Chapter 117: Hollywood Nightmare (Part 2)

[Chapter 117: Hollywood Nightmare (Part 2)]

"Extra! Extra!"

"Pop icon Madonna was spotted having an affair with rising male model Kirkland at the Roosevelt Hotel, putting on quite the passionate show!"

"Madonna is reportedly six months pregnant!"

This explosive news stunned countless individuals, like a nuclear bomb going off in Hollywood.

Madonna had just married British director Guy Ritchie last year, renowned for the movie Snatch. According to schedule, their child should have been born last year, but history took a turn, and Madonna's pregnancy came a year later.

She may have strayed, but a pregnancy complicates things! It looked like her lifestyle was quite extravagant.

The entertainment world often operated under a code of discretion, and situations like this typically called for a level of restraint.

...

As a result, the news made waves, stirring up a frenzy.

"I can't believe Madonna is that kind of person."

"Are you kidding? Dude, Madonna's private life has always been wild."

"And now she's pregnant."

"Come on, that's exactly when a woman needs the most support!"

"Are you sure that's Ritchie's baby?"

"What do I know? Even Ritchie can't confirm that."

"Butterfly, it's all about Butterfly again! Why are all the good reporters at Carr Media?"

"I think it's Ian Carr behind this."

"No way! If it were Ian Carr, he'd be running in with a microphone to interview Madonna!"

"If I were Ian Carr, I'd say to Madonna, 'You don't want your business out there, do you?' And then it'd be 'heh heh heh.'"

"So this must be Butterfly's scoop. Madonna wouldn't sleep with him; he's got AIDS!"

"That's debatable. Just because you sleep with someone who has AIDS doesn't mean you'll get it, the chances are just one in a thousand."

"For Madonna, I'd take that risk!"

"Ha! I would too!"

Public interest turned this early summer into a bustling topic of conversation all over America with no shortage of gossip.

...

In contrast, reactions from other media outlets weren't as kind.

The New York Daily claimed: "Carr Media is a clown seeking attention, focusing solely on the sleazy aspect without caring for the common folk."

Please, that's rich coming from someone in sensational news!

The New York World said: "Madonna's actions seriously violate moral teachings, and she owes everyone a public confession. Of course, we do not endorse Ian Carr's methods; we equally disdain how he obtains news."

As if any big scoop isn't from a hidden camera? Do they really expect people to hand over stories willingly?

The Washington Post stated: "No one is pure. Compared to Madonna, I'm more concerned with Ian Carr. We look forward to the day we see his big story; I doubt his private life is any better than the celebrities he exposes."

Touche, but good luck getting those stories, ha!

The Star Daily remarked: "Carr Media should broaden its focus; there's a whole world of events occurring right now. Hollywood is limiting its vision and its growth."

That's because my focus is limited, not my talent!

Each outlet had something to say, outright or subtly degrading Carr Media.

Envy, jealousy, hatred!

In just a year, Ian Carr had made quite a name for himself.

In less than one year, he became the owner of a billion-dollar media empire, amassing countless juicy stories.

Why couldn't other reporters achieve that? Ridiculous!

...

At the hotel, Ian hugged Jessica and laughed at the newspapers' coverage.

He enjoyed the remarks filled with envy and jealousy; they reflected his purpose in life and provided him with joy outside chatting up beautiful women!

The new scoop had been released, but this was just the beginning, not the end.

Ian was still on the hunt in Hollywood, determined to uncover all the big stories.

For this reason, he and Jessica had visited nearly every hotel in Hollywood over the past few days.

...

While savoring Jessica's attention, his phone rang -- it was Kate.

Ian picked up, giving Jessica a silent gesture to wait, then said, "Hi, Kate."

She sighed, "Did you see Pearl Harbor?"

Ian chuckled, "Yeah."

Not long before, Pearl Harbor had premiered and, after extensive promotion, was far more successful than before.

However, even though the film was profitable, the reviews were mediocre, with several critics sharing harsh opinions. Carr Media would never attack the cash cow, but they weren't interested in sugarcoating the truth -- unless paid.

Kate was affected by this too.

She said with a tinge of disappointment, "They're saying my acting isn't up to par."

"Don't listen to them; you were fantastic, babe," Ian casually reassured her.

Jessica wasn't too keen on that term; she clenched her teeth lightly, and Ian couldn't help but wince in pain.

Kate immediately caught on, "Busy?"

Ian replied with a grin, "What else would I be doing? Looking for news."

That wasn't entirely untrue; cameras were pointed at the other side, just not at a Madonna-level story.

