201-205

*Chapter 201: Pressing Forward Without Hesitation*

Santa Monica, 20th Street.

In the toolshed of a villa, Hawk and Erica were sorting through firearms.

Earlier, Brian had sent over dozens of guns.

Hawk’s phone suddenly vibrated. He picked it up and answered.

“Boss, they’ve made their move,” Campos reported quickly, recounting the recent events. “I startled them, and Harley should be unhurt.”

Hawk replied, “Got it. Stay safe and don’t leak any information.”

Campos added, “Garcia and Carlos are still tailing Harley. My car showed up near her as a precaution. I’ll take it to Old Black’s scrapyard and have it turned into a pile of junk.”

“Sounds good,” Hawk said, switching the phone to his other hand. “Where is Harley heading?”

“Looks like Century City,” Campos replied.

Hawk understood immediately. “She’s heading back to the Fox Television Center. Smart girl.”

When Hawk ended the call, Erica set down the handgun she had just assembled. “Those bastards wouldn’t dare cause trouble at the Fox Television Center, even if they’ve lost their minds.”

Erica was already aware of the situation. Hawk gave her a quick summary.

After some thought, Erica said, “This is a good opportunity. If Fox exposes this, it’ll put enormous pressure on the other side. If Owen’s involved, he might not hold up.”

Hawk nodded. “Brian and Jennifer could use the credit for this, right?”

Erica agreed. “Jennifer came to Los Angeles with a mission and has just taken office. She needs a win. Brian, now in the middle of this political game, needs achievements and credentials.”

Hawk, not one to take the forefront, said, “Let Brian handle it.”

“If Brian wants more resources and support, he’ll naturally have to bear the risks,” Erica said decisively. She picked up her phone and called Brian.

In this game, the one who earns the credit takes on the greatest risk.

Hawk stayed in the background, calmly observing what was about to unfold. His deeply buried goal had never wavered.

After finishing the call, Erica didn’t want Hawk taking unnecessary risks. “Let’s focus on sorting these guns.”

“Alright,” Hawk replied, sitting back at the workbench.

---

*Downtown Los Angeles, FBI Los Angeles Division*

An armored SUV sped down the street and pulled over.

In the back seat, Brian made another call.

Less than half a minute later, Jennifer, sporting her sharp short haircut, hurried over and got into the car.

“I’m back,” she said with a smile, looking at Brian.

Brian, however, was all business. “Let’s stay focused.”

Jennifer dropped her playful tone. “What’s this important intel you mentioned?”

“My team discovered something…” Brian selectively shared what he could.

Jennifer nodded repeatedly. “Good! Very good! Owen’s been stonewalling us, and due to his status, we couldn’t use certain measures. Now we have a breakthrough to crack his psychological defenses.”

She didn’t waste any time. “I’m heading back. We’ll talk later.”

Brian waved her off. “Go.”

Jennifer returned to the division office, gathered two subordinates, and went to the detention room to interrogate Owen Nestor again.

Previously, videos found on Owen’s computer—showing abuse of women and minors—were enough to justify the FBI holding him, even though they were just downloaded files.

Jennifer also sent three trusted agents from Wyoming to LAPD to locate a girl named Lena.

This time, with Brian’s information, they finally made progress. Owen’s psychological defenses started to crumble.

---

*In a Cadillac, Century City*

Harley remained composed as she drove into Century City. Seeing the brightly lit Fox Tower from a distance gave her a sense of relief.

Earlier, when her car had been rear-ended, she had clearly seen two of the three men getting out of the Land Rover Defender carrying guns.

Had it not been for the fortunate timing of a passing police car, she might not have survived—or faced something worse than death.

The Cadillac turned into the underground parking lot of the Fox Tower, stopping near the elevator.

Carlos and Garcia’s car passed by on the road outside and disappeared into the night.

Turning off the engine, Harley noticed her hands were soaked with sweat, and her legs wobbled slightly as she stepped out of the car.

Facing such danger, nervousness was inevitable.

Yet, she didn’t hesitate. Slinging her briefcase over her shoulder and grabbing the storage disks from her recorder and dashcam, she stomped her feet to steady herself, regaining her composure.

Harley briskly walked into the elevator and rode it upstairs.

Arriving at Fox News, she found Gretchen.

Gretchen, noticing Harley’s sweat-drenched hair, asked, “What happened to you? Why so flustered?”

“News. The story I’m investigating—it’s hit a snag,” Harley said, her tension still palpable. “I got into a car crash. Those guys had guns, but luckily, a police car passed by…”

---

Although Gretchen had done some unsavory things in the past, she never intended for her subordinates to risk their lives. Concerned, she asked, "Are you hurt?"

Harley replied, "No, but I may have obtained some crucial evidence."

"Hold on a second," Gretchen said as she walked to her office door. She opened it slightly, glanced outside, and, seeing nothing unusual, closed and locked the door. She also lowered the blinds.

Harley handed her a storage drive. "You should listen to this first."

Gretchen connected the drive to her computer and opened the audio file.

Afterward, she reviewed the dashcam footage.

Harley fast-forwarded to the critical parts.

Once Gretchen had finished listening to the conversation in the car and watching the crash footage, Harley pulled several files, photos, and recordings from her briefcase, including clandestine interviews and surreptitious photographs.

Gretchen quickly skimmed through the materials, realizing one thing: these matters were beyond her ability to control or handle.

She grabbed a bottle of water and handed it to Harley. "Here, drink some and calm down. You're at Fox; no one can hurt you here."

Harley accepted the bottle, twisted it open, and took a sip. The sweetened water gave her a sense of reassurance.

After a moment of deliberation, Gretchen decided to escalate the issue to her superiors.

Ever since Roger Ailes had paved the way for her, Gretchen had built strong connections both up and down the chain of command.

She called the chairman's assistant.

At that time, Roger Ailes was not at the Fox building.

In Beverly Hills, on the northern stretch of Sunset Boulevard, a high-end gathering was taking place inside a luxurious mansion.

Roger Ailes was hosting a special dinner to entertain McCarthy, Duarte, and other prominent members of the GOP who had come to Los Angeles.

The primary topic of their discussion was the situation in Sacramento.

At that moment, Roger’s assistant approached and whispered something in his ear. Roger replied, "Have them come to see me immediately."

Gretchen received the call and instructed Harley to bring all the materials with her as they went downstairs together.

Harley cautioned, "Those people are bold. They might come after us."

