Chapter 388: Chapter 388: Hacked Video
At the dawn of a new week, Hollywood buzzed with its usual chatter, a constant flow of gossip and scandals. However, one particular piece of news stood out, initially surfacing on the TMZ website and later spreading through numerous social media, IT, and entertainment publications.
Kim Kardashian had released an email through her spokesperson, an email that had been sent by an unknown hacker. The mysterious hacker had informed Kim that he had recently breached her computer, discovered some intriguing content, and copied it. He threatened to expose this content unless she deposited $300,000 into the account mentioned in his email. Accompanying the email was a screenshot from a video, where Kim Kardashian appeared in minimal clothing, teasingly waiting for something to happen, with a leg peeking out in a very suggestive manner.
Anyone with some experience could easily deduce what was coming next. Images and email screenshots swiftly spread through newspapers and across the internet.
Back in the day, Kim had used her connection with Paris Hilton to gain notoriety, making her a celebrity in her own right. Now, with a video stolen by hackers and extortion attempts, complete with photographic evidence, public interest was immediately piqued.
The online world erupted in anticipation.
"Where's the video? We want the video!"
"Where's that foolish hacker? Blackmailing without the video? Ridiculous!"
"Pictures without a video? Worthless."
"Let's crowdfund and demand the hacker release the video."
Inside Martin's office, Bruce entered, witnessing Martin deeply engrossed in his computer and munching on some melon.
Martin looked up, giving Bruce a thumbs-up. "You acted swiftly."
"The impact is more significant than anticipated," Bruce updated on the latest developments. "The press conference is ready and scheduled for this afternoon." Bruce didn't elaborate much; however, it was evident that even Martin was more invested in this matter. Martin emphasized, "During the press conference, Kim must not only cry but also display the independent and psychologically resilient side of women, as if she's declaring war on this crime like a warrior."
Bruce appreciated the directive. "I'll ensure it's conveyed accurately to Kim's professional public relations team."
Worried about forgetting, Bruce grabbed a pen and notebook.
Martin drew inspiration from the working styles of Jolie and Aniston, contemplating what they might say in a similar situation. Bruce carefully jotted it all down.
After conveying his thoughts, Martin dismissed Bruce, saying, "You go about your tasks. I'll join Leo and Jack to discuss this matter."
"This scoop won't disappoint you." Bruce walked away.
Martin reminded him once more, "Make sure Kim's team contacts TMZ and Jenna's company. Cut a short clip and offer it as a teaser to TMZ, and sell the full video to Jenna's company. When the hype reaches its peak, release the DVD and video tape; it's bound to sell well."
Bruce paused, looked back at Martin, and genuinely admired him. "Martin, it's not just luck that you've achieved such immense success in Hollywood, you truly have talent for these type of underhanded stuff."
Martin responded casually, "Mainly thanks to you, and I still hope you'll take a bullet for me."
Bruce chuckled and without further words, swiftly left the office, descended to the ground floor, hopped into his car, and drove straight to the satellite city of Venice.
Martin also left the office, hopped into an ordinary Volkswagen, and discreetly made his way to Nicholson's residence.
Nicholson had prepared a lavish lunch for Martin and Leonardo that day. As Martin entered the living room, he noticed not only Nicholson but also a striking blonde girl who appeared to be at least eighteen years old.
He couldn't help but inquire, "This is... I feel like I've seen her before."
Nicholson introduced her, "My daughter, Lorraine."
Martin recalled seeing photos of this girl in the living room. Lorraine greeted Martin warmly, saying, "Hello, Martin."
"Hello, Lorraine, you're a beautiful angel," Martin complimented, slyly glancing at Nicholson. "A hundred times more beautiful than your father."
Lorraine playfully agreed, "I think so too."
Martin continued to tease Nicholson, "How does an ugly man like you have such an angelic daughter?"
Nicholson quipped, "Your future children will undoubtedly inherit my looks."
Not wanting to partake in their banter, Lorraine excused herself, saying, "I'll check on the kitchen."
"Please, go ahead," Martin replied.
Lorraine left the living room, and Martin cast a sly look in her direction. Before he could utter another word, Nicholson quipped, "Isn't my daughter beautiful? She's got a great personality too. If you're interested, I might consider letting her marry you."
Martin didn't take this jest seriously and put on a mock concerned expression, "Jack, I never knew you were this kind of guy!"
Leonardo entered the living room, unaware of the conversation, and Martin pointed at Nicholson, jokingly accusing him, "I treat you as a brother, the elder of our trio, and this is how you repay me? Trying to set me up with your daughter? You've gone too far!"
Leonardo immediately joined Martin in this jest, exclaiming, "Jack, you're a real scoundrel! Even though we three don't have boundaries, you shouldn't introduce romance into our pure male friendship!"