But a story was a story; even small dishes mattered.

The hotel wasn't just a place for sleeping with beautiful women; it was also an excellent spot for Ian to gather private footage, so his dual lifestyle of pleasure and work had become the norm.

Scarlett, Jessica, and Helen had all gotten used to that aspect.

Conversely, Kate wasn't as accustomed to it. She only joined Ian after watching a movie.

Kate let out a gentle hum that signified her doubt, then said, "You're always so dedicated, Ian. Which direction are you headed?"

"Hollywood, of course."

"Wow, you're not following me, are you?"

Ian paused, "You mean you're seeing someone?"

Kate laughed, "Are you jealous, Ian? That's adorable."

Jessica chimed in, "He isn't, I am!"

Ian quickly pinched Jessica's cheek, signaling her to keep quiet.

Kate was not like Scarlett; she couldn't easily accept that.

Jessica wasn't happy and got up to look at the camera across the way instead.

Ian calmed himself and said into the phone, "Yeah, babe, I'm jealous; don't tell me there's some bastard lying on top of you right now."

"Don't worry, it's just work. Before you abandon me, I won't seek out other men," Kate said ruefully.

"That's great to hear, babe," Ian said, blowing a kiss into the phone.

At that moment, a deep voice came from the other end, "Ask him what scoop he's got!"

Kate inquired, "Brad wants to know what you've got. It's Brad Pitt. I'm working with him, the director, producer, and the screenplay team on a script."

Brad Pitt?

Kate was collaborating with him?

Not surprising, considering this timeline's Kate had made waves thanks to Ian -- regardless of her acting skills, her looks and popularity had fans willing to buy tickets; opportunities she never had before were now available.

Ian wanted to say he had no scoop on Pitt, but suddenly, an idea sparked. He chuckled, "I've got the scoop on George Clooney."

"Damn it!" came a furious shout on the line. "Ian Carr, you can't leak his scoop! I'm Brad Pitt, and we can talk about this."

Ian's mind was racing, and he struggled to maintain his composure. "I can understand why you're worried. Ocean's Eleven is coming out in the fall, right?"

On the other end, Brad sighed, "If you ruin him, you'll ruin us and all the effort we've invested this year! How much do you want, Ian Carr?"

Ian calmly replied, "Please don't insult a journalist's integrity. I won't trade on such stories for cash."

Kate scoffed beside him.

Miss Cressida Tillman's issue was only nine months ago!

Your integrity seems pretty flexible.

Brad immediately caught on to Ian's implication: "Not directly traded for money? What about indirectly?"

Ian smirked, "I never leak my friends' stories, buddy. By the way, Ocean's Eleven is set for the fall, and the promo hasn't started yet, right?"

Brad laughed, "No problem, I'll ask them to give you a slice of the promotions."

"I want a profit-sharing arrangement," Ian answered.

"You've got to be kidding?" Brad exclaimed incredulously.

"No need to be surprised, Pitt. Promotions can be a shared profit!" Ian replied with a light chuckle.

If it's a blockbuster, then it's profit-sharing.

If it's a flop, it's flat-out cash.

Although Ian didn't direct films himself, as his media empire grew, he'd monopolize the entire promotion circle in Hollywood in no time.

On the line, Brad fell silent for a moment and replied, "That needs to be run by Warner Bros."

Ian casually stated, "Don't worry; my asking price won't be outrageous. And your team knows Carr Media's clout... Ocean's Eleven is due to release in December? That's only six months away, and you know how fast Carr Media operates."

Brad chuckled, "Alright, I'll pass that along."

...

After hanging up, Ian rose and wrapped his arms around Jessica's petite waist from behind.

Just as he was about to do something, Jessica nestled closer to him and said, "Don't you think this secret-keeping mode is a bit boring? And Andy Conner isn't a big star."

Ian shook his head, "News needs both quality and quantity."

"But you always say we need a good storyline, right?" Jessica turned abruptly, her eyes wide as she looked at him. "Where did your clever brain go? Have you been distracted? Why not call his wife?"

Ian froze for a moment, then joyfully hugged Jessica and planted a hot kiss on her. "Damn it! I totally overlooked that! You're right, babe, we should create the storyline ourselves. Andy Conner cheating at a hotel, his wife chasing him down... now that's good news! I hope she'll be packing some heat."

Jessica giggled mischievously, "I'll make the call. It would be way funnier if his wife chased him out in the nude."

Ian laughed, "He'll surely find something to throw on, but if luck isn't on his side... it'll slip right off!"

A half-hour later, a thrilling show was set to unfold inside the building across the street.

*****

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