Chapter 188: Trouble at the Construction Site?
[Chapter 188: Trouble at the Construction Site?]
In a lavish suite at the Hilda Hotel, Ian leaned back against the headboard, intently watching television. A post-coital cigarette hung from his mouth while the exquisite and graceful catwoman, Anne Hathaway, lounged next to him.
Cuddled up to Ian, Anne felt slightly displeased. She nudged him, saying, "Ian, you can't treat me like this. You just got me and now you're abandoning me for the TV?"
The passion had barely ended, and he had already tuned into the television?
Using her enticing figure to entice Ian, she attempted to spark his interest once more, thinking, 'No one can ignore me like this; getting me isn't the finish line; it's just the start!'
Ian wrapped his arms around her beautiful body and gently kissed her radiant face before saying softly, "Don't get the wrong idea; they're announcing the Pulitzer Prize."
"The Pulitzer Prize?" Anne exclaimed in surprise.
That explained why Ian was so engrossed -- it was impossible for him not to care about this. Anne decided to drop her irritation. She gave Ian a playful bite on the chest, then remarked, "You seem to be a contender for that award too."
"I passed." Ian kept his eyes on the screen, murmuring, "This year's award isn't meant for me; it belongs to Philip Leyso."
Anne exclaimed, "That AIDS patient?"
Ian's expression darkened. "He's my best friend! Anne, don't call him that; it makes me angry."
Seeing Ian's serious demeanor, Anne felt a slight shiver of fear mixed with fascination. In that moment, she thought that he could be intimidating yet utterly captivating.
She softened her tone, saying, "Please don't be harsh with me, okay? Ian, I'll be sad."
She cuddled up to Ian like a sweet child. Although she disliked his attitude, she found that every ounce of her pride vanished in his presence. Facing this authoritative man, even submitting willingly felt appropriate.
He wasn't my lapdog; I was the one fawning over him.
This realization made Anne a bit unhappy, yet within that unhappiness was a trace of joy...
...
On the television, the host stood at the podium, emotionally stating, "In this year's Pulitzer Prize, after much discussion, we unanimously decided that the winner is... Philip Leyso, Butterfly!"
The audience erupted into applause.
The host continued, "Last September, a significant event occurred, coinciding with the loss of a brilliant journalist. Philip Leyso was a great reporter who sacrificed his life to reveal the truth to the world, refusing to give up even in his final moments."
"Of course, we should not forget Mr. Ian Carr, who was also on another plane but declined the Pulitzer because he believed it should belong to Philip Leyso. We must express our gratitude for Mr. Carr's tremendous sentiment. Sadly, Mr. Carr is unable to attend the ceremony today due to work commitments, so this year's Pulitzer will be accepted by Editor Lloyd from the Los Angeles Herald and delivered to his family!"
As the speaker continued, Editor Lloyd stepped up the stage, holding the trophy with excitement. He said, "This award belongs to Phil Leyso, to all journalists, and to every victim; let us take a moment of silence for all those who lost their lives in the 9/17 incident..."
...
Leaning back on the big bed, Ian scoffed at the scene. A smile danced at the corner of his mouth, though his eyes were filled with disdain as he recalled the last words Phil had shared with him before he passed.
Phil, my dear friend!
I appreciate your parting words. I admit you moved me, but ultimately, I couldn't follow the path you suggested.
An excellent businessman must be resolute.
Even on the darkest path, one must be unwavering... unyielding!
But I will remember your words, trying to retain some boundaries in my heart.
...
Anne Hathaway had no knowledge of the inner conflict brewing within him. She instinctively wrapped herself around him like a snake, twisting and turning as her tongue glided along his chest.
Looking at him with soft, passionate eyes, she said, "You're so willing to refuse the Pulitzer for a friend; not everyone could do that."
Ian responded lightly, "I'm a journalist, but I'm also a businessman. There's no need to be smug for excelling at a job. An excellent media mogul should have many Pulitzer winners working for him, rather than collecting awards personally."
Anne laughed softly.
She turned and clung to Ian, whispering, "I changed my mind."
"What?" Ian turned to look at her.
Anne softly said, "Megan Fox wasn't wrong; you are really something. I'll definitely seek you out again, and it's not just about business."
