Echoes of Hollywood

"Should we go see it in person?" Murphy glanced at the clock on the wall and said, "Is it necessary? Knowing the final result is enough; there's no need to see those people."

Robert Downey Jr. scratched his face, "But if I don't go and let them see me, how will they know who did this? If they don't know who did it..."

He argued, "The pleasure of revenge isn't strong enough!"

Hearing this, Murphy almost spit out the coffee he was drinking. However, on second thought, it made sense. Hating someone and beating them up wouldn't feel as satisfying if the person didn't know who hit them.

Murphy shook his head, "Do whatever you want."

"I was just talking." Robert Downey Jr. grinned, "I need to go home soon. Old Robert Downey is still waiting for me."

As the clock struck the hour, the study door was knocked on precisely. After Murphy called for them to enter, Gal Gadot and Susan Downey, who had been sent away earlier, walked in.

"Are you guys done talking?" Gal Gadot asked with concern.

"All done." Robert Downey Jr. stood up, "It's getting late; we should go."

Susan Downey smiled politely at Murphy and Gal Gadot.

There wasn't much formal courtesy between the two families. Murphy and Gal Gadot didn't insist on their guests staying, seeing Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey off at the villa door. A servant had already brought around Robert Downey Jr.'s Bentley.

"Stay in touch," Murphy reminded Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. nodded seriously, took the car keys from the servant, and reverted to his usual playful self.

"Murphy, your estate is great in every way," Robert Downey Jr. said as he opened the car door for Susan Downey, "except it's too big. Every time I come, I waste a lot of gas, which doesn't align with the current energy-saving ideals!"

"That's easy to solve." Murphy immediately offered a solution, "I'll put up a sign at the gate that says 'Robert Downey Jr. is prohibited from driving in.' You can park outside and walk in from now on."

"Such special treatment."

Robert Downey Jr. waved to Murphy and Gal Gadot without continuing the joke, got in the car, and left.

Back in the living room of the villa, Gal Gadot poured herself a glass of water and asked with concern, "How did it go?"

She wasn't fully aware of what Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. had done, but she had seen some related reports in the media today, suggesting that they had employed several tactics.

"Don't worry." Murphy didn't want Gal Gadot getting involved in these messy affairs, so he spoke vaguely, "Everything is under control."

Seeing that Murphy didn't want to elaborate, Gal Gadot didn't press further. She excused herself and went to her study on the second floor to continue her producer course studies.

She had been working hard to help Murphy more effectively in the future.

Feeling somewhat exhausted from today's events, Murphy went upstairs to take a hot shower and then quietly rested.

While Murphy was resting, Robert Downey Jr. was still energetic. After leaving Wave Manor, he didn't go straight home but first went to Santa Monica, where old Robert Downey was waiting for him.

"You guys actually put that old bastard in this state?" Old Robert Downey, evidently having received some news, exclaimed, "It's worth celebrating! Truly worth celebrating!"

Robert Downey Jr. only smiled and didn't brag as he used to because he knew that without Murphy's help in planning, the current outcome wouldn't have been possible. There wasn't much for him to boast about.

Seeing his old nemesis in trouble, old Robert Downey was naturally pleased and even hoped Kirk Douglas would go to hell and meet Satan...

"No, going to hell is too easy for such scum!" He quickly changed his mind, "He should suffer a stroke and become a vegetable, not dead nor alive, hanging on and continuing to suffer!"

"What was his plan?" Old Robert Downey knew his son well. Although Robert Downey Jr. had matured a lot, he couldn't pull off such a brilliant scheme. So, he asked, "What did Murphy do?"

Robert Downey Jr. thought for a moment and said, "Actually, he only planned one thing."

"Hmm?" Old Robert Downey looked at Robert Downey Jr. in confusion. The whole chain of events didn't seem like just one thing.

"He just figured out a way to create a conflict between Cameron Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones."

Since his father was the Douglas family's nemesis, Robert Downey Jr. elaborated a bit more, "We had done detailed research beforehand. After Catherine Zeta-Jones married Michael Douglas, it led to Cameron Douglas becoming independent or rather being kicked out of the family. The conflict between them is very deep, and Cameron is..."

