Capítulo 560: Chapter 560: Betrayal!
In the early hours of the morning, Aniston found herself in the luxurious villa nestled in the heart of Beverly Hills, bathed in the soft glow of the rising sun. The atmosphere was serene, with a gentle breeze rustling through the palm trees.
Soon after, Martin discreetly made his way over to the villa. The proximity allowed him to join Aniston for breakfast without causing a disturbance. But, it wasn't long before Jolie arrived, surprising them both with her swift entrance.
As Martin entered the villa's elegant restaurant, he was greeted by a sight that mirrored the gravity of their discussion. The dining table was adorned with a multitude of newspapers, forming a mountain of information. Adjacent to the table, a laptop was open, streaming news regarding the Harvey Weinstein scandal.
Aniston raised her eyes from the headlines and warmly welcomed Martin, saying, "Please, take a seat and join us for a moment."
Jolie chimed in, "Let's peruse today's top newspapers together."
Martin responded with consideration, "Of course, there's no need to rush. Let me skim through a few papers we've already read."
The front pages of esteemed publications like the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, and the New York Times prominently featured the latest developments in Harvey's scandalous affairs. Even entertainment magazines like Warner's "Variety" and "Entertainment Weekly" had dedicated special issues to the subject.
Aniston astutely remarked, "This matter has garnered significant attention in Europe as well. Harvey won't find sympathy in the European media."
Jolie added, "Despite Harvey's influence, countless media outlets across the United States have reported on this extensively. It's worth noting that he's also lost contact."
Jolie then playfully turned to Martin and teased, "You're not considering to throw him in the Pacific Ocean, are you?"
Martin maintained his steadfast commitment to the law, replying, "Absolutely not. Harvey exhibited violent behavior yesterday and assaulted his wife, Georgina Chapman, who called the police. The LAPD took him into custody on charges of domestic violence."
Aniston inquired, "Is he getting released today?"
Martin shook his head solemnly, "No, early yesterday morning, the three victims, accompanied by women's rights lawyer Camille, went to the police station to report the incidents. The LAPD has legitimate grounds to deny Harvey bail."
Jolie and Aniston shared differing concerns. Jolie asked, "Did you have a romantic involvement with Harvey's wife, Georgina? It can't be just a coincidence."
Martin, at a loss for words, spread his hands helplessly.
Jolie couldn't contain her surprise and exclaimed, "Wow, I never expected a love triangle in this saga!"
Martin, always quick with a response, gently tapped Jolie's chest, saying, "I've made quite the sacrifice to assist you!"
Aniston couldn't help but chuckle, quipping, "Is your face made of steel, Martin?"
Surprisingly, Jolie, known for her teasing, leaned in and planted a passionate kiss on Martin's lips. In this moment, it seemed as though the world had stopped, and the gravity of their situation had momentarily faded.
If circumstances were different, Jolie would have gladly knelt to let Martin admire her technical prowess.
Martin, bringing them back to reality, patted Jolie reassuringly on the shoulder.
Jolie embraced him again, expressing her gratitude, "I know you're not doing this solely for me, but thank you for helping me rid myself of this burden."
Martin inquired, "When do you plan to reveal this to the public?"
Aniston and Jolie had already made their decision, "There's no need to wait any longer. As advocates for women's rights in Hollywood, it's time for us to take a stand. We've already contacted the media, and we'll be hosting a joint interview with Jolie at the Hilton Hotel today."
Martin offered his perspective, "This time, the number of victims may reach a horrifying level. With careful handling, the Mee tio organization's influence can extend beyond North America, reaching Europe and the entire Western world."
At that precise moment, the shrill ring of a phone pierced the air, disrupting the calm atmosphere around Martin. He swiftly retrieved his cell phone and answered the call, not knowing that this conversation would set the stage for a pivotal moment.
The voice on the other end belonged to Helen, an executive from Warner TV. She got straight to the point, saying, "Do you have the victim's contact number? I need your help to facilitate their participation in Helen's live show. There's no time for recording. It has to go live! Also, we should get the whistleblower to join if possible."
Martin, intrigued by the idea, inquired, "Has the TV station approved this?"
Helen shared a tidbit of information, "The senior management is fully supportive of covering the Harvey Weinstein incident."
Martin stepped out of the restaurant and handed the phone to Bruce, suggesting, "Talk to Bruce about this."
Immediately after the call, Daniel rang Martin again. This time, it was Barry Meyer, inviting Martin to the Warner Building to discuss their next film collaboration.
After a hearty breakfast and some casual conversation with Annes, Martin made his way to Burbank. As anticipated, amid discussions about future film projects, Barry Meyer and Daniel delved into the topic of Harvey, their disdain for him evident. Daniel expressed how Harvey had swindled numerous people throughout his more than three-decade career, not just in North America but also across Europe and Asia.
Martin was well-informed about Harvey's tactics, including coercing foreign producers to sell films with directors, holding people captive, and even deceiving acquaintances on the other side of the Pacific Ocean. The Weinstein brothers' modus operandi was strikingly evident.
For instance, their knack for backstabbing.
...
Meanwhile, in New York, Bob Weinstein received a call from Los Angeles. Without delay, he instructed, "Lawyer, your top priority right now is to secure Harvey's bail. I'll handle everything else. Once you see Harvey, let him know I'm working diligently with Washington to contain this incident."
"Understood. Leave it to me," the lawyer replied, well aware of the intricate dynamic between the Weinstein brothers. Bob was Harvey's steadfast confidant and the most reliable figure in his life.
Bob headed to the company, making a beeline for Harvey's office. There, he found the location Harvey had mentioned for the bank's safe key.