Gretchen nodded. "The chairman’s office has already notified the security team."

As the two descended, the television station was bustling with activity. They passed by many people along the way.

Outside the building, three security vehicles were waiting. After they got into one, the convoy headed straight for the northern section of Sunset Boulevard.

In less than fifteen minutes, Harley found herself in the study of a lavish mansion, face-to-face with the head of Fox News.

Gretchen gave Harley a look, prompting her to hand over all the materials to Roger’s assistant.

Roger put on his glasses and reviewed the documents, photos, and secret interviews one by one. He listened to key audio excerpts and watched the crash and nightclub footage before closing his eyes briefly, deep in thought.

Harley wanted to speak but was stopped by a glance from Gretchen.

At this point, only Roger Ailes could make the decision.

Roger recalled his earlier meeting where McCarthy had mentioned that the GOP had found a foothold in Los Angeles, identifying a breakthrough with former Covina Mayor Owen Nestor.

To solidify their advantage, they had even enlisted a high-ranking FBI deputy director with deep conservative ties from Washington.

Owen Nestor, Hollywood’s deep-blue Jewish elites, acting schools luring young women, and nightclubs providing certain illicit services—these weren’t isolated events.

With Roger’s experience, it was clear that a thread connected them all.

The power struggle at the top of California’s political scene seemed ready to reach its climax.

Fox’s stance was clear, and Roger had the boldness to act. "It’s been a while since Fox had an explosive story," he said.

Gretchen understood immediately. "Yes."

Roger glanced at the time. "The midnight news. We still have time."

He turned to Harley. "This is your investigation. You’ll be the one reporting it."

Gretchen opened her mouth to say something but stopped herself.

Appearing on live television was dangerous, and Harley immediately thought of the guns in her adversaries’ hands. However, she hesitated for less than a second before remembering the young women who had vanished without a trace, as though they had never existed.

With unwavering resolve, she said, "Alright, I’ll do it. I’ll report it!"

Roger nodded in satisfaction. "Go."

Harley gathered the materials and left the study without looking back.

Gretchen followed close behind.

Roger, meanwhile, picked up a secure phone and dialed an old friend. "Arnold, I’ve found the breakthrough you needed. Make sure to watch tonight’s midnight news."

On the other end, Arnold Schwarzenegger replied, "My partner is truly extraordinary."

He promised, "If I come out on top, Fox News will receive a series of tax breaks and special development funding from the state."

Gretchen and Harley got into the security car and rushed back to the Fox News Center.

At the studio, the team, already informed by the chairman's assistant, worked tirelessly to prepare for the midnight broadcast.

Harley put everything else aside and pressed forward with determination.

---

Meanwhile, in a villa on 20th Street in Santa Monica, Erica had just finished helping Hawk clean his gun in her unique way.

Stimulated by his girlfriend’s attention, Hawk was energized and mentally sharp.

Suddenly, he said, "There’s something I forgot to warn Brian about."

Erica, lying lazily on his lap, didn’t feel like thinking. "What’s that?"

Hawk replied, "Those people might commit suicide to avoid accountability."

Erica gazed up at him. "It’s inevitable. Once Fox News exposes this, they’ll have no choice but to act."

Hawk sighed. "What if the blues decide to compromise voluntarily?"

Erica, while generally uninvolved, wasn’t ignorant. "You already know the answer."

Hawk nodded. "Politics is the art of compromise. The red-versus-blue conflict has been America’s theme for over two centuries and will remain so for a long time. Despite increasing polarization, neither side can completely destroy the other."

Erica, unaware of Hawk’s ultimate goal, replied, "We’re still young and have plenty of time. For now, just make sure we secure the benefits we deserve. No need to rush."

Hawk understood well that some things couldn’t be hurried.

(End of chapter)

*Chapter 202: Death by Suicide*

Late at night, during Fox News' Midnight News segment, a new host appeared in the headline coverage.

Standing in the studio, Harley suddenly became extraordinarily calm the moment the live broadcast began.

The photos, videos, and written materials she had painstakingly gathered over several months were meticulously edited and featured in the news footage.

Through voiceover narration, Harley explained the connections between the evidence.

The identities of each missing girl, the timing of their arrival in Los Angeles, their accommodations, movements, and circumstances of their disappearance—along with their involvement in acting classes—were all clearly detailed. Corroborating evidence was also provided.

All these clues pointed directly to the Superstar Training School and the producers of Ackerman Studios, Bro Derek and his successor, Guerrero.

The broadcast continued, showing complete footage of Harley driving while tailing Lena, along with relevant audio recordings.

This included the part where a black Mercedes abandoned Lena, who was later rescued by the LAPD.

However, the news coverage failed to generate significant public attention.

Compared to the infidelity scandal and the "Red Table Talk" involving Will Smith and his wife, it paled in comparison.

Social issues often lose out to celebrity gossip.

Of course, the intended audience for this news wasn’t the general public.

Roger Ailes, though he had never met Hawk nor knew of his involvement in this matter, had still chosen the path Hawk had anticipated.

This path aligned perfectly with Fox’s position and interests.

For many, it was a sleepless night.

---

*Santa Monica: Ackerman Charity Foundation Headquarters*

In the chairman’s office, Berak Bernan sat grimly while Carol, who had just rushed over, sank into a single-seater sofa. Watching the Midnight News on TV, Carol’s expression was unusually dark. As the footage switched back to the studio and Harley appeared, he muttered, “When I glanced at the Cadillac earlier, I thought the woman inside might be her.”

“Forget about her for now,” Berak replied. He had personally reported the situation to Melissa Ackerman earlier and been scolded harshly.

The issue was severe, impacting not just Ackerman Studios but also the influential figures connected to the Ackerman family.

Ackerman Studios, through the Superstar Training School and various overseas channels, had procured numerous young girls—not for their own use, but to satisfy the twisted desires of many powerful elites.

Although Berak couldn’t confirm it, the hospitality shown to the Linton couple during their visit to Los Angeles suggested that the city’s deep-blue political circles had more than one such indulgent network.

The business couldn’t simply stop; halting operations would result in even greater losses.

Berak asked, “Is everything cleaned up at the Beach Club?”

Carol, who had come straight from Venice, responded, “Everything has been relocated. After tonight, the club will no longer exist.”

Berak nodded. “The two key figures are Guerrero and Bro Derek. They know too much.”

Guerrero was less of a concern, but Bro Derek was close to Carol. It was Carol who had once warned the hospitalized, toothless Bro to keep quiet.

