any moves, and I worried you might hesitate." "You don''t need to provoke me," Harley replied while opening the bag and extracting the storage drive to connect to her computer. "We''re up against a massive force. I''m looking for more definitive evidence that would eliminate their options." She opened the drive and clicked on the videos, saying, "We have to wait for the opportunity." Irene didn''t understand, "What opportunity are you waiting for?" Harley handed her a newspaper, saying, "Take a look at this." Irene''s eyes widened when she spotted the headline image of George W. Bush''s arrival in Los Angeles to comfort fire victims. Harley, knowing Irene''s grasp on politics wasn''t strong, explained, "In the coming days, both the Democratic and Republican candidates will gather in California and Los Angeles, which means this place is about to become a battleground. The stories we prep will be the best leverage; Fox News is leaning red, so once these stories come out, it''s like handing a weapon to George W. Bush." Irene mainly focused on following the instructions, not considering the implications as deeply as Harley did. Her motivation remained pure -- to get justice for Guerrero: "As long as I can get revenge, everything else is negotiable." Harley elaborated, "Even though the media calls George a pig, when the knife is right in front of him, even a pig knows how to kill a donkey." All Irene could say was, "What a fitting description." ... Harley began watching the video, displaying a disturbing scene captured by a pinhole camera: a Latino man lying in an operating room, strapped to the surgical table, struggling desperately, but soon relaxing as the anesthetic was injected. Then came the surgery, until the man''s liver was removed and placed into professional preservation equipment. The recording experienced interference, so the image wasn''t crystal clear, with flickers and noise, yet the entire process was discernible. Irene''s eyes widened as she sipped water repeatedly, suppressing the urge to vomit. "It''s not very clear," she said between gulps. Harley responded, "The key positions in the medical center have shielding devices; getting footage like this is commendable." Only news organizations under News Corp excelled in undercover work and eavesdropping, and all their equipment was cutting-edge. The Ackerman medical center had been around for a while, and some of its equipment hadn''t been updated in ages, creating a gap. Harley continued watching other videos, pulling up detailed information about the operated Latino man and his Mexican documents, as well as scenes of the body being bagged and moved away. Irene squeezed her eyes shut after witnessing the latter. She could guess that Guerrero worked for the Ackerman family, doing similar tasks. But Irene didn''t dare linger on such thoughts; only one idea persisted in her mind: Guerrero had paid the price, but the masterminds hadn''t yet faced justice. ... Harley organized everything and made backups. She took out several test reports from the filing cabinet, which were the official inspection reports for exported blood plasma from the blood bank under Ackerman Medical Center. Harley had spent a fortune acquiring these from the FDA. The test results showed that multiple batches of exported blood plasma to the UK tested positive for HIV. Harley opened the safe to retrieve reports, photos, and videos provided by Irene, packing them all into a briefcase. She looked at Irene, stating, "Tomorrow morning, you need to leave Los Angeles. If anything happens to me, you must secure the backups I''m handing over and don''t trust anyone easily." Irene nodded vigorously. Harley was aware of the danger of this situation; it could end poorly. Regardless, she remained unfazed. "Get some rest," Harley said as she cleaned up, preparing for bed; tomorrow would bring fierce battles. The lights in the apartment turned off. Irene returned to her room and quietly sent a text. ... Downstairs in a parked vehicle with tinted windows, Betty noticed her phone vibrating and quickly opened the message to respond, instructing Irene to cooperate with Harley, and then called Campos. Juan sat up from the backseat, asking, "Are they about to strike?" Betty replied, "Harley has gathered all the materials and told Irene to leave first thing in the morning; it seems they''re about to make a move." Juan expressed admiration, "A journalist like that is rare." "Indeed," Betty reflected on their main mission: "Such a journalist should live and not be silenced." Juan responded, "Let''s do our best to ensure her safety." ... The next morning, the sun had yet to rise when Harley was already up preparing breakfast. Irene finished her meal, tidied her personal belongings, and directly asked, "Are you ready to report?" Harley said, "I''ll be heading to Fox News this morning to meet with the top brass; I''m aiming for today or tomorrow." Irene approached and hugged Harley tightly. "I can''t help you; I can only wish you good luck." Harley patted her back, "Remember what I said: stay away from Los Angeles, and don''t come back." Irene nodded, released her grip, grabbed her bag, and left the apartment alone, taking the elevator down. ... Once she reached the ground floor, Irene got into her car and drove away from the neighborhood. She found a suitable spot to park, pulled out her phone, and dialed Betty''s number. "Harley is about to make a move today or tomorrow." Betty replied, "Get back to the headquarters and hide, don''t come out for now." Irene hung up and directed her car towards Santa Monica. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Meanwhile, Harley drove her SUV straight to Century City, entered the underground parking lot of Fox Tower, grabbed her briefcase, and headed upstairs to her independent office. After a moment''s thought, she knew this news event was significant; if the word got out, unexpected situations could arise. For the sake of the news and her safety, Harley dialed the chairman''s assistant. To garner attention, she claimed to have breaking news that could directly impact the California election. The assistant told her to wait briefly; under two minutes, he called her back. Harley grabbed her bag and hurried towards the top floor. ... Arriving at the chairman''s office, she bumped into Gretchen exiting. Gretchen pretended not to see Harley and quickly left. Harley didn''t have time to dwell on it as she entered the office, finding Roger Ailes reclining on the sofa like a mountain of flesh. "What news do you have?" he asked. Harley handed over the printed information to Roger, saying, "There are also some photos and videos." Roger pointed at a nearby projector and computer, saying, "Go ahead and play it." After reviewing the materials, photos, and videos, he became unusually serious, asking, "Are these sources reliable?" Harley responded firmly, "Most are from the girl who committed suicide after the Venice Beach club fire, and some came from my investigation. To bribe the informant, I''ve used my entire budget for the year." Roger replied, "Good job." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 346: Full Launch [Chapter 346: Full Launch] East Hollywood, Silver Lake neighborhood. With comprehensive security in place, the fully equipped mansion became Hawke''s temporary command center. Upon receiving news, Hawke immediately called in key personnel for this operation. Erica had been at the mansion all along. Edward arrived early to check in. Brian and his fiancee, Jennifer Huey, who served as the Deputy Director of the Los Angeles FBI office, arrived one after the other. Campos also drove into the mansion''s yard. In the mansion''s spacious exhibit room, everyone gathered together. Brian pulled out a chair and sat down, eagerly asking, "Any word from Fox yet?" Hawke gestured for him to calm down, waiting for everyone to be seated before saying, "Irene has received confirmed news. The news coverage part of the Blue-Red operation has been fast-tracked by Fox. Roger Ailes intends to have Harley Wayne host Tonight''s on Fox News." Edward clapped his hands. "That''s great! This means Fox will be at the forefront." Hawke and Brian had also prepared a backup plan; if Harley Wayne faced any obstacles, Twitter would step up. Thus, the platform would be the one to shoulder the greatest backlash and pressure. Hawke looked at Erica and inquired, "About the list I gave you?" Erica replied, "It''s all being monitored closely. Each person has a team assigned to them, and there''s a team assigned to their families too." Hawke informed Campos, "Ensure Harley Wayne''s safety." "Understood," Campos responded. Hawke turned to Brian and said, "You''ll handle communication with our temporary allies. Once the news breaks, urge them to mobilize any resources they can to amplify the situation." He thought for a moment and added, "By tomorrow morning at the latest, the citizens of Los Angeles who support us need to hit the streets in protest." Brian replied, "I''ll have someone stay in the office tonight to approve the protest assemblies." Hawke focused intently. "Starting tomorrow afternoon, we need large crowds protesting in front of the Sacramento Capitol and outside Willie Brown''s residence in San Francisco." Brian nodded. "I''m ready on both sides, and as the news airs, I''ll call Schwarzenegger." "Then there''s Washington and other cities," Hawke continued, using every resource available as usual, "George Walker will need to step in; ensure he follows up promptly." Brian mentally noted everything. "These politicians are like sharks. Once they catch a whiff of blood, they''ll launch a fierce bite." Hawke rested his right hand on the chair''s arm and addressed Jennifer Huey. "You''re now the highest-ranking official in the Los Angeles FBI office, right?" Jennifer replied, "In Tecopa, Eastern California near Nevada, there was a serial murder case involving an Indian reservation. The Deputy Director there was called in to investigate, along with several of his trusted subordinates." Hawke knew this case was real and that the Ferguson family must have done something to get the Deputy Director, who leaned Democrat, distracted. However, he had no interest in those matters. He told Jennifer, "Before the news breaks, you''ll receive a report. As the news goes live, you need to take control of Ackerman Charitable Foundation CEO Barack Bernanke and Vice Chairman Fernando Crane right away. The former is a close aide to Melissa Ackerman, and the latter is Sean Ackerman''s proxy within the foundation. I''ve already provided their information to you." Jennifer couldn''t act ahead of time as it might alert others. She responded to Erica, "Have your people keep an eye on them; we''ll stay in touch." "No problem," Erica agreed. Hawke lightly tapped the chair arm, asking, "Have you checked out the club on Santa Catalina Island?" Jennifer said, "I took a look while enjoying the weekend; that club definitely has problems." Hawke emphasized, "You need to take immediate action to control the club. Don''t give anyone the chance to set it on fire -- there are bound to be many victims inside. Last time, at Venice Beach club, Guerrero''s girlfriend managed to get video and photo evidence, proving the Ackerman family filmed these activities. This new club is likely doing the same; you need to find it first and have it secured." As Jennifer accepted Brian''s proposal, she was prepared for it. Last year, during a gathering with Hawke, Erica, and Brian, they discussed their future objective of getting Brian into the Oval Office. With the U.S. never having had a female president, Jennifer aimed for the position of First Lady. Hawke reiterated, "My people have seen Kerry''s running mate Edwards playing golf with Tiger Woods before heading to Santa Catalina Island with Sean Ackerman." Hearing this, Jennifer marveled, "While we were still uncertain, you had already made so much preparation." Hawke looked at Brian. "We set an agreement, and of course, we need to find ways to deliver on it." He returned to the main topic. "Do you understand where the priorities lie?" Jennifer replied earnestly, "Don''t worry, the FBI isn''t as hamstrung as the LAPD." Erica added, "If it were any other time, I''d definitely have a good word with you, but let''s leave it for today." "All right, folks, let''s move swiftly." Hawke stood up, clapping his hands. "Activate all the backup phones I prepared for you, and keep in touch." Campos was the first to leave. Brian and Jennifer walked out together. Erica rushed to the Ferguson family''s security company. Hawke stayed at the mansion, overseeing the operation from the center. He left Edward to help out and call for backup. ... At Los Angeles International Airport, a private jet parked on the tarmac. California''s current Assembly Speaker Nunez, former Speaker Willie Brown, and several other Democratic party heavyweights were on site. There were also celebrity supporters of the Democratic party present. George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio, both in suits, waited for the cabin door to open. Meryl Streep, Halle Berry, and other stars moved forward as well. Buddy Ackerman stood amongst the crowd, squinting slightly, appearing quite inconspicuous. The cabin door opened, and Kerry and Edwards descended the steps in succession. Perhaps affected by the dramatic recent events in California, the atmosphere was tense, and many quickly got into cars to leave. ... The convoy headed directly to Beverly Hills, arriving at a villa near North Sunset Boulevard. Buddy Ackerman had mentioned preparing a welcome party. Kerry knew it was a crucial moment and declined directly. After a brief meeting, most began to leave. Kerry and his team gathered to confer. "The situation in California isn''t as optimistic as we predicted earlier this year," campaign manager Paul said. "But with screening widely, Leonard''s news has shifted public attention and has helped stop the dropping approval ratings." Kerry, with sincerity, said, "I appreciate the support from all of you; we still need to rely on your efforts in California." Before coming here, promises were made; for instance, upon being elected, he would nominate the current assembly speaker, Nunez, for Secretary of State. Like George and the Ferguson family, gaining support ultimately depended on quid pro quo. The 55 votes from California, originally intended for a secure plan, looked increasingly hopeful to turn into swing state votes. Nunez spoke plainly, "The Los Angeles fire is a serious issue for us, but we can''t give up our existing support groups. Environmentalists and women''s rights advocates have to be worked on; we might lose votes from minority communities." Kerry puzzled, "Isn''t this an area where we have advantages in California?" "In recent years, the Republican party has been strengthening its influence within minority communities in California, particularly among lower-tier workers and small farmers," Nunez highlighted a significant point, "Steve Nutt, a representative figure in the equality movement, has been dubbed a saint by the media and chose to stand with the Republican party while collaborating with Brian Ferguson. Don''t underestimate this person''s social influence." Kerry furrowed his brow, "So, Brian is a key figure this time?" State Assemblyman Haywood from Los Angeles stated, "We will subsequently focus on him for media attacks. Media has captured him with a mistress and child beside his fiancee -- this contradicts the traditional family values championed by the Republican party." Paul added, "We will ramp up the publicity of , especially emphasizing the relationship between George and Laden; they and their family were the main culprits for 9/11. Our promotion should encourage those Hollywood folks, especially DiCaprio, to speak up at the several events we have in California. "Everyone, I sense something is off this time," Willie Brown commented, "From the Antonio case, it''s obvious the Republican party is breaking the unspoken rules between the two parties, employing a series of despicable and underhanded tactics. We cannot stick to the usual ways; we must catch up." Kerry felt the same way. Everything happening in California felt quite abnormal. He said, "I agree." He wasn''t overly confident on their side and emphasized, "Also, tell our people here to keep a low profile during this time. No more embarrassing incidents." Edwards reminisced about his last visit to Los Angeles when he craved some indulgent, thrilling pleasure but managed to restrain himself. After a brief meeting, Kerry invited everyone to dinner. ... After leaving the meeting room, Willie Brown phoned Buddy Ackerman: "Hold everything until after the election." Just back at the estate, Buddy Ackerman replied, "Got it." S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After hanging up, he told his butler, "Remind Sean not to mess around during this period." The butler hurriedly called Sean to remind him. Buddy pondered for a moment and called Barack Bernanke: "Go to Santa Catalina Island and tidy up that situation over there. Temporarily close the club, and make sure those fools on the island keep their mouths shut." --- As night fell, both sides were in action. Assemblyman Haywood''s people contacted a food supplier''s delivery personnel staying at George''s residence. Fox News, Harley Wayne, finished her makeup, brought the scripts, and entered the studio. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 347: This is the Gift I Gave You [Chapter 347: This is the Gift I Gave You] In Century City, at the FOX Building, All the security personnel affiliated with FOX Broadcasting were summoned for overtime. They started a Level One security response by six o''clock, conducting 24-hour patrols, barring all unauthorized personnel from entering the premises. Even the selling and purchasing of news had to temporarily occur outside the FOX Building. Near the studio of , the security team, controlled directly by the board, guarded the entrances to the production area. On this floor, all landlines were cut off, and cellphone signals were blocked. Even trips to the restroom required three people to go together. Chairman Roger Ailes arrived personally to oversee the proceedings. Everyone in the studio looked tense, occasionally glancing through the glass walls at Harley Wayne, who was preparing in the center of the broadcast studio. Despite their familiarity with high-pressure situations, a sense of unease hung in the air; today''s report would directly impact the upcoming election. Roger Ailes checked his watch, picked up the communicator, and said, "Let''s get ready to start." The studio team executed the final preparations for the live broadcast. Harley stood center stage, her gaze fixated on the teleprompter, once again familiarizing herself with the script she had written by hand. ... Meanwhile, in a mansion in New York, media mogul Rupert Murdoch picked up a cordless phone and dialed a number. Once the call connected, he said, "George, I have some good news; watch for our upcoming segment on FOX News." In a Woodland Hills villa in Los Angeles, George Walker replied, "Got it. I''ll tune in; hope it''s a surprise." Rupert replied, "This is a gift I''m giving you." ... George hung up and turned to look at the television, where his chief of staff and five core team members were gathered in the living room. The TV had already switched to FOX News. George had been notified in advance, scoffing as he said, "The old bastard at News Corporation sure has a thick skin to drag me into this." Andrew Card remarked, "I wonder how big this surprise will be." The FOX News segment switched to a new program after a brief advertisement. Suddenly a striking blonde woman appeared on screen. ... Harley''s hosting lacked finesse; she presented the facts straightforwardly, but the content was shocking enough. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The visuals kept pace with Harley''s narration, displaying charts, videos from blood banks, and medical test reports as direct evidence. "The blood bank linked to Ackerman Medical Center has committed numerous violations. As documented in this chart, they used a large number of homeless people and illegal immigrants as blood sources to collect commercial plasma!" As the charts flowed, Harley showed a video she had shot herself: "As seen in the video, the blood bank failed to conduct necessary medical tests before drawing blood, directly sending it into separation machines to extract plasma." "This is not an isolated incident; look at these test reports." The TV screen displayed sampling reports. "The FDA conducted medical inspections on multiple batches of plasma products exported by Ackerman Medical Center to the UK, discovering widespread hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and HIV among transfusion-transmitted diseases. For some unknown reasons, this was suppressed, allowing problematic products to continue being exported." Perhaps UK viewers would angrily shout: Why are the Britons the ones suffering? Who did we offend? Harley conducted thorough research and played an audio recording next. This was a state legislator pressuring officials at the regulatory agency. The official''s aide happened to be a source developed by Harley. Harley''s voiceover came on again: "After multiple confirmations from our channel, the man referred to by the official as Mr. Miles is Harvey Miles, a California legislator for the Democratic Party." In a bid to amplify the news'' effect and garner public attention, she added, "Representative Miles also spearheaded the Smelt Fish Protection Act." In the wake of the wildfires in Los Angeles, almost everyone in California was aware of the Smelt Fish Protection Act. ... Inside the Woodland Hills villa, George''s chief strategist, Karl Rove, couldn''t help but lightly clap his hands. "Brilliant! Using a hot topic to stir viewer hatred and negative emotions towards the Democrats." Andrew remarked, "There''s likely more to come." George watched patiently; merely this wouldn''t suffice; the Democrats needed to be portrayed as worse to contrast with the Republicans. ... In the studio, Harley gained significant power, but she was grounded, realizing if she didn''t expose everything today, she might never get another chance. Those in higher positions were experts at compromising when faced with interests. The show transitioned swiftly into its second part, targeting the Ackerman Charity Foundation and Medical Center. This time, they showed footage of organ removal, demonstrating a striking contrast between a patient desperately struggling before the surgery and the bloody viscera presented post-operation. Even elementary school students could recognize that this wasn''t voluntary donation. Harley''s voice echoed: "The person on the operating table is Robert Gonzalez, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico. He participated in a free health check arranged by the Ackerman Charity Foundation in Long Beach, where they informed him of a health issue and promised free treatment at Ackerman Medical Center. Lured by the foundation, Robert signed an English donation agreement he couldn''t understand, and his liver was forcibly harvested." The video concluded, followed by various lists, materials, and corresponding reports, all showing Ackerman Medical Center''s branding. The voiceover continued, "This is not an isolated case but rather a widespread issue prevalent among the Ackerman Charity Foundation and Medical Center... No, it should be termed a crime. In recent years, the Ackerman Charity Foundation has used free health checks as a pretext to transport large numbers of sick homeless individuals and illegal immigrants from towns across Southern California, later claiming these people returned to society or found jobs once healthy." Accompanying the narration were Twitter group chat screenshots and videos of Harley interviewing homeless people on the streets of Los Angeles. "But all these claims are false. The vast majority of these people have completely vanished. Twitter even has family members and friends of the missing forming groups to search for their loved ones. Based on the information they provided, I extensively searched, and dozens of individuals have disappeared! We will post the lists and physical data photographs on the FOX website soon." ... In front of the television, campaign manager Mehlman said, "That previous list of organ recipients included the names of five Democratic state legislators. Those involved surely have ties to the Democrats!" Chief of staff Andrew chimed in, "The Ackerman family have always been staunch Democratic supporters. Since California turned red from blue in 1992, they''ve grown wealthy; anyone on their list is likely a Democrat or its supporters, with no risk of collateral damage to our core personnel." George felt at ease; the Republicans had also done their share of terrible things. Karl Rove clapped, "What a grand surprise!" The program continued, with George saying, "There''s more." ... The next segment began with explicit video content. Due to the public broadcasting requirements, many scenes had to be censored, involving children and various familiar faces to George. The main theme revolved around violence and murder. Andrew''s excitement turned into exhilaration as he saw the footage of uncensored adults, naming them one by one: "Nunez, Miles, Willie Brown..." ... The TV''s voice dynamically narrated: "These videos come from the Venice Beach Club, which burned down last year. One of the primary offenders, Guerrero, committed suicide in guilt; his girlfriend discovered these videos alongside corresponding documents and photos while sorting through his belongings!" ... At that moment, the phone rang. George took out his phone to answer. A voice on the other end said, "Let''s proceed according to protocol." "No problem," George hung up the phone, standing up to address Karl Rove: "Mobilize all our media contacts to give this incident full coverage, focusing on the Democrats!" He then turned to Mehlman, "Contact the support groups in major cities and have them hit the streets quickly, especially in Washington, Capitol Hill, and at the White House, and ensure adequate manpower at the FBI headquarters to escalate the situation and demand a thorough investigation into this matter." George turned to Andrew, "Coordinate with Brian and the powers in California. I want those 55 electoral votes!" While the program continued on the screen, the others had already busied themselves. Once George finished issuing orders, he grabbed the phone and called Rupert Murdoch. ... Earlier that day, in Silver Lake community, at their home, Erica walked in from outside into the exhibition hall. Hawke stood in front of the glass display case, admiring their trophies. The brown bear, black bear, and crocodile had been turned into cold exhibits. Erica hurried over and said, "I sent the targeted group''s location to Jennifer; she should be mobilizing soon." Hawke nodded slightly, "Keep an eye on Buddy Ackerman. If he tries to flee, we need to know where he goes." Erica replied, "He''d want to leave Los Angeles quickly; his only option would be air transport. Whether it''s LAX or another Southern California airport, if any plane takes off, the Ferguson family will be watching." ... On Santa Catalina Island, in Avalon, On the outskirts, Hawke and Brian had quietly delivered armed vehicles to Jennifer. Tonight''s operation centered on the Avalon Club. Jennifer led the team personally. Only three trusted agents accompanied her; the real operation was handled by two tactical strike forces secretly dispatched from the FBI training base -- FBI SWAT teams. These individuals were heavily armed, suitable for dealing with local gang organizations without breaking a sweat. Jennifer descended from above, donning a bulletproof vest with FBI insignia. She picked up an MP5 submachine gun and approached the command vehicle, shouting, "Commence operation, execute according to plan!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 348: Raid Successful [Chapter 348: Raid Successful] Near the east side of town, the Avalon Club stood with its doors shut tight, silence reigning within. At the entrance, a security guard dozed off in the surveillance room, eyes glued to the monitors. Inside the VIP area, Barack Bernanke and Fernando Crane rode the elevator down to the basement level. Fernando said, "So what''s your pick for tonight? After a long day, you deserve a treat." "Let''s see," Barack replied as he stepped out of the elevator into the long corridor, slowing his pace to take a look at the rooms lining both sides. Each room boasted thick, clear glass doors, revealing the contents inside. Inside each room, either a girl or a boy was confined. The oldest girl couldn''t have been more than 20, while the boys were mostly just over ten. Following Buddy Ackerman''s orders, the club was temporarily closed for Barack to gather important documents in preparation for a location change. The boss planned to purchase an island and turn it into a paradise. Suddenly, Fernando stopped, pointing to one of the boys -- a Mexican -- through the glass door. "I''m picking him; what about you?" Barack frowned. "Why would you go for a boy?" Fernando responded seriously, "Well, I used to be a priest, and I was one in Japan -- it''s not a good memory; the Japanese really disliked priests." Barack, being the straightforward type, couldn''t keep up with that reasoning. "Why is that?" "Because priests are known to have a preference for little boys, and the Japanese especially detest them." Just then, a loud thud echoed from the ventilation shaft, sounding like an explosion. Barack instantly grabbed his two-way radio and shouted, "What''s happening? What''s going on?" No reply came. Instead, there was static interference. "That''s bad; the radio''s been cut!" Fernando rushed back while pulling out his handgun. Realizing something was off, Barack hurried to the nearest guard station and picked up the landline, but all he connected to was a busy signal. ... Two SWAT teams from the FBI, having severed the Avalon Club''s external communications, attacked through the front and back entrances. The team at the front jammed the surveillance system and blew open the main doors with C4. The guard in the security room had just crawled out from under the desk when the sound of a shotgun blast shattered the glass doors, showering him in shards. Two grenades were thrown through the breach. Two explosive sounds followed as agents stormed inside, one holding a weapon for cover while another rushed in. After a flurry of gunfire, the guards met their fate. "Clear!" shouted one of the agents. Dozens of agents, clad in helmets, masks, and night-vision goggles stormed in through the front entrance. ... Jennifer, acting as the temporary commander, followed at the back. She had pulled the club''s blueprints during the prep phase. The club wasn''t large on the surface but had two basement levels. Jennifer shouted, "Target ahead! Eliminate all threats!" "Move forward!" ordered the SWAT captain. "Snipers, set up observation posts!" Gunfire erupted from one of the rooms, and immediate retaliatory shots rang out. As snipers took their positions, Jennifer spoke into her comms, "Tiger One, Tiger Two, breach and provide cover fire!" Two armored SUVs rolled in through the blown-out doors. Heavy machine guns mounted on top erupted, targeting the enemy positions. Taking advantage of the covering fire, other agents swiftly advanced. Bang! A sniper shot rang out, and amid the shrieks, someone fell from the building''s rooftop. At the same time, the rear door exploded open as another SWAT team belonging to the FBI charged in. Caught in a double envelopment, they quickly pressed deeper into the building. ... Fernando emerged from the basement, turning the corner from the elevator just as he saw four to five armed men pointing their guns at the entrance. As he prepared to direct them, two objects flew in unexpectedly. Reacting quickly, he dove to the side. A thunderous roar enveloped him, leaving him dazed and unable to see clearly, tears and mucus streaming down his face. Before he could even regain his senses, more gunfire erupted. Any agent entering the area did not hesitate to shoot anyone with weapons nearby. After a shot rang out, a large hole opened in Fernando''s head. The disparity in equipment, training levels, and command capabilities was overwhelming. Especially since the club''s communications had been severed, they could only rely on shouting. ... Barack raced down to the second basement level, entering an office to attempt contacting the outside world through a direct line. There was a problem that needed to be reported to the Ackerman estate. Yet the direct line failed to connect as well. Barack realized they were facing formidable opponents -- very likely federal forces. "FBI! Let me see your hands!" a voice boomed from outside the office, along with gunfire. Those attempting to resist tasted bullets. Barack fell back into a chair, opening a desk drawer that revealed a P9 handgun. He slowly reached out, thinking about the gun, wondering if he could even stand against the FBI''s professional agents. More so, thinking about what he had done, with the FBI capturing him, he knew it might lead to a fate worse than death. Typically, he hadn''t found it objectionable to see those who suffered fatal injuries; in fact, he believed death was a release for the dead girls and boys. However, when it came to him, as his hand brushed against the grip, he felt as if he''d been electrocuted and recoiled. "FBI..." Upon hearing those words, Barack quickly raised his hands, fearing causing a misunderstanding. An armed agent stood guard, while another entered the office, scrutinizing Barack. He radioed, "Target One located in T2 office! Repeat, Target One located in T2 office." ... When the agents pulled Barack out and cuffed him, Jennifer promptly arrived, flanked by trusted agents. She recognized Barack at once, asking, "Name, position." Barack remained silent, wanting to say something about being a lawyer and about power, but before he could utter a word, Jennifer signaled with her eyes. The masked agent aimed his gun, and with his rifle butt, struck Barack in the stomach. Barack doubled over in pain, spitting saliva and tears. Jennifer pressed on, "Name, position." "I''m Barack Bernanke, chairman of the Ackerman Charity Foundation," he hurriedly replied. Jennifer waved her hand, and two agents left the office to stand guard outside. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The trusted agent shut the door behind them. ... Jennifer then asked directly, "Where are the photos and videos of the girls you filmed? You know what I''m talking about. You have ten seconds; if you don''t talk, you will die. If you don''t satisfy me, you will also die." Her lips curled into a cruel smile. "I''m giving you a chance to collaborate with the FBI; you''re well aware of the way things work internally. Even if you say nothing, once the FBI announces your arrest, every crime committed by the club will fall upon the suicidal you." "Starting the countdown now, 10..." With Jennifer''s countdown, Barack thought of his deceased friend BrodeRik, whose orders were once executed by him. He hadn''t taken the plunge into suicide; he lacked the courage to pick up the gun and fight back. He quickly yelled, "I know where they are!" ... In the adjacent office on the same level, Barack retrieved multiple discs and USB drives. Jennifer quickly scanned through them, noticing each disc was marked with a name, one inscribed with Edwards. She unplugged the office''s computer network cable, powered it on, and remarked, "Take him away. You''re personally overseeing him with Jackson." Jennifer gathered her findings and headed back upstairs, getting into her car where she pulled out one of the prepared USBs to make multiple backups. ... The club had been secured; the number of girls and boys in the basement exceeded expectations. Additionally, dozens of corpses were discovered in the auxiliary building''s icehouse, alongside various hides, leather goods, and dismembered pieces. This case was extremely complex. ... Jennifer stepped out of the car, approached the perimeter, and handed the collected materials to Hierro, who was clad in full FBI gear and wore a mask. "Everything is here." Hierro nodded, secured the items, and drove off. ... Jennifer pulled out a backup phone and called the commander Hawke: "Found the evidence; I''ve sent someone with it. The situation here is complicated; we have many dead and many captives. I need to call for backup." Hawke replied, "Handle it per your procedures." The call ended promptly. ... After a moment''s thought, Hawke dialed Brian''s number: "The items have arrived; your team can proceed." Brian answered, "Understood." ... Hawke looked to Edwards. "Notify Harley Wayne through Twitter groups." Edwards had already logged into a Twitter account and sent a message, tagging Harley Wayne within the group. ... Hawke made another call, "Sean Ackerman is at the Malibu villa. Given the usual circumstances, once the Ackerman family receives this information, they''ll immediately summon him back to the estate. Capture him, preferably alive." ... At the Fox Television Center, the show was winding down; Harley Wayne stepped out of the studio. Applause erupted around her, as everyone involved in the show recognized they had just reported outstanding news. Roger Ailes approached, shaking her hand. "You did a fantastic job." Harley replied, "Thanks for the support." Turning to the crowd, she added, "Thank you all for your support." Having worked in media for years, Roger understood that Fox needed employees like Harley and needed them badly. He advised, "You''ll be staying at the Fox tower, and a few bodyguards will protect you around the clock." Harley displayed bravery when needed and wasn''t foolish about her safety. "I''ll follow the company arrangements." With the news broadcasted, disconnected phones, mobile devices, and internet signals returned to normal. Roger''s phone rang repeatedly. Harley''s phone buzzed with a notification; she quickly pulled it out to find someone had sent her a message on Twitter. ... It was from a resident in the victim support group on Twitter, informing her that just over twenty minutes ago, dozens of FBI agents had raided the Avalon Club. Having already received word, Harley knew Avalon Club was a newly established clandestine venue by the Ackerman family. Seeing Roger still there, she rushed over after he finished his call to share the news tip she had just received, insisting the television center arrange a helicopter and a capable team to head to Avalon Club. Roger had just gotten off the phone with Rupert and was aware that everything was being orchestrated. This was the moment Harley needed to lead the charge. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 349: Caught Another Blood Bag [Chapter 349: Caught Another Blood Bag] Beverly Hills, Ackerman Estate. Buddy Ackerman sat in the high-backed chair of his study like the Godfather from the movies, watching Fox News on the television. The butler put down the phone and said, "The Avalon Club line is down, and Barack''s number isn''t working either." Buddy remained expressionless. "It''s Fox again." The last report on the Venice Beach Club had also come from Fox. The butler understood the gravity of the situation and stated, "Sir, you need to be prepared for how to respond next." "There is a dark force targeting us." The first person Buddy thought of was George Walker, who was in Los Angeles and had something the Ackerman family needed. Fox had already favored George''s side. Buddy remained calm and asked his heir, "Where is Sean?" The butler replied, "He''s in Malibu." "Have him come back immediately." Buddy took out his phone and dialed a number. "You need to go to the Avalon Club and see what''s going on over there." The butler called the Malibu beach house, where Sean was in the midst of a wild party, refusing to come back. Buddy coldly said, "You tell him that if he doesn''t come back now, he can forget about ever coming back." The butler made another call and quickly returned, saying, "He''s on his way back." Just then, the phone rang. Buddy pressed the answer button and heard just two sentences; his expression changed instantly. He hung up and said, "The FBI has raided the Avalon Club, and the club is under lockdown..." The butler''s hand trembled slightly, and he quickly steadied himself. "This is a coordinated attack. The news report was released at the same time as the raid by the FBI; it is clearly aimed at us." Buddy stood up. "George Walker got to Los Angeles first. After Kerry and Edwards arrived, these things happened. What a devious strategy." The butler reminded him, "When Edwards came last time, Sean secretly recorded a video, which is hidden in the club''s safe." This made Buddy sit back down in shock. If that material fell into George''s hands, the consequences would be dire. What was in there went beyond just Edwards. Buddy had built his career on this knowledge and understood how terrible the backlash could be once it turned against him. He slapped the armrest of the chair and said, "Have someone contact air traffic control, prepare the plane for when Sean gets back." Though he often looked down on Sean, he still had paternal love for his son. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Another call came in, and Buddy glanced at the caller ID. It was Willie Brown. He didn''t answer it, shutting off his phone, removing the battery, and cutting the SIM card. Fox had exposed videos of Willie Brown, Nunez, and Miles, and had also obtained concrete evidence from the Ackerman Charity Foundation. Now that the Avalon Club had been compromised by the FBI, Buddy no longer held even the slightest sense of hope. Engaging in these illicit activities was bound to lead to retaliation, and Buddy had long prepared an escape plan, funneling money into anonymous offshore accounts since the 1990s, which held hundreds of millions of dollars to facilitate a quick getaway. At Los Angeles Van Nuys Airport, a private jet stood by, ready to take off. Buddy was just waiting for his son Sean to return. --- As night deepened, the beach house area in Malibu was bright and bustling with activity. Sean squeezed through a crowd of men and women, raised a champagne bottle to his lips, and chugged a large gulp, shouting to his driver, "Back to Beverly!" Two women came up from behind, hugging him on each arm, "Honey, you promised we''d party until dawn." Thinking of the stern warning from the phone call, Sean shook off the two women and said, "We''ll have to postpone." He exited the villa, climbed into the Rolls Royce his driver had brought, and headed back to Beverly. As the car turned onto the Pacific Coast Highway, Sean made a call to his assistant Fernando, but the phone wouldn''t connect. "This bastard is messing around again." He tossed the phone aside and leaned back, starting to doze off. ... The coastal highway was not too busy late at night, but two cars followed closely behind. One was a Mustang that sped past like a flash, while a Chevrolet stayed a distance behind the Rolls Royce. In the passenger seat of the Mustang, Campos picked up the radio and said, "Sector A2 is currently clear with no monitoring; move in." To catch people tonight, the Butterfly Gang had developed a comprehensive plan, segmenting the highway and stationing multiple trucks at various intersections. ... A green truck pulled out from a junction and drove north along the Pacific Highway. The Chevrolet behind the Rolls Royce inched closer, and the laser locator''s light fell on the roof of the Rolls Royce. The truck driver quickly identified the target vehicle. As the two vehicles got close, the truck suddenly veered off course, as if losing control. The Rolls Royce was caught off guard, and the driver instinctively pressed the gas pedal, activating the car''s emergency mode and drastically increasing the speed. If the vehicle it was colliding with had been a car, even a small truck, the Rolls Royce could have avoided it. But this was a larger truck. The rear half of the truck collided with the Rolls Royce; luxury cars were no match against a dump truck. In a violent collision, the Rolls Royce lost control completely, crashing into the cliffside along the road. The vehicle''s quality was indeed good, as there was no severe deformation from such a crash. The truck stopped, and the Chevrolet that had been following also halted, while a large SUV approaching from the opposite direction stopped in front of where the accident had occurred. ... Black-clad men, wearing hats, got out. One shouted, "Help! Get help fast!" Someone knocked on the window, "Are you okay? Open the door! The car is leaking fuel!" The driver looked at the inflated and then deflated airbags and turned back to the back seat. "Sir." "I''m fine," Sean, having been startled, was already sobering up: "Open the door." The driver opened the door, and they both got out of the car. Just as they exited, those who had come to help quickly revealed themselves as ruthless thugs. Two of them pulled out guns and pointed them at the heads of the driver and Sean. Garcia personally came over to check and confirmed it was indeed Sean. He said, "Take them away." Just as Sean tried to speak, someone slammed the gun''s butt against his forehead: "Shut up." He and the driver were handcuffed and, after a thorough search, were pushed onto the large SUV. The vehicle started and left, and as Sean twisted his head to look back, the Rolls Royce erupted into flames. Within just a few minutes, after clearing all traces and taking what they needed, the truck and other vehicles all retreated, leaving only a burning Rolls Royce behind. On the SUV, after being roughly interrogated, Garcia injected drugs into Sean and the driver. They quickly fell into a state of unconsciousness. Garcia called Campos and informed him of the situation from the interrogation. ... In another vehicle, Campos called Hawke: "The goods have arrived; I''m preparing to store them in the warehouse. The situation is pretty much as we anticipated." Hawke replied, "Get the goods stored in the warehouse." He hung up, and on the other side, Edward, sitting at the computer, said, "Harley Wayne got back to me. She''s on Fox''s helicopter heading to Santa Catalina." "Got it," Hawke looked over at Erica, who was sitting on the couch. "Sean got Buddy''s call and rushed back to Beverly from Malibu. It''s likely that once the situation spirals out of control, Buddy could flee Los Angeles." Erica said, "As long as he uses the air routes, he''ll need to file a flight plan; otherwise, he''ll be treated as an intruder, and he can''t get out of our sight." She asked, "Should we intercept him?" Hawke shook his head. "No, let him go. Keep an eye on his destination; send someone over." Erica didn''t ask, but she could tell Hawke''s target was Buddy Ackerman. --- Beverly Hills, Ackerman Estate. As time passed, Buddy Ackerman rejected multiple calls and grew increasingly anxious. He asked the butler, "Is Sean still not back?" "No, I''ll call again." The butler made a call, but it couldn''t go through. He then tried calling the driver; it was also unavailable. Finally, he called the villa, and someone answered, saying Sean had left already. Horrified by the feedback, Buddy dared not be overly optimistic and said, "We leave immediately." Shortly after, a helicopter took off into the night sky, flying southward. After a while, a convoy of armored luxury cars exited the estate, heading for Santa Monica Pier. In the tunnel leading to another villa, Buddy and the butler, along with a few trusted security personnel, took an electric rail car and moved quickly. Within ten minutes, they emerged from the basement of another villa, climbed into two cars waiting there, and sped toward the Van Nuys Airport to the south. Now, leaving America was the safest option. --- Santa Catalina Island, Avalon Club. FBI helicopters continuously landed, with large numbers of armed personnel rushing over to provide support. The area around the club was cordoned off; armed personnel patrolled back and forth at regular intervals. Two helicopters hovered above, marked with Fox TV logos. One helicopter captured footage from the air, while the other, at Harley''s request, looked for a suitable landing spot. The guiding lights from the FBI had come in handy. The Fox helicopter landed, and Harley jumped down, shouting to the photographers, "Hurry and keep up!" Three photographers, carrying their equipment, followed behind. Although the club was sealed off, traces of the explosions and shootings remained. From the open door, they could capture footage of the internal situation. A large number of FBI agents continued to arrive, and local citizens from Avalon began to gather around to witness the chaos. As the crowd grew, the information could not remain confidential and soon spread. The internal situation at the FBI was complex; the newly arrived agents were not entirely under Jennifer''s control. Many were passing information out. The California Democratic Party and Kerry''s team also learned about the situation. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 350: United by Interests, Divided by Crisis [Chapter 350: United by Interests, Divided by Crisis] In Beverly Hills, the villa where the team of Kerry and Edwards had settled was in complete chaos. Fox News had just aired a special program when Kerry and Edwards received the news. At first, they brushed it off, believing that the blood bank and plasma sales issues could be managed. But when the names of several state legislators from the donkey party appeared on the organ transplant list, the team realized they were in deep trouble. Before they could devise a response plan, a more significant public crisis erupted. The former speaker of the California Assembly, Willie Brown, the current speaker Nunez, and other legislators appeared on screen in videos with girls and boys. The first two had not only been involved with these minors but had also used abusive methods. In particular, the older Willie Brown had reportedly killed a young girl. For politicians like Kerry and Edwards, such scenarios were not unheard of; Washington insiders often engaged in even wilder escapades. But such overtly scandalous content airing publicly? That was a different story altogether. "George Walker!" Kerry could only think of this outcome. "For the sake of reelection, he''s lost his mind!" His gaze quickly shifted to another person. "What does the Ackerman family want? It''s one thing to film these events, but why let them leak?" Edwards felt a twinge of hope; he had visited the Ackerman family''s club and had managed to keep things under wraps. Now, contact with the Ackerman family was lost. After reaching out to Willie Brown and Nunez, they too were unreachable. When they sent a team to North Sunset Boulevard, aside from some servants and security, all others had vanished from the Ackerman estate. Reports indicated that a helicopter had flown towards the Mexico-U.S. border, while a convoy had headed to the Santa Monica Pier. Willie Brown and Nunez arrived on the scene, and after a quick discussion, they determined that intercepting Buddy Ackerman was crucial. If they had him, they had someone to take the fall. Nunez quickly leveraged his connections to try to stop the aircraft and vehicles. Just as arrangements were being made, more alarming news came in. The FBI had launched a large-scale operation, raiding the Avalon Club owned by the Ackerman family on Santa Catalina Island. They were rescuing dozens of boys and girls and had already confirmed the discovery of over thirty frozen bodies, with the actual number likely higher. Even someone as composed as Willie Brown felt a slight panic inside. How would they extricate themselves from this? Nunez''s face soured, leaving him momentarily speechless. Edwards plopped down on the sofa. Kerry glanced around at his allies and asked, "Have any of you been there?" Willie Brown and Nunez didn''t need to answer; they had already appeared in the Fox News footage that aired. Kerry directed his question at Edwards, his campaign partner. Edwards slowly replied, "I went, but I shouldn''t have been caught on camera." Kerry sighed inwardly, feeling a wave of dizziness wash over him. New information arrived, as the campaign manager offered a hefty sum to the FBI agents on Santa Catalina Island to gather intel. He had just learned that the leading agent, Jennifer Huey, had reached a media cooperation agreement with a Fox News reporter who had arrived on the island. "Fox? Again, it''s Fox News!" Kerry exclaimed. "Why are they always ahead of the game?" Nunez responded nonchalantly, "Jennifer Huey is engaged to Brian Ferguson now." Kerry reflexively raised his voice, "I hope you''re not talking about the Mayor of Los Angeles!" "It is him," Nunez confirmed, not misleading. Kerry closed his eyes and turned to the PR manager. "Get the team to formulate a strategy quickly. We need to prepare for a major public relations crisis." He was almost certain that Jennifer''s raid on the Avalon Club was targeting key figures in their campaign. Kerry understood that if the problems involved Willie Brown and California donkey party members, they could easily cut ties and, at worst, lose California''s 55 votes. But if something happened to his campaign partner, the losses would extend beyond California. What about the swing states? They couldn''t afford to hesitate at this moment. Kerry looked at Edwards, "You prepare a speech, take full responsibility, and resign voluntarily." S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Edwards protested, "I only had relations with two girls." Kerry demanded, "Were they of legal age? Were they consensual?" Edwards was rendered speechless because he hadn''t told the whole truth; beyond the relations, there had been coercion involved. Kerry quickly exited the sitting room and entered the conference room to discuss counter-strategies with his campaign team. They quickly established four points: 1) All responsibility would fall on others since it wasn''t his fault; 2) They would assess the unfolding events; if California was beyond saving, they''d abandon it and leave by tomorrow; 3) Create new media chatter to divert public attention; 4) Dig up dirt on George Walker to ensure his downfall. Even though Willie Brown and Nunez weren''t present at the meeting, savvy politicians could read between the lines and knew the collaboration was crumbling. They didn''t linger, departing their own ways. --- In Brentwood, Fox''s news had reached Leonardo''s ears. He immediately called his assistant. "Book me a flight out of North America for tomorrow... no, a flight for tonight. I need to leave North America before midnight." The assistant, confused by Leonardo''s sudden change, followed the instructions nonetheless. Before long, she called back. Leonardo, packed and en route to Los Angeles International Airport, was not connected to the Ackerman family. His real ties to the donkey party were through Clinton''s wife, having attended a gathering that included buddies from the party; he had no direct dealings with the Ackerman family. However, he possessed a sixth sense for politics, especially after nearly being pulled into a public break-up recently staged by Hillary. If he didn''t leave North America now, there was a chance he might receive a call from Hillary tomorrow. Creating scandals couldn''t just target him alone! Leonardo arrived at Los Angeles International Airport, boarded the plane into first class, and immediately turned off his phone. Soon, the aircraft soared into the sky, bound for Europe. Until the election results were finalized, Leonardo wouldn''t be returning. --- In the Silver Lake community, a car parked in front of the specimen villa. Hierro stepped out and was led inside the villa by security. He met Hawke and handed over several USB drives. "Boss, this is data from the Avalon Club." Hawke handed him a bottle of water, asking, "How did it go over there?" "Very smoothly, the FBI SWAT team was top-tier..." Hierro provided a brief summary before leaving. ... Hawke plugged in the USB drive to his laptop, located the video featuring Edwards, and played it back. The video was crystal clear, showing Edwards in full view. Hawke handed it to Edwards and said, "You should publish this." Fox News had already raced ahead, creating huge buzz, and it was time for Twitter to follow suit. ... Edwards quickly edited the news and uploaded the video to Twitter. Lacking education, he simply wrote a headline: "Suspected John Edwards Participated in Special Gathering of the Ackerman Family." The video accompanied the post, unfiltered, clearly showing Edwards having sex with the two girls and beating them up. Using a fake Avalon citizen account, Edwards tweeted the video link. ... Hawke picked up the phone and called Brian: "Check Twitter and share the article about Harley." Brian acted quickly, responding shortly after, "The video is riveting. I''ll retweet once I finish watching." ... After hanging up, Erica entered from outside. She glanced at Hawke and said, "Confirmed, there were no Buddy Ackerman in the convoy at Santa Monica Pier." Hawke moved to the map, pointing to the Mexico-U.S. border. "The helicopter hasn''t landed yet?" "No," Erica replied. "It''s uncertain whether anyone was on board." Hawke continued, "Have we tracked the private jets that applied for routes in the past two hours?" Erica pulled out a notebook with her earlier logs: "It''s late, and there are very few private jets taking off at this hour. I found only three that filed flight plans." She added, "The registered owners and locations of those three jets have been verified; none are linked to the Ackerman family. However, California regulations require private jets leaving North America to file three days in advance, while routes to Mexico or Canada only require two hours'' notice." Hawke stated, "The information couldn''t have leaked early; Buddy only called Sean back tonight, and these flight paths must have just been filed." Erica marked something in her notebook, turning to Hawke. "Only one private jet fits the bill." Hawke glanced at it: "It''s flying from Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles to the La Paz International Airport in the southern Mexican city of La Paz." "The Ackerman family has a medical center in Rosarito, Mexico, so they likely have connections there. Buddy probably will choose this route." Erica put the pen and notebook away, asking, "Should I send someone to La Paz immediately?" Hawke made the decision, "Send more elite personnel. If they stop in La Paz, follow them. If they change planes there, find a way to delay them." He added, "We also need to keep an eye on that helicopter." Erica nodded and went to make the call. ... Hawke took out his phone and called Campos, "How''s the arrangement going?" Campos responded, "He''s locked in an underground room, and we''ve injected him with drugs -- he''s still unconscious." "Good work," Hawke continued, "Gather all reliable personnel; we could be deploying at any moment." Campos replied, "We''re all prepared, boss." .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-container-10448222eb6{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } Hawke instructed, "Get in touch with the mercenaries we collaborated with last time." ... Finishing that call, he dialed Caroline, who was on Twitter duty tonight, activating the whole security department to prevent any retaliatory actions. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 351: The Bottom of Society [Chapter 351: The Bottom of Society] In the early mornings, Harley boarded a helicopter with an exclusive news story, flying back to Los Angeles and landing at Fox Tower. Chairman Roger Ailes had not yet taken a break and was still waiting for her return. "Twitter has got the exclusive on Edwards," he informed Harley. Harley had already seen it on her way back. "I have an exclusive too, about the Avalon Club set up by the Ackerman family. Sir, should we wait for tomorrow''s morning news?" Roger Ailes glanced at his watch. "Tomorrow''s morning news." This time, Fox was fully engrossed in the election and had to go all out to win. Harley returned to her new office, heavily protected by security, and opened her computer to find that the Edwards news video had already become a trending headline. According to Twitter''s algorithms, the news had been prominently pushed to those interested in current affairs. ... On Twitter, many supporters of the Democratic Party were heartbroken. "Oh my God, how could he do this!" "The video is real, with no signs of tampering. Our politicians truly represent the bottom of American society." "It''s unbelievable that one of the candidates nominated by the Democrats is a criminal!" "It''s clear that the Democratic Party is rotten to the core." --- In Beverly Hills, the Kerry campaign team -- always tuned into media activity -- noted the news on Twitter and immediately alerted their superior. Kerry watched the video as soon as it happened, sitting quietly in front of his laptop without saying a word. He took deep breaths, his stress level slowly beginning to rise again. Kerry waved over his campaign manager and said, "Leave California first thing in the morning. We''ve wasted enough time and resources here." Leaving now would undoubtedly signify defeat, but the campaign encompassed 50 states and a special district; they couldn''t get bogged down in one place. "The situation in California has deteriorated completely. It''s definitely time to go," the campaign manager agreed. Kerry added, "I''m thinking about changing my partner. Who do you think is suitable?" The campaign manager responded, "The team will quickly select a suitable candidate." ... Kerry exited the meeting room, asked a staff member a question, and walked into a nearby lounge where he encountered his partner, Edwards. He walked over briskly and tapped Edwards on the shoulder. "Did you see the video on Twitter?" Edwards nodded slowly, his spirit seemingly drained. "Things like this happen. George did it too." He sighed, "I''m sorry." At this point, Edwards took some responsibility: "Tomorrow I will make a public statement to withdraw from this election. You should leave L.A. early; I''ll take the heat here." Kerry squeezed his arm, "Thanks, I''ll be out of here by dawn." Edwards had his assistant prepare the withdrawal statement and returned to his room alone. ... By early the next morning, as dawn broke, Kerry''s convoy left Beverly Hills, heading to Los Angeles International Airport. A group of ten boarded a business jet to make an emergency exit from California. Losing here would mean nothing, as there were multiple swing states left to fight for. --- In Woodland Hills, George had hardly slept for four hours last night, but he rose early and was still buzzing with energy. He received a notification from Fox that morning news would feature an independent report on the Avalon Club. George and several aides ate breakfast while watching TV. As the morning news began, Harley Wayne appeared on screen. After a brief introduction, video footage started playing, containing interviews with the FBI. The news discussed everything regarding the Avalon Club, beyond the scandalous video content. ... Fox once again captured national attention. The news continued to play while normal staff began arriving at Fox Tower. A Latin man wearing a baseball cap casually passed by, taking advantage of the moment when security was momentarily distracted, and dropped a black suitcase near a support column by the building''s entrance. He got into a nearby vehicle and sped away. Fox had only raised security levels the night before, so the suitcase soon drew the attention of security personnel. Four security guards approached, hearing a ticking sound, reminiscent of a clock turning, and dared only to watch from a distance, reporting up the chain. ... The security manager reviewed the surveillance footage and immediately notified superiors. Minutes later, the message reached the chairman''s assistant, who briefed Roger Ailes, who had spent the night at the office. Roger Ailes called the police while ordering an evacuation of nearby personnel. Unidentified packages had always been associated with bombs. LAPD officers arrived quickly, and the specialized bomb squad was dispatched to the site as soon as possible. The situation unfolded at Fox Tower, which housed not only Fox News but also the headquarters of 20th Century Fox. A member of the LAPD hastily communicated with Roger Ailes and called for the evacuation of Fox Tower staff. If that suitcase contained a powerful explosive, an explosion would threaten the entire building. Normal operations at Fox were now out of the question. Due to the emergency evacuation, 20th Century Fox, managed by Rupert Murdoch''s sons, came under intense scrutiny, leading to a heated argument between the two sides as tensions escalated. Since the foundation of Fox News, Lachlan Murdoch and James Murdoch claimed Roger Ailes had taken their rightful place. ... In downtown Los Angeles, in front of City Hall, crowds gathered from all directions. On Twitter, protest information continued to spread, rallying the citizens of Los Angeles to convene and demand an investigation into the perpetrators involved in the Fox News scandal, advocating for the protection of minors. "If those murderers can''t be severely punished, who can guarantee that the next victim isn''t our child?" That widely shared tweet echoed the concerns of many parents. In front of the powerful, the laws meant to maintain social stability felt notoriously weak. ... By 8:30 AM, Los Angeles City Hall had attracted hundreds of participants. Reporters showed up one after another. With Fox unable to run its regular operations, they dispatched two remote broadcast trucks to the location. Despite silent compliance from the media affected by the Democratic Party, the influx of liberal media in America was overwhelming. Fox News was always at the forefront, so eventually, some jumped in to grab a piece of the action. ... Before long, dozens of reporters from various media outlets were on scene. At 9:30 AM, Brian and George Walker appeared in the square. The former promised to ensure the safety of every Los Angeles resident. The latter, being the sitting president, reiterated that he would order the FBI to thoroughly investigate the case and leave no perpetrator unpunished! As crowds gathered in significant numbers, George Walker delivered another passionate speech, emphasizing his commitment to justice while decrying the actions of the Democratic Party. In the shadow of a group of turpitude, this leader, once described as a pig by the media, suddenly appeared more dignified. In media discussions, George Walker completely overshadowed Kerry, gaining the upper hand. After the speech concluded, the group entered City Hall. ... Andrew approached, delivering good news to George and Brian: "Kerry''s team left California early this morning and headed to Oregon. Edwards, who stayed behind in Los Angeles, just announced his withdrawal from the election on Twitter." George couldn''t help but smile, "That''s a significant victory!" While Edwards was out of the election team, he still maintained his Senate seat, and the FBI had no authority to casually investigate him. Even if Willie Brown and Nunez wanted to initiate a real investigation, they''d still need to follow a complicated process. However, the media onslaught was relentless. Posters depicting the three were hoisted high during the protests at Los Angeles City Hall, painted with red Xs and phrases like ''Executioner'' and ''Murderer''. ... S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In that same morning, California''s capital Sacramento also saw large crowds rallying outside the governor''s mansion and the state capitol, holding similar posters demanding a thorough investigation and advocating for the rights of minors. Schwarzenegger and several Republican lawmakers made appearances, assuring protesters they would push for the state legislature to launch an investigation quickly. ... In Washington, D.C., protests erupted at Capitol Hill and the FBI headquarters. Using this opportunity, the Republican Party''s propaganda machine kicked into high gear, denouncing the corruption and crime of the Democratic Party, while boosting their own image. They also heavily focused on Latino immigrants, who made up more than half of the victims targeted by the Democratic Party''s actions. Twelve years ago, a major riot in Los Angeles ignited California''s shift from red to blue. Now, twelve years later, a shocking case with a confirmed death toll exceeding thirty, involving multiple Democratic officials in California, had started to swing California again. --- In Silver Lake, at the specimen villa, Campos had just arrived and informed Hawke, "The personnel have been assembled." Hawke nodded slightly. "Waiting for news from Mexico." Erica added, "Buddy Ackerman''s group landed this morning. They are currently in Tapachula; my people rushed over early this morning and have been keeping an eye on them." Campos glanced at Hawke, who nodded, and said, "Four observers from the Bosque team have arrived in Tapachula." Hawke directly told Erica, "Give them Buddy''s address and have them establish a secondary layer of surveillance." Erica agreed, "Understood." She took a sip of water and said, "My people analyzed that Buddy is likely planning to send his plane to a remote location to create a diversion. He''s likely waiting for the security team from the Rosario Ackerman Medical Center to come together before making any moves." Campos stated, "That''s good -- moving south means no repercussions." The southern border of Mexico was notoriously chaotic, and Tapachula, where Buddy was, was a pivotal crossing point for Latino migrants heading north. This southern route could extend down to Brazil and Argentina and passed through various countries, including Ecuador and Colombia, creating a yearly migration spectacle. Hawke''s team also prepared to head south. Erica made a call to get the latest news from the Fox Tower front: "The bomb squad opened the suitcase to find it contained some rocks and an old clock, no explosives inside." .bg-container-10448869e4d{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-container-10448222eb6{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } Hawke said, "Those bastards wanted to delay Fox News, trying to mute the main focus of this media uproar." ... On this day, Blackwater Security Company chartered a plane to fly over a hundred security personnel to bolster security at Fox Tower. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 352: The Hungry Wolf [Chapter 352: The Hungry Wolf] In southern Mexico, in the city of Tapachula, Hawke with a beard, wearing a golden wig, and Erica, who had dyed her hair and eyebrows black and added two beauty spots to her face, entered a courtyard enclosed by high walls. A burly man in his thirties with brown hair approached them. Erica introduced him, "This is Angulo, leader of the team." Hawke shook his hand, saying, "Thanks for your hard work." "The pay is generous, so it''s not really hard work," Angulo replied with a smile. "This is just my job." The three of them entered the villa. ... Inside, there was another person responsible for communication coordination. Hawke took the initiative and asked, "What''s the situation with Buddy Ackerman right now?" Angulo spread a map of Tapachula on the table, pointing to an area near the south side of the city. "This is the Golden Tequila Hotel, the only three-star hotel in the area. Buddy Ackerman and a party of twelve are currently staying at the hotel. The hotel doesn''t have an underground parking lot, making it easier to monitor. As of now, we can confirm he hasn''t left since checking in, as if he is waiting for someone." He pointed to another area on the map, "There''s a military base stationed here, the largest camp in Mexico near Guatemala, with more than 2,000 troops, just a ten-minute drive from the hotel." Erica asked, "Does Buddy have ties with the local military?" Angulo replied, "Two colonels came to the hotel from the Mexican military." Hawke rubbed his faux beard and remarked, "It''s not a good idea to make a move here." Erica agreed, "If we attack the hotel, even if we succeed, it would be hard to escape the military''s pursuit." Even though the Mexican military tended to be less effective, they were certainly better than the average police force. The border patrol likely had armored vehicles or helicopters at their disposal, not to mention an overwhelming number of pickup trucks armed with machine guns. Hawke directed, "Let''s keep a close watch on them and see what they do next." "Understood," Angulo replied. ... Within a few minutes, Campos and Garcia arrived. "The rest of the crew and equipment are settled to the south," Campos said quickly. "Juan verified through a contact in Rosario that during the time Buddy''s plane crossed the U.S.-Mexico border, several elite security personnel from a medical center left their posts. They still haven''t returned." Erica traced a line with her finger on the map towards Tapachula, saying, "That distance is too long for them to drive over; it''s very likely they took a plane around. It should be close now." Hawke continued looking at the map, "That business jet, not counting the crew, can only hold a dozen people. Buddy''s target should be heading south; this area is too close to the Guatemala border." Everyone''s gaze fell upon Guatemala marked on the map. --- At the Golden Tequila Hotel, in the best suite on the top floor, Buddy Ackerman sat in front of his computer, checking the news from California online. The media was nearly drowning California''s Democratic leaders; names like Nunez, Myers, and Willie Brown were being tarnished as the California legislature initiated an investigation. Kerry''s partner Edwards had announced his withdrawal from the election. Avalon Club on Santa Catalina Island, Ackerman Manor in Beverly Hills, a beach house in Malibu, the Ackerman Medical Center in Orange County and Maryland, as well as the temporary headquarters of the Ackerman Charity Foundation, which was leased after the fire in Los Angeles, were all sealed by the FBI. Assets worth over two billion dollars had vanished. Under media provocation, Los Angeles saw thousands of claimants emerge against the Ackerman family, many of whom had already announced lawsuits. The FBI held a press conference on the case yesterday afternoon, where Jennifer Huey, the lead investigator, disclosed some parts of the Ackerman family case. Besides the crimes exposed by the media, the FBI had also rescued six individuals who had been held captive in Ackerman Manor. Buddy seemed unusually silent. This sudden incident had caused the Ackerman family to lose all their fixed assets in America; Buddy had lost his blood bags as well. Feeling completely defeated and forced to flee in his later years, he was relieved that there were still hundreds of millions in his anonymous accounts at UBS. As he scrolled through the news, a feeling grew clearer: the severity of this case was nearing that of the 1992 Los Angeles riots. All this chaos truly felt like a cycle. After doing so many terrible things back then, including bribing police officers who abused African Americans, it was now time to pay the piper. ... The butler and head of security, Utson, entered the room. Buddy closed the webpage and asked the butler, "Is there still no news from Sean?" "No," the butler replied softly. "There have been no reports regarding Sean." He added, "Many family members have been captured by the FBI. They''ve locked all news, and we can''t reach Los Angeles. Barack, Fernando, Robert Lee, as well as your niece and nephew and two sisters, are all missing." Buddy sighed, "They''re likely being held by the FBI." Utson reminded him, "Sir, Pandis and his crew will arrive before dark. They''re landing in Soloma from the north and will be bringing some vehicles and weapons." Buddy nodded, "The weapons are not a problem; I''ve made arrangements with Colonel Cody." Utson felt relieved. They had rushed out, bringing only some easily concealable handguns and submachine guns. Buddy looked at the butler. "Make sure everything is ready for the plane. Have it fly to Russia." While the business jet was pricey, in times like these, sacrifices had to be made. "We are going according to plan, heading south to the mining company in Honduras." The butler, who had worked for him for decades, advised, "Honduras is still too close to North America; Russia..." Buddy raised his hand to interrupt him, saying, "America knows how to find an excuse when doing things, but Russia is a hungry wolf that pounces on us; if we go there, we will be devoured to the bone." America had its issues, but the Russians were no walk in the park either. --- Outside the hotel was Tapachula''s busiest commercial district, bustling with people and vehicles. A team sent by Erica, which arrived almost simultaneously with them, set up a monitoring perimeter around the hotel. Most of these people hailed from Southern California and many spoke fluent Spanish. In addition to them, five observers from the Hurricane Mercenary Company, who were dispatched, also positioned themselves around the hotel. Two of them disguised as a couple were staying at the hotel, keeping an eye on Buddy''s pilot. ... Everyone, including Buddy Ackerman, believed that the series of storms emerging in California ultimately aimed for those 55 electoral votes, driven by political interests to secure the presidency. From resource allocation to tangible benefits, the election was of utmost importance. But the true aim behind Hawke''s plans was the dismantling of the Ackerman family. --- Several SUVs approached from a distance, with the lead Land Cruiser stopping at the hotel entrance. Pandis stepped out of the vehicle, accompanied by his assistant Monterey, and entered the hotel. Utson awaited them in the lobby, waving to the two as they entered the elevator together to head upstairs. Upon exiting the elevator, Utson noticed something moving in Pandis'' bag and remarked cautiously, "What''s going on?" Pandis opened the bag, revealing a large lizard. "It''s my pet; since it''s hard to come back this time, I had to bring her along." Utson kept quiet, mentally cursing this fellow for his eccentricity. Once inside the suite, Pandis stepped forward, saying, "Boss, I''m here." Buddy nodded at him, "Everyone is here now." sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Pandis continued, "Some people have gotten too comfortable; they married and had children in Rosario, and don''t want to leave. I only brought thirty people." Buddy felt a wave of relief and told Utson, "Contact Colonel Cody; we will receive the weapons after dark. Money is not a problem." Utson replied, "Understood." "Have we received approval for the flight plan?" Seeing the butler nod, Buddy instructed, "Make sure to set up disguises, report under my false identity, and have the plane leave Tapachula before dark, heading to Russia." The butler confirmed, "I have everything arranged." Buddy gestured, "Go back and rest. We leave tomorrow morning." Before darkness fell, the crew and two vehicles departed the hotel, arriving at Tapachula Airport. Soon, the business jet took off, with its ultimate destination being Europe. --- At nine o''clock in the evening, the villa surrounded by high walls was brightly lit. The three parties involved in this operation, except for a few personnel monitoring, gathered here. The Ferguson family''s security company action team, elite members from Butterfly Company, and the Hurricane Mercenaries were present. The latter had collaborated with Hawke several times before. Counting the previous life together, they had partnered over ten times without a hitch. The Butterfly team arrived the latest. They transported weapons into Mexico through Campos''s channels and chartered a small propeller cargo plane at a high price to arrive on time. ... In a room on the second floor of the villa, Hawke, Erica, Campos, Bosque, and Angulo were exchanging the latest information to finalize their action plans. Bosque stroked the stubble on his lip and said, "Regarding the hotel, although the target has checked out, there are others wearing his clothes and similar equipment that have gone to the airport, but I can assure you, the target is still inside the hotel." He explained his reasoning: "Earlier, a group came to meet with the target; they didn''t leave but headed to the military base nearby to pick up some vehicles and arms." Campos agreed, "That aligns with what Juan observed." Angulo added, "My people followed them, but the deal was near the military camp, where cover was lacking; they didn''t dare get too close." Hawke looked at the map hanging on the wall and remarked, "If the target were boarding a plane, he wouldn''t need to make all this noise; he would undoubtedly choose to head south, crossing the Mexico-Guatemala border." Bosque warned, "Man, don''t underestimate any regular military within Mexico. The distance from Tapachula to the border is too short; if we attract their attention, escaping would be extremely difficult." Hawke pointed south of the border line, saying, "We should act in Guatemala. Before coming here, I did some research, and Northern Guatemala is quite chaotic, filled with gangs and armed groups, with a societal order in disarray. The Mexico border only has a token presence, which they can nearly ignore." Bosque leaned in a bit closer, stating, "That''s right; thus, we should make our move in Guatemala." .bg-container-10448ed3ed0{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-ssp-10448{margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;display:flex;justify-content:center;} .bg-container-10448f61e68{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } .bg-container-10448222eb6{ display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; justify-content: center; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } Hawke contemplated for a moment and instructed Angulo and Bosque, "Keep watching the target and see if you can install trackers on their vehicles." Bosque replied, "Leave that to me." Hawke added, "We''ll cross the border now and prepare in Guatemala." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 353: Fire Coffin [Chapter 353: Fire Coffin] After leaving Tapachula, the area near the Mexico-Guatemala border was predominantly mountainous, with a main road leading south. This route was quite busy, filled with numerous vehicles and people in transit. Buddy''s convoy arrived at the border crossing, where cars waiting to pass through formed a long line. Crossing over was straightforward; typically, a stamped passport sufficed. For those looking to bend the rules, a little cash could hasten things. Every year, hundreds of thousands of immigrants crossed the Mexico border. In Buddy''s convoy, three armed pickup trucks had machine guns set up in the back, temporarily covered by a tarp, with their deep green canvas making them less conspicuous. Many pedestrians continued to filter past, going back and forth along the roadside. ... Two locals, carrying tools common in the region, slipped by a passing SUV. The smaller of the two used his larger companion as a cover to discreetly place a tracking device above the rear wheel of the vehicle. They repeated this with a second truck before blending in with the crowd and quickly leaving the area. ... In Tapachula, Buddy had successfully secured Colonel Cody''s cooperation. A military truck that had accompanied the convoy moved ahead to clear the path. The convoy, consisting of several SUV''s and trucks, managed to cross the border without issue. ... In the vehicle behind them, a Mexican-American pulled out his satellite phone and dialed in. "Chief, the target has crossed the border. We''ve placed the tracker, and they didn''t notice a thing." ... In the northern mountain forests of Guatemala, Bosque activated the tracking monitor, noted the two blinking points on the screen, and said, "Good, I see them." The informant continued, "They acquired three armed pickups, but the weapons are obscured. The target should be in an SUV." "Understood," Bosque replied. Nearby, Hawke, clad in camouflage, signaled to him. Bosque nodded and instructed, "You all meet with those near the border and follow the tracker. Keep your distance to avoid being spotted. When the shooting starts, close in from behind." After hanging up, he told Hawke, "There are three armed pickups; the target is in the SUV." "Get ready," Hawke said, placing a hand on his shoulder while reminding him, "Try to bring the target back alive." "No problem," Bosque assured him. He ducked into the woods to join Garcia, Carlos, and the others, moving swiftly through the trees until they reached a nearby abandoned lumber yard. An old, weathered truck and several second-hand SUVs they had bought the night before waited there. Bosque quickly called a few words to the group as they piled into the vehicles, awaiting Hawke''s orders. ... In the wooded area, Hawke, Campos, Angulo, and Erica crouched in a small clearing. Erica pulled out a hand-drawn map of the ambush area, pointing out the main road. "We checked out the nearby regions, and this two-way road is the only passage for vehicles. We can block both ends and use the high ground for crossfire. Taking them down should be a cinch." Angulo added, "The only problem is capturing them alive." Hawke stated, "Only one SUV in the convoy; the target should be there, so we have to ensure our own safety first." He marked the road on the map with his finger. "They have three armed pickups, all equipped with light machine guns at least. We''ll take them out first with our four RPGs as soon as the action begins." "The Hurricane team brought two RPG7s." "I''ll let them use them according to the situation," Hawke responded as he stood up. "Alright, let''s spread out." Campos and Angulo departed together. Hawke adjusted his AK-74 slung over his shoulder, checking his grenades, magazines, and sidearm, putting on a helmet as he motioned to Erica, "Let''s go." Erica picked up her sniper rifle resting against a tree and followed closely behind as they made their way toward the forest. ... Less than a hundred meters away, Raul, Guti, and Morentes concealed themselves behind rocks on the hillside, hiding with a group of over ten people. Guti glanced over the terrain thirty meters away and told Hawke, "I''ll look for a good sniping position." "Go ahead," Hawke replied. Morentes withdrew quickly, disappearing into the forest. Erica stayed three meters behind Hawke, hidden behind a rock covered in green moss. At the same time, figures in camouflage moved on the opposite side, as Campos and Angulo adjusted themselves before the target arrived. Hawke opened a box, pulling out an RPG launcher, loading it carefully before handing it to Erica. He prepped a second one and placed it at his feet. The third he''d hand to Raul with a backup ready beside him. In the nearby rear, Guti set up a PKM light machine gun. Hawke pulled out a palm-sized tracking monitor that showed the target moving rapidly toward them. Coming through the Mexico border into Guatemala, this was the best path to take. ... After waiting a bit longer, Hawke opened his radio and whispered, "The target is less than a kilometer away; prepare." From either side, he heard Campos and Bosque reply. "Copy that, 2!" "Copy that, 3!" ... The truck rumbled out of the abandoned lumber yard, drove a short distance, then turned onto the main road. Several SUVs slowly trailed behind. The road was bumpy and challenging to navigate; the driver struggled to maintain speed. Garcia was behind the wheel, glancing at the tracking monitor beside him and the road ahead, watching as two small delivery trucks passed by. Suddenly, the voice of an observer came through the radio, "The convoy is approaching!" Garcia listened closely as he noticed it, too. In a cloud of dust, a long caravan of vehicles was making its way toward them. ... Hawke lifted his rocket launcher as Erica and Raul also took up their respective rocket launchers. Hawke noted clearly, "I''ll take the leading pickup; Erica, you take the middle, and Raul, the last pickup." "Got it," came the acknowledgment. "Truck, accelerate and intercept!" Hawke ordered. ... In the front of the convoy, one pickup truck led the way, followed by an old Cherokee and then the SUV. In the passenger seat, Pandis reached into his bag to comfort the pet lizard, which was getting agitated from the bumps in the road. Buddy Ackerman, feeling unwell, sensed nausea from the bumpy ride. The butler had given him motion sickness medicine earlier, and now he felt drowsy, on the brink of sleep. His bodyguard, Utson, anxiously surveyed the rising terrain on either side. Suddenly, the rumble of a truck diesel engine roared ahead. Utson and Pandis turned to look forward just in time to see a large truck veering off course and blocking the road entirely. The two-lane road had been completely obstructed by the big rig. Utson yanked Buddy down, shouting, "Get down!" Pandi quickly reacted, throwing his beloved lizard and bag to a safer spot while grabbing his walkie-talkie, yelling, "Watch out!" ... Just as the truck claimed its position, Garcia jumped from his vehicle, seeking cover behind the tire. Across from him, several SUVs came to a stop. ... Those who accompanied Buddy were highly trained and recognized the danger as the lead pickup truck''s occupants hurriedly uncovered the machine gun mounted in the back. ... From the hillside, Hawke hoisted his RPG26 and took aim before launching it, the long flame trailing behind the rocket as it sped toward the lead truck. "RPG..." the shout was heard, but there was hardly time to finish as the rocket hit the rear of the truck, exploding fiercely and flipping it across the road. The vehicle and its occupants were neutralized immediately. Meanwhile, Guti and Erica launched their rockets, targeting the middle and rear pickups of the convoy. The three explosive blasts left the fiercest vehicles inoperable. In the remaining vehicles, as they saw the missiles hit, panic ensued; shouts of "Enemy attack! Get out!" erupted as gunfire began, including that of sniper rifles. More than twenty individuals scrambled out from the other side of the rockets'' launch, weapons ready as they prepared to return fire. But on the slopes behind them, automatic gunfire rang out, dropping several men to the ground. Among them were at least two machine guns. Following this, a few high-powered grenades rained down, sending plumes of dust into the air. Those inside the vehicles hesitated to exit, hugging their heads down on the car. Guti fired at each vehicle with a machine gun while dozens of feet away, another gunman unleashed fire from a different machine gun. From above, Erica and Morentes took to their sniper rifles, accurately picking off targets. The latter focused on the tires of the SUV, ensuring the front and rear tires burst. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Ahead of the convoy, behind the large truck, Bosque led his group, using the truck as cover to shoot back. A Latin member readied an RPG7, launching it at the old Cherokee in front of the SUV, resulting in a fierce explosion that ignited the fuel tank, causing it to burst into flames. ... On the SUV, Utson pressed Buddy down onto the seat beneath him. Fully awake now, Buddy remained calm, "FBI?" "No!" the butler replied. "Most of the sounds are from Soviet-style weapons; this doesn''t feel like an FBI style." In the passengers'' seat, Pandis shouted, "Turn around! Go!" as he assessed the gunfire on both sides. Despite the tire blowouts, the vehicle''s power held up. The driver swerved, the windshield exposed the firing range. ... From the high ground, Erica adjusted her gun and squeezed the trigger. Her aim was excellent; one shot penetrated the SUV''s front windshield, hitting the driver square in the chest. The driver was incapacitated, the vehicle screeched to a halt as more cars attempted to flee. Three SUVs from behind blocked the road as their occupants leaped out with automatic rifles, aiming at the vehicle with unrelenting fire. The slaughter continued as the chaos unfolded. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 354: Dont Worry, Dad Will Come to Save Us [Chapter 354: Don''t Worry, Dad Will Come to Save Us] An ordinary car had limited protection against automatic rifles and machine gun bullets. Getting out to return fire, they faced an angle-free attack. Hiding behind the car meant waiting to die. Hawke switched his shooting position, adjusted his AK74, and locked onto a target. After a short burst, blood sprayed from a man hiding behind a jeep, who collapsed to the ground. Shooting at living targets thrilled Hawke a bit; he adjusted his aim slightly, fired again, and a man armed with a submachine gun was left with nothing but a severed head. Another vehicle tried to turn around. Hawke dropped the rifle, pulled out a grenade, and threw it with force. The grenade exploded above the vehicle, sending shrapnel through the roof and leaving countless holes behind. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The car immediately lost control, crashing into a dirt mound on the roadside. Hawke lifted his gun and continued shooting, taking down two more men in his sights. When one magazine ran out, he quickly swapped in another. Nearby, Guti had emptied his light machine gun and was reloading. Several snipers continuously identified and eliminated remaining targets. The safest place on site was that flat tire Land Cruiser. Under absolutely advantageous terrain, numbers, and firepower, the massacre was nearing its end. Pained screams echoed around. Hawke pointed his gun at the Land Cruiser but ceased fire. This victory was a testament to the power of cash. With a stash of cash in hand, Hawke had utilized an art auction to funnel money to a shell company overseas, then purchased Russian firearms and ammunition, all for today. When he acted, he struck like thunder. Hawke picked up the last RPG, aimed it at the last active gunner, and fired the rocket. As the explosion lit up the area, only screams remained. Hawke shouted into the radio, "Cease fire! Cease fire!" ... The gunfire stopped, and on the Land Cruiser, a blood-splattered Pandis first went to check on his mother lizard. Behind him, Utson pulled out a pistol and slowly looked out of the car. Everywhere lay corpses and vehicle wreckage. The butler drew out an Uzi submachine gun and, hearing the gunfire stop, asked, "Did we lose all our men?" Pandis, in the passenger seat, observed closely, one hand holding a satchel and the other gripping the short submachine gun at his side. He replied, "Things are looking very grim." Buddy slowly stood up from beneath the seat. Utson attempted to hold him back, but Buddy pushed his hand away, saying, "Their target is me. Can''t you see? Other than the driver, no shots were fired in our direction." A voice rang out from outside, "Listen up, people below! Drop your weapons, and you''ll get to live! Those in the car, exit immediately! You have ten seconds!" The two cars in front of the Land Cruiser had already been turned to wreckage by rockets. Boom-- Another explosion roared; this time, a car had been hit by a grenade launcher, igniting in flames. Not getting out meant death; getting out might offer a small chance of survival. Buddy had no choice. "Let''s get out of the car." The butler opened the door and was the first to step out. A gunshot rang out, raising a cloud of dust from the ground in front of him. The butler discarded the Uzi, raising his hands. Pandis left his gun in the car and also exited. Finally, Utson helped Buddy out of the vehicle. ... Hawke ordered over the radio, "All snipers on alert; others clean up the battlefield." More than thirty people descended from the hills on either side. Hawke commanded, "Finish them!" Gunfire erupted again; whether injured or dead, everyone on the ground received at least one more bullet to the head. ... Bosque, Garcia, and others were the first to reach the Land Cruiser. Garcia pulled Buddy aside, gripping his face, examining him closely. "He checks out." Buddy remained calm. "We''ll cooperate, just don''t shoot." "Clear them!" "Secure the perimeter!" ... As the finishing shots concluded, Hawke slung his gun over his shoulder and walked down the slope to the Land Cruiser. Buddy''s gaze shifted towards a newcomer. Given his years of experience, he could immediately tell this was the real leader. The figure wore a helmet, revealing light brown hair and a thick beard that exuded a fierce vibe. Buddy realized he did not know this person. Hawke had seen Buddy''s photos and videos countless times; he was sure the identity was correct. Suddenly, he noticed a man nearby reaching for a satchel slung over his shoulder. Without hesitation, Hawke drew his pistol and fired multiple shots. Bang, bang, bang-- After several gunshots, Pandis fell backward, crashing against the passenger door and sliding down. Nearby, everyone raised their guns, aiming at the remaining three individuals. Hawke commanded, "Leave the target; kill the rest." The butler and Utson tried to grab their guns, but after a chaotic volley, they were riddled with bullets. The convoy was left with only Buddy, dragged out by Garcia. ... "Cease fire!" Bosque shouted. Hawke ordered through the radio, "Five minutes to clean the battlefield; leave the electronics untouched." Buddy looked at Hawke and wisely refrained from speaking. Bosque noticed something moving in the satchel of the corpse; approaching it, he shoved his gun to pry it open, and a large lizard darted out. The lizard attempted to climb away, but Bosque stomped the lizard flat. ... Five minutes later, the battlefield was simply cleaned up; all the bodies were dumped into the wrecked vehicles and doused with gasoline, igniting them to burn. Hawke regrouped with Erica, Garcia, and Campos, escorting Buddy Ackerman alongside Bosque and others as they split up to retreat along the pre-planned routes. The once bustling battlefield grew quiet, the only thing remaining was the roaring fire, creating an eerie smell of charred remains. ... This situation was reported to the border officials and nearby Guatemala police station in a town. After over half an hour, less than ten individuals arrived slowly. Not a case they could handle, they quickly escalated the report up the hierarchy. As for how to deal with it, they didn''t care. Guatemala was known to be one of the most dangerous countries in the world; gun battles of this scale occurred annually. In the end, local gang organizations came to clean up the mess. --- Los Angeles, Inglewood. A large independent villa, in a basement room on the second floor, Sean Ackerman woke from unconsciousness. He looked at the hidden lights on the ceiling, surveying the unfamiliar room. Trying to get up from the uncomfortable bed, he found he had little strength and his lips were cracked from dehydration. Sean noticed the door to the room was open, and inside a box lay food and bottled water. Struggling, he made his way to the door, leaning against the wall to twist open the water bottle for a drink. As he glanced at the bread, he picked it up to assess. Feeling painfully hungry, Sean tried a bite, deciding to finish the bread. The bread was barely enough to satisfy his hunger. After drinking some water, Sean arrived at the door, gripping the hollow metal pillar of the alloy door. He hoarsely called out, "Is anyone there? Is there anyone here? Help! Help!" No one responded. Sean banged on the metal door and shouted, "Is anyone there? Help!" Suddenly, a woman''s voice came from the side, "Quit yelling; no one''s coming to save you!" Sean found the voice oddly familiar, one he had often heard before. He paused, then tentatively asked, "Melissa, is that you?" The voice replied with surprise, "Who are you?" ... In another room, Melissa hurried to the door, but from her position, she could not see Sean: "What''s wrong with your voice?" "It''s the drugs; I haven''t had water for many days." Sean was convinced it was Melissa''s voice. "Melissa, it''s me! I''m your brother, Sean!" Melissa, astonished, said, "You''re Sean? You got captured too? Hahaha..." Sean asked, "What are you doing here? Did you capture me?" Melissa didn''t answer, only laughed heartily, her laughter filled with satisfaction. Both were from the Ackerman family; why should she be imprisoned in the basement while her brother was outside living freely? Well, now Sean had arrived as well. Sean strained his throat, yelling, "Stop laughing! Crazy woman, will you just stop laughing and let me out! Let me out!" Melissa''s laughter faded slightly as she said, "You''re still as foolish as ever; you''re no different from an idiot. I''ve been missing for this long, and you didn''t come looking for me?" Sean thought of their brotherly and sisterly resentment. "Look for you? Why would I look for you? Dad sent people to find you, but I destroyed everything. Did you think I wanted to bring you back just to fight me for the inheritance?" Melissa replied coldly, "You don''t have to worry about inheriting anything; now you''re just like me, captured and imprisoned in this basement." Sean suddenly understood, "After disappearing in Mexico, you were brought here? You''ve been imprisoned all this time? Who did this?" "I thought you did it," Melissa stated. Sean replied, "I wanted to, but didn''t get the chance." These two strangely bonded siblings shared the tales of their capture, and the tension between them eased considerably. "Don''t worry, Dad will come to save us," Sean repeated. "In just a few days, Dad will find us and rescue us from here!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 355: Its Time to Root Out the Problem [Chapter 355: It''s Time to Root Out the Problem] In the desert valley of Chihuahuan Desert, Mexico, several off-road vehicles were parked. Campos immediately directed his crew to climb to a nearby high point to set up lookout posts. Hawke stood beside one of the vehicles and instructed Raul and Guti, "Drag him into the weathered stone forest and tie him up." Buddy Ackerman, who had been silent and playing dead in the vehicle, quickly chimed in, "Look, my friend, no matter our past issues, let''s talk this through calmly. I can offer you terms that will definitely satisfy you." Hawke waved his hand dismissively at the two men. Raul and Guti dragged Buddy toward the stone forest. Hawke pulled out a knife and wiped it on his sleeve. Erica grabbed his arm, saying, "I''ll go with you." Hawke nodded silently and walked toward the rocky pile. The area was strewn with weathered rocks, with debris and gravel scattered across the ground. Occasionally, resilient cacti grew among them, their long spikes glinting in the sunlight. Raul and Guti tied Buddy to a rock and, upon seeing Hawke''s signal, picked up their guns and left. Erica climbed up onto a nearby tall rock, telling Hawke, "You go ahead, I''ll stay here and keep watch." The distance was enough to see them but not to hear their conversation. ... Without wasting words, Hawke swiftly approached, sitting on a stone two meters away from Buddy and sizing him up. Buddy looked to be in his sixties, with thinning gray hair forming a receding hairline. His prominent features, especially his big nose, reflected classic Jewish traits. Hawke had become quite skilled at making Calamari. He had already eliminated a few others before. He had even captured Melissa and Sean for a little game of confinement. While the squid game was unpleasant, at that moment, Buddy was far more distasteful. Buddy immediately adopted the standard rich person''s approach: "My friend, I''m unsure of what our past conflicts are, but all issues can be settled with money." Hawke knew full well that wealthy individuals never kept all their assets in one place. After all, he had done the same when he came into money. "I''ve seen the news from California; the Ackerman family is finished," Hawke remarked with a cold laugh. "Your company and properties have all been seized by the FBI." Buddy asked, "You came from California?" Hawke did not reply, instead sharpening the knife beside the rock. He peeled away the skin of a cactus and, gloved, snapped off the plant, walking toward Buddy with it. He pulled off one of the cactus''s sharp spines and pressed it against Buddy''s big nose, pushing it in. Buddy cried out in pain as blood gushed from his nose. Hawke stated, "The rules are simple; I ask questions, and you must answer. If you ask questions, you will face punishment." Blood from Buddy''s nose dripped down. "To make sure you remember, let''s deepen your impression," Hawke said, grabbing the cactus and smacking Buddy''s face with it. The spines left multiple marks on Buddy''s face. Buddy, not accustomed to this kind of pain, felt his face contort with agony. Hawke tossed away the cactus and sat back down on the stone, declaring, "Since you''re talking about money, that implies you still have it. Give it to me, and I''ll make your death quick and painless." Buddy could only think of one possibility: these people were pursuing him due to political conflicts. Ignoring the burning pain on his face, Buddy responded, "You''re doing dirty work for politicians. Do you think they''ll let you go? You''ll be silenced soon enough!" Hawke cut off another piece of cactus and pressed it against the other side of Buddy''s face, insisting, "Speak, and your death might be more comfortable." Blood trickled down to Buddy''s lips as he shouted, "Just kill me!" Hawke pulled out his knife, saying, "I''ve watched footage from your clubs, where you skinned dozens of underage kids alive..." He cut through one of Buddy''s ropes and straightened his left hand. "I learned a thing or two from this style of work." Buddy attempted to struggle, but his strength was inconsequential against Hawke; he was like a child. ... In the distance, Erica faintly heard a horrific scream and glanced back. With great vision, she noticed Buddy Ackerman''s hand was now drenched in blood. "Stop! Stop!" Buddy couldn''t take it anymore. Hawke paused and inquired, "What did you say?" "I''ll tell you; just give me a quick death!" Buddy had no doubt that the bastard in front of him would engage in unspeakable acts. He revealed the details of a secret UBS account, complete with passwords and payment codes. Hawke memorized it all, picked up his knife, and continued. Buddy cried, "We had a deal!" Hawke coldly replied, "There''s more." Buddy remained silent. To prevent Buddy from losing consciousness from pain or excess adrenaline, Hawke retrieved a syringe from his bag and injected the contents into Buddy. "This will keep you awake, intensifying your sensory experience so you won''t black out..." Buddy recognized the description all too well. Hawke intentionally remarked, "Oh, and I forgot to mention, the syringe comes from your Avalon Club." At those words, Buddy spat out a mouthful of blood, "You can''t treat me like those animals!" Hawke couldn''t help but laugh, pointing at the nearby Mexican men, saying, "Your club and medical center have killed the most Mexicans. They''d be quite interested in your fate; if I called them over, your ass would be finished." He pulled out a walkie-talkie, about to press the button. "Don''t! I''ll tell you!" Buddy quickly disclosed another UBS account number, password, and payment code, stressing, "That''s the last one!" Hawke took out a satellite phone for verification, finding it all good. These two accounts held substantial funds, amounting to hundreds of millions. ... Buddy had been involved in heinous activities, obviously not wanting to die. Seeing the greed in Hawke, he pleaded, "Spare my life! The knowledge in my head, my business secrets, are worth far more!" He emphasized, "I can help you earn billions in the stock market, turning you from a pawn into a kingmaker!" Hawke tucked away the satellite phone. Buddy continued, "We have no personal animosities. You''ve gotten so much money already; why not..." Hawke sighed lightly, "You''ve got it wrong. I don''t serve anyone; this is all personal revenge." "We only target the poor and the downtrodden!" Buddy was confused, wondering why those lower-class people could mobilize such armed forces. Hawke chuckled, "It''s simple; you once wanted to turn me into a blood bag. I just got lucky and escaped. This debt needs settling; I hold grudges -- there''s always a price to pay, else I''d be depressed my entire life." Buddy tried to recall the situation, but his perceived supremacy prevented him from remembering any ''small'' people. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Suddenly, Buddy felt a sharp pain in his wrist -- the bastard across from him had cut his wrist open. Hawke quickly did the same to Buddy''s other wrist. Draining blood from someone else, all to the last drop. To prevent the condemned man from dying too easily, Hawke continued, "By killing you, this hatred concludes, but to avoid your descendants seeking revenge, which is too troublesome, I''ve captured Melissa and Sean and locked them up." He added, "Your sisters, nephews, and nieces -- FBI won''t let them live. They took your money, enjoyed the life of multimillionaires, so they have to accompany you to see God." Buddy looked up, glaring at Hawke. "How dare you!" Hawke replied, "No need to worry; I won''t kill Sean or Melissa. I''ll take good care of them and ensure they live long and healthy lives." Buddy realized from earlier comments that the bastard intended to use them as organ donors, and waves of sorrow crashed over him. "How could this happen? How could this happen..." Hawke sat on the stone, watching blood flow from Buddy''s hands, not knowing how many lives this blood had stemmed from. Suddenly, Buddy yelled, "Let Melissa and Sean go! I beg you, let Melissa and Sean go!" Hawke remained unmoved; once he decided on revenge, he naturally intended to leave no traces behind. Buddy felt the vitality leaving him as blood continued to drip. His head grew foggy until he ultimately fell into darkness. When Hawke noticed the blood had almost stopped flowing, he pulled out his handgun, aiming at Buddy''s head, and began pulling the trigger. Bang! Bang! Bang! Three bullets struck the old squid''s head, turning his big nose into a bloody hole. Hawke spoke into the radio, "I fired the gun." Erica stood up, gazing at Hawke. ... Once Hawke confirmed Buddy was truly dead, he turned and headed back. Strangely, he felt a wave of relief wash over him, an elation coursing through him far beyond the physical antics of intimacy. Erica sensed Hawke''s joy as she jumped down from the rock. "Is it all done over here?" He took her hand and stretched his arm, feeling like someone who had just enjoyed a wonderfully restful night''s sleep. "It''s over; let''s head back." Together they walked back, encountering Campos. Hawke gestured toward the area where Buddy Ackerman''s corpse lay. Campos ordered Carlos and Garcia to bring a bucket of gasoline over; they set fire to the remains. ... In the distance, a few cars approached as Bosque had called Campos ahead of time. He arrived and stated, "Guatemala classified that as a gang conflict; let the local gangs handle the aftermath." Hawke used the funds left in Buddy Ackerman''s accounts to finish paying the Hurricane Mercenary Company. Bosque grinned, his beard twitching. He said, "Boss, in the future, feel free to reach out for any tasks. Our service quality will absolutely satisfy you." Hawke countered, "If you wish to expand, I can invest in Hurricane Company; you''d receive better protection." Bosque wiped the smile from his face, responding, "Let me think on it." Hawke pointed at Campos, saying, "Once you''re set, contact him directly." With that, they parted ways and began to disperse. Campos stayed behind to clean up, ensuring everything was handled properly. Hawke and Erica, along with their bodyguard, quietly returned to Los Angeles. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 356: Internal Enemies [Chapter 356: Internal Enemies] In Los Angeles, at an estate in Woodland Hills, campaign manager Mehlman stepped out of the information room and quickly crossed the living room to find George Walker. "Good news, the Democratic Party''s support has dropped by 50%!" George immediately stood up, approached Mehlman, and took the statistical report he held, cheerfully bouncing it in his hand. "We are going to win California!" Mehlman, well aware that an advantage didn''t guarantee victory, replied, "The public sentiment surrounding the Ackerman family incident will likely further diminish the Democratic Party''s support over time. However, we need to remain vigilant and continuously pressure the Democrats involved in this matter from both legal and media sides until they completely crumble!" As the current president, George held the upper hand in this regard. He said, "Let the FBI investigate thoroughly; we can''t let up." ... Mehlman went off to find Andrew Card. George thought for a moment and logged onto Twitter, posting a tweet: "Those who violate the bottom line of society must be severely punished!" After coming to California, George had not only allied with local forces in Los Angeles but also became an avid user of Twitter. Especially after the Ackerman family incident erupted, every time he raised his voice, he garnered widespread support on Twitter. This time was no exception; after only making a few phone calls, he returned to find his newly posted tweet had over ten thousand likes. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. When the opponent faltered, it often buoyed one''s spirits. George contacted Brian. ... Brian fully complied with Hawke''s suggestion, decisively and swiftly ensuring that those corrupt Democrats were thoroughly nailed to America''s wall of shame. The British decided to join the fray as well. The controversy around the Ackerman Medical Center''s problematic blood plasma, with its primary customers being in the UK, was leaked by Fox News. Soon after, , , and Sky News, all under News Corp, followed suit and reported the news, igniting UK-wide attention. The scandal regarding Britain importing American contaminated blood plasma exploded, with obtaining data that showed up to 20,000 British people had contracted HIV and hepatitis B or C due to using American-produced blood products, leading to nearly a thousand deaths. Blair was forced to publicly apologize and apply diplomatic pressure on America. This backlash landed squarely on the Ackerman Medical Center and several Democratic politicians in California, capturing media scrutiny and public attention. ... Every election year, America was never quiet, consistently igniting various scandals and controversies. In 2004, it erupted particularly fiercely. Political struggles had always been brutal, essentially a life-or-death game. Outside the Twitter building, security personnel patrolled back and forth, dispersing individuals with backpacks or luggage at least five times. Since Fox News began reporting the story, all physical mail sent to Twitter was received by designated personnel at the Venice side. Compared to the initial reports from Fox, Twitter sustained significantly less pressure. News Corp suddenly fell under investigation by the IRS in New York. A female anchor from Fox News suddenly made allegations of sexual harassment against chairman Roger Ailes through the . However, this anchor quickly found herself ensnared in an FBI sting operation because the handsome man she had a one-night stand with stuffed money into her wallet. The anchor was caught selling herself and was arrested by the FBI. California''s political scene and media discourse turned chaotic, with both parties launching almost frenzied attacks on each other. It was a well-known fact that while external enemies might temporarily shore up relationships, internal enemies were bitter foes. The Democrats were unwilling to easily relinquish California and, while dispersing media attacks, also sought a centrist to negotiate, buying time and controlling the tempo. ... With a background in three parties, Donald Trump was thriving in Hollywood and this year''s NBC airing of had pulled in a solid viewership. He scheduled a meeting with Brian at a Beverly Hills business club, where Brian called Hawke, who had just returned to Los Angeles. That afternoon, both sides met in Hawke''s long-booked meeting room. Hawke had previously met Mr. Trump once; they were acquainted. After shaking hands, Mr. Trump boldly introduced himself. "I''m a loyal Twitter user; I registered my account the moment you went online last year and have highly recommended it to friends. Could Twitter give an old friend like me a bit more exposure?" This business tycoon knew the ins and outs of internet traffic algorithms. Hawke replied, "Your show could completely collaborate with Twitter. If you need, I can give you the phone number of the Market Development Director. I''ll have him set up the best partnership terms for you." Upon hearing he couldn''t get something for nothing, Donald''s interest dropped significantly, although he maintained a polite smile. "I''ll have someone reach out to Twitter then." He then shifted the conversation back to Brian. Hawke stopped speaking and listened. This Donald Trump had repeatedly switched allegiances, having joined the Republican Party in the late 1980s, switched to the Reform Party a few years ago, and transformed into a Democrat three years prior; it wouldn''t be long before he''d flip back to the Republican Party again. Mr. Trump stated, "Having been in the Republican Party, worked with the Reform Party, and now being a Democrat, I understand quite well the partisan struggles. America''s system has severe issues; every election leads to significant internal strife. Each time the two parties attack each other, they exacerbate the division and conflict in this country and society!" Brian shook his head, responding, "The Democrats created this mess, injuring so many Los Angeles citizens. As mayor, I must uphold their rights." "I agree with everything you''re doing, but there''s a caveat," Mr. Trump said, quite eloquently. "We cannot harm America''s national interests." He appeared like a true patriot. "Where are America''s current enemies? In the Middle East, it is about combating and eliminating terrorism. The internal power struggle should be maintained at a reasonable level to reduce national strife, allowing us to focus more military resources in the Middle East, continuing to uphold America''s absolute leadership globally." His high-minded rhetoric left Brian unable to directly refuse. Mr. Trump added, "To rephrase, the only way for the slice of America''s global interest pie to grow bigger is for both of us to reap greater benefits from it. Endless internal strife damages both sides'' mutual interests." Brian, influenced heavily by Hawke, noted that since the Ferguson family had been oppressed by Democratic forces since 1992, he held no fondness for the Democrats. He stated, "This incident isn''t about what I consider, it''s about how you all will act." Mr. Trump had received insinuations from some Democratic figures before arriving: "We will concede interests in California, but media sentiment needs to calm." Brian passed the buck: "I can''t make that decision. The authority isn''t in my hands; I can only relay your suggestion." At this point, it was time to conclude the conversation. Mr. Trump was ready to take his leave. This savvy marketing mogul then turned his attention to Hawke: "For the new season of that I''m preparing to shoot, I''d like to invite a few guests. You are the most successful internet elite right now -- would you be interested in mentoring my apprentices?" Hawke replied honestly, "Sorry, I don''t like appearing on camera." Mr. Trump reflected for a moment. He indeed rarely saw videos or photos of Hawke in the media. He said, "Let''s discuss deeper cooperation sometime." ... When the other party departed, Brian directly commented to Hawke, "The Democrats really have all sorts of people, even seasoned individuals who have fluctuated between parties like him." Hawke warned, "He might switch back to the Republicans one day and become our opponent." Brian wasn''t convinced. "Him?" Hawke returned to the sofa and asked, "What do you think about what he said?" Brian scoffed, "If we were in a weak position, would they call for a truce?" "No," Hawke emphasized. "We hold the advantage now, and retreating instead of pressing forward will only make our opponents feel we''re weak and invite a fierce counterattack." He underscored, "To deal with political foes, get a grip on their weaknesses; we need to crush them all. The war has already begun on both sides!" Brian glanced at the time: "George''s schedule here is about to wrap up. I''ve arranged to meet with him at his temporary residence in Beverly Hills. Shall we head over together?" Hawke agreed, "Let''s go together." The two exited the Beverly Hills business club and entered the same bulletproof limousine. Through numerous collaborations, Hawke had significantly influenced Brian, and his position and suggestions aligned with Brian and the Ferguson family''s interests. ... After this meeting, the FBI intensified their investigation into the Ackerman family incident. Protests spread from Los Angeles and Sacramento, reaching Washington D.C., and even large cities like New York, Chicago, Boston, and Atlanta began to see crowds of protesters. In every corner of America, far too many children and women went missing each year. The various reports emerging from the Ackerman family incident undoubtedly struck a nerve with ordinary citizens. Even numerous women''s organizations called for thorough investigations and severe punishment for the perpetrators, as the majority of victims were female. Los Angeles''s feminist organizations had long been the most radical and left-leaning in North America, but they chose to remain silent with the Ackerman family case unfolding. Leaders like Karen Crowley and Michelle might not have been the sharpest, but they weren''t foolish either. Standing out to pander to the Democrats amid such a contentious issue risked losing their most basic support. ... Under tremendous media pressure, California Assembly Speaker Nunez announced his resignation, claiming he made a mistake and would cooperate with the FBI''s investigation. Assembly member Miles also declared his resignation. Willie Brown, having no public office, returned to San Francisco after the incident and remained closed to visitors. During a new press conference on the case, the FBI stated that they had received relevant permission and would soon initiate a targeted investigation on Willie Brown. That evening, one of the leaders of the California Democrats and a prominent African American politician collapsed from a sudden heart attack and was admitted to the ICU. