Chapter 181: Repaying a Favor on the Spot

[Chapter 181: Repaying a Favor on the Spot]

"Extra! Extra!"

"On Oscar night, Ian Carr saves the day for a damsel in distress."

"Megan Fox expresses her gratitude live!"

The next day, edited clips of Ian Carr and Megan Fox's romantic escapades spread across the United States, causing quite a stir. Ian Carr, on Oscar night with a gorgeous woman, then turns hero? And he does it live? It was almost too outrageous to believe!

Good news always came with a diverse mix, and the combination of beauty, action, and the Oscars created a chemical reaction that sent shockwaves through the nation. People found themselves swept up in jubilation:

"Ian Carr, he never disappoints; he always brings big news!"

"Fuck! Who is Megan Fox? I'm so jealous of her!"

"Ian Carr, come find me; I'd run through the streets naked to express my gratitude!"

Amidst various discussions, Megan Fox suddenly became a sensation. Huge photos of her were published, and people quickly realized that she was a beauty deserving of gratitude.

Megan soon became the center of attention and quickly accepted interviews from outlets like WND and CBS.

Moreover, Ian even arranged interviews with the thugs involved in the incident. Their value lay in observing the emotional responses concerning the intense scene with Ian and Megan Fox -- some brought joy, some brought sadness; it was a comprehensive report!

---

In the studio, an elderly gentleman watched the tall blonde beauty on television. Megan Fox, dressed to the nines, looked stunning, akin to a proud peacock.

The host began, "Miss Fox, I heard you were out with Mr. Carr before the incident happened?"

Megan shook her head, "We did go out together, but we weren't walking together. Mr. Carr had many things to deal with and went to take a phone call, while I... I had quit my job that day, so I was walking home."

"So all of this was just coincidence?"

"Yes."

"But I heard you were together before the incident."

Megan shook her head again, "Those were all rumors. In reality, I was just out for a walk. You know how tough it is to make it in Hollywood. Even after I made a movie, I still had to work as a waitress to get by. I was feeling really low; can you imagine walking the empty streets on Oscar night while so many celebrities shined under the limelight?"

She held her chest, her expression heart-wrenching as she showcased her curves, eliciting whistles from the crowd.

The host chuckled, "And then you encountered the thugs?"

Megan flipped her hair, "Those thugs had much better taste than the casting directors."

The audience burst into laughter. The conversations were carefully crafted, meant to generate a fun atmosphere.

The host continued, "What made you decide to express your gratitude after Mr. Carr rescued you?"

Megan shrugged, feigning surprise, "It wasn't a hard choice at all. That was Ian Carr, the handsomest and bravest hero in America! Even if he hadn't saved me, I'd still want him!"

Then she shouted to the audience, "Who wouldn't want him?"

The crowd echoed, "We would!"

Megan swayed her hips, "I can't believe men are saying this."

Laughter erupted again.

The host continued, "Did you know cameras were rolling at that moment?"

Megan blushed slightly, "I wasn't clear at the time, but I could guess a little. After all, we all know how much Mr. Carr loves his work; he may not have beautiful women around, but he always has a camera. But it's all good; I don't mind. He never hides his actions, and I'm happy to cooperate -- it's all voluntary!"

The host asked, "How do you feel about his performance?"

Megan asserted, "Absolutely amazing! He's a real man, strong and enduring!"

She turned to the camera, shouting, "Ian Carr, you can't just leave me like this; I'll come find you! No one can fill my emptiness but you!"

"Oh yeah!!!" The crowd erupted in cheers and whistles again.

---

"Ouch! Ouch!"

At Gaskill's villa, Ian found himself being tugged by Lena's ear. Lena, visibly upset, glared at the television screen, her pregnant belly making her look even more furious, "You've gone too far, Ian. Creating a news story out of this? I won't allow you to see her again!"

Ian was at a loss for words; this couldn't happen. Megan Fox was vibrant, fit, and willing to cooperate in every way -- she was someone he wanted to enjoy for a while.

He gently caressed Lena's belly, "Don't be mad, darling; you know that when people get angry, toxins build up in their bodies? That's not good for the baby."

"Really?" Lena was taken aback, quickly calming down.

She nestled next to Ian, softly saying, "But I still feel jealous."

Ian kissed her cheek, "Once the baby is born, I'll make it up to you."

Lena nodded, "But you have to stay with me tonight."

Ian sighed, "Jessica and the others are still waiting for me at home."

Just as she was about to respond, Ian's phone rang.

Ian checked the caller ID, "It's James Perry."

Leena huffed and playfully pinched him, "I'm going to check on Gaskill."

With that, she left the room to see the old man downstairs.

...

Ian answered the call, "James, it's me."

On the other end, James Perry chuckled, "Ian! Ian! You never fail to surprise me. An Oscar night disaster turns into headline news! But you shouldn't do this; you should let CBS' reporters follow you closely, capturing your every move live!"

James wouldn't say this to anyone else, but he could easily say it to Ian.

Ian laughed heartily, "It was all spontaneous, honestly not much preparation. Next time something like this happens, I'll give you a heads-up."

"So, are you planning to develop that girl?"

"Yeah. I've nearly finalized talks with UTA. I've convinced Jennifer Connelly and Megan Fox that I can deliver. I'll be getting Megan and Olivia on board with UTA, and soon our stars will be exclusive resources. Plus, when Halle Berry and Julia Roberts' contracts expire, they'll join too. More stars will definitely want to come on board. UTA will dominate Hollywood agencies, and anyone not under me will become our headline news."

James laughed, "You truly are an exceptional businessman, Ian!"

This was the first time James referred to Ian as a successful businessman rather than simply a journalist.

However, James continued, "By the way, are you planning to secure the Super Bowl next?"

Ian chuckled, "You can't expect me to be your working mule."

Although ABC would eventually bend, there were still benefits to negotiate. If he gave them the Super Bowl, he expected some perks in return!

James understood this, laughing, "You said you'd boost CBS' valuation to $18 billion. The board has approved your plan to buy channel 4, but I must warn you, without channel 4 means you need to deliver even more hits!"

Ian laughed brightly, "Unless you guys use that money for dividends; otherwise, isn't it still an investment? Don't worry, I'll deliver. If I can't find big news, I might even strip you of your dignity! I know who you've been with and your preferences!"

James laughed heartily, "Damn! Ian Carr! But I trust you won't do that. We are friends, after all. And my dirt doesn't hold any real value!"

Ian chuckled, "Then let's focus on nurturing our friendship and developing CBS. You can use that money to buy better businesses; CBS won't lose anything but will gain more."

After a casual conversation, the call ended.

Ian stared out the window, a smile creeping on his lips, "Right now, we're just friends."

Nothing lasts forever. Who could know how today's close friends would turn out in the future?

The only ones he felt he could let his guard down with were Gaskill and Lena. So,

he needed to find the information he need -- whether it would explode or not was a different question.

*****

https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.