Carol hesitated slightly. “Bro has never spoken a word.”

Berak, also a friend of Bro, replied firmly, “Make sure he never does.”

Carol clenched the armrest of the sofa, sighed, and said, “Understood.”

Berak added, “Take care of anyone or anything that poses a risk.”

“I’m on it.” Carol stood and left the office without further words.

---

Suddenly, the office phone rang.

Berak answered, “Boss…”

On the other end was Buddy Ackerman, the head of Ackerman Group. “Melissa’s gone to Sacramento. Handle everything on your end.”

Melissa was the CEO of Ackerman Studios and Buddy’s daughter.

Berak replied, “I didn’t do my job well enough.”

“These things can never be foolproof,” Buddy said, sounding surprisingly forgiving. “Over time, leaks are inevitable. They’ll need our funding in the future, so don’t be too discouraged.”

Berak understood the implication—not only was funding essential, but this unique platform was critical to pulling more people into their circle.

---

*Venice: Beach Club*

The heavy iron doors stood wide open. All the lights were out, and the smell of gasoline lingered in the air.

Suddenly, flames erupted. With a loud whoosh, the club was engulfed in fire.

Raging flames lit up half the sky, quickly consuming every structure of the club.

Passersby soon called 911.

The nearest fire station received the alert but experienced equipment malfunctions, delaying their response. When they finally set out, their progress was agonizingly slow.

Half the Venice Beach sky was illuminated by the blaze.

---

In the southwest of Santa Monica, near Venice.

Hawk received the news, climbed up to the rooftop terrace, picked up his binoculars, and looked toward the southwest. The night sky had turned red.

This night would not be peaceful.

Including Hawk, too many people couldn’t sleep soundly.

Downtown Los Angeles, FBI field office.

In the holding room, Jennifer Hewitt crossed her arms, watching the raging fire on the TV screen. She turned to Owen, who was seated in a restraint chair, and asked, “You went there, didn’t you? You saw the earlier news, and now you’re seeing the live footage. Any thoughts?”

Owen’s face was ashen, but he remained silent.

Jennifer chuckled lightly and said, “It’s okay. Tomorrow morning, we’ll let you go. You’ll be free.”

Owen, once the mayor of Covina, understood immediately. He quickly said, “I covered up for my son, Pratt, bullying someone. I even allowed someone to threaten the victim’s family with a gun and interfered with judicial proceedings. You can’t release me!”

Jennifer acted as though she hadn’t heard a word. “I’ll release a statement to the media saying that part of the information Fox News got came from you!”

She turned around and stared coldly at Owen. “When work starts tomorrow, I’ll have someone notify your lawyer to arrange for your bail.”

Owen closed his eyes, unwilling to bet on anyone’s conscience.

Politicians only cared about their interests—what conscience could they possibly have?

He said, “Fine, I’ll answer your questions, but you must guarantee my safety!”

Jennifer turned to her subordinates. “Let’s get started.”

Before long, Owen mentioned the name of Foster, the governor’s assistant.

Jennifer, knowing time was precious, quickly transcribed his statement and left in a hurry.

Sacramento, the capital of California.

On 10th Street, inside the campaign office adorned with Schwarzenegger’s portrait.

A fax, sent through a secure encrypted line, arrived there.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, lightly dozing in the lounge, was immediately awakened by his assistant.

After reading the fax, he said, “Wake everyone up. We’re having a meeting right now.”

Seven members of Schwarzenegger’s campaign team quickly gathered in the conference room.

These people weren’t just responsible for the campaign; some represented various factions of the Republican Party.

Copies of the fax were distributed, and everyone read it carefully.

Aware of his lack of political experience, Schwarzenegger asked directly, “What should we do next?”

Daniel Ketchell, the campaign manager with extensive political experience, replied, “This incident almost guarantees our victory in the recall election. But how we handle it to maximize the benefits is the real question.”

Steven Zhang, the Asian-American PR manager, said, “From the situation described here, if I’m not mistaken, the Democrats have already started to act.”

He looked at Daniel. “There’s a saying in my culture: ‘A fight to the death.’”

Hearing Steven’s explanation, the previously restless atmosphere in the room immediately calmed down.

The Democrats had plenty of skeletons in their closets, but were the Republicans any better?

If they pushed their opponents into a corner, forcing them to fight back with everything they had, what secrets might they themselves have exposed?

Schwarzenegger, aware of his own vulnerabilities—and with a wife from the Kennedy family—knew how troublesome it would be if problems arose at home.

He turned to Daniel. “Let’s not be too aggressive in our approach.”

Daniel thought for a moment and said, “How about this: we send someone to reach out to Gray Davis’s people.”

Schwarzenegger agreed. “That works.”

Such tasks naturally fell to Daniel Ketchell.

Meanwhile, in San Jose prison.

Two guards were conducting their routine nighttime patrol and soon reached the isolated detention area.

This section mostly held high-security inmates, with a few exceptions.

For instance, Bro Derek in Cell 11 had been placed there after being severely tormented. Someone on the outside had paid for him to be moved to solitary confinement for his protection.

The other inmates had been particularly cruel to Bro Derek. Taking advantage of his lack of teeth, they force-fed him milk daily.

They also used a concoction of green-bottled soda and high-concentration pepper spray.

Even more disturbing, Bro Derek seemed to be adapting to it, almost enjoying the abuse.

The guards signed the patrol log and continued down the hall, checking each cell.

When they reached Cell 11, they noticed something was wrong.

A pair of pants had been twisted into a makeshift rope, one end tied to the top bunk of the bed, and the other wrapped around Bro Derek’s neck, hanging him.

The guards immediately grabbed their radios to report the incident.

The area soon descended into chaos as more guards and a doctor rushed over.

But Bro Derek was already dead.

The deputy warden on duty began the routine internal investigation and found that the surveillance system had malfunctioned during the incident. The footage showed nothing unusual, and all staff on duty reported everything as normal.

Such matters were usually handled in the least problematic way possible—a tacit understanding among the staff.

Before long, a preliminary consensus was reached: Bro Derek had committed suicide.

Some formalities remained, but the conclusion of suicide would not change.

This approach saved everyone time and effort.

Almost simultaneously, a driver under the influence of alcohol drove off the steepest section of the Pacific Coast Highway, plunging down a cliff to his death.

Meanwhile, a single woman named Merrill, high on drugs, drowned in her bathtub during a soak.

