Chapter 284: A Diversion

Leaving the business suite, Martin met up with Bruce, and they headed downstairs together.

When Thomas noticed Bruce's hand signals, he immediately halted.

As they walked a bit farther, Bruce whispered, "Ivan is here."

"Where is he?" Martin quickened his pace. "I'll go see him."

For reasons of confidentiality and safety, Bruce explained, "No need, I'll find him. If anything happens to him, it'll most likely affect me. If things get serious, you can still assist from outside."

Martin emphasized, "We're not doing anything illegal; we're just doing what we're best at."

"We're all in this together. We're friends to journalists," Bruce reflected. "How many crucial leads have we provided to the press? How many journalists' jobs have we saved? We've even made people like Jody wealthy, but alas, the Pulitzer Prize never seems to favor us."

Martin remarked, "The 'News of the World' is audacious and tend to employs unorthodox methods. I hope they won't disappoint."

Bruce acknowledged, "You also use your adversaries, very resourcesfull."

Martin stood by the window. "There are no permanent enemies. We're friends to journalists." He reminded, "If things don't resolve, you can find an alternative. Ivan will be fine. Just keep an eye on him."

"Don't worry." Bruce departed.

The situation with the crew convinced Martin that even if the "News of the World" couldn't tackle Harvey, they were just needed to divert his attention elsewhere. Therefore, he instructed Bruce to bring in someone entirely unfamiliar.

In the vast entertainment industry, there are numerous people to interact with. Why focus on the "Limitless" crew?

While heading back, Martin suddenly recalled a significant detail. His first meeting with Wes Craven had taken place at a fashion party hosted by Harvey Weinstein's fiancée, Georgina Chapman.

He remembered Georgina's remarkable beauty.

Martin playfully chastised himself, saying, "I'm a good person, not a pervert!"

Upon his return to the suite he shared with Aniston, she asked, "Did you meet with Ari?"

"Yes," Martin replied straightforwardly. "He mentioned that if you join WMA and experience the superstar treatment, considering there are no superstars at WMA now, you'd be their top client."

Aniston and Steve would discuss this further with Ari, but WMA's premier client offer seemed genuine.

Aniston expressed her exhaustion, "I'm tired. Let's get some rest. We can talk more tomorrow."

Martin stepped behind her, gently massaged her forehead, and advised, "Whether you stay or go, don't rush into it. Take your time to decide."

Aniston held one of Martin's hands, kissed the back of it, and humorously added, "I'm feeling really stressed right now, and there's only one thing that can clear my mind."

Martin understood, "You want to make a real-life poster again?"

Aniston playfully suggested, "Isn't a 3D real-life poster fun?"

Diving into a project together always had the power to help them forget their worries and rediscover their happiness.

Brooklyn Bridge Park had been quite deserted recently, particularly after dark.

Ivan enjoyed this opportunity to see the sights of New York rather than working as a security guard at the Beast's House.

A car pulled over by the roadside, and Bruce lowered the window, waving at Ivan.

Ivan quickly approached, hopped into the passenger seat, and inquired, "Why did you suddenly call me here, brother?"

"I need a small favor from you," Bruce handed him an envelope. "Hollywood is filled with shady characters, but I can only trust people from our old Atlanta crew."

Ivan opened the envelope, revealing a bundle of U.S. dollars. He raised an eyebrow, saying, "My family is still in the business."

Bruce explained, "I can't let your trip be in vain."

Ivanha asked, "Do you need me to use a gun? I came here by plane without one, so give me yours."

"Where do you think you are!" Bruce playfully punched him on the shoulder. "I've found a new face who can pass information to the chief editor of a newspaper. That's the plan."

Ivan grasped the simplicity of the task, having completed similar missions with Martin multiple times before.

Bruce then took out another envelope and showed him a photo, saying, "This woman is Rose McGowan, an Italian actress working in Hollywood..."

Ivanha took the envelope and listened carefully to Bruce's instructions, including the mention of Harvey Weinstein, a name that was familiar to him.

Both of them had been closely following the developments in Hollywood, particularly regarding the film industry.

Bruce handed over more envelopes, each containing pictures of other actresses besides Rose McGowan.

Martin had been gathering information about Harvey for a while and had documented all relevant rumors, just in case they needed it.

Ivan took the envelopes and assured, "It's no big deal. I promise to get it done."

Bruce stated, "I'll be there to back you up tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Ivanha quickly moved towards the car door, saying, "No, no need for backup, I'm scared!"

Bruce raised his middle finger playfully, saying, "You're a man when it comes to action! You still have a lot to learn!"

On a chilly winter morning in Manhattan, Mockridge, the editor-in-chief of "News of the World," drove solo to the company's vicinity.

As was his habit, he parked the car and didn't head directly into the company. Instead, he made his way to the hot dog shop across the street to purchase hot dogs and coffee.

