Chương 128: Chapter 128: Domestic Violence Scandal
[Chapter 129: Domestic Violence Scandal]
Sherman Oaks Plaza, the Olivara Hotel.
A black Audi A8 rolled into the small parking lot in front of the hotel. Hawke pulled into a parking space and glanced at the hotel entrance, where a large group of media reporters and entertainment bloggers gathered.
Hawke decided not to enter the hotel just yet. He pulled out his phone and called Caroline. "Are you ready?"
Inside the hotel lounge, Caroline glanced at Broderick and Sarah, who were busy familiarizing themselves with their speaking notes. "Ready to go, we can start anytime," she replied.
Hawke reminded her, "You're a professional PR, make sure to control the atmosphere."
Caroline shrugged. "This is just a small event for me."
Hawke ended the call, knowing he would enter with the reporters a little later. Early in the morning, Edward had met up with Caroline and driven the company vehicle back. It was parked right there.
He extracted the video from a hidden wireless receiver and transferred it to a storage drive before getting back in the Audi.
Edward handed the drive to Hawke, exclaiming, "This is brilliant! This couple shouldn't waste their talent by not heading to the San Fernando Valley."
Hawke tucked the drive away and asked, "Can you cut some suitable clips?"
Edward thought for a moment. "There's one part where Sarah screamed for mercy as Broderick assaulted her."
Though Hawke had incited the situation, he couldn't help but admire the intensity. "Truly a Hollywood couple."
Glancing at the time, he put on his wide-brimmed glasses, casually picked up a camera, hung his Fox Channel 11 reporter badge, called Edward, and got out of the car toward the hotel.
...
Reporters entered the media conference in droves, and Hawke followed Edward into the hotel's press room.
The media area was a bit far from the podium.
Caroline hosted the press conference and delivered some opening remarks. Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick approached the podium one after the other.
Faced with dozens of cameras, Sarah took off her hat, sunglasses, and scarf, revealing a bruised face.
Despite her efforts at makeup to conceal the injuries, the thick foundation couldn't entirely cover up the marks.
Sarah's makeup skills were impressive, evoking gasps from the crowd. The marks on her neck were particularly pronounced, suggesting a forceful grip had left its mark.
The reporters stirred, and flashes erupted all around.
No one seemed interested in whether Sarah had undergone cosmetic surgery or injections anymore; everyone wanted to know how she had sustained the swelling and bruising on her face.
This story had far more intrigue than any cosmetic procedure.
Broderick took the microphone. "I'm sorry for taking up your time, but I made a huge mistake that led to Sarah getting hurt."
Having been an actor, he easily wore a look of deep remorse and regret. "A few days ago, before I left for work, I drank too much at a party. Work pressure was immense, triggering my alcohol addiction. When I got home, I drank some more, and when Sarah came to stop me-- I... I was drunk, I grabbed Sarah by the neck and pushed her, which led to her injuries."
Broderick bowed deeply, as if genuinely repentant. "I failed in my duties as a husband and a man. I will take full responsibility for everything that Sarah experienced. I just hope she gives me another chance..."
At that moment, a female reporter shouted, "Sarah, you should call the police!"
"Yeah, report it!"
There were many female reporters present, and they all chimed in.
Sarah then extended her hand, tightly gripping Broderick's hand. "For these past few years, Broderick has been burdened by immense work pressure and fell into addiction, but he has been fighting hard against it. This was an accident. I believe in my husband, and I will stand by him as he overcomes his addiction."
She turned to Broderick, embracing him tightly. "I'm not a good role model for women, but I'm trying to be a good wife."
Reporters captured every moment with their cameras.
The press conference went smoothly, and the response was positive.
...
Media attention shifted; no one mentioned Sarah's alleged cosmetic surgeries anymore, with subsequent coverage zeroing in on her experience with domestic violence.
The online reaction was swift.
As Sarah and Broderick returned home, news outlets, including Yahoo Entertainment, had already published photos and videos from the press conference.
"Hollywood's model couple's relationship crumbles; Sarah Jessica Parker suffers domestic violence at the hands of Matthew Broderick!"
