Chapter 283: Chapter 283: Trial Show—A Really Fake Show
The yacht sped through the sea, and as Hardy and Monroe discussed the movie script, they reached Houston without realizing it.
Upon docking at the pier, Hardy handed Monroe the script. "You go to the bedroom and rest for a bit. I need to meet some friends."
"Okay," Monroe replied, taking the script and heading to the bedroom.
Not long after, Lanster and Henry boarded the yacht and joined Hardy in the living room.
"How's the situation?" Lanster asked.
Hardy poured glasses of wine for everyone.
"Cohenheim is scared and hiding, but we've located him. He can't escape," Henry reported.
"As for the plane's departure, some newspapers covered it. We had the Global Times clarify it was a security operation. We were asked to provide emergency assistance and rescue clients besieged by gangs, so we took necessary measures. HD Security is committed to protecting our clients," Lanster explained.
Hardy didn't bother with excuses; he accepted that the operation was a rescue mission.
HD Security's slogan is: All for the safety of the client.
If legal issues arise, Hardy is ready to handle them. If the police or families of the deceased press charges, he'll employ a formidable legal team to see the case through. Even if he loses and his pilot is imprisoned, it would serve as a significant advertisement for HD Security.
Employers appreciate such dedicated protection and are willing to pay more for it. If the pilots are sentenced, Hardy will offer them compensation, turning the situation into an advertising opportunity. Even with imprisonment, Hardy will ensure their comfort, and they'll be wealthy upon release. This is the worst-case scenario.
The legal team has indicated that the case could result in fines and compensation without much additional trouble. Hardy is unfazed; it's just money.
The potential negative reputation of HD Security for being overly aggressive is also a form of advertising. Hardy has the Global Times and ABC TV, and he's a major shareholder in the Los Angeles Times, along with various magazines and comics.
If the Haim Gang is portrayed as a ruthless, criminal group, it will only boost public opinion against them. This is the power of media influence.
In the U.S., being tough and assertive is seen as strength. Hardy plans to showcase the might of HD Security and his media empire through this situation. The Haim Gang will serve as a stepping stone for this campaign.
Hardy instructed Henry, "Let's initiate a comprehensive public relations campaign. This is also a chance to test our intelligence team's capabilities, transforming this action into a heroic effort and discrediting the Haim Gang."
"Hardy Media will fully support your campaign," Henry assured.
Infiltration, subversion, and public opinion manipulation are all part of intelligence work. Henry and his team had similar plans and nodded in agreement.
Hardy turned to Lanster. "Lanster, gather all evidence of the Haim Gang's crimes, then contact the Chief of the Houston Police Department. Label the Haim Gang as a criminal organization and initiate a full-scale crackdown. Let Matthew and Nick handle the real action."
"I've already contacted a Texas congressman who will assist with the mayor and police chief of Houston."
Such contacts can resolve many issues quickly. Finding evidence against the Haim Gang and presenting Cohenheim as a criminal will ensure a public relations advantage and prevent any chance of recovery.
After discussing with Lanster and Henry, the two left. Soon after, Patriarch Pritz of the Houston Mafia family arrived at the yacht.
Pritz examined the yacht. "Mr. Hardy, is this Marcelo's yacht?"
Hardy smiled. "Yes, it belongs to Marcelo. I'm using it to relax and meet with you."
Once Pritz was seated, he asked, "Mr. Hardy, I must admit, I didn't expect you to deploy fighter jets yesterday. Aren't you worried about military and government repercussions?"
Hardy laughed. "HD Security has partnered with the Ministry of National Defense to establish a security and defense company with authorization to use powerful weapons. Our fighter jets are legal. You needn't worry about that."
"And using fighter jets against a vicious gang like the Haim Gang—does it matter what weapons are used?" Hardy added.
"What's your next move, Mr. Hardy?" Pritz inquired.
Hardy was aware that Pritz had only partially committed to confronting the Haim Gang, sending a limited force. Pritz's cautious approach was clear.
"I've always been generous to friends, willing to share benefits, but never lenient with enemies," Hardy said. "I appreciate you sending help, even if it was limited to peripheral support."
Pritz's face tightened. Hardy's words suggested he had seen through Pritz's cautiousness. Pritz knew Hardy had the power to take over the city.
The yacht's parlor fell into a tense silence.
Hardy addressed Pritz, "I prefer making friends to creating enemies. There are too many opportunities to make money. There's no need to fight over trivial benefits when there are greater prospects."
