The Wolf of Los Angeles-Chapter 441: Two Alphas Couldn’t Coexist

Hawke glanced at the time, "I won't waste time chatting; I'll go back and help you get it done."

He looked across the beach at women in red bikinis and asked, "Any movements from the women's groups?"

"No," Frank had done some thorough research, "The women's rescue team was formed apparently just to increase their influence, not targeting anyone in particular. I haven't found any issues so far."

Hawke trusted Frank's words. The old man was down but still sharp in judgment.

...

The women's groups there might be harmless, but in other places, some were causing trouble.

On his way back, Hawke contacted Fiona, who was with the Feminist Majority Foundation in the San Francisco Chapter, organizing a major women's rights march.

Money makes things easier. With the new year approaching, the FMF, along with several smaller women's organizations, were planning to launch a new wave of women's rights activism in San Francisco.

...

Hawke returned to the company and called Brian, arranging for Raul to deliver Frank's daughter's materials to City Hall.

Brian acted quickly; Raul returned with the recommendation letter in hand.

Hawke had Raul deliver it directly to Frank.

Soon, Frank called: "Wait until she comes to get the letter; I'll bring her over to thank you in person."

Hawke said, "No need to be so formal between us."

Frank was delighted and invited Hawke out for drinks after work.

Hawke declined politely, opting to finish his work and started browsing Arnold Schwarzenegger's profile.

...

This Hollywood superstar was a household name, dominating the '90s, with good relationships with all six major Hollywood studios. He was close with James Cameron and married Maria Shriver, niece of John F. Kennedy, in 1986.

As for his film career, it was well known. In the '90s, he was unquestionably a superstar on par with Tom Cruise.

Arnold had many friends and was surprisingly different from his tough-guy screen persona in real life. His biggest rival remained another Hollywood action star -- Sylvester Stallone.

They shared the same style and genre, resulting in fierce rivalry: two alphas couldn't coexist.

Throughout the '90s, they dug pits for each other, clashed openly and secretly, just short of a public media feud.

But when Schwarzenegger entered politics and became Governor of California, their fight ended.

As Hawke pondered the relationship between Schwarzenegger and Stallone, his thoughts drifted to Stallone's three daughters.

...

Suddenly, the phone rang, bringing him back.

Megan Taylor called, "You're back from Europe? Did you bring me a gift?"

Hawke replied, "I did. I've been busy with work these days. Once I'm done, I'll bring it over."

"How about this weekend?" Megan laughed. "I bought a new house in Brentwood. Come by and check it out."

Hawke glanced at his schedule, "Sure, see you this weekend."

...

After hanging up, Megan called Caroline Jones.

"No overtime this weekend, right? New neighbor."

Caroline, Twitter's Operations Director and Megan's new neighbor in Brentwood, answered, "I'm free. What's up?"

Megan said, "Come over this weekend; I'm throwing a small party."

Caroline agreed enthusiastically.

Megan was in great spirits: "It's a date."

---

In Burbank, the Weinstein Company's Los Angeles branch officially opened.

Harvey Weinstein personally hung the bronze plaque over the office door.

People nearby applauded.

Media reporters were there taking pictures, preparing a hot news story.

Two months ago, the Weinsteins' Miramax had irreconcilable conflicts with controlling shareholder Walt Disney. Harvey Weinstein and Disney chairman Michael Eisner had a heated argument, following which the Disney board removed the Weinsteins from all positions at Miramax.

The Weinsteins told the media they had been ruthlessly oppressed by Eisner and were forced to leave the company they founded.

No matter what, the brothers lost their fight to keep the company.

Harvey, however, was not ready to give up. Together with his brother Bob and investors, he launched The Weinstein Company.

There were rumors in Hawke's past life, suggesting investments by the Clinton couple in Weinstein Company, with one of their goals being to launder some money using movies.

After all, the entertainment industry was one of the easiest avenues for money laundering, with relatively low risks.

In Hollywood, behind the glamorous facade, there was often money laundering, illicit deals, fronts, and other shady activities.

Times changed, Hollywood appeared improved, but the core issues remained.

Harvey started his new company aiming for a comeback.

After the plaque ceremony, Harvey accepted media interviews, boasting about the company.

Then he returned to his office, reviewing collected scripts, project lists, and overseas film catalogs.

Due to his conflict with Disney, he had to forgo this year's awards season, but next year he planned to aggressively compete and make a strong impression for the new company.

Harvey had a strong project planned at Miramax called The Queen.

But after being ousted by Disney, the rights remained with Miramax.

Given Michael Eisner's nature, the project was likely doomed and wouldn't be transferred to Weinstein Company.

...

An assistant knocked and entered, "Sir, Jennifer Siebel is here. She wants to see you."

Harvey recognized the classy-looking actress and said, "Let her in."

Siebel entered, sitting opposite Harvey, looked at the overweight man, and cautiously said, "Harvey..."

Harvey, busy with work, was a bit impatient, "What is it? Get to the point; don't waste my time."

Siebel bit her lip and directly said, "I came about the casting for Hollywoodland. I auditioned twice in early and late October, went well initially. But after the third audition, the casting director told me I wasn't right for the lead role and to audition for the third female lead instead."

Harvey didn't care about such small matters and casually asked, "Did you take the audition?"

"Uh..." Siebel hesitated, then suddenly recalled, "You promised me the lead role."

Harvey didn't take such promises seriously; many women were promised roles before but only some, like Rose McGowan, actually got parts later on.

Others left empty-handed after careful consideration.

He recalled vaguely, "Has the lead been decided?"

Siebel said, "Yes. Diane Lane got the part."

Harvey remembered this was his directive because although Diane Lane was older, she was very easygoing and open, willing to do anything to please, even helping introduce Meryl Streep. So he gave her the lead.

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Siebel had long been forgotten by him.

She showed up directly, but Harvey was not foolish and quickly gave an excuse, "It's not because you performed poorly or I didn't want you as lead, but there were unforeseen changes mid-project."

Siebel's mistrust deepened.

Harvey continued, "You must've heard about my conflict with Disney. You know I was forced out of Miramax, right?"

"I did," Siebel admitted, following entertainment news closely.

"I left Miramax and started Weinstein Company, but I couldn't take Miramax's projects with me. The rights to Hollywoodland are still with Disney. By the third audition, I had no say; the production team's choices weren't influenced by me."

Siebel didn't believe him. "But the lead actor is still Ben Affleck..."

He was known as one of Matt Damon's close pals.

Harvey's expression darkened. "Do you think I'd lie to you?"

Siebel didn't dare offend him, "Sorry, I didn't mean that."

Harvey waved his hand, "Alright, you can go now."

"What about my role?" Siebel asked.

Harvey looked down at the script list, "If there's something suitable, someone will contact you."

Just then, the assistant came in, asking Siebel to leave.

*****

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