The Wolf of Los Angeles

[Chapter 28: Turmoil Arises Quickly, But It Also Disperses Just as Fast]

In Beverly Hills, North Sunset Boulevard.

In a sprawling mansion, Buddy Ackerman soaked up the afternoon sun, putting down the newspaper as he said, "I remember the company had a project involving Robert Downey Jr.?"

His daughter, Melissa Ackerman, chimed in from behind, "That was the The Singing Detective crew that cost over ten million dollars."

Buddy asked, "Will it have any impact?"

"The film is set to release later this year," Melissa replied softly. "There's still about six months left. Hollywood will soon have new scandals popping up, and people will forget quickly. By then, any negative effects shouldn't be too significant."

Buddy, belonging to an older generation, remarked, "An actor, of all people, getting involved with the producer's wife? That takes a lot of guts; it's not a good thing."

Melissa added, "The company won't work with Downey in the future. Other producers will have concerns about collaborating with him too."

Buddy inquired, "How's Broderick handling this? Will it affect his work?"

"It shouldn't," said Barack Bernanke, who was an old friend of Matthew Broderick and knew him well. "Broderick is quite devoted to his star wife; he treasures her immensely. As long as Sarah is sincere in her apology, Broderick will surely compromise..."

Having seen a lot over the years, Buddy replied, "Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. A person in a high position who can make good use of his special qualities -- that's a talent."

Melissa understood the message was directed at her and replied, "I understand, Father."

Buddy waved her off. After she left, he turned to Barack and said, "The medical team suggests that younger blood bags yield better results. The foundation needs to act and refresh the entire blood supply."

Barack was already prepared: "The foundation is planning to kick off an overseas charitable program to recruit in the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia."

Buddy nodded slightly. "Do it quickly."

...

Sherman Oakes. A burgundy Bentley pulled up at the mansion on the hillside. Sara Jessica Parker, driving, hesitated, reluctant to enter the house.

She glanced at the passenger seat and said, "I didn't want to be with Downey; my feelings for him faded long ago. I just wanted to have some fun. I never intended to hurt Matthew and my family."

Carolyn's tone was firm. "You only have two choices: sincerely apologize to Matthew and seek his forgiveness, or divorce him and create a scandal."

"No, I'm not getting a divorce!" Sara Parker protested, unwilling to give up Matthew Broderick who treated her so well. "I'll apologize to Matthew. If he really loves me, he'll forgive me."

Saying this even left Carolyn, who was usually cynical, momentarily speechless.

Finding her confidence again, Sara started the car and drove into the house.

Carolyn touched the pepper spray in her new Chanel purse, wondering if domestic violence might occur later.

The noise of the car alerted those inside. Matthew Broderick approached the door, holding a copy of the National Enquirer.

After parking, Sara hesitated for two seconds, then gritted her teeth and got out.

Matthew Broderick came over, asking, "Honey, where have you been? I was so worried."

"I..." Sara, a star actor, let her tears flow without restraint. "I'm so sorry; I was confused for a moment."

Matthew Broderick, who was often teased by friends as a henpecked husband, instantly enveloped Sara in his arms. "It's okay. It's all right. I've got everything."

Carolyn stood there dumbfounded, silently marveling at how magnanimous this man was.

Matthew Broderick's next words left Carolyn speechless: "Next time, remember to invite me along. I wouldn't mind."

Sara was taken aback for a moment. This idea turned over in her mind, suddenly feeling intriguing. It was supposed to be a thrill, after all.

This couple then went inside to share hush-hush talks.

Carolyn stood in the yard, quickly regaining her composure. After all, her clients were all Hollywood insiders, and this circle was riddled with shady characters and occurrences.

Married couples in the industry had a common status -- same-sex relationships, swinging, trading favors, and threesomes were all too commonplace.

Producers like Matthew Broderick could summon a whole crowd with just a gesture, regardless of gender identity.

Were they just tired of playing and needed a safe harbor?

Carolyn couldn't quite grasp it.

About ten minutes later, Sara emerged and called Carolyn inside.

Matthew Broderick said, "You are Sara's publicist. Make sure to calm this storm quickly."

"The key lies in your -- your attitude," Carolyn thought for a moment and said. "I'll contact the media. You and Sara should walk hand in hand for your public outings, expressing your commitment to maintaining your marriage and family. Then I'll arrange an interview for you."

She looked at them one by one: "Sara, you need to express remorse; Mr. Broderick, you need to forgive Sara. Then we'll release statements through the media about how much you value family and marriage, and steer the public focus onto Downey. Trust me, that guy's head is all messed up right now; there'll definitely be a scene."

Sara Parker and Matthew Broderick held each other's hands tightly. "Okay, get it arranged as soon as possible."

Carolyn hurried out; the tension in the air was suffocating.

She believed that these two shared some peculiar preferences and were likely entangled in complex benefits.

America had its fair share of quirks, and Hollywood showcased the most glaring ones.

...

On that day, Hawke found himself surrounded by numerous media reporters, poised in Brentwood.

They gathered at Robert Downey Jr.'s residence, waiting for Matthew Broderick to come knocking.

Among them were quite a few clever folks. One particularly sharp-minded individual stepped forward, saying, "If Matthew Broderick shows up, we need to ask him some provocative questions to throw him off balance. Getting him into a fight with Downey would be perfect."

Another person yelled, "It would be even better if they ended up in a gunfight!"

Someone else chimed in, "One dead, one injured."

In the midst of the laughter, someone remarked, "That's our ticket to riches!"

Hawke nodded in agreement with the idea but kept silent.

He was determined to sell his photos and sought to get his work published, wanting to see if Matthew Broderick and Robert Downey Jr. would go for each other's throats.

Unfortunately, Hawke and the others waited until the sun was setting, but Matthew Broderick never came.

However, a news tipster from a big studio reported, "We just got the latest about Downey."

Hawke asked, "What's the news?"

The tipster, more than happy to oblige, said loudly, "Sony and Warner Bros. are collaborating, and Ackerman Films, investing in the Gothika crew, has clearly stated that Downey isn't suited for this film."

Immediately, someone familiar with Hollywood's inner workings remarked, "Downey messed with the producer's wife. He's been shunned in Hollywood."

Someone next to him added, "What producer wouldn't be wary of an actor like that? Choosing Downey to film means risking their wives."

Though Hawke was bold, having just arrived in Los Angeles, his connections were limited, making him less informed than the seasoned pros.

After waiting most of the day with no results, including Hawke, most people dispersed.

Back home, Hawke turned on the television, tuning into channel 11, where the 6:30 PM entertainment news aired on the dot.

The female host began by covering the "Affair Gate" scandal involving Robert Downey Jr. and Sara Parker. Following that, a clip rolled.

Matthew Broderick and Sara Parker appeared hand in hand at the Beverly Center, looking quite close.

They even gave an interview, during which Sara tearfully offered a public apology.

Matthew Broderick, displaying enormous grace, forgave her and declared that Sara was his everlasting love.

They both claimed their focus would shift to their family, promising to nurture their marriage and love.

Hawke thought to himself, is this what Hollywood-style love looks like?

*****

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