"Matthew Broderick, the abuser of his wife Sarah Jessica Parker!"
"Domestic violence in Hollywood rampant, urging Sarah to stand up and use the law as a weapon to reclaim justice!"
Shortly after, the Beverly Beauty Center issued a statement, noting that Sarah Jessica Parker sought ways to quickly remove her injuries.
Photos and videos of Sarah's injuries flooded the internet.
Netizens' eyes were magnifying glasses.
"There are definitely injuries on her face, like scrapes."
"Despite the thick foundation, the injuries are real."
"The marks on her neck clearly indicate a man's grip. Just look at Matthew Broderick's fingers; they match in size and position."
...
At the Beverly Business Club, Hawke reviewed the online discourse and called Caroline.
"How is Sarah doing?" he asked.
Caroline was at Sarah and Broderick's mansion. "They're both very calm. Sarah is cooking lunch for Broderick."
Hawke noted that Sarah was following his advice, stabilizing the situation with Matthew Broderick. "After the midday news, reach out to Lancome. The narrative has shifted; if Lancome invests some resources, we can hold the current situation steady."
Caroline replied, "I'll keep a close watch."
...
After lunch, several entertainment networks aired stories about Sarah Jessica Parker's domestic violence incident, turning the narrative around the spurious cosmetic surgery claims.
Caroline later contacted Lancome's liaison, Isabella.
The latter stated, "Your actions have been decisive; the plan is effective. Lancome is watching closely and will step in if necessary."
Caroline replied, "The narrative has already changed."
Isabella assumed it was Caroline's handiwork: "You are an outstanding PR manager; you have shifted the momentum with ease. Let's stay in touch."
Caroline neither confirmed nor denied.
At that moment, Sarah approached, asking, "What did Lancome say?"
"They will mobilize resources to influence the public opinion as much as possible," Caroline replied. "But the key lies with us."
Having been in the industry for so long, Sarah had seen through everything: "When an issue arises, they ditch you faster than anyone, but when the situation reverses, they come back claiming we're friends."
She thought of the person who truly turned everything around: "I have only one person to thank, Hawke!"
Caroline's gaze shifted to the dining area, spotting Matthew Broderick.
Sarah called Hawke, specifically mentioning, "About the pregnancy, as you said, I haven't told Matt yet. Can we keep today's plans under wraps, especially with regard to Matt?"
Hawke replied, "You're my client; I'm responsible only to you. The others don't concern me."
Sarah chuckled and added, "Mainly I want Matt to know that I'm more than just a pretty face."
When she conversed with Matt, she framed it as if she had come up with a plan herself, not something orchestrated by PR or anyone else.
Whether Broderick knew or not wouldn't affect Hawke's operations moving forward; he answered, "Alright."
Sarah hung up.
Caroline still needed to see Hawke, so she excused herself.
Sarah saw her out and returned inside the villa.
Broderick asked with concern, "Are you still in pain? You should rest more."
"It's nothing now," Sarah replied, holding her husband's hand tightly and leaning against him. "As long as you're happy, I'd do anything."
Suddenly, Broderick got an idea -- he thought about bringing in a third party to encourage Sarah to submit, which he believed would be quite thrilling.
As the thought flashed through his mind, lust surged within him.
Sarah sensed it and squatted down in response.
...
Caroline drove her small Mercedes away from Sherman Oaks to the Beverly Business Club, heading to that familiar conference room to meet Hawke.
She picked up a bottle of water, unscrewed it, and took a small sip, stating, "Lancome called me. They're very pleased and will assist us."
Hawke had summoned her for other plans: "You maintain communication with Lancome. I have a new idea, one that will make Lancome more eye-catching and help Sarah secure the Golden Globe for Best Actress."
Caroline sat down on the couch next to Hawke, feeling like she was being manipulated, and bluntly asked, "What do you want me to do? I won't do anything illegal."
Recalling what she had said earlier, she lifted her chin slightly: "I don't want to get into a deeper collaboration with you."
Hawke stared at Caroline's face without responding. Instead, he offered her a choice: "You can withdraw now."
"So I won't receive my commission?" Caroline was most concerned about this.