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 203: Resignation, Arnold Takes Over*

In the early morning hours, at a coastal apartment building in Santa Monica, Guerrero appeared tense. He turned to his secretly dating girlfriend, Erin, and said, “You need to leave right now. Don’t stay here.”

Erin, a red-haired college student, was still half-asleep and clearly annoyed at being woken up in the middle of the night. “What’s wrong with you? Are you out of your mind?”

Guerrero picked up a packed backpack and handed it to Erin. “Listen carefully to what I’m about to say, and make sure you remember it.”

Seeing his serious demeanor, Erin quickly grabbed a wet wipe from the table and cleaned her face to wake herself up.

Guerrero continued, “Do you remember that house in the canyon? Whatever happens, don’t tell anyone. There’s a basement in that house where I’ve stored some things. They’re in the tool cabinet on the southwest side.”

Since losing contact with Meryl over the phone, he had been filled with an ominous feeling. “There’s also some cash in the house, along with luxury watches and jewelry. It’s enough to support you until you finish college and find a good job.”

Erin was stunned. “What’s going on?”

“You don’t need to know. It’s better for you that way,” Guerrero replied, his voice firm. “If—only if—something happens to me, or if they claim I committed suicide, take what’s in the tool cabinet and send it to a media outlet. Not traditional media—they won’t do anything. Find an online outlet that’s not afraid to publish exposés. Mail it from a remote location.”

Realizing something was seriously wrong, Erin said, “Let’s go together!”

Guerrero shook his head. “I’m a local here in Los Angeles. My parents and siblings all live here. I can’t put them at risk.”

“Go!” he urged her. “Leave now!”

Erin reluctantly slung the bag over her shoulder and left the apartment building.

About ten minutes later, there was a knock at Guerrero’s door.

When he opened it, he found his colleague and friend, Carol, standing there with a few others behind her.

Guerrero instantly understood the situation. “Does it really have to come to this?”

Carol spoke bluntly. “The money you’ve made over the years will be transferred to your parents’ account. They’ll also receive additional compensation, and so will each of your siblings.”

It was both an assurance and a threat.

Guerrero had already braced himself for this moment. “What do I need to do?”

“Write a note,” Carol said solemnly. “Take responsibility for everything.”

At dawn, as the first light broke over the horizon, strange shouts were heard from the apartment building.

Then came a sharp sound, like something breaking.

An early-morning jogger yelled, “Someone jumped! Somebody just jumped!”

Another person immediately called 911.

The LAPD arrived quickly, securing the scene.

As more backup arrived, investigators examined the area and gathered details. A note was found in the deceased’s pocket.

Shortly after, FBI agents arrived and took over the case.

Lena had already regained consciousness the previous night. Once she understood the situation, she formally filed a report with the FBI.

However, Jennifer waited until daybreak for her supervisor’s approval before coming to apprehend Guerrero.

With the outcome already determined, a silent understanding emerged between the donkeys and the elephants.

In Sacramento, across from Arnold Schwarzenegger’s campaign office and near the California State Capitol, a meeting took place at a nearby clubhouse.

Daniel Ketchell, Schwarzenegger’s campaign manager, handed a revised copy of a document to Governor Gray Davis’s aide, Foster.

“Take a look,” Daniel said.

Foster accepted the document without flinching. Los Angeles had reported the situation the previous night. While it was extremely troublesome, someone else had already taken the fall for the crimes.

Foster tossed the document onto the table and dismissed it. “Baseless rumors and slander.”

Daniel didn’t argue. “Resign voluntarily. Retain a shred of dignity.”

Foster knew the resignation didn’t refer to his position as the governor’s aide.

Daniel added, “What we’re fighting for is the office, not the person in it. Once the position is gone, the rest doesn’t matter.”

At this point, the scandal directly implicated Governor Gray Davis. Foster had little left to say.

After a moment of silence, he stood and said, “Wait for my response.”

“Don’t keep us waiting too long,” Daniel replied.

In mid-June 2003, as the California gubernatorial recall election began, incumbent Governor Gray Davis announced his resignation. The donkeys representing the blue side conceded.

Hollywood superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger, backed by the elephants, won uncontested, becoming the 38th Governor of California.

Both sides quietly reached several agreements behind the scenes.

That day, Schwarzenegger gave a victory speech on Fox News, during which he praised his predecessor, Gray Davis, for his contributions to California’s development.

Since last year, the fierce red-versus-blue conflict had led to endless political strife, but Schwarzenegger’s victory ushered in a brief period of calm.

However, his win didn’t mean the elephants had gained absolute dominance, as the state legislature remained under the control of the donkeys.

---

The FBI Los Angeles Division held a press conference to announce the details of the missing girl case exposed by Fox News.

Jennifer Huey provided the case update.

Over the past two years, a total of seven girls have gone missing from the Superstars Training Academy. The perpetrators were identified as the school’s former director, Bro Derek, and his assistant, Guerrero Ent.

These two lured carefully selected students with promises of movie roles, deceived them into going to secluded locations, then subjected them to abuse and ultimately murdered them. The bodies were disposed of at sea.

Before the case was uncovered, Bro Derek had already committed suicide in prison due to depression.

Guerrero Ent, overwhelmed by guilt, took his own life and left a handwritten confession detailing the crimes.

Additionally, the Superstars Training Academy’s major shareholder, Ackerman Studios, was found to have significant managerial responsibility that could not be ignored.

An executive vice president of Ackerman Studios voluntarily turned themselves in to take accountability. However, the eventual punishment was expected to be no more than probation.

This was because Ackerman Studios acted quickly, locating the families of the seven missing individuals and paying substantial compensation. This helped them secure settlement agreements.

Lena, the girl saved by Harley, left Los Angeles happily after receiving her compensation.

As for the case’s disclosure, it didn’t matter whether the public believed it. What mattered was that the authorities had provided an answer. Whether to believe it or not was up to them.

The red and blue political camps reached an understanding, and the mainstream media largely remained silent.

It’s akin to how squid run wild worldwide while Western mainstream media selectively ignore such issues.

Meanwhile, after undergoing routine questioning by the FBI, Melissa Ackerman announced her resignation as CEO of Ackerman Studios.

The story didn’t end there. Ackerman Studios sold off several film copyrights, raising tens of millions of dollars for compensation, but soon found itself insolvent and declared bankruptcy.

The Ackerman family launched a crisis management campaign, claiming that the family would henceforth focus its efforts on philanthropy to contribute more to American society.

