The Wolf of Los Angeles

[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 Discover Hilton.

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..."

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!"

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.

*****

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