"Of course not; you'll receive your $120,000 commission, and I'll pay you on time," Hawke firmly controlled her leverage, "but you won't get a cut from the $800,000 this time."
Upon hearing the figure, Caroline instinctively looked at the bag she held and her attire, all from last season's collection.
Hawke leisurely remarked, "Oh, by the way, the promised $800,000 bonus for Sarah winning the Golden Globe..."
Caroline cast aside her previous statements. "Cooperating once more wouldn't be bad, Hawke. Don't you see? We are the best partners. Just yesterday, you made a gesture, and I immediately assisted you."
Hawke deliberately asked, "Not forced at all?"
Caroline responded firmly, "Not at all; I willingly choose to work with you."
"Great, since you're on board now, there's no withdrawal in the middle." Hawke suddenly changed his tone: "If you back out halfway, I'll use a gun to make you my target."
Caroline's haughty chin remained raised, proud as a goat: "So, what is it you want me to do?"
Hawke produced the data and contacts he had gathered when Allison had her selfie scandal, handing it to Caroline: "This is the address and contact information for the LA Feminist Majority Foundation organization. With Sarah facing domestic violence, as her PR manager, you should seek their help."
Caroline was surprised. "Is this Sarah's request?"
Hawke stated plainly, "It's my request, necessary for the awards plan."
"But Sarah and Broderick..." Caroline hesitated.
Hawke pressed on, "We're being paid by Sarah, and we're only responsible to her. Broderick isn't our client, and he's not part of our consideration."
Caroline objected, "Sarah won't agree."
"Really won't agree?" Hawke calmly replied, "You know Sarah. If public opinion turns into a tide, forcing her to make a choice, which way do you think she'll lean?"
Caroline didn't need to think hard to answer: "She'll choose what's most beneficial for her."
Hawke continued, "If you don't want this cash, plenty of others would. I came to you because we're the best pair."
Knowing full well that Hawke was manipulating her, she could've easily refused, but the words simply wouldn't come out.
She wanted not only money; at that moment, she thought of more.
If she secretly struck a deal with Hawke again, it wouldn't be the first or second time. If it got exposed, she wouldn't need Hawke to take action; her career would be done for.
Caroline recalled the negotiations by the pool: "You intentionally dragged me down with you."
Hawke replied, "Don't blame me; you were the one who introduced the client. The first benefit you received from our collaboration was also when you exploited my name to gain from Sarah."
After months of paying her more than five-figure commissions, he had secured the trust of Sarah's trusted PR manager. There was no way he would let her slip away: "Miss Sheep, you clearly worship Satan but still blame me for not letting you meet God?"
Caroline sank back into the couch, instinctively opening her mouth, "Baa--"
She quickly covered her mouth, realizing not only had she been tricked, but she'd done so willingly.
"I'm not a masochist, am I?" that thought flashed through Caroline's mind, yet she honestly remarked, "I want my commission."
Hawke replied, "Just do as I instruct, and there won't be any problems."
Caroline considered her future needs: "If I encounter any issues, regardless of outside circumstances, you have to provide me with a job."
"Absolutely," Hawke immediately agreed.
With prospects for greater earnings alongside Hawke, Caroline felt secure and asked directly, "So what do I need to do specifically?"
"Go to the Feminist Majority Foundation and have them protest outside Sarah's place, applying public pressure through active campaigning," Hawke explained. "I recall from Sex and the City, Sarah played a strong independent woman; the audience and her fans feature plenty of feminists. Riling up their emotions will shake Sarah and the show's foundation, prompting the production team and studio to put pressure on her."
He looked at Caroline: "Forcing Sarah to cut ties with Matthew Broderick."
Caroline grasped the implication: "You're targeting Broderick?"
Already in the game, Hawke saw no reason to deny it.
Caroline cautioned, "Broderick is Jewish, and handling his group within the industry and the media circles could be tricky..."
"It's not us who's targeting Broderick; it's Sarah Jessica Parker. We're simply hired by Sarah." Hawke had thought this through: "Don't forget, Sarah is Broderick's wife and also Jewish. This is a couple's conflict; do you think the people backing Broderick will interfere excessively?"