---

*Santa Monica, Ackerman Foundation.*

Melissa paced back and forth in her office before asking Barack Bernan, “Did you investigate the matter I asked about?”

Barack replied, “Yes. The Fox News anchor that day was Harley Wayne, an investigative journalist. Her former boss is Gretchen, a famous Fox host. I pulled a lot of strings, quietly involving several Jewish insiders at Fox, to uncover some clues.”

Melissa sat on the sofa. “Speak.”

Barack continued, “A few months ago, Gretchen received a package. That same day, she approached Harley with an assignment, though the details are unknown. After that, Harley almost never appeared at the Fox headquarters. It’s likely that she started investigating the Superstars Training Academy from that point.”

Melissa asked the critical question: “Where was the package sent from?”

Barack responded, “We searched the records from FedEx and USPS for Gretchen’s deliveries in the past few months. We found one that matched the timeline, originating from Las Vegas. However, when we investigated, it turned out to be a very remote mailbox, leaving us with no leads.”

The lack of further information was unsurprising to Melissa. She thought for a moment and asked, “Who benefitted the most from this incident?”

Barack didn’t hesitate, immediately replying, “Arnold Schwarzenegger.”

Without this sudden event, the recall election’s outcome would have been uncertain. After all, California has always been deep blue.

Barack quickly added, “We can’t take action against a governor.”

“Wait until the situation calms down a bit,” Melissa said. “Then, teach Gretchen and Harley a lesson.”

Her heart was heavy.

The Ackerman family had suffered enormous losses: Ackerman Studios’ bankruptcy, the low-price transfer of their film rights, the cash compensations to victims, the burned-down beach club, the closure of the Superstars Training Academy, and the cost of appeasing various parties.

This single incident had cost the Ackerman family over $80 million.

Melissa, however, kept her composure. Considering Fox News, she gave a specific reminder: “Make it look like an accident. Understand? No physical harm, but make sure they never forget it.”

Barack took note.

---

*Also in Santa Monica, Twitter Headquarters on Ocean Park Boulevard.*

Hawk scanned the various announcements in the newspapers. With the new governor elected and events gradually settling, some cold cases now had official conclusions.

The red and blue camps had ultimately reached a compromise to save face publicly.

Hawk was unsurprised by this and felt no disappointment.

The Ackerman family had paid a steep commercial price for this incident.

One of the culprits, Bro Derek, was dead.

The opposition had been weakened, while Hawk’s strength continued to grow.

Eventually, the balance of power would shift completely.

Hawk had been quietly working hard for a year and a half and had no qualms about continuing to do so.

Moreover, the Ackerman family’s vulnerabilities had been exposed.

Recalling a certain island from a past life, Hawk was almost certain that incidents like those at the Superstars Training Academy would not stop. The Ackerman family would continue catering to some people’s twisted desires.

Schwarzenegger taking the governor’s seat was more advantageous than the previous situation.

Hawk thought back carefully and remembered that Schwarzenegger had served two terms before being forced out in 2010.

The phone rang. It was Brian calling.

Hawk answered.

Brian said, “Are you in the office? Great. I’ll be there in half an hour with some fantastic news.”

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 204: On Meritorious Deeds

Brian entered through the office door, his face glowing and full of energy, as if he were a completely different person.

He held a document in his hand and placed it on Hawk’s desk. “Take a look.”

Hawk glanced at it. The document was filled with densely packed text. “What is this?” he asked.

Brian replied succinctly, “A portion of the economic development plan drafted by the new governor’s office.”

Hawk understood immediately. “Rewarding contributions, huh?”

“You could put it that way,” Brian said, pulling out a chair and sitting across from Hawk. “The policies include subsidies, financial assistance, and tax incentives. A list of priority companies will benefit from these measures. At the top are Fox Network, Pacific Investment Group, and Long-Term Capital Management. The first backed Arnold during a crucial moment, and the latter two were his main sponsors.”

Pacific Investment Group was owned by the Ferguson family.

“What about Long-Term Capital Management?” Hawk asked. “I haven’t heard much about them.”

Brian explained, “The founder is Peter Thiel. He primarily invests in Silicon Valley. He co-founded PayPal with Elon Musk and others, which was sold to eBay last year for $1.5 billion.”

Hawk recognized the name but didn’t dwell on it. He was still burning through cash with his own ventures, so asking further wouldn’t be helpful. He returned to the main topic. “What about my company?”

Brian, understanding the question, smiled. “Twitter is listed among the second-tier priority companies.”

He elaborated, “Arnold will launch the governor’s economic development plan, allocating $750 million annually to support target companies. As a second-tier beneficiary, Twitter will enjoy research subsidies, employment subsidies, high-tech talent training grants, broadband server subsidies, and office space subsidies.”

Hawk wasn’t satisfied. “Anything else?”

“Of course,” Brian continued. “The California Department of Finance is leading a financing initiative. Twitter can apply for a $20 million interest-free loan.”

He looked at Hawk. “As for additional incentives like new job tax credits, California competitiveness tax credits, and sales and use tax exemptions, once the plan is finalized, have your financial and accounting teams review the details thoroughly.”

Hawk nodded. Tax breaks increased revenue, subsidies were essentially free money, and who wouldn’t want an interest-free loan? No wonder people loved mixing politics and business—winning in the political arena brought immense benefits.

Hawk reviewed the document Brian had brought. Excluding the interest-free loan and tax incentives, the subsidies alone could amount to over $10 million annually if Twitter continued to grow normally.

Self-interest dictated loyalty, and loyalty shaped one’s position. Hawk could now confidently say that Schwarzenegger was a good governor.

“What’s the timeline for implementation?” Hawk asked directly.

“Arnold has already taken office and is pushing hard. I estimate the state legislature will pass it in July. It was part of Gray Davis’s resignation agreement,” Brian said.

He suddenly grinned. “Speaking of Gray Davis, he’s stepping away from politics under pressure. Care to guess which industry he’s planning to enter?”

“Writing books? Giving speeches?” Hawk guessed the typical post-politics money-making paths. Then he frowned. “Don’t tell me he’s heading to Hollywood?”

Brian’s grin widened. “You guessed it. I’ve got reliable information that Gray Davis plans to temporarily shift to Hollywood.”

Hawk was somewhat surprised. “A Hollywood star takes the governor’s seat, and the former governor drops the political baggage and dives into Hollywood.”

