[Chapter 278: Beckham's Infidelity]
Los Angeles, Playa Vista, Hughes Aircraft Company.
Hawke happened to be passing by and came to the set of Nightcrawler. 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 Nightcrawler 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, Dark Journey, 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.
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!"
*****
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