Chapter 143: Gibson Case

Bremer, the middle-aged man wearing glasses, was tasked with finding the "Hollywood Eye." He quickly reached out to the friend who had betrayed Mel Gibson.

"The price has gone up. They're starting to suspect me. I want $1.5 million, and you need to arrange for me to go to France," the friend demanded.

Without hesitation, Bremer agreed. "No problem. If your information is valuable, I'll write you a check for $1.5 million immediately."

The friend was elated, surprised at how easily Bremer agreed. If he had known, he would have asked for more.

The deal was struck quickly. Bremer handed over an initial check for $300,000 and then contacted Craigie Evans, the man behind "Hollywood Eye."

Meanwhile, Craigie Evans made progress of his own. He discovered that a dancer at a strip club had almost been beaten to death by Mel Gibson. She had initially intended to press charges against him, but the matter was suppressed by CAA. She had been warned to keep quiet and paid hush money, but the amount didn't come close to healing her emotional scars.

When Evans approached her, she confided everything.

"Would you be willing to come forward and accuse him?" Evans asked.

She nodded but voiced her concerns. "What if I accuse him, and he gets away with it? My life would be ruined."

"Don't worry," Evans reassured her. "The person targeting him is a major Hollywood figure. He's crossed powerful Jewish forces in Hollywood. He won't escape this time."

Reluctantly, she agreed. "Fine, I'll do it."

"Good. Someone will arrange everything at the right moment," Evans assured her.

Evans then followed his lead to specific locations, retrieving photos and negatives. Though these items were crucial, the most significant piece involved Sophie Marceau. Whether Gibson had additional evidence remained unclear, but it was highly likely. If he did, Marceau's position could still be compromised. Before facing prison, Gibson might retaliate by exposing these photos.

To counteract such a possibility, Sheena Boone had already planned. If Gibson tried implicating others in a bid for revenge, the matter would need to involve Jewish Hollywood elites. Their intervention would ensure Gibson remained silent.

By June, Warner Bros. released The Bridges of Madison County, directed by and starring Clint Eastwood alongside Meryl Streep. But the film's debut was overshadowed by a media storm.

"Mel, turn on ABC..."

Martin Bob's urgent phone call stunned Gibson, who immediately switched on the TV. On-screen, a distraught woman tearfully recounted her story to the cameras.

"I've kept silent for years. They told me not to speak, but I can't anymore. I want justice—not just for myself but for all victims."

The reporter asked, "Who hurt you?"

"Mel Gibson," she replied firmly. "You may be free now, but I believe in justice. The law will hold you accountable."

Gibson dropped his wine glass, watching it shatter, much like his life.

Elsewhere, Sean Connery was blissfully unaware of the unfolding scandal. Dreaming of winning another Oscar, he planned to boast about his achievements to Gilbert. However, the news broke before he could enjoy his reverie.

When Connery saw the broadcast, it was as if he'd been struck by lightning. His dreams of accolades evaporated in an instant. Furious, he lashed out at his son, blaming him for everything. His wife, still recovering from prior abuse, dared not intervene.

Connery's rage consumed him, and during a furious chase after his son, he tumbled down the stairs, his bright red outfit turning his fall into a dramatic spectacle. Though the sight was oddly theatrical, the impact left Connery with severe fractures. His health, already weakened by years of substance abuse, meant a long recovery—possibly in a wheelchair.

As he lay in the hospital, his dominance in the household diminished. For the first time, Connery felt afraid of his own family.

The woman's interview unleashed a media frenzy. News outlets scrambled to uncover the truth. Was this a baseless accusation, or did it reveal a darker reality? Given Gibson's star status, the scandal exploded in a way it wouldn't have for an ordinary person.

CAA acted swiftly. Knowing Gilbert orchestrated the attack, they mobilized their media connections to clear Gibson's name and filed a defamation suit against the woman. With no hard evidence, the case could be dismissed as unfounded.

However, Gibson's hidden stash of incriminating photos mysteriously disappeared, and so did a trusted friend from Australia. Gibson realized the betrayal and spiraled into a destructive rage, shattering his belongings. His remaining companions quietly left, except for one loyal friend, Harry, who stayed to console him.

"Why haven't you left?" Gibson asked, weary.

"You gave me everything. I can't abandon you now," Harry replied.

"It's over for me. Go... Just go," Gibson insisted.

Despite his protestations, Harry vowed to seek vengeance. He acquired a gun and tracked down the traitor. In a calculated act of revenge, Harry fatally shot him. However, he was soon apprehended by police.

The case seemed cut and dry to authorities: a murder motivated by betrayal. Yet the missing $1.5 million check suggested deeper, unresolved mysteries.

As the media relentlessly covered the scandal, Gibson's allies, including CAA, abandoned him. Braveheart was pulled from theaters. Even Paramount and 20th Century Fox distanced themselves, with their media outlets amplifying the accusations against Gibson.

Gibson's derogatory comments about Hollywood's Jewish community sealed his fate. The powerful groups he insulted ensured his downfall.

By June 5, Gibson was arrested at home. His lawyer later delivered devastating news: "Martin Bob says you need to take all the blame."

Crushed, Gibson realized resistance was futile. If he cooperated, prison awaited. If he fought, death loomed. He tearfully agreed to the demands.

As the scandal raged in North America, Gilbert climbed the Great Wall of China with Sophie Marceau. Standing atop the ancient landmark, he recited a Chinese poem: "I will climb to the top and look down on all mountains below."

Li Jianshe, director of the Beijing Film Academy, praised his knowledge. "Director Gilbert, we're planning a lecture. Would you be willing to participate?"

"Of course!" Gilbert agreed. The thought of lecturing future Chinese entertainment leaders thrilled him.

Sophie Marceau asked, "What's next for you?"

Gilbert sidestepped the topic of their relationship. "Maybe you should try acting in a 007 film."

"Will you direct it?" she asked playfully.

He laughed. "Not likely."