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 357: Beach Lifeguards [Chapter 357: Beach Lifeguards] East Hollywood, Silver Lake Community. Hawke brought four glass cups and placed them in front of everyone. Erica opened a bottle of wine and poured some for each. "Willie Brown hid in the hospital, and we''ve got no good way to deal with him," Jennifer Huey lifted her glass, took a sip, and continued, "If it were a regular person, the FBI could drag him out at will, but he''s not just anyone." Hawke thought to himself that all political players had their talents, and he replied, "Send a few people to guard the outside of the ICU and let him lie in there. If George wins, he could be stuck in there for four years." Brian remarked, "You''re a master at dealing with these lowlifes; we all ought to call you ''teacher.''" Hawke jokingly replied, "I only take female students, preferably attractive ones." "Don''t you care about your boyfriend?" Brian looked at his cousin Erica, "He''s about to let loose." Erica raised an eyebrow and clinked glasses with Jennifer, "Can you stop something like that? Grandpa, Dad, and Uncle -- how many affairs do you think they have?" Jennifer, hailing from a notable family herself, added, "On my father''s side alone, I know of at least two." Hawke cleared his throat seriously, redirecting the topic, "What''s the situation with Barack Bernanke? Normally, they wouldn''t let him survive much longer." Jennifer replied, "The security is tight. My people are on shifts, and they haven''t found an opportunity yet." She set down her glass and frowned slightly, "But there are some at the FBI who are being quite animated. Some bastards are using my relationship with Brian against me, trying to get me transferred out of Los Angeles." Erica had encountered similar situations at the LAPD: "They want to get rid of you, and get a loyalist in to quietly drop the case." "It''s been over three years since the president took office, and the red faction has the upper hand in the FBI, but the opposing forces shouldn''t be underestimated either," Jennifer said with a fierce look. "That second deputy director has returned..." Hawke thought for a moment and suggested, "Let''s set a trap; maybe we can catch a big fish." Erica understood his line of thought and chimed in, "Using Barack Bernanke and the evidence we have?" Hawke nodded, "The footage that''s been leaked is just part of the case. We''re not the only ones who know this; the opposition is aware too. It''s like a custom bomb that can explode whenever needed, and they surely want to get their hands on it back." Jennifer chuckled, "In fact, they''ve been pressuring me, but I''ve rejected their unreasonable demands, claiming the investigation is ongoing." Hawke said, "We should transfer Barack Bernanke and the evidence to a different location, away from tight security. They''ll likely crack under pressure, and such actions will definitely involve trusted people and reliable hands. If not, the information leaking out will be worse." Erica added, "Just in case, let''s use fake evidence." There was intense infighting within the FBI as well. Jennifer''s backers in Washington had been wanting to eliminate a rival for a while. She said, "I''ll ask the higher-ups; let''s see what happens." Brian brought up another angle: "Right now, the situation in California is chaotic because the Ackerman family incident has involved many key figures in the Democratic Party, and the internal divisions and confrontations within their ranks are serious." Hawke wasn''t surprised, "As long as a team keeps winning, all problems seem small. But once they hit a significant setback, internal issues will turn into major ones." "Exactly, that''s the truth," Brian explained in detail. "Among California''s current two senators, Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein are both Democrats. Barbara is running for re-election in November, and her opponent is Secretary of State Bill Jones. Now the Republican Party is gaining momentum, and to continue appealing to female voters, Barbara has positioned herself against the Kerry faction." He laughed, "This woman is calling for a thorough investigation of the case and a crackdown on crimes against women and children." The so-called party interests were not as significant as personal interests. The four of them weren''t surprised by this dynamic. With common interests between the two parties, there were numerous instances of collaboration among certain groups. As it was late, Jennifer and Brian bid farewell and left. ... Erica tidied up the meeting room briefly and went upstairs to take a shower. Before long, Hawke came in. During this time, the two had been tense and hadn''t had any deep contact. Now they could relax and get a good workout in. ... Afterward, they chatted for a while. Erica told Hawke that she might be getting a promotion, which would lead to her being reassigned from the detective bureau. "Congratulations!" Hawke kissed her heavily. "The youngest female captain in LAPD history." He asked, "Where are you going?" Erica replied, "Nothing''s been determined yet, but I might go to the Special Operations Bureau." --- The next morning, Hawke drove Erica to the detective bureau before turning to Santa Monica, deliberately taking a detour to City Hall to take a look. In downtown Los Angeles, there were still crowds of protesters. At the side of the road in front of the district attorney''s office, there were still hundreds of "relatives" of the missing. Upon arriving at the office, Hawke handled some work before asking Edward to bring in the day''s newspaper. Amidst the relentless media coverage, even the heavily Democratic leaning was now reporting on the Ackerman incident. Twitter was also riding the election''s coattails, continuing to take the third spot in the trending news list related to Edwards''s video while also conducting a regional party popularity poll. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In terms of internet influence, Twitter''s immense presence played a significant role, especially here in California, where the Republican network support reached as high as 53%, while the Democrats slipped nearly ten points. The remaining support belonged to the Reform Party. With the election fast approaching, the situation in California was becoming clearer. ... At this moment, Edward reminded him, "Boss, we just got news that John Edwards reached a settlement with the two victim girls from the video." Hawke quickly typed on the keyboard, searched the news, and said, "He got lucky; both girls are still alive." Twitter had just released related news stating that John Edwards''s lawyer had come to an agreement with the lawyers representing the two girls after several rounds of negotiation regarding the settlement. As for the specific details, especially the financial amounts, both parties had not disclosed them. Edwards also announced that he would not participate in the November Senate election, which was tantamount to resigning. Those from California weren''t so fortunate. The girls appearing in the video had all gone missing, and no bodies had been found. Hawke paid attention to the news, then began handling the work at hand. ... Twitter was about to hold a shareholders meeting to discuss development plans for the next year. The Coast Building on Ocean Park Avenue was already undergoing full renovations. It was expected to move in around February or March of next year. Several investment groups were also inquiring about Twitter''s next funding round, etc. ... Hawke was busy all morning. As noon approached, he looked up to see Edward sitting on the sofa in the guest area, flipping through his notebook. Hawke recognized the notebook from his time working as a freelance journalist and strategic consultant at the Fountain Avenue studio. It was the Savior''s notes. Taking a momentary rest, he asked Edward, "So, you broke up again?" Edward looked troubled, "Mary Collins proposed to me, but I didn''t accept." Hawke thought for a while before remembering, "Miller Collins''s ex-wife?" "Yes, that''s her," Edward said, quite helplessly. "Once she learned I was a Twitter shareholder and vice president, she developed delusions, thinking I could marry her. How could that be possible?!" He elaborated, "Mary Collins is a former model. When her ex-husband Miller ran into problems, she not only divorced him but also managed to drain him of all his assets. Although Miller is our enemy and met a tragic end at Covina, from a male perspective, I think he failed miserably in handling women and lost both his life and his wealth." Hawke mused while navigating the mouse, "You have a point there." Edward replied sincerely, "By leaving Compton, I escaped the ingrained survival tactics of underprivileged black life. After meeting you, my boss, I got rich, and my old ways of surviving just don''t apply anymore. Now I should be more worried about them taking advantage of me than the other way around, instead of the previous dynamic where I was freeloading off divorcee women." "Buddy, you''re evolving quickly; that''s impressive," Hawke had to admit, "No wonder you''re a man who came out of Compton." Edward flashed two rows of bright white teeth, "She wants to marry me not out of love but because she sees me as a way to elevate her lifestyle. I consulted Frank, that old bastard, and even with a prenup, she could still claim a portion of the man''s assets acquired during the marriage in a divorce. Twitter is rapidly growing; if she divorces me down the road, she can simply sit back and win." Hawke turned to look out the window; from here, he could see Frank''s RV parked on the beach. He said, "You should consult Frank more about these matters. He has plenty of experience." Edward stifled a laugh, "Having been burned multiple times by his ex-wives, with his precedent, I''ll definitely be cautious." Hawke asked, "Haven''t seen much of Frank lately?" "He said he taught everything he could to Ms. Baa," Edward replied briefly. "Ever since I rescued Mary Collins''s daughter, Dorothy, there have been many accidents at Venice Beach lately. Santa Monica decided to tighten beach management and replaced the entire lifeguard team. Maybe to attract tourists, this new lifeguard team is mainly composed of attractive women who run around the beach in bikinis every day. That old bastard Frank went to volunteer with the lifeguard team." Hawke was intrigued and asked, "Just like what was portrayed in ?" Edward said, "Not as exaggerated as Pamela Anderson, though." Hawke nodded slightly, "Let''s check it out sometime." --- By afternoon, Hawke called Caroline, Harland, and others to check on the renovation progress at the coastal building nearby. Later, they returned for a meeting to discuss some internal company affairs. Besides Twitter''s matters, Hawke also carefully reviewed the business of West Coast Environmental Technologies Group. A large shipment of firefighting equipment had already been resold to the Los Angeles Fire Department by the West Coast Company. Fire-damaged areas were also being cleaned up in an orderly fashion. Expecting around $27 million in profits this year from just these two businesses, Hawke''s Osmond Charity Foundation could serve its purpose right now. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 358: Falling Objects from the Sky [Chapter 358: Falling Objects from the Sky] As a nonprofit organization, the Osment Charitable Foundation primarily functioned as a tax shelter. However, according to federal regulations, the foundation was required to allocate 5% of its income to charitable activities. Hawke set his sights on the Ackerman Foundation, which had been seized by the FBI, and the various shelters it operated in Los Angeles and other Southern California cities. In Los Angeles, there were primarily two locations: the impoverished streets in the downtown slums and the traditional Hollywood area. There were also shelters in Orange County and Long Beach. These shelters essentially collaborated with large retail chains like Walmart to purchase their surplus food at discounted rates, recording the transactions at normal market prices, and then distributed the food to the homeless. Hawke did a bit of digging and had Edward reach out to City Hall for him, as the shelters could also receive government subsidies. Each year, from federal to state levels, various relief funds were allocated. After the bureaucracy took its cut, maybe 10% of that actually benefitted those in need. This represented an enormous business opportunity in America, allowing an entire industry to profit. Hawke planned to wait for the Ackerman family situation to calm down before inquiring with the FBI. Regulations dictated that after compensating the victims, the Ackerman family''s seized assets would have to be deposited into the treasury. The charitable shelters would ultimately need to be liquidated. --- The following morning, Twitter received an exclusive video news clip from Butterfly Consulting, which reported a gunfight erupting in eastern Los Angeles. An FBI convoy was ambushed by assailants armed with automatic weapons who intended to seize their vehicles but were met with a prepared FBI strike team that rapidly encircled them near a small building. In the video, helicopters carrying FBI snipers hovered above while two armored vehicles positioned themselves on the ground. Tear gas was deployed against the unprotected armed assailants. The fight was entirely one-sided, with the FBI only suffering minor injuries to three unlucky agents; no lives were lost on their side. Most of the assailants were captured alive by the FBI. Jennifer Huey''s operation was a resounding success. Two days later, an assistant director and two special agents at the FBI headquarters resigned. The head of the Los Angeles division retired early, with Jennifer Huey taking over the position. After the gun battle, Los Angeles calmed down a bit. --- Nevada, Las Vegas. Betty drove a rental car to the MGM Grand Hotel. Going to the 12th floor, she knocked on a hotel room door. Irene opened the door and hugged Betty, exclaiming, "Thank you, thank you!" Betty nudged her into the room and asked with a smile, "How have you been lately?" "I''ve been keeping an eye on the news from California," Irene responded excitedly. "I never imagined the billionaire Ackerman family would collapse like this." Betty guided her to the sofa, saying, "We promised you we would act, and we keep our promises." Irene lowered her head shyly. "Honestly, I never believed you would actually succeed. I didn''t think it would come to this. Guerrero deserved punishment, but he shouldn''t have taken his own life..." She quickly shook her head. "Guerrero had been so good to me; I can''t forget it. I may never forget it." Betty gently embraced her. "I know, I understand how you feel." Then she asked, "What are your plans moving forward? We''ll do our best to help you here." Irene inquired, "Can I go back to Caltech to study?" Betty spoke softly, "The Ackerman situation is too widespread. You don''t have the means to keep yourself safe. Anyone connected to this or those affected might exact revenge. You''ve seen what they can do in the videos from Ackerman''s club; it''s best you don''t stay in North America." Irene recalled the disturbing content of those videos, feeling that Betty''s caution was justified. Betty pulled out a card and an envelope, handing them to Irene. "Stay as far away from North America as you can; don''t come back. I''ll provide a few alternative locations: Denmark, Sweden, and Norway in Northern Europe, Hong Kong, Japan in East Asia, and New Zealand and Australia in the Southern Hemisphere. You can go to any of those places. The funds in here should be enough for you to settle down and lead a decent life for the next few years." Irene accepted the card, tucked it away, and opened the envelope to find an assortment of dollar bills. "I will follow your advice." Betty also gave Irene an email address. "If you run into trouble, email this address." She took out a pre-prepared business card. "Here''s my Twitter account. Use this code to leave me messages; I''ll see them." Irene accepted everything. "I''ll book a flight to leave tomorrow; I plan to..." "You don''t have to tell me," Betty interrupted. "Don''t let me know where you''re going." Irene understood, saying, "Take care of yourself." Betty smiled, "My boss is a good person; you should sense that by now." Irene had previously worried about being silenced like characters often portrayed in Hollywood films, but reality proved her fears to be unfounded. ... Betty spent less than two hours there. Upon leaving Caesars Palace, she took out her phone and called, stating, "Irene''s a smart girl; she''ll be leaving tomorrow. After some time, who knows, but she likely won''t be back for a few years." On the other end, Edward replied, "We can only ensure her safety; the rest is her own choice." "Understood." Betty hung up, peeking back at Caesars Palace as she returned to her car, wishing Irene well. She drove directly to a hotel near the airport, planning to return to Los Angeles first thing in the morning. Butterfly Consulting transformed into a security firm but continued to maintain its news gathering operations, shifting its primary focus towards the security industry. The company hired numerous new employees and required essential training. Betty and Fiona were specifically responsible for the business training program for female security personnel. --- San Francisco, Stanford Medical Center. Across from the intensive care unit sat an FBI agent, with another ready to replace him, both on a bench playing games. Inside the room, Willy paced back and forth, agitated. Having been confined to a single room for several days, Willy Brown felt he might lose his mind. They said lying flat was comfortable, but being stuck in a hospital room was unbearable. Willy initially thought that his severe condition would shield him from the storm of public opinion, but those FBI agents showed him no mercy. He had sought help from local senator Barbara Boxer, but she distanced herself to support women''s rights for her reelection campaign. Willy reached out to an old friend at the FBI, who took payment for favors but had resigned just days earlier. If a small-time Los Angeles FBI supervisor wanted to take him down, Willy had ways to escape and even retaliate. But he was facing a group equally as powerful, if not more so. That pig from Texas was proving exceptionally troublesome this time. ... The visiting hours for family were approaching when his visitor, Kamala, arrived. The FBI didn''t hinder her entrance, merely recorded her arrival. Kamala was led to the room by a nurse, passing through the reception area before entering Willy''s room. Once the nurse closed the door, she asked Willy, "How have you been?" Willy frowned, a troubled expression on his round face. "What''s going on?" Kamala replied, "I met Gavin Belson this morning, and according to the Belson family''s inside information, Kerry will lose California this time." Willy thought of the coward who had fled California at the first sign of trouble and said, "He has no accountability; losing is what he deserves." Kamala still worried, "California is likely to become a swing state or even turn red." "No, Northern California hasn''t spiraled out of control. The area centered around San Francisco remains firmly under our grasp," Willy argued, not sharing Kamala''s gloom. "We''ve only lost Southern California." He looked at Kamala, "I''m getting old. If I manage to escape this time, the political resources in my possession will be yours." Kamala secretly rejoiced but withheld her excitement. "Whoever stands behind this incident will be my enemy." Willy sank heavily into the chair. "You''re now the chief prosecutor in San Francisco, so the resources available to you will only grow. Remember what you said today." Kamala obediently knelt in front of Willy, pulling down his hospital gown. The political scene bore similarities to Hollywood. If one wanted to cling to power, they needed to kneel and move their mouth. --- Los Angeles, Pasadena. A Ford Mustang cruised closer to a five-story apartment building. However, the parking spots nearby were filled, forcing the driver to park beside another six-story apartment building. In the back seat, Harley glanced at the two bodyguards and said, "I''ll grab some things and be right back." The middle-aged man in the front passenger seat replied, "We''ll come with you." The young driver turned around: "It''s part of the job." Harley nodded, getting out and making her way towards the five-story apartment. The sidewalk was right next to a six-story apartment building. Harley walked by the building quickly. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The two bodyguards kept a vigilant watch as they followed closely behind. ... Across the dual carriageway, a Latino couple stepped out of a vehicle. As Lareya closed the car door, he caught sight of the six-story building across the street, yelling out, "Run, hurry!" Harley hadn''t undergone any training in such situations and reacted slowly. But the two bodyguards heard Lareya''s voice and instinctively pushed Harley to run forward. They barely managed to get a few feet away when the sound of heavy objects crashing nearby echoed behind them. Two large flower pots fell from the sixth floor and landed where they had just stood. The bodyguards quickly shielded Harley and moved her away from the building. The Latino man shouted, "Call the police! Someone is trying to kill us! Hurry!" No one could be seen from the sixth-floor apartments, as if the flower pots had simply fallen like leaves from a gust of wind. ... Harley, shaken, followed her bodyguards into the Mustang. "I highly recommend you leave those things behind," the middle-aged bodyguard said. "Let''s head back to Century City." Harley nodded, "Okay... okay." The young bodyguard turned the car around, honked the horn, and waved to the Latino couple across the road in gratitude. The police were called casually but yielded no results. Harley stayed hidden inside the Fox Television Center, not wanting to come out. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 359: Election Day [Chapter 359: Election Day] On November 2, 2004, the Los Angeles City Hall buzzed with media reporters as Fox Television brought their live broadcasting truck to the scene. Major online platforms, led by Twitter, Google, and Yahoo, all featured the same news headline prominently on their homepages. "Election Day!" The preceding months had been some of the most tumultuous for America since the 9/11 attacks. The reason? The presidential election. The Democrats and Republicans battled fiercely in multiple states, each side claiming victories. In California, the devastating fires and scandal involving the Ackerman family resulted in public outcry against the Democrats, allowing the Republicans to reclaim support in the state for the first time in twelve years. However, after John Kerry stepped back from California, he retaliated. By the end of October, a radical protester ignited himself outside the White House in protest of 9/11, sparking large-scale protests against the current administration in states like Ohio. Amid all this chaos, the truth was set to be unveiled today. ... Current Los Angeles Mayor Brian Ferguson exited City Hall and arrived at the polling station in front of City Hall, casting his vote under the scrutiny of dozens of media cameras. He then faced the live broadcast, urging the citizens of Los Angeles to support the Republican Party by voting for George Walker. ... In the northern part of Los Angeles where the fires had destroyed homes, the cleanup had made the area look significantly better after over two months. Voting stations had been set up in the ashes, and many local residents returned specifically to cast their votes while cursing the Democrats. Ultimately, political loyalties paled in comparison to the losses suffered in their homes. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. To the south in Santa Monica, long lines formed at the polling stations in Silicon Beach. Hawke, Edward, and Caroline moved with the crowd. Caroline bounced a bit, shaking the dust off her red high heels. She turned to Hawke and asked, "Do you think George Walker will win re-election?" Hawke replied, "It''s likely." Compared to her previous job in entertainment PR, Caroline seemed much more composed, remarking, "I guess we can influence the election now." Hawke laughed, "The next First Lady will have to charm you, the Twitter operations director, and board member." Caroline smirked, teasingly showing her pearly white teeth, "If I don''t get ten limited edition Hermes bags, I''ll leak some juicy gossip about her." Edward chuckled, "You''re so easily bought." Caroline shot him a glare, "Shut up." The three continued to move forward, casting their ballots in the ballot box before leaving the polling site and hopping into a car to head back to Twitter. ... In the car, Hawke mused about how the era likely would not see any political turmoil. In his past life''s memories, George Walker faced immense challenges and a belated election outcome but survived to win re-election. Now, with California''s situation clarifying, the results would soon be apparent. Caroline adjusted her seatbelt and mentioned, "We''re expanding recruitment; it''s getting tight in the office over here." Hawke nodded, "We need to urge the Coast Building to speed up. Funds need to flow, we can''t be too frugal; starting from January, we expect a new influx of cash." As long as George Walker won re-election, Twitter would certainly receive major financial support. The federal money was typically generously dispensed by each president during their term. ... As Caroline wanted to add something, her phone rang; she quickly answered, discussing work with someone from the marketing department. Twitter had begun extensive market development, mainly earning revenue through advertising. --- Hawke returned to the office, specifically visiting the Android division. After last year''s acquisition of the newly formed Android, Andy Rubin and the development team joined Twitter, responsible for mobile operations, including the Twitter mobile app and phone systems. Now, Twitter had released its app for download, and smartphone users could install it. By 2004, numerous mobile manufacturers had rolled out smartphones. Nokia''s 7610 was released early in the year, and the launch event for the 6630 followed; Motorola''s V3 was flying off the shelves; Sony Ericsson''s P910 was relatively modest; and Blackberry''s full-keyboard 7290 attracted many fervent fans. Companies like Dopod, Samsung, Siemens, and HP had also released their smartphones. There was no doubt, smartphones were becoming increasingly widespread. Hawke had Peter Thiel investigate Apple''s smartphone plans which had already made it to the agenda thanks to Steve Jobs. The social network was gradually shifting from desktop to mobile. --- In the afternoon, Hawke received a call from Megan Taylor, heading over to Fox Television Center to enter her director''s office. After their regular greetings, Megan sat beside him, asking, "Did you orchestrate the news that Harley Wayne got?" "Yes." Last time at Venice Beach, Megan was already in the know; he had no reason to deny it. "This incident had too many repercussions, and there might be safety issues. Now that you''re the director, it''s best to avoid dangerous situations." Megan nodded in understanding: "Just a few days back, Harley Wayne was attacked in front of her apartment in Pasadena, nearly hit by falling debris. She''s been staying at the Fox building for safety now -- too scared to go home. The company even sent security to guard her Pasadena apartment; it was a complete mess inside, everything turned upside down, and they splattered red paint on the walls." Hawke had heard about the falling debris before from Campos and asked, "Did they find the culprit?" "They called the police but had no luck, " Megan explained briefly. "Fox has put up a hefty reward; we''ll make them pay." Hawke stated, "I sent out a notice early on at Twitter to ensure employee safety. If there''s an issue, contact us immediately. If anyone dares to target Twitter employees, open legal and underground measures against them will be enforced." He put his arm around Megan''s shoulder, "Fox was in the lead, so Twitter should be safe for now. Let''s just hope they fight among themselves." Such matters required a strong approach; otherwise, Fox employees would feel unsafe, negatively impacting their work. And Fox''s enemies might think they were weak. Megan grinned, "Let Fox attract the fire. Why don''t you come onto Channel 11, and I''ll do a feature on you? It would raise Channel 11''s ratings and drive some traffic for Twitter." Hawke shook his head, "Not right now, I''m not into self-promotion." At that point, Hawke recalled Elon Musk. Earlier this year, he and Erica''s mother, Mary Ferguson, invested in Tesla together. The company was burning cash at an alarming rate, and their vehicle prototype wasn''t ready yet; they seemed poised for another round of financing. Twitter also planned a second round of financing next year. In the internet business, the initial phase was incredibly money-consuming. --- Halfway through, Hawke got a call and left Fox, heading to City Hall to discuss new subsidy plans with Brian. To attract talent, Los Angeles was set to launch a $130 million rental subsidy plan. Twitter, West Coast Environmental Technologies, and Pacific Investment Group were right at the forefront of this initiative, enabling qualified high-tech and skills professionals to apply for $1,000 in monthly rental assistance. Staff members from qualifying companies would be prioritized for this subsidy, increasing attraction to their employees. --- Later that evening, due to time zone differences, media outlets began releasing voting results from various states, showing George Walker held a slight lead over John Kerry. In the early hours, Hawke and Erica, soundly asleep, were abruptly awakened by a ringing phone. Having worn out from their busy day, Erica stayed asleep, turning over and pulling up the blanket to continue her rest. Hawke picked up his phone and stepped onto the balcony to answer. It was Brian calling, and his voice was unusually excited, practically shouting, "Hawke! Did you see? We won California! We won!" Hawke chuckled, "Good news; your jinxed predictions finally turned into something good!" "My luck has turned, okay!" Brian said enthusiastically, "We did it, buddy!" He continued detailing, "The vote count concluded, and George Walker received 53.2% of the votes; according to winner-takes-all rules, that means he secured California''s 55 electoral votes!" Hawke felt excitement bloom, exclaiming, "Great! Our months of planning and actions paid off with an ideal result!" Brian, overwhelmed with joy, shouted, "California flipped from blue to red! We should go out for drinks to celebrate!" Hawke glanced at the time, "Let''s wait until tomorrow, okay? Did George Walker win?" "Yes! With California''s 55 votes, George Walker''s tally reached 285; over the 269 threshold for re-election -- he''s won!" Brian confirmed. "California played a key role in this," Hawke noted positively. "Make sure to give George Walker a call." "I''ll do it now," Brian replied. ... Hawke hung up, turning to find Erica awake now. Erica held a bottle of champagne and two glasses, asking him, "Does this count as opening champagne for halftime?" Hawke took the champagne from her and opened it, saying, "Of course not!" He poured out two glasses, and they toasted together. ... Hawke also made a call; he could hear celebrations happening at the White House on the other end of the line. ... The next morning, George Walker delivered his victory speech. Although several states were still finalizing their results and Congress''s long confirmation process would take time, his victory was beyond doubt. By the afternoon, John Kerry, in a media appearance, admitted defeat. George Walker had secured re-election, and the Democrats would need to wait and plan for their next opportunity for a comeback. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 360: Baywatch [Chapter 360: Baywatch] Ocean Park Avenue, Twitter. Hawke had just stepped out of his car and into the company when the receptionist approached him and said, "Mr. Osment, a Mr. Ken Mehlman is waiting for you in the meeting room." "Got it," he replied and went directly to the meeting room. This man was the campaign manager for George Walker. ... As soon as Hawke entered, Mehlman stepped forward and shook his hand. "Mr. Osment, good to see you again." "Hello," Hawke responded warmly. Mehlman handed over an invitation. "George asked me to thank you; your support was crucial for his victory. Please attend the appreciation party in Washington next weekend." Hawke took it and said, "I''ll be there to show my support." Having successfully cooperated in the past, Mehlman didn''t hold back. "I hope Twitter can continue supporting George''s efforts." "Absolutely," Hawke agreed, adding, "Social media is an emerging field that is still finding its way. It needs support from the authorities, both in policy and economically." They were both sharp individuals. Mehlman understood perfectly. "After Congress officially announces the election results, Washington will unveil a series of new economic initiatives, with social media being a key focus." In this election, George Walker secured 322 electoral votes, with California''s 55 votes playing a pivotal role. Mehlman quickly excused himself; he had to head to Woodland Hills, home of the Ferguson family. Hawke called Brian, returned to his office, and opened the invitation to skim through it. Clearly, this was a celebration party for George Walker''s victory. ... As noon approached, Frank called to invite Hawke and Edward to lunch at the RV in the parking lot. Hawke called out to Edward and they left the company to head to the lot across the street. In November, the temperature in Los Angeles had started to drop. Even with plenty of sunshine at noon, it barely hit the low 70s, and visitors at Venice Beach were not overwhelming, leaving the parking lot largely empty. In front of the RV, a few plastic tables set up while four women in tight red outfits sat nearby. These women were a mix of ethnicities, mostly in their twenties, and while their looks varied, they all had stunning figures. Frank had already set up a grill and was cooking skewers with two slightly older women in red. Edward said, "That old bastard really knows how to enjoy life; he brought so many women." As they approached, he added, "Look at those two, the blonde and the brunette; they''re beautiful." Hawke noticed them too. Both women had great bodies, especially the brunette. ... When Frank saw Hawke, he said, "Make yourselves comfortable." All four women turned to look at them curiously. Frank said, "I told you, the chairman of Twitter is my friend. You didn''t believe me; you thought I was just a homeless drifter?" The four women in red immediately approached to greet them. "Lisa, Holly, Elizabeth, Natalia." Hawke shook their hands and sat at an empty table nearby. One of the women reached into her makeup bag, pulled out an eyebrow pencil, and wrote a number on a napkin before putting it on the table in front of Hawke. "This is my contact number. I''m a swimming instructor; if you want to learn to swim, give me a call." The other three followed suit, writing down their contact details and giving them to Hawke. "I''ll reach out if I need anything," he said politely, but his attention shifted to Frank, unsure of what his goal was by having all these women around. Frank was delightfully immersed in the company of the women. He turned to the blonde. "Aurora, can you bring over the cooked skewers? Thank you." The blonde flashed a sweet smile at Frank and picked up a tray, heading towards Hawke and Edward. Hawke gestured to the other table. "Ladies first." Aurora set the tray down on the table of the four women. The woman named Natalia seemed to swoon, saying, "Thanks. You''re the most gentlemanly man I''ve ever met." Edward muttered under his breath, "It''s because he''s a billionaire and the owner of Twitter." Possibly trying to keep it tame in front of Hawke, the four women ate delicately, drinking little beer. Edward leaned in close and whispered to Hawke, "Is Frank not afraid of getting his head blown off by introducing women to you?" Hawke couldn''t decipher Frank''s intentions and chose to observe quietly. ... S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After a while, Frank added, "Let''s move the dishes over there; you guys can keep Hawke and Savior company, I''m good here." Aurora and the brunette each brought over a tray. They sat at Hawke''s table and introduced themselves. Hawke noticed the six women were distinct in their looks, yet all shared remarkable physiques and appearances. Were they lifeguards, or just six gorgeous dolls? Not to mention if they could save someone; anyone in danger might just faint at the sight of them. Hawke inquired, "You work at the beach lifeguard station, right? You''re not on desk duty?" Meihua, an East Asian brunette, laughed, revealing two dimples. "We''re on patrol duty, mostly monitoring the beach. Our superiors strictly forbid us from going into the water to rescue people; if someone drowns, we need to call the rescue team immediately." Aurora added, "A few months ago, there were several incidents at Venice Beach, which led to a decrease in visitors. The beach management hired us to walk back and forth on the sands to attract tourists." Frank approached with a tray, saying, "When it''s a little hotter, they wear bikinis. On cooler days, they wear tight clothing -- really eye-catching." Hawke opened a beer and set it down in front of Frank. "I heard you joined the Venice Beach lifeguard team now." Frank lifted the beer and clinked it with the four women''s glasses. "Gotta find something to do." Edward teased, asking Aurora, "Are you hiring part-time workers?" Frank replied, "They''re all single and unmarried." Edward reminded him, "But they aren''t Hollywood stars." "Go pick cotton!" Frank retorted. Edward shot back, "Go to your ex-wife!" Aurora and Meihua exchanged puzzled looks, unable to understand the banter between the two. The latter asked Hawke softly, "What are they talking about?" Hawke said, "Don''t worry about them. Let them have at it; we''re here for the show." ... Frank and Edward started their playful mocking again, leaving others out of the conversation. Meihua leaned in and quietly said, "I also use Twitter. I saw a notice on the site that you''re hiring. The pay is quite generous." After Twitter''s recent funding rounds, they had been expanding. Hawke replied casually, "That''s true; in terms of pay, it''s top-tier in the industry." "Can I give it a shot?" Meihua tossed her hair over her shoulder, revealing her pretty face. "I''m currently at UCLA''s Samueli School of Engineering for my graduate studies." Hawke asked, "Is this a part-time job?" Meihua nodded, saying, "Yes. I was supposed to start at a company in September, but they suddenly rescinded my offer." She seemed confused. "I''m not the only one; many of my friends from China have faced similar challenges recently." "You might as well send your resume to Twitter," Hawke suggested. "But your qualifications will determine if you can get through." Meihua nodded and then asked, "Hawke, you''re the chairman of a large company. Do you know why many businesses in Los Angeles aren''t hiring Chinese lately?" "I''m not quite sure," Hawke said, well aware of the underlying reasons. ... It was mainly due to the aftermath of the recent fires in Los Angeles; media reports indicated that everyone knew that firefighter gear sourced from China was heavily defective. For example, the flame retardants for planes and vehicles, rather than extinguishing fires, exacerbated them. Additionally, many businesses, including Twitter and Fox Broadcasting, had shared footage of the incidents where their firefighting was outsourced and predominantly comprised Chinese workers employing various inadequate methods, enabling the fires to spread in Santa Monica and Westwood districts. The impact of that fire was considerable -- causing a drop in support rates for the Democrats in California and revealing many businesses'' distrust in Chinese workers. ... Hawke thought for a moment and said, "Maybe Los Angeles just doesn''t prioritize tech talent enough. You and your compatriots might want to try Silicon Valley." Meihua pondered. Perhaps that could be a solution. Frank and Edward had stopped their squabble, listening to Hawke''s words but feeling something was not quite right. However, when they thought about it, they couldn''t pinpoint the issue. Everyone finished lunch, and the group of women in red had to go check out the Venice Beach area, quickly bidding farewell. Some of them even shot Hawke flirtatious glances as they left. ... Hawke pretended not to notice and asked Frank, "You planning to develop a relationship with them?" Frank had been watching the women, captivated by how their red tights clung to their figures. Half-jokingly, he said, "I just want to have a sweet romance with Aurora." He feigned indifference, "That Meihua would be a great catch for you." "Too much of a stark contrast," Hawke admitted bluntly. Frank felt the same way and asked, "I heard Aurora say Meihua had excellent grades; are you encouraging her to take her friends to Silicon Valley?" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 361: The Four Nos Patient [Chapter 361: The Four ''No''s Patient] Frank opened a bottle of beer and handed it to Hawke across the table, asking, "Do you think there''s something wrong with those people?" Hawke shrugged in return, questioning, "What do you think?" Frank took a big gulp of beer and replied, "Then why would you want to entice them to Silicon Valley?" "Haven''t you seen how chaotic the recent fires in Los Angeles were? The work capabilities of a lot of those folks... let''s not talk about it," Hawke''s thinking may be wrong, but he has his own judgment. "Future competitors of Twitter can only come from Silicon Valley, and if their team has a bunch of those people, that would be interesting to see." He laughed, as if telling a joke. "If possible, they should be involved in every aspect of American tech." Frank said, "That would make me hesitant to even board a Boeing plane." Hawke replied seriously, "First-class talent does finance; second-rate fools get into politics, and those underachievers handle tech -- our societal structure would remain remarkably stable." Frank was curious, "So, you plan to get into finance?" "It''s on the agenda; I''m just waiting for the opportunity," Hawke said simply. "Establishing an investment firm that integrates resources like Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, or Vanguard International." Frank understood. "You want to sit at the poker table and be a player." Hawke said, "One step at a time." He picked up a skewer of grilled meat. "You can''t eat all the meat in one bite." "You know why the management at Venice Beach decided to form such a rescue team?" Frank''s question jumped abruptly back to women, "Did they really bring in six women of different skin tones, hair colors, heights, and facial features?" Edward was surprised. "Wasn''t it meant to just add some charm to the scene?" Frank teased, "You and your fossil brain only understand that little bit between men and women." He explained to Hawke, "Having lived in this beach parking lot for so long, I''ve made some friends. An old guy from the management retired last month. Before he headed to the retirement community in Orange County, I had him over for drinks and BBQ, and he told me those six women are from Feminist Majority Foundation (FMF)." Having collaborated with that organization before, Hawke noted that the leader, Michelle, had been appointed last year as the deputy chief of the fire department by the former mayor, Antonio. He pinched his chin and mused, "Coincidence or something else?" Frank asserted, "With all the mess you''ve been involved in and the profits since the new mayor took office, it''s bound to attract attention. You folks are too unreliable in your dealings, so I decided to get involved personally and probe their intentions." Hearing this, Edward nearly sprayed his beer, quickly turning his head to spew it onto the ground. Frank had a thicker skin than both Hawke and Edward combined. "Don''t worry; I''ll get to the bottom of what these women''s agendas are, and I will find out." Edward asked, "How are you going to investigate?" Hawke cautioned Frank, "Feminists are usually tricky; you better tread lightly or you might end up getting burned yourself." "Am I afraid of them?" Frank scoffed in bravado. "I have no property, no income, no fame, no relatives -- for someone like me, a homeless person, the LAPD wouldn''t even bother. Public humiliation would mean nothing to me." Hawke admired him. "The four ''no''s patient, America''s prime talent, the nemesis of the privileged class." Frank chuckled with satisfaction. Regardless, Frank had done a lot to help, and Hawke turned to Edward, saying, "You''re responsible for keeping in touch with Frank; don''t let those women swallow him whole." ... His phone in his pocket rang, and Hawke pulled it out to see it was Jennifer calling. He stood up and moved to a less crowded area, answering, "How''d you find the time to call me? Are you inviting me to your wedding with Brian?" Jennifer ignored his teasing and said, "Last month, didn''t you ask me about the Ackerman family''s estate settlement issues?" Hawke replied, "Yeah, the Ackerman family''s prime assets are quite tempting." Jennifer responded, "Several large medical centers, foundations'' funds, labs, and so on -- you can forget about it; Washington has claimed everything. Some will be processed in Los Angeles, including the charity shelters you mentioned." She added, "Are you interested in a mansion? Beverly Hills, North Sunset Boulevard, the top-tier estate occupying an entire hill -- the Ackerman estate." Hawke asked, "Is that house up for sale?" Jennifer explained, "The victims need compensation. This case requires a lot of cash to settle, and all of Buddy Ackerman''s faction has disappeared, so they have no choice but to auction off their fixed assets. While it''s nominally a bidding process, there''s plenty of maneuvering space." North Sunset Boulevard was the most luxurious area in Beverly Hills. When Hawke first arrived in Los Angeles, he had sneaked in to see Buddy Ackerman''s mansion, but two years had passed, and his memories started to blur. He pondered for a moment, asking, "Can we go check it out?" "No problem," Jennifer replied. "I don''t have time today, but tomorrow I''ll send an assistant over to take you on a tour of the estate." Hawke said, "Sounds good." Jennifer preemptively clarified, "It can''t be less than $20 million." "I''ll take a look first," Hawke concluded the call. On the other side, Edward was also done eating, and the two went back to the office directly. --- In the afternoon, Hawke learned that Mehlman was heading back to Washington and made sure someone found Mehlman, preparing a selection of Los Angeles specialties for him and his chief of staff. To pursue a $99,000 screw business required extraordinary channels. Without corruption between politics and business, how could one expect to develop? --- At Santa Monica Pier, several police cars arrived in succession. The first wave had already set up police tape. Belonging to the West Division of the LAPD, they quickly, under Milner''s command, moved to drive tourists and reporters away, keeping everyone as far from the scene as possible. Detectives from the homicide division and technicians from the scientific analysis division also arrived. Leading the team, Erica donned casual clothes, pulled out gloves and shoe covers, and quickly made her way toward Milner, greeting him. "What''s the situation?" Milner pointed to below the coast. "A sanitation worker checking the sewage outlet discovered a female corpse here and called the cops. The first officers on the scene found similarities between this case and the two bodies discovered previously in Beverly Hills, so they notified you." Erica said, "I''ll take my team down to take a look." Milner followed closely, whispering, "I heard you might be getting reassigned from the detective bureau." "It''s related to this case," Erica glanced back, noticing the distance between others before saying, "Some people are worried I might uncover something, so they decided to promote me. It''s highly likely I''ll be moved to the Special Operations Bureau as a deputy commander overseeing training for Teams B, C, and D." Milner remarked, "That''s right up your alley." Erica nodded slightly, "Makes things a bit easier." The technicians from behind caught up and were the first to head down to the sewage entrance. Then Erica and several of her subordinates went down as well. ... The deceased girl was very young, looking around twenty years old. There were no clothes or any means of identification on her body, but there was a burn mark larger than a dollar coin on her lower abdomen. The pattern was quite clear, depicting an inverted pentagram with a goat''s head in the middle. Some sort of satanic symbol. Erica examined closely, confirming it matched the symbols on the two bodies previously found in Beverly Hills. "That makes the third victim," Erica said, "This is already a serial case." One subordinate asked, "Boss, how do we investigate this?" Erica replied, "Just follow the normal procedures." She patted her subordinate''s shoulder. "Don''t worry; I''ll take responsibility if anything comes up." They got busy around there. --- The next morning, Edward drove a bulletproof Mercedes to North Sunset Boulevard, where he met Jennifer''s assigned staff. The agent, named Catherine, led the way as they drove to the Ackerman estate. Hawke had once seen Tom Cruise''s mansion in Beverly Hills, which also occupied an entire small hill and covered more than 10,000 square meters. The Ackerman estate was significantly larger. A wide, dual-lane granite road wound its way up the hill into the mountainside. High walls were erected surrounding at least 3.5 acres of land from a high vantage point. As the two cars approached, the automatic iron gate opened, revealing the structures, primarily consisting of a main building and an auxiliary building, both two-story formations with white walls and gray roofs. In front of the main house was a small plaza with a sculptural fountain. guests arriving could drive right up to it. Behind the house was a rectangular swimming pool, a small golf course, a garden filled with greenery, and a helicopter landing pad. Hawke noted that the golf course could easily be transformed into a shooting range. Catherine said, "It was cleaned up by hired help, so it''s still pretty clean." Hawke understood; as they entered the main building, the walls were in disarray. Any high-value decorations, artworks, and oil paintings had been removed. Many pieces of furniture remained, but they were not to Hawke''s taste. Even though the house had been ransacked when the FBI raided, it would still sell for more than $60 million in today''s Los Angeles real estate market, possibly even higher. By the 2020s, that would unquestionably be a billion-dollar mansion. Given to the average family, it would be unaffordable; just the annual property tax could break a millionaire. In Los Angeles, the property tax rate for estates valued over $10.3 million stood at 5.5%. These issues didn''t concern Hawke. His previous absence from buying real estate had direct ties to the Ackerman family. This time last year, the Ackerman family loomed large over Hawke. Going further back, he had prepared multiple safe houses and escape routes for himself, ready to bolt at the slightest incident. Now that the Ackerman family was in shambles, a clear road lay ahead. Taking out Buddy Ackerman himself, confining Melissa and Sean in a secret room, had completely dismantled the Ackerman family''s power, allowing him to buy the Ackerman mansion at a rock bottom price... Perfect. Hawke turned to Catherine, saying, "Tell Jennifer I want this place." ***** S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. /Sayonara816. Chapter 362: The True Honey Trap [Chapter 362: The True Honey Trap] In downtown Los Angeles, at LAPD Headquarters, the Parker Center. A small promotion ceremony was taking place. Hawke, seated among the spectators, clapped along with the crowd. Erica was officially promoted from Sergeant to Lieutenant today, having transitioned from the Detective Bureau to the Special Operations Division. The promotion ceremony proceeded quickly; within half an hour, Erica, dressed in her uniform, met up with Hawke as they prepared to leave the Parker Center. ... Hawke got behind the wheel of Erica''s Mercedes G-Class and, as they turned out of the Parker Center, remarked, "It feels like it''s been ages since I''ve seen you in that uniform." Erica adjusted her cap that sat askew on her hair and tilted her head to look at Hawke. "When we get home tonight, I''ll wear it for you again. I don''t want this anymore; you can tear it up if you want." Hawke slammed on the brakes at the red light, chuckling. "Sweetheart, saying things like that could cause an accident." Erica laughed, her uniform straining at the chest as if it was experiencing an earthquake; the fabric bounced slightly. "You mentioned a surprise. Where are we headed next?" Hawke replied, "The FBI has confiscated the Ackerman family''s assets. After completing the process of returning them to the treasury, the participants are splitting the spoils. I bought the Ackerman estate on North Sunset Boulevard and all the rescue stations affiliated with the Ackerman Charitable Foundation at a bargain price." As the light turned green, he accelerated. "Each rescue station cost just $100,000; the estate set me back $20 million." Erica''s eyes widened in understanding. "You''re taking me to see the property?" Hawke turned onto Santa Monica Boulevard. "It needs renovations. I''ve set up a meeting with a contractor; I need to hear your thoughts." Erica was straightforward, saying, "Sure! I''ve heard it''s one of the largest estates in Beverly Hills." Hawke then asked, "When do you check in at the Special Operations Division?" "I need to go in tomorrow." Erica paused, then added, "A few days ago, near the sewage outlet at the Santa Monica Pier, they found a female corpse marked with signs of a satanic cult. This case seems pretty involved, and people are worried about me digging deeper." She was indeed tough as nails, but never reckless. "If I leave it alone, the case will eventually go cold. My new position as Deputy Commander of Team A at the Special Operations Division focuses on crime control units, including Teams B, C, and the D Team SWAT training." Hawke said, "That''s your forte, plus you won''t have to be on the front lines anymore." Erica smiled. "Transitioning to management will be a nice change of pace. Thinking of how busy you''ve been lately, I''d rather handle these renovation details myself." Hawke agreed, "Sounds perfect." ... They arrived quickly at the Ackerman estate, where the renovation team was already waiting at the door. As they stepped into the estate, Erica looked around, commenting, "It''s spacious! Feels almost as big as the estate in Woodland Hills, and you rarely find properties of this size in the new Beverly Hills developments." "Let''s take a look then," Hawke said, summoning the designer, Randall. They first inspected the courtyard, then moved to the main and auxiliary buildings. The auxiliary building wouldn''t require major changes; the first floor was designated for a garage and storage room, while the second and third floors contained staff quarters. After touring the main house, they sat in the living room to discuss plans. Erica suggested bluntly, "I recommend turning the golf course into a shooting range." Hawke fully agreed. "Demolish the golf features and reconstruct it into a control room, armory, and ammunition depot. For the range..." He glanced at Erica, who said, "I''ll quickly draft a proposal." Randall instructed his assistant to take notes. Regarding the main house renovations, Hawke briefly outlined the style, waiting for Randall to prepare an initial design plan. The renovation''s focal point was underground. The estate featured a vast basement level with a wine cellar, storage room, safe, and armory. Additionally, there was a separate underground cell designed for confinement. All of these needed modification, especially the vault and armory. There were also substantial caches of weaponry in both the rental property in Santa Monica and Erica''s personal home in Silver Lake. Hawke couldn''t even recall how many firearms and ammo he had acquired since arriving in Los Angeles. Renovating a property was a systematic undertaking, especially for such a large estate. With Erica transitioning from fieldwork to management, her career took a substantial leap forward, and she would have more free time. Hawke left her to handle it all. Randall was the first to leave. Hawke drove back to the Silver Lake community. Not long after, Erica achieved +1 to the increased loss of police uniforms. --- West Los Angeles, the Headquarters of the Feminist Majority Foundation. Sibel, on Kamala''s instruction, visited one of Los Angeles''s feminist leaders, Michelle. Following the Los Angeles fire incident, the FMF had quieted considerably. Their initial poor response during the fire led to fierce media criticism, especially from Twitter and Fox. Those who suffered greatly during the fire stood starkly opposed to them. When people''s real interests are threatened, clarity can emerge from pain. The subsequent Ackerman family scandal predominantly impacted women; normally, the FMF would have spoken up for them. However, their backers and political stances compelled them to remain silent. During this time, Michelle perceived a gradual diminishment of the organization''s influence. "The Los Angeles fire damaged our interests, and even City Hall underwent a change in leadership," Sibel said. Following Kamala''s summons, she had traveled from Los Angeles to San Francisco to relay the message and then returned to Los Angeles as a liaison. She glanced at Michelle and continued, "The media attacks from Twitter and Fox post-fire have been the most aggressive, especially since Brian Ferguson took office; Twitter emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries." Michelle, almost disgraced within the fire department, replied, "The founder of Twitter is Hawke Osment. The FMF had previously collaborated with him, but I never expected him to end up against us." Sibel remarked, "He''s firmly opposed to us now. In the recent California voting, Twitter played a significant role, and many people are upset with them and dissatisfied with the FMF." Michelle understood immediately, "They want the FMF to take on Twitter?" This felt like sending two choir angels to take down Lucifer. "That''s a company with a market valuation over $10 billion; you''re overestimating the FMF''s power." Both Sibel and Kamala, being women, strategized in the way women often do. "Hawke Osment is a regular guy. After collating past data, we found that beyond his girlfriend Erica Ferguson, he has other mistresses." Michelle''s initial reaction was, "Exposing this could create rifts between him and Erica, fracturing his alliance with the Ferguson family?" S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Come on, those kinds of alliances are not swayed by romantic entanglements," Sibel attempted to enter the political arena. "Do you think Erica Ferguson is oblivious to his entanglements with Megan Taylor from Fox? The women from those power families play dumb regarding such matters; in the face of family interests, personal issues become trivial." Michelle then asked, "What do you want to achieve? The subtler temptations to compromise are off the table. According to what you mentioned earlier, Hawke Osment has been incredibly cautious since the last governor recall election he experienced." Sibel replied, "We need to find a woman to be his mistress, someone who could influence his stances and decisions. Even if we can''t achieve that, we could still gather critical intelligence." Michelle pondered and said, "I have people stationed at Venice Beach in front of the Twitter office, and they even had dinner with Hawke Osment. I can connect you with them." Sibel shook her head, "Most average women won''t do; a true beauty scheme relies not just on physical allure, but also interests, capabilities, taste, and much more." Michelle finally got it. "You''re suggesting finding a beautiful woman who matches Hawke Osment''s taste, who is capable and also aligns with us, to get close to him?" Sibel responded, "If executed effectively, we''d gain a billionaire and one of the most influential internet media platforms as allies." Her words were laced with an irresistible temptation. "Imagine, if Twitter turned into a platform supporting female empowerment and hired people aligned with us, our lost influence would come rushing back and possibly grow stronger, turning men into our mental slaves." That last sentence struck a chord with Michelle. Their aim had never been equality; it was about privilege. To ride on the backs of men... no, to ride on the backs of other men and women, eating, drinking, and living as they pleased. The idea was good, but Michelle, having faced the blows of the Los Angeles fire, had become somewhat more levelheaded, saying, "By your standards, finding suitable candidates across all of Los Angeles would yield a mere handful of options." If such women existed, they would have already stood out within the feminist circles. Sibel sighed, "If only I were a few years younger." Michelle shot her a glance without judgment. Sibel pulled out a photograph and handed it to Michelle. "Take a look at this girl." Michelle received it; the woman in the photograph wore a pink Chanel dress, red high heels, carried a limited-edition Hermes bag, and adorned herself with a Cartier gemstone necklace while sporting honey-blonde hair styled in bangs. The girl was thin but voluptuous, with a petite face that smiled like a sheep opening its mouth. Michelle recognized her, having dealt with her multiple times before. "Caroline Jones, was formerly the PR manager at BWR Public Relations." Sibel elaborated, "We''ve investigated her extensively; before joining Twitter, her stance leaned towards the feminist cause, and she collaborated with you multiple times." Michelle nodded slightly. "She had once wanted to join us, but now..." Sibel said, "Let''s give it a shot." --- Before the weekend, Hawke and Brian took a flight to Washington for George Walker''s victory party. Originally, George Walker had also invited Paul Ferguson and others. But the Ferguson family ultimately decided to send Brian instead, pushing for Brian''s rise. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 363: The Hand That Manipulates Online Public Opinion [Chapter 363: The Hand That Manipulates Online Public Opinion] Washington, D.C., Hilton Hotel. This hotel located on Pennsylvania Avenue was one of the preferred venues for the leaders of the Republican Party to gather. Over twenty years ago, Ronald Reagan was shot here by John Hinckley, who claimed to be a fan of Jodie Foster, hitting Reagan in the lung and earning a spot as a notorious VIP in a mental institution. George Walker''s victory party chose this hotel as the site for celebration. Tonight, those in attendance were key figures instrumental in the election, and in some regards, it was also a gratitude party. Hawke and Brian entered the hotel together. Chief of Staff Andrew Card immediately greeted them, shaking hands and leading them into the banquet hall, specifically saying, "Your seats are in the front row, arranged by George himself." Hawke politely remarked, "The President is too generous." Andrew wore a beaming smile, "Because we are allies." Brian buttoned his suit jacket and commented, "Front row, that''s a lot of pressure." As they entered the banquet hall, campaign manager Mehlman also approached, shook hands with Hawke and Brian, and joined Andrew in escorting them to the front row. ... Many people were curious about who these two were. They seemed a bit unfamiliar to the crowd. In the front row, Tom Emmer and his wife Claire Emmer turned towards Hawke and Brian. The former, knowing the newly elected Mayor of Los Angeles, asked, "Who is the person next to Brian?" Claire, a businesswoman with connections to Mary Ferguson, responded, "Hawke Osment, the founder and chairman of Twitter, a tech industry new mogul." Tom Emmer got it, "George Walker calls him the one who controls public opinion online." "He''s also Mary Ferguson''s future son-in-law. You know, flipping California this time depended heavily on Hawke and Brian," Claire advised sincerely. "He''s excellent at generating and influencing public opinion, and having one of the largest internet media platforms at his disposal, you''d better keep a good relationship with him." Tom Emmer was now the third highest figure in the party, having allies among both conservatives and establishment figures, serving as the party whip. In this election, he was one of George Walker''s important allies, with the latter having promised that if he could be re-elected, he would appoint him Secretary of State. At the same time, a Black woman was also eyeing Hawke and Brian. Someone next to her whispered in her ear. ... Hawke and Brian settled into their front row seats. Brian, who had attended the national party convention, greeted the familiar faces in attendance. Hawke quickly scanned the first two rows and spotted a familiar face, the Black woman he had seen many times in the news, Condoleezza Rice, the second Secretary of State under George. ... At that moment, the Emmer couple approached and exchanged a few words with Brian. Brian facilitated the introductions. Tom Emmer, with a grin akin to a Cheshire cat, remarked, "California''s 55 electoral votes solidified George''s advantage and became the key to this election." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "We invested a great deal in California to achieve this outcome," Brian noted. "Yes, California was on the verge of turning deep blue, but you managed to hold onto it," Tom Emmer continued on Brian''s point. "Not only did you stop the decline, but you also successfully pulled it back toward red." He asked, "When can we expect it to completely revert to a red state?" Brian chuckled, "We are working on it." Tom Emmer turned to Hawke, stating, "I noticed that young voters are heavily influenced by online media. I''ve heard many say that Twitter led the charge in online opinion, and you are the one truly at the helm of that power." Hawke replied, sporting a grin, "I''m a staunch supporter of the red camp, and so is Twitter." Tom Emmer pointed out, "You must come to the inauguration. George sent invitations to many, did you get yours?" "We did, thank you," Hawke casually replied. "Let''s chat privately when you have time; Brian knows how to reach me," Tom Emmer suggested. Hawke was not inclined to do things as Tom suggested, "You can reach me through Brian anytime." Tom Emmer nodded slightly, returning to his wife. ... Once the Emmers left, Brian whispered, "This guy helped George win Pennsylvania, and George promised him the Secretary of State position." Hawke instinctively glanced at the Black woman also sitting in the front row, Condoleezza Rice; unless there were major changes, she was likely to be nominated. In his previous life, he had seen the tabloid rumors of George and the Black woman being linked romantically. She was also a significant player in this election, having helped George secure many Black votes. ... As more guests filled the banquet hall, it gradually quieted down. George Walker and his wife Laura, along with their daughters Barbara and Jenna, made their entrance, toasting to everyone. Applause erupted in the banquet hall, with congratulations ringing out. On stage, George Walker delivered yet another speech. ... Looking at George''s daughters, who were in their early twenties, Hawke asked, "Among those we made alliances with, it wouldn''t be one of them marrying your cousin, would it?" "No," Brian, still applauding, replied in a low voice. "It''s another granddaughter of old George, their cousin, named Lauren, a model and honorary spokesperson for the United Nations'' anti-hunger program, who has been rumored to have a fling with Leonardo." Hawke felt certain of one thing: "She must be more attractive than George''s two daughters." Brian agreed, "Absolutely, we can doubt Leonardo''s character, but we must trust his eye for beauty." ... As George Walker finished his speech, the party quickly transformed into a free-flowing cocktail affair. Brian was drawn away by his future father-in-law, Mr. Huey. ... George Walker and his wife Laura then approached Hawke, saying, "You should stay in Washington; the atmosphere here suits you better, and you''ll be able to showcase your talents." The capital felt like hell to Hawke at the moment; he wasn''t strong enough yet: "Twitter has over a thousand employees who need me; abandoning them in Los Angeles would be irresponsible." The two exchanged pleasantries until someone approached. ... George Walker introduced, "This is Henry Paulson, CEO of Goldman Sachs, who will be my next Secretary of the Treasury." Hawke shook hands with him and said, "Congratulations." Henry had a classic balding middle-aged look and remarked, "I haven''t agreed to George yet; the work at Goldman Sachs is more fitting for me." "You all chat," George Walker excused himself to another area. Henry said directly, "The wildfires in Los Angeles and this election have shown the immense power of social media; last time Goldman Sachs was slow to react and missed the opportunity to invest in Twitter. Next time you''re raising funds, make sure to notify Goldman Sachs." Hawke didn''t shy away from partnerships with other companies, saying, "One thing I need to make clear is that Twitter operates under a dual-class share structure." Henry understood immediately, stating, "Goldman Sachs doesn''t typically seek controlling interest." He added, "If Twitter needs it, Goldman can help facilitate your IPO." Hawke appeared to be considering. Henry continued, "Goldman Sachs has evaluated Twitter; with the right partners, it could be worth $100 billion within five to six years." Hawke pondered, "The next Twitter board meeting will focus on discussing the public financing plan for next year. Once we confirm the timing and methods, we''ll be in touch with Goldman Sachs." Hearing the word public, Henry knew Twitter aimed to maximize returns. But Goldman Sachs had conducted an assessment, and getting in at this stage was a guaranteed profit. ... Not far away, a woman in a gold-red evening gown was watching Hawke from a distance. She had been waiting for her chance. But the crowd kept growing around Hawke, including the Black woman Rice and George''s deputy Cheney. These politicians continued to prove the significance of media platforms through their actions. Finally, when the crowd thinned out, the red-haired woman swiftly approached Hawke. She came before him and introduced herself, "Elizabeth Carter, a strategic planner." Hawke quickly sized her up -- high heels and a sleek black evening gown that highlighted her pale skin, with bold red lips and sharp eyes. This woman appeared relatively young but possessed an air of sophistication and maturity. Elizabeth caused a stir with her words: "You''re Hawke Osment; I''ve heard there are plans in Washington to do you harm. Be careful of women, especially pretty ones." Hawke intentionally took two steps back, saying, "That couldn''t possibly be you, could it?" Elizabeth shook her head, "I''m not pretty." Though unsure of whether she was truthful or not, Hawke politely said, "Thank you." Elizabeth continued, "This matter concerns California." Hawke feigned confusion. "I''m the strategic planner for this election. California wasn''t originally in my scope, yet suddenly two incredible events erupted there," noted Elizabeth, recognizing that while some politicians might not be intelligent, strategists were always sharp. "Then, we merely mobilized some media and political resources, and won California." She looked at Hawke: "Brian may not be a fool, but he doesn''t excel in this area; you initially worked in crisis management and strategic planning -- could this possibly relate to you?" Hawke certainly wouldn''t admit to anything, instead quipping seriously, "I''m a businessman, I don''t do anything that''s unrelated to my interests." Elizabeth dropped the topic, moving on to Twitter: "Washington, especially those directly involved in the election, knows you are the one controlling the online narrative; you hold one of the most significant and influential media platforms in America, and if you want the wind to blow a certain way, it will." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 364: Betrayal [Chapter 364: Betrayal] As the party ended, Hawke stepped out of the bustling hall filled with Secret Service agents and immediately called for his bodyguard. Though he wasn''t certain if Elizabeth Carter''s words had any truth to them, he chose to err on the side of caution and directly contacted Chief of Staff Andrew Card. Card quickly coordinated several agents to follow Hawke and Brian. If anything were to go wrong during their time in Washington, it would reflect poorly on the host, George Walker Bush. If he couldn''t even protect the guests he invited, who would want to cooperate with him? Hawke opted not to return to the Willard InterContinental Hotel where they had been staying; instead, he stayed at the Hilton, reserving several new rooms. ... Entering a business suite, Brian asked, "What happened?" "We''re preventing anyone from causing us trouble," Hawke replied, briefly explaining Elizabeth Carter''s situation. Brian thought for a moment and said, "That makes sense, better to avoid any complications." He habitually added, "What if someone does try to shoot..." Hawke tensed at the mention and quickly interrupted, "Buddy, you should keep your mouth shut." "I''m not the cursed cult leader anymore!" Brian retorted. "Since you and Erica went on vacation to Florida, no accidents have happened, right?" Hawke pointed out a painful fact: "Because you kept your mouth shut." He quickly changed the subject, asking, "Elizabeth Carter claims to be a strategic planner. What exactly does she do?" Brian pulled out his phone. "I''m not sure, let me ask." ... After about ten minutes, Brian ended the call and said, "She''s the Vice President of the renowned Peterson Strategic Consulting Firm and was one of George''s strategists in the election, but she''s mainly responsible for the Midwestern operations and hasn''t been to Los Angeles." He continued, "Elizabeth recently took on a new job; several Democrats are preparing to push for a new round of gun control legislation next year. They want to shake the foundations of the Republican Party. The election is over, and the results can''t be changed, so they''re already preparing for the mid-terms and four years from now. The Peterson Company has been hired by the National Rifle Association to lobby against this bill." "I see," Hawke understood. "Those lawmakers need to consider the voters in their districts, and since public opinion is influenced by media, the likes of Twitter can put that influence right in the voters'' faces, unlike traditional newspapers and TV channels." Brian added, "She wants to leverage Twitter''s influence." Hawke recalled their brief exchange in the banquet hall. "This woman asked to meet me tomorrow. Mehlman has also scheduled to meet me at the Hilton so I can have a chat with her first. If Peterson is willing to pay, it could be a lucrative deal." --- Inside the Willard InterContinental Hotel lobby, a waitress set down coffee beside two male guests, whispering, "The targets haven''t returned." The bald man nodded slightly. The waitress departed normally. The bald man added sugar to his coffee, whispering, "Let them leave quickly." The younger man pulled out his phone and made a call: "Withdraw now." He put away his phone and looked at the bald man. "Do you think they''ve gone somewhere else and will come back?" The bald man replied, "I never agreed with this method. But it''s insisted by the higher-ups. Not everyone is like them, letting their crazed desires ruin their careers over a woman." The young man lowered his head, asking, "Then why push forward?" The bald man explained, "Many people are suspicious that Brian Ferguson''s fiancee has gathered more evidence from the Ackerman family and is secretly hanging onto it for when it''s needed..." The young man realized, "The actual target this time is the new mayor of Los Angeles?" "Yes," the bald man confirmed. "It seems the other side is cautious." The young man inquired, "What about the police?" The bald man waved his hand. "Let them withdraw. I''ll personally handle Edwards." ... As they spoke, several agents wearing blue FBI jackets suddenly entered the hotel lobby. They headed straight for the front desk, showed their credentials, and went upstairs. The young man watched as they entered the elevator, saying, "They aren''t looking for us, are they?" "Let''s go," the bald man took a sip of his coffee and stood to leave. The young man automatically followed him. They climbed into the same car, and the bald man had the young man drive. He pulled out his phone, dialing a number: "Things have changed. The FBI is here." The person on the other end asked, "Have we been exposed?" The bald man responded, "No, I had someone pull out early." "Got it, hurry up and leave." The call ended. The bald man gazed out at the gloomy Washington night sky. --- S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The following morning, Hawke received a call from Andrew Card: the FBI had found nothing unusual. He thanked Card, finished breakfast, and arrived at the cafe by the scheduled time. Elizabeth Carter had already arrived. She wore an all-black women''s suit, her pale skin stark against her bold red lips, giving off a particularly stern vibe. Perhaps that was her survival technique in the workplace. Hawke sat across from her and indicated his watch. "I have another appointment in half an hour." "I know, Mehlman scheduled a meeting with you," Elizabeth stated with an air of control, diving right into the topic. "I assume you''ve gathered some information about me and my work?" Hawke replied, "That''s right, you''re a strategic planner and a political lobbyist." Elizabeth''s stern face revealed little emotion. "I just took on a new job to dismantle the Democratic gun control proposal. However, with the frequency of shootings in North America increasing, calls for stricter gun laws have become a societal norm. If this bill passes, it will directly affect the midterm election results." Hawke listened without responding. Elizabeth continued, "This job needs strong media platform support, but most media outlets back the Democrats." Hawke leaned back in his chair, saying, "Twitter can provide that support, but there are conditions." A smile broke on Elizabeth''s stern face. "Give me a time and your room number. I had a blood test last week, and I''ll bring the results with me." Hawke frowned, wondering if it was too direct. Elizabeth was straightforward. "Convincing politicians relies on more than just interests; you have to rely on your body too." That was her foundation for success in Washington. "You''re mistaken," Hawke slowly shook his head. "Twitter is a business, not a charity. While I can help with your promotion, you need to discuss fees with my marketing director." Elizabeth appeared slightly disappointed. "Understood." She suddenly asked, "Do you support gun control?" Hawke didn''t answer; instead, he said, "From what you''ve learned about me, you should know I have faced multiple attacks; I survived thanks to the gun I had in hand." Elizabeth didn''t press further. ... Hawke excused himself and found Brian to chat briefly, then they both entered the meeting room. A moment later, campaign manager Mehlman came in. The main goal of this meeting was to discuss George W. Bush''s new economic development plans as he was about to enter his new term. This involved a plan to support the internet industry. In Hawke''s previous life, he had seen reports of the federal government providing massive subsidies like a $50 billion package for the airline industry and $8 billion for Intel along with over $10 billion in low-interest loans. Twitter, of course, wouldn''t receive the same level of treatment. During George W. Bush''s second term, a strong push for internet industry development would be made, offering a subsidy package worth $2.5 billion. As the internet company that contributed the most during the election, Twitter would enjoy a share of $1.7 billion from this package. This package included federal grants, tax credits, and special business subsidies. Half of the funding would come directly from federal grants. Additionally, Twitter could apply for a total of $3.5 billion in ultra-low interest loans guaranteed by the federal government. In terms of policy, Twitter would also be supported. Hawke wanted to establish a "Mobile App Alliance" to promote the Android system and the Twitter mobile app. Twitter would collaborate with the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Commerce to co-host an industry conference next year. Hawke also provided a program called "Stargate" for artificial intelligence development. The federal government would review this plan, and if approved, special funding would be allocated for its development. The development of artificial intelligence would require significant financial investment, and of course, Hawke aimed to use federal funds for that. As for the smaller projects involved, once they returned to Los Angeles, Hawke planned to dispatch a professional team to negotiate with the federal government thoroughly. --- On Capitol Hill, in an office. Chief of Staff Andrew Card had just left, and Republican Whip Tom Emmer stood at the office door, looking particularly upset. Assistant Wilshire hurried in, asking, "Tommy?" "This is betrayal, a serious betrayal!" Tom Emmer slammed his hand on the desk, the sharp pain causing him to quickly retract it and shake his hand, exclaiming, "George has betrayed me!" Wilshire inquired, "What happened?" Tom Emmer replied, "That bastard violated his promise to me; he''s appointing his mistress Condoleezza Rice as Secretary of State!" Wilshire was stunned. "How could he do that!" Tom Emmer quickly suppressed his anger, sitting behind the desk. "What do you think we should do?" Wilshire carefully held back an opinion. Tom Emmer asserted, "No one can toy with me without facing consequences!" Wilshire asked, "What are you planning to do?" "Let me think it over carefully," Tom Emmer gripped the chair arms tightly. "There''s something fishy about what''s happening in Los Angeles; there''s definitely insider knowledge we''re unaware of; you call Brian Ferguson." Wilshire searched through contact information, dialed a number, and reported, "Can''t get through." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 365: Movie Adapted from the LA Fires [Chapter 365: Movie Adapted from the LA Fires] On the very day that Hawke reached an agreement with Mehlman, he and Brian took a flight out of Washington, D.C. In Hawke''s own words, the winds in this place were too strong, and their strength wasn''t yet formidable enough. They decided to return home first and solidify the benefits they had gained. As for Elizabeth Carter''s suggestion about potential collaboration, that would require funding up front. ... Upon returning to Los Angeles, Hawke convened a meeting with the company executives to discuss details regarding federal subsidies and policy support. He instructed Caroline to assemble a suitable team to head over to Washington to negotiate with the authorities. After the meeting, Caroline, in her high heels, followed Hawke into the chairman''s office. "The city of Los Angeles has a $330 million subsidy, planned to be spent on the Coast Tower and server upgrades. This money hasn''t all been allocated yet, and now you''ve found new subsidies, half of which is cash. That''s fantastic!" Hawke gestured for her to sit as he replied, "The next four years are crucial for us. If we can''t rapidly scale up and become a true internet giant, when the Democrats regain power in Los Angeles and California, Twitter will face significant challenges." Caroline adjusted her custom blazer, a burst of crimson punctuating her outfit, and said, "Four years'' time, let''s turn California completely red." "Southern California should be manageable, but Northern California is another story," Hawke cautioned, not wanting to sound overly optimistic. California had two senators, both from the Democratic Party. One was up for election this year, and the results of that election were already in. Barbara Boxer, a representative of California''s women''s movement, had stood firmly with the female victims during the Ackerman family incident and had repeatedly criticized her own party members, including Nunez and Willie Brown. Ultimately, she had triumphed over Arnold Schwarzenegger''s Secretary of State to win the election. While this caused a rift within the California Democrats, Barbara did not switch sides. ... With thoughts of women''s rights swirling in his mind, Hawke approached his office window and gazed out at Venice Beach. He grabbed a nearby pair of binoculars and held them up to his eyes. As November ushered in cooler weather, the beach had seen a decline in tourists, making it easy to spot patches of bright red. These were the members of the beach rescue team clad in red swimsuits. According to Frank, they were members of the Feminist Majority Foundation. Hawke recalled how, during the Los Angeles fire, Twitter had reported numerous instances of female firefighters struggling, plunging Los Angeles into greater disaster. It seemed as if these women were aiming at Twitter directly. The Feminist Majority Foundation had gathered so many beautiful women near Twitter, perhaps hoping to test the executives. Although they posed some challenges, Hawke was already prepared to use his influence. From the Los Angeles fires to the Ackerman family incident, and onto the election, these events had broadened his horizons and changed his perspectives on people and situations. Everything connected directly to the resources one could control and utilize. When amassing a million-dollar fortune, one thought of cooperating with similar organizations to achieve win-win outcomes. With a ten-million-dollar fortune, one could mobilize resources to counter them. But once one''s wealth soared to billions and commanded a vast media platform, they simply viewed such groups as tools to achieve their goals. ... Caroline stepped closer, squinting at the distance, her busy work had taken a toll on her eyesight. "What are you looking at?" Hawke handed her the binoculars, "See for yourself, those reds over there." Caroline took the binoculars and scanned the beach, immediately spotting the red swimsuits. She frowned, "Terrible fashion sense." She said playfully, "You''ve been in Los Angeles for two years, and that hasn''t changed at all." Hawke chuckled and replied, "Men only like one type." Caroline scrutinized the styles of the red swimsuits closely, but she soon realized that those outfits were not appropriate for the office, given that she only interacted with the boss there. Hawke ignored her musings and said, "According to Frank''s intel, they''re all members of the Feminist Majority Foundation." Caroline remembered that organization, "We''ve collaborated with them before." Hawke nodded, "That''s right, it was back when I first arrived in Los Angeles. We partnered two or three times; the most interaction was around the Alison Faith tape incident." "Recently, we''ve been standing against them." Caroline asked, "Are you a bit wary of them?" Hawke waved his hand dismissively, "Not wary, more like... how to describe it? Facing this feminist front feels like encountering a stinking pile of dog shit; if you really put in the effort, you could crush them, but your shoe would get dirty, and it''s just disgusting." Caroline laughed, her voice ringing melodiously, "That description is spot on." Hawke returned to his desk, "FMF sent them here, are they trying to annoy us? I need to find a way to make them annoy themselves." Caroline moved to sit opposite him, "This is your specialty." She pulled out a document and placed it in front of Hawke, "The position for the chair of the charity foundation you wanted; here are three candidates. The final decision is up to you." Hawke briefly skimmed through the options and said, "I''ll have Edward call them." Caroline was busy and said, "I''ll head back now." ... Hawke thoroughly reviewed the documents and passed them to Edward, instructing him to make the calls. If all went well, interviews would be held that afternoon. After lunch, three candidates arrived one after another. Hawke personally conducted the interviews and ultimately chose a candidate named Pierce Madden as the acting chair of the Osment Charity Foundation. On one hand, he had relevant experience; on the other, he had the recommendation of Jett Brown, the manager from the prestigious headhunting firm, Glimmer International. Over the past year, Jett Brown had been instrumental in helping Twitter find top talent, and those he brought in were all capable. Currently, the charity foundation was being managed by an intermediary, but as Hawke''s income increased and the additional charity facilities from the Ackerman Charity Foundation were incorporated, the Osment Charity Foundation was bound to become a tangible entity. When Twitter moved to the Beach Tower, which consisted of four floors, half would serve as the charity''s office. The other half would belong to a shell company, West Coast Environmental Technologies. This company acted as a legitimate intermediary, siphoning off budget from Los Angeles city. Once Brian stepped down from the mayoral role, the West Coast Environmental Technologies would fulfill its mission. However, unlike the money-burning Twitter, this company would bring in substantial cash flow for Hawke. --- After several days of busyness, Tom Cruise and Eric Emerson came to visit Twitter. Hawke met with them in the reception area. Tom Cruise laughed and embraced Hawke, "Long time no see, my friend." Hawke smiled back, "A lot has happened since we last met." "Indeed," Tom Cruise replied with a hint of unease, "The fire nearly destroyed Los Angeles." Eric Emerson pinched his nose, "The ash triggered my nasal allergies. Even now, I still feel like the air in Los Angeles is filled with floating ashes." Hawke nodded, "It was extremely dangerous. I hired two private firefighting teams to be on call 24/7 near the office." The trio discussed the Los Angeles fires, and Eric suddenly had an epiphany, saying, "This fire was so devastating, an unprecedented event in Los Angeles''s history, and quite rare in American history as well. The entire process was filled with drama." Hawke sensed the idea brewing in his old friend''s mind and asked, "Are you thinking of adapting it into a movie?" "Absolutely, adapting it into a film," Eric said with enthusiasm. "When the fire broke out, I was in Los Angeles. It got alarmingly close to my studio, less than five kilometers away. I drove into the fire zone personally and witnessed the intense scene of destruction first-hand." He sheepishly admitted, "Sorry, I know that description might not be suitable. I filmed a lot of footage, and in those windswept flames, there was a kind of breathtaking beauty that felt like the end of the world, truly astonishing." S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Tom Cruise pondered the matter, "This fire is a scar that will not fade in our era, especially with the wild missteps that occurred during it." Eric chimed in, "This situation itself is full of dramatic tension; everything that transpired was a collection of blunders." Hawke, inspired by Eric''s comments, saw a golden opportunity. Eric continued, "Many homes belonging to Los Angeles stars, directors, producers, and executives turned to ashes in the fire. They particularly detested those who contributed to the chaos. If we could produce this film and submit it during awards season, it would have a natural edge." Tom Cruise, having been in Hollywood for over twenty years with his own production company, had a keen sense for these matters. He remarked, "Over forty percent of Academy members reside in Los Angeles." Hawke thought more broadly. Such a film would serve as excellent publicity, keeping interest alive for a long time. If California, especially Los Angeles, turned blue again, Twitter would face considerable challenges. Preventing the Democrats'' resurgence aligned with Twitter''s interests. Hawke declared, "The Los Angeles fire was a disaster, but it was also a man-made calamity. From former Mayor Antonio to the various failures of the fire department and the incompetence of city planners, each should be etched in history''s shame. All Angelenos and Californians should revile them." Suddenly, Tom Cruise thought of something crucial, "The fire department was entangled with feminist organizations. Even if we try to replicate the news footage precisely, those extremists will surely cause us trouble." He pointed out a reality, "In their view, there''s no reasoning or even legality; they see themselves as existing above all else in society." Eric, who had only moved to Los Angeles in early 2003, didn''t feel particularly affected by it all, "Are we giving up just because of this small group?" Tom Cruise, backed by significant forces, didn''t want to provoke those groups. Eric wore a frown of confusion. Hawke believed that creating the film would have far-reaching effects, even if it resulted in nothing at the Oscars. Eric''s film had received considerable acclaim, demonstrating his exceptional skill in adaptation and filmmaking. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 366: Pawns [Chapter 366: Pawns] "Compared to the Los Angeles fires, these are minor issues," Hawke said dismissively. "Not a big deal." Tom Cruise nodded slowly. Hawke felt that the film project was worthwhile and told Eric, "You work on the script. I have all the firsthand materials here; I''ll have someone deliver them to the studio for you. It will definitely help with your adaptation." Eric was less apprehensive than Tom Cruise and replied, "Sounds good. Once we wrap up , I need to prepare my new movie. The Los Angeles fires make for a great subject." Tom Cruise glanced at Hawke. Although Scientology didn''t directly engage in the messiness of elections, it was in the loop enough to know that George W. Bush had an edge in the current election, largely thanks to the work done by Hawke and Brian in California. After pondering briefly, he said, "Let my production company handle the filmmaking." Eric had previously collaborated with Tom Cruise and said, "I''m okay with that." "As long as this movie gets made and maintains a certain quality, it will receive ample support," Hawke was confident about that. The political and media landscape in America had split into two camps; when one side was critical, the other would be supportive. Tom Cruise understood and chose to remain silent. Eric, being a more pure artist and less politically savvy, had missed the subtext but remained quiet, lost in self-reflection. Inspiration for artists often struck unexpectedly and in those moments, ideas flowed freely. ... This project required significant planning, and Tom Cruise handed over a briefcase containing the materials he was supposed to gather. "Everything you wanted is in here." The volume of photos and documents was so large that Hawke needed time to go through it all. "Go ahead and fill me in." Tom Cruise had Oscars on his mind. He had been willing to clash with his longtime collaborator Pat Kingsley for a shot at the award, which had resulted in Kingsley turning against him and later landing in prison, thanks to Hawke''s efforts. Trusting Hawke considerably, he continued, "The precursor awards are already initiated. The top-rated films so far are directed by Clint Eastwood, Martin Scorsese''s , and our ." Hawke inquired, "What about Ang Lee''s ?" "Compared to winning the Venice Film Festival, it has more controversy in North America," Tom Cruise believed. "Both and participated in the Toronto Film Festival, and has received good media and critical reviews, while sparked quite a bit of debate." "Is it because of its themes of homosexuality?" Hawke was fairly in tune with social dynamics; even in Los Angeles, homosexuality was still somewhat marginalized. Tom Cruise confirmed, "Yes, homophobia. Europe has advanced further on these issues than we have." Hawke nodded slightly, rifling through the pile of documents to find information on , which had become a major contender for the Academy Awards next year. If he remembered correctly, that film starring Hilary Swank had won her Best Actress and Clint Eastwood Best Director. A staunch conservative won big with a feminist film? Having seen the film, Hawke understood that this description didn''t precisely fit because the main character was a female boxer, representing genuine feminism, not just a girl throwing punches. Tom Cruise then shared the awards he genuinely wanted to compete for: "For Best Actor, a few contenders have real potential. One is Eastwood, but I hear he''s leaning towards Best Director. Leonardo DiCaprio, the lead in , is priming for his chance at the Oscar too, and Johnny Depp with is working closely with the Weinsteins for awards recognition." Hawke recalled information from his previous life: "Just like you said, Eastwood isn''t focused on Best Actor. As for DiCaprio, I think he''ll continue to be in the running; Johnny Depp? Did he really throw in his lot with the Weinsteins?" Tom Cruise understood the underlying implications of this statement: "Harvey Weinstein tends to favor actresses." Eric snapped out of his introspection and interjected, "It''s because he has a normal sexual orientation." This observation was too spot-on. Weinstein excelled at Academy Awards PR, especially for Best Picture and Best Actress categories. Eric felt a twinge of envy. Tom Cruise returned to discussing his own situation: "And then there''s Jamie Foxx, who''s starring in a biopic about a famous Black singer, along with the male lead in ." He forgot the character''s name, glanced at the material and said, "Heath Ledger." "Jamie Foxx?" Hawke remembered him as the lead in Quentin Tarantino''s , recently awarded Best Actor. Tom Cruise replied, "A couple of years ago, Denzel Washington won Best Actor. I doubt it will go to another Black performer so soon." Hawke found Jamie Foxx''s information; he recalled and knew Foxx had won Best Actor but wasn''t clear on when and for which film. However, Jamie Foxx had transformed into a significant threat in Hawke''s mind. Pondering over the competitive landscape, Hawke concluded Eric wouldn''t win Best Director. It would be tough for to clinch Best Picture, but Tom Cruise might stand a chance for Best Actor. Failure wouldn''t matter; it simply couldn''t be taking home an award. Blackrock has come up with a marginalized personnel plan; as an opponent, Hawke would not allow them to succeed. Those nefarious figures... Eric seemed eager to speak but Hawke raised a hand to stop him. From his position and with the resources at his disposal, along with the influence he wielded, those troublesome figures could serve as tools just like the female boxers. Their internal conflicts were fierce. Hawke''s mindset evolved, and as his perspective broadened, he felt a rush of clarity. Even though he didn''t have a seat at the table, viewing the situation from outside made a significant difference. Northern California was still largely under the control of the Democratic Party. The groups in Southern California could indeed serve as pawns. Eric and Tom Cruise waited a decent amount of time before the latter inquired, "Do you have a plan?" Hawke nodded slightly, "The hopes for Best Picture are slim." Tom Cruise agreed, "The new Eastwood film gained a ton of positive reviews during its preview; plus, Martin''s new film, the biopic about Howard Hughes..." "I suggest we focus on the two awards," Hawke stated directly. "Eric can aim for a Best Director nomination. Let''s go for that." Eric''s artsy face lit up with an effusive smile, "I just need one nomination." Hawke added, "We will concentrate our advantageous resources on the Best Actor award." This strategy aligned with the formal plans laid out by Tom Cruise''s dedicated team. He remarked, "If we go about PR methodically, I''ll end up repeating last year''s failures." Hawke replied, "Formal promotion and PR should be handled by your team." He already collected five million dollars from Tom Cruise the previous year; if he accepted money, he would do the work: "My focus is two-fold: obtaining highlight reels of your role''s strong performances and strategically promoting them via Twitter to judges who have accounts." Getting the judges to remember the film and the name was never easy; achieving a record where 30% of Oscars judges had viewed film clips would be groundbreaking. Tom Cruise asked, "And the second part?" Hawke smiled, "It''s not my forte to elevate a person''s performance. I can only assist in undermining your main competitors." Tom Cruise followed up, "Using Harvey Weinstein''s tactics?" "No, no," Hawke shook his finger. "Harvey''s methods still belong in the primitive stages; the techniques he utilizes are not suitable for you." He analyzed the situation: "You can''t directly confront competitors like Harvey would, Tommy; you''re the target of envy among those old white guys. Maintain a normal awards rhythm; we''ll find ways to let the competitors rip into each other while we allow social organizations and public opinion to amplify the fallout." Eric followed behind Hawke, offering free assistance, saying, "Hawke excels at this." Hawke turned to Tom Cruise and instructed, "Gather as much information as you can on Jamie Foxx, Heath Ledger, and Johnny Depp, particularly the first two -- Jamie Foxx is a Black man with a significant advantage, and that film starring Heath Ledger has a robust support team behind it." He paused slightly, "As for Johnny Depp? Even if he truly aligned with Harvey, Harvey wouldn''t likely assist him." Tom Cruise replied, "I''ll set people on it right away." Hawke offered some additional instructions. Tom Cruise excused himself to leave first. Eric stayed behind. ... Hawke had Edward collect all paper, photo, and video materials regarding the Los Angeles fires from Twitter, duplicating a set for Eric to assist in his script adaptation. All of this represented a clear standpoint; while the materials appeared neutral, they aligned with opposing Antonio and Democrats. The documentation was comprehensive, covering everything from Antonio''s gender equality fireman initiative to the fires burning over 300 square kilometers. After reviewing some of it, Eric realized, "If I adapt this into a film, am I going to grotesquely expose America''s wounds?" "Don''t worry; it won''t come to that. A movie like this can serve as a warning for America." Hawke wasn''t concerned about that, as for every opponent, there would be an equal number of supporters. The materials piled high required two boxes; Eric couldn''t carry them all alone, so Edward helped bring them downstairs. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Hawke meticulously reviewed the information Tom Cruise provided to find the best angle for entry into the project. Although those troublesome figures now appeared as mere pawns in his eyes, it was vital to hold the pawns in his control rather than leave them to the opponent''s bidding. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 367: The Common Issues of Black Celebrities [Chapter 367: The Common Issues of Black Celebrities] After reviewing the materials, Hawke thought of Leonardo DiCaprio and specifically searched for his recent news. He found a close-up photo of Leonardo emerging from Los Angeles International Airport. Leonardo appeared slightly heavier, but he was far from out of shape. When examining the stills and posters from , Howard Hughes looked charming and showed no signs of self-destructive behavior. All of this did not meet the Oscar-winning standards Leonardo set for himself. Hawke pulled up a photo of Jamie Foxx and placed it on his desk, then took out a picture of Heath Ledger and placed it beside it. He paused for a moment and then put the poster of on top of the two photos. ... Edward returned at that moment and said, "All the things were moved into Eric''s film studio. That guy is preparing to lock himself away for a few days to go through the materials thoroughly." "He''s very dedicated to film," Hawke said as he picked up the photo of Jamie Foxx and handed it to Edward. "Ask your black friends if they''ve heard any bad rumors about him." Edward took it from him. "Jamie Foxx? This guy isn''t a star from Los Angeles or Southern California. The people I know might not have any connections with him, but I can have them look into it." Hawke thought for a moment before calling Caroline. "When you were in BWR, did you keep an ear out for any negative news about Jamie Foxx?" Caroline responded directly, "Black male celebrities, as long as their sexuality isn''t an issue, surely have been with a string of women." She hesitated for a moment, thinking, "Jamie Foxx isn''t a client of BWR Public Relations, but we''ve had plenty of black celebrity clients, and they tend to be quite wild. Plus, black celebrities often have a common flaw -- they come from poorer backgrounds and have less education, so they tend to talk a lot. When they''re dating women, they often throw around guarantees, but when it''s over, they pull up their pants and act like it never happened." Hawke recalled some things Edward had often said. "Just like those guys who run off when their girlfriends have kids, right?" Caroline said, "Most black men have a tendency to sweet-talk before getting intimate, but when the women get pregnant, they run off quicker than you can say ''boo.''" "Got it," Hawke said, beginning to formulate a plan. He hung up and called Campos. "Find a few entertainment specialists and dig up details on the women Jamie Foxx has dated... especially those who had brief relationships with him." Campos responded, "Understood." ... At quitting time, Caroline was fortunate enough not to have to work overtime. She took the elevator down, got into her brand-new Porsche Cayenne, and exited the underground parking lot. As soon as she turned onto Ocean Park Boulevard, her phone rang. Caroline pressed the Bluetooth button. "Amanda?" The caller was Amanda, a former assistant who had worked with Caroline and Sasha, and who had once launched a coke attack against Hawke. She had quit the company before the Robert Redford incident. "Hey, Caroline," Amanda''s voice came through the car. "I heard you''re an executive at Twitter? I just happen to be near Twitter now, are you free to grab a coffee?" Caroline had just exited the office. "Sure." Amanda continued, "I''m at Ocean Cafe in parking lot number three at Venice Beach." "I know that place, I''ll be right there," Caroline said as she drove into parking lot three. ... The Ocean Cafe was right by the parking lot. Approaching December, the tourists were sparse, so there weren''t many customers inside. Amanda was sitting at a small round table, nervously stirring her drink with her hands. The glass door opened from outside, and a woman walked in. Amanda lifted her eyes to see Caroline and waved to her, quickly sizing her up. Caroline wore a ladies'' suit with no visible brand logos but appeared to be custom-made. The handbag she held was a limited edition Hermes from the current season. One wrist boasted a rose-gold bracelet adorned with emeralds, while the other wore a Cartier watch that sparkled with diamonds. This woman looked more glamorous than before. The difference was in the makeup on her petite face, which was much lighter, giving off a strong, professional aura. Seeing Caroline thriving while she had struggled since leaving BWR, Amanda felt a pang of discomfort worse than a knife cutting through her heart. And then there was Sasha, who supposedly held an executive position at Twitter too. Amanda suddenly recalled something Michelle had said: women should help women. Over a year ago, Caroline had interacted several times with the FMF due to her repeated collaborations with Hawke. Sometimes Caroline personally went, and sometimes Amanda was the intermediary. The slogans and philosophies of the FMF often captivated women for specific causes, like female privilege and women helping women. Having been influenced by all this, Amanda joined the FMF. Since her public relations job was demanding and she couldn''t participate frequently, she ultimately resigned from BWR. ... Caroline quickly walked over, giving Amanda a once-over. The clothes Amanda wore were all last season''s designs, not belonging to any top brands. The sleeves were frayed, and a thread was sticking out in one spot. The bag resting beside her on the chair was the same one Amanda had carried before she resigned. After spending over a year at Twitter with various people, Caroline could easily tell that Amanda hadn''t been faring well. She ran a hand through her bangs, her smile bright as always. "Long time no see." Amanda smiled back. "I just read the news and saw you became a tech hotshot, Twitter''s Operations Director." Caroline laughed modestly, "Just a high-ranking employee." "Sasha is also at Twitter?" Amanda asked. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Caroline nodded slightly. "Yes, she came over with me." Amanda said wistfully, "If I had known, I wouldn''t have resigned back then." Caroline didn''t respond but ordered coffee from the waiter. As the waiter brought over the coffee, Caroline added a bit of sugar and cream, stirring it slowly. Amanda felt the pressure and awkwardly said, "I saw online that Twitter is hiring..." "Yes," Caroline said, familiar with her former assistant''s conversation style. Amanda asked, "Is it still possible to apply?" Caroline held a powerful position at Twitter, just below Hawke, and was also on the board, but she understood her own role well. She was the boss''s right-hand person. She folded her hands and leaned over the table, saying, "You can send me a resume, and I''ll hand it over to HR." Amanda''s face expressed urgency. "You know what I''m capable of." Caroline''s smile remained unchanged, and if it weren''t for their past connections, she wouldn''t have said this. Among the resumes thrown at HR by the Operations Director, hers would be different from the ones submitted directly by others. Amanda''s smile stiffened slightly; it seemed women didn''t always help women... After spending too much time in feminist organizations, she felt like she had been brainwashed and wasn''t as sharp as before. From their previous exchanges, it wasn''t hard for Amanda to deduce that even if she passed the hiring stage, she would end up as a regular employee. In BWR, Sasha ranked below her. At Twitter, given that Sasha had once worked beneath her, the drop in status was hard for Amanda to accept. Keeping a forced smile on her face, she made an excuse: "I fondly remember the pleasant times I worked with you and Sasha. I miss it." Caroline took a sip of her coffee before saying, "You have my number; feel free to call anytime." "Okay, thanks," Amanda said, thinking about her mission, preparing to find an appropriate point of entry. ... At that moment, Caroline''s phone rang again. She quickly took it out to answer: "It''s me. Is there something?" It was Megan Taylor on the other end: "I''m off work. Do you have time for dinner?" Caroline responded, "You pick a place." Megan replied, "I''ll call you shortly." ... "Sorry, I have a bit of an urgent matter," Caroline said as she put her phone away and laid a bill on the table. "I need to run." At this, Amanda became disoriented, saying, "Alright, we''ll talk another time." ... Caroline grabbed her bag, sliding on her high heels, and left the cafe. As she got into the Cayenne, she pondered for a moment and called Sasha: "Has Amanda contacted you since she resigned?" Sasha thought for a moment. "No, I heard some of our former colleagues say she hasn''t been doing well in her new job. Is she looking for you?" "Yeah," Caroline summarized briefly, reminding her, "I''m not sure what happened this past year, but she seems less spirited than before." Sasha was sharp: "I get it." Caroline hung up and noticed a text had come through with a restaurant address. She glanced at it before heading toward West Los Angeles to meet Megan Taylor. ... Ever since it escalated into a security company and signed security agreements with various departments under the Los Angeles City Hall, Butterfly Consulting also moved to a new location. Belonging to the Ackerman Charitable Foundation, their new site was a private dock near Venice, accompanied by an office building and a large piece of land, available in the FBI''s sale catalog. Hawke directly had the security company purchase it. Such a low-priced asset acquisition would be rare in the future. Inside the office, Betty, Fiona, and Elena sat in front of their computers searching for any past news about Jamie Foxx. Outside, two cars parked by the entrance, and Juan and Lareya called out to the new four Mexican hires, who quickly came over to help unload newspapers from the van into the large conference room on the first floor. In the building, everyone who wasn''t essential to urgent matters had been prompted by Campos to come and review the entertainment publications from the past few years in search of news about Jamie Foxx. Using the contacts built at Butterfly over two years with media and tipsters, Campos found a few people who had left Jamie Foxx''s side. Some of them had even left Los Angeles. For those nearby, Hierro drove over to pay visits. For those farther away, Carlos and Garcia took a plane to arrive overnight. Campos was well aware that Butterfly''s primary purpose was not to make money but to accomplish the tasks and duties assigned by Hawke. Everything else came second. