Chapter 260: Paparazzi

[Chapter 260: Paparazzi]

"I just want to give that bastard a good beating!" Trump said with a hint of exasperation.

"That's your retribution! Isn't it? For all your choices, now your daughter has to bear the consequences. It's only fair!" Ivanka's mother, Trump's ex-wife, laughed coldly.

"Don't bring up the past. How many years ago was that?" Trump muttered.

"No matter how many years pass, you still act the same! Aren't you going to marry for the fourth time?" Ivanka's mother showed no signs of backing down, glancing side-eyed at Trump.

"We're here to address the situation with Ivanka," Trump rapped his knuckles on the table, reminding her of the current issue.

"Didn't you teach me all this? Why are things different when someone followed you?" Trump's ex-wife continued.

"Shut up, Ivana!"

"Why should I shut up? You swore when you got married! How many women have you sought outside? Need me to count for you? I've given you opportunities again and again, but what have you done? For that woman, you have abandoned all of us. Are you a man? I want Ivanka to know the truth..."

Ivanka's mother unleashed a barrage of accusations, and the tension in the room rose to a boiling point.

Ryan and Ivanka exchanged shocked glances, not expecting the fight to escalate like this. Ivanka rolled her eyes, putting a hand to her forehead.

"Ivanka, get your mom out of here! Now!" Trump urged, brow furrowed in worry.

Seeing Ivanka do nothing, Trump called over his aides, who ushered Ivana out. Ivanka shot Ryan a final glance before following her mother, choosing to support her for the moment.

With the two women gone, only Ryan and Trump remained in the parlor.

...

"Did you see that? This is what happens when you're inconsistent. I've turned a new leaf; I'm a committed family man now!" Trump used his experience to caution Ryan.

"Really? You've lived a life of indulgence, married multiple times, and at 59, you marry a 24-year-old model already pregnant. You're quite the family man," Ryan grinned.

"I... you don't get it! I'm not the same man I was in my thirties!" Trump protested. "You can do whatever you want, but you shouldn't mess with Ivanka! She's my daughter."

"Of course, I won't bother her. I will just take good care of her," Ryan nodded promptly.

Trump took a deep breath, nearly fuming. He was at a loss on how to deal with Ryan.

"The child will take her mother's last name; as for everything else, you two can sort it out. I'm done managing," Trump spoke wearily, sounding defeated.

With Trump's approval obtained, there were no further obstacles to address.

"Actually, I came here to give you a gift: the entire weekend slot on the CW network," Ryan said nonchalantly. "You've got a developed production team; you can move your The Apprentice over to CW, and your company can handle the weekend slot. If it performs well, it could be quite profitable."

That gift was far more impactful than any bouquet or diamond ring; it was a substantial financial opportunity that aligned with Trump's plans to expand in entertainment.

Ryan needed the help while allowing Trump to taste some success. Although Trump had declared bankruptcy multiple times, his family company's core assets remained intact. Compared to Ryan, he was still a big deal. To put it another way, Trump had connections that were incredibly valuable -- connections Ryan had encountered with David Koch at the club.

"NBC executives won't be thrilled to hear this," Trump contemplated.

"I can publicly provide cover for you," Ryan assured immediately.

"That's not quite proper," Trump hesitated.

"Maybe you and her mother don't want to accept me, but it's undeniable that Ivanka has become the bridge between us, and there will be plenty of future interactions where I'll be relying on you," Ryan nodded.

"No matter what, we're family now," Trump smiled warmly.

By gifting him such a substantial opportunity, Ryan was playing into Trump's interests. Unlike Jared Kushner, who insisted on moral rectitude, Trump found Ryan appealing, seeing a bit of his younger self in him. Ryan seemed to embody the youthful vigor that Trump recognized in his past, a man who had boldly faced the federal government and fought his battles through life.

"I have a request. I hope the Spirit Club can become the venue for the Miss America pageant and the Miss Teen America pageant. It would also ease Ivanka's work in the future," Ryan mentioned.

Previously, Trump had promised to hand over the entire Miss Universe pageant to Ryan as compensation for help. However, that transaction hadn't gone smoothly. Miss America and Miss Teen America fell under the Miss Universe umbrella, and Ryan's authority just to host the preliminaries wasn't unreasonable.

Trump agreed, "Small matter! From the commercial real estate..."

"That's already been handed off to a real estate management company under Carlyle Group," Ryan replied.

Trump appeared surprised, "How did you connect with them?"

Ryan explained everything, even the development plans surrounding Bad Room.