Brian added, “And he’s wasting no time. Word is, Gray Davis has already reached out to Sony Columbia Pictures and plans to test the waters with a role in the series Yes, Dear.”

Hawk considered another possibility. “Looks like the Democrats have given up on him.”

Brian nodded. “Exactly. They’re unlikely to invest any more resources in him.”

At that moment, someone knocked on the office door. Edward entered, greeted Brian, and said, “Boss, one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s assistants is here.”

Hawk went to the reception room and met Daniel Ketchell, a middle-aged man.

Daniel had come on behalf of Schwarzenegger to deliver an invitation, inviting Hawk to a party this weekend.

After seeing him off, Hawk returned to the office. Brian glanced at the invitation and remarked, “I got one too.”

“A victory party?” Hawk asked.

“More like a thank-you party,” Brian replied.

The two chatted for a while, discussing updates on a recent missing persons case.

The case had already concluded. The LAPD had handed it over to the FBI, which had reached a definitive conclusion.

As for the missing girls, they might well be forgotten by the world entirely.

---

In the San Fernando Valley, in a neighborhood of single-family homes, Erin drove to one of the houses. She pressed the remote to open the garage and pulled her car inside.

Closing the garage door, she grabbed her bag and entered the house. She opened the door to the basement, waited for a moment, then turned on the light and descended.

In the basement, Erin quickly located the tool cabinet her boyfriend Guerrero had mentioned.

The cabinet was large and had a hidden compartment. Following her boyfriend’s instructions, she opened it, revealing a stash of cash, most of it in old $20 bills.

Next to the cash were several boxes. Erin took them out and opened them one by one.

Some boxes contained gold jewelry, others held gold watches—items that were easy to liquidate.

Finally, she turned her attention to a plastic-sealed box. Upon opening it, she found photographs, storage drives, and written documents.

---

Erin flipped through the photos, and the contents were deeply unsettling.

The photos showed women and children enduring inhumane torture.

Among the men inflicting the torment, a few looked vaguely familiar.

Erin packed everything up. Her first thought was to call the police, but as soon as the idea emerged, she dismissed it.

Her boyfriend, Guerrero, had jumped to his death!

Everything had unfolded just as he had said it would before they separated.

Both the FBI and LAPD ruled it as suicide.

But Erin knew something was suspicious—neither could be trusted.

At this thought, her eyes reddened. She was still in school and still believed in love.

Guerrero couldn’t just die like this.

Erin looked at the documents in her hand, wiping away the tears streaming down her face.

Before leaving that day, Guerrero had told her to send the materials to an online media outlet.

Clearly, her boyfriend had prepared for this.

Erin thought carefully about online media platforms and suddenly remembered Twitter. It seemed particularly bold. Not long ago, it had exposed an indecent video of Paris Hilton, the socialite heiress.

Before that, there was the Will Smith family scandal.

Erin made up her mind to try sending the materials to Twitter.

Though still a student and aware of potential dangers, her eyes were clear, and her thoughts were too simple.

She didn’t even make a copy of the materials.

Erin searched online for Twitter’s news submission email address, bought an envelope, packed the documents, and sealed them.

After securing her valuables, she left her house with the materials, drove to Santa Clarita in the north, and found a suitable mailbox to send the package.

---

Century City, Fox Television Center.

Harley Wayne sat at her cubicle, staring at the blank sheet of paper in front of her.

Several names were written on it, with two circled prominently: Broderick and Guerrero Ent.

Both had died by suicide.

There were no coincidences like this in the world. The case of the missing girls from the superstar training school had been exposed, and two successive leaders had committed suicide, leaving all the blame on two dead men.

The FBI released this absurd investigation result, and not a single mainstream media outlet questioned it. Instead, they remained silent.

Were those missing girls still alive? Where were they? Or where were their bodies?

No one seemed to care.

Even Fox News, which had broken the story, no longer covered it.

Harley hadn’t given up, but she knew Fox wouldn’t back her.

From the fates of those two who were “suicided,” she fully understood the dangers.

Life teaches through experience, and growth through suffering.

Harley had become more cautious than before.

If she wanted to uncover the truth and make the world remember those missing girls, she first had to ensure her own safety.

This filthy world was a monster that devoured people without leaving a trace.

Harley didn’t approach Gretchen or Roger Ailes.

As an investigative journalist, she now only trusted herself.

---

Beverly Hills, Hyatt Hotel.

Emma Bettson and her Bay Area Consulting team had been staying there for several days.

During this time, they had conducted extensive market research on Twitter.

Although there were other similar social networks in North America, none had the user numbers or engagement level of Twitter.

For someone like Emma, primarily operating in Silicon Valley, it wasn’t hard to see that this company had immense market potential.

Additionally, Twitter’s shareholder structure was presented to the team.

Setting aside negligible Black shareholders, the main stakeholders were three: West Coast Media Entertainment Studios, an investment firm from the Cayman Islands, and Pacific Investment Group.

In the conference room, assistant Isabella explained, “Various signs suggest that the first two holdings are likely controlled by Hawk Osmond. According to our research, during Twitter’s early days, Hawk Osmond signed a profit-sharing agreement with Pacific Investment Group. Hawk ultimately won that agreement, holding over 67% of the shares, giving him absolute control.”

Emma asked, “Does he show any signs of engaging with other investment institutions?”

“No,” another assistant replied. “According to information from Sacramento, Twitter has been included in the new state government’s development plan. It’s set to receive significant subsidies and substantial interest-free loans.”

Emma considered this. “I’ll find an opportunity to meet with Hawk privately and assess the situation.”

Isabella added, “He’s attending a gathering this weekend.”

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 205: BlackRock*

Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades.

The sprawling mansion on the hillside was brightly lit tonight. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver were hosting a grand thank-you party at their home.

Hawk and Brian arrived together.

Schwarzenegger personally stopped the two for a brief private conversation and specifically instructed Daniel Ketcher to ensure they were well taken care of.

As the new assistant to the governor, Daniel chatted privately with Hawk for a moment. Once the new state government was fully assembled, he said, they planned to launch an official Twitter account, positioning it as the preferred network media partner for the state.

This wasn’t empty talk. He reminded Hawk to send someone over to the governor’s office next week to coordinate.

As Hawk and Brian headed into the banquet hall, the new media and public relations director for the governor’s office, Steven Zhang, asked in confusion, “He’s young—barely 25, right?”

Daniel, however, looked serious. “He’s the founder of Twitter.”