Nicholson just shook his head, saying, "You two are hopeless cases. I hope neither of you ever gets married."
Martin graciously accepted the sentiment, saying, "Thanks for your blessing."
Leonardo chimed in, "Come on, Martin, let's head to Jack's wine cellar and select some fine wines."
The two headed to the basement, picked out two excellent bottles, and brought them back upstairs. Meanwhile, Lorraine directed the staff to serve the seafood dinner prepared by the chef in the dining room.
Nicholson invited them to take their seats wherever they pleased. As Lorraine prepared to leave, Leonardo asked, "Aren't you staying for a meal?"
Lorraine declined, stating, "I won't disturb you any longer."
Nicholson gestured for her to leave, adding, "Off you go. And remember, once you turn 21, you can withdraw from your fund account as you please. Until then, don't bother me."
Lorraine waved goodbye and departed. Martin couldn't resist offering some fatherly advice, saying, "You might want to express your love in a gentler manner."
Nicholson, sending the servants away, retorted, "You speak as if you've had children."
Martin was at a loss for words, and Leonardo chimed in, "It's a father-daughter relationship without enmity."
Nicholson changed the subject, "I've seen the news about your quarrel with Bale on set. What's going on with him?"
Martin pointed at his head, explaining, "He's been deeply affected. He can't stand the sight of me and the clown now. Seeing us might push him over the edge."
Leonardo expressed regret, "We should've spent more time in Atlanta."
Nicholson mused, "Bale is done for." Then he inquired about Cate Blanchett, "What's happening with Blanchett? I thought she was your favorite."
Leonardo questioned, "Why would you want to get rid of her?"
Nicholson always had a mischievous streak, responding, "I just enjoy unrequited love."
Martin clarified, "Blanchett is vying for the leading role in David Fincher's new film, 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.' We're negotiating to replace her."
Leonardo offered a different perspective, "Why not give her the chance to compete face to face? She's the heroine, so you might get the opportunity to outshine her."
Nicholson shared the same viewpoint, asserting, "Killing people in advance, what do you call that? Cowardice! You're embarrassing the three of us!"
Martin furrowed his brows, asking, "Is that so?"
Leonardo nodded affirmatively, saying, "Of course."
Nicholson emphasized his point, stating, "When facing Bale, did you ever consider eliminating him beforehand? And you, as a man, actually thought about this. What kind of man are you?" He emphasized further, "I'm going to visit Leo's class. If there's nothing to do, no one to take on, and no excitement to watch, what's the point? Isn't that our style?"
Leonardo added, "The Dark Knight won't be released until next year. You'll have to continue being a clown on set. By then, there won't even be a significant adversary. Who will you fight, David Fincher?"
As these two bantered back and forth, Martin briefly considered that maybe Cate Blanchett should indeed be the lead.
"Alright, let's wait for the auditions with the crew," Martin proposed, opening a bottle of wine, pouring a glass for each of them, and raising his glass. "Jack's treating us to a seafood dinner today, and I'll treat you to some juicy gossip."
Having spent a considerable amount of time with Nicholson and Martin, Leonardo understood the reference to "eating melon." He inquired, "What's the sensational gossip?"
Martin took a sip and said, "Kim Kardashian is holding a press conference later."
The affairs of Bruce and Kim were kept under wraps, so even for these two, Martin hadn't yet divulged any details, focusing on Kim Kardashian instead.
Nicholson, being the experienced man he was, had a hunch. He remarked, "It seems like something interesting is about to unfold."
Martin had prepared a laptop, connecting it to the LCD TV in Nicholson's dining area with a data cable. He opened a live broadcast of TMZ on the screen.
This press conference was set to be broadcast live on TMZ, and the three of them indulged in a sumptuous seafood feast while waiting for it to begin.
Thanks to Bruce's discreet arrangements, there were hundreds of entertainment reporters present, and TMZ had even set up live cameras.
Kim Kardashian, with red eyes, appeared on the news stage, accompanied by her publicist.
Facing the multitude of media cameras, she began by expressing her anger: "A hacker stole a personal video of mine and is attempting to extort me. To the blackmailer, I want to say that I'm deeply hurt and angered, but I will never give in to blackmail!"
In addition to her anger, Kardashian aimed to create a different image, continuing, "The video was recorded with my ex-boyfriend over the course of our three-year relationship. It captures our most intimate moments. We wanted to preserve our love in this way, never expecting something like this to happen!"
"This is a crime. Some individuals want to profit from my video. This is my body, and I should have the say in it. I will never compromise!"
Kardashian's voice was resolute, "To halt this criminal activity and prevent these criminals from succeeding, I have decided to take the initiative to release the video, ensuring their criminal intentions are thwarted!"
As she concluded, a moment of silence enveloped the press conference. No one had expected such a response.
Then came a sudden uproar, for a bigger scoop had emerged.
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