Being Harvey's closest brother, it took only a single glance for Bob to recognize which bank it was associated with.
Returning to his own office, Bob fielded a series of calls from concerned individuals inquiring about Harvey's situation. Each time, he offered carefully crafted reassurances, "We have devised a comprehensive strategy. Please be patient; this matter will undoubtedly be resolved. Rest assured."
He subsequently left the company, drove to the bank, and opened Harvey's secure vault.
Inside, there were few items—a collection of video tapes for cameras, storage disks, and more.
Bob carried them back to his apartment and began examining them meticulously. They were all photographs captured by Harvey, spanning from the late 1980s to the previous year, totaling over a dozen.
It was evident that Harvey had chosen his subjects with precision.
Bob had indulged in similar activities before, albeit consensual. Understanding this peculiar psychology, he occasionally found a unique satisfaction in it.
In the entertainment industry, taking selfies and such videos was not uncommon, and the Weinstein brothers evidently shared this penchant.
While waiting for the video transfer process to complete, Bob lit a cigarette, retreated to the balcony, and gazed at Central Park in the distance. His thoughts delved into the intricacies of the situation, weighing the pros and cons.
From yesterday until now, Bob had closely monitored the unfolding events.
Perhaps, he mused, an opportunity like this would never present itself again.
People often referred to him as Harvey's shadow, but Bob had aspirations that extended beyond merely being someone's shadow. This was the moment he had been waiting for, a chance to break free from Harvey's clutches, as he was well aware that if he didn't, his own safety would be at risk.
As Bob contemplated the situation, his thoughts gravitated towards TMZ, the outlet that had initially exposed Harvey's dark secrets. The name of the whistleblower, Judy, had made headlines across the nation.
With Bob's considerable resources, acquiring Judy's email and phone number proved to be a straightforward task. He meticulously compiled a selection of videos, focusing on the parts of Harvey's actions that were forceful but did not involve sensitive individuals. With urgency, he dispatched these crucial materials.
On his journey back to the company, Bob stumbled upon a public phone and decided to contact Judy.
A caring brother fears for his dear sibling's slow demise.
Judy had been preparing for an interview with Helen when, unexpectedly, he received this significant gift. He immediately summoned Bruce to his residence, and together, they watched the newly received video evidence.
These videos constituted incontrovertible proof of Harvey's misconduct.
Judy questioned, "Did you arrange this?"
Bruce overheard Martin's voice chiming in, "I can probably guess who orchestrated it, but that's not the crucial point now. We possess a distinct advantage. I recommend that you, Judy, aim for the Pulitzer Prize. The whistleblower's identity is pivotal. I suggest you appear on Helen's Warner show and unveil yourself as the whistleblower."
Judy, a journalist at heart, concurred, "I believe that's the right course of action."
The three victims had already consented to step forward and accuse Harvey.
During the interview between Judy and Helen, the focus shifted toward program logistics and how to create a sensational impact.
Before Helen's show, CNN featured an interview with Jolie and Aniston.
Aniston, who had minimal interaction with Harvey, concentrated on the incident itself. She addressed the camera with conviction, proclaiming, "I am appalled by Harvey Weinstein's disgraceful behavior. I can't fathom how such a powerful investor and producer in Hollywood could commit such heinous acts. I pledge my unwavering support to the courageous women who have exposed this darkness; they are our heroes!"
She further implored, "If anyone else has suffered at the hands of Harvey Weinstein, I urge you to step forward bravely and wage war against these despicable and shameless actions. I promise to do everything in my power to assist you!"
Subsequently, another influential figure, Jolie, who had a significant presence on Me t
Too, shared her experience. She recounted how, while starring in "As You Like It" in 1990, Harvey had lured her to a hotel room under the pretext of discussing work and had nearly assaulted her.
Jolie, standing before the camera, exuded a resolute demeanor, saying, "Even the strongest among us have vulnerabilities. I am no exception. This incident occurred over a decade ago. Had I not raised my voice and alerted a hotel staff member, the consequences could have been dire."
Jolie, in her newfound role, emanated the aura of a maternal protector, declaring, "I had refrained from speaking out for fear that Harvey would dismantle my acting career. But the bravery of Anne, Emma, and Angela has inspired me. Confronted with Harvey's utterly shameful and appalling actions, I have decided to stand up and say ME TOO boldly. I am also one of the victims!"
That night, "The Helen Show" aired as scheduled. Thanks to extensive pre-show publicity, public interest in the Harvey Weinstein scandal had reached a fever pitch. The talk show set a record with over 30 million viewers tuning in.
Whistleblower Judy took center stage, accompanied by the three victims, as they shared their harrowing stories. Judy also unveiled new video evidence, demonstrating that they were not isolated cases. Despite the victims' identities being concealed, Harvey's presence in the videos was undeniable.
Public opinion had erupted, and the momentum was unstoppable—it could only be followed.
...
In Washington, Hilary stood at the doorstep, ready to greet Erica and Kelly Gray, who had come to visit.
Erica wasted no time, stating, "Our opportunity has arrived. A powerful movement to safeguard women's rights is brewing in California. We must be part of it."
Hilary, a seasoned politician well-versed in the Los Angeles landscape, required no persuasion. Although it was evident to everyone, public opinion had unequivocally positioned Harvey Weinstein on the opposite side of not just the United States, but the entire civilized world.
In times like these, making the right choice was unequivocally clear.
When the moment called for it, Hilary would never hesitate, declaring, "Women's rights must be protected, and Harvey Weinstein's actions must be met with the punishment they deserve!"
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