Chapter 468: Riots
[Chapter 468: It Seemed Like It Should Happen]
Shortly after Eric finished his phone call, Stan Winston rushed in. "Eric, something's happening outside."
Eric thought to himself, "Finally, it's here." He told the women, "Stay here and don't wander off."
After giving that instruction, Eric quickly left the studio, following Stan. The women exchanged glances for a moment, and Drew was the first to react, rushing out without a second thought.
"But Eric told us to wait here..." Julia began, but before she could finish, the other three women followed Drew outside. Clearly, they had no intention of listening to Eric, and no one paid attention to Julia.
It was nearing the end of the workday, but the usual order of the complex had completely dissolved into chaos. Groups of employees huddled outside, whispering towards the eastern sky. Not far off, a few people stood on the rooftop of the three-story administration building, seemingly watching something in the distance.
From the expansive plaza outside the office area, one could see wisps of black smoke rising from the eastern part of the complex.
Though there was no internet, such a significant event occurring in downtown Los Angeles spread across the Greater Los Angeles area in no time at all.
At three in the afternoon, the San Fernando Courthouse in Los Angeles officially ruled that several police officers involved in the Rodney King case were found not guilty and released immediately. The strong protests from the Black community were ignored, and emotions boiled over, leading to attacks on passing white residents, swiftly escalating into riots.
Eric had initially thought he could just walk away as long as the people around him were safe. However, seeing the hundreds of employees from the digital division and filming base gathered in the complex made him realize he couldn't just leave without concern.
Playa Vista was a district of Culver City, economically lagging compared to other parts of Los Angeles, and home to a large population of Black residents, which meant a strong potential for instability.
Using the complex's loudspeakers to unite the chaos-loving crowd and stabilize emotions, Eric managed to discuss countermeasures with the management team.
"The main trouble is happening to the south, very close to us. There was an attempt to break into the complex just now. I've instructed security to close the gates, but the area is just too vast to ensure that no one sneaks in from anywhere. We have no guarantee against that, so we can only secure the filming and post-production studios. That way, even if someone slips in during the chaos, it's unlikely they'll be able to breach those buildings; after all, we do have some security here," said a logistics manager, pointing to an open map of Los Angeles on the table, weighing in with the information he had.
Eric interrupted the admin manager, "Forget that for now; we need to figure out how to get these hundreds of people out safely. With the insurance company in place, even if something happens to the equipment here, we can get compensation. But having hundreds of people in the complex isn't something to take lightly. Ensuring our employees are safe is the most important thing."
Upon hearing this, everyone began to chime in with their opinions.
"I just spoke with the Culver City chief; he said the looters are primarily robbing stores and supermarkets. It's usually solitary white people who are attacked, so it would be safest to leave in pairs. The women absolutely cannot leave alone, even if they live in safe neighborhoods because nobody can guarantee they won't encounter something unexpected on the way."
"I think we should avoid downtown and head north towards Santa Monica, then through Beverly Hills. That area is definitely safer," another person said, pointing to the table's map, tracing an alternative route that covered some of the safest neighborhoods in Greater Los Angeles.
"If there are employees living in the downtown area, they might as well stay here tonight. We have dormitories for employees, and honestly, female staff should not leave downtown today; that place is the most chaotic. Staying here is safer."
"Perhaps we could ask the Culver City police department for additional personnel. The Firefly Studios were built here on the request of Culver City's government, so I believe they wouldn't ignore us. If they send help, along with our own security, that would make things much safer."
As Eric listened, he nodded along. Once everyone finished voicing their opinions, he said, "Alright, let's do that. And notify everyone that starting tomorrow, we're on break. We'll inform them when to return."
A senior executive hesitated to suggest, "Mr. Williams, I think a break isn't necessary. Tomorrow might be just fine, and many projects have tight schedules."
"Just do as I say," Eric waved his hand, not wanting to explain too much. Given the escalating situation, a large number of companies would inevitably halt operations. It was far better to notify everyone collectively than to call each person individually later.
Seeing that Eric had made up his mind, the executives accepted the decision and quickly dispersed to handle their matters.