"I see. David Rubenstein has a great relationship with the Bush family. He invited George H.W. Bush to serve as a senior advisor to Carlyle, and right now, they've got a serious transition coming in their military sector that won't last long and will likely accelerate moving forward. You might even be able to collaborate with them later," Trump advised.

"In that case, I might just need your help!" Ryan replied.

"Consider yourself lucky, kid! You got Ivanka pregnant, and speaking of which, are you planning to keep her around the firm long-term?" Trump asked, showing genuine interest in Ivanka.

"I think she's a great fit," Ryan confirmed.

"You still have an interest in fashion? Heard your brand even had a collaboration with Dior?" Trump recalled suddenly.

Ryan informed Trump about the conflicts between Delphine and Antoine.

"Looks like you inadvertently got involved," Trump said knowingly.

"Well, since that's the case, let Ivanka run her stores for now. When the timing is right, they can merge with your brand," Trump suggested generously.

"Thanks," Ryan was taken aback by this practical side of Trump.

"Thank you? As a father, of course, I don't want to see my daughter suffer," Trump shrugged.

"By the way, how much do you know about Jeffrey?" Ryan also wanted to address the pressing concern that had been on his mind.

"I've known him for over twenty years. We even co-hosted IMPACT once -- what a wild night, just us guys!" Trump said nostalgically.

The conversation quickly shifted as Trump continued, "He'd been hitting on underage girls at the club and had several arrests prior. It became a scandal for a while, and I had to distance myself from him. I still have no clue how he got rid of it; it seems like there might be someone in the FBI helping him."

"He's been trying to invite me, seems he wants some favors from me," Ryan added.

"Oh? That's good news; he has connections with many higher-ups in the Democratic Party!" Trump's eyes brightened at this.

"But you must do it cleanly, without leaving traces. Jeffrey's interests are getting exponentially disturbing, you can imagine?" Trump warned.

"Let's just say my tastes align with yours," Ryan nodded, agreeing.

"Exactly! There's nothing better in this world than a blonde bombshell. Well, if there's..."

"Then it's two blonde bombshells!"

"Smart kid!" Trump cracked a grin.

"I'm already sidelined, but you don't have that concern. The Democrats are in charge, and getting closer to them won't hurt at all. Meanwhile, the tea party over there is making waves; we can absolutely place separate bets."

"Isn't that going to raise suspicions on both sides?" Ryan pondered.

"Who knows about our relationship?" Trump asked back.

"Fair point; I hadn't considered that benefit, rather cleverly tying ourselves into a secret alliance," Ryan thought.

The two talked steadily until the early morning hours, discussing various details, and regarding the previous LED screen supplier, Trump agreed to become involved once more.

"All right, Ivanka is getting impatient," Trump finally stood up, preparing to wrap up their lengthy discussion.

...

After parting ways with Trump, Ryan headed to Ivanka's bedroom.

As soon as he knocked, Ivanka opened the door instantly.

"What were you and my dad discussing? Did he agree?" Ivanka asked, concerned her father might refuse.

Ryan enveloped her in his arms, "No more obstacles. No one will stop us now."

"Great! This is the best resolution!" Ivanka returned the embrace sincerely.

Then suddenly recalling something, she pulled away, her eyes wide, "Wait! I haven't agreed to anything! Come here..."

She sat Ryan down in a chair, positioning herself across on her bed.

"How do you intend to handle things with Taylor?"

"I've already told you. You two are my wings; the more wings I have, the higher I can soar," Ryan said, gesturing as if flapping his arms.

"My mom was right: you're just like my dad. But unlike him, you'd absolutely choose Taylor if you could only pick one," Ivanka recalled how she had once locked herself away for a month after hearing such conclusions from Ryan.

"Though not many, at least you still have some standards," she added.

Ryan promptly stood and sat beside Ivanka.

"If I had met you first, I would have given her up just the same. I admit I'm a bit greedy. I believe any man would find it hard to control his desires upon encountering you. In a way, what I'm doing is harmful to both you and Taylor. To mend this harm, I'm prepared to be a better husband than the average one," Ryan held Ivanka tightly again.

Ivanka nestled against him, and after a long, contemplative silence, asked, "If there were no child, would you still treat me like this?"

"Of course! The child is the product of love, the outcome, not the cause. That being said, yes, you can argue that this crisis brought us back together, and I'm just lucky," Ryan smiled, feeling Ivanka's warmth against him.

"Maybe this is all fate? The moment I learned I was carrying your child, it suddenly struck me. Maybe destiny wanted us together. Let me be your other wife!" Ivanka shut her eyes sweetly.

"It's probably just because I'm so impressive," Ryan leaned down to kiss her forehead.