Mockridge found an unoccupied table, settled in, and was about to enjoy his breakfast when suddenly a well-dressed, sandy-haired man took a seat across from him.

"Excuse me," Ivan began, opening an envelope and placing a photo of Rose McGowan and Harvey Weinstein on the table. "I know who you are, and I have vital information to share—a lead."

Mockridge had encountered similar situations in the past. He remained composed, not panicking or refusing the offer. Instead, he listened attentively, as this was how they often acquired leads to significant news.

Ivan gestured to the woman in the photo, saying, "This is my girlfriend, Rose McGowan, known for her roles in 'Scream' and 'Elvis Presley.' Over the past few years, she's been subjected to multiple instances of harassment. She claims Weinstein raped her on multiple occasions, but the cases were hushed up after she contacted the police and reported to the media."

He looked directly at Mockridge, continuing, "Weinstein threatened her, as well as Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. He even warned her that her acting career would be destroyed, so she didn't dare report to the police again, instead crying in secret at night. When I found out, I confronted the man, and he threatened me..."

Mockridge lowered his head and examined the photos of Harvey Weinstein.

Ivan's anger was evident, and he went on, "He abused my girlfriend, and he continued his predatory behavior! I couldn't let it slide, so I conducted a discreet investigation, gathering substantial evidence. Other media outlets were afraid to break this story, but you, 'News of the World,' are renowned as the industry's conscience. That's why I've come to you."

Mockridge remained silent, accepting the envelope that Ivan had placed on the table. Inside were several printed pages listing names of women and approximate dates related to incidents at hotels.

Ivan added, "I lack the means to do this myself. I'm hoping you'll expose that despicable man in your newspaper."

Mockridge carefully stored away the envelope and the photos.

Ivan got up and left the hot dog shop, quickly reaching the nearest intersection, then slipping into an alley.

Upon reemerging, he waited briefly until Bruce arrived in an ordinary car, pulling over by the roadside.

Ivan got into the car, a little excited. "Did you see it? How was my performance?"

Bruce, adopting a professional tone, responded in Martin's manner, "It was a bit superficial, somewhat exaggerated."

Ivan scratched his head, admitting, "So it wasn't great?"

Bruce drove him towards the airport, urging, "Enough of that. If you've got nothing else to do, you should hurry back to Atlanta. Your mom's waiting for you to join her for dinner."

"Okay, I'll head to the airport right away." Ivan offered one last reminder, "Next time something like this comes up, remember to contact me. I promise to handle it for you."

Meanwhile, Mockridge went about his day as if nothing unusual had occurred. He leisurely enjoyed a hot dog and a cup of coffee before preparing to leave. Crossing the street, he entered the newspaper office.

There were no pressing matters requiring his immediate attention that day. He retrieved the photos and documents from the envelope and studied them closely.

Harvey Weinstein, somewhat prominent in New York and a leading producer and Hollywood mogul, did not seem to belong to the top tier of power players in the industry. Because News Corporation was the parent company, also owning 20th Century Fox, Mockridge was familiar with the power dynamics of Hollywood.

In his eyes, Weinstein's status wasn't significantly higher than Martin Davis's.

Deep in thought, Mockridge used the intercom to summon his assistant and handed her the materials. "We have a new target. Assemble a suitable news team and handle this."

His assistant understood the instructions, recognizing that 'handling it' implied unconventional methods.

Mockridge didn't take this matter too seriously. Compared to the British royal family, the Prime Minister's residence, and Washington dignitaries, who often featured in "News of the World," the Weinstein brothers' influence was relatively minor.

That morning, a three-person team received the materials and began collecting information on Harvey Weinstein.

Working on the front lines meant that if there was no news to be found, they had to create it themselves. And now, with a hot lead on their hands, they weren't about to let it slip away easily.

When it came to individuals with a certain level of power, they either held back and remained silent, or they gathered concrete evidence and materials to deliver a decisive blow.

Following, shadowing, bribing, and eavesdropping were all part of their arsenal.

Bruce saw Ivan off and returned to the Brooklyn Studio. He entered the studio, waiting for Martin to finish shooting a scene before discreetly exiting.

Martin inquired, "Is it done?"

Bruce whispered, "The other party accepted the materials. I'm not entirely sure how they plan to proceed."

Martin contemplated, "News of the World is known for its courage. When it comes to someone like Harvey, they might consider a discreet investigation, gather some information, and then decide whether to expose it or press Harvey for compensation."

"I've studied their approach," Bruce remarked. "It could lead to more significant exposure."

Martin reflected further, "Regardless of whether Harvey or News of the World is watching us, we should find someone to convey the relevant information to Harvey. Let him deal with the News."

Bruce noted, "You're a good person, Martin. Harvey should be thankful in advance."