Robert Downey Jr. sighed, "A bit like I was, a young punk but even more cowardly. So, using some methods, we gave him the courage to confront Catherine Zeta-Jones directly."

Old Robert Downey nodded slightly.

"Catherine Zeta-Jones also has a poor relationship with Kirk Douglas and is particularly vengeful." Robert Downey Jr. continued, "If Cameron Douglas did something harmful to her, this British woman would definitely not let him off! But Cameron Douglas is Kirk Douglas's favorite grandson, which would inevitably escalate the conflict between Catherine Zeta-Jones and Kirk Douglas. It's said Kirk Douglas has cardiovascular issues, so if Cameron Douglas suffers severe retaliation..."

Robert Downey Jr. shrugged and didn't continue. The outcome was evident and didn't need further explanation.

After a brief pause, he added, "Although Kirk Douglas and Michael Douglas are publicly at odds, it's well known in the industry that their father-son relationship is actually quite good. If Kirk Douglas encounters problems due to this incident, even if it's not as serious as it is now, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas's relationship will likely deteriorate, speeding up Michael Douglas's career decline."

"But the actual result is better than you expected?" Old Robert Downey asked.

"Yes." Robert Downey Jr. nodded earnestly, "The current situation is the most optimistic outcome Murphy initially envisioned. Today, God was on our side."

"Indeed." Old Robert Downey nodded.

For some reason, he suddenly felt a bone-chilling cold spread through his body. Fortunately, Robert Downey Jr. and Murphy were friends!

These seemingly simple actions accounted for all the potential conflicts within the Douglas family, merely igniting Cameron Douglas as a fuse, causing the Douglas family to explode...

To be able to achieve this, such a person's depth and complexity...

Old Robert Downey shook his head and sighed. No wonder Murphy Stanton had achieved such great success in the chaotic and complex Hollywood circle in just a few years. Besides talent, his personal attributes were also key.

Could a simple-minded person who believed they could achieve great success in this circle solely based on talent achieve what Murphy Stanton had?

To old Robert Downey, the answer to this question was obvious.

"Since you are friends, work hard together." Old Robert Downey suddenly advised Robert Downey Jr., "Hollywood will surely remember your name in the future."

As night fell, this residential area in Santa Monica became unusually quiet. Normally, at this time, the outpatient building of the UCLA Medical Center would be quieter, but today was an exception. At least the corridors of the emergency floor were not quiet.

"Bitch!" Michael Douglas slapped Catherine Zeta-Jones, who had just arrived, across the face. "Do you want to ruin the Douglas family completely?"

The handprint from the morning had just faded, and now her face was slapped again. Catherine Zeta-Jones instantly became furious, but before she could react, Michael Douglas backhanded her on the other side of her face.

"Slap..."

The crisp sound echoed down the long corridor, leaving those unaware of the situation dumbfounded, wondering if this was some kind of performance by the Hollywood star couple.

"Cameron is my son!" Michael Douglas shouted, "How dare you treat him like this!"

Catherine Zeta-Jones slowly lowered her hand from her face, her gaze falling on Michael Douglas. The affection they once shared vanished with these two slaps, replaced by resentment and anger!

Seeing Hollywood stars physically fighting in public, even the hospital staff were stunned, forgetting to intervene.

Without swearing like a shrew or foolishly attacking back, Catherine Zeta-Jones swallowed her anger and turned to her assistant, "Call the police! Arrange for a medical examination and notify my lawyer. I was domestically abused!"

She glanced at Michael Douglas but said nothing more, turning and walking away coldly.

This matter wasn't over. Cameron Douglas had threatened her with a knife in the morning, and now Michael Douglas had not only turned against her but also physically attacked her...

As she walked, Catherine Zeta-Jones decided she was done with Michael Douglas and planned to settle scores with the Douglas family for every grievance!

Moreover, the marks on her face would undoubtedly help her secure a larger share of the property!

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