...
Once everyone left, the women gathered closer, already aware of the unfolding situation.
"Eric, you must have sensed something was about to happen, right?" Elisabeth couldn't help but ask, her eyes sparkling.
Eric rolled up the map in front of him and placed it on the filing cabinet. "I'm not God; how would I know?"
Elisabeth clearly didn't believe him, letting out a huff of skepticism. Eric turned his head, brushed off the dust from his hands, and asked, "Where is your old man right now?"
"Could you at least use a nicer title?" Elisabeth complained before adding, "He's in New York, why?"
Eric pointed to the faint black smoke visible outside the window. "This is a great opportunity for Fox News. If they seize it, Fox News will gain several years' advantage."
In the original timeline, Fox News did seize the opportunity following the 9/11 events in 2001, quickly rising to become the second-largest news network in North America.
Elisabeth thought for a moment and picked up the phone to dial Rupert Murdoch directly.
...
Eric remained in Playa Vista until around seven that evening. Only after Eric insisted did the Culver City police department send over ten fully armed officers to assist the security at Firefly Studios. Only then did Eric take the 5 women back to Liberty City Manor in a helicopter. Originally, he intended for Jeffrey to join them, but upon seeing the group of women around Eric, Jeffrey immediately shook his head. Eventually, Stan Winston invited Jeffrey to his place in Malibu, resolving the situation.
Despite the chaotic events, the atmosphere in the villa at the Manor, now with an additional five women, remained tense. They all gathered around the television, watching Fox News' live coverage of what was happening in Los Angeles.
As a media mogul, Murdoch had a sharper instinct for major events than the average person. After receiving Elisabeth's call, he quickly made arrangements. Two Fox News helicopters soon circled over the affected downtown area, while multiple ground reporters were dispatched as well.
On the screen, the area that was once vibrant and shimmering from Beverly Hills had turned chaotic. Sirens blared everywhere, and flames flickered in the distance. Within hours, the chaos had spread from certain areas south of Los Angeles to the entire Greater Los Angeles area.
Throughout the night, Eric spent most of his time on the phone, first confirming that the employees from the digital division and production facilities had reached home safely. Later, around nine, another wave of looters attempted to scale the walls and break into the filming base but were dispersed by the police stationed at the studios who fired warning shots. He also received numerous calls inquiring about safety.
Not until after eleven that night did the phone calls finally quiet down.
Eric glanced at the TV, where Fox News continued its special coverage of the events. It was clear that after this incident, Fox News would definitely solidify its position in the media landscape. Eric felt little emotional attachment to this kind of thing that rises from disasters. Murdoch exemplified this type of capitalist, with an instinct to turn any opportunity that can be used into capital.
"It's late; everyone get some sleep. If things don't improve by tomorrow, we'll leave Los Angeles," Eric said, checking his watch. Although Malibu remained calm, no one could predict what might happen next. Because Eric did not have many memories of this incident, he had to make the safest plans possible.
The concern written on the faces of the women suddenly turned to looks of uncertainty at his words. Eric was fully aware of what they were thinking and shrugged, "I'm heading to bed. If anyone wants to stay, feel free; otherwise, find a room for yourselves."
With that, he rose and walked away amid their light chuckles.
Drew watched Eric's departing figure, feeling an urge to stand but ultimately retaking her seat.
Elisabeth took a bite of an apple from the fruit bowl and said, "If you want to go, just go. Who's stopping you?"
"I'm going to my own room," Drew huffed, somewhat smug, as she stood. Among Eric's women, only Drew had a set bedroom in the villa.
Julia made a call to the maid to confirm that her niece was asleep before stretching, standing up, and leaving the living room. Elisabeth glanced at Tina Fey and Claudia Schiffer, wished them goodnight, and followed Julia out.
Tina and Claudia looked at each other, slightly embarrassed. Unlike the three other women who had no qualms about their status, Eric and Drew hadn't arranged bedrooms for them, leaving the two wondering where they should go.
The two women stared at the TV screen, staying put until midnight. Claudia finally said, "Shouldn't we go to sleep too?"