"You and the Basini family are investing heavily in casinos in Cuba. I'm not optimistic about that market," Hardy said.
Pritz was taken aback. "I remember you proposed the casino project, but it was later taken over by Basini?"
Hardy nodded. "I was initially optimistic, but the situation in Cuba is changing rapidly. Political instability could jeopardize your investment."
"Why do you think so?" Pritz asked.
"Based on recent intelligence, there's a strong opposition to the current Cuban government. Basini's casino venture, reliant on the prime minister, could fail if the government changes," Hardy explained.
Pritz was surprised. "How much did you invest, Patriarch Pritz?"
"I invested $6.8 million," Pritz admitted.
"I suggest you reconsider your investment. I owe you a favor. If you're interested in future business ventures, feel free to reach out. I'm open to collaborative opportunities," Hardy offered.
Pritz, recognizing the conversation was ending, asked, "What will you do with the Haim Gang's territory and business?"
"I was considering letting the Los Angeles Gang take over Houston. Are you interested?" Hardy asked with a smile.
Pritz didn't want Los Angeles to take control, fearing for his own position. He had come to see Hardy about this very concern.
"I'm interested in the Haim Gang's territory. We've had conflicts before," Pritz said.
"Actually, I'm not keen on expanding into Houston. Here's my proposal: After dealing with the Haim Gang, I'll hand over their territory to you, but I'll retain control of the terminal sites. I need those for my shipping companies," Hardy proposed.
Pritz understood Hardy's strategic interest in the piers.
"Alright, that sounds fair," Pritz agreed.
Hardy added, "As for the transfer fee, it's $2 million."
Pritz was taken aback but agreed. He recognized Hardy's business acumen and willingness to negotiate.
After concluding the deal, Hardy saw Pritz off, watching him leave with a smile on his face.
Hardy had successfully positioned himself for future advantages. Whether Pritz would share the information with Basini was uncertain, but Hardy believed it was unlikely. Even if Pritz did inform Basini, the substantial investment already made would not easily be undone.
With Pritz gone, Hardy returned to the yacht's cabin and found Monroe still engrossed in the script. She looked up with a smile as he entered.
"Mr. Hardy, I love this script more and more. Is it really for me? Thank you so much!" Monroe said, clearly thrilled.
"Do you have confidence in your performance? If you excel in this role, you could become a real Hollywood star," Hardy encouraged.
Monroe hesitated. She had taken only brief acting classes and lacked confidence.
"Should I teach you some acting techniques?" Hardy offered.
Monroe was surprised. She had assumed Hardy must be very skilled to write such a great script.
"Sure, what should we practice?" Monroe asked eagerly.
"Since we have the script, let's rehearse a scene from it. We're on the yacht, so let's use this setting," Hardy suggested.
"Okay!"
In the living room, Monroe took on a more charming demeanor. She looked around the yacht and exclaimed, "Oh my God, this place is so beautiful, like a mansion on the sea."
Hardy, playing along as the male lead, replied, "It's just a typical bachelor pad."
Monroe noticed a sailfish mounted on the wall and said, "Wow, this fish is so big! What kind is it?"
"That's a herring," Hardy said, pretending seriousness.
Monroe looked surprised. "A herring? Such a big fish in a small jar?"
"It shrinks after pickling," Hardy explained.
As they continued their dialogue, Monroe leaned closer to Hardy. "I've never been alone with a man like this before."
"Don't worry, you're safe with me," Hardy reassured.
"Why, Mr. Hardy?" Monroe asked, intrigued.
"Because I have 'female disorder'. I'm not interested in women," Hardy joked.
Monroe was surprised. "Are you asexual?"
"Essentially, yes. The doctor confirmed it. It's quite distressing," Hardy said with a frown.
Monroe leaned in closer. "Have you tried treatment?"
"I've tried various methods but haven't had any success," Hardy replied, pulling her closer and kissing her lips.
The kiss deepened, and their acting quickly gave way to passion. The yacht swayed as they lost themselves in each other. The night passed in a blur of intimacy and desire.
The next morning, Monroe awoke to find Hardy gazing at her with a mix of shyness and joy. She looked at him with affectionate eyes.
"Love
, have I cured your illness?" Monroe asked with a smile.
Hardy grinned. "You certainly made it a memorable night."
The yacht continued its journey, leaving behind a night that was anything but fake.
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