Caroline's last concern fell away: "Only a severe mental illness might trigger interference in a matter like this."
She recalled another individual: "You even asked me to dig into Sarah's father's info. Stephen Parker had long served as an executive in the media industry, holding considerable influence within several Jewish organizations."
Hawke stated, "Your sheep brain isn't all that silly."
Hearing the compliment, Caroline couldn't help but smile: "You and I are the best partners."
Hawke lightly tapped the couch armrest. "You need to act quickly. What we need to do now is make Sarah feel pressured."
Caroline inquired, "Will the FMF cooperate?"
Hawke remarked, "I've dealt with them; they're proactive in this regard. Sarah's fame will definitely attract their interest. The influence of a celebrity far exceeds that of thousands of ordinary women."
Those folks, they wouldn't just invite; they would rush to get involved even if not invited.
Caroline agreed.
...
After discussing for another half hour, Caroline left the Beverly Business Club and headed straight to the Los Angeles Feminist Majority Foundation organization.
When she mentioned representing Sarah Jessica Parker, a leader from the FMF immediately welcomed her to the VIP room.
Michelle, a seasoned feminist, said, "I saw the news on the internet and sympathize with Sarah's situation, but she lacks the courage and independence women should have. When faced with such things, women should bravely stand up and fight for their legal rights!"
Caroline spoke, "Sarah is quite hesitant. Broderick is a producer in Hollywood. While he has acted, his current power far surpasses that of just an actor. Sarah fears that if she stands up, she will be isolated and, in doing so, risk losing her family and severely damaging her career."
She was on a pirate ship and couldn't get off: "This is why Sarah asked me to quietly come to you, seeking your support."
Michelle was well aware that Sarah wanted to use the Feminist Majority Foundation, but they also wished to leverage her.
The impact of a celebrity was monumental.
She asked, "What kind of support does Sarah need?"
Caroline recalled Hawke's words and replied, "I'm working on a plan with Sarah; you should hear me out."
Michelle stated, "Please, go ahead."
Caroline organized her thoughts: "Sarah won't immediately lean towards you; at first, she will present a conservative image focused on family and husband during the press conference. Then, influenced by the protests and public discourse initiated by the FMF, she will evolve, eventually becoming a feminist."
Hawke set this plan into motion because Sarah was unaware and wouldn't cooperate at this juncture.
They could only pressure her through public opinion and feminist organizations.
Caroline added, "Transforming a conservative female star, especially one of her stature, into a progressive figure will have a tremendous promotional impact."
"Great idea!" Michelle fully agreed and even directly invited her: "Miss Jones, you're an outstanding progressive woman; join us!"
Caroline, considering the practical needs going forward, verbally agreed.
The two parties were in complete accord and began discussing the action details.
...
Meanwhile, Hawke drove to Hobart Mountain Park, waiting near the entrance for a moment.
Jacqueline, having finished her class, quietly approached and climbed into Hawke's car.
Hawke directly asked, "How are things on your end?"
Jacqueline brushed her long hair to the side. "Matthew Broderick is out of town. His course was replaced by another person -- someone reportedly Broderick's assistant at Ackerman Pictures. He's been teaching us for two classes, specifically guiding two women."
She pulled out her phone, revealing a photo she'd taken: "This red-haired woman's name is Jessica; she's 20 years old and came to Los Angeles to make it on her own."
Hawke instructed her to send the photo over and inquired, "What about the other one?"
"The other one is me," Jacqueline said, somewhat helpless yet proud. "I didn't do anything; it's probably just that I'm too pretty and have a great figure. He approached me, saying I had a lot of potential and should pursue this road."
Hawke asked, "Did he want to meet with you alone or mentor you?"
Jacqueline shook her head. "Not yet. He just tells me that I have great talent and should take this path -- otherwise, it would be a waste."
"Do you believe that?" Hawke asked, feigning curiosity.
"Complete nonsense," Jacqueline replied directly. "All the men I've encountered are sweet-talking until they get what they want, then it's all lies."
Hawke cautioned her, "You can interact with him, but definitely don't go out on dates or trust his promises. If anything happens, contact the Savior right away."
*****
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