Ian chuckled, "I just might not have time."
"You bastard!" Anne Hathaway playfully pinched him in irritation.
Ian laughed while gently massaging her curves, "Just teasing you. The lovely invitation from Anne -- I'm always available."
He finally revealed his tender side.
When seducing a girl, the most important thing is to keep the balance right!
Anne Hathaway indeed had a good balance, and it felt just right, so deserving of some attention.
Then he looked at her, casually reaching for the remote to turn off the TV, chuckling, "Let's continue."
"I'll take over!" Anne Hathaway eagerly flipped herself on top of him.
---
"We need to work!"
"Oppose immigrant workers!"
"Give us our jobs back!"
Outside Los Angeles, on California Highway One, a large group of workers gathered, waving signs and voicing their discontent and anger. What started as a normal protest quickly changed under the influence of some troublemakers.
Protesters surged towards the construction site, hurling insults, trying to drive out the immigrant workers, and even resorting to violence.
Things escalated uncontrollably in no time; the construction workers fled in a frenzy while protesters wreaked havoc, smashing everything in their path.
...
On a distant hillside, Ian stood atop a small mound, silently observing it all. His gaze was cold, like a general surveying a battlefield below.
He picked up the walkie-talkie and said, "No blood has been shed. We need to shed blood. Tell those immigrants that they'll get extra pay based on their injury status; as long as there are no fatalities, we're good."
"Understood." A reply came from the construction site.
...
Crips signaled to the agitating workers, and soon some pretenders among them started beating the immigrant workers they'd already targeted.
"Hang in there, buddy!" one of the enforcers yelled as he swung a bat.
The immigrant worker winced and said, "A grand for every hit?"
"Depends on the injury! Making money isn't easy, my friend!" The enforcer laughed maniacally, striking down hard, and the man howled in pain.
...
Blood was splattering everywhere on the construction site as destruction ruled the day. Scaffolding toppled, workers scrambled, and fires erupted as bottles were hurled by the pretenders, accompanied by wild laughter from the crowd.
What had begun as a legitimate protest rapidly devolved into a violent chaos.
Helicopters hovered overhead; the newly appointed Butterfly, Vincent, recorded the scene below with utmost seriousness.
...
On the hillside beside Ian, Jude Halley looked on sadly, saying, "You didn't have to do this."
Why must it go to such extremes?
This is sending countless innocents to jail!
Ian shrugged, "I promised Councilman Cherry that I'd retain 20% local labor, but honestly, they were dragging us down. Look at how great it is now? I can proudly utilize more immigrant workers, the project moves faster, we get great press, and they earn their money. Even the Davis prison gains clients; those workers get better, more stable meals, and it boosts employment rates -- all without counting convicts as unemployed youth, right?"
Is this your definition of everyone benefiting?
As long as you send most of the unemployed to prison, you've helped that damn councilman raise employment rates, haven't you?
Yes!
That's called business strategy!
In that moment, the two engaged in a silent dialogue.
Jude Halley remarked in disbelief, "Your cold-heartedness shocks me, sir."
"This is the law of survival." Ian turned to glance at him. "This deal can get you an extra million; if you don't want it, you can tell me now."
Jody's tears halted immediately. "Of course I wouldn't turn it down, boss."
Ian nodded with a smile. "Good. California Highway One has to be finished before the end of the year. I've secured an agreement with Bowden Transport; their truck drivers love to overload. The road won't withstand it, and then we can repair it annually. They'll also pay us extra, making it a win-win for both sides."
He looked at Jude Halley. "Were you worried I'd sell Mayhill? No need to worry now."
Jude Halley chuckled bitterly. "Yes, I'm no longer concerned."
Ian patted Jude Halley on the shoulder. "Just keep doing your job well. I'll help you secure business, and management is all yours. In the future, situations like this won't require my intervention."
You hope for more?
Jude Halley stared at Ian in disbelief.
Looking into those cold, unfeeling eyes, Jody understood.
There will be more, and there must be!!
The chaos at the construction site would become as systematic under Ian's control as a production line, yielding high-quality outcomes each year. As for the sour reputation that might arise? Sorry, Jude Halley, you're responsible; I'm just a shareholder!
*****
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