Many in California's Republican Party knew that Brian Ferguson had been instrumental in the successful recall campaign, breaking through critical barriers twice.

But only a select few were aware of an even more significant figure behind the scenes: Hawk Osman.

Without Hawk Osman, there would have been no Brian Ferguson.

Inside the banquet hall, Hawk found himself in a circle filled with older men, where he met Roger Ailes, chairman of Fox News.

Brian, spotting this, remarked, “That’s not a group we can mingle with. Let’s stick with the younger crowd.”

He walked toward a man in his thirties. “Let me introduce you to someone—he’s also from Stanford, like me.”

The man wore a casual suit without a tie and had simple brown short hair. When he saw Brian, he gave him a friendly hug.

Brian introduced them. “Hawk, this is Peter Thiel, founder and CEO of Long-Term Capital Management and my law school alumnus from Stanford. Peter, this is Hawk, founder of West Coast Media Entertainment Studio and Twitter Entertainment.”

Hawk recalled Brian mentioning Long-Term Capital Management a few days ago. Like the Ferguson family’s Pacific Investment Group, it was among the top priorities in the new governor’s development plan.

Peter stepped forward, shook Hawk’s hand, and said with a smile, “I visited Pacific Investment recently, and Mary introduced me to you with high regard. I’m now an avid Twitter user myself.”

Hawk responded politely, “The pleasure is mine.”

Peter asked directly, “Have you considered moving Twitter to Silicon Valley? The environment here is better for internet companies.”

Hawk replied without hesitation, “Los Angeles has offered us great terms, and Silicon Beach has excellent potential for growth.”

“When are you planning to raise funds?” Peter took out a business card and added, “Be sure to let me know.”

Hawk exchanged cards with him. “I will.”

As Peter Thiel left, more people approached Hawk with the same purpose: expressing interest in Twitter and a desire to invest.

With Twitter’s growing presence, it was attracting those eager to claim a piece of the pie.

Hawk, now more established, had built some connections and influence, which made such investment discussions possible.

Wearing a pale yellow evening gown, Emma Bettson had been observing from a distance.

She had used her Silicon Valley contacts to secure an invitation and arrived early to the banquet hall.

Recognizing several familiar faces from the investment world and witnessing Hawk’s popularity, Emma realized her mission tonight would be challenging.

When she saw Hawk alone, she approached confidently and introduced herself. “I’m Emma Bettson.”

Hawk lightly shook her extended hand. “Hawk Osman.”

Emma smiled. “I know who you are—the founder of Twitter and West Coast Studio.”

Hawk studied her briefly. She appeared to be in her mid-to-late twenties, with exquisite makeup and an alluring figure.

Given the people who had approached him earlier, he asked directly, “Which investment firm are you with?”

“I’m not with an investment firm.” Emma radiated charm as she added, “I specialize in strategic business planning for individuals and companies.”

Intrigued, Hawk replied with a smile, “I didn’t expect us to be in the same line of work.”

Emma responded, “People who plan strategies often struggle to plan for themselves.”

Her bright eyes locked onto Hawk’s. “I’m from Bay Area Information Consulting in San Francisco. Would you be interested in collaborating?”

Hawk asked, “Collaborate? Are you offering to help plan strategy for me or my company?”

“Bay Area is Silicon Valley’s top consulting firm.” Emma exuded confidence. “I’ve handled cases with a total added value exceeding $5 billion. Many founders have become multimillionaires or billionaires because of my work.”

Hawk wasn’t familiar with the firm and wasn’t sure if she was exaggerating. He casually complimented her, “That’s impressive.”

Emma, proactive like Hawk, scanned the room and said, “Here, at least a dozen people have net worths over a billion dollars, with some in the tens of billions. While it looks like Schwarzenegger is the winner of California’s political battle, the real winners are these people.”

She tucked a loose curl of her red hair behind her ear, revealing her elegant profile. “They’re the ones truly sitting at the table. Don’t you want to be one of them? A net worth of billions means moving from being a pawn to becoming a player, influencing California and even the entire United States.”

Emma took a slight step forward, staying within the bounds of social etiquette but showcasing her allure. “With that kind of wealth, women like me—or even Hollywood actresses—would flock to you.”

“It sounds tempting,” Hawk replied, catching a whiff of Chanel No. 5. “But a company’s development has to be step by step. Without a solid foundation, it’s just a sandcastle.”

Since Emma wouldn’t understand his metaphor about "eggs in a basket," he didn’t elaborate.

Emma suggested, “This place is chaotic. Why don’t we find somewhere quieter to talk?”

Hawk wasn’t foolish enough to reject the proposal outright and said, “What’s the investment target? The plan? What about platform and other resource support? I don’t see any of that, so I can’t give you an answer.”

Since he didn’t refuse outright, there was room to negotiate. Emma replied, “All of that will follow. This is just an initial contact.”

Hawk responded, “Twitter isn’t lacking investors. You need to show me your sincerity.”

The two talked for a while longer. Emma exchanged business cards with him and left.

Hawk then found Brian, who was busy entertaining Katherine, Schwarzenegger’s daughter.

She was laughing heartily the entire time.

Seeing Hawk approach, Brian wrapped up and said, “That woman just now was very attractive.”

Hawk replied, “She’s a black widow.”

Brian asked, “What happened?”

Hawk said, “It’s about time we leave.” Noticing many guests were also departing, he added, “I have something to discuss with Mary.”

The two bid farewell to the host and headed to the estate’s parking lot.

Edward flashed the car’s lights to indicate its location.

Soon, a black bulletproof Mercedes left Palisades.

Half an hour later, in a quiet bar in Santa Monica, Hawk met Mary Ferguson and her daughter, Erica Ferguson.

Mary, who controlled Pacific Investment Group, was Twitter’s second-largest shareholder.

Erica nodded briefly at Hawk without saying much. She went straight to the bar, ordered drinks suitable for both Hawk and her mother, paid the owner to leave, and hung a "Closed" sign on the door.

Hawk got straight to the point, “BlackRock hired a consulting firm to approach me. They’re interested in investing in Twitter.”

Mary responded, “That company isn’t particularly large, but it has grown rapidly in recent years.”

She paused briefly before asking, “What’s your take?”

Hawk replied, “Investments aren’t just about money and platforms; it’s also about positioning. Twitter does need financing, but not from BlackRock.”

Mary nodded slightly. “I’ve heard that BlackRock and Vanguard have a strategy in collaboration with certain groups to amplify marginalized voices and push them into the mainstream.”