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 368: Compton Foundation [Chapter 368: Compton Foundation] At the Butterfly Security Company in the conference room, Hawke sat at the table. He picked up the photos and profiles sent by Campos and began to flip through them. Edward leaned over to take a look and remarked, "This guy has a type, mostly white women." "That''s right," Carlos chimed in from across the table. "Jamie Foxx has mostly dated white girls. His one-night stands? Nearly all white too, not many black women involved." Among the photo profiles, there was just one black woman, and she was quite famous -- Naomi Campbell. This supermodel was known for collecting famous faces as if they were stamps. It was rumored that a young Leonardo had also fallen into her collection. At that moment, Campos walked in and took a seat at the conference table. "Unlike other Hollywood stars, most of Jamie Foxx''s partners aren''t well-known. He typically goes for lower-tier actors or models. Mostly, he''s dated only a few seriously, but he has had a multitude of brief flings." Hawke continued to browse the materials. "Has anyone interacted with these women during their time with Jamie Foxx? Did he make any promises?" Carlos replied, "I''ve talked to a couple, both older Hollywood actresses -- those who played minor roles for years without any real break. According to them, Jamie told them he''d help their careers when they got involved, and he did arrange some roles, but the actual outcomes didn''t match their expectations." As Hawke sifted through the files, he pulled out one and set it aside, then found another, all while Campos patiently waited. Hawke eventually selected three files and handed them to Campos. "These three are white females who''ve been in Hollywood for over five years, and their careers haven''t taken off. They''ve seen others enjoy the glitz but are stuck at the bottom of the industry pyramid. Some even struggle to pay rent." Campos took the files and distributed them to Fiona, Garcia, and Betty. "These are the leads you need to investigate." Hawke scanned the room. Everyone present was a trusted confidant, people who had struggled alongside him in Los Angeles and had been with him through the Ackerman family incidents in Rosario and Guatemala. They were firmly in his corner now. Without hesitation, Hawke gave the directive, "You all reach out to these three women and encourage them to file complaints." Fiona asked a crucial question, "What about payment?" Hawke replied, "Within $200,000, you all can make that decision. Someone will cover the costs. If they have concerns, tell them that a women''s rights organization will back them." Campos noted, "Since the Los Angeles fires, many women''s organizations have gone a bit quiet." "Exactly. We''ll create a chance for them to regain public visibility; they shouldn''t pass it up," said Hawke, with plans beyond just women''s rights: "We''ll strike when the buzz around is at its peak in Los Angeles." Films like , , , and planned to hit selective screens starting in December, aiming for the Oscars. ... After discussing for a while longer, Hawke and Edward left Butterfly Security Company. They had laid out their positions, and it was up to the others to execute. Once in the car, Edward drove out of the yacht dock area and asked Hawke, "Los Angeles is about to get lively again, isn''t it?" Hawke gazed out at the calm city, saying, "After the elections, Los Angeles felt too quiet. This isn''t the atmosphere we crave. It''s time we stirred things up beneath this calm surface and made the waters boil." Edward thought about the women in tight red outfits, asking, "Is it just a women''s rights group?" Hawke chuckled, "Barely just women''s rights. If the opportunity arises, let''s bring in the LGBTQ community and the staunch conservatives for a big Hollywood clash around award season." Edward replied, "Boss, if we need representation from the black community, I can rally some support." He flashed his bright white teeth, "A couple of days ago, you mentioned I could start a nonprofit for black people. I''ve been thinking seriously about it, and I''m ready to register one." Hawke praised him, "Great thinking, very action-oriented." Edward wasn''t just speaking; he took Hawke''s suggestions to heart. ... Meanwhile, in Hollywood, Michael, a black man, parked his old Lincoln at the end of the Walk of Fame and pulled out his phone to call. Michael was an old friend of Edward''s, a fellow Compton native who, during Brian''s run for mayor of Covina, had crashed a motorbike into a citrus statue set up by the former mayor, setting off chaos as people flocked to claim compensation for smashing the statue. From then on, Michael had become one of Edward''s underlings, providing various services. During the Los Angeles fires, he also helped rally the old heads from Compton to participate in zero-dollar purchases on the streets. Not long after he called, three unattractive black men, each carrying a couple of handbags, got into the car. DaShawn, with a shaved bald head, asked, "We earn money by our talents, and it is very difficult for us to do regular work. Is Edward crazy?" "No, no, we don''t live off talent; we live off our gifts!" said Tyrone self-deprecatingly. "We perform on the Walk of Fame to catch the attention of passersby -- not for our art but for our unique looks." Carter had another opinion, saying, "Our gifts are strong, and we have talent, which is why we survive on the Walk of Fame. Without us, the Walk would be less of a spectacle and lose its appeal to tourists." Michael looked at the trio and reminded them, "The debts you owe have been settled by the Savior. You are not homeless anymore; you can live normal lives." The three silent men realized the gravity of their situation. DaShawn grinned through his yellowed front teeth, "Is this guy really trying to be our Savior?" He scratched his bald head. "What does he want us to do? We don''t know how to do anything except mess things up." "You won''t have to do anything," Michael said while starting the car, "The Savior is setting up a nonprofit for black people, and we will be his core members. The paperwork is all set; today we register it and our primary task? Get more black people to join our organization." DaShawn understood. "So, we''re starting a nonprofit for black people and then all messing around together?" Michael paused, then replied, "Pretty much." Carter laughed, showing his peculiar toothless grin, "Aren''t those our natural gifts?" His comments even lifted Michael''s spirits, and he felt more confident now. While they may not know how to run a nonprofit, they were experts at rallying their peers to cause trouble. ... On the way, Michael received a call from Edward. After a few words, they arrived at a real estate agency located behind the Highland Center. Edward had prepared the necessary materials and sent them ahead. Michael and the trio just needed to follow the agency to finalize a few processes. That afternoon, an organization called the Compton Foundation was officially established in Hollywood. Those who came from Compton or other black communities, without joining gangs, included not just Edward and his crew. The foundation soon expanded to include over a dozen core members, and with the impulsive nature of these individuals, it was easy to rally hundreds for a gathering or movement. ... Taking Hawke''s advice, Edward registered the Compton Foundation under Steve''s national black rights protection organization. This was straightforward; should the latter have activities, they could outsource part of their outreach to the former. The former would gather black members to participate, charging based on the number involved or the scale of activities. ... Moreover, Edward also submitted a special application from the Compton Foundation to the city hall. The Los Angeles government provided annual rental subsidies for low-income families to help stabilize lower social classes. This subsidy came in cash form, but it wasn''t easy to obtain. The Compton Foundation''s application was swiftly approved. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Both the federal and local governments funding the capitalists is merely the typical trajectory of social development in America. Hawke was perceptive enough; if a civil war erupted in America one day, he''d already fit the criteria to hang from a lamppost. A national black organization saw Hawke and Brian funding Steve''s protection committee. Edward''s organization primarily targeted Los Angeles and Southern California. With the right timing, they could mobilize a bunch of troublemakers from the chaos-prone communities in Compton at any time. ... The Los Angeles fires had actually worsened the division between the various communities, and the chasm between the rich and poor grew wider. In America''s second-largest city, the social divide accelerated under Hawke''s unwavering assistance, steadily skyrocketing like a rocket launch. Even California''s dynamics began to show a trend of blue in the north and red in the south. ... December rolled in, and Bart and Neville, whom Hawke had sent to Cambridge last year, returned to Los Angeles. Hawke had sent them to Harvard to initiate the Zuckerberg plan, and it had been successful. In the first half of the year, under Hawke''s holding company in the Cayman Islands, Bart and Neville joined forces with Zuckerberg to create a new social media site called SugarBaby. Users were divided into two groups: those publishing works were called SugarBabies, while those paying for subscriptions and consumption were known as SugarDaddies. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 369: Saving Hollywood from Crisis [Chapter 369: Saving Hollywood from Crisis] In the meeting room, Bart picked up his coffee and took a small sip. Neville glanced around curiously and said quietly, "The office conditions at Twitter are a bit cramped." Edward, who was accompanying them, added, "The new office building is being renovated and is expected to be ready by February next year. It can accommodate over 6,000 people comfortably, and even if it feels a bit crowded, it can easily hold 10,000." At that moment, the door to the meeting room opened from the outside, and Hawke walked in. He greeted Bart and Neville and said, "You guys have faced quite a few difficulties over the past six months?" "Yeah, starting a business was harder than we imagined," Neville replied, his dark circles apparent. "The first month started off okay, but once the website was up, the tech guys Zuckerberg hired insisted on equity shares, so we had no choice but to let them go one by one and start recruiting again." Bart added, "Then there was the payment system, which required external onboarding and took over a month of back-and-forth." Neville slapped his forehead to clear his mind a bit. "During this time, there was one instance where Zuckerberg worked an all-nighter and brought in a group of high-end women to relieve his stress. He had a seizure and almost died, spending nearly half a month in the hospital." S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The two spoke as if they were on a talk show. Bart continued, "We also faced funding issues, but thankfully, your overseas company injected $5 million into us." Hawke waited for the two to take another sip of coffee and said, "You''ve made it through the toughest stage." Neville finished his cup of coffee and nodded eagerly. Bart continued, "We reached out to Kim Kardashian and Maitland Ward, but they had reservations about our new SugarBaby website. The first two meetings didn''t go well, so we came here to continue engaging with them." Hawke, who wouldn''t interfere with such specific work, simply said, "If all else fails, raise your offer. Throwing money at these women who move in the world of fame will make them cooperate." Neville chuckled, "That''s our plan this time." What Hawke had to say was already discussed earlier that year. Bart then raised another issue. "Regarding the SugarBaby company, Zuckerberg has new ideas. He''s a genius but a jerk; he plans to drop out of Harvard by the end of the year and move the company to the West Coast." Neville added, "The East Coast is the financial center, but the West Coast is the holy land for the Internet." Hawke nodded, "You can move to Los Angeles. Silicon Beach is developing quickly; I can help you secure some favorable policies." Both Bart and Neville were from Cambridge in Los Angeles, so naturally, LA was their first choice for relocation. The latter said, "That''s what we are considering because LA is the second-largest city in North America. The city''s characteristics align perfectly with SugarBaby as there are countless high-end women and tens of thousands of young people dreaming of becoming stars. Plus, there''s a consumer base for Sugar Daddies that extends from Hollywood. The northern part of the city also has San Fernando Valley, the largest production hub in the world." Bart expressed admiration, "Los Angeles is the best fit for the ethos of SugarBaby." Edward chimed in, "You are giving those struggling girls a great opportunity to achieve fame and financial success." Neville thought this sounded like leading someone down a questionable path. Edward seemed to understand his thoughts and explained, "Without a platform like SugarBaby, they have to sleep with men in the industry who are at a higher level than them, all for free, with no financial return. Whether they can land a role depends entirely on the morality of the other party, and from what I''ve seen, most of the bastards in Hollywood have a morality of zero." Neville understood, saying, "So they have to sleep around and still end up broke?" Edward recalled the information he had just seen from Campos, "Many young, beautiful actresses have been in Hollywood for years and still can''t afford rent; some even struggle to eat and end up turning to street work. Not everyone is like Naomi Watts, who can attract a director like David Lynch at over thirty." "Hearing all of this suddenly gives me a sense of divine mission," Bart replied cleverly, keeping pace with Edward''s rhythm. "SugarBaby must save the boys and girls drowning in the depths of Hollywood!" Edward scratched his head. "Boys?" Hawke added, "SugarBaby''s paying users can include not just Sugar Daddies, but also Sugar Mamas." Bart burst into laughter, "The first six months weren''t smooth for the company. The main reason was that Cambridge was just not enough; the city was too small and lacked quality resources." Hawke thought for a bit, "You should run a few more times through San Fernando Valley. Although they have the old Hollywood contract system for actors and production companies, there are still a lot of free agents, and they are potential users for SugarBaby." Neville had considered this issue long ago. "Moving the company to Los Angeles will make it much easier for us to find people here." ... Burbank, South Buena Vista Street. After leaving Disney Studios, Alice walked with her head down, dully heading to the parking lot. A girl approached her and asked, "How did the audition go?" Alice shook her head. "I got cut." "Me too. I got cut from another crew," the girl sighed. They shared a moment of mutual sympathy. Alice asked, "Didn''t you sleep with the assistant casting director?" "There were three guys and a dozen girls all messing around together," the girl replied casually. "They just gave us one chance to audition." As they walked, Alice replied, "I''m in the same boat. Those small roles with five lines or so require you to pay a price to audition." Both were beautiful, but just relying on their looks wasn''t enough to land major roles. Sleeping around was as fundamental in the industry as acting itself. Alice had come to Hollywood at eighteen; over seven years, she had been with both men and women. The only gain was shedding her extra role status to compete for lines as a minor actress. There were numerous actresses like her in Los Angeles. Alice said goodbye to the girl, got into her beat-up Toyota, and headed north after turning off South Buena Vista Street. ... Not long after, Alice arrived at the valley area between Burbank and San Fernando Valley. It was an older neighborhood with many apartment buildings. She parked the Toyota beside an apartment building, grabbed her bag, locked the car with a mechanical key, and entered the building. At the entrance, there was a heavyset older white woman who reminded Alice as soon as she saw her, "You are a week behind on your rent." Alice stopped, putting on a pitiful face. "My pay is coming soon; just give me a little more time." The lady wasn''t unkind but just said, "Get a proper job. I can help you find one. Work two jobs and it will be enough for you to survive in this city." Alice said nothing and lowered her head as she walked up the stairs. Being an actor in Hollywood was stereotypically like having a certain kind of profession; it could lead to open your legs, but too difficult to close them again. This was also why Alice, being an actress for over seven years, had such high sunk costs. She walked up to the third floor and found someone waiting in the stairwell. ... Andre, wearing a suit, smiled at her. "What are you thinking about?" Alice looked displeased. "I''m not interested in your line of work!" Andre was an agent mainly serving in the Valley. "I''ve met many struggling actresses, and some stars in the Valley came to Hollywood wanting to be famous. But reality is harsh; after so many years, you should know that well." Alice fell silent. Andre appraised her long legs and impressive figure, attributes the audience loved. He said, "Face reality, Alice. Think about it; while working in Hollywood, you might have to deal with bastards. But working in the Valley could earn you significant pay. You could still attain fame and wealth; with your looks and skills, you''d quickly be a household name across America." He emphasized, "Do you have any idea what the top income is in this line of work? Together, it can add up to a million dollars a year!" At that moment, Alice felt a twinge of interest because what he was saying was true. How many times had she been used in Hollywood? Too many to count. As for the many projects needing development in the Valley, that wasn''t a problem. In Hollywood, available spaces had long been used repeatedly. The only thing keeping Alice from agreeing was the last shred of her pride. This decision was difficult to make. Alice thought for a moment, "Give me a little more time to think about it." Andre figured her defenses were close to breaking. He decided against pushing too hard for now, as that could backfire. "Call me when you''ve made a decision," he said as he descended the stairs. He turned around, adding, "This opportunity is rare. A production company is looking to shoot a blockbuster, and you''ll get to work with some top stars and hit it big." "Thanks," Alice said numbly as she stepped into the hallway, pulled out her keys to open the door, and sat down heavily on the sofa, staring blankly at the wall like a soulless zombie. ... Over these past seven years, not counting the crew''s mid-level roles, Alice had been with at least dozens of star-level personas and high-level executives, each one promising much but changing their tune once they were done. The ethics of those in Hollywood fell far below the societal average. Suddenly, her phone rang. Alice pulled out her cracked-screen phone and answered, "Hello, this is Alice Carson." The voice on the other end said, "Remember me? We met once. I have a big business proposition worth $100,000 to discuss with you." Alice recalled that she had spoken to this woman before, drawn in by the $100,000 figure. "What''s the location?" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 370: Unfulfilled Promises [Chapter 370: Unfulfilled Promises] Burbank, France Cafe. During the day, there were not many people around. Alice sat in a booth, her mind heavy as she looked at the woman across from her and said, slightly surprised, "So, the business and partnership you mentioned is just about making baseless accusations against others?" Fiona had conducted a targeted investigation and learned a lot. She replied, "Do you really consider this baseless? Then let me ask you something: did Jamie Foxx seduce you into having a relationship? He promised you something beforehand, but didn''t follow through after?" Alice thought back carefully, gradually recalling the events from over two years ago. She had indeed had brief contact with the African American star Jamie Foxx. She exploded with anger, "That disgusting bastard! At least when others sleep with me, they give me a chance to audition. But him? He promised I could be the third lead in his new film, yet all the phone numbers he gave me were fake! They''re all fake!" Such things were not uncommon in Hollywood, especially among African American stars. Fiona pushed a coffee toward her and asked, "Can you tell me a bit more?" Alice''s gaze flickered. "Are you a reporter?" Fiona was straightforward. She took out an unmarked check and pushed it toward Alice. Alice glanced at the number on it, quickly putting it away. "At a small party in the industry, I saw Jamie Foxx and asked if I could take a picture with him. He was drunk at the time and agreed. But during the photo, he started to get a little touchy, saying things like ''baby, you can ask for anything.''" Fiona didn''t say a word but encouraged her with her eyes. "He got hands-on during the photo, and after it ended, he pulled me into a corner of the banquet hall and started touching me inside my clothes," Alice admitted. Ninety percent of her words were true, and the remaining ten percent she thought insignificant. "He said he had a script that was perfect for me, and since I was worried about finding work, I followed him to the hotel. But when I got to his room, he insisted on sleeping with me..." Fiona asked about the contradictory focus: "Did he give you the role he promised?" "Role? There was no role at all!" Alice remembered how it had gone down and was extremely angry. "He tortured me for half the night, then the next day, he just pulled up his pants and ran away, leaving me with contact information that was fake." Fiona inquired, "Did you ever think of reporting this?" Alice was taken aback by the question. "Can you even report something like this? Doesn''t this happen all the time in Hollywood? Even if I report it, what good would it do? The media wouldn''t cover it, my career would be ruined, and no crew in Hollywood would ever hire me again." "You didn''t choose to report it, but neither did you build a career of your own in the entertainment industry," Fiona stated, piercingly. Alice understood and regretted it now: "I should have reported it back then; at least I would have gotten some money." Compared to the small actors in Hollywood dreaming of stardom, Fiona, with her police background, was far more resourceful, easily guiding Alice to the way of thinking they wanted. At that moment, the opportunity arose, and she directly said, "It''s not too late for you to report it now." "Report it now?" Alice genuinely didn''t understand. "It''s been two years; I have no evidence at all. What would reporting accomplish?" Fiona had studied Hawke''s plan closely and said, "This kind of thing doesn''t require evidence because you are a woman; you are naturally entitled to protection." Alice had many concerns: "He is a top star in Hollywood. If I report it, my whole career will be ruined." Fiona said, "You could get a million dollars in compensation; as for your career, do you even care about your Hollywood career anymore? From what I gather, you''re in contact with agents from the Valley." Hearing the figure of a million dollars, Alice''s mind started turning, but the mention of the Valley made her uncomfortable. Fiona laughed lightly. "With a million dollars in compensation, you could easily refuse the Valley." sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Alice wasn''t particularly wise, but she had some street smarts. "You all want to target Jamie Foxx?" It was clear as day, and Fiona confirmed, "So you don''t need to worry; I''ll have your back no matter what. Regardless of the outcome, you will receive $100,000." Alice declared, "I want $200,000!" Fiona frowned, "That''s too much." "$200,000; I won''t settle for a dollar less," Alice decided to secure this sum. "I will do my best to cooperate with you." Fiona thought for a moment and finally said, "I''ll initially pay you $100,000 in two installments. Once everything is done, I will give you the remaining $100,000." With the price agreed upon and Alice determined, they discussed for a while before quickly leaving the cafe. ... That night, Campos collected the news and sent it to Hawke. Hawke instructed Fiona to proceed with the planned actions. He then called Tom Cruise to get things rolling on his end. The next day, Edward went to the LAPD''s West Division and sought out his old friend, Sheriff Milner. In an East Hollywood apartment, cameras were set up. Alice, who had already received the first payment of $50,000, sat in front of the lens, glancing at the teleprompter across from her. The teleprompter displayed her organized account of the sexual assault and accusations. Fiona had studied it closely and emphasized that Alice should highlight elements of women being unable to resist strong men as well as themes of seduction. After filming was complete, she had Alice create a Twitter account and directly post on it. Soon after, the post circulated to many media personnel''s Twitter accounts. Having completed these tasks, Fiona drove Alice straight to the West Division. ... In the back, four Mexican-American bodyguards drove a van, trailing behind them. Fiona accompanied Alice to the West Division, having previously contacted Sheriff Milner. He sent two trusted subordinates to meet Alice, who had come to file a report. Alice provided a photo with Jamie Foxx, the address of the party, and the hotel where the two of them entered later. The LAPD conducted a preliminary investigation and verification. Although the hotel''s surveillance had long been erased, relevant records still existed. Based on the times Alice provided, Jamie Foxx had indeed rented a room there. According to standard procedure, a female victim coming in to report would have another party contacted for understanding the situation. The West Division immediately applied for a subpoena for Jamie Foxx. ... The process for issuing the subpoena was very swift. Two officers arrived in the office and asked Milner, "Sheriff, are we subpoenaing the target now?" "Of course," Milner replied. The blonde officer said, "We just did a check. Jamie Foxx is currently on Hollywood Boulevard promoting his new film, , surrounded by a throng of reporters." They chose today for a reason. Milner feigned deep thought for a moment and reminded, "We must follow protocol. The other party is a Black man and a star; when serving the subpoena, mind your attitude, understood?" The two officers nodded, "Understood." ... Hollywood, Hollywood Boulevard. A spacious area, where over a dozen reporters had set up cameras and equipment focused ahead to capture everything. Jamie Foxx knelt on one knee, pointing at his own star on the Walk of Fame, smiling ear-to-ear. To promote , this African American star was awarded his own star on the Walk of Fame. Crowds had gathered around to watch, including some homeless individuals looking to join the excitement. Aside from tourists, this famous boulevard was bustling with them. Once the photo op concluded, one reporter asked, "Jamie, can I ask you a few questions?" A smile spread across Jamie Foxx''s face as he replied, "Sure." "Are you aiming for the Best Actor Oscar this time?" the reporter asked loudly. Jamie Foxx displayed his ambition, "The Oscars are the highest award in the film industry; winning an Oscar is an honor every filmmaker dreams of..." Suddenly, the homeless individuals on the outskirts scattered, as if encountering a natural predator. Their commotion caught Jamie Foxx''s attention, making him instinctively turn his head to look outside. ... Two police cars pulled up, one after the other, stopping at the curb as six officers got out and walked briskly toward Jamie Foxx. Two officers separated the reporters and held them back. The blonde officer swiftly approached Jamie Foxx, presenting his badge and handing over the subpoena. He said, "Mr. Foxx, we received a report regarding an ongoing investigation; we need to speak with you for clarification..." His voice wasn''t loud, but every media person outside also heard it. A stir broke out on the scene, and reporters scrambled to capture images, wanting to get the camera uncomfortably close to Jamie Foxx''s face. His agent was also nearby, and upon seeing the police cars, rushed over, pushing through the crowd of reporters, exclaiming loudly, "This is defamation! You''re ruining Mr. Foxx''s reputation..." The blonde officer pointed at the subpoena. "This is a legal subpoena; we hope Mr. Foxx can cooperate." The agent warned Jamie Foxx, "I will call the lawyer." For the time being, both sides found themselves in a standoff. Since Jamie Foxx had some protective leverage, the LAPD was acting very civil. ... A few minutes later, the blonde officer returned to the police vehicle. The star ceremony on the Walk of Fame for Jamie Foxx concluded hurriedly. He hopped into the vehicle driven by his agent, following the lead of the two police cars to the West Division. ... Inside the car, Jamie Foxx looked pale. His agent understood the nuances of these stars and directly asked, "Have you forced any actresses recently?" "No," Jamie Foxx denied initially, then added, "Those women, with just a bit of temptation, would take off their pants without needing to be forced." The agent recognized the crux of the issue: "Your promises were big, but you didn''t deliver?" Jamie Foxx saw no problem with that. "Isn''t that how Hollywood operates?" The agent couldn''t help but feel frustrated. He glanced in the rearview mirror, noting a large crowd of reporters following behind them. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 371: Seeking Help from a Womens Organization [Chapter 371: Seeking Help from a Women''s Organization] In this time period, prior to the Harvey Weinstein scandal, Hollywood stars did not have the same level of caution as they would years later. Incidents like this were not considered a big deal in their eyes. Agents contacted lawyers and public relations teams, hoping to suppress the news. However, in the digital age, quelling entertainment news became a daunting task. The ubiquity of camera phones and the frenzied growth of social media meant that any casual onlooker could potentially become the source of a news explosion. When Jamie Foxx entered the West Division of the LAPD, photos and tweets had already surfaced online showing him being summoned by the police on Hollywood Boulevard. "Famous actor Jamie Foxx is being taken away by LAPD on charges of assault." "Another Hollywood star breaks the law -- Jamie Foxx has been accused of rape." "Hollywood has become a hotbed of crime." As these news items emerged, they were automatically linked to a video posted by Alice detailing her accusations against Jamie Foxx. ... In a small conference room at Twitter, after finishing a meeting, Caroline chose not to rush out. She logged into Twitter, and began scrolling. She stumbled upon Alice''s video detailing her allegations against Jamie Foxx and asked Hawke, "Did you push this news to help Tom Cruise get an Oscar?" Hawke was jotting down notes in a notebook. Finishing, he capped his pen and replied, "About this time last year, I promised Tom Cruise. At that time, I was short on cash, and I took $5 million from him in advance; I can''t just leave him hanging." Caroline tapped her high heels, producing a sharp sound. "Is that really it? I find it hard to believe you''d go through all this just for an Oscar." Hawke said simply, "Of course, it''s not just for Tom Cruise. I wanted to see how much power marginalized groups in Southern California, including feminism, could exert by making a fuss over this." Following her boss''s line of thought, Caroline asked, "And then eliminate them all?" Hawke shook his head, raising a finger. "No. We need to find a way to transform their energy into something we can use, employing their vibrant style to work for us." Caroline, well-versed in feminist movements, replied, "I just know that those women who demand special privileges tend to cause a lot of trouble." Hawke closed his notebook. "Gays, African Americans, feminists, transgender individuals -- these can all be sharp tools if used well." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He continued, "Remember Blackrock?" Caroline quickly responded, "Our arch-nemesis." Hawke said, "Blackrock had drafted a marginalized group plan for the Democrats. I used to think of ways to sabotage their plans, but as the company grew, I realized that outright destruction was a waste of resources. Those marginalized groups are here to stay -- destroying their plan won''t make them disappear. Why not devise a Twitter or Hawke Osment marginalized group plan to transform them into something we can use?" Caroline, thinking critically, replied, "That sounds reasonable -- using them to annoy others or even to annoy each other." Hawke smiled. "Strictly speaking, we are in the media industry, at the forefront of society, which could provoke attacks from these groups, especially feminists. If they turn on us, it could get complicated. The simplest solution is to find another group that''s harder to deal with to attack them." Caroline had seen similar instances: "At Los Angeles City Hall, Black women attacked feminists and won triumphantly." "That''s right," Hawke glanced at the time. "If someone wants to use a particular group to cause us trouble, we can leverage another one to counteract it -- or even use them to create trouble for our opponents." The marginalized group strategy had just begun, and while Blackrock aimed to cultivate their own power, Hawke had similar ambitions. To utilize these individuals, the first requirement was understanding them. Hawke saw the Oscars as an opportunity, using Tom Cruise''s Oscar strategy as an excuse, and prepared to throw a bomb into the pond to see what would happen. --- West Los Angeles, LAPD West Division. Jamie Foxx sat in the waiting room, his expression dark and clearly displeased. His agent entered, closing the door behind him. "Do you know Alice Carson, the actress?" Jamie Foxx thought seriously for a moment before saying, "No, I don''t recall." He then asked, "Which agency represents her? Pressure her through the agency!" The agent replied, "She doesn''t have a fixed agent -- she''s not even a member of the Screen Actors Guild." "A struggling actress?" Jamie Foxx found this unbelievable. "How dare she?" ... A knock sounded, and at that moment, the lawyer came in. The agent quickly asked, "What''s the situation?" The lawyer replied, "You can leave now; we''ll talk in the car." The agent made a phone call. "I''ll have the driver bring the car around." The three of them left the waiting room, passed through the lobby, and exited the West Division front door. ... A crowd of reporters quickly surrounded them, flashbulbs lighting up the scene so brightly it was hard to see. Microphones seemed ready to shove into Jamie Foxx''s mouth. One reporter shouted, "Jamie, have you been bailed out?" Another reporter couldn''t wait to pin a conviction on him, "When did you assault that woman?" Jamie Foxx shot him an angry glare. Another reporter yelled, "Do you admit it?" Jamie Foxx felt he couldn''t stay silent any longer. "This is a smear campaign, a shameful smear!" Jamie Foxx declared, his voice ringing out. "I deeply respect women and have never forced myself on any woman." As the car pulled up, the three hurriedly got in. The reporters continued to pursue them until the car disappeared from sight. Entertainment media loved to stir the pot. When incidents like this occurred, even if one was innocent, they still found themselves in deep trouble. Especially for a Black star. ... As the vehicle moved away from the West Division, Jamie Foxx let out a slight sigh of relief. The agent, recovering his gaze, asked the lawyer, "What''s the situation with the police and the accuser?" The lawyer explained in detail, "The accuser is named Alice Carson. She has accused you of sexual harassment and assault, and she provided specific times and places. Police confirmed that you had checked into a hotel at the time she mentioned. Two hotel staff remembered her, and their testimonies do not favor you." Jamie Foxx said, "I don''t remember her. Even if I did see her, it would have been consensual." The lawyer replied, "The allegation is sexual harassment and assault, claiming you invited her to the hotel to discuss acting and roles, leveraging your fame to pressure her, and during this, you got her drunk and tried to seduce her with talk about the role..." Jamie Foxx exclaimed, "Come on! If that''s considered assault and harassment, then nearly every director, producer, and big-name star in Hollywood should be locked up, including Spielberg and George Lucas!" "Don''t say things like that!" the agent warned him urgently. "You can''t say that!" The lawyer added, "The issue is, nobody has accused them, but people are accusing you. If you keep talking this way, I can guarantee you''ll find yourself in a lot of trouble." Having served Jamie Foxx for many years, he stated directly, "Let''s send someone to find that woman, offer her some money to keep quiet, and settle this." The agent replied, "If it''s just about money, she''ll likely be greedy and demand a lot. We''ll tackle this from both sides -- first apply pressure, then offer a payout." Applying pressure could carry legal risks, so the lawyer refrained from comment. Jamie Foxx agreed, "That sounds reasonable. Let''s find a few people and give her a warning." The driver, a Black local from Los Angeles, said, "I''ll take care of it." --- In Santa Monica, Fiona accompanied Alice out of a law firm. They had just finished a consultation but had not signed an agreement. Once in the car, Alice said, "We agreed that if I receive financial compensation, it would all go to me." Fiona started the engine. "No problem." She emphasized once more, "But on one condition -- there can be no settlement before February next year." After pondering for a moment, Alice replied, "I''ll follow your lead." The lawyer had just mentioned that the longer the matter dragged on, the more it would weigh against public figures and could result in larger compensation. But she needed to be resilient. Knowing that Hollywood stars often had extremely low moral standards, Alice wondered, "Why not collaborate with the local lawyers?" Fiona drove towards North Hollywood. "To seek help from a women''s organization; their female lawyers are more specialized." Alice asked in surprise, "Will they help me?" "Maybe not back in the spring, but they definitely will now," Fiona explained in detail. ... After over half an hour, the two arrived at the headquarters of the Feminist Majority Foundation. As they entered the not-so-large reception area of the office building, Alice saw a large sign on the wall that read, "Women Helping Women!" Fiona shot her a knowing glance. Alice, being a seasoned actress, felt her emotions welling up and tears began to flow. Sniffling, she walked quickly to the reception desk, wiping her tears as she went, letting out silent sobs. The receptionist, seeing a woman enter, was very warm. "How can I help you?" "I''m here seeking help, please help me! I was assaulted by Hollywood star Jamie Foxx..." Alice, equipped with some performance skills, clearly conveyed her situation as she wept. The receptionist guided them to a waiting room, allowing them to sit briefly while she quickly went to notify her supervisor. The supervisor, having a keen sense of opportunity, immediately contacted the president, Michelle, upon learning it involved a Hollywood star. ... Minutes later, the supervisor led Alice and Fiona into a meeting room on the second floor. Michelle was already there, waiting with one of the vice presidents. This woman -- who had recently been ousted from her position as deputy chief of the fire department -- embraced Alice warmly, comforting her wounded sister with her strong arms. Afterward, Alice and Fiona recounted their story in detail. Michelle made an excuse to step out of the meeting room with the vice president. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 372: Our Cause is Just [Chapter 372: Our Cause is Just] In the office, Vice President Jenna quickly typed away at her keyboard, logging into her Twitter account. She opened up trending news, which featured several stories about Jamie Foxx. Michelle stood right behind her, taking it all in. Jenna pointed at the screen and said, "This news is really hot; it''s trending all over Twitter''s news feed." Michelle crossed her arms, observing, "A Black star accused of assaulting a white woman? That''s a juicy story." "I think this is an opportunity," Jenna said, her eyes blinking rapidly as she contemplated. "Ever since the Los Angeles wildfires, we''ve been mired in negative publicity, and our momentum has taken a hit." Michelle understood all too well, responding, "While Jamie Foxx isn''t exactly at the top tier of Hollywood, he is a major figure among Black actors, and an assault case involving a Black man and a white woman will definitely draw attention." Jenna interjected, "Just like the Michael Jackson child molestation case, the media love to pounce on stories involving Black celebrities." Michelle paced back and forth before firmly deciding, "Since the FMF was established, we''ve never felt as stifled as we have in the past few months. We''ve been misunderstood by the public and media, leading to a societal regression that we shouldn''t tolerate. Now a woman is asking for our help; we must assist her in fighting for her rights. This will also help us regain visibility!" While an ordinary case of an assault wouldn''t normally catch much attention, the fact that a Black star was implicated had turned it into hot news. The FMF not only intended to capitalize on this heat but also aimed to stoke the flames and become the center of attention. Michelle continued, "Women helping women; we will fully support Alice." Jenna stood, declaring, "Our cause is just!" They didn''t discuss whether Alice''s claims were true or not because truth wasn''t important. What the FMF needed was visibility, to push for women''s rights in this male-dominated world. What did truth and justice matter? ... The two women returned to the reception area, where Michelle embraced Alice once again, shaking Fiona''s hand. "You are our sisters; the FMF will fully support you in seeking justice." Alice quickly expressed her gratitude, "Thank you, thank you for your help." Fiona added, "Alice is just a small actress without a regular agent. We urgently need legal assistance, we need the help of a lawyer." The FMF had a lawyer they worked with for a long time, experienced in these matters. Michelle told Jenna, "Contact the lawyer and get them here immediately." They discussed how to respond, and a little while later, a female lawyer arrived with her assistant, forming an all-female legal team. Alice and Fiona accepted Michelle''s invitation to join the FMF. ... "We will prepare today and rally as many media as possible," Michelle took the opportunity to stoke the fire. "Tomorrow, the FMF will hold a press conference to publicly announce our support for you." Alice, aware of what was going on, asked, "What if the pressure becomes too much?" Michelle waved her hand dismissively, saying, "Don''t worry, dealing with a Black man is simple; if it were a Black woman..." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Jenna cleared her throat softly. Michelle swallowed the rest of her words, recalling the fear of being dominated by Black women during the Los Angeles wildfires. It was a process of being completely overwhelmed, from verbal abuse to physical attacks -- an overwhelming experience both physically and in spirit. --- Fiona and Alice left the FMF, with Alice not heading home but temporarily staying with Fiona in Santa Monica. When they arrived in West Los Angeles, Alice received a phone call from someone looking to talk with her. Holding her phone away from her mouth, Alice asked, "Do I meet with them?" Fiona had already anticipated this and provided an address. "Go meet them." Alice told the address. After hanging up, Fiona sent a text message. ... A van sped off and arrived at a bar run by a Mexican, with arrangements made beforehand with the owner. ... A few minutes later, Fiona and Alice entered the bar. A Mexican waiter guided them to a booth. Fiona excused herself to go to the restroom. While washing her hands, a Mexican worker whispered, "The recording devices are all set up." "Make sure to keep the target safe," Fiona nodded slightly and quickly returned. ... Shortly after, three Black men entered the bar. Leading the way was Jamie Foxx''s driver, Thompson, who briefly scanned the bar before making his way to Alice and Fiona''s booth. "Alice Carson?" "It''s me," Alice said, sizing up the three men. The leader was dressed in a suit and shoes, and the two men behind him had shining bald heads marred by scars, an array of colorful tattoos on their exposed necks and wrists, and oversized jackets that hung open, revealing sheathed knives at their waists. Thompson sat opposite Alice and said, "You have a skewed understanding of your situation. Do you not plan to continue in Hollywood? Do you really think you can stay in Los Angeles after this?" Alice stared at the two men, her heart racing. Fiona gently tapped her under the table. Feeling a bit steadier, Alice replied, "Jamie Foxx must be held accountable for his actions." Thompson glared coldly at Fiona, but it didn''t register as a threat to her. "Fifty thousand dollars to keep quiet," Thompson pulled out a check and laid it on the table. "Take the money and keep quiet, or you''ll find it hard to get any work. My friends can pay you a visit anytime, anywhere." The two men stepped forward, their towering presence and the knives at their waists creating a palpable pressure. Alice instinctively reached for the check. Fiona kicked her under the table. These men were a blessing; had they not come, they would''ve needed to find a few actors of their own. Alice connected the dots. Not considering legal settlements or compensation, just Fiona''s side alone had offered $200,000! What did these men take her for? A beggar? Determined, Alice pushed the check back, embodying a defiant resolve. "I seek fairness and justice and will not accept your bribe!" Thompson glanced at the check, pocketed it, leaned in closer, and grinned maliciously, "Good luck keeping yourself safe." Alice felt afraid, but Fiona''s presence gave her courage. She asserted fiercely, "Although I am a woman, I will not yield to threats!" One bald man stepped forward, hand resting on his knife. ... Across from them, two Mexican waiters kept their eyes glued to the unfolding scene. At the counter, the owner barked, "You looking to start trouble? Get lost!" Thompson turned around, ready to say a few harsh words when he saw the owner pointing a short-barreled shotgun at them. This triggered something deep within him, and he immediately raised his hands, saying, "Let''s not be hasty; we''re leaving now." The two bald men glared at Alice and Fiona before turning to leave. ... Outside the bar, Thompson instructed, "Send your people over to watch them, and follow them everywhere." ... Inside the bar, Alice looked out the glass window, spotting the men outside, she asked, "What do we do now?" Fiona opened her bag, showing her a pistol. "Don''t worry; we''ll ensure your safety." To bolster Alice''s confidence, Fiona casually waved to the waiter, "Make a copy of the footage; I''ll take it." The Mexican waiter immediately left. Alice scanned the bar''s patrons, realizing, "All these people are with you." Fiona reassured her, "That''s right, so there''s no need to worry. Just cooperate in getting this done." Alice instinctively nodded. The waiter brought back a USB drive, which Fiona took and led Alice out through the back door of the bar. ... A car was parked outside, and there were two Mexican men on guard. Fiona took the driver''s seat, and when Alice got in, she said, "The footage we just recorded can be played at tomorrow''s press conference." Alice stated, "Even though I don''t know the specifics of who you are, you seem way more capable than Jamie Foxx. I''ll cooperate with you." Fiona started the car, "You''re a smart girl." --- The next morning, the FMF held a press conference at a hotel in North Hollywood. The story of the Hollywood assault case was definitely catching interest. With support from media outlets, over a hundred reporters and entertainment bloggers gathered in the press room. Backstage, Fiona personally did Alice''s makeup, deliberately making her look haggard and stressed, portraying a sense of overwhelming pressure. Michelle and Jenna accompanied Alice to the podium. Jenna introduced the details of the case to the media. During the following Q&A session, reporters sympathetic to women tried to steer the conversation. However, many pointed questions also arose. A Black male reporter asked, "According to your claims, this incident happened two years ago. Why didn''t you refuse him or call the police?" Prepared for this question, Alice, with tears brimming in her eyes, responded, "Jamie Foxx is a huge star in Hollywood, a powerful figure; I''m just a nobody. I was too afraid to stand up against that power; I feared for my acting career. It was too easy for him to destroy me, especially since he had warned me. I was just too weak then." Tears streamed down her cheeks as she issued a grave warning: "I suffered from depression and contemplated suicide until last month when I joined the FMF and got help from Michelle and the others. I realized that to heal, I needed to stand up and boldly say no to power and crime!" Another Black reporter shot back, "Do you have evidence against Jamie Foxx?" Jenna interjected, "Is Alice someone who would disgrace herself and tarnish her reputation for accusations against another woman?" "We''ve gathered some evidence," Michelle switched back to a commanding tone. "Play it." A large screen to the side started displaying footage of Alice being directly threatened by the three Black men. The room fell silent instantly. The Black male reporter suddenly sat back down, recognizing that the Black man sitting across from Alice was Jamie Foxx''s driver. This tactic seemed rather direct and crude. But then he thought shaking his head; after all, this was how many powerful men in Hollywood operated. His newspaper had received tips about Harvey Weinstein''s assaults, and those involved -- Matt Damon and Ben Affleck -- had threatened them directly to keep quiet. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 373: Come On, Lets Hurt Each Other [Chapter 373: Come On, Let''s Hurt Each Other] In the Twitter office, Hawke had taken some time away from his busy work to watch the live updates of the press conference on Twitter. Originally, the press conference had a lot of punches thrown, but once the video of Jamie Foxx''s driver''s intimidation and bribery broke, public opinion would inevitably swing in Alice''s favor. Edward then said, "I have contacted Michael and the others to prepare a threat against Alice. I didn''t expect Jamie Foxx''s team to be so reckless." Hawke shook his head and laughed, "These Hollywood people don''t have any finesse when they get things done." "Eric is right; Hollywood hasn''t changed in decades," Edward said, before musing, "Are there a lot of divorced women raising kids in Hollywood?" Hawke hadn''t really noticed and replied casually, "There must be quite a few." Edward decided to have Eric look into it. As Hawke saw the live broadcast nearing its end, he turned to Edward and said, "Notify Campos, and find out where Heath Ledger is; pick a suitable location and have Fiona take someone over." "Got it," Edward said, rushing to call Campos. A moment later, he reported back, "Butterfly has been following Heath Ledger." Hawke nodded slightly; now that the women''s rights group had made an appearance, it was time to see if the LGBTQ group would bring any surprises. --- Century City, CAA headquarters. Heath Ledger rode down in the elevator, stepping outside only to find he didn''t see his girlfriend, Michelle Williams. He pulled out his phone and made a call. On the other end, he heard, "I bumped into someone''s car; I''ll be a bit late." "Is it serious?" Heath Ledger asked. "No worries, just scratched some paint," Michelle Williams replied. "Just wait for me." Heath went back to the lobby of the building and found a quiet spot to sit down. ... Elena walked over carrying a bag, deliberately choosing a spot to place her bag on a small round table, and pulled out her phone to edit a text message. Nearby, Lareya was reading a newspaper. ... As Alice stepped off the escalator leading to the second-floor restaurant, she spotted her target. She quickly walked over and greeted him, "Hi, Heath." Heath Ledger looked at her in surprise; this was a stranger''s face. Alice pulled out a chair and sat down across from him, saying, "I''m Jake Gyllenhaal''s cousin; he often talks about you." This was Heath''s co-star from , and they had gotten along well on set. Heath smiled and replied, "Nice to meet you; Jake never mentioned you." Alice took on the role of the spirited cousin and started a lively chat with Heath, intentionally leaning forward. The small round table between them was already small, and with their mutual smiles, it seemed somewhat intimate. ... Elena pointed her handbag toward the two. Lareya occasionally pressed a button on her camera hidden in her briefcase, taking several photos. ... A few minutes later, Alice''s phone vibrated, and she excused herself and left. Not long after, Michelle Williams'' car arrived, and Heath Ledger went outside and got into the car, leaving the building. ... Lareya and Elena also left in turn. The two of them got into a nearby van, with the driver already waiting with a laptop open. Elena first connected to the hidden camera, checked the recorded video, and said, "How did the photos turn out?" Lareya had already transferred the photos to another laptop and opened them for a closer look. "This one, this one, and this one -- these turned out pretty well." Elena leaned over to take a look. In the selected photos, Alice and Heath Ledger were very close, both smiling and looking somewhat flirtatious. Lareya had shot many photos and was still choosing the best ones. He quickly gathered about ten pictures; due to the shooting angles, the two people looked particularly cozy. Elena examined them one by one and said, "We''ll use these." Lareya slightly processed the photos to enhance clarity and then logged into a Twitter account, stating, "I''ll post them." Elena replied, "Choose a decent headline." Lareya quickly typed out something. "Best Actor Oscar contender Heath Ledger reportedly seen with a new love interest; the woman is suspected to be Alice Carson, a victim in the Jamie Foxx scandal." Elena nodded, "That works." Lareya added the photos and sent it out. Elena called Edward, "Savior, it''s been sent out using account three." ... Back in the Twitter office, Edward quietly pushed the news to affiliated Twitter accounts around Jamie Foxx through the backend algorithm. A few Twitter accounts frequently posted content related to Jamie Foxx, clearly affiliated with him. Once he finished, Edward told Hawke, "Boss, we''ve wrapped up things on the Heath Ledger front." Hawke said, "Next up is to stir the pot; it would be best to incite chaos." Edward replied, "Understood." He sent out the previously collected Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal posters and stills through various personal Twitter accounts. These tweets appeared to promote , but all the themes were centered around Heath Ledger. According to Twitter''s algorithm, some even directly linked to tweets about Heath and Alice. ... Meanwhile, the related photos were sold by Butterfly to tabloid media like the and . That night, everything remained calm. ... The next morning, Alice, accompanied by her attorney, went to the Los Angeles Superior Court to formally file a civil lawsuit. A watcher, a Black man, immediately called to notify Jamie Foxx. ... In his Sherman Oaks mansion, Jamie Foxx couldn''t contain his anger, "That bitch! A group of bitches!" His agent cautioned, "Those feminists are not to be trifled with." Outside, a Black man rushed in with a BlackBerry phone, saying to Jamie Foxx, "You''d better take a look at this." S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Jamie Foxx took a look at his phone. The screen showed a Twitter post with images -- dozens of pictures depicting two people, accusing Alice Carson and Heath Ledger of being involved. Jamie Foxx took the BlackBerry for a closer look and couldn''t help but see that their relationship seemed complicated. Looking at the photos, it was obvious they were taken secretly. Jamie Foxx felt unhappy thoughts rising in his head, but couldn''t quite make them clear. The Black man said, "Boss, I remember Heath Ledger has a girlfriend; I think it''s Michelle Williams. I haven''t heard they broke up, so these two might not be dating." Below this tweet were a series of related news items. One read, "Heath Ledger wins Best Actor at the Gotham Film Festival, setting sights on the Oscars!" Jamie Foxx turned to his agent: "Is our competition for the Oscars?" "Yes," the agent replied quickly. He knew their number one client was aiming for the Oscars and had done enough homework: "Focus Features has submitted for Best Actor, and based on our team''s analysis, there''s a high probability that Heath Ledger will receive an Oscar nomination." He added, "Since December, Heath Ledger has won Best Actor at both the Kansas and Los Angeles Film Critics Associations." Jamie Foxx nodded, "Got it, it all makes sense now. That''s why Alice hasn''t mentioned any allegations of misconduct for the last two years, but suddenly files a complaint right during the awards season; if she staunchly rejects our goodwill and checks, it''s because she had ulterior motives with the filing." The Black man was surprised, "Can this tactic be used against Oscar contenders?" "No one has used it before, but ever since Harvey Weinstein, more people are using it." The agent recalled all the antics of that fat Jewish man, saying, "Recent Oscars have proven that sullying a competitor''s reputation is an effective method to win." Jamie Foxx agreed, "Exactly. Harvey Weinstein has been doing this for years; remember ? Harvey unleashed a media barrage against Polanski, allowing to win Best Picture." "That Alice Carson has a connection to Heath Ledger?" The Black man was furious: "I''ll gather my boys and teach him a lesson!" The agent quickly interjected, "Don''t do that. The situation is already unfavorable for Jamie. If you escalate things, it will only worsen." The Black man quickly had an idea: "I heard a rumor that Heath Ledger is addicted to drugs and often buys on the side. We could use that!" Jamie Foxx shook his head, "That kind of thing has never been an issue in Hollywood and won''t affect Heath Ledger''s chances for awards. We need a real strategy that will impede his award chances." He looked down at his BlackBerry, where the letters for stood out prominently. The agent was glancing in that direction too. At that moment, both men had the same thought, and Jamie Foxx said, "Let''s get the media to spread rumors that Heath Ledger is gay!" The agent agreed, "In Hollywood history, no openly gay actor has ever won Best Actor or Best Actress." "Then it''s settled! You contact the media!" Jamie Foxx ordered his agent, then reminded the Black man, "You know a bit about drugs and substances; this part is yours." The Black man replied, "I can track him down soon!" The agent left to personally contact the media. ... Jamie Foxx called his manager. The manager was coordinating with lawyers to handle the alleged scandal and informed Jamie Foxx that Alice Carson had initiated a civil lawsuit, drawing considerable media attention. Jamie Foxx paced in the living room, growing angrier by the moment: "That''s not enough; I want to make sure Heath Ledger doesn''t get an Oscar nomination!" He thought for a moment, picked up the phone, and notified his awards team, "There''s a new task; immediately start working on tarnishing ''s reputation to ensure it doesn''t win any awards!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 374: Uncovering the Puppet Master [Chapter 374: Uncovering the Puppet Master] "Shockingly, Heath Ledger''s pursuit of Michelle Williams was a cover; he did it simply to hide the fact that he was gay!" "Heath Ledger joined the largest gay organization in Los Angeles, the Mattachine Society, three years ago!" "According to insiders from , Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal were seen entering and exiting the same hotel room multiple times during filming!" Entertainment media suddenly erupted with numerous stories regarding Heath Ledger being gay. Once these stories hit the stands, platforms like Twitter and Yahoo immediately began to share them, exaggerating them in the process. Particularly, this mix included some individuals with malicious intent. ... Half the morning passed, and the news on the internet shifted rapidly. A user posted cited a photo of Heath Ledger embracing Jake Gyllenhaal, captioning, "Heath Ledger comes out as gay!" In Oscar''s nearly eighty-year history, no acting or directing award had ever been given to anyone who had come out publicly. In fact, Hawke remembered that even until 2020s, the Oscars still hadn''t awarded any openly gay actor or director; there had been only 2 awards, both for Best Screenplay, one in each category. Hollywood''s representation of LGBT themes stood in stark contrast to the highest awards in the North American film industry, the Oscars. Caroline knocked and entered the chairman''s office, glancing at Hawke with a somewhat odd expression, saying, "The marketing department just received a new business opportunity." Hawke noticed her expression and responded, "Is there a wolf trying to eat you?" Caroline craned her neck, striking a pose that suggested she was prepared for slaughter, "Where is the wolf?" Hawke asked, "What kind of business?" "Well, it goes like this," Caroline hurriedly explained, "The head of Jamie Foxx''s Oscar team approached us to buy news space for attacking ." This news indeed caught Hawke off guard. "They approached us?" Caroline elaborated, "As we moved into December, I had someone compile statistics, revealing that more than 2,000 Academy members are active users of Twitter." Paying for headlines was a common practice across the media, and Hawke decided to comply, stating, "As long as there''s nothing wrong with the PR materials, we can collaborate." Caroline responded, "Sasha has reviewed it." Minutes later, a press release appeared on major online media platforms like Twitter and Yahoo. " seriously contravenes traditional societal values; its promotion of the decadent values of cowboy homosexuality does not align with the American spirit!" Not only did online media report this, but Hawke heard from Fox Television''s Channel 11''s that Jamie Foxx''s team also purchased considerable ad space in conservative media to counter Heath Ledger''s ''attack.'' It was clear that both sides were gearing up for a fight. --- At the heart of the Los Angeles gay community, the headquarters of the Mattachine Society in North Hollywood saw Vice President Lawrence, sporting a goatee and wearing a vest, sit in front of his computer screen scrolling through news on Heath Ledger. He twirled his finger on his chin and pressed the intercom, directing his assistant Christine, "Check if Hollywood star Heath Ledger is a member of the society?" Minutes later, Christine entered, speaking loudly, "Heath Ledger is not a member of our society." "I see," Lawrence contemplated momentarily before stating, "Extend a formal invitation for Heath Ledger to join." Christine moved to prepare the invitation. Yet, Lawrence stopped her, "Wait, don''t send a private invite, make it a public one!" Christine looked confused, asking, "Publish it publicly?" Annoyed by his less than savvy assistant, Lawrence explained, "The news is hot right now. We need to capitalize on it, you understand?" Christine shook her head. Lawrence continued, "We stand on the fringes of society and are continually marginalized. Do you want that to be the case forever? We shouldn''t be discriminated against; we should become mainstream, and no one can overlook us! Increasing our visibility is a good way to achieve that." "I understand; I''ll get to it now," Christine hurriedly left to prepare. ... Lawrence thought further; issuing a public invite would be more effective than waiting for traditional media, which always reacted too slowly. Online media was most suitable and held the highest freedom; networks like Twitter placed no restrictions on LGBT statements, allowing for free expression. The Mattachine Society also registered an official Twitter account. Once Christine had the invitation prepared, Lawrence personally sent a formal statement inviting Heath Ledger to join the society, posting it on Twitter and tagging Heath Ledger. Fearing that other media would miss the story, Lawrence also tagged , , the , and , along with NBC and CBS. The idea was to make sure that they noticed him, to jump right into their faces. ... Once the tweet went out, it immediately triggered Twitter''s algorithm, quickly landing it on the news homepage. had already begun its limited release in North America, stirring up plenty of controversy, with many comments flooding the section. "Heath Ledger has a girlfriend, he isn''t gay!" "The Mattachine Society issued a public invitation; he is not gay? Did you see today''s news? The entire internet knows Heath Ledger is gay now." "Gay? That''s hard to watch; I don''t want to see him in any movies anymore." "I''m not watching any gay films; I''m boycotting !" "Boycott !" The discourse online was easily influenced, especially with tools like Twitter; a little push could lead to a massive backlash. --- At Universal Studios, Focus Features. Ang Lee hurried down from his car and quickly entered the office building, knocking on the door of the president''s office, where he met producer James Schamus, whom he had worked with for years. James was the founder and CEO of Focus Features, as well as the producer of . Ang pulled out several newspapers from the briefcase he had brought, placing them on the desk, "Numerous media outlets dropped negative stories about us today." James replied, "I know; I''ve already set people to investigate it; we''ll have news shortly." Ang thought about those stories, "I called Heath Ledger; he will be here soon." Minutes later, Heath Ledger entered the office quickly, immediately explaining, "Sorry, I don''t understand what''s happening; why are the media attacking me like this? I assure you, I''m not gay!" Ever since won the Golden Lion at Venice, Ang dreamt of winning the Oscar for Best Director. He remarked, "If you were, it would fit the role better..." James countered, "No, that viewpoint is entirely wrong." Another knock on the door sounded. The project leader from the BlackRock Film Foundation, Anderson, entered and remarked, "I''ve contacted various media outlets and have clarified; Jamie Foxx''s Oscar PR team has invested heavily to instigate this media assault!" James, having been aware of this year''s Oscar contenders, noted, "Jamie Foxx''s production company invested in his film ; both hope to make splashes at this year''s Oscars!" Ang understood, "He views us as the main competition?" Among everyone present, Heath Ledger held the lowest status and quietly asked, "What should we do now?" "The enemy has already fired on us; we can''t remain passive defenders," James stated without hesitation, "We must strike back." He directed his Vice President, "Find the weaknesses of and Jamie Foxx for us to attack directly!" Anderson, who had been monitoring the competition, said, "Jamie Foxx has recently been embroiled in a scandal; a girl named Alice Carson reported to the LAPD that Jamie Foxx raped her two years ago." James nodded, "Good; let''s leverage that and circulate that Jamie Foxx is a rapist." As soon as he spoke, he frowned, "No, wait; this doesn''t seem quite right! Who is this Alice Carson?" Anderson instructed his assistant, "Go check it out." The assistant quickly searched online and pulled up news about Alice''s press conference organized by the activist group, as well as a Twitter story about Alice meeting Heath Ledger. James pointed at the pictured screen of Alice, asking Heath Ledger, "Do you know her?" "I... I did meet her, but she said she was Jake Gyllenhaal''s cousin," Heath replied, quickly recounting what happened that day, "We did not talk for even ten minutes." Ang remarked, "I smell a conspiracy." Anderson agreed, "This resembles a huge scheme, intentionally stirring conflict between us and the crew for profit; we can basically confirm it''s aimed at the Oscars!" James quickly connected the dots in his mind, saying, "The crux of the problem lies with Alice Carson." The assistant chimed in, "Just now, the news stated that the FMF''s lawyer and two leaders accompanied Alice to file a civil lawsuit in a Los Angeles court." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "A feminist organization! Alice is a member of the feminist organization," James asked rigidly, "Is there an Oscar contender promoting feminism?" Ang added, "Clint Eastwood''s has begun its limited release; it''s a classic feminist film." James nodded slowly, "That''s it, it all ties together; someone intends to spark conflict between competitors to secure an advantage in the Oscars." Everyone in the room found it reasonable; what was Alice''s purpose in intervening? Over the past two years, she could have reported it at any time but deliberately chose a critical time in the Hollywood awards season. The answer was clear! ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 375: Mutual Attacks [Chapter 375: Mutual Attacks] In the office, silence fell over everyone. James Shamus personally reviewed the production teams nominated for several significant awards at this year''s Oscars, confirming that the only genuine feminist film was . Ang Lee stood by, observing, and remarked, "We and both suffered losses, and will directly benefit." "Since they struck first, we have to hit back," reminded Anderson, the project head from the BlackRock Film Foundation. "Given Harvey Weinstein''s consistent wins at the recent Oscars, we can infer that if this continues, it could jeopardize our Oscar chances." James raised his hand to interrupt others, saying, "Let me think about how to respond." Everyone else fell silent, waiting for James to make a decision. As James pondered and searched for information, after a good while he said, " was adapted from a short story by Toole. Let''s find a down-on-his-luck Hollywood screenwriter who can accuse Toole of stealing his idea. We can easily create evidence and initial drafts by asking the prop master to whip up a few copies." Anderson nodded, "Good idea. Hollywood often sees filmmakers emerge to accuse others of plagiarism after a film hits big." James pointed at Anderson, "You take care of this." He continued, "They fabricated fake news and smeared us through public opinion. We can counter that narrative by spreading information through the media, accusing the creators of of discriminating against the homosexuals." Ang Lee reminded, "Right now, homosexuals are also considered marginalized." "That''s fine," James was already prepared for this. "Contact the North Hollywood gay organization, the Mattachine Society, and have them protest in front of the Burbank studio for ." Heath Ledger, eager to please those in power, volunteered, "I''ll handle that." James wasn''t done yet. " is the puppet master. The real attack is coming from Jamie Foxx and , who can''t be let off the hook either. Let''s utilize our media resources to make Jamie Foxx earn a rapist label." Anderson replicated the idea, saying, "Should we find a female gay actress to go to the police and accuse Jamie Foxx?" James instructed, "Let''s go with that plan!" People in the office slowly left, getting busy. It was a critical time during Hollywood''s award season. These individuals, beyond their routine clarifications, commenced attacks against their competitors. They worked efficiently and were financially well-off, with ample resources in the media industry. ... That night, a struggling screenwriter, who had worked in Hollywood for nearly ten years, posted a video on Twitter accusing the original author of of plagiarizing his idea. He also shared a series of drafts and images that he created during his short story project and included his credentials and photos from his time in the women''s boxing scene. At first glance, it looked genuine. The next day, many entertainment media outlets circulated the news. ... At the same time, a background actor who had appeared in came forward. He initially was interviewed by the media and claimed that because of his sexual orientation, he had repeatedly faced ridicule and oppression from the crew, which led him to experience significant mental stress, resulting in depression and forcing him to see a psychologist. This person approached the Mattachine Society in North Hollywood seeking support from the gay organization. Heath Ledger connected with the Mattachine Society, which still operated outside mainstream society, and they decided to help the mentally distressed gay individual by organizing a protest against the discriminators. ... Meanwhile, a lower-level actress in Hollywood walked into the LAPD''s West Division and reported that she was sexually assaulted by Jamie Foxx over three years ago. Her report mirrored that of Alice, stating that Jamie Foxx had lured her into a hotel room under the pretense of going over a script and studying acting nuance, subsequently pressuring and coercing her into unwanted advances. As the investigation wrapped up paperwork, a tip from a contact within the division leaked details to the media. The West Division quickly processed the information and issued a subpoena to Jamie Foxx. --- In Burbank, Jamie Foxx was surrounded by dozens of reporters at a promotional event. For a lesser-known black biographical film, having so many media outlets present should have made the cast and crew happy. But, including Jamie Foxx, the cast, directors, and producers all wore grim expressions. Most of the reporters had followed the LAPD there. The same blonde detective handed over the official subpoena, with details that echoed the previous claim almost precisely. When Jamie received it, he was shocked and murmured, "Did...I? Is this happening again?" Producer John Paley was furious, confronting Jamie Foxx, "What''s going on?!" The cast was already scrambling to manage the public relations fallout from the last case, and now a second victim was surfacing. Jamie Foxx was immobilized, exclaiming, "I don''t know! I have no idea what''s happening!" John Paley and director Taylor Hackford were close to exploding with frustration. In front of all the media cameras, Jamie Foxx had no choice but to follow the LAPD to the West Division to clarify the situation. The LAPD vehicle left. John Paley refused to take questions and returned to the business car. Once director Taylor got in, he said, "These feminists just don''t quit, do they?" Taylor''s expression also soured. John added, "Let''s find a way to hit back at the feminists! We may not have to move fast, but we can''t let them rest either!" Taylor agreed, "Let''s get them!" --- In Burbank, at the studio. A crowd of men and women started gathering at the entrance, holding various protest signs and banners. Some of the men were particularly flamboyant, and some of the women were more masculine. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Media personnel kept shooting photos. These LGBTQ groups were protesting the Million Dollar Baby crew for their discrimination against LGBTQ individuals. A studio representative came out to explain but was met with verbal assaults from the protesters. On the second floor, Clint Eastwood watched from the window and asked screenwriter Paul Haggis, "Did we provoke them?" "No." Paul Haggis, who also served as a co-producer, replied, "On the media front, a surprising report has surfaced about the crew discriminating against LGBTQ individuals, along with an LGBTQ background actor publicly accusing us of discrimination leading to their depression..." The old cowboy shook his head, "A bunch of crazies! Call the police to get them out of here." Paul Haggis replied, "They''re occupying a public area, calling the police won''t help." Back in his younger days, the stubborn cowboy would''ve pulled a gun to scare these monsters away. But decades of Hollywood experience had made him accustomed to all sorts of antics. He said, "This is clearly aimed at us, and I can only assume it''s Oscar-related." Paul Haggis reacted swiftly, "In this award season, there''s only one film related to LGBTQ themes." The old cowboy confirmed, "?" He shook his head, "Oscar PR is hitting a new low." Paul added, "The incident in ''98 went overboard, with so many World War II veterans attacking ." The tough old cowboy made a firm declaration, "Since they want a war, let''s bring it on. I''ll contact my old friends to ensure they dismiss as an option." Paul Haggis advised, "Actually, we could find a difficult group to go after them too. North Hollywood has more than just LGBTQ issues; there''s feminism too, and this is a feminist film." "I''ll reach out to my old friends," said the old cowboy, clearly irritated by these activists, gestured, "You contact the feminist organizations." Paul Haggis responded, "Alright, let''s do that!" --- In North Hollywood, at the Feminist Majority Foundation. Alice carried a bag as she headed towards the meeting room. Fiona, following closely, had her phone ring. She pulled it out to check, finding a picture sent by a companion via Twitter. A large crowd gathered at the entrance of the studio, holding various protest and anti-discrimination slogans. Fiona pocketed her phone and quickly entered the small conference room. Michelle, Jenna, and other FMF executives arrived one after another. Today''s meeting originally intended to discuss how to utilize the Jamie Foxx incident to further amplify the Feminist Majority Foundation''s presence through media. Fiona planned to bring up the situation to escalate tensions between both sides. But before she could speak, Michelle declared, "We have a change of plans. Just half an hour ago, we received a call for help from the crew. This is a film supporting women''s rights, aiming for the Oscars, which aligns perfectly with our goals. We must assist the crew!" After months of silence, the feminists needed exposure that was sky-high. Alice had already provided the Jamie Foxx incident, significantly boosting the Feminist Majority Foundation''s visibility. Now, the crew offered an opportunity to spotlight an Oscar-nominated lead actress, an Oscar-winning director, and a large LGBTQ presence, along with the team who won the Venice Golden Lion; to pass up on such an opportunity would be a crime! Michelle knew well that in order to entirely restore feminism''s influence in Los Angeles before the wildfire, this battle was crucial! The original topics for today''s meeting were no longer of importance. Jenna turned to her and asked, "What are we going to do?" Michelle declared, "Now, we''re going to attack from three fronts. First, we''ll organize a group to head to Burbank to support the crew, clashing with those disgusting gay and lesbian groups! Second, we''ll gather a bunch of folks to challenge the crew at Universal Studios for promoting same-sex relations, which harms women''s rights!" She raised her voice, "I ask, if men are all busy with each other, who will serve as our stepping stones? Who will benefit us?" This argument made perfect sense, earning praise from many in the meeting room. Finally, Michelle added, "We can''t let that jerk Jamie Foxx get away either; he must face serious punishment!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 376: A Great Victory [Chapter 376: A Great Victory] Just after eight in the morning, the media capital of Burbank was already bustling. Edward drove the business car, gradually approaching Warner Bros. Studios. Tom Cruise looked toward a gathering crowd and remarked, "These people are more enthusiastic than at work." Hawke was also gazing in the same direction, his eyes sweeping over the sign for , and he said, "Work is often just a necessity to pay the bills under capital pressure, while protesting here is about claiming their rights. It''s not surprising at all." Seeing that another group of main characters had yet to arrive, Tom Cruise asked, "How much have we spent this time? Make sure you give me a number when this is over." "Sure," Hawke acknowledged, spotting several buses pulling up and added, "The feminists are here." ... Members of the LGBTQ community from the Mattachine Society had just unveiled their posters and banners when those buses squealed to a stop on the roadside. Hundreds of women disembarked. With a fierce demeanor, they quickly raised their own banners and signs, which were filled with messages disparaging LGBTQ rights and supporting . The two opposing groups, both vying for power, clashed head-on, never to admire each other, but always to contest fiercely, becoming sworn enemies. Both sides were primarily composed of women. At first, the confrontation escalated into a barrage of insults, and nobody knew who threw the first bottle at an opposing woman''s head, which seemed to spark the chaos. Verbal attacks quickly turned into physical confrontations -- spitting, hair-pulling, and tugging at clothing were all fair game. These people were far more intense than the average crowd, wishing nothing less than to obliterate their opponents. In the fray, four women found themselves in a particularly brutal scramble; two had their shirts ripped off while the other two lost their pants. They ignored modesty and just grabbed each other''s long hair, bending over in the street, like four insects bowing low, unable to straighten up. In such a moment, their leader, Jenna, didn''t have the luxury of avoiding conflict any longer. The passionate women took over, and nobody could intervene. Feminism was anything but subtle in its striving for rights. Each individual believed they were superior; once tempers flared, no leader could keep them in check. The LGBTQ crowd was equally incendiary; being marginalized had made them sensitive, and they were like fireworks, ready to explode. ... Burbank was already notoriously crowded with media reporters. Soon, a cluster of reporters gathered to capture the thrilling melee. A female boxer found herself held around the chest by a male LGBTQ member. In a moment of panic, she shouted, "Let go of me, you bastard! You''re sexually harassing me!" The flamboyant man shot back, "Hey, how could you say that? I am like your sister!" ... At that point, police sirens blared from a distance as two LAPD patrol cars approached and parked on the side of the road. As four LAPD officers got out and assessed the scene before them, they immediately called for backup. A few months earlier, a similar brawl had erupted in Los Angeles''s City Hall, though it had been a group of Black women overpowering White women. This time, the two groups were equally matched in terms of numbers. ... Edward, sitting diagonal from the chaos, tapped the steering wheel and said, "This is fantastic! Absolutely fantastic!" Tom Cruise, eyeing a woman from a local airplane factory, criticized the opposing women and commented, "Women fighting is far more visually appealing than men." Hawke, the mastermind behind this spectacle, proclaimed, "The LGBTQ and feminism are enemies." sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Even if they didn''t used to be, they will be now," Tom Cruise responded, stating, "This is the first time I''ve seen them attack one another like this." Hawke chuckled, "They''ll become bitter rivals from now on." ... Although two police cars had arrived, the fighting grew even more intense. A gust of wind blew, sending torn strands of hair flying about like colorful feathers. More police sirens signaled reinforcements, but they couldn''t disperse these women in a frenzy just yet. When a tactical unit''s armored vehicle rolled in, the LAPD had no choice but to use tear gas to calm the situation. ... Seeing the crowd begin to thin out, Hawke said to Edward, "Let''s go." Edward started the car, turning it around to head back toward Los Angeles. On the way, they passed near Universal Studios, with Hawke specifically asking Edward to drive that way. Approaching the studio''s office area, Hawke noticed a massive crowd of women blocking the entrance of Focus Features, protesting against the discrimination of women in the production of . The excuses and justifications were easily found, given that the previous demonstrations had already set the precedent. Edward drove a bit closer. Hawke had sharp eyesight; even from a distance, he could see Michelle, the leader of the FMF, passionately participating in an interview with reporters. The car didn''t stop and soon drove past. ... Tom Cruise exclaimed, "Hollywood''s LGBTQ community may be discreet, but the feminists are overt; they''re definitely going to support the FMF. That''s a force to reckon with." In a jovial mood, Hawke smiled and said, "Don''t forget about the old white men; they''ve always had a bias against these types of films." Tom Cruise responded, "Clint Eastwood''s connections built over decades are not something James Schamus or Ang Lee can compete with." He then thought of another competitor, "Plus, Jamie Foxx has two women currently suing him for alleged sexual misconduct, given societal biases against Black men. He''ll be lucky to even get a nomination, let alone win." Hawke had already taken out two of the biggest potential competitors, but still wasn''t entirely at ease: he cautioned, "You need to watch out for Leonardo DiCaprio." "I get it. Originally, Leonardo wasn''t a major concern, and he might not invest heavily in this, but given the current situation, it''s hard to say for sure," Tom Cruise sincerely asked, "What should I do?" Hawke thought for a moment, "You have a professional PR team at your disposal; let them create a buzz around Leonardo as if he''s on a path to win. Play up the awards chase." Tom Cruise immediately grasped it: "You mean, say outright that they aim to win awards? That was made specifically for the Oscars?" "Exactly," Hawke confirmed. "I''ve analyzed past cases, and the core judges really dislike that attitude." Having pursued Oscars for years, Tom Cruise understood: "You''re right. Those people can''t seem to avoid being hypocritical while still claiming to be virtuous." Hawke recalled that it had been manageable for the last couple of years; in a few years, the Oscars would undoubtedly lay bare their contradictions. The Black community was also challenging; specifically in recent years, perhaps due to societal and political needs, Black individuals had frequently been awarded at the Oscars. Amidst all this, another victim emerged, which, by Hawke''s deduction, was likely inflicted by two other productions. Hollywood stars typically weren''t shy about pursuing matters like this. Similar situations certainly occurred regularly. Hawke further instructed Tom Cruise, "You should get the media to publicize Alice Carson''s story, so people know that her civil lawsuit is seeking $5 million in damages. Then have some so-called legal experts analyze the situation, claiming she could conservatively get around $2 million in compensation." Initially, Tom Cruise was a bit dazed, but quickly grasped the key point: "There''s bound to be a number of low-income actresses who have been approached by Jamie Foxx in similar ways. Seeing someone like Alice as an example of a potential payout of a million dollars will surely entice some to come forward with accusations against him." Hawke affirmed, "Exactly, he has no chance of recovering during awards season now." "This runs contrary to Hollywood''s usual way of handling problems," Tom Cruise expressed some concerns, but not excessively so, saying, "For me, it''s just a small issue." Hawke dropped Tom Cruise off in downtown Los Angeles and then instructed Edward to head toward Twitter. --- In the lead-up to the New Year in 2005, the calm in Los Angeles, which had not lasted long, erupted into huge waves of public opinion and street protests. As Alice''s civil lawsuit details went public and several media outlets featured experts analyzing them, the allure of a million-dollar payout prompted seven more actresses to come forward to the LAPD, claiming they had been victims of Jamie Foxx''s sexual coercion. Jamie Foxx found himself overwhelmed and rapidly exited from the situation. ... On the other hand, the LGBTQ community and feminist organizations engaged in heated battles over and . The two groups launched six rounds of opposing protests. In all six confrontations, physical altercations ensued, leading to multiple arrests. Due to their connections with the LAPD, the sisters swiftly bailed out and, as a part of the Sister March, Fiona quickly rose to be one of the organization''s core members. ... Additionally, a pair of Mexican sisters joined the Mattachine Society, gaining mid-level management positions with their strong performances and the sponsorship funds they brought in. Amid the chaos, Hawke successfully penetrated these two major organizations. With subsequent financial advantages, he began to turn feminism and LGBTQ advocacy into ferocious watchdogs. Of course, for now, both sides were only biting at each other, and it was turning out to be especially thrilling. In this era, feminism could definitely be regarded as the mainstream movement in society, while LGBTQ advocacy remained a marginalized group, and the latter inevitably fell behind. --- As public opinion seemed to spiral out of control, the Oscars faced the risk of being tainted. In late January 2005, the Academy prematurely announced the nominees for the 77th Oscars. Hawke and Brian traveled to Washington, D.C., for George Walker Bush''s second inauguration ceremony, hardly paying attention to the nominees'' luncheon. However, Tom Cruise subsequently called Hawke. The nomination list released by the Academy included a Best Director nomination for , while missing from the Best Picture and Best Actor nominations. This meant that Jamie Foxx did not receive a nomination for Best Actor for that year''s Oscars, eliminating any chance of winning. Compared to , fared even worse. None of the major nominations for Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director, or Best Picture featuring the film''s name. held strong, as it aligned with Hollywood''s mainstream feminism, and given that, through both public opinion and street confrontations, feminism had prevailed over LGBTQ advocacy, it didn''t suffer much detriment; it garnered seven nominations, including Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Picture. Tom Cruise''s starring role alongside Eric Emerson''s direction of achieved its intended targets, securing nominations for Best Actor, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Picture. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 377: Boomerang Effect [Chapter 377: Boomerang Effect] Two refrigerated transport trucks, led by a Rolls-Royce, stopped at the entrance of Twitter headquarters. Tom Cruise stepped out of the car and said to the security personnel who came to check: "I brought a little something for everyone." The security personnel quickly notified their supervisor. Tom Cruise waved for someone to open the side door of the refrigerated truck and started unloading small cakes. When Hawke came down from the building, the entrance was already piled high with hundreds of cake boxes. Tom Cruise quickly walked over and gave Hawke a hug, saying, "I prepared a little gift for every employee at Twitter." Hawke understood immediately, saying, "Tommy''s friendship cakes, classic move." "Exactly," Tom Cruise smiled warmly. "I had these custom made." He picked up two boxes from the Rolls-Royce and accompanied Hawke back to the office, opening one to grab a cake. "Give it a try; I didn''t add much sugar since I know you''re not keen on sweets." Hawke didn''t hesitate and took a small bite, saying, "Tastes authentic." Tom Cruise had been in such a good mood lately: "I''ve taken care of the costs; we will fully settle everything today, and each participant will get a bonus." With awards season still a bit away, Hawke reminded him, "Before the awards ceremony, be humble when discussing the Oscars. When talking about yourself, emphasize the challenges you''ve faced while honing your acting skills and career path." Tom Cruise nodded, understanding. "I will." Hawke added, "The rest will depend on luck; may the goddess of fortune smile upon you." After Jamie Foxx''s unfortunate exit, Leonardo DiCaprio stood out as the strongest competitor among the remaining nominees. Clint Eastwood was also nominated for Best Actor, but the old cowboy focused more on Best Director. The Oscars had never awarded double wins in the top categories: Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director. Cakes bearing Tom Cruise''s name were delivered to every employee at Twitter. ... Meanwhile, several vehicles marked for cleaning and housekeeping entered the new Twitter office, the Coastal Building underground parking garage, heading straight to the freight elevator. Campos stepped out of the lead vehicle and directed his team to bring various electronic devices upstairs. Twitter had outsourced its security to the Butterfly Security Company. They were officially settled in now. In the reception area on the first floor, Campos called Edward. ... When Hawke returned with Tom Cruise, he picked up a copy of , the cover featuring Nicole Kidman. The title read -- Tom Cruise Is the Love of My Life. Nicole Kidman expressed her best wishes for her ex-husband, stating he would surely win an Oscar, giving off a vibe of popping champagne for Tom Cruise. It was uncertain whether Tom Cruise could handle such well-wishing. ... At that moment, Edward approached, saying, "Campos has people at Coastal Building." Hawke grabbed his phone: "Let''s head to Coastal Building." After nearly six months of adjustments, the interior of Coastal Building was set up, from office supplies to network lines and server groups -- all adjusted perfectly. Edward''s Mercedes drove directly up to the front entrance of the building. Hawke got out and entered the spacious lobby, waving to Campos, who was sitting in the reception area. Campos hurried over, saying, "We''ve brought both personnel and equipment." Twitter would soon make the move, but before the official relocation, Hawke had one more job to do: "Make sure to check every office thoroughly, every piece of equipment. Many contractors, suppliers, and technicians have been through here, and it''s hard to say there isn''t someone with ulterior motives mixed in." Campos replied, "All the equipment is here; we can start now." Hawke waved his hand: "Disguise as cleaning personnel." "Got it." Campos''s team had already been notified and quickly changed into cleaner uniforms, dividing into four smaller teams, springing into action. ... Hawke headed to the chairman''s office on the top floor. This office came with an assistant work area, sufficient for a twenty-person team. There was also a separate meeting area, lounge, and small conference room. Standing by the floor-to-ceiling window in the office, he could gaze out at the vast Pacific Ocean. Hawke recalled six of Twitter''s long-time employees to assist him with daily tasks. These six individuals all had families and children and were known for their strong execution. ... Next, Hawke went to the server room in the center of the building, where Harland was overseeing a group of technicians adjusting the servers. Beginning this week, Twitter would fully engage with the new server group. Harland approached Hawke, saying, "When are we going to have a supercomputer? With a supercomputer, many design and development issues would be much simpler." S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke had spoken with experts during the ceremony in Washington a few days earlier and said, "IBM is developing a new generation supercomputer; we also need to secure funding. Don''t rush; we will have one soon enough." This wasn''t just wishful thinking; the first federal cash subsidy for Twitter had already arrived, totaling $120 million. The remaining amounts would follow in due course. As George Walker began his second term, new economic development plans had been rolled out, with Twitter''s media endpoint and AI development included in the agenda. Over these past two months, while stirring up rivalry between the LGBTQ and feminist movements, Hawke was also drafting a new development plan. The new plan was closely tied to the federal government. In simple terms, it involved using federal funds to develop Twitter. Hawke intended to hold a shareholders meeting at Coastal Building after the relocation to discuss it. ... Edward received a call, "Campos has a situation; he wants you to check it out." Hawke was already at the top of the building, and as he exited the corridor, he spotted Campos and a few others outside a small conference room. Campos stopped him from afar and whispered, "We found a listening device in this conference room." Hawke was not surprised at all: "In the past, we used these to deal with others, now someone is using them against us." Edward interjected, "Isn''t this the boomerang effect?" Hawke glanced at the three technicians, all dressed in cleaning uniforms, and asked, "Did you move anything after finding it?" Luis, who came from Mexico and previously did communication support, replied, "No, we found these, and we were still cleaning. We only left after a while, discussing cleaning matters the whole time." Campos asked, "Should we eliminate it?" Hawke considered for a moment before shaking his head: "No, let it stay for now; you all continue." Luis led the other technicians to keep "cleaning." Hawke instructed Campos: "Make sure to check thoroughly; if you find anything else, note the specific location and room number, then report back to the Savior." Campos nodded, "I''ve already instructed those involved to keep their mouths shut." ... Before long, Campos received another call: a large conference room on the 15th floor had also had a listening device discovered. Hawke told Campos to handle it. The inspections were done meticulously, especially in key areas like the offices of Hawke and other management personnel, employing a double-checking method. By the end of the day, three conference rooms had been found with listening devices. ... In the main conference room on the top floor, three different models and installation techniques of the devices were discovered. After Campos inspected them, he reported to Hawke: "It seems like three different parties installed these." Edward bluntly remarked, "It feels like there are many people trying to take us down." Hawke agreed: "We are industry leaders; even if we don''t do anything, we''ll have plenty of enemies." He didn''t say the latter part, Twitter has offended a lot of people. Such an outcome was inevitable; to be at the top of commercial competition, numerous rivals had to be either overtaken or eliminated. Campos stated, "These listening devices have a maximum range of only 1,000 meters. The receivers should be quite close." Hawke approached a window and looked around. Throughout Silicon Beach, Coastal Building was the tallest building. Gazing out, he could see most of Santa Monica at a glance. Hawke said to Edward, "Take note of this." Edward quickly pulled out a pen and notepad. Hawke instructed, "Purchase a batch of signal jammers that can at least block eavesdropping and recording interference; all critical departments and conference rooms should be equipped with them." He then turned to Campos: "Is there a detection device that can perform reverse tracking based on signals from listening devices or lasers and infrared signals? Given that the effective distance of the listening devices isn''t far, we need to find them." Campos replied, "Some listening devices remain in standby mode; they might only activate after Twitter relocates." Hawke thought for a moment: "There may be someone inside cooperating." Campos responded, "That''s highly likely." "Let''s not alert them for now," Hawke pondered for a moment before saying, "While we eliminate external threats, we also need to root out the mole within." Twitter had been on a significant hiring spree, and even with strict screening, some undesirable elements might still slip through. Hawke said, "You all keep searching; I''ll find a way for the rest." ... This was the advantage of having powerful allies, and Hawke directly called Jennifer Huey. After the election, with the former aide officially retired, Jennifer Huey took over as the head of the Los Angeles FBI field office. Counter-eavesdropping and counter-espionage were under FBI jurisdiction. After a short period, Jennifer Huey, accompanied by two trusted subordinates, quietly entered Coastal Building. Hawke explained everything in detail to her and stated his demands, directly asking, "Can you handle this?" "Are you kidding me?" Jennifer shot him a disdainful look. "The FBI is the expert in this area." Hawke said, "I''ll quietly report it; let''s keep this low-key for now." Jennifer was straightforward: "I''ll set up a dedicated team." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 378: Eavesdropping Stakes [Chapter 378: Eavesdropping Stakes] The Butterfly Security Company inspected the Coastal Building, and FBI technical personnel discreetly conducted their own tests. They ultimately discovered seven rooms equipped with listening devices. All these rooms were located on the top three floors of the building, where Twitter executives worked and held meetings. Hawke kept the situation quiet and had Campos coordinate with Jennifer on the investigation. The FBI quietly accepted the report from Twitter. ... After Jennifer left with her team, Hawke called Campos and asked, "Is one of the listening devices already active?" Campos confirmed after personally checking, "We''ve found that one of the devices in Meeting Room 2 had been activated before we discovered it." Hawke nodded, a bit curious. "I wonder who''s over there." Edward made a wild guess, "Maybe they''re jealous of how much money we''re making?" Hawke also wasn''t sure whether the other side was friend or foe, but regardless, he decided to send them a ''generous gift'' and see if they''d accept it. ... Hawke pulled out his phone and called Tom Cruise, asking, "Tommy, are there any major projects in Hollywood that are over $100 million, preferably around $150 million?" Tom Cruise thought for a moment and replied, ", , -- those productions all have costs exceeding $150 million, and including marketing, the total investments won''t be less than $250 million. Oh, and there''s another one. I just heard that New Line Cinema is planning to adapt Philip Pullman''s trilogy into a fantasy epic. They say the first installment, , has a production budget expected to be around $180 million and is currently looking for financing." The first three movies Tom mentioned didn''t pique Hawke''s interest, but when he heard , he remembered Tom Cruise''s stunning ex-wife and said, "Got it, thanks." "Are you planning to invest in a movie?" Tom Cruise cautioned. "Don''t go making rash investments in Hollywood. Hollywood has its own accounting rules that can turn a blockbuster into a loss and leave outside investors empty-handed." Hawke laughed, saying, "I know my way around Hollywood; I won''t make any rash investments." ... After hanging up, Hawke thought seriously, wondering which company had been the most unscrupulous over the past few years. He called Edward over, gave some instructions, and then called Tom Cruise again. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A few minutes later, the two entered Meeting Room 2, with Hawke pulling out a chair to sit down. Edward brought a stack of documents and placed them on the meeting table, saying, "Boss, this just came from Tom Cruise." Hawke flipped through the files, the papers rustling as he browsed. After a while, he said, "Did his people mention why they chose this?" "They did," Edward said quickly. "New Line Cinema''s success with trilogy gave them extensive experience in the fantasy genre, and this new production belongs to that same genre." Hawke instructed, "You notify the manager of the foundation to get in touch with the production team first." Edward took out his phone and began calling, speaking clearly and systematically while delegating tasks. The two didn''t leave right away and spent some time discussing smaller matters in the meeting room. About ten minutes later, Hawke was the first to leave the room. Edward then took out his phone and called Maria Collins, engaging in an argument with his ex-girlfriend. For authenticity, the Savior was really fighting. ... Edward exited the meeting room and found Hawke, asking, "Boss, if it were me over there, they''d surely think it was real." Hawke smiled. "Just because they think it''s real doesn''t mean they''ll use it; we still don''t know exactly who they are." Hawke had to prepare for the upcoming shareholders'' meeting. Glancing at the time, he said, "Let''s go back to the office." --- In a parking lot not far from Coastal Building, Baldwin hurried over, carrying burgers and soda, and opened the door of a black business vehicle. Inside the car, Rams was wearing headphones and recording, and when he heard the door open, he made a shushing gesture to Baldwin. The latter gently closed the door, placed the burgers and soda down, and patiently waited. After a few minutes, Rams pressed the stop button on the recorder, took off his headphones, and grabbed a burger to eat. Baldwin asked, "Aren''t those Mexican workers complaining about low wages?" Rams suppressed his mouthful of food and replied, "Didn''t you see Hawke Osment enter the building from afar?" "A Benz parked at the front of the building, and the person inside went straight in," Baldwin pointed at the binoculars, asserting, "I can''t be mistaken; it was definitely Hawke Osment." Rams nodded with a serious expression. "I just intercepted a signal from room 2; Hawke Osment and his assistant were discussing work." Baldwin became interested and asked, "What were they talking about?" "Only a few minutes about work," Rams replied simply. "The rest was just small talk, about personal arrangements." He pressed the play button, and the voices of the two men echoed in the car. Baldwin listened and said, "After eavesdropping for so long, we finally got something useful. You stay here while I take this back." Rams, with his mouth full of burger, waved him off. Baldwin took the tape, exited the vehicle, and got into a neighboring Hyundai, driving over to West Hollywood. ... There was a bar open only at night, and Baldwin handed the tape to the bar owner there. An hour later, the tape arrived at Universal Studios and was placed on the desk of Anderson, chairman of the BlackRock Film Foundation. The BlackRock Film Foundation had entered Hollywood, and their first project was in collaboration with Focus Features, similarly renting office space at Universal Studios. Anderson waited a moment before directly meeting Haas, who was planning the eavesdropping operation, in his office. Haas asked, "Did you get anything?" Anderson pointed to the tape, saying, "Just got this delivered, waiting for you." "Finally some news," Haas sighed, spinning in his chair to face Anderson. "Headquarters keeps pressuring us for information on Twitter, not caring how tough the actual work is." Anderson deeply understood, his brow furrowing. "The higher-ups still have their eyes on Twitter, especially the rivalry with Hawke Osment; it''s a matter of life and death." Both had worked under Douglas Coster, president of BlackRock''s San Francisco branch, and understood the enmity between BlackRock and Twitter. Anderson inserted the tape into the recorder and pressed play. The voices of the two men filled the room. "One is Hawke Osment; I''ve heard his voice before," Haas, the mastermind behind the eavesdropping, stated, having researched both Twitter and the target individuals. "The other should be Edward Connor, nicknamed the Savior; that''s definitely him." Anderson nodded, listening intently. After listening through, they found only a few pieces of information were useful; the rest was small talk, which had no immediate application. Edward, after Hawke left the meeting room, was still arguing with his ex-girlfriend over the phone. ... Anderson took out the tape, summoned his trusted assistant, and instructed him to make digital copies. "They mentioned Tom Cruise and the fantasy blockbuster by New Line Cinema. It seems Hawke Osment''s personal foundation is interested in investing in this project." Haas picked up the phone, "I''ll ask." ... The BlackRock Film Foundation also focused on film investment, gathering basic information on new projects or proposals forming within the industry. A few minutes later, detailed information was delivered. Anderson glanced at the project information on the film. "New Line Cinema spent big to secure the film adaptation rights for Philip Pullman''s bestselling fantasy children''s book, trilogy. The first film, , is about to be initiated, with a production plan budget of $180 million, confirmed to star Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise''s ex-wife." "No wonder Tom Cruise recommended this film," Haas recollected. "I remember Nicole Kidman publicly reaffirming her feelings for him, saying he was her eternal love. They won''t reconcile, will they?" Considering their relationship, Anderson thought Haas had a point; Hollywood often saw such breakups and reconciliations. He leaned in from an investment perspective, saying, "Our investment in didn''t hit the mark. Now that the foundation is directly overseen by headquarters, during last week''s meeting, many expressed dissatisfaction, feeling that BlackRock should dissolve the film foundation in favor of promoting marginalized group initiatives from a commercial investment angle." Haas replied, "If they do shut it down, we''ll definitely be out of a job." Anderson nodded. "We need to achieve some kind of success! See, is a fantasy film. New Line Cinema, for nearly 40 years, has found success with trilogy, which is also a fantasy genre, and both originated from bestselling books!" Haas chuckled, "From that perspective, this film has a high chance of success." "I agree," Anderson, having been in Hollywood for just a few years, leaned more on commercial analyses. "Following a successful model makes it easier to achieve success." Haas suddenly had an idea and lowered his voice, "We could invest more funds into this project." Investment was not just commerce; it also involved office politics, and Anderson immediately understood, "As long as the amount invested is significant enough, headquarters won''t consider dissolving the film foundation in the short term." Both men had aligned interest in this matter. Haas added, "Considering the nearly $100 million investment, we need to report to headquarters." Anderson thought for a moment and said, "Along with Hawke Osment, let''s say this newly formed fund wants to invest. Once we pour in significant capital, we can set exclusivity clauses with the production studio, preventing any rejection from investors or companies we don''t approve." Haas nodded, "Great approach! Headquarters will certainly approve." Anderson then asked his assistant to gather related information, quickly confirming that Tom Cruise had reached out to New Line Cinema about investment opportunities. A detailed report was drafted and sent by the two men to BlackRock''s headquarters. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 379: African Tree Planting Initiative [Chapter 379: African Tree Planting Initiative] New York, Park Avenue, BlackRock Headquarters. Co-President Robert Kapito had read through an investment report from Los Angeles and took it out of his office to meet with the chairman and CEO, Larry Fink. "This just came in from the film investment fund company," Kapito placed the report on Fink''s desk. Fink put on his glasses and quickly looked it over, "At the last board expansion meeting, Ralph and Charles indicated they wanted to dissolve the film investment fund due to the failure of during the Hollywood award season." Kapito leaned back in his chair and replied, "Anderson and Haas initiated a surveillance operation and successfully installed listening devices within Twitter''s upper management. Our tensions with Twitter have sharpened. Given Hawke Osment''s approach, do you think our two companies will coexist peacefully?" "Peacefully? I couldn''t disagree more. I need to give Douglas''s family an explanation," Fink said after reading the investment report and setting it aside. "Our positions have made it impossible for us to coexist peacefully. I suspect that the series of events during the Hollywood award season is linked to Hawke Osment and Twitter." Kapito shook his head, "We don''t have any evidence to support that claim." Fink let out a derisive laugh, "Robert, some things only require us to consider the positions and interests involved, not necessarily evidence." Kapito nodded lightly, "Since our IPO in 1999, the first two years went smoothly, but we faced challenges starting in 2001. I hoped for improvement this year, invested heavily in John Kerry, only for those two fools to ruin it in California, making our anticipated rapid growth over the next four years difficult to achieve." "Not to mention the growing adversaries we''re facing, which complicates matters," Fink reminded him. "From our past dealings with Twitter, Hawke Osment is decisive and unsparing. He may not be exceptionally powerful yet, but once he is..." Kapito sighed, "Unfortunately, our hacking attempts were ineffective. Twitter''s defenses are stronger than expected. According to our tech experts, Twitter''s core algorithms are quite advanced, and they have numerous cybersecurity experts internally, making their firewalls hard to breach." Fink thought of the late Douglas, feeling that Hawke Osment would treat him similarly, he said, "Since Hawke Osment allied with the Ferguson family, things have become particularly chaotic in Los Angeles. The Democrats lost the city because of it. I believe some of these issues are related to Hawke Osment." Kapito asked, "What do you intend to do about it?" "On one hand, we''ll send people to investigate and see if we can uncover anything useful," Fink said quickly. "On the other hand, we need to increase our hacking efforts to expose Twitter''s secrets." He paused for a moment and continued, "Additionally, we need to take action both commercially and politically. The former involves directly targeting Twitter and Hawke Osment''s business investments. The social media market is vast, and Twitter holds the largest share. We can work through the Democrats to see if the Federal Trade Commission might initiate an antitrust investigation." Kapito added, "Silicon Valley has social media companies as well, although they are smaller in scale. We could invest in supporting them." Fink agreed, "Let''s convene a meeting about this as soon as possible." Kapito gestured at the investment report, "And this?" "It''s a shame it''s not LGBTQ-themed," Fink lamented about the marginal community initiative. "Since it''s akin to the theme, we can invest, but let them know our focus remains on marginal community films." BlackRock pushed the investment plan for into the review process. --- In Los Angeles, Hawke, representing the newly founded West Coast Investment Fund, called New Line Cinema, specifically sending Edward to pick up some materials regarding investment. These tasks came easy to him, and after finishing, Hawke set it aside. After all, fishing for opportunities relied heavily on luck. As the new week began, Twitter started moving offices, with each department gradually relocating to Coast Tower. The chairman''s office was among the first to be moved. ... Hawke took the time to meet with Jett Brown, his neighbor from the rental villa in Santa Monica and a senior recruiting manager at Glimmer International Talent Consulting. Jett arrived at Coast Tower and took the private elevator to the 16th floor. Before entering the office, he tightened his tie, buttoned his suit jacket, and tidied his hair a little. In the past year, Jett had frequently collaborated with Twitter, making them his top client. Once inside, Jett quickly approached Hawke for a handshake, complimenting, "Twitter''s new office building is fantastic; it''s so big! Without a guide, it''s easy to get lost." Hawke motioned for him to sit and got straight to the point: "I brought you in today for recruitment matters." Having worked together on multiple occasions, Jett had successfully recruited reliable personnel, especially technical talents specializing in firewalls, who merited Twitter''s high salaries. Twitter had faced several hacking attempts, all successfully mitigated by these recruits. Jett immediately focused and replied, "As long as you need me, I can travel worldwide to find suitable talent for you." Hawke elaborated, "After the New Year, I established the West Coast Investment Company via the Cayman Islands, and there will be a series of investment financing efforts ahead. I need a manager with a strong executive ability to assist me with investment matters." Jett asked, "Is this an independent investment company separate from Twitter?" "It''s my personal investment company," Hawke clarified, giving an example: "Similar to how Blackstone Group and Vanguard International operated in their initial stages, I will inject a portion of personal funds and also raise funds through the market." He emphasized, "When recruiting, make sure to conduct thorough background checks; no ties to BlackRock." Jett took out a notepad and meticulously recorded Hawke''s requirements: "I will find suitable candidates as soon as possible." Hawke added, "Ideally, within two months, I''d like it wrapped up." "I''ll get you some candidates as soon as possible," Jett quickly excused himself. --- The newly appointed assistant to the chairman, Lucat, entered the office then and said, "The chairman of the charity foundation, Pierce Madden, is in the conference room." Hawke left his office to meet him. Since taking over, Pierce, chairman of the Osment Charitable Foundation, had been reorganizing the four charity aid stations inherited from the FBI. Pierce opened his briefcase and handed over two files: "These are the properties and staff lists of the four aid stations. All personnel that originally belonged to the Ackerman Charitable Foundation have left since their closure. I didn''t rehire them and instead conducted a complete recruitment, also accepting volunteers. This strategy effectively lowers costs." S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke read through the list carefully, responding, "The foundation mandates that five percent of our funds must be used for charitable purposes." Pierce smiled, "As your income increases, the five percent of donations will more than suffice to maintain the aid stations. We''ll soon need new charitable initiatives." Hawke then inquired, "Do you have any suggestions?" Pierce pointed to the second file: "This is a tree planting initiative for Africa, aimed at improving the ecological environment for its people. It will require substantial investment and aligns with mainstream North American charitable values." Hawke reviewed the list of properties and then focused on the proposal. Pierce continued, "Boss, your income is set to soar. Even if investments provide tax relief, you will still face high tax payments each year. Donating a portion of those funds to the charitable foundation is in compliance with federal law. However, allocating five percent of this money to street homeless would be a waste, especially when our charity aid stations would also receive support from Los Angeles authorities and the state government, incurring minimal expenses." He further explained, "The African tree planting initiative can be genuinely executed by employing a number of cheap local workers to plant trees. Not too many are needed, as drought conditions in Africa may cause newly planted trees to die off. It is also common for locals to uproot trees for firewood due to lacking food and fuel. Any surplus funds can be redirected to other endeavors." Hawke perceived this as only a preliminary plan, saying, "You need to prepare a detailed plan for this." Pierce affirmed, "Sure thing." Hawke discussed a few more details about the aid stations. The two aid stations in the downtown and Hollywood districts needed to commence operations promptly, which was a municipal requirement. The two locations in Long Beach and Orange County also needed to be back on track by the beginning of next month at the latest. --- In the afternoon, Campos approached him, stating, "The Hurricane Mercenary Company is preparing to expand and upgrade their equipment. Bosque has seriously considered our investment proposal and is willing to accept our sponsorship and investment." Hawke had several hundred million dollars in funds left by Buddy Ackerman at his disposal. This money could be moved freely. After considering, he instructed, "You go handle this personally, talk to Bosque. Accepting our sponsorship means prioritizing the tasks we assign." Campos nodded, "I will head to Costa Rica tomorrow." Hawke asked, "How are Fiona, Rosa, and Solana doing?" Campos responded, "In the previous series of conflicts, all three played significant roles and managed to secure funding sponsorships. They are now mid-level management, but they still need time to reach senior levels, requiring notable performances in some specific incidents." Hawke cautioned, "Make sure they stay alert regarding their organization''s dealings with BlackRock, especially the Mattachine Society." "Understood," Campos suggested, "I''m planning to initiate a few small-scale operations to elevate their statuses in the organization and maximize their influence." Hawke agreed, "Sounds good." With those matters settled, Campos quickly departed to return to the new headquarters of Butterfly Security Company and called Betty. He arranged for Betty to connect with Fiona and the other two, and also booked tickets for a trip to Latin America. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 380: Internal Evolution [Chapter 380: Internal Evolution] Burbank, Warner Bros Studios. New Line Cinema collaborated with BlackRock Film Foundation to hold a joint press conference in the studio''s press room. The confirmed director Chris Weitz and star Nicole Kidman were also present. New Line Cinema President Robert Shaye faced dozens of media representatives and officially announced that the project would accept an investment from BlackRock Film Foundation totaling $90 million. The project''s production cost was $180 million, and BlackRock Film Foundation secured half of the investment amount. When Anderson exchanged contracts with Robert Shaye, the room filled with warm applause. After the press conference, Anderson gave a brief interview with reporters and then returned to Universal Studios to have a confidential meeting with James Schamus. Despite the lackluster reception of during the awards season, BlackRock Film Foundation did not retreat. The BlackRock headquarters insisted on continuing to advance its marginalized community initiative in Hollywood. However, the failure of made other studios hesitant about producing films in this genre. Without a heavyweight Oscar endorsement, the commercial performance of was disappointing, earning just over $10 million at the North American box office after several attempts to expand its release. The distributors, seeing an inability to profit, were preparing to pull it from theaters. Anderson believed the failure stemmed from various external factors and that the film itself was of notable quality. He decided to continue collaborating with James Schamus. ... Faced with the check from the BlackRock Film Foundation, James was very attentive. He searched extensively within Hollywood and found a suitable script project, which was a biographical film about a gay politician. James explained in detail, "He was a pioneer in the national gay rights movement and the first openly gay person in politics, serving as a commissioner for San Francisco''s District 5, until he was tragically shot by conservatives; a truly representative figure." Anderson replied as he reviewed the script, "I''ve heard of this person." James, understanding the needs of the BlackRock Film Foundation, tailored his pitch: "I plan to release the film just before the next election. The film will feature all gay extras, numbering in the thousands, which will deepen collaborations with gay organizations and create a poignant collective memory." Anderson agreed, "Let''s proceed as you suggested. The BlackRock Film Foundation will invest in this project." James breathed a sigh of relief; after all, investors like this were hard to come by. --- At Coastal Building, Twitter was moving to finish its relocation. Andrew Miano, a producer from New Line Cinema, visited Hawke. He represented the newly established studio. After exchanging pleasantries, Andrew immediately expressed an apology: "I''m very sorry for declining the investment from the West Coast Fund. New Line would like to collaborate, but some unforeseen factors forced us to turn it down." Hawke politely responded, "It''s alright." New Line Cinema wanted to avoid losing this potential investor, so Andrew quickly added, "If your side is interested in investing in film, New Line has other projects we can collaborate on." Hawke waved his hand, "I personally really liked trilogy, so I have a special fondness for epic fantasy films and am only interested in that genre." Andrew contemplated whether the company should start a new fantasy film project. Hawke asked, "I saw the news report that you accepted an investment from the BlackRock Film Foundation; did they impose any conditional clauses?" "There are indeed regulations in this regard," Andrew replied, hoping to lure investment from Hawke. He explained, "The BlackRock Film Foundation covered the remaining funding gap for the project, but there''s a stipulation that prevents us from accepting any other individual or institutional investment, forcing us to turn down outside offers." Hawke smiled, "I believe we''ll have opportunities to collaborate in the future." After exchanging contact information, Andrew took his leave. ... Hawke hadn''t expected that direct connections could indeed reel in partners. Analyzing the current situation, it appeared that the BlackRock Film Foundation had been involved in installing listening devices. It was evident that there were eavesdropping devices installed in Meeting Room 2. Continuing to release misinformation? The more direct inquiries were made, the more they raised suspicions. After a moment of contemplation, Hawke decided to take a multifaceted approach. He planned to use channels through the FBI to catch them on a critical point, ideally to obtain direct evidence. On the other hand, he looked to exploit the marginalized community initiative pushed by BlackRock. Hawke had previously considered internal evolution regarding the so-called BlackRock marginal group initiative. --- In a seaside cafe at the foot of Santa Monica, a pair of hand-holding Hispanic women arrived. They appeared to be under thirty, with somewhat masculine features. They seated themselves at a booth by the sea, across from Betty. Betty ordered some coffee and asked, "How''s life at the Mattachine Society?" "Some people are very friendly, but others have gone a bit overboard," Rosa seriously replied. "They''re convinced that society and the country owe them something. If anyone looks at them differently, they immediately label it as discrimination, declaring everyone an enemy of the gay community." Solana had a different perspective from typical members of LGBTQ communities: "When they were being seen as normal, others looked at them like they''re regular people. Now that they identify as gay, they still want to be seen that way, but isn''t that shifting their identity?" Rosa agreed, "What you''re saying makes complete sense." Betty looked at the pair, unsure of what to say. Solana smiled, "When we were police officers in Mexico, we both liked men. After our husbands were killed by drug traffickers and colluding associates, we had to lean on each other for support. We just love each other; we''re not labeled as gay." Betty acknowledged their past, "Those bastards have all been dealt with by our hired mercenaries." Rosa asked, "What do you need us to do?" "Nothing too special; it''s just as stated," Betty responded. "Your main task will still be to ascend the ranks of the Mattachine Society. There will be funds coming in from overseas to help you, and we''ll create some disruptions here to help push you into higher positions." Solana looked around and whispered, "The Mattachine Society isn''t exactly rolling in cash. As long as we invest a reasonable amount, adding two more director positions shouldn''t be difficult." Betty assured her, "No problem, I''ll get the funds arranged and notify you when it''s ready." Rosa quietly asked, "Besides that?" Betty elaborated, "From what I understand, BlackRock Group or its subsidiary, BlackRock Film Foundation, may sponsor the Mattachine Society. They will undoubtedly have a series of demands, and you''ll need to influence the association''s leadership to let BlackRock set an example." Solana inquired with curiosity, "What kind of example?" Betty stated plainly, "BlackRock should showcase their sincerity by recruiting a certain number of LGBTQ individuals as employees." Rosa grasped the implication, "You''re saying to send those tricky LGBTQ individuals into BlackRock, turning them into bombs ready to go off?" Betty shook her head, "Not like that, but rather to promote BlackRock to establish an equality department for sexual orientation, addressing a series of issues related to fairness within the company." Solana nodded, "If BlackRock itself doesn''t take LGBTQ seriously, they''ll lose trust; those individuals are very sensitive." Rosa contemplated further, "If a company invests some resources in this matter, it will inevitably impact employee morale and hinder the company''s normal operations." Betty picked up her coffee, took a sip, and continued, "Remember one thing: outside of our affairs, you must unwaveringly stand with the LGBTQ community." "We will," Rosa confirmed. The three women sipped their coffee and continued discussing affairs regarding the Mattachine Society. --- Los Angeles District Court. Alongside her lawyer, Alice signed the settlement documents with a pen. On the other side, Jamie Foxx''s dark face resembled coal, so dark it shone. Both sides signed the agreement, and the mediator announced that a settlement had been reached. Alice was the first to exit the mediation room. Her lawyer hurriedly walked with her toward where the car was parked, reminding her, "I will urge the other party to make their payment as soon as possible." At that moment, the car door opened, and Fiona stepped out, saying, "As soon as the funds are in place, we will immediately pay the attorney''s fees." The lawyer smiled, "You''re a wise lady." In contrast, the woman beside her seemed a bit clueless, failing to grasp that without an attorney, she wouldn''t get the compensation. The lawyer got into the nearby Benz and left the court first. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Get in," Fiona said as Alice buckled her seatbelt, and they drove onto the main road. ... Alice rubbed her forehead, looking dissatisfied, "The lawyer takes 40%! $800,000! Oh God, they sure make money easily." "Don''t forget, you''re receiving 1.2 million," Fiona reminded her. "You signed a retainer agreement; don''t mess with the lawyer, and make sure to pay him on time, or it''ll get really complicated." She emphasized, "They have dozens of ways to turn you from a winner into a loser!" Alice felt a pang of hurt but kept a clear head, saying, "I will pay him on time; I can''t afford to mess with lawyers." Fiona drove her to her temporary residence in the San Fernando Valley and asked, "What are your plans moving forward? You can''t act anymore." "Once I get the settlement, I plan to become an actress in the Valley," Alice had already considered this: "After this incident with Jamie Foxx, I got famous -- really famous. This kind of fame will help me negotiate a good deal in the Valley." Fiona turned to glance at her. Alice continued, "In Hollywood, you get fucked for free, but in the Valley, there''s compensation for it." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 381: Battle-Tested [Chapter 381: Battle-Tested] Fiona suddenly remembered something and asked, "Are you really sure you want to get into this line of work?" Alice replied earnestly, "I''ve made up my mind." "San Fernando Valley is different from Hollywood. Hollywood agents take a maximum of ten percent commission, but in San Fernando Valley, it''s a whole lot more," Fiona informed her. "The high salaries in San Fernando Valley are really only for contracted actors, similar to the studio system era, which comes with all sorts of restrictions, so the income for freelance actors is often insecure." Alice had also done her homework: "I know, but I still have my popularity. If I don''t take advantage of it now, it''ll go to waste." Seeing that Alice was determined to pursue this path, Fiona remarked, "Have you heard of a site called SugarBaby? You should check it out. The commission rates there are pretty low, and you seem to have a lot of autonomy." "High autonomy?" Alice perked up. "Can you really make money on there?" Fiona responded, "Have you heard of Maitland Ward? She just joined that site and is posting videos with a lot of freedom." Being in the Hollywood industry, Alice definitely knew who Maitland Ward was and was quite surprised. "She was third in a major studio film with a budget in the millions, and she''s in this sort of industry now?" Thinking it through, she realized, "Sure, being third means a significant role at a big studio, but character roles usually don''t pay that well. It''s pretty normal for a lead to make a million dollars, while a supporting actor only gets a couple of tens of thousands, maybe just barely reaching five figures for a third position. Getting ahead from there is tough, while she''s exploiting her fame to cash in fast." Fiona just smiled and said nothing. ... Back at the apartment they rented, Alice pulled out her laptop, booted it up, and went to the SugarBaby website. She noticed a striking advertisement on the homepage. Below the poster were some eye-catching red letters: "Kim Kardashian''s exclusive tape is coming to SugarBaby, countdown..." The countdown showed less than 50 hours remaining. Alice remembered Kim Kardashian, who had once been Paris Hilton''s assistant, now a socialite infamous for mingling within the professional athlete circles. But referring to her as a socialite may have been a stretch. She had been linked to a myriad of black sports stars. Under the advertisement was the usual website layout, including a row of photos showcasing young, attractive girls, interspersed with a few muscular guys. The text linked to these images discussed photos, videos, and options like "most popular." The first photo showcased Maitland Ward. Alice clicked on her photo, and a window popped up showing Maitland''s profile, complete with snapshots from the premiere of a movie and detailed stats like age, height, cup size, and background. The lower section mainly displayed higher-tier photos and videos. Alice could browse the photos freely, but the first two videos showed Maitland dancing in a bikini made of Christmas lights. As she scrolled further, a male perspective video started, but it paused at a crucial point to prompt for a subscription payment. Alice browsed a few other SugarBaby profiles, observing that they often intermixed free and subscription-only videos. The free clips had some limitations, while the subscription ones featured much bolder material, allowing a little preview before hitting a paywall. Alice approached this with a learning attitude, so she made the decision to subscribe. After loading some money into her account, she noticed her status changed from guest to SugarMama. She subscribed to Maitland''s videos and found them worthy of San Fernando Valley standards, featuring a variety of content ranging from solo performances to group sessions. Looking at the subscription figures for the month, each of the five videos had received at least 30,000 views. Alice calculated the subscription income and estimated that Maitland had made around $300,000 that month. She noted that multiple SugarDaddies had left comments and tips for Maitland, though the specific amounts were hidden... After the media frenzy surrounding Jamie Foxx, Alice rationalized that her fame was significantly greater than Maitland''s. If she joined this site, the outcome wouldn''t be any less successful. Having spent nearly eight years in Hollywood, Alice was an ambitious girl, seasoned by countless experiences and highly skilled in her craft. She decided to act quickly, clicked on the contact us option, and dialed the listed phone number. When she mentioned her name, the person on the line was pleasantly surprised, instructing her to come in for an interview at SugarBaby''s headquarters on Silicon Beach. With someone like Alice entering the site, special promotions would follow. Besides subscription splits, there would also be a signing bonus. ... The next day, Alice met with Fiona and asked her to accompany her to the SugarBaby site. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. While aiming to leverage her name, she also had no qualms about appearing naked for cash; negotiations went smoothly and she officially signed the deal that same day. ... SugarBaby had been experiencing a surge in traffic lately, thanks to advertisements on Twitter yielding excellent results. Maitland Ward had already brought a spike in traffic, and Neville closed deals with a few other Hollywood stars like Nikki Anderson and Stormy Daniels, bringing them on board to boost interest in the site. Most importantly, consumers wishing to connect with them now just needed to subscribe or tip a certain amount through the platform, eliminating the hassle and costs associated with using middlemen. At SugarBaby, as long as SugarDaddies or SugarMamas met the subscription requirements, they could directly communicate through the website -- even exchanging Twitter handles for private chats. What happened next was out of SugarBaby''s hands, as they wouldn''t inquire further. ... After Alice signed, she accepted an invitation for a live interview on Fox 11''s , creating a buzz before her launch on SugarBaby. ... Currently, SugarBaby''s promotional spotlight was on Kim Kardashian. Following Paris Hilton''s rise due to her censored videos, Kim, having been persuaded by Bart and Neville, filmed her own tape with a black athlete under SugarBaby''s guidance. SugarBaby then went into full promotion mode, proudly announcing they had obtained Kim Kardashian''s tape, set for release soon. Kim Kardashian responded by accusing SugarBaby of immoral conduct and violating her privacy. The back-and-forth generated a significant amount of heat. They even dragged O.J. Simpson into the headlines due to the close connection Kim''s father had with him, once serving as his defense attorney. The Kardashian family was not to be sidelined, as even Kim''s mother sought her share of the limelight. With SugarBaby''s profile skyrocketing, their website traffic surged. By the time Kim Kardashian''s video officially went live, membership registrations on the site exceeded a million, with nearly 300,000 paid users. Similar to what Hawke experienced in his past life, Kim Kardashian had truly become a hot topic, not just someone''s overlooked assistant. ... Shortly thereafter, SugarBaby announced Alice Carson had signed on, with plans to release her first solo project soon. Alice went on to accept an interview with as well. The popularity carried on; many were eager to see the woman Jamie Foxx had invested $2 million in. This also served as an example for mid-level and lower-tier actors in Hollywood to learn how to monetize their looks rather than waiting in vain for bigger names to exploit them. ... SugarBaby released income statistics for the top ten creators from the previous month. Without mentioning Maitland Ward specifically, many fresh and beautiful creators had incomes exceeding five figures from subscriptions and tips. SugarBaby planned a special event where high-earning creators could dedicate a video to discussing their earnings and experiences. Clearly, SugarBaby''s operational model made it easier for these girls to monetize their talents and attracted more newcomers. ... By the end of February, over ten thousand creators had already registered on SugarBaby. The platform prepared for a new round of fundraising, with Hawke controlling overseas funds, ready to increase investments in SugarBaby. When the timing seemed right, there was talk of pushing for SugarBaby to go public. ... Amidst all these business developments, Mark Zuckerberg showcased his considerable talent, bringing the website vibrantly to life. Post-dropout, his energies split between two paths: one hosting wild parties for the attractive girls and the other dedicated to the website''s operation, treating it as a lifelong venture. Facebook would not be part of this equation. The void left by the social media empire naturally fell to Hawke''s new Twitter venture. ... The excitement surrounding SugarBaby grew, especially after Alice joined the site, prompting Kim Kardashian to announce her own deal. Such developments inevitably drew moralists'' attention and critiques. The FBI received calls, leading to a routine investigation from the LA branch. As for the case led by Jennifer Huey, SugarBaby itself possessed all necessary licenses, and their member and creator criteria met legal standards, operating as a legitimate website and enterprise, similar to the compliant successes Hawke had in his former life. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 382: Overkill [Chapter 382: Overkill] Entering the villa''s living room, Hawke encountered Campos, who had just returned from Los Angeles. Campos handed a document pouch to Hawke and said, "After leaving Costa Rica, I traveled to Suriname, which is a Dutch overseas territory, and conducted sample tests at a lab there. Here''s the report." Hawke opened the pouch and pulled out two test reports. The results showed that Melissa Ackerman and Sean Ackerman had matching blood types, making them suitable for use as blood donors. The plan was to keep these two locked up indefinitely. Seeing Hawke take out a lighter to burn the reports, Campos asked, "Boss, do you want to go down and meet them?" "No need," Hawke replied, quickly entering the study. He turned on the monitors, revealing clear footage of Melissa and Sean Ackerman in a room on the basement floor. This brother and sister were so close yet could not see each other. Still, they clung to the hope of escape, eating regularly and maintaining good health. Hawke instructed Campos, "Just keep things as they are." Campos nodded and added, "As for the situation in Costa Rica, I''ve secured a deal with the Hurricane Mercenary Company. They will accept our investment." Edward asked, "Are they in need of cash?" "Don''t be fooled by Hollywood movies; most mercenaries desperately need money," Campos explained. "For the Latin American mercenaries, those earning around $20,000 a year are rare. If they die on duty, the compensation is only $20,000. For contracts coming from North America that start at $100,000, only about a third reaches the mercenaries after passing through various middlemen, who often consider themselves to be the moral exemplars." Hawke recalled the Ukrainian mercenaries in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, noting that a skilled German veteran earned between EUR2,000 to EUR3,000 monthly, and while the compensation for those killed in action seemed substantial, rumors said it was paid in Ukrainian bonds. Campos continued, "They do have one condition: they won''t take any assignments that require them to operate in any of the East Asian countries." "That''s fine," Hawke responded, fully aware of the dangerous and complex nature of the East Asian markets. Edward seemed puzzled. "They can come to America but not go to East Asia?" Campos explained, "Because we''ll support them here in America." Hawke turned off the monitor and left the study. He walked on while saying, "Stay in touch with them and appropriately scale up. Don''t worry about compensation; what I need are people who can respond quickly to any tasks and carry them out efficiently." Like the Ferguson family''s overseas mercenary company, this was Hawke''s firepower stationed abroad. Power and weaponry were the basic safeguards of wealth. Regarding the former, Hawke actively involved himself in power struggles in America because business and politics had always been intertwined; the notion that pure business existed was nonsense. As for the latter, while guns could be optional, they could never be absent. Hawke understood the dire consequences of having tremendous wealth without the protection of power. In this world, let alone war, even in the so-called free and democratic West, business disputes were never confined to established rules. Before leaving, Hawke told Campos, "Twitter''s relocation is nearly complete; coordinate with the FBI to root out the moles." Campos replied, "I''m already prepared." The Twitter shareholders'' meeting was approaching, and board members along with several shareholders from out of town were arriving in Los Angeles. --- The next morning, after a thorough inspection and activating the signal-jamming device in the meeting room, Hawke met with Mary Ferguson, Peter Thiel, and Reid Hoffman. "Before we discuss the next steps for the company, we need to address one more thing," Hawke detailed a series of discoveries regarding eavesdroppers from earlier at the Coast Tower. Twitter was Peter Thiel and Reid Hoffman''s most successful investment. Although it hadn''t gone public yet, based on Twitter''s valuation, their last investment had already accounted for two-thirds of their respective assets. In a sense, these two had tied their fortunes closely to Twitter. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Interests defined stances; Peter Thiel said, "We must root them all out. No matter who is behind it, anyone trying to hurt our company will pay the price." Mary smiled at Hawke and said, "Go ahead with your investigation; whoever it leads to will feel our pressure." Reid added, "We need to deal with these bastards with an iron fist!" Hawke nodded to Edward. Edward moved forward and handed documents to the other three. Hawke elaborated, "To aid the FBI in collecting evidence, these documents have already been filed with them. This afternoon, we will hold a closed board meeting in Room 2, the content of the discussion is on these papers, and the entire conversation will be recorded for the FBI to reverse-engineer the signals. You must keep this confidential -- only those present should be aware." With potentially billions of dollars at stake, the attendees fully supported Hawke''s resolution. Hawke turned to Edward and instructed, "Follow standard procedures and prepare for the afternoon board meeting." Edward exited to make arrangements. ... Peter Thiel, Reid Hoffman, and Mary Ferguson entered through the front doors of the tower, and many people saw them. Edward also published the board meeting notice through Twitter''s internal office software. Besides board members, many executives were set to attend. The news quickly spread through the company and was passed on to those outside. ... In a parking lot not far from Coast Tower, Baldwin hung up his phone, opened the door of a neighboring business vehicle, and said, "I just got word that Twitter will hold a board meeting this afternoon led by Hawke Osment, with numerous executives in attendance. It may involve the next steps for investment and development." Rams quickly checked his earpiece and recording equipment and said, "After waiting so long, we finally have news." Baldwin smiled and said, "Important news means bonuses; the last information we sent back earned us a $5,000 bonus." "With the board meeting, there''s likely more significant news," Rams prepared for a big payday, "Hopefully, this time we can snag several thousand dollars in bonuses." They couldn''t stop laughing. ... As Twitter continued to expand, more businesses were setting up shop in Silicon Beach, which was becoming a bustling commercial center with many hotels springing up. A recently opened Four Seasons hotel was located less than 300 meters from Coast Tower. In a room overlooking Coast Tower, three individuals were dining. One of them received a text message, glanced down, and said, "Twitter is holding a board meeting this afternoon." Another, sporting a tattoo of an inverted pentagram on his forearm, sat by the window, took a look through binoculars, and said, "Over an hour ago, except for independent director Jagielka, the other directors have arrived at Twitter." The bald man, having finished his meal, said, "Let''s hope to get some exclusive news." The blond man looking at his phone said, "Without news, there''s no money. We''ve waited long enough; if we don''t get something soon, we should pull out." The pentagram tattooed guy pondered, "I hope our informant isn''t compromised." The blond man responded, "Impossible! He said that Twitter''s Operations Director, Caroline Jones, always comes out looking a bit off after visiting Hawke Osment''s office." The bald man picked at his teeth and said, "Then we should have been working to install something in Hawke''s office." "During the renovation of the chairman''s office, there were two supervisors watching the entire time, so there was no way to do it," the blond man also wished for it but knew the conditions didn''t allow: "We can only choose the nearest meeting room." ... Shortly after noon, three disguised delivery trucks quietly rolled up near Coast Tower. In the command truck, Jennifer Huey prepared according to the plan, positioning two specialized signal capture vehicles at predetermined spots. Nearby, agents from Butterfly Consulting''s security team waited, serving as personnel on the perimeter. Additionally, several inconspicuous sedans and SUVs trickled to the vicinity of Coast Tower, where FBI agents prepared for tracking and arrests. Jennifer Huey''s phone vibrated; she pulled it out and looked, saying into the mic, "All units, be advised, the operation is about to commence; activate signal capture." ... Simultaneously, another team of uniformed FBI agents accessed the top floor via a special elevator through the underground parking garage. Campos escorted them to the adjacent Room 2. These individuals unpacked special equipment, setting it up inside the meeting room. ... On the 16th floor of Coast Tower, security personnel had increased, discreetly controlling every entry and exit. ... All the reports consolidated back to Hawke. Caroline was also a board member and was currently in Hawke''s office. Upon seeing him finish a call, she said, "Once we identify who they are, I will ensure they end up in jail. We must severely punish these traitors to deter the rest." Hawke understood the power of fear in the situation and replied, "Once we trace them, you will be in charge of following up." Edward reminded, "It''s about time." Hawke said, "Let''s get started; let''s head to Room 2." He took the lead, exiting his office to walk toward the meeting room. Caroline followed closely, her heels clicking on the floor like hooves on cobblestones. Edward grabbed the phone designated for communications, trailing behind them. ... At 2 PM, all board members of Twitter entered Room 2. Other executives sat at the back of the conference table. Edward activated the room''s recording equipment. The meeting, led by Hawke, began swiftly as everyone discussed Twitter''s business development status based on his suggestions. ... These prewritten lines were captured by the eavesdropper in Room 2 and transmitted outside. In the adjacent room, the FBI''s technical team quickly intercepted the signal from the eavesdropper and contacted the command truck. The same signal was sent to the two signal-capturing vehicles. These vehicles were specifically designed by the FBI''s Los Angeles division for counter-espionage efforts. At this moment, it can be said that this was an overkill. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 383: Fishing Operation [Chapter 383: Fishing Operation] "Unit 1, Unit 1, this is Unit 2." In a signal car on Ocean Park Boulevard, a technician called to the command vehicle based on their signal capture and positioning: "Caught signal A, location at the parking lot section B of Ocean Park Boulevard, bearing..." Jennifer, upon receiving the transmission, immediately ordered, "Chick, lead your team into action according to the plan." Several vehicles of various makes and models drove towards the parking lot. ... In another signal vehicle, a technician also issued a call: "Unit 3 reporting, signal B position verified, location south side of the Four Seasons Hotel, repeat! Position south side of the Four Seasons Hotel." Compared to the parking lot, finding the Four Seasons Hotel was trickier, as it was a high-rise building. Jennifer ordered again, "Delpho, Bernaldo, immediately have your teams stand by at the entrance of the Four Seasons Hotel!" "Roger!" came the response. ... After the reply, Jennifer pulled out her phone and called, reaching the manager at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles through Brian. Although the FBI could search directly under the guise of counterintelligence, the best method remained to get the other party to cooperate voluntarily. In no time, both sides were set up for communication. ... Jennifer reconnected with the team leaders, and with the assistance of the hotel security manager, Delpho and Bernaldo disguised themselves as hotel maintenance workers, checking the south side rooms while carrying signal detectors. With dozens of floors in the building, the south-side room checks took time. ... In the command vehicle, Jennifer inquired, "Unit 2, Unit 3, any new signals?" The leads responded in turn: "None, all clear. Jennifer inquired with the subordinates in the Coast Building, where they confirmed only two transmission signals were detected sending outward. ... Minutes later, a call filled Jennifer''s earpiece: "Calling Unit 1, this is Chick''s team, target for signal A located, target for signal A located." Jennifer immediately asked, "Report the details." On the other end, they stated, "Target located in the northwest side of the parking lot, a black Toyota Alphard, inside are two adult males, specific appearance unknown, nearby public monitoring found, license plate number is..." Hearing her subordinate''s report, Jennifer told the technician on the other end, "I want to see the footage from the northwest side of parking lot B." "Yes," the technician immediately responded. Jennifer then spoke into the mic, "Do not alert the target, proceed with the fishing plan." On the other side, they replied, "Understood!" ... At that moment, the technician said, "Ma''am, we have the monitoring footage." The LCD screen in front of Jennifer lit up, displaying the situation in the parking lot. The technician tapped a few keys, and the footage quickly zoomed in, soon revealing the target vehicle. Jennifer kept her composure and waited patiently. ... Not long after, another call came through: "Bernaldo calling Unit 1, signal B position confirmed, in room 805 on the 8th floor, confirmation of at least three people inside." Jennifer replied, "Execute the fishing plan, maintain close surveillance." "Understood," came the response. ... Jennifer pondered for a moment and sent a text: "Two fish found, fishing plan in motion." ... In the 16th-floor conference room 2 of the Coast Building, Edward felt his phone vibrate, pulled it out, glanced, and opened the text. He said nothing and quietly approached Hawke from behind, showing him the phone screen. Seeing the discovery, Hawke nodded slightly. The scene continued unfolding, as Caroline spoke according to the script, throwing out some shocking info intentionally. The others pretended to listen intently. After more than an hour, Hawke announced the meeting was temporarily adjourned. Everyone had a tacit understanding and departed the conference room in succession. ... Once away, they entered a lounge, and Hawke requested Edward''s phone, dialing Jennifer. "What''s the situation?" Jennifer quickly stated, "Currently, two listening devices are confirmed to be transmitting signals; my people have located the positions and are monitoring. They won''t be able to escape." Hawke reminded, "The meeting has concluded." Jennifer smiled, "Don''t worry, if they pass along any info, I''ll have it covered." With a light-hearted tone, she added, "Compared to foreign spies, these corporate spies are much easier to handle. I''ve dealt with ones ten times tougher than them." ... Hawke hung up, realizing Peter Thiel, Mary Ferguson, and others were watching him. He said, "The FBI has tracked down two groups and is monitoring to uncover the puppet masters behind this." "Whoever it is, anyone going after Twitter is an enemy of mine," Peter Thiel declared firmly. Having invested for a year, the market valuation nearly doubled, becoming his most significant asset. Even if individuals were dispatched by the President, he would initiate a shadow war. Hawke looked at Caroline, "Prep the legal team." He turned to the shareholders and said, "You all need to be prepared too." --- In the parking lot on Ocean Avenue, several cars of different brands and styles monitored the black Toyota Alphard in section B from various distances. These agents were skilled FBI operatives; once their target was confirmed, it was nearly impossible for the adversary to escape. ... In the Alphard, Baldwin saw Rams press the stop button on the recorder and asked, "Is the meeting over?" Rams, in a good mood, grinned, "It''s over. There''s major news, and it was personally stated by Hawke Osment and Caroline Jones, so it''s definitely useful." Baldwin smiled back, "We''re going to profit big time!" Rams quickly pulled out the recording tape and handed it to Baldwin. "It was ordered that any news must be delivered immediately. You take this; I''ll continue monitoring." "I''m on it," Baldwin replied, getting out, entering the nearby Hyundai sedan, starting it, and pulling out of the parking space. ... Not far away, in the Cherokee, Chick called out, "All units, pay attention, Fox and Adam remain on monitoring, the rest of you follow the silver Hyundai, cross-checking; the opponent''s plate number is..." At that moment, the Hyundai exited the parking lot. Immediately, someone shouted, "Sam is in pursuit." After waiting briefly, Chick allowed the driver to proceed, driving out of the parking lot. Nearby the Alphard, another vehicle continued monitoring. ... Baldwin drove east, soon reaching West Los Angeles, where he located the bar from the previous time, walked in, and delivered the recording tape to the owner. Just as he entered, a man who appeared to be walking with a briefcase, head down, kept keen attention on the unfolding scene. He ordered a drink, sat at the bar alongside a few other patrons, drank heartily, while skillfully sending out information. After leaving the bar, Baldwin bought some snacks and drinks and drove back in the Hyundai. ... Chick dispatched two vehicles to follow Baldwin; the rest remained focused on the bar. Before long, the bar owner emerged, driving a Dodge pickup truck. Chick still had three vehicles left, sticking to a cross-tracking strategy, trailing to Universal Studios. ... Near the studio office area, a well-dressed man met with the bar owner, exchanging items. The bar owner returned the way he came, while the man walked toward a nearby office building. ... Everything that transpired from the parking lot to this point was captured. Two suited agents, carrying a briefcase and a camera, followed from different angles. In the Cherokee, Chick said via radio, "I recommend we immediately export the surveillance video for the technical department to compare against the database." ... The data quickly made its way to the command vehicle, where Jennifer had prepared in advance, and the technicians got busy. On the other side, someone called out, "Target three has entered the BlackRock Film Foundation office." Jennifer ordered directly, "Find a way to uncover his identity." Chick''s team was soon addressing countermeasures. ... A call came through from the hotel: "Bernaldo calling Unit 1, two individuals from target B have left their room and are heading downstairs." Jennifer commanded, "Unit 1 acknowledged, monitor the room, track the two individuals." While comparing data, a technician remarked, "Supervisor, target three has matched." Jennifer turned to look, "Who is he?" "Check this out," the technician pointed to a news image on the screen, "This is a press conference co-hosted by New Line Cinema and the BlackRock Film Foundation for , and the individual standing behind Chairman Anderson is this man." Jennifer glanced at the comparison; it wasn''t 100% similarity, but 90% at least. She considered, "I recall this being streamed online; pull it up." The technician quickly located the video and played it for comparison, soon confirming: "This individual has repeatedly been seen with Mr. Anderson, delivering necessary items, likely his assistant." ... Jennifer recalled Hawke''s familiarity with Hollywood and promptly contacted him for verification. Hawke quickly connected with Tom Cruise and his old friend Dwayne Johnson and his agent wife, Dany Garcia. Within minutes, confirmations came back from both Tom Cruise and Dany Garcia that target three was Eugene Kropov, assistant to the chairman of the BlackRock Film Foundation. ... As this information reached Jennifer, she received feedback from Bernaldo. "Target B''s two individuals have entered the Los Angeles branch of the , and our people are guarding all exits; they haven''t come out yet after entering." Jennifer issued the directive, "Keep them under close watch." She asked her assistant, "Is a gossip magazine?" "Yes, it''s the weekend edition of the paper." The assistant, who was familiar with the publication known for scandal reporting, noted, "This paper specializes in muckraking, often resorting to unethical means to cover stories. There are several reports about them on file in the bureau." Jennifer nodded, "Got it." The assistant reminded, "This publication falls under News Corp." Jennifer understood the implication and said, "Let Hawke Osment deal with the mess; we''ll stick to what the FBI is meant to do." sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The assistant understood immediately, realizing the supervisor was willing to take on the . Jennifer told Mike, "All leads, all leads, monitor your respective targets!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 384: The Spy Case [Chapter 384: The Spy Case] In the meeting room on the 16th floor of the Coastal Building. "Here''s the overall situation." Jennifer Huey quickly went over the details she had grasped. Both wiretapping teams had their leads clearly identified. Hawke had already gotten hold of the BlackRock Film Foundation, and hearing that it also connected to the was no surprise. After all, wiretapping was a basic skill for them. Time was of the essence, and Hawke wasted no time, asking Jennifer, "Can the FBI detain those involved? Can they search the necessary institutions?" He had prepared before the meeting: "We discussed the AI plan at the board meeting, which pertains to America''s technological future. This plan has been filed with the White House''s Science Policy Office and is ready to be submitted to Congress; it concerns national security." Jennifer glanced at Hawke, thinking that with such a huge issue at hand, the people involved wouldn''t just walk away unscathed. Hawke had many thoughts and continued, "That Eugene Kropov -- I had someone do a background check. He belongs to a generation of Russian immigrants and has even stayed in Moscow. I seriously suspect he might be a spy for the Russians." As Twitter was getting the grill set up and the ingredients ready for the barbecue party, Jennifer prepared to cook the barbeque meal: "The FBI will conduct a thorough investigation of Eugene Kropov. Given the current situation, this is a serious espionage case involving a technology leak." She had just taken over as the head of the FBI in Los Angeles and needed to crack this major case. In the room, Peter Thiel and Mary Ferguson had remained silent. At that moment, they exchanged glances and both felt that with Hawke at the helm of Twitter, it would definitely bring more benefits to their side. As for whether it was false accusations, they didn''t care. Blaming the competitor and the Russians couldn''t be called a false accusation, right? Moreover, if these guys hadn''t been engaged in wiretapping, how could Hawke have had any opportunity for such allegations? Hawke said softly, "Do you want the materials I have prepared on my end?" Jennifer was now in FBI mode; she slightly nodded at Hawke and called in her assistant, instructing, "Bring in the fourth team, cooperating with Twitter, to collect relevant materials and secure the evidence." "Sure!" The assistant quickly went to notify everyone. Jennifer then told Hawke, "I need to get back to work now." Hawke chuckled, "Go ahead." Jennifer hurried out of the room. ... The meeting room fell silent, and Hawke pondered briefly, then spoke to Peter Thiel and Mary Ferguson: "This time, our main enemy is the BlackRock Investment Group. Those guys have been eyeing us since last year, waiting to take a bite out of us." Stealing other people''s interests was like murder, Peter Thiel straightforwardly stated, "Collusion with Russia, endangering America''s national security. That''s a solid charge. Let''s work in that direction; we need to make those guys pay a price." Mary Ferguson agreed, "I think that''s viable." Hawke concluded, "Then we''ll work in this direction. Once the FBI makes a move and has achievements, we''ll immediately hold a shareholders'' meeting to push the AI plan forward." --- Back in the command vehicle, Jennifer began issuing orders: "This is Unit one, all units pay attention, all units pay attention. This case is significant, involving national and technological security, execute Level One confidentiality protocols! Under the Counter-Espionage Act, I now announce that we will detain all targets. For those who do not cooperate, we can take forcible measures!" She stressed, "The primary target is Eugene Kropov, assistant to the president of the BlackRock Film Foundation. Turn on the recording device during the operation." "Understood!" Came the acknowledgment from Chick''s side. Jennifer ordered, "Now commence operations!" ... Not far away in Parking Lot B, Baldwin drove his Hyundai sedan into the parking space beside an Elantra. A Jeep pulled up behind the Elantra, directly blocking the Hyundai and Elantra from the rear. Almost simultaneously, another Chevrolet SUV screeched to a stop, tightly barricading the front of Baldwin''s vehicle. Before Baldwin had a chance to react, six individuals jumped out of the two cars, each brandishing a firearm. Two of them even carried assault rifles and shotguns. The leader shouted, "FBI, show me your hands! FBI, raise your hands, don''t move!" Bang! Bang! Two gunshots rang out, as an FBI agent shot the front tire of the Elantra with a shotgun. Hearing the gunfire, Baldwin quickly raised his hands to his head, ducking against the car out of fear. Inside the car, Rams saw someone pointing a gun at him through the glass and raised his hands, slowly moving out. Just as he reached the side door, still not understanding what was happening, he was grabbed by his hair and dragged out onto the ground. The two were pinned to the ground and handcuffed. One agent pulled out black hoodies to cover their heads and took them to the car. Meanwhile, other agents secured the two vehicles, and one reported, "Calling Unit one, parking lot operation complete. Two suspects captured; one vehicle has wiretapping equipment. Requesting technical support." Jennifer immediately responded, "Secure the scene; technical support will arrive shortly." ... At almost the same time, in a bar in West Hollywood, a team of FBI agents escorted the hooded owner out the door and shoved him into a car. Amid look of astonishment from surrounding people, the FBI convoy sped away. ... At the Four Seasons Hotel in Silicon Beach, a waiter knocked on the door of room 805. With the FBI''s shouts echoing, several strong men burst in, taking down the man who had come to open the door and rushing into the room. As expected, after the two left, there was only one person left. On the side near the window in the room, there were a few listening devices set up. The lead agent immediately secured them as required, waiting for personnel to check and take over for evidence preservation. ... At Universal Studios, in the office area. Near a small building under the BlackRock Film Foundation, a car pulled up alongside a Cherokee. The person inside got out, approached the Cherokee, and handed a subpoena and search warrant to Chick, saying, "The U.S. Attorney''s Office just issued this. The commander guaranteed we will take control of the suspect." "Even if he flies up to the sky, he won''t escape our eyes." Chick called to others, "Start the operation." One vehicle circled to the rear of the small building to block the back door. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Another four vehicles drove right up to the front of the small building, with Chick donning an FBI blue jacket, leading eight agents dressed in uniforms into the BlackRock Film Foundation''s office building. The receptionist saw such a group of intimidating FBI personnel storm in and immediately made a call to inform her superiors, then approached to ask, "May I help you?" Chick didn''t respond; he simply showed his credentials and search warrant, "I am Senior Agent Chick Hammett of the Los Angeles FBI. We are conducting an espionage investigation, and this is my badge and the subpoena and search warrant issued by the U.S. Attorney''s Office. Please cooperate." His words sounded polite, but the FBI didn''t show any courtesy in their actions. The case had already been classified as a serious espionage case threatening America''s national and technological security. Chick disregarded the receptionist''s attempt to intervene and directly led his team upstairs. The receptionist just attempted to stop them when an FBI agent threw a severe glare, scaring her into silence. Chick glanced at the office building''s layout diagram, dividing the team into two groups -- one group taking the stairs and the other taking the elevator. It was only four stories high, and they arrived shortly. Chick''s group exited the elevator, only to collide with Anderson and the assistant to the president, Eugene Kropov, who were notified. Several FBIs simultaneously drew their guns, pointing at them and shouting, "FBI, raise your hands and lie on the ground!" Chick, equally tense, aimed his gun and shouted, "Eugene Kropov, get down! Hands on your head, lie down!" Eugene clearly understood that the FBI were not LAPD; faced with the ominous guns, he first obeyed to cup his head and lie on the ground while shouting, "What are you doing? I am a legitimate American citizen..." Before he finished speaking, a heavy knee landed on the back of Eugene''s neck, cutting off his words. Anderson shouted angrily, "What do you want? You are breaking in illegally!" Chick showed him the legal documents: "Your assistant is involved in an espionage case. Under the Counter-Espionage Act and the search warrant, we need to search the office building. Please cooperate." Anderson was taken aback, recalling the recording they had recently received. Chick added, "You are directly involved with Eugene and are now also a suspect. You are not allowed to leave our sight, and you must not contact anyone outside." Seeing his two subordinates having secured Eugene, Chick ordered, "Search their offices." Anderson panicked, "You can''t do this; we are a legitimate corporate entity..." Two FBI agents briefly restrained him. Chick received a notification -- a different team of colleagues entered for support. He caught hold of the searching person: "Use the recorder, film everything." The agent nodded and hurried off. Not long after, this agent returned saying, "Chief, we found something." The FBI had discovered a small recorder in Anderson''s office, which contained a tape that, upon brief playback, confirmed it was related to Twitter''s board meeting. The recorder also had multiple fingerprints, which the technicians collected. Chick reported to the command vehicle: "Calling number one, Chick''s team has apprehended Eugene Kropov and found the tape..." He detailed the situation to request, "What about the chairman, Anderson?" Jennifer decisively replied, "He''s implicated in the espionage case and should be temporarily detained; take him back. We have plenty of time to gather evidence." Chick answered, "Understood." They worked swiftly; both offices yielded key evidence. Besides the recorder and tape found in Anderson''s office, several greeting cards from the Russian embassy to Eugene were found in Eugene''s office. Under normal circumstances, these would mean nothing. But when tied to an espionage case, they became what one might call evidence. ... As Chick was wrapping up the operation, a team of FBI agents at the Burbank branch of the escorted two individuals with work IDs out. From their Deputy Editor''s office, a tape was also found. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 385: The Manhattan AI Project [Chapter 385: The Manhattan AI Project] In the conference room 2 on the 16th floor of Coastal Building, Silicon Beach, FBI technicians were dismantling one of the listening devices. Operations Director Caroline and Security Chief Austin were seated in the HR office, coordinating with HR personnel and security to bring in the relevant employees based on the list provided by the FBI. In the adjacent room, another team of FBI agents waited. At the end of the hallway, a conference room featured a one-way glass door, allowing a view of the ongoing situation. Employees were brought into the office and subsequently escorted out by FBI agents. ... Jennifer Huey sat in a chair, stating, "We are interrogating the two groups of eavesdroppers, and they are cooperating." The FBI''s methods in handling the espionage case were quite obvious. She informed Hawke, "Three employees from Twitter were involved in this case. They took advantage of the renovations and office supplies purchases to bribe personnel to secretly install the bugging devices." Such activities were difficult to prevent, which was why Hawke had conducted a thorough investigation before the company''s relocation. "What about the others?" he asked. "The FBI is in the process of making arrests," Jennifer quickly replied. "As I mentioned earlier, we detained Eugene and temporarily held Anderson. The tech team is rapidly running fingerprint comparisons, and all of Anderson''s prints were found on the voice recorder and tapes. However, this isn''t enough; we still need Eugene''s testimony." Hawke smiled slightly, "You must have a plan. I have always trusted the FBI." With no outsiders around, Jennifer spoke candidly, "If this were overseas, Eugene would have already confessed. Unfortunately, this is California, and even the FBI has their considerations, so it may take some time." She felt confident, "Eugene will hold out until at most tonight." Hawke nodded slightly, asking, "The press conference is scheduled for tomorrow?" Jennifer confirmed, "If all goes well, tomorrow morning." Then she inquired, "How about ?" When Hawke received the news, he was already considering that issue. He replied, "We should hold the individuals in question, right? That shouldn''t be a problem?" "Right now it''s being treated like an espionage case," Jennifer defended. "The evidence is indisputable; they won''t be going anywhere." Hawke checked his watch, saying, "I need to go to that meeting, let''s keep in touch." Jennifer responded, "I need to head back too." ... Hawke came to the first large conference room, where attendees had gathered. Twitter didn''t have too many shareholders, aside from the independent board members, there were a few executives who had acquired a small stake during the last round of funding. Caroline sat on one side of the table, saying to Hawke, "Everyone''s here." "Then let''s begin," Hawke signaled to Edward. Edward distributed the prepared documents to Peter Thiel, Reid Hoffman, Mary Ferguson, Caroline, and Harland. Hawke took the head seat at the table, stating, "The first agenda item today is about the espionage incident the company experienced. Let me update you on the current situation." He detailed Jennifer''s feedback regarding the situation, focusing mainly on matters concerning the BlackRock Film Foundation. Peter Thiel, who owned a significant portion of his wealth in Twitter''s shares, straightforwardly stated, "This isn''t merely a corporate espionage case; it also involves national security. Eugene, the culprit, is of Russian descent. The FBI found evidence in his office linking him to the Russian Embassy!" Hawke looked at Caroline, saying, "We will get to the bottom of this case; you will be responsible for it." Caroline gleamed with determination, her sharp features visibly showing under the light. "Besides criminal liability, there are also civil liabilities. I''m pushing for the law firm we''re cooperating with to assemble a legal team and file a civil lawsuit against BlackRock to hold them accountable for the leak of the AI project and secure necessary compensation!" She coldly added, "The internal pests will find themselves behind bars!" Mary Ferguson asserted, "I will pressure the judicial system from my end." Peter Thiel, having worked in California for years, commented, "Soon, there will be state and federal legislators speaking on this matter." "Since the original AI plan has leaked, we must make adjustments," Hawke added, referring to the strategy he''d previously devised during a meeting. He instructed Edward to start the projector and present the plan draft. ... "Ladies and gentlemen, the future of artificial intelligence is not limited to being a driving force in the development of computer and internet industries; it will impact various sectors across the board. I''ve mentioned this multiple times in the past, so there''s no need to elaborate further." Harland raised a hand, gaining agreement as he stated, "This will require long-term, significant investments, possibly needing over a decade to yield results." Hawke nodded, confirming, "Exactly. Therefore, solely relying on Twitter is challenging. We need federal support for this." This was also part of what led to the espionage case. "Last month at the inauguration ceremony, I struck a deal with George Walker''s team. The Office of Technology Policy will officially initiate a ''U.S. AI Research and Development Strategic Plan'' in response to our AI initiative to ensure that America maintains its leading global edge in computer information technology." The plan was pretty much a facade, aimed at securing federal government subsidies. Hawke emphasized, "This plan belongs to the new government''s technology development agenda. Although it has not yet been formally submitted to Congress, it has already been recorded by the Office of Technology Policy." Reid Hoffman understood the implication: "The espionage case damages the national interest of America." Hawke slightly nodded, continuing, "The initiative will be divided into two parts: one to confirm BlackRock''s espionage crimes and the other to push for congressional review. The Office of Technology Policy will submit our strategic plan to Congress, but in order for the project to pass and obtain congressional funding, it will need to be reviewed by both houses'' budget committees." The second part wouldn''t be achievable in the short term, he stated, "I plan to spend two to three years promoting this plan, aiming to complete it during George Walker''s term." The key to this plan lay in leveraging federal funding to fuel Twitter''s spending on AI projects extravagantly. Mary Ferguson was well-acquainted with the protocols involved. "First, once the initiative is launched from the Office of Technology Policy, we need to lobby for support from over five legislators in both houses, form the necessary special task force for research and validation, and only then can it enter the discussion phase in both houses. The most crucial task is to lobby the members of the budget committee for their support." Hawke was mentally prepared for this. "We now have a preliminary plan that will be continuously refined. I have named it the Manhattan AI Project. To achieve this plan, we need not just internal support but also face external threats." The mess created by BlackRock sparked a notion in Hawke''s mind; Russia was also developing AI. Whether the Russians had the capability didn''t matter; what mattered was that they wanted to do it, which created space for the threat narrative. This plan was certainly going to advance; Hawke could make decisions, and everyone else would agree. Since the plan could lead to federal subsidies and funding, the interests at stake were substantial. As for the results, theoretically, they would exist. Mary Ferguson perceived that Hawke was creating a stir during the election with intentions to profit during George Walker''s re-election period. Concerned about vested interests, Twitter''s shareholders were unanimously in favor of pushing the plan forward. ... The next agenda item was Twitter''s expansion strategies, intensifying promotion in Europe, Latin America, and Asia, focusing on smart mobile development and user experience, enhancing image, video, private chat, and other social interaction and content-sharing functions, while pushing for the establishment of an alliance for smartphone systems. In simpler terms, it was about covering features similar to Facebook and Instagram. Based on this foundation, they aimed to achieve significant growth in commercial advertising revenue. The last major agenda item involved Twitter''s acquisition expansion, part of a strategy for eliminating competitors. This move also allowed for the absorption of talent, technology, and users. This included the acquisition of an AI development company located in Silicon Valley. Hawke already had a list and planned to dispatch a team to negotiate after the meeting. --- At Universal Studios, BlackRock Film Foundation. Upon receiving word, Deputy Chairman Haas rushed back from Las Vegas. Basic order remained within the foundation, yet panic prevailed; leadership was lacking. With Haas back to take charge, he immediately summoned several employees who had previously interacted directly with the FBI. "The FBI took Anderson and Eugene?" he inquired. "What was the specific reason?" The receptionist recalled, stating, "The senior agent leading the team presented credentials and a search warrant, then forcibly went upstairs. The next time I saw them, they had brought down the chairman and the assistant." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Another individual added, "The chairman and the assistant were placed in black hooded bags." Haas felt the strain; such treatment was reserved for serious cases. A seemingly calm middle-aged man said, "I was on the third floor and heard some remarks. It sounded like... it sounded like the leading FBI officer mentioned that they were involved in an espionage case." Haas frowned, "Espionage case?" Suddenly he recalled the bugging plan and asked, "Did they mention anything else?" The middle-aged man shook his head, saying, "I think they searched their offices." Haas asked, "Didn''t you contact the FBI to inquire for details?" "The lawyer made contact," the middle-aged man continued, "but the FBI refused to allow the lawyer to meet with them, stating it was a matter of serious confidentiality and they had activated special regulations." Haas pressed a few more questions but didn''t gain further information and ultimately dismissed them. He pulled out his phone to call headquarters. ... Suddenly, a flurry of footsteps resounded, followed by the panicked cries of women, and someone burst into the conference room. A team clad in FBI jackets stormed into the meeting. Haas happened to have his hand in his pocket. This action made the FBI agents on high alert, immediately drawing their weapons and shouting, "FBI! Show me your hands!" "Put your hands up and lay on the ground with your hands on your head!" "Hurry! Do it now!" Haas slowly withdrew his hand from his pocket and placed his phone on the table, saying, "It''s just a phone; I am unarmed." Once his hands were on his head, two imposing FBI agents immediately pounced on him, forcing him to the ground. The leading FBI agent presented credentials and a subpoena, stating, "Haas Rosado, you are suspected of involvement in an espionage case that jeopardizes National Security. We are legally summoning you for an investigation..." At once, someone approached and placed a black hood over Haas''s head. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 386: Plea Agreement [Chapter 386: Plea Agreement] Los Angeles, FBI division. Chick drove back into the office, urging his team to take the evidence they had gathered to the evidence room. He took the elevator up and entered his supervisor''s office. Jennifer Huey was sitting on a recliner, asking, "Did you find anything?" Chick elaborated, "We thoroughly searched Eugene''s house and found a ton of evidence. There were over a dozen letters exchanged between Eugene and Moscow, as well as several Russian books that could be used as spy code texts. We also looked into his communication records and found that he had contacted the Russian embassy and made phone calls to Moscow." Jennifer praised him, saying, "Well done." Both of them understood that this sort of behavior was typical among the Russian immigrant generation. But when necessary, it served as solid evidence. Eugene was involved in the espionage of critical Twitter tech secrets, posing a threat to a strategic plan filed with the Technology Policy Office. What else could he be other than a Russian spy? Jennifer was interested in this case not just because Hawke was an ally but also because it offered her personal benefits. Having just taken over as the head of the FBI''s Los Angeles office, cracking a major espionage case would solidify her position. Moreover, fabricating a Russian spy case also aligned with the interests of the FBI. The newly minted tsar from Russia aimed to get closer to America, but America only saw him as a fool and thought the idea of gaining a status equivalent to Britain, France, and Germany was wishful thinking. Europe belonged to America, not Russia. America had long expelled Russia from its European membership. For America to truly trust Russia, the tsar would have to completely sabotage himself like Ukraine, destroy strategic weapons, and break apart the vast territory into dozens of countries that would then wage war against one another, killing each other off. ... Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just after Chick left, Bernaldo walked into the office with the interrogation records, handing them to Jennifer and stating, "Eugene has reached a plea agreement with us." Jennifer was a bit surprised. "That quickly?" "He has one condition," Bernaldo said naturally as an enforcer. "We found out through background checks that Eugene has a sister in New York who is currently attending New York University. I threatened him that if he didn''t plead guilty, his sister would be deported. I also told him that many young Slavic girls who got deported often went missing." The latter statement was true, and Jennifer had seen records on that. Bernaldo continued, "Eugene has reached a decent position at BlackRock and should have heard of such cases. His sister is very attractive, and once she''s deported, her future wouldn''t be good. Therefore, he requested that his savings go to his sister to help her complete her education." "We can grant that," Jennifer said, knowing that her objective, like Hawke''s, wasn''t about one person, but rather the nature and outcome of the case. She thought for a moment, "I will file a request to headquarters soon for special protection for Eugene''s sister, temporarily keeping her out of the public eye." This way, Eugene would be completely under their control. Bernaldo nodded. "I''ll go have another thorough conversation with him." ... Once he left, Jennifer took out her phone and called Hawke, updating him about Eugene''s situation. Hawke immediately responded, "Send me the information on his sister; I''ll dispatch someone to New York overnight to ensure her safety." Jennifer shared the details. ... Bernaldo soon reached an agreement with Eugene, who would admit to being a spy and had conspired with BlackRock executives Haas and Anderson to orchestrate the espionage case involving the theft of Twitter''s AI technology. --- In New York, it was deep in the night, but the BlackRock headquarters in Manhattan was still lit up. In the office, Chairman and CEO Larry Fink hung up the phone. Across from him, co-President Robert Kapito asked, "What''s the situation over in Los Angeles?" A half hour earlier, the finance head of the BlackRock Film Foundation had called to report developments in Los Angeles, leaving Fink and Kapito baffled, knowing only that Anderson, Haas, and Eugene were involved in an espionage case and had been taken by the FBI, even without access to their lawyers. Kapito had some understanding, knowing that in a case involving a hostile enemy to America, regular lawyers couldn''t intervene. Fink said, "Los Angeles has gathered extensive intel. It seems the FBI arrested a lot of people near the Twitter headquarters at Coast Tower during the day." He expressed his concern, "Could there have been complications with their espionage plan?" Kapito wasn''t hopeful. "We should prepare for the worst." Following his lead, Fink considered the worst-case scenario and said after a moment, "You should reach out to our connections within the FBI to find out exactly what happened. I''ll contact my old friends at the Department of Homeland Security since they have the authority to intervene in this case." Kapito added, "Have the people over in Los Angeles launch a financial offensive..." "No, let''s keep a low profile over in Los Angeles," Fink said, as he was planning to support the social media companies in Silicon Valley and push the Federal Trade Commission to initiate antitrust lawsuits; their targeted action against Twitter had already peaked. He realized, "Los Angeles has turned red; we can''t operate from here anymore." Kapito agreed, "That makes sense. They''re launching a political campaign, and so should we." Thinking of the various tactics employed by the FBI, Fink was genuinely worried. "What about Haas, Anderson, and Eugene''s families? Where are they? Get someone monitoring them immediately." BlackRock, after all, was an investment firm with no preparations for such issues. Kapito said, "I''ll send people to investigate right away." --- Just as BlackRock was busy, a Mercedes left a high-rise apartment in the Upper East Side and sped toward LaGuardia Airport, the closest airport to Manhattan. Inside the car, James Murdoch asked his female assistant, "What time can we apply for the quickest flight? We need to be in Los Angeles by dawn tomorrow!" The assistant, just finishing a phone call, hurriedly replied, "The flight crew has secured the route and is currently conducting pre-flight checks. We expect to take off in about 35 minutes." "I see," James calculated ways to calm the situation down. The assistant questioned, "Why are we in such a rush?" "Remember, don''t underestimate a rapidly growing company, especially its leader," James recalled his encounter with Hawke at the Fox annual party and added, "Especially since this person and his media network have practically turned California red." The assistant refrained from asking further questions. Last year''s election saw News Corporation siding with George Walker Bush, and James was positioned to understand many things that others didn''t. California was one of the key states in determining outcomes. And in California, besides Fox News, Twitter and Hawke Osment along with Brian Ferguson also played pivotal roles. Now, the fools at still viewed the emerging power of online media through the lens of traditional media, naively thinking it was nothing, even managing to locate the spy operation directly at Twitter. They did it and got caught red-handed. James was acutely aware of Hawke''s capacity for mischief, realizing he wasn''t just a troublemaker but had Twitter, a massive media platform at his disposal. He needed to rush over to calm the situation, which was just part of the reason. Another part was that if they were captured and held, it could trigger a chain reaction. James was currently overseeing numerous print media outlets in both the UK and the US and understood well that espionage was not an isolated incident among News Corporation''s media but widespread. Executives, including himself, commonly accepted this news channel''s existence. James took out his phone again, dialing Hawke''s number, but like last time, it was busy. The car arrived at the airport, driving straight into the private plane terminal. After boarding the plane, James dialed Hawke''s number again, this time getting through. "Good evening, Hawke. I hope I''m not interrupting you," James said politely while introducing himself. "This is James Murdoch; we spoke at the Fox annual party." ... At Coast Tower, Hawke was settled in his office suite for the night. Surprised by James Murdoch''s call, he contemplated the intentions behind it. "Of course I remember; we talked about traditional media and the development of new media," he replied. James chuckled, "That was a pleasant conversation. I had intended to buy you a drink, but my father sent me off to the UK shortly afterward, and I''ve only recently returned." He got to the point quickly. "I just got back to New York and heard from my team about the incident with . This was entirely the actions of my staff, and I have to apologize for that." These matters weren''t resolvable with a simple apology. Hawke''s tone was calm. "The law will render justice for Twitter." James put away his smile. "I''m currently on a private plane heading to Los Angeles, and I''ll arrive by early morning. made a mistake and will definitely pay the price, but before we hold the paper accountable, please allow me the opportunity to meet with you in person; I come with sincerity." Hawke had begun forming thoughts and responded, "I will be waiting for you at Coast Tower in Santa Monica tomorrow morning." James replied, "I''ll be there on time." Hawke promptly hung up the phone. ... Edward, on the other end, finished the call and approached, saying, "Jennifer called; the FBI reached an agreement with Eugene." Hawke smiled. "Great, as long as this Russian first-generation immigrant admits to being a spy, the other two can''t clear their names." Things escalated to a higher level, and Edward struggled to keep up with the line of thought. "Russia won''t admit to it..." Hawke chuckled, "Of course, Russia won''t admit it. Whether true or false, they won''t own up to it." He took out a secure satellite phone, moved to the window, and dialed a number. Once connected, he stated, "It''s me. I have a new task for you." ... In Costa Rica, in the coastal city of Limon, the newly established Hurricane Security Company, Bosque hung up the satellite phone and called for an assistant. "I remember a guy who''s fluent in Russian and a Ukrainian who''s very hostile to Russia. Bring him in; I have an important task to assign to him." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 387: BlackRock Involved in Espionage Case [Chapter 387: BlackRock Involved in Spy Scandal] In the meeting room on the 16th floor of Coastal Building, James Murdoch looked at Hawke with a confident smile. Hawke appeared enthusiastic, as if the wiretaps involving didn''t exist at all. James''s confidence stemmed from the strength of News Corporation. Moreover, crucially, the other party was unaware of the vast scope of the wiretap incident. Hawke''s calm demeanor arose from News Corporation''s absolute desire to prevent the wiretapping scandal from exploding. "On behalf of , I apologize to you and Twitter for this incident," James claimed with sincerity. "The three reporters involved, along with their supervising editors and the editor-in-chief, will all be fired and held legally accountable. They will face any penalties and compensations necessary." Hawke listened patiently. James added, "We are on the same side; we fought together last year to turn California a different color. News Corporation would never betray an ally. will offer Twitter some financial compensation." In the corporate world, there are no fixed allies; everything is driven by interests. Hawke also considered how to maximize his own benefits. Would it be worth triggering the wiretapping scandal? Beyond gaining a formidable foe, what benefits would that bring him? Hawke had pondered these issues the night before and said, "We are allies and fought together, so I will not hide certain matters. This is a major spy case. The FBI has apprehended a series of suspects and found a Russian spy among them. The spies aimed to steal Twitter''s crucial next-stage AI development plans and technological achievements. I cannot confirm if your personnel are involved." James seemed quite surprised. "How is that possible? News Corporation prioritizes safeguarding national interests. While business knows no borders, businessmen have their own countries." "I have never doubted you," Hawke replied sternly. "The issue is that your subordinates are already involved, doing the same things as the spies." James understood and, appearing earnest, asked, "I lack experience in this area. Do you have any good suggestions?" Hawke bluntly stated, "The confirmed Russian spy is from BlackRock, and two executives from BlackRock colluded with him..." Before Hawke could finish, James interjected, "News Corporation and Twitter are allies and will firmly support Twitter. The media I control will exert maximum effort to publicize the BlackRock espionage incident. Together with Twitter, we believe we can equate BlackRock with the Russian spies in the public''s opinion." Hawke smiled slightly. "Public opinion can kill, but it cannot take down someone like BlackRock. This incident is quite severe and directly threatens national security. I will be heading to Washington next week and hope for your political support in our offensive related to the BlackRock incident." James thought it over. "I assure you, there will be key figures from the Intelligence Directorate and the National Security Council backing us." He was also a shark who enjoyed a bloody fight: "If there''s an opportunity to divide up BlackRock, I will be at the table." Hawke remained clear-headed. It was difficult to kill off BlackRock in one blow, and even if it was possible to divide BlackRock, with his strength, he couldn''t single-handedly swallow it. "Of course." James chuckled. Hawke hadn''t finished his thoughts: "This espionage case targets Twitter''s Manhattan AI Project. We, together with the Office of Technology Policy, are preparing to push this project in Congress and hope for your support." James frowned slightly. Hawke didn''t rush him, patiently waiting. James''s gaze swept over Hawke, doubting he knew something. Considering the extensive implications of the wiretap scandal, he said, "AI represents the future, and we certainly need to support that. I can assure you that at least five congressmen will back the Manhattan AI Project." Hawke got up and shook hands with James; the two had reached an agreement and understanding. The wiretaps from originated from the spontaneous actions of two editors and three reporters. These five individuals would pay the price. --- Meanwhile, at the FBI Los Angeles office, Jennifer Huey received a reply from her superiors. She told her assistant, "Pass it down; the press conference will proceed as scheduled." Chick and Bernaldo delivered some evidence and key videos. Jennifer prepared to head to the press conference venue. As she reached the first floor, a group hurried in from outside, led by a middle-aged Black man who waved at Jennifer from a distance. "Director Huey, can we chat for a moment?" Jennifer stopped and instructed her staff to let the man through. "Speak, but I''m very busy." Townsend, from the Department of Homeland Security and also an LA supervisor, asked, "Have you apprehended a spy? Cases like this fall under our jurisdiction according to the Homeland Security Act enacted in 2002, and we have the right to intervene." Jennifer scoffed, "What, you want to take the credit?" Townsend was prepared. "We can collaborate on this case." "No need," Jennifer rejected him outright. "The Anti-Spy Act clearly states that the FBI has priority in handling these matters, and since the victim reported to the FBI, you have no authority to intervene." Townsend showed no signs of giving up. "This would benefit both sides." Jennifer stated, "Have your superior communicate with mine; if my superior formally sends a letter, I will follow orders." That was impossible; the creation of the Department of Homeland Security had weakened the FBI''s authority, and the two sides were not compatible. Townsend still didn''t leave. Jennifer ignored him and told Chick and Bernaldo, "You both stay here to personally guard the suspects in the spy case. If anyone dares to storm the precinct, I authorize you to fire in self-defense." Chick and Bernaldo both stayed behind. In the lobby on the first floor, a swarm of fully armed FBI agents arrived. Townsend, whose expression was already dark, waved his hand to his subordinates. "We''re leaving." --- Back at Coastal Building, Hawke and James had finalized their talks. At that moment, Edward knocked and entered, reminding them: "The FBI press conference on the espionage case has started." "Let''s start the projection," Hawke suggested to James. "Shall we watch it together?" James replied, "Sure." ... The FBI press conference was set to be live-streamed by Twitter. At 10 AM, the press conference began on schedule. With upper management''s approval, Jennifer Huey announced that the FBI Los Angeles office had uncovered a severe espionage case that posed a threat to national security, based on intelligence from Twitter, and provided details of the case. The assistant director of BlackRock Investment Group, a Russian immigrant named Eugene Kropov, had colluded with Chairman Anderson and Vice Chairman Haas to plot a spying operation against a significant technology of Twitter and was swiftly apprehended by FBI agents with solid evidence. The FBI then showcased a series of pieces of evidence, including correspondence from Eugene to Russia, call logs with Moscow, and a collection of Russian-language books. While the press conference didn''t explicitly state it, all evidence pointed to Russia. The relationship between the two countries was exceedingly complex. None of the reporters present raised any objections. Years of media sentiment, including various films and literary works from Hollywood, painted Russians as America''s enemies. This narrative fit the media''s needs, with plenty of controversy and engagement. Following a straightforward case briefing, the press conference concluded. ... At Twitter, James departed and called various media heads, instructing them to swiftly follow up with reports framing the story as "BlackRock Involved in Espionage Case." Subsequently, he called two old friends. BlackRock, being a supporter of the Democratic Party, had representatives from the Intelligence Directorate and the National Security Council, who were also sympathetic to the Democratic side, indicating they would closely monitor the incident and stand up when necessary. ... Hawke returned to his office and asked Caroline to release a strong statement. This statement directly targeted BlackRock Investment Group. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Richard Wilson, Twitter''s legal officer, expressed in a media interview that Twitter would pursue the matter thoroughly. ... Twitter, along with the print media under News Corporation, had been guiding public opinion. As the case involved foreign espionage, many left-leaning media outlets reported on it as well. Countless media outlets across America quickly followed suit, wildly reporting on the incident. "BlackRock Involved in Russian Espionage Case" soared to the top of the trending news. ... Hawke dispatched Twitter''s head of PR, Hearst, along with two expert consultants, to Washington to get some groundwork done ahead of time. Twitter''s legal team also officially filed a civil lawsuit against the Los Angeles District Court, holding BlackRock accountable for damages incurred due to the exposure of Twitter''s key commercial projects. ... The Los Angeles City Government and the California State Government also expressed their close attention to the incident, stating that they would not permit any individual or group to harm national interests. During a routine press conference at the White House, the head of the Office of Technology Policy clearly stated that Twitter''s Manhattan AI Project had been recorded since January and holds significant importance for America''s technological and intelligence development. Originally set to enter the review process in Congress, changes now had to be made. ... Hawke, the Director of Technology at Twitter, issued a statement indicating that the company had just become aware of the spies'' existence and was unclear about the extent of the leaked information, necessitating adjustments for the $35 billion investment in the Manhattan AI Project. ... Shortly after, personnel from the Intelligence Directorate and the National Security Council also gave interviews, labeling it a serious leak incident that had to be investigated rigorously. Several congressmen and senators expressed their interest in the case. Public opinion overwhelmingly favored one side. ... BlackRock was struggling, as certain individuals from the Department of Homeland Security were seeking to collaborate with the FBI, and some in Washington claimed to have never heard of the so-called Manhattan AI Project. There were even famous Hollywood directors who believed that developing AI would lead to human extinction, among other opinions. BlackRock Co-President Robert Kapito specifically accepted an interview with CNN. "BlackRock is closely monitoring the Twitter case and cooperating with the FBI''s investigation. I can assure you that BlackRock is a legitimate investment company with no ties to Russia; this so-called wiretapping was the result of individual actions and could not have caused any alleged leaks." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 388: The External Threat [Chapter 388: The External Threat] Moscow, Eastern Administrative District. As clocking out time approached, Sergey put on his coat, wrapped a thick scarf around his neck, and stepped out of the office. A friend had invited him to grab a coffee. Sergey left the newspaper office, got into his black Volkswagen sedan, and drove to the Northern Administrative District, entering a business lounge. Among the people sitting there was not only his friend but also a stranger''s face. His friend made the introductions, and the stranger, named Andrei, had business to discuss with him. After exchanging a few polite remarks, their mutual friend found a reason to leave the room. Not far from the door, in a nearby lounge, the man accompanying Andrei, Bosque, sat drinking a hot coffee. ... Andrei had traveled day and night from Costa Rica to fulfill a task given by his new boss. "I heard that you have the power to independently review articles at the newspaper?" he said in fluent Russian. "I have a news piece I want to publish." In the media business, many people took on similar side gigs, and this was not Sergey''s first rodeo. He replied, "I need to see your draft first, or you can tell me about the story and the people involved." He worked for , the largest English newspaper in Eastern Europe. Andrei pulled out an English manuscript and handed it to him, saying, "Take a look." Sergey took it and was slightly surprised by the headline -- Siberian Computational Research Institute Achieved Major Breakthrough in Artificial Intelligence! The article was full of technical jargon, all concerning artificial intelligence. After reading it through, Sergey confirmed there was no political risk and asked, "I haven''t heard about this before?" Andrei pondered for a moment and replied, "This is a highly specialized field, and the circle is quite small; it''s normal for you not to have heard of it." Sergey carefully read it again and confirmed there were no risks involved. He said, "I can publish this, but you''ll need to pay a publishing fee." Andrei pulled out a standard envelope and handed it to Sergey. "This is all I have." Sergey took it out, counted carefully, and discovered $3,000, suppressing his inner delight. "I''ll arrange it as soon as possible." Andrei stated, "It should be published tomorrow. Please give me an account or address to send the remaining $2,000 after it''s published." "No problem, it will definitely be in tomorrow''s edition!" Sergey felt that even a second of hesitation would be disrespectful to the $5,000. Andrei pocketed the notepad Sergey had filled out and left the room. ... Minutes later, Andrei met up with Bosque at a nearby hotel. They didn''t just seek a spot in one newspaper; they acquired space in multiple publications. Bosque found that Moscow''s media professionals were essentially no different from their American counterparts. If anything, they were even greedier. The two stayed put until the relevant reports were out and bought copies of and other newspapers, seeing the AI article prominently displayed in print. They copied, scanned it, and sent it out. Andrei also used Russian Twitter and other social media to publish many similar pieces of news. After completing these tasks, they each took the newspapers, departing Russia independently. --- Los Angeles, Coast Tower. In the lobby on the first floor, Edward accepted the USB drive from Hierro, exchanged some polite words, then rushed back to the 16th floor. He entered Hawke''s office, plugged the USB into a computer that was offline, and loaded the content onto the metal screen ahead. What displayed was the report from about artificial intelligence. Hawke read through it carefully and said, "Make a backup first, then you need to personally run over to Fox and deliver this to Megan Taylor." Edward made a copy: "Boss, shouldn''t we post it on Twitter first?" Hawke shot him a glance and simply stated, "This directly concerns our news. The first to break it should ideally be a third party." Edward nodded, "Got it." He removed the USB and left the office. ... Hawke called Megan Taylor, saying, "I have something here; I''ve sent someone to deliver it to you -- it''s the headline news for ." Megan didn''t hesitate, responding, "Oh really? Are you bringing it yourself? I want to prepare." Hawke asked, "Prepare for what?" Megan teased, "Some special equipment, of course." "I''ll come by another day; I''ve been too busy lately," Hawke quickly added. "The goods are on their way to you." Megan checked the time, "Tonight''s headlines." ... After hanging up, Hawke called Caroline, asking, "Release that memo about those employees today, make the language strict." Caroline replied, "I''m already drafting it." In less than half an hour, a memo announcing the firings of those employees who had betrayed the organization was published on the internal Twitter. The group was already charged by the federal prosecutor''s office and held by the FBI. In addition to the firings, Twitter would also push for the court to pursue criminal charges and civil litigation against them. They aimed not only to imprison the individuals but to bankrupt them as well! This also served as a warning to others. --- Fox Television Center, Office of the Channel 11 Director. Edward delivered the USB to Megan and hurried back to Coast Tower. Megan opened the USB, quickly scanning through the content. Upon seeing the report from on artificial intelligence, she couldn''t help but smile. She knew Hawke all too well. Combining the content on the USB with the recent uproar over the "BlackRock Espionage scandal," she could guess his goal. Just yesterday, BlackRock''s co-Presidents had made statements through the media, denying that any such AI leaks from Twitter existed, and meanwhile, the Russian media announced breakthroughs in artificial intelligence technology... Being in news, it didn''t take long for Megan to foresee the storyline''s evolution; regardless of how the Russians denied it, Americans wouldn''t buy it. If the Russians admitted it, that would be even better! Megan made a call, summoning Aisha, the producer and host of , and handed her the USB drive. That night, headlined the significant news revealing breakthroughs in Russian artificial intelligence. --- New York, near a campus apartment building close to NYU. Natalia finished her class and arrived at the apartment entrance only to find two Mexican women approaching her. She placed her hand inside her cashmere coat pocket, gripping the inside can of pepper spray. Betty stopped three meters away, saying, "We are sent by your brother Eugene Kropov to find you." Natalia had never mentioned her brother to anyone and sized them up suspiciously: "I don''t know you." Betty pulled out a Motorola phone, opened a video showing a recording of Eugene made by the FBI. In Russian, Eugene spoke about how he had offended some dangerous thugs at work, who might discover Natalia''s existence and potentially hurt her, urging her to obey her protectors. After watching the video, Natalia relaxed her guard and asked, "Is Eugene still alive?" Betty replied, "He''s alive, hiding in a place even we don''t know." She was unclear where the FBI was keeping Eugene: "We''ve accepted his request to help you hide for a while until things calm down, then you can return to school." Betty dialed a number and said a few words: "Your brother wants to talk to you." Natalia took the phone and spoke with Eugene briefly before the call was quickly cut off. She returned the phone and pointed upstairs: "I need to go pack and ask my professor for leave." Betty said, "Make it quick." The group headed upstairs, and Natalia called her professor to explain a family emergency and request some time off. After packing a few things, she dragged her suitcase and followed Betty and the others out of the apartment building into a van. That afternoon, they took a flight out of New York. --- Coast Tower, still brightly lit at night. Peter Thiel, Reid Hoffman, and Hawke gathered in a small meeting room to discuss their next moves. Both were rallying their respective influences, pressuring the BlackRock Group while preparing to advance the Manhattan AI Project further. The technology department established a dedicated AI division, hiring the right talent, drawing from newly acquired companies to refine this plan. Reid Hoffman put down his documents and said, "Through this spy case, our Manhattan AI Project has spread across the nation, it''s likely that all members of Congress and political figures in Washington are aware of its existence." Peter Thiel laughed heartily, "The publicity campaign was a great success -- one Russian spy served as a spokesperson for our plan." Hawke replied seriously, "If our Manhattan AI Project wasn''t groundbreaking and advanced enough, would a Russian spy come to steal it?" "Exactly; the Russian capabilities shouldn''t be underestimated," Reid Hoffman noted after researching Eastern European counterparts: "Moscow is the headquarters for Kaspersky, and they have multiple advanced laboratories there." Hawke knew Kaspersky, a giant in the firewall and antivirus industry at the time. Peter Thiel pondered, "Just this isn''t enough to capture the attention of those slow-moving legislators..." S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke glanced at the quartz clock on the wall and said, "Let''s watch the news first." Edward turned on the television, tuning into Fox Channel 11. ... Shortly after, began broadcasting, with the headline relating to the discussions among the attendees. "Recently, there has been new progress in the espionage case concerning Twitter''s Manhattan AI Project. Our station has obtained news from Moscow that the Siberian Computational Research Institute has achieved a critical breakthrough in the field of artificial intelligence!" The visuals switched from the anchor, Aisha, to the report from . Aisha narrated the report''s content in voice-over. .... Reid Hoffman frowned slightly: "The Russians'' information technology has reached such heights? They actually..." At this point, he turned to look at Hawke. After all, he had been involved from the planning stage during the espionage case, aware of how the scheme originated entirely from Hawke''s strategy. Peter Thiel clapped his hands suddenly, exclaiming, "This is great, absolutely great! Now that we have an external threat, the Russians have made breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, and America is under threat!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 389: Pressure from Threats [Chapter 389: Pressure from Threats] New York, at BlackRock''s headquarters on Manhattan Avenue. The meeting regarding the espionage case had just concluded when Larry Fink returned to his office. He instructed the legal chief to assemble a legal team and immediately head to Los Angeles. A court summons had already been issued from there. Robert Kapito rushed in after the legal chief left and said, "The families of Haas and Anderson have been located, and the security team has assigned personnel to protect them." Larry Fink finally heard some good news. "Good job," he responded. However, Kapito wasn''t as optimistic. "Our people have found out that Eugene has a sister, Natalia, who doesn''t keep in touch much. She is studying at New York University." Fink interjected, "Control that immediately... provide protection!" "Our team went to New York University and found her advisor and classmates," Kapito stated with an unusually serious expression. "The advisor mentioned that Natalia took a leave of absence citing family issues. We located the apartment she rents, but no one was there -- her valuables and daily clothes had all been taken. Her phone is unreachable, and when I contacted the telecom company, they couldn''t locate it." Fink quickly concluded, "The phone and the SIM card must have been destroyed." ... A knock sounded, and an assistant entered with a copy of . "Sir, there''s a new report." Fink took the paper and noticed a prominent headline on the front page. "Russia Achieves Significant Breakthrough in Artificial Intelligence!" For BlackRock, that was terrible news. The consensus on the Russia threat had permeated through Europe and America, continuing from the Cold War into the 21st century, and it would only deepen over the next twenty years. After decades of consistent propaganda, even if Yeltsin stood by Zhirinovsky looking like a clown, mocked by Zhirinovsky, for these individuals who had lived through the Cold War, Russia was a threat to supposed democratic freedoms, no matter their actions. The assistant remarked, "Last night, Fox News Channel 11''s segment also led with similar news." Fink nodded slightly as he read the article: "According to our correspondent in Moscow, and multiple Russian websites have reported that the Siberian Computing Institute has achieved significant technical breakthroughs in the field of artificial intelligence. The details are still being investigated by our reporters..." "At this time, for the Russians to achieve such a major breakthrough, it''s hard not to connect it to BlackRock''s alleged wiretapping case, which the FBI has confirmed involved Russian spies," Fink said to the assistant. "Immediately gather news related to Russia," he ordered. The assistant hurried to make the call. ... Once Fink and Kapito finished reading the reports in the newspaper, the assistant received a few emails. He quickly opened them for the two presidents to see. The emails contained photos taken by a competitor in Moscow associated with BlackRock. Several Russian publications and websites had published related news. The assistant added, "By the way, Russian officials and the Siberian Computing Institute denied the reports." Fink waved his hand dismissively. "Russian official news is not credible; their credibility is worse than that of the pigs in the White House." Kapito agreed, saying, "How could they possibly admit it?" Seeing this, Fink contemplated a possibility: "Could Eugene truly be a Russian spy? Using BlackRock to gather critical intelligence?" He was unaware of the situation in Russia and could only guess. "Or perhaps it''s the anti-government forces trying to create smoke and mirrors." Kapito reminded him, "The narrative of the Russian threat is a bipartisan mainstream political line; either way, it''s extremely disadvantageous for us." Fink frowned, "If that''s the case, BlackRock''s situation will be even tougher." Kapito stated, "Any mention of Russia will undoubtedly sway media opinion toward Twitter." S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fink thought for a moment and said, "You accompany the legal team to Los Angeles, and I''ll head to Washington; those two fronts are critical right now; other matters can be set aside temporarily." Kapito acknowledged, "Understood." --- In Washington, Dulles International Airport. Hawke, Edward, and Raul exited the terminal, where Twitter''s Public Relations Director, Hearst, waited at the exit. Once in the car, Hearst discussed current developments: "I''ve spoken with Chief of Staff Andrew Card, the head of the Technology Policy Office, Brad, and the director of the Security Committee, Cristo, all of whom expressed support for Twitter. Andrew has arranged a brief meeting for you with George Walker this afternoon at four, and you''ll only have fifteen minutes." "Good work," Hawke praised, then added, "Fifteen minutes is enough." Hearst had joined Twitter earlier that year; he was previously an editor in political economics media and had served as a political broker in Washington, building extensive connections. Hawke not only hired Hearst as the head of PR but also brought on two former government officials as special advisors for Twitter. Hearst continued, "The two senators from California are both Democrats. Although Barbara Boxer''s position has wavered, she is also unwilling to publicly address the issue. However, I have secured support from two congressmen representing California''s 27th and 13th districts, which encompass Los Angeles." California had over fifty congressional representatives, with fifteen districts applicable to Los Angeles. Hawke considered briefly and stated, "Schedule meetings with both congressmen for tomorrow afternoon or the morning after." Hearst replied, "Tomorrow afternoon should work." "Sounds good," Hawke mused further before saying, "Arrange for Elizabeth Carter from Peterson Strategic Consulting to meet with me tonight. Let them know Twitter has vital business matters to discuss with Peterson." Hearst understood the reasoning behind this: "With the buzz around the Manhattan AI Project heating up and the Russians stirring the media pot, we need to push Congress to establish a special task force quickly." ... The group arrived at Pennsylvania Avenue and entered the Hilton Hotel, where Hawke checked into the presidential suite on the top floor. During lunch with Hearst, they discussed matters for an extended period before taking a short break. They arrived early at the White House. ... After passing through security, Hawke entered a meeting room led by his old acquaintance, Andrew Card. Before long, George Walker entered, accompanied by Brad from the Technology Policy Office and Cristo from the Security Committee. Hawke had met them more than once and greeted them all with handshakes. George Walker sat in the main seat and stated directly, "Let''s talk about your Manhattan AI Project." "Artificial intelligence will be widely applied in the future, playing a decisive role across industries -- from military to service sectors..." Hawke pulled out a hefty proposal for the Manhattan AI Project and began to hype it up. How could he gain the robust endorsement from the Technology Policy Office and the White House without some exaggeration? He needed to make a grand pitch to secure funding, hoping to potentially make breakthroughs within thirty years. After promoting artificial intelligence, Hawke shifted to the most critical point: "Currently, there are verified reports from Moscow indicating that the Russians are actively engaged in artificial intelligence development. They clearly recognize the significance of this technology for future competition; hence they are employing spies to leverage BlackRock''s information against Twitter and engage in espionage activities." Cristo from the Security Committee responded, "The evidence provided by the FBI shows that the captured spies have confirmed that their actions were directed by the Russians." Jennifer had uncovered so-called evidence linking Eugene with Russia, and Eugene himself acknowledged espionage activities, making the case a certainty. This was more about positioning and interests than truth. Andrew Card emphasized, "Russia has vehemently denied this, repeatedly issuing statements; however, they are consistently untrustworthy and talk nonsense. They cannot be believed." Brad from the Technology Policy Office seemed a bit puzzled: "Do the Russians really have such strong capabilities in electronic information technology and program design?" Hawke was prepared, reminding him, "The globally recognized cybersecurity leader, Kaspersky, is a Russian company based in Moscow, boasting multiple super laboratories." Brad recalled, "Right, Kaspersky is a titan in the global information security industry." Hawke continued, "Mr. President, the current situation is abundantly clear: the Russians are ahead in artificial intelligence, at least not behind us. Given their usual practices, this technology will soon be applied to military domains, posing a tangible threat to our interests in Europe!" George Walker contemplated these issues. Hawke slightly slowed his pace to allow the not so quick-thinking president to keep up with his thoughts. After a brief moment, Hawke added, "Europe is core to our interests; now that Russia controls Europe''s energy supplies and gains advantages in information technology, we are all at risk." He stressed, "Europe is America''s Europe, not Russia''s Europe." Each political figure present represented a significant group with vested interests, making the situation between Europe and Russia very critical. Currently, George Walker was preoccupied with the war on terror and lacked the capacity to address Russia, but Russia was America''s number one competitor in every regard. Hawke declared, "The Manhattan AI Project is a colossal strategic endeavor, comparable to the original Manhattan Project. Twitter is the main entity, but we need dozens of supporting companies to cooperate." Upon hearing the last statement, Brad Smith from the Technology Policy Office understood the implication, saying, "We must ensure that America maintains its strategic edge in global competition; information and intelligence are the future trends; America needs its version of the Manhattan Project in this area." Cristo from the Security Committee agreed, "What Russia lacks, we must possess; where Russia has it, we must maintain absolute superiority." The time was nearing, and Hawke wrapped up the conversation before the fifteen minutes were up. He and Andrew Card walked out together, discussing the matter as they went. George Walker would surely convene an internal discussion. ... Hawke returned to his hotel, and before dinner, he received a phone call from Andrew Card. George Walker had made a decision: through a presidential executive order, he initiated a national artificial intelligence strategy proposal, pushing the Manhattan AI Project into congressional procedures to advance AI development, establish technical standards, and ensure America''s global leadership in the field of artificial intelligence. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 390: Archenemies [Chapter 390: Archenemies] The Manhattan AI Project officially took its first step toward success by entering Congress through an executive proposal. That evening at 8 PM, Hawke and Hearst arrived at Peterson Strategic Consulting. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The company''s owner, Peterson, and the top strategist and partner, Elizabeth Carter, greeted them at the building entrance. Peterson, in his sixties, had spent his life making connections in Washington, but his speaking skills were rather average. On the other hand, Elizabeth was great at persuasion, which led her to become Peterson''s partner. Last year during the election, this company had provided strategic planning services to George Walker. Hawke needed someone who was extremely familiar with Washington''s dynamics to lobby Congress for the Manhattan AI Project. They quickly got down to business. "The BlackRock Russia spy case and Twitter''s Manhattan AI Project are now the hottest news in America, circulating throughout the District; this benefits the advancement of the proposal," Elizabeth, dressed in black, contrasted sharply with her pale complexion. She asked directly, "I want to know, what stage is the plan at?" Hawke answered honestly, "The White House will push the plan into Congress as an official proposal through a presidential directive." Elizabeth seemed somewhat surprised, "That''s much faster than I expected." Hawke reminded her, "Because Russia is constantly threatening Europe, which involves the core interests of America." Elizabeth understood immediately, "Thanks to those barbarians for their support. I will gather information from Russian media to keep reminding the Washington elites that their interests in Europe are always at risk." The rhetoric of the Russian threat was not just well-received in Washington; it was practically politically correct. At that moment, Peterson gave Elizabeth a look, urging her to be more proactive in securing this business. Elizabeth picked up the pace, "It''s inevitable that the proposal enters Congress; I have a suggestion to gather support from regional representatives." Hearst chimed in, "I''ve already persuaded two congressmen from California''s 27th and 13th districts to support the plan. The congressman from the 13th district, Bonson, has a family connection with Twitter''s major shareholder, the Ferguson family, and he''s also a member of the Appropriations Committee." These convoluted relationships among the big families were the foundation for Hawke''s series of plans. As for Peter Thiel, Reid Hoffman, and James Murdoch, Twitter had not yet entered into a formal agreement with Peterson''s company, so there was no need to mention them at the moment. Hawke said, "Next, we need to lobby Congress to authorize the establishment of a dedicated subcommittee under the Appropriations Committee as soon as possible." "Yes, that''s a necessary procedure," Elizabeth changed her tone and stance, "We need to provide detailed project plans, budgets, and potential social benefits, such as job creation and technological innovations, etc." Hawke gestured to Edward to present the thick documents. He said, "Twitter has already compiled detailed plans; this is a long-term project that will continuously create social benefits and support dozens of downstream vendors." As long as the plan passed, the rhythm would be in Twitter''s hands; there would be results. Elizabeth nodded slightly and continued, "The plan will need to be reviewed by subcommittee members to ensure the project aligns with federal interests. The next phase will involve lobbying and communication. By using a professional team like Peterson''s, we can lobby related representatives with voting power to promote the Appropriations Committee to hold a hearing, submit related written materials, and finally pass it!" She added, "Federal proposals need to be submitted by February, usually with results coming before October. However, with the ongoing partisan divisions and conflicts, many proposals get bogged down in endless disputes over party relations, which can extend months or even half a year; some might even get rejected." Hawke said directly, "If you can push Congress to pass this plan, Twitter will offer substantial rewards." Lobbying expenses can be directly included in the Manhattan AI Project''s budget. Peterson stated, "We will do everything we can to ensure the plan is passed before February of next year." Hawke stood up and shook hands with Peterson and Elizabeth, saying, "Here''s to a successful collaboration." They quickly inked the agreement, with Twitter submitting the full set of plans and budgets, as well as relevant explanations of the political resources provided by Peter Thiel, Reid Hoffman, and James Murdoch. Peterson Strategic Consulting established a special team led by Elizabeth, responsible specifically for this plan until it succeeded. ... Elizabeth found Hawke and highlighted the key points: "I''ve outlined the primary lobbyists, mainly from the Republican Party. Currently, there are tensions within the party between the establishment, moderates, and conservatives. If you can win over George Walker, Andrew Card, Brad Nathan, and others, it would gain you significant support." She wrote a name on the board: "My first target is Vice President Cheney; he represents the conservatives and has a tough exterior. In a certain way, it was Cheney who actually pushed for the war on terror. Given the Russian spy involvement in the AI plan, the likelihood of winning his support is very high." Hawke nodded in agreement. Elizabeth wrote another name: "Sidney McCain is the representative of the moderates; his grandfather was a former four-star admiral and he himself is hawkish. He ran for nomination in 2000 but lost to George Walker. This year he''s partnering with another strategic consulting firm to form a research group exploring his chances for the next election; he needs media support, and we have a good chance to persuade him to utilize his influence to expand support." Upon hearing about his intent to run for the next election, Hawke had a vague recollection, thinking he might have lost to Obama. Elizabeth continued writing on the board, saying, "Next is Tom Emmer, the number three figure in the Republican Party, the House Majority Whip, with enormous influence. He helped George Walker during last year''s election. George promised him the Secretary of State position, but ultimately, Condoleezza Rice was appointed." Hawke felt this situation seemed strangely familiar; he seemed to have seen it somewhere. After a moment of recall, he remembered watching a TV series in his previous life and reminded, "Could it be that Tom Emmer holds a grudge against George Walker? Might he stab him in the back and choose us?" "Although for now, Tom Emmer is still promoting George''s policies in both chambers, politicians are purely creatures of interest; it''s not impossible," Elizabeth was well acquainted with these politicians: "I''ve considered this, which is why he''s placed third. Tom Emmer''s revenge will certainly depend on a precondition." Hawke could easily guess, "He wants more than revenge; he wants profit too?" Elizabeth agreed completely, "I''ve dealt with him multiple times; this guy is cunning and only cares about interests. Simply wasting vast resources on revenge is not something he would do, but he wants to gain something while getting back at the same time. For this, he needs public relations tools, currently leaning towards two major media groups in the Republican Party: one is News Corporation and the other is Twitter." Before she could finish, she added, "Tom Emmer''s wife owns a non-profit charity foundation that provides international child aid; a necessary donation..." Hawke replied, "You all will be responsible for that. Once it''s settled, either I or another Twitter executive will reach out to Tom Emmer and his wife." "Understood." Elizabeth wrapped it up for now: "This afternoon, I have a meeting scheduled with congressman Bonson from California''s 13th district to discuss the prompt establishment of the subcommittee." Hawke prepared to leave: "Hearst will be in charge of contacting you." ... Peterson waited outside to see Hawke down the stairs. Only after Hawke got into the car did he return to the office. When he arrived in the office area, he found that besides a few administrative staff, everyone else had been called by Elizabeth to a conference room for a meeting. Peterson took a seat, feeling confident in Elizabeth. If they could secure Twitter''s business this year, their results would be impressive. --- At the Washington Square Hotel, a Cadillac approached from a distance and stopped at the hotel entrance. An assistant exited from the passenger seat and opened the back door. Larry Fink entered the car and instructed, "To the National Club." Once the assistant got in, the driver took to the main road. The assistant handed Fink a report and said, "Sir, the news is confirmed; Twitter''s chairman, Hawke Osment, has arrived in Washington. He has not made any efforts to hide his whereabouts, having visited the White House yesterday afternoon. There are indications that George Walker, along with several White House officials, held a secret discussion with Hawke, likely related to the Manhattan AI Project." Fink did not look at the report but asked, "Anything else?" The assistant replied, "Last night, he went to Peterson Strategic Consulting." "A lobbying firm with a red-leaning stance." Fink speculated, "Is this so-called Manhattan AI Project really not a shell? Is Twitter hiring a lobbying firm to push it?" The assistant quickly added, "The latest news is that Twitter has signed with Peterson, with strategist Elizabeth Carter leading the effort." Hearing this, Fink grew increasingly suspicious of Eugene Kropov being a Russian spy. During the Cold War era, Larry Fink was in his critical growth phase and was inevitably influenced by overwhelming public opinion. The memories of that time were embedded in their very bones. Upon arriving at the National Club, Fink directly entered a billiards room with only two people inside: John Edwards, who had been forced to withdraw from the last election, and his assistant. Fink explained his purpose. Edwards sank a red ball and said, "This matter involves a Russian spy. Whether it''s Russia sending out smoke screens or opposition figures stirring things up, being anti-Russian is a consensus in Washington. I cannot show my face, nor will I help you network." He stood up straight, resting the cue on the ground, and advised, "You''ve all done a terrible job not realizing that Russian spies infiltrated, which resulted in today''s passive situation. Europe is our core interest. This spy case will become an ironclad case for the FBI, which aligns with the interests of most people in Washington. My advice is to quell this case quickly." Fink smiled, "I want to calm this down, but it''s not easy." Edwards asked, "Can we find a middleman to meet with Hawke to talk?" Fink shook his head, "You don''t understand, BlackRock and Twitter are archenemies." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 391: A Half-Dead Bear was the Best Kind [Chapter 391: A Half-Dead Bear was the Best Kind] In the billiards room, Larry Fink picked up the cue, aimed at the cue ball, and struck it, sending the white ball crashing into the red ones. Last year during the election, BlackRock had supported Kerry and Edwards, only for them to face crushing defeats. If the ones sitting in the Oval Office had been those two, BlackRock wouldn''t have faced such dire circumstances. Fink lowered his cue and asked, "So, are you planning to sink without a trace, stepping back from politics and ignoring Washington from now on?" Edwards thought about the Covina shooting incident and sneered, "Given the current political climate and Washington''s consistent stance on Russia, if Hawke Osment faced a personal threat now, it would be interpreted as retaliation from Russian spies. The individuals involved would be in a lot of trouble." Fink replied, "I won''t approach it that way; I intend to tackle it from another angle." Edwards threw the disordered balls into the pocket and asked, "What approach?" Fink''s expression turned somber. "Isn''t Twitter monopolizing the social media industry?" This prompted a chuckle from Edwards. "You mean getting the Federal Trade Commission to launch an antitrust lawsuit against Twitter?" Fink said coldly, "Twitter has grown too rapidly, backed by the authorities with ample support and various incentives. If we don''t impose restrictions, we''ll soon face a monster." Had it not been for the sudden outburst of the spy incident, BlackRock would have already been pushing this initiative. Edwards talked a big game but preferred not to engage in actual actions. "You came to Washington; go find someone to handle it." Fink quickly excused himself. ... Once the door closed, an assistant lurking in the corner asked, "Sir, should we contact anyone?" "No need." Edwards reset the balls. "Twitter is tough to handle. I heard Goldman Sachs and Hawke Osment have been discussing investment matters. Let''s let BlackRock hedge against Twitter. If BlackRock wins, we cheer for him; if BlackRock gets hit hard, we don''t lose anything either." He arranged the balls, picked up the cue, and struck the cue ball with force, making a loud crash. "As for last year''s event, the elephant party can''t stay in power forever. When we make a comeback, we will have plenty of opportunities to settle scores with them." ... Meanwhile, on the other side, Larry Fink connected with several members of the elephant party, changed cars, and quietly approached Wyatt Strategic Consulting. --- Later in the day, Hawke left Peterson Company as dusk fell and headed to Martin Tavern. Henry Paulson, the CEO of Goldman Sachs, had invited him to dinner. This restaurant was famous in Washington, rumored to be the place where Kennedy had once proposed to Jacqueline. After ordering his meal, Hawke looked at Paulson across the table and said, "Last time we met, George mentioned that you were the next Secretary of the Treasury. I thought you had already taken office at the Treasury Department." Paulson joked, "The current Secretary hasn''t stepped down yet, so the next in line naturally has to wait. I still need to stay at Goldman Sachs for a bit longer, at least until we finalize the investment with Twitter." He directly asked, "Has Twitter set the date for the next financing round yet?" Hawke replied, "The shareholders'' meeting has already approved it; you should send someone to Los Angeles to coordinate and initiate the third-party valuation process." Paulson raised his glass and toasted Hawke, saying, "My professional team is ready; we can head to Los Angeles next week. I hope we can reach an agreement by the first half of the year." "Looking forward to a fruitful partnership," Hawke responded, clinking glasses with him and added, "Twitter''s Manhattan AI Project still needs Goldman Sachs'' support." Paulson took a sip of his drink and said, "Goldman Sachs will provide strong support." The fact that the other side was willing to accept Goldman Sachs'' investment meant they were potential partners. ... For Goldman Sachs, problems that could be solved with money were never problems. In the internet sector, Goldman Sachs had invested in Amazon before, but Amazon''s growth had not matched the pace of Twitter. Paulson had formed a team to study Twitter''s model. As a social networking platform, Twitter was able to deliver news accurately to specific audiences, directly influencing certain teams and individuals, something that traditional media could never achieve. Traditional media promotions often rendered two-thirds of their efforts ineffective. When spending the same amount of money promoting a product or proposal, the efficiency difference between Twitter and traditional media was staggering. Since last year, Twitter had already generated hundreds of millions in commercial advertising revenue. Paulson predicted that in the next 1 to 2 years, Twitter''s advertising revenue would experience explosive growth. Many investment firms were waiting for Twitter''s next funding round. ... The two of them then discussed the potential for Twitter to go public, especially concerning timing. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As an internet company, going public was inevitable. The larger Twitter grew, the greater Hawke''s influence would become. They talked for over half an hour, and this business dinner came to an end. --- Over the next few days in Washington, Hawke had a packed schedule. The next day, he visited various members of Congress, including Bonson, accompanied by Hearst, to push for the quick establishment of the Appropriations Committee. --- At the same time, Russia openly announced that the so-called artificial intelligence and espionage case did not exist. The Interior Ministry''s investigations revealed that someone had bribed editors at related newspapers to write false news stories. The Russians even released footage of the interrogations. However, when the news reached North America, it was deemed ineffective at best. News Corporation''s was the first to publish an article saying, "Don''t believe those cunning Russians!" also published related reports analyzing Russia''s consistent track record of deceit. Europe had long feared Russia; to say it was deep-rooted was an understatement. Media outlets like in France and in Germany didn''t need any prompting; they automatically echoed sentiment, exaggerating that the Russians were performing for show and grandstanding. In the eyes of Europeans and Americans, Russia''s actions resembled that of a clown. Even though many could see through it, they still stirred the pot. This had nothing to do with intelligence or lack thereof, but solely the political stance. During this period in 2005, with America leading NATO seemingly focused on the Middle East, their number one enemy was undoubtedly Russia. Twitter had surpassed 50 million active users globally, capable of accurately targeting news to specific users. The Russians'' behavior could only lead to self-dramatization in North America and Western Europe. The narrative power remained in the hands of others; black became white, and white turned black. Were the Russians displeased? Not to mention their agents; even a cat could be thrown out of the litter. However, these developments did not hinder the progress of the Manhattan AI Project. --- With the lobbying efforts from the Elizabeth team at Peterson Company, along with the political resources brought in by Twitter and Hawke, just days later, the Appropriations Committee of Congress accepted the proposal for the Manhattan AI Project pushed by the White House, officially establishing the related task force. Next came the lengthy waiting period of reviews and lobbying. This plan involved a vast scope. Just as Hawke had said, dozens of upstream and downstream supporting companies were needed, and Twitter wouldn''t be the only one reaping the benefits. Due to the significant amount involved, Hawke prepared for it to pass next year. Lobbying would also be left to a professional firm. --- Hawke planned to return to Los Angeles. The day before he left, Brian arrived in Washington on business. They met at the Hilton Hotel. "Did you encounter any Russian spies while you were here?" As soon as Brian saw Hawke, he threw out his big opener. Hawke wanted to tell him to shut up but couldn''t catch his breath, saying angrily, "Can you keep your mouth shut, Brian?" Brian looked innocent. "I''m just stating the truth. With all the trouble you''ve stirred up, the Russians wouldn''t come looking for you..." Hawke stared at Brian with a mischievous look. Quickly, Brian shut his mouth, choosing not to engage with this bastard. He asked, "Is your side progressing smoothly?" "The Appropriations Committee has formed a task force." Hawke summarized briefly. Brian nodded repeatedly, offering a more flattering version this time: "The Russians have become Twitter''s stepping stone." Hawke smiled, saying, "That''s politically correct, and the temptation is too great. Once the plan is approved, the first-phase funding is expected to be hundreds of billions. In the following stages, it''ll be enough to propel Twitter into the stratosphere." "Hearing that makes me almost tempted," Brian shifted the conversation to his area of interest: "Clinton and George Walker have both played the Russians for fools, and originally Russia''s new czar intended to get close to NATO. Now he claims it''ll take 20 years to build a great nation again." Hawke deliberately pointed out, "Europe is at the core of America''s interests. If America faces difficulties, the West Pacific can kill two birds with one stone, and across the Atlantic, we can harvest from European countries; however, both regions are threatened by Russia." These points were very much in line with geopolitical and contemporary issues. There''s no need to mention Europe; the greatest threat since World War II was thought to stem from Eastern Europe. In the West Pacific, the Russians wield direct influence; one bad move could lead them to bully their southern neighbors. Another ally was being suppressed over territorial disputes by Russia. At this moment, the only threat to the US was the goose. Brian completely agreed, saying, "Their strategic arsenal is substantial, and it''s hard to handle." Hawke playfully took a moment to think and said, "If one day you manage to command the Oval Office, you might find a suitable time and place to spark a proxy war with Russia, ideally luring them down into the fray, then endlessly bleeding them dry." "That''s a solid idea," Brian was self-aware enough to respond, "If I want to enter the White House, I still need at least another ten years." Hawke remarked, "This counts as political capital too. The elephant party currently has a firm grip on the conservative hardliners, so you might want to bring it up to gain more internal support." Brian asked, "Do you have any good considerations?" Hawke approached the map hanging on the wall and pointed at the Middle East, saying, "Currently, the United States has significant forces in Iraq, which is adjacent to Syria. The close relationship between Syria and Russia can be traced back to the Soviet era; Russia has inherited and further deepened that relationship." Brian understood, "Support a faction in Syria, then drag Russia into the conflict?" "This is just a preliminary idea; you need to develop it further." Hawke''s purpose was simple: a half-dead bear was the best kind. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 392: Spies [Chapter 392: Spies] At Los Angeles International Airport, Hawke stepped out of the terminal and immediately spotted Erica. Erica was wearing a fitted women''s business outfit, her golden-brown ponytail bounced as she walked quickly, reflecting her cheerful mood. Hawke handed his bag to Edward and stepped forward to embrace his girlfriend, sharing a passionate kiss. Breathless, Erica separated from Hawke and said, "There are paparazzi nearby." Hawke took her hand and led her toward the car, saying, "They''re all busy shooting stars; no one''s paying attention to us." Once they got into the car, a small convoy of four vehicles rolled out of the airport parking lot. Hawke asked, "You''re not in a hurry for work, right?" Erica, driving her Mercedes G-Wagon, replied, "I took a day off today." "Let''s stop by Coastal Building first," Hawke thought of Brian''s ominous words and felt uneasy. "The cult leader spoke again, and I''m not comfortable; let''s make some preparations." Curiously, Erica asked, "What did Brian say this time?" While other people''s opinions might be disregarded, the cult leader''s words were not something Hawke could ignore. He said, "He mentioned Russian spies and suggested they might cause trouble." Erica recalled past incidents and took it seriously. "You need to be careful and increase the number of bodyguards." She offered resources for personal use, adding, "If anything happens, just call me. The federal air support team is under my command; I can dispatch them to assist in no time." Hawke nodded, "I''ll do that." Silicon Beach was not far from Los Angeles International Airport, and the convoy soon arrived at Coastal Building. ... Hawke went straight to the 16th floor with Erica, and upon entering the office, he told his assistant, Lukat, "Notify Operations Director Caroline and Security Chief Austin to meet me." Not wanting to interfere with Hawke''s work, Erica sat in a corner and flipped through a magazine. Minutes later, Caroline was the first to enter the office. She adjusted her bangs slightly and beamed a bright smile from her petite face while her high heels clicked on the floor as she hurried over to Hawke. However, just a few steps in, Caroline suddenly felt something was off and turned to look at a tall, fit woman sitting on the side. She may not have looked as beautiful as Megan Taylor, but she exuded an unexplainable presence, like a loaded gun. Caroline paused in surprise; her smile faded, replaced by a more businesslike demeanor. The door swung open again, and this time it was Austin. Hawke asked Austin, "How''s the security situation lately?" "Everything''s normal," Austin responded. "The security personnel have been diligent and highly effective." Caroline added, "Campos checked again; no eavesdropping or spying devices were found." Hawke nodded slightly and said, "The company needs to keep an eye on Russian spies." He wasn''t worried about Russian spies being sent to take out mid-level Twitter management - it simply wasn''t worth it. "Notify all personnel at the supervisor level and above that if they encounter any Russian spies, their proactive reporting will earn them a hefty reward." Caroline mentioned, "For those few who betrayed the company, the legal team has drafted a civil compensation clause, with claims ranging from $5 million to $8 million based on position and responsibility. This can be added to the notice." It was unlikely they would actually pay that much, but it demonstrated Twitter''s resolve to seek accountability. Hawke stated, "There will be rewards and penalties; you handle the internal notification." Caroline glanced at Erica and left the office quickly, her expression steady. Austin followed behind her. ... Hawke squeezed in some work and said to Erica, "I have a few pressing issues to take care of first." Erica smiled at him, "You''re busy; I''ll take a look around myself." Hawke quickly browsed through several documents. Erica stood and walked around the office, noticing that the desk and other prominent spots displayed several photos of herself with Hawke, including a few where they posed with guns. ... Hawke looked at an internal notice from the Legal Department and saw that Jennifer Huey, in charge of the spy case, had sent a legal summons to BlackRock''s leaders, Larry Fink and Robert Kapito. This summons required them to come to Los Angeles for routine questioning about the company''s involvement in the case. This summons was issued by the Los Angeles Federal Prosecutor''s Office, and they had to respond. The notification was accompanied by an addendum stating that since the spy case broke, BlackRock''s stock had plummeted, currently down over 20%. ... Hawke thought of Goldman Sachs and found a letter from them in his office software, signed off, and forwarded it to Caroline. A few days prior, Goldman Sachs and Twitter had both issued statements announcing Goldman would participate in Twitter''s latest round of financing. Goldman Sachs'' stock rose by over 10% that day. ... Hawke called Campos, noting that Butterfly Consulting had been keenly monitoring BlackRock''s movements. The two leaders at BlackRock, Chairman and CEO Larry Fink was in Washington, while co-president Robert Kapito was in Los Angeles. They clearly intended to use both ends to quell the situation. Twitter and James Murdoch''s print media kept stoking the fire of the BlackRock spy case; as long as it continued without resolution, BlackRock''s financing and investment would be affected. Hawke wanted to put BlackRock on the table. While Twitter might not be able to stomach it, as long as the other side appeared at the table, it would naturally attract a large crowd of diners. Hawke also looked into the civil litigation situation. The procedures here were complicated, with evidence gathering, hearings, and mediations needed before the actual court date. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The longer it dragged on, the worse it would be for BlackRock. --- As the day neared end, Hawke called Erica, who was out touring; they met in the elevator on the 16th floor and left Coastal Building together. Erica drove her Mercedes G-Wagon toward Silver Lake. "I originally wanted to take you to Beverly Hills to check on your new mansion." Hawke had purchased the Ackerman family mansion from the federal government. After the results of the previous election came in, he had started renovations. Since Erica transferred to the Federal Special Operations, her spare time had increased significantly, and she was in charge of the mansion''s modifications and renovations. Hawke planned to settle down there and asked, "Is the remodeling complete?" Erica replied, "It was done at the beginning of the month, but you''ve been so busy with BlackRock issues, I didn''t notify you." Hawke wanted to take a look. "It''s still early; let''s head north on Sunset Boulevard." As they stopped at a red light, Erica turned to Hawke. "Let''s go tomorrow; I''ve prepared a maid outfit, and the clothes are over at Silver Lake." Hawke immediately changed his mind, "Let''s go to Silver Lake first." Back at the specimen villa in Silver Lake, Erica changed into a perfectly fitted maid outfit; she put on some black-framed glasses and slipped into high heels. Hawke quickly put thoughts of the new house and BlackRock aside to enjoy this special night. --- Santa Monica, at a rooftop bar near the beach. Two men sat by the window, sipping drinks and glancing outside from time to time. From this angle, the nearby tallest Coastal Building glowed with neon lights, with the Twitter logo and bluebird standing out prominently at the top. Russell, sporting a beard, refocused his attention as he downed a glass of whiskey. Across from him, the middle-aged Alexander merely swirled his empty glass, hardly touching his drink. Russell reached for the bottle to refill his glass. "Have a drink." Alexander''s large, bear-like hand covered his glass. "You know I''ve been off alcohol for a long time." Russell chuckled, "Years ago, when we were at our poorest, we didn''t even have alcohol to drink; we had to steal medical alcohol. Then one of the guys got a drinking problem and started stealing antifreeze; now we can drink freely, but you choose not to." Alexander took the bottle from his hand and set it on the table. "Let''s focus on the task at hand." "What important task could possibly require my involvement?" Russell, identifying as a Lithuanian, had been in LA for eight years and lived like a regular person. Outside of work, his biggest hobby was drinking. Alexander said, "The BlackRock spy case has had negative repercussions across the western world. Moscow has made efforts to clarify, but the West remains stubborn. The higher-ups want us to deal with a participant from Twitter internally, getting them to spill details and create a better narrative for Moscow." Russell didn''t understand. "I saw the reports; if Americans, Brits, and French don''t believe it, then they don''t. Why do we need to prove anything? They''ve set us up, and now we have to clear our names? Align with them? You''re pulling me in for this nonsense?" Alexander felt similarly but had received orders. "Moscow wants to integrate into the Western democratic world; many high-ups share that sentiment." Like the director of the presidential office. "Freedom and democracy?" Russell scoffed, "Let''s not even get started on this Angel City, the so-called model of freedom and democracy; what''s happened here in recent years that anyone would envy? Those idiots in the top tiers only know how to cater to them, completely focused on kneeling to them; that''s how they think they''ll integrate into the civilized world..." Alexander''s tone became grave. "Enough! The upper levels'' determination is something we can''t interfere with!" Russell, speaking from his past experience, remarked, "The enemy has already infiltrated us!" "Shut up!" Alexander exclaimed, "You''re a warrior. We spend our time and lives fighting for not just individuals or specific groups but for our country!" Upon hearing this, Russell finally fell silent. Those spineless people up top wanted to prove to the West that we didn''t do these things. What could he do? Alexander lowered his voice, "Your company has frequent dealings with Twitter, so you can contact their executives. We need to identify a suitable target, recruit them as our informant and expose Twitter''s machinations!" Through gritted teeth, Russell replied, "Even if I disdain the spineless people above, I''ll complete the mission!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 393: Hunting [Chapter 393: Hunting] Beverly Hills, North Sunset Boulevard. Hawke pressed the electronic key, and the gates of the mansion opened. The security personnel had already started their shift in the security booth at the entrance. Erica drove into the estate, following the spacious main road through the front hall, and arrived in front of the villa, parking in the fountain plaza. They got out of the car and entered the villa. The decor had been mostly updated, aligning more with modern aesthetics. After checking the upstairs and downstairs, they went to the annex. The two bulletproof vehicles that Hawke had ordered were already parked in the garage. There was a Mercedes S-Class and a Cadillac Escalade. Both offered VR10 level protection. In the back garden, they had planted irises and hydrangeas, along with peonies and chrysanthemums at Hawke''s request. The helicopter landing pad remained unchanged, as Hawke had no plans to buy a helicopter at the moment; too many wealthy individuals and celebrities had met their end in helicopter accidents. The most significant change was transforming the golf course into a shooting range, complete with a firearm room built next to it. Erica reached the door of the firearms room and swiped her fingerprint to unlock the security door. Hawke stepped inside, taking in the variety of firearms. The firearms room was as spacious as the largest gun shop in Los Angeles. Erica said, "I moved some of the firearms from the Santa Monica and Silver Lake villas over here; we''ve stored over half of our inventory here in the last two years." "Still not full." Hawke picked up a newly released HK416, fiddled with it a bit, then set it down. "Once I have more time, we will go on a big firearms shopping spree." Looking at the gun cabinets and the wall racks, he added, "Most of these are NATO standard firearms; the world isn''t just NATO." Erica, recalling the recent espionage case, replied, "The Russian AK series isn''t bad either." Hawke grabbed a common AR15, loaded two magazines, and said, "Let''s go shoot some." Erica picked up the HK416 and followed him. The estate occupied the entire hill, with no neighbors nearby, allowing them to shoot freely. After finishing the two magazines, Hawke remarked, "This place is really nice." Erica agreed, "There''s plenty of space, and no one to disturb us." ... Hawke returned to store the guns and noticed he had missed a call. It was from Tom Cruise. He called back and asked, "Tommy, what''s up?" Tom Cruise replied, "The Oscars are this weekend. Are you interested in attending? I can get you a great VIP invite." "I have too much to do, so I won''t make it," Hawke replied, having done what he needed to. "Good luck, I hope you win." Tom Cruise added, "Eric Emerson''s script is almost finished; let''s discuss it when you have time." Hawke responded, "Let''s wait until after the Oscars. If you guys have time, you can come over to Twitter anytime." Tom Cruise confirmed, "I''ll give you a call then." ... Hawke hung up the phone, and Erica had already put away the guns. She said, "I heard from Brian that Tom Cruise won the SAG Award for Best Actor. He''s likely a contender for the Oscar this year." Hawke placed the gun in the cabinet and replied, "He has a strong chance." The Blackrock espionage case had surged to the headlines, overshadowing the debates on LGBTQ+ rights and feminism. Still, a series of incidents had already eliminated two competitors. The Alice affair had set a precedent for others; too many had come forward to accuse Jamie Foxx. The actor had spent a fortune reaching settlements with the so-called victims. Online, especially on Twitter, a new narrative emerged claiming that Jamie Foxx discriminated against Black women, as none of the women accusing him or his confirmed ex-girlfriends were Black. Luckily, Jamie Foxx had skin color protection. ... Hawke and Erica didn''t linger, quickly getting back into their vehicle. They planned to air out the place for a while before Hawke moved in. Before moving in, he also wanted the professional team from the security company to conduct thorough checks. It was no secret that Hawke had acquired this mansion. Those bastards who dared to install listening devices in Coastal Building would also likely tamper with the renovations here. ... The red Mercedes G-Class pulled out of North Sunset Boulevard, followed by two vehicles with bodyguards. On the roadside parking spots on the west side of the community, several cars were parked. One Audi had Alexander waiting, having watched the three cars depart. The driver, Anthony, asked, "Aren''t we going to follow them?" Alexander raised a hand to interrupt him, "Don''t make unnecessary moves. If we could follow, I wouldn''t be stuck here keeping watch." Another vehicle exited from the west side of North Sunset Boulevard. Anthony inquired, "Is that also...?" "Very likely," Alexander replied. "Given our limited strength in Los Angeles, launching a military action would only make us the hunted." He understood his superiors'' mindset: there was division among the higher-ups regarding policy and routes. The new czar and his close allies had differing attitudes towards the West. The former sought limited rapprochement, while the latter believed in a full swing towards the West. This time, it was the latter handling related matters. He didn''t need to give explicit orders; just showing a certain attitude below would get the job done. Alexander had spent some time in his homeland secretly after the dissolution. The intelligence department had been jumping back and forth between professionalism and political showmanship since then. The agents were competent, but the politicians ran the intelligence agencies. To show the West their hospitable stance, those pro-Westerners occasionally took steps that made no sense, focusing on the abstract. The most typical was a leader who fervently expressed a desire to integrate into the West, yet, when he accompanied the U.S. president, he suffered a public humiliation at the global media''s hands. --- Santa Monica, Infolytika Network Information Company. This company handled telecommunication outsourcing services, primarily operating in the beach towns of Santa Monica and Venice. Russell was in charge of one of the fieldwork teams, currently working at Coastal Building to connect external cables to Twitter''s switch. Twitter was in the process of replacing servers, and the connecting fiber optics were also being updated. Russell gathered his team to head over to Coastal Building. The company''s business president was uneasy and personally came to remind him, "Once on-site, follow Twitter''s instructions completely, don''t make executive decisions, and don''t go to places you shouldn''t be, understand?" Russell replied, "Sir, don''t worry, we know what we''re doing." The business president patted his shoulder, "This job pays well, and a long-term collaboration with Twitter will guarantee our company substantial long-term returns. Keep your team focused." "Listen up everyone, if anyone steps out of line, I''ll kick his butt!" Russell warned. A chorus of agreement echoed from the dozen subordinates, and they followed him downstairs, splitting into two vehicles headed for Twitter. ... Upon arrival at Coastal Building, they showed their work IDs to security personnel, entered the building, and quickly arrived at the switch room on the first floor. Twitter''s technical department was handling the server room connection, led by someone named Lola, someone Russell had been coordinating with for quite a while. Lola approached, outlining the installation requirements and instructing Russell, "We''re connecting the G17 switch line today, and it must be completed within three days." Russell glanced it over and said, "No problem." sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lola replied, "Let''s start working. I''ve arranged beverages; you can grab some in the break room across the hall." "Thanks." Russell moved to get his team working. ... The dozen members were a representation of Los Angeles''s social makeup, with immigrants from various backgrounds: Mexican, Black, Western European Whites, Eastern European Whites, and even some Arab descent. Lola, a mixed-race woman who grew up in Los Angeles, found it all quite normal. She came from the first company acquired by Twitter, understood this technology, and was present on-site with two assistants constantly monitoring the work. Russell also supervised his team, occasionally chatting with Lola. He didn''t ask her work-related questions but, as before, discussed everyday fun. Since the establishment of Twitter''s server room, Russell had frequented Coastal Building, and most of his interactions had been with Lola. They were quite familiar. ... When Lola stepped out to take a call, a Black subordinate leaned in to whisper to Russell, "Boss, are you pursuing Lola?" He adopted a knowing look, "If you want to pursue her, just ask her out boldly, tonight!" Russell chuckled, stroking his bushy beard in amusement, "Get back to work." The subordinate chuckled as he returned to his tasks. Russell glanced at the door; if everything remained normal, casting aside identity and nationality and pursuing Lola could lead to a good outcome. He sensed that Lola had some fondness for him. With that in mind, Russell found himself resenting those bastards in Moscow even more. Russell sighed internally; during the dissolution, the upper crust must have splintered, kneeling and begging America, even as the flames of chaos erupted in Los Angeles. ... "What are you thinking about?" Lola returned. Russell regained his thoughts, smiling as he said, "Thinking about inviting you out for dinner after work." Lola turned her head to scrutinize him. Russell had no other choice but to follow orders from his superiors. He remembered that Lola held a relatively high position among Twitter''s mid-level managers and said, "There''s a new Italian restaurant on 17th street. Their seafood is exceptional; do you have time tonight to enjoy some Italian cuisine with me?" Lola pondered momentarily and said, "I can''t guarantee when I''ll finish, but I''ll reply to you at four this afternoon." To Russell, it was clear she wanted to go. Once a decision was made, it must be acted upon, and Russell smiled, "I''ll be waiting." Russell treated everyone well, perhaps the others sensed his attitude; that day''s work went especially smoothly. By 4 PM, they had completed the day''s tasks. Lola inspected the work, confirmed everything was fine, and accepted Russell''s invitation. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 394: Franks Ex-Wife [Chapter 394: Frank''s Ex-Wife] After dinner, Lola left the restaurant, got into her car, and waved goodbye as she drove off first. Russell stood by the roadside, watching the champagne-colored BMW disappear before getting into his own Ford. He buckled his seatbelt, pulled out his phone, and browsed through his contacts. After making a call that could not connect, he couldn''t help but shake his head. He had been living comfortably in Los Angeles for so long that he was almost forgetting that contact numbers became useless after just one use. He thumped the steering wheel, increasingly feeling that this task was ludicrous. The pro-Western faction above seemed to want to prove their "innocence" to the West for political reasons, completely disregarding the hardships of their people who had been lurking for years. Russell sighed and started the car to head home. In Hollywood movies, spies were all like 007, Bourne, or Ethan, seemingly glamorous, overly important, and capable of anything. In reality, they were just tools manipulated by politicians, often meeting their ends due to nonsensical reasons. Russell still remembered the two female colleagues exposed by the newspapers; they were ordered to monitor a journalist who was anti-Russian propaganda 24/7 while pasting pro-Russian ads on a monument. They got caught because the equipment they were provided sent GPS signals along with the information. Having spies who had been undercover for years pasting ads on a monument was nothing short of absurd. Connecting this to his current assignment, Russell envisioned a not-so-bright future. Yet, with orders given, even knowing it was impossible, he still had to go through with it. Upon arriving home, he took a shower, opened his Nokia phone, and started chatting excitedly with Lola through Twitter''s direct message feature. --- Century City, Fox Television Center. The door to the office of Channel 11 was tightly shut, with no sounds coming from outside, but it was chaos inside. Megan Taylor was following the traditional methods of Roger Ailes, the chairman of Fox, as she sought assistance from Twitter''s chairman, Hawke Osment. Inevitably, the office turned into a battleground. Not long after, Megan pulled Hawke into the suite''s bathroom. As they emerged from inside, Megan grabbed a hairdryer to help Hawke dry his hair while she stood in front of the mirror drying her own curly locks. She turned to Hawke and raised her voice, saying, "So you''ve reached an understanding with James Murdoch, huh? All the print media under News Corporation are running wild with stories about Russian spies." "That''s just part of the reason," Hawke replied as he finished getting dressed. "The primary point is that attacking Russia has a strong market among the public in North America; it''s a mainstream viewpoint." Megan, having been in the media industry for many years, felt deeply about this: "According to the rules of America, there always needs to be a powerful external enemy to maintain a relatively healthy operation. The Soviet Union has collapsed, and Russia, which has inherited most of its legacy, is the perfect target. " Hawke agreed: "I''ve visited several congressional representatives and senators in Washington; their attitudes are unanimously anti-Russian, differing only in temperateness and intensity." Megan finished drying her hair and quickly walked over, extending a finger to playfully lift Hawke''s chin, adopting a domineering executive pose as she asked, "Now that you''ve made your investment, what do you want, Chairman Osment?" Hawke pulled her over to sit beside him, saying, "I just met with Jennifer Huey from the FBI before coming here; now that the evidence is conclusive, the case has been defined, we just need to fan the flames of public opinion. How about you create a special segment about the case?" Megan inquired, "You mean keep blowing hot air, steering public opinion?" Hawke explained, "As long as the case stays within a certain level of influence, BlackRock''s investments or financing will become much more difficult and costly, all of which will deplete their resources." He laughed, "Jennifer has already received approval from her superiors to leak some information; she''ll give you exclusive insights that can boost your ratings." Megan thought for a moment and replied, "Let''s continue on ." Hawke added, "Here''s a tip: next Monday, BlackRock''s two top executives will come to Los Angeles for routine questioning at the FBI field office, and the Los Angeles U.S. Attorney''s Office will be involved in the entire process." Megan made a note of it. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke glanced at the time and said, "I need to be going; reach out if anything comes up." Megan escorted him out and reminded him, "James Murdoch has a lot of conflicts with Roger Ailes; being too close to him could draw Roger''s scrutiny." "I''ll be careful," Hawke said, slightly slowing his pace. "Roger Ailes sits comfortably in his position, known as the emperor of Fox Television Network, greatly supported by Rupert Murdoch for generating huge profits for News Corporation. James is Rupert''s favorite son; in their conflicts, James''s current ability falls short of being Roger''s rival, yet Roger has never truly gained an upper hand in their struggles." A smart woman like Megan immediately understood the implications: "One is the beloved son, and the other is the profitable subordinate. When the latter stops being profitable... or becomes a liability, the outcome will naturally be decided." --- Hawke left the Fox Television Center and returned to the Coast Tower. Upon entering the main entrance, he noticed Lola speaking to a big bearded man wearing a hard hat. Seeing Hawke, Lola walked over to greet him. Hawke''s first acquisition when he founded Twitter was the company and website, Window blog, that led the way; one was now the head of the tech department''s design division, Kasim, and the other was Lola. Hawke looked at the workers busily pulling fiber optics for the new server group and asked, "Are you connecting fiber optics for the new server group?" Lola simply replied, "Yes, to ensure smooth operations and security, each group of servers uses separate connections." "Proceed, then," Hawke said as he headed upstairs. Lola returned to oversee the work. ... Russell adjusted his hard hat and curiously asked, "Is that Twitter''s chairman?" Lola nodded, "Yes, that''s him, a legendary figure." "It''s rare to see images and reports about him," Russell took the opportunity to ask a few more questions, "Does he not do many media interviews?" Lola casually responded, "Hawke is a doer who rarely appears in the media." Russell didn''t press further, saying, "The Oscars are coming up soon; how about we find a bar to watch the ceremony together?" "Sounds good," Lola, who had worked hard to connect with Hollywood stars during Twitter''s early days, had some interest in the entertainment scene, responding, "You book a place!" Russell said, "I''ll call you once it''s booked." Lola didn''t say anything else and quickly got back to work. --- Beverly Hills, North Sunset Boulevard. Not far from Marlon Brando''s former residence, a mansion comparable to Hawke''s new home sat atop a hillside. This was the home of movie star Jayne Mansfield from Hollywood''s golden age. At her peak, Jayne, known for her sexy appeal, earned the nickname "junior Marilyn Monroe"; she appeared on the cover of Playboy multiple times and withdrew from the entertainment industry after a car accident in the late 1960s, leading a reclusive life thereafter. At that moment, Jayne donned a dress made entirely of bright red meat and was carrying a goat''s skull as she walked down a long staircase into the basement. In the vast basement, several men and women donned black goat masks and were naked, draped in black cloaks. Beneath their waists, each had markings of inverted pentagrams carved into goat skulls. In the center of the gathering, a fierce flame burned, with a branding iron resting in the flames. A masked figure approached stiffly, reporting, "Your Highness?" Jayne nodded slightly and declared, "Let the ceremony begin." The figure picked up the heated branding iron and stepped deeper into the darkness of the basement. Someone turned on the daylight lamps, illuminating the room. At the far end of the room, a girl was bound to a pillar. Jayne recited incantations, while others followed her lead. They spoke an ancient form of Latin that most people today would find difficult to understand. The masked figure drew closer, and the branding iron fell in place. With a sizzling sound and the stench of burning flesh, the girl, with her mouth taped shut, let out desperate screams. Her body shook with pain. Including Jayne, everyone fixed their eyes on the girl. Minutes passed, and the girl did not pass out from the excruciating pain. Jayne stopped her chanting and nodded, satisfied: "Excellent, under Satan''s pressure, she hasn''t fainted." Another masked figure approached, "The leader has reminded us several times." Jayne tore a piece of raw flesh from her meat dress: "Make her eat this; if she survives Satan''s blessing, she will be sent to New York tomorrow." The masked figure handed the piece of flesh to an underling and followed Jayne back inside. They shut the basement door behind them as he said, "The senator from New York has been waiting a long time for her next soul feast; regarding the leader''s stance..." Jayne raised her hand to interrupt him: "I will communicate with the leader. If this offering goes smoothly, we''ll send it directly to New York tomorrow; her soul will be blessed by Satan, and that one will be able to indulge in the soul feast." "Understood, Your Highness," the masked figure replied. Jayne continued, "Your progress is too slow; the number of new recruits has been too few this past half-year." The masked figure defended, "Due to the Ackerman Foundation''s case explosion, all of Los Angeles is focused on the missing persons; we can only proceed cautiously to avoid compromising the church." Jayne merely nodded casually and walked into the inner chamber. She was getting older, and wearing the heavy meat dress became increasingly tiring over time. A nearby maid hurriedly brought her a robe and draped it over her shoulders. Jayne walked deeper into the residence, heading toward the bathroom. Before she stepped in, she turned to look at a wall where an old wedding photo hung from decades ago. Gazing at the man in the wedding photo, Jayne whispered, "Frank..." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 395: Smoke Rises Again [Chapter 395: Smoke Rises Again] The wedding photo in the glass frame showed a striking woman and a handsome man. Jayne recalled the time when they divorced. The bastard had left her while she was pregnant, choosing to run off with another woman. He would rather leave behind most of his wealth than stay. Because of this, she had turned to Satanism, finding solance in the teachings of Anton LaVey. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A car accident had almost severed her ties to the outside world; many people and even the media believed she had perished in that crash. In reality, she had become a saint of the Church of Satan and had remained so to this day. After finishing her shower and changing clothes, Jayne exited her residence. ... An elderly man, having removed his black goat mask, approached her. "The offering has successfully passed through Satan''s blessing, and the consciousness has been restored; it can serve as the main material for soul cooking." Jayne sat in a high-backed chair. "Let it settle overnight. Arrange for the goat to fly to New York State tomorrow morning. Make sure to contact Silarie so she can send someone directly to the tarmac to pick it up, to avoid any accidents." "Understood," the old goat-beard man replied and left. ... At that moment, a middle-aged man hurried in. "Your highness, one of my subordinates has been arrested by the FBI." Jayne felt a chill. "What''s going on? Explain in detail." The man detailed, "Rekoba has been working as an overseas correspondent for , while also assisting the church in identifying suitable targets. He regularly contacted us, but he missed two consecutive check-ins, so I sent someone to his office to investigate. They found out he had been taken by the FBI on charges of intercepting Twitter communications." Jayne felt a bit relieved. "Is this related to the recent incident involving BlackRock''s Russian espionage and Twitter?" The middle-aged man replied, "Our people quietly asked sources at the newspaper; they clarified that intercepting Twitter was a personal act and has nothing to do with the Russian spies." Even so, he still had concerns. "Rekoba is officially in custody by the FBI and could face prison. I''m worried he might start talking." Jayne considered the current media climate. "The FBI''s primary focus is on the espionage case and won''t concern themselves with side issues. As long as Rekoba keeps quiet, he should be fine." The middle-aged man agreed. "I''ve checked. Their management isn''t too strict, and he can still meet with his lawyer. I''ll have the lawyer send a message in to him." "That''s good," Jayne said, waving him off. ... Outside, car horns sounded as a vehicle drove into the estate. The car parked on the opposite side of the villa. A young couple got out, and an individual posing as a Hollywood casting director greeted them, leading them to the basement. What lay ahead was an unforgettable journey of the soul. The next morning, a van transported people to the airport to catch a private flight straight to New York State. --- West Hollywood, Artel Mountain Shooting Range. Betty carried her gear into the VIP room. Two representatives from the LGBTQ organization, the Mattachine Society, Rosa and Solana, were already waiting. Solana smiled. "Funding from the Overseas Typhoon Foundation has arrived. We''ve both just been promoted to assistant vice presidents." Rosa picked up a fine bone china teapot and poured Betty a cup of red tea. "No amount of effort compares to the power of money." Betty thanked her and asked, "What about your influence?" Solana replied, "We have ample funds, helping many people. Money is the best way to win hearts; we are now important figures in several smaller groups." Rosa added, "The infighting among these LGBTQ members is just as intense as anywhere else. We have aligned with the vice president faction." Betty understood the reality of conflicts. Her friend Fiona had faced her share of battles within the feminist organization, the Feminist Majority Foundation, gradually gaining some power. Solana said, "For those of us who have fought for our lives against ruthless drug dealers, these squabbles are nothing we can''t handle." Betty took a sip of her tea. "My boss asked if the Mattachine Society plans to make a move during Oscar weekend?" She added, "The Feminist Majority Foundation has rallied hundreds to cheer for in front of the Kodak Theater. How''s your preparation going?" Rosa smiled. "We might not have as many participants as the feminists, but we''ll be more intense. This will escalate the conflict between feminism and LGBTQ; they''ll become fierce enemies, attacking each other whenever they cross paths in public!" Solana was confident. "We''ve mobilized the most extreme crowd possible." She lowered her voice. "Many are Black, women, and LGBTQ combined." Betty marveled, "You''ve really grasped the essence of the boss''s theories." Rosa recalled the time Hawke had personally taught them, commenting, "Didn''t the boss say that, like in , the one who stacks the most buffs wins the game?" Solana interjected, "Exactly. We have two additional layers on the feminists." Betty finished her tea, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "I wish you success." Rosa and Solana nodded, bidding her farewell. ... Betty made her way to the parking lot, spotted a red Mercedes, and opened the passenger door to get in. Fiona was sitting in the driver''s seat. "Any instructions from the boss?" "Very simple. As much as possible, intend to gain the voice of the Feminist Majority Foundation," Betty replied quickly. "Los Angeles shouldn''t stay quiet, and America shouldn''t either." Fiona fully agreed: "We can''t remain silent. Mexico is too far from heaven but too close to America; we''ve lost all our loved ones just because we''re too close to hell." Betty patted her arm. "The boss won''t let America stay silent." Fiona nodded vigorously, saying, "This time, the Feminist Majority Foundation is well-prepared; we''ve brought in some Black women." Betty couldn''t help but laugh. "Didn''t feminism used to focus mainly on white women?" "After several failures, Michelle realized that solely relying on white women was insufficient strength," Fiona chuckled. "She learned from the lessons following the LA riots and several unsuccessful nominations before the Oscars. She joined forces with a Black feminist organization, restructuring the Feminist Majority Foundation." She paused and added, "That Black women''s organization strongly supports me." Betty said, "Today I should also tell you that it was founded by several key women from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)." Fiona reacted. "Saint Steve''s people?" Betty nodded. "Saint Steve was shaped by Hawke, and he co-founded the NAACP along with Brian Ferguson." Fiona understood. "Got it. I''ll have more confidence in my work from now on." Betty glanced at her watch. "I need to leave. Don''t rush too far ahead on Oscar night; Rosa and Solana have gathered a group of Black LGBTQ, including some with AIDS." Fiona laughed heartily. "The most extreme and extreme feminist will definitely lead the charge!" Betty got out of the red Mercedes and jumped into an Audi nearby, driving back to Venice. Arriving at the beachfront security company, she entered the office and called Edward, updating him on the situation. --- At the Coastline Tower, Edward received the call and entered Hawke''s office to report. Hawke nodded slightly. "Looks like a good show is about to unfold." Edward commented, "I''ll come to check it out on the day of the event." Hawke had no interest in attending the Oscars, but was excited about the anticipated drama. "I''ll go as well." Teams B and C of the Special Operations Bureau would remain on standby that day, while Erica needed to command from the office. ... As Edward left the office, he spotted Frank emerging from the elevator. The old man quickly approached Edward, walking as he asked, "Are you here to plant cotton?" Edward didn''t want to engage and directly entered a nearby small office. This office had transparent glass doors, allowing a direct view of the chairman''s office. Frank pushed open the door, pulled out a chair, and said, "I need to talk to you about something." The two had bantered back and forth for a long time, and seeing Frank was serious this time, Edward retrieved a bottle of mineral water and asked, "Aren''t you hot and heavy with those beach lifeguards?" On hearing this, Frank couldn''t suppress the braggart within him, declaring, "With my irresistible charm, just letting it out a bit makes them all worship me; they can''t wait to marry me right away." Edward tried to bring him back to reality. "Those girls are members of the feminist organization; you should be careful." Frank waved his hand dismissively. "I''ve slept with more beautiful girls than you''ve ever seen; don''t worry about me." Edward shook his head. "Times have changed; you still don''t know how tough they are to deal with." "Let''s not talk about that." Frank got to the point, saying, "Recently, I''ve had a very strange feeling, like something isn''t quite right in my heart." Edward examined him from head to toe. "Who have you been messing around with now?" Frank pointed at his chest. "It''s right here. It feels off, sometimes I experience palpitations, like something is about to happen." ... Edward remembered Hawke''s orders. He quickly grabbed the phone and called in. Once the call connected, he said, "Boss, Frank is here, claiming his chest feels uncomfortable, and I''m worried about his health." The call on the other side was immediately cut off before even a half-minute could pass. The office door opened, and Hawke walked in, seeing Frank sitting there just fine, clearly relieved. He said to Edward, "Stay with him and take him to Cedar-Sinai Medical Center for a full check-up." Frank protested, "I''m fine, really." Hawke insisted, "Go get checked first. We''ll discuss it afterward." Frank considered the possibility of meeting the beautiful lifeguards and finally relented. "Fine, I''ll go." That afternoon, the results came out, revealing Frank was as strong as a bull, albeit somewhat aged. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 396: Equal Rights Vs Privilege [Chapter 396: Equal Rights Vs Privilege] On a weekend afternoon, Edward sped along Highland Avenue in his brand new bulletproof Mercedes. As he approached Hollywood Boulevard, the road became congested with the increasing number of vehicles. Hawke turned on the car radio, tuning into the traffic channel, where the hosts reported the real-time road conditions. With the Oscars looming, Hollywood Boulevard was partially closed, allowing only pedestrians, while vehicles were not permitted to pass. Hawke had already reserved a spot to catch all the action. As they neared the intersection, Edward pulled into an underground parking garage. They got out and rode the elevator to a nearby hotel, heading straight to the rooftop restaurant on the top floor. The place was packed that afternoon, bustling with people eager to witness the Oscar excitement. Hawke had booked the best booth, offering a view of the entire intersection where the Kodak Theatre stood. ... As Edward sat down and ordered two cups of tea, he looked below and exclaimed, "They are here! They are here!" Hawke opened his briefcase and took out two binoculars, handing one to Edward. Edward scratched his head and smiled, saying, "You really came prepared." Hawke pointed out a row of heavy tanks and said, "The feminists brought in heavy artillery, and the LGBTQ+ group has deployed biochemical weapons, a whole squad of bioweapons." --- The LGBTQ+ group marched along Hollywood Boulevard, approaching from the other side. The hired security personnel were on high alert, with multiple LAPD squad cars arriving and blocking the intersection. Even the enthusiastic fans waiting on either side of the red carpet turned to see what was happening. Media reporters seemed pumped up, as if they had been injected with excitement, abandoning the red carpet in favor of chasing after what could be a big story. Anyone who had followed the lead-up to this year''s Oscars was aware that there had been nearly ten confrontations between the two sides already. In such an atmosphere, it was like a collision of planets. ... Among the LGBTQ+ contingent, someone shouted, "Where are the flags? Where are the banners? Where are the posters? Get them up!" With a flurry of activity, dozens of huge flags, multiple banners, and dozens of posters were raised on Hollywood Boulevard. "Oscar is unfair, rejecting LGBTQ+ films!" "Investigate the Oscar''s dark side!" "Protest Oscar''s discrimination against LGBTQ+!" "The tragedy of cinema, the Oscars lack inclusiveness!" Many were also holding large posters of , which bore phrases like "Best Picture at the Oscars." In addition to supporting LGBTQ-themed films, they protested against those they believed had undermined them. Leading the front row, a Black activist held up a flag targeting another film. "Winning the Oscar for would be a disgrace!" "A movie that reeks from start to finish!" ... On the other side, the feminists also raised their flags, banners, and posters. Both sides, without coordination, not only rallied for their own supported films but also launched fierce attacks against each other. The feminist signs and banners were particularly aggressive. "Perverted crowd!" "A bunch of troublemakers!" ... As the two groups moved closer, about to clash, the LAPD, prepared for the situation, formed two walls with their police vehicles and riot shields. But nothing could quell the determination of these archrivals to attack each other. Profanity flew from both sides as garments, bottles, and eggs were hurled back and forth. In the midst of the chaos, even the red carpet segment of the Oscars was affected. With reporters and filmmakers from around the world present, the LAPD hesitated to use force to disperse the crowds. ... At the Feminist Majority Foundation, the Vice President, Jenna, implemented Fiona''s advice to draw fire, sending a capable battalion of Black and White women through a side alley to flank the nearby Mattachine Society. Simultaneously, the Vice President of the Mattachine Society, Lawrence, agreed with Rosa''s idea and dispatched a biochemical strike team through a side alley to hit the Feminist Majority Foundation. The strongest fighters from both sides were sent out, each taking different alleyways, successfully flanking the other. Before long, a line of bulky tanks nearly a meter wide charged into the LGBTQ+ camp. They overwhelmed the regular LGBTQ+ group in terms of weight, impact, and fighting spirit. The LGBTQ+ members were forced to drop their flags, posters, and banners in retreat. Yet the harsh realities faced for decades had forged their resilience, and although they were in disarray, they held on. ... Separated by the two lines of LAPD officers holding riot shields, the Feminist Majority Foundation burst into laughter as Vice President Jenna praised her counterpart Fiona. However, the cheer didn''t last two minutes before nearly a hundred individuals, primarily Black women with visibly splotchy skin, surged out of a nearby alley. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The red spots on their skin were alarming. For the Black women, it was less evident but still unsettling. The first Black woman charged forward, laughing uproariously, shouting, "I have late-stage AIDS!" Another person echoed, "I have syphilis!" These voices sent the feminist crowd running, fearing the unpredictable outbreak. In contrast, the LGBTQ+ community could only crumble under the heavy tank assault, leading to a complete rout. ... Under the cameras of many reporters, the fighters again proved they were only formidable with their words. The biochemical squad yelled, and the Feminist Majority Foundation broke apart. Many sobbed, pleading, "I am a woman, you can''t attack women!" "Women deserve privileges!" The leading bioweapon fighters only shot back, "Who''s not a woman here?" The biochemical squad completely dispersed the fighters, shifting back to support their own team, launching a joint attack with the heavy tank force. The intersection descended into chaos. ... In a nearby command police car, the commanding sheriff sat sipping coffee with calm composure. An officer beside him inquired, "Chief, are we just going to sit back?" The LAPD had dealt with these two groups numerous times before and learned key lessons. The sheriff replied, "Both sides are troublesome. Let them tear at each other until they''re exhausted. We''ll step in to clean up the mess. It''ll be quick work." The officer nodded, understanding, "Let them fight it out for now!" The sheriff smiled knowingly while continuing to savor his coffee. ... At the end of the red carpet in front of the Kodak Theatre, many guests preparing to step onto it were curiously looking toward the unfolding events. Americans were more or less accustomed to the commotion over the past months. However, the international filmmakers stood wide-eyed in disbelief. Christophe Barratier, the director of , shook his head repeatedly, commenting to producer Gerard Junau, "I haven''t been to Los Angeles for just two or three years, and it feels like a completely different city. Don''t you think it''s starting to resemble Paris?" Gerard Junau agreed, "I can''t even fathom what this city has been through to make it feel like its 18th and 93rd districts in Paris." --- The masterminds behind pushing this city toward greater freedom and democracy sat in a high booth, savoring an exquisite afternoon tea while enjoying the beautiful street views. Hawke watched on with great satisfaction, realizing California''s largest LGBTQ+ and women''s rights organizations were now easily influenced by him. The more they trained, the more useful they became. Edward picked up the teapot, pouring tea for Hawke, saying, "In a real face-off, the feminists don''t stand a chance. They lose so quickly every time." Hawke replied, "Today''s LGBTQ+ community is fighting for equal rights, but feminists are seeking privilege; their general mindset is to enjoy the privileges while letting others fight the hard battles. Together they can throw words, but when it comes down to real confrontation, this outcome is not surprising." He then glanced at the chaotic scene at the intersection, watching the Feminist Majority Foundation scatter in all directions, like headless chickens running away. "Do you think they have privileges?" Edward looked puzzled, asking, "Boss?" Most of the Feminist Majority Foundation had fled, and the remaining members acted quite wisely, retreating. The LGBTQ+ members of the Mattachine Society took control of the intersection, and the atmosphere quickly quieted. Hawke continued, "To keep Los Angeles and all of America stirred up, these organizations can''t be allowed to dominate. Only with evenly matched forces clashing can we all gain from it." Edward scratched his head, "It feels complicated." ... The red carpet ceremony, which had been interrupted in chaos, began again outside the Kodak Theatre. Due to the delay, staff urged the guests to quicken their pace. In many ways, the Mattachine Society and the Feminist Majority Foundation stole the Oscars'' spotlight. The latter didn''t lose in this battle either, for as the media reported, their fame increased. Hawke noticed Tom Cruise stride down the red carpet and into the Kodak Theatre, drained his tea, and stood up, saying, "Savior, let''s go." Edward followed suit, and they made their way down, exiting the parking garage. On the road, they could still see scattered fighters leaving in disarray. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 397: History Changed [Chapter 397: History Changed] Downtown Los Angeles, Special Operations Bureau. Erica wrapped up her shift and stepped out of Team A''s office. She returned to her dressing room, took off her tactical uniform, and changed into a business suit. Pulling out her phone, she dialed Hawke''s number. Hawke answered, "I''m waiting for you in the lobby." "On my way," Erica replied, her footsteps light as she made her way downstairs. Upon entering the lobby, she spotted Hawke sitting on a bench. She ran over and looped her arm through his, saying, "I''m done for the day. We can head home now." Hawke glanced at his watch and remarked, "Just in time. We can catch the second half of the awards ceremony." The two of them got into Erica''s Mercedes G-Class. As Erica started the car and drove out of the Special Operations Bureau, she asked, "Did you attend the event?" "Just got back from there," Hawke replied, chuckling as he recalled the clash between the feminists and the bioweapons. "This was undoubtedly the most unique Oscars, one for the history books in Hollywood." Erica commented, "I watched the live feeds from the command room. I didn''t understand why those women''s rights advocates collapsed so suddenly despite having the upper hand." Hawke simply said, "The LGBTQ community used a group of individuals with HIV and syphilis." Erica was speechless for a moment before saying, "That was certainly unexpected." She quickly turned to glance at Hawke. "You didn''t come up with that idea, did you?" "No, I don''t really focus on how those things are done," Hawke said truthfully. "I merely guided their thought process and let them take it from there." Erica asked curiously, "Why did you keep such a close watch on them?" Hawke elaborated, "In those conservative states, it''s hard to say, but here in Southern California, it''s a social trend. Even without my involvement, they would have quickly developed into an undeniable force. Instead of letting others control them, it''s smarter to act first and have them in our hands, turning them into our tools." Erica nodded in agreement. "We definitely need the tools in our own hands." They exchanged smiles as they returned to the Silver Lake community and entered a well-appointed villa. ... Hawke found the remote control, switched on the TV, and tuned into ABC just as the Oscars had reached the second half. Erica noted, "They''re about to announce the award for Best Original Screenplay. Didn''t Eric get nominated?" Hawke settled on the couch, watching the television as Samuel L. Jackson read out the nominees for Best Original Screenplay. was adapted, so it wasn''t nominated in that category. The future one-eyed pirate opened the envelope and announced, "The Best Original Screenplay award goes to , by Eric Emerson!" The broadcast zoomed in on Eric, the middle-aged, artistic man with a beard, who appeared ecstatic as he embraced the round-faced woman Catherine and quickly walked to the stage to accept his very first Oscar trophy. Once he finished his acceptance speech, Hawke took out his phone, typed a text, and sent it to Eric: "Congratulations." ... Erica said, "Best Actress has been awarded, and the winner is Hilary Swank." Hawke awed, "Second win, such a rarity in recent years." Next up, Julia Roberts presented the Best Director award, which, as expected, went to Clint Eastwood. In the long history of Hollywood, no one had ever won all four major performance awards and Best Director at the same time. Hawke remarked, "The only true competitor to Tom Cruise is Leonardo DiCaprio." The next award was for Best Actor, and the cameras zoomed in on Tom Cruise and Leonardo. Hawke had stirred up quite a bit during the award season; one of his planned objectives, the marginalized group project, had turned out to be a great success. The other goal hinged on this very award. ... Last year''s Best Actress, Charlize Theron, took the stage to present the Best Actor award. At this moment, Oscar history was completely rewritten! The announcement came: "Best Actor goes to Tom Cruise!" Without any surprises, the Oscars once again aligned with the results from the Screen Actors Guild Awards. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Tom Cruise fastened his suit''s buttons, striding toward the stage. On the other side, Nicole Kidman was the first to jump up and applaud, waving for others to join in, as if the winner was still her husband. The Oscars'' main cameraman and director knew how to grab attention, and immediately, a close-up of Nicole Kidman appeared on screen. ... Erica, not fully versed in Hollywood''s intricacies, asked, "Aren''t they supposed to have a feud now?" Hawke didn''t respond directly but instead said, "The Oscars are still too conservative; no wonder the viewership has dwindled annually. Just consider Best Actor -- Nicole should have presented the award to Tom. If they had promoted that before the ceremony, ratings would have shot up at least ten percentage points." Erica couldn''t help but chuckle. "True, the Oscars'' promotional tactics are nowhere near as good as yours." ... As they joked, the final grand prize of the Oscars was announced -- the Best Picture statuette was taken home by the crew of . Clint Eastwood emerged as the big winner of the night. nabbed two little gold men. Hawke had successfully fulfilled Tom Cruise''s commission. No sooner had the awards ceremony ended than he received a call from Tom Cruise. ... Tom''s voice burst with excitement, "Did you watch the live broadcast? I got it! I got it!" For Hollywood actors and stars, winning an award at one of Europe''s three major film festivals is also a mark of honor, but the commercial advantage and influence pale in comparison to being an Oscar-winning actor at home. Tom, although he claimed it didn''t matter, really wanted this award: "I''m now an Oscar-winning actor! Hawke, this little gold man has a part of you in it; I''ve decided to have a pure gold replica made for you!" Hawke shrugged it off, saying, "You don''t have to be so courteous." "You have to accept!" Tom was a smart guy; the incidents with Pat Kingsley and Nicole Kidman attacking him had made him aware that Scientology had no real public voice and any criticisms had to be endured in silence. He wanted to maintain his relationship with Hawke: "I know you don''t need such things, but it represents my heartfelt appreciation, please accept it." Hawke considered it briefly and replied, "Alright." Tom laughed, "I''ll have it cast as soon as possible and deliver it when you move into your new home." He then invited, "I''ll throw a celebration party next week in Beverly Hills; come if you have time." Hawke replied, "I''ll make it if I can." ... After hanging up, Erica approached and said, "Tom Cruise''s links with Scientology can be problematic, tied to several deaths; you should be careful." Hawke nodded slightly. "He''s a smart guy; he knows who to mess with and who to avoid." Erica stated, "Surviving in the chaos of Hollywood for twenty years and still standing at the top of the acting industry speaks volumes about his vision and capability." "There''s one more thing," Hawke added practically. "I''ve been learning from the Democratic Party. They have their own strengths in certain aspects." Erica looked up at him. Hawke continued, "During last year''s series of incidents, as the Democratic Party faced a PR crisis, they repeatedly used Leonardo to release entertainment news to draw media and public attention away. Without my preparedness, they might have been able to escape the vortex of decline." Those Democrats had a go-to move: whenever they were in a pinch, they''d send out Leonardo to distract the public. After reflecting for a moment, Erica said, "That tactic is quite effective; people are much more interested in the scandals of entertainment stars, and the focus on social and political issues rises quickly but dissipates just as fast." She added, "I read a social survey report done by my grandfather; the education level and cultural awareness of the average Americans are relatively low, leading to a result where they aren''t concerned about anything beyond their own lives. They even lack a concrete understanding of regions outside the U.S., so only entertainment stars can maintain their long-term attention." "Aiming for entertainment for the lower class, it keeps the upper tier''s control strong," Hawke joked. ... The Oscars were over, but the online news headlines were overtaken by the battle between the feminist and LGBTQ movements. The Mattachine Society and the Feminist Majority Foundation organizations took to Twitter, igniting a fierce online feud, filling the digital space with chaos. The latter had lost the battle offline but managed to leverage to become the biggest winner at the Oscars, successfully fighting back online. Hawke felt that both sides were evolving slowly, but for his current needs, it was sufficient. He instructed Fiona, Rosa, and Solana to expand their influence in their respective organizations and gain more power. --- In Southern California, centered around Los Angeles, the blue forces were retreating. However, in Northern California, where San Francisco was the core, many areas still belonged to the blue camp. In their quest to reclaim California and prevent it from turning red, preparations for the next gubernatorial election were actively underway. Originally, the candidate was San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, but the Democratic Party internally believed he lacked sufficient experience. Although he had the background, his skills were insufficient for handling California''s complex situation. They persuaded Jerry Brown, a veteran Democratic politician who had served as California''s governor from 1975 to 1983, to prepare for the next gubernatorial election. The next morning, just as Hawke arrived at the office, Edward came over and said, "News from Campos indicates that BlackRock''s two bigwigs, Larry Fink and Robert Kapito, have arrived at the FBI''s Los Angeles office." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 398: Jumping Back and Forth [Chapter 398: Jumping Back and Forth] In downtown Los Angeles, at the FBI field office. A black SUV was blocked at the entrance. The guard informed Larry Fink and Robert Kapito that outside vehicles were not allowed inside and they had to walk to the office building. Fink and Kapito exchanged angry glances. It was clear that when the FBI in Los Angeles confirmed this as a spy case, they were positioned squarely against BlackRock. The two had no choice but to exit the vehicle. Just at the entrance, a cameraman was filming while a female reporter in a Fox News vest rushed up, microphone extended towards Fink and Kapito, loudly asking, "What are your thoughts on the involvement of several BlackRock executives in the Russian spy case? Is this a widespread issue within BlackRock?" Kapito turned his head and glared. Fink shot a look at his bodyguard, who promptly moved to separate the reporter from them. Not far away, a Fox News broadcast truck quickly transmitted live footage back to the TV center, and Channel 11 interrupted its news to air this information. ... Meanwhile, Twitter held a press conference where Operations Director Caroline Jones, together with the legal team, announced details of the lawsuit against BlackRock. Due to BlackRock spies leaking parts of the Manhattan AI Project to Russia, leading Twitter to abandon its optimal choices and adjust the plan, Twitter sought civil damages totaling $3.32 billion. As soon as this news broke, BlackRock''s stock price experienced a new wave of turmoil on the New York Stock Exchange, continuing its decline. --- In Palm Beach, Florida. There was a nearly 100,000-square-foot estate known as Mar-a-Lago, once the winter retreat of the President, bought by the Trump in 1985 to become a private club for his family. Investment manager Weissel hurried into the study and said, "Sir, you should really check Twitter. The legal team has unveiled some terms of the civil lawsuit against BlackRock." Since the last time Donald Trump had spoken with Brian on behalf of the Democratic Party, he had become an avid Twitter user. For reasons he couldn''t explain, he found this social media platform particularly appealing. At that moment, Donald Trump opened Twitter, logged into his account, and immediately saw the related news. After browsing through it, he remarked, "$3.32 billion? Twitter really dares to ask for that." Weissel replied, "The lawyers also published the related compensation details, which were calculated meticulously." Donald Trump usually appeared somewhat comical, but with decades of business experience jumping back and forth among the three parties, his skills spoke for themselves. His expression turned serious. "Even if this spying incident is settled, BlackRock will still lose a lot. A $3.32 billion compensation isn''t realistic, but it won''t be low either." Weissel responded, "Investing in BlackRock now carries too much risk. I suggest we suspend negotiations with the BlackRock Group." Donald Trump had initially thought to capitalize on the chaos, but given the current situation, he realized he could fall into a trap, so he immediately said, "You should inform BlackRock about this." Weissel went to make the call. On another sofa, group advisor Besant suddenly spoke up, saying, "The political landscape in California is undergoing dramatic changes, especially in Southern California. In 2001, the Democrats managed to unseat the Republicans and take the mayor''s position in Los Angeles, but within less than three years, the Republicans regained control, and Southern California, which had turned blue, reversed back to red." Donald Trump replied earnestly, "I''ve researched this carefully. All of this happened after Hawke Osment and the Ferguson family formed their alliance." He praised, "Old Paul Ferguson really has a sharp eye; the Ferguson family''s motto is truly applicable here." "Don''t care where someone comes from; focus on what they''ve done, where they stand, and their capabilities," Besant remembered that line well. Donald Trump suddenly thought of his eldest daughter, who was caught up in the modeling scene, socializing with models and so-called socialites, falling far short of being the Ferguson family''s princess. Besant continued, "I think it''s wise to distance ourselves from the BlackRock Group and the forces behind them." "I''m thinking the same. In fact, I''m considering leaving the Democratic Party for the Republicans. What do you think?" The declaration surprised Besant, who had already switched parties twice, moving from the Republicans to the Reform Party, then to the Democrats, and now potentially back again? While there wasn''t a term for being a political opportunist here, Besant could hardly shake the thought. Politicians always prioritized their interests; he quickly returned to normal, saying, "Rejoining the Republicans isn''t out of the question, but we need to find the right timing." Donald Trump nodded, "Let''s observe how circumstances unfold." --- By Hubert Mountain Park, next to a serene artificial lake, Russell quickly walked into the corridor and approached Alexander, saying, "You shouldn''t be contacting me anymore." "I know this violates regulations, but the higher-ups keep pressing for updates," Alexander replied helplessly. Even while working in intelligence, the hierarchy could suffocate. Especially the folks from Moscow, who, to achieve their political ends, didn''t care how ridiculous their orders were. He asked, "How long will it take you to get it done?" Russell shrugged, "I just started. If all goes well, about a month, that''s the fastest." Alexander immediately shook his head. "A high-ranking official in Moscow is headed to Brussels to meet with the EU and demands results within three days." Russell didn''t know what to say. Even if he hadn''t been involved in politics, he knew everything being done was for the country, yet it also played into the political realm. Alexander had already planned his approach when he came: "Given the urgency, they don''t want to wait. We might just have to throw money at this. I''ve gathered a sum and transferred it to your account at UBS. If $500,000 isn''t enough, let''s make it $1 million!" Russell punched the pillar in front of him: "Time is limited; it has to be done this way." Alexander put a hand on his shoulder: "Get it done quickly." Russell had long accepted being a pawn, saying, "You need to leave Los Angeles today, abandon all contact points and information I know, and find a way back. Don''t stay in the U.S." Both knew Moscow''s orders were absurd, but a command was a command; it needed to be executed. Alexander put on a baseball cap: "Take care." Russell nodded lightly, turned, and walked out of the corridor. ... As Alexander watched his retreating figure, he turned decisively to leave. He had to leave North America, return to Moscow, and report the situation to superiors. If possible, he hoped the top leader would be made aware of what was occurring here. Although he couldn''t make a significant change in the larger context, at least those politicians and oligarchs who performed political theatrics could think about the plight of the frontline workers, Perhaps in the eyes of the new political oligarchs, these remnants from the Soviet era were merely pawns to be sacrificed on the chessboard. ... Russell exited Hubert Mountain Park, took the tram to his parked car, and called Lola: "Do you have time tonight?" The person on the other end responded, "I was just about to call you; let''s go out for drinks tonight." Russell replied, "Sure, where?" "I heard the Avalon Bar on Sunset Boulevard is pretty good," Lola had been wanting to check it out. Russell said, "See you tonight." He hung up, drove back to his rented apartment, tidied up, washed all the accumulated clothes, dried them, and even sprayed air freshener. --- In downtown Los Angeles, at the FBI field office, A lawyer presented documents and entered the holding area with FBI agents. After a brief wait, the suspect was brought in. "Boyle, sit down!" the guard barked. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The man called Boyle complied, taking a seat in the restraint chair, and the guard secured him in place. The lawyer stated, "I request to be alone with my client." The guard turned and exited the meeting room, locking the iron door behind him. Boyle felt uneasy, lowering his head to scratch his itchy nose. On one of his hands, a tattoo of an inverted pentagram was visible. He was one of three journalists from who had been involved in wiretapping Twitter. Boyle asked, "When can I be bailed out?" The lawyer quietly said, "Your case is quite complicated; you might have to stay in for a while." Boyle''s expression soured. "The organization will offer you cash compensation based on your sentence," the lawyer reminded him. "This amount is significantly higher than your salary." Boyle''s mood immediately lifted as he replied, "No problem, what''s a few years in here? I consider it an extended vacation." The lawyer glanced at the door, took out a note, and placed it on the table in front of him. Boyle quickly recognized the message: "Keep your mouth shut." The signature was a black goat head. Boyle instantly understood the situation and, without a word, simply nodded. "Wait for your court date," the lawyer said, standing up and exiting the meeting room. --- In another building at the field office, Jennifer Huey stood in front of the surveillance room, listening to separate interrogations regarding Larry Fink and Robert Kapito. Both had lawyers present and did not provide any useful information; all matters related to the spy case were claimed to be the actions of Eugene Kropov alone, with no connection to BlackRock. This was all expected. Jennifer asked, "According to regulations, how many days are we allowed to hold them in Los Angeles?" An associate replied, "Under the Anti-Spy Act, given their circumstances, we can hold them for a maximum of 72 hours, and any longer requires new justification." Jennifer replied without hesitation, "Inform them that they are not to leave Los Angeles within 72 hours, as we will have more questions." Another person responded, "Got it." ... Fink and Kapito exited the interrogation room, exchanging a glance as they headed outside. They had been notified that they could not leave Los Angeles temporarily. Fink got into the car and said to Kapito, "I want to pay a visit to Hawke Osment." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 399: Femme Fatale [Chapter 399: Femme Fatale] Upon returning to the room he had booked at the Marriott Hotel, Larry Fink had just settled down when his assistant approached him. "Sir, the investment manager of Donald Trump has called, notifying us that they are canceling the investment partnership due to issues with their funding chain." Robert Kapito''s face tightened. "Another one!" Before the assistant could finish, he added, "As of ten minutes ago, the company''s stock price has fallen by 8%. The Montana-based Double Mountain Mining and the Silicon Valley company, Sentinels Network, have suspended our financing discussions, claiming the risks are unmanageable." This spy case was particularly deadly, as it severely damaged BlackRock''s reputation. The secondary market stock prices continued to drop, and several financing deals in the primary market were halted. Fink steadied himself and said, "We''re facing a crisis, but our foundation remains strong; there''s no need to panic." He looked at Kapito and said, "I will arrange to speak with Hawke Osment." Kapito replied, "If his conditions aren''t too extreme, let''s agree to them temporarily until we can catch our breath..." Fink understood that during a crisis, support was in short supply; people were practically hoping for BlackRock to collapse. In times like these, survival required struggle. "Find a go-between, preferably a political broker, someone they won''t easily refuse. Get in touch with Hawke Osment," Fink instructed. Kapito sighed, "Previously, the high-profile supporters we had in California, like Willie Brown and Speaker Nunez, have all fallen due to the Ackerman family''s case. The new Newsom family doesn''t want to get involved in the Russian spy case." At this point, Fink realized that the situation in California wasn''t simply deteriorating for BlackRock -- it was dire. He regretted not following the advice to withdraw the BlackRock Film Foundation. After some thought, he instructed his assistant, "Get Hawke''s contact information; I''ll call him myself." After some effort, the assistant managed to secure Hawke''s cellphone number through Hollywood connections from BWR Public Relations. Fink personally called Hawke, and they scheduled a meeting for the next morning at Coastal Building. --- As night fell, the neon lights on Sunset Boulevard lit up. Russell led Lola out of the Avalon Bar and said, "My car broke down, and I took a cab here. Mind if I catch a ride with you?" Lola tucked her brown hair behind one ear and smiled at Russell. Russell shrugged his shoulders. Lola grabbed him, saying, "Get in the car." They climbed into a champagne-colored BMW while Lola drove west along Sunset Boulevard. Russell sat in the passenger seat, responsible for giving directions. After about ten minutes, they stopped below an apartment building. Russell got out first, holding the door open, and invited, "Want to come up for a cup of coffee? I have some beans from Brazil, freshly ground; it tastes amazing." Lola hesitated for a few seconds before saying, "Alright, I''ll come up for a coffee." ... They went up together and entered Russell''s apartment. Russell had planned this all along; he turned on the TV, which was broadcasting Fox 11 news. He really went to grind coffee beans. Lola glanced at her own figure and then at Russell grinding the coffee, unable to comprehend. Who would come up just for a cup of coffee! With no remote handy, she had no choice but to watch Fox 11. Before long, the channel switched, and began. Russell came over with two cups of aromatic coffee, along with sugar cubes and milk, and sat beside Lola. Lola added some sugar and milk; however, her thoughts weren''t on the coffee. With hot coffee in front of her and no way to downplay the moment, she could only gaze at the TV screen. Having lived undercover in Los Angeles for eight years, Russell was no longer the iron-willed spy he once was. He had conformed somewhat to a normal person''s life, so his adaptability had diminished. He stuck strictly to the plan he had set. The segment on discussed the latest revelations about the BlackRock-Russian spy case, inevitably mentioning Twitter. The TV show served as prime conversation fodder. Russell said, "This case has been unfolding publicly, and it looks like BlackRock is about to sink deep into the mire." Twitter paid Lola, and the compensation was considerable. Naturally, she stood on Twitter''s side. "Luckily, the company discovered it early; otherwise, the entire Manhattan AI Project would have leaked, leading to incalculable losses for Twitter." "That''s a huge investment project?" Russell inquired. Lola didn''t know much and was reluctant to discuss confidential matters. "I heard it had been in the works since last year." "After running for so long, if it was stolen, the losses would surely be substantial." Russell looked at the TV, where Twitter had revealed compensation amounts: "$3.3 billion! That''s an unbelievable claim." Lola''s mind wasn''t on the money, as she engaged in casual conversation, waiting for her coffee to cool off before taking a few sips. Seeing Russell sit idle, Lola''s patience wore thin. Finally, she lunged at him. Russell wanted to protest but was quickly silenced by Lola''s kiss. It was a direct attack on his senses. After eight years in the colorful nightlife of Los Angeles, Russell was no longer the iron-man spy he used to be; he chose to give in to his desires. ... The next morning, neither of them had yet to wake from their slumber when Lola''s phone rang. She quickly opened her eyes and fumbled for her phone, answering urgently. After hanging up, she told a startled Russell, "There''s an issue with the transmission from a server. I need to head to the office right away." "It might be a line problem. I''ll call someone to come in, and then I''ll head over, too," Russell replied. Lola rushed into the bathroom to freshen up, got dressed, grabbed her bag, and hurried out of the apartment without looking back. Watching her leave, Russell suddenly felt as if he had run into a femme fatale. He too hurriedly left the apartment while calling a technician from his team on his way down. --- At Coastal Building, Hawke arrived early. Not long after he started work, Edward walked in, saying, "Larry Fink has arrived. I had someone bring him to the meeting room on the first floor." "Let''s go meet him," Hawke replied as they both headed down to the public meeting area. Larry Fink had met Hawke once before and approached him for a handshake. "Good to see you again." Hawke gestured, inviting him to sit. "Make yourself comfortable." Fink settled into a single sofa and stated, "Recently, there have been some misunderstandings between Twitter and BlackRock, leading to the current situation; our companies are not enemies." Having had their share of conflicts, Hawke wasn''t holding back. "Where were you when that car filled with explosives nearly crashed into me in Covina, and mercenaries started shooting at me?" He chuckled, "Where were you when your subordinates were stealing Twitter''s most crucial business and technological development plans for the next decade?" Fink frowned, now better prepared for the challenge of the day. "I don''t want to call it a misunderstanding about the Covina incident. Those responsible have faced consequences, and as for the spy case, BlackRock had no knowledge of it." As if he believed the spy case wasn''t engineered by him, Hawke bore a dubious expression. "Really?" Fink said something he himself didn''t believe: "I strongly suspect that the Russian factions were aware of the conflict between BlackRock and Twitter, purposefully implanting a spy in BlackRock to incite internal strife within America." He emphasized, "Our two firms represent entirely different political factions, which could stir internal discord in America..." Hawke raised his hand to interrupt Fink, saying, "Let''s put that aside for now. A senior employee from BlackRock, one who has already been apprehended by the FBI with irrefutable evidence and confessed, along with two individuals coerced by this spy, have caused substantial losses to Twitter through wiretapping!" Fink expressed his sincerity. "BlackRock can compensate Twitter for its losses." Hawke looked at him in silence. Fink continued, "The entire BlackRock Film Foundation could serve as compensation for your company. While it has limited funding, it has invested in several Hollywood films, including a $90 million investment in New Line Cinema''s ." Hawke thought to himself, that''s quite a significant investment; how much could they actually recover? Was the boomerang coming back to hit him? Had he dug his own pit that would ultimately bury him? sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke shook his head slowly. Fink understood that BlackRock needed a moment to breathe and suggested, "BlackRock is willing to compensate $300 million in order to settle out of court with your firm." Hawke responded, "Twitter''s demands are clearly outlined in the lawsuit." As Fink was about to say something more, the meeting room door was knocked and Edward quickly walked in, saying, "There''s an urgent matter." Hawke glanced at Edward''s discreet gestures and understood the matter was quite urgent. He immediately said, "You should seriously consider Twitter''s legitimate demands; I have to attend to something urgent, so I can''t see you out." He quickly walked towards Edward, and they exited the meeting room together. At that moment, a supervisor responsible for the reception came in. Fink, with a blank expression, said nothing and quickly left Coastal Building. --- Just ten minutes earlier, Lola, accompanied by her tech team, had spent some time successfully resolving the slow issue with a server. An assistant had brought her breakfast. After returning to her office, Lola hurriedly finished her breakfast and opened the internal office software on her computer, drafting a written report on the incident to send to her director, Harland, and the operations director, Caroline. Once she sent the email, she casually clicked open her inbox and quickly skimmed through unread messages until her eyes landed on a highlighted notice. It was a notification jointly issued by the chairman''s office and the operations director''s office, directed at all managers and above. Lola opened the notice again, which reminded management not to leak key content related to the Manhattan AI Project and the Russian spy case. Most people, including Lola, would find it hard to keep such things under wraps as they were entirely unaware of the specific information. The notice also stated that if anyone attempted to inquire about related content, they should report it to the security department. Lola released the mouse, recalling the events of that night. Was Russell casually chatting about the TV show, or was he probing for information? She couldn''t tell, so she decided to report it to the security department. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 400: The Curse Must Not Be Ignored [Chapter 400: The Curse Must Not Be Ignored] Austin, the head of security, received word that Russell was at the Coast Tower, overseeing work for a company that had a long-standing partnership with Twitter. It was the on-site supervisor from Infolytika Network. He quickly reviewed Russell''s file from the security department. Russell had worked at Infolytika for over eight years without incident, and he was currently a key technical and management team member. He was from Lithuania, a nation known for its hostility towards Russia, and was a first-generation immigrant. As a nation of immigrants, such situations were far too common. Within Twitter, there were at least three employees who were also first-generation immigrants, including individuals of Russian and Ukrainian descent. Given Russell''s role, Austin decided to play it safe and reported the situation to Edward immediately. Edward had a long history with Lola and asked her about it briefly. Initially, there was nothing to worry about, but then the Savior suddenly recalled something: the leader of the Cursed Cult, Brian Ferguson, had issued a curse targeting Russian spies in Washington. Brian had a reputation for being a doomsayer; many of his curses had come true, and both Hawke and Erica had faced peril several times because of him. In fact, in Covina, the leader had nearly cursed himself to death. ... Knowing how serious this was, Edward wouldn''t underestimate the situation and promptly found Hawke: "Brian said something in Washington." Hawke recalled the curse and replied, "I should probably sew this guy''s mouth shut!" With so many curses manifesting, it was not something to take lightly. Hawke visited the security office and spoke with Lola to get the details. Realizing that the situation had alarmed Hawke, Lola recounted everything regarding Russell, including her unexpected confrontation with him. After hearing her out, Hawke asked a few crucial questions: "How long have you known Russell?" "A long time," Lola thoughtfully replied. "After Twitter was founded and acquired the website created by Kasim and me, I started handling the hardware side. During the second server replacement when the company started full cooperation with Infolytika, that''s when I met Russell. So it''s been about two years." Hawke asked, "Has he pursued you at all during these two years?" Lola slowly shook her head. "No, never." She shared some gossip, "There was a time I wanted to sleep with him and hinted at it a few times, but he honestly has a hard time reading signals. Eventually, I lost interest until a week ago when he suddenly started pursuing me." Edward chimed in, "Right after he got back from Washington." Though it sounded a bit absurd, Hawke had experienced strange situations like this before and didn''t dare to dismiss it. The situation was clearly off. No one wanted to take risks, especially someone like Hawke who could easily become a target for backlash in America. He advised Lola, "Don''t act strangely; keep up your usual work." Lola nodded. "I will." Hawke turned to Austin and said, "Trained spies are not something you can handle. Beyond electronic monitoring, do not let anyone else surveil him." Austin replied, "Understood." ... Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Of course, this kind of thing was best left to the professionals. Hawke pulled out his phone and called Jennifer Huey directly. When she picked up, he said, "I think we might have discovered a Russian spy." Jennifer couldn''t comprehend it. "We just caught one; they''re sending another one? And you found him?" Hawke likewise found it puzzling. "I can''t figure it out either." "What do we do with this person?" Jennifer, who respected Hawke''s opinion on such matters, asked. "Should I have someone monitor him long-term, flush him out?" Hawke harbored doubts. They couldn''t leave a ticking time bomb in the company, saying, "Get him away. I trust you to figure out if he''s a spy. It shouldn''t be too hard." "Where is this guy?" Jennifer was eager for him to actually be a spy, as that would solidify their previous case. Even if she didn''t need the recognition, her team would. The higher her position rose, the more she needed a reliable team. Hawke quickly summarized the situation. Jennifer decisively responded, "I''ll head over there right now." Hawke added, "I''ll be waiting in the security room." ... Lola momentarily felt dazed; she initially thought the situation was unsafe and just wanted to file a report. How did it turn into a spy chase? ... In the office, Jennifer hung up and summoned her assistant, saying, "Notify Bernaldo and Chick; assemble their teams and have everyone turn in their phones. We''re heading out." The assistant hurried off to inform the two team leaders. Ten minutes later, several unmarked FBI vehicles rolled out of the branch and headed straight for Santa Monica. Jennifer wasn''t afraid of catching the wrong person; the FBI had the means. She began considering how to connect these two cases for even greater recognition. --- At the Coast Tower, Hawke ordered Lola to continue her usual work while he stayed in the security office to monitor Russell via surveillance. Russell appeared completely normal, with a rugged beard, commanding his subordinates with seriousness, seeming nothing like a spy. Hawke''s deepest impressions of Russian spies came from various movies and literature. He remembered that his cousin had starred in a similar movie. Not long after, Jennifer and her team made their way from the freight elevator to the first floor and entered the security room. Hawke pointed to the surveillance footage and said, "Do you see that man in the red hard hat with a big beard? That''s our target, Russell." Jennifer waved her hand for Chick and Bernaldo to confirm the target''s appearance. Hawke instructed, "I''ll have someone call him into the switch room; it will be just us and the security staff there. You quietly take control of him." "Sounds good." Jennifer turned to her subordinates, "Prepare the setup." Austin led the way, saying, "This way." Hawke ordered another security personnel, "Switch the feed to the switch room." The large screen quickly adjusted, dividing into four quadrants showing different angles of the switch room. Hawke nodded at Edward. Edward called Lola on the phone: "Let''s go." ... At the North side server room of the Coast Tower, the Infolytika technical team was busy. Russell sat at a desk, unease radiating from him. A Black guy approached and asked, "Boss, what''s wrong? Did Lola deny your advances?" Russell shook his head. "Actually, we spent the night together last night." "Wow, that''s fast!" The Black guy blinked, asking, "How was it?" Russell scratched his beard. "Feels like someone took advantage of me." Just then, his phone rang; seeing it was Lola, he quickly picked up, "Hey, darling, I''m in the North side server room." Lola''s voice came through immediately, "You need to come to the South side server room. There was an issue this morning, and you need to be made aware of a few things." "On my way." He jumped off the desk, stored his phone, and urged, "Everyone stay sharp, no screw-ups." The Black guy added, "You go on your date; we won''t have any problems here, Boss." Russell didn''t respond, leaving alone and taking a loop through the corridor leading to the switch room. ... Typically, no one passed through this area; only security guards were on patrol. Russell made his way towards the switch room but as he passed the restroom and storage room, noises erupted from both sides at once, and he was suddenly pounced upon. The two strongest FBI agents tackled Russell with the force of a bear. Russell tried to struggle against them but was swiftly taken down. In an instant, five or six more agents swarmed him. These FBI agents were highly trained; some pinned Russell''s arms down while others pressed his legs. Others quickly tore open Russell''s shirt to prevent him from pulling at the neck. Someone grabbed his chin to check inside his mouth for any hidden dentures. Russell fought with all his strength, but there was no escaping; he could only mumble, "What are you doing? What do you want?" A nimble white agent came over, shoved a gags into Russell''s mouth, and strapped it behind his head. Then, he pulled out a black hood and said softly, "FBI! Buddy, your time''s up. Come with us!" Hearing the FBI, Russell''s tense body suddenly relaxed, and he ceased to struggle, seemingly resigned to his fate. At that moment, he recalled the absurd orders from Moscow and the sadness and helplessness of being a pawn for a spineless politician. As they bound his hands, several agents quickly searched him. All items found were captured on the recording device and placed into evidence bags before lifting Russell from the ground. ... Bernaldo came over to check Russell''s face and glanced at his work badge hanging around his neck, confirmed his identity, and said, "Take him away." The short white agent placed a black hood over Russell''s head. The FBI agents dragged Russell down the opposite corridor. ... Meanwhile, Austin had already cleared out an elevator area. Russell was taken into the underground parking lot and pushed into a commercial van. ... On the other side, Chick and his team had subdued Russell''s workers. ... In the first-floor security room, Jennifer watched the entire capture process through the surveillance and told Hawke, "I''ll immediately begin interrogation and will summon the relevant personnel from Infolytika." Hawke replied, "Notify me as soon as you have any results." Jennifer nodded slightly and quickly exited the security room. ... Hawke turned to Edward, saying, "Inform everyone; all vice presidents and higher management will hold a meeting. Lola is to be included." As Infolytika was a long-time partner of Twitter, responsible for the fiber optic cable connections, although there had never been an issue before, it was necessary to conduct a complete inspection of all cables. As for Lola, if Russell''s spy identity was confirmed, the company surely owed her a significant reward. It was essential to distinguish rewards from punishments; otherwise, trust would quickly erode. ... Half an hour later, Twitter held an internal meeting. Lola''s news was astonishing. Just like Hawke, the management team couldn''t understand why Russians had chosen such a sensitive moment to dispatch a spy. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 401: No Man Could Compare to Money [Chapter 401: No Man Could Compare to Money] In downtown Los Angeles, at the FBI field office. News about the spy had been kept strictly confidential. Russell was dragged into the interrogation room, where he was personally interrogated by Chick and Bernaldo. Spies had no rights, and even those suspected of being spies were treated with ruthless methods by the FBI. When the dreaded waterboarding began, Russell realized he was far less resilient than he had imagined. Each time the wet towel covered his mouth and nose, followed by the icy water pouring over him, he found himself not wanting to resist any longer. From the beginning, it had been a ridiculous mission. A prominent figure scheduled to visit the European Union chose to sacrifice true patriots like them in a bid to curry favor with Western public opinion. It was not that Russell was not strong enough; it was that this kind of action shattered his ability to be strong. When the wet towel was removed, Russell coughed up a stream of water and exclaimed, "I... I''ll talk, I''ll talk!" Chick and Bernaldo exchanged glances, took seats at a table, and said, "Let''s get started." "I belong to the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service..." Russell, having lost his mental faith, recounted everything he had experienced and knew. ... sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The news from the interrogation room kept reaching the outside. Based on Russell''s testimony, Jennifer constantly dispatched personnel to apprehend related individuals. However, aside from a minor breakthrough from those who searched Russell''s place, the other deployed teams returned empty-handed. Jennifer contacted the Federal Aviation Administration to get assistance locating a Romanian named Alexander. The FAA''s departure records showed that Alexander had flown to Hungary several days prior. With Russell''s solitary line of contact leading to a dead end, they couldn''t capture Alexander, making it difficult to uncover more spies. But having Russell was already a surprise. As Hawke''s accomplice, Jennifer knew Eugene Kropov was a false spy, while Russell was a genuine Russian spy. The latter could corroborate the former. ... By that afternoon, Russell had divulged everything he could. His mental faith was utterly shattered, and he even expressed an inclination to defect to the FBI. When a person changes, it is easy to go from one extreme to another. ... Jennifer called Hawke, and then returned to Coast Building. They met in a conference room on the 16th floor. Jennifer stated, "It has been confirmed that Russell''s real name is Russell Karnikov, a spy linked to the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service. He received KGB training back during the Cold War, arriving in Los Angeles in early 1997. He has been undercover for over eight years, during which he has not performed any missions until this month..." Hawke listened to her description, at a loss for words. Edward handed Hawke a newspaper he picked from the rack: "There''s an article on it." Hawke glanced at it, seeing a major player in Russian politics was preparing for a visit to Brussels to discuss various cooperation matters between Russia and the EU. This was a typical pro-Western figure. Though it seemed absurd, there were countless ludicrous incidents concocted by high-level political figures around the world. As onlookers observed the mess, it felt as if the entire world was a gigantic circus. Hawke shifted his thoughts to more pressing issues: "Since we''ve confirmed the identity of the spy, can we go public? This could benefit us." Jennifer had already considered this before coming: "I''ve consulted with higher-ups. We''ll leak the news through Twitter tonight and hold a press briefing tomorrow morning." After a moment''s thought, she suggested, "Discovering the spy doesn''t serve you much and risks provoking Russian retaliation. Instead, let''s position it as the FBI uncovering the spy after a prolonged investigation, and they made the arrest today." Hawke understood that Twitter did not require such a moniker. He also knew to keep his allies happy, saying, "Provide a detailed outline, and I''ll unify our stance here; coordinate it so the case ties closely to the BlackRock espionage case." With mutual benefits at stake, Jennifer agreed: "Russell was indeed here for the BlackRock espionage case." Hawke tapped lightly on the armrest of his chair while pondering, "BlackRock Investment Group has now been implicated in two espionage cases. Can the FBI file a request with the Department of Justice for an extensive investigation into BlackRock?" He paused, then continued, "I''ll contact the White House. Chief of Staff Andrew Card will handle the communication; I previously discussed the matter with him in Washington." "This series of cases makes BlackRock undeniably responsible," Jennifer noted. Coming from a family with influence, she wasn''t just any ordinary person; her competency earned her the top position in the Los Angeles office: "My father works in the Justice Department. I''ll call him and ask for his support to push this through." Hawke acknowledged, "I won''t say thank you more than necessary. Brian should have mentioned that once the Manhattan AI Project is officially announced, your company could become a key supplier." Jennifer smiled, "We are already preparing." This project was something that Twitter alone could not manage, so Hawke had teamed up with various players to push for a significant response. After nearly an hour of discussion, Jennifer said her goodbyes and left to return to the field office, continuing to handle the spy case. ... Hawke asked Edward to call Lola, requesting her to come to the 16th floor. Upon seeing Hawke, Lola asked, "Has the person been taken away by the FBI? Was his identity confirmed?" Hawke replied directly: "You need to brace yourself; Russell is from the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service and is a spy who has been undercover in Los Angeles for over eight years. His approach to you was related to the BlackRock espionage case, aiming to gain critical intelligence through you." "I never expected he was that kind of person!" Lola''s face showed a hint of bitterness, but she didn''t dwell too much on it. "I''m sorry, Hawke. I''ve brought trouble to the company..." Hawke interrupted her: "You don''t need to apologize. You are blameless in this matter. Thanks to your prompt feedback, we avoided what could have been a significant loss for the company in the future." Lola smiled lightly: "As a Twitter employee, Twitter pays me a handsome salary, and I can''t just watch the company''s interests suffer." This was sincere because without Twitter, finding another company offering such lucrative pay would be challenging. As for entrepreneurship, Lola and Kasim had experienced a failed venture. Were it not for Twitter''s acquisition, they would have gone bankrupt. "The company will issue an internal memo acknowledging your contribution in this matter," Hawke indicated, noting that the spy''s merit would lean toward the FBI: "Regarding the Russian spy involvement, if you become too entangled, it won''t do you any favors." Lola nodded in agreement. Hawke wouldn''t just provide encouragement but also tangible rewards: "You will receive a special bonus of $500,000. You can decide how to spend it." Lola beamed with delight: "Thank you, thank you, company! Thank you, Chairman!" "You can get back to work now," Hawke said, "The bonus will be disbursed within a week." Lola left the office happily, leaving Russell behind in her thoughts. No man could compare to $500,000. ... Hawke told Edward to issue the notice in the name of the Chairman''s Office, keeping it vague, stating that Lola assisted the FBI in capturing a Russian spy and the company would reward her generously. Edward went to issue the announcement. Twitter had paused cooperation with Infolytika; Harland led a professional team to conduct thorough inspections of the company''s fiber optics. The legal department would also increase civil suit terms based on the situation, holding BlackRock fully responsible for this loss and compensation. ... As the end of the workday approached, Jennifer called again. Hawke had Edward release the security department''s captured video images on Twitter''s official account. These images were carefully selected not to reveal any individual''s identity. Twitter posted mainly photographs alongside text headlines -- Twitter cooperated again with the FBI, capturing a Russian spy! Once the news was released, it sparked a flurry of replies. Fox 11''s Twitter account inquired: "Is there a second one caught?" commented: "Can you disclose more information?" ABC''s account asked: "When will the press conference take place?" ... At 6 PM, the FBI''s Los Angeles field office issued a notification announcing a press briefing concerning the latest espionage case set for 10 AM the next morning. The media across Los Angeles and California erupted with excitement. Had the previous espionage case not concluded before another was caught? Was it still related to Twitter? ... In the Coast Building office, Hawke was in the midst of a video conference with Public Relations Director Hearst and Elizabeth Carter from the Peterson Consulting Company in Washington. Elizabeth asked, "Have we confirmed it''s a Russian spy?" Hawke leaned back in his chair and replied, "It''s 100% confirmed, directly linked to the Manhattan AI Project." Hearst laughed, saying, "That''s good news; it will certainly stir up more interest in the Manhattan AI Project." Elizabeth added, "This significantly aids our lobbying efforts in Washington. The Russian side sending a second wave of spies targeting Twitter shows that The Manhattan AI Project has posed a tangible threat to the Russians." Hawke clarified, "This is precisely why I called this meeting. After tomorrow''s FBI press conference, we will integrate this case into our lobbying efforts." Elizabeth replied bluntly, "Thanks to the Russian big shots for their assist." Hearst laughed heartily: "I''ve never found the Russians this endearing. I must raise a toast to them later." Hawke chuckled too: "You''ll have your chance. A pro-Western Russian bigshot is soon heading to the EU headquarters in Brussels for a visit. You might attend their reception banquet." Elizabeth responded, "I''d rather stay in Washington and push for congressional representatives to express their outrage against the Russians." Hawke then inquired about the progress of their lobbying work. After securing support from Vice President Cheney, Elizabeth had also gained Johnny McCain''s backing, and she had successfully communicated with several members of Congress. They were currently preparing to approach Tom Emmer, the third-ranking Republican. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 402: Federal Investigation Order [Chapter 402: Federal Investigation Order] After the lengthy questioning by the FBI, Larry Fink and Robert Kapito walked through the doors of the Marriott Hotel, looking exhausted. Even with their lawyer present, after several hours of interrogation, Kapito was fuming. "These bastards still cling to Cold War espionage laws. It''s the 21st century for crying out loud!" Fink reassured him, "Just hang in there, it will be over tomorrow. I''m heading back to Washington to personally lobby the Federal Trade Commission." ... Once they returned to their room, their assistant who had been sitting behind the laptop got up and said, "Sir, come quick! Twitter just released an official statement; they assisted the FBI in apprehending another Russian spy within the company." "What?" Fink couldn''t believe it and hurried over to look at the laptop. "Are Russian spies coming in bulk now?" Kapito lashed out, "Twitter''s pathetic stunts, doing this again and again. I''m going to file a complaint against Twitter and Hawke Osment!" Fink scrutinized the tweet on the screen. Aside from the headline, there were numerous images, all showing surveillance screenshots. Kapito saw them too. "Are they really doing this again? What''s wrong with these Russians? One gets caught by the FBI and they send another one? Are those Moscow officials completely nuts?" Fink pondered, "If all of this is true and they frame us for the spy''s actions, we''ll be in more trouble." Kapito sank heavily onto the sofa, feeling his head about to explode. "What if Twitter is colluding with the Russians? Collaborating with their intelligence agencies to set us up?" The assistant suggested, "Should we contact the media in Russia to say that BlackRock has been framed and has nothing to do with...?" "No way!" Fink said firmly, maintaining his political acumen. "Anything involving BlackRock will only complicate matters further, regardless of what the Russians say or don''t say." Kapito posed a stark reality: "If John Kerry had won last year''s election, we wouldn''t be dealing with all of this trouble right now." Fink nodded in agreement. "Exactly. George W. Bush''s reelection gave Hawke Osment the confidence to initiate all of this. This is more about political failure than a business problem." The room fell silent for a moment, realizing that this pressing issue wouldn''t be resolved anytime soon. Kapito asked, "What about the people behind this? Are they just sitting back and watching?" Fink replied coldly, "We are the largest shareholders in BlackRock. Those bastards are looking to consume everything we have. They see us as an easy target." Kapito turned to the assistant, "Order a private jet. As soon as we''re done with the FBI, we''re heading directly to Washington." Fink agreed, "Los Angeles is their turf. We can''t outmaneuver Twitter and Hawke Osment here; we need to find solutions from Washington." The assistant quickly contacted a charter jet service. --- The next morning, at the FBI''s Los Angeles office, the public relations department had prepared for a press briefing on the case. Although the evidence gathered from Russell''s home and office was minimal, the presence of multiple Russian recordings was significant enough. One of them was a classic song from the Soviet era, . Additionally, they had a video of Russell''s interrogation ready. As the clock approached 9:30 a.m., Jennifer didn''t rush to the nearby news hall but waited outside the office building. An assistant received a phone call and relayed, "The DOJ representative is on their way." Jennifer nodded slightly, her eyes fixed on the entrance. ... Moments later, several black Chevrolets turned into the entrance and stopped in front of the office building. Jennifer quickly descended the stairs to greet them. A middle-aged man stepped out of one of the vehicles and shook her hand. "Jennifer, long time no see." Jennifer complimented, "John, you''re looking younger every day!" John glanced at the office building and remarked, "I''m here mainly for the briefing; let''s head to the venue since time''s ticking away." Jennifer replied, "Let''s go to the site first." She followed John into the Chevrolet. The assistant called for an FBI vehicle to escort them. The long convoy made its way to the nearby news hall. ... In the vehicle, Jennifer asked directly, "What''s the outcome?" "The Deputy Attorney General sent me here -- need I say more?" John tapped his briefcase. "This company has been linked to espionage cases twice now; clearly, there''s an issue, and an investigation order has been issued." Jennifer said, "That will make my job a bit easier." ... They arrived at the news hall swiftly and entered one after the other. A live broadcast van from Fox Channel 11 was parked outside. Inside the lobby, a team from Twitter was setting up cameras for the live video stream. Hundreds of journalists gathered inside the hall. At 10 a.m., the press briefing commenced. The FBI began by providing an overview of the case, making sure to align their statements with Twitter''s narrative. They explained how the FBI had discovered and conducted a covert investigation on spy Russell, who was captured with assistance from Twitter and Lola. Numerous pieces of evidence were displayed, including a video of the interrogation, in which Russell stated incredibly, "My mission was directed at Twitter and continued from the previous espionage case, primarily to approach Twitter''s executives and retrieve sensitive information." The video was short but direct, effectively guiding the narrative. The journalists in attendance buzzed with excitement at the prospect of a big story breaking. What was meant by the continuation of the previous espionage case and trying to obtain crucial information? It was evident; they were referring to critical technology behind the Manhattan AI Project! An overly eager young reporter exclaimed, "The Russians will never give up on defeating the United States!" A somewhat older journalist nodded in agreement, "They''ve always been America''s largest adversary! Back in my day, they threatened nuclear war against us on multiple occasions." A more tempered voice interjected, "Twitter''s Manhattan AI Project is impressive; it has drawn Russian attention repeatedly." "There must be something great about it; those Russians aren''t fools," another reporter chimed in. "Washington''s claims can''t be trusted, but the Russians are often more believable than they are." Someone else concurred, "The ones who know us best are certainly our enemies." ... At the Coast Building, in an office on the 16th floor, Hawke was sitting in front of his computer, watching Twitter''s live stream. Along with the video, they had a text and image stream. Edward remarked, "Is that spy really that cooperative? He makes Eugene look easy to handle." Hawke had heard Jennifer mention before that Russell had gone to extremes, choosing to completely betray Russia and side with the FBI. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Edward couldn''t help but curse, "Traitor!" Without a doubt, anywhere one went, those who betray their country were despised. ... In the video stream, Department of Justice representative John Stone appeared on-screen. This sharply dressed middle-aged man announced on behalf of the DOJ that given the broad implications of the espionage case and the significant media impact, the DOJ was issuing a federal investigation order. The DOJ would collaborate with the FBI for a joint investigation. During the subsequent Q&A session, a journalist asked the first question, "Does the investigation order include BlackRock?" John Stone replied directly, "Yes, BlackRock is included. The first Russian spy captured by the LA office was linked to BlackRock." ... As the briefing concluded in Los Angeles, shares of BlackRock plummeted on the New York Stock Exchange. Investor confidence in BlackRock hit rock bottom. On this very day, a judicial investigation against BlackRock officially commenced. The outcome of the investigation was inconsequential; as long as the DOJ dragged their feet, investors wouldn''t regain confidence in BlackRock. ... Meanwhile, in line with standard judicial procedures, the Los Angeles district court held its first hearing regarding Twitter''s civil lawsuit against BlackRock. The two sides engaged in their initial mediation. Twitter unhesitatingly rejected BlackRock''s $500 million civil compensation offer. BlackRock wanted to resolve this turmoil quickly, but Hawke aimed to prolong it further. Unless BlackRock offered a one-time compensation of $3.3 billion, which was impossible since BlackRock had only been public for six years and hadn''t faced the rapid fluctuations of the current market. ... After the first hearing concluded, Hawke reached out to Elizabeth at Peterson Strategic Consulting. He stated directly, "You''re free to proceed on your end." ... In Washington D.C., at the Galloping Horse Club, one of the leading figures in the Senate''s Democratic Party and chair of one of the twelve subcommittees of the Appropriations Committee, Tom Daschle, watched with two female aides as a striking female lobbyist sat across from him. Daschle set his drink down and said, "Elizabeth, we''re old acquaintances, have worked together before, so let''s skip the pleasantries. You''re here regarding Twitter''s Manhattan AI Project, right?" Elizabeth''s fair face broke into a bright smile. "Yes, I want you to support this proposal." Daschle crossed his legs and leaned back into the sofa. "Based on what I know, Twitter''s position is quite clear -- they are siding with the right." "That''s because George W. Bush promised significant benefits to Twitter, and he''s delivering!" Elizabeth argued, painting the narrative in a completely different light. "Kerry and Edwards have never even reached out to Twitter, nor sent any representatives; meanwhile, George W. Bush quietly contacted Twitter early last year, promising a series of incentives." She countered, "If it were you or me, which side would we naturally support?" Daschle shook his head. "That''s a compelling argument, but I focus solely on the results, not the causes." Elizabeth nodded. "Fine, let''s talk results. Business is all about profit, and mainstream North American media, for instance, doesn''t always support you guys. Sometimes they also side with the right, and take News Corporation; do they have a consistent stance? Twitter now stands as the leading media platform on the internet, capable of instantly broadcasting any side''s policies, narratives, and ideas to the audience." Daschle began to take the matter seriously, as it all ultimately boiled down to interests. Elizabeth added, "Did you see the news? The Russians have sent spies twice now trying to steal Twitter''s Manhattan AI Project! Tom, twice! What does that indicate? As an advocate against Russia, you should understand the implications better than I do!" She emphasized, "Your family has significant interests in Germany and are expanding business into Eastern Europe. If Russia gains the upper hand, how will the situation in Eastern Europe change? ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 403: I Fulfilled My Promise with My Life [Chapter 403: I Fulfilled My Promise with My Life] What the enemy valued was certainly precious. Their side''s lobbying efforts in Washington paled in comparison to the impact of a Russian support action. Of course, the Russians continued to deny it. But no matter what they said, it was all in vain. Taking advantage of the new Russian spy case, Elizabeth Carter managed to win over the chairpersons of three subcommittees within the funding committee. The PR director of Twitter, Hearst, also leveraged personal connections in the wake of the espionage scandal to secure several votes from committee members. Elizabeth called Hawke and expressed her growing confidence that the Manhattan AI Project proposal would get approved this year. ... The attention from the Russians gave Hawke newfound confidence in the venture as well. Hawke privately dubbed his initiative the "Termite Project," and the initial funding request submitted to the committee increased to $35 billion. Whether it would be terminated later was uncertain, but at least during George Walker''s time in office, there was no issue expected. --- New York, Park Avenue. A convoy of vehicles, emblazoned with the FBI logo, sped up and came to a halt in front of the BlackRock headquarters. Several officials from the Department of Justice directed FBI agents into the building, where they presented a series of documents and invaded key department offices such as the finance office to seize various data, personnel files, and bank accounts. Although they did not seal off the building, it fell under comprehensive surveillance. Most employees and managers at BlackRock were at a loss, while executives desperately tried to maintain control, communicating with Department of Justice officials in hopes of avoiding the worst-case scenario. ... Reporters from , already tipped off, were stationed on-site, their cameras clicking continuously as they captured the comings and goings of FBI and DOJ personnel at BlackRock. During this time, they also seized opportunities to interview the lead officials. ... That afternoon, news of the event spread quickly across the internet, and Wall Street adjusted its risk assessment level for BlackRock, raising it to the extremely risky R5 level. ... By the next day, with the issuance of , voices pessimistic about BlackRock were rampant. Once capital sensed an opportunity, it would immediately open its jaws wide. Hawke had prepared the first course, and faced with BlackRock''s vast interests, the sharks jumped in, placing BlackRock on the table and picking up their knives and forks. Rescue was far from as inexpensive as sharing. --- Beverly Hills, North Sunset Boulevard. The nighttime lights illuminated the entire mountain, as stars, celebrities, and wealthy elites flowed in and out of the massive mansion. Tom Cruise''s party was quite unique; instead of hiring female models for ambiance, it had a sense of a religious ceremony. Hawke didn''t mind any of that. He gifted Tom Cruise a bottle of champagne and embraced him, saying, "Congratulations, Oscar winner." Tom Cruise handed the champagne off to the butler and said, "I''ve got your gift ready, but with everything going on lately, I didn''t want to disturb you. When are you moving into your new place?" Hawke laughed and replied, "I''ll be moving to Beverly next week. Come check out my new home then." "I''ll definitely come by," Tom Cruise said, initially beaming, but his smile stiffened at that moment. Hawke turned to follow his gaze to the entrance. Nicole Kidman, dressed to the nines, floated in like a fairy through the grand entrance. The entire banquet hall fell silent. At Tom Cruise''s Oscar-winning celebration party, his estranged ex-wife was the one who came to offer congratulations, making for quite the spectacle. Everyone waited, eager to see what would unfold. Tom Cruise leaned in and softly asked, "Hawke, you''ve got the clever ideas, what should I do?" Hawke patted his arm and said, "I''ve never been through a scene like this. I have no experience." He quickly walked away to give the spotlight back to the leading couple. ... Not far off, Brian, who had just returned to Los Angeles from Washington, raised his glass toward Hawke. Hawke sat down across from him. Nicole Kidman approached Tom Cruise with a smile and shared a few words. Tom Cruise forced a smile in return. However awkward it felt for him, she remained calm and composed, standing beside Tom as if she were the hostess. Noticing that Tom Cruise was looking over this way, Brian raised his glass toward him and then turned to Hawke, saying, "Do you think they''ll remarry?" Hawke considered it and replied, "As for remarrying, it''s probably not just up to Tommy; he''ll need to consult with the backers too." "That''s true," Brian nodded slightly. "Tommy is an important figure in Scientology; maybe one day he might become its leader." As they chatted, several women suddenly appeared in the hall. Tom Cruise swiftly vacated his position, and Nicole Kidman attempted to follow but was blocked by the group of women. Hawke shook his head, saying, "Tommy is refusing to cooperate. There''s no good drama left to watch." He waved to a waiter and ordered two glasses of champagne, handing one to Brian as he shifted the topic. "Should I throw you into the Pacific to feed the sharks?" Brian looked innocent, "Why? Come on, we''re the best partners! You''re not going to use me as shark bait!" Hawke reminded him, "Russian spies! Do you remember what you said while we were in Washington?" "I... I really just said it offhand," Brian argued, pointing the finger at Hawke instead. "You''d already gotten involved with the Russians before this; it''s all your fault." Hawke grabbed the wine bottle from the table, glaring at Brian''s head. "I''ve been wondering, which is tougher: your stubborn mouth or this specially made bottle?" Brian quickly shut his mouth and awkwardly backpedaled, "Really, it''s not my fault. Since you left Washington, you''ve been busy socializing; I wouldn''t have known about this if not for the media reports." He still couldn''t resist adding, "Speaking of which, the Russians are really crazy..." "Stop! We''re not discussing that anymore." Given the current situation, Hawke didn''t want to relive that moment. He quickly interrupted and steered the conversation. "So how''d it go in Washington, anyway?" Brian thought for a moment and replied, "There''s a clear feeling: the divide between the two parties is growing, just as we expected, and the trend of confrontation and division is becoming more apparent." He joked, "Who knows, America might actually end up splitting and experience a second civil war one day." Hawke raised his champagne glass and clinked it with Brian''s, saying, "Curse god cult leader, I hope your curse comes true again. Your predictions are surely going to materialize." Brian quickly added, "I was just joking." Hawke drained the champagne in his glass, saying, "Buddy, I took it seriously. So this is your ultimate curse, right?" Brian also finished his drink. "If I ever take over the Oval Office, I''ll no longer be the curse cult leader; this supposed foresight will have nothing to do with me anymore." Hawke asked curiously, "How so?" "Presidents have to say a lot of nonsensical things every day. If any of it came true, they would be the true curse cult leaders," Brian speculated. "But obviously, that isn''t the case." Hawke thought of a certain individual. "You''re mistaken. There''s one president who outshined you; he cursed himself and ended up dead." Brian pondered, "Is that so? I don''t remember." "There was once a guy who said that as long as he was alive, the Eastern superpower would never develop an atomic bomb, unless he were dead," Hawke recalled a past speech. "And what happened? That guy was shot in Dallas." Brian remembered, "That does sound familiar." He set down his glass, frowning, and said, "Kennedy''s curse is pretty harsh, huh?" Hawke noticed Eric walking nearby, looking a bit distracted, and stood up to pat Brian on the shoulder, saying, "Brother, I hope to see the day America splits and civil war erupts." Brian could only awkwardly laugh in response. Hawke knew that witnessing such events would be difficult, as it would require a severe rift in American politics, society, public opinion, business, and among the populace... S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But with the cult leader having issued a curse, as a close ally of the leader, he was bound to work towards that direction. ... Eric, spotting Hawke, smiled and said, "I heard from the Savior that you''re preparing to move to a new house. I also prepared a gift for you." Hawke cleared the way, saying, "I won''t stand on ceremony with you." Eric had serious business, "I''ve gone over all the details from the Los Angeles wildfires the past two months and drafted an outline, ready to write a new script." Hawke thought about possibly securing the BlackRock Film Foundation''s support and asked, "Has the investment been confirmed?" Eric replied simply, "Tommy''s company will invest, but he''s currently preparing to shoot a new installment of and is low on funds. The film''s theme differs from Hollywood''s mainstream political direction, making it hard to attract investment." He paused, "Catherine will also invest a portion, but the market risk with this project could be larger, and I can''t let her put all her wealth on the line." For this movie, Hawke didn''t have a commercial interest; his initial goal was purely to politically attack his rivals. Los Angeles was now his stronghold, and Brian needed to move forward; the newcomer couldn''t be a member of the donkey party. Hawke said, "Once you finish your script, draft the budget, and see how much funding you''ll be short, I''ll find a way to help you out." "Cool." Without worrying about the funding issue, Eric could focus entirely on his creative process: "It''ll take about three months to finish the first draft of the script." Hawke casually replied, "Call me when you finish it." ... On another hill across from Tom Cruise''s mansion stood a secret hideout of the cult, where the saint, Jayne Mansfield, looked out from the highest point of the estate at the brightly lit mansion. The elderly man beside her said, "Scientology has refused our goodwill." Jayne nodded slightly, "Has our soul meal been received by Hillary?" "Yes," the old man whispered. "She''s currently preparing for the meal." Jayne said, "She can''t accept Satan''s blessings for free. Have her people check the influence of Scientology in New York." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 404: Plotting Chaos in America [Chapter 404: Plotting Chaos in America] Several cargo vans approached the hilltop one after another, turning into the open iron gate. Guided by security staff, they drove along the driveway of the front yard and parked in front of the main entrance of the fountain plaza. Campos got out of the front vehicle and waved at Hawke. Hawke checked the boxes on the truck and said, "Get everything moved inside and placed in the foyer." Campos shouted a few commands, and the movers began to hustle and bustle about. The workers gradually moved the cargo boxes into the foyer. Erica sorted the goods with the help of some servants, directing them to transfer items to different areas. Most of the items went to the basement. The contents from the Silver Lake villa hadn''t changed much; the majority of what had been moved were Hawke''s clothes and firearms from his previous villa on 20th Street in Santa Monica. Hawke had already vacated the villa in Santa Monica and officially moved into this new place. The cargo was quickly unloaded from the vans. After tipping generously, Campos took his team and left. The cargo vans exited the estate, and the gate shut automatically behind them. On the estate, Hawke selected an elite security team responsible for protection. Raul, Guti, and Morentes continued to handle Hawke''s safety when he went out. ... Hawke headed down to the basement, where most of the items had already been organized under Erica''s direction. Several boxes remained unopened. Seeing Hawke, Erica told the housekeeper, Anna, "Forget about the rest; just take the empty boxes away." Anna lifted one cardboard box with each hand and directed other servants to clean up the remaining trash before leaving the basement. Hawke retrieved a crowbar and handed one to Erica, saying, "Let''s get started." Erica took it, standing beside Hawke, and said, "Let''s do it together." Together, they pried open the lid of a wooden crate, revealing brand new firearms inside. They pried open several more boxes, each filled with guns and ammunition. For practicality, most were the most common on the market: AR-15s, Remington shotguns, and Glock and Beretta handguns. When Erica finalizing the layout of the house, she ensured that each room had hidden compartments for storing guns. Not to mention the standard firearms, Hawke had also acquired a significant amount of unconventional weapons, along with tactical vests and corresponding bulletproof vests. Hawke and Erica placed the weapons in every room personally so that when needed, they could access them immediately. ... After a tour of the house, Hawke said, "This place is too big; it''s easy to get lost." But Erica chimed in, "Did you notice? Many rooms are themed differently -- an office, cockpit, yacht, spa, studio, conference room, cinema, armory, etc. I even had a few cells designed in the basement, complete with replica shackles." Hawke pulled her closer and kissed her deeply, saying, "Darling, I want to thank you right now, but we have a VIP coming over shortly. I''ll reward you properly tonight." Erica smiled at him, saying, "Don''t let me down." ... Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Both Hawke and Erica had kept up their fitness training and tactical shooting practices. Just as they were talking, a phone call came in from Tom Cruise. The new Oscar-winning actor had gone overseas for promotions with the team and had specifically instructed his assistant, Thomas, to deliver a prepared gift. Hawke gave the security office a heads up, and within three minutes, a Cadillac drove into the estate and parked at the fountain plaza. Thomas handed over a solid gold Oscar statue to Hawke. On the base of the little golden statue, there was an engraved message: "Presented to my dear friend Hawke Osment by Tom Cruise." With the gift delivered, Thomas said his goodbyes and left. ... "Tom Cruise is very clever," Erica said, taking the gift from Hawke and shaking it lightly, "A solid piece, truly a golden statue." She laughed, "That guy, is the Church of Scientology not enough? He wants to have you as a backing too." Hawke replied directly, "It''s for you." Erica was puzzled, "Why?" "Because my backup is you, always has been," Hawke stated honestly. "Without your support, it would take me at least five more years to achieve all this, if not longer." Erica didn''t try to hide her pride, saying, "So, we both have good foresight." The time was getting late. Brian and Jennifer were about to arrive; one would set up the dining room, and the other would check on the chefs in the kitchen. ... As the sun set, Brian and Jennifer entered the estate together. "This place is huge," Jennifer marveled, "Last time I was here, it was to investigate the Ackerman family''s wrongdoings." Hawke provocatively asked, "Did you find any treasures left behind? If we dig them up now, it''ll be a 50/50 split." Jennifer shrugged, "Sorry, my team is too professional; they found all the hidden safes." She looked around, "The interior decor has all changed." Erica said, "The original decoration was too outdated. I switched it to a modern style." Hawke led the way into the study and casually turned on the screen, saying, "Make yourselves comfortable." The last to enter, Erica closed the door behind them. Jennifer spoke first, "The case is progressing quickly. My father received news that Merrill Lynch contacted him about the case, preparing to acquire BlackRock." Hawke asked, "The parent company of Merrill Securities?" "Yes," Jennifer elaborated, "Reportedly, BlackRock had considered investing in Merrill last year, but the situation turned around this year." Brian, being aware of the circumstances, chimed in, "Everyone wants to take a bite of that juicy piece." Hawke nodded slightly, "Henry Paulson from Goldman Sachs contacted me; he''s preparing to act, likely teaming up with Merrill." Actually, there were more than just these willing to join the feast. The four gathered to focus on the secret agreement they had reached -- the presidential plan. Jennifer said, "For now, I will stabilize my position in Los Angeles. I anticipate it won''t change for three years." Erica thought for a moment, "I''m working to expand my influence inside the LAPD, placing loyal staff." Hawke noted, "Los Angeles is our stronghold now; our influence can currently reach all of Southern California, but Northern California is still controlled by the Democrats. The Newsom family has substantial influence in the Northern urban areas centered around San Francisco; there''ll be fierce competition in the next election." Brian interjected, "The Democrat presence in Northern California has been reshuffled. Willie Brown passed down the political legacy to his mistress Kamala, and supported the Newsom family. Last year''s re-elected senator Barbara Boxer also reached an agreement with the Newsom family to back Jerry Brown for the next governor." Hawke asked, "Is it still Arnold Schwarzenegger for the Republicans?" "In principle, yes," Brian replied. "He''s aiming for re-election." Hawke''s fingers lightly drummed on the table as he addressed Brian, "If you want to move ahead, there are three paths: first, re-election as Los Angeles mayor, which shouldn''t be too hard. I''ve been preparing a movie reflecting the Los Angeles fires, which will nail the Democrats'' actions in the city to the pillar of shame." "Like ?" Jennifer inquired, intrigued. Hawke shook his head, "No, I''m planning for it to have a broader impact, maybe to win the Oscar for Best Picture." Public opinion could directly affect the election. An Oscar-winning film wouldn''t determine the election outcome, but it would surely influence the choices of the Los Angeles citizens. Everyone was touched by the fire disaster; it would become an unforgettable memory for them. The world often shouted about politics staying out of sports, movies, and art. But as long as one''s mind was clear, it was evident that politics had never been distant from anyone or anything. Movies are not just movies, like how a country''s film becomes part of the global popular culture, relying not just on the film itself. Hawke remarked, "The cultural and value export of Hollywood films has a tremendous influence; we''ve all seen that movies are one of the best tools for propaganda." Brian nodded fervently, "Once this film is made, I definitely want to see it." Hawke continued, "The second path is running for the Senate, with midterm elections coming up in less than two years. California''s other senator, Dianne Feinstein''s term is ending, and if you plan to run for the mid-term elections, you need to start preparing now." Brian said, "I want to secure the governorship first." "That brings me to my third point," Hawke added. "In my personal view, Schwarzenegger is doing well for now, or rather his superstar aura hasn''t fully worn off; he''s likely to win re-election. But California''s financial situation hasn''t improved; it''s hard to predict what will happen next term." With thoughtfulness on his face, Brian said, "There''s still time before the next gubernatorial election. Perhaps I can convince Schwarzenegger." Jennifer seemed to have heard some gossip: "The governor has a particularly good taste, straying with his 200-pound plus female nanny." Hawke had heard of Schwarzenegger''s affair with his nanny; after all, that was a classic Hollywood male star move. But the weight was indeed surprising: "200 pounds? You''re not joking, are you?" Jennifer said, "Not by a bit." Erica chimed in, "Actually, that nanny reported it but was silenced; Schwarzenegger paid a hush fee." Hawke suddenly thought of Brad Pitt. Those stars often strayed with nannies who weren''t much to look at, seemingly having an unparalleled allure due to their unique position. The four concluded their discussions on business matters, and it was getting late; the exterior was starting to darken. Hawke suggested they head for dinner and continue the conversation while eating. These four had begun to form a real alliance of interests, quietly plotting the chaos in America under Hawke''s subtle influence. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 405: Promotion from Cotton Farmer to Coal Miner [Chapter 405: Promotion from Cotton Farmer to Coal Miner] Early in the morning, Hawke opened his eyes and found himself in a gloomy and terrifying scene. Hanging from the ceiling were chains, and the copper columns glowed a fiery red, marked with streaks of blood like a haunting cross. The room he found himself in was nothing short of a metal cage. Raising his arm, he noticed he was clad in an orange prison jumpsuit. In that moment, Hawke suddenly recalled being the one trapped in a blood bag. His mind wavered, feeling surreal as if everything happening was a figment of his imagination, and he had been caught, imprisoned in the Ackerman family''s dungeon, becoming a source for blood and organs. Beside him, someone turned over and hugged him. Hawke instinctively reached out, grasping the soft shape, the real sensation pulling him back to reality. He couldn''t help but squeeze it a few times and tug twice more. ... "Asshole, are you trying to crush them?" Erica suddenly opened her eyes. Hawke burst into laughter. "This game is very interesting! This room is awesome, dear; you''re a genius." Once he regained his senses, he found it was all an illusion -- the chains were made of resin, the copper columns were fiberglass with lights, and the so-called torturing tools were all toys. Erica, dressed in a female officer uniform, checked her watch and jumped off the iron rack bed. "Time is running out! I have a training course this morning and can''t be late." As Erica changed out of her performance outfit into her clothes, she said, "I never realized how well you understood the whole prisoner thing. Have you ever been to jail?" "No," Hawke replied. In a previous life, he had spent his time in a cell for serious offenders, with a 200-year sentence hanging over him. He removed the orange jumpsuit, revealing his muscular torso, and said, "I mentioned a reward yesterday. I saw how excited you were, so I went along with it." Erica finished changing, "Thanks. Next time we can switch roles and try it out." Hawke chuckled lewdly, "Let''s change rooms." They both went upstairs and hurried to wash up. ... After a fun night of play, they overslept. Erica grabbed a few bites of breakfast, and rushed out of the villa, driving away from the estate. Hawke packed his phone, grabbed his sidearm, and picked up his briefcase before heading out. Raul had already parked a Mercedes-Benz S at the villa gate. Hawke got in the car and said, "Head to the office." Including the bodyguards, three cars left the estate one after another, merging onto the main road heading west. By the time Hawke arrived at the office, the day was already in full swing. But it didn''t matter to the chairman. ... Upon reaching the 16th floor, Hawke''s assistant Lucat approached him. "The headhunting manager from Glimmer International, Jett Brown, is here." Hawke walked straight into the meeting room. Jett Brown, who stood a head shorter than him, approached and shook hands. "I''ve been running around for your recent assignment and finally found a few suitable candidates." Hawke nodded slightly, gesturing to the couch area. "Let''s sit down and chat." Jett took a seat on a single-person sofa and smiled. "There are plenty of candidates, but many don''t want to switch jobs. I''ve traversed multiple large cities across America and finally managed to make progress." He handed Hawke the materials he had. "Here''s the information on three candidates." Hawke took it and glanced over the first candidate from Boston, a middle-aged man named Green, currently serving as an assistant manager at a securities and investment firm. The next candidate was from Los Angeles, an Asian named Susan Lee, a second-generation immigrant from Korea. The last candidate was a middle-aged man named Keene, of Irish descent, from Chicago''s Nord Investment Foundation, currently serving as a vice president. Hawke immediately ruled out the woman, thinking there would be many private discussions with the investment manager in the future, and interacting alone with a woman posed too many risks. As he was promoting the evolution of women''s rights, he planned to take action against his opponents and couldn''t allow them to land blows on him. Regarding the other two men, both had impressive resumes, having worked their way up from the ground floor to their current positions. Hawke set the woman''s file aside and said, "Choose between Green and Keene. Contact them and have them come to Los Angeles within a week for an interview with me." While he considered the woman capable, Jett Brown was highly professional, putting the client''s needs first without asking why, replying, "I''ll reach out to Green and Keene immediately." Hawke reiterated, "I''m only waiting one week." Jett stood up to leave, "I understand." ... Back in his office, Hawke worked diligently for a while before Edward entered. Trailing behind was the exuberant Frank, dressed in a floral shirt, beige skinny pants, and white shoes, with a black beret hat that made him appear much younger, fitting the description of a cool old man. Frank stood across from Hawke, grinning. "How do I look?" Hawke gave a thumbs up. "You look thirty years younger." "If you wore this, you''d be begging for money!" Edward replied jokingly. "This outfit cost me $3,520!" Frank turned to stare at him, frowning. "You''re a multimillionaire, and you still care about money?" Edward self-deprecatingly remarked, "I''m just a cotton farmer." Frank waved his hand dismissively. "You''ve leveled up; I''ve decided -- you''re a coal miner now." That made Hawke chuckle. He then asked Frank, "You are dressed so flamboyantly, are you planning to get engaged?" Frank replied, "I''ve joined the Baywatch team; I''m now a volunteer, so I have to maintain a good image." Edward exposed his intention, "He''s trying to charm all six of those lovely girls on the rescue team at the same time." "They''re feminists. Be careful; you might end up drained dry," Hawke warned. "I don''t have anything to lose, so what''s there to worry about?" Frank shrugged. "The only valuable thing I have is that RV, which belongs to West Coast Media Entertainment Studio." Edward shook his head in amazement. "No money, no shame, and getting on in years, you''ve truly become invincible in this world!" Frank stood proudly, taking on the persona of a king. "Unfortunately, I''m not as well-off as I was back in Hollywood." Hawke couldn''t help but get curious, asking, "Who exactly was your ex-wife? Why don''t you ever mention her? We aren''t going to do anything about it." Edward chuckled broadly. "I might just meet the ex-wife of the kid she had with you; don''t forget, I''m a multimillionaire now, who knows..." "Shut it!" Frank shot back, clearly irritated. "I won''t reveal anything for your sake!" He pointed at Edward''s nose, "Don''t daydream. Some things are better left unsaid, but they should never be done. It could end up deadly." They were used to joking around. Edward chuckled, "I know, I know." Hawke reminded Frank, "Take care of your health; don''t let what happened a few days ago happen again. You aren''t young anymore." Frank couldn''t help but boast again, "Don''t worry. I won''t take on too many girls at once, at most just 1 to 2. After all, I''m getting older and can''t jump in with a crowd like I used to." Hawke didn''t bother continuing the conversation. Frank planned to head back to Venice Beach. Hawke needed to visit the old Twitter building, so he had Edward drive to drop off Frank on the way. ... The original four-story building had been renamed the West Coast Building. The now-empty West Coast Media Entertainment Studio, used as a tax shelter, included the Osment Charitable Foundation and the recently established West Coast Investment Fund, with their offices located here. Out of these, the charitable foundation was already operational. Its main mission involved the four rescue stations under it, supported by the Ackerman Foundation that specialized in assisting the homeless. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The foundation''s chairman, Pierce Madden, had previously mentioned plans for tree-planting in Africa, which had since evolved into a mere paper plan. Once Hawke''s income increased again, they could execute it. At that point, he would need to make a trip to Africa. Hawke had hunted many fierce beasts before and felt confident that Africa''s lions and hyenas would welcome him and Erica with their hunting rifles. He was aware that the tasks he was undertaking were a bit daring, but he could always rely on the African plan as a backup. --- North of New York, at the Chappaqua Estate. This was the residence of the Clinton couple in New York State, covering over 11 acres. During the latter part of Clinton''s administration, Hillary prepared for her political career by purchasing a luxury home in New York State, and in 2000, she was elected as a senator, a position she maintained to this day. Clinton returned to New York on a flight from Miami, courtesy of wealthy businessman Epstein, urging the driver to get to Chappaqua Estate quickly. Chelsea ran to her father as he arrived and embraced him warmly. Yet, the girl bore no resemblance to Clinton. Hillary shot a piercing glance at her husband, saying, "You''re late." Clinton hurried to explain, "I was handling a little trouble for Jeffrey; you know he''s under investigation by the FBI lately." Hillary warned, "Don''t get too involved. If it becomes irredeemable, take him out directly." "Hey, Mom!" Chelsea voiced her discontent, "I''m still here!" Hillary replied, "Dear, as a woman, if you want to maintain power, you must act decisively." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 406: Soul Cooking [Chapter 406: Soul Cooking] Footsteps suddenly echoed from behind as a man in a goat mask, draped in a black robe, followed the butler and sat down on the couch. "How are the preparations coming along?" Hillary was dissatisfied with the Satanic ritual this time, as the main ingredient for the soul cooking was delayed much longer than expected, causing her party to be postponed repeatedly. She emphasized, "If you don''t meet my expectations, I will have you all kicked out of New York." The man in the goat mask spoke with a hoarse voice, "This time, the Master came personally to oversee the preparation of the soul cooking." Many politicians were deeply influenced by religion, and Hillary was no exception, especially since the Satanic rituals were quite useful for her business. Hillary''s voice held excitement as she said, "Has the Master arrived? With him hosting this gathering, I feel relieved." "Yes, he''s here to bless the soul cooking." The man in the goat mask stood and bowed, saying, "Please make sure you and your distinguished guests arrive on time tonight." Hillary replied in satisfaction, "We will be there on time." The man in the goat mask left. ... Chelsea frowned and asked, "Mom, why are we bringing people all the way from California?" Hillary, having only one daughter, still held certain hopes for Chelsea and took great care in her guidance. "New York is our stronghold now, and some things shouldn''t happen here; it''s better to keep them distant. The Satanic ritual isn''t our belief but a platform, a means to connect, communicate, and reach mutual agreements." She paused slightly and continued, "We are both using each other to achieve our goals; the Satanists are investing in more than just us. To get them completely on board, we need to increase their investment and present a series of conditions that will create more sunk costs for them." Chelsea asked, "Why do you have to enjoy soul cooking to join us?" Hillary smiled gently, saying, "It''s a ritual and a way to gain mutual trust." During this exchange, Clinton remained silent, a stark contrast to the man who had laughed so boldly at his wife''s expense last decade. He had once laughed without restraint, but now he was incredibly subdued, almost as if he was merely an accessory to Hillary. ... That evening, the trio set off on time, entering New York City and making their way to Manhattan Island, reaching an exclusive club. This club only catered to members, and only top-tier members could enter that night. The three of them made their way to the innermost hall of the club. The club was heavily guarded, with individuals in black robes stationed at intervals. In the center of the hall lay a black receptacle resembling a coffin, behind which stood Anton LaVey, complete with a goat mask and goat-like beard, immobile as if he were a statue. Behind him were seven naked women engaging in a bizarre performance art piece. They leaned against a black wall, forming the shape of a skull out of their bodies. Hillary approached and shook Anton LaVey''s hand, saying, "It''s our honor to have you here, Master." Anton''s goat-beard quivered as he replied, "This is the most important sacrament of the year." More and more individuals entered the hall, many greeting Hillary and bowing to Anton. Among them were numerous celebrities from New York and across the country. Anton pointed towards one of the girls facing forward in the skull art, saying, "This girl is Stefani Germanotta, currently studying at New York University''s Tisch School of the Arts. She''s gifted in song writing and singing, and I plan to bring her into the pop music scene to serve as our spokesperson." Hillary understood far too well the benefits of celebrity; her favorite, Leonardo DiCaprio, not only helped with promotion but also drew attention for controversy and had his uses for entertainment at night. With that thought, she quietly gave a thumbs up to Leonardo''s skills. As for the other side of things, it was all show without much substance. Hillary maintained her composure, saying, "I will make sure she enters the industry." ... By this time, most guests had arrived, and Anton''s demeanor shifted as he loudly proclaimed the doctrines of the Satanists, then declared the banquet open. Everyone came up in turn to taste the soul cooking, with some newcomers trying it for the first time. The soul cooking lay in the coffin-like dish, with a deep red broth containing a girl-like "cake." Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The attendees held spoons and trays, scooping up the soup or main dish and consuming it on the spot. Some shared a piece while dining nearby. ... Chelsea stood beside her mother, feeling slightly nauseous and not eating. Hillary said casually, "This is only a minuscule part of climbing to the peak of power. Each step forward you take involves a cycle of consuming others; only by taking enough can you stand at the top." Chelsea didn''t want to follow her mother''s plan but was too afraid to voice her disagreement; she could only glance at her father. Clinton seemed to neither hear nor see anything. Hillary continued, "Compared to the road ahead of you, this is just chocolate sauce." Chelsea picked up a spoon and tray, step by step moving forward. Someone nearby suddenly grabbed her and said, "Don''t listen to your mother." Chelsea brightened, "Uncle." Tony Rodham pulled out a napkin to wipe his mouth, which still bore traces of dark red, and bowed to Anton, saying, "Master, this time the sugar is a bit excessive; it''s too sweet and can lead to diabetes if eaten in excess." The Master, Anton looked somewhat unhinged by this. This was his personally crafted soul cooking, yet someone dared to complain about it. Tony walked before his sister and said, "I want to introduce you to a couple of friends." Hillary had already seen them: "Larry Fink and Robert Kapito from BlackRock; how did you bring them along?" Tony said, "They''ve passed the assessment." Anton interjected, "They are very devout Satanists." Hillary didn''t need to ask further; she could guess that these two had donated a substantial amount of cash and given Tony a generous intermediary fee. Fink then tasted the soul cooking, opened his mouth wide, and quickly approached them, greeting, "Master, ma''am." Hillary exchanged light handshakes with them. Tony nodded, "Let''s find a place to chat." After all, these were people brought in by her brother, so Hillary was somewhat accommodating. ... Once the ceremony concluded and the free exchange segment began, she led the group into a nearby lounge. Hillary was aware of the chain of scandals that had recently plagued BlackRock and said, "You''re looking for me because of the Russian spy incident?" Fink chuckled, "We''re here for Miss Chelsea." Chelsea didn''t inherit her parents'' political instincts; upon hearing this, she glanced at the two men up and down, confirming she didn''t recognize them. Fink continued earnestly, "BlackRock is currently facing difficulties in operations, and I and Robert heard that Miss Chelsea possesses significant talent and ability in management; we''re here to invite her to join the BlackRock board as a senior operational manager." This was the first time Chelsea had learned she had a talent for business. Hillary remained still, as if she hadn''t heard their words. Fink knew well that a million-dollar salary wouldn''t sway this couple; he took out the carefully prepared bait: "The charitable foundation you two founded has always been a benchmark for American philanthropy, rescuing countless people in need across New Zealand, Nepal, and several countries in Africa." Kapito chimed in appropriately, saying, "Larry and I deeply admire this and wish to contribute our strength towards this charitable cause." Fink raised the banner of charity and directly stated, "To help even more people, Robert and I will each donate two percent of our BlackRock shares to your charitable foundation for this noble cause." Kapito added, "Please kindly accept our donation." Fink was well aware that this action equated to inviting a wolf into BlackRock''s house. Yet without it, BlackRock would simply be devoured by tigers. Clinton looked emotionless and unmoved. In the current situation, the family was entirely dominated by Hillary''s attitude. As Hillary had famously quipped, had she married the gas station owner back home, it would have been the gas station owner who became president, not Clinton. Hillary pondered for a moment before saying, "The donation amount is too large; I need time to consider. I will notify you of the specifics in a few days." "Of course," Fink smiled as he and Kapito left. ... In the lounge, Tony remarked, "That''s a huge sum of money. You should not just be thinking about yourselves; you should also consider Chelsea." Hillary glared at Tony: "It''s also a significant trouble; just in New York, investment firms like Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, and Lehman Brothers are all looking to take a bite out of BlackRock." Clinton asked, "What about Blackstone Group?" Hillary shook her head slightly: "When BlackRock separated from Blackstone, there were significant disagreements; three of the five founding partners have been ousted by Fink and Kapito as part of their scheme, two of whom returned to Blackstone in executive roles." Tony sighed, "Such a large sum of money comes right to the door." Hillary''s considerations were far more extensive than Tony''s, such as potentially reaping the benefits of BlackRock without having to pay much price. --- In California, Montecito. Elena snapped a photo of a Cadillac returning to a mansion and looked at her partner Lareya, asking, "Can we confirm this?" Lareya replied, "You''ve seen the photos taken by Stritch; the woman is Holly Sampson, a porn star specializing in late-night films." "Not just one," Elena looked at the mansion: "We''ve identified four regular partners, throwing parties and the like; the numbers beyond that are unclear." Lareya glanced at the time: "You should return to Venice and report to Campos; this is big news that could shock all of America." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 407: Operation Tiger [Chapter 407: Operation Tiger] In the office of Coast Building, Campos pulled out a stack of photos and handed them to Hawke and Edward. Hawke flipped through them quickly. In all the photos, the female figures changed several times, but the male lead was always the same -- golf superstar Tiger Woods. When Twitter had just launched, Hawke had attracted users'' attention with celebrity gossip scandals, naming several candidates. On the sports star front, Kobe Bryant and David Beckham contributed to Twitter''s growth, while cycling champion Armstrong had minimal influence and was not followed. Of the four candidates listed, only Tiger Woods remained. Hawke pondered a key question: "I remember this tiger got engaged -- did he get married?" Campos replied, "Woods married Swedish model Elin Nordegren last year." If Tiger Woods hadn''t married, the matter wouldn''t mean much -- at most, it would be a case of multiple affairs, common among stars, a small issue. But being married marked a critical point. Although Twitter''s growth had long been independent of such matters, they could still attract attention, Hawke thought and directly said, "Go ahead and shoot." Campos nodded, still waiting. Hawke understood, "You shoot as you please; I just want to see the results." "Okay," Campos understood that he would take full responsibility for this matter. As he left the office, Edward followed and said, "Get something explosive; the heat from the spy case has passed, and California''s a bit quiet -- we need to keep the public''s interest." Campos thought to himself that the media frenzy from the spy case had quieted only for a few days, but having gotten used to the hustle and bustle, the sudden calm felt like something was missing. They needed to stir up the public interest again! "Don''t worry; there will definitely be some explosive photos and videos," Campos prepared to leave, but Edward grabbed him, "Is there anything else?" Edward inquired, "Does Tiger Woods''s wife have any children?" Campos paused for a moment, then remembered, "I think she''s pregnant." In those photos, there were images of Elin Nordegren. This bastard Edward, with his old habits surfacing, said, "Brother, you must get this woman''s contact details." Campos patted his arm, "I''ll get it for you later." ... As Edward walked back, he took out a small notebook from his pocket to jot it down, but he didn''t know where his pen had gone. Grabbing a pen from Hawke''s desk, he started scribbling in his notebook. Hawke glanced at the familiar notebook and didn''t bother to ask more. He was set to interview the investment manager chosen by Jett Brown and reminded Edward, "You and Campos handle this; once you get it, directly hand it to Sasha. The costs will go through the proper channels." Edward replied, "Got it." Hawke checked the time and said, "Let''s go; we need to head to the foundation building; people should be arriving soon." Twenty minutes later, they met Jett Brown in the investment foundation''s office, along with the Irish investment manager Roger Keene who had come with him. --- Venice, Butterfly Security Company. After Campos returned, he immediately called a meeting. The news filming business had been handed over to Juan, with Lareya and Elena acting as assistants, along with several paparazzi and news informants. Los Angeles had no shortage of Mexican-Americans. Campos sat at the head of the conference table and said, "This matter is completely our responsibility, and we need to come up with a plan quickly that can capture explosive live footage while also uncovering hot news to ignite public opinion." Lareya and Elena had been supervising the filming crews recently and understood the situation well. Elena spoke up, "We have two people who have been following Tiger Woods for over a year, capturing a lot of news in the process. Some were sold to newspapers, but others were kept. Among the reserved ones, there is an important detail to note: before every professional competition, Woods would hold a lavish party. You know how those parties go." Lareya added, "Woods currently lives in Montecito, north of Los Angeles. He goes to the country club daily to prepare for the upcoming Buick Challenge, and based on past experiences, he is expected to hold a party soon." Juan interjected, "Doesn''t his wife Elin live in Montecito? How can he still be messing around?" Elena shrugged, "In reality, Woods''s training timings are inconsistent. Sometimes he leaves early to sneak off to a nearby hotel to meet up with his mistress, Holly Sampson." Campos asked, "Is Holly Sampson organizing Woods''s parties in Los Angeles?" "No, she doesn''t know about it." Elena detailed, "The person organizing parties for Woods in Los Angeles is named Joslyn James, a star actress from the Valley, who is also a madam in the Los Angeles area. She''s one of Woods''s mistresses and often gathers a bunch of models and actresses for him during his competitions in Los Angeles." Campos suddenly recalled a contact from Hawke''s past -- someone who had become a Hollywood star after being a high-end escort. He let everyone continue discussing while he stepped out of the meeting room to call Edward and inquire about the relevant details. ... Edward immediately reached out to Jacqueline. Although Jacqueline had stepped away from the industry for a while, her best friend, Reni -- whose daughter had a congenital illness -- was still in the trade. Reni had the looks and no other skills; with her daughter''s long hospital stays, every month was a considerable expense, and a standard job wouldn''t earn her enough. She was still in that line of work. "There are rumors going around the circles about a high-end party hosted by a generous African American, and I''m planning to attend," Reni told Jacqueline, providing detailed insight into the situation. "My agent referred me; since you left, I''ve been her best pick." Jacqueline asked, "Do you know where the organizer is from?" Reni thought for a moment, "I think I heard the agent mention that the organizer is from the Valley. Most agents or stars from the Valley dabble in such work, especially since that SugarBaby site opened up. It has made things easier for Valley stars." Jacqueline replied, "Got it; send my regards to Lina. I''ll visit her in the hospital after this film wraps up." Reni laughed, "Lina really misses you; she keeps asking for your signed photo." The success of also gave Jacqueline some fame as a supporting actress, and she walked the red carpet at the Oscars. Her past experiences were inevitably dug up by gossip media. But like the lead actress in , Denise Richards, the high-end escort past, under careful marketing, became a real-life American Dream. Especially as Tom Cruise publicly praised Jacqueline several times, thanks to Hawke, she garnered much public support. Jacqueline fed the original information back to Edward, who relayed it to Campos. ... To facilitate communication, Edward promptly gathered the two of them into a group chat on Twitter. Campos got the situation clear and returned to the conference room, where everyone looked toward him as he said, "I talked to the informant and can basically confirm that the party will be held three days before the competition." S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He already had a plan: "This informant is a high-end escort who received an invitation from the agent and might participate in the gathering, but we can''t guarantee that right now." Juan added, "If she attends, we can cross-reference the information and gather the party''s location in advance to set up some special equipment." They were quite familiar with this kind of work; they had dealt with Kobe Bryant and the Catholic Church in suburban Los Angeles before. Campos considered the newsworthiness and said, "Just having these isn''t much different from the previous Kobe Eagle County incident or the Madrid Beckham affair. Given these two prior incidents, the newsworthiness would be diminished." Elena reminded him, "Woods has always built his public image as a good man and a good husband, but in reality, he has multiple steady mistresses. The media could continuously expose this." Juan thought of a plan, "Let''s try to notify Woods''s wife Elin to catch him red-handed on-site; that would definitely draw attention." Campos inquired, "Does Elin know about these things with Woods?" Lareya judged, "Based on our daily observations, Elin likely doesn''t know." Elena added, "Elin has focused on women''s rights since moving to North America and has donated to two women''s rights organizations in Los Angeles." Campos sat back in his chair, integrating Hawke''s past methods, and thought in line with Hawke''s style. He quickly came up with a suggestion, "Fiona has some sway in the FMF. Can we involve them to encourage Elin to catch him cheating and then get the divorce? This way, we can keep the news heating up and continually boost Twitter''s traffic." Juan agreed, "That sounds feasible. Those women''s rights folks can stir up trouble without any wind. Elin has the upper hand, so they''ll definitely torment the guy unmercifully." Campos had another concern, "Woods isn''t gay, is he?" Currently, feminists and the LGBTQ+ community were bitter enemies, having clashed repeatedly and suffered major defeats. "No," Lareya, a man, assured, "We can confirm that easily." Campos felt relieved, "Then there''s no problem. So, the plan is: figure out the party''s location, persuade the informant to assist us, and somehow get Elin to catch him cheating, capturing as much as possible. Then... Juan, contact Fiona and prep her for some necessary preparations." Elena reminded, "What''s the situation with the informant?" Campos checked his phone for the three-person chat and said, "I''ll talk to the informant to finalize everything soon." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 408: GHG [Chapter 408: GHG] After interviewing two candidates, Hawke finalized Roger Keene from Chicago as the director of the West Coast Investment Foundation. Both candidates had similar capabilities, but he chose Keene because he was married with three children and both of his parents were alive. Hawke offered him a doubled annual salary along with a series of bonuses, prompting Keene to move to Los Angeles. The other candidate was a loner. Having come from a solitary background himself, Hawke naturally avoided selecting another lone candidate. No one understood better than him how bold a person could be when they had nothing to lose. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the office, Hawke was having a discussion with Keene about his first task after taking office. "Eric Emerson, who received nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director at this year''s Oscars, is adapting a film based on last year''s Los Angeles wildfires." Hawke handed Keene the project proposal from Eric and Tom Cruise, continuing, "The expected investment will not be less than $80 million. Tom Cruise''s film company will co-invest while Paramount Pictures will handle distribution. As for the remaining $40 million funding gap, we''ll need to find a way to finance it." Keene quickly skimmed through the proposal and asked, "Is this going to be financed through external sources?" "Exactly, external financing," Hawke stated directly. "I saw on your resume that you have experience collaborating with Hollywood, so you should know they have a unique accounting calculation method." Keene replied, "Yes, Hollywood has a prevailing view that it''s foolish to finance a movie with one''s own money; they heavily rely on outside funds to transfer risk." Hawke added, "You might want to consider seeking overseas financing. For many international companies or investment funds, Hollywood films still carry a certain prestige." Keene understood this was part of his onboarding assessment and said, "I will resolve this as soon as possible." Hawke had already hired most of the foundation''s staff, leaving a few positions for Keene to fill. With that matter temporarily settled, he left the foundation building. ... In the car, Edward said, "The plan from Campos has been prepared using Jacqueline''s connections. I''ve added them to a group, and he''s also planning to have the women''s rights organizations assist Woods'' wife." Hawke wasn''t concerned about the specifics; he just needed one result. "You coordinate what''s specifically needed over there." --- Century City, Beverly Business Club. Reni, wearing a baseball cap, arrived at the club entrance but was stopped as a non-member. Someone nearby came over and escorted her inside, where she met a man in his early thirties of Mexican descent. Campos quickly assessed Reni and found her figure remarkably appealing; even in loose clothing, her curves were unmistakable, resembling a taller version of Salma Hayek with the face of Jessica Alba. No wonder she had received an invitation. In all of Los Angeles, such a high-class woman was a relatively rare resource. After exchanging introductions, they got straight to business. Reni was surprised by what Campos had to say, "You mean you want me to bring some things into the party?" Campos was straightforward, "Disguised listening devices and wireless cameras." Feeling a bit anxious, Reni remained on guard despite Jacqueline vouching for them. "If this gets exposed, I won''t ever be able to work in this industry again; I wouldn''t be able to stay in Los Angeles." Campos didn''t offer any guarantees; instead, he laid out the terms. "Your daughter Lina is incurring huge monthly hospital bills due to a hereditary illness, and you''re in this line of work because of that. We can help cover her medical expenses." He knew how to make the most compelling argument: "A $50,000 reward, plus assistance from a charitable foundation." Recalling the empty promises of the Ackerman Foundation, Reni fell silent. In her mind, these so-called charitable foundations often masked their true intentions behind the guise of helping the poor. Campos added, "Jacqueline can guarantee this." "I need to make a phone call." Reni moved to a corner of the meeting room and called Jacqueline, explaining the situation. Jacqueline, who knew who Campos was aligned with, said, "Trust me, you''ll get out of your predicament, just like I did." Reni trusted Jacqueline, replying, "I''ll take your advice." After hanging up, Reni quickly returned and resumed discussions with Campos, who had been negotiating for over half an hour. ... As Reni was leaving, Elena, who had led her in, directed her to a business vehicle. Elena handed her a very sexy set of women''s lingerie adorned with lace, rhinestones, and some metallic sequins. Reni tried it on in the vehicle, feeling incredibly sexy. Elena then carefully instructed her on how to use it. Reni sighed in relief; having attended some celebrity parties in the past, she knew that while there might be checks, no one cared about what women wore underneath. She had seen plenty of models wear this kind of lingerie before. --- North Hollywood, headquarters of the Feminist Majority Foundation. In the Vice President''s office, Fiona opened the envelope sent by Juan and pulled out the information on Elin Nordegren. With the spotlight brought by Tiger Woods, this woman was quite a socialite in Los Angeles. Seeing the records indicating that Elin had donated to multiple women''s rights organizations in Los Angeles, Fiona logged into the internal system and quickly found Elin''s name. The Feminist Majority Foundation was California''s largest women''s rights organization, and Elin had donated to them three times, totaling $35,000. She had given twice last year and once this year, just two months ago. Fiona recalled that the Feminist Majority Foundation would host a social appreciation event next month, with each vice president having a certain number of invites to distribute. She picked up the phone and dialed the number Elin had left when making her donation. After the call connected and after a brief introduction, she said, "Ms. Elin, you''ve donated multiple times to the Feminist Majority Foundation. I''m calling to express our gratitude, as we will hold a social appreciation event next month and would like to invite you to attend." On the other end, Elin replied, "Thank you, I will definitely attend." Fiona replied, "You are a special guest I am personally inviting. Are you free today?" Elin, who hadn''t worked since getting married, said, "I''ll be home all afternoon." ... Fiona had a batch of invitations to deliver, so she called her assistant over and, together, they left to deliver three invitations nearby. Around 3:30 PM, she reached Elin and Tiger Woods'' luxurious home, personally delivering the invitation. Elin took it and said, "Thank you." "It''s us who should be thanking you for your support," Fiona responded, her ulterior motives deeply buried in her polished words. "Every woman is our sister; our organization''s mission has always been to support each other. We are family." Elin found the phrase "sisters supporting sisters" particularly pleasing, saying, "You''re absolutely right." Fiona smiled, saying, "If you encounter any difficulties in life, you can call me. The Feminist Majority Foundation will always help its sisters." Elin noted down Fiona''s phone number, saying, "I will." Fiona didn''t linger and tactfully took her leave. As Elin escorted her out, she looked at the beautifully crafted invitation, which had the letters GHG on the cover. ... Meanwhile, in the parking lot on the hill overlooking the mansion, someone lowered a pair of binoculars and reported via a car radio, "The target hasn''t returned home." The other vehicle responded, "Copy that." --- West Los Angeles, on the San Diego Freeway heading to Venice, a Cadillac took a turn and quickly approached the beachfront resort at Imperial Bay. Close to the bay, besides hotel buildings, multiple standalone vacation villas were established. The Cadillac halted in front of a seaside villa. Two women exited the vehicle, one being tall with brown hair and a striking figure, a dazzling woman from the San Fernando Valley named Joslyn James. Beside her was her usual party manager. They opened the villa door and walked in together. While walking, Joslyn said to the party manager, "The party will be held tomorrow night. Make sure this place is cleaned up quickly, especially the indoor pool, with all the water swapped out." The party manager took note. Joslyn was in charge of hosting this party and added, "Send two female security guards to check everyone at the party. All women attending must surrender their phones and electronic devices." The party manager smartly replied, "Just like before." Joslyn chuckled, "Our financier is a big name; with his backing, we can make a lot of money." The party manager laughed too, "Rest assured, there won''t be any issues." ... Outside, a vehicle passed by the villa, turning out onto the road and up to an overlooking platform nearby, where numerous cars and people were taking in the scenic ocean view. Juan exited his vehicle and gazed at the villa in the distance, asking the electronics expert, Hierro, "Is the distance acceptable?" "Picking up the signal should be no problem," Hierro quickly replied. "I checked the construction of the villa area; a lot of wood products and composite materials were used, which don''t insulate electronic signals very well." As they continued to observe, they saw more household service vehicles arriving, along with cold chain trucks bringing food and drinks. ... Meanwhile, Reni received a notification from her agent to arrive at Century City Plaza by 11 AM the next day, where vehicles would be sent to pick them up. ... This news reached Campos, confirming that Woods'' wild party was about to happen. ... The next morning, Tiger Woods discreetly wrapped up his training at the Los Angeles Country Club, switched to a Cadillac station wagon that he rarely drove, and personally drove to the Imperial Bay Hotel. On the country club''s training field, a Black man resembling Woods trained in Nike competition gear, drawing attention from the media. None of the reporters noticed Woods slipping away unnoticed. Only a group of scheming Mexican individuals quietly followed behind. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 409: Just Watching the Drama [Chapter 409: Just Watching the Drama] Venice, the Imperial Seaside Bay Resort. Under the scorching summer noon sun, dazzlingly bright and blinding, Hawke took out his sunglasses and put them on. He sat under the umbrella on the top floor of a three-story villa, sipping a glass of chilled lemon soda, leisurely watching the neighboring villa across the street. Frank, wearing floral shorts, held up a telescope and praised, "There are so many beautiful women." This was a villa Hawke rented with his cash to enjoy the show. One after another, luxury cars arrived and parked at the villa entrance as a series of glamorous women got out and went inside. Zzzzz, the sound of radio equipment being calibrated, as Edward worked on tuning the wireless receiver. Frank turned his head, looked over, and asked, "Is that your cotton planting device?" "You bastard!" Edward scolded angrily, "We asked you only to come watch the show; shut your mouth!" Once the signal was established, Juan was communicating with surveillance personnel at various locations. Soon, a woman''s voice came over the radio, "Reni has arrived." S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke put down his cup and looked toward the villa door. A white Buick van stopped, and as the sliding door opened, the incredibly sexy Reni stepped out. Along with her, three other girls came along. Frank asked, "Are these your undercover agents?" Hawke replied, "They are prepared by the people below. I''m just here for the show." He opened the refrigerator, took out a prepared honey-dew melon, and placed it on the table. Frank frowned, saying, "You should have prepared a watermelon for the savior." Hawke ignored him, grabbed a slice of honey-dew, and became a true spectator. Inside the wireless receiver, Juan''s team''s conversations kept coming through. Among these, Elena was about to call Tiger Woods'' wife, Elin, to make the scene even more exciting. Frank then asked, "Can''t you receive signals from eavesdropping devices or hidden cameras?" Edward swallowed the melon in his mouth and replied, "No, we need more professional equipment for that." Frank patted his thigh, "Looks like we''re missing the live broadcast." "Better not to have the live stream," Hawke said as he threw away the melon rind and wiped his hands with a tissue. "Watching from the coast breeze, seeing Woods handling dozens of women alone -- isn''t that a tragedy?" At that moment, Hawke once again activated the king mode: "After all, you guys haven''t played, I have, so naturally you''d be jealous." Hawke withdrew the tray of snacks, making Frank''s outstretched hand miss. The king doesn''t need to watch the drama. ... Meanwhile, inside the villa, Reni arrived at the hall entrance, where two burly women in suits held a plastic basket and had labels nearby. Everyone entering the hall had to hand over their phones and other electronics. Reni approached, stuck a label on herself, and placed her phone and MP3 into the basket. One of the burly women started checking. Reni opened her bag for inspection. The women ahead of her were also peeling off their outer layers. Reni did the same, taking off her long coat to reveal a bikini decorated with lace, rhinestones, and metallic sequins. The hefty woman waved her hand, let her in. ... Dozens of pretty women gathered, surrounding Jocelyn James and Tiger Woods, dancing wildly to the music. Alcohol was freely poured, clothes flying everywhere. Reni kept facing the direction where Tiger Woods was. The most intense part was happening there. The crowd was so large that many waited in line or watched from the sidelines while cheering. Reni stayed on the periphery, shouting along with everyone else. All these sounds and sights were transmitted to nearby signal receivers, recorded by onboard recorders and video recorders. ... After a long time, on the rooftop terrace of the three-story villa, the signal receiver picked up Lareya''s voice. "Woods'' wife is here." Hawke raised the telescope, scanning the northeast road, where a BMW was rushing toward them. Frank stood up abruptly, bracing himself against the railing, using the telescope to observe. The wireless receiver kept transmitting Juan''s team''s voices. "This villa is registered under Elin and Woods'' names; Elin should have the keys." "Good show''s about to start." "Quick, Elin didn''t go to the front door, she detoured to the side, where there''s a small door usually unused." "Team 1, stay at the main gate! Team 2, switch to the side door!" In Hawke''s telescope, the BMW turned off the main road. Frank saw the scene disappear from the terrace, so he rushed off the balcony, climbed onto the roof, and looked down through the decorative chimney. Hawke and Edward, worried that the old guy might fall, hurried to follow. ... Elin stopped her car next to the side door, found a set of keys, tried them, and quickly opened the security door. She hurried inside. The door might have been never opened after renovation, with some clutter stacked inside. Elin heard the explosive music and followed the sound out of the corridor into the hall. Inside, a bunch of beautiful women, either naked or even more alluring than naked, were shouting and excitedly celebrating. All eyes were on Woods. He seemed like the ruler of this world, wielding the most primitive weapon -- his dominance over women. Everyone was acting crazily. Elin wasn''t unfamiliar with this scene because she was a former model, a very open-minded Scandinavian model. She''d participated in similar activities before. But it was totally different from now because she was once part of the ruling group. Now, her husband was the ruler. Elin couldn''t take it anymore. She looked around, grabbed a water basin, went to the bathroom for cold water, and stormed into the living room. ... Most women thought Elin was just joining in or doing something new and didn''t stop her. Before Reni arrived, she was told what to do, immediately turned slightly, and aimed her chest at Elin. Elin charged from behind Tiger Woods, poured the cold water over his head. Woods shivered, coming to his senses with a shot of adrenaline, turned around, just in time to see Elin''s furious face. She didn''t say a word and just turned to leave. "Hey, wait for me," Woods hurriedly grabbed his pants from the ground, chasing after her. "Listen, I need to talk to you, seriously." Elin didn''t stop, went back the way she came, and exited through the side door. Woods quickly put on his pants, fastened his belt, and even before zipping up, ran after her. ... Near the corner of the nearby villa''s wall, a camera lens popped out, rapidly filming everything. On the other side, someone was lying on the car seat inside, filming through the glass window. ... Woods'' shirt was off, his pants showed half his butt, and he quickly grabbed the BMW driver''s door, saying, "You need to listen to me; this is a special situation." Elin bypassed the front of the car, got into the passenger seat. Woods scrambled into the driver''s seat, trying to start the car and leave. "Get out, and get lost!" Elin yelled. Woods started the engine, thinking about getting away and talking it out at home. The car zoomed off with a roar. "Stop!" Elin''s voice was icy. Woods ignored her and drove onto the main road. Elin''s furious voice kept coming. The car left the villa area, entered the main road. Two cars followed quietly behind. ... On the rooftop of a three-story villa, Hawke took the elevator down. When Edward and Frank joined him, they went downstairs together. A Mercedes was parked at the gate. The three of them got in and drove out, heading northeast. He drove fast, soon catching up with the BMW in front. The car''s driving was unstable, actually swerving in an S-shape. ... "Stop! I told you to stop, and get out!" Elin''s emotionally charged outburst, like many women''s, ended with her trying to seize the steering wheel. Woods quickly eased off the gas, pressed the brake lightly, trying to steady the wheel. But Elin screamed piercingly, bastarding the wheel toward herself. The BMW lost control and crashed into a tree on the roadside. Fortunately, the brakes and accelerator were under Woods'' feet. Calm and careful, he stomped the brakes, the car slammed into the tree, deforming half the front. The airbags deployed, and both in the car felt dazed from the impact. ... Soon, the airbags deflated, Elin shook her head, and got out, plopping onto the curb. Meanwhile, the driver''s side door of the car opened, and Woods staggered out, looking at Elin with a strange, unfamiliar gaze, as if seeing her for the first time. Elin, startled by his stare, stood up and yelled, "Do you want to kill me?! Do you want to kill me just to keep fooling around with those women?" Woods looked at his hands. He thought -- wasn''t it you grabbing the steering wheel? Nearby, curious cars had stopped and were watching intently. ... Lareya and Elena, who had been filming from the car, got out quickly and snapped photos of both. A Mercedes parked nearby without blocking the way, Frank watching Elin''s madness and said, "See that? Once a woman loses control, she becomes a terrifying creature, believing that no one in this world can hurt her, thinking she''s the one who rules everything." He seemed to remember something and stopped talking. Edward chimed in, "Because over the past few decades, men have been told to act gentlemanly..." Hawke heard sirens and said, "This part''s pretty much done now." ... In the vacation villa area, Juan''s car had already organized and uploaded the recordings and videos into the computer, waiting for Lareya and Elena to finish so they could send everything to the Coast Tower and sell the news to Twitter. Reni, surrounded by women, retrieved her phone, dressed again, and with the commands of the female security, she left in her car, heading out. Juan then reunited with Lareya and headed straight for Twitter with the news. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 410: A Family That Loves Each Other [Chapter 410: A Family That Loves Each Other] Before all the media outlets could react, Twitter was the first to publish the news about Tiger Woods. The initial posts were of the car accident video and photos. "Breaking! Tiger Woods and his wife, Elin, got into a car crash; their vehicle hit a roadside tree!" The footage of the accident was quite clear, almost like it came from a dashboard camera. It showed a BMW suddenly losing control, weaving into an odd S-shape, then crashing into a large tree. Elin and Woods, who was shirtless, were the first to get out of the car. The photos, taken close-up, captured the damaged car up front, and also featured close-ups of Elin and Woods. ... Many media outlets were crafting narratives to steer public opinion. Behind the videos and photos, they added a blessing: "May God bless Tiger Woods and his wife with safety." This phrase really set the tone, and many viewers left comments such as: "Hopefully they are unharmed." "God is watching over this model couple." "They don''t seem hurt, thank goodness." However, some skeptics questioned: "Why wasn''t Woods wearing a shirt, and why aren''t his pants on properly? What caused the crash? Did they do something inappropriate while driving?" These doubts were quickly shot down by many others: "The crash already happened, and your focus is on trivial stuff?" "Dirty-minded folks see dirt everywhere!" "Tiger and Elin are a married couple -- if they did something in the car, it just shows they love each other." "From what I see, I believe in love again." ... At the Twitter news department, director Sasha swiftly reviewed the online reactions, told her team to hold back a little, and let the public discourse develop. Support and praise for Tiger Woods were currently high, but once the full story was out, the public''s outrage and emotional response would amplify a hundredfold. Sasha, already a veteran at Twitter, had been close to Hawkes and Caroline long enough. Although she wasn''t quick to jump into every controversy like others, she learned from their ways and crafted her own style. To her, news was no longer just about reporting but about driving user engagement on Twitter. ... Hawkes was already back at his office in the Coast Tower, chatting with Edward and Frank about the incident. Frank complained, "What''s up with your reporting? I''ve been waiting to see the footage!" Hawkes lazily lifted his eyelids and said, "Twitter has the exclusive, we''re controlling the narrative. Don''t worry, let the story unfold a bit." --- The accident scene was now under control of the LAPD, and insurance investigators had arrived. Many reporters, who knew the details, had gathered around. Sadly, by the time they arrived, the involved parties had already left in their cars, leaving only the damaged front of the BMW at the scene. A Cadillac heading to UCLA Medical Center was nearby. Woods'' agent handed him a BlackBerry phone and said, "Someone caught the accident, and there''s news on Twitter." Woods looked at it, relaxing slightly, and replied, "Just the accident itself." His agent thought the key wasn''t about the news but about calming Elin. She suggested, "Quickly handle Elin, talk her into a joint press conference, and this will blow over." "I know," Woods replied, "Once I calm down, I''ll soothe her. But honestly, I want a divorce." His agent hurriedly advised, "Hold on, it''s not the time. Divorce now would be terrible for you." ... Not far away, model agent Gina was speeding toward Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills. She looked at the silent Elin beside her and asked, "Are you okay?" "Yeah," Elin said, aside from some impact when the airbags deployed, her injuries were mostly mental. She couldn''t forget the scene of Woods waving his dick in front of a crowd of women. It reminded her of her early days in modeling, when she was one of those women, and the men could freely humiliate and exploit them. Thinking of that made her stomach churn and her throat feel sore, leading to bouts of dry heaving. She asked her agent, "I want a divorce from Woods." Her agent was shocked and quickly pulled over, "Are you joking?" "I''ve never been more serious," Elin said, having struggled through countless hardships to stand before Woods, tasted many slaps, and now knew her own worth. Facing her trusted agent, she asked bluntly, "If I divorce Woods now, how much can I get in the settlement?" Her agent confirmed she wasn''t joking and considered for a moment, then said, "You didn''t sign a prenuptial agreement. Plus, you''re pregnant now, so that''s in your favor." "Find me a lawyer quickly," Elin demanded. "Exactly what happened?" her agent asked. "He threw a party with a bunch of women!" Elin recounted everything she saw at the vacation villa. Her agent relaxed a bit, thinking it wasn''t a big deal -- very common in Hollywood, sports, and modeling circles -- so she comforted her, "Don''t be impulsive. It''s best to wait..." But Elin was unwavering: "Do you know why the accident happened? Woods did it on purpose. Did you notice? His car''s front hit the tree on the passenger side -- he wanted to hurt me!" Her agent stared at her, "You should report this to the police!" Elin shook her head, "I don''t want things to escalate. We''re married; we have a bond..." ... Suddenly, Elin''s phone rang. She answered and saw it was Fiona, vice president of the Feminist Majority Foundation. "Hello, this is Elin," she said. "I''m Fiona," the voice from the office responded. Fiona was looking at the Twitter news about the accident and asked concernedly, "I just saw the news -- said your car hit a tree roadside..." "I''m fine. Thanks for asking," Elin replied. "That''s good," Fiona said briefly before hanging up. ... Elin put her phone away and noticed her agent watching her. She quickly explained, "A friend from the FMF saw the online news." Hearing the name, her agent remembered it was the biggest women''s rights organization in California. As someone deeply involved in the entertainment and sports industries, she immediately knew the importance of women''s rights and told Elin, "What does she do in the FMF? Does she have influence?" Having worked together for years, Elin quickly understood her agent''s intent and replied, "Her name is Fiona, she''s probably the vice president. I''m not sure how much influence she has." Her agent immediately made some calls and got feedback quickly. Fiona was one of the most active members of the organization in the past six months, having helped women like Alice and others seek justice against Hollywood star Jamie Foxx. In fact, she was emerging rapidly in California''s women''s rights scene, backed by a foundation, and was very likely to become a leader of the movement. Her agent advised Elin, "You''re a woman and pregnant -- these are advantages. If you face trouble later, you can seek her help." "I''ve donated to women''s rights organizations before," Elin said. Her agent looked at her, realizing that Elin, who came from the modeling world, was anything but simple-minded. After all, everyone had skills; if you dared to strip and kneel, others would too. --- S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The quiet night soon passed, and a new workday began. The car accident news had fermented for a while, and Twitter posted a second update. In a beach villa area, Tiger Woods, accompanied by two women, entered a villa. Soon after, Jocelyn James arrived in a chauffeur-driven car, bringing a group of glamorous women into the villa. More cars arrived, all filled with beautiful women entering the villa. The footage was edited, showing the time once the accident vehicle arrived at the villa, parking at the side door, with Elin entering through that door. A few minutes later, a furious Elin stormed out of the car, followed by Woods, whose pants were still undone. They got into the BMW and headed out, eventually crashing again. The headline was simple -- "Before the Car Accident of Tiger Woods and Elin." ... From the news, viewers could easily infer what might have happened. Building on yesterday''s accident story, the heat skyrocketed. Twitter users immediately split into two camps, fierce arguments ensued. The taunters led the charge: "Did you see that? This is your idol couple!" "Between the loving couple, there are a bunch of women." The online trolls and nitpickers refused to back down, even in front of an omnipotent audience -- no one could convince the other on the internet. "These are just excuses. Isn''t it normal for rich guys to party with a bunch of beauties?" "Show proof! No evidence means it''s just libel!" "You saw Tiger Woods hitting on women? If not, shut up!" Both sides traded barbs on Twitter; the buzz about the story didn''t die down. ... Meanwhile, Woods'' agent and PR team contacted Twitter, but the platform ignored them. As the online debate heated up, Sasha released footage shot by Renee. Blaring music, bright lights, Woods looked like a fierce tiger devouring one woman after another. Then Elin appeared -- a bucket of cold water poured over everything. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 411: Who Would Lie to Protect Their Innocence [Chapter 411: Who Would Lie to Protect Their Innocence] The first big scandal of the North American summer of 2005 exploded with the Tiger Woods cheating scandal, instantly topping Internet news headlines. Traditional print media and television networks also covered the event as headline news. Twitter later spilled the details, revealing that the party organizer was Joslyn James, an actress from the San Fernando Valley who had been involved with Tiger Woods for over two years. According to insiders, Tiger Woods had multiple long-term mistresses, though their identities remained uncertain. Gossip media across the nation quickly mobilized, digging into the women behind Tiger Woods. The news buzz remained intense, especially with videos posted on Twitter. Even though key scenes were blurred, countless internet users worldwide were drawn to watch. Everyone knows how passionate LSPs (Lustful Social Participants or Stans) were in matters like these; their enthusiasm could ignite even a dead star, triggering a galactic explosion. Twitter''s traffic soared as well. The platform''s registered users surpassed 120 million globally, with over 67 million active users. Sasha facilitated contact with Elin Nordegren, aiming to persuade her to accept an exclusive interview while navigating legal risks. Elin didn''t refuse Twitter''s exclusive interview request but asked for some time. --- At Woods'' Montecito mansion, Tiger Woods was surrounded by a swarm of journalists outside his home. His agent and lawyer were both called in. Tiger asked his agent, "Has Twitter responded?" The agent was troubled, saying, "They refused to take down the videos, claiming they were legally purchased." Tiger looked at his lawyer: "Can we sue Twitter?" "We can send them a cease and desist letter," the lawyer replied honestly. "Twitter claims they bought the news from an independent journalist. According to the News Act, Twitter won''t reveal the actual source. You''re a public figure, and since the videos are blurred, suing Twitter will only give them more publicity." He added, "But I''ll send them the letter." Tiger was furious, "The videos were shot at my private residence." The lawyer shrugged, "The news wasn''t shot by Twitter but legally acquired. Besides, the homeowner of that villa is you and Elin, and Twitter said the filmer had Elin''s authorization." Tiger slumped on the sofa, "She''s lost her mind! She''s definitely crazy!" The agent asked, "Have you spoken to her yet?" Tiger slowly shook his head, "Elin isn''t answering my calls, and I don''t even know where she''s staying now." The lawyer, having worked with Tiger longer, cautioned, "Prepare for the worst." His words turned out to be prophetic. Minutes later, a paralegal delivered a formal letter: Elin was filing for divorce. Tiger barely cared about the Twitter scandal anymore; his focus shifted entirely to Elin''s divorce move. Only then did he realize he had no prenuptial agreement, and divorce meant significant financial loss. --- At the Beverly Hills Ritz-Carlton hotel, Fiona walked into a suite and met Elin, opening her arms and embracing her. "Sister, your problems are our problems." In this foreign land away from home, Elin immediately felt supported. "Aside from you all, I don''t know who else to turn to. As a woman far from home, married to the wrong man..." Fiona sat opposite her, saying, "Sisters support sisters -- that''s our principle. As long as you don''t abandon your sisters, your sisters won''t abandon you!" She got to the point: "I have read all the Twitter reports. Are they true?" Elin''s eyes were red, seemingly on the verge of tears. "Yes, all true. And some weren''t even reported on Twitter." Fiona waited for her to continue. Elin wiped her eyes, "The car accident -- I feel it was intentional! I told Tiger to get out, but he refused and sped off in my car. We argued, and then he lost control, crashing into a tree." Fiona wasn''t sure if it was true, but truth or not made little difference to her. She asked directly, "Was it on purpose?" "I can''t be sure," Elin first shook her head and then added, "But when the crash happened, the front of the car on my side -- passenger side -- hit the tree." Fiona nodded and asked, "Were you calling me because of this?" Elin said, "Partly. I''m scared and don''t dare go home. I can''t imagine living with Tiger anymore. I want a divorce to protect my rights." Fiona understood. She had seen similar cases many times, mostly about money. She said directly, "We have a professional legal team that can help you win this case. To really protect your rights, I suggest you do the interview and use public opinion pressure; after all, we are the victims." Elin agreed, "That''s what I was thinking. Twitter contacted me for an exclusive interview, and I accepted." Fiona said, "I often deal with the media. I''ll accompany you." Elin had checked Fiona''s credentials. Last year, Fiona had helped many women win lawsuits against Jamie Foxx. Elin said, "That''s wonderful." They talked for a long time. Fiona left, took the elevator to the lobby, and called Michelle, the chair of the FMF, briefing her on the situation and suggesting they use this case to further amplify their influence. Michelle got excited upon hearing Tiger Woods'' name, saying, "Come back quickly -- we need to discuss what to do next." "I''m on my way," Fiona replied, rushing out of the Ritz-Carlton and calling Campos next. --- At the Coastal Building, Edward received a legal letter from the legal department. He brought it to the office and said to Hawke, "It just arrived, hand-delivered by their people." Hawke took it, saying, "A love card, huh?" Edward asked, "Should we respond?" "No need," Hawke handed it back, "Leave it to Sasha. She''s been managing the progress on this." At this point, the Twitter-fueled public outrage and traffic spike had already been achieved. Whatever happened to Tiger Woods and his wife afterward had little to do with Twitter. But Sasha prepared an exclusive interview with Elin. Reports from Fiona''s side included some particularly interesting elements. Elin accused Tiger Woods of intentionally causing the crash. Hawke, having witnessed the couple''s entire entry to the car, felt Tiger Woods wouldn''t be that reckless, but you never know. Regardless of the truth, Elin''s interview was juicy enough. Campos found out about Tiger''s numerous mistresses, which also grabbed attention. Sasha planned to reveal one mistress every few days to keep public interest high. Before leaving work, Hawke got word that the FMF would fully support Elin, with Fiona as the lead. Fiona''s extensive practical work earned her respect within the FMF and feminist groups. ... The next morning, Twitter dropped another bombshell: Hollywood star and former actress Holly Sampson had long maintained an affair with Woods. Along with the news were several photos of Sampson and Woods dating. America''s gossip media lived up to its reputation. also uncovered a waiter from a Los Angeles nightclub who had been involved with Woods for nearly a year. Tiger''s cheating scandal had become unstoppable, with women coming forward wanting attention. These included a cover girl and a girl from . These women revealed the scandal for personal gain. Last year, Alice, by exposing Jamie Foxx, not only gained a huge payout but also signed with SugarBaby, becoming a sugar baby. By posting subscription videos on that site, she earned over $100,000 in three months. These stories, spread through Twitter reports and SugarBaby promotions, attracted many girls who believed they had some looks and could monetize it, flooding the site to gain the favor of sugar daddies. Models who appeared in and were major sources of San Fernando Valley celebrities. Now, they had a more direct monetization channel. Tiger Woods had become their stepping stone. Unfortunately, Tiger had hosted so many wild parties that it was impossible to remember with whom he had been involved. America''s media frenzy was loud, from the public and media to many big names eagerly following the saga. ... Just as the heat cooled slightly, Elin did an exclusive video and written interview with Twitter, accusing Tiger Woods regarding the crash. Public opinion exploded. Although Elin only mentioned the car''s front impact area, media rushed to pull photos from the crash scene and confirmed it. Tiger Woods was in trouble. Gossip and women''s media transformed him from a cheater to an attempted murderer. Elin announced divorce proceedings. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Tiger was caught off guard and had to explain the accident in detail to the media. But few believed him. Biases and the fact that Tiger was Black, Elin White and a woman, worked against him. With the FMF''s backing, Elin accepted joint interviews, tearfully saying, "I''m a woman and an expectant mother. How could I lie about something like this? Who would lie to protect their innocence?" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 412: The Unexpected DVD [Chapter 412: The Unexpected DVD] In the small cafe on the 16th floor of the Coastal Building, Hawke sat by the window, flipping through today''s newspaper. A waitress poured tea, ready to serve it. Caroline appeared and took the tray, saying, "Let me handle this." The waitress quickly replied, "Yes, Director." The click-clack of high heels reached Hawke''s ears. Without looking up, he recognized the sound and rhythm; the Sheep had arrived. "Here''s your tea," Caroline said, placing the tray on the table across from him. Hawke looked up and saw a splash of red. Caroline was dressed in a vibrant red women''s suit, standing gracefully. Around her slender neck was a pink scarf. Hawke pointed to the chair opposite him and asked, "Did you just get back from Africa?" Caroline touched her chin, thinking to herself she looked paler than before, definitely not tanned. Hawke casually said, "You ate too many African shrimps -- you look like a flamingo." S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Flamingos are prettier than sheep," Caroline replied, pulling out the chair to sit down. She glanced at the newspaper in front of her and asked, "I heard Woods responded again?" Hawke nodded. "Woods must have been pushed by his wife. At a press conference, he asked reporters to respect his privacy and announced he has a sex addiction." Caroline shook her head. "Claiming sex addiction might be a tactic to calm the public, but his previous actions weren''t very smart -- they stirred public and media anger." Hawke said, "Not all PR moves are effective." He knew from experience that in entertainment, crisis PR often makes things worse. Caroline smiled, eyes narrowing. "Woods should hire you for PR; you''d handle it well." Hawke sipped his tea. "Unless it concerns our own interests, I generally don''t take on PR work these days." Just then, Edward arrived with some people. Caroline glanced over and recognized Hawke''s charity foundation chairman. She stood immediately. "I have to get back to work." She greeted Edward as she left. ... Pierce Madden had come today to submit a detailed tree-planting plan for Africa. Twitter was preparing for its second round of fundraising, and Hawke expected a significant income soon. The African tree-planting project would begin shortly. Hawke put away the plan and said to Pierce, "Pay attention to one thing." Edward produced a photo and laid it before him. The woman in the photo was stunning with an exceptionally attractive figure. Pierce looked closely. "Who is she?" Hawke explained simply, "Her name is Reni. She has a daughter with a congenital illness and will apply for medical charity aid soon -- which will be approved quickly." Pierce didn''t ask further. "Understood." --- In the hospital room, Jacqueline smiled as she hugged the frail girl. "Lina, I''ll visit you again soon." The little girl smiled innocently with admiration, "You''ll become a more famous star then, right?" Jacqueline didn''t want to disappoint her. "Absolutely." Reluctantly, the girl let go. "I wish I could grow up soon. Then I want to be a big Hollywood star like you." At that moment, both Jacqueline and Reni''s smiles froze for a second. Jacqueline quickly recovered and laughed, "You will be a star." Reni said to her daughter, "Stay here for a while, I''ll go out with Aunt Jacqueline." Lina nodded, sat on the bed, and quietly read a picture book of fairy tales. ... Jacqueline and Reni stepped out and got into Jacqueline''s red Mercedes. "Thank you for coming to see Lina," Reni said gratefully. Jacqueline squeezed her friend''s hand, "Lina will get better." She took an envelope from her bag and handed it to Reni. "Here is their promised payment. Count it." Reni opened it and counted $30,000 exactly. "Thank you." "You deserve it," Jacqueline said, starting the car and driving toward the charity foundation to apply for aid. Reni nodded earnestly. ... Soon, they stopped in front of the foundation building. Jacqueline called Edward and staff guided them upstairs. They submitted medical records, diagnosis certificates, and completed applications. Pierce, the foundation chairman, came to meet Jacqueline and Reni. In less than fifteen minutes, Reni completed all the paperwork. Now they just had to wait for the foundation''s notification. ... As they left the building and got in the car, before they even left Ocean Park Avenue, Reni''s phone rang. It was the foundation, informing her the application was approved. Starting next month, on the first day of each month, they would receive monthly medical aid payments. Reni thanked frantically, tearing up. She cried openly, unaware when the call ended. ... After a while, she regained composure, wiped her tears, and said, "I lost control." Jacqueline smiled, "It will get easier. The doctors said Lina''s condition improves with age. A surgery in the future can solve everything." Reni nodded firmly. "I won''t do that job anymore. I''ll find a new one." Jacqueline reassured her, "Don''t worry. As long as you stay in Los Angeles, agents won''t bother you. If anyone gives you trouble, call me." One of the sisters invited Reni to join SugarBaby. Those in that line were used to making quick money by easy means and then earning honestly -- all very difficult. Originally, Reni wanted that too -- lying down and getting paid fast. But after seeing Lina''s innocent eyes in the hospital, she changed her mind. With medical costs sorted, even if she had to be a cleaner... Reni worried about her daughter growing up and encountering online videos if she did that work. How could she explain it? Would Lina be affected as she grew older and enter that industry? As a concerned mother, Reni thought differently than childless feminist groups. Through Jacqueline''s introduction, Reni planned to interview for a janitor job at Paramount Studios. --- Jacqueline saw the time, called someone, and drove straight to Emerson Film Studios. Inside, she found Eric Emerson, pleading, "Director, I haven''t landed a role in a while. I heard you''re working on a new project. Can I have a part?" Eric appraised her and said, "I know a few feminist groups in Los Angeles. Join them, observe their actions, understand their mindset. My new movie is about the Los Angeles fire, based on the female assistant chief commander who was in charge during the incident. She was a feminist." Jacqueline, having lived in Hollywood for two years, understood feminism and its power, but had concerns, "I can join the feminists, but this movie..." She worried about backlash at the Oscars. This year''s biggest winner was a feminist movie; would it be boycotted? Eric had already discussed this with Hawke, "Don''t worry; someone can keep feminism in check." Jacqueline remembered past conflicts between feminist groups and the Mattachine Society, where feminists were often defeated. Confident, she said, "Director, I''m in for this role! Don''t cast anyone else. What do you need me to do?" Eric knew she was an old friend of Hawke''s and said, "Join the feminists as I said and experience their life." Jacqueline grabbed her bag, "I''ll get started right now." It was easy to join feminist groups as a rising Hollywood actress. --- In downtown Los Angeles, the Special Operations Division. In the afternoon training session, Erica personally participated in long-range sniper and air support exercises. As deputy commander of Team A, she might be deployed for emergency incidents, so she had to be familiar with Teams B, C, and D''s capabilities. After training, Erica returned to her office, showered in the suite bathroom, changed into casual clothes, and prepared to leave for home. Before exiting, someone called, "Mail for you." This unit was the LAPD''s elite tactical team, where mail was security-checked by dedicated staff. Erica took it, walked to the parking area, and opened the black envelope. Inside was a transparent flat plastic case containing a DVD. Curious, she checked the postmark -- it was from New York. She got into her SUV, set the DVD aside, and drove home to Beverly Hills. ... Once there, Erica found a new offline computer, started it, and inserted the DVD to see its contents. At that moment, Hawke came home, saw Erica fiddling with the computer, quickly sat beside her, and teased, "Got some good stuff from San Valley? Doing some sneaky research?" Erica rolled her eyes. "I got this DVD at work today, mailed from New York. Don''t know what''s on it." Hawke, acting like a super detective, stroked his chin. "You''re LA''s fiercest lady detective. Someone sent you a DVD. With my years of experience, it must be full of evidence." "Or just a bunch of computer viruses," Erica replied, dark humor evident, having made many enemies. She opened the DVD, and a video appeared. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 413: The Saviors Startup Project [Chapter 413: The Savior''s Startup Project] In the video popup window, a young girl appeared. She wore a pink lace dress. Although her eyes were covered with a black cloth, her fair skin and slender figure still showcased her striking appearance. Hawke felt the girl resembled Elle Fanning when she had just come of age. "Seems like surveillance footage," Erica said easily, "A crime video?" Before she finished speaking, suddenly a figure entered the frame. The person wore a black cloak, always turning his back to the camera, and one hand reached out from under the cloak holding a shiny hook. Then the cloak fell to the ground, and the hand holding the hook waved swiftly. White lace flew everywhere, falling to the floor. Bloody wounds appeared on the girl''s fair skin. Although the surveillance video had no sound, from the girl''s frantic body movements and tightly closed lips, it was easy to tell she was in great pain, letting out horrific screams. The cloaked figure''s violence was as intense as the brutal scenes Hawke had seen in videos involving the Ackerman family. Erica, having seen countless horrific crime footage, was already numb to such scenes. Hawke felt much the same. The video ended with the cloaked man putting his cloak back on and leaving the frame. The fair-skinned girl had turned into a bloodied figure, her life fading as blood dripped away. Though the video didn''t explicitly show her death, Hawke could easily infer she had died. ... After the video ended and the window went black, Erica said, "It''s a torture murder video mailed intentionally to me? The proper way is to send it to the NYPD or the FBI. I''m just a LAPD Special Operations officer; I don''t have the authority to investigate cases arbitrarily, nor is it my duty." Hawke took the mouse and saved a backup of the video on the computer, then told Erica, "They mailed this directly to you for some purpose. Let''s not get tangled in their agenda. We''ll let this return to the proper legal channels." Erica, not one of those heroes who tried to fix everything single-handedly and not driven purely by a sense of justice, agreed, "I''ll hand it over to my superiors tomorrow and let the higher-ups handle it." She speculated, "Could this be related to those two cases I encountered back at the detective bureau?" Los Angeles saw numerous cases daily, and Hawke was unclear which two she meant, so he asked, "What were they about?" Erica briefly explained, "Two young women were murdered, and each had an inverted pentagram symbol carved on their bodies. I found a few clues but hadn''t investigated further before being transferred to Special Operations." Hawke recalled that one -- the last case his girlfriend had worked on before her promotion: "Young women, right?" He moved the mouse to replay the video. Erica asked, "Anything stand out?" Hawke dragged the progress bar to where the man took off the cloak, paused, and zoomed in on the corner of the video frame. Pointing, he said, "Take a look at this." Erica examined and despite some blur, it clearly resembled an inverted pentagram. "I''ve already gotten out of this, but they still want to drag me back down?" she frowned, "This was clearly sent to me deliberately." Hawke reminded her, "We''ve used similar tactics before." Erica recalled, "The Ackerman family club; from production to sales." Hawke took out a disc and packed it away. "Is the mailing address still on it?" Erica pulled out black packaging stamped with a New York postmark, "Here it is." Hawke looked it over, "I''ll have someone from Butterfly Consulting send a person there to see if we can find any leads, though chances aren''t high." Erica nodded gently, "Tomorrow I''ll submit it to the bureau." At that moment, the butler came to announce dinner was ready. They set the matter aside temporarily and headed to the dining room to eat. ... After dinner, Hawke accompanied Erica for a walk in the garden. Erica rubbed her flat belly and said, "The chef you found cooks so well. At this rate, if I get any older, I''m definitely going to gain weight." Hawke chuckled, "We could do more exercise." Erica agreed, "There''s a room on the second basement floor you haven''t seen yet. Want to have an intense -style workout?" Hawke glanced over, "I''ll be the undead king, you be Lara Croft?" He measured the room multiple times, "It''s no smaller than Lara''s." "Not that excessive," Erica pulled him back indoors. "Like Angelina Jolie in the movies, heavy gear seriously affects your movement and shooting stance." Hawke knew a bit, "Jolie didn''t have that big a chest; they added padding for the film." Erica smiled, "You know a lot." They went downstairs to the second basement level where a room was decorated in ancient Greek tomb style. ... Adventurous Lara accidentally awakened the undead king, leading to an epic and chaotic battle. In the end, Lara was badly defeated by the undead king''s attack. They only fought once. Lara trained during the daytime. Hawke had urgent business the next day. --- The Tiger Woods scandal had progressed to a certain stage. For Twitter and Butterfly Consulting Security, the matter was more or less settled. The news remained hot, with Woods and his wife Elin accusing each other, keeping them at the center of public scrutiny. However, Hawke no longer needed to intervene; it would unfold naturally. Hawke planned to push forward campaigns for LGBTQ rights and women''s empowerment. --- The next morning, Erica came to Special Operations and immediately submitted the disc to her superior. They didn''t handle specific cases there; the disc was quickly forwarded to the detective bureau. Two of Erica''s former subordinates came to Special Operations to check the situation. No one, including Erica, knew the disc''s origin. Erica warned the bureau team about the inverted pentagram in the video. The two girl murder cases with the inverted pentagram had gone cold after being shelved. In recent years, LAPD''s case-solving rate dropped annually; homicide detective rates had fallen below 50%. Considering Erica''s dedication, one could imagine the overall situation. LAPD was, in many ways, the largest gang in Los Angeles. --- Hawke, after handling urgent company matters, went to Butterfly Consulting Security with Edward. "They''ve already left," Campos said in the conference room. "To avoid being tracked, all of them travel by sea," he added after explaining operational security. Hawke pulled out his phone, sending last night''s videos and the package info to Campos, "Send someone to New York to see who sent it. Just find clues, no extra action." Campos looked at the video, "I''ll have someone familiar with New York make a run." Hawke took a newspaper to read. Campos said, "The Woods-Elin divorce case is nearing settlement." Hawke, who hadn''t followed the news much, asked, "They reached an agreement?" "We tracked the lawyers," Campos explained. "They met privately three times, likely to settle. I''ve heard Woods may pay over $100 million in settlement." Edward was shocked, "Tiger Woods is that generous?" Campos added, "Too many women have come forward -- 43 reported as of last night. Several companies are considering suspending endorsements. If he doesn''t calm things soon, the losses will be much bigger." Edward said, "Money really does calm things quickly." ... Later, Rosa, Solana, and Fiona arrived by boat. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This was formerly part of the Ackerman family''s private marina in Venice. Though extensively remodeled, the dock still accommodated boats large and small. Disguised, the three quietly entered the conference room and greeted Hawke, "Boss." Hawke nodded slightly, "Have a seat." Fiona sat opposite Campos; Rosa and Solana sat closely together. Hawke praised them, "You''ve all done exceptional work these past six months, exceeding expectations and earning important deputy roles in your groups." Rosa added candidly, "None of this would be possible without the boss''s funding. Without financial backing, we wouldn''t have become deputy chairwomen." Fiona reported, "Elin''s lawyer and Woods'' side basically settled. She''ll get $115 million settlement. After the baby is born and confirmed as Woods'' through paternity, she''ll receive 20% of Woods'' income as child support." Solana marveled, "A female centi-millionaire is born. Much easier than starting a company." The truth was blunt, leaving everyone speechless. Edward suddenly had a startup idea. Hawke looked at him, "You want to start a business?" "We have to partner with Frank," Edward said bluntly. "That bastard knows a lot. We start a training center, recruit young, attractive women with targeted training, then have them marry sports and entertainment stars like Woods and Jamie Foxx. After a couple of years, divorce and split the assets." Campos reminded, "Don''t forget prenuptial agreements." Fiona explained, "The longer the marriage, the bigger the share of the husband''s post-marriage income. If the wife earns less, the husband must pay child support, usually based on average income over the past 12 months." Edward was inspired, "Marry a Hollywood star at their peak pay year, then divorce?" He flashed a wide grin, "This could save many suffering women." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 414: The Northern Campaign of Two Major Organizations [Chapter 414: The Northern Campaign of Two Major Organizations] In the eyes of many, Hollywood stars and sports celebrities were easy targets, with some earning incomes far beyond their intellectual match. Over the past decades, numerous celebrities in entertainment and sports had been deceived into bankruptcy. From this, Fiona came up with an idea: "This startup project fits perfectly with the Feminist Majority Foundation. Should we give it a try? We can use the FMF''s resources to produce something of our own. Later, when we target certain men, we can strategically place our assets to serve us." "Worth a try," Hawke said thoughtfully. "Hollywood and the film industry are crucial platforms for American publicity. We need to have a certain level of influence over public opinion there." Fiona added, "Many Hollywood stars champion feminism for feminism''s sake." Hawke''s thoughts went much deeper and further. He linked this with the northern advance plan and said, "Be bold and try." Edward quickly interjected, "I''m just asking, are you guys really going to do this?" Hawke ignored him and told Fiona, "Make a list of Hollywood feminists. It''s useful to me. Mainly women aged 18 to 40, from top-tier stars to emerging actresses." Though unsure about Hawke''s exact intention, Fiona replied without hesitation, "I''ll get to it right after today." ... Hawke tapped the long conference table with his finger and glanced over Fiona, Rosa, and Solana. "The reason I called you here is to launch a project from the second half of the year." All three focused intently on their boss. Hawke swiftly said, "Los Angeles is the heart of LGBTQ and feminism movements in California and even across the U.S. Your organizations shouldn''t be limited to Los Angeles and Southern California. You need to expand and move north! Open new fronts in San Francisco." Rosa raised her pen and said, "Boss, the Mattachine Society does have a branch in San Francisco, but development has been limited by funding and the social environment." Solana added, "San Francisco has seen several conservative-driven shootings against the LGBTQ community, with conservatives stronger there than in Los Angeles." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hawke responded, "That just means San Francisco is lagging behind social progress. Expanding the branch''s influence and your organizations'' reach there is key. Brian and my foundation will support you financially." Rosa thought for a moment and said, "We''re good as long as the funding is in place. We could hold several large-scale campaigns." When he was just wealthy, Hawke shared Fiona''s view that feminism and LGBTQ movements needed tight control. Hence, the plan targeting marginalized groups by BlackRock was something he initially wanted to dismantle. Money broadens horizons, frees the mind, and builds courage. After Hawke truly controlled billions in cash flow, his perspective changed. BlackRock''s marginalized groups plan became his plan. These were all tools to be utilized. "Don''t worry, society can handle this," Hawke said calmly. "I''ve prepared countermeasures." Solana curiously asked, "Do they involve our organizations?" Hawke shook his head slowly, "No, not you." Fiona, free of doubt, said, "Feminist groups dream of expanding influence. After this event, my voice in the Feminist Majority Foundation has grown stronger, with support from both Mexican and African-American groups. Organizing events in San Francisco won''t be a problem." With developments in business and politics, Hawke had decided to vigorously promote social movements. Going the traditional route meant facing massive old-school families and powers. Hawke said again, "Be bold. I''ll have your backs. When necessary, I''ll use all measures, including force, to ensure your safety." The meeting lasted until near noon. Fiona, Rosa, and Solana left the security company separately by boat. Campos had assigned several female members to assist the three, as per Hawke''s instructions. ... Before lunch, Edward drove Hawke out of Butterfly Consulting in a bulletproof Mercedes. Turning onto Seaside Avenue, Hawke asked, "Savior, do you know those utterly marginalized African Americans?" Edward said, "That''s me!" Hawke looked at him, puzzled by his thoughts. "You?" "Yeah," Edward explained with sense. "Mainstream black folks are either gang members, homeless, drug dealers, or small-time hustlers. Someone like me, law-abiding and holding a steady job, is a non-mainstream black person." Hawke nodded, seeming to accept this. "I''m not talking about those. I mean those who dress flamboyantly, are neither strictly male nor female, who''ve had or haven''t had surgery but prefer women''s clothes." Edward said, "There are many in Compton. Many black families are poor, kids get bullied, and if they have siblings, they wear whatever they have. Parents often can''t guide them properly. Over time, their self-identity gets confused." Before the LGBTQ+ movement''s rise, kids from affluent families rarely had these issues; it was mostly middle and lower income backgrounds. Hawke asked, "How''s their situation?" "Terrible! No, worse than terrible." Edward recalled. "Even in Compton, full of degenerate people, these folks are at the very bottom of the social ladder. Even gay people rank higher than them." Hawke nodded slightly and asked, "Do they have organized groups?" Edward hadn''t gone back to Compton in years but recalled, "When I left, they had a bar where they gathered regularly. Normal people wouldn''t go there, and even if they did, they weren''t welcomed. Oh! That''s right!" He remembered, "DaShawn, being so ugly, before meeting me, used to hang with those freaks. They never discriminated against him for his looks." Truly, strange individuals often came from marginalized groups. Whether genetic or due to low education was uncertain. Hawke didn''t dwell on the reasons. "You''ve set up a foundation, right? Contact them, fund them, and get them working for us." Edward was surprised, quickly saying, "Boss, these people are useless. If Compton produces garbage, they''re not even that." Hawke said, "In this world, even a scrap of toilet paper has its use." Edward didn''t quite understand and asked, "What exactly do you want us to do?" "DaShawn''s already dealt with them," Hawke reminded. Edward had mentioned the Odd Trio were nominally managing the Compton Charity Foundation Hawke set up; the legal person seemed to be Michael, the one who crashed into the orange sculpture. The foundation had united many African Americans but hadn''t really made an impact so far. Hawke intended to use these groups, "Give them small financial support, help them find jobs, and encourage them to stand up for their rights." Edward understood, "Like the gay community?" Hawke said, "Exactly. Only by standing up for themselves can society remember them and realize gender identity issues aren''t their fault, but society''s." Edward was at a loss for words. They soon returned to the company. Edward called the Odd Trio. ... Within half an hour, the Odd Trio arrived at the Coastal Building. Hawke summoned them to a small conference room on the 16th floor and explained some version of the plan that wasn''t too progressive but relatively simple. Complex theories were beyond Edward and the Trio at this stage. When the Trio left, Edward escorted them downstairs. DaShawn was completely confused, whispering, "Savior, what exactly does the boss want to do?" Edward scratched his head, "Honestly, I don''t quite know, but Boss sees much farther than us. There must be a reason. Let''s just follow orders." Carter agreed, "Exactly. Following the boss means our lives improve." Tyrone chuckled, "This is easy work. Didn''t you forget our roots? We''re all performance artists! This is just an alternative performance art piece." Edward found these guys talented, "If you do this right, you might even become leaders of a new group or team in the future." The Trio left the Coastal Building cheerfully. ... Upstairs, Hawke stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the distant Pacific. He wasn''t about to let America stay calm. He wanted the U.S. buzzing with unrest and continuous intense conflicts. Not to mention, only with social upheavals could new companies like Twitter, and new wealthy elites like himself, truly rise to power. Those gender-nonconforming freaks were like the whip used to beat dogs: use it hard if they don''t behave. Edward knocked and came in, voicing his doubt, "Boss, what''s all this for?" Hawke half-joked, "Savior, imagine if the Capitol, Pentagon, and military were full of people like these -- it''d be something to watch." Edward grinned widely, "Then we''d have a show every day." ... At that moment, the office phone rang and Hawke answered. It was Brian, saying, "Do you know Harvey Weinstein? He suddenly contacted me through Hollywood connections and wants to talk with you and me." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 415: Greed and Brutality [Chapter 415: Greed and Brutality] On a cloudy afternoon in 2025, a sleek black Maybach pulled up in front of a sprawling office building on Coastal Avenue. Harvey Weinstein stepped out of the car, looking up at the vast structure with a slight unease. Since the 1990s, Harvey had been closely tied to the Clinton couple, serving as their enforcer. Even Leonardo DiCaprio was first recommended to the couple by Harvey himself. This was all about securing film subsidies and gaining more political leverage. Harvey, with decades of experience in the exclusive Hollywood circuit, quickly sensed that Hillary Clinton was cut from the same cloth as him. The only difference was that Harvey, a man, needed women; Hillary, a woman, needed men, preferably charming leading men. Pulling his gaze away, Harvey, accompanied by his assistant, braced himself and headed to the building''s entrance. He had flown in from New York specifically for this secretive mission. Having spent much of his time in Hollywood and Los Angeles over the years, Harvey was no stranger to Twitter or the Ferguson family who helped create it. The Fergusons were once one of Southern California''s top political and business dynasties. Though they had faded somewhat since the mid-90s, they had recently regained prominence, reshaping Los Angeles politics and turning the city into a stronghold for their party once more. Hawke Osment was a key figure in this ongoing political battle. Harvey knew the current mayor of Los Angeles, Brian. In his mind, Brian was just a playboy who liked to date Hollywood actresses, not particularly capable. If such a person could be mayor, Harvey thought he could easily be president. ... At the reception, the staff greeted them warmly. Harvey soon made his way to the 16th floor to meet Hawke and Brian. He strode forward and shook their hands, smiling as he spoke to Brian first, "Haven''t seen you at many Hollywood parties lately." Brian replied casually, "Busy with work and responsibilities, haven''t had time for Hollywood events." "Whenever you have time, I''ll throw a party just for you," Harvey said earnestly. He was eager to build good relations with the mayor and the tech mogul sitting beside him. "I''m old friends with Dwayne Johnson and Dany Garcia; they often speak highly of you." Hawke nodded slightly as they shook hands. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Harvey knew these two were not like the typical corporate executives. Offense with them was costly. The recent Covina hit-and-run and shooting incident was just the surface; behind the scenes, it had led to multiple deaths, including a top executive from a major investment group. The later Russian spy scandal had dragged BlackRock into a deep quagmire. Harvey saw himself as a hungry wolf in Hollywood, but these tech moguls were man-eating tigers. He played it respectfully but straightforwardly in true Hollywood style, "To celebrate our acquaintance, I plan to host a grand entertainment party soon, inviting Hollywood''s top stars like Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, Renee Zellweger, and Julia Roberts, all Oscar winners." Seeing no immediate response from Hawke and Brian, Harvey continued, adapting his pitch, "I can also get Judy Dench and Meryl Streep, and if you want, Matt Damon and Ben Affleck could come too." Hawke lounged on the sofa, showing no hurry to respond. Brian shook his head directly, "Harvey, let''s put this aside for now. You didn''t come here just to talk about parties." Harvey''s chubby face broke into a sincere smile, "I''m here on behalf of Ms. Hillary Clinton, flew in from New York specifically to discuss potential collaboration with you both." Hawke was straightforward, "Hillary Clinton? Not sure what kind of cooperation she seeks with us. Hopefully, it''s not a BlackRock matter." Indeed, Harvey represented Hillary Clinton this time. Two BlackRock power players had approached her with very lucrative offers. She was prepared to intervene but not blindly. Harvey tested the waters, "BlackRock is related to Ms. Hillary Clinton''s family''s employment matters. Miss Chelsea Clinton joined BlackRock as a senior advisor..." Hawke didn''t recall any Chelsea Clinton in BlackRock''s executives and glanced slightly at Brian, who shook his head. Neither interrupted Harvey, letting him continue. So far, Hawke had not had direct conflicts with Hillary Clinton''s side. Political parties were like any organizations -- full of factions and contradictions. The Clinton couple represented a significant faction linked to many members of Congress. "Hold on, Harvey," Hawke abruptly interrupted, "Regarding the BlackRock case, I have a suggestion you can pass on to Ms. Clinton." Harvey felt relieved as they hadn''t outright rejected him. Before coming, Hillary had said there was no direct conflict in interests, so talks were possible. Hawke said, "The latest FBI reports show those involved in the Russian spy case aren''t from BlackRock itself but individuals in management who have seriously harmed Twitter''s interests, causing billions in losses to Twitter''s Manhattan AI Project. They must be held accountable." Harvey clarified, "Just a few individuals?" Hawke bluntly replied, "Management led by Larry Fink and Robert Kapito must bear responsibility for this case." "I''ll convey this to Ms. Hillary," Harvey promised. "Right now, Pacific Investment Group, Merrill Lynch, and Goldman Sachs are all at the table," Hawke''s voice was low but firm, "Tell Ms. Hillary if she wants to negotiate, it has to be in person." Harvey''s face turned serious, "I will report back." "That settles it," Hawke stood and left the meeting room, with Brian following. ... Edward escorted Harvey to the elevator. Harvey acted like a trustworthy, honest man. Joining up with his assistant, he quickly left Coastal Building, jumped into the Maybach, and headed back to his Los Angeles residence. As the divider rose, Harvey pulled out a recorder from his pocket and pressed play. All it played was static. Nothing had been recorded. His face instantly turned sour, contorted like a red soccer ball. He glanced back at the retreating Coastal Building. These guys were too cautious, much different from traditional politicians. Many politicians he knew openly used ordinary home computers for secret emails. Not long ago, Harvey met a friend in Washington who shared an amusing story that some members of George Walker Bush''s cabinet had set up a group chat on Twitter to discuss Iraq security issues - a national matter treated so casually? Harvey thought his company''s board meetings were far more secure than these top government officials''. Back at his Beverly Hills villa, Harvey locked himself in the study and called Hillary Clinton, briefing her in detail. ... In Washington, in the north wing of the Capitol, Hillary Clinton hung up the phone and leaned back in her chair, contemplating the BlackRock matter seriously. With the greed and ruthlessness of politicians, a good opportunity presented had to be seized. Especially considering her daughter lacked political savvy. After marrying in, maintaining status required capital support. Hillary''s priority was not to protect the BlackRock management led by Larry Fink and Robert Kapito but to maximize her own interests. Pushing aggressively into a case unrelated to her came with risks, considering Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch''s positions. Hillary made her decision, picked up the phone, and called the number Harvey had left. When answered, she smiled, "Hello, Mr. Hawke Osment, this is Hillary Clinton..." --- In South Los Angeles, the predominantly African American neighborhood of Compton, An old van pulled onto Caldwell Street, stopping in front of the Black Cat Club. DaShawn picked up a rainbow-colored wig from an empty seat and put it on his head. Red heels were thrown over from behind, and Carter said, "If you''re wearing fishnet stockings, how can you not wear red heels?" DaShawn, wearing fake breasts and a brightly colored short skirt over fishnet stockings, kicked off his sneakers and stepped into the heels. Touching the stubble on his cheek, he said, "How do I look?" The driver, Tyrone, scrutinized him seriously, "Not bad, fits our artistic style." DaShawn, who was already so ugly he was like a living art piece, looked even more surreal with pink lipstick and eyeshadow. He looked like he could be placed in a church and hung on a cross. No, he could kick Morgan Freeman off and become God in Paris. Carter, having also finished dressing, sported a masculine queer look, the opposite of DaShawn. DaShawn reminded him, "Remember, psychologically you are female." Carter repeated like a mantra, "I look like a man, but my self-identity is female." "Let''s go." DaShawn opened the car door and stepped out. His heels clicked precariously as he nearly stumbled, grabbing the door for balance. Wearing the bright skirt and black fishnet stockings, he swayed toward the Black Cat bar. Carter pinched a big metal ring on his nose, feeling like a bull, and followed along with his dreadlocks. ... At the bar entrance, two effeminate doormen looked at their costumes but said nothing, opening the door for them. Inside Black Cat bar, their once eye-catching outfits blended in naturally. The bar was full of all sorts of strange characters and creatures. There was a young African American man dressed in a suit but wearing pink high heels. An elderly African American man in a white lace wedding gown. And a woman wearing a torn cardboard box, looking like someone trapped inside it. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 416: Breaking Out of Compton [Chapter 416: Breaking Out of Compton] Inside the Black Cat Bar, DaShawn scanned the room and found the bar owner, Haas Heisen. He strode over. Haas had a purple mohawk streak down the center of his bald head, and when he reached for his drink, he showed off ten long purple to almost black fingernails adorned with red floral stickers. DaShawn pulled out a chair and sat across from him. The scent wafting off him made Haas sneeze. Haas frowned, looking over DaShawn. Even though Haas himself dressed in unusual, edgy styles, he was repulsed by DaShawn''s appearance. The short skirt, fishnet stockings, and scruffy beard were tolerable, but DaShawn was just too ugly. The ugly look reminded Haas, and he asked, "You''re DaShawn, right? I didn''t get it wrong?" "No, no," DaShawn laughed, making himself appear even uglier. "After all these years, you''re still holed up here!" Haas shrugged. "Where else can I go?" He showed off his nails and pointed to his hair. "My crew''s all here. We can be ourselves here. Once we leave, we turn into someone we don''t even like." DaShawn said, "It''s your own fear of others'' judgment. There are plenty of queers in Los Angeles -- East Side, Venice, West Street, and the Walk of Fame. You see queers everywhere." The LGBTQ+ community didn''t just appear overnight. They had been around socially, with queer clubs dating back to the post-WWII 1950s. They had some organization but compared to the rising social movements of LGBTQ rights and feminism, their influence was scattered and lacked significant spokespeople. Haas looked at the people in the bar and said, "Because besides Black Cat, the guys need to make a living." DaShawn grew up here and knew these people well. "You guys have hidden too long. The more you dodge, the less you face your real selves, and the more you care about others'' gaze." He stood, striking a model pose. "Look at me -- I''m out on the Walk of Fame, having fun every day and earning good money. Some Hollywood stars even pay me to come along as background at events." Haas, with some insight, sized up DaShawn again. Despite the poor style, his clothes, accessories, and the watch on his wrist were all expensive. DaShawn''s outfit was all acquired through the Compton Charitable Foundation. "You''re doing so well, why come back?" Haas poured a drink and slowly took a sip. "To show off to us folks stuck in the gutter?" DaShawn shook his head. "No way! I''m from Compton too. Back then, everyone despised and bullied me. Only you guys and the Savior accepted me. I have nothing to boast about to you. I''m not worried about someone will pull out a gun and taking everything from me." Some people nearby looked at this flamboyant oddball, some already reaching under their clothes for knives or guns, ready to do the age-old Compton business. Haas recognized a familiar name in DaShawn''s words. "The Savior? Have you met him? I heard he makes a living by scamming women." "That''s not true!" DaShawn hurried to defend Edward. "The Savior is legit. He''s a Twitter shareholder and started a Compton Foundation." "Twitter, the social media site online?" Haas asked. DaShawn nodded vigorously. "Exactly! You guys stay in one place and miss out on news. The Savior''s helped many in Compton, and I joined his foundation to lobby for help for Compton''s queers. He grew up here, used to come to Black Cat with me, and really sympathizes with our community. He''s willing to fund us to break out of Compton." Haas laughed and shook his head. "Breaking out of Compton? Wish it were that easy." "It''s not easy, but it''s impossible if we don''t try," DaShawn said loudly. "Are we supposed to stay in the shadows forever, living under others'' prejudice? Don''t you want to walk the streets normally, like everyone else?" He wasn''t great at stirring spirits but cited real examples. "Power comes from fighting for it. We couldn''t even ride in cars with white folks before. Now? Who dares openly call a brother the N-word? How did that happen? Wasn''t it through those protests and movements we made over and over?" Haas raised a practical issue: "If you do that, most people won''t have food on their plates." To rally people and focus the scattered groups, what works best? Of course, cold hard cash! DaShawn had received instructions from Edward and declared, "Let''s compile an authentic queer list. I''ll hand it over to the foundation. They''ll distribute payment and provide subsidies for participation!" At this, people crowded around to ask questions. Haas didn''t have great ambitions but didn''t want to stay in the sewage forever either. He helped gather a list and gave it to DaShawn to gauge the situation. DaShawn told everyone to come to the Compton Foundation the next morning to register, leave contact info, and collect their subsidies. Money was the glue of organization -- without it, it was all talk. ... The next morning, people gradually arrived at the Compton Foundation, most dressed normally, at most appearing as queer but not bizarre or monstrous. Edward arrived personally, urging them to bravely express themselves before receiving funds. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With money dangling, people quickly reverted to their flamboyant outfits. For a moment, the Compton Foundation was filled with all sorts of humans and creatures. Edward handed out money, and Michael kept taking photos. Money had magic. The Compton Foundation had taken the first step in uniting the queer community. The photos were sent to Hawke that very day. ... Hawke reviewed them once and said, "When more people come in, pick reliable core members. What you''ll face next will be feminist activists as wild as rabid dogs." Edward replied, "We might not make it in high-level plays, but we''re top-notch at annoying people." Hawke never doubted the group''s ability to mess things up and said, "Not just black folks -- people of all colors need to be included! Also, get in touch with Saint Steve over there." Edward smiled. "I already joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Saint Steve even appointed me a vice president." ... Then there was a knock at the office door. Assistant Lukat came in, saying, "Ms. Betty is here." Hawke closed his computer and handed Edward a USB drive with the queer photos. Betty came in carrying a file bag and put it on Hawke''s desk. "Boss, this is some of the info Fiona collected, mostly actors. She''ll send you the stuff on directors and producers later." "Good," Hawke said, opening the thick file. It contained names, photos, and biographies. Betty left after saying goodbye, and Edward escorted her out. ... Hawke requested tea and began scrutinizing the materials Betty brought. He skimmed through quickly, setting aside male profiles and dividing female actors by age -- too young and too old. He focused on female actors aged 20 to 40, including established stars like Cate Blanchett and Charlize Theron, emerging talents like Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman, and some lesser-known actresses. After a long search, he found no suitable candidates and stood to look out at the distant sea to ease his eye strain. This matter related to the Northern Campaign Plan, and he wanted to find the right person. After Willie Brown and former Speaker Nunez fell politically, Northern California''s political core had shifted back to the resurging Newsom family. The family''s key figure was the current Mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom. Hawke had seen a news story on Gavin in his previous life. He had checked out Newsom''s wife, Jennifer, a former Hollywood star who had been assaulted by that fat Harvey Weinstein and was involved in feminist activism early on. Jennifer was a common name in America and Hollywood, with many actresses using it as a stage name. Hawke rested briefly before returning to the actresses'' data. Among the familiar stars, a lesser-known name caught his eye: Jennifer Lynn Siebel. Tall, blonde, blue-eyed, she had played female supporting roles in multiple films. Her credits included Nancy Meyers'' , Chris Columbus''s , and Dimension Pictures'' B-movie . Records showed Jennifer Siebel had joined the Feminist Majority Foundation in 2002. Hawke examined her photos carefully, but his memories were too vague. If not for the governor''s wife info and the mention of being assaulted by Harvey Weinstein, he might not remember her at all. Together, that was explosive gossip. Hawke checked Jennifer Siebel''s background: from San Francisco, middle-class family, attended Stanford. He researched Dimension Pictures, recalling their connection to the Weinstein brothers. The famed was produced by Dimension Pictures, under the Weinstein brothers'' umbrella. Miramax, owned by Disney, produced indie award-chasing films, while Dimension focused on commercial horror investments. These clues gave Hawke about 80% confidence. After reviewing the rest of the file, Hawke isolated Jennifer Siebel''s profile to send Edward to liaise with Fiona. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 417: Theres No Such Thing as a Free Lunch [Chapter 417: There''s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch] At a newly constructed yacht club by the Malibu beach, Leonardo met up with his longtime client Hillary Clinton. Harvey Weinstein was there by her side. Hillary sat on the sofa, sizing Leonardo up, her gaze lingering on his mouth. "Long time no see, Leo. You look like you''ve gained some weight." Leonardo purposely puffed out his belly and sucked in his cheeks, saying, "It''s easy to gain weight when you get older." Harvey thought this bastard was sarcastically mocking him and glared. Without any small talk, Hillary directly asked Leonardo, "I remember you can sail yachts? There''s one docked at the marina. Once the others arrive, you''ll take us out for a ride." "No problem," Leonardo replied, reluctantly agreeing inside but grumbling to himself, ''I am this big already and you still don''t give me a break? Am I really going to swell up like a balloon?'' Hillary''s eyes kept circling around Leonardo''s mouth, but since she had invited Hawke Osment for a business discussion, she put her thoughts aside for the moment. Chelsea, who came along with her mother, was unaware of the history between her mother and Leonardo, but her eager gaze was fixed on Leonardo. Not being complately fat, Leonardo still had the charm of a Hollywood heartthrob adored by women everywhere. Leonardo, wanting to escape the scene, said, "I''ll go get familiar with the boat first." Harvey took the lead and escorted Leonardo to the dock. ... Chelsea got up and tried to follow, "Mom, I want to join Leonardo and check out the yacht with him." Hillary, not wanting to share a lover with her daughter, said firmly, "Today''s matters are important. Stay with me and don''t wander off." ... Shortly after, Harvey brought in a group. It was Hillary''s first time meeting Hawke, the Twitter founder, who looked pretty average compared to the striking Erica Ferguson beside him. After introductions by Harvey, the two sides shook hands, exchanged a few pleasantries, and boarded Leonardo''s yacht, setting off from the shore. ... Leonardo immediately sensed Hawke and Erica''s presence. As a superstar who often championed the Democrats, Leonardo had sharp political instincts and knew that Hawke played a crucial role in the current Los Angeles political scene. As for Erica Ferguson, the locals of Los Angeles at a certain level all knew one thing: this woman was ruthlessly skilled. Not great at solving mysteries, but firing off volleys was her specialty. Add a scheming Hillary into the mix, and together, they could make the entire Pacific coast tremble. Leonardo locked himself in the yacht''s helm to avoid overhearing things he shouldn''t or seeing things he wasn''t meant to. But knowing he''d have to put on a show for Hillary later that evening made him quietly fuming. ... Inside the yacht''s upper deck cabin, Erica sat next to Hawke like a female bodyguard, carefully watching everyone in the room. If anything went wrong, she was ready to take control of Hillary immediately. Erica didn''t pay much attention to the conversation between Hawke and Hillary. ... "I came to Los Angeles at your invitation," Hillary said calmly. "Let''s get straight to the point." Hawke, taking the woman seriously, said, "The guests have bought their tickets, taken their seats at the table, and are ready to enjoy BlackRock''s feast. The ingredients are prepared and laid out on the plates in front of us." He asked earnestly, "May I ask, ma''am, if you intend to let these ingredients destined to become food, sit by our side and eat with us?" Hillary knew this feast was delicious but not free. There''s no such thing as a free lunch in this world, she asked, "How much have Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch paid for sitting at the table?" Hawke calmly answered, "Simple. BlackRock compensates Twitter for its losses. The management team, led by Larry Fink and Robert Kapito, steps down to take responsibility for the Russian espionage affair." To enjoy this feast, these were necessary, and after a brief consideration, Hillary said, "They broke the law and must take responsibility." Hawke had not finished yet, "BlackRock''s management''s actions severely damaged Twitter''s Manhattan AI Project -- not just financially but also politically and in terms of time lost. As a member of the budget committee, we hope you will fully support Twitter''s Manhattan AI Project." It was no exaggeration to say Hillary represented the largest Democratic faction within the budget committee. After some calculation, Hillary thought the deal was feasible and promptly agreed, "Okay." They reached a consensus, and the remaining minor details became easier to discuss. The case had not yet reached litigation and involved various powers secretly tugging at strings. Hawke and his allies kept dragging it out, time was on their side. --- Three days later, the CEOs of Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch came to Los Angeles, joined by Mary Ferguson''s Pacific Investment. The five boarded the same yacht. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The group quickly reached agreement. The skipper today was still Leonardo. When Hawke disembarked, Leonardo looked at him pleadingly, hoping someone would take him away. But the Hollywood superstar was ignored by everyone. Leonardo had no choice but to follow Hillary into her car. He knew he would still have to charm her that night. ... That evening, Hawke hosted the CEOs of Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch. After Twitter''s financing and stock expansion, the former expected to leave Goldman Sachs in October to serve as Treasury Secretary in George Walker Bush''s cabinet. The latter seemed to be encountering some trouble: completing the buyout of BlackRock and handling loan funds. --- At the mansion, after showering, Hawke sat on the sofa. Erica, holding a hairdryer, stood behind him, drying his hair. "Leonardo looks kind of sorry for himself. Coming off the yacht, he looked like a hostage who''d been kidnapped by terrorists when he glanced over here." Hawke, having heard all kinds of rumors about Leonardo, said, "He picked this path himself." Though Erica also attended the yacht meeting, her focus wasn''t on their discussions. "Hillary''s daughter, Chelsea, looked at Leonardo strangely." Women loved gossip. "They''re not sharing Leonardo, are they?" Not just women, Hawke found the topic interesting too. "The Clinton family''s love life is complicated, and there are rumors Chelsea isn''t even Bill''s daughter." He shifted the topic back. "A sprinter like Leonardo would have a hard time handling just Hillary alone, and with Chelsea, he''d lose half his life." Erica couldn''t help laughing. "I heard Chelsea telling someone on the phone they were going to Diddy''s party." Hawke recalled the media''s report from his past life: Leonardo''s name was on every party list on Rory Island and Diddy. "Maybe Leonardo really likes that kind of bottom role play?" Hawke guessed, though unreliably. Erica frowned slightly. "Is it because of his psychological issues, Leonardo keeps on publicly chasing new girlfriends then breaking up repeatedly?" Hawke thought about it. "Did you notice before was released, Leonardo dated older women like Naomi Campbell, but after the film, his girlfriends were all in their early twenties? Any older and he''d break up." Erica recalled, "He broke up with Gisele Bundchen last year, seemingly helping the California Democrats attract public attention, but in reality, Gisele was about to turn 25?" Hawke had followed that last year. "Gisele was born in 1980." --- In North Hollywood, the headquarters of the Feminist Majority Foundation. Michelle carefully reviewed the Northern Expansion Plan submitted by Fiona. She called Fiona over and said, "We have branches in San Francisco and Sacramento, each with its own women''s rights groups. Still, our growth there isn''t fast enough." Fiona replied, "The slow pace is due to limited funding. Now that we have sufficient funds and are California''s largest women''s rights organization, besides our Southern California base, we should actively work other cities." She raised a key point, "Mattachine Society in Los Angeles has always opposed us. Why don''t we look beyond L.A. and accelerate growth in other cities? Once our members reach a sufficient number and our influence is large enough, the political and business circles will speak for us. Then our sheer size advantage will crush those gay groups!" These words hit Michelle''s sore spot. In the recent clashes in L.A., the FMF hadn''t gained any advantage over the Mattachine Society. Michelle agreed, "In the end, it''s our size that''s not big enough." Fiona pointed to the plan document. "If we can influence millions of California women, they will come seeking our help on their own without us having to do much." "Go for it," Michelle approved Fiona''s plan and trusted her ability. Michelle had enough respect for Fiona, who used the Jamie Foxx assault case and the Tiger Woods scandal to amplify the Feminist Majority Foundation''s momentum, bringing it back to its stature before the L.A. fires. Most importantly, Fiona could secure funding. Without money, sisters helping sisters would remain empty words, and even cause infighting over petty gains. After the L.A. fires, Michelle learned some lessons, realizing she had overestimated their own capabilities and those of their members. Everyone could shout slogans and demand special rights, but when it came to real work, most fell short. Only a few could get things done and bring in money. At the meeting, the Feminist Majority Foundation board approved the Northern Expansion Plan, and at Michelle''s suggestion, Fiona was put in charge. Citing the plan, Fiona began calling members originally from San Francisco, speaking to them one by one. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 418: You Have Countless Sisters Standing Behind You [Chapter 418: You Have Countless Sisters Standing Behind You] With the plan set, Fiona got busy, starting by selecting the right candidates to strengthen the San Francisco and Sacramento branches. She spent the whole morning meeting with four members originally from San Francisco. In the afternoon, her assistant informed her that Jennifer Siebel had arrived. Siebel was born in San Francisco, growing up in a typical middle-class family. Her father worked as an investment manager, and her mother co-founded an exploratory museum. She graduated from Stanford''s Graduate School of Business. Under normal circumstances, with such a background, Siebel would have gone into business and gotten a decent job. But this woman was set on becoming a star. She even went to a drama school to study acting. However, she was stuck in Hollywood without making it big, only landing minor roles with a few lines. Siebel entered the small conference room, and the assistant brought her a cup of coffee. Fiona smiled and said, "I watched ; your role was really great." Siebel gave a polite smile. "It was just a small supporting role. There wasn''t much room to showcase my acting skills." Fiona asked, "I heard you got an important role in a horror film by Dimension Films?" Hearing the name Dimension Films stirred some unpleasant memories for Siebel. She shook her head slightly and said, "It''s a B-movie, and we''re not sure if it''ll even get a theatrical release." Fiona encouraged, "I believe it will." Siebel replied, "I hope so." "The Feminist Majority Foundation has formulated a development plan for San Francisco. We want to help the sisters there," Fiona said, playing the usual line with an unreadable expression. "I''m in charge of this plan and want to find sisters from San Francisco to get a better sense of the situation there. If anyone is willing to return to develop there, that would be even better." Siebel took out a pack of cigarettes. "Is that okay?" Fiona said, "Go ahead." Siebel lit a cigarette and said, "I don''t really go back to San Francisco much. I can''t say much about the specifics, but I am clear about one thing: Los Angeles has always been at the forefront of equality in California." Fiona asked, "Do you have any thoughts on returning to develop in San Francisco?" Siebel shook her head without hesitation, "Not in the short term. I... haven''t thought about it." "I see," Fiona''s real target was Siebel, so there was no way she would give up. She had already coordinated with Hawke and had corresponding strategies. "We''ll hold several events in San Francisco in the second half of the year, inviting hometown sisters to participate. The time won''t be too long, all costs covered by the organization, and there will be subsidies..." Siebel said, "That''s no problem. If time permits, I can participate." Fiona smiled, "Of course, if there are difficulties, just let us know. Sisters help sisters." Siebel almost blurted something out but swallowed it back, her face a bit uneasy. Fiona noticed and asked, "Having trouble? In life or work? I''m somewhat familiar with Hollywood." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hearing that, Siebel recalled the Jamie Foxx and Alice incident from last year, which Fiona had handled personally. The Feminist Majority Foundation had won a great victory in that case, reclaiming public support in Los Angeles after the devastating fires. But Siebel still did not bring up what weighed heavily on her heart. Alice had only faced a black star like Jamie Foxx, whereas she had to confront the real big shots in the industry. Fiona, like a sincere sister, handed Siebel a personal business card. "If it''s inconvenient to talk, that''s okay. You can always come to me if you need help." Siebel accepted it and left her own contact info. After thinking for a moment, she changed the subject, "Since you handled the Alice and Jamie Foxx incident, you must understand Hollywood''s ecosystem." Fiona nodded slightly, "I''ve heard some things. The red sofa may be gone, but hotel auditions are everywhere." Siebel smiled, extinguishing her cigarette in the ashtray. "It''s tough for women to survive, especially pretty women -- not just in acting but everywhere in the workplace. There are unwritten rules everywhere." Fiona said seriously, "That''s also why the Feminist Majority Foundation exists." Siebel continued, "Paying some price to achieve our goals isn''t a big deal. That''s just how society is. But the problem is some people are too unscrupulous. They ask us to pay but don''t give proper returns after we''ve sacrificed." The supporting female role in that Dimension Films horror film was something Siebel had gotten through a deal. Originally, she was told it would be a number two female role, but after kissing up, she still only got a minor part. Siebel was angry but dared not speak out. That was the unspoken rule in Hollywood: anyone who breaks it will be shunned. Fiona said, "We are always trying to develop Hollywood, hoping one day to break these rules to help all sisters. But that''s not achievable just yet. We can only use case after case to gradually penetrate Hollywood." Siebel said, "I understand. Some recent cases, like Robert Redford''s, Brad Pitt''s, and Alice''s, have made parts of Hollywood more cautious." Fiona added, "My personal advice is to try to keep evidence to protect your rights." Siebel found that to be a good approach. Fiona reminded her, "Don''t forget, you''re a member of the Feminist Majority Foundation. Countless sisters stand behind you!" Being from San Francisco and a Stanford graduate familiar with electronics, Siebel left the FMF and drove straight to a computer mall. --- In July, the Congressional Budget Committee issued a notice for the first hearing on the Manhattan AI Project. Hawke and Harland rushed to Washington to attend and speak at the hearing. Additionally, representatives from seven supporting companies appeared. Each represented different interests. The plan looked promising but was actually a long shot; results might appear after 30 years. But the funding was very real. The first appropriation was a massive $35 billion. Twitter''s own efforts, the lobbying by Elizabeth Carter''s team from Peterson Strategic Consulting, the coalition of interests, and Hawke''s amazing promises made the first hearing go smoothly. A key factor was the rising hype around the Russian threat. Russia was supposedly researching AI and stealing Twitter''s ideas and technologies. Even if not true, it was treated as truth. Washington wouldn''t believe Russia''s denials because America needed it to be true. After the hearing, the Appropriations Committee would formally discuss, then schedule a second hearing, and possibly a third if opposition was strong. If all went well, a vote on funding projects would happen by October, with some results delayed until February next year. ... "I can guarantee there will be a result by October," Elizabeth Carter said in the Peterson Strategic Consulting meeting room. Her pale skin almost reflected the lights. "Out of the twelve subcommittees in Appropriations, we''ve secured six. We''re still working on the rest. Getting over 50% in October is not a problem." Hearst, Twitter''s PR director, with years of political experience, was also lobbying. Being older and conservative, he warned, "We must prepare for betrayals during the vote; it happens too often." Elizabeth took it seriously, "So we need to win over some Democrat members." "One thing not to disclose outside," Hawke had to inform them honestly to avoid misunderstandings. "I''ve secured Senator Hillary Clinton from New York. She will support our proposal." Elizabeth''s expression softened, "Hillary is a key Democrat voice in Appropriations." Hearst was pleased, "This improves our chances a lot." The project had advanced with no turning back. Hawke stood up, "The proposal must pass. Whatever it takes, ensure smooth progress. If obstacles come up, find solutions. If you can''t solve it, tell me; I''ll crush it!" This directly related to their interests, so Hearst and Elizabeth paid close attention. Later, Peterson arrived, promising to use decades of connections. ... After leaving the consulting firm, Hawke took a car back to the hotel and called Roger Keene, the investment director of his foundation, asking him to quickly gather information on small software and electronic parts companies for potential acquisitions. Hawke wasn''t interested in investing in tiny companies for their own sake but intended for his foundation''s companies to act as supporting manufacturers for the Manhattan AI Project. They wanted to secure funding in a legitimate but lucrative way. They planned to learn from the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, the Trade Committee, and Treasury, whose practices included outrageous expenses like $90,000 screws, $700 coffee mugs, and $90 straws. Hawke''s West Coast Environmental Technologies Group would participate too. This company had already established a stable international trade channels, able to place custom orders anytime and even label goods as Made in America. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 419: 120 Million is Too Little, Were Making a Blockbuster [Chapter 419: 120 Million is Too Little, We''re Making a Blockbuster] West Hollywood, Emerson Film Studios. Roger Keene, director of the West Coast Investment Foundation, briskly walked into Eric Emerson''s office. Eric stood up to shake his hand and asked, "Are they arriving soon?" Keene nodded slightly. "An hour away." Eric was busy with storyboard sketches, having already finished the script. "Are the investors coming today powerful?" Keene warned, "Yes, very powerful overseas investors. I pulled some strings from my old contacts. To put it bluntly, they''re only poor in everything except money." Hearing this, Eric immediately stood in front of the full-length mirror in his office. He fixed his tie and buttoned up his collar quickly. Keene explained in detail: "One is the son of the Malaysian Defense Minister, who has been in office since 1990 and even took on the role of Deputy Prime Minister last year." Though Eric was an artist in film, his two closest friends dealt with some shady business in society, so he understood the significance of a fifteen-year Defense Minister. Hawke chose Keene as director only because of his family background and past experience. Keene added, "The other is the financial assistant to Prince Rashid from Abu Dhabi. Although this prince isn''t from the most direct royal line, he''s no fringe figure. The crown prince named Zayed, appointed last year, is his cousin." Eric, who received a formal university education, was not one of those idiots produced by Happy Education, said, "Middle Easterners are only rich in oil and dollars." Having dealt with Eric multiple times since taking this job, Keene quickly flipped through the script storyboards. "Bring all these materials! Eric, you have to really hype our project, aim high." Eric frowned slightly. "Hype?" "Emphasize our strengths," Keene said, gesturing. "You have to understand, they''re not ordinary investors. What they want is a project! We are in Hollywood, where commercial movies lead the world. For some overseas investors, that''s irresistible." Eric smiled, "I know how to play it." ... Not long after, a call came in. Keene called Eric to the studio lobby to wait for the VIP guests. Within minutes, four cars drove in one after another. Keene greeted and shook hands with the two arriving men. The Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister''s son was named Riza Aziz, and the Abu Dhabi prince''s financial assistant was Utaybah. Keene introduced both and led them into the meeting room. The meeting room had been redecorated per Keene''s specifications. A prominent glass display case held Eric''s Oscar statuette for Best Original Screenplay. Three walls were adorned with framed posters and photos, including a notable one with Tom Cruise. Riza and Utaybah quickly scanned these upon sitting down. ... Keene spoke again, "Gentlemen, the West Coast Foundation is ready to invest in a film project created by Eric." Eric waved his hand, and an assistant immediately presented the prepared storyboard and proposal to the investors. He said, "This film is based on last year''s Los Angeles wildfires. The disaster was massive, directly affecting over 500,000 people and indirectly impacting over 15 million. Preparations started last year. I obtained a wealth of first-hand information from Fox Television Network and Twitter reports. I also interviewed hundreds of victims and frontline firefighters." Riza responded, "That fire was truly shocking. We never imagined such a catastrophic event could happen in Los Angeles." Eric stroked his beard and said, "It was a natural disaster but also a man-made tragedy. I''ve finished the script and have invited Oscar Best Actor Tom Cruise for the lead role. His production company is also investing in the film." Utaybah happened to be looking over the contract copy showing Tom Cruise''s company''s involvement. Eric continued, "This is my second collaboration with Tom Cruise. Our last film, , earned him the Oscar for Best Actor and me for Best Original Screenplay. The film was also nominated for Best Director and Best Picture. We want to replicate that success with this project and aim for the Best Picture Oscar!" Both Riza and Utaybah were wealthy beyond measure. Utaybah''s investment represented the larger strategy of the Abu Dhabi conglomerate. Besides oil, they wanted diversified investments to elevate Abu Dhabi''s global image, showing that the UAE is more than just Dubai. They recognized film''s powerful promotional value. Riza needed a solid investment channel, and film was perfect. Eric glanced at Keene and said, "Over 40% of Oscar voters reside in Los Angeles. Many stars, directors, and producers had their homes destroyed in last year''s fire. I am confident this film can win Best Picture." Recalling Keene''s earlier point, Eric hyped the project and the investment opportunity: "The production budget is expected to be $120 million. We will recreate parts of the fire scenes on set, making this a blockbuster disaster film that will shock the world!" Utaybah frowned, "$120 million?" Eric instantly felt anxious. Had he overhyped it? He couldn''t easily take back his words and subtly signaled Keene to help smooth things over. Keene said nothing. Riza hesitated, "Only $120 million for the whole project?" "Actually..." Eric wanted to suggest something lower, but realized it wasn''t right. Utaybah asked, "For an Oscar-level disaster epic with two Oscar winners involved, isn''t $120 million a bit low?" It was the first time investors thought the production budget was too low. Quickly responding, Eric said, "If the budget increases, we can recreate more fire scenes, add more spectacle, and even invite stars and top directors whose homes were lost in the fire for cameos!" Tom Cruise and Oscar were golden brands. Riza, openly showing his investment purpose, said, "$120 million is too little for a movie like this. How about $160 million?" He looked at Keene, "Utaybah and I will fill the financing gap." At that moment, Eric felt the pressure immensely. Any director would be nervous handling a $160 million blockbuster. Keene knew well that these two were investing more in Tom Cruise as a person than just the project. Eric''s forehead sweat as he faced this critical turning point in his career. Success meant reaching the top tier of directors. Failure meant working on small productions forever. With no way back, Eric said, "With $160 million, I will make a blockbuster!" Riza and Utaybah''s investment would not go directly into Emerson Film Studios but through the West Coast Investment Foundation before funding the movie. This successfully solved the critical financing problem for production. ... Washington, en route to a banquet, Hawke took a call from Roger Keene. The originally planned $80 million investment had doubled directly to $160 million for a major production. Hawke, more refined than those Hollywood bastards, committed to channeling most of the extra funds into the film itself. If could succeed both at the box office and the Oscars, it would be ideal. On the phone, Hawke responded, "Finalize the movie investment quickly. The next phase shifts to company acquisitions. Tomorrow, I''ll have the Savior fax over information on two companies." Keene replied, "I''ll get it done ASAP." The West Coast Investment Foundation had made a successful first move, and Hawke was very satisfied. His car pulled into a business club, where he met up with Hearst before heading to the main banquet hall. ... The event was hosted by Condoleezza Rice in her official capacity as Secretary of State, attended by not only political and business elites but also many foreign diplomats stationed in Los Angeles. Hawke greeted Rice at the hall''s center and chatted briefly. Rice was scheduled for a multi-country trip next month, bringing along many big company reps to expand markets. Caroline Jones had confirmed her participation in the delegation. Hawke also saw members of the Morgan and Rockefeller families -- just brief acquaintances. These old money families harbored a disdainful sense of rejection toward newly wealthy tycoons. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ... Like a ghost from behind, Musk approached Hawke and asked, "Feeling uncomfortable?" Hawke smiled, "As expected, to them, we''re just nouveau riche." Musk snorted disdainfully, "They were nouveau riche themselves once; their tactics for amassing wealth were despicable." Despite his words, he understood: "The so-called tech nouveau riche are their doing, creating a circle to isolate us." Circles exist everywhere. Hawke pondered briefly, "We can create our own circle." Musk paused, then laughed, "Good idea. One person''s power is limited. If we unite more people, we become a strong force." Hawke thought and said, "Let''s discuss this with Thiel and the others once we return to California." "Sure," Musk said, then glanced diagonally behind Hawke. "A beautiful woman is coming. I don''t know her. Is she looking for you?" Hawke turned and saw a blonde woman approaching whom he''d never seen before. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 420: All the Baby Names Are Already Picked Out [Chapter 420: All the Baby Names Are Already Picked Out] A blonde woman strode briskly toward them. She was tall and slender, with perfectly applied makeup that highlighted her beautiful face. The parts of her skin exposed by her evening gown revealed a strikingly fair complexion. Hawke had seen many Russian women and could recognize this one right away -- she was slightly older. Today''s banquet was hosted by Condoleezza Rice in her capacity as Secretary of State. The Secretary handled foreign affairs and had invited many foreign diplomats and their entourages. Clearly, the woman was here for Hawke. Approaching, she gave Elon Musk a slight nod before addressing Hawke: "Hello, Mr. Osment, I''m Yelena Danilova, a civilian secretary at the Russian Embassy." Hawke lightly clasped her outstretched right hand and politely replied, "Nice to meet you." Yelena''s smile was as dazzling as the northern lights. "May we have a private word?" Hearing this, Musk started to step away. Hawke was straightforward. "No need for private chat, if you have something to say, say it here." Musk spun his head quickly and paused his step. Seeing Hawke was firm, Yelena abandoned the idea of a private talk but maintained her diplomatic smile. "My father, Mikhail, works at the Moscow headquarters of Kaspersky, where he is a deputy director at a top-tier lab. He has strong opinions about Twitter." Hawke feigned confusion. "I don''t quite understand." Russian methods were typically blunt, and this woman was no exception: "Twitter and the FBI have fabricated accusations against the Kaspersky lab, severely damaging its international reputation. My father is very angry. If your side does not proactively clarify this matter, Kaspersky will take resolute action." Every word revolved around ''Kaspersky,'' but Hawke knew that the Kaspersky she referred to was not the real one. Hawke smiled, "I think you have the wrong person. Twitter is just a business. I''m a businessman; I don''t have the authority to define a wiretapping case." Yelena said, "Kaspersky will file lawsuits against Twitter simultaneously in Moscow and Los Angeles. You will pay the price." Hawke said seriously, "I believe that whether it''s Russian law or American law, Twitter will receive a fair outcome." Once the Manhattan AI Project passed funding committee review, billions of dollars would be at hand, and two legal teams could be deployed, one handling the Russians in court, the other daily following the Russians around, making noise and singing Katyusha. Yelena''s smile never faded: "It seems we cannot reach an agreement on this." Hawke said, "You can go through official channels and protest to the FBI." ''If official channels worked, I wouldn''t be here,'' Yelena was tempted to slap him. These Americans were ugly-faced, untrustworthy liars. Even when caught red-handed, they weren''t ashamed and argued their case. Hawke Osment was the perfect example. Yelena felt many politicians had more morals than this guy. Her smile suddenly took on another meaning. "You refuse to settle with Kaspersky." Hawke asked, "Secretary, does your work involve information gathering and transmission?" Yelena''s smile faded. Hawke seemed not to notice and continued, "A spy trained for over ten years, undercover nearly as long, sent on a ridiculous suicide mission because some big shot wants to grovel to America -- that''s really pathetic." Yelena retorted, "Russia has never sent any spies to America." Hawke ignored her and went on: "Maybe after today, your side''s big shots still won''t care about frontline operatives and will send them near me time after time... Oh, almost forgot to tell you, the FBI has many agents inside Twitter and around me." "Well, then," Yelena said, turned around and left. ... Musk, watching her swaying hips, said, "Why do you have to do this?" Hawke misunderstood and said, "You think what I say to her matters? Unless I declare everything false, Russia''s attitude won''t change. But that''s impossible. The spy is real, and my company and project are seriously damaged." He sighed, shaking his head. "I can''t lie against my conscience, especially to help the Russians." Musk agreed, "You have a point." He stared after Yelena, "But the approach could be gentler: get close to her, try to extract useful info from her." Hawke got it, "That''s your plan? You want to get close to her and get DNA info?" Musk was serious, "Exactly. Now that I''m an American citizen, when national interests are at stake, I should be at the front line, turning enemy spies." Hawke frowned, "You sure you can turn her?" Musk said, "Make her have my baby, and definitely turn her." Hawke patted his shoulder, "Buddy, you only met her once, and you''re already picking baby names." Musk said, "I can''t help it. She''s exactly my type." "Stop daydreaming." Hawke changed the subject, "What about Tesla? I heard you fired the entire founding team?" Musk focused, "We couldn''t reconcile visions about car design and launch. They wanted to plug electric systems directly into the MG cars -- which would be no different from traditional cars. Tesla''s electric cars have to be revolutionary." He shrugged, "I negotiated multiple times with the founding team led by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning but couldn''t reach an agreement, so I used my majority shareholder rights to remove them." Hawke had invested in Tesla last year, with shares originally held via West Coast Media Entertainment Studio, now transferred to West Coast Investment Foundation. Before Tesla''s shareholders'' meeting, Musk had approached Hawke. Both Hawke and Peter Thiel temporarily delegated their voting rights to Musk. "Hope you build a groundbreaking new car that shocks the market," Hawke said. "When''s Tesla''s next round of funding?" Musk replied, "Soon. You''re a major shareholder; you''ll be notified in advance." ... Hawke noticed Hearst signaling nearby with John McCain close. He said bye to Musk before walking over, shook McCain''s hand, and said, "Senator, thanks for supporting Twitter and the Manhattan AI Project." McCain smiled, "The Twitter internal data models have helped me collect frontline voter data and refine my lab models." Hawke smiled, "Wishing you success in your campaign." McCain added, "And success for Twitter''s Manhattan AI Project." They chatted briefly before going their separate ways. Hearst accompanied Hawke to meet the British and Australian ambassadors. ... The banquet ran until 10 p.m. Hawke left and returned to his hotel. Musk waved from a distance, escorting a woman, clearly not Yelena. Musk talked a big game but didn''t dare try. Many embassy officials, military attaches, counselors, and secretaries often doubled as housing liaisons. This was an open secret. ... Hawke''s trip to Washington was nearly over. He planned to return to Los Angeles. Before leaving, he asked Hearst''s recommended property manager to find a suitable residence. Hawke would frequently visit Washington, and if Erica had time, she might come too, so they needed a permanent home. The manager suggested two homes. Hawke visited but wasn''t pleased. He''d wait until his next trip. New luxury homes kept being built. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- Back in Los Angeles, Hawke found time to meet Aziz and Utaybah. One could disrespect their people or beliefs but never their money. Aziz came from a top Malaysian government family, while Utaybah was close to a ''real prince'' from Abu Dhabi. To Hawke, they wore their wealth like a shining crown. Aziz, who invested in Hollywood, was new to Hawke''s knowledge, but he recalled another Malaysian billionaire investor. That was Jho Low, a real cash king who collected female stars. He had almost engaged to Miranda Kerr and spent huge amounts on Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian. Hawke didn''t use his money to make movies, but the industry''s influence was massive. He needed some movies like for public impact. "Gentlemen, Hollywood movies are popular worldwide," Hawke said thinking of leveraging for benefits. "An outstanding film not only yields profits for investors but also shapes public opinion." Aziz didn''t care; his money wasn''t meant for promoting Malaysia. Hawke''s main target was Utaybah. "For example, my friend Tom Cruise''s series films shoot in world-class cities. I think Abu Dhabi would be a great location." Utaybah, knowing that promoting the city was more important than just investing, said, "I will contact His Highness the Prince and convey your cooperation proposal." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 421: Who Could Refuse Such a Request? [Chapter 421: Who Could Refuse Such a Request?] Just two days later, Utaybah sent a reply to Hawke. The response from Abu Dhabi came quickly, with Prince Rashid leading the charge to form a business delegation that would soon head to Los Angeles. Hawke reached out to Tom Cruise. Specialties mattered. Compared to Twitter and his investment fund, Tom Cruise had far more clout in the film industry. Having worked on and , and last year pushing hard for the Oscars, hadn''t started pre-production yet. Tom Cruise promptly contacted Paramount Pictures chairman Sherry Lansing and scheduled a meeting with Hawke to discuss relevant matters. The three headed straight to Eric''s Emerson Film Studio. Roger Keene was there. He recapped the previously agreed investment. Just like , would be distributed by Paramount Pictures. Sherry Lansing was somewhat surprised by the sudden jump in investment: "The investment amount doubled just like that?" Eric hesitated before replying, "The investors voluntarily insisted on increasing the funding. We really couldn''t refuse. A request like that is hard to say no to." Everyone in the conference room was momentarily speechless. Honestly, the Middle Eastern tycoons'' GDPs weren''t that huge, but their cash on hand was massive. If you dare to call, they''d raise it several times over. Hawke said directly, "This project is different from the past. Investors are eager to fund it and promise not to interfere with filming. They''re like gods; whatever is needed, just ask." To attract investment, his fund wouldn''t be as exploitative as some Hollywood bastards. Tom Cruise chimed in, "If every investor was like them, that would be amazing." "In that case, the marketing and distribution have to be handled like a top-tier project," Sherry Lansing said nonchalantly. With Tom Cruise''s golden name attached, Paramount Pictures, as the distributor, was guaranteed profits -- just a matter of how much. ... She asked bluntly, "What about the Oscars?" Tom Cruise had won the Oscar for Best Actor, fulfilling a lifelong dream, so his enthusiasm for Oscar campaigning had dipped. But Hawke was different; the ideal was to achieve both box office success and awards. He said, " deals with California and America''s permanent wounds. I think Los Angeles should commemorate this tragedy in a very special way. We can try aiming for Best Picture at the Oscars." Tom Cruise was smart. His lost interest in the Oscars reignited instantly. He offered, "Last time, we only took home Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay, but missed out on Best Director and Best Picture. I think we can make another push." With two international investors backing them, Sherry Lansing was okay with it -- besides, if the film really won big, Paramount would also reap more rewards. "Sure, let''s aim for the next awards season." It was already the second half of 2005. had just finished the script and financing, the main cast wasn''t set, and filming hadn''t started. The movie wouldn''t be finished until mid-next year at the earliest. The 77th Academy Awards ended in March. The 78th next March was out of reach, so the earliest was the 79th Academy Awards in early 2007. Hawke thought about what happened in the 79th Academy Awards in early 2007. Eric had won Best Original Screenplay and hoped to snag Best Director as well: "I''ll shoot this film with grand scenes and a profound theme." Hawke smiled, "I believe in your ability." Having worked with Eric before, Tom Cruise had a clearer understanding: "With Eric''s talent, mastering a production like this won''t be an issue." Eric knew exactly how to shoot this film. All else could wait. First and foremost, it had to serve Hawke''s goals. Hawke''s needs matched perfectly with the film''s serious theme. wasn''t a natural disaster but man-made! As for special effects and spectacle, Hollywood excelled at that. ... With the Oscar plan confirmed, Hawke brought up another topic: "Abu Dhabi''s side contacted my investment fund. They want to participate in Tommy''s new film, and they''ll send a business delegation to Los Angeles soon." Hollywood always borrowed other people''s money to make its movies. Sherry Lansing immediately showed the proper attitude when she heard the prince was coming: "Paramount Pictures will welcome the delegation with the highest standards." Roger Keene interjected, "They have a request: to invest in Tom''s film series." Sherry Lansing smiled, "That''s fine with Paramount Pictures." If outside money comes in to help you make money, Tom Cruise wouldn''t refuse, "I have no problem with that either." "It''s still about the investment amount," Roger Keene reminded them. "''s budget was $150 million. They think that''s a bit low. For Tom''s status as an Oscar winner, it should be at least $200 million." Sherry Lansing twitched her lips, "What can I say? Who could refuse such a request?" Hawke reminded her, "A major portion of the film needs to be shot in Abu Dhabi." The series was already filmed in various international locations, so the city didn''t really matter. Tom Cruise agreed on the spot, "No problem." As long as the money was good, Ethan Hunt could stay in Abu Dhabi. Hawke wasn''t into film production but understood the power of money, saying, "In that case, we can make the scenes bigger." Tom Cruise was already considering that. Hawke thought about some effective promotional tactics from the series'' later installments, saying, "For hype, you could try doing more of your own difficult stunts on camera." Tom Cruise said, "I''ll take note." Abu Dhabi would also participate in financing West Coast Foundation projects. No need for Hawke to elaborate on that. ... After finishing discussion on the two film projects, Sherry Lansing excused herself first. Roger Keene stepped out to discuss fund transfers with Aziz''s side. When Hawke was about to leave, he ran into Jacqueline. This rising Hollywood star would play the female lead in , though her character was an antagonist. Jacqueline greeted him but was momentarily at a loss for words. He remembered their first meeting -- he had been a paparazzo sneaking photos of Robert Downey Jr. and Sarah Jessica Parker. Now, he was a bona fide billionaire who could sway public opinion across the US. Hawke noticed Jacqueline spacing out and asked, "What''s wrong? Don''t recognize me?" "No," Jacqueline, beautiful as ever and even more so when smiling, replied, "I just want to say thank you." Hawke waved, "No need to be so polite." He looked at Eric, "Director Emerson endorses your acting skills, and that''s why you have so many opportunities." Jacqueline had been through a lot and knew how to survive in Hollywood. She said, "If you ever need me for anything, just let me know." ... Two weeks later, a small business delegation led by Abu Dhabi''s Prince Rashid arrived in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Mayor Brian personally received them. After a detailed review, Rashid decided to collaborate with the West Coast Foundation. --- By August, after multiple hearings and out-of-court settlements, the civil lawsuit between Twitter and BlackRock entered trial. Hawke sat in the gallery. The FBI''s Los Angeles office had specially brought in two Russian spies as human witnesses. Also present were the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director and the head of the research group from the Congressional Budget Committee, who testified on the importance of the Manhattan AI Project for America. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Since the Manhattan AI Project was sent to the White House, Hawke had built a massive coalition of interests. This super project involved over twenty supporting companies. Each company represented a political faction. A hoard of hungry parasites were waiting to take their share; any obstacles would be swiftly eliminated. Besides the defendant''s seat and their lawyers, almost everyone else in the courtroom supported Twitter. Even the jury members were carefully selected. And Hillary, who outwardly still supported BlackRock, had essentially put BlackRock on the chopping block. This lawsuit was impossible to lose. ... After a long trial, the judge announced BlackRock''s defeat. Of course, the full $3.32 billion compensation was unrealistic. BlackRock had to pay Twitter a total of $2.137 billion, covering personnel and time costs. Other public apology clauses were trivial. BlackRock immediately announced an appeal. ... Hawke and Erica left the courtroom and headed to the parking lot. From a distance, Larry Fink and Robert Kapito stood beside a Mercedes van, watching them. The two knew the war was just beginning; there were still appeals on espionage cases and criminal lawsuits to come. But with support from the donkey party Hillary and Bill Clinton, they remained somewhat optimistic. Suddenly, a squad of FBI agents in blue uniforms appeared in front of Larry Fink and Robert Kapito, showing them subpoenas. People who had been arranged earlier quietly took photos. ... Hawke didn''t look over and got into the car with Erica. Erica asked, "That doesn''t look like Jennifer''s people?" Hawke knew more: "FBI from New York." Erica frowned, "Found direct evidence linking these two to the espionage case?" The FBI in Los Angeles only had confessions from the two spies and no other evidence directly implicating BlackRock''s leadership, especially Larry Fink and Robert Kapito. If they were ordinary folks, they''d get arrested and try to figure things out. But they weren''t ordinary. Hawke said softly, "People on Hillary''s side found evidence that Larry Fink and Robert Kapito coerced minors." He added, "To be more precise, it should be fabricated." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 422: The Crashed Helicopter [Chapter 422: The Crashed Helicopter] Washington D.C., New Georgia District. A car drove straight through the gates of the estate and stopped in front of a red brick house. Huma Abedin got out and quickly entered the house, heading to the main hall. Hillary put down her book and asked, "Did the trial verdict come through?" "BlackRock lost the case and was ordered to pay $2.1 billion in damages. They''ve already filed an appeal," Abedin said swiftly. She was the personal assistant to the Clinton couple and was regarded as their goddaughter by outsiders. "They left the courthouse but were immediately summoned by the FBI." "Was the evidence sorted out?" Hillary asked. Abedin elaborated, "The victim reported to the FBI office in New York and provided video footage from that night at the Mendes Club. The evidence is conclusive." She added, "Meanwhile, Mendes has closed the club and temporarily left North America. He''s the only person directly involved." Hillary suddenly said, "Men, can''t control their urges, can''t get anything done." On the other side, Clinton, who was reading a newspaper, raised it higher to cover his face. Abedin fought to keep her eyes from drifting to Hillary''s lap. It was just like Clinton. Hillary then said, "The matter''s handled." Since Mendes, who dragged others into the mess, had fled, the case wouldn''t implicate Hillary or the Satanic cult. In fact, Hillary was even planning to find a suitable opportunity to get those two bailed out. --- That night, websites like Twitter and Yahoo all exposed videos and photos of Larry Fink and Robert Kapito being forcibly summoned. The two were escorted back to New York. The next day, the FBI announced that Fink and Kapito were involved in a minor assault case. CNN released exclusive footage. Although it drew widespread attention, following the Ackerman family incident, the public seemed somewhat accustomed to high-profile figures being corrupt, so it wasn''t as sensational as before. But it caused BlackRock''s stock to plummet after the New York Stock Exchange opened. ... Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch, who had been quietly buying BlackRock shares at low prices, called for an early shareholders'' meeting. Some members of BlackRock''s board realized the situation was worsening. Smart ones quickly exited. Two independent directors resigned all their positions at BlackRock that same day. Several BlackRock board members with shares then reached agreements with Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, Pacific Investment, West Coast Investment, and another secret white glove of Hillary to sell their shares at a low price. Hawke''s West Coast Investment Foundation secured financing from Rashid and acquired shares as well. At the subsequent shareholder meeting, Larry Fink was removed from chairman and CEO positions, while Robert Kapito was dismissed from his co-president role. By late August, the spy trial involving BlackRock commenced, and the two heads of the film foundation were convicted. Their direct superiors, former CEO Fink and co-CEO Kapito, were held fully responsible for management failures and fined heavily. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, West Coast, Pacific Investment, and Hillary''s white gloves completed the acquisition of BlackRock. The white gloves planned to donate their shares to the Clinton Charitable Foundation in the name of charity. When the next shareholders'' meeting was held, Chelsea would join the new board. The new board would withdraw the appeal of the civil lawsuit and compensate Twitter for its losses according to the court ruling. Upon the announcement of the acquisition, BlackRock''s stock soared. BlackRock, which had previously targeted Twitter and Hawke, had completely transformed. --- Los Angeles, Beverly Hills. The crisp autumn air filled the shooting range at the estate where gunshots rang out intermittently. When the shooting ceased, Erica''s clear laughter could be heard. Hawke ejected an empty magazine, loaded a new one, and glanced at Erica. "Now''s the time to test our teamwork." Erica donned noise-canceling headphones, gripped a Glock pistol, and aimed at a long cylindrical target set upright. The side closer to her was empty, while the side facing Hawke had several fist-sized targets. Hawke pulled the trigger, and a bullet hit the topmost target. The target sprang away to Erica''s side. Almost simultaneously, Erica fired. Her bullet hit the target, which then moved behind the cylinder. Hawke fired rapidly; the metallic targets rattled nonstop. Within a few breaths, he hit all 15 targets, leaving only the cylinder on his side. The gunfire stopped, and Erica''s side also had just the cylinder left. Both removed their headphones and high-fived. "Well done," Hawke praised. Erica smiled and reminded, "The savior has arrived." Hawke put down his gun and looked toward the villa. ... Edward was jogging over and, before reaching them, said, "Boss, something big happened." "What''s going on?" Hawke asked, seeing him out of breath. "Don''t rush. Take your time." After catching his breath, Edward reported, "We just got news from New York. Larry Fink and Robert Kapito''s helicopter malfunctioned and crashed into the mouth of the Hudson River." Hawke had been having people watch these two, considering taking them out. "Did our people make a move?" "No, no," Edward scratched his head hard. "It wasn''t our people, that''s for sure." He explained, "The assault case they were involved in has new developments with another victim. The FBI again summoned them and held them for 48 hours but then released them. Nobody knows what their wives thought, but they teamed up to rent a helicopter to pick them up." Erica added, "The FBI building''s helipad wouldn''t just let any aircraft land." Edward said, "They live on Long Island, so getting to Manhattan is inconvenient. They landed near a building''s helipad. Fink and Kapito took the helicopter back to Long Island after coming out. Nearing the Hudson River mouth, the helicopter suddenly malfunctioned; the tail rotor and main rotor blades fell off, and the aircraft fell into the river." He showed his phone. "Tourists at the Hudson shot video and photos, uploaded them to Twitter." Hawke took the phone, looked at the photos, then watched the video with Erica. The video showed the helicopter''s body already slamming into the water, falling in. Rotors spun wildly above before falling and splashing water. Hawke gave back the phone. "Tell our people to pull back quickly." Erica said, "We haven''t made a move yet; this accident isn''t a coincidence." Hawke mentioned a name: "Hillary!" Of course, it could have been Goldman Sachs or Merrill Lynch. This would efficiently prevent future problems. Erica thought of another aspect: "Fink and Kapito''s wives weren''t on the helicopter?" "No. They were seen rushing from home to the Hudson River after the crash," Edward confirmed. Hawke said, "If Fink and Kapito died, their wives inherit their properties first." Edward put away his phone. "Just making a move so blatantly? No caution at all?" "No matter who did it," Hawke guessed the investigation conclusion. "It''s Russian spies silencing them!" Edward was stunned but realized it was the best explanation and would stir public anti-Russian sentiment further. Hawke and Erica exchanged glances. These ruthless lovers had discussed this scenario before; if they wanted to end all future troubles, the best way was to stage an accident, leave some evidence, and blame it on the Russians. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In America, was there anyone better to play the scapegoat than the Russians? Besides, the Russians had already taken the blame once in this case; taking it again wouldn''t bother them much. ... Hawke and Erica packed up their guns and, with Edward, returned to the villa. They checked the latest news on their computer while Edward made a few calls on his phone. New York''s rescue was not slow; shortly, rescue boats retrieved the helicopter wreckage from underwater. They dismantled the deformed door panels and found three bodies, which were transported ashore. Reporters gathered quickly and confirmed one pilot and two passengers died. An hour later, the official announcement confirmed the two passengers as Larry Fink and Robert Kapito, both victims of the crash. The FBI declared an investigation, promising a detailed inquiry. ... The next morning, the FBI New York office released their latest investigation results with photos and surveillance videos from a Manhattan helicopter rental company. Before takeoff, the helicopter had been carefully inspected by a professional technician appearing robust and with Slavic features. Colleagues revealed he was a second-generation immigrant from a Georgian family. After takeoff, the technician left the rental company and wasn''t found at his residence. The FBI''s release needed no comment; media filled in themselves. website featured the story that day: "In the helicopter crash at the Hudson River mouth, victims Larry Fink and Robert Kapito were implicated in the Russian espionage theft of Twitter''s AI project. Given the FBI''s details, suspicions arise that Russian spies orchestrated a murder cover-up." This news swept across American media like a monsoon. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 423: Americas Shamelessness, Refreshing Perceptions [Chapter 423: America''s Shamelessness, Refreshing Perceptions] At the Coast Tower, Hawke received a call from the CFO confirming that the economic compensation from BlackRock had been fully paid. He called a meeting with the company''s management and also invited Campos and Carlos, representatives from the Butterfly Consulting security company, to attend. The meeting focused on security and defense. Hawke emphasized the potential impact of the Russian spy case. Regarding the helicopter crash at the Hudson River, Hawke confirmed it wasn''t caused by their side. However, regardless of who was responsible, Twitter could not clear itself of accountability. Of course, Hawke didn''t really care much. After all, Twitter had long been on Russia''s radar. He and Erica had discussed similar tactics before. Hawke suspected that this incident was most likely orchestrated by Hillary. Hillary had crafted a public image of being peaceful, compassionate, and an advocate for women''s rights. In reality, she was a ruthless and scheming woman. Hawke knew that once BlackRock''s big deal was over, the so-called alliance of interests would inevitably collapse. There were no eternal allies. Hillary dared to act directly, which would let Russia take the fall, while Russia would continue to blame Twitter. This woman was truly heartless. But Hawke wasn''t innocent either. He had made some preparations against Hillary. On the side of the Feminist Majority Foundation, Fiona had specifically spoken with Jennifer Siebel, after which someone followed Siebel and found out she went to buy plenty of equipment for recording and covert filming. If necessary, Hawke would ignite a new war. --- Washington D.C., Embassy Row Inside the square-shaped white embassy, Yelena quickly walked down the corridor into a conference room where a suited man sat. She asked, "Dalcy, what''s the story with the New York helicopter crash? I remember several people under your command used Georgian identities." Dalcy hurriedly explained, "It has nothing to do with us. It wasn''t our people. This is another blatant false accusation!" Yelena, having not been transferred domestically for very long, said, "The shamelessness of Americans has completely changed my perception!" Dalcy, an experienced agent, responded, "They will stop at nothing to achieve their goals." Yelena avoided jumping to conclusions and asked the more experienced Dalcy, "Who is more likely behind this?" "Based on recent media reports, all factions involved in splitting BlackRock''s assets could have acted," Dalcy analyzed rationally. "They took advantage of this opportunity to seize large sums from BlackRock, and to prevent retaliation by the major victims, they likely struck early to eliminate risks." Yelena asked, "Known forces include Hawke Osment''s Twitter and Foundation, his girlfriend Erica Ferguson''s family, Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch, and a foundation called PineTree. What kind of organization is that?" Dalcy had been following the spy case closely and said, "According to confidential latest news, PineTree purchased shares at low prices and donated them for free to a charity foundation. The head of that charity is Hillary''s younger brother." Yelena shook her head, "Sure enough, America''s ruling class is full of parasites, even resorting to such tactics." Dalcy didn''t know the truth behind the second Los Angeles spy case but knew the domestic leadership wasn''t much better. Worried about reckless actions from above, he warned, "This is an internal American power struggle. Besides official protests and denials, it''s best not to get involved. If foreign powers join, they might unite against us." Yelena, knowing the real situation of the Los Angeles second spy case, regarded orders and laws as serving the ruling class. A careless order from the top could wipe out years of effort below. This wasn''t something she could resolve or resist, so she said, "Continue with the original plan and refrain from rash actions. As for... other things, those aren''t our decisions." Dalcy was gloomy. Some of Moscow''s political oligarchs were truly capable; some just grovelled to the West. Who knew what absurd measures the latter might take to curry favor. Yelena sighed, "I will recommend to the ambassador a formal protest through official channels regarding these events." Dalcy nodded but remained uneasy about a certain tsar''s office oligarch in Moscow who could directly command intelligence agencies. He said, "If any orders are too absurd, please make a reasoned stand." Yelena didn''t respond. Once orders are given, they must be executed. Dalcy understood, packed his things, and left the conference room. Yelena returned to her office and wrote a report about the matter, submitting it to the ambassador the same day. ... A few days later, related news appeared in the media. Russia officially lodged the strongest protests to the White House about these events. But nobody cared. The world had protested America too many times. Americans were used to it. The media only put such reports in obscure corners, making no waves. Protests couldn''t change the result. The FBI officially released the investigation report on the New York Hudson River helicopter crash. They compiled abundant irrefutable evidence forming a perfect chain and logical closure. The whole truth pointed to Russian spies. The official announcement was made, and whether people believed it or not didn''t matter. --- Los Angeles, Coast Tower. The first floor press room swarmed with reporters. Twitter set up live cameras, streaming video and text to the whole network via its website and mobile app. Hawke, representing Twitter, and Henry Paulson, representing Goldman Sachs, officially signed a financing agreement. They signed, exchanged contracts, then stood before cameras shaking hands. The scene erupted in applause. The occasion was not just financing but also expanding shares. Goldman Sachs became third-largest shareholder. Twitter now had over 70 million active users, with a total market value of $42.5 billion. Goldman Sachs raised $5 billion for investment in Twitter. After the financing and share expansion, Twitter adopted a dual-class AB stock structure. Class A enjoyed normal dividends and voting rights, while Class B held extra voting rights beyond Class A''s usual privileges. Goldman Sachs''s shares were Class A. Hawke still controlled 54% of Twitter''s equity and 76% of voting rights. Twitter remained under his control. No interviews were arranged after the signing; once contracts were exchanged, the ceremony officially ended. ... Hawke invited Henry Paulson and Lloyd Blankfein, who was set to replace him as CEO, to go to the 16th floor to meet other shareholders and attend this year''s annual meeting. Lloyd Blankfein was a self-made man from Brooklyn''s poor neighborhoods. He claimed he still hadn''t paid off his student loans. That afternoon, on Twitter''s 16th floor, the shareholder meeting was held. Hawke didn''t make any huge moves like at the beginning of the year. While promoting the company''s regular development plan, he focused on two areas. One was the Manhattan AI Project proposal, scheduled for the Congressional Budget Committee vote in October. It concerned the interests of all shareholders, who would fully support the bill. The other was the continued advancement of the smartphone programs to capture the smart device market. Executives Harland and Andy Rubin would participate next month in a global conference held by the Joint Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission, setting up a global smartphone program alliance. Twitter would officially launch the open-source Android phone system at the alliance''s inaugural conference. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --- Beverly Hills, Four Seasons Hotel. Acting as the middleman to connect Twitter with the behind-the-scenes Lachendons, with no incidents in between, Harvey Weinstein finally felt relieved. In the hotel suite, Harvey took out his phone to make a call. Hillary called, planning to celebrate on Epstein''s island and asked him to "invite" several stars from Hollywood. She specifically mentioned Leonardo. Harvey forced himself to call Leonardo, noting the guy had gained weight and wasn''t as handsome as before. He wondered what special charm made Hillary so attached. Since they were celebrities, both men and women were invited, but not the lesser-known stars. Harvey made a list including Oscar winners Nicole Kidman, Renee Zellweger, Charlize Theron, and famous actors James Franco, Ben Affleck, and Matt Damon. Most of these actors were around Miramax, except Charlize Theron, who was harder to invite as she wasn''t connected to him. He included her on the list, mainly because Hillary had invited Stephen Hawkeing to that island. Hawkeing''s multiverse remarks had helped the South African woman during Theron''s award run, and Hawkeing remained fond of her. Harvey knew the physics icon studied more than just black holes in the universe. If Hawkeing went, he wouldn''t need to toast the bigwigs like Hillary, just study another kind of black hole. Harvey called each person, and most agreed. As for Charlize Theron, he asked Matt Damon and Ben Affleck to put pressure. After finishing, Harvey thought he should relax and get a woman to come give him a massage. He picked up the list of actors trying out for a Miramax film project. Although Harvey liked to mess around, he was more particular than many Hollywood bigwigs -- he only liked women. Scanning the female lead auditions, Harvey found a familiar name -- Jennifer Siebel, who had auditioned for a horror film once before. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 424: The Unsolvable Case [Chapter 424: The Unsolvable Case] A red modern sedan pulled up to the side of the road. Jennifer Siebel turned off the engine, took out a specially modified purse, examined it carefully, and tossed the car keys inside. She pulled down the sun visor, looked into the makeup mirror, and clipped on a decorative hairpin. This hairpin was also a specially made electronic device with a recording function. In recent years, with the rapid development of flash memory and battery technology, audio and video recording devices had become increasingly compact. Siebel double-checked to make sure everything was working properly, then grabbed her purse and stepped out of the car, clicking her high heels as she entered the hotel and took the elevator upstairs. After stepping out of the elevator, she turned on the audio and video recording devices and knocked on a suite door. ... When the door opened from the inside, Harvey appeared, wearing a bathrobe, his face full of flesh. Siebel''s expression was cold and frosty, not uttering a word. Harvey, however, became interested and invited her in, picking up the script from the coffee table and tossing it to Siebel: "I called you over to discuss the lead role in this play." Siebel took the script, placed her purse in a position where the camera could capture most of the room, and then sat down on the sofa opposite him. Harvey plopped down beside her and reached out his hand. Siebel blocked it: "I''m here to study the role and the script, Harvey, please don''t do that." Over these years, dozens of actresses had come to this room to study scripts, many of whom had experienced the same situation. At first, they would refuse, but when the decision about the role was made, they would be quicker to submit than anyone. At this moment, part of Siebel''s mind was focused on the script and role, while another part recalled what Fiona had said. To leave evidence because Harvey, this overweight man, was a classic case of someone who would deny everything once he pulled up his pants. Harvey used the script and roles as bait. Siebel knew what would happen when she came here, yet she still went and prepared to leave evidence. Thus, she resisted lightly -- not too much to truly fight back, but enough to tempt Harvey to increase his force, so that during the struggle, some marks would inevitably be left. "No, you can''t do this," Siebel said repeatedly from the start, "Harvey, you can''t do this, I don''t agree!" ... After it ended, Siebel grabbed a piece of clothing and ran into the bathroom. She wiped off the marks carefully with safety shorts she wore underneath and put the clothes back on. When she finished dressing and came out, Harvey threw the script back to her: "I''ll talk to the casting director on the production. Go home and patiently wait for the audition notice." Siebel nodded firmly and put the script away. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. On the smooth cover of the script, Harvey''s fingerprints were still visible. These Hollywood moguls had absolute control over star actors for decades. They had never considered exposure or consequences, being very careless in their actions. Years later, some were exposed one after another: stories about Wonder Woman, Oscar-winning actresses, who all had to sleep their way to the top. Some had to endure multiple auditions with several men at once. Over the decades, the only change in Hollywood regarding this was moving the red sofas from audition rooms to private homes or hotel rooms. ... Siebel tidied the script, grabbed her purse, and left the room. As soon as the door closed, she quickened her pace, almost jogging into the elevator. Back downstairs, she got into the car and fished out a transparent plastic folder, carefully placing the script inside. She pulled out the latest Nokia phone and took continuous photos of the marks on her body and face, capturing all the evidence Harvey had left. Only then did she start the car and headed back to her apartment in Westwood. ... After reaching her apartment, Siebel took off the safety shorts, carefully stored them away. The audio recorded by the hairpin recorder and the video recorded by the purse camera were all transferred to her computer. She watched the footage, listened to the audio again, and smiled. Whenever she wanted, she could file a police report accusing Harvey Weinstein of assault. Of course, she would not do so unless it was the last resort. Once done, it meant she would never find standing in Hollywood again. Siebel saved a copy on her computer and created a backup on a USB drive, which she stored together with the safety shorts. But this was still not enough, after all, Harvey Weinstein was not an ordinary person. ... Siebel thought of the organization she joined, pulled out her phone, searched for Fiona''s number, and called her. Once connected, her face changed instantly to a warm and enthusiastic demeanor, inviting Fiona out for coffee the next day. Fiona agreed. Siebel then called a few acquaintances in the Feminist Majority Foundation to inquire about Fiona''s interests and preferences, planning to flatter the vice president. She opened Twitter, ready to add Fiona as a friend, but noticed a news update. ... Elin Nordegren and Tiger Woods had reached an out-of-court settlement on their divorce. Elin was heavily pregnant, allowing fetal DNA testing through amniocentesis. Two professional institutions confirmed the fetal DNA was a high match with Tiger Woods. Woods paid Elin $115 million in property division and agreed to pay 20% of his annual income as child support after the baby was born. A brand new female multi-millionaire was officially born. Siebel had heard that Fiona assisted Elin in winning this case decisively. This gave her even more confidence in the FMF and Fiona. Although Woods''s status was not on par with Harvey, women''s rights groups naturally had the upper hand against men. --- In October, Hawke returned to Washington. Unlike previous times, Erica accompanied him on this trip. With only a few days left before the Manhattan AI Project proposal, Hawke and Erica split up. Erica went to check out new properties recommended by real estate agents to find a house suitable for both. ... Hawke first met with Twitter''s major shareholders, discussing their operations. Then, accompanied by Elizabeth Carter and Hearst, they visited relevant White House officials and key figures from the budget committee. If you''re going to siphon billions, you might as well lower your stance a bit to avoid embarrassment. ... Meanwhile, Peterson Strategic Consulting Firm hired a large number of professional marchers, obtaining permits to protest Russian theft of America''s AI strategic secrets in areas around Capitol Hill, National Mall, and Pennsylvania Avenue. Washington had many professional or semi-professional protesters who didn''t care about positions; as long as paid well, they would hold opposing signs and slogans, marching to protest or support. America had long turned this into a business. ... Media outlets including Twitter, Wall Street Journal, Fox News, CNN, and CBS also heavily reported on the significance of the Manhattan AI Project and the espionage case involving Russia. It was well known that politics and public opinion went hand in hand. ... On October 10th, Hawke woke early and ate breakfast with a carefully dressed Erica in the hotel restaurant. They then met the shareholders and headed to Capitol Hill. Outside, previously hired marchers held signs supporting Twitter and the Manhattan AI Project. Elizabeth Carter was waiting at the entrance and waved as Hawke and the group got out of the car. Hawke quickly walked up, and they entered the Capitol building together. He asked, "Nothing has changed, right?" Elizabeth replied, "Don''t worry, we secured over seventy percent of the votes. Even if some change sides last minute, it won''t affect the final outcome." Hawke understood that no matter how thorough the work, politics was unpredictable. People changing sides overnight was not just a patented technique of Hillary Clinton. So Twitter had worked hard from the start to gain as much support as possible. That way, even if one or more factions switched allegiances, the chances of winning remained high. Erica whispered, "Last night, Grandpa called some old friends again." Hawke nodded slightly, "We''re sticking to the plan." They entered the budget committee meeting room and sat according to assigned seats. ... Committee members gradually arrived. Hawke saw Hillary Clinton sitting expressionless on the podium. Also on stage was Congressman Bonarson from California''s 13th District, related to the Ferguson family. The committee had 100 members; 87 were present, meeting the quorum requirements. Before voting, the proposal team was given time to present and rally support. Hawke represented Twitter, outlining their position and plan, confidently stating this was the most important technological project for America''s tech industry in the next thirty years. Indeed, in thirty years, Twitter''s AI was expected to defeat all professional chess players. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy followed with sweeping praise. Finally, lobbyist Elizabeth gave the closing remarks. Several representatives asked symbolic questions, and then voting officially began. As Hawke predicted, some changed sides and voted against the proposal. However, Twitter had made thorough preparations. When voting ended, Chairman Allen announced that the Manhattan AI Project passed the budget committee review with 58% of the vote! The room erupted in applause. Hawke first hugged Erica, then fist-bumped Peter Thiel, and celebrated with other shareholders. The Manhattan AI Project was officially approved! This meant that before the new year, the first $35 billion allocation would be deposited into a special account for Twitter''s research and development. The account would be subject to certain oversight procedures. But America had had comprehensive response measures for decades. Even if the next president tried to intervene early, they couldn''t stop the insiders from blatantly siphoning off federal fundings. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 425: Survival of the Fittest [Chapter 425: Survival of the Fittest] The vote was complete, the bill passed, and the meeting ended. As everyone exited, Hillary approached from behind, walking beside Hawke and whispered, "We owe each other nothing." Hawke nodded slightly. "Understood." Hillary quickened her pace and turned into a nearby corridor. ... Hawke and his group left Capitol Hill and got into their cars to leave. During the ride, he made calls to Peter Thiel and Henry Paulson. To avoid intrusive reporters stirring trouble, Twitter decided not to hold a celebration event in Washington, so as not to give critics any ammunition. They planned to hold a celebration party later. The main focus right now was to properly allocate the supporting contractors in the alliance. They also needed to review the voting patterns, and those who had switched sides at the last minute would naturally be removed from the supplier list. This was not difficult, as Congressman Bonarson was already handling it. ... When Hawke returned to his hotel, Congressman Bonarson called him. Based on the list provided, Hawke crossed off a few names directly. There were only 26 supporting contractors left on the list, each set to receive orders worth no less than one hundred million dollars. Twitter was going to establish a specialized team for the Manhattan AI Project, providing professional office space, various office equipment, and related supporting hardware and software, which needed constant updating. All the equipment was world-class, at least in terms of price. The initial funding was 35 billion dollars, to be paid out gradually during George Walker''s administration. There were two more phases planned, but whether those would be funded depended on the political climate. --- Inside an office on Capitol Hill, Hillary''s assistant Abedin brought in the official document from the budget committee. She handed it to Hillary and said, "We voted in favor, which secured them 35 billion dollars." Hillary didn''t even look up. "You don''t understand the situation. This is just an insurance measure prepared by Hawke Osment. Without our votes, the proposal would still pass. Hawke is both bold and cautious." Boldness referred to the fact that he had created this massive cash-sucking plan and leveraged Washington''s long-standing negative sentiment toward Russians. This political correctness background helped the plan align with public opinion. Cautiousness was about securing as many members of the budget committee as possible by sharing benefits. Even if more than 10% defected at the last moment, the proposal would still pass smoothly. Hillary thought about it and realized something was off. The benefits Hawke Osment distributed were already American interests. Abedin asked, "If there is a major shift in Washington''s administration, could this proposal be withdrawn? In the past, many technology development plans were canceled halfway." "That''s possible," Hillary said, wanting to mentor Abedin. "But the chance is small. I''ve studied the Manhattan AI Project carefully. Hawke Osment set up double safeguards for this plan." Abedin listened intently. "Double safeguards?" Hillary explained in detail. "First, the huge funding amount -- 35 billion dollars for the first phase alone. Even if George Walker''s administration ends abruptly, no matter the White House or Congress, canceling this plan means sunk cost. The initial 35 billion cannot be recovered, so it won''t be wasted." She continued, "Second is the relationship between America and Russia. Although there are many pro-American figures within the Russian leadership, like Dmitry, the new Tsar''s attitude toward America is growing tougher. Especially since NATO and Washington will never welcome Russia as a part of the civilized world." Abedin asked, "Because America always needs a strong external enemy?" "Exactly," Hillary said. Despite her rough ways, her insight and abilities were solid, much better than those grassroots LGBTQ+ groups she disdainfully regarded. "Russia is destined to be the powerful external enemy America faces. The Manhattan AI Project directly involves Russia. Whether Russians admit it or not, in America''s eyes, they are already conducting research and have become a threat to the free democratic world. With such external threats, the American government will of course continue this plan without canceling it." Abedin commented, "Hawke Osment doesn''t seem like a young tech prodigy in his twenties, but rather a seasoned and crafty politician." Hillary chuckled but said nothing more. No matter how clever the opponent was, she had outsmarted him this time. ... The next morning, Congress officially announced that the Manhattan AI Project had passed the budget committee. Once President George Walker signed it, the plan would become effective. Although Erica wasn''t interested in the house, Hawke didn''t stay in Washington. He returned to Los Angeles the same day. Twitter''s Manhattan AI department was expanding, hiring some new staff. The related supplies had to be tendered for bidding. Of course, the bidding results were predetermined and all the contracts were arranged. Funds hadn''t been disbursed yet, but they had to make it look convincing to Washington. ... Throughout October, Hawke was busy with Manhattan AI Project-related work, especially securing contracts from various supporting manufacturers. On another front, after BlackRock was acquired, its stock price began to rebound. Hawke was selling shares strategically to convert them into liquid funds and putting them into a West Coast investment foundation for new investments. Tesla was undergoing its secondary financing and stock expansion, and Hawke was participating. With significant income flowing in, the Osment Charitable Foundation received another large donation. Director Pierce Madden was also finalizing a deal with a company in Africa to implement a tree-planting project. This project was not something Madden made up but was closely related to the United Nations. ... Back in the last century, the UN General Assembly had approved a flagship global environmental project -- re-greening Africa. Specifically, planting a green belt across the Sahel region along the southern edge of the Sahara Desert to prevent desertification. Currently, the project was led by the United Nations and the African Union and had started in countries including Burkina Faso, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Mali. ... In the Coastal Building office, Pierce explained the details to Hawke. "Just this past June, the African Union''s ministerial meeting reaffirmed the plan." He laughed, "The plan is excellent, but the UN has no money and the African Union is a group of poor folks. Such plans depend heavily on external participants. Our foundation is cooperating with several African companies; a bit of money from us lets them do ten times the work." Hawke understood perfectly. "The remaining funds will hire security companies to protect the project." Pierce had been to Africa. "That''s definitely necessary, but we need a reliable security company." Hawke held the Hurricane Mercenary Company in Honduras and could dispatch a team there. "I''ll handle this." Pierce left the security matters to Hawke and continued, "I''ve already sent the African tree-planting plan to the UN. The UN Environment Programme and the World Food Programme have invited you to attend the green Africa conference in Ethiopia." Though the UN had many flaws, its stature was significant when needed. Hawke thought for a moment. "Inform the UN that I''ll attend the event in Africa." Ethiopia was relatively stable politically, and the UN would be accompanying him. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Also, Hawke wouldn''t be going alone. ... After Pierce left, Hawke called Edward and briefly mentioned the trip to Africa slated for early next year. He instructed, "Lease an intercontinental business jet. You, Raul, and I will go together. Contact Bosque from the Hurricane Company and have him lead a team to Ethiopia''s capital, Addis Ababa, to set things up ahead." "I''ll call him now," Edward was a bit excited. "The African savanna, we could hunt lions and hyenas, right?" Inspired by Erica, Hawke was interested in such activities. "Check whether Ethiopia or its neighboring countries sell legal hunting permits." Many African countries had national parks to protect wildlife, but lacked funds and resources to maintain them, so hunting permits were sold to raise money. Having money meant no need for poaching -- you obtain a legal hunting permit and hire professional guides for the hunt. ... After work, back at the estate, Hawke asked Erica if she wanted to go hunting in Africa. Erica was more excited about hunting than solving cases. "Sure! I''ve never hunted lions or hyenas before." Hawke said, "Leopard hunting is also thrilling." Erica didn''t quite understand. "Huh?" Hawke explained simply, "Leopards and cheetahs often get their kills stolen by hyenas. They only get to eat a fraction; the rest belongs to the hyenas." ... After dinner, Erica called Hawke to the underground armory where they picked appropriate weapons for Africa. They would rent a large business jet capable of carrying plenty of weapons. That part of Africa was still fairly unstable, having been ravaged repeatedly by the five major global superpowers. Complete peace was impossible. Hawke also chose many self-defense weapons, including body armor and plates restricted in North America. For wealthy people, this was no big deal. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 426: Russias Retaliation? [Chapter 426: Russia''s Retaliation?] Dressed in a black suit, Campos entered the Coastal Building and took the elevator straight to the 16th floor, heading into Hawke''s office. Hawke had already received his call earlier and asked, "Did your people just get back from New York?" Some time ago, Erica, working with the Special Operations Bureau, had received a package containing a video of a brutal murder, which had since been handed over to the detective bureau. Based on the postmark location, Hawke asked Campos to send someone to check it out. Campos opened his briefcase and pulled out several photos, placing them on the desk. He said, "There was a hotel near the mailbox where the package was dropped off. The hotel''s front entrance had cameras, but by the time our people got there, the footage had already been overwritten. Luckily, because of a recent equipment upgrade, the hard drive from the surveillance system had been taken down, covering only one layer of footage. We paid a high price to buy that storage disk, attempted data recovery, and managed to restore most of it." Hawke picked up the photos and looked through them one by one. They showed nine different people -- three women and six men. Campos explained, "The mailbox is in a relatively remote area. The post office said on average only about a dozen pieces of mail were sent each day. These photos probably captured most of the people from that day. Unfortunately, the lost data cannot be recovered." Hawke selected one photo showing a very ordinary-looking middle-aged man holding a black parcel -- the same as the black package Erica had brought home. Campos continued without pause, "This man has become our primary suspect. We''ve shown the photo around local businesses and apartments. Two employees at a McDonald''s recognized him." At that moment, Edward brought over some water. Campos thanked him and resumed, "On that day, the man accidentally knocked over a large soda, spilling it all over the table and floor. The two employees happened to be on shift and cleaned it up together. They said he kept apologizing and even tipped them $20." Hawke frowned slightly, scrutinizing the photo more closely. He interrupted, "Are you sure it''s the same person?" "They are certain," Campos replied. "One key clue from the employees: he spoke with a strong accent that sounded like it was from Ukraine." Hawke looked up at the mention of Ukraine. "Former Soviet bloc?" Campos nodded, "One of the two employees is a Romanian immigrant who used to live near the Romania-Ukraine border and occasionally heard Ukrainian spoken in English." Edward suddenly interjected, "Could it be the Russians?" With all the recent social media connections to Russia -- sometimes direct, sometimes indirect -- and even an actual spy case, it was natural to associate this with Russia. "We can''t be sure about that," Campos said seriously. "This is just what we have so far." Hawke looked through the other photos. None of the other packages were black. The middle-aged man, aside from the parcel, looked ordinary, wearing common clothes and shoes available on the market. Hawke remarked, "There was a huge wave of Slavic and Eastern European immigrants to North America after the fall of the Eastern Bloc and the Soviet Union''s collapse. How many Russian spies slipped in? Nobody really knows." The KGB sent so many spies to North America that even the Russian intelligence probably hasn''t fully accounted for them. Hawke paused, then asked Campos, "Did your investigation encounter any unexpected situations or issues?" Campos shook his head, "No. Our people tracked down the mailbox, quickly found the hotel''s surveillance cameras, recovered data, and quietly made inquiries around. We got the lead at the McDonald''s. Our team split into three groups; one inquired, and two stayed in the shadows to protect and be ready to act, but nothing happened." Hawke pondered, "If this is the work of Russian spies, what was the purpose of sending the video disc?" Edward chimed in, "Could it have something to do with a cult?" Hawke had been considering that as well. The inverted pentagram featured in the video matches the markings on victims in two previous cases Erica investigated with the detective bureau -- both young women killed and marked with that same symbol. The inverted pentagram is a standard emblem of Satanism. This isn''t hard to verify, but Satanism is a legally recognized religion in the U.S., mainly active on the East Coast. Erica had hit roadblocks during her investigation due to pressure from higher-ups. Her faction used this to promote her to the Special Operations Bureau. But Hawke knew many secrets not from Erica or LAPD investigations but from memories of his past life. Satanism''s influence far surpasses Scientology, which mainly focuses on Hollywood, with Tom Cruise and John Travolta as representatives. Though Satanism has prominent figures like Lady Gaga in entertainment, its influence has been expanding into politics, and some believe it''s connected directly to Lolita Island. Another link is with Hillary. Around the time the mail scandal broke, photos appeared online showing Hillary and others attending Satanist gatherings, participating in soul-themed rituals. Initially, Hawke thought the photos were fake, considering the critical election period at the time. But multiple confirmations proved the photos were genuine. Hillary has deep ties with Satanism. Now, how strong their current relationship is, Hawke thought, it couldn''t have just begun suddenly -- it was likely an established alliance. That woman Hillary... Hawke suddenly sensed someone was trying to provoke him and his side into a conflict with the Satanists. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If Satanism involved Lolita Island and had allied with someone like the unscrupulous Hillary, it wouldn''t just be Satanism anymore. This made Hawke think further. If Erica had more justice and detective spirit, and if she were dissatisfied with being forced out of the detective bureau, insisting on pursuing this video case, it might have escalated into a full-blown war. LAPD''s PR painted Erica as a righteous angel, crime fighter, fierce detective, and protector of the public. Some of that was true, but beyond being fierce, the rest was less so. Only those who truly knew Erica understood this. Edward spoke up, "Boss, is this a Russian retaliation?" "Quite possible," Hawke said cautiously. Some details didn''t sit right. He looked at Campos, "How close is the mailbox to the hotel?" Campos answered, "Less than 20 meters. It''s a three-star hotel." Hawke picked up the photos again, thinking aloud, "Usually, at that level of hotel, the front entrance is always under surveillance." He looked at Campos, "When I had you send items to Fox TV in Las Vegas before, did you pick a similar location?" Campos shook his head. "I would never pick such a place." Hawke added, "A Romanian immigrant coincidentally meets a Ukrainian immigrant at his McDonald''s workplace. Such a coincidence isn''t impossible, given America is a nation of immigrants." Campos understood, "Could someone be leading us astray?" Edward thought simply, "But we do have conflicts with Russia. Wouldn''t retaliation be reasonable?" Hawke couldn''t be sure. After thinking a moment, he told Campos, "Send someone back to that McDonald''s to see if those two employees are still working there. If not, find out when they started and left." Campos hurriedly left the office and made a call in the elevator, ordering someone to rush to New York and the McDonald''s. ... Hawke picked up his phone and called Erica, "Do you remember the black package you received that had the disc inside?" Erica said, "I handed the disc to my superior. The Special Operations Bureau forwarded it to the detective bureau." Hawke relayed the information from Campos and shared the speculation about the Russians. Erica responded, "On the surface, it all looks like the Russians. They have enough reasons -- after being embarrassed by social media, they can make a move against us without direct involvement." She reflected, "Once your people check that McDonald''s, it''ll be clear." If nothing was fishy at the McDonald''s, and the descriptions were accurate, the two employees would likely still be working there. Otherwise, they would have left. Erica asked, "I''ll check with the detective bureau about the disc''s analysis." Hawke said, "Go ahead." ... Since Erica had handed it in, it was normal to inquire. She ended the call and contacted the detective bureau to ask. The answer was no surprise. The disc forwarded from Special Operations Bureau was logged and archived. It contained only the video, no bodies of victims, no family members or security, no location information at all. The video appeared to be a homemade film by enthusiasts mimicking some religious ritual. Moreover, the disc was mailed from New York. Even if a murder happened, if it was in New York, it was none of LAPD''s business. Erica''s handover did not qualify as a formal report. Same with Special Operations forwarding it to detectives. This case simply did not exist. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 427: Someones Set Up [Chapter 427: Someone''s Set Up] New York, Bayside, Long Island. Things might be more complicated than expected. After getting instructions from Hawke, Campos personally rushed from Los Angeles to New York. Two blocks away from the target, several cars converged in a roadside parking area. This time, Carlos and Hierro also brought people along. Campos called them out of their cars and said, "Ugarte and I will scout openly, Hierro, you keep an eye on the customers inside as a guest, Carlos you lead your team outside the store to provide backup. If anything goes wrong, support us immediately without hesitation." The two nodded in agreement, went back to check their weapons, and took the lead driving toward the target store. ... Minutes later, Campos got in the car and told Ugarte to drive. The car turned two corners and soon they saw the McDonald''s. ... Near the intersection southwest of the McDonald''s, there was a blue mailbox on the sidewalk and a nearby hotel. Ugarte parked diagonally across the McDonald''s entrance. Together with Campos, they entered the store. Campos went to order food, his eyes quickly scanning the waitstaff around. Ugarte took a walk inside, glanced through the glass towards the kitchen area, and found a vacant spot to sit down. After a moment, Campos came carrying burgers and fries and sat opposite Ugarte. They ate while talking quietly. Ugarte said, "I didn''t spot those two guys. I looked carefully. The staff now aren''t the same two I saw last time." Campos stayed calm, took a sip from his soda cup, and asked, "Do you remember their names?" Ugarte nodded, "I''ve got an impression." Seeing the counter was less crowded, Campos said, "Go ask around." ... Ugarte drank the soda, then got up and went to the counter, looking around before asking the female cashier behind the counter, "Where are Haji and Christie? I haven''t seen them today." The cashier glanced at Ugarte, not recognizing him. "Who are you? Why are you asking about them?" "I''m a former coworker. Last time I ate here, I saw them." Ugarte pulled out a dollar bill and pushed it forward. "Aren''t they working today?" The cashier looked around and pocketed the tip, "They quit." Ugarte instinctively glanced towards Campos but held back, "Why did they quit? Both of them together? How long ago?" With a good tip, the cashier explained, "It''s been a while, I don''t remember exactly. They resigned together saying they found more stable jobs." She thought a moment and added, "Oh, the two others hired with them also quit and left." This caught Ugarte''s attention, "When did these people start working here?" "A few months ago," the cashier recalled. "The store was fully staffed, but suddenly four people quit which forced the owner to hire replacements. They didn''t last long before leaving, and it made the owner furious enough to scold us privately." Ugarte said, "Those guys are really troublesome! I searched for them because they owe me money. Last time I came, they promised to pay soon but then vanished." The cashier suddenly understood, "Could it be they ran off because they didn''t want to pay you?" "Who knows." Ugarte pulled out another dollar bill. "Do you know where they live?" She shook her head, "No, we don''t really interact with them outside work." ... At a corner table inside, Hierro slowly ate fries, observing the customers calmly alongside his companion. There were only about a dozen customers, all looking normal. ... On the other side, Campos ate his food appearing relaxed but remained alert. Even after Ugarte returned, they found nothing suspicious. Campos exited the restaurant and waited for Ugarte to join him before they got into the car to leave. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They then went to a nearby three-star hotel and found that the hotel''s maintenance technician also quit some time ago. What a coincidence! ... The group gathered at the hotel and summarized what they found. Carlos first said, "I didn''t see anything unusual outside." "Same here," Hierro replied. Ugarte shared the information he had collected: "Four people were hired together, just enough to cover shifts at the McDonald''s. From photos I reviewed, they all quit within three days of each other." Campos added, "Even the hotel security who provided tips quit as well." Carlos said, "This is too coincidental." Hierro opened a bottle of water and said, "They probably didn''t expect us to come back for a second investigation." Campos nodded, "Hawke is more thorough than us." The situation was obviously off. Ugarte asked Campos, "What''s our next move?" Campos said, "We already got their rented addresses at the hotel and restaurant, let''s check them out, but probably won''t find anything." Carlos agreed, "Those guys definitely took off." "If not, we''ll track down the other four," Campos said, finding a new lead, "Those prior McDonald''s employees who quit opened the door for the new hires." ... They immediately acted, tracking addresses to suspected targets. By day''s end, they visited five apartments. Just as expected, all the targets had already moved out. Apartment owners and neighbors barely remembered them. The only lead was an apartment owner who quietly installed surveillance cameras in the lobby and shared the storage drive. However, the footage was overwritten multiple times, and even Hierro wasn''t certain they could recover any useful data. ... The next day, the team searched for the four earliest quitters and faced similar dead ends. All four left New York with unknown destinations. Fortunately, Carlos learned from a neighbor that one person went to New Jersey and still kept in touch with someone. Campos paid for contact info and an address. ... That afternoon, they found the young man named Press in Hoboken, New Jersey. Press insisted he hadn''t done anything shady. Faced with Campos and Carlos''s questions, he said, "This happened a while ago. Someone gave me a large sum of money asking me to quit that McDonald''s in Bayside. The amount was large enough, so I agreed." After thinking, he added, "Also, they asked me to leave New York afterward. I''m a man of my word; I took the money, quit, and returned home to work." Campos asked, "Do you remember what that person looked like or any other features?" "They had a West Coast accent," Press recalled, emphasizing, "Yes, a West Coast accent. I''ve traveled to California and it sounded like someone from there." Carlos pressed, "Anything else?" Press fell silent. Campos was prepared, pulled out an envelope, and pushed it over, "Here''s a tip for you." Press took it, opened it, and smiled widely. He pulled out a Motorola smartphone, "I thought it was strange. Before he left, I secretly took a photo. Quality isn''t great though." Campos showed his phone, and they added each other on Twitter. Press privately sent the photo through Twitter. Campos and Carlos questioned him further with no new information. They then said goodbye and left. ... In the car, Campos carefully looked at the photo showing a very ordinary middle-aged man, the kind you''d pass unnoticed on the street. He opened the photo album to check another stored image. The man delivering a black package. Campos had Carlos pull up the photo on his phone and switched to the photo just received. They placed phones side by side for comparison. Press''s photo was a side profile while the surveillance camera caught the front. Carlos pointed at the face, "Look here and here, those are black moles, the same on both faces." Campos also noticed, "It should be the same person." Carlos turned off his phone and said, "Clearly, someone set this up." "Looks that way," Campos warned, "Let''s keep looking for this man to find him." Though unlikely, Carlos said little and left to meet with Hierro, returning to New York. Campos called Hawke to report all findings. --- Los Angeles International Airport, three cars parked directly at the private tarmac. Edward instructed the crew to load packed luggage onto the cargo hold, much of it containing firearms and ammunition. Hawke received Campos''s call while standing at the jet stairs and listened carefully. There was definitely something fishy. Hawke planned to fly to New York to meet UN Environment Programme and Food Programme officials before heading to Africa. He told Campos to continue investigating based on his thoughts. Dressed in a female hunter outfit, Erica approached and got Hawke''s call, asking, "Any updates from New York?" He nodded, "Someone''s deliberately steering us toward the Russians, trying to provoke us into a conflict." Erica warned, "Not just the Russians, but the Satanic cult as well." Hawke said, "Those Satanic cult issues only bring us trouble whenever we investigate." He took Erica onto the plane and sat by the window, explaining the situation again, "I have a feeling someone behind the scenes wants to instigate a war with the Satanic cult." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 428: The Reliable Tree Planting Sand Control [Chapter 428: The Reliable Tree Planting Sand Control] Addis Ababa, Ethiopia''s capital. A business jet landed at Bole International Airport. The cabin door opened, and the stairs were extended. Edward was the first to step off the plane. At the parking area of the tarmac, six vehicles were waiting: four old Land Rover Defenders and two Toyota pickups. Hawke stepped off the plane and immediately spotted Bosque approaching. "Boss," Bosque wore a local-style blue printed denim jacket and introduced the burly man beside him, "This is Andrei. He recently visited Moscow." Hawke understood right away and said, "The job was done beautifully." Andrei grinned widely, "This kind of work is easy." Erica followed off the plane. The two sides had once ambushed Buddy Ackerman together; they knew each other well. Edward, along with Raul and others, went to retrieve the luggage. ... Hawke and Erica followed Bosque into a Land Rover Defender, and the convoy left the airport, heading to the Sheraton Hotel. Pierce Madden, chairman of the Osment Charitable Foundation, had arrived in Addis Ababa five days earlier to set things up and had reserved the top two floors of the Sheraton Hotel. Apart from Edward, Raul and three other bodyguards arrived on the same flight. Bosque brought a 20-person team responsible for perimeter security. They entered the hotel, went straight to the top floor, and into the presidential suite. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Erica called for people to drag several bags filled with weapons into one of the rooms. ... Hawke sat on the sofa and asked, "Tell me the specifics." Pierce began, "I just contacted the United Nations'' Africa offices. The aircraft carrying personnel from the Environmental Program and the World Food Program has to stop halfway in Dakar due to political reasons. They won''t arrive until this afternoon." Hawke said, "Remind me to invite them for dinner tonight." Pierce noted it, then said, "This reforestation project in Africa is part of a flagship global restoration program between the UN and the African Union. The conference isn''t held here; the African Union placed it on the front lines of desert expansion in Damakin." Hawke had no idea about this city and asked, "Where''s Damakin?" "Northwest of the capital, near the Sudan-South Sudan border," Pierce opened a map and marked Damakin in red. "It''s in Africa''s grassland zone, but in recent years, because of ongoing armed conflicts among Sudanese factions, this area has suffered large-scale vegetation damage due to poverty and food shortages, leading to desertification trends." Hawke examined the map closely. It was a promotional map printed by the UN Environmental Program, showing a green area south of the Sahara Desert, covering the yellow southern routes. Erica peered over and pointed out a hard truth: "No one in the U.S. can pull off a project like this. With the UN''s organization and African people''s execution, it''s impossible." Pierce said, "No one in the world can complete such a project." Hawke said, "Whether it gets done isn''t the point. We need this project." His income was about to skyrocket, and even 5% from charitable donations was a huge sum enough to sustain Hurricane Security Company. The so-called tree-planting plan was also mostly for appearances. Hawke asked, "How are preparations going?" "We''ve signed contracts with two local companies and purchased a batch of tree and crop seeds," Pierce said bluntly. "Heads from the Environmental Program and the Food Program will travel together to Damakin. It''s our first collaboration, so we have to look good." He added, "The foundation has put in a third of the announced amount." Hawke, a man who cared about appearances, said, "Good." Pierce then looked at Bosque. He had seen the 20 fierce mercenaries before. Without needing explanation, these were the armed forces Hawke Osment kept overseas. Pierce''s imagination ran wild with images of trucks, IEDs, house fires, and burials alive. He knew this high salary paid not just for skill but to keep his lips sealed. If money didn''t keep them quiet, bullets surely would. Hawke asked Bosque, "Did you bring all the equipment?" "Brought part of it," Bosque, doing well financially lately, smiled. "After arriving here, we bought more. Soviet-made equipment is popular here -- some of it is actually very good, no worse than NATO''s." Erica, skilled with firearms, said, "Hollywood movies have unfairly stigmatized Soviet weapons." Bosque agreed, "That''s true. Western propaganda controls the media; the ''inferior Soviet/Russian weapons'' stereotype has been ingrained for decades. Hollywood and various gun games almost always assign Soviet/Russian weapons to the villains." He also noted, "Another issue is that many Soviet and Russian weapons come from small workshops, so production quality varies." In the war-torn zone of Ukraine, NATO weapons got destroyed by Russian weapons and missiles alike. Early in the Russia-Ukraine war, the T series were mocked for failures against drone attacks while Leopard 2 and Abrams tanks fared no better. It seemed the operational system mattered more. Hawke asked Bosque, "How''s security around Damakin?" Bosque had visited recently and done an assessment: "The Ethiopian government stationed a rapid response unit on the city''s outskirts for conference security. Overall, safety isn''t a big concern. But I suggest all our guards go to Damakin." He explained in detail: "African armies'' fighting capacity is mediocre outside of a few units. Ethiopia''s political situation is stable, but tribal conflicts are frequent. To African blacks, there''s no real nation, only tribes. Many African countries are, strictly speaking, coalitions of tribes." Hawke said, "Bring all the weapons. If trouble pops up, don''t count on those troops." Pierce added, "Damakin is close to the Sudan border. Sudan''s situation is chaotic. Last year, North and South Sudan made peace with UN peacekeepers deployed but with little effect. South Sudan''s independence seems imminent." Hawke said, "We''re not going to Sudan." Bosque understood and added, "From Damakin to the south, it is the grassland area of ??the national park where Roosevelt lions are active. Hundreds of lions, thousands of hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards live there, as well as elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes." Hawke looked at Pierce and asked, "How many legal hunting permits did you get?" Pierce brought out the official hunting licenses and lists. Instead of handing them to Hawke, he subtly gave them to Erica. He said, "I bought half of the quota for next year: 3 male lions, 6 females, 12 hyenas, 2 leopards, and some herbivores." Bosque was aware: "Ethiopia struggles to maintain national parks due to lack of funds. This method helps support operations." Erica quickly reviewed the papers and passed them to Hawke, who said, "It''s enough. You can enjoy the hunt too." After discussions, everyone gradually dispersed. ... Hawke and Erica had been on a long flight and needed rest. Erica suddenly remembered something and said, "I don''t see any cheetahs listed." Hawke shrugged, "Maybe fewer cheetahs or no permits left." Erica asked, "You can tell a cheetah from a leopard, right?" She laughed, "Don''t accidentally shoot the wrong one -- we''re law-abiding hunters." "Easy to tell," Hawke gestured. "If you encounter a leopard and can''t tell if it''s a cheetah or a leopard, do this." He reached out and touched Erica''s nose. "If it''s soft, wet, and the animal makes a sound like a kitten, it''s a cheetah." Erica asked, "What about the leopard?" Hawke looked serious: "If your hand''s gone, it''s a leopard." Erica burst into laughter. ... They slept and, shortly after waking in the afternoon, Pierce came over. Jason Bernard from the UN Environmental Program and Flick Hunt from the World Food Program had arrived with their teams and checked into the Sheraton. In the evening, Hawke invited the two and their wives to dinner. But someone unexpected showed up. Hawke looked at the increasingly corpulent Leonardo and said, "Leo, what a surprise! Didn''t expect to see you here." Leonardo shook Hawke''s hand: "I''ve always been committed to environmental work as a goodwill ambassador for the Environmental Program." Hawke recalled Leonardo''s usual green warrior image: biking publicly, arriving in electric cars, and criticizing people eating too much meat. But he always used private jets for events or filming. Work and life were two different things. Early the next morning, everyone left Addis Ababa and headed for Damakin. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 429: Hunter or Prey? [Chapter 429: Hunter or Prey?] The private jet arrived over Damakin, circling the city as it awaited clearance from the control tower for landing. The Environmental Planning Agency, Food Program, and the African Union were scheduled to hold a conference here. The Ethiopian side had made several preparations, including modest airport expansions and a four-level runway capable of handling medium to large-sized aircraft. However, with only one runway available, the incoming flights had to line up, waiting their turn to land or take off. Now well into the dry season, Hawke looked through the window, observing the city below. It was mostly low-rise buildings. Possibly due to the wind today, a yellowish haze hung over the western and northern parts of the city. After circling once over Damakin, the plane landed smoothly. Hawke met up with Jason Barnard and Flick Hunt, then boarded a convoy of vehicles bearing the United Nations insignia, heading toward the city''s tallest central building. This skyscraper combined accommodations and conference facilities. In the surrounding blocks, Ethiopia''s rapid response forces were stationed. According to Bosque, these green berets were considered one of the stronger military units among African forces. Outside the central building, journalists from around the world had gathered. Leonardo, upon arrival, immediately became the center of attention, swarmed by reporters. Hawke, with Erica and Pierce, entered the building together. The Osment Foundation was the classic "good guy" charity, quietly donating money and supplies to help suffering African people without seeking fame or reward. Ministers from multiple African Union countries, along with numerous United Nations personnel and dozens of media reporters, essentially didn''t have to worry much about security. The conference was split over two days: the first day involved meetings and signing agreements inside the venue; the second day consisted of on-site observations. At the suggestion of some African ministers, participants even engaged in tree-planting activities under secured conditions. This event, initiated by the UN and African Union, included both opportunists like Hawke and genuinely committed individuals. Though the United Nations had its share of controversy, it was still governed by the five major powers -- nations that clearly defined who could and could not have influence. The world had no shortage of idealists, and within the UN and African Union were honest people trying to make a difference. The Americans attending were seated together. ... After handling the media frenzy, Leonardo found his seat beside Hawke and greeted him, "Hello, Hawke, we meet again." Hawke shook his hand and observed, "You look quite different." A few months prior, Leonardo had hosted a secret meeting for Hawke and Hillary on a yacht, joking, "I don''t know what''s going on; lately, I''ve been gaining weight just by drinking water." Getting the old yacht moving with his tongue was a struggle; that lingering smell of old motor oil seeping into his mouth made him lose his appetite for days. [T/N: This is about performing oral sex on Hillary.] Recently, Leonardo had been indulging in pizza, burgers, and chocolate to gain weight, yet with filming and participating in environmental advocacy, the weight gain was still sluggish. Hawke patted Leonardo''s arm but didn''t say much more. Leonardo sighed deeply, feeling more and more trapped. Given his status, he couldn''t refuse Hillary. He was somewhat dejected, realizing that if nothing changed, he''d be Hillary''s plaything for the next decade or more. He instinctively glanced at Hawke -- another Hollywood superstar, Tom Cruise was pulled out of similar troubles by Hawke. But Pat Kingsley, if even raises a few levels higher, might not compete with Hillary. Also, Hawke Osment seemed to cooperate with Hillary... The more Leonardo thought, the more hesitant he became to speak. One wrong step could ruin not only his career but his entire life. ... The conference proceeded smoothly, broadcasted live by media including Al Jazeera. Leonardo even delivered a passionate environmental speech. At the closing, representatives from all parties signed an agreement to green Africa. The representative signing for the Osment Foundation was naturally Pierce Madden. --- sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In Sudan, the civil war between north and south had been resolved last year, with a ceasefire line drawn roughly corresponding to the future borders of South Sudan''s independence. Starting in March, the United Nations deployed peacekeeping forces to Sudan to prevent humanitarian crises and ensure adherence to the ceasefire by both sides. Near the Ethiopian border stood an infantry company of Pakistan peacekeepers. As is generally known, peacekeeping troops mostly played symbolic roles; if fighting broke out, they usually remained silent, unwilling to risk their lives. After all, foreign soldiers had no reason to give up their lives. At nightfall near the Pakistan peacekeepers'' camp, floodlights lit up the area. Though located on the African savannah rich with wildlife, the area immediately around the camp was unusually quiet. The Pakistani had been there over six months, and local animals seemed to avoid the area, as if fearing a terrible predator. Not even the hyenas known for scavenging dared come near. The engine of two Toyota pickups rumbled as they arrived at the camp gate. After a brief conversation with the sentry, a phone call was made, and they were allowed in. Due to their UN peacekeeping mission, the head Pakistani officer was accompanied by a major. The vehicles stopped before a military tent, where the major was already standing. The two men got out and shook hands with the major before entering the camp. The major handed them bottled water. To the bald leader, he said, "Gurg, what''s the urgent matter that you actually came here in person?" "The matter we discussed last time," Gurg placed the water aside. He didn''t dare drink the bottled water delivered; those unused to it sometimes wouldn''t survive. In a place like Africa, it could be deadly. Last time, bringing along an assistant in scorching heat, the assistant drank a bottle then grabbed another to go, soon transforming into a vomiting wreck, bedridden for days before being sent to Egypt for treatment. The major shook his head, "Impossible. That would ruin my military career and Pakistan''s international reputation. Our goals are clear." Gurg knew that well. Regular armies had styles easy to identify by specialists. Gurg pushed the bottled water aside, "You don''t have to act. Just close your eyes and plug your ears. You won''t see or hear a thing in the coming days." Relations were complicated, filled with cooperation and betrayals. But overall, Pakistan had been taken advantage of more. The major kept silent. Gurg understood the critical point and gestured to his assistant. The burly assistant placed a black briefcase on the table and opened it, releasing a distinct ink-like scent. Under the light, stacks of U.S. dollar bills were revealed. The major picked up one stack, slapped it in his hands, then flipped through them, then moved on to another stack. He judged them genuine. Gurg said nothing more, knowing nothing spoke louder than the contents of the case. Of course, he wouldn''t tell the major these were super bills. The major snapped the latch shut, "Five days. You only have five days. That''s a long time, but I''ll try." Gurg smiled, "Five days are enough." Because this area was guarded by Pakistani peacekeepers, there were no armed groups from South Sudan or Ethiopian border patrols. Gurg left the major a satellite phone for communication, then, with his assistant, exited the tent and got in a vehicle. ... As they drove through the camp, a light suddenly flickered somewhere. Gurg noticed several African baboons in an iron cage struggling, their mouths crooked and noses misaligned, barely able to make sounds, seemingly suffering terrible torment. The assistant almost spoke, but Gurg warned, "Don''t say anything. Getting detained would be worse than those creatures." The assistant dared not breathe. The pickups left the camp, crushing dry grass beneath their tires, heading southwest. Gurg''s destination was a fiercely combative tribe near the South Sudan-Ethiopia border, inhabited by a group of hostile African people. The north-south Sudan civil war wasn''t just between two sides, but among numerous tribes. Only 10% of South Sudan''s population practiced Islam; the rest followed traditional tribal religions, totaling about 64 tribes. Even in the 21st century, many tribes saw outsiders as less than human. But Gurg avoided the most extreme tribes, fearing he''d be attacked before even meeting their chieftain. After over two hours, the pickups entered a tribal settlement. ... This was a relatively advanced African tribe, already equipped with firearms over ten years ago, possessing several armored pickups and many old troop transport trucks. Among them were two armed Hummers. A group of Africans blocked Gurg''s path. Their leader, Mousad, was almost invisible in the dark. He flipped his thick lips to show white teeth and asked, "Gurg?" Gurg got out, "Guys, you really scared me." He took out a brand-new Beretta handgun with its holster and handed it to Mousad. Mousad smiled widely, teeth nearly showing, "Follow me." Gurg gestured to his men to get out. The assistant lugged another briefcase. The hum of a generator came from nearby. Most houses were dark, but the largest house in the center was brightly lit. A middle-aged, sturdy black man wearing a red beret and armed belt stood in front. From afar, Gurg opened his arms, "Amin, my old friend." Amin embraced him and asked directly, "My friend Gurg, what brings you here this time?" Gurg smiled, "I want to hire your best hunters to track down some troublesome prey." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 430: Their Understanding Matches Their Suffering [Chapter 430: Their Understanding Matches Their Suffering] It seemed like the goodwill from the United Nations and the African Union had taken effect, as the northeastern trade winds that usually blow during the dry season suddenly stopped. The sandstorm that had raged yesterday calmed down completely overnight. On the outskirts north of Damakin city, a temporary camp had been set up where dozens of locals gathered. They received tree seeds and tools from the Sahara Greening Company under the supervision of company staff and lined up to head toward pre-planned areas to plant. Without supervision, many would drop the seeds along the way and sell the tools instead. Bosque assigned guards here, with revolvers holstered visibly to create a deterrent. In contrast, in the United Nations and African Union designated area, black soldiers maintained order throughout. The ministers, before media cameras, planted saplings one by one. Hawke and Erica each grabbed a shovel, dug a hole, and planted an acacia tree. Erica took a bucket of water from Edward and watered the tree. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She was very happy: "Next time we come, I hope this tree will have grown big." Hawke smiled: "Let''s hope." The grasslands here were degrading and might turn into desert in the future. ... The World Food Programme was distributing food seeds for free; locals could come and receive a bag. But that area was noticeably quiet. Hawke passed by and saw Flick Hunt from the Food Programme. He greeted him and asked, "What''s going on? I remember you sent out notices early on; why isn''t anyone coming?" Flick, who had worked extensively in Africa, guessed the reason: "Many locals are not interested in farming." As they left the city and passed through poor suburbs and some villages, Erica noticed people living in tough conditions. She asked, "I see many people living poorly who don''t farm. What do they eat?" Flick shrugged, "They eat whatever they find." He shook his head, "These seeds were transported here and can''t be wasted; they have to be given out." Hawke, unfamiliar with the local situation, remained silent and observed what Flick would do. Flick called two vehicles equipped with loudspeakers and headed to nearby villages to broadcast messages: anyone who came to collect tree and food seeds would receive food for free. After some time, locals gradually began arriving. Hawke thought this approach worked well. ... When the event ended smoothly, the camp''s affairs were handed over to Pierce Madden. Hawke and the group then followed the main convoy back to Damakin. On the way back, Erica pointed out, "Look at the roadside." Hawke looked outside. Bags of tree seeds were thrown by the roadside, seemingly mocking everyone in the convoy. Not only tree seeds but also bags of grain seeds were discarded. There were some old blacks in front. They had food in their hands, but no bags. A few saw the UN flag on the convoy, raised their food, gave thumbs-up, and shouted in the local dialect. Edward, in the front passenger seat, said, "Their understanding matches their suffering." Hawke withdrew his gaze and said, "We''re not here for charity." This was about tax evasion and channeling some funds through the African greening project to benefit America. --- Back in Damakin, the convoy was ready to head out early the next morning to a southwestern national park for the hunting trip. Early the next day, Hawke and Erica changed into hunting gear, brought insect repellent and menthol oil, went downstairs, and boarded vehicles to a Sahara Greening Company warehouse. Four shipping containers were stored here. Bosque said, "The weapons we bought after arriving are all here." Hawke, aware of Africa''s chaos and fearing insufficient firepower, said, "We might be on the grasslands for days. Let''s bring as many weapons as possible, including heavy gear." Erica suddenly asked, "Did Brian say anything before leaving?" "No," Hawke knew the power of the curse cult''s jinx, "He invited me to dinner before coming, but I declined." Still uneasy, "If he asks, he''ll know we''re in Africa. My biggest worry is he might jump to conclusions." Erica asked, "...that''s not a problem, right?" Hawke said, "The curse cult''s leader is formidable; what if he''s evolved?" Erica agreed and told Bosque, "Bring more heavy equipment!" Bosque and Andrei opened one container and unloaded boxes filled with guns, bullets, grenades, and rocket launchers -- all Soviet-made weapons. Here, Soviet weapons were easier to obtain. Hawke opened a box containing a PKM general-purpose machine gun. Andrei opened boxes with RPGs and unfused warheads. Mercenaries carried ammunition into two vehicles. Hawke and Erica took their weapons from their packs. From the last ambush on Buddy Ackerman, Hawke liked the AK series. This time, he brought an original AKM with 7.62mm rounds, sufficient for big beasts. Edward chose a Remington shotgun, saying, "This suits me best." Hawke reminded, "Your primary job is to drive well; don''t flip the vehicle." "Won''t happen," Edward said and grabbed his ammo bag, "Trust my skills." Raul and others also carried weapons and ammo. Bosque left four guards at the Sahara Greening Company camp; the remaining 16 accompanied Hawke onto the grasslands. The group of 22 traveled in 10 vehicles, including 2 support trucks. The convoy carried ample food, fuel, and tents for several days on the grasslands. --- Leaving Damakin, they soon met guide vehicles -- an open-top jeep with four locals, professional hunters belonging to the Ethiopian government hunting company. Bosque exchanged a few words with them. The leader, an older man named Onard, looked at the convoy: five Land Rover Defenders, five modified pickup trucks, and over twenty people total. He said in English, "That''s quite a group." Bosque replied casually, "We requested a long list of game, and any kills need to be brought back immediately." Onard said, "As long as you hunt according to the list, the number of people is up to you." Bosque wiped sweat from his face, "Let''s get going." The guide led the way, with others following. Bosque radioed Hawke that it would take five to six hours to reach the hunting area. Here, infrastructure except in the capital was almost nonexistent; only dirt roads formed from repeated vehicle use. ... As the convoy left human settlements, animals became more frequent. After over three hours, Hawke saw giraffes nibbling new leaves of acacia trees. The convoy didn''t stop, heading deeper into the national park grasslands to find lion prides. Edward chatted nonstop while driving, "Too bad there are no tigers in Africa." Hawke replied, "If tigers came here, the plains would turn into a slaughterhouse." He once watched a documentary where two tigers were brought to African grasslands. Initially hunting for food, they soon hunted for sport, forcing an early removal. Erica then asked, "Where are the largest tigers in the world?" Hawke thought and said, "I think in Russia. Siberian tigers there are among the largest land predators." Erica admitted, "We can''t go to Russia." Hawke laughed, "Going to Siberia would be like walking into a trap." On the way, the guide''s old vehicle got a flat tire, delaying them. When they reached the first hunting camp near 2 pm, everyone got busy eating and setting up camp for the night. ... Erica climbed onto a pickup truck roof, took binoculars, and looked west, spotting black and white stripes, exciting everyone. Hawke came from the other side and handed her a bottle of water. "From here, I can hit those with my hunting rifle," Erica said, bringing a Remington M700. Hawke opened a pack of beef bastardy, popped a piece into his mouth, and said, "Don''t rush." Erica drank water and took some beef bastardy from him. With the dry season''s winds stopped since yesterday and little rainfall, this was arguably the most comfortable time of year in Ethiopia. Suddenly, Hawke heard strange noises beneath his feet. He reacted quickly, drawing his M9 pistol and aiming under the vehicle. Erica was as fast, dropping her water bottle and drawing her Glock. Under the vehicle, a serval raised its head, looking at them with bright eyes full of cautious yet naive curiosity. Raul and Guti arrived, aiming their AR15s at the serval. The serval seemed to recognize the guns and crouched, motionless. Erica asked, "Is this a leopard?" Hawke said, "Probably a cheetah." Erica put away her pistol and asked, "Should I touch its nose?" Hawke noticed the serval''s eyes fixed on his hand and quickly gave her the beef bastardy packet: "It might be hungry." Erica threw some bastardy down. The serval sniffed, gobbled it up, and made a kitten-like sound. A guide heard the noise and rushed over, seeing the guns and quickly said, "Don''t shoot! Don''t shoot! Its name is Shana; it frequently visits the camp and is very friendly to humans." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 431: The Scent of Blood [Chapter 431: The Scent of Blood] Inside the moving Land Rover Defender convertible, Erica pulled out a piece of bastardy and held it out to the serval, Shana. The serval swallowed the bastardy and let out a soft meow, like a little kitten. Hawke reached out and gently rubbed Shana''s head. Erica timidly stretched out a finger. "Can I touch her nose?" The hunting guide, Onard, sitting in the front passenger seat, said, "She''s very friendly to humans. She often jumps into the safari vehicles to play around. You can try it." Erica''s fingertip lightly touched Shana''s nose. It was moist and soft. Such a big cat could easily melt anyone''s heart. She couldn''t help but ask, "Can I take her with me?" Onard replied, "She''s an IUCN vulnerable species. Taking her away would be very difficult." Erica nodded slightly and continued feeding Shana, not pushing the matter. Onard was a bit surprised. This woman wasn''t following the usual pattern. After hearing it was difficult, shouldn''t she have tried to throw money at the problem? ... The vehicle bounced significantly. The serval lay down and seemed almost asleep. The savannah wasn''t flat; you could see clusters of hills and sparse trees. As they approached a wooded hill, the vehicles ahead slowed down. Onard said, "We''re near a leopard''s territory." Hawke grabbed Shana''s head and gave her a vigorous rub, saying, "Get up, Shana! Time for work! Wake up! Don''t sleep now!" The serval opened her eyes, lifted her body, looked toward the nearby woods, let out a small meow, jumped off the vehicle, and dashed back the way they came. The sight was misleading. You''d think such a graceful animal would be no match for anything, but it wasn''t so simple. Everyone stopped their vehicles, turned them off, and got out, spreading around. Onard told Hawke, "Leopards usually hide in trees and are very fierce. To avoid accidents, we''ll set a trap and see if we can lure it out." Neither Hawke nor Erica had experience hunting leopards, so they followed the guide''s suggestion. "Sure." Onard signaled, "We''ll proceed on foot." Erica slung her M700 rifle onto her back and checked her gear. Hawke pulled out some insect repellent from his bag and sprayed her. Then he took a small bottle of menthol oil and rubbed it on her forehead. "Keeps you sharp." Within a few breaths, Erica felt a cool sensation spreading from her head, refreshing her mind. Hawke did the same -- carrying his AKM, checking his pistol and hunting knife before following. He passed by Edward, who grabbed a glass bottle and shook it. "Want some?" "I have some," Edward said, carrying a shotgun, pulling out the same type of bottle from his pocket. "This stuff works really well during action." Hawke glanced at him. "You actually use it?" Edward grinned, showing his white teeth. ... Ahead, four black guides walked. One suddenly stopped in a low spot in the dirt road, parted some dry yellow grass, pulled out a clump of dried scat, sniffed it, and said, "This looks like yesterday''s. That leopard is still active around here." Onard turned and told Hawke, "We''re in luck; it''s still nearby." Two guides lifted a dragged bag and pointed toward the thickest acacia tree at the edge of the woods. "We set the trap there. Pick a good spot." The wind was almost still, barely noticeable. Onard grabbed some soil to check the wind direction, gestured, and led the way behind a nearby caterpillar bush. This spot was downwind and the bushes were good for hiding. Hawke took off his gun and crouched behind the bushes. Erica came from behind and used the long barrel of her M700 to flick a snake from the branches, tossing it away. Onard was hitting another bush with a stick. "This is Africa. Watch out for snakes and insects." Raul and his two companions began checking around. At the outer perimeter, Bosque and his team kept watch nearby. As Onard hit more bushes, another snake slithered out and disappeared into the distance. Erica adjusted the rifle scope slightly according to the wind. Hawke''s AKM was simpler -- already calibrated for quick shooting. Edward grabbed binoculars, watching the trap side. "They tied a wild chicken by one leg to the tree and blood it a little. Now they''re walking back." The distance was just over a hundred meters, so Hawke clearly saw everything. He signaled Edward to keep quiet. Lowering his gun''s barrel, Hawke focused intently on the trap. The injured chicken kept calling out, the cries drifting toward them. Two guides returned and hid behind the bushes as well. ... After a while, Hawke noticed movement and signaled Erica. Erica raised her rifle but then lowered it again. At the edge of the sparse woodland, a hyena with a strange hairstyle showed up. Today''s target was meat-eating predators like leopards, so the hyena was ignored. The chicken''s calls and the scent of blood spread, but they didn''t lure in the working leopard. Instead, it attracted a pack of hyenas. Four spotted hyenas traced the scent to the chicken. With the hyenas'' arrival, the working leopard wouldn''t appear. Erica immediately spotted a female hyena and gestured to Hawke. They worked in sync as Hawke raised his gun and aimed forward. Just as Erica locked on the female hyena through her scope and pulled the trigger, Hawke fired his AKM. Bang! Tick-tick-tick-- sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The shotgun and the AKM''s short bursts sounded simultaneously. The female hyena collapsed instantly. The male hyenas turned and fled. One stumbled and fell right away. With the gunstock pressed against his shoulder, Hawke quickly moved his aim. Before Erica could fire a second shot, he fired two more short bursts. Two fleeing male hyenas fell almost simultaneously. The loud gunfire startled the hyena, which quickly ran off, its tail raised like an antenna. As it sprinted, it sprayed dung balls behind -- whether from fear or to lighten its load, no one knew. Erica had no other prey and quickly turned her rifle to fire again. At the sound of the shot, the hyena abruptly stopped, its head down, falling near a tree. From the first gunshot to silence was only three or four seconds. Onard glanced at Hawke and Erica, wondering if these two were professional hunters. The working leopard wasn''t coming back. Hawke told Onard, "Go collect the kills." Onard quickly gathered his companions and headed over. Hawke told Edward, "Have them bring the vehicle here." Edward took out a radio and called the others. ... Hawke carried his AKM with one hand and quickly walked toward the woods. Getting closer, he smelled a strong scent of blood. Erica''s eyes scanned the nearby trees, hoping the blood would lure out the leopard. But the gunfire had already scared off the animals. Onard asked, "Want to take some pictures as souvenirs?" Edward arrived with a camera. Onard didn''t say more, directing the team to pile the four spotted hyenas and a warthog together. Hawke and Erica stood behind the prey, supporting their guns as Edward took the pictures. The prey was loaded onto the vehicle. ... Onard led the way south. The sun had shifted to the west. They were quite far from the lion pride''s territory, which they planned to hunt tomorrow. The savannah was full of herbivores, so hunting these animals involved little challenge. A shot could bring them down within a few hundred meters. Hawke let his men take turns testing their guns. Following the licenses and the list, they hunted some antelope and zebras. When the sun set, they returned to the temporary camp. ... Onard gave an impressive demonstration of skinning. Lions didn''t eat hyena meat, so they took the carcasses back for taxidermy. Bosque''s two Latin mercenaries had also brought back an antelope and the fallen hyena, skinning and butchering them. Everyone cleaned the area and lit a campfire, preparing for a wild savannah picnic. One black guide carried a box of wine from their vehicle over to Bosque''s security team. "This is our specialty wine -- a gift." Bosque politely declined. "No thanks, we don''t drink on missions." The guide looked a bit embarrassed. Onard came over. "No problem -- you can take it with you when you leave." "Thanks," Bosque had the wine set aside. Hawke''s group also received a bottle, and he had Edward carry it onto their vehicle. Andrei directed his team to open the truck bed of a pickup, unloading a large amount of food and picnic cookware. Knowing Hawke''s character and Bosque''s professionalism, they wouldn''t eat or drink anything given by others in this remote wilderness. They prepared their wild game themselves, skinning and cooking without outside help. Hawke grabbed a chilled Coke, popped it open, took a sip, and felt an unexpected rush of refreshment. ... As darkness fell, the generator started, lights flickered on, and the campfire blazed. The temperature in Ethiopia at this time of year could drop below 68¡ãF at night but was generally comfortable. Sliced and tenderized antelope meat was placed on the grill, sizzling with oil and sauce, filling the air with aroma. Suddenly, two small lights appeared in the dark, accompanied by a kitten-like meow. Shana, the serval, had followed the scent of blood and emerged. Erica picked up a piece of meat and tossed it to the serval. The serval decided to stay for good. Being a working cat isn''t easy. Even the working leopard had better take it easy sometimes. ... Meanwhile, Onard and the others prepared dinner. They cut antelope meat, sheep tripe, and intestines, throwing them into a pot to make a hearty stew. One guide pulled out his phone and started playing the classic Snake game, happily passing the time. His phone''s GPS began sending signals out. He glanced toward the guards and frowned slightly. Those men were disciplined -- dividing into two shifts even while eating: when one group ate, the other kept watch. Bosque had already arranged the night watch schedule. They were near South Sudan, so for safety, he set up both visible and hidden sentries, even double layers of stealth guards. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 432: The Night Attack of the Dark Elves [Chapter 432: The Night Attack of the Dark Elves] The generator-powered lights lit up the entire camp. Raul followed Bosque to inspect the temporary security measures set up around the camp. Besides sentries watching for movement, Andrei and his team drove iron stakes into the bushes surrounding the camp and installed infrared alarms on them. These passive infrared alarms detected heat radiation emitted by large animals, including humans. Once an intruder or a wild beast crossed the perimeter, the alarms, connected wirelessly to the sentries'' and Bosque and Raul''s vibrators and buzzers, would alert them. With funding from Hawke, Bosque''s Hurricane Security Company had purchased a large amount of security equipment. After setting everything up, Bosque notified the four guides not to leave within thirty feet of the camp. Onard and the others, confused but surrounded by security personnel, complied. The makeshift camp was arranged with vehicles and tents, placing Hawke and Erica''s tent at the center. Erica helped Hawke clean up, then cleaned herself and changed into dry clothes while organizing their firearms. The serval, Shana, had eaten a lot of the meat Erica fed her and followed them inside. Hawke quickly shooed her out of the tent; after all, it was a wild animal, and no one could tolerate being bitten unexpectedly in their sleep. Erica zipped the tent closed and turned off the light. "I''m going to sleep." Hawke hugged her from behind as they lay on two adjoining canvas cots. Outside the tent, Shana lay at the entrance, waiting for daylight to enjoy her free meal. The working serval had gotten used to relaxing. --- At the Sudanese North-South ceasefire line near the Ethiopian border, a Pakistani peacekeeping force camp was operating under a major''s orders. Due to a generator running low on fuel, the spotlight on the watchtower had been temporarily shut off for several days. The sentries had been replaced by the major''s trusted compatriots. The moonlit grasslands were unusually quiet, as if even mosquitoes and flies avoided the area. Suddenly, the roar of motors from a convoy of over ten old trucks carrying men in all-black military uniforms disrupted the silence. They were driving along a dirt road near the border, heading toward Ethiopia. Among the vehicles were two sand-colored Hummer SUVs, each equipped with M2 heavy machine gun turrets on their roofs. Mousad sat in the front passenger seat of one of the Hummers, constantly checking the GPS location. According to the digital map, they were approaching the country''s No. 1 Hunting Camp inside the national park. Mousad had been there before and recalled the area clearly. He picked up an old-style walkie-talkie and ordered, "Speed up. Move toward the preset rendezvous point outside Hunting Camp No. 1!" The Black soldiers were poorly trained, with 99% illiteracy and limited skills in handling heavy weapons. Still, the South Sudanese civil war had hardened many into battle-ready men, even if they mostly fired randomly. With ample funding from Gurg, Amin had sent an elite contingent from his tribe. They weren''t highly sophisticated but could launch firepower assaults. The convoy quickly crossed the border, continuing through the parched grasslands. ... When they were about five kilometers away, Mousad ordered all vehicles to turn off their lights and proceed slowly under the moonlight. At roughly two kilometers, all vehicles stopped. The sergeants in the trucks urged the black soldiers to disembark quickly. Dressed in black uniforms and black berets, they carried AK-series rifles and gathered in front of the trucks. Mousad instructed the Hummer drivers, "Wait here. Once you hear my signal or gunshots, whichever comes first, move forward immediately and provide fire support." The drivers responded, "Understood!" Mousad put on a helmet and addressed the seventy-plus men fully assembled, "Let''s move!" The men wore no helmets but all had black berets. They marched silently with discipline. ... Mousad summoned Ben Ossas, who led a scout squad of hunters specializing in stealth and sabotage. "Take your men and deal with the sentries." "Understood." Ben Ossas was short and lean, in his thirties, with dirty yellow-black teeth, one of his front teeth missing. His family had hunted for generations, and he was very familiar with Hunting Camp No. 1. ... As they neared the camp, Mousad raised his hand and slowed the pace as they approached the lit camp. The squad dispersed, flanking the sides based on sergeants'' signals. At about one hundred meters, Mousad raised his left fist to halt the advance. The flanks continued a short distance before stopping. He signaled Ben Ossas toward the lit camp, who nodded and crept forward with three others. They wore black combat gear and berets, with dark skin exposed and AK rifles painted black slung on their backs. Their combat knives were matte black as well. They were the elves of the night -- masters of the grasslands and veterans of years of Sudanese civil war -- the elite among South Sudanese tribes. However, born and raised in poverty and worshipping primitive tribal gods, they lacked understanding of modern technology. The four silently approached the camp and spotted a sentry sitting on a vehicle roof. One man unwrapped a black cloth, retrieved wooden arrow tips, attached them to a drawn bow, and advanced quietly with just two arrows. Ben Ossas raised his rifle and followed closely. The other two spread out, scouting for any hidden sentries. ... Inside the central tent, the sleeping serval Shana suddenly lifted her head and turned towards the west, mewing like a kitten. The noise reached Hawke, who instantly woke up, grabbing the pistol on the pillow. Moonlight cast Shana''s shadow on the tent, pacing back and forth. Erica woke, asking, "What is it?" Hawke slipped on his shoes, strapped on his gear, and grabbed an AKM rifle. "I''m checking." ... Beneath the moonlight, the four figures moved like ghosts, making no noise detectable by human ears. They passed within 30 to 25 meters of the camp unnoticed. The infrared alarms detected body heat and triggered signals, but the four had no clue, continuing forward. ... Inside the central tent, Hawke and Erica''s alarm vibrated and beeped. Bosque''s voice crackled over the radio: "West side, someone reached the perimeter." Hawke immediately shut off both the alarm and tent lights. Erica donned a tactical vest, slung a Scorpion submachine gun on her back, picked up a helmet, and wore it. Hawke matched her speed, donning combat gear, a backpack, a helmet, and connecting his radio earphone. Erica gently tapped the serval''s head as she opened the tent, and Shana followed her out. Edward and Raul emerged from an adjacent tent. Hawke motioned them to silence before hiding in the tent''s shadows. They quickly spread out to cover different directions, centered around Hawke and Erica. Using infrared binoculars, Hawke scanned northwest and spotted four figures. He lowered the binoculars and gestured to Erica and the others. ... Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Earlier, at the camp''s edge, Bosque had heard the infrared alarm, identified its number, and immediately placed a screen near the driver''s seat to watch. Using night vision, he looked west and spotted the intruders. He pressed the radio and alerted the camp. Soldiers awakened and armed rapidly. All were professional soldiers trained heavily in offensive and defensive raids. As the targets approached, Bosque quietly opened his vehicle door and crouched near the front. When the lead figure was within twenty meters and about to raise his bow, Bosque ordered, "Open fire!" Two hidden lookouts and the mounted sentry fired simultaneously. The once quiet camp erupted in chaos. Bosque''s elite security jumped from tents, organized and ready. ... The attacker aiming to kill with a bow took three bullets to the head, half his skull blown away. In the camp''s center, hot shell casings hit the ground. Erica turned the gun barrel for a second shot, dropping another intruder. Another figure succumbed under crossfire from two hidden sentries. Ben Ossas dove to a depression, using the darkness to try to evade. His natural camouflage had savored him through failed raids before. But this time, it failed. Hawke lowered his night vision goggles, quickly repositioned, kneeled, and fired three single shots from his AKM. Ben Ossas felt a warmth spread through him, noticed something wet on his hand, and lost the strength to pull it back. ... Gunfire momentarily ceased as Bosque climbed atop the truck, used night vision to survey the west, spotting numerous red shadows. Jumping down, he radioed, "Lights off!" All camp lights went dark. "West side, at the twelve o''clock position, enemy attack -- over fifty enemies. Prepare to engage!" Bosque continued, "Groups 1 to 5, prepare for contact. Groups 6 to 8, retrieve heavy weapons!" ... Hawke heard Andrei''s loud reply, "All armed!" He ordered Edward, "Request government reinforcements!" The Ethiopian army''s helicopters were practically non-existent, and the fastest support would arrive in six to seven hours. For now, they had to rely on themselves. ... Bosque called, "Illumination flares, ready! Fire!" A loud bang echoed as a flare shot into the northwest sky, illuminating the area. Bosque ordered, "Machine gun suppressive fire!" Using the convoy trucks as cover, three PKM machine gun positions unleashed flames of fire. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 433: The Threat of Old Godmother, No Retreat Only Advance [Chapter 433: The Threat of Old Godmother, No Retreat Only Advance] Hearing the gunshots, Mousad shouted, immediately ordering everyone to charge forward while yelling, "Take them all out, leave no one alive!" The men crouching on the ground quickly stood up, raising their rifles as they charged. Suddenly, a bright flash lit up the sky -- a flare was released. Mousad, the seasoned veteran, didn''t hesitate and immediately dropped to the ground. These weren''t just any men blindly charging forward; they were battle-hardened veterans who had fought in the Sudan civil war. Though they might have lost some training edge after leaving African soil, surviving the war meant they had considerable skill, even if on the enemy''s side there was some incompetence. Most of the men reacted swiftly, dropping to prone as soon as the flare rose. Machine gun fire erupted, tracers lighting up the night sky. Five or six of the slower men immediately collapsed. Mousad recognized the sound -- it was a Soviet-made PKM machine gun. Muttering curses, he spoke into the radio: "Armored vehicles, support! Suppress the enemy machine guns!" He privately cursed Gurg for the unreliable intel; this enemy firepower was no mere bodyguard detail but a full military force. Who brings machine guns on a bodyguard mission? "Fire!" Mousad ordered. "Suppress them!" The men on the ground opened fire in return. But the camp was pitch black; they couldn''t see the enemy positions. They fired blindly, focusing on suppressive fire rather than precise hits, to keep the enemy from shooting freely. Rifles were raised overhead, triggers pulled, creating a continuous roar of gunfire. ... Bullets zipped by as Hawke and his group scattered behind dirt mounds for cover. Guti brought over an M249, quickly firing bursts into the flare-lit area. On the camp side, everyone used vehicles and dirt mounds for cover, firing back. Both sides were engaged fully, though most bullets flew overhead. One side fired with flash suppressors in darkness, while the other, illuminated by flares, revealed muzzle flashes with every shot. After a moment, several men were hit. ... In the guides'' tents within the camp, Onard and another guide, both tipsy, slept soundly, unaffected by the gunfire. Two sober guides grabbed Molotov cocktails prepared beforehand and ran toward the largest tent in the center. They had been paid well to carry GPS devices, incapacitate camp occupants, and set fires at night to mark key targets. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The money fueled their courage. They ignited the Molotovs and headed for the central tent to mark the primary attack objective with flames. ... Nearby, Erica''s serval, Shana, suddenly turned and emitted a sharp cry. Though drowned by machine gunfire, Hawke noticed. He peered from behind his cover and caught sight of the two guides with their firebombs. Without hesitation, Hawke swung his AKM toward them and opened fire. At close range, the two men''s heads exploded from the gunfire, and one Molotov shattered, the liquid spilled onto the corpse and immediately ignited. Shana dove low, trembling beside Erica. Hawke returned his fire, capitalizing on the last flare''s light, shooting repeatedly. The muzzle flashes from the enemy rifles were glaring in the darkness, forcing them to keep their heads down. Despite this, Hawke''s burst emptied a magazine, killing three men. While reloading, Hawke heard the booming fire of an M700 sniper rifle. Erica counted off: "Fifth!" ... The PKM machine guns positioned to the camp''s north and south provided lethal crossfire, forcing the men to fire blindly. With enough bullets flying, they could always strike targets. One unlucky mercenary was hit in the shoulder by a ricochet, screaming in pain. His teammates quickly injected him with morphine and bandaged the wound. The cries threatened morale, especially in a disorganized force. ... Bosque ordered over the radio, "Teams 6 and 7: wait for the flare to die, then flank north and south!" "Roger that!" Bosque added, "Boss, protect yourself." Hawke didn''t interfere; professionals should do their work. Facing such a large-scale assault, Bosque had more experience. He replied, "Understood!" ... The flare went out, and Mousad relaxed slightly at the rear. The enemy firepower was overwhelming -- four light machine guns suppressed them heavily. Over a dozen comrades lay dead; the injured screamed in agony. Despite the losses, the men maintained discipline, unlike many chaotic African tribal conflicts where casualties cause immediate routs. Darkness fell again, and Mousad heard engine noises at the rear with relief. He ordered over the radio, "Armored vehicles, provide suppressive fire!" Two dusty beige armored Hummers pulled up behind, their gunner spotting flames in the camp and tracer bullets. They operated M2 heavy machine guns and laid down fierce suppressive fire. Bang! Bang! Bang! Tracer rounds from .50 caliber machine guns tore into the camp. Bullets shredded a Land Rover Defender, glass shattering. One mercenary sheltering behind was shot through the left chest, disintegrating half of his torso. The gunners ducked; this wasn''t suppressive fire but deadly ammunition that guaranteed fatalities on a hit. ... With firepower lessened, Mousad yelled, "Charge in! We outnumber them!" Using the armored vehicles'' cover, the men crawled up and charged toward the camp. Mousad knew that once inside the camp, their numerical advantage could overcome tactical and marksmanship shortcomings. Bosque agreed and ordered, "Cars 4, 5, and 6, turn on the rooftop spotlights." Only two Defenders lit their spotlights toward the west. The driver jumped out and fled crazily. Car 6 was already disabled by the M2 fire. The bright lights blinded their own men, who fired wildly. The spotlights drew the M2 gunners'' focus, who shifted their fire toward the lights, their muzzles flaring again. Both Defenders were hit. ... Seizing the moment, Hawke shouted, "I cover your left, you cover my right!" Erica raised her M700 sniper rifle, spotting muzzle flashes through the scope like shooting stars in the night. Hawke aimed briefly and fired rhythmic bursts with his AKM. Erica fired three precise shots. ... In the distance, a Humvee gunner heard impacts on his machine gun shield sparking; he ducked just in time as bullets struck nearby, one grazing above his head. Wearing only a black beret instead of a helmet, the soldier''s skull was shattered by AKM fire. His body slumped inside the vehicle, brains spilling out. Erica''s next shot severed another insurgent''s neck, spraying blood onto the nearby driver. The driver instinctively sped up, swerved, and changed position. Mousad''s voice came from the radio: "Maintain suppressive fire!" The armed Hummers quickly replaced fallen gunners and resumed shooting. ... Another flare soared overhead. The PKM guns across the camp roared again, mowing down the men caught in the spotlights. Morale among the attackers hit a breaking point. African armies composed of black soldiers weren''t truly elite in this era. Even with some Sudanese officers trained abroad, the common soldiers remained in poor condition. Mousad knew they faced overwhelming firepower in open plains, with no chance to retreat -- retreat meant slaughter. He yelled, "Suppress the machine guns!" Then commanded, "Grenades!" Some crawled men tore off grenades but couldn''t stand to throw, tossing them while prone. Lucky strong arms lobbed them about ten meters ahead. Explosions thundered. ... At the camp''s center, Hawke wasn''t worried about grenades; he just took shots at exposed arms lit by flares. A short burst severed one man''s arm, the smoking grenade dropping and erupting. Shrapnel sprayed, creating bloody holes in several unfortunate fighters, wailing painfully but not yet dying. Gunners on the armored Hummers shifted focus back to enemy PKMs, no longer suppressing cars with extinguished lights. Under the dense machine gun fire, one mercenary''s helmet and head exploded. Amid the dense gunfire, some would fall. Hawke ducked back and called out to Raul, "Let''s grab the RPGs." They had to take out those two armored Hummers fast -- the heavy machine guns posed a huge threat. If suppressed and overrun, things would get ugly quickly. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 434: Breaking Through [Chapter 434: Breaking Through] Hiding behind the front tire of a Land Rover Defender, Bosque knew very well that as long as they prevented the enemy from breaking through, victory would be theirs. To achieve this, the M2 heavy machine gun mounted on the armed Humvee had to be taken out. He ordered via radio, "Squad 1, Squad 2, prepare RPGs!" Andrei responded, "Copy that!" ... In the middle of the camp, the smell of burned flesh filled the air. Hawke and Raul crouched, rushing into the tent where Raul lived. They laid on the ground and opened a crate. Inside the crate was an RPG-7 and rockets. Raul expertly attached the rocket propulsion tube and detonator, assisting Hawke to mount it onto the launcher. Hawke slung the weapon over his back, holding the RPG with one hand while covering the warhead''s fuse with the other, crouching out of the tent. ... Nearby, Andrei carried the RPG, searching for the perfect firing position. Hawke dashed behind a dirt mound, lying prone and listening to the roar of M2 machine guns and AK rifles. He shouted into the radio, "RPG ready, cover me!" Guti finished reloading his M249 and called out, "Ready!" Bosque commanded over the radio, "Squads 6 and 7!" These two squads had orders earlier to flank the camp from both sides for a rear attack. "Copy! Ready!" both squads responded. Bosque shouted, "Attack!" Guti set up the machine gun, aiming wildly at the direction where the M2 machine guns roared. Erica''s M700 kept firing rapidly, silencing a machine gun on one of the Humvees. The remaining mercenaries raised their rifles to fire. Those carrying grenades pulled the pins and warned, "Grenades! Watch out!" Suppressive fire continued, throwing grenades forcefully into the western distance without much preparation. ... Mousad''s team had already charging within 20 to 30 meters of the camp, just a bite away from breaking inside, but they''d lost over twenty men, some wounded and wailing in agony. Morphine was unheard of here; there was none to manage the pain. This team was holding on only because of the two armored Humvees behind them. Just as Mousad hesitated to launch another charge, gunfire erupted from the side and rear, breaking the team''s wedge formation. They were trapped in a crossfire! ... On the battlefield, some enemy soldiers started retreating, and the faithful shooters on this side nearly ceased firing. Almost simultaneously, Hawke used the last light from a flare to locate a firing spot. He hoisted the rocket launcher, aimed at the Humvee closest on his side, and fired. Flames burst, dirt flew, and the rocket trailed a long blazing tail as it soared. "RPG!" the enemy shouted from the camp''s perimeter. ... Mousad, hiding behind his team, cursed in his native tongue, frustrated that these bodyguards went out armed not only with machine guns but RPGs too. Boom! The rocket slammed into the Humvee, triggering a fierce explosion. The vehicle deformed, glass shattered, completely destroyed. Before they could react, a second rocket streaked toward another Humvee, delivering a devastating hit. The vehicle was instantly engulfed in heat so intense it seemed to ignite the very air. They couldn''t hold their ground any longer. Some scrambled to their feet and fled; others played dead to avoid certain death, while some crawled backward desperate to escape. The heavy rifles and ammunition they carried became burdens, and many threw them away in panic as they bolted. ... Bosque glanced at his wounded men and ordered without hesitation, "Fire the flares to finish them off!" Someone started a still-functioning Land Rover, turning it toward the enemy and switching on the roof spotlight. With a dull boom, another flare launched skyward. Hawke dropped the launcher, lay behind the dirt mound, aiming at targets showing in the light, firing steadily. "Take them out!" came a shout over the radio. "Valencia, Sanchez, and Anthony are hit!" Erica''s M700 picked off the fastest retreating enemies one by one. Hawke quickly emptied a magazine and swapped for a fresh one. Enveloped by crossfire, the enemy soldiers felt completely surrounded, bullets coming from all sides. No one escaping managed to stay on their feet. The survivors lay motionless, acting dead. ... Hawke finally said, "Capture a few alive! Find out who these attackers are!" Bosque ordered over radio, "Cease fire! Cease fire!" The gunfire gradually stopped. Andrei shouted loudly, "No killing of those surrendering!" No response came from the other side. ... Someone fluent in Arabic shouted, "Surrender and you won''t be harmed!" Others repeated in French and Spanish. The men lying on the ground only understood the local dialect. But Mousad could understand English and French. He looked at the pile of corpses, then at the gun in his hand. His troops had lost morale completely, trembling on the ground. This was supposed to be a surprise attack; why had it turned out so badly? How was the enemy''s firepower stronger than their own, despite preparation? Mousad was baffled but called out, "Don''t shoot. We surrender!" ... Andrei, hearing the English, replied in English as well, "Drop your weapons, hands on your heads, move to the illuminated vehicle and lie down." Seeing no movement, he added, "You have thirty seconds!" ... Mousad hesitated to move forward and pointed to the person in front, "You go first." The man hesitated but, yielding to Mousad''s authority, put down his AK and slowly stood with hands on his head, walking toward the spotlight. ... Hawke spoke into the radio, "Don''t shoot yet." Many had seen their leader fight alongside them during the crisis, even destroying an armed Humvee, so no one objected. The surrendered enemy reached the illuminated Land Rover, lying down on the dirt. Behind the vehicle, rifles trained on them. As the first surrendering man reached safety, more followed, dropping weapons, standing up cautiously, hands on their heads, walking toward the vehicle. Mousad threw down his rifle, removed his helmet, ripped off insignias, discarded them in the bushes, and blended into the group, lying down near the vehicle. ... Squads 6 and 7, after inspecting the exploded Humvee and finding no survivors, advanced, killing two clever enemies hiding in the grass and finishing off the wounded or dead on the ground with gunfire. ... Hawke remained behind the dirt mound, glancing at the still-burning bodies. He told Raul, "There''s something wrong with the guides. Weren''t there supposed to be two more? Find them." Raul and Morentes cautiously entered the guide''s tent at the back and found Onard and another guide asleep, unresponsive to calls. They fetched cable ties and bound them together, then poured cold water to wake them. Onard regained some awareness but was groggy and mumbling incoherently. Hawke told Raul to keep them tied to the vehicle wheels for the time being. ... Meanwhile, the mercenaries feared the prisoners might hide weapons, but thorough searching was too troublesome. Andrei ordered them to strip. The men were terrified, desperate to cover themselves while undressing, dreading worse than death. Some seemed to have encountered this before; after undressing, they willingly lay prone, spitting into their hands. Bosque noticed one bearded man trembling and wondered what horrors these men had endured. He looked at the uniform black military gear and berets and asked, "Who''s the officer?" Naked and almost indistinguishable, no one spoke. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bosque gave a signal, and a nearby white mercenary kicked down the closest man and shot him in a vital spot, causing him to writhe in pain. Bosque asked again, "Who''s the officer? Who shouted surrender?" One desperate enemy mumbled in the native tongue and pointed toward the wounded man, implying he was the officer. Andrei unsheathed his bayonet and approached to take action. Mousad raised his hands and declared in English, "It''s me." ... Nearby, Hawke and Erica sat behind a vehicle, quietly watching. Such dirty work was not theirs. Sympathy for these surrendered enemies was out of the question. Both understood that if they lost, it wouldn''t just be lives lost. ... Meanwhile, several mercenaries collected their fallen comrades'' bodies, gathering three dead soldiers altogether. None were hit by AKs but by bullets from the M2 machine gun''s suppressive fire. The bodies were badly mutilated and horrific to behold. Two more were wounded: one hit in the shoulder by a ricocheted AK bullet, the other grazed on the wrist during their firefight. Luck sometimes played a role against automatic fire. Their injuries weren''t severe; the first had emergency bleeding control and morphine injections, while the second was bandaged. ... Bosque was interrogating Mousad, with Hawke only exchanging a few words over the radio. Onard regained full awareness, shocked by the carnage around the camp: battle scars everywhere, mutilated corpses being stuffed into makeshift body bags made of animal skins. Hawke pointed to them, and Raul and Guti went over to interrogate. ... After confirming Onard posed no threat, Bosque had him dragged to his side, serving as an interpreter. The other guide also revitalized, was taken by Raul for a separate interrogation. The captured enemy was to be questioned individually. From the guides'' translations, they''d determine if any posed a problem. Facing enemies who had killed their comrades, the mercenaries showed no mercy. Screams filled the camp continuously; some enemies even dropped dead on the spot. Hawke only cared about results, not the process. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 435: Fought Together, Killed Enemies Together [Chapter 435: Fought Together, Killed Enemies Together] A faint light pierced the eastern sky, and the screams within the camp gradually ceased. The battle report was handed over to Hawke. Including armed Humvees, a total of 79 black mercenaries had arrived, all equipped with AK-series rifles. Out of them, 21 surrendered, and the rest were all killed, including the smart ones who pretended dead or hid. Hawke ordered Edward to declare that all items carried by the black mercenaries were spoils of war for the hired guns. There would be additional rewards upon returning to Damakin. This was not the time or place for bonuses. Raul approached, saying, "It can be basically confirmed that the two dead guides were the problem; Onard and his companion were unaware." Hawke nodded, "Keep them under watch." Raul turned away. ... Bosque came over from a distance and said, "The leader is named Mousad; he came from southern Sudan. He''s cooperating now. Do you want to question him personally?" "Sure," Hawke responded, following Bosque to the other side of the camp. Erica and Edward followed. Near the smoldering remains of the campfire, Mousad, a black man, was tied to a wooden stake previously used to skin antelope, bearing multiple injuries. Hawke sat across from him and directly asked, "Where are you from?" "A tribal village in southern Sudan..." Mousad detailed the tribe''s location. Bosque brought a map, marked it, and traced the route. "Here, this is the path they took." Hawke looked over and saw the two points weren''t very far apart, but an Pakistani peacekeeping troop camp stood between them. He asked, "Didn''t the Pakistani stop you?" Mousad, gasping, said, "No. When we passed, the camp was dark, no one came to check. Someone assured us the Pakistani wouldn''t interfere." Hawke asked, "Is the person you mentioned the mastermind?" "Yes, he bought off the General Amin," Mousad, who had suffered considerable torture already, revealed without prompting, "General Amin took his money -- I don''t know the exact amount -- and sent me with elite troops. If I could kill you, he''d pay me again." Hawke looked at the man. "Tell me, who is he?" Mousad took another breath and said, "His name is Gurg. I don''t know much about his background, but he speaks fluent French, English, and Arabic. He''s active in Sudan, sometimes selling arms, sometimes supplying food, sometimes paying for hits. From what I understand, he is either a major middleman or represents an international power." Hawke guessed this man used a similar method to bribe the Pakistani, or perhaps sold out to the Pakistani, which is why they turned a blind eye. Hawke asked, "Do you have a photo or description?" Mousad said, "He''s white, balding in the middle of his head, cunning and ruthless, so we call him Gurg (Wolf). I don''t have a photo; I tried to get one a few times, but he refused. However, he''s somewhat known in Sudan, so finding out about Gurg won''t be difficult." Hawke continued, "What nationality do you think he is, or at least, what type of weapons does he sell?" Mousad unhesitatingly replied, "Soviet-style weapons." Hawke asked more, but Mousad didn''t know much else; he was just an officer under General Amin, basically the worker. Raul and Guti had two guides act as translators and separately interrogated several black mercenaries. Based on all gathered information, what Mousad said was true. ... "Keep the prisoners secure," Hawke ordered, then called Bosque and started heading back, "How many vehicles are still operational?" Bosque said, "Three were completely destroyed by M2 heavy machine guns and cannot be repaired. The rest have minor bullet damage, and some parts can be swapped from damaged vehicles." Hawke nodded, "Tell everyone to stay alert. Once back in Damakin, there will be rest, rewards, and compensation." Bosque, having worked with Hawke for over two years, knew Hawke wasn''t stingy. "Dying in battle is our fate," he said. Hawke was not interested in fatalism. He had hired these men, and they gave their all protecting him -- some had died for this battle. If not much else, a cash reward was a small thing. --- Daylight came as Ethiopian military personnel arrived. Hawke chatted briefly with the lead officer, expressed thanks, then let Bosque hand over the situation. The Ethiopians collected the scattered military vehicles from the grasslands to return to Damakin. The AK rifles confiscated by the Hurricane Security staff were all handed over to them as well. Regardless, they came under cover of night to support. Among the captured black mercenaries, more than a dozen were still alive. Apart from Mousad, all were handed to the Ethiopian military. The Ethiopian officers also understood what had happened the previous night. --- Afterwards, the group boarded vehicles, preparing to return to Damakin. When the Land Rover Defender was about to start, Hawke stopped the driver and reminded Erica, "The serval is back." Erica opened the door and got out. Shana ran over like a big cat, rubbing against her leg. Hawke said, "Darling, you can adopt it; I''ll figure out the paperwork." When they returned to Los Angeles, they''d fly on a business jet. Bringing things in wouldn''t be a problem. Erica opened a bag of beef bastardy and offered a piece to Shana, asking, "Want to come with me?" The serval just ate the bastardy. Erica opened the Land Rover door, "Get in, Miss Serval." But Shana had no intention of moving and called to Erica a few times. Erica put all the bastardy on the grass and told Hawke, "Shana belongs in Africa; she seems to like living freely. I won''t force her." Hawke took a camera from his bag, "One last photo, as a farewell." The serval had grown up wild after all. Erica stood next to Shana and patted her head. Shana raised her head and looked up at her. Hawke pressed the shutter button. "Goodbye, Shana," Erica said, got in the car, and closed the door. The serval called a few more times, then bowed down to eat the bastardy. ... Hawke handed Erica the camera, "We''re heading back to Damakin, then plan to fly to the capital tomorrow, refuel, and then straight to North America. Still taking pictures?" Erica occasionally opened the window to capture nearly untouched African wilderness. Because of the attack last night, the hunting trip had to be cut short. No lions or leopards were caught, only a bunch of hyenas. But knowing there was a mastermind targeting them, Hawke naturally wouldn''t stay in Africa any longer. Erica was upbeat and comforted Hawke, "We actually hunted." Hawke thought about it and agreed. Whether lion or leopard, in front of the gun-bearing truth wielders, they were vulnerable. Someone tried to hunt them last night, but they turned it around. Machine guns exchanged fire, grenades exploded, RPGs were used. How could it compare to mere lion or leopard hunting? Erica asked, "This hunt isn''t over. What''s your plan?" Hawke said, "No doubt about it: the Pakistani commander, that troublemaking Gurg, and the native black major Amin, they must die." Erica said, "I feel there''s a connection with the Russians." Hawke agreed but thought it best to keep a low profile for now. If he could get Brian into the White House, he might find a way to give the Russians a hard time. But that was not the moment. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Brian was quite far from the White House. ... The convoy had no incidents and returned smoothly to Damakin. Hawke returned to the central building to find United Nations Environment Programme and World Food Programme staff were still there. He quietly found Jason Bernard and Flick Hunt and asked, "Are you going straight back to New York tomorrow?" Jason said, "Passing through Rabat first, then flying to New York... Oh, and Leonardo and others will be with us." Hawke smiled, "Don''t mind bringing a few extra, huh?" This was a UN charter flight, 90% of the seats occupied by UN officials from various countries, with some empty seats. Faced with donors supporting the greening of Africa, Jason replied, "No problem." "Thank you," Hawke shook his hand and told Edward, "Go handle the formalities." Jason also told his assistant to take Edward to take care of arrangements. ... Hawke returned to his room, slept for a few hours, then got up and, with several bodyguards, headed straight to the Greening Sahara Company warehouse to discuss with Bosque. Mostly about monetary rewards and compensation. Most who fought last night had woken up; those who hadn''t were woken by Bosque and Andrei, and everyone gathered inside the warehouse. They had shouldered guns and killed enemies together; beyond employment, their trust had grown. Hawke got to the point, scanning their faces, "Last night, you didn''t give up on me; you fought for me, and I remember that." He gestured to Bosque, "I discussed with your supervisor. Your wages and action bonuses for this month are doubled!" Smiles appeared on everyone''s faces. Hawke continued, "This is from Hurricane Security as your reward. I personally have another bonus: $35,000 per person, double for the injured." This was agreed upon with Bosque''s strong recommendation. Elite mercenaries in Africa and Latin America barely earned $35,000 annually. The Hurricane Security staff laughed, some bumping fists and slapping palms. "Three brothers fought valiantly and died last night," Hawke looked at Bosque and Andrei, emphasizing, "They protected me. Find their families. $150,000 compensation per family, handed personally." But that wasn''t all. Hawke added, "Their families lost their providers because of me. I will bring them to Los Angeles and cover their children''s schooling here. If their children get into American universities, I will pay full tuition!" ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 436: The Wolf Returns [Chapter 436: The Wolf Returns] In this era, America was still regarded by countless people as a shining beacon, the promised land of freedom, democracy, civilization, and wealth. The moment Hawke spoke, everyone who had been through those battles together felt a surge of emotion. They might not have wives or kids, but they all had parents. They were former mercenaries now turned private security, working high-risk jobs. Their bosses paid well, and if anything happened, their families were taken care of. What more could there be to say? No one spoke, but everyone felt that this was honestly the most reliable job they''d ever had. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The warehouse meeting had just concluded. People hadn''t left yet, and those who had used the funds to check their accounts started receiving bank notifications: $35,000 was credited. Many eyes turned towards the parking lot outside the warehouse, waving at Hawke''s car. ... Hawke raised his hand to acknowledge and then accompanied Bosque and Andrei to visit two injured team members at Damakin Hospital. The individual with minor injuries received anti-inflammatory and wound cleaning treatment. The one shot in the shoulder was scheduled for surgery shortly. He definitely couldn''t continue with private security work. Hawke wanted to set a good example for Hurricane Security Company and had specifically left Edward''s contact. Once he recovered, if he wanted to work in Los Angeles, he could be assigned some lighter work at Butterfly Security. Though virtual incentives were useful, financial rewards and relieving worries were even more effective. ... After leaving the hospital, Hawke called Bosque and Andrei to his car and drove back. Hawke said bluntly, "I''ll return to Los Angeles tomorrow. You guys stay here in Ethiopia and arrange for more personnel to come over." Andrei replied, "The two training groups at our Costa Rica base have finished. I''ll send them all to Africa." Bosque knew how to rally people: "Boss, the rewards have raised morale, but the team also wants to do one more thing -- to avenge our comrades." "That''s exactly what I want to do," Hawke said. On the way back from the national park to Damakin, he had discussed it with Erica. "There are three main targets now." He laid them out one by one: "First is General Amin, the tribal chief in South Sudan. All the attackers who harmed us came from his forces. Taking out an entire tribe is unrealistic, and I won''t let you guys throw your lives away. Find a way to take out Amin." Bosque was clear-headed: "Their tribal base is close to two UN peacekeeping camps. Unless we launch a massive airstrike or shell the area with artillery -- which is beyond a private security company''s capacity." In Africa, very few countries even had an air force; most planes were propeller-driven or early jets. If a private security company tried such a thing, the attention of the world''s "gang leader nations" would instantly fall on them. Those were the five global powers, kind-hearted and diplomatically careful to speak nicely... Hawke continued, "The buyer of General Amin is the Gurg. According to Mossad, Gurg frequently operates in Sudan. Find him, capture if possible; if not, eliminate him directly." Bosque said, "Finding a guy like that isn''t hard." Hawke nodded slightly. "The last target is the commander of the Pakistani peacekeeping camp near the North-South ceasefire line in Sudan. If he''s involved, try to send him to meet their Allah." Bosque took note. Hawke emphasized, "The first two are priorities; handle the Pakistani accordingly." Hurricane Security Company was financially stable now. As long as they were willing to spend, getting information wasn''t difficult. Hawke pondered, "If they don''t give up, might they strike from the air?" Bosque said, "I have people watching the airport." ... Hawke returned to the headquarters to pack. Bosque and Andrei went back to Sahara Greening Company to get busy. Andrei dispatched troops from Costa Rica, while Bosque found the team''s only Arab member from last night, preparing to head to Sudan to seek information on the Gurg. The north-south civil war in Sudan was closely tied to demographics. South Sudan was over 95% Black, while North Sudan was 70% Arab. Their beliefs were entirely different, so any external provocations inevitably led to conflict. ... The next morning, Hawke and Erica, along with others, went to the airport. But instead of boarding the rented business jet, they took a special route and joined Jason and Flick, two UN officials, on the UN''s private plane. Hawke saw Leonardo again. Leonardo sat across from him, cheeks drooping with age, smiling. "I heard there was talk about you being ambushed on the plains the other night?" The Ethiopian Rapid Response Unit had dispatched over a hundred Black soldiers; news spread everywhere. Hawke heard the gossip and didn''t mind but explained it differently: "Over 80 South Sudanese armed militants crossed into the national park trying to raid our camp. My security team wiped them out." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 437: Escape [Chapter 437: Escape] On the side of the airport runway, Ethiopian rapid response forces patrolled around the clock without rest. According to Bosque''s assessment, the attackers'' best chance was to pass security as passengers and enter the airplane parking area. It didn''t require complicated operations; just tossing a few coins into the engine could cause a catastrophic accident, possibly resulting in destruction and fatalities. Bosque stood by the window on the second floor, looking outside. Among the team from Hurricane Company, there were also Black personnel. Since yesterday, using connections at the United Nations, Bosque had reassigned two mixed-race Black agents to replace airport security covertly to monitor the passenger area. Another three were quietly watching from the second floor. Nothing unusual was detected yesterday, but this morning signs appeared. ... A few white passengers entered the waiting lounge. Two of them waited an unusually long time, catching Bosque''s attention. After waiting for an extended period, they suddenly left the terminal. Bosque pressed his portable radio and softly said, "Keep an eye on the one wearing the sun hat and the one wearing floral shirt." "Copy that!" Andrei signaled his team, "Should we detain them?" Bosque replied, "The situation is chaotic there -- detain them first." ... In a lounge by the terminal, several men armed with automatic weapons rushed out. On the roadside, a bearded man drove an old Toyota pickup, resting one arm outside the window and holding a cigarette. Two men got into a nearby van and started the engine. The bearded man quickly noticed his companion wearing a sun hat approaching and opening the back door to get in. The one in the floral shirt came from another direction and took the passenger seat. All three were hired by Gurg in Sudan, having worked together many times. Once the floral shirt guy was seated, the bearded man started the pickup saying, "The boss ordered us to meet at the arranged location." Suddenly, the sun hat guy looked forward and instinctively reached for his gun. The bearded man saw the van suddenly rammed into them. He pressed the accelerator and desperately steered, but the van crashed heavily into the side of the pickup''s front. The old Toyota had seen many owners and accidents; its airbags did not deploy. The three in the pickup were dazed and disoriented from the crash. The van''s airbags deployed, protecting its driver. The bearded man and floral shirt rubbed their heads, trying to regain consciousness. The sun hat''s hat fell, revealing two bleeding cuts across his forehead, blood flowing into his eyes. He saw several armed men approaching quickly. He desperately grabbed his pistol but his hands wouldn''t obey. Before he could raise the gun, the muzzle of a short-barrel assault rifle pressed against his head. A Latino man said in English, "Don''t move, put down your gun." On the driver''s side, another held a shotgun aiming at the driver and co-driver, "Don''t resist, raise your hands!" The cold gun barrel sobered the three dazed men. They hesitated but slowly raised their hands and placed them on their heads. Someone came over, dragged them out of the vehicles, and bound their hands. ... The commotion alerted the airport security and soldiers guarding the airport. When Andrei spoke to them, they turned away quickly, pretending not to notice. The prisoners were pushed into the van; guns and phones were found and confiscated. The pickup was searched, and a satellite phone was discovered. Within ten minutes, several vehicles arrived at Sahara Greening Company''s warehouse area. Bosque and Andrei also rushed over. The three captured men were doused with cold water and given stimulants to quickly wake them up. Brutal interrogations started immediately. ... Northwest of Damakin, at a small roadside eatery selling sour flatbread, a tent shielded customers from the sun. A Toyota pickup was parked nearby. Gurg and a muscle-bound man got out of the truck, ordered the flatbread, pulled out bottled water, and sat under the canopy to wait. After nearly ten minutes with no sign of their hired men, Gurg bit into his flatbread and said to the muscle-bound man, "Make a call." The muscle man took out the satellite phone and dialed. ... Back at the Sahara Greening warehouse, right as the interrogation began, the satellite phone rang. Andrei looked at Bosque, who glanced at the suspended prisoners saying, "Ignore it for now." They expected to have the captured men take calls later after breaking their resistance. ... No one answered the phone. The muscle man put down the phone, "No one answered. Didn''t you hear it while driving?" Gurg was different. He put down a bill and immediately got up, walking quickly toward the vehicle. "We need to leave quickly." The muscle man hurried after him, "Did something happen to them?" "Very likely," Gurg urged, "Let''s go now." They got into the pickup and sped away toward the distance. Gurg pulled out an AK, unfolded its stock, and vigilantly looked back. Seeing no car chasing, he relaxed a bit and said, "Head straight to the border; we''re leaving Ethiopia." The muscle man realized the situation was serious and accelerated, "They got caught? Hawke Osment has already taken a UN flight out." "His security didn''t leave," Gurg thought and added, "That bastard has money -- enough to bribe officials in Ethiopia. Without official cooperation, it''s tough to catch our people." Money was Hawke Osment''s biggest advantage. Gurg had operational funds but only dared to give them to tribal chiefs because those super dollars were North Korean made. "Not official?" the muscle man asked. "I know the officials in Damakin, Ethiopia. They''re dumb, greedy, and unwilling to act without incentives," the leader explained. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He pondered, "We must prepare for the worst. Scrap all bases known by those three, and cut contact with anyone connected to them." "Understood," the muscle man said. Gurg continued, "When we return, we change our looks. No more Gurg or Muscle titles." "That means most of what we did before will be pointless," said the muscle man. "Better safe than sorry." Gurg, trained strictly in Moscow, was far more experienced than these amateurs he hired. "We''ll lay low for a while." ... Less than an hour and a half later, several Land Rover Defenders rushed out of Damakin city, and parked outside the roadside eatery. Andrei was observing from a distance with binoculars, confirmed no one was leaving, and ordered, "Search for suspicious surroundings." Fully armed personnel quickly got out from the vehicles. Andrei talked with the shop owner and cook, quickly learned that the two men drove a pickup heading northwest over an hour ago -- clearly leaving Ethiopia. No anomalies in the area allowed Andrei to pursue. They could only hope for luck. ... But luck was not on their side; the enemy likely sensed the incident, sped up to escape, and changed routes. Andrei chased across the Sudan-Ethiopia border but found no trace. ... Back at Sahara Greening warehouse, Bosque received Andrei''s report, not too disappointed, and called his team to prioritize taking down General Amin in South Sudan or the Pakistani man. Through brutal rounds of questioning, they extracted valuable information from the three captured men about Gurg, General Amin, and the Pakistani. They didn''t know Gurg''s real identity, just that after arriving in Africa, he hired personnel who mostly operated in North Sudan but also supplied equipment to South Sudan, acting as weapons dealers. Several tribal warlords, including Amin, were connected through these dealings. Gurg used large sums of money to bribe the Pakistani man and General Amin to orchestrate the attack. Why? Even the contract workers were unsure. But all three suspected Gurg reported to some major force. ... When Andrei returned to the warehouse, Bosque immediately held a team meeting to identify the location of the Pakistani peacekeeping camp and airport routes. The three men gave one tip: when Gurg paid the final amount, he spoke by phone with the Pakistani who planned to fly back to Pakistan the day after tomorrow. He boldly took the money because he was about to leave Africa. Bosque spread out a map, said, "Sudan''s infrastructure is poor. The closest airport to the Pakistani camp is in Talodi. When we scouted it, there was basically only one main road suitable for vehicles." Although the savanna is riddled with paths, nobody willing to circle through fields due to speed and comfort. Andrei said, "They''ll have a convoy escort. Without inside info, it''s hard to pinpoint which vehicle the target is in." Bosque said firmly, "The Pakistani peacekeeping force camp is only a company-sized unit, no more than five vehicles. Our people in Costa Rica have chartered a plane -- if all goes well, it''ll arrive tomorrow morning. A new batch of rocket launchers will arrive as well, perfect to take out that bastard." "What about airport customs?" asked Salah, the Arab. "We''re using the Foundation''s access routes," Andrei said. "Pierce already contacted people. Under the UN Environment Program, the shipments are marked as trees and seedlings for Africa Greening, exempt from inspection." Salah said, "Even if he travels by tank, we''ll take him down!" Besides the usual African RPGs, this shipment included a batch of AT4 anti-tank rockets. The latter was rare in poor Africa, not as commonly used as RPGs. Too many copies made them hard to track later. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 438: Finding Someone Using Core Algorithms [Chapter 438: Finding Someone Using Core Algorithms] At the South Sudan ceasefire line near the Ethiopian border, a Pakistani peacekeeping unit was stationed. Although it was only a company, the mission was significant, and the military commander here was a major with high status. After breakfast, Major Azhar asked the orderly to bring out the luggage, personally carrying two suitcases, preparing to head to Talodi to catch a flight home. He had completed all handovers with the newly assigned officers. This peacekeeping mission had ended with great gains. Beyond his expected promotion upon return, the two suitcases in his possession were filled with US dollars. Thinking about those black fools in South Sudan, Major Azhar couldn''t help but smirk and told the orderly, "Nearly a hundred armed soldiers were broken by just a dozen private security guards, and all survivors were captured. What a bunch of idiots." The orderly agreed, "Yes, they''re all idiots." ... Suddenly, the convoy leader ran over from afar. Azhar frowned and asked, "Where are the vehicles?" The leader saluted sharply, reporting, "Sir, two vehicles malfunctioned and won''t start; the other three are undergoing necessary maintenance and cleaning." "What happened?" Azhar was displeased and hurried toward the parking area. Upon arrival, he saw several mechanics crouched by the exhaust pipe of a military jeep, cleaning it. Azhar immediately understood -- it had to do with the reckless soldiers. Angrily, he said, "Didn''t I tell someone to catch a few baboons?" The leader whispered, "Too often. Two died from mistreatment, and one starved itself." Sighing, Azhar decided not to argue; after all, they were leaving soon. In this unfamiliar land with no entertainment on the barren plains, no animals left, maintaining troop morale was tough. They couldn''t let them turn on each other. The mechanics cleaned the exhaust pipes of the three usable vehicles, started them, and drove a test loop inside the camp -- everything was fine. Azhar got in, but now only three vehicles escorted him instead of four. The other two were in need of major repairs due to exhaust blockage. Packed with soldiers, the three jeeps escorted Major Azhar toward the nearest city, Talodi. ... About forty kilometers away, under a tall baobab tree, a black man picked baobab fruits, tossing them to another. Occasionally, he scanned the lone road leading to Talodi. Spotting the three vehicles from the Pakistani camp, he took out binoculars, confirming the blue UN markings and Pakistani peacekeeping insignia. He put away the binoculars, grabbed a satellite phone, and called, "Baobab Tree to Lion Pack, Baobab Tree to Lion Pack." The reply came, "Lion Pack received; report please." "We spotted the Hyena group heading as planned -- three in total!" "Copy that!" The call ended. The man stayed a moment longer to confirm no other vehicles approached, gathered his gear, climbed down the tree using a rope ladder, and quickly left with his companions. ... Over forty kilometers away, a shrub-covered soil mound hid several Toyota pickups. These pickups were highly common in Africa and favored by militant groups -- welding gun mounts on them turned them into moving heavy machine gun platforms. Bosque stepped off a vehicle and picked up an RPG, looking at his dozen men, saying, "The target has set off, just passed the observation post, only three vehicles." Andrei, lying behind the bushes on the mound, raised binoculars toward the road over 100 meters away, commenting, "Expected five vehicles; only three arrived." They had ten RPGs ready, planning two per vehicle. With the updated situation, Bosque ordered, "Teams 1, 2, 3 attack the first three vehicles respectively; teams 4, 5, 6 cover the re-attacks; the remaining four stay as reserve ready to assist as situation demands." Four others stood guard with weapons spread out, while a sniper team selected another firing position apart from the mound. Since Costa Rican reinforcements arrived, Bosque''s team was well-staffed and could act boldly. ... After a while, the spotter reported, "Vehicles are coming." Andrei focused his binoculars eastward, confirming the blue UN and Pakistani insignia. "Target confirmed," he said. "Prepare to fire!" Bosque commanded. The shooters scattered across the mound readied themselves. ... Three jeeps roared in from the east. With engine noise growing louder, they neared the mound. Bosque ordered over radio, "Open fire!" Inside the middle vehicle, Azhar''s foot constantly touched the black suitcase, which gave him an unusual sense of reassurance. This African journey had yielded great rewards. Suddenly, a sense of unease hit him. Instinctively, he turned south, sensing something flying his way. This was Azhar''s last awareness. The first rocket directly struck the middle jeep. It exploded violently, debris flying everywhere. Before the other two vehicles could react, two more rockets hit: one struck the second vehicle''s cabin, causing a fiery blast that destroyed it instantly. No one exited the vehicles; only fragments pelted the ground with crackling noises. One burning vehicle shed no screams or calls for help. ... Andrei and his men quickly approached and confirmed the major''s insignia on the destroyed vehicle, concluding, "Confirmed: target is dead." Bosque ordered, "Retreat." The group returned to the hiding spot, boarded the pickups, traveling west first, then turning south at a junction. The map was vast and sparsely populated -- endless wilderness. ... Reaching a barren gravel area, the team burned all vehicles after disembarking, then switched to guarded transport, quickly fleeing South Sudan back to Ethiopia. Having completed the first target, Bosque''s eyes were set on the next two. The only Arab from Hurricane Company had already been sent north to Sudan, and Amin''s side was spending money on gathering intelligence. --- Los Angeles, Coastal Building. Edward hung up the phone and hurried into the elevator, telling Hawke, "Bosque just messaged that they ambushed Major Azhar''s convoy from the Pakistani peacekeeping camp. All three SUVs were destroyed, 12 people including Azhar were killed with no survivors." The elevator doors opened; Hawke stepped in first. After Edward joined, Hawke said, "Tell them good job. Proceed with other actions based on their intel." ... They arrived on the 16th floor and entered the office where assistant Lukat had placed some urgent documents on Hawke''s desk. After finishing paperwork, Hawke was joined by Edward and Campos. Once Edward closed the office door, Campos reported on the disc incident: "We broadened the search in New York and confirmed the suspect entered Manhattan but vanished there." Manhattan was a small, crowded place with chaotic, older areas like Greenwich Village. Hawke asked, "Any leads?" "No new leads," Campos said, showing a photo of the mailing person given by a former McDonald''s employee. "I suspect the suspect used disguise, so the visible appearance differs from reality." After some hesitation, he added, "I suspect the claimed West Coast California accent may be false." Hawke recalled how he had previously used an East Coast accent to mislead others. Perhaps the suspect was from the East Coast? New York? Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This increased the possibility of the involvement of Hillary. Based on his past knowledge, Hawke knew of a secret connection between Hillary and the Satanic cult, unknown to most. What was Hillary''s purpose? To drag him down? Or to suppress the cult with his help, ultimately aligning the cult with her? Hawke could only guess. Another theory was someone knew the Hillary-Satanic cult link and also knew Erica had once investigated cult-related cases in the detective bureau. Due to pressure from these cases, she left the bureau and transferred to special operations. With media and LAPD publicity portraying Erica as a tough female detective, her opponents might wrongly believe she''s actively working to confront the cult through the Ferguson family and Twitter''s influence. Hawke picked up the phone and called the operations director, "Come to my office." ... Minutes later, footsteps in high heels clicked rapidly -- Caroline Jones, his number one sheep, entered. She greeted Edward and Campos, then sat down, asking Hawke, "Boss, is there anything I can do for you?" Finding real people tough to locate, Hawke decided to focus on the net: "Remember the backend algorithm had updates?" Caroline said, "Mainly thanks to Congress funding. We need some results to get the second batch. Actually, it''s mostly bluff -- we won''t show them the core tech." Hawke told Campos, "Send the suspect''s photo to Caroline." Campos did so. Caroline opened it and found a middle-aged white man looking much more ordinary than Hawke. Hawke then instructed Caroline, "Use backend and Twitter''s core algorithms to analyze and model this man''s facial structure, and try to find people with high similarity across all photos or videos on Twitter." Caroline replied, "That will take some time." ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 439: Because You Thought About It, We Were Attacked [Chapter 439: Because You Thought About It, We Were Attacked] In the tech department''s small conference room, Harland assigned two highly skilled technicians to create a technical model based on the photo portraits. Hawke, Caroline, Edward, and Campos stood before a large screen, watching the technicians work swiftly. This modeling technology originally came from Hollywood for movie production. In the eighties and nineties, Industrial Light & Magic was the leader in this field. Later, Weta Digital caught up and even began to surpass them. It was said that the CIA and the Pentagon took interest in this technology and authorized its use. Both agencies would likely use it for intelligence and military purposes. The CIA director once claimed that compared to the high-tech gear Ethan Hunt used, the CIA''s current technology was the real cutting edge. Hawke wasn''t sure if this was just boastful talk. After all, data fudging in America wasn''t unheard of.Twitter had paid to obtain authorization in this area. Once modeling was completed, Twitter''s ever-improving algorithms could search related images on the platform. Harland approached Hawke, saying, "Modeling is okay, but using algorithms to search for people, with our current mainframe and server computing power, will take a long time." Hawke understood his point. "I already placed an order with IBM. You know their efficiency; at minimum, the supercomputer installation can only start by February or March next year." Harland eagerly awaited the supercomputer, unable to hold back his questions. Hawke simply told him to contact IBM directly. Since there was no live person, modeling from side-profile photos was fast, but finding someone depended on luck. After the modeling was done, technicians performed a preliminary search with no immediate results. ... Hawke observed for a while then returned to the office, asking Edward, "Have the families of the three fallen mercenaries been sent their information?" That night, Edward knew his shooting was poor and was afraid of accidentally hitting his own team in the dark. He had fired fewer than twenty rounds total. Some in the Black community had strong loyalty. Edward greatly admired those who bravely faced the M2 heavy machine guns, saying, "Bosque has already sent me their family data. Their relatives are now in Costa Rica. Hurricane Security Company sent the compensation over and asked if they were willing to come to Los Angeles." Even twenty years later, America''s appeal to Latin America was like the sun itself. "You''re responsible for bringing them over," Hawke promised. This commitment wouldn''t include the federal government. Edward looked at Campos. "I need your help." Campos said, "I''ll send someone to accompany you to Costa Rica. Our company has people who''ve been there." Edward left immediately to book the flights. ... After they left, Hawke turned to Caroline. "The Manhattan AI Project involves aviation applications. Draft a plan and allocate budget to purchase two small planes and two business jets for AI research." Caroline, always Hawke''s top assistant, understood right away and asked, "Which brand of business jets? Boeing? Airbus? Or Gulfstream and Falcon?" Hawke thought for a moment, then said, "Let''s eliminate Boeing first." Curious, she asked, "Is there any issue with Boeing?"Hawke replied, "Their commercial division is solid, but on the business jet side, they''re not really a player. Plus, they''ve had internal restructuring and leadership changes lately -- too much uncertainty. I want something proven and focused." Hawke didn''t want the business jets to have constant issues like Boeing eventually did.Caroline nodded. "Got it. I''ll have someone start planning right away." She handed Hawke some documents. "These are orders placed with various suppliers. They''re all anxious." Everyone involved in helping Twitter win the Manhattan AI Project and the powers behind it wanted a share of the pie. Keeping it exclusive would be suicide. Hawke carefully reviewed and signed them, instructing Caroline to proceed quickly. With the Manhattan AI Project officially launched, Twitter and Hawke''s own company would continuously benefit from it. --- In the afternoon, Hawke visited what used to be the Twitter Tower, now the Foundation Building, to meet with heads of several shell companies. West Coast Environmental Technologies Group would provide a comprehensive green office solution for the Manhattan AI Project. This plan matched modern societal demands and met environmental regulations, valued at $1.35 billion. Twitter only barely turned a profit this year, netting just over $100 million. That''s why so many companies and interest groups hire various consulting firms in Washington to lobby; federal money was just too tempting. --- That evening, Erica invited Brian and Jennifer to her house for dinner. Hawke called the chefs to start preparations early. As dusk fell, Brian and Jennifer arrived in a single car to Beverly Hills. Hawke made a welcoming gesture at the door and asked, "Looks like you two are living together now?" Jennifer Huey laughed, "I insisted strongly. He actually tried to back out, so I pointed a gun at his head." Brian said, "You should handcuff yourself -- you threatened the Mayor of Los Angeles, that''s federal offense." He handed Hawke a bottle of champagne. "I urgently need to practice shooting." The three entered the foyer. Erica overheard the conversation outside and said, "You need to calm down and focus your energy on governing and climbing higher." Hawke agreed, "Jennifer''s been waiting to become First Lady." It was Jennifer''s dream. She spoke bluntly, "One day, I want my picture hanging in the Blue Room at the White House!" Brian reminded her, "The Blue Room only displays portraits of presidents." Jennifer linked her arm with his. "You could change that rule. It was set by the president, and the president can change it too." ... The four went to the dining room. Among the dishes was a gift from Ethiopian officials to Hawke and Erica. The chefs presented a white plate with glossy red meat slices that caught the eye. Brian tasted a slice. The crispy texture paired with rich braised sauce was uniquely flavorful. "What is this? I don''t think I''ve had it before." The chef introduced, "This dish is called Elephant Stew." "Elephant?" Jennifer tried a slice and nodded slightly. "Tastes good." sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Erica said, "It''s a gift from Ethiopian officials. If you like it, I''ll have some sent to you later." The chef then left. Brian suddenly thought of something and asked, "What did you hunt in Africa? Lions? Zebras? Elephants? Rhinos?" Hawke shrugged, "Just took down a few hyenas." "How come?" Jennifer was puzzled. "Some of my doctor and finance friends hunted lions in Africa, and their shooting skills were way worse than yours." Erica raised her glass and clinked with Jennifer, "We were just unlucky." Hawke swallowed his food and said, "We ran into some unexpected trouble." Hearing this, Brian''s spirits lifted, ready to clear his name. He immediately asked Hawke and Erica, "You weren''t attacked in Africa, were you?" "We were ambushed by a group of about 80 tribal soldiers in South Sudan," Hawke explained briefly. "They had two armored Hummers equipped with M2 heavy machine guns and struck just after midnight." Jennifer was shocked, then relieved, "Good thing you''re safe." Erica smiled, "We took a team of over 20, and the security squad brought four PKMs and several RPGs in case of emergencies. We managed to destroy one Hummer, took out some attackers, and captured most of the rest." Jennifer said, "Your team''s combat effectiveness is impressive." "Professional security," Erica vaguely commented. "Three died protecting me and Hawke." The mood grew heavy. Brian poured drinks for everyone from the bottle. Erica asked, "What about their families?" "I''ve sent Edward and Campos to pick them up," Hawke replied briefly. Jennifer looked at Hawke -- this was someone who actually got things done. After several drinks, Brian sought to clear his name, "I didn''t say anything about your Africa trip, right?" Hawke nodded, "No, you kept quiet. After the trip was confirmed, I avoided you. I turned down all your invites to drink and dine." Brian added, "I said nothing. You got attacked again in Africa, so the problem lies with you two, nothing to do with me!" Erica was slightly shaken, thinking Brian had a point. There had been many incidents since she first met Hawke. The first time they met, she shot down Robert Downey Jr., sending that bastard to hell. Later, Hawke invited her to Dwayne Johnson''s yacht party, where they clashed with Mexican drug dealers in a chaotic shootout. That''s when Hawke met Brian. But Hawke couldn''t let Brian wipe his slate clean -- he wasn''t about to let the leader of the cursed cult be replaced. ***** /Sayonara816. Chapter 440: Three Big Challenges [Chapter 440: Three Big Challenges] The Curse Cult had only one leader, and Brian''s chance for a comeback? Impossible. Hawke looked at Brian and asked, "You know that Erica and I went to Africa, right?" Brian replied, "Yes, Jennifer told me about it." Hawke continued, "Did you ever think about it, either before we left or after we went to Africa?" Brian hesitated, sensing a trap in the question, but Jennifer Huey cut in first, "He did think about it and even complained to me that you guys went hunting in Africa and didn''t take him along." Hawke asked again, "Did you ever think that Erica and I might get attacked in Africa?" He stared at Brian, "Be honest!" Brian wanted to admit it but held back. "See? The truth is obvious," Hawke said, immediately blaming him, "Because you thought about it, Erica and I ended up attacked in Africa." Brian had indeed thought about it secretly, especially given the many bad things that had happened to the two of them; he even dreamt of them being attacked late at night. His demeanor weakened, "But I never said anything about it, absolutely not!" Hawke laughed, "See, Brian thought about it, and because he thought it, Erica and I got attacked in Africa. The problem clearly lies with him, the leader of the Curse Cult." Brian tried to defend himself, "Sometimes it''s an unconscious act, not a deliberate intention. I even dream about it. How could I control that?" Hawke''s smile disappeared and his face turned serious, "The problem is getting worse. You even manage to curse through unconscious thoughts and subconscious dreams." Brian had no strength to argue, shrugging his shoulders, "Should I get a prefrontal lobotomy?" "No, keep that ability to curse your opponents," Hawke said seriously. "Have you started planning your next move?" Brian chose a more conservative approach, "I''m preparing to run for governor." He came today to formally inform Hawke, "The Ferguson family is rooted in California, so running for governor seems like a better opportunity." Talking about serious matters, everyone got serious. Hawke had anticipated this and considered related aspects, even preparing some steps in advance, like the campaign with feminist and LGBTQ groups. He said directly, "Running for governor, our advantages are obvious, but the difficulties must be considered first." Brian smiled, "That''s why I came tonight to hear your advice." Hawke listed the most probable challenges, "Whether running for senator or governor, one major issue you''ll face is the feminist question." Brian''s success in running for mayor of Los Angeles was largely due to the impact of the Los Angeles Fires. It was the key factor in his victory. The truth was, Brian''s performance wasn''t better than his predecessor Antonio, but the Los Angeles Fires made Antonio look worse. Antonio''s strategy wasn''t wrong -- he courted the feminist vote and had a solid base among the Mexican-American community. But no one expected Hawke''s group to play by different rules. Brian said, "We climbed up using the Los Angeles Fires, stepping on feminist support. If I run for governor, feminism will inevitably become an obstacle." Erica interjected, asking Hawke, "Don''t you use the LGBTQ community to counter feminism? It worked pretty well, didn''t it?" "The LGBTQ community might gain advantages in several direct conflicts, but in terms of broad influence and numbers, it can''t compare to feminism," Hawke clearly stated. "We need to launch a movement to stir up the situation in California, especially Northern California." Brian nodded, "Northern California, centered around San Francisco, is our main competitor." Hawke took a sip of his drink and said, "That brings us to the second point. After the political collapse caused by the Ackerman family involving former Speaker Nunez and Willie Brown, the Nelson family rose completely. The Democratic Party''s resources in California are shifting toward the Nelsons. Jerry Brown, supported by the Nelson family, has made a comeback and shouldn''t be underestimated." Jennifer reminded, "The Nelson family is backed by the Getty family and Pacific Electric Company." Hawke added the third point, "Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to run for reelection. Usually, he would participate in the race. It''s best if you can handle Schwarzenegger and even get his backing." Brian, wanting to be a candidate, must first get past Schwarzenegger. Everyone present knew how difficult this was. Schwarzenegger was an Austrian immigrant, and according to the American Constitution, he couldn''t run for president. Governor was the peak of his political career. In the last recall election, Schwarzenegger was an ally, but now the two sides are subtly opposed. People''s positions change with interests, just like countries. Brian said, "The first step is to deal with Schwarzenegger." Hawke said, "The best way is to persuade Schwarzenegger to voluntarily withdraw and support you instead." He was less optimistic, "But that''s unlikely." Brian looked at Hawke, "Do you have a good idea?" "Not yet," Hawke knew it was very hard to make a likely reelection candidate give up his political future. Erica offered a tactic, "After New Year, Ronald is going to marry George Walker''s niece. Schwarzenegger will definitely attend the wedding..." Knowing Erica''s usual style, Hawke said, "Honey, we''re not going to do one of those bloody wedding things." "Hear me out," Erica looked at him, "I mean let grandpa talk to Schwarzenegger." Brian said, "I will consult grandpa." Hawke, having finished eating, wiped his mouth with a napkin, saying, "Gather as much information as you can about Schwarzenegger and his close associates and send it to me first. I''ll take a look." Brian asked, "Do you have any leverage?" Hawke shook his head, "Not at the moment." Jennifer then looked at Brian, "Your brother is getting married?" "Don''t be jealous. It''s a political marriage," Brian said. "He''s reluctant but has no choice." Hawke barely remembered Ronald. Brian explained, "He enjoys the wealth and convenience provided by the family, so he has to bear some responsibilities. Ronald doesn''t want to go into business or politics; he just wants freedom, so he has to sacrifice through marriage." This political marriage was arranged last year when George Walker came to Los Angeles to campaign, formally linking with the Ferguson family. Hawke recalled the woman was Walker Sr.''s granddaughter, Lauren, a model and actress who had dated Leonardo DiCaprio; she walked the red carpets at Cannes and Venice film festivals this year. Erica said, "I''ve met Lauren twice. She''s very ambitious and wants to develop her career in film and modeling." Brian shrugged, "We''ll see after they get married." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Such political marriages are common in big families. The Nelson family''s alliances are involved in many areas. Since human civilization formed, many things haven''t changed for hundreds of years. ... After dinner, the four went to the study to continue their discussion. Hawke mentioned another important matter, "Do you have a successor for the Los Angeles mayor position? How confident are you about the election?" "My deputy, Jim White from the Department of Public Administration, you know him," Brian said. "He''s my uncle, has a good reputation in Los Angeles, but will need Twitter''s support." Hawke remembered and said, "I''ll keep using the Los Angeles Fires issue. The Democrats want to take back Los Angeles, but won''t succeed in the short term." Near ten p.m., Brian and Erica left Beverly Hills. ... Erica called Hawke to the underground storage''s cold room to pick out some items they brought back from Africa to share with friends. Because of the attack, they didn''t manage much game and didn''t shop in Africa. The items here were gifts from the Ethiopian government, including elephant trunks and various wild animal meats. In Africa, these were the least valuable. Hawke also picked some to offer others to try. For example, that old bastard Frank always had to get some. When Hawke first came to Los Angeles, that guy had helped him a lot. --- The next day, Brian arrived early with Jim White, bringing over some information. Although the next governor''s race was far away and the mayor''s seat wouldn''t be open anytime soon, Jim wanted to build a good relationship with Hawke in advance. Having witnessed Brian''s election process, he knew one thing: Hawke, who controlled the biggest social media platform, might not help him win but could certainly ensure his loss. --- Around noon, Hawke had Raul drive to Venice Beach to deliver meat to Frank. Surprisingly, Frank wasn''t by his RV. Hawke called him, and after a moment, Frank came over from the Venice Beach wearing red swim trunks, accompanied by a beautiful woman in a bikini. Hawke vaguely remembered she was a lifeguard member. The beautiful woman greeted, "Long time no see, Hawke." Hawke, not remembering her name, smiled and replied, "Long time no see, you look even better." Seeing Raul, Guti, and Morentes carrying insulated boxes, Frank asked, "What''s that? Food?" Hawke said, "I went to Africa; Ethiopia sent some meat. There''s a lot, so you can help eat some." Frank showed interest, opened the RV door, and placed them in the freezer, asking, "Is there lion meat? I''ve never tried lion meat." "There''s hyena meat," Hawke joked. Frank shook his head, "I heard that stuff smells bad." Hawke prepared to leave, "When you have time, I''ll take you to try lion meat." "Okay, I''ll remember," Frank waved to his companion and then leaned closer, "I have something to tell you." ***** /Sayonara816.