"Yeah," Tina nodded but remained seated.
Claudia had to stand up first, turning off the TV before Tina finally followed her upstairs.
"I remember, the last time I stayed in this room," Claudia said, pointing to a guest room on the second floor, her face slightly flushed as she recalled the last time she had been tricked over by Drew.
Tina Fey lowered her voice, "Can I sleep with you?"
Claudia nodded, understanding that Tina's situation was similar to hers; having stayed here once, Claudia herself wouldn't know which room was the guest room either.
As she thought about this, Claudia grabbed the doorknob to twist it but found the door locked. Inside, she heard laughter, along with Elisabeth's voice saying, "You jerk, go wherever you want, but don't come bother us!"
Both women immediately understood that this guest room was occupied by Elisabeth and Julia, who were treating them as if they were some night-time interloper.
After exchanging glances for a moment, Claudia pointed to the end of the hallway, which was Eric's master bedroom. "Should we... ask Mr. Williams?"
For some reason, Claudia didn't say to ask Drew; perhaps she felt Eric was the true owner of the villa.
Tina seemed not to think much of it, quietly affirming, and the two women headed toward Eric's bedroom.
...
The next morning, as Eric woke up, the first thing he felt was a soft hand pressed against his back, a small hand still around his waist, and a light warmth from her breath on his neck.
The other girl in front of him was lying on the bed with her arms around a pillow, her delicate face facing him, her blonde hair a little messy, but it made her look even sexier. Because the bedroom was warm, the girl's quilt was not tightly covered, revealing part of her fair back.
Thinking of last night, Eric couldn't help but smile. He couldn't help but laugh at how the two women, timidly asking if they could come in, had prompted him to slam the bedroom door shut, effectively trapping two willing lambs.
Recalling the scene of last night, Eric gently reached out and pulled the quilt on Claudia down, but did not take his hand back. Instead, he lifted the blonde hair that covered the girl's face, admiring her delicate face, while his hand gently stroked the girl's smooth back, slowly sliding down.
Feeling Eric's touch Claudia woke up. She said good morning, but felt embarrassed when she saw Eric's hand reaching out from behind.
Eric's hand stayed on that slender waist for a moment, then he climbed over the mountains and climbed to the top of the mountain, and then stretched out his fingers to reach into the deep valley.
Claudia couldn't help but squeeze her long legs together, but after realizing that this position was even more awkward, she quickly loosened her legs and buried her face in the pillow shyly: "No, I didn't even... shower last night."
Eric did not continue to provoke and withdrew his hand. Although morning is usually the time when desire is strongest, he had already gone a little too far last night and it would hurt his body if he continued.
Taking away the little hand that was still on his waist, Eric sat up and looked at Tina Fey who had been hugging him. He had just felt the girl's breathing become soft, and noticed her eyelashes fluttering from time to time. Eric knew that Tina Fey must have woken up, but just felt embarrassed and continued to pretend to sleep.
Eric quietly got out of bed and looked at the woman feigning sleep and said, "It's still early; you can sleep in a bit longer."
After saying that, without waiting for the two women to respond, he picked up his clothes and walked into the bathroom opposite the master bedroom.
Seeing Eric close the door behind him, Claudia remarked to Tina Fey, "Alright, he knows you're awake now."
Tina couldn't pretend any longer, grabbing a pillow to cover her face, muffling, "Oh my God, what did I get myself into! I can't believe... Oh my God!"
Watching Tina's reaction, Claudia, who was initially a bit downcast, felt relaxed. Though she came from a privileged background and hadn't had to rely on her body to make her mark as many models had to, Claudia had seen plenty of things in her years as a model. Compared to Tina, who came from a conservative middle-class background, Claudia was evidently more laid-back.
Claudia saw that Tina continued to hide under the pillow for quite a while and couldn't help but chuckle, "But you didn't seem to protest last night. If you had resisted, I don't think Eric would have forced you."
Tina reflected on what had transpired the night before and felt even more down. "I guess... I should have. Ugh, he never even gave me a chance to speak! No wonder Miss Murdoch said he's a bastard!"
*****
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