Hawk immediately understood. “Granting them privileges not only diverts attention but also secures their votes. Once these marginalized groups seize opportunities, their disruptive potential far surpasses that of ordinary people.”

Not to mention, if BlackRock were to invest, it could lead to an influx of LGBTQ personnel. Who could tolerate that? The company would be doomed.

Hawk stated, “We’ll conduct the first round of financing in the second half of the year.”

Mary agreed. “The timing is about right. Twitter needs more allies and platforms.”

“I won’t reject BlackRock for now. I’ll drag things out,” Hawk added. “I’m worried they might launch a high-level business assault, possibly with physical tactics.”

Mary, being in the capital investment business herself, was well aware of the aggressive methods in corporate battles. If the stakes were high enough, nothing was off the table.

She offered a reminder, “Before financing, focus on increasing the number of active users.”

Hawk nodded. “I will.”

Mary stood to leave and called to Erica, “Heading home?”

Erica replied casually, “You go ahead. I’m not going back.”

Mary didn’t push further and left the bar.

Erica brought over a bottle of wine. “Let’s have a drink.”

Hawk took out a fresh glass and placed it in front of her. “Just a little. We need to maintain our physical responsiveness.”

Erica nodded. “The early stages of a startup are always tough.”

The two returned to Hawk’s villa together.

Erica unlocked her wardrobe, pulled out a set of yoga clothes, and pushed Hawk outside to change.

That night, Hawk fully appreciated Erica’s flexibility.

The next morning, after dropping Erica off at the detective bureau, Hawk headed to the company.

He saw Edward and said, “Set up a meeting with Campos for 10 o’clock.”

Edward made a quick call.

Noticing Edward’s lack of energy, Hawk asked, “What’s wrong? You look drained.”

Edward sighed, “Deborah’s been arguing with me a lot lately. She wants me to quit my job.”

“Quit?” Hawk was surprised.

Edward wasn’t naive. “I’m not quitting.”

“You’ve got a whole list of women in your notebook,” Hawk reminded him. “Are you really going to tie yourself to one tree?”

Robert Downey Jr. had been stringing Deborah and Indio Downey along for over a year, but their emotional support was running thin.

Edward began to seriously consider the suggestion.

“Remember to carry a gun with you,” Hawk reminded him before putting on his coat and leaving the office.

Edward grabbed the car keys and followed.

The two arrived at the safe house, where Campos was already waiting.

Hawk got straight to the point, “Any updates on Tiger Woods, David Beckham, or Kobe Bryant?”

Campos replied, “Beckham’s transfer to Real Madrid is confirmed, but the transfer window doesn’t open until July 1. He’s surrounded by reporters in Madrid and is staying close to Victoria. As for Tiger Woods, we’ve been monitoring him. No unusual movements yet. He just got engaged and spends all his time training or with his fiancée.”

He paused before focusing on the last person. “Kobe Bryant hasn’t been idle since going to Colorado. Like many other athletes, he’s been charming women during his recovery. He’s grown close to a hotel receptionist. We’ve captured some photos but haven’t alerted anyone yet. I’ve sent Garcia over for support; he’s more experienced.”

Hawk nodded. “Good. Keep at it.”

Campos continued, “Kobe has returned to Los Angeles for now, but we have confirmed information that he’ll head back to Eagle County tomorrow for surgery.”

Hawk reiterated, “Keep a close eye on him.”

Having worked with Hawk for over half a year, Campos was familiar with the darker side of celebrities. He commented, “Athletes have excellent physical conditions and high hormone levels. It’s hard for them to stay disciplined.”

Past incidents involving Will Smith and Paris Hilton had proven that celebrity scandals could effectively boost Twitter’s user activity.

With financing on the horizon, active user numbers would be crucial for valuation.

Old strategies still worked, and Hawk wasn’t about to abandon them.

Moreover, most Black athletes came from humble backgrounds and posed little threat.

Before leaving, Hawk brought up another matter. “I might need a few bodyguards. Look for skilled drivers and fighters who are principled.”

Campos agreed.

“I have contacts with people who fled to California after refusing to cooperate with certain groups. They’re usually highly principled and very professional.”

Hawk added, “If suitable candidates are found, let them know their families can relocate to Los Angeles, and I’ll ensure their legal status is handled.”

---

Hollywood District, Walk of Fame.

Tim, an assistant to BlackRock’s senior manager Douglas, drove along the road.

The iconic Walk of Fame was now largely occupied by homeless individuals.

Los Angeles’ downtown skid row and the traditional Hollywood area had become the city’s two main hubs for the homeless.

Tim’s target was among the homeless and likely in one of these two areas.

He arrived near the Highland Center, where a contact waved to him from the roadside.

Tim parked, waited for the man to get in, and asked, “Colson, did you find him?”

Colson, a private investigator who frequently worked with BlackRock, replied, “Found him. Hard to believe—a former football star reduced to a homeless man.”

“Take me to him,” Tim said.

“Follow me,” Colson directed.

Tim drove east, crossing two intersections before turning into the Ackerman Charity Shelter’s parking lot.

Colson pointed to a battered RV a few meters away. “He’s in there.”

Tim waited, watching as a disheveled man stepped out of the RV, holding a bottle of liquor in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

“That’s him,” Colson confirmed.

---

Hawk glanced at her. She was stunning—more so than Bella Sane.

But this was Schwarzenegger’s domain, not his office. He didn’t know where the surveillance cameras were.

Hawk replied softly, “We can talk here.”

Emma couldn’t push further, so she said, “I’m connected with several major investment firms. They have far more capital than people like Peter Thiel and can help Twitter expand rapidly, dominate the global market, and go public on Nasdaq.”

She had done her homework on Hawk, a man who had risen from humble beginnings as the son of a bankrupt Wyoming farmer. She didn’t think he could resist the lure of money.

Emma continued, “With Twitter’s active user base and growth rate, combined with the platform and resources of major investment institutions, achieving a $10 billion valuation isn’t a dream.”

Hawk asked bluntly, “Which investment firm are you representing?”

Emma answered directly, “BlackRock, San Francisco branch.”

Hawk had heard of the company in passing and seen information about it online in his past life. It was an investment firm that had spun off from Blackstone and gone public in New York in 1999. Its scale was nowhere near its post-2010 peak.

He also knew one key detail: BlackRock leaned heavily Democratic.

Sure enough, the Democrats had noticed Twitter’s potential and were making their move.

---