Ivanka's cheeks flushed as she thought that was quite true; it was only after meeting Ryan that she learned what genuine joy felt like.

"By the way, I'm heading to Miami City Police Station for a donation ceremony in a few days. Want to join me?" Ryan asked suddenly.

"Why would I go? If Taylor sees me, she's bound to think too much of it," Ivanka exclaimed, surprised.

"Well, how about we go swimming instead? You said you dislike cold ocean water. How about a heated pool?"

"That would attract paparazzi too! Your Carnival drew them in droves; some of them haven't left, just waiting around for you," Ivanka warned.

"I'm aware."

"Are you looking to expose yourself?"

"After Taylor wraps up her tour, she'll return to Florida to rest for a bit. She has a few award shows to attend, including the MTV Video Music Awards. You know that award loves creating dramatic moments to boost viewership. Just last year, they had Taylor co-hosting with Miley," Ryan revealed.

"You're not suggesting I should create drama with Taylor at the VMAs, are you?" Ivanka questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"I'm not sending you in there. I just think it's an opportunity," Ryan seemed to have a special plan.

"I don't understand," Ivanka admitted, feeling confused.

...

At the Miami Police Department, a press conference was just getting underway.

"Three, two, one..." The makeshift cameraman wore a Miami police uniform.

Ryan stood with the chief as they posed for a commemorative photo, the chief's smile wide and bright.

"The successful hosting of the Carnival owes much to all of you. This charity donation is a token of our gratitude to the officers for their dedicated service and vigilance in safeguarding our community," Ryan shook the chief's hand and took another photo.

"You're too kind; it's our duty. If possible, Bad Room should move to Miami. It's our honor to protect someone as benevolent as you," the chief responded.

"Just don't let your colleagues in Orlando turn on you," Ryan quipped.

"Let them be mad; it's not our county," the chief shrugged, unconcerned.

"By the way, what are your plans regarding the previous protests?" Ryan inquired.

"The leaders are already detained. Don't worry; we'll make an example of them, showing those trying to exploit this for their gain that they'll regret it," the chief assured.

"It should always be handled officially; I just suspect someone might be pulling the strings here. So, I want..." Ryan trailed off.

"That's tricky; it's not illegal, so we can't investigate... However, we can help by passing along information. How you investigate is up to you," the chief replied, smiling.

"That's sufficient for me," Ryan motioned for Berwick, giving him a few instructions before letting the chief and Berwick exchange contact information.

...

As Ryan exited the police department, a man with a beard across the street in a cafe, started snapping photos.

"How much can these boring street photos sell for? You might as well head back to Los Angeles," the man's girlfriend stirred her coffee, unimpressed.

"You don't get it. In my experience, the cleaner they act, the filthier their private life is. Why else donate to the police department?" The man replied with relish.

"If you're so experienced, how come you couldn't make it in Los Angeles?" his girlfriend chuckled lightly.

"I wasn't failing; I'm taking a new approach! Ryan Rivers only operates in Florida, so paparazzi don't trail him that much. I have a feeling this time could be big! We're about to make a fortune," the man said, clearly exhilarated.

His girlfriend snorted dismissively as the man jumped to his feet. "Ryan's on the move; we must follow him."

The two hopped in their car, and the girlfriend took the wheel while the man snapped photographs all the way.

"This isn't the route back to Bad Room. Where is Ryan headed?" The man sensed something was off.

They followed the car all the way to a private swimming pool in Miami. The man captured several shots of Ryan entering the facility.

"Swimming during broad daylight? Does Ryan even like to swim?" the man wondered aloud.

"How long do we wait?" his girlfriend asked, growing impatient.

"Until he comes out," he replied.

"You keep an eye on this; I'm going to take a nap," his girlfriend said, reclining her seat.

...

Time passed until it was evening.

"He's coming out!"

The sudden yell jolted the woman awake. Rubbing her eyes, she sat up just in time to see Ryan -- fully decked out in disguises -- exiting the swimming facility, followed closely by a woman, equally disguised, leaving her face unrecognizable. The only clear aspects were her tall, shapely figure and long blonde hair.

"When did Taylor return? Wasn't she on tour in Canada?" the woman blinked.

"Yep, this is the big scoop I was talking about!" The man laughed, clicking away like a madman, envisioning dollar signs.

"What use is this? They're not even in the same car or talking," the woman observed after a few seconds, disheartened.

"But it's at least secured income. I say Ryan isn't as faithful to Taylor as everyone assumes. Let's keep these photos in our back pocket for now to avoid raising any alarms, but we're going to keep eyes on him for the next 24 hours!" The man was resolute.

*****

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