章節 246: Chapter 246: Revenge
A few days later.
Giannini attended a local social event where a reporter asked, "Mr. Giannini, the California consortium has chosen to support Dewey, while the Hardy Group, a member of the consortium, has backed President Johnson. Can you comment on this?"
Giannini's previously cheerful demeanor shifted to seriousness. "Hardy decided to support President Johnson's re-election. This was not previously communicated. I want to emphasize that the California consortium remains committed to Governor Dewey."
"Does this mean the California consortium is severing ties with the Hardy Group?" the reporter pressed.
Giannini's expression darkened. "The consortium operates as a unified entity, working towards common goals. With such differences, we are currently evaluating whether the Hardy Group should remain a part of the consortium. This decision will be made by a majority of the members."
The reporter attempted further questions, but Giannini departed with a grave look.
The following day, The New York Times published a report titled, "California Consortium Divided: Hardy Group May Be Expelled."
The article detailed the split: while the consortium supported Dewey, the Hardy Group chose Johnson, a move deemed as betrayal. The report suggested that if consortium members acted independently of collective interests, there might be no need to keep them.
The story quickly spread, with many newspapers reprinting it. ABC, NBC, and Columbia TV covered the story, and talk shows dissected and ridiculed Hardy's decision. Commentators derided Hardy's gamble, labeling it as a misguided risk in a crowded field with little chance of success.
The media frenzy led to a drop in stock prices for Hardy Group's listed companies. Within the group, voices of dissent grew louder, questioning Hardy's investment strategy and its potential fallout.
President Johnson, aware of Hardy's difficulties, called him. Hardy reassured him, "Don't worry, Mr. President. I'm fully behind you and believe in your victory."
Johnson expressed his gratitude.
---
A few days later, Johnson's "Grand Tour Speech Activity" began in New York, Dewey's home turf. Despite this challenging environment, Johnson's team managed to gather over 2,000 attendees, a modest number for New York's large population.
To boost attendance, Johnson contacted Hardy, who promptly sent Johnny Fontaine, a popular singer, to New York.
The Global Times announced Fontaine's performance, drawing attention and generating buzz among New Yorkers. Hardy also arranged for ABC TV to broadcast the event live from Times Square, ensuring nationwide coverage.
The day of the speech arrived. Times Square was bustling with over 10,000 people, energized by Fontaine's performance and Johnson's appearance. Johnson, eschewing a prepared script, spoke freely and humorously, captivating the crowd and demonstrating a newfound charisma.
The live broadcast, a first for a U.S. presidential campaign, showcased the event's vibrant atmosphere, drawing enthusiastic responses from viewers across the country.
After the successful speech, Johnson moved on to the next city.
---
Meanwhile, Hardy decided to visit France. He had promised Elizabeth Taylor, the star of "Beauty and the Beast," he would visit before filming wrapped.
The B-29, with its impressive range, took Hardy from New York to Chambord Castle in France in a day. As the sun set, casting a warm glow over the castle, Hardy arrived to find Taylor on set, running through a scene.
Upon spotting Hardy, Taylor's face lit up. She ran to him, throwing herself into his arms, ignoring the crew's presence.
Hardy informed a guard to tell the crew they were free to party that night on his tab, which was met with cheers.
As Hardy and Taylor returned to their hotel, they spent time together, sharing stories and enjoying each other's company. That night, they embraced deeply, with Taylor nestled in Hardy's arms.
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Back in the U.S., Dewey seethed with anger as a new poll showed Johnson's approval rating had surged to 41%, a significant increase from 32%. Dewey, feeling threatened, decided to take action against Hardy.
Dewey and his henchmen devised a plan to investigate Hardy's business dealings, aiming to uncover any illegal activities. The focus was on Hardy's hotel chain and its alleged illegal lottery operations. Dewey intended to expose Hardy publicly, aiming to damage his reputation and finances.
"Even if he doesn't face prison time, we can make him lose millions," Dewey declared.
The New York State Attorney's Office was instructed to launch a high-profile investigation into Hardy's operations, ensuring the process was as visible as possible.
Dewey was determined to use his prosecutorial expertise to undermine Hardy and diminish Johnson's support, seeing it as a necessary step to protect his own political aspirations.
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