The Wolf of Los Angeles

[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.

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' Red Table Talk, 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 Red Table Talk. 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 Red Table Talk."

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.

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 The Sun, 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.

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 Nightcrawler 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 Red Table Talk 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.

*****

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