Chapter 71 - How to Torture a Listed Company

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"Do you need to film today? Do you have time to show me the surrounding scenery?" Hardy asked Ava.

Ava smiled playfully, knowing exactly what Hardy was implying.

"The actor needs to ask the director for leave when going out, but I don't know if the director will grant it," she replied, pretending to frown.

"It's a big problem to ask for leave from the director. How about we elope instead?" Hardy whispered.

"Elopement?" Ava's eyes lit up.

"Yes, let's elope."

The two sneaked out of the room and quietly made their way to the car. They drove off slowly, leaving the set behind.

Matthew looked at Henry. "The boss drove away. Should we follow?"

Henry grinned and stayed in the shade. "The boss is off for a tryst with his lover. Are you sure you want to risk getting caught?"

"What if it's dangerous?" Matthew asked.

"If we try to follow, we might end up in more trouble than we're worth. Besides, I heard they're filming a horse war. Let's have some fun with the horses instead."

"Okay!"

Meanwhile, Hardy and Ava drove along the open road with the window down, letting Ava's long hair fly in the wind.

"Where are you taking me to elope?" Ava asked, glancing at Hardy.

"To a place with a bed."

They arrived in a nearby town and found a quaint Mexican-style hotel surrounded by flowers, with the added bonus of hot springs.

Their separation had been too long, and they enjoyed their time together in the room, reveling in their reunion.

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David Walsh, meanwhile, was driving angrily after the humiliating encounter. His mood had soured, and he was determined to seek revenge.

"That man holding Ava's hand must pay," David muttered to himself.

Back in Albuquerque, he showered and threw his dirty clothes away before picking up the phone.

"Hello, is this the Los Angeles Times? I have a scoop for you. I know where Ava Gardner is..."

The Los Angeles Times was interested immediately, offering a $50 bonus for the information. David, driven by greed, provided his name, address, and the details about Ava.

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The next day, Hardy and Ava returned to the set. As they arrived, two reporters from the Los Angeles Times walked into the filming base. They recognized Ava and began taking photos while one of them approached with a notebook.

"Is this Miss Ava Gardner? We are reporters from the Los Angeles Times in New Mexico. We've been searching for you since your song 'Scarborough Fair' became a hit," one reporter said.

Ava, slightly overwhelmed by the attention, was initially at a loss for words. Director Nolan intervened, "We're in the middle of filming. Please don't disturb the actors. How did you find us?"

"We received a tip from a source," the reporter replied.

Hardy, already suspecting David Walsh's involvement, asked, "Who provided the tip?"

The reporter declined to reveal the source, maintaining confidentiality.

Ava, guided by Hardy, gave an interview, addressing various questions while keeping the identity of her songwriter a secret. She also promoted the film, "Red Dead Redemption."

The reporters took their leave, satisfied with the material they had gathered.

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Back in Los Angeles, Hardy met with Lanster.

"Has the investigation into Walsh Mining's shareholders been completed?" Hardy asked.

Lanster handed over a detailed report. "Walsh Mining's total market value is $1.83 million. David Walsh owns 34% of the shares, and the stock price has dropped to $0.31."

"Good. We need to take action," Hardy said.

He had already set up a shell mining company named HD Mining and opened multiple accounts to short Walsh Mining's stock.

The Los Angeles Financial News published an article that morning, titled:

"Geologist Professor Michael De Guzman's Copper Mine Extension Theory May Doom Mining Companies."

The article critiqued Professor De Guzman's theory, stating that Walsh Mining's investment in New Mexico was based on speculative and unsupported claims. It predicted significant losses for companies like Walsh Mining that followed De Guzman's theory.

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Hardy was ready to execute his plan. He knew that by driving down Walsh Mining's stock price, he could inflict maximum damage on David Walsh, who had dared to offend him. This would be his way of exacting revenge on the arrogant playboy who dared to